"Watch Out for Respectable Liars"

Matthew 22.16 NAS

“And they sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any.’ ”

How nice these people were to pay such kind tribute to Jesus. The Son of God must have appreciated their attention to etiquette and enjoyed their lavish compliments. These “disciples… along with the Herodians” prefaced their conversation with the customary praise due a man of Jesus’ caliber. They bowed. They smiled. They deferred to the Master. These men were leaders. They were role-models. They were intelligent. They were respectable.

They were liars.

Jesus saw through their façade instantly. “Yeshua [Jesus], however, knowing their malicious intent, said, ‘You hypocrites! Why are you trying to trap me?’ ” (Matthew 22.18 CJB).

Here’s an important revelation. People lie. Beware when they say too many very nice things about you. You may be tempted to believe them. That could be a huge mistake.

“A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart he harbors deceit.
Though his speech is charming, do not believe him…”

Proverbs 26.24-25a NIV

"Old Donkeys"

Matthew 21.4-7 NIV
 

“This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: ‘Say to the Daughter of Zion, “See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” ’

The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them.”

The event known as “The Triumphal Entry” of Jesus in Jerusalem is described in all four Gospels.[1] There are key similarities and differences in each account. Note, for example, that all four Gospel writers quote portions of the same verse from the minor prophet Zechariah:

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation,
Humble, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
Zechariah 9.9 NASB

Interestingly, Matthew is the only Gospel writer who has Jesus with two, not one donkey. All four Gospels record Jesus with a “young donkey” or a “colt” (i.e., the young male offspring of a female donkey, also called a foal). However, in the Matthew passage alone, the disciples brought both “the donkey and the colt, and laid their coats on them”. Matthew wrote his gospel to convince Jews that Jesus was the Messiah in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. His account is heavily sprinkled with Hebrew scriptures pointing to Jesus Christ. Critical scholars explain the ‘donkey’ distinction in this way:

Matthew introduced a second donkey in his recounting of the Triumphal Entry in order to make this story better coincide with the prophesy of Zechariah. He ignored the obvious use of Hebrew poetic parallelism[2] and invented the second donkey to offer even more support to his ‘Jesus is the Messiah’ position.

This opinion presumes that Matthew was ignorant of the use of poetic parallelism in the Hebrew scriptures which, of course, is unlikely for an educated, first century Jewish man . All four Gospel accounts of the Triumphal Entry can be easily reconciled in this way:

Zechariah used poetic parallelism in his description of the Messiah’s appearance. Jesus would come “mounted on a donkey,... [which is] a colt, [otherwise known as] the foal of a donkey”. There is just one donkey in Zechariah’s prophesy, not two. (Note: Every “colt, the foal of a donkey” is, in fact, a donkey. But not every donkey is a “colt” or a “foal”.) Jesus instructed the disciples to bring Him a “colt… on which on one yet has ever sat” (Mark 11.2; Luke 19.30). That’s exactly what the disciples did as all four Gospels record. Matthew provides the additional information implied by the other two Synoptic writers and John. The donkey was just barely old enough to carry a burden but still too young to be without its mother. For that reason Jesus told the disciples to bring both donkeys, as Matthew indicated. In choosing to mount a young donkey “on which no one yet has ever sat”, Jesus symbolically established Himself as a the leader of a new thing God was doing in the culture of His day.

I am an old mother donkey with a few colts to my name. I helped carry the Gospel message to a generation past. New younger Christian men and women will bring Christ to the next generation. These believers still need their mothers in Christ. We are not forgotten. We may join in the celebration and walk along beside the foals. But old donkeys must pass the mantle of supernatural gifting to the backs of young colts who will bear the burden of Christ from this time forward. These are the ones who will make a new and triumphal entry into the culture of our day.
________________

[1] “Triumphal Entry” Gospel parallels: Matthew 21.1-9 (and 21.14-16); Mark 11.1-10; Luke 19.28-40; John 12.12-19.

[2] Parallelism is an Old Testament writing style using repetition to reinforce a point. There are two kinds of parallelism: 1) synonymous parallelism, “in which the second member repeats the content of the first in different words, e.g., ‘But his delight is in the law of Yahweh, / and in his law he meditates day and night’ (Psalm 1.2)” and 2) antithetical parallelism, “in which the second member illuminates the content of the first by means of a contrasting idea, e.g., ‘For Yahweh knows the way of the righteous, / but the way of the wicked will perish’ (Psalm 1.6)”. From Introduction to the Old Testament, Georg Forher, Abingdon Press, 1968, p. 46.

