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

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Is it Ready Yet? John 14:3

January 27, 2019 /

 “When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”

We are a people, most of us at least, who are impatient for an expected end. Bear with me for a moment as I explain…

You wake up to the smell of something delicious baking. Sticky buns drizzled with warm icing? Your favorite cake or cookies perhaps? Maybe? Hopefully! Whatever it is, your nose has foretold the rest of you to expect some gooey, goodness soon! And, your taste buds have announced that they will not be denied! Your salivating in anticipation of the deliciousness that is soon to come.

Or, You’re a child. Your parents announce they’re taking the whole family out for a drive. It’s a surprise. Someplace fun! And you can bring a friend. Your adrenaline starts pumping. You become feverish with excitement. The butterflies in your belly have turned into dragons by the time you get into the car! You’re ready! Anxious even. Yet full of enthusiasm and expectation! “I can’t wait” you squeal! This is going to be so good!

Perhaps its a  blood test that has confirmed what you’ve instinctively known for days now. Your pregnant! Even though you know that it takes nine months before the baby is born, you find your hand searching out your belly. You’re in front of the mirror looking for the slightest evidence of a “bump”. It’s too soon though. Yet everyday you’re examining your body for signs of what’s to come. Knowing it takes 9 months doesn’t deter you from checking things out daily. Why? Your waiting to see evidence of your baby! Even though you know he or she is there, still, you want to see for yourself. What will you be like little one? And the anticipatory ticking away of days and weeks and months begins…

Most of us do great beginnings. Some of us even finish strong. It’s that middle part—the “in-between” waiting part that we’re not all necessarily the best at. Those, “for-evah” in-between places where some of us eventually lose it! It’s around the 78th time we hear ourselves singing about the wheels on the bus that our proverbial wheels fall right off!

“Are we there yet?”

“Is it ready yet!”

“God how much longer; I’ve been carrying this baby f-o-r-e-v-e-r already!”

And we the Church are no different…

Much like those above, we too are filled with a growing sense of expectation. We too are keeping our eyes open for our expected end. The scenery of life whipping past our windows in a blur. We’re focused on our destination. We’re looking for our hope to finally be fulfilled! We know we’re going on the ride of our lives! A heavenly journey unlike any other. We know we’re about to partake in a slice of heavenly goodness unlike anything we’ve ever tasted before! Sure we’ve had a sample. A little wooden spoon full of a taste. A taste that so enticed us it has left us longing for so much more of its sweet goodness. Forget this wooden spoon stuff give me the scoop and a bowl! We know that at any moment, in a nanosecond, before they can fully blink their eyes we’ll be gone; delivered from this world. “Caught up” we’re told. Snatched, as one would snatch another from a roaring fire. Saving them from death…

Rejoice! No more wooden spoons.  Jesus is coming for us! For some 2000 plus years we’ve been told—in some shape, form, or fashion, that He will return for His children! Even the world knows of this Truth; those that don’t believe in “all that Jesus stuff” have heard about Jesus’ returning.

So then, are we that generation every other generation before us has spoken of? The, “This generation that will not pass away until, generation?” Will He come in my lifetime? In yours? By all indications time has crowned. Its head is showing. We’re almost there! We are one more “big push” away from seeing Jesus face to face! From, quite literally—meeting our maker, our Father, our lover. That Friend who has stuck closer to us than a brother throughout our anticipation of His coming. And yet, even in our knowing He will return for us, in the guarantee He has given of this fact, in its absolute-ness, are we really still looking up? Still eagerly awaiting Him? Yearning for His coming? Or, have we allowed ourselves to become so enamored by the seductive scenery passing by the windows of our lives that we’ve mistakenly accepted it as our home? Have we taken our eyes off of Jesus’ promise to come and, “snatch us up?” Bringing us to Himself. Back home where we belong? Back to all He has prepared for us? Have we taken our eyes off of Jesus while we were busy running around preparing for His arrival?

Martha knows a thing or two about this type of distraction. You know Martha; Mary and Lazarus’s sister. She was the one scurrying about making certain every detail of her dinner and its presentation was well attended. After all, Jesus was the guest of honor. She was so focused on everything being “just so”, she snaps at Jesus, her honored guest, commanding Him to get after Mary! To charge her to get up and start helping with the serving of this dinner! Martha has definitely lost her focus. Jesus is with her. The Prince of peace is in the room and yet she is filled with anxiety. She’s gotten caught up in the seductive scenery. She’s taken her eyes off of her honored Guest. But not Mary. She was determined to pull up a cushion and just sit, enthralled, at Jesus’ feet; drinking in His every Word. Her belly full long before she’d taken one bite of her dinner. After all, man doesn’t live by bread alone…

This account of John’s goes on to tell us that Mary, in her devotion and love for her friend, her teacher, her Lord, breaks open, what in all likelihood was, if not her entire dowry then certainly a large portion of it, an alabaster jar of nard. In an instant she is at Jesus’ feet. And her worship, along with her nard, is freely spilling forth.  Filling the room with a sweet fragrance. Mary sees Jesus clearly. Yes, she has enjoyed dinning with Him and laughing with Him—but she never lost sight of just who it was she was sharing this privilege with. Yes, He was her friend. And yes, He was her Teacher—her Rabbi. But above all He was her Lord. Her long-awaited Messiah. She was certain of this. After all, He had raised her brother Lazarus from his tomb after he’d been 4 days dead. Who but God could do such a miracle! And, she remembered His conversation with the 3 of them concerning their belief in seeing the glory of God.

