The centurions (Roman Guard) were the elite of the Roman Army, and were assigned the gruesome task of preparing Christ for the crucifixion. As a group, they beat him severely with a whip on his back, enough to nearly disable him. They crowned him with thorns, drove nails through his hands and feet, hoisted him up and divided his clothes amongst them by casting lots. They were attempting to humiliate him before cruelly hanging him on a cross. As you read through the accounts of the events in the Gospels of the bible, one can barely read, because of the graphic detail of the punishment Christ took.
One centurion who witnessed and participated in the event had a moment of understanding that must have changed his life forever. He had heard of the proclaimed miracles Christ performed, he had watched the people accuse him for nothing of violence or ill-repute. He had watched his demeanor as he toiled carrying the cross up the hill. Perhaps he had helped him. Did he hear the words of Christ on the cross as he uttered "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do" ? We do know this... He had a realization when he took it all in that caused him to cry out from the depths of his soul.... "Surely he was the Son of God !!" (Mat 27:54)
I too must come to that conclusion as I read the crucifixion story. I have never seen such strength, compassion, resolve to a mission, forgiveness, agony, separation, mixed into one event, as a result of the best life ever lived. It humbles me and brings me to tears and to my knees.
Perhaps you too will sense what the centurion did, this week as you take time to reflect on the journey of Christ to the cross.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
He's Alive - I'm Forgiven
Some of the lyrics of my favorite Easter Song.... I hope they help you rejoice today, because He is Risen....
He's Alive (by Don Francisco)
The gates and doors were barred, and windows fastened down
I spent the night in sleeplessness and rose at every sound..
Half in hopeless sorrow, and half in fear of the day....
Would find the soldiers breaking through to drag us all away.
Just before the sunrise, I heard something at the wall.
The gate began to rattle, the voice began to call.
I hurried to the window, looked down into the street..
Expecting swords and torches and the sound of soldiers feet.
There was no one there but Mary, so I went down to let her in.
John stood there beside me, as she told me where she'd been.
She said they've moved him in the night and none of knows where.
The stone's been rolled away, and now his body isn't there.
We both ran toward the garden, then John ran on ahead
We found the stone and the empty tomb, just the way that Mary said.
But the winding sheet they wrapped him in was just an empty shell.
How or where they had taken him, was more than I could tell.
Well something strange had happened there, just what I did not know.
John believed a miracle, but I just turned to go.
Circumstance and speculation couldn't lift me very high...
Cause I'd seen them crucify him, and then I saw him die...
Back inside the house again... the guilt and anguish came.
Everything I'd promised him just added to shame.
When at last it came to choices I denied him I knew his name
Even if he was alive.... it wouldn't be the same.
Suddenly the air was filled with a strange and sweet perfume,
Light that came from everywhere drove shadows from the room.
Jesus stood before me with his arms held open wide.
I fell down on my knees and just clung to him and cried.
He raised me to my feet, and as I looked into his eyes.
Love was shining out from him like sunlight from the skies.
Guilt and my confusion disappeared in sweet release.
And every fear I'd ever had just melted into peace.
He's Alive ! He's Alive! He's Alive and I'm forgiven Heavens gates are open wide.
He's Alive ! He's Alive! He's Alive and I'm forgiven Heavens gates are open wide.
He's Alive ! He's Alive! He's Alive and I'm forgiven Heavens gates are open wide.
He's Alive ! He's Alive! He's Alive
John 20:31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
And on this Easter, I hope you know that Christ has risen from the dead, and He's Alive and forever reaching out to us.
Happy Easter
Jeff
He's Alive (by Don Francisco)
The gates and doors were barred, and windows fastened down
I spent the night in sleeplessness and rose at every sound..
Half in hopeless sorrow, and half in fear of the day....
Would find the soldiers breaking through to drag us all away.
Just before the sunrise, I heard something at the wall.
The gate began to rattle, the voice began to call.
I hurried to the window, looked down into the street..
Expecting swords and torches and the sound of soldiers feet.
There was no one there but Mary, so I went down to let her in.
John stood there beside me, as she told me where she'd been.
She said they've moved him in the night and none of knows where.