"Enuresis"

Matthew 20.26b-28 Complete Jewish Bible

“Among you, it must not be like that. On the contrary, whoever among you wants to be a leader must become your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave! For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve — and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

John’s son had a problem with enuresis. “Enuresis (bed-wetting) is the term used for urinating while asleep. It is considered normal until at least age 6.”[1] But John’s boy, Tommy, was 9 and still wetting his bed every single night. The family referred to Tommy’s plastic diapers as “nighttime undies”, a term that caused less embarrassment to their son than “diapers”. John assumed Tommy would eventually outgrow bed-wetting and was not overly worried. However, Tommy’s age and the expense of Pull-ups caused John and his wife to reconsider their approach. “Perhaps we should take Tommy to the doctor”, John’s wife suggested. “I think they have medicine for this condition.” John agreed and mom arranged the appointment.

Instead of “medicine”, the family physician gave Tommy’s parents a “treatment plan”[2]. John was surprised but caught on quickly. He discovered that most children who wet their beds are deep sleepers and have inherited small bladders. He knew his son was a deep sleeper and learned how to measure the size of Tommy’s bladder. Success with the “treatment plan” depended on serious and focused parental involvement:

• Stop using diapers or plastic Pull-ups
• Place a plastic cover on the mattress
• Measure the size of your child’s bladder
• Encourage a lot of daytime fluids to stretch the bladder
• Limit fluids in the evening
• Wake your child up to go to the bathroom during the night
• Teach the child to find the bathroom on his own after waking up
• Improve access to the toilet with night lights
• Have the child get up and change into dry pajamas if he wets the bed
• Include the child in morning clean-up of wet bed clothes and sheets
• Never tease, blame, or punish the child for bed-wetting

John and his wife became active with the “treatment plan” and Tommy soon overcame bed-wetting without the use of medicine. Together, the parents and their son experienced a real victory and wonderful feelings of mutual respect and love. John is convinced Tommy would still be wearing “nighttime undies” if it were not for the treatment plan. The “he’ll outgrow it” approach can be code for an unwillingness to get involved. It took the sacrifice of a little research, thought, time, and energy to assist in their son’s success. But John and his wife did the right (parental) thing. John showed himself to be a real “leader” by becoming a “servant” to his son, Tommy.

Like “the Son of Man [who] did not come to be served, but to serve” parents are sent by God to serve their children help them become successful in every area of their lives.
_____________________

The amazing paintings on this post are entitled "Sleeping Boy" and "Bed" (both oil on canvas, laid on board) and were created by Dublin born artist, Patrick Redmond, who studied at Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology. You can view his incredible work at The Molesworth Gallery, 16 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, Ireland (http://www.molesworthgallery.com/).

[1] “Bed-Wetting (Enuresis)”, Pediatric Advisor 2006.2, University of Michigan Health System, C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital.

[2] You can locate excellent information on bed-wetting and a treatment program at http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library.

"There is No Such Thing as a Compliant Warrior"

Matthew 19.8, 17b, 21 NAS

“Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way.”

“...if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

“...if you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and com, follow Me.”


I am intrigued by a line from Michael Gerber’s wonderful book on small business development entitled The E-Myth Revisited:

“Let me repeat once more that great quote by Don Juan in Carlos Castaneda’s A Separate Peace: ‘The difference between a warrior and an ordinary man is that a warrior sees everything as a challenge, while an ordinary man sees everything as either a blessing or a curse.’ ”[1]

Carlos Castaneda’s “warrior” is an individual who accepts the challenge to make a difference in the world. An “ordinary man”, on the other hand, accepts his station in life with passive neutrality. He may expertly clarify and define his circumstances, but he receives them as fated and without complaint.

Now there’s an interesting word… complaint. Flip two letters and you have nearly the opposite meaning… compliant! A compliant person will not dare to register a complaint. Domineering leaders depend on compliance and feed off “ordinary” people. They squash complainers with accusations of non-compliance while invoking divine authority for themselves. This may go down well with “an ordinary man” but the tactic will incense a “warrior”. There is no such thing as a compliant warrior. People who see “everything as a blessing or a curse”, will not engage the “challenge” of inserting change into the status quo. They are destined to be victims of their own circumstance. Trading stress for harmony, they acquiesce to greater powers without thought of making a difference in their worlds. Warriors embarrass ordinary people who long ago decided to give up the idealism that characterizes progress of the soul.

