"And by reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted overmuch, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, that I should not be exalted overmuch." 2 Corinthians 12:7
Most Christians and many non-Christians are familiar with the plight of Paul's thorn in the flesh. He attributes it to having visited heaven and witnessed things too amazing to describe. He then specifically states that the discomfort he was given (not a literal thorn in literal flesh) was given, for all intents and purposes, to keep him humble.
Beloved there are at least two messages here. To the Christian, the benefits of a relationship with God should be obvious. In fact, it would exceed the available space to even try to list them all; however, this would be a great place to pause and give quiet thought to how good God has been to you throughout your lifetime. That done, none of us have to look far to see those who have been so blessed by God that they think they have accomplished and acquired everything in and of themselves and therefore do not need God. These folks have missed the point entirely. In situations like this, it would be better to have some sort of reminder of both the hierarchy associated with our very existence and the source of every blessing than to lose sight of both because of His overwhelming goodness. One might think, "Why does such a reminder necessarily involve pain?" We should not assume that Paul's malady involved pain; however we know that whatever it was not only kept him in line but served as an example to others and glorified God. Have you ever been inspired by the faith of someone less fortunate than you?
To the non-Christian considering membership in God's family, it should be known that it is not all cookies and cream. God never promised us an easy row to hoe. In fact, there is full disclosure given regarding the difficulties that can be expected from faithfully living the Christian life. Our purpose in life is to glorify Him through our praise, worship, love, obedience and sharing with others. In so doing, we may become scuffed or inconvenienced, but the benefits of being a child of God are beyond imagination and eternal. Paul experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows, but learned ultimately to depend on God for everything and accept His will in all things. That is the purpose of the thorn.
Increasing in faith,
Lee
Showing posts with label Humility. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Humility. Show all posts
Friday, February 21, 2020
Thursday, August 22, 2019
Looking a Gift Horse in the Mouth 9/22/2018
“But Naaman was furious and went away and said, ‘Behold, I
thought, ‘He will surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the
Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper. Are not Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of
Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be
clean?’ So he turned and went away in a
rage.” 2 Kings 5:11-12
Naaman was
the captain of the army for a king by the name of Aram. By all accounts he was highly respected and a
valiant warrior, but he had a problem.
Naaman was a leper. Through a
series of events, he found himself at the door of Elisha, a prophet of the
living God to whom he was referred.
Elisha sent a servant to the door with a message to go and dip himself
in the Jordan river 7 times and he would be clean. As the Scripture records, he was incensed
about the way he was treated as well as the prescription. Is this not reminiscent of the popular “gift
horse” colloquialism?
It is easy to be critical of Naaman until we take honest
stock of our own behaviors. How often do
we put ourselves in jeopardy of not receiving our blessing because we are not
satisfied with the method of delivery or the content? We so often pray for deliverance from health,
financial, relationship or other circumstantial situations but reject God’s
means because they do not agree with what we expect or desire. We are far more rigid than we think we are,
even when we find ourselves in the greatest need. The rich young ruler famously
asked Jesus for eternal life, but rejected the method by which he might acquire
it, thus infamously losing it.
Beloved, we must be people of faith at all times. This means trusting God with all of our
hearts and not leaning on our own understanding (Prov 3:5). When we only trust God “so far,” and resort
to our own means when He does not deliver on our timetable or by our preferred
method, we demonstrate faithlessness. In
so doing, we put ourselves in danger of not receiving the blessing that God so
graciously offers.
Naaman’s servants rhetorically asked if Elisha had required
some herculean task of him, would he not have done it to be rid of his
leprosy. Fortunately, he got the point,
complied with the instructions and was cured as he was told he would be. When we go to God, let us do so in humility
and be willing to accept His will in whatever form it may come. There may even be a blessing in a “no”;
however, let us not cost ourselves a “yes”, knowing that in God, all things work
together for our good.
