Tag: Jesus

Posted on

Just another extraordinary day.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him. A little farther up the shore Jesus saw Zebedee’s sons, James and John, in a boat repairing their nets. He called them at once, and they also followed him, leaving their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men. Mark‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬-‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The calling of the first followers. Mark’s gospel has Jesus seemingly, randomly, asking men to join him in mission. We know this mission would be exciting at first, but eventually move towards a frightening, grief-stricken ending. We also know that each one of these first followers would later be called to martyrdom!

I don’t know if Jesus knew every detail of his life ahead in these first moments, or if he found out as he went along. If you’re wondering about Jesus’ omniscient ability as God, the Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 2, that Jesus laid that down to fully live as a human being.

I do believe that Jesus received guidance, inspiration and power through the Holy Spirit, just as he would expect his followers to do (us as well). Maybe it was just a morning stroll, talking with God and enjoying the stunning vista of the Sea of Galilee- it is amazing. I find that God often speaks and leads in all kinds of situations. An S.S.A. (situational Spirit awareness) is required.

As God guided Jesus, he still had to SEE Simon. Jesus still had to SEE the Zebedee boys. And once he did, he called them out. Somewhere in there, I believe the Holy Spirit said “There they are. That’s them. You know what to do!” or something similar. Of course, we’re not told any of this, I just want you to know God moves in both very spiritual AND very ordinary ways at the same time.

Jesus saw them, he called them and they left everything to follow Him. Do you think maybe the Holy Spirit had been at work in their lives before that morning moment on the beach? I do. I am learning that God is ALWAYS at work (the Bible says so – John 5:17, Rom 8:28). God handles the hard part of working in the human heart! God also handles the providential details that astound us. When Jesus listened and obeyed the Holy Spirit, He was showing us that this is how easy it is to join God in His mission! Yeah, Jesus had to call them out – okay, that part is challenging for many of us. But God had already set the entire situation up for each one of those “yeses” to happen.

It takes a little practice to hear the whisper of the Holy Spirit leading and guiding us to be used of God. It takes a little practice to see God at work. And it does require the response that pleases God more than anything else – FAITH! But, come on, look at what happened when Jesus was obedient – those guys helped change the world. Jesus didn’t turn these ordinary men into extraordinary men. Jesus taught them to do just as he did, SEE, LISTEN AND OBEY. God did the supernatural, phenomenal miracles through them!

Next time you take a stroll, shop for snacks or get stuck in a line at the DMV, look around, listen for the Holy Spirit and wait to see if God might have a supernatural assignment for you. Then make God smile by believing and obeying his offer to join Him on mission. Just do it!

Prayer

Dad,
I get giddy watching you weave a plan together and marvel at watching you work! Sometimes I look around and see a sea of people and remind myself, you are working in that life, and that one, and another one over there, buying lottery tickets. Oh how I love it when a good God plan comes together. It’s like I am peeking into a whole other realm, an other-world experience that happens on the heart level in every human. It gives me Spirit chills to think that you invite us into that kind of Holy mission. Thank you for not just working in me, but working through me as well. Heaven will be filled with glorious stories of our great God! I can’t wait to see it all come together. Amen.

Posted on

The Promise.

Reading Time: 4 minutes

”When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life. I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.” At this, Abram fell face down on the ground. Then God said to him, “This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations! What’s more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations. I will make you extremely fruitful. Your descendants will become many nations, and kings will be among them!“ ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭17‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Nothing captures the depth and breadth of God’s promise keeping ability like the story of Abraham. I am a huge fan of quality shows and movies and one of the best depictions of Abram & Sarai’s story is the 2023 movie, His Only Son. David Helling wrote and directed this little project for the ultra-low price of $250K. It showed in theaters and made over 13 million dollars worldwide! Sure, there are critics of this film’s slow pace, minimal dialogue and small cast. However, the movie captures the environment of ancient Israel, and it was shot in the Mojave Desert, California! Here’s the point that think Helling made crystal clear – for God to physically, audibly, supernaturally, connect with a human being and make a contract of such magnitude is mind-blowing!

This is Yhvh, Yahweh himself, telling Abram He is El Shadday, Almighty God! And Yahweh doesn’t just tell Abram about this contract, this promise, this covenant. Yahweh goes so much further than just making or “cutting” a contract with a human being. In ancient days, a contract between two men was “cut,” by taking a knife to the thigh or arm making a blood covenant or blood bond. You can see the idea, by what we would know as becoming “blood brothers.” When there is a familia bond of blood, there is no breaking it.

