By Allen White
This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. John 21:24-25
Just how many books would that be? Now, John wouldn’t have considered microfilm or microfiche. There was no network server or cloud computing back then. All of that aside, it would be a lot of books.
Only a third of the earth’s surface is land, but there are 57.5 million acres of land on the earth. How many books would fill a square mile? How high could you stack them? Would they be on shelves or just piled up?
Suddenly, the average Barnes & Noble seems a little small. Even amazon.com doesn’t have that kind of inventory. Thank goodness Jesus didn’t tweet. We’d never stop seeing that whale.
While Luke thoroughly investigated Jesus life (Luke 1:1-4), John witnessed everything first hand. From the day that John met Jesus along with his brother James, John was very close to Jesus. Not only was John one of the twelve, he was also in Jesus’ inner circle of Peter, James and John (Matthew 26:37). John saw it all.
As many miracles and healings as John and the other writers recorded, there were far more to report. As many profound words of wisdom that came from Jesus’ lips, not every single word could possibly be written down.
Jesus as a person fully reflected life in the Spirit. His character was impeccable. While His words at times were pointed, He was without sin. Jesus always said the right thing. Jesus always did the right thing. He had nothing to apologize for.
There is so much that we don’t know. Our job is not to worry about what we don’t know. There is so much that we do know.
What about Jesus’ life impacts you? What part of Jesus’ character would you want your life to reflect? What part of Jesus’ mission are you willing to take on?
I’m astounded by these words of Jesus: “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12). What could those “greater things” look like in your life?
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Showing posts with label Easter 2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Easter 2011. Show all posts
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Something Better Than Fairness
By Allen White
Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”
Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?” John 21:20-23
Comparison is a dangerous game. If we compare our strengths to others’ weaknesses, we get a false sense of how good we are. If we compare our weaknesses to others’ strengths, we become easily defeated.
Life is not fair. Good people sometimes lose their jobs. Corrupt people sometimes become wealthy. Healthy people sometimes die young. Godly people sometimes suffer more than sinners. But, what if life is not about fairness? What if God isn’t grading on the bell curve? What if His plan for each of us is unique?
When our oldest son was a baby, he spent the first few months in intensive care. Those were some of our darkest days. Early on, we didn’t know if he would even survive. Each day we didn’t know whether to expect improvement or crisis. These feelings came to be known as “emotional whiplash.”
In all of this, I learned a profound lesson. Please understand as a parent facing the uncertainty of my child’s fate, I was in no mood for profound lessons. I preferred a bailout to a proverb.
When most of us are in crisis, the question we ask is “Why?” That’s natural. “Why are bad things happening?” Then, we up the ante. “If God loves me, then why are bad things happening?” We know that bad things are happening, so we’re really questioning whether God loves us. But, the question is unfair, because it’s incomplete.
To ask why bad things are happening is only asking half of the question. If we question every bad thing, then we must also question every good thing that happens. “Why did our HMO put us in one of the best children’s hospitals in the country?” “Why did the insurance cover over $850,000 of the bill, but our part was only $100?” “Why did God place us in a loving congregation that continued to pay me for two months straight without expecting me to come into the office?”
Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate a problem just as little as the next guy. To be honest problems irritate me. People who seem to have a lot going for them and don’t seem to have a lot of problems also irritate me. But, my life is not about you.
If you drive a new car, and I drive a pile of junk, I don’t envy your car payment, your insurance premium, or your taxes. And, the list goes on.
God calls as He wills. God gives gifts as He determines (1 Corinthians 12:11). We are not called to envy another believer’s success just like we’re not called to envy their struggle.
Where do you feel you have been short-changed these days? Whose life do you think you’d rather have? A closer examination might prove something else entirely. Your goal should be about becoming the best version of you that God can produce.
God isn’t going to ask you: “Why weren’t you more like John?” But, He might ask: “Why weren’t you the you I created you to be?”
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Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”
Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?” John 21:20-23
Comparison is a dangerous game. If we compare our strengths to others’ weaknesses, we get a false sense of how good we are. If we compare our weaknesses to others’ strengths, we become easily defeated.
Life is not fair. Good people sometimes lose their jobs. Corrupt people sometimes become wealthy. Healthy people sometimes die young. Godly people sometimes suffer more than sinners. But, what if life is not about fairness? What if God isn’t grading on the bell curve? What if His plan for each of us is unique?
When our oldest son was a baby, he spent the first few months in intensive care. Those were some of our darkest days. Early on, we didn’t know if he would even survive. Each day we didn’t know whether to expect improvement or crisis. These feelings came to be known as “emotional whiplash.”
In all of this, I learned a profound lesson. Please understand as a parent facing the uncertainty of my child’s fate, I was in no mood for profound lessons. I preferred a bailout to a proverb.
When most of us are in crisis, the question we ask is “Why?” That’s natural. “Why are bad things happening?” Then, we up the ante. “If God loves me, then why are bad things happening?” We know that bad things are happening, so we’re really questioning whether God loves us. But, the question is unfair, because it’s incomplete.
To ask why bad things are happening is only asking half of the question. If we question every bad thing, then we must also question every good thing that happens. “Why did our HMO put us in one of the best children’s hospitals in the country?” “Why did the insurance cover over $850,000 of the bill, but our part was only $100?” “Why did God place us in a loving congregation that continued to pay me for two months straight without expecting me to come into the office?”
Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate a problem just as little as the next guy. To be honest problems irritate me. People who seem to have a lot going for them and don’t seem to have a lot of problems also irritate me. But, my life is not about you.
If you drive a new car, and I drive a pile of junk, I don’t envy your car payment, your insurance premium, or your taxes. And, the list goes on.
God calls as He wills. God gives gifts as He determines (1 Corinthians 12:11). We are not called to envy another believer’s success just like we’re not called to envy their struggle.
Where do you feel you have been short-changed these days? Whose life do you think you’d rather have? A closer examination might prove something else entirely. Your goal should be about becoming the best version of you that God can produce.
God isn’t going to ask you: “Why weren’t you more like John?” But, He might ask: “Why weren’t you the you I created you to be?”
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Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Three Strikes and You’re In
By Allen White
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. John 21:15-17
How do you feel when someone asks you the same question more than once? “Are we there yet?” As much as we start off patient, it doesn’t end there. But, why do they keep asking?
Kids aren’t asking “Are we there yet?” They’re making a statement: “I’m tired of riding in this seat. Other twelve-year-olds don’t sit in a car seat. Let’s get there already.” But, other repeated questions can be more troublesome.
Are they asking because they didn’t hear my answer the first time? Are they just not paying attention to what I have to say? Or, are they asking because they don’t trust me? Ouch.
Peter felt that Jesus’ questions fell in the last category. Jesus asked about Peter’s love for Him three times. Maybe this was to balance out Peter’s three denials of Jesus (John 18). Cue the rooster.
Jesus’ intent wasn’t to taunt Peter. Jesus loved him. Perhaps the three questions did counter the three denials. Jesus’ heart was toward reconciliation. This was three strikes, you’re in.
God’s heart toward us is always toward reconciliation. From Eden until now, God always wants to reconcile with us. Even His hatred of our sin betrays His love for us. God doesn’t want anything to stand in the way of our relationship with Him.
No matter who you are. No matter what you’ve done. God hasn’t given up on you. God will never give up on you. He isn’t like us. His chances don’t run out. God is not in a hurry. He will wait until we have run through all of the solutions and scenarios. When our excuses are all used up, God will step in. If we want to be left to ourselves, He will do that too.
What have you done that you feel might be too big to forgive? God is always ready to forgive. All you have to do is ask. Now, there may be damage to relationships that will take a lot of work over time. But, God’s forgiveness is immediately available.
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When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. John 21:15-17
How do you feel when someone asks you the same question more than once? “Are we there yet?” As much as we start off patient, it doesn’t end there. But, why do they keep asking?
Kids aren’t asking “Are we there yet?” They’re making a statement: “I’m tired of riding in this seat. Other twelve-year-olds don’t sit in a car seat. Let’s get there already.” But, other repeated questions can be more troublesome.
Are they asking because they didn’t hear my answer the first time? Are they just not paying attention to what I have to say? Or, are they asking because they don’t trust me? Ouch.
Peter felt that Jesus’ questions fell in the last category. Jesus asked about Peter’s love for Him three times. Maybe this was to balance out Peter’s three denials of Jesus (John 18). Cue the rooster.
Jesus’ intent wasn’t to taunt Peter. Jesus loved him. Perhaps the three questions did counter the three denials. Jesus’ heart was toward reconciliation. This was three strikes, you’re in.
