Tag: witness

Message Over Mammon

Luke 10:1–9; 2 Corinthians 12:1–14

There are many people who attract attention naturally. Some do it with mere charisma. Some do it with money. Others do it with the words (positive and negative).

There are others that do it out of gain. Whether it is to gain the attention of people or to feel power, or success (all still people-based, really), gaining attraction to puff oneself up isn’t Christ-like.

When Jesus sent out the 72 disciples he gave an interesting direction: don’t change houses. In other words, if you were invited into a house in a town, stay at that house until you leave the town. As they were representatives of the famous prophet, they would likely be treated well. It might even mean that people would compete for their presence.

The concern with this is that the message would lose weight as the disciples would go from house to house. What gravitas would the “Kingdom of Heaven” have if its disciples (emissaries, ambassadors) traipsed from one place to another following the food and the sandal-licking (they didn’t have boots, then). If people competed over the fame and flattery of having one of the disciples, would they really care about the message?

The next concern would be the effect upon the disciples. Being “wined and dined” could have a potentially huge negative effect on their spiritual growth and their witness. It could even lead to some of the same bullying behavior of the Jewish religious leaders. That would have been very bad.

We see how it did evolve through Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. The “super” apostles were, it seems, spiritual abusers. They guilt-tripped people to give more money. Based on Paul’s language, the super-apostles used language that implied that the Corinthians were being spiritually blessed by giving them (the super-apostles) so much money.

When Paul apologizes that he didn’t ask for money or to be taken care of, there is a realization that the Corinthians had been hoodwinked. They had bought wholeheartedly into the swindle of the super-apostles. In so doing, they lost the vision of the Gospel.

By succumbing to the words of these super-apostles, they reattached the chains of bondage. Paul was heartbroken. The heart of the message of freedom in Christ had been lost.

2020-09-30
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
Calling One; Calling All

Luke 3:7–16; 2 Peter 1:3–15

What is calling? For pastors, their calling is…being a pastor. Even how “being a pastor” changes depending on character, passions, and context.

However, due to the influence of the Roman Catholic church (statement not fault-finding), most Protestant traditions (there are some exceptions) use the word “calling” for only one “calling”…being a pastor.

There was some famous person who once wrote that a butcher lovingly caring for his customers (including not swindling them and giving them quality) was a greater giver of grace and love than a pastor (supposedly, this was Martin Luther, but no quote could be found).

A butcher as a greater herald of grace than a pastor? Yes. Now, in earlier ages, apprenticeship to one’s father or to another usually meant that one’s career was set for life. Farms and herds were passed down generation to generation. For a time, businesses were the same.

In that context, calling was to something “greater” than one’s apprenticeship and it was usually to the church. However, in our context, that is no longer the case. One’s career isn’t limited. While it is still uncommon, people do regularly change trades or careers. Thus, re-examining “calling” has become essential.

The soldiers and tax collectors that John spoke to were likely in the habit of extorting extra money due to their power. John told them to be satisfied with their set (i.e., official) wages. In such a place, a soldier or tax collector doing such would be a powerful witness.

When Peter talks about calling, he is more referring to the call to follow Christ, yet the concept of “calling” still fits. Calling indeed refers to following Jesus and in Jesus’ steps. Yet, at the same time, each of us has our own path to walk.

Where you are is where you are called. How that works for you and anyone is between you (or them) and God. What isn’t a question is that you are called to bear witness to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the reconciliation between humanity and God through that.

Sometimes it will be speaking into their pain. Sometimes it will be not doing something others do. Sometimes it will be encouragement. Sometimes (though less often and with great care) it will even be goading them.

You are called to bear witness. You are called to testify. You are called to lead others to Jesus. You are called to do this where and when you are right now.

※Prayer※

God, give us wisdom and discernment to see our calling and to faithfully fulfill it. Amen.

※Prayer※

1) Where are called right now? Is that different than it was a year ago?

2) How do you know you are called right now to where you are? What does that mean in regards to how you live your life?

3) Why is it critical that all Christians understand their calling? Why is it critical to understand where “pastors” and “spiritual leaders” are not called in your life?

2020-08-05
Wicks Asmoldering

Isaiah 7:1–9; Philippians 4:4–9

Ahaz received encouraging words from God through Jeremiah. Jeremiah, often called the weeping prophet, was not exactly known for positive words. Ahaz, not altogether faithful, received a positive message.

