Tag: power

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With you it’s different.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world Lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. ‭‭Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭42‬-‭45‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus said, you know that those recognized to “archó,” to rule over the “ethnos,” a race, the nations (usually referring to unbelieving Gentiles, non-Jews), do so in two ways; they “katastrēniáō,” exercise lordship or dominion over, and they “eksousiázō,” exercise authority or wield power over. Using dominion and power to gain compliance. It’s a very common and effective way to force people to do things against their will. Jesus then told his disciples, “however, it should not be among you.”

Jesus noted that in this world there is a prevalent leadership model that uses hierarchy and power to achieve results. Sometimes it’s good results, sometimes it bad. James and John had asked Jesus to grant them this opportunity to lead with position and power by placing them at the right and left hand of his throne. They still expected Jesus to become the messianic king of Israel. Thus, James and John were asking for positions or titles of authority in this earthly kingdom.

In a very teachable moment, Jesus asked the brothers if they truly knew what they were asking. Then he asked them a rhetorical question (a rhetorical question is asked to make a point or emphasize something, not to get an actual answer), ”Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?” Still thinking Jesus was referring to the struggles of leading a revolution, the brothers replied “Oh yes, we are able!” Then completely reorienting their ideals of taking over Rome, Jesus said to them, that it’s not up to him, and they will indeed suffer. But, more importantly, Jesus makes his point – they are to be completely different kinds of leaders. Jesus strongly says, “It will NOT be with you!” Referring to how Rome governs people.

Jesus followers are not to lead from high status, but of low. They are not to wield power by controlling, but by serving. Is there such a thing as low, servanthood leadership? Jesus clarified that in His kingdom as the Son of man, he came to serve not to be served. He came to give His life as ransom-money to free slaves! Jesus modeled the leadership qualities he expected of his followers.

A simple observation, James and John felt comfortable enough to ask Jesus about the seating arrangements in his kingdom. The other disciples were incensed, but instead, Jesus engaged them with a question, not immediately giving an answer. Does the Holy Spirit still respond to our questions like this? Not immediately answering the question but sending us off on a journey of curiosity and discovery. A great question is a teacher’s delight because it means the student is hungry to learn!

As a Pastor/teacher I believe people should ask questions. And, I am sure they want answers. I have to refrain from thinking these questions come from places of doubt or manipulation. I get too defensive thinking it’s just a trap, like the religious leaders of Jesus’ day. Even then Jesus enjoyed answering with one of his own questions! James and John may have been asking for positions of power, but Jesus was able to use it for a teachable moment – but for you it’s different.

Prayer

​Dad,
I should not be so surprised when I see Jesus using such powerful, patient words to cut through the pretense of the moment and engage people in truth. It’s like He knows us because He is the creator of all things! I get so defensive when I feel cornered, trapped or manipulated, it’s hard to think straight. Yet, Jesus was always looking for ways to engage our hearts and cause deep change within our soul and spirit. It is such a beautiful moment to read these real stories and watch the Master at work. Thank you for your grace and mercy, your patience and love in catching on to what you want us to see and do likewise. Amen.

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Wisdom’s Worth.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

So I decided to compare wisdom with foolishness and madness (for who can do this better than I, the king?). I thought, “Wisdom is better than foolishness, just as light is better than darkness. For the wise can see where they are going, but fools walk in the dark.” Yet I saw that the wise and the foolish share the same fate. ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Solomon, the wise, goes off on a grand social experiment, a comparison of value. Which is better wisdom or foolishness? This would be the headline of the day. This is how one spends their great understanding and ability? To me it clearly smacks of arrogance, entitlement and narcissism! And, Solomon seemingly brags about it writing, “who else can do this but a king?” Again, yes, yes, yes, the end of the book resolves all the dilemmas and tensions, but wow this is tough to admire such a waste of power and authority.

Solomon explores foolishness so we don’t have to? Is that the lesson? His experiment is flawed and his conclusions are wrong. His assumption is that the wise and foolish share the same fate. IE, they both die? Remember at the beginning of this chapter, he explores pleasure as a means of finding meaning. Here, he explores the idea of foolishness, abasing himself to the lowest of all human experiences that Proverbs describes as the worst of evils – being a fool.

