This has been floating around the internet via email.
If you know the author, please let me know, they deserve the credit!
Letter from Jesus about Christmas --
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.
Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember:
I LOVE YOU,
JESUS
Monday, December 14, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Censorship of Merry Christmas
I wonder,
The other day I heard a rumor that a retail manager threaten to fire an employee if they said “Merry Christmas” one more time to a customer. A sad reflection of the world we live in. Just yesterday I was in a local franchise restaurant that was decorated with wreaths, fake evergreen trees, a toy train, wrapped gifts, tinsel with a dash of fake snow here and there. Not only did I not see “Merry Christmas” anywhere, I didn’t even see “Happy Holidays” either. How’s that for a paranoid retailer?
I don’t get it (or do I?). Is it really all about not offending non-Christians?
What has Christmas become to the world around us? What’s the real issue about saying “Merry Christmas”? Is it really all about being respectful of other world religion holidays or is something else going on? Is it more accurate to say that Christianity has given up its front seat in our culture today and this is one of the resultant effects?
Here is an interesting quote regarding Christmas from the internet encyclopedia, Wikipedia.
Because gift-giving and many other aspects of the Christmas festival involve heightened economic activity among both Christians and non-Christians, the holiday has become a significant event and a key sales period for retailers and businesses. The economic impact of Christmas is a factor that has grown steadily over the past few centuries in many regions of the world. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas
Well it seems this very objective web site has defined Christmas as originally being Christian (that’s a relief since “Christ” is embedded in the word Christmas) but also recognizes that non-Christians have come to love and enjoy the holiday as well.
Hmmmm . . .so, what would retailers do if the Christians decided to abandon December and choose another month to celebrate the birth of Christ? And, de facto, we took our propensity for gift purchasing for our friends and family with us? Would there be enough non-Christians left who celebrate Christmas (apparently for no reason) to maintain the December season of economic prosperities for retailers?
If we choose a month that had no other world religious holiday being celebrated at that time, (August maybe?), where there would be no temptation to pluralize the event and call it “the Holidays”, would we “be permitted” to say “Merry Christmas” without the risk of offending someone else?
I wonder if a move like that (moving Christmas to another month) would adequately “cull us out from the herd” so that we might then be considered a significant minority group. Then, might we be worthy of having specific marketing strategies developed catering to our aberrant errant Christian worldview?
Would those retailers suddenly become “friendly” to the Christians and put up “Merry Christmas” on their stores to attract the Christian market share if we all moved to a distinctly separate spot on the calendar?
“Merry Christmas” I guess to the majority, alludes to a worldview that no longer has a front seat in the world we live in. The world as a whole (the United States very specifically) is drifting away from its belief in and reliance on God/Christ. Gone with that is respect for Biblical truth and principles. As a result it must (to avoid embarrassment and humility) logically revolt against the very core of what has previously given meaning, purpose, and value to life and therefore as well . . . Christmas.
Well, what ever. If you see me out and about, please, wish me a Merry Christmas. For myself and many people I hang with, it’s special to us.
Stay close to Jesus!
Bob
The other day I heard a rumor that a retail manager threaten to fire an employee if they said “Merry Christmas” one more time to a customer. A sad reflection of the world we live in. Just yesterday I was in a local franchise restaurant that was decorated with wreaths, fake evergreen trees, a toy train, wrapped gifts, tinsel with a dash of fake snow here and there. Not only did I not see “Merry Christmas” anywhere, I didn’t even see “Happy Holidays” either. How’s that for a paranoid retailer?
I don’t get it (or do I?). Is it really all about not offending non-Christians?
What has Christmas become to the world around us? What’s the real issue about saying “Merry Christmas”? Is it really all about being respectful of other world religion holidays or is something else going on? Is it more accurate to say that Christianity has given up its front seat in our culture today and this is one of the resultant effects?
Here is an interesting quote regarding Christmas from the internet encyclopedia, Wikipedia.
Because gift-giving and many other aspects of the Christmas festival involve heightened economic activity among both Christians and non-Christians, the holiday has become a significant event and a key sales period for retailers and businesses. The economic impact of Christmas is a factor that has grown steadily over the past few centuries in many regions of the world. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas
Well it seems this very objective web site has defined Christmas as originally being Christian (that’s a relief since “Christ” is embedded in the word Christmas) but also recognizes that non-Christians have come to love and enjoy the holiday as well.
Hmmmm . . .so, what would retailers do if the Christians decided to abandon December and choose another month to celebrate the birth of Christ? And, de facto, we took our propensity for gift purchasing for our friends and family with us? Would there be enough non-Christians left who celebrate Christmas (apparently for no reason) to maintain the December season of economic prosperities for retailers?
If we choose a month that had no other world religious holiday being celebrated at that time, (August maybe?), where there would be no temptation to pluralize the event and call it “the Holidays”, would we “be permitted” to say “Merry Christmas” without the risk of offending someone else?
I wonder if a move like that (moving Christmas to another month) would adequately “cull us out from the herd” so that we might then be considered a significant minority group. Then, might we be worthy of having specific marketing strategies developed catering to our aberrant errant Christian worldview?
Would those retailers suddenly become “friendly” to the Christians and put up “Merry Christmas” on their stores to attract the Christian market share if we all moved to a distinctly separate spot on the calendar?
“Merry Christmas” I guess to the majority, alludes to a worldview that no longer has a front seat in the world we live in. The world as a whole (the United States very specifically) is drifting away from its belief in and reliance on God/Christ. Gone with that is respect for Biblical truth and principles. As a result it must (to avoid embarrassment and humility) logically revolt against the very core of what has previously given meaning, purpose, and value to life and therefore as well . . . Christmas.
Well, what ever. If you see me out and about, please, wish me a Merry Christmas. For myself and many people I hang with, it’s special to us.
Stay close to Jesus!
Bob
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Why me? Part Deux
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 8:00 AM, EST
a letter to a friend
Dave,
As a follow up to your question, "Have you ever thought, 'why me?' " I was pretty quick to answer no. But I thought about it a lot throughout the day.
I believe there are three reasons that I can so quickly give an answer of "no."
First I think I have a pretty realistic worldview that we live in a fallen world that is not perfect. Being followers of Christ does not assure us a carte blanche exemption from catastrophe, Rather, it gives us a means to cope with the problems of today looking ahead to the perfection of heaven where there will be no more catastrophes.
