Unleashed

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. (Psalm 119:9-16 ESV).

We’re continuing in Psalm 119 today. Our reading is the next acrostic letter, which is Beth. That’s the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The principle is to be found in the psalmist prayer to not “wander” from God’s direction. I was reminded of our dog, Teddy. As you can see, he’s cute; however, he’s also a terrier. He loves to run free. Fortunately we have a very large fenced backyard that gives him all the running room he could want. There are those times when we need to take him outside of the fenced area. Of course, that requires a leash. Recently that happened on a trip to the vet. He pulled himself to the end of the retractable leash and struggled against the end to the point that he choked himself. Even then, he wanted more leash. He wanted to run free. Going into the vet’s office I noticed other dogs exhibiting totally different reactions to being leashed. Teddy wanted to run about doing whatever he wanted, full of the exhilaration of freedom. The other stayed close by his master. Both were under good voice command and obeyed. One just delighted in being near the master more than running free. We often treat God’s Word like it’s a voice command to bring me back so I don’t stray while I enjoy the thrill of being free. We like to explore the outer boundaries of approved behavior and then return; and then only when we hear His voice calling us back since we’ve gone a little too far. The other dog helped me to think about the simple act of prayer. I wonder how often do we act as though we are simply delighted to be near our Master? Do we hang on every word He says? Do we cherish the sound of His footsteps and walking right beside Him? Do we rejoice in His Word as the Psalmist does, “as one rejoices in great riches?” Both dogs obeyed, but one seemed to prefer the master to the freedom. I have found that the freedom of being unleashed from our heavenly Father always brings regrets. Don’t misunderstand. God doesn’t leash us to restrict us, but to protect us. Our vet’s office is located off the feeder road of the interstate highway. There are always cars racing down the road. In his exuberance of being free, he could easily dart into the road and be seriously, if not fatally injured. “Delight in His statutes.” It will go better for you!

A Better Mousetrap

Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules. I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me! (Psalm 119:1-8 ESV).

You may remember seeing some of the Tom and Jerry cartoons. I was always amused by the complete failure of Tom (the cat) in catching Jerry (the mouse). No matter how intricate or developed the plan, it would always result in abject failure. When reading today’s Scripture I thought about that. Often we are like Tom. I’ve been to many recreational parks before with some of the teams I have coached through the years. They always have different entrances than home fences. Some of them were interesting and intricate in their design. I suppose the series of latches on the series of gates ensures the younger children don’t wander outside of the safe enclosure. The trouble with most of them is the difficulty to newcomers in figuring out how to operate them too. Most of the time there are clear instructions on the operation of the latches; but, who reads instructions, right? It is only in frustration of several failures that we then look at them. Funny how easily the gates open when you do it according to the design. I love it when I find spiritual lessons in the stuff of everyday life. It is a clear principle of Scripture that we’re spiritually blind, or plainly arrogant, which causes our failure in living as Christ would have us to live. There is something stubborn about humanity in our wanting to do everything without listening to instructions, or following them. But the instructions are there so we will follow them and find success. When we know them, we will be blessed if we do them. Psalm 119 is an acrostic psalm, each letter of the Hebrew alphabet beginning a new section. Today’s letter is aleph, the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The psalmist is giving us the “ABC’s” of living. We ought to remember that God doesn’t lay down precepts just because He’s bored and likes to write notes. He laid down His precepts, His laws, and His statutes so that we’d follow them and live. The first of those is found here. We are to seek God with our whole heart. That’s the way we will not be “put to shame.” Another way to put that is seeking God is the path to confidence in the grace of God. One accompanies the other.

A Gracious Word

Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly. The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips. Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. (Proverbs 16:20-24 ESV).

I have been thinking lately about the power of words. They are powerful to remind, to instruct, to encourage, to correct, and to comfort. At times when we experience doubt, we can meditate on the words of Scripture and find His comfort to us. This comfort is most needed when we are facing affliction of body, mind, and soul. Wisdom tells us Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Perhaps we should consider the sweet effect of gracious words. Gracious words are like honeycomb, sweet and healthful to the soul and body. They have tremendous power to change the course of a person’s life for the good, to rescue people from despair, and to bring great blessing. You don’t have to be rich or powerful; you don’t have to have degrees or be eloquent; just be gracious and you will significantly touch the lives of all kinds of people. Here are some suggestions:  A Complement: This is a word we often deny we want, but we certainly do enjoy when we receive it. Isn’t it nice to receive an honest complement, especially to get one totally unlooked for? “You really look nice today.” “You made a great contribution.” “That is a great job you did.” Look for ways to give them to others.  Some Encouragement: “You can do it; I believe in you.” “You’re going to be okay.” “That’s the way to try.” Such words give us the strength to go on.  Comfort: How good it feels to hear a sympathetic voice when we are hurting. “I’m here for you.” “I’m so sorry.” “I’m praying for you.”  Good humored words: Sometimes the best thing we can hear when we are down or worried or angry is a good humored remark. There is nothing like a little laugh to perk us up again and help us to see that the end of the world has not come.  Positive: In most bad events and discouraging news, there is something positive. How heartening when someone helps us to see it.  Listening words: “Tell me what you want to say; I’m listening.” “Help me understand what you are going through.” “Do you mean…?” It is satisfying to talk with someone who is foremost trying to hear what we are saying.  Words of Gratitude: “Thank you.” “Thanks for helping me.” “Thanks for your hard work.” “Thanks for listening.” How many times have our temper or depression been wiped away by the simple remark of thanks? I’ve been resentful, angry with persons who then come up to me and give a heartfelt thanks; all of a sudden, I switch to thinking how nice they are.

New Plantings

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations. (Isaiah 61:10-11 ESV).