How could wisdom possibly lead Solomon to even attempt this research? We are privy to the details of his folly, but his conclusions are seriously flawed. Solomon writes, Both will die. So I said to myself, “Since I will end up the same as the fool, what’s the value of all my wisdom? This is all so meaningless!” For the wise and the foolish both die. The wise will not be remembered any longer than the fool. In the days to come, both will be forgotten.” Yes, both the wise and the fool live and yes, they both die. That’s a fact. However, he misses the fact that a life of wisdom (or foolishness) influences all those around him.

We are not alone, isolated to the consequences of our own choices! Our lives have an impact on those around us, namely those closest to us. A wise life leaves an impression a legacy for those who follow! A foolish life leaves a wake of disparity and waves of regret. Our family, our friends our neighbors have to deal with the grief, the debt, the consequences of our failures. A foolish life is not meaningless, it is detrimentally devastating for those left behind! And what about the wise life? It too is not lived in isolation nor obscurity. Wisdom leaves a legacy of gold, honor, esteem, dignity and sound reputation. The wise life is not meaningless, it is foundational platform for a worthy life for those left behind.

And, what about eternity, perpetuity? Does foolishness or wisdom have consequences beyond death? Solomon miscalculates that neither the wise nor the fool will be remembered. Oddly enough, the historical irony is that Solomon was well remembered for both! The teacher needed to be schooled on this fact. Our lives, our very existence has huge significance and consequences well into eternity. Our existence, lived to the best of our ability means we desire to step up to what we have been given and bring to God a healthy return on His investment in us. “To whom much is given, much is required,” isn’t just a Bible verse (Luke 12:48) it is an eternal truth operating in the Kingdom of God. It’s the real life application of the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14–30). There are absolutely rewards, given in heaven, for the choices, our deeds, here on earth. And, for sure it’s not monetary! I believe the rewards, the crown Paul speaks of in 1 Thessalonians 2:19, are the influences on people to assist a soul’s eternal decisions for God – the crown is people.

The point is, the fool’s rewards are no way similar to the wise! What do I learn from this book and the wisest man of ancient days? All wisdom, given by God himself, separated from an authentic, thriving relationship with God will bring or cause an unsettled heart. The lack of a life lived, “fearing God and obeying his commands,” means that there will still be a longing, an unfulfilled yearning. No one, nothing can fill that void that solely belongs to God.

Prayer

Dad,
What is wisdom without you? What is health, wealth, power or influence without your presence? It is an emptiness that I do not wish to experience! I have my little trips to fulfill my soul-aches, to satisfy my disappointments or distress, none of them can replace what only you can give – true comfort, real peace! Wisdom is worthless without you. For you are my life, your Word my daily bread. Amen.

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Seeking pure pleasure.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

So I became greater than all who had lived in Jerusalem before me, and my wisdom never failed me. Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors. But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere. ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Sure, why not? The wealthiest, wisest human on the planet spins the wheel of life and looks for something, anything to satisfy his craving for meaning. No wonder few wander into the book of the teacher. It’s hard to posi-spin his opening volley, “Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!” It is so much easier to jump to the end when Solomon discovers that God is the only one who makes sense. AFTER you’ve read the whole book, look up Ecclesiastes‬ ‭12‬:‭13‬-‭14‬.

What does the teacher seek right from the start? Pleasure. In his own words he tells us, he has everything he needs to make all his dreams come true, so why shouldn’t he just go for it? He’s the king and can make it happen. Solomon does write a positive thought before kicking off his pursuits, “Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” Here’s some of the things Solomon pleasurely pursued.

▪️“Laughter, then wine,” clutching at foolishness. Nope, he finds no meaning.
▪️“Building huge homes, planting beautiful vineyards, making gardens and parks, filling them with all kinds of fruit trees. Building reservoirs to collect the water to irrigate my many flourishing groves.” Great idea. Did it work? No.
▪️Buying people – ”Buying slaves, both men and women, and others were born into my household. Acquiring large herds and flocks.” Still no meaning.
▪️ “Making great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces?” No.
▪️ “Hiring wonderful singers, both men and women.” No.
▪️ “Acquiring many beautiful concubines.” No.

