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

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The Conclusion of; Are You Going Gray? Revelation 3:15-16

December 17, 2017 /

 “For it is the time [destined] for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not respect or believe or obey the gospel of God” (1 Peter 4:17)?

Before we get into this Word, let’s pray: Spirit of the Living God, illuminate your Word, breath your Ruach breath on it, that it may come alive in us, and through us feed may. In Jesus’ matchless name we pray, amen.

“Punishments never come into the world unless the wicked are in it; but they do not begin unless they commence first with the righteous.”—Writings of the Rabbi’s

We read last week that the world today, our society—is more spiritually polarized, that is, more divided, than at any other time we’ve witnessed in our collective recollection. Save that of the days of Noah. Clear lines of demarcation have been drawn in the proverbial sand. Those who acknowledge the One True God—Jesus, on the one side, and those who are doing their level best to eradicate Him, and anything to do with Him—out of our consciousness, our world, our way of life—on the other.

Last week we read also that a great sifting is occurring in the world. Now I don’t profess to know what ‘stage’ of that sifting we are in—I leave that to the far more learned and discerning for comment. But, the evidence I see in my life, the ‘pressure’ of the Potter’s Hands on me—doing the work of extracting whatever impurities He has found in me, bringing me to the place where I must make a bold, a certain, and a pure stand for Him—no matter what happens, is clear. I am being broken that I may be built back up. Sifted, that those impurities that serve no purpose in my life—be taken away, removed, that I might be ready—prepared.

God is starting this sifting—as our Scripture indicates, with His Church; His children. He must— in order to purify us, prepare us, for Who and what is yet to come…

He is turning up the heat of the refiner’s fire—burning off our dross, those sins that linger and cling—cleansing us of our impurities, as with gold. He is trying—testing, our faith. Albert Barnes says it this way: The word “judgment” here (κρίμα krima) seems to mean “the severe trial which would determine character.” Scripture describes it this way in 1 Peter 1:6-7: “In this you rejoice greatly, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,  so that the genuineness of your faith, which is much more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested and purified by fire, may be found to result in [your] praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

When Peter makes this statement, he is speaking to the Church of some impending calamity that is about to come upon all. Jesus too had foretold of a calamity that would come to His disciples prior to the destruction of Jerusalem. We find His Words within Matthew’s, Mark’s, and John’s Gospels. “For at that time there will be great tribulation, unmatched from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be seen again”—Matthew 24:21. “Brother will betray brother to [be put to] death, and a father [will hand over] his child; and children will rise up and take a stand against parents and have them put to death”—Mark 13:12 “They will put you out of the synagogues and make you outcasts. And a time is coming when whoever kills you will think that he is offering service to God”—John 16:2. This ‘general punishment’ spoken of will fall upon the just and the unjust alike. But if on the just—it is for our strengthening, not our destruction.

For our refining, our building up. It will shake loose all who profess Christ with their mouths—but whose hearts are far from God. Here, Peter is assuring all Jews, believing, and unbelieving alike—a guaranteed outcome is coming. He is affording those who don’t believe time to choose. To return to the One True God. And that same offer is being made today both to the Jew and to the gentile. Whether you believe Scripture as you read it or not—it is Truth, and what it says—will happen. Just as the Jews of Peter’s day had a choice, so too, do we—do you. “For it is My Father’s will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”—John 6:39 (Emphasis my own).

The sentiment is, that if God deals thus strictly with his people; if there is that in them which makes the visitations of his judgment proper on them, there is a certainty that they who are not his people, but who live in iniquity, will in the end be overwhelmed with the tokens of severer wrath. —Albert Barnes

The mind-blowing fact that God so loved His creation that He sent His Only Son to die in our place, your place, his, her, and their place—that all might be re-united, re-membered, with Him, for all eternity—is both a mysterious blessing, and a free gift. And none, no not one, is worthy of such grace—such mercy, and, neither can we earn it. “For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation].” —Ephesians 2:8-9

So, that this judgement, this sifting, and refining, is occurring—should not be a source of fear for the believer. Neither should it be catching us unaware—as we each share the same Spirit who is only ever able to tell us The Truth. Our garments are being washed—we are being made ready to be received by The Bridegroom—Jesus! Receiving all that we have hoped in—and for (1 Thessalonians 5:5)! However, if you’re reading this and you have not asked Jesus to come into your life as your Lord and Savior, today—right now, is the time for you to stop all that you’re doing and ask Him in. Time is short, and He is waiting just for you! Believe it or not…

