Deeper water and new wine

Jesus calls his disciples to deeper water, different people and new wine. The greatest efforts of men are no match for the supernatural power of God. Peter complained that they had tried all night, but at Jesus’ bidding he would lower the nets once again, but this time into deeper water (Luk 5:4-5). Jesus is calling us to something different than the established, institutional way of doing things. He would have us among people with whom the church is uncomfortable (Luk 5:31-32). He wants us to try something new, rather than sticking with what is familiar and comfortable (Luk 5:37-39). Lord of the catch, show me where to cast my net.

Still following by faith

I’ve been a Christian for 32 years, but I find that I need the ministry of Jesus as much as I ever did. I am a poor man in need of good news. I am a captive who needs to be released. I am a blind man in need of sight. (Luk 4:18-19) One would think that at some point following Jesus would get easier but it doesn’t. He constantly bids us to leave our nets, follow him, and fish for men (Mar 1:17). Faith is a muscle that atrophies with disuse. Jesus is constantly bidding us to exercise faith and continue to follow him into unknown territory.

Carry the wind

Sometimes we attempt to package the gospel into a neat little message or three easy steps. We can’t control the gospel anymore than we can catch the wind. Jesus said that the Spirit is like the wind. We don’t understand Him, we just feel Him. We see the results of His work, but we can’t control Him. (Joh 3:8). How then do we carry the wind to those who desperately need Him? We, the windblown, relate to people. We love them. We serve them. We talk to them like Jesus did. We are witnesses to the affects of the wind in our lives. The Spirit may or may not blow on their lives. The wind blows where it wishes, not where we wish.

Where the Spirit leads

It was the Holy Spirit who led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted (Mar 1:12). Sometimes we mistakenly believe that God would never subject us to trial and temptation. We think that any trouble is the Devil’s doing, or our own. The Spirit led Jesus into trials that prepared Him for ministry. The Father required His ultimate sacrifice. How any follower of Christ could be surprised by suffering is beyond me.

Churchianity is chaff

John the Baptist called people into a true relationship with the Lord that was demonstrated by their actions. This relationship was not based on heritage (Mar 1:9). It was not based on religion either, for John himself went to the wilderness, not the temple. The fruit of this genuine relationship with God was very practical and simple (Luk 3:11-14). His advice was like Micah’s; do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with your God (Mic 6:8). And yet, these simple actions separate the wheat from the chaff (Mat 3:12). They prove whether you really want to know God, or you’re just going through some religious motions enjoying a false sense of security. The American Church needs a John the Baptist!

Keeping a promise

Both Mary and Zechariah cite God’s promise to Abraham while praising the Lord for the birth of Jesus (Luk 1:54-55, 72-73). God’s people understood and expected God to keep his promises. Genesis 12 was still at the forefront of their minds. They were looking for the One in whom all the families of the earth would be blessed. Even after long years of waiting, they had not re-interpreted the plan. They knew that a thousand years is like a day to the Lord and He makes all things beautiful in His time. (2Pe 3:8, Ecc 3:11)

Waiting for a miracle

I can identify with Zechariah. It had been 400 long, silent years. Things continued as the seemingly had always been. He performed his priestly duties faithfully, but it seemed that life had passed him by. Apparently the Lord was not going to act in his generation. But along came the angel Gabriel with the good news of a son (John the Baptist) even in Zecharaiah’s old age. Alas, Zechariah’s faith was all but extinguished by the time Gabriel showed up (Luk 1:18). But Zechariah’s waning faith did not prevent God from acting. Zechariah paid the small price of being temporarily mute, but God went ahead with the plan. Father, thank you that my lack of faith does not stay your mighty hand!

Bittersweet Day

Many who “long for the Day of the Lord” may be surprised to find themselves on the wrong side (Amos 5:18). Jesus said that not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” or even performs miraculous ministry will enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Mat 7:21-23). The Day of the Lord is not to be longed for. Who will endure it when He comes? It is a day terrible day of refining and bleaching (Mal 3:2). The distinction between those who endure and those who do not is not a confident assertion that they are saved and won’t be “left behind.” Rather it is the fear of the Lord. The arrogant and wicked will be burned up, but for those who fear His name the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in His wings (Mal 4:1-2). Do you fear Him enough to give your life in his service, humbly anticipating the accounting He will demand?

Refusing rank’s privileges

Nehemiah was a selfless servant. He refused the customary governor’s allowance (Neh 5:14). He also worked among the people. More than that, he used his influence to bring every resource to bear on the problem (Neh 5:16). Nehemiah did not claim, “Rank has its privileges (RHIP).” Rather, he rolled up his sleeves and developed credibility with the people. Soon they followed him because of the power of his reputation. Rather than rely on the power of his position, he became a man of influence among the people. Many leaders miss this principle and fall prey to the temptation of using their position for personal gain. Lord, let me lead like Nehemiah!