Solomon admitted he had everything a man could desire. But did he find what he was looking for? Was he happy, was he satisfied, was his life fulfilling and full of meaning? No! Anyone reading this list might think, “well it didn’t work for Solomon, but it might work for me?” That would be foolishness upon foolishness to not learn from the wisest person in ancient days.

The teacher’s conclusion is that although there were rewards for his labors (building things), it still left him empty. Like he had just chased the wind. His search, his pursuits did not yield what he suspected he would find. Honestly, I think deep down he knew he was looking in the wrong place. The teacher’s search continues for the next ten chapters. It’s all kind of depressing until you get to the end. Still it’s a good read. Isn’t it interesting that Solomon chose to pursue pleasure first? Is that what you would seek if you had all the money, time and power you needed to make it happen? It left him empty. It would leave us empty as well. It is not a worthy pursuit and all who have gained it will tell you, it DID NOT WORK.

Prayer

​Dad,
Before I even had a chance to think about how I would build my own life, you were there to offer me real life and real meaning. For the longest time, money scared me. I saw what little my parents had and how easily my Dad would drink it away. I never wanted the allure of what money could provide, nor did I want the responsibility of understanding how it worked. At forty years old you began to teach me about generosity rather than gain and I’ve been happily allowing you to guide our finances ever since. Thank you! Amen.

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Experience and the examined soul.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Then all the tribes of Israel went to David at Hebron and told him, “We are your own flesh and blood. In the past, when Saul was our king, you were the one who really led the forces of Israel. And the Lord told you, ‘You will be the shepherd of my people Israel. You will be Israel’s leader.’” So there at Hebron, King David made a covenant before the Lord with all the elders of Israel. And they anointed him king of Israel. David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in all. He had reigned over Judah from Hebron for seven years and six months, and from Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah for thirty-three years. ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Coming into power and authority too quickly can be detrimental to a leader and those who follow. David spent much of his young life learning how to care for and protect the family sheep. When the sheep went out to pasture, there were weeks that David would be on his own. He learned most of his vital lessons being a shepherd, a veterinarian, a musician and a warrior. David was also skilled in writing poems and songs while living under God’s big sky with miles of country hills.

The prophet Samuel had secretly anointed David as the future king while he was just a teenager. And David got his first big break when word got out that he was an excellent guitar player, well more like a harpist, ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭16‬:‭18‬. His faith and somewhat exaggerated confidence landed him a confrontation with a Gathean mercenary conscripted by the Philistines – the giant, Goliath! So at the age of about 15 years old he became super famous. It didn’t hurt that Saul had offered his daughter’s hand in marriage and the family’s tax free life to the person who defeated the Philistine champion ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭17‬:‭25‬. David even led several successful campaigns on behalf of Saul and became the commander of Saul’s armies.

However, because God had abandoned Saul and he was loosing his grip on reality, things turned ugly on young David, now about 20 years old. For anywhere from 8-10 years, David spent his life on the run. From being a legend to becoming an outlaw, was a struggle for David. He used those times growing closer to God, and writing about his darkest moments in the Psalms. By the time he finally became king over Israel, David had all the highs and lows of notoriety, infamy, and contempt. But as he was hiding and dodging Saul all those years, God was further developing David’s character.

As you are well aware, by the time David was about 50-55 years old he got Bathsheba (22-25 yrs old) pregnant and had her husband murdered and in battle. What happened to all that character development? When things got easy, did David get soft and morally weak. One clue is in Samuel, where he writes, “In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites.” Being that David’s warrior years and his thirst for conquest and victory had subsided. It turned into wandering around on the roof of the palace after taking a midday NAP! This midlife-misstep cost him the kingdom, his own family and his reputation of being the man after God’s own heart. God wouldn’t even let him build the temple (which God didn’t want nor need by the way) because David’s hands were just too bloody.

What an extraordinary life though. So many lessons in life and leadership. So many deep concepts about God and so much self awareness to be gleaned from the writings about David. What can we learn from all of it? Certainly there is a lot of leadership lessons to be learned in different seasons of one’s own life.

