Take Away - SOM Part 17

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 17

Jesus has just finished talking about prayer and fasting. He makes the point with both of these that they should be driven by a desire to draw closer to God, and not to have things go our way or to impress those around us. He continues this thought in these verses by talking about our treasure. I am reminded of these words that I heard spoken by a preacher a few days ago, he said, "Don't focus on the problem, focus on the solution." Focusing on the problem often means focusing on the present. It leads to things like worry and greed. It's not that we should ignore the present or the problem, but it should not be our focus. Jesus says, lay up for yourself treasure in heaven. In other words, focus on your future. If your heart is focused on the problem, then you are focused on self. If you are focused on your future in heaven, you are focused on God. (Now that might be an oversimplification, because first you have to have at least somewhat of an understanding of what it means to be given a future in heaven, and that is what I believe Jesus is addressing in so many aspects in the Sermon on the Mount.)

Take Away: What drives me? It is self-preservation? Is it material things? Or do I really have a heart that is responding to the salvation of God? Where is my treasure? This is something that I must continually ask myself, because I am human and because I continually fall short. It is so easy, even for Christians, to take our eyes off of our goal just for a moment, but that is when the problems start. The Psalmist said, "I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word." (Psalm 119:15,16) The writer of Hebrews said it this way, "

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,   Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2) Notice that one thing we see as we focus on Jesus is that He too was focused. Focused on the joy set before Him, the joy of doing His Father's will. I want that focus. I want that joy.

Take Away - SOM 9

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 9

As I reread SOM Part 9. I am struck by the idea that some men would thin that they can achieve salvation on the heels of someone else, through another imperfect human being, and that some men would gladly fill that role. Are the Jewish leaders and their follower really that different than the way that Catholics practice their faith? Maybe I don't need to go there today, but it reinforces to me the idea that people will believe what they want to believe rather than to pursue truth.

I keep thinking about the fact that Jesus did not come to bring some new teaching, but certainly was bringing a different teaching, a different way to approach God. A way that took out the middle men and paved a pathway for all people to approach the throne of God. No wonder the leaders hated him so much.

In these verses it seems that Jesus is not attacking the law, but rather the way that we approach the law. The law does not save, it reveals our failure and need for someone to save us. Jesus seems to be saying in these verses, the law is not the problem, a corrupt heart is the problem. You think murder is bad? Well, yes, it is. But so is the unrighteous anger, you know, the thing that caused you to want to commit that murder in the first place. 

Take Away: My main take away for today is just about seeking the truth. It is so easy to accept another's version of the truth. Follow the law, tithe, have more faith, God wants you to be happy and have it all, say 5 Hail Marys and 3 Our Fathers and 1 rosary, or whatever you want to believe because it eases your conscience and avoids struggle and pain. Truth can be painful, but it still must be pursued. I need to pursue truth. A part of the truth is that yes, murder is wrong (easy part, since I have not murdered anyone), but so is anger. That is tougher to deal with, but for today, it is something I must wrestle with. Lord, help me as I deal with my unrighteousness, and as I learn what it means to accept and live in your righteousness.

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? 

Sermon on the Mount - Part 24

Today I want to look at verses 24-27 of chapter 7, once again focusing on who Jesus was speaking to, and on the context of the entire message.

Matthew 7:24-27

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

So first, let's look at how this passage is normally handled, when it is taken in isolation. On the surface it just seems to be about obedience to Jesus. I think most would take this in a works based sense without giving it much thought. But does that make sense in light of the context and the audience? Would Jesus really tell the people who were proud of their own obedience that what they need is more obedience? I don't think so!

Let's look at a few things about this story that I find interesting. The first is the houses. From what we can tell about the houses, they are the same. They look the same. Probably cost the same, for the house itself. They were probably both crafted with care, and expected to last a long time. But what does the house represent? Is it not the lives of the individuals? Their lives looked the same. Maybe they both went to church. Or both gave to the poor. Or both prayed before meals and at bedtime. They were decent, God fearing folk. Probably both got baptized, maybe on the same day, same church, same pastor. But if that is the case, did they both not hear the words of Jesus? Or was Jesus talking about something beyond obedience to external expectations?

What was Jesus sermon about? Was it about being a good person? Was it about external obedience? Or was it about redefining your relationship with God. Was it about moving beyond externals and moving to internals? Think about it. The beatitudes reveal a life that is humble, pure in heart, merciful. He has shifted the burden of obedience from what leaders did to the individuals, and then magnified that obedience to say that it is not just the act (external), but the internal heart that matters. You don't murder? Great! Ever call your brother a fool? Oops! You haven't committed adultery? Two brownie points for you! Ever look at someone with lust? Oops! You love your brothers? Awesome! How do you feel about your enemies? Oops! I sense a theme here, and it is not about your outward behavior. So what does it mean to hear and obey?

