Lost Sheep & The Search Party of One

Jesus told a parable. For those disciples who had been following Him, they had grown accustomed to his teaching style. Yet they were always challenged with the content of what He had to say, often times asking Him to clarify or for the meaning. It would be fair to say that His parables brought consternation to some while confusion to others. His teachings were also difficult to accept at times, because it meant turning from some traditional customs that the Jewish culture had adopted along the way.

On this particular day, Jesus began to tell another series of parables. His audience, the disciples of course, but there were also tax collectors and others that some identified as ‘sinners’. Jesus began his parable with a relatable statement; “suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them…” Immediately Jesus begins by drawing these tax collectors and ‘sinners’ into His tale. Immediately He is helping them identify with the content of His story. Immediately the implications are that this parable is for them. Not a ‘for them’ which implies a tale of condemnation, but rather a ‘for them’ which implies compassion and love and a deep longing to restore a right relationship with them to the Father.

In a moment, as Jesus begins to speak, they are held spell-bound, eyes locked on the Teacher…ready to hear His tale. “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?” Imagine if you will, Jesus speaks this phrase and He gazes intently into each face of those who had gathered around Him. They were the lost sheep that Jesus was talking about. They were pariahs of society, and by choice and some by vocation had lost their way.

Jesus wanted them to know the extent in which the Father would go to find His lost ones in this world! Every soul, every lost child was that important to God the Father. Jesus was sent on this mission. He even said it in His own words; “For the Son of Man came to seek and save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10) The lost were right in front of the One doing the saving…they didn’t realize how lost they were but Jesus did. This wasn’t some guilt trip or a brow beating by Jesus, but a message of love and compassion and care. Jesus looked into the very eyes of the lost sheep and hoped that they would let Him rescue them.

He finishes His parable with these words; “And when he finds it (the lost sheep) he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep. I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do no need to repent.” (Luke 15:1-7)

Think of it, He places the lost sheep on His shoulders and carries them home. Isn’t that what He has done for us too? Those who had gathered there to listen were lost. They needed someone to pick them up and carry them home. Who would go to them, the outcasts…the sinners? Jesus sought them out when all other religious leaders of the day sought out nothing but selfishness, power and condemnation. Jesus brought salvation to them, and all they had to do was repent.

Are you lost? Can you recall when Jesus came to you? All of heaven rejoices in the salvation of the lost. And when they are found again, there is peace and there is hope in the arms of the One who seek us. Our response to being found is repentance and allowing the Good Shepherd to carry us home.

April 29, 2013 3

Jesus, Zombies & Humanity – Sermon

Sermon Link is below:

Jesus, Zombies & Humanity – Sermon.

John 6:44-69 (NIV)
⁴⁴“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. ⁴⁵It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. ⁴⁶No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. ⁴⁷I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. ⁴⁸I am the bread of life. ⁴⁹Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. ⁵⁰But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die.
⁵¹I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” ⁵²Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”
⁵³Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. ⁵⁴Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. ⁵⁵For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.
⁵⁶Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. ⁵⁷Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. ⁵⁸This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever.” ⁵⁹He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. ⁶⁰On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” ⁶¹Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? ⁶²What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! ⁶³The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. ⁶⁴Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. ⁶⁵He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him.” ⁶⁶From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. ⁶⁷“You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. ⁶⁸Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. ⁶⁹We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”

Jesus spoke in the temple…about Zombies…”Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day..”(54)

I. Jesus taught a difficult message (v60)

He declared himself the only way to the father and also that He was the bread of life that had come down from Heaven. He was teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum…many came to listen and he had his disciples there which number way more than 12 at this time.

II. The of God will sometimes offend (v61)

III. Do we have faith or doubt? (v64)

IV. Declare who Christ is correctly! (67-69)

April 28, 2013 0

Jesus, Zombies & Humanity (A lesson in rejection)

The Zombies are everywhere, waiting to consume the flesh of the living. Waiting to chew on the brains of the fallen. Sound gross? Of course it is, yet the horror of these fictitious tales of mayhem and gore are irresistible to many. If you need evidence of this just look up “walking dead” on google and you quickly realize how big a show that has become. Dare I say that I too enjoy a good zombie story from time to time. The idea of a post-apocalyptic world is both dreadful and curious to me. Such a scenario pits humanity’s survival on the cusp of total and complete decimation. It’s thrilling and captivates a wide audience because simply to survive, within these tales is a minute by minute adventure.

