Homeboy vs. Hometown Riot

Isaiah 61:1-2 (NIV)
¹The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, ²to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,

Jesus stood in front of those gathered together in the synagogue of His home town and read these words…then, glancing at everyone in the room who were listening he rolled the scroll back up, it was placed in its customary resting place, and he took a seat to teach on the reading. You can almost imagine the crowd gathered there in the synagogue waiting for this fellow resident of Nazareth to speak. What would He say, he’s just a stone cutter’s son, and how much scriptural understanding does He really have? In the back of the sanctuary a person coughed, all eyes trained on Jesus, hanging on expectantly for what He would say.

Then it happens, with scriptural intent Jesus, now seated, looks directly into the faces of the people and fellow teachers and declares; “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” And then He lays it out there in his teaching. He tells them, without flinching or hesitation that every prophet is rejected in their home towns and proceeds to give examples of this through Elijah and Elisha. His meaning strikes the congregation like an audible slap in the face. Since the people of Israel rejected their prophets and continued in their ignorance the prophets went to the gentiles instead.

A fellow Jew takes a step forward and yells in outrage “What are you saying?” “How dare You!” another screams, the color of anger red rising in his face. “Blasphemy” another calls out and is repeated like an echo in a cave throughout the room. The once docile crowd seemingly awakens from its sermoned stupor and like a crashing wave onto jagged rocks at high tide convenes on the cause of their anger – Jesus. And with murderous intent glinting in their eyes, they grab Jesus roughly by His cloak. The roar of anger reverberates off of the columns and ceiling as the crowds of neighbors, townsmen, and even those who had worked with Joseph and his sons including Jesus…they knew Him, and yet they knew nothing. Anger now brimming over like lava from a volcano, the hometown crowd hauls Jesus out with cries of blasphemy and curses. Their intent is to end the guilt and conviction they feel by ending Jesus’ life. But as they approach a nearby cliff, something remarkable happens. Perhaps it’s an unrecorded miracle because no water is turned into wine, nor is someone healed from a sickness, but it’s a miracle nonetheless. The murderous rioters or would be church goers who were intent on killing Jesus aren’t permitted to do the deed! It’s not time yet for Him to die, and this isn’t the place for His ultimate sacrifice.

Instead of falling to His death, Jesus walks through the crowd. Nothing more is said of this event except that He goes on His way (v30). Was Satan involved in this sudden murderous riot? Were the town folk prompted to respond this way by a spiritual battle unseen? Perhaps, but the focus still remains on Jesus here. He walks through the would be murderers from the cliff and continues on this path and mission of teaching, healing and changing lives. This act of the crowd is fulfillment of Christ’s words only moments ago “no prophet is accepted in his hometown.” It wasn’t time yet for His sacrifice for the sins of the world. And so He moves on. Something to ponder here is if this event broke Christ’s heart. Were there tears in His eyes when He walked away from them, from His home? People He had known for years had just attempted to kill Him. His ‘old stomping grounds’ had become a hostile and uninviting place for Him, further reinforcing scripture that “He had nowhere to lay His head…”or call Home anymore. (Matt 8:20)

For us today, we may never face public riots for what we say for the sake of Christ. People might not be attempting to throw us from cliffs. But if we are to be followers and emulators of Christ we too must take bold stands and remain firm in them. Jesus said to His disciples and even now to us, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.” (Matt 16:24) In these words speaks of sacrifice, selflessness and purpose beyond our earthly lives. Jesus understood this measure of surrender, his purpose for being here on Earth and He gave himself completely to this task despite being rejected by the hometown crowd…how about you?

What is the measure of your surrender today?