Beloved, how often do you find yourself looking up or out these days and asking, “Jesus, are we there yet? Is it time yet? How much longer must I wait to enjoy your sweet presence face to face Lord? How often do you find your hand checking the proverbial bump on your own belly? This world is one more good push from seeing Jesus face to face. This world has crowned. Its waters have broken, and creation is bearing down with all its might. Are you ready to receive your portion? Beloved let these words found in Hebrews encourage and comfort you both. “Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay” Hebrews 10:35-37.

And for you dear friend saying to yourself, “I don’t think it’s an accident I’m here today.” You’re right! Listen to what Jesus is saying to you too; if you’ll just ask Him into your life as Lord: “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne” Revelation 3:19-21.

“Free or Freedom?” Jn. 8:36

October 8, 2016 /

by-wlodek-428549_960_720  Moses was instructing the Israelite’s in the tenets of the new covenant and its oaths. A New Covenant they were about to enter with God—after their long sojourn through the wilderness. Moses makes plain to the Israelite’s in Deuteronomy 30, that a choice to follow God, and all He asks of them, must be set in their hearts—chosen by them—fixed…

Also, in Chapter 29, Moses, during this same instructing, says this, “Someone may hear the conditions of this promise. He may think that he is so blessed that he can say, “I’ll be safe even if I go my own stubborn way. After all, [the LORD would never] sweep away well-watered ground along with dry ground” (Duet.29:19).

Plain speak. Don’t think to yourselves, “I believe in God, I’m his, after all, He is the God of my father’s—He’s got my back, I’m not like those people.” (the world, the unsaved) those that may know of the Lord—yet presume upon, take for granted, His grace, His patient mercy…because what they actually have is religious knowledge, not true relationship.

For those that may say, but that’s what the Old Testament says with it’s dark, negative speak…listen to what the Apostle Paul tells us in the New Testament. Listen to what he has to say about taking such liberties with God’s  mercy and grace, “What shall we say then? shall we continue in sin, that there may be abundance of grace? God forbid! How shall we that are dead as touching sin live any longer therein” (Rom. 6:1-2).

You may be asking what this has to do with today’s verse? Everything, would be the short answer…

Allow me to elaborate. There is an eternal difference between having freedom’s and being—free…

It is the theme—the fact stated, by our above mentioned principles, Moses and Paul. Each a witness to the Truth, Jesus, who alone is able to set men free.

Solomon informs us in Ecclesiastes that there’s nothing new under the sun, listen: “History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.” (Emphasis mine.) As it was then, so it is today…

Culture, technology, fashions, foods, appearances…all of these certainly are different—unarguably. But the heart of man, his core, remains unchanged. The sin-nature that drives him to chase after the illusive “anything” that will offer him the slightest whiff of supposed freedom—his right to choose, that has not changed one iota in man…

And that friends, that searching, that rebellious selfish want is what drives a man to serve the masters of his flesh, his thoughts, plans, needs and wants—his, what’s best for me. That is what this world and the father of it calls—offers as, supposed freedom. Freedom to choose—my choice, I get to pick, I get to say…Me.

Think of the Israelite’s and the golden calf here…Me, what I want. And I’ll give everything I have and own to get it! They forgot all about Moses on the mountain, weren’t giving a second thought to the fact that he was up there seeking God on their behalf—now, I want it now…(Ex.32:1-3).

Think Pharisees…Me, I deserve the best. All roads point to what I want, what best serves what my flesh is screaming out for. Recognition, accumulation, stature. Don’t I deserve that, after all… (Matt.23:4-7).

Concerning this freedom, how can the world give you something it does not possess? Doesn’t have to give? (Matt.4:9),

Only Jesus has the power and the authority to set a captive soul free (Lk.4:18-19).

There is no better evidence of the false freedoms this world offers, no greater evidence of its lie, and the father of its lies, than what we witness in the dialogue between Jesus and satan. Concerning the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, listen as satan tries to offer Jesus the very things  which Jesus himself created! “Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” (Matt.4:8-9).

Why would anyone ever choose a counterfeit over an original? The world—satan and what he does not have to offer—his temporary smoke screens, over God the creator of heaven and earth and satan as well?  satan, known from the beginning as Lucifer, was a high-ranking angel allowed to choose sin, choose selfishness. He was cast to earth and away from God where he was given dominion to rule temporarily—but never is he, nor will he ever be, mightier than God…

And both he and his illusions of freedom will one day be cast into hell for all eternity… (Rev. 20:1-3).

Regarding this false freedom: it was this-worldly, prideful, sin-soaked freedom, that the Lord allowed one of His creations to choose. And in his choosing, he became the father of lies. The father of those he whispers to—lures, with false promises, stroking their prideful ego’s. Just as he tried to do to Jesus. It failed—he failed. Because it is written—Truth, true freedom, will always, always, expose the darkest of lies—illusions of freedom.

Now let’s hold that idea of freedom—satan’s lies, and contrast, compare them to, the Freedom found in Christ…

God’s Word clearly states, “So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through.” (Jn.8:36). Completely free—nothing held back from you.