But how does one “cut” the thigh of God? There was another way to make a blood covenant, which was just as effective as cutting one’s own flesh. It was the cutting of an animal and using their blood as the substitute for your own. If you’re thinking what I was thinking, it would be, “wouldn’t it be easy to break this ‘substitute’ blood bond?” I mean it’s just the life of an animal. The answer is horrific!

You see when this kind of contract is made with a substitutionary animal there is a caveat. The two contractual parties would mercifully kill the animal, then cut the animal in two, laying each half on either side of a sloped ravine, where the blood of the animal would run and pool in the middle. Then each party would walk through the blood, barefoot, having the blood splash onto their clothing. Here’s the serious part. When this physical, blood walk was done it was understood that if either party BROKE the contract, the blood covenant, the other party could rightfully take the life of the promise-breaker by physically doing to them what they had done to the animal! Can you believe this! Both parties took the blood walk.

Now you know why most ancient contracts were done by cutting a small incision on the thigh or arm! This substitutionary animal contract was expensive, time consuming and very serious! This kind of contract would normally be saved for major contracts between nations over land or joining their tribes together. Here’s the thing, God made the animal sacrifice contract with Abram! And God didn’t just do this with one animal, he had Abram choose five animals! Five animals representing a sacrifice from the most expensive (the heifer), which the wealthy could afford, to the least expensive (pigeon), which the poor could afford. God himself mercy-killed the animals and cut them in half (except for the two birds). Genesis 15:9-18 gives the whole account. After all the animals were laid out, Abram did not walk through the blood pact, committing to the contract. The most shocking part, God himself blood-walked the covenant! Whoa.

Here in this chapter, God asked Abram to take his people, his men and have them “cut” a covenant as well. We know it as circumcision. All of this is amazing when you see the full picture of God’s story, His plan and promises being fulfilled over thousand of years of human history. But you know what? The promise to Abram, later, Abraham was also to all who would follow, even Gentiles (Non Jews). How? These people would not take a blood-walk, not make the substitute animal promise, but would eventually have faith that Jesus was that one who fulfilled our inability to keep the contract with God, He became the blood sacrifice, not a temporary one, like with animals, but the final, eternal one to fulfill the contract that we broke. And according to the covenant rules, Jesus what not just die, but also give his blood as the payment. What should have been done to each of us, was done to Him.

How can this be? What does it require from us today? The same thing God required of Abraham – FAITH. Faith to believe. Genesis 15:6, “Abram believed in the LORD and He counted it to him as righteousness.” The Apostle Paul echos this in Romans 4:20-24. So it is with us as well, “God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.”

Prayer

Dad,
What can I say? What can I do? But offer this heart, Oh God, completely to you. That song by Hillsong is true. I am eternally grateful for the fulfilled contract through Jesus and the fulfilled promise of life with you here and for eternity! Amen.

Posted on

Living right side up in an upside down world.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“But the Lord reigns forever, executing judgment from his throne. He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness. The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭9‬:‭7‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

David writes this Psalm after the victory over Goliath. The Psalm was a song, sung to the tune of “death of a son.” WHAT? A Bible commentary mentions this odd detail about this Psalm, “Upon Muthlabben, or, after the manner according to “death to the Son,” by which some song was known, to whose air or melody the musician is directed to perform this Psalm.” Another admits to the mystery of who this person or what this musical notation is, “To the chief musician upon Muth-labben” which has given rise to infinite conjecture. It may be either upon the death (muth ) of the fool (labben ), as an anagram on Nabal or as Gesenius, “to be chanted by boys with virgins voices,” i.e. in the soprano. Who is Muthlabben, and why did David borrow the tune to give praise to God over the triumph over the Philistines? Apparently, we just don’t know!

Yet, the content of the Psalm is clear, God reigns over all things, all nations and all people. I find it comforting and odd. Comforting that God is completely and totally perfect in judgment and justice. Odd, because that is NOT what many people believe about God! And, clearly God is maligned and misunderstood in modern culture today. God, and “religion,” is blamed for the majority of offenses and pain including slavery, oppression, colonialism, and social inequalities. It matters not that these massive atrocities are because of human sin and selfishness. Who cries and protests of the secular, darwinian, godless barbarity?

