For my personal Bible reading time, I have been reading Hosea. Hosea was a prophet during a time when God's people had lost focus of everything that mattered in life and death. They were increasingly becoming self-absorbed, treating others as objects and pushing relationship with God farther and farther to the unimportant margins of their lives. The situation was desperate and God was willing to take extreme measures. He told a preacher named Hosea to marry a well-know prostitute named Gomer.
Think about that a man of the cloth marrying a prostitute..not a used-to-be- prostitute, but a presently-is-prostitute! Do you think Hosea felt comfortable with that? Do you that he did not have some friends and family say, "Are you out of your mind?"
It was no small request, but Hosea did it. He married the prostitute and had children with her. Why? Because God had a point to make and he knew it would take something drastic to get his people's attention. So, he had Hosea the preacher marry Gomer prostitute to help his people see that they had been unfaithful. They had been acting like a whore, sleeping with false gods and marrying the culture's way of self-indulgence. Through Hosea and Gomer the people would receive a message that they could not miss.
I read that story and I thought, "What if God had asked me to do that? When we started Living Hope, I was single? Would I have been willing to marry a prostitute to help others know God's love?" That would be crazy!
You know what? Sometimes God is crazy! So crazy is he for his creation to live in a life-changing, loving, healing, freeing relationship with him now and forever that he is not above having preachers marry prostitutes and asking his own son to die for the sins of others. God is crazy in love with you and he will do what ever it takes to get you and me to recognize that.
Once I recognize and receive God's love for me, he then expects...commands me to do whatever it takes to help others I know come to know Him. He has not asked me or you to marry a prostitute, but he does ask us to do some crazy things at times. Crazy things like giving God credit even though it would be easier to say, "I was lucky." Telling a hurting co-worker that you will pray for him or her instead of just telling him or her that you are sorry for their struggle. Going out of your way to help someone in need before they even ask. God is crazy and he will ask us to be crazy too, when it comes to doing whatever it takes to help people know him.
For instance, what if God said cancel Sunday morning services and have church at the pool! That would be crazy! I know...so let's do it and see what God can do when his people are willing to try something crazy!
Pray with me for our church at the pool on Sunday, July 5, 7:30 PM at the Miamisburg pool. I have 7 people I am inviting. I do not know if they will come or not, but I will only find out if I invite them. And what if...as crazy as this seems...what if they do come and what if...as crazy as this sounds...A pool is where he or she finds just how crazy in love God is with them...then I would say, "Crazy is worth it!"
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
"Fix"
My drive to work each day is always a good time for me to listen. Today the cool, refreshing breeze pouring in my open windows seemed to help me to be better prepared to listen than usual. If it is OK, I think I will share with you what I heard on this morning's drive...
The thought popped in my mind that I have what some would call a "Melancholy personality." Among other positive and negative traits about such a personality, is that I tend to be more naturally prone to discouragement. Once that thought about myself came to mind, I prayed, "God, why do I have to be so prone to discouragement? Why does it have to be such a fight on some days?" Then I was just quiet and drove on...no reply seemed to come and finding myself uncomfortable with the silence, I flipped on the radio. I did not pay any attention to the music, but continued to think about this personality defect. Suddenly, one phrase of one verse of the Bible came to mind...loud and clear it came..."Fix your eyes on Jesus."
I recalled the context of those words. They come from Hebrews 12. The book of Hebrews was written to a church on the verge of being overcome by discouragement. They were tired of the persecution and the never ending threat of being jailed, humiliated, beaten, having property confiscated and even being killed for their faith. They were to the point where they were seriously starting to wonder whether or not perseverance was possible, let alone worth it.
To this discouraged church the writer of Hebrews replies with a call to courageous faith. In Hebrews 12 (after having reminded them of the heroes of their faith in chapter 11) he calls them to "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy Set before him endured the cross and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Why am I so prone to discouragement? May be it has less to do with my personality as it does with where I fix my eyes. There are a lot of things we can fix our eyes on that will give us reason to lose heart.
