"And someone came to Him and said, 'Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?' And He said to him, 'Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.' The he said to Him, 'Which ones?'" Matthew 19:16-17
You may recognize this passage as part of the famous exchange between Jesus and one who is referred to as the "rich young ruler." You are no doubt familiar with the fact that when given the ultimate answer to his question, that he needed to give up his earthly belongings and follow Christ, he declined and went away sad. This is most surely a cautionary tale for a variety of reasons. If we are more attached to earthly belongings, positions, social status, reputation and even relationships than we are to our Savior and the glories of heaven, we are a most sad and lost people indeed.
What caught my attention within this passage, however, was his second question. The Lord clearly tells him that he needs to obey the commandments, but he asks, "Which ones?" When you think about it, it is an astounding question. The young ruler obviously understood that eternal life was possible and he desired it. It is also evident that he understood that Jesus was, at minimum, a source of information about it. Why is it then, when given the answer, he responds in a way that seems to indicate, in his mind, that there was the opportunity to choose which of God's commands to follow in an effort to achieve his objective? Why would he not understand that they all must be followed?
Beloved, this is a problematic mindset that persists to this day. Most anyone who believes that God and heaven exist desires to make it their home. Unfortunately, most are not willing to do what is required to achieve it. Let me be careful to say that eternal life cannot be earned because it is a gift (Ephesians 2:8-9); however, certain qualifications must be met to receive the gift. One must enter into a committed relationship with the Lord which should inspire obedience and good works. Many of us willingly obey the commands that suit us and just as willingly reject those that do not. It is as if we are not willing to submit ourselves to the whole counsel of God, but instead, treat His requirements as multiple choice or optional. Further, there are religious teachings and organizations built around this very concept. They embrace and celebrate sinful words, thoughts and deeds as if there is no condemnation for them at all. In effect, then, there are those conforming the word of God to their own preferences instead of the other way around.
Jesus went on to point out six of the ten commandments, all of which had to do with how others are to be treated. The young ruler remarked that he had followed the six commands supplied for the entirety of his life. When Jesus put that to the test by telling him to sacrifice his earthly good for the benefit of his neighbors in need and to follow him, thus storing his treasure in heaven, he proved that he was not keeping the commands at all. More importantly and tragically, he valued adherence to his own earthly priorities over the simple and specific path to the heaven he said he desired.
It is my prayer that none of us are asking the Lord "which ones" of his commands must we obey. Let us not "be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect," Romans 12:2.
Building Gods family,
Lee
Friday, March 30, 2018
Friday, March 23, 2018
Looking Forward to Home 3/23/2018
"I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago-whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows-such a man was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man-whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows-was caught up into paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak." 2 Corinthians 12:2-4
Very recently, I was blessed with the opportunity to travel to Tanzania. Many of you know that I pursue photography and this, being a photo safari to Africa, was the ultimate bucket list trip for me. I cannot begin to tell you what it was like to be on the Serengeti and see wildebeests as far as the eye could see. The excitement of seeing cheetahs on the hunt, hyenas capturing a wildebeest and a pride of lions cuddling and playing together were things that I had only seen on TV and dreamed of seeing in person. While camping on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, we were able to see zebras being born, baboon mothers carrying their tiny children underneath them as they walked on all fours, and hippos doing the ultimate yawn within a cool pool of weight and temperature relieving water.
While these things were truly amazing and beautiful to see, the weightier aspect of the trip was about something altogether different. It was about connecting with the continent and the people. As a black American, even the thought process of being able to visit the land from which one comes is a tantalizing prospect that relatively few ever get to do. We have always known that we originated from there and we have known how we got to these shores from those. We are aware that family ties and bonds have been broken and we have no sense of specifically who we are. Though my personal DNA testing revealed that my roots trace back primarily to Benin/Togo, there is also Cameroon/Congo, Senegal, Ivory Coast/Ghana and Nigeria. Despite Tanzania being east of all of these places, the connection was in no way diminished. I instantly felt commonality with everyone there, not just because they look like me, but whether business person, tribal elder or bushman, like them, I come from there and we have a shared ancestry. The feeling was absolutely indescribable. I was home.
As I sought God out in prayer, I asked Him what it was I was supposed to learn from this experience and take back to those I love, associate with and serve. The answer was twofold. First, there are times throughout the bible that our gracious and benevolent Father has granted his servants rest, revelation and reward. I believe that all I experienced was a gift from God just for me. In his own way, he told me to take it all in and enjoy. I did. Secondly, however, I could not escape the parallel of the Christian making heaven his and her home.
