Jesus May Have Something Only You Can Do

Mark 1:44 And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

This is a rather strange command. Jesus had just healed this man of leprosy, and then He instructed him not to say anything about it to anyone but the priests. It’s strange only until we consider Jesus' motive found at the end of the verse: “for a testimony unto them.”

Why the priests? Well, they were the persons who were, by law, responsible for declaring a leper free from the disease. But they also lived somewhat separated from the rest of society, and were unreachable by the normal Jew. There is little record of Jesus personally interacting with the priests until facing the chief priests just before His crucifixion.

There will always be segments of any society which are closed to the direct communication of Christ's message. They are practically unreachable... until Jesus touches the life of someone who can reach them. Think of it... there may be only one person who can reach a whole community for Christ. One person who can carry the Word of Life to untouched lives.

When the priests asked the former leper what happened, he had to point them to Jesus. And there is evidence that the message reached the priests. John 11:47 Then later a large number of priests became believers. Acts 6:7

Perhaps there is a community Jesus has chosen only you to reach. Have you thought about it? Your testimony of what Christ has done in your life could be the key to a formerly unreachable community becoming “obedient to the faith.” Look for someone only you can reach, prepare yourself to reach them, and then go... let them know what Jesus has done for you.

Motherhood Made Easier

And she said unto Elijah, What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son? 1 Kings 17:18

The woman quoted in this verse is a widow that was mentioned by Jesus. In addition to being the focus of Jesus’ comment she gives us some unexpected, helpful insight into motherhood. Please read the unique story in this chapter beginning at verse 1. In this post I'll call the widow Alma from the Hebrew word for widow: almanah.

Horrible tragedy struck Alma: her only child died. Look closely at her response in verse 18. She partially blamed herself. Her conscience had pierced her clouded, grieving mind with two words: “my fault!”

Alma was plagued by guilt from the past… what had she done? What dark guilt-laden memories would replay every time her fears were aroused? She couldn’t free herself from these memories or guilt… Conscience was Alma’s master, guilt her chains, and fear her tormentor. A cruel bondage. Now, she believed, payday had come and the wage was unbearable. Her husband first… now her son.

Alma is a keen example of some mothers who sense there is a God, but know little about him. This incomplete understanding places a terrible burden on mothers, and affects everything they do. As mothers become more secularized they lose a firm understanding of the Gospel and its benefits for mothers.

Here are some things mothers have in common:

• Just like Alma, all mothers have made some mistakes in their lives. Romans 3:23
• This means all thoughtful mothers have done things they wish they hadn’t done.
• Just like Alma, mothers tend to take personal responsibility for the behavior and actions of their children, as well as what happens to their children.
• And just like Alma, mothers struggle with some level of guilt aggravated by the demands they put on themselves, and by the “perfect” mothers paraded on TV, at PTA, in “how to” books, on internet blogs, or at church, etc.

A woman doesn’t have to be a Christian to be a warm, caring mother, but a mother, like Alma, who doesn’t believe the Gospel and understand grace:

• Has no lasting remedy for her guilt, and may live with a constant fear of judgment.
• May carry this burden of guilt which can cause even more self-loathing and guilt for things beyond her control.
• Can be more inclined to beat herself up for her imperfections, resulting in unrealistic demands on herself and her children… adding more guilt.
• May not recognize any spiritual help with raising her children.

A mother who believes the Gospel and understands grace:

• Has a permanent remedy for her guilt: forgiveness in Jesus Christ. True Freedom!
• Can trust a loving and merciful God in matters beyond her control.
• While not excusing her imperfections, accepts the fact that she will never be perfect in this life, neither will her children. She learns the power and freedom of forgiveness...
• Lives under the Grace of God, and knows God cares about every need. She knows God loves her children as much as she does, and He helps her raise them.
• Knows that this life is not the end, so she seeks the salvation of her children.

Alma came to know a kind and merciful God... I hope you know him too. A personal understanding of God's Grace In Jesus Christ makes motherhood so much easier.

The Self-indictment of Moral Conservatism

Romans 2:1 ¶ Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

Conscience is an important Bible word which is found in the New Testament not the Old. It means, “the faculty of moral consciousness or awareness by which moral judgments relating to right and wrong are made.” BDAG

Conscience begins with self-awareness, and moves to the innate recognition that right and wrong exist. This is more than learned socialization. It is an inseparable aspect of human consciousness. It is a state of being. It is the mark of our creator obligating us to be morally like Him.

