Tag: perspective

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 At no point was their invite rescinded.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
Speed Check

Isaiah 56:1–8; Ezekiel 2:1–10

When you’re driving, do you continue to check your speed? What do you do when you check a speed limit sign?

A speed limit sign cannot make you stop speeding. A speed limit sign cannot make you speed up. A speed limit sign can only tell what the authorities have set as the maximum speed for the area.

The law enforcement agency in charge of that area may have some grace about being a little over. If a lot of people are going over, they might let it go. If a person is weaving in and out of traffic and going over the speed limit, they may likely end up with a citation.

While the Scriptures are the word of God, they are also similar to speed limit signs. There is guidance and wisdom in the Scriptures. There are many warnings. People can (and do) choose to do their own thing.

God is not looking for rote obedience, obedience for obedience’s sake, or obedience for a reward. God desires obedience out of love.

Take the eunuchs. In Deuteronomy 23:1, eunuchs were banned from joining the assembly of God. That doesn’t mean that they could not (or did) not worship God, but that they could not participate in any Temple aspect, including the sacrificial offerings.

At the time, this was likely a response to the cultures (such as Egypt) that had eunuchs as ministers and in charge of harems. This would further separate the Israelites from other peoples.

By the time of Isaiah, things hadn’t really changed in the surrounding cultures. Also, people would often seek power and influence or were sent (e.g., political hostages) to foreign powers and were made eunuchs. Isaiah overthrows the concept of Deuteronomy, insofar as relationship with God is primary.

In Jewish tradition, Isaiah is sometimes elevated over Moses and Isaiah (according to Jewish tradition) reduced the 10 Commandments to 2, justice and mercy. A faithful eunuch who pursued justice and mercy would give true life to others. The ability to produce children was outweighed by a faithful heart.

The eunuchs, then, were those who saw the speed limit signs and obeyed, rather than those that Ezekiel (and Isaiah) spoke of/to that disregarded the ways of God.

This is, in some small way, a foreshadow of the Gentiles. The Gentiles could not add to the tribe of Israel (for they weren’t of the blood). However, they could add to the Kingdom of God by living for God.

※Prayer※

Holy Spirit, guide us into all Truth. Especially guide and guard us in regard to justice and mercy. Amen.

※Questions※

1) Take any issue (not a person or political party) right now. What would be just and merciful in that situation? If there is more than one side to that issue, what would be just and merciful all sides?

2) Taking that same issue, trying (and it’s hard) to look at it from God’s perspective, what might God’s idea of justice and mercy be? Which “side” of the above does that match? Which “side” are you on?

3) Why is the concept of giving Godly/spiritual life—rather than biological life—rated so important?

2020-08-15
Even to…

Acts 11:1–18; Galatians 3:27–29

Depending on the translation, Acts 11:18 is phrased something akin to, “even the Gentiles got the gift.” It’s not exactly the most positive response. It shows us that at the beginning of the church the new reality of a faith that transcended Gentile and Jew still had to be learned.

We are still confronting this today. As of right now, the current cultural memes of concern are women and minorities (specifically, African-Americans). While there are understandable scriptural interpretations in other denominations and traditions not allowing women as leaders in the church, it often has gone hand-in-hand with demeaning women.

Even in the Church of the Nazarene (the denominational perspective from which I attempt to write), there has been the theological acceptance of women as leaders, but the cultural acceptance of such has been a significant issue.

While the Church of the Nazarene has been effective in other nations and cultures, within the confines of the US, the denomination has been predominately white. Both situations leave the Church of the Nazarene in conflict with itself.

The blessing of the cultural memes that have been disrupting our society is that the Church of the Nazarene just might be confronting the incongruities with a plan to fix it. Just as in society-at-large, the fix will be slow and hard.

The denomination is trying to fully live out what it does believe but has been mired in the culture from which it came.

What does this have to do with, “even them”? One of the founding churches of the Church of the Nazarene (it was a number of churches that decided to band together) was in the “skid row” area of Los Angeles. Alcoholism, drunkenness, prostitution all had a prominent and visible place there.

