Sonsofthesea.org

"Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19

Category: Teachings From The Word… (Page 14 of 16)

A weekly teaching series designed to encourage, challenge, and better inform those seeking a relationship with the Lord, or those who want to simply just come and hear what the Lord is saying to His people

Examples. Ephesians 2:7.

March 24, 2019 /

“So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.”

The starry heavens are best seen by reflecting telescopes, which, in their field, mirror the brightness above. –MacLaren Commentaries.

Though Paul directs all glory and honor towards Jesus Christ, towards Gods kindness, mercy, and grace being lavished on all those whom He has chosen in Christ as His own; here, in our scripture, in some small way too, he makes known to us how God uses His creations, those He has chosen for Himself, as examples for all who will follow their example of perpetual faithfulness in the face of adversity—and even death. If not for Gods unplumbed love, of His desiring to be in relationship with His creation, His chosen ones, how else might we explain our ability to interact—more, share intimacy with, the Sovereign God of the universe? God’s kindness is all ‘in Christ Jesus’; in Him is the great channel through which His love comes to men, the river of God which is full of water. And that kindness is realised by us when we are ‘in Christ.’ Separated from Him we do not possess it; joined to Him as we may be by true faith in Him, it is ours, and with it all the blessings which it brings into our else empty and thirsting hearts.

Neither Paul, knocked from this world, quite literally into the next, on a dusty Damascus road, nor Peter, called to leave behind nets and boats, family and livelihood, nor Simon, torn between one form of revolution and another, and then Matthew—transformed from a collector of coins and animals and all sorts of goods, to one used instead, to amass souls for the Kingdom. Examples each. Confirmations each of God’s Word. Truly He uses the weak things of this world—the rough, broken, and downtrodden, the outsider and the defeated, the liar and thief, haughty and bigot, the self-righteous and pauper to confound those that see themselves as wise and superior.

Who better to reach the average man than the average man transformed by the power of Jesus Christ?

Yet, not each of His chosen 12 were true prodigals. Even so, all were born sinners. Perhaps you and I cannot relate to a Paul. To an outwardly haughty—self-aggrandizing man full of a pride born from his station and position. Maybe he, his thinking and privilege, is too far removed from us, our way of life, to take in, even scarcely, his thinking or actions.  So full of his own “rightness” he was willing to kill and destroy lives that it may be satisfied. And yet God saw fit to use him mightily. And, his opposite, Peter. A man who reeked of fish and sweat—of resignation perhaps? A simple man—not eloquent, but plain-spoken. Mouthy even. Some might say brash. And Simon the Zealot, though eventually obscure, was a man who had hungered for change. For a better life—a more level playing field for his people. For fairness, safety, and peace; by any means necessary. A man who so wanted fairness and freedom he was willing to die for it. A man who, after encountering his Lord, eventually laid down the plowshares beaten into sword and, instead, used the Sword of the Spirit—the Word of God, with which to fight his battles. And our brother Matthew—a tax collecting thief. Pilfering from his own people. Benefiting from their suffering—and loss. Swindling and conniving that his purse might grow fat while theirs—his fellow Jew, was filled only with dust. Emptied of opportunities—and food, by the Roman demand for unjust taxes, and his greed for more…

Yet Gods unfathomable mercy is demonstrated to us through the example of each of these quite ordinary men…

In this text, when read in context, we witness, in part, Paul shifting gears. We see, through the eyes of his understanding, that the dawn of Christs return may be much further off than what he first believed—what they each first believed. We witness his looking towards the dawning of the future church. Towards us. And, in his viewing of us, recognizing all the more the weight of his own example to the world at large and, specifically for Gods elect. Hence, encouraging us via his informing us of the unending plethora of God’s grace. Paul is detailing his responsibility—our responsibility too, and great privilege as Christians, to demonstrate Gods unplumbed love to the world. This grace of God which fills his epistles—his heart and life, forever changing each. This amazing grace of Gods; so lavished upon him and so obviously over-flowing that the world cannot help but witness how God touches ordinary, sin-filled men, and, as a result, they are forever changed by Him. Not made instantly perfect in the natural mind you, yet, are everlastingly changed, made perfect. in time, by Christ. Used then as examples of His great mercy and love. Of His longing to have restored relationship with His creations. The characters of Christian people are in every age the clearest and most effectual witnesses of the power of the Gospel. Their transformed lives, our lives, a living testament to a loving and merciful God. That we, mere men, be used—chosen to partner with this God whose mercy and grace is as far from our full understanding as the east is from the west…

And, though Paul—and these dear brothers each, are guideposts used still, pointing us towards the God of mercy and grace and patients and unfathomable love, this mantle of demonstrating, of being living examples of the transformative touch of Christ is now ours to wear—if, we know Him as Savior and Lord. If we too have taken off the old man and put on Christ. Our witness is as valid and vital this day as it was the day it issued from Paul’s heart and onto the pages of God’s Word…

In closing, do we daily demonstrate, via our Christian character, that transforming touch of God we’ve been chosen and privileged to have received? That magnificent mercy we hold in our bellies, in these clay vessels, which Paul speaks of. Do we share the privilege of Gods saving grace as we ought—have been commanded to? As a blazing love for him, to serve Him only would drive us to? If not, why not? Should we be stricken suddenly mute—would the world recognize Christ in us at all?

What does your example look like?

Will God use it to touch some future soul looking towards the horizon of faith and wondering…?

Saints, in Christ Jesus Father God has taken us and all future generations into account. He has showered us each in His redemptive love. Washing us clean, He has pardoned, adopted, and fully restored us to Himself. We have been both blessed by Him and chosen in Him to demonstrate a living example of God’s amazing grace, as well the miraculous power of encouragement one receives having witnessed the true conversation of a soul. The restored hope and eternal optimism, the joy God offers a hopeless and exasperated world. “So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation” 2 Corinthians 5:16-19.

Dear friend, if you are with us today for the first time, or, if God has wooed you back once more, perhaps it is to confirm His calling you to Himself? Perhaps He wants you to receive His free gift of this great mercy and grace Paul speaks of? Perhaps He wants to use all that you’ve lived through as an example of hope and encouragement for another? Won’t you say yes to Him today? Won’t you ask Him into your life as King of your heart? He loves you my friend. “But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life” –1 Timothy 1:16.

 

Intentionality. Philippians 1:28

March 10, 2019 /

“Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself.”