The stone's been rolled away, and now his body isn't there.
We both ran toward the garden, then John ran on ahead
We found the stone and the empty tomb, just the way that Mary said.
But the winding sheet they wrapped him in was just an empty shell.
How or where they had taken him, was more than I could tell.
Well something strange had happened there, just what I did not know.
John believed a miracle, but I just turned to go.
Circumstance and speculation couldn't lift me very high...
Cause I'd seen them crucify him, and then I saw him die...
Back inside the house again... the guilt and anguish came.
Everything I'd promised him just added to shame.
When at last it came to choices I denied him I knew his name
Even if he was alive.... it wouldn't be the same.
Suddenly the air was filled with a strange and sweet perfume,
Light that came from everywhere drove shadows from the room.
Jesus stood before me with his arms held open wide.
I fell down on my knees and just clung to him and cried.
He raised me to my feet, and as I looked into his eyes.
Love was shining out from him like sunlight from the skies.
Guilt and my confusion disappeared in sweet release.
And every fear I'd ever had just melted into peace.
He's Alive ! He's Alive! He's Alive and I'm forgiven Heavens gates are open wide.
He's Alive ! He's Alive! He's Alive and I'm forgiven Heavens gates are open wide.
He's Alive ! He's Alive! He's Alive and I'm forgiven Heavens gates are open wide.
He's Alive ! He's Alive! He's Alive
John 20:31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
And on this Easter, I hope you know that Christ has risen from the dead, and He's Alive and forever reaching out to us.
Happy Easter
Jeff
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Passover Week - A week of contrasts
The week we contemplate called "Passover Week" right after Palm Sunday historically was in every way a week of contrasts. Loyalty vs. Betrayal, Good vs. Evil, Lost man vs. Redemptive Christ, Truth vs. Deception. Most of all, in the midst of all the drama, the agenda of heaven was in play. All along, Christ was on stage to display his Glory to man, and to demonstrate in the most personal and intimate of ways that he had come to redeem man to God, their creator. He paid a cost that none other could pay for a debt that we all owed but could not pay.
Loyalty vs. Betrayal
Jesus had spent much time teaching Judas carefully and revealing his intention for the world. Judas had other things in mind (and Christ knew this). Because of greed for an earthly kingdom and the idea that Judas would play an important role in that earthly kingdom, Judas could not accept the realization that Christ had come to redeem man for an eternal kingdom. Betrayal of Christ to gain money and power was the reaction of Judas. A reaction that cost him his very sense of being, and he hung himself out remorse.
In the same event, Christ showed loyalty to his followers by prompting the Pharisees and soldiers to let his followers go, because it was him that they wanted. Demonstrating the complete purity of character that only he could, he willingly went with the accusers because of the will of God. Grace under pressure. And loyalty to the very purpose God the Father had sent him to complete. It was only moments earlier that Jesus was praying in the Garden, sweating drops of blood, crying out God, "NOT MY WILL, BUT THY WILL BE DONE."
Good vs. Evil
The arresting officers and leaders of the Pharisees were bent on cutting out what they perceived as their competition. The life and words of Jesus Christ had threatened their world of self made security and power over people. If you look at what upset them to the point of crucifying Jesus, was simple jealousy and power struggle. Christ was about healing, helping the hurting, feeding the hungry, loving your enemy, and the Pharisee's were all about power and social greed. Evil desires foster evil deeds. Men build up their false pride, and convince themselves of self made righteousness, and seek the condemnation of those who oppose. Imagine the wake up call when they one day realized that they had arrested the Son of God... Evil desires yield evil deeds.
In all of this Christ knew that God's purpose in him would be fulfilled in the face of the evil intentions that wanted to do him in. In fact he had told his disciples that these things would happen and spent careful time preparing them for the event. He had promised them that he would be crucified, buried, but would rise triumphantly in 3 days. Hard for a person to understand who only knew the limitations of life and death here on earth. It seemed so final. But Jesus knew what he must suffer and conquer to bring about our redemption before a Holy God.