If you are a believer, rest assured that your trial, your refining is not meant to harm you. It is simply that, a refining, and not a punishment like that visited on those who refuse to humble themselves before God. Remain confident in the knowledge shared with us by Paul—one who has finished his race—has gone before us, and leaves behind these words of encouragement for us to hold tight to: “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Be encouraged today my brothers and sisters! What we must experience— is simply our preparation for Who and what is yet to come! But, God is faithful and True to keep us until His coming. After all, it’s only a trial, and though by fire, an you have lived thus far through many—besides, look how a fiery trial turned out for Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego! “…He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”—Daniel 3:25

“When power is given to the destroyer, he observes no distinction between the righteous and the wicked; not only so, but he begins first at the righteous.” But God limits the destroyer ‘s power over His people. —Rabbins

The fulfillment of this Scripture is happening. This is, ‘that time’, that season, spoken of in the Bible. Whether we are experiencing birth pangs only, or the world is further along, is something too deep for me—again, I leave that to the more learned…

Yet, the same Spirit that was in Peter, in Jesus, is also in me. And it is through His revelation that I am confident in writing, in sharing with you today this simple Truth… (John 16:13-15).

We are being sifted. We must choose to acknowledge God or we deny Him. And, He will return for all that belong to Him—soon and very soon. “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds” (Revelation 22:12).

Solomon assures us that there is nothing new under the heavens. And, as our Scripture points believers towards the day Peter spoke of —the impending destruction that was to come—and of the suffering that would befall all those who loved God and held firm to His Truth and commands—as in the days of Noah, what was, is happening again. And, it will continue to come full circle in ways unimagined…

Yet, so long as it is still today. As long as there is breath in your lungs. It’s not to late! There is still, as John the Baptist heralded, time for all to repent! Because the Kingdom of God is at hand…

It seems only fitting to leave you all, believer and those yet to believe, with the final Words spoken in Revelation Chapter Three by the One who was, and is, and is to come… “Behold, I stand at the door [of the church] and continually knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him (restore him), and he with Me. He who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God], I will grant to him [the privilege] to sit beside Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down beside My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear and heed what the Spirit says to the churches.’”—Revelation 3:20-22.

I urge you friend to ask Jesus into your life today!

And Saints— repent of every sin that so easily entangle us, now, while it is still today…

“Keep it Underwater” Mark 4: 18-19

July 16, 2017 /

  “And others are the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, but the worries and cares of the world [the distractions of this age with its worldly pleasures], and the deceitfulness [and the false security or glamour] of wealth [or fame], and the passionate desires for all the other things creep in and choke out the word, and it becomes unfruitful.”

Some may furrow their brow when looking between the title of this post and the Scripture verse. The question may arise, What does the Parable of the Sower, more specifically, seeds sown into thorny ground have to do with staying under the water? On the surface, the answer is, “nothing.” But, if you’ll permit me a bit of latitude, prayerfully, I will connect the dots given me by The Holy Spirit…

When a Believer chooses to take the next step of obedience in their faith walk with Christ they’re baptized—immersed in water. This holy act of obedience is an outward profession that demonstrates—if done with an upright heart, the believer’s public acknowledgement of their faith in a crucified, buried, and resurrected Savior. They too are signifying the end of their right to hold onto a life lived in bondage to sin and death as they welcome in the beginning of a life lived for Jesus and the hope of being a part of the final resurrection of those who believe in, live for—have given their life to, Jesus Christ (Matthew:6-8; Luke 3:3-16). Jesus Himself was baptized, not to denote His need for forgiveness—He was without sin, but rather to set an example for those of us who would come to believe in Him. In allowing Himself to be baptized, Jesus was pointing us towards his own death, burial, and resurrection, and the power He has over both.

The very foundation of the Christian’s hope…

And, unless you go into the baptismal waters a dry devil and come up a wet one, (with an unclean heart, being showy, with no true desire for surrender and change) any true Blood bought believer knows that once you walk out of that water, satan is there to greet you with every conceivable challenge and trial he is allowed to throw at you! He will challenge you from that moment forward, until the Lord takes you home. He was there in the wilderness to try Jesus after His baptism; surely, we, as Jesus’s followers, will not escape being met by satan’s temptations and trials also (Matthew 4:1-11).