We see this model of intentionality Paul is laying out before the Philippians best exemplified in Jesus, our Rabbi…

Throughout Scripture, Jesus models this type of laser focus. This model of steadfastness; of being intentional. Where, and to whom, He would be born. His very survival as a child—least we forget the genocide that followed His birth. Every event, each life, that had to have been touched in order that each precise detail of His birth be fulfilled. From who His earthly parents would be, to the town in which He’d be born. Each Shepherd that would be tending his flock in the surrounding fields. Right down to the single place that would be available for Mary to lay down and birth Him. And, then, eventually, onto the choosing of His 12 disciples. Nothing, not one thing modeled by Jesus is without a purpose. Every-thing is intentional. Whether in His healing of the sick, delivering men of their demons, or the fierce protectiveness of His time alone in prayer with the Father. Every Word—each action and reaction, a road-map for us to follow. A guide. His exact purpose for stepping into this world is demonstrated for us through His actions. Let this be our model saints…

Jesus is intentional in saving us. “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

He came to make us His own. To restore us to right relationship with the Father. He came to shed His Blood. To exchange His sinless life for our sin-filled lives. He came to defend and protect us. To provide for us—and to shelter us. The reason He came—endured, demonstrated, suffered, died, and rose again in final defeat of His enemy—and ours, is intentional. And not one demon in hell can do anything to thwart God’s plan—try as they might. And they will try. They must. It’s in their very nature to do so—so fierce is their hatred of God.

Nevertheless we witness Gods fierce intentionality, His final authority over His enemies, and their plans, when Jesus commands His disciples to cross the lake and head for the eastern region of the Gerasa…

He had just finished an afternoon of teaching those that had gathered at the shore to see Him. Now, entering a fishing boat, Jesus instructs His disciples to pull out and head towards the eastern side of the lake. Then He lays down in the stern of the boat and naps on a cushion. Scripture tells us that a storm so fierce these experienced fisherman—these men learned in the moods and tantrums of the sea—freaked! That they scrambled over each other in a panic to wake Jesus. Can’t you just see it! I know I’ve been there once or twice in my walk. “Help us! Don’t you care if we drowned!” –Mark 4:38. Calmly however, Jesus got up and, without rebuking His friends, commands both the strong wind and the tumultuous waves to quite down! To stop acting up—to once again “Be still” that they might safely reach His intended destination—reach the one in need of Him.

God had a plan…

We forget, at least I do, just how fierce Jesus is. How brave and unafraid He is. How He’d walk, unflinchingly, into the enemy’s camp to snatch back those that belong to Him! So unlike most of us; most of the time. I forget just how unbending Jesus is because it’s too easy for me to make Jesus as wavering and human as I can be. A frightened bird set aflutter at the first signs of trouble! I forget at times that I too am fierce and can command the powers that surround me to be still, in His authority. I forget that as it is with Jesus, so too it is with me. The enemy has us both lined up in his sights. At the ready to take us out. In my case, Jesus walked in suddenly and said, “Not today. This little lamb is my own! Look, she’s covered in proof; My Blood. Now back off!”  In Jesus, we see the will of heaven played out in the dialogue that takes place in a garden called Gethsemane. “If it be Your will, take this cup from me…”

“Yet, not my will but Thine be done…” And it was. Thus, Jesus rose in victory over sin and death. And on His Cross, He made that clear for all to see. Yet, just in case anyone missed it, in case there was any shadow of a doubt—early that Sunday morning the ground shook and the rock His enemies’ thought had sealed His fate—sealed Him in no more. Little did they know, it never had. But that’s for another day…

Scripture tells us that no sooner Jesus’ feet hit dry land a man with an unclean Spirit came from the grave yard to meet Him. So filled with demons was he that not even the thickest of shackles could keep him bound to one place. He was possessed by a legion of demons—roughly 5000 various evil spirits had possessed this man—lending their strength and power to his own. He was cut up and bloody from the time he had spent cutting himself with sharp stones. Scripture tells us that this tortured soul did this to himself night and day! Allow me to pause here for just a moment to encourage the one reading this and looking over at the scars on their own arms or legs. On their wrists perhaps? Beloved, know this, God sees you and He loves you just as much as He did this one lost and filled with a legion of demons…

They locked eyes from a distance. Jesus knowing just who and what had possession of this man and, this man knowing just who it was that stood before him. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me” Mark 5:6-7! Jesus never budged. Never took a step backward. Rather, He stood in what had been the enemy’s camp and commanded the demons to come out of this man. And the demons trembled in the presence of Jesus. Knowing that His power and authority were so much greater than their own they begged Him not to destroy them. Rather they begged to be sent into a herd of pigs that were nearby. And, once in them, the pigs too went mad, and jumped into the lake to their death. The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. —Mark 5:12-13.

There was no great fight. No shouting match. Certainly, there was no fear in Jesus as He stood facing 5000 plus adversaries. You can almost see the steely determination to destroy the defiant darkness in Jesus’ eyes! His feet firmly planted. His jaw set. As determined in that moment as He was the moment, He set His face towards Jerusalem to head toward His cross. He knew who He was and the power He commanded. Let those that have ears hear…

And, in the presence of this possessed man and all the others who had gathered there—Jesus simply walked, intentionally, in His authority. He will not be defeated. Ever! And the demons fled in fear of this Truth…

Let us be refreshed in our Lords victory, and with Paul’s words. Let us remember that Jesus has already won the battle for us—it is not ours to win. Though we will, and do, have battles we must fight, this one, this finally victory, is yet another free gift from our Father. “It is finished”.  Rather, let us do instead what Jesus commanded us to do. To face every enemy with the authority we have in Him—and, let us share our testimony with a lost and dying world. Let us take His Truth—the Light of Gods Word, and shine it boldly—unflinchingly, into this present darkness. In our faithfulness to do what we have been commanded by our Lord, our Love, our Father, Teacher, and Guide, to do, we will be modeling this intentionality first modeled by Jesus and, also, fulfilling the Word Paul spoke to encourage those Philippians gathered around him that day as they too were enduring trying times. Lastly, may we be used to convict, in love, those who recognized they have intentionally rebelled against God. Who is to say that God, in His infinite mercy, will not instruct some brother or sister, some other Paul or Esther or Susan, John or Lisa, to head towards the opposite shore and, in His mercy deliver that one from their legion?

Be reminded, dear brother and sisters, to be purposeful in your prayers. Intentional when God places you in front of the one, He has wooed. You have been afforded the high honor of being the hands and feet, the mouth and eyes and expressions, the touch and first impression of our dear Lord…

Dear friend, if you are here today it is because God has led you here. He is affording you this opportunity to ask Him into your heart and life, now, today. Please don’t dismiss this as coincidence—there is no such thing! God is intentional. You are meant to be here. Won’t you ask Him into your heart today? Simply confess your need for Him alone—the Savior of the world. He loves you so. As has just been said: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion” Hebrews 3:15.

“After-Glow.” Matthew 1:23

December 30, 2018 /

 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel”—which, when translated, means, “God with us.”

