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“When They Finally Have Something To Say”… Mat. 9:32-34

May 21, 2016 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

optimism-619018_960_720 Judgement. It happens far too often within our lives. The biting criticism that blindly enlightens you—you’ve failed.

Contrary to your best efforts—what you did, how well you did it, or how well intended your heart was in the doing of the thing, at the end of your best attempts and intentions, others meet you with their pass or fail measuring stick…

Wrong. Sorry, you didn’t do it the right way. Why did you do it that way? How dare you!

Critics. We saw them in last week’s post. Those mourners gathered around the dead girl. They laughed in Jesus’ face when He informed them that the girl they were there wailing over, mourning… wasn’t dead.

Often, when something frightens us, challenges our status quo, our equilibrium, our feelings of safety, our fight or flight instinct kicks in unawares and says, kill it! And, left to our human natures, we will simply seek our own survival. But not Jesus. And if we are called to follow Him it should not be that way with us either; “Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ” (Rom.8:8-9).

In our text today we see an example of just such people. The very same Jesus had to contend with for the duration of His earthly ministry. Mosquito’s in His ear—always abuzz.

In fact, even as He hung dying on the tree of their construction, the very one they schemed and lied to ensure He be nailed to, even then they accused Him of not dying right! “He saved others, but He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. He trusts in God. Let God deliver Him now if He wants Him. For He said, ‘I am the Son of God’” …(Mat.27:42-43).

Using the lens of the Synoptic Gospels, it becomes clear that from the onset of Jesus’ earthly ministry the judges and critics made it their business to be about His business. They, the Pharisees, have either personally been amongst the throngs following Jesus, as in today’s Scripture, or they have been kept in-the-know of His every move by someone in the crowd.

Either way, Jesus couldn’t escape their malignant scrutiny. They were simply glass half empty people. If they couldn’t conceive of it, produce it, attain it or somehow profit from it well, it must obviously be evil.

If you have ever been here, if these people sound familiar, then you are in good company! If they did it to Jesus and you’re His follower with your mosquito’s, your Pharisees, those attempting to perpetually dictate what is and is not acceptable for your particularly faith walk, well than as the Scriptures teaches, “Count it all joy!”

However, I do feel led here, so as not to be misconstrued or appear guilty of being aligned with or giving license to living and doing as you feel; to point out that Jesus throughout Scripture, always was about our Fathers business. He was always in prayer seeking the Fathers will and serving and doing all things to those ends. That being clarified, we can now move ahead.

Until this point in Scripture the Pharisees have for the most part been silent though Jesus has healed many of people of their infirmities. Starting in Matthews Eighth Chapter the man with leprosy is healed along with the Centurions daughter, Peter’s mother-in-law and many whom Scripture tell us were demon-possessed.

So our fellow, this mute demon-possessed man found in today’s text, was not the first by far that the people had witnessed being healed and delivered by Jesus. But it’s here in this moment, amongst this crowd that we are called today. To be part of, to witness first-hand the extreme divergence of reactions to Jesus’ faith and works.

The crowd is collectively amazed by Jesus and celebrates, sings the praises of His astonishing works. “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel” (Mat9:33)!

The Pharisees on the other hand, see only evil. Their inner darkness prohibits them from extolling or embracing the works of Pure Light. And that’s what sin does to us—it robs us not only of our sight but also of our pure voice.

How can we possibly acknowledge with praising lips that which we cannot—will not, refuse, to believe in? Impossible!

And so, when these Pharisees finally open their lips it is to accuse the Only Begotten Son of the Father of being in league with the devil listen; But the Pharisees said, “He can cast out demons because he is empowered by the prince of demons” (Mat.9:34).

Scripture teaches us that no student is above his Master, so pay attention. If you are being called by God to do His work but it has yet to manifest or, you are currently about your Fathers business—truly about His business as Jesus was—not playing ministry with a self-given title and a showy business card…then arm yourself with the foreknowledge that if the Pharisees haven’t yet arrived, they’re coming! Their still standing stealth, hidden in the crowd observing you…

The Holy Spirit, our Revelator, illumines lesson after lesson throughout Jesus’ three plus years of earthly ministry. Instructing us that there will always be those that are for us, and there will always be those whom are against. if we are to survive, more, thrive and bear good fruit via our God-given assignments, we must follow Jesus’ example.

That is to have bottomless reserves of compassion for His people, be wise and discerning, and above these, to be in continual communion with the Father. Seeking His will, guidance, voice and approval only. Over every competing voice and emotional pull, particularly our own! “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Col.3:2). Emphasis my own. “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1Tim.6:12).

Jesus came into this world, His ministry—to offer it salvation, to restoration it back to the Father, foreknowing His outcome, His end. He knew these very ones calling Him Beelzebub, accusing Him of being demonically in league with the devil. These same were awaiting His birth, His life, and, unbeknownst to them, would be used as the catalysts to bring about the fulfillment of His ministry. As well as His inevitable return to The Father.

Just as Jesus knew what was ahead of Him, He too knows what awaits you. Take heart today beloved, and listen to the comforting words spoken to you through the Prophet Jeremiah of the personal love, care, protection and provision The Father has for you. “For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the LORD. ‘I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope” (Jer. 29:11).

Walk wisely and with each step know that the God who commands the Heavenly Armies goes before you, clearing the way and making your every crooked path straight. So run your race today beloved in full confidence that the same God that delivered Jesus, the Faithful and True God, is the same God yesterday, today, and forever. And He holds you in the palm of His loving, mighty Hand.

Your steps have been ordained by God. Step strong and insure confidence of not only who you are in Christ Jesus, more, who you are commanded to not distract you. Not alter your focus and purpose in Him.

Do with mosquito’s what you do with all pesky distractions. With those who, when they finally speak, speak only death over your ministry…swat them and keep it moving! Stand firm in the Lord and the power of His might…” Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (Phil.4:6).

Blessings Beloved, until next time…

“Do You See What I See?” Matt. 9:23-25

May 14, 2016 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

“Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at Him (Matt 9:23-24).

Has that ever happened to you? Have you shared what you ‘v seen, your truth, only to be laughed at, belittled?

Dismissed. It’s as if what you have to say can’t possibly have relevance, is of no value. It, your knowing, simply doesn’t line up with everyone else’s knowing, therefore your input is immaterial. Take heart dear one, you’re in good company. That’s exactly what was happening to Jesus when He entered the ruler Jairus’s house and told the mourners there to go—the child is not dead.

These people were in full mourning mode, there was wailing, flutes were playing funeral dirges, and the atmosphere was pregnant with sadness and loss. Surely she was dead! What was He talking about? He thinks He sees something that we don’t!

