Tag: teach

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Luke: Legalism Concerns – Fasting and the Sabbath

Read: Luke 5:33-6:11

“They said to Him…” begins the reading for today and one of my recurring nightmares: will I be counted as one of them? Am I in the “they” group? Jesus wants us all to be part of His family, but He is not about checking boxes to gain acceptance, that would be easy, He is about transforming hearts. The transformation begins with the one I see in the mirror.

This morning, we’ll pick on the Pharisees and teachers of the law for a bit. They don’t get it at all. They’re caught up in their world of legalism even more than we’re caught up in our church world that’s so focused on the Sunday production that at times, sometimes far too often, we have no clue. The animosity between Jesus and the religious right begins to simmer in these passages. Luke will shift to teaching for a while, but wants us to see that at the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry, “they” were watching, taking notes, and building their case. They’re always looking from the outside.

My prayer is we don’t become they.

Jesus Questioned About Fasting: Luke 5:33-39

This starts off with a simple question for clarification about fasting, or so it seems. Those who were being faithful to following their list of rules knew that fasting was something you were supposed to do, so they ask Jesus why His disciples are disobeying rule #___.

Jesus answered, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.” Luke 5:34-35

Ok, that just went right over their heads! They were looking for something more concrete and Jesus starts to explain something about a wedding celebration. They are scratching their heads, so He explains with a parable.

No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. Luke 5:38

My strange sense of humor sees them nodding in agreement: yep, that’s how you work with wine and wineskins, makes sense. But what about the fasting question? Luke lets that just slip on by. As we will see, their question is irrelevant, yet reveals their heart, their motivation. I think that’s the main point.

Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath: Luke 6:1-11

One Sabbath, then another, and another. Luke likes to point out when Jesus is teaching on the Sabbath, healing, loving, doing life on the day which is supposed to be a day of rest.

Then Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” Luke 6:5

I’m confident that God is serious about taking a day off, no doubt; otherwise, it wouldn’t make the top-ten list. We know from those who have invested a lot of time into researching the ways of the Pharisees, they had hundreds of rules about everything. I’d love to see a mindmap about these rules, how they centered on the Ten Commandments and branched off into rules about rules, etc. The geeky part of me would be fascinated by looking at 600+ segments. I can easily get distracted!

In this passage, Jesus makes a point of teaching the Pharisees in particular that He is above their rules. He can sense their confusion, so He heals a man with a shriveled right hand in front of everyone. No hiding, no call to step behind the curtain. Jesus wants to make a point.

Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” Luke 6:9

I really think He’s really giving them a chance to see the err of their ways more than poking them in the eye. Their reaction reveals their heart, they become furious about Jesus’ actions and miss the fact that this man has been healed and quite likely can now begin to provide for his family.

Are we they?

I hope not, but don’t be too quick to answer. This is why we have each other, to hold each other accountable, but not a checklist. Checklists are for the head. Please tell me when I’m acting like a Pharisee! Let me know when I’ve slipped into Sunday production mode rather than being the hands and feet of Jesus for the lost, the lonely, the least! You are my brother and sister in Christ, don’t be afraid to call it like it is. My commitment to you is to do likewise. Don’t wait for Sunday.

Luke is carefully selecting stories that speak about transforming the heart. May our hearts be changed.

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Luke: When Jesus Saw Their Faith

Read: Luke 5:12-26

Consider two phrases in the passage we read today: Lord if you are willing and when Jesus saw their faith. Both demonstrate an unusual faith in a man they hardly knew.

They had heard about this preacher that was going from village to village, town to town, teaching good news, adding wisdom to wise sayings with a practical message for common people to hear.

Perhaps the most amazing thing they heard was His ability to cast our demons and heal people of sickness. This wasn’t normal by any stretch of the imagination. They seem to say, If Jesus could do that, I’m in! And they showed up in these stories.

My belief is these are just two of the many stories Luke had to consider when writing his narrative to share with others. In my imagination I can see him with a table full of newspaper clippings, reports from villages all over Judea about healing and restoration. Miracle after miracle. All with some common elements: Jesus was the rabbi at the center of all the news and He was trying to keep these incidents quiet.