God’s heart toward us is always toward reconciliation. From Eden until now, God always wants to reconcile with us. Even His hatred of our sin betrays His love for us. God doesn’t want anything to stand in the way of our relationship with Him.
No matter who you are. No matter what you’ve done. God hasn’t given up on you. God will never give up on you. He isn’t like us. His chances don’t run out. God is not in a hurry. He will wait until we have run through all of the solutions and scenarios. When our excuses are all used up, God will step in. If we want to be left to ourselves, He will do that too.
What have you done that you feel might be too big to forgive? God is always ready to forgive. All you have to do is ask. Now, there may be damage to relationships that will take a lot of work over time. But, God’s forgiveness is immediately available.
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Monday, May 2, 2011
McGyvering Our Faith
By Allen White
Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”
“No,” they answered.
He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.
Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. John 21:4-14
Years ago, I ran the children’s ministry at the church I served at in California. (I also had adult ministries and led worship – but we’re not going to go there. When a church starts out small, you grow with it.)
Like every other children’s pastor on the planet, I had a regular need for new teachers to replace the exhausted ones. In fact, one teacher put it this way, “Now that I’m in the sixth year of my one year commitment, I was wondering if I could take a break?” I couldn’t really accuse her of being unfaithful. (I hope you understand that this is a bit tongue in cheek.)
My usual process of recruiting new teachers involved a great deal of thinking and a greater amount of worry. What if I don’t find any teachers? What if I have to teach all of the kids myself? What if in the process of keeping this plate spinning, my other plates stop spinning?
I would think about all of the adults in our church. Then, I would think about why they would turn me down. Then, I would think about anybody who was relatively new to the church and might take my call. Then, I would worry some more.
After I had approached my list of “usual suspects,” I would face a certain number of rejections – often 100 percent. I would consider quitting my job. “What did hotel desk clerks make these days?”
I would fantasize about a church where volunteers lined up at my door – where their constant obsession was God’s calling on their life and other than that they had relatively no life – but then, I would wake up and realize that no one else was probably like me. Then, I would finally reach the end of my horded resources or lack thereof.
As a last resort, I would pray and ask God to give me the two or so teachers that I needed. And, He always came through. Within days all of the children had loving, dedicated teachers, and the stress was gone.
Why did I put myself through that over and over again? Why didn’t I just seek Jesus first? Well, I am actually that dumb at times.
The disciples had been successful enough as fishermen to actually make a living. After a night of fishing, they had caught nothing. They were at the end of their rope. The Kingdom of God didn’t seem to pan out, and now fishing became unreliable as well. But, here’s what they didn’t understand – if Jesus isn’t in it, even success is a failure.
Sure we can “McGyver” our lives for a while, but bailing wire and duct tape can only take us so far. If we only attempt what we can manage, then don’t be surprised if nothing supernatural takes place. If the natural is working, then the supernatural is unnecessary.
If we believe that outcomes are up to us, then we need to dethrone ourselves as the master of the universe and allow God to take His proper place in our lives. It’s hard to be in need and not control the means. But, for the disciples on that day a miraculous catch brought in with miraculous nets gave them one more reason to trust in Jesus.
What are you worried about right now? They say that if you think about something three or more times a day, then you’re worried about it. What is that worry? What do you feel that you must accomplish on your own? What is making you lose sleep at night? Isn’t it time to give that over to God?
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Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”
“No,” they answered.
He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.
Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. John 21:4-14
Years ago, I ran the children’s ministry at the church I served at in California. (I also had adult ministries and led worship – but we’re not going to go there. When a church starts out small, you grow with it.)
Like every other children’s pastor on the planet, I had a regular need for new teachers to replace the exhausted ones. In fact, one teacher put it this way, “Now that I’m in the sixth year of my one year commitment, I was wondering if I could take a break?” I couldn’t really accuse her of being unfaithful. (I hope you understand that this is a bit tongue in cheek.)
My usual process of recruiting new teachers involved a great deal of thinking and a greater amount of worry. What if I don’t find any teachers? What if I have to teach all of the kids myself? What if in the process of keeping this plate spinning, my other plates stop spinning?
I would think about all of the adults in our church. Then, I would think about why they would turn me down. Then, I would think about anybody who was relatively new to the church and might take my call. Then, I would worry some more.
After I had approached my list of “usual suspects,” I would face a certain number of rejections – often 100 percent. I would consider quitting my job. “What did hotel desk clerks make these days?”
I would fantasize about a church where volunteers lined up at my door – where their constant obsession was God’s calling on their life and other than that they had relatively no life – but then, I would wake up and realize that no one else was probably like me. Then, I would finally reach the end of my horded resources or lack thereof.
As a last resort, I would pray and ask God to give me the two or so teachers that I needed. And, He always came through. Within days all of the children had loving, dedicated teachers, and the stress was gone.
Why did I put myself through that over and over again? Why didn’t I just seek Jesus first? Well, I am actually that dumb at times.
The disciples had been successful enough as fishermen to actually make a living. After a night of fishing, they had caught nothing. They were at the end of their rope. The Kingdom of God didn’t seem to pan out, and now fishing became unreliable as well. But, here’s what they didn’t understand – if Jesus isn’t in it, even success is a failure.
Sure we can “McGyver” our lives for a while, but bailing wire and duct tape can only take us so far. If we only attempt what we can manage, then don’t be surprised if nothing supernatural takes place. If the natural is working, then the supernatural is unnecessary.
If we believe that outcomes are up to us, then we need to dethrone ourselves as the master of the universe and allow God to take His proper place in our lives. It’s hard to be in need and not control the means. But, for the disciples on that day a miraculous catch brought in with miraculous nets gave them one more reason to trust in Jesus.
What are you worried about right now? They say that if you think about something three or more times a day, then you’re worried about it. What is that worry? What do you feel that you must accomplish on your own? What is making you lose sleep at night? Isn’t it time to give that over to God?
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Sunday, May 1, 2011
Gone Fishing
By Allen White
Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. John 21:1-3
Jesus died. He arose. He appeared to his disciples. Then, the disciples went fishing. Huh?
Have you ever wondered what you would do if the rug was pulled out from under you? Would you live in your parents’ basement? Would you go back to your high school job? What would you do?
Jesus’ disciples were left with a mystery and a misunderstanding. The ‘sure thing’ of the last three years seemed unsure. What they knew they could count on was their old standby, fishing. They were comforted by something so familiar.
I don’t believe they had turned their backs on Jesus. At a minimum, a disciple’s gotta eat. Sure, Jesus had directed them to fulfill His mission (John 20:21-23), but what did that mean. The disciples weren’t trust fund brats who could live a life of leisure. They couldn’t just sit around drinking wine, smoking cigars, and debating the meaning of Jesus’ words. They had to keep body and soul together.
When supernatural callings intersect with ordinary lives, the results will vary. A few who are called make too much of how special they must be. Most don’t understand. And, more than a few sit around and debate the words.
But, Jesus told them what to do. Why did they go back to fishing? Why didn’t they just go out and start doing it? We could ask ourselves the same question.
What is Jesus calling you to do? If you know, what’s keep you from fulfilling that call? If you don’t know, what’s keep you from finding out?
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Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. John 21:1-3
Jesus died. He arose. He appeared to his disciples. Then, the disciples went fishing. Huh?
Have you ever wondered what you would do if the rug was pulled out from under you? Would you live in your parents’ basement? Would you go back to your high school job? What would you do?
Jesus’ disciples were left with a mystery and a misunderstanding. The ‘sure thing’ of the last three years seemed unsure. What they knew they could count on was their old standby, fishing. They were comforted by something so familiar.
I don’t believe they had turned their backs on Jesus. At a minimum, a disciple’s gotta eat. Sure, Jesus had directed them to fulfill His mission (John 20:21-23), but what did that mean. The disciples weren’t trust fund brats who could live a life of leisure. They couldn’t just sit around drinking wine, smoking cigars, and debating the meaning of Jesus’ words. They had to keep body and soul together.
When supernatural callings intersect with ordinary lives, the results will vary. A few who are called make too much of how special they must be. Most don’t understand. And, more than a few sit around and debate the words.
But, Jesus told them what to do. Why did they go back to fishing? Why didn’t they just go out and start doing it? We could ask ourselves the same question.
What is Jesus calling you to do? If you know, what’s keep you from fulfilling that call? If you don’t know, what’s keep you from finding out?
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Thursday, April 28, 2011
Penance and Forgiveness
By Allen White
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” John 20:21-23
Boy, there’s a lot of theology packed into these words from Jesus. While you and I have had a lot of years to process these thoughts, it was a lot for the disciples to unpack.
