Saturday, March 30, 2013

What to do With Holy Saturday


Luke 23:50-56

I’m never quite sure what to do with Saturday on Holy week.  It’s always the same.  I’ve come off a very power Good Friday service the night before that has left me pondering Christ’s passion and death.  And now it’s Saturday and the waiting begins.  It’s nice knowing what’s coming.  For me and I suspect like many of you there is great anticipation in Holy Saturday.  We have the benefit of 20/20 hindsight knowing the good news of Christ’s resurrection.  Joseph of Arimathaea and the women who had followed Jesus didn’t know what was coming.  So they were left to do what they thought was the right thing as a way to honor Jesus in His death.  N.T. Wright poses a possible dialogue between Joseph and his wife.

Joseph’s Wife:  Come back into the house, it’s nearly Sabbath.
Joseph:  But someone has to do it.
J.W.:  Do what?  Are you crazy?  You’ll get yourself killed.  Anyway the body will get eaten by dogs before you know it.
Joseph:  Exactly, that’s why someone needs to bury it.
J.W.:  But where?
Joseph:  In our tomb of course.
J.W.:  Our tomb?  But that’s meant for you and me!
Joseph:  Not now it isn’t.  And anyway, I’d rather we shared it with Him.

And off he goes to do the right thing.  We don’t know a lot about this Joseph of Arimathaea, except that it says he was a good and righteous man.  I’m wondering what good and righteous thing I might do today in anticipation of my Savior’s resurrection.  In many ways it will be a typical Saturday.  I’ll do a little work in the yard, help get things cleaned up for all our company tomorrow, and coach my daughter’s soccer game.  In the midst of that and whatever else the anticipation will continue to build.  As we all anticipate let’s be mindful of how we can share with others why we’re so excited about tomorrow.  That seems like a good and righteous thing to do.

Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, I’m thankful that I know what’s coming.  Sunday’s coming!  Easter Sunday!  May my anticipation be known to all.  Amen.

* Just a reminder, that unlike previous Sundays there will be a devotional tomorrow for Easter Sunday.

Friday, March 29, 2013

The Good Forgiveness of our Savior


Luke 23:26-46

Today on this Good Friday we read about the Passion of our Christ.  It’s something most of us have read many times, but it seems like I always come away with something new.  Today I find I am amazed by Jesus’ attitude of forgiveness all the way till the end.  We see that distinctly with His famous words in verse 34, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”  In saying those words Jesus fulfills His own teachings about loving one’s enemies.  So who do you suppose Jesus is referring to when He says “forgive them?”  I think the question might be better put who is He not referring to?  There’s the obvious people involved with the crucifixion itself; the ones who flogged Him and nailed His body to the cross, but it goes way beyond that.  There were both Jews and Romans involved in His hour of suffering, and I think He’s referring to all of them. 

Jesus was right in acknowledging that they did not fully understand what they were doing.  They didn’t understand that He was indeed the Christ, the Son of the Living God.  I suppose many of them didn’t really want to understand.  Their hearts were too hard towards Jesus.  And yet Jesus is still practicing what He preaches in asking the Father to forgive.  Jesus forgives one other person in our account today as well.  It was the criminal hanging next to Him who asked “remember me when you come into your kingdom.”  And Jesus responds with those wonderful words “today you will be with me in Paradise.”  I think there’s one very important thing that criminal did before Jesus responded with those words though.  He first had to acknowledge his own sin.  He did so in chastising the other criminal who was mocking Jesus.  He knew he was guilty and said so when he said “we are receiving the due reward for our deeds.”  That criminal may have died that day alongside Jesus, but he’s living forever with Him in heaven.  We too will die someday, but if we’ve repented of our sins and given our life to Jesus we will be with Him in paradise too.  That’s why they call it GOOD Friday.

Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus I thank you today for Your forgiveness.  I thank you that I can look at the terrible suffering you had to go through as You were beaten, flogged, and nailed to a cross, and as hard as it is to think of such suffering, you did so and died in my place for my sins, and I call that good.  Amen. 

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Rejoicing in Christ's Body and Blood


Luke 22:14-38

Today is Maundy Thursday.  Next to Easter it might be my favorite day of Holy Week.  It commemorates the last supper of Jesus Christ with His disciples that we read about in our scripture passage.  I enjoy it so much because of the tradition we’ve started at our church.  We have a simple soup and bread meal and after the meal we read some of the scripture passages leading up through the last supper and then we share in communion as a church family.  It’s a very meaningful time, and I love having all our families gathered around the tables taking communion together in such an intimate setting.

Sometimes communion can become more of a rote ritual, and that’s the last thing it should ever be.  When Jesus takes the bread and says “this is my body given for you”, and He takes the cup and says “this cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood” these are powerful life changing statements.  When Jesus says “new covenant in my blood” He’s saying it’s no longer about the old covenant; as in the one God made with His people, the one that involved animal sacrifice for one’s sins.  Under that Covenant the sacrifice was said to cover our sin, Jesus’ death on the other hand removes our sins all together.  There is no more need to sacrifice animals because Jesus is our forever sacrifice.  There is great freedom in this new covenant of Christ.  There is also great joy in knowing His sacrifice has removed our sins. 

I encourage you to find a new way to take communion today.  Maybe your church also does something like mine, but if not there’s nothing in the Bible that says you have to take communion from a priest or a Pastor.  Maybe you could even do something around your dinner table with the family.  Whatever you do, take the time today to be thankful His body was broken for you and His blood was shed for you.

Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus I thank you for Your New Covenant.  I’m thankful for your shed blood.  Help me to always remember Your sacrifice as I live my life in joyful thankfulness to You.  Amen.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Our Fortune in Christ


Luke 23:2-25

I’ve always found it interesting how much Jesus gets bounced around in His final hour; first the council and then Pilate, and then Herod, and then Pilate again.  By hook or by crook this mob was determined to see Jesus crucified; so much so that they were willing to release a murderer in His place.  There was a custom of releasing a prisoner at the time of Passover so you would think it might make sense to let Jesus go.  You know, the guy who was performing miracles, healing the lame, raising the dead, loving on others, and preaching and teaching a new message and a new way with great authority.  It makes perfect sense that Jesus should be the one who gets released at this point.  Unfortunately this mob was not about making sense.  They were more about protecting their own interests and power structures.  As I write I’m realizing my use of the word “unfortunately” was perhaps not the best choice of words.  I say unfortunately thinking of the pain, suffering, and shame, he’s about to go through, but it’s quite fortunate for us that He did.