So here is where I’ll pivot. Taking us up from under the water, onto dry land, and, into a thorny place.

In our Scripture today, Jesus is teaching on the parable of the Sower.  The third condition He speaks of in this parable is that of the seed (God’s Word) falling among thorns. Matthew, Mark, and Luke, (also known as the Synoptic Gospels) each speak of this same parable—and each expounds on it to a greater or lesser degrees. It is here that Jesus makes plain to us that those who have received God’s Word can easily loose it. They can literally allow God’s Word to be choked out of them—syphoned out of them, Word by Life-giving Word. All Seemingly unawares…

How?

Jesus teaches that if we let the cares of this world—the ‘thorns’—the worries of this life (our responsibilities), the deceitfulness of wealth (the lusting after earthly wealth, possessions), and the desire for other things (the pleasures of this life, sinful or not, to choke out what God has planted in us—through the hearing of His Word, we will not only cease to grow in Him, we will eventually fall away from Him. We’ll end up turning towards the true desire of our heart, our wants—our gods. Anything that we allow to crowd Jesus out, robbing us of time spent with Him—time seeking His will, putting Him above all that we may want or desire, is a thorn that, left unchallenged, can easily become a god…

And, in the end, if our thorns are not pulled up by their roots and made to die—they will overshadow and destroy our walk with Christ. “Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Exodus 34:14).

Mind you—Jesus is by no means suggesting that a Christian should live a joyless life. And neither am I. Nor is He suggesting that one not have passions or interests.  Or, that the talents He gave not be applied to our work.  His Word tells us that: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17) He created both our passion and our interest—and then put them in us, His creations, for His use and purpose.

Jesus, when talking about these thorns, is referring to both the condition of the heart as much as the external circumstances that are coming up against it—threatening it. They—these thorns, speak to the Who and what a person has chosen to make a priority in this life. Said Scripturally: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

Now that I’ve covered the thorny ground, one final pivot to head back into the waters of Baptism and unite them both in closing. In baptism, when we rise out of the water, our old man—our life as we’ve known it is left in there, a dead thing. We’ve relinquished our rights to self in our surrender to the Will of God…

In today’s Scripture, Jesus is teaching us how these thorns enter into our lives and their ramifications if left unchallenged. Unlike our Spirit-man, who experiences instant transformation ( becomes new) the moment we accept Jesus,  our flesh and soul must be put on the Potter’s wheel to have their habits, those thorns we’ve developed, worked out of us through submission to God and by the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s not instantaneous. The outer man, our flesh and soul, is a work in progress until Christ calls us home. Christ must work out of us those habits, hurts, and, hang-ups we’ve been carrying around with us, the residue of our  bad choices—our selfishness and self-reliance, our me-isms. Those desires, even those that are good and pleasant, that distract us from going after Him with all we have must go. We must choose, daily, often moment by moment, to surrender to His Hands. To say yes to Christ and no the lure of this world.

Friend, do all that you’re able to keep your thorns in the water where they belong. Stay pliable, submissive, and pray, always, that God will strengthen you to choose Him and not the thorns…

“And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Let me ask you friend, what do you need to take back to the water and leave there? Jesus is just waiting for you to give him your thorns, those things that hinder you drawing ever closer to Him. He’s always near, we do the moving. His promise of grace to Paul is yours as well. Grab hold of it today. Don’t let the world choke out—rob you, of your relationship with God.

Don’t let the cares of this world rob you of all that He has planted in you through the hearing of His Word…

If you haven’t asked Jesus into your heart as Lord and Savior, then do it now, today. No man is promised tomorrow. Pray this simple prayer wherever you are… Lord, Come into my heart. I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I believe you died and rose again, and will come to bring us to yourself. I give you my life in full surrender.”

If you just prayed that for the first time, welcome into the family! Pray that God now lead you into a church home that is steeped in His Word. But you must do your part. You have to  go. Trust that He’ll direct you but remember, He can’t take you where you refuse to go!