Beloved, as is the case for many who have found their way to American shores, we Christians are from somewhere else. We originated with God, himself, who formed our inward parts, wove us in our mother's womb and caused us to be fearfully and wonderfully made (Proverbs 139:13-14). We know that we are to be in the world and not of the world (John 17:14) and as Paul described us, we are ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). As ambassadors, we represent Christ and the things of home while in a foreign land. We know that through God's grace, we will one day have the opportunity to ascend to our heavenly home and live with him forever.
Paul was fortunate enough to receive a glimpse of heaven while doing the work he was charged to do on earth. I likewise received the opportunity to experience a metaphor of what it must have been like to see "home." While I know the differences between my trip to Africa and my eventual relocation to heaven are incalculable, I thank God for the inkling and for his immeasurable gift. Be encouraged.
Building God's family,
Lee
(Mchungaji)
P.S. Located within the Great Rift Valley between the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park is a place called the Oldupai Gorge. Here was found the oldest evidence of human existence. In short, it is generally accepted that all of humanity evolved in and came from Africa. This fact extends the heavenly metaphor beyond onue people but is inclusive of all, just as John saw in his revelation: "After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands," Revelation 7:9. Thanks go to my newly found brothers in Christ, David McKay and Steve Scurich for your companionship on this journey of enlightenment. May God to continue to bless and enrich us all.
Very recently, I was blessed with the opportunity to travel to Tanzania. Many of you know that I pursue photography and this, being a photo safari to Africa, was the ultimate bucket list trip for me. I cannot begin to tell you what it was like to be on the Serengeti and see wildebeests as far as the eye could see. The excitement of seeing cheetahs on the hunt, hyenas capturing a wildebeest and a pride of lions cuddling and playing together were things that I had only seen on TV and dreamed of seeing in person. While camping on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, we were able to see zebras being born, baboon mothers carrying their tiny children underneath them as they walked on all fours, and hippos doing the ultimate yawn within a cool pool of weight and temperature relieving water.
While these things were truly amazing and beautiful to see, the weightier aspect of the trip was about something altogether different. It was about connecting with the continent and the people. As a black American, even the thought process of being able to visit the land from which one comes is a tantalizing prospect that relatively few ever get to do. We have always known that we originated from there and we have known how we got to these shores from those. We are aware that family ties and bonds have been broken and we have no sense of specifically who we are. Though my personal DNA testing revealed that my roots trace back primarily to Benin/Togo, there is also Cameroon/Congo, Senegal, Ivory Coast/Ghana and Nigeria. Despite Tanzania being east of all of these places, the connection was in no way diminished. I instantly felt commonality with everyone there, not just because they look like me, but whether business person, tribal elder or bushman, like them, I come from there and we have a shared ancestry. The feeling was absolutely indescribable. I was home.
As I sought God out in prayer, I asked Him what it was I was supposed to learn from this experience and take back to those I love, associate with and serve. The answer was twofold. First, there are times throughout the bible that our gracious and benevolent Father has granted his servants rest, revelation and reward. I believe that all I experienced was a gift from God just for me. In his own way, he told me to take it all in and enjoy. I did. Secondly, however, I could not escape the parallel of the Christian making heaven his and her home.
Beloved, as is the case for many who have found their way to American shores, we Christians are from somewhere else. We originated with God, himself, who formed our inward parts, wove us in our mother's womb and caused us to be fearfully and wonderfully made (Proverbs 139:13-14). We know that we are to be in the world and not of the world (John 17:14) and as Paul described us, we are ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). As ambassadors, we represent Christ and the things of home while in a foreign land. We know that through God's grace, we will one day have the opportunity to ascend to our heavenly home and live with him forever.
Paul was fortunate enough to receive a glimpse of heaven while doing the work he was charged to do on earth. I likewise received the opportunity to experience a metaphor of what it must have been like to see "home." While I know the differences between my trip to Africa and my eventual relocation to heaven are incalculable, I thank God for the inkling and for his immeasurable gift. Be encouraged.
Building God's family,
Lee
(Mchungaji)
P.S. Located within the Great Rift Valley between the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park is a place called the Oldupai Gorge. Here was found the oldest evidence of human existence. In short, it is generally accepted that all of humanity evolved in and came from Africa. This fact extends the heavenly metaphor beyond onue people but is inclusive of all, just as John saw in his revelation: "After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands," Revelation 7:9. Thanks go to my newly found brothers in Christ, David McKay and Steve Scurich for your companionship on this journey of enlightenment. May God to continue to bless and enrich us all.
