Does God ever use the people we expect?
Yesterday we studied Leah's story. Leah was Jacob's first and unwanted wife. Jacob loved Rebecca best. Yet God did not show the same favoritism. The Bible says, "When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, he enabled her to conceive. Yet Rachel remained childless." (Genesis 29:31)
I am not suggesting that God was punishing Rachel. I, like Jacob (Genesis 30:2), have no idea what God was doing with Rachel. My point is focused on Leah. The LORD saw her need, had compassion on her, and gave her children. God saw Leah was unloved, so He showed her love.
Leah is an example of someone unexpected being used by God.
As we discussed Leah's story we asked if there were other examples of God using unexpected people.
Examples abound. Jacob, Moses, Deborah, Hannah, Ruth, David, etc. As we listed some of the examples, we realized that the question needed to change. Can you think of a time God used so memo we might expect?
It does not take long to realize that God never uses people or circumstances we might expect! Even Jesus was born into a simple Jewish family in humble circumstances. He was not the one we expected either.
So this gets me thinking. Which of us is someone people expect will be used by God? I assume not many of us would say we are the ones people expect will be used by God. Yet this places us in familiar territory. God uses unexpected people to achieve His purposes all the time! So how can you offer yourself to God to be used unexpectedly this week?
I invite you to share your own thoughts and stories as journey together along the way ...
Monday, October 7, 2013
Sunday, September 15, 2013
... Along the way for the week of September 15, 2013
This week I was studying the story of the Tower of Babel and was reflecting on the efforts of the people to build a tower that reaches up to heaven.
One of the thoughts that came to my mind is this ... Why do we hate the cross so much? As human beings we would rather find any other way to God than to take the way He Himself has provided, which involves a Roman cross. So why do we hate the cross?
I can think of three reasons why I have a tendency to hate the cross.
First, I have a tendency to hate the cross because it shows me how helpless I really am. At the cross I see the awfulness of my sin, and learn that all my efforts at "self" righteousness fall hopelessly short of the righteousness God requires. I have a tendency to hate being helpless, and thus I have a tendency to hate the cross.
Second, I have a tendency to hate the cross because it seems to offer an inconsistent view of God. When God's justice and mercy are revealed, to me (and my human mind) they look like hate and love. My human intellect cannot find a good reason to crucify anyone, let alone my own child. This tendency has led some commentators to call our view of substitutionary atonement nothing short of divine child abuse. If God is love, then the God who sends His Son to the cross to pay the penalty for sin seems inconsistent. Therefore, I have a tendency to hate the cross.
Finally, I have a tendency to hate the cross because it shows me that obedience to God may involve suffering. I do not like to suffer. In fact, I hate it. Yet when I survey the cross I see that Jesus was obedient to death, even death on a cross. If the cross leads to suffering, then it is one more reason for me to have a tendency to hate the cross.
Nevertheless, with all these reasons to hate the cross, I know that ultimately the cross was for me. It was my sin that Christ healed at the cross, and because of that I love Him. I do not love the cross, but I love the Lord Jesus who was willing to endure the cross and scorn its shame all for the joy set before Him. His cross leads to my crown as a child of the King. His death leads to my life, so when I survey the awful cross I realize that what was done there demands my soul, my life, my all!
So what about you? Do you have a tendency to hate the cross? If so, how do you deal with the scandal of grace that involves a Roman cross?
One of the thoughts that came to my mind is this ... Why do we hate the cross so much? As human beings we would rather find any other way to God than to take the way He Himself has provided, which involves a Roman cross. So why do we hate the cross?
I can think of three reasons why I have a tendency to hate the cross.
First, I have a tendency to hate the cross because it shows me how helpless I really am. At the cross I see the awfulness of my sin, and learn that all my efforts at "self" righteousness fall hopelessly short of the righteousness God requires. I have a tendency to hate being helpless, and thus I have a tendency to hate the cross.
Second, I have a tendency to hate the cross because it seems to offer an inconsistent view of God. When God's justice and mercy are revealed, to me (and my human mind) they look like hate and love. My human intellect cannot find a good reason to crucify anyone, let alone my own child. This tendency has led some commentators to call our view of substitutionary atonement nothing short of divine child abuse. If God is love, then the God who sends His Son to the cross to pay the penalty for sin seems inconsistent. Therefore, I have a tendency to hate the cross.
Finally, I have a tendency to hate the cross because it shows me that obedience to God may involve suffering. I do not like to suffer. In fact, I hate it. Yet when I survey the cross I see that Jesus was obedient to death, even death on a cross. If the cross leads to suffering, then it is one more reason for me to have a tendency to hate the cross.