Blessings Friends…

 

“Everything” Philippians 3:7-8

July 9, 2017 /

“But whatever former things were gains to me [as I thought then], these things [once regarded as advancements in merit] I have come to consider as loss [absolutely worthless] for the sake of Christ [and the purpose which He has given my life]. But more than that, I count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord [and of growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with Him—a joy unequaled].”

One of the greatest lessons I am learning—becoming filled with, to the exclusion of all else in Autumn of my life is this: Nothing, let me stress that—nothing, is more valuable to me than God. Knowing and being known by Him is my greatest gift, greatest joy—the prize above every prize, and He has blessed me with some amazing gifts over the years!

Yet by far—without comparison—in a league all by itself, is my relationship with Jesus. More accurately, it’s His choosing to have one with me. There is nothing more valued, more treasured, or near to my heart than loving and be being loved by God. Period. This is my truth.

Now, this great love of my life—this great prize without measure, this God who is the Light of my life, has allowed me to experience some of the lowest, most pain filled, tear-filled moments in of my life. Not everything I’ve experienced with Him has been a honeymoon high. There have been deaths, implausible loss, sickness, abandonment, betrayal, abuse, disgrace—and great pain. Some—a lot, came at the hands of my choices—bad ones. Other stuff came because that’s life—they come at the expense of being alive. They are the salt in the sugar…

I share this with you to portray, as realistically as I know how, that this same God who showered me with the blessings of three amazing children, a grandchild that has my heart, parents that I love, siblings I am grateful for, health, strength, peace, and, provision that some would only hope for—all of this and more than our limited time together and these pages have room for, I would give up, hand it and them all back—if it meant I couldn’t have, if it meant, losing Jesus. That’s not easy to say mind you—and truth be told, I’m not even sure what saying it truly means.

I know only this: I never want a life without Jesus as the center of it…

And as scary as it is to say that I count it all loss, and it is scary (which doesn’t mean I don’t have faith. Contrary to what you may have been told you can have faith and be afraid. Often actually faith requires you to press forward on shaky legs).  I’ve seen in my life; a sampling of what God will take away from us as we walk through the firing process of being shaped and molded into the image and likeness of His Son. Much like what a clay pot endures in the furnace to finish it in something solid and lasting. Yet, still I trust God. I know the plans He has for me are for my good, not to kill me—even if it feels that way at times.

But let’s get back to the blessings. Let’s look at the many blessings that each of us have. And, although some may have what the world calls “more” in terms of material possessions—status, beauty, intelligence, toys, etc. If you are reading this now, we are each equal in that we share breath, life, and opportunity. The possibilities are endless in what you might accomplish having possession of these blessings.

If you think I’m wrong—remember, the moment God takes them back, and He will, (it’s another thing we all have in common)—the blessings end, life ends—we will all be required to return the gifts we’ve been entrusted with. See, they were always only on loan. In our humanity, we forget that and we get attached to them and think that they are our possessions—and that we have a right to them.

There’s a lesson there for someone—for me…

Jesus has given us all innumerable gifts, blessings, and, opportunities. Paul knew this. And in today’s passage he forced me to re-member this—refocus. Why? Because as much as I love Jesus—and I do. As much as I am willing to say yes, as scary as saying yes can be—and I am and it is, I still, in my humanness, get distracted by ‘things.’ The gifts, the people, the stuff—the blessings. And I need to be re-minded—to refocus. To never lose sight of the One who blesses, who chose me for Himself—who willingly laid His life down on a Cross He held like a lover, so that I could have a new life in and with Him. Both now and in Heaven…

And that is why friends—in the autumn of my life, I am asking Jesus to prune me deeply. Is that scary, as I’ve already said—you bet it is! At almost 60 I’ve tasted enough of loss to not take saying this lightly or the sting—the sometimes-paralyzing effects, on a life losing something or someone can have. But I trust God despite how I may feel. Feelings change, God alone is eternal. And I believe with everything in me—in paying it forward. Of my life benefitting another’s. I believe that to gain one must be willing to pay a dear price—to suffer loses. I didn’t always have this wisdom—and I can’t claim what I’ve learned as mine. That credit goes to The Holy Spirit. To a God who’s walked with me through the train-wreck I had turned my life into, and said, “Trust Me, I have such great plans for you.” And, even the trust it took to trust Him—He alone provided!