The houses were the same, but the foundations with different. One builder was only concerned with the house. Perhaps the only thing he did to the foundation was to smooth it off, which did not require much effort since it was sand. His efforts went into what you could see. The other builder focused on the foundation. I am thinking that a lot more effort goes into building on a rock than on sand. All that work and no one to see it. But the builder knows. 

Then come the storms. I note that both houses had storms. The builder on the rock was not exempt from the storm. It reminds me of a conversation I had with a friend once. We had been sharing our stories. After hearing some of the things I had been through, they remarked, "It's kind of amazing that you still have faith after going through all of that." To which I responded, "No, it is because of my faith that I was able to endure all of that." I am not trying to pat myself on the back, just sharing what I believe. I don't really understand how people who do not have a strong faith, a strong foundation, endure storms. Perhaps this is why so many "lose" their faith. The reality is, they never really had faith. 

"I'll take, Jesus will make my life better for 1,000 Alex" 

"The clue is, These people look good on the outside, but when trouble comes they quickly fall away."

"What is, Who are people who build their houses on the sand."

Edited 2/14/2022

Sermon on the Mount - Part 12

Today I want to look at verses 43-48, once again focusing on who Jesus was speaking to, and on the context of the entire message.  

Matthew 5:43-48

(43)“You have heard that it was said, ​‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  (44)But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  (45)so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.  (46)For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?  (47)And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?  (48)You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

So here we have a wrap to the section of examples Jesus gave to show that it is more than just our obedience that makes a relationship with God. He starts with, This is the way you have been doing it, love your neighbor and hate your enemy. This makes sense to us, as false teaching often does. Not that Jesus is giving a false teaching, I believe He is exposing a false idea that it is okay to love your neighbor and hate your enemy. It plays upon our own sense of what is fair. We are often manipulated by our own conceptions of what is right. Like in the AT&T commercial here. In the ad, Lily gives a little girl a lollipop, then gives her brother a bigger one. The girl says, "That's not fair!" Lily responds, "At AT&T we think it is only fair that all customers get our best deals." Then she exchanges the girl's small lollipop for one equal to her brothers. But what is not fair about getting a free lollipop? Small or big, what is not fair is that this girl is complaining about a gift that Lily was not obligated to give at all. Maybe I am too old school, but fair is to take the lollipop, whatever size you get, and say Thank-you.  To be fair, she did nothing to earn the lollipop. It was a gift. But what AT&T wants is for us to walk away from the ad thinking, "What a great company! They know how to treat people fairly." But for how long did AT&T only give new customers such benefits? Gotta love marketing! Baaaa! <-Sheep sound

Jesus shares what is fair in God's economy.  But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. What is fair, Jesus seems to be sharing, is for you to treat others, not as they have treated you, but as God has treated you. Remember the Golden Rule? Matthew 7:12, “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." It is not about treating others as they treat us, it is treating others as we wish they would treat us. Huge difference! And the basis for this idea comes from how God has treated us. It is only when we realize the enormity of God's grace on us that we can do this.

Now the teaching makes sense. Why turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, give to others, etc.? It is because we see how God has treated us! We see a God who is rich in grace and mercy, and want to pass that on to others, not out of some moral obligation to appease God, but out of the joy we have in serving a God who has granted us salvation and more. This is the relationship that God desires we have with Him.

Edited 2/7/2020

Sermon on the Mount - Part 7

 Today I want to look at verses 13-16, once again focusing on who Jesus was speaking to, and on the context of the entire message. 

Matthew 5:13-16

(13)“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.
 (14)“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  (15)or do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  (16)In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Jesus has just finished what we call the beatitudes, where He has detailed what it would look like for someone who truly knew and understood what God desires from them. Pretty much everything He detailed is what is not found in the current Jewish practice. There are the two groups that He is speaking to, the Jewish leaders who probably gathered in one area, and the common Jews, who likely were spread in to other areas. The leaders kept their distance from the common people, partly because of wanting to be ceremonially clean, but also I believe because they genuinely thought themselves better than them. 

