Thursday, April 30, 2015

A Friend Like Jonathan - April 30 Readings: 1 Samuel 19-20, Luke 19:1–27, Psalm 55:1–4, Proverbs 12:1-2

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I sometimes wonder how David kept his sanity. He was a man after God's heart, but throughout his life he had one person after another coming after him for no good reason. Saul, consumed with jealousy, sought to destroy David. He tried to kill him more than once. But through all of this David just carried on in the Lord's power.

There are a number of reasons for this, but one of the main reasons was a man named Jonathan. He was Saul's son but he was also David's friend. Their bond was deep - the kind of friendship we all need.

All we need to get through life is the presence and power of God. If everyone turns away from us we can depend on our "friend who sticks closer than a brother" to be there to bear us up. He's all we need. But navigating life's trials is much easier when you have a friend like David's. Jonathan helped him face the hurt in his life as Saul pursued and persecuted him. 1 Samuel 20 describes that friendship in detail, and from that story we can see some of the things that made Jonathan such a great friend.

A "Jonathan" seeks your good even at his own sacrifice. Jonathan was due to ascend to the throne until Samuel anointed Jesse's son. He could have been jealous and angry. He could have joined his father's campaign to protect his position. But he did not. He sacrificed his own position for the sake of his friend. True friendship requires people who are willing to lay down their lives for one another.

A "Jonathan" is not governed by the opinions of others about you. No matter how much trash Saul talked about David, Jonathan remained loyal to his friend. He was not swayed by the opinions of others.

A "Jonathan" makes such a difference in life. No matter what life throws at us, it is easier to handle when someone is walking along the path with us.

But here's the twist. As we read this, we all think how great it would be (or is) to have a friend like Jonathan. And it is! But we must not read this and pine for friends like this, but ask how we can become a friend like Jonathan to others. We must focus more on BEING Jonathans than on finding them. Those who give friendship like Jonathan did are much more likely to find the kind of friendships that they seek.

Father, I thank you for loyal friends. But help me to lay my life down for others and to be the friend I need to be.  

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

The Difference - April 29 Readings: 1 Samuel 17-18, Luke 18:31–43, Psalm 54, Proverbs 11:29-31

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David brought supplies from his father to his brothers who were camped with Israel at Ephes-Dammim, facing the Philistines. When he walked into camp, he saw what was causing everyone else to cower in fear - Goliath, the giant from Gath. He defied the Israelites with words of derision and no one could find the courage to face him.

David entered the camp and was incensed that this Philistine was insulting the armies of God. He volunteered and after suffering derision and disdain, he went out to face the gigantic foe and defeated him.

What was the difference between David and the experienced, trained soldiers of Israel? Why did he act when others cowered? Why did he take the challenge when no one else would? It is not that complicated.

The difference between David and everyone else was God! David sought the glory of God and made his decisions on the basis of the belief that Yahweh was the Living God!

When the soldiers saw the giant, they feared for their lives. When David saw him, he feared only for the glory of God.
"For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17:26)
He was not concerned about himself, but about how this Philistine's insults reflected on the Living God!

Israel's best soldiers cowered because they saw only their own lack of capability compared to Goliath. David assumed that the power of God would go with him to guide and strengthen him.
“The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:37)
David's absolute confidence in and dependence on God was demonstrated in his words to Goliath himself.
You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hand.” (1 Samuel 17:45-47)
David did not fight in his own power and abilities, but in the name of Yahweh himself. He did not fight to glorify himself or to make himself famous, but to demonstrate to the world that "Israel has a God" and that the God of Israel was awesome an powerful.

The difference? God! David sought God's glory, served God's purposes, and saw God at the center of all things.

Father, you are the Living God. May my life be lived for your glory, your purposes and in the complete knowledge that you are who the Bible says you are and you do what the Bible says you do!

