Jesus

The Cost of Rescue

~ mercyfortheday ~ 1 Comment

I’m sure you’ve heard the news of the spectacular rescue of a member of the Air Force. He had been missing for over twenty four hours after his fighter jet was shot down. Oh. The pilot of the two-man aircraft had also ejected from the aircraft and had been found alive earlier. I’ve read that being ejected from a fighter jet is no small feat in itself. It’s an act that can’t be practiced, and it’s sometimes fatal. It happens in real time, and some soldiers end up losing extremities because of the extreme g-forces at play.

I wonder. What was it like to find yourself behind enemy lines knowing full well you could be captured at any moment? This second airman had to perform some evasive maneuvers in order to hide and survive. Oh sure. He had been trained in advanced survival skills. And to top it all off. He had been injured in the process of ejecting from the aircraft, making it even more difficult to evade the ever advancing enemy operatives. I heard he was bleeding profusely. But he was able to stop the flow of blood, and he did evade capture. And he’s lived to tell about it. What a story that will be if he ever goes public with the details.

A deception campaign was enacted in order to fool the enemy. Our military did not, under any circumstances, want this injured airman to be discovered and captured by the enemy. One hundred men were sent in to rescue him. It was a very historic rescue, after his jet went down deep in Iranian territory. The decision was made to do whatever was necessary to bring this man home. Our military doesn’t leave even one man behind. In broad daylight and facing heavy enemy fire for seven hours, the flight crews took risks beyond measure. They faced gunfire from a very close range. Yet. No American was injured in this firefight.

A massive operation was mobilized, involving one hundred and fifty aircraft. Many of these planes were used to confuse the enemy into thinking this lone lost airman was in a different area. The planes flew to multiple sites as a ruse to confuse the enemy. And it worked. 

This injured airman was successfully discovered after he had been stranded in an area teeming with the enemy. He followed his training and climbed toward a higher altitude in order to evade capture. He had been taught to move as far away as possible from the crash site, so the enemy couldn’t locate him. That’s exactly what he did.

Because of the wet sand where the additional aircraft had landed, it was possible that the huge machinery wouldn’t be able to lift off. The contingency plan brought in lighter, faster aircraft to carry the badly injured airman and all one hundred of his rescuers to safety. Then the original aircraft were immediately and completely destroyed. Three helicopters had been placed unassembled in the large aircraft, and were rebuilt in a matter of a few minutes. They were used extensively in the rescue plan.

What a massive undertaking this was to get this one man to safety. No expense was spared. It was all hands on deck, and everyone involved was ready to go at a moment’s notice. It’s this precise training and skill that makes our military the sharpest and best in the world.

And here’s the thing. Our military knew exactly who the enemy was. They knew what the enemy was capable of. We’ve seen the horrors that have played out in the streets of that country and in other zones deemed unsafe to global workers for decades. It was determined that it was time to act to stabilize the country. And in doing so, a great feat of heroism was displayed by the rescue team. This one man will be forever indebted to them for saving his life.

For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost. Luke 19:10

The rescue of this lone man was very involved and was planned down to the exact detail. Nothing could go wrong in the effort to save him. The intricate steps to extricate one downed soldier from the enemy’s snares are impressive. It’s a fascinating, yet alarming story of precision. We may think it’s overkill. But imagine the one being rescued. What would they have faced if left to their own devices? What would their enemy have done to them?

If our military would go to such lengths to rescue one lone man, imagine how God works in the rescue of our souls. The rescue and redemption of all mankind is very intense, and it has eternal consequences. Oh. God doesn’t use military aircraft to rescue lost souls. He sent his only Son who was reigning safely in heaven with him to earth to live a fully human life for thirty three years. And then he sacrificed this Son for everyone. And by everyone, I mean those no longer living, those currently living, and those yet to be born. EVERYONE. His Son, Jesus, was crucified on a cross and then laid in a tomb. But miracle of all miracles, he rose from the dead on the third day.

Jesus came to seek and to save the lost, and his rescue plan is out of this world. And he uses godly people in his redemption plan to rescue the lost. He uses multiple prayer warriors. He uses believers who plant the seed, and those who till the soil. Those who water. And those who harvest. It’s a group effort where everyone involved plays a part. But here’s the thing. No one knows exactly who else is involved in the mission for each individual soul. That information is top secret and kept in God’s control. He works to make it happen, and we’re the instruments in his overall plan.

And here’s another thing. We all need rescued from our sins. Not one of us is perfect. Not one of us is without sin. Each of us is born with a sinful nature, and we fall short of God’s plan for our lives.

Just as the airman was trained for survival, so too must we be trained for not only surviving our Christian walk, but we must learn to thrive and grow in our knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ. We must practice our faith on a daily basis. We are called to read God’s Word and to spend time in prayer. We are called to spend time with other believers and to attend church. We are called to share out of our wealth to help others find the same saving relationship with Jesus Christ. And we are called to be active workers for the kingdom of God. We not only need to be initially rescued from our sins, but we then need to help rescue others. We who have been rescued are now part of someone else’s rescue plan.

After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:5-9

Oh. It’s easy to identify the enemy who was pursuing the downed airman. And just as the enemy was in hot pursuit to capture this lost man, so too is the enemy of our soul earnestly searching for a way to capture the hearts of all mankind. For some, it’s an easy capture. He has them at hello. But there are others who have been thoroughly trained to avoid the devilish ways of the enemy, and they hold off all his attempts to turn them to the dark side. We must know our enemy and name him, and then fight with all our might to evade capture.

Let’s ask the hard question. Why would someone set aside everyone else to go rescue one lost person? Just why? Is it worth it? Oh. I’ve heard the argument about the waste of time looking for the one when time could have been more wisely spent helping others. But what if you’re that one lost person who is deep down looking to be found by the Savior of the world? Wouldn’t you want him to search diligently, never stopping to find you? If you were the downed pilot, wouldn’t you hope that your country and fellow soldiers wouldn’t give up on you? Should they halt the search because there’s only one who needs rescuing? Isn’t one life worth the cost? Isn’t one soul worth the cost?

So Jesus told them this story: “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away! Luke 15:3-7

The Holiest of Weeks

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

We’ve just walked through Holy Week. The last week before Jesus was crucified. It got me thinking. What did my week consist of? I bought groceries. I went to the meat shop. I did laundry. I had two chiropractor appointments. I volunteered with my Awana group at church. I went to a senior dinner at church. I attended the Good Friday service. What exactly was holy about my week?

