If I could wish for anything for you in the coming year, it would not be a wish of success, wealth, or prosperity. While I certainly hope those things will manifest in your life in 2011, my wish for you is more basic.
In many ways, our life can be likened to a large building – if the foundation is properly built, then the building should endure. On the other hand, a poorly built foundation dooms even the best of construction. Success, wealth, or prosperity can exist for a time if built on a deficient foundation. Eventually, however, the insufficient foundation will no longer support the weight of these things.
Perhaps the most basic of foundational building blocks is found in Paul’s words to the churches in Galatia. My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you… Christ formed in you – now that is my wish for you. Christ formed in you – that will fundamentally transform your life.
Christ formed in you – What can you and I expect as a result of His formation in us? If we read the Gospel accounts, we quickly discover the ramifications of Him in us. We will manifest His characteristics. We can expect the same reactions from the same types of people. As He becomes formed more fully in us, we no longer strive to be Christ-like. His formation in us transforms us from glory to glory.
As Christ is formed in us, the Word still becomes flesh. As Christ is formed in us, Emanuel, “God with us” becomes evident to the world. May Christ be more fully formed in you in the coming year!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
joy to the world
Christmastime – the time when we celebrate the intervention of God into the affairs of humanity. What a concept – God with us! Peace on earth, good will to man!
Yet 2000 years ago, the coming of Jesus into the realm of man was not met with universal joy. The book of Revelation gives a glimpse into the chaos that surrounded the coming of Jesus. …and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. Someone wasn’t happy about the arrival of the Messiah!
As the adult life of Jesus unfolds, we find that the displeasure with the presence of the Messiah wasn’t limited to the time of His birth. His interaction with the religious leaders of Israel continually provoked them to the same destructive rage that is revealed in the book of Revelation.
Why did the presence of Jesus elicit such a reaction? Might it be that His entry into the course of humanity revealed the way humanity had departed from the ways of God? His life was a stark reminder that ways of God are far different than the ways of man. His presence in the midst of those who claimed to be “the chosen of God” revealed just how far they had departed from the One they claimed to represent.
Years ago, I was part of a new church. Within a short timeframe, several people in the church heard in their spirit that Jesus was going to come and walk among us. We excitedly awaited the fulfillment of the prophetic promptings. We expected some sort of manifestation that would draw people into our meetings; what a glorious time it would be! Unfortunately we were deeply misguided in our expectations. There were no great miracles and healings. However God gave some of the leaders a deep love for those in bondage, those “in the world”. That alignment with the heart of Jesus caused a great deal of painful conflict within the church.
Years later I realized that Jesus had indeed walked among us. His presence revealed the heart of those whose desires were self-centered instead of God-centered. At the point of that revelation, they began to attack the very things in which they professed to believe.
Experience has taught me that things today are really no different than 2000 years ago. When “God with Us” manifests, the dragon still stands ready to devour the Messiah at His entrance. And just like 2000 years ago, the dragon will ultimately fail. The Messiah will come within and through us. The words of Jesus, taken from the book of Isaiah, will still come to pass.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has appointed me to preach Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the downtrodden will be freed from their oppressors, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.
In the midst of the good news of “God with Us” this Christmas season, don’t be alarmed by conflict that erupts at the coming of the Messiah.
Yet 2000 years ago, the coming of Jesus into the realm of man was not met with universal joy. The book of Revelation gives a glimpse into the chaos that surrounded the coming of Jesus. …and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. Someone wasn’t happy about the arrival of the Messiah!
As the adult life of Jesus unfolds, we find that the displeasure with the presence of the Messiah wasn’t limited to the time of His birth. His interaction with the religious leaders of Israel continually provoked them to the same destructive rage that is revealed in the book of Revelation.
Why did the presence of Jesus elicit such a reaction? Might it be that His entry into the course of humanity revealed the way humanity had departed from the ways of God? His life was a stark reminder that ways of God are far different than the ways of man. His presence in the midst of those who claimed to be “the chosen of God” revealed just how far they had departed from the One they claimed to represent.