Each year in the spring Mary likes to plant a couple of container tomato plants. This year she thought it would be nice to go to one of the local big box stores and get some new clay pots to put them in. Needless to say we had “sticker shock” when we saw that they were $60-70 each. So, the solution was simple. I could build her a wooden planter for her plantings. I had some cedar left over from another project and put it together in an afternoon; however, the next step was the hard part. I had to go and get plants. We returned to the nursery of our local Lowes and found two that we wanted. Of course I had to read the description of the various types available. One that I selected was a “Better Boy” grown and marketed by Bonnie Plants. The following was the description: High yields of smooth skinned, large fruit earn Better Boy a spot as one of the most popular tomatoes grown in the US and as one of our all time best sellers. The fruit has excellent classic tomato flavor with just the right balance of acid and sugar. This is a great slicing tomato. It is widely adapted throughout the country. Grow it in a tall cage or tie to a stake for support. Well, we’ll see. Hopefully the birds won’t get them before we do! It also recalled our reading to my mind. The prophet likens God to a farmer who will bring forth “fruit” in our lives as we become a living demonstration of God’s faithfulness. The result is that He takes pleasure in us. He delights in making righteousness spring forth upon the earth in the form of believers living true to His Word. He delights in our praises, with His people acknowledging the One True God and reflecting back to Him the goodness He showers upon us. He delights in our being a testimony to the nations that He is the Sovereign God whose loving care extends to all. Just as seeds sprout from the ground because of an unseen power, when we respond to Jesus as our Savior, then we spring forth as His holy garden covering the earth. We are brought to life through His powerful Holy Spirit and will be transformed in our resurrected life. I hope that I would be such a plant in this world. I wonder if I were on the plant shelf at the local church big box, what would my description be?

Quiet Brooks and Spring Flowers

“These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.” (John 14:25-31 ESV).

This is just about the right time of the year to travel through the Smoky Mountains. One of our favorite stops along the scenic route through the park is near the Little Pigeon River. This time of the year you will be rewarded with the beauty of dogwoods and redbuds in full bloom while listening to the calming sounds of the river. It really is an incredible picture of peace. I have been to these spots many times. It never matters what circumstance might be assaulting my life at the time, I can always feel at peace in this setting. With all the health issues in our path right now, it’s no wonder that Mary told me recently that it is a time to return to the mountains. Those thoughts drew me to our reading today. Jesus tells us that we can have a peace that passes all understanding because it’s a peace that He gives. The world might promise peace and try to achieve it through compromise, collaboration, and consensus. But, that’s not the kind of peace that God gives us. Peace that characterizes the resurrected life is a peace growing from the restored, forgiven relationship with our God. There is an important difference for us to note. The Father didn’t send Jesus to compromise His holiness with our sin; He didn’t send Jesus to collaborate with us. Jesus didn’t come to achieve consensus among a million brothers all of whom miss the mark of His perfection. Jesus stands alone. The reason why God gives us a peace that the world can’t give is because it is a superior peace bought with the blood of Jesus. It is a peace of reconciliation based upon His characteristics of righteousness, holiness, love, sovereignty, wisdom, mercy, truth, and forgiveness. It is His character that defines His peace and it explains why we do not need to be troubled no matter what the world brings and also why we do not need to be afraid in any circumstance. Our peace is with God. Nothing, certainly no earthly troubles can tear us from that peace. I guess that His way of bringing the mountains to me; even though I still like to go there too!

Just Grow Up?

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matthew 18:1-6 ESV).

Recently David sent me a picture of Maggie as she was rounding the corner in their home all dressed up. He said, “She was stylin’.” Indeed she was! You must remember that she picked this ensemble out herself, including the very contemporary hat in the jaunty position. I personally like the bare feet. That’s priceless. I suppose there may be some who would gasp and mutter something like “she just needs to grow up!” I would hope a more congenial position would be taken. She is a gregarious, happy child. So, why wouldn’t her personality be reflected in her preferred dress? So many would rather ignore that and make the serious call for more maturity and responsibility in our lives. The Bible does encourage us to mature in our faith. But God also calls us to become like little children. You see, maturing doesn’t equal independence, necessitating letting go. Maturing in faith is a continual growing in dependence, compelling us to hold tight. Yes, the Bible insists that mature faith and childlike faith are not incompatible at all. Indeed, when we see God as our Father, we will welcome His tender care, humbly accepting that He knows our frames are weak, our inabilities are part of our human condition, we cannot grasp true wisdom on our own, and like little children, we desperately need our Father. It would do us all well to recognize some of the following characteristics of being a child in our faith: A child is innocent; a child is trusting; a child believes without complication; a child has not had time to allow the preconceived notions of the world to form his decision-making process; a child receives with joy, forgetting herself with light-hearted abandonment; a child is humble; a child is content in the little things; a child has the faith to move mountains; a child is awed by majestic splendor; a child takes to heart God’s promises in all their simplicity. As Leigh and Clark wrote in their simple song: “Sing like no one is listening; love like you’ve never been hurt; dance like nobody’s watching, and live like it’s heaven on earth.” That’s living the resurrected life.

Mangiari

Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. (Matthew 14:13-21 ESV).

In an old newspaper clipping from the Galveston County Daily News, two of my relatives are having a meal at the Balinese Room off the beach in Galveston. In the group are (from left to right) Anthony Fertitta, Jimmy Van Heusen, Frank Sinatra, and Sam Maceo. The first and last of those are distant cousins. I’m sure, as was true with every Italian meal there was as much conversation as there was good food. That was simply how it was in my family. I can well remember my dad telling me “mangiare,” or in English, “eat.” It was how we celebrated family and friends. This was no different in Jesus’ world. Eating a meal was always something of a celebration. It was a very important part of a host’s responsibility. So, you can imagine the disciples’ surprise at being commanded to feed such a multitude as is recorded in our reading today. It is not much different when we face the multitudes of hungry people in our world as well. Yet, if we are to live the resurrected life, feeding the hungry is a part of that life. We cannot look at what we have in the physical realm (loaves and fish) and a hungry multitude. We need to remember what Jesus said to them: “Bring them here to me.” It is true that our material possessions can go only so far to help the poor. However, we cannot miss the point that it is always right and proper for us to help those in need. But also note that Jesus didn’t say, “Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime.” Nope. That’s humanity trying to solve humanity’s problems, which are well-intentioned efforts, but sadly, they are inevitably flawed ones. Give and create a dependent. Teach and create a defiant self-reliant. Jesus wants better than that. He wants disciples. So He says, “Bring them here to me.” That’s living the resurrected life. Treat all men like family. Mangiare!

Hope and Hurricanes

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7 ESV).