In pursuit of transformed life,
Lee
Friday, July 22, 2016
Seeking Forgiveness for Self 7/22/2016
"Then they kept crossing the ford to bring over the king’s household, and to do what was good in his sight. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king as he was about to cross the Jordan. So he said to the king, 'Let not my lord consider me guilty, nor remember what your servant did wrong on the day when my lord the king came out from Jerusalem, so that the king would take it to heart. For your servant knows that I have sinned; therefore behold, I have come today, the first of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.' But Abishai the son of Zeruiah said, 'Should not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the Lord’s anointed?'” 2 Samuel 19:18-21
David once famously packed up his household and many of his followers and left his home base of Jerusalem in an effort to avoid a war with his son who sought to supplant him by force as the new king. During one of the lowest times of his life, a man by the name of Shimei came along and began to verbally abuse the king with words that were shocking for a commoner to use against his monarch. He accused him of being a murderer and a wicked person and said that he deserved all he was suffering. To add insult to injury, he threw rocks and dirt at the king and all of his company.
As it would happen, the fortunes of David would reverse. Having put down the insurrection, the king and his cohort began to make his way back into Jerusalem to retake the throne and restore order. As this was occurring, Shimei appeared and was contrite, humble and repentant as he confessed and asked for forgiveness.
Beloved, how often have we played the role of Shimei in our sinful behaviors? We can all look back on times when we have done wrong to relatives, friends, acquaintances, co-workers and even members of the church. In so doing, we shake the fist of rebellion at God by not obeying his command to love him with all we've got and to love others as we love ourselves. Our behavior can be abhorrent when we are angry and hurt. Fortunately for us, God is as patient with us as David was with Shimei. Though well within his right, David did not take Shimei's life when he sinned against him, but let him go. This gave him an opportunity to come to his senses and he eventually did.
The lesson here is that we must all come to our senses, recognize the wrong we have committed against God and beg for forgiveness with more vigor than that with which we sinned against him. And we must not be afraid to approach him and ask. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." So often we are immobilized by our guilt and shame and decide that we are unforgiveable. This in and of itself is sinful in that we are not to put ourselves in the place of God. It is he who has directed us to seek him and his righteousness. It is up to us to obey.
We do not have a license to sin but we do have a remedy. If you are overtaken in a fault, go to the only one who can fix it, then accept what he provides, or as Jesus said, "Go and sin no more," John 8:11.
Practically speaking,
Lee
David once famously packed up his household and many of his followers and left his home base of Jerusalem in an effort to avoid a war with his son who sought to supplant him by force as the new king. During one of the lowest times of his life, a man by the name of Shimei came along and began to verbally abuse the king with words that were shocking for a commoner to use against his monarch. He accused him of being a murderer and a wicked person and said that he deserved all he was suffering. To add insult to injury, he threw rocks and dirt at the king and all of his company.
As it would happen, the fortunes of David would reverse. Having put down the insurrection, the king and his cohort began to make his way back into Jerusalem to retake the throne and restore order. As this was occurring, Shimei appeared and was contrite, humble and repentant as he confessed and asked for forgiveness.
Beloved, how often have we played the role of Shimei in our sinful behaviors? We can all look back on times when we have done wrong to relatives, friends, acquaintances, co-workers and even members of the church. In so doing, we shake the fist of rebellion at God by not obeying his command to love him with all we've got and to love others as we love ourselves. Our behavior can be abhorrent when we are angry and hurt. Fortunately for us, God is as patient with us as David was with Shimei. Though well within his right, David did not take Shimei's life when he sinned against him, but let him go. This gave him an opportunity to come to his senses and he eventually did.
The lesson here is that we must all come to our senses, recognize the wrong we have committed against God and beg for forgiveness with more vigor than that with which we sinned against him. And we must not be afraid to approach him and ask. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." So often we are immobilized by our guilt and shame and decide that we are unforgiveable. This in and of itself is sinful in that we are not to put ourselves in the place of God. It is he who has directed us to seek him and his righteousness. It is up to us to obey.
We do not have a license to sin but we do have a remedy. If you are overtaken in a fault, go to the only one who can fix it, then accept what he provides, or as Jesus said, "Go and sin no more," John 8:11.
Practically speaking,
Lee
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Proper Perspective 6/26/2013
"Then these three men ceased answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. But the anger of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram burned; against Job his anger burned because he justified himself before God." Job 32:1-2
The story of Job and all that happened to him at the hands of Satan is well rehearsed. If you know anything at all about him, you know that God allowed the Enemy to afflict him and his family when it was stated that Job only served God because of the protections and blessings afforded him. You also know that everything but his life was taken from him in the most horrendous and violent way.
