1 John 1:5 "This is the message we have heard from him, and declare to you; God is light; in him there is no darkness at all."
Have you ever thought about why John would start his little letter called 1 John by telling those he was writing to that God is light? Light implies perfection, no ignorance, no sinfulness on God's part in this illustration. It speaks to me about how God can be trusted and that there are no dark places in the existense of God. Many people who have died and returned have described God as being a great "light" and experiencing peace and joy in His presence. John is trying to tell us that God can be trusted.
Many of us have trusted in someone only to find that trust misplaced. When I was a summer missionary in 1988, I went to Nevada. On that trip, I was partnered with a guy from Mississippi. We would regularly go out and visit church members at each town we would go to of the churches we were serving. I was diagnosed that spring with hypoglycemia. I was probably borderline diabetic at the time, but they didn't use that term then. I had confided in my partner how bad I was feeling. When I left the room of the church member we were visiting he took the opportunity to tell everyone he didn't believe what I had said. I happened to overhear him talking when I was entering back into the room. We never really had a good relationship after that and I sure never told him much of anything important after that.
Many people emphasize the phrase that will come later in John about how God is love. That is a wonderful truth also. God is love, but God is also pure holiness. He is also light. He is also trustworthy. He won't treat you like this partner did to me. Many of us get burned when we put our trust in people and give up trying to trust others. John is saying with God, this is someone who is completely worthy of your putting your faith in.
In contrast to this, John will say later in chapter 1 that God realizes we are not light. We have faults and sins. If we say we do not then we are liars. I can't stand liars. If you lie to me you show disrespect and that you aren't trustworthy. Maybe that is why Satan is called the father of lies. The truth is, is that we fall short. But, John says, because God is trustworthy, if we confess our sins then he cleanses us from "all" unrighteousness. Please notice that word "all". It is a complete and total forgiveness without strings attached. According to 1 John 1:9 this is based on our willingness to ask and his faithfulenss to answer.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Fear and Faith
I was thinking today of Paul's letter to Timothy known as 2 Timothy. He wrote it knowing that his time on earth was short and that he would soon be martyred for his faith. Paul described himself as a "drink offering being poured out before the Lord." (2 Timothy 4:6) In this final letter that we have, Paul wanted to remind Timothy to be strong and to remind him that the spirit within him was one of power and not of fear.
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7
Paul knew something of fear. He speaks about it several times and speaks of times of trembling and challenge. (See for example 1 Corinthians 2:3) He speaks of times of being beyond exhausted and sick. He talked of scars on his body and being shipwrecked and in prison and beaten with rods. ( 2 Corinthians 6:4-10) Paul didn't do all that without fear. Faith is not the absence of fear, it is working despite fear. To have fear in those is normal. To not have fear is sick.
Paul saw others who had fear and it caused them to turn and walk away from what God called them to do including Demas, who Paul said deserted him (2 Timothy 4:10). In Paul's first missionary journey it was Mark who walked away from Barnabas and Paul. It caused such a split that when Barnabas wanted to take Mark again on the second journey they had to split up because Paul was against the idea (Acts 15:38). Yet, later Paul talks about Mark's usefulness in ministry to him. We know John Mark as the author of the second gospel of Mark. God used him despite a poor beginning.
I know something also of fear. I am not a person who by nature gets in front of the crowd. But, sometimes God calls us to take a step of faith and to trust Him in what we do not see. It does not mean we are careless or don't work hard. It doesn't mean you don't do your homework and sleep with the book under the pillow. (I wish that did work!) It means believing in a big God who provides for our needs and knows how to take care of his children. Every evidence is, that even though Mark and Timothy may have been timid at first, their faith overcame their nature shyness and timidness. It is because they stayed focus on the God who is greater than their problems that they were able to overcome.
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7
Paul knew something of fear. He speaks about it several times and speaks of times of trembling and challenge. (See for example 1 Corinthians 2:3) He speaks of times of being beyond exhausted and sick. He talked of scars on his body and being shipwrecked and in prison and beaten with rods. ( 2 Corinthians 6:4-10) Paul didn't do all that without fear. Faith is not the absence of fear, it is working despite fear. To have fear in those is normal. To not have fear is sick.
Paul saw others who had fear and it caused them to turn and walk away from what God called them to do including Demas, who Paul said deserted him (2 Timothy 4:10). In Paul's first missionary journey it was Mark who walked away from Barnabas and Paul. It caused such a split that when Barnabas wanted to take Mark again on the second journey they had to split up because Paul was against the idea (Acts 15:38). Yet, later Paul talks about Mark's usefulness in ministry to him. We know John Mark as the author of the second gospel of Mark. God used him despite a poor beginning.
I know something also of fear. I am not a person who by nature gets in front of the crowd. But, sometimes God calls us to take a step of faith and to trust Him in what we do not see. It does not mean we are careless or don't work hard. It doesn't mean you don't do your homework and sleep with the book under the pillow. (I wish that did work!) It means believing in a big God who provides for our needs and knows how to take care of his children. Every evidence is, that even though Mark and Timothy may have been timid at first, their faith overcame their nature shyness and timidness. It is because they stayed focus on the God who is greater than their problems that they were able to overcome.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Isaiah 7
For whatever reason, I seem to be focused these days on passages from Isaiah. Some may look at this book of prophecy and wonder why and how it could hold relevance today. It is a bit hard to understand if you don't know the history behind the passages in them. But, a deeper look at the history and background will reveal that we have a lot in common with the times, both political and historic to Isaiah. Even more important than that, it is easy to see that some of their struggles then were some of the same things we struggle with today. In Isaiah 7, the primary issue seems to be one of trust and misplaced trust.
