If I Ruled the World

1 Corinthians 6: 1-3

1 When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?

2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases?

3 Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!

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The Corinthians had a hard time settling their own disputes with one another in the church. They'd been going to court with each other over trivial matters. I can understand this because I get easily angered over small things and can freely speak my mind. It's easy to be entangled in the blame game, so convinced that I'm right and someone else is wrong, but Paul points to a shocking truth to put this in perspective.

He says that in the end, the saints - those who have been bought by Jesus and have trusted him in faith to live by following him - these men and women will judge the entire world. What does he mean by this?

I don't think it means that we will all be courthouse judges in heaven, that just doesn't fit right with any description of eternal life with God. To understand what Paul means by this, it's necessary to go back to what man was created for in the first place.

Genesis 1:26

November 9, 2011 8:40 AM Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."

This is important because God had a clear purpose for making people. It's not an accident, or a coincidence that we are the way we are. There's a reason we have our cognitive abilities, our physical attributes, our soulful yearnings; there is a design to all of that. And things are designed for a purpose, not just haphazardly.

God created Adam to be someone who had rulership and authority over the entire creation (this is what it means to "have dominion"). Eve was created to be a helper and equal partner in this task. Man was made to rule the world. But not in a militaristic and corrupt sense. He was made to rule as a steward (or "house servant") under God's supreme kingship. When Paul says that the saints are to be judges of the world, he has to be pointing back to man's original design and purpose: to have dominion over the world; to judge the world under God's supreme rulership.

And so, if this is our ultimate destination, Paul's comment makes sense. We're not just going to get to heaven and do nothing all day for eternity but sing songs to God. There's no indication in all of Scripture that God has some other purpose for man after sin entered the world. The created purpose remained the same throughout history, we just haven't been able to fulfill it. But we sure are still trying.

With all the APEC business going on today, it's clear that people are involved in ruling and governing and stewarding the world. Everyone has their political opinions, even if they don't have a political stance. People talk about it at lunch, at Starbucks, on Twitter, on blogs, on YouTube, at work, in their dreams - we all have a sense that our ideas could make the world a better place; that shows a glimpse of our divine purpose, to be judges of the world.

And so Paul points this out because if we are unable to settle minor disputes among each other within the church, how will we expect to be prepared to judge the world when our time comes?

Of course, when Jesus returns, it's all going to work out - but only because Jesus is going to put everyone in their place, according to how they've lived their lives in this one lifetime. To those who have been faithful, he will put them over much in his kingdom (Matthew 25:21).

For me, this passage in 1 Corinthians is a huge wake-up call. If I am not able to settle minor disputes in my life, what does that say about the focus of my life? If my focus is on eternal things, and what my life will be like when this life is over, I should be working towards something. I should be pushing myself to prepare for a life much better than this one. This extends beyond just how I settle disputes. If my life in God's kingdom is to be one of rulership and stewardship, how do I rule and steward the areas of my life that I am responsible for?

How do I manage my money? How do I lead my wife and children? How do I perform my job? How do I manage the ministries I am involved in? How am I a part of my church? How do I steward my relationships with family and friends? What do I do to help the needy? How do I stand up for injustice? How do I deal with temptation? What is my response when I sin? What values do I live by? How faithful am I to my promises and commitments?

All these areas and more reflect what kind of steward I expect to be after I die and then live forever in God's kingdom. How am I measuring up?

The Simply Complicated Truth

1 Corinthians 1:10
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

v.26-29: For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.
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In this letter to a young church, Paul begins by addressing the report he has heard of disunity within the church. People have had leadership arguments, that they are followers of Paul, or Peter, or Apollos, or Jesus. Paul sets the record straight that Jesus Christ is the one Shepherd to follow, and he points back to the cross to illustrate why we follow Christ alone.

What unifies a church is that everyone agrees on who Jesus Christ is, and that there is no disagreement or disunity on that. Paul then talks about the power of the gospel message, and the wisdom in it’s truth. And then Paul asks the church to remind themselves that not many of them were of any significant stature before their activity in the church. The reason for this is similar to the cross, that God wants to use what is low and simple to show the world how wonderful he is.

The reason is simple: when humans chase after wisdom they complicate the truth.

As people, we are always in search of more. We are convinced that there is always something more, that there is a need to go beyond. This was the mission laid out in Star Trek (although, I’m by no means a Trekkie, or even a fan, so I may not know what I’m talking about. If that’s the case, I’m okay with it, because at least I’m not a Trekkie); the mission to push the frontier, to discover new worlds and create a better humanity through diversity.

I think there’s something noble to be said of this goal, but there’s also a great danger. Because God, who is ultimate truth, has ordained the simplest, weakest, even foolish things in the world to be the wisest things in the world. Specifically, Paul is speaking of the cross, but surely this applies on a larger scale as well.

It’s not necessarily that God chose this method for no reason. It’s because of sin and fallen humanity. In our fallen nature, it’s within us to depart from God and continue to move away from him throughout life. The beauty of God’s grace is that he has set simple things to bring us back to him. We don’t need to go out and seek and acquire loads of knowledge to arrive back at God’s feet. That’s what religion does.

But God has made it so that everyone and anyone can come back to him. It’s almost too simple and too good to be true; but would you really want it to be more complicated than that?

And so today I realize that this truth needs to be embraced in all areas of my life. I can be convinced that there’s more to God I need to know and seek out more “advanced” knowledge and education. This is good and healthy, but my sinful nature will eventually lead me to go beyond what is necessary. There are some core, simple truths God wants me to know about him and make them a central part of my life. When I go beyond that, things get complicated and I get confused and frustrated, and it’s not God’s fault; I stepped past the simplicity of what he wanted me to grasp.

I can do this in all areas of my life. I can overcomplicate my schedule, my priorities, my work, my responsibilities as a husband and father, my finances, my relationships with family and friends, my Facebook profile, etc.

In all these areas, there are things to learn and areas to grow in, but I won’t ever arrive at perfection. There are some core, simple truths that will help all these areas of my life thrive, and if I go beyond them, it was because I was somehow convinced that I had to.

The temptation is always to move away from God. The solution is to find the truth in simplicity and look to Christ. This isn’t to say that there’s hard work and serious thinking that needs to go into life. It is, in fact, hard work to arrive at this viewpoint. I’ve spent over 29 years figuring this out, and I’m still learning a ton. Somehow, even simplicity has become complicated in my world today. But I must find all truth in Jesus, for only in him are all the complex mysteries of God made fully manifest, coherent, and simple enough for a guy like me to understand.

Fully Trained

Mark 9:28-29

And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer."

Mark 9:38-40

John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us."

But Jesus said, "Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. For the one who is not against us is for us.

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It's so easy to read the gospels and put all the focus on Jesus (which of course, we should do), but I've been trying lately to really dig into the viewpoints of the supporting characters. It stands out to me today that the disciples have already had a lot of experience in ministering with Jesus. Back in chapter 6, they've been sent out in pairs to heal the sick and cast out demons. In the same chapter, they played a part in feeding 5,000 people with a few loaves of bread and a few fish. The same thing happens in chapter 8 with 4,000 people. They've all seen Jesus walk on water, and they saw Peter walk on water briefly. Peter, James, and John have just seen Jesus transfigured on a mountain, and they've even seen Moses and Elijah!

When they come down from the mountain a big crowd is there, along with some scribes who are arguing with the disciples. It doesn't say what they're arguing about, but it must have something to do with casting out demons, as the disciples have been trying to cast out a demon from a young boy, but they haven't been successful. "What's wrong?" they must be wondering. "We've done this before, without Jesus helping us, why can't we do it now? Did we lose our authority?" Jesus walks into this picture and heals the boy. The disciples want to know why they couldn't do it. Jesus cites a lack of faith, not only on the disciples part, but also on the father's part, even the crowd and the scribes (v.19); but then he says that certain spirits cannot be cast out by anything but prayer. But what kind of prayer? Surely as the disciples were trying to cast out the demon they must have been praying. And when Jesus casts out the demon he doesn't pray; he just commands it to come out.

He must be talking about a consistent prayer; a life of prayer. He's just come down from the mountain, where he took his inner three disciples with him to pray. I assume this because it was his custom to go to mountains and pray (Mark 6:46). The disciples thought they were fully trained, that they knew all they needed to be exorcists. But here they learn a lesson, they don't know everything yet.

I feel that ring so true for myself today. Even though I might assume that I'm more trained in ministry than some people, I'm still growing, and by no means do I know everything about being a minister or teacher or worshiper or leader or team builder, etc. Like the disciples, I can often find myself in situations where things aren't working like they have in the past and wonder, "What's wrong? I'm doing everything I normally do. I do all the things I've been taught. Why am I failing? Why isn't it working the way I expected?"

