The old year has ended and the new year begun. And along with that transition of time there has been a transition of life which is probablly just as natural. For as time progresses from one period to another, things change in both the physical and spiritual rhelms of life. So for me the change from one spiritual congregation to another seemed natural. For I had grown to a point where the change was neccessary in order for growth to continue. And in both the physical and spiritual rhelms, growth always means change, even though in both rhelms it can at times be painful. Never the less, life without growth is not real life, but just existence. And I choose to live, not just exist and maintain the staus quo.
When I first started going to Spirit and Truth Worship Center, a non-denominational, non-affiliated congregation, I was seeking a charasmatic community that embraced the kind of lively worship I enjoyed. The rock style music and boisterous singing and display of praise really excited me. I have to admit it was some what intoxicating and appealed to me emotionally.
But as I spent more personal time studying the Word of God and growing in my knowledge of The Word, the more I felt detatched from what I was experiencing on Sunday mornings. After the charasmatic singing and praising God was over, there came messages that did not seem to be based on scripture. In fact in some cases the message seemed to be contradictory to scripture. And this began to make me feel uncomfortable.
I examined myself and my feelings and motives to make sure that I was not just be selfish and arrogant. I compared what was said and done at STWC with what I read in the Bible and in the seminary text books and comentaries I was reading. And I can to the conclussion that my discomfort was truly the Holy Spirit convicting me that what I was experiencing at STWC was not of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was not what I needed to be hearing and not where I need to be. I needed to be nourished with the Bread of Life, The Word of God, and I was going hungry. I needed to leave STWC and find a place where I could be properly fed.
Having made that change, I believe I have found a good spiritual home where I can continue to grow in God's Word and be led by the Holy Spirit. I believe that the emphasis of my new pastor on not becoming the best you can be by your own efforts, but giving over to the Holy Spirit so that you can be comformed to the likeness of Christ is just what I have been needing. I am looking forword to a year of spiritual growth and developement that will make me a better servant of my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.
Praise be to God. Amen.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Sunday, November 22, 2009
A New Beginning
I am not certain why, but I sense I am entering into a new phase in my life. The way I spend my free time, the things that interest me, and the things that I am loosing interest in are all changing. The changes are slow and suptle, but I do sense a change, none the less. I suppose it is a matter of growth and maturity, especially in my fainth and understanding of scripture and Christian theology. I have been reading two seminary level text books recently. As a result of that reading and thinking, my understanding of the Word of God is deeping and growing stronger. That, in turn, is have an effect on the rest of my life. I am not sure where all this is heading at this point, but I feel quite certain that the new year will bring some changes. And some of those might be signifigant. We shall just wait to see what God has in store for me. Whatever it is, praise God!
Friday, July 18, 2008
A Universal Pain
Scripture reference: Judges 5:28-30
Natalia sat on a cushion of lamb fleece covered in purple silk at the window of her bed chamber starring anxiously through the lattice. It had been one cycle of the moon since her son, Sisera, had gone off to fight the rebellious Israelis. He should have made quick work of those weak and silly people, and have returned home by now. What could it be that has slowed his chariot? Why has the sound of its wheels not filled the air beneath her window? What has so delayed her precious son?
"Oh, my lady," spoke Muriel, one of her attendants, "do not be worried. No doubt they are busy dividing the spoils. I hear the Israelis have many fine items of gold. It must be that which is delaying your son's return."
"And also," spoke another of the women, "there are the fine young Israeli girls to be divided among your son's army. If they are arguing over which is the best and who has first rights, that will surely cause a delay." A nervous giggle erupted from the small group of concerned women.
"I have heard that the Israelis have fine embroidered cloth," said another of Natalia's concerned women in waiting. "Your son deserves to have such fine cloth about his great neck. And his soldiers will also want their share of the spoil."
The women who faithfully ministered to the needs of Natalia tried not to show the sadness they felt for their beloved mistress. They knew in their hearts, as they were certain Natalia herself knew, that Sisera was late returning from the battle because he would never return. It was the overflowing of their compassion for the grand lady that motivated them to come up with plausible reasons for Sisera's delay. But they knew that such a great general would have made short work of his enemy if all had gone well for him. And such a long delay in his return was a clear sign that things had not gone well for Sisera and his army. They had met defeat.
Natalia's hope faded with the setting sun, and her heart was overcome with the sorrow of knowing that her beloved son would never come home. As she continued to sit at her window, her eyes filled with tears, and she released her pain in one hundred mournful sobs. It was a flood of emotions every mother of a son can understand, and no man can fully comprehend. The same pain that would be felt centuries later by another mother starring not out a window, but up at a cross.
