Monday, January 31, 2011
Are You with Jesus?
Jesus said, in Matthew 12:30 "Whoever is not with Me is against Me, and whoever does not gather with Me scatters." He says there is no middle ground. You are either on His team or you aren't. An empty confession won't fly, our words must be supported by deeds. Gathering is an active word, pointing to the work of saving and sanctifying that God is engaged in, using many ways and means to accomplish His purposes as He wills. We are to be for Jesus not against Him. We are to join in the harvest of blessing that He is brining about for His glory and our good.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Loving Jesus More than Anything
It is easy to love things that we can see, such as what we own; more than what we cannot see, namely Jesus. We cannot see Him but what know He exists and is the rewarder of those who seek Him. What is seen is often competing with what we cannot see. God in grace grants us vision to comprehend the truth of the unseen that towers above the seen. May we be caught up in the beauty that is in Christ. May we love Jesus more than anything.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Shout Joyfully to the Lord
Psalm 100 begins, "Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth". We hear a lot of shouting all over the place: in our neighborhoods, at athletic events, on television, on talk radio. People expressing themselves with all they have got. Not many of those loud bursts of enthusiasm are joyful. Angry, anxious, stressed and even surprised, but joyful? Joyful is what we are in the presence of God and joy is what we are to express. Believers in Jesus have the most reason and the best reason to joyfully express praise to God. We are able to do so because God is our good and gracious God. We want to do so because we are His grateful and dependent people.
Friday, January 28, 2011
The Servant Lord
We must have an accurate view of Jesus so that we can live yielded, transformed lives to the glory of God. Misunderstand Jesus & you’ll resist His Lordship. Trust Him & you’ll be transformed. Seeing things accurately is not easy to do. Some people are near-sighted, others far-sighted. Some lose or don’t use their corrective lenses. Others have great vision. The Pharisees were blinded to Jesus' identity and ministry. Jesus was attacking both the seen power structures of His day and the unseen spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. They opposed Him, fought against Him. Then many wanted Him to be a military & political deliverer. Today many want to see Him as a vending machine or a genie, who will give them what they want as long as they press the right button or say the right thing. Those blinded by Satan cannot see the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face if Christ, cannot grasp His preeminence, deity, mission. What they couldn’t see then & so many can’t see now is, His ministry confirms His identity. What He does shows who He is. Matthew 12:15-21 gives, as one writer put it, a God's-Eye View of Jesus and the Gospel. In light of fierce opposition against Jesus, and mankind’s inaccuracies, here is a reminder of who Jesus is & what He will do. An accurate view of Jesus to help us navigate life amidst many deceptive influences.
The Pharisees were conspiring, along with their political and religious enemies the Herodians, to kill Jesus. Jesus, aware of this, knowing their thoughts and motives, withdrew so as not to attract undue attention before it was time. Many followed Him, they trusted Him, knew He was good. Their faith in Him grew; as did their distrust of the religious hypocrites. He healed them all, therapeuo, serve, attend to, heal. Not just a few, not a select crowd, but all who were in need. He told them not to tell anyone who He was. Think about how excited you would be, and not be able to say anything. This fulfilled Isaiah 42:1-4. The longest OT quote in this gospel. We see Jesus’ ministry involves bringing justice, working humbly, showing mercy & giving salvation. His Ministry confirms His identity.
1. Jesus brings Justice. He will proclaim justice to the nations. DA Carson calls justice "the self-revelation of God’s character for the good of the nations, while at the same time calling them to account." He redeems and judges in righteousness. Like Jesus, we must seek the good of all for God. Seek good for all people, for God's glory. The landmark 1974 Lausanne Covenant, from the International Congress on World Evangelization at Lausanne, Switzerland, affirms God is both the Creator and the Judge of all people. We therefore should share his concern for justice and reconciliation throughout human society and for the liberation of men and women from every kind of oppression. Because men and women are made in the image of God, every person, regardless of race, religion, color, culture, class, sex or age, has an intrinsic dignity because of which he or she should be respected and served, not exploited. We must seek justice for all.
