Tag: others

Nope. I’m Good.

Nope. I’m Good.

2 September 2020

John 8:31–41; Philippians 3:1–11

What are you relying on? This is a question that we each need to ask ourselves on a regular (if not daily) basis. It becomes easy to slip into relying on something without realizing it.

In industries such as manufacturing, timber, construction where safety is a big issue, it can be easy to fall into ease. As organizations create stronger safety programs and better safety equipment, workers can grow into a sense of comfort. Then they may overly rely on their safety equipment. Then they make mistakes that endanger themselves, others, and the successful completion of their jobs.

This can also be seen when people spend lots of money (often more than they make) to have a good life. This somewhat works when the economy is going well, but things happen, and economies weaken.

This can also be seen in politics, from local to international, as people make assumptions about their supporters or even their countries as they move around and make deals.

It is also seen in the church. While the apparent dominance of the Moral Majority of the 1980s–1990s indicated that the “church” was strong, it showed that the church had lost its way. The church relied on politics and power to make a difference, rather than the love and grace of Jesus. As the church becomes culturally sidelined, there is a growing awareness of not just the earthly power lost, but also the freedom gained and the power from on high that comes with it.

The Jews understood and venerated their ancestors, particularly Abraham and Israel. They venerated Moses as the Prophet of the Most High. They had the Law.

They had become reliant and comfortable. It seems strange for them to be comfortable with the Roman occupation. It was just the status quo, and no one wanted the boat to be rocked.

Then along comes Jesus to rock the boat, and all the complacency came to a head. For too long the Jews had taken their (very) special place for granted. It was time for them to wake up.

Part of Paul’s awakening was through this as well. While he still proudly proclaimed his Israelite heritage, he set it aside for the greater identity of being a follower of Jesus. While he didn’t toss his heritage out (for it gave him the framework to understand the work of Jesus), he recognized it for what it was…a foreshadow of what was to come…the Body of Christ.

※ Prayer ※

Jesus, may we be shaken daily by who you are so that we are never complacent. Amen.

※ Questions ※

1) Where is your life of faith too complacent?

2) Where do you see the life of the church too complacent?

3) Where else in life (outside of faith) are you seeing complacency?

2020-08-31
I Said, You Say

Exodus 4:10–17; Matthew 25:14–30

Moses is highly regarded in Jewish circles. As the bringer of the Law, his place in their history is unassailable. The first 5 books of the Bible also being attributed to him also helps.

Moses was (and is) viewed as the greatest prophet from a Jewish perspective. Yet, Moses was human. Moses did human things. Moses had human failings.

In today’s passage, we see that Moses really was trying to avoid his calling. Was he trying to avoid the Pharaoh? Maybe. Was he afraid? Probably. Was he “poor” of speech? Probably.

Moses pleads to escape God’s call on him. He didn’t want to be the one. “Please send someone else.”

How many times have you said that about helping others? How about speaking Christ into the lives of others? We often say to ourselves; God will send someone better than me.

God calls us for a time and place, and the call may change as the times and places change. Not only are there times we avoid the call, there are also times we hold onto a call whose time has passed.

There is something to notice. “Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses…” That is not the most comforting thing to hear. Making God angry is generally an unwise move.

Even though God is angry with Moses, God still condescends to him by assigning his brother Aaron as the mouthpiece. The co-mission goes forward.

Even Moses allowed his fear and apprehension to turn him from God’s mission. No one is immune to fear. We just have to find in our hearts the strength the trust God.

※ Prayer ※

Lord, help us to embrace the unique mission and ministry that you have given us. Amen

※ Questions ※

1) What is your current commission from God? If you are not aware of it, set aside some time today to prayerfully ask God what the commission is…and give God the space to answer it.

2) Why do you think that God allows Aaron to speak for Moses even though it was Moses’ commission?

3) Think about what you know about Moses. Put times in Moses’ life against each of the servants noted in the Parable of the Talents. Which life event of Moses to you apply to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd servant?

2020-08-30
Instigation

Jeremiah 15:10–14; Matthew 10:16–23; Matthew 12:46–50

Christmas is coming! All I want for Christmas is for 2020 to be over. How about you?