I believe that Luke intersperses these miraculous events inside the details about calling the disciples to make this point: He wasn’t trying to draw followers, He was looking to make disciples.

Then Jesus ordered him, “Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” Luke 5:14

It’s interesting that Jesus points the cured leper back to the priest, that He keeps the focus on God’s system of sacrifice.

In a much more public miracle, the faith of friends is rewarded with healing a lame man.

So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Luke 5:24-25

Right in front of the pharisees and teachers of the law! This troublesome event (for the religious leaders) causes them to stumble and provides another teaching point for Jesus:

Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” Luke 5:23-24

Which is easier? Hmm…so I think I’ll just do both! The religious right have no idea how to respond.

The people were filled with awe and wonder (sounds like a song!). But Jesus isn’t trying to create a show, instead He’s trying to demonstrate the love of the Father for His people. In a way, He can’t not heal those who are sick because of His unbounded love and compassion.

It’s this deep-seated heart for people that I long to have, that I pray for consistently. Jesus sees their faith, sees their desire and looks beyond outward appearances — straight to their heart. Perfect discernment that is unencumbered by biased perspective based on human standards. It may be a stretch, but I believe we too can see the hearts of those seeking to know the love of Christ if we would let go of worldly desires.

Yesterday, the word contentment drove me to look for scripture about being content. Now I think I understand why. If I can be content, my own selfish desires disappear and I can see people as Jesus saw them–at least to a greater degree. If I am content, I don’t need anything from any interaction with someone else. My only aim is to point them to Christ.

My desire then becomes one of great compassion. When I see a brother or sister in pain, my prayer is to reach out and help in any way I can. All from a place of love, not from a desire to tell someone else about the wonderful things I have done.

Jesus points them back to God, the source of His power and strength.

Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.” Luke 5:26

As a result, they gave praise to God. That the result I’m hoping for.

Oh, one other thing:

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:16

I find it interesting that Jesus withdraws to lonely places to pray. He seeks solitude to quiet His human heart. Seriously. If Jesus needed to do this, how much more should I? No, I’m not advocating seclusion in a monastery, but we all need a place where we can hear from God.

When I searched for images for the featured image on this post, I used the term lonely. Literally hundreds of photos showed up. Yes, I want to find a place of solitude, but the fact that so many photos are tagged “lonely” points to a culture that is seeking what we have to offer. Please don’t get lost in the lonely place — just use this for meditation and prayer, not a hiding place!

I pray you can find your place today. Listen well my friend. God wants to speak to you, I’m sure of it.

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Luke: Jesus Begins With Disciples

Read: Luke 5:1-11, 5:27-32, 6:12-16

The readings this morning jump around a bit as I attempt to collect Luke’s writing about Jesus calling His disciples. Luke chose to weave the story of how Jesus called Peter (Simon) with the Zebedee brothers, James and John, and Matthew (Levi) in chapter 5, then provides a pivotal moment in chapter 6 when Jesus picks His team. It’s interesting to see how He chooses His disciples, especially when we consider our charge is to go and do likewise.

Trying to understand Luke’s perspective, I get the idea that Jesus invested time with people, challenged them to reveal their true character, then choose them individually. Of course this included Judas Iscariot, the betrayer, but we’ll leave that discussion for another time!

Jesus Calls His First Disciples: Luke 5:1-11

Luke begins with a story:

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, Luke 5:1

Jesus was teaching the people who were working their trade. I suspect He was looking for those who were paying attention, the few that showed some interest beyond a casual glance.

He got into one of the boats, Luke 5:3

Honestly, I don’t think Jesus just randomly picked a boat. I’m not sure how it worked in ancient times, but today, you don’t just walk down to the marina and jump in someone’s boat and suggest we go fishing. Not at all. Jesus is teaching those who were listening with interest, so he tests them a bit and Peter’s response is important for us to wrestle with:

But because you say so, I will Luke 5:5

Ah yes, because you say so, I will. It’s pretty clear when Jesus speaks we should obey. In this story, Peter explains they’ve finished fishing in the area, but doesn’t hesitate to do what Jesus said. I love this! Years ago, I wrote a song for Vacation Bible School based on this verse. I’ve probably told you the story behind the song before, but it’s fun to recall the process. My initial attempts at writing the song was a rock-n-roll, driving beat, BECAUSE YOU SAY SO I WILL!!! kinda song. All of that failed to connect. Instead, if you listen, you’ll hear a very different kinda song that’s led by a mother of six with a gentle voice and a flute part played by a high school senior. Totally different than I intended, but I wish I could explain how beautiful it was to hear 300+ children (no exaggeration) sing this at VBS.

