Luke 12:41-48
Jesus has just given some serious instructions to these people regarding the manner in which their lives are to be lived in light of eternity. He finishes this section with telling them that, "Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand more (vs. 48b)." We always interpret this as materially much leading to much material giving. In other words, if you are given lots of money you should give lots of money. However, I think if we look back to the previous instructions we will see this refers more to a knowledge and wisdom much, rather than material much. Jesus has just given commands as to how one is to live life on this earth, with eternity in full view. Knowing we will not be here long, we should not be concerned with amassing treasures here (20-21). He warns against focusing on provision here and worrying about needs being met here on this earth, even basic needs (vs. 22-23). These act as an anchor, holding us to this earth, enslaving us to earthly matters and concerns, putting us in the same class as pagans (vs. 29-30, 34), limiting our service to his kingdom. He has told us that as long as we are kingdom focused, singularly, that he will provide for what needs we have on this earth (vs. 31), there is no need for us to worry for these. To go beyond this is to lose faith in God and to be unprepared for his return (vs. 28, 42-46). Jesus gives us the warning of the rich fool who saved for his own personal indulgence and provision. At a time he did not expect, God required his soul of him and all his savings amounted to great loss for him, not reward. He saved great stores of wealth, but is not labeled as a good steward, but as a fool (vs. 20-21). How can we interpret saving large amounts of money as being a good steward? This is never the case in the New Testament. The widow was exalted by Jesus for giving all she had (Mark 12:41-44). Ananias and Sapphira gave a significant portion of the proceeds from the sell of their house to God, probably what amounted to a generous gift. But they were not congratulated as good stewards for it, but condemned because they did not give it all (Acts 5:1-10). With these in view the phrase "rich towards God" in vs. 21 takes on a whole new meaning. Taking all this into account, we cannot interpret vs. 48 as simple material much leading to generous gifting. Jesus has warned against personally accumulating not just earthly excess, but any earthly provision (vs. 22-23, 29). His finish with vs. 48 must refer to knowing these instructions and knowing how we are expected to live our life here, we will be judged according to our obedience to these instructions. It cannot refer to simply being held accountable for how much money we gave. Otherwise the Pharisees would have been commended for their large, expensive gifts, not condemned (Mark 12:41, 44; Luke 11:42). Have we sold our possessions as instructed (vs. 33)? Have we been rich towards God and not ourselves (vs. 21)? Have we abandoned pursuing provision in trust of his provision and the pursuit of a kingdom (vs. 31)? Have we aligned ourselves as transients and strangers here on this earth, eagerly awaiting his return? Because this is one who truly believes in Jesus' return and is ready for it; who sees no need to hold on to what is so worthless and fleeting. Or have we been more concerned with our future here, preparing to be here for a while, so we might as well make the best of it, just like the unwise servant in vs 45-47? Because it is according to these how we will be judged. This is the much we have been given (instructions), and it will be according to this much that we are compared, every aspect of our lives, not just our donations. We are to work as commanded (II Thessalonians 3:7-8), but not to prepare for some unforeseen future happenings, but that we may be rich towards God, as commanded. There is no need to try and prepare and predict for future needs and circumstances. We all know what will happen, there is no speculation. Do our lives reflect this unshakeable faith and trust, or do we evidence that we just aren't buying Jesus' "predictions"? To be ready for his return is to posture your life in the manner he has just described, living in a way that evidences this earth is temporary and its treasures fleeting, not to just simply believe in Jesus and be ready to go to heaven. So which is your stance? Look at your life, not your words, and this will tell you.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
The Leaven of the Pharisees
Luke 12:1-3
Jesus has just finished rebuking the Pharisees for their "holy" behavior, which stems from an evil heart, therefore negating any purity in their acts, rendering them useless and detestable (11:39-52). He then turns to his disciples and further warns them against the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy (vs. 1). He tells them that even though their behavior may appear "righteous", there will come a day when all will be exposed and will be shown to either be from a pure heart, or from an evil heart (vs. 2-3). Motivations will either complement our good deeds, or expose and condemn them. And we, present-day, are no different, as Paul gives us this same warning in I Corinthians 3:12-15, showing us that some will stand before God with all their "good deeds" being exposed as nothing. We will stand before God empty-handed and shamed that we did nothing for the glory of God while here on earth "serving" him, instead serving ourselves the entire time. We look at our lives and the good behaviors that we display and quickly label ourselves as religiously devout and pious and servants of the Most High. Well, so did the Pharisees. They were holier and cleaner than everyone, outwardly, yet inwardly they were motivated by greed and selfishness, not the glory of God. They believed their lives to be pinnacle examples of God's righteous servants, incurring his favor and blessing. But their motivations, their hearts displayed a different desire. Jesus, after warning against their hypocrisy, continues on, telling them to not fear man (vs. 4). Do not let religious culture, and man's expectation or opinion dictate your actions and behavior, as it did for the Pharisees. Do not conform your lives to fit in with those around you, whether religious or secular, this is hypocrisy. Fear God instead, letting him dictate your actions and behavior (vs. 5, 8), because he is good and can be trusted and will not lead you into destruction (vs. 6-7). If conformity to man's opinion and standard dictates your behavior then you have inwardly denied the Son of God (vs. 9), and you will be exposed in the presence of God as a hypocrite. God is to determine your behavior, and acts of service, and he will be your source of righteousness and holiness, not clean, religious behavior that conforms to man's expectation (Luke 16:15). Jesus is warning us that good outward behavior is not always indicative of a pure heart serving God out of love, but perhaps an indication of deception and extreme hypocrisy. God looks upon our heart, not our actions. So we too must examine our hearts before God, not our actions. Only God knows our hearts; we cannot possibly know the motivations that lay within (Jeremiah 17:9). We must ask God to search our hearts and reveal them to us, and stop comparing ourselves to the standards and expectation of religious man. There is no shame in confession, but mercy and forgiveness (I John 1:9). Otherwise we risk consuming the leaven of the Pharisees, and in turn, it will consume us (Galations 5:9).
