Take Away - SOM 4

I am still processing the Sermon on the Mount. I have gone through the 25 posts and edited them for clarity and to revisit them for myself. Now I want to look at the applications I should be making for myself.

SOM Part 4

Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

There's that word again, blessed. We like to be blessed, because we like swag. I think some think of blessing as God's swag. The word that is translated as blessing can also be translated as happy. Not quite as good, but still nice. We like to be happy. Based on the context, I would like to change the word happy to satisfied. Not quite as good as blessed or happy, but who doesn't want to be satisfied? That wonderful feeling after Thanksgiving dinner, that lasts until halftime, when the urge for snacks starts to hit. But what if it is not about what we get, but who we are that Jesus is talking about? That changes things no matter how you interpret that word. 

Job seemed to understand this, at least most of the time. Satan took away almost everything from him, and yet Job refused to curse God. In that moment, Job was blessed, he was happy, he was satisfied. His attitude was not a result of his possessions, but rather a result of his position before God. He was meek, he was humble. He did not complain about what he had before, or what others had, he was blessed.

Or David, when he lost his first son from Bathsheba. The prophet Nathan told him that the child would die, but David pleaded with the Lord, he fasted and went and lay with him through the night. Yet the child died. The servants were afraid to tell David of his son's death, for fear of how David would react. They thought he might harm himself. David saw the servants whispering, and he knew what had happened. He asked, and they told him the child was dead. So what does David do? He gets up, washes and anoints himself, changes clothes, and goes to the house of the Lord to worship. He knew he was blessed. Not the kind of blessing he was hoping for, yet blessed.

Here's my take away. Blessed (or happy or satisfied) is not something I get, it is something I am. If I am a child of God, I am blessed, and that is all that matters. Paul got this. Philippians 4:12,13 states, "I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me." I believe so many read this text wrong. It is not saying that Christ will give me whatever I need, so I should go after great things, it is saying Christ has already given me a great thing, so I can endure whatever might be. There is a huge difference in those two ways of thinking. This is sometimes hard for me, because of being human and all. Just like the child in the AT&T commercial who was given a lollipop, and it all smiles until her brother gets a bigger and better lollipop. Then she determines that "That's not fair!" 

Rather than be grateful, she suddenly loses her smile and feels cheated. Even the dad feels slighted, and sticks out his hand for a lollipop. It is only when she is given an equal lollipop to her brother's that the smile (blessedness, happiness, satisfaction) returns. So the blessedness was not a result of the giver, but of the gift. When my satisfaction is dependent on the gift, rather than the giver, will I ever truly be satisfied? There is always a bigger lollipop to be had.

So that is my take away. There is always a bigger lollipop to be had. So it is best for me not to get my happiness for lollipops, but rather to be grateful for whatever circumstance I am in. Paul knew what he was talking about, the question is do I understand what he was saying? 

1 Thess 1:8-10

SCRIPTURE

For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

COMMENT

Would Paul, or anyone else for that matter, say that about me? That my faith was so evident, others need not say a word? That is repentance. That is turning from self toward Jesus. They had worshiped idols, so had I. Different ones, but idols none the less. But do I serve God? Is it obvious? Or am I just fooling myself? I ask myself that a lot. Still haven't come up with a good answer. All I can do is fall on His grace.

When Confusion Reigns (Matthew 26:47-56)

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 26:47-56

COMMENT

The disciples thought they knew what was going on. They had seemingly resigned themselves to going with Jesus, even if it meant death. All except for Judas, of course. So after falling asleep while Jesus prayed, Jesus comes to wake them, telling them he is about to be betrayed. Enter Judas and a crowd with clubs and swords. Judas approaches Jesus and kisses him, a sign to the others who is the one they are after. They approach and seize Jesus. Here is where it gets awkward.