Years ago, I was part of a new church. Within a short timeframe, several people in the church heard in their spirit that Jesus was going to come and walk among us. We excitedly awaited the fulfillment of the prophetic promptings. We expected some sort of manifestation that would draw people into our meetings; what a glorious time it would be! Unfortunately we were deeply misguided in our expectations. There were no great miracles and healings. However God gave some of the leaders a deep love for those in bondage, those “in the world”. That alignment with the heart of Jesus caused a great deal of painful conflict within the church.
Years later I realized that Jesus had indeed walked among us. His presence revealed the heart of those whose desires were self-centered instead of God-centered. At the point of that revelation, they began to attack the very things in which they professed to believe.
Experience has taught me that things today are really no different than 2000 years ago. When “God with Us” manifests, the dragon still stands ready to devour the Messiah at His entrance. And just like 2000 years ago, the dragon will ultimately fail. The Messiah will come within and through us. The words of Jesus, taken from the book of Isaiah, will still come to pass.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has appointed me to preach Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the downtrodden will be freed from their oppressors, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.
In the midst of the good news of “God with Us” this Christmas season, don’t be alarmed by conflict that erupts at the coming of the Messiah.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
hypocrites
The other evening I heard the words of Jesus in my spirit - Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: "This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men."
I opened the scriptures to read and re-read the surrounding events that frame the account. When Jesus spoke these words, He was interacting with the Pharisees. He responded to their accusations, accusations that were spawned by their efforts to find fault with Him.
For the past several days, I have repeatedly returned to these words. This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me - what a sharp indictment! As I pondered the implication of these words, I asked the Holy Spirit how the Pharisees got to the point of honoring with their lips only. I am certain that they would have assumed that they were honoring God completely. In my own life; how do I know that I am not in the same place?
The answer came in the next phrase - And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. The connection was and is clear. When I put forth man-inspired teachings and present them as God's mandates, I become like the Pharisees, honoring God verbally only.
My mind travelled back through my personal journey with God. I realized how frequently I clung to paradigms that were contrary to scripture, especially as they had to do with God and the church. It feels like a dangerous proposition to honestly compare my own belief system with the truth of scripture. I have noticed that when we are confronted with a conflict between our own belief system and scripture, it is much easier to cling to our own paradigms and reject scripture. Now, we would never freely admit to our decision. Therefore we hold on to our belief systems all the while presenting them as truth from God. We even search the scriptures to discover a verse or two that will lend credence to our man made perceptions.
I have also discovered how dangerous it is to point out the difference between between our man-inspired teachings and the truth as revealed in scripture. If you dare to make mention of the differences, you will be viciously attacked by those who are most deeply invested in their own paradigms. The Pharisees resisted the exposure brought by the person of Jesus. As the exposure continued, they became increasingly vociferous in their attacks until eventually they betrayed Him to death.
Regardless of the cost, we must follow the example of Jesus. He did nothing of His own. His teaching was not His own. His words were not His own. His belief system was shaped, not in a self-centered intellectual manner, but in the place of submission to the will of the Father. If we freely allow our paradigms to be challenged by the Holy Spirit and scripture, we can expect that our worship will not be in vain.
I opened the scriptures to read and re-read the surrounding events that frame the account. When Jesus spoke these words, He was interacting with the Pharisees. He responded to their accusations, accusations that were spawned by their efforts to find fault with Him.
For the past several days, I have repeatedly returned to these words. This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me - what a sharp indictment! As I pondered the implication of these words, I asked the Holy Spirit how the Pharisees got to the point of honoring with their lips only. I am certain that they would have assumed that they were honoring God completely. In my own life; how do I know that I am not in the same place?
The answer came in the next phrase - And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. The connection was and is clear. When I put forth man-inspired teachings and present them as God's mandates, I become like the Pharisees, honoring God verbally only.
My mind travelled back through my personal journey with God. I realized how frequently I clung to paradigms that were contrary to scripture, especially as they had to do with God and the church. It feels like a dangerous proposition to honestly compare my own belief system with the truth of scripture. I have noticed that when we are confronted with a conflict between our own belief system and scripture, it is much easier to cling to our own paradigms and reject scripture. Now, we would never freely admit to our decision. Therefore we hold on to our belief systems all the while presenting them as truth from God. We even search the scriptures to discover a verse or two that will lend credence to our man made perceptions.
