Quandary Resolved

Thanks for the input both here and off line... The situation has been resolved, at least from my standpoint.

I chose to speak to the dad and explain to him what I knew about the situation. He was VERY appreciative and thankful. He also learned of the situation in such a way that he had several hours to contemplate his response before talking with the boy.

Looks like things worked our fine. Thank you LORD.

Jesus - the man's man?

What? You sent my camel's hair coat to the cleaners!  How could you, I was planning on wearing that to church Sunday!

In the April '08 edition of Christianity Today there is an article by Brandon O'Brien entitled "A Jesus for Real Men - What the new masculinity movement gets right and wrong."  It is a fascinating read. Not because I consider myself over-flowing with testosterone, rather because it points to a movement - however engaging - that really is ridiculous. It reminds me of those bumper stickers that you see, "Real Men Love Jesus" or "Real Men Love Their Wives." "Real men" as opposed to what - not real men?

The article quotes a couple popular books and highlights two movements that are apparently alive and well either in the community at large or the local church; "Church for Men" and "GodMen." The premise of this movement is fairly simple - woman have taken over the church and neutered the real Jesus making him a sissy. Creating an effeminate Christ - one that no "real man" would ever or could ever identify with. Hence, "real men" are not found, in any significant numbers, in the local church. Therefore it is the intent of these groups to "Re-Masculate Jesus."

I'll not walk through the article, it's best you read it for yourself. However, I will say it is a sure sign of how desperate many churches might be to present a Christ or gospel that reaches the heart of men - "real men" of course.  Let me explain.

This Sunday, scan your worship service and compare numbers - men to women. After you have done that, attempt to determine, by body language if nothing else, whether it appears those men are there because they desire to be there as followers of Christ, or they are there because their wife desires that they be there.

Naturally the above exercise will not qualify as an official survey, but it may turn a cog or two in the brain. Then think about the ministries in your church that are directed toward men. Usually you will find a "men's group" - if you're like our church it's an early morning group because real men get up early to face the day. No real man wants to study the scripture with other men in the afternoon or evening. Beyond that you may have to search hard to find anything else beyond the Building and Grounds committee.

There is something odd about this whole thing, a re-masculated Christ. I consider myself a real man, a follower of Christ, and yes, I am not opposed to punching your lights out if that is what is necessary. But does that make me a real man or merely a man in the process of being transformed into the image of the real Christ?

Let me end by sharing a quote from Mr. O'Brien

The way to recover the biblical image of Jesus is to submit ourselves to the Scriptures and let them discipline our preconceptions. In the process, we must remember that the purpose of discipleship is not primarily to become fulfilled men and women, but rather to be transformed into the image of Christ. (CT April 2008, 52)

Ponder This

Yesterday, I wrote about the concept of pondering when pondering a course of action. Now I would like to explore the idea of pondering when pondering how God ponders our paths.

He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake, he knows if you've been bad or good so be good for goodness sake.

I suspect most will recognize that as a stanza from the Christmas carol, "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town." It is often used to impose a certain level of terror into the hearts of kids in order to extract good behavior leading up to a gift giving extravaganza.  Once we reach a certain level of maturity we realize that Santa is not that all-knowing.

Well, ponder this -

For a man's ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his paths.   (Proverbs 5:21)

This is a great example of "context" and biblical interpretation. In this verse, as opposed to 4:26, it is the LORD who is pondering. What is He pondering? "A man's ways" is what the verse tells us. In fact it goes on to say the LORD ponders "all his paths."  His cannot refer to God because He has no need to weigh his character or behavior, so it definitely refers to man. In addition "path" and "ways" compliment one another.

The word "ponder" is the same word we looked at in the previous writing - it means to roll flat, weight, or, based on context, weigh - as heavy in thought.

Bottom line...there is no way our way is not observed by God and given consideration. As the Psalmist said, "If I ascend to heaven your are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there (Psalm 139:8)!"   The way we conduct ourselves; what we say, what we do, what we think, does not escape God's awareness.  We may think we have pulled the blinds, turned out the lights and closed the door, but all to no avail.

Now the nub of this is that December 25th is not necessarily our day of reckoning. If we do not ponder our paths, God surely does. The consequences may be manifest now or later, we may be ensnared tomorrow or die "for lack of discipline" (Proverbs 5:22-23). The point is, God knows and He is not idle with that knowledge.

When I ponder that, it engenders a bit more attention than Santa Claus coming to town!

 

NOTE: By no means do I imply that correct conduct is only corralled by fear of God's punishment. What I do intend to say is that all actions have consequences. God is not blind to who we are, what we do and what we think. And we can be sure that, to a certain degree, what we sow we will reap.  As "Dear Abby" once said, "We cannot sow our wild oats and then pray for a crop failure!"

What A Quandary

When I grew up playing around the neighborhood, if I got into trouble or did something I was not supposed to do, which was often, if my mom was not around to paddle my butt, one of our neighbors did it for her. After all, a mom can't be in all places at all times.

Those days are pretty much extinct both butt paddling and watching out for your neighbor's kids. Neighbors may have a Neighborhood Watch, but it is usually for "bad guys" not misbehaving kiddos.

Here's my dilemma. My neighbor and I were talking for an extended time last Friday afternoon. In the course of the conversation we chatted about his boy, a teenager, who had managed to get himself grounded. His dad talked about how hard it was for the kid to understand, but even more so, how hard it was to stick to his guns regarding the grounding. Of all times, it was Easter break for the boy. The grounding included basically everything - Ipods, Computer, his 4 Wheeler, and to top it off, getting his driver's license. It was a personal responsibility thing. Many of us parents can identify with this whole scenario.