“The least, the last, the lost” were those served by that church, and who the church sought to bring into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

This comes from the older “Wesleyan” tradition, where John Wesley preached outdoors to the miners who were often banned from church as the coal dust would follow them. They were a new kind of “unclean.”

Even they were called into relationship with Jesus Christ. Even to them was the Gospel message sent.

“Even” sounds so belittling, yet we use similar language and constructs when we talk about “Democrats” or “Republicans” or “Trump-ers” or “Never Trump-ers” or immigrants (documented or not) or Muslims or Hindus or…you name them.

Why do we try to limit the Gospel? What is it we hope to achieve?

We often think we don’t limit the gospel, but what about that different person who walks through the door at church (if you’re worshiping there)? How about that person walking down the street talking to themselves?

To even them…

※Prayer※

Jesus, thank you for your Gospel. Holy Spirit, guide to those you have for us to share the message of Jesus with. Amen.

※Questions※

1) Can you think of a people group that you are inclined to think of as “even them”? Why do think that is?

2) Why do we often think in terms of us and them?

2020-08-12
Clothed in Rags

Psalm 94; Luke 6:27–36; 1 Corinthians 4:9–13

Bless your enemies. Except “bless” means something more than just be nice or even help them. “Bless” means to ask for God’s divine favor to come on them.

We all want blessings, but we are being called to ask for God’s blessings for those who make our lives difficult, miserable, or (in some extreme cases) seek to kill us. This is a high bar of expectation. It’s a hard high bar of expectation.

In many respects, this may be the hardest teaching of Jesus. To assuage our own feelings of anger, betrayal, and trespass, we want vengeance! We want victory! We want justice!

“For [the Most High] is gracious to the ungrateful and evil.” (Luke 5:35)

“That is foolish,” proclaims the world. The world is right, from the world’s perspective. From God’s perspective, however, foolish is following the world.

Paul declared himself a disgraced spectacle that the world spat upon. Yet, Paul was determined to carry on. He chose a path to bless others and to be gracious to others.

This world could use a lot more of this, don’t you think?

However, the problem is that we want others to do it first. This isn’t the path that Jesus set out.

The world has taught us that a win-win scenario is false. Or to put it another way, that life is a zero-sum game. The world is correct. It is their math that this the problem.

The world’s math does not include God. The world’s math does not include Jesus (unless he can be used to make money). The world’s math is incapable of including the Holy Spirit.

So, why, as believers…as children of God…do we assume the world’s math is correct?

Yet, we do. We say #itrustGod and live as if the world’s math is correct.

What has also become increasingly clear is that the church has long been dressed-up in the world. Now the world is handing us filthy rags to wear, and we are offended. We took the nice clothes from the world already, if the world is done with us, why would they want to give us nice things?

So, what are we to do with the rags of the world? Realize they are the rags of a world that is passing away. We still have our “clothing of white”. Even in its “not yet” state (i.e., we don’t have it yet), it is still better than the finest clothes of the world.

※Prayer※

Father God, help us to look at the world as you do…a place that is passing away. Help us recall where we are called to live eternally and to look at the world through your eternal eyes. Amen.

※Questions※

1) What is something that you need to surrender to the world?

2) What is something that you need to surrender to God?

3) How are these two things the opposite side of the same coin?

2020-08-08
Cause and Effect

1 Kings 16:29–33; 1 Kings 17:1–5; 1 Kings 18:10–18

Ahab blamed Elijah for the ongoing drought in Israel. Or, at least he could blame Elijah for the drought.

Ahab knew that Elijah had declared that no rain would fall on Israel. Sounds like a pretty good reason to blame Elijah. Except, the real reason was Ahab.

He had gotten to a point where whatever he wanted was reasonable, even if it was unreasonable from anyone else’s perspective. His wife, Jezebel, encouraged and enabled such behavior. Between the two of them, Israel was in a bad situation.

Ahab had the dubious distinction of being the worst king so far in not following God. Depending on how you read it, either Ahab was worse than any of the kings before him or was worse than all of them combined.

From our perspective of Jesus as the Living Water, the drought can be a symbol of life without God. It certainly fits the narrative. Israel was without God, and Ahab can be symbolic of Israel.

