Like millions of others around the world, Pat and I watched segments of the royal wedding this morning. We enjoyed the pageantry, music, colors and multiple layers of symbolism.
As I watched, the words of John in Revelation came to mind. The greatest wedding of the eons will be without comparison.
Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
“Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.
Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.”
(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)
Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” – Revelation 19:6-9
Let us prepare ourselves for the great wedding to come!
May the Lord fill you with hope for Jesus coming.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Overcoming and the crown of life
Did anyone wake up this morning asking, “I wonder where I can get involved in a traffic jam?” Or, “I wonder why I haven’t had any bad news or tooth ache lately?” Sound thinking, mentally healthy people avoid pain and naturally move toward comfort.
Both James and John address the extraordinary discipline required to properly override the natural man’s desire to avoid suffering and endure discomfort faithfully. James says, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (1:12) And, John adds these words of Jesus, “These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty — yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 1:8-10) The reason for suffering, peril, affliction and poverty in each context is the Faith.
In another place the church is called to remember past hardships as a way of coping with present challenges, Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. (Hebrews 10:32-34)
James first, and then John who quotes Jesus verbatim, assure us that a “crown of life” will be awarded to those who persevere. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews reminds us of “better and lasting possessions.” There is something for which we ought to persevere, doggedly pursue at any cost!
Are we about to look for a really terrible experience today? Are we eager to be persecuted or even be misunderstood? No! But, before we forfeit the promised crown of life, let us remember what all who persevere will enjoy forever!
I hope you avoid all the traffic jams in your city today! And, may you never have another tooth ache!
Both James and John address the extraordinary discipline required to properly override the natural man’s desire to avoid suffering and endure discomfort faithfully. James says, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (1:12) And, John adds these words of Jesus, “These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty — yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 1:8-10) The reason for suffering, peril, affliction and poverty in each context is the Faith.
In another place the church is called to remember past hardships as a way of coping with present challenges, Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. (Hebrews 10:32-34)
James first, and then John who quotes Jesus verbatim, assure us that a “crown of life” will be awarded to those who persevere. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews reminds us of “better and lasting possessions.” There is something for which we ought to persevere, doggedly pursue at any cost!
Are we about to look for a really terrible experience today? Are we eager to be persecuted or even be misunderstood? No! But, before we forfeit the promised crown of life, let us remember what all who persevere will enjoy forever!
I hope you avoid all the traffic jams in your city today! And, may you never have another tooth ache!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Method or Message: Do the ends justify the means?
Years ago I enrolled, and completed a seminary course on church growth. The professor’s introductory statement was, “If the ends don’t justify the means, what does?” The class collectively shrugged its shoulders and assumed the question’s answer apparent and without question. The question was valid, but the students were either unwilling or unable to engage in the healthy dialogue which ought to have followed. The assumption was, and the rest of the sessions rested on the premise, (numerical) growth validates church activity.
Another form of the same premise is, “The message is sacred, but the methods are not.” My response, “Not so quick!” Didn’t Jesus say, “By this shall all men know you are my disciples, when they see you loving one another?” That is Jesus primary method, one filled with self-sacrifice and presence.
Consider the following as conversation starters with others who care deeply about fulfilling Jesus’ desires.
• Whom did Jesus delegate, or put in charge of church growth?
• What is the primary witness of the church in community?
• How do observers and passers-by describe your church?
• Who attracted you to Jesus?
• What is holding you in the fellowship of the church?
• When describing your church, what descriptors are Biblical? Which are cultural?
• Are our methodologies effectively presenting the Jesus who confounds, convicts, and converts those who receive His message?
• How effectively is Jesus’ call to deny self and follow, challenging the prevailing self-centeredness of our culture?
• Are we filled with wonder that the Eternal God allows one to come face-to-face, heart-to-heart, mind-to-mind, spirit-to-Spirit with Him? Or are we comparing methods?
• Am I self-confident in my methods, or humbly surprised that the grace of God outstrips sin?
The church growth professor and I engaged in conversation. We agreed that the ends must not be immediate and more than numerical, but transformational and eternal. A major American cult is building a temple in center city Philadelphia. Their growth rate is the envy of the church and commerce. The cult’s methods are profoundly effective, but the ends are destructive, death.
