Good

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” (John 10:11, 18 TNIV) 

Good Shepherd, 3rd Century Catacombs

Sometimes the image we have of Jesus is far too effeminate.  He rarely is portrayed as strong or rugged.  Usually polished and pretty.  Walking along the seashore, gathering seashells and speaking in flowery language about the beauty of humanity while the sun casts a glow about him and his flowing hair is blown by the wind.  This is a western concoction and it has no reality in the biblical world.  

Shepherds were tough people.  They were required to watch over the sheep with the heart of a father, at least the "good" ones.  A good shepherd had to carry a staff to ward off predators like wolves and wild animals as well as to defend himself against people who might try to steal the sheep. The good shepherd had to be familiar with pasture and the best places to take his sheep.  He knew each sheep by name and treated them as if they were like family. Sheep are not very smart, so the good shepherd had to constantly be on his toes, because sheep were prone to wander off.  If necessary, the good shepherd would leave the other sheep in the hands of an under-shepherd or even a hired hand to retrieve the lost sheep.  

To assist the good shepherd, another man was hired for a certain wage to give oversight to the sheep.  He would be called to watch the sheep and keep them corralled and well fed.  He would lead them to a good watering hole or even to the safety of the pen; however, if the flock were ever in any real danger - the hired hand would leave the flock out of self-preservation.  It is not that the hired hand was a bad person, it was just that he didn't really have the same concern for the sheep as the good shepherd. 

It's a little like a man who owns his own business.  He wants the best for that business. He will labor for hours to make it work properly.  He educates himself on the best models and methods to increase the worth of the business.  He figures out what will work best for him and try to make the business work to the best of his ability.  He will risk financial, mental, and even physical security to see the business prosper.   His heart is for the business.  On the other hand, the hourly employee who runs the register is not near as committed.  Certainly she is willing to come to work on time, fill the shelves, stock the cooler, even sweep the floors; however, she isn't near as committed to the business' success. Where the owner will go out of his way to protect the business, the clerk does not necessarily see the real issue of  shoplifting, filling the ice machine, or even making sure the coffee is fresh.  She may resist closing, because it's dangerous.  She doesn't want to count the register because she doesn't want to know if she will end up being short.  She isn't going to chase down the guy who failed to pay for his gas or chase off the dregs that keep hanging outside.  For her, the business as just a pay check for the bank, but the owner he understands the business  as little differently. It's not really about the business as much as it is about those who need the business.  He sees what he is doing as the means by which he will provide for those he loves.  His investment is not really in the business at all.  His investment is in those he loves and the business is part of how he does that . A good owner lays down his life for the business, not because he's a slave to the job.  Instead, it's because he's a slave to his family and they are always worth it.  

Jesus is the good shepherd, because He lays down his life for His sheep.   

Soli Deo Gloria

Gate

“Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep." (John 10:7 TNIV)

We have multiple doors at the church that will not open unless you have a keycard, code, someone from the office lets you in, or if someone is at the door itself.  In many ways, we have done this for safety reasons.  We have a large expanse of property and we recognize that it would be unsafe to just let anyone in without knowing why they are here.  Some people don't like this - we are a church after all.  

But you know, I don't just let anyone in my house.  I don't drive downtown, park the car, and just leave the door open for anyone to jump in.  I don't tweet the pin to my ATM card or post my social security number on Facebook for anyone to use it.  

Why not?

1. Because not everyone can be trusted.
2. Not everyone is has the right motives.
3. Because I believe I am guarding those whom I love, who expect me to protect their livelihood. 

The metaphor of the Gate for Jesus could be seen in a number of ways.  In the first century, it was a common idea that access to heaven from this world was entered through a gate of sorts.  Likewise, Jesus could be understood as a shepherd who was responsible for making sure the sheep were cared for both in the pen and outside of it. The idea could be tied to a sort of us and them mentality.   What is interesting is that following John 10:1-2 "“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep," Jesus identifies himself as the Gate.  In other words, Jesus is the Gate by which all the sheep enter and exit. The Gate grants access to sheep and shepherds, but it also keeps out those who would seek to hurt the sheep and the shepherds, namely thieves and robbers.  

Jesus says that as the Gate, He can assure that those who enter will be safe or protected. They will be given access to both the safety of the pen (inside) and the fullness of pasture (outside).  In contrast to the thieves who come to kill, steal, and destroy, the Gate has come that they might have life and have it in full abundance.  