And then I think about the week that Jesus had. It was a busy week for him. Jesus was well aware that his life was on the line. Oh. I’m not talking about his sacrificial death to redeem us from our sins. I’m talking about the threats he received from those who led the political and religious happenings of Jerusalem. His teachings had stirred up the leaders who secretly met to plot his death.

Jesus and his disciples had spent much time traveling and teaching in what could be called modern day Jordan. It was an area outside the reach of the powers of Jerusalem. There he could continue the final days of his ministry at a safe distance from where the events of the final week would occur. I guess this week could be considered the calm before the storm. I wonder if the disciples sensed a shift in his mood. Were they aware how close they were coming to the end of his earthly ministry? Or, were they all caught up in teaching and performing miracles that they didn’t realize what was ahead? It wasn’t as if he hadn’t warned them. But since his words were cloaked in mystery, they didn’t quite understand or believe him when he told them of what he would face.

As Jesus and his disciples began their trek into Jerusalem in preparation for Passover, he kept his ministry low-key. He avoided crowds, because he didn’t want to be spotted. So, when he returned to Bethany, he stayed with Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. Yes, this was the Lazarus who Jesus had earlier raised from the dead. They were close friends, and Jesus knew he needed to prepare for the path that was ahead for him. He was close enough to the epicenter of Jerusalem, yet far enough to rest in peace and quiet.

The thing is. He didn’t have to head into Jerusalem. He knew that’s where the events to end his life would take place. But he walked head on into the next week with his head held high. He walked into that week knowing that he was the Son of God, and he would fulfill his Father’s plan for his life. Even when it cost him his earthly life. He didn’t back down from what lay ahead. He didn’t try to take the easy way out. He surrendered to his Father’s will.

Palm Sunday. Jesus had instructed his disciples to have a donkey prepared for him to ride into Jerusalem. As he rode down the streets that first day of the week, the crowds waved palm branches and threw down their coats for the colt to walk on. They did this in submission to him. They recognized him for who he truly was. The long-awaited Messiah.

And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” Matthew 21:9

House Cleaning Monday. Have you ever walked into a room and saw something you never expected? That’s exactly what happened to Jesus the day after the people recognized him as the Promised Messiah. Vendors were desecrating the Holy Temple. They had set up stalls and were selling their goods in the place where the Scriptures were read and discussed on the Sabbath. In the place where people came to offer sacrifices, the religious leaders had allowed commerce to replace the sacred call to worship.

Jesus knew that faith wasn’t a commodity to be bought on a Monday. He knew there was a better place to set up a farmer’s market than the Temple. It was with a righteous anger that he overturned the tables of those exchanging money. And with holy authority, he spoke words that dug deep into the hearts of those who heard. They knew exactly what he meant, and they knew their greed had been exposed.

He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!” Matthew 21:13

Teaching Tuesday. Jesus had once again spent the night in Bethany, but then returned to the city the following morning. He again went to the Temple, where he had serious debates with the Pharisees and Sadducees about many issues. He talked about taxes, and he challenged them as they questioned his authority. He shared parable after parable with the crowds, and he prophesied about how the Temple would one day be destroyed. The Sadducees questioned him about the resurrection, and Jesus silenced them with his wise response. When the Pharisees learned the Sadducees couldn’t trip up Jesus, they came and questioned him about which of the commandments was the greatest. At the end of the day, the religious leaders were quieted by his wisdom.

When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them. And although they were seeking to arrest him, they feared the crowds, because they held him to be a prophet. Matthew 21:45-46

And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions. Matthew 22:46

Betrayal Wednesday. It was Wednesday when the scene began to shift. Things took a serious turn when Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples specifically chosen by Jesus, arranged a meeting with the chief priests. I wonder if they had any suspicions about his intent when we came to them. But he opened with the door they were looking for to take down the one who always bested them with his exact teachings. They finally had an opportunity to remove the threat to the control they wielded. Oh. It wasn’t about their faith. That wasn’t even a thought. It was revenge.

They had found a traitor from within the inner circle of the man they hunted. I’m sure they rubbed their hands together with glee as they plotted his takedown. The mark was now in sight. They no longer had to hunt him down or try to trick him into blaspheming himself. One of his own had just handed him over. But what this traitor didn’t know at the time was that he had just sold his own soul to the one who could never offer redemption.

Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him. Matthew 26:14-16

Maundy Thursday. Jesus wanted to celebrate the Passover dinner with the Twelve, so he instructed some of them to make the arrangements for the meal. And in that upper room, as they sat and feasted, he took bread and broke it. Telling them the bread was broken in place of his body. And the wine they drank represented his blood that would be spilled. He then washed their feet in reverence and humility, showing a true servant’s heart. Oh. He told them that one who sat at the table with them would betray him. In disbelief, eleven had the fright of their lives. The twelfth one knew he had been outed. He left quietly to fulfill his plan of betrayal.

After the dinner, Jesus took three of his disciples with him to the Mount of Olives. He was greatly burdened because he knew what was ahead for him that very night. He asked his disciples to pray with him. They fell asleep instead.

And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39

But the night wasn’t over just yet. As he was speaking to the disciples who were with him, Judas appeared with temple guards. Judas leaned over and kissed Jesus on the cheek to show that he was the man who should be arrested.

Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Or Friend, why are you here? Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. Matthew 26:48-50

After seizing Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, the guards brought him before Caiaphas and the entire council. They were looking for false witnesses who would testify against Jesus. Of course, they found a couple of men who were willing to say anything. But Jesus didn’t respond. He kept quiet when they pressed him. And then when Jesus did speak, they accused him of blasphemy. Now. They could finally sentence him to death. This was what they had been waiting for for so long. In the middle of the night, without any rest, Jesus was forced to stand trial for crimes he didn’t commit.

But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are; the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” Matthew 26:63-66

Good Friday. As soon as it was morning, Jesus was bound and turned over to Pontius Pilate, who was the governor. It was the custom to release a prisoner at this time during the Passover celebration, so Pilate thought he might be able to maneuver his way into releasing Jesus. Because. The thing is. After questioning Jesus, he realized the man was not guilty. He hadn’t committed any crime. And when he asked the crowds of people which prisoner should be released, he gave them an option. Jesus or Barabbas, a violent murderer. But the crowds had been manipulated by the religious leaders. And they wanted Jesus to pay. With his life. So they yelled for Barabbas to be released and Jesus to be killed. Those who just days earlier bowed in awe at the Promised Messiah now wanted him dead. Oh. How the tide had turned.