Well...here is where I come in....I am in my office much of the day and of course have not seen the boy out and about much in the yard. However, this morning, I see him drive out in his Jeep. Now this is not unusual, the boy even goes and gets the mail at the end of the driveway in his Jeep, or riding lawnmower, or 4 wheeler (lazy comes to mind on that one!)... Anyway, he doesn't stop at the end of the drive, he is gone for close to half an hour. Now remember, he has a permit but no license AND he is grounded.

My concern is do I mention this to his Dad? I would want to know if it were me. Do I mention to the boy that I know his situation and let him do the right thing? Or...do I just let it be?

Of course much of this is thinking out loud, since I may not receive a response before I make my own decision, nevertheless, I would like to know your thoughts.

Cogitate and Contemplate

Recall the most recent time when you simply sat down to think deeply about something. Chances are it was more related to work than character of life. I suspect that is the case with many of us. We cogitate problems related to our livelihood more than our living. Then of course, for many, their work is their life.

In Proverbs 4:26 the writer says, "Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure."

We don't ponder things much any more in our culture. We usually just do. We are more reactive than proactive. More response oriented than contemplative. "Do it now" has become the motto.

When the angel Gabriel came to Mary, the mother of Jesus, it is said she "pondered" his greeting (Luke 1:29) . When the shepherds came and told her about the angel that appeared and heralded the birth of Jesus, "Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart (Luke 2:19)." She did not merely accept or reject, she pondered what these things could mean for her.

This regeneration journey I am on found its beginning in my pondering the condition of my life and realizing that the path I was on was not productive to my soul. Now there are many days as a result of reading God's word, that I contemplate my steps, my progress, my thought process. Sometimes that is revealing, other times it is repressing.

"Ponder the path of your feet..." That word ponder comes from a Hebrew word that basically means to roll flat. Similar to making a road and using one of those huge heavy rollers to press the surface flat, minimizing or eliminating bumps and ruts. That is what the writer is calling the reader to do. Think deeply about where you are "walking". Give weighty concern to the path your feet are on. If it is the correct path, "Then all your ways will be sure." If not, expect problems and difficulties.

Does that mean simply by pondering we prevent problems. Absolutely not. What it means is, the path of right living is an affirmably productive path in apposition to "evil" or morally corrupt behavior. Evil consumes a life (Proverbs 4:16-17) righteousness confirms a life (Proverbs 4:18).

"Ponder the path of your feet" then anticipate firm footing.

Father, it is not often that I reconsider my path. I regularly take it for granted which I know is dangerous. Let me ponder the path I am on and make certain that it leads straight to You.

Life Applications

Far be it from me to speak for anyone other than myself, but there are times when reading the Bible can be downright intimidating. Or should I say "convicting?"

It is not unusual to find those who would make the words of scripture more convoluted than necessary. Often times the basic meaning of a passage is just that, the basic meaning of a passage. This is seldom more true than when reading Proverbs. Most of the verses are what they are. Consequently, it becomes rather elementary to draw application from what we read.

In Proverbs 3:25-32 there are a series of commandments which can resonant with even the most casual reader. Some, based on today's culture, might be points to take issue with, but the bulk of them are rather straight forward. One seemed especially appropriate for today's culture.

"Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm."   Proverbs 3:30

When I read that I thought immediately of "road rage." Perhaps it is not an affliction that weighs on you, but it is one that haunts me consistently. Often, the person that enrages me, has done nothing wrong per se, they have merely inconvenienced my path or progress. So it becomes my job to teach them a lesson.

Okay, let's cross that verse out. Pretend it is not applicable to the living standards of today.  There, I feel better already!

Naturally we cannot do that. We can certainly ignore that verse, or pretend it has nothing to do with us, but I suspect there may be many who can identify with "my" problem and say, "I suppose I am guilty of the same thing."

I do not need a "Life Application Bible" to have a point of scripture eat at my conscience. I simply need to be open to what the Bible  says.

Father, I stand guilty as charged. Grant me patience and understanding with other drivers. Help me to know they intend no harm, they simply are void of common courtesy and driving skills. And at times, so am I.

The Biggest Loser - No Make that Winner

It is a challenge to avoid knowing about the show The Biggest Loser. Across the country there are towns, cities, counties even entire states that are getting involved in helping people loose weight.

The thing about that program is the regimen the contestants find themselves pursuing. It involves everything - workouts, competitions, diet and retooling their rethinking in order to shed pounds.

When you watch the early weeks of the show people are bitching, moaning, and complaining about the workouts, the food, and the competitions. Nevertheless, as they continue, they see the benefits involved in all three of those disciplines as the pounds disappear.

When competitors are voted off or at the final "weigh in" here is a paraphrase of what you hear most often. "It helped me to think differently about how I eat, how I see myself, and it taught me the discipline necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle."

It is true the people voted off are told "You are not the biggest loser" and the person who wins is hailed as THE biggest loser, the reality is, they all win! They have learned things about themselves they would have never learned outside that experience. Why? Because they were under an umbrella of discipline that pushed them beyond what they thought were their limits.

The writer of Proverbs says, "My son, do not despise the LORD'S discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights (Proverbs. 3:11-12)." These verses are quoted by the writer of Hebrews when he talks about discipline and how it "yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it (Hebrews. 12:3-11)."

God disciplines us for specific reasons. Not because he delights in the exercise, rather because He delights in the beneficial outcome of the exercise. He wants us to stretch ourselves beyond what we think are our limits. I don't always see it that way. Like the contestants on the television show, I complain, resist and lament my circumstances. Yet, like most, in hindsight, I often see clearly how the discipline was "for my good" (Hebrews. 12:10) but while it is going on, I seldom regard it as beneficial.

"Now discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it (Hebrews 12:11)." That word train is the Greek word "γυμνάζω" or goom-nad-zo. It is the word from which he get gymnasium. We all know what happens in a gymnasium and it ain't tea parties!

If millions of Americans across the country can discipline themselves to work out and shed pounds wouldn't it be nice if the Christian community could take the same approach to spiritual disciplines? To react with enthusiasm toward the "peaceful fruit of righteousness" that comes from being trained in God's gymnasium.

