Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. (Jn 21:12)
I broke fast and returned to eating meat, sweets, dairy, leavened bread and coffee. I feel alright, but certainly less energetic and heavy from overheating during this Easter feast. My desire is to return to healthy eating, paying attention to true hunger, seeking God's presence as true food and drink. But the time of fasting is over. The time of feasting is upon us. How might I feast and choose health?
After Jesus' resurrection he appeared at the tomb and later to the disciples behind their locked doors. He breathed upon them the Holy Spirit creating a new man in them each. Thomas was not there and doubted them all that Jesus was alive. So a second time Jesus appeared and showed Himself to Thomas and all those in the room. Thomas believed after seeing. "Blessed are those who believe without seeing," Jesus reminded them and us.
On the beach, after a night of unfruitful labor on the sea of Galilee, the apostles met Jesus a third time. At this meeting Jesus was not recognized at first. When He told them to cast their nets to the right side of the boat, they caught so much fish they could not pull the net aboard. When that miraculous catch occurred they knew who the stranger on the beach was. It was the Lord. They rushed to be rejoined with Him. Upon reaching the beach they saw Jesus with a fire already cooking a few fish. He told them to bring some of the fish to add to the fire. Then Jesus bid them, "Come and have breakfast."
I am reminded of their first meeting with Jesus. After John the baptizer acknowledged Jesus as the Lamb of God, the Messiah, they ran to speak to Him.
Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”
They said, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?”
“Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” (Jn 1:38-39)
And now at the end of John's account of the good news, having seen all that Jesus was doing, they are invited to feast with Jesus over breakfast. There is such rich symbolism here. There is the simplicity of the meal and yet it does satisfy. There are fish and bread reminiscent of the fish and bread enjoyed at the miraculous feeding of the 5000 (Jn 6:8-14). The fish may represent the church, 153 gathered into the new community of light and life in Jesus Christ. And the net that holds them does not break. The net may represent the proclamation of good news about God's love for the world in Jesus His only begotten. The gospel does not break. And the bread is abundant because they are in the presence of Jesus, the Bread of Life. He has the words of eternal life. His words are Life and Spirit.
This all sounds like foolish fairy tales to those outside the net, to those beyond the warmth of the fire preparing the fish for the feast. In the same way that ancients sacrificed animals and burned up the meat as a meal to gods, fish are cooked at the feast with Jesus as a pleasing meal, a sacrifice. All those within the net are dedicated to a life of sacrifice. Disciples of Jesus live sacrificially as a pleasing offering to God. Our very lives are an offering on the holy fire in a perpetual feast before the Lord of Life!
The fast is over and the feast is upon us. The darkness is over and the dawn of a new age is upon us. The reign of God is upon all who are in the gospel net and given over to the holy fire of the Spirit of Jesus. And yet fasting remains a spiritual means by which we may enjoy the feast where true food and drink is found.
"Come and have breakfast," bids our Lord. Come and break away from fasting, from living only by earthly foods and drinks and comforts. No longer deny yourselves the wonders of life in Christ by ignoring His invitation, running after the things of this world. To ignore His invitation is an empty way of life, like a night of fishing with nothing to show for your labor. But when you come to the feast, when you break fast from wandering aimlessly through this world on its meager and short term resources, you find the abundance of the kingdom of heaven in Christ.
Lord, help us to seek Your kingdom above all. Strengthen us in prayer. Feed us on Your words. Revive us with You presence. And give us open hearts to receive eternal life. Amen.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Three Things
"So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin." (Romans 7:21-25 NIV)
Well, this is the last night of the fast. I get up very early tomorrow, if I manage to sleep, and lead the Sunrise Service. I enjoy the service. Easter is my favorite holiday. So I get to enjoy it all the more by getting into the day of celebration early.
I have thought about what I have learned through this Daniel Fast during Lent and the best I can tell you is that I have become painfully aware of how much my cravings control me. I know that Life is found in Jesus Christ, but I keeping running emotionally to the comforts I enjoy instead of coming to Him in prayer.
I have discovered that I have a willing mind, a wishy washy spirit and a body that is weak. Like Paul this fast has uncovered the sinful powers at work in me. Wretched man that I am! Who will save me fome this body of death?
Thanks be to God for victory in Christ.
Paul then says, there is no condemnation for those who are under the realm of Christ. Sin no longer rules, but Christ rules. And the One who raised Jesus from the dead will give life to our weak bodies through the Spirit of Christ! I just have to remain faithful and keep open to the Spirit of Christ within me.
Easter is a day to celebrate that Jesus is alive. Christ is risen! And so all who are under His Lordship are new creations. We each are being transformed into His likeness. The more I focused on my failings and my weak fleshly attitudes, the more I despaired of any transformation. But the more I rejoiced in Christ, the more I was lighter, happier and able to enjoy the fast. My mantra was, "don't focus on what you cannot have, but on what God is offering." God is offering life everlasting through faith in Christ.