At the same time, another woman sang her song of victory. The Israeli judge Sarah told the story of how her army defeated Sisera and drove him to the tent where another woman drove a spike through his temple. But, being a wise judge and filled with God's wisdom, she expressed compassion for the pain and sorrow of Sisera's mother. For she knew that the same God which caused the sun to shine on her also gave light to that sad woman far away. And that it was His grace and power which gave the victory. So she gave God the glory by demonstrated her knowledge that, but for the grace of God, it could have been her who sat weeping.
Note: It is customary at the beginning of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana, to blow the Shofar one hundred times. One time for each of the sobs of the mother of Sisera. In this way the Jews remember that victory is also a gift of the grace of God; the God who causes His light to shine on all.
May the grace of God the Father, the love of Christ Jesus the Son, and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen.
Natalia sat on a cushion of lamb fleece covered in purple silk at the window of her bed chamber starring anxiously through the lattice. It had been one cycle of the moon since her son, Sisera, had gone off to fight the rebellious Israelis. He should have made quick work of those weak and silly people, and have returned home by now. What could it be that has slowed his chariot? Why has the sound of its wheels not filled the air beneath her window? What has so delayed her precious son?
"Oh, my lady," spoke Muriel, one of her attendants, "do not be worried. No doubt they are busy dividing the spoils. I hear the Israelis have many fine items of gold. It must be that which is delaying your son's return."
"And also," spoke another of the women, "there are the fine young Israeli girls to be divided among your son's army. If they are arguing over which is the best and who has first rights, that will surely cause a delay." A nervous giggle erupted from the small group of concerned women.
"I have heard that the Israelis have fine embroidered cloth," said another of Natalia's concerned women in waiting. "Your son deserves to have such fine cloth about his great neck. And his soldiers will also want their share of the spoil."
The women who faithfully ministered to the needs of Natalia tried not to show the sadness they felt for their beloved mistress. They knew in their hearts, as they were certain Natalia herself knew, that Sisera was late returning from the battle because he would never return. It was the overflowing of their compassion for the grand lady that motivated them to come up with plausible reasons for Sisera's delay. But they knew that such a great general would have made short work of his enemy if all had gone well for him. And such a long delay in his return was a clear sign that things had not gone well for Sisera and his army. They had met defeat.
Natalia's hope faded with the setting sun, and her heart was overcome with the sorrow of knowing that her beloved son would never come home. As she continued to sit at her window, her eyes filled with tears, and she released her pain in one hundred mournful sobs. It was a flood of emotions every mother of a son can understand, and no man can fully comprehend. The same pain that would be felt centuries later by another mother starring not out a window, but up at a cross.
At the same time, another woman sang her song of victory. The Israeli judge Sarah told the story of how her army defeated Sisera and drove him to the tent where another woman drove a spike through his temple. But, being a wise judge and filled with God's wisdom, she expressed compassion for the pain and sorrow of Sisera's mother. For she knew that the same God which caused the sun to shine on her also gave light to that sad woman far away. And that it was His grace and power which gave the victory. So she gave God the glory by demonstrated her knowledge that, but for the grace of God, it could have been her who sat weeping.
Note: It is customary at the beginning of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana, to blow the Shofar one hundred times. One time for each of the sobs of the mother of Sisera. In this way the Jews remember that victory is also a gift of the grace of God; the God who causes His light to shine on all.
May the grace of God the Father, the love of Christ Jesus the Son, and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Faithless Church-Goers
Scripture reference: Acts 3:1-10
The pews across America are filled every Sunday with people who autonomically go to church. They do it like breathing or going to the bathroom. They do it without thought. They do it in the same way at the same time with the same mind set. It is a routine function of their life, just like eating and sleeping. These are the sort of people depicted in our reference scripture. These friends of the lame man who bring him to the same Temple gate at the same hour of every Sabbath. They do it autonomically without any conviction or faith. It is just something they have gotten used to doing. Just like so many church-goers of today.
Who were these men who brought this lame man to the Temple and just left him outside the gate every week? Why did they do this? Why did they not take the man into the Temple? What, if anything, were they expecting to result from this activity? These are the same questions we could ask of people who just go to church on a regular basis, not out of faith or hope (confident expectancy), but just because it has become a regular routine of life.
