Wednesday, June 30, 2010
No Settling
This past weekend at the Resolved conference in Palm Springs I think it was Steve Lawson who said that "nothing should be more attractive to us than Jesus Christ." But it seems sometimes that almost everything is. Pulling us like a magnet, sin seems to draw us into it's deceptive web; promising joy but leaving us empty and less human. And sin does not act alone; it often has our cooperation. We are willing participants in treason of the highest (or would that be lowest) order. All who have been born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ ought to live, as Peter put it, holy and set apart lives. But often we settle and seek for far less than God's glorious ideal. Trust Jesus above sin and self. Preach the gospel to yourself, rehearsing the truth, reminding yourself and fellow travelers of the untold mercies of God. Remember that it is Christ and Him crucified that is your life and peace. He who took the nails and bore our shame is worthy, so attractively worthy of all our allegiance. Here's incentive for not settling: "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Cor. 5:21
Monday, June 28, 2010
The Primary Point of the Christian Life
Worshipping God through Jesus is the main idea and primary point of the Christian life.
If we are to respond properly to God we must, this side of the Fall and the Cross, come to God through Jesus Christ and be reconciled to Him, regenerated, born again to a living hope, Spirit-indwelt new creations, new worshippers living by faith. No longer living for ourselves but for Him who died and rose again on our behalf (2 Cor. 5:14-15); walking by the Spirit so we will not carry out the desires of the flesh.
Col 1:15-23 speaks of Jesus' supremacy and all-sufficiency. It answers the questions: who is Jesus Christ? And Do you know Him?
There is no middle ground. On these two questions hang everything. We must know, follow, love, adore Christ. He is the sum and substance of the Christian life. Either a person knows God through Jesus Christ or they do not know God. John 17:3 says that eternal life is knowing God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent.
You must be a believer in Jesus Christ to truly worship God. We worship God because He commands, encourages and enables it. Knowing that Christ's blood washes our sins away only leaves us saying hallelujah what a Savior and thank you Jesus! Praise God from whom all blessings flow! May Jesus Christ be first in our Iives functionally as He is positionally in the universe.
"Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised" Psalm 48:1.
If we are to respond properly to God we must, this side of the Fall and the Cross, come to God through Jesus Christ and be reconciled to Him, regenerated, born again to a living hope, Spirit-indwelt new creations, new worshippers living by faith. No longer living for ourselves but for Him who died and rose again on our behalf (2 Cor. 5:14-15); walking by the Spirit so we will not carry out the desires of the flesh.
Col 1:15-23 speaks of Jesus' supremacy and all-sufficiency. It answers the questions: who is Jesus Christ? And Do you know Him?
There is no middle ground. On these two questions hang everything. We must know, follow, love, adore Christ. He is the sum and substance of the Christian life. Either a person knows God through Jesus Christ or they do not know God. John 17:3 says that eternal life is knowing God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent.
You must be a believer in Jesus Christ to truly worship God. We worship God because He commands, encourages and enables it. Knowing that Christ's blood washes our sins away only leaves us saying hallelujah what a Savior and thank you Jesus! Praise God from whom all blessings flow! May Jesus Christ be first in our Iives functionally as He is positionally in the universe.
"Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised" Psalm 48:1.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Nothing more Attractive
Nothing should be more attractive to us than Jesus Christ. Nothing should; but everything is. Or at least it seems that way to those of us who claim allegiance to Jesus but are constantly pulled to other hints in our tendency to wander and proneness to idolatry.
Forgiveness. The cross. God's love, grace, mercy. These are the reasons why we can even come to God in worship. Nothing should be more attractive to us than Jesus. Nothing but God can satisfy the deepest longings and needs of our hearts. So the task of ordering our lives around and leaning Godward is one that is simply monumental and humanly impossible. We cannot do it save for the grace and mercy of God in Christ. We cannot do it but God can do "exceeding abundantly beyond all that we can ask or think" by His Spirit for His glory. So we are to look to Him, relying on Him, to do in and through us what only He can do. If we or our children profess faith in Christ and follow Him obediently, it will only be due to God's sovereign choice and enabling. We, in His strength, are to follow Him and trust Him for the strength, wisdom and patience to do what pleases Him. and He will be pleased to use us in His process of gathering worshippers who will worship Him "in Spirit and truth" John 4:24.
Forgiveness. The cross. God's love, grace, mercy. These are the reasons why we can even come to God in worship. Nothing should be more attractive to us than Jesus. Nothing but God can satisfy the deepest longings and needs of our hearts. So the task of ordering our lives around and leaning Godward is one that is simply monumental and humanly impossible. We cannot do it save for the grace and mercy of God in Christ. We cannot do it but God can do "exceeding abundantly beyond all that we can ask or think" by His Spirit for His glory. So we are to look to Him, relying on Him, to do in and through us what only He can do. If we or our children profess faith in Christ and follow Him obediently, it will only be due to God's sovereign choice and enabling. We, in His strength, are to follow Him and trust Him for the strength, wisdom and patience to do what pleases Him. and He will be pleased to use us in His process of gathering worshippers who will worship Him "in Spirit and truth" John 4:24.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
The Challenge
Phil. 2:13 says "It is God who is at work In you; both to will and to work for His good pleasure." We know that the things that are impossible with man are possible with God. He is the One who wills and works amazing things.
I challenge you to try something humanly impossible today; so that you will learn that it is God who is able. That He would be made famous; that others might acknowledge that fame and yield to His sovereign greatness.
I challenge you to try something humanly impossible today; so that you will learn that it is God who is able. That He would be made famous; that others might acknowledge that fame and yield to His sovereign greatness.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Only God Restores Sight
Matthew 9:27-31 tells of two blind men who came to Jesus and asked Him to restore their sight. He healed them and they went out and told others about Him. We see so that others might see God's goodness. Like Elisha asking God to open the eyes of his servant, "Lord, open his eyes that he would see that those who are with us are greater than those against us." Elisha saw what others couldn't and desired for them to see too so he went to God on their behalf.
God is merciful. At His own discretion and solely by His sovereign choice He rewards faith. He is the sovereign King of the universe who delights to bless His people who acknowledge him as such. And God sees what we don't. He is the one who corrects our vision so that we might see and in turn help others see.
God is merciful. At His own discretion and solely by His sovereign choice He rewards faith. He is the sovereign King of the universe who delights to bless His people who acknowledge him as such. And God sees what we don't. He is the one who corrects our vision so that we might see and in turn help others see.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
A Father Like That
I want to tell you a story of a father and his son. I have known Bob Hendershot since 1992. He has three sons but I want to tell you about his oldest son, Trevor. Trevor has Down Syndrome. He is 20 years old and just graduated high school this week. Although I had not seen them for several years I recently had the privilege of seeing them again when I spoke at the Voyagers Bible Church Men’s Retreat on the last weekend of April this year. Each year at the retreat, on Saturday night, they have a time of testimonies – where men get up and share significant things about what God has done and is doing in their lives. Bob came up with his son Trevor. Bob told how when Trevor was born 20 years ago he blamed God, saying ‘What did I do to deserve a son like this God? I don’t deserve a son like this’. He told how the church had been so supportive, how the people of Voyagers had come alongside and loved them and ministered to them. When I first came to Voyagers to serve as a pastor there in early 1992, the Hendershots had a ministry to families affected by Down Syndrome. As Bob shared he told of tough times – how his father had made some mistakes in his upbringing and how he had made some of the same – but all the while God was faithful. He told the story of how Trevor had been chosen as homecoming king at the local high school. A wonderful story; one only God could orchestrate.
As Bob spoke it was evident how much love he has for his son and how much God has blessed him through his life. Bob closed by saying that now he says to God, “What did I do to deserve a son like this God? I don’t deserve a son like this.” But now he says it with thankfulness, grateful for God’s gift that has made such an impact in his and many other lives. God has taught him so many tings and blessed him so much through Trevor’s life. He sees things differently now than 20 years ago. At 1st he blamed God: “What did I do to deserve a son like this?” But his blame was turned to praise – so now with humility he says “I don’t deserve a son like this.”
I see some tie-ins with Bob’s story of not feeling like he deserves what God has provided. We have a problem – we need God to forgive our sins, but we deserve to be judged for them. The whole world is accountable to God – He is holy, righteous and will not excuse our sin. We are sinful and have substituted ourselves for Him. The wages of sin is death and what we have earned for our sins is separation from God. God’s active judgment against sin is real. God’s solution is Christ suffering for us – God substituting Himself for us - the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God absorbs the cost in mercy; and offers us the benefit by grace. The response is turning from our sins in repentance and to God in faith. In humility we declare that we don’t deserve a Father like that – who gives us every spiritual blessing in Christ.
When Bob was done and he motioned for Trevor to follow him off the stage. But Trevor pulled away from Bob and stood center stage and addressed the group of 150+ men. One thing you need to know: while Bob had been speaking Trevor held a book in his hands and kept asking “Now daddy?” Each time Bob would patiently say “No Trevor, not now.” Trevor probably asked 3-4 times. “Stand up!” he said loudly as only Trevor can. “Stand up!” I thought he was going to read Scripture to us. But instead he started to sing the hymn “Be Thou My Vision” – as only Trevor could sing it. We could make out some of the words and we all began to sing along. Bob moved over to Trevor and said “C’mon son, let’s go” but each time Bob would come close Trevor would move away again and continued to sing. He didn’t miss a beat. Each time Bob came close to lead him off stage Trevor would move further away and keep singing. He sang all 4 verses. There was not a dry eye in the house. The Son Bob said he did not deserve, taught us all a lesson in worship.
Early on Bob couldn't see what a major blessing his son Trevor was and would be. God taught him and showed him – in a long and painful way – and is still teaching him - just how great He is and how good Trevor is for his soul. God became his vision. He learned once again how God is crafting a story by mercy, inspiring faith and obedience – how much he needs God’s mercy, how his faith is dependent, and how to walk in obedience to the heavenly command – relying on Him to be His vision even when he can’t see what God is doing. God sees what we don't. He knows what He is doing. He is a Father that loves us and gives us what we don’t deserve. It is solely because of our heavenly Father and His only begotten Son that God does not give those who come to Him by grace through faith alone what their sins deserve – wrath and punishment; He took what we deserved, paid the cost and gives us what we don’t deserve – forgiveness. We then, can see spiritually. God is our vision.