Before another dollar is spent on advertising, or another team is enlisted to produce another attention-getting program, we might explore the powerful potential of disciples deliberately and unselfishly giving themselves to someone who has never met Jesus. We could introduce those who have never met Jesus to a fellowship (a.k.a. bar-b-q, dinner, breakfast, etc.) where people listen carefully, care deeply, and laugh heartily. Miracles can happen in venues where Jesus’ disciples are giving themselves away! It is a proven, primitive method that has been validated by Jesus.
Another form of the same premise is, “The message is sacred, but the methods are not.” My response, “Not so quick!” Didn’t Jesus say, “By this shall all men know you are my disciples, when they see you loving one another?” That is Jesus primary method, one filled with self-sacrifice and presence.
Consider the following as conversation starters with others who care deeply about fulfilling Jesus’ desires.
• Whom did Jesus delegate, or put in charge of church growth?
• What is the primary witness of the church in community?
• How do observers and passers-by describe your church?
• Who attracted you to Jesus?
• What is holding you in the fellowship of the church?
• When describing your church, what descriptors are Biblical? Which are cultural?
• Are our methodologies effectively presenting the Jesus who confounds, convicts, and converts those who receive His message?
• How effectively is Jesus’ call to deny self and follow, challenging the prevailing self-centeredness of our culture?
• Are we filled with wonder that the Eternal God allows one to come face-to-face, heart-to-heart, mind-to-mind, spirit-to-Spirit with Him? Or are we comparing methods?
• Am I self-confident in my methods, or humbly surprised that the grace of God outstrips sin?
The church growth professor and I engaged in conversation. We agreed that the ends must not be immediate and more than numerical, but transformational and eternal. A major American cult is building a temple in center city Philadelphia. Their growth rate is the envy of the church and commerce. The cult’s methods are profoundly effective, but the ends are destructive, death.
Before another dollar is spent on advertising, or another team is enlisted to produce another attention-getting program, we might explore the powerful potential of disciples deliberately and unselfishly giving themselves to someone who has never met Jesus. We could introduce those who have never met Jesus to a fellowship (a.k.a. bar-b-q, dinner, breakfast, etc.) where people listen carefully, care deeply, and laugh heartily. Miracles can happen in venues where Jesus’ disciples are giving themselves away! It is a proven, primitive method that has been validated by Jesus.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Maundy Thursday, Good Friday
The fifth and sixth days of Holy Week are the most intense. Maundy Thursday is the day the church around the world has historically paused to remember –
• Jesus observing Passover with his disciples. As Jesus sat at table he took bread and wine and simply taught that his body and blood were the once-for-all sacrifice for all sin.
• Jesus washing his disciples feet.
• Judas’ colluding with the religious establishment and betraying of Jesus.
• Jesus’ teaching concerning the true vine, warning about persecution and then the coming Comforter – all this in one sitting with the Twelve!
• Jesus praying for the his disciples to withstand the inevitable hardships and for solidarity among disciples.
• Jesus praying which resulted in an irrevocable commitment to his Father’s will in Gethsemane.
• Jesus appearing before Annas, and then before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin.
• Peter and the others forsaking, denying, hiding ...
– enough material for several hours of reflection and learning. And, a trial before Pilate, a Roman whip, beard pulling, and crude spitting into Jesus’ face were awaiting in the next few hours.
Tomorrow, Good Friday, is the day when Jesus’ agonizing death is remembered by the church on every continent. As a child, our family attended Good Friday services from Noon until 3:00PM, a real marathon for a preteen. Several speakers, sad music and somber spirits made those services seem interminable. But, we learned it was important to participate. Dad came home from work early so we could attend as a family. Stores closed throughout a city of nearly 2 million people. Alas, this year, Major League Baseball has scheduled a game during those hours, the stores are promoting special “Lenten Sales,” and a noon service in an Evangelical church is very rare. The Holy Spirit bore witness with my young spirit in those quiet hours. I remember the events fondly now and pray my children and grandchildren will follow in a meaningful, life-shaping tradition.
In this context, I invite you to ponder with me the words of Apostle Paul, May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Galatians 6:14) Resurrection Day is meaningless, and salvation is impossible without the cross.
Pat and are searching to find services we can attend tonight and tomorrow. We will dedicate the days to pursuing the way of the cross and its application in our lives. We pray that you will also.
Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
• Jesus observing Passover with his disciples. As Jesus sat at table he took bread and wine and simply taught that his body and blood were the once-for-all sacrifice for all sin.
• Jesus washing his disciples feet.
• Judas’ colluding with the religious establishment and betraying of Jesus.