Nevertheless, with all these reasons to hate the cross, I know that ultimately the cross was for me. It was my sin that Christ healed at the cross, and because of that I love Him. I do not love the cross, but I love the Lord Jesus who was willing to endure the cross and scorn its shame all for the joy set before Him. His cross leads to my crown as a child of the King. His death leads to my life, so when I survey the awful cross I realize that what was done there demands my soul, my life, my all!
So what about you? Do you have a tendency to hate the cross? If so, how do you deal with the scandal of grace that involves a Roman cross?
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Along the way ... for the week of September 1, 2013
I have been thinking, praying, and studying lately concerning a fully Biblical response to those who live with same-sex attraction. My heart goes out to those who live with same-sex attraction and are looking for a proper way of honoring God with their body. (see I Corinthians 6:18-20)
As I was thinking, praying, and studying this week, God led me to consider Jesus; Who He is and What He is like.
I know that Jesus is God because the Bible tells me so. (See John 1:3, 14; 8:58, Romans 9:5, etc.)
and God reveals Himself in Exodus 34:6-7 as "the LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, and abounding in love and faithfulness ..." So since Jesus is God, Jesus is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love and faithfulness ...
But Jesus was also "obedient to death - even to death on a cross" (Philippians 2:8) Jesus was obedient. He did what God said to do even when it caused him pain; even when he had to suffer. Yet Jesus remained obedient no matter what.
Therefore, as those who are called to be like Jesus, we must also be filled with compassion and grace and be slow to anger and abound in love and faithfulness, and we must be obedient; even if we have to suffer to do so.
So what does this have to do with people who struggle with same-sex attraction?
First, we who do not live with this attraction ought to be compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love toward those who do. Second, all who are called God's children through true faith in Jesus are called to obedience, even if it means we have to suffer.
Consider two other verses.
In Hebrews 4:15 we read of Jesus, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet he did not sin." So if Jesus was "tempted in every way" could we possibly imagine that Jesus felt the temptation of same-sex attraction? If He did, the Bible says He was tempted, yet He did not sin. Jesus understands. I don't understand, but He does.
Also in Romans 8:18, Paul writes, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." What "sufferings" was Paul referring to? It is quite possible that besides physical suffering for the sake of the gospel, Paul also understood the "suffering" of dealing with temptation and learning to be obedient. And it was those "present sufferings" that Paul said were not worth comparing to the "glory" to be revealed. So although we may be asked to suffer by saying "no" to temptation and being obedient, we are promised that the "glory" is not worth comparing to the "present sufferings".
I know this does not solve the issue, especially for those who live with same-sex desire, but these are some of my thoughts on the issue. And this is by no means "the last word" on the subject. I am however interested to know what you think. But please, as you comment, remember that we are called to be "compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love" just as we are called to obedience. Thank you.
As I was thinking, praying, and studying this week, God led me to consider Jesus; Who He is and What He is like.
I know that Jesus is God because the Bible tells me so. (See John 1:3, 14; 8:58, Romans 9:5, etc.)
and God reveals Himself in Exodus 34:6-7 as "the LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, and abounding in love and faithfulness ..." So since Jesus is God, Jesus is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love and faithfulness ...
But Jesus was also "obedient to death - even to death on a cross" (Philippians 2:8) Jesus was obedient. He did what God said to do even when it caused him pain; even when he had to suffer. Yet Jesus remained obedient no matter what.
Therefore, as those who are called to be like Jesus, we must also be filled with compassion and grace and be slow to anger and abound in love and faithfulness, and we must be obedient; even if we have to suffer to do so.
So what does this have to do with people who struggle with same-sex attraction?
First, we who do not live with this attraction ought to be compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love toward those who do. Second, all who are called God's children through true faith in Jesus are called to obedience, even if it means we have to suffer.
Consider two other verses.
In Hebrews 4:15 we read of Jesus, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet he did not sin." So if Jesus was "tempted in every way" could we possibly imagine that Jesus felt the temptation of same-sex attraction? If He did, the Bible says He was tempted, yet He did not sin. Jesus understands. I don't understand, but He does.
Also in Romans 8:18, Paul writes, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." What "sufferings" was Paul referring to? It is quite possible that besides physical suffering for the sake of the gospel, Paul also understood the "suffering" of dealing with temptation and learning to be obedient. And it was those "present sufferings" that Paul said were not worth comparing to the "glory" to be revealed. So although we may be asked to suffer by saying "no" to temptation and being obedient, we are promised that the "glory" is not worth comparing to the "present sufferings".