Soli Deo Gloria
As Bob spoke it was evident how much love he has for his son and how much God has blessed him through his life. Bob closed by saying that now he says to God, “What did I do to deserve a son like this God? I don’t deserve a son like this.” But now he says it with thankfulness, grateful for God’s gift that has made such an impact in his and many other lives. God has taught him so many tings and blessed him so much through Trevor’s life. He sees things differently now than 20 years ago. At 1st he blamed God: “What did I do to deserve a son like this?” But his blame was turned to praise – so now with humility he says “I don’t deserve a son like this.”
I see some tie-ins with Bob’s story of not feeling like he deserves what God has provided. We have a problem – we need God to forgive our sins, but we deserve to be judged for them. The whole world is accountable to God – He is holy, righteous and will not excuse our sin. We are sinful and have substituted ourselves for Him. The wages of sin is death and what we have earned for our sins is separation from God. God’s active judgment against sin is real. God’s solution is Christ suffering for us – God substituting Himself for us - the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God absorbs the cost in mercy; and offers us the benefit by grace. The response is turning from our sins in repentance and to God in faith. In humility we declare that we don’t deserve a Father like that – who gives us every spiritual blessing in Christ.
When Bob was done and he motioned for Trevor to follow him off the stage. But Trevor pulled away from Bob and stood center stage and addressed the group of 150+ men. One thing you need to know: while Bob had been speaking Trevor held a book in his hands and kept asking “Now daddy?” Each time Bob would patiently say “No Trevor, not now.” Trevor probably asked 3-4 times. “Stand up!” he said loudly as only Trevor can. “Stand up!” I thought he was going to read Scripture to us. But instead he started to sing the hymn “Be Thou My Vision” – as only Trevor could sing it. We could make out some of the words and we all began to sing along. Bob moved over to Trevor and said “C’mon son, let’s go” but each time Bob would come close Trevor would move away again and continued to sing. He didn’t miss a beat. Each time Bob came close to lead him off stage Trevor would move further away and keep singing. He sang all 4 verses. There was not a dry eye in the house. The Son Bob said he did not deserve, taught us all a lesson in worship.
Early on Bob couldn't see what a major blessing his son Trevor was and would be. God taught him and showed him – in a long and painful way – and is still teaching him - just how great He is and how good Trevor is for his soul. God became his vision. He learned once again how God is crafting a story by mercy, inspiring faith and obedience – how much he needs God’s mercy, how his faith is dependent, and how to walk in obedience to the heavenly command – relying on Him to be His vision even when he can’t see what God is doing. God sees what we don't. He knows what He is doing. He is a Father that loves us and gives us what we don’t deserve. It is solely because of our heavenly Father and His only begotten Son that God does not give those who come to Him by grace through faith alone what their sins deserve – wrath and punishment; He took what we deserved, paid the cost and gives us what we don’t deserve – forgiveness. We then, can see spiritually. God is our vision.
Soli Deo Gloria
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Mercy, Faith and Obedience
Matt. 9:27-31 is a picture of mercy, faith, and a lack of obedience. The focus is on Jesus’ authority & the faith of 2 blind men. In this story we see what everyone wants: mercy; what everyone needs: faith, and what everyone struggles with: obedience.
What Everyone Wants: Mercy
The first thing we observe about the two men is they were blind. Blindness was and is a common problem in the Middle East. Some were born blind; others became blind due to sickness and disease. The fact that Jesus healed so many cases of blindness reflects how common it was. Unsanitary conditions, infectious diseases carried by swarms of flies, blowing sand, accidents, war, excessive heat and malnutrition all played a part in making it such a danger. The 2 men tracked Jesus, crying out loudly; continually shouting, yelling with great intensity – trying to get His attention in the midst of a huge crowd. They could not see Him but they were trying to get to Him. They said Have mercy on us. Mercy is God’s inexhaustible and infinite compassion and loving-kindness – shown to needy sinners to alleviate the misery brought on by sin. In mercy God withholds from us what we deserve (punishment; God’s wrath against our sin), by grace He gives us what we do not deserve (forgiveness; unmerited kindness and love). God is merciful. He shows compassion and loving-kindness for His Name sake; alleviating the misery brought on by sin. He does so at His own discretion, by His sovereign choice. Rom. 9:15-18 recounts says, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy; it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs but on God who has mercy; So then, He has mercy on whom He desires."
They had the right attitude; they admitted their need for forgiving mercy. You need to admit your need for forgiving mercy. Daniel prayed Dan. 9:18 on behalf of himself and his fellow Israelites: We are not presenting our prayers before You on account of any merits of our own, but on account of Your great mercy. Jeremiah Lam. 3:22-23 said The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness. The writer of Hebrews said Jesus was made like His brethren in all things so He might become a merciful and faithful High Priest Heb. 2:17. Paul reminds us of the surpassing riches of God’s grace in kindness to us in Christ Jesus Eph. 2:7. That Titus 3:5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy. Mercy and grace work hand and hand – mercy holding back what our sins deserve; grace giving what we don’t deserve.
What everyone needs: Faith
The 2 blind men called Jesus Son of David. Without a doubt they were confessing Jesus as the Messiah, the One who would rule forever. Son of David was one of the most common titles for the promised deliverer – a royal title, pointing to His descending from the family of King David and His subsequent right to set up and rule over the coming Kingdom of God. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the way to the cross multitudes of people cried Hosanna to the Son of David Matt. 21:9. To call Jesus the Son of David was to call His the promised deliverer - something unbelieving Jewish leaders knew well. [they rebuked people for calling Jesus that 21:15-16]. Every Jew who heard the 2 men would have known what they were saying – and taken it to be a clear confession of belief in Jesus as the Messiah. They boldly and publicly declared their faith in Christ as Savior and Lord. They had the right belief. In the same way, you need to acknowledge Jesus as King by faith. Faith is reliance on God, trust that He can and will; and therefore placing all your hope in Him. They were physically blind but they saw better than others. In the time of Jesus there was a huge Messianic expectation; and people believed that when the Messiah came He would Open the eyes of the blind and unstop the ears of the deaf. Is. 35:5-6. The lame would leap like a deer and the tongue of the mute would shout for joy. If Jesus was the Messiah, the blind men must have reasoned, He would have mercy on them and they would have their sight. Their need drove them to faith. They were focused on the right person – the most merciful person who ever lived - the Lord Jesus – they staked their lives on Him – a rock-solid, truth-grounded, promise-anchored trust in Christ to save them spiritually from sin and physically from blindness. They walked by faith not by sight. They “saw” what others could not: Jesus is the Sovereign King of the universe and so they relied on Him. When we realize how dependent we are on God for salvation – His death for our sin, His life for our righteousness – we understand why the Bible insists salvation comes only through faith in Him.
Jesus did not heal them right away. He waited until they were indoors. The men had faith enough to follow Jesus into the house. He lets them get all the way to Him and asks…do you believe that I am able to do this? Do you trust that I can heal you & make you see? Are you relying on Me to do this? The answer: Yes Lord. Yes we believe You are able to do what we asked of You; & Lord we believe that You are the Divine Messiah, the coming Savior promised long ago by God through the prophets. True faith is dependent on God. Jesus is the author (giver) and perfector (sustainer) of faith. God gives faith as a gift & God rewards those who believe. Heb. 11:6 He rewards those who earnestly seek Him by faith. Jesus touched their eyes and said “Be it done to you according to your faith”. D.A. Carson observes that, Jesus’ authoritative word, “According to your faith” does not mean “in proportion to your faith” (so much faith, so much sight) but rather “since you believe, your request is granted.” (Your faith has healed you 9:22). Their eyes were opened. God is powerful and merciful. God restores physical and spiritual sight.
What everyone struggles with: Obedience
Jesus sternly warned them, don’t tell anyone about this! This may reveal Jesus’ desire to avoid undue and untimely attention that might impede his true mission. Whatever the case the seeing disobey. They go out and spread His fame; proclaiming their belief that Jesus was the Messiah – a great thing to do – but something Jesus asked them not to do right then. We have no such warning today – just the opposite – Go and tell everyone what great things God has done for you. Preach the Gospel to all. As Paul said, Woe is me if I do not preach the Gospel! But timing is everything – and Jesus had told them no to. So why do the seeing not obey? Think about what we believe. We believe that at the moment that we come to believe in Jesus, placing our trust in Him and His finished work on the cross, we by faith also receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). This story reminds us of another foundational truth – that when we have experienced God’s grace in Christ, and received the Holy Spirit, obedience is not an option; but to obey is not automatic when we come to faith. The Christian life is not lived by remembering an experience we had – it is lived in the daily grind of discipleship; following Jesus lovingly, dependently and obediently. It is lived soberly in simple obedience to Jesus and what He says. The right course the right action, is to apply what Jesus says. Do what He tells you to do in God’s Word. Our experience, our thinking, our feelings - even some we think come from the Holy Spirit, should never lead us to contradict Jesus’ clear commands. The way to make it in life is to trust God’s mercy by faith and live in obedience. One thing I consistently try to get across is we can do nothing without Jesus, but we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Everything we do should flow from the life of Christ in and through us – that we would worship God, build up believers and reach others for Christ – out of the outflow of Christ’s life in us. As we are saved by grace, so we live by grace and serve by grace. God intends for the Christian life to work this way – we yield to the work of God in us, making moment by moment choices to be doers of the Word and not just hearers who deceive ourselves. God does not want us to be deceived – thinking that we are somehow in control or that we call the shots – we are to be in all things under Him – seeking what He wants above what we want. That will lead to deeper worship of God, more connectedness in the family of God and more fruitful outreach for Christ among the unsaved. To live like this we need to walk with Jesus, being corrected by the Word; shaped into who God wants as we live under Him.