The sun rising over the gulf from the Galveston seawall with the 61st Street fishing pier in the background is spectacular. It is one of those places on the island that everyone visits when they spend any time there at all. It was one of the places I knew best growing up on the island. My grandma and many of my relatives lived close to that spot on the beach. It is a wonderful place today. However, I can also remember a time just after Hurricane Carla devastated the island when it was little more than a few pilings jutting above the waves. I’m not sure anyone could foresee it being rebuilt to its present form then. When we are living the transformed life of resurrection, stuff still happens. And it’s in the stuff that we come to see whether we’re living as redeemed people or whether we’re just putting on a good act. It is so important to recognize that Jesus’ resurrection has empowered us to be patient in affliction. The Apostle Paul wrote, “And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:2-5 ESV). Yesterday we saw the transformed life allowing us to be joyful in hope, today we see the power to be patient in affliction. The two are connected. I have been through my share of stuff and used to joke that if suffering produces character, well, I’m quite a character! Eventually, the humor wore off and I got tired of all the bad stuff that happens. That’s when I dug in deeper to be patient in affliction. That’s also when the comfort of Christ was strongest in my life. If you’ve just had a hurricane in your life be committed to be patient in affliction and you, too, will know the comfort Jesus died to give us. He is the God of all comfort for all those called into this transformed life. The beauty of the sunrise will be a part of your life again.

I'm Tired

Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:9-12 ESV).

Like Sleepy of the Disney Seven Dwarfs many of us could say, “I’m tired.” I’ve both heard and said those words so many times in so many different circumstances. It is that moment when we question whether someone has switched our coffee to decaf without our knowing it. It is that moment when we simply feel like quitting. Nevertheless, it’s always too early to quit in life. No matter where we are in our Christian walk, we must press on diligently. In our reading today, the writer encourages us to do good “until the end.” Like some other places in the Scripture, this place is one I could have done without. I have said before that I am always a little surprised that I woke up today. It is a pleasant surprise most days; but, it is still a surprise. When I think of heaven, I am always homesick. Please don’t misunderstand. I love being here with family and friends. I feel a real sense of accomplishment in the continued opportunities of life; however, a rest would be just fine too. Knowing that I did indeed wake up today, let’s see if I can point out another principle of living the transformed life for us to ponder a bit. Perseverance in life is one of those things we must do in living this life. It’s a matter of diligence. We’ve seen diligence before. It was previously in the passage from Romans 12:11, but there, it was called zeal, coupled with spiritual fervor. But it’s the same Greek word with different nuance in the range of meaning. Diligence is putting one foot after the other, keeping busily about our work, not letting distractions drag us off track or off task, and not letting discouragement get the better of us. It’s a dedication to the work to be done whether or not anyone acknowledges what we are doing. That’s because while people might not notice our work, God always does. More than simply noticing, God does not forget. That’s because to God, it’s evidence of your love for Him when you help others. So we persevere, faithfully doing good and showing love to God and others as we walk our individual journey. Even when you are so tired, so ready to quit… take another step. There is rest waiting for all of the faithful.

Light in the Darkness

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16 ESV).

After the flame-lighting ceremony in Olympia and its relay across Greece, the flame arrived in Athens on 6 April. To mark the Centennial of the Games, a special celebration was organized in the Panathenaic Stadium. On April 27, 1996 the flame arrived in Los Angeles. The relay on American soil began at the Memorial Coliseum, the Stadium that hosted the Los Angeles Games in 1932 and 1984. The first torchbearer was Olympian Rafer Johnson, the last torchbearer of the 1984 Games. The relay notably passed through St Louis, host city of the Olympic Games in 1904. It wouldn’t reach Atlanta until July 19th. Before that the route passed through Arlington, Texas, where our youngest son was one of the torch bearers. I remember watching opening ceremony with him that summer. In order to honor the origins of the modern Olympic Games, Evander Holyfield, originally from Atlanta, shared the torch with Greek athlete Voula Patoulidou for part of the leg in the Stadium during the Opening Ceremony. Swimmer Janet Evans took over the relay, doing a lap of the track before heading for a long ramp located at the top of the extreme north of the Stadium. She passed the torch to Muhammad Ali, who had the honor of lighting the cauldron. It was quite an experience. His comment before taking part in his leg of the relay was simply, “I hope I don’t drop it.” As I read our text today I began to think about the great privilege of being “light” in our world. The great thing about light is that it doesn’t hide very well. As a Christian this means you will be seen. The upside to being seen is that light draws attention to the message of God’s grace. People will see us live our lives at each stage of our individual journey and it can draw them to step into the light. Of course we can, and often do stumble in our carrying the torch. Sometimes the path seems far too long, much too difficult for us to finish. However, just as in the Olympic relay, there’s always someone to help finish. You may be at one of those points in your life when it seems too trying to continue; or, you may feel like your light is almost extinguished from the constant pounding of the rain and the rushing of the storm’s winds of your circumstance. Just as Jesus first lit the torch and passed it, so He now will run beside you to the finish. Just carry it a little further. Be light!

Salt and Light

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16 ESV).

We continue with our series in living the risen life with a wonderful passage from the Sermon on the Mount. Our reading declares that we are to be “the salt of the earth.” The problem for most of us is that we don’t know what that really means. The reference is lost on our modern culture. Salt could refer to the kind mined out of the earth for food preservation and flavor enhancement purposes. Salts are minerals used for fertilizing crops. But salt could also be pointing back to the Old Testament. Salt was highly prized and quite valuable. Therefore it was a powerful sign of the covenant and both sacrifices and offerings were to be seasoned with salt to demonstrate purity and value. Moses reminded the redeemed nation they should “season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings; and, add salt to all your offerings.” (cf. Leviticus 2:13). No matter which salt is our understanding, one thing is unmistakable: salt needs to be pure and undiminished. There are two examples for us to follow. The first is in our reading today. Because of the lack of refrigeration, salt was used to preserve food, especially meat which would quickly spoil in the desert environment. Believers in Christ are preservatives to the world, preserving it from the evil inherent in the society of ungodly men whose unredeemed natures are corrupted by sin (cf. Psalm 14:3; Romans 8:8). This certainly means we must stand on the truth of Scripture. Second, salt was used then, as now, as a flavor enhancer. In the same way that salt enhances the flavor of the food, it seasons; the followers of Christ stand out as those who “enhance” the flavor of life in this world. Christians, living under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and in obedience to Christ, will inevitably influence the world for good, as salt has a positive influence on the flavor of the food it seasons. Where there is strife, we are to be peacemakers; where there is sorrow, we are to be the ministers of Christ, binding up wounds, and where there is hatred, we are to exemplify the love of God in Christ, returning good for evil (cf. Luke 6:35). How salty are you?

