Sonsofthesea.org

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

Tag: love (Page 6 of 6)

“Even the Tree Had A Purpose” Luke 19:4-6

March 19, 2017 /

“So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.  When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly” (Luke 19:4-6).

Only in Luke’s Gospel accounts do we find the Parables of the “lost things.” The coin, the sheep, and, the son. Luke’s lost theme points us towards the reason Jesus has come to Jericho on this particular day.

It was not accidental…

There is nothing random about God. He both can and will use anything, any circumstance, to reach us.

Luke directs our focus. He Causes us to realize why it was Jesus had stepped down across time and eternity to donned a suit of flesh. He has come to find that which is lost. “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).

And He knows exactly where to go to find it…

Even the tree in Luke’s account had a purpose. Why? It was a place of gain. A predetermined location, a portal of sorts, where the Divine would meet a man and from that meeting the will of God would be born—again. A sign in our narrative of what was about to take place. Now it was Zacchaeus who would climb the tree to see Jesus. Soon however, it would be Jesus being lifted-up on a tree for all men to see. No longer would man’s view of His Savior be obstructed. Jesus would make certain of that…

It’s why He came, first into the world, but today, specifically, into Jericho.

Zacchaeus, a wealthy man by all accounts—and a chief tax collector, was about to gain the greatest gift he would ever own. One worth giving up—surrendering, turning over to, everything that he had known, accumulated—and clung to. Zacchaeus had heard of Jesus, perhaps he had even seen Him—as a passerby, or one standing in the many crowds that had followed Jesus. Certainly, he had heard tell of Him and of His power to do miracles—to restore to life that which was dead. To make those that were blind see. To bring healing and restoration to dead, useless limbs.

But, as a Jew, there was something else that caught Zacchaeus attention. He had heard the whispers…

Could this be the Messiah? The One he and his people had been waiting for? The One foretold by the Prophets of old? Spoken of by the elders? Or was He just another rabble-rouser? After all, there had been so many that had come claiming to be the one who would deliver his people.

Yet there was something about this one—something that caused Zacchaeus to get excited—more, hopeful, that perhaps, just maybe, He truly was the Messiah. The Son of the Living God. And he was not the only one to share this curiosity. The streets were filling up quickly, like when the people prepared for a festival. There was a great sense of expectancy and excitement in the air…

Why did I have to be born so short? I’ll never be able to see Him now, and I just must, I must! That tree, that’s it!! It’s perfect—it’s solid enough to support me, yet short enough for me to climb up; and yet tall enough for me to get just high enough so as not to miss Him as He passes by!

Perfect tree…

Jesus knew exactly where Zacchaeus was. He had seen across time and eternity that on this very day, at this very hour, Zacchaeus would climb this very tree—and more, God knew why he’d do it. Zacchaeus wanted more. And he was willing to do whatever it took to make sure he got it. Little did Zacchaeus know as he was climbing that tree that Jesus had seen him doing so before the very foundations of the world had been laid. And today—at this hour, was the exact moment Jesus had chosen to show Himself to Zacchaeus—for all Eternity…

Zacchaeus couldn’t have known that this simple tree he was climbing to better see this Jesus had been planted just for him, just for this reason—it was its purpose, to lift Him higher. To elevate Him above those that had come out of a “carnival curiosity.”

Zacchaeus had no idea, as he was climbing to catch a glimpse of this maybe Messiah, that he was actually on a bridge that God had constructed to bring the natural man and the Divine together.

One in a tree, another on the road below. Yet both on their respective paths to destiny. To the fulfillment of their Divine purposes…

And the rest of Luke’s account attest to the fact that this one tree had not been created in vain. Rather, in being the conduit that facilitated this supernatural encounter, it had fulfilled its purpose in being created…

And in Zacchaeus, we see the Spirit of Jesus’s Words found in Luke 18:14: coming to life; “I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

So here’s the question that God has put before me; and so I’ll ask it of you too. “What does your tree look like? What has He put before you that you would choose to climb up in to go higher—solely that you may see Jesus more clearly?”