Second, having served two years now in hospice ministry, it gives one a very sobering perspective that anything can happen to anyone at any time. As a pastor and a chaplain, I have seen people accept that and struggle with it. Both have taught me a lot in regards to preparing me for my own catastrophe.
Finally, I can't really say that I heard God speak in terms of a real voice, but somewhere in the midst of all the events that were taking place the day of the accident, and to the best of my memory, while I was still alone in the car waiting for the sound of another human voice, I "came to understand" that this day was not to be the day I died and that there were indeed still plans for me to serve the Lord.
It makes it much easier, to accept the "bad things that happen to good people," to endure the pain, and accept the hardships, knowing full well that Jesus will not let it go to waste and better yet will use it for His Glory.
One bit of evidence to support all this is revealed in something that happened before we met for lunch. (I should have shared it at lunch.) On the way to the restaurant I had occassion to drive right down the road where the accident took place. I was running pretty early so I decided to stop in at the farm along side where my accident took place. I had been wanting to meet one of the two woman who held my hand and prayed with me before the EMT's and fire department arrived. (I had already met the other woman as she was my night nurse in rehab one night back in July) I just wanted to say thank you.
One of the farm employees saw me pull in and greeted me immediately. I told him who I was and why I was there. He was very cordial and told that he was sure the lady of the house (respecting people's privacy by not giving too many details here) would love to meet me but that she had just gotten back from having some medical tests done earlier in the morning. It "knocked her out" so to speak, He knew she was sleeping but (revealing his hand as a fellow believer), he said, "Maybe it's no accident that TODAY you decided to drop by to visit."
Well I left my phone number for her to call when she felt up to it, but clearly I got the message. Again maybe not a voice but yet a clear understanding from God, "she prayed for you, now it's your turn to pray for her."
There were several other accassions when I have driven past the farm in the last 5 weeks, but for "such a time as this" I unknowingly was led to stop by today.
. . . and the epic story of a believer's life continues to be written interwoven and intersected with the lives of other people.
"Why me?" How about, "why not me?"
Monday, November 9, 2009 5:53 PM, EST
Scattered thoughts
a letter to a friend
Dave,
As a follow up to your question, "Have you ever thought, 'why me?' " I was pretty quick to answer no. But I thought about it a lot throughout the day.
I believe there are three reasons that I can so quickly give an answer of "no."
First I think I have a pretty realistic worldview that we live in a fallen world that is not perfect. Being followers of Christ does not assure us a carte blanche exemption from catastrophe, Rather, it gives us a means to cope with the problems of today looking ahead to the perfection of heaven where there will be no more catastrophes.
Second, having served two years now in hospice ministry, it gives one a very sobering perspective that anything can happen to anyone at any time. As a pastor and a chaplain, I have seen people accept that and struggle with it. Both have taught me a lot in regards to preparing me for my own catastrophe.
Finally, I can't really say that I heard God speak in terms of a real voice, but somewhere in the midst of all the events that were taking place the day of the accident, and to the best of my memory, while I was still alone in the car waiting for the sound of another human voice, I "came to understand" that this day was not to be the day I died and that there were indeed still plans for me to serve the Lord.
It makes it much easier, to accept the "bad things that happen to good people," to endure the pain, and accept the hardships, knowing full well that Jesus will not let it go to waste and better yet will use it for His Glory.
One bit of evidence to support all this is revealed in something that happened before we met for lunch. (I should have shared it at lunch.) On the way to the restaurant I had occassion to drive right down the road where the accident took place. I was running pretty early so I decided to stop in at the farm along side where my accident took place. I had been wanting to meet one of the two woman who held my hand and prayed with me before the EMT's and fire department arrived. (I had already met the other woman as she was my night nurse in rehab one night back in July) I just wanted to say thank you.
One of the farm employees saw me pull in and greeted me immediately. I told him who I was and why I was there. He was very cordial and told that he was sure the lady of the house (respecting people's privacy by not giving too many details here) would love to meet me but that she had just gotten back from having some medical tests done earlier in the morning. It "knocked her out" so to speak, He knew she was sleeping but (revealing his hand as a fellow believer), he said, "Maybe it's no accident that TODAY you decided to drop by to visit."
Well I left my phone number for her to call when she felt up to it, but clearly I got the message. Again maybe not a voice but yet a clear understanding from God, "she prayed for you, now it's your turn to pray for her."
There were several other accassions when I have driven past the farm in the last 5 weeks, but for "such a time as this" I unknowingly was led to stop by today.
. . . and the epic story of a believer's life continues to be written interwoven and intersected with the lives of other people.
"Why me?" How about, "why not me?"
Monday, November 9, 2009 5:53 PM, EST
Scattered thoughts
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Take a letter
So in worship today I used a scripture from 2 Corinthians 3:3. It says:
3You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
What I believe Paul was trying to convey was that whatever is in a person’s heart is a spiritual message that, whether we intend for it to be or not, is a letter to the rest of the world as to who we are as Christians. His plea was for them to be an example of Christ to the world around them.
A letter . . . . I am reminded of a comedian of days gone by, Groucho Marx. In the classic comedy Animal Crackers there is a scene where he wants to distract and confuse people. “Take a letter,” he demands as he tries to get everyone to focus on a threatening letter he intends to write. If you would, take a trip over to YouTube and watch this humorous but none-the-less teachable moment as to what a letter ought to have in it. When you are done, come back over and we’ll talk some more: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pbbz6pNDOeI
Welcome back! Pretty silly, wasn't? And at the end of the day what did he really accomplish? Nothing.
In the Capitol One credit card commercial they pose the question, “What’s in your wallet?” Well, with that same inquisitive nature, if you are a Christian, what’s in your letter? Does it have a nice envelope? Fancy stationery? A tremendous greeting? That’s all fine, but does it have substance? Does it have content? Or is it full of smoke and mirror moves to distract the reader from seeing who the real you is? Is what is written on your heart something that translates into a letter that will draw someone o Christ?
Lord Jesus, Come into our hearts, flush out the negative, the critical, the cynical and the sinful and replace them with the things that only Your Spirit can write on our hearts. Make it be a letter of warmth, grace, and the pathway to Your salvation when people read us. It is in the power of Your Name that we pray, Amen.