I still believe this was what Jesus wanted, His words, my attempt to obey.

Simon Peter’s response was to fall at the knees of Jesus, unworthy, humbled — called by Jesus Himself. How about you?

Jesus Calls Levi and Eats With Sinners: Luke 5:27-32

After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. Luke 5:27-28

The way Luke writes this, the event sounds totally random, but once again, in my opinion, this was not arbitrary. I believe Jesus is teaching us to look beyond outward appearances when we see people. I know that discernment is a gift of the Spirit that is stronger in some than others, but I believe we all have the ability to see with the eyes of the Spirit if we pray and slow down long enough to listen for the answer. Those whose top-3 gifts include discernment don’t have to try very hard…others might have to be a bit more assertive.

My point is this: look beyond the trappings of the world and pray for discernment.

Matthew’s response is to throw a party! Jesus must think this is a great idea–to have a house full of people that know nothing about God’s plan of reconciliation. What an opportunity for sharing the Gospel!! The Pharisees and Teachers of the Law had some discouraging thoughts (why were they there??), but Jesus shuts them down quickly:

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31-32

Terse words for those who’ve fallen into the trap of a legalistic religion. Makes me think about the Pharisaic Survey again, the one we haven’t written, that reveals just how much of a Pharisee I am!

The Twelve Apostles

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them… Luke 6:12-16

The implication of this text suggests that Jesus called many to follow Him, like Peter, James, John, Matthew, etc., but here we see a select few are named as His disciples. The distinction is important. These will be the few He will pour into collectively and individually.

Jesus took time to choose these guys. It didn’t happen while walking in the marketplace or marina. As we are reminded of Jesus’ habit, He went to a quiet place to pray. If Jesus needed to quiet His human mind and pray, I’m convinced this is something we need to do quite often.  Whether we meditate during Yoga, running, walking, or sitting quietly, we need to stop and pray.

After a night of praying, Jesus picked the twelve.

Lord, help us to learn from Your example, Your way of making disciples. Teach us to not be biased, to get distracted by outward appearance. Show us how to build relationships that advance Your kingdom here on earth.

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Luke: Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit, Heals Many

Read: Luke 4:31-44

Rejected by His hometown, Jesus goes to Capernaum, some 40 miles (a 9-hour walk according to Google Maps). Luke surrounds these two miraculous interventions with observations about the spreading of Jesus’ ministry. Don’t miss the detail that Jesus is not only teaching on the Sabbath, but He is also “working” by casting out demons and healing people. Somehow the religious leaders have outlawed such activity. Strange.

It seems Jesus is recognized by the rabbis in the area since we find He is teaching on the Sabbath he taught the people (Luke 4:31) in the synagogues. Interesting. It doesn’t take long for His fame to rise as He begins to demonstrate His authority over impure spirits, sickness, etc.

And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area. Luke 4:37

Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit

“Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. Luke 4:35

I wish I could say I understood this passage, and other references to Jesus’ ability to see impure spirits, to command them, and at least for the moment, set people free. Those from the cessations camp suggest that all miracles cease to exist today. Other suggest this still happens, but we are blinded to the power of the Spirit because of our own shortcomings.

Rebuking demons:

Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah. Luke 4:41

From my perspective, we must not limit God in any way. I’m caught up in this world as much as anyone in society, so there’s no doubt in my mind as to why I seem to be unable to speak and command demons, but I would not conclude this is impossible. To suggest such would put God in a box. I’m not about to do that! Nor would I want to hear stern words from Jesus!!

Jesus Heals Many

Moving on to Peter’s home, we see his mother-in-law is sick, something that Luke (the doctor) tells us includes a high fever.

So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them. Luke 4:39

Her reaction is to turn and serve Jesus and the others present — perhaps it’s her love language!

