Chapter 27- The Resurrection
Many times a nickname can be endearing. Perhaps a sweet moniker a wife calls her husband. Or a pet name a parent has for a child. Other times a nickname can denote accomplishments. The Sultan of Swat. The Flying Tomato. Not all nicknames are desirable. Benedict Arnold. Tricky Dick. Round Mound of Rebound.
John 20:24-29 tells the story of one of the 11 whose actions have linked his name forever with scepticism. Doubting Thomas. My personal jury is still out on Thomas.
Take 1- Thomas was not swayed by the seemingly outlandish stories of the others. Risen from the dead! How crazy that must have sounded to Thomas. No longer in the grave. Balderdash! It is important that Christians be discerners of what we hear preached, taught and internetted. Test all things against scripture. Thomas was not swayed by the "gossip" of the day.
Take 2- Hadn't Christ told the discioples time and again how he would be resurrected from the grave? Hadn't OT testment prophecies pointed to that same event? The disciples even witnessed Christ raise others from the dead. Why was it so hard to believe in his resurrection? Trusted friends had told Thomas of the resurrection. Christ had foretold of the event. Was Thomas being sensible or obstinate?
AS I was reading the account of Thomas in the 20th chapter of John, verse 26 caused me to pity Thomas. "A week later. . ."
Thomas had been told by the others, "We have seen the Lord!" What excitement. What joy! Thomas' response? “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
Verse 26- " A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them. . ." It was only after Thomas had seen for himself did he believe in Christ's resurrection. A week later. Seven days. 168 hours. How much joy Thomas missed because of his doubt. Thomas endured seven days of unnecessary worry, hand-wringing and anxiety did Thomas becaue he did not believe. Self-inflicted misery.
So often Thomas is seen in a negative light because of his doubts. But how many Christians today are losing sleep, joy and fulfillment because we doubt God and His promises? While we do not have the physical body of the resurrected Christ to cement our belief, we do have the Bible, Holy Spirit and testament of others. Let's not allow our doubts to rob us of a week, a month, a year or a lifetime of rejoicing in the resurrected Christ.
Side note: I wonder how Thomas handled the rejoicing, celebrating and excitement of others during his week of disbelief?
Friday, September 28, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
September 27, 2012
Chapter 27- The Resurrection
It would be interesting to see Jesus' life portrayed as a silent movie. No red letter edition, no quotes attributed to Christ. Just his actions.
In John 21, an episode took place that should be an example to each of us. Jesus had just gone through an unimaginably hellish torture and death, spent an extended time in the grave and was in his resurrected body having overcome the worst that Satan could thrown at him. Christ has been through the storm and come out obedient, faithful and victorious. Of all the times in his life where he was due some adulation, praise and honor, this was it.
But in John 21, Jesus was standing on the beach watching his disciples struggle return to a mundane life of fishing. Things were not going so well for them. So what does Christ do? He makes sure their physical needs are met. First, he miraculously fills their empty nets with so many fish they couldn't haul the catch into the boat. Then he actually prepared a meal for them. (When they landed, they saw a bed of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. John 21:9) No attitude of "you owe me". No "I told you so's". They needed fish, he provided. They were hungry, he cooked.
As parents, spouses, employees sometimes we feel we have "earned" a certain level of entitlement or position. "Because I did this, you owe me this." Of all the people who ever walked the surface of the Earth who deserved to be treated with reverance, respect and deference, it was Christ. Yet even to the last days of his time on Earth, he was the humble, servant leader. There is no better role model as to how we should conduct ourselves.
It would be interesting to see Jesus' life portrayed as a silent movie. No red letter edition, no quotes attributed to Christ. Just his actions.
In John 21, an episode took place that should be an example to each of us. Jesus had just gone through an unimaginably hellish torture and death, spent an extended time in the grave and was in his resurrected body having overcome the worst that Satan could thrown at him. Christ has been through the storm and come out obedient, faithful and victorious. Of all the times in his life where he was due some adulation, praise and honor, this was it.
But in John 21, Jesus was standing on the beach watching his disciples struggle return to a mundane life of fishing. Things were not going so well for them. So what does Christ do? He makes sure their physical needs are met. First, he miraculously fills their empty nets with so many fish they couldn't haul the catch into the boat. Then he actually prepared a meal for them. (When they landed, they saw a bed of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. John 21:9) No attitude of "you owe me". No "I told you so's". They needed fish, he provided. They were hungry, he cooked.
As parents, spouses, employees sometimes we feel we have "earned" a certain level of entitlement or position. "Because I did this, you owe me this." Of all the people who ever walked the surface of the Earth who deserved to be treated with reverance, respect and deference, it was Christ. Yet even to the last days of his time on Earth, he was the humble, servant leader. There is no better role model as to how we should conduct ourselves.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
September 25, 2012
Chapter 27- The Resurrection
In Sunday School the question came up, "Is Judas in heaven." Discussion swirled around whether his returning of the money and suicide constituted repentance of his sin. Today's reading took me back to that discussion.