It would be easy to say what did Jesus expect right? How do you hide a miracle like that – anyone who knew them would know. He expected obedience. Sometimes we think if only a person would get saved their life would turn around. True – but not a guarantee that it will happen right way. Proof - the 2 men do not listen to Jesus. We get expert at justifying disobeying Jesus’ commands: ‘He would want us to do this.’ ‘He really wasn’t serious.’ ‘He didn’t really mean that’. When God’s Word and our thoughts collide God will win – like the father who tells his wayward or rebellious son – you can do this the hard way or the easy way – but either way I am going to win – so why not make it easier on yourself. This story of Jesus healing the blind men reminds us we need to be born again and then walk by/rely on the Spirit so we will not carry out the desires of the flesh.
What Everyone Wants: Mercy
The first thing we observe about the two men is they were blind. Blindness was and is a common problem in the Middle East. Some were born blind; others became blind due to sickness and disease. The fact that Jesus healed so many cases of blindness reflects how common it was. Unsanitary conditions, infectious diseases carried by swarms of flies, blowing sand, accidents, war, excessive heat and malnutrition all played a part in making it such a danger. The 2 men tracked Jesus, crying out loudly; continually shouting, yelling with great intensity – trying to get His attention in the midst of a huge crowd. They could not see Him but they were trying to get to Him. They said Have mercy on us. Mercy is God’s inexhaustible and infinite compassion and loving-kindness – shown to needy sinners to alleviate the misery brought on by sin. In mercy God withholds from us what we deserve (punishment; God’s wrath against our sin), by grace He gives us what we do not deserve (forgiveness; unmerited kindness and love). God is merciful. He shows compassion and loving-kindness for His Name sake; alleviating the misery brought on by sin. He does so at His own discretion, by His sovereign choice. Rom. 9:15-18 recounts says, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy; it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs but on God who has mercy; So then, He has mercy on whom He desires."
They had the right attitude; they admitted their need for forgiving mercy. You need to admit your need for forgiving mercy. Daniel prayed Dan. 9:18 on behalf of himself and his fellow Israelites: We are not presenting our prayers before You on account of any merits of our own, but on account of Your great mercy. Jeremiah Lam. 3:22-23 said The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness. The writer of Hebrews said Jesus was made like His brethren in all things so He might become a merciful and faithful High Priest Heb. 2:17. Paul reminds us of the surpassing riches of God’s grace in kindness to us in Christ Jesus Eph. 2:7. That Titus 3:5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy. Mercy and grace work hand and hand – mercy holding back what our sins deserve; grace giving what we don’t deserve.
What everyone needs: Faith
The 2 blind men called Jesus Son of David. Without a doubt they were confessing Jesus as the Messiah, the One who would rule forever. Son of David was one of the most common titles for the promised deliverer – a royal title, pointing to His descending from the family of King David and His subsequent right to set up and rule over the coming Kingdom of God. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the way to the cross multitudes of people cried Hosanna to the Son of David Matt. 21:9. To call Jesus the Son of David was to call His the promised deliverer - something unbelieving Jewish leaders knew well. [they rebuked people for calling Jesus that 21:15-16]. Every Jew who heard the 2 men would have known what they were saying – and taken it to be a clear confession of belief in Jesus as the Messiah. They boldly and publicly declared their faith in Christ as Savior and Lord. They had the right belief. In the same way, you need to acknowledge Jesus as King by faith. Faith is reliance on God, trust that He can and will; and therefore placing all your hope in Him. They were physically blind but they saw better than others. In the time of Jesus there was a huge Messianic expectation; and people believed that when the Messiah came He would Open the eyes of the blind and unstop the ears of the deaf. Is. 35:5-6. The lame would leap like a deer and the tongue of the mute would shout for joy. If Jesus was the Messiah, the blind men must have reasoned, He would have mercy on them and they would have their sight. Their need drove them to faith. They were focused on the right person – the most merciful person who ever lived - the Lord Jesus – they staked their lives on Him – a rock-solid, truth-grounded, promise-anchored trust in Christ to save them spiritually from sin and physically from blindness. They walked by faith not by sight. They “saw” what others could not: Jesus is the Sovereign King of the universe and so they relied on Him. When we realize how dependent we are on God for salvation – His death for our sin, His life for our righteousness – we understand why the Bible insists salvation comes only through faith in Him.
Jesus did not heal them right away. He waited until they were indoors. The men had faith enough to follow Jesus into the house. He lets them get all the way to Him and asks…do you believe that I am able to do this? Do you trust that I can heal you & make you see? Are you relying on Me to do this? The answer: Yes Lord. Yes we believe You are able to do what we asked of You; & Lord we believe that You are the Divine Messiah, the coming Savior promised long ago by God through the prophets. True faith is dependent on God. Jesus is the author (giver) and perfector (sustainer) of faith. God gives faith as a gift & God rewards those who believe. Heb. 11:6 He rewards those who earnestly seek Him by faith. Jesus touched their eyes and said “Be it done to you according to your faith”. D.A. Carson observes that, Jesus’ authoritative word, “According to your faith” does not mean “in proportion to your faith” (so much faith, so much sight) but rather “since you believe, your request is granted.” (Your faith has healed you 9:22). Their eyes were opened. God is powerful and merciful. God restores physical and spiritual sight.
What everyone struggles with: Obedience
Jesus sternly warned them, don’t tell anyone about this! This may reveal Jesus’ desire to avoid undue and untimely attention that might impede his true mission. Whatever the case the seeing disobey. They go out and spread His fame; proclaiming their belief that Jesus was the Messiah – a great thing to do – but something Jesus asked them not to do right then. We have no such warning today – just the opposite – Go and tell everyone what great things God has done for you. Preach the Gospel to all. As Paul said, Woe is me if I do not preach the Gospel! But timing is everything – and Jesus had told them no to. So why do the seeing not obey? Think about what we believe. We believe that at the moment that we come to believe in Jesus, placing our trust in Him and His finished work on the cross, we by faith also receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). This story reminds us of another foundational truth – that when we have experienced God’s grace in Christ, and received the Holy Spirit, obedience is not an option; but to obey is not automatic when we come to faith. The Christian life is not lived by remembering an experience we had – it is lived in the daily grind of discipleship; following Jesus lovingly, dependently and obediently. It is lived soberly in simple obedience to Jesus and what He says. The right course the right action, is to apply what Jesus says. Do what He tells you to do in God’s Word. Our experience, our thinking, our feelings - even some we think come from the Holy Spirit, should never lead us to contradict Jesus’ clear commands. The way to make it in life is to trust God’s mercy by faith and live in obedience. One thing I consistently try to get across is we can do nothing without Jesus, but we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Everything we do should flow from the life of Christ in and through us – that we would worship God, build up believers and reach others for Christ – out of the outflow of Christ’s life in us. As we are saved by grace, so we live by grace and serve by grace. God intends for the Christian life to work this way – we yield to the work of God in us, making moment by moment choices to be doers of the Word and not just hearers who deceive ourselves. God does not want us to be deceived – thinking that we are somehow in control or that we call the shots – we are to be in all things under Him – seeking what He wants above what we want. That will lead to deeper worship of God, more connectedness in the family of God and more fruitful outreach for Christ among the unsaved. To live like this we need to walk with Jesus, being corrected by the Word; shaped into who God wants as we live under Him.
It would be easy to say what did Jesus expect right? How do you hide a miracle like that – anyone who knew them would know. He expected obedience. Sometimes we think if only a person would get saved their life would turn around. True – but not a guarantee that it will happen right way. Proof - the 2 men do not listen to Jesus. We get expert at justifying disobeying Jesus’ commands: ‘He would want us to do this.’ ‘He really wasn’t serious.’ ‘He didn’t really mean that’. When God’s Word and our thoughts collide God will win – like the father who tells his wayward or rebellious son – you can do this the hard way or the easy way – but either way I am going to win – so why not make it easier on yourself. This story of Jesus healing the blind men reminds us we need to be born again and then walk by/rely on the Spirit so we will not carry out the desires of the flesh.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
God’s Timing: Always Perfect
In Matt. 9:18-26 we see God dealing with people’s imperfect faith as He displays His power in His perfect time. On the heels of showing that Jesus initiates true change and inspires genuine devotion comes a man whose daughter had died – as well as a woman struggling with an ongoing health issue. Jesus teaches them that His timing and power are perfect. There is a time for everything under heaven.
While Jesus is interacting with John’s disciples a man (Jairus according to Mark 5:22 and Luke 8:41) comes to Jesus. He was a ruler of the synagogue, the highest ranking religious official in Capernaum; a pillar of Jewish orthodoxy, living among those who hated Jesus and wished to see Him gone. Desperation drove him to Jesus. He knelt before Jesus, showing honor and respect. He didn’t care what his neighbors, family or friends thought. Told Jesus his daughter had died and to “come, lay your hand on her and she will live.” God was been working on his heart. He is convinced Jesus is able to do what he asks. Jesus follows him but while they are on the way to Jairus’ house they get intercepted by a woman who had been sick for 12 years with chronic illness; who’d spent every penny she had on doctors that made her worse. Considered unclean, she was excluded from normal social and religious life. Like a death sentence with no end in sight except maybe the relief of death. Like Job. But this was not an immediate need, her life was not in danger. It could have waited. On the surface, getting to Jairus’ daughter seemed the more urgent need. She cut in line! Seen as a nuisance, an unworthy obstacle to everyone but Jesus. With God interruptions are opportunities.
This woman had faith, but it seems she was a bit superstitious. She said “If only I touch the fringe of His clothes, I will be made well.” Attached to the 4 corners of the garment worn by Jewish men were tassels with a blue cord; Touching My clothes, Jesus says, won’t heal you. But faith in Me will! God uses whatever faith you’ve got. Interesting He called attention to her; marking her out for a purpose; showing her just how special she was as one of His creations. He refers to her by the tender name daughter, a significant term of fatherly care for one as young as Jesus. In contrast to Pharisees who put arbitrary labels on people; put them in artificial categories; Jesus deals with individual needs and faith. He cares about you. All who turn to Him in faith are welcome.