But Jesus did see differently then, and still… He walked in and where those assembled saw death, He saw life. Where they saw an end, Jesus saw a beginning. For them, the story as they say—was over. But not so with Jesus, in fact in Him, life was just beginning…

I don’t know about you, but I am grateful to know that in a world where others could often care less, are blind in their seeing, Jesus offers a fresh perspective. A newness of sight. A throwing open of windows on warm windy days, allowing sunlight and freshness to pierce and permeate our otherwise fusty, lifeless shells… our dead hope. “And I walked and He who sat on the throne said to me, “Behold, I make all things new.” And he said to me, “Write: ‘These words are trustworthy and true” (Rev. 21:5).

Concerning our text for this week, we witness a physical resurrection. Jesus raising a girl who is factually dead.

But let’ step out beyond that one instance. Let’s broaden our view and look to how it is He meets us where we are, now, today. Single, married, divorced. Addicted, in recovery or still on the streets, He meets us. Right where we are, He meets us. He comes in and speaks to those circumstances that are wailing over our ostensible lack of life—our presumptive deadness and commands them each to leave…

Depression, sexual addiction, drugs, physical bondage—be gone!

Not you? Okay—self-doubt, cutting, childhood abuse, alcoholism, perfect life gone wrong in a snap—be gone!

There is no situation, nothing you can do or have done, regardless it’s hideousness, that has thrown you farther than God will reach to return you to himself. I know this to be true. I am not merely writing story.

The Apostle Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian Church, speaks to us about knowing the breadth and depth of the love of God and the love of Christ which surpasses all knowledge so that we might be filled with the fullness of God. That’s something to hold tight to if your running on empty today…Gods fullness, it’s complete. No more lack or lacking…

If you’re feeling dead in your soul now, or in your thinking or maybe in your ability to see yourself clear of whatever this is… Hang on, help is coming. If your weariness forbids you to take another step, if the molasses your trying to walk through is just too dense, then resting at the edges of His above knowing is the best place for you to be. Stop a while and allow yourself to be refreshed in Him.

You see when Jesus entered into that rulers house He did it fore-knowing the girl was dead. He’s God. He knows everything. And it’s no different today with you and I. We’re dead in our sin. Laying on our bier waiting…It is impossible to be brought back to life, or health, joy, wholeness or peace outside of Jesus touch.

There will always be those around you who see you as little more than a dead thing. Broken. Damaged. Irreparable. No life, no chance, no way out. Stuck and staying stuck is how they’ll always view you. But take heart dear one, people may see you one way, yet God sees you quite another. Listen… “The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1Sam.16:7).

Regardless what the situation you are facing today. No matter how hopeless, hang on… Irrespective of how many times you’ve tried and failed, no matter how unforgivable you may feel, how blaring your sins may seem to you, contrary to how desperate the times may feel… there is One that does not see you see yourself.

Why? It’s all in what you see.

Jesus sees us from His sole vantage point. His exclusive ability to see our end from our beginning. In other words, how it is we are going to finish this race we call life. “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please’ (Isa. 46:10). And because He this information is His alone, He knows to the utmost that everything truly, will be alright.

He is able to walk with cast-iron confidence into the front door of your life, and speak to the dead things inside you. Dead dreams. No hope…weariness, arise! He Commands them to wake up and be dead no more. The time for your life to begin is today. Someone, somewhere has asked the Lord to come to you, they knew you were ill/weary/broken and in need of help. And if He would but only touch you they thought…without doubt, you will rise up!

Dear one, take heart today. Just outside Jesus is at your door and He has a great plan specifically laid out for you alone, He asking you, “Do you see what I see.” Listen to Him… “ “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jer. 29:11).

Beloved, do you see what He sees when He looks at you? Ask Him to give you a new perspective today. Invite Him into your heart as Lord and Savior and allow Him to make all things new…

“Rest Requires Effort” Heb. 4

May 7, 2016 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

Are you familiar with the saying, “No rest for the weary?” When applied to the world as we know it, sadly this is a stark reality. But not so, or at least it should not be so for the Christian.

Allow me to explain…

We live in a society in which most Biblical principles have been, to put it mildly, throw out the window. Two such principles concern working and resting. People have made not working an art-form! However, if we look to Genesis, to the original plan, Gods plan for work and rest, we see God Himself was not exempt from either.

In fact, He is the originator of both—listen, “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work” (Gen. 2:2).

Scripture clearly indicates that God worked six days and rested on the seventh, but Gods work was not a striving to accomplish a thing as it is too often with you and I. God worked in perfect ease, peace, and unity with both Jesus and the Holy Spirit. (Gen. 1:2; Jn. 1:1) And He expects nothing less of you—all else is prideful and futile. And it brings weariness and separation from Him. As in your work, so in your rest. Deviate, and all is reduced to mere striving and striving leads to separation and weakness.

So to better understand these above two principles, who better to glean from other than the Father and the Son. Each a model for work and rest. Each a teacher of the effort required us, a measure of Faith…

Nothing that exists would exist outside of Gods labor. Nothing. Let that sink in a moment. I would no longer need to be faithful in writing what God has placed on my heart for you, because you would not be here to read it! The world as we know it, would be a blank canvas—a void. “The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep” (Gen.1:1). Look around you right now—go ahead, I’ll wait…not dark or void is it?

You are witnessing the benefits of Gods work model. A model plainly laid out for us to follow. The view outside your window, work. The eyes you are reading this with, work. Nothing you have or are is free, it cost someone something. In the case of God, His Only Son. For Jesus, His life. But, blessed one, you get to have it all, use it all, and you did absolutely nothing to earn it…

No labor on your part, not a single day of work and yet, here you are… receiving.

That’s an inconceivable benefit wouldn’t you agree? And, if you’re reading this—you have it! Now ask yourself, have you ever had or heard tell of, any employer, anywhere in the world, that provides such benefits? No, No you haven’t.

Why? No such creature exists.

There is only One who was willing to work for you, to produce all that you are and have. His name?

Jesus, The Word—listen… “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.…” (Gen. 1:1-3). Emphasis added.

His intentions were multifarious. You see, in Gods economy, He does something once, and He does it perfectly. And within His singular effort, within that one “thing”, a seed was placed so He never has to go back and do it again. God works smart, not hard—there’s a lesson in there if you caught it…

Yet notice, that first God worked and then He rested.

Resting…requires effort.

And, providentially for us, God gave us what we need to do the work of resting in Him.

Faith. it is the standard by which we correctly appraise ourselves. (see Rom.12:3)

Rest requires us to use our faith. We must trust in God and His promises to be able to completely rest in Him as Jesus did. And do it now, in this world. Resting in Christ requires us to enter a covenant relationship with Him. You’ll simply never trust a person you don’t know. So it was in the Old Testament with the Israelite’s, and so it is with today with many.