In many respects, Christians in the United States are like Ahaz. Far too many are lukewarm. They think they do “enough”.

Ahaz wanted enough of God to be safe, at the moment. Over the long-haul, however, Ahaz wasn’t so faithful, and in fact, destroyed much of the temple to worship another God.

In the passage from Isaiah, the two powers fighting over Jerusalem (the ones that terrified Ahaz and the rest of Jerusalem) were called smoldering wicks. This was not a phrase of respect. There was plenty of smoke (blustering) from the two, but no fire (power).

Ahaz took it for the moment, but he, like the rest of us, was overwhelmed by his immediate surroundings. His faith was not based on the sureness of God’s faithful love. His faith was rocked to and fro by the strongest winds.

Whether it is political parties, the media, social networks, rumors, the latest social fad, Christians are just as likely as others to listen and follow the blowing smoke. In times like these, looking to Christ FIRST before a particular thought stream must be our first response.

The fractures in US society in particular, but even the rest of the world, has come into focus with simultaneous events. There, sadly, has often been an immediate response based on our political beliefs or any other biases that we each have. And we all have them.

The most saddening part is how this affects our Christian witness. When we respond to the social waves rather than to Christ, we diminish Christ. Even worse, by our actions, we say that Jesus Christ is less than a smoldering wick.

※Prayer※

Lord, help us keep the peace that surpasses all understanding. As the powers of the world try to influence us to follow them, rather than you, may you, Holy Spirit, keep us firmly grounded in the faithful love of God. Amen.

※Questions※

1) Who (more than one) are the smoldering wicks of today?

2) When we follow people as they want, who are we showing the world (and ourselves) who we really have forefront in our hearts and thoughts?

3) How does being lukewarm allow for listening to the “smoking wicks” rather than Jesus?

2020-07-13
Silence is Not Always Golden

Deuteronomy 5:1–31; Matthew 26:57–62; Acts 6:8–15 (read online ⧉)

Perjury is a crime. Knowingly providing false witness under oath is a criminal offense, as it should be. Knowing our system, however, perhaps the penalty is not severe enough. People speak “white lies” thinking they are doing the right thing (again, in a court case). People speak blatant falsehoods to change the results.

Depending on the falsehood can result in a guilty man being freed and an innocent man being sent to death. One of the other oldest legal codes—Hammurabi’s Code—sets the penalty for such perjury as death.

There is no question that bearing false witness was a sin according to God. Yet, in the 2 instances that we read today—Jesus and Stephen—that “minor” sin, that could easily be blotted out with a “minor” sacrifice, resulted in the death of innocent men.

Matthew and Luke (the author of Acts) make it a point to state that the witnesses are knowingly bearing false witness. Was this an incidental miscarriage of justice, or was this a systemic one? While we really can draw too firm a conclusion, this is an indication that justice and truth were often not met.

We often wonder why we have so many laws, and then we read stories like this (and these are not that unique in human history). There were the false witnesses. Those who either paid or otherwise recruited the false witnesses. There were those who were the “lawyers”. Then there were those who were the leaders of this travesty.

All were party to it. All had culpability in it. By the letter of “the Law”, only those who were “actual” witnesses would be “guilty”. This would also assume that those who knew they were guilty actually did something about it. Of course, they didn’t for they achieved their goals.

We all struggle with those who lie. It is that which empowers the lies that is the greater issue. With no culture of lying, lying becomes rare. A culture that disgraces the truth encourages lying. A power structure that encourages lying creates a culture that sends innocent people to death or punishment.

This is also a culture that ceases to honor God. Instead, it uses God to strengthen the perception of itself, so that no one will struggle or oppose it. God becomes a word—a tool—and the relationship that the word is supposed to represent dies.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, as we walk through this life, counsel our hearts and tongues to speak truth and to be truth-seekers. Guide our hearts and minds to bring the light of Jesus’ Truth into our lives and the lives of others. May all that we do bring honor and glory to you, oh, God. Amen.

Questions

1) Why is it important to talk about more than just the lier? How does its relative importance to the commandment of false witness mean for you?

2) What do you think other tribunals in front of these people were like for day-to-day things?

3) How can and will you encourage a culture of truth?