Side-note: Don’t miss the mother-in-law title. This means that Peter is married and likely has a family to consider as his call to ministry begins as well.

At sunset, many are brought to Jesus and He heals them all. What an amazing, miraculous sequence of events!

Jesus knows His time on earth is limited, so he tells the people:

“I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” Luke 4:43

Why were you sent? What is your main purpose for the brief time on this planet? What if your time were limited? Would you make different choices if you knew you only had 3 years to minister to those you see in your path?

Lots of unanswered questions to consider. Here’s my advice: Ask God. Ask your closest friends. Pray about it, but don’t be obsessed by it because you are not Jesus! I am not Jesus, but I am His adopted heir. He cares about my ministry and understands that I am fully human. The key difference is the Spirit lives within me. The more attune I am to the Spirit, the more effective my ministry.

The song, So Will I, is constantly playing in the background as I type this.

If the stars were made to worship so will I
If the mountains bow in reverence so will I
If the oceans roar Your greatness so will I
For if everything exists to lift You high so will I

Thanks Beth for sharing the song, for tilling the soil and leading us on this journey to Christ, with Christ, and His desire for our lives. May we grow and learn to say, So Will I.

 

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Luke: Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

Read: Luke 4:14-30

Back from the desert temptation experience, Jesus’ ministry is now set for launch. Not surprising, His teaching is exceptional and people are amazed. They were amazed when He taught as a 12-year old (Luke 2:47), I can’t even fathom what another 18 years of life on earth added to His sermon archive!

In this passage, Jesus quotes Isaiah and declares He has come to fulfill the prophesies that begin with five specific proclamations:

  1. proclaim good news to the poor.
  2. proclaim freedom for the prisoners
  3. recovery of sight for the blind,
  4. set the oppressed free,
  5. proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor

He does a lot more than that! This is just the beginning.

Soapbox Begins

Forgive me for getting on my soapbox to preach this lesson once again, but I can’t help myself! One thing I want to specifically draw your attention to is #1 on the list. We often think about poor as those who are homeless, financially challenged, etc., but I hope you will consider the term poor in a much broader sense. Those who have not been adopted into the family of Christ are all poor. They might have great earthly wealth, but we all know that passes in a blink. Yes, those who have no earthly possessions, those who struggle day to day for a meal or a place to stay warm know that they are poor. We are obligated to care for the fatherless, the downcast, those who can’t care for themselves.

Somehow we have to learn to look beyond outward appearances and see people the way Jesus sees them. Those who are the pious poor are probably much more challenging to minister to, but that doesn’t let us off the hook. Lord, I pray for discerning eyes and ears to see and hear people they way You see them. Open doors that we might minister to them in ways that please You.

End of Soapbox

You would think that people would hear His teaching and get excited, right?

He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. Luke 4:15

The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:20-21

Everyone praised Him, eyes and ears glued to His teaching. Then some of the pious rich make the observation:

“Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” Luke 4:22

Hold everything! The people remember this was the little boy that grew up down the street. Surely He cannot be who He claims.

“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. John 1:46

Jesus selects a few examples for the self-righteous to hear. He picks two of the all-time favorite prophets of old: Elijah and Elisha. Those hearing these words would know of the references and we are privileged to have the Old Testament to understand their significance. Here are a few main points to consider:

  • Prophets were rarely welcome in their home towns; their ministry was consistently harsh and not welcomed
  • The examples of Elijah and Elisha pointed to helping Gentiles, not Jews
  • Elijah and Elisha prophesied during some of the worst times in Israel’s horrible history

Their reaction:

They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff. Luke 4:29

Miraculously, Jesus simply walked away from the crowd and went on to continue His ministry.

This is a rather troubling text to consider. Those who wanted to throw Jesus off the cliff were the established church of their time. They couldn’t hear His message, though it was obviously presented in a compelling and exciting manner. People got the message. Religious leaders wanted to kill Him.

Jesus was not affected by their misgivings. He walked away and sought those who wanted to learn about adoption into the royal family — His kingdom. Lord, help us to do likewise!

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Luke: The Boy Jesus at the Temple

Read: Luke 2:41-52

Today we read a story that I’ve read a hundred times. It reveals the incredible truth that Jesus was fully human and, we later appreciate, fully God. Of all the stories, I’m so grateful that Luke was careful about choosing this one.