2020 may be the year of division. There is no question that the country is divided. While 2016 was certainly divisive, it is almost nothing to today. As much as many may blame the president, a political party other than theirs, any politician, the media, and whomever else they want to…the divisions all our rooted in our sin.

In many respects, this may be a blessing in disguise. For too many years, any form of conflict or disagreement has been shoved into the dark corners. It wasn’t that long ago that “safe places” were a thing. The beauty of these days is the reality that there is no “safe space” where we won’t hear something that conflicts with our beliefs.

How we disagree, however, is certainly an issue. Many church folks are no longer conversing on issues. They just attack and/or shut down. We have lost the ability to argue well and with love.

The church is in the middle of a very painful transformation. This isn’t just the incorporation of digital into its heart (rather than as a side project), it is the racial, political, health (COVID), and economic strain that is occurring throughout the world. These concerns are forcing the church to confront itself with the many things it has done and hasn’t done.

At this point in the church’s circle are prophetic voices of varying kinds. Many are not appreciated or even listened to (just like the Old Testament prophets).

Jeremiah was given a message by God. He mourns his birth as the people scorn and hate him even though he did nothing against them. He only spoke God’s words.

Jeremiah certainly was not popular. He was rightly regarded as a prophet. It was just that the words didn’t fit their desires.

This really hasn’t changed. Jesus’ warning to his disciples was straight forward. They weren’t going to be liked. Their choice to follow Jesus may cause them to lose family and friends.

Families divided because someone follows Jesus. What happens when families and other relationships are divided because they have different understandings of what it means to follow Jesus? That’s the question for this age.

It used to be one or two issues that divided the church. Now, there are many. Perhaps it is the language we use when we disagree. Perhaps our language is too rigid. Perhaps our hearts are too hard.

Jesus formed a new family that transcended the earthly bonds. In Jesus’ day, it was the blood of the family. After his resurrection, it was the division that separated Jew from Gentile. Today it is politics, race, abortion, the military, the appropriate place of patriotism, protest, COVID, healthcare, the environment, and so many other issues.

“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” The will of the Father? Love the Lord your God with all your body, soul, mind, and strength; love your neighbor as yourself.

※Prayer※

Heavenly Father, help us do your will that we would be fully functioning members of your family. Amen.

1) How are you doing talking to others on issues with which you disagree? Do you filter your values through the will of the Father?

2) What forms do prophetic voices take today? Is there any particular form you would automatically ignore?

3) What are the current issues that prophetic voices are discussion that make you uncomfortable? Why does that make you uncomfortable?

2020-08-28
It’s All About…

Psalm 5; 2 Corinthians 10:7–18; James 1:22–27

In this internet age, getting oneself out in front of potential employers has become a big issue. Whether it is the applicant or the HR Manager, differentiating is an issue.

Out of this has come the concept of a “personal brand”. In many regards, it often seems that personal branding is all about boasting and shining the spotlight on oneself. There is training for one’s “personal brand”.

Boasting isn’t all bad. By definition, boast means to have a strong affirming opinion of or confidence in a person. In black and white, that looks like a very positive. Already, we can see an issue.

The definition of boasting is not often the one we use. Our general definition (though the context may change that) is that it is groundless or overly inflated opinion of another, but usually oneself.

The Hebrew actually goes along well with the “official” definition. Often, such as in Psalm 5, it is translated as exult or praise and with God usually being the subject of it. That is very reasonable.

Even in the Greek, the issue is the same. What we miss through the written word is the modifier: empty, shallow, false, or something else. We will imply or infer when we hear or speak of “boasting”, but we often mislead others when we rely on inference or implication.

When Paul is talking about boast, the context is crucial to understanding what he means. It is also incredibly important that we see the “emptiness” that Paul is referring to. The false measurement that the nameless are comparing themselves to is…themselves.

Or, if we take James’ words into account, people who forget who they really are and then measure themselves by a false image.