So much had to be sacrificed  in order that one flawless night, one single, holy night, that life-changing night, might come to pass. And, too, that one night happened so that you and I might be afforded the opportunity to follow the Light that had guided three wise men and some lowly shepherds to a child born in the lowliest of settings, so awfully long ago…

The birth has occurred. Jesus is among us! The sweat from birthing a child dried now on Mary’s body. Her flush waning. The sheep are back out in the fields with their respective shepherd’s. Jesus is wrapped up securely. He sleeps peacefully tucked up against Mary’s warm side. Josephs’ face is still beaming. Look there! Yet His star guides us still, this day! Just over that next hill the wise men linger on their way back east. The memory of His star that had guided them to that Holy place, lasting. Burning brightly in their hearts, still. Its light as inescapable now as it was the moment it first summoned them on their journey. Never again will this world be the same. They are not the same now as they were that pivotal day each decided to mount up on their camels in pursuit of this newborn King.

Immanuel is here now—and nothing, not one thing ever, will be the same. Loves brilliant Light has pierced every darkened corner of this world—theirs too! Inescapable…

As a result of that first Christmas some 2000 years ago, neither these three kings—nor any man, anywhere, will ever again be able to say that they did not know about the glory of God having been birthed in a manger! If somehow, they  had been blinded to the physicality of His Truth seen in creation; there could still be pardon. Now, with the knowledge of His birth, all excuses have been removed. And so it is still in these final hours. All excuses are removed. All men have but two choices set before them. Those same two choices that have been set before each of us. Will you, like wise men before you, leave everything behind and follow in pursuit of the King? Or, will you enter this new year once again closing your eyes, hearts, minds, every unction bubbling up within you, off from the guiding Light of His glorious presence?Choosing instead to remain in darkness…

Love was born with one purpose in mind—sacrificial obedience. And, out of that obedience to God this new babe would one day lay down on His Cross—willingly. Stretching Himself wide, He’d make certain there is room for you and me inside the inn of His body. The divine exchange taking place. Him taking in your death—your filthy sins, that you might instead have His eternal life having been washed as pure as He is by the shedding of His innocent Blood. That is what this and every other Christmas is all about. That is the gift God has offered you—year, after year, after year. Him loving you so much that He’d send His only Son—to you. A free gift. As I said a moment ago, it’s most definitely personal. Will you receive Gods’ gift or, will stuff it in some forgotten corner of your life until this time next year?

What will you do with the Gift that cost both Father and Son so very much? Mary and Joseph too? Just think of it all! If it were not enough—as unimaginable as that is, that the Sovereign God of the universe handed over His pure, perfect, beloved Son to us—filthy, fallen, sinful man—He did so knowing that we were going to kill Him!

More, God sent Him to us specifically that we would kill Him! He was Gods spotless atoning sacrifice. Intentional! Gods most precious gift to the entire world. And, Jesus, when asked to leave heaven and die for us said: “Yes, sure, I’ll go. I know I’m the only One who’s able to help them make their way back to You. Father” More still, if the Prince of heaven coming to earth were not a great enough sacrifice, an incomprehensible gift given us; think then of simple everyday people, like Mary and Joseph, ordinary people willing to offer so much of themselves for you. When’s the last time a complete stranger sacrificed anything for you?

Mary, a woman like any other woman, endured great shame and rejection for you and me so that Gods Son might be born of her virgin flesh. That He might understand, from a human perspective, everything you and I think, desire, and experience. Feeling every temptation; yet He’d never sin. Mary, this stranger to us, endured this and so much more, for you. Only God can place the grace needed for this level of sacrifice inside of anyone’s heart. And then there’s Joseph. Joseph who was ostracized—thought to be a fool by many for going through with a marriage to a girl who obviously cared so little for him she had allowed herself to be sullied by another man! Joseph who left a family, a home and a business, a plan for a life he’d never know…

My friend, now that you’ve once again heard about this Jesus, now that you’ve been re-minded that He was born, and that He died just for you; what will you do with this knowledge? Will you, like the wise the wise men of old, follow after this same guide they were afforded—Jesus’ undeniable, inextinguishable Light? Will you, like those who’ve gone before you, use whatever ray of hope that’s been shined into your current darkness to mount up in pursuit of this King of Kings? Or, will you choose to close the door of your heart for one more year? Again. Will you, as some did that holy night, hang a “do not disturb” sign on your door? Refusing to acknowledge even now the still visible after-glow of a Love so divine, so cherished above all things that men, wise men, common men, both learned and unlearned men, still, to this very day. leave all behind to follow Him . So much has been sacrificed for you. So much has been freely given that you might know—might be willing to experience, such a love.

Friend, it’s never too late, So long as there is breath there’s hope…

With this in mind, I’ll close asking you just one question. Yet before I do, in anticipation of those who might say, “I don’t believe in that Bible stuff. I don’t believe in your Jesus. Nice story, but I’ve read  many a nice story. I just don’t buy it!” I will add this precursor. Please, know, some things are real whether you believe in them or not. Now, with that having been proved, my question on the eve of this New Year is: What will you do with the greatest gift ever presented you? Yes you. It is personal. I know, I know, He came for the entire world. And that’s Truth. Yet, it’s equally True that He came explicitly for you. Christ chose to leave God and the glory of heaven. He chose to wrap Himself up in flesh and be birthed by Mary among barnyard animals, reeking Shepherd, and dank hay. There was not one accidental event leading up to Jesus’ birth—nor has there been one since. So, if you’ve been thinking Jesus came for everyone but you—you’re mistaken! The world may have told you that lie—many of us have been lied to by broken people who’ve been lied to themselves—but He sent me here today, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to bring you good news!

Jesus came specifically for you! That is the Truth of why He came at all…

Wise men, in adoration and hope, look up to heaven still in their silent nightly prayers. And, their reward is that of the Light of the world reaching down from heaven touching their birthing places here on earth—the Inns of their hearts. His Body once broken on our behalf mended by our re-joining with it…

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” John 8:12.

Friend, that star that shone brightly might seem but a dim reminder of some tall-tale told long ago of a babe born to us that few acknowledge today. I pray if you have been one of these—may His star be magnified in your New Year sky! Leading you to the One that was born to save you! Won’t you choose to follow Him in this New Year friend?

Simply ask Him into your heart as both Lord and Savior. He is faithful to come. He’s already proven that once…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If You’ll Just Follow… Mark 8:36

December 23, 2018 /

 “For what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world [with all its pleasures], and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul and eternal life [in God’s kingdom]?”

If you’d be so kind as to indulge me for a moment or two—I promise you, by the time we part company today, we’ll have discovered some Truths together…

Today I was led to the book of Zechariah.

It’s where my journey with the Lord began this morning. But, before I get into what He revealed, allow me to share just how joy-filled it is to sit at the feet of the Lord and have Him open the eyes of my understanding to His Truth! It’s as humbling today as it was the very first time the proverbial light-of-my-understanding was flicked on! Just like that, out of seemingly nowhere, bam! Truth is realized! And, as a result, I am forever changed in some great or small way. And so are you! Or, you certainly can be! Take a moment to think about that the next time you’re in your Word. The Creator of the universe is right there with you whispering His Truth into your spirit; causing your belly to jump in response to His presence with you!