“For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed. (Heb.4:2).

How can you trust God with your life if you don’t trust the very One asking for entrance into it? Impossible! You’ll forever wrestle for control over it. Trust requires faith. And faith will result in leading you gradually into Gods rest.

As we see in the above Scripture, many of the Israelite’s missed out on the rest God was trying to lead them into because they would not believe. Their faith in God was wanting, hardened, works orientated, resulting in their missing entrance into Canaan. Their preordained promised place of rest, providence, and the provision God had prepared for them.

Which delivers us to the door of His intentions for our rest…

On the sixth day God rested, and, when Jesus finished His Redemptive work on the Cross, He too rested at the right hand of the Father. These examples were meant to model for us the necessity for resting from our labors. All of our labors. And to come into the welcomed awareness that outside of Christ we can do nothing. But with Him and through His power and providence, we can do all things and never enervate.

Man was not created to live apart from God. We were created in His image, to work and have fellowship—communion and rest in Him. “And God saith, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…” (Gen 1:26).

It is into His Rest God is calling you, now—while it is still today. A rest from your striving, struggling in your flesh, in a useless effort to try to attain godliness. Just read Romans chapter 7 to see how that ends. Rather, Chapter Eight of Romans teaches us that as a Christian you must live in the power of the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit that raised the dead body of Jesus from the grave. By the working of His Spirit in you, you are able, in part, to live a godly life, (see Romans 8:1-17).

This is resting, or abiding in Him (John 15:1-14).

Which leads us into our closing—The rewards of rest.

When you choose to live free, abandoning yourself to receive the redemptive work of Jesus, then and only then, might you enter into salvation’s rest. Freed from your striving and misconceptions, you’ve now come into the knowledge that Jesus took care of all the work that will ever need to be done to make you, “good enough”. You need to stop striving after Gods approval—from always working to gain something you can’t have outside of faith in Jesus.

Because outside of His righteousness and sanctifying work there is no “good enough”. Trying to gain God by being lawful and religious, minus a genuine relationship with, and faith in Jesus, will only end you up like the Israelite’s. Dead in the desert.

You will never be—good enough. Stop it. Stop trying to fix yourself by yourself. You can’t.

But the good news is there is One that worked for you. He made certain that if you wanted Him, if you wanted to taste rest from all the stuff you’ve known in your life; He’s made a way for you to do just that.

Listen, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). After His death and resurrection, He gave us a Comforter, The Holy Spirit. And in Him we have a deposit in these fleshly vessels, a taste of His rest now. An installment on the payment in full that is to come when we are in the presence of God eternally.

You can have it today, that rest…

Regardless of what anyone has ever told you about you, or worse yet, what you have told yourself about yourself.

But as with Joshua (a forerunner and allusion to Christ) who couldn’t deliver the Israelite’s where their faith wouldn’t take them, so it is with Jesus also. He can’t deliver someone who refuse to be delivered. He will never take you where you do not want to go. Even though in His great love for you, He died to ensure His rest might be yours.

And speaking of His rest, listen… “God again set a certain day, calling it Today. This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Heb.4:7).

God has sent me to tell you that it is “Today.”

Please, don’t follow the example of those that died in the wilderness when the Promised Land is awaiting your arrival…

May God Bless you and guide your steps, In Jesus Matchless name, Amen.

“For Your Eyes Only” Luke 24

May 1, 2016 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

people-1099782_960_720 It had been revealed to Peter—Christ’ identity that is.

They answered and said, “John the Baptist, and others say Elijah; but others, that one of the prophets of old has risen again. “And He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.” (Lk.9:19-20; emphasis added).

So let’s talk about knowing...that which is meant for your eyes only. Because, heartbreakingly, not everyone chooses to see. “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn–and I would heal them” (Jn.12:40).
However God in His sapience, chose to open Peter’s eyes to who Jesus truly was. And so it comes as little surprise, that of those disciples gathered together when the women returned from finding an empty tomb early that morning, that it would once again be Peter who was among the first to—see.

“But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings only; and he went away to his home, marveling at what had happened” (Lk 24:11-12NASB; emphasis added).

Some versions read that, he went off wondering in himself,others, amazed at what happened…and others still, wondering in himself at that which had come to pass.

But in researching our text I was struck by the phraseology used in the Aramaic Bible in Plain English…listen—“Shimeon(Simon) arose and he ran to the tomb, and beholding, he saw the linen that was placed by itself and he left wondering in his soul over what had happened” (Lk. 24:12).

As rich as Luke 24 is—containing a plethora of revelatory Scriptural lessons, it is not toward its many richly mined examples of theological thought that we will heading today. Rather, we will tread a fresher ground, and camp out at the entrance of the proverbial heart.

Peter’s heart that is…And that of those two unnamed disciples as well, you now, the guys heading to Emmaus.

For a moment, let’s center on Peter’s response to the news that the women who walked with Jesus have just conveyed to the disciples. Deeper, let’s ask ourselves what happened in Peters belly, in his knower, that made him get up and run to the tomb.

What separated him from the other eleven that sat self-righteously ridiculing these faithful women? And our two unknown’s, what caused them to make a beeline back to Jerusalem after having met a man? Lastly, how does this apply to you and I?

Gnosis, knowing—like a man knows his wife. Intimately, wholly, as we are known by Christ. Not as a plain intellectual exercise, as with—after reading the autobiography of George Washington I can honestly say I feel like I know him now. Intellect is a sure part of gnosis—in fact, it’s one of three of its informing components actually. As God is Triune, being created in His image so too are we comprised—mind, soul, and Spirit.

And as with Peter, our capacity to know and love God is possible only because He first loved and knew us.

So why Peter? Why not any of the others, after all, the eleven were ever present? And they too loved and served Jesus? Just look in the boat, they’re all there—yet only Peter risked getting out of the boat to respond to Jesus’ bidding to come walk on water with his Lord. And now, running out of this room, though John followed—it is Peter we see jumping up and running off to check the tomb. And just a few chapters back, again, it was Peter that spoke the words that came from God Himself, “But who do you say I am?” He asked. Peter replied, “The Christ of God” (Luke 9:20).

Peter, atop of Mount Herman, He stood among the elect of the elect. He heard the voice of Father God bear witness to His love of, and pleasure in, His Son Jesus. The revelation of Christ’s glory in this chapter was a clear confirmation to the disciples of the truth of Peter’s confession of faith (16:16). It was also encouragement for Jesus; opposition had started to mount and would greatly increase.