The other thing I learned was the power of community. Each week we got together to share how we were doing with the fast. One person not taking the fast gave me a book to encourage me. Often during lent the community shared thoughts that lifted my spirits and kept me engaged in the fast. We shared recipes and shopping ideas on where to get quality foods for the Daniel fast. We shared victories, difficulties and our laughter and tears. There were others who checked my blogging through the seven weeks. I suspect this group of 15 people touchEd 200 people or more as we set ourselves aside for God.
Some would say such a fast was not realistic. To deny oneself meat, dairy, coffee, bread with yeast or leavening and sweets is too extreme. I found out that eating this way was easier than I suspected. I got bored with it about the fifth week or so. I had one day where I was really struggling. I waited on the Lord to renew my strength. I blogged about it. And I found that others were struggling too, which helped me in some way to know I was not alone. I hade three persons email me offering words of encouragement and prayer.
That night I joined a group of youth studying the doctrine of the Christian faith. They were talking about the belief that Jesus rose from the dead. There were two in the group who were not yet convinced that Christianity was the truth. They struggled with it. For belief in Jesus as the risen savior of the world meant acknowledging that other faiths are not the full truth.
As I watched teen after teen witness to their faith, I felt hope. The joy of seeing a new generation of Christians sharing their faith with those seeking the truth revived me. The power of the community of Christ renewed my soul.
I finally found that the power of God was at work. Certainly He is working in each of us in ways we are not conscious, but I got a glimpse. Within the first two weeks of the fast I became aware that God was working powerfully in the lives of others around me. God was answering prayers in mighty ways. I witnessed a breakthrough in a marriage, a job opening for someone out of work, a deepened friendship with one who was simply an acquaintance, and financial funding come through for someone's dreams. God is moved to action when we set ourselves apart for Him. It's not just something in the bible people did a long time ago. Fasting can open our lives to God's power in fresh ways.
It's not that we manipulate God through fasting. I think rather that fasting awakens us to see what God is doing and becaue we are awakened, God does even more. He is moved by our heart to be His. And He delights to bless us, His children when we come to Him through prayer and fasting.
Tomorrow I break the fast with eggs and bacon. I may get sick to my stomach. I may gain back some weight. But one thing that will not change is my awareness of God's love and patience with us, the greatness of the community of believers and the power of God for those who are seeking His kingdom and righteousness.
The fast is over, but new life is ever moving forward. Christ is alive. The time for fasting is over. The time for feasting has come! Glory be to God.
Lord, thank you for your faithfulness. Keep me ever growing and ever awakening to Your goodness, glory and love. Keep me feasting on Your presence. Amen
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin." (Romans 7:21-25 NIV)
Well, this is the last night of the fast. I get up very early tomorrow, if I manage to sleep, and lead the Sunrise Service. I enjoy the service. Easter is my favorite holiday. So I get to enjoy it all the more by getting into the day of celebration early.
I have thought about what I have learned through this Daniel Fast during Lent and the best I can tell you is that I have become painfully aware of how much my cravings control me. I know that Life is found in Jesus Christ, but I keeping running emotionally to the comforts I enjoy instead of coming to Him in prayer.
I have discovered that I have a willing mind, a wishy washy spirit and a body that is weak. Like Paul this fast has uncovered the sinful powers at work in me. Wretched man that I am! Who will save me fome this body of death?
Thanks be to God for victory in Christ.
Paul then says, there is no condemnation for those who are under the realm of Christ. Sin no longer rules, but Christ rules. And the One who raised Jesus from the dead will give life to our weak bodies through the Spirit of Christ! I just have to remain faithful and keep open to the Spirit of Christ within me.
Easter is a day to celebrate that Jesus is alive. Christ is risen! And so all who are under His Lordship are new creations. We each are being transformed into His likeness. The more I focused on my failings and my weak fleshly attitudes, the more I despaired of any transformation. But the more I rejoiced in Christ, the more I was lighter, happier and able to enjoy the fast. My mantra was, "don't focus on what you cannot have, but on what God is offering." God is offering life everlasting through faith in Christ.
The other thing I learned was the power of community. Each week we got together to share how we were doing with the fast. One person not taking the fast gave me a book to encourage me. Often during lent the community shared thoughts that lifted my spirits and kept me engaged in the fast. We shared recipes and shopping ideas on where to get quality foods for the Daniel fast. We shared victories, difficulties and our laughter and tears. There were others who checked my blogging through the seven weeks. I suspect this group of 15 people touchEd 200 people or more as we set ourselves aside for God.
Some would say such a fast was not realistic. To deny oneself meat, dairy, coffee, bread with yeast or leavening and sweets is too extreme. I found out that eating this way was easier than I suspected. I got bored with it about the fifth week or so. I had one day where I was really struggling. I waited on the Lord to renew my strength. I blogged about it. And I found that others were struggling too, which helped me in some way to know I was not alone. I hade three persons email me offering words of encouragement and prayer.
That night I joined a group of youth studying the doctrine of the Christian faith. They were talking about the belief that Jesus rose from the dead. There were two in the group who were not yet convinced that Christianity was the truth. They struggled with it. For belief in Jesus as the risen savior of the world meant acknowledging that other faiths are not the full truth.