3You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
What I believe Paul was trying to convey was that whatever is in a person’s heart is a spiritual message that, whether we intend for it to be or not, is a letter to the rest of the world as to who we are as Christians. His plea was for them to be an example of Christ to the world around them.
A letter . . . . I am reminded of a comedian of days gone by, Groucho Marx. In the classic comedy Animal Crackers there is a scene where he wants to distract and confuse people. “Take a letter,” he demands as he tries to get everyone to focus on a threatening letter he intends to write. If you would, take a trip over to YouTube and watch this humorous but none-the-less teachable moment as to what a letter ought to have in it. When you are done, come back over and we’ll talk some more: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pbbz6pNDOeI
Welcome back! Pretty silly, wasn't? And at the end of the day what did he really accomplish? Nothing.
In the Capitol One credit card commercial they pose the question, “What’s in your wallet?” Well, with that same inquisitive nature, if you are a Christian, what’s in your letter? Does it have a nice envelope? Fancy stationery? A tremendous greeting? That’s all fine, but does it have substance? Does it have content? Or is it full of smoke and mirror moves to distract the reader from seeing who the real you is? Is what is written on your heart something that translates into a letter that will draw someone o Christ?
Lord Jesus, Come into our hearts, flush out the negative, the critical, the cynical and the sinful and replace them with the things that only Your Spirit can write on our hearts. Make it be a letter of warmth, grace, and the pathway to Your salvation when people read us. It is in the power of Your Name that we pray, Amen.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Trust in the Living God
When I was in seminary one of my professors had an incredible gift for slowing us down and getting us to meditate on God’s word. Often as a means to center us for the day and prepare us for our time with him in class, he would have us read silently from a selected psalm. After a few minutes of contemplation, he would ask us to share just one word that speaks to us from that passage. One word that for us personally summarizes the spirit and essence of the psalmist’s message.
He has written me twice since I have had my accident and I am blessed that he so kindly remembers me. In one of the cards he sent me, he cited the first 5 verses of Psalm 20. It was no doubt intended to be a prayer and a blessing that he was pronouncing over me as his thoughts and prayers were lifted to heaven on my behalf.
This evening,in honor of his influence on my life, I went back and read through the psalm again to practice this spiritual discipline. The “word” that unquestionably came to the forefront for me was “trust.”
Everything within this psalm is predicated on trust in a living God.
Trust that there is a God who hears us.
Trust that there is a God who can protect us and help us.
Trust that there is a God who knows us intimately and personally and is involved in the details of our life.
Trust that there is nothing in our world as worthy of our trust as He is.
Trust that our victories come through Him and not our own designs.
Trust that He is more than worthy of our praise and worship.
Trust that our lives and our fate are in His hands.
Trust that He is sovereign even we cannot comprehend or understand.
And I would add to all that: trust that there is meaning and purpose in everything we experience in life even when suffering is involved.
Thank You Dr Flora for always pointing the way toward The Master, Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Stay close to Jesus,
Bob
Psalm 20 (New International Version)
1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
3 May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
4 May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
5 We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.
6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
he answers him from his holy heaven
with the saving power of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
8 They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.
9 O LORD, save the king!
Answer [a] us when we call!
He has written me twice since I have had my accident and I am blessed that he so kindly remembers me. In one of the cards he sent me, he cited the first 5 verses of Psalm 20. It was no doubt intended to be a prayer and a blessing that he was pronouncing over me as his thoughts and prayers were lifted to heaven on my behalf.
This evening,in honor of his influence on my life, I went back and read through the psalm again to practice this spiritual discipline. The “word” that unquestionably came to the forefront for me was “trust.”
Everything within this psalm is predicated on trust in a living God.
Trust that there is a God who hears us.
Trust that there is a God who can protect us and help us.
Trust that there is a God who knows us intimately and personally and is involved in the details of our life.
Trust that there is nothing in our world as worthy of our trust as He is.
Trust that our victories come through Him and not our own designs.
Trust that He is more than worthy of our praise and worship.
Trust that our lives and our fate are in His hands.
Trust that He is sovereign even we cannot comprehend or understand.
And I would add to all that: trust that there is meaning and purpose in everything we experience in life even when suffering is involved.
Thank You Dr Flora for always pointing the way toward The Master, Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Stay close to Jesus,
Bob
Psalm 20 (New International Version)
1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
3 May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
4 May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
5 We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.
6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
he answers him from his holy heaven
with the saving power of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
8 They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.
9 O LORD, save the king!
Answer [a] us when we call!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Why me?
God’s sovereignty
A couple of days ago I was on the phone talking with my uncle in North Carolina. He has been a Reformed Baptist pastor and counselor for over 35 years. We were doing some “catching up” since it had been way to long since we had last talked. Much of what we did talk about was the way God preserved me and brought me through the accident and how He has used other people to touch my life and vise versa.
We talked about Romans 8:28. We also acknowledged that suffering was part of a deeper spiritual experience to draw us close to the Lord and to also prepare us for ministry to others in unique ways. We both agreed that God allows us to experience suffering so that in the end, He is glorified though us. (Got to be a maturing follower of Christ to believe that and also live it.)
I am the midst of walking through this valley of physical suffering but after I hung up I realized that my uncle and his family have suffered emotionally and spiritually far beyond my present sufferings.
You see my uncle has already lost two sons. The first one died shortly after birth roughly 50 years ago. The second one died just a few years ago in his 20’s in an automobile accident just a few weeks before he was to be married. He was in the prime of life and he died. I’m soon to be 56 and I didn’t die.
Now my uncle never lamented with me that life is unfair. Rather he acknowledged that we are in the hands of an awesome God who loves us and is always at work in the circumstances of our lives for our good and His Glory. My uncle is not bitter but instead is surrendered to God’s will and trusts, even joyfully, that He must be in control if He really is God. He knows he will see his sons again someday. He knows, like myself, that there is meaning to what I am going through.
But still there are the unanswered questions. Why were my cousin’s epic journeys shorter than mine? What things am I left on earth to accomplish still?
In Ephesians 2 it states we are saved for the purpose of doing good works. That doesn’t mean saved from car wrecks but to be saved from judgment and to live with Christ in all eternity. And those who are saved have a purpose: doing the good works, while still here on earth. Not that those works have the power to save us (earn our salvation) but they are our mission as saved people.
So what is my unfinished business since I didn’t depart that day? I don’t exactly know but I do know that staying the course, being obedient to His ways and His statutes, being obedient to sharing my faith, and being available to be used by Him will all lead to the answers to my questions . . . someday.