Elizabeth knew a thing or two about this…

But it was the mention of being “brought through the fire” in verse 9 of Zechariah 13 that caused me to pause today. It resonated with me. In its reading I was reminded of a Word the Lord had spoken to me almost a year ago now concerning my imminent relocation. Sitting with Him one morning I had heard the Word ‘crucible’ drop in my spirit. I knew this was a Word concerning the season He was leading me into.  Now, I don’t know about you, but I’ve been walking with the Lord long enough to know that when you hear a Word like that drop in your spirit—buckle up! This was not going to be a mountaintop season—no refreshing time by the brook for this gal! This was going to be one of those walking through the shadow of the valley of death deals! Mine that is. I knew God was about to do a deep work in me. I also knew it was time…

Let us be re-minded that in this season of giving the very act of giving itself is designed to cost us something…

My first clue came in a “suddenly” moment. Standing at my kitchen island I heard the Lord say, “take your hands off of it.” Foolishly in the moment I thought He was referring to the new home He had just provided. In other words, “don’t get too attached to it.” See He’d dealt with me in the past about making idols of “things”. So, it was easy for me to see this as a reminder: This is a gift, NOT a possession!

Hence the hands-off thing…

I had no idea in that moment however, that in a just a few short months, not only would I leave that new home behind but with it my family, friends, my church family, my ministry work, and, the islands I so love. Those same Islands God has been bringing me back and forth between for the past 27 years! Would I ever come back?  Like I said, I had no idea this was coming. His ways are surely not mine!I would love to tell you that I was all super-spiritual and instantly—joyfully obeyed His command to pack it up, give it away, and go where He was leading me. But that would be a lie. However, I did pack. I did give away what I was told to, and I did go amid one of the worst hurricanes the Islands had seen in years. So severe was this storm that just 48 hours prior to my departure there were no flights off the islands due to the menacing wind. Only by Gods divine Hand was the storm turned away and literally swept out to sea.

His Word will not return to Him void…

Allow me to pause here and clarify something important: I was joy-filled to hear from God; that is my Spirit-man was. My flesh on the other hand, not so much.

Now you may be thinking, nice testimony, but what does this have to do with today’s scripture, or to your earlier reference of being led to the book of Zechariah? It’s here then that I will thank you for patiently following along. More, where I will start filling in the pieces of this puzzle for you…

In this season when everyone is running around searching for the perfect gift to give, it was in and through each of these passages that the Lord re-minded me of that one “perfect gift” He requires from us—from me, His children. A heart of obedience. One completely surrendered to His Lordship. After-all, it’s a large part of the reason He came for you and me. Why He chose us. Why He allowed Himself to be wrapped in milk rags and sleep in the leftover straw meant for animals. It’s why He gave up heaven and took on human flesh. It’s why that same flesh was ripped open by the Roman lictors whips. Why He held His Cross as one would hold their lover. It’s why He laid down upon it—willingly, stretching Himself wide; He wanted there to be room “for all who will” inside the Inn of His Body. It’s why this Spotless One took on every filthy thing I have ever done, said, thought. You too. He did this, and so much more, for us both. He did it for each soul that has ever been, is now, and those yet to be called by His great name.

Is there anything we might gain that is worth having outside of Jesus?

Is a fine home, a car, beautiful furnishings, cash in the bank, exotic destinations, the best of spouses or a house filled with children; never mind some finely wrapped gifts given us at Christmas worth having if our not knowing Jesus is the price we must pay to have them?

I say no. There is nothing. No thing I would exchange for knowing, and being both known and loved by my Lord. Nothing. And, that’s scary to say out loud. Though I know that I know He works all things together for my good—those “things He’s working with” are often exacting. Yet still, it’s on trembling knees I lovingly say, “not my will but Thine be done.” After all, I am His. Who else is there for me but Him?

It was in reading Zechariah 13 verse 8 that I was re-minded I have been chosen in Christ Jesus. Saved to serve my Savior. And, in verse nine how it is through this fire of adversity spoken of—this election of sacrifice and refining, that He burns off my dross. One day we will—I will, stand before Him spotless and without wrinkle. Oh, glorious day! It was during this same time that a verse we sing at this time of the year found its way into my heart. Thinking of it again now I am brought to my knees: “Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth…”

Oh, night divine! Oh, holy night…!

And there is it. My life, your life, the greatest gift we will ever receive laid out for us in nine simply profound and life-changing words. My worth—your worth, is found in Christ alone! Be re-minded of that in this season of hope beloved! Receive this precious gift friend. Is there any “thing” He might ask of us that is too great to give back to the One who came as Gods greatest, most costly gift to the world?

Friend, if you’ve yet to meet Him—to experience the life-changing joy of His birth, don’t let this Christmas pass without finding your way to His side and bow before Him in humble adoration. And, if you’re unsure just how to find Him, fear not, He is as faithful to guide you today as He was to those lowly shepherds so long ago… “And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests” … Luke 2:12-14!

And, to my brothers and sisters I welcome you to join me in worshiping anew our King. The greatest gift we will ever be given, Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. May His star burn brightly in your hearts. And, may it be used as it was that first night to lead those who will to Him…

 

Don’t Be A Drifter. Hebrews 10:29

November 11, 2018 /

 “But we’re not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We’ll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way.”

Adrift is just that—adrift. You’re not lost.  Wake up! And be righted…

While the storm was raging all around him, Jonah was asleep. Above him, on deck, a prayer meeting was in full swing. Every pagan god was being called upon to stop the raging storm that threatened to kill them all. Yet Jonah, a child of the Most High God, slept on. Oblivious to the danger that surrounded both himself and everyone on board that ship…

Such a danger is swirling around our world today. Such a storm is brewing now my brothers and sisters!

An alarm  has gone off in heaven. A clarion call has gone out.  Here is what I heard in the Spirit: Wake-up, wake-up, says the God of Angel Armies. Wipe the sleep from your eyes and darn your battle gear. A war is raging all about you. The enemy of your soul is waging a full-on assault that he might devour souls as the locust devour field and leaf. Blood is flowing and will soon reach the bridle. Prepare says the Lord of Angel Armies, heed the alarm heaven has sent to awaken those that are asleep. Time is short.