One of the men with Jesus pulls out a sword and cuts off the ear of the High Priest's servant. The battle is on, and it is a fight to the death. But wait, for Jesus tells him to put the sword away. What!?! Not only that, but according to Luke's version, he even healed the man's ear. How are you going to win a battle when Jesus keeps healing the enemy! How confused they must have been. So when the soldiers lead Jesus away, they flee.

Imagine the agonizing hours and then days of confusion that must have followed. We thought we were supposed to fight and even die with Him if necessary, but He stopped us and went willingly, talking about how this had to happen so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

Ever get confused like that? You think that God has one thing in mind in a situation, but it takes a whole different path. Does that mean that God is not in control? Of course not, it just means that our expectations were not in line with His. But that is hard to accept, because we were so sure of the path things would ultimately take. Reminds me of Garth Brooks song, "Unanswered Prayers."

I think it has a lot to do with expectations and faith. Not the prosperity gospel idea that God did not give us the answer we wanted because we did not have enough faith, but the idea that God is in control and we knows where He wants things to go. I recall a trip I made with my did many years ago. As we got in the car, I asked where we were going. He responded, "You'll find out when we get there." You know what? He was right.

In the Midst of the Storm (Matthew 14:22-33)

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 14:22-33
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

BACKGROUND

Jesus had just finished feeding the 5,000, a miracle that surely must have blown the disciples minds. I wonder how many of the crowd was even aware that a miracle had taken place. But the disciples saw it all, they knew they had not brought enough to feed 5,000 men plus the women and children. How quickly they forget, as they are caught in the midst of a storm while crossing the lake and encounter Jesus walking towards them on the water.


COMMENT

Jesus sent His disciples on ahead while He dismissed the crowds after feeding the 5,000. He then went into the mountains by Himself to pray. I would love to know what was said during those prayer times. The disciples, meanwhile, are struggling to get across the lake due to a storm. It must have been a bad one, because they were terrified, and many of these men were experienced sailors. And Jesus let them suffer the storm for a while, until He decides to meet up with them by walking across the lake in the storm. When they see him, their first thought is, it's a ghost! They even cry out loud in their panic and fear. But Jesus speaks to them, telling them who He is.

Peter responds with a test. If it is you, tell me to come out to you on the water. Jesus says "Come," and Peter WALKS ON THE WATER. But even this is not enough to overcome the fears that take place, perhaps because in getting out of the boat, Peter expected the storm to calm down. So he yells out, "Lord, save me!" Jesus takes hold of him. But according to the text, the storm did not die down until they got in the boat. Then they worshiped Him.

In today's climate of fear, let me make a few observations. 1) Jesus allowed the disciples to go on the boat and head into a storm. How much did He know about what would happen? Scripture does not say, but I believe Jesus knew they would face a storm. 2) Fear is not an unforgivable sin. As a matter of fact, fear is a God-given emotion. Fear keeps up safe at times. 3) On first sight, they did not see Jesus in the storm. In fact, they thought He was a ghost. But Jesus was there in the storm, and they were not out of His hands at any time. 4) When Jesus reveals Himself to them, His words are "Take heart, it is I. Do not be afraid." So He reveals Himself to them in a personal way, and this helps them deal with the fear. 5) Peter tests Him. I do not think this is uncommon. We want real evidence. We want to know that Jesus can and will help. 6) Peter stepped out on faith, but again became overwhelmed when things did not go as he had hoped. 7) Peter calls out for help. A position of humility, perhaps a forced one, but he does not try to get back in the boat or ask for a rope. He looks to Jesus alone, and Jesus alone can save him. 8) Jesus takes hold of him. It does not say the storm is over yet, just that Jesus took hold of him. 9) Jesus confronts him. "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" 10) Jesus saves them. Once in the boat, then the storm calms down. 11) They worship Him.

Is this a picture of the salvation process? I believe it is, at least for some. Look at each step. Jesus allows us in the storm, we fear, we are overwhelmed by what is going on around us, Jesus reveals Himself, we might test Him, He draws closer to us, saves us, the storm clams down. Trust in Him. Without that trust, we cannot know His peace.