This text is not opposed to judging, it is a warning of the self-indictment contained in the act of judging. When we judge another person we prove we have a conscience, can recognize the need for right thought and behavior, and we are confident enough in this knowledge to measure the moral state of someone else.  We then, when judged by God, cannot plead that we did not know. We are, as the verse says, inexcusable.

The more detailed our knowledge of the precision of moral perfection the greater our own condemnation. This is why nearness to God never leads to arrogance... it leads to humility, and more dependence on the Gospel.

It is not obedience to a list of rules, but the purity of ourselves that conscience seeks. Our conscience may find temporary solace in an obeyable list of behavioral rules, but it can never by behavioral means fully free itself from the conscious weight of imperfection. That ever-present nudge of conscience that we are not as we should be is an indicator that we need something more than we have within us to be at peace with ourselves and our Creator. Jesus put the demand of conscience this way: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48 Then... He gave us the Gospel.

If It Please You...

Romans 15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. 3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

The word please is most commonly used today as a polite verbal accessory to any request. This usage is actually a shortened version of the old phrase: “If it please you…” This antiquated expression was considered polite language because the user expressed consideration for the other person before their own request should be considered.

This remnant of polite verbiage is also a remnant of a Christian principle which flowed out of this section of Romans. The word please, in this passage, means “to express interest in accommodating others by meeting their needs or carrying out important obligations” BDAG It is intended to contribute a tone of special worth and dignity to a relationship.

This passage doesn't instruct us to use this word in our language, it instructs us to live this word in our relationships with others. My attention should be on my neighbor and his needs. And my thoughts should be trailing my attention with questions like, “What can I do to build his life up… make it better?” And then I should act on my thoughts. Ah… this would make for a great neighborhood wouldn’t it?

What if all your neighbors thought this way? It would be an outrageous neighborhood! But this kind of thinking would also make for a great parent/family, friend/church, citizen/nation, colleague/work place, etc… a Great Life!

Jesus was mentioned in this passage as the example of this kind of living. His neighbors were people who “reproached” Him. This word described neighbors who used insulting, dishonorable language against Jesus and His Father. Not the kind of neighbors anyone would want, but, without God's grace, this is a description of all of us. Wow... He endured insults from his neighbors, while putting their needs above His own by bearing away our guilt on the cross. Lord... help me be a good neighbor.

Sacrificing Ourselves Together

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

In the expression “your bodies a living sacrifice,” there is a plural: “bodies”, and a singular: “a living sacrifice”. This language usage sometimes implies a group doing a singular action together. This could certainly be the usage Paul intended in this verse. Such language would fit what I know of committed Christians, and also seems to be the common case in the New Testament. Christian history is filled with accounts of Christians sacrificially serving Christ together as one entity.

This interpretation rests well with the context. Previous chapters presented believers as a multiracial family of adopted children. The following verses, 3-8, illuminate this collective sacrifice by the illustrative use of a functioning human body.

“Our reasonable service” then, is not an independent venture. This service is given by an ordered group of followers which Jesus called His church. Each follower of Christ has personal gifts which are intended for use in a “body,” and are of little value alone. Make sure you are part of team of committed servants of Christ. Long-term group sacrifice creates a bond that is rare in this world. If you are looking for a church to serve in, feel free to write, and I'll try to help.

It has been my privilege in Christian service to work with committed, faithful men and women who are ready and willing to sacrifice themselves for the Savior as an effective, mobile group. To my family, our church staff, and our wonderful church family: I am privileged to serve with you. I am constantly strengthened by the knowledge of your sacrifice and love for our Savior.

Lasting Stability In Unstable Times

The book of Galatians is sometimes called a mini version of Romans because of its major theme: God's Grace. But as Paul, the author, began his closing comments he warned, “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.“ 5:13

There are numerous traps we who believe in salvation by grace can fall into, and Paul repeatedly pointed them out. One is the notion that since I am saved now and forever I can live for myself (flesh) without any negative impact on my life.

Paul warned that a person who lives for self (sows to the flesh) will “reap corruption.” 6:8 The word translated corruption means “subject to decay”. In other words, when I spend my time, money, and energy for myself everything I gain will decay away. I've jumped onto the short-tracked roller-coaster of the economics of scarcity in a decaying world.

