"Do not be afraid...follow Me."

"And Jesus said to Simon, 'Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.' And when they had brought their boats to land,they left everything and followed him. (Luke 5:10-11)

First encounters with someone, especially someone famous can be fun right? Imagine Simon busy in life working at his everyday job of fishing. After a long night without any results, he is washing his nets. Perhaps he is frustrated. Perhaps he is talking to the Father, much like Tevyev did in Fiddler on the Roof. I can hear Simon saying, “LORD, I know our fathers wandered in the wilderness for forty years, you fed them but they complained. LORD, must we also wander all over this sea, without complaining, and yet you will not also feed us?” Little did Simon know what was ahead for him on this typical workday.

Simon is busy washing his nets. Jesus comes over, climbs into Simon’s boat and asks Him for a favor. Simon interrupted his work and put the boat out a little from the land. Then Jesus sits in the boat and teaches the people gathered on the shore. Whether, Simon was in the boat with Jesus or returned to washing nets nearby, it is feasible to imagine Simon heard the teaching of Jesus that day. The life-giving words from God’s mouth fed the souls of the hungry listeners. 

After Jesus finished speaking, He asked Simon to “put out into the deep and let down the nets for a catch.” (Luke 5:4) Simon ever the businessman, understood his own work and the flow of fish, when they would be biting etc. argued the wisdom of Jesus’ request. “We toiled all night and took nothing!” (Luke 5:5) “But at your word I will let down the nets.” Simon heard Jesus speak. Something of what Jesus said, or the manner in which He said it, touched Simon to the point where he denied his own credible knowledge of the situation and by faith, acted upon the word of Jesus. The result was not disappointing.

The children’s Sunday School song puts it like this: “They caught so many fish that they couldn’t pull it (the net) in…out on the deep blue sea.” Simon was astonished and his response was that of a man touched by the word and the acts of God. He humbly asked Jesus to leave him, “I am a sinful man,” Simon said. Perhaps Simon was doubting in his heart all the way out to the deep. Perhaps he was nursing his frustration when the LORD provided the bounty Simon did not expect. This makes me realize God’s works are not dependent on what I think or say. God’s works are dependent on what HE wants to accomplish and for the purposes HE has established. This miracle brought glory to God, gave provision to the people and made loyal followers of the men who experienced it.

Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid…after this you will be catching men.” Simon must have feared he was not worthy to experience God’s provision in the way that he did. But Jesus allayed his fears and lifted Simon to a new life of faith and a new profession that was uniquely tied to what he had done all his life. Simon, Andrew, James and John took a step of faith and followed Jesus to places and times yet unknown. This is the faith we need today in order to abandon ourselves to God’s plans. We cannot lean on our own understanding but rather step toward the uniqueness of what God is desiring to do in, with and through us. When we do take the step of faith, Jesus is there with His word to say, “Don not be afraid.”

Pastor Chuck Smith used to always say, “Where God guides, God provides.” I believe this was true in the lives of the first disciples and it remains true in our lives today. All we must do is follow HIS lead and use the tools God has given us to understand His will—the wisdom of His word, the Spirit’s peace in our hearts and the godly counsel of trusted others. If we do this, we need never be afraid. We may freely follow the Lord in full faith with abandon to see the miraculous occur; all the while using the wisdom from His word and the tools He has already provided in our preparation for the good works we are to walk in. We should never be afraid to follow Jesus, even to the ends of the earth. 

Resurrection Alone

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the stand-alone piece in any faith.

The man born blind, healed by Jesus in John 9, said it best when reasoning with the Pharisees, "Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." This man who had only seen Jesus once or twice and only for a few short minutes, recognized Jesus as from God because of theamazing miracle none other could do. Never was it heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. Never then and never since then. In the same way, NEVER has it been heard, since the resurrection of Jesus Christ, that a man rose from the dead. Jesus said, He had authority to lay His life down and authority to take His life back up again. He told His disciples repeatedly what was ahead, but they did not recognize Him until that final Sunday morning when He appeared in their midst and they touched His nail scared hands.

Because Jesus rose from the dead, Christians may say, “My God lives.”

Christians do not serve an idol who has eyes but cannot see and ears but cannot hear. We do not worship the memory of a good moral man, a fascinating personality, a great teacher or the spirit of someone who once lived. Christians serve THE living God. The God who ever lives to make intercession for us. The invisible God made visible in Jesus Christ

Because Jesus lives, Christians know they will live in eternity with Him.

This is an unparalleled hope. A hope no other faith may claim or cling to. Jesus promised believers He was preparing a place for them, they would be where He was. Jesus prayed for His believers to see His glory, the glory He had with the Father before the world began. Jesus prayed for His disciples and those who would believe in His name because of their testimony. Jesus knew who would believe in Him—of those that belonged to Him, He said He would lose none.

The question today on Resurrection Sunday (or any other day really) is, “Am I a believer? Was I included in the prayer of Jesus? Was I on His mind when He died on the cross for the sin of mankind and when He rose from the dead guaranteeing eternal life for all who believe?

Personally, I believe Jesus thought of everyone, because He came to seek and save those who were lost—and that was everyone. The man born blind is everyman. Will I recognize the miracle of the resurrection and understands it is only God who opens the eyes of the blind? I am so thankful to and pray everyman will echo the words of the hymn writer, “I was lost but now am found--amazing grace—how sweet the sound.”

Little Breath for Last Words

"It is finished." (John 19:30)

Crucifixion, a criminal’s death; at Golgotha, the Place of the Skull; these were the method and place used by the Romans occupying Jerusalem for criminals' death. “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews,” was the inscription Pilate placed above the cross of Christ. Earlier he had tried to persuade the Jews and the people to ask for Jesus to be released. Instead, they screamed the terrible words, “crucify him.” After spending so much time teaching, healing and even feeding them, I can’t imagine the pain Jesus must have felt on hearing their rejection. However, He knew His death was eminent. Jesus said, “I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and I have authority to take it up again.” (John 10:17-1) Jesus chose to die to fulfill the Father’s will and plan. The good that came out of Nazareth was for the good of all mankind.

Crucifixion was a brutal, humiliating and painful way to die. It was also used as a prolonged way to cause someone’s death. A person might live on a cross for hours or days. Usually, if the Romans wanted to end it rather quickly, and even more cruelly, they came by with an iron club and broke the legs of those hanging on the cross. Some believe this prevented the victims from supporting their weight and thereby asphyxiation would occur. Crucifixion was not pretty. Victims were divested of their clothing and their human dignity when hung on a cross.

With His legs still unbroken, Jesus used the little breath He had left to take care of important business. First, He showed repentance could lead to salvation even at the last minute. The thief on the cross was someone who had wasted his life, but gained eternity by calling on the name of Jesus in the last moments of life. Second, Jesus took care of personal business when He entrusted His own mother to John—the disciple whom Jesus loved. John writes about himself, “He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that the is telling the truth—that you also may believe.” (John 19:35-36) John knew the material of which he was writing, because he was there. He was an eyewitness of these happening. Lastly, Jesus exclaimed His last words, referencing Old Testament scriptures He knew were recognizable to the Jews. "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do;" (Luke 23:34/Isaiah 53:12) “I thirst,” (John 19:28/Psalm 69:21) and “My God, My God why have you forsaken me,” (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34/Psalm 22:1)

When I read Isaiah 53 and especially Psalm 22 this week, I felt as if it were possible that His last words with little breath were not only loaded with meaning, but may have been an extension to His prayer in John 17. Jesus could not physically utter the words of Psalm 22 while hanging on the cross, but perhaps they came from His heart and soul and were a message to His people saying…"see, recognize your Messiah. You have fulfilled scripture by hanging your Messiah on the cross."

Finally Jesus said, “It is finished,” and He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” (John 19:30) This again, made me think of prayer. He began His ministry with prayer in the wilderness. He sustained His ministry with prayer as He taught, healed and cast out demons. And, He ended His ministry on earth with prayer. Jesus was and continues to be a man of prayer as He intercedes for all. (Isaiah 53:12/John 17: / Romans 8:34 / Hebrews 7:25, 9:24)

Good Friday is a good day to reflect on the good that came from Nazareth, Jesus Messiah, who ever lives to make intercession for the saints.

PAINTINGS

TOP: Salvadore Dali / Christ of Saint John of the Cross

http://kennywordsmith.hubpages.com/hub/Dali-Christ-of-Saint-John-of-the-Cross

BOTTOM: Hyatt Moore / View from Above

http://www.hyattmoore.com/painting/View_from_Above

Whistle While You Work (Part II)

Some of the disciples of John the Baptist followed Jesus. One of those was Andrew. The first thing Andrew did after encountering Jesus was to go find his own brother. “We have found the Messiah,” Andrew said. When Andrew brought his brother, Jesus looked at Simon and said, (my paraphrase) -- (Hey, I know you. I know your family, your history and guess what; I am going to call you by a special name that will indicate my close relationship with you.) (See John 1:3-42) Jesus knows His followers intimately, better than they know themselves.

The next day Jesus found Phillip, who was also from the same town as Andrew and Peter. Then Phillip found Nathaniel. “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and als the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Obviously these guys had already been looking for Messiah and knew something about what the scripture said. Nathaniel said,“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” These guys knew their geography too because Nazareth was a barren wasteland bordering on desert. When Jesus met Nathaniel, He identified his greatest characteristic—Nathaniel was an honest man who spoke his mind. Nathaniel may have been skeptical because of the circumstances of Jesus' life, but he was soon convinced by his own encounter with Jesus. Each believer must have a personal encounter with the Son of God. Belief may come after skepticism--as in the case of Nathaniel and people like C.S. Lewis (Mere Christianity) and Lee Strobel (The Case for Christ); or it may grow in personal suffering as in the case of Corie Ten Boom (The Hiding Place); or happen suddenly through personal transformation as in the case of Nicky Cruz (Run Baby Run). Jesus is not threatened by skepticism. He knows how to reach people, how to meet them where they are and engage them for eternity. The best believers can do is tell about Jesus and pray.

Jesus also called James and John, and immediately they dropped what they were doing and followed Him. He identified these brothers as Boanerges—sons of thunder pointing to their temperamental traits no doubt. Jesus called Matthew—who was a sinner and tax collector, Thomas—was the doubter, Simon—was a Zealot, and Judas--was greedy and a betrayer. Jesus also called women, Mary Magdalene was a woman who had seven demons; Jesus called her to follow God. The woman caught in adultery Jesus called to a life of purity. The Samaritan woman Jesus called to honesty. Salome--the mother of James and John, Jesus called to deny her selfish ambitions; and Mary--His own mother, Jesus called to a life of service and personal sacrifice--of her own Son. When Jesus calls His followers, it is not for them to go and clean up whatever the flaws in their character might be and then return to follow Him, instead it is just for them to immediately heed the call. Jesus accepts each one “as is” and He knows how to transform all followers for God's usefulness.

Later, other disciples of John the Baptist questioned him about Jesus honing in on their ministry—because Jesus was baptizing and drawing people to Himself. John’s reply is almost like his last prophetic words and summary of what he came to communicate. John compares Jesus to a bridegroom and himself as the friend. “The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.” (Read John 3:22-36 for the entire prophetic word John gives) This is a recipe for all believers, I must decrease but JESUS must increase. The more I yield to Jesus, the more I choose to humble myself, obey His word and decrease, the more HE increases in me. The beauty is, as Jesus increases in me, I too am lifted up. It is Jesus people are drawn to, it is Jesus that gives purpose and insight, it is Jesus who fosters love, mercy and compassion in believers. It is Jesus who must increase. John the Baptist was satisfied with allowing Jesus to increase and himself to decrease, can I hope for anything greater or better in myself?

The voice of Jesus must have been extraordinary. With it He called men, commanded nature and condemned demons. John said he was a voice crying in the wilderness to prepare the way of the LORD. Jesus said He was the voice of the good shepherd and that His sheep recognize HIS voice, but not the voice of strangers. (John 10:1-5) “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice…” (John 10:14-16)

It is so comforting to know Jesus, the good shepherd, knows His own and that somehow we who are His own, are wired to recognize, follow and obey His voice. Before anyone can listen to HIS voice, they must be willing to hear. And before anyone can hear His voice, those of us who already know we have found the Messiah, must be willing to go and tell others the good news. For whatever reason, God chose to reveal the truth by using mere mortals as His work partners. How sad it would have been if Andrew had not found Peter--one of the first things Jesus did was heal Peter's mother-in-law. If the Samaritan woman had not shared about Jesus, many from her village might never have believed in Him. If the disciples of Jesus had not heeded the Great Commandment, and been willing to die for their belief, perhaps none of us would have ever come to be saved. The Bible says, If today you will hear His voice, do not harden your heart...today we must believe in Jesus, then we may follow His voice each day and into eternity.

Watch Nicky Cruz share his story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zelqF0mamCw

Whistle While You Work (Part I)

I am not one of the seven dwarfs, but I do whistle while I work. It used to drive my very good-natured employer crazy—and perhaps because he was a little ADHD, it was a distraction.

Without intentionally thinking about it, I would find myself whistling the tune from the Wizard of Oz—you know the one from the Scarecrow—“I would not be just a nuthin; my head all full of stuffin; my heart all filled with pain (ta da, ta da, ta da)…with the thoughts I’d be thinkin, I could be another Lincoln, if I only had a brain.”

Funny and ironic for work, but the song always came to mind as I whistled my way toward productivity. My co-worker, in the adjacent office, had the same tic, and soon we were both whistling. To shut us up, our boss would sing as if he were Figaro in the New York Metropolitan Opera. This was the whistle stop! Followed by uproarious laughter—a much-needed respite before returning to work—a win/win for everyone.

John the Baptist had no time for whistling as he traveled the countryside doing his work. People responded to his call for repentance, and they swamped him at the rivers, desiring baptism. Even Jesus came to be baptized by John. However, before this happened, the Jewish leaders sent Levites to ask John one question; "What do you have to say about yourself?"

“I am not the Christ,” John said. “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”(John 1:19-23) John knew his place in life. He was sent by God to play a special part in the revelation of Messiah to Israel. But, John did not think more highly of himself than he should. He was only a voice; a man on a mission from God and for God’s glory.

When Jesus came to be baptized, John saw the sign—the Spirit of God descending upon Jesus in the form of a dove. John said to the priests, “For this purpose I came baptizing with water, that He might be revealed to Israel…and I have seen and have born witness that this is the Son of God.”(John 1:29-34) John knew what to look for, because he heard God’s word.

The next day, John stood with two of his disciples as Jesus walked by. John said, “Behold the Lamb of God.”(John 1:35-36) Immediately, those disciples left John and followed the Son of God. John pointed people to Jesus not himself.

John the Baptist was going about, tending to and minding his business. He understood and accepted his place in life. John did not allow his large following to become fodder for selfish ambition. His relationship with God defined his purpose in life. It also gave him his sense of self-worth and his sense of personal mission. John was not trying to make a name for himself instead he showed his dependence on God by staying in step with God’s plan for his life.

Also, John had patience for God’s timing—and it paid off. While John was doing his work, suddenly the Son of God appeared. John recognized Jesus because John knew what to look for—the Spirit of God touching down. The Spirit of God always bears witness to the truth of God—that Jesus Christ is Lord. A false religion or false messiah will always negate the uniqueness and divinity of Jesus Christ. If I am immersed in God’s word, I too will recognize when false messiahs or teachings arise—because these do not point to Jesus as the only Son of God.

John responded correctly to the revelation of God. He, immediately, proclaimed the truth about Jesus and directed his followers to pursue Jesus. Whenever a dynamic ministry leader does not do the same, they are missing the mark. If I do not do the same in my ordinary, everyday life, I am missing the point. My purpose, no matter what work I do, is to point people to Jesus Christ. The Spirit of God will touch people’s lives as they look to and follow Jesus.

This is Passion Week. May the work of John the Baptist be accomplished in and through me: proclaim and point to Jesus as the only Son of God.

From THUNDER to LOVE (Part II)

John the beloved disciple, the apostle of Love knew Jesus as a boy, as a man, as a miracle worker, amazing teacher, and as Savior and Lord. “It is the Lord,” John said when seeing Jesus, post resurrection, on the shore after Jesus directed them in taking a large catch of fish.

John wrote his Gospel narrative with a strong opening argument, which declares Jesus as God and linked to the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY as the One who made God known to mankind. (John 1:1-18) John closes the book saying the world itself could not contain the books that would be written about Jesus if every one of the things He did were written down. (John 21:25)

As John edited his Gospel writing, choosing the things he would include in order to persuade people to believe in Jesus, so that by believing they would have life in His name. (John 20:30-31) He used his material to show the divine nature of Jesus. He includes not only seven major miracles, but also the seven “I am” statements of Jesus. Also, Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus, and the proclamation of the most famous scripture verse ever penned (John 3:16), followed by one of my personal favorites, (John 3:17). Women are also prominent in John’s narrative including the Samaritan woman at the well.

Finally, John records a long, if not the longest Jesus narrative, which comes after they have celebrated the Passover and Jesus has washed the disciples feet, to the time when Jesus is arrested. This includes, “I am the way, the truth and the life…I am the true vine,” the promise of the Helper (Holy Spirit), the promise of Jesus’ return and the disciples sorrow turned into joy, the “I have overcome the world” statement, the high priestly prayer of Jesus for His disciples and for those believers who would follow including we Gentiles. (John 13-17).

Later in life, John would communicate to the world that Jesus was the God of Love, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End in his other writings--1,2,3 John and the book of Revelation.

John’s Gospel is a Jesus feast as we get up close and intimate with the Savior from a writer who knew Jesus well, who experienced His miracles, His transfiguration, His death and resurrection and who was transformed by the unconditional love of His Savior and Lord.

I am excited to be reading John with you, drawing closer to Jesus through His word. Let me know your thoughts as we approach Passion Week and Easter Sunday.

From THUNDER to LOVE (Part I)

"He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom He gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John...(to whom He gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder)" (Mark 3:17)

Sons of Thunder is not the title for a popular television show or the name of superhero twins, it is the nickname Jesus gave two disciples--James and his brother John (the Gospel writer) and it is easy to see why.

These guys were feisty. They started a discussion, which led to indignation by the other disciples and a full-blown argument about who would be the greatest in the kingdom. They wanted Jesus to give them whatever they asked for—namely to sit on either side of Him in the kingdom of God. They wanted to stop someone who was casting out demons in the name of Jesus but was not part of their inner circle, and they wanted to call fire down on a village inSamaria that rejected Jesus. (Mark 9:33-41/Mark 10:35-45/Luke 9:46-56) They were feisty and reactionary as men who were fishing partners with Simon Peter might have been. (Luke 5:10-11) We always hear about the reactions of Peter, but it seems James and John had similar behavior. Perhaps this is why Jesus always kept these guys close and together—they needed His influence the most, if true transformation ofcharacter was to occur. (Luke 9:1-45) Does any of that sound familiar?

Scholars believe James and John were related to Jesus. Salome was their mother and she was believed to be the sister of Mary the mother of Jesus. If so, as cousins of Jesus, James and John would have known Jesus for the longest period of time. They may have grown up with Him, traveled with Him and lived nearby Him. As disciples, they knew Jesus was a unique individual and they were amazed at the things he could do and the way He taught the scriptures, but it is clear from (Luke 9:45) they did not understand His full purpose for coming to earth.

Salome also recognized her nephew was a unique person, and perhaps even more so than her sons did. (Matthew 20:20-28) This mother’s grandiose request, which the boys said they were able to handle, had intense implications.

James died in the early church period when Herod the king had him killed with the sword, (Acts 12:2). Eventually John, who would live the longest of any of the Apostles, would be boiled in oil by the Roman Emperor Domitian and when he did not die, was exiled to the desolate island of Patmos. The Historian Eusebius writes John returned from exile to Asia Minor near the age of one hundred. He visited the churches, often carried on a stretcher, to deliver a single message, “Children love one another…the sole commandment of Christ is to love, for he that loves has no need of anything else.”

John grasped perhaps better than anyone else, the unconditional love of Jesus. John declared, Jesus understood what was in man. (John 2:23-25) (See also: John 1:48, 5:42, 6:61, 6:64, 16:30) John had first hand experience with feelings of jealousy, envy, grumbling inside his own heart,which Jesus knew about and challenged. John’s nickname was relevant to who he was, but the unconditional love Jesus showed taught John to become greater than his nickname or sibling rivalries.

God’s love taught John to deny himself, to view others as greater, and to serve others with unconditional love. John came to be known as “the beloved disciple and the apostle of love.” This signifies his understanding of being loved by Christ and adopting the message of unconditional love to the world. In his writings John referred to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” (John 13:23, 19:26, 20:2, 21:20-25) and rightly so. John had experienced the unconditional love of Jesus to his undeserving and self-seeking, thunderous behavior. That love caused John to also be amongst the most loyal and fearless of the disciples. Even though at the arrest of Jesus all the disciples fled the scene, only John was found at the foot of the cross supporting Mary as she said goodbye to her Son.

(Part II - Next Post)

Positioned for Salvation & Peonies

“And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” (Luke 19:5)

Jesus was just passing through Jericho when the chief taxcollector, a rich man, heard the news and came out to seek Jesus. Zacchaeus was curious about who this Jesus was. But, a large crowd prevented his reaching Jesus. He could not see Jesus, because Zacchaeus was a short man. But rather than giving up the idea of finding Jesus on the overcrowded streets, and giving in to his challenged stature, Zacchaeus demonstrated huge determination. He ran ahead of the crowd and climbed into a Sycamore tree, knowing he would at least get a glimpse of Jesus. When, to his surprise, Jesus came to him in the tree and asked to be his guest for the day, Zacchaeus was overjoyed and welcomed Jesus into his home. Instead of just a glimpse, Jesus came into his house and stayed for dinner.

This story speaks to me of how people become positioned for salvation and how we approach presenting them with the Gospel. It seems to me, people go through a process similar to Zacchaeus:

• First, a person hears about Jesus. (Luke 10:2/Romans 10:14-15)
• Second, they become curious enough to want to see about Him for themselves. (John3/Matthew 7:7-8/Isaiah 55:6-7)
• Third, they have enough determination to pursue Jesus, overcoming external obstacles and internal challenges. (Luke 9:23-25/Matt 13:44-46)
• Finally, when Jesus comes knocking, they invite Him in—and not just to pass through, but to stay for supper. (Rev. 3:20/Rom 10:9-10)

Like Jesus with Zacchaeus, we may be able to recognize where people are positioned for salvation, and meet them with the good news. I think by His example of seeking Zacchaeus, Jesus proved He was not a five-point Calvinist. Jesus continually engaged people and even sent the disciples out to preach before His death and resurrection. Jesus talked about the harvest for the kingdom being plentiful, while the laborers were few. He encouraged His disciples to pray for the Lord of the Harvest to send laborers and His final words gave the command; "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." (Matt 28:19-20). Jesus issued The Great Commission because He wanted us, believers, to share with others the good news of God's salvation--John 3:16-17/Romans 10:9-10.

The critics chided Jesus, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner. Perhaps the Pharisees felt slighted by Jesus. They were the self-righteous, meticulous observers of the law, and perhaps they felt deserving of Jesus' attention—a renowned, up and coming Rabbi—more so than the common sinner had a right to feel. After spending some time with Jesus in his home, Zacchaeus stood up and proclaimed his transformation, “Behold, Lord...” (Luke 19:8). I purposely left out the rest of verse eight. You know what it says—Zacchaeus gave half his goods to the poor and promised to restore fourfold to anyone he had defrauded.

Tax collectors were notorious for cheating the Jewish people in the name of Caesar and to line their own pockets. Certainly, Zacchaeus did a good thing in repenting from his crimes and making restoration, but his true transformation is revealed in those two words—"Behold, Lord." With those words, Zacchaeus did the greatest thing--he presented himself to Jesus. He acknowledged Jesus as Lord of his life—instead of money, Caesar or even himself. Jesus validated Zacchaeus’ transformation with a response, also aimed at His grumbling critics, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)

When we seek Jesus, He comes to find us--no matter how lost we are. When we acknowledge Jesus as Lord, not only does salvation come to our house, all the important pieces of our lives fall into place.

• We view life from a changed perspective—our point of view changes to God's POV and people are suddenly more important than money or things.
• We gain renewed purpose for living—our lives are lived for God, and eternity rules our choices; actions point us to service rather than self-indulgence.
• We gain position in a new family—we are children of God, heirs with Christ and need never again feel diminished or demoralized by the world's view of us--God loves us first, foremost and forever. This confidence lifts us above all criticism and condemnation.

When we surrender our lives to Jesus, and give Him permission to become LORD, change happens. Sometimes, quickly; other times change comes slowly. As we continue in relationship with Jesus, the transformation goes on to bloom and grow year after year.

I used to keep peonies in my garden. Each spring I would be looking for the chutes in the ground signaling the plants were still alive. As the months progressed the stems would grow taller and covered with green leaves. Soon, round buds would appear. I would water and pray for sun each day. In time, the buds would grow from blueberry to golf ball size. More time would pass and at last the small petals would crack their shell and poke through. On a particular morning, I would wake to find the flower unwound into full splendor.

When in bloom, my peonies were spectacular; I enjoyed them everyday, and I photographed them in excess. I hardly picked them because it seemed too cruel since the flowers only bloomed a few short weeks. When the flowers were spent, only the green plant remained throughout the summer. In late fall, I cut the plants down without mercy. In winter I buried them, and they remained covered in the dark earth until the following spring when the cycle, which brought me such joy, started all over again.

I have been a Christian for forty years, and to this day, I still wish I were a better one! Like Zacchaeus, there was a time when I sought Jesus and HE found me. I presented myself to Jesus and His salvation came; I positioned myself to know Jesus by reading the Bible, praying and being part of a healthy church, and my transformation began. I have gone through cold seasons of darkness in my spiritual walk, times of personal pruning, and days of sunshine and splendor. It seems the growth cycles, like the peonies, repeat themselves. I may feel buried for a season, but I always seem to emerge into the light. Sometimes, I don’t think these cycles have much to do with me, rather they are common to the garden I am part of—life on earth. I think my Grower certainly takes care of me. He feeds, waters, prunes when I need it and covers me with the shadow of His presence for a time of renewal. My prayer is, I never stop seeking Him; I remain in a position to experience the benefits of His salvation, and He feels joy at my growth process while I am going on to full bloom.

Stuff To Try Men's Souls

"Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows."

Worried, stressed, harassed, anxious; are these adjectives, which on a regular basis, describe you? We have a joke in our family. Whenever someone is overtly worried and ranting about difficulties such as whether the rent will be paid or the children will be safe on the ski slopes, we interrupt with, “safety first.”

Safety first might be considered a cautionary phrase for people who want an excuse for avoiding risk. However, in our family, safety first is a reference to the immense attention to detail the naval shipyard (Dewayne’s place of work) uses in their nuclear field to ensure the safety of their program and their people. In other words, the shipyard avoids disaster by paying excessive attention to safety first.

This is the case with our God. He has gone to extreme lengths to circumvent man’s eventual disaster, and instead, has ensured our safety with eternal salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Because God knows us intimately—even to the number of hairs on our head (Luke 12:7), and because He pays enormous attention to the details of our lives—so that He knows what we need before we even ask, we may cast-off worry, approach Him with confidence today and tomorrow, come what may, expect to be safely with Him. Are we completely free from harm or danger? Do we have everything we want all the time? No, but when it comes to the most important thing—our immortal soul, God thought of safety first in securing us for Himself and sparing us from the pain of hell with its’ eternal torment.

A man came to Jesus asking Him to force the man’s brother into dividing the inheritance with him. Jesus warned, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15)

Our family life used to be centered in our house—especially when the children were growing up. The house did not make up the totality of who we were as a family, but it served a useful purpose in meeting some of our needs. However, too much stuff can weigh us down and cause us to fret beyond what is healthy. The more stuff we own the more time and stress we have in keeping track and maintaining it.

Accumulating stuff has long been part of our entertainment. From the time we are young, we thrive on collecting stuff: stamps, bottle caps and sports cards. Bigger boys like collecting cars, boats and real estate. While we females lean towards dishes, dolls and doilies or art, antiques, furniture, clothing and shoes-shoes-shoes! My daughter Katie like collecting jackets, my mother collects tea cups, I am guilty of collecting books—the bound kind, and over the last couple of years, the electronic kind too.

Two years ago, when we sold our house and went into minimalistic mode, I put most of my books in storage, maintaining some favorites with me for travel. It is silly, because those stored books have been in those boxes for two years now. Admittedly, sometimes, I fret about them—will I ever own a house again, will I have floor-to-ceiling bookshelves; will I see ever my books nicely lined up on those shelves in that house? Who knows? Had I sold the books, I would never wonder. Instead and just in case, I talked myself into saving the books, and now I wonder if they are well preserved or mildewing.

Stuff slows us down; it causes us worry, and consumes our resources. In my case, storage costs money. Someone else may use all their time and effort in cleaning and organizing their stuff. Owning too much stuff ends in stuff owning us instead of the reverse. Too much stuff stifles our creative productivity.

One of my favorite organization gurus is David Allen—author of Getting Things Done. His secret for helping people increase work productivity and develop focus is to rid the mind of all the stuff clogging its creative potential. The goal is to have a “mind like water.” In other words, the mind is cleared so it runs like a fresh flowing stream instead of a mudslide.

To achieve “mind like water,” David Allen urges a mind download. In simple terms, taking what is on the mind and putting it on the paper—hence freeing up space for creative thinking. I have been doing this for years. Even though I do not consider myself the shining example of heightened creativity, or a professional of high productivity, the exercise works to stop worrying about xyz and focus on A or B or C.

As I read Luke chapter twelve, I was reminded of my books in storage. The rich fool also worried about storage for the abundance of his crops and the ample goods he had laid up. Jesus said, that’s not what your life is about. Jesus used this young man as a character in a parable or story to emphasize His point. We can never depend on our stuff to bring us lasting comfort, nourishment or joy because, even if our stuff lasts a long time, eventually we die and leave the stuff behind for someone else. Jesus said, “So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:21)

Jesus goes on to tell the young man and other listeners, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.” (Luke 12:22-23)

When all is said and done, you and I want our lives to be about more than food, clothing, houses and books. We want richness to our relationship with God that is not tangible stuff, rather, the stuff, which nourishes our souls.

Who is Your Doctor? Introduction to Gospel according to Luke

Since the birth of our first grandchild, Josiah, to our daughter Katie and her husband Michael, I have been thinking a lot about our children’s pediatrician—Dr. Bernie Brown. We moved to Poulsbo, Washington when Katie was a one-month old newborn. She needed monthly check-ups and fortunately we had health insurance through Dewyane’s work. I can’t remember how we picked Dr. Brown, I think God picked him for us. It might have been because his practice at the North Kitsap Medical Center was near our home. However it happened, it turned out to be the greatest blessing and exactly what our family needed.

Dr. Bernie Brown (photo: harrisonmedical.netreturns.biz) was a stickler for details and always leaned towards caution. When, at age two, Katie pulled hot meatloaf drippings onto her upper body, Dr. Brown saw her everyday for a week. He scraped her blisters to help avoid infection and scarring. He slathered her in Silvadene cream and bandaged her arm and chest to keep her pain free. On the morning after our second child, Jesse, was born, Dr. Brown came to the hospital for his initial check-up. He found Jesse was listless and his temperature was lower than expected. Dr. Brown suspected Jesse had ingested maternal fluid that was making him sick. After probing questions of our delivery team, we learned Jesse’s head had indeed dropped into the liquid at birth—basically, Jesse had almost drowned in his own maternal fluid. When our third child, Taylor came into the world, Dr. Brown kept him in hospital under ultra-violet lights for several days because his Billy Ruben count was too high. Taylor insisted on seeing Dr. Brown even into his high school years. Dr. Brown made sure our children were immunized at the proper age. He tracked their weight and measurements to make sure they were progressing within normal healthy ranges. He treated our children for everything from croup to recurring chicken pox (Taylor), to stitches for a severely cut lip (Katie), to a serious concussion (Jesse), to adolescent acne (all three kids). Dr. Brown did not just treat our children’s physical ailments, on many occasions he offered me wise counsel on emotional and spiritual challenges. He taught me about boundaries for discipline, and later would ask my children how they were doing in these areas as well. Dr. Brown did what a good doctor was supposed to do. He paid attention to the details. He kept orderly records, and was precise in all of his treatments. He was a reliable doctor to our children and a reliable source of information, help and encouragement for us as parents.

The writer of the Gospel according to Luke was also a doctor. He wrote a detailed, orderly and precise account of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke was a caring friend with the heart of a missionary. The Apostle Paul referred to Luke as the beloved physician—(Colossians 4:14). Paul wrote to Timothy, saying Luke was the only one who remained during Paul's imprisonment, loyal and constant when others deserted him—(2 Timothy 4:11). Luke was a well-educated gentile convert, who had full command of the Greek language. His writings are said to employ the most exacting Greek of any of the Gospel writers. Luke was a scholar, a doctor and a loyal friend.

Luke wrote this Gospel account, and the book of Acts, in letter form to his friend Theophilus--a common Greek name, which translated means "friend of God." Luke's use of "most excellent" in his greeting, was a common way of addressing people in authority. It is believed Theophilus was a real person, in a significant position of authority, who had come to believe in Jesus Christ as Messiah.

“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.” (Luke 1:1-4)

In this beautifully written paragraph Luke explains the "who, what, when, where and why" of his writing project. Editors of non-fiction (true stories) always want to know who you are writing for, what do you want the reader to learn or to take away, when and where did the events take place, and why are you qualified to write this book. If this was the first paragraph of Luke’s query letter for a publisher, all those questions would be covered and answered well.

Luke had the qualifications to write this book because he had followed these things closely for some time past, (Luke 1:3). He had interviewed eyewitnesses, (2 Peter 1L16). He listened and received their message, (1 John 1:1-4). He had done his research as a ministry partner of Paul the Apostle, and because his education and perhaps nature lent themselves to order and precision, he declares the writing to be an orderly account. This Gospel was not something Luke penned in a few hours of early morning delirium. It is possible it may have taken him up to two years and was perhaps completed as he remained with the Apostle during Paul's Roman imprisonment. Luke was convinced and passionate about his subject. Also, he desired to fill a perceived need for the reader. He wanted Theophilus to be certain concerning the things he had been taught and had come to believe. This book, had it been put into a proposal and sent to a book publisher today, would have met the criteria for publication.

I get excited every time I read this Gospel written by Luke, a Greek scholar, a practicing doctor, a faithful missionary and caring friend, whose greatest concern was for recording the accuracy of the things which contributed to the growing faith in Jesus Christ, of his most excellent friend.

I hope you are reading and being convinced or made certain of what you already know is true--Jesus is the Christ, the only Son of God, Messiah and King.

True Confessions (Part IV)

The scene: Golgotha—the place of the skull, where for three hours an eerie darkness has covered the land. Three men hang on crosses. At their feet, Roman soldiers gamble to pass the time, while people all around watch and wait for the inevitable. Suddenly the man on the middle cross cries out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani? Which means, “My God, My God why have You forsaken Me?” Someone runs to get the man a sponge of sour wine, another stops him and mocks the man on the cross for calling on Elijah to save Him. “He saved others, but could not save Himself.” The Man in the middle has an inscription written over his head. It states the charge against Him; “The King of the Jews.” Two robbers are one on each side of the King. One robber derides the King, while the other humbly asks to be remembered. Jesus, the King, promises, on that very day, the humble robber will be with Him in paradise. Before the Romans break their shinbones, which the crucified use to lift them up in order to catch a breath, Jesus exhales and releases His spirit.

At that moment, a large earthquake shakes the entire region. The ground beneath the soldiers moves. Rocks are split, tombs are opened and dead saints are seen alive in Jerusalem. Inside the Jewish temple, the curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place—where the presence of God resides, is torn in two, from top to bottom. The Roman soldiers rise and in awe experience this chaos happening all around them. One soldier—a centurion—stands facing Jesus. He sees Jesus breathe his last, watches the events and exclaims, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

Roman soldiers were the toughest of men. They were known to be without mercy in battle and indiscriminately brutal to their prisoners. Hours earlier they had gathered an entire battalion—equal to about 600 men—to have some sport with Jesus. They had stripped Him, spit on Him, pulled out chunks of His beard. They had mocked Him, kneeling and repeating, “Hail, King of the Jews.” They twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and beat Him with a reed they had put in His hand. Jesus was so badly beaten, He was hardly recognizable and when it came time to be crucified, the Romans had to force Simon, a man from Cyrene, to carry His cross.

These same Centurions had been watching the trial before Pilate. They had released Barabbas to the Jews, so that instead of being able to have their way with the hated criminal, they were left to make sport of this Jesus, the King of the Jews. The same Centurions had perhaps seen the crowds gathered to Jesus as He taught them on the hillsides and by the sea. The same Centurions had perhaps heard of the miracles performed by Jesus—one of a servant belonging to a fellow Centurion being healed with just a word and without Jesus having to enter the Centurion’s house. These same Centurions surely knew who Jesus claimed to be, but they did what they were supposed to do—they obeyed orders and crucified Him as if He were a common criminal.

Something spectacular happened that afternoon on Golgotha. Besides the house of God triumphing over the house of evil, besides Jesus completing His mission to earth to die as full and complete payment for the sin of mankind, besides the last minute transformation of a robber to reborn, besides the earthquake, the rocks and the tombs being opened, there was an end to an era and it happened inside the temple of the Jews and outside on skull hill in the realm ruled by the gentiles. The true confession of the Centurion articulated the tearing of the temple curtain from top to bottom. God demonstrated there need no longer be a division between man and Himself. Because of Jesus’ death as payment for the sin of all mankind, the way to the Holy of Holies or Most Holy Place was wide open for all to approach. “Truly, this man was the Son of God.” The Centurion said it for all the world to hear and God showed it for all to believe and draw near.

There is nothing keeping you and me from enjoying fellowship and relationship with God. Jesus has removed the barrier by His death on the cross. Acting as our High Priest on Calvary He removed the barrier to God so that we may “with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need,” (Hebrews 4:17). Whatever help we need, be it salvation and a new start to a relationship with God, be it healing, strength, wisdom, guidance, forgiveness, love for others…we may with confidence draw near to the source of all things and find grace to help in time of need.

Truly, Jesus is the one and only Son of God. This is the truest confession of them all.

True Confessions (Part III)

The Transfiguration of Christ by Raphael

“This is my beloved Son; listen to Him.”

(Mark 9:7)

On the mount of transfiguration, a cloud overshadowed Peter, James, John and Jesus who stood talking with Elijah and Moses. This cloud is reminiscent of (Exodus 19:16-20 / 24:15-18) when the presence of God came to Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people of Israel after they fled Egypt. It was quite a scene and rightly so, the people trembled (verse 16), but later (verse 21), their curiosity almost got the better of them.

God had to send Moses back down the mountain to warn the people to stay back of the borders God set up for their safety. Does that sound familiar today? God has indeed set boundaries for us as His followers and always, obedience to God’s word is for our wellbeing, safety, protection, and growth. Obedience is not a burden, it is blessing for us from God.

Six days after Peter’s true confession and smack-down, Jesus singles-out Peter, James and John, and takes them to a high mountain alone where they see Jesus transfigured. “His clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.”(Mark 9:3)

In our Japan apartment, we have a—need I say—small, washer/dryer unit. And, believe me, I am happy to have it! Every week I run two loads of laundry—whites and colors. The hotel provides laundry soap, so again, I can’t complain; but they don’t give us any bleach. I am certain the hotel uses bleach because sometimes I smell chlorine in the brilliant towels we receive daily. On Monday (Getsuyobi—Japanese), housekeeping makes our bed with clean, super bright, white sheets. We love crawling into bed on Monday nights because there are no wrinkles—our sheets are crisp, fresh pressed and taut—unlike any other night after the first use. Wrinkles happen don’t they? And sometimes you just have to get rid of the wrinkles and start fresh. We sometimes have to change from going in a wrong direction to a right one. We sometimes have to stop ungodly behavior and make godly choices instead. But in the scope of eternity, those things alone are not enough. No bleach on earth, can remove the crimson stain of sin or bridge the gap between our sin and God's righteousness. Only God could do that, and He did--by sending Jesus Messiah as the payment for all sin.

King David knew only God could wash away his sin and make him whiter than snow. (Psalm 51:7) The interesting thing is that people condemn God as being judgmental and unreasonable. When in fact, the opposite is true. “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;” (Isaiah 1:18-19a) Are you in need of God's washing today? Do as David did; confess, repent and return to the LORD. He alone has the means to wash us and make us whiter than snow.

Back to laundry: one thing I’ve noticed is my white bathrobe and socks are graying. I don’t like that. I am buying Clorox today! Yesterday, I accidently washed one white pair of Dewayne’s underwear with his black jeans. The underwear emerged as Gandalf the Grey instead of the White.

If you remember the LOTR Two Towers movie: Aragorn, with Legolas and Gimli tracked Merry and Pippin into Fanghorn forest and encountered the radiant Gandalf transformed from the Grey to the more powerful White Wizard. Later in the film, Gandalf’s brilliance overcomes the evil spirit, which held Theoden King captive. Finally, his beaming light leads the Riders of Rohan in a victory against the evil Orcs. I like that. White is the color we associate with purity, strength, holiness and goodness triumphing over evil. I have seen several wedding processions in Japan. The brides have all been dressed in traditional gleaming, white, wedding kimonos. From head to toe they are symbolically clothed in purity, with only their angelic faces showing. I wonder if at the transfiguration, and seeing the brilliance of Jesus, did the disciples remember God's promise, "I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth." (Isaiah 49:6) or the statement of Jesus? “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12)

Here on this familiar mountain with these three disciples, the ominous cloud has come down, Jesus has been transfigured and his clothing changed to a white, which no one on earth could bleach. This is a peek-a-boo into the heavenly realm. Our bodies will be transformed to bodies suited for heaven. We will be clothed in the pure righteousness of Christ and remain recognizable. I like that—seeing a familiar face is always a happy thing—even on Skype. But, in heaven it will be all the more sweet, as we will be more acutely aware of God’s presence, and we will never again carry the burden of this earth-bound body, or face the dark and dirty of a deceitful heart kept in a deteriorating shell.

I love the response of the disciples here. They were freaked-out. And, as Peter must have related this story in the hearing of Mark and others, I can just imagine Peter sharing: “We were terrified. We didn’t know what to do or say. So then, I blurted out; Master this is so good for us to be here. Let’s build three tents, one for you, Moses and Elijah!” (My dialogue rewrite J)

Peter’s nervous enthusiasm came to a screeching halt when the voice happened. They heard the voice, and it shut Peter up. The voice spoke the truest confession about Jesus, and delivered the best instruction to Peter; “This is my beloved Son; listen to Him.” The voice had its effect to quiet the disciples on the mountain, but also it kept them quiet as they descended into the valley.

It is always so comforting to hear from God in our mountain top experiences, when we are retreating, in prayer or having quiet time and studying scripture. But it is also, and perhaps even more so, comforting to hear from God in our moments in the valleys of life. His word, never changing as He is never changing, remains with us in our most difficult times. We are never alone and need never remove ourselves from God's nearness. God gives more grace when we repent, humble ourselves, resist the devil and draw near to Him, (James 4:6-10).

Jesus charged Peter, James and John to tell no one what they had seen until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. The men kept this matter to themselves—they wondered what Jesus meant by rising from the dead. Later, after Jesus was crucified and buried, I wonder if these words of Jesus on this mountain of transfiguration came back to comfort them or at least give them a glimmer of hope for His resurrection. In our lives, those quiet moments, those mandates from God’s word can become a source of strength in times of despair. "Revive me, O LORD, according to your word...You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word," (Psalm 119:107, 114 NKJ).

Later in life, Peter wrote with Apologetic overtones—defending his faith—he described the voice as coming from the “Majestic Glory” (2 Peter 1:16-18).

The voice of God comes to us today from the majestic glory of His word and through illumination from His Holy Spirit. When we read, study and memorize God’s word, we are confident we are hearing form the Living God. How can we be so sure? Because, Jesus said about the Holy Spirit, “He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 8:26) The Holy Spirit leads us into truth. During one of His most intense prayer times to the Father, Jesus said, “I have given them the words that You gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from You…” (John 17:8). Jesus gave us the true confession from the Father of Himself and that confession continues today through the Holy Spirit. The three persons of the Trinity are at work in our relationship with Jesus and every time we read God’s word. Also, we know, as we heed His message, His words become our life.

(One More True Confession--Next Post)