Pontius Pilate’s wife had warned her husband to have nothing to do with Jesus. So, in an act of resignation, Pilate got a bowl of water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. As if that act alone could release him from the guilt of sending an innocent man to his death. And he submitted Jesus to the crowd’s demand for death.

The soldiers stripped Jesus of his clothes, beat him and shoved a crown of thorns on his head. Then they handed him a cross and demanded he drag it up the hill to Golgotha where they would hang him on it. Weak from the beating and loss of blood, Jesus could barely walk, let alone carry a heavy wooden cross. In a last minute effort to relieve him, someone was selected to carry his cross. But no one was hammered on the cross in his place. He hung on the cross and died in front of a small crowd of witnesses.

When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30

As his body was taken down before the Sabbath began, a follower of Christ stepped up and offered his tomb where Jesus’ body was placed.

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. Matthew 27:57-60

Holy Saturday. It was a quiet day. It was a holy day. The Sabbath. No work was done. No celebrations. On that day, Jesus descended into Hell to proclaim victory over death. And he proclaimed freedom for righteous souls.

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which the Spirit, in whom he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they did not formerly obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. 1 Peter 3:18-20

Easter Sunday. Then came the morning. Day dawned and the stone rolled. Not by the strength of man, but by the power of God. And as two disciples ran to the tomb in the early morning hours, they stood in disbelief at what they saw. An angel stood by the stone that was no longer blocking the entrance. And when they looked in the tomb, it was empty. They ran to tell others. And later, Jesus appeared to a dazed Mary Magdalene who, in her confusion, didn’t recognize him. Until he spoke her name. Then she knew exactly who was standing there in front of her, alive as could be.

Jesus had risen from the dead and had walked right out of that tomb. That tomb that had held his lifeless and torn body overnight was suddenly empty. Jesus is alive!

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” Matthew 28:5-7

Oh. There is much more to this story than what I’ve shared here. You can read the details in Matthew 21-28.

Some may wonder why I’m writing about this scene of events when Holy Week is ending. Honestly, it never crossed my mind last week to consider the events of this week in such detail. But it did this week. And I bet I’m not the only one who didn’t think of it. It’s easy to overlook the happenings of someone else’s bad week unless we see it in print or photos or read about it. But this bad week in the life of Jesus of Nazareth proved to be the best thing that has ever happened for those of us who come behind.

We are now offered redemption for our sins, because Jesus paid the price by dying on the cross. In order to receive the free gift of eternal life, we must die to ourselves and receive his forgiveness.

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10

Immaturity on Display

~ mercyfortheday ~ 2 Comments

I sat at lunch the other day with people I didn’t know, and I witnessed something unsettling. Our church hosts a monthly potluck on the first Sunday of the month, and we were sitting with people unfamiliar to me. The husband and wife are both retired. Their nineteen year old grandson and his seventeen year old girlfriend were seated with us, as well. The grandson has lofty goals but a very slim wallet. He’s dreaming up schemes on how to get the “toys” he wants. Just that afternoon, he was scheduled to sell some tires out of his dad’s garage. He knew the price he wanted, and he knew exactly what he would do with the money. Part of it would be used to take his dad to dinner, and then a bulk of it would go to buy the gun of his dreams. The price of the gun is the same amount as his monthly car payment, which he can’t afford this month. So, instead of making his car payment, he’ll buy the sweet gun.

Oh. He’s starting a new job soon, which will mean he now has two part-time jobs. And he was bragging about the amount of money he would be making per month with those two jobs. He was so proud of that amount. His grandfather quietly suggested that he open an IRA. IRA? Said the grandson. What’s that? He had no clue about retirement savings. I understand that at nineteen years old, no one is seriously thinking about retirement, but planning and saving early in life greatly enhances a retirement plan. Every saved dollar goes a long way later on down the line.

Then he starting talking about the next toy he would buy after he got the gun. Honestly. I can’t recall what it was, but it was also not a smart decision for someone who doesn’t really have money and can’t afford their car payment. Oh. But he decided that he would sell the car he can’t afford and purchase a rust bucket he had found on social media. This young man does not live in reality. His dreams wore me out.

The grandparents acted as if they had heard similar dreams from him in the past. They weren’t shocked at his plans to spend money he didn’t really have. Because, at the same time, he’s dreaming up a scheme to buy an even bigger toy for himself. He said he didn’t mind if he lived in his dad’s basement all his life, as long as he could have all his toys. I wonder what his girlfriend was thinking. I was thinking she should run while she could, but I just sat and listened.

The reason this scene was unsettling was because it dawned on me that too many people live with the same mindset. They’re surrounding themselves with all the material and sensual pleasures they can buy, and they have no regard for their future or their need for Christ. They seem to think they can rule their own lives and that’s all that matters. What a tragedy. My prayer is that this young man’s eyes will be opened to the disaster that awaits him unless he matures and also pursues a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

This entire scene got me to thinking about how immature we can be as Christians. We can talk big about how good God is without ever having a personal relationship with him. But then. If we don’t have a personal relationship with God, we aren’t Christians. By personal relationship, I’m talking about repenting of our sins and asking God to forgive us. If we haven’t experienced God’s forgiveness, then we aren’t Christians. No matter what we say. We just aren’t.

And a personal relationship with God is not just a one-time transaction. It’s not a one-night stand. After repenting of our sins and seeking forgiveness, it’s a daily walk with Jesus Christ. Just as this young man and woman are building a relationship, while shaky at best, we must intentionally build a solid foundation of faith in our quest to live for Christ. It isn’t a one and done type of event. It’s a lifelong process, which unfortunately, many do not pursue. Many treat their salvation moment as a once in a lifetime event and never pursue Jesus with all their hearts. It isn’t a transaction. It’s a lifelong commitment.

Ask any Christian who is running the race in pursuit of pleasing Christ. The race is full of highs and lows, trials and temptations, growth and stumbles. It’s the race of a lifetime, and we can’t just claim salvation and call it quits. We’re running the long distance race of faith and obedience. We can’t just look for the “toys” of faith that will temporarily satisfy us. We must be all in.

I recall a song from my childhood Sunday School class about the foolish man and the wise man. The foolish man built his house on the sand without any foundation, while the wise man built his house upon the rock that would withstand any type of storm. That’s based on a parable that Jesus told to the crowds who had gathered to hear him speak. And the advice is true for us today, just as it was so many years ago. Our faith must be built on the solid rock of Jesus Christ and not on the sinking sand where it will collapse and drag us into spiritual ruin.

Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash. Matthew 7:24-27

I was listening to the podcast that our pastor’s record every week, where they dig deeper into the Sunday sermon. This week, they were talking about spiritual maturity. One of them said that spiritual maturity is doing the right things — loving God and loving others. It isn’t a list of things you don’t do, as much as a list of the things you do, is what he said. I agree with this. Sure. While there are things we shouldn’t do as believers, our faith grows by refusing to sin. It grows by faithfully obeying God’s leading, and not succumbing to every temptation that shines it bright light at us. That’s what roots our faith in Jesus Christ.

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand. All other ground is sinking sand.

Invited Guests

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We were invited to a Christmas party by a host we didn’t know. And we knew none of the other invited guests. It was quite interesting to say the least. We were the strangers entering a home where most everyone knew someone else. It felt a bit awkward at first walking into a house full of unknowns, but we managed to meet some interesting people. The house felt a bit cramped with such a large crowd, and the host informed me that they wished they had made the kitchen and dining room bigger when they were building the house over twenty years ago. At the time, they were expecting their third child. Then a fourth came along a few years later. Now in a few months, they’ll be empty nesters.

The house was overflowing with talking, laughter and food. Their youngest son, who is a musician, played for the crowd. The mini concert was beautiful, but it caused even more noise in the cramped space. Some people who were already living with hearing loss felt as if they had lost even more of their hearing that night. But we all continued talking.

We met a couple who had moved here from San Diego four years ago. They said they didn’t miss anything about their life out west. They had settled into this neighborhood we were visiting and loved it. She was working remotely, but was planning to retire soon. They were building onto their house. She said they had attended our church for a bit when they first moved here, but it wasn’t the right fit. They have since found a “theologically conservative” church a little farther away.

Another woman has been single more years than she had been married, and she didn’t expect that to change anytime soon. She said she met the hosts at church. She enjoys visiting her daughter at work on Sunday evenings for dinner.

Then we met a couple who attends our church. I’ve never seen them before in my life, but there they were. After talking for a time, we discovered we had attended the same college a few years apart. And we even knew some of the same people. The wife has had two cornea transplants in the past year, and her husband is losing his hearing. But they love life and enjoy camping in nice weather.

The hosts were very pleasant people. We talked as if we had known each other for years, even though the wife and I had met only days earlier. And my husband, who is a musician, had a great conversation with the musician son. We had a nice time with a group of strangers that evening. After all, friends start off as strangers.

The house was crowded with standing room only for the latecomers. It was loud with many voices all at the same time. You had to talk loud and listen closely to the person next to you. But somehow it worked. Everyone took it in stride. There was no pushing or shoving, just polite jostling as people struggled to get from here to there. People moved cautiously through the space carrying plates of food and cups of warm wassail. It was a pleasant evening in the midst of strangers.

It’s the holiday season and people are being merry and bright. Festivities abound this time of year, and it doesn’t hurt to meet new people who are celebrating the birth of our Savior.

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10

This time of year is when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I think about the trip Mary and Joseph took that led them on an adventure of a lifetime.

I wonder what thoughts and fears were swirling in the minds of Mary and Joseph when they learned they must go to Bethlehem. I wonder what strangers accompanied them as they set off for Bethlehem. They couldn’t have been traveling alone. After all, Augustus had authorized a census to be taken throughout the Roman empire. Every man was forced to return to his ancestral town to register himself and his family. There must have been hordes of people on the roads going in different directions during that time. There must have been much confusion and anxiety in the preparations for travel.

But a couple in their situation, engaged to be married and pregnant with her first child, it would have been very unusual to travel together. Yet, here they were. Traveling to a distant place where Joseph’s ancestors were born. I wonder. Did he still have family in Bethlehem? Did he know anyone there who could assist them in any way?

Mary and Joseph were most likely surrounded by strangers. They intermingled with them and made acquaintances as they traveled. And they kept traveling. Others could see that Mary was heavy with child. Who knows if they offered assistance. They didn’t know that this couple traveling weren’t yet wed. They didn’t ask. And I’m sure Mary and Joseph didn’t tell. They were all on a journey to be counted. All familiar yet unfamiliar. Even Mary and Joseph not yet married. They knew each other, yet they didn’t. They had never lived together, yet they were alone in a crowd sharing the most intimate of times. Tied together through a betrothal and a pregnancy all begotten by God.

And when Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, all the inns were full. People who arrived first got first pick of the best places to lay their head. By the time the couple arrived, there was no room for them. Oh. I’m sure they weren’t the only ones stranded out in the open. But a bigger problem was that Mary was heavily pregnant. Due at any time. What were they to do?

They eventually found a space to keep them sheltered from the elements. It could have been a barn. Or a cave. It was in fact a stable for the cattle. That’s where they lay their heads. And as it would happen, Mary delivered this child of God. Born in a stable in the dark of night. Was anyone with them to help her? Or were she and Joseph all alone? We don’t really know.

But there were people out and about. In the fields, shepherds were watching their sheep. Suddenly an angel was hovering in their presence. And he spoke words of joy and blessing to them. After he shared the good news that the Promised Messiah had been born, a host of angels joined him singing and praising God. Then this band of weary shepherds went to find the babe in the town of Bethlehem, just right where they were told he would be found. He would be in swaddling clothes lying in a manger. And he was.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:14

Oh. Mary and Joseph weren’t alone for long. As this strange band of shepherds burst into the stable, there was the baby just as they had been told. He looked like any other baby. A newborn. But they knew he was different. And they bowed to worship him. I’m sure Mary and Joseph were in awe. How did anyone know they were in the stable and that Mary had just given birth? How did these men know? They weren’t strangers for long, as the men shared how the angels surprised them in the field with the great news of the birth of Jesus.

You can read the full story in Luke 2.

Mary and Joseph encountered these shepherds coming to worship the Messiah. They wanted to pay tribute to their Savior. Little did they know of the life he would lead, but they bowed before him in humble gratitude. Strangers yet kin in spirit.

Later, when the wise men came to call, it was with the same reverence they bowed in worship. As they offered their humble gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, the knowledge of who they were worshipping left them in awe. A small child yet the Savior of the world was in front of them, unaware of the mission of his life. They too were strangers in a foreign land yet bound by the Lord of the universe.

We too can be strangers to the Savior, yet we don’t have to be. We too can bow in worship before him, not only during the season we celebrate his birth, but we can choose to bow before him in submission every day. I pray that your life will be lived in surrender to His will. Don’t be a stranger to the goodness and forgiveness of God. He is the Good News the world has been awaiting.