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Prayer-ables April 28 Readings: 1 Samuel 15-16, Luke 18:1-30, Psalm 53, Proverbs 11:27-29

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In Luke 18:1-14 Jesus tells two "prayer-ables." Sorry, is that too corny? Okay, parables about prayer? These stories tell remind us of some important lessons about prayer.

The first parable, in verses 1-8, tells the story of a hardhearted judge who neither feared God nor respected people. He didn't care a bit about the people whose cases he heard. There was a widow who had been wronged by another but she could not get this man to listen to her case.

But she would not let him be. Day and night she harassed him, begging for justice. Finally, because he was annoyed with her pestering, he listened to her plea and gave her what she asked for.

Of course, our God is not cruel or hard-hearted. He is kind and loving; a judge who hears our prayers willingly. But the message of this parable is plain. If even a cold-hearted judge is moved by persistent entreaties, will not our good God be moved by our prayers? The point is made in the introduction to the parable; it is reminder to "pray always do not be discouraged." Our God listens. He hears. He answers.

Verses 7 and 8 tell us that his attitude is very different from that of the hardhearted judge.
And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily.
The God who loves us listens and responds to the prayers of his people.

The second parable, in Luke 18:9-14, focuses on the posture of prayer. Jesus tells the story of two men who approach God in prayer. The first, a Pharisee, is convinced of his own righteousness and worth. Of course God is going to hear him. As good a person as he is, God just has to listen!

The second man is a lowly sinner, a tax collector. He did not stand in pride and self-righteousness, but called out in humility and repentance. "God, turn you wrath from me, a sinner." He knew who he was and what he deserved from God - nothing!

But Jesus made it clear that it was the repentant sinner, not the self-righteous and arrogant Pharisee, was heard by God.
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.  18:14
So, in these two prayer-ables we learn to be persistent in prayer because our good God desires to hear and respond. We also learn to be humble in our approach to God. We can be confident, but we must not be self-confident or arrogant. We come clothed in the righteousness of Christ not our own worth. He responds to the prayers of repentant sinners, not the self-righteous and arrogant. 
Father, I come to you as a sinner in need of grace, one with no righteousness of my own to merit a hearing with you. Help me to be faithful and persistent in prayer, not to become discouraged. 

Monday, April 27, 2015

As If There Is No God - April 27 Readings: 1 Samuel 13-14, Luke 17:20–37, Psalm 52, Proverbs 11:25-26

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In Luke 17:20, the Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom of God was going to commence. Of course, they shared the common belief that the kingdom of God was the resurrection and expansion of the Old Testament Jewish theocracy. They were looking to figure out when Jesus was going to raise his army and get going chasing the Romans from Israel. 

Jesus made it clear to him that the kingdom he had come to build was not physical, political or military (that would come at his second appearing). Jesus was building a kingdom of the heart, a kingdom that was among them and within them. 

But then Jesus gave some indications about what life would be like in this world when the end did come, when he came a second time to establish his earthly kingdom. He draws comparisons to two times in the past. 

First, he says that the last days would be "as it was in the days of Noah," in the days that Jesus the Son of Man would return. But it is interesting what Jesus focuses on. He does not talk about the extreme wickedness, immorality and perversity that may have been going on before the flood came. Look at verse 27. 

They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 
They ate and drank. They got married. None of those things is a sin, is it? (I don't think that drunkenness is in view here when it says that they "drank.") We all have to eat and dehydration will kill you. Marrying and giving in marriage are good things, aren't they? 

What Jesus is saying here is that people went on about their lives without regard to their sin or their need for him. They just went about their lives as if there was no God to whom they would have to answer at the end of life. They went about their lives without regard as to what God wanted or what he commanded. They lived life without a concern for God. 

Jesus reinforced this principles when he talked about Lot and Sodom in verse 28. 
It will be the same as it was in the days of Lot: People went on eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building. 
Again, Jesus did not highlight the wickedness of Sodom. People ate and drank, they bought and sold, they planted their fields and built houses. Nothing wrong with any of that, is there? But like the people before the judgment of the flood, these people lived as if there was no God who would judge their sins. We know that God was about to pour out his wrath on the sins of Sodom, but these people just didn't care. 