There are times when I read a verse that my head seems to spin, my thoughts get completely lost and I simply have to stop. This is one of those:

Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. Luke 2:41

I’m sure that most will read that verse and continue on to the main point of the story, but when I read the first four words today, I froze.

Every year

This young couple (well, at least Mary was young) invested 30 years into Jesus’ life before His public ministry began. Three-Zero. Something like 11,000 days Mary and Joseph woke up to see Jesus. At first they tended to Him when He was a baby. Feeding, dressing, holding, cleaning. Routine things you do with an infant. Later, getting excited about first steps, walking, talking, playing.

I don’t know when Joseph left the scene, but I can’t help but imagine the looks they gave each other and the conversations that began with, “what do we teach the Son of God?” Seriously!

Jesus’ parents

Jesus’ parents were so faithful, so obedient, completely confident that God would do what He said, that they raised Jesus in a home alongside other families, John the Baptist, His cousin, other children, James. I know I’m rambling a bit because, as I said, I’m lost in the wonder of thousands of days when Jesus called Mary and Joseph–mom and dad.

Perhaps this is the perfect couple. Jesus would later be referred to as the simple one that came from a lowly village, but no words are recorded that belittle Mary and Joseph. Not once do we read something negative about Jesus’ parents.

Thank you Lord for such an example of faithful, loving parents.

And then, the rest of the story. These perfect parents lose Jesus.

Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. Luke 2:44-45

They went back to find Him…oh my! They went back kicking and screaming, hair on fire, holy fill-in-the-blank, weren’t you paying attention, he said, she said–where is Jesus?!?!

I don’t know about you, but I’m sure that most of us have misplaced a child at least once, or maybe it’s just me. Like the Sunday when our oldest two, Miranda and Katrina, decided to walk to church, 12 miles away. Talk about panic! Or they time Alyssa took a nap in the third seat of our 15-passenger van. Oh yes, when we did not find them, we went looking with all kinds of thoughts running through our minds, no doubt. Looking back, knowing the complete story, I can be calm–not in the moment.

When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” Luke 2:48

Anxiously searching, to say the least. Jesus was merely sitting with the elders having a conversation. I wonder if some of these same elders would later be early Christians, memories of this time flooding their minds when they heard stories about the preacher on the hillside.

Jesus’ response is amazing:

“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he was saying to them. Luke 2:49-50

No worries mom and dad, we were just walking to church, I was just taking a nap, or we decided it would be fun to walk in the woods, etc. We weren’t trying to upset you, we were just doing our own thing. Isn’t this what we want? Eventually, our children grow up and become independent of parents. Just not starting at 12!

The Son of God continues to amaze us as He shows His reverence for mom and dad, the earthly parents:

Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. Luke 2:51

As a parent, this chapter tugs and pulls on my heart. You’ve probably figured that out by now. It’s such a challenging task to raise children, constantly wondering if this was the right discipline or if we should just let that slide with a glance and raised eye-brow. It simply amazes me that Jesus was obedient to his parents on earth. He walked and talked with his relatives and friends for many years before His ministry began.

Lord, of all the stories You could tell, all the books You could have inspired, thank you for giving us this insight into the early life of Jesus.

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Temptation to be Relevant, Popular, and Powerful

Read: Luke 1:5-25, 57-80

As I continue to ponder what Zechariah did during his 9+ months of silence as Elizabeth managed her high-risk pregnancy, I read this incredible section in the NIVAC (NIV Application Commentary).

I hope you’ll read this and consider your leadership role in the church. Whether you’re on staff or occasionally attend a gathering of people led by someone with the title of pastor (i.e., church), you play a part in the continuing story of the Creator and His desire to reconcile with His creation.

By the way, if you participate in any activity that represents a church, you are in a leadership position for that local body of Christ, whether or not that is explicitly stated. You don’t have to be a seminary professor, or even know what seminary is for that matter! As soon as we accepted Christ as Lord, we became heirs with Jesus and were given a leadership position.

I hope this extract from the NIVAC will encourage and inspire you to consider your next steps in your personal walk with Christ and your effective ministry.