Jesus talked about zombies…ok maybe not in the context that we think. But the Jews gathered in the synagogue in Capernaum certainly thought that was what He was saying. “I am the living bread that came down from heaven, if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:51) With bitter taste of distain and disgust on their tongues these Jews began to argue upon hearing Jesus’ words; “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” They had come to temple to hear the readings from the Torah and instead they hear of flesh eating deliverance from heaven. For a moment can’t you imagine hearing Jesus’ words and thinking the same thing? “How can this be?”

Certainly they would understand in context that blood offerings were given to atone for sin, as animals were routinely sacrificed for transgressions…it had become quite a booming business as well. But to hear one speak of consuming human flesh and drinking of human blood for eternal life set their teeth on edge.

“For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.” Jesus said. (John 7:55) Those who heard were more than perplexed. They didn’t get it. Jesus wasn’t literally speaking of a zombie smorgasbord when He spoke of His life’s purpose. Just like the teachings of His parables, those who heard often times didn’t understand, and those who actually had ears to hear, heard and pondered. Jesus was speaking and alluding to His willing sacrifice and eventual death on the cross for all of humanity…but most who gathered in the synagogue that day didn’t understand this spiritual zombie apocalypse.

But even many of Jesus’ own disciples who heard this teaching disserted Him following this metaphorical bloodletting event. Jesus even asked them before they departed from Him, “Does this offend you?” (John 6:61) The response wasn’t so much in what they said, but rather what they did: they left. Of course it offended them. In fact what Jesus said to His own culture offended many. Isn’t it interesting that when He spoke the truth, the truth was rejected and scorned by most. The very human side of Jesus must have obviously felt rejected and hurt. The very human side of Jesus must have experienced the pangs of loss when many of those who called themselves “disciples” turned their backs on Him. We might often overlook this very painful event of Jesus because of the content of His message. If we had to stand in Jesus’ shoes and speak this very hard message, knowing that it would probably offend and drive people away from us…would we have had the guts to speak it?

Yet Jesus knew and was filled with the Spirit who equipped Him for this painful event. He even identifies some of His own when He says, “Yet there are some of you who do no believe.” He didn’t sugar coat it, He didn’t seek to curry favor, He simply told them that they didn’t believe. The response resulted in painful rejection. “From this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him.” (John 6:66)

How often does God ask those He calls to declare His truth and speak hard teachings? If we are to be Christ-followers, these moments will also come to us. We can’t be afraid of facing rejection. Some Churches today have allowed sin of all kinds to continue because they are afraid to address them because it would result in people leaving their doors. Some Churches have curry favored and sugar coated God’s Word to make it more appealing to those living double lives. There’s a time to let things go, but there’s also a time to confront and face possible rejection. Jesus’ walking dead moment took some aback. His declaration offended many, yet He didn’t back down or back pedal from what He had said. As the crowd of resigned disciples walked away from Jesus, He even looked at the initial ‘twelve’ and said, “You do not want to leave too, do you?”

Jesus faced rejection and He knew He would offend many with the truth. Are we? I’m not implying that we are to deliberately find ways to offend people. But when the Lord prompts us to address issues or speak hard truths we ought to listen and obey. Jesus came to save humanity and to give the gift of eternal life. As Christ-followers, you and I are called to carry that message to the whosoever despite the throngs of rejections we might receive along the way. Our walking dead moments will come also…how will we respond?

April 26, 2013 0

I get knocked down…but I get up again!

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called…” (1 Timothy 6:12)

Rocky is training for the fight (yeah I know this does age me doesn’t it?) he is running, he is working diligently for the fight and every ounce of sweat, tears and endurance is focused on THE EVENT, when he will face Apollo Creed. He is trained, ready and focused on the goal.

In this Academy Award winning film, the main character ‘Rocky’ pushes through a lot of adversity to face off with the world champ in the ring. The main theme of this film is on focus, determination and perseverance.