• Jesus’ teaching concerning the true vine, warning about persecution and then the coming Comforter – all this in one sitting with the Twelve!
• Jesus praying for the his disciples to withstand the inevitable hardships and for solidarity among disciples.
• Jesus praying which resulted in an irrevocable commitment to his Father’s will in Gethsemane.
• Jesus appearing before Annas, and then before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin.
• Peter and the others forsaking, denying, hiding ...
– enough material for several hours of reflection and learning. And, a trial before Pilate, a Roman whip, beard pulling, and crude spitting into Jesus’ face were awaiting in the next few hours.
Tomorrow, Good Friday, is the day when Jesus’ agonizing death is remembered by the church on every continent. As a child, our family attended Good Friday services from Noon until 3:00PM, a real marathon for a preteen. Several speakers, sad music and somber spirits made those services seem interminable. But, we learned it was important to participate. Dad came home from work early so we could attend as a family. Stores closed throughout a city of nearly 2 million people. Alas, this year, Major League Baseball has scheduled a game during those hours, the stores are promoting special “Lenten Sales,” and a noon service in an Evangelical church is very rare. The Holy Spirit bore witness with my young spirit in those quiet hours. I remember the events fondly now and pray my children and grandchildren will follow in a meaningful, life-shaping tradition.
In this context, I invite you to ponder with me the words of Apostle Paul, May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Galatians 6:14) Resurrection Day is meaningless, and salvation is impossible without the cross.
Pat and are searching to find services we can attend tonight and tomorrow. We will dedicate the days to pursuing the way of the cross and its application in our lives. We pray that you will also.
Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Holy Week: The Silent Day
The fourth day of Holy Week is popularly called the “silent day.” Apparently Jesus retreated to Bethany to rest and spend time with friends. The lesson is so obvious, I will also be silent!
Enjoy the day with Jesus!
Enjoy the day with Jesus!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Third Day of Holy Week
The third day of Holy Week is filled with tension. The Pharisees, intent on undermining Jesus’ popularity and credibility, became heckling, needling interrupters. Jesus wisely used the efforts of the religious establishment to teach, to make his way known to all who would listen. The most extensive account of the third day is found in Mark 11:27-13:37.
At the center of the Pharisaical challenge is the question, “By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you the right to question the validity of our grand establishment? We are the descendants of Abraham!” We ought to empathize with Pharisees because we also dislike anything and anyone who restricts freedoms or exposes our weaknesses.
The parable of the tenants is a very thinly veiled expose of religion gone bad. The freshly baked bread of nourishing truth had turned to moldy, distasteful crusts. The human response, beginning in the Garden of Eden, has been, “Embarrassed? Deny or destroy the evidence.”
Then they looked for a way to arrest him because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away. (Mark 12:12)
Cowardice gallops through the human community. For instance, we are quite comfortable complaining or criticizing politicians, business figures, neighbors, and even friends and loved ones. The anonymity of the internet allows polite cowardice. A mass of people will cowardly scream, “Crucify him!” but, the same people shy away from honest, heart-felt, face-to-face conversations which result in reconciliation and peace.
Lessons on taxation (12:13-17), marriage (12:18-27), and offerings (12:41-44) are a communication grand slam home run. No wonder the large crowd listened to him with delight. (12:37) And, there is more, more than enough to keep us musing, pondering all day, all week long.
Jesus’ last recorded words for this third day of Holy Week are words calling us to vigilance, watchfulness.
Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn.
If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.
What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’
We have lists of places to go and things to do. Today is as busy as yesterday and tomorrow. But, let us --
• determine to interrupt busyness and muse on the events and teaching of Jesus – especially those which occurred during Holy Week.
• be watchful, Jesus may return at any time.
At the center of the Pharisaical challenge is the question, “By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you the right to question the validity of our grand establishment? We are the descendants of Abraham!” We ought to empathize with Pharisees because we also dislike anything and anyone who restricts freedoms or exposes our weaknesses.
The parable of the tenants is a very thinly veiled expose of religion gone bad. The freshly baked bread of nourishing truth had turned to moldy, distasteful crusts. The human response, beginning in the Garden of Eden, has been, “Embarrassed? Deny or destroy the evidence.”
Then they looked for a way to arrest him because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away. (Mark 12:12)
Cowardice gallops through the human community. For instance, we are quite comfortable complaining or criticizing politicians, business figures, neighbors, and even friends and loved ones. The anonymity of the internet allows polite cowardice. A mass of people will cowardly scream, “Crucify him!” but, the same people shy away from honest, heart-felt, face-to-face conversations which result in reconciliation and peace.
