We can't stay the same after we encounter Jesus Christ. If we do, we haven't had an encounter. It is simply the nature of things. Scripture tells us that when we accept the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins, denying ourselves, taking up the cross and follow him, we are born for a second time. We are made as a new creation, something that had not existed before. We are transformed. There is a reason for this.
Father has called us into fellowship with him, as his children. His plan was always to adopt us but in order for this to happen a couple of things needed to take place. First, the issue of our rebellion needed to be dealt with. Our whole nature was bent on disobedience to Yahweh. We didn't have to think about it, it was just natural to us. Jesus paid the price of reconciliation, so that restoration would be possible.
The second thing that had to happen was we needed to become one with Yahweh, just as Jesus prayed in the gospel of John; that we would be in him, as he is in the Father. This is only possible by the Holy Spirit, who Jesus sent after his ascension. It was the Spirit who gave birth to the Church. This is Jesus being in us and us being in Jesus. Thus the scripture:
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but Christ lives in me. The life I live in this body I live by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)
In order to receive the Holy Spirit, for him to take up residency in us so that it is Christ who lives in us, there has to be a rebirth, a new creation, because the Spirit could not inhabit what once we were. Jesus describes this for us:
"And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved." (Luke 5:37-38)
Old wineskins are dry and have no flexibility left. New wine is still giving off gas from the fermentation process. These gases would cause the inflexible wineskin to burst. The Holy Spirit operates based on the principles of the Kingdom not according to the patterns of this world so we have to be transformed in order for us also to live by the principles of the Kingdom.
That is why there is so much trouble in the Church today because there are people who are trying to operate according to the patterns of the world. There is going to be a huge mess in the days to come, even more so than today, as some those wineskins continue to burst.
Jesus did not save us so that we would be enslaved again to sin. He did not save us so that we would prostitute ourselves to the gods of this world. He did not save us to run around after the things of this world. He saved us for our restoration and reconciliation to the Father, for a great and wonderful fellowship which the Father wants with us. Do yourself a favour; let go of the world and grab hold of Jesus before it gets messy.
Showing posts with label Luke 5. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Luke 5. Show all posts
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Monday, May 5, 2014
But By My Spirit
You can dedicate what you do as an act of love for Jesus or you can decide to do only the will of the Father. The first is an act of love that depends on you. The second is obedience, that comes from the root of love. The first is what you decide to do. The second is what you are compelled to do. The first is often done in your own strength, ability and talent. The second is done by the power of Yahweh.
Jesus did not dedicate what he did as an act of love for Father. He came in obedience. He lived in obedience. He acted in obedience. He spoke in obedience. Read through the gospel of John and it will become clear to you that Jesus did not act on his own but only did what he was directed to do by the Father. His was a remarkable life of obedience right up to his final breath and beyond. He never asked blessing from the Father for his plans. He had no plans. He did what he was told to do, in love.
In order to be able to carrying out Father's plan, Jesus was given the Holy Spirit at the very beginning. Although he was equally God and equally man, he set aside his claim to the divinity to walk like you and me on this earth. He was given the Spirit so he could demonstrate for us how we are to do what he commands us to do; to do as he did. We too have been given the Spirit so we can follow in Jesus' steps, obeying the will of the Father. Too few people see it this way and often live by option one instead of option two.
We are too quick to read through what we think has become overly familiar. We miss the parts of Scripture where the Spirit led Jesus into the desert, out of the desert, to this place and then that. After writing it so many times the Spirit must have thought we would understand and so did not mention it every time after the beginning. When you read it with open eyes you begin to see things like Luke 5:17b:
"And the power of the Lord (Adonai) was present to heal them." (NKJV)
The New American Standard has it as:
"And the power of the Lord (Adonai) was present for him to perform healing."