Ok, so what's your point? (As my 10 year old son would say, before I wail on him unmercifully)

Jesus is the Gate to abundant  life, but abundant life is not what you think.   For some, abundant life is equal to eternal life which is for many Heaven. Yet, Jesus speaks nothing of Heaven here.  He doesn't talk about abundant life as something in the future. Instead, he states an abundant life that will be experienced now.  It is not my intention to discredit the idea of Heaven or the afterlife, because the Scriptures teach of it and call us to expect it.  However, this passage doesn't seem to point toward that.  Instead, Jesus says I have come that you might have "perisson" or abundant/overflowing life.  More importantly, Jesus doesn't say that in time you might experience abundant life.  He doesn't speak of a process or checklist that will grant you this abundant life. He promises that those who enter will receive it and that they will be "zosesthai" or safe to enjoy it.  Nothing and no one can take it away from them. 

But not everyone gets in to the pen, only those who the Gate permits.  And if you think you can,  Jesus has a name for you.  

Soli Deo Gloria

Today

(We will pick up the "I am" sayings tomorrow)

"12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God." John 1:12-13 TNIV

"4. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves." Ephesians 1:4-6 TNIV

I am a product of a plan. 

I am here because I am supposed to be. 

I was born into the family I was because it would fit my life best.  

I have married my wife because it was promised I would.

I have five children (Two girls, Two boys, and one untimely born) as part of a greater layout.  

I am who I am because I am not my own. 

Today, I celebrate with my family the anniversary of the adoption of our son Tavo.  One year ago today, as a family we went down to the courthouse and collectively agreed to welcome him into our family. He had been in our home for almost two years, but in our hearts for years.  From that point forward, we knew him as ours; however, God has always known him as ours.  Where I had no idea at fourteen that God had such a great plan for me, God always knew.  Where I was uncertain I would ever survive the heartbreak of teenage love or puberty, God knew something so much greater awaited me.  Where I could see only the moments in front of me, God saw the end of all things and the great plans He had for me.  

Today is a day of celebration. Yet, yesterday was no different and tomorrow will be no less.  Life is about celebration.  It is about learning to take the tragedies and triumphs together as the sum total, not just the randomness of mere chance.  Today is to be seen as the foreshadow of tomorrow - Celebration.  Today there will be hardship and pain, but tomorrow is coming.  Tomorrow there will be a struggle against doubt and uncertainty, but even tomorrow can only last so long.  The promise of God is that with every day his compassions are new (Lamentations 3:22-23) and that today has enough concerns for itself so being consumed with what is yet to come is fruitless (Matthew 6:34). I have confidence in God's plan.  Because God is fully apprised of all things, nothing catches Him unaware.  

Today I simply pledge to be present.  I will do my best to honor God by accepting His plan. It is not a license to neglect my calling, nor does it give me permission to be complacent.  I am to learn today as I learned yesterday and will be called to learn tomorrow.  I will make every attempt to be obedient and sensitive to the Spirit of God as He calls me to that obedience.  But more than anything, I will accept that I cannot retrieve was has passed and that I will not arrive at tomorrow until I pass through today. 

And in the end, passing through is all I am doing.  

Soli Deo Gloria

Light

"I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12-13 TNIV

I do not like darkness.  As a teenager, I wrestled demons at night that I cannot even begin to explain how they tormented my sleep and rest.  I have always had need of a light to sleep by.  Perhaps it was scary movies, maybe it had to do with the dabbling of occult practices, or perhaps it was the hatred within me. Regardless, darkness was terrifying for me.  This is true for my kids as well. We don't watch scary movies in our house.  We don't allow monsters under the bed or ghosts in the closet.  Numerous times we've flipped mattresses, kicked the air, even yelled at the top of our lungs, but that doesn't change the fear of the darkness. But this does not deal with darkness completely.  

Darkness is not solely about the night.  For some, the struggle of night is not really the issue, it is the darkness of day that bothers them.  Uncertain of the job to take, who to marry, even where to go to school, leads so many to wrestle in a different type of darkness.  The darkness for them is really about not knowing what to do and the fear of that unknown.  