I have also discovered how dangerous it is to point out the difference between between our man-inspired teachings and the truth as revealed in scripture. If you dare to make mention of the differences, you will be viciously attacked by those who are most deeply invested in their own paradigms. The Pharisees resisted the exposure brought by the person of Jesus. As the exposure continued, they became increasingly vociferous in their attacks until eventually they betrayed Him to death.
Regardless of the cost, we must follow the example of Jesus. He did nothing of His own. His teaching was not His own. His words were not His own. His belief system was shaped, not in a self-centered intellectual manner, but in the place of submission to the will of the Father. If we freely allow our paradigms to be challenged by the Holy Spirit and scripture, we can expect that our worship will not be in vain.
Friday, November 19, 2010
the image of God
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:27)
These words describe the creation of the very first people. In the image of God – our species bears the likeness of God, something that can not be said for any other living being. What a privilege!
Several years ago I had a conversation with an older gentleman, a complete stranger, about God and about our creation in the image of God. To this day, his words still resonate in my heart as truth. “We were created in the image of God but the problem is that ever since our creation we try to create God in our image”.
You see, we somehow assume that God is like me. In Isaiah 44, God speaks to His people. He points out the foolishness of their created idols and images carved out of wood. The craftsman cuts down a tree. With some of the wood he builds a fire with which to bake his bread and cook his meat. With the rest of the wood he carves an image according that reflects his ideas of god, sets it up and calls it his god. What foolishness!
Yet before we cast stones of criticism, it might be helpful to examine our own tendencies. While today we are too sophisticated to carve an image out of wood to worship, we still create our own image of God. Not surprisingly our image of God looks remarkably like us. The writer of the Proverbs speaks to the outcome of our created images - There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. (Proverbs 16:25).
Is there any wonder that the ministry of restoration, healing and life can so rarely be found in the church world today? Is it any wonder that true transformation is more theoretical and less an actuality in those who call themselves Christians? Is there any wonder that believers, wounded by their entanglement in sin, have repeatedly told Bev and I that they find more death than life in their interactions in the church world.
How do we deal with our inborn tendency to create a god in our own image? The answer can be found in the person of Jesus. Look at the words of Paul to the church at Corinth - …lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord…(2 Corinthians 4:4-5). Jesus was the only man that ever fully lived in the image of God. He was “God with us”.
The problem with the person of Jesus is that He to this day is a controversial man. When we approach Jesus apart from our preconceived notions of who He is, we discover how frequently His words and actions assault our personal paradigms. At the point of offense, the choice we make will determine whether we cling to the way that seems right to us (that will lead to death) or whether we allow the Christ to be formed in us that allows the image of God truly shine forth.
These words describe the creation of the very first people. In the image of God – our species bears the likeness of God, something that can not be said for any other living being. What a privilege!
Several years ago I had a conversation with an older gentleman, a complete stranger, about God and about our creation in the image of God. To this day, his words still resonate in my heart as truth. “We were created in the image of God but the problem is that ever since our creation we try to create God in our image”.
You see, we somehow assume that God is like me. In Isaiah 44, God speaks to His people. He points out the foolishness of their created idols and images carved out of wood. The craftsman cuts down a tree. With some of the wood he builds a fire with which to bake his bread and cook his meat. With the rest of the wood he carves an image according that reflects his ideas of god, sets it up and calls it his god. What foolishness!
Yet before we cast stones of criticism, it might be helpful to examine our own tendencies. While today we are too sophisticated to carve an image out of wood to worship, we still create our own image of God. Not surprisingly our image of God looks remarkably like us. The writer of the Proverbs speaks to the outcome of our created images - There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. (Proverbs 16:25).
Is there any wonder that the ministry of restoration, healing and life can so rarely be found in the church world today? Is it any wonder that true transformation is more theoretical and less an actuality in those who call themselves Christians? Is there any wonder that believers, wounded by their entanglement in sin, have repeatedly told Bev and I that they find more death than life in their interactions in the church world.
How do we deal with our inborn tendency to create a god in our own image? The answer can be found in the person of Jesus. Look at the words of Paul to the church at Corinth - …lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord…(2 Corinthians 4:4-5). Jesus was the only man that ever fully lived in the image of God. He was “God with us”.