Isaiah was told to go out to the water system that King Ahaz was overseeing. Ahaz was worried about the threat from the north from the kingdoms of Syria and Ephraim. We are told in this chapter that Ahaz's heart was shaking like trees shaking in the wind (Isaiah 7:2). If I can put it in modern language, Ahaz was having a full fledged panic attack over the idea of these rulers destroying what he had. As a result, instead of trusting in God, he had made an alliance with the King of Assyria.
Isaiah went out to tell Ahaz that he should not worry about these two kings for in 65 years they would not exist. That was around 734 B.C. when Isaiah stated this to Ahaz. We know looking back on history that these kings were attacked both before that Assyria defeated Syria in 732 B.C. and invaded Judah in 722 B.C. But, Ahaz was not a man of very much faith in God, even though he was encouraged to trust God. Isaiah said to Ahaz,
"If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all."
But, God knew that he was not asking Ahaz something that came easy for him, so he offered to give Ahaz a sign. Ahaz's comments "I will not put the Lord to the test." is a statement of false humility. He had already showed who he trusted in by making an alliance with Assyria. How many of us make the same mistake, in times when we may feel like God is silent or times when we have slowly walked away from God, we trust in what we can see rather than God. Ironically, it is the very one who he trusted in, that is Assyria, who would ultimately lead him to the most trouble. As is the case many times today, God will allow you to fall by the very thing you trust in instead of him. His words to Ahaz are words to us also. This is how you stand as a believer.
It is easy to criticize Ahaz for his pathetic lack of faith looking back on the situation. We don't have a sense of the vulnerability of Ahaz or how weak he felt. We can't see how vacant the storerooms of food looked or the sense in which he was militarily weak. But, the issue is the same for us sometimes. God tells us to look at him and to trust him and all we can do is look at our circumstances and cry out, "It is too much." The thing is, that often times when we trust in other things those things we thought would hold true for us end up being the very thorns in our flesh. Turns out, we are leaning on a fence that has already fallen over.
The interesting thing about it is, that if we could truly grasp how great and vast and powerful God truly is there would be no wavering in doubt. We would be firmly convinced of the power of God to do more than we can ask or imagine. But, we get our eyes off of God so easily and on to our circumstances. It is like Peter who looked at the waves in the ocean rather than at Jesus when he walked on the water and began to sink. Our circumstances, much like Ahaz's, seem so big, but God described Ahaz's problem as "two smoldering stubs of firewood." (7:4) Doesn't sound like they impressed God very much. It was not that they were so small, but that God is so very big. Our very imagination doesn't allow us to comprehend how much God can do.
Just like God tells Ahaz all those centuries ago to trust Him, so he tells us to trust Him. In fact, it is impossible to please God with faith. There are also many promises we can claim when we lay a hold of trusting in God. Some that come to mind to meditate on:
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petituion, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
Isaiah was told to go out to the water system that King Ahaz was overseeing. Ahaz was worried about the threat from the north from the kingdoms of Syria and Ephraim. We are told in this chapter that Ahaz's heart was shaking like trees shaking in the wind (Isaiah 7:2). If I can put it in modern language, Ahaz was having a full fledged panic attack over the idea of these rulers destroying what he had. As a result, instead of trusting in God, he had made an alliance with the King of Assyria.
Isaiah went out to tell Ahaz that he should not worry about these two kings for in 65 years they would not exist. That was around 734 B.C. when Isaiah stated this to Ahaz. We know looking back on history that these kings were attacked both before that Assyria defeated Syria in 732 B.C. and invaded Judah in 722 B.C. But, Ahaz was not a man of very much faith in God, even though he was encouraged to trust God. Isaiah said to Ahaz,
"If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all."
But, God knew that he was not asking Ahaz something that came easy for him, so he offered to give Ahaz a sign. Ahaz's comments "I will not put the Lord to the test." is a statement of false humility. He had already showed who he trusted in by making an alliance with Assyria. How many of us make the same mistake, in times when we may feel like God is silent or times when we have slowly walked away from God, we trust in what we can see rather than God. Ironically, it is the very one who he trusted in, that is Assyria, who would ultimately lead him to the most trouble. As is the case many times today, God will allow you to fall by the very thing you trust in instead of him. His words to Ahaz are words to us also. This is how you stand as a believer.
It is easy to criticize Ahaz for his pathetic lack of faith looking back on the situation. We don't have a sense of the vulnerability of Ahaz or how weak he felt. We can't see how vacant the storerooms of food looked or the sense in which he was militarily weak. But, the issue is the same for us sometimes. God tells us to look at him and to trust him and all we can do is look at our circumstances and cry out, "It is too much." The thing is, that often times when we trust in other things those things we thought would hold true for us end up being the very thorns in our flesh. Turns out, we are leaning on a fence that has already fallen over.
The interesting thing about it is, that if we could truly grasp how great and vast and powerful God truly is there would be no wavering in doubt. We would be firmly convinced of the power of God to do more than we can ask or imagine. But, we get our eyes off of God so easily and on to our circumstances. It is like Peter who looked at the waves in the ocean rather than at Jesus when he walked on the water and began to sink. Our circumstances, much like Ahaz's, seem so big, but God described Ahaz's problem as "two smoldering stubs of firewood." (7:4) Doesn't sound like they impressed God very much. It was not that they were so small, but that God is so very big. Our very imagination doesn't allow us to comprehend how much God can do.