In both of these instances, judgment was about to fall - cataclysmic judgment from God. A flood. Fire and brimstone. The end was near. But people just went on about their lives giving no concern as to the will and ways of God.

I have no idea when Jesus is coming again. But I do know this - the worst thing any of us can do is live our lives in disregard to the fact that Jesus is coming back and that we will give account to him. 

And isn't that pretty much the way people live today? Seek your own happiness without regard to God's will. Do what you want regardless of the teachings of the Word. Give no thought to Jesus, his gracious work or what that sacrifice demands. 

There is a God in heaven who sent his Son to redeem us and his Spirit to indwell and empower us. To live in rebellion, ignorance or defiance of that God is the ultimate folly. 

Father, may I live every day in recognition of who you are and what you have done for me. May I never ignore you or forget you. And I am thankful that when I stand before you it will be in the grace of your Son. 

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Am I Nine, or One? April 26 Readings: 1 Samuel 11-12, Luke 17:1–19, Psalm 51:15–19, Proverbs 11:23-24

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In one of the better known stories of the life of Jesus, one that we tell our children often, Luke 17:11-19 records the story of Jesus healing ten lepers. Each of them returns to their lives rejoicing in the fact that they are no longer exiled and ostracized from home and family. It is my guess that each of them was immensely grateful to the one who had healed them.

But only one of them bothered to take the time to go back to Jesus and actually express that thanksgiving. The other nine were not evil, ungrateful or thoughtless jerks. They just forgot to take the time to tell the Healer how thankful they were to be healed. I'm guessing they were so excited to go home and tell their families the good news that they just forgot. But whatever the reason. They forgot. They did not return to say thank you to the Savior.

That is me, far too often.

I have a few issues going on in my life right now - some stresses, trials, heartaches and burdens. That is called normal, I guess. But I also have a truckload of blessings that have come from the hand of God. If I lost everything else in this world, I would still have Jesus who saved me and gave me forgiveness, reconciliation with God and an eternal home in heaven. If there was nothing else, I could spend all day giving thanks for that. But there is so much else. My home and family. My job and my church (for me, those are actually the same thing). God answers prayer and provides for my needs. My life has been one blessing after another.

But I tend to forget that. I've spent yesterday brooding, moody, thinking about some people who have hurt me and the pain that has caused. I never stopped to thank God for the blessings he has given me that vastly outweigh my hurts - even on my worst day.
Count your blessings, name them one by one.
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done. 
The words to that hymn are a fitting warning to me. I need to count my blessings day by day to remind myself that God's work in and through me is always more intense than whatever opposition I might face. God's grace is more powerful than life's hardships. God's goodness is more significant that people's meanness.

Father, forgive me for how often I've been among the nine, those that receive your blessings but fail to thank you for them. Thank you for every good and perfect gift which flows from you. Help me to consider your goodness and give thanks for it. 

Saturday, April 25, 2015

An Anointed Failure - April 25 Readings: 1 Samuel 9-10, Luke 16, Psalm 51:8–14, Proverbs 11:21-22

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I remember eavesdropping on a conversation between my dad and another pastor, in which they were discussing how churches find pastors. Among Baptists, the church chooses its own leader, forming a search committee, fielding resumes, examining recommendations and finally bringing a candidate to the church. In the other pastor's denomination, the district superintendent (whatever his official title was) would select pastors and assign them to churches. My dad asserted that our system had to be the worst way. The pastor from the other denomination disagreed, arguing that their system was even worse.

Selecting leaders for God's people has always been tricky.

1 Samuel 9-12 (today's reading and tomorrow's) tells the story of the selection of Saul as the first king of Israel. He was such an impressive young man. Tall, handsome, energetic and enthusiastic; everything a nation could want in its leader. Israel was excited about the selection of their new king.

