Luke 7:36-50. This is a wonderful story of comparison. It involves a Pharisee (which means "the separated one) named Simon, who invited Jesus to a meal. In the gospels, only two Pharisees are mentioned that engage Jesus in such an intimate way. The other is Nicodemus who approached Jesus at night - not wishing to be seen with him. Simon, however, invites Jesus to a public meal.
The power of this story is the mind reading ability of Jesus and his condemnation of Simon or at least his "leveling the playing field" between Simon and this sinful woman. Simon, on par with his Pharisee-ship and being separated from the world - can't believe that Jesus lets a sinful woman touch him. Of course, Jesus came to the world to save, love, and forgive sinful people. The fascinating part of this is that Simon can't see his own sinfulness.
My prayer is that I would be able to see my own sinfulness, repent every time and lavish such love and devotion and worship on Jesus Christ that I would be much more like the sinful woman, who wept at Jesus' feet, wiped them with her hair and anointed his feet with precious oil.
Could you pray for the same "eye opening" experience? Could your eyes be open to your haughty, prideful, judgmental attitude and be humbled, loved and forgiven by Jesus Christ? That's my hope for you! When that happens, life is far more glorious and compelling!
Friday, June 14, 2013
Friday, June 7, 2013
Two Things
I need two things very badly! I need slack in my schedule and I need an outward orientation. Said in a different way - I need to have open spaces in my calendar; areas of unscheduled time and with that, an openness to filling the time for someone else. Open space and openness to others.
As I ponder those two things, it seems that the second one is the nut to crack. It's the one Jesus calls me to. It's the one Jesus models in His life. As He traveled the road of ministry, healing, teaching, giving new life, He always had time for people. He had an outward orientation. It seems that He designed His time around serving others, rather than an agenda of "to dos." His whole orientation was outward, other-directed, life-giving, selfless service, rather than personal goals in a daytimer.
So, what would that look like in my life? I mean, in my iPhone, I use an app called GoTasks which stores all my to-dos (I have 19 for today) and it even links them to my gmail account, so they're always in front of me. What if I had only one for today that read, "Open your eyes and your ears to the needs around you. Open your senses to the cries of people you meet and then do something for them!" What if my calendar had large empty spaces in it, so that a response to people was possible? I think that would be a radical shift - a faithful shift - a "turn myself upside down" shift. And, I think that's what Christ's message is to us! So, what's the cry right in front of me? And, what do I do about it?
As I ponder those two things, it seems that the second one is the nut to crack. It's the one Jesus calls me to. It's the one Jesus models in His life. As He traveled the road of ministry, healing, teaching, giving new life, He always had time for people. He had an outward orientation. It seems that He designed His time around serving others, rather than an agenda of "to dos." His whole orientation was outward, other-directed, life-giving, selfless service, rather than personal goals in a daytimer.
So, what would that look like in my life? I mean, in my iPhone, I use an app called GoTasks which stores all my to-dos (I have 19 for today) and it even links them to my gmail account, so they're always in front of me. What if I had only one for today that read, "Open your eyes and your ears to the needs around you. Open your senses to the cries of people you meet and then do something for them!" What if my calendar had large empty spaces in it, so that a response to people was possible? I think that would be a radical shift - a faithful shift - a "turn myself upside down" shift. And, I think that's what Christ's message is to us! So, what's the cry right in front of me? And, what do I do about it?
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Luke 7:11 - 17
Jesus leaves Capernaum with his disciples and entourage and make the 25 mile walk to Nain. Just as they are getting there, they run smack into a funeral procession. So here's the scene: The Lord of life is leading a parade of joy and celebration that meets a funeral dirge, a death march with wailing and crying, led by a widow who just lost her only son.
Not many words are exchanged in this scene, but when they are, they are full of power. And, as a matter of fact, Jesus speaks commands (not suggestions). He tells this woman - Don't cry! (now, you and I can't even imagine her situation. She just lost a husband, the bread winner and her voice in the community and now lost her only son. She was destined to be destitute and on the fringe of society, if she lived at all. So we can't imagine this) Jesus says Don't cry. Then he tells the boy, "Young boy, I say to you, Get Up!" With that the boy sits up and starts talking.
So, the only Son of God, who is destined to die for us, has compassion on this woman and raises her dead son to life. He does it by his command, his direct statement to the dead person. In fact, he addresses the boy as if he were alive.
It's interesting that there is no mention of the widow's faith or belief or even asking for the Lord's help. Jesus has compassion on her. He stops the funeral procession in its tracks and gives the dead boy life and hands him back to his mom.
So, the question that must be faced is this: Which procession are we in? Are we in the death march, funeral procession? Have we lost hope, lost energy, given up? Are we shuffling off to the grave, wailing, crying, forlorn? Or, are we in line with the Lord of life? Are we dancing, praising, witnessing, and marveling at what the Lord is doing?