Just like God tells Ahaz all those centuries ago to trust Him, so he tells us to trust Him. In fact, it is impossible to please God with faith. There are also many promises we can claim when we lay a hold of trusting in God. Some that come to mind to meditate on:
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petituion, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Anniversary
Recently, I went to Texas to celebrate with my family my parents 50th wedding anniversary. I found myself pointing to different landmarks as I drove with my family through the neighborhood I grew up in. Pointing out where someone lived or where I went to school or remarking "This road wasn't here when I was a kid." We also got to watch some slides of my parents and family that my sister and I have saved. It was great to get caught up with people and hear what is happening in their lives.
One of the men who pastored my parents church was at the annivesary party. It was his last Sunday at the church before going on to work as a chaplain and administrator at a hospital. He happened to be the associate pastor when I was a teenager at that same church. I reminded him of some things we both took part in. It was great to see him and hear what was happening in his life.
I also got to see a friend who I hadn't see since 1987 when I was in college. Her husband started a ministry before they met in Houston dealing with troubled teens. We got a chance to see what God is doing through them to help troubled young people. It is great to see God at work in their lives.
So, it was a great time to remember and reflect and see what God has done in people's lives. It's interesting to see how God leads and directs us. Sometimes we end up in places or doing things that we never would have thought of doing. It reminds me of what Isaiah said when God says, "Who will go for us?" and Isaiah said, "Here am I, send me." It was that willingness to be used that God needed in order to send Isaiah. He did not send Isaiah against his will. I imagine though that there were times that Isaiah wondered what he had signed up for.
When I was a teenager, I told the youth leader of our Wednesday Bible study that I thought he should do a Bible study on Job. He said, "No, I think you should do it." I decided to take him up on the challenge, though I had never led a study before. I actually chickened out the first time he suggested it, but did it the second week. I was scared out of my mind. I was afraid someone would ask a question I wouldn't be able to answer or people would not like what I had to say. I imagined a ton of things that could go wrong. But, none did and I survived and taught several hundred Bible studies after that. But, it all started with that one challenge which I was given. God gives us challenges like that. Sometimes it seems more than we can do. But, with God's help we can do much more than we think we can.
Reflect back on the last year or several years. What has God led you through?
What has God called you to do that you didn't think you could do?
Are you willing to say like Isaiah did ,"Here am I. Send me!"
What is holding you back that you may need to let go of?
One of the men who pastored my parents church was at the annivesary party. It was his last Sunday at the church before going on to work as a chaplain and administrator at a hospital. He happened to be the associate pastor when I was a teenager at that same church. I reminded him of some things we both took part in. It was great to see him and hear what was happening in his life.
I also got to see a friend who I hadn't see since 1987 when I was in college. Her husband started a ministry before they met in Houston dealing with troubled teens. We got a chance to see what God is doing through them to help troubled young people. It is great to see God at work in their lives.
So, it was a great time to remember and reflect and see what God has done in people's lives. It's interesting to see how God leads and directs us. Sometimes we end up in places or doing things that we never would have thought of doing. It reminds me of what Isaiah said when God says, "Who will go for us?" and Isaiah said, "Here am I, send me." It was that willingness to be used that God needed in order to send Isaiah. He did not send Isaiah against his will. I imagine though that there were times that Isaiah wondered what he had signed up for.
When I was a teenager, I told the youth leader of our Wednesday Bible study that I thought he should do a Bible study on Job. He said, "No, I think you should do it." I decided to take him up on the challenge, though I had never led a study before. I actually chickened out the first time he suggested it, but did it the second week. I was scared out of my mind. I was afraid someone would ask a question I wouldn't be able to answer or people would not like what I had to say. I imagined a ton of things that could go wrong. But, none did and I survived and taught several hundred Bible studies after that. But, it all started with that one challenge which I was given. God gives us challenges like that. Sometimes it seems more than we can do. But, with God's help we can do much more than we think we can.
Reflect back on the last year or several years. What has God led you through?
What has God called you to do that you didn't think you could do?
Are you willing to say like Isaiah did ,"Here am I. Send me!"
What is holding you back that you may need to let go of?
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Surrender
I was thinking today of the passage where Jesus tells his disciples that they must take up their cross and follow him. I was specifically wondering what the disciples thought that that meant before they knew that Jesus would die on the cross. Keeping in mind that the only crosses they had seen were the Roman crosses that were used to torture and slowly kill people. People would sometimes stay on a cross for a week or more, slowly going mad from the dehydration and blood loss. The thief and Jesus were the exceptions when it comes to those who died within a few hours of the start of the crucifixion.
One of the things it most likely meant was the idea of surrender and sacrifice. It means putting God's will first and my own last. It means loving my enemies and praying for those who hate us. It seems to mean, at least in part, in doing some things that my flesh is rebellious of, like not immediately getting even with those who make me angry or not gossiping about those I don't like.
Maybe that is part of what it means to have a sin nature because my flesh seems to be, as Paul says in Romans 6-7, in rebellion to what God wants. In fact, the harder I try sometimes the least success I seem to have. Rather, the "no" of the law seems to make my sin nature reek havoc. It is like I would not have wanted to walk on the grass, bu there is a sign that says, "Don't walk on the grass", so suddenly that's what I want to do. Or that could be my passive-aggressive nature shining through, but I suspect I am not alone here.