Things did not work out so well with Saul though. He was not careful in obedience to God and eventually God set him aside and had Samuel anoint a young shepherd boy from Bethlehem to succeed him. David had few of the physical characteristics or innate talents of Saul, but he was the one whose house was established by covenant as an eternal line.

What was the difference between Saul and David? By many human metrics, Saul was the better candidate. All too many pulpit committees would have chosen him over David. But in God's eyes, David was vastly superior. Why? Because David was a man of obedience, a man after God's heart. Saul was self-confident, willful and often not obedient.

God doesn't need our creativity or our talents. He created an entire world just by speaking. Our creativity loses a little in comparison. He is an awesome God and is not much impressed with our awesomeness. The sacrifice that pleases God is a sincere heart, a devoted life, a body yielded to his service, a pure and undiluted passion for him.

I wish I knew how to quantify that principle for pastoral search committees. I can't. But the principle is clear in Scripture. The greatest quality of a leader, or any believer for that matter, is simply obedience and a willingness to do whatever God has said.

Father, I am reminded that it is not about my talents, abilities or efforts, but about obedience to you. May I be more like King David than King Saul - a man whose greatest quality is obedience. 

Friday, April 24, 2015

Against YOU Only! April 24 Readings: 1 Samuel 7-8, Luke 15:11–32, Psalm 51:1–7, Proverbs 11:19-20

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"You are the man."

That is what Nathan said to David when he confronted him over his adultery with Bathsheba and his arranging of her husband Uriah's death. And following all this serious sin, David even became self-righteous in his condemnation of others. Nathan told him the story about the man who, in spite of having many sheep, stole his neighbor's only sheep. David was incensed at this injustice until Nathan pointed the finger at him.

At that moment, the reality of his sin came crashing down on him and all of his arrogance and artifice was stripped away. That's when he wrote the most beautiful song of repentance ever, Psalm 51.

In Psalm 51:1, David is not longer sitting in judgment on others but is calling out for God's mercy and grace, knowing he deserves nothing from God.

Have mercy on me, O God,
    according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
    blot out my transgressions.
Having called out for forgiveness and cleansing, he addresses the seriousness of his own sin. There is no attempt to blame his sin on anyone else, to rationalize it, or to justify it because of what someone else did. 
For I know my transgressions,
    and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
    and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
    and blameless in your judgment.
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
    and in sin did my mother conceive me.
  (51:3-5)
He admitted his sin without reservation, realized it was a serious offense against God, accepted the righteousness of God's judgment against his sin and pled guilty to general sinfulness of heart. 

Of course, the rest of the Psalm will wait for tomorrow, but we will see that his genuine repentance is accompanied by a deep desire and commitment to change, to return to obedience with God. 

David was a man after God's own heart, but when he sinned grievously he learned and demonstrated one of the keys to living for God. Repentance. Being a "good Christian" is about seeking the power of God to say no to sin and yes to God, of course. But it is also about remembering the work of Christ on the Cross when we fall into sin. It is about facing up to our sin without excuse or rationalization. Face it. Admit it. Repent of it. Be cleansed of it. Return to obedience. That is the lesson we learn from David. 

One note that must be made here. David was forgiven of his sin - washed as white as snow. But consequences of his sin remained until the day he died. God's forgiveness for sin does not guarantee that he will shield us from all of the consequences that flow from that sin. 

Father, thank you for your grace and forgiveness. I need that grace every day. Even as a pastor and a "mature" Christian, I see so much of my sin, the wickedness of my heart before you. Forgive me, Lord. 

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Don't Mess with Our God! April 23 Readings: 1 Samuel 5-6, Luke 15:1–10, Psalm 50:18–23, Proverbs 11:17-18

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It was a time of tragedy and sadness in Israel, but it is a glorious, even hilarious story - one of those grand moments in Scripture in which Yahweh's superiority is clearly demonstrated. Unless, of course, you are a Philistine - then you won't like this story at all.