Twice in chapter 19 of the gospel of Matthew, Jesus presented the ‘Ordinary Man – Warrior’ choice. First, to the Pharisees on the subject of divorce. Yes, the Law and “Moses permitted divorce”, but there was a better way. An “ordinary man” will harden his heart and run to divorce as an easy way out of a difficult marital union. A “warrior” will contend for the success of his marriage.

“Jesus said, ‘Moses provided for divorce as a concession to
your hardheartedness, but it is not part of God’s original plan.’ ”

Matthew 19.8 The Message

Next, in verses 16-26, Jesus offered the rich, young ruler the ‘Ordinary Man – Warrior’ choice. He assured the wealthy man of the inheritance of eternal life if he continued to keep the simple commandments not to murder, steal, lie, cheat on his wife, etc. The man’s record was clean but in asking, “What am I still lacking”, the rich guy betrayed unhappiness with his “ordinary” life. Jesus responded with an opportunity to join ranks with the warriors of the faith.

“If you are serious about reaching the goal, go and sell your possessions,

give to the poor, and you shall have riches in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Matthew 19.21 Complete Jewish Bible

How do I trade in all remnants of my smug and “ordinary” existence for the faith-based life of a “warrior” for Christ? Recruit me, Jesus!

__________________

[1] E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It, Michael E. Gerber, Harper Collins, 1995.

"An Imagination Stretcher"

Matthew 18.10-11 NKJV

“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.

For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.”

I treasure the moments I have with my kids. I still have two young children at home. Every day, I hold my youngest tightly and kiss her tiny cheek, peer into her eyes and say, “You’re my little girl. I love you.” Who wouldn’t love such an adorable, precious little thing? Small children (especially mine) are trusting, innocent, playful, and cute.

The context of the above passage of Scripture is all about children. In answer to their question about “the greatest in the kingdom of heaven”, Jesus set a child before the disciples and explained:

“Unless you are converted and become like children,

you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 18.3 NASB

The Lord strictly warned His followers against hurting children. According to Matthew 18.6, it would be better to “be drowned in the depth of the sea” with a concrete block tied around their neck than to cause “little ones… to stumble”.

I’ve always understood this Bible verse as a mandate to love my children unconditionally. That’s not hard for me. After all, I’m their dad. God built me to love my kids. It’s all a part of His creative design... parents love their children. But the last part of this scripture troubles me. “For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost”.[1] My kids aren’t lost. Who was Jesus speaking about? Perhaps the object of Christ’s call to love reaches beyond my children to include all children of any age. Jesus may well have intended His followers to embrace humanity with the love of God. 

Some of God’s kids are lost. I can make a (positive or negative) difference. I can “despise [snub, ignore, berate, judge, etc.] one of these little ones” and help to secure their eternal lostness or, I can try to love all God’s children as Jesus did. The choice is mine.

There are lots of ‘not-so-cute’ people out there. They’re not easy to love. Jesus loves them all the same. He loves the stinking, unshaven, elderly, homeless, overweight drunk looking for a handout as much as He loves my pure and innocent, precious little girl. I cannot imagine holding that man tightly, kissing his dirty cheek, peering into his eyes, and saying with sincerity the way I do with my own children, “You are my brother. I love you.”

I need to stretch my imagination.

____________________

Early Greek manuscripts and some New Testament translations do not include verse 11: “For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost”.

Photo of homeless man by Tim Boucher. Child photograph from Iowa Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (http://www.iowadec.net/).

"Too Many Voices"

Matthew 17.5 NASU

“While he [Peter] was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground and were terrified. And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, ‘Get up, and do not be afraid.’ ”

Many voices compete for my attention. To whom will I listen?

The Voice of Despair: “Give up. Things are never going to work out. You’ve given all you can. It’s time to quit.”

The Voice of Sin: “You earned this. No one will ever find out. There’s nothing really that wrong with it anyway.”

The Voice of Bitterness: “I can’t believe how they treated you! You deserve better. God will judge them for what they did to you.”

The Voice of Fear: “You cannot achieve what your dream. Turn back now before you make a bigger fool of yourself.”