The thing is, is that even Paul had these struggles and none of us will arrive this side of heaven, but I think part of it is found in growing closer to God and surrendering and submitting these areas of my life to God's control. Moses, for example, was a man who committed murder while in Egypt. He actually beat a man to death and hid him in the sand. But, years later, after multiple encounters with God, the Israelites noticed that Moses face shone after he talked with God. It wasn't that there was something all that special about Moses. But, it was a reflected glory that they saw from Moses being in God's presence. In a sense, you become like those you hang around. If Jesus needed to spend all nights at times in God's presence, then how much more do I need it? I need to realize that if people are going to see any glory, it is also going to be reflected from having spent time in his presence.
Questions to Consider:
1. Whose presence do I reflect back to others on a daily basis?
2. Do I spend enough time with God that others can see it without a bumper sticker or other christian light slogan or stickers?
3. Do I really surrender my will to God's? Or do I just want him to bless what I want to do?
4. What areas of my life do I need to surrender to God?
One of the things it most likely meant was the idea of surrender and sacrifice. It means putting God's will first and my own last. It means loving my enemies and praying for those who hate us. It seems to mean, at least in part, in doing some things that my flesh is rebellious of, like not immediately getting even with those who make me angry or not gossiping about those I don't like.
Maybe that is part of what it means to have a sin nature because my flesh seems to be, as Paul says in Romans 6-7, in rebellion to what God wants. In fact, the harder I try sometimes the least success I seem to have. Rather, the "no" of the law seems to make my sin nature reek havoc. It is like I would not have wanted to walk on the grass, bu there is a sign that says, "Don't walk on the grass", so suddenly that's what I want to do. Or that could be my passive-aggressive nature shining through, but I suspect I am not alone here.
The thing is, is that even Paul had these struggles and none of us will arrive this side of heaven, but I think part of it is found in growing closer to God and surrendering and submitting these areas of my life to God's control. Moses, for example, was a man who committed murder while in Egypt. He actually beat a man to death and hid him in the sand. But, years later, after multiple encounters with God, the Israelites noticed that Moses face shone after he talked with God. It wasn't that there was something all that special about Moses. But, it was a reflected glory that they saw from Moses being in God's presence. In a sense, you become like those you hang around. If Jesus needed to spend all nights at times in God's presence, then how much more do I need it? I need to realize that if people are going to see any glory, it is also going to be reflected from having spent time in his presence.
Questions to Consider:
1. Whose presence do I reflect back to others on a daily basis?
2. Do I spend enough time with God that others can see it without a bumper sticker or other christian light slogan or stickers?
3. Do I really surrender my will to God's? Or do I just want him to bless what I want to do?
4. What areas of my life do I need to surrender to God?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
More
So, this may surprise you since it says that I am an ordained minister and deacon, but I have not been to church in a month or two. I was sitting here thinking about trying to go to a nondenominational church in Lexington sometime soon, but not sure if I will. I am just not sure where I fit in anymore. The times that I have gone to church lately, I have preoccupied with what my kids were doing or misbehaving or having a difficult time concentrating on what the pastor was saying. It seems like I am using more energy than it is worth. I also wonder if what I am doing in church would even really be considered worship since I seem so preoccupied.
I think also that I am these days hungry for something authentic in my daily spiritual life. Something that works. It seems so much of the time I don't see much difference between those who don't go to church and those who do. I fail to see any time in the Bible where a person encounters God and stays the same. Maybe the problem is that we don't encounter God in church often enough and rather only man and his ideas.
I am by no means saying that I am perfect or that I have arrived. I have as many faults as anyone else. So, the frustration isn't just everyone else and not me. I have two degrees in both religious education and Masters of Divinity. I have studied the Bible through many years of study on my own. But, I still see glaring problems from where I need to be and where I am. So, my frustration is also that the church has not made the impression on me that I wish it would have. I know one thing though, is that I am tired of feeling like I am just going through a routine and I want more authentic worship and an encounter with God. That is what I am hungry for and not more of what man thinks.
Sorry if that sounds like I am gripping. . . .I am just saying I want more of God and less of everything else.
I think also that I am these days hungry for something authentic in my daily spiritual life. Something that works. It seems so much of the time I don't see much difference between those who don't go to church and those who do. I fail to see any time in the Bible where a person encounters God and stays the same. Maybe the problem is that we don't encounter God in church often enough and rather only man and his ideas.
I am by no means saying that I am perfect or that I have arrived. I have as many faults as anyone else. So, the frustration isn't just everyone else and not me. I have two degrees in both religious education and Masters of Divinity. I have studied the Bible through many years of study on my own. But, I still see glaring problems from where I need to be and where I am. So, my frustration is also that the church has not made the impression on me that I wish it would have. I know one thing though, is that I am tired of feeling like I am just going through a routine and I want more authentic worship and an encounter with God. That is what I am hungry for and not more of what man thinks.
Sorry if that sounds like I am gripping. . . .I am just saying I want more of God and less of everything else.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
What is a deposit?
In some churches these days you hear a lot about the "baptism of the Spirit" or the "filling of the Spirit". Some people view these as different events, but I never did. One role that you hardly ever hear talked about when it comes to the Spirit however is that He is our deposit. Notice what it says in Ephesians 1:13-14 "Having believed,you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit, guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession-to the praise of his glory."
So, what is a deposit or a guarantee? If I make a earnest money deposit on a house, I am saying to the seller, I intend to buy this house. I am serious about this one. If you sealed something, like Pilate did with Jesus tomb on Friday, you are claiming rights over. The seal bears the mark or insignia of the one who owns the seal. So, that is what Paul is saying here, we are being claimed as belonging to God. Our adoption has been declared.
