Flipping the Script

 

And he [Jesus] opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:2-12 ESV).

 

When I lived in Spring Hill, Tennessee, I often went to a local coffee shop to do some of my studying and writing. It was owned and operated by a local church and was tolerant of my taking up a table for lengthy periods of time during the day. I would always have coffee and most of the time order pastries or sandwiches made to order. One of the most interesting things to happen while I was there was the day a homeless looking man walked in and asked for some water. Everyone looked uncomfortable. He got his water, meandered around for a bit, and left. Then everything went back to “normal.”

 

In his teaching to the crowds, Jesus often “flipped the script,” saying and doing things that were not expected. “Blessed are the poor in spirit”? “Blessed are those who mourn”? “Blessed are those who are persecuted”? This makes no sense to our “normal” way of thinking, and most of it makes us uncomfortable.

 

But faith isn’t formed in comfort. It is formed when challenged and when we aren’t allowed to sit smugly in our preconceived notions about people and the world around us. Faith is formed when Jesus looks at a crowd of people and points out that the ones who are blessed are those who realize they are not self-sufficient but depend totally on God. When we wake up to that realization, we are blessed as well.

 

Though we don’t deserve it, God’s blessing is available to all of us. Blessed are you when you know you depend on God, because his love will see you through.

 

Mountain Moving Faith

 

On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal. And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” (Luke 5:17-20 ESV).

 

Spending time in the Smoky Mountains this week has been both relaxing and inspirational. Even though I have been to other places with grand vistas of mountains that appear to dwarf the Smokies in height and sheer span, this place captured my heart over fifty years ago and I have never been more at home anywhere else. The colors of fall have been spectacular and the weather just cool enough to make me need a light jacket. The sights and smells remind me of so many wonderful memories through the years.

 

As I began to think my way through today’s devotional and the mountains I was reminded that Jesus said our faith could move mountains (cf. Mark 11:22-25). I’ve always marveled at that phrase. Now I do not pretend to understand what Jesus meant when He said that. After all, these ancient geological barriers can weather any storm. They are solid and enduring, strong and unyielding. I can’t imagine anyone having strong enough faith to actually move mountains. That is, until you understand the “mountain” He is referencing. Our reading today shows us the real power of faith.

 

The faith of the friends in this passage is strong enough to tear apart a roof to bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus, because they know he can heal their friend. Jesus is so moved by their faith that he does what they want him to do — and he doesn’t even criticize them for damaging the roof! The amazing thing is that Jesus does even more than they have hoped. He forgives the man’s sins as well as healing him from paralysis. In this way the friends’ faith becomes an example to everyone there who has come to see Jesus.

 

Faith can move people to do incredible things. And in response, Jesus can make huge impacts in this world. He can heal and forgive. He can change the heart of an individual or the hearts an entire group of people. This is all because of his ability to see faith in anyone who comes to him, whether they walk or are carried by their friends.

 

Authority

 

And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region. (Luke 4:31-37 ESV).

 

Much of the time when Mary or I need to go to one of the medical specialists that we have in our life now I always request to have Kyle accompany us. There are two reason for that. First, I know I won’t be able to remember everything that the doctor said, even if I did understand it all. Second, and most importantly, because of Kyle’s education and career, he speaks the language of the medical community as well or better than the doctors. He gains authority with them immediately in the conversation. That has been so important so many times in the last few years.

 

Knowledge and experience create such authority. We must understand that in all things Jesus is the true authority and power. None of us, no matter how well trained or accomplished are anything special compared to Him. None of us have accomplished anything by our own power. But with God’s power and authority, we can help lead others to eternal life and strength in every circumstance. God’s power is so much greater than ours, and that’s a really good thing!

 

I think we all need this reminder in our lives. Any time we begin to think we have all the answers, we need to be reminded that ultimately it all comes from God. At the end of Jesus’ ministry, he told his disciples that all authority had been given to him. Then he sent them into the world as his representatives (Matthew 28:18-20.) By his authority we are sent to bring his good news of grace and love to the world as well.

 

Our faith isn’t built on our own abilities and strength. It is built on Jesus’ power and authority.

 

24/7

 

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:1-6 ESV).

 

During the years I was a full-time pastor it was not unusual to be called out to minister with a family at a moment of crisis at all hours of the day and night. I was never upset or resentful at receiving such calls. Availability “24/7” was simply a part of the calling. These were always the times when families might have needed someone with a comforting or encouraging word the most. There are many other vocations that require such availability. All of them are exhausting at times. Even the strongest person cannot be at their best with little or no sleep.

 

How fortunate for us that Jesus doesn’t get exhausted! During his teaching ministry on earth, he needed sleep and times of refreshment away from people, but today, at the right hand of God, he is praying for us always. Even when he was living here, he didn’t tell Nicodemus not to bother him at night. Jesus was available to people who wanted to spend time with him.