Love and Obedience

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

Jesus was both loved and hated. Those who loved him were faithful followers who hung on his every word. They believed his message. They longed to see him perform miracles and change lives. They whispered about him behind closed doors, longing to spend more time with him. They wondered if he was the promised Messiah.

But then there were the haters. They too listened to his words, but they were appalled at what they heard. They asked him what they thought were hard questions, trying to trip him up. He answered all their questions with ease or with silence. They hated his teaching because his words pointed directly at their sin, and their sin was their identity. They didn’t want to change in any way, shape or form. They wanted to be rid of him, even if it meant violence against him. They hunted him and talked about him behind closed doors plotting revenge.

Jesus was gathered with his disciples in the Upper Room for the Last Supper. He was sharing with them about his upcoming death. They weren’t understanding clearly what he was telling them, and they were confused as to why he was telling only them. Why not tell the masses?

One of the disciples asked Jesus why he was planning to reveal his mission only to his closest followers and not to the masses. But when you think about it, why would anyone reveal such intimate information to those who don’t support them? Why give the haters one more thing to plot against? Oh sure. At the appointed time, revealing his true identity and mission was necessary. But it wasn’t yet time. Jesus’ own disciples still had doubts that he had to deal with. So, why go to the masses with your most private but soon to be ultimate destiny?

Jesus spoke simply and plainly to his disciples when he explained that only those who love him would obey him. And if we truly love him, we will keep his word. There will be no question of our commitment. That can’t be said for those who hate him. Jesus also knew that once his work was completed on this earth the Holy Spirit would come to instruct those who loved him. And anyone who rejects Jesus also rejects his Father and would not receive the Holy Spirit.

Jesus lived in complete reliance on and submission to his Father. There was no line he would cross or attitude he would cop in rebellion against his Father’s plan for his life. And he knew there was a price he would pay when he relinquished his heavenly body for an earthly one. He knew the price would be high, and he was willing to pay it in an earthly body that would hold him for no more than thirty three years. But he couldn’t speak publicly of the plans. They were for certain ears only. And his disciples were the chosen audience.

Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me. Matthew 12:30

Judas (not Judas Iscariot, but the other disciple with that name) said to him, “Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?” Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. John 14:22-24

Jesus’ disciples thought he was planning to establish an earthly kingdom and then overthrow Rome, so they couldn’t understand why he wouldn’t go public with his plan. But the plans set out for the Son of God had nothing to do with an earthly kingdom, and Jesus had plans to share the details with only those who loved and obeyed him. He knew anyone else would try to sabotage his ministry.

Love is a commitment. When we choose to love and obey God, we must understand the strength of that bond. God sacrificed his only Son for our sins, so we must love him with everything we’ve got. Otherwise, is it really love? Some say there is a fine line between love and hate. But, I wonder. How fine is that line? Perhaps it depends on the relationship and the reasons behind the love or hate. In this passage of Scripture, there is a definite distinction between those who love Jesus and those who don’t. And Jesus must treat the two groups differently. The groups don’t have the same values or mission. One is out to win the world for Jesus, and the other is out for blood. Jesus’ blood, that is. Love is not out for blood. Only hate seeks revenge and destruction. Only hate seeks to destroy those who disagree with you. Love seeks open discussion and reconciliation, not retaliation.

We read in Deuteronomy that we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and strength. This level of commitment to our Lord and Savior is in acknowledgment of the fact that the Lord alone is God. And because of our love for God, we must abide by his commandments. Even if those who hate God or are just opposed to the teachings of Jesus also oppose us and our beliefs, we must stand firm in our faith and commitment.

Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:4-5

Obedience is the necessary consequence of love.
— James Smith

The Pope is Dead, but Jesus is Alive

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

The Pope is dead, but Jesus is alive. We can’t forget which of these two can actually forgive sins. We can’t forget which one died on a cross for the sins of all humanity and then rose from the dead. Nor can we forget which of these two is God and the other is not. We haven’t seen Pope Francis rise from the dead, and we won’t. He’s in eternity now and won’t be returning to this earth. On the other hand, Jesus was crucified on a cross and buried in a tomb. He arose from the dead on the third day and exited the tomb, never to return. And after his ascension to heaven, he is now building an eternal home for his faithful followers. The Pope cannot do this.

Pope Francis died the day after Easter. As the world was celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the Pope was on his deathbed. After suffering a stroke that left him in a coma, he breathed his last. Jesus’ final breath was taken after having a gall-filled sponge pressed to his lips in a last ditch effort to curb his thirst. He then cried out, “It is finished.” His life was over.

Oh. Many may want to compare the two. The Pope and Jesus Christ. So…let’s compare them.

On Easter, Pope Francis took one last ride in his popemobile. Oh. He knew he wasn’t well, and he asked his caregiver if the ride was a good idea. And just hours before he breathed his last, he gave a tearful tribute to that caregiver with thanksgiving for the suggestion for that final ride. Those were his final spoken words.

Jesus’ last ride was on a donkey as he entered Jerusalem. Known as his Triumphal Entry, Jesus knew he was soon to be sacrificed for the sins of his people. As throngs lined the roadway, they threw their coats and palm branches in his path proclaiming, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” The entire city was in an uproar as he entered on the back of that borrowed donkey. When some in the crowd asked who he was, others shared that he was Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.

The head of the Church didn’t die on Easter Monday, he actually rose from the dead the day before. Some may be confused about who the head of the Church Universal actually is. It isn’t anyone called Pope. The Pope is an elected official over the Roman Catholic church. He holds no sway on people’s eternal destiny. He can’t forgive anyone’s sins. He can’t heal anyone or raise them from the dead. Only Jesus Christ can do those things.

I’m not comparing the Pope and Jesus Christ to insinuate they’re identical. Not at all. The life and death of Jesus was planned and accomplished through the wishes of his Father. The life of Pope Francis played out for most years out of the public eye. His final years spent in the Vatican showed his true colors.

Oh. Each of these two men brought division. They just went about it in different ways.

As one writer said, Pope Francis was known to be a globalist and a socialist. Some believe he may have been a Marxist. He was very divisive and catered to the liberal wing of the Catholic church. He supported the climate change agenda, mass immigration, the LGBTQ agenda, and he pushed vaccines on the world. He was known to silence conservative voices within the church. Some say his positions aligned more with the Church of Satan than traditional Catholic values. Others have called his a “liquid” Catholicism and disruptive in ways that favored liberals. Pope Francis upset many with his push for a progressive acceptance of ideas the conservatives and the Catholic church had long opposed. He used his prominent position to push his ideas on global political issues, and he brought theological disruption to the Catholic church.