Stay close to Jesus
Bob
A couple of days ago I was on the phone talking with my uncle in North Carolina. He has been a Reformed Baptist pastor and counselor for over 35 years. We were doing some “catching up” since it had been way to long since we had last talked. Much of what we did talk about was the way God preserved me and brought me through the accident and how He has used other people to touch my life and vise versa.
We talked about Romans 8:28. We also acknowledged that suffering was part of a deeper spiritual experience to draw us close to the Lord and to also prepare us for ministry to others in unique ways. We both agreed that God allows us to experience suffering so that in the end, He is glorified though us. (Got to be a maturing follower of Christ to believe that and also live it.)
I am the midst of walking through this valley of physical suffering but after I hung up I realized that my uncle and his family have suffered emotionally and spiritually far beyond my present sufferings.
You see my uncle has already lost two sons. The first one died shortly after birth roughly 50 years ago. The second one died just a few years ago in his 20’s in an automobile accident just a few weeks before he was to be married. He was in the prime of life and he died. I’m soon to be 56 and I didn’t die.
Now my uncle never lamented with me that life is unfair. Rather he acknowledged that we are in the hands of an awesome God who loves us and is always at work in the circumstances of our lives for our good and His Glory. My uncle is not bitter but instead is surrendered to God’s will and trusts, even joyfully, that He must be in control if He really is God. He knows he will see his sons again someday. He knows, like myself, that there is meaning to what I am going through.
But still there are the unanswered questions. Why were my cousin’s epic journeys shorter than mine? What things am I left on earth to accomplish still?
In Ephesians 2 it states we are saved for the purpose of doing good works. That doesn’t mean saved from car wrecks but to be saved from judgment and to live with Christ in all eternity. And those who are saved have a purpose: doing the good works, while still here on earth. Not that those works have the power to save us (earn our salvation) but they are our mission as saved people.
So what is my unfinished business since I didn’t depart that day? I don’t exactly know but I do know that staying the course, being obedient to His ways and His statutes, being obedient to sharing my faith, and being available to be used by Him will all lead to the answers to my questions . . . someday.
Stay close to Jesus
Bob
Friday, August 14, 2009
A Parable on 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
Lots of changes in a couple of days. Got my exteranl fixator removed. Dealing with some anticipated pain and discomfort but managing okay. Was a little unsure where it was leading to pain wise yesterday so I spent much of the day with ice packs on my knee. Figured out I need to use a bungee strap to hold my leg on the wheel chair leg support. (pretty bulky and too wide with the leg brace on)
Now I'm learning what I can do with my right leg now that the fixator is off. My leg and I have kind of led separates lives under the same roof and it’s time to get reacquainted so we can act like we are one body again.
There are concessions to negotiate. This is what I have been dealing with.
Leg says, “You have to find another way to lift me now that I’m not artificially locked in one position”
I say “Can’t you cut me a break? It’s not as if I were the one laying around doing nothing for 6 weeks. Won’t you rise up on your own just a little and make some effor to bend a little?”
Knee says, “ I’m not ready to bend yet.”
I say, “ But the surgeon bent you 90 degrees yesterday, surely you can give me 45 degrees!!!!.”
Knee says, “ I don’t recall the surgeon asking me how I felt about the idea of going 90 degrees the first day out of “lock down”!!!
I say, “ Well being isolated in "lock down" and being bent 90 degrees first day out WAS FOR YOUR OWN GOOD. WE needed time so the part of the bone where the patellar tendon inserts could heal back in place! And you never would have agreed to stretching to your limits if you weren't on propofol.
Knee and leg scream, "Propofol!!! You let them put us on Propofol? How dare you!"
I say, "Get a life, it's perfectly safe when used in the O.R.
Knee says, “All right - End of conversation, the leg and I, we have feelings you know!”
I Say, “ I know YOU have feelings! Have you forgotten we are “joined at the hip’?” Just look at how great the pin site wounds are healing. Why can’t you cooperate like them? And remember the ribs? They were healed in less that 4 weeks. Look: just give me a few degrees today, no more than 45 and Leg just try to lift up with me just a couple times. Deal?
Knee says, “30 degrees max.
Leg says, "I’ll maybe give you half a dozen lifts if you are nice to me."
I concede, “ Deal!”
Leg and knee say say, "deal!”
(Body parts: they can be such a pain!)
12The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13For we were all baptized by[c] one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
14Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
21The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
27Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues[d]? Do all interpret? 31But eagerly desire[e] the greater gifts.
Now I'm learning what I can do with my right leg now that the fixator is off. My leg and I have kind of led separates lives under the same roof and it’s time to get reacquainted so we can act like we are one body again.
There are concessions to negotiate. This is what I have been dealing with.
Leg says, “You have to find another way to lift me now that I’m not artificially locked in one position”
I say “Can’t you cut me a break? It’s not as if I were the one laying around doing nothing for 6 weeks. Won’t you rise up on your own just a little and make some effor to bend a little?”
Knee says, “ I’m not ready to bend yet.”
I say, “ But the surgeon bent you 90 degrees yesterday, surely you can give me 45 degrees!!!!.”
Knee says, “ I don’t recall the surgeon asking me how I felt about the idea of going 90 degrees the first day out of “lock down”!!!
I say, “ Well being isolated in "lock down" and being bent 90 degrees first day out WAS FOR YOUR OWN GOOD. WE needed time so the part of the bone where the patellar tendon inserts could heal back in place! And you never would have agreed to stretching to your limits if you weren't on propofol.
Knee and leg scream, "Propofol!!! You let them put us on Propofol? How dare you!"
I say, "Get a life, it's perfectly safe when used in the O.R.
Knee says, “All right - End of conversation, the leg and I, we have feelings you know!”
I Say, “ I know YOU have feelings! Have you forgotten we are “joined at the hip’?” Just look at how great the pin site wounds are healing. Why can’t you cooperate like them? And remember the ribs? They were healed in less that 4 weeks. Look: just give me a few degrees today, no more than 45 and Leg just try to lift up with me just a couple times. Deal?
Knee says, “30 degrees max.
Leg says, "I’ll maybe give you half a dozen lifts if you are nice to me."
I concede, “ Deal!”
Leg and knee say say, "deal!”
(Body parts: they can be such a pain!)