I wonder if Barabbas ever came to realize just how fortunate he was.  He might have escaped death that time, but it’s still coming.  If Jesus died for the sins of all mankind then He died for the sins of Barabbas too.  I hope for his sake somewhere along the way Barabbas realizes that not only did Jesus save his life in that moment, but that Jesus is also the one who can save his life for all eternity.

Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, because of the unfortunate circumstances of Your death I am most certainly fortunate today.  I’m thankful that in Your divine will and sovereignty they released Barabbas and not You.  You loved me that much Lord Jesus, and I’m forever thankful for such great fortune.  Amen.  

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Choose Wisely


Luke 22:66 - 23:1

Here it is again, Jesus claiming to be the Son of God.  Luke first records him doing so early on when He is rejected in the temple by His own hometown people of Nazareth.  It happens many more times throughout His ministry and now here He is again saying He will be on the right hand of God.  This is what ultimately brings Jesus the death sentence.  So in the end, Jesus is going to be put to death for telling the truth. 

So who is Jesus to you?  Is He the Son of God who came to this earth to save us from our sin, or was He just a good man, or a prophet?  I would argue those last two options are not really options at all.  Jesus really didn’t leave us with that choice.  He was either who He said He was, or He was a lying lunatic.  The choice is yours to make.  Pray about it, and choose wisely.

Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, I’m thankful that You are who You say You are.  I’m thankful that You did what You said You came to do.  I’m thankful that you sit on the right hand of God the Father Almighty.  I pray that the truth about You will go forward this Easter Season like never before.  Amen.

Monday, March 25, 2013

How do we Deny Christ?


Luke 22:54-65

I’ve always found the account of Peter denying Jesus a tough one to read.  If you’re like me, it makes you wonder what you would do if you were in Peter’s shoes (or sandals).  Some might have a self-righteous attitude towards Peter and ridicule him for his lack of courage and conviction, but I just can’t do that.  The fact of the matter is I don’t know what it’s like to be in his shoes.  I’ve never been in a situation where my life might be in danger if I didn’t deny Christ.  I think I wouldn’t do the same as Peter and I can say so, but it’s nothing more than cheap talk.  All I know is that I’m thankful Jesus had the courage that Peter didn’t seem to have in that moment.  At any point Jesus could have bowed out, but He had already said to His Heavenly Father “not my will but yours.”  Jesus was going to that cross whether Peter would be there to support Him or not.  And on that cross He died for all of Peter’s sins, not just his denial that evening. 

I know Peter was thankful for His Lord’s forgiveness.  After His resurrection Jesus asks Peter three separate times if he loves Him.  Of course Jesus knows Peter loves Him, He’s just giving Peter the chance to declare His love for Him three times, almost as if to make up for Peter denying Him three times.  And Peter will go on to be a mighty disciple for Christ feeding His sheep and being the rock on which Christ builds His church.  Kind of makes you glad Jesus doesn’t hold grudges.  Like Peter, we can do great things for the Lord despite our past sins and failures.  For me it’s about making sure I’m not denying Him in the little opportunities.  If I have a chance to share about my faith in Christ with someone and I pass it up, I feel like I’ve denied Jesus.  For that matter I’ve also denied someone the opportunity to hear His life changing message.  If I have a chance to serve someone else with a simple act of love or encouragement and I pass it up, I feel like that’s a denial too.  Let’s face it, unlike Peter our opportunities to represent Christ to others will not have life or death ramifications for us.  For that we should be thankful, but Jesus still wants us seizing those opportunities for Him. 

Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, help me not to deny you in the little things of life and to represent you well both in my words and in my actions.  Amen.   

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Leading Up To and Including His Passion


Luke 22- 23:49

Today we read through the entire account of Jesus’ passion; from Passover to the last supper, to Judas’ betrayal of Jesus, to His arrest and trials, and to His flogging and crucifixion.  It’s good to read the whole thing as we head into Holy week.  For now I’m not going to elaborate on any of it.  Just take it in.  In the coming days we will talk in more detail about the specifics of Jesus death and resurrection, but for now I simply encourage you to get to know every intimate detail.  And remember He did this for you.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray I will know Your presence in a powerful way as I ponder the passion of your Son in these coming days.  Amen.

Friday, March 22, 2013

Be Ready


Luke 21

There’s a lot of doom and destruction in chapter 21 isn’t there.  It would be nice to take the easy way out and talk about the widow’s offering, but that’s just a small part of the chapter.  Most of it is wars, persecution, destruction, and being ready.  It’s great “stand on your soap box and declare it” kind of stuff.  Like what you would probably hear from the crazy guy in the middle of downtown crossing in Boston (or name the spot in your local city).  But here’s the deal.  It’s real.  How about we start with Jesus foretelling the destruction of Jerusalem?  It happened in 70 AD.  Think what you want about the Bible, but you really don’t want to mess with prophecy about Jesus Christ and the prophecies He told Himself. 

I suppose when you think about it, nothing in this chapter should really surprise us.  I mean our world has seen plenty of earthquakes, famines, and pestilences.  And the persecution of Christians is happening all around the world.  Don’t believe me?  Check out this website.   http://www.persecution.com/  Even here in the land of the free we are slowly losing our religious liberties.  For those reading this who know me, you know I’m not a “hell fire and brimstone” kind of preacher.  But I am a preacher of God’s Word, and Luke 21 is a part of God’s Word.  So what are we to do with all of this?  Pack up buy a few years’ worth of canned food and live in some shelter in Montana?  That might be getting a little carried away, but I do think we need to watch ourselves and be careful as it suggests in verses 34-36.  If we are following God we need to remain faithful to Him.  Sometimes the cares of this world can easily draw us away from Him.  Unlike some preachers, I don’t really think we are living in the end times, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be faithful to God any less.  God wants our best for the short time we are on this earth.  Why not give it to Him and be ready.

Prayer
Dear Great and Almighty God, You put our world into place and You oversee it.  Help me to work out my salvation with fear and trembling, always being ready for that day when Your Son comes again to reign in Your kingdom.  Amen.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Who's Your Cornerstone?


Luke 20

Whenever I read the parable of the wicked tenants I get very frustrated with that vineyard owner.  Doesn’t he get it?!?  When he talks about sending his son I literally want to yell out “DON’T DO IT!  Then I have to remember it’s just a parable, and like all parables it’s told to make a point.  Here’s a quick, highly accepted interpretation of this parable.  God is the vineyard owner and the three servants He sends represent Old Testament prophets.  The son being sent of course represents Jesus.  Jesus actually uses the words of His Father at His baptism when He says “my beloved son.”  When the son is sent, things only get worse.  It’s no longer a beating, they actually kill the son.  The obvious parallel is Israel’s wide spread rejection of Jesus Christ.