So in my mind, what I see as Jesus speaks these verses, is a deliberate turning away from the leaders and turning toward the rest of the crowd. So often when we hear these verses we focus on the words salt and light. While these words are critical to the understanding of these verses, in my mind, as Jesus speaks these words, He is emphasizing the word "you." As in you, the everyday people, are the salt of the earth, the light of the world. People are not going to come to Jesus because some leader is good at following rules or memorizing Scripture. Now, they might listen to them because they don't want to go to hell, and they think that is the pathway, but is that really what it means to be a disciple of Jesus? They might listen to them because they are a good speaker, have great stories, or tell them what their itching ears want to hear, but is that really what it means to be a disciple of Jesus? Ihey might listen to them because that is how they were brought up, or because they don't want to be disrespecful, but is that really what it means to be a disciple of Jesus?  I've seen this post where people treat faith like is it some kind of eternal fire insurance, that by making Jesus Facebook famous we are witnessing to the world. Was that Jesus' goal, to go viral? Is that what Jesus meant when He told us to go and make disciples? That is so easy, so much easier than having to carry my cross. 

I cringe a little when people think that they have fulfilled their obligation to God by saying a prayer or getting baptized, and then maybe inviting people to church. Maybe instead of talking about how great our church is, we need to be living like we have a great Savior! Maybe that is why we have to have such huge buildings that sit empty most of the time, and give our time and money to great programs and speakers, because if people really knew me, I doubt that would convince them to come to Jesus. Maybe that is why we seem to focus more on what God can do for you rather than what He has already done in Jesus.

If we are going to take Jesus at His word, you are what gives the world its flavor, you are the light that shines to reveal Jesus, not buildings or programs or preachers, you. Right? (Note: I am not saying that we cannot use these things, but if the first part of the equation is not you, then we seem to be missing the most important part.)

Edited 2/4/2022

Sermon on the Mount - Part 5

 Today I want to look at verses 6-9, focusing on who Jesus was speaking to, and on the context of the entire message.

Matthew 5:6-9

(6)“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
(7)“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
(8)“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
(9)“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

In verse 6 he talks about hungering and thirsting for righteousness, which I am sure the leaders thought they were doing. After all, the followed the law to a "T". But in verse 20, Jesus says, "unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven," so what is he saying? The leaders took pride in their righteousness, which was really self-righteousness, and not the righteousness of God. To hunger and thirst for righteousness for Jesus meant going beyond just the action and included the motivation. Are you seeking to gain salvation (a good thing but a selfish motive?) or are you seeking to honor and praise God, the maker and creator of the universe? How can you be satisfied if your goal is to earn God's favor? Can you ever really do enough to satisfy God? If you are going to be honest, you have to answer no here. But if your response is just to love God and honor Him, relying on the righteousness given in the grace of Jesus, you can find satisfaction. It is a weird paradox, knowing that you can never do enough, yet what you do is sufficient because Jesus picks up the slack. 

Verse 7 speaks of being merciful. There is no other appropriate response to seeing the love and mercy of God than to be loving and merciful to others. (Matthew 18:32-33) We can see again and again in the gospels how this was not a quality of the leaders of the Jews, from their dealing with John the Baptist to the crucifixion, and so much in between.

Verse 8 tells about being pure in heart. I see this as speaking of not having ulterior motives. The leaders were full of ulterior motives, most of which revolved around themselves. They wanted power, they wanted to be worshipped by the people, they loved being in control. It is almost as if they had wandered so far in to religion as to forget why they were there. Their religion was not a response to God, but all about what it provided for them. The pure in heart remember why they are there. They seek to honor God first, foremost, and only. These are the ones who will see God. They are probably the only ones looking for God. To not be pure in heart then, is to be blind. (Matthew 15:12-14; John 9:32; John 9:39-41) God can grant sight, and will to those who seek Him.

Finally for today, Jesus speaks of the peacemakers. Or as I like to compare them to, peace keepers. Peace making requires negotiation at times, and sometimes force. Jesus said, "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." (Matthew 10:16) Wise and innocent, there are 2 characteristics of peace makers, I think also of the peacekeeping forces, such as those on the border between North and South Korea. Armed and ready to protect freedom even at cost of life. That is a peacemaker's role too. Someone who defends peace, not the bully who wants to take it away. I see the leaders that were in the audience as the bullies, using the law to control, putting cumbersome burdens on the people, robbing the people of their freedom. The peacemakers are the ones who are called sons of God. 