2020-05-07
Blessings and Returnings

Jeremiah 29:4–9; Daniel 2:24–30; 1 Peter 2:11–17 (read online ⧉)

The American experiment has certainly had its interesting times. During extreme times there have been many attempts to do something dramatic to “fix” things. The Civil War was an extreme act that appeared to be a moral response to a injustice. The FDR administration attempted grandiose programs in an attempt to recover an economy in shambles. Today we have Federal, State, County, and City governments doing all sorts of things in an attempt to protect the populace from COVID-19.

As people become frustrated, whether being stuck at home, not going to work, watching things not succeeding or improving (or the perception thereof), or politicians making (human) missteps, we are seeing, hearing, and even experiencing strong reactions against a lot actions taken. In a healthy democratic republic, people speaking out in an informed way is helpful and can help build up and improve the country. However, it would seem that our democratic republic is not all that healthy. Certainly, people of most of the political parties (not just the top 2) are saying something to that effect. Your social media stream might even be filled with them, too.

As Christians, we are to put aside our “rights”. Or, perhaps, it is better said, we ought to look to the Scriptures before we declare our “rights” as Americans. Of course, they don’t necessarily conflict, at least not always.

As the Israelites went into exile, God did not say oppose your (oppressive) government. God said to work for its success. That doesn’t mean don’t seek change, but that their responsibility was to everyone else, too, not just this oppressive regime. There is also the truth that it was only after they “did their time” in captivity would the way back to the Promised Land be available to them. Their ability to go back was based on their ability to survive now. Their ability to thrive (not just survive) in their new circumstances was based upon their pursuit of the well-being of Babylon.

Daniel was another case. He too was captive. He too was taken away. He was trained and educated to be an advisor to the ruler, and become a lower-tier ruler himself (along with his 3 companions). He was put into a place where he could have influenced the downfall of leaders. It’s not as if others didn’t have those plans. He chose not to. He followed the plan God had called him to, and it probably wasn’t easy. Did he try to lessen the load of his fellow Israelites, get this…the Bible doesn’t say. Perhaps that wasn’t Daniel’s purpose. Perhaps his purpose was to be a faithful witness of and to God, and in so doing pursuing the best for Babylon and its people.

Peter’s words to the Christians in the diaspora weren’t much different. The Roman government was much the same as the Babylonian one, especially from a Jewish standpoint. What did he tell them? Submit to them! Peter’s words might even be harder than then ones from Jeremiah. Submit! Not all the people that Peter wrote to were outside Roman circles, some of them were true Roman citizens, which was no small thing. The message was the same, though.

When we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we accepted that any citizenship we had on earth was superseded by the one in Heaven. As such, our concerns are to be first of Heaven, then of earth. That is not to say, however, that we are not to seek the success of the kingdoms of earth, it’s just that our standing on earth is secondary. There is an implied issue in Jeremiah’s words, if you become too comfortable in the place you are, you will not return to the Promised Land. The story of the return was indeed part of that. Only some retained their citizenship as the People of God. They returned. Those that surrendered their citizenship remained in Babylon.

God, as we walk through these times, help keep our eyes on you and our citizenship in Heaven. Help that motivate our actions and responses to the world. Amen.

1) What are you doing to help your community thrive in the midst of COVID-19?

2) What does it mean for you to work for the success of earthly kingdoms while keeping your eye and heart on your citizenship in Heaven?

3) How do we balance the submission to earthly authorities with the call to be salt and light? How is it different in a democratic republic (like the USA) versus an authoritarian regime?

2020-04-23
Knowledge and Knowing
Psalm 119:9–16; Isaiah 43:8–13; 2 Corinthians 3:4–16 (read online ⧉)

The predominant view in the Old Testament is that human holiness can only be obtained by thoroughly understanding and internalizing God’s ways can walk in concert with God. The psalmist discusses guarding one’s way, treasuring God’s word in one’s heart, seeking God whole-heartedly, meditating on God’s precepts, and delighting in his statues. While all of this is good, it still falls short, as it relies on our efforts and will.

It is human tendency to look side-to-side for a savior. It also often the case that people will pursue power over others claiming some sort of savior role. Both have been common throughout human history. However, sometimes a nation or people claim power over the way of the world. Today’s passage in Isaiah is an answer to those nations.