Notice this. That once the two processions meet, the Lord's parade trumps the death march. Jesus Christ stops the funeral and it completely disbands. The Lord of Life overcomes death. The Prince of Peace wins.
And finally, when all of this happens, what is the result? There are shouts of joy and amazement and a response of fear! I mean, it's not ordinary to watch a corpse sit up and start talking. Jesus always turns the ordinary to the extraordinary. He always turns the world upside down for us. And, he does this in a good, loving, positive way! Praise the Lord Jesus Christ!
Not many words are exchanged in this scene, but when they are, they are full of power. And, as a matter of fact, Jesus speaks commands (not suggestions). He tells this woman - Don't cry! (now, you and I can't even imagine her situation. She just lost a husband, the bread winner and her voice in the community and now lost her only son. She was destined to be destitute and on the fringe of society, if she lived at all. So we can't imagine this) Jesus says Don't cry. Then he tells the boy, "Young boy, I say to you, Get Up!" With that the boy sits up and starts talking.
So, the only Son of God, who is destined to die for us, has compassion on this woman and raises her dead son to life. He does it by his command, his direct statement to the dead person. In fact, he addresses the boy as if he were alive.
It's interesting that there is no mention of the widow's faith or belief or even asking for the Lord's help. Jesus has compassion on her. He stops the funeral procession in its tracks and gives the dead boy life and hands him back to his mom.
So, the question that must be faced is this: Which procession are we in? Are we in the death march, funeral procession? Have we lost hope, lost energy, given up? Are we shuffling off to the grave, wailing, crying, forlorn? Or, are we in line with the Lord of life? Are we dancing, praising, witnessing, and marveling at what the Lord is doing?
Notice this. That once the two processions meet, the Lord's parade trumps the death march. Jesus Christ stops the funeral and it completely disbands. The Lord of Life overcomes death. The Prince of Peace wins.
And finally, when all of this happens, what is the result? There are shouts of joy and amazement and a response of fear! I mean, it's not ordinary to watch a corpse sit up and start talking. Jesus always turns the ordinary to the extraordinary. He always turns the world upside down for us. And, he does this in a good, loving, positive way! Praise the Lord Jesus Christ!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Faith of the Centurion - Luke 7:1-10
I'm studying the Luke 7 passage that is often titled, The Faith of the Centurion. This occurs immediately after the "Sermon on the Plain." What is so fascinating about this passage is trying to discover the root of this faith. Apparently there is a much larger back story to this than meets the eye. For example, this soldier must have had a large compassionate heart for the Jews. He built them a synagogue in Capernaum and apparently could "say the word" and have Jewish Elders go get Jesus.
But, here's what interests me. In verse 3 it says, "The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him," So, in those few words, "heard of Jesus," lies the rest of the story. What did he hear about Jesus that led him to ask for just some healing words for his servant? What did he hear about this great healer? Did the centurion hear that he was God and man? Did he hear that he could simple speak the word of healing and it would be done?
And, just I wonder "what he heard about Jesus," I also wonder who he heard it from. I asked this question of a life-long missionary, Sue Howard, and she gave me an interesting insight. She said, he probably had many people who were preparing his heart for this sudden burst of faith. In other words, it wasn't just someone explaining the power of Jesus or sharing a testimony, but it was a number of stories, witnesses, events, experiences, and buzz that the centurion heard. The evidence must have piled up and tilted his heart toward a profound faith. This profound faith caused Jesus to be amazed! In fact, according to scholars, Jesus was only amazed twice in the gospels. Once in Mark 6:6, when he was amazed at the lack of faith in Nazareth and this time in Luke 7:9, when he was amazed at the faith of this gentile centurion.
So, saying all that, it won't be surprising if my sermon touches on our witness, sharing, story telling and sharing what Jesus Christ has done in our lives. We have no responsibility at all for converting people or "saving" people, only God does that. But, we truly do have responsibility for telling others what Jesus has done in our lives.
Another interesting issue in this text is the Jewish elders' spin on why the centurion deserves Jesus to come. They say he deserves it because he loves the people and built the synagogue. It's the work righteousness piece. The centurion himself says that he is not worthy for Jesus to enter his house. He had a humble heart and a respect for the culture that says a Jew would be defiled entering a gentile's house.
Anyway, I'm simply going to pray for the faith of this centurion! Come Lord Jesus! Speak your Word and change the world! (just like when God spoke the word and created the world in Genesis)
But, here's what interests me. In verse 3 it says, "The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him," So, in those few words, "heard of Jesus," lies the rest of the story. What did he hear about Jesus that led him to ask for just some healing words for his servant? What did he hear about this great healer? Did the centurion hear that he was God and man? Did he hear that he could simple speak the word of healing and it would be done?