Yesterday's reading was tragic as the glory departed from Israel. Not only did Eli and his sons die, but the worst thing imaginable happened. The Ark of God fell into the hands of the enemy. That magic talisman that sinful Israel thought would guarantee them victory could not stay the hand of judgment. They tried to use God for their purposes instead of repenting of their sin and humbling themselves before him. They found that we do not get to dictate the terms of God's work among us. He does that. When Israel refused to come to God on his terms he refused to work for them on their terms.

But in 1 Samuel 5 God made it abundantly clear that the defeat of Israel was not a sign of weakness in Israel's God. He was the one true God, maker of heaven and earth and still its sovereign ruler. The Philistines may have defeated unfaithful, sinful, rebellious Israel, but that was only because their God withdrew his hand of protection and blessing on his rebellious servants. Dagon, the god of the Philistines was in no way superior or stronger than Yahweh.

And God made sure everyone knew that - in the clearest way possible.

The Philistines paraded the Ark into Dagon's temple in Ashdod as an act of triumph, glorying in this great victory and the defeat of Israel. Stories of Yahweh's might power were everywhere, but now they could revel in their god's triumph. They laid the Ark before Dagon as a tribute and as a symbol of the defeat of Yahweh.

Never disrespect the Living God of heaven. Just don't do it. There's no profit in it. When the Philistines returned to the temple the next morning, they found a horrifying site. Their idol was bowing down before the Ark of God. They set things right but the next day the same thing had happened. Again Dagon bowed before the Ark, but this time the damage was irreparable - his hands and feet had fallen off.

Things got worse from there. Much worse. A mysterious illness (a wide range of horrific diseases have been suggested as the proper translation here) broke out in Ashdod. These folks had enough of "reveling" in Dagon's victory over Yahweh and they sent the Ark to Gath to let them share in the blessing. The same mysterious disease broke out there. Gath tried to "bless" Ekron, but those people were having none of it.

So, they called a confab of the Philistine elders to discuss what to do. They sent the Ark on its way, even sending some golden offerings with it. Sure enough, the dumb animals headed right back toward Israel to deliver the Ark back to its proper home. While Israel didn't seem to realize who their God was, the Philistines were convinced that they wanted no part of the God of Israel. They messed with Yahweh and they lost!

Israel was defeated because of their sin, not because God lacked power. We see little of the display of God's power today, but that is not because the arm of the Lord has grown short, it is because the people of God have too often failed to walk in obedience and faith. The power of the Cross has not lessened, but too often we fail to look to Calvary.

Father, your power is real and great. May I experience that power as I walk in humility, repentance and faith. 

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Magical Religion - April 22 Readings: 1 Samuel 3-4, Luke 14:12–35, Psalm 50:11–17, Proverbs 11:15-16

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Israel couldn't figure it out. The Philistines had defeated them soundly in battle. Where was God? Why was he not delivering his people and defeating their enemies? Why had God failed them? So, they came up with a plan; one that would bring them success on the battlefield.
"Let’s bring the ark of the Lord’s covenant from Shiloh. Then it will go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies.”
All they had to do was get the Ark of the Covenant and bring it down to the battlefield. When they marched into the war against the Philistines with the Ark in their midst, the power of God would surely manifest itself and they would be victorious.

Alas, it did not happen. In fact, it became one of the most horrible defeats Israel ever had. Over 30,000 men were killed in the battle, the sons of Eli were killed and the Ark itself was captured by the Philistines, leaving Israel devastated. When Eli heard of this, he fell off his chair and died.

This was, perhaps, the low point in Israel's era of the Judges.

What happened? Why didn't it work? The people had the ark which represented the powerful presence of God and still they did not succeed. How did it all go so wrong?

It is simple. God is not moved by magical religion. Magic is the manipulation of spiritual forces to achieve one's goals. Israel wanted victory so they brought in the Ark as a talisman to attempt to summon God's presence on their terms. But God would not be controlled or manipulated.