I know this does not solve the issue, especially for those who live with same-sex desire, but these are some of my thoughts on the issue. And this is by no means "the last word" on the subject. I am however interested to know what you think. But please, as you comment, remember that we are called to be "compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love" just as we are called to obedience. Thank you.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Along the Way ... for the week of August 25, 2013
"Make the picture bigger!" This was the advice I received from a commentary as I was preparing to preach and teach about what we learn from the story of creation.
The reference was to God's intention in sending His Son Jesus to earth. Colossians 1:15-20 captures the apostle Paul's attempt to "make the picture bigger!" Too often we think God's only purpose in sending His Son was to bring salvation to His people. We refer to the angel's words in Matthew 1:21, "you are to give Him the name Jesus because He will save His people from their sins." and we believe we have captured God's full intention in sending His Son to earth. However, as Paul advises, we need to "make the picture bigger"!
In Colossians 1:16, Paul reminds us that "all things" were created by and for Jesus, "things in heaven and things on earth ... all things have been created through Him and for Him." Then in verses 19-20, Paul reveals God's true purpose in sending His Son to earth, "For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross."
God's intention was reconciliation between Himself and all things; peace brought through Jesus' blood shed on the cross. Peace with God, peace between peoples, peace with all of creation; a complete restoration of everything broken and marred by sin. As "all things" were made by Him and for Him so "all things" find their reconciliation in Him! This is the good news, and the reason why we need to "make the picture bigger!"
Can you think of other things that are included in God's purpose in sending His Son Jesus? Are there specific examples of things that have been reconciled or could be reconciled because of Jesus? If so, I invite you to share them.
The reference was to God's intention in sending His Son Jesus to earth. Colossians 1:15-20 captures the apostle Paul's attempt to "make the picture bigger!" Too often we think God's only purpose in sending His Son was to bring salvation to His people. We refer to the angel's words in Matthew 1:21, "you are to give Him the name Jesus because He will save His people from their sins." and we believe we have captured God's full intention in sending His Son to earth. However, as Paul advises, we need to "make the picture bigger"!
In Colossians 1:16, Paul reminds us that "all things" were created by and for Jesus, "things in heaven and things on earth ... all things have been created through Him and for Him." Then in verses 19-20, Paul reveals God's true purpose in sending His Son to earth, "For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross."
God's intention was reconciliation between Himself and all things; peace brought through Jesus' blood shed on the cross. Peace with God, peace between peoples, peace with all of creation; a complete restoration of everything broken and marred by sin. As "all things" were made by Him and for Him so "all things" find their reconciliation in Him! This is the good news, and the reason why we need to "make the picture bigger!"
Can you think of other things that are included in God's purpose in sending His Son Jesus? Are there specific examples of things that have been reconciled or could be reconciled because of Jesus? If so, I invite you to share them.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Along the Way ... for the week of August 18, 2013
My children and I watched the movie "Man of Steel" this weekend, and we enjoyed it very much. As I have reflected on the story of Kal-el, I have noticed lots of parallels between his story and the Jesus story. Nevertheless, I have also noticed some profound differences, and it is the differences that I believe make the good news so good.
Let's begin with the similarities. Certainly, Kal-el comes from another world. He appears human, but he is not. The symbol given to Kal-el by his father to wear means hope, symbolizing that he is the hope of both Krypton and earth. Kal-el is often ridiculed, and persecuted for his righteousness as he refuses to fight back, choosing instead to "turn the other cheek". Finally, my favorite quote of the movie also captures the similarity, as Kal-el tells the general, "You cannot control me and you never will, but that does not make me your enemy." The religious leaders also desired to control Jesus, and their inability to control Him led them to believe He was their enemy as well. I am sure there are other similarities as well, but now let's move to the differences.
It is the differences that I believe reveal the goodness of the good news. Whereas, Kal-el comes from another world and appears to be human, he is not. Jesus, however, is the eternal Son of God; i.e. He does come from another world, but He is also fully and completely human. Kal-el is persecuted and bullied, but he knew his oppressors could not hurt him. Jesus bruises and bleeds. He can be hurt and actually is physically and emotionally hurt by His oppressors, yet He still refuses to fight back. And I believe that is the main difference between Jesus and Kal-el. Jesus was human. He understood our weakness, He carried our sorrows, and ultimately Jesus was able to transform them into real hope and true redemption.
The goodness of the good news is found in Jesus' humanity because only as a human is He able to change our destiny from condemnation to reconciliation so that we can live right with God for all eternity. Taking on our humanity and transforming it is what sets the Man of Sorrows apart from the Man of Steel.
What are your thoughts? I look forward to reading them.