What does that tell us? Jesus was given power through the Holy Spirit to do what was needed when it was needed, just like today. Unfortunately we overlook this and continue to go for option one. We do not seek or expect the Lord's anointing (power) and simply do what we think is best, in our own strength and ability. We make our plans and ask him to bless them. This comes from a lack of understanding or simple laziness. It takes effort to seek the will of Father. It takes time in prayer and being in the Word. It takes an emptying of self and a filling of the Spirit. It's easier just to seek blessing because it is a simple matter to overlook scripture:
"'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts." (Zechariah 4:6)
Remember the words of Jesus just before he ascended:
"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
We have been given the Spirit for many reasons but one of them is so we can receive power for what needs to be done in the moment. If it is to preach then preach, if it is to heal then heal, if it is to cast out demons then cast out demons. He always equips us with his power for his will. We refer to it as the anointing of God. And when we have developed an ongoing, intimate relationship with him, we are given to know his specific will for the moment. We have not been left on our own to figure it out. May we never attempt to serve the Lord without his anointing for the task.
I leave you with this, Paul's prayerful desire for the Colossians:
"For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light." (Colossians 1:9-12)
Yes, we can live out option one and continue seeking blessings on our plans but these are done without his divine power and will not stand the testing fire. That's a lot of wasted time and energy. Or we can go with option two, and spend our lives occupied with Father's business, following his instructions, involved with a work that will last all eternity. Work within the anointing.
Jesus did not dedicate what he did as an act of love for Father. He came in obedience. He lived in obedience. He acted in obedience. He spoke in obedience. Read through the gospel of John and it will become clear to you that Jesus did not act on his own but only did what he was directed to do by the Father. His was a remarkable life of obedience right up to his final breath and beyond. He never asked blessing from the Father for his plans. He had no plans. He did what he was told to do, in love.
In order to be able to carrying out Father's plan, Jesus was given the Holy Spirit at the very beginning. Although he was equally God and equally man, he set aside his claim to the divinity to walk like you and me on this earth. He was given the Spirit so he could demonstrate for us how we are to do what he commands us to do; to do as he did. We too have been given the Spirit so we can follow in Jesus' steps, obeying the will of the Father. Too few people see it this way and often live by option one instead of option two.
We are too quick to read through what we think has become overly familiar. We miss the parts of Scripture where the Spirit led Jesus into the desert, out of the desert, to this place and then that. After writing it so many times the Spirit must have thought we would understand and so did not mention it every time after the beginning. When you read it with open eyes you begin to see things like Luke 5:17b:
"And the power of the Lord (Adonai) was present to heal them." (NKJV)
The New American Standard has it as:
"And the power of the Lord (Adonai) was present for him to perform healing."
What does that tell us? Jesus was given power through the Holy Spirit to do what was needed when it was needed, just like today. Unfortunately we overlook this and continue to go for option one. We do not seek or expect the Lord's anointing (power) and simply do what we think is best, in our own strength and ability. We make our plans and ask him to bless them. This comes from a lack of understanding or simple laziness. It takes effort to seek the will of Father. It takes time in prayer and being in the Word. It takes an emptying of self and a filling of the Spirit. It's easier just to seek blessing because it is a simple matter to overlook scripture:
"'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts." (Zechariah 4:6)
Remember the words of Jesus just before he ascended:
"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
We have been given the Spirit for many reasons but one of them is so we can receive power for what needs to be done in the moment. If it is to preach then preach, if it is to heal then heal, if it is to cast out demons then cast out demons. He always equips us with his power for his will. We refer to it as the anointing of God. And when we have developed an ongoing, intimate relationship with him, we are given to know his specific will for the moment. We have not been left on our own to figure it out. May we never attempt to serve the Lord without his anointing for the task.
I leave you with this, Paul's prayerful desire for the Colossians:
"For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light." (Colossians 1:9-12)
Yes, we can live out option one and continue seeking blessings on our plans but these are done without his divine power and will not stand the testing fire. That's a lot of wasted time and energy. Or we can go with option two, and spend our lives occupied with Father's business, following his instructions, involved with a work that will last all eternity. Work within the anointing.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
What To Do When Life Is Too Busy For Prayer
My hat goes off to some of you. So many of you are either my "friends" on tumblr, google+, twitter or FaceBook, allowing me a window into the parts of your life, or at least the parts that you share. One thing I see is that some of you are really busy. I mean really busy. I am not sure how you manage. Busyness can be fulfilling but also consuming. It can be rewarding but also addictive. Sometimes it is a choice we make and other times it is thrust upon us.