Don't judge this post - Matthew 7:1-6

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 7:1-6

LANGUAGE

Vs. 1  judge - κρίνω krinō; properly, to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish: — avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.
Vs. 2  measure - μέτρον metron; an apparently primary word; a measure (“metre”), literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion (degree): — measure.

COMMENTS

This is an interesting section, and often misused to try to show that we should not judge the actions of others. But the Bible is clear in other places that there are certain areas where judging is essential. Like when Paul told the Corinthians to expel an immoral brother (1 Corinthians 5), or in Galatians where Paul confronts those preaching another gospel.

So what exactly is Jesus saying here? He is not talking about judging a sin, but rather judging a sinner. Some things are wrong and should not be tolerated in the church. People should be called out and told to stop such behavior. Pick one, drug use, spousal abuse, alcoholism, adultery, and more. We need to let people know that these are not acceptable. But those who do such things are not above forgiveness. The man who abuses his wife comes in, confesses his sin, and pleads for forgiveness. If we refuse, then that measure of refusal will be given to us. Reminds me of the idea of "you who is without sin, cast the first stone." (John 8:7)

Again, I look to the context of this message to seek an interpretation. The message is about how WE should live: humble, meek, thirsting for righteousness. Not being the hammer of judgement on the world, but proclaiming the Gospel of God's grace over such things. We are not the condemners.

I am not saying that we turn a blind eye to sin. By no means. I am saying that we first and foremost deal with our own behavior, our own repentance, our own salvation, and we let others deal with theirs. If they are to be honest, they will know what God wants from them. If they are not to be honest, then it won't likely make a difference. Perhaps at this point we even need to break our fellowship with them. But not in a superior or arrogant manner, just letting them know that we cannot participate or support such behavior.

I think if more Christians approached their witness from a humble aspect, their message just might be heard a little clearer.

MY STORY

I came to a church in Junior High that had an active youth program. They had a choir, went on trips, had activities, and more. I came from a Catholic background, not attending Catholic church, but knowing that I was Catholic. I had not been to mass since probably 4th grade. My parents were not church-goers. They had alcohol at their gatherings. I was first generation German-American, I grew up around beer. We were going on a youth trip to Florida. I brought my Budweiser sun hat. Never occurred to me that this was a no-no. After the trip, I heard the youth pastor talking to someone. He was talking about the trip and discussing issues that occurred. He said, "One of the kids even brought a Budweiser hat." That's when it hit me that that was not acceptable. I am not sure he knew I heard, or if he remembered I was the one who brought it. Perhaps so, maybe. But I felt shamed and judged. No one at any time pulled be aside to suggest that that hat might be sending a wrong message. I wondered how many others thought poorly of me for bringing it. I meant nothing by it, to me it was not an issue. It could have been handled so differently. I was not a obstinate child. But I did learn something that day. I learned how important it was to judge the actions of others. 

Anxiety and Frustration

I am currently reading the book, Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges.

Not sure I agree with the labeling of anxiety and frustration as sin, but maybe that is due to a lack of understanding on my part. (Chapter 8)

I feel anxiety, frustration, fear, happiness, sadness, and many other emotions at times. I don't believe I am in control of the initial feelings, but what I am in control of is the response to those feelings. " Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger." (Eph. 4:26 ESV) It is not anger that is sin, but how I handle it. Emotions, in my opinion, are a gift from God. Does not fear protect us? Is not the beginning of wisdom fear? I believe it is good for us to recognize and identify our feelings, and to not let our emotions get the best of us. 

Bridges asks toward the end of the chapter, Can you picture Jesus ever being anxious or frustrated? My answer is yes, I think so. What about in the temple with the selling of animals for sacrifice? What about in the garden when he was in agony and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground? I believe that the sin is not in the emotion itself, but rather can be found in inappropriate reaction to those emotions. I think we would both agree that our response to feelings and emotions always needs to focus on God rather than ourselves.