Let's begin with why the lame man was left outside the gate to the Temple, rather than being taken inside. That has to do with strict Pharisee enforced Jewish law. You see, a lame man was an unclean person; and the unclean were not allowed into the Temple. He was considered unclean because it was believed that either he or his parents must have offended God is some great way through some terrible sin for God to have punished him with his lameness. This common belief promulgated by the Pharisees is made event in John 9:2 when Jesus' disciples ask of a blind man, "Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents?" It was believed that any ailment was the result of sin. And a sinful person was considered unclean, and to be avoided, lest you become contaminated with their uncleanness. And nothing unclean could be allowed to defile the sanctity of the Temple. For that reason, the lame man had to be left outside.
This belief is not uncommon among today's churches and church-goers. Many good, regular church people do not want the unclean among them in the sanctuary. They do not want the drunkard, the prostitute, the drug addict, the gambler, or the tattooed motorcycle rider in their midst. For are not such persons unclean and therefore unfit to be in the church? Many of today's church-goers would answer, "yes." For that reason, many regular members of America's congregation would leave these people outside the church. Let them listen on the radio or watch on TV. But they are not warmly invited into the sanctuary to share the fellowship of Christ.
Accepting the belief that the unclean should not be taken into the fellowship, but believing that the unclean should go to church, the unclean are invited to the building, but not taken into the inner circle of the "good church-goers." We may bring the drunkard to church, but not invite him to the church social. He can come to the church, but is left outside the actual "church," the fellowship of members. In this way the church-goers of today behave exactly as the men of two-thousand years ago.
So who invites or takes the physically or psychologically lame to church, but does not take them into the fellowship of the church? Why do they do this? What are they expecting? Is there behavior motivated by faith and hope in God, or by there desire to appear to be doing "the right thing?"
Perhaps today's church-goers are, like their counterparts of two-thousand years ago, seeking the approval of men. They want to be able to claim piety and holiness by their actions. Unfortunately for them and the ones they invite to church, pleasing men does not provide any one with the blessings of God. Therefore, neither the regular faithless church-goer or his unwanted invited guest benefits from the action. Just as the lame man in the scripture was never healed by the actions of his friends.
The story told in this passage of scripture can be contrasted against the story told in Mark 2:1-12. In the passage in Mark we are told of four men who had faith in Jesus, believing completely that he could heal their friend. When Jesus looked into their faces and saw their faith, he healed the man straight away. It is that faith which is the missing element in the story of those who take the lame man to the temple. Because there was no faith in them, the man was not healed. It was only when two men of faith, Peter and John, came along that the man received healing.
The message for us from these two stories put together is clear. If the psychologically and spiritually lame among us are to receive healing, then we must have the faith that they will be healed. When we invite them or take them to church, it must be with complete confidence that they will be touched by the Spirit and have a life changing experience. And our action needs to be motivated by true compassion for the sick soul we carry to the temple, not for how holy we look in the eyes of others. If our action is a direct result of our faith in and love for Christ Jesus, and our belief that the grace of God is extended to all, then both we and our guest will be blessed. Otherwise, it will be a complete waist of time for all.
May the Lord bless you and grant you his peace. Amen.
The pews across America are filled every Sunday with people who autonomically go to church. They do it like breathing or going to the bathroom. They do it without thought. They do it in the same way at the same time with the same mind set. It is a routine function of their life, just like eating and sleeping. These are the sort of people depicted in our reference scripture. These friends of the lame man who bring him to the same Temple gate at the same hour of every Sabbath. They do it autonomically without any conviction or faith. It is just something they have gotten used to doing. Just like so many church-goers of today.
Who were these men who brought this lame man to the Temple and just left him outside the gate every week? Why did they do this? Why did they not take the man into the Temple? What, if anything, were they expecting to result from this activity? These are the same questions we could ask of people who just go to church on a regular basis, not out of faith or hope (confident expectancy), but just because it has become a regular routine of life.
Let's begin with why the lame man was left outside the gate to the Temple, rather than being taken inside. That has to do with strict Pharisee enforced Jewish law. You see, a lame man was an unclean person; and the unclean were not allowed into the Temple. He was considered unclean because it was believed that either he or his parents must have offended God is some great way through some terrible sin for God to have punished him with his lameness. This common belief promulgated by the Pharisees is made event in John 9:2 when Jesus' disciples ask of a blind man, "Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents?" It was believed that any ailment was the result of sin. And a sinful person was considered unclean, and to be avoided, lest you become contaminated with their uncleanness. And nothing unclean could be allowed to defile the sanctity of the Temple. For that reason, the lame man had to be left outside.