Or is your tree something that God is asking you to walk away from—leave behind, let go of perhaps?

Will you, like Zacchaeus, drop everything so that you too may better see God?

“So he ran on ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see Him, since Jesus was about to pass that way. When Jesus came to that place, He looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down, for I must stay at your house today” So Zacchaeus hurried down and welcomed Him joyfully.… (Luke 19:4-6; emphasis my own).

 

 

 

 

“From Those We Least Expect It…” Luke 22:21-22

February 26, 2017 /

   

“But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” (Luke 22:21-22).

If you are of a certain age unfortunately you have felt the brutal sting of betrayal.

Our text this week deals with that very issue, betrayal at that hand of one you invited in, your Judas. That one you opened your heart, home, and wallet to. The very one you shared all those confidences with. That same friend who, to term a modern colloquialism was, your ride or die. Your best-friend, that entrusted brother or sister, one who sat at your table and broke bread with you.

Forgive me if you feel I am belaboring this point, but it is imperative you understand the magnitude of the type of betrayal to which our scripture is referring,it is one of dire eternal consequence.

This was no faux-pas. No painful, yet, unintended shower of friendly fire.

To quote a famous  World War II propaganda expression: loose lips sink ships. At one time in our lives, we have each been guilty of betraying someone, consciously or not. Even the greatest of saints were once flesh-pots and calloused!  “There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.” Martin Luther King, Jr. (excerpt).

However, most people, when made aware of their unintended disloyalty, will immediately apologize and do all that is possible to seek immediate reconciliation. “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother” (Matt. 18;15-17).

The Bible has many examples of betrayal at the hands of those we would consider members of this very family type…

Here in Hawaii, they are called “Hanai” relatives. Those we adopt, take into our hearts as family. Our inner circle. Hanai speaks directly to this friend that is like our kin because we have chosen to allow them in to ourselves, our hearts and trust…

As an example, look at the relationship that existed between King Saul and young David, shepherd boy and future King of a reunited Israel…

They clearly shared this deep bond of brotherly love and affection. Saul kept David with him like a second son, and David submitted himself to Saul in all things, served him valiantly, cared for him after he defeated the giant Goliath. Saul put David in charge of his men of war. David went from shepherd to general of Israel’s Army in the blink of an eye. Yet in the end, jealously and treachery strangled Saul’s heart of affection for David and Saul sought to kill him (1 Sam. 18:1-16 NKJV).

Strong’s Greek Concordance refers to this above relationship type as; Adelphos: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. And, both Saul and David were fellow Jews who each loved and served the One True God.

Betrayal is inescapable as long as man exists. Satan made sure of that in the garden. And God spoke to its resulting condition, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel” (Gen.3:15 ESV). An ongoing blood-feud between what we want to do and what we actually do.

Arguably, the greatest instance of betrayal known in scripture is found within Jesus’ inner circle of friends. His name: Judas Iscariot, his crime, apostasy. An unthinkable betrayal (Lk.22:3-4 ESV).

He is the one who freely choose to take all that Jesus had offered him, a place by His side, love, His teachings, instruction, care, and the opportunity to have new life and he rewarded Jesus for all of this how?

By selling him out for thirty pieces of silver!

Sound familiar?

How many in our world today are selling Him out for their equivalent of thirty pieces of silver?

Saying, both, to themselves and Him…

I thought following you would make life easier but it’s not working, see ya!

Why did you let this happen to me to my child?

No, I don’t want to have to hear your name in any public place and that’s my right!

My tax dollars pay to keep that school open and my son will not pray to you!

So what that you created the heavens and the earth, some book a bunch of uneducated men wrote says that and they all tell it differently, so no thanks!

I believe in the Big-Bang.

Jesus-smeasus…

Talk about betrayal…

This is Jesus were talking about! The One spoken of in John,  listen…“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men” (Jn.1:1-4 NIV).