Jesus has just finished rebuking the Pharisees for their "holy" behavior, which stems from an evil heart, therefore negating any purity in their acts, rendering them useless and detestable (11:39-52). He then turns to his disciples and further warns them against the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy (vs. 1). He tells them that even though their behavior may appear "righteous", there will come a day when all will be exposed and will be shown to either be from a pure heart, or from an evil heart (vs. 2-3). Motivations will either complement our good deeds, or expose and condemn them. And we, present-day, are no different, as Paul gives us this same warning in I Corinthians 3:12-15, showing us that some will stand before God with all their "good deeds" being exposed as nothing. We will stand before God empty-handed and shamed that we did nothing for the glory of God while here on earth "serving" him, instead serving ourselves the entire time. We look at our lives and the good behaviors that we display and quickly label ourselves as religiously devout and pious and servants of the Most High. Well, so did the Pharisees. They were holier and cleaner than everyone, outwardly, yet inwardly they were motivated by greed and selfishness, not the glory of God. They believed their lives to be pinnacle examples of God's righteous servants, incurring his favor and blessing. But their motivations, their hearts displayed a different desire. Jesus, after warning against their hypocrisy, continues on, telling them to not fear man (vs. 4). Do not let religious culture, and man's expectation or opinion dictate your actions and behavior, as it did for the Pharisees. Do not conform your lives to fit in with those around you, whether religious or secular, this is hypocrisy. Fear God instead, letting him dictate your actions and behavior (vs. 5, 8), because he is good and can be trusted and will not lead you into destruction (vs. 6-7). If conformity to man's opinion and standard dictates your behavior then you have inwardly denied the Son of God (vs. 9), and you will be exposed in the presence of God as a hypocrite. God is to determine your behavior, and acts of service, and he will be your source of righteousness and holiness, not clean, religious behavior that conforms to man's expectation (Luke 16:15). Jesus is warning us that good outward behavior is not always indicative of a pure heart serving God out of love, but perhaps an indication of deception and extreme hypocrisy. God looks upon our heart, not our actions. So we too must examine our hearts before God, not our actions. Only God knows our hearts; we cannot possibly know the motivations that lay within (Jeremiah 17:9). We must ask God to search our hearts and reveal them to us, and stop comparing ourselves to the standards and expectation of religious man. There is no shame in confession, but mercy and forgiveness (I John 1:9). Otherwise we risk consuming the leaven of the Pharisees, and in turn, it will consume us (Galations 5:9).
Monday, November 7, 2011
Sign of Jonah
Luke 11:29-32
In this passage, the crowds are beginning to increase and so Jesus gives them a stern warning that should strike fear in all of us. He tells them that their generation is an evil generation that is seeking a sign, but that their seeking will not be fruitful, they will not find what they seek for. Instead, a subtle reminder will be given in the same spirit as that of Jonah in regards to Nineveh (vs. 29). He clarifies this in verse 30, reminding them that Jonah was the sign Nineveh needed, and Jesus is the sign this evil generation is seeking for. They are wanting some kind of incredible, other-worldly, parting of the clouds, booming voice from heaven, sort of experience. They are wanting something clear and precise that they can understand and apply, without doubt, not open for interpretation. But the sign they seek, the uncanny happenstance is Jesus himself, his teaching, his warnings; this is their sign, in the same spirit that Jonah's warnings and chastisements were the sign for the people of Nineveh. This is our sign today. God has sent modern-day prophets to us today to warn us of our wandering and to bring us back to him as our source of everything. We find ourselves constantly analyzing our lives and then asking, "What's wrong with this?" "Where does it say that I can't do this, or watch this or have this, or be involved in this?" Is this not us simply asking for a sign? Is not the spirit behind the questions the same? The motivation and spirit behind their sign-seeking is the same as ours as we ask these questions of what's wrong with this. We want proof before we endure hardship and start to change our lives, because we desperately want to hang on to our "treasures" in this world (our worldliness and materialism), and if we can find a way around having to give them up, then we will jump at it. After all, is he really worth giving up all these things for? We want proof that he is, or else we will not change. Jesus labels this thinking as "an evil generation" and warns that we will not find the proof we seek after, because the proof is already there, contained within his teachings and warnings. The signs they seek and proof we want are already there, they and we just cannot see them or understand them because of hard-hearts and selfishness. This is the same warning that is given in the instance of the rich man in hell, imploring Abraham to send a representative from the dead back to his brothers to warn them of hell. Abraham tells him that if they will not listen to the prophets and the scriptures then no other sign will convince them either (Luke 16:29-31). This is our sign, our warning. God has given us his word and it is appropriated by faith, not signs. We render faith useless if we demand proof through signs, and without faith everything is useless and impossible (Hebrews 11:6). The truly scare reminder though is that if we continue to ignore these modern-day prophets, and continue to ask for proof of our wandering hearts, then God will hold us accountable for the blood of every prophet he has sent since the beginning (vs. 49-51). This is not an overstatement, it is scriptural truth, and it is possible because the spirit that caused them to ignore prophets and Jesus is the same spirit that causes us to ignore. We may be more modern and civilized in our ignoring scripture, but our hearts are aligned with that of the "evil generation" in this passage. We must heed the warnings and teachings of scripture against worldliness and greed and materialism and love of money and appropriate God's word by faith and stop asking for proof. How dare we read God's word, justify our ways, and then look him and his prophets in the face and say "Oh yeah, well prove it!" Because the proof is already there, more will not be given. I wonder if those who stand before God condemned on that day will still be asking the question "What was wrong with that?" (Matthew 7:21-23)?