Fix your eyes on one's circumstances and often you will find reason to be discouraged. Fix your eyes on other people and they will let you down. Fix your eyes on yourself and...well...no good comes of that. Fix your eyes on your problems and you'll certainly be depressed. Fix your eyes on your past and you may very well become oppressed. Fix your eyes on anything else and eventually discouragement will step up and introduce itself.
But Hebrews 12 steps up and says, "Let us"...that's an invitation and an invitation requires a choice...will I or will I not? It's up to me and its up to you...will we "let"? Let what? "Fix our eyes"...to fix is to set, to stare, to allow all our focus to be...will I let my eyes be fixed on what? Jesus...no vague, ambiguous, Sunday school picture of Jesus, but will I fix my eyes on Jesus who is the author and perfecter of my faith? In what way is Jesus the author and perfecter? The next line fills in the details..."Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men..." Let us fix our yes on Jesus on the cross...he's bleeding, he's hurting, he's struggling for every breath, he's dying, he's dead, he in the tomb, he's fighting all of hell, he's moving, he's doing the impossible, he's breathing, he's living, he's rising, he's reigning...consider him!
"Fix your eyes on Jesus" is my breath prayer today. By God's grace, all day long, I will periodically breathe this prayer and do what it says. As I do, what should I expect? The promise of this verse is what I expect..."so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Any body feel weary? Any body losing heart? "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus..."
The thought popped in my mind that I have what some would call a "Melancholy personality." Among other positive and negative traits about such a personality, is that I tend to be more naturally prone to discouragement. Once that thought about myself came to mind, I prayed, "God, why do I have to be so prone to discouragement? Why does it have to be such a fight on some days?" Then I was just quiet and drove on...no reply seemed to come and finding myself uncomfortable with the silence, I flipped on the radio. I did not pay any attention to the music, but continued to think about this personality defect. Suddenly, one phrase of one verse of the Bible came to mind...loud and clear it came..."Fix your eyes on Jesus."
I recalled the context of those words. They come from Hebrews 12. The book of Hebrews was written to a church on the verge of being overcome by discouragement. They were tired of the persecution and the never ending threat of being jailed, humiliated, beaten, having property confiscated and even being killed for their faith. They were to the point where they were seriously starting to wonder whether or not perseverance was possible, let alone worth it.
To this discouraged church the writer of Hebrews replies with a call to courageous faith. In Hebrews 12 (after having reminded them of the heroes of their faith in chapter 11) he calls them to "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy Set before him endured the cross and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Why am I so prone to discouragement? May be it has less to do with my personality as it does with where I fix my eyes. There are a lot of things we can fix our eyes on that will give us reason to lose heart.
Fix your eyes on one's circumstances and often you will find reason to be discouraged. Fix your eyes on other people and they will let you down. Fix your eyes on yourself and...well...no good comes of that. Fix your eyes on your problems and you'll certainly be depressed. Fix your eyes on your past and you may very well become oppressed. Fix your eyes on anything else and eventually discouragement will step up and introduce itself.
But Hebrews 12 steps up and says, "Let us"...that's an invitation and an invitation requires a choice...will I or will I not? It's up to me and its up to you...will we "let"? Let what? "Fix our eyes"...to fix is to set, to stare, to allow all our focus to be...will I let my eyes be fixed on what? Jesus...no vague, ambiguous, Sunday school picture of Jesus, but will I fix my eyes on Jesus who is the author and perfecter of my faith? In what way is Jesus the author and perfecter? The next line fills in the details..."Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men..." Let us fix our yes on Jesus on the cross...he's bleeding, he's hurting, he's struggling for every breath, he's dying, he's dead, he in the tomb, he's fighting all of hell, he's moving, he's doing the impossible, he's breathing, he's living, he's rising, he's reigning...consider him!