Truth vs. Deception
When significant truth is met by significant deception, the deceiving party has to divert to unscrupulous tactics to hide its agenda and defend its stance. Thus was the case when Christ was brought before the high priest of Jerusalem. One of the high priests who was involved in questioning Christ, struck Jesus in the face because of his response of honesty to the high priest... Jesus amazingly maintained composure, and replied... "If I said something wrong,... testify to what is wrong, but if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me"
Do you suppose that the high priest realized he was actually slapping the face of his creator.... The one who gave him his very life and breath ? Jesus had openly shown who he was... he backed it up with words and deeds and miracles... and yet this high priest and the others who followed him to give him up to Pilate actually believed their own deception. Deception is like that. It starts with things like jealousy, envy, anger, and a false sense of what real living is about and can lead to a number of ways that we react to our own deceptions.
So as the drama unfolded, a number of other contrasts are seen. Pilate found Jesus not guilty, and looked for a way out that would make him not have to take a stand on his very own declaration of "Not Guilty"... He had actually said he found no guilt in this man, but because of his fears, he started figuring a convenient way around the truth, and placed the option back to the people. Pilate saw the truth in what Jesus said, but still chose to deceive himself, by offsetting his responsibility. Somehow then, he would not be guilty of condemning an innocent person.
In all of this, Christ stood silent before his accusers, because he knew the mission God the Father had put him on, and man's willingness to be deceived was only a vehicle for God to sacrifice his only Son for the very sins done against him. That is the way truth is... It doesn't have to defend itself before man. It simply stands. It simply convicts. That is why Jesus said in John 14:6 - "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the father but by me." And his credentials stood on their own... He healed the sick, raised the dead, turned the water into wine, and he died in our stead on the cross, was buried, and rose again. What a savior.
Redemption vs. Condemnation
As I contemplate the contrasting events of the Passover Week, I am humbled to think that Christ did all he did for us for a simple reason... "Redemption". Romans says that "There is therefore now, no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." What an incredible thought. From being at minimum one of the crowd who sent Christ to the cross, because of my sins, to being Forgiven. That is contrast. From hopelessness to eternal hope. Because Christ endured and took on the punishment of my sins.
May the blessing of Christ's sacrifice bless you this week.
His Servant,
Jeff
Loyalty vs. Betrayal
Jesus had spent much time teaching Judas carefully and revealing his intention for the world. Judas had other things in mind (and Christ knew this). Because of greed for an earthly kingdom and the idea that Judas would play an important role in that earthly kingdom, Judas could not accept the realization that Christ had come to redeem man for an eternal kingdom. Betrayal of Christ to gain money and power was the reaction of Judas. A reaction that cost him his very sense of being, and he hung himself out remorse.
In the same event, Christ showed loyalty to his followers by prompting the Pharisees and soldiers to let his followers go, because it was him that they wanted. Demonstrating the complete purity of character that only he could, he willingly went with the accusers because of the will of God. Grace under pressure. And loyalty to the very purpose God the Father had sent him to complete. It was only moments earlier that Jesus was praying in the Garden, sweating drops of blood, crying out God, "NOT MY WILL, BUT THY WILL BE DONE."
Good vs. Evil
The arresting officers and leaders of the Pharisees were bent on cutting out what they perceived as their competition. The life and words of Jesus Christ had threatened their world of self made security and power over people. If you look at what upset them to the point of crucifying Jesus, was simple jealousy and power struggle. Christ was about healing, helping the hurting, feeding the hungry, loving your enemy, and the Pharisee's were all about power and social greed. Evil desires foster evil deeds. Men build up their false pride, and convince themselves of self made righteousness, and seek the condemnation of those who oppose. Imagine the wake up call when they one day realized that they had arrested the Son of God... Evil desires yield evil deeds.
In all of this Christ knew that God's purpose in him would be fulfilled in the face of the evil intentions that wanted to do him in. In fact he had told his disciples that these things would happen and spent careful time preparing them for the event. He had promised them that he would be crucified, buried, but would rise triumphantly in 3 days. Hard for a person to understand who only knew the limitations of life and death here on earth. It seemed so final. But Jesus knew what he must suffer and conquer to bring about our redemption before a Holy God.