Jesus came to set things right. To restore what had been corrupted. Yet even as He did, that corruption continued to work its way into His work. I think of what I have read in Luke 4:13, "And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time." Even as Jesus is working to restore us, Satan is looking for opportunities to take us back. That is what we must be aware of and why we must be on guard. It is why, in addition to having the qualities of mercy and purity, in addition to hungering for righteousness, we must also be vigilant as peacemakers.

Edited 2/4/2022

Sermon on the Mount - Part 4

 Today I want to look at verse 5. But I want to look at it in the context of the entire message of Jesus, as well as what I believe is His overall intention in the sermon. Remember, He is speaking to Jewish leaders and common Jews, and is not seeking to bring in a new religion, but rather to restore things to what they should have been from the very beginning.

Matthew 5:5

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

It is a matter of disposition. He is saying that the blessed are the meek, the humble. Not only does this go along with so much of what He taught, it also goes against the prevailing religious culture.

Example 1: The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14) In this parable we have the leader and I note several issues. Both go to the temple to pray. The Pharisee stands by himself. Why? Because he was too good to stand with sinners or even common people. Not only is he concerned with his desire to stay "clean,", but he thought of himself as better than those type of people, and he confirms this with his words. He prayer is to thank God for his status, and to thank God the he was not made like other men, even like this tax collector. He then lists his accomplishments, fasting and tithing. The tax collector also stands by himself, but not because of his ego or pride or status. It is because of his shame. He does not see himself as better than others, but rather as a sinner and it brings shame to him. It states that he would not even "lift up his eyes to heaven." Makes me believe that the Pharisee did just that, almost as if he could look God square in the eye, and not feel any remorse for himself or feel the true holiness of God. The tax collector, however, even beat his breast, and rather than site accomplishments, he pleads for mercy. Which prayer was answered? Not the Pharisee's, for he did not even ask for anything, he just lifted himself up in the presence of God. It was the tax collector who "went down to his house justified," according to Jesus. Not justified by what he had done, but justified by God because of his repentant attitude. 

Example 2: In the parable of the Wedding Feast (Luke 14:7-11), Jesus talks about the attendees, and how they would come and sit, choosing the seats that we reserved for the honored guests. Imagine the embarrassment of being asked to leave your seat because that seat was actually reserved for someone of greater importance. Jesus tells them to choose the lowest seat. Now imagine the joy when the master of the feast comes in, notices your choice, and brings you up in front of all to a place of honor. By choosing the lowest seat, you can only move up! This is a story about attitude, the mindset we have when approaching God and others. Are we willing to be a servant? Are we willing to put others first, so that when we stand before God, He might reward our attitude, not for the actions themselves, but for the humble heart that brought them about.

So many other examples that could be given. But wasn't Jesus whole life about exemplifying this principle? Philippians 2:5-8 "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,  who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,  but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." Imagine intentionally leaving heaven to come to earth to be beaten, abused, and die on a cross for the sins of others. Mind blowing. This should be our mindset. Blessed are the meek.

I think this is a tough mindset. Sometimes, we can even get to a place where we become proud of our humility. We get to a place were we have surrendered so much that we think that now God owes us our reward. But the truly humble don't do it for the reward, they do it because like the tax collector, they recognize their sinful state and the true holiness of God. Equality with God is not something we can grasp, nor can we put God in a position where He owes us anything for any reason. Jesus knew this, and even though He Himself was perfect, He modeled it that we might believe it.

Edited 2/4/2022

Sermon on the Mount - Part 3

 I see the Sermon on the Mount as the manifesto of the ministry of Jesus. Not that Jesus is seeking to bring something new, but rather a resetting of God's intention. 

Matthew 5:17,18

(17)“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. (18)For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished."

The corruption of God's intention for relationship with man started in the Garden when Adam and Eve partook of the fruit, and it has not stopped since. It certainly did not stop with the advent of the Gospel. From the book of Acts on, much of the New Testament deals with correcting issues of  corruption of the Gospel. It did not take long for the sinful ways of man to enter into the church. Even as early as the book of Acts, we see issues such as Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) and Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:18-24). In Corinthians we find sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 5:1,2). In Galatians we have the preaching of a different gospel (Galatians 1:6). The list goes on.

Yet I get the feeling that many believe that finally, 2,000 plus years later, we finally have it figured out. Well, at least our denomination does. (That's sarcasm by the way)

Matthew 5:3

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Why these words? Or perhaps more importantly, what is being mourned? Who or what has died? 

Romans 6:1,2  What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?