2. Jesus works humbly and gently. He will not quarrel, strive, or cry out; no one will hear His voice in the streets. Jesus says 11:28-30 He is gentle and humble in heart. He will not shout nor make a ruckus, won’t call attention to Himself. He humbled Himself. Like Jesus, we must live humbly and gently. We must lead a quiet life, and share with those in need. C.H. Spurgeon said, Some weeds will grow anywhere; one of them is Pride. It will grow on a rock as well as in a garden. It is a weed that is dreadfully rampant. It needs cutting down every week, or we would be up to our knees in it. Is. 66:2 This is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit. Tim Keller says "true humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less."
3. Jesus shows mercy. A bruised, crushed, reed He will not break, a smoldering wick He will not snuff out. Reeds were one of the most common materials used in everyday life. Stems from a variety of plants were used for pens, walking sticks, weaving, and parchment. Ezekiel used one for a measuring stick. Once bent, broken or splintered, they were useless. Damaged reeds were thrown away. Wick, on an oil lamp, smoldering because low on oil or trimmed wrongly. A smoldering wick blown out because it gave no flame, only smoke, no benefit. This affirms that Jesus welcomes and uses those the world sees as useless and worthless. Jesus never kicks you when you're down. He lifts you up, doesn't slam you. Like Jesus, we must show mercy to all, do good to all regardless of status. It is easy to withhold it from the lowest (thinking “They don’t deserve it”, they got themselves into this mess.) and the highest (thinking “They don’t need it.” They are self-sufficient). Show mercy o all.
4. Jesus gives Salvation: Jesus saves. In His Name the nations will put their hope. His Name = who He is, His person. here is No other name (Acts 4:12), and no other way (John 14:6) to be saved. James White said "The Doctrines of Grace tell us that God is the one who saves, for His own glory, and freely. They tell us He does so only through Christ, only on the basis of His grace, only with the perfection that marks everything the Father, Son, and Spirit do. The gospel directs us away from ourselves and solely to God's grace and mercy. It destroys pride, instills humility, and exalts God." Like Jesus, we must be concerned for the salvation of all. We must know and proclaim the gospel. Those He has chosen will come to Him, they do not know it but He is secretly drawing them to Himself, but we only see people in need. We must share and show the gospel to all.
Jesus is the Servant Lord. The thought blows our minds. How can it be that the Highest took the lowest spot? A Lord is to be served, not be the one serving right? Not so with Jesus. Mark 10:28 tells us, in Jesus' own words, the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. This does not mean no one would serve Him while He was on earth. His main purpose in coming to earth was not to receive the glory and worship He would receive forever but to serve the purposes of God by dying for the sins of the world. He served us while on earth so that we would serve Him forever. This means 1 of 2 things for us: our cooperation with Christ’s rule and the death of sin, self and pride; or our rejection of His rule and the multiplication of all that does not please God. Jesus reigns supreme in every realm. It is for us to bow, and live. It boils down to this: We must have an accurate view of Jesus so that we can live yielded, transformed lives to the glory of God. Just as Christ’s Ministry confirms His identity, His ministry transforms our identity.
Soli Deo Gloria
The Pharisees were conspiring, along with their political and religious enemies the Herodians, to kill Jesus. Jesus, aware of this, knowing their thoughts and motives, withdrew so as not to attract undue attention before it was time. Many followed Him, they trusted Him, knew He was good. Their faith in Him grew; as did their distrust of the religious hypocrites. He healed them all, therapeuo, serve, attend to, heal. Not just a few, not a select crowd, but all who were in need. He told them not to tell anyone who He was. Think about how excited you would be, and not be able to say anything. This fulfilled Isaiah 42:1-4. The longest OT quote in this gospel. We see Jesus’ ministry involves bringing justice, working humbly, showing mercy & giving salvation. His Ministry confirms His identity.