This is Jesus Judas betrayed! You betrayed, I betrayed, the world betrays daily. Jesus. Who foresaw He would be betrayed, and spoke of it at the Last Super (Lk. 22:21-22 NIV). These same scriptures speak plainly of Judas’s betrayal and subsequent end. And we too face Judas’s same outcome, today, should we decide to join Judas in our betrayal of Jesus…

Spiritual death and hell await all those who betray Jesus and crucify Him afresh in their denial of His being, “The King of Kings, and Lord of Lords” (Rev. 19:16).

However, unlike Jesus, we can’t always foresee our betrayers. They don’t walk into our lives with signage that states, need your heart shredded, want to feel like a loser for trusting me? (Ps.55:12-14)

So, if we know that betrayal is unavoidable, how do handle it when it comes our way? When we experience the depression, yes, Christians do get depressed, that betrayal leaves in its wake? What of our self-doubt or the shell that we might so readily slip into for protection?

Do we give as good as we got by taking matters into our own hands?

After all, don’t we deserve retribution? NO. Certainly not!

If we are trying to follow in Jesus’ footsteps than we must set our hearts toward forgiveness, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34NIV). It is our responsibility, let me say that again, our responsibility to choose to forgive just as we have been forgiven. Keeping ever before us our own betrayal of the Beloved, least we forget…

Forgiveness is a conscience. It’s determined, deliberate, acted out. It’s not something that is simply thought about or felt. “But I say, love your enemies, Pray for those who persecute you!“ (Matt.5:44 NIV).

If we waited until we felt like forgiving those who have betrayed us, we wouldn’t act. Why? Because in our flesh, we wouldn’t feel like it! Forgiving is an act of submission, it takes humility, it is us handing Jesus our will and saying, “not my will but thy will be done” (Lk. 22:42 NIV).

Forgiveness is a command, we are ordered to do it (Eph. 4:32 NIV). God in His infinite wisdom knew that we as prideful man would seldom, if ever, willingly forgive each other such an offense as betrayal. Choosing to forgive those that we never saw it coming from, or, even from those we had a clue just might have it in them, is saying to Jesus; I remember when I betrayed you. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard (Rom. 3:23).

Even now, after having walked with you, in my rebellion, I sin and betray you, still, in my thoughts, words and, deeds….

Thankfully for us, we have Jesus as our defender, our advocate before the Father. We have access to His promised forgiveness for our sins through repentance.

Sadly, and with eternal consequence, it’s something Judas never humbled himself to do…

And, through Jesus sacrificial, Atoning Blood, if we ask Jesus into our lives, He comes, as both our Lord and our Savior. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

We as church-ed folk forget that just a moment ago, we too were the ones inflicting the betrayal…

I know I was.

Yet forgiveness doesn’t mean doormat. We aren’t letting the one that hurt us off the hook. Forgiveness simply means they can no longer live in our heart and head rent free! “Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Ps.51:7). You evict them from the space their betrayal used to take up and you make room for what God is trying to bring into your life now.

Don’t give the enemy a foothold to allow bitterness to set itself up in your heart…

Can we do this on our own, no. But in Christ Jesus, “I can do all things”(Phil. 4:15). Friend, don’t believe the lies of your accuser. Love always looks for the best. Don’t take my word listen to The Apostle Paul, “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance” ( 1 Cor. 13:4-7).

 

I pray this has brought you some small comfort, helped to chase away or ease your feelings of; I’m so stupid, how did I not see this coming?

Let me leave you to refresh yourself with the knowledge of the One who fights your battles for you, if you’ll just ask Him into your heart today… “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2 NIV).

“It’s Time for A Revolution!” Ezek. 18:27-32

October 29, 2016 /

graffiti-156018_960_720 Before we can do a thing—take part in it, we first must understand what “it” is. So, along that bent, what is this revolution of the heart, mind, and, way of living God is detailing to Ezekiel? What news will he share with the Israelite’s—with us?

Simply put—you will be judged according to how you live. Not how your mother or father, nor any others before you chose to live…

Here’s how Webster’s defines revolution: A sudden, radical, or complete change; a fundamental change in the way of thinking about or visualizing something.

Revolution begins with personal—individual responsibility. It begins and ends there. God is telling Ezekiel that each man is responsible for his life—his actions, and their subsequent consequences.

You did it, you own it!