As I watched teen after teen witness to their faith, I felt hope. The joy of seeing a new generation of Christians sharing their faith with those seeking the truth revived me. The power of the community of Christ renewed my soul.
I finally found that the power of God was at work. Certainly He is working in each of us in ways we are not conscious, but I got a glimpse. Within the first two weeks of the fast I became aware that God was working powerfully in the lives of others around me. God was answering prayers in mighty ways. I witnessed a breakthrough in a marriage, a job opening for someone out of work, a deepened friendship with one who was simply an acquaintance, and financial funding come through for someone's dreams. God is moved to action when we set ourselves apart for Him. It's not just something in the bible people did a long time ago. Fasting can open our lives to God's power in fresh ways.
It's not that we manipulate God through fasting. I think rather that fasting awakens us to see what God is doing and becaue we are awakened, God does even more. He is moved by our heart to be His. And He delights to bless us, His children when we come to Him through prayer and fasting.
Tomorrow I break the fast with eggs and bacon. I may get sick to my stomach. I may gain back some weight. But one thing that will not change is my awareness of God's love and patience with us, the greatness of the community of believers and the power of God for those who are seeking His kingdom and righteousness.
The fast is over, but new life is ever moving forward. Christ is alive. The time for fasting is over. The time for feasting has come! Glory be to God.
Lord, thank you for your faithfulness. Keep me ever growing and ever awakening to Your goodness, glory and love. Keep me feasting on Your presence. Amen
Friday, April 6, 2012
Banquet
"Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come." (Mat 23:1-3)
Jesus continues His confrontation with the religious gatekeepers at the temple. Mind you these men meant good. They meant to protect the people from a false Messiah. After all Jesus came out of nowhere...Nazareth in Galilee. As far as we know He had no formal training. The company He kept was suspect to the holy men of the temple. Jesus disciples were the rabble. They were poor, diseased, leprous and lame. They were sinners, prostitutes, tax collectors and thieves.
The chief priests and scribes had good reasons for confronting Jesus and the commotion around Him. They were causing a scene. Under Roman occupation where Governor Pilate executed Jews with regulatory, one must not draw attention to oneself. These men were afraid of what the Romans might do. Their security seemed precarious. If they upset the crowds by treating Jesus too harshly, a riot may break out. They feared the crowds too. It was situation that must be handled delicately.
Jesus tells his opponents another parable about a wedding banquet which of course speaks to the situation. God has announced good news. "Repent, for the kingdom of God is upon you!" But the religious leadership do not believe, nor do they see a need to repent. As those who observe the law of Moses and teach others to do the same, they see no need for confessing their sins and turning to Jesus for a fresh start with God. That is why Jesus says to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you." (Mat 21:31b)
Not until I began studying the bible during this Daniel Fast did I notice the amount of material having to do with food and dining. In this parable a man throws a big party for His son's wedding. Weddings in ancient Israel were a whole community kind of thing. Everybody turned out to enjoy the party. The foods was plenteous, provided the family had the means. The wine flowed freely. Depending on how far relatives needed to travel the festivities may last 3-4 weeks in length. To turn down an invitation was something few people would have done. These kind of parties were a rare luxury for most. I'd go to eat and enjoy the festive feel in the air. Wouldn't you?
Jesus is saying to us that God's kingdom is like a great party with lots of food, drink and joy abounding! A festive spirit is a natural thing as people gather to celebrate love at weddings. I see that Jesus' invitation to believe the good news and repent is an invitation to live in the joy and love of the Kingdom of heaven! It is something to enjoy now through the Spirit, not only after I die.
When it comes to food and drink and dancing and other festive activities, Jesus isn't really depicting heaven as a booze and gluttony fest. This isn't a pagan gathering where hedonism (pleasures of the flesh) is being celebrated. Rather, by way of analogy, our relationship with God is where true joy, real festivity occurs. There is an enduring joy in knowing Him personally and walking in His love each day. And there's no hangover. There's no eating yourself sick. There is simply life abundant in the presence of the Life!
In a few days this fast will end. Tonight is Good Friday. We remember that Jesus' passion came to its crescendo at the cross. Then all is silent. I look forward to eating myself sick on Easter. I wonder if I haven't heeded the invitation to the party God is throwing for His Son, Jesus?
Lord Jesus, in You there is life everlasting. You offer it to me freely and without price. But I give you excuses. "I have too much work to do at church. I'm too tired right now, I'd rather just veg out. Honestly my time in prayer seems to be a waste of time." Like the religious leaders of old, I too refuse to enter into the kingdom of heaven. I'm too busy with the mind numbing, body defiling things of earth. Forgive me. Clothe me in Your Spirit that I may be properly fit for the party of all time. Amen
Jesus continues His confrontation with the religious gatekeepers at the temple. Mind you these men meant good. They meant to protect the people from a false Messiah. After all Jesus came out of nowhere...Nazareth in Galilee. As far as we know He had no formal training. The company He kept was suspect to the holy men of the temple. Jesus disciples were the rabble. They were poor, diseased, leprous and lame. They were sinners, prostitutes, tax collectors and thieves.