Loving One Another

When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times. (John 13:31-38 ESV).

It’s not easy to love other people. They let us down. They hurt our feelings. They pass us over. They discriminate against us. They make us jealous. They oppress us. They ignore us. Love isn’t the first thing that often comes to mind. But before Jesus went to His death, He told us that living a transformed, resurrected life would be by loving one another. I’m afraid that’s not my default position. It’s always easier to feel compassionate toward those who relate to us with good things like friendship, mercy, and graciousness. However, I find the other folks don’t make the cut in my circle. The old nature seems to be awfully difficult to overcome. Competitive energy, superiority, or ambivalence? Distrust, anger, envy, or hate? Bitterness, spite, desire for retribution or revenge? Maybe you feel like you want to get away from others, from their negative influences or bad priorities, or maybe they just wear you out with their troubles, their talk-talk-talk, or their bragging about their successes? The truth is very clear. Jesus says we are to show the world you are now His disciple by obeying the new command to love one another. Earlier in the chapter of our reading we can see the example of Jesus concerning what this love should look like. It was before the Feast of Passover, when Jesus knew that he was about to depart from this world, when Judas was already conniving to betray him, when Jesus understood that the Father had given him all authority and his earthly ministry was almost finished. John tells us that “[Jesus] rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist” (John 13:4). Jesus, knowing that he is the sovereign Lord over everything, puts on an apron and prepares to wash the dirty feet of his disciples. This is a picture of Christian paradox — that wondrous, confusing, upside-down dimension of the gospel that we couldn’t make up. The sovereign Lord washing the feet of his followers redefines the nature of relationships. Where the world has its ranks and high-profile untouchables, the King of glory puts on an apron. This means that we, his people, are never too important for ordinary relationships.

The Transformed Life

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. (Luke 9:23-26 ESV).

We are continuing a series dealing with “Living the Risen Life.” The trend these days is to “repurpose” materials. Please don’t misunderstand. I do consider myself something of a craftsman when it comes to building various pieces of furniture. I’ve done a lot for family and some for others. I enjoy the projects and the extra cash certainly doesn’t hurt now that Mary and I are both retired. However, there are some projects that I see in various stores and outlets that simply amaze me. This is true both from the perspective of what it is and how much they are selling it for. Take for example the “rustic tables” for sale at Pottery Barn. Here’s the picture and formal description on their web site: “Our table adds rustic warmth and texture to a room. Made from naturally fallen cypresses, each handcrafted piece exhibits its unique character and is one of a kind. They’re available in two different heights, so you can group two or three for a staggered look, or simply place one next to a sofa or armchair. Handcrafted of reclaimed and sustainable solid cypress wood. Hand applied natural finish. Stump is hand sanded smooth. Price: $199.00.” Really? Do people really buy that? Is that really “transformed” or “repurposed”? I’m a country boy; and, if I’ve got two stumps like this, I’m taking my axe and maul and splitting it for firewood. However, that seems to be the trendy thing to do. I think a part of the popularity of such “projects” is found in the fact that we have come to a point where we have applied a basic human characteristic to an ever expanding circle of our lives. The truth is that we die hard. Jesus teaches in our reading today that, hard or not, before we can genuinely follow Him, we must die to our will, our desires, our lordship, our plans, our pride, our possessions, our control, and ourselves. Death comes before resurrection. So, think about the areas of your life that you struggle to let die; your desire to make plans of your own and see them through; your satisfaction at earning money and doing what you want with it; your need to have everything make sense before accepting it; or, your expectations about what happiness looks like. Jesus desires us to submit all these things to Him. Pick up that cross on which you put to death your desires of self-determination. Then, you will be free to follow Him in real transformation!

Our New Life

And Moses summoned all Israel and said to them, “Hear, O Israel, the statutes and the rules that I speak in your hearing today, and you shall learn them and be careful to do them. The Lord our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. Not with our fathers did the Lord make this covenant, but with us, who are all of us here alive today. The Lord spoke with you face to face at the mountain, out of the midst of the fire, while I stood between the Lord and you at that time, to declare to you the word of the Lord. For you were afraid because of the fire, and you did not go up into the mountain. He said: “‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. (Deuteronomy 5:1-6 ESV).

In the coming days we will begin to look at some of the practical things that the resurrection now enables us to accomplish in our lives. If it is true that we are now given a resurrected life as children of God, then we must ask the question of what that means in our daily lives. Living the Risen Life begins with our learning to love the Lord. This is precisely what Jesus answered to those who questioned him about the greatest commandment. We are to love the Lord with all that we are. Our reading takes us back to the imagery of the old covenant. God delivered Israel from their slavery to the Egyptians. Jesus instituted this new covenant where we are delivered from a much great master. Jesus leads us away from the bondage we had to death itself. After Moses gives the people the Ten Commandments he is careful to explain to them the summation of these laws. It reflects the heart, soul, and strength dimensions in which we Love the Lord! He says: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. (Deuteronomy 6:4-6 ESV). There are many ways to do that. And, as we begin to look at them each day, keep in mind that none of these actions give us our new life; they merely reflect it. It is our way of expressing the love we have for the One who has delivered us. The resurrection of Christ gives us power to live the Christian life (cf. Romans 8:11). Certainly the Bible does not teach that we will be sinless in this physical body we now live in. On the other hand, we can sin less, not by our own abilities, but by the power of the Spirit. Christ can make us altogether different kinds of people. We must believe that. “Old things have passed away . . . all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). God can give you the power to live this Christian life. Begin today to pray for a deeper understanding of this part of grace in your life.

Good Morning!

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” (Matthew 28:1-10 ESV).