If I am then "in Christ" and I have been sealed by the Holy Spirit, then my spiritual heritage is secure and not totally dependent on how I feel or what stupid things I may say or do. Furthermore, now I also have an advocate, who is also the Holy Spirit before the Father. He helps me to pray when I don't know what to say. He teaches me when I am slow to learn. He reminds me of what Jesus said and did. He ministers to my spirit and understands me when nobody else does, which seems to be often.
"Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is god who justifies. Who is he who condemns? Christ Jesus, who died-more than that, who was raised to life- is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." Nothing, no nothing can separate us from the love of God. Romans 8:33-34
So, what is a deposit or a guarantee? If I make a earnest money deposit on a house, I am saying to the seller, I intend to buy this house. I am serious about this one. If you sealed something, like Pilate did with Jesus tomb on Friday, you are claiming rights over. The seal bears the mark or insignia of the one who owns the seal. So, that is what Paul is saying here, we are being claimed as belonging to God. Our adoption has been declared.
If I am then "in Christ" and I have been sealed by the Holy Spirit, then my spiritual heritage is secure and not totally dependent on how I feel or what stupid things I may say or do. Furthermore, now I also have an advocate, who is also the Holy Spirit before the Father. He helps me to pray when I don't know what to say. He teaches me when I am slow to learn. He reminds me of what Jesus said and did. He ministers to my spirit and understands me when nobody else does, which seems to be often.
"Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is god who justifies. Who is he who condemns? Christ Jesus, who died-more than that, who was raised to life- is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." Nothing, no nothing can separate us from the love of God. Romans 8:33-34
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Isaiah 6
I'm started reading again through Isaiah. One thing I have been struck by in reading this book of prophecy is how many times it foretells the coming of Jesus. In Isaiah 4 Jesus is the Branch. The other thing, as it is in Isaiah 6, is what a strong relationship Isaiah had with God. Yet, when Isaiah sees God in this chapter, the first thing he realizes is his own sinfulness. It made we think what questions would be on my mind or what I would be thinking if I were to have an encounter with God like this? I think, would I be afraid? Would I feel loved? Would I want to run and hide like Moses did? Would I go completely out of my mind? What would you even be able to say?
I think Isaiah response was a pretty good one considering everything. Because it seems that this is the message that God wanted to get across- "I am holy." Isaiah also got the second message which is that he is not holy. For as good as we may think we are, when we look into the light of God's purity, it is like filthy rags. But, if you notice that since Isaiah confessed that he was unworthy of the vision, the angel ministered to Isaiah and he was cleansed. It was an act of grace to Isaiah and also an agreement. In a sense, God said "Yes, your right, your corrupt, but now your clean."
It seems interesting that the vision would include a vision of a fire hot coal taken from the altar. It doesn't say, but I am supposing that this is the bronze altar in the temple where the sacrifice would be made and where sins would be atoned for. It is interesting that it is Isaiah's mouth that must be touched with the coal. Of course, if you did that for real it would burn your tongue or mouth. Perhaps the fire or coal denotes the atoning work of sacrifice. Perhaps that is why Isaiah was in the temple that day.
I also noticed the seraphim that were mentioned as having eyes all around. Perhaps denoting how God sees us wherever we are. I don't know why the cheribum seem to have a different number of wings than the seraphs. I am supposing they are different creatures. It reminds me of a book I read one time. I think it was called "A Wrinkle In Time". I read it as a kid and it seemed to have creatures like this. It seems the main job for them according to this passage is to praise God. Again, it is God's exaltedness and his holiness which seems most important.
I think Isaiah response was a pretty good one considering everything. Because it seems that this is the message that God wanted to get across- "I am holy." Isaiah also got the second message which is that he is not holy. For as good as we may think we are, when we look into the light of God's purity, it is like filthy rags. But, if you notice that since Isaiah confessed that he was unworthy of the vision, the angel ministered to Isaiah and he was cleansed. It was an act of grace to Isaiah and also an agreement. In a sense, God said "Yes, your right, your corrupt, but now your clean."
It seems interesting that the vision would include a vision of a fire hot coal taken from the altar. It doesn't say, but I am supposing that this is the bronze altar in the temple where the sacrifice would be made and where sins would be atoned for. It is interesting that it is Isaiah's mouth that must be touched with the coal. Of course, if you did that for real it would burn your tongue or mouth. Perhaps the fire or coal denotes the atoning work of sacrifice. Perhaps that is why Isaiah was in the temple that day.
I also noticed the seraphim that were mentioned as having eyes all around. Perhaps denoting how God sees us wherever we are. I don't know why the cheribum seem to have a different number of wings than the seraphs. I am supposing they are different creatures. It reminds me of a book I read one time. I think it was called "A Wrinkle In Time". I read it as a kid and it seemed to have creatures like this. It seems the main job for them according to this passage is to praise God. Again, it is God's exaltedness and his holiness which seems most important.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Dealing with Difficult People
Having worked both as a pastor and now in mental health, I have dealt with my fair share of difficult people. I recently started reading a book about dealing with people like this called "Since Strangling Isn't An Option" by Sandra Crowe. Great title! I thought about some of the things that the difficult people I have run across have in common.
1. Black and white thinking- there is no gray area for a lot of people who are difficult. Thus, there is no room for compromise. This can make these people extremely difficult to deal with. For them, every hill is worth dying on. Every mole hill is a mountain for them. When you notice that the issue they are fighting about seems more serious that it should be, usually that means the issue really isn't the issue. There is something at stake that is a bigger deal for them than it should be. For me, as I get older, I realize there is more gray area than I thought.