The chief priests and scribes had good reasons for confronting Jesus and the commotion around Him. They were causing a scene. Under Roman occupation where Governor Pilate executed Jews with regulatory, one must not draw attention to oneself. These men were afraid of what the Romans might do. Their security seemed precarious. If they upset the crowds by treating Jesus too harshly, a riot may break out. They feared the crowds too. It was situation that must be handled delicately.
Jesus tells his opponents another parable about a wedding banquet which of course speaks to the situation. God has announced good news. "Repent, for the kingdom of God is upon you!" But the religious leadership do not believe, nor do they see a need to repent. As those who observe the law of Moses and teach others to do the same, they see no need for confessing their sins and turning to Jesus for a fresh start with God. That is why Jesus says to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you." (Mat 21:31b)
Not until I began studying the bible during this Daniel Fast did I notice the amount of material having to do with food and dining. In this parable a man throws a big party for His son's wedding. Weddings in ancient Israel were a whole community kind of thing. Everybody turned out to enjoy the party. The foods was plenteous, provided the family had the means. The wine flowed freely. Depending on how far relatives needed to travel the festivities may last 3-4 weeks in length. To turn down an invitation was something few people would have done. These kind of parties were a rare luxury for most. I'd go to eat and enjoy the festive feel in the air. Wouldn't you?
Jesus is saying to us that God's kingdom is like a great party with lots of food, drink and joy abounding! A festive spirit is a natural thing as people gather to celebrate love at weddings. I see that Jesus' invitation to believe the good news and repent is an invitation to live in the joy and love of the Kingdom of heaven! It is something to enjoy now through the Spirit, not only after I die.
When it comes to food and drink and dancing and other festive activities, Jesus isn't really depicting heaven as a booze and gluttony fest. This isn't a pagan gathering where hedonism (pleasures of the flesh) is being celebrated. Rather, by way of analogy, our relationship with God is where true joy, real festivity occurs. There is an enduring joy in knowing Him personally and walking in His love each day. And there's no hangover. There's no eating yourself sick. There is simply life abundant in the presence of the Life!
In a few days this fast will end. Tonight is Good Friday. We remember that Jesus' passion came to its crescendo at the cross. Then all is silent. I look forward to eating myself sick on Easter. I wonder if I haven't heeded the invitation to the party God is throwing for His Son, Jesus?
Lord Jesus, in You there is life everlasting. You offer it to me freely and without price. But I give you excuses. "I have too much work to do at church. I'm too tired right now, I'd rather just veg out. Honestly my time in prayer seems to be a waste of time." Like the religious leaders of old, I too refuse to enter into the kingdom of heaven. I'm too busy with the mind numbing, body defiling things of earth. Forgive me. Clothe me in Your Spirit that I may be properly fit for the party of all time. Amen
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Figs, Fruit and Accountability
"Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. 19 Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered." (Mat 21:18-19)
This odd little occurrence that makes Matthew's record about Jesus seems hardly like good news. Jesus cursed a tree and it withered and died. The way Matthew rememebrs Jesus using this event is to teach about the power of faith. Jesus told the disciple if they have faith they can tell a mountain to move and it will. He ends by saying, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." (Mat 21:22)
Whether Jesus meant what he said literally is debated by commentators. I tend to think he used the prophet's oratory device known as hyperbole. He overstated things to make an impact. It would be like when we say, "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse." Regardless Jesus meant for his students to know that faith without doubting results in mighty prayers. Wonders and signs of God's reign, of His divine power at work, happen when we have faith and pray without doubting.
I don't often have doubts in God's abilities when I pray. I tend to doubt that my requests fit within His plans for a particular person. At the bedside of a person dying of cancer, I pray for healing and help. I sometimes doubt that God will do it. He may find their lives best suited for heaven than earth at that point. But I pray knowing that God can do it. I don't know if that practical common sense approach is doubt that impedes God's hand or not. I doubt it. (pun intended) Perhaps my prayers would be more fruitful and my life in Christ more pleasing to Him if I prayed without the common sense.
Jesus cursed the fig tree because it wasn't bearing fruit. He was hungry and came expectantly to the fig tree to eat of its fruit. The disappointment and following curse has nothing to do with the tree, I suspect. It has to do with an unfruitful religious system in Jerusalem. The fig tree incident points to the following section of encounters with common sense thinking Pharisees and Sadducees and Herodians, chief priests and teachers of the law, scribes, etc. They cannot accept Jesus as Messiah. They did not accept John the Baptist and they do not accept Jesus. They question His authority. They try and discredit Him publicly by asking tricky questions. Jesus outfoxes their sly schemes and tells a few parables depicting the situation. One is about a vineyard owner.
The owner of the vineyard (God) put servants in charge (Israel) while he is away to another country. He sends representatives (prophets) to collect on the harvest, but the people entrusted with the vineyard beat and abuse them, even kill them. So the owner sends His son (Jesus Messiah) thinking surely they would treat him with respect and give an accounting for the harvest. But they killed the son as well. This parable of course is a little history lesson on Israel. They persecuted the prophets and soon they will kill Jesus.