Just a few verses after this event, again the disciples display this attitude. They say that they saw a man casting out demons in Jesus' name, and he wasn't a disciple, he wasn't part of their group. So they tried to stop him, thinking it the right thing to do. After all, this guy wasn't trained by Jesus. He wasn't commissioned by Jesus. He wasn't an apostle. He didn't spend time with Jesus. And yet Jesus tells them they did the wrong thing by discouraging this man.

Not only do the disciples feel they're fully trained warriors, they feel like they're the only ones who have this privilege. Jesus shows them that they're not yet fully trained, and also that they're not the only ones fighting the fight.

Why is it so easy to have this mentality the disciples had? Even though there are hundreds of churches on Oahu, why does it sometimes feel like it's all up to us at New Hope Windward? That attitude basically says that the other churches aren't worthy to share the same task as me. And why do I walk into situations feeling like I'm fully prepared to handle anything?

(I definitely think I should walk into situations confident that the Lord is with me and that whatever happens, I'm ready for it as long as my trust is set on him; but the difference is that subconscious tendency to feel like I can handle it on my own)

I'm reminded today that I'm a drop in the bucket. It's so important for the followers of Jesus to know that we're all in the same boat, we're all in it together. I am part of a global family; one body to bring the restoration of God's will on earth, as it is in heaven. I need to play my part humbly, with teamwork. I must always know that I am still in need of lots of learning, and that there are others who labor with me. It doesn't matter whether they work at a church or at Starbucks; there is only one body, one Lord, one Spirit, one Gospel, one reason to live.

I am a work in progress, dependent on others, who also need me. It's the greatest way to live this life.

What's Wrong With Doing Nothing? Everything.

Mark 3:1-6

Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.” And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.

        

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The Scribes and Pharisees have set their minds to destroy Jesus. On a few occasions, they are there watching him on Sabbath days to see if he is going to break the Mosaic Law by “working” on a day that God commands rest. While this is expressed in the fourth commandment (Exodus 20), Jesus intentionally poses this question to the group of legalists: “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” The question invokes an obvious response; it is part of God’s law to love your neighbor, and to do good on all days. But rather than giving any answer, they remain silent, because they don’t want to admit he’s right. They want their ways and manmade laws to be correct (after all, they are educated, elite spiritual men; they can’t be wrong).

But this silence, invokes anger and grief in Jesus. It hurts God when people know what they need to do, yet choose to do nothing or say nothing. In Hawaii, this business of ‘saying nothing’ is a deep part of our culture. We’re not very confrontational people. We tend to keep our noses out of other people’s business. If something harsh needs to be said, we don’t want to be the ones to say it. There’s a time and a place for this, but more often than not this cultural practice tip-toes the line of grieving God, even angering him.

Specifically, Jesus’ opponents have hardened hearts. They seek to be upright, religious men, but they neglect the very heart of God’s Law: to be gracious and loving. They took the easy way of religion and kept all the outer layers of righteousness, but denied the core of what it means to be God’s people. To them, they weren’t doing anything wrong, it was Jesus who was doing all the wrongdoing. I notice that it’s always easier to point out from the sidelines what others are doing wrong. When I have that critical eye, I somehow remove myself from the equation as I focus all the wrongdoing and error on others. Too much of this, without keeping it in check, hardens my heart because it makes me feel like I’m somehow more right than others.

We tend to identify wrongdoing with actions. The thought goes something like this, “as long as I don’t do anything, I’m not doing anything wrong.” But sometimes, doing nothing or saying nothing is the worst thing to do, because when we choose to do nothing, we’re not choosing what God would choose. God is one of action, and one of gracious and good action. Today, I’m challenged to fight against my natural upbringing and cultural surroundings and be a person who acts and speaks for righteousness at all times.

Following Christ: Stoms, Snakes, and You Might Die

Acts 27:23-25

“This very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told.”

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Paul is on the sea as a prisoner, headed to Rome to appeal his case before Caesar, caught in a very bad storm with 275 other people.

I was thinking how bold of a statement it is to say that not a single person will lose their lives. In the middle of a storm, with no idea where they are, any number of people could have passed out and fallen off board, or decided to kill themselves rather than endure, yet Paul says to a few hundred people that God has spoken and made sure that no one will lose their lives.

The primary reason for this is that Paul must appear before Caesar as a witness to the kingdom of God. God wanted people along the way to know that Paul was a man sent by him. He wanted sailors, soldiers, prisoners, and native islanders (on Malta) to know that God is real and that he speaks and acts through men.

Paul also proclaims to have faith in God that he will stand before Caesar, and nothing will hinder this mission. What he doesn’t know (although I’m sure he is not unaware of) is that it will eventually be a Roman Caesar (Nero) who will falsely accuse Christians and Paul for a fire in Rome and put him to death.

Even though Paul is sent to Caesar, it doesn’t mean that Caesar will accept the gospel or turn to God (although, that does happen later with Constantine). Too often, we say God has a good plan for each of our lives, but we wouldn’t consider false accusation and death a “good plan.” Yet, that was God’s will for Paul, and nearly all of the apostles. In Acts 1:8, the thematic statement for the entire book of Acts, Jesus says that his disciples will be “witnesses” in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the end of the earth. The literal word for “witness” is the Greek word “martures” where we get the word “martyr.”

The book of Acts begins with the kingdom of God exploding with power in Jerusalem, then the book tells how it expands to the surrounding areas of Judea and Samaria, and even further. The book closes with Paul taking the message of the kingdom to Rome, to the very ends of the earth and the heart of the Roman empire. Just as Jesus had said that the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed that begins small but grows into the largest of garden plants, it went from the small city of Jerusalem and invaded the entire Roman kingdom. And that didn’t happen without men and women sacrificing and losing their lives. They didn’t live comfortably or happily-ever-after; they gave their lives fully for Jesus and his kingdom.

And that’s what we’re called to do as well. We’re called to be witnesses, martyrs even, for Jesus Christ. We can’t just be people who believe in God and try to make this life the most convenient and comfortable for ourselves as we possibly can. When Paul and the other 275 people run ashore on the island of Malta, the native islanders greet them and start a fire for them. Paul helps out and gathers firewood, and it says this:

“When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, ‘No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.’ He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.” (Acts 28:3-6)

These people knew nothing about Paul or his God. To them, he was a despised person because they believed him to have done something that deserved divine justice. After the snake bite had no effect on him, it says that the people “changed their minds.” That’s what our lives should look like too. Not that we should expect people to think that we’re gods, but for people to have this drastic change in their thinking.

After this event, Paul heals many people of sickness and disease. No doubt he makes it clear that the healing comes from God and lets them know that the kingdom of God has come near to them. So even though they thought he was a god, Paul most definitely made it clear that he was no god, but served the One true God.

Father, just as you spoke to me yesterday to not shy away from talking about the resurrection, it’s clear today that part of your good will for my life may include my persecution and unjust death. Give me a heart to not expect anything greater; to not live with a sense that I am somehow exempt and entitled to a different life. Create in me a clean and bold heart, that I may be found faithful in your sight.

Don't Not Talk About Jesus

Acts 24: 24-26

24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.

25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, "Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you."

26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him.

Acts 25:18-19

18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed.

19 Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.

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There's no doubt about it; Paul is the man.

Acts, chapters 24-26 retell Paul's trials before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa, before he is sent off to Rome to appeal to Caesar. While Paul's words during his trials are full of boldness and clear truth, I'm drawn to his words and actions outside of his trials today.

While he is being detained, Felix comes with his wife to hear Paul speak about faith in Jesus. The entire time, Felix is hoping that Paul will give him some money as a bribe, but Paul uses these opportunities to evangelize this Roman official. Paul doesn't hold back. He talks about righteousness (Felix is greedy and has unrighteous motives), self-control (the historian, Josephus, records that Drusilla was the daughter of Herod Agrippa and the sister of Agrippa II, the same Agrippa who makes his appearance at Paul's trial in Acts 25. Felix needed to hear about self-control because he had taken Drusilla as wife by crafting a divorce between her and her first husband), and the coming judgment (because he needs to know that he will answer to God for his life one day).

This goes on for two whole years and it doesn't say that Felix was converted or changed his behavior. It shows that there are some people, no matter who talks to them and no matter what is said to them, they won't accept the gospel; they won't follow Jesus. Still, Paul doesn't fall into discouragement, he presses on with his calling, just as he wrote to the Philippians in Philippians 3:13-14. Paul never wavers from speaking about faith in Christ. He specifically preaches Jesus Christ as the risen Lord.

We know that Paul always spoke about Jesus and the resurrection, because when Felix was succeeded by Festus, it was Festus who told Agrippa what Paul had been saying. Acts 25:19 shows that out of all the disputes of the Jewish religion, he knew at the very least that Paul spoke about someone named Jesus, and claimed that he was alive, though thought dead.