In this parable the vineyard owner gives His vineyard over to new tenants, just as God’s lifesaving message through Jesus Christ is also given to the Gentiles.  In verse 17 Jesus quotes Psalm 118:22, The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.  Jesus Christ needs to be our cornerstone.  The cornerstone as the foundation of any building is the most important stone to be laid.  Everything else works off of it.  Like that cornerstone we need Jesus Christ at the foundation of our lives.  Just for kicks I googled “cornerstone church.”  I got 3,310,000 results.  That gives you an idea of how important Jesus Christ is to Bible believing churches.  Don’t reject the cornerstone.

Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, like a building needs structural integrity I want my life to have integrity too.  Help me to keep you as the cornerstone of my life.  Amen.

  

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

A Great Big Lesson from a Wee Little Man


Luke 19

Jesus has come to seek and to save the lost (from verse 10).  I sense a theme as we continue to read through Luke.  We’ve already heard the parables of the lost sheep, lost coin, and the prodigal son, and now Jesus is talking about saving the lost again.  This time it’s Zacchaeus.  How many of you like me grew up in the church and the minute you start reading about Zacchaeus you can’t get that silly Sunday School song out of your head.  You know the one about Zacchaeus being a wee little man.  Now it’s going to be stuck in your head.  That makes me happy.  We call that “music cooties” in our house.

So who was this guy Zacchaeus anyway?  He was another one of those tax collectors we keep hearing about.  Except this time it’s not just a tax collector but a chief tax collector.  As the text indicates, this pretty much means he was rich.  I’m not exactly sure how it worked, but my hunch is he got a cut of the action on all the tax collectors working under him who were busy extorting the masses.  But we see real transformation in Zacchaeus.  That’s what Jesus does; He transforms.  2nd Corinthians 5:17 declares, Therefore if anyone is in Christ He is a new creation.  The old is gone and the new has come.  How do we know Zacchaeus was transformed into a new creation?  We see it undeniably in his actions.  He didn’t just start living in a new way; he also made restitution for his old ways.  When he said he would give half of his goods to the poor, that’s not just his money, but his possessions too.  And to restore people fourfold for whom he had defrauded; that was going to make some unexpected folks very happy.  I would love to see Zacchaeus doing that.  I bet he did it grinning from ear to ear, because His life was no longer about wealth and acquiring possessions.  His life was now about something much greater; following Jesus Christ.

Prayer
Dear Lord help me to remember my life is not about acquiring wealth and possessions.  For true contentment does not come from such things, it only comes from You.  Amen.     

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Follow the Right Example


Luke 18
I always get a hoot out of the parable of the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector.  When I picture it in my mind’s eye I can’t believe the gall of the Pharisee.  It’s one thing to mention the extortioner, the unjust, and the adulterers, but to call out the tax collector right next to him is a tad on the obnoxious side, don’t you think?  Hopefully none of us pray that way but I wonder if we sometimes play a similar comparison game.  If we do, who are we comparing ourselves to?  You may figure you’ve lived a good life, paid your taxes, given to charities, worked hard at your job and raised your kids as best you can, so you might think you compare quite well to others who haven’t done the same.  The problem with that thinking is that God isn’t concerned with how we measure up to the rest of a fallen world.  He’s concerned with how we measure up to Him.  To put it quite simply, we don’t.  Romans 3:23 tells us all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  So maybe you haven’t murdered, or done drugs, or given your body to prostitution, or stolen merchandise, or beat someone up, or committed adultery. Good for you, but you’re still a sinner.  I’m sure you’ve still envied, gossiped, told lies, coveted, been prideful, lusted, and in general fallen short of God’s standard. 

Thankfully things are not as hopeless as they may sound.  To quote Jesus a bit later in our chapter when speaking to the rich ruler, what is impossible with men is possible with God.  God through His son Jesus Christ declares us righteous not because of anything we do but because of what Jesus has done.  He was the perfect sacrifice who paid the price for our sins.  All we need to do is accept this truth and choose to live our lives for Him.  In so doing, like the tax collector, our sins are forgiven and abundant and eternal life is given.

Prayer
Lord I thank you for the example You have given; not of the self-righteous Pharisee, but of the tax collector, a humbled repentant sinner.  Thank you for forgiving my sins, whether big or small, Your Son’s death covered them all.  Amen.

Monday, March 18, 2013

The Thankful Leper


Luke 17
I’ve enjoyed coaching my daughter’s soccer team for a couple of years now.  These girls are currently finishing out the 7th grade.  Keeping track of them all and keeping them focused is a little bit like trying to herd cats.  Not an easy task.  But I still love them all.  There is however one girl in particular I am especially fond of (besides my daughter of course).  I appreciate her so much because for two straight years of Spring and Fall soccer after every practice and every game she gives me a “thanks coach.”  Some of the girls think to thank me some of the time, but this one thanks me every time without fail. Talk about an attitude of gratitude!  I think she truly understands the time and effort I put into that volunteer position, and she doesn’t take it for granted.

We see an attitude of gratitude with the leper who returns to thank Jesus for healing him in our text today (vs. 11-19).   Only one out of the ten turned back to thank the Lord. This one, interestingly enough, was a Samaritan, one of the despised neighbors of the Jewish people with whom they had no dealings. He fell down on his face—the true posture of worship—and at the feet of Jesus—the true place of worship.  It’s hard to imagine what the other nine were thinking.  Or maybe it’s more the fact that they weren’t thinking at all.  They just took their healing for granted and were on their way.  Commentators speculate that those nine were only healed of their disease, but the thankful leper was saved from His sin as well.  If you profess Jesus as your Lord and Savior He has saved you from your sin too.  Take a moment today to be thankful.

Prayer
Dear Lord I thank you that You are the Devine Healer.  You heal us physically, emotionally, and most importantly spiritually.  Thank you for Your healing in my life; past, present, and future.  Amen.

Saturday, March 16, 2013

An Extravagant Gift


John 12:1-8
We’re taking a brief detour into the Gospel of John today.  For those who are not aware I’m simply following daily readings from the Revised Common Lectionary.  Have you ever been on the receiving end of a major, extravagant and unexpected gift?  If you have, how it makes you feel is almost too hard to put into words.  You’re sort of just blown away.  I’ll never forget the day I graduated from college.  It was a great day.  I did the walk, got the diploma, and exchanged lots of hugs with friends I had been developing over the past four years.  Of course my parents were there too enjoying the whole celebration.  Caught off guard would be an understatement to describe my feelings when we went out to the parking lot for my parents to go home.  I noticed they had two cars instead of one.  Being a little slow on the uptake I asked my dad why they drove two cars up.  To which he responded “happy graduation son.” 