In this passage, the crowds are beginning to increase and so Jesus gives them a stern warning that should strike fear in all of us. He tells them that their generation is an evil generation that is seeking a sign, but that their seeking will not be fruitful, they will not find what they seek for. Instead, a subtle reminder will be given in the same spirit as that of Jonah in regards to Nineveh (vs. 29). He clarifies this in verse 30, reminding them that Jonah was the sign Nineveh needed, and Jesus is the sign this evil generation is seeking for. They are wanting some kind of incredible, other-worldly, parting of the clouds, booming voice from heaven, sort of experience. They are wanting something clear and precise that they can understand and apply, without doubt, not open for interpretation. But the sign they seek, the uncanny happenstance is Jesus himself, his teaching, his warnings; this is their sign, in the same spirit that Jonah's warnings and chastisements were the sign for the people of Nineveh. This is our sign today. God has sent modern-day prophets to us today to warn us of our wandering and to bring us back to him as our source of everything. We find ourselves constantly analyzing our lives and then asking, "What's wrong with this?" "Where does it say that I can't do this, or watch this or have this, or be involved in this?" Is this not us simply asking for a sign? Is not the spirit behind the questions the same? The motivation and spirit behind their sign-seeking is the same as ours as we ask these questions of what's wrong with this. We want proof before we endure hardship and start to change our lives, because we desperately want to hang on to our "treasures" in this world (our worldliness and materialism), and if we can find a way around having to give them up, then we will jump at it. After all, is he really worth giving up all these things for? We want proof that he is, or else we will not change. Jesus labels this thinking as "an evil generation" and warns that we will not find the proof we seek after, because the proof is already there, contained within his teachings and warnings. The signs they seek and proof we want are already there, they and we just cannot see them or understand them because of hard-hearts and selfishness. This is the same warning that is given in the instance of the rich man in hell, imploring Abraham to send a representative from the dead back to his brothers to warn them of hell. Abraham tells him that if they will not listen to the prophets and the scriptures then no other sign will convince them either (Luke 16:29-31). This is our sign, our warning. God has given us his word and it is appropriated by faith, not signs. We render faith useless if we demand proof through signs, and without faith everything is useless and impossible (Hebrews 11:6). The truly scare reminder though is that if we continue to ignore these modern-day prophets, and continue to ask for proof of our wandering hearts, then God will hold us accountable for the blood of every prophet he has sent since the beginning (vs. 49-51). This is not an overstatement, it is scriptural truth, and it is possible because the spirit that caused them to ignore prophets and Jesus is the same spirit that causes us to ignore. We may be more modern and civilized in our ignoring scripture, but our hearts are aligned with that of the "evil generation" in this passage. We must heed the warnings and teachings of scripture against worldliness and greed and materialism and love of money and appropriate God's word by faith and stop asking for proof. How dare we read God's word, justify our ways, and then look him and his prophets in the face and say "Oh yeah, well prove it!" Because the proof is already there, more will not be given. I wonder if those who stand before God condemned on that day will still be asking the question "What was wrong with that?" (Matthew 7:21-23)?
Friday, November 4, 2011
The Right Answer
Luke 10:25-37
Jesus is questioned by a lawyer as to how to inherit eternal life. Jesus turns the question back on him, asking him what the law says. Jesus knows this man is a lawyer and therefore knows the law, so surely he would know what the law says in regards to inheriting eternal life. And sure enough, this man does know the right answer, and Jesus congratulates him for possessing such knowledge. But the man probes further, wanting to justify himself in Jesus' eyes, most likely out of pride. After telling this man a parable, once again Jesus asks him a question and once again the man answers correctly. That is now twice that this man has been able to answers Jesus' questions correctly, and yet the meaning and application of his correct answers seem to allude him. He is the example of ever seeing but never perceiving, ever hearing but never understanding (Isaiah 6:9). He knows all the right answers and can align himself, intellectually, with Jesus' theology and yet he had missed it completely. The first command that this man gives is to love God, then others. But when he questions Jesus, he focuses on justifying the second command, probably thinking he has mastered the first command to love God supremely and foremost. But it is in trying to justify the second that he evidences he has missed the first. It is clear that our love and compassion for others is an overflow, an extension of our love for God first (I Thessalonians 4:9; I John 4:7, 12). So if we are confused as to how to love our neighbor, is it not because we have not first loved God? He is eager to justify his position to love his neighbor, not because he truly desires and understands these commands, but because, unbeknownst to him, he lacks true understanding in both regards. His theology and answers hit the bulls-eye but his life missed it completely. And a correct theology, backed up by an incorrect life is deception of the utmost. We have a great example in the following story of Martha and Mary in vs. 38-42. Jesus has come to Martha's house at her invitation and she immediately begins to serve those in attendance. However, her sister Mary first sits at Jesus' feet, listening and learning from him, while ignoring the serving that is overwhelming Martha. When she implores Jesus to correct this, he actually corrects her. Mary has chosen to be with Jesus, which is far greater than serving. What Mary has chosen is eternal, and what Martha has chosen is not. It is not that serving others is not eternal, but it is that serving others before spending time with Jesus is to miss the fulfillment of the commands; they are taken out of order and when this occurs, they both crumble, neither making it to eternity. Jesus makes it clear here that we cannot and should not try to serve others and love our neighbors until we first sit at Jesus' feet, learning from him and loving him. Our loyalty is to him, then to others. Both this lawyer and Martha "knew" that serving others is crucial, they both knew the right answers, but both were deceived in their application of these truths, of their reality. We too, like these two, could answer all of Jesus' questions with pinpoint accuracy, probably even using scripture to prove our point, all the while having their true understanding and life-changing presence completely absent from our lives. This is why today a majority of our serving is useless. It does not stem from our time with Jesus. We too want to "justify" our positions, as this lawyer did. We want to do as little as possible, with the least amount of time and inconvenience, but still love our neighbors as ourselves. What can we barely get by with? Our lack of serving and compassion and love do not stem from a misunderstanding of who our neighbor is, but from our misunderstanding of who Jesus is. Like this lawyer, we have the right answers and know the commands and yet have missed them completely, still trying to justify our position. We are ready to jump to the second command, thinking we have mastered the first, all the while missing both. We must stop trying to justify who our neighbor is and admit that the only reason we ask this question is because we have missed loving God first. If we truly loved God first, we would not need lessons and tips on how to love others. It is not our neighbor who we do not love, but God.