Perhaps the reason I am here today and you are here today—is that God is still working in us both? Or, maybe He is calling you to Himself for the first time and you needed to hear this (remember the breath, life, and, opportunity?) …

Perhaps you needed to be reminded—as I certainly do, as Paul is reminding us all— to stay focused on the Giver and not on HIs gifts. On The One—and not the stuff the One provides. As I said earlier, one day He will ask each of us for all His stuff back. The only “forever” things we get to keep are, primarily, our relationship with Him. Then, the lasting effects of those things that we give away (the good we do for others). Those actions are forever multiplying. And love. That, like it’s creator—is eternal. We each have choices to make. Where and how to spend our time, talents, and the resources we’ve been entrusted with. Greater still, the choice of what it is we hold dear—our best thing if you. What ‘everything’ are you willing to let go of today that you may gain Christ—or more of Him. Remember, to gain you must be willing to lose something.

With trembling human legs—I count it all joy that I may lose all things and gain Christ Jesus my Lord. Not even fully understanding the scale of my words, I choose to profess them nonetheless. I do not need to see to believe…

Friend, what about you? Are you too willing to count it all a loss to gain God? He is looking for hearts that are willing to say, “yes to your will and ways Lord.”

I am praying your strength because I know what it is to have a heart that is willing but also flesh that is so weak. Yet greater than my prayers are the prayers of Jesus sitting at the Right Hand of the Father praying for you—cheering you on. Because He so wants you to lose it all that you would gain Him. Trust Him today. Take the first—or maybe the 101st step, and say yes Lord, be my everything. I count it all loss that I might gain you. He’s waiting…

Then buckle up and enjoy the journey—and Love, of a lifetime…!

“They traded the truth about God for a lie. So, they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen” Romans 1:25

Welcome Angelica!

January 4, 2017 /

I am proud to announce our newest, dynamic, contributing author, Mrs. Angelica Kauhako. Angelica is woman who is passionate for the Lord. She was born and raised here, in Oahu. Along with being a born-again, Spirit-filled believer, Angelica is also a devoted, loving wife, mother, and, grandmother. She is a college graduate and holds certifications in substance abuse counseling. Angelica is dedicated to ministering to those women incarcerated here in Oahu. She has shared with me that one of her greatest passions is seeing others accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Please join me in extending a warm Aloha to Angelica…

April 17, 2016 /

people-308531_960_720  Have you ever wanted something so badly you were willing to look foolish to get it? How about wanting to get near someone? You’re on vacation and an article on page three of the local paper touts the new in restaurant. Not only for its gourmet food, but as enticing, its frequent celebrity sightings!

Perusing the article, you spot a name—No way, how cool is this…hey babe why don’t we…

Your favorite actor/actress/athlete/author frequents there often. Maybe, just maybe… Better make a reservation right away!

And so it was with Zacchaeus. An independently wealthy tax collector, perhaps an exporter of the notable Balsam resin traded in widely throughout his home town of Jericho. He has heard tell that Jesus would be making His way through His part of town and he just had to see him!

But how? You see He is quite literally, a physically short man, and with the crowds expected he would be easily overshadowed and swallowed up. I know—I’ll take to higher ground! And so he does what people do when we are truly willing to pay whatever the cost to find Jesus, he positioned himself  so not to miss Him. He looked around and saw a sycamore-fig tree, a thick hearty tree, sturdy in branch… this will surely hold my weight, so up he went!

We too must be willing to forsake all to grab hold of Christ.

Listen to how Joseph Campbell says it, “You must give up the life you planned to have the life that is waiting for you.”

Personally, I like to imagine that Zacchaeus had been keeping up with Jesus through all the various stories that had made their way to Jericho via the city travelers and traders. I can see him now, leaning in intently as he listens to one such traveler retelling what he had overheard Peter asking Jesus,

“We have forsaken all, and followed thee. What shall we have, therefore” (Matt.19:27)?

The disciples had just witnessed a rich young ruler walk away from a personal invitation to follow Jesus (Matt.19:22).

This was the first time Peter had heard Jesus make anyone such an offer. He’d heard Him speak to many people certainly, teaching, instructing and rebuking. Yet he couldn’t recollect ever hearing Jesus extend a personal invitation to follow Him outside of the one extended himself and his band of brothers.