Prayer

​Dad,
There is SO MUCH to learn from David’s life! I read these stories when I was young and it was fascinating and conflicting. Now that I am old, it is very different. From the angst of youth and proving oneself, to the wisdom and nurturing of a solid legacy to leave for children and grandchildren. Finishing well is just about all I think about these days. It’s not about me, it’s about the lives that you have placed in my care, in my capacity to lead. This is what becomes valuable in this season. Experience? Yes, but definitely with an examined soul! Amen.

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The Haunting of Truth.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Herod Antipas, the king, soon heard about Jesus, because everyone was talking about him. Some were saying, “This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead. That is why he can do such miracles.” Others said, “He’s the prophet Elijah.” Still others said, “He’s a prophet like the other great prophets of the past.” When Herod heard about Jesus, he said, “John, the man I beheaded, has come back from the dead. ‭‭Mark‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Just the mere mention of the miracles that Jesus had performed spooked the Roman officials. Herod was a 1st-century ruler (tetrarch) of Galilee and Perea. His father, Herod the Great, was responsible for ordering the Massacre of the Innocents in Bethlehem. Herod Antipas had tremendous political, economical and social power in his day. As a Roman ruler he did whatever pleased him, like divorcing his first wife Phasa’el, and marrying Herodias, who had formerly been married to his half-brother Herod II.

Surprisingly Herod and John the Baptist had an interesting relationship. Mark comments that Herod “respected John; and knowing that he was a good and holy man, he protected him. Herod was greatly disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him” (6‬:‭20‬). It was in these conversations that John must have confronted Herod about his decision to marry.

We often talk about religion mixing with politics and how we should not judge non-believers in their choices, but John the Baptist did not subscribe to that AT ALL. John had extraordinary access to a top Roman official and Herod respected the relationship. John was very outspoken about the marriage and everyone knew he pointed the finger at Herod regularly pointing out his sin saying, “It is against God’s law for you to marry your brother’s wife (6‬:‭18‬).”

But who was offended by this “truth spoken to power?” It wasn’t Herod. It was Herod’s new, also newly empowered wife! Herod had to be tricked into killing John. Herodias was the offended one and she couldn’t stand someone being critical of the king! She wielded her own power, convincing Herod to take action, “For Herod had sent soldiers to arrest and imprison John as a favor to Herodias” (6‬:‭17‬). Eventually scheming and manipulating a plan to have his head on a platter!

Herod saw something similarly convicting in the news of Jesus. Herod believed that the same spirit of John the Baptist came to haunt him through this rabbi, Jesus! Does God haunt our wickedness with truth? God was after Herod, just like He pursues every other broken human being! When Jesus was arrested in the garden, twelve hours before his death, he was sent to Pilate. Remember Pilate wanted nothing to do with Jesus, knowing that he was innocent. So Pilate handed him over to Herod Antipas. But what did Herod do… he sent Jesus back to Pilate’s court. Herod was not going to put another truth whisperer to death!

God doesn’t just work on and in the least of these, He also comes to the powerful and the proud, haunting them with truth. No one escapes the love and truth of God’s pursuit. It’s the human heart that turns, ignores or denies God.

Prayer

​Dad,
I am grateful that you pursue us. You are not hidden from those who seek. You are not hidden from those who want truth, justice and peace. You come after all of us and I am so glad you came after me! I pray you help us wield the power of Your truth, not as a weapon of judgment, but as an instrument of mercy. Amen.

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David’s Hit Country Western Song.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good! God looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one! ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭53‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It is believed that this Psalm was written by David while he was king of Israel. A few interesting things about this Psalm.

One: The most notable… is that this was a song – A SONG! The mysterious instrument was a Mahalath. It was possibly some kind of guitar. And, a couple of fairly infamous people were named Mahalath – Ishmael’s daughter and third wife of Esau ( Genesis 28:9 ), Isaac’s granddaughter! Also the name of David’s own son (Jerimoth). She was one of Rehoboam’s wives ( 2 Chronicles 11:18 ).

Two: This Psalm shows up twice in the book of Psalms (14 & 53).