"Fix your eyes on Jesus" is my breath prayer today. By God's grace, all day long, I will periodically breathe this prayer and do what it says. As I do, what should I expect? The promise of this verse is what I expect..."so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Any body feel weary? Any body losing heart? "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus..."
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
"What would they do for 3?"
Jesus said, "Count on it--there's more joy in heaven over one sinner's rescued life than over 99 good people in no need of rescue" Luke 15:7.
This past Sunday three people made decisions for Christ...this past church year (our church year runs from June-May each year) 86 people entered into a personal relationship with Christ. If all of heaven stops to rejoice over one, think how much wilder the party gets for more!
Everything we do and are inside the church building and outside its walls is about seeing people be found by Jesus and then celebrating like crazy when it happens! Every once in a while I need to be reminded of that. And this past Sunday did just that. Thank you to all of you who dedicated your children and were baptized. God used you and I am still celebrating with you!
This past Sunday three people made decisions for Christ...this past church year (our church year runs from June-May each year) 86 people entered into a personal relationship with Christ. If all of heaven stops to rejoice over one, think how much wilder the party gets for more!
Everything we do and are inside the church building and outside its walls is about seeing people be found by Jesus and then celebrating like crazy when it happens! Every once in a while I need to be reminded of that. And this past Sunday did just that. Thank you to all of you who dedicated your children and were baptized. God used you and I am still celebrating with you!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
"Wake Up"
I do not set my alarm clock, but I am always up on time. I have a human alarm clock named Anna. My three your old daughter wakes up ready to go every morning between 5:30-6 AM. We hear her door open, then the sound of her little running feet and the next thing we know her brown eyes are starring into ours.
On Saturday morning, I say, "Anna can't you go back to sleep?" To which she giggles, certain that I must be joking...after all the sun is up and so we should wake up too! As long as I have Anna, I don't need an alarm clock and as long as we have Jesus, his Light will shine on us no matter how dark it gets!
Ephesians 5:8-14 reads, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10and find out what pleases the Lord. 11Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
"Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."
Bible scholars believe that the end of verse 14 was an early church baptism chant. As the person would go into the water they were reminded that we are all asleep in our own selfishness and sin. But because of Jesus' death and resurrection everyone is invited to rise from that death and receive the promise, "and Christ will shine on you". That is rich promise of baptism and of our relationship with Jesus: No matter how dark it gets, you are promised Jesus, the Light, to guide, strengthen and empower you so that you his light in you will put darkness on the run!
It is always humbling for me to think about what baptism meant to the early church. In baptism they were publicly proclaiming their faith in Christ during a time and culture in which people were being killed, imprisoned, having their personal property confiscated and beaten for their faith. And yet, their faith in Christ was more valuable to them than their own well fare, which was demonstrated through baptism. Our faith ancestors truly lived as children of the light.
Of course, we also know that more Followers of Christ died for their faith in the last century than all other centuries combined. As I type these words, a brother or sister in Christ will die simply because they profess Jesus as their God. Baptism for the Church in other parts of the world today is more than symbolic, it is truly an act of full surrender to Jesus.
This Sunday as we gather for our baptism celebration, there will be no hint of fear; no worry for one's welfare. However, the meaning of baptism is no less. In baptism our personal faith is made public. It is drawing the line in the sand and saying before the whole Body of Christ, "The old is buried and through Christ a whole new creation exists." Through the act of baptism God's grace of assurance is given to us as we are minded that as long as we live for him, his light will shine on us. And the Bible says when one person turns from self to Jesus all of heaven parties.
This Sunday come ready to celebrate...come prepared to praise...come expecting God to shine on us and make himself known and be ready to wake up to something new from God. Please join me in praying and expecting for this Sunday!
On Saturday morning, I say, "Anna can't you go back to sleep?" To which she giggles, certain that I must be joking...after all the sun is up and so we should wake up too! As long as I have Anna, I don't need an alarm clock and as long as we have Jesus, his Light will shine on us no matter how dark it gets!