Folks proudly declare lies about God as truth and post them as yard signs and bumper stickers. My prayer, similar to David’s is, “Oh Lord, do not let the lies of Satan and humankind obscure or obstruct your goodness from those who seek you!” It’s frustrating to see or hear people call out God to be something He is not. They are 100% wrong about Him. This is further proof of the lies that Satan has permeated and perverted our understanding of God. It becomes difficult to believe and live upright in an upside down worldview. This is the contrarian, revolutionary message of Christ indeed. Jesus’ declaration of truth of who God is, clashes with culture (then and now), but it does so because it bristles against our own self determination and will to be our own god. I want everyone to see God as David saw Him – as a shelter, a refuge, a secure place and safe relationship to run to, not run from.

Prayer

Dad,
I have always found these words David wrote, thousands of years ago, to be true! No matter what I’ve done, what I feel or how desperate things look around me – you have always been my safe place. When I am sad, angry, wrong, happy, or fulfilled I can run towards you. My sin, my past, my stinky attitudes are always before me, yet I can still come to you. Thank you for that place of comfort under the shadow of your wings, that cleft in the rock.

Posted on

The Jesus process of correction.

Reading Time: 4 minutes

“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

WARNING! NSFC – not safe for church

By now we are painfully aware that we are ALL sinners! The religious, the puritan, the pagan – we’ve all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory! Jesus’ words are not a matter of a saint correcting a sinner. This is a believer, a Christ follower, reconciling to another of the same. This is a sinner to sinner situation. Jesus, being perfect, holds the authority to tell us how this should be done.

The steps are simple enough.

  1. A believer sins against you. Ah, but defining “sin” in a church culture is tricky, right? Is it a sin, sin – or a religious preference of opinion? Sins are fairly defined unless we make up non-Biblical offenses, then it becomes super awkward. Someone cheats you, defrauds you or spreads a lie about you…that’s a sin. Someone wears stylishly shredded blue jeans with holes in them to church on Sunday… that is NOT a sin. Having a “sin” conversation about one is very different to having one about the other. Let’s continue.
  2. Go privately. The whole idea is reconciliation between two believers. It’s not a public matter at this point. I find it interesting that Jesus comments AFTER this process and mentions some insight about how God feels about proper behavior and a sense of unity within the community of faith. Jesus uses two examples that we have forever taken completely out of context!
    • One, the idea of “binding” and “loosing.” Whatever we bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever we loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. What in the world is Jesus talking about? And why have preachers forever used this verse to represent agreement on casting out demons or claiming cash as a blessing from God? Maybe we should look into this verse a little more for ourselves. One of my favorite commentaries believes, “It has to do with admission to and rejection from the membership of the Church.” Whoa! Another suggests that it is more than an “ecclesiastical authority,” it’s a disciple’s authority to deal with sin – thus power to forgive! It is certainly not a freedom to bind or loose whatever we want!
    • Two, Jesus also lets us in on this beautiful truth, that has also been twisted and tweaked beyond its intent. The power of Jesus presence! Jesus remind us that this process of correction and reconciliation is so important that He promises that the outcome can be extraordinarily supernatural. “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them” (18‬:‭19‬-‭20‬). This agreement to settle a grievance is godly, it is holy. And to prove it, Jesus says, when we do things God’s way and not our own – BOOM – Jesus himself is present! This isn’t about a church gathering folks, it’s about the difficult, nitty-gritty grind of reconciling sin!!! It is so powerful and so healthy and good that Jesus personally adjudicates the interaction Himself! So it must be about someone really sinning against us. And, it must be done privately, at first. If there is no confession, no remorse, no admission to SIN, then and only then, can we bring in others to witness and confirm the situation. There’s even a fourth step, if it’s a sin, confronted privately, then with two or three others and there is still no change in owning the sin, no change in behavior, then the church is to be informed that we love a person enough to not allow them to fellowship with us. We give no opportunity to let someone fake their Christianity among us by ignoring, mineralizing or normalizing sin! Jesus basically says, let them go live their life as they please, be it a pagan or corrupt tax collector. They have been put out of the gathering, the fellowship.