My roots started back in the day of the "DayTimer". That thing was like my best friend. It was a fantastic organization system (non-electronic), that allowed us to design and build the components that were essential to organizing our life. As a pastor, it came second only to my Bible and at times I am not sure even that was true. Imagine my delight when the first Blackberry came out. Today I work with my computer, iPhone and iPad. I have no excuse for not being organized, only, I find it is not so necessary for me any more.
At one time I found great enjoyment and fulfillment in filling my "DayTimer" with todo lists and appointments. It was a thrill for me to review my coming week and see my days so full. It gave me a sense of accomplishment, of worth, of importance. Somewhere along the line that all changed for me. I realized that in my busyness I was missing out on the essentials. I started kicking back at the time management mentality and began opening up great holes in my day. Maybe this started happening when I realized I had left no room for Jesus to do his thing in my life and I was simply managing the people he had given me to love. I began to simplify.
I needed to give space for Jesus to move in my life. He could not do that as long as I was thinking I was in charge of my agenda every day. The first thing I needed was plenty of space for my relationship building with Jesus. I needed time to pray, worship and study. Time management had taught me to squeeze this in on the run. Try loving your spouse on the run and see how far the relationship develops. I have learned not to squeeze this in but to treat it as the foundation of my day. Now I start off with two to three hours with the Lord before I do anything else. I get up at 5 am every morning to do this so there are no distractions and no interruptions. This is holy ground for me. To do it I had to adjust my bed time, getting to sleep early. It's all possible but instead of management it takes discipline. Read this:
However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. (Luke 5:15-16)
I am telling you, if it was necessary for Jesus to often get away to pray, how much more important is it for us? Other portions of Scripture explain how he got up early and stayed up late to pray as well. It was his lifeline, his source of renewal, where he found the sustenance to go on. His days were filled with people and ministry but Jesus never neglected the foundation.
Simplifying my life has helped me get to the place of living the essentials. I seldom watch television, maybe a couple of hours a week because there is something my children want to see. My life is now filled with prayer, worship, Scripture, relationship building with my wife and children and spending time with the sheep the Lord has given me to love; no distractions, no diversions. I am now also building in the discipline of evangelism because during my foundational time with Jesus I have been convicted of how I have not obeyed his command to make disciples. I never seemed to have had time before but now I am putting all my energy into seeking the things of the Kingdom.
I haven't totally discarded everything I have learned about management because, to be honest, I was quite good at it. There are still some elements of time management I use. I still fit some things into cracks in my day, only I allow those cracks to be bigger so I can experience God moments. For instance, on my way to meet with someone I take the time to work on memorizing portions of the Word. How do I make this "crack" wider? I give myself more time by walking instead of taking the car. It may seem like a waste to some people but it ends up being to my profit as Jesus teachings me deeper things about the Scripture I am hiding in my heart.
Simpler is better. I wish I had known that from the beginning but I guess it is one of thousands of lessons we learn on our journey with Jesus. I hear a lot of people telling me that they have no time for prayer or Bible study; they can't afford the time. But I say, how can you not? It is of far greater eternal worth than anything else in your agenda. Take a serious look at your day and find the time wasters, the things that are not essential and you will find time for the all the important God moments in your day.
My roots started back in the day of the "DayTimer". That thing was like my best friend. It was a fantastic organization system (non-electronic), that allowed us to design and build the components that were essential to organizing our life. As a pastor, it came second only to my Bible and at times I am not sure even that was true. Imagine my delight when the first Blackberry came out. Today I work with my computer, iPhone and iPad. I have no excuse for not being organized, only, I find it is not so necessary for me any more.