Does the mourning that Jesus is speaking of here have anything to do with our own death? Not our physical death, but the death of our old self, the putting away of our past way of life and now walking in newness of life? Some might argue, why would we mourn the death of our old self? But I believe it is healthy to do that. We should see the destructive force of that old way of living, and all of the misery it caused both for ourselves and those we love, and work through the emotions that go with that that we might be set free from a return to that life. (Matthew 12:43-45)

Again, I am reminded of the 12 Steps of AA:

4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character

Do you see a mourning process here, because I do. First, we take an honest look at our past way of life. Then we admit where we were wrong and how it played out in our actions. We see the path and toll of destruction we have forged. Next, we lay that old self on the altar before God, closing the casket and sealing it up. If that isn't a reason to be mourning, what is? So now, being at rock bottom, gasping for breath, mourning over the death of our own past, we are finally ready to go to God and ask Him to bury that person. Step 7:

7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

You don't have to know the steps to go through the process. Maybe you didn't write out an inventory, or share it with another, but did you not see the destruction? Do you not see your need for a Savior?

Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to finding a treasure in a field. (Matthew 13:44) Once found, the man saw the value of the treasure, and sold all that he had to possess it. Did this man mourn over some of what he had to lose in order to gain that treasure? I would imagine he did. It is difficult for me to think about selling ALL I own to possess anything. All my tools? All my Legos? All my trinkets and family memories? I might do it, but I would definitely miss some of those things. That is what the man in the parable did, he sold ALL he had because he saw the greater value in possessing the treasure. He mourned the loss of his present possessions, but the value of what he would now possess is where he found comfort.

Jesus talks about dying to ourselves often. He tells us to pick up our cross and follow Him. Is this not an invitation to our own death? What more powerful image could He have chosen that to tell us to pick up our cross? Did some picture the times they had seen men on the side of the road who were on Roman crosses? This was not an uncommon sight. Jesus did this, I believe, knowing that He would have to perform this very act Himself! When you pick up your cross, it is only for one reason, to carry it to the place of your crucifixion. Think about that. Can you imagine the thoughts running through your head as you walk down the street toward the pain and suffering that you know lies ahead? Would you not be mourning your own death? 

Jesus tells us to love everyone and pray for those who persecute us. Do you not have to die to yourself to perform such an act? Paul said, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" My thought is, how can you truly love even those who persecute you, and pray for them, if you have not first died to yourself that you might live for Christ? And why would you choose to do such a thing unless you see the beauty and value of who Christ is and what it is he offers? 

Don't many preach a different gospel today? Have we not watered down and emasculated the gospel message when we say that salvation is simply a matter of belief (head knowledge) that Jesus is Lord, and that accepting His as Savior simply means praying a prayer or even being baptized in His name? If we have not recognized the death that we must die, and what the newness of life is that we must now live in, and mourned that death, if we have not laid aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, (Hebrews 12:1), if we have do not believe that there is no treasure greater than the salvation found only in Jesus, should we really call ourselves saved? 

Edited 2/3/2022

Amos 5 - Seek the Lord!

Amos - Chapter 5

The prophet begins by lamenting over Israel, who has fallen. 

Things are not looking good for Israel. What will God do? What should the people do?

Seek the Lord and live. So we storm the castle, right? We show up in large numbers, right? We post memes and are not afraid to repost the ones that say, "If you agree, type AMEN and share, right?

Maybe, maybe not. But first things first, we seek the Lord our God. Perhaps that is why we are in this mess in the first place, we have been listening to others and seeking our good rather than seeking the Lord, thinking that goodness and comfort are what God wants for us. (Where is that found in the Bible?) We are warned not to go to Bethel, Gilgal, or Beersheba. These places, places of prophets and worship will get their justice. I think this refers to the  idea that we shouldn't go to preachers or others to tell us what to do in this time, as we are responsible for our faith and actions. Go to the Lord. Pray. Study and know your Bible. I believe that if more people knew their Bibles, they wouldn't fall prey to many of the charlatans that claim to speak as prophets or messengers of the Lord, but are actually wolves in sheep's clothing, masquerading as angels of light. (2 Cor 11:14)

So if God is not all about our goodness and comfort, what does He want for us? Holiness and righteousness come to mind. He knows that perfection is beyond us, but striving for perfection is within everyone's grasp. Whole nations have been subject to captivity that they might repent and turn to the Lord. Those that do reap the reward. Not rewards, as in goodness and comfort, but reward, as in salvation. Jeremiah 29:11 comes to mind, as I see people post it whenever things go south. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." But do we understand the context of that promise? That the people would be in captivity for a long time, and that some of them would not see life after captivity? The future and hope is not a return to prosperity or a rescue from their enemies, it is the salvation they receive as a result of seeking the Lord.