Lessons on taxation (12:13-17), marriage (12:18-27), and offerings (12:41-44) are a communication grand slam home run. No wonder the large crowd listened to him with delight. (12:37) And, there is more, more than enough to keep us musing, pondering all day, all week long.
Jesus’ last recorded words for this third day of Holy Week are words calling us to vigilance, watchfulness.
Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn.
If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.
What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’
We have lists of places to go and things to do. Today is as busy as yesterday and tomorrow. But, let us --
• determine to interrupt busyness and muse on the events and teaching of Jesus – especially those which occurred during Holy Week.
• be watchful, Jesus may return at any time.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Holy Week: Day Two
The second day of Holy Week, if we consider Palm Sunday the first, is marked by Jesus condemning a fig tree to fruitlessness and cleansing the Temple. In each event, Jesus’ teaching reinforces the importance and power of prayer.
DThe second day of Holy Week, if we consider Palm Sunday the first, is marked by Jesus condemning a fig tree to fruitlessness and cleansing the Temple. In each event, Jesus’ teaching reinforces the importance and power of prayer.
Dick Vitale, a colorful and boisterous ESPN sports commentator and former college basketball coach, names an annual “all airport team.” The team Coach Vitale names looks a like a winner in airport terminals, but frequently frustrates its fans with play well below the team’s potential. It is safe to say that no one wants to make the roster of that team.
After cursing the fig tree (Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:12-14,20-26) Jesus clearly taught that he expects his disciples to produce fruit. Many see the condemnation of religious establishment, temple professionals busily involved in everything religious, but having little power or product when alleviating human suffering. When the Twelve saw the tree cursed so suddenly, withered and dead, they were amazed. “How did this happen so quickly?” Jesus’ response was faith-building. In paraphrase, Jesus said, “Expect a lot more than this as you pray and believe!” He added some conditions to our attitude while praying which you may explore in the texts.
Jesus visited the Temple on this second day of Holy Week and drove out the flea market vendors a second time. The first time was early in his ministry (John 2:13-16) and the two explosive events when Jesus’ anger and impatience with religious abuse and misuse of the Temple serve as parentheses bracketing his ministry. The Lord emphatically states, “My house will be called a house of prayer.” One of Jesus’ first and last acts reinforce his instructions that we, his disciples, pray.
I hope that we all find houses of prayer this Holy Week, places where we gather to remember Jesus’ passion, are equipped with the knowledge of his will and perfected in prayer. No one would want to be a member of an “all church team,” a group which looks good in all things religious but underperforming in what Jesus expects, especially regarding prayer.
When I work, I work. When I pray, God works.
DThe second day of Holy Week, if we consider Palm Sunday the first, is marked by Jesus condemning a fig tree to fruitlessness and cleansing the Temple. In each event, Jesus’ teaching reinforces the importance and power of prayer.
Dick Vitale, a colorful and boisterous ESPN sports commentator and former college basketball coach, names an annual “all airport team.” The team Coach Vitale names looks a like a winner in airport terminals, but frequently frustrates its fans with play well below the team’s potential. It is safe to say that no one wants to make the roster of that team.
After cursing the fig tree (Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:12-14,20-26) Jesus clearly taught that he expects his disciples to produce fruit. Many see the condemnation of religious establishment, temple professionals busily involved in everything religious, but having little power or product when alleviating human suffering. When the Twelve saw the tree cursed so suddenly, withered and dead, they were amazed. “How did this happen so quickly?” Jesus’ response was faith-building. In paraphrase, Jesus said, “Expect a lot more than this as you pray and believe!” He added some conditions to our attitude while praying which you may explore in the texts.
Jesus visited the Temple on this second day of Holy Week and drove out the flea market vendors a second time. The first time was early in his ministry (John 2:13-16) and the two explosive events when Jesus’ anger and impatience with religious abuse and misuse of the Temple serve as parentheses bracketing his ministry. The Lord emphatically states, “My house will be called a house of prayer.” One of Jesus’ first and last acts reinforce his instructions that we, his disciples, pray.
I hope that we all find houses of prayer this Holy Week, places where we gather to remember Jesus’ passion, are equipped with the knowledge of his will and perfected in prayer. No one would want to be a member of an “all church team,” a group which looks good in all things religious but underperforming in what Jesus expects, especially regarding prayer.
When I work, I work. When I pray, God works.
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