This thinking held by the Israelite’s, that they were judged for what their fathers did, was flawed (Ezek.18:20)—unless, and only,  as children often do, they were mimicking their parent’s sinful behaviors.

Then, assuredly, they should rightfully expect to suffer the consequences of their own sins and rebellion, just as their fathers will suffer their own…

It is in this way only that they, and in succession, we, share in the generational sins of our fathers…” You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me” (Exo.20:5) … this concerning the sin of idolatry. Anything we put in front, in place, of God…

It is only through Adam that every man shares in sin—and subsequently, the curse that was introduced into the world thus. And, like our first parent, we, like the Israelite’s, have learned well, how to play the blame game…(Gen.3:17-23).

Adam was the first to play the game—to attempt to sidestep his sin—his culpability…

The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it” (Gen.3:12). Emphasis my own.

Did you catch it? He is telling God; you did this to me. It’s all that woman’s fault. If it hadn’t been for her, I wouldn’t have done it! Why did you put her here?

It is a commonly shared— human trait to lay blame on others for our wrong, sinful, behaviors and choices. We will even go so far as to assign blame to God! Solomon told us there is nothing new under the sun (Ecc. 1:9)!

Adam completely glossed over his guilt—his choice. And so it was with the Israelite’s. They falsely blamed God for being punished for their forefather’s sins. The truth of the matter is, they were being punished for their own sins and rebellion against God.

And so will each of us, today, unless we break the cycle of blame and take responsibility for our sins against God. And, if you’re thinking; I’m okay, I’m a good person, I’m not like_____, I don’t need to confess and ask forgiveness of God—let His Word speak correction to you, listen; “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (Rom.3:23).

Don’t miss that—the everyone and all. None of us are sinless or exempt from God’s just judgement…

That is the point of—the actual heading of, today’s chapter from which our verses are taken. “The Soul Who Sins Will Die.” Not because of what your mother or father, grandfather or grandmother did, not because of some supposed on-going family sin, but because you choose to do what is wrong in the eyes of God…

Until we take a revolutionary stance and say enough—no more! No more lies, no more blaming, and playing the victim, we will continue in our current behaviors—hardened by our sin, blinded in our rebellion, and we’ll miss the heart of God. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom.6:23).

And for those who profess to know God, profess salvation through His saving grace, no more taking one step forward to take two back using the excuse; but it’s what I know, I’ve been doing it for so long, I can’t seem to break free of it…

God is not pleased with that thinking and certainly not with the behaviors that are birthed from it, listen; “Like a dog that returns to its vomit Is a fool who repeats his folly” (Prov.26:11).

More to the point still for those who profess to know the Lord; “If we give up and turn our backs on all we’ve learned, all we’ve been given, all the truth we now know, we repudiate Christ’s sacrifice and are left on our own to face the Judgment—and a mighty fierce judgment it will be! If the penalty for breaking the law of Moses is physical death, what do you think will happen if you turn on God’s Son, spit on the sacrifice that made you whole, and insult this most gracious Spirit? This is no light matter. God has warned us that he’ll hold us to account and make us pay. He was quite explicit: “Vengeance is mine, and I won’t overlook a thing” and “God will judge his people.” Nobody’s getting by with anything, believe me” (Heb.10:30-31 Msg.).

So how do we start this Revolution? Humility…

Before anything in us can change—we must acknowledge we need to change. We must admit that all of our, “self-help” attempts to change our condition, our lives  have done little or nothing of lasting effect. And we’ve abandoned them in disappointment. Heaps of frustration, shame and self-loathing piled high on the floor of our lives.

While in front us , all we have left to face tomorrow with, our only remaining hope is…  whatever the next-best-thing might hand us…

Truth is, in-and-of ourselves, we are powerless to change—powerless to break the chains of sin, compulsion, rebellion, and, blame. We like the Israelite’s, and all those that have gone before us, must humble ourselves, acknowledge—own up, take responsibility for, our sins and cry out to the only one who can ignite this change, this revolution within…

It’s the only way to start a personal, powerful—truly life changing revolution!