Jesus greets them with “peace,” then informs them of their mission. The disciples are being sent just like Jesus was sent. They weren’t headed to the cross rather they would carry on His mission:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19).
It wasn’t up to the disciples to accomplish God’s Work on their own. Jesus breathed on them. Breath is a symbol of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16). Then, He added, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Up until this time, the Spirit was with them, but the Spirit was not in them (John 14:16-17). When the Spirit is with someone, the Spirit directs the person toward Christ (John 16:8-11). When the Spirit is in a believer, His Presence confirms that indeed the person is a child of God (Romans 8:16). The Spirit also brings supernatural power (Acts 1:8).
Attempting God’s Work without God’s Power is worthless. But, being empowered by God’s Spirit to fulfill His Mission is unlike any other adventure. God intends to use believers in ways beyond what they would ever imagine.
Jesus’ final instruction here is a little more challenging to understand: “If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven” (John 20:23). The range of interpretation goes from the sacrament of penance to just avoiding the topic altogether.
Some have taken this forgiving/not forgiving authority along the lines of binding and loosing (Matthew 18:18). Jesus’ disciples are instructed to affirm those who have received forgiveness, but to warn those who haven’t sought forgiveness. The believer’s mission (John 20:21) combined with the Holy Spirit’s mission (John 20:22) leads to a wonderfully redemptive result. Judgment placed in human hands tends to become something less than wonderful.
But, let’s look at the basic meaning of Jesus’ words. If you forgive someone, they are forgiven. How can we forgive people who offend us and sin against us? We can fully forgive because Jesus’ forgiveness of our sins allows us to freely forgive others. The offender still needs Jesus’ forgiveness, but our forgiveness of them is a strong testimony of Christ’s love.
If we don’t forgive them, they aren’t forgiven. They can still ask Jesus for forgiveness. We don’t stand in the way of anyone’s salvation, but our forgiveness of them could help them along to finding salvation. Not to mention that our unforgiveness only interferes with our relationship with God (Matthew 18:33-35).
Jesus has sent you. What does your mission field look like? It’s your workplace, your neighborhood, your home. Don’t get overwhelmed. Jesus has also given the Holy Spirit to help you. Your mission is a mission of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). You don’t have to right every wrong, but when you have opportunity to forgive, that’s the first place to start.
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Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” John 20:21-23
Boy, there’s a lot of theology packed into these words from Jesus. While you and I have had a lot of years to process these thoughts, it was a lot for the disciples to unpack.
Jesus greets them with “peace,” then informs them of their mission. The disciples are being sent just like Jesus was sent. They weren’t headed to the cross rather they would carry on His mission:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19).
It wasn’t up to the disciples to accomplish God’s Work on their own. Jesus breathed on them. Breath is a symbol of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16). Then, He added, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Up until this time, the Spirit was with them, but the Spirit was not in them (John 14:16-17). When the Spirit is with someone, the Spirit directs the person toward Christ (John 16:8-11). When the Spirit is in a believer, His Presence confirms that indeed the person is a child of God (Romans 8:16). The Spirit also brings supernatural power (Acts 1:8).
Attempting God’s Work without God’s Power is worthless. But, being empowered by God’s Spirit to fulfill His Mission is unlike any other adventure. God intends to use believers in ways beyond what they would ever imagine.
Jesus’ final instruction here is a little more challenging to understand: “If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven” (John 20:23). The range of interpretation goes from the sacrament of penance to just avoiding the topic altogether.
Some have taken this forgiving/not forgiving authority along the lines of binding and loosing (Matthew 18:18). Jesus’ disciples are instructed to affirm those who have received forgiveness, but to warn those who haven’t sought forgiveness. The believer’s mission (John 20:21) combined with the Holy Spirit’s mission (John 20:22) leads to a wonderfully redemptive result. Judgment placed in human hands tends to become something less than wonderful.
But, let’s look at the basic meaning of Jesus’ words. If you forgive someone, they are forgiven. How can we forgive people who offend us and sin against us? We can fully forgive because Jesus’ forgiveness of our sins allows us to freely forgive others. The offender still needs Jesus’ forgiveness, but our forgiveness of them is a strong testimony of Christ’s love.
If we don’t forgive them, they aren’t forgiven. They can still ask Jesus for forgiveness. We don’t stand in the way of anyone’s salvation, but our forgiveness of them could help them along to finding salvation. Not to mention that our unforgiveness only interferes with our relationship with God (Matthew 18:33-35).
Jesus has sent you. What does your mission field look like? It’s your workplace, your neighborhood, your home. Don’t get overwhelmed. Jesus has also given the Holy Spirit to help you. Your mission is a mission of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). You don’t have to right every wrong, but when you have opportunity to forgive, that’s the first place to start.
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Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Jesus is the Answer. What was the Question?
By Allen White
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. John 20:19-20
The evening of that first Easter Sunday, Jesus’ followers met together with the doors barred. There was much to figure out. There was much to fear. What was the answer? Then, Jesus appeared.
The disciples recognized Him as Jesus. His body bore the scars from the nails in His hands and the spear in His side. This was Jesus. The curious thing is how did He get in the room without using a door or window?
Some have taught that Jesus now possessed a spiritual, immortal body (1 Corinthians 15:51-54), much like believers will have when they are resurrected. He was recognizable. He could be touched. He wasn’t a ghost. Yet, He appeared without opening a door. Beam me up, Scotty?
The disciples were confused and afraid. Jesus came to them with assurance and answers. When we are accused and afraid, Jesus does the same for us. When we feel that we’re at the brink, when we’ve run out of ideas, when we’re ready to quit, Jesus gives us His Presence and His answer.
The most frustrating situations become less complicated in His Presence. The relationships we could give up for dead receive new life from Him.
In the 1970’s born-again hippies sang, “Jesus is the Answer.” We’ve heard it so much, it seems cliché. But, even today, Jesus is the Answer. What’s your question?
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On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. John 20:19-20
The evening of that first Easter Sunday, Jesus’ followers met together with the doors barred. There was much to figure out. There was much to fear. What was the answer? Then, Jesus appeared.
The disciples recognized Him as Jesus. His body bore the scars from the nails in His hands and the spear in His side. This was Jesus. The curious thing is how did He get in the room without using a door or window?
Some have taught that Jesus now possessed a spiritual, immortal body (1 Corinthians 15:51-54), much like believers will have when they are resurrected. He was recognizable. He could be touched. He wasn’t a ghost. Yet, He appeared without opening a door. Beam me up, Scotty?
The disciples were confused and afraid. Jesus came to them with assurance and answers. When we are accused and afraid, Jesus does the same for us. When we feel that we’re at the brink, when we’ve run out of ideas, when we’re ready to quit, Jesus gives us His Presence and His answer.
The most frustrating situations become less complicated in His Presence. The relationships we could give up for dead receive new life from Him.
In the 1970’s born-again hippies sang, “Jesus is the Answer.” We’ve heard it so much, it seems cliché. But, even today, Jesus is the Answer. What’s your question?
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Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Things I Just Don’t Understand
By Allen White
(They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) John 20:9
“They still did not understand.” I am comforted by those words. Two of the three disciples in Jesus’ inner circle, Peter and John, didn’t understand. Sometimes I don’t understand. Now I don’t feel so bad.
When we think about all that Peter and John had witnessed. Jesus’ teaching, healings, Lazarus’ resurrection, miracles, and even their daily lives together, we would think if anybody got it, they would.
Now, we have the advantage of 2,000 years of theology and teaching about these events. Our perspective is far different. In fact, the Bible says that we know things that the prophets longed to understand (Matthew 13:17). Since childhood, many of us have understood the truth of the resurrection. Yet, there are many things we don’t understand.
When we try hard to please God, yet bad things still happen to us, we don’t understand. When we pour our hearts out to God and confess our sins, often we still feel guilty and ashamed, we don’t understand. When we are kind to others, and they are cruel to us, we don’t understand.
God’s Word reveals the Truth that we can understand:
God is pleased with you (Colossians 3:3).
Your trying is always inadequate (Romans 3:20).
Your relationship with God isn’t all up to you (Isaiah 12:2; Romans 15:13).
Bad things happen to everybody (Matthew 5:45).
God’s grace covers all of your sin (Ephesians 1:7).
Sometimes God’s grace is dispensed in daily doses (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Often a unresolved hurt in your life causes you to go back to the sin you detest (Romans 7:14-25; Luke 17:1-4).
You are not as good as you think you are (Romans 3:23).