At a particular point of discussion with his friends who came to mourn with him and support him (and later berate and blame him), he began to outline all of the many reasons (in his mind) that none of those things should have happened to him. You are encouraged to look at all of chapter 32 to get the scope of all he had to say about his own righteousness. His diatribe of challenges to his listeners to tell him of a time that he has not been and done good reaches a crescendo when he says, "Oh, that I had someone to hear me! I sign now my defense-let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser put his indictment in writing" Job 32:35.
Beloved, it can be an easy thing to become caught up in our own righteousness, particularly in the face of calamity. We somehow feel that because we do our best to do good, we should somehow be spared all discomfort. This is reflected in the classic question, "why do bad things happen to good people." There is certainly some heavy theological lifting when it comes to any answer that may be offered to such a question but one simple perspective is that when compared to God, we have no righteousness at all. The word of God tells us, "Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins," Ecc 7:20.
Job seemed to have forgotten that he was the recipient of vast blessings from the Almighty and that they are His to both give and take away. He seemed to have forgotten that relatively speaking, his acts of righteousness are to the Lord, filthy rags. He seemed to have forgotten that he, if for no other reason than the sin of pride he was even then displaying, deserved nothing but death. Today, we would all be well served to have a better memory and understanding than Job did at that moment. It was easy for him to defend himself against his friends, but he would soon hear directly from God about the matter and it was not a conversation he wanted to have.
Committed,
Lee
The story of Job and all that happened to him at the hands of Satan is well rehearsed. If you know anything at all about him, you know that God allowed the Enemy to afflict him and his family when it was stated that Job only served God because of the protections and blessings afforded him. You also know that everything but his life was taken from him in the most horrendous and violent way.
At a particular point of discussion with his friends who came to mourn with him and support him (and later berate and blame him), he began to outline all of the many reasons (in his mind) that none of those things should have happened to him. You are encouraged to look at all of chapter 32 to get the scope of all he had to say about his own righteousness. His diatribe of challenges to his listeners to tell him of a time that he has not been and done good reaches a crescendo when he says, "Oh, that I had someone to hear me! I sign now my defense-let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser put his indictment in writing" Job 32:35.
Beloved, it can be an easy thing to become caught up in our own righteousness, particularly in the face of calamity. We somehow feel that because we do our best to do good, we should somehow be spared all discomfort. This is reflected in the classic question, "why do bad things happen to good people." There is certainly some heavy theological lifting when it comes to any answer that may be offered to such a question but one simple perspective is that when compared to God, we have no righteousness at all. The word of God tells us, "Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins," Ecc 7:20.
Job seemed to have forgotten that he was the recipient of vast blessings from the Almighty and that they are His to both give and take away. He seemed to have forgotten that relatively speaking, his acts of righteousness are to the Lord, filthy rags. He seemed to have forgotten that he, if for no other reason than the sin of pride he was even then displaying, deserved nothing but death. Today, we would all be well served to have a better memory and understanding than Job did at that moment. It was easy for him to defend himself against his friends, but he would soon hear directly from God about the matter and it was not a conversation he wanted to have.
Committed,
Lee
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Power Over Your Life 11/1/2012
"Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult." Prov 12:16 (NIV)
Have you ever noticed how quick we can be to respond to an offense? Why do you suppose that is? Clearly no on desires to be badly treated, insulted, taken advantage of or abused, however, we must consider our response to these inevitable occurrences.
It is important to determine how much power we give other people over our lives. If you are having a great day and someone even offhandedly says the "wrong" thing to you and your day goes into a nose dive, you have relinquished power over your life. Consider Jesus. Immediately after what could arguably be considered his best day (the day of his baptism and identification by God as his own), he went into the wilderness and was tempted by Satan. Despite all Satan tried to do, Jesus simply replied with the word of God and more importantly, resisted. On arguably his worst day (the day of his crucifixion), he withstood insult, beatings, false accusations, being spat upon and the rest of the well documented horror associated with the day, yet he said not a word and humbled himself at the cross.