Boasting, as said earlier, isn’t necessarily bad. It is groundless boasting that is the issue. People can boast for others (think of a job or personal references). However, the danger in boasting is the foundation upon which it is based.

When Paul talks about boasting in the Lord, that’s a pretty safe foundation. Yet, when Paul talks about it, it is more along the lines of “look what God did” rather than “look at what God did through me.” Still, either one is better than “look how well I did.”

※Prayer※

Lord, let our hearts be humble towards others and you. Amen.

※Questions※

1) Is there a difference between bragging and boasting?

2) How does the mirror concept of James help understand the concept that Paul is trying to convey?

3) Taking the opening definition of boasting and comparing it to our “street” understanding of it, what other words can you think of that have something similar? How might they affect how you read Scripture?

2020-08-26
Flying Free?

Isaiah 28:14–22; Luke 4:14–21

“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover the prisoner was you.”

― Corrie ten Boom

What does it mean to be a captive? What does it mean to be free?

In the ongoing COVID season this isn’t quite straightforward. Many people feel captive in their homes (voluntary or not) and captive to government. In response, many are proclaiming their freedom (in the US, at least) and acting out some sort of resistance.

One of the things though about both captivity and freedom is that often what is captivity to one is freedom to another. Take the opening quote from Corrie ten Boom. Certain people live their life believe that they are free to hate. Others feel free after they have relieved the hate.

Which person is correct? Both versions are correct…from a certain point of view.

Take the inhabitants of Jerusalem. They felt themselves to be free after they had, effectively, made an agreement (so-to-speak) with the god Mot, the Canaanite god of death. What is particularly interesting is that Mot was the adversary of Baal, the Canaanite god of life and fertility.

Baal had long been a god the Israelites then the Jews kept returning to in lieu of God. That in the face of the pending Assyrian regional dominance they chose the antithesis of Baal is truly strange. However, being allied with the god of death was thought to be a shield from surrounding enemies.

The Jews seemed to view God as their captor. They chose the “freedom” of other gods. As they learned to their dismay, God freed them from…his protection. They learned that the freedom they longed for was actually the chains of captivity.

Without question, in the middle of these verses from Isaiah the tested stone, precious cornerstone, sure foundation is Jesus, at least from a Christ-centered point of view. Jesus is the sure foundation.

While the Jews are making their alliance with death, God is setting the groundwork for True life…the Messiah.

When we read the Gospels, we often infer that Jesus is setting all the Jews free from religious trappings and false teachings. He is. However, we should primarily be looking at ourselves to see what Jesus wants to free us from.

We each have burdens we bear. We each have scars that we have hidden (some well, some not). We also have many things that we believe are freeing but have really become burdens and chains. The problem often is that we view so much from the human perspective, and not God’s.

It’s not that we are God. We do have the Scriptures to guide us. As we hear the word freedom, let us recall that what we view as right or as a right may not be what God seeks for or from us. It may lead us away from God and into chains.

※Prayer※

Lord, open our eyes to your freedom. Amen.

※Questions※

1) What is a freedom you appreciate? How could it also be a chain of captivity?

2) What is a cornerstone? How does that apply to Jesus?

2020-08-25
Indulge Me

Matthew 23:23–36

Narcissus was a hunter in Greek mythology. He was the most beautiful person. He was so dissatisfied with those who claimed they loved him that he expected them to kill themselves to prove their love of him. It wasn’t until he passed a smooth pool of water and saw his own reflection that he fell in love. Ultimately, he was so in love with his own reflection that he didn’t leave the pool and died.

The term narcissism obviously comes from this story. Narcissism is a personality disorder (according to the “official” diagnosis) where a person has an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships, and a lack of empathy for others.

Only troubled relationships cannot be (fully) concluded from our understanding of the scribes, Sadducees, and Pharisees. As we look at the list of issues that are symptomatic of narcissism, we can see echoes of them in these verses. Yet, while it really would be hard to accuse them of having traits to the depth necessary to be narcissistic, they definitely had issues.

We all have issues. Any of these should be an issue for a Christian as they are not in line with a Christian walk. One of the other issues that isn’t covered under the list of narcissism is self-indulgence. This may be the razor’s edge of many decisions.