At one time I found great enjoyment and fulfillment in filling my "DayTimer" with todo lists and appointments. It was a thrill for me to review my coming week and see my days so full. It gave me a sense of accomplishment, of worth, of importance. Somewhere along the line that all changed for me. I realized that in my busyness I was missing out on the essentials. I started kicking back at the time management mentality and began opening up great holes in my day. Maybe this started happening when I realized I had left no room for Jesus to do his thing in my life and I was simply managing the people he had given me to love. I began to simplify.
I needed to give space for Jesus to move in my life. He could not do that as long as I was thinking I was in charge of my agenda every day. The first thing I needed was plenty of space for my relationship building with Jesus. I needed time to pray, worship and study. Time management had taught me to squeeze this in on the run. Try loving your spouse on the run and see how far the relationship develops. I have learned not to squeeze this in but to treat it as the foundation of my day. Now I start off with two to three hours with the Lord before I do anything else. I get up at 5 am every morning to do this so there are no distractions and no interruptions. This is holy ground for me. To do it I had to adjust my bed time, getting to sleep early. It's all possible but instead of management it takes discipline. Read this:
However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. (Luke 5:15-16)
I am telling you, if it was necessary for Jesus to often get away to pray, how much more important is it for us? Other portions of Scripture explain how he got up early and stayed up late to pray as well. It was his lifeline, his source of renewal, where he found the sustenance to go on. His days were filled with people and ministry but Jesus never neglected the foundation.
Simplifying my life has helped me get to the place of living the essentials. I seldom watch television, maybe a couple of hours a week because there is something my children want to see. My life is now filled with prayer, worship, Scripture, relationship building with my wife and children and spending time with the sheep the Lord has given me to love; no distractions, no diversions. I am now also building in the discipline of evangelism because during my foundational time with Jesus I have been convicted of how I have not obeyed his command to make disciples. I never seemed to have had time before but now I am putting all my energy into seeking the things of the Kingdom.
I haven't totally discarded everything I have learned about management because, to be honest, I was quite good at it. There are still some elements of time management I use. I still fit some things into cracks in my day, only I allow those cracks to be bigger so I can experience God moments. For instance, on my way to meet with someone I take the time to work on memorizing portions of the Word. How do I make this "crack" wider? I give myself more time by walking instead of taking the car. It may seem like a waste to some people but it ends up being to my profit as Jesus teachings me deeper things about the Scripture I am hiding in my heart.
Simpler is better. I wish I had known that from the beginning but I guess it is one of thousands of lessons we learn on our journey with Jesus. I hear a lot of people telling me that they have no time for prayer or Bible study; they can't afford the time. But I say, how can you not? It is of far greater eternal worth than anything else in your agenda. Take a serious look at your day and find the time wasters, the things that are not essential and you will find time for the all the important God moments in your day.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Reluctant Obedience
When I ask my children to do a chore or to help me with a task it is usually done with reluctance. They may have been in the middle of a game or their favorite television show. They may have been preparing to go outside with friends or perhaps they were simply tired. They are obedient but it is a reluctant obedience. It is still an obedience of love because they don't argue with me or refuse to help, they just don't appreciate having to do it at that particular moment. It is still an act of love. Often we serve Jesus in the same attitude.
I would like to say it is the attitude of an immature heart but I can't. Almost everyone feels some reluctance when we get interrupted in what we were doing. Sometimes we call these things, usually people, interruptions but they are actually opportunities. It is often the Spirit saying "I need you to get involved in this". It isn't that were are disobedient but more unappreciative about the timing. We still do it, just not with great enthusiasm. Thankfully the blessing is found in the obedience regardless of the reluctance.
Peter experienced this same thing when one day Jesus gave him instructions. Jesus had gotten into Peter's fishing boat in order to speak better to the crowd that had gathered. A lake or pond is a great natural amplifier, carrying the voice clearly to everyone along the shore. Peter had been up all night fishing and was rather tired. I am sure he just wanted to get his nets cleaned and get a bit of sleep. But then Jesus told him to go out to the fishing area and do a bit more fishing. Talk about reluctance. Peter responded:
Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net. (Luke 5:5)
I always find it amazing how the Lord often reveals himself in the ordinary things of life. I am also amazed at the blessings that are found in obedience. Reluctant or not, obedience is obedience. It is far better to obey with a full heart and enthusiasm, but, at the end of the day, what matters is that we did it. Remember the parable of the two sons. One was told to do something and he told his father no, but later he changed his mind and did it. The second son said yes but never got around to doing it. Jesus said the first son was obedient even though he was reluctant. Back to Peter.