The resurrection was a huge part of Paul's message, as it was also central to the other apostles. Today, we speak of Jesus as one who is God and Lord and working in our lives, but it seems like we sometimes fail to mention that he actually died and rose again and is in fact, alive right now. Talking about Jesus is something that anyone can do. Even historians talk about Jesus. But saying that he died and was raised again to life, and that this was all made clear by the Law and Prophets in the Old Testament, and he ascended into heaven and sits on the throne of God and works through the universal body of the church....that changes the message quite a bit.

The resurrection is everything. Unless that's made clear by his followers, we're not talking about Christianity; we're just talking about a nice way of living and a cozy belief system.

I find myself very guilty of this. Even though I talk about God and Jesus to others, I rarely mention the resurrection.

Father, please seal this into my mind so that I may share it with others.

The One-Night Baton-Pass

Acts 12:17

But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, "Tell these things to James and to the brothers." Then he departed and went to another place.

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A few days ago I journaled on how the Lord had scattered the church, but called the apostles to stay in Jerusalem, despite persecution. After this, Herod kills James (John's brother) and imprisons Peter. After a miraculous escape from prison, Peter goes to Mark's mother's home by night and then leaves Jerusalem that same night to go somewhere else. Luke doesn't tell us where he went but scholars generally speculate he went to either Rome or Antioch as likely locations.

If my timeline is not off, this is about one year after Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, as it says that these things took place during the Feast of Unleavened bread (a week-long feast following the Passover). In one single night, the church in Jerusalem changes leadership. Peter leaves in one night and leaves a message for James (the brother of Jesus) and the other apostles. That he mentions James first, by name, and no other apostles, gives us a glimpse of a leadership baton-passing. It happens in one night.

The next morning I imagine James finding out that Peter has been delivered from prison by an angel, and then hearing that he's left and now James is in charge. I'm sure by this point, James is already a well-respected leader in the church (it also doesn't hurt to be the half-brother of Jesus Christ), but still, Peter had been the head leader for a year and now it's James' time. There isn't any leadership preparation period, no transitionary phase, no 90-day test drive, he's up to bat.

In my experience, these types of rapid transitions still happen in the church today. Even though it may seem like it all happens so fast and without warning, God is still the one who ultimately ordains these things. I don't think that I'm going to be facing a higher leadership role anytime soon that comes suddenly, but I'm honestly still a little unsure as to why I feel led to journal on this particular event.

Maybe it's a reminder for me to have disciples that are currently raised up and ready to take on more responsibility should the situation require it on short notice. This will require much more intentionality on my part, but it is undoubtedly what God has called us to do: to make disciples of Jesus who will in turn go and make other disciples.

Stay. Make Disciples

Acts 8:1-2
1 And Saul approved of his (Stephen's) execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
2 Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him.

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Jesus promised his disciples that they would be his witnesses to the entire world, beginning in Jerusalem. Up to this point in the narrative, they haven't branched outside of Jerusalem. As the church, they haven't expanded beyond one city. With the murder of Stephen, the official persecution against the early church begins and the church is scattered. Because of this scattering, everything goes just as Jesus had proclaimed, that Judea and Samaria would also be filled with his witnesses.

This event is similar to the Tower of Babel incident, but with a little twist. At Babel, God confused everyone's language so that they could not understand each other. On Pentecost, God also brought various languages into one place, but people from other nations were present and could understand what was being said. After the Tower of Babel stopped building, the people scattered throughout the nations, just as God had proclaimed to Adam and Noah (be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and rule it). After this scattering of the church, his disciples go throughout the nations and proclaim the good news of the kingdom.

What stands out to me today is how all twelve of the apostles remain in Jerusalem. There needed to remain a solid foundation in Jerusalem, the center, the hub. It says that none of the apostles were scattered or left Jerusalem, whereas before, all of the apostles scattered when Jesus was arrested. Here, they all remain in a bold statement of courage, "We're not going anywhere. The church is here to stay." As I read these verses, it gives me encouragement to know that God has called me to my place, and he has not scattered me to pick up and leave, but to remain steadfastly.

I imagine that not every single disciple in Jerusalem left except for the apostles, and that there were only twelve Christians in the entire city. It does say after all in verse 2 that "devout men" buried Stephen. Devout to what? To the faith; they were devout followers of Jesus. But the disciples who did go out didn't just run away, they were also bold and had important work to do. Verse 4 says that "those who were scattered went about preaching the word." In order for them to do so, they had to have known how to preach the word, how to share the good news. These disciples were equipped for ministry (Eph. 4:12); not in a formal, educated sense, but they had spent time with theOctober 18, 2011 8:49 AM apostles and devoted themselves to their teaching. They had committed to a lifestye of being actual followers of Christ, not just Sunday attenders.

It shows that the apostles were effective and faithful in raising up the saints to be doers of the word, and not just hearers (James 1:19). The key to raising up any disciple is relationship. Not powerful teaching or programs, but life-on-life relationship. When it says that devout men buried Stephen is also says that they made great lamentation over him. In previous chapters, it tells of how Stephen was selected along with Philip to take a higher position of leadership in the church. That all came about because of relationship with the apostles and the other believers.

I'm not just called to stay where I am and be a steadfast worker, just chipping away at my daily tasks. I'm also called to raise up disciples in the process. In fact, I think that's flipped. I think I'm supposed to raise up disciples first and foremost. My daily tasks and workload gets done in the midst of relationship. Those who are ministers with me should be able to be scattered, or leave, and be able to minister wherever they end up. Sometimes we get so caught up over the incredibly miraculous and powerful things the Holy Spirit did in the days of the early church, like teleporting Philip from one place to the other, that we overlook how these disciples were prepared to proclaim the good news, and willing to be wherever the Lord led them. That's the key for us today as well.

For me specifically, I am challenged and encouraged to make relationship and disciple building my primary focus. Because the true test of my calling and leadership will be the effectiveness of those who are raised up under me. The Lord wants better disciples, not just better programs and services (although, those things should be happening, in the context of building disciples).

Father, thank you for this challenge and reminder. Forgive me Lord for switching my priorities. Fill me with your goals and cares, and may I be found faithful to raise up committed, effective disciples for your name, glory, and kingdom.

A Warm, Fuzzy Beginning?

Acts 2:12-14
        And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.” But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.

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Ten or so days after Jesus ascends into heaven is the day of Pentecost. This particular day is often touted as the birth of the New Testament church. Peter is given an amazing task, to basically preach the first church sermon. In it he proclaims several important things that all churches must teach:
All nations are a part of the church, (v.5)
Old Testament Scripture has been fulfilled, (v.16)
All classes of people are part of the church, (v.17-18)
Jesus was a man, (v.22)
God had an eternal, sovereign plan through his Son Jesus, (v.23)
The resurrection actually happened, (v.24)
The Old Testament prophesied about Jesus’ death and resurrection, (v.31)
The Holy Spirit has been poured out on the church, (v.33)
Jesus is man and God, (v.36)
The response to the gospel is repentance and receiving the Holy Spirit, (v.38)
Believers are to be baptized (v.41).

After this message and mass baptism, Luke records for us the life that follows those who have believed in the gospel (v.42-47).

What strikes me about this chapter today is the level of confusion and activity that this all takes place. Prior to Peter’s message, a few things happen that no one has ever seen before: the sound of a rushing wind takes place in a room, the Holy Spirit descends in great power, things that look something like fire rest above peoples heads, and these people start speaking in foreign languages, which are understood by many people there since many nations are present in this place at this time. As this is going on, some people are completely confused, trying to make sense of it all. Others are mocking the event, saying that the people are just drunk at 9 in the morning.

It’s not an easy situation to stand up in a crowd and make sense of it all for everyone, especially for a working class fisherman from Galilee. But Peter declares powerful truth and calls people to specific action in the midst of chaos and disorder. In fact, that’s what God loves to do, bring order into chaos, it’s what he did at creation.

When I think about giving a sermon or conducting a church service I have a set of preferences that need to be met in order for me to feel good about it all. I don’t know what I would do if I walked into a situation that was full of chaos and confusion at church on Sunday. For me, and I’m guessing for many others, we like for things to be in order and comfortable and nearly predictable. We don’t like surprises. The problem is, God is full of surprises.

I wonder if this is meant to speak into my dream I had early this morning. I was at church but hardly any of the volunteers or staff were there, and service was starting and I was on worship team; but none of the instruments could be heard and no one knew where the singers were and the congregation was confused and I was very frustrated. There was one strange looking man who was being a big distraction and carrying out his own agenda and leading people into more confusion; I told him to stop and allow us to move along with our service and he had a tantrum and broke stuff as he stormed off.

