Anyone who has attended an evangelistic church has heard the terms “omission” and “commission.” I don’t remember how it’s been said, but one of the things that I have heard is that “omission of the great commission is a great sin. “
When I look at our history, there seems to be an issue that is as great, or even greater than the sin of “omission of the great commission,” which is the omission of His authority. As Christians, we pay close attention to Jesus when He speaks and we even understand that Jesus is LORD. Yet, we often find ourselves in the Apostle’s shoes when they argued over, “who’s the greatest” (Luke 22:24-30).
“Who’s in charge” has to be settled before we can go on a mission, do a project, or do anything. In Matthew 28:18, before Jesus commissions His disciples, He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me…” If we do not continually acknowledge Him, we will not go in His power, His wisdom, and His spirit. If we are not constantly remembering or reaffirming His authority, we will consistently find ourselves in power struggles, robbing Him of His glory, and be in danger of making disciples not of Him, but of ourselves.
Moses was a pretty smart guy. He did not want any success that the LORD was not overseeing (Exodus 33:1-3). Moses told the LORD that if He was not going to lead them, to please not bother sending them. Moses added, “How will anyone know that You are pleased with me and with Your people unless You go with us? What else will distinguish me and Your people from all the other people on the face of the earth" (Exodus 33:12-16)?
Many times we have wonderful dreams, worthy goals, and noble causes. And often our great visions begin with the Word of God and His promises. But if we do not repeatedly surrender to His authority then we will be no different than any other people. This is also why James warns us that it is a wicked thing to not acknowledge His rule (James 4:13-16).
The Psalmist said, “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain” (Psalms 127:1). What a comforting thought! What this says to me is that under the LORD’S leadership, nothing is a waste of time. “Success” is guaranteed every time. The “project” may fall apart, but we have this reward: “Surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
Monday, February 20, 2012
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Life Is Difficult
One day I was complaining to my boss about how we did business. I told him the way the company did things made no sense and it made our job very, very, difficult. My boss gave me a short lecture and made three very clear points. Number one, life is difficult. Two, it is what it is. And finally, stop your whining and crying.
As I reflected on what my boss said, I had a feeling of deja vu because I know that I’ve had similar conversations with the LORD. Whenever I’m having a “why” moment, I often hear Jesus saying, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). And just in case I turn a deaf ear to the LORD, Scripture continually repeats itself and Peter bluntly says, “Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you (I Peter 3:12).
Paul makes the point, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man” (I Corinthians 10:13). In other words, “it is what is” and later Paul goes on to say, “Do everything without complaining or arguing” (Philippians 2:14).
But this is where the familiarity ends and if I continue to seek God, His Presence leads me into His reality. God says that He understands (Hebrews 4:15). God doesn’t say deal with it or figure it out by yourself, instead He says that He would be with us always (Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5, John 14:18).
He said that He would help us in our trouble (Psalms 46:1), and either provide a way of escape or give us the power to overcome our difficulties (I Corinthians 10:13).
God said that He would give us His Spirit (John 14:16, 16:7, II Corinthians 1:21-22), so that we can rejoice always (I Thessalonians 5:16), even in the most difficult times (James1:2).
Yup, life is difficult. But it’s nothing that God can’t handle (Jeremiah 32:27, John 16:33).
As I reflected on what my boss said, I had a feeling of deja vu because I know that I’ve had similar conversations with the LORD. Whenever I’m having a “why” moment, I often hear Jesus saying, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). And just in case I turn a deaf ear to the LORD, Scripture continually repeats itself and Peter bluntly says, “Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you (I Peter 3:12).
Paul makes the point, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man” (I Corinthians 10:13). In other words, “it is what is” and later Paul goes on to say, “Do everything without complaining or arguing” (Philippians 2:14).
But this is where the familiarity ends and if I continue to seek God, His Presence leads me into His reality. God says that He understands (Hebrews 4:15). God doesn’t say deal with it or figure it out by yourself, instead He says that He would be with us always (Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5, John 14:18).
He said that He would help us in our trouble (Psalms 46:1), and either provide a way of escape or give us the power to overcome our difficulties (I Corinthians 10:13).