I was the proud new owner of a 1981 Ford Tempo.  It had plenty of miles on it already, but it was in good running condition, and the best part was a kickin aftermarket stereo system.  Finally those woofers and tweeters would be put to good use.  That was my first car.  I was one of those lucky ones who managed to go through all of college without owning a car.  I rarely even brought up the possibility of a car to my parents because I just didn’t think it was something they could afford, and all my summer work money went towards my tuition.  I was blown away by that gift.  I felt like my parents were exceptionally generous in giving it. 

Our passage today is another example of extreme generosity and extravagant gift giving as we hear about Mary anointing Jesus with perfume.  In so doing she was showing her adoration and devotion to her Savior.  Contrary to what Judas was saying, this was no waste at all.  Like saving a high quality expensive bottle of wine for a special occasion, in a way Mary was doing the same thing.  Just 6 days from that point Jesus would commence His journey toward the cross.  In a servant-like posture Mary gave her gift to Jesus pouring expensive Nard on His feet.  It was an extravagant gesture fitting for our Savior. 

Like Judas (although his motives were certainly not pure) some people get bogged down in thinking it was wasteful and could have been put to better use for the poor.  But the thing to remember is it’s not an “either or” kind of situation.  Mary could very well go out and help the poor the very next day and do it in Jesus name, but that day, her gift to Christ was honored.  The same is true for us.  We should be doing things to help the poor on a regular basis.  In our church we take four special offerings each year that go to missions, disaster relief, and local charities to name a few.  We also regularly donate to our local food pantry and we also give out gas and grocery cards to those in need in our community.  In these ways and others we help the poor on a regular basis.  We also will someday soon need to buy new chairs for our sanctuary, and replace our roof and air conditioning system.  And we will do all that in addition to the things we are doing to help the poor. Good stewardship of our resources doesn’t’ focus on one or the other; it focuses on both.

I encourage you to find a way you can follow Mary’s example and be an extravagant gift giver, and I also encourage you to find ways to help the poor.  I’ve discovered one way to do both.  We’ve been encouraged lately to bring coffee to our local food pantry because it’s more of a special item they don’t often get.  So that’s what I’ve been doing; but instead of picking up a pound of Folgers I like to grab a bag of Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts.  I figure I wouldn’t be all that thrilled about the cheap coffee so why would anyone else?  It’s a small example I know, but it makes me happy to buy a nice bag of coffee to give away.  What can you do?

Prayer
Dear Lord I thank you for the wonderful example of devotion and worship you’ve given us through Mary.  Help us to represent You as extravagant gift givers to a world in need.  Amen.        

Friday, March 15, 2013

Who's Your Master?


Luke 16

There Jesus goes talking about money again.  He sure makes things personal sometimes doesn’t He?  Allow me to skip past the parable of the dishonest manager and get straight to verse 13.  No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and money.  Notice how it says cannot as opposed to should not.  In other words serving both God and money is not even an option.  It’s an impossibility.  As a disciple of Jesus you have to make a choice.  Either Jesus is God or money is God.  This gives weight to the potential money can have as an idolatrous place in our lives.

I can sum up how not to commit idolatry with our money in one word; tithe.  For those reading who may not be familiar with the concept of a tithe it’s simply giving 10% of your income back to the church and the work of God’s Kingdom.  When you tithe you are supposed to give that ten percent right up front as opposed to giving what’s left over.  Of course if you wait to give what’s left over you probably won’t have a full ten percent available.  When I tithe it’s a way of acknowledging all that I have is Gods, and I’m giving ten percent back to him as an act of worship and thankfulness.  For some of you tithing ten percent may seem impossible because your finances are way too tight.  If that’s the case then I recommend regular percentage giving.  Find a percentage that hurts a little and tests your faith by giving it regularly off the top of your paycheck before you pay any other bills.  If you do it I know you’ll be blessed.  Even if you are not a church goer, and you’re not so sure about this whole Christianity thing, my recommendation for you is to find a charity you like and start giving regularly to it.  It helps to get your priorities straight when it comes to money. 

Tithing is fresh on my mind today because I just finished adding up our charitable giving for 2012 (April 15th will be here before we know it).  Between tithing to our church and a number of other missions and charitable organizations that we regularly give to I get caught off guard by the amount of our total giving.  I hope that doesn’t sound like bragging.  I’m sure there are plenty of people who give a higher percentage of their income than we do.  My point is, I see that number and it makes me thankful for God’s provisions and blessings in my life, and it makes me excited to keep on giving.    

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father I thank you for all Your provisions; for food on the table, for a warm home, for jobs, for family, for everything.  Help me to remember that all good things come from You, and to keep on giving joyfully and sacrificially, knowing the ultimate sacrifice of Your Son Jesus Christ on my behalf.  Amen.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

The Heavens Rejoice


Luke 15

It’s important for us to remember why Jesus told the three parables in chapter 15.  He was hanging out with those tax collectors and sinners again.  It’s always funny to me how the Pharisees would refer to the sinners.  Like they aren’t sinners too.  But these were the people who were perhaps more known for their sin. That’s why tax collectors are also included, because they were so notorious for extorting money.  So whether it’s the tax collectors or the rest of the sinners, just think of a group of people with reputations for their sinful ways.   The sins more associated with the dregs of society rather than the sins of the religious elite.  And to sit down at a table and eat with such people was to indicate acceptance.

Jesus goes on to tell not one but 3 parables to make his point.  The most well-known being the prodigal son, which I’ve already written on, but we still have the parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin.  These two parables express the immense joy of finding the lost sheep or coin, and compares that to the joy there is when a sinner repents.  That sinner once was lost, but now is found, and the heavenly realms rejoice.  Perhaps for those of you who can point to a particular moment when you gave your life to Christ, you may remember someone explaining to you how the angels were rejoicing over the decision you made.  This is where that comes from, when we see the angels rejoicing over the sinner who repents.  These two parables tend to focus a bit more on heavenly angelic rejoicing, while the parable of the Prodigal Son focuses on the attitude of God himself.  One thing is for sure.  They are all about God’s grace and love for the lost. 