I guess the reality is, every Sunday (even every day) we walk into chaotic situations where nothing is as it should be, yet like Peter we are called to stand and speak order and life into these situations. We are called to commit ourselves to put our hope and trust in God and obediently allow him to work through us. We’re not called to get everything comfortable and predictable and safe and live a Goldilocks life where everything is “just right.” We are called and equipped by God to stand in the midst of chaos and put everything in order.

Word!

Luke 24:25-27
And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

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These two disciples have just explained to Jesus all the things they saw and experienced before Jesus had been crucified and killed. And when they are finished, Jesus doesn’t say anything about all the things they had personally seen or heard. He rebukes them for being slow in their hearts to understand and accept all that the Old Testament says about the Messiah.

They couldn’t believe that the Messiah would be one to suffer such torture and then be killed, even after he had gained such notoriety, but Jesus goes through all the Scriptures even back to Moses to explain how all of that was written clearly throughout the Tanakh, the Hebrew Bible. Jesus also told a story of a rich man and a poor man who both died - one went to torment, the other to Abraham. In this example Abraham tells the rich man in torment that the Word of God is enough to show people how to avoid damnation (Luke 16:29-31).

Even if we see signs and wonders, our faith is grounded in what is written. If we are slow to believe God's word, we won't understand the miraculous things we see. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). So often I find myself wanting to see more of God's miracles, and yet today I feel the sense that even if I never saw anything I hoped to see, his word is enough.

It really drives home reading God's word on a daily basis. If I am slow to read the word, I will be slow to believe all that the word says.

The Prize of Paradise

Luke 23:39-43
        One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
        
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I’ve always read this passage and focused in on how Jesus says, “Today you will be with me in Paradise,” but I’ve never really stopped to examine the repentant thief’s comment.

It says that the rulers hurled insults at Jesus, the soldiers mocked him, the people insulted him, one of the criminals railed at him. All these people are insulting Jesus and yet there’s one man who is also hanging on a cross, watching all of this happen to Jesus, and he’s thinking differently from the rest.

This man had done something that deserved crucifixion, and he admits to it. He’s a very interesting character. How he came to arrive at this place where he can accept his fate and not fall into bitterness, also hurling insults at Jesus and the world, is very admirable. His statement, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” is whirling through my mind.

He’s probably heard of Jesus through others, or maybe he heard him teaching firsthand. Or maybe he’s just read the sign above Jesus’ head on the cross. Either way, his statement here is both a plea and a statement of faith. He somehow believes that Jesus will inherit a kingdom, and he asks that he be remembered when this event happens.

What’s so awesome about this statement is this man probably had the same understanding of the coming of the kingdom of God that other Jews and believers had at the time - that the kingdom of God would come in a great military power and overthrow the Roman empire by force. Somehow, this criminal is hoping that Jesus will still accomplish this somehow, even though Jesus is hanging on a cross next to him! That’s a great faith.

What he doesn’t understand, is this faith will lead him into the kingdom of God that very day. And the kingdom is not what he expects. Jesus says that this man will be with him in “Paradise,” the same word used for the Garden of Eden. They’re not going to the Garden, but the implication is that the kingdom consists of a personal, intimate relationship with God that engages all human senses. It’s paradise in the fullest sense.

I remember that movie “The Beach.” A lot of people hated it but I really liked it at the time. When we try to imagine paradise, a lot of similar images pop into our minds: calm beaches, healthy trees, great scenery, a sense of solitude (not overly crowded), the company of those we love. Most people probably wouldn’t include “the presence of God in the flesh” in their definition of paradise.

I think there’s a part of us that realizes “paradise” has an earthly component; that paradise can be found on earth somewhere. But we typically fail to realize that the perfect paradise is empty without God as the ultimate prize of paradise. Eden was perfect not because of the scenery and innocence of man. It was perfect because there was a perfect relationship between man and God. Paradise is not perfect unless there is a perfect king who loves and cares for those who live there.

This is the goal and hope of all our lives. And it is only found through the king of paradise. But it’s not just a hope, it’s a job. We as Christians aren’t just trying to get to paradise and lead others to paradise; we’re also helping people see that a part of this paradise is already here among us, in our midst. That’s only possible because the Spirit of God, the king, is on earth. Paradise will be perfected one day, but until then, we can open eyes to see that some of it is already here.

The Humble Heart of a Nervous Priest

Ezra 8:21-23
        [21] Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. [22] For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” [23] So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.

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This is such an interesting passage, full of honesty. Ezra is a man skilled in the Law of God. In Persia, he’s considered a foremost expert. He has the favor of the king. And yet, because of the daunting task set before Ezra (to go and teach the people at the newly constructed Temple in Jerusalem) he has this conflict within him. He says that he was ashamed to ask the King for soldiers to accompany them on their way to Jerusalem, because he had specifically told the king that his God was so mighty that he will protect and guide them to safety. He tells the king that God will be their army as they travel, acting in powerful wrath against any enemies.

Now Ezra is out on the road, and I can just picture him wondering if that was something he shouldn’t have said; now he’s thinking, “It would be nice to have some soldiers, some special forces (like the ones with the scary masks in “300”; you know, ‘cause the Spartans fought the Persians. It’s a very historically accurate film) with us priests who have all this gold and silver out here on the dangerous open road.”

So he calls for fasting and prayer, begging God to be their protector. He prays that the things he told the king, perhaps on impulse or lack of experience, will be proven true. That the Lord will show himself faithful in this and indeed protect this convoy and their cargo on their way to Jerusalem.

There are times I’ve given sermons or prayed with people, and I’ve said that God would do some amazing things. Or I’ve cast some vision in a ministry and told everyone that the Lord would come through and provide all needs and see everything through to the end. And then I’ve gone home and gotten nervous. I’ve wondered whether I should have said those things. I’ve thought I’d made mistakes and for some reason, God wouldn’t do the things I’d said he would do.

And to be honest, sometimes he didn’t do the things I said he would do. But Ezra shows that despite our feelings or our faith, a humbled heart before God and earnestly seeking him is the key. Certainly, God is able to do all things. Paul says in Ephesians that he is able to do abundantly more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Whether I am confident or doubtful, I need to have the heart of Ezra and be humble before the Lord and earnestly and honestly seek his will and guidance.

It’s the humble that God gives grace to (Proverbs 3:34; quoted by James and Peter).

A Sudden Turn of Events

Esther 9:1
on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, the reverse occurred: the Jews gained mastery over those who hated them.

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I’ve heard that Martin Luther criticized the book of Esther as a part of Scriptural canon, because it has no content of the gospel. But the more I read Esther, the more I see Messianic themes in it.
The story of deliverance in Esther, just as in most of the events where God miraculously saves his people, is eucatastrophe in full display.

Eucatastrophe is a term coined by J.R.R. Tolkien, combining the Greek word “eu” (good) with the word “catastrophe.” A catastrophic event than turns out for good; when it seems as if evil will triumph but a sudden turn of events sees the triumph of goodness.

In Esther, Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews in Susa (and throughout the Persian kingdom) seems as if it will be accomplished; all the pieces are in place. The only thing that the protagonists of the story are doing are fasting and praying. Then, Esther, winning the favor of the king, reverses the situation with just a few words at the right time. Everything that Haman wanted to plot against Mordecai and the Jews, comes down on himself in an ironic twist of events.

The rest of the Jews celebrate this holiday as Purim, a day they were saved from the hands of their enemies. But their salvation depended upon one woman, a humble servant in a foreign kingdom who alone had the authority to mediate between the people and the king. The same is true of Jesus, that all mankind required someone who could stand before God and mediate on our behalf, for our good. This mediator needed to be good and humble.

Before Esther holds the feasts, where she reveals Haman’s plots, she needs to stand before the king in his throne room. Similar to the high priest in the temple, who was one man that represented all the people who would mediate on their behalf to God, to atone for their sins. This priest stood in the very presence of God, in his throne room, before God’s Mercy Seat on the Ark of the Covenant.

What I take from Esther’s example today is the state of her heart as she intercedes for her people. It’s a heart of willingness, obedience, humility, and courage. So often, I go through my days as if serving others for Christ is a job and a task. A lot of times, at work, we’re not in a willing, obedient, humble, and courageous state of mind. But today I’m reminded to keep this heart about me, because I am seeking the Lord on behalf of his people. I can’t expect myself to ever be lackadaisical about it.

Love Your Leaders

Esther 2:20-22
        [20] Esther had not made known her kindred or her people, as Mordecai had commanded her, for Esther obeyed Mordecai just as when she was brought up by him. [21] In those days, as Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. [22] And this came to the knowledge of Mordecai, and he told it to Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in the name of Mordecai.

