It Really is All in a Name

S - Acts 9:13-16, 21:11-13 (NAS): " But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name." But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name's sake."  … And coming to us, he [Agabus] took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, "This is what the Holy Spirit says: `In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.' “When we had heard this, we as well as the local residents began begging him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.""

O - Why all this attention on the name of Jesus?  Why not use gospel or message or teaching in these exchanges between heaven and earth and between people?  What brought about transformation in Saul of Tarsus' life (and in the entire original band of followers) was not more information, teaching or concepts but an encounter with a Resurrected Person.  The concepts and principles of Jesus are not Jesus and they have no power or authority.  They do not save us, love us or protect and shepherd us … Jesus does all this and more.  We are not saved by the blood or the cross … we are saved by Jesus; it is his blood and his cross.  Paul will not go to Jerusalem for a cause, concept or religion. He will go for only one reason … a Person.

A - I was not/am not called to a worldview, principle, cause or promise.  I am called to a Person and he said "Follow me." It is such a privilege to know him and to be simply and directly charged to carry his name to all people and their kings/leaders. Jesus (and all of heaven) has loved me first, most and refuses to change his mind.  I am ready (ἑτοίμως: prepared to receive someone and/or to do something) to love him back and follow … no matter what!

P - Lord who wants and loves us,

Thank you for calling us to your name because we are called to your person.  You don't want us to live for you but in you.  You don't want us to work for you but with you.  You don't want us to know about you but to know you in the fellowship of your sufferings and the power of your resurrection.  Today, Sovereign Strong, I am ready.  I am not ready by strength or superior positioning.  I am ready according to love … because you have set your affection on me/us and refuse to change your mind.  Lord Jesus, today I will carry your name and stay near.

Following because of love,

Steve

WWJD and Mother's Day

S - Luke 11:27-28 (NAS): "While Jesus was saying these things, one of the women in the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, "Blessed is the womb that bore You and the breasts at which You nursed." But He said, "On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.""

O - Apparently Jesus wasn't trying to start "Mothers' Day" in the culture of his day.  Wouldn't this have been a great opportunity to affirm his Mother and give her a public "shout out"? While I don't think we may infer any resistance or hostility toward our cultural celebration of our moms, I do think the absence of it is an intentional backdrop to intensify his response.  The lady who raised her voice could never have the blessing she was identifying.  Yet, all people, female and male, can have the blessing (μακάριος: supremely blessed, a poetic form of μάκαρ) directly connect with the word of God. This extreme good fortune is available to all who hear the word AND "observe it".  The term Jesus chose to connect with hearing is the verb φυλάσσω. It strongly connotes the idea of an isolation which will prevent something or someone from escaping. Anyone who hears the word of God (Jesus is the Living Word of God) and observes it will be the one who exceeds the blessing the woman called out; a blessing which Jesus affirms as supreme. 

A - Since I can qualify for this supreme blessing, what is it which might prevent it?  What allows the word of God to escape or dissipate from a life … my life? It's not that the word "wants out" or to run away from me but rather that it requires my willing and ongoing cooperation … a cooperation rooted in the same reality in which God's word (written, spoken and Living) is offered.  This reality is not theological acumen, intellectual brilliance or mere informational acquiescence. The word of God in all its expressions is offered in the reality of love.  Love is the reason and the response.  Love will present the word and love will engage; not a mere exercise in passive acknowledgement but a focused embrace which won't let it evaporate … unto the extreme blessing intended all along.

P - Lord who loved his Mom,

Thank you for presenting all human beings the opportunity to have a relational connection with you which is identical to the one you have with your earthly Mother and the one you have with God your Father . Thank you for wanting us near and blessed and forever in your family.  I welcome you and your word unto new wineskins, mulberry trees in the ocean and that which is too wonderful for me.  Jesus, I am asking for help, not self-help.

I love you back,

Steve

How do you Agree?

S - Mark 12:32-34 (NIV): ""Well said, teacher," the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions."

O - The truth is it is always "wise" to side with Jesus.  So why was the Lord so affirming of this man?  I don't think it was from the information agreed upon but rather the depth of agreement … agreement by heart and life not just thought and theology.  This stands in stark contrast to the religious leaders who would agree theologically but not by their daily lives. According to this passage it seems that it is the agreement of life which brings and keeps one near. Jesus does more than affirm the man's conclusion; he identifies his life as one which is "not far" from the kingdom of God. 

A - I don't know how far the man had yet to go to enter but I am sure that being near is better than far away. The question for me with regard to all the words of Jesus is: Am I, in any given day or setting, primarily agreeing with Jesus by theology or by life? According to the announced "final exam" (Matthew 25) agreement by life carries the day over agreement by theology.  I want to be one who comes near and stays near … entering and remaining according to grace and the child-likeness heaven loves.