Then we have a child, also unnamed. In her we see the dead raised and despair replaced by hope. Flute players & noisy crowd signify that the funeral was about to start. One rabbi said even the poorest in Israel should hire at least 2 flutes and 1 wailing woman. Jesus tells them the girl is not dead and they laugh at Him. What we think does not define reality. God knows what He will do. He was about to show His authority was not only over all of life, but over death as well. Mark tells us 5 witnesses were with Him: Peter, James, John and her parents. Jesus took her by hand and raised her from the dead. Touching a corpse was off limits, you’d become unclean for a week Num. 19:11-21, Jesus brings the girl to life transforming uncleanness to purity. Jesus’ authority as Christ extended beyond life. He had authority over death and life.
We can learn something about Living on God’s Timetable. In light of Matt. 6:19-21, “do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven”, our response to God’ Timetable ought to be marked by 5 interrelated things:
1st, Surrender, which says to God Take everything “Take full possession” All I am & have & hope to be is Yours. It’s what Jairus did when he bowed down to Jesus & what the crowd did not do when they mocked Him. James 4:7 Submit yourselves to (align yourself under) God. To surrender is to yield ownership, relinquish control over what we think is ours: property, time, position, people. What we have belongs to Him. He is the giver of all good things.
2nd, Trust. Trust God over yourself. Prov. 3:5-6 Trust says “I am in your hands.” Say you feel God has abandoned you. Is it true? Does He abandon His own? The feeling does not reflect fact. Facts override feelings. Matt. 28:20 and Heb. 13:5 testify to that!
3rd, Obedience. We are called to Obey. We can all think of times we acted impulsively and lived to regret it. Maybe it was an unwise or ill-advised purchase; or a business deal that went south; or a relationship that went sour; a decision of some kind that you had no peace about but dove into anyway. We’ve all been there. We run ahead of what God wants us to do and pay the consequences. Obedience says to God “I will do what you say.” Jesus said John 15:14 “you are My friends if you do what I command you.” Keep doing what you know God wants you to do. Keep being faithful in the little things.
4th, Rest. Not thinking our obedience earns us the outcome we desire, but willingly saying “I’ll accept your verdict.” Resist the temptation to pull strings. Ps. 37:7 be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Reject defeatism which says “I cannot see the answer or the way out so all is lost.” There is no hope”. Reject sensationalism which says “If such and such doesn’t happen then God is not at work”. Reject superstition which says “If I don’t do such and such God won’t come through and bless.” If you think a formula must be followed in order for things to happen you are being superstitious. Anything we think we must do in a specific way every time in order for God to work.
5th, Endure. Persevere. Live in light of eternity because “Heaven awaits.” James 5:11 we count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and merciful. Maybe you have been waiting 12 years for answer to your prayers. There is no guarantee things will change. But you will change. God is using the pain to perfect you. Relief might not come this side of heaven, but one day, no more tears, pain, sickness, or death.
God knows the beginning from the end. He has a good purpose in everything He allows: the missed promotion, the lost job, the unjust accusation; the honest mistake that cost you, the unfair treatment that held you back. Jesus says, "Courage, all these things go through Me first." Our times are in His hands (Ps. 31:15). God is sovereign over time and timing. Everything God allows is perfectly timed for our good and His glory.
Soli Deo Gloria
While Jesus is interacting with John’s disciples a man (Jairus according to Mark 5:22 and Luke 8:41) comes to Jesus. He was a ruler of the synagogue, the highest ranking religious official in Capernaum; a pillar of Jewish orthodoxy, living among those who hated Jesus and wished to see Him gone. Desperation drove him to Jesus. He knelt before Jesus, showing honor and respect. He didn’t care what his neighbors, family or friends thought. Told Jesus his daughter had died and to “come, lay your hand on her and she will live.” God was been working on his heart. He is convinced Jesus is able to do what he asks. Jesus follows him but while they are on the way to Jairus’ house they get intercepted by a woman who had been sick for 12 years with chronic illness; who’d spent every penny she had on doctors that made her worse. Considered unclean, she was excluded from normal social and religious life. Like a death sentence with no end in sight except maybe the relief of death. Like Job. But this was not an immediate need, her life was not in danger. It could have waited. On the surface, getting to Jairus’ daughter seemed the more urgent need. She cut in line! Seen as a nuisance, an unworthy obstacle to everyone but Jesus. With God interruptions are opportunities.
This woman had faith, but it seems she was a bit superstitious. She said “If only I touch the fringe of His clothes, I will be made well.” Attached to the 4 corners of the garment worn by Jewish men were tassels with a blue cord; Touching My clothes, Jesus says, won’t heal you. But faith in Me will! God uses whatever faith you’ve got. Interesting He called attention to her; marking her out for a purpose; showing her just how special she was as one of His creations. He refers to her by the tender name daughter, a significant term of fatherly care for one as young as Jesus. In contrast to Pharisees who put arbitrary labels on people; put them in artificial categories; Jesus deals with individual needs and faith. He cares about you. All who turn to Him in faith are welcome.
Then we have a child, also unnamed. In her we see the dead raised and despair replaced by hope. Flute players & noisy crowd signify that the funeral was about to start. One rabbi said even the poorest in Israel should hire at least 2 flutes and 1 wailing woman. Jesus tells them the girl is not dead and they laugh at Him. What we think does not define reality. God knows what He will do. He was about to show His authority was not only over all of life, but over death as well. Mark tells us 5 witnesses were with Him: Peter, James, John and her parents. Jesus took her by hand and raised her from the dead. Touching a corpse was off limits, you’d become unclean for a week Num. 19:11-21, Jesus brings the girl to life transforming uncleanness to purity. Jesus’ authority as Christ extended beyond life. He had authority over death and life.
We can learn something about Living on God’s Timetable. In light of Matt. 6:19-21, “do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven”, our response to God’ Timetable ought to be marked by 5 interrelated things:
1st, Surrender, which says to God Take everything “Take full possession” All I am & have & hope to be is Yours. It’s what Jairus did when he bowed down to Jesus & what the crowd did not do when they mocked Him. James 4:7 Submit yourselves to (align yourself under) God. To surrender is to yield ownership, relinquish control over what we think is ours: property, time, position, people. What we have belongs to Him. He is the giver of all good things.
2nd, Trust. Trust God over yourself. Prov. 3:5-6 Trust says “I am in your hands.” Say you feel God has abandoned you. Is it true? Does He abandon His own? The feeling does not reflect fact. Facts override feelings. Matt. 28:20 and Heb. 13:5 testify to that!
3rd, Obedience. We are called to Obey. We can all think of times we acted impulsively and lived to regret it. Maybe it was an unwise or ill-advised purchase; or a business deal that went south; or a relationship that went sour; a decision of some kind that you had no peace about but dove into anyway. We’ve all been there. We run ahead of what God wants us to do and pay the consequences. Obedience says to God “I will do what you say.” Jesus said John 15:14 “you are My friends if you do what I command you.” Keep doing what you know God wants you to do. Keep being faithful in the little things.
4th, Rest. Not thinking our obedience earns us the outcome we desire, but willingly saying “I’ll accept your verdict.” Resist the temptation to pull strings. Ps. 37:7 be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Reject defeatism which says “I cannot see the answer or the way out so all is lost.” There is no hope”. Reject sensationalism which says “If such and such doesn’t happen then God is not at work”. Reject superstition which says “If I don’t do such and such God won’t come through and bless.” If you think a formula must be followed in order for things to happen you are being superstitious. Anything we think we must do in a specific way every time in order for God to work.
5th, Endure. Persevere. Live in light of eternity because “Heaven awaits.” James 5:11 we count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and merciful. Maybe you have been waiting 12 years for answer to your prayers. There is no guarantee things will change. But you will change. God is using the pain to perfect you. Relief might not come this side of heaven, but one day, no more tears, pain, sickness, or death.
God knows the beginning from the end. He has a good purpose in everything He allows: the missed promotion, the lost job, the unjust accusation; the honest mistake that cost you, the unfair treatment that held you back. Jesus says, "Courage, all these things go through Me first." Our times are in His hands (Ps. 31:15). God is sovereign over time and timing. Everything God allows is perfectly timed for our good and His glory.
Soli Deo Gloria
Thursday, June 10, 2010
No Easy Answers
We look for easy answers to our problems. If you want to become a better person, spouse, son, daughter, student, employee, friend, neighbor or missionary you must become a more radical disciple of Jesus. Become like Christ and things will change. Pursue neglected discipleship things like non-conformity, maturity, simplicity, balance, dependence – and true change & genuine devotion will result. God says in 2 Cor. 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is on Christ he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
True Change and Genuine Devotion
Jesus initiates true change and inspires genuine devotion. In Matthew 9:14-17 the disciples of John the Baptist ask Jesus: Why don’t your disciples fast like we do? Read between the lines: Why are they feasting (read committing sin) when they should be fasting (read committing themselves to God)? We deny ourselves food; therefore, we are closer to God. Why aren’t your followers as pious as we are? If you are so holy shouldn’t your followers be at least as holy as we are? Their complaint was that Jesus was failing to be properly devoted to God and teaching His disciples to do the same. Jesus would have none of it. His response: The gospel changes us from the inside out & man-made ways of relating to God won’t work in this new relationship. In essence Jesus says, “The reason why is because I am God and I’m in charge. Your understanding of fasting is tweaked and your understanding of who I am is faulty. Any more questions?” Fasting was seen as a sign of humility & repentance but their question showed spiritual pride. Calvin said these fasters were “gloom-ridden and turned in on themselves”.