It is often important to look beyond the surface story and see the deeper meaning. For example, Ahab was blaming Elijah for “holding back” the blessing of water. Yet, the blessings were withdrawn as a result of behavior.

The goal wasn’t punishment, but repentance and reconciliation. Ahab looked at it as someone else’s fault, and couldn’t see anything but someone else.

※Prayer※

Father, help us to see your love even when we struggle. Amen.

※Questions※

1) How do you recognize something as your fault? How about responsibility?

2) What is the difference between fault and responsibility?

3) What is the difference between a spiritual drought and a spiritual wilderness? How can you tell the difference?

2020-08-06
Summary Path

Malachi 4:5–6; Matthew 17:10–13; John 1:19–28

Jesus said that John was Elijah. John said he wasn’t Elijah. Who was right?

The question is, who is Elijah? The other question is, who’s asking?

First of all, let’s talk about Malachi’s words. Malachi prophesied that Elijah would come back to Judah heralding a massive change. Malachi spoke to the Jews post-exile.

Despite the restoration of the temple, the people were overcome with despair and ennui. God didn’t meet their expectation of restoring everything to the way they perceived it having been before (even if its perfection was figurative). They were walking on the downward slope away from God, again.

Malachi didn’t let them off the hook. God was coming, in God’s timing. People would come to God, or they wouldn’t, but something momentous would happen. The Day of the Lord was often synonymous with the end of the world. It was also used to indicate a God-driven cataclysmic change.

Malachi’s words had transformed as the precursor to the Messiah. Elijah would come before the Messiah. This not a literal thing, as reincarnation was not part of Jewish thought. This “Elijah” would be “in the spirit of Elijah” meaning a prophet of God, but with a particular focus on restoring the relationship between the people and God.

So, why did John deny being Elijah? Probably because he didn’t see himself that way. The problem with being compared to a legendary figure is that you know you’re not the legendary figure. There was a lot of weight and expectation, and John probably didn’t want to bear that burden.

Also, as there was so much build-up regarding the Messiah, there was likely just as much build-up around Elijah, and much of it was probably wrong. Why would John want to be a part of that?

There is also the last part of it, which is who Elijah was really couldn’t be evaluated until the Messiah completed the return. John was dead before the fulfillment, and without himself seeing the fulfillment, he certainly would have questioned being “Elijah”.

Jesus, on the other hand, knew what was coming, and knew what had gone before. He had the perspective to be able to call John “Elijah”. In the spirit of Elijah, the Messiah (Jesus) did indeed reset the Day of the Lord. It was only through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus that John could fully be called “Elijah.”

Often, our own perspective of our lives is twisted and/or minimized, for we (like John) cannot really see what came before and what will come after. We do not know the hearts we’ve changed, the paths we’ve diverted. Only at the end will God let us see it all from an eternal perspective.

That we are faithful to God. That we pursue God. That we follow God. That we try to help others follow God. This is what God will let us see at the end. For now, we can only put one step in front of the other.

※Prayer※

Father God, help us to accept that we cannot see the eternal effect of our lives. Lord Jesus, help us to follow you that the eternal effect brings you glory. Holy Spirit, guard and strengthen our hearts for those times when we are discouraged because we don’t see that we’ve made a difference. Amen.

※Questions※

1) There are 2 kinds of eulogies. One that is written by the deceased for reading at the funeral, and the ones that are written in the hearts of others. Which one matters most? In what ways does the eulogy matter for both?

2) What concepts and feelings come to mind when you hear the phrase, “The Day of the Lord”? Why might that be?

2020-08-03
Washing Branches

John 13:1–11; John 15:1–10

Just in case you didn’t catch it before, John 13–17 is all during the Last Supper. It certainly does beat Moses’ Book of Deuteronomy in length. These chapters do, however, give us a deep insight into Jesus as his final hours are approaching (The Jewish day started at Sunset, so the “day” of the Last Supper was the “day” of Crucifixion).

The washing of the feet has long been a symbol of Jesus’ humility (which it was), intimacy, and vulnerability. He put aside his seniority to serve his disciples. Yet, this emphasis also misses other important pieces of the story.