Others aren’t as bad as you think they are (Matthew 7:3-5).
As you learn to trust God, you will grow in your understanding. Don’t get me wrong, there will always be things that you don’t understand. But, God will give you everything that you need to know.
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(They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) John 20:9
“They still did not understand.” I am comforted by those words. Two of the three disciples in Jesus’ inner circle, Peter and John, didn’t understand. Sometimes I don’t understand. Now I don’t feel so bad.
When we think about all that Peter and John had witnessed. Jesus’ teaching, healings, Lazarus’ resurrection, miracles, and even their daily lives together, we would think if anybody got it, they would.
Now, we have the advantage of 2,000 years of theology and teaching about these events. Our perspective is far different. In fact, the Bible says that we know things that the prophets longed to understand (Matthew 13:17). Since childhood, many of us have understood the truth of the resurrection. Yet, there are many things we don’t understand.
When we try hard to please God, yet bad things still happen to us, we don’t understand. When we pour our hearts out to God and confess our sins, often we still feel guilty and ashamed, we don’t understand. When we are kind to others, and they are cruel to us, we don’t understand.
God’s Word reveals the Truth that we can understand:
God is pleased with you (Colossians 3:3).
Your trying is always inadequate (Romans 3:20).
Your relationship with God isn’t all up to you (Isaiah 12:2; Romans 15:13).
Bad things happen to everybody (Matthew 5:45).
God’s grace covers all of your sin (Ephesians 1:7).
Sometimes God’s grace is dispensed in daily doses (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Often a unresolved hurt in your life causes you to go back to the sin you detest (Romans 7:14-25; Luke 17:1-4).
You are not as good as you think you are (Romans 3:23).
Others aren’t as bad as you think they are (Matthew 7:3-5).
As you learn to trust God, you will grow in your understanding. Don’t get me wrong, there will always be things that you don’t understand. But, God will give you everything that you need to know.
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Monday, April 25, 2011
The Awesome Power of Doubt
By Allen White
So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. John 20:3-8
In the race to the tomb, Peter came in second. Peter, who was the first to walk on water (Matthew 14:28), who was the first to draw his sword (John 18:10), was outrun by John. But, Peter still entered the tomb first. Some things never change.
In the tomb, Peter and John discovered the burial clothes. If someone had taken the body, they wouldn’t have bothered to unwrap it. Peter took it all in. John saw and believed.
The open tomb meant that the body was gone. Whether by grave robbers or conspirators, the assumptions were wide open. But, what they discovered inside led to only one conclusion: Jesus came back from the dead. He had power over sin and death. John had the evidence he needed to believe.
Where do your doubts lie these days? Some people wonder whether they are truly saved. They keep doing the things that they don’t want to do. The old tapes that run through their minds and the old patterns that produce the same old results make them wonder where the power of God is in their lives.
The enemy’s only tool is to convince us that we are powerless over sin. Even though we have a Savior who conquered death, Hell and the grave (1 Corinthians 15:54-56), our enemy wants us to believe we are trapped in doubt and destructive behaviors.
When trainers work with elephants, they take the young elephants and tie them to a stake that is driven deeply into the ground. The young elephant tugs and tugs, but cannot release itself from the stake. Once the elephant is convinced it is powerless, the trainer doesn’t have to drive the stake so far into the ground.
Adult elephants are tied to stakes that they could easily pull from the ground – except they don’t think they can. The elephant possesses the power, but lacks the belief, so they willingly submit to the stake.
Many of us are like that elephant. There are things in our lives that have been dogging us for years. Jesus died to save us from sin. Jesus died to redeem us and to forgive. The power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in every believer (Romans 8:11). There is nothing that can keep us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). Yet, many of us are convinced that we can never break the tie to our sinful behavior.
What sin has dogged you for years? How has it harmed you? How has it harmed others? The goal of your life is not merely to forsake sin, but to live a full life in Christ. God has so much more for you. Ask God to help you. Ask a believing friend to support you. Find a small group to rally around you. It’s time for you to be free.
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So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. John 20:3-8
In the race to the tomb, Peter came in second. Peter, who was the first to walk on water (Matthew 14:28), who was the first to draw his sword (John 18:10), was outrun by John. But, Peter still entered the tomb first. Some things never change.
In the tomb, Peter and John discovered the burial clothes. If someone had taken the body, they wouldn’t have bothered to unwrap it. Peter took it all in. John saw and believed.
The open tomb meant that the body was gone. Whether by grave robbers or conspirators, the assumptions were wide open. But, what they discovered inside led to only one conclusion: Jesus came back from the dead. He had power over sin and death. John had the evidence he needed to believe.
Where do your doubts lie these days? Some people wonder whether they are truly saved. They keep doing the things that they don’t want to do. The old tapes that run through their minds and the old patterns that produce the same old results make them wonder where the power of God is in their lives.
The enemy’s only tool is to convince us that we are powerless over sin. Even though we have a Savior who conquered death, Hell and the grave (1 Corinthians 15:54-56), our enemy wants us to believe we are trapped in doubt and destructive behaviors.
When trainers work with elephants, they take the young elephants and tie them to a stake that is driven deeply into the ground. The young elephant tugs and tugs, but cannot release itself from the stake. Once the elephant is convinced it is powerless, the trainer doesn’t have to drive the stake so far into the ground.
Adult elephants are tied to stakes that they could easily pull from the ground – except they don’t think they can. The elephant possesses the power, but lacks the belief, so they willingly submit to the stake.
Many of us are like that elephant. There are things in our lives that have been dogging us for years. Jesus died to save us from sin. Jesus died to redeem us and to forgive. The power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in every believer (Romans 8:11). There is nothing that can keep us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). Yet, many of us are convinced that we can never break the tie to our sinful behavior.
What sin has dogged you for years? How has it harmed you? How has it harmed others? The goal of your life is not merely to forsake sin, but to live a full life in Christ. God has so much more for you. Ask God to help you. Ask a believing friend to support you. Find a small group to rally around you. It’s time for you to be free.
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Sunday, April 24, 2011
Double Billed for Our Sins
By Allen White
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” John 20:1-2
Jesus’ disciples had just experienced the weekend from you know where. Jesus -- their teacher, their friend -- had died a criminal’s death in the cruelest way possible.
When I watch the movie, The Passion of the Christ, I start cringing about halfway through knowing that the whipping scene is coming. It’s hard to take on video. I can’t imagine being there.
Mary Magdalene and the others were completely heartbroken and confused. Mary was overcome with grief. The Man who loved and accepted her unconditionally died like He had been the worst person in the world. She went to His tomb to pay her respects.
Mary discovered what she never expected. The stone was rolled away. The tomb was empty. She concluded that the cruelty of Jesus’ tormentors didn’t stop at His death. They continued to humiliate Him and to taunt His followers. What should she do?
Mary quickly found Peter and John. She reported what she saw and what she concluded. They went on to investigate. She stayed behind.
When we wake up on Easter morning, we know that Jesus was resurrected. After all, it is the old, old story. Mary Magdalene and the others weren’t sure what to expect. Yes, Jesus had predicted His death and His Kingdom. But, what did that really mean?
Jesus made references to destroying the temple and raising it up in three days (John 2:18-20). The religious leaders were angered because they thought Jesus’ prediction was literal -- impossible, but literal. Yet, is it more impossible rebuild a building or come back from the dead?
Jesus’ disciples didn’t have the knowledge that we have today, but we share in their experience. They knew Jesus’ words, yet they had never experienced the things He had predicted. When God, through His Word, tells us that our character will be that of Christ’s (Philippians 2:5-11), we understand those words, yet there is so much that we haven’t experienced.
When God’s vision for our lives is for us to become humble, patient, kind, forgiving and more, it’s all good in theory, but how is that actually going to happen? Our Savior made promises to us. Our God wants us to experience a life that is beyond our everyday life. The tomb is open, but what does that mean in my life today?
Jesus Christ is the hope of the world. The sins we’ve committed can never be erased, but Jesus offers a second chance (and a third, and a fourth…). The relationships that we’ve burned through can only be resurrected by forgiveness. Our character flaws can only be corrected with God’s power and a humble heart.
Jesus paid it all. What are you still paying the price for today? Have you accepted His free gift of salvation? It’s not complicated. The instructions are pretty straight forward: Romans 10:9-10. You just need to be willing.
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Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” John 20:1-2
Jesus’ disciples had just experienced the weekend from you know where. Jesus -- their teacher, their friend -- had died a criminal’s death in the cruelest way possible.