As I continue this Daniel Fast during Holy Week, I remember Jesus and His suffering. My sufferings are nothing compared to His. I wonder if my life is fruitful. I wonder if the Master will be pleased when He comes to bring me to account for all that's been entrusted to me? Might this fast teach me to live with less so I can give more? When is enough enough? What is practical? What moves mountains?
Lord, when You come to me looking for fruit, may I be found pleasing in Your eyes. I know You hunger for works that brings glory to God and blesses others. Enable me to grow. Prune me that I might be even more fruitful. Keep my eyes fixed on You and Your command to believe and love. Amen
This odd little occurrence that makes Matthew's record about Jesus seems hardly like good news. Jesus cursed a tree and it withered and died. The way Matthew rememebrs Jesus using this event is to teach about the power of faith. Jesus told the disciple if they have faith they can tell a mountain to move and it will. He ends by saying, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." (Mat 21:22)
Whether Jesus meant what he said literally is debated by commentators. I tend to think he used the prophet's oratory device known as hyperbole. He overstated things to make an impact. It would be like when we say, "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse." Regardless Jesus meant for his students to know that faith without doubting results in mighty prayers. Wonders and signs of God's reign, of His divine power at work, happen when we have faith and pray without doubting.
I don't often have doubts in God's abilities when I pray. I tend to doubt that my requests fit within His plans for a particular person. At the bedside of a person dying of cancer, I pray for healing and help. I sometimes doubt that God will do it. He may find their lives best suited for heaven than earth at that point. But I pray knowing that God can do it. I don't know if that practical common sense approach is doubt that impedes God's hand or not. I doubt it. (pun intended) Perhaps my prayers would be more fruitful and my life in Christ more pleasing to Him if I prayed without the common sense.
Jesus cursed the fig tree because it wasn't bearing fruit. He was hungry and came expectantly to the fig tree to eat of its fruit. The disappointment and following curse has nothing to do with the tree, I suspect. It has to do with an unfruitful religious system in Jerusalem. The fig tree incident points to the following section of encounters with common sense thinking Pharisees and Sadducees and Herodians, chief priests and teachers of the law, scribes, etc. They cannot accept Jesus as Messiah. They did not accept John the Baptist and they do not accept Jesus. They question His authority. They try and discredit Him publicly by asking tricky questions. Jesus outfoxes their sly schemes and tells a few parables depicting the situation. One is about a vineyard owner.
The owner of the vineyard (God) put servants in charge (Israel) while he is away to another country. He sends representatives (prophets) to collect on the harvest, but the people entrusted with the vineyard beat and abuse them, even kill them. So the owner sends His son (Jesus Messiah) thinking surely they would treat him with respect and give an accounting for the harvest. But they killed the son as well. This parable of course is a little history lesson on Israel. They persecuted the prophets and soon they will kill Jesus.
As I continue this Daniel Fast during Holy Week, I remember Jesus and His suffering. My sufferings are nothing compared to His. I wonder if my life is fruitful. I wonder if the Master will be pleased when He comes to bring me to account for all that's been entrusted to me? Might this fast teach me to live with less so I can give more? When is enough enough? What is practical? What moves mountains?
Lord, when You come to me looking for fruit, may I be found pleasing in Your eyes. I know You hunger for works that brings glory to God and blesses others. Enable me to grow. Prune me that I might be even more fruitful. Keep my eyes fixed on You and Your command to believe and love. Amen
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Cleansing Temples
"Then Jesus went into the temple and threw out all those who were selling and buying there. He pushed over the tables used for currency exchange and the chairs of those who sold doves. He said to them, “It’s written, My house will be called a house of prayer.. But you’ve made it a hideout for crooks.” People who were blind and lame came to Jesus in the temple, and he healed them." (Mat 21:12-14)
After Jesus entered the holy city of Jerusalem to the triumphant shouting of the crowds, He entered the temple. He saw that it had a marketplace used for buying and selling animals for sacrifice. It had tables for exchanging foreign currencies into the temple shekel. The temple was a place of prayer, not profiting and haggling. He drove them out.
The New Testament uses the concept of the temple and applies it to our community of faith. The church is a holy temple built with living stones. (1Pt 2:5) And the temple metaphor is used to point to one's own body. "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." (1Co 6:19-20)
When I think of my body as a temple for the Holy One, I begin to understand the need for holy living. Holiness means to be set aside 100% for God's purposes. As I teeter between self-focused decisions and God-centered actions I realize I have some cleaning up to do. This Daniel Fast has cleansed me physically and uncovered the spiritual mess that needs attention. The unholy things (not particularly evil, but not God-centered) are things like cravings for foods outside this fast. Eating more than I need to satisfy an emotional need is something that doesn't belong in the temple.
The comedian Jim Gaffigan (http://www.jimgaffigan.com/) often talks about food in his stand up performances. He says something like, "Have you ever eaten so much it made you sick? Isn't that great? It makes me feel so...American." Of course the ridiculousness of his statements makes us laugh at a sad and pitiful truth. We have too much, too easy and it's killing us.