Sleeping Christian, there is much work to be done! We, like Peter, John, and James before us have all fallen asleep. Some of us more soundly than others. I don’t say this to condemn, who am I? I say this instead to convict as I was convicted. I place myself at the forefront of those who have drifted off. There are times when your whole soul seems on fire. If anybody had spoken of you then, they would have said, “What a fine man that is! What love he has for Christ! What concern for the souls of men! He ought to be sent forth as a missionary at once.” Wait till you see him asleep! He can sleep very soundly! In fact, he is as great at sleeping as at waking. He can descend into depths of stupidity and indifference as naturally as he just now rose into heights of fervor and enthusiasm. Yes, there are many such, and I would say to any brothers and sisters who are conscious of a propensity in that direction—is it not high time that you, that I, that any, that all of us should awake out of sleep? —Charles Spurgeon

God asked each of us, called each of us, as He did our brothers before us—to follow Him and complete a specific task. And we did, follow that is, joyfully! We started out strong—we started off awe-struck and in earnest, wanting nothing more than to give all that we had—everything that we are, to the One we love. The One who invited us to follow Him. To be His witnesses to these key moments; these intimate moments where human vulnerability is eternally overcome by divine will. Yet somehow, we’ve drifted. And now, we’re being called to wake up and right ourselves! Remove the sleep that blinds our eyes to our sin as well as to the needs of those God has placed before us.

As it was in the garden, so it is on the battlefield. Jesus has crushed the serpent and reigns victorious—this day. Yet, we’re called to fight a war that has already been won. And, to fight it even unto our deaths. Just as surely as we’ve been called to work out a salvation that we’ve freely received—one that also demands our death. But, what a privilege to have been chosen to be a soldier in the army of our God! To be entrusted with being used to go—under the cover of the Holy Spirit, into enemy territory snatching souls from the grip of the one who is intent on their destruction! A great responsibility has been entrusted to us—we were born for such a time as this. For such a battle.

Is it any wonder then, that to faithfully serve our God in this battle we first must be fully alert?

How can we hear the voice of God—His instructions for us, if we’re half asleep? How will we know His plan if we’re not fully engaged with Him? If we’ve allowed the cares of this world—complacency, insensitivity, detachment, schisms, selfish pursuits, to have robbed us of our ability to justly do battle with our true enemy, and not the soul which stands before us wounded, bloodied, and in need of God?

But I digress, an alarm has been sounded in heaven!

A Clarion call has gone forth! (A very clear message or instruction about what action is needed; a shrill alarm issued from a trumpet used in war)

Those of us that have drifted off must wake up! We must right our course towards the grounding shore once again. The hand of God is shaking each of His children from their comfortable slumber. Vigilance is in order. We whose fervor has waned must pray and seek God. Souls are on the line. We have been chosen and appointed for such a time as this. As surely as Peter, James, and John were chosen to follow Jesus into the garden. It’s why the accident didn’t kill us. Why your mom walked out of the abortion clinic. Why we were delivered from drugs—booze—sex—porn—and all those chains that had us in bondage. It’s why the beatings didn’t kill you—the disease didn’t ravage your body. It’s why you’ve never fit in—you weren’t created to.

Warriors were created for the battlefields—not to hang out in the mall. You were carefully crafted for such a time as this. Deliberately placed exactly where you are for Gods greater purpose. You’ve heard it said, “God doesn’t make mistakes.” Trust that in due time you will understand in full what you now only understand in part.

Yet, above all else that I’ve shared here today, my purpose is to share with you this sense of urgency I feel in my Spirit. To rouse you from your nap! Wake up dear brother! Shake the sleep from your tired mind my sister! Don’t fall asleep! Though you’re weary from pressing forward—your arms tired from the constant resistance you meet daily, right yourself! Wipe the sleep from your eyes and fix them towards the shore. You’ve been saved that you might be used to save another. That’s not something you can do if you’ve drifted off yourself. Be re-minded of whose you are—now. You were not created to shrink back. You were created as a vessel. Sturdy. Steadfast. Leak-proof. A vessel designed to secure the safe passage of others…

“And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain” Hebrews 12:27.

There are outgoing lines of life that bind us not only with some men, but, in fact, with all humanity, so that if we did but know it, the thought of one brain, the utterance of one mouth, the movement of one pair of hands does in its measure influence the whole human race to some degree and will do so till time shall be no more. –Charles Spurgeon

Friend, if you’ve read through this message know that God has a purpose and a plan for your life. If you’ve not yet invited Jesus into your heart as Lord and Savior today is the day! Take a moment  and ask Jesus into your heart. You need Him, and He wants to be with you. Why wait? We’re not promised another opportunity…

 

Joined. John 15:4

February 4, 2018 /

 “Remain in Me, and I [will remain] in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself without remaining in the vine, neither can you [bear fruit, producing evidence of your faith] unless you remain in Me.”

The Message Bible says it like this: “Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me.

In the opening sentence of our Scripture we hear a vow being exchanged—a promise being made. “Remain in Me, and I [will remain] in you.  An offer to make an everlasting home in, and with Jesus. “Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. So, is the Scripture talking about fruit only, or are we witnessing a marriage proposal as well? Through the revelation of the Holy Spirit, I posit, at its deepest level, this Scripture lends itself to both…

In the parable of the Vine we’re called—commanded (this is no mere suggestion) to remain joined to, to never separate from, Jesus. Just as a husband and wife are joined as one, so too are we commanded to be with Jesus in this verse—If we are His. We’re called to cling, stick to like glue, to “stay put” in Him, that we might be fruitful. As a bride becomes filled with new life once she has cleaved to her husband, so too do we, as Christians, in the Spirit, once we are joined with Jesus.

His Word tells us, as a woman without a man, Christians, outside of Jesus, will be barren—fruit-less, able to bear nothing of eternal value. They might try, through works of their own—but those works will die on the vine…

To do this, to be fruitful, prolific, we must be united to Him—belong to Him, as a wife belongs to, is joined to, her husband. After all, if you are a believer in Christ Jesus, that is exactly who you are—His Bride, the Church! A member of the, “ekklēsia” (Lexicon: Strong’s G1577 – ekklēsia). The inference being that a relationship exists, a rather intimate relationship. A knowing, gnosis, an intimate knowing, as in the knowing a husband shares of his wife. (Strong’s Greek: 1108. γνῶσις (gnósis) – a knowing, knowledge).

Hence, we begin to see the connection bubbling up between the parable of the Vine and marriage. A joining—a oneness is taking shape. No longer are they two, but now one flesh. One message. Concerning Christ, both the Vine and Marriage are inextricably linked…

Jesus makes plain that the branch cannot produce fruit outside of its relationship with the Vine; and the Body—the Church, cannot bear spiritual fruit apart from the power of the Holy Spirit of God. Each relies on intimate union that lasting fruit might be produced.

So, how does this joining—this abiding, this knowing come about? What is its genesis—where does it begin?

We witness its birth within the confines of a relationship. To truly know anything— any person, one must have a relationship with them. Otherwise, they may know about a thing, know of the person—but they do not know them. It is only within the confines of relationship that we are both known and, grow to know another…

And, as it is in our earthly relationships, how much more in our relationship with Jesus?