The long, quiet, faithful life

Sometime when I read the Bible the characters seem larger than life and things seem to happen overnight. This morning I noticed that there were 93 years between Zerubbabel laying the foundation of the temple and Nehemiah finishing the walls of Jerusalem. Additionally, I noticed that among the Levites who returned were the gatekeepers whose job, since the days of the tabernacle, was to guard the gates (1Ch 9:23-27). They weren’t Zerubbabels, Ezras or Nehemiahs. They were just gatekeepers doing their job. The New Testament tells us to make it our ambition to lead a quiet life, tending to our own business and the work of our hands (1Thes 4:11). We’re not all called to set the world on fire in a week. Some of us are called to live long faithful lives where the changes are incremental.

Slaves in the land of plenty

After reviewing their long and sordid history the returned exiles determined that they had become “slaves in the land of plenty.” (Neh 9:36) They used the blessings God gave them to pursue other gods. Ultimately, they lost their freedom and their blessings. We too are “slaves in the land of plenty.” We are enslaved to the very gifts God gave us. We’ve turned our liberty into license, our prosperity into materialism. We have become so addicted to luxury and comfort that we have indebted ourselves to our enemies for a few more years of ease (Pro 22:7). We have not fared well with the trial of riches (Jam 1:10-12).

The well of strength

When Ezra and the Levites read and explained the Law, the people mourned. The conviction of God’s Word can be grievous (Neh 8:3, 8). It cuts like knife to the soul (Heb 4:12). A heart that is right grieves because of sin, but it soon understands God’s grace. The priests told the Israelites not to grieve on that sacred day, for the joy of the Lord was their strength. Acknowledge your sin, but don’t dwell on it. Repent, resolve to move on and, drink deeply from spring of God’s grace and experience the joy that it brings.

A man with a mission

As Nehemiah attempted to do what God called him to do, he faced mocking and threats from outsiders (Neh 4:1, 6:2) and complaining, sin and betrayal from insiders (Neh 4:10, 5:1, 6:12). How easy it would have been for Nehemiah to quit. He had a good government job. He didn’t have to take all this grief. But he encouraged the people, made the necessary adjustments, maintained his integrity and finished the wall in fifty-two days. He plowed through the opposition to accomplish what God had called him to do. God, give me the strength and fortitude of Nehemiah!

What bothers you?

There are many examples of the leaders in the Old Testament who were deeply affected by the condition of God’s people Israel. Ezra tore his clothes, pulled his hair and sat down in “utter shock” when he heard of his people’s sin (Ezr 9:3). Nehemiah wept, fasted and prayed (Neh 1:4). More than that, both men were driven to action. Both did something about it. In fact the people told Ezra, “Get up. It’s your duty to set things straight. We’re behind you.” (Ezr 10:4). How are you affected by the state of the church? Does it break your heart? Are you moved to mourn, fast and pray? Are you moved to action?

Sensing God’s favor

I appreciate leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah because they operated in a spiritual climate much like ours. They did not hear directly from the Lord. The Scripture, their hearts and circumstances led them to their life’s work (rebuilding Jerusalem). Ezra was more mystical. He was ashamed to ask for the king’s protection and choosing to rely on God alone (Ezra 8:21-22). Nehemiah was practical. He asked the king for protection (Neh 2:9). Either tact seems to be acceptable. What confirmed these men in pursuit of their calling was the sense of God’s favor (Ezra 7:9, 28). In our day we need to develop these spiritual senses to guide us into God’s will for us.

Ace in the hole

Mordechai exposed an assassination plot and saved the king. The good deed went without recognition for a long time. One night the king happened to be reading the history and asked if Mordechai had ever been rewarded (Est 6:3). When he discovered that nothing had been done, he determined to reward Mordechai. Ironically, it just happened to be the very day that Haman was seeking to kill Mordechai. God had arranged an “ace in the hole” for Mordechai. If you feel unrewarded or unrecognized don’t seek reward. God will vindicate you in his time. Do the right thing. You may need that good deed in the future more than you need it now.

Costly obedience

Sometimes God calls us to do very difficult things. He asks us to put our reputation, livelihood, even our lives on the line for some issue that he is addressing. Such was the case with Esther. She risked her life approaching the king to plead for the Jews, but she had been born and groomed “for such a time as this.” (Est 4:14) Sometimes the prophets are reluctant, like Jonah, but God does not relieve them of their responsibility. If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me (Luk 9:23). Though it cost him his life, Jesus stepped up and delivered when God called him to give it all. We are called to follow Him.

The weary shepherd

The Lord had Zechariah role play to illustrate his relationship with his people. At one point, Zechariah played the weary shepherd who grows impatient with his sheep, demands his wages and leaves (Zech 11:8-12). This illustrated God’s discipline of his people, Israel. Then Zechariah played the worthless shepherd who fails to care for the sheep and takes advantage of them for personal gain (Zech 7:15-16). This illustrated the corrupt leadership of Israel, current and future. While I can identify with the weary shepherd, I pray the Lord keeps me from becoming a worthless shepherd.