The problem with the person of Jesus is that He to this day is a controversial man. When we approach Jesus apart from our preconceived notions of who He is, we discover how frequently His words and actions assault our personal paradigms. At the point of offense, the choice we make will determine whether we cling to the way that seems right to us (that will lead to death) or whether we allow the Christ to be formed in us that allows the image of God truly shine forth.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
hymns
As I get older, I noticed that my music choices change with the passing years. I deeply appreciate the hymns written hundreds of years ago. While not every hymn is theologocially correct, many of them are written from the perspective of people whose struggles in life gave rise the words and music.
Perhaps another reason for my appreciation for hymns has to do with me. As a young and insecure pastor, I was drawn to "cutting edge" music. My insecurities gave rise to the desire to be cool. While I deeply enjoy the music written from the hearts of young followers of Jesus, I am also acutely aware that today's "worship" songs are at times an effort to write the latest "cool" song. They are written, less from the heart and more from soulish motivations.
To sing the songs that thousands of believers have sung for hundreds of years makes my heart glad. To be part of "the great cloud of witnesses" (see Hebrews 12:1) gives connection to those who have gone before me. I am not an island, disconnected from the saints throughout the ages. My voice joins with them in praises to the Creator.
Perhaps another reason for my appreciation for hymns has to do with me. As a young and insecure pastor, I was drawn to "cutting edge" music. My insecurities gave rise to the desire to be cool. While I deeply enjoy the music written from the hearts of young followers of Jesus, I am also acutely aware that today's "worship" songs are at times an effort to write the latest "cool" song. They are written, less from the heart and more from soulish motivations.
To sing the songs that thousands of believers have sung for hundreds of years makes my heart glad. To be part of "the great cloud of witnesses" (see Hebrews 12:1) gives connection to those who have gone before me. I am not an island, disconnected from the saints throughout the ages. My voice joins with them in praises to the Creator.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
restoration
This morning I read the words of Paul penned to the church in Galatia - Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.
My mind went to the religious elite of Jesus day. The example set by their actions opposes the words of Paul. Several times we find them eager for judgment, not caring a whit about the one caught in sin. At least twice they attempted to use someone in bondage as a tool to trap Jesus. Their concern seemed to be more about religious protocol. Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath? Should we stone a woman caught in adultery as the law of Moses required? Furthermore, when Jesus ate a meal with the sinners, the religious leaders complained about His association with those who were "less than".
The title of my last post several weeks ago sums it up pretty well - Some things don't change. Beverly recently had a conversation with a person who finds herself in the midst of a web of deceit and sin. Her comments to Bev was this - the church does not know what to do with people who have become entangled in sin. She also spoke of people, people that she knows, that struggle for freedom from sin. The judgmental attitudes of the religious hinder the open confession of sin that brings healing. As a result, their bondage strengthens.
I believe our attitude toward sin ought to be more like Jesus attitude. Jesus spoke harshly to the religious elite. Why? Because they attempted to hide their prideful judgmental attitude behind a facade of godliness. They were more interested in the preservation of their religious systems than in the restoration of people. In their mind, people that threatened their appearance of goodness were expendable, people to be discarded and rejected. Jesus rebuked them for the fact that they were a hindrance to people entering the realm of God.
On the other hand, the "sinners" elicited a differant response from Jesus. While Jesus always freely pointed out their bondage, He also always spoke of restoration. He had no interest in the appearance of goodness. He had no concern about His reputation with religious elite. His stated purpose for coming was to seek and save the lost.
Since the sinners freely admitted their "lostness" they became candidates for abundant life. Conversely, the religious elite, in their smug goodness, had no need of a Savior. Anyone whose actions violated their religious code became a candidate, not for restoration, but for rejection.
In the past number of years, Bev and I have been involved in the restoration of a number of people. In every case, instead of working at restoration, the religious elite in the church opposed the restorative work of God. As I read the words of Paul this morning, I had to think of the words of almost everyone with whom we have been involved with God's restorative work. To a person they have communicated with us that it is the church that has been most hurtful and judgmental toward them.