And the wonderful news is you can start yours today—now, without delay, wherever you are.

How?

Here, let me help you…It all starts with you and God.

… “Who then can be saved? Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matt.19:26). 

Salvation is not self-help.

Let me repeat that, salvation is not self-help. Don’t get it twisted! Salvation is not just another thing you do—or try, in some fickle-minded attempt to fix what you believe to be broken in your life. It’s not a magic wand.

Salvation is submission to a Divine decree—surrender to the undeserved saving grace of Jesus Christ. It is God first choosing you, loving you. It is Him on your cross dying in your place, for your sin…

So yes, true revolution begins with your surrender! your surrendering of your will for His will. Your plans, for His plans for you. Your timing for His timing. Self for service. Sounds contrary doesn’t it? That’s because what you need for a successful revolution will never, cannot be— found in this world…

Colossians says it like this; “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Col.3:2). Jesus came to this world for one specific purpose. You. The work He did on His Cross—His choosing to die in your place, gave you the necessary tools, that if used correctly, can enable you to humble yourself and ask Him to come into your life, both as your Lord and your Savior…

Doing for you what He intended when He created you… “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jer. 29:11).

Revolutions don’t start accidentally, nor are they unplanned—willy-nilly, they require purpose, decision—planning. True revolution requires a blazing spark from a heart that has said—enough! Change—whatever the cost!

The thing about revolution—there’s never a right time to start one…

The right time is always today, now!

If you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, ask Him in your heart—your life! “But as for me, my prayer is to You, O LORD, at an acceptable time; O God, in the greatness of Your loving kindness, Answer me with Your saving truth” (Ps.69:13).

Until next time beloved…Blessings.

“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…

“Living Sacrifices?” Rom. 12

June 4, 2016 /

hand-1030566_960_720 “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship.  (Rom. 12: 1)

With one word the Apostle Paul packs a powerful punch! More to the point, a powerful pivot in his Epistle. If we were to back track through Chapter 11 and unpack just some of its contents we would learn these two key lessons.

Firstly, Gods love and plan for Israel. The Apple of His eye. In the opening verses of Chapter 11, Paul stresses Gods foreknowledge of a remnant of Jews that He has “set aside” by His grace for a future time. “Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace” (Rom.11:5).

And why does this happen? Gods providence. It allows for the engrafting of the gentiles…” I say then, have they (the Jews) stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy” (Rom. 11:11).

Yet Paul also warns the gentile nations, not to feel superior in attitude because of this, our glorious new gift of salvation. As if we are somehow better than, more holy than, the Jews. He reminds us it is by God’s grace that we are each alive.

That we have even been offered this unfathomable gift of a possible eternity spent with God as heirs…if we choose to accept His free gift. “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God” (Eph. 2:8). Emphasis my own.

 

Now on to Paul’s, Therefore…

How do we respond to a God who makes room for us? Loves us, woos us and pursues us, A God that laid down His very life out of pure love for us? I write this in the present tense because it is still on-going.

Simple. We follow the loving example of Jesus. We serve an unchanging God… “Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb 13:8) Emphasis my own.

And how exactly do we do it?

By emulating Jesus’ sincere sacrifice in our daily walk. We too must be willing to lay aside our wants, needs and desires for those of the Fathers. Just as Jesus did, a student is no greater than His Teacher.

After all, sacrifice is the crux of the Christians walk. “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matt.16:24).

What does it look like to carry this out?

Firstly, we can’t do something we don’t know to do. So we must study.

Root ourselves in what is necessary for navigating the dicey waters of the world. We need the Word of God.

It’s our Life-line. Oxygen in our needy lives. The only Guide to navigating our walk with God.

By The Holy Spirit, it’s how we discern Gods will.

For instance, to solidify Paul’s instruction to us in Romans, we only need turn to Galatians for his more explicit discourse on the perils of following after the desires of the flesh.

Paul takes our teaching Scripture a step further leaving no room to question what God wants and doesn’t want from us… listen; “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery (magic and enchantment); hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, carousing, (indulging in one’s appetites excessively) and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:19-21).