Feet were dirty (no closed shoes, no socks, no pavement). They were the most visibly dirty part of the human body. Dirty feet could well imply status in society.

Therefore, when Jesus washes their feet and says that they are entirely clean (which we all know that isn’t the case), there is something else going on. A tidbit might be “The Way”. A person “walks” in the light. If one walks in the light, one walks on dirty ground (i.e., the world). One will again need to be clean.

The parable of the vine, interestingly, provides a different point of view. Almost tossed into this little parable is the declaration, “…you are already clean…” They are already clean, and yet they need to stay connected to the true vine…Jesus.

In both cases, they are clean from a ritualistic standpoint (important from a Jewish perspective) and still continue to need refreshment. Whether the refreshment is regularly having the dirt of the world washed off or gaining the nutrients and nourishment from the true vine, Jesus is the source.

Whether it is the feet being cleaned, or the branches being nourished, it is Jesus doing it.

Confession (washing) is essential. Absolution (declaration of being clean) is done by Jesus. The entirety of the process, however, is in Jesus’ will and command.

While we can do our faithful best to produce fruit, we can only be open to receiving the nutrients of Jesus.

※Prayer※

Lord Jesus, help us to view you to be, believe you to be, and act as if you really are the Lord of our lives. Amen.

※Questions※

1) What are you doing regularly to be washed?

2) What do you think would be nourishment?

3) In what way(s) is it important that we are declared clean, and yet still require regular washing? How does that apply to nourishment?

2020-07-27
Here’s Looking At…

Matthew 27:1–11; John 21:12–23

What’s that to me?

Sounds like you have a problem.

These and similar phrases/questions are quite prevalent in our society. The first issue that they shine a light on is pride. This may not only be the pride of the responder, but it may also be the pride of the asker.

In Judah’s case, there was definitely a desire to restore some pride. He was ashamed of what he’d done, although it might be more accurate to say that he regretted what was happening to Jesus.

Had the priests willingly taken the silver, would that really have absolved Judas of his guilt? No. Would it have made him feel better? A little perhaps. The result of Judas’ betrayal, however, was going to happen.

The priests’ response, however, is even more to the point. What did this problem of Judas have to do with them? They really had to ask?

Yes, Judas came to them to offer up Jesus. From their perspective, it seems, this absolved them of any crimes. In our day, that would still fall under a conspiracy to commit murder.

The Scriptures are full of references of the leaders “looking for” ways to “take care” of Jesus. While Judas was the easy route, it still seems clear that the leaders were going to have their way. In other words, they were still guilty.

What did Judas’ guilt over the silver and betrayal have to with the leaders? Nothing, and yet everything!

When Peter asks the resurrected Jesus, what about him (John)? Like many of us, he looked around and saw someone not “experiencing” the same thing, and went, what about him?

Jesus roundaboutly tells Peter that it is not his concern. Peter was just asked some heart wrenching questions (long explanation about the Greek). His anguish was probably still pretty strong.

Jesus, however, was telling Peter to focus on the right thing. In other words, Jesus’ response was, “you’re looking at the wrong person, Peter. Keep looking at (following) me.”

When we look to Jesus, a lot the “what about” questions go away, or at least they should. We are all working on that. We all still have a lot of those questions, so let’s look to Jesus.

Judas was looking to Jesus as Jesus, but something (or someone) Jesus wasn’t. Judas’ plans for Jesus weren’t Jesus’ plans for Jesus. There are still people like that.

We know the priests didn’t look to Jesus. They wanted to be rid of him. There are people like that.

Peter looked to Jesus, but he got distracted a lot. There are people like that.

※Prayer※

Holy Spirit, guide our hearts to keep looking to Jesus. Prompt us to reset ourselves, daily, hourly, minute-by-minute to look to Jesus. Amen.

※Questions※

1) Have you ever asked, “what about me?” How about, “what have you done for me lately?”

2) If you haven’t (see question 1), have you done or thought something that could be similar?

3) How does pride affect how, when, and why people look at Jesus?