Peter did go out to the fishing ground and he did put his nets back in the water. The result was almost comical. Remember they spent all night fishing and caught nothing. They spent two minutes with Jesus and:
And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. (Luke 5:6-7)
Physical blessings in obedience. Jesus paid Peter back for allowing him use of the boat, but more importantly is the spiritual blessing he receive from his obedience:
Sometimes we don't realize it at first or we don't remember the results of the last time we obeyed but, if we do remember, we remember that Jesus reveals himself in our obedience. It is in our submission that we draw closer to him and he to us and the bond between us grows. There is renewal and revival in obedience. There is experiencing the presence of Father in obedience. Greater understanding is given, greater revelation. We feel alive.
We may not understand the things he has us walk through, experience or has us do; we may not understand why these things happen at this particular moment in our lives; we may not even understand the full implication of the results, but obedience matters. Obedience comes with benefits and blessings. We obey out of love not for benefits and rewards but nonetheless they are a natural product of our obedience. Even reluctant obedience is accepted and rewarded. Understand this:
Whoever has my commands and does them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father and I too will love him and show myself to him. (John 14:21)
Meditate on this verse today and see if the Spirit gives to you new revelation concerning obedience, even the reluctant kind.
I would like to say it is the attitude of an immature heart but I can't. Almost everyone feels some reluctance when we get interrupted in what we were doing. Sometimes we call these things, usually people, interruptions but they are actually opportunities. It is often the Spirit saying "I need you to get involved in this". It isn't that were are disobedient but more unappreciative about the timing. We still do it, just not with great enthusiasm. Thankfully the blessing is found in the obedience regardless of the reluctance.
Peter experienced this same thing when one day Jesus gave him instructions. Jesus had gotten into Peter's fishing boat in order to speak better to the crowd that had gathered. A lake or pond is a great natural amplifier, carrying the voice clearly to everyone along the shore. Peter had been up all night fishing and was rather tired. I am sure he just wanted to get his nets cleaned and get a bit of sleep. But then Jesus told him to go out to the fishing area and do a bit more fishing. Talk about reluctance. Peter responded:
Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net. (Luke 5:5)
I always find it amazing how the Lord often reveals himself in the ordinary things of life. I am also amazed at the blessings that are found in obedience. Reluctant or not, obedience is obedience. It is far better to obey with a full heart and enthusiasm, but, at the end of the day, what matters is that we did it. Remember the parable of the two sons. One was told to do something and he told his father no, but later he changed his mind and did it. The second son said yes but never got around to doing it. Jesus said the first son was obedient even though he was reluctant. Back to Peter.
Peter did go out to the fishing ground and he did put his nets back in the water. The result was almost comical. Remember they spent all night fishing and caught nothing. They spent two minutes with Jesus and:
And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. (Luke 5:6-7)
Physical blessings in obedience. Jesus paid Peter back for allowing him use of the boat, but more importantly is the spiritual blessing he receive from his obedience:
When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him. (Luke 5:8-11)
Sometimes we don't realize it at first or we don't remember the results of the last time we obeyed but, if we do remember, we remember that Jesus reveals himself in our obedience. It is in our submission that we draw closer to him and he to us and the bond between us grows. There is renewal and revival in obedience. There is experiencing the presence of Father in obedience. Greater understanding is given, greater revelation. We feel alive.