It may not be pleasant at the time, but one thing we can be assured of, our parents "disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he (GOD) disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness (Hebrews. 12:10)."

Father, there is no doubt that I resist your discipline. I often even rebel against it. Help me to see that it is for my good, to generate a certain level of holiness and the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

Knowledge

Francis Bacon said, "Knowledge is power."  Perhaps it might be better stated, "Knowledge of GOD is power."

In the garden of Eden, God told His human creation, "You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die (Genesis 2:16-17)."

What was at issue here? Was it that man would "know" good and evil or that he would not know God who sets the standard for good and evil. When Adam and Eve chose to increase themselves on the god-ward side, did they violate the sanctity of knowledge, or the sanctity of knowing God?  Was God never going to allow them access to that specific tree, or was He saying through His restriction, there is a greater knowledge that you must first understand before you can ever understand good and evil?

The writer of Proverbs tells us that if we seek wisdom, "Then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:5b)." That is not God's knowledge, but knowledge of God; His character, His righteousness and justice; His standard for right living.  Of course these are not areas that we can fully know, but they are areas that this writer says are knowable. Once we understand knowledge of God, "Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path (Proverbs 2:9)."

Having this kind of knowledge helps me put things in perspective. That is, to see things differently. To, in some way, to some degree,  see "life" as God sees it. That is indeed a different perspective on knowledge.

Yes, to some degree "knowledge is power." However the greater statement is that, knowledge of God is power for right living.

For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding...  (Proverbs 2:6)

Oops, Now what?

My mother is fond of the saying, "You made your bed now lie in it." The phrase, not original with her, is used often to explain to people a similar biblical phrase, "you reap what you sow." Neither of which are what I would consider good news!

The phrase "you made your bed, now lie in it" apparently comes from a tradition in the days when people made their own mattresses. This project was done yearly and if you made it incorrectly, you experienced the consequences. For example if you stuffed the mattress with grasses, they might last for a while, but then they would break down and be of no use. On the other hand, if you stuffed the mattress with down or feathers, you would experience a level of comfort for the duration of that particular mattress.

The proverbial saying came to mean - the circumstances you find yourself in are of your own doing so live with it.

That is a good reflection of how I view my life right about now. The situation I am in, spiritually, is of my own doing. Even though I am trying desperately to find my way to the surface, I am drowning in my own consequences - eating the fruit of my ways (Proverbs 1:31).

I often wonder if God is having a good laugh over it all. If He is relishing in my misery and its certain level of calamity (Proverbs 1:26). Am I calling out to a deaf ear(Proverbs 1:28)?

God's ways are not my ways. So perhaps, having made my bed years ago, I am now stuck lying in it? Oops, now what?

Is there a whisper of hope that as the writer of Proverbs says, "Whoever listens...will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster (Proverbs 1:33)?"

The Voice

Did you ever wonder what it would be like to see things the way other people see them?  To think like they think, talk like they talk, interact as they interact?

Each person has a "voice". It is what constitutes their character. The Apostle Paul had one - one that morphed according to the circumstances surrounding him (1Cor. 9:22). The Apostle Peter had one. It often landed him in predicaments he might rather have avoided. Even after the resurrection of Christ, his 'voice' was still his.  John had one, Mark, Luke, and Matthew had one. Each speaking with a "voice" that bore distinction and was unique to them.

Everyone has a voice. Most of us are true to our voice. The one primary exception might be politicians, but they are in a category by themselves. Yet, in reality, they often reflect "our" voice, or so they say prior to election.

Each person's voice is special to them. It is what draws us to them or repels us. Does that mean we seek to change their voice? I would hope not. To do so means we would be left with one less unique voice in the universe. If we changed everyone's voice to reflect personal desires, we would wind up with a solo that almost no one would listen to except the person who created it.

Paul altered his voice on a couple of occasions. One most notably in his second letter to the Corinthians. He did it in order to "boast", which apparently was not his nature, but necessitated because of circumstances (2Corinthians 11-12).  This is interesting because many people are prone to boast as a matter of course. This was true of the false apostles Paul was engaging and is especially true in our American culture. Boasting is often how we set ourselves apart or elevate ourselves from our neighbors, our co-workers, even our friends.

Boasting, in a certain form, has become a part of my voice and I do not like it. It is not necessarily new, but it is something that I have come to realize and desire to repel. (Is that boasting or confessing?) I became conscious and aware while having a conversation with another individual and I found most of our interaction was simply trying to "out boast" one another.  I did not like it at all.

I am not sure how my voice will sound without the element of boasting. Perhaps it will be more inviting. Or perhaps, it will fall away in obscurity. Either way boasting is on its way out and that is something to boast about!   :)

The Command

The other day, in our Sunday School class, we were going through a study in 1John. During the context of teaching, the instructor made this statement. "We are required to love all men."  Men of course meaning all people. Well, I took exception to that - the required part - and offered that that may not be the case. Christ commands/requires us to love one another, but there is no where, that I am aware of, that Christ commands us to love all men.

Well my goodness...you should have seen it! You would think that I had committed heresy. Of course, being a Yankee in a Southerner's court did not help matters much. That was already one strike against me. Nevertheless, I clung to my observation.

The retorts ranged from quoting Jesus' response to the young ruler who inquired which of the commandments was the greatest, the point being "love your neighbor as yourself" was a command. Indeed it was, but not a command of Christ. Nor is "neighbor" a reference to all men. Then there was the "love your enemies" point. Which was a part of Jesus' sermon on the mount. Again, not couched in a command.

He commanded Peter to "Come" in reply to Peter's request. He commanded demons to leave the oppressed, but as far as I can tell, John 15 shows us his only command to his followers. That is that we love one another and by so doing demonstrate that we are followers of Christ.