Jesus is questioned by a lawyer as to how to inherit eternal life. Jesus turns the question back on him, asking him what the law says. Jesus knows this man is a lawyer and therefore knows the law, so surely he would know what the law says in regards to inheriting eternal life. And sure enough, this man does know the right answer, and Jesus congratulates him for possessing such knowledge. But the man probes further, wanting to justify himself in Jesus' eyes, most likely out of pride. After telling this man a parable, once again Jesus asks him a question and once again the man answers correctly. That is now twice that this man has been able to answers Jesus' questions correctly, and yet the meaning and application of his correct answers seem to allude him. He is the example of ever seeing but never perceiving, ever hearing but never understanding (Isaiah 6:9). He knows all the right answers and can align himself, intellectually, with Jesus' theology and yet he had missed it completely. The first command that this man gives is to love God, then others. But when he questions Jesus, he focuses on justifying the second command, probably thinking he has mastered the first command to love God supremely and foremost. But it is in trying to justify the second that he evidences he has missed the first. It is clear that our love and compassion for others is an overflow, an extension of our love for God first (I Thessalonians 4:9; I John 4:7, 12). So if we are confused as to how to love our neighbor, is it not because we have not first loved God? He is eager to justify his position to love his neighbor, not because he truly desires and understands these commands, but because, unbeknownst to him, he lacks true understanding in both regards. His theology and answers hit the bulls-eye but his life missed it completely. And a correct theology, backed up by an incorrect life is deception of the utmost. We have a great example in the following story of Martha and Mary in vs. 38-42. Jesus has come to Martha's house at her invitation and she immediately begins to serve those in attendance. However, her sister Mary first sits at Jesus' feet, listening and learning from him, while ignoring the serving that is overwhelming Martha. When she implores Jesus to correct this, he actually corrects her. Mary has chosen to be with Jesus, which is far greater than serving. What Mary has chosen is eternal, and what Martha has chosen is not. It is not that serving others is not eternal, but it is that serving others before spending time with Jesus is to miss the fulfillment of the commands; they are taken out of order and when this occurs, they both crumble, neither making it to eternity. Jesus makes it clear here that we cannot and should not try to serve others and love our neighbors until we first sit at Jesus' feet, learning from him and loving him. Our loyalty is to him, then to others. Both this lawyer and Martha "knew" that serving others is crucial, they both knew the right answers, but both were deceived in their application of these truths, of their reality. We too, like these two, could answer all of Jesus' questions with pinpoint accuracy, probably even using scripture to prove our point, all the while having their true understanding and life-changing presence completely absent from our lives. This is why today a majority of our serving is useless. It does not stem from our time with Jesus. We too want to "justify" our positions, as this lawyer did. We want to do as little as possible, with the least amount of time and inconvenience, but still love our neighbors as ourselves. What can we barely get by with? Our lack of serving and compassion and love do not stem from a misunderstanding of who our neighbor is, but from our misunderstanding of who Jesus is. Like this lawyer, we have the right answers and know the commands and yet have missed them completely, still trying to justify our position. We are ready to jump to the second command, thinking we have mastered the first, all the while missing both. We must stop trying to justify who our neighbor is and admit that the only reason we ask this question is because we have missed loving God first. If we truly loved God first, we would not need lessons and tips on how to love others. It is not our neighbor who we do not love, but God.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Lambs, Laborers, and Litttle Children
Luke 10:1-12
Just before Jesus sends out the 72 "others", he gives them some interesting instructions. He encourages them with the phrase, "Behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves" (vs. 3). I am sure they were wondering what in the world this could possibly mean. So Jesus goes on to show us what this means, clarifying his statement, using the terms lamb, laborer, and little child. A lamb, when being sent out, does not carry any type of provision with him, no money or food or extra clothing. A lamb simply goes with what he has been given, trusting that the rest will be added as needed, not as desired and wanted (vs. 4). And Jesus reassures them that what they need (physical, tangible needs such as shelter and food) will be provided, by telling them that a dwelling and food will open up upon arrival, and that they will be led specifically where to stay (vs. 5-8). Look at the language Jesus uses: remain in the house, eat what is set before you (vs. 7, 8), a laborer will receive wages (vs. 7). Is this not Jesus telling them that they will receive what they need? Don't take any provision, he says, because as you go shelter and food will be provided you, I am telling you this ahead of time. Do not let these things slow down your going or prevent your going, simply let Jesus work these out, you just go as led (vs. 2). How comforting to know that before we even go, the Father has worked out a specific place to house us, where we will be welcomed and fed for the duration of our stay (vs. 5, 8), even if the a majority of the place or city rejects us (vs. 10). We will be provided for, no debate, because we are laborers, lambs, sent out by the Father to do his work (preach the gospel of the kingdom) and he guarantees our wages ahead of time, whether our message is accepted or not, whether there is fruit or not. Success in our ministry does not dictate provision from our Father, obedience does. This is why Jesus rejoices in our child-like attitude and nature (vs. 21). A child does not plan for the future or arrange for things ahead of time, that is absurd. A child simply rejoices in the presence of his Father, excited to be with the Father wherever he goes. Jesus said to ask the Father to send out laborers (vs. 2), and a child-like laborer (lamb) rejoices when called and sent by the Father, knowing he is not going alone or going without because