And, just I wonder "what he heard about Jesus," I also wonder who he heard it from. I asked this question of a life-long missionary, Sue Howard, and she gave me an interesting insight. She said, he probably had many people who were preparing his heart for this sudden burst of faith. In other words, it wasn't just someone explaining the power of Jesus or sharing a testimony, but it was a number of stories, witnesses, events, experiences, and buzz that the centurion heard. The evidence must have piled up and tilted his heart toward a profound faith. This profound faith caused Jesus to be amazed! In fact, according to scholars, Jesus was only amazed twice in the gospels. Once in Mark 6:6, when he was amazed at the lack of faith in Nazareth and this time in Luke 7:9, when he was amazed at the faith of this gentile centurion.
So, saying all that, it won't be surprising if my sermon touches on our witness, sharing, story telling and sharing what Jesus Christ has done in our lives. We have no responsibility at all for converting people or "saving" people, only God does that. But, we truly do have responsibility for telling others what Jesus has done in our lives.
Another interesting issue in this text is the Jewish elders' spin on why the centurion deserves Jesus to come. They say he deserves it because he loves the people and built the synagogue. It's the work righteousness piece. The centurion himself says that he is not worthy for Jesus to enter his house. He had a humble heart and a respect for the culture that says a Jew would be defiled entering a gentile's house.
Anyway, I'm simply going to pray for the faith of this centurion! Come Lord Jesus! Speak your Word and change the world! (just like when God spoke the word and created the world in Genesis)
Friday, May 10, 2013
Jesus' High Priestly Prayer - John 17
On Mothers' Day 2013 - May 12th, we're studying John 17:20-26. It is the final section of Jesus' high priestly prayer. What a powerful way to end his teaching time on earth. Jesus has just finished the last supper with his disciples. He modeled servant leadership by washing their feet and he is now praying for himself, his disciples and for all those who will be touched by their teaching. In fact, Jesus is modeling his prayerful life as he begins the transition back to glory with his Father and he is continuing to pray for all of us even right now. [do you feel it?]
Jesus is praying repeatedly that we would be one, just as he and the Father are one. And, I believe that as we strive to be more and more like Jesus, we move closer to being one. I love the fact that Jesus is praying for those whom the Father gives him. Even Jesus does not choose who will follow, but only the Father. For me, that makes sense, as I have a strong belief in the sovereignty of God. (See Romans 9 for a look at this)
I wrestle with our responsibility as a result of this prayer. Is our task to strive harder or just believe harder that Jesus did the work and as long as we believe it, we're moving closer to God?
Maybe our work is two fold. Believe is the first piece and then respond in love to one another is the second piece. And, then in that response, others will know that God is real and that He sent His one and only Son to draw us to Him!
I'm also struck by the fact that as Jesus prays for all those who are touched by "his disciples'' teaching, that this includes each generation of parents and teachers. We all have a role in teaching others what we've learned in terms of God's love, forgiveness, and sacrifice.
So, Lord Jesus, pray for us that we "get it," that we are bold enough to pass along our hope and faith that was instilled in us by our moms, dads, and relatives.
Jesus is praying repeatedly that we would be one, just as he and the Father are one. And, I believe that as we strive to be more and more like Jesus, we move closer to being one. I love the fact that Jesus is praying for those whom the Father gives him. Even Jesus does not choose who will follow, but only the Father. For me, that makes sense, as I have a strong belief in the sovereignty of God. (See Romans 9 for a look at this)
I wrestle with our responsibility as a result of this prayer. Is our task to strive harder or just believe harder that Jesus did the work and as long as we believe it, we're moving closer to God?
Maybe our work is two fold. Believe is the first piece and then respond in love to one another is the second piece. And, then in that response, others will know that God is real and that He sent His one and only Son to draw us to Him!
I'm also struck by the fact that as Jesus prays for all those who are touched by "his disciples'' teaching, that this includes each generation of parents and teachers. We all have a role in teaching others what we've learned in terms of God's love, forgiveness, and sacrifice.
So, Lord Jesus, pray for us that we "get it," that we are bold enough to pass along our hope and faith that was instilled in us by our moms, dads, and relatives.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
John 5:1 - 9 The Healing at the Pool
This week, we're reflecting on the passage in John 5, the first 9 verses. This healing of the sick man by the pool called Bethesda is the sign (or miracle) that follows the water turned to wine at Cana and the absentee healing of the royal's son in Capernaum. It's fascinating, that this second visit to Jerusalem by Jesus, has Jesus turning the "mat laying" man upside down. The command to "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk," has this man scampering up on his feet after a mere 38 years! Also, I love the fact that this occurs near the Sheep Gate, which is the precise gate that Jesus exits Jerusalem on his way to the cross.