Yes, I know about the great commission in Matthew 28 where Christ says, "...teaching them all that I have commanded you." But what does that entail? Does it refer back to Jesus saying he had come to fulfill the Law and the Prophets? That his intent was not to do away with that teaching rather he had come to fulfill it. Or could it refer to the teachings he expressed as the disciples followed him, learned from him and now are enjoined to communicate them to new disciples?

Command is a strong word. It is not one Jesus employs often. Related to this writing, either command or commandment is found in ten verses in John, as used by Jesus. The context is either Jesus following the commandments of God or Jesus giving a "new commandment" (John 13:34, cp. 1John 3:10), that we are to love one another.

Now I am not going to quibble over whether or not what Jesus "taught" is equal to his commanding something. And as my wife pointed out, which is where I did not make my observation clear enough. In other words, I failed to clarify that indeed, Christ teaches us to love our enemies, those who persecute us, the disadvantaged, etc. Which is different than commanding us to do something, nevertheless, still has extreme weight when fleshing out our Christian experience.

The point I was attempting to make was outside of a handful of instances where he commands people to "tell no one" (Matthew 17:9), commands Peter to "come" to him on the water (Matthew 14:28-29), commands demons to depart (Mark 9:25), he seldom commands anything related to discipleship.

There was already a record in history where people, mainly the people of God, failed in their attempts to keep commandments unto righteousness. That is why our relationship to God is not built on commandments but grace through faith.  It is a relationship not a command - except to "love on another." And God knows how much trouble we have with even that.

Love is our obligation and expression of living within the community of faith. We get that right and much of the rest of righteousness through following Christ comes "naturally."

See also...Romans 12:18, Galatians 6:10, 1Thessalonians 3:12, 5:14-15, 1Peter 2:17 for some other examples of teachings regarding "all men".

Deception

I witnessed a "rant" Sunday evening that almost left me speechless.  The springboard for this particular tirade was from the Book of Revelation. It was an episode like I had not heard since my very early days as a Christian coming up through the ranks of the Southern Baptists. This particular incident covered everything from Oprah to aberrant sexual behavior.

As I sat listening, somewhat in shock that this would be going on, my attempts at giving it credibility based on the sermon topic, which apparently had become "deception", proved to be  formidable.

In the context, not of the text necessarily but of the speech, there was this call to the listeners to know the truth in order not to  be deceived. The truth was the Bible and the deception was behavior or beliefs that were apparently contrary to the Bible. That's where folks like talk show hosts, Saturday morning cartoons, and other anti-social or should I say, anti-Christian behaviors, came in to play.

Now I am not saying that what was said was wrong. My point is this. Deception very seldom comes clothed in those things we know to be obviously wrong based on scripture.

Allow me to put that comment into context. A few postings ago, I mentioned a book called The Shack. It was recommended by a friend of mine so I thought I would give it a read. It is a warm and fuzzy kind of book that has theological teachings that in many regards are  contrary to Scripture. A few are rather blatant, some are cleverly camouflaged.

It is this kind of teaching that enters the mainstream of the Christian culture, that often goes unnoticed. It goes unnoticed because many in the mainstream of the Christian culture do not have an understanding of biblical teaching that allows them to ferret the deception and bring it into the light. I am often one of them.

Social ills are just that social ills. Do Christians have an obligation to speak out against them? Yes, if for no other reason than they impact all of society. However, when it comes to deception, our enemy the Devil, seldom uses social ills to undermine our belief system, he uses subtle untruth - within the community of the believers - to undermine our belief system (Acts 13:7-12).  I suppose those untruths may find a reflection or even a home in societies practices, but is the church to be a reflection of society, or of Christ (Ephesians 4:14-32, 1John 2:15-17)?

Father, I know a lion when I see it. What I am susceptible to are wolves in sheep's clothing. The craftiness of words spoken with boldness and confidence. I am vulnerable to packages wrapped in pretty paper but whose content is untruth.    Help me to be discerning and rely on your Holy Spirit to decipher a well conceived lie from the eternal truth of Your Word.

Fear This!

In the not too distant past, I would see bumper stickers, window stickers, T-shirts and more with the phrase "Fear This." I was never quite sure what that meant. On some vehicles with the window sticker, I imagined they were wanting me to fear the power under the hood. On those who wore the phrase I expected I was to fear them. Like they could do some extreme bodily harm to me or others if riled.

Then, someone from the South I'm sure, came up with a sticker that said "Ain't Skeered." That seemed to take the steam out of the other one and it gradually disappeared.

Fear is a truly a mystery. We fear things that often may not or will not come to pass. We fear actual things like spiders and bugs. We fear situations like height or water or tight places. People call them "phobias", which is a derivative of the Greek word "phobos."

As I am reading through John's Gospel, I am at chapter 18, the place where Jesus begins his execution process. With the arrest of Christ, before the High Priest, we read about Peter's denial of Christ, something that Jesus had told Peter about.

There is no doubt in my mind that Peter did what he did because of fear. He had no idea what was to happen but he sensed it was not going to be good and he feared being discovered, he feared for his life.

Fear (phobos) is challenging concept in the New Testament. A quick search of the word reveals some engaging uses.

• When Jesus heals a mother's son, the people respond with great "fear" and realize a "the great Prophet" is among them (Luke 7:16)
• When Jesus walks on the water the disciples respond in "fear" (Matthew 14:26)
• Paul says to the Philippians to "work out" their salvation with "fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12)
• John tells us that complete love, perfect love, casts out "all fear." (1John 4:18)

Fear handicaps us. In many regards it prevents us from walking by faith, because what we see or imagine in front of us scares us. It intimidates us. It forces our eyes of the Christ onto the circumstances.

