"You shall keep all my statutes and all my ordinances, and observe them: I am the Lord." (Leviticus 19:37, NRSV)
"because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9, NRSV)
"For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake." (2 Corinthians 4:5, NRSV)
God likes to make his point clear. It really isn’t that complicated. In Leviticus 18 & 19, God states some of his ordinances and commands and after almost each one, He repeats, “I am the Lord,” or “I am the Lord your God.” It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that God is trying to say that He is Lord, everything else is not, therefore, listen to me, obey me, and worship me alone.
The Hebrew word that is translated to LORD is literally Yahweh, the name God identify himself as to Moses. He is known God. He is not distant or unknown. He is Lord and God that has acted and engaged Israel personally. Breaking down the Lord’s name further it appears to be a compound word that is formed from the phrase, “I am” and, “He is.” That is amazing. God’s name literally means I am, therefore implicating everything else “Is Not” at least in comparison to Him.
As if God wasn’t personal and known enough in the Old Testament, he makes himself more visible in Jesus. Jesus is Lord is repeated over and over again. It is the simplest confession and gospel that we are told to proclaim. It really isn’t complicated. Jesus is Yahweh. Jesus is Lord. It doesn’t get any clearing than that.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
No Words are Adequate
"“Teacher, this is wonderful!” Peter exclaimed. “We will make three shrines—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He didn’t really know what to say, for they were all terribly afraid." (Mark 9:5-6, NLT)
Sometimes it is best not to say anything at all. A lot of us have this need to always say something. Particularly in times of need, we feel we need to tell people that it is alright, or to give people advice with a difficult situation.
Have you ever come across something so beautiful—so stunning, that it leaves you speechless? A majestic mountain range, a sunset over the horizon of the ocean, a child being born—no words are adequate. Any words spoken in those moments—take away from the beautiful—sometimes I think we are supposed to just take it all in.
I think that is what our relationship with Jesus should be about. We lose sight of his glory, of who he really is, we personalize him so much that we forget that his glory and majesty are blinding. Instead of talking, or feeling the need to do something, we should just come before Jesus, bow and listen. Listen to God, Listen to Jesus. Let’s just take Jesus and his glory all in—let it consume us.
Sometimes it is best not to say anything at all. A lot of us have this need to always say something. Particularly in times of need, we feel we need to tell people that it is alright, or to give people advice with a difficult situation.
Have you ever come across something so beautiful—so stunning, that it leaves you speechless? A majestic mountain range, a sunset over the horizon of the ocean, a child being born—no words are adequate. Any words spoken in those moments—take away from the beautiful—sometimes I think we are supposed to just take it all in.
I think that is what our relationship with Jesus should be about. We lose sight of his glory, of who he really is, we personalize him so much that we forget that his glory and majesty are blinding. Instead of talking, or feeling the need to do something, we should just come before Jesus, bow and listen. Listen to God, Listen to Jesus. Let’s just take Jesus and his glory all in—let it consume us.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Tombstone of D.L. Moody
Took a trip with several other pastors yesterday to the gravesite of D.L. Moody and his wife in Northfield, MA. Here is what their tombstones read:
Dwight Lyman Moody
1837—1899
Feb. 5—Dec. 22
“He that doeth the will of God abideth forever.”
Emma C. Revell
1843—1903
July 5—Oct. 10
“His servants shall serve him and they shall reign forever and ever.”
May we be people that do the will of God by serving Him.
Dwight Lyman Moody
1837—1899
Feb. 5—Dec. 22
“He that doeth the will of God abideth forever.”
Emma C. Revell
1843—1903
July 5—Oct. 10
“His servants shall serve him and they shall reign forever and ever.”
May we be people that do the will of God by serving Him.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Show & Tell
My oldest son had Show & Tell today. It was his first one. The teacher gave him this purple basket to bring whatever he wanted to show and tell. He had the whole weekend to consider what to bring. I kept asking him, "what do you want to bring?". His response was, "Whatever I want to bring" (with a look of disgust that I would even ask the question. When I would push him further, he said he would decide the day of. However, he was excited about being able to share something of himself to his friends and his teachers. You could tell he was putting some serious thought as to what would be the best thing to bring. When I would give him suggestions he would ponder it and then say, "No, I will decide."
It got me thinking about how I share my faith with people. God has given me the opportunity to Show and Tell every day and every moment, yet I usually don't take the opportunities God gives me, and I rarely take his advice on what to share--let alone how to share it. I think I tell God, "No, I will share whatever I want--I will decide." The reality is God has decided for me. He wants me to share the Good News that He came into this world, that his Kingdom is being ushered in by His Son, Jesus (God Himself), and that He died on the cross for us, and that he defeated death by rising from the grave. Even better yet, He will come again. That is the news, he has commanded me to share, yet I ignore his suggestions.
Andrew eventually decided. He brought his stuffed birds that have a similarity to their real-life counter parts and make the actually bird calls of those birds. He knows all their names. He eventually decided and took the suggestion of his father that the birds would be a good idea. (I need to go home and find out how the show and tell went).