12The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13For we were all baptized by[c] one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
14Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
21The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
27Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues[d]? Do all interpret? 31But eagerly desire[e] the greater gifts.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
What about the other guy?
Since my accident, many people have asked me what I know about the other driver. Well, I have since learned his name and age and the town he lives in. I have no desire to share that information here. I have heard rumors of his injuries sustained and have also learned some details of how the accident happened.
One thing that was communicated to me was that as he was being extracted from his vehicle, he said, “ Tell the other driver I’m very sorry.”
We can get into the “shoulda coulda woulda’s” of the accident but the bottom line is that it happened and nothing we can do now will change that. I could just as easily be in my current state by loosing control on an icy road in winter and having a single car accident. Accidents do happen. People die and people get hurt every day.
So what about the other guy? He knows his vehicle was at fault. Since I was in the process of trying to ditch my car on my side of the road to avoid the accident, I know that there was nothing I did to contribute to making the accident happen.
He knows I was badly injured. He knows I will be out of commission for a significant amount of time. He had his own set of injuries to deal with. He has his own set of medical bills, sacrifices, and inconvenineces that the accident created for him. The accident may end up being more of a personal and finanacial hardship for him. The injuries may be more permanent for him than for me.
So can I forgive him? My answer is, yes I can. There are so many reasons that lead me to that declaration.
Part of the Lord’s Prayer says, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us.” That kind of is where the rubber meets the road isn’t it? I am instructed by Christ to forgive him. I should also be quick to remember that this man did not single me out to be the object of an intentional act.
Ephesians 4: 32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgive each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” Not to forgive goes against the counsel of scripture. This particular verse causes me to ask, am I disrespecting the grace I received by not extending it in my actions? Do I devalue it in my eyes by not offering grace and mercy as I am able to? Do I express a disbelief in or disloyalty to the free gift of forgiveness I profess to have received by not offering it?
I know that one of my favorite expressions in talking to people about unforgiveness would really affect me if I did not choose to forgive. “ Unforgiveness is a poison that we drink waiting for someone else to get ill or die.” The emotional upheaval that it would cause me not to forgive the other driver is not worth it to me.
Finally, I am no more favored and no less favored by God than then man who hit me. God is especially fond of both of us, not just me. Who knows, this man might end up being my neighbor in heaven someday. Or maybe I might have an opportunity to share the hope I have with him some day here on earth. What if my accident was part of God’s plan so that might happen?
Sobering thoughts.
Stay close to Jesus
Bob
One thing that was communicated to me was that as he was being extracted from his vehicle, he said, “ Tell the other driver I’m very sorry.”
We can get into the “shoulda coulda woulda’s” of the accident but the bottom line is that it happened and nothing we can do now will change that. I could just as easily be in my current state by loosing control on an icy road in winter and having a single car accident. Accidents do happen. People die and people get hurt every day.
So what about the other guy? He knows his vehicle was at fault. Since I was in the process of trying to ditch my car on my side of the road to avoid the accident, I know that there was nothing I did to contribute to making the accident happen.
He knows I was badly injured. He knows I will be out of commission for a significant amount of time. He had his own set of injuries to deal with. He has his own set of medical bills, sacrifices, and inconvenineces that the accident created for him. The accident may end up being more of a personal and finanacial hardship for him. The injuries may be more permanent for him than for me.
So can I forgive him? My answer is, yes I can. There are so many reasons that lead me to that declaration.
Part of the Lord’s Prayer says, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us.” That kind of is where the rubber meets the road isn’t it? I am instructed by Christ to forgive him. I should also be quick to remember that this man did not single me out to be the object of an intentional act.
Ephesians 4: 32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgive each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” Not to forgive goes against the counsel of scripture. This particular verse causes me to ask, am I disrespecting the grace I received by not extending it in my actions? Do I devalue it in my eyes by not offering grace and mercy as I am able to? Do I express a disbelief in or disloyalty to the free gift of forgiveness I profess to have received by not offering it?
I know that one of my favorite expressions in talking to people about unforgiveness would really affect me if I did not choose to forgive. “ Unforgiveness is a poison that we drink waiting for someone else to get ill or die.” The emotional upheaval that it would cause me not to forgive the other driver is not worth it to me.
Finally, I am no more favored and no less favored by God than then man who hit me. God is especially fond of both of us, not just me. Who knows, this man might end up being my neighbor in heaven someday. Or maybe I might have an opportunity to share the hope I have with him some day here on earth. What if my accident was part of God’s plan so that might happen?
Sobering thoughts.
Stay close to Jesus
Bob
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Living the Serenity Prayer
Many people are somewhat familiar with the first few lines of Reinhold Niebuhr’s well-known Serenity Prayer. Sadly they are unaware it is much longer. Don’t know how that got started but the prayer in its longer version is rich with a fuller understanding of what the first stanza of the prayer positions us to experience.
As you can see I have had that posted as a side bar on my blog as a permanent fixture. Why? Because I believe that the petitions being presented in the prayer do give us the power to experience life on earth in an emotionally spiritually healthy manner.
If you are reading this and don’t know me too well, I need to give you some background. Back on July 1, I was involved in an auto accident that quickly turned my world upside down. If you want the details you can go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/bobgrover.
The bottom line at the moment is that I have received some significant injuries from that accident that will keep me sidelined for weeks and maybe even months to come. The accident was not my fault but none-the-less I was in it and nothing we can do can reverse that.
Truly I find myself engaging the words of the Serenity Prayer with a sobering reality. I have the choice to accept the things I cannot change or rebel against them. I have the opportunity to change the things that are within my sphere of influence to do so or sit and do nothing. At the heart of it all is perspective and attitude.
Perspective for me is what my worldview is. I see life as an experience here on earth that has a finite length to it; a beginning and an end for me, the day I was born and the day I will die. But my perspective goes beyond all this earthy experience because I believe God created us with eternal intentions and therefore our earthly journey is only a short leg of the journey. (That belief alone draws a radical line in the sand when it comes to perspective. Those who cannot grasp that as a reality immediately head down a different road when it come to perspective and attitude.)
Further, I believe I was created to be in a living dynamic real relationship with God. I believe God provided a means for my intimacy with Him through the sacrifice of his son Jesus Christ on my behalf so that nothing other than my potential to have a stubborn attitude could ever come between us. I believe that because of this sacrifice (specifically for my sins) I am assured that I will have eternal life. I have accepted Christ as my Savior and equally as important I have submitted to Him as Lord
This perspective radically affects my attitude. There are things that come into play as a follower of Christ that have a significant influence in my attitude toward my circumstances because I have a different perspective.