2020-07-23
Storied Reflections

Jeremiah 2:1–13; Matthew 9:35–38; John 7:37–39

Jerusalem was heading at full speed away from God and toward destruction. In many respects, this passage is God’s lament for Jerusalem. It is also, in many regards, the lament for the entire heritage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

When we read, “Israel was holy to the LORD, the first fruits of his harvest (Jeremiah 2:3),” we can readily see that this was indeed not only about Jerusalem. Then when we read about the Lord of the Harvest, it’s easy to tie Jesus’ words to the concept in Jeremiah.

There are two important aspects to this. First, is that from a Law standpoint (and even to the offerings of today) God is the Lord of our success. This means that we recognize that we are God’s beneficiary and respond in gratitude.

The second aspect is the implication that Israel was not the only harvest. Yes, they were the first fruits. That leaves the rest of the harvest, which is the rest of the world. In other words, it’s us.

Something that needed to be addressed was Jerusalem’s arrogance about God. The overwhelming opinion was that they didn’t need God, and all these other gods were good enough or even better.

Some will be quick to point at a particular country, and say, “yes, that is why the country is…” The reality is that Israel is the country called. The rest are a people called.

Jerusalem (and the world) had long fallen into the lifeless hands of useless idols. People were eager to do so. They do so today.

Thus, it becomes a critical point regarding water. It shouldn’t be lost on us that “Living Water” is used here. For Christians, it is easy to tie “Living Water” to Jesus. This also shows that Jesus was tying himself to/as God when he used that language.

In many respects, the objection is that Jerusalem acts as if it is independent and pulled itself up by the bootstraps (using a more modern phrase). Jerusalem, as part of its story, should know the truth.

The same could be said of us. Even we Christians, especially American ones, can tend toward so-called self-reliance, which is like building our own cracked cistern. It holds water, for a time. It ages. It leaks. And the water is stagnate.

※Prayer※

Lord, help us to wisely look at the story of Jerusalem and Israel, applying your Truths to our lives. Help us to put all things in perspective, that we may live life fully under your wings. Amen.

※Questions※

1) What does harvest look like in your life? How do you apply first fruits—not just money—to your life?

2) What in your life has been more like the cistern than Living Water?

3) Why is it important to keep in mind that we are called as a people, and not as a nation? Does that mean how/where the nation goes is not important?

2020-07-22
Red or White?

Genesis 18:16–33; Jeremiah 5:1–9; Romans 3:5–24

God hates me. God would/could never love me. God doesn’t care about me. No one can measure up to that standard.

Any of those sound familiar?

When we read stories such as Sodom and Gomorrah it is easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer immensity of destruction. Yet, there in the story there something important to read.

Abraham’s questions about the 50, 45,40, 30, 20, 10 and the response to the question gives us some insight. From all appearances, there was one righteous man…Lot. Even Lot’s “righteousness” might have more to do with Abraham’s and not Lot’s (see Genesis 19:29).

From our human perspective, what happened seems out of proportion. The ways of Sodom and Gomorrah were obviously long wrong. God did not do this on a whim. Yet, in the middle of all the wrong, 10 righteous people would have prevented disaster.

As the end of the glory of Judah approached, there, too, was an opportunity to change everything. All it would have taken is one righteous person. As the Scriptures show, however, that was not to be.

What does this say about us? Paul tells us that it is the very unrighteousness of humanity that displays the righteousness of God. Even in that, there is grace.

There is a long list that is part of Paul’s words. It is a list (Romans 3:10–18) condemning humanity for its response to God. Why would God want such creatures?

If you had someone who constantly said bad things to you, tossed your gifts at your feet (or the garbage), and gave credit everyone but you about the good things you’d done for them, what your response be?

God’s answer was through the cross. Truth? We aren’t worthy by any measure of that sacrifice. Truth? God did it out of love.

※Prayer※

Jesus, thank you for the cross. Father God, thank you for your mercy on us. Holy Spirit, thank you for drawing us to you. Amen.

※Questions※

1) When you read Paul’s list, how does it feel? To you feel condemned or judged? Or, do you feel something else?

2) How does grace and redemption feel in the face of that list?

3) What do you think your ongoing response should be as a result?

2020-07-18