The Daniel Fast has made me look at a lot of stuff surrounding my life. The walls of my home are cluttered with books, DVDs, CDs, VHS Cassettes. In the basement I have drawers and boxes full of Vinyl LPs and audio Cassettes. I even went through a period with the mini disc which never caught on here in the states. And on my iPod is 18,000 tracks and growing. I am an entertainment junkie. Might the Lord take a look inside His temple and see a need for cleansing? Would He drive out that which does not belong in His holy dwelling?
I remember a meditation once where Jesus was invited to come into a man's house, a metaphor for his heart. Jesus wanted a tour of the place. The man showed Him what he had tidied up visitors: the living room and the dining room and the kitchen and the main bathroom. He wanted to see the family room. It wasn't ready. The man needed to hide the ashtrays and empty beer cans and coke bottles, and clean the snack foods that had fallen under the coach cushions. Jesus looked and the man felt His sadness. He asked to see the bedroom. The man scurried to make his bed. If Jesus was going to live in the man's house, He needed to know it was clean. He hadn't swept up the dust bunnies in months. Jesus wanted to look at my computer and see what files the man had stored and what sites he visits on the internet. The man was ashamed to show Him. If he truly wanted Jesus to live in him and be his Lord, this was non-negotiable. And finally Jesus asked to see the closets. The man felt he could not let Him in there. But Jesus insisted. If He was going to make the man holy as He is holy, he had to freely give Him access to all of his interior home. There Jesus found bitter resentments, brokenness, sadness, rage, childhood fear and phobias and nervous habits.
Jesus turned to face the man. The man was mortified. He felt paralyzed, vulnerable and ashamed. He expected to hear Jesus say, "I cannot live here with You." Instead He placed His gentle hands on him, lifted his gaze to meet His loving eyes and said, "Are You ready to start cleaning up this place? I'll help. What shall we tackle first?"
Lord Jesus, Thank You for loving me enough to cleanse my heart. I open my heart to You. Make it Your temple, Your holy dwelling. And keep me vigilant to keep it that way. Amen
After Jesus entered the holy city of Jerusalem to the triumphant shouting of the crowds, He entered the temple. He saw that it had a marketplace used for buying and selling animals for sacrifice. It had tables for exchanging foreign currencies into the temple shekel. The temple was a place of prayer, not profiting and haggling. He drove them out.
The New Testament uses the concept of the temple and applies it to our community of faith. The church is a holy temple built with living stones. (1Pt 2:5) And the temple metaphor is used to point to one's own body. "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." (1Co 6:19-20)
When I think of my body as a temple for the Holy One, I begin to understand the need for holy living. Holiness means to be set aside 100% for God's purposes. As I teeter between self-focused decisions and God-centered actions I realize I have some cleaning up to do. This Daniel Fast has cleansed me physically and uncovered the spiritual mess that needs attention. The unholy things (not particularly evil, but not God-centered) are things like cravings for foods outside this fast. Eating more than I need to satisfy an emotional need is something that doesn't belong in the temple.
The comedian Jim Gaffigan (http://www.jimgaffigan.com/) often talks about food in his stand up performances. He says something like, "Have you ever eaten so much it made you sick? Isn't that great? It makes me feel so...American." Of course the ridiculousness of his statements makes us laugh at a sad and pitiful truth. We have too much, too easy and it's killing us.
The Daniel Fast has made me look at a lot of stuff surrounding my life. The walls of my home are cluttered with books, DVDs, CDs, VHS Cassettes. In the basement I have drawers and boxes full of Vinyl LPs and audio Cassettes. I even went through a period with the mini disc which never caught on here in the states. And on my iPod is 18,000 tracks and growing. I am an entertainment junkie. Might the Lord take a look inside His temple and see a need for cleansing? Would He drive out that which does not belong in His holy dwelling?
I remember a meditation once where Jesus was invited to come into a man's house, a metaphor for his heart. Jesus wanted a tour of the place. The man showed Him what he had tidied up visitors: the living room and the dining room and the kitchen and the main bathroom. He wanted to see the family room. It wasn't ready. The man needed to hide the ashtrays and empty beer cans and coke bottles, and clean the snack foods that had fallen under the coach cushions. Jesus looked and the man felt His sadness. He asked to see the bedroom. The man scurried to make his bed. If Jesus was going to live in the man's house, He needed to know it was clean. He hadn't swept up the dust bunnies in months. Jesus wanted to look at my computer and see what files the man had stored and what sites he visits on the internet. The man was ashamed to show Him. If he truly wanted Jesus to live in him and be his Lord, this was non-negotiable. And finally Jesus asked to see the closets. The man felt he could not let Him in there. But Jesus insisted. If He was going to make the man holy as He is holy, he had to freely give Him access to all of his interior home. There Jesus found bitter resentments, brokenness, sadness, rage, childhood fear and phobias and nervous habits.
Jesus turned to face the man. The man was mortified. He felt paralyzed, vulnerable and ashamed. He expected to hear Jesus say, "I cannot live here with You." Instead He placed His gentle hands on him, lifted his gaze to meet His loving eyes and said, "Are You ready to start cleaning up this place? I'll help. What shall we tackle first?"