The Garden Tomb is an alternative to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as the actual site of Jesus' burial in Jerusalem. It was discovered in 1867 and is especially popular with many Protestants as a place of devotion. It is easy to see why the Garden Tomb is a popular site for Protestant piety. It is clearly located outside the walls, it is next to a place that looks like a skull, it conforms to what one imagines when reading the Gospel accounts, and it is far easier to pray and contemplate here than in the crowded Church of the Holy Sepulchre. There are, however, some compelling reasons to place the actual site of Jesus’ burial at the church. Regardless, both draw our attention to the undeniable fact that the tomb is empty. Sometimes, I try to imagine the fear, the confusion, the shock, and the awe that the women might have felt when they first encountered the empty tomb. An angel proclaims “Do not be afraid” to assuage their fear. To hear the angel’s knowledge of why they are there must have ministered peace to their unsettled minds. The explanation of the Lord’s rising from the dead would still have been a shock until they realized that it was “just as He said.” Jesus had told them. There was no need for fear, confusion, or shock because their Lord had told them before it ever happened. That is the great news of this day. Even when we are face-to-face with death, there is no need to fear. The Apostle Paul says it best: Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:54-57 ESV).

The Tomb

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb. (Matthew 27:57-61 ESV).

We know very little of what might have happened during the time from the placement of Jesus’ body in the tomb and the time of the resurrection. However, our reading today describes how Jesus came to be placed in such a tomb. It was not an ordinary grave. It was the tomb of a wealthy family. It would have been large and located in a very prominent place. Jospeh of Arimathea was granted permission to take Jesus’ body and place it inside awaiting the passing of the Sabbath when it could be properly interred. Pilate received the enemies of Jesus and heard their concern that some of his disciples might try and steal the body away. He orders it closed by guards and sealed so that no doubt of the death of Jesus could remain. So, here we find Mary Magdalene and the other Mary sitting in front of this sealed and guarded tomb, mourning the death of Jesus. Friday ends and the Sabbath Saturday begins. The grave contains Jesus’ cold, dead body. It ought to cause us to wonder at the way nothing seems to be happening at the gravesite on that day. In fact, the only ones to attend the grave are those guards who must have been embittered to have drawn such duty. Surely this was no place for a soldier of the mightiest empire in the known world. The religious leaders rested in their homes, certain that they had dealt with the heretic finally. Judas Iscariot fell into deep remorse and depression, ultimately taking his life. The disciples, who had pledged their lives to protect, Jesus are secreted away, huddling together in fear of further reprisal. Peter must have been wondering how he could ever atone for the denial of Jesus just hours before. The women must have been preparing the necessary spices and linen for final burial the next day. They may have been weeping together in their sorrow; however, no one was rejoicing in anticipation of the event to come on Sunday morning. Death had invaded their lives. However, this death would bring life. If they could’ve just remembered what he said, perhaps it would have been a different scene. Perhaps there would have been many more than these two women gathered at that sealed tomb. I wonder. Where will you be tomorrow morning? What will you celebrate? The cause for celebration is clear. We now have life! And, nothing, nor anyone can keep us from that life!

It's Good Friday

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. (Matthew 27:45-50 ESV).

Today is “Good Friday” and the day we remember Jesus’ death on the cross. It almost seems impossible to call it “good” when you remember the events. After all, not only was Jesus killed, the events gave the enemies of Jesus and his followers free rein to pursue them with the same murderous intent. Jesus anticipated the confusion and anxiety with the following encouragement: Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:1-6 ESV). That is good news! It’s good for us. Jesus had to leave in order to prepare a place for us by first making peace with God on our behalf. Through his death we have been given a gift of unity in Him. We all experience a sense of separation from God. No one, not one man, woman, or child ever born shares anything except the fallen nature. Our common sin produces a common need for a Savior, and for all who believe, Jesus provided the one and only way. Tony Campolo has a great sermon titled “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming.” In it he recites some of the vents of the day in dramatic form. Here’s the last of that poetic refrain: It’s Friday. He’s hanging on the cross, feeling forsaken by his Father, left alone and dying. Can nobody save him? It’s Friday; but Sunday’s comin’. It’s Friday. The earth trembles; the sky grows dark; my King yields his spirit. It’s Friday; hope is lost. Death has won. Sin has conquered and Satan’s just a laughin’. It’s Friday. Jesus is buried. A soldier stands guard and a rock is rolled into place. But it’s Friday. It is only Friday! Sunday is a comin’! It really was a good Friday after all! Rejoice!

The Night of Crisis

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.” And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same. (Matthew 26:26-35 ESV).

Today is known as Maundy Thursday. Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. During the meal Jesus took bread and wine and shared them with his disciples. So much takes place on this day and night. It is as if the vents have taken on a life of their own. Momentum builds exponentially ultimately leading to the crucifixion. There is so much to be said for the actual progression of the events. While we don’t have the time or space to deal with every aspect of this event, I’d like to focus on one particular point. The Last Supper brought the Old Testament observance of the Passover feast to its fulfillment. Passover was an especially holy event for the Jewish people in that it commemorated the time when God spared them from the plague of physical death and brought them out of slavery in Egypt (cf. Exodus 11-13). During the Last Supper with His apostles, Jesus took two symbols associated with Passover and gave them fresh meaning as a way to remember His sacrifice. First, Jesus predicts He will suffer soon after this meal and it will be His last meal prior to finishing His work on behalf of the kingdom of God (cf. Luke 22:15-16). Second, Jesus gives His followers symbols of remembrance for His body and His blood sacrificed on behalf of all mankind. He uses the bread and wine as essentials to help us remember that he was the sacrifice both with his body and blood. Third, Jesus provides a very important principle for living a Christian life. He simply demonstrates that the greatest are those who serve others, not those who expect to be served (cf. Luke 22:26). Finally, Jesus provides hope to his followers (cf. Luke 22:29-30). This may be the most important part of the supper. This night would prove to be an incredible time of stress and crisis for them. Jesus wanted them to know He was then and would always be enough for any circumstance. That’s our message today! He is enough. Trust Him.

The Day of Betrayal

Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him. (Matthew 26:14-26 ESV).