The Voice of Resignation: "You’re tired. Take a rest. Let the younger (more called, more talented, more capable) ones take your place.”

The Voice of Confusion: “You’ll never wrap your head around this one. It’s way too complicated for your simple mind.”

The Voice of Religion: “There are many paths to God. All of them are right. Be a sincere and good person. You’ll get there if you keep trying.”

The Voice of Jealousy: “That promotion belonged to you. You’re every bit as good. Better than that jerk for sure!”

The Voice of Impatience: “They are so slow. They must be stupid. Don’t they know how busy you are. Tell them to hurry up!”

The Voice of Contention: “What’s their problem? Can’t they see that there’s a better way... your way!”

The Voice of Jesus: “Get up, and do not be afraid.”

Which voice will I listen to?

“This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased;

listen to Him!”

________________

I found this very cool image above at a blog post by Faris called "Silent Voices" (http://farisyakob.typepad.com/blog/2007/10/silent-voices.html). It is his reworking of the cover of a Franz Ferdinand album "You Can Have It So Much Better" designed by Matthew Cooper which itself reworks a famous 1924 photomontage by Russian Constructivist artist, Aleksandr Rodchenko. For more images and further information, check out "Constructivism: the ism that just keeps givin'" by Patrick Burgoyne on the Creative Review blog at at http://www.creativereview.co.uk/cr-blog/2008/august/constructivism-the-ism-that-just-keeps-givin.

"Who Do You Say I Am?"

Matthew 16.13-16 NIV

“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ ‘But what about you?’ he asked.”

“WHO do you say I am?”

A good man? A trusted friend? A nice guy?

A moral philosopher? The only way to heaven?

“Who DO you say I am?”

Do I actually say anything at all or do I depend on my

actions alone to influence others to follow Christ?

“Who do YOU say I am?”

Not what I read in a book or heard preached
from a pulpit. What is true inside of me?

“Who do you SAY I am?”

What flows from my lips when asked about faith in Christ?
Is it guesswork or am I fully assured of what I believe?

“Who do you say I am?”

D0 I speak with more intelligence and familiarity about Barak
Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Bill Gates than about Jesus?

“Who do you say I AM?”

I know who Jesus isn’t. But exactly who is He?
If I don’t know how will anyone else find out?

“WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?”

“Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone
asks you to account for the hope that is in you...”

1st Peter 3.15 AMP

"Are We There Yet?

Matthew 15.15 NIV and “The Message”

Peter said, “Explain the parable to us.”

“I don’t get it. Put it in plain language.”

Peter is the patron saint of the dense. He’s my kind of guy. Most of us “don’t get it” quietly. But Peter blurts out his ignorance for all to hear, “I’m lost. Can you explain what you’re talking about?” Peter validates and encourages me. I now know it’s OK to admit, “I don’t get it”. If Peter needed an explanation, why am I surprised that I do?

I would rather “get” everything. I hate to look stupid. I don’t want others to jeer and poke fun at my ignorance with snide remarks like, “Wake up and smell the coffee” or “Come to the party” or everyone’s favorite, “Duh”. But that’s the risk I take when, like Peter, I choose to display my unawareness for all to see.

Of course, there is an upside to this risk. Perhaps I will actually learn something. So, when the pain of ignorance becomes greater than the fear of reprisal, I may take the plunge and confess my reality:

“I don’t get it. Put it in plain language.”

My comprehension is limited. I only know a few things. I’m ever learning but never knowing it all. Always on the journey but never arriving.

I grew up in a military home and my family moved constantly. (Thankfully, they never left me behind.) I actually attended three fifth grade classes in Massachusetts, Montana, and Germany. My parents and siblings and I took lots of trips. My memory of vacations and relocations all blend together now. We traveled by ship, plane, train, bus, subway, and car. I recall few destinations, but frequent journeys and lots of sightseeing along the way. I often wondered (and pestered my parents with), “Are we there yet?” I’m still wondering.

Very little is crystal clear for me. I am a believer.  I subscribe to the basic tenants of the Christian faith. I know Jesus died for my sins and rose from the dead. I am assured that my eternal destiny is secure. I know I am aware that I have a wonderful wife and family, a great job, and good health. I am overwhelmingly grateful for all these blessings. I know I am called to serve in the name of Christ. But that’s about it. I grasp very little beyond that. I am in constant need of divine explanations to human dilemmas, many of my own making. Thank God for a Savior who never wearies of my need to know and the example of a disciple who overcame his shame and admitted his personal limitations…

“Explain the parable to us.”
“I don’t get it. Put it in plain language.”