(*My title isn’t meant to offend, please know I reverence Jesus and that of His life, and please don’t misunderstand my intent in the use of ‘Homeboy’)

March 27, 2013 1

Burdens, Purfume & a Woman

Luke 7:44-48 (NIV)
⁴⁴Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. ⁴⁵You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. ⁴⁶You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. ⁴⁷Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven–for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” ⁴⁸Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Jesus had been invited to a dinner party of sorts by a Pharisee name Simon. The dinner was just underway when a woman enters the room. She moves quickly because she understands the customs and knows if she doesn’t find Jesus first she will be met with stiff protest and quick eviction from the premises. Kneeling behind Jesus she begins to weep, it’s an odd sight, embarrassing for the host but Jesus, the dinner guest is unfazed. Her momentary gasps for breath amidst her tears breaks the awkward silence in the room. Soon, her tears are flowing rapidly like a swelling river during flood season. Her gasps increase and she is weeping openly at His feet. As each tear falls like salty raindrops she purposely positions herself over Jesus’ feet and allows each drop to fall onto them. His feet are still dusty from the gravely, chalky road and as the moisture from her tears gathers in the crease lines of His feet mud begins to form. The woman bends closer allowing her long hair to touch his feet. Reaching up she uses her hair like a cloth and proceeds to wipe the muddied feet. Then, from her pocket in her cloak she retrieves a small jar of perfume. The smells of food are suddenly replaced with an expensive aroma of perfume. She pours it onto Jesus’ feet and continues to wipe away the remnants of the dust and dirt. Her sobs are now the only sounds within the dining room.

The host; Simon is shocked as the rest of those gathered guests look on in bewildered amazement. This woman, known by the community for her tarnish reputation is at a Teacher’s feet…such things should not be, and yet Jesus does nothing to stop her. Instead Jesus looks at Simon and tells Him a short story. “There were two people who both owed a debt to a moneylender. One owed five hundred silver pieces, while the other owed fifty.” Jesus pauses as he glances from the woman back to Simon again, the light of the room reflecting in his eyes dances to the light of the flame. “Neither one of the debtors had the resources to pay back the debt to the moneylender.” Jesus continues to say, “but a remarkable thing happens, when the moneylender realizes neither one of them could repay the debt back, he cancels the debt.” Again Jesus glances up from the woman and looks Simon directly in the eyes again as he ask most important question Simon will hear all night, “Which of the two people owning the moneylender money will be the most thankful for the debt cancelation?” Simon doesn’t waste any time as he responds with confidence, “I imagine the person who owed the most would be the most thankful!” Jesus nods in agreement and looks down at the distraught woman still wiping his feet with her hair and say to Simon, “You see this woman who has disrupted your dinner party? She comes with much to forgive, you, Simon didn’t wash my feet when I enter and here she is washing my feet now.” Simon sits pensively as he listens. Jesus continues, “When I entered your home you did not greet me with a kiss which is customary, yet this woman has not stopped kissing my feet since she entered the room.” Silence falls on the room again as all who hear Jesus’ words chews on them like a piece of fatty grizzle. “Isn’t it remarkable?” Jesus asks, “She has been forgiven for a many sins today! She has found love and is reciprocating this great love to me even now!” Then Jesus speaks directly to the woman for the first time with kindness and more respect than anyone in the town had ever given her and her less than perfect reputation; “Woman, your sins are forgiven…” how could such a thing be the others wonder to themselves? “She was a sinful woman was she not? Who was this man that can forgive sin?” The other dinner guests and Simon, the host, murmur and grumble together. Yet Jesus ignores them and continues to speak to the woman at His feet with love and care; He tells her, “Your faith has saved you this day, now go in peace!”

What a moment for that woman! She came seeking forgiveness, she came with such a debt that she couldn’t possibly repay, and Jesus canceled the debt and gave her life again! Imagine the heavy burden that must have been lifted as soon as she got up from His feet? Can’t you envision her moving a little lighter as she makes her way home? Perhaps she sleeps heavier than she has slept in a very long time that night! Those in her household and those that know her well would have seen a drastic change her attitude and lifestyle! It all came about because Jesus allowed her to weep at His feet and to find forgiveness in this humbling act. Oh that we too may kneel at His feet and find such sweet deliverance! Whether you have much to be forgiven for or very little, seek Jesus, kneel before Him with a penitent heart and find your debts of sin canceled!

“Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Calvary, Calvary

Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Jesus is very Near!”