Truth vs. Deception
When significant truth is met by significant deception, the deceiving party has to divert to unscrupulous tactics to hide its agenda and defend its stance. Thus was the case when Christ was brought before the high priest of Jerusalem. One of the high priests who was involved in questioning Christ, struck Jesus in the face because of his response of honesty to the high priest... Jesus amazingly maintained composure, and replied... "If I said something wrong,... testify to what is wrong, but if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me"
Do you suppose that the high priest realized he was actually slapping the face of his creator.... The one who gave him his very life and breath ? Jesus had openly shown who he was... he backed it up with words and deeds and miracles... and yet this high priest and the others who followed him to give him up to Pilate actually believed their own deception. Deception is like that. It starts with things like jealousy, envy, anger, and a false sense of what real living is about and can lead to a number of ways that we react to our own deceptions.
So as the drama unfolded, a number of other contrasts are seen. Pilate found Jesus not guilty, and looked for a way out that would make him not have to take a stand on his very own declaration of "Not Guilty"... He had actually said he found no guilt in this man, but because of his fears, he started figuring a convenient way around the truth, and placed the option back to the people. Pilate saw the truth in what Jesus said, but still chose to deceive himself, by offsetting his responsibility. Somehow then, he would not be guilty of condemning an innocent person.
In all of this, Christ stood silent before his accusers, because he knew the mission God the Father had put him on, and man's willingness to be deceived was only a vehicle for God to sacrifice his only Son for the very sins done against him. That is the way truth is... It doesn't have to defend itself before man. It simply stands. It simply convicts. That is why Jesus said in John 14:6 - "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the father but by me." And his credentials stood on their own... He healed the sick, raised the dead, turned the water into wine, and he died in our stead on the cross, was buried, and rose again. What a savior.
Redemption vs. Condemnation
As I contemplate the contrasting events of the Passover Week, I am humbled to think that Christ did all he did for us for a simple reason... "Redemption". Romans says that "There is therefore now, no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." What an incredible thought. From being at minimum one of the crowd who sent Christ to the cross, because of my sins, to being Forgiven. That is contrast. From hopelessness to eternal hope. Because Christ endured and took on the punishment of my sins.
May the blessing of Christ's sacrifice bless you this week.
His Servant,
Jeff
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
O Holy Night
O Holy Night
I have to admit that I can listen to the song " O Holy Night " at least 20 times in a row near Christmas time because of the message it brings . Singers like Faith Hill, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Amy Grant can bring us as close as we can to that eventful night when Christ was born and his host of Angels announced it so brilliantly.
The time had come to announce the greatest gift ever. The hope of a weary and tired world hung in the balance. In an expression of majestic love a host of angels was sent in the night sky to the humble shepherds to declare that God was sending his only Son to make his dwelling among the people God had created. To the common worker came the noblest and most glorious musical announcement ever to fall upon the ears of mankind.
Set against the backdrop of a crystal clear and starry night, the Host of Angels sent from the very throne of God put on a concert of praise to the shepherds in the field.
Christ the Savior is born to you tonight ! A hope to the nations, a gift to the humblest of men in the most difficult of places.
The words of the song speak the message best.
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
Break out your favorite singer's rendition and give it a listen. Revel in the message. You are valued by the King of the Heavens. fall on the knees of your heart and worship him in this season.
It'll be like you were there in the fields with the Shepherds yourself.
Merry Christmas !
His Servant,
Jeff
I have to admit that I can listen to the song " O Holy Night " at least 20 times in a row near Christmas time because of the message it brings . Singers like Faith Hill, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Amy Grant can bring us as close as we can to that eventful night when Christ was born and his host of Angels announced it so brilliantly.
The time had come to announce the greatest gift ever. The hope of a weary and tired world hung in the balance. In an expression of majestic love a host of angels was sent in the night sky to the humble shepherds to declare that God was sending his only Son to make his dwelling among the people God had created. To the common worker came the noblest and most glorious musical announcement ever to fall upon the ears of mankind.
Set against the backdrop of a crystal clear and starry night, the Host of Angels sent from the very throne of God put on a concert of praise to the shepherds in the field.
Christ the Savior is born to you tonight ! A hope to the nations, a gift to the humblest of men in the most difficult of places.
