"Then summoning him, his lord said to him, ‘You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’" Matt 18:32-35
When one of his disciples asks Jesus about how much and how often forgiveness should be extended, he responds with a parable that relays concepts with which we can all identify. The story is told of a man who was in a greater debt to the king than he could ever hope to repay. Through pleading with his lord, he received forgiveness of his debt and freedom for himself and his family. This same fellow went out and found someone who owed him a relative pittance, beat and berated him and threatened to have him incarcerated.
Beloved, we may hear this story and think, "How awful!" We all maintain a righteous indignation toward an act so filled with ignorance and so bereft of compassion. It is important, however, not to miss ourselves in the picture of this scripture. God is the great King who through Christ, has forgiven us of all of our transgressions. It is we who were more sin indebted than we could ever hope to repay. We must then ask ourselves, are we guilty of failing to forgive those who are indebted to us? This is not just a financial consideration.Iin fact, it is hardly about that at all. Do we walk around with ill will harbored against our fellow man and do we remind them, covertly or overtly, whenever we get the chance? Are we holding grudges against others? Are we judging others?
God has said that without extending forgiveness to others, none should be expected from him, Matt 6:14-15. The point is mercy received should lead to mercy offered.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Monday, August 1, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Sleeping in Worship-7/29/2011
"And there was a young man named Eutychus sitting on the window sill, sinking into a deep sleep; and as Paul kept on talking, he was overcome by sleep and fell down from the third floor and was picked up dead." Acts 20:9
Beloved, this started out as a light hearted tale of the dangers of falling asleep in church. At some point, we have all done it or been dangerously close to doing it. My mind raced with all of the things I've seen from the pulpit when people fall asleep, such as snoring and startling oneself awake, heads bouncing from nodding, mouths hanging open, etc.
It then occurred to me that there are larger issues. Are we sleepwalking through our spiritual lives? Are the things that God is trying to show us being missed because we are dosing? As it was with the disciples in the garden, are we leaving the Lord hanging?
It is interesting to note that the young man in the window who was evidently a Christian and was there to hear a word from the Lord not only fell asleep but fell to his death. What a great tragedy to think that we can lose consciousness of the word while literally listening to the word and fall away to our ultimate death. I guess it is not so funny after all. Let us remain focused and diligent in our Christian lives. Let us not come this far by faith and come up short.
Of course I can almost hear someone responding, "Well if the long winded preacher wasn't preaching all night the poor child would have never fallen asleep!" I guess that's sort of funny.
No it isn't.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Beloved, this started out as a light hearted tale of the dangers of falling asleep in church. At some point, we have all done it or been dangerously close to doing it. My mind raced with all of the things I've seen from the pulpit when people fall asleep, such as snoring and startling oneself awake, heads bouncing from nodding, mouths hanging open, etc.
It then occurred to me that there are larger issues. Are we sleepwalking through our spiritual lives? Are the things that God is trying to show us being missed because we are dosing? As it was with the disciples in the garden, are we leaving the Lord hanging?
It is interesting to note that the young man in the window who was evidently a Christian and was there to hear a word from the Lord not only fell asleep but fell to his death. What a great tragedy to think that we can lose consciousness of the word while literally listening to the word and fall away to our ultimate death. I guess it is not so funny after all. Let us remain focused and diligent in our Christian lives. Let us not come this far by faith and come up short.
Of course I can almost hear someone responding, "Well if the long winded preacher wasn't preaching all night the poor child would have never fallen asleep!" I guess that's sort of funny.
No it isn't.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Apathy-7/27/2011 (rp)
"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. 'So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth."
Rev 3:15-16
Contextually the Lord is sending a message to the church at Laodecia who apparently had some problems with their conviction. Three things jump out here: the Lord has a desire for us, our condition is less than desirable and there are consequences.
First, notice how the word says that he wishes that we were hot or cold. The word wish (or "would" in some versions) comes from a Greek word that involves a desire that is not likely to ever be met. The Lord knows that there are those of us who will remain non committal to him and to the faith. You'll recall in Noah's time, this was true as well.
Then, it is interesting to note that Jesus would rather that we were cold or hot. While one would think that the Lord would want us all to be "on fire" in the faith, Jesus seems OK with some being cold. Make no mistake, God would have all men to be saved. There are times throughout scripture when the Spirit inspired writers to use extreme examples to make a point. The point here is that it would be better even to be cold than to be lukewarm. With the cold, at least it can be said that there is no guile or hypocrisy.