Being free is found only through submission—selflessness. It’s the choice we make to relinquish the freedom to choose our own way for God’s…Sounds backward right? It’s certainly a-not-of-this world thinking—not man’s logic.

The best known Bible figures each referred to themselves as, ‘bondservants” of Jesus Christ and claimed to be free through His ownership of them and through their service to others, seflessness…

The term “bondservant” in the New Testament (bond-servant or slave in some translations) is a translation of the Greek word doulos. Unlike perceptions of modern slavery, bondservant or doulos is a relatively broad term with a wider range of usage. In the time of the New Testament a bondservant could refer at times to someone who voluntarily served others. In most cases, however, the term referred to a person in a permanent role of service. The importance of these New Testament authors referring to themselves as bondservants should not be overlooked. Despite proclaiming a message of freedom from sin in Jesus Christ, these writers were dedicated to Jesus as their one master. Further, their service to the Lord was not one they could consider leaving. Most importantly, the image of the bondservant became one of great importance for Christians, who are called to live as bondservants of Christ Jesus…

Just as a bondservant was more than an employee who could leave for another job, the true Christian is a servant who can never leave their master for another. As Christ belonged to the Father and submitted His will to Him, and unto death for us, so we too must submit to Jesus—via our death to self.

Being free is found only in surrendering our wills—wants, desires, those temper tantrums of the flesh, to a higher calling—the common good. Service to another—others. Being free is found only in the resurrected self.  Made alive through Christ’s life, death and resurrection… “Truly, truly, I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him” (Jn.13:16).

Freedom to do it my way….  It’s a lie. It was born from the father of lies. A poisonous brew concocted from the twisted mind of the father of lies—worldly. Offered to all who will as a sweet drink that promises to please. And it does, for a time…but ultimately it ravages, destroys—takes captive, the mind—soul, body, emotions, of the one who drinks it in. It, like its slithering originator, will squeeze the very life from its partaker—one poisonous sip at a time… (Jn.8:43-44; Pro.14:12).

Being truly—eternally free to live a life worthy of—dedicated to God, and service to His people. Will cost you your so-called life…But here’s the thing, since you didn’t create yourself, give live to yourself, it’s not really yours to keep after all… is it (Matt.10:24)?

And unless your life is given in loving surrender to the One who died to purchase your opportunity—the chance for you to be free, the moment you exhale that last breath, His gift to you—it is to your father you will go to partake in a final—eternal glass, of his poisonous brew…

I beseech you today to choose being free in Christ Jesus…As long as you have breath in your lungs there is time…

Listen to Jesus as He shares this same Truth with the Israelite’s gathered around Him: “Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed’” (Jn.8:34-36).

 

 

 

“I’ve Been Where You Are.” 2 Cor.5:11-21

August 6, 2016 /

driving-mirror-472758_960_720 I believe one of the many wonderful gifts God offers us—is diversity.  I’m not speaking here of the diversity found within the melting-pot of nationalities, though beautiful. Nor of cultures, though certainly diverse.

I’m speaking directly—specifically of  diversity found within experiences— our varied yet collective flawed pasts.

Those universal hurts, mistakes, betrayals, and, tragic-regrets we’ve shared or witnessed. Those life-events survived. The events that didn’t kill us, but rather strengthened us.  The experiences we might offer each other as balm to sooth, as encouragement to keep going, as a proof-of-life that helps to build up, that unites rather than divides.

Those very things that shamed us, ripped lives apart. Ours and theirs…

Those things that made us drop to our knees and cry out—in loneliness, desperation, pain, and regret. Like a wounded animal bellowing from places of deep brokenness. From almost-fatal wounds.

Painful scars, cruel slashes, some raw still…staring at us from just over there.

Reminders.

Paul carries them too, these scars. Thorns in our flesh. Dare I say they compel him? Us…?

Listen as he pours himself out in this Fifth Chapter. Read it, Dig into it. See for yourself how he understands—firsthand, what being saved from sin, his sin, truly means… as best one can this side of glory.

He understands that no man’s promised tomorrow— that the light which emanates from a life can, and, often is, snuffed out without warning—zero regard for station.

Beggars and kings, young, old, rich and poor alike—will each will face the Throne of God’s Judgement… ready or not.

Paul knows this like you know water is wet.

And so we witness him defending himself, his knowing, before those who think him arrogant, superior even.

Why?

Because they’ve mistake his heart of compassion, his certain knowledge of God’s mercy, his unmerited, unwarranted internalized forgiveness as arrogance, insolence.

Yet he is trying to persuade men still, to seek salvation in the Lord. Be ye reconciled! And those that do not find him arrogant or superior, those that know him, his sincerity, that know the Truth, will most certainly view him as hypocritical, unreliable, untrustworthy even, should he not boldly speak out, should he back down—from defending this Truth.

Everyone is watching…

Yet despite their fierce scrutiny, he has great love for these Corinthians—so he does all he’s able to remind them, encourage them—of who they are.

Our charge..

There are times in our walk when competing voices will try to put their distracting hands of confusion over others ears. Attempting to block out the deep Truth that lives within us all. But thankfully, mercifully, we serve a God whose will won’t be blocked—His will—will be done in the lives of His children. Those He’s called…

His strength, not ours.