Jesus, speaking to His friends, is instructing them, commanding them, to remain in relationship with Him (if they want this relationship to flourish, to bloom and become all it can be—that they might continue being productive for Kingdom purposes). He assures them, in vow language, in covenant speak, that He’ll never leave them. He’ll never bail on their relationship. Never. That’s His vow to His friends—His Bride. What He’s asking of them in return is for their vow of love and fidelity also. A promise to remain loyal—to stay joined, connected—in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, being poor or in plenty, regardless the circumstance, against all odds—never let go of Me. That is—in part, what Jesus is saying in our Scripture—to their hearts and to ours.

Stay with Me…

The other part of His message?

There can only be One Source—and I’m it.

You cannot be joined to Me and the world. You must commit—be joined, serve, One, or the other… “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord].” –Matthew 6:24.

We hear this echoed in Paul’s writings to the Romans. He doesn’t mention vines, but he does talk about fruit. In the 7th Chapter of Romans, Paul uses the illustration of marriage to make a point about the law having rule over a married person so long as their spouse is alive. He talks about a woman being bound to her husband—as one flesh, eternally joined. Should she leave him and be joined to another while her husband lives, she is committing adultery. (vs’s 1-3). He then flips the script and tells his audience that they in fact have died to their old life—the law. They’ve now died to being single, to doing it their way, to serving—being joined to, other gods. And, that now, since they have been freed from this death, (the husband they were bound to, the law) they’re free to be joined to Christ, married to Him. Now, they must serve Him only—bearing good and lasting fruit because of this new union, this joining. No longer will they bring forth corrupt fruit that withers and rots on the vine; a result of their marriage to, them being joined to, the law. (vs’s 4-6).

In our Scripture verse, Jesus is planting seeds that He will bring to fruition during one of His final conversations with those He loves—at their last meal together. Seeds that have lasted throughout the generations in order that you too might benefit from them today… “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” –John 14:6. Said differently, a relationship between you and Me must exist in order for you to be mine, to bear eternal fruit.  We must be one, jointed like the branch is to the vine. Joined—united, one, as a wife is to her husband.

You must know (gnosis) me…

Friend, let me ask you. What are you joined to? More directly, who? What type of fruit is your life producing? Is it lasting, eternal fruit, or is your fruit, what you’re producing, dying, and withering on the vine? If you’re reading this and you do not know Jesus, you’re not connected to Him, then please, use this invitation the Holy Spirit is extending to you to “know” Him—become joined to Him.

You’re not here by accident, you’ve been chosen! Jesus loves you…

Will you join Him so that you might become all that He has created and called you to be?

Then he said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb ‘” And he said to me, “These are true words of God.” –Revelation 19:9

 

 

Ready, Set, Growth! ! 1 Corinthians 16:13-14.

January 14, 2018 /

 “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”

The Dynamic Duo. John 6: 68-69

January 14, 2018 /

 Simon Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You [alone] have the words of eternal life [you are our only hope]. We have believed and confidently trusted, and [even more] we have come to know [by personal observation and experience] that You are the Holy One of God [the Christ, the Son of the living God].”

They, unlike all those who’d walked away, had faith in this man, this Jesus. They believed Him when He told them that He was their long-awaited Messiah—even though some of His claims were extraordinary. His Flesh as bread to eat? His Blood, wine to drink? The power to grant eternal life! Ascending into the clouds of heaven from where He came? Yes! They believed. —John 6:1–71

But what is faith? And where did their faith—their ability to believe where others couldn’t, come from?

First, faith: In the New Testament the English word faith is used to translate the Greek word pistis. The New Strong’s Expanded Dictionary of Bible Word says, “Pistis is used of belief with the predominate idea of trust (or confidence) whether in God or in Christ, springing from faith in the same. ‘Faith’ means trust, confidence, assurance, and belief”

Hebrews 11: 1 says it this way: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

We get a clue about why some of these had faith others didn’t possess in verse 70.

Election… God had chosen them to believe in His Son—and, for so much more.

They would be the collective womb through which His Church would be birthed and flourish. Each possessing his own unique gifting’s and contributions. Jesus said as much about these 12 a few verses back after chiding some other disciples concerning their grumbling—their speculating, over His lineage. “Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve…?

So, their faith was a gift then—an undeserved, unearned, non-repayable gift from God? Yes. Yes, it was. As all faith is.

But what of this ‘election’?

Listen to how John MacArthur, Bible scholar and Author defines this term: “…the doctrine of election simply means that God, uninfluenced and before creation, predetermined certain people to be saved.

And in Scripture, The Apostle Paul speaks of election this way in 2 Thessalonians 2:13: “But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.” (Emphasis my own)

Just as an unborn child cannot choose to give itself life, and a dead man cannot will himself to get up and live once again, neither can we as sinful man, dead in our sins, choose to have faith—outside of the Sovereign will of God… “Therefore He says, Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine (make day dawn) upon you and give you light.”  Ephesians 5:14.

Scripture abounds with references of election, those chosen by God: (Matt. 22:14; 24:22, 24, 31; Luke 18:7; Acts 9:15; 11:18; Rom. 8:29, 30, 33; Eph. 1:4, 5, 11; Col. 3:12; 2 Tim. 2:10; Titus 1:1; 2 Pet. 1:10. See, also, Luke 10:21-22; John 6:37, 44, 65; 10:26; 15:16; 17:2, 6, 9; Acts 5:31; 13:48; Rom. 9:11, 15, 16; 18 11:5, 7, 28; 1 Cor. 1:27, 28, 30; Gal. 1:15; 2 Thes. 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:1-2; 2:8, 9; Rev. 5:9; 7:10-12).

Which leads me to introduce you to our second Superhero, Knowledge. In our Scripture verse Peter states that not only did He and the others have faith, but they also possessed knowledge of Jesus. Certainly, being Jewish and growing up hearing God’s Word taught in the Temple and spoken of at home, they’d be familiar with the Torah. They’d have been aware of hearing tell of the Scriptures that foretold of Messiah. We see evidence of that knowledge when Andrew, a fisherman, calls his brother Peter, beckoning Him to come and follow the man he believes is the Messiah. “He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah!” (which is translated Christ). Yet, I believe, and Scripture lends to this fact, that Peter was referring not only to his knowledge of Scripture, more, to experiential knowledge in this instance. He and the others had lived with, ministered, ate, slept, talked, and, listened to every Word that Jesus spoke…

To say nothing of being present as He performed His many miracles.

Strong’s Greek Concordance defines this type of knowledge in the following way: functional (“working”) knowledge gleaned from first-hand (personal) experience, connecting theory to application; “application-knowledge,” gained in (by) a direct relationship.

Connecting theory to application. Said differently, the marriage of faith to knowledge (experiential). Their faith was solidified—reinforced, by what they knew of the Man. Their experiencing Him.