You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Matthew 7:13-14

I read a number of articles this week extolling the goodness of Pope Francis. Some praised the man, but many others said quite the opposite. One writer hopes that the new Pope isn’t stupid and is more aligned with traditional Catholicism. According to the statement from the Vatican, “he taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized.”

I’m only sharing what I’ve read about the man. I never met him.

A similar scenario played out in Jesus’ day of people either loving him or hating him.

Jesus was clear to tell us that his ministry was divisive because his teachings stirred up people’s lives. His message pitted one against another. Oh. That wasn’t necessarily his intention, but he knew that his teachings wouldn’t be popular with just everyone. He didn’t cater his message to specific groups. His message was the same wherever he traveled. He had no favorites. And he shared that people would be divided against each other because of the truth that he spoke. And he spoke it anyway. His message was one for the ages, and it’s as true and relevant today as it was the day he first shared it.

Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34

But why did Jesus’ message bring division, you ask. Jesus preached to the masses, and he spoke in parables. People didn’t always understand the message, but it left them asking for more. His words penetrated their hearts. But there were those whose hearts were cold to the hard truths he shared, and they walked away rejecting his message. They didn’t want to hear that they needed to guard themselves against every type of greed. Or that instead of storing up earthly wealth, they needed to have a strong relationship with God. They didn’t want to hear that they shouldn’t store up treasures on this earth; instead their treasures should be stored in heaven. Jesus knew his preaching of the gospel would divide families instead of uniting them. He knew his teachings would make waves among the leaders of the synagogue, and he did it anyway. He knew some people would be vocal opponents of his message and others would be strong supporters, regardless of the cost. Jesus taught us to love everyone even when they live in opposition to biblical teachings.

The peace of Jesus is the cross. But the cross is the sword God wields on earth. It creates division. The son against the father, the daughter against her mother, the member of the house against the head–all this will happen in the name of God’s kingdom and his peace.

~Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship

The message of Jesus was a message of peace. If you disagree, you’ll need to read the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). But his words of peace called for people to make a radical, personal commitment to serving him. And that message divided those who chose to serve him and those who chose to reject him. Family members were at odds with each other because one chose Jesus and one did not. That’s what we see still to this day.

“I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning! I have a terrible baptism of suffering ahead of me, and I am under a heavy burden until it is accomplished. Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other! From now on families will be split apart, three in favor of me, and two against—or two in favor and three against. ‘Father will be divided against son and son against father; mother against daughter and daughter against mother; and mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” Luke 12:49-53

The people also wanted their Messiah to have an earthly kingdom, and Jesus knew that was impossible. His reign would be for eternity, not for a few earthly years. The Pope, on the other hand, spent the last years of his life in palatial surroundings, governing the Roman Catholic church. He inserted his left-leaning beliefs into politics. He led as though his role was one of power, wanting total control.

The teaching of papal infallibility in the Roman Catholic Church provides a grace to the Pope, which means that when he speaks officially in declaration of revealed truth in faith or morals, he is always correct on matters of doctrine. It doesn’t mean he is without error, but his words are thought to come from the Holy Spirit. Pope Francis had recently commented that “all religions are paths to God”, but Jesus clearly stated that he and he alone is “the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6

These words comparing Pope Francis to Jesus Christ gives us much to ponder. We can’t put our hope in one man, regardless of his position on this earth. He was made in the image of God, but that didn’t make him a child of God. Only those who call on the name of Jesus Christ and repent of their sins have the right to be called children of God. My hope is that this Pope had made that confession before his death.

When the Soul Rejoices

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

She was a teenager. Betrothed to marry a young man. Basically, they were in a legally binding contract which required them to wait a year to formalize their marriage. They were not to spend much time together or consummate their marriage until it was formalized. But she was visited by an angel who told her she would have a child. And she found herself pregnant without ever sleeping with a man. And without formalizing her marriage. This was not acceptable in her culture. She could pay with her life.

Imagine the scorn and ridicule this young woman faced as she walked the dusty streets of the village. As her belly grew, so did the rumors. The taunts from the townspeople may have drowned out the promises the angel gave her. The friends she once had may not have been so friendly now that she was with child. She was in uncharted territory. A betrothed young man could choose to have her stoned to death if he didn’t want to live with the embarrassment. To be a pregnant unwed woman was not for the faint of heart. Her social standing and future were hanging on a precarious precipice if the young man who had promised to be her husband backed out of the arrangement. She could be sacrificed, and he would be free to find a more virtuous wife.

She was young. Very young. And the young man, who was a distant descendant of King David, didn’t want to disgrace her. He decided to divorce her quietly. But then the angel who had surprised Mary with the news of her impending motherhood also visited Joseph in his dreams. The child is divinely conceived, he was told. She has not been unfaithful to you. She is faithful to me and to you and will have a son. You will name him Jesus, and he will save his people from their sins.

Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:19-21

This period in Mary’s life was full of tests and trials. Instead of pitying herself, she rose to the challenge set before her. She embraced the will of God and put each foot forward as she walked into an unknown future. As unfamiliar prophetic words were spoken over her, she took it all in stride and remained faithful to the call of God, her heavenly Father. She did not know the trials that lay before her throughout her life. Perhaps she knew the veiled prophecies of the Promised Messiah, but were they truly clear in their meaning? Most likely not. But she walked in faith that God would lead her into each tomorrow as the mother of this holy child.

She visited an older cousin who was also heavy with child. This cousin’s child was to be the voice in the wilderness awakening hearts and minds to prepare for the promised Messiah. The child in the cousin’s womb immediately recognized the babe in Mary’s womb and leapt for joy in his own mother’s body.

The question of Mary’s virtue, which had been suspect in the streets of her hometown, was laid to rest on the night of the babe’s birth. During the months of her pregnancy, her honor was veiled because only she and God were certain of her purity. But the angel’s celebration on that eventful night lifted the veil on any suspicions of her honor. The angels sang at the birth of her child.

Mary had much to ponder in her heart as she relived the events of the past nine months. The angel’s visit and announcement of her pregnancy. The prophecies about the babe to be born. The Roman emperor’s decree for a census. Even the shepherds who came to worship the child. How overwhelming it would be to think that you had just birthed the Savior of the world. There was much to consider in the days ahead.

Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! Luke 1:46-47

There are times when we think the events of our lives can’t get any worse. But then they do. Trials of every kind are thrown at us. And it seems as if there are seasons full of pitfalls and unexpected situations that are never ending. One incident after another seems to threaten the stability and security we thought was ours. As followers of Christ, we have a choice as to how we will face the challenges of life.

