Do you get it?

Yesterday I spoke a little about questions. I came to the Bible with questions, and it asked questions of me, in the process I learned to ask the right questions and was given the sweet Gospel of Jesus. I came to the Bible not getting it, and the Holy Spirit gave it to me. In my Gospel reading today I read of some others that didn't get it. Our story picks up in John 5.

Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me." Jesus said to him, "Get up, take up your bed, and walk." And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.

Now that day was the Sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who had been healed, "It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed." But he answered them, "The man who healed me, that man said to me, 'Take up your bed, and walk.'" They asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, 'Take up your bed and walk'?" Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you." The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. But Jesus answered them, "My Father is working until now, and I am working."

I think this is a pretty familiar story. Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath, this ticks people off, and the lesson is don't be a Pharisee (although the word Pharisee isn't actually in the passage )who questions everything or you'll miss out on what Jesus is doing. Guess what, I have a question. Just what is Jesus doing? If you're going to read this passage you really need to read Jesus' response to the grumbling to get what is really going on.

This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

Huh? People get mad a Jesus for healing a guy on a mat and He starts talking about life and death and judgment? Where did all that come from? I know the life expectancy was much shorter back then, and Jesus was already in his thirties. Was He having a senior moment? Or perhaps Jesus was directing the people away from the peripheral issues they kept obsessing over and getting to the main point.

The many Sabbath laws enacted by the Jews over the years are a classic case of not getting it. God gave His law to Israel so they would know who their God was and be His people. However over the years they became so obsessed with finding ways to follow the laws they lost sight of their God.

So here is Jesus, God in the flesh, revealing Himself through a miracle, and the people are so obsessed over the details of the when and where of the miracle they miss God standing in their midst! Jesus recognizes this and rather than allowing Himself to get sucked into the debate He gets to the point.

Jesus wasn't just randomly wandering and healing, He was doing what God the Father wanted Him to do. His work was God's work, and it was about much more than miracles. Jesus was here to judge, and to give life to the dead. The dead He spoke of were all those listening, and includes us today. We are dead in our sin, and because of that we don't get it.

It's so easy to read the part about the miracle, get excited, and run to Jesus looking for and talking about miracles. But this isn't the point. The point of the miracle is to clue us in to who this Jesus guy is. He's the Son of God, doing what God does. If you want to know God you better pay attention to this guy!

He came to judge, and He knows full well that we all fail. For this reason He took the judgment meant for us and applied it to Himself. This is the greatest miracle Jesus ever performed, and above all else it's the reason He came here.

Understand this doesn't mean we shouldn't expect miracles. Far from it! By taking on our judgment, dying on the cross and rising again, Jesus defeated the power of sin that has entangled the whole of creation and let loose His Kingdom on this Earth. We can expect that where Jesus is at work through His Holy Spirit many amazing things will continue to happen. However we can't make our life about seeking these things. The whole point is that it's not about what we do it's about what Christ does for us!

In short, get out of the way; thank God for forgiving you, allow Christ to do His work, and when miraculous things happen, praise Christ all the more!

Do you get it?

Questions

What does the Bible say about….

Money? Relationships? Sex? Stress? Success? Politics? Entertainment?

I could probably continue the list of questions we ask and easily fill an entire post. I'll admit these are all questions I've asked myself. Sometimes I even start asking questions about why we ask so many questions. As I begin to question the questioning of questioners and the questions inherent is such questioning a question consistently comes to mind. Are we asking the right questions?

Over the last few years I've heard sermons on just about every topic I can imagine. I find that these interrogations of scripture often tend to lead to the same place. We always go looking for advice on what we should do. This is the point where I have to ask, are we asking the right questions? We look for relationship advice, money management tips, ways to deal with stress, even tips for a spicier sex life.

I have to be honest, when I perform these searches, I usually don't find what I'm looking for. Jesus talks about money yes, but His discussions on the topic don't really seem to be about money at all, but use money as a means to point to something else. I would think that a book inspired by God would offer definitive answers for my issues, but so many of them are open ended, or susceptible to multiple interpretations.

Here's where it gets really freaky. Quite often the Bible answers my questions with questions. I ask about how to deal with money and it asks me why I'm worrying about that. I ask for success and it asks me what my definition of success is. I ask what I must do to draw closer to God, and my daily reading takes me to Galatians, and suddenly I'm the one being questioned.

Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— just as Abraham "believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"? Galatians 3:1-6

For some reason once we become Christians we are so eager to get to work. God has saved us, now we must make ourselves better! We look to the law found in the Bible for instructions on how to do this and Christ has some questions for us. What are you doing? Did someone mess with your head? You couldn't save yourself, what makes you think you can sanctify yourself? Who do you think you are?

I come to scripture with questions that I hope will bring me benefit, and scripture responds with questions that cut to the core of who I am. I haven't found what I'm looking for, but God has pointed me to where I should have been looking all along.

Here's the funny thing. Now I have more questions, but my questions have changed, and now I'm getting some answers.