1. Jesus brings Justice. He will proclaim justice to the nations. DA Carson calls justice "the self-revelation of God’s character for the good of the nations, while at the same time calling them to account." He redeems and judges in righteousness. Like Jesus, we must seek the good of all for God. Seek good for all people, for God's glory. The landmark 1974 Lausanne Covenant, from the International Congress on World Evangelization at Lausanne, Switzerland, affirms God is both the Creator and the Judge of all people. We therefore should share his concern for justice and reconciliation throughout human society and for the liberation of men and women from every kind of oppression. Because men and women are made in the image of God, every person, regardless of race, religion, color, culture, class, sex or age, has an intrinsic dignity because of which he or she should be respected and served, not exploited. We must seek justice for all.
2. Jesus works humbly and gently. He will not quarrel, strive, or cry out; no one will hear His voice in the streets. Jesus says 11:28-30 He is gentle and humble in heart. He will not shout nor make a ruckus, won’t call attention to Himself. He humbled Himself. Like Jesus, we must live humbly and gently. We must lead a quiet life, and share with those in need. C.H. Spurgeon said, Some weeds will grow anywhere; one of them is Pride. It will grow on a rock as well as in a garden. It is a weed that is dreadfully rampant. It needs cutting down every week, or we would be up to our knees in it. Is. 66:2 This is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit. Tim Keller says "true humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less."
3. Jesus shows mercy. A bruised, crushed, reed He will not break, a smoldering wick He will not snuff out. Reeds were one of the most common materials used in everyday life. Stems from a variety of plants were used for pens, walking sticks, weaving, and parchment. Ezekiel used one for a measuring stick. Once bent, broken or splintered, they were useless. Damaged reeds were thrown away. Wick, on an oil lamp, smoldering because low on oil or trimmed wrongly. A smoldering wick blown out because it gave no flame, only smoke, no benefit. This affirms that Jesus welcomes and uses those the world sees as useless and worthless. Jesus never kicks you when you're down. He lifts you up, doesn't slam you. Like Jesus, we must show mercy to all, do good to all regardless of status. It is easy to withhold it from the lowest (thinking “They don’t deserve it”, they got themselves into this mess.) and the highest (thinking “They don’t need it.” They are self-sufficient). Show mercy o all.
4. Jesus gives Salvation: Jesus saves. In His Name the nations will put their hope. His Name = who He is, His person. here is No other name (Acts 4:12), and no other way (John 14:6) to be saved. James White said "The Doctrines of Grace tell us that God is the one who saves, for His own glory, and freely. They tell us He does so only through Christ, only on the basis of His grace, only with the perfection that marks everything the Father, Son, and Spirit do. The gospel directs us away from ourselves and solely to God's grace and mercy. It destroys pride, instills humility, and exalts God." Like Jesus, we must be concerned for the salvation of all. We must know and proclaim the gospel. Those He has chosen will come to Him, they do not know it but He is secretly drawing them to Himself, but we only see people in need. We must share and show the gospel to all.
Jesus is the Servant Lord. The thought blows our minds. How can it be that the Highest took the lowest spot? A Lord is to be served, not be the one serving right? Not so with Jesus. Mark 10:28 tells us, in Jesus' own words, the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. This does not mean no one would serve Him while He was on earth. His main purpose in coming to earth was not to receive the glory and worship He would receive forever but to serve the purposes of God by dying for the sins of the world. He served us while on earth so that we would serve Him forever. This means 1 of 2 things for us: our cooperation with Christ’s rule and the death of sin, self and pride; or our rejection of His rule and the multiplication of all that does not please God. Jesus reigns supreme in every realm. It is for us to bow, and live. It boils down to this: We must have an accurate view of Jesus so that we can live yielded, transformed lives to the glory of God. Just as Christ’s Ministry confirms His identity, His ministry transforms our identity.