There’s a story that speaks of a conference on comparative religions; experts from around the world debated, what, if any, belief was unique to the Christian faith. The debate went on for some time until C.S. Lewis wandered into the room. “What’s the rumpus about?” he asked, and heard in reply that his colleagues were discussing Christianity’s unique contribution among world religions.  Lewis responded, “Oh, that’s easy. It’s grace.”  The people at the conference had to agree. The idea of God’s love coming to us free of charge, no strings attached, seems to go against every instinct we have.  The Buddhist eight-fold path, the Hindu doctrine of karma, the Jewish covenant, and Muslim code of law, all of these offer a way to earn approval. Only Christianity shows us that God’s love is unconditional!

Prayer
Dear Lord, I thank you for Your unconditional love and Your boundless grace.  I’m thankful for Your forgiveness, and I’m blown away by the thought of Your joy and the angels rejoicing when I came to saving faith in You.  Thank you Lord that I will never be lost again.  Amen.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Counting the Cost


Luke 14

I have to admit it.  Sometimes I read the words of Jesus, and I think to myself this doesn’t sound like a whole lot of fun; verses 25 – 33 on the cost of discipleship is one of those times.  The term discipleship refers to being a lifelong follower, pupil, or learner.  In terms of following Jesus as a disciple it means we pattern our life after His.  We say yes to Jesus and no to anything outside His teachings.  We say “oh that’s what you say about relationships, than I’m going to do that.  That’s what you teach about forgiveness, than I’m going to forgive that way.  That’s what you say about finances, than that’s how I’m going to handle my money.”  It’s all in.  In today’s passage Jesus tells us to count the cost.  To know what it is we are getting into.  

In Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s “The Cost of Discipleship” one of his most famous lines is When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die.  It’s typically not a literal death, it’s a death to self.  It’s about saying I’m no longer going to do things my way, I’m doing things His way.  And there’s always a cost.  For us in America it could have to do with friendships or reputation, or maybe some might lose their job or not get a job in the first place because of their faith.  In other parts of the world the cost can be far greater.

Depending on which translation you’re reading it may have also said you have to hate your family to be Christ’s disciple.  A more accurate reading would be that you must love your family less than Christ.  I try to keep my life priorities in the following order; God, family, and work.  Seeing how my work is being a Pastor which has a thing or two to do with God, and my family is deeply involved in our church, those lines of priority can sometimes get blurred. But I think you get what I mean.  If God is not first then all the rest starts to fall apart.  Being a disciple and counting the cost is not always easy, but it’s big time worth it.  It’s ultimately what leads to the abundant life Jesus has promised through Him.  Or as Bonhoeffer put it, “it gives a man the only true life.”  

Prayer
Dear God help me to love you first and to love you most.  Amen.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Enjoy Yourself and Enjoy your Lord on the Sabbath


Luke 13

Do you ever find yourself pumping your fists as you read God’s Word?  I know, I’m a little strange, I get that.  But you have to admit verse 17 is a pretty exciting verse.  As he said these things, all his adversaries were put to shame, and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him.  Game, set, match.  Jesus had just put the ruler of the synagogue and other present adversaries in their place as it pertains to healing on the Sabbath.  Another time when dealing with critics on the same issue he would say “man was not made for the Sabbath, but the Sabbath for man.”  He was telling them we need to be done with all the crazy rules and regulations surrounding the Sabbath.  We should still treat it as a day of rest and worship, but we don’t have to be so legalistic about it.  If someone needed healing on the Sabbath then it was a pretty good idea for Jesus to heal them. 

What do you like to do on the Sabbath?  I’m a pretty big fan of the Sunday afternoon nap.  I watch a lot of the first half of ball games, and I miss a lot of 2nd halfs.  Some people like to get outside and work in their yards or gardens.  If that brings them a level of relaxation, then I say more power to them.  If you’re not in the practice of observing the Sabbath, then I think you’re missing the boat big time.  We all need to recharge.  It certainly doesn’t have to be a Sunday.  As a Pastor a good chunk of my Sunday is not a Sabbath, and you may have to work on Sundays too.  The important thing is to take time weekly for rest and worship. I also think we should have daily Sabbaths; maybe 15 minutes of rest and meditation on the Lord.  Be careful about doing it after lunch though or your 15 minutes could turn into something a lot longer (not like that has ever happened to me).  We should have monthly Sabbaths with a couple days off in a row, and yearly Sabbaths where we get away for legitimate restful vacations (i.e. not Disney World with young children).  This concept of practicing a Sabbath really does make us more productive the rest of the time.  If we’re remembering the intentional worship part it also draws us closer to God. It was God himself who gave us the Sabbath model, creating the world in six days and resting on the 7th.  If it’s good enough for Him, it should be good enough for you.

Prayer
Lord I thank you for Your good example of work and rest.  May all I do be an act of worship to You; working hard, playing hard, and resting well.  Amen.

Monday, March 11, 2013

Spiderman and End Times


Luke 12:35-59

When speaking of when our Lord will come again my old pastor always used to say “it’s closer today than it’s ever been.”  How true, and with each passing day it gets that much closer.  There’s a lot in our passage today about being ready for His return.  That’s really what all that talk about servants and masters and coming home from wedding feasts is all about.  We don’t know when it will be, but scripture speaks of Christ glorious return to take His people home to His heavenly kingdom that He’s been preparing.  And this time it won’t be as a humble lowly babe in a manger.  He’ll be on a horse with a sword as the reigning King of kings and Lord of lords.  So what about you?  Are you ready for His return?  Will you be awake?  Jesus gives us an image of not sleeping and being awake, dressed, and ready.  I know I want to be ready.  I don’t want to be living a lukewarm half asleep life for my Lord when He returns.  As a matter a fact, I want to be the one of whom the Spiderman reference is given in verse 48.  To whom much is given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand more.  You have to admit that sounds an awful lot like Uncle Ben’s words to Peter Parker, with great power comes great responsibility.  Like Spidey, we have been given a great power too.  Ours is from the Holy Spirit (2nd Timothy 1:7) If you love God, don’t you want use His power to do all you can for Him in your short time here on this earth?  Don’t you want to be entrusted with much, so you can do that much more for Him? 

Prayer
Dear Lord, I thank you that as Your word says, I have not been given a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, and of love, and of self-control.  Lord, help me to be vigilant and awake, and to use Your Spirit’s power to serve you well and love others in Your name until we meet face to face.  Amen.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

It's Good to be Found


Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

When we hear about the older brother at the end of this parable I suppose we could respond in one of two ways.  We might be put off by the older brother, understanding God’s forgiveness and grace, or maybe in an honest moment, we might say “yea, I identify with that older brother just a bit.”  I would dare say the more we’ve grown up in the church, and the more we’ve been brought up in a Christian family, the more tempted we are to identify with this older brother.  Maybe you’re thinking “okay I know it’s good that the father forgives him, but couldn’t he do a little penance first?  You know maybe make him work in the fields for a few weeks, and just feed him some bread and water for a while, and then eventually allow him back into the good graces of our family.  I mean after all, he really blew it big time.  Shouldn’t there be some kind of punishment?  He doesn’t deserve all this royal treatment.  What about me?  I’ve been here all along.  I’m the good one.” 

