Jesus

Love and Obedience

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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

When the Soul Rejoices

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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?

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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.

Mary’s Birth Story

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She was very surprised to learn she was having a baby. This pregnancy was unplanned. To say the least. She was engaged to be married. She was a virgin. So, technically, there was no way she could become pregnant. Except for one thing. An angel of God visited her. He said she would have a child. This child would be the Son of God. She was to carry and birth the Savior of the world.

Then during the final days of Mary’s pregnancy, she and Joseph left town. They traveled to Bethlehem to be counted in the census. It was roughly a seventy mile trip. Mary on the donkey. Joseph on foot. The terrain was hilly and uneven. It was rough country. The trip either went straight through Samaritan country, or down an out of the way path around the city to reach Bethlehem. The first option was dangerous and uncertain. The second route added more time to an already long trip.

On top of the uncertainties of the trip, Mary was heavily pregnant. Her time was coming due. Oh. She had no birth plan, as is the norm these days. She had never given birth. Perhaps she had been involved in midwifery for other women. Yet she was young. Perhaps she had witnessed her mother birthing younger siblings. Had her mother instructed her on what to expect in birthing a baby? Was she prepared to be completely alone with her husband who was not the father of her child? Did Joseph know what to expect when his wife was expecting?

When the couple arrived in Bethlehem, there were crowds of people. Hotel rooms were full. No vacancy anywhere. They found space in a stable where they spent time awaiting the impending birth. And her time came as they were in the distant city. She was not surrounded by women who knew her. She was not in the company of friends. She was alone with the man who was her husband but not the father of her child. She had yet to know this man intimately, yet he was to help her birth the baby.

Was it an awkward experience for both of them? Joseph was not experienced at delivering babies. Oh. He worked with his hands, but as a carpenter. His hands were rough and strong. But perhaps he was gentle as he soothed her sweaty brow. Was she in labor for hours? Was it an easy birth? Or, was this the perfect labor and delivery, because the Deliverer was being delivered? There were no robes of royalty for this newborn. Mary wrapped this infant King in strips of cloth.

Oh. There was no birthing room. No blood tests. No IV. No heartbeat monitors. No epidural. No apgar test. There were no newborn photos to share with the family. There were no footprints inked on a birth certificate. No steak dinners to celebrate the happy occasion. They were in a stable where animals were kept. Nothing was sterile about the place, yet this perfect child came to save an unsterile world.

The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel. Matthew 1:23

But the birth announcement was out of this world. Literally. As shepherds were in the fields that night, an angel burst onto the scene. He announced the birth of this baby. And then a choir of angels appeared and sang to the shepherds. They sang of his birth. Glory to God in the highest. Peace on earth. Goodwill to all men. The shepherds immediately left the fields and found the stable in Bethlehem. There they worshipped the infant King of kings and Lord of lords.

On the eighth day after his birth, Mary and Joseph took the baby to the temple where he was circumcised. He was given the name Jesus. An offering of two doves was presented that day. It was a typical day in the life of a couple christening their child.

But there were those in the temple. Two who had been waiting for this moment. They had been waiting for years. Their hearts had been stirred as he was brought in for this ceremony. They knew what only his parents knew. They confirmed that he was the Son of God. The Incarnate God in flesh. And only eight days old.

I’m sure Mary pondered this unusual announcement in her heart. She and Joseph had not shared the details of this immaculate conception with strangers. There was no need. Yet here they came. An elderly man named Simon and an elderly widowed woman named Anna. They each shared the prophecies of the birth of this One born in the royal line of David.

Everything we need to know about Mary’s birth story has been written. The information is shared throughout the Bible. The more personal and private details have been left out. Because they aren’t the focus of the story. The baby’s weight is inconsequential. The hours of labor aren’t counted. It doesn’t matter when her water broke. Or when she was fully dilated. The birth of this baby was ordained by God the Father. His birth was part of a beautiful, sacrificial plan for mankind’s salvation. No other birth story compares. The breath of eternal life is given to everyone who calls on the name of Jesus.