If we take the text of John from an archeological perspective, we will find that the verses of John 7:53-8:11 were likely not in the original text. While the account is not doubt historical, it is highly probable that the text itself picks up at John 8:12 from 7:52.  If this is accurate, we find an interesting connection to the preceding verses.  Jesus is located at the feast of Tabernacles.  Jewish males were required to pilgrimage to Jerusalem.  Tabernacles was designed to commemorate the wilderness wanderings of Israel by living in "tents" for seven days and nights.  On the first night the Menorah was lit so that all of Israel would be reminded of God's light during the darkness of the wanderings, but more specifically to point to God as the Light of the world. Throughout the city the light from the court of women could be seen. Sacrifices were brought to the temple as well as dancing and singing throughout the night.   In addition to lighting the Menorah, the priests would daily draw water from the Pool of Siloam and pour it on the altar as a reminder of the water that came from the rock in the wilderness.  The eighth day of the celebration was a day of oblation and reflection calling for God to continue with Israel. 

All images of God's provision.  

All reminders that God had not completely forsaken them. 

All reminders that God still had a plan.  

On the last day of the feast when the final libation of water was poured, Jesus proclaimed that He was the never ending water for those who would come to Him.  He claimed to be the "light" to ensure they never would walk in darkness.  I often hear people say that Jesus never claimed to be God.  That He never announced to the world at large that He was divine.  This  "I am" saying would challenge that thought.  We cannot separate Jesus' ancestry from His context.  The Hebrew people understood Yahweh as Light.  They understood Yahweh as the provider.  It was Yahweh that they celebrated in the festivals.  It was to Yahweh they called to for deliverance from the darkness and it was Yahweh who would lead them out.  

Yahweh was present among them in Jesus - at least that was Jesus' understanding of it.  I like that Jesus doesn't say, "I reflect the light, so look to me and I will guide you toward it."  Jesus doesn't say, "I know where to find the light to rescue you from the darkness." Instead He states quite emphatically "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."  Against the backdrop of Tabernacles, the connection could not be missed. Jesus was the God they were celebrating.  

Facing the darkness is impossible without light.  There can be no overcoming that darkness without the power of light.  Many struggle through the night of their lives uncertain of what to do.  Jesus says quite clearly, I am the Light of the world.  You need not wrestle in the darkness. You need not submit to uncertainty.  If you will follow me - not simply with your mind, but with your entire persons- then I will  make sure that you never walk in darkness.  I am not promising you that what lies in the path will not hurt you, but I am saying that at least now you can see it.  

Soli Deo Gloria

Approachable

“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty...All whom the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. " (John 6:35, 37  TNIV)

Sometimes my youngest son will not come to me when I call him.  I recognize that part of the reason stems from what he is expecting.  Unfortunately, I fear he associates correction more than love.  It isn't that he doesn't need to be corrected, he is four.  However, I know that I am not always able to communicate my love clearly because I have to correct him. That being said, I would say that isn't always the reason why he doesn't come to me.  Sometimes I think he doubts I will receive him.  He's not alone, as I think my other children feel the same.  They come by this honestly, as their own dad wrestles with whether or not he will be received by his own Father.  

The message of Jesus is that I need not fear, but that doesn't mean I will simply accept it as true. At times I am riddled with doubt.  The theoretical "rain cloud" does hang over my own head.  It's not that I have ever sensed God's abandonment or disregard.  I can say with confidence, I have sensed His disapproval.  However, I have never perceived a whole scale absence.  

Why is that?

I believe this is because Jesus has rid my life of that possibility.  Jesus has always been present for me as a reminder that God is always with me.  That I am loved beyond measure and without regret. God is for me, not against me.  He is my eternal bread and water.  

John's gospel contains 7 unique sayings of Jesus regarding who He is and what He has come to accomplish known as the "I Am"sayings.  In this passage, Jesus is addressing the petition of the crowd to give a sign regarding the bread from Heaven.  The audience had recently witnessed Jesus' feeding of several thousands with only a few loaves of bread and a couple fish.  The conversation rested on their desire to have their stomachs filled with no regard to their souls. Jesus commanded them to work for food that won't spoil but for food that the Son of Man will give (John 6:27).  The audience understood that work was "required" to receive this food, so they asked what it was. Jesus responds very clearly to "believe in the one he [God] has sent." (John 6:29)  

So can we get a sign?  (Seriously, the same group who a day before witnessed the power of Jesus to feed multitudes with little are asking for a sign.  That's like watching the mechanic pull the dipstick from your car, walk it over to you, hand it to you with what appears to be tar on the end, and say "you need an oil change" and you respond "can you show me the oil pan?"  Clearly he knows what he is talking about.)