This belief is not uncommon among today's churches and church-goers. Many good, regular church people do not want the unclean among them in the sanctuary. They do not want the drunkard, the prostitute, the drug addict, the gambler, or the tattooed motorcycle rider in their midst. For are not such persons unclean and therefore unfit to be in the church? Many of today's church-goers would answer, "yes." For that reason, many regular members of America's congregation would leave these people outside the church. Let them listen on the radio or watch on TV. But they are not warmly invited into the sanctuary to share the fellowship of Christ.
Accepting the belief that the unclean should not be taken into the fellowship, but believing that the unclean should go to church, the unclean are invited to the building, but not taken into the inner circle of the "good church-goers." We may bring the drunkard to church, but not invite him to the church social. He can come to the church, but is left outside the actual "church," the fellowship of members. In this way the church-goers of today behave exactly as the men of two-thousand years ago.
So who invites or takes the physically or psychologically lame to church, but does not take them into the fellowship of the church? Why do they do this? What are they expecting? Is there behavior motivated by faith and hope in God, or by there desire to appear to be doing "the right thing?"
Perhaps today's church-goers are, like their counterparts of two-thousand years ago, seeking the approval of men. They want to be able to claim piety and holiness by their actions. Unfortunately for them and the ones they invite to church, pleasing men does not provide any one with the blessings of God. Therefore, neither the regular faithless church-goer or his unwanted invited guest benefits from the action. Just as the lame man in the scripture was never healed by the actions of his friends.
The story told in this passage of scripture can be contrasted against the story told in Mark 2:1-12. In the passage in Mark we are told of four men who had faith in Jesus, believing completely that he could heal their friend. When Jesus looked into their faces and saw their faith, he healed the man straight away. It is that faith which is the missing element in the story of those who take the lame man to the temple. Because there was no faith in them, the man was not healed. It was only when two men of faith, Peter and John, came along that the man received healing.
The message for us from these two stories put together is clear. If the psychologically and spiritually lame among us are to receive healing, then we must have the faith that they will be healed. When we invite them or take them to church, it must be with complete confidence that they will be touched by the Spirit and have a life changing experience. And our action needs to be motivated by true compassion for the sick soul we carry to the temple, not for how holy we look in the eyes of others. If our action is a direct result of our faith in and love for Christ Jesus, and our belief that the grace of God is extended to all, then both we and our guest will be blessed. Otherwise, it will be a complete waist of time for all.
May the Lord bless you and grant you his peace. Amen.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Faithful Friends
Scripture reference: Mark 2:1-12
"There is no way we can ask him to come way the heck out here into the middle of nowhere. We simply must take Jesse to him."
Jacob spoke to his brothers Jason and Saul, and their cousin Matthew, as he stitched up the leather sleeve a wooden pole would go through. This would complete one side of the stretcher he was making which he, his brothers, and thier cousin would use to carry their neighbor, Jesse, to the Rabbi they had heard of living in Capernaum. Word had come to even their remote location that this man, named Jesus, can heal all ailments. Without doubt or question, as soon as Jacob and his brothers had heard this news, they made the decision to take their friend, Jesse, to him.
Capernaum is a good half day journey under normal conditions. Four men carry the weight of another between them would add difficulty and time to the journey. For that reason they had decided to set out before dawn of the next day. So Jacob worked quickly at his task of making the stretcher. Then they would have a meal together before going to bed to get enough rest for the day ahead.
The stretcher complete and their bags packed, the four men sat down for the evening meal. Jacob, the oldest, led them in prayer.
"Heavenly Father, we thank you for this food, this land, and this home; all of which we acknowledge are gifts from you. We also thank you for sending your servant, this Jesus of Caprernaum, to our people. We know by the things reported of him that he must be from you as another gift to your children. And for that we are deeply grateful. May we prove ourselves worthy of the blessing we know you will give to our friend, Jesse. By your holy name we pray; Amen."
The morning star shown brightly just above the Western horizon as the men set out on their mission. Jacob and Jason took the forward positions, while Saul and Matthew held the rear end of the poles. Their friend, Matthew, lay on his stretcher softly speaking his morning prayers. Joy and excited filled all of their hearts. For deep within themselves they knew that today was a very special day. A day proclaimed by God himself. Today their friend would be healed of his lameness, and be able to walk. None of them could explain how or why they knew this with such strong conviction. They simply knew in their heart's that God would make it so.
Joy and hope (confident expectation) dominated the minds of the brothers and cousin as they transported their friend toward Capernaum. They recited psalms and sang hymns of praise to God as they traveled. The very Spirit of God gave them strength and made their feet sure so that they did not stumble. In this manner they happy group made good time, and arrived at Capernaum at mid-morning. With a few inquires and little difficulty, the four friends found the house where the Rabbi was already teaching.