Below is an "inventory" of things I would list as perspectives and attitudes
First, it’s not the end of the world. Even if I had died that day (which at the moment I thought was a sure thing) I knew it wasn’t over. It gave me courage in the moment.
I am not angry with God because this happened. (I also know because of my familiarity with the conversations in the Book of Psalms that He would have lovingly let me wrestle with Him had I chosen to be angry or disappointed) I know He is a sovereign God and has reasons for allowing good people to die young and painful suffering to enter into anyone and everyone’s life.
I know that scripture assures me that throughout all of this God has never stopped loving me and my family (Romans 8:38-39)
I know that God assured me, sometime after the moment of the accident, that I was not going to die that day and that He still had plans for me. I am open to considering that these current circumstances will be used as part of that plan.
I know that my current sufferings are temporary and I have the opportunity to glorify Him as I work through these circumstances. I know that God will use these events to for my good as well as others (Romans 8:26).
I know that I am healing remarkably fast because of God’s grace and the petition of many prayers being lifted on my behalf.
I know already that my experiences on this current journey are enriching my ability to minister to people who face worse circumstances than mine.
I know that God is using these circumstances to teach me patience, and help me sort out how I need to serve him in the future.
I am learning to truly take one day at a time and not have expectations on the outcome.
I am learning to transform hardship as a pathway to peace (which I believe is only done by casting all my cares upon Christ.)
I am learning to take things just the way they are and to be content. “Philippians 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” That secret is knowing and trusting that God is on control and has His eye on my circumstances.
I am trusting that things will turn out according to His will not mine.
I am learning that my happiness cannot be based on my circumstances but rather my relationship with Him and the attitude it produces.
Yes the Serenity Prayer is a crucial reality for me these days and I am blessed that I was intimate with it before I entered this season of my life. As time goes by I am sure my list of perspectives and attitudes will increase.
Take care, and stay close to Jesus,
Bob
As you can see I have had that posted as a side bar on my blog as a permanent fixture. Why? Because I believe that the petitions being presented in the prayer do give us the power to experience life on earth in an emotionally spiritually healthy manner.
If you are reading this and don’t know me too well, I need to give you some background. Back on July 1, I was involved in an auto accident that quickly turned my world upside down. If you want the details you can go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/bobgrover.
The bottom line at the moment is that I have received some significant injuries from that accident that will keep me sidelined for weeks and maybe even months to come. The accident was not my fault but none-the-less I was in it and nothing we can do can reverse that.
Truly I find myself engaging the words of the Serenity Prayer with a sobering reality. I have the choice to accept the things I cannot change or rebel against them. I have the opportunity to change the things that are within my sphere of influence to do so or sit and do nothing. At the heart of it all is perspective and attitude.
Perspective for me is what my worldview is. I see life as an experience here on earth that has a finite length to it; a beginning and an end for me, the day I was born and the day I will die. But my perspective goes beyond all this earthy experience because I believe God created us with eternal intentions and therefore our earthly journey is only a short leg of the journey. (That belief alone draws a radical line in the sand when it comes to perspective. Those who cannot grasp that as a reality immediately head down a different road when it come to perspective and attitude.)
Further, I believe I was created to be in a living dynamic real relationship with God. I believe God provided a means for my intimacy with Him through the sacrifice of his son Jesus Christ on my behalf so that nothing other than my potential to have a stubborn attitude could ever come between us. I believe that because of this sacrifice (specifically for my sins) I am assured that I will have eternal life. I have accepted Christ as my Savior and equally as important I have submitted to Him as Lord
This perspective radically affects my attitude. There are things that come into play as a follower of Christ that have a significant influence in my attitude toward my circumstances because I have a different perspective.
Below is an "inventory" of things I would list as perspectives and attitudes
First, it’s not the end of the world. Even if I had died that day (which at the moment I thought was a sure thing) I knew it wasn’t over. It gave me courage in the moment.
I am not angry with God because this happened. (I also know because of my familiarity with the conversations in the Book of Psalms that He would have lovingly let me wrestle with Him had I chosen to be angry or disappointed) I know He is a sovereign God and has reasons for allowing good people to die young and painful suffering to enter into anyone and everyone’s life.
I know that scripture assures me that throughout all of this God has never stopped loving me and my family (Romans 8:38-39)
I know that God assured me, sometime after the moment of the accident, that I was not going to die that day and that He still had plans for me. I am open to considering that these current circumstances will be used as part of that plan.
I know that my current sufferings are temporary and I have the opportunity to glorify Him as I work through these circumstances. I know that God will use these events to for my good as well as others (Romans 8:26).
I know that I am healing remarkably fast because of God’s grace and the petition of many prayers being lifted on my behalf.
I know already that my experiences on this current journey are enriching my ability to minister to people who face worse circumstances than mine.
I know that God is using these circumstances to teach me patience, and help me sort out how I need to serve him in the future.
I am learning to truly take one day at a time and not have expectations on the outcome.
I am learning to transform hardship as a pathway to peace (which I believe is only done by casting all my cares upon Christ.)
I am learning to take things just the way they are and to be content. “Philippians 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” That secret is knowing and trusting that God is on control and has His eye on my circumstances.
I am trusting that things will turn out according to His will not mine.
I am learning that my happiness cannot be based on my circumstances but rather my relationship with Him and the attitude it produces.
Yes the Serenity Prayer is a crucial reality for me these days and I am blessed that I was intimate with it before I entered this season of my life. As time goes by I am sure my list of perspectives and attitudes will increase.
Take care, and stay close to Jesus,
Bob
Monday, June 8, 2009
A God who compassionately cares
Sometimes I don’t even begin to understand everything there is to be gleaned from a passage until I look deeper into it to prepare to preach on it. I suppose that’s a no-brainer for anyone who has prepared to preach. At the same time for anyone who does preach they know the excitement I feel when God reveals something deeper because of that willful intent to study the passage.