The Old Testament only stipulated 1 fast per year, on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:29-31), but Jewish tradition developed into an expectation of fasting two times a week. Everything was about being noticed. When they gave they blew trumpets, when they prayed they did it loudly in public, when they fasted they put on a gloomy face. Matthew and his friends were feasting, John’s disciples were fasting – and did not seem too happy about it. Jesus came to His own as a Bridegroom coming to His bride. You don’t fast at a wedding. Jesus was inaugurating something new. To illustrate He uses 2 examples from everyday life. Clothes & wine. No one puts unshrunk cloth on an old garment and no one puts new wine in old wineskins – or else they would be ruined. Jesus uses these to show what He has come to do.
Jesus initiates true change. Like adding unshrunk cloth to an old garment, you can’t just tack Jesus on to your old life. Jesus came to earth to transform life. They wanted Him to require His men to do things to gain favor with God. Jesus was instituting an entirely new approach to God; incompatible with rigid traditionalism, not based on outward conformity but inward transformation. Jesus’ Kingdom & life is a new garment and new wine. The only life that can contain true righteousness is the new life God gives when a person turns from their sin and trusts Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Doing away with the old and bringing in the new does not mean Jesus was setting aside the law and bringing in grace. Jesus made it clear He did not come to abolish the Law but fulfill it, reveal it’s true meaning. Any opponent of the law was an opponent of God (Matt. 5:17-19). God’s law and grace have always coexisted perfectly. The Old wineskins were not the Old Testament but the traditions of man that interfered with and became more important to them than God’s Word. Outward things do not make us right with God. Activity without inward heart change is empty and futile. When a form of praying, or not eating, or serving or any religious thing becomes the focus of our attention, it is a barrier to our relationship with God. All who have ever been saved were made right with God by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for God’s glory alone.
Jesus inspires genuine devotion. Genuine righteousness of a person who is forgiven and cleansed by Jesus cannot be supplemented by external religious works. You will do what you do not to gain standing with God but out of love and devotion to God and to please Him. What does genuine devotion to God look like?
We love the Lord (Matt. 22:37-38; John 14:15).
We follow Him Ps. 23 the Lord is my Shepherd, He leads me beside still waters. John 10:27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. His Word supersedes all others. 1 Jn 2:14 says when it abides in us it helps us overcome the evil one; so we become champions of a Biblical worldview. Others may be tossed to and fro by every wind and wave of teaching, but we are rock solid. Though times may change His Word never does and so we lash ourselves to the Mast of truth & ride out storms that come. When we sin & are convicted by the Holy Spirit who indwells believers we don’t find ways to cover sin but rather expose it to the light – confess (admit) it, forsake it, and turn to God; actively seek and welcome change.
We love the Lord’s people (John 15:12; 1 John 4:21). We have a heart for the church. Since we love our family in Christ, We reject jealousy, animosity, unkind thoughts and bitter words. Unlike those who took issue with Jesus who didn’t seem to care. Rom. 13:10 love does no wrong to a neighbor. 1 Pet. 4:8 love covers a multitude of sins we are willing to overlook more when we love. Don’t excuse sin, but don’t pile on either. We reject legalism and license. Legalism says people have to do exactly as I do if they want to be right with God – like John’s disciples regarding fasting; License says I can do whatever I want with no thought for the good of others. True believers know what was started by the Spirit cannot be completed in the flesh (Gal. 3:3).
We love all people (Matt. 22:39). We have compassion for and want to reach unbelievers. John 17:14-21. We don’t expect them to behave like believers. We accept them as they are. Work for their good and God’s glory. Do what you are called to do – live and share the Gospel – allow God to do the changing; without necessarily agreeing with their lifestyle or sin. A heart for mission because you are always on assignment for God, started by God, initiated by God, enable by God, empowered by God; Who as 2 Cor. 2:14 says "manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place we go." John Wooden said You can’t live a perfect day until you do something for someone who will never be able to repay you. Al Mohler says, "Serve, preach, teach, and tell the world about Jesus until they put you in a box or until Jesus comes. And all will be well. Start what you cannot finish, and trust that Christ will finish what He has started."
Soli Deo Gloria
The Old Testament only stipulated 1 fast per year, on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:29-31), but Jewish tradition developed into an expectation of fasting two times a week. Everything was about being noticed. When they gave they blew trumpets, when they prayed they did it loudly in public, when they fasted they put on a gloomy face. Matthew and his friends were feasting, John’s disciples were fasting – and did not seem too happy about it. Jesus came to His own as a Bridegroom coming to His bride. You don’t fast at a wedding. Jesus was inaugurating something new. To illustrate He uses 2 examples from everyday life. Clothes & wine. No one puts unshrunk cloth on an old garment and no one puts new wine in old wineskins – or else they would be ruined. Jesus uses these to show what He has come to do.
Jesus initiates true change. Like adding unshrunk cloth to an old garment, you can’t just tack Jesus on to your old life. Jesus came to earth to transform life. They wanted Him to require His men to do things to gain favor with God. Jesus was instituting an entirely new approach to God; incompatible with rigid traditionalism, not based on outward conformity but inward transformation. Jesus’ Kingdom & life is a new garment and new wine. The only life that can contain true righteousness is the new life God gives when a person turns from their sin and trusts Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Doing away with the old and bringing in the new does not mean Jesus was setting aside the law and bringing in grace. Jesus made it clear He did not come to abolish the Law but fulfill it, reveal it’s true meaning. Any opponent of the law was an opponent of God (Matt. 5:17-19). God’s law and grace have always coexisted perfectly. The Old wineskins were not the Old Testament but the traditions of man that interfered with and became more important to them than God’s Word. Outward things do not make us right with God. Activity without inward heart change is empty and futile. When a form of praying, or not eating, or serving or any religious thing becomes the focus of our attention, it is a barrier to our relationship with God. All who have ever been saved were made right with God by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for God’s glory alone.
Jesus inspires genuine devotion. Genuine righteousness of a person who is forgiven and cleansed by Jesus cannot be supplemented by external religious works. You will do what you do not to gain standing with God but out of love and devotion to God and to please Him. What does genuine devotion to God look like?
We love the Lord (Matt. 22:37-38; John 14:15).
We follow Him Ps. 23 the Lord is my Shepherd, He leads me beside still waters. John 10:27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. His Word supersedes all others. 1 Jn 2:14 says when it abides in us it helps us overcome the evil one; so we become champions of a Biblical worldview. Others may be tossed to and fro by every wind and wave of teaching, but we are rock solid. Though times may change His Word never does and so we lash ourselves to the Mast of truth & ride out storms that come. When we sin & are convicted by the Holy Spirit who indwells believers we don’t find ways to cover sin but rather expose it to the light – confess (admit) it, forsake it, and turn to God; actively seek and welcome change.
We love the Lord’s people (John 15:12; 1 John 4:21). We have a heart for the church. Since we love our family in Christ, We reject jealousy, animosity, unkind thoughts and bitter words. Unlike those who took issue with Jesus who didn’t seem to care. Rom. 13:10 love does no wrong to a neighbor. 1 Pet. 4:8 love covers a multitude of sins we are willing to overlook more when we love. Don’t excuse sin, but don’t pile on either. We reject legalism and license. Legalism says people have to do exactly as I do if they want to be right with God – like John’s disciples regarding fasting; License says I can do whatever I want with no thought for the good of others. True believers know what was started by the Spirit cannot be completed in the flesh (Gal. 3:3).
We love all people (Matt. 22:39). We have compassion for and want to reach unbelievers. John 17:14-21. We don’t expect them to behave like believers. We accept them as they are. Work for their good and God’s glory. Do what you are called to do – live and share the Gospel – allow God to do the changing; without necessarily agreeing with their lifestyle or sin. A heart for mission because you are always on assignment for God, started by God, initiated by God, enable by God, empowered by God; Who as 2 Cor. 2:14 says "manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place we go." John Wooden said You can’t live a perfect day until you do something for someone who will never be able to repay you. Al Mohler says, "Serve, preach, teach, and tell the world about Jesus until they put you in a box or until Jesus comes. And all will be well. Start what you cannot finish, and trust that Christ will finish what He has started."
Soli Deo Gloria
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Jesus is not an Accessory
Life must be reoriented around Jesus. Some people treat Jesus like an accessory rather than primary focus. Jesus doesn’t do remodels, He does complete re-builds. Before you come to faith in Christ and are regenerated, all you can do is sin. Once you get saved, you don’t have to. You will look the same and have the same personality but you will not have the same hunger for sin and bent to rebel against God. You still sin but no longer have to. The power and penalty of sin is broken in your life. You can make the conscious moment by moment choice to walk in the Spirit and experience life and peace or walk by the flesh and experience sin and its consequences. Things get messed up when we try to make Jesus an add-on rather than the main thing.
Monday, June 7, 2010
What to do when Controversy finds you
So many people took issue with Jesus. Matthew chapter 9 records several instances. We can learn how to deal with controversy from Jesus. Jesus didn’t back down; He engaged His opponents.
1. Do not shy away from controversy when it comes your way. We tend to avoid it all costs, God may want us to engage to fulfill His good purposes.
2. Do not instigate it, but see and use controversy as an opportunity to refute error & lift up key gospel truths. Jesus un-argumentatively, corrected wrong views of God and showed Gospel truth.
3. Do not lash out in anger, but calmly confront those who contradict sound teaching with words of wisdom. Sometimes it’s more loving to engage thoughtfully, prayerfully, and firmly.
1. Do not shy away from controversy when it comes your way. We tend to avoid it all costs, God may want us to engage to fulfill His good purposes.
2. Do not instigate it, but see and use controversy as an opportunity to refute error & lift up key gospel truths. Jesus un-argumentatively, corrected wrong views of God and showed Gospel truth.