"Oh, man!," explaimed Jacob. "Look at that crowd! There isn't enough space between those people for a fly to pass. I see no way we can get through such a great crowd so tightly packed together. How are we going to get Jesse in there?"
"Look over there," Jason said as he pointed toward a chicken coop attached to the South side of the house. "We could climb up onto the roof of that, and then onto the roof of the house. Then we could tare off some of the roof tiles, and lower Jesse through the hole. The rabbi would have to take notice of him. Then, if he is as great as we have heard, surely he will touch Jesse and make him well."
There was some discussion of this rather odd idea, but the determination to see their friend healed decided the matter. And the attention of the crowd was so captivated by the words they were hearing that no one noticed the men slowly climbing and pulling their load to the roof of the small house. Neither did anyone seem to be aware that four men were tarring a hole in the roof. So it was just a matter of about half an hour before the friends of Jesse began to lower him down into the house. As it was, he was descending from the roof right in front of Jesus.
Jesus became silent, and the crowd began to murmur, as all eyes took notice of the pallet being slowly lowered from the hole in the roof. Jesus was not looking at the silent Jesse lying on the bed, but up into the faces of his four friends. As the eyes are the window to the soul, Jesus saw the faith in each man; the conviction that what they were doing would not go unrewarded. And he knew they were not seeking reward for themselves, but a blessing for their friend. Jesus was touched both by their faith and their compassion.
Jesus then looked into the face of Jesse and said, "Son, your sins are forgiven."
Now there were some teachers of the law sitting in the front row, and they were shocked to hear Jesus tell the man that his sins are forgive. They were thinking, "Who does this character think he is?! Only God can forgive sins. He commits blasphemy!"
Jesus knew what the haughty Pharisees were thinking, so he spoke directly to them saying, "Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to this paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take up your mat and walk?' But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on Earth to forgive sins..."
Then Jesus once again looked Jesse right in the eyes and said, "I tell you, get up, take up your mat and go home."
And with that, Jesse stood up, rolled up his pallet, held it in his right hand lying on his right shoulder, and walked toward the door. The crowd, like the Red Sea before Moses, parted and allowed him to pass. His faced beamed with the happiness filling his heart as tears of joy streamed down his face. The eyes of the room followed him while the voices whispered to each other, "Praise the God of wonders. This is amazing! We have never seen anything like this!"
Jesse emerged from the house to the sound of joyful cheers from the crowd and his friends who had jumped off the roof and were running toward him. They hugged and kissed and laughed and cried. And then, singing hymns of praise to God, they set off for home.
May the God of wonders give some amazing blessings and miracles. Praise God! Amen.
"There is no way we can ask him to come way the heck out here into the middle of nowhere. We simply must take Jesse to him."
Jacob spoke to his brothers Jason and Saul, and their cousin Matthew, as he stitched up the leather sleeve a wooden pole would go through. This would complete one side of the stretcher he was making which he, his brothers, and thier cousin would use to carry their neighbor, Jesse, to the Rabbi they had heard of living in Capernaum. Word had come to even their remote location that this man, named Jesus, can heal all ailments. Without doubt or question, as soon as Jacob and his brothers had heard this news, they made the decision to take their friend, Jesse, to him.
Capernaum is a good half day journey under normal conditions. Four men carry the weight of another between them would add difficulty and time to the journey. For that reason they had decided to set out before dawn of the next day. So Jacob worked quickly at his task of making the stretcher. Then they would have a meal together before going to bed to get enough rest for the day ahead.
The stretcher complete and their bags packed, the four men sat down for the evening meal. Jacob, the oldest, led them in prayer.
"Heavenly Father, we thank you for this food, this land, and this home; all of which we acknowledge are gifts from you. We also thank you for sending your servant, this Jesus of Caprernaum, to our people. We know by the things reported of him that he must be from you as another gift to your children. And for that we are deeply grateful. May we prove ourselves worthy of the blessing we know you will give to our friend, Jesse. By your holy name we pray; Amen."
The morning star shown brightly just above the Western horizon as the men set out on their mission. Jacob and Jason took the forward positions, while Saul and Matthew held the rear end of the poles. Their friend, Matthew, lay on his stretcher softly speaking his morning prayers. Joy and excited filled all of their hearts. For deep within themselves they knew that today was a very special day. A day proclaimed by God himself. Today their friend would be healed of his lameness, and be able to walk. None of them could explain how or why they knew this with such strong conviction. They simply knew in their heart's that God would make it so.