NIVAC Excerpt 1:

An interesting work to ponder comes from the pen of Henri Nouwen 2. His autobiography relates a fascinating journey from teaching pastoral psychology and theology at Notre Dame, Yale, and Harvard for twenty years to burnout. From there he undertook a ministry in the home of the mentally challenged. There he learned that “service” given even to those whom the world does not see taught him as much as or more than his learning in seminary.  

Sometimes God is able to teach us in the midst of surprising circumstances. Ministry is not power and prestige, but humble service and trust.

Those who seek God’s deliverance and pursue it in holiness and service sometimes find themselves in places they never imagined ministering and in ways they never contemplated.

Here is his own testimony:

Let me summarize. My movement from Harvard to L’Arche made me aware in a new way how much my own thinking about Christian leadership had been affected by the desire to be relevant, the desire for popularity, and the desire for power. Too often I looked at being relevant, popular, and powerful as ingredients of an effective ministry.

The truth, however, is that these are not vocations but temptations.

Jesus asks, “Do you love me?” Jesus sends us out to be shepherds, and Jesus promises a life in which we increasingly have to stretch out our hands and be led to places where we would rather not go. He asks us to move from a concern for relevance to a life of prayer, from worries about popularity to communal and mutual ministry, and from a leadership built on power to a leadership in which we critically discern where God is leading us and our people.

The people of L’Arche are showing me new ways. I am a slow learner. Old patterns that have proved quite effective are not easy to give up. But as I think about the Christian leader of the next century, I do believe that those from whom I least expected to learn are showing me the way.

I hope and pray that what I am learning in my new life is something that is not just good for me to learn, but something that helps you, as well, to catch a glimpse of the Christian leader of the future.

End of Excerpt.

The definition of “church” is changing more rapidly than any of us want to accept, especially those of us who’ve been around a while—we don’t want to give up our hard-earned status and reputation! I speak in inclusive terms that are somewhat hyperbolic, ok, downright exaggerated, but this is an important conversation to have at every level of church organization if we want to be an effective part of this society. Yes, the gates of Hell will not prevail against Christ’s church, but that doesn’t mean that our definition of the modern church will survive. Don’t get too comfortable. Multi-million-dollar church incorporated budgets do not guarantee success for Jesus, they merely perpetuate power and position or organizations that are well intended, but not necessarily effective.

In making this observation, it’s important to confess that I don’t have any special insight into this issue. There are many voices in this argument that have credentials to support their theses, such as Nouwen above. I’d love to invest the time to present a bibliography for consideration, but then again, I think I’d rather invest time in the 20-year old that wants to learn how to be a better disciple (or the 30-something, 40-something, etc.). I shouldn’t have to convince anyone that the local church is struggling, but this is not a topic that is discussed as we (church staffs) seek to deliver the goods on Sunday morning—that event that most people equate with church.

We need churches more than ever. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting we close churches, far from it! My prayer is we would learn from Zechariah. Instead of demanding God show us a sign, that we would get to work doing that which He requires of us.

Maybe what we need is some Zechariah time, a period of silence that demands our attention. What would it be like if we stopped trying to be relevant, popular, and powerful and started listening to those around us – really listening – then doing.

References:

  1. Wilkins, Michael J.; Garland , David E.; Bock, Darrell L.; Burge, Gary M.; Fernando, Ajith. NIVAC Bundle 6: Gospels, Acts (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 45779-45795). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
  2. Reference: In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership (New York: Crossroads, 1994). Pp 71-72

Note:

Here’s an excellent article from Christianity Today (Jan 2017) that provides a background about Nouwen. I’m thankful to note that as we focus on serving the local community, I’m beginning to make Catholic connections. We really need to be more intentional about working together! One body of Christ. Unity.

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Reflections of 2017

A year ago I set out to blog through the Bible again, this time with an emphasis on deeper understanding and a desire to leave a legacy for my girls. It started when I was looking at some material I had sitting around: the Old Testament Challenge. That seemed like enough structure to get started, so the journey began. At some point in the year I invited you to join in the adventure, to read along with me, and walk through Scripture together.