Ephesians 5:8-14 reads, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10and find out what pleases the Lord. 11Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
"Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."
Bible scholars believe that the end of verse 14 was an early church baptism chant. As the person would go into the water they were reminded that we are all asleep in our own selfishness and sin. But because of Jesus' death and resurrection everyone is invited to rise from that death and receive the promise, "and Christ will shine on you". That is rich promise of baptism and of our relationship with Jesus: No matter how dark it gets, you are promised Jesus, the Light, to guide, strengthen and empower you so that you his light in you will put darkness on the run!
It is always humbling for me to think about what baptism meant to the early church. In baptism they were publicly proclaiming their faith in Christ during a time and culture in which people were being killed, imprisoned, having their personal property confiscated and beaten for their faith. And yet, their faith in Christ was more valuable to them than their own well fare, which was demonstrated through baptism. Our faith ancestors truly lived as children of the light.
Of course, we also know that more Followers of Christ died for their faith in the last century than all other centuries combined. As I type these words, a brother or sister in Christ will die simply because they profess Jesus as their God. Baptism for the Church in other parts of the world today is more than symbolic, it is truly an act of full surrender to Jesus.
This Sunday as we gather for our baptism celebration, there will be no hint of fear; no worry for one's welfare. However, the meaning of baptism is no less. In baptism our personal faith is made public. It is drawing the line in the sand and saying before the whole Body of Christ, "The old is buried and through Christ a whole new creation exists." Through the act of baptism God's grace of assurance is given to us as we are minded that as long as we live for him, his light will shine on us. And the Bible says when one person turns from self to Jesus all of heaven parties.
This Sunday come ready to celebrate...come prepared to praise...come expecting God to shine on us and make himself known and be ready to wake up to something new from God. Please join me in praying and expecting for this Sunday!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
"WOW!"
I just left one of the most deeply spiritual, meaningful and moving events I have been a part of since Living Hope started ten years ago. No sermon was preached and no songs were sung, but from start to finish it was it a holy moment of worship. I wish all of you could have been here because had you been I believe you would have encountered the presence of God over pizza and cake, just as I did. WOW!
What I am describing is an appreciation lunch that Food 2 Go put on for Elk Enterprize (the CHS special needs students who help run Food 2 Go). Around 20 students were bussed to Living Hope. As they came into the building most of them were friendly, but hesitant and shy. But it was not long until their glance shifted up from the floor.
Mayor Kingseed addressed the students with words of thanks and appreciation on behalf of the community for their part in ending hunger for children in our community. I was honored to offer a prayer of blessing and encouragement over the students. Then pizza and drinks were served much to the students' delight. As we walked around the tables meeting the students and staff, we all began to feel more at home with one another.
Then, for me, the whole event came to its climax as we called each student up to the applause and cheers of us all. Each made his or her way to the front of the room to be recognized. Their faces beamed and their eyes lit up as they received a Centerville-Gold Food 2 Go T-shirt and certificate with their name on it.
Then cake was served and it was over, but one thing was significantly different...they entered friendly but hesitant but they left with their heads hung high addressing us as though we were long-time friends.
Lily hugged me and said, "I can't wait to show my mom." Nathan begged his teacher to let him go in the restroom and put on his t-shirt. Patrick held up his certificate and yelled, "Look at this!" Michael was so excited I thought his feet would leave the floor as he clapped for himself. Laura said "Thank you!" An Aide said to me, "In all the years I have worked with our special needs students, I have never known them to be given an award for anything."
And as they left, I heard one more voice...it was the voice of one who was unseen but just as present as any student...I heard the still small voice of God whisper, "and that is what it is all about!" Try as I might, I cannot put to words what has just happened here around pizza and cake. All I can tell you, is that is why I am a pastor and in that moment I encountered the spirit of God as though it was the first time.