Religious requirements

The returned exiles came to Zechariah with a religious question, “Should we continue to fast and mourn the destruction of the temple.” (Zech 7:3) The Lord, through Zechariah, showed them what true religion was all about. Judge fairly, show mercy, do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners or the poor.” (Zech 7:9) James picks up on that message in the New Testament when he says that pure religion is to visit orphans and widows in distress (Jam 1:27). It is not rocket science. Love your neighbor as yourself (Mat 22:39). Do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with your God (Mic 6:8).

The encouraging Spirit

It must have been a daunting task for Zerubbabel. He was attempting to rebuild the great temple of Solomon. From all accounts his efforts were indeed humble. But the Lord commanded Israel not to despise small beginnings (Zech 4:10). He promised that the wealth of the nations would once again flow to the temple in Zion (Hag 2:7). To Zerubbabel and his companions God said, “Be strong! My Spirit is with you just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. Do not be afraid.” (Hag 2:4-5) Great things don’t happen by human strength. It is not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord (Zech 4:6). As you build and rebuild your life unto the Lord, be strong and trust that His Spirit is with you.

A recipe for futility

The exiled who returned to Judah made their own business a priority. They built luxurious homes while neglecting to rebuild the temple (Hag 1:3). Since this was the case, much of their labor was in vain. The harvests were small and their wealth dissipated. No matter how hard they worked they were not satisfied (Hag 1:5-6). The key to productivity and satisfaction is to join God in his work rather than doing our own thing. Unless the Lord builds a house they labor in vain who build it (Ps 127:1).

Rebuilding

As the Jews rebuilt the temple they shouted for joy, but some wept (Ezra 3:11-12). Rebuilding is a time of joy and grief. We rejoice in a new direction but we grieve the loss of an old way of life. We recognize that we can “never go home again.” In life you must move forward; Forward through seasons of happiness, forward through times of pain. We build and rebuild until we are perfected by the Lord (2Co 3:18).

Portrait of a faithful man

Daniel is one of the few prophets on whom we find no dirt. His contemporaries tried to accuse him but had to invent a law against prayer specifically designed to trap Daniel (Dan 6:4-5). He was also a man of the Scripture. He gained insight from Jeremiah’s prophecy (Dan 9:2). After his prayer of confession, Gabriel told him that he was highly esteemed in heaven (Dan 9:23). As a result of his deep relationship with God, Daniel was given great insight into God’s plan. He was a friend of God (Joh 15:15).

The unseen king of everything

The coming Messiah King will rule everywhere eternally (Dan 7:13-14). He gives us the very breath of life and controls our destiny (Dan 5:23). To serve Him seems to be a logical decision. Serving any other is a “no-win” situation. Why is it so hard to surrender to His sovereignty? Serving Him means denying self (Luk 9:23). It is trading the temporal for the eternal; what we can see for what we can only hope for. Without faith it is impossible to please (serve) Him. For He who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him (Heb 11:6).

The day of vindication

Ezekiel’s record of the glory of Israel seems as unimaginable now as it did when he recorded it. The day is coming when Ezekiel will be proven correct and God will be glorified (Ezk 29:21). Much of what we believe as Christians seems a bit outlandish. We must be patient, trusting that God will prove the prophets and the apostles to be truthful. Preach the word, in season and out of season (2Ti 4:2).

A bright future in the Middle East

At some point in the future the glory of the Lord will return to Israel (Ezk 43:1-2) and stay there forever (Ezk 43:7). Far from being done with Israel, God has big plans for her (Jer 29:11). We have choice. We can get on board with God’s plan or we can continue to demand out own way in total disregard for the Scripture. Our future includes Jesus ruling from Zion whether we like it or not. Redefine your heavenly vision and join Jesus in his plan to bless the world through a holy Israel. Even so, come Lord Jesus.

September 3, 2011

Fragile man

Nebuchadnezzar was at the pinnacle of his power. He had the world by the tail. Nothing could bring him down, or so he thought. Something as simple as a mental illness was his undoing. He lost control for seven years because he lost his mind (Dan 4:25). How fragile we are. How many things are beyond our control. Even if you’re the most powerful human, you’re still human. He is mindful that we are but dust (Psa 103:14). If he removes our spirit we return to dust (Psa 104:29). Acknowledge your utter dependence on the Almighty, lest you learn it the hard way.

Temporary solutions and failed experiments

Only one kingdom lasts forever. History is filled with temporary solutions and failed experiments at governing man. Egypt is listed among the others thrown on the trash heap of time (Ezk 32:19). Ezekiel lists Assyria, Elam (Persia, Iran), Meshech and Tubal (Turkey?), and Edom (Jordan) among those cast into the pit. We could add to the list Babylon, Greece, Rome, the USSR etc. No nation of man lasts forever. If your faith is in a system of human government then it is misplaced. Seek first His kingdom (Mat 6:33). Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s (Mat 22:21).