a child knows, beyond doubt, that a Father provides and accompanies, rendering provision a non-concern. It is the "wise" and "mature" adult who pre-plans and arranges ahead of time for the future, and in reality disobeys God, missing out on his true provision and leading, because a person such as this cannot hear God's voice and cannot discern his leadings, only children can (vs. 21, 22). Only the Son can interpret these things and relay them to us, and he will only do this for children. We may read this and think how difficult and surely not intended for all. Besides, look at the Old Testament, they were rich and wealthy and never hardly went without. They were kings living in castles, plundering their enemies great treasures, enjoying wisdom and blessing from God. He never told them to give up everything they have and to make no provision. In fact he told them to store up and save and make provision. We will point to Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Joseph, Daniel, etc., great leaders and advisers, kings and prophets who enjoyed luxuries during their lifetime. But even these great men longed for what we have today (vs. 23-24). This lifestyle of trusting God fully, of giving up everything we have for Jesus' sake, to have his Holy Spirit living inside us and not worrying about provision, to have him send us out to labor for him, forsaking wealth and treasure for the Father is a life they only dreamed of and would gladly have given up all their luxury for. This life we despise and ignore and justify as irresponsible, is the envy of all generations, including the angels in heaven (I Peter 1:12). God's call to leave behind everything and venture out in complete trust in him, to be led by his very own Spirit, is nothing to be taken for granted or trampled and rejected by our indignation, insecurity and immaturity. We (the church) have been given the keys to heaven (Matthew 16:18-19), how could we refuse this? Only because of self (pride), the same reason Satan refused it (vs. 18-20). Will we align ourselves with the mature, the wise and learned in this life, the enemy? Or align ourselves with the foolish laborers, the unwise lambs and the immature little children?
Just before Jesus sends out the 72 "others", he gives them some interesting instructions. He encourages them with the phrase, "Behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves" (vs. 3). I am sure they were wondering what in the world this could possibly mean. So Jesus goes on to show us what this means, clarifying his statement, using the terms lamb, laborer, and little child. A lamb, when being sent out, does not carry any type of provision with him, no money or food or extra clothing. A lamb simply goes with what he has been given, trusting that the rest will be added as needed, not as desired and wanted (vs. 4). And Jesus reassures them that what they need (physical, tangible needs such as shelter and food) will be provided, by telling them that a dwelling and food will open up upon arrival, and that they will be led specifically where to stay (vs. 5-8). Look at the language Jesus uses: remain in the house, eat what is set before you (vs. 7, 8), a laborer will receive wages (vs. 7). Is this not Jesus telling them that they will receive what they need? Don't take any provision, he says, because as you go shelter and food will be provided you, I am telling you this ahead of time. Do not let these things slow down your going or prevent your going, simply let Jesus work these out, you just go as led (vs. 2). How comforting to know that before we even go, the Father has worked out a specific place to house us, where we will be welcomed and fed for the duration of our stay (vs. 5, 8), even if the a majority of the place or city rejects us (vs. 10). We will be provided for, no debate, because we are laborers, lambs, sent out by the Father to do his work (preach the gospel of the kingdom) and he guarantees our wages ahead of time, whether our message is accepted or not, whether there is fruit or not. Success in our ministry does not dictate provision from our Father, obedience does. This is why Jesus rejoices in our child-like attitude and nature (vs. 21). A child does not plan for the future or arrange for things ahead of time, that is absurd. A child simply rejoices in the presence of his Father, excited to be with the Father wherever he goes. Jesus said to ask the Father to send out laborers (vs. 2), and a child-like laborer (lamb) rejoices when called and sent by the Father, knowing he is not going alone or going without because a child knows, beyond doubt, that a Father provides and accompanies, rendering provision a non-concern. It is the "wise" and "mature" adult who pre-plans and arranges ahead of time for the future, and in reality disobeys God, missing out on his true provision and leading, because a person such as this cannot hear God's voice and cannot discern his leadings, only children can (vs. 21, 22). Only the Son can interpret these things and relay them to us, and he will only do this for children. We may read this and think how difficult and surely not intended for all. Besides, look at the Old Testament, they were rich and wealthy and never hardly went without. They were kings living in castles, plundering their enemies great treasures, enjoying wisdom and blessing from God. He never told them to give up everything they have and to make no provision. In fact he told them to store up and save and make provision. We will point to Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Joseph, Daniel, etc., great leaders and advisers, kings and prophets who enjoyed luxuries during their lifetime. But even these great men longed for what we have today (vs. 23-24). This lifestyle of trusting God fully, of giving up everything we have for Jesus' sake, to have his Holy Spirit living inside us and not worrying about provision, to have him send us out to labor for him, forsaking wealth and treasure for the Father is a life they only dreamed of and would gladly have given up all their luxury for. This life we despise and ignore and justify as irresponsible, is the envy of all generations, including the angels in heaven (I Peter 1:12). God's call to leave behind everything and venture out in complete trust in him, to be led by his very own Spirit, is nothing to be taken for granted or trampled and rejected by our indignation, insecurity and immaturity. We (the church) have been given the keys to heaven (Matthew 16:18-19), how could we refuse this? Only because of self (pride), the same reason Satan refused it (vs. 18-20). Will we align ourselves with the mature, the wise and learned in this life, the enemy? Or align ourselves with the foolish laborers, the unwise lambs and the immature little children?