In contrast the Apostle said that a person who lives for God (sows to the Spirit) will reap “life everlasting.” 6:8 Everlasting means “without end.” So… the apostle argued that spending my life for God’s work has everlasting benefits. In other words, when I spend my time, money, and energy for God everything I gain will last forever. In a sense my eternal day starts here and now. I've stepped into an economy of supply in an existence that lasts forever.

It makes sense to be eagerly involved in God's work. To be involved in God’s economy is to transcend this world’s system. God’s work and His government will never fail. Wow... we get heaven, everlasting life, and a life on this earth that counts. God's Grace is amazing.

Forsook, An Uncomfortable Word

And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. Mark 1:18

The net was an essential tool of their trade. The word translated “forsook” means a deliberate departure or separation. This separation was considered, the decision to separate made, and the action taken.

There is comfort in holding on to the tools I've used to make my life, so once this kind of decision is made the action must be swift, or, like Lot's wife, the decision may die in a longing glance back.

What must I forsake to follow Him? I must forsake the tools I've used to make my life my own, and let Him, the Master of His own tools, make it all over again. Follow Jesus.

One Way Love

Let love be without dissimulation. Romans 12:9a

The Greek scholars Timothy and Barbara Friberg tell us that the Greek word translated love in this verse is an attitude that results “from a conscious evaluation and choice.” In John 13:34 Jesus, using the same word for love, said, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another;” If love is primarily an emotion then it is almost impossible to produce or control, and a command to love will effectually fail. But love, as it is used here, begins with a thoughtful decision.

This type of love can be completely one way. And, truly, this is how most love relationships begin: one way. Based on this concept I can even chose to love someone who hates me. Jesus used the same word when he said, “Love your enemies” in Matthew 5:44. And Jesus is an expert at that kind of one way love. For us, though, it is difficult…nearly impossible... But, in this kind of love, the responsibility to love rests with me not the object of my love. And this struggle for one way love is, perhaps, the Christian's greatest struggle.

It may be a little easier to love someone I go to church with than an enemy… but do I? Here’s a test: think of the individual people you attend church with, and, as you think of each person, ask: “Have I ever deliberately decided to love this person?” Based on the definition of love in this verse, thinking is where love begins. Then we decide to love. Then we struggle to love as Jesus loves.

Overcome Evil

Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of (the) evil, but overcome (the) evil with (the) good. (parenthesis mine)

Good is a wonderful word… we use it to describe those things we value most. Good food, friend, dog, job, church, etc. We also use the word to describe beneficial, moral, or useful qualities. When, as a child, I was coerced to eat something I didn't care for (a rare case) Mom would say, “you may not like it, but it’s good for you.” We might describe a good man as one who “would give you the shirt off his back.” We also use the word to describe the quality of a person’s performance: that carpenter does good work, or my nurse last night was a really good nurse.

In the Bible “good” has all these uses, but it also has one that is not as common in our language. It is when “good” is used with a definite article: “the good”. We might say, “look at all the good she has done.” When good is used in this way in the Bible it means: all human actions of a beneficial nature to other people bundled together into one powerful force. In this verse good is contrasted with the word evil, also with a definite article. In contrast to good, evil is all actions bringing unjust harm to others bundled together as one powerful force in the world

Goodness is a formidable weapon against evil. It can overcome evil. In this passage we are called to be people whose actions for the benefit of others merge together to become the force for good in this world. Every good action increases the total force against evil. Let's commit today to participate in the good, and then let's act upon that commitment.

The picture is of a Haitian child rescued from the earthquake rubble of a building by some amazing people doing good: U.S. rescue workers.

Jesus, Lord And Master

Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

The verb “serving” means: to act or conduct oneself as one in total service to another, perform the duties of a slave. BDAG The root of this word literally comes from the noun translated slave. The word slave has a sharp, humiliating edge to it in American English. The word “Lord” means: one who is in charge by virtue of possession. BDAG

We find warmth in saying, “Jesus is my Lord.” But it may be a bit more difficult to confess the other side of that coin: “I am a slave of Jesus Christ.” During the late days of slavery in the western world, when missionaries were prevented from entering some slaving regions, there were missionaries who sold themselves into slavery to carry the Gospel to the slaves. They committed to this slavery in obedience as slaves to their true Lord and Master who had served them in the same fashion. Jesus came into this world in “the form of a servant” and “humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:7,8

Based on Romans 12:11 we are to be energetic, committed, thoughtful slaves. We can't be productive if we are the kind of sullen slave who is constantly dreaming of freedom from our Master. Our allegiance to Jesus as our Master is deep and personal, and it is vital to our spiritual growth.