Wednesday of Passion Week is relatively quiet. We don’t have any references of Jesus’ activity on that day. However, the stage is being set for the final drama of the Cross. Judas has gone to the chief priests to make a deal for handing Jesus over to them. This term ‘handing over’ is like a refrain all through the Gospel and reaches a climax here. John the Baptist was handed over. Now we see Jesus being handed over. The term occurs three times in today’s passage. Later, the followers of Jesus will also be handed over into the hands of those who want to put an end to their mission. Judas sells his master, hands him over, for 30 pieces of silver. Only Matthew mentions the actual sum given to Judas. The sum derives from a passage in Zechariah (11:11-13), where it is the wages paid to the shepherd (Zechariah himself) rejected by the people. He is then told by God to throw the money into the Temple treasury as a sign of God’s rejecting those who reject him. Judas will also throw back the money to the priests after realizing what he has done. Money is certainly a motivator! And, we must admit that Judas is not alone. What he did happens every day. On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Jesus’ disciples ask him where he wants to celebrate the Passover. Little do they know the significance of this Passover. During the meal Jesus drops the bombshell: “One of you is about to betray me (in the Greek, ‘hand me over’). It is revealing that none of them points a finger at someone else. Each one realizes that he is a potential betrayer of Jesus. And, in fact, in the midst of the crisis they will all abandon him. The whole approaching drama is now set in motion. We should use the remainder of the week to examine ourselves not just as spectators but as participants. All too often we have betrayed Jesus. We too have so often broken bread with Jesus and perhaps have sold him for money, position, or recognition. It might have been out of ambition, or greed, or anger, or hatred, or revenge, or even violence for our own personal gain. Tragically, whatever the motivation, the results are the same. We betray the One who gave everything for us. There is an answer. We can, like Judas, either abandon him in despair or, like Peter, come back to him with tears of repentance. Which will it be for you this year?

Victory through Forgiveness

Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. (Luke 23:32-34 ESV).

We often think of the Cross as the place where our victory has been won. Jesus’ sacrifice and the result of our forgiveness are progressively revealed through His last words on the cross. Our reading today contains the first of those. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” The first of Jesus’ last words are about forgiveness. It should be noted that none of the other things Jesus said from the cross were requests to the Father. He could have asked for many things. He could have asked for protection; the removal of the pain; the granting of peace in the circumstance; the reassurance of love; more understanding of God’s will; or strength to endure to the end. He didn’t ask for wisdom, or healing, or helping, or any number of other beautiful personal requests. He certainly didn’t ask for retribution or revenge toward his enemies. He asked for their forgiveness. Forgiveness is always a necessary first battle of the ultimate victory. For Jesus, forgiveness and the restored relationship with the Father formed the very essence of His mission. Certainly this is what he meant when he said, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost” (cf. Luke 19:10). And, this says much about the important role forgiveness plays in our lives. For many of us, our harboring unforgiveness toward God and others has become like a lead security blanket which simultaneously comforts us and weighs us down. We carry the bitterness. We carry the wounds. We carry the hatred and the hurt. We carry betrayals and insults. We carry them all as baggage throughout our days because we’re afraid to let it all go. We know how we’ve been hurt and yet, Jesus’ petition for the Father to forgive us ought to give us the comfort we need to release it to Him. Where God has forgiven it, we should also let it go. We cannot continue to cling to our resentment, hurt, and betrayals. If we want the victory of the cross, then it must begin with the forgiveness of the cross. Try this prayer today: Thank you for your gift of forgiveness. Your only Son loved me enough to come to earth and experience the worst pain imaginable so I could be forgiven. Your mercy flows to me in spite of my faults and failures. Your Word says to “clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:14). Help me demonstrate unconditional love today, even to those who hurt me.

The Elephant Walk

Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:1-10 ESV).

As one of the oldest standing traditions at A&M, Elephant Walk has a rich history that began with the class of 1926. After losing the first two games of their football season in 1922, the freshman class marched around Kyle Field together, led by a piccolo player and a brass horn to the tune of a mournful funeral march, trying to break the "curse" of the team. When the Class of 1926 became seniors three years later, they decided to take one final walk around the campus together, this time to remember their time spent in Aggieland and the friends and memories they had made. As they walked single file, each man with his hand on the shoulder of his friend before him, an observer noted that they "looked like elephants, about to die." The tradition of Elephant Walk was born. It is still held annually prior to the last regularly scheduled home football game. It became a celebration of a new beginning as “Former Students.” They now had the victory in sight. As we work our way into the last days of Lent, we can look toward the finish line which is beyond the Cross. If the Cross was a window into eternity, the scene we would see is that of our reading today. It is the beginning of the happy ending. It’s masterful storytelling on the part of the Apostle John who was given a glimpse into the very throne room of God. John weeps because it seems as though every hope of things ever being made right have been thoroughly dashed. At this climax of storytelling tension, the Lion of the tribe of Judah (the King of Kings, Jesus) arrives on the scene and reveals that it’s His sacrifice on the Cross that is the ultimate triumph. As you continue walking on the way to the Cross, look to it and then beyond it, beyond the darkness and pain of this present world and know that Christ has shown the way. We are not marching to an end, but a beginning!

Rejoice Greatly!

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall speak peace to the nations; his rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth. As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double. For I have bent Judah as my bow; I have made Ephraim its arrow. I will stir up your sons, O Zion, against your sons, O Greece, and wield you like a warrior's sword. (Zechariah 9:9-13 ESV).