Beloved, this was within Jesus' ability to accomplish because of one simple fact. This fact is born out throughout his life and is demonstrated at many times and many ways, but perhaps most when he voluntarily lowered himself to perform a task of the lowest of the low slaves and washed his disciple's feet. Of this occasion, Scriptures says of him, "Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God" John 13:3. In other words, he knew who he was in God and that he was destined to return to his rightful place at God's right hand.
We should be similarly motivated when the world does not treat us well. We are God's own and we are destined to be with Him throughout eternity. With this perspective, we can stand any temporary and relatively meaningless insult or offence because we know whose we are and who we are in Him. With this knowledge, we can maintain Holy Spirit derived power over our own lives and reactions rather than giving it away to those who would abuse it.
Rejoicing in the Lord
Lee
Have you ever noticed how quick we can be to respond to an offense? Why do you suppose that is? Clearly no on desires to be badly treated, insulted, taken advantage of or abused, however, we must consider our response to these inevitable occurrences.
It is important to determine how much power we give other people over our lives. If you are having a great day and someone even offhandedly says the "wrong" thing to you and your day goes into a nose dive, you have relinquished power over your life. Consider Jesus. Immediately after what could arguably be considered his best day (the day of his baptism and identification by God as his own), he went into the wilderness and was tempted by Satan. Despite all Satan tried to do, Jesus simply replied with the word of God and more importantly, resisted. On arguably his worst day (the day of his crucifixion), he withstood insult, beatings, false accusations, being spat upon and the rest of the well documented horror associated with the day, yet he said not a word and humbled himself at the cross.
Beloved, this was within Jesus' ability to accomplish because of one simple fact. This fact is born out throughout his life and is demonstrated at many times and many ways, but perhaps most when he voluntarily lowered himself to perform a task of the lowest of the low slaves and washed his disciple's feet. Of this occasion, Scriptures says of him, "Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God" John 13:3. In other words, he knew who he was in God and that he was destined to return to his rightful place at God's right hand.
We should be similarly motivated when the world does not treat us well. We are God's own and we are destined to be with Him throughout eternity. With this perspective, we can stand any temporary and relatively meaningless insult or offence because we know whose we are and who we are in Him. With this knowledge, we can maintain Holy Spirit derived power over our own lives and reactions rather than giving it away to those who would abuse it.
Rejoicing in the Lord
Lee
Friday, October 5, 2012
Watch Your Mouth 10/5/2012
"But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matt 12:36-37
Most of it find it entertaining, telling or even tragic when one of our political leaders is caught saying something we would not normally associate with them near an open microphone. Many have been embarrassed by such utterances and find themselves having to spend a lot of time spinning the statement or doing damage control. The truth is, once something has been said, it can never be unsaid.
It is not just those who are in the public eye that are subject to these dangers; in fact, we all are. It is important that Christians know and understand that God is omniscient and omnipresent. "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do" Heb 4:13. In short, God sees and hears everything.
Beloved we must be thoughtful about the things we choose to say. It is not nearly as much of the purposeful things we say as the idle ones that indicate our character. Have you ever been walking down the street, seen some one poorly dressed or in a diminished state of hygiene and said something derogatory about them to a companion? Are you critical of and vocal about others who may not agree with you? Do you engage in gossip? These words ultimately condemn the speaker rather than the object of them. Paul said, "Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person" Col 4:6. We are children of God and ambassadors of heaven. Every word that proceeds from our mouths should reflect this.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Most of it find it entertaining, telling or even tragic when one of our political leaders is caught saying something we would not normally associate with them near an open microphone. Many have been embarrassed by such utterances and find themselves having to spend a lot of time spinning the statement or doing damage control. The truth is, once something has been said, it can never be unsaid.
It is not just those who are in the public eye that are subject to these dangers; in fact, we all are. It is important that Christians know and understand that God is omniscient and omnipresent. "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do" Heb 4:13. In short, God sees and hears everything.
Beloved we must be thoughtful about the things we choose to say. It is not nearly as much of the purposeful things we say as the idle ones that indicate our character. Have you ever been walking down the street, seen some one poorly dressed or in a diminished state of hygiene and said something derogatory about them to a companion? Are you critical of and vocal about others who may not agree with you? Do you engage in gossip? These words ultimately condemn the speaker rather than the object of them. Paul said, "Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person" Col 4:6. We are children of God and ambassadors of heaven. Every word that proceeds from our mouths should reflect this.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Friday, June 22, 2012
Humility-6/22/2010
"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." 1 Pet 5:6-7
Humility is not a trait that comes naturally to most people. It only develops as a matter of circumstance or of will. There are many things in life that can drive us to our knees but the least painful distance to the floor is through the path of simple obedience to God.