"In the Act of Sharing"

Matthew 14.16, 19c-20a HCSB

“‘They don’t need to go away,’ Jesus told them. ‘You give them something to eat.’

He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. Everyone ate and was filled.”

Who fed the “five thousand men” plus their “women and children” (v. 21) with “only five loaves and two fish” (v. 17)? Be careful. It’s a trick question and the answer is not ‘Jesus’.

Jesus did not feed the crowd. His disciples did. The followers of Jesus fed the horde of hungry people! Jesus multiplied their efforts. He made it possible. He performed the miracle. But it was Christ’s followers who took the loaves of bread from Jesus and “gave them to the crowds”.

These guys wanted Jesus to “send the crowds away” (v.15). The disciples were hungry. The throng, they surmised, was ravenous. No one expected the Lord’s response...

“You give them something to eat.”

Not the grocer. Not the farmer. Not the local innkeeper. Not the government. Not even Jesus. You take care of the need. You feed thousands of hungry people. You take what little provisions you have and “bring them here to Me” (v. 18). He broke both loaves into at least 5,000 pieces and “gave them to the disciples”. Somehow in the act of sharing there was enough. “Everyone ate and was filled.” It was a miracle.

Have no regard for the size of the need or the inadequacy of your supply. Give what you have to Jesus and expect a miracle.

“You give them something to eat.”

"Worthless Piece of Dirt?"

Matthew 13.44 NIV

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”

The man in Jesus’ parable of the hidden treasure sold everything to purchase what others deemed a worthless parcel of dirt. His neighbors wondered, “What does he see in that old field of weeds?” The wise man saw beneath the surface. This ground was far more than a collection of rocks and rubble. It held the promise of unimaginable wealth. He would dig, get dirty, go deep, and find the treasure.

Did you ever think of yourself as dirty, worthless, without value? Jesus thinks otherwise. He discovered “treasure hidden” inside of you. His Father in Heaven placed it there before you were even conceived. In fact, God “knew you” and chose you as His own long before He “formed you in the womb” (Jeremiah 1.5).

The Son of God may have found you lying dormant beside the road of life. He stopped to investigate. He dug beneath the surface and unearthed the treasure God placed there. Jesus loved what He saw in you. He found His fortune there. It’s the “the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17.21). Like the man in His parable, “in his joy” Jesus “sold all he had” to purchase the field. He shed His blood and gave His life for you. 

What does Jesus see in a dirty, useless parcel of ground like me?” He sees plenty. He gave everything He had for me. He sold Himself to procure me. Jesus “bought [me] with his own blood” (Acts 20.28).

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,…”
2nd Corinthians 4.7 NKJV

“Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us,

the treasure which has been entrusted to you.”

2nd Timothy 1.14 NAS

There’s a “treasure hidden” inside of each one of us. We have value beyond measure to Jesus.

___________________

In Jesus' parable of the hidden treasure, the hearers of His words are the ones who must sell all they have to obtain the treasure of God.  This is the apparent and plain meaning of the text. However, Jesus clearly demonstrates the thrust of this parable in all His interactions with the object of His devotion, which, of course, is all of humanity. We are His treasure. 

"My Personal Something Greater"

Matthew 12.42 NAS

“The Queen of the South… came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.”

I once dreamt I was driving on a gray, cold, rainy day. I pulled into fast and heavy traffic on a four lane road. The window wipers suddenly stopped working. The defroster would not clear the windshield. I was not wearing my seat belt and I could not slow down or stop the car. The peril of my dilemma became rapidly apparent. I was driving at least 65 miles an hour in the left lane inches from oncoming traffic… and I could not see where I was going! Horns were honking and I was seconds from a crash that would kill myself and others. I panicked and screamed, “Jesus! Help me!” Then I woke up.