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Both Esther and Mordecai model obedience and service to those above them, even though they are in exile and under foreign rule. The prophet Jeremiah had prophesied a century earlier, telling the Israelites who would go into exile to “seek the welfare of the city where (the LORD has) sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (Jeremiah 29:7). Jesus likewise encouraged his followers to render to Caesar what was Caesar’s, and render to God what is God’s (Matthew 22:21). Jesus lived his life sinlessly, without disobedience to Jewish law and Roman rule; while some of his disciples vehemently opposed the Romans (Matthew 10:4).

It says that Esther sought the counsel of the king’s eunuch and won his favor as a result. She models obedience to Mordecai, even though she has become the queen of Persia. Mordecai models obedience to the king, and this wins him the favor of the king.

Even though God is not mentioned in Esther, God clearly sets up Mordecai and Esther in positions of power before Haman desires to exterminate the Jewish people. These are clearly provident acts. It shows me that I am where I am today because the Lord has made it so, even if there weren’t miraculous signs.

It could have been very easy for Esther to work hard at becoming the queen and then feeling like she had accomplished her greatest feat in life. But God had something even greater. She was there for a purpose, a higher calling (Esther 4:14). But in order to accomplish that, she had to retain a heart of obedience; not just to God but to those God had placed in her life - namely, the king and Mordecai.

I hear of people my age in the same occupation speak out against their leadership; against the very men and women who hired them and sign their paychecks. And it’s not just ministry. In every job I’ve ever had I’ve seen this pattern. It’s easy to form a natural discontent with those in authority above you. Yet God calls his people to remain obedient and seek the welfare of all those who are over us; because he has put rulers in their place. If I have an obedience issue with those above me, it’s ultimately an issue of obedience with God.

Certainly, there are times when leaders are corrupt and wicked; Haman is a prime example. Yet, even in the story of Esther, God proves that he is the Judge and brings justice according to his will. Esther and Mordecai don’t act in violence or rebellion against Haman and his plot, instead, they plead to God and beg for some kind of divine deliverance. A heart for God’s will, to see things done his way, will always be in our best interests if we want to see results.

Lord, thank you for those you have placed over me. I say with truth and thankfulness that it is a joy to know them and follow their lead. Forgive me for the times my heart feels bitterness. I believe they are seeking you constantly and following your lead, so I pray for a humble, obedient heart to follow your directions. I pray in the name of Jesus and his kingdom.

Dishonest in Little

Luke 16:10
"One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."

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So often I hear about this principle, that those who are faithful in little will be faithful in much. We use it a lot in leadership to show why it's important to be faithful with all the tasks you have been given, especially the smaller, seemingly less important ones. But I've never really heard much about the second part of this phrase, that he who is dishonest in a little is also dishonest in much.

This puts a lot more meat on the first part of the phrase, because if we just leave it at "He who is faithful in little is faithful in much," we're just using task accomplishment as a barometer for who can be trustworthy in ministry and leadership. In the past, if I failed in something I would just think, "OK, well I won't be trusted with something greater; that's alright." But what Jesus is saying here that it's not only about your accomplishment. If I am dishonest, or unfaithful in little things, then I will also be unfaithful in MANY things.

That's a scary thought! As I've been working on my life plan, I'm seeing areas of my life where I consistently fall short; particularly in the area of planning and follow-through. Whenever I fail, I tend to pass it off as "Well, God knows my heart and I am changing, step by step." There's some truth in that, but I am failing to acknowledge the fact that my unfaithfulness in this area is also a cause of my unfaithfulness in other things.

This is a big wake up call! A little unfaithfulness, even in small areas needs to be recognized and overcome. If not, it will have a direct correlation to how faithful I am in other areas.

True, Jesus is talking in terms of being lovers of money, but he can't be saying that this principle only applies to being faithful or unfaithful in wealth.

I need to be much more aware of my areas of laziness, procrastination, and unfaithfulness (where I don't do to the fullest extent the things I should). If I don't make corrections to be more faithful in all areas, it will affect not just my life here, but my life in eternity.

Good Deeds - Good Will - Good News

In Zechariah 7 and 8 God says two separate, but very similar statements to the people:

"Thus says the LORD of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another,do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart." (Zechariah 7: 9-10)

"These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace; do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all these things I hate, declares the LORD." (Zechariah 8: 16-17)

God's call to his people is to be true, render justice, caring for those in need, looking out for the welfare of one another. When these things are perverted, God hates it.
And this has become a major focus of much of the church today. It’s a great thing, but there is a danger to it. The church was never meant to be a humanitarian institution alone. Caring for the sick and releasing people from poverty is a critical part of the task, but humanitarian work can easily be done without God in the picture. These things can be done in the name of God, but the end result may not always be to lead people to Christ. A church soup kitchen can serve good food, but may never serve the good news, and yet they could feel like they are doing the Lord’s work because they are caring for the poor.

I know this is kind of touchy. Pastor Wayne Cordeiro says it this way: good deeds promote good will that open people up to receive the good news. Good deeds as an end is not enough. We can feed the homeless all the meals they’ll ever need but they will still find themselves in hell if they have never made any eternal decisions. Good deeds is not an end, it’s a means for people to receive the gospel.

Jesus speaks to the importance of this in Luke 13, after someone asks him if only a few people will be saved. Jesus talks about striving to enter through the “narrow door” (verses 23-24). But this narrow door isn’t a test of some sort. There isn’t some kind of way to work your way into this narrow door, it’s all about knowing Jesus in a personal way. Jesus tells a parable of people coming up to the door, knocking, and begging to be let in, but Jesus’ response is, “I don’t know you.” The people go on to say, “But we ate and drank in your presence, and we saw you teach in our streets, we listened to you and liked what you taught.” Still, his response is, “I don’t know you.”

The importance is on knowing who Jesus is in a personal way. It’s not enough to know what Jesus taught. It’s not enough to have gone to church a few times. It’s not enough to know about God from what your parents taught you. Jesus puts a huge stress on knowing him yourself. People need to know what Jesus taught, and then do those things. They need to believe that his death on the cross was payment for their sin. They need to speak and pray and relate to him daily.
The church hasn’t completed their task if all they’ve done is serve food or held a church service. There needs to be eternal impact. People need to meet Christ and walk daily with him.

As we press forward into the future, I believe the church will continue to fight poverty and right the social wrongs of the world. And I’m all for it. I want to be a part of that. I believe the the next generation will focus on a global, church-wide effort to transform communities and nations for God’s glory. We just need to never forget that the good news of Christ’s kingdom is our goal, not just the good deeds of the kingdom.

Seek First

In Luke 12, Jesus tells his disciples that the nations of the world seek after things like food and clothes, but they are not to worry about these things. Instead, they are to seek God's kingdom, and their needs will be met within that seeking. This is Jesus' response to covetousness and possessions.

I hear it so often to seek God's kingdom first, beyond my daily needs, but again I'm left with the question: do I actually do it?

In all honesty, no. Not consistently. To be transparent, covetousness is one of my struggles. I think it's easy to pass off that sin in our culture as "Well, it's okay to want new things; there's nothing wrong with that." Well, maybe. But if we're honest, in our hearts it often goes beyond that.

Sometimes I'll want curry, but Laine won't make it (because I didn't ask). But it doesn't matter to me. I'll eat what she cooked and be just as satisfied. I wanted curry, but didn't get it, and it didn't cause me any kind of grief. I don't crave curry afterwards, I don't even think about curry, because what I really wanted was any kind of food, and to eat with my family.

On the other hand, if I get an email from Apple announcing a new product, I go and check out all the specs.
I watch the product videos.
I'll look at my current computer and think it's old and outdated.
I might even go into the store and experiment with one.

The reality is, I've spent more time pursuing this one product than I've spent time praying about it, or seeking God on it.
When it comes to making decisions, I could be spending a lot more time in the Bible and in prayer, but I don't. I'm too busy watching Apple videos.

The same pattern happens with motorcycles, music, clothing, and movies.
Calling it plain and simple, it's covetousness. Maybe not in all cases, but most. Do any of those things further God's kingdom? I guess you could argue that they can, but that's beyond the point. If I'm going to follow Jesus and do as he says, I've got to change.

Lord, forgive my sin. I say right now that I don't want this to be a part of my life. I want to live with your kingdom as my highest and consistent goal. Please change me by your Spirit in Jesus' name.

Big Task = Big Opposition

Then, when the copy of King Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum and Shimshai the scribe and their associates, they went in haste to the Jews at Jerusalem and by force and power made them cease. Then the work on the house of God that is in Jerusalem stopped, and it ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
(Ezra 4:23-24 ESV)

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Zerubbabel doesn’t get much attention in Christendom, but when you look at the history of Israel, he plays a very important and difficult role.
After being allowed by the king of Persia to start building up Jerusalem and it’s temple, people from the land of Samaria oppose it ruthlessly. Zerubbabel has to lead the people in continuing to build through all this opposition. Eventually, these adversaries convince a later king to order the building to stop, and they succeed.