2. Lack of self-esteem. Every hill has to be worth dying on because this person has a lot at stake when they state something in public. Their self-esteem is so weak that if you disagree with them it takes a major plug.
3. Control Issues- these people like to be in control. They will cause a disaster, as long as it is their disaster and watch everyone else around them squirm like a squid. They want power and want you to agree with them or do things their way.
This reminds me of a person who was in a business meeting at a church I pastored. I had written a short memo to the teachers that week about a Sunday School conference I went to and what I learned. He didn't like it that I had written a memo and not spoken to all of them personally. So, during the meeting he announced that he was quitting his teaching position. He would not say what the reason was even when asked. He had major control issues and I wasn't playing the way he thoughts I should. What he didn't realize is that I have the long term memory of a guppy and wrote it all down because I realized I would forget to tell them later. He was a problem the entire time I was at that church from then on. Here's what I learned from that experience:
1. You cannot back down about the issues you care about with control freaks. If you do they will keep wiping their feet on you like a doormat. You can be polite about it, but you must stand up for yourself. Jesus was not a doormate and you don't have to be either. There is no reason to embarrase the person publicly, but you can clearly state your wants and needs and let the person know how you feel. That is showing yourself some self-respect.
2. Conflict is not fun, but it is going to happen. In heaven, there will be no conflict, but until then it is going to happen. Some people just don't play by the rules the rest of us play. You need to try and take the high road and try and be fair. It reflects on who you are when you deal with conflict. Don't be passive aggressive or let it go if it is important to you. Control freaks don't get hit by buses or move out of town, they stay and fight and will always be there.
3. Some things just are not worth fighting about. I remember the first Easter I was at the church in Philippi that I pastored. The WMU group decided that they would put up a easter display for mission in front of the church. It happened to have easter eggs in the display. The display was from Lifeway, which is our old sunday school literature organization. A lady came up to the lady who was setting out the display and objected to it because it had easter eggs. The lady who was putting up the display stopped and took it down and then came crying to me about it at my office.
I had to think about whether this was worth fighting about. I tried to calm the lady and reassure her. But, I felt like this was between them and not up to me. So, I didn't do anything. It simply wasn't worth it. All bullys are not on playgroups and she was the wife of a deacon at the time. In fact, the same man I mentioned early. That was a really fun family to be around. Loads of laughs. I don't personally think there was anything wrote with the display, but it wasn't my battle to fight. I was more worried that the lady who came back to see me would have a heart attack actually.
The other thing that I have learned about difficult people is that you need to pray for them. Most of them really don't have any friends to speak of and are miserable people. It reminds me of a man who lived across the street from my parents for many years. When he died, my mom and his daughter and wife were the only ones at the funeral. He stayed inside his house and didn't have any friends. He once shot a kid with a salt gun for walking on his yard. He was a mean, hateful man and in the end nobody much cared about his passing. Jesus tells us to love our enemies and to pray for those who hate you. It is easy to love those who love you. It is much harder to love people like the people I have mentioned. In fact, it is downright impossible without God's help. Put people like this at the top of your prayer list and pray for them. Let God change them and try to be nice to them. They will probably wonder what is wrong with you.
1. Black and white thinking- there is no gray area for a lot of people who are difficult. Thus, there is no room for compromise. This can make these people extremely difficult to deal with. For them, every hill is worth dying on. Every mole hill is a mountain for them. When you notice that the issue they are fighting about seems more serious that it should be, usually that means the issue really isn't the issue. There is something at stake that is a bigger deal for them than it should be. For me, as I get older, I realize there is more gray area than I thought.
2. Lack of self-esteem. Every hill has to be worth dying on because this person has a lot at stake when they state something in public. Their self-esteem is so weak that if you disagree with them it takes a major plug.
3. Control Issues- these people like to be in control. They will cause a disaster, as long as it is their disaster and watch everyone else around them squirm like a squid. They want power and want you to agree with them or do things their way.
This reminds me of a person who was in a business meeting at a church I pastored. I had written a short memo to the teachers that week about a Sunday School conference I went to and what I learned. He didn't like it that I had written a memo and not spoken to all of them personally. So, during the meeting he announced that he was quitting his teaching position. He would not say what the reason was even when asked. He had major control issues and I wasn't playing the way he thoughts I should. What he didn't realize is that I have the long term memory of a guppy and wrote it all down because I realized I would forget to tell them later. He was a problem the entire time I was at that church from then on. Here's what I learned from that experience:
1. You cannot back down about the issues you care about with control freaks. If you do they will keep wiping their feet on you like a doormat. You can be polite about it, but you must stand up for yourself. Jesus was not a doormate and you don't have to be either. There is no reason to embarrase the person publicly, but you can clearly state your wants and needs and let the person know how you feel. That is showing yourself some self-respect.
2. Conflict is not fun, but it is going to happen. In heaven, there will be no conflict, but until then it is going to happen. Some people just don't play by the rules the rest of us play. You need to try and take the high road and try and be fair. It reflects on who you are when you deal with conflict. Don't be passive aggressive or let it go if it is important to you. Control freaks don't get hit by buses or move out of town, they stay and fight and will always be there.
3. Some things just are not worth fighting about. I remember the first Easter I was at the church in Philippi that I pastored. The WMU group decided that they would put up a easter display for mission in front of the church. It happened to have easter eggs in the display. The display was from Lifeway, which is our old sunday school literature organization. A lady came up to the lady who was setting out the display and objected to it because it had easter eggs. The lady who was putting up the display stopped and took it down and then came crying to me about it at my office.