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
²⁸“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

March 22, 2013 1

The Judas Problem

Jesus had just dropped a bomb shell on his disciples…well all but one. Someone in this very room would betray Him. Just minutes before this shocking revelation the ambiance in the room had bathed everyone in euphoric celebratory mood, but now no longer. One moment the meal was satisfying and filling the next the bitter taste of bile and anger shattered all hope of joy and mirth. “How can this be?”; they must have wondered. Still others probably looked from one face to the next considering who it might be. Could this be true? Why would someone betray the Lord, let alone a disciple? As each heart sunk , one in particular panicked Judas, must have thought to himself, “well I’ve been found out, surely Jesus is going to reveal who it is and I will have to make a run for it”. Afterall, though Judas loved money, he hadn’t really done it for the money. Jesus was taking a long time in declaring himself Messiah, in Judas’ eyes he needed a little push and then all the chips would fall into place. The people would then see that there was hope of revolution in Israel and freedom from Roman oppression. At least that’s what Judas hoped would take place once Jesus’ secret was revealed. But was it really a secret? Hadn’t Jesus revealed who he was countless times through miracles and even through his own words? Yet Judas was convinced that this time things would become crystal clear for those in Jerusalem. Preparing his heart for this ‘betrayal’ was no easy feat, yet in his eyes it had to be done. What was a little sacrifice for freedom or for being the one to reveal Messiah to the masses?

As Judas got up from the table, he couldn’t quite force himself to look his Teacher in the eyes. A passing glance as he left the room revealed to Judas that there was disappointment on Jesus’ face. As Judas then made his way out of the home that they were dining he must have told himself over and over again that he was doing the ‘right’ thing . With this twisted conviction in his mind, he went and sought out the teachers of the law who would promise payment upon delivery.

Judas, at first must have thought that he could control the outcome, make a scene after Jesus’ arrest and force Jesus to declare himself King with His power as Messiah. Afterall Judas had witnessed that power over a stormy sea and had seen many people healed with mere words from Jesus or a single touch. Taking power and assuming His rightful place as King of Israel wouldn’t be that difficult. All Judas had to do was force his hand…and force he did, but the outcome left Judas distraught and utterly demoralized. Things had not gone according to plan. He had assumed that they would hold a trial in public during the day, but that very night an illegal trial had taken place. Judas also assumed that Jesus would defend his claim with power and might, but seemingly like a sheep to the slaughter Jesus was silent at first and even meek when He finally responded to their questions of His lineage as Son of God. Again he knew he had made the wrong choice when the crowd, prompted by the Pharisees cried out for Barnabas rather than see an innocent man released. Judas knew his plan had failed, and this very large gamble was going to leave him broke. When Jesus was sentenced to death, Judas lost all hope of any kind of reprieve from this awful decision of betrayal. Those thirty pieces of silver in his pouch seemed to weigh heavily on his conscience and in his coat pocket. They almost seemed to cry out into his ear “this is how much your teacher’s life was worth to you?”

As bitterness and regret took the place of schemeing and plotting, Judas was left with nothing but emptiness inside his heart. Nothing had gone according to plan and now having to face the consequences of his choice, Judas hated what he had become. Standing in the light of his own guilt and shame Judas felt as if there was nothing left to live for. All hope was gone. Judas took out the thirty pieces of silver, blood money that he had been given for his part in the betrayal and threw it in the temple. Feeling empty, broken and alone compiled with the remorse that he felt – there was no hope of salvation anymore for him – or so he thought. He would end it…and end it he did by hanging himself.

Such a Shakespearean tale wrought with love, plotting, betrayal and an ending that leaves you wondering what might have been?
Yet we know often that perhaps there are still moments in our lives when we have betrayed Jesus. When we have held our thirty pieces of silver in our hands and tossed a kiss Jesus’ way. We might want to quickly condemn Judas for his actions, and rightly so, but we’ve all been Judas one time or another. The only difference that I hope we can declare here is that we have been redeemed, that we yet have hope and that our lives are no longer cold and empty. Though we can identify with our shortcomings in our faith and with our relationship to Jesus, He still comes back to us and says I love you…do you love me? May our response to Jesus be one of love and victory because we were once lost but now Jesus has found us again. That, my friends is an Amazing grace!
Happy Easter to you all!

March 13, 2013 2

Discipleship – Love, Trust, Christ-likeness

Many Christians consider discipleship to be only something the disciples of Jesus went through to become apostles. Others consider discipleship to be something only pastors have to go through. Before we look at what discipleship is, let’s look at what discipleship is not.

Discipleship is not another program.