I have a great many fears in my life right now. At times my heart seems like it is about to burst. My eyes well up at the slightest prick from those fears. One minute my mouth says I trust God in what He is doing, the next minute, I find clouds of doubt and despair engulfing my heart and mind. At times I feel the weight is so strong I cannot move. I am afraid to move.

How can we walk by faith when we are shackled by fear? Naturally the answer is "we cannot." One element must be dominate.

Like a child standing on the edge of the dock with a waiting father, arms wide open, standing in the water saying, "jump!" we must decide. Do we jump or do we stand trembling on the dock?

A CHILD'S GAME

A cheap imitation of some cosmic imagination

Formless as clay on the potter’s wheel

God can be a manager of things

Or a molder of persons

 

Hanging limp on the strings of the puppeteer

Stretched firm on the concert violin

God can either play with us

Or play us

 

What say you magnificent mind

What say you humble heart

God won’t wait long

You must decide

 

This is no child’s game

There is no place to hide

"He lifted up his eyes and said..."

Jesus prayed for me. Not only did he pray for me, through him I have complete access to God the Father. Not a casual access mind you, rather a divine access so intimate and so marvelous that it is most often beyond understanding.

Knowing Jesus is knowing God. It is in that knowing that God sets me apart as his child. That knowing comes through God's truth - His word is that truth (John 17:17).

I must confess that many times I read God's word that I might know more - when in actuality, I seem to know Him less.  My focus is not on knowing Him more, rather that I might simply have more knowledge. How embarrassing and shameful that admission is.

Jesus prayed for me. Not that I might simply know more, but that I might know him and God who sent him, that I might have life.  He prayed, "...This is eternal life, that they may know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent (John 17:3).

The essence of that "eternal life" is not just a one time knowing. The focus of that knowing is more than mental ascent. It is being sanctified in truth (17:19). Set apart for God's holy service, just as Jesus was set apart for God's divine purpose.

Jesus prayed for me. That the love God had for him would be made known to me. That just as God was in Christ, Christ would be in me (17:26). I cannot even begin to explain that, understand that, or even feel worthy of that. Yet, Jesus prayed for me, that it would be so.

"He lifted up his eyes and said..." the most wonderful words that I could ever hear; "The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and love them even as you love me (17:22-23)."

Thank you Father.

Conditional Love of the Father

This is nothing exhaustive, but it occurred to me while reading John that the terminology of God as "Father" is ubiquitous. In fact, a cursory examination shows the term πατηρ (pater) used 228 times in the Gospels. 113 times in Matthew, Mark and Luke, 115 times in John!  Of those in John, only fifteen are not references to God the Father. That is amazing when you consider the other three Gospels have almost a 50/50 ratio between father such as Abraham and Father as God.

Some of us find the idea of referring to God as Father difficult; mostly because of how we associate that term with the experience we had with our paternal fathers.   For me that love experience was totally conditional and never fulfilled.  However, we are often told that God's love is unconditional and totally fulfilling.  Which may, on the whole, be true. Nevertheless, I would like to look at a passage in John that expresses God's love as "conditional".

...For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I come from God. (John 16:27 ESV)

That conjunction "because" carries with it the idea of condition. It is properly translated and belongs to the text, so that is not an issue. The issue is, what is it about God's love that is conditional?

We have been taught and believe that "God so loved the world" (John 3:16) is totally unconditional - And it is, to a point. The "in order that" holds some requirement to it. Which is, in part, key to this particular verse in 16:27.  The Father loves us "because" we have loved and believed in His son. As you may recall, "no man comes to the Father" except through Jesus Christ. He is the gateway to intimacy with the Father. Christ is the threshold we cross in order to gain access to the Father. It is that part which is conditional. It is that part which carries with it a requirement of sorts.

This does not negate God's love of all men. Love that calls for the sacrifice of His only begotten son. That focus of love is purposeful, this focus of love is freeing. Jesus is freeing us up to full access to the Father. In a real sense Jesus is saying, I do not need to be your intermediary any longer, you can come to the Father yourself (v. 26) because you have loved me and believed in me.

It is a hard concept to wrap our arms around. By the same token, it is a wonderful unveiling of an enigma that often has believers "interacting" and praying to Jesus when these activities can clearly be directed to the Father.* This concept also frees us from a stumbling, hesitant, and often fearful approach to God, to an open and fulfilling access based on sacrifice, love, and belief.

[*This does not negate the idea of the Trinity, it merely reflects what Jesus seems to be saying in 16:26-27 and what he teaches us in the Lord's Prayer - "Our Father..."]

World "View"

John 15:19  If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

John 15 is a pivotal piece in the overall ministry of Christ. Often, his "I AM" sayings are directed toward the religious or unbelieving but here in the last, the "I am the true vine" proclamation, he sets the stage for the on going ministry of the disciples and makes observations that will be vital to every follower of the Christ.

Throughout this chapter - twelve times -  Jesus uses the word "abide" or a cognate of the word to emphasize his point of abiding in Christ (v. 4), abiding in his love (v. 9), and fruit that is abiding (v. 16).  If you choose, you can replace the word "abide" with the word "remain". The idea and emphasis is the same. And the concept is very weighty in its significance for believers or followers of Christ.

What struck me, as I was reading some comments on this chapter, was a question posed by A. T. Robertson in his "Word Pictures" series. It relates to v. 19 noted above. Robertson presents this question, "Has the world become more Christian or Christians more worldly?" What a great question. What a damning question.

In this day of mega-churches, church growth and an emphasis on entertainment and programs, has the gospel been replaced by good marketing campaigns? Have we moved from the concept of bearing fruit to a methodology which results in plastic fruit.

In our local paper, over the past several months, I have read about kids programs designed to attract adults, ministers taking a seat at the "bar" in order to be available to the patrons for counseling, a church that puts a "flyer" in shot glasses that says, "Give us a shot!", billboards that border on the risque in order to attract attention. It may be the case that these techniques fill the pews, but do they change the heart? 