Here's the passage in Amos that has me thinking, 5:21-24. 

“I hate, I despise your feasts,
and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.
Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings,
I will not accept them;
and the peace offerings of your fattened animals,
I will not look upon them.
Take away from me the noise of your songs;
to the melody of your harps I will not listen.
But let justice roll down like waters,
and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

What? God HATES our feasts and gatherings? He does not accept our offerings? He considers our songs an irritating noise? Why? Because they are offered without justice. They are offered in ignorance, with a lack of knowledge of who God is and what He wants for and from us. 

So what does it all come down to? No matter the circumstance, seek the Lord, not easy or convenient answers. Paul, before writing Philippians 4:13, another verse most often taken out of context, writes Philippians 4:11-12, which states, "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 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." That secret is the very essence of Amos 5, seek the Lord. So when he states in verse 13, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." it is really a statement of why he could endure all things (past tense) rather than a promise that looks forward promising God's eternal blessing in all our endeavors. Perhaps a better rendering of this verse would be, "I have prevailed in all these things because of God who gave me the strength. Prevailing in an eternal sense, and not temporal.

But don't take my word for it, seek the Lord,

Marriage (Ephesians 5:22-33)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 5:22-33

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

COMMENT

Just some observations about this passage...

• I believe these 2 paragraphs should be treated together, as they are interlocking and dependent on one another
• I come to this passage knowing that I am not a perfect person or husband. I imagine that for this reason, this passage is very intimidating to many preachers to take on.
• Gender issues aside, I have to believe that if the average were taken, males are stronger than females. Sure there are women stronger than some men, and men weaker than most women. But if the average of each were to be compared, in strength, size, and height, it would not be a fair contest. That is why we have an NBA and a WNBA. You don't see women playing quarterback for the Bears or Packers. Etc. It is why there is outrage when a man who identifies as a women wants to complete against women. So when this passage states that husbands are the head of the wife, it is a statement of placement, and not superiority. God decided this, and both in physical ability and God's plan, then man is the head. Wives should understand this and honor it.
• Headship in God's plan is not the same as headship as the world sees it. Consider Jesus, who as the head of the church sacrificed Himself for the church. 
• Therefore, while the head of the wife, it is in the realm of having the desire for the best possible world for the wife that the husband exists. As Christ is the protector of the church, so that the church might appear before God as whole and blameless, the husband should have to same desire. 
• A break down in one side or the other is very damaging to the relationship. If the wife does not submit to the husband, if she does not trust or honor him, it makes is very difficult for the husband to effectively function in his role as protector and provider. Think of it as the church not trusting in Jesus. No matter what He might do, the relationship suffers harm and is not what it could and should be. The same is true for the husband. If the husband abuses his role as head, it also damages the relationship, and it is not what it could or should be.

So I am off, seems I have some work to do...

Batteries Not Included (Ephesians 5:3-14)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 5:3-14

But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,

and Christ will shine on you.”

COMMENT 

In verses 1 and 2, Paul tells us that we should be imitators of God, and why we should do that. Now he turns his attention to what that should look like. He is dealing with a specific audience, so he is going to talk about what misconceptions they might have. This is not the the conversion of your neighborhood garden club. This is the conversion of people whose religion involved temple prostitutes and other vile behaviors. It was their RELIGION, so might not they think it appropriate to transfer some of these actions to their new faith? Paul wants to nip this in the bud! (Makes me wonder what Paul would say to those who have been converted to faith today from a stale, bland, life-draining religion that could not and would not save them.)

So make no mistake, this is not a list of "to-dos" or a legalistic behavioral approach to belief in Christ. It is a description of what this new life entails, and one that is without apology. It should and likely did cut these people to the heart. It also likely weeded some of those who we not ready or able to make such a commitment. Like the rich young ruler before Jesus, Paul seems to be willing to let some walk away. (Oh, that we would have such strength of faith today!)

I think my favorite part of this section is this: try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.

It is not about me, what I think faith should look like, my comfort, ease, prosperity, etc. It is about God. To live is Christ, to die is gain.

The Gospel According to Paul (Ephesians 2:1-10)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 2:1-10

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

COMMENT

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

We were sinners. All of us, without exception. The degree of our sin did not matter, it was enough to separate us from God. We were dead to Him, but alive to the prince of disobedience, focused on our own desires. Focused on ourselves, we were children of wrath.