When you think about pride (placing oneself above others or an over estimate of one's means or merits), there is little good that comes from it. Pride almost necessarily includes the demeaning of others. It shouts, "I do not need anything from anyone and I pull myself up by my own bootstraps." This attitude can find that person alone and without at their greatest time of need and without doubt, that time inevitably comes. What is God to do with or for those who do not want or need Him?
Beloved, God desires that we rely fully upon him. Prov 3:5 reminds us to "Trust in God with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding." Have you ever seen that trust exercise where a person crosses their arms over their chest and falls backwards, relying on someone to catch them? This is the word picture behind trust. A proud person would pad the ground in advance to avoid injury in case "plan A" fails. There is no back up to God. He is absolutely trustworthy and will do exceedingly and abundantly more than we could ever hope or dream. He not only catches us but lifts up. Those who refuse to humble themselves are in danger of being left to their own fallible devices.
Whatever challenge, problem, sorrow, pain or even pleasant expectation of eternity we may have, we must rely fully on Him who made us. Pride can never save you, but God, in His own time, does. This a truly humbling thought.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Humility is not a trait that comes naturally to most people. It only develops as a matter of circumstance or of will. There are many things in life that can drive us to our knees but the least painful distance to the floor is through the path of simple obedience to God.
When you think about pride (placing oneself above others or an over estimate of one's means or merits), there is little good that comes from it. Pride almost necessarily includes the demeaning of others. It shouts, "I do not need anything from anyone and I pull myself up by my own bootstraps." This attitude can find that person alone and without at their greatest time of need and without doubt, that time inevitably comes. What is God to do with or for those who do not want or need Him?
Beloved, God desires that we rely fully upon him. Prov 3:5 reminds us to "Trust in God with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding." Have you ever seen that trust exercise where a person crosses their arms over their chest and falls backwards, relying on someone to catch them? This is the word picture behind trust. A proud person would pad the ground in advance to avoid injury in case "plan A" fails. There is no back up to God. He is absolutely trustworthy and will do exceedingly and abundantly more than we could ever hope or dream. He not only catches us but lifts up. Those who refuse to humble themselves are in danger of being left to their own fallible devices.
Whatever challenge, problem, sorrow, pain or even pleasant expectation of eternity we may have, we must rely fully on Him who made us. Pride can never save you, but God, in His own time, does. This a truly humbling thought.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Monday, January 30, 2012
Help With Self Improvement-1/30/2012
“Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Matt 7:3-5
Beloved, some of you may not know the origin or the thought process behind this daily devotional. Despite my privilege of serving as minister to the O’Fallon Church of Christ and all that it entails, I felt my personal walk with God was not close enough (can any ever be?). After long consideration and lots of prayer, I decided that producing a daily devotion would bend my head even more to His study, bend my will even more to His will and build my knowledge, understanding and wisdom that I might be better able to serve Him through serving His people. It occurred to me that others may benefit from this and the distribution was born.
I felt the need to reiterate this statement for two reasons. First, I’d like to remind all who read that most of what is written has to do, with me in on way or another. This is not a preaching forum, a commentary on anyone’s life or an attempt to judge. It is true that certain things are observed in life and human interactions that cry out to be spoken about from a scriptural perspective, but even then it is presented first as a reminder to self and then to those who have elected to receive these thoughts.
Secondly, I find myself humbled by and subject to God’s word just like everyone else. Yesterday, I lovingly approached a very dear friend about an issue I observed. The conversation was lovingly received and we talked for a while. During the course of this chat, it became obvious that my friend could have lovingly approached me about the very same thing. What a revelation that was! While I thought I was helping to remove a speck, I looked past my own log.