The words of the song speak the message best.
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
Break out your favorite singer's rendition and give it a listen. Revel in the message. You are valued by the King of the Heavens. fall on the knees of your heart and worship him in this season.
It'll be like you were there in the fields with the Shepherds yourself.
Merry Christmas !
His Servant,
Jeff
Monday, July 5, 2010
This Thing Called Love
Throughout the history of man, This Thing Called Love, has been written about, songs have been played, poems written, wars fought, and even lives lost in the pursuit of love, or the act of love. So what is it about love that burns so deep in the soul of human kind. And furthermore, just what is love really. Is it the emotion felt in the passion of a sweetheart relationship? Is it the result of the deep human need to be connected to others? Or is it a God given need within man that like other needs, when allowed to be filled by God, unlocks the human heart to great things in relationship to both man and God.
Significance in the soul of man can be tied directly to the impact of love, or sadly, the lack thereof.
So how do we get our arms around this thing called love, so that it rests in our hearts and soul from our Divine Creator in the manner that it was intended for?
Consider the following verses from I Corinthians 13: 1-4
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. [2] If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
[3] If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Clearly every effort of our own, every accomplishment, every gift of talent, and every gift we give lacks completeness without this characteristic of love. Pretty heavy words if you think about it. Basically saying if you did what you did without love in your heart…. What have you really accomplished ?
In the movie “Chariots of Fire” depicting the lives of two very different runners in the early century Olympics, one runner ran to express his gift of running back to God, and the fulfillment showed in every stride and struggle in the movie. The other runner ran for fear… Fear of insignificance, fear of losing, fear of not being the best and falling short. At the end of the race, the first runner finished the race smiling as he felt the “pleasure of God” in his running. It was a matter of love that drove him and the satisfaction of his running wasn’t in the win itself, but rather in the expression of his God given gift being given back to God in the best expression of his worship and love for him.
That moment in the movie seeing him wins his race in the manner he did, reflected the very nature in which God desires us to win our races here on earth. The runner could have run the same race with the same satisfaction in front of an audience of only God and been satisfied.
To give love from our heart, we must have love in our heart… And that comes from the gift of God. We must abide in God always to be full of the right kind of love to live satisfied lives.
1 John 4:16-18
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love.
Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. [17] In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. [18] There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
So as we delve into this thing called “Love”, always know that you are loved, and can realize a deep sense of love as you abide in the promises of God toward you.
Have a blessed week.
His Servant,
Jeff
Significance in the soul of man can be tied directly to the impact of love, or sadly, the lack thereof.
So how do we get our arms around this thing called love, so that it rests in our hearts and soul from our Divine Creator in the manner that it was intended for?
Consider the following verses from I Corinthians 13: 1-4
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. [2] If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
[3] If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Clearly every effort of our own, every accomplishment, every gift of talent, and every gift we give lacks completeness without this characteristic of love. Pretty heavy words if you think about it. Basically saying if you did what you did without love in your heart…. What have you really accomplished ?
In the movie “Chariots of Fire” depicting the lives of two very different runners in the early century Olympics, one runner ran to express his gift of running back to God, and the fulfillment showed in every stride and struggle in the movie. The other runner ran for fear… Fear of insignificance, fear of losing, fear of not being the best and falling short. At the end of the race, the first runner finished the race smiling as he felt the “pleasure of God” in his running. It was a matter of love that drove him and the satisfaction of his running wasn’t in the win itself, but rather in the expression of his God given gift being given back to God in the best expression of his worship and love for him.
That moment in the movie seeing him wins his race in the manner he did, reflected the very nature in which God desires us to win our races here on earth. The runner could have run the same race with the same satisfaction in front of an audience of only God and been satisfied.
To give love from our heart, we must have love in our heart… And that comes from the gift of God. We must abide in God always to be full of the right kind of love to live satisfied lives.
1 John 4:16-18
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love.
Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. [17] In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. [18] There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
So as we delve into this thing called “Love”, always know that you are loved, and can realize a deep sense of love as you abide in the promises of God toward you.
Have a blessed week.