We overcome this list by our sole, tenacious reliance on the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit. It’s the only way we are able to love God, flee sin, and, love our brother as our-self. In our own strength all of this is impossible. We prove our love and devotion through our actions, our sacrifices.

The Word tells us somewhere that faith without works is a dead faith. We must lovingly, like Jesus, sacrifice our best.  We mustn’t approach God with anything less than a heart that is burning to please Him. As with Abraham, so it must be with us.

We must be willing to kill the very promises of the future God has given us, spoken over us. Also, put to death everything in us that stands in the way of our doing nothing less than our absolute best.

That is our reasonable act of worship. If we are not offering that, we’re offering God an imperfect sacrifice, our leftovers. Should a God who gave His all accept  second best from a people He died to save?

How do you feel when your aware that a loved one is simply going through the motions with you?

Isn’t invested enough in you to give you their very best…(time, love, attention, thoughtfulness, restraint)?

Worship is… our acts of submission, humility, our intentional willingness to serve God, not-self. It is a paramount first step in cleansing our hearts and hands. It is being humble, teachable, sacrificial in our giving. It’s lovingly placing on Gods altar our willful, selfish desires.

Those carnal qualities that are diametrically opposed to God and His Lordship over us. Those desires that arise in us when we ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit and instead, choose to feed the insatiable beastly appetites of our carnal fleshly nature.This is but a sliver of how we can set ourselves apart as living sacrifices pleasing to God.

When we fail to make room for, to be obedient to, the Holy Spirit’s guidance. It’s then that we’re in jeopardy to falling prey to sin and death. It’s there  we fail to head the Words of life laid out for us within Romans 12.

There we miss out on an awesome opportunity to shower God with our love by willingly offering Him all of our—I wants in exchange for—your will be done.

How do we do this?

By surrendering our will, our body, our actions and reactions into His Loving Hands.

By saying, have Your way in me…

This desire, fostered only through the Holy Spirit, must cause us to bring all to at the Altar of the Lord. Everything that is not pleasing to Him, every impure thing, so that God may send down a Holy fire to burn off our spots and wrinkles—our sins. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way” (Ps.139:24).

We must not do as the Israelite’s did. That is, bring less than our best, most pure sacrifice before the Lord. That’s irreverent, it’s treating that which is Holy as common. It’s ignorant and unworthy of a flawless God. Don’t take my word for it, let’s listen to Gods heart on the subject;

“When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice lame or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?” says the LORD Almighty” (Mal.1:8).

If it’s not something we would want for ourselves, wouldn’t giveto another, how much less is it worthy of God?

As Christians, we’re called to live at a higher standard than the world around us. That can feel tricky at times. Like walking a razor-sharp line that feel’s too precarious to walk without getting cut!

And that’s wisdom, because the truth is, it is—if you’re trying to walk it alone!

We need to bind ourselves to the Holy Spirit with an eternal knot. One  so obvious and unyielding that it’s visibility alone should speak to the fact that we will not allow anything to loosen our reliance on God. Period.

Regardless the attaches our flesh may attempt to wage against us. Regardless the lures and wiles of a world set on ensnaring us and robbing us of our relationship with God.

How will we know what those storms may look like? Foreseeing them is far easier than you may think…

Ready?

Here’s how…

Stay saturated in the Word of God. It’s your eyes. Use it to see clearly.

Stay anchored to it, like a ship apt to go adrift when left unmanned, it’s your life line, your harbor when the storms of life and the desires of the flesh rage. Doing their utmost to uproot and weaken your hold on what you know to be Truth…. “Take hold of instruction; [actively seek it, grip it firmly and] do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life” (Pro. 4:13).

If this all sounds daunting friend and you’re feeling like you’ll never be able to finish your race, especially in the world in which we live today. One deeply entrenched in an evil.One in which sin and temptation camp-out in waiting to entrap you.

Take heart beloved—I’ll leave you here with the very Words Jesus used to encourage a group of men who felt just as you do…

“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.

 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:16-18) Emphasis my own.

“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…

 

 

 

 

Newer posts »

© 2024 Sonsofthesea.org

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