Prior to today’s passage, God (through Isaiah) had called the Israelites to task (as if on trial) for not being the spouse of God as they were called to be. Yet, now the Gentile nations were called before the judge (God), and Israel was now the witness against the Gentile nations. Called to witness against the other nations who the true power is in the world and in history.

What makes this passage particularly interesting is that the Israelites are being called to be witnesses not to judge the Gentiles, but so that they (the Israelites) know and believe God, and that God is their true savior. Here, God’s motivation isn’t to judge but to be known.

When Paul writes to the Corinthians, there is an echo of Isaiah’s blind and deaf comment. According to Paul, the non-Christian Jews have a veil over their minds. The law makes them, in a way, blind and deaf. Yet when they know God through Jesus Christ, the savior, they are no longer blind and deaf.
1. Why is it, do you think, that hearing the law caused “a veil” to be over the Jews of Paul’s day?
2. During church, group meetings (Sunday School, small group, life group), conversations in the world-at-large, do you ever experience “a veil”, shutting out others and even God?
3. How does Jesus’ death on the cross change “the veils” we wear?
2020-03-29
Otherly Holiness

Psalm 22:23-31; Genesis 15:1-21; Romans 3:21-31 (read online ⧉)

In Genesis, we read of the covenant God made with Abram. When we look at the blood and sacrifices from a modern perspective, it is easy to be repulsed or disgusted by the concept. In Abram’s time, this was a normal way to seal a covenant.

A covenant is a promise. When making a covenant such as this, there were two parties, the strong party and the weak party. If was often an agreement where the strong party would agree to defend and/or take care of the weak party, and the weak party would submit—both in authority and tribute (i.e., think taxes)—to the strong party.

If we think of this logically, then, God would take the role of the strong party, and Abram would take the role of the weak party. However, in this instance God takes the place of both parties. Abram is more of a witness to the making of the treaty, rather than a party to it. How can God take the place of both roles? This is a foretelling of what is to come.

For generations, God protected and watched over Abram’s descendants. Even when they wandered or ran away from God, God still was watching and caring.

In Romans, Paul writes: “…since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood…”

This is where we can see the submitting party of the covenant. Jesus Christ’s perfect submission to God’s authority, and sacrifice of himself, fulfills the weak party’s role. It is, of course, just an analogy, yet there is a huge truth in this. God created the universe, yet because we are unable to save ourselves, or able to fulfill the entirety of God’s holiness, Jesus took our place, and fulfilled the requirements of submission and tribute.

We, like Abram, are often more witnesses to God’s holiness and fulfillment of his righteousness than actual participants of either. Yet, we are called to be holy.

1) What do you think the responsibilities are of a witness? Are fulfilling them?

2) When you think of God being both the strong and weak party, what comes to mind?

3) How does it make you feel to understand that God took your place as the weak party?

2020-03-05
Deserting or Desserting

Psalm 77, Proverbs 30:1–9, Matthew 4:1–11 (read online ⧉)

If your were present at the Ash Wednesday service or the past Sunday service, you may recall that in Lent we witness and experience a symbolic representation of Jesus’ trial in the desert, and the biblical concept of 40 days as a significant time of transformation. For Jesus, it was a condensed time of temptation. It is not to say that Jesus was never tempted outside of this trial, but to emphasize that it was a short time, and was severe.

Matthew notes that Jesus fasted for 40 days.

Fasting can take different forms. Certain traditions fast from meat, eggs, and/or dairy certain days or time periods. Other traditions (think Judaism) fast from leavened (yeast raised) bread. Fasting can be from sunrise to sundown; it can be a meal; it can be for days. The intent behind fasting is to bring us closer to God by using one of our basic needs (nourishment) to use as a focus on God.

40 days is a long time. Without question, this is a God-empowered moment. Most people do not have the will power, or the ability, to fast for such a long time[1]. Some may question what Jesus fasted from. Based on the scripture, food was the fasted element, for we read that Jesus was hungry, and this was the first temptation that Jesus was presented with.

You want some bread?

Agur (whose words are in Proverbs 30) speaks of a huge truth that is core to much of a God-balanced life. He says, “…feed me with food that I need, or I shall be full, and deny you…”. Agur probably could not have imagined those 40 days. Agur was likely familiar with hunger (perhaps even severe hunger, bordering starvation) and at least the example of those over-fed. Yet, Jesus took Agur’s words a step further, making it a point that God’s very words are food. They are food to bring us a life beyond satisfying the body.