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved

But God loves us, and He had a plan. Remember, God is not just merciful, He is rich in mercy. He has an abundance of mercy. So while we were dead to Him, He gave us life by joining us with Christ, the perfect Lamb of God, who thought not of Himself, but of God and of us. This is grace. This is the greatest miracle God has done. 

and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith.

Because of what Jesus did, we can be with God. Because He has taken the consequence, the penalty of our rebellion and selfishness, we can enter heaven. In the coming ages we will see the riches of His grace. It is God's grace that saves us, and nothing else.

And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

If there is any doubt about who is responsible, let me say it again, it is not your doing, it is a gift from God. You have no basis to boast, either before God or before one another. 

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

God is the craftsman, we are the product. God is the potter, we are the clay. God knows us, has crafted us, and has plans for us. 

That is the gospel. That is the love and mercy of God. But God is not just love and mercy. He is also righteous and just. That is why He had to go to such extremes to save us. That is what makes the gospel so beautiful, that is what should drive our worship and response to Him.

2 Thess 1:5-10

SCRIPTURE

This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering— since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.

COMMENT

Suffering for the Kingdom of God, there are some words you don't hear in church very often. With the massive buildings (and mortgages that often accompany them), padded pews (well, now well spaced chairs or flashy video presentations), super awesome music, etc., where is the suffering? Not that I believe suffering is necessary, but how do we measure the genuine Christian from the passer by? Even the message preached is often free of suffering or even commitment. We don't have to suffer, just be willing should the occasion arise.

God will offer relief when Jesus comes, but who needs relief from this? Or is He just talking about the inconveniences of life, because we all have those (sarcasm intended here). And who will get God's vengeance? Those who do not know God and those who do not follow the gospel Remember Matthew 7:21-23? Scary stuff, if you happen to think about it. 

I am not advocating going out and seeking suffering. That would be adding to the gospel. But are we aware of what the gospel is? Do we know Jesus, or do we just want to be saved from the possibility of hell? You know, the idea where our faith is just fire insurance in case God is real?

Maybe you need a new insurance agent.

1 Thess 5:16-22

SCRIPTURE

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.

COMMENT

Rejoice always. In order to rejoice always, that means in every circumstance. Like Paul and Silas when they sang praises to God while in prison. Don't stop praying. No, not the eyes closed, head bowed kind of prayer, but the constant communication and recognition that God is God, and is always in charge, and works for our ultimate good. Who knows, that kind of attitude could lead to rejoicing always. Give thanks in ALL circumstances. All. Every. Each. Remember, God is in charge. Don't quench the Spirit. Don't throw water on the Holy Ghost. Do not despise prophecies, but at the same time TEST EVERYTHING. Even what your preacher, my preacher, Joel Osteen (etc.) say. You are responsible for what you believe, not the people who speak through lying lips. Make sure you know God, and that the basis for that knowledge comes from what He has revealed about Himself through His word and not through someone's message or your opinion of how things ought to be. Hold fast to the good. Not what you want to be good, but that which is truth. Abstain from every form of evil. 'Nuff said.

1 Thess 4:1-8

SCRIPTURE

1 Thess 4:1-8

Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.  For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.  For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;  that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor,  not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;  that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.  For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.  Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

Comment

I heard a video on You Tube where someone was talking about all of the expectations that are set forth for Christians, and how faith alone is not mentioned in the Bible. Sounds a lot like the kind of stuff Paul was combating in Galatians, where the Judaizers were all clamoring for circumcision.

Yes, there are plenty of passages that talk about what true Christianity should look like. Like this passage. But these are descriptive passages, because it is important that we have a good look at what Christianity should be about. They are not prescriptive, telling us how to live in each and every situation. That would be law, and we are no longer under the law, but under grace.

Now there are some who abuse this too, saying that since we are under grace, we can do as we please. They are also wrong. They are the very reason for the need of passages such as this. 

Such teachings, in either case, go against the Holy Spirit. If you can't see that, maybe read and pray a bit more, or maybe just get your head out of da Nile. 

 Descriptive, not prescriptive

1 Thess 2:9-12

SCRIPTURE

1 Thess 2:9-12

For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

COMMENT

How opposite is this of the church today. Today, preachers sit on pedestals. We honor (dare I say worship?) them. They are our Christianity. What they say is what we believe. What they do is what we do. Yes, we expect a lot out of them. But that is the result when they are your belief system. So we treat them gingerly. At least until they offend us. What should the church look like? Here are some thoughts.