Jesus tells the group that He is the bread from heaven and if they will come to him, they will never go hungry.  Many people question the authority of Jesus.  They question whether or not he is the savior of the world.  They wonder whether or not the "story" got confused somewhere along the way.  They truly cannot see why Jesus should be seen as anything greater than a traveling preacher.  Jesus makes it abundantly clear:  I have come from heaven and I bring food for your hunger.  

No doubt Jesus is speaking to both the wealthy and the poor, but more predominantly the poor.  Jesus seemed to appeal to their natural needs than that of the wealthy.  Much like the woman at the well (John 4:13-14), Jesus offered something that would have most certainly provided a great bevy of hope in an extremely challenging life.  However, like most people these listening would certainly have wondered what will this cost me?

Dignity: Will I be abused if I take this gift?
Liberty:  Who will I owe for this gift?
Livelihood:  What will this give cost me?
Uncertainty:  Can I really receive this gift at all?

Jesus makes it clear that this gift is for everyone who will believe.  Everyone who come to him knowing that He is good and kind.  Jesus promises not only to provide food - He promises to be the food that is provided.  Jesus promises himself.

If my kids understand one thing, I hope it is that I want always to be for their good.  I want always to help them as best I can.  I want always to bring them joy and hope.  But more than anything, I long for my children to know that I will always accept them and never drive them away.  Like me to my LORD, they have been given to me and nothing will ever take that away.

Soli Deo Gloria

Done

"Isn't this what I said, LORD, when I was still at home?  This is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish.  I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.  Now Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live."  (Jonah 4:2-3 TNIV)

Jonah is ticked.  For the fourth time in the story, a prayer is uttered.  Jonah tells God quite clearly:  You always do this.  These people are wretched.  I told you in the beginning, you are just gonna take me there and have me share a message of coming wrath, only to stop before its time.  You make yourself look so weak. This world is going to Sheol in a handbasket and you just want to give them more chances.  I can't take this anymore, kill me.

Seems strange doesn't it?  God had decided not to destroy Ninevah, isn't that something Jonah should be excited about?  Shouldn't Jonah have been celebrating in the streets with the people of Ninevah?

Have you ever been bullied?  Perhaps, in school.  Sometimes physically and other times verbally, but bullied nonetheless. These bullies were never the individuals who got theirs. Instead, they were the stronger, smarter, wealthier who continuously rubbed their power in your face.  Time and again, you wanted them to get paid back, but they almost always seemed to escape nearly scarless.  Didn't seem fair did it?  Jonah didn't think so either.

It is not fair to say that Jonah should have just accepted the "repentance" as recompense for Ninevah's previous actions.  I don't believe that God is telling Jonah to let bygones be bygones. I find it difficult to believe a "gracious and compassionate God" is willing to simply disregard Jonah's frustration.  However, God does attempt to give Jonah a much different perspective.  One that reminds Jonah who is really in charge.

The words of the LORD in the remaining verses are difficult, but necessary.  Jonah is reminded that he is not really responsible for any of the real upkeep regarding the earth.  While he benefits from it, Jonah is an inhabitant, just like the Ninevites.   He gave no real thought to the people of Ninevah, until this fateful trip.  We cannot possibly understand or even value other people until we see them for who they are:  fellow inhabitants.

True some are despicable.  Some are predators.  Some are just completely diseased.  Still others,  are just like us.  They like their coffee and enjoy desserts.  They cry at sappy movies and get excited at sporting events.  They love good books and maybe a glass of wine.  Like us, they can be moved to repentance when they realize that something must change.

And the LORD is always compassionate towards them, even when we won't be.

Relent

"And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them...When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it." (Jonah 3:5,10)

Ever notice how the simplest phrase can change an entire conversation?  It doesn't take   much, just the willingness to say it.  Consider this:  a man and a wife are getting ready to go out on a date.  Bustling around getting the kids dinner, small versions of chit chat about the days events, and all is going along just fine when she asks "Does this look ok?"   The dynamic of the conversation changes.  Not because there is an offense (though it certainly can affect the overall direction of the evening) or even because there is something wrong.  It's just that certain phrases elicit different responses.  Couple that with the natural tendency most people have to react irrationally and we have a recipe for disaster.  However, every once and a while we think through the implications. 