3. Do not lash out in anger, but calmly confront those who contradict sound teaching with words of wisdom. Sometimes it’s more loving to engage thoughtfully, prayerfully, and firmly.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Our Future Hope
Matt. 9:14-17 gives us a glimpse of our future in Christ. In the midst of oil spills and milk spills, report cards, doctor appointments, relational conflicts – great joy & sorrow – Jesus reminds us this is not the end of the line - more awaits us in Heaven. He gives us a picture of a bridegroom coming for His bride, which looks forward ultimately to the great marriage supper of the Lamb in heaven. Rev. 19:6-10/21:5-6. All this is enabled to come about due to the Cross. James Boice said “First Jesus had to go to the Cross and die, which is what the mention of future fasting in v. 15 predicts and the rest of the Gospel of Matthew carefully records”. The Cross is where Jesus secured the new life He gives. He is with His people now, changing us from the inside out, leading us onward, so one day we might be with Him forever where He is.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Things Change
Things are always changing. Some for better some for worse: the Gulf oil spill is still not cleaned up – affecting jobs, energy, food and wildlife; more people have been killed in the midst of war or terrorist activity. The Lakers and Celtics are at it again; coaching legend John Wooden died; and a Major League Baseball umpire admitted he blew a call that would have resulted in a perfectly pitched game – no hits, no walks, no errors.
God’s Word may seem at first glance to have little or no bearing or impact on the rest of the world – but it actually has everything to do with our part in it. Time is going by so quickly we can barely keep track – it seems only yesterday we were bringing Alexandra home from the hospital and now she is on the verge of high school graduation – time waits for no one - and if we are to navigate life fruitfully and for the glory of God we must have a solid grasp not on what is going on out there in the world, but on what is going on inside our souls, so that we might engage appropriately and not waste our life and be ready for our part in the world.
We have one objective rule for faith and practice and it is the Word of God, applied by the Spirit of God, amongst His people, for the glory of God. Matthew 9:14-17 shows us that Jesus initiates true change and inspires genuine devotion. We are so used to false claims of newness that is seems almost too good to be true. “New and improved” is often just “repackaged and slightly reformulated”; a new color or shape and a bit more sugar or other nutrient. “All New” is often just “re-branded version of old product”; the same insides with a new look on the outside. Jesus truly changes hearts and lives and brings about genuine transformation such that others see and experience the effects. He makes all things new (Rev. 21:5).
God’s Word may seem at first glance to have little or no bearing or impact on the rest of the world – but it actually has everything to do with our part in it. Time is going by so quickly we can barely keep track – it seems only yesterday we were bringing Alexandra home from the hospital and now she is on the verge of high school graduation – time waits for no one - and if we are to navigate life fruitfully and for the glory of God we must have a solid grasp not on what is going on out there in the world, but on what is going on inside our souls, so that we might engage appropriately and not waste our life and be ready for our part in the world.
We have one objective rule for faith and practice and it is the Word of God, applied by the Spirit of God, amongst His people, for the glory of God. Matthew 9:14-17 shows us that Jesus initiates true change and inspires genuine devotion. We are so used to false claims of newness that is seems almost too good to be true. “New and improved” is often just “repackaged and slightly reformulated”; a new color or shape and a bit more sugar or other nutrient. “All New” is often just “re-branded version of old product”; the same insides with a new look on the outside. Jesus truly changes hearts and lives and brings about genuine transformation such that others see and experience the effects. He makes all things new (Rev. 21:5).
Friday, June 4, 2010
Jesus has Authority over Man-Made Traditions
Matthew 9:14-17 shows us that Jesus has authority over man-made traditions, false spirituality ands spiritual pride. These things hinder our growth in the Lord, our interaction with believers and our witness to the world. Pharisees thought strict adherence to and observance of traditional practices got them closer to God – they were naïve to think that got them anywhere with the Lord. If they were trackign with Jesus they would have known that actions devoid of the heart are empty and God sees right though it.
The disciples of John come and complaint to Jesus about how His disciples do not fast like they and the Pharisees do. They were feasting while others were doing without food and they were not happy about it! What, did they think they were somehow closer and more acceptable to God? We love to try and control the actions and decisions of others don’t we? But Jesus will have none of it. So in essence He says to them, “You want to know why, here’s why: your understanding of fasting is tweaked and your understanding of who I am is faulty. I am not like what you have been used to. I am God. I am making all things new. I am in charge here. Any more questions?”
The disciples of John come and complaint to Jesus about how His disciples do not fast like they and the Pharisees do. They were feasting while others were doing without food and they were not happy about it! What, did they think they were somehow closer and more acceptable to God? We love to try and control the actions and decisions of others don’t we? But Jesus will have none of it. So in essence He says to them, “You want to know why, here’s why: your understanding of fasting is tweaked and your understanding of who I am is faulty. I am not like what you have been used to. I am God. I am making all things new. I am in charge here. Any more questions?”
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Mercy beyond Belief (Part 3 of 3)
In our quest to follow the Merciful One and become merciful, we can be tripped up by things we don't realize hinder us. We can be sincerely off base and not even realize it. One common issue is in how to relate to the culture around us.
Christians often isolate completely or identify fully. How can we engage the culture without being tainted by it? Are we to disengage in separatism or or fully engage in identification? Should you immerse yourself in the culture in order to win some (become all things to all men?) or isolate so as not to be tainted (come out from their midst and be separate?). We tend to think in terms of there being only 2 alternatives. One is geographical: fear of contamination leads us to get as far away from some people as possible so we don’t get tainted by them. The other is practical: fear of irrelevance leads us to be fully immersed and identified, becoming one with them. Neither extreme is usually very helpful to our spiritual life or fruitful in making disciples.
There is a 3rd way: it’s a relational one. The first two options are easy, but you have to do some heavy lifting for this one, be on your toes, be prepared because you are in a spiritual battle. It is what some call Redemptive interaction: engage the culture personally while preserving God’s standards biblically. Being in the world but not of it, as Jesus alludes to in John 17:14-18. It is the idea Gal. 5:16 speaks of "walk by the Spirit and you will not carry our the desires of the flesh". That means you will go certain places and runt he risk of being misunderstood by some. It also may mean you will not go certain places and run the risk of being misunderstood by others.
The dinner party in Matthew 9 was on Matthew’s turf, focused on Jesus. It was a Christ-centered gathering. But Jesus and His men were misunderstood. Pharisees separated themselves thinking they were too holy. Fear of contamination. Jesus the Holy One engaged. We fear contamination or rejection, so we do not risk. Jesus always hits the sweet spot. Not isolation, purposeful engagement. Pharisees labeled people ‘sinners’ who did not meet their man-made standards of holiness. They created a special classification for those they disdained. There is great impact in Jesus associating with people whom the religious community rejected, and this serves as a reminder that you cannot use Jesus as an excuse to live in immorality and sinfulness while pretending to reach the lost.
Motive matters supremely. If we go places and hang out with people who are opposed to everything God stands for – if we mask it by saying we are trying to win them to Christ – but they do not know where we stand, or do not see any difference in our lives - we lie and deceive ourselves.
We must recognize something about the significance of table fellowship in those days. It was greater than it is to us. By sitting at table with these people, Jesus was showing acceptance and friendship (8:11). The Pharisees could not fathom anyone who wanted to be taken seriously who would lower themselves to associate with such immoral people. But that is precisely the point. Redemptive interaction is perfectly illustrated in the incarnation: Jesus humbled Himself by becoming one of us (Phil. 2) – to identify with sinful humanity while never tainted by it.
Jesus in saying He desires "mercy and not sacrifice" is saying the heart must be engaged and then the actions will follow. In essence He says, "My Church will be a place of Mercy. There will be blood to cover your sins and it will be Mine. My love overcomes the worst of sins and accepts those living on the fringe. I delight to choose unlikely subjects to show the miraculous wonder of mercy. Like Paul, a blasphemer and violent aggressor who persecuted the church yet became its greatest missionary and theologian. Like John, a son of thunder who became the apostle of love. Like Matthew, a despised insider living on the outskirts of Jewish life. Like you."
Soli Deo Gloria
Christians often isolate completely or identify fully. How can we engage the culture without being tainted by it? Are we to disengage in separatism or or fully engage in identification? Should you immerse yourself in the culture in order to win some (become all things to all men?) or isolate so as not to be tainted (come out from their midst and be separate?). We tend to think in terms of there being only 2 alternatives. One is geographical: fear of contamination leads us to get as far away from some people as possible so we don’t get tainted by them. The other is practical: fear of irrelevance leads us to be fully immersed and identified, becoming one with them. Neither extreme is usually very helpful to our spiritual life or fruitful in making disciples.
There is a 3rd way: it’s a relational one. The first two options are easy, but you have to do some heavy lifting for this one, be on your toes, be prepared because you are in a spiritual battle. It is what some call Redemptive interaction: engage the culture personally while preserving God’s standards biblically. Being in the world but not of it, as Jesus alludes to in John 17:14-18. It is the idea Gal. 5:16 speaks of "walk by the Spirit and you will not carry our the desires of the flesh". That means you will go certain places and runt he risk of being misunderstood by some. It also may mean you will not go certain places and run the risk of being misunderstood by others.
The dinner party in Matthew 9 was on Matthew’s turf, focused on Jesus. It was a Christ-centered gathering. But Jesus and His men were misunderstood. Pharisees separated themselves thinking they were too holy. Fear of contamination. Jesus the Holy One engaged. We fear contamination or rejection, so we do not risk. Jesus always hits the sweet spot. Not isolation, purposeful engagement. Pharisees labeled people ‘sinners’ who did not meet their man-made standards of holiness. They created a special classification for those they disdained. There is great impact in Jesus associating with people whom the religious community rejected, and this serves as a reminder that you cannot use Jesus as an excuse to live in immorality and sinfulness while pretending to reach the lost.
Motive matters supremely. If we go places and hang out with people who are opposed to everything God stands for – if we mask it by saying we are trying to win them to Christ – but they do not know where we stand, or do not see any difference in our lives - we lie and deceive ourselves.
We must recognize something about the significance of table fellowship in those days. It was greater than it is to us. By sitting at table with these people, Jesus was showing acceptance and friendship (8:11). The Pharisees could not fathom anyone who wanted to be taken seriously who would lower themselves to associate with such immoral people. But that is precisely the point. Redemptive interaction is perfectly illustrated in the incarnation: Jesus humbled Himself by becoming one of us (Phil. 2) – to identify with sinful humanity while never tainted by it.