Israel did not have to summon a talisman. All they had to do was repent of their sinful ways and seek God. If they returned to him in faith his promises would be restored to them. The way to defeat the Philistines was to seek God, not to seek to use God through their own manipulative efforts.

We don't gain brownie points with God by going to church, giving money, doing nice things for others or any other work. There are not magical words of prayer or positive confession that can manipulate and control God's power. We gain the presence of God and his power when we repent and trust him, when we submit our lives to his control.

Our faith is not about magic, but about yielding fully to him!

Father, forgive me for when I've foolishly tried to manipulate you with my fleshly actions. You are God and I yield today to you and your glory. 

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

A Mother's Revival - April 21 Readings: 1 Samuel 1-2, Luke 13:22–14:11, Psalm 50:4–10, Proverbs 11:13-14

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It was one of the true low points in Israel's history, the end of the period of the Judges. Depravity, violence, immorality and perversion abounded in the land and there seemed to be no hope that things would get better. The moral spiral only promised to worsen. Israel was idolatrous and evil, and its leaders were spiritually calloused and insensitive to the voice of God.

But the fact is that when the book of Judges closed and 1 Samuel opened, Israel was half a century away from its greatest moment, the reign of David as king. When things looked like they couldn't get any worse, God had another plan, a plan of renewal and revival that would raise up his people to heights never imagined before.

It is appropriate that this passage is read on Mother's Day, because it contains one of the most hopeful messages a mother could read. The early chapters of 1 Samuel record the genesis of Israel's revival. It all started with one mother who prayed to God. Hannah went to Shiloh to pray. Her intensity led Eli the priest to believe she was drunk, but when she poured out her heart about her inability to conceive, he was moved and blessed her.

God heard her prayers and she had a son, Samuel. When he was weaned, she took him to Shiloh and gave him to the Lord. That son grew up to be the man of God, the prophet, the mentor of both Saul and David, the man who led Israel back to loyalty to God.

And it all started with one woman who gave her son to God.

Of course, God does not ask us to give our sons away literally, as Hannah did. But we are called to raise our children not just to get an education and a good job, not just to be happy, but to be servants of the Living God.

A mother who gives her child to God and raises that child to be a warrior in the kingdom of God is the most powerful person on earth. Pastors can preach, teachers can teach, leaders can lead; but mothers can change the world by raising sons and daughters who love God and serve him faithfully.

Mom. It's not a glamorous position and it certainly doesn't pay well. But Hannah changed the course of Israel's history simply by giving her son to God. Mom, I know it's hard, thankless, drudgery, and many times you feel worthless and insignificant. But if you are doing it right, if you are pointing your children toward Christ and leading them in his ways, you have a role more significant to the future than perhaps any other.

Father, I pray for mothers today, that you would fill them with the sense of the significance of the task they perform. When they feel burdened, give them a sense of eternity. When they feel insignificant, help them see the future. When they feel tired, give them divine energy. Thank you, Lord, for mothers with a heart for your kingdom. 

Monday, April 20, 2015

The Way of the Kingdom - April 20 Readings: Ruth 3-4, Luke 13:1–21, Psalm 50:1–3, Proverbs 11:11-12

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"If just one person is reached through our efforts, then it was all worth it!" 

Ever heard that chestnut? When churches put on huge, expensive, man-hour intensive Christmas or Easter productions, when we pour massive amounts of work into projects that produce little actual result, someone is sure to trot out that phrase. And of course, there is truth there. Is there any length to which we would not go if we knew one soul would be saved? Is there any cost we would not pay to bring someone from death to life?

But in Luke 13:18-21 Jesus told two parables that describe the kingdom of God in ways that are very different from the sentiment I described above.