That’s where Paul finds himself today. Convicted. Fiercely. Determined. We’ll all stand in his shoes one day, if we’re truly called as Ambassadors of God…

In his opening verses Paul’s doing his best to say, “Hey, listen to me please. I’m not trying to indoctrinate you into some cult. I’m not bullying or threatening you. I’m not using cheap scare tactics or throwing around disheartening words merely as frightful rhetoric—just because. I’m trying to tell you I’ve been where you are, and by the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ I’ve been saved, restored in Him. It’s only now, as a result of His mercy, that I understand just how far my sinned stained soul was from God—please listen, you’re making an eternal choice.”

Paul is telling us that God’s judgement is coming to each of us—to the whole of the world. There is no escaping.

In the closing lines of the previous chapter he states that all men will appear before the Throne of God, judged for the deeds done while in the body.

Paul has tasted the goodness of Jesus, His saving grace. Remember he was once among the greatest of those who not only persecuted Christians—he stood as a witness and championed Stephan’s death… stoned  for his witness of Christ—of the Truth.

He, Paul, possibly, threw stones himself. Maybe the fatal blow. He stood among the mob gathered…Stephan’s accusers. The first verse of Acts Eight tells us plainly that Paul stood there, “giving approval to his (Stephan’s) death.”

Stephen, God’s servant, operated in signs and wonders. Unheard of…

Recall that at this time in biblical history only the Apostles had been known to move in signs and wonders…

We never know who we may be standing before. Judge not, least…

Yet Paul hated him—as he did all Christians. He rejected everything and anything that smacked of it—Christianity that is. Paul was relentless in his pursuit and elimination of Christians…Think today. Think Isis. That type of determined righteous erroneous hate.

Deeper, more personal. Have you hated or rejected someone for their faith in Christ?

Acts Eight states that Paul, “began to destroy the church. Going from house to house. He dragged off men and women and put them in prison.”

It becomes plain to see why, at this place in his life Paul is so convicted—so concerned about people being reconciled to Jesus. It’s plain to see how well acquainted he is with the weight of sins, his, theirs and ours—and their eternal reach.

Now freed himself through God’s mercy and grace, that freedom drives him to pour out his life in service to the One He had persecuted. Now he lays down his life so that some would know—be reconciled to—find—his Jesus.

Rejection by the world is an oddly a unifying thread among Christians…

We each own a piece of it…this rejection.

It’s an ever present—however silent—tie that binds us all to Jesus. After all, who more than He knew rejection, persecution, and the need for man’s salvation?

And we, His children are commanded to go out into that world that wants little to do with us, often despises us, and daily, faithfully, in-spite-of, carry-out His directive? Go ye therefore unto all the world…

Paul didn’t care what these Corinthians, or anyone else for that matter, thought of him—how they perceived him—so long as his God was honored.

He stood as naked as one may stand fully clothed…our example. Bold.

Naked—in his removal of self-will.

Naked, because he had stripped off his care for the opinions of the world—standing, he was clothed only in the pure love of Christ. Confident that he might reach those he’d been sent to reap—to bring in to the Kingdom. Listen to his plea in verse 20: “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”

And there it is. The heart-cry of Paul and Peter, of James and John and the remaining Eight. Of every Christian Martyr that shared in their same faith, their same certainty. The point of this message…

It’s the heart-cry of every Pastor, every minister and evangelist. The song of every worshiper and the prayer of every warrior who storms the gates of Heaven— violently, for the sake of salvation of souls.

Be reconciled to Christ Jesus!

We are  Ambassadors of Reconciliation. Marked by God. Chosen…

We must wear that mark soberly into each encounter, before each new soul presented in Christ.

Not as one still in bondage, God forbid!

Rather as a Holy fuel!

Being ministers who live in a state of such relentless remembrance of Gods mercy towards us, allowing that to spur us on, to pour out our lives for each other, and the whole world.

We must never forget our past sin-stained state—more, we mustn’t care for the opinions of others towards it, that in that caring we may be deterred—save the opinion of Christ alone. “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are.”

We must keep in the forefront of our minds that we, and those that have yet to know our Father, are not promised tomorrow. And while it is today labor tirelessly for the reconciliation of souls.

In closing, listen to our brother Paul’s heart…“If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.”

Receive this word as a charge. Wrap yourself in it. Arm yourself with it because; “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”

I’ve been where you are, dear heart, precious soul, please, hear my plea that you too be reconciled to the Father. Cry out to Jesus for forgiveness of your sins.

Until next time…

“Just A Taste” Mk.9:1-8

July 16, 2016 /

ice-cream-1123717_960_720 In today’s Scripture Jesus opens with a puissant statement of fact. But what is He alluding to specifically?

A clue is given within His word choice. Jesus hints at its deep significance through His word usage. The solemnity of what He is about to say, He uses language which He reserves only for occasions such as this. Pay attention…“Verily I say unto you…”

Is it His death and resurrection to which He is referring in this odd opening verse? Or, maybe it’s the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost?

Perhaps He’s speaking to the imminent spread of Christianity or, to Jerusalem’s destruction in A.D. 70?

Mark’s opening verse is ambiguous, oddly placed…hence all the scholarly debate surrounding it.

But if we just look at it, it seems a natural flow, an easy pivot. It serves to transition us into what’s coming next. Linking some of those present to His, Jesus’ own future intent. Jesus gathers us up and points us toward Mt. Hermon—to His Transfiguration. And everything is clear, deep but clear.