Discipleship is not simply a workbook to complete.

Discipleship is not about ego or title.

Discipleship is not about boosting membership numbers.

If any of those areas become the focal point of discipleship then the point of true discipleship has been misplaced. I don’t presume to have all of the answers here, but we cannot simply treat this important element of the Christian faith lightly or as just another component to what we’re already doing. I cannot stress it enough but Discipleship in your church is NOT just another program or a stat line in a monthly report! Discipleship is and should be the life blood of spiritual maturation and biblical/doctrinal understanding. It’s not catechism, or indoctrination, please don’t misunderstand what is being said here, Discipleship is mentoring others in the very foot prints of Christ.

I remember my youngest son, Ethan, watching me in the bathroom one morning as I shaved in front of the mirror. Earlier in the year he had received a toy shaving kit which included a plastic faux razor. As I made my shaving stroke up my neck, I glanced over and Ethan was copying me. I shaved my chin and again Ethan mimicked my motion with his little plastic razor. Every movement I made while shaving, he copied me and we both laughed but I will never forget my son wanting to shave just like his daddy.

In a very real sense we too are to copy the movements and emulate the behavior of Christ, who is our heavenly example of godly living here on earth. Holiness is the primary purpose, but discipleship is the conduit by which holiness happens practically. How did the Jesus’ disciples learn and grow in their faith? They did so by watching the actions and teachings of Christ while learning at His feet. When Jesus called his first disciples he said, “Come follow me!” And the Bible says they left their nets and followed him (Mark 1:17). His command was the command of a Rabbi, a teacher who said to these men you can be like me, you will be my disciples.

How does that match up with how the present day Church is leading people into forms of mentoring and discipleship? Perhaps there are some wonderful examples of mentoring and discipling going on out there but by and large many churches fall short in this aspect of ministry. Where does a new Christian go after becoming saved? Do they just get put into a Sunday school or to warm a pew for the next twenty years or more? When people get up from the alter and profess Christ in their lives and want to learn and live it we as more mature Christians ought to come alongside them and help cultivate a healthy long term relationship with Christ. We as elders of churches ought to become their example of godly living so that they too will emulate and reflect Christ in their lives.

Discipleship is also about trust. Have you ever been thrust into a mentoring program and been told this is your mentor? Don’t get me wrong, some wonderful stories and testimonies might come from these times, but by and large discipleship cannot be forced upon people who are unwilling. Also discipleship is a two way street. Without a developed comradely, understanding and relational side, the mentor to the mentee relationship is just an obligation and not a longing. When we look at scriptures we find disciples of Jesus loving him, wanting to be like him. Sure they made lots of mistakes…LOTS of mistakes! But there was trust within that relationship, a relationship that changed lives not mandated and dictated terms of submission. True discipleship requires time, love, patience and trust. Without an invested caring, reciprocated relationship, discipleship can and will only go so far. Because if the truth is spoken in love, and yet love isn’t present, why should the one being discipled comply and change?

How have you been discipled? Was it just some program you had to attend? Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with programs, but discipleship and discipleship training is not JUST a program! The disciples of Jesus spent many many hours with their discipler, with their Rabbi. They ate together, they laughed together, there was fellowship, there was trust and genuine love sparked change…not edicts or mandates, but love. Who do you want to emulate today? Who can you ask to come along side you so that you can become more and more like Christ? We cannot do this Christian thing alone, we need help, we need mentors in our lives!

A song that says it all for me is “To be like Jesus” . The lyrics speak for themselves:

“To be like Jesus!

This hope possesses me,

in every though and deed,

this is my aim, my creed;

To be like Jesus!

This hope possesses me,

His Spirit helping me, Like Him I’ll be”

Our goal, our mission : To be like Jesus

Our objective: To find Christian Elders who can challenge us, whom we can trust, and who will hold us accountable in love.

March 7, 2013 9

A Sloop, A Squall, A Savior

The Rabbi finishes his teaching and instructs his followers to get into the boat and head out into the lake. He settles himself down into the creaking bow as the sounds of the water lapping and splashing become his lullaby. He is exhausted from human contact and needs to rest for just a little while. With his eyes closed and his breathing a rhythmic tune for the sandman, his disciples chatter about the day. What did Jesus mean about the mustard seed? Were they to go out and gather this seed to become great leaders of faith like him? Their conversation continued while a couple of the disciples cast out nets to bide their time in the dusk of the day. Their learned profession casting nets into the waters would inevitably feed them tonight.