It also struck us this week, that Jesus generally chooses the worst cases, the severe down-and-out folks to heal and change. When God does a miracle, He usually stacks the odds against himself. He does the seemingly impossible. So, someone who has been an invalid for 38 years is one who has lost not only friends and family, but his dignity, perhaps his mind and probably his will to do something different. It's quite fascinating that this command, this word of God has the "snap him out of it" response that it does. But, then again, we know that the Word of God does not come back void. When God speaks, things happen! No different here.
The question that we wrestled with in Bible study is: How are we stuck in routines, in "we've always done it this way before" mentalities, or even in "we have a good rationale why we can't do something."
We noted that the unnamed man did not answer Jesus' direct question, "Do you want to get well?" He skirted the issue with an excuse for why he couldn't do it. He was paralyzed in his imagination of other avenues or possibilities.
Finally, it was pointed out that this story like the whole story of the Bible is about Jesus Christ, His power, His authority, His life-giving Spirit! Again and again, we note that when Jesus comes to give us hope, faith, freedom and love, we receive it and about in His grace and truth. It is not about our faith, our will our might or anything about us. It is all about the matchless, saving, wonderful grace of Jesus! May that be true for you today!
It also struck us this week, that Jesus generally chooses the worst cases, the severe down-and-out folks to heal and change. When God does a miracle, He usually stacks the odds against himself. He does the seemingly impossible. So, someone who has been an invalid for 38 years is one who has lost not only friends and family, but his dignity, perhaps his mind and probably his will to do something different. It's quite fascinating that this command, this word of God has the "snap him out of it" response that it does. But, then again, we know that the Word of God does not come back void. When God speaks, things happen! No different here.
The question that we wrestled with in Bible study is: How are we stuck in routines, in "we've always done it this way before" mentalities, or even in "we have a good rationale why we can't do something."
We noted that the unnamed man did not answer Jesus' direct question, "Do you want to get well?" He skirted the issue with an excuse for why he couldn't do it. He was paralyzed in his imagination of other avenues or possibilities.
Finally, it was pointed out that this story like the whole story of the Bible is about Jesus Christ, His power, His authority, His life-giving Spirit! Again and again, we note that when Jesus comes to give us hope, faith, freedom and love, we receive it and about in His grace and truth. It is not about our faith, our will our might or anything about us. It is all about the matchless, saving, wonderful grace of Jesus! May that be true for you today!
Monday, April 22, 2013
John 13:31 - 35 - Light in the midst of darkness
John chapter 13 is a very interesting chapter. Jesus is hosting the last supper with his friends. He uses this time to make a dramatic and moving demonstration of "servant leadership," by taking on the role of the lowest slave and washing their feet. After doing this, he tells them directly, "Now that I your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."
What I love about this example is that Jesus doesn't just 'hope' that they get it. He doesn't model this humble act and then move on. He is very direct and lets them know. You do this, too!
At the end of the meal, Jesus predicts his betrayal and even names the person by handing Judas a piece of bread. Then it says, "As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night."
Notice how this scene ends - in verse 27, it says, "As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him." Then after this, he went out and it was night. So the scene ends with Satan in Judas and it was dark.
Now, our text for today. In verse 31, "When he (Judas) was gone, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once." Jesus uses the word glorify FIVE times. WOW - Is this a throw back to him being the light that overcomes the darkness or WHAT? Just when evil is on the scene and it is all dark and dreary looking, God in Jesus Christ brings light and glory to the scene. In John 1:5, The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." Can we find hope and comfort in that fact? Can we hold out hope that even in our darkest hours, Jesus is present and bringing light and life to bear?
Don't know about you, but I find great comfort and hope in this brief observation. If I have time, I will also dive into the "new command" topic that is in this passage as well. Until then, have a great week.
What I love about this example is that Jesus doesn't just 'hope' that they get it. He doesn't model this humble act and then move on. He is very direct and lets them know. You do this, too!
At the end of the meal, Jesus predicts his betrayal and even names the person by handing Judas a piece of bread. Then it says, "As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night."
Notice how this scene ends - in verse 27, it says, "As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him." Then after this, he went out and it was night. So the scene ends with Satan in Judas and it was dark.
Now, our text for today. In verse 31, "When he (Judas) was gone, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once." Jesus uses the word glorify FIVE times. WOW - Is this a throw back to him being the light that overcomes the darkness or WHAT? Just when evil is on the scene and it is all dark and dreary looking, God in Jesus Christ brings light and glory to the scene. In John 1:5, The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." Can we find hope and comfort in that fact? Can we hold out hope that even in our darkest hours, Jesus is present and bringing light and life to bear?
Don't know about you, but I find great comfort and hope in this brief observation. If I have time, I will also dive into the "new command" topic that is in this passage as well. Until then, have a great week.
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