Three: These Psalms became popular while Israel was in captivity under Babylon’s rule. Ezra brought it out of the archives of David’s writings and introduced it to the nation, his people, while they were king-less, leader-less and in a foreign land.

But just look at the words of this song that people actually sang while in the lowest of circumstances. It totally reminds me of a “woe is me, country-western” song. I’m sure it was a big hit during its day! David starts the song with a strong theme – “only the fool.” This word for fool is “nabel,” the most evil of fools mentioned in Proverbs. Nabel is the bent and seriously broken fool whose heart has completely been given to evil and the destruction of others. It’s a great, cryptic, rally-cry to declare the kings, the Nebuchadnezzar’s of Babylon to be these most evil fools.

The Israelites were living among the most wealthy, powerful, world conquerors of the ancient days. David sings of God’s perspective of all the might and influence of the nations during his own day – God searches for wisdom among the nations and finds NONE. And it sounds so fitting for the captives of the great Babylon to sing this as their own top song on the playlist. I imagine they gathered together while symbolically “crying in their beer,” finding solace and comfort in the fact that God would have the last word for the evil fools who blatantly, boastfully declare there is no God!

Babylons will rise, but all of them will eventually fall. This Psalm is perfect for the lament of our own soul when we look around and see evil flourishing while wisdom and common sense are fleeting. Thanks David! Play it one more time.

Prayer

​Dad,
These Psalms are timeless as reminders and even comfort when our world feels very much like the evil fools in charge are getting away with so much. Sadly, we have even declared a whole month to celebrate our own arrogance! David’s song, his lament, rings loud and clear even today. I pray as you look out over the human hearts today, that you would find pockets of wisdom, places of good. I know you will have the final word – and it will be just, right and true. Amen.

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Duplicity of praise with disobedience.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart! Wake up, lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song. I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations. For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth. ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭108‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This Psalm, likely written by Solomon, or at least, about him, describes facing a new day, with faith and hope that God would give Israel victory over Edom.

Interestingly enough, God was responsible for “stirring” this once defeated country to attack Israel because Solomon wasn’t obedient to God. A few verses out Kings 11 give the context: “As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been.” And, “So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the LORD; he did not follow the LORD completely, as David his father had done.” So God raised up an old enemy of Solomon’s father, David.

God allowed a once defeated country (Edom) to not only be revived, but come back to discipline Solomon for his disobedience, because “The LORD was very angry with Solomon, for his heart had turned away from the LORD.” Yet, this is Solomon’s prayer even still! Even in disobedience and leading Israel back into idolatry, Solomon wakes up one day with a confidence of hope!

Solomon was old and near the end of his life at this time, and did not live long enough to see God take the 10 tribes of Israel and give them to Jeroboam, a once trusted industrious, mighty man of valor. As we know Jeroboam was not obedient to God either. This was the beginning of the end of the 10 “lost” tribes of Israel.

This Psalm captures an odd sense of extraordinary faith and praise to God, that was beautiful in words but empty in practice. Can we extol and praise the goodness and greatness of God with our words, yet neglect the simplicity of obedience? Can God receive our praise even when we are living a life of disobedience? Apparently the duplicity in the human heart allows for both! Solomon woke up that morning with eloquent words and bright hope for his future, but his days ended in shame and the loss of Israel as a unified nation.

Prayer

​Dad,
It is disheartening to see a full circle view, a complete family cycle of one of the most beloved and wise leaders of your people. This was always a dilemma for me. Solomon, the wisest of wise with the most amazingly humble heart as a young man, but fame, power and wealth still caused him to turn from you and follow fake gods! Of course this directly points to the fact that none of us are perfect and all of us are sin consumed and needing Jesus. But, these are such sad stories, that could bring a sense of hopelessness. My only hope is not how I can be perfect or live some kind of apparent “perfect” life, but that my heart, my soul and strength are set on you and you alone. My life, my trust is in you. You are the priority of my soul! Amen.