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
The Voice of God
Psalms 29
In this passage the voice of the Lord is described as, "powerful and full of majesty (vs. 4), breaks the cedars of Lebanon (vs. 5), flashes forth flames of fire (vs. 7), shakes the wilderness (vs. 8), and strips the forests bare (vs. 9)". And yet we continually say we cannot hear his voice. The voice that authored creation in Genesis, and shook the mountains in Exodus is undiscernable to us. We say, "If only he would speak more clearly and louder then we would be able to hear and follow". His voice already shakes mountains and flashes forth flames of fire, how much louder do we want him to speak? If we cannot hear the voice that birthed creation then it is an indictment against us, not God. We sit around and delay and debate, waiting to "hear his voice", trying to strain and strive to hear a voice that is described as stripping forests bare. Does this not seem ridiculous and absurd? Scripture does say that his voice is a "still, small voice" or a "small and gentle whisper"(I Kings 19:12), but it is also clearly heard (vs. 13). Elijah immediately recognizes it and obeys, and so did the disciples all throughout the New Testament. God, whether speaking in a small whisper or a mountain shaking thunder, is clearly heard and recognized. Why do we not hear him then? It is clearly because of something in us, not him. Jesus said that it is his sheep, his actual, true people that hear his voice and recognize it (John 10:27). Those who do not hear his voice evidence that they do not belong to him (John 10:26). Today we see a whole generation of people, both religious and not, churched and unchurched, who are waiting to hear God's voice and never seem to, and think that this ok. Christian and lost alike are ignorant of God's eternal voice, without distinction between the two. We have accepted that not hearing his voice is really not that troublesome, and yet scripture says this is a serious problem. Could it be that we do not hear his voice because we do not belong to him, as Jesus stated in John 10? Or, perhaps because our hearts have grown so hard and calloused that we do not feel or discern? The writer of Hebrews tells us that some will hear the voice of the Lord and harden their hearts, as Israel did in the desert (Hebrews 3:12-19). It was through the deceitfulness of sin that they were led astray and their ears and hearts closed to the voice of the Lord (vs. 13). And they suffered these consequences for eternity (vs. 18-19), despite being his chosen people. And Jesus warned that his voice will bring things to light and expose darkness within and this will cause some to run from this, not wanting their sinful deeds to be exposed, rather preferring their sin (John 3:19-21). For God is only found by an undivided heart (Jeremiah 29:13, 14). Have we preferred our worldliness and materialism to God's call to abandonment? Have we chosen lukewarm faith and divided affections? Because his voice will be a call to give up everything that you are and everything that you have for his sake (Luke 9, 14). So now we must ask if we even want to hear his voice? God is screaming forth his voice to us, whether in flames of fire or gentle whispers. The question is do we hear it? Because it doesn't matter how loud or soft, those who are inclined to him unreservedly and belong to him will hear it, regardless. Have we been deceived by sin? Have we even come to know him, to know this voice? Jesus said, "He who has ears, let him hear." Do we have ears? If we confess we do not really hear his voice then we have confessed grave issues that must be explored by the Holy Spirit. Not hearing his voice is of utmost concern. Being casual about this is to potentially play with eternal damnation. If we are not hearing his voice, there is a vital reason why. Do not be deceived by the lukewarm culture that downplays this and reassures us that it is of no consequence. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
In this passage the voice of the Lord is described as, "powerful and full of majesty (vs. 4), breaks the cedars of Lebanon (vs. 5), flashes forth flames of fire (vs. 7), shakes the wilderness (vs. 8), and strips the forests bare (vs. 9)". And yet we continually say we cannot hear his voice. The voice that authored creation in Genesis, and shook the mountains in Exodus is undiscernable to us. We say, "If only he would speak more clearly and louder then we would be able to hear and follow". His voice already shakes mountains and flashes forth flames of fire, how much louder do we want him to speak? If we cannot hear the voice that birthed creation then it is an indictment against us, not God. We sit around and delay and debate, waiting to "hear his voice", trying to strain and strive to hear a voice that is described as stripping forests bare. Does this not seem ridiculous and absurd? Scripture does say that his voice is a "still, small voice" or a "small and gentle whisper"(I Kings 19:12), but it is also clearly heard (vs. 13). Elijah immediately recognizes it and obeys, and so did the disciples all throughout the New Testament. God, whether speaking in a small whisper or a mountain shaking thunder, is clearly heard and recognized. Why do we not hear him then? It is clearly because of something in us, not him. Jesus said that it is his sheep, his actual, true people that hear his voice and recognize it (John 10:27). Those who do not hear his voice evidence that they do not belong to him (John 10:26). Today we see a whole generation of people, both religious and not, churched and unchurched, who are waiting to hear God's voice and never seem to, and think that this ok. Christian and lost alike are ignorant of God's eternal voice, without distinction between the two. We have accepted that not hearing his voice is really not that troublesome, and yet scripture says this is a serious problem. Could it be that we do not hear his voice because we do not belong to him, as Jesus stated in John 10? Or, perhaps because our hearts have grown so hard and calloused that we do not feel or discern? The writer of Hebrews tells us that some will hear the voice of the Lord and harden their hearts, as Israel did in the desert (Hebrews 3:12-19). It was through the deceitfulness of sin that they were led astray and their ears and hearts closed to the voice of the Lord (vs. 13). And they suffered these consequences for eternity (vs. 18-19), despite being his chosen people. And Jesus warned that his voice will bring things to light and expose darkness within and this will cause some to run from this, not wanting their sinful deeds to be exposed, rather preferring their sin (John 3:19-21). For God is only found by an undivided heart (Jeremiah 29:13, 