His Servant,
Jeff
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Small is Big
In reading the New Testament, I am always intrigued by the underlying story of mentoring and discipleship that was taking place throughout the chapters written in both the Gospels and in the letters of Paul. Seemingly small things were used to teach big lessons .
Jesus was constantly teaching his circle of close followers that small things mattered when bringing the message of God to people. Consider the following :
1. Zacchaeus was noticed up in a tree just observing Jesus in his walking and teaching, but Christ took the time to notice him. Christ also knew that Zacchaeus was feeling a bit shy because of his position in life as a tax collector, and his stature of being small. Jesus noticed this, and called Zacchaeus out of the tree he was hiding in, and invited himself over to his house for dinner. Honor in the small thing replaced the dishonor that Zacchaeus had felt about himself. Jesus took that small observation and taught his followers to see people from God’s viewpoint, and to understand the point of view people may have of themselves that is completely counter to the value that God places on them. Small was big. Zacchaeus then reacted in a big way and gave half his possessions to those less fortunate. The spirit inside himself was freed up because of the small favor of the King of Kings.(Luke 19:1-7)
2. The young boy who was observing the crowds standing close to Jesus, and noticing that they were hungry, offered his lunch to the Lord just to help. The disciples basically laughed, but the young boy was rewarded by the actions of Jesus when Christ turned his small lunch into feeding 5000 people that day. Once again, the disciples learned that small things are big. Jesus taught them not to overlook the faith of the small people in their circle, because God did not overlook such things. They learned that small things done with faith and good motive are seeds God works with to do big things. …… And the biggest thing to Christ at that moment was rewarding the faith of the child who was brave enough to believe.
3. When Jesus was at the temple, he saw the poor widow put in the very little she had into the gifts for the temple treasury, and made the vast contrast between what the rich had given and the small coins that quietly sank into the treasury plate, out of humility.
Luke 21: 1-4As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. [2] He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. [3] "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. [4] All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."
The contrasts in these stories are hard to miss. Big versus small. Seemingly insignificant, brought to the front by the creator of the universe. I was challenged reading this stories in a few of ways.
1. When we feel small, and insignificant in the things we have or contribute by our talents in any setting we find ourselves in, it does not go unnoticed. God values the gifts and abilities he has given you and cherishes it when you offer the seemingly little you have to give, with faith that through Christ, it will do much.
2. When I think of the crowd putting down Zacchaeus , Jesus saw a heart of faith ready to happen. He saw through the history and public perceptions, and took notice of an individual just hoping to get a glimpse of him. We should never feel for a moment that we are insignificant to the creator of this universe. He has noticed you, and desires fellowship with you.
Revelations 3:20 says..Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me.
3. And last of all, sometimes the things we think we are doing that we presume are “BIG” are really not the point of what God is trying to do. The biggest work of God is in the individual’s heart, and is accomplished as that individual sees their value and places their faith in God. This is often accomplished through a series of "small" things done faithfully over time.
Often we get trapped into thinking that God wants us to push for the big numbers in our life to impress him like the wealthy in the synagogue, or the crowd following, or the reluctant disciples who o assumed a young boy with two loaves and five fishes had the answer for the day for Jesus.
I hope this week affords you an opportunity to offer God the small contributions you have to give of time, resources, or abilities, and allow Him to show you His power to do significant things in the hearts of those around you…
God Bless
Jeff
Jesus was constantly teaching his circle of close followers that small things mattered when bringing the message of God to people. Consider the following :
1. Zacchaeus was noticed up in a tree just observing Jesus in his walking and teaching, but Christ took the time to notice him. Christ also knew that Zacchaeus was feeling a bit shy because of his position in life as a tax collector, and his stature of being small. Jesus noticed this, and called Zacchaeus out of the tree he was hiding in, and invited himself over to his house for dinner. Honor in the small thing replaced the dishonor that Zacchaeus had felt about himself. Jesus took that small observation and taught his followers to see people from God’s viewpoint, and to understand the point of view people may have of themselves that is completely counter to the value that God places on them. Small was big. Zacchaeus then reacted in a big way and gave half his possessions to those less fortunate. The spirit inside himself was freed up because of the small favor of the King of Kings.(Luke 19:1-7)
2. The young boy who was observing the crowds standing close to Jesus, and noticing that they were hungry, offered his lunch to the Lord just to help. The disciples basically laughed, but the young boy was rewarded by the actions of Jesus when Christ turned his small lunch into feeding 5000 people that day. Once again, the disciples learned that small things are big. Jesus taught them not to overlook the faith of the small people in their circle, because God did not overlook such things. They learned that small things done with faith and good motive are seeds God works with to do big things. …… And the biggest thing to Christ at that moment was rewarding the faith of the child who was brave enough to believe.