Soli Deo Gloria
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Transforming Truth
Transforming Truths
1. Know that God is sovereign and you are not. When it comes to our response to Jesus it always comes down to a power struggle. Are we going to allow God to be in charge or are we going to yank the reigns away from Him and drive ourselves?
2. Love Jesus more than anything else and you will find true security and freedom. There is so much more going on than what meets the eye. So many pitfalls and traps, daily, that can trip us up and get us off course. Our struggle is not with flesh and blood. Before a person comes to faith in Christ, they are blind spiritually. Once they come to faith they can see spiritually. But it is not perfect vision, we see through a glass dimly, one day face to face, one day we will see Him as He is. Until them we need to exercise wisdom and discernment. We need the truth to guide us.
3. Find your greatest joy in Christ and you will not be fooled by fools gold. Is your Jesus the Biblical one or one of your own making? Is He the just, merciful, humble, saving One?
4. Be careful to live by the Spirit so as to not entertain the flesh. This will get played out in very simply, maybe painfully: As you let go of certain things & hold on to others. Let go of everything you are holding against someone else. Let go of every lustful desire. If you are close to making a decision that will ruin your life, run from it. Hold on to truth. If you are the one who always finds something wrong with someone else and not yourself, repent of it. Live everyday thankful, grateful, hopeful, helpful. Yield yourself, fully, to Jesus and His purposes. Before your feet hit the ground every morning, ask God to do whatever He wants in and through you. Cling to Jesus. Apply this daily, like lotion, like brushing and flossing, like nutrients you need, like water. For health & life not sickness and death. As Proverbs 4:23 says, "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flows the springs of life."
1. Know that God is sovereign and you are not. When it comes to our response to Jesus it always comes down to a power struggle. Are we going to allow God to be in charge or are we going to yank the reigns away from Him and drive ourselves?
2. Love Jesus more than anything else and you will find true security and freedom. There is so much more going on than what meets the eye. So many pitfalls and traps, daily, that can trip us up and get us off course. Our struggle is not with flesh and blood. Before a person comes to faith in Christ, they are blind spiritually. Once they come to faith they can see spiritually. But it is not perfect vision, we see through a glass dimly, one day face to face, one day we will see Him as He is. Until them we need to exercise wisdom and discernment. We need the truth to guide us.
3. Find your greatest joy in Christ and you will not be fooled by fools gold. Is your Jesus the Biblical one or one of your own making? Is He the just, merciful, humble, saving One?
4. Be careful to live by the Spirit so as to not entertain the flesh. This will get played out in very simply, maybe painfully: As you let go of certain things & hold on to others. Let go of everything you are holding against someone else. Let go of every lustful desire. If you are close to making a decision that will ruin your life, run from it. Hold on to truth. If you are the one who always finds something wrong with someone else and not yourself, repent of it. Live everyday thankful, grateful, hopeful, helpful. Yield yourself, fully, to Jesus and His purposes. Before your feet hit the ground every morning, ask God to do whatever He wants in and through you. Cling to Jesus. Apply this daily, like lotion, like brushing and flossing, like nutrients you need, like water. For health & life not sickness and death. As Proverbs 4:23 says, "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flows the springs of life."
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
God is in Control
In a world gone mad, amidst people grasping for power and control, it is comforting to know that God is in control. It startles us to our senses, it reorients us to truth, gives us a reprieve where we need one most. Psalm 93 is one such startling, comforting, reorienting reprieve. God is pictured as He truly is not as man envisions Him. He rules in strength, He reigns, He is over all. That is the truth and it is freeing.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
When the Clouds Part
I love it when the clouds part on a cloudy day, and I can see clearly, sometimes to the horizon. That is what it is like coming to Scripture, reading and absorbing God's Word like a thirsty sponge, letting it reorient me to what is good and right and true. We need the message of 2 Timothy 3:16 to be ingrained in our hearts every day...all scripture is inspired by God and is profitable...so that we would not be content with an inaccurate view of God, ourselves and the world.
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