This is why my favorite verse in all of the Bible is, “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” Phil 3:13-14. This is why I stay in His word. I have to. I need to. I thank Him for his lessons from wherever they come. I thank Him for my dear friend and I thank Him for you.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Beloved, some of you may not know the origin or the thought process behind this daily devotional. Despite my privilege of serving as minister to the O’Fallon Church of Christ and all that it entails, I felt my personal walk with God was not close enough (can any ever be?). After long consideration and lots of prayer, I decided that producing a daily devotion would bend my head even more to His study, bend my will even more to His will and build my knowledge, understanding and wisdom that I might be better able to serve Him through serving His people. It occurred to me that others may benefit from this and the distribution was born.
I felt the need to reiterate this statement for two reasons. First, I’d like to remind all who read that most of what is written has to do, with me in on way or another. This is not a preaching forum, a commentary on anyone’s life or an attempt to judge. It is true that certain things are observed in life and human interactions that cry out to be spoken about from a scriptural perspective, but even then it is presented first as a reminder to self and then to those who have elected to receive these thoughts.
Secondly, I find myself humbled by and subject to God’s word just like everyone else. Yesterday, I lovingly approached a very dear friend about an issue I observed. The conversation was lovingly received and we talked for a while. During the course of this chat, it became obvious that my friend could have lovingly approached me about the very same thing. What a revelation that was! While I thought I was helping to remove a speck, I looked past my own log.
This is why my favorite verse in all of the Bible is, “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” Phil 3:13-14. This is why I stay in His word. I have to. I need to. I thank Him for his lessons from wherever they come. I thank Him for my dear friend and I thank Him for you.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Reaching People Where They Are-1/17/2012
"He said to her, 'Go, call your husband and come here.' The woman answered and said, 'I have no husband.' Jesus said to her, 'You have correctly said, ‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly.'” John 4:16-18
It is important to understand the context of this passage. Jesus had arrived in a place called Samaria. As a Jew, this was not a place most would find themselves. The problem was that the occupants of the area were once Jews themselves. The Jewish point of view was that while much of Israel was taken captive by the Babylonians in 721 BC, those who remained in the homeland mixed with the Assyrians making them in the minds of many, unclean half-breeds.
Further, it was very much outside the norm if not considered downright wrong for a Jew of Jesus' rabbinical stature to interact one on one with any female, let alone a Samaritan. At Jesus' request that the woman give him a drink, even the woman asked in verse 9, "How is it that you being a Jew, asks drink of me, who am a Samaritan woman (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans)." So what was Jesus doing? What was he thinking?
Beloved, Jesus was thinking as we all should think. Far too many times, we miss the opportunity to share the gospel because of biases and prejudices. Somewhere within us, we just do not want to deal with "those" people, whoever they may be. Do not make the mistake of thinking this is just about race, ethnicity, color, etc. It also includes sexual preference, religious proclivity or socioeconomic standing, drug use, cohabitation, alcoholism, etc. The list is vast.
Jesus was willing to defy convention and go to a person who had needs. Not only were the circumstances not an issue, they may very well have been the reason for him doing what he did. He once said, "They that are whole have no need of a physician but they that are sick," Matt 9:12. In short, the Lord was willing to meet the Samaritan woman right where she was in the circumstances she was in and ministered to here there.
The epilogue is that she went and told her village who, based on what she told them, came to see and hear Jesus for themselves. After a time with Jesus, they told the woman, "Now we believe, not because of what you said: for we have heard for ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Saviour of the world," John 4:42.
Do you remember when Jesus met you where you were? Thank God for new life.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
It is important to understand the context of this passage. Jesus had arrived in a place called Samaria. As a Jew, this was not a place most would find themselves. The problem was that the occupants of the area were once Jews themselves. The Jewish point of view was that while much of Israel was taken captive by the Babylonians in 721 BC, those who remained in the homeland mixed with the Assyrians making them in the minds of many, unclean half-breeds.
Further, it was very much outside the norm if not considered downright wrong for a Jew of Jesus' rabbinical stature to interact one on one with any female, let alone a Samaritan. At Jesus' request that the woman give him a drink, even the woman asked in verse 9, "How is it that you being a Jew, asks drink of me, who am a Samaritan woman (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans)." So what was Jesus doing? What was he thinking?