Joy and hope (confident expectation) dominated the minds of the brothers and cousin as they transported their friend toward Capernaum. They recited psalms and sang hymns of praise to God as they traveled. The very Spirit of God gave them strength and made their feet sure so that they did not stumble. In this manner they happy group made good time, and arrived at Capernaum at mid-morning. With a few inquires and little difficulty, the four friends found the house where the Rabbi was already teaching.
"Oh, man!," explaimed Jacob. "Look at that crowd! There isn't enough space between those people for a fly to pass. I see no way we can get through such a great crowd so tightly packed together. How are we going to get Jesse in there?"
"Look over there," Jason said as he pointed toward a chicken coop attached to the South side of the house. "We could climb up onto the roof of that, and then onto the roof of the house. Then we could tare off some of the roof tiles, and lower Jesse through the hole. The rabbi would have to take notice of him. Then, if he is as great as we have heard, surely he will touch Jesse and make him well."
There was some discussion of this rather odd idea, but the determination to see their friend healed decided the matter. And the attention of the crowd was so captivated by the words they were hearing that no one noticed the men slowly climbing and pulling their load to the roof of the small house. Neither did anyone seem to be aware that four men were tarring a hole in the roof. So it was just a matter of about half an hour before the friends of Jesse began to lower him down into the house. As it was, he was descending from the roof right in front of Jesus.
Jesus became silent, and the crowd began to murmur, as all eyes took notice of the pallet being slowly lowered from the hole in the roof. Jesus was not looking at the silent Jesse lying on the bed, but up into the faces of his four friends. As the eyes are the window to the soul, Jesus saw the faith in each man; the conviction that what they were doing would not go unrewarded. And he knew they were not seeking reward for themselves, but a blessing for their friend. Jesus was touched both by their faith and their compassion.
Jesus then looked into the face of Jesse and said, "Son, your sins are forgiven."
Now there were some teachers of the law sitting in the front row, and they were shocked to hear Jesus tell the man that his sins are forgive. They were thinking, "Who does this character think he is?! Only God can forgive sins. He commits blasphemy!"
Jesus knew what the haughty Pharisees were thinking, so he spoke directly to them saying, "Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to this paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take up your mat and walk?' But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on Earth to forgive sins..."
Then Jesus once again looked Jesse right in the eyes and said, "I tell you, get up, take up your mat and go home."
And with that, Jesse stood up, rolled up his pallet, held it in his right hand lying on his right shoulder, and walked toward the door. The crowd, like the Red Sea before Moses, parted and allowed him to pass. His faced beamed with the happiness filling his heart as tears of joy streamed down his face. The eyes of the room followed him while the voices whispered to each other, "Praise the God of wonders. This is amazing! We have never seen anything like this!"
Jesse emerged from the house to the sound of joyful cheers from the crowd and his friends who had jumped off the roof and were running toward him. They hugged and kissed and laughed and cried. And then, singing hymns of praise to God, they set off for home.
May the God of wonders give some amazing blessings and miracles. Praise God! Amen.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Stopping to Give Thanks
Scripture reference: Luke 17:12-19
It seems that asking for a blessing is something we can find time for. We will actually plan and set aside a specific time and place to make a request of the Lord. And receiving an unexpected blessing that was not requested is even easier. What seems to require thought and effort is remembering to give thanks and praise to God for every blessing. Even the ones we do not recognize when they occur.
In our reference passage there is a clear point being made by the fact that the only one of the ten lepers who gave thanks to Jesus for being healed was a Samaritan. It tells us that those who believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob tend to take him for granted. While those who are not inclined to think of God as their friend are greatly moved by his grace. The problem lies in the fact that we think we are worthy of God's blessings because we are Christians. When the truth is that none are worthy, "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23 KJV)
We should also not overlook the importance of the manner in which the Samaritan offers his thanks. We are told that the man "fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks." The man did not just say, "Hey, thanks, dude," and go his merry way. The Samaritan, one from outside the designated kingdom of God, got down on his knees and then went down on his face at the feet of Jesus. This gives us clear instruction on how we should offer our thanks to God for the blessings he bestows on us. Simply sitting with our heads bowed and our hands folded is really not enough, if one truly intends to live according to the teachings of the Bible. We should at lest be willing to kneel down in the presence of our Lord and Savior. For such was the behavior of a Samaritan.