As I replayed the discussion from Sunday, I realized the question itself was secondary. Whether Judas was in heaven or not depends on the fundamental question we all mus ask ourselves. "Do we, as individuals, have a saving relationship with Christ? Do we believe in his divinity, his substitutionary death on the cross and his resurrection?"
I am not convinced that Judas, and perhaps even other disciples had salvation belief in Jesus Christ prior to his resurrection. For Judas that came too late.
In Luke 24, "two of them (followers of Christ) going to a village called Emmaus. . . talking about everything that had happened." Jesus, his identity concealed, asked the two what they were discussing. Their reply illustrated the belief many had in Christ prior to his resurrection. They told Christ they were talking about Jesus of Nazareth who "was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all people. We had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel." Did they believe in the human Jesus? Certainly. Were they impressed with his teaching, awed by his miracles? Most assuredly. But did they have a saving belief in Jesus Christ? It would appear they did not.
Was Judas in this same camp? Very possibly he was. Christ as liberator. Christ as wise sage. Christ as political hero. But not Christ as God incarnate. Not Christ as personal savior and redeemer.
The question for each of us is not whether we will be in heaven, but what do we believe about Jesus Christ. That belief settles the heaven question once and for all.
In Sunday School the question came up, "Is Judas in heaven." Discussion swirled around whether his returning of the money and suicide constituted repentance of his sin. Today's reading took me back to that discussion.
As I replayed the discussion from Sunday, I realized the question itself was secondary. Whether Judas was in heaven or not depends on the fundamental question we all mus ask ourselves. "Do we, as individuals, have a saving relationship with Christ? Do we believe in his divinity, his substitutionary death on the cross and his resurrection?"
I am not convinced that Judas, and perhaps even other disciples had salvation belief in Jesus Christ prior to his resurrection. For Judas that came too late.
In Luke 24, "two of them (followers of Christ) going to a village called Emmaus. . . talking about everything that had happened." Jesus, his identity concealed, asked the two what they were discussing. Their reply illustrated the belief many had in Christ prior to his resurrection. They told Christ they were talking about Jesus of Nazareth who "was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all people. We had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel." Did they believe in the human Jesus? Certainly. Were they impressed with his teaching, awed by his miracles? Most assuredly. But did they have a saving belief in Jesus Christ? It would appear they did not.
Was Judas in this same camp? Very possibly he was. Christ as liberator. Christ as wise sage. Christ as political hero. But not Christ as God incarnate. Not Christ as personal savior and redeemer.
The question for each of us is not whether we will be in heaven, but what do we believe about Jesus Christ. That belief settles the heaven question once and for all.
Monday, September 24, 2012
September 24, 2012
Chapter 27- The Resurrection
Since I have the book on Kindle, I am not sure which page to reference, but one of the most tender, kind, loving moments in the Bible occur when Mary is at Jesus' tomb. The event takes place in the 20th chapter of John.
Mary is weeping at the empty tomb of her rabbi, friend and comforter. The very person who had raised her brother from the dead in the not-to-distant past. Jesus, a kind, gentle man who loved all. I can only imagine how sorrowful and lost those who spent time with Christ must have felt after his death. Not only did the Jewish establishment conspire to have Jesus put to death, now someone had desecrated his grave! That must have been the last emotional straw for Mary.
Angels spoke to Mary. Still tears. Jesus addressed his grieving friend. She confused the Messiah for the gardener. Still tears. It was only when Jesus spoke her name that Mary to recognized her friend and savior. Tears turned to laughter. Sorrow turned to joy. Death turned to life.
I can close my eyes and imagine the scene. Christ softly speaks Mary's name. Perhaps with a slight lift of his eyebrows. A gentle voice full of love, acceptance and comfort. Mary's face went from grief to unbelief to realization to unspeakable joy! She wanted to cling to Christ. Hold him. He told her "no" but to go and tell others.
He uses that same gentle, loving voice to call to each of us during times of abject sorrow and despair. Angels can't provide that comfort. Sunday school class members, although well meaning, are not able to sooth and calm. But Jesus can. His voice can turn tears to laughter. Insomnia to sleep. Pacing to peace.
Side Note: Jesus' first conversation after his resurrection was a directive to go and tell others about his victory over the grave. He didn't waste any time before encouraging evangelism.
Since I have the book on Kindle, I am not sure which page to reference, but one of the most tender, kind, loving moments in the Bible occur when Mary is at Jesus' tomb. The event takes place in the 20th chapter of John.
Mary is weeping at the empty tomb of her rabbi, friend and comforter. The very person who had raised her brother from the dead in the not-to-distant past. Jesus, a kind, gentle man who loved all. I can only imagine how sorrowful and lost those who spent time with Christ must have felt after his death. Not