Beloved, Jesus was thinking as we all should think. Far too many times, we miss the opportunity to share the gospel because of biases and prejudices. Somewhere within us, we just do not want to deal with "those" people, whoever they may be. Do not make the mistake of thinking this is just about race, ethnicity, color, etc. It also includes sexual preference, religious proclivity or socioeconomic standing, drug use, cohabitation, alcoholism, etc. The list is vast.
Jesus was willing to defy convention and go to a person who had needs. Not only were the circumstances not an issue, they may very well have been the reason for him doing what he did. He once said, "They that are whole have no need of a physician but they that are sick," Matt 9:12. In short, the Lord was willing to meet the Samaritan woman right where she was in the circumstances she was in and ministered to here there.
The epilogue is that she went and told her village who, based on what she told them, came to see and hear Jesus for themselves. After a time with Jesus, they told the woman, "Now we believe, not because of what you said: for we have heard for ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Saviour of the world," John 4:42.
Do you remember when Jesus met you where you were? Thank God for new life.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Monday, November 14, 2011
Embracing Your Role-11/14/2011
"Thus he said to him, " Do not be afraid, because the hand of Saul my father will not find you, and you will be king over Israel and I will be next to you; and Saul my father knows that also." 1 Sam 23:17
Beloved there are times when we have the grandest of plans for our own lives. We pursue education, athletics, apprenticeship in construction or the arts with the greatest of intentions to make a significant impact on the world. Whether through hard work or birthright, we sometimes feel that we deserve to have a particular function or station in life.
Consider Jonathan, the son of King Saul. In monarchy, it is a foregone conclusion that the son follows the father to the throne and that the family would rule in perpetuity. Johnathan had every right to expect to become king after his father. Scripture reveals, however, that God had other plans. He had already chosen David to be the next king early in Saul's reign.
Despite what we think or plan, we must realize that we do not have all of the answers and that God has His own ideas about what He wants us to do and where He wants us to be. We may serve His purpose best by working at a not for profit organization rather than holding the office of CEO at a Fortune 500 organization. It may be that we are placed with a spouse of questionable values and morals rather than a steadfast and upright mate for the glory of God.
Surely we must place ourselves in the hollow of the Father's hand and embrace whatever role He has for us with gladness. Not only was Jonathan not angry about David being the future king, but he made a covenant with him and "...he loved him as he loved his own life." 1 Sam 20:17 It may very well be that God put you exactly where you are. It is from there that you can get to exactly where He is.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Beloved there are times when we have the grandest of plans for our own lives. We pursue education, athletics, apprenticeship in construction or the arts with the greatest of intentions to make a significant impact on the world. Whether through hard work or birthright, we sometimes feel that we deserve to have a particular function or station in life.
Consider Jonathan, the son of King Saul. In monarchy, it is a foregone conclusion that the son follows the father to the throne and that the family would rule in perpetuity. Johnathan had every right to expect to become king after his father. Scripture reveals, however, that God had other plans. He had already chosen David to be the next king early in Saul's reign.
Despite what we think or plan, we must realize that we do not have all of the answers and that God has His own ideas about what He wants us to do and where He wants us to be. We may serve His purpose best by working at a not for profit organization rather than holding the office of CEO at a Fortune 500 organization. It may be that we are placed with a spouse of questionable values and morals rather than a steadfast and upright mate for the glory of God.
Surely we must place ourselves in the hollow of the Father's hand and embrace whatever role He has for us with gladness. Not only was Jonathan not angry about David being the future king, but he made a covenant with him and "...he loved him as he loved his own life." 1 Sam 20:17 It may very well be that God put you exactly where you are. It is from there that you can get to exactly where He is.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Friday, August 12, 2011
Take it to God-9/12/2011
"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." 1 Pet 5:6-7
Having addressed the elders of the flock to lead with righteousness and humility, the apostle Peter turns his attention to the members of the body and gives them this twofold advice. First, we are to humble ourselves. This humility involves first becoming subservient to God. Too often we march to the beat of our own drum when it is neither our drum or ability derived from self to play it. We must remember the Lord in all things we do and do them as we are performing them both for Him and under his loving and watchful eye. This humility extends to those whom He has given charge over us, particularly in the church. "He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering..." Eph 4:11. We are to accept their headship as it relates to our spiritual lives because God has so placed them.