Heavenly Father, may I be a person (may we be a people) that listen and obey your commands (suggestions) and show and tell the world you (and your good news).
It got me thinking about how I share my faith with people. God has given me the opportunity to Show and Tell every day and every moment, yet I usually don't take the opportunities God gives me, and I rarely take his advice on what to share--let alone how to share it. I think I tell God, "No, I will share whatever I want--I will decide." The reality is God has decided for me. He wants me to share the Good News that He came into this world, that his Kingdom is being ushered in by His Son, Jesus (God Himself), and that He died on the cross for us, and that he defeated death by rising from the grave. Even better yet, He will come again. That is the news, he has commanded me to share, yet I ignore his suggestions.
Andrew eventually decided. He brought his stuffed birds that have a similarity to their real-life counter parts and make the actually bird calls of those birds. He knows all their names. He eventually decided and took the suggestion of his father that the birds would be a good idea. (I need to go home and find out how the show and tell went).
Heavenly Father, may I be a person (may we be a people) that listen and obey your commands (suggestions) and show and tell the world you (and your good news).
Monday, February 13, 2006
The Church vs. Dunkin Donuts
Open for Business. We had 18 people for service yesterday. Not bad considering there was a blizzard. I was surprised anyone showed up, I was expecting no one. However, I thought it was important that I be at the church in case anyone did show up.
I don’t like the idea of canceling church due to bad weather. I made it safely, if I couldn’t I would cancel. However, I also don’t expect people to risk themselves to make it to service—so I didn’t expect anyone to show.
I have this sense that someone should be here on Sunday regardless of the weather. Sometimes I feel that people come to church as the last resort. Maybe they are depressed, deeply hurting, whatever their circumstances—I want them to know someone loves them and cares for them.
My resolve to have service was strengthened as I drove to church and saw Dunkin Donuts open. Surely if Dunkin Donuts can be open during a blizzard so can the church. So we had 18 people, more than most churches. God blessed us yesterday.
I don’t like the idea of canceling church due to bad weather. I made it safely, if I couldn’t I would cancel. However, I also don’t expect people to risk themselves to make it to service—so I didn’t expect anyone to show.
I have this sense that someone should be here on Sunday regardless of the weather. Sometimes I feel that people come to church as the last resort. Maybe they are depressed, deeply hurting, whatever their circumstances—I want them to know someone loves them and cares for them.
My resolve to have service was strengthened as I drove to church and saw Dunkin Donuts open. Surely if Dunkin Donuts can be open during a blizzard so can the church. So we had 18 people, more than most churches. God blessed us yesterday.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
The Pain of Equality
“It’s annoying but justice and equality are mates. Aren’t they? Justice always wants to hang out with equality. And equality is a real pain.” Bono at the National Prayer Breakfast.
Equality. It is not a word or concept that I think much about. I think about Justice, I think about doing good for people- sometimes even do good for people. Jessi and I tithe faithfully to all sorts of organizations including our church. But I usually don’t think about Equality.
But then Bono’s words hit me. Of course it is about equality. You see the problem with my charity is that I often don’t equate myself with the people I am giving to. To be very blunt—I think I am better than they are.
Somehow I believe that I am responsible for all my wealth, my family, my job, all my blessings. The reality is everything is a gift from God and all of humanity is in the same boat. There really is a fine line between me and the poor, the sick, the criminals. That line is grace. The reality is though I am not better, and I just more privileged and therefore have more of an obligation to reach out to the rest not with charity but with equality. Not just giving to them, but being with them, seeing myself as one of them. Seeing them how God sees them.
Then I got to thinking about all the issues of the world that are caused by people thinking they are better than other people. The list is long.
Check out the rest of Bono’s speech at http://www.data.org/archives/000774.php
Equality. It is not a word or concept that I think much about. I think about Justice, I think about doing good for people- sometimes even do good for people. Jessi and I tithe faithfully to all sorts of organizations including our church. But I usually don’t think about Equality.
But then Bono’s words hit me. Of course it is about equality. You see the problem with my charity is that I often don’t equate myself with the people I am giving to. To be very blunt—I think I am better than they are.
Somehow I believe that I am responsible for all my wealth, my family, my job, all my blessings. The reality is everything is a gift from God and all of humanity is in the same boat. There really is a fine line between me and the poor, the sick, the criminals. That line is grace. The reality is though I am not better, and I just more privileged and therefore have more of an obligation to reach out to the rest not with charity but with equality. Not just giving to them, but being with them, seeing myself as one of them. Seeing them how God sees them.
Then I got to thinking about all the issues of the world that are caused by people thinking they are better than other people. The list is long.