It was Peter, pulling a coin out of the mouth of a fish to pay their taxes, his and Jesus’, Peter watching his Master not once, but twice, break bread, and in so doing multiply it to feed thousands. Peter, who in a moment of supreme weakness, only moments after having cut off a man’s ear in a fierce rage, denied Christ, thrice…

Why was it he jumped up first and ran?

Did his running really have anything to do with him or was he compelled? Both. Yes, he certainly had free will as we each do. And yes, he exercised it in that moment. But Just as the Scripture implies, Peter knew something…some past spark of a conversation fanned into full on flame…

Remember, we are searching today, weeding through the obvious, plucking up the ordinary, clearing away the similar, looking for the deeper things.

From their early beginnings with Jesus, each man was individually invited to follow Him. Specifically chosen, hand selected, for some innate quality that lay dormant within, almost certainly it was wholly unknown to each them.

But God knew…

And He sent Jesus to draw them into fellowship with Himself. And over time, and with great compassion and unplumbed love, Jesus drew their dormant gifting’s into active use. Kingdom use, eternal use…

Jesus foresaw that in order for each of them to fulfill their divine destinies, death would have to occur. Remember He tasted of the Glory that was yet to come, it’s surety, on the Mount of Transfiguration. And so He knew (gnosis) that asking them to die was inviting them not only into life, but guaranteeing them that within that life their gifting’s would be complete. Not greater, in the sense of better than Jesus’, but rather in their ability in sheer numbers to fulfill the Great Commission…, listen… “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father” (Jn.14:12).

It is here where we share in Peter’s experience, as in John’s, Mark’s, and Thomas’s.

Death must come so that life can begin—if you are called to serve God, as each of these men clearly were—remember, their handpicked, then death is imminent.

Going out fishing can be fun, but its fun benefits only the fisherman. Catching fish on the other hand, benefits everyone who is able to eat from the catch. But first, obviously, death must occur before substantive life can be offered to anyone. As the fish surrenders it life to feed, so we too must surrender ours to do the same. And so we die daily to self, will, pride, desires…the right to life itself.

So why Peter?

He was chosen specifically for what the Lord knew of Him. And so it followed with the eleven, and, as with dominoes, to us as well. To do the great works that brought Jesus to the Cross, the Restorative, Redemptive work of salvation demands a knowing of sacrificial love…

Death must occur. Proof you ask? Had there been no crucifixion, there’d be no need for a resurrection.

Why Peter…because He knew this. And some two-thousand years later, through his lifework and in his death, He is still preaching The Great Commission, still fulfilling His calling to feed God’s people.

Man’s fallen mortal condition could never have allowed for this…Only death to self and Life in Christ allows for the inclusion into that kind of transformative power.

Why Peter, because He knew outside of Christ, He was nothing…and from that knowing willingly, lovingly, deliberately paid the price required to have Jesus…His life.

Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep.…

“Signs of The Times!” Luke 21

April 23, 2016 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

woman-1165989_960_720 How often in the past few weeks alone have either you or someone around you mentioned how much things have changed?

We live in day and time where people are not only alarmed and puzzled by current and global events, they are flat out mixed up!

Up is down and right is wrong. People are no longer content living within the image God created them—and as a result, have decided that we, (who take no issue with our own image), must see them as they see themselves or else!

Refuse to issue a marriage license to two people that God does not recognize as a couple and you’ll likely lose your job. Don’t bake a cake–you’ll be fined and may lose your business! Greater, refuse to not renounce the Name above Every name and you will quite literally lose your head. You’ll spend years in jail suffering unthinkable cruelties and torture. And no I’m not speaking of Peter who did endure a death of crucifixion, Paul, beheaded in Rome, or Stephen the first disciple to die being stoned to death. James too was beheaded.

I’m talking about Asia Bibi, accused blasphemer or Pastor Saeed Abedini, who from 2013, spent over three years in an Iranian prison suffering beatings, threats and isolation. Why? Because like his brothers before him, He loved His King more than his own life and wouldn’t deny Him. And yet Solomon reminds us, “What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecc.1:9).

There are times in life that to fully get hold of where we are, we need to understand where we have been—until that understanding bleeds out from our toes…

Allow me to introduce you to Tacitus and Suetonius, both Roman historians. They verify my words by sharing with you what they too knew to be truth, in part, the persecution of Christians at the hand of Nero. Yet,even with their witness neither my words nor theirs are little more to you than shared facts—we each are a mere resource. The Word of God only must be your guide and foundation; the sole Truth you both rely and build on. So to showcase the validity of Gods’ Word, let’s go to it and see where this type of Christian persecution was witnessedin times past.

And yes, it is persecution now, just as it was then…

Immediately after our Lord’s ascension, Peter and John were called before the Jewish senate, and beaten; (Acts 4:6-7; 5:40). Stephen was brought before the same court and put to death (Acts 7:58). James was brought before Herod, and by him put to death; who also laid Peter in prison, intending to kill him likewise; (Acts 12:2; Acts 12:4) that Paul, formerly himself a persecutor, but now converted, was, in his turn, frequently persecuted; that he and Silas were imprisoned and beaten in the synagogue at Philippi; (Acts 16:23;) that he was brought before the great synagogue of the Jews in Jerusalem; (Acts 22:30;) before King Agrippa and his wife, before the Roman governors, Gallio, Felix, and Festus; and last of all, before the Emperor Nero, in Rome, and his prefect, Helius Caesariensis.”

There are those, even as I type and you read, who are being murdered for believing in Jesus and refusing to say or do otherwise. I am reminded of the Words of Jesus in Matthew 8. He is talking to would be disciples concerning the cost one must pay for the privilege of following Him—And it is a privilege, least we ever forget!

Listen to the words Jesus spoke to those who didn’t fully weigh the honor of being called by Him. Who forgot to count the cost—they reacted to Jesus based on emotions. They didn’t respond based on thoughtful consideration and prayer.

As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, “I will follow You Wherever You go.” And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” (Lk.9:58).

Jesus neither owes nor promises us a cushy lifestyle—somewhere it says if you want to follow me, pick up your cross.

Earthquakes, floods, wars and rumors of wars. Foes and friends and friends, foes. All of these things must come to pass—we are that generation spoken of who will not pass away until all these things have happen.

So why are we so shocked when we see these things unfolding? Jesus told us was going to happen…

Didn’t we believe Him when He said, for instance, that there would be signs in the Heavens…

Between April 15, 2014 and September 28, 2015 we as a global society experienced four blood moons. Notice I said, as a global society, and not just in the United States? These signs were given for the whole world to see. Why? So that on the day of judgement, and yes there will be one, believe it or not, no man will be able to say—I wasn’t living in that part of the world, I didn’t see it!