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The Boast of Nations.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Now I know that the Lord rescues his anointed king. He will answer him from his holy heaven and rescue him by his great power. Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God. Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm. Give victory to our king, O Lord! Answer our cry for help. ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭20‬:‭6‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

King David writes this Psalm after achieving some miraculous victories over a few enemy nations, the Ammonites and Syrians. A main adversary, Hadadezer, had battled with Israel several times, but finally when this General fell, there was a long season of peace. 1 Samuel 10:19, “When all the kings allied with Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they surrendered to Israel and became their subjects. After that, the Arameans were afraid to help the Ammonites.”

Israel had become powerful enough to accomplish peace in the entire region. David writes this Psalm, not to acknowledge his military might or ability – NO! David, as an experienced warrior recognized that Israel’s victories were because of the God they served. And, with a certain amount of humility David writes, “the Lord rescues his anointed king.” Then, he very poetically pens these famous words that would be quoted many times over in times of uncertainty – some nations boast of their chariots and horses… David knew that God had favored him and it was useless to pretend it was because of some amazing number chariots and horses.

Samuel mentions at one point that David had captured a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers and twenty thousand foot soldiers. There is no doubt that David had a massive arsenal of weapons and soldiers to go with them – maybe multiple times the number he captured. So, as the apex warrior of the ancient world, David knew how many chariots, horses, men, spears and swords he had in his massive army. But here in the Psalms he admits, it wasn’t his accomplishments, it was God’s victories and to boast in anything else would be foolish.

David’s success as a warrior would eventually prevent him from building a “home for God,” the temple. God said David’s hands were too bloody, and they were! (1 Chronicles 28:3). But here, David gives high praise and acknowledgement of God’s protection and fulfillment of promise to David and his legacy.

Prayer

​Dad,
Throughout our human history you have had rulers, kings and presidents rise to and fall from power. Some, you promoted and put in place, some you allowed to reign and wield their authority in wild and wicked ways. These rulers, mostly men, have been a mystery as to why some have been allowed to use and abuse their charisma and influence over nations. Whether we have good or godly leaders or tyrants and narcissistic, it is hard to understand your will and your ways through their time in power. The cycles of good or bad rising and falling continue to frustrate us. However, even though I do not understand, I do trust you. Even when I cannot see the reason, nor its end, I have faith in you and know that you are always just, true and right. Amen.

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Wisdom or Weakness.

Reading Time: 4 minutes

When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The Apostle Paul reminds the churches in Corinth that he didn’t show up to impress them with wisdom. Rather, Paul showed up with humility. What gifted orator would show up and hide their greatest gift? Paul would. And, he did. I am reminded that Paul gave more of his authentic self than he did his authoritative self. Paul had the credentials in both top level learning, having been trained by the best of the best rabbi’s – Gamaliel. However, Paul’s body bore the credentials of an outcast, a rebel and persecution – just read 2 Cor. 11:16+!

The interesting thing about Paul’s teaching approach to the Corinthians, is that Corinth is was oozing with wisdom, learning and endless philosophical debates. Mars Hill was known for its impromptu gatherings of the sharpest minds in the Roman Empire. It would be like pastoring in Berkeley, Boston or New Jersey. Contrarily, Paul did not come to impress, he came to empower. Corinth didn’t need another windbag, brainiac. The city needed someone who LIVED the gospel, not just knew it.

It’s the struggle with the old churches in the United States today – filled with knowledge about God, but limited in the behavior of a Spirit-filled, Spirit-led people. Paul knew the churches didn’t need better lectures they needed better examples of the godly life. Paul would purposely forget everything except Jesus and his crucifixion. Jesus dying in this manner of a criminal and not using the power of God for his own will and ways was considered to be weakness! Paul came in this weakness, this timidity and trembling. His messages weren’t dripping snappy sayings or meme-filled sound bites, they were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit! Paul wanted the church needy and dependent on the same – the power of God.

How did Paul get this power? Through faith and obedience. By being led into synagogues and streets where the message of Christ was not accepted and he was beaten for delivering it. Paul went where the Holy Spirit directed even if he didn’t see results (ie: Troas or Crete). He determined to go to Rome to deliver the gospel to the Caesar himself, even though he was warned that it would mean imprisonment. The power of God came through humility of being poured out for the cause of Christ. It wasn’t impressive at all!