Out of the East a rumble is heard. The wary fishermen are all too familiar with the temperamental shifting of the wind and the rising swells that sometimes swoop down onto the lake. They become nervous. The small sloop isn’t even halfway across and soon this storm will overtake them. Another rumble echoes off of the wooden mast and continues to roll out into the horizon, this time accompanied by a bright flash of lightening as the pressure of the air changes around them. This is going to be a big storm, and they have nowhere safe to go, they are vulnerable. The wind suddenly picks up and the idle chatter of conversation is carried out past them as the howl of this squall begins. Jesus is still asleep.

Simon Peter looks over at his brother Andrew and they exchange a momentary glance of concern. The wind starts to increase the chop of the waves and soon enough the boat is hurtling forward on a rollercoaster that has everyone’s stomach in their throats. First up a tall breaking wave and then down into the depths only to repeat again over and over. The rain begins to pelt them with larges droplets and soon they are drenched from head to toe and the bottom of the boat looks more like a big bucket of water. Still Jesus is asleep. How much more can this little boat handle? They begin to wonder this as another strong gust has them bracing for another crashing wave over the bow. Concern gives way to fear, fear gives way to dread. This could be their last night and that realization is evident on each of their faces. Finally, after another crash of lightening that strikes too close to them and a roar of thunder that is felt in their chests they seek the only source of hope that they have left; Jesus. He is still asleep, the day had been long and he was very weary from travel. One of the disciples places firm hands on Jesus’ shoulders and shakes him awake. “Help us Teacher, can’t you see that we are about to die!” Jesus looks up into his disciples’ face and sees sheer panic and terror as the swell screams and tears through the boat and crashing waves.

Jesus takes off the now soaking cloak from his body and makes his way to the prow of the boat. He stands up boldly before the storm as all of the disciples are behind him huddled together quaking in fear. He raises his hands as if he wants or dares the storm to strike him. Then in a loud voice he yells out into the squall. “STOP, BE STILL!” The disciples witness something astounding. It doesn’t happen incrementally, or taper away like a receding storm, but all at once everything becomes calm. Everything! The waves cease their rising and crashing. The wind that threatened to blow them away simply went away. The roll of thunder and crash of lightening suddenly disappears as if the storm has decided to go elsewhere. All is calm.

The disciples look up at their teacher, amazed. Jesus stands there before them says to them; “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Then something clicks within them, and they are terrified. Who is Jesus? Did that just happen? So many questions run through their minds. But the evidence is right before them; Jesus has just stopped a storm with His words. The air that was once filled with pressure from the storm is now filled with rebuke of the disciples’ lack of faith. “Do you still have no faith?” These words will echo in them for some time. It will remind them and spur them on for years. Their Rabbi, God’s one and only son, has shown them what faith can do. The disciples will never forget this moment. It will be forever engrained in them, forever a living example of God’s power that is alive and active in the world. Perhaps, just perhaps Christ’s words rings even truer when He said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. “ (John 14:12,13)

I’m not sure about you, but I can identify with the disciples! I too have doubts. I too struggle with a waning faith from time to time. Sometimes the storms that invade my life seem to crash over me and threaten to capsize all that I am and possess. Many times I respond to Jesus just like the disciples when crisis comes my way, “Help me Jesus, can’t you see that I am about to die!” But the Son of God, the same Jesus who calmed that storm so long again with mere words still speaks to the storms in my life today! He speaks to your storms as well! How’s your faith? In whom is your faith today? Perhaps, if it’s not in Jesus, the storm calmer, life giver, Messiah; you could be sinking and afraid. Cry out to Him, have faith in Him and He will be there to help you in your tempests and your storms. “Peace, be still!”

March 6, 2013 1

Question: “Why Did God come to Earth?”

“It is only because he became like us that we can become like him.”