Finally, it is this desire to sit on the fence, hang out in the middle of the road and failure to make a choice for against the cause of Christ that does not make him angry, but in fact, makes him sick. Beloved this is a significant charge that we all would be well advised to examine. Are we playing Christian or being Christian? Are we feigning love or loving with fervor? Do we mean what we say or are we merely going through the motions? Think hard. The Holy Lamb of God has said that he will vomit those out who are guilty of spiritual apathy. Separation from God is the very definition of hell. Again, think hard. Are you harboring a spirit of apathy?
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Rev 3:15-16
Contextually the Lord is sending a message to the church at Laodecia who apparently had some problems with their conviction. Three things jump out here: the Lord has a desire for us, our condition is less than desirable and there are consequences.
First, notice how the word says that he wishes that we were hot or cold. The word wish (or "would" in some versions) comes from a Greek word that involves a desire that is not likely to ever be met. The Lord knows that there are those of us who will remain non committal to him and to the faith. You'll recall in Noah's time, this was true as well.
Then, it is interesting to note that Jesus would rather that we were cold or hot. While one would think that the Lord would want us all to be "on fire" in the faith, Jesus seems OK with some being cold. Make no mistake, God would have all men to be saved. There are times throughout scripture when the Spirit inspired writers to use extreme examples to make a point. The point here is that it would be better even to be cold than to be lukewarm. With the cold, at least it can be said that there is no guile or hypocrisy.
Finally, it is this desire to sit on the fence, hang out in the middle of the road and failure to make a choice for against the cause of Christ that does not make him angry, but in fact, makes him sick. Beloved this is a significant charge that we all would be well advised to examine. Are we playing Christian or being Christian? Are we feigning love or loving with fervor? Do we mean what we say or are we merely going through the motions? Think hard. The Holy Lamb of God has said that he will vomit those out who are guilty of spiritual apathy. Separation from God is the very definition of hell. Again, think hard. Are you harboring a spirit of apathy?
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Death Where Is Thy Sting?-7/27/2011
"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake." Phil 1:21-24
Let us be frank. In our western culture, death is a very scary subject. In normal fleshly thinking, there are no positives associated with it outside of praying for its onset for the purpose of relieving extreme suffering of the elderly or injured. We are filled with dread at the very thought of it. Many of us know what it is like to experience the effects of it when it happens to loved ones. It represents the great unknown. No one has gone through it and come back to tell the rest of us exactly what, if anything, happens.
Paul had a different view. As he sat in prison, contemplating both his fate and the motivations of those who preached the gospel, both out of faith and spite toward him, he indicated he was looking forward to it. Unusual? Not really.
Beloved, Paul understood that the lives we know are mere dress rehearsals for eternity. Even before he became a Christian, he was zealous for God and pursued his convictions vigorously. Once he met Christ, he became redirected:
But he also knew that as preferred as that existence would be, he had work to do on this side of life. Christ had commissioned him to carry forward the gospel, to be a counselor to young-in-the-faith Christians, to bring light to the Gentiles. This is what was meant by "to live is Christ."
Despite its unknown nature, death is not to be feared. For the Christian, it represents great gain.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Let us be frank. In our western culture, death is a very scary subject. In normal fleshly thinking, there are no positives associated with it outside of praying for its onset for the purpose of relieving extreme suffering of the elderly or injured. We are filled with dread at the very thought of it. Many of us know what it is like to experience the effects of it when it happens to loved ones. It represents the great unknown. No one has gone through it and come back to tell the rest of us exactly what, if anything, happens.
Paul had a different view. As he sat in prison, contemplating both his fate and the motivations of those who preached the gospel, both out of faith and spite toward him, he indicated he was looking forward to it. Unusual? Not really.
Beloved, Paul understood that the lives we know are mere dress rehearsals for eternity. Even before he became a Christian, he was zealous for God and pursued his convictions vigorously. Once he met Christ, he became redirected:
- "I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." Phil 3:8-11
But he also knew that as preferred as that existence would be, he had work to do on this side of life. Christ had commissioned him to carry forward the gospel, to be a counselor to young-in-the-faith Christians, to bring light to the Gentiles. This is what was meant by "to live is Christ."
