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)

True Confessions (Part II)

Jesus said, “But who do you say that I am?”

“You are the Christ,” Peter gave the truest confession. You are the Christ—not a Christ, as if there were many more to come, but rather the Christ. You are the one we have learned of, looked and longed for. The Jews expected one Messiah and Peter was declaring, they recognized Jesus was it.

You are the Messiah.

The Jews in Jesus’ day were an oppressed people. They were not only looking for the Messiah to come, but also to deliver them. They were dominated by Roman rule—known to be the cruelest of empires. In addition, the Jews felt demoralized by other Jews who worked for and upheld Roman laws. Also they were subjugated to burdensome religious laws by the legalistic Jewish authorities—the Pharisees. The Jews hoped the Messiah would come and set-up His kingdom, dispensing with the injustices of the Romans and their other taskmasters. The Jews felt they were back living in Egypt, except this time, the dominators spoke Italian.

When Peter made his declaration about Jesus, it seems all the burdensome weight he felt for the oppression of his people breathed itself out in a sigh of expectation and hope—“You are the Christ.” How relieving and exciting it must have been for Peter and the other disciples to grasp this truth. Whether they did grasp the entire truth is less certain. Peter had his moment in the sun, but the clouds were about to roll in.

“And He (Jesus) began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again.” (Mark 8:31)

At hearing Jesus plainly speak these words, Peter grabbed the LORD, pulled Him aside and began rebuking Him. In other words Peter might have said something like this; “Have you gone mad—are you a lunatic? We’ve just agreed and acknowledged that You are the Messiah…and I know You told us to keep it to ourselves, which I don’t understand, but okay. Still You can’t just dash our hopes like this when we believe You are the one we have waited for and are prepared to follow You to whatever end. If You keep talking like this, You might lose all Your followers and then where will You be?”

Okay, I made all of that dialogue up, but can’t you just imagine Peter trying to save the moment of greatest triumph for himself and the disciples? Then Jesus turns, sees all the other disciples watching Peter’s diatribe, and very strongly rebukes Peter.

“Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” (Mark 8:33)

Jesus said it all. God had a plan in sending Jesus to earth. God had a plan for the redemption of mankind and it included sacrifice. It also included resurrection, which Jesus mentioned in the statement before Peter went off the handle, but evidently, Peter didn’t hear that part. God had a plan and Satan would do whatever he could to thwart God’s plan, including use Peter’s own logic and loyalty to lead him and possibly others astray.

Jesus had to rebuke Peter, else the other disciples would have jumped right onto Peter’s bandwagon, which was not the Red Flyer God planned to use for the salvation of man. Just like Peter, how often do we misinterpret a situation simply because we are viewing it from man’s perspective? God’s ways are so far above our ways, His thoughts are beyond finding out, scripture says. What we are to trust in, is the character of God. We hope in the person we know God to be, in what He has said about Himself, and demonstrated by His actions. (Easy Example John 3:16-17)

The older I become, the more I understand life is seldom the way I understand it to be. I think everyone should be healthy, wealthy and wise. Not that I believe in prosperity doctrine, but, I just want everyone to be safe and happy. What’s wrong with that? Well, sadly that’s not life on earth. That’s close to heaven; and one day, believers in Jesus will experience the place of no more death, tears, sorrow, pain or suffering. Hallelujah! But while on earth, I must realize, God works in the midst of suffering. He uses pain to draw people to Himself. He allows sorrow, death, and tears. They humble us so that we cry out to God. How sad is mankind so marred by pride, kept in a perpetual state of self-sufficiency and ignorance of how loving is our God.

From God’s perspective, Peter made the truest confession…”You are the Christ.” From man’s perspective, Peter needed a smack-down, to point him back in the right direction. How about us? Who do we say Jesus is? Are we conforming to God’s plan or confronting Him? Does the statement of Jesus to Peter ring any bells? Are we setting the proper example for others of people who trust in God as opposed to their own interpretation of life’s events? Are we setting our minds on the things of God? I hope you will consider the following few verses and let me know your thoughts. (Philippians 2:3-8, 3:17-20, 4:4-9, Colossians 3:1-2)

(Continued Next Post)

True Confessions (Part I)

Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?”

(Mark 8:27-30)

Have you ever watched Jay Leno do one of his “Jay Walking” sessions? He takes to the streets of Los Angeles and asks people a set of questions related to a specific topic? (These are my examples: 1. To what time period does this phrase point; “These are the times that try men’s souls.”) 2. Who was the first president of the United States? 3. Name the war fought for American freedom.) Jay Walking is at its best when people miss what should be a simple, obvious answer and give wrong or ridiculous responses. It is funny because of the stupidity.

I would love to take this question, Jesus asked the disciples, to the street and do a “Carmen Walking,” which admittedly does not sound near as clever as Jay Walking, but I would love to hear how people would respond. Especially here in Japan, where the culture is immersed in Shinto Buddhism, with their never-ending cycle in the struggle for perfection, which seems to offer no hope of ever reaching their goal—a state of non-existence or nothingness. Frankly my dear, Wakarimasen-I don’t understand.