Do we sometimes slip into that same false notion as Christians?  The “I’m the good one” mentality.  I’m the one who’s always gone to church.  I’m the one who sings on the worship team.  I’m the one who went to all the bible studies.  Like we’ve somehow arrived and we should have some sort of say as to who is deserving of God’s grace.  Of course what I just wrote is an impossibility.  If any of us are deserving of His grace, than it’s not grace we are talking about.  You can’t deserve grace.  Grace is given when we are not deserving.  God’s grace is scandalous.  It defies all earthly rules and conventions.  The economy of Gods boundless grace can surprise and even offend us sometimes in its extravagance.  Haddon Robinson says it best, "With Him the calf is always the fatted calf; the robe is always the best robe; the joy is always unspeakable; and the peace passes understanding. There is no grudging in God’s goodness. He does not measure His goodness by drops like a druggist filling a prescription. It comes upon in floods.”

I’m afraid the mentality of the elder brother, and I think a lot of the Pharisees that were there, and maybe a few church folk today, is that God has a limited pie of his love and grace.  Maybe the older brother was concerned about all the attention lavished on the younger son, because he didn’t think he would get the same attention from his father.  But the father dispels that and says “you are always with me.  All that I have is yours.”  From our Heavenly Father’s perspective it’s like He’s saying “All my love, all my forgiveness, all my grace, it’s all yours too.”  Our God has enough love grace and forgiveness for everyone who will seek it. 

The story is told by Ernest Hemingway of a father and his teenage son who had a relationship that had become strained to the point of breaking. Finally the son ran away from home. His father, however, began a journey in search of his rebellious son. Finally, in Madrid, in a last desperate effort to find him, the father put an ad in the newspaper. The ad read: “DEAR PACO, MEET ME IN FRONT OF THE NEWSPAPER OFFICE AT NOON. ALL IS FORGIVEN. I LOVE YOU. YOUR FATHER.”  The next day at noon in front of the newspaper office, 800 “Pacos” showed up. 

Sounds like Paco is a pretty familiar name in Madrid.  Sounds even more like of lot of guys desiring the love and forgiveness of their father.  And with our Heavenly Father it’s not just 800.  It’s not even 8 billion.  It’s all mankind for all time, and He offers that forgiveness and grace through the person and work of His son Jesus Christ who was telling this parable.  The Pharisees were in that crowd, and they really seemed to struggle with this sort of message.  They really thought God’s love should be doled out to those who earn it.  They had a whole list of extra-biblical rules and regulations on top of the already existing law to get you there.  But all it did in the end was to make following God burdensome and nearly impossible.  That’s not how God wants us thinking at all.  He’s our gracious loving Heavenly Father, and He’s much more interested in our following Him, than following a bunch of manmade rules.  When we stray from Him He longs for our return, and never forget, that like the prodigal son, we can never go so far away that we cannot find our way back to His love and grace.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for Your love and grace in my life.  I thank you that in those times when I’ve strayed, You have welcomed me back with open arms, and You forgive my sins when I repent.  I thank you for Your overwhelming goodness.  Amen.

Friday, March 8, 2013

Seek God, not more Stuff


Luke 12:1-34

As always God’s timing is spot on.  My wife and I were recently talking about our financial situation.  We like many are feeling the pinch of our current day economy.  Taxes go up, and health care costs go up, and the end result is the pay check goes down.  Don’t even get me started on the cost of college which is just three years down the road for our oldest.  So after fretting about such things God gives me the parable of the rich fool, and the passage about not being anxious. 

I have often thought the parable of the rich fool could be renamed “The Parable of the American Way.”  We tend to have a hard time living within our means.  Rather than scale back and adopt a more minimalist lifestyle we just build bigger barns and acquire more stuff.  We sign on to mortgages that are too big, we lease cars that we could never afford to buy, and in general we spend more than we make.  We also should not make the mistake of reading this parable and think all that “building bigger barns to hold our stuff” talk is just for the “rich” people.  For starters, with very few exceptions we are all rich in this country as compared to the rest of the world.  And you don’t have to be rich by our standards anyway to acquire too much stuff.  There are plenty of yard sale enthusiasts who need to hear this message just as much as the person shopping at Copley Plaza (or whatever the swanky shopping center is in your area). 

Scaling back and living within your means is a very biblical concept.  So why aren’t more Christians doing it?  We all tend to get caught up in our consumer driven society.  One thing’s for sure; the less we do get caught up in it, the less anxious we will be.  Always remember verse 34 from our reading.  Where your treasure is, there will your heart also be.  Store up your treasures on the things of God and not the things of this world, and be anxious no more.

Prayer
Lord I thank you for how You care for the lilies of the field and the birds of the air, and that you care even more for me. Help me not to be anxious or in want for anything.  Grant me true contentment and peace that can only come from You.  Amen.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

4 Square and Freedom in Christ


Luke 11:29-53

I love the game of 4 Square.  Just ask any of my former youth groupers.  It can be fast paced and extremely competitive for those of us who really get into it.  For those who don’t know how it works, there are 4 squares and one person is in each square.  You hit a playground ball into an opponent’s square and they in turn have to hit it into another person’s square.  If your hit doesn’t land in a square, or you can’t play the ball hit into your square then you’re out.  The object is to get to the 4th square (having started at the 1 square) at which point you get to serve the ball.  It’s probably not that popular among current day gym teachers because it could damage a child’s self-esteem having to get out.  For the rest of us living in the real world it’s a blast. 

Occasionally though there have been times when I haven’t liked the game.  That’s when kids start using school yard rules.  As in the 4 square server gets to make up rules for as long as he’s in the 4 square.  There are all kinds of crazy added rules.  Spikes, double taps, triple taps, cherry bombs, bus stops, spins, and body shots to name a few.  What’s really happening when the server in the 4 square calls out any of these rules is he’s simply saying, these are the ways we will be allowed to cheat when I’m in the 4 square.  And the server would have a distinct advantage being the one who gets to be the first one to cheat, and in so doing probably get someone out.  It’s a way to artificially prolong your time in the 4 square.  When this would happen in the games I would be involved in, I would get to the 4 square and call out “pure old fashioned 4 square.”  In other words I was saying, there will be none of those silly rules that help anyone cheat.