When I watch the movie, The Passion of the Christ, I start cringing about halfway through knowing that the whipping scene is coming. It’s hard to take on video. I can’t imagine being there.
Mary Magdalene and the others were completely heartbroken and confused. Mary was overcome with grief. The Man who loved and accepted her unconditionally died like He had been the worst person in the world. She went to His tomb to pay her respects.
Mary discovered what she never expected. The stone was rolled away. The tomb was empty. She concluded that the cruelty of Jesus’ tormentors didn’t stop at His death. They continued to humiliate Him and to taunt His followers. What should she do?
Mary quickly found Peter and John. She reported what she saw and what she concluded. They went on to investigate. She stayed behind.
When we wake up on Easter morning, we know that Jesus was resurrected. After all, it is the old, old story. Mary Magdalene and the others weren’t sure what to expect. Yes, Jesus had predicted His death and His Kingdom. But, what did that really mean?
Jesus made references to destroying the temple and raising it up in three days (John 2:18-20). The religious leaders were angered because they thought Jesus’ prediction was literal -- impossible, but literal. Yet, is it more impossible rebuild a building or come back from the dead?
Jesus’ disciples didn’t have the knowledge that we have today, but we share in their experience. They knew Jesus’ words, yet they had never experienced the things He had predicted. When God, through His Word, tells us that our character will be that of Christ’s (Philippians 2:5-11), we understand those words, yet there is so much that we haven’t experienced.
When God’s vision for our lives is for us to become humble, patient, kind, forgiving and more, it’s all good in theory, but how is that actually going to happen? Our Savior made promises to us. Our God wants us to experience a life that is beyond our everyday life. The tomb is open, but what does that mean in my life today?
Jesus Christ is the hope of the world. The sins we’ve committed can never be erased, but Jesus offers a second chance (and a third, and a fourth…). The relationships that we’ve burned through can only be resurrected by forgiveness. Our character flaws can only be corrected with God’s power and a humble heart.
Jesus paid it all. What are you still paying the price for today? Have you accepted His free gift of salvation? It’s not complicated. The instructions are pretty straight forward: Romans 10:9-10. You just need to be willing.
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Thursday, April 21, 2011
Are You in the Right Fight?
By Allen White
Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
“Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?”
“Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?”
Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate.
Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
“What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him. John 18:33-38
The Jewish leaders had no authority to kill Jesus. They turned Jesus over to Pontius Pilate, the Roman procurator of Judea. From this conversation, we get the feeling that Pilate really didn’t want to be involved in the issue, yet couldn’t really get out of it.
Pilate had one angle to pursue: if Jesus regarded Himself as some kind of king, then perhaps He was bringing about an uprising that would threaten the Roman Empire. That would be reason enough to execute Him.
While Jesus brought the Kingdom of God, He never claimed to be a king. Others referred to Him as being the “King of the Jews,” but Jesus never embraced that title.
In fact, Jesus appeals to Pilate’s reason. If Jesus were a king, then wouldn’t this be the time that His followers would start an uprising? Wouldn’t that be normal king-like behavior? Pilate was baffled.
Pilate asks an honest question, “What is truth?” Jesus had done nothing that should be punished. The Jewish leaders were seeking the death penalty. Jesus was willing to die, but there just wasn’t a rational reason to kill Him.
Don’t you think that Jesus could have run circles around the religious leaders and the Roman government? Innocence is not difficult to defend if the person is actually innocent. No one was more innocent than Jesus. But, His mission wasn’t to right the wrongs against Him. His mission was to right the wrongs of everyone.
Jesus faced His accusers calmly and reasonably because He knew the will of His Father. He had settled everything in the garden. There was no doubt. There was no second-guessing. Now was the time for obedience and submission.
What have you been fighting against? Are you sure that you’re in the right fight? Are you sure that it should be a fight at all? Where do you need to be assured of God’s Will? How have you sought to discover God’s Will?
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Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
“Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?”
“Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?”
Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate.
Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
“What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him. John 18:33-38
The Jewish leaders had no authority to kill Jesus. They turned Jesus over to Pontius Pilate, the Roman procurator of Judea. From this conversation, we get the feeling that Pilate really didn’t want to be involved in the issue, yet couldn’t really get out of it.
Pilate had one angle to pursue: if Jesus regarded Himself as some kind of king, then perhaps He was bringing about an uprising that would threaten the Roman Empire. That would be reason enough to execute Him.
While Jesus brought the Kingdom of God, He never claimed to be a king. Others referred to Him as being the “King of the Jews,” but Jesus never embraced that title.
In fact, Jesus appeals to Pilate’s reason. If Jesus were a king, then wouldn’t this be the time that His followers would start an uprising? Wouldn’t that be normal king-like behavior? Pilate was baffled.
Pilate asks an honest question, “What is truth?” Jesus had done nothing that should be punished. The Jewish leaders were seeking the death penalty. Jesus was willing to die, but there just wasn’t a rational reason to kill Him.
Don’t you think that Jesus could have run circles around the religious leaders and the Roman government? Innocence is not difficult to defend if the person is actually innocent. No one was more innocent than Jesus. But, His mission wasn’t to right the wrongs against Him. His mission was to right the wrongs of everyone.
Jesus faced His accusers calmly and reasonably because He knew the will of His Father. He had settled everything in the garden. There was no doubt. There was no second-guessing. Now was the time for obedience and submission.
What have you been fighting against? Are you sure that you’re in the right fight? Are you sure that it should be a fight at all? Where do you need to be assured of God’s Will? How have you sought to discover God’s Will?
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Wednesday, April 20, 2011
We Don’t Need Another Hero
By Allen White
Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?”
He denied it, saying, “I am not.”
One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow. John 18:25-27
It was a long night. Standing out in the cold, wandering what was next, Peter’s first lie was accompanied by a second and third. Then, the rooster crowed just as Jesus had said. Every time that Peter lied, the stakes were a little higher.
The first two inquirers perhaps didn’t recognize Peter as a usual bystander in the courtyard. Why was he there? He must be connected to Jesus. Peter dismissed these claims out of hand. But, the third question was a little harder to deny.
The third inquirer was a servant of the high priest. He would have vividly remembered Peter, because it was Peter’s sword that connected with his relative, Malchus’ ear (John 18:26). Peter had left a lasting impression.
Was there blood on his sword? Was there guilt on his face? Unfortunately, to avoid being caught in a lie requires yet another lie.
Then, the rooster crowed. Peter was faced with the person that Jesus knew he was. Jesus saw right through him. Peter felt exposed. He had been happy living with an unreal version of himself in his head.
He wanted to be the man who stood by his Lord in thick and thin. Peter wanted to be the one who lasted until the very end. He wanted to take heroic action to prove his allegiance to Christ. If it were only that easy….
I love stories about heroes--people who risk life and limb for the sake of others. Soldiers who valiantly fight to defend our freedom. Rescue workers who disregard their personal safety to save another. Who wouldn’t want to be a headline-making, speech-giving, book-writing hero for Jesus?
Jesus isn’t looking for heroes as much as he’s looking for people willing to do the right thing. True heroes were just doing their job. True heroes think of others rather than themselves. People who toot their own horns are really kind of disgusting to us. People who are faithful—the ones we can count on—they’re the heroes we need.
Peter, like many of us, had over-promised and under-delivered. He wanted to be just that good. He just wasn’t. But, the rooster’s crow was not the end of Peter’s story.
Jesus didn’t write him off. Jesus didn’t discount his allegiance. Jesus knew Peter. Peter did exactly what Jesus had expected. Peter was Peter, but God wasn’t finished with him yet.
What do you tend to over-promise? Are you aiming too high? Are you only depending on yourself? Sometimes we dream of taking the hill when all we really need is to take the first step. What is that step for you today?
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Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?”
He denied it, saying, “I am not.”
One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow. John 18:25-27
It was a long night. Standing out in the cold, wandering what was next, Peter’s first lie was accompanied by a second and third. Then, the rooster crowed just as Jesus had said. Every time that Peter lied, the stakes were a little higher.
The first two inquirers perhaps didn’t recognize Peter as a usual bystander in the courtyard. Why was he there? He must be connected to Jesus. Peter dismissed these claims out of hand. But, the third question was a little harder to deny.
The third inquirer was a servant of the high priest. He would have vividly remembered Peter, because it was Peter’s sword that connected with his relative, Malchus’ ear (John 18:26). Peter had left a lasting impression.
Was there blood on his sword? Was there guilt on his face? Unfortunately, to avoid being caught in a lie requires yet another lie.
Then, the rooster crowed. Peter was faced with the person that Jesus knew he was. Jesus saw right through him. Peter felt exposed. He had been happy living with an unreal version of himself in his head.