Recognizing that we are greatly blessed, taking time to give thanks for all our blessings, and being humble enough to kneel down to give thanks and praise to God through Christ Jesus should be common behavior among all Christians. For the last thing we should discern from this passage is that receiving thanks from us really matters to Jesus. He asked, "Where there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" He was probably hurt by the fact that those who should have automatically given thanks to their God just went on their way. The simply thought of their joy and their pleasures, and did not give even a brief moment of thought to thanking God for what He had just done for them. This is the kind of behavior we must work to avoid. For in the fast paced, drive-through life we live, it is far too easy to receive a blessing, offer a quick "Praise God!", and go on our way. We really should take time at some point during the day to actually kneel down before our great gracious God, and properly give him the thanks and praise He deserves in the fashion depicted in the Bible. Remembering to give God thanks in the manner that matters to Him will ensure that the wonderful blessing and bounty of His grace continues to flow to us.
May the grace of God, the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen.
It seems that asking for a blessing is something we can find time for. We will actually plan and set aside a specific time and place to make a request of the Lord. And receiving an unexpected blessing that was not requested is even easier. What seems to require thought and effort is remembering to give thanks and praise to God for every blessing. Even the ones we do not recognize when they occur.
In our reference passage there is a clear point being made by the fact that the only one of the ten lepers who gave thanks to Jesus for being healed was a Samaritan. It tells us that those who believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob tend to take him for granted. While those who are not inclined to think of God as their friend are greatly moved by his grace. The problem lies in the fact that we think we are worthy of God's blessings because we are Christians. When the truth is that none are worthy, "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23 KJV)
We should also not overlook the importance of the manner in which the Samaritan offers his thanks. We are told that the man "fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks." The man did not just say, "Hey, thanks, dude," and go his merry way. The Samaritan, one from outside the designated kingdom of God, got down on his knees and then went down on his face at the feet of Jesus. This gives us clear instruction on how we should offer our thanks to God for the blessings he bestows on us. Simply sitting with our heads bowed and our hands folded is really not enough, if one truly intends to live according to the teachings of the Bible. We should at lest be willing to kneel down in the presence of our Lord and Savior. For such was the behavior of a Samaritan.
Recognizing that we are greatly blessed, taking time to give thanks for all our blessings, and being humble enough to kneel down to give thanks and praise to God through Christ Jesus should be common behavior among all Christians. For the last thing we should discern from this passage is that receiving thanks from us really matters to Jesus. He asked, "Where there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" He was probably hurt by the fact that those who should have automatically given thanks to their God just went on their way. The simply thought of their joy and their pleasures, and did not give even a brief moment of thought to thanking God for what He had just done for them. This is the kind of behavior we must work to avoid. For in the fast paced, drive-through life we live, it is far too easy to receive a blessing, offer a quick "Praise God!", and go on our way. We really should take time at some point during the day to actually kneel down before our great gracious God, and properly give him the thanks and praise He deserves in the fashion depicted in the Bible. Remembering to give God thanks in the manner that matters to Him will ensure that the wonderful blessing and bounty of His grace continues to flow to us.
May the grace of God, the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
The Power of Authority
Scripture reference: Matthew 8:5-13
My name is Marcus Giaus Marcellus. I was born in the city of Tyre, and was raised in the city of Ceasarea. I am the only son of a guard of the Summer Palace of King Herod. My mother is a weaver of fine linen used in the king's palace. My father died of a fever when I was twelve years old. At that time my mother turned me over to the captain of the palace guard to train me in the ways of a man and a soldier. I lived with him for the next four years.
I enjoyed my life among the men of the guard. I got pleasure from the games and activities we participated in. My master had one of the men under him teach me to read and write Greek. I also received instruction in math, science, growing crops, the names and cycles of the stars and planets, riding a horse, and sailing a boat. I grew strong in body and mind, and brought honor to my guardian and his company.
My experiences with the guard unit taught me about authority and discipline. The ways of a group with a common cause are guided by respect and concern for for one another, as well as respect for the leader of the group. It became clear to me that having authority involves respect, responsibility, and humility. These characteristics are important in the leader as well as those who are led.
When I turned sixteen, the age of majority, I became a member of the guard. I worked hard and proved myself in every task I was given. As a result I was promoted, and finally became a centurion. That means I was put in charge of my own company of one hundred men. I was assigned to the city of Capernaum as a base from which to patrol the roads and villages. My duty was to protect the citizens from the bandits and rebels which greatly troubled the region.
Shortly after arriving in Capernaum, a woman came to see me. She was recently widowed with a twelve year old son. She asked me to take the boy into my household as my servant so that he would have the company and training of men. I could not help but remember how I had felt when I was in his situation. As I found the boy pleasing and healthy, I took him as my personal servant. I planned to give him the same opportunities I had been given, and help him to become the man I had become.
As the months past, I became very fond of the boy, and found him to be not only of great service, but a joy to have in my house. Therefore I was filled with great sorrow and fear for the boy's life when he developed a fever which caused great suffering to the point he could not even stand. He was so important to my life that I was willing to do whatever would be required of me to save his life.