Thursday, March 8, 2018
Setting Proper Expectations. 3/8/18
"And blessed is he, whosoever shall find no occasion of stumbling in me." Luke 7:23
John the Baptist sent his disciples to ask Jesus if he was the one to come or if they should wait for another. There is a great deal of speculation as to why John requested this information. After all, he was present at the baptism of Jesus, saw the Holy Spirit come upon him and heard the very voice of God identify him as his son. Some think that John was lamenting his stay in prison which occurred because of his righteous stand in the face of King Herod's sinful behavior. Others say that John recognized Christ as the son of God but was not sure if he was the prophesied Messiah. This was thought because it was expected that when the Messiah came, Israel would be restored to her former glory and the occupying Roman Empire would be sent packing.
Jesus' reply to John's followers was to tell them to report back the things they had seen concerning his work, namely, the changes he was making in people's lives through the power of healing and ministry.
Beloved, we must be thoughtful about the expectations we have of Jesus. Many expected a royal born King only to find a poor born baby in a manger. It was expected that he would be a great military leader, but he lead the fight against unrighteousness. Many expected him to heal a nation, but he brought salvation to the world. There are those that depart the Lord because personal expectations are not met. It is against this background that the Lord pronounces blessings upon those who have faith, see the bigger picture and remain steadfast. The encouragement to John is encouragement for us. Let us always remember that though God may not do things we would do, or do them our way or accomplish them on our timetable, He knows what He is doing and we should trust him.
Building God's family,
Lee
John the Baptist sent his disciples to ask Jesus if he was the one to come or if they should wait for another. There is a great deal of speculation as to why John requested this information. After all, he was present at the baptism of Jesus, saw the Holy Spirit come upon him and heard the very voice of God identify him as his son. Some think that John was lamenting his stay in prison which occurred because of his righteous stand in the face of King Herod's sinful behavior. Others say that John recognized Christ as the son of God but was not sure if he was the prophesied Messiah. This was thought because it was expected that when the Messiah came, Israel would be restored to her former glory and the occupying Roman Empire would be sent packing.
Jesus' reply to John's followers was to tell them to report back the things they had seen concerning his work, namely, the changes he was making in people's lives through the power of healing and ministry.
Beloved, we must be thoughtful about the expectations we have of Jesus. Many expected a royal born King only to find a poor born baby in a manger. It was expected that he would be a great military leader, but he lead the fight against unrighteousness. Many expected him to heal a nation, but he brought salvation to the world. There are those that depart the Lord because personal expectations are not met. It is against this background that the Lord pronounces blessings upon those who have faith, see the bigger picture and remain steadfast. The encouragement to John is encouragement for us. Let us always remember that though God may not do things we would do, or do them our way or accomplish them on our timetable, He knows what He is doing and we should trust him.
Building God's family,
Lee
Friday, March 2, 2018
Committed to Prayer 3/2/2018
"Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously." Dan 6:10-11
An integral part of living the Christian life is prayer to God in the name of Jesus. We teach our children from the earliest of ages the famous "Now I lay me down to sleep" prayer and we are always careful to pray over our food. Likewise, we dutifully and reverently bow our heads and close our eyes when prayer is rendered during worship or other corporate occasions such as weddings and funerals. Is that, however, the extent of our prayer life?
Daniel had an intimate relationship with God. This was expressed in many ways, not the least of which was through prayer. Those who were jealous of Daniel's title, position and favor with the king coerced the king into signing irrevocable legislation that would cast anyone who prayed to any other entity than himself into the lion's den. Despite knowing this, Daniel would not be deterred from his regular and vigorous commitment to prayer.
Beloved, it is critical that we understand the purpose of prayer. We serve a God who is tender hearted toward us, passionately in love with us and desires an intimate relationship with us. Though he knows all things and is a discerner of our hearts, he has given us this avenue to Him that allows for direct communication. Imagine that! We can communicate directly with the Creator of the universe and He hears! The bible is replete with examples, instructions, postures and occasions, all related to prayer. It is clearly a critical aspect of our relationship with our Father.
Finally, Jesus taught that we must move beyond these perfunctory prayers that can sometimes be automatic responses to the occasion. Prayer must involve sincerity, quality and commitment:
"But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you," Matt 6:6.
Building God's family,
Lee
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