Self-indulgence can take many forms. Currently, though, it seems to take more the form of self-righteousness. Of course, it really is hard to define self-righteousness, as we are all self-righteous to a degree.

How does one then evaluate an action through the lens of self-righteousness? One must look outside oneself. What is the litmus test being used?

That should be the question we ask ourselves as we move through these troubled times.

※Prayer※

Lord Jesus, help us to look to you to define and guide our actions that we bring honor and glory to you. Amen.

※Questions※

1) What is the litmus test for what makes an action or thought self-righteous or not? How about self-indulgence?

2) What might be the best way to work through self-righteous and self-indulgent actions and thoughts with fellow Christians?

2020-08-24
Substantial Character

Daniel 6:1–24; Philippians 2:3–16

Adventure! Drama! Let’s see the big scene!

Daniel and the Lion’s Den is a dramatic story. No question about that. It’s a great one for kids.

Daniel, himself, is a great character. Daniel has great character. If you read the story carefully, you’ll notice something interesting. Daniel only has spoken words at the end when he assures Darius that all is well.

This also speaks to Daniel’s character. As much as the Book of Daniel is Daniel’s story, the Book of Daniel is about God’s plan and redemptive action regarding the people of Judah in their time of exile.

Daniel (along with others) was called to work for the kingdom they were in (for the Generations community, that was the topic of the last two sermons). He was called to work for the benefit of the kingdom. He was not called to gain power.

※ Why do we often think we must have “power” to change things or make things better? ※

Daniel did gain power. However, he did not act as if it was his to do with as he pleased. This contrasts with the two other administrators and all the satraps.* who sought greater power and control of their own. As Daniel was successful as a leader for the empire, pursuing their own success and power was then not working for the empire.

As we watch the unfolding of political events around the world (not just the US), all too often people use the emotions of others to draw people it…to gain power and influence. Most of the bureaucrats that are often maligned are putting aside their gain to their best (as they understand it) for their nation.

Does that mean there aren’t any “bad actors”? Of course not! It does mean there are likely as many “bad actors” as there are anywhere else, or as few. Yet, a cabal like the one portrayed here is really beyond the US system (despite the conspiracy theories, yes, I’m stepping in a minefield).

However, culturally, it was normal. In fact, there are still examples of it today throughout the world. Thus, the best witness that Daniel could be (the one he was called to) was to serve God well through the place and time he was.

※What is the witness of this time and place for you? ※

Daniel truly embodies the Christ-like characteristics of unselfish ambition looking to the benefits of Darius and the Median empire. His character was so resolute that even his adversaries recognized it.

Daniel became a true and devout servant of the empire, even going so far as to submit to being setup. Daniel maintained his integrity and his faithful witness, despite the efforts of those around him.

While perhaps only for a brief time, Darius honored Daniel’s faith and the God Daniel served. All this building up to even a greater witness.

Imagine that. Being quiet, gentle, unassuming, and working for the benefit of others was Daniel’s greatest witness.

These same characteristics apply to Jesus. As Paul noted, Jesus set aside being God to serve the created. While not literally exiled from Heaven (unlike others), Jesus was in exile. Jesus was now in one heart with the created.

Jesus surrendered in grace and mercy to a system and peoples (Jews and Romans) that unjustly crucified him. Jesus did it for all people. He was looking out for everyone else’s interests.

※What does Paul’s ending words in this passage tell you about Paul’s heart? ※

※Prayer※

Holy Spirit, shape and mold us to be humble people that seek the welfare of others so that we are a faithful witness of your work in our lives. Amen.

* not including Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, more commonly called Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

2020-08-22
Beach Party!

1 Corinthians 11:20–29; John 21:1–13

Have you ever been to a beach party? I have…once. It was a surreal yet enjoyable experience. I was the 3rd wheel. We had a huge pallet bonfire and roasted hot dogs. Even as the outcast that I normally am (or perceive myself to be), I felt included. These weren’t really my friends, but for a time, we enjoyed each other’s company.