"Has the world become more Christian or Christians more worldly?"

Does the world view you and I, the Christian community, as a respite place from the environment of chaos - a place of change and re-creation, or just another community program that usurps time and energy without the threat of changing their person?

Father Spirit, help me be an agent of change, not a victim of conformity.

The "IN" Mystery

The man on the moon, nuclear power, electric cars, cyber-space, handheld devices that you can talk on, play on, and communicate with the world on. It is a bit much to grasp sometimes. Yet, we often take it all in stride. As though these kind of accomplishments are no big deal. No one seems to be enamored with the mystery involved in the creation of these types of "victories", rather they see them as mere standards of living. A perk for living in the twenty-first century.

Of course, there are more significant mysteries in life that seem to stretch the imagination and churn our hearts by the shear magnificence of it all. One of them is the "in" mystery found in John 14:20

In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.

Naturally, Jesus put this concept into words -rather simple and straightforward words. Nevertheless, I find it an enormous concept to grasp or put into my own words. Christ and God the Father (v.23) finding abode in my heart through the presence of the Holy Spirit. When I contemplate this notion, I am  embarrassed that I don't do a better job of housecleaning!

In our worship and our Christian pilgrimage we use language like "be with", "be in our midst", "we ask your presence", all related to God or Christ. We even quote Jesus' words "where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them (Matthew 18:20 ESV)." The truth of the matter is, as Christian individuals and a corporate body of believers, where we are, God is. It is an "in" thing. A mystery of the "in" presence of God - the triune God.

Commentators seem to find it easy to subdue this concept and craft words around it. Preachers proclaim it with utter simplicity and a matter-of-fact tone. Nevertheless, it is something I find almost impossible to get my mind around.  A mystery of supreme importance and eternal significance. A mystery in which I can rejoice mainly because it IS a mystery - the "in" mystery.

It's a God Thing

Like the ocean tide flows in and out, my sense of "holiness" rises and falls with my inner strength and dependency on self.  I must tell you that is a clumsy way to live out one's life in Christ.

At times I justify my "un-holiness" based on the ever flowing fountain of grace. Other times I rationalize tendencies based on my sense of "eternal security."  Neither are quite sufficient to give me peace or a measure of growth in my relationship to God through Christ. It is a most awkward way to live.

In Paul's first letter to the Corinthians there is a verse that made quite an impact on me this morning.  It is 1:20

"He (God) is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption."

It is God, not me. It is God, not my will power. It is God, not my ability to sustain. It is God, not my self discipline. It is GOD!  That does not mean I do not play a part, because I do. It simply means that God is my source. It is not me, but Him that is the source of growth in Christ. It is connection to Him that brings the power sufficient for sustaining and sanctification.

It is a God thing!

The Voice of God

When was the most recent time you heard the voice of God?  Your answer better be never. Now I did not say when was the last time God spoke to you through His Word. That is a whole different matter.

Three times in the Gospels we are given an account where "a voice came from heaven." One at Jesus' baptism (Matthew 3:17, cp Mark 1:11), once at the mount of transfiguration (Matthew 17:5) and once in John 12:28.  Three times, that is all. 

In the first instance, there is no response from any witnesses. In the second, Peter and John hear it and respond in fear to it. Then are told by Jesus to tell no one of their experience on the mountain. The third time, witnesses "hear" it and are confused about what they hear. Was it thunder, was it an angel speaking, what exactly was it?  Two times John said it was a "voice". Not an apparition but a voice -phōnē is the word used.

It is not unusual for hearers to get confused when they hear the voice of God. I suppose because, first they are not expecting it, and second, it is hard to recognize a voice you have not heard before. But Jesus makes it pretty clear in this instance that what the people heard was the voice of God. Come for their benefit, not for his (John 12:30).  Now, let me be clear, if you are actually HEARING the voice of God today I suggest you check with your doctor.  If it only happens three times in the sacred writings, it is highly unlikely that God is actually speaking to you.

Let's also be clear on this. God speaks to us today through His word. Yet, even though we have written testimony of God's word to man, we still get confused. Is it thunder, is it an angels words we are reading? No, it is God's word.

My suspicion is that many people do not believe that. It is also my suspicion that many churches do not believe that. Hence, watered down preaching and, for certain, diluted Sunday School programs that are now designed to build "community" not build one's understanding of God's word.

My pastor, when reading his morning text, always has the congregation stand and then begins his reading with these words - "This is what the Bible says!" I like that. I also like the fact that his preaching is consistently true to the text.

But alas, the flock is woefully complacent. Maybe not on Sunday morning, but certainly through the week when it comes to their interaction with God's word. Just this past Wednesday night, after the pastor was finished his presentation he asked the audience, of about a hundred or so, this question. "Knowing that we are going verse by verse through 2Corinthians, how many read or studied the chapter before coming this evening?"  Only one person acknowledged they had. Were the others embarrassed to acknowledge their study, or was it simply that they had not?

Listen to what John Calvin says regarding the Scripture and this experience in John 12 particularly.

It was a monstrous thing that the multitude was obtuse to so plain a miracle. Some were deaf, and caught what God had pronounced distinctly only as a confused sound. Others were less dull, but yet detracted greatly from the majesty of the divine voice by pretending that its author was an angel. But the same is common today [in Calvin's day and ours]. God speaks plainly enough in the Gospel, in which there is also displayed a power and energy of the Spirit which should shake heaven and earth. But many are as cold towards the teaching as it if came only from a mortal man, and others think God's Word to be a barbarous stammering, as if it were nothing but thunder." (Kostenberger's commentary on John, pg. 383)

What we think of God is in many ways reflected by how we interact and respond to Scripture.  Do we think it simply some words compiled by mere dunderheads or is it the "voice" of God -speaking then and now to His people, the followers of the Christ?

Father - I am listening. Let your Word speak freely and clearly to every aspect of my life.