While each of the fore-mentioned events are Biblical fact, for a few within the crowd that day, three within earshot of Jesus actually—each of these events will become a reality. Eye-witnessed.

And that is the very heart, the core, of this event, this witnessing. So it’s toward that, toward seeing and tasting for oneself that we’ll look toward today. One delicious spoonful at a time…

What happens to us, each of us, when we’re given a taste of Jesus?

If we are anything like our brothers we’re left wanting more. A taste isn’t nearly enough to sate our longing, our desire for Jesus.

But it is just enough, typically, to leave us wanting. Craving that is, desiring, running after—more of Him.

You noticed no doubt the visual used today is ice cream. Specifically, many tasting spoons standing in many tubs of various flavors of ice cream.

Why?

To demonstrate a point, two actually. The first, as human beings we do enjoy our options, dare I say, demand them!

If you have doubt about the validity of my statement, check out the variety of television stations available to us. The variety of, types of, cars, colors, watches, fashion choices and eateries. How many flavors do we really need—to flavor our coffee?

We are inundated with choices, varieties, types. As a result, we are often left unsatisfied, overstimulated, by what we’ve chosen. Left flat. Yet we’re happy glad that we get to wake up tomorrow and get to choose anew!

We have not yet been satiated.

Neither have our three brothers.

But things are about to change—eternally…

Three have been chosen, hand-picked to follow Jesus up a mountain. And you…come along.

Yet, for these three, this is nothing new, being the first to go, do, and see that is. Somethings aren’t meant for everyone to witness, first, filters are required.

Peter, James, and John—Jesus ’ inner circle. They are those filters through which Jesus pours Truth, His Truth, Kingdom Come Truth—full strength, by the mouthfuls.

These were chosen for their unique abilities. Each eventually would learn both how to consume, ingest and then disperse, speak out, allocate, teach—these unfiltered Truths.

Three prodigious leaders of the future Church. They’ve each been with Jesus from the beginning. Hand-picked. Known by God—Ginṓskō, like a man knows his wife. Intimate like.

For nearly Three years now these have slept beside Him, eaten with Him, been privy to His numerous miraculous healing’s and extraordinary, unparalleled, radical teachings. Yet they are not yet fully firm, not yet set in their knowledge of His divinity…more time is needed.

Things are still a little wobbly…

But wait you say, Peter? Wasn’t it Peter, this same Peter, who said out loud, who answered correctly when all others failed, that Jesus was The Christ—The Son of God?

Yes, you are correct.

It was this same Peter indeed. The one who loved Jesus the most, think John 21. Yes, it was this impulsive, bold, bodacious Apostle—the denier, the reinstated one, the Fisher-of-men, the fisherman, the rock. Simon.

And yes, it was John. The same John who laid his head against Jesus’ chest at the Last Supper, the one Jesus loved. The Beloved. The one who stood at the foot of the Cross and received Mary as his own mother. The very same John that would write a Revelation on an Isle called Patmos. Exiled there after having survived being boiled in oil for his refusal to stop preaching the Gospel when ordered to do so by the Emperor Domitian.

And James, John’s brother. Whose mom asked Jesus that each of her sons sit at His right and left hand in Heaven. James one of two brothers whom Jesus prophesied would in fact drink of the shared cup of suffering that He, Jesus, would  Himself drink from. This same James would be the first of the chosen Twelve Apostles to see martyrdom by the sword at the hands of King Herod Agrippa, as witnessed in Acts Chapter Twelve.

We could get heavy here. We could delve into deep Biblical Truths and mysteries— from here on out in fact.

We could get theological. We could enter into the significance of, the meaning behind, these three brothers being allowed to witness Jesus’ Transfiguration. More, we could delve into both the immediate and lasting reasons why Jesus took them, as leaders, along in the first place…

We could look into the significance of, the meaning behind, the Law and the Prophets. Symbolized by Moses and Elijah’s appearance and witnessed by these men. Moses, symbolizing those that have died in Christ, the other, Elijah, one who never tasted death…Wait. Didn’t Jesus say something about not tasting death before His return?

We could examine how neither the prophets nor the law could or can save a man. How it is only through the shed Blood of Jesus Christ, only by His Redemptive work done for you and I on Calvary’s Cross, that our salvation may be, can be found. How one such as you and I can’t even enter the place of desiring the new life Jesus’ death and resurrection provides without, outside of, the Fathers call.

We could go into it all. But we won’t…

Rather, I’d have your focus be on what’s to come…

As with our brothers, let’s assume you’ve had a taste of Jesus also. And like our brothers, though wobbly at times, you’re determined, fixed on following after Him. You’re walking up the mountain with Jesus, trusting, curious, excited, yet filled with trepidation’s. But your walking. Heel to toe—your walking.

The Apex is in sight yet you stop because He did. Look! What’s happening to Him? You can’t look anymore, not straightaway, only barely, through squinted eyes. Dazzling bright whiteness. Jesus stands before you—éclat.