He wanted to be the man who stood by his Lord in thick and thin. Peter wanted to be the one who lasted until the very end. He wanted to take heroic action to prove his allegiance to Christ. If it were only that easy….
I love stories about heroes--people who risk life and limb for the sake of others. Soldiers who valiantly fight to defend our freedom. Rescue workers who disregard their personal safety to save another. Who wouldn’t want to be a headline-making, speech-giving, book-writing hero for Jesus?
Jesus isn’t looking for heroes as much as he’s looking for people willing to do the right thing. True heroes were just doing their job. True heroes think of others rather than themselves. People who toot their own horns are really kind of disgusting to us. People who are faithful—the ones we can count on—they’re the heroes we need.
Peter, like many of us, had over-promised and under-delivered. He wanted to be just that good. He just wasn’t. But, the rooster’s crow was not the end of Peter’s story.
Jesus didn’t write him off. Jesus didn’t discount his allegiance. Jesus knew Peter. Peter did exactly what Jesus had expected. Peter was Peter, but God wasn’t finished with him yet.
What do you tend to over-promise? Are you aiming too high? Are you only depending on yourself? Sometimes we dream of taking the hill when all we really need is to take the first step. What is that step for you today?
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Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Dealing with Irrational People
By Allen White
Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.
“I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”
When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded.
“If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?” Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. John 18:19-24
Irrational behavior has no good argument. Yes, Jesus challenged the religious leaders of His day, but He loved them just as much as He loved His disciples. Jesus came to save the lost. The high priest and the others were lost. They just didn’t know it.
People who result to anger, cursing or violence aren’t interested in working through a problem. They only want their way. They make it clear that the only way to get along with them is to co-dependently acquiesce to their wishes. As long as you’re willing to stay on the bottom, things will work out just fine for the bully. That’s a hard place to live.
How do you deal with an irrational person? Jesus provides some answers for us.
1. Stay Calm. When someone yells at you, it’s hard not to yell back. But, then again, you’re not in Kindergarten any more. If the other person decides to jump off of the cliff emotionally, jumping off with them won’t solve anything. (Remember what your mother used to say.)
The Bible tells us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). This is a proverb, not a promise. Jesus gave no harsh words. He stayed calm.
2. Speak the Truth. When people are upset, it’s easy to start back pedalling and even saying whatever it takes to get them out of your face. The problem is that you lose your integrity in the process. The Bible says, “…a double-minded man [is] unstable in all he does” (James 1:8, NIV 1984).
The great thing about always telling the truth is that you don’t have to remember what you said. If you always tell the truth, you’re consistent. But, it’s necessary to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Truth-telling is not an excuse for rudeness.
3. Avoid Personal Attacks. Jesus taught to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), then He got slapped. He didn’t over-react. He didn’t retaliate. He didn’t call down 10,000 angels (Matthew 26:53).
Jesus knew that His accusers weren’t the enemy. He was fulfilling God’s mission. It wasn’t pleasant. That’s for sure. But, it was necessary for our salvation.
When someone challenges you, points out a fault, or falsely accuses you, it’s a natural defense to point out the accuser's faults. It’s childish, but it’s natural. But, it doesn’t get you anywhere.
If what they are saying is true, even if it’s hard to accept, then we need to take it under consideration. If it’s false, then we really don’t need to worry about it.
My kids often get hurt feelings when one calls the other a “baby.” I’ll ask them, “Well, are you a baby?” “No,” they reply. “Then don’t worry about what they say.” Now, nobody likes to be called a “baby,” not even me, especially when I am acting like one.
When you’re falsely accused, you need to remind yourself of the truth. You need to be who you are whether others like it or not. When you get into defending yourself to false accusations, you’re just wasting your time. There’s no winning there. “For the LORD will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants” (Psalm 135:14).
What irrational behavior are you dealing with these days? Who is getting under your skin? Pray for them. Ask God to help you calmly speak the truth when you encounter them. Then let God do His work. If you need help getting started, pray this: Psalm 109.
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Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.
“I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”
When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded.
“If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?” Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. John 18:19-24
Irrational behavior has no good argument. Yes, Jesus challenged the religious leaders of His day, but He loved them just as much as He loved His disciples. Jesus came to save the lost. The high priest and the others were lost. They just didn’t know it.
People who result to anger, cursing or violence aren’t interested in working through a problem. They only want their way. They make it clear that the only way to get along with them is to co-dependently acquiesce to their wishes. As long as you’re willing to stay on the bottom, things will work out just fine for the bully. That’s a hard place to live.
How do you deal with an irrational person? Jesus provides some answers for us.
1. Stay Calm. When someone yells at you, it’s hard not to yell back. But, then again, you’re not in Kindergarten any more. If the other person decides to jump off of the cliff emotionally, jumping off with them won’t solve anything. (Remember what your mother used to say.)
The Bible tells us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). This is a proverb, not a promise. Jesus gave no harsh words. He stayed calm.
2. Speak the Truth. When people are upset, it’s easy to start back pedalling and even saying whatever it takes to get them out of your face. The problem is that you lose your integrity in the process. The Bible says, “…a double-minded man [is] unstable in all he does” (James 1:8, NIV 1984).
The great thing about always telling the truth is that you don’t have to remember what you said. If you always tell the truth, you’re consistent. But, it’s necessary to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Truth-telling is not an excuse for rudeness.
3. Avoid Personal Attacks. Jesus taught to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), then He got slapped. He didn’t over-react. He didn’t retaliate. He didn’t call down 10,000 angels (Matthew 26:53).
Jesus knew that His accusers weren’t the enemy. He was fulfilling God’s mission. It wasn’t pleasant. That’s for sure. But, it was necessary for our salvation.
When someone challenges you, points out a fault, or falsely accuses you, it’s a natural defense to point out the accuser's faults. It’s childish, but it’s natural. But, it doesn’t get you anywhere.
If what they are saying is true, even if it’s hard to accept, then we need to take it under consideration. If it’s false, then we really don’t need to worry about it.
My kids often get hurt feelings when one calls the other a “baby.” I’ll ask them, “Well, are you a baby?” “No,” they reply. “Then don’t worry about what they say.” Now, nobody likes to be called a “baby,” not even me, especially when I am acting like one.
When you’re falsely accused, you need to remind yourself of the truth. You need to be who you are whether others like it or not. When you get into defending yourself to false accusations, you’re just wasting your time. There’s no winning there. “For the LORD will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants” (Psalm 135:14).
What irrational behavior are you dealing with these days? Who is getting under your skin? Pray for them. Ask God to help you calmly speak the truth when you encounter them. Then let God do His work. If you need help getting started, pray this: Psalm 109.
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Monday, April 18, 2011
The Beginning of Healing
By Allen White
Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in.
“You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter.
He replied, “I am not.”
It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself. John 18:15-18
Peter had been in denial of these events for a long time. The first time Jesus talked about the events leading to His death, Peter rebuked Him (Matthew 16:21-22). Peter and the other disciples, even at the Last Supper, were jockeying for position in the Kingdom (Luke 22:24-30). Jesus’ words about the Kingdom were very exciting. The passage to the Kingdom was unthinkable to Peter.
Now, Jesus had been arrested. What Peter had so long denied was now coming into reality. The problem was, like many of us, Peter wasn’t ready to own it.
It’s easy to look down on Peter. After all, Peter had pledged, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death” (Luke 22:33). Peter wasn’t ready to go to prison. He had a hard time just waiting in the courtyard.
When a servant girl asked if Peter was one of Jesus’ disciples, Peter denied it. He didn’t run away. He wanted to know what was going on. He was appropriately freaked out at this point. Sure, he could have pretended not to hear her instead of lying. People deal with stress in odd ways.
Peter wasn’t justified in his lying, just like we are not justified in judging him. We don’t even want to get the water cooler humor out of the gutter. Why would we risk arrest?
Each of us faces a reality that is difficult to accept. Maybe someone has given us an insight into ourselves that we would rather not acknowledge. We’d rather say, “Just put the mirror away.” Maybe it’s mounting debt or too many pounds on the scale. Maybe it’s a dependence on something or someone that we still think we could give up at any time. What is that annoying bit of reality for you?
God did not intend for you to live your life enslaved to a false sense of reality. You know what I’m talking about. Rather than just putting it away, why not expose it to the light of truth? As Rick Warren says, “Revealing the feeling is the beginning of healing.” What have you been hiding? It’s time to come clean to someone who can help you.
Don’t go admitting a porn addiction to your spouse. Find someone of the same sex who can point you in the right direction. The conversation with your spouse will come later.