Jesus in saying He desires "mercy and not sacrifice" is saying the heart must be engaged and then the actions will follow. In essence He says, "My Church will be a place of Mercy. There will be blood to cover your sins and it will be Mine. My love overcomes the worst of sins and accepts those living on the fringe. I delight to choose unlikely subjects to show the miraculous wonder of mercy. Like Paul, a blasphemer and violent aggressor who persecuted the church yet became its greatest missionary and theologian. Like John, a son of thunder who became the apostle of love. Like Matthew, a despised insider living on the outskirts of Jewish life. Like you."
Soli Deo Gloria
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Mercy beyond Belief (Part 2 of 3)
You'd think the most merciful people on earth would be the ones who had received God's mercy in Christ right? But that is not always the perception or the reality.
There are some common hurdles we often run into that can get in the way of becoming Merciful.
Christians are often seen as unmerciful, critical and judgmental, considering others undeserving of God’s grace. At times this is an unfair assessment – you sincerely want to reach others, but they misjudge you. At times it is fair - we start to think we’re not so bad; that Jesus makes good people better, that Jesus just gave us the final nudge rather than the truth: we were spiritually unable to do anything for ourselves and God rescued us from hell. Or we may see our own need and unworthiness but can’t relate to people we see as more sinful than we were or are. Sometimes it is warranted. It is hard to know where perception stops and reality starts. Not hard to admit the Church has an image problem in the world.
How can we overcome the perception and reality? Here are 5 ideas to apply prayerfully by God’s grace:
1. Talk less, listen, then do something. Try to help in some tangible way in the name of Jesus – like a cup of cold water, etc. Mercy acts on behalf of the undeserving and ill-deserving.
2. Don’t label people. Look beyond initial appearances and impressions. 1 Sam. 16:7 says man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart. Sometimes the outward appearance reflects the heart. Mercy looks beyond the surface to substance. Jesus knew Matthew’s heart. Mercy activates grace. Enables it to be given. Mercy sees a hopeful future. Do you see others as hopeless losers or candidates for redemption? If we shun ‘some’ we will not reach ‘many’ and God has called us to go to ‘all’ = everyone. Mercy looks beyond the surface. Yes, you will know them by their fruits but one piece of fruit is insufficient evidence. A pattern is one thing. Sometimes we make judgment at the first piece of fruit rather than seeing how things play out. Time will tell. We say fool me once shame on you; fool me twice shame on me. We guard our fragile egos and reputations lest we be taken advantage of. God extends mercy without merit.
3. Timing is everything. You can pick whatever controversial topic you want but here is one example: you wouldn’t get into a debate about abortion in a setting where there is a person who has had one. Seek to understand the context before trying to be understood. Lack of mercy demands, demeans, is harsh, hard-hearted. Mercy gives pardon, proclaims release to prisoners, has a heart of compassion characterized by tact, sensitivity, kindness.
4. Put yourself in their place. Empathize with them; walk in their shoes. Loving comfort rather than a debate. Think of how you have learned mercy. In my life it was through pain of being treated unmercifully by peers in my younger years. I also see God's mercy on a daily basis through the mercy He applies to me on a daily basis in my life. His mercy and grace are plentiful through the gospel. Daily through personal pain, we receive comfort from God.
5. Be real. Be genuine and honest. Remember (realize) where you came from (or what you could have done but for the grace of God). 1 Cor. 6:9-11 describes people whose pattern of life proves they are not saved. The Kingdom of God is the spiritual realm where God rules over all who belong to Him by faith. Genuine believers might commit these sins, but it won’t be the pattern of their life. They hate sin and seek to put it to death by the Spirit. Unrighteous falling short of the standard set by God. Paul says such were some of you. But you were washed, sanctified, justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. Not all Christians are guilty of these sins, but everyone of is a sinner. Paul wrote the Church, saying those in it used to have these patterns of life. Washed refers to new life through spiritual cleansing and regeneration (2 Cor. 5:17). Sanctified refers to new behavior. Domination by sin is broken. We are not perfect, but are engaged in a new way of living. Justified refers to believer’s standing before God. Through Christ’s death on the cross, the believer’s sins were put on Christ and Christ’s righteousness given to him (2 Cor. 5:21). God is the source of our life in Christ.
Do these things prayerfully relying on God's mercy in your life and you will find you are being merciful and loving. Some Christians feel more accepted by unbelievers than believers – many believers struggle more with judgment toward believers than unbelievers. They are more hash with the family of God. Do these things with believers, you’ll be loving your brothers & sisters! As James says, judge nothing before the time because the Judge standing at the door. He is watching those who try to take His place. The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God; the essence of salvation is God substituting Himself for man.
There are some common hurdles we often run into that can get in the way of becoming Merciful.
Christians are often seen as unmerciful, critical and judgmental, considering others undeserving of God’s grace. At times this is an unfair assessment – you sincerely want to reach others, but they misjudge you. At times it is fair - we start to think we’re not so bad; that Jesus makes good people better, that Jesus just gave us the final nudge rather than the truth: we were spiritually unable to do anything for ourselves and God rescued us from hell. Or we may see our own need and unworthiness but can’t relate to people we see as more sinful than we were or are. Sometimes it is warranted. It is hard to know where perception stops and reality starts. Not hard to admit the Church has an image problem in the world.
How can we overcome the perception and reality? Here are 5 ideas to apply prayerfully by God’s grace:
1. Talk less, listen, then do something. Try to help in some tangible way in the name of Jesus – like a cup of cold water, etc. Mercy acts on behalf of the undeserving and ill-deserving.
2. Don’t label people. Look beyond initial appearances and impressions. 1 Sam. 16:7 says man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart. Sometimes the outward appearance reflects the heart. Mercy looks beyond the surface to substance. Jesus knew Matthew’s heart. Mercy activates grace. Enables it to be given. Mercy sees a hopeful future. Do you see others as hopeless losers or candidates for redemption? If we shun ‘some’ we will not reach ‘many’ and God has called us to go to ‘all’ = everyone. Mercy looks beyond the surface. Yes, you will know them by their fruits but one piece of fruit is insufficient evidence. A pattern is one thing. Sometimes we make judgment at the first piece of fruit rather than seeing how things play out. Time will tell. We say fool me once shame on you; fool me twice shame on me. We guard our fragile egos and reputations lest we be taken advantage of. God extends mercy without merit.
3. Timing is everything. You can pick whatever controversial topic you want but here is one example: you wouldn’t get into a debate about abortion in a setting where there is a person who has had one. Seek to understand the context before trying to be understood. Lack of mercy demands, demeans, is harsh, hard-hearted. Mercy gives pardon, proclaims release to prisoners, has a heart of compassion characterized by tact, sensitivity, kindness.
4. Put yourself in their place. Empathize with them; walk in their shoes. Loving comfort rather than a debate. Think of how you have learned mercy. In my life it was through pain of being treated unmercifully by peers in my younger years. I also see God's mercy on a daily basis through the mercy He applies to me on a daily basis in my life. His mercy and grace are plentiful through the gospel. Daily through personal pain, we receive comfort from God.
5. Be real. Be genuine and honest. Remember (realize) where you came from (or what you could have done but for the grace of God). 1 Cor. 6:9-11 describes people whose pattern of life proves they are not saved. The Kingdom of God is the spiritual realm where God rules over all who belong to Him by faith. Genuine believers might commit these sins, but it won’t be the pattern of their life. They hate sin and seek to put it to death by the Spirit. Unrighteous falling short of the standard set by God. Paul says such were some of you. But you were washed, sanctified, justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. Not all Christians are guilty of these sins, but everyone of is a sinner. Paul wrote the Church, saying those in it used to have these patterns of life. Washed refers to new life through spiritual cleansing and regeneration (2 Cor. 5:17). Sanctified refers to new behavior. Domination by sin is broken. We are not perfect, but are engaged in a new way of living. Justified refers to believer’s standing before God. Through Christ’s death on the cross, the believer’s sins were put on Christ and Christ’s righteousness given to him (2 Cor. 5:21). God is the source of our life in Christ.
Do these things prayerfully relying on God's mercy in your life and you will find you are being merciful and loving. Some Christians feel more accepted by unbelievers than believers – many believers struggle more with judgment toward believers than unbelievers. They are more hash with the family of God. Do these things with believers, you’ll be loving your brothers & sisters! As James says, judge nothing before the time because the Judge standing at the door. He is watching those who try to take His place. The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God; the essence of salvation is God substituting Himself for man.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Mercy beyond Belief (Part 1 of 3)
We need mercy everyday because we sin everyday. And God is merciful. In Rom. 9:15 He says "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy"; Eph. 2:4 tells us He is rich in mercy. Matt. 9:9-13 reveals a controversy brought on by serious Pharisees about mercy; who should you hang with if you are a follower of Jesus? Should you befriend those with bad reputations? After Jesus forgave the sins of the paralyzed man, those who saw or heard of it must have had tons of questions for Him – just like the kind we have: How much sin will God actually forgive? Who is too hopeless; outside the boundary lines of God’s forgiveness? Would God be willing to forgive my sin? God’s mercy is beyond belief – it is controversial, uncommon, and life-changing. And Jesus expects His followers to be merciful too.
Jesus is the One who holds back what our sins deserve due to His kindness, and with regard to following the Merciful One, let us consider Mercy’s madness, mission and mandate.