We dislike this whole concept of confrontation, confession and correction that we just throw out Jesus words here in these verses. Oh, the words are still there and they are true, but it is so difficult for us to follow, that we just pretend they don’t exist. And, if for a moment you think, “well, as a pastor, you should be the one to obey it.” Or, “as a pastor, you should make us follow the words of Jesus!” Right. That’s worked so well over the past couple thousand years.

These are the rules of faith and behavior as BELIEVERS, as followers of Jesus. We all have the responsibility to listen and obey. This is another reason we have so many problems and issues within the church. This is why we lack unity – because we lack obedience to the Lord’s commands. We have 40,000+ denominations, all fractured and fragmented because we don’t follow the rules of restoration! Instead of obeying the words of Jesus, we have dysfunctional workarounds, subverting God’s will. We triangulate (securing others for our case and cause) and gossip, spreading poison and infecting others. We stay in our churches holding onto bitterness, grudges and un-reconciled relationships. OR, we pickup our spiritual toys and move to another church to start the process all over again. It’s embarrassing! All because I won’t tell you privately, you sinned against me – you hurt me, and I love you and God enough, to tell you. We can do better, right? I know… It starts with me.

Prayer

​Dad,
What can I say? I’m horrible at this. This is so difficult to practice. I have excused my lack of faith and obedience in this area for far too long. Forgive me. Help me, not just hear your Word, but obey it! Amen.

Posted on

Jesus’ little brother pulls no punches.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?” ‭‭James‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

You don’t want to belief-spar with James, Jesus’ brother. He watched the gospel become the fulfillment of God’s plan from the inside out. What was it like being the little brother to Jesus? Did Jesus prank James? Hide dead bugs in his bed? Tell Mary what James was really up to at a “friend’s house”? James didn’t believe his brother was the Messiah until after the resurrection! Did James seriously think Jesus was holding out for the long con?

I’ve often thought about James’ book and it’s hard-hitting, guilt-triggering truth! James grew up watching Jesus say a lot of stuff about God and about himself. But I can tell, James also watched Jesus physically follow through with every one of his beliefs, sermons and promises. Jesus said what he was going to do and he did it! There’s an old axiom that actions speak louder than words, I can guarantee, Jesus lived a very loud life.

James’ crystal-clear clarity message: faith absolutely translates into behavior. And if it doesn’t… it’s a dead, worthless faith to hold on to. “So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.” James‬ ‭2‬:‭17‬. Ouch! James also speaks the truth, calling out the nonsense between conservative and liberal practics. Conservatives say, it’s what you think, believe and talk about. Liberals say, it’s what you do, live, rally and physically take part in. One gives money, the other gives time. I know that’s exaggerated, but either way – James declares, it’s both and! He writes, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” Nonsense – James says.

This connection, this necessity, is so vital that James compares the air in our lungs to the requirement of life itself, writing, “Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.” Good works, applying the truths and principles of God’s Word through service, love and behavioral application is the very air of our faith.

This challenges me to constantly translate what I read, hear and learn from the Bible directly into obedience and action. If I spend my life only hearing, only reading, only listening to Bible preachers and podcasts and never DO WHAT IT SAYS, Jesus himself said, I’ve just built a really nice life completely on the sand! First storm and it all comes crashing down. Faith without works becomes the curse of a shabby build, maybe it looks pretty but it’s not sustainably secure.

Prayer

Dad,
So the real struggle here is not how much of your Word I can quote and cram into my brain, it’s how much of your Word can I apply, can I obey, can I put to work to change my behavior, get my hands dirty in serving – right? Am I missing something? I love Your Word! It didn’t just save me it SAVES me. I love learning more about you, your character, your will, your ways. But if I am not careful to work out obedience and service seeing physical changes in my behavior, then what happens to your Living Word in my heart and life? If I don’t yield, doesn’t my heart harden? If I don’t obey, doesn’t it turn bitter in my soul? There seems to be a stern warning about how I handle the Word of truth, letting it work in me and through me rather than just storing up quotable knowledge like a spiritual wikipedia. Help me yield, obey, change and put your Word to work! Amen.

Posted on

Shhhh – God’s working in me.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In these sets of contrarian vignettes of comparison, Jesus weighs in on the top religious behaviors of the day. Those who have, what they believe is a rich physical and spiritual life, seem to be flaunting their superiority.