Hang on to the Lamb!

As a young boy I had many dreams that exceeded my grasp. One was to own a horse. Not just any horse but a quarter horse. Once that dream entered my mind I bought copies of American Quarter Horse magazine and read them and admired the pictures of strong stallions captured on the pages.  I also had dreams of living on a ranch and having all sorts of animals. I am not certain where these dreams initiated, but I suspect it was from my childhood friend who was in 4-H.

Those dreams soon faded as I got a dose of animal husbandry. My friend took me along to the county fair so I might experience the full flavor of caring for animals and tending to their needs. I don't believe that was his intent, but that was the result! It was dreadful. The smell penetrated every part of my being and my clothes. Watching the other kids care for their animals caused my short life to flash before me  and conclude, "This is nothing like I imagined it to be. This is hard work and for what?"

As it turned out one particular evening, my friend was sick and could not show his lamb in the arena. So he asked me to do it. "It is simple," he said. "Once your are on the trailer," (nobody had mentioned a trailer prior to this) "just place your hand under his jaw and hold his body between your legs." That did not sound overly complicated so I agreed to the task.

The time came and about a dozen kids loaded their lambs on the flatbed trailer. As everyone perched themselves on hay bails, I positioned my lamb just as my friend had described.  I was shaking all over, but the lamb initially seemed oblivious to it all.  As we made our way around the arena, apparently my little guy  had enough. He decided he was getting off!  Before I knew it, he bolted. Not just toward the front of the trailer or the back, but off the side!

I could hear the kids yell, "hang on to the lamb!" So I, did the only thing I knew to do - I grab his hind legs and hung on for dear life while the lamb dangled over the side of the trailer. He was not a happy camper and began yelping! I don't know if sheep yelp but it sure sounded like that.

The thing was, no one else could help because they were all hanging on to their lambs. As mine yelped, theirs bawled along with it!  It was pure comical chaos. As the trailer made its way out of the arena, I knew my sheep showing days were over. The lamb was not hurt, but my pride sure was.

Here was the problem. That lamb knew that I was not his caregiver. He knew that the knees that held him were not familiar knees. The hand under his jaw was not a familiar hand. More than that, he knew I was nervous and scared so he became nervous and scared.

Sheep are interesting animals - timid, fearful and not at all secure without their shepherd. They seek comfort and assurance from their shepherd. Jesus said he is the "great shepherd." His sheep know his voice and they follow him (John 10:1ff). Jesus positioned himself as the consummate provider and protector. He knows his sheep and they know him and place complete trust in him.  No one will snatch them from his hand. 

We are his sheep. He is our shepherd. When we hear his voice we can follow with confidence knowing that he will not lead us into danger and will never leave us unattended. We know the familiarity of his touch, his voice, and his love.

Father, let me continue to rest in the care of the great shepherd. To place my complete trust in his love and ability to provide for me.

"Give Glory to God"

John 9-10

We are not witnesses to too many miracles these days. I am not certain why that is. Our society today needs as many convincing proofs now as they might have needed in Jesus' time. However, we are often left as beggars when it comes to God's amazing work through the physical body or miraculous circumstances.

When Jesus encounters the blind man, the disciples wanted to know what was the reason for his blindness. Had he sinned?  Had his parents sinned? What exactly was the cause? I suppose this exposes their former belief system as well as their continued limited new belief paradigm.  It was often thought that physical maladies were a result of some personal or familial spiritual shortcoming, ala David and the child he had with Bathsheba (2Samuel 12-21).  However, Jesus offers a third alternative - "That the works of God might be displayed in him (John 9:3)." That is, that God may be the focus and receive the glory for what is about to happen.

[There are frequent times when we desire, hunger, even beg for God's miracle work to be done. Usually it centers around healing. This was Jesus' most frequent miracle, so naturally, we lean that direction. I think, at least for me, secretly in my heart I suppose  surely something happened that this person is afflicted like they are. As a result, much of my prayer is colored by language of forgiveness rather than language toward God's glory. That is not accurate thinking I know, but that is the truth. It is also probably a result of my own circumstances and how my tendency is to look at sin in my life as the cause of these circumstances.]

Jesus heals the blind man and it causes all sorts of confusion. The Pharisees wanted to know who and what. The man's parents were perplexed - "We have no idea. Yes it is our son who was born blind but how he now sees, you'll need to ask him(John 9:18ff)."  Out of frustration and ignorance, the Pharisees tell the man, "Give glory to God (v.24)." Which is exactly the reason Jesus did the miracle in the first place, however, they sought God's glory on a different basis.

Even though the significance and impact of the story continues for some time, there is an interlude where Jesus seeks out the now-seeing man (v. 35ff) and challenges his belief. Jesus asks him if he believes in the Son of man? The man responds with, "Who is he sir that I may believe?" And Jesus says --- don't miss this --- "You have seen him and it is he who is speaking with you." The now seeing man replies, "Lord, I believe." There it is..."That the works of God may be displayed (v.3)."

It is true. We do not witness many miracles today of the nature we have just spoken about. However, perhaps one of the greatest miracles is our faithful living out of the effect of the gospel in our lives. That truly is a miracle. That is, without a doubt, an act that must certainly give glory to God.

What's in a Number?

I remember as a young pastor, the emphasis on growth was purely a numbers game. You counted attendance both in worship and Sunday School. You counted the number of professions of faith and the number of baptisms. Everything evolved around numbers. If your church was a vibrant church then, of course, you had a large number of professions and baptisms. If it was not, then your numbers were low. It was amazing then and even now, how those numbers "grew."

Yes, I suspect there is some correlation between numbers and genuine growth. I also suspect we should be suspect of that correlation. For the churches I pastored, if we only baptized twelve in a particular year, that was okay with me, because I could point to each of those twelve, call them by name, and tell you exactly where they were. Pastor friends of mine, who may have baptized a hundred and twelve, often had no idea where most of those people where - physically or spiritually. I much preferred the former scenario.