Peter then advises that all place their cares and concerns upon God. In truth, He is the only one that can handle them anyway. He is the source of all righteousness but He is also the source for all provision. There is nothing that is too hard for the Lord. When man lets us down, God is there. And though He will see to our needs (and many wants) in His own due time and in His own way, not one among us can look back and fail to see Him moving and working in our lives. In fact, we ought to be able to look into our present circumstances and see the same thing. This then gives confidence that He is already working out our future.
Beloved, we must strive daily to make God real in our lives. This is not to question His existence but to encourage us to bring Him from the theoretical to the actual in our own minds and hearts. Remember that Yahweh is self existent and does not need us to believe in order for Him to be. He is the great I AM, revealing that if there is nothing else that exists, He does. This, among so many other things, makes Him worthy of our trust and confidence. In all that we may do, experience or even suffer, know that He, as a mother of a new born infant, cares for us.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Having addressed the elders of the flock to lead with righteousness and humility, the apostle Peter turns his attention to the members of the body and gives them this twofold advice. First, we are to humble ourselves. This humility involves first becoming subservient to God. Too often we march to the beat of our own drum when it is neither our drum or ability derived from self to play it. We must remember the Lord in all things we do and do them as we are performing them both for Him and under his loving and watchful eye. This humility extends to those whom He has given charge over us, particularly in the church. "He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering..." Eph 4:11. We are to accept their headship as it relates to our spiritual lives because God has so placed them.
Peter then advises that all place their cares and concerns upon God. In truth, He is the only one that can handle them anyway. He is the source of all righteousness but He is also the source for all provision. There is nothing that is too hard for the Lord. When man lets us down, God is there. And though He will see to our needs (and many wants) in His own due time and in His own way, not one among us can look back and fail to see Him moving and working in our lives. In fact, we ought to be able to look into our present circumstances and see the same thing. This then gives confidence that He is already working out our future.
Beloved, we must strive daily to make God real in our lives. This is not to question His existence but to encourage us to bring Him from the theoretical to the actual in our own minds and hearts. Remember that Yahweh is self existent and does not need us to believe in order for Him to be. He is the great I AM, revealing that if there is nothing else that exists, He does. This, among so many other things, makes Him worthy of our trust and confidence. In all that we may do, experience or even suffer, know that He, as a mother of a new born infant, cares for us.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Friday, April 8, 2011
You Can Always Go Home-DD 4/7/2011
"So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him." Luke 15:20
There are many of us who were either born into families that were members of the house of God, or have been so for a very long time. We knew from early on what it was like to grow up with his laws and discipline, but also his great love, provision and mercy.
It seems, however, that human nature often follows the path of restlessness. We become dissatisfied with all that we have in God and desire to take our blessings and strike out on our own. We leave the safe confines of the church and righteousness to test the color of the grass on the other side. In these situations, we leave when we should not, go further than is wise, spend more than we should, and stay longer than we ought.
Beloved, when we finally come to ourselves, we are filled with shame, bereft of answers and longing for home. Some never make that trip. They feel that they are too reprobate and that God cannot forgive them. Brothers and sisters, is there anything too hard for God?
Know that though you may have left home, you still have a home where the Father is constantly on the look out for your return. When you humble yourself and start moving back toward him, you will find that He will quickly close the distance between the two of you and that He will welcome you with love, compassion and open arms.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
There are many of us who were either born into families that were members of the house of God, or have been so for a very long time. We knew from early on what it was like to grow up with his laws and discipline, but also his great love, provision and mercy.
It seems, however, that human nature often follows the path of restlessness. We become dissatisfied with all that we have in God and desire to take our blessings and strike out on our own. We leave the safe confines of the church and righteousness to test the color of the grass on the other side. In these situations, we leave when we should not, go further than is wise, spend more than we should, and stay longer than we ought.
Beloved, when we finally come to ourselves, we are filled with shame, bereft of answers and longing for home. Some never make that trip. They feel that they are too reprobate and that God cannot forgive them. Brothers and sisters, is there anything too hard for God?
Know that though you may have left home, you still have a home where the Father is constantly on the look out for your return. When you humble yourself and start moving back toward him, you will find that He will quickly close the distance between the two of you and that He will welcome you with love, compassion and open arms.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
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