And that Voice, that soul-penetrating, commanding Voice. Emanating from within the clouds. That same Voice that said, that you heard say, “This is my Son, listen to Him.” That Voice. The One that changes everything…

And wham…you’re on the ground. Stiff as a dead man with fright. You knew He was different this Jesus, knew He was powerful, believed He was a Prophet, The Son of God even, Messiah—but now. Oh now, sweet undeniable now…

Silent in contemplation, each step a thought, you return to the mundane that awaits you at the end of this journey, the base of this mountain. There’s always a valley. The necessary mundane, the purpose of the journey. Lessons. You’re now a witness to something so immense, so life altering it can only do one thing for you, propel you, prepare you, for what awaits you…The Fullness of Jesus.

There is a song by Jesus Culture entitled, “Holy Spirit”.

Within its second verse these lyrics are found; “I’ve tasted and seen, of the sweetest of loves. Where my heart becomes free and shame is undone. In your presence Lord.”

That dear heart, beloved, that is where I want you to focus today. On that taste. That moment on your personal mountain top, your place of witnessing His Transformative power…

I’m challenging you today to continue to walk in the footsteps of those three brothers who went before you. Trailblazers. The original taste-testers…

Follow their lead, read their stories, listen to their hearts—every time you, like they, get a little wobbly. And you will. We all do. Each time, every time your taste buds need a reminder of that one-of-a-kind, mind-blowing flavor of Jesus Christ. That other-worldly experience only He provides!

Why? Preparation.

Once you’ve tasted His love, mercy, goodness, grace, kindness—the plethora of His unmerited favor, His benevolence. Once you’ve had a taste of Him, His perfection, everything outside of Him becomes lack-luster, bland. Hospital food bland. It becomes ordinary and eventually, prayerfully, completely undesirable…

This is our great goal. Here, now, on earth. Before others—to desire, exude, crave, Him alone.

Like our brothers before us the taste of Jesus should leave us, has left us—ravenous. And it, that taste, should drive us to do anything—anything. Destroy every, any obstacle, every relationship that stands in the way of more—of it. Of Jesus.

Everything must be pushed aside, left. As we stand before all that Jesus has for us, like greedy, unashamed children we should be jumping up-and-down. Shovels, not spoons in our grasping hands, saying, screaming… yes please daddy, I would most definitely like more, and more—and more.

Until the day I stand before you a shirt-stained mess, belly puffed out from the bits hungrily gobbled-up along the way. Now, home with you. Sated. Finally, no further need for my spoon…

“Eyewitnesses” 2Pt.1:19

July 2, 2016 /

eye-428390_960_720 “We couldn’t be more sure of what we saw and heard—God’s glory, God’s voice. The prophetic Word was confirmed to us. You’ll do well to keep focusing on it. It’s the one light you have in a dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts” (2 Pt.1:19).

Is Peter double talking?

Or, is he confirming Scripture?

Confirming Scripture I believe. And Scripture bears me out. Listen to what Jesus says: “The eyes that see the things you see are blessed! For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see the things you see yet didn’t see them; to hear the things you hear yet didn’t hear them” (Luke 10:23-24).

It is on The Word of God alone that we must rely.

Peter is nearing the end of his life, he has finished his race and is awaiting his Crown of life to return home to his Friend. It’s from this mindset that he’s speaking—observation and experience. You see he was privy to be eye-witness to what only burned in the hearts of the prophets to know…to witness for themselves. But it was not for them…

They longed for what Peter and the disciples had experienced. The magnificent privilege of living in the physical presence of Messiah. The Holy One of Israel. To taste of His Divinity, bask in His Holiness. To listen to, be taught and instructed by Him daily. To fellowship and tabernacle with Him at will—and live! Think God speaking to Moses here—listen: “But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live” (Ex.33:20).

Yet here is Peter telling us that not only was he eye-witness to the Messiah, more astonishingly, He was His friend…

In fact it is Peter alone, in the Gospel of Mark, who answered unswervingly the question Jesus posed to His disciples. “Who do people say that I am? And what about you?” Peter answered—via divine revelation: “You are Christ, the Messiah, God’s own Son” (Mk.8:29, Lk.9:20).

For three years Peter walked with, ministered alongside of, ate with, slept near and had been privy to the teachings of Jesus. Couple this with being one of three welcomed into Jesus’ inner circle and certainly, by all accounts, we have evidence of Peter being a fit eyewitness—a worthy and reliable source.

Need more?

Let’s go to Mark 9. Here we see Jesus, Peter, James, and John. The three are witnesses to Jesus’ Transfiguration. This only eight or so days following Peter’s revelation and profession of Jesus being the Son of God. In the blink of an eye Peter went from being the one who had followed Jesus in faith, had believed Him to be the Messiah, to an eyewitness.

There was no room for doubting that Jesus was in fact—the I Am spoken of by the prophets!

Perhaps Peter was in the crowd the day John baptized Jesus and heard God’s voice declaring Him His Son  (Mk. 1:10-12)? Perhaps that was the first time Peter heard God’s audible voice? Was that what caused him to drop everything and follow after Jesus? Scripture doesn’t specify. Whatever the case may be, Peter most certainly heard God’s voice loud and clear on the mountain when Jesus was Transfigured. He also saw Moses and Elijah, as well as witnessed the physical realm shift in appearance as they were collectively engulfed within a cloud (Matt.17:1-5; Lk. 9:28-36).

So is Peter in any way questioning, doubting or challenging the veracity of the prophets accounts of Jesus? Absolutely, emphatically—no! What he is in fact doing is laying down, confirming, adding, another layer of truth—an eyewitness account.