He begins by asking a question, "What is the kingdom of God like?" How do things operate when God is in charge, when he is at work? He then tells two stories to answer his question.
“It’s like a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the sky nested in its branches.”
On my desk I have a jar of mustard seeds which I purchased in Israel. I keep them on my desk to remind of this truth. When you have faith as a mustard seed, great things happen in the kingdom. Here, Jesus describes how the mustard seed grows into a large tree and becomes a blessing to others. 

In the kingdom, a little faith, a little devotion, a little service to God brings great rewards. It bears great fruit. That is so contrary to the idea of putting in hundreds of hours into a ministry and hoping that one soul might be reached. 

The second story reinforces the first. 
"It’s like yeast that a woman took and mixed into 50 pounds of flour until it spread through the entire mixture.”
Here, Jesus uses yeast, which usually illustrates the pernicious effects of sin, to illustrate how things work in the kingdom of God. It doesn't take much yeast to affect a large amount of dough. A little works its way in and has great effects. 

The kingdom of God is not about the things we can do for God. Unfortunately, we are usually "doing our best" for him. That is why all our efforts often bring little fruit. But when we yield to God and operate on his agenda for our lives, life becomes about God doing his best through us. It is not about our great efforts but God's; not our abilities but his. 

Father, may my life be a kingdom life, where you take the little I have and make it productive, make it significant. 

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Jesus the Divider! April 19 Readings: Ruth 1-2, Luke 12:35–59, Psalm 49:11–20, Proverbs 11:9-10

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If you listen to the popular wisdom of the day, Jesus came to earth to gather everyone into one big, giant group hug. He (to borrow a political term) a "uniter, not a divider." Anything that brings us together must be pleasing to Jesus and anything that separates us must be sinful and displeasing to him.

It isn't that simple.

It is true that it was the heart of Jesus that the Body of the Christ would be one. He entreated the Father in John 17, pouring out his deepest desires that his disciples and those who would follow would live out the kind of unity that the Father and the Son had between themselves. It is a prayer that will only be completely fulfilled in eternity, but it is the heart of God. Jesus died to purchase ONE Body and wants us to walk in unity, in peace, in oneness. He hates when we fight, divide and fracture within the church, within the Body of Christ.

But he also made it clear that the first step in the creation of that unity was an act of division. To unite the Body of Christ he must first separate it - from the world, from sin, from death and judgment. Uniting with Christ separates us from those who are not united with Christ. The Christ who unites also divides.

Jesus made this abundantly clear in Luke 12:51.

Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.
No, it is not that Jesus loves division and war, it is that the fundamental requirement for the unity of the Body of Christ is that one must become part of the Body. Jesus Christ calls us to renounce our loyalty to sin and to self and give ourselves body, soul, and spirit to him. That is a point of division. Jesus divides marriages - when one partner commits to Christ and the other does not. Jesus divides families when a child is saved and the parents are not. But the requirement of being united in Christ is that we must be in Christ. Christianity is not the brotherhood of ALL people, but of those who share the common experience of salvation by grace through faith in Christ.

Unfortunately, in this sinful world, as the gospel goes forward and some receive Christ and others do not, the words of Jesus will be sadly fulfilled.

They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.
The unity of the body of Christ is founded in one thing and one thing only. It is not founded in the color of our skin or in our socio-economic status. It is not founded on our national identity or political belief. The Body of Christ is founded from every tribe, language and people on earth. It is rich, poor, white, black and every shade in between. It is male and female. There is only one thing we have in common. We have been taken out of our earthly situations and redeemed by Christ. We share a common experience of Christ - each has been purchased by the blood of Christ shed on the Cross, made new in him, indwelled by the Spirit and empowered to live a new life.

So yes, Christ divides. He divides those who believe in him from those who do not. He divides those who obey the Word from those who do not. He divides those who live life God's way from those who do not. This ought not surprise us. But as he divides us from the sinful world he also brings us into a glorious unity in Christ.

The one who divides humanity like Moses parted the Red Sea unites us in a perfect bond of love. Praise God.

Thank you, Father, that you have both separated me from this sinful world and united me in Christ with the rest of his Body.