God said that He would give us His Spirit (John 14:16, 16:7, II Corinthians 1:21-22), so that we can rejoice always (I Thessalonians 5:16), even in the most difficult times (James1:2).
Yup, life is difficult. But it’s nothing that God can’t handle (Jeremiah 32:27, John 16:33).
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Treasures
I don’t know anyone who detailed a car after they rented it. Nor do I know anyone who remodeled their apartment after they signed the lease for it. If I did hear of someone who did such a thing, I would have a few names for them that I choose not to reveal. The only reason why I would be hesitant to “pass judgment” on them is because I treat some of my possessions as if they belonged to me for all of eternity.
In the midst of life’s pursuits, Jesus reminds us, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19). As absurd as the picture painted above, Jesus is reducing the material things that we value as rubbish. And if we apply Jesus’ words to things that we prize greatly, His words are highly offensive. But Jesus wants us to take His words seriously—so that we can assess the condition of our heart, our relationship to God, and how it relates to our final destination.
In an interview several years ago, I like what funnyman Tim Allen, the star of “Home Improvement” had to say concerning his life. Allen said, “In these last couple of years I don’t sweat the small stuff. I realize that you don’t take a U-Haul behind your hearse.”
Tim Allen’s words paint yet another hilarious image, yet if we ponder its relevance in our lives, it might turn into a sobering and grave thought.
In the midst of life’s pursuits, Jesus reminds us, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19). As absurd as the picture painted above, Jesus is reducing the material things that we value as rubbish. And if we apply Jesus’ words to things that we prize greatly, His words are highly offensive. But Jesus wants us to take His words seriously—so that we can assess the condition of our heart, our relationship to God, and how it relates to our final destination.
In an interview several years ago, I like what funnyman Tim Allen, the star of “Home Improvement” had to say concerning his life. Allen said, “In these last couple of years I don’t sweat the small stuff. I realize that you don’t take a U-Haul behind your hearse.”
Tim Allen’s words paint yet another hilarious image, yet if we ponder its relevance in our lives, it might turn into a sobering and grave thought.
Monday, January 2, 2012
I Can Do All Things
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) has been my mantra (consciously and unconsciously) throughout most of my Christian walk. I am conscious of this verse especially when I face huge obstacles and impossible situations. However, I am reminded of this verse as I leave my “prayer closet” to face a normal day.
It has also been a common occurrence to be surprised, if not shocked, by the awesomeness of this statement. There have been times when I’ve been kicked in my teeth and wondered what went wrong, only to discover that I had put a period after, “I can do all things.” Other times when the inconceivable occurs, I am reminded of another verse, that echoes Philippians 4:13, and that is, God is “able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work in us” (Ephesians 4:20).
However, these days I am pondering the Philippians statement in its immediate context. In the verses that immediately precede verse 13, Paul talks about contentment. Paul says,
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Then Paul concludes,
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
This paints a whole different picture of God’s power that should be at work in me. It’s not just about accomplishing tasks, overcoming obstacles, or doing something extraordinary. It is about being okay in the situation I’m in—not because it’s fair or unfair. And it’s certainly not about my comfort or discomfort. But it’s because His presence in my life (vs. 5, 9) which enables me to stand (3:21-4:1). This should satisfy me. This is the power and work of God.
I think that I like the way Paul thinks better than the way I think.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Resolution
I think that it was R. C. Sproul that said that there are no maverick molecules in the universe. I don’t know the context of this statement, but it must have something to do with the idea that God holds ALL thing together (Colossians 1:17).
It is mind boggling to try and imagine a God that knows how many atoms there are in the universe and that He places each of them exactly where He wants them to be. But then again, Scripture does tell us that God put each star in place (Psalms 8:3) and has a name for each one (Psalms 147:4). The Bible also tells us that a bird cannot fall to the ground without His knowledge (Matthew 10:29) and that He knows how many hairs on our head (Luke 12:7—try multiplying that by 7 billion!). On top of that, He sees our every action (Proverbs 5:21), knows our every thought (Luke 16:15) and even our every motive (Proverbs 16:2)!