 

The story of Jonah continues with the reluctant prophet traveling somewhere close to five hundred miles from the seashore.  Plenty of time to reflect on the depth of his great message and force with which he must bring it.   Then he arrives in Ninevah, takes a day to speak to different people and then proclaims quite clearly:  "Forty days and you will be overthrown."  Thanks for your time, tip the waiters, and make sure prepare for the fallout.   When the people of Ninevah heard this - they "believed God".  They stopped killing people, abusing each other, eating and drinking in hopes that God would not act in anger.  The king of Ninevah heard about the coming disaster and posted a quick status update: 

"OMG, we all gonna die. Eat or drink nothing.  Don't feed your dogs.  Put on your mowing clothes- the dirtier the better.  Strange as it might sound, put some dirty towels on your animals.  Bombard God with endless messages -text, IM, Facetime (if that's possible), VOX, SMS, email, you could even pray.  Stop viewing life like its one big MMA cage match and treat people like they matter. Who knows maybe God will see we are serious, pull back and not destroy us."

You know what I find strange here:  Jonah spoke a simple message and then stepped  out.  The decision is completely on the hearer.  Now it is likely true that Jonah had different motives for his simple message (we'll take that up on another day), but what is clear is that God -who isn't even identified in the message- knew something Jonah did not.  When people are confronted with their own mortality, some will own it and realize that changes must be made.   Jonah offered no hope in his message and yet, the people of Ninevah believed that a reprieve may have been an option.  By design, they understood: Maybe if we do what's right, God will relent. It's almost as if someone asked: "Does this look ok?" and God said "No" and they changed.

We know that Ninevah didn't stay forever "changed."  The Scriptures certainly speak of the demise of this city (Nahum), but the space and time between seems to be fairly long.  Let's not miss the point:  God will not be muted out.  He still speaks to us and calls us to examine our lives. (2 Corinthians 13:5) Not certain if He is going to "destroy us", but very confident He is more than willing to overthrow us.  He will be God, whether we want Him to be or not.

Awaken

"10 And the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land." (Jonah 2:10 ESV)

 Sometimes we get it.  We understand that life is not solely about our comfort.  We see that when we are called to be something or do something it is better to do it than wait to see.  Sometimes we have to be surrounded by death and despair, to realize our error. 

A phrase that makes me cringe is "If I had it to do over, I wouldn't change a thing.  I am today what I am because of that."  I absolutely hate that phrase.  Where does that really work?

• "If I had known that I was going to get a flat on this road today, I would still have done it anyway."
• "Man,  Taco Bell really cleaned me out.  Spent all day paying for it.  I am so much wiser for that."
• "That guy took my life's savings  with his "Ocean Front Property".  Good thing I had that experience."

Seriously, why don't we own up to our situations more frequently?  Why is it that we would rather create a faux world of great reward, than to admit it was just a bad- even stupid decision.  The song of thanksgiving from the stomach of the ocean is a great example of what happens to a person who is willing to admit he was wrong. 

Jonah's disobedience nearly killed the crew of the SS Tarshish until they acted in obedience and threw him overboard.  Now Jonah, in the depths of death - that is what  the imagery of the "roots of the mountains" and "the earth beneath barred me in forever" imply-  knew there was no more hope for him.  All was lost.  All was gone.   He was thrown off the ship into the pit. However, it was here that Jonah "remembered" the LORD. 

But don't think that the LORD crossed Jonah's mind in the final moments of death in the same way "every rose has its thorn" calls you to remember that person who shredded your heart so many years ago. (But if you had it to do over again...) No Jonah "remembered" the LORD of all creation.  The LORD who had sent him out in the first place.  The LORD who delivered the crew of the Black Pearl from imminent death.  The LORD who had delivered Israel, time and time again.  The LORD who is the maker of heaven and earth. Jonah "remembered" the LORD and the LORD brought his life up from the pit. 

See life is not what we make it. It is not how we use our skills or even how we develop our talents.  Life is granted to us from the LORD.  While we work hard to validate our lives, the LORD validates our lives when we call out to him.  Jonah understood this only when he was finally in a place where his wisdom, insight, history, even "calling" could no longer bail him out.  The only one who could:  The LORD.  It seems fitting that Jonah did not even pray when the crew of Cowering Menace called him to, but they did.  Strange how the "hopeful" fail to pray until no sense of hope exists.  Even more fitting that when they do:

1. The LORD hears them.
2. Redeems them and the tyranny of the moment.
3. Then throws them up out of the waste of their situation.