Okay then, did you by chance miss the Blue Moon that showed itself on July,3,2015? Or maybe you weren’t around for the lunar eclipse which took place on March 20, 2015? NASA was. A scientific community was used by God to evidence His handiwork to the world in such a way that no one will be excused from not knowing of these occurrences. Why? Gods’ heart is that not one should perish (2 Pt.3:9).

He’s an equal opportunity Savior.

Listen to how the Lord comforts us concerning all of the events that are happening and will continue to happen in fulfillment of the Scriptures. “But be on your guard. Don’t let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping. Otherwise, that Day is going to take you by complete surprise, spring on you suddenly like a trap, for it’s going to come on everyone, everywhere, at once. So, whatever you do, don’t go to sleep at the switch. Pray constantly that you will have the strength and wits to make it through everything that’s coming and end up on your feet before the Son of Man” (Lk.21:32-34 MSG).

Just as Jesus prayed to the Father in John 17 not to take the Disciples out of the world, or out of the dangers that living in this world hold, He gave them the map to victory over the world and everything that it would throw at them! He knew about the whole lot that was coming, both for them and for us. Yet He reminds us, as He did them, that we are to expect these things; being hated by a world we are only passing through (as He was), persecutions of every kind, gross infringements, and every kind of trial.

Yet as awful and deflating as this may sound to us, Jesus says not to worry about it. Why? Because it has a purpose, a Kingdom purpose. One greater than our limited vision can see, or our finite thinking scarcely take in, listen… “This will be a time and an opportunity for you to testify [about Me]. So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; for I will give you [skillful] words and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute” (Lk.21:13-15).

Yes, we are in the last of times, the end of days, a member of that generation. The Word of God, that road-map given to us by a loving Father illustrates clearly the current happenings in the world. Past, present and those yet to unfold.

But if that is all we get from God and His Word, we have missed the choicest portion! We should be grateful to the point of death for a Father who cares so much for sinful man. Somewhere it is written—Who are we that You are mindful of us?

Yes, the end of this world as we know it is fast winding down. Yes, each of the prophecies foretold have all come to pass. This should however bolster us, creating a joyful hope in that what is written will come exactly as God foretold us it would!

We should not be shocked by the happenings of the world that like their father, are in their final days. Is it such a surprise to us that they are pulling out all the stops?

Picture a Marlin breaking the surface of the sea in one last ferocious battle for freedom. Struggling against the surety of a lure lodged deeply in its mouth.

It knows instinctively, this is life or death.

And so it is with this world. It’s a flailing toddler throwing a feverish tantrum! I want, I want—but it’s my right!

We can choose certainly, to stand by and watch this raucous display. But given the blessed assurance we have in Christ Jesus, are these the signs we ought to choose to focus on in our last hours?

“Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN A CLOUD with power and great glory. 28″But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Lk.21:28).

Look up! The King is coming; the King is coming!!!

April 17, 2016 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

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?

“Brother, Clean Your Lenses!” Part 2 of Luke 15.

April 10, 2016 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

man-920083_960_720 Within five minutes of meeting this guy our eyebrows are raised and we’re asking ourselves, who is this angry young man?

We know him only as the older son. We first bump into him in Luke, at the corner of chapter 15 and verse 25. He has heard about the return of his wild, insolent younger brother, and subsequently, of the party their father is throwing in fete of his return. And he is ticked off! ! Incensed actually!

Since we’ve covered what took place between his younger brother and their father in a earlier post entitled, “The Prodigal and His Dad” dated 03/19/16. Feel free to catch-up it at your leisure.

Straightaway we’re looking at this older son…

If we are looking at this parable within a parable from the teaching perspective of Jesus, this is how it is theologically broken down for us.

The Prodigal son represents sinners and the father, Father God. Who is ever lovingly desiring for sinners to return to the safety of home. Similarly, is the vigilant father in our parable. Lastly, there is our older brother. He represents those who are churched, and perhaps like the Pharisees Jesus has talked to, those who feel a bit superior and angry truth be told.

How dare God, our Father show these dubious people , these undeserving, unclean sinners the same favor and mercy as us!

Now listen to how this older brother, the one who has always lived with his father, continually ever-dutiful, flips out when He learns from a servant about the house party happening at his address! He goes from a submissive, upright, ever-present son to a dangerously close mirror-image of his brother!

How?

Through willful rebellion. Just like his younger brother via thoughts, words and finally actions.

Showing even an iota of mercy has not even entered his hypocritical mind!

Watch as he steadily unravels. It begins with him rebuking his father, then by insinuating that he has been little more than a slave; and not in fact, the ever-dutiful, well-intentioned son he has depicted himself as being. Lastly, for all intents and purposes, he disinherited his younger brother by referring to him not as my brother but rather as that son of yours! (Lk. 15:28-30 NASB).

Remember friends, this is the person Jesus uses within this parable to represent the churched. It’s within this segment of the parable that we’ll find ourselves seated today…

Listen closely to the Words Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, “And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be. And he said to him, “Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound” (Lk.15:27 NASB).

This older son represents a person who is actively serving God (vs.25). Yet, who unseeing doesn’t view himself as God views him—beloved, cherished, a recipient of anything at his Father’s disposal. Rather, he sees himself as a slave (vss.29;31).

Thus, by inference, his father is not seen by him as a beloved parent, but rather a master or taskmaster to be served, as if for wages or earnings; and not rightly, from a heart of joyful, loving thanksgiving! (vs29).

This son, by means of his prideful indignation, has not only shown his brother no mercy, but has lamentably, wholly missed the heart of his Father, and an invaluable lesson in love. Through this Father’s gracious, merciful example of unearned restoration we see the perfect salvation message, the very purpose of Jesus’ leaving Heaven to come to earth as a man.

So how did this son get this way? What was driving him?

Let’s observe…

Firstly, via his own irreverent, pompous approach to his Father (Ex. 20:12; Pr. 18:12).

Secondly, through his superficial understanding of his Fathers heart (Pr.9:10; Ps.111:10).

And lastly, listen to the use of his disrespectful tone. He exhibits a distorted, self-pitying view of himself revealing an unlit heart (1Jn.1:5; Pr.4:7).

He is reacting like a petulant child. He’s throwing a tantrum because he perceives daddy as showing unearned favor to his sibling…

I’m certain anyone who has a younger sibling cannot only relate, but has also likely heard themselves saying to themselves, or others man they get away with everything! It sure wasn’t like that for me let me tell you!

Sound familiar?