Let's begin with the similarities. Certainly, Kal-el comes from another world. He appears human, but he is not. The symbol given to Kal-el by his father to wear means hope, symbolizing that he is the hope of both Krypton and earth. Kal-el is often ridiculed, and persecuted for his righteousness as he refuses to fight back, choosing instead to "turn the other cheek". Finally, my favorite quote of the movie also captures the similarity, as Kal-el tells the general, "You cannot control me and you never will, but that does not make me your enemy." The religious leaders also desired to control Jesus, and their inability to control Him led them to believe He was their enemy as well. I am sure there are other similarities as well, but now let's move to the differences.
It is the differences that I believe reveal the goodness of the good news. Whereas, Kal-el comes from another world and appears to be human, he is not. Jesus, however, is the eternal Son of God; i.e. He does come from another world, but He is also fully and completely human. Kal-el is persecuted and bullied, but he knew his oppressors could not hurt him. Jesus bruises and bleeds. He can be hurt and actually is physically and emotionally hurt by His oppressors, yet He still refuses to fight back. And I believe that is the main difference between Jesus and Kal-el. Jesus was human. He understood our weakness, He carried our sorrows, and ultimately Jesus was able to transform them into real hope and true redemption.
The goodness of the good news is found in Jesus' humanity because only as a human is He able to change our destiny from condemnation to reconciliation so that we can live right with God for all eternity. Taking on our humanity and transforming it is what sets the Man of Sorrows apart from the Man of Steel.
What are your thoughts? I look forward to reading them.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
May 21, 2013
I was struck recently by the description of Jesus from Isaiah 42:3
"A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out."
For me this is the heart of God displayed in the life of Jesus. It challenges me because so often we seem to believe that it is our job to point out the sins of our brothers and sisters. Although Jesus Himself said, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged." (Matthew 7:1) Too often, we find a "bruised reed" and we almost take pleasure in breaking it. In the same way, we find "a smoldering wick" and we cannot wait to snuff it out.
What is wrong with us? How have we gotten so far off track?
I recently had a conversation with a friend. She was talking about visiting a particular church and being disgusted because two women were holding hands a few rows in front of her. Her take on this was that this church must not be preaching the truth if these ladies feel comfortable there. However, I pointed out to her that maybe there was another way to look at it. What if these ladies have never met Jesus? What would be Jesus' words to them? Would he begin with condemnation, or would he first express His love and acceptance of them (not necessarily their lifestyle)?
Are we so focused on behavior that we have lost sight of people?
I believe the challenge for us is the same as it was for Jesus. The challenge is how to "identify" without losing our own "identity"? Are we secure enough in who we are in Christ to be able to interact freely (i.e. "identify") with people knowing that we can still maintain our own true "identity"? In other words, someone else's behavior does not need to dictate my own. I can truly love "sinners" (especially because I am one myself) without justifying their lifestyles, attitudes, behaviors, or ideas. I believe I can love them well, and still maintain the standards to which God has called me personally. Can you?
I invite you to share your thoughts as we journey together with Jesus along the way ...
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
May 8, 2013 - Along the way ...
It has been a few weeks since I have written. I apologize. My journeys along the way ... have been many. I have had opportunities to worship with brothers and sisters in Canada, hear stories of what God is doing around the world (particularly in West Africa among predominantly Muslim nations), and join members of the New Mexico Air National Guard in worship (both Catholic and Protestant).
It has been quite a few weeks indeed. So what has God been teaching me along the way ...
I think of Elijah on the run from Jezebel following the remarkable events on Mount Carmel (see I Kings 18:16-39). Exhausted, bewildered, and near the end of his rope, the living God appeared to Him. God told him several things, but most importantly God told him, "Yet I reserve 7,000 in Israel - all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him." (I Kings 19:18)
This is what I have seen in my journeys along the way ... God has His people. They come from many different tribes, nations, and tongues, but they are all His and remain loyal to His cause.
It is a wonderful privilege to be a part of the worldwide people of God, and may we never forget that as we journey we do not journey alone along the way ...
It has been quite a few weeks indeed. So what has God been teaching me along the way ...
I think of Elijah on the run from Jezebel following the remarkable events on Mount Carmel (see I Kings 18:16-39). Exhausted, bewildered, and near the end of his rope, the living God appeared to Him. God told him several things, but most importantly God told him, "Yet I reserve 7,000 in Israel - all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him." (I Kings 19:18)
This is what I have seen in my journeys along the way ... God has His people. They come from many different tribes, nations, and tongues, but they are all His and remain loyal to His cause.
It is a wonderful privilege to be a part of the worldwide people of God, and may we never forget that as we journey we do not journey alone along the way ...
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