Rich? A personal invitation to follow Jesus—not only did Zacchaeus recognize himself in these words, something inside of him stirred at the mere thought of being asked by Jesus to follow Him!

All the talk being spread about Jesus certainly indicated that He was the awaited Messiah, to the Jews that is, and Zacchaeus was proud to be known as Abraham’s son. Even though his own people despised him for his chosen profession of Chief Tax Collector. He too was learned in the Scriptures and the coming of Messiah—Is it possible that this is Him?

After everything He had heard, Zacchaeus set his heart to believe it was. And now He was here… look there, higher ground—I must go up! He could hear the voices of a multitudes in the near distance, and so up he climbed. He had no thought about what people may think of him nor of their snickering at his having to climb a tree to just maybe catch a glimpse of Jesus at all.

All that mattered to Zacchaeus was that He saw Jesus!

So let me ask you, has your heart ever burned the way Zacchaeus’ did to see God?

To catch a glimpse of Him as he passed by?

To hope against hope that He would see you?

Have you ever been so thirsty for just a taste of Him that you ran to a Bible, sat in a service, tuned into a podcast or just dropped to your knees and cried out for relief, for just one sip of the Water of His Word?

If so, you are in the perfect posture to be refreshed, as we will see in moment…

Was he imagining this? He heard a man below him say, “Zacchaeus come down immediately. I must stay at your house today” (Lk.19:5). What? Stay at my house—your talking to me? Now listen to the very next sentence in Scripture, “So he came down at once and welcomed Him gladly” (Lk. 19:6).

Just two weeks ago we saw the Prodigal Son show this same posture of the heart. One remembered the love of his estranged Father, and one has just heard His loving call. Both lives transformed. With Zacchaeus, the Bible said, he came at once and with the Prodigal it states, He got up and went to his Father (Lk.15:18).

Contrast this to the Rich Young ruler who received a Divine invitation to follow Jesus, yet turned and walked away because leaving behind His lifestyle and possessions was too high a cost to pay to follow Jesus (Mat.19:22). There are many in today’s world whom Jesus is calling to follow Him also.

Their answer too often—can I come tomorrow maybe, I just made plans to…tomorrow would be better for me.

I would love to follow you, I’ve heard so much about you, but I can’t leave my job, family, friends—stuff… can I catch up with you later?

His Word says, “Oh, that today you would listen as he speaks! Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion”(Heb.3:15).

Studies show that the average person makes approximately 35,000 decisions, great and small, daily. But just as Jesus told Martha that her sister Mary had chosen the better portion, (to sit with Him and listen to Him teach instead of continuing to hurry about) we two, when faced with the decision to accept Jesus’ invitation to follow Him, must choose what we will do (Lk.10:42).

And if we choose wisely, we may here as Zacchaeus did, “I must stay at your house”. In other words, I’ll abide in you and you in me, because that is the ONLY way you will ever truly flourish.

Let’s turn back to Zacchaeus…

He’s in the crook of the tree, eyes glued to the approaching crowd. Watch what happened once he met Jesus face to face. The very next leg of his conversation is a declaration of repentance. He openly declares his intentions to live righteously, thus putting on display his repentant heart. Remember we have just seen this self-same heart mirrored to us through the prodigal son.

True repentance. There is no other posture for the heart after having had a genuine encounter with Jesus!

Draw closer, Zacchaeus is inviting us to sit at his table and witness him confess his need for Jesus, “But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount” (Lk. 19:8).

There will always be those who simply follow the crowd merely to be able to tell-tales of their exploits—yes I’m a Christian too, and yes, I was there the day… Today was no different.

But it is the those with a heart like that of Zacchaeus’ that the Lord seeks.

He’s here with me—Jesus himself called me down from the tree, I must, I must…ah yes, a gift.

All this time has passed and still the crowd that followed along remain just outside his opened door—scrutinizing. Jesus doesn’t feel that he has in any way demeaning himself by spending time with this humble, repentant new friend. Quite the contrary in fact, He came specifically to meet Zacchaeus and Zacchaeus had heard Jesus was coming and he immediately postured himself to make certain he didn’t miss out on the opportunity to see and hopefully, be seen by Him.