It’s always a humorous expression to try to “out-god” God himself. Religious folks ought to remember, God sees all and knows all. Meaning, He sees not only the acts of “pholiness” (fake holiness), but also the heart motivations behind the scenes. No matter the grand expression, God is almost exclusively impressed with the movement of our soul.

The striking, blatant, dark comedy on the ancient streets that day was this; as the hypocrites (a theater term btw) parade their generosity with great fanfare, they do so right in front of God standing right there in the common crowd! Jesus, who would give everything, his reputation, possessions (which was minimal), and life would not be celebrated with trumpets but with a morbid mix of cheers, jeers, wailing and shrieking. Jesus good deed was indeed public, but it was not admired by others, it was despised!

Most, if not all giving of money or service or kindnesses, should be done so in secret. It’s like one hand is demonstrably waving at a friend, while the other hand is slipping some needy person a Franklin. I love Jesus’ closing remark, “and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” You see that? Is it really about a reward at all? The hired Mariachi band maybe your earthly reward when you give obviously, but what’s the heavenly reward when giving in secret? I don’t know.

Here’s what I do know. When I emulate something good I exclusively learned from my Father (God), I honor him and it’s incredibly rewarding. When I see my own adult children doing something good they learned from myself or their mother – well it’s is rapturously joyful! When I give, I am modeling my Father’s character, His will and desires. That’s plenty of reward for me because shockingly, I see that salvation and sanctification are actually working in me!

Prayer

Dad,
In so many ways, I can hardly remember the person I used to be. Sure, I see flashes of dark shadows as sin continues to try to resurrect and control me. But in so many other ways, I see the light and love of your Spirit molding a new me. In this area of generosity, it has been such a remarkable journey. It’s not super scientific, but I feel that I have proven to myself that I can’t out-give you! In so many ways beyond money, it’s been a pleasure to grow in gifts that you are so good at – grace, mercy and generosity. Thank you.

Posted on

The Magnanimous Gift!

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭8‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭ESV‬‬

[WARNING: This contains theological controversy]

Who knew this little verse in Proverbs and this one little word, in this verse, would have such controversy and division surrounding it. You may have never heard of Arian or the “Arian Heresy.” However, this one verse and one particular word in this verse gave cause for some to believe that Jesus was less than the Father and it was a teaching that attempted to dismantled the three-in-one or trinitarian understanding of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Here in the ESV translation, the word, “qanah: to get, acquire” is translated “possessed.” “The Lord possessed me at the beginning.” The problem is the Greek Septuagint (Hebrew to Greek translation) wrote it as ἔκτισεν” which can also be translated as “created” or “formed.” The more simple NLT translation, sadly uses the word “formed.” A first century theologian named, Arian, chose to see the translation as “created.” Another theologian, Aquila, stood his ground and translated it as “possessed.” Arian the took this translation, along with some words from John 1:1 and built an entire belief system that still exists in cults today – that Jesus was a created being and far less than God himself. Arian’s own Bishop Alexander of Alexandria met with him and told him this was an unacceptable translation/interpretation of this verse and other passages of scripture. He was in error and Alexander tried to prove to him that if Christ is not God himself then there was no perfection of sacrifice for our sins and the whole gospel would be reduced to works alone and not by grace! You see the same lie living in modern cults today – one must EARN salvation.

This controversial persistence on Arian’s part, caused the second major council meeting of leadership. The First Council of Nicaea (325), I say second, because Acts 15 is really considered to be the first council (meeting) of leadership. As a basic common declaration of what Christian’s believe, the Nicene Creed is still taught, quoted and recognized as “orthodox” (correct). Arianism was declared heretical and forced it to be dismissed as the way or teachings of Jesus.

Not knowing the controversy behind this one verse is actually helpful, because we are able to take in the full power and beauty of this personification of Jesus depicted as wisdom. The word, “before,” is used in an escalation of scope pertaining to EVERYTHING that wisdom predates and sits in judgement over.

“Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth.” Read Proverbs 8:23-29 yourself and just grasp the magnitude of all that wisdom can offer us. Then listen again as she woos those who lack her gifts, “And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful. Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it.”‭‭

Prayer

Dad,
It is some seriously dark comedy to see what we have been able to do to Your Word. We’ve broken it, we’ve bent it, manipulated it and flat out misrepresented it! How can you even put up with us and our evil ways? No wonder you search the whole earth just looking for a few righteous. The rest of us are using your Word – your living, eternal Word to start own own religions, or make ourselves rich, famous and powerful. What is wrong with us? I have a hard time wrapping my mind around how patient you are with us. Honestly, I am embarrassed to think about how we want to warp something so good, so pure and make it into some cheap gimmick to gain such a temporary advantage over others. Shame on us, this is NOT wisdom, this is NOT the way. Your wisdom is not only beautiful it’s right, just and true… always.

Posted on

Liberty and justice for all.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. He will bring justice to all who have been wronged. He will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth. Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭42‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Isaiah describes the future Messiah who comes to liberate and bring justice to the nations, to ALL who have been wronged. And this revolutionary will do so not by war cries or violently crushing those who are weak and unable to rise up to fight or follow. The conqueror and promised savior will come to restore bruised reeds, to fan the flickering flames of oil light that are struggling to remain lit. The coming messiah sounds more like a red cross volunteer than he does a tank commander.

It is with this drive to both bring true justice for all and this extremely delicate care of mercy that allows him to continue to move through the war torn battlefields of humanity never leaving the wounded, disenfranchised or hopeless behind.

The Messiah will accomplish the mission of saving all who wish to be saved. The NIV translation gives us the tiny little Hebrew word for coastlands or island (אִי ) and tell us in that in his teachings, instructions or law that “even the Coastlands will put their hope.” Isaiah saw the prophetic picture not only of the future results of the Messiah’s justice, but somehow he saw how that tender message of hope would reach the furthest points on our globe. Places like Cuba, Fiji, Ireland, Jamaica, Philippines, Japan or Hawaii. There are some who believe that includes all cities on the coast of their countries. This would mean states like New York, California, Florida and Washington!

Isaiah foresaw the Messiah finishing his work of justice until it is set up or established throughout the earth! Christ’s death was payment for the price of freedom, and it was His resurrection that guaranteed that He and He alone had the power to bring about justice for all. Here’s the hard part, there is no true justice without sound and thorough judgment. No qualified judge let’s wrongdoers escape accountability. There is no justice for those who will not submit to God’s judgment. And since the judgment of God, His wrath towards eradicating sin, is accomplished through Jesus, His only and perfect son. The only way to justice is through Jesus himself. It just so happens that the only real liberty and justice for all is not in a pledge of allegiance to a country’s flag, it’s in Christ and Christ alone.

Prayer

Dad,
I feel the ache of those who seek justice through so many causes, campaigns, slogans and celebrities. They will never find true justice in any of them. Not only do I believe Jesus to be the one and only promised Messiah, I believe Him to be the only one capable of bringing real judgement and justice, real liberty and freedom for all. I have experienced that freedom in my own life. And, I have grown to only trust you more, not less. I have decided to pursue your way and not my own. I just want all those who ache for justice to see the day it is fulfilled in you, through Jesus. Pour out your Spirit once again. Breath on us once again. Let the people of the coastlands put their hope in you!

Posted on

Holy Reintroductions.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“The Lord replied to Moses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name.” Moses responded, “Then show me your glorious presence.” The Lord replied, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.” ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭33‬:‭17‬-‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This name of God is incredibly mysterious and intimate. Names have always been significant to me. It bothers me when parents choose their children’s names flippantly, as if their own children were the brunt of a joke or an attempt to make an outlandish statement to everyone that hears it. I feel sorry for today’s teachers having to learn complicated names and strange spellings of names because parents want to be uniquely cute. Hey moms and dads… it’s NOT about you so stop selfishly screwing up your child from day one!

Names have and hold honor or conversely horrible reputations. Moses (to draw out) repeatedly said, “God you know my name,” which alone is a powerful concept. Of course God knows his name! But when one knows that God knows your name and calls out your name is an experience beyond words.