In my dream I needed “something greater” than myself. I was driving toward destruction, fast. Without divine intervention, I was doomed. On the brink of disaster and desperate for someone to rescue me, I cried out for help from “something greater” than me. In my sleep I instantly and instinctively knew who that was. Jesus is my personal “something greater”.
_________________

[1] “The Queen of the South” came from the land of “Sheba” which may have been located in southern part of the Arabian Peninsula or the regions of Ethiopia. Pictured above are the Pillars of a Sabaean moon-god temple in the desert near Marib, Yemen, which some believe to be part of the kingdom ruled by the Qeen of Sheba recorded in both the Bible and the Koran. This gorgeous photograph was shot by Steve Raymer on assignment for, but not published in, "North Yemen," August 1979, National Geographic magazine (http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/wallpaper/ancient-architecture-raymer_pod_image.html).

The Queen’s quest, recorded in 1st Kings 10.1-13 and 1st Chronicles 9.1-12, was to verify reports the greatness of Solomon and discover for herself his vast wisdom. What she found at Solomon’s home in Jerusalem was “something [even] greater” than she expected. In fact, it took her breath away: “There was no more spirit in her” (1st Kings 10.5).

"In Honor of Dr. King"

MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is considered one of the greatest Americans who ever lived. He showed courage and had the conviction to stand up for a dream he believed in. Dr. King shared his dream for all the world to hear 49 years ago, August 28th, 1963.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1732754907698549493

"The Reality of You-Know-Where"

Matthew 11.23a Wuest Expanded NT

“And as for you, Capernaum, you will not be exalted as far as heaven, will you? You will be caused to descend even to the depths of misery and disgrace in the unseen world,…”

If your name is Capernaum, you might take offense at the words of Jesus. In plainer English, the Contemporary English Version translates this verse:

“People of Capernaum, do you think you will be

honored in heaven? You will go down to hell!”

Jesus never took a class in “Proper Etiquette for Aspiring Young Messiah’s”. Threats of damnation never have been effective in building a loyal following. Nobody wants to hear words like “hell”, or told they are going there.

In my home, even terms like “stupid” or “darn” are off limits. If I ever even started to utter “Go to hell” the wrath of my wife would rise with the fury of you-know-where. Once I said “damn” while working on a project that wasn’t going well. My son, 8 years old at the time, apparently overheard me. Pointing at me with tears squirting from his eyes, Robert cried, “You said a bad word!” I was so ashamed. My wife has taught us well. There is no need for words (or attitudes) like these in the home.

Yet Jesus threw etiquette to the wind with His unpopular denunciation:

“You will go down to hell!”

Nothing about the text implies a softness in His voice or manner as He passed decisive judgment on the “people of Capernaum”. Jesus loved the people of this small town on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Clearly our Lord was worried for their eternal future and delivered His indictment with grave concern over the fate of the people He cared for.

This, of course, is completely unlike my attitude whenever I have said (or thought), “Go to hell”. Jesus used bad words for a positive purpose. I do not. My attitude is irritation, discontent, and resignation. Jesus said bad words to convey love, concern, and caution. You could say my bad words are actual grounds for His!

What I admire about Jesus is His absolute disregard for the etiquette of His day. He was not politically correct. His was not a policy of appeasement. Today it considered impolite in cultured society (except as slang) to even whisper words like “hell”, “sin”, or “eternal damnation”. Try it and you will quickly learn the meaning of other words like “ostracize”, “weirdo”, and “friendless”.

Sometimes I wonder, if I adopted the attitude of Christ and learned to love the “people of Capernaum” (or Portland, Beaverton, Tigard, or Hillsboro) as Jesus does, would I risk my reputation, as Jesus did, and warn them of the reality of a place Jesus wants everyone to avoid?

"You Can't Hide the Truth"

Matthew 10.26-27 NIV

“So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.

What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.”

Nothing good comes from a lie. No matter how we spin our version, the truth is still the truth. There’s no running from it or refuting it. Sometimes truth hurts. It can be brutal. We may wish it away and cover it with insulating layers of denial but it remains what it is… the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

A woman called me because she was having marital issues. She needed someone to talk to. I agreed to meet with her and encouraged her to bring her husband along.

 

“I can’t do that”, she said. “He must not know we talked.” “Why not?”, I replied. “He does not know that I know what he’s been up to. If he knew I knew, he would divorce me.” I explained that my goal was to help her marriage and that speaking to me privately about “his problem”, whatever that was, would create an implied collusion between us and against him. That would only make matters worse for the marriage when he did find out. It is unhealthy and ultimately impossible to keep a secret in a marriage. Besides, he deserves the right to share his side of the story. Additionally, to withhold crucial information about what she knew of his behavior meant the relationship was based partly on a lie. Yes, it would be risky to expose the truth. He might get angry and threaten to quit the marriage. But wouldn’t that better than living a lie? Sometimes you have to risk what you have to get what you need. She decided not to meet with me.