Rebuilding the city and temple actually ceases for fifteen years.

But Zerubbabel and the leaders don’t give up. They are later able to continue building, still with lots of opposition.

As I reflect on this situation and the difficulties surrounding it, I’m amazed at the fortitude and perseverance of Zerubbabel. He, along with the other leaders, pressed on through every obstacle; in constant fear of the neighboring peoples who were fierce and unforgiving in their opposition. It’s already hard enough to motivate people to do something big while they’re living comfortable, safe lives; how much harder must it be to motivate others toward a God-sized task when they’re living in fear and everyone around them is against their efforts.

When I look at my short time in ministry thus far, I’ve come to a point where I realize that things rarely ever work out the way you originally plan them. This isn’t true only about ministry, but life in general. Currently, I really feel the Lord moving our youth ministry to be much more involved with social justice - to join the global church in righting the wrongs of the world. But I’m reminded by Zerubbabel today that I need to expect opposition, and it may be fierce. I also need to have a heart to press on past discouragement. It may even take more than 15 years to realize something like this; but if it is the Lord’s will, he will make it happen in his timing.

My heart needs to be set to be in the game for life. Even though great strategic plans and vision may seem foolproof, it’ll never turn out the way I envision it.

Lord, please infuse my heart with the will to press on beyond all obstacles. Your calling is great and fulfilling, and it is precisely because of that I must expect the opposition to be great also. Small tasks come with small opposition. May I rest on your word and guidance, in the name of Jesus and his kingdom - amen.

Inaction vs. In Action

Daniel 11:32
He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.


Luke 6:46
"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?"

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Life with God is a life of action. Daniel is receiving a message about the end of times. Here he's hearing about a time when people will be led astray by words of flattery, but those who know God will stand firm. The key, I think, goes beyond standing firm. It says they will take action. Too often the Christian is labeled as one who is complacent, but God has always intended that his people be those who stand for what is true, and be people of action, not just defensive reaction.

Jesus says in Luke (to his disciples and the crowds) that people confess Jesus is Lord, but do not do any of the things he asks of them. There may be lots of knowledge, even lots of faith and heart, but without action it's all meaningless.

Something needs to be done about the way we perceive a relationship with God. It can't remain something that focuses only on acting to improve ourselves, it has to be big-picture, more than yourself, kingdom-minded. And it can't include bashing those who are self-indulged. It has to start with my own understanding, and my own willingness to be in action for God, not inactive.

My Heart's Posture

Daniel 9:23
At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.

Daniel 10:10-12
10 And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees.
11 And he said to me, "O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you." And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling.
12 Then he said to me, "Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words.

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An angel appears to Daniel after he has spent time fasting and praying. He perceives that he is living in a time when the words of the prophet Jeremiah are being fulfilled: that after 70 years, the Lord will end Israel's time in slavery.

What he does after realizing this is: prayer. He doesn't rejoice or speak to God in a proud way. He asks for mercy upon himself and God's people. He repents. He intercedes for the people. He stands in the gap and prays on behalf of all the people.

Because of this heart of his, an angel, Gabriel, comes to him to assure him that his humble prayers, his pleas for mercy, were heard by God and Gabriel is the proof that the Lord answers the prayers of his people. And it wasn't after Daniel had finished his prayer that the angel was sent, it was "at the beginning of (his) pleas for mercy."

Because of God's holiness, our mortal and sinful condition forces us to be fearful and trembling in his mighty presence. But God and his angels always tell those who are humble, "fear not." Again, Gabriel assures Daniel that the very first day that he set his heart to understand the things of God and humbled himself before the power of God, his words were heard. And they were more than heard, an angel was sent to him to deliver messages.

It's encouraging to me because it shows that humble prayers are answered by the Lord. Indeed, the Lord opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6 <from Proverbs 3:34>). When I pray, I need to be conscious of the posture of my heart. Is it humbled? Or lifted up? How I approach the Lord's throne room to speak to him?

Father, forgive me for so many times I pray without humility. I want my prayers to be acceptable in your sight. I want to set a good example for others in prayer. May I be ever more conscious of the posture of my heart as I seek you and speak with you, in Jesus' name.

Amen.

My Sweaty Best

Daniel 5:29 - 6:3
29 Then Belshazzar gave the command, and Daniel was clothed with purple, a chain of gold was put around his neck, and a proclamation was made about him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
30 That very night Belshazzar the Chaldean king was killed.
31 And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.
1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom 120 satraps, to be throughout the whole kingdom;
2 and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these satraps should give account, so that the king might suffer no loss.
3 Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other presidents and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.

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On the night that Babylon is conquered and becomes part of the Medo-Persian empire, Daniel is promoted to the 3rd highest ruler in Babylon. When Darius settles into his duties of ruling his new territory, Daniel remains one of his top 3 officials. In fact, it pleased Darius to have Daniel as one of his 3 top leaders.

Daniel distinguished himself, by the Spirit of God, as God's representative, among the other 2 presidents set in place by Darius. He outperformed the others so much so that Darius planned to set him over the whole kingdom. Daniel, like Joseph, was a faithful witness to a king over the greatest empire on earth; not just in his duties, but chiefly as a representative of Yahweh.

It makes me realize that God appoints people where he will, but we all choose how we want to perform in our appointed roles. Those who are overseas missionaries need to choose the capacity to which they are willing to be used by the Lord. Those who work blue-collar jobs need to choose to what extent they will glorify God in their workplace. Those who are leaders in church need to choose how excellently they will perform their service to the bride of Christ.

If Daniel had not sovereignly been placed as a high official in the Persian empire, the Israelites may never have returned back to their homeland. Daniel set up a good reputation for God and his chosen people.
In sovereignty, God has placed me where I am at. Sometimes it just gets so easy to ride the wave of his sovereignty and just believe that whatever God's going to work out, he's going to work out. But Daniel, like Joseph, worked really hard at everything he did, and through that, he was blessed with favor.

It's something that needs to be instilled deeper into me, and my old habits and lifestyles need to be chipped away. Not in a religious or legalistic sense, but because the Lord is worthy of my best efforts. The apostle Paul says that he "strives" and "presses on" to what lies ahead for his life (Philippians 3:12-14). The image is one of working with fervor and sweat, not complacent-sovereign-wave-riding. (this isn't meant to be a dig at surfers at all, since surfing is not exactly all that easy)

God's Spirit is in me, empowering me to be like Christ. But I can't just rely on that for the good works he has planned for me in advance (Ephesians 2:10); I need to labor and strive for his kingdom. I work at a church, and I should aim to be so good at what I do that other people who work at church would be willing to hand over other churches to my care. Not because I want to be the ruler of churches, but simply because God sets us in our place, and we should desire to give him nothing but our sweaty best, because he is simply worthy of nothing less. However he chooses to use and reward that work is up to him, but the effort on my part shouldn't be questionable or negotiable.

Father, please forgive my complacency and negligence. Holy Spirit, I seek your guidance and power to put to death old and childish ways and habits, that I may inherit skills of excellence, for the glory of Christ's Kingdom. In Jesus' name;
Amen.

Certain of the Sunrise

Luke 1
3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.

Luke says that the purpose of his letter here is to give certainty to the one who reads it. Certainty about all the things they have heard and learned about Jesus, his kingdom, and his church.

There are times where I wonder and doubt the things I've seen, heard, experienced, and learned. But Luke is writing a complete, ordered account so that I can be certain about it all.

At camp we've been learning that freedom in Christ means to choose to live as he lived. At the end of chapter 1, Zechariah prophesies over his son John, and his prophecy ends with a description of what the Messiah will do:

78 (through God's mercy) the sunrise shall visit us from on high
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."

To live like Jesus means to bring light into darkness, and light into death. It means to guide people into peace with God. This we can be certain of.

Here at Oasis I feel a renewed sense of purpose and passion to live for Jesus, and to live like Jesus. I can be certain that everything I've experienced here is true. I can be certain that my life will be filled with challenges similar to Jesus and the apostles. But I can be certain that I am also being led into a way of peace; a way of life and not death.

Father, thank you that we aren't left to guess at life and eternity. Thank you that everything is certain. Thank you for this retreat and all that has happened here. May I be filled with your certainty that I will return home and begin a new season in life, empowered to be Your light in the darkness.
In the name of Jesus and his kingdom,
Amen.

Sheep Don't Lead Sheep

In Ezekiel, chapter 34, God lays out a prophecy against the “Shepherds of Israel.” He’s not talking about those who are actual sheep herders, but the teachers and leaders of Israel; those who are called by him to lead and care for the people of the nation.

verse 2: “Thus says the Lord GOD: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep?