As it is with all who share in this faith…

It was this gnosis enlivened by the Ruach Breath of the Holy Spirit that enabled these ill-informed, unschooled, common men to write the beloved Word of God—The Holy Scriptures, those coveted Words each that feeds, comforts, teaches, corrects, and sustains all believers. “But it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.” —Job 32:8

This dynamic duo of faith and knowledge lived so deeply within them that from its very roots grew a love so strong—a bond so indestructible, that even when faced with deprivation, beatings, and death—often a cruel and violent death, each of Jesus’s Apostles, save John, faced their violent end having firm faith that when their end was met here, their eyes would open to see His glorious face yet again!

And they did… Even John, who died at a ripe old age exiled on Isle of Pathos.

If faith and knowledge of the Living God could create in an unlearned, but believing few, a force that brought about a world change—a change in how life and living are still defined; just think of what could happen in your life, church, family, ministry, marriage, community, corner of the globe—if you, like our brothers before us, joined forces with the dynamic duo of faith and knowledge!

If you invited the Holy Spirit to do all within you that aligned with God’s perfect will for your life…

But to extend this invitation to the Holy Spirit—you first must know Him—have a relationship with Him. So, won’t you do that know—ask Him into you, please? He’s waiting. He wants to introduce you to the dynamic duo of faith and knowledge of Him. More, He wants to spend every minute of your life loving you, and blessing you, and, teaching you. “I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear [to hear] them now.  But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future]” John 16:12-13.

“The Fountain” Jude 1:2

March 26, 2017 /

I’m certain you’ve heard the expression that breakfast is the most important meal of the day?

Typically, I ask the Lord each morning to show me what it is I need to eat for that day. Though I usually follow a reading plan, when Spirit led I deviate. I believe God knows far better than any plan what it is I need daily…

And, on this day He led me into the Book of Jude.

I began to read and then reread. As I finished the Book I asked God what it was that He wanted me to see because I felt like I’d missed the reason He’d led me there. I’d missed the “why” or “what” I was supposed to have seen. Nothing had stood out—leapt off the page, nor came alive to me. I heard Him say, “Read it again.” And I did, twice. But it wasn’t until the third time that I read it that It came to me. In my haste to get at what I had assumed was the meat—the depth of this text, I had completely skimmed over Jude’s salutation.

And that’s where the Lord caused my eyes to fall…

Tucked within my Bible, like so many treasures, are scraps of paper or whole sheets. Words written, and messages, or teaching topics, Scriptures that the Spirit has led me to through-out the years. I felt draw to one in-particular. It was a Word God had shared with me after having read Ezekiel 47:3-6. “When the man went out toward the east with a line in his hand, he measured a thousand cubits, and he led me through the water, water reaching the ankles. Again he measured a thousand and led me through the water, water reaching the knees. Again he measured a thousand and led me through the water, water reaching the loins. Again he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not ford, for the water had risen, enough water to swim in, a river that could not be forded. He said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?” Then he brought me back to the bank of the river.”

I don’t know the date of the writing unfortunately. Suffice it to say, based on the worn condition of this sheet of paper, it had been in my Bible for a long while…

I kept looking between what I had just read in Jude and what I was reading on this paper. I was trying to see the connection. And then it hit me, abundance. An increase and an abundance…

While reading Jude Two the Spirit showed me a vision of a fountain. But not just any fountain. Look at the picture above and you will see, in part, what it is I saw.

An abundance of water. A plethora…

I understood the Lord was using all that He had put before me, as disconnected and piecey as it felt, to draw me into seeing and understanding just how it is He gives Himself and His Spirit to us—in this lavish, plentifully, way, and through ever-increasing intimacy, as we spend time in His Word. He draws us ever more deeply into Himself.

And, as a result of following His great example—instructs us how we too must pour out from our overflow on those we encounter with no thought of running dry ourselves—because we know (koinonia) our source is never-ending!

Matthew Henry says it far more succinctly yet with eloquence in his commentary on Ezekiel 47: Christ is the temple; he is the door; from him those living waters flow, out of his pierced side. It is the water that he gives us that is the well of water which springs up, Jn. 4:14. And it is by believing in him that we receive from him rivers of living water; and this spoke he of the Spirit, Jn. 7:38, Jn. 7:39. The original of these waters was not above-ground, but they sprang up from under the threshold; for the fountain of a believer’s life is a mystery; it is hid with Christ in God, Col. 3:3.

Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” And she said, “Your maidservant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.” Then he said, “Go, borrow vessels at large for yourself from all your neighbors, even empty vessels; do not get a few” (2 Kings 4:2-3, emphasis my own).

Elisha, sent by God to this widow to ensure that she not only had what she needed—but had it in abundance! Listen to what he says to this widow in verse 7: “He said, “Go! Sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what remains.”

Surplus—an inconceivable supply for this woman who just moments ago, had nothing but a bit of oil and some borrowed empty jars…

Through her obedience to Elisha, and His to God, they are each refreshed. Both she and her family are renewed—spiritually first, and then their physical needs are met as well (I Kings 17:8-10; 2 Kings 4:3-5).

That is what Jesus was showing me. Reminding me of. How we are each called to pour out—pour into, lavish others with all that He has given us, holding nothing back. So, that those He sends us to may be filled to overflowing, and in return—pour into others as well…

Jesus factually poured out His life in service to the Father. And, as the widow’s oil continued to flow until the very last jar was filled, so Jesus continues to pour out the benefits of His Work on the Cross today—in abundance, that all men might have life eternal, still. …“I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance” (John.10:10).

And we too must be willing to give all. Including and up to the pouring out of our very lives for another…

We each have gifts. A call on our life. A unique reason for being here. And only we—only you, can contribute—bring to the world, what God has placed inside of you to give—and to do, with abandoned, in abundance, completely—until you are spent and others have received from your overflow all that God has for them…

Repeatedly.

Friends, God gives us more than we deserve daily. Think of it—I mean really think of it. In fact, grab a piece of paper and sit and write a gratitude list to God today. Pray, and ask the Spirit to bring to your remembrance all that God gives you daily—starting with Himself…

You don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus yet? That’s okay—for the moment. He has one with you. Ask Him to show you what He does for you daily starting with His mercy—given in abundance, spoken of in Joel’s salutation. Surely that will lead you into a peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:7), and immerse you into a love that has yet to be plumbed. “So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth of His love, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Eph. 3:17-19 emphasis my own).

You were given an abundance for a purpose…

“Unexpected Places” Luke 15:1-10

March 12, 2017 /

 

Jesus didn’t choose those who followed Him from among the pious religious leaders of His day. Nor did He chose the mega-church pastors, kings or rulers. He chose people from unexpected places…people like you and I (1Cor.1:27-30).

If you have ever lost something, something that was precious to you, that you placed great value in, then you can relate to the feelings of being frantic, grief-stricken even, until that which was lost is found.