We must not be afraid of the consequences of truth. Ultimately, what we work hard to conceal will “be disclosed” and what we try to hide will “be made known”. What Jesus tells you “in the dark”–ness of your prayer closet, “speak in the daylight”. What He whispers “in your ear, proclaim from the roofs”.

“Do not be afraid”. Trust Christ. Take a risk. Tell the truth.

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The hilarious cartoon in this post is entitled "Denial" by Tom Vencel, artist and freelance flash game maker, who was kind enough to grant me permission to display his cartoon here. Check out Tom's amazing work at http://www.ninjadoodle.com/. You'll be glad you did.

"Too Embarrassed to Post"

Matthew 9.27-30a “The Message”

“As Jesus left the house, he was followed by two blind men crying out, ‘Mercy, Son of David! Mercy on us!’ When Jesus got home, the blind men went in with him. Jesus said to them, ‘Do you really believe I can do this?’ They said, ‘Why, yes, Master!’ He touched their eyes and said, ‘Become what you believe.’ It happened. They saw.”

There are a few holes in my profession of faith. I do not always act in accordance with my system of beliefs. The way I live does not perfectly match up to the standards I set for myself and others. To this reality Jesus offers a simple solution…

“Become what you believe.”

My response to this text is similar to the blind men: ‘Jesus, have mercy on me’. Jesus meets me where I’m at: “Do you really believe I can do this?” That is a trick question. It’s another way of asking, ‘Do you really want this?’ or ‘Don’t waste My time if you don’t mean business!’

The test of sincerity forces a obvious issue… ‘Do I have enough faith to act in accordance with my request?’ The blind men could have remained blind even after Jesus healed them. They could have refused to open their eyes! Lest you think that is absurd, ask yourself, ‘Have I ever closed my eyes to the truth? Have I ever refused to see the obvious?’ Even spiritually blind people have choices. They must open the eyes of their heart and ‘become what they believe’.
 

I have a special request of the Lord this morning. It’s an old one. I’ve asked before. It’s a noble desire. I am certain that God wills what I want. But I don’t yet have it. I’m frankly too embarrassed to publicly post my prayer request. But I will tell you where the request is hidden. I have written it on the last page in my Bible just before the maps section, on page 1073 of my Zondervan NASB. I carry this Bible with me most places I go. If you really want to know what I am too embarrassed to post, you can look there. I give you permission.

My cry for Christ’s mercy reveals a big blind spot for me. Do I truly believe He can do this thing for me? Can I honestly say with other blind men who need Jesus, “Why, yes, Master!” If so, I should open my eyes and do what my Master says…

“Become what you believe.”

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I originally posted this blog entry on January 14, 2010 after years of prayer.  My prayer was eventually answered, in a way I never anticipated or predicted and through no effort of my own.  It was an absolute gift from God that happened in mid 2011 which I did not deserve but freely received. 

"Jesus Asleep on the Job?"

Matthew 8.23-27 NIV

“Then he [Jesus] got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!’ He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, ‘What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!’ ”

A decision to follow Jesus does not come with a safe passage warranty, especially when you follow Him into a boat. Storms happen. They happen to followers of Christ and everyone else. The disciples were in trouble. Jesus was near but inactive. Overcome by slumber, He expected His disciples to weather the storm on their own. The Lord chastised them for waking Him: “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” The tempest was of no concern to Jesus. Followers of Christ must face death alone, without Christ’s direct intervention.

Sometimes I feel alone. I wish Jesus would miraculously calm the seas of tribulation and guarantee an uneventful journey. Jesus has a different plan. He expects me to trust Him in dark and turbulent times, by myself. Christ is nearby but asleep. And why not? He knows there’s nothing to worry about. Jesus can afford a nap. I’m awake. I’m worried. Apparently, I must find faith and learn to face my own demise with courage.
 
I read an amazing book by one of the world’s greatest bluesmen: Clapton – The Autobiography. I’ve always admired what Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughn could do with a Fender Stratocaster. They possessed an amazing and rare gift. I’ve listened to a lot of Clapton music (Yardbirds, Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith, Derek and the Dominos) and couldn’t wait to get an insider’s look at this man’s life. I found out my musical hero was more than a virtuoso. He was an addict. Clapton seriously abused sex, heroin, and alcohol and nearly ruined his life. In 1982, at the age of 38, Eric finally admitted he had a problem and became willing to enter an alcohol treatment center.