Over the last two days, we’ve talked about God’s feast. The first day (Matthew 22:1–14) was the fierceness of the king when the feast was disregarded as not being as worthwhile as the things of the mundane. The king was so insulted by those that were first invited that he started a new list…everybody else.

There is one last thing to say about that feast. It’s not as if the doors were closed to those that were first invited. They chose a different path. At no point was their invite rescinded. It was, and remains, open.

Yesterday, we talked (John 6:53–58) about the strangeness of the words used, “flesh” and “blood”. It might seem unwise to emphasize the weirdness of it. However, that is one of those “things” we do as Christians we need to see through non-Christian eyes.

Over the years there have been many movements that call Communion a “memorial”. Personally, I cannot fathom it being only a memorial. Yesterday’s devotion probably provides an idea as to why this is my perspective. One of the other reasons I struggle with the “memorial” view are the words of Paul that we read today.

We have many memorials, and many of them are very serious and deep. There are memorials for those who have given their lives for others. On the other hand, through a history of disconnection (deliberate and incidental) far too many think of an extra day off.

There are plenty of people who take Communion who view it as a thing that is done and miss the depth of what they do, what they a part of, and who they are dismissing. Yet, while that is critically important, there is something that is equally important. It is the love that draws us to the feast.

Whether Peter had ever had a beach party before is questionable, as the beach was the start and end of his work as a fisherman. Work parties always seem to be an oxymoron. It was also the place that Peter and a number of the other disciples were most familiar with, and the old familiar work probably helped their hearts.

And Jesus shows up. Not in a great crowd, but simply giving direction, and the building a simple fire to cook the fish and make some bread. It’s no beach party, but its very simplicity would help men that were still “simple” feel at ease.

Jesus welcomed them to his table. Jesus was the host. Yes, it was on a beach. It wasn’t fancy. It was love.

※Prayer※

Thank you, Jesus. Through you, we have True life. Thank you for your regular reminder of your love through Communion, and the family that you have gathered us into. Amen.

※Questions※

1) If you could have Jesus show up, what would you do together?

2) Why might it be significant what Jesus was doing on the beach?

3) How does one balance the fierceness and honor of the king’s banquet, to the simplicity of a beach grilling?

2020-08-22
Join the Feast

Matthew 22:1–14

When you were a child, perhaps one of your favorite times was when you were invited to a birthday party. For some, an invitation was proof that they were actually “seen”. Even if that person was thought to be a friend, it was a surety that the friendship was true. If your parent(s) said you couldn’t go, oh, the drama!

As a ruler and public person, culturally, the king would be expected to have a (semi-)public feast, where at least the connected or (at least of) the correct blood would be invited. Also, the cultural expectation would be—barring something truly serious (illness and death being about it)—to accept the invitation and attend.

So, the same people were invited again. Those that went on to their mundane (i.e., not culturally serious enough to not attend) tasks insulted the king in one way. By abusing and even killing the king’s servants, the others found a different way to insult the king. Servants were often the “carriers” of the king’s will, so killing them would be similar to declaring war.

Which helps explain the next part. The king declares war. Some sort of retribution to salvage his honor would be required. Add to that the killing of his representatives…nothing good would come of it. Jesus’ listeners would understand.

Those originally invited were, to the hearers and our understanding, the Jews (who were the remnant of Israel). So, why waste the feast? It would be shameful to have an empty feast. So, all the unconnected and non-blood were invited. For those keeping track, this would be the Gentiles (most of us).

It is here that there is another unexpected twist. Culturally, everyone would be expected to show up dressed appropriately. This is not the tuxedo or suit, but a more common, yet special, overwear that displayed that one was honoring the host.^*

The man dishonored the king. The king had had enough dishonoring, but at least he only tossed the guy out. The commonness of the “overwear” means that this was a deliberate choice. That shows it was more than being poor. It was something more.

Jesus’ concluding statement, though, tells us something far more. All too often, people believe they are called to God (they are). However, they allow the things of the world to be a priority over God. Others think that God’s magnanimousness is carte blanche to do whatever, as long as they “just” show up.