This is the accusation he brings among them:
“The weak you have not strengthened,
the sick you have not healed,
the injured you have not bound up,
the strayed you have not brought back,
the lost you have not sought,
and with force and harshness you have ruled them.”
(verse 4)

God then doesn’t give them a set of rules or instruction to correct their false behaviors. He steps forward and says, “No longer shall the shepherds feed themselves...I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declared the Lord GOD. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice.”
(verses 10, 15, 16)

This is a prophecy. It means that this is going to happen in the future. It’s not just a rebuke, it’s an event that’s going to take place and be fulfilled. God promises that he “will set up over (his people) one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd. And I, the LORD, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them. I am the LORD; I have spoken.”
(verses 23-24)

When Jesus walked the earth, he said that he was this servant; he was this one shepherd; he was this prince. In John chapter 10, verses 1-18, Jesus spells this out clearly. In verse 11 he specifically says, “I am the good shepherd.”
This prophecy in Ezekiel also has clear tones from Psalm 23. And Jesus himself said that he would seek the lost, bind up the injured and broken (Luke 19:10, Luke 4:18).

John chapter 10 has a famous verse that Christians love to quote: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Traditionally, we attribute that title of “thief” to Satan, but that’s not who Jesus is talking about. Jesus identifies leaders and teachers who do not shepherd the people faithfully as the ones who are thieves.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber.” (verse 1)

“Jesus again said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.’ (verses 7-8)

Jesus is clearly accusing the Pharisees and religious leaders of being thieves. John chapter 10 flows from a conversation he’s started with the Pharisees in chapter 9.

“Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, ‘Are we also blind?’ Jesus said to them, If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains. Truly, truly I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber.” (John 9:40-John 10:1)

There isn’t a break in his speech; he doesn’t change location. It’s clear, Jesus calls the Pharisees (and other oppressive teachers who came before them) thieves and robbers, because they do not shepherd the flock as God calls them. Just as God accused the leaders in Ezekiel’s day, Jesus accuses the Pharisees in his day of being wicked, greedy, neglecting justice and the love of God (Luke 11:37-52).

All of this reminds me today that even though I work at a church, preach on Sundays, lead Bible study groups, do counseling, officiate funerals, etc.,
I am not a leader, or teacher, or shepherd to be depended on or held in high esteem. Jesus is the one shepherd. Myself, and others who share the same calling as me, are sheep who have a certain responsibility among the rest of the sheep. There’s not a flock of sheep in the world that is led by one strong sheep or ram. Sheep flock to a shepherd, to someone who is not like them, beyond them in power and wisdom. The same is true for us, we need someone beyond us in power and wisdom to lead and shepherd us. There isn’t a single person in the world qualified to do that; unless a person could also be God, which is exactly who Jesus is.

Lord, please remind me of this always. May I see my life and calling accurately and humbly, so that I can focus on leading people to be led by you. In Jesus’ name.

A King and His Kingdom

Daniel 4:17
The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, the decision by the word of the holy ones, to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men.

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This is an announcement by an angel, given to Nebuchadnezzar in a dream. Daniel goes on to interpret this dream, saying that Nebuchadnezzar will be humbled to the point of having his mind changed to be like a wild animal's, even eating grass and living outdoors. The angel says that the point of this humiliation will be to show all the earth that God rules the earth, not Nebuchadnezzar, nor any other king.

The book of Daniel is a string of events to show the absolute power and sovereignty of God. Chapter 4 is actually written by Nebuchadnezzar himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit. It's a personal testimony to the level of control God actually has in the world.

I try to imagine this whole thing. Here's a king of a kingdom so powerful, it's still considered to be one of the most powerful to this day. A voice from heaven passes judgment on him and he is led out of his kingdom, living in the wild like an animal eating grass. He does this for so long that his hair and beard grow out to ZZ Top proportions, and then one day he is restored to himself in an instant. If that event doesn't lead anyone to fear God, I don't know what would. And at the end of it all, Nebuchadnezzar doesn't secretly hate God or hold a grudge against him (at least, it doesn't say). Instead, he says, "I praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble" (v.37).

All the events recorded in Daniel tell of two kingdoms: that of man, and God's. We are shown through multiple amazing events that God is able and powerful far beyond the greatest kingdom, and that he uses the humble to make this known. When Jesus came in ultimate humility (God, in human flesh), he instituted and inaugurated God's eternal kingdom. It's like a countdown. A king has been established, and he is on his way to put the world under this order, this kingdom. Which kingdom are you a part of? Because in the end, only one will stand, and you choose your allegiance in this lifetime.

Doubt

John 20: 8-9
Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.

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After Jesus telling his disciples on multiple occasions that he must be tortured, killed, buried and resurrected, they didn’t quite get it. They didn’t fully understand. Even after Jesus did rise from the grave, they weren’t camped outside of his grave, waiting expectantly to see their teacher conquer death. They didn’t believe. They didn’t understand.
And really, who can blame them?

There’s a problem that develops after you’ve been a follower of Jesus for a while. Call it pride, call it over-learning, call it whatever you want. At the bottom of it it’s the thoughts and feelings of, “I’ve heard this already,” or, “I learned this a long time ago,” or, “I can’t believe they acted that way,” or, “I can’t believe they didn’t have faith.” Somehow, we come to think if we were in the shoes of Peter or Thomas that we wouldn’t have acted like they did; we would have believed everything Jesus said without question. Somehow, we come to think that if we were in Judas’ shoes, there’s no way we would have betrayed Jesus.

But one of the points of fallen humanity, is that we’re all fallen. Some people look at the Jewish people throughout the Bible and say, “they are the most stiff-necked people on the planet,” but it doesn’t matter who God chose to be his people, anyone would have gone astray and disobeyed God. Also, really think about the resurrection. I mean, really think about it. Prior to Jesus’ resurrection there may have been instances where people consulted the dead through spiritual mediums, or famous stories of people being brought back to life; but when in history has someone ever claimed that they would be arrested, tortured, killed, buried, and then raised again after being dead for two nights? When has someone ever predicted their own resurrection from death? No single person on the planet could make that statement unless they were planning an elaborate false death plot; in which case they wouldn’t truly have been resurrected.

Resurrection from the dead is unheard of. It just doesn’t happen. But somehow, John believes it; even though he doesn’t yet understand that Scripture says Jesus will be raised from death, he believes that it’s happened. So even though he doesn’t quite grasp the concept, he believes. He hasn’t heard a sermon or convincing argument for it, he just believes. But it’s not blind faith. It isn’t believing “just because.” John believes based on who he’s seen and known Jesus to be. At this point, he’s unable to point to any scripture in the Old Testament that says the messiah will be resurrected; but he knows who the messiah is. He’s seen him do miraculous things. He’s heard him say amazing things. He’s had private, personal conversations with him. He’s left everything to follow him because he genuinely believed Jesus was the promised Christ. And now that he sees an empty tomb, where he knows Jesus was buried, he believes.

But I’ll bet that John also had doubt, even though he believed. It’s a funny thing, but faith and doubt exists in us at the same time, at any given time. The reason we only need a little bit of faith (like the size of a mustard seed), is because there is a very big God. If you have a lot of faith and a big God, you’ll see God do big things. But even if you have a little faith, you still have a big God, and you’ll still see God do big things. Everyone has doubt, and it’s okay. God is patient and merciful with doubt (rebellion is a different story). Even if you have doubts, take heart in the faith you do have.

Righteousness & The Poor

Jeremiah 22
13 "Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms by injustice, who makes his neighbor serve him for nothing and does not give him his wages,
14 who says, 'I will build myself a great house with spacious upper rooms,' who cuts out windows for it, paneling it with cedar and painting it with vermilion.
15 Do you think you are a king because you compete in cedar? Did not your father eat and drink and do justice and righteousness? Then it was well with him.
16 He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well. Is not this to know me? declares the LORD.
17 But you have eyes and heart only for your dishonest gain, for shedding innocent blood, and for practicing oppression and violence."

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Specifically, this is a message for Shallum, the son of king Josiah, who did evil in God's sight, not following the way of his father.
Basically, he accuses Shallum of being selfish and caring only for himself and his matters, when he is born to be a leader and a king. He has riches, yet he does not pay his workers properly. He builds and decorates his house with wealth, but he does not take care of the poor in the land.

His father, Josiah, on the other hand, was wealthy yet was fair to his workers and dealt righteously with the poor of the land. It says that Josiah ate and drank fine food, and then would also do justice and righteousness. And then God says, "Is not this what it means to know me?"

What a statement! We like to think that knowing God is about praying and going to church and reading the Bible (which are certainly necessary), but God makes multiple statements to say that acting in righteousness is what it means to truly know him.