What are you doing in your life today to make sure that if Jesus were walking around in your neighborhood, you wouldn’t miss Him?

Would you be willing to climb a tree if need be?

How about appear foolish in the eyes of those around you that you may gain Christ?

I’ll leave you with the Words spoken by Jesus to all within earshot that day—These same Words echo still across the generations. And Jesus said to him,“Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Lk.19:9-10).

A Sheep, A coin, A lost son… the sons of Abraham. Jesus left His Throne in Heaven, wrapped Himself in flesh, and stepped across time and eternity to willingly lay His very life down. But not until that life had been beaten and scourged beyond recognition, until it had been spat upon, betrayed, cursed, and abandoned by those He came to tell—I must stay at your house today.

“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Zacchaeus’ answer?

A speedy… whatever it takes!

What will yours be?

 

A Promise is Made…Ruth 3

January 24, 2016 /

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    “When brothers live together and one of them dies and has no son…”

Naomi’s motherly instincts seem to be well honed. She has been a witness to Ruth’s joy and lightheartedness leaving no doubt how it is that Ruth feels toward Boaz. Maybe it was the glint in Ruth’s eye back in verse 21 of our last chapter that was the last tell. Perhaps within that revealing moment any doubt or reservation Naomi had about this friendship moving forward is quelled. Let’s listen in shall we, “Also mother, Boaz said, ‘You shall keep close by my young men until they have finished all my harvest.’” “Doesn’t that mean he enjoys my presence more, that he seeks to protect my honor?” Yes, thought Naomi, “I recognized the look of a young woman enamored.” Yet Naomi being a woman of integrity and character, knew that Boaz too was an upright and serious-minded man of valor…and Ruth, a fine women of restraint and the greatest integrity. She knew also; neither would take the next step necessary for this kinsman redeemer to satisfy his duty to her son’s name and provide stability and a home for Ruth. Look at one role of a kinsman redeemer spoken of in Deuteronomy 25:5-6, this will better inform us of what it is Naomi is arbitrating for. “When brothers live together and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the deceased shall not be married outside the family to a strange man. Her husband’s brother shall go in to her and take her to himself as wife and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her. “It shall be that the firstborn whom she bears shall assume the name of his dead brother, so that his name may not be blotted out of Israel.”

“For everyone who will humble themselves and cry out to Him for salvation…”

Now we understand the role Boaz was to play. Remember back in Chapter One where we read that Naomi’s husband and both sons died? There wasn’t another brother for Ruth to marry and carry on her husband’s line. Hence, her need, their need if fact, of this particular kinsman redeemer. Similarly, we need the One True God, Jesus the Christ who shed His Sinless Blood for our redemption. No other god could ever afford us restoration to Father God. Only Jesus Christ paid our sin debt in full with the laying down of His Guiltless Life. “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved” Acts 4:12. The fuller meaning of kinsman redeemer is found in the Pentateuch (First 5 Books of the Bible) 1.) A male relative who is willing to assume the duty and responsibilities of marriage. 2.) He may also act on the others behalf in times of trouble, 3.) Or for vindication or 4.) To intercede for a need. Again we see Boaz as the allusion of Christ, our kinsman redeemer in the betrothal of Boaz and Ruth. Boaz ultimately brings about renewal to the life of this young proselyte through his crucial care, protection, and provision. As Christ brings about and provides for everyone who will humble themselves and cry out to Him for New Life in Him. “So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart…”

God our Father pours out His love, care, protection, provision and final restoration to Himself through His Only Son our Lord, Jesus Christ. Jesus restores us to right standing and relationship with the Father as Boaz will restore all that Ruth has lost through the death of her husband, and give her right-standing in the community she will be folded into, the family of the One True God. Naomi expresses to her daughter-in-law that she believes it best to find her a home where she will be well provided for. In this verse, home in Hebrew is used here, as rest. This is the second time in this Book we hear this term, rest. The first being found back in chapter where Naomi is trying to persuade both of her daughters-in-law to turn back in the hopes they would find rest (security) in the house of a future husband. Let us be reminded of the type of rest referred to here. Jesus spoke of it in Matthew’s Gospel, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you REST… surety, security. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and You will find REST for your souls” (Matthew 11:28). Again Naomi is seeking the very best for her beloved daughter-in-law. Marriage to Boaz would certainly fulfill the law, and would afford Ruth a very comfortable life with potential heirs for herself…