Jonah was literally thrown up on the shore.  As Jonah began the long walk into Ninevah, what do you think was going through his mind?  Do you think he was saying, "the depths of the sea... Oh to do that again." No, in all likelihood Jonah was thinking: "I am an idiot and I really stink. Praise the LORD that He doesn't act as I do.  On to Ninevah, I have a song I want them to hear. "

Do you have a Ninevah that need to hear your song or are you on your way back to Taco Bell?  

Asleep

"Now the LORD provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights." (Jonah 1:17 TNIV)

 If I am honest, I must admit that I don't always do what God calls me to do. To be fair, I am not always certain what God is calling me to do, but even when I am quite certain I don't always do it. Case and point. I am awful at visiting people at the hospital. It is not that I am better than that or that I don't have the time. It is that the entire experience is so difficult for me. By His design, I am an introvert. I utterly despise crowds and am terribly at odds with myself in the presence of many. While I am ok in modified isolation (thus the continued posting of blogs, facebook updates, and Spotify) it is fair to say that I am extremely uncomfortable in places where I don't really know what to do. Hospitals are so uncomfortable. The settings are not typically conducive for laughter- something I am always compelled to do-, the reason for those in the hospital is varied and I am never quite sure what to ask, and let's not forget hospital gowns. It's just awkward. I know some who are great at visiting and others who have honed the skill I am still learning.


All that to say, I know that God calls me to hospitals. While the above mentioned reasons are true, the root of my hesitancy is much deeper. If I am to be honest, I am worried that my visit will do no significant good. If I am to be fair, I simply struggle with whether or not seeing my face in that-or in any other envirionment- will be a blessing to others. In many ways, I just struggle with whether or not I am really the person for that. This is the same reason I don't always do what I am called to do.


The story of Jonah has always been a curious one. For many the story is seen as a literal account of a man sent by God to a specific community with a specific purpose. Others see it simply as a metaphor for Israel and her disobedience in proclaiming Yahweh as God. Still some, see it as a greater metaphor for what could happen when people follow after God and do as He commands. As I read through it today, I was taken in by the imagery of what happens when a person is unwilling to fear God and do as He says. Namely, the impact it will have on those around him. The men in the boat, were going to drown as a result of Jonah's disobedience. Initially, there wasn't any reason to be afraid. However, in time that all changed. The storms began to rage and the ship's crew had no idea what was going on. Afraid the ship would capsize, they began throwing off the weight of food, suitcases, and books, etc. But to no avail. What does Jonah do? He goes downstairs to sleep. Finally, the crew come to Jonah and ask: Who have you ticked off? Yahweh. Off you go into the raging tempest. Storm stops, crew worships. Fish swallows Jonah.

So what's the point?

Jonah was called to go to Ninevah and he didn't. Enter Perfect Storm. Jonah's disobedience was nearly the death of an entire crew. I shutter to think how many times the storms in people's lives around me could have been started by my disobedience. How many times have I resisted the calling of God in my life out of fear for what others might think or do, instead of the fear of God? How many times have I resisted God's calling so that I could allow someone else the blessing of helping? How many times when the storm was raging, did I lay down and sleep?

The hinge for this part of the story is found after the men throw Jonah into the sea. "Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard,and the raging sea grew calm. At this the men greatly feared the LORD, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to him." (Jonah 1:15-16 TNIV) When they were obedient, God calmed their sea. Maybe that 's the point of hospital visits- to calm a storm. Maybe that's the point of any work we do for the LORD - to calm the sea of people's lives. Or at least to offer an opportunity for it to be calm.

 Soli Deo Gloria

Escape

"Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death."  Psalm 14:27 NLT

I wonder how much I really fear the LORD.  It is fair to accept that I respect the authority of God, but I am not certain that I fear Him.  Many will object that "fearing God" is unhealthy.  God is to be revered.  He is to be highly regarded,  but fear is not necessary.  They would quote 1 John 4:18 as a prooftext.  "Perfect love casts out fear..."  But is this really fair.  After all, isn't John's admonition to not fear the final judgement because of our standing with Christ?  Isn't it true that even Jesus called us to recognize the power of God's authority when He taught the disciples to be afraid not of the one who can harm the body, but rather the one who can destroy the body and soul? (Matthew 10:28) Just as much as is it true that we are to approach the throne of God with confidence, it is true that God is first and foremost due our fear.  (Exodus 3:5-6; Isaiah 6:1-5; Revelation 4)  We come to the throne of God with a sense of honest regard.