Sadly, and more to the point Jesus was attempting to make to the Pharisees, is that as God’s older children must be aware that often as a Body there is also a lack of mercy and compassion towards his younger children.

Deeper still, some older children (as a result of having a works…earn His love, and not a relational…unmerited love, understanding of Our Father) view themselves as seen by God much like this older son referred to himself, as a slave—I must do this for God or else. Therefore, by inference, the Father is a taskmaster; always looking to crack the proverbial whip! (vs.29;30).

I believe, and various commentaries seem to agree, that it is in this parable within a parable that the heart of the Father and the central message of how His church is to the treat sinners is brought home by Jesus (vs. 32).

Starting in Chapter 15, Jesus has spoken to the sinners and the church leaders (Pharisees and teachers of the Law). You would think that between these two groups it would have been the churched who caught hold of and ran with Jesus’ teaching. After all, they knew the Scriptures and had attended service and Bible-Study weekly right? So when Jesus takes them through the earlier two parables as a foundational build-up, in this His climatic radical new teaching series, rather than saying, yes please, and asking for seconds, the churched look at Jesus as if He has not only lost his mind, but that He is also a half-step off being demon possessed and perhaps just a step above those He had taught and had been dining with (see Lk. 14:1; 5:29; 7:36-39. Also, Mt.9:10-13; 9:32-34; Jn.9:39-41).

Have you ever experienced judgement in church rather than love and welcoming?

Have you ever met Christians who profess to be saved and know God, yet if they hadn’t told you, you certainly wouldn’t have guessed it?

If so, you have sadly met this week’s older brother…

Please allow me to invite you to stay just a bit longer and introduce you to the Father. After all, that is who Jesus has pointed the crowds towards throughout all of His teachings thus far.

This is the heart of our Father, the very heart Jesus was trying to communicate in this parable within a parable. Listen to it in Isaiah, “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you” (Is.49:15).

We expect the world, those who do not accept the Lordship of Jesus, to act unloving, reactionary, unkindly. After all some of us did when we were still of the world. But, here between us today, like then with the crowd, Jesus is reaching out to the Pharisees… the churched. He is looking to the whores, loan sharks, the outcasts, runaways, addicts, drunks and the teenage unwed moms. He’s looking out over everyone He sent His son to die for, every brand of sinner. I choose to leave you with the words of the Father so I will take you to where He sees His youngest son…known to us as the prodigal son, cresting the horizon. Just look at the Father’s heart for His lost children… “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him” (Lk.1520 NIV).

And there you have, the heart of God for His children.

All of His children!

The Love of the Father for his repentant children is what was missed by this older brother, he didn’t get it. The Pharisees and Teachers of the Law didn’t get it. And sadly, most today don’t either.

When the Scribes and the Pharisees saw that He was eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they said to His disciples, “Why is He eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners”, and hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

This is what Jesus is saying to those who have been going to church for years and have grown rigid, hard-hearted, and coldly separatist. To those who feel aversion more than empathy, He says—these too are my children.

Let’s end here with the final conversation between our Father, this older brother, and subsequently us… “But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.” And he said to him, “My Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found” (Lk.15:30-31).

“No Medals Given Here.” Luke 17:7-10

April 2, 2016 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

uniform-1273437__180 Friends, we live in a world where instant gratification rules. Where reward is expected for simply being us! I do, therefore I deserve…! And yes, we as Christians are just as guilty as the world. We treat our Master, if I dare use that title for Christ, as a genie-in-a-bottle far too often. Or, let me make this personal, I know I have. Maliciously? Never. Intentionally? I don’t believe so, but I will leave God to be my judge. But certainly I am guilty of expecting a reward for my service. Does that shock you? It was humbling , to say the least, when the Holy Spirit revealed it to me. And as the old saying goes…, “truth hurts”!

But there it was for me to confront. So in conjunction with our text, I am using my correction (thank you Jesus for your loving kindness) as a cradle for this week’s message. The message is intended firstly for the messenger, then for the listener.

I, too, am growing…

In studying our text, I saw clearly that via our fallen sin nature we as people, saved and unsaved alike, have become ensnared by pride…

Not always blatant pride nor arrogant pride; we seem to catch that easily enough. It’s our subtle pride, our shadowy underbelly pride that trip us up every time! Basically it’s the lie we tell ourselves when we say we have learned to operate outside of our pride. When Truth be told, we can do nothing in it of ourselves; outside of God we are powerless to change or surrender anything! Don’t believe me? Go serve somewhere as the person who does nothing but clean-up after people every day. Basically, a mom, or a single parent father, a custodial grandparent who has raised their child and is now raising their grandchild. As much as they love these children, there’s not one that I have ever met, myself included, who if they want to be honest, didn’t get ticked off because theirs was a thankless, taken for granted, expected to preform without reward job!

And as Christians we carry this-worldly attitude of expected reward into our service to Christ. That is clear in our text today. Jesus is answering his disciples request for more faith through a familiar teaching tool of His, a parable. Through His parabolic teachings Jesus breaks down our human thinking and presumptions for us… Remember what the Lord tells us about the differences between our ways and His, “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine” (Isa.55:8).

So here it is laid out simply:

Jesus is telling His disciples both then and now (His Word is the same yesterday, today and forever) are you looking for a reward before your job (service) is finished?
Are you looking to be victorious, to wear the garland without fighting the battle?
Or are you seeking to profit before payday?

To understand God’s message here we must listen with ears singularly attuned by humilities hand. We are the servants; HE is the Master. We are owed nothing, not even our lives! We deserve death, yet in His infinite mercy, He generously rewards us, His servants with life eternal!

Mercy is like a judge finding you guilty, but then withholding any punishment.

Grace is receiving of which you cannot conceive; an unfathomable gift. It’s like that same judge awarding you $10,000,000.00, after finding you guilty. That is the heart of Father God. For God said to Moses, ” The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love” (Ps.145:8 NIV).

So with this in mind, here’s the question…Are you self-serving, or are you God’s servant?

You must get this answer firmly settled in your heart and mind, not only in your relationship with God, but also in view of your eternity. It must be as fixed within you as Jesus’ face was fixed to go to Jerusalem. “When the days were approaching for His ascension, He was determined (fixed, steadfast) to go to Jerusalem” (Lk.9:51NASB).

He was set on fulfilling His service to God as The Spotless Lamb given in sacrifice for the redemption of sinful man. Never once in Scripture do we hear Jesus ask, What’s in it for me? What do I get if I do this for you? Never!