At this point in the story in Mark 8, Jesus has already done amazing miracles. He has calmed the storm, healed the sick, including a paralytic, a man with a withered hand, a blind man, a deaf man, the daughter of a gentile woman, the daughter of Jairus—a ruler of the synagogue, who was healed just by Jesus’ word while another woman was touching the hem of His garment to receiving healing in the midst of a thronging crowd. Jesus has also demonstrated His power and authority over the spiritual realm by the ultimate demon encounter with a man of the tombs, who was possessed by a legion of demons. He has fed the five thousand with five loaves and two fish. He has fed the four thousand with seven loaves and a few fish. He has even walked on water. The disciples have witnessed it all. They have also experienced God’s power in their own lives, as Jesus sent them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. (Mark 3:14, 5:12-13)

Jesus has also been challenged by the Pharisees, rejected by His home crowd in Nazareth, accused of insanity by His family and tested by the Scribes and Pharisees about His breaking of the Sabbath, and His understanding of the traditions of Judaism. The disciples have witnessed all of this as well. Their minds had to be whirling with the dichotomy of it all. Here was Jesus with amazing power, wisdom and authority, unlike any ever seen in Israel, but here were the respected leaders challenging everything Jesus said and did—refusing to recognize the greater authority of God working in and through Jesus.

On this particular day, in Mark 8:27-30, Jesus is walking with the disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. They are conversing as they walk along. I can just picture it…an easy-going walk on a sunny day perhaps; chillin with Jesus, chattin about life or people or the scenery. Then Jesus brings up a sore subject. It is sore because of the conflict they seem to always encounter when they are with Jesus. Perhaps it is a sore subject because the disciples have left everything, their families, their fishing business, their jobs—tax collector—or whatever. Jesus has come into their lives and caused havoc. They are not living their normal, everyday, comfortable and predictable lives.

“And Jesus went on with the disciples…and on the way He asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that I am?’” (Mark 8:27)

The disciples responded with what they had heard. Some people said Jesus was John the Baptist come back to life, others said He was Elijah, and still others said Jesus was one of the prophets. The masses were as confused as anyone about who Jesus really was. These answers are interesting in that they reflect a feeling that Jesus was more than just a mere man—He was either a beheaded man reincarnated (Mark 6:14-29), Elijah returned to earth (2 Kings 2:1-14), or another prophet reborn—possibly Jeremiah (Matthew 16:13-16). Either way, those answers indicate to me people thought there was maybe something supernatural about Jesus but they couldn’t quite put their finger on it.

When Jesus continued the conversation with His disciples and asked them the question; “Who do you say that I am?” It seems the class fell silent.

I have been attending Japanese language classes and more often than not, the teacher will ask a question, which suddenly leads to a moment of silence when the wheels inside each of our student heads are turning, trying to find the answer—the right word or phrase to form the Japanese sentence correctly.

The students of Jesus did not all jump-in to answer His profound question. They might have been thinking, searching for just the right phrase to sum-up what they believed about Jesus. It was not until Peter spoke up to perfectly capture the truth of who Jesus was to them. “You are the Christ.” (SEE ALSO: Matthew 16:16, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Luke 9:20, “The Christ of God.”) Peter got it right with a true confession of who Jesus was.

Today, what is my true confession about Jesus? Is He the Christ—Messiah, the Son of the Living God? Or is He a good man who shared a good message with the world? Back in the 1970’s we used to say that there were only three choices for qualifying Jesus. He was either liar, lunatic or Lord. What do you think?

(Continued Next Post)

Introduction to Gospel of Mark

Mark is a short Gospel written for a busy Roman audience to show Jesus as the Son of God. Unlike Matthew’s Gospel, the book is short and to the point without as many Old Testament references. Tradition states the author was John Mark, the son of a woman named Mary who was part of the early church and well known to the Apostles, including Peter and Paul. Traditional dateline for the writing is 50-60 A.D. Some scholars say the book may have been put in writing by Mark from the narration of the Apostle Peter, or from his preaching and teaching. Can you say shorthand?

When I was in high school, shorthand was a viable skill for employment in the clerical field. A secretary needed to have good vocabulary, typing and shorthand. My mother was an exceptional Legal Secretary for most of my life, and she was a speed-demon at shorthand. My skills were good enough to take a letter now and then but I was never as fast as Mom.

Before my mother’s time, there lived a lady named Biddy Chambers. She was the wife of Oswald Chambers, author of the devotional book, My Utmost for His Highest. The missionary’s manuscript was compiled thanks to the amazing note taking abilities of Biddy Chambers. Oswald Chambers died in 1917, but thanks to Biddy, the book for which he is best known, was published ten years later in 1927. The devotional brought international recognition to Chambers and remains amongst the top selling Christian books in publication. Copious note taking, before computers were even thought of, gave us this wonderful masterpiece, and possibly, the same technique was used by John Mark to complete the Gospel of Mark.