It is also a hard thing to wrap our minds around the thought that God is involved with “bad” things that happen in this world, especially to seemingly innocent people. But there is overwhelming evidence that He is! God foreknew that the Israelites would be slaves (Genesis 15:13-14), God sent a storm Jonah’s way (Jonah 1:4), He consented to Job’s suffering (Job 1-2), and not only did He stand by and watch His very own Son’s murder, but it was His Will that His Son die (Isaiah 53:10).
What is equally astonishing and fascinating is that just as the human body, solar system, and everything in nature is so intricately woven together by Him, He also knits the Bible together in a similar fashion. We may have difficulty “connecting the dots” and seeing the bigger picture because the Bible is filled with allusions, symbolism, metaphors, shadows, comparisons, and contrasts and quite often, the Bible does not take the time to explain itself or inform us as to what literary device it is using. On the other hand, we may be suffering from myopia, seeing that the Bible is “spiritually discerned.” I mean, I would have never known that “the rock” followed the Israelites around in the desert, nor would I have figured out that this rock was Jesus (I Corinthians 10:4) if the Apostle Paul didn’t tell us.
In all the awe and awesomeness of God, I think that God wants everyone to know one thing. This “one thing” links everything together—God, the universe, life, nature, mankind, and the Bible. This “One Thing” is the Person of Jesus Christ because He is the voice and embodiment of God (Hebrews 1:1-3). This is why Peter claims that EVERYTHING we need that pertains to life and godliness (or God) can be found in Jesus (II Peter 1:3). He is so profound that even the angels watch with curiosity and fascination how Jesus’ life and death affected and still affects the world (I Peter 1:10-12).
This is the time of the year that many people remember the details–even the microscopic ones of Jesus’ advent into the world. As I reflect on Jesus’ entrance into human history, I’m also looking around at our world, watching how everything seems to be falling into place (not apart), and am reminded that His return is imminent. As I look forward to the New Year, I am compelled to be serious, diligent, and vigilant in preparing myself to receive Him again.
It is mind boggling to try and imagine a God that knows how many atoms there are in the universe and that He places each of them exactly where He wants them to be. But then again, Scripture does tell us that God put each star in place (Psalms 8:3) and has a name for each one (Psalms 147:4). The Bible also tells us that a bird cannot fall to the ground without His knowledge (Matthew 10:29) and that He knows how many hairs on our head (Luke 12:7—try multiplying that by 7 billion!). On top of that, He sees our every action (Proverbs 5:21), knows our every thought (Luke 16:15) and even our every motive (Proverbs 16:2)!
It is also a hard thing to wrap our minds around the thought that God is involved with “bad” things that happen in this world, especially to seemingly innocent people. But there is overwhelming evidence that He is! God foreknew that the Israelites would be slaves (Genesis 15:13-14), God sent a storm Jonah’s way (Jonah 1:4), He consented to Job’s suffering (Job 1-2), and not only did He stand by and watch His very own Son’s murder, but it was His Will that His Son die (Isaiah 53:10).
What is equally astonishing and fascinating is that just as the human body, solar system, and everything in nature is so intricately woven together by Him, He also knits the Bible together in a similar fashion. We may have difficulty “connecting the dots” and seeing the bigger picture because the Bible is filled with allusions, symbolism, metaphors, shadows, comparisons, and contrasts and quite often, the Bible does not take the time to explain itself or inform us as to what literary device it is using. On the other hand, we may be suffering from myopia, seeing that the Bible is “spiritually discerned.” I mean, I would have never known that “the rock” followed the Israelites around in the desert, nor would I have figured out that this rock was Jesus (I Corinthians 10:4) if the Apostle Paul didn’t tell us.
In all the awe and awesomeness of God, I think that God wants everyone to know one thing. This “one thing” links everything together—God, the universe, life, nature, mankind, and the Bible. This “One Thing” is the Person of Jesus Christ because He is the voice and embodiment of God (Hebrews 1:1-3). This is why Peter claims that EVERYTHING we need that pertains to life and godliness (or God) can be found in Jesus (II Peter 1:3). He is so profound that even the angels watch with curiosity and fascination how Jesus’ life and death affected and still affects the world (I Peter 1:10-12).