Who am I? Someone that is cursed (Galations 3:10)

Is there anything I can do to fix it? No (Galatians 3:11)

Is there any hope?

….yes.

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:13-14

All I can say is… Amen.

Conversations

Certain places just seem to facilitate great conversation. The coffee shop, the quad on a college campus, even the local bar when it isn't overly busy all have a way of making people relax and talk. Perhaps like me you've found yourself at one of these places, having a conversation, suddenly realizing the topic has moved past the weather to more fundamental concepts. Whether you are ready or not, God is calling you to share the Gospel with the person sitting next to you.

So earlier today there I was, standing on a chair, paint can in hand, the smell of marijuana seeping from the window next to me, rain pouring down all around me, and I'm talking about Jesus.

Ok, I should back up. I'm currently working two jobs. During the day I'm working a long term substitute position at a middle school. From there I proceed across town to paint houses. I'm currently working on a rental property inhabited by college students. Usually it's a pretty solitary job. I plug in the IPOD, forget my surroundings, and go to work while my partner does the same on the other side of the house. Today the rain changed that. The only dry place I could work was the porch, which meant my partner and I were working in the same area. Deciding not to be rude, I unplugged the IPOD, and we struck up a conversation.

We talked about everything from the geeky shows we both watch to the election to the residents' apparent drug habits. The next thing I knew he brought up a parody South Park did on Christian music and asked my opinion.

So there I was, standing on a chair, paint can in hand, the smell of marijuana seeping from the window next to me, rain pouring down all around me, and before I realize what's happening I'm talking about Jesus.

I don't know how well I did. We spoke for a few minutes about who Jesus was, I honestly can't say I remember exactly what was said. The moment passed as quickly as it came. Suddenly we were talking about Metallica's new album. At the time it sure didn't seem like anything earth shattering.

However one thing I've learned over the last few years is that I am never going to convert this guy. That's the work of Jesus through the Holy Spirit, and He'll use me however and whenever He chooses.

It makes me wonder, how often is He doing something that I don't even pick up on?

Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

 

 

 

Moments

Grab my homework.
Drop off the movies.
Pick up some dinner.
Get to class.
Come home.
Clean up the kitchen.
Relax and watch Heroes (DVR is obviously a blessing from God).
What am I forgetting?

Two steps out the door and I realize I have forgotten my IPOD. Driving from Champaign to Bourbonnais can't happen without it. I run back inside, pick it up, go over the list again.

Grab my homework….almost forgot that one.

Homework in hand I start the list over, now pedaling home.

Grab my homework.
Drop off the movies….MOVIES! I change course and stop off at Blockbuster, now wishing I had just driven to school rather than trying to be healthy and cost efficient and environmentally friendly or whatever else I can come up with to brag about the fact I ride a bike around town. Time is ticking away, and just to be difficult God has the wind blowing right in my face.

As I move on from Blockbuster I see a police cruiser diverting traffic. Wonderful, someone was careless, got into a fender-bender, and now I have to figure out a way around it. I draw closer and see another cruiser, and a fire truck, and another fire truck, and an ambulance. I see EMTs and firefighters surrounding a van that has been through more than a fender-bender.

I am stressing over completing a list and arriving at a class on time. Less than a block away someone is hurt badly, possibly dying. What was my list? Why am I worrying about it? Oh yeah, I need to get this stuff done so I can sit down and watch Heroes tonight. I think I remember another guy that made a list so he could "earn" some relaxation.

And he told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, 'What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' And he said, 'I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.' But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God."

And he said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

Luke 12:16-25

I pause, I think, I should probably pray.

Every moment God gives me is a gift. A gift I've done nothing to deserve and constantly squander. I forget the list, I spend the rest of the ride praying for whoever was in that van, and for the workers living their vocation to serve and care for others. I find myself a little more aware that God is present, God is working, and God is giving me moments.

I thank God Christ has forgiven me for all the moments I waste.

Forget Heroes, I have grace.

Know

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

1 Timothy 1:8-14

"I just don't..."

"Feel it?"

"Yeah"

I'd been here before. Church had ended, and a young man approached me wanting to pray. When I asked him what was in his mind I received a response I've heard many times.

"I feel disconnected from God. I don't feel like I'm living as a should. This just doesn't feel right."

As we prayed I shared the Gospel with him. That while we were still sinners Christ died for us, and that His sacrifice is sufficient for ALL sin, and we can trust in what Christ has said and done. I knew he'd probably heard it before, but I'm constantly realizing it's something we need to hear over and over again. After the prayer, he thanked me and said he believed what I had told him, but he didn't feel it.

As he said this I realized this is the perspective held by many Christians today. If we aren't feeling God in a deep emotional sense, the something is wrong. If we attend a worship service that doesn't provide an ecstatic high, then the Holy Spirit wasn't present.