We may not understand the things he has us walk through, experience or has us do; we may not understand why these things happen at this particular moment in our lives; we may not even understand the full implication of the results, but obedience matters. Obedience comes with benefits and blessings. We obey out of love not for benefits and rewards but nonetheless they are a natural product of our obedience. Even reluctant obedience is accepted and rewarded. Understand this:
Whoever has my commands and does them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father and I too will love him and show myself to him. (John 14:21)
Meditate on this verse today and see if the Spirit gives to you new revelation concerning obedience, even the reluctant kind.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Prejudice, An Ugly Thing
One of the ugliest things we will ever encounter is prejudice. It is when a person or group of persons is treated poorly due to some difference. It can be nationality, colour of skin, language, height, weight, beliefs, politics or anything else. It doesn't take much, just a simple difference between one person and another. It is ugly because it is one person or group saying they are better than another, usually due to things that no one has any control over.
Can a person decide which country they will be born in, or what colour of skin they will have? Can a person decide what language they will be raised in or what height to which they will grow? Can a person decide if they will be born male or female? It is our God who determines and it is our God who loves and cherishes everyone.
This struck me this morning because of what I came across in my Bible reading. It is not an unfamiliar passage but it stands out every time I read it:
Joseph was second only to Pharaoh in Egypt and in fact, during the famine, whatever Joseph decided became law. He was a well respected and powerful man. Yet, the prejudice was so ingrained in the Egyptians that they could not bring themselves to eat at the same table as this powerful man.
The one thing that God is prejudiced against is sin. He can't have anything to do with it and it is the one thing that prevents him from a deep fellowship with us. Yet, when Jesus came, he was often found in the presence of some of the great sinners of his society. He hung out with the drunks, prostitutes and tax collectors. When challenged about this he simply stated:
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:31-32)
Jesus came because the Father's will was that all of humanity would be saved. People call the US the great melting pot but it isn't true. The great melting pot should be the Church. As Paul stated:
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)
Prejudice is ugly wherever it is found but it is even worse when found in the midst of brothers and sisters in Jesus. Jesus came for whoever would believe in him because the Father desires everyone to be saved. The love of Christ must compel us to love and cherish everyone through whatever prejudice may linger in us. Love is a decision not a feeling. The Father decided to love us even though we were his enemies and so Jesus died for us even though we were sinners. Prejudice and hatred do not belong in the Body of Christ, among brothers and sisters. Simply put, it is wrong.
Can a person decide which country they will be born in, or what colour of skin they will have? Can a person decide what language they will be raised in or what height to which they will grow? Can a person decide if they will be born male or female? It is our God who determines and it is our God who loves and cherishes everyone.
This struck me this morning because of what I came across in my Bible reading. It is not an unfamiliar passage but it stands out every time I read it:
So they set him a place by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves; because the Egyptians could not eat food with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians. (Genesis 43:32)
Joseph was second only to Pharaoh in Egypt and in fact, during the famine, whatever Joseph decided became law. He was a well respected and powerful man. Yet, the prejudice was so ingrained in the Egyptians that they could not bring themselves to eat at the same table as this powerful man.
The one thing that God is prejudiced against is sin. He can't have anything to do with it and it is the one thing that prevents him from a deep fellowship with us. Yet, when Jesus came, he was often found in the presence of some of the great sinners of his society. He hung out with the drunks, prostitutes and tax collectors. When challenged about this he simply stated:
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:31-32)
Jesus came because the Father's will was that all of humanity would be saved. People call the US the great melting pot but it isn't true. The great melting pot should be the Church. As Paul stated:
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)
Prejudice is ugly wherever it is found but it is even worse when found in the midst of brothers and sisters in Jesus. Jesus came for whoever would believe in him because the Father desires everyone to be saved. The love of Christ must compel us to love and cherish everyone through whatever prejudice may linger in us. Love is a decision not a feeling. The Father decided to love us even though we were his enemies and so Jesus died for us even though we were sinners. Prejudice and hatred do not belong in the Body of Christ, among brothers and sisters. Simply put, it is wrong.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Why Are We Such Hypocrites?
So many of us Christians fall for the lie that we are powerless in this world. Certainly we can pray to God but he doesn't always answer, right? It still leaves us in a place of powerlessness. Have you ever thought that the reason it doesn't appear like God is answering is because he already gave us the authority to do something about it?