Will we continue to find joy in the God of our forefathers even when we don’t find joy in our everyday life? Do we only seek immediate gratification and fulfillment? Do we still find joy in the Lord when life changes instantly? Or, are we willing to find joy in the long obedience of following our Savior’s footsteps regardless of where those footsteps lead?

Sure. Mary’s tests at her young age were monumental, but they paled in comparison to the challenge of seeing her firstborn hanging on a Calvary cross. Did she fully understand that he would rise from the dead on the third day? Or, did she believe he was lost to her forever as his broken body was placed in the tomb?

As she stood watching her son die on that cross, did she recall the Magnificat she sang as the babe John leapt in Elizabeth’s womb? Did Mary recall the joy of being chosen to bear the Savior of the world now that his mission was being fulfilled? At what cost did she rejoice as a teenager? And did she still rejoice in the agony of seeing her son tortured and killed thirty odd years later?

Our momentary troubles can seem overwhelming and life altering. What once may have been cause for joy in our lives may have turned into a deepening sorrow as time passes. Can we still claim joy in the Lord during the passing test of time? Or, do we only declare joy when we get what we want?

Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful. For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.” Luke 1:46-55

Does He Really Get Us?

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

It looks like we have yet another conflict in the Christian world this week. If you watched the big football game last Sunday, you probably saw the commercials that have been causing controversy in the Christian community. Some Christians love the idea that “He Gets Us”, and others are as appalled by it as they are by “The Chosen”. There are always two sides to the story. Two viewpoints. Two arguments. And people who claim to love and follow the same Jesus are all up in arms because their neighbor, co-worker or family member doesn’t agree with them. 

Apparently, the aim of the ad campaign that was launched around the same time last year was to help rescue Jesus’ reputation. It seems that those who follow him have dirtied his name so much that those who don’t follow him want to help clean up his image. Because, after all, aren’t they the experts in the life and intentions of Jesus? Doesn’t it seem that the nonbelievers know exactly how believers should live and make sure to tell us when we’re getting it wrong. And apparently, the campaign needs to be continued this year so more damage control of the name of Jesus can take place. Shame on us Christians, some would say. But also. Shame on those who don’t call Jesus Lord of their life for trying to tell those who do how to be a Christian.

Some people claim the ads are done in good taste and have good intent. Others call the ads a mockery of faith. The question at hand is: Does Jesus really get us? In the ads, we see ordinary, every day people washing the feet of a lesbian, a gay man, and a woman at an abortion clinic. Would Jesus wash their feet? The first question we have to ask is why did Jesus wash his disciples feet in the first place? Was it a practice others followed, or was this just a one-time act of servanthood by Jesus?

Jesus washed the feet of his disciples because they were dirty. When walking in sandals on dirt roads, feet get dirty. It’s pretty simple. And it was typically the job of a servant to wash the dirty feet of travelers. But in this case, there was no servant. So Jesus lowered himself to do the dirty task. It was humbling for all, to say the least. Not only did he wash the feet of the eleven who ate with him, but he also washed the feet of the one he knew would betray him later that night. And he did it anyway. And with his example, he was asking his followers to be willing to serve others in any way that would honor and glorify God. Even if it was a dirty job typically performed by the lowest of people.

You can read the full story of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples in John 13:1-20.

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. Romans 3:23-24

Yes. It’s even documented that Jesus ate with sinners. He forgave the woman caught in adultery. He healed the sick and the lame. He loved the sinners as much as he loved those who made the decision to follow him. The difference between the sinners and the followers is that the followers gave up their sinful past and followed the ways of Jesus. They didn’t expect Jesus to follow and approve their old, sinful ways. They were made new by the forgiveness of their sins, and they no longer had the desire to stay in their sinful habits. Sinners haven’t given up anything to Jesus. They’re still wallowing in their sin.

The ad is right when it says that Jesus didn’t teach hate. That part is true. And he did wash the feet of his disciples the night before he was crucified. Just once. Just once in the Bible did Jesus ever wash anyone’s feet. And that night was the last night he would spend with those twelve chosen men. Jesus’ act of servanthood was a view of what was to come later that night and the next day when he laid down his life for the sins of all mankind. His death allowed our slate of sins to be wiped clean, not by foot washing but by the blood that Jesus shed on the cross. 

It didn’t make Jesus any more human or any more godly when he washed the dirty feet of the twelve. The act was a conscious effort to serve those who would go on to serve others in Jesus’ name. And, of course, we as believers must imitate Christ. He is our example. We can serve sinners in a multitude of ways without ever washing their feet, because honestly, most people don’t go around washing others’ feet. Some people may need shoes on their feet. Others may need food or clothing or a warm place to sleep. We just have to make sure that our methods of serving those who need Christ don’t enable the person to continue in their sin. Our acts of kindness mustn’t condone ungodly behavior. We must act to share the gospel message of salvation, and at times it’s through serving the basic needs of lost and hurting souls.

Supposedly, someone in the know said that he’s aware these commercials are incomplete in their messaging of the gospel of Christ. He says they’re meant to be used as conversation starters. And by all means. Let’s start the conversation.  And, let’s assume the creators of these commercials had the purest of intentions in telling these stories. But someone in the conversation needs to know biblical truth and speak it accurately. A false gospel isn’t worth sharing. It’s just false.

One other thing. Since when did it become about Jesus getting us? He knows us intimately even if we don’t return the favor. We should be getting him. He’s already paid the price for our sins. Now, we must repent of those sins and live forgiven. We should ask Jesus to save us. Not just to get us.

Prince of Peace

~ mercyfortheday ~ 2 Comments

It was her first pregnancy, but heaven knows it wouldn’t be her last. And this babe she was carrying was called the Son of the Most High. His birth had been prophesied many years earlier, but no one knew the timeline. He wasn’t expected at this particular moment in history. And Mary definitely wasn’t expecting to be expecting the Savior of the world. Ever. She just wasn’t. And neither was her future husband, Joseph. Sure. They were planning to marry and have a family, but family before marriage just wasn’t acceptable. It was unthinkable with serious consequences.

Even the mystery surrounding the conception brought division between Mary and Joseph. She knew she was a virgin. But, in the moment, she couldn’t just prove it to Joseph. And he had every right to suspect her of being unfaithful. It was a quandary of even the most modern of times. Pregnancies didn’t just happen without consummation. But this is exactly what happened. And it was difficult to explain. And even more difficult to prove.