“You shall not muzzle an Ox will it is treading out the grain”

Verse two has Naomi name dropping. She tells Ruth tonight Boaz will be willowing barley on the threshing floor. Let me explain… a threshing floor is a flat solid stone surface where the gathered grain is laid in stalks. It is either beaten manually with a flail, a stick of sorts, or an ox treads it under his hooves to separate the edible grain from the chafe. Hence, the verse, “You shall not muzzle an Ox while it is treading out the grain” (Deuteronomy 25:4). As told to Ruth, Boaz will be at the threshing floor tonight working and taking a meal and some wine with his workers. Naomi instructs Ruth to wash, perfume herself, put on her best clothes and head down to the threshing floor. There’s a but coming however… “But, don’t let him know you are there until he is finished eating and drinking”. She tells Ruth to pay attention to where he lays down to rest and then go and, “uncover his feet and lie down.” She states that Boaz will tell her what to do from there. To modern civilities this may sound like a rather objectionable or perhaps even lascivious act for Naomi to instruct Ruth in. However, if we were familiar with Eastern culture we would find this very act still practiced to this day. When Jewish couples marry, custom has t that the husband places the corner of his shawl over his wife to signify that he is covering her for life. In ancient times servant and master, slept clothed in what they would wear in the morrow. Being clothed is meant to quell any hint of indecency or immoral behavior should anyone happen upon them, particularly a woman.

“Ruth represents the Church and Boaz the allusion of Messiah.”

So you see, Naomi unquestionably was looking after the reputations Boaz and Ruth. So much so, that she instructed Ruth to be both courteous and discrete in allowing Boaz to finish eating and drinking and retire to the grain pile. Ruth does as she was instructed and lays at the feet of Boaz. Scripture tells us he woke startled in the middle of the night and realized Ruth was there. She asked him to cover her, she is saying plainly, boldly,” take me as your wife, for I am a widow.” And so he does. Christ too, covers us with His Wing, “And when I passed by again, I saw that you were old enough for love. So I wrapped my cloak around you to cover your nakedness and declared my marriage vows. I made a covenant with you, says the Sovereign LORD, and you became mine.” (Ezekiel 16:8) Ruth was a proselyte to the one true religion, Judaism. In asking Boaz to cover her, protect her, take her as His own, she was in fact, asking the same of Christ. Remember, Ruth represents the Church and Boaz the allusion of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. In chapter one Ruth vowed before man and God that she would not only follow Naomi but that her God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob would now be Ruth’s own. Isn’t that what we as followers of Christ are asking of Him as well? To love us, forgive us, cover us and defend us always, until He returns for us, His Bride? And as it is with the Lord, so it was mirrored in Boaz.

“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace.”

He tells Ruth to wait for him, clarifying there is perhaps a kinsman redeemer closer to her than himself. He will go at first light to inquire of him. Boaz will not allow for any impropriety when it comes to Ruth, it will be Gods way or no way, decency and in order. He knew if Ruth was truly meant for Him the other kinsman would refuse her. But He leaves Ruth with an assurance, “because this kindness you have shown me is far greater than your last, I will do what you ask of me, as surely as the Lord lives.” He is over-joyed and humbled that Ruth has chosen him over a younger man, rich or poor. He tells her to leave the threshing floor before first light to save her reputation from those who might think mistakenly toward her. He sends her to await the outcome of her fate back where she started, beside Naomi. But being the kindhearted, generous man that he is, Boaz favors Ruth with 6 measures of barley to take home in her shawl, about six handfuls… Ruth now awaits her fate. She will most assuredly be a bride soon; the only question is to whom? Naomi is now vindicated in her own eyes, Ruth’s and most likely Boaz’ as well. This bold move she had suggested to her daughter-in-law has proved fruitful for each of them. She assures Ruth that Boaz will not rest until he has this matter settled…that very day! Just as Boaz would not rest until he had an answer for his beloved, so is God with His children. And like Ruth in her boldness to approach Boaz, so too must we as His Children, must go boldly to Our Father with our every need and request. I will turn back here and leave you with the Word spoken in Hebrews, “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15, Emphasis added.

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