14). Have we preferred our worldliness and materialism to God's call to abandonment? Have we chosen lukewarm faith and divided affections? Because his voice will be a call to give up everything that you are and everything that you have for his sake (Luke 9, 14). So now we must ask if we even want to hear his voice? God is screaming forth his voice to us, whether in flames of fire or gentle whispers. The question is do we hear it? Because it doesn't matter how loud or soft, those who are inclined to him unreservedly and belong to him will hear it, regardless. Have we been deceived by sin? Have we even come to know him, to know this voice? Jesus said, "He who has ears, let him hear." Do we have ears? If we confess we do not really hear his voice then we have confessed grave issues that must be explored by the Holy Spirit. Not hearing his voice is of utmost concern. Being casual about this is to potentially play with eternal damnation. If we are not hearing his voice, there is a vital reason why. Do not be deceived by the lukewarm culture that downplays this and reassures us that it is of no consequence. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Tell No One
Luke 9:18-22
In this day and age we are so caught up in the Great Commission and "showing" Christ to others, and being the hands and feet of Christ, as we call it. But, in reading through scripture, there is a dangerous tendency and possibility that we must, absolutely must, be weary of. We find it here in Luke 9:21 specifically. There are several times in the gospels when Jesus will perform a miracle and then tell the recipient not to tell anyone- cleansing the leper, healing the deaf mute, the mount of transfiguration, Peter's confession of Christ that we see here. And he always shut the mouths of demons who were confessing who he was. This seems so strange to us, for these people to witness such power and truth, but then to be commanded not to tell anyone. Numerous times he performs a miracle or forgives sin, and then simply tells them to go their way, with no further instructions. Perhaps we could assume they went and told everyone, perhaps they did not, we don't know for sure, but if they did it was not because he commanded them to. Either way, there is not an issued command to go and tell. The answer is easy: the Holy Spirit, the one who is the key to conviction and repentance, has not yet come (John 15:7-15). If in that day these people had gone out, sharing Christ with others without the Holy Spirit within to do the work of salvation, would they not have simply relayed their own personal encounter and nothing more? Would it not have only been intellectual knowledge and not spiritual truth? Because only in Jesus is truth found (John 14:6), and the yet to come Holy Spirit, and they would have only been relaying a personal encounter with Jesus without the Holy Spirit to make it personal for others. It was not until the Spirit had come upon Jesus that he then began to preach the kingdom of heaven (Luke 3:21-22). And it was not until Jesus personally gave the disciples authority and sent them out that they began to preach the kingdom also (Luke 9:1-6), and it is the same with the seventy-two (Luke 10:1-12), and again with the disciples before Pentecost (Acts 1:4, 8). Jesus called them to himself, granted them authority, then sent them out. Since they did not have the Holy Spirit they had to receive authority from Jesus first, in order to preach the gospel, otherwise it would be flesh relaying truth, and this is simply mental knowledge, which seems to be more deceptive than complete lack of knowledge. Simply mentally believing in Jesus and that he is the Son of God and died for sins and we are sinners does not save anyone, for even demons know and believe this (James 2:19) and confess Jesus is the Son of God (Mark 5:7). So we see here that Peter has confessed Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, the Messiah and he is told that God has revealed that to him (Matthew 16:17), but then he is told to tell no one about this. It was only twenty verses earlier that Christ gave them authority and told them to go out and proclaim the gospel, receiving power from Jesus to do so, and now he instructs them to not do it. If Peter had gone out anyways, telling all that Jesus is the Messiah, would people have had that revealed to them by God or by Peter? And this is a major distinction. God, through the Holy Spirit, or Jesus in this case, must be the one to reveal who he is, flesh and blood cannot (John 6:63), authority to share must be received from him. But we would say that today, now that we have received the Holy Spirit, anytime, anywhere, all of our sharing is Holy Spirit inspired and directed. I very much hope so, but can we be sure? Paul, with the Holy Spirit, desired to share the gospel further into Asia, but the Holy Spirit twice prevented him from doing so (Acts 16:6-7), instead directing him to Macedonia. The Holy Spirit, preventing them from sharing the gospel? Unheard of! Ridiculous! Preposterous! And yet Biblical! What would have happened if Paul had ventured on into Asia anyways? He would have the Holy Spirit, and be sharing the gospel, but would it be real, actual spiritual truth he would be conveying at that point, or simply head-knowledge? What makes us so sure that we are hearing the Holy Spirit? Simply because we have him inside us? We can still choose to disobey him and follow our own ways in other areas of our lives, what makes us think differently in regards to sharing the gospel? Simply because it has the appearance of godliness? That is never a guarantee, in fact it is a danger (II Timothy 3:4-5). Why else warn us that apart from him we can do nothing (John 15:5), unless it is a distinct possibility that we will try? Have we sought his guidance and leadership, spending significant time with him in prayer, desperate to have him lead us, or have we simply made the decisions ourselves, without ever whole-heartedly seeking him in it? It is only in whole-hearted seeking that he will be found (Jeremiah 29:13), not in casual, formality prayer. We must ask ourselves, are we relaying head-born, intellectual, dead, non-saving "Jesus is Lord" information? Or a Holy Spirit bred, heart led "Jesus is everything" call to die (Luke 9:23-26)? An intellectual knowledge and "belief" that Jesus is the Messiah is very, very dangerous, and shame on us for spreading it everywhere. We are not to stop sharing what God has done to his glory, but we must be sure of what it is we are doing, as Peter tells us in I Peter 1:3-21. God have mercy on us and revive us by your Holy Spirit. Make us desperate for him and him alone and your glory, not just works or conversions to try and prove our own salvation (how selfish is that?).