This is the time of the year that many people remember the details–even the microscopic ones of Jesus’ advent into the world. As I reflect on Jesus’ entrance into human history, I’m also looking around at our world, watching how everything seems to be falling into place (not apart), and am reminded that His return is imminent. As I look forward to the New Year, I am compelled to be serious, diligent, and vigilant in preparing myself to receive Him again.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
The Widow's Gift
We’ve all heard sermons on Mark 12:41-44, about how Jesus pointed out how a poor widow’s miniscule gift was more than everyone else’s offerings. Jesus told His disciples, that she had “put in everything—all she had to live on.”
My question is how did Jesus know that this was all she had? Her poverty might have been obvious, but how did Jesus know that she gave everything? The answer is God knows everything and this snapshot reinforces Jesus claim to be God.
Even though this story is only two paragraphs long, it tells us something very important about God and us. This incident doesn’t give us much detail about the widow. We don’t know anything about her life before this moment and we don’t know anything about her after this incident. We don’t know if this widow was young or old. We don’t know if this widow had young children to feed. We don’t know if she was blessed of God for her giving or if the LORD took her home shortly after she had given everything she had to live on. We don’t even know her name.
But this we do know—she is immortalized on the pages of Scripture. Centuries after she died, we are still reading and reflecting on her giving. We also know that Jesus (God) does not speak directly to her, but Jesus (God) speaks highly about her and commends her in the presence of others.
We may not have a lot of information about the poor widow. But this we know, God sees and God knows. Isn’t this good enough when we think about our relationship with our God?
My question is how did Jesus know that this was all she had? Her poverty might have been obvious, but how did Jesus know that she gave everything? The answer is God knows everything and this snapshot reinforces Jesus claim to be God.
Even though this story is only two paragraphs long, it tells us something very important about God and us. This incident doesn’t give us much detail about the widow. We don’t know anything about her life before this moment and we don’t know anything about her after this incident. We don’t know if this widow was young or old. We don’t know if this widow had young children to feed. We don’t know if she was blessed of God for her giving or if the LORD took her home shortly after she had given everything she had to live on. We don’t even know her name.
But this we do know—she is immortalized on the pages of Scripture. Centuries after she died, we are still reading and reflecting on her giving. We also know that Jesus (God) does not speak directly to her, but Jesus (God) speaks highly about her and commends her in the presence of others.
We may not have a lot of information about the poor widow. But this we know, God sees and God knows. Isn’t this good enough when we think about our relationship with our God?
Monday, November 14, 2011
Living on the Edge
Living on the edge means different things to different people. For some, living on the edge describes a person who does dangerous stunts, like a daredevil. To others, living on the edge describes their existence—from paycheck to paycheck. There are others still, who think of living on the edge as a lifestyle. While these are all different definitions of what it means to be living on the edge, they have one thing in common. Living on the edge pictures a person or people on the brink of disaster.
One of the messages that I get from Scripture is that a life without God is living on the edge. The Bible describes a person’s life as a “mist” and that “tomorrow” is not guaranteed (James 4:13-16). In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus told a parable about a rich man that illustrates this very point and concluded the parable with, “God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself, but is not rich toward God.” The Hebrew writer put it bluntly, “…man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” (9:27).
Our fears and anxieties are well founded if we live life without God. He is the only one that can comfort us (II Corinthians 1:3-4) and give us rest (Matthew 11:28-30). If we are seeking Him, we can live confidently in uncertain times (Psalms 23:4). If we are not on the lookout for Him, He will come like a thief in the night (I Thessalonians 5:1-6). And that’s living on the edge.
One of the messages that I get from Scripture is that a life without God is living on the edge. The Bible describes a person’s life as a “mist” and that “tomorrow” is not guaranteed (James 4:13-16). In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus told a parable about a rich man that illustrates this very point and concluded the parable with, “God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself, but is not rich toward God.” The Hebrew writer put it bluntly, “…man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” (9:27).
Our fears and anxieties are well founded if we live life without God. He is the only one that can comfort us (II Corinthians 1:3-4) and give us rest (Matthew 11:28-30). If we are seeking Him, we can live confidently in uncertain times (Psalms 23:4). If we are not on the lookout for Him, He will come like a thief in the night (I Thessalonians 5:1-6). And that’s living on the edge.
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