While the approach is made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus, most of us approach the throne as if we are owed an audience. We come to offer the sacrifice of fools. (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2)  For years, I have not considered the fear of God something to be grasped.  Instead, I have relied on the so described palatable nature of God's love.  A love that requires more patience from God than my honor or respect.  My sacrifice normally is qualified by whether it fits into my schedule or is visible to the onlookers. Sometimes I treat God as if He is blessed to know me, to have created me.  Oh some might say, that isn't true.  You can't possibly be that disrespectful to God.

Can't I?

I rush to church on Sunday thinking only about what I will be eating for lunch.  Sauntering through the hallway as if "In tha Club" were playing in the background,  I pass by those in the hallway with only a fleeting glance- "I am so busy".  My quiet time consists of leisure reading  and easily digested devotional thoughts that simply allow me to feel more at ease in a world that continues to burn while I play my fiddle.   There is no fear, only contempt.

So this is the question:  What does it look like to fear God, according to Jesus?

As I answer this question I must be careful not to turn this into a checklist of to do's and don'ts.  I need to be aware of my tendency to gloss over the expectations as a result of Jesus' death.  I need to recognize that "fearing" God has been interpreted in numerous ways- many of which have done more to make wider the chasm, rather than close it up.  It is an imperative to remember that just because the people I hold dearest might object to my understanding, it is irrelevant.  In the end, it doesn't mean anything that I fear God as my mom, wife, or grandfather would.  Instead, I must fear God on his terms.  I must recognize that the snares of death are not solely relative to the cessation of life, but the impairment of living.  The fear of the LORD will lead me to Jesus, and Jesus will lead me to God.

Soli Deo Gloria

Manifesto: A Re-Tuning

By definition a manifesto is “ a written statement declaring publicly the intentions, motives, or views of its issuer”. So by all rights and standards this is my manifesto!

I am denying Jesus. 

I am denying the Jesus of suburban utopia. The Jesus that would call for me to support our troops by sending weapons of mass destruction to annihilate innocent men, women, and children in the name of “justice”. I am denying the Jesus, that is supported by Scripture references intended to bring peace and unity, but used instead to promote self-indulged agendas that bring neither. I am denying the Jesus that is often touted from pulpits and radio broadcasts as your cure all. I vehemently oppose the Jesus of the feel good movement. The Jesus that would have me believe that He came here to make you life better today. The Jesus that would suggest that all of your life’s ambitions and goals are here to be realized. I stand in complete disobedience to the Jesus spoken of through our words of hate and indifference to the civil liberties of all humanity. To the Jesus who is more consumed with getting the references right, rather than speaking to the heart of our needs and our hurts. 

I publicly profess my lack of trust in the Superpower Jesus. 

The Jesus who uses a political platform to endorse widespread poverty and disregard for basic human needs. I stand against the Jesus defended by men who use their strength to control their spouse or children by word and action. I refuse to accept the Jesus of capitalism. Nor will I bow down to the Jesus of “you will get yours”.

 I disavow any connection to the Superspiritual Jesus.

 I refuse to answer to men who think that by their lofty words and misguided interpretations of Scripture they will convince me that they way I dress or decorate my body is an abomination to the King. I refuse to honor men and women who stare blindly at the plight of humanity, offering no legitimate long term hope. I will reject any attempt to denigrate the Risen Lord of Creation to an erratic, insensitive land owner who accepts payment for the life he has given (both his own and to us) by adhering to traditions and doctrines that are dead and rotting corpses of failed religion motivated by greed and power. I refuse to accept the Jesus whose divine authority has been removed from him like testicles from a bull. 

I refuse to be answerable to CEO Jesus. 

The Jesus who runs his kingdom and churches like a corporation. Who “dismisses” unproductive followers only to replace them with people who will give more back. I deny the Jesus of the chat rooms. The Jesus who is idolized as “all-knowing” with a little help from those who can update Facebook faster than anyone else. 

I reject the instant gratification Jesus.

The Jesus that both offers and provides immediate satisfaction for all who will chant the mantra “Jesus wants this for you”. I will reject the Jesus professed by those who believe that they are justified in treating fellow followers of the Way to a lethal dosage of verbal diarrhea just because they disagree with their opinions.

I disregard the Jesus who is not mysterious at all. 