In John 11 1- 44 a story unfolds that displays the miraculous power that Jesus posses. The story goes that Jesus hears of the grave illness that a friend has been struck with. A messenger comes to inform him and he seems unaffected by the news. The omniscience of Jesus is revealed in that some time after he gets the report that Lazarus is sick, without a second message being sent, Jesus reveals the fact that he knows Lazarus is dead.
most of us see that in this passage that Jesus eventually resuscitated Lazarus from the dead to display his power and take the opportunity to educate everyone that the resurrection life is only attained thru Him.
Now what really struck me this time around as I read the passage was the compassion that Jesus had for everyone who was grieving. He knew everything that had happened and everything that was about to happen. He knew that things were going to turn out all right in the moment and in the future. He could have cut their conversations short and not let them carry on in front of him.
Waht he did do was speak words of comfort and hope to them. That would be expected, but he also, because of his deep love and sensitivity for people, showed compassion and empathy toward them. He let both Martha and Mary vent their frustrations with him and to him. He let the grief of his friends and their friends deeply affect him. He grieved with them even though he knew the outcome. Jesus wept because they wept.
But Jesus goes even further. He even asks Mary to show him where Lazarus is buried. (if he is omniscient would he not know where he was buried?). What I see new and fresh is that he facilitates their grief. He did not gloss over their grief but took time to validate their genuine heartfelt emotions as they understood, with limitations, the events that took place.
Often times in the awkwardness of not knowing what to say, rather than validating the grief, we suppress it with what we think are helpful statements. “I’m sure God has his reasons.” “God needed another angel in heaven.” “In time you’ll get over it.” “Time heals all wounds.”
How often do we take the time to genuinely facilitate grief? How often do we weep with others as they grieve in front of us? How many of us can say we unabashedly weep with the weeping? And why shouldn’t we? We are created in His image.
How awesome a God we have who loves us so much that he does not interrupt the bereaved in their grief even when he knows the outcome is for the better. Can we strive to do the same?
John 11 (New International Version)
John 11
Jesus Comforts the Sisters
17On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18Bethany was less than two miles[a] from Jerusalem, 19and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.
21"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."
23Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."
24Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."
25Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
27"Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ,[b] the Son of God, who was to come into the world."
28And after she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. "The Teacher is here," she said, "and is asking for you." 29When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 30Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.
32When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."
33When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34"Where have you laid him?" he asked.
"Come and see, Lord," they replied.
35Jesus wept.
36Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"
37But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?"
Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead
38Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39"Take away the stone," he said.
"But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days."
40Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
41So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me."
43When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 44The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."
In John 11 1- 44 a story unfolds that displays the miraculous power that Jesus posses. The story goes that Jesus hears of the grave illness that a friend has been struck with. A messenger comes to inform him and he seems unaffected by the news. The omniscience of Jesus is revealed in that some time after he gets the report that Lazarus is sick, without a second message being sent, Jesus reveals the fact that he knows Lazarus is dead.
most of us see that in this passage that Jesus eventually resuscitated Lazarus from the dead to display his power and take the opportunity to educate everyone that the resurrection life is only attained thru Him.
Now what really struck me this time around as I read the passage was the compassion that Jesus had for everyone who was grieving. He knew everything that had happened and everything that was about to happen. He knew that things were going to turn out all right in the moment and in the future. He could have cut their conversations short and not let them carry on in front of him.
Waht he did do was speak words of comfort and hope to them. That would be expected, but he also, because of his deep love and sensitivity for people, showed compassion and empathy toward them. He let both Martha and Mary vent their frustrations with him and to him. He let the grief of his friends and their friends deeply affect him. He grieved with them even though he knew the outcome. Jesus wept because they wept.
But Jesus goes even further. He even asks Mary to show him where Lazarus is buried. (if he is omniscient would he not know where he was buried?). What I see new and fresh is that he facilitates their grief. He did not gloss over their grief but took time to validate their genuine heartfelt emotions as they understood, with limitations, the events that took place.
Often times in the awkwardness of not knowing what to say, rather than validating the grief, we suppress it with what we think are helpful statements. “I’m sure God has his reasons.” “God needed another angel in heaven.” “In time you’ll get over it.” “Time heals all wounds.”
How often do we take the time to genuinely facilitate grief? How often do we weep with others as they grieve in front of us? How many of us can say we unabashedly weep with the weeping? And why shouldn’t we? We are created in His image.
How awesome a God we have who loves us so much that he does not interrupt the bereaved in their grief even when he knows the outcome is for the better. Can we strive to do the same?
John 11 (New International Version)
John 11
Jesus Comforts the Sisters
17On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18Bethany was less than two miles[a] from Jerusalem, 19and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.
21"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."
23Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."
24Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."
25Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
27"Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ,[b] the Son of God, who was to come into the world."
28And after she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. "The Teacher is here," she said, "and is asking for you." 29When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 30Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.
32When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."
33When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34"Where have you laid him?" he asked.
"Come and see, Lord," they replied.
35Jesus wept.
36Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"
37But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?"
Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead
38Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39"Take away the stone," he said.
"But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days."
40Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
41So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me."
43When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 44The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."
Thursday, May 7, 2009
blessings of the day . . .and counting
I’m back. . . .And I hope for a longer stay this time. It has been months since I have written reflections but moments ago I knew I needed to share some of what’s going on today.
It’s National Day of Prayer. I started the day with about 25 other individuals who were pastors and ministry leaders to start the day in prayer. That alone is a blessing . . . to be able to star tthe day in prayer for about an hour with so many other people. Among the things we prayed for, we asked that the Lord bless the day and show us how He is working in the world. Well not even 2 hours have gone by and I have been blessed twice.
The first blessing was after the prayer time. I was having some conversation with another pastor and also an individual who is a dear friend. We, the pastor and I, eventually came to realize we were planning missional events in the same neighborhood this summer. We have some dates that might coincide. I offered to join our efforts toward a common goal. I hope the conversation will continue to see how we can partner together to accomplish common victories for Kingdom work.
The second blessing happened to me just minutes ago. Our congregation rent space for a worship center at a local shopping center. It has seen several different owners over the years but there has been a gentleman who has held a custodial position here probably since he was a teenager; over twenty years I am told. He has some speech problems and other cognitive issues but can function at a level that makes him a very committed loyal reliable employee for the work he does. I have had God speak to me through the innocence of this tender spirit more than once in the nearly 5 years I have known him.
. I took today off kind of as a Sabbath day just because it is National Day of Prayer. I didn’t want to be rushed today. I wanted to be ready for worship tonight.