In John 8, Jesus is having a very detailed and specific conversation with the Jews. In this chapter some of the most profound statements of Jesus are located. "I am the light of the world" (8:12) is one and, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (8:36)" is another. During this dialogue with the Jews, it should be noted that "many believed in him (v. 30)."

After that statement, Jesus turns up the "volume" with these new believers. It is one that would, under any circumstances, separate the wheat from the chaff. The words are deep and pregnant with significance. They are direct and hard hitting. Why? Because he wants them to know what they are committing to and the radical departure in thought it will require. Not only a change in thought, but also a change in behavior.

Jesus seemed unconcerned about adding to his count. He was more concerned about making sure these "believers" knew what they were committing to at a very personal level.

It has been my observation, having attended several churches over the past eight months, that often what is required of folks is only a "looking up" at the Pastor, praying a simple prayer and maybe walking down front, then it is a done deal. What happens after that is anyone's guess.  How do I know that? Because I have asked on several occasions,  observed in other situations, and listened to the testimony of  pastors.

When I came to Christ, it was a radical change for me. There was a program of minimal discipleship through the Campus Crusade for Christ organization I attended, but I received little attention from the church I joined and was baptized in. I do recall a rather direct eye-eye conversation with the pastor, but that was about it. Then boom, I was planted in a Sunday School class and off I went.  I am one of the lucky ones, I have survived. I have struggled, but I have survived.

In this day of mega-churches, rapid growth and non-conventional worship styles, it is easy to get lost as a new believer. There may be a new members class to orient them to the church, but often a genuine discipleship ministry is lacking. 

So far, at least twice in John, Jesus finds himself in the midst of those who "believed", John 2:23-25 and here in John 8. On each occasion he makes a decision regarding those believers and responds accordingly. The implication is clear - not everyone who believes, believes. The numbers were irrelevant. The quality of belief was crucial. Perhaps there is something to be learned from those experiences.

Who Are You Listening To?

After Jesus' encounter with the crowds and the religious authorities during the Feast of Booths, there were those who wanted to arrest him (John 7:32ff).  Those who were sent to arrest Jesus were confronted by their senders as to why they did not fulfill their mission. Their response was simple, "No one ever spoke like this man!" (John 7:46)

The guards, like many other people, were caught up in what Jesus had to say, because what he had to say was Truth. It was not a version of the truth. It was not a hybrid truth of philosophy and religion, it was God's truth.

Now the question needs to be asked, "What makes something true and something not true?" Is it the speaker or the message? In the case of Jesus, it was both. He himself said, "My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority." (John 7:16-17)

But what was the standard of truth? Certainly the Old Testament scriptures were a part of that, but was it the primary standard? Was it what Jesus did in terms of signs and miracles as well as what he said? I suspect that is a part of it. Was it how his words impacted and changed the lives of others? How do we know there was not more, or perhaps more to come after Jesus' death and resurrection?  This is where the grease hits the squeak!

Currently there are at least two teachings out in the market place that might need some attention. One has Oprah Whinfrey as the primary evangelist and the other has the regular folks, like a good friend of mine. These teachings may find their way into the minds of millions who would question, or simply ignore, what the Bible teaches about God and Christ.

Now I will admit, I have not read either piece. I am planning to order each, especially one called The Shack That is one my friend recommended I read, if I could make it past the first hundred or so pages.  The other is A Course in Miracles  This one was brought to my attention by another pastor friend. I am not sure I'll read it, but I suspect I'll do a good skim of it.

The issue is this - apparently based on either the content or the author of these books, people are saying, "no one has ever spoke like these folks(Italics mine) ."  Is what they are saying a new revelation and rational thought about God and Christ, or is it simply the words of false prophets proclaiming "irreverent babble...for itchy ears?"(2Timothy 2:16, 4:3) And will people be able to tell the difference?

I trust my friend who recommended The Shack. I would trust him with my life. So perhaps what it says is true. After all, isn't this the way people often make determinations about things?  If my friend believes it, if Oprah believes it, if my Sunday School teacher believes it, etc.  But is that our standard for truth - who believes something?  Are we equipped to make that determination on our own?  Will I always know a sheep when I see it, or is that simply a sheep in wolf's clothing (Matthew 7:15)?

 

I Love You but...

For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica." 2Timothy 4:10

The apostle Paul is now in prison in Rome, a second time. His death is imminent and he faces it with some resolve and great satisfaction. He has fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith (v.7)  However, he is somewhat alone in his final days and he has a great desire to see his protege Timothy.

As Paul speaks of those who have found better things to do than stand in support of him, he mentions Demas. Someone that he has spoken of before, but now someone who has made a choice to do other than encourage and support Paul in his final days. Demas is in love. In love with the present world.

Technically two things about this verse. One, the word love is a form of the word agape, a word many folks like to associate with "divine love". However that is not necessarily how Paul uses it here. Also "world" is better translated as present age.

The issue at hand is not the Demas did not love Paul, he did. He simply loved something else more. He loved life and what life had to offer. Consequently, he heads back to Thessalonica.

This verse caused a pause for me because it reminded me how often my love for God is an "I love you but..." type of love. I love you but, I desire comfort rather than inconvenience.  I love you but, I prefer a lifestyle of things rather than devotion. I love you but, I am not confident moving out of my "comfort zone" into the unknown.

None of this means I do not love God and see myself committed to Christ. It simply means, my love is often set with certain parameters because I am complacent and desire the familiar rather than the mystery of life.  I prefer the status quo rather then being stretched in my thinking and my faith.

Father Spirit, I am a bit ashamed of my love for this present world. I am embarrassed by the limited love and fragile faith I live out. May I be more bold and more trusting to reach beyond my comfort zone.