Aren’t these qualities what every Christian needs in this world today? Haven’t you ever felt like giving up? Have the pressures of the world around you seemed insurmountable? When you get knocked to the mat by criticism, gossip and even slander have you wanted to quit? I imagine each of us in our own power would have quit long ago!

Having perseverance in the faith requires us to have a firm footing in whom it is we worship and count on to lead us. God wants so very much for us to keep fighting no matter what! It’s not a physical fight we wage in this world, but this very real spiritual battle does spill over into the physical world doesn’t it?

Today, whatever you are facing, whatever trouble that might come your way, know that God is in your corner! He wants you to keep going and not to quit! He gives us His strength when we are weak, the supports us when we don’t have the power to stand on our own. So if you’ve been knocked to the mat, and the referee is counting there in front of you, get back up! Don’t quit…Eternity is our goal and Christ is our coach!

April 12, 2013 0

The Biblical Twilight Zone…

My children got sucked in today by an old black and white television show. The show in question? The Twilight Zone. This morning before going to school, waking up with sleep caked eyes they flipped on the TV and they were drawn in. Not by expensive special effects or famous actors, but a well scripted haunting scenario. My kids journeyed with the characters on the episode identified with the actors as they uncovered a truth so hard to accept…they weren’t on Earth at all…they were someplace else.

To some degree the disciples had to have felt like actors on horrifying episode of the twilight zone. They had just finished their meal and went for a walk with Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. Imagine their tired eyes, filled stomachs and then Jesus tells them to sit at a place in the garden while He went up just a little further to pray. The effects of good food and the tranquil setting must have taken effect because the gospel of Mark records that Peter, James and John fell asleep instead of the Lord’s command of “keep watch”. They fall asleep, and sleep soundly as Jesus prays earnestly for His Father in Heaven to take the cup from Him (v36). Jesus displays his humanity in this moment, because He understood what needed to take place and His very human nature pleads for it to not take place.

Three times, Jesus comes to them and three times He finds them sleeping on the job. Jesus, in this difficult moment, tells them that they have to stand guard so that they didn’t fall into temptation because the spirit is willing, but the body is weak. (v.38) But because of their deep exhaustion they can’t keep their eyes open. In Jesus’ toughest struggle in his human existence, even beyond his temptation in the wilderness, His hand selected disciples couldn’t support Him in this trial. They fell asleep three times…I don’t believe in numerology but this repetitive notion of three is evident in the crucifixion story. Peter denies Jesus three times, the rooster crowed three times, the disciples including Peter, fell asleep three times and three times Jesus has to wake them up. Jesus in His death and resurrection took the span of three days. Post resurrected Jesus asks Peter how much He loved Him…you guessed it three times.

The Twilight Zone Moment:

After Jesus finishes His prayer conversation with the Father, He awakens His disciples for the last time and says, “Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayers!”(v.42) Here is when their reality is turned upside down. Within this very moment an alternative reality seems to present itself and it strikes literal fear in the disciples. One of their own, Judas enters the scene, and as a sign of identification places a kiss on the cheek of Jesus, as if to say ‘this is the one you want’. Peter’s eyes grow wide in surprise, as does James and John’s. How can this be? Why would Judas do such a thing? He was our brother! They all feel the bottom drop out in their stomach as this new reality sinks in. Peter reaches for his sword…where he got it, the Bible doesn’t say, but he uses it poorly it would seem as he slices off the ear of a servant to the high priest. I don’t think Peter planned to use it, his strike wasn’t premeditated but reactionary instead. This twilight zone will lead to an illegal midnight trial.

One can almost imagine the screen flickering in black and white as the camera zooms in on the actor and an expression of sheer disbelief and horror is magnified as the scenario is unveiled for the first time. This Maundy Thursday ended seemingly in a different dimension for the disciples. Way too much drama, too much loss, too little strength to do anything but sleep, cut off an ear and run away.

Don’t be too quick to judge though, perhaps if we were to place our feet into the disciples’ sandals for a moment without the foreknowledge that we have as we view this story from the outside, would we really have done anything different? Probably not.

Welcome to the Biblical Twilight Zone…Beyond it is another dimension – a dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of mind. You’re moving into a land of both shadow and substance, of things and ideas. You’ve just crossed over into the Biblical Twilight Zone.

March 28, 2013 4

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

Tag: Jesus