A spiritual desert is often a time (or multiple times) in a person’s life when they feel furthest from God. That does not mean that God is any further (really), it is a matter of perception and perspective. People may experience a spiritual desert in times of great trial (starvation). They might experience it when everything is going great (over-fed). These times can be huge in one’s personal affections and relations with God. However, if we listen to the adversarial voice, we might succumb to the voice that says “I” can do it without God.

1) Re-read Psalm 77:6. How could these words guide you in light of your own times in a spiritual desert?

2) If you have never fasted, why not? If you have, did you find it helpful?

3) How is fasting or the “desert” related to “dying to self”?

[1] Any fasting beyond sunrise to sunset should be prayerfully and wisely considered. Anyone under 18 or over 65, pregnant or in another physical state needing regular physician care should consult with their physician. From a spiritual standpoint, it is wise to speak to someone who cares for your spiritual life. While fasting is personal, and shouldn’t be publicly declared, having wise spiritual counsel is good to make sure the intent is truly God-focused.

2020-03-04
Pull Me Up

Exodus 17:1–7, Numbers 20:1–13, John 7:37–39 (read online ⧉)

By and large, Americans do not understand the gift of clean and readily available water. Even during droughts, currently, people in places like California still can turn on the water in their homes, and get a drink. In places like Rome, artesian wells are all over the city, and one can get clean water from public fountains.

The travels of the Israelites involved the logistics of water. There didn’t just have to be water for the humans. There had to be water for the livestock. Water was life. When the water dried up, or the waterskins were empty, it wouldn’t take long for concern then desperation to kick in.

We often speak ill of the Israelites when they challenged Moses. How dare they admonish the great prophet?! Later Jewish commentators would also respond the same. The reality is, though, would we really be all that different when things aren’t going well?

No one ever promised the Israelites that the journey would be easy. They seemed to have made the assumption. Then they placed the responsibility of their assumption onto someone else…Moses. Often Moses was really in conflict with their assumptions, rather than them, per se. Moses dealt with the ongoing disappointment of the Israelites that the world would just be handed to them.

There is often a pervading view that we have no responsibility in regards to our faith and salvation working out in our lives. True, God provided us unmerited grace and provided the way. Our small part is to accept it. Yet, that is really only the start.

Think of it this way, if you were at the bottom of a cliff and the only way to escape was up, and the cliff wall was too smooth to climb and you didn’t have any rope, pitons, or other climbing gear…someone is going to have to throw you a rope. You still need to grab the rope and (preferably) tie it around yourself. If there is only a person (rather than a winch or other mechanical device), they will struggle to pull you up. They might still accomplish it (and if it’s God, God will), but for your own sake, you need to help, even if it’s “walking” up the cliff so you don’t bang yourself around.
The Israelites (and often ourselves) just wanted to be pulled up quickly and cleanly, with no need to put any effort into it. Was it still primarily God’s efforts? Yes. Did they still have a part? Yes!

Moses didn’t help in the second instance. He actually turned this life-giving event into a curse. His words were not life-giving to the people. The water was, but that was God’s work, not Moses’. Moses lashed out in (understandable) anger and probably some hurt. In so doing, though, he damaged his and God’s witness. Again, it wasn’t as if the Israelites didn’t have their part (like above). Moses, though, had his part, too, and lashing out wasn’t supposed to be it.

By the time Jesus came, for many God’s words were life-giving water “covered” in curses. Religious people and rules “gave” out God’s words (water) but in such a way as to make it a burden, and not life-giving. No one, really, had a good grasp of what Jesus really meant. The Holy Spirit flowing into and through people was not understood, and it couldn’t be understood until all was fulfilled through the cross, the resurrection, and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

1) What is the longest a human being can be without water? What is the longest you have been without water? Does the difference between the two help your perspective of the Israelites?

2) Water as the source of life makes sense from an ancient (and even modern) perspective. John says that Jesus was talking about the Holy Spirit when talking about water. What does this mean for the Holy Spirit and people?

3) Thinking of cursing the water (of life), in what ways is the Water of Life (the Holy Spirit) being cursed by humanity today?

2020-01-08