Check out the rest of Bono’s speech at http://www.data.org/archives/000774.php
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
The Neverthelesses
"He did what was right in the sight of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done. Nevertheless the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places." (2 Kings 15:3-4, NRSV)
"He did what was right in the sight of the Lord, just as his father Uzziah had done. Nevertheless the high places were not removed; the people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places. He built the upper gate of the house of the Lord." (2 Kings 15:34-35, NRSV)
There always seems to be a Nevertheless. When things are going well there always seems to be someone to remember you of a “Nevertheless” in your life. What is a Nevertheless? A Nevertheless is one of those things that lie deep within your heart. No matter how good, how righteous, or how successful you are there is always something dark in your heart—perhaps it is your motives. There always is something we neglect to do or repent from. As long as we are broken and exist in this world, we will have the Neverthelesses in our life.
There just always seem to crop up at the most inopportune times. Most people don’t get to experience my Nevertheless but I do. I know the secrets of my life and the desires of my heart—it usually is to glorify myself and not God.
Look at the Kings of Israel, even when the do what is right in the sight of the Lord, they have a Nevertheless.
Nevertheless, God still forgives a repentant heart. Hey—look a Nevertheless can be good too. Nevertheless God can forgive our Neverthelesses.
"He did what was right in the sight of the Lord, just as his father Uzziah had done. Nevertheless the high places were not removed; the people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places. He built the upper gate of the house of the Lord." (2 Kings 15:34-35, NRSV)
There always seems to be a Nevertheless. When things are going well there always seems to be someone to remember you of a “Nevertheless” in your life. What is a Nevertheless? A Nevertheless is one of those things that lie deep within your heart. No matter how good, how righteous, or how successful you are there is always something dark in your heart—perhaps it is your motives. There always is something we neglect to do or repent from. As long as we are broken and exist in this world, we will have the Neverthelesses in our life.
There just always seem to crop up at the most inopportune times. Most people don’t get to experience my Nevertheless but I do. I know the secrets of my life and the desires of my heart—it usually is to glorify myself and not God.
Look at the Kings of Israel, even when the do what is right in the sight of the Lord, they have a Nevertheless.
Nevertheless, God still forgives a repentant heart. Hey—look a Nevertheless can be good too. Nevertheless God can forgive our Neverthelesses.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Cheers of Children
Children are wonderful. As I was watching my Seahawks self-imploded in the Super Bowl last night, and discouraged not because the Steelers won (but the Seahawks really lost the game), my children put the whole evening in perspective.
Andrew and Joshua spent the afternoon baking and cooking with Babci. Andrew kept running in and showing me what they were making for Super Bowl Night (his two fists raised in the air as he states, “Go Seahawks”). Both of them maybe watch 10 plays but they would send cheers into the air for the Seahawks every once in awhile, lifting my spirits up. Andrew would watch my reactions and that mimic me. It is hard not to put a smile on my face with the positive and innocent cheers of a child.
So perhaps it is not whether your team wins a Super Bowl, but whether or not your children share in the joy of watching it with you.
Andrew and Joshua spent the afternoon baking and cooking with Babci. Andrew kept running in and showing me what they were making for Super Bowl Night (his two fists raised in the air as he states, “Go Seahawks”). Both of them maybe watch 10 plays but they would send cheers into the air for the Seahawks every once in awhile, lifting my spirits up. Andrew would watch my reactions and that mimic me. It is hard not to put a smile on my face with the positive and innocent cheers of a child.
So perhaps it is not whether your team wins a Super Bowl, but whether or not your children share in the joy of watching it with you.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Gospel Driven People
"And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.”" (Mark 1:36-38, NRSV)
Have you ever felt distracted? Have you ever had that feeling deep down inside you, knowing you are not doing what you are suppose to be doing? It is easy to get distracted in life. To go down a career path, to live your life they way people expect or the way the world wants you to live it. Life in this world is distracting—I think that is the point.
This world is full of distractions and rabbit holes. The question for us is how far are we going to go down one. It is like the movie the matrix, where the world itself around us is a façade to distract us from the true reality.
People wanted to distract Jesus from his vocation—his calling. They wanted to be a part of him as the miracle-man, the one that healed everybody. Jesus’ ministry wasn’t about healing—it was about proclaiming the good news. Healing was a means to an end for his ministry.
Jesus’ ministry is ours. He has given us this ministry of proclamation. We are to be His heralds in this matrix-world. Let us not be distracted from this mission. Let us be Gospel-Driven people and not Distracted-Driven People.
Have you ever felt distracted? Have you ever had that feeling deep down inside you, knowing you are not doing what you are suppose to be doing? It is easy to get distracted in life. To go down a career path, to live your life they way people expect or the way the world wants you to live it. Life in this world is distracting—I think that is the point.
This world is full of distractions and rabbit holes. The question for us is how far are we going to go down one. It is like the movie the matrix, where the world itself around us is a façade to distract us from the true reality.
People wanted to distract Jesus from his vocation—his calling. They wanted to be a part of him as the miracle-man, the one that healed everybody. Jesus’ ministry wasn’t about healing—it was about proclaiming the good news. Healing was a means to an end for his ministry.
Jesus’ ministry is ours. He has given us this ministry of proclamation. We are to be His heralds in this matrix-world. Let us not be distracted from this mission. Let us be Gospel-Driven people and not Distracted-Driven People.
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