I know it’s kinda weird publishing a journal in public. Yes, there are things I might say if this were written completely in private, but we are not islands, we are a community of believers. We are doing life together, making mistakes and holding onto each other as we work our way through pain and sorrow, joy and excitement.

After reading A.D. 30 and A.D. 33 by Ted Dekker, I walked away with a fresh perspective on studying the Bible. Dekker’s portrayal of Jesus of Nazareth in these books helped me rethink how I approach Scripture. In 2018, I hope to publish a video that evokes the imagery I started to write about in Why Study the Bible? It’s important to read and study, to learn about our heritage, mistakes made, successes achieved, to discern the voice of God, but the Bible is not to be idolized and worshipped. It really is the highlight reel, enough words to help us make the leap of faith.

The Bible gives us a set of core principles and beliefs, a common lexicon. Without it, we would all be starting our own religions–something The Tempter would love! I’m absolutely NOT advocating we avoid Bible studies, far from it! I’m merely suggesting we look at why and how we study the Bible.

Jesus did not say, go lock yourself in academic halls and study the scrolls. What He did say was to go and make disciples.

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20

I hope 2018 will reinvigorate your Bible study approach, that it would infect those around you, those you are discipling and others who are just curious!

My approach to the church is changing as well. For years I’ve looked for a place to gather on Sundays to celebrate the joy and struggles of the previous week of working in the fields, trying to advance the Gospel, helping the poor, etc. For the most part, church has become the focus of the week. Church staffs around this country invest most of their efforts on the Sunday production because, “this Sunday could be that Sunday” for someone. That Sunday when the people come to hear words that bring them to redemption. I hope that happens, truly I do, but to spread the thought that you come to a building at a prescribed time in order to be saved is ridiculous.

Our lives should be centered on making disciples, of being Christ to all we meet, and teaching others to do the same. When we do that, the Sunday gathering will become a wonderful celebration of kindred spirits, of brothers and sisters coming together to embrace, to laugh, to cry, to sing unrestrained, to hear a message, to share communion, to pray for each other. Sundays might not be so organized and polished because we would be too busy during the week meeting with others to talk about Jesus, to bear each others burdens, praying with our neighbors, having coffee on a whim, or taking kids to school for a friend. Our pretty production schedules might just get messed up when Sunday is not the focus of the week, but the Gospel might get preached by every minister, every believer, everyone, if we stopped insisting that Sunday was the focal point.

In 2018, please join me in praying that we become the church Jesus intended for us to become. As Healthy Growing Churches and Healthy Growing Leaders embraces those who’ve been given a vision, I pray we will spur on others to make a difference for Christ and for His church.

The 139 Collaborative begins in 2018. We’re still building the structure, but the foundation is on Psalm 139, we are all fearfully and wonderfully made. We will praise God through serving others in many ways. It’ll be messy as two creatives work together to love on our community, but it is our prayer that it will be helpful to Anderson, South Carolina as a place to start. What happens beyond that is completely a God-thing. Our focus is here at home. Nothing too lofty. We will remember Psalm 131. Pray for insightful music, challenging videos, thought-provoking writing, and mostly that disciples would be multiplied in 2018 through this collaborative.

Thanks for joining me on the journey. I hope and pray that some words were useful.

We’re not done yet! Not too surprising, but I found that I can’t just fly through the Bible on a schedule. In 2018, we’ll finish blogging through the Bible, then who knows, maybe we’ll just start again!

Rest in peace 2017.

Love God. Love Others. Love Yourself.

–dave

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Mark: Jesus Before the Sanhedrin

Read: Mark 14:53-65

Betrayal complete, now the leaders have their work cut out for them as they prepare their case against Jesus. Meanwhile, Peter is doing his very best not to be the one Jesus called out a few hours earlier:

Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire. Mark 14:54

We’ll cover the rest of Peter’s story tomorrow.

Testimony after testimony was brought before them as they did their very best to convict Jesus.

Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree. Mark 14:56

There’s no indication of how long the parade of witnesses continued, nor is there any indication that someone provided any defense for Jesus, but in just a few short verses we get to the crux of the matter:

But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Mark 14:61-62

The direct question with an absolute response, plus a qualifier. Yes, earthly council of men, Jesus is the Messiah, the One you’ve been waiting for, preaching about, teaching others to get excited about. Yes, He is right before your eyes, right in front of you. You’ve heard the stories, but chose not to believe. You know people who have been healed, touched, felt, heard, and seen; yet you chose to turn away.