In this day and age we are so caught up in the Great Commission and "showing" Christ to others, and being the hands and feet of Christ, as we call it. But, in reading through scripture, there is a dangerous tendency and possibility that we must, absolutely must, be weary of. We find it here in Luke 9:21 specifically. There are several times in the gospels when Jesus will perform a miracle and then tell the recipient not to tell anyone- cleansing the leper, healing the deaf mute, the mount of transfiguration, Peter's confession of Christ that we see here. And he always shut the mouths of demons who were confessing who he was. This seems so strange to us, for these people to witness such power and truth, but then to be commanded not to tell anyone. Numerous times he performs a miracle or forgives sin, and then simply tells them to go their way, with no further instructions. Perhaps we could assume they went and told everyone, perhaps they did not, we don't know for sure, but if they did it was not because he commanded them to. Either way, there is not an issued command to go and tell. The answer is easy: the Holy Spirit, the one who is the key to conviction and repentance, has not yet come (John 15:7-15). If in that day these people had gone out, sharing Christ with others without the Holy Spirit within to do the work of salvation, would they not have simply relayed their own personal encounter and nothing more? Would it not have only been intellectual knowledge and not spiritual truth? Because only in Jesus is truth found (John 14:6), and the yet to come Holy Spirit, and they would have only been relaying a personal encounter with Jesus without the Holy Spirit to make it personal for others. It was not until the Spirit had come upon Jesus that he then began to preach the kingdom of heaven (Luke 3:21-22). And it was not until Jesus personally gave the disciples authority and sent them out that they began to preach the kingdom also (Luke 9:1-6), and it is the same with the seventy-two (Luke 10:1-12), and again with the disciples before Pentecost (Acts 1:4, 8). Jesus called them to himself, granted them authority, then sent them out. Since they did not have the Holy Spirit they had to receive authority from Jesus first, in order to preach the gospel, otherwise it would be flesh relaying truth, and this is simply mental knowledge, which seems to be more deceptive than complete lack of knowledge. Simply mentally believing in Jesus and that he is the Son of God and died for sins and we are sinners does not save anyone, for even demons know and believe this (James 2:19) and confess Jesus is the Son of God (Mark 5:7). So we see here that Peter has confessed Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, the Messiah and he is told that God has revealed that to him (Matthew 16:17), but then he is told to tell no one about this. It was only twenty verses earlier that Christ gave them authority and told them to go out and proclaim the gospel, receiving power from Jesus to do so, and now he instructs them to not do it. If Peter had gone out anyways, telling all that Jesus is the Messiah, would people have had that revealed to them by God or by Peter? And this is a major distinction. God, through the Holy Spirit, or Jesus in this case, must be the one to reveal who he is, flesh and blood cannot (John 6:63), authority to share must be received from him. But we would say that today, now that we have received the Holy Spirit, anytime, anywhere, all of our sharing is Holy Spirit inspired and directed. I very much hope so, but can we be sure? Paul, with the Holy Spirit, desired to share the gospel further into Asia, but the Holy Spirit twice prevented him from doing so (Acts 16:6-7), instead directing him to Macedonia. The Holy Spirit, preventing them from sharing the gospel? Unheard of! Ridiculous! Preposterous! And yet Biblical! What would have happened if Paul had ventured on into Asia anyways? He would have the Holy Spirit, and be sharing the gospel, but would it be real, actual spiritual truth he would be conveying at that point, or simply head-knowledge? What makes us so sure that we are hearing the Holy Spirit? Simply because we have him inside us? We can still choose to disobey him and follow our own ways in other areas of our lives, what makes us think differently in regards to sharing the gospel? Simply because it has the appearance of godliness? That is never a guarantee, in fact it is a danger (II Timothy 3:4-5). Why else warn us that apart from him we can do nothing (John 15:5), unless it is a distinct possibility that we will try? Have we sought his guidance and leadership, spending significant time with him in prayer, desperate to have him lead us, or have we simply made the decisions ourselves, without ever whole-heartedly seeking him in it? It is only in whole-hearted seeking that he will be found (Jeremiah 29:13), not in casual, formality prayer. We must ask ourselves, are we relaying head-born, intellectual, dead, non-saving "Jesus is Lord" information? Or a Holy Spirit bred, heart led "Jesus is everything" call to die (Luke 9:23-26)? An intellectual knowledge and "belief" that Jesus is the Messiah is very, very dangerous, and shame on us for spreading it everywhere. We are not to stop sharing what God has done to his glory, but we must be sure of what it is we are doing, as Peter tells us in I Peter 1:3-21. God have mercy on us and revive us by your Holy Spirit. Make us desperate for him and him alone and your glory, not just works or conversions to try and prove our own salvation (how selfish is that?).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)