“On the flight over I drank the plane dry, so terrified was I that I might never be able to drink again. This is the most common fear of alcoholics. In the lowest moments of my life, the only reason I didn’t commit suicide was that I knew I wouldn’t be able to drink anymore if I was dead. It was the only thing I thought was worth living for, and the idea that people were about to try and remove me from alcohol was so terrible that I drank and drank and drank, and they had to practically carry me into the clinic”.[1]

Clapton was afraid. Afraid to die and lose what he had come to depend upon. What am I afraid to lose? My income? My habits? My job? My house? My safety? My sex life? My favorite foods? My new IPOD? Why do I cling to this temporal existence as if it had eternal value? So what if the waves wash over me and sink my boat? So what if I drown? Is that all bad? Have I not gained more than I lost? Must I limit myself to a “little faith”? Must I be “so afraid”?

I always admired Eric Clapton for his amazing musical ability. I now admire him for his ruthless honesty. His autobiography gives me permission and courage to look more honestly at myself.



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[1] Clapton – The Autobiography, Eric Clapton, Broadway Books, 2007, p. 198.

Image at the top left of the 1959 Fender Bassman tube amplifier and Fender Sunburst Stratocaster guitar is from Free Guitar Desktop Wallpaper at http://www.justguitars.org/Free-Guitar-Desktop-Wallpaper.

"Your Couch May Kill You"

Matthew 7.21 NLT

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.”

I am in dangerously close proximity to an instrument of my own death. It’s not a gun. I do not own a gun. Neither is it the kitchen knife, poisonous pills, or a lethal injection. Yet, the cause of my death may be closer than I think. According to Trice Whitefield, senior analyst for the Center for Consumer Freedom in Washington, D.C., I am actually sitting on the apparatus that could kill me… my couch!

“The growing epidemic of physical inactivity and its related disease are such a significant problem that U.S. doctors have coined a new term: Sedentary Death Syndrome. As the third leading cause of death, it claims the lives of 250,000 Americans each year. Basically, your couch is more likely to kill you than either a stroke or an accident.”[1]

I am active mentally, but much of my cerebral activity takes place on my family room recliner. I read my Bible, write, email, blog, make phone calls, plan my day, compose letters, watch videos, entertain guests, and talk with my family, all from this sacred Mecca for the seat. I would rather be on my couch than just about any other place in this world. The only other single place I spend more time is my bed. Couple that fact with the hours each week I sit behind the wheel in my car or in front of a computer at the office and I am a candidate for Sedentary Death Syndrome. I couldn’t say I wasn’t warned. Even my sofa’s label sounds perilous to my health… Lazy Boy®. No false advertising there!

Jesus gave the same notice. I found His warning label this morning in the gospel of Matthew, chapter 7. Apparently, it takes more than spiritual talk to get you to heaven. It takes spiritual activity. You’ve got to “actually do” something...

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.”

I can talk from the comfort of my beloved Lazy Boy®, but I cannot feed the hungry, meet a stranger, clothe the naked, visit the sick, or touch a prisoner from a reclined position. There is a difference between shaking a hand and entering a chat room, between serving food at a local shelter and sending an on-line check to a favorite charity. For some hard words on this subject review Matthew 25.41-43. Jesus makes faith-filled action, not half-hearted words or cheap talk, the criteria for entrance into “the Kingdom of Heaven”.

If comfort, security, and predictability are most important to me, then I will die spiritually. I understand my eternal destiny is secured by faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice for my sins. The Bible says, “But as many as received Him [Jesus], to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1.12). I further understand that my faith in Christ is proven real when I take action to get up and do what He says.

“Anyone who doesn’t breathe is dead, and

faith that doesn’t do anything is just as dead!
James 2.26 CEV

Sedentary Death Syndrome is both a physical and a spiritual threat.
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[1] “A Healthy Diet Doesn’t Mean You Are: Food isn’t the be-all – you can be killed by your couch”, Trice Whitefield, The Sunday Oregonian, January 6, 2008, section E, page 5.

The painting of the girl asleep on a sofa is by Rick Beerhorst. Check out and purchase his amazing work at http://studiobeerhorst.com.