I had to think about whether this was worth fighting about. I tried to calm the lady and reassure her. But, I felt like this was between them and not up to me. So, I didn't do anything. It simply wasn't worth it. All bullys are not on playgroups and she was the wife of a deacon at the time. In fact, the same man I mentioned early. That was a really fun family to be around. Loads of laughs. I don't personally think there was anything wrote with the display, but it wasn't my battle to fight. I was more worried that the lady who came back to see me would have a heart attack actually.
The other thing that I have learned about difficult people is that you need to pray for them. Most of them really don't have any friends to speak of and are miserable people. It reminds me of a man who lived across the street from my parents for many years. When he died, my mom and his daughter and wife were the only ones at the funeral. He stayed inside his house and didn't have any friends. He once shot a kid with a salt gun for walking on his yard. He was a mean, hateful man and in the end nobody much cared about his passing. Jesus tells us to love our enemies and to pray for those who hate you. It is easy to love those who love you. It is much harder to love people like the people I have mentioned. In fact, it is downright impossible without God's help. Put people like this at the top of your prayer list and pray for them. Let God change them and try to be nice to them. They will probably wonder what is wrong with you.
Friday, February 5, 2010
the temptations of Jesus
I was thinking about how when Jesus began his earthly ministry, before going public, it says that the Spirit led Jesus to the wilderness. I was thinking about why and what the results were for being led into the wilderness. Some questions that run through my mind are: Was it even possible for Jesus to give in to Satan's temptations? Why would the Spirit lead Jesus into that situation? What lessons can be learned here?
The first question is the hardest to answer. Along with the partner question: If Jesus had given in to temptation, what would our world be like now? At least in theory, I think it is possible if you assume that Jesus was fully man as he was also fully God. But, Jesus had the benefit of seeing what happened to Adam when Adam and Eve sinned and seeing the consequences. It at least appears on the surface, that Satan was appealing to the same kinds of things, pride, lust, power, that Adam and Eve had given into.
The second question is why Jesus was led into this situation. Clearly, it is intentional and in preparation for the road ahead since it happens before Jesus begins preaching and healing. But, I also thought about the passage in Hebrews 5:8-9 where it says, "Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered, and once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him." Maybe it is just me, but I don't like the idea that Jesus had to learn anything, but right there in Hebrews it says he did. It makes me think that Jesus experienced new things in the incarnation, such as suffering and weakness, that he did not experience as a part of the Godhead before his earthly life.
Also, there is the issue of how he can now relate to us that suffer in a way that is unique. It is said that Jesus was tempted in every way we are, yet without sin. Since he knows what it is like to be pushed to the very limits of faith and has still been found pure, he knows what temptation is. He also knows the allure of temptation, that it can sometimes be found beautiful and rich. It sometimes appears to be the shortcut. What Satan offered Jesus was the shortcut. Satan in a sense said you can have the whole world, if you only bow to me. All the power without the pain. That is Satan's big lie. It is that sin doesn't have a consequences or at least he encourages us not to think about the consequences.
So, lessons learned from this passage. Perhaps that sin can be or appear appealing is the first one. That we are asked to do what we want and not to think about the consequences or who it hurts. We are asked to act selfishly and without thought. That impulsiveness and greed are at the center of sin. Also, that Satan's methods haven't changed much over the years. That Satan hasn't had to change because the old methods work just fine. That he appears to our natural hungers, pride and desire for power. In contrast to this, the apostle John tells us in 1 John 2:15 "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world-the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
WF3KDFVR9825
The first question is the hardest to answer. Along with the partner question: If Jesus had given in to temptation, what would our world be like now? At least in theory, I think it is possible if you assume that Jesus was fully man as he was also fully God. But, Jesus had the benefit of seeing what happened to Adam when Adam and Eve sinned and seeing the consequences. It at least appears on the surface, that Satan was appealing to the same kinds of things, pride, lust, power, that Adam and Eve had given into.
The second question is why Jesus was led into this situation. Clearly, it is intentional and in preparation for the road ahead since it happens before Jesus begins preaching and healing. But, I also thought about the passage in Hebrews 5:8-9 where it says, "Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered, and once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him." Maybe it is just me, but I don't like the idea that Jesus had to learn anything, but right there in Hebrews it says he did. It makes me think that Jesus experienced new things in the incarnation, such as suffering and weakness, that he did not experience as a part of the Godhead before his earthly life.
Also, there is the issue of how he can now relate to us that suffer in a way that is unique. It is said that Jesus was tempted in every way we are, yet without sin. Since he knows what it is like to be pushed to the very limits of faith and has still been found pure, he knows what temptation is. He also knows the allure of temptation, that it can sometimes be found beautiful and rich. It sometimes appears to be the shortcut. What Satan offered Jesus was the shortcut. Satan in a sense said you can have the whole world, if you only bow to me. All the power without the pain. That is Satan's big lie. It is that sin doesn't have a consequences or at least he encourages us not to think about the consequences.
So, lessons learned from this passage. Perhaps that sin can be or appear appealing is the first one. That we are asked to do what we want and not to think about the consequences or who it hurts. We are asked to act selfishly and without thought. That impulsiveness and greed are at the center of sin. Also, that Satan's methods haven't changed much over the years. That Satan hasn't had to change because the old methods work just fine. That he appears to our natural hungers, pride and desire for power. In contrast to this, the apostle John tells us in 1 John 2:15 "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world-the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
WF3KDFVR9825
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Matthew
Years ago, when Bill Clinton was president, it seemed like a scandal was erupting at least monthly. Whether it was Monica Lewinsky or shady land deals, it seemed like this man who seemed so good at dealing with the economy couldn't control himself or take care of his personal life. I remember watching Congress voting to impeach him and the preacher of the church I was at at the time loved to blast away at his moral decisions.