Thank you to all our leaders and helpers for Food 2 Go. You did a great job and we are excited to feed children in now six schools in Centerville next year. We are praying for the churches in Miamisburg and West Carrollton who are starting their own Food 2 Go. Thank you Living Hope Church for doing more than just saying you care and for BEING the Church. You are church that is poured out! Praise God! WOW!
What I am describing is an appreciation lunch that Food 2 Go put on for Elk Enterprize (the CHS special needs students who help run Food 2 Go). Around 20 students were bussed to Living Hope. As they came into the building most of them were friendly, but hesitant and shy. But it was not long until their glance shifted up from the floor.
Mayor Kingseed addressed the students with words of thanks and appreciation on behalf of the community for their part in ending hunger for children in our community. I was honored to offer a prayer of blessing and encouragement over the students. Then pizza and drinks were served much to the students' delight. As we walked around the tables meeting the students and staff, we all began to feel more at home with one another.
Then, for me, the whole event came to its climax as we called each student up to the applause and cheers of us all. Each made his or her way to the front of the room to be recognized. Their faces beamed and their eyes lit up as they received a Centerville-Gold Food 2 Go T-shirt and certificate with their name on it.
Then cake was served and it was over, but one thing was significantly different...they entered friendly but hesitant but they left with their heads hung high addressing us as though we were long-time friends.
Lily hugged me and said, "I can't wait to show my mom." Nathan begged his teacher to let him go in the restroom and put on his t-shirt. Patrick held up his certificate and yelled, "Look at this!" Michael was so excited I thought his feet would leave the floor as he clapped for himself. Laura said "Thank you!" An Aide said to me, "In all the years I have worked with our special needs students, I have never known them to be given an award for anything."
And as they left, I heard one more voice...it was the voice of one who was unseen but just as present as any student...I heard the still small voice of God whisper, "and that is what it is all about!" Try as I might, I cannot put to words what has just happened here around pizza and cake. All I can tell you, is that is why I am a pastor and in that moment I encountered the spirit of God as though it was the first time.
Thank you to all our leaders and helpers for Food 2 Go. You did a great job and we are excited to feed children in now six schools in Centerville next year. We are praying for the churches in Miamisburg and West Carrollton who are starting their own Food 2 Go. Thank you Living Hope Church for doing more than just saying you care and for BEING the Church. You are church that is poured out! Praise God! WOW!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
"How Far"
Last night, I visited a home that our Home Repair Team and others have been working on since last fall. It all started with Becci Pryor driving by the small house and noticing that the front window was badly cracked and broken. Each time she drove by, she felt all the more compelled to inquiry about the window. Finally, she got up the courage to knock on the stranger's door. A small woman less than 5 foot nothing answered the door. She had long silver hair and she couldn't have been much more than 90 pounds wet. Her name was Elsie.
Elise had lived there for too many years to remember and as she hesitantly introduced herself, Becci saw that Elsie's need was much greater than a new front window. Elsie's deceased husband was a "pack rat". He filled the house and the yard with his garage sale and flee market finds. There was a path from the door to the only chair which Elise has and which she uses to sit and sleep. The only heat she had was an old Kerosene heater that has turned the ceilings and walls black over the years. She cooked on a small stove outside, which was also where her refrigerator was. The font porch was severly damaged and pouring water into the house. Becci came to ask about a window and left seeing a fellow human being living in conditions that no one should and from there the journey began.
On our "Don't Go to Church, Be the Church Day," a team began the project by replacing the broken window and clearing the yard. The improvement was so noticeable that the Mayor caught wind of the transformation and stopped by along with neighbors to thank the team.
This month the project picked up a gain by removing the porch that was leaking into the house and full of mold. And then, Elise, invited us into her home (This shows hom much she has come to trust Dave and Becci. Our Home Repair team is no longer merely fixing a house they are building a relationship). Last night I watched as the team filled up the third large dumpster and a trailer of trash. Elsie no longer has to step over her deceased husbands "treasures". She will now have the space to even have a bed...after only God knows how many years, she will be able to sleep in a bed. Of course, as the trash went out, it uncovered more work to be done... the floor in desperate need of repair, walls need to be redone and the ceiling needs to be patched.