To the contrary, and by example to us all, His will was perfectly, wholly submitted to God the Father. He was heard in the Garden of Gethsemane when faced with His impending Crucifixion as saying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”(Mt.26:39NASB). Thank God we have a Savior who was, in His humanity, tempted as we are and able to relate to our weak flesh! Yet in His Divinity, submissive unto death on a tree for our reconciliation with the Father…

That is what Jesus was trying to communicate to His disciples both then and now, to each of us. And therefore, instead of valuing themselves upon what they had done, and expecting great rewards for it, it became them; after having performed all that was commanded them, to think and say that they had done nothing but their duty.

medal-179766__180 No medals are given to us for doing what it is we were fashioned to do; worshiping God in the form of our service. First, in a life totally surrendered to Him and secondly, as a natural by-product, service to His people. And nowhere in our contract/covenant (The Word of God), does it say that job will be easy or that we’re due a reward here on earth. Quite the contrary! Jesus tells us to expect persecution, harsh treatment, abuse, family discord, rejection, and humiliation…Listen to His Words… “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation (grievous trouble; severe trials or suffering), but take courage; I have overcome the world.” And, “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you”.… (Jn.16:33NASB). What an honor!

You don’t deserve a reward. Period. You’re merely doing your job. You’re His chosen servant. That is your reward here and now; the great privilege of being chosen by God for service…let that sink into your core… “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn15:16 NIV).

Simple right? Man cannot profit God. Happy is he who judges’ himself an unprofitable servant; miserable is he whom God pronounces such. But though we are unprofitable to him, our serving him is not unprofitable to us. For he is pleased to give, by his grace, a value to our good works, which, in consequence of his promise, entitles us to an eternal reward.

When you are privileged to be called into the service of Our God, leave the need for recognition, honor, visibility, and accolades to others. Let them wear their medals as a reward for services rendered. You have just received God…

And as an aside… To our men and women of the Armed Forces, thank you to those who put their lives in harm’s way for our safety, rightfully you should wear your medals with honor and pride.

But for us servants, let us follow The Way of The King who came as our model, a living breathing example of humble servitude. “And whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

So here’s the thing…are you willing to lay down your pride, your need for recognition and reward? Are you willing to live in the shadows, allowing others to shine? What is motivating you to serve God, in your relationship with Him? The answer should not only be obvious… but is simple.

It’s our most powerful four letter word… LOVE! A light in this present darkness…

That’s it. For God so loved… “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn.15:13 NIV).

“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another”.

And… “Work as unto the Lord and as unto men. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Col. 3:23-24)

There are no medals given for faithful service to God…

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“DEATH COULD NOT HOLD HIM DOWN!”

March 27, 2016 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

via-dolorosa-706563_960_720 19 Pilate then took Jesus and scourged Him. ²And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and put a purple robe on Him; ³and they began to come up to Him and say, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and to give Him slaps in the face. ⁴Pilate came out again and *said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you so that you may know that I find no guilt in Him.” ⁵Jesus then came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate *said to them, “Behold, the Man!” ⁶So when the chief priests and the officers saw Him, they cried out saying, “Crucify, crucify!” Pilate *said to them, “Take Him yourselves and crucify Him, for I find no guilt in Him.” ⁷The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and by that law He ought to die because He made Himself out to be the Son of God.”

⁸Therefore when Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid; ⁹and he entered into the Praetorium again and *said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. ¹⁰So Pilate *said to Him, “You do not speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?” ¹¹Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.” ¹²As a result of this Pilate made efforts to release Him, but the Jews cried out saying, “If you release this Man, you are no friend of Caesar; everyone who makes himself out to be a kingopposes Caesar.”

¹³Therefore when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. ¹⁴Now it was the day of preparation for the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. And he *said to the Jews, “Behold, your King!” ¹⁵So they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him!” Pilate *said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.”

¹⁶So he then handed Him over to them to be crucified.

¹⁷They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha. ¹⁸There they crucified Him, and with Him two other men, one on either side, and Jesus in between. ¹⁹Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It was written, “JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” ²⁰Therefore many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin and in Greek. ²¹So the chief priests of the Jews were saying to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews’; but that He said, ‘I am King of the Jews.’” ²²Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”

²³Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His outer garments and made four parts, a part to every soldier and also the tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece. ²⁴So they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, to decide whose it shall be”; this was to fulfill the Scripture: “They divided My outer garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.” ²⁵Therefore the soldiers did these things.

But standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He *said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” ²⁷Then He *said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour the disciple took her into his own household.

²⁸After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, *said, “I am thirsty.”

²⁹A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. ³⁰Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.³¹Then the Jews, because it was the day of preparation, so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. ³²So the soldiers came, and broke the legs of the first man and of the other who was crucified with Him; ³³but coming to Jesus, when they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. ³⁴But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. ³⁵And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe. ³⁶For these things came to pass to fulfill the Scripture, “Not a bone of Him shall be broken.” ³⁷And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”

³⁸After these things Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate granted permission. So he came and took away His body. ³⁹Nicodemus, who had first come to Him by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight. ⁴⁰So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. ⁴¹Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. ⁴²Therefore because of the Jewish day of preparation, since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

20 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came early to the tomb, while it was still dark, and saw the stone already taken away from the tomb. ²So she ran and came to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.” ³So Peter and the other disciple went forth, and they were going to the tomb. ⁴The two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter and came to the tomb first; ⁵and stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings lying there; but he did not go in. ⁶And so Simon Peter also *came, following him, and entered the tomb; and he *saw the linen wrappings lying there, ⁷and the face-cloth which had been on His head, not lying with the linen wrappings, but rolled up in a place by itself. ⁸So the other disciple who had first come to the tomb then also entered, and he saw and believed. ⁹For as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. ¹⁰So the disciples went away again to their own homes.

¹¹But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb; ¹²and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying. ¹³And they *said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She *said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” ¹⁴When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus.

¹⁵Jesus *said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” ¹⁶Jesus *said to her, “Mary!” She turned and *said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher). ¹⁷Jesus *said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’”

¹⁸Mary Magdalene came, announcing to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and that He had said these things to her.¹

⁹So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and *said to them, “Peace be with you.” ²⁰And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord. ²¹So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”

²²And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained.”²⁴But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. ²⁵So the other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”

²⁶After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus *came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” ²⁷Then He said to Thomas, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.” ²⁸Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”

²⁹Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.”³⁰Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; ³¹but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

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“The Prodigal and His Dad” Side 1…

March 19, 2016 / ministermaryellen@gmail.com

So the sheep has been found,

and the coin has been found; however, we now have a son who appears to be bent on running away! He has just told his dad, “I want what is due me when you die, but I don’t want to wait for it. So let’s pretend you’re dead, give me my inheritance and I’ll be on my way!” (paraphrased) (Lu.15:3-32NIV).