It was a popular thing to do to make fun of a man or at least to be critical of a man who had so many moral failures. So, I wonder what most modern preachers would do at this point in the story in Matthew 9:9, when we see Jesus come face to face with the author of this gospel, Matthew at a tax collectors booth. Knowing that it would have been the popular or easy thing to do to call Matthew a scoundrel and rail against him the way Jesus did against the Pharisees. So, I wonder if there wasn't a collective gasp when Jesus said to Matthew "follow me." Was Jesus really calling this man who had cheated so many to be one of his followers. It is a reminder again that Jesus' actions must have shocked people daily. If he wasn't raising people from the dead, he was saying or doing something people didn't expect.
So, it shouldn't be surprising, that even as Jesus is sitting at Matthew's house enjoying a meal, that the Pharisees are being critical of Jesus. They are wondering what in the world he is doing and what point he is trying to prove. Jesus doesn't give them long to wait. Jesus tells them "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means. I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." What does he mean by "righteous". He means those who thought themselves "righteous" and above others.
I think if we were candid we would like to think that most of us would have accepted Matthew also. But, somehow I doubt it. Matthew was the one man both Jews and Romans hated or looked down upon. To the Jews this man was a traitor, lining his pockets as a worker for the Romans. He would not have been accepted as a worshiper in the temple. The Romans needed people like Matthew to help collect the taxes, but the certainly weren't friends with him. He was in a world where nobody accepted him and everyone hated him. Deep in his heart, perhaps Matthew sensed that things were not going well and though he had lots of money, it was not satisfying the way he thought it should. So, when Jesus looks into Matthew's eyes and sees the regret, the loneliness, the fatigue, Jesus throws out a life vest and says, "I see your sickness. Follow me."
Now, if Jesus also looks into our hearts and minds then he also sees the hurting and lonely places in your life and mine. He sees the things we don't mention. The old hurts, the regrets, the struggles, the times when it is difficult to smile. Jesus sees all of these things. Unlike a regular physician, who only knows what the test results say or you tell him, Jesus the physician sees sickness that we don't even want to label. Things like shame and bitterness and envy and all sorts of darkness places. Not only does He see these places, but he can heal them.
Look at these other verses to see how Jesus treats the outcasts
Matthew 21:31- "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you."
Luke 7:47 "Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven-for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."
John 8:11 "No one sir," she said, "Then neither do I condemn you." Jesus declared. "God now and leave your life of sin."
Luke 15:2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "Thsi man welcomes sinners and eats with them."
Luke 23:43 Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
I thank God that he does not expect me to be perfect, but to be trusting in Him despite my imperfections and all my faults.
It was a popular thing to do to make fun of a man or at least to be critical of a man who had so many moral failures. So, I wonder what most modern preachers would do at this point in the story in Matthew 9:9, when we see Jesus come face to face with the author of this gospel, Matthew at a tax collectors booth. Knowing that it would have been the popular or easy thing to do to call Matthew a scoundrel and rail against him the way Jesus did against the Pharisees. So, I wonder if there wasn't a collective gasp when Jesus said to Matthew "follow me." Was Jesus really calling this man who had cheated so many to be one of his followers. It is a reminder again that Jesus' actions must have shocked people daily. If he wasn't raising people from the dead, he was saying or doing something people didn't expect.
So, it shouldn't be surprising, that even as Jesus is sitting at Matthew's house enjoying a meal, that the Pharisees are being critical of Jesus. They are wondering what in the world he is doing and what point he is trying to prove. Jesus doesn't give them long to wait. Jesus tells them "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means. I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." What does he mean by "righteous". He means those who thought themselves "righteous" and above others.
I think if we were candid we would like to think that most of us would have accepted Matthew also. But, somehow I doubt it. Matthew was the one man both Jews and Romans hated or looked down upon. To the Jews this man was a traitor, lining his pockets as a worker for the Romans. He would not have been accepted as a worshiper in the temple. The Romans needed people like Matthew to help collect the taxes, but the certainly weren't friends with him. He was in a world where nobody accepted him and everyone hated him. Deep in his heart, perhaps Matthew sensed that things were not going well and though he had lots of money, it was not satisfying the way he thought it should. So, when Jesus looks into Matthew's eyes and sees the regret, the loneliness, the fatigue, Jesus throws out a life vest and says, "I see your sickness. Follow me."
Now, if Jesus also looks into our hearts and minds then he also sees the hurting and lonely places in your life and mine. He sees the things we don't mention. The old hurts, the regrets, the struggles, the times when it is difficult to smile. Jesus sees all of these things. Unlike a regular physician, who only knows what the test results say or you tell him, Jesus the physician sees sickness that we don't even want to label. Things like shame and bitterness and envy and all sorts of darkness places. Not only does He see these places, but he can heal them.
Look at these other verses to see how Jesus treats the outcasts
Matthew 21:31- "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you."
Luke 7:47 "Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven-for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."
John 8:11 "No one sir," she said, "Then neither do I condemn you." Jesus declared. "God now and leave your life of sin."
Luke 15:2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "Thsi man welcomes sinners and eats with them."
Luke 23:43 Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
I thank God that he does not expect me to be perfect, but to be trusting in Him despite my imperfections and all my faults.
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