 

The same is true today. When I wake up in the middle of the night worried about things at work, or my family, or whatever else is going on in my life, Jesus is there to listen to me. Listen to the message of the psalmist:

 

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. (Psalm 121:1-3 ESV).

 

Our faith can be formed at any time and in any circumstance. Faith formation doesn’t take time off at night or on the weekends. It happens all the time. And Jesus is waiting for us and listening to us all the time. Don’t be afraid to go to him at any time… 24/7!

 

Sunrise in the Smokies

 

In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: “We have a strong city; he sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks. Open the gates, that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in. You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the Lord is an everlasting rock.” (Psalm 26:1-4 ESV).

 

There is always something very special for me at sunrise and sunset. The picture I’ve attached was taken at sunrise from the chalet we are staying in while visiting in the Smokies. The weather has been stereotypical fall for the mountains of East Tennessee. I woke up just before dawn and walked outside on the front balcony and was greeted by this beautiful picture of God’s handiwork. I wish that I were a better photographer. This picture really doesn’t do justice to the incredible colors of both the sun rising and the fall foliage. Perhaps it jogs your memory of such beauty from the places you’ve visited though.

 

It brought me to our reading today which is taken from the psalms. I especially like the verse that speaks of “perfect peace” (v. 3): “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” It is a description of the way in which the Lord gives a peace of mind and spirit to all who trust Him.

 

I’ve found there is always a time when circumstances seem to be overwhelming in my life. Whether it is a health concern or a financial setback or any of the other things that can be so challenging to our peace of mind, these things all act as a catalyst for anxiety. They want to rob us of peace. Recalling the times when I have seen the great majesty of God in creation and the many times He has already given me peace through them, I am then able to overcome the negative feelings that settle in.

 

Actually this is the basis of the amazing hope we can have. When it looks darkest hope reminds us that the sun will indeed rise in the east with the beauty of light. This is not some arduous task for the Lord. He simply speaks it into existence. If He can do that, is there really anything I will face that is too difficult for Him to overcome in me? After all, He is the One who has provided me with eternal life!

 

The GOAT

But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28 ESV).

 

I am often amazed at the cultural phenomenon that coined the acronym “GOAT.” I’m sure you’re aware that it stands for “Greatest of All Time.” It has been applied to athletes, musicians, actors and actresses, and many more personalities. It has even been applied to inanimate objects such as insurance, stores, and purchases. Well, Jesus has defined the real means to becoming the “greatest” in our reading today.

 

The background is very interesting. James and John wanted to know which of them was the greater. It is possible that they put their mom up to this task. I’ve had parents ask for some pretty interesting favors for their kids, but nothing compares to this. And when Jesus asks James and John if they could handle the challenges he would face, they are all for it. But they really have no idea what they’re talking about. The other disciples’ response is eye-opening too: they were “indignant with the two brothers.”

 

Jesus doesn’t let this moment go to waste. He uses it to teach about being a servant. Though the world prizes money and possessions, leadership and authority, Jesus’ way of doing things flips that upside down. The first will be last, and the last first — so we are called to serve rather than to direct as a king or master might. Serving people is key to what it means to be a disciple in Jesus’ kingdom.

 

Jesus doesn’t hesitate to use himself as the prime example. If anyone ever qualified as having authority, it is Jesus: Son of God, healer of all sorts of illnesses, with power over life and death, authority over demons, and much more. Jesus tells his disciples that he has not come to be served, but to serve.

 

If Jesus came to be a servant, then we, his followers, are called to be servants too. Be careful how you exercise your position over others. We must be servants. That is the only way to be the GOAT!

  

A Fretter

 

And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” (Luke 12:22-31 ESV).

 

I have been accused of being “a fretter.” I must admit that there are times when I catch myself in the pattern of worry and anxiety. Typically the things that worry me most involve my family. However, as I read today’s verses I am reminded of the faithfulness of God and His past performance that has proven it over and over again. It is still a challenge that requires intention to overcome.

 

I think Jesus told us not to worry because he knew we would. I love the examples he gives to help us not worry. Look at how God takes care of birds. Look at how beautiful he created flowers to be. Those things are amazing, and God’s care for them is elaborate and extensive. And yet God cares for us so much more than for birds and flowers. So the natural response ought to be: “Why worry?”

 

For me the greatest safeguard against worry is those times when God was so clearly providing for me in ways I didn’t even know to ask for. One such time was the fear I felt before my first sermon. I had studied, prepared, and rehearsed yet I was anxious. My pastor then, for whom I was filling in, was prompted to send me a very special message by telegram (I know… it was a long time ago… LOL!) It simply said, “Read Deuteronomy 31:6. I love you.” That verse became my life verse at that moment: “Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” He has proven faithful in that promise. Trust Him today!