-Dietrich Bonehoffer

Jesus came to earth. That impact alone has been felt through time, like a ripple in an ocean that eventually became a tidal wave. God came to us! This one statement should touch us in a way that no other statement on earth can compare itself to. The Creator of this planet, and everything else for that matter, descended to our level…descended to become one of His creations. Why? Why would He do this? What would the motivation be for Almighty God taking on human form? Was He bored? Was there nothing else to do? Obviously there must be a reason.

The Reason:

John 3:16 tells us plainly the reason for God coming to us as a man. “God so loved the world that He sent His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life!” God loved us! Not just the world that He created, but the men and women that He created in His own image…you and me! God came to our level so that we might be saved.

Wait.

Saved from what? Was there some sort of cosmic invasion? Were there still dinosaurs out there that needed vanquishing and we needed protecting? No! So what were we saved from?

The answer is that we were saved from ourselves. Huh? What does that mean? Romans chapter three puts it plainly for us: “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” –Romans 3:22-24 (NIV)

Everyone on this rock that we call Earth has sinned. Everyone. Romans 3:23 says “all have sinned.” Back up a few verses and it also says, “There is no one righteous, not even one…” Romans 3:10 (NIV) Since Adam and Eve broke God’s heart in the garden of Eden and committed the first sin, everyone who has ever lived carries this ‘sin gene’ within themselves. There is no one on Earth that is good enough, holy enough or perfect enough to merit meeting the expectations of “righteous”. So this is why God had to take on human form and save us. He came to save us from ourselves. To save us from our own punishment that is certain death without his redemption and sacrifice on our behalf. God knew we needed a redeemer and so He provided a way for us to be saved. Why do this for us? Because He loves us that much! He loves us more than we could ever comprehend or understand. He loves us even before we reach out and reciprocate (or try to reciprocate) that love. Then and only then can we truly understand what Jesus was saying when He said, “The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.” –John 10:10 (ASV)

Do you need some assurance today that you’re loved? Do you realize just how important you are to God himself? He extends His arms of love to us today and still says to us “I have come that you might have life, and have it abundantly!” Our Father in heaven invites you to experience real life today. If you need help learning more about this great love He has for you, begin by reading the gospel of John…read the gospels and especially read the very words of Jesus. Don’t miss out on the abundant life that God has for you! Don’t miss out on His love. Begin today…I dare you!

March 4, 2013 1

Sometimes we let go

Sometimes we just let go
Hand over fist
A Judas kiss
Wrapped tightly in blankets
Comfort of angels
Wings enfolding
Pain unfolding
Sometimes we just let go
Arms upholding
Strength midst weakness
A friend through the mess
Tears like rivers
Fears collapsing
Cascading
Down around
Still letting go
Breathing one
Last time
Looking up
And out
His face
Love’s embrace
Peace, extreme peace…
Sometimes
WE
LET
GO.

Today…
Tomorrow…
Heaven knows
Not I
Nor you
Whose eyes
Shall be waiting
Be looking at us
Whose embrace
Whose face
In that place
When
We
Let
Go.

February 25, 2013 0

On Grace and Good Friday…

On Grace:

Sometimes laughter is

the medicine best consumed

Removing any bitter pill

catching our fill of joy

hopefully by the bucket full

While we scratch and scrape to obliterate

The evidence of the empty

Other times there exists

this wish, this droaning desire

the brush fire of urgency

to unwind the vivid recall

that catches our fall

into this levity

we attempt,

we yearn to protect

this fragile sanity

casting shadows on the walls

of our iniquities

all the while struggling

refraining from peering

at that tree on Calvary

Could this be our undoing?

The unraveling of life’s

Guilt and selfishness

We have been pursuing this…

We the murder guilty

Hands crimson and stained..

Our eyes struggling to ignore it

Pulling our attention away

Yet discovering the end of our wit

Our wisdom, our inadequate understanding

Yet this heart,…

This shackled slave to self

is crash landing

bailing out…expanding panic

I think I’ll be sick

As I find myself wading

Through my own filth

Which eclipses feeble strength

Within these tired hands

This vacant soul…

Hallowed and emptied out

I have lost control

Shattered, bits and pieces

Sharp and jagged

Course as no longer whole

And glancing once more

Rugged cross in view

Life’s blood is spilt

Redemption, salvation, new life

Comes Crashing through…yet I will not

Comprehend it… just yet

No, not yet…

For hell has to relinquish

Diminish in the world…in me…

Then three days

Three gut wrenching, tear bursting

Sleep fleeting days…

To grave side

Torn pride, without guide

I will make my way

To mourn, to break again

But only then…only then

Will I meet nail shattered hands

Light from the cave of death

I will catch my breath,

I will catch His grace

And from His lips I will

Hear I love you, this…

This…was all for you.