Mercy’s Madness: Seen in Jesus’ call of Matthew, which was initiated by God. Mercy chooses the humanly hopeless. God’s mercy is uncommon in a world that shows no mercy. Jesus, walking along, sees Matthew sitting in the tax booth. As a tax-collector he was viewed as a liar, cheater, thief and traitor by his own people. To Jews Matthew failed epically; considered unacceptable on several counts. Politically he conspired with the Romans to collect taxes they imposed. In those days you were taxed for everything, there was a ground tax on grain and fruit; an income tax; a poll tax, a duty tax on imported and exported goods; taxes for using roads and crossing bridges; for entering towns and harbors; even pack animals were taxed. Capernaum was located at major crossroads, so Matthew most likely got very wealthy from collecting all types of taxes. On top of all that he charged more than the going rate. Religiously he was considered unclean. Jewish law barred tax collectors from all synagogue service as well as from witnessing in a court of law. Socially religious people called those who failed to keep every picky detail of the law as ‘the people of the land’. The orthodox could not go on a trip, do business with, give or receive anything from them, have them as guests or be guests in their homes. Matthew was one of these. Jesus did many controversial things and what He does next may be among the most controversial. Jesus say to Matthew, “Follow Me”. Matthew arose and went; wanting what was withheld from him in that day – mercy and forgiveness. He jumped at the chance. Left everything (job, position, income) and followed; at great material sacrifice.
Mercy’s Mission: Seen in Matthew’s Dinner which was inspired by God. Mercy helps the humanly helpless. God’s mercy is controversial to people who do not understand. Jesus reclined at table in Matthew’s house and many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with them. Jesus was eating food with people Jews deemed “unworthy” of contact with the general population. When the Pharisees saw this (what were they doing spying?) they complained (grumbled Lk. 5:30) to Jesus’ men: “Why does your teacher eat with Tax Collectors and Sinners?” To them Jesus failed morally – they thought He liked and agreed with their sin. The contrast is not hard to see: the merciless are fixated on faults of others; the merciful are aware of their ongoing need for forgiveness. The paralyzed man’s friends brought him to Jesus; Matthew brings Jesus to his friends. Sharing our faith in Christ is to be done in daily life. Evangelize in the places where we spend most of our time. Telling the spiritually helpless the message of Rom. 5:6 “while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.”
Mercy’s Mandate: Word got back to Jesus, and He had something to say about what God requires. Mercy has a mindset of godly compassion which is life-changing. God’s mercy is life-changing to those who receive it. Those who (think they) are well don’t need a doctor, those who (admit they) are sick do. Rome saw mercy as weakness, one philosopher called it the “disease of the soul”. To the contrary, mercy is life-giving medicine for the soul’s disease. John MacArthur says Mercy eliminates the pain; grace cures the disease. Today we can go to a doctor, or visit a hospital when we are ill, but in those days doctors went to patients. They made house calls. Jesus is saying He is the doctor of the soul, and that, if He is going to help the spiritually sick He needs to go where they are. So He tells them, “Go and learn”, a phrase commonly used by rabbis to correct those who did not know what they should have known. It was a stinging rebuke; a way of saying “you should know this!” They could rattle off huge portions of the Law and argue the finer points of theology, but were ignorant of the real meaning behind it; not in step with God’s program. They had make-up work to do. He pointed them to the prophet Hosea who spoke of God’s judgment on people who pretended to be followers but weren’t interested in finding out and following God’s agenda. Hosea 6:6 I desire mercy and not sacrifice (Note: a common theme in Hosea is mercy: Hos. 1:6-8; 2:1; 2:19-20; 2:23; 4:1; 6:6; 10:12; 14:1-9). For I ‘came not to call the (self) righteous, but sinners (to repentance). Those humble enough to admit their need. Jesus is basically saying: Learn a heart attitude and lifestyle of compassionate concern for others, that they might know the truth and be set free. The gospel tells us God is holy; we are dead in sin and objects of God’s wrath; sin has consequences; we’re in debt to God; and we have no way of paying our debt. We need mercy. Jesus Christ paid the penalty for sins so that God might be merciful to sinners. At the cross Christ’s blood was shed, God’s justice was satisfied and mercy made available.
God’s mercy is beyond belief – it is controversial, uncommon, life-changing. Mercy is Madness: crazy to those who do not understand or have not experienced it. Mercy is counter-intuitive; not what outsiders expect; kind and compassionate when harshness or criticism is expected. Mercy doesn’t pour it on; doesn’t dog pile. Mercy has a Mission: not haphazard; it acts on purpose. Taking calculated risks for the sake of sinners. John 17:3 that they may know You the only true God and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. Mercy has a Mandate: Go and learn, stinging rebuke to those who should know better, Jesus’ words GO AND LEARN are marching orders. There are no easy answers; we won’t get it in one sermon. We want it now, like the 30-day free trial of a miracle product that requires no diet, exercise or any lifestyle change whatsoever. Life just doesn’t work that way. Real, lasting change takes time and focused effort. It is going to take time to become like the One who was willing to identify with those the self-righteous condemned, showing mercy so others might hear His message of mercy. Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy. Old habits die hard but God’s grace is sufficient. He is patient, compassionate and merciful.
Next we'll address two common issues that can get in the way of us becoming merciful. Stay tuned.
Jesus is the One who holds back what our sins deserve due to His kindness, and with regard to following the Merciful One, let us consider Mercy’s madness, mission and mandate.
Mercy’s Madness: Seen in Jesus’ call of Matthew, which was initiated by God. Mercy chooses the humanly hopeless. God’s mercy is uncommon in a world that shows no mercy. Jesus, walking along, sees Matthew sitting in the tax booth. As a tax-collector he was viewed as a liar, cheater, thief and traitor by his own people. To Jews Matthew failed epically; considered unacceptable on several counts. Politically he conspired with the Romans to collect taxes they imposed. In those days you were taxed for everything, there was a ground tax on grain and fruit; an income tax; a poll tax, a duty tax on imported and exported goods; taxes for using roads and crossing bridges; for entering towns and harbors; even pack animals were taxed. Capernaum was located at major crossroads, so Matthew most likely got very wealthy from collecting all types of taxes. On top of all that he charged more than the going rate. Religiously he was considered unclean. Jewish law barred tax collectors from all synagogue service as well as from witnessing in a court of law. Socially religious people called those who failed to keep every picky detail of the law as ‘the people of the land’. The orthodox could not go on a trip, do business with, give or receive anything from them, have them as guests or be guests in their homes. Matthew was one of these. Jesus did many controversial things and what He does next may be among the most controversial. Jesus say to Matthew, “Follow Me”. Matthew arose and went; wanting what was withheld from him in that day – mercy and forgiveness. He jumped at the chance. Left everything (job, position, income) and followed; at great material sacrifice.
Mercy’s Mission: Seen in Matthew’s Dinner which was inspired by God. Mercy helps the humanly helpless. God’s mercy is controversial to people who do not understand. Jesus reclined at table in Matthew’s house and many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with them. Jesus was eating food with people Jews deemed “unworthy” of contact with the general population. When the Pharisees saw this (what were they doing spying?) they complained (grumbled Lk. 5:30) to Jesus’ men: “Why does your teacher eat with Tax Collectors and Sinners?” To them Jesus failed morally – they thought He liked and agreed with their sin. The contrast is not hard to see: the merciless are fixated on faults of others; the merciful are aware of their ongoing need for forgiveness. The paralyzed man’s friends brought him to Jesus; Matthew brings Jesus to his friends. Sharing our faith in Christ is to be done in daily life. Evangelize in the places where we spend most of our time. Telling the spiritually helpless the message of Rom. 5:6 “while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.”
Mercy’s Mandate: Word got back to Jesus, and He had something to say about what God requires. Mercy has a mindset of godly compassion which is life-changing. God’s mercy is life-changing to those who receive it. Those who (think they) are well don’t need a doctor, those who (admit they) are sick do. Rome saw mercy as weakness, one philosopher called it the “disease of the soul”. To the contrary, mercy is life-giving medicine for the soul’s disease. John MacArthur says Mercy eliminates the pain; grace cures the disease. Today we can go to a doctor, or visit a hospital when we are ill, but in those days doctors went to patients. They made house calls. Jesus is saying He is the doctor of the soul, and that, if He is going to help the spiritually sick He needs to go where they are. So He tells them, “Go and learn”, a phrase commonly used by rabbis to correct those who did not know what they should have known. It was a stinging rebuke; a way of saying “you should know this!” They could rattle off huge portions of the Law and argue the finer points of theology, but were ignorant of the real meaning behind it; not in step with God’s program. They had make-up work to do. He pointed them to the prophet Hosea who spoke of God’s judgment on people who pretended to be followers but weren’t interested in finding out and following God’s agenda. Hosea 6:6 I desire mercy and not sacrifice (Note: a common theme in Hosea is mercy: Hos. 1:6-8; 2:1; 2:19-20; 2:23; 4:1; 6:6; 10:12; 14:1-9). For I ‘came not to call the (self) righteous, but sinners (to repentance). Those humble enough to admit their need. Jesus is basically saying: Learn a heart attitude and lifestyle of compassionate concern for others, that they might know the truth and be set free. The gospel tells us God is holy; we are dead in sin and objects of God’s wrath; sin has consequences; we’re in debt to God; and we have no way of paying our debt. We need mercy. Jesus Christ paid the penalty for sins so that God might be merciful to sinners. At the cross Christ’s blood was shed, God’s justice was satisfied and mercy made available.
God’s mercy is beyond belief – it is controversial, uncommon, life-changing. Mercy is Madness: crazy to those who do not understand or have not experienced it. Mercy is counter-intuitive; not what outsiders expect; kind and compassionate when harshness or criticism is expected. Mercy doesn’t pour it on; doesn’t dog pile. Mercy has a Mission: not haphazard; it acts on purpose. Taking calculated risks for the sake of sinners. John 17:3 that they may know You the only true God and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. Mercy has a Mandate: Go and learn, stinging rebuke to those who should know better, Jesus’ words GO AND LEARN are marching orders. There are no easy answers; we won’t get it in one sermon. We want it now, like the 30-day free trial of a miracle product that requires no diet, exercise or any lifestyle change whatsoever. Life just doesn’t work that way. Real, lasting change takes time and focused effort. It is going to take time to become like the One who was willing to identify with those the self-righteous condemned, showing mercy so others might hear His message of mercy. Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy. Old habits die hard but God’s grace is sufficient. He is patient, compassionate and merciful.
Next we'll address two common issues that can get in the way of us becoming merciful. Stay tuned.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