His name? We know him as the prodigal son.

Which by the way, when broken down, literally means…, wasteful, particularly where money is concerned. It is derived from two Latin root words that, when combined, refers to one who drives his money forward. Pro, meaning “forth” and agere meaning “to drive”. Drive forth, push away…like oil separating on water, he and his money are parted.

We have looked at two of the three parables in this Fifteenth Chapter of Luke, this being our last. Three parables, three players, one consistent message. Seeking and finding what has been lost.

What caused this son, who represents one that has had relationship with God, to stick his toes into the waters of the world? To turn his back and walk away from a loving Father who has freely provided for His son? Why demand freedom from the arms of loving protection and provision? What caused Him to basically tell His Father to drop dead and give me what I know I’ll get it anyway? Greed…

Listen to how James explains it to us, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (Jas.4:3-4).

Like so many in our churches today, our prodigal is openly irreligious. He has tasted the goodness of the Lord, but felt perhaps like he was still missing out on what was out there, i.e., in the world. Maybe it stemmed from problems at home, maybe early childhood feelings of inadequacy and isolation? Maybe he wasn’t allowed to hang with those he longed to be with, because they did not long to be with him? Maybe it was none of the above and he simply decided that what he saw others doing he wasn’t willing to miss out on, and he figured why not after all, God is full of mercy and grace right?

Our young friend wanted to play the proverbial field. He wanted the best of both worlds and in his sinful, blinding lust for more, in pursuit of this illusive freedom he felt others had and he has been denying himself, he rebelled. He listened to the cunning deceptive words of father of lies who wanted nothing more than to get our young friend alone and away from the protection of His Father and his family. He obviously forgot about what happened to Eve when she listened to him…(Gen.3:1-7). Much like that one sheep in our earlier post, who strayed from the 99, satan wants nothing more than to separate us from God.

His mission according to Scripture is, “To kill, steal and destroy” (Jn.10:10NIV). He is called a thief. He doesn’t want to add to you, or give you anything of lasting value, he simply wants all that you have and then to leave you an empty husk of a person. Useless and frail, no good to yourself and certainly not to others. Talk to any addict and they will share with you the horrors of his deceptive lies. “And through his shrewdness He will cause deceit to succeed by his influence; And he will magnify himself in his heart, and he will destroy many while they are at ease. He will even oppose the Prince of princes, but he will be broken without human agency” (Dan.8:25NIV).

Has there ever been a time in your walk with God that this very urge has bitten you? Caused you to stray too far from God? Brought you to your own personal pig-pen like our young friend? I know it has me…I know I like him have woken up from what seemed a nightmare of epic proportion wondering, how did I fall so far so fast? Our young friend found himself a slave of one who had no real regard for him. Tending his pigs and wishing his ravenous belly had the pods to eat these filthy animals, known back home as, dabhar acheer; “the other things”, had. He was filled with shame and conviction. Yet, here he was living with them, stinking of them, covered in their mess and longing for their pods. He yearned to be home, with his Father…How far the fall when we turn away from God!

Our young friend, through the loving kindness and relentless pursuit our Father demonstrates toward us, was woken-up! He thought to himself, I must go home, what have I done…? but I am ashamed and don’t deserve my Father’s forgives for wishing Him dead and taking from Him what was His to give in His own time. I know that He is a good and kind man who has always loved and shown me forgiveness. I must go back and beg His forgiveness, perhaps, even if He will not accept me back as a son, he will allow me to be as one of His slaves. They at least have good food in plenty, and a clean warm place to lay their head, not like here in this forsaken place amongst these unclean creatures (Lu. 15:17-20NIV)!

Look over there, do you see that man standing in the fine robes gathered securely between his legs? Yes, I know, no self-respecting Jewish Father would be caught dead doing such and undignified thing as lifting his robes and baring his legs in public! it is against protocol and tradition. But He is desperate. His beloved son has been gone so long and he yearns for him to be home again. So he comes here to watch and waits for the slightest glimpse of him. His heart poised at the ready to release all vanity, dignity…, the cares of tradition and what others may say or think. And to run with all his aging legs have in them at the slightest glimpse of his son…

now wait, what is that breaking the crest of that distant hill? A head? Yes, his head! And with that this Fathers heart explodes with joy, empowering His legs with youthful speed as he races to His son.

“My Boy!”, “My Beloved”, he thinks, “He came back!” and this Father hangs onto His son for dear life!

“Father I sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son”.

Now the Fathers servants alarmed after having seen their master run off in a manner unbecoming of his station immediately ran after Him. Stopping just behind him, they too saw the returning son walking toward them, frail and downtrodden. Then they understood why this Father had acted in such a startling manner

“Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” (Lu.15:22-24).

All ends well for the prodigal it seems, we don’t hear any more about him acting out again in Scripture. He is restored to his Father and family. He is covered in a robe of right-standing, the righteousness that Christs’ death and resurrection offers us all. He wears a signet ring on his finger, a crest of his Father’s family. This gives him authority to place a seal on all he decrees as binding, so long as it is in agreement with the Fathers’ Will (Isa.45:11-12; Matt.16:18-19). And his feet are shod with sandals as it is custom that only slaves walk about barefooted. Children’s feet, as well as all of their needs, are met and assured by the care and provision of the Father.

This journey on the road of rebellion was a long and debilitating one for our young friend. On it he lost his family, home, possessions, dignity, integrity, self-respect, friends, and his inheritance. Can you relate? If so, take heart!

Remember that when he finally came to himself and decided to turn his life around and humbled himself before his Father, not only did he not meet with shame, screaming and rejection. His Father had already been out looking for him. Just waiting for the slightest glimpse of his son’s willingness to return to him and what happened?

The Father ended up chasing the son down, not only welcoming him back home, but throwing a celebration and rejoicing! just as with the man who lost his sheep and our woman who lost her coin!

This is the heart of Father God for the lost. People condemn, God seeks, saves and rejoices. Even when we have let ourselves get covered in the filth of the world (our pain and shame)! Will you return home to your Father today? He’s ready and waiting! “Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. ‘I will be found by you,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.’” (Jer.29:12-14).

Sonsofthesea.org

Page 43 of 44

“When They Finally Have Something To Say”… Mat. 9:32-34

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“Do You See What I See?” Matt. 9:23-25

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“Rest Requires Effort” Heb. 4

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“For Your Eyes Only” Luke 24

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“Signs of The Times!” Luke 21

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“Brother, Clean Your Lenses!” Part 2 of Luke 15.

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“No Medals Given Here.” Luke 17:7-10

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“DEATH COULD NOT HOLD HIM DOWN!”

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“The Prodigal and His Dad” Side 1…

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