Lord Jesus, Thank You for loving me enough to cleanse my heart. I open my heart to You. Make it Your temple, Your holy dwelling. And keep me vigilant to keep it that way. Amen
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Opression
"And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles." (Mat 5:40-41)
Apparently it was the custom of the Roman government to give their military the authority to force a person to carry a load for no more than a mile. If the load needed to go further, the soldiers would commandeer another person. You may remember Simon of Cyrene being forced to carry the cross for Jesus. (Mat 27:32) Jesus taught his disciples to be the person who gives more than what is asked or commanded. As disciples of Jesus Christ we are to display an extravagant generosity. This communicates our trust in God. In Christ we have everything we need; even more than enough.
I experienced the oppression of the government yesterday in what I believe to be a bit of a racket. The county and a local junkyard have quite a business going profiting from the unfortunate who happen to be in a car accident.
 |
| AJ's accident on I-74 West on 4/2/12 |
The police arrived and got traffic moving again. The EMT's came and checked out the slight injuries to AJ and his girlfriend. Michele and I drove to the scene and got them home. The police officer asked if we were using our own wrecker. We told him we had Triple A. He complained that Triple A takes an hour. His concern was safety, being out on the interstate with fast moving traffic. I agreed to have the county haul the truck off to a junkyard. I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
The junkyard is an officially contracted police impound lot. Not only did I have to pay a wrecker fee at top dollar, I also was charged a daily fee for the truck sitting on the impound lot. You can park downtown in a parking garage all day cheaper than their fee. In addition they charged another fee to tarp the truck, something I never asked for, nor was I consulted or informed about the additional fee.
When I discovered that my fees had skyrocketed I quickly got over to the lot to see if they wished to purchase the wreck. I knew a local junk dealer would pay by the pound. If they would offer something competitive, they could have it. Instead what I found was they expected me to give them the ownership of the vehicle and call it even for the charges I owed. This was clearly an inequitable arrangement.
I made a call to another junkyard. They offered me twice what the fees totaled. When I informed the police impound of my decision to sell it to another junkyard they informed me I had to pay them an additional fee to have them move the wreck from the lot out to me. That's when I had had enough. I flat out told them they were a bunch of thieves. I was furious! They claimed that all the fees were their contracted obligation to the county and there was nothing they could do.
They made me sit and wait two hours before they got around to releasing the vehicle to the wrecker to take AJ's truck away to a competitor's junkyard. I knew they were sticking it to me for calling them on their little racket with the county government.
The driver to the wrecker who waited with me told me it's the same everywhere. He agreed the fees were unfair, that the county and the impound lot were taking advantage of people who are having enough trouble with a wrecked vehicle. He also was used to this particular lot taking a very long tome to release vehicles in their possession even after all fees had been paid. We both agreed, "They've got you over a barrel and they know it. What can you do?"
I sat in my car and prayed. I prayed for justice. I prayed that God would act to change this unfair system where the county and the junk dealer profit from others' misfortunes. I stayed angry for most of the night. Prayer did not change how I felt, except that I was sure God had heard my prayer. I leave it in His capable hands.
Things could have been different. The world is filled with injustice and unfairness. Why was I so angry at the cashier? She is only an employee of a system that profits from the disadvantaged. She did not deserve my raised voice and accusations of thievery. If only I had been centered on Christ, perhaps I might have remembered His teaching to walk the additional mile for an oppressor.
Prayer is the key to living victoriously free of the corruption of this earth. Studying the scripture puts the Word in my heart and prayer uncovers the Word and presents it to my mind when I need to be reminded. With the Daniel Fast in its seventh week you would think I'd have a better prayer life and more peace. Sad to say, I do not. There is so much more God offers that I have not yet begun to enjoy. Some days I feel like an adolescent when it comes to the things of the Spirit. Fortunately salvation is about cooperation, not my perfection. If I cooperate with the Holy One living in me, He will lead me into the perfection of Christ. I cannot will myself there. Only the Son of God can set me free. And that is what He is doing.
Father, forgive me for I know not what I do. You have heard my prayer for justice. I know You will make all things right and You will take care of me. I need not fret or worry. With You I have more than enough. I can let go of this slight, this inequity. Like the victim of thievery whose tunic was taken gave away his cloak as well, give me a generous heart in the face of oppression. You can do this work in me. Help me to cooperate with Thy Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Donkeys
“Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” (Mat 21:2-3)
Saturday I had the joy of hearing one of our lay speakers, Bob Dralle, speak. He spoke on the triumphant entry as noted above. He mentioned three kinds of people who responded to Jesus that day. The man who gave up his donkey was the first. The crowds who shouted "Hosanna" as they laid their cloaks and palm fronds on the ground for Jesus to ride over were the second group. The third group were the people of Jerusalem who were stirred with curiosity about the identity of this man being hailed with a parade fit for a king or conquering hero.
Bob mentioned that the man who gave up the donkey was giving up something major. It would be like a working family who gave up their car which they use to get to work. To give a donkey was to hamper one's ability to work and gain needed provision for the family. What would cause him to give his donkey away to two strangers?