What do you know about the Holy Spirit? Most of us know some fundamental stuff but few of us understand that Jesus did what he did through the power of the Holy Spirit. Few of us comprehend that the apostles only did what they did through the power of the Holy Spirit, given to them and the whole Church by Jesus. And what do you think is the greatest power Jesus gave to us?
The authority to forgive sins.
If you realize you have the power to forgive sins then you will realize the power to heal the sick, calm the storms, see into people's thoughts, raise the dead and whatever it is that God would have you do on your mission for him.
We read in Luke 5 about a bunch of men who have faith that Jesus could heal their friend. They were so determined that they ended up making a hole in Peter's roof and lower the man in front of Jesus. What was the first thing that Jesus did? He forgave the man his sins. And what was the reaction of the religious community? Blasphemy! they said. Only God can forgive sins! they said. Here is Jesus' reply:
“Why are you thinking that? Is it easier for me to tell this crippled man that his sins are forgiven or to tell him to get up and walk? But now you will see that the Son of Man has the right to forgive sins here on earth.” Jesus then said to the man, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk home.” (Luke 5:22-24)
Of course the man did exactly that and everyone was shocked. But which had the greater impact on eternity, the forgiveness or the healing? When Jesus had given the disciples the authority to drive out demons they returned all excited. But Jesus told them not to be excited about that authority, instead be excited over their own salvation.
That's fine, you say, Jesus is God and God forgives sins. But Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit so we can operate in his authority. Look at John 20:
After Jesus had greeted them again, he said, “I am sending you, just as the Father has sent me.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they will be forgiven. But if you don’t forgive their sins, they will not be forgiven.” (vv. 21-23)
Before you consider the option of not forgiving you had better consider the entire instruction of Jesus. In Matthew 6 Jesus instructed:
If you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, your Father in heaven will forgive you. But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. (vv. 14-15)
A sobering thought about our responsibility and the authority we have been given with the receiving of the Spirit. But let us not forget what else Jesus did for that man who he commanded to pick up his mat and walk home.
What kind of authority do you think has been given to you? If you have the authority to forgive sins and those sins are no longer held against that person by God, would you not think you also have the authority for the less important physical matters as well? You sure do! Why doesn't the world believe in Jesus? Because the Father's children have an identity crisis. These are the words of Jesus:
Have faith in me when I say that the Father is one with me and that I am one with the Father. Or else have faith in me simply because of the things I do. I tell you for certain that if you have faith in me, you will do the same things that I am doing. You will do even greater things, now that I am going back to the Father. Ask me, and I will do whatever you ask. This way the Son will bring honor to the Father. I will do whatever you ask me to do. (John 14:11-14)
In this day and age of zombies, vampire lovers, mystics, meditation, ghosts, card reading, and magic, why do we who are believers struggle with the Holy Spirit and the authority we have been given? When the world can chase after fantasy and believe, why do we struggle with our spiritual reality? It is crazy dumb and the biggest critics of the Holy Spirit are found within the Church. We are willing to take all the lovie dovie stuff, the good feelings, the crutch stuff, but we aren't willing to walk in the power and authority of Jesus Christ. We would rather hold on to our depression, illness, incurable diseases than to take Jesus at his word. I hear constantly that God uses all kinds of ways to heal but yet in the Word of God I only find one.
We are a bunch of hypocrites and no one is being saved from the pit of hell because of it. We claim to be a people of faith but what do we have faith in? We certainly don't take Jesus at his word. We would rather find all the loop holes and excuses to explain our lack of faith. No wonder Jesus questioned whether he would find faith on the earth on his return.
I have tasted of this authority and it has scared me. I would rather serve in my own skin, in my own ability, where I am comfortable. But that is not what Jesus called me to. Those are not the instructions he has given. So I repent of my selfishness and seek the full measure of the Holy Spirit, that I will operate in the authority of Jesus Christ in what ever God gives me to do in that given moment. I am a preacher and a teacher of God's Word but I must be more. I must be a doer and I have been given the Holy Spirit to enable me to be exactly that, a doer of God's Word.