If you can’t pay more than the minimum payment on your credit card or continue to go further into debt, seek out a financial counselor like someone who leads Financial Peace University.
Don’t deny Jesus the opportunity to truly transform your life. Admitting that you are powerless is the first step.
Follow us on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/galatians419
To subscribe or leave a comment on the galatians419 devotional blog: http://galatians419.blogspot.com/
Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in.
“You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter.
He replied, “I am not.”
It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself. John 18:15-18
Peter had been in denial of these events for a long time. The first time Jesus talked about the events leading to His death, Peter rebuked Him (Matthew 16:21-22). Peter and the other disciples, even at the Last Supper, were jockeying for position in the Kingdom (Luke 22:24-30). Jesus’ words about the Kingdom were very exciting. The passage to the Kingdom was unthinkable to Peter.
Now, Jesus had been arrested. What Peter had so long denied was now coming into reality. The problem was, like many of us, Peter wasn’t ready to own it.
It’s easy to look down on Peter. After all, Peter had pledged, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death” (Luke 22:33). Peter wasn’t ready to go to prison. He had a hard time just waiting in the courtyard.
When a servant girl asked if Peter was one of Jesus’ disciples, Peter denied it. He didn’t run away. He wanted to know what was going on. He was appropriately freaked out at this point. Sure, he could have pretended not to hear her instead of lying. People deal with stress in odd ways.
Peter wasn’t justified in his lying, just like we are not justified in judging him. We don’t even want to get the water cooler humor out of the gutter. Why would we risk arrest?
Each of us faces a reality that is difficult to accept. Maybe someone has given us an insight into ourselves that we would rather not acknowledge. We’d rather say, “Just put the mirror away.” Maybe it’s mounting debt or too many pounds on the scale. Maybe it’s a dependence on something or someone that we still think we could give up at any time. What is that annoying bit of reality for you?
God did not intend for you to live your life enslaved to a false sense of reality. You know what I’m talking about. Rather than just putting it away, why not expose it to the light of truth? As Rick Warren says, “Revealing the feeling is the beginning of healing.” What have you been hiding? It’s time to come clean to someone who can help you.
Don’t go admitting a porn addiction to your spouse. Find someone of the same sex who can point you in the right direction. The conversation with your spouse will come later.
If you can’t pay more than the minimum payment on your credit card or continue to go further into debt, seek out a financial counselor like someone who leads Financial Peace University.
Don’t deny Jesus the opportunity to truly transform your life. Admitting that you are powerless is the first step.
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To subscribe or leave a comment on the galatians419 devotional blog: http://galatians419.blogspot.com/
Sunday, April 17, 2011
What Goes Up Must Come Down
By Allen White
Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:
“‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”
But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. Matthew 26:31-35
Before we look down our noses glibly at Peter, let’s put ourselves in his shoes. See how well they fit? When we have attended a weekend conference like Promise Keepers or a marriage retreat or any other kind of retreat we leave feeling like we could conquer the world. Nothing could get in the way of being the godly man/woman, husband/wife, father/mother, brother/sister, employer/employee that God called us to be. Nothing.
As we stood there hand in hand, swaying to the music, we wanted everything that we just promised to be true. “I will read my Bible every day. I will be kinder (or more assertive). I will be the man/woman that God made me to be.” In the magic of the moment, we desired some sort of spiritual zap that would make all of this happen. Shazam! Then, we get stuck in traffic in the parking lot leaving the event.
Our newfound sanctification unravels so quickly. I’m not saying don’t trust God for big things. We should expect God to work in our lives. We should expect God to transform us. We should also expect that this won’t happen on our timetable.
Our transformation starts with a promise that leads to a process. If we want to improve in our roles and relationships, who have we invited to coach us along the way? The role of the coach is to refocus the player. Sooner or later, we will run out of steam. Promise keepers soon become promise breakers. Peter wasn’t so different from us.
If you notice, Peter said it, but all of the other disciples gave it a hardy “Amen!” It feels a bit like the last night of summer camp. If we could run our cars off of that kind of energy, we would never need to fill our tank again. But, this energy is less like perpetual motion and more like a rocket ride: there’s an explosion at the end.
What goes up must come down.
What do you wish could magically disappear from your life? What character quality would you like to have just appear? Take away the magic and the illusion, and you’ve got the project to work on. Now, who can help you? Not your spouse. Are you in a small group? Have you visited Celebrate Recovery? (Oh, I don’t need that. As they say, “Denial ain’t just a river in Egypt.) If you’re stumped, then ask God to send someone to help.
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Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:
“‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”
But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. Matthew 26:31-35
Before we look down our noses glibly at Peter, let’s put ourselves in his shoes. See how well they fit? When we have attended a weekend conference like Promise Keepers or a marriage retreat or any other kind of retreat we leave feeling like we could conquer the world. Nothing could get in the way of being the godly man/woman, husband/wife, father/mother, brother/sister, employer/employee that God called us to be. Nothing.
As we stood there hand in hand, swaying to the music, we wanted everything that we just promised to be true. “I will read my Bible every day. I will be kinder (or more assertive). I will be the man/woman that God made me to be.” In the magic of the moment, we desired some sort of spiritual zap that would make all of this happen. Shazam! Then, we get stuck in traffic in the parking lot leaving the event.
Our newfound sanctification unravels so quickly. I’m not saying don’t trust God for big things. We should expect God to work in our lives. We should expect God to transform us. We should also expect that this won’t happen on our timetable.
Our transformation starts with a promise that leads to a process. If we want to improve in our roles and relationships, who have we invited to coach us along the way? The role of the coach is to refocus the player. Sooner or later, we will run out of steam. Promise keepers soon become promise breakers. Peter wasn’t so different from us.
If you notice, Peter said it, but all of the other disciples gave it a hardy “Amen!” It feels a bit like the last night of summer camp. If we could run our cars off of that kind of energy, we would never need to fill our tank again. But, this energy is less like perpetual motion and more like a rocket ride: there’s an explosion at the end.
What goes up must come down.
What do you wish could magically disappear from your life? What character quality would you like to have just appear? Take away the magic and the illusion, and you’ve got the project to work on. Now, who can help you? Not your spouse. Are you in a small group? Have you visited Celebrate Recovery? (Oh, I don’t need that. As they say, “Denial ain’t just a river in Egypt.) If you’re stumped, then ask God to send someone to help.
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Thursday, April 14, 2011
God’s Callings Are His Enablings
By Allen White
Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” Matthew 26:45-46
If you were Jesus, what direction would you go? Would you willing face the betrayer or would you get out of dodge? Jesus doesn’t say, “Let’s get out of here.” He directs them, “Let’s go.” Jesus moves toward His accuser.
The matter was now settled in Jesus’ heart as well as His head. He fully accepted spiritually, emotionally and physically what was before Him. There was no getting out of it or going around it or the other way. God directed Him through it.
Now, before we gear up to lock horns with our enemies, we need to remember the process that Jesus went through. First, He was sure that this was God’s will for His life. Even though it was an overwhelming circumstance, He was assured that this was the path that God chose for Him to take.
How do we get that kind of assurance? God’s Word, the Bible, is the first place to start. Does it agree with God’s Word? God won’t contradict Himself.
In addition to the Word, we should pray, consider our circumstances, and seek out wise, godly counsel. If all of these line up, then we have a good idea of what God’s Will is for our next step.
Not everyone running toward opposition is ready for it. Jesus did not attempt an overwhelming mission on His own strength. After being assured of God’s direction, the second part was receiving the peace that comes through prayer.
God doesn’t give missions that rely on our strength. If anything, God counts on our weaknesses to drive us into depending on His strength. Supernatural results don’t come from mortal attempts. God’s callings are His enablings.
Once we have discerned God’s Will and have tapped into God’s power, then we’re ready to move forward. This isn’t so mysterious. Often God’s Will is as plain as the words on the pages of His book.
What are you wrestling with today? What are you questioning in your life? God has the answer for you.
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Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” Matthew 26:45-46
If you were Jesus, what direction would you go? Would you willing face the betrayer or would you get out of dodge? Jesus doesn’t say, “Let’s get out of here.” He directs them, “Let’s go.” Jesus moves toward His accuser.
The matter was now settled in Jesus’ heart as well as His head. He fully accepted spiritually, emotionally and physically what was before Him. There was no getting out of it or going around it or the other way. God directed Him through it.
Now, before we gear up to lock horns with our enemies, we need to remember the process that Jesus went through. First, He was sure that this was God’s will for His life. Even though it was an overwhelming circumstance, He was assured that this was the path that God chose for Him to take.