Understand I'm not saying emotions are a bad thing, they're awesome. I love feeling the all encompasing presence of the Holy Spirit that calms my sould and drives away any fear. However is the feeling what we should be basing our faith upon? I'm known as a pretty even tempered guy, but I know my own emotions are all over the place. In the same day I am sad, joyful, angry, doubtful, confident, bored and excited!

Paul wrote to Timothy in the midst of his suffering. What kept him going? "I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me." Paul didn't just feel like a child of God, he KNEW he was a child of God. He knew because Jesus did just what He said He would do, He gave everything of Himself to fulfill the law in our place. When you KNOW something, you can trust it no matter what emotional swing you find yourself in. This brings me great comfort. I can KNOW that my salvation is not dependant on me or how I'm feeling at the moment. I can also KNOW that Christ is with me wherever I go, through any victory or defeat, during the times of abundance and draught, despite my sin, Christ is there, Christ has forgiven me.

As I finish writing this I have just ended a phone conversation with a friend. One of our friends has died. He was 26 years old. At the moment I don't feel anything. I'm blank. This verse has become real. I don't know why God allowed this, but I can KNOW His gospel abolishes death and brings immortality to light. My friend is with Christ. My friend has not died. Whatever I may feel, I can KNOW this truth.

Christ is my Savior

I know it.

A Vision of Excellence

“Dad, come take a look.”

I stared down at the curved reflection of my face on the red fender and smiled. For the last two hours I had washed every inch of my truck. I had swept out the cab, polished the dashboard, washed every window inside and out, even scrubbed off every bit of tar and bug guts I could find. As I stepped back and observed my work, I had to admit I felt a little proud.

My dad emerged from the garage and stared at the little red pickup. The ex-Marine and Illinois State Police Captain was currently managing a car dealership. His running joke with his detailers was that they better have the cars clean enough for him to inspect every inch in a pair of white gloves (actually, it wasn’t a joke, he really did that). He may not have had the white gloves on but at that moment he was definitely in inspection mode.

“Well son, it looks pretty good, but…”

I knew what was coming, and my pride quickly fizzled.

Forty five minutes later, I had finally touched up all the spots he had found, then he started me on waxing. My morning activity ended up taking the better part of my Saturday, a valuable commodity for anyone seventeen years old. By the end I was sun burnt, I was frustrated, and my legs hurt from constantly squatting to reach the low areas (afterward my dad showed me the little stool he always used, revealing it beforehand wouldn’t have been enough fun).

However, at the end of the day, I had to admit that little truck looked beautiful. My dad had a vision of what that truck could be and it exceeded anything I had in mind. I may not have liked most of the process but I couldn’t see where it was going and he did. I stood pondering these things and admiring that bright red pickup; and felt a hand on my shoulder. My dad was still staring at the truck, but his face was no longer in inspection mode. He was smiling.

“That’s my boy.”

“I will bring that group through the fire
and make them pure.
I will refine them like silver
and purify them like gold.
They will call on my name,
and I will answer them.
I will say, ‘These are my people,’
and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’” Zechariah 13:9

Irksome People

"Lord, please give me patience with this kid."

I mumbled the prayer repeatedly as I walked Tom down the hallway with the handful of other students who would be joining us. It was test day, which meant that it was my job to pull out several of the special ed students to provide an alternate site for testing where they'd have more time. I kept Tom next to me so I could keep an eye on him. He had only been in 6th grade for a couple weeks but had already established himself as a force to be reckoned with.

As we entered the room, Tom provided the usual difficulties but eventually took his seat. I had to remind him several times to stay on task as he began his test. I really wanted him to do his best, but it was also very hot in the building, I was frustrated, and to be honest at the moment I was just hoping to get through the hour so Tom could be out of my hair and become someone else's problem.

At the end of the reading test was an essay question. "Great," I thought. "I have to get him to write multiple complete sentences! This will be fun." When Tom reached the essay I took a moment to make sure he understood the question just as I did for everyone else. The assignment was to describe a person he knew in real life, and then suggest how he might change that person if he were making him or her into a fictional character. To my surprise he began writing immediately, and actually appeared to be interested in his work.

When he had finished I took his test and looked straight to the essay, wondering if he had actually written everything he was supposed to. I began to read.

Someone I use in a story is my mom. She's usually nice to me and takes care of me. If I could change her I would get her to come back to church with me and grandma and quit smoking so much cause I really want her to be there.

Immediately I froze. After a few seconds I realized Tom was still staring at me, a look of "is it OK?" in his eyes. I handed back the paper and told him that he had done a good job. "Don't give up on her," I whispered. "and one day this can be a real story, not just fiction."

"That's what my grandma said," he replied. "I can't give up on her cause God sure won't!"

"She's right." was all I could say.

I spent the rest of the day in a bit of a stupor. I've never looked at Tom the same. He is no longer merely a brat to be tolerated; he is a child of God, a wonderful creation that God used to share a piece of His heart with a selfish, short sighted sinner.

Never give up, even on the people that irk you the most, cause God sure won't.

"He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:2-4