Joseph could have had Mary put to death for this act of adultery. It took a miracle of trust and faith for Joseph to move ahead in the relationship. But he stepped forward to claim her as his wife, even when he could have stepped out of the picture. Although this child conceived supernaturally would not have his DNA, the child would be counted in the family line of David. It may not make sense to those of us on earth. But to an all-knowing, all-seeing, always present God, it doesn’t have to make sense to us in order for it to be right and true and good. God had spoken.

If Mary and Joseph knew the prophecies about Jesus, they would have known that he was to be the Prince of Peace. But in those moments of confusion and chaos, perhaps peace wasn’t their first thought. Mary. Confused about being pregnant while an unmarried virgin stood to lose her life. Joseph. His thoughts went to divorce because his betrothed was pregnant with a child not his. But as they each privately stepped back and listened to the words of the angel, the plan made perfect sense. Oh. In future days, confusion and chaos would return as their news spread to an unsuspecting world. But in their private moments, they each came to the acceptance and understanding of something far greater than themselves. Confusion and chaos could wait for another day. Today. In this quiet moment. Peace reigned in their hearts. They were at rest with God’s plan to allow them to parent this God child. They would move forward with God leading the way. There was no turning back.

You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” Luke 1:31-33

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Also. If Mary and Joseph knew the prophecies surrounding the promised Messiah, they would know that the government would rest on his shoulders. What does that even mean? Having something resting on your shoulders seems to be a very heavy burden to bear. An unbearable yoke. Yet it would be on him. How does a Prince of Peace carry a heavy burden and proclaim peace? Jesus would lay down his will and accept the authority to rule on earth as it is in heaven. He would have full responsibility of bearing the sins of all the world. He would suffer and die for the sins of all mankind. That is a heavy burden to bear for a mere mortal. But he was God Incarnate.

He would be called Wonderful Counselor. And who isn’t looking for a wonderful counselor these days? Certainly those in Bethlehem were. And yet. They didn’t know that the new baby born in an unnamed stable was their Wonderful Counselor. Little did they know that he would rule the world. The name of Mighty God points straight to God himself. Jesus would do things only God could do. And as Everlasting Father, he pointed to eternity. His wouldn’t be an earthly reign. His would be eternal.

Jesus is the originator of peace. But in a world full of chaos and confusion, peace seems to elude us. And the reason peace eludes us is because we’re not looking to the originator of peace. We’ve trying to find peace and fulfillment in things of this world. Not eternal things. And so we’re constantly on the hunt for peace. It always seems to be around the corner. But the plan for eternal peace begins with Jesus Christ. His heavy burden of dying on the old rugged cross for our sins brings the peace to each of us as we bow and repent of our sins. The peace that knows no ending does not have to be elusive. It can be eternal. If only we turn over the chaos and confusion and control of our lives to him. The peace will reign in our hearts. And we can truly call him our own personal Prince of Peace.

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27

The Waiting Years

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

Boy. He sure has waited a long time for his moment in history. And it has finally arrived. I wonder if he’s excited about it, or if he’s overwhelmed. Of course. His waiting ended because he lost his mother. That’s why his time has come. But he’s waited an entire lifetime. And he certainly has. Seventy odd years. Makes you wonder how long his reign will be. Certainly not as long as his dear mum’s. But that’s OK. It’s not for everyone to break records that don’t need broken. He has plenty of time to do what he was trained for. His moment has finally arrived.  I hope he’s up for the challenge. 

Some say his time has come and gone. Perhaps he should abdicate and pass the crown to his firstborn. Basically skip a generation. He’s already an old man. And what can an old man accomplish? That’s the question on a lot of young minds as they see older folks in the path of the young who are pushing to succeed.

So. He’s not as popular as his mum. Or his first wife. Or his firstborn son and family. After all. He did do them dirty. And everyone knows that dirty laundry stinks. So let’s chuck the Charles. They say. 

Looks like that won’t happen. He has been installed as the king of England. Even the national anthem has changed to honor him. And the changing of the guard is now the king’s guard. No longer the queen’s. Oh. The necessary changes that must occur when life hits unexpectedly. But was it unexpected? I mean. After all. She was ninety six. We did know this day would come sooner or later. And here we are.

But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Joel 2:32

There’s another man whose time had come. Oh. He didn’t have to wait seventy odd years. His years of waiting were only thirty. And like the new king of England, this king was being prepared for the role his entire life. No. He didn’t receive a red box of news everyday like the monarch of England does. And he didn’t have a public coronation. His death, however, was on public display. But for this moment, let’s consider not his death but his life.

There was a stir at the time of his birth. Angels sang and shepherds bowed to him. An infant who was helpless already had people immediately bowing to him. At eight days old, old prophets who saw him in the temple were prompted to proclaim the Messiah had been born. There was no formal publication announcing the birth of the Messiah. A star in the east guided wise men to worship and acknowledge this quiet event. Throughout his early years, he was learning Scripture in the synagogue. He observed the Jewish laws. He knew who he was even when others questioned it. He was about his Father’s business, and his mother pondered these things in her heart.

He didn’t need any earthly prodding to start his ministry. His was a natural role. And he undertook it with humility and dignity. There were those who opposed him. And oh. How they opposed him. We saw that in his death. But during his three short years of ministry, he faced opposition on every turn. He was called a liar. When he cast out demons, the Pharisees said he did it by the power of Satan. Oh. How wrong they were. He knew it. And they knew it. They lived in fear of his power. They lived in the shadow of truth.

Some dared to call him the Messiah. Others dared not speak those words aloud. But crowds swarmed him when they heard he was in their neighborhood. His words were powerful and effective. A simple yet profound message. One not easily forgotten. His message was different from anything they had ever heard. And then the miracles. Sick and lame people were brought for miles for him to heal. And he healed all who were brought to him. Others he healed from a distance.

Sure. His earthly reign was a short one. Only three years. But his life and teachings still survive today. He hasn’t been forgotten. He won’t be forgotten. Oh. There are those who try to stifle his teachings. They try to silence others who share his message. But a light on a hill will always shine bright in the darkness.

Oh. There’s no comparison between these two kings. That’s not the point. The point is that we can’t get our priorities mixed up. We know which king will be faithful to us through the end of time. And really. There is no end of time. Our earthly time will end, but eternity is forever. So we must choose to live each day as if it’s our last on this earth. King Jesus will be with those who call him Lord in eternity. King Charles must choose for himself who will be Lord of his life. The same goes for each of us. Do you choose Jesus as your Lord and Savior?