Despite its unknown nature, death is not to be feared. For the Christian, it represents great gain.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Living Your Christianity-7/26/2011
"...fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith." 1 Tim 1:18-19
There are those who wear Christianity as a banner, announcing to the world that they are set apart believers in Christ Jesus. Others, carry it quietly within themselves, piously humble, understanding the privilege and allowing it to direct their course. Still others hold it out in front of them as a shield, using it to deflect all accusations. Finally, some accept it as a calling for their own lives and use it as a motivator to call others to a relationship with him who is the author and the finisher of our faith.
Beloved, there will always be a diversity of views about and uses of Christianity. Rather than set ourselves up as judges of one another's faith, we must focus on our own motivations and actions. Paul encouraged Timothy to not neglect the gift that had been given him by God, but to use it to correct error, encourage others and to remain steadfast. His words reveal that this is no walk in the park. There will be challenges to our faith...if we are living it properly. When they come, we are to hold on tight to him who called us.
Sadly, there are those whose faith has little depth. You have seen those who have made their confession, been baptized and then never seen again. One of the great tragedies of spiritual life is witnessing those who knew enough to come but lacked the fortitude to stay. For this reason, we must do all we can not just to remain wrapped in His will ourselves, but to encourage others. It is through this that Christianity finds it's highest expression.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
There are those who wear Christianity as a banner, announcing to the world that they are set apart believers in Christ Jesus. Others, carry it quietly within themselves, piously humble, understanding the privilege and allowing it to direct their course. Still others hold it out in front of them as a shield, using it to deflect all accusations. Finally, some accept it as a calling for their own lives and use it as a motivator to call others to a relationship with him who is the author and the finisher of our faith.
Beloved, there will always be a diversity of views about and uses of Christianity. Rather than set ourselves up as judges of one another's faith, we must focus on our own motivations and actions. Paul encouraged Timothy to not neglect the gift that had been given him by God, but to use it to correct error, encourage others and to remain steadfast. His words reveal that this is no walk in the park. There will be challenges to our faith...if we are living it properly. When they come, we are to hold on tight to him who called us.
Sadly, there are those whose faith has little depth. You have seen those who have made their confession, been baptized and then never seen again. One of the great tragedies of spiritual life is witnessing those who knew enough to come but lacked the fortitude to stay. For this reason, we must do all we can not just to remain wrapped in His will ourselves, but to encourage others. It is through this that Christianity finds it's highest expression.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Monday, July 25, 2011
But If Not-7/25/2011 (rp)
"If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." Dan 3:17-18
In this passage of scripture resides the story of three of God's men who, though part of the captivity in Babylon, were given positions of authority and responsibility by the king. Subsequent to this, the king erected an image and directed everyone to fall down and worship it at the appointed time. Shadrach, Meshac and Abed-nego refused.
Beloved, God is not in the wish fulfilling business. He is neither fairy, leprechaun nor genie. He is the sovereign Lord, creator of the universe and He does what pleases Him. God has a plan not just for all of us, but for everything in creation. We may not understand why things are the way they are or why certain things happen, but we must know that He is in control. The Lord says, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts." Isa 55:8-9
We, however, are charged to be in the faith business. Even though we may not be able to "see the big picture" or know what is coming around the next corner, we must trust that God does and keep ourselves firmly within the center of His will. This can be challenging due to the many things we experience in life. Neighbors, friends, family, co-workers and bosses can push us to our limits, but it is important that we think beyond our present circumstances and sacrifice neither our faith nor our obedience. We are to strengthen ourselves in the Lord.
Shadrach, Meshac and Abed-nego knew that if they did not comply with the king's command to leave the will of God, they would be subjected to the flames of the furnace. They stood their ground. They remained faithful. They were preserved and even made to prosper. God is so good is He not?
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
In this passage of scripture resides the story of three of God's men who, though part of the captivity in Babylon, were given positions of authority and responsibility by the king. Subsequent to this, the king erected an image and directed everyone to fall down and worship it at the appointed time. Shadrach, Meshac and Abed-nego refused.