How far do we go, "Becci asked me?" In a project like this, that is no small question to ask. For now, we decided we would clean out the main living area and not even open the door to the two bedrooms which are filled with items from floor to ceiling. Instead, now that a good relationship has been built with Elise we'll see what she can afford and what she wants to do about making the main living area, clean and livable.
When I met Elsie last night, I saw a little, elderly lady with a bright smile and a good sense of humor. It would be easy to look at Elise and assume we have the right to judge her for the condition of her home, but I guess the more you follow Jesus the more you realize that the right to judge is something you and I are called upon to release to Jesus. After all, I can look at Elise and assume what and why, but only Jesus can look at Elise and know what and why. Instead of judging, I greatly respect our Home Repair Team's decision to see a need and go far!
How far do you go, Becci? I guess as far as your team will help you? How far do we go to help others see, touch, and hear the love of Jesus where they live? I think Jesus summed it up best..."If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles."
To learn more about how you can go the extra mile for Elise contact Becci Pryor at BBCOVEFARM@msn.com and thank you to all of you who already have!
Elise had lived there for too many years to remember and as she hesitantly introduced herself, Becci saw that Elsie's need was much greater than a new front window. Elsie's deceased husband was a "pack rat". He filled the house and the yard with his garage sale and flee market finds. There was a path from the door to the only chair which Elise has and which she uses to sit and sleep. The only heat she had was an old Kerosene heater that has turned the ceilings and walls black over the years. She cooked on a small stove outside, which was also where her refrigerator was. The font porch was severly damaged and pouring water into the house. Becci came to ask about a window and left seeing a fellow human being living in conditions that no one should and from there the journey began.
On our "Don't Go to Church, Be the Church Day," a team began the project by replacing the broken window and clearing the yard. The improvement was so noticeable that the Mayor caught wind of the transformation and stopped by along with neighbors to thank the team.
This month the project picked up a gain by removing the porch that was leaking into the house and full of mold. And then, Elise, invited us into her home (This shows hom much she has come to trust Dave and Becci. Our Home Repair team is no longer merely fixing a house they are building a relationship). Last night I watched as the team filled up the third large dumpster and a trailer of trash. Elsie no longer has to step over her deceased husbands "treasures". She will now have the space to even have a bed...after only God knows how many years, she will be able to sleep in a bed. Of course, as the trash went out, it uncovered more work to be done... the floor in desperate need of repair, walls need to be redone and the ceiling needs to be patched.
How far do we go, "Becci asked me?" In a project like this, that is no small question to ask. For now, we decided we would clean out the main living area and not even open the door to the two bedrooms which are filled with items from floor to ceiling. Instead, now that a good relationship has been built with Elise we'll see what she can afford and what she wants to do about making the main living area, clean and livable.
When I met Elsie last night, I saw a little, elderly lady with a bright smile and a good sense of humor. It would be easy to look at Elise and assume we have the right to judge her for the condition of her home, but I guess the more you follow Jesus the more you realize that the right to judge is something you and I are called upon to release to Jesus. After all, I can look at Elise and assume what and why, but only Jesus can look at Elise and know what and why. Instead of judging, I greatly respect our Home Repair Team's decision to see a need and go far!
How far do you go, Becci? I guess as far as your team will help you? How far do we go to help others see, touch, and hear the love of Jesus where they live? I think Jesus summed it up best..."If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles."
To learn more about how you can go the extra mile for Elise contact Becci Pryor at BBCOVEFARM@msn.com and thank you to all of you who already have!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
"The Other Side"
Luke 8:
22One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. 23As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
24The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!"
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25"Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples.
In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."