By now I’m sure you’re wondering what all this talk about 4 square has to do with today’s reading.  Well I’m glad you asked.  When I think of the Pharisees and the lawyers (scribes or experts in the law) in verses 37 to 53, I think of the kids in the 4 square who liked to add on their school yard rules.  The Pharisees and the lawyers were notorious for taking an existing biblical law and adding new laws on top of it to try and keep people as far away from breaking that law as possible.  In the long run it would become more burdensome than helpful.  Jesus is well known for calling these people hypocrites and white washed tombs because they didn’t always follow the rules they made themselves.  And their concern was often much more about being seen as prestigious and having power than it ever was about helping people get closer to God.  It’s almost like they wanted to see people mess up their rules just so they could call them “out.”  I’m thankful for a Savior in Jesus Christ who isn’t about rule following.  He’s just about following; as in following Him.  And when we do it’s not burdensome at all.  Actually it’s freeing and liberating.  It was Jesus who said “my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  This doesn’t mean everything will always be perfect.  We will still have times of trial, but it’s good to know we have a God who is with us, who sustains us, and who gives us wisdom, strength, and endurance to get through those times, and who in the end works out all things for good for those who love Him.  Having an intense good old fashioned game of 4 Square can be a lot of fun.  Living in the freedom of following Christ and not a bunch of rules, is even better.

Prayer
Lord Jesus I know rote religious practices are not what you want from me.  You just want all of me.  Lord Jesus help me to give my whole life to you, and in turn enjoy the freedom that comes with living for You.  Amen.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Ask, Seek, and Knock


Luke 11:1-28

Today I’m focusing on verses 5 through 12 and what it means to ask, seek, and knock.  I love the illustration Jesus uses about a friend.  Think for a moment about your closest friend.  For some that may actually be a brother or a sister, or for others it’s just your bff (can’t believe I just used that expression).  Anyway, it’s nice to have someone you can count on; someone who you know has your back.  That’s what friends do.  In a pinch they’ll watch your kids, or give you a ride somewhere, or be with you through a difficult time.  And they know you would do the exact same thing.  Jesus asks the question how much more does the Heavenly Father give to those who ask Him.  I love that!  This is one of those verses that some have confused with what is sometimes called the “health and wealth” gospel, which kind of teaches the more you follow after God the more He will bless you with good things.  This viewpoint represents a very poor interpretation of scripture.  In today’s text God giving the Holy Spirit is what’s specifically referred to.  So what we receive is all the wonderful things that come from having the Holy Spirit in our lives; things like wisdom, and guidance, and spiritual gifts.  So stop praying for that new Beamer, a nice house, or to win the lottery.  That’s not how it works.  Maybe God has called you to be a missionary to a third world country, or a school teacher for a small private Christian school.  Not a whole lot of health and wealth in those vocations, but if that’s where God has called, than that’s where His fulfillment will be for you.  So go ahead, ask, seek, and knock, but don’t do it in anticipation of what you want, do it in anticipation of what God knows you need.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father I thank you that you love me, and you have lavished your gifts on me.  Gifts like your steadfast love, amazing grace, and peace that passes all understanding.  I thank you that you know exactly what I need.  Help me to always find my contentment in You. 

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Are you a Mary or a Martha?


Luke 10
Between Mary and Martha and the parable of the Good Samaritan we have a couple of very familiar texts today.  I’m going to focus on Mary and Martha.  So which one are you?  I tend to be more of a Martha.  I like to do.  I like to organize.  As a pastor I feel very fulfilled when we get a new ministry up and running.  I’m not always the best at sitting around and philosophizing about why we do what we do, and coming up with mission statements and vision statements and that sort of thing.  I already know the title of my first book should I ever get around to writing it.  I’m going to call it “Shut-up and Serve!”  Okay, maybe that’s a little harsh, but you get the idea. 

There’s nothing all that wrong with how I’m wired, but it does come with its drawbacks.  A trendy phrase I hear lately is “being present” with people.  I’m not always the best at that.  I get easily distracted, and I end up not giving someone my full attention.  It’s probably because I’m thinking about something I need to get to or do.  In our story today I can totally see myself in Martha’s shoes.  In my many years as a Youth Pastor I think I spent too much time focusing on running a program, setting up before hand, cleaning up afterwards, and making sure everything is running smoothly, and I would forget what was most important; just simply being with the kids and connecting with them.  I would often have to tell myself “Pete, you need to leave that mess for one of your volunteers, and go check in with that kid.”

By the way, there are some pitfalls for the “Mary” personality in this passage as well.  They just are not addressed in this particular account.  But when it comes to keeping our focus on Jesus Christ we definitely want to be more like Mary.  In this story, she was the one who has her spiritual priorities straight.  Our Lord Jesus is the good portion who won’t be taken away when we give our lives to Him.  Unfortunately we sometimes take ourselves away.

Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for being my good portion whom I can partake of daily through Your Word and prayer.  Help me not to be so distracted by the business of life, that I somehow end up taking myself away from You.  Let me say with the Psalmist, “taste and see that the Lord is good.”  Amen. 

Monday, March 4, 2013

Alaska Ho!


Luke 9:37-62

When I read the section about the cost of following Jesus today (vs. 57-62), I couldn’t help but think of an old youth group friend of mine by the name of Ken Howell.  Kenny (as we called him back in the day) was always an adventurer.  He used to run road races in his military gear and boots, and he would hide a long log a mile before the finish line the night before so he and his friend could finish the race carrying it on their shoulders.  He also used to try and convince me to have fake fights in public places; anything for a little adrenaline rush and to get a rise out of other people.  A little immature I realize, but hey we were young. 

I guess it’s that same kind of free spirit mentality that caused him to decide with his wife one day that it was time to up and move to Alaska.  With no jobs waiting for them they took the plunge and moved. You might hear that and think he’s a little crazy (okay maybe he was in some ways), but Kenny always seemed to have a clear sense of God’s call on his life.  He was never one to worry about the cost of following Jesus.  I think for a while they were without a place to lay their head in the traditional sense of having a home; kind of like Jesus.  It wasn’t that big of a deal for an outdoorsy wilderness enthusiast like Kenny though.  He was just as at home in a tent in the mountains as he was with a roof over his head in suburbia. 