I’m not talking car keys here, I’m talking about a sickening feeling, however brief, that grips your heart. When, for an instance, as a parent or guardian of a child you turn your head for the briefest second and wham!

The child is gone! The shopping mall nightmare!

Fortunately for most of us, all ends well. And within minutes a little head pops out, and their giggling is heard, from beneath the rack of clothes you’d been looking through.

Here I am silly daddy, I was hiding on you…!

God is also familiar with finding what’s been lost (Mt 4:19 NIV). Like us, He experiences heartbreak over the one who leaves the safety of His side. However, unlike us, God does not get panicky. He is Omniscient. He knew before He brought us into this swarming peopled planet, that we’d get lost.

So, as a result, He took steps to make sure we’d always be able to find Him…

No matter what separated us (Ps.33:11 NIV).

God so loved us that He sent His Only Begotten Son, Jesus, to find and return to Him that which has and will become lost. Us…

“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me’” (Jn.6:37-38).

In today’s teaching Jesus is talking to a large crowd. And, though the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law are present, scripture opens with, “Now the tax collectors and “sinners” were all gathering around to hear Him” (Lk.15:1 NIV).

There were always holy men around Jesus, yet it was those unexpected few that came seeking after Him that He came intentionally to find.

Why is God so concerned with the lost? Very simply stated, He loves us!

We are valuable and cherished by Him. His desire is that not one person be lost! Liken it to the sense of loss mentioned above, then multiply that by too many zeros to type here!

So great is His love for us, so precious are we, that He sent Jesus, His Only Begotten Son to save us. So, that through Him, we would have a way back to God: “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16 NASB)!

That lost sheep referred to in our text represents you and I if we don’t know the Lordship of Jesus in our hearts…

I’m not speaking here about knowing of Jesus. I’m not even talking about being saved, a gift that is unfathomable to those who have tasted such mercy and grace…

I’m speaking specifically of knowing Jesus.

Knowing in the way a husband and wife know each other. Intimately. To the exclusion of another. Mystically One (Jn.17:20-22 ESV).

I’m talking about being relationally bonded. Not mere intellectual buddies or people who regurgitate platitudes to God in the hopes of gaining points.

In plain speak, not like the Pharisees and hypocrites referred to in Matthew (Mat. 23:13 ESV). So let’s break down this parable into two segments shall we?

  1. What are the risks involved in being lost? And 2. Why finding is finding us so important?

#1. What is wrong with being the lone sheep that leaves the safety of the fold to go out exploring what looks good to us?

A.) It is Separation from God and His will for our lives…

It represents the potential that separation our may be eternal. Plainly, Hell. Which was not created for man but rather for satan and his fallen angels. However, next to salvation, one of the greatest gifts God gave us is free will. It was not God’s plan, and is not His choice, that any man should go to hell. Jesus came to make it possible for each man to be reconciled to God after the fall of Adam and Eve.

But, yes there is a but. We must choose God.

Here, and now. While it is stilll called today…

Or, we run the risk of following into eternal death the one we choose to follow in life (Mt.25:40-42 NIV). One of the more quoted Scriptures explaining the danger of hell is found in Proverbs 14:12, it states, “There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” The ways  of this world, the desires of our eyes and flesh, the have it your way attitude that permeates this worlds thinking fails to infer, never mind tell us clearly that we even have an enemy who seeks to kill us…

One that is ever-near, standing  just off in the shadows waiting to get us alone. Or that he’s fixed and ready to pounce on us like credulous prey! Only God in His Word foretells of satan’s fatal intentions,“Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour” (1 Pe.5:8 AMPC)

.…in fierce hunger? Devour? Isn’t there something in God’s Word about a path that leads to life?

I choose that one please!

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way”(Mt.7:13NLT).

What about you? Given the above knowledge, which road do you choose? And here’s the follow-up. Have you chosen it yet? And if not, why not?

These examples are but a few of the copious reasons given throughout Scripture about the perils of being and choosing to stay, lost.

Though you were born into sin, you don’t have to stay in it…

You have a choice. You’ve been empowered through the loving sacrifice accomplished for you on The Cross of Christ!

 

#2. WHY IS FINDING US SO IMPORTANT…?

LOVE.

Reread above about His concern, your value and how cherished you are.

Better yet, open your Bible and read John 3:16!

We are valuable to Him and He does not want to see harm come to us. He intentionally seeks us out to save us from harm. His love is not random because He’s not! There is nothing random about God. He is intentional,ordered, in all of His ways. And His love for you is not a mistake, you are not a mistake! Throughout His Word we find every answer to every issue, question, or, life problem we will ever face.

His Word is our road map…

It safety guides us through hostile enemy territory, aka, the world (Ps.119:105 NIV). God, being Omniscient, placed within His Word many lessons informing us of the dangers of going astray.

But… there’s that but again, It is our choice to follow Jesus or jump the fence for other another’s pasture. For more on this topic see (Isa. 53:6;1Pet. 5:8; Job 1:7;Pr.28:15; Pr.2:17;Pr.10:17; Pr.21;16;Lu.12:5).

One of the greatest dangers  for a sheep is to get separated from the protection, love and care of the Sheppard. Sheep are far more vulnerable not only to attack from unforeseen predators, but, more often, death, when alone. “The thief comes only to take the sheep and to put them to death: he comes for their destruction: I have come so that they may have life and have it in greater measure” (Jn.10:10 BBE).

Verse 8 of Luke plainly illustrates that another risk of being lost is being in darkness…

We may feel safe in the dark, unseen, our whereabouts unknown by God or man. And we may be right on this second account, at least the man part of it…

But, be assured we are felonious on the first part! (Ps.139:1-16 NIV). Let me explain by sharing with you just a taste of this Psalm…,” Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, (hell) behold, You are there.”

Just as the lost coin could not escape the searching eye of the woman in Jesus parable, we can’t hide from an all-knowing, all-seeing, God! Throughout Scripture God is referred to as Light, and not just light, but pure light! “There is no darkness within Him at all” (1Jn.1:5 KJV).

God always seeks what is best for us. Our decision of choosing to go it solo often results from not believing this one fundamental Truth about God. Too many in today’s world feel God is chasing them down to take something from them, when in fact, He’s running after them to give to them.

God came to give life, not take it away (John 10:10).

The common denominator in verses 1 through 10 of Luke is intentionality: By definition it is: done with intention or on purpose; intended: designed, planned; deliberate.

Through the shepherd’s intentionality in finding the lost sheep, and the woman the lost coin; and as both rejoiced when each were found, we’re able to catch a glimpse of the Fathers deliberate search for us!

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me” (Rev 3:20 BSB).

Lastly, concerning Gods rejoicing over finding us, His love toward us may feel unexpected, but never forget our God is deliberate. Be encouraged today. He is searching for you…

…Blessings!

 

« Older posts Newer posts »

© 2026 Sonsofthesea.org

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