While the Jews, at the time, were accused of caring more for the world (and the forefathers) more than God (and God’s prophets), others (in general, could be Samaritans or Romans or other Gentiles) were also being accused of wanting the spoils without even showing the slightest care for the one who gave them.

Truly, these accusations can be justly put at the feet of all of us at some point in our lives. There is an ebb and flow to each. Yet, the Lord of the Banquet calls us to the Love Feast, and we have to be at least somewhat prepared.

※Prayer※

Lord of the Feast, help us prepare the ways of heart so that we come to the table hungry for you. Amen.

※Questions※

1) Can you think of a time when some wore inappropriate attire to a gathering? What was the gathering? What made it inappropriate?

2) Have you ever made an excuse to not attend a function that you were otherwise perfectly able to attend? Why? What did it gain you not to attend?

3) While it appears the king had an open door invite to the feast, that really wasn’t so. What kind of other situations have you experienced like that?

^*This is more of a guess than anything. Several commentators leave it as a mystery, yet as we look to the Scriptures for clues, we see garments of white with the implication of them being over the stained (representing sin) clothes that we wear. Hence, my conclusion.

2020-08-19
Internal Sweep

Judges 17:1–13; 1 Samuel 8:1–9; Ezekiel 14:1–11

Judges 17:6 sums up the problem, “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did whatever seemed right to him.”

Not that long ago, the US would use the term “wild west.” Depending on the historian, the “wild west” lasted around 10-40 years. On the other hand, what was going on in Israel was over hundreds of years. Many generations learned to do things their way, and not God’s.

Samuel was, in most respects, the last judge. Samuel may have been one of the few judges that lamented and was angry over the choice of the Israelites to have a king. While God understood that they were rejecting God as king, at the same time the Israelites seemed to recognize the pattern of the judges wasn’t working for them either.

Despite all the burdens that having a king would bring, they perceived an advantage…stability. A human king and the succession would seem to provide a greater stability than the judge system. They weren’t wrong, but they were focusing on the wrong thing.

Even while complaining about Samuel’s sons doing their own thing, they were seeking their own thing. They could not see that their actions were the same.

Much later, after all of that, the kings of Israel and Judah (the tribes had separated by the time of Ezekiel) had done far worse than the time of judges. In addition, they took the people with them on their journey away from God.

Ezekiel was just before the total fall of Israel and its subsequent disappearance from history.* Despite his words, and the words of others before and alongside him, the leaders (let alone the people) did not listen to the words from God.

They chose to continue to go their own way. And yet, they approached Ezekiel to get something from God. God was pretty clear. They were estranged from God because of their idols.

All the bad stuff that was coming would go away with repentant hearts that were determined not to repent.

The question for us is are we like the mother who made an idol of silver coins, or are we the elders who despised her and yet put idols up in their hearts? There are far too many things that can become idols. In fact, in this unsettled time, it seems that there are even more idols today then there were last year.

Who of us will acknowledge our idol worship? That’s an extremely hard question to deal with. We often use the phrasing of an idol being something that you put before God, but that may actually be too narrow of a focus.

Many of us don’t believe we put something before God in our lives, yet most of us do something that we put before God. What your idol may be could very well be different than another person’s. That is also what makes it hard.

Only by have a deep abiding relationship with God, and pursuing it, do we begin to see the idols that we have.

※Prayer※

Lord, you told about graven images and idols of the heart. Help us to break those idols so that our relationship with you is pure. Amen.

※Questions※

1) By changing the focus of what might be an idol, what thing or activity comes to mind?

2) What do you think are the primary root issues that people “put up” idols?

3) Do you think unsettled times or easy times “create” more idols?

*The Kingdom of Israel, or the Northern Kingdom consisted of 9 of the 12 tribes (the Levite tribe isn’t counted in either Northern or Southern Kingdoms). The Kingdom of Judah, or the Southern Kingdom, was primary of Judah, but also included the remnants of Simeon and Benjamin (Paul was of Benjamin lineage). The Levites were mixed into both kingdoms, and it gets hard to neatly define how many tribes and of how much were in each kingdom.

2020-08-16