Palm Sunday represents a unique challenge to a world that is so replete with difficulty. Mary and I have been spending quite a lot of time in doctor’s offices and hospital labs the last few weeks. There were many things I noticed; however, most clear was that everyone there was anxious. It reminded me that, though it is tempting to stay cheerful and go from the mountaintop of Palm Sunday’s Triumphal Entry to the mountaintop of Easter Sunday’s Resurrection, doing so by-passes the valley. Sunday-to-Sunday bypasses the cross. It bypasses the tomb of Jesus before He was resurrected. And it strips the Gospel of its power to minister to us in our deepest needs. I am so glad that we do not have a God who only understands the mountaintops. Jesus understands the valleys all too well. He has walked them feeling the same pain. He feels our pain. Today’s encouragement is that Jesus is a King who understands the valley. Today we will celebrate Jesus’ descent from the Mount of Olives into the valley of suffering, into the valley of the shadow of death. The people didn’t know. They celebrated because they thought he was heading to a coronation as their long-awaited King at the Temple Mount. From the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem and Mount Zion, but Jesus wasn’t going from mountaintop to mountaintop without knowing the valley. If you’ve ever been to Jerusalem you know that there is huge Jewish cemetery on the western slope of the Mount of Olives, facing Jerusalem. That cemetery is the traditional burial place of many notable Jews dating back to King David’s son Absalom and the prophet Zechariah. Today there are more than 150,000 Jews buried there anticipating the Messiah and the grand resurrection to come. Jesus went from the mountaintop of the Mount of Olives, past the tombs and crossed the Kidron Valley before entering Jerusalem. He knew that death could not keep him. The time of deliverance was at hand. Whatever valley you’re in today, please know that deliverance has come to all of us! Rejoice greatly!

Timeout!

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:1-10 ESV).

Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin is shown in this picture calling a timeout during the 2013 AT&T Cotton Bowl game between the Aggies and Oklahoma Sooners played at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX. At the time A&M was leading with a narrow margin of 14-13. A&M would go on to win 41-13 in a showcase of Johnny Manziel’s ability after he had won the Heisman Trophy. This time out was a critical moment in the flow of the game. As I was reading the text for today I thought about the clear meanings of “timeout” to an American audience. To parents, it’s a time when a child gets isolated, providing the child an opportunity for reflection upon the link between actions and consequences. And, of course, the other comes out of athletics. It is used to stop play so that a team’s coach can review strategy, articulate an upcoming play, give the players a breather or a pep talk, or to change the momentum of the game. From the moment Paul began his Letter to the Romans, we’ve seen Paul’s outlining of the Gospel as first for the Jew and then for the Gentile (Romans 1:16-17). It’s for everyone who believes. But now, questions hang heavy in the air, particularly about Israel. The apostle will deal with this later in the letter (cf. Romans 11:1-11). Basically, Paul calls a timeout. He reminds us that God isn’t disposing of people groups. It isn’t first for the Jew then discard them to move on to the Gentiles as the new chosen people. The Gospel invites all through faith in Christ to be a part of God’s redemptive plan. It was a critical time in the early church. It is such a time today. As we get closer to Palm Sunday we need to take a timeout. We are all on the same team regardless of how we worship, or where we meet. Jesus died for all of us that we might bring the victory to all! Everyone can be a part of this family through Christ.

Have You Seen It?

As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. (Luke 18:35-43 ESV).

The bluebonnets have been beautiful this year in Texas. As I was driving along yesterday it seemed that they have begun to bloom a bit more since our warmer weather has begun to be more consistent. And, as I drove a bit more, my “window time” took me to thoughts of how I might describe the beauty of the bluebonnets to someone who was blind. And, naturally that took me to thinking about how many people fail to understand the incredible gift of grace God has given us in the sacrifice of Jesus. That takes us to today’s reading. It is very revealing. The blind man responds to Jesus and says, “Lord, I want to see.” Ironically, even as a blind man, he saw more clearly than those around him whose sight was ostensibly perfect. The crowd of people walking with Jesus only said “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” The blind man saw deeper, presumably having heard that this is no mere man from Nazareth. He sees Jesus as the Son of David, a Messianic term. When he calls out “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” he’s confessing that Jesus has the power to heal his blindness. The blind man sees. The seeing crowd is still blind. The crowd rebuked the blind man and tried to silence him. The more they rebuked, the more persistent the blind man became, seeing that encountering Jesus could make a profound impact on his life because of who Jesus is and what he is capable of doing. The crowd wants him quiet, but the man shouted all the more. Far from disrespectful, it’s a bold and confident proclamation that God’s promised Messiah is in his midst. He sees spiritually: Cry Out, Have Mercy! Jesus stops and orders, commands that the man be brought near. Jesus doesn’t run from people in dire straits. He draws them near. In response to the man’s cry for mercy, Jesus asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man responds, “Lord, I want to see.” Instead of me trying to describe the greatness of grace, maybe what I need to do is merely beg you to cry out to see it for yourself. Then Jesus will give you that “sight.” It is beautiful. I’ve seen it!

Vulnerability

For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight. (Psalm 72:12-14 ESV).

As we continue in our Lenten series, we look today at protection and vulnerability. Most of us prefer a place of obvious protection to clearly being vulnerable. Moses was in a basket floating among the reeds. If the basket had a leak, he could have drowned. A fish, a bird, or an Egyptian could have tipped it over and the vulnerable baby Moses could have died. Had a crocodile had been swimming near Moses easily could have been the happy meal in a picnic basket. Dangers abound. Death is just a ripple of water away. Moses was hidden there by brave women, including his mother, to protect him from the Pharaoh who was the most powerful man around; and, he was also a man who wanted Moses dead. I should remind you that it was not Pharaoh’s choice. It was always God’s choice. He had other plans for Moses. It is interesting that these plans had their genesis in humble beginnings. And, that brings us to our principle for today. Vulnerability is the kind of environment in which humility is born. Vulnerability, that sense of human frailty, can turn someone into a worrywart who sees the world out of control. Or it can be powerful instrument in the hand of God to build trust in Him. Vulnerability says you have nothing with which to protect yourself. Depending on God is your only real option. God’s message to each of us is to be still. He’s got the situation under control. Be Still. Our life is always in his hands whether you’re feeling vulnerable or not. Be Still and Know that I AM God. The Scripture reading today is clear. He does bring deliverance to each of us. Not one of us will fail to reach our eternal destination of peace and happiness in heaven. Even when the route we are asked to take seems illogical, like Moses in the bulrushes, we can be sure that God’s plan and purpose for us is good. Every circumstance and experience is designed by our heavenly Father to bring about that sole purpose of making us “perfect, complete, and lacking in nothing” (cf. James 1:4). As you continue moving through this Lenten season, reflect on the great gift of God’s grace toward you, even when you seemed furtherest away from his will. His love does indeed conquer every enemy of you peace.

The Wild Olive Shoot

As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:28-36 ESV).