February 13, 2013 0

Here comes the pitch…

“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you”

Psalm 55:22

I always get this image in my mind when I think of this passage of some guy throwing this big heap of cares in the general direction of Jesus like a pitcher would a ball to home plate. Yet when I pause and truly consider the implications of such a passage however, I quickly realize that this passage is about my cares, my concerns, my frustrations. Everyone who reads this passage ought to find some peace of mind in the knowledge that this verse is for us!

Do you have cares? Concerns? I know I do, and what I am reminded of is that I don’t have to carry these concerns and troubles alone. I am reminded of the promise at the end of this verse, not only do we find peace of mind in that we can cast our worries, concerns and cares onto Him, but the verse promises that He will sustain us through it all! The word sustain is an interesting word to me it means to support, to keep something in position and also to nourish. With so many descriptive definitions of this one solitary word I can begin to find more comfort in what it is that He will do for me when I relinquish control of my cares and concerns.

He will hold me steadfast, support me and also nourish my feeble strength…now that’s a promise worth checking out today! I’m at the pitcher’s mound…here goes.

February 12, 2013 0

Calling… the freaks, the geeks, the rejects and the not good enough!

Mark 2:13-17 (NIV)
¹³Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. ¹⁴As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.

The sounds of the crowd echoed off of the small lean-to as they passed. Some of the people scowled as they walked by then shaking their heads in disgust and finally disappearing out of sight. This repeated numerous times within the hour, and the occupier of the rickety shack was used to the looks his line of work emitted from the population. He was a tax collector after all, and the reputation of such an established profession was despised by most and avoided by the rest. The whispers and cursing under the breath was all a part of the hazards of the job. He lets the moment pass by, exhales a deep breath, and then bends over the weathered table again to resume his work.

He is so consumed with his “paperwork” that he almost misses the most epic moment of his life. As the sound of rustling paper replaces the echoes of the passing crowd he begins to sense that he is being watched. He looks up from the stack of papers still needing to be inspected, and sees a man looking directly at him. He doesn’t know how long the man had been there just looking at him, but the tax collector is nervous. “No one looks directly at a tax collector” He thinks to himself, “Why is he just staring at me?” he wonders. Then the most peculiar thing happens. The man calls this collector of taxes by name, “Levi, come with me” He says. For a moment, for one single solitary moment, Levi is absolutely still, as if he is firmly glued to the ground within his work space. “I can’t just get up and go…can I?” He wonders to himself. His entire future hinges on this one pivotal moment in time and he doesn’t know it yet. On one hand if he says “no I’m not going anywhere, I have work to do” then things will remain the same. Taxes will be collected, harsh expressions on faces, and he will always be unwanted within many social circles around town. On the other hand, if Levi does go with this teacher what will happen? What will happen to his family? Will he be able to return home? So much hinges on this decision, so many variables and yet Levi, finding the strength to move once more picks himself up and makes the decision to follows Jesus.

Levi, known to us by the name of Matthew made a crucial decision that day which would not only change his life, but the lives of all those who would one day read his writings also known as the gospel of Matthew, one of the four gospels of Jesus Christ.

Isn’t it amazing that Jesus selected a tax collector, a profession despised by most people in society to help him spread His story of redemption to the world! Among his other disciples were the rejects, outcasts and the not-good enoughs. He turned the world upside down with His message of love, redemption and grace. He used both men and women, Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, the educated and the street smart to convey this all inclusive message to the lost, seeking, and broken.

Still today, the Lord calls to you and to me to follow Him! We may be far from perfect. We may be lacking education, self-confidence, social and peer acceptance and many other inadequacies. Yet He calls us, and can use us if we are available to accept His direction for our lives. Matthew couldn’t have imagined that day where Jesus would lead him, yet he followed. We too are asked to do the same. “Follow me” Jesus says to us…what will your answer be?