3. When Jesus was at the temple, he saw the poor widow put in the very little she had into the gifts for the temple treasury, and made the vast contrast between what the rich had given and the small coins that quietly sank into the treasury plate, out of humility.
Luke 21: 1-4As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. [2] He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. [3] "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. [4] All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."
The contrasts in these stories are hard to miss. Big versus small. Seemingly insignificant, brought to the front by the creator of the universe. I was challenged reading this stories in a few of ways.
1. When we feel small, and insignificant in the things we have or contribute by our talents in any setting we find ourselves in, it does not go unnoticed. God values the gifts and abilities he has given you and cherishes it when you offer the seemingly little you have to give, with faith that through Christ, it will do much.
2. When I think of the crowd putting down Zacchaeus , Jesus saw a heart of faith ready to happen. He saw through the history and public perceptions, and took notice of an individual just hoping to get a glimpse of him. We should never feel for a moment that we are insignificant to the creator of this universe. He has noticed you, and desires fellowship with you.
Revelations 3:20 says..Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me.
3. And last of all, sometimes the things we think we are doing that we presume are “BIG” are really not the point of what God is trying to do. The biggest work of God is in the individual’s heart, and is accomplished as that individual sees their value and places their faith in God. This is often accomplished through a series of "small" things done faithfully over time.
Often we get trapped into thinking that God wants us to push for the big numbers in our life to impress him like the wealthy in the synagogue, or the crowd following, or the reluctant disciples who o assumed a young boy with two loaves and five fishes had the answer for the day for Jesus.
I hope this week affords you an opportunity to offer God the small contributions you have to give of time, resources, or abilities, and allow Him to show you His power to do significant things in the hearts of those around you…
God Bless
Jeff
Saturday, April 3, 2010
"Why look for the Living among the dead ?"
Christ is Risen… He is Risen Indeed !!
I love those moments when God changes our viewpoints toward eternity and lasting hope in a life changing event. The following verses in Luke 24 reflect such a moment.
24:1 Now on the first day of the week, at early dawn, the women went to the tomb, taking the aromatic spices they had prepared. 24:2 They found that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb, 24:3 but when they went in, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.24:4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood beside them in dazzling attire. 24:5 The women were terribly frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 24:6 He is not here, but has been raised! Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 24:7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.”24:8 then the women remembered his words, 24:9 and when they returned from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 24:10 Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles. 24:11 But these words seemed like pure nonsense to them, and they did not believe them. 24:12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb. He bent down and saw only the strips of linen cloth; then he went home, wondering what had happened.
You see, the perspective of the cross was all scrambled up in the minds of the followers. In their hearts, the message the Christ had been giving them all along had not really sunk in.
a. He had made his claims as God’s Only Son, and in fact God.
b. He had shown them miracles of his power over sickness and death on more than one occasion.
c. He taught them heaven’s principals time and again while walking and talking with them.
d. Mary knew he was conceived of God !
But….now, they had seen him die. Even though he had told them exactly what would occur, that he would be crucified for man’s sins, and buried, only to rise again in three days, the followers of Christ were naturally lost and frightened. The whole scope of their existence was in jeopardy, and fear and concern gripped their hearts and minds. Skepticism was beginning to find it’s way in.
Then, the women visiting the tomb were conducting acts of mourning and respect for the dead, when their world was turned absolutely upside down. It took a little bit for it to sink in.. The question.. “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” was the turning point of perspective…. Their Lord and Savior, the one whom they placed their trust, had conquered death and sin… The rolled back stone, the empty tomb, the bewildered guards, the grave clothes laying in tact, were all evidence to them that indeed the Lord had risen. They ran off to tell others, their hopes again proven true, now by a Risen Lord. The remarkable appearances of Christ in the days that followed have changed the history of man forever. Many witnesses experienced first hand, the Risen Lord…. And Today we celebrate God’s power over sin and death. We celebrate our value found in Christ alone.