God’s voice, was and is distinctly recognizable, Adam and Eve heard it in the garden (Gen 3:5). And Moses wrote that the couple heard the “voice of the LORD God.” Here, in Hebrew, Moses uses a doubling effect of God’s name, “אֱלֹהִ֑ים יְהוָֹה” elohim Yhvh – Jehovah God. Yhvh means I Am, I be (hayah). Earlier in Exodus 3, God had told Moses who was sending him to Pharoah to demand the release of His people. God said, “tell them “Yhvh” has sent me to you.” Here, many years later, in a much more personal, relational context, Moses pleads with God to STAY. God tells Moses, I will pass before you and speak my name – Yahweh. The Jewish people mistakenly treated God’s name so holy for fear that they would break law #3. They did not want to accidentally take God’s name in vain or be careless so decided they would never speak His name. They strictly forbid anyone from saying or even writing God’s name and forever used a shortcut to refer to Him – the vowels in God’s name were removed and we were left with Yhvh. Scholars best guess, putting the most likely vowels back in use, “Yahweh” or pronounced “Jehovah.”

The point of this dialog with Moses is that God WANTS to be known. God wants us to call out His name! One of most poignant moments in the New Testament is when the religious leaders started forcing Jesus to reveal who he was, only to trap him in what they considered to be blasphemy and they asked him in John 8:56-59, “Who do you think you are?” Jesus replied, “before Abraham was, I am,” our translations use the Greek equivalent to the Hebrew word “eimi: I exist, I am.” Jesus spoke the forbidden use of God’s name and insisted it is not blasphemy if he is in fact THE person of that highly secretive word! God knows our name. God wants us, like the couple in the garden, like Abram, like Moses, even like Lazarus, to hear and recognize his voice and talk with Him.

Prayer

Dad,
Abba, Father, God – I want to know you more. I know you know my name and I want to not only know your name, but everything about you. I want to bear and reflect your name in and through my own life, giving You glory and honor and praise in how I live, how I love. Thank you for your amazing grace to transform my life into something beautiful.

Posted on

Simply BELIEVE.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him. A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4‬:‭18‬-‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus was tempted, went home for a bit, then headed to Galilee, fulfilling another one of Isaiah’s (Isa 9:1-2) prophetic words about the messiah. Matthew was tracking his movements.

Then he immediately began his mission, preaching repentance and the coming Kingdom of God. But Jesus did not do this alone, he quickly enlisted a team around him. Four fishermen (Peter, Andrew, Big James and John) right there on the shores of Galilee. The rest of the twelve, Thomas, Nathaniel and Philip may have also worked as fishermen. Matthew was a tax collector, a Jewish sell-out working for Rome. Simon was a revolutionary, maybe a secret political terrorist of sorts. Judas may have been an accountant, but was know for thievery (John said he stole from their own ministry account Jn 12:6) and little James and Jude (no occupation mentioned).

The point is, Jesus specifically went after twelve. It is said that 70 followed, 12 were discipled but only 3 were mentored. Jesus spent a lot of time with the 12, but pulled the 3 aside to reveal/expose to them the heart and mission of what He was called to do. They were eye witnesses and STILL had doubts, fears and struggles. They lived with, ate with, travelled with Jesus and still had difficulty reconciling their faith with what they were experiencing! The twelve were first experiencers and responders and doubters all at the same time.

Jesus said something profound to Thomas AFTER his resurrection, after coming back from the dead. Thomas watched Jesus live, watched him die and physically stood in front of him after his resurrection and was forever tagged with the nickname, “the doubter!” Are you kidding, every single one of those who gathered after the resurrection were doubters until they saw Jesus with their own eyes! Jesus told Thomas the shocking truth. Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” John‬ ‭20‬:‭29‬. That’s us folks! We are the believers WITHOUT seeing what Jesus closest friends and family experienced. Why? Because in very much God’s way, he has come to each one of us as individuals and called us out – out of darkness into light. Out of slavery into freedom. Out of professions and a past into a purpose and a task. We have seen because Jesus has shown himself to us and we believe and declare just like Thomas and the others, “my Lord and my God!” It is by faith we believe and we are happy (blessed) because of it. Come in closer than the seventy. Come in closer still, more than than the twelve. Come into to be mentored by Jesus and let him reveal and expose his mission to you and through you!

Prayer

Dad,
I believe. I am blessed because I have not physically stood before Jesus and thrust my hands in his hands and side. I am blessed because you made yourself real to me and that experience changed me forever. That moment is undeniable. I don’t care what happens in all the nonsense of religiosity and polity of Church. I don’t care about the controversies surrounding the famous platform pastors and the heresy wars among the christian elite. I don’t care about the cultural lies and subterfuge suppression of truth. I know what I know because you showed yourself to me, bid me to come, called me to your mission and I BELIEVE!