Having heard from the local residents of Capernaum of a man who could heal the sick, I made up mind to go to see him to implore him to command that my servant be healed. I cannot clearly explain why, but I was completely certain that this man some where calling the Christ could heal my beloved servant. Therefore it was with complete confidence that I set out early in the morning to find the man Jesus.
When I came upon Jesus as he entered the city, I went down on one knee before him and said, "My Lord, my beloved servant lies at home paralysed with a fever and in great suffering."
Jesus said he would go with me to my home immediately. But I said unto him, "My Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and the comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he soes it."
Jesus then spoke to the crowd around him and said, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdome of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Then Jesus said to me, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would."
As I rose to thank him and take my leave, I noted the hour of the sun. When I returned to my house, I found my servant out of bed, and at his regular household tasks. He was completely healed. When I asked my house manager when the boy had gotten up, the time he told me was exactly the same as when Jesus had granted my request.
From that day forward I and my entire household worshiped the God of Jesus the Christ. And I used my own monies to build a place of worship in Capernaum where I and others who believe in Jesus gather to praise his name, and study his teachings. And I am very proud to say that my boy has become of leader of our group, and is no longer my servant, but a servant of our Lord Jesus.
May the grace of God, the love of Jesus Christ, and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen.
My name is Marcus Giaus Marcellus. I was born in the city of Tyre, and was raised in the city of Ceasarea. I am the only son of a guard of the Summer Palace of King Herod. My mother is a weaver of fine linen used in the king's palace. My father died of a fever when I was twelve years old. At that time my mother turned me over to the captain of the palace guard to train me in the ways of a man and a soldier. I lived with him for the next four years.
I enjoyed my life among the men of the guard. I got pleasure from the games and activities we participated in. My master had one of the men under him teach me to read and write Greek. I also received instruction in math, science, growing crops, the names and cycles of the stars and planets, riding a horse, and sailing a boat. I grew strong in body and mind, and brought honor to my guardian and his company.
My experiences with the guard unit taught me about authority and discipline. The ways of a group with a common cause are guided by respect and concern for for one another, as well as respect for the leader of the group. It became clear to me that having authority involves respect, responsibility, and humility. These characteristics are important in the leader as well as those who are led.
When I turned sixteen, the age of majority, I became a member of the guard. I worked hard and proved myself in every task I was given. As a result I was promoted, and finally became a centurion. That means I was put in charge of my own company of one hundred men. I was assigned to the city of Capernaum as a base from which to patrol the roads and villages. My duty was to protect the citizens from the bandits and rebels which greatly troubled the region.
Shortly after arriving in Capernaum, a woman came to see me. She was recently widowed with a twelve year old son. She asked me to take the boy into my household as my servant so that he would have the company and training of men. I could not help but remember how I had felt when I was in his situation. As I found the boy pleasing and healthy, I took him as my personal servant. I planned to give him the same opportunities I had been given, and help him to become the man I had become.
As the months past, I became very fond of the boy, and found him to be not only of great service, but a joy to have in my house. Therefore I was filled with great sorrow and fear for the boy's life when he developed a fever which caused great suffering to the point he could not even stand. He was so important to my life that I was willing to do whatever would be required of me to save his life.
Having heard from the local residents of Capernaum of a man who could heal the sick, I made up mind to go to see him to implore him to command that my servant be healed. I cannot clearly explain why, but I was completely certain that this man some where calling the Christ could heal my beloved servant. Therefore it was with complete confidence that I set out early in the morning to find the man Jesus.
When I came upon Jesus as he entered the city, I went down on one knee before him and said, "My Lord, my beloved servant lies at home paralysed with a fever and in great suffering."
Jesus said he would go with me to my home immediately. But I said unto him, "My Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and the comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he soes it."
Jesus then spoke to the crowd around him and said, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdome of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Then Jesus said to me, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would."
As I rose to thank him and take my leave, I noted the hour of the sun. When I returned to my house, I found my servant out of bed, and at his regular household tasks. He was completely healed. When I asked my house manager when the boy had gotten up, the time he told me was exactly the same as when Jesus had granted my request.
From that day forward I and my entire household worshiped the God of Jesus the Christ. And I used my own monies to build a place of worship in Capernaum where I and others who believe in Jesus gather to praise his name, and study his teachings. And I am very proud to say that my boy has become of leader of our group, and is no longer my servant, but a servant of our Lord Jesus.
May the grace of God, the love of Jesus Christ, and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen.
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