Who looks, acts, and responds the same way a drunken father does to a child. Who has no patience. Who has no kindness. Whose compassion is simply a paper pancho that disintegrates once the storms of life soak his followers.

Instead. 

 I turn to the Jesus introduced in the New Testament. 

The Jesus who, existed before all as God and showed up on this earth as an infant. Who lived among the creation that he was responsible for initiating and was rejected by most of them. The Jesus who was sent by the Father to redeem fallen humanity.  The Jesus who commissioned the disciples to love unyieldingly toward all.  The Jesus who would submit to grant redemption.  The Jesus who would die that I might live.  The Jesus who walked away from the grave, just as He said He would.  The Jesus who ascended back to where He came from. The Jesus who promised to one day return and gather those whom He preceded in death to bring them into the fullness of life.  The Jesus who continues to work this day through the faithful who love Him and are led by the Holy Spirit through this wilderness. 

I bow before the Jesus of compassion.

I believe in the Jesus who in an attempt to save disgrace for newly wed couple, turned water into wine. (Not some form of “welch’s grape for those of you can’t get past the idea that wine would have touched the lips of God’s son.) I believe in the Jesus that knelt down and hugged the leper or the woman who couldn’t stop bleeding. The Jesus who told the religious elite of his day that their entire method of interpreting the Scriptures was as sour and putrid as the smell of their whitewashed souls. The Jesus who told the leaders of the the day that prostitutes and tax collectors would enter the kingdom of heaven before they would. The Jesus who could accept everyone who was broken, not just the ones who could quote the Scriptures “properly”. 

I yield to the Jesus of provision.
I accept the Jesus who looked at his mother in her pain while he was on the Cross and gave her John as a son to look after her. I will believe in the Jesus who called out for complete forgiveness for those who had no idea they had beaten, stripped naked, and were about kill the Son of the Living God. 

I follow the Jesus of redemption.  

I will believe in the Jesus who died a murderer’s death (which was mine) in my place. I choose to believe that God did love me beyond measure and as such made a way for me to see that love in Jesus.  I will believe in the Jesus that rose from the grave to prove His ability to “forgive sins”. I will follow after the Jesus who judges me not for the many sins I have committed, but for the repentance that followed them. My proclamation is to the son of God whose reign is eternal not temporary. I will believe in the Jesus who died to give my life back to me. I will proclaim the Jesus who was despised for his love. I will celebrate the Jesus who endorsed the Old Covenant, but died for the New.

Lord Jesus I repent.

I repent of those things that have hindered my drawing to you. Seeking others approval, before yours. Wanting to be loved by broken humanity more than complete divinity. Denying compassion to those that just don’t fit the picture. 

I repent of the lifestyle that promotes adulation and praise for me rather than you. 

I repent of the times when I failed to love and honor those around me, because it was easier to be right.

I repent of the times when my anger got the best of me. Jesus I repent of my insolent heart. 

I repent of the times I wished violence and pain on those who had hurt me.

I repent of not loving my wife and children more than ministry.

I repent of neglecting my mother and sisters in order that I might achieve the accolades of "spiritual". 

Mostly Lord I repent of not giving forgiveness. 

Increase my faith dear King. Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me a sinner.

Soli Deo Gloria

Fully

I used to believe that all of life would one day make sense. As it is, I am becoming more comfortable with knowing that while life may make sense eventually, I will likely never fully understand it.  More likely, I will miss a great dea of it trying to figure it out.  In the Gospel according to John, I have learned that Jesus intends me to have life and have it fully.  Trying to understand the depth of this is like trying to capture a sun ray. You never quite know which you have:  the ray or the effect of the ray. Either way, I have found that if Jesus intends me to have life, then I must begin to see what that life looks like.

 For the next several posts - or until I feel it is ok to move on - I am going to see if I can unearth the intention.  While I will continue to search it out daily, that doesn't mean I will have anything to offer. Likewise, I have no intention of keeping this "christian" or palatable.  At times my thoughts might be extremely lucid and other times they will confusing.  I invite you to come along with me as I go.  I welcome your own perspective as well as your insight.  I am learning more and more that my identity is in Jesus.  As I press toward that, it will be challenging for me to let go of the past in an attempt to embrace the present.  Some things will remain steadfast; however, there are some things that simply do not fit any longer.  I must be willing to hear from the LORD as He continues to work through my life from moment to moment.   And I will waiting to hear from any who will partner with me in this journey to hold me accountable to what is unchanging, while that which changes fades into oblivion.