Beloved, God is not in the wish fulfilling business. He is neither fairy, leprechaun nor genie. He is the sovereign Lord, creator of the universe and He does what pleases Him. God has a plan not just for all of us, but for everything in creation. We may not understand why things are the way they are or why certain things happen, but we must know that He is in control. The Lord says, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts." Isa 55:8-9
We, however, are charged to be in the faith business. Even though we may not be able to "see the big picture" or know what is coming around the next corner, we must trust that God does and keep ourselves firmly within the center of His will. This can be challenging due to the many things we experience in life. Neighbors, friends, family, co-workers and bosses can push us to our limits, but it is important that we think beyond our present circumstances and sacrifice neither our faith nor our obedience. We are to strengthen ourselves in the Lord.
Shadrach, Meshac and Abed-nego knew that if they did not comply with the king's command to leave the will of God, they would be subjected to the flames of the furnace. They stood their ground. They remained faithful. They were preserved and even made to prosper. God is so good is He not?
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Friday, July 22, 2011
Closer Than You Think-7/22/2011 (rp)
"And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace." John 1:14
This verse establishes two critical truths about our Savior; Jesus is Divine and Jesus is simultaneously human.
Jesus' divinity is clearly established in a number of scriptures, however; nowhere is it more clearly stated than in John 1:1. Although this fact is foundational to our Christian belief, how is it that we lowly, dirt made creatures can ever hope to be in communion with the Creator of the universe and all it contains? Paul writes in Col 2:9 that "...in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." I don't know about you but that is an awful intimidating thought. I suggest that it would be for anyone. Nevertheless, if Jesus was Deity only, there would have been no perfect and atoning sacrifice for us and therefore no hope of salvation. This brings me to the second truth and the point of this message.
Jesus was also fully man. John indicates this by saying not only was he flesh, but he lived with them and they were able to see, observe, hear and touch him (as was also indicated in 1 John 1:1-4). This was critically important to establish because there was operating at the time, a sect of individuals known as the Gnostics that questioned the existence of Christ or at the very minimum his humanity as it relates to him being flesh and blood. They maintained that nothing made of matter could be divine, but only inherently evil, therefore Christ was not a man. Clearly, if this were the case, he could never have been the atoning sacrifice and again we'd fine ourselves with no hope of salvation.
Christ indeed suffered. More importantly, he didn't suffer for the sake of suffering, nor did he suffer for himself. He suffered for us, 1 Pet 3:18. Now this is very important. Jesus being man suffered both as a man and for mankind. "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Heb 4:14-16.
This has all been said to remind us that Jesus, now at the right hand of the Father in His Deity knows all and loves completely, but that as the Son of Man, knows intimately all that we endure and is our very present help in a time of need. Jesus our Savior; he is closer than you think.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
This verse establishes two critical truths about our Savior; Jesus is Divine and Jesus is simultaneously human.
Jesus' divinity is clearly established in a number of scriptures, however; nowhere is it more clearly stated than in John 1:1. Although this fact is foundational to our Christian belief, how is it that we lowly, dirt made creatures can ever hope to be in communion with the Creator of the universe and all it contains? Paul writes in Col 2:9 that "...in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." I don't know about you but that is an awful intimidating thought. I suggest that it would be for anyone. Nevertheless, if Jesus was Deity only, there would have been no perfect and atoning sacrifice for us and therefore no hope of salvation. This brings me to the second truth and the point of this message.
Jesus was also fully man. John indicates this by saying not only was he flesh, but he lived with them and they were able to see, observe, hear and touch him (as was also indicated in 1 John 1:1-4). This was critically important to establish because there was operating at the time, a sect of individuals known as the Gnostics that questioned the existence of Christ or at the very minimum his humanity as it relates to him being flesh and blood. They maintained that nothing made of matter could be divine, but only inherently evil, therefore Christ was not a man. Clearly, if this were the case, he could never have been the atoning sacrifice and again we'd fine ourselves with no hope of salvation.
Christ indeed suffered. More importantly, he didn't suffer for the sake of suffering, nor did he suffer for himself. He suffered for us, 1 Pet 3:18. Now this is very important. Jesus being man suffered both as a man and for mankind. "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Heb 4:14-16.
This has all been said to remind us that Jesus, now at the right hand of the Father in His Deity knows all and loves completely, but that as the Son of Man, knows intimately all that we endure and is our very present help in a time of need. Jesus our Savior; he is closer than you think.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
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