How do we get that kind of assurance? God’s Word, the Bible, is the first place to start. Does it agree with God’s Word? God won’t contradict Himself.
In addition to the Word, we should pray, consider our circumstances, and seek out wise, godly counsel. If all of these line up, then we have a good idea of what God’s Will is for our next step.
Not everyone running toward opposition is ready for it. Jesus did not attempt an overwhelming mission on His own strength. After being assured of God’s direction, the second part was receiving the peace that comes through prayer.
God doesn’t give missions that rely on our strength. If anything, God counts on our weaknesses to drive us into depending on His strength. Supernatural results don’t come from mortal attempts. God’s callings are His enablings.
Once we have discerned God’s Will and have tapped into God’s power, then we’re ready to move forward. This isn’t so mysterious. Often God’s Will is as plain as the words on the pages of His book.
What are you wrestling with today? What are you questioning in your life? God has the answer for you.
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Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Talk Is Cheap
By Allen White
He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Matthew 26:42-44
Getting other people to understand can be pretty frustrating. “Why can’t they see things the way that I see them?” The simple answer is – because they’re not you. Even those who are closest to us don’t always understand our sense of urgency or the depth of our pain. We really shouldn’t expect others to understand, but we should always be understanding.
The disciples didn’t fully understand why they were asked to watch in the garden. After all, Jesus had escaped the religious leaders and other enemies many times before.
To them, this seemed like another of Jesus’ escapades. They were tired, so they slept. They hadn’t embraced the angst that would have kept them awake at night. It wasn’t their angst.
Frustration comes when others don’t catch the vision of what we’re passionate about. “Why don’t they feel as strongly about this need as I do?” Again, they’re not you. God makes us passionate about things for us to do something about, not just talk about. If God’s Will could be accomplished simply by talking, we would have completed God’s mission a thousand times over by now. Talk is cheap.
Where are you growing frustrated these days? Who do you feel that you need to take along? Who should you maybe leave behind? Why do you want to bring them? “Because I’m married to him/her.” Okay, that’s a good reason. At what point, do you need to go it alone and take it directly to God?
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He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Matthew 26:42-44
Getting other people to understand can be pretty frustrating. “Why can’t they see things the way that I see them?” The simple answer is – because they’re not you. Even those who are closest to us don’t always understand our sense of urgency or the depth of our pain. We really shouldn’t expect others to understand, but we should always be understanding.
The disciples didn’t fully understand why they were asked to watch in the garden. After all, Jesus had escaped the religious leaders and other enemies many times before.
To them, this seemed like another of Jesus’ escapades. They were tired, so they slept. They hadn’t embraced the angst that would have kept them awake at night. It wasn’t their angst.
Frustration comes when others don’t catch the vision of what we’re passionate about. “Why don’t they feel as strongly about this need as I do?” Again, they’re not you. God makes us passionate about things for us to do something about, not just talk about. If God’s Will could be accomplished simply by talking, we would have completed God’s mission a thousand times over by now. Talk is cheap.
Where are you growing frustrated these days? Who do you feel that you need to take along? Who should you maybe leave behind? Why do you want to bring them? “Because I’m married to him/her.” Okay, that’s a good reason. At what point, do you need to go it alone and take it directly to God?
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Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Jesus Didn’t Die to Make Us Comfortable
By Allen White
Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:40-41
Jesus is disappointed by His disciples’ slumber. After three and a half years together, they still didn’t get it. He chastises them: "Can't you stick it out with me a single hour? Stay alert; be in prayer so you don't wander into temptation without even knowing you're in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there's another part that's as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire” (Matthew 26:40-41, Msg).
When it comes to the things of God are we eager or are we old dogs? There is a part of all of us that longs for the comfort of the fire. But, Jesus didn’t die to make us more comfortable.
When it comes to your relationship with God, what are you eager about? What do you need to fan into flame? What are you possibly ignoring? There will plenty of time to “sleep” later.
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To subscribe or leave a comment on the galatians419 devotional blog: http://galatians419.blogspot.com/
Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:40-41
Jesus is disappointed by His disciples’ slumber. After three and a half years together, they still didn’t get it. He chastises them: "Can't you stick it out with me a single hour? Stay alert; be in prayer so you don't wander into temptation without even knowing you're in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there's another part that's as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire” (Matthew 26:40-41, Msg).
When it comes to the things of God are we eager or are we old dogs? There is a part of all of us that longs for the comfort of the fire. But, Jesus didn’t die to make us more comfortable.
When it comes to your relationship with God, what are you eager about? What do you need to fan into flame? What are you possibly ignoring? There will plenty of time to “sleep” later.
Follow us on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/galatians419
To subscribe or leave a comment on the galatians419 devotional blog: http://galatians419.blogspot.com/
Monday, April 11, 2011
The Hardest and Best Thing
By Allen White
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39
Submitting to God’s will is often the hardest and best thing to do. It’s the hardest thing because we lose the sense of control that we think we have. It’s the best thing because God leads us to things that bring Him glory. It’s not necessarily the easy path, but it is certainly the right path.
The things of God are supernatural. If you take that word apart, it’s beyond-natural. Natural things are easy. Natural things are within our ability and our control. If God only lead us into easy things, we wouldn’t need Him.
But, there is life beyond this life. I’m not just referring to our home in Heaven. There is a supernatural life that God wants every believer to enter into. I’m not talking about the crazy-spooky stuff we see on Christian television. The life God has for us is rich and full and empowered by His Spirit.
We need God’s power, not to make our lives easier, but to accomplish the things God has planned for us. God’s power is not merely to make our problems disappear. God’s power is the strength we find in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
Jesus faced a weak, very human moment in the garden. His was not a mere human death. His death was a sacrifice for the sins of the world. Death would be disempowered by resurrection. That wasn’t the issue.
Sin is completely contrary to God’s nature. It’s not a matter of God just disliking sin. Sin is offensive to who God is. Jesus, who never sinned (Hebrews 4:15), was now required to bear the sins of every person, past and future, and pay the price on the cross. Sometimes our own sin is too much to bear. Could you imagine taking on the sins of everyone?
Jesus wasn’t questioning the Father as much as He was being honest about what He was experiencing. In that exchange, He came to accept God’s will. As God, Jesus had accepted His mission by coming to earth in the first place. As a person, made just like us, He came to fully accept what God called Him to.
What is difficult for you to accept in your life? Have you taken this to God? Have you investigated God’s Word? There are things that we shouldn’t put up with. But, there are also difficult things that we must accept. Accepting God’s will is the key to a joyful life.
Follow us on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/galatians419
To subscribe or leave a comment on the galatians419 devotional blog: http://galatians419.blogspot.com/
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39
Submitting to God’s will is often the hardest and best thing to do. It’s the hardest thing because we lose the sense of control that we think we have. It’s the best thing because God leads us to things that bring Him glory. It’s not necessarily the easy path, but it is certainly the right path.
The things of God are supernatural. If you take that word apart, it’s beyond-natural. Natural things are easy. Natural things are within our ability and our control. If God only lead us into easy things, we wouldn’t need Him.
But, there is life beyond this life. I’m not just referring to our home in Heaven. There is a supernatural life that God wants every believer to enter into. I’m not talking about the crazy-spooky stuff we see on Christian television. The life God has for us is rich and full and empowered by His Spirit.
We need God’s power, not to make our lives easier, but to accomplish the things God has planned for us. God’s power is not merely to make our problems disappear. God’s power is the strength we find in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
Jesus faced a weak, very human moment in the garden. His was not a mere human death. His death was a sacrifice for the sins of the world. Death would be disempowered by resurrection. That wasn’t the issue.
Sin is completely contrary to God’s nature. It’s not a matter of God just disliking sin. Sin is offensive to who God is. Jesus, who never sinned (Hebrews 4:15), was now required to bear the sins of every person, past and future, and pay the price on the cross. Sometimes our own sin is too much to bear. Could you imagine taking on the sins of everyone?
Jesus wasn’t questioning the Father as much as He was being honest about what He was experiencing. In that exchange, He came to accept God’s will. As God, Jesus had accepted His mission by coming to earth in the first place. As a person, made just like us, He came to fully accept what God called Him to.
What is difficult for you to accept in your life? Have you taken this to God? Have you investigated God’s Word? There are things that we shouldn’t put up with. But, there are also difficult things that we must accept. Accepting God’s will is the key to a joyful life.
Follow us on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/galatians419
To subscribe or leave a comment on the galatians419 devotional blog: http://galatians419.blogspot.com/
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