Jesus himself said to his disciples, "You are my friends if you do what I command you." He says this as he teaches them to love one another just as he has loved them; that there is no greater love than someone laying down his life for his friends. He accuses the Pharisees of being righteous on the outside, but inside being full of hypocrisy and lawlessness (Matthew 23:28).

To know God is to live life with his heart. Knowing God is not simply a state of mind, it's action that proceeds from knowledge of him.

What strikes me time and time again is the connection between righteousness and caring for the poor (Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 15:9-11; 1 Samuel 2:8; Psalm 9:18; Psalm 12:5; Psalm 35:10; Psalm 40:17; Psalm 72:2-4; Psalm 112:9 [2 Corinthians 9:9 cites this verse]; Proverbs 31:9; Isaiah 11:4; Ezekiel 22:29; Amos 4:1; Amos 5:12).
Proverbs 29:7 says, "A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge."

We also tend to think that God judged Sodom because of sexual immorality, but Ezekiel 16:49 tells clearly what Sodom was guilty of: "Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy." God is clear that his righteousness is intertwined with caring for the poor and needy.

Not to say that other things aren't a part of God's righteousness. Also, not to say that we should only focus our church efforts on missions, outreach, and the poor; but we simply can't remove the poor from the equation. Also, to be clear, the opposite of upholding the cause of the poor is in verse 17 of Jeremiah 22; to have a life set "only for your dishonest gain, for shedding innocent blood, and for practicing oppression and violence."

I'll be honest, I'm not the model for upholding the cause of the poor. But it is something that has been growing in my heart. And I think that's the point. The only way to true righteousness is to have the heart of God, which no one has from birth. It requires God's Spirit to be in you, so your heart can be changed and awakened to his righteousness. If you claim to know God, this should be something within you; or you should at least be open to it.

So, my prayer is that God's people would be much more active in not just caring for the poor, but bringing them close to God. And it all starts with me. I can't just watch the church do it and applaud; I need to be in the game. And I feel the church (in the West) is beginning to realize this more and more, and they're beginning to act on it. I think the global church has this in mind, and it's awesome to see. It's such a bigger picture than I realize and it's an amazing thing to be a part of.

Jesus said that we would always have the poor (Matthew 26:11; also mentioned in Deuteronomy 15:11); so it's important to know that we can't eradicate poverty from earth. Only God's kingdom can make that a reality. And I want to be a part of that reality. But it can't be done apart from knowing God. There are so many organizations that are helping the poor; but the poor don't just need food, water, and shelter, they need God's kingdom. Let's be the people who play our part.

The Way, Truth, Life

In John 14, verse 6, Jesus says that he is "the way, the truth, and the life." It's a verse that's familiar to most Christians. It's also the trump card we often use to prove to non-believers that they need Jesus in their hearts or else they'll go to hell. But as I read the whole chapter, it becomes yet another reminder to me, and for every Christian, that it is unbiblical and unloving and unfair to drop John 14:6 on anyone as a trump card.

Jesus is talking here about ascending into heaven after he is crucified and resurrected. He's saying that where he's going, no one can follow him, not even his closest disciples. But where he's going, he's going to be preparing it to receive his followers; and they will know the way to where he's going. One of Jesus' disciples, Thomas, tells him that they don't know the way; "How can we know the way?" He asks.

Then Jesus answers, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." So Jesus is talking about something very specific here. He's saying there's a way to this place he's going to and preparing. And in essence he says that he himself is the way. It's not a path to be followed or a trail to be walked; it's him, it's Jesus.

He's talking about the way to God. He says that he and the Father are one. If you know Jesus, you know God the Father because they are both one. Then Thomas speaks up again, "Show us the Father, and it is enough for us." He's saying "(my own words) This is hard to understand. Just show us God, show us the Father, show us where he is and then we'll know the way; we'll know how to get there." Jesus reiterates that they have been seeing the Father all along because they have been with him for a long time now. Anyone who sees Jesus has also seen God.

Verses 11 and 12, I think, are key to understanding all of this. It helps to understand what we're actually supposed to do about all of this. Whenever we mention that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, we should always have verses 11 and 12 follow:

11 "Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.
12 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father."

Here's what it all means: Jesus is the way to God, because he is God. He was here on earth for a time, but had to go back to heaven. If he indeed is the way to God, but is no longer here, who will show others "the way?"

Since the disciples had been with Jesus, they knew him. Even if they didn't believe that he was God, he tells them to believe that statement based on all the things they had seen Jesus do (heal the sick, forgive sins, cleanse lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons, etc.). He then tells them to go out and do the same things he did. Why? Because some people will not believe in Jesus through words alone. Some people will only believe if they see the works of God happening in their midst.

The next time we are eager to tell someone that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. We should always be eager to pair that with showing them the works of God. If you have no evidence to show the work of God that you have seen with your own eyes, what right have you to tell anyone that Jesus is the only way to God?

I don't think this means you had to have seen anyone raised from the dead, or that you have to have been crippled but now can walk. But it does mean that you should be able to point others to a tangible example of the miraculous work of God in your life. Has he truly changed your life in a way that otherwise would have been impossible? Then tell people about that. Let's not be eager to just point to Jesus without being able to point back at ourselves saying, "here's the proof."

Samaria is in Kailua

This morning I was listening to my devotional reading as I was walking from the office to Starbucks. Since I was feeling pretty sleepy, I figured a nice walk would work well together with a hot latte. After crossing the street I saw one of the resident beggars, Michael, sitting on a bench and instantly knew I was going to have a short conversation with him. He stood up and walked with me for a bit talking about how he needed $1.89 to buy a huge bottle of water because he was thirsty and he’s living on $5 a day. I remembered a while back he told me he was getting a check every week, but he kept blowing it on booze and food. I asked him about the check and he said he doesn’t get it anymore because he’s gone to jail a few times since for trespassing on his sister’s house.

The only cash I had on me was $1 and I had planned on using it for coffee but gave it to Mike instead. The whole time I could smell weed on him. I assume that other people have also felt this way, but I wasn’t confident that the dollar was going to go to a bottle of water. The only thing that really pushed me over was the lostness and despair in his eyes. He seemed more lost than before.

I walked away and continued listening to my audio Bible and bought a latte with my debit card. I thought “Isn’t it funny that I would struggle to give a dollar to someone, but have no problem spending three bucks on myself?”

There was a long line, so the New Testament reading that played while I was waiting was John, chapter 4.

I was listening to how a Samarian woman at a well came to draw water and Jesus initiates a conversation with her. He tells her that anyone who comes to this well to drink water will eventually have to come back again, because they’ll get thirsty again. But if anyone drinks of the “living” water that he himself will give to people, they will never be thirsty again (vv.13-15). It just seemed a little too beyond coincidence that Michael had asked me for money to buy water and that he was so thirsty. He’s never asked me for money to buy water before. It’s always been for juice or soda or food. The best I could muster up was one dollar, and I had a hard time with that. Yet I totally missed an opportunity to speak about living water, just like Jesus had done.

Then as I was leaving Starbucks, I had to walk back to my office, so I would cross paths with him again if he was still there. “Good,” I thought, “If he’s still there I’ll totally do it. I have no idea what the first thing I’ll say is, but I’ll give it a shot.” And then I had this conflicting thought that I didn’t really want to do it. He already kinda knows me and knows that I work at the church and I’ve prayed with him once or twice before, but I still somehow felt uncomfortable talking to him about God. So I considered crossing the street so I could be on the opposite side of the crosswalk from where he originally was. Then I realized that Jesus could have gone around Samaria if he had wanted to. In fact, every other Jew made it a point to cross the Jordan River and walk north, then cross the river again when they made it near Galilee, just so they could avoid having to walk through Samaria and *heaven forbid* speak to any Samaritans.

As you can guess, by this point I’m feeling pretty bad about myself. I felt plain horrible to have considered avoiding Michael again so I wouldn’t have to talk about something weird like living water and Jesus. I decided to just go straight and if he’s there, he’s there. I was pretty convinced that the Lord wanted me to have this conversation with him. He wasn’t there. I assume he went to go buy water.

But I missed it. I missed an opportunity. Jesus also told the woman at the well that God’s worshipers must worship him “in spirit and truth” (vv.23-24). My actions this morning show me that I wasn’t willing to live in the Spirit, and I wasn’t willing to speak the truth. The Christian life goes far beyond believing in Jesus and having him in your heart and reading your Bible and praying before meals; there must be a physical element of truth in our faith. One of Jesus’ brothers, James, later wrote that “faith apart from (good) works is dead” (James 2:26).

Lord, please forgive me and grant me another opportunity to speak to Michael words of truth, but also to show him in a real way that I’m not just interested in preaching to him, but that I’m genuinely concerned for his well-being, and for him to know you. Please burn this into my heart so that I cannot resist but speak what you put on my lips. May I be a faithful servant whenever and wherever I am. Help me in this Lord and change me.