So today, celebrate… Rejoice from the very bottom of your heart… Sing a joyful noise unto the Lord… Raise your arms to heaven. Shout out loud your joy. Hug a neighbor or friend…Christ is risen. Christ is Risen indeed !
The reassurance we have from this event is best stated in the things that Jesus said to his disciples before he went into heaven.. Again, pointing our views eternally, and heavenward..
John 14:1-6
14:1 “Do not let your hearts be distressed.You believe in God; believe also in me. 14:2 There are many dwelling places in my Father’s house. Otherwise, I would have told you, because I am going away to make ready a place for you. 14:3 And if I go and make ready a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me, so that where I am you may be too. 14:4 And you know the way where I am going.”14:5 Thomas said, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 14:6 Jesus replied, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Christ is Risen..
He is Risen Indeed.
Happy Easter and God Bless.
His Servant,
Jeff
I love those moments when God changes our viewpoints toward eternity and lasting hope in a life changing event. The following verses in Luke 24 reflect such a moment.
24:1 Now on the first day of the week, at early dawn, the women went to the tomb, taking the aromatic spices they had prepared. 24:2 They found that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb, 24:3 but when they went in, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.24:4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood beside them in dazzling attire. 24:5 The women were terribly frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 24:6 He is not here, but has been raised! Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 24:7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.”24:8 then the women remembered his words, 24:9 and when they returned from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 24:10 Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles. 24:11 But these words seemed like pure nonsense to them, and they did not believe them. 24:12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb. He bent down and saw only the strips of linen cloth; then he went home, wondering what had happened.
You see, the perspective of the cross was all scrambled up in the minds of the followers. In their hearts, the message the Christ had been giving them all along had not really sunk in.
a. He had made his claims as God’s Only Son, and in fact God.
b. He had shown them miracles of his power over sickness and death on more than one occasion.
c. He taught them heaven’s principals time and again while walking and talking with them.
d. Mary knew he was conceived of God !
But….now, they had seen him die. Even though he had told them exactly what would occur, that he would be crucified for man’s sins, and buried, only to rise again in three days, the followers of Christ were naturally lost and frightened. The whole scope of their existence was in jeopardy, and fear and concern gripped their hearts and minds. Skepticism was beginning to find it’s way in.
Then, the women visiting the tomb were conducting acts of mourning and respect for the dead, when their world was turned absolutely upside down. It took a little bit for it to sink in.. The question.. “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” was the turning point of perspective…. Their Lord and Savior, the one whom they placed their trust, had conquered death and sin… The rolled back stone, the empty tomb, the bewildered guards, the grave clothes laying in tact, were all evidence to them that indeed the Lord had risen. They ran off to tell others, their hopes again proven true, now by a Risen Lord. The remarkable appearances of Christ in the days that followed have changed the history of man forever. Many witnesses experienced first hand, the Risen Lord…. And Today we celebrate God’s power over sin and death. We celebrate our value found in Christ alone.
So today, celebrate… Rejoice from the very bottom of your heart… Sing a joyful noise unto the Lord… Raise your arms to heaven. Shout out loud your joy. Hug a neighbor or friend…Christ is risen. Christ is Risen indeed !
The reassurance we have from this event is best stated in the things that Jesus said to his disciples before he went into heaven.. Again, pointing our views eternally, and heavenward..
John 14:1-6
14:1 “Do not let your hearts be distressed.You believe in God; believe also in me. 14:2 There are many dwelling places in my Father’s house. Otherwise, I would have told you, because I am going away to make ready a place for you. 14:3 And if I go and make ready a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me, so that where I am you may be too. 14:4 And you know the way where I am going.”14:5 Thomas said, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 14:6 Jesus replied, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Christ is Risen..
He is Risen Indeed.
Happy Easter and God Bless.
His Servant,
Jeff
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