Peter is doing what each of us are called to do. Fulfill the Great Commission. He is giving testimony to, lending a voice to what he knows—emphatically. He is saying if you have any doubt that the Old Testament prophets may have gotten it wrong let me set the record straight. He is a lawyer’s dream come true!

And tell us Peter, on the day in question, on that mountain—can’t you just hear it?

Their questions, his sharp, crisp, quick answers! No hesitation, no second-guessing. Just here it is, this is the way it happened.

So now that we’ve established we can rely on Peter’s eyewitness testimony, it follows we should adhere to his instructions to us. We must stay fixed, focused on Jesus—and His Word. Patiently awaiting Jesus’ promised return for us—His eyewitnesses.

But how do we do this? How do we like Peter, James and John, like the prophets of old—become reliable eyewitnesses?

By following after the example of the one who spoke to them—instructed them. By following, via strict adherence, Jesus’ instructions. Just as they did.

To be a credible witness, one must deny himself. That is—deny what you think, feel or imagine to be real and true if it does not align with Scripture—the inerrant Word of God. Jesus did nothing outside of His Father’s will. “Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another, showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way” (2Tim.3:16). Obviously I am not referring here to mundane daily tasks like picking out your wardrobe…

As eyewitness for Jesus we must be discerning. We must know, via The Holy Spirit within us, what to pay attention to. What we should allow to influence our thoughts, words and deeds. And what to dismiss, run from, disdain as folly—snares meant to rob our Truth. “Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world” (1Jn.4:1)

We must be willing to lose our lives, not popular I know, but necessary. Every belief, possession, personal ideal—everything must be willingly laid at the foot of The Cross. We must be subject to Jesus’ Lordship over us or we are useless. Salt without taste—willful, rebellious. Using eyes that do not see—the blind leading the blind. “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul” (Matt. 16:25-26)?

Witnesses must be confident, bold in their truth. We must be audacious, uninhibited in our testimony, come what may.

We, unlike the Peter and the Apostles, may not have yet seen Jesus face to face but that doesn’t diminish our knowing Him—our certainty in His existence. He is no less real to His friends today than He was when He stood and spoke to Peter, James and John face to face. To be a credible, trustworthy, reliable eyewitness we must have zero regard for our reputation. We must be singularly focused on speaking the truth—God’s Truth. Solely. Without wavering. Without compromise. “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, divine utterance may be given me, so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should” (Eph.6:19-20).

Beloved, we have yet to see our Lord face to face, yet we do have firsthand knowledge of Him and in fact have seen a shadow of His Magnificence. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible attributes—his eternal power and divine nature—have been understood and observed by what he made, so that people are without excuse” (Rom.1:20).

If we have eyes, we are eyewitnesses…

Even if we were blind our Spirit would testify to His truth!

Go, as eyewitness, into all the world telling anyone—everyone that Jesus Christ is Lord while it is still today. While you here, sojourners in a foreign land, awaiting your Crown…then you will have fulfilled Peter’s instruction—to wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts.

Be a faithful and true eyewitness…

Until next Beloved, Blessings.

 

“Temporary Temples x3” ; 2Chron.2:5-6

May 28, 2016 /

divine-486226_960_720 The Word of God states that unless God build the house, whatever that house may be; a ministry, marriage, business venture or the building of an actual Church. Regardless the endeavor, if the Lord is not fully at its center—it is doomed to enviable failure. The Bible hosts a plethora of just such stories of eventual demise. Down to the mighty King Solomon a figure in today’s text.

One thing Solomon knew early on, understood well enough in his early years, was that it was not man who built God a home, but rather God who instructed man to build a Holy Place to gather to pray and to worship Him.

It was God in the desert of Arabia who instructed Moses about how he should go about building a Tabernacle. Every detail, down to the most seemingly insignificant, was birthed from the Omniscient mind of God. And, what may have seemed insignificant to man, was certainly not so with God. A holy and pure God demands nothing short of the same from His people, or there will be a price to pay. Eventually the Tent is erected.

All is accomplished according to the exact specifications of the Lord God and He came and filled it with the Glory of His presence: “Then the cloud covered the Tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle” (Ex.40:34).

We, as those created and set apart for His use, cannot be corrupt vessels and expect to live. Just look to Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu as or examples. “Each took his fire-pan and put fire in it, set incense on it, and presented strange fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them to do” (Lev.10:1) Emphasis my own.

The results, each is struck dead. Consumed by the very fire they had wrongly put in their censers. Why? Willful disobedience.Transgressions that defiled that which is Holy…

  1. They used their own censers and not those utensils set apart in the sanctuary for Holy use.

  2. Only the High-Priests were allowed to burn incense in the Holy censer.

  3. They used common fire. Not that taken from the Holy fire continuously burning at the altar.

  4. They were both Priest.priests, obliged above the people to keep the rituals Holy and pure.

Now the Tent is erected. All is accomplished according to the exact specifications of the Lord God and He came and filled it with the Glory of His presence: “Then the cloud covered the Tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle” (Ex.40:34).

And as it was with Moses and the plans given Him by God, so it is with Solomon and the plans he inherited David. These plans  given to David by divine inspiration from the Lord: “All this he made clear to me in writing from the hand of the Lord, all the work to be done according to the plan.” (1Cron.28:19).