The Sea (Lake of Galilee) is a very moody body of water that can be given over to quick and fierce storms. For instance, in the 1990's it produced 5-7 foot waves...that is huge for the small body of water it is. One day Jesus and his disciples were crossing the lake and storm like that broke loose. Even though the waves tossed the little boat all around Jesus slept. Finally, the disciples wake him up saying, "Do something or we are all going to die!" Jesus wakes up, asks them where their faith is and calms the storm.
I relate to the disciples. How about you? The storms of life come and I react..."O, no...What are we going to do? What if the worst happens? We're all going to die!" Panic, worry, fear, stress, irritability...these are familiar emotions when our little boat is being mercilessly tossed to and fro.
And then, there is Jesus...sleeping...(ever feel like Jesus is sleeping when he should be doing something? ...Me too). Jesus is sleeping...why? Because he knew what he told the disciples, but they forgot. What did Jesus tell them before they boarded the boat? Look at verse 22 again...One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake."
Did you catch that? That is why Jesus slept in the storm and that is why the disciples did not have to panic. Why is that? Because Jesus told them before they left that they were going to go to the other side. Before they set sail Jesus confirmed that they would arrive at the other side. The storm did not change the promise of God...storm or no storm Jesus said they were going to the other side and that meant they were going to the other side.
However, the disciples forgot that. When the storm came all they could see were 7 foot waves, dark clouds and them sinking to the bottom of the sea. And so they panic and in turn Jesus asks, "Where is your faith?" He had told them they were going to the other side. Why did they trust the threat of the storm more than the promise of his word? May be that is a good question for you and me? Why do we trust the storms of life more than the promise of God's word that says, "Storm or no storm with him we will always get to the other side." It does not mean bad things won't happen. It just means that we have God's promise that if we follow him then no matter what happens some way and some how he will get us to the other side.
The next time you find your self struggling in the midst of a storm, even though it is difficult, ask God to help you remember what he said before you set sail, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." Jesus would not have told you he was going to take you to the other side if he did not intend to fulfill his promise.
22One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. 23As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
24The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!"
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25"Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples.
In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."
The Sea (Lake of Galilee) is a very moody body of water that can be given over to quick and fierce storms. For instance, in the 1990's it produced 5-7 foot waves...that is huge for the small body of water it is. One day Jesus and his disciples were crossing the lake and storm like that broke loose. Even though the waves tossed the little boat all around Jesus slept. Finally, the disciples wake him up saying, "Do something or we are all going to die!" Jesus wakes up, asks them where their faith is and calms the storm.
I relate to the disciples. How about you? The storms of life come and I react..."O, no...What are we going to do? What if the worst happens? We're all going to die!" Panic, worry, fear, stress, irritability...these are familiar emotions when our little boat is being mercilessly tossed to and fro.
And then, there is Jesus...sleeping...(ever feel like Jesus is sleeping when he should be doing something? ...Me too). Jesus is sleeping...why? Because he knew what he told the disciples, but they forgot. What did Jesus tell them before they boarded the boat? Look at verse 22 again...One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake."
Did you catch that? That is why Jesus slept in the storm and that is why the disciples did not have to panic. Why is that? Because Jesus told them before they left that they were going to go to the other side. Before they set sail Jesus confirmed that they would arrive at the other side. The storm did not change the promise of God...storm or no storm Jesus said they were going to the other side and that meant they were going to the other side.
However, the disciples forgot that. When the storm came all they could see were 7 foot waves, dark clouds and them sinking to the bottom of the sea. And so they panic and in turn Jesus asks, "Where is your faith?" He had told them they were going to the other side. Why did they trust the threat of the storm more than the promise of his word? May be that is a good question for you and me? Why do we trust the storms of life more than the promise of God's word that says, "Storm or no storm with him we will always get to the other side." It does not mean bad things won't happen. It just means that we have God's promise that if we follow him then no matter what happens some way and some how he will get us to the other side.
The next time you find your self struggling in the midst of a storm, even though it is difficult, ask God to help you remember what he said before you set sail, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." Jesus would not have told you he was going to take you to the other side if he did not intend to fulfill his promise.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)