Truly the harvest is ripe - If the realm of God is to be expanded, then let us heed the words of Paul.
My mind went to the religious elite of Jesus day. The example set by their actions opposes the words of Paul. Several times we find them eager for judgment, not caring a whit about the one caught in sin. At least twice they attempted to use someone in bondage as a tool to trap Jesus. Their concern seemed to be more about religious protocol. Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath? Should we stone a woman caught in adultery as the law of Moses required? Furthermore, when Jesus ate a meal with the sinners, the religious leaders complained about His association with those who were "less than".
The title of my last post several weeks ago sums it up pretty well - Some things don't change. Beverly recently had a conversation with a person who finds herself in the midst of a web of deceit and sin. Her comments to Bev was this - the church does not know what to do with people who have become entangled in sin. She also spoke of people, people that she knows, that struggle for freedom from sin. The judgmental attitudes of the religious hinder the open confession of sin that brings healing. As a result, their bondage strengthens.
I believe our attitude toward sin ought to be more like Jesus attitude. Jesus spoke harshly to the religious elite. Why? Because they attempted to hide their prideful judgmental attitude behind a facade of godliness. They were more interested in the preservation of their religious systems than in the restoration of people. In their mind, people that threatened their appearance of goodness were expendable, people to be discarded and rejected. Jesus rebuked them for the fact that they were a hindrance to people entering the realm of God.
On the other hand, the "sinners" elicited a differant response from Jesus. While Jesus always freely pointed out their bondage, He also always spoke of restoration. He had no interest in the appearance of goodness. He had no concern about His reputation with religious elite. His stated purpose for coming was to seek and save the lost.
Since the sinners freely admitted their "lostness" they became candidates for abundant life. Conversely, the religious elite, in their smug goodness, had no need of a Savior. Anyone whose actions violated their religious code became a candidate, not for restoration, but for rejection.
In the past number of years, Bev and I have been involved in the restoration of a number of people. In every case, instead of working at restoration, the religious elite in the church opposed the restorative work of God. As I read the words of Paul this morning, I had to think of the words of almost everyone with whom we have been involved with God's restorative work. To a person they have communicated with us that it is the church that has been most hurtful and judgmental toward them.
Truly the harvest is ripe - If the realm of God is to be expanded, then let us heed the words of Paul.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
some things don't change
This morning I read the account of Jesus' interaction with people as recorded in John chapter eight. Interestingly, these were people who believed Him. As Jesus speaks words of truth, the interaction begins to deteriorate rather quickly. His words began to expose the condition of the heart of the listeners. In the place of exposure they searched for a way to discredit His words, for an excuse to discount the truth He spoke.
Their excuse for discounting the truth of which He spoke was his out of wedlock conception. Initially their comments rather vaguely alluded to the fact that Joseph was not his father. As the conversation progressed and Jesus words of truth continued to prick them, they became more pointed, accusing Him of being a Samaritan. (The implication was that He was not even a full-blooded Jew; that his mother had slept with a Gentile.) Instead of embracing the truth that could transform their heart, they chose to attack Jesus in an effort to validate their rejection of the truth.
And so it still is today. When pricked by transformational truth, people frequently look for a reason to reject the truth. Usually the reason for rejection is that the messenger is flawed, therefore his flaws allow for the rejection of the message. The flaws of the messenger do not change the truth in any way. Truth is truth. If we are to be transformed, then we must embrace the message in spite of our perception of the messenger
Their excuse for discounting the truth of which He spoke was his out of wedlock conception. Initially their comments rather vaguely alluded to the fact that Joseph was not his father. As the conversation progressed and Jesus words of truth continued to prick them, they became more pointed, accusing Him of being a Samaritan. (The implication was that He was not even a full-blooded Jew; that his mother had slept with a Gentile.) Instead of embracing the truth that could transform their heart, they chose to attack Jesus in an effort to validate their rejection of the truth.
And so it still is today. When pricked by transformational truth, people frequently look for a reason to reject the truth. Usually the reason for rejection is that the messenger is flawed, therefore his flaws allow for the rejection of the message. The flaws of the messenger do not change the truth in any way. Truth is truth. If we are to be transformed, then we must embrace the message in spite of our perception of the messenger
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