We have now witnessed the fulfillment of the Mosaic Covenant and the building of the first Tabernacle of the Lord.

Now through David’s desire to build a dwelling place for God, the Davidic Covenant is born and, through his son Solomon, a man of peace, the Temple of the Lord is built-in Jerusalem.

In addition to the strict building command issued by God for the design of these places of worship, (each measurement, placement and construction material used in their building) we see as equally significant, a direct relationship to the contributions made by the people of God for the acquiring of the materials necessary to guarantee the Temples construction (1Chron.29:1-6), (Ex.35:20-29).

Understand, God did not need the gifts of His people to accomplish His plans then, and He does not need them today.

We are however, graciously invited by the Sovereign God of the universe, Creator of all things seen and unseen, to harmoniously walk along side Him and share in His creation process.

More succinctly, be co-creators with Him. Why? We find our answer in the person of Jesus Christ, our third, greatest earthly Tabernacle.

John’s Gospel introduces Jesus as the Son of God Who Tabernacles among men during His earthly sojourn (Jn.1:4). Thus making Jesus the Living Tabernacle of God dwelling with man. From the time of Jesus’ coming to earth to present, the dwelling place of God among men is no longer witnessed in buildings filled with great clouds of smoke…

The New Testament teaches us that the dwelling place of God is the Church. His Body. Not a building, but in those people called by His Name in the person of The Holy Spirit.

Stephen knew this. At his trial he defended himself, in part, for speaking against the Temple proper. And in so doing educated those listening that it is the Body of Christ, His people—that are the true church (Acts 7:48-50).

Are you, like the Israelite’s mesmerized by a building?

Are you thinking that simply because you are in Gods House He is with you?

That a relationship between you exists?

Think again…

God is not found in buildings made of stone. For the Israelite’s, the Temple had become an idol—a foothold used by satan. A hook into the people’s pride. Certainly for the Pharisees, even for the Apostles. They held both the Temples splendor as well as its mere physical presence as proofs that God both favored and was among them. And as a result mistakenly believed that they were with Him.

The Temple is not necessary for God; He doesn’t need it. Man does.

And as it was with the Israelite’s, so it is with us…

Many folks today who attend a church seem to feel that the act of entering a building and participating in the ensuing service is proof positive they are a Christian. misguided, they’ve looked right past their lack of a relationship with God. Their lack of welcoming His gift of salvation and their need for His Lordship over their lives.

From the beginning God showed Himself relational with man. Just look to Adam and Eve for confirmation. They were created with relationship in mind, to tabernacle with God: (Gen 2:15-25-3:1-19).

Additionally, God knew Blood would need to be shed to maintain relationship with Him. We see evidence of this in the Garden. It’s shedding was witnessed after the fall of Adam and Eve… to cover their sin. “The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them” (Gen.3:21). The first shedding of blood.

Next we witness blood shed in The Tent of Meeting by the Priests on behalf of the people for the atonement of their sins. Moses construct, the ephemeral model of Christs Redeeming work yet to come. “Moreover, he shall take some of the blood of the bull and sprinkle it with his finger on the mercy seat on the east side; also in front of the mercy seat he shall sprinkle some of the blood with his finger seven times. 15“Then he shall slaughter the goat of the sin offering which is for the people, and bring its blood inside the veil and do with its blood as he did with the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat and in front of the mercy seat. 16“He shall make atonement for the holy place, because of the impurities of the sons of Israel and because of their transgressions in regard to all their sins; and thus he shall do for the tent of meeting which abides with them in the midst of their impurities.…(Lev.16:14-16). And,  “But only the high priest entered the inner room, and then only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance” (Heb.9:7).

Now on to Solomon’s Temple: “Then the king and all the people offered sacrifice before the Lord. King Solomon offered as a sacrifice twenty-two thousand oxen and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep” (1 Kings 8:62-64).

Lastly, stand with me at the foot of the Cross of Christ. Beholding the Ultimate Earthly Tabernacle. God Himself in the person of His Only Begotten Son. Where the Blood of The Spotless Lamb was shed once, for all…“And in the same way he sprinkled with the blood both the tent and all the vessels used in worship. Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.  For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.  Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own. Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself”(Heb.9:21:26).

Though our Father both initiated and made provision for each of His Earthly Temples He never intend for us, His children, to mistakenly idolize them. Nor are we to assume that simply because they are among us today, that His Spirit inhabits them.

As Stephen said, Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says, “Heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? Did not my hand make all these things” (Acts 7:48-50).

What is church? Better yet, who is Church?

Since Scripture clearly indicates what the Church  is not, a building made of stone by human hand. Perhaps the greatest answer to this question resides in the dialogue between Jesus and a Samaritan woman.

An Odd teaching tool this, seeing how Jews and Samaritan’s had no dealings with each other. Unfortunately, much like the world and the church today. Separate, another us and them culture.

Are you still walking into a building today and thinking you’re at church?

Are you, like the Israelite’s mesmerized by the building itself? It’s beauty and opulence?

Do you Think that simply because you are in Gods house He is with you… that relationship between you exists?

Listen to Jesus description of the True Church, the Church as God intended from the beginning…

“Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.  You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.  But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.  God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (Jn.4:21).

Blessing Beloved, until next time…

 

 

 

 

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