Jesus has some pretty tough words for those who were asking about following Him.  It’s not that you can’t have love and commitment for your family, but His point is that He has to take first priority.  For some of you that may mean doing exactly what you’re doing now; working your job, living where you live, and serving God right where you’re at.  But if you’re truly following Jesus than you need to be open to the possibility that God has something different in store for you.  Maybe even something radically different.  I have plenty of friends in the mission field who get what I’m talking about.  I have no doubt that Kenny is exactly where God has called Him.  He’s a Godly husband and father serving the Lord and His church.  I love having his wife as a Facebook friend (not surprisingly Kenny has yet to join the social media craze) because I get to hear about hunting bear and Caribou, and trapping, and camping in the middle of the mountains, etc. etc. etc.  It’s a refreshing change from all the drivel we carry on about in the lower 48.  So what’s your “Alaska?”  The key to finding out is making sure you keep following Jesus as your first priority.  So put your hand to the plow, don’t look back, and keep living for God and His Kingdom.

Prayer
Dear Lord, help to me always count the cost of following You.  I thank you that in the end there is nothing more worthwhile.  Lord, remove my fear and doubts and allow me to plow ahead for Your Kingdom.  Amen.       

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Repent or Perish


Luke 13:1-9

What if you picked up your local newspaper this morning and read a headline like the following.  “Eighteen die in construction sight tragedy downtown.”  Something like that would rock our world wouldn’t it.  Our communities and schools would be affected, because there would no doubt wives who lost husbands and children who lost fathers.  And even if you didn’t know any of those 18 individuals personally, pretty much everyone would know someone who knew at least one of them.  It would take a while for any community to recover from such a tragedy. 

Or imagine if you read this headline.  “Worshippers at local Church put to death for failing to offer proper worship.”  If it’s possible that could even be a worse tragedy than the construction accident.  At least the accident was just that; an accident.  But this is more like state approved murder; and in a church of all places.  One of the few places left in our communities where we have a sense of safety for us and for our kids.  We would be reeling for weeks, months, and perhaps even years.

These “what if” tragedies I’ve referred to are thankfully only made up and not a reality for us, but they should sound familiar, because I’m trying to bring home the brutality of the tragedies spoken of in our text today.  In these tragedies Jesus has an important lesson for us when it comes to the issue of sin and suffering and death.  He asks them a question.  He asks if they thought those who were put to death were somehow worse sinners than they were.  He asks this because the going belief was to connect ones sin with suffering and even death.  A good religious person would be familiar with passages like the second half of Deuteronomy where a long list of curses are mentioned for those who are disobedient to God’s decrees.  I won’t get into it too much now, but it’s pretty thorough.  It starts by saying you’re cursed in the city and cursed in the country, and you’re cursed when you come and cursed when you go.  And then it gives all kinds of fun specific curses as well.  It’s not exactly what you would call a feel good passage.  It’s not going to show up in many devotionals for “higher Christian living.”  But notice how Jesus responded to that sort of mindset.  He says “I tell you no.”  He’s saying these Galileans who were killed in the temple were no worse sinners than the rest, so they should stop thinking they somehow had it coming.  Because it’s not up to us to decide who deserves what for one’s sins. Not only that, but the last I checked Romans 3:23 still says “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”  

The bigger issue is what we do with our sin.  What does Jesus tell us to do?  Does he say “be really self-righteous, and pretend that you have no sin, or if you have to admit to it, at least make sure you accentuate the fact that your sin is not as bad a lot of those other more disgusting sins?”  No, He just says one thing.  Repent.  Repent, or you’re going to end up just like the rest of them.  He ends up turning these tragedies into a bit of a warning.  You see as Romans 6:23 tells us, the wages of sin is death… period.  It doesn’t matter what sin or whose sin you might think is worse.  Spiritually speaking, if you don’t repent, you die.  We all will die a physical death, but if you don’t repent than you die spiritually too.  That means we are eternally separated from God. I'm not a real "turn or burn" king of preacher, but sometimes like Jesus has done in our text, you just have to lay things on the line. I even struggled with using today's title, but you should know I took it directly out of our Bible reading.  Thankfully Romans 6:23 goes on to say, “but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”  And we receive that gift through repentance.  It’s “metanoia” in the original language, which means a complete turning away from former beliefs and actions in faithful acceptance of the proclamation of God’s kingdom in the person and work of Jesus Christ.  Whatever you do in this life, don’t make the mistake of thinking your sin is somehow okay because you’re “better than most.”  Just repent and live your life for Jesus Christ.  It’s the most important thing you can ever do.

Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, I turn away from all of my beliefs and actions that have been contrary to your will for my life, and I turn to You.  Please come into my life.  You are my Savior, and I will make You my Lord.

If you’ve prayed that prayer for the first time, and you want to know a little more about what it means don’t hesitate to contact me. pete@sandwichcovenantchurch.org.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Are you Listening?


Luke 9:1-36
The transfiguration is a fun account to try and imagine in my mind’s eye.  What must it have been like to see Jesus in all His glory?  It’s really hard to put into words.  Radiance, magnificence, gloriousness, grandeur, and holiness are a few words that come to mind, but I’m afraid we’re all a little limited when it comes to grasping what it must have been like.  It wasn’t exactly Peter, James and John’s finest moment; especially Peter.  For starters it seems they all took a nap when they were supposed to be up on the mountain praying.  That’s not the last time they will do that.  And then Peter wanted to preserve the moment forever.  He wanted to commemorate having Jesus Moses and Elijah all up there at the same time.  I guess once he came to, this became a mountain top experience that Peter didn’t want to end.  But here’s the deal with mountain top experiences, they always end. 

As Christians we can sometimes be like Peter.  We can look back on times of great worship and times when we felt really close to God, and we can romanticize them and want to hang on to them.  And while it’s good that we have these times, I really believe it’s not when we are the most effective for God.  We primarily serve God in the valleys of life.  Sometimes it’s even in the trenches.  I think that’s exactly where He wants us.  Jesus said in vs. 23 to 26, If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.  For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.  For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?  There are a lot of sacrificial sounding words in there.  It doesn’t sound very mountain toppy.  But that’s where God wants us, taking up our cross, denying ourselves, and following Him.  Sometimes we will follow Him to the mountain tops, but a lot of it will be in the valleys, but that’s okay because He is with us all the way.  He’s the Good Shepherd that comforts us even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death as the 23rd Psalm tells us. 

We’ve got some strong words today from Jesus about taking up our cross and following Him.  Now I’ll leave you with the words of the Heavenly Father at the transfiguration; “Listen to Him!”

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father help us to listen to Your son Jesus and deny ourselves and follow Him in all things.  Help us not to become sleepy and complacent in our faith, and may You restore our souls with the joy of Your salvation.  Amen.