P - Lord who is truth,

Thank you for wanting us near and making being near possible for whoever would come.  I praise you for wanting us at our worst and for refusing to stop loving us no matter what.  On this day I want to agree with you by my life, not just my theological conclusions.  Please cause your life to come into me and to flow, splash or at least leach out of me for the blessing and good of those I am with and will be with.  Jesus, I do love you back and I am so grateful to belong to you not only by right but by grace.

Relying on you,

Steve

Gotta Serve Somebody

S - Luke 19:11-15, 26-27 (NAS): "While they were listening to these things, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because He was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately. So He said, "A nobleman went to a distant country to receive a kingdom for himself, and then return.” And he called ten of his slaves, and gave them ten minas and said to them, `Do business with this until I come back.' "But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, `We do not want this man to reign over us.' "When he returned, after receiving the kingdom, he ordered that these slaves, to whom he had given the money, be called to him so that he might know what business they had done. … "I tell you that to everyone who has, more shall be given, but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away.” But these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them in my presence."

O - This is the only place where Jesus via this parable identifies humans who are hostile to him as enemies.  Normally, the term enemy is reserved for the Devil and his angels.  Those who are not embracing the Kingdom are called lost sheep, lost coins and lost sons.  Why this stark change?  What happened to love your enemies?  Is this indicating some kind of shift in Jesus and in his teaching?  I believe the answer is no.  This parable is illustrating certain fixed realities which all are subject to. They include:

1. a calibration in understanding the timing of the kingdom's appearing.

2. the unchanging identity and authority of the king.

3. the accountability of all under his domain to an assessment.

4. the devastating consequence for those who refuse to accept the inevitable conclusion of the coming kingdom and its king.

The Lord hasn't run out of love for his enemies, they've run out of time.  God has established certain dynamics and consequences which he will not shift or relax.  All human beings are set in this context.

A - In this age, at some point, every human being will run out of time. The accountability to the Creator and King is unflinching.  The design of willing relationship uncompromised.  The consequence of our decisions unaltered. Today the words of Joshua remain strikingly potent: Choose this day whom you will serve.  Bobby Dillon got it right … 'you gotta serve somebody.'

P - Lord who is the Lord and who loves,

You've given such great dignity to all inhabitants of this planet … created with great significance to yourself and all others; empowered with the capacity to choose (free will), invited to a very intimate and forever relationship with yourself as the objects of your love.  I admit my flawed bent and tragic propensity to miss, refuse or misunderstand.  I admit my designed need of you and your ongoing help, interface and empowerment.  I admit that not only do I need you but I want you. I admit that you are THE king and I am amazed that you want to be MY king.  Lord God Almighty, I choose you back!

In Jesus' Name,

Steve

A.K.A. Barabbas

S - Mark 15:15 (NAS): "Wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified."

O - The Scriptures identify the motives of the Religious Leaders, Pilate and Jesus.  The Leaders are motivated by fear and envy, Pilate by fear and social pressure and Jesus by love (John 14:31). Pilate wondered why Jesus didn't answer him and why the crowd would take up the chant of crucify.  Jesus didn't wonder at all.  He knew that he would not be released and that Barabbas would be. He offered no self-defense and no objection to the exchange. His silence was not a passive acceptance of that which was beyond his control.  Rather, he actually accomplished everything, everything, he and his Father set out to do.  Barabbas was released from his deserved punishment for the same reason I am; the same reason anyone who wishes can be.  The reason is Jesus.  Jesus who is (A.K.A.)the message from heaven; who is life, the friend of sinners and the salvation of the world.

A - I am Barabbas and Jesus is still Jesus.  He is slow to anger and quick to forgive.  I am quick to fail and often slow to apologize and slower to understand.  He willingly bears my burdens (tangible and intangible; earthly and spiritual).  He didn't pay the price to set me free … he paid the price to keep both Barabbas and me free.  He has loved us/me first, and most and refuses to change his mind.  To the degree one cannot be hurt, to that same degree one cannot be loved or love.  Jesus is completely hurt on the cross because he completely loves and therefore may be completely loved.

P - Great God Almighty,

You have set your affection upon us because you love us and won't change your mind.  I praise you for not calling us to amnesty but to adoption.  Today, I want to love you back with all my heart, mind, soul and strength and my neighbor as myself.  I will accept what you have offered me … freedom.  I will use this freedom to follow you, to serve others and to hope that I might be a reason another would believe. Thank you for letting me pray in Jesus' Name.

Steve

Coexistence: A Nice Idea that Doesn't Work

S - Luke 6:31-37 (NAS): ""Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. "If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. "If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned."