It’s about choice, isn’t it? If there is a God above others, why is there so much pain and suffering? If this is the Messiah, why not end all of this? Why are we in such a hurry? There are so many opportunities to serve and make disciples of Jesus, I’m no longer in a hurry to see it end so quickly. Instead of gloom and doom, perhaps the question should be: why are we allowed to feel true joy? What makes a person laugh? Even in the hardest of times, in the darkest of places, we see images of children playing. Sure, we can focus on the suffering, but there is another side to the story. This doesn’t erase difficulties in the world, but it’s there to remind us that there is suffering, but there is joy as well.

Yes, Jesus is the Messiah, but more than that, you will see Him again! Jesus doesn’t just break the silences with a short answer the question, He expands it to include His future Second Coming. He knows where this will lead. No doubt.

One day, we will see the Son returning in all His glory. For now, we wait, but that doesn’t imply sitting around and watching the sky light up.

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Mark: Jesus Arrested

Read: Mark 14:43-52

Christmas 2017 was celebrated yesterday. Lots of gifts were exchanged as a reminder of the incredible gift that Jesus is to our world. Today is Boxing Day, a day to reflect on the crescendo of the Christmas season (and pack-up stuff). We don’t really celebrate Boxing Day here, but I like the idea. Instead, however, we go back to work. The calendar calls. Time keeps moving.

For Jesus and His disciples, we read about this pivotal moment: Judas follows through on his end of the bargain with the Jewish leaders.

Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. Mark 14:43

John Mark reminds us of the completeness of the betrayal scene. There is a crowd, swords, clubs, anger, defiance, tempers flare as Judas Iscariot breaches the personal space of his friend, mentor, and savior and provides the signal that could not be misunderstood: a kiss.

Peter, always being Peter:

Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Mark 14:47

The servant (John tells us the servant’s name was Malchus) wasn’t fast enough to get out of the way! Peter’s reaction is classic, but Jesus will have nothing to do with igniting a rebellion on human terms. He quickly regains control of the scene, miraculously heals the servant and quiets the crowd.

“Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” Then everyone deserted him and fled. Mark 14:48-49

Jerusalem was on alert. Those who were responsible for keeping civil rest during the Passover celebration were no doubt poised to squelch any sign of trouble. In my mind, they didn’t know all the details about this particular trouble-maker, they were just following orders to go along to maintain control when Jesus is arrested.

Then everyone deserted him and fled. Mark 14:50

Interesting.

They scatter–the disciples that is. Just as Jesus told them just a few hours earlier.

The scene before dawn, late in the night, unfolds as Jesus foretold many times.

Fleeing Naked

John Mark provides a footnote to the event that I found interesting today:

A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind. Mark 14:51-52

The other gospel writes add their observations, but here alone we read about one of the would-be followers of Jesus was also on the scene. This anonymous young man, like the disciples themselves, shows up on the scene in a costly garment.

Forgive me as I go out on a limb and imagine John Mark’s reason for including this footnote. Clothed with the riches of the world, he’s a fan of Jesus–like me perhaps. On the outside everything looks fine, but when you look closely, there is nothing underneath. When the pressure is on, the true character is revealed and the robes are stripped away. Perhaps this is John Mark’s reminder of Amos’ prophecy about the judgment of Israel in Amos 2:6-16. Amos caps his prophetic sermon with this note:

Even the bravest warriors
will flee naked on that day,”
declares the Lord.
Amos 2:16

They run away naked because they have nothing to offer. I have nothing to offer. The scene is embarrassing, humiliating, socially unacceptable (to say the least), but let’s be real:  only through the blood of Jesus’ sacrifice am I able to stand. I can’t be good enough, kind and gentle enough to earn salvation. It’s good to be good, but in the end, our robes of worldly goodness will be stripped away and there we are: naked.

Even the bravest will not win that day.

Lord, clothe me in your righteousness today. The birth of Jesus in such a humble manner reminds me of His greatness today. Happy Boxing Day. Remember the gifts.

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