Bob said he figured this man was the kind of guy who had spent a lot of time listening to God. He's the kind of person who each day as he begins asks, "What would You have me do today, Lord?" This kind of approach to life takes lots of practice. It takes daily attentiveness to one's relationship with God through prayer, study and meditation follwed with the appropriate actions that come from the Lord's direction.
The man met two strangers (Jesus' disciples) taking his donkey. He asked what they were doing. They replied as Jesus instructed, "The Lord needs them." The man listened to the Lord, in whom he daily gave his trust and obedience. And inside he heard God say, "It's OK. These guys work for me. Let them take the donkey." Gladly, he let them go trusting in the Lord and His work.
Bob Dralle asked us if we wanted to be like the man with the donkey. Are we ready to give it away when the Lord needs it? Self denial is a pathway to building a heart for God that can do just that.
Learning to live without, opens us to living more deeply and richly in our life with the Lifegiver. Self-denial gives this opportunity if we take advantage of it. We can practice self-denial and bemoan what we have denied ourselves and miss the prize. We can also practice self-denial and use that as a means for self-congratulations! "Hey, look what I am doing!" Jesus warned us about practicing our piety before others as a means of getting their attention and accolades. (Mat 6:16) Basically Jesus is saying if the applause of others is what you want, that is what you will get... and not much else.
Sounds kind of hollow when we think about it. We all know how quickly fame fades. Hollywood icons have to constantly keep their faces on the covers of scandal rags to keep people talking about them. Who is sleeping with who? What fight happened with this famous couple? Who's hooking up and who's getting divorced? I am fairly certain that publicists run the lives we see of the stars. They have created an art and an industry in keeping fame alive as long as possible. Without it the crowd soon forgets as they cheer for the next fad.
Jesus saw his fame fade within the week. Soon the curious crowd and the cheers of Hosanna faded and changed to mockery, insults and cries for his crucifixion.
As I continue this week, I want so much to be the guy who gave away his donkey. I say this with tears in my eyes. I really do long to be one who has practiced listening enough to hear the Lord direct my day.
Lord, help me to remember You, to seek You and to hear and obey You. I need Your grace this last week of the fast. Thank You for being faithful to aid me with Your strength all week long. Amen.
Saturday I had the joy of hearing one of our lay speakers, Bob Dralle, speak. He spoke on the triumphant entry as noted above. He mentioned three kinds of people who responded to Jesus that day. The man who gave up his donkey was the first. The crowds who shouted "Hosanna" as they laid their cloaks and palm fronds on the ground for Jesus to ride over were the second group. The third group were the people of Jerusalem who were stirred with curiosity about the identity of this man being hailed with a parade fit for a king or conquering hero.
Bob mentioned that the man who gave up the donkey was giving up something major. It would be like a working family who gave up their car which they use to get to work. To give a donkey was to hamper one's ability to work and gain needed provision for the family. What would cause him to give his donkey away to two strangers?
Bob said he figured this man was the kind of guy who had spent a lot of time listening to God. He's the kind of person who each day as he begins asks, "What would You have me do today, Lord?" This kind of approach to life takes lots of practice. It takes daily attentiveness to one's relationship with God through prayer, study and meditation follwed with the appropriate actions that come from the Lord's direction.
The man met two strangers (Jesus' disciples) taking his donkey. He asked what they were doing. They replied as Jesus instructed, "The Lord needs them." The man listened to the Lord, in whom he daily gave his trust and obedience. And inside he heard God say, "It's OK. These guys work for me. Let them take the donkey." Gladly, he let them go trusting in the Lord and His work.
Bob Dralle asked us if we wanted to be like the man with the donkey. Are we ready to give it away when the Lord needs it? Self denial is a pathway to building a heart for God that can do just that.
Learning to live without, opens us to living more deeply and richly in our life with the Lifegiver. Self-denial gives this opportunity if we take advantage of it. We can practice self-denial and bemoan what we have denied ourselves and miss the prize. We can also practice self-denial and use that as a means for self-congratulations! "Hey, look what I am doing!" Jesus warned us about practicing our piety before others as a means of getting their attention and accolades. (Mat 6:16) Basically Jesus is saying if the applause of others is what you want, that is what you will get... and not much else.
Sounds kind of hollow when we think about it. We all know how quickly fame fades. Hollywood icons have to constantly keep their faces on the covers of scandal rags to keep people talking about them. Who is sleeping with who? What fight happened with this famous couple? Who's hooking up and who's getting divorced? I am fairly certain that publicists run the lives we see of the stars. They have created an art and an industry in keeping fame alive as long as possible. Without it the crowd soon forgets as they cheer for the next fad.
Jesus saw his fame fade within the week. Soon the curious crowd and the cheers of Hosanna faded and changed to mockery, insults and cries for his crucifixion.
As I continue this week, I want so much to be the guy who gave away his donkey. I say this with tears in my eyes. I really do long to be one who has practiced listening enough to hear the Lord direct my day.
Lord, help me to remember You, to seek You and to hear and obey You. I need Your grace this last week of the fast. Thank You for being faithful to aid me with Your strength all week long. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)