The God I Know

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Oh.  Heavenly Father, God and Creator of the Universe.  You knew me before I was born.  You knit me together in my mother’s womb.  You numbered my days before I breathed my first breath.  You alone decided I would be born, and you alone will decide when my days are complete.  I am fearfully and wonderfully made by You.

You alone planned my days.  You know my accomplishments.  You know my failures.  You love me in my most lovely days, and you love me when I’m less than lovely.

You go before me and you follow me.  You surround me with your presence.  You work for me.  You fight for me.  Your heavenly armies follow me.  I can never escape from your Spirit.  Your hand guides me.  Your strength supports me.  You equip me for your work.  I am never far from your thoughts.

You search me.  You know my thoughts.  You read my mind.  You hear my words.  You test me.  You know my anxious thoughts.  Yet you still love me.  You won’t turn away when I call.

You are the first and the last.  The alpha and the omega.  The beginning and the end.  You never had a beginning and you’ll never end.  You are always.  You are eternal.  You are everlasting.

Oh.  You are three in one.  God, you are the Father.  Jesus Christ, you are the Son.  Holy Spirit, you are my Guide.  All of you complete the never-ending circle of the one and only God.  There are no limits to what you can do.  You are powerful.  You are able to do anything and everything.   At any time.

You are the God of peace.  You are kind.  Compassionate.  Loving.  Generous.  You meet all my needs and provide me with blessings.  Your grace is free and undeserved.  Your mercies are new every day.

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.  Revelation 22:13

Your ways are beyond understanding. You are a good good Father. You know best.  You love unconditionally.  You love the lovely and the unlovely.  You are merciful and yet you’re just. You will repay and you will punish.  But oh.  Your blessings are unfathomable. Your love is endless.  Your grace is unearned.

You love everyone. Red and yellow, black and white. They are precious in your sight.  The lame. The blind. The sick.  The homeless.  The rich.  The poor.  The thief.  The artist.  The CEO.  The hourly worker.  You love those who are hurting. You love those who have hurt others.  You love the honest.  You love the liar.  You do not discriminate.

You allow Satan to tempt and trick your people.  You allow wars and disease and famine.  You allow untimely deaths and accidents.  Job loss.  Destruction.  Horrible crimes.  You could stop these, yet you don’t.  You allow nature to take its course.  You allow the sun to rise and set every single day.  You allow mankind to choose you or not to choose you.  You’ve given us a free will to live our lives as we see fit.  With you.  or without you.  And through it all, you love us.  No matter what we choose.

You offer forgiveness.  No questions asked.  You stand waiting for us to choose you over everything else we hold dear.  You offer eternal life.  You offer a heavenly reward.  You gave your Son.  For everyone.

Your work is never left undone. You finish everything you start.  You work thoroughly and perfectly.  You are the Master Creator, creating works of art for your pleasure and purpose.  You are the Master Carpenter, building an eternal home for those who follow your ways.

Through everything, you never change. The good. The bad. The ugly. You’re constant. You speak only the truth. You don’t lie. You keep your promises. In your own time.  Because for you a day is a thousand years and a thousand years is a day.  Time is nothing to you. Yet you created time.  In those 7 days, you created day and night.  Dark and light. Sun and moon.  Sea and land.  Food and flower.  Creature and man.

You are the final Judge.  You will have the last say about how I’ve lived my life.  You alone will decide if I am worthy to enter heaven’s gates.  Oh.  I’m unworthy.  But you alone, God, will determine my eternity.

You correct me when I’m wrong.  You counsel me when I need guidance.  You challenge me to trust you when I’m out of my comfort zone.  You carry me through the most difficult of times.

God, you are fair.  You judge and punish as you see fit.   You are impartial.  You decide who will rise and who will fall.  You allow rain to fall on the just and on the unjust.  You have enemies, but you fight cleanly and fairly.

God, you never change.  You’re always right.  You have the final say in all matters.  No one is better than you.  You alone determine the outcome of all events.  You alone are God.  You are the only God.  The one and only God.  All knees will bow to you at some unknown time.  All lips will confess you as Lord at the appointed time.

Bless your holy name.  Amen.