What do you know about the Holy Spirit? Most of us know some fundamental stuff but few of us understand that Jesus did what he did through the power of the Holy Spirit. Few of us comprehend that the apostles only did what they did through the power of the Holy Spirit, given to them and the whole Church by Jesus. And what do you think is the greatest power Jesus gave to us?
The authority to forgive sins.
If you realize you have the power to forgive sins then you will realize the power to heal the sick, calm the storms, see into people's thoughts, raise the dead and whatever it is that God would have you do on your mission for him.
We read in Luke 5 about a bunch of men who have faith that Jesus could heal their friend. They were so determined that they ended up making a hole in Peter's roof and lower the man in front of Jesus. What was the first thing that Jesus did? He forgave the man his sins. And what was the reaction of the religious community? Blasphemy! they said. Only God can forgive sins! they said. Here is Jesus' reply:
“Why are you thinking that? Is it easier for me to tell this crippled man that his sins are forgiven or to tell him to get up and walk? But now you will see that the Son of Man has the right to forgive sins here on earth.” Jesus then said to the man, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk home.” (Luke 5:22-24)
Of course the man did exactly that and everyone was shocked. But which had the greater impact on eternity, the forgiveness or the healing? When Jesus had given the disciples the authority to drive out demons they returned all excited. But Jesus told them not to be excited about that authority, instead be excited over their own salvation.
That's fine, you say, Jesus is God and God forgives sins. But Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit so we can operate in his authority. Look at John 20:
After Jesus had greeted them again, he said, “I am sending you, just as the Father has sent me.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they will be forgiven. But if you don’t forgive their sins, they will not be forgiven.” (vv. 21-23)
Before you consider the option of not forgiving you had better consider the entire instruction of Jesus. In Matthew 6 Jesus instructed:
If you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, your Father in heaven will forgive you. But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. (vv. 14-15)
A sobering thought about our responsibility and the authority we have been given with the receiving of the Spirit. But let us not forget what else Jesus did for that man who he commanded to pick up his mat and walk home.
What kind of authority do you think has been given to you? If you have the authority to forgive sins and those sins are no longer held against that person by God, would you not think you also have the authority for the less important physical matters as well? You sure do! Why doesn't the world believe in Jesus? Because the Father's children have an identity crisis. These are the words of Jesus:
Have faith in me when I say that the Father is one with me and that I am one with the Father. Or else have faith in me simply because of the things I do. I tell you for certain that if you have faith in me, you will do the same things that I am doing. You will do even greater things, now that I am going back to the Father. Ask me, and I will do whatever you ask. This way the Son will bring honor to the Father. I will do whatever you ask me to do. (John 14:11-14)
In this day and age of zombies, vampire lovers, mystics, meditation, ghosts, card reading, and magic, why do we who are believers struggle with the Holy Spirit and the authority we have been given? When the world can chase after fantasy and believe, why do we struggle with our spiritual reality? It is crazy dumb and the biggest critics of the Holy Spirit are found within the Church. We are willing to take all the lovie dovie stuff, the good feelings, the crutch stuff, but we aren't willing to walk in the power and authority of Jesus Christ. We would rather hold on to our depression, illness, incurable diseases than to take Jesus at his word. I hear constantly that God uses all kinds of ways to heal but yet in the Word of God I only find one.
We are a bunch of hypocrites and no one is being saved from the pit of hell because of it. We claim to be a people of faith but what do we have faith in? We certainly don't take Jesus at his word. We would rather find all the loop holes and excuses to explain our lack of faith. No wonder Jesus questioned whether he would find faith on the earth on his return.
I have tasted of this authority and it has scared me. I would rather serve in my own skin, in my own ability, where I am comfortable. But that is not what Jesus called me to. Those are not the instructions he has given. So I repent of my selfishness and seek the full measure of the Holy Spirit, that I will operate in the authority of Jesus Christ in what ever God gives me to do in that given moment. I am a preacher and a teacher of God's Word but I must be more. I must be a doer and I have been given the Holy Spirit to enable me to be exactly that, a doer of God's Word.
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