Paul knew what we should know today, people are not impressed by our memorized orthodoxy! But people will listen to our orthopraxy. We can explain love, spell love, define love and tell stories about love. But if we do not love, it’s just noise. It’s not preaching without good theology, but it is preaching out of humility and God’s power. Even the Corinthians, with all their heady, pride-puffed lives could see the difference. Paul did this so the church would not trust in human wisdom, but in the power of God.

The church still has a lot of name and claim it, church growth promises. Seven steps to get people in the front doors. Five steps to closing the back doors. Three steps to next steps. Get in, get saved, get pumped, get involved and just keep showing up to do church. The promise is that your church will grow. Was this Paul’s plan with the churches he planted? What was Paul’s sermon content while in town? What was Paul’s church growth instructions? I don’t think it was clever and persuasive training. Paul worked in the outdoor mall during the week and had hundreds of conversations with shoppers and other business owners. He was a tent maker by the week, went to synagogue on the Sabbath and church on Sunday. He preached Christ is risen in both places. He shared his own testimony of being a hitman for God, persecuting the very people that he would come to know as the Church. And in synagogue he would often be thrown out for heresy. And in churches he would be confronted as fake, a money grubbing charlatan. This is where Paul would practice the gospel!

Prayer

​Dad,
We have really over complicated Your Church. We’ve systemized the Spirit. We’ve worked at perfecting our message and methodology rather than our humility and dependency on Your Spirit doing the work of changing our human hearts. Do I come in humility as I lead or speak? Am I thinking about tickling ears, scoring amens, or hearing the occasional praise of “good sermon pastor?” Do I show weakness? Do I show a heavy heart for those I know are broken and going through excruciating relationships or physical problems in their bodies. Help me Oh Lord to depend more on your power than my own. Help me to lean on Your wisdom rather than my own. Help me live the gospel LOUDER than I speak about it. Amen.

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Untamable

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The floods have risen up, O Lord. The floods have roared like thunder; the floods have lifted their pounding waves. But mightier than the violent raging of the seas, mightier than the breakers on the shore— the Lord above is mightier than these! Your royal laws cannot be changed. Your reign, O Lord, is holy forever and ever. ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭93‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The power of the sea. I can imagine that the Psalmist had access to vistas of either the waters of the great rivers of Euphrates and the Tigris, the pristine, Persian Gulf (both located by the city of Babylon) or maybe the beautiful Mediterranean Sea by Jerusalem. This Psalm was likely written by Ezra the Scribe.

There is nothing more ominously powerful than the oceans of the world. A massive 71% of our beautiful blue globe is water! I have often sat for hours looking out at the expansive vista of our own shores of the Pacific ocean. Mesmerized by the rhythmic power of the crashing waves, pounding the sand. The sight and sound is comforting.

But imagine the ocean as a tantrum-throwing toddler, raging with fits of fury. Its mighty, giant storms, tidal waves and tsunamis know no resistance strong enough to stand against it. The ocean is untamable. Ezra is in awe of our God that is magnificently, compoundedly more powerful than the sea! The sea roars, lifting its waves higher than an elevation of 1720 feet, a megatsunami in 1958 that hit Lituya Bay, in southeast Alaska. What could be mightier than the power and unpredictability of the ocean? It is God who created it!

Ezra’s love and respect for His mighty God and His Word declares and compares this awesomeness to the power of God’s royal laws. They cannot be changed. God’s Word cannot be swayed or subdued! Nothing can compare or compromise the capability of God’s Word. One my favorite verses concerning the durability and life-giving sustainability is found in Isaiah 40:8, The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever. Amen Ezra! Indeed our God and His reign is holy forever and ever.

Prayer

​Dad,
The vistas of the sea are my most favorite places to pray and think about your power and strength. With wind and sun, with white-noise sound of waves, I feel safe and at peace knowing that you are powerful enough to crush us, but instead invite us, in relationship, to know you. How ominous is your presence in those moments. Thank you for being expansively beyond what I can even imagine! Thank you for Your Word, which is enduring and powerful, to keep your promises and complete the work you are doing in me. I am in awe of You! Amen.