There is no practical sanctification outside of slavery to Jesus. There are personal commitments that He may individually require of each of His slaves, and then there are collective obligations that He places upon every member of His church. Let us be His faithful slaves, He deserves nothing less from His blood bought people.

A Novel New Year's Resolution: Self-Abnegation

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Abnegate means: to give up rights or claims; renounce; to deny something to oneself. Self-abnegation means: to give up rights or claims to oneself; to deny oneself oneself. One writer defined it this way: “The setting aside of self-interest for the sake of others or for a belief or principle.”

This verse presents the notion that I, a Christ follower, should give up all rights or claims to my body, placing it under God's control.

The previous verses foretold of a day when the Gentile world would replace the true worship of God with an empty counterfeit. Self is the portrait in the center of this counterfeit. Self-esteem, self-enhancement, self-realization will replace self-sacrifice and self-abnegation. Opposed to such a vain, empty life, Paul, by the Holy Spirit, called upon all followers of Christ to self-abnegate for the Glory of God. It's not about me...

Waiting For Sunrise

Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

This illustration draws a contrast between behavior at night and behavior during the day. The apostle Paul listed a number of “works” commonly done at night: sleep, parties, drunkenness... There are people who live for this. They see the day as the means to gain the night, and sunrise is their gloom.

Bring the night works into the day and you just might lose your job... because day is about being productive. The Christian should live for the day, and see night as the means to gain the day. It is said that my wife, Carol's, great-great grandfather died at his plow while waiting for sunrise. May Jesus find us at our plows waiting for sunrise... because the night is far spent, and the day is at hand.

"Thou Shalt Not" Is Not Enough

Image by loswl via Flickr

Romans 13:8-10; 10b “therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”

The rich young ruler described in Mark 10:17 asked Jesus, “what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Jesus gave him the “thou shalt not” list. He replied, “all these have I observed from my youth.” Then Jesus told him to give all that he had to the poor and live a self-sacrificing life following Him--Thou Shalt. He could not or would not do that. For him “thou shalt not” was no problem, but “thou shalt” was a serious problem. When understood properly, thou shalt and thou shalt not are essentially two sides of the same coin.

Like the rich young ruler many of us work hard at thou shalt not… but we may be idle when it comes to thou shalt. That is easy, cheap religion. Experience teaches us that energetically doing the things that flow out of true love will help keep us on the right track. Working in love for the Savior is much more fulfilling and leaves little time for doing what thou shalt not.

To Become

And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. Mark 1:17

The phrase “make you to become” has amazing content. The word translated “become” is the same word translated “made” in John 1:3 “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” Jesus will utilize the same power He used to create the worlds to transform his servants “to become” what He wants them to be.

Bauer-Danker Greek English Lexicon says the word as used in this verse means: “to experience a change in nature and so indicate entry into a new condition”. Encapsulated in this word is the inability of these men to do this for or to themselves. They had no power to change their natures… no power to create something new within the roots of their personality. Their condition was unchangeable without Jesus.

But the power of Christianity is the power of Christ. He can make us to become! He does within us what no power on earth can do… and what we can never do for ourselves.

All Jesus required from them was to “Come ye after me”. That’s really the big one in this life isn’t it? Giving ourselves to Jesus so He can make something new!

Walking In The Light Is Not Complicated

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, 1 John 1:7a

The Apostle John, the author of this book, walked with Jesus and was taught by Him. John knew Jesus always knew what He was doing, and where He was going. Jesus walked in the light… even at night. Those who fellowshipped, or worked with Him, were also walking in the light, because they were involved in what He was doing.

In verse 5 the apostle John declared, “God is light.” God is never confused about anything. He knows exactly what He's doing and where He's going. And God is working in this world…

John stated in verse 6, “if we say we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie.” What John said is really not complicated. If you say you work for Shell Oil, and you never clock in, not one worker has ever seen you, and you aren’t on their payroll… it is clear that you’re not telling the truth. If someone says they are walking with God, but they aren't involved in what He's doing, their name is not on His work rolls, then they are not telling the truth.

To walk with God all you must do is get involved in what He’s doing on this earth. Get involved with Him… it’s where the light is.

(Oh... I know the person in the picture isn't walking in the light... he's paddling in the light... but I thought it was a cool picture and wanted to share it.)