I was throwing some things in the back of my car for this evening when Robert ( that’s his name too) came around the corner of the building. He was a little overdressed for the weather. It was about 60 degrees out, sunny and promising to be a great day. Robert was wearing sunglasses, a toboggan hat and a winter coat. He squealed with delight as he realized he had finally found me.
I know its been months since I had seen him and quite possibly a year since we last talked. Since I took a part time job a bout 20 months ago, I have not been around the worship center much during the daytime. He was so delighted to see me he came up to me with arms wide open and embraced me with the hug of a long lost brother. I am weeping at this moment just to know how much I was missed.
“I missed you. I was worried about you!” he said in his awkward hard to understand voice. I hugged him back with all the intensity and love that I was receiving from him. “I missed you too and It is so nice to know someone is worried about me when I’m not there.” I replied. We talked for a moment and celebrated the fact that it is Spring with some “high fives” and then he was off to diligently keep to his tasks.
Thank you Lord, for giving me a hug through this child of yours today. I am blessed beyond measure. I am reassured that you often have unsung heroes, saints, praying for me. I am humbled by your Grace. Amen
It’s National Day of Prayer. I started the day with about 25 other individuals who were pastors and ministry leaders to start the day in prayer. That alone is a blessing . . . to be able to star tthe day in prayer for about an hour with so many other people. Among the things we prayed for, we asked that the Lord bless the day and show us how He is working in the world. Well not even 2 hours have gone by and I have been blessed twice.
The first blessing was after the prayer time. I was having some conversation with another pastor and also an individual who is a dear friend. We, the pastor and I, eventually came to realize we were planning missional events in the same neighborhood this summer. We have some dates that might coincide. I offered to join our efforts toward a common goal. I hope the conversation will continue to see how we can partner together to accomplish common victories for Kingdom work.
The second blessing happened to me just minutes ago. Our congregation rent space for a worship center at a local shopping center. It has seen several different owners over the years but there has been a gentleman who has held a custodial position here probably since he was a teenager; over twenty years I am told. He has some speech problems and other cognitive issues but can function at a level that makes him a very committed loyal reliable employee for the work he does. I have had God speak to me through the innocence of this tender spirit more than once in the nearly 5 years I have known him.
. I took today off kind of as a Sabbath day just because it is National Day of Prayer. I didn’t want to be rushed today. I wanted to be ready for worship tonight.
I was throwing some things in the back of my car for this evening when Robert ( that’s his name too) came around the corner of the building. He was a little overdressed for the weather. It was about 60 degrees out, sunny and promising to be a great day. Robert was wearing sunglasses, a toboggan hat and a winter coat. He squealed with delight as he realized he had finally found me.
I know its been months since I had seen him and quite possibly a year since we last talked. Since I took a part time job a bout 20 months ago, I have not been around the worship center much during the daytime. He was so delighted to see me he came up to me with arms wide open and embraced me with the hug of a long lost brother. I am weeping at this moment just to know how much I was missed.
“I missed you. I was worried about you!” he said in his awkward hard to understand voice. I hugged him back with all the intensity and love that I was receiving from him. “I missed you too and It is so nice to know someone is worried about me when I’m not there.” I replied. We talked for a moment and celebrated the fact that it is Spring with some “high fives” and then he was off to diligently keep to his tasks.
Thank you Lord, for giving me a hug through this child of yours today. I am blessed beyond measure. I am reassured that you often have unsung heroes, saints, praying for me. I am humbled by your Grace. Amen
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Face to face with who we are
Earlier today I had a conversation with a promising young man who loves the Lord and has truly given his life over to Christ. If ever there were someone who exemplifies 2 Corinthians 3: 16 (whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away) and 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 (16So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!)it is this young man.
What he shared with me broke my heart. "The Church" has been judging him with a worldly view. They have been holding his past against him and condemning him over and over .. . . just as the world would do. Once again I am sorry to say the trouble with churches is that they have people in them. This young man had to spend time in prison. He paid his debt to society but it seems the church is more interested in holding his past against him than society is!
I've dealt with this kind of situation before. While it may be challenging and painful for this young man, one thing it does swiftly to a faith community: it prunes hypocrites swiftly. People come face to face with their own hard core prejudice and immature faith when they find an individual like this seeking the Lord in THEIR fellowship. Some choose to leave because they don't want themselves or their family to be "exposed" to this kind of person.
This young man that I was talking to had recently experienced a church "tribunal" because of what was in his past, not his present!!! In other words the church does not believe there is truth in 2 Cor 5:17; the church doesn't believe that this is possible.
"The church" forgets it is called to practice perfect love; the church forgets God says, "I will remember your sins (remind you) no more" when we confess our sins and repent (turn away from the old life).
I would rather do ministry with 200 people like this young believer in Christ than 20 whining hypocrites. I have learned the hard that the hypocrites are high maintenance, emotionally draining, and a distraction from the true calling of the church: discipleship and evangelism.
I hope this young man accepts the invitation to come and fellowship with our congregation. We could use his experience knowledge and passion for Christ.
I think the hypocrites ALL left. But we'll see.
What he shared with me broke my heart. "The Church" has been judging him with a worldly view. They have been holding his past against him and condemning him over and over .. . . just as the world would do. Once again I am sorry to say the trouble with churches is that they have people in them. This young man had to spend time in prison. He paid his debt to society but it seems the church is more interested in holding his past against him than society is!
I've dealt with this kind of situation before. While it may be challenging and painful for this young man, one thing it does swiftly to a faith community: it prunes hypocrites swiftly. People come face to face with their own hard core prejudice and immature faith when they find an individual like this seeking the Lord in THEIR fellowship. Some choose to leave because they don't want themselves or their family to be "exposed" to this kind of person.
This young man that I was talking to had recently experienced a church "tribunal" because of what was in his past, not his present!!! In other words the church does not believe there is truth in 2 Cor 5:17; the church doesn't believe that this is possible.
"The church" forgets it is called to practice perfect love; the church forgets God says, "I will remember your sins (remind you) no more" when we confess our sins and repent (turn away from the old life).
I would rather do ministry with 200 people like this young believer in Christ than 20 whining hypocrites. I have learned the hard that the hypocrites are high maintenance, emotionally draining, and a distraction from the true calling of the church: discipleship and evangelism.
I hope this young man accepts the invitation to come and fellowship with our congregation. We could use his experience knowledge and passion for Christ.
I think the hypocrites ALL left. But we'll see.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)