Rather than one individual studying the Scriptures to tell us how to believe, maybe everyone studies them. Wouldn't that be novel? I recall taking a survey for a game we were going to play with the youth, a Family Feud type of game. We surveyed the congregation for answers. One question was, "Who is your favorite Bible King?" Number one answer was King James. I was talking with someone the other day who stated, "Well Jesus was not perfect either. He must have sinned as a child." Yet the Bible says that in order for Him to be the atonement for our sins, He must be perfect. But let's forget about the average pew-warmer for a moment, let's talk about preachers and what they sell. Things like "Your Best Life Now" clear the shelves and build mansions for the author. Want a better prayer life, then pray in Circles, just like Mark Batterson does. I am not only offended by the people who write this trash, but by the preachers to promote it, help sell it, hold "Bible" studies around it or preach from it.

What if preachers were just one of us? What is we didn't have extravagant buildings and budgets and programs to sell Jesus to the masses? What if we were all in the trenches and just needed someone more experienced to encourage us, rather than live it our for us? What would a church like that say to the world?  What if we did it like it was written in the book of 1 Thessalonians?

1 Thess 2:4-8

SCRIPTURE

but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

COMMENT

This is how the gospel should be presented. Not to please or entice with games or activities. Not to seek after the hearts of men, but to seek after the heart of God. Not with flattery or pretty words of praise for the audience, but with praise for God. Not with a heart that asks what we can get out of it, whether it be financial gain or praise for our doings. Sharing without expecting a return. Kind, but in the kindness preaching truth and not fluff. Where is that preaching?

Romans 14:13-19,23

SCRIPTURE

Romans 14:13-19,23
Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

COMMENT

This is an interesting passage to try and understand, because you could take the idea of being a stumbling block to extremes on either side. On the one hand you could seriously try to avoid anything that someone else might deem sinful, alcohol, R-rated movies, cursing, near cursing (darn it), PG-rated movies, lack of tithing, not working on Sunday, etc. I think to live such a life would be a joyless, anxiety filled existence. So on the other hand, you could just do as you please because Jesus "got your back." You don't have to worry about what others think, because they are not your master, Jesus is. If Jesus wants you to drink, you do it. If you want to curse, you do it. Etc. I think to live such a life as a Christian is not really living a Christian life.

I think the truth lies in the middle, but it is a hard middle to define. I don't decide to put a stumbling block in the way of a brother. In other words, I limit my freedom with intention. Where that intention lies is an individual decision, but one that is made with my brother's interests at heart, because doing so ultimately puts Jesus's interests at heart. I know that nothing I eat is unclean, but for my weaker brother's sake, I do not eat it because that is not acting out of love for him or my Savior.

Do not destroy your brother, who is weaker in faith, by intentionally doing things that he believes are wrong.  If you know it offends, you sacrifice your freedom for his sake. That does not mean that you cannot do anything anyone might find offensive, that is legalism, and Paul has very strong words for legalists, just read Galatians. But as Paul states, the kingdom of heaven is a matter of righteousness and peace. Righteousness and peace are about relationships, and we cannot have either if we do not love our brothers. Remember Christ's teachings about adultery, how even looking at a woman lustfully is wrong? Remember how our righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law? If we sacrifice a freedom in order to save a brother, that pales in comparison to the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. That is a tough teaching, but I believe it is the truth.

Romans 12:1,2

SCRIPTURE

Romans 12:1,2
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

LANGUAGE

Appeal (Vs 1)  παρακαλέω parakaleō; to call near, i.e. invite, invoke  — beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort(-ation), intreat, pray.

COMMENT

Let's begin by talking about the interpretation of this verse. The word "appeal" (ESV & RSV) is rendered "urge" (NIV, NASB, & HCSB), beseech (KJV & ASV), and "encourage" (CEB). How you interpret Paul using this word seems to determine your understanding of this passage. It Paul issuing a command or is he inviting others to join him. As I look at the Greek meaning (above), and from what I gather of Paul in the context of what he is saying, this is an invitation to join him in his journey as a follower of God. The "therefore" in my opinion, refers to what Paul has been saying in 11:33-36, where Paul is basically singing in praise of God, and how He is superior to us in all ways, and is as such deserving of all praise. So he invites us to present ourselves before God as a living sacrifice because of the mercy of this all powerful and all knowing being, who has provided salvation. This is why we worship. It is not, and cannot be a command to earn God's favor. That is what the world says and offers, pay your penance and give God His due so that you can get your due. But our offering is always going to fall short. Do you want to know what God's will for you is? Love Him, then you will know his will for you.