I love a good mystery. Early in my childhood I began to read all of the mystery novels I could get. I read the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. As I got older I was introduced to Sherlock Holmes and read every one of those mysteries. Even today I have all of the old Sherlock Holmes episodes starring Basil Rathbone. The newer versions are very good, too. One of the most interesting thing about all of the mysteries is how somehow, no matter how complex the mystery, there would be both a solution and a happy ending with good triumphing over evil in the end. I like happy endings. Our reading is an example of a mystery having a solution and a happy ending. The apostle examines the problem of redemption for sinful man. He declares that all Israel will be saved; and, Gentiles receive mercy in this new covenant through the work of Christ. God has mercy on us all. Even better, like a good mystery, the evildoers get caught, and justice is served. There are many things in today’s passage that are easily misunderstood. Reading the words apart from the flow of the Letter to the Romans, one could develop some pretty unorthodox theology, as has been evidenced throughout the centuries since Paul wrote it. The truth is that God isn’t saving everyone, not even every national Jew. There is no universal quick-fix for mankind’s sin that suddenly makes us all adorable to God. God isn’t replacing Jews with Gentiles, or Israel with the Church. God doesn’t whitewash disobedience or act like sin and rebellion don’t matter. And God doesn’t go back on His Word. The truth being affirmed throughout Romans is that all humanity is under the same curse. We’re all sinners. We all need the grace proffered in the work of Jesus Christ. God is victorious and merciful. God-lovers are saved and God-haters aren’t. And, God honors His promises. The mystery is how God works it all out. It is accomplished solely in the work of Christ. Celebrate that happy ending in your life today!

Simple Shalom

And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’” So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” (Luke 19:28-40 ESV).

There are always those things in life that we seem to dread facing. Our reading today is one of those times. I can’t even begin to imagine the dread I would have felt knowing what was ahead if I had been in Jesus’ position. All of us know something of that feeling. We may dread bad things and even good things. Some have difficulty facing attending parties where they don’t know many people. It may be the simple act of going to unfamiliar places. For me I always dread traveling to get somewhere. I like the “there”; however, getting there can sometimes be such a chore. Most of that emotion is rooted in change. I get accustomed to the routine of life. There is such comfort in knowing what’s next. Whatever the reason though, we can be sure that the emotion of dread is a display of a lack of trust in what God is doing in our life. In today’s reading, Jesus shows us how Shalom is done. The plan is to go to Jerusalem and have all the sins of mankind piled on you. You’ll carry them all to a cross where you’ll die a painful death as a demonstration of God’s great love for mankind. My reaction would have been far different that His. Jesus embraced it because He knew peace, or Shalom. His life was in God’s hands and He trusted God, plain and simple. Jesus trusted God with the provisions needed. He let God worry about the reactions of a crowd which today shouts “Hosanna” but soon will shout “Crucify him!” He let God deal with the Pharisees. And if God wanted the rocks to cry out instead, He’d trust God to make it all work out. Jesus modeled what humbly trusting in God looks like. Trusting God ought to be plain and simple. Perhaps today would be a great day for you to think about the reason you struggle with change. Trust that to Him! It will go better for you!

Crown Him!

Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped. (Revelation 5:11-14 ESV).

Today’s reading affords a glimpse all the way into the end of time as we see the universal chorus of creation caught up in worship and adoration of the Lamb. First we see an innumerable chorus of angels, “myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,” joining in worship of the Lamb slaughtered for the sin of the world. Although they are not the object of the Lamb’s saving death, still the angels are filled with awe and adoration of the Lamb and his cross. The angels praise the one who was made lower than the angels (cf. Hebrews 2:9) that he might save Adam’s helpless race. With full, celestial voices, the angels are singing: “Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered.” Then along with heaven’s angels and a redeemed humanity, we see “every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing.” No creature will be left out of the praise of the Lamb! All are caught up in worship of Jesus and his cross! One can only imagine what that will be like, and how glorious will be the sound, as with celestial voices we will join with then, “10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). There is a wonderful hymn that you may have sung many times: All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name. This hymn is often called the "National Anthem of Christendom ". The lyrics, written by Edward Perronet while he served as a missionary in India, first appeared in the November, 1779 issue of the Gospel Magazine. You can find it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3-SwidavfU. I hope you’ll use this wonderful hymn as a means of inspiration and devotion today. This is the heart of our steady march to Easter during the Lenten season. Sing along for a moment or two and imagine standing before that throne with the myriads of angels. What a great day has been made possible by the sacrifice of our Savior! Crown Him Lord of all today!

Happy Birthday, David!

The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts. Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king, and by steadfast love his throne is upheld. The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair. (Proverbs 20:27-29 ESV).

Family birthdays are always special for me. I always get an opportunity to reflect on the process of aging. Today is David’s birthday. He is thirty-eight today. Way closer to forty than he probably desires; but then, I’m way closer to seventy than I want to be too. As I began to think through this year’s birthday wishes I found the meme of Yoda as an enjoinder to his “son” on a birthday. I must say it seemed to fit my mood today. Not only do I feel like Yoda looks, but I often sound like he sounds. It is strange how easily we can “feel” old. Since David’s wife, Becca, is scheduled to give birth to twins tomorrow morning, I’m sure David can relate, especially to the getting “old” part of birthdays. All of us can. I like to tease when I say “I may not be as good as I once was; but, I’m as good once as I always was.” That may be some of the spirit of the wisdom we see from Solomon in our reading today. He says, The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair (v. 29). It is wonderful to be strong. It allows us the freedom from the ordinary encumbrances that plague us with aging. However, there is also a blessing that comes with aging. There is a lot of valuable gold from experience that comes with the silver in the hair! We should practice gracefully accepting these positives. Growing old gracefully has its challenges. With age comes the realization of how physically close we might be to the final punctuation mark of our life story. In a very real sense we stand on the brink of eternity. But we should also understand that the final heartbeat is not an end—but a grand beginning. “But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). The God who made us also planned a wonderful future beyond the certainty of growing old and ending our days on earth. We can look forward to that time with anticipation, while learning how to navigate the later years with grace and dignity. So, wherever you are in this counting of years, count on the strength and purpose of God to move you through it with peace and joy. Happy birthday, David! Thanks for the reminder that God is always more than enough!