O - There is a sharp disconnect between these words of Jesus about life on earth and the institutions or organizations which claim to represent him.  In fact, many of the individuals claiming to be his followers are just the same … and even with this glaring fact, Jesus is still asking only one thing of all who are his followers: get and the keep the beam out of your own eye as you live out these words.  Jesus did not says this for others, even unjustifiably hurt others, to run around and condemn people.  He spoke these words to all people and called all who will to follow him.  He said it and he lived it out loud right to and through his crucifixion and unto his resurrection.  Why are we so quick to excuse ourselves from these very direct instructions about living on earth?  Perhaps the following are some of the major influences:

·         We don't think this will work out well so we don't engage.

·         Religion has taught us that the Father really isn't all that merciful and so we aren't either.

·         We fear/despise being "taken advantage of" more than believing Jesus and insuring a "great reward" in/from heaven.

·         We've been wrongly taught that our status as God's children is primarily about our theological position rather than our actually engaging the words of Jesus.

·         Culture (secular and religious) teaches us that being "right" is more important than anything.  Jesus teaches us that being near him and loving others is the most important.

Whatever other influences should/could be added to this list the conclusion seems to be the same.  Jesus is calling us all out (Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, etc.)  … directly confronting us in our daily lives and saying to all "Follow me" this way (cf. Luke 6:46-49). 

A - The world is willing for us to "coexist" and heaven instructs us to follow Jesus and literally LOVE each other. Loving and coexisting are not the same thing.  The world (secular and religious) at its best wants me to stop hating and Jesus calls me to start loving.  Jesus always starts at love, leads with mercy and then faces the facts.  The world (secular and religious) starts with facts which often become the justification for no mercy and then calls it love.  What am I to do? I am to personally, intentionally live out loud the words of Jesus. Heaven knows I will need help to do this and it stand ready to help every time I engage these words.  Jesus isn't Dr. Phil from heaven offering self-help. He is the friend of sinners and the Savior who offers help! Today, I will engage his words, ask for his help and follow/stay near.

P - Lord who loves and who is love,

Today I have my assignment from you … to love you back and to love my neighbor (anyone and everyone who's not me).  You call me to follow you by treating others the way I want to be treated. To believe, know and live out the mercy which is actually the way the Father is toward all … even the ungrateful and wicked.  Today, I really do want the beam out of my own eye and the light of your presence shining into me.  Lord, I admit I can't get hate out but I can bring love in; I can't get darkness out but I can bring light in; I can't get anger out but I can bring compassion/mercy in. You are love, light, mercy and more.  I throw open my complete self to you and ask, come in and stay.

I ask in Jesus' name,

Steve

Wondering about Him or at Him?

S - John 10:22-30, 36-38 (TLJ): "It was winter, and the time came for the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. Jesus was in the Temple area at Solomon's Porch. The Jewish leaders gathered around him. They Said, 'How long will you make us wonder about you? If are the Messiah, then tell us clearly.' Jesus answered, 'I told you already, but you did not believe. I do miracles in my Father's name. These miracles show who I am. But you do not believe, because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give my sheep eternal life. They will never die, and no one can take them out of my hand. My Father is the one who gave them to me, and he is greater than all. No one can steal my sheep out of his hand. The Father and I are one. … I am the one God chose and sent into the world.  If I don't do what my Father does, then don't believe what I say. But if I do what my Father does, you should believe in what I do. You might not believe in me, but you should believe in the things I do. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.'"

O - The God of the Religious Leaders would not heal on the Sabbath, but Jesus' God and Father not only would but did heal on the Sabbath.  The God of the Religious Leaders would only want people who were like themselves, but Jesus' God and Father wants all people. Jesus put an emphasis on what he does so that what he says may be clearly understood and known. The Religious Leaders put their emphasis on conclusions they said were from God and lived contrary to the very things they were saying. Jesus' life and identity was distinguished by his relationship with the Father while the Religious Leaders were identified only by religious observance. Jesus gives eternal life to his sheep while the Religious Leaders refuse life (John 5:39-40) and insist their sheep do the same thing.

A - Jesus worked with his Father and the Religious Leaders worked for a God they made up in their own minds and then tried to find Scriptures to justify their conclusions.  Jesus only did what his Father was doing when his Father was doing it; He only said what his Father was saying when and how his Father was saying it.  His actions and his words are a reflection of his relationship with his Father. Today he is still working with his Father and wants me/us to see what he is doing so that we can believe in him (the person not the concept). The religious were and always are afraid of something but Jesus is not and tells us to not be afraid of anything; and that he is always revealing someone. 

P - Lord who loves and speaks to his sheep,

You love us because you do and because your Father loves us too.  You want us for the same the reasons.  Today I want to love you back and follow and live out loud your words about earth on earth.  Today I want to see what you are doing and do it with you; to hear what you are saying and to grow in relationship with you in the security of your love and my adoption as your child. Thank you for want us to know you and your Father; for wanting us to live in you and to be with you forever. 

Following and listening,

Steve