The first mention of John Mark comes after Saul of Tarsus has been converted and brought to Antioch by Barnabus. In Antioch, where followers of Jesus were first called Christians, Barnabus and Saul spent a year sharing with and teaching in the church. Afterwards, when a great famine arose, the church in Antioch took up an offering and sent it with Barnabus and Saul to the brothers living in Judea. (Acts 11)

“About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword.” (Acts 12:1)

Herod killed James, one of the sons of Zebedee, and early disciple chosen by Jesus. Herod realized the killing of James brought him notoriety with the Jewish leaders, so after killing James and during the Days of Unleavened Bread or the Feast of Passover, Herod arrested Peter.

I have never been to Israel, but in 2001, I visited Rome, saw the Vatican, the Coliseum and the Roman Forum. Local guides led tours giving wonderful information about ancient Rome, forum activities, and the origins of Christianity. At one point we walked toward a dark cutout in the earth closed by heavy metal bars. This was typical of a Roman prison cell, not unlike the one, which held Peter and Paul. The lower cell of the Marmertine Prison is open to visitors today. Inside is a stairway leading down to the chamber where many famous people, throughout the course of its use, were imprisoned and either strangled or beheaded.

In Acts 12, King Herod arrested Peter, put him in chains, forced him to sleep between two guards with sentries posted at the door. In the middle of the night an angel came and woke Peter by striking him on the side. The angel loosed his chains and led him from the prison. Acts describes the heavy iron gates swinging open of their own accord. For Peter, this seemed like a dream or a vision. Today, we might see that scene written into a Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings movie. However, it was not long before Peter realized his experience was no fantasy. He soon found himself knocking on the gate of a home where believers were gathered in prayer for his release. This was Mary's home, the mother of John Mark—the writer of the Gospel of Mark.

Another side note and back to Rome: There is another church, which is called San Pietro en Viccoli (St. Peter in Chains). Inside, a large glass box holds the chains that held Peter in Jerusalem and in Rome. The story is told when the chains from Jerusalem were presented to the Pope, who also had the chains from Rome in his possession; the two chains became supernaturally linked together. I don’t know if that is true, but at San Pietro en Viccoli you may see the two chains on display. I saw them—they appeared very sturdy, heavy and extremely uncomfortable.

Back to Judea: When Peter finally enters the home of Mary, the believers are incredulous and exultant. Peter has to quiet them so as not to be discovered and eventually, he departs to another place. John Mark was at the house when Peter was set free from the prison. I wonder what sort of impact this immediate answer to prayer had on his life.

Eventually, John Mark becomes the missionary companion of Barnabus and Saul but at one point, he leaves them in mid journey. The reason is unclear. Later when Barnabus again wants to bring John Mark on another missionary journey, Saul disagrees and this becomes a sharp point of contention so that the men go their separate ways. Barnabus travels with John Mark and Saul travels with Silas.

Even later in the book of Acts, John Mark is restored with Saul/Paul, who writes John Mark is useful to him. Afterwards, John Mark travels and works with Peter before Peter is killed—crucified upside down.

What I like about John Mark is that, regardless of a slip somewhere along the way, he remained involved and committed to the work of the ministry for many years. John Mark was involved with the Lord Jesus personally and with His church. His mother, Mary, was also an active member. Together they formed a strong family of faith serving the Lord and the church with their time, talent and resources.

Teaching our children about the LORD is a repeated mandate in scripture. The LORD through Moses instructed the Jews to teach their children at all times about the ways of the LORD, when coming and going etc. (Deut 6:4-9) Making a family habit to discuss spiritual issues, to attend church together, to pray at meals, to pray at bed or other times, to discuss the scriptures etc. may seem trivial, unimportant or something that should be left to each ones convictions, but clearly God was saying to the nation of Israel—it is too easy to forget the things of God, so talk about them all the time, especially to your children.

As parents, we must teach our children well to know the Lord. We must be an example of someone who constantly goes to the Lord in prayer for everything. Eventually, children develop a relationship with the LORD apart from mom and dad. But, the foundation for the spiritual house children build early, will come from the convictions they see modeled in their godly parents and established in their family unit.

Mark's Gospel has wonderful things to note. First: notice the word “immediately.” John Mark keeps using that word! He uses it more than any other Gospel writer and more times in the first chapter of his book than any other. It might be encouraging to make a list of the "immediately" verses and see if any themes become evident to you. Second: John Mark captures several declarations by others about the Son of God. See how many you can find. Third: John Mark points to Jesus going off by Himself to pray or having His disciples go to a quiet place to rest several times. Because Romans were busy, just like we are, this would have served as a great lesson for them. Perhaps it will be a good lesson for us too.

I am so glad you are reading the Gospels 4 Lent with me. I hope the book of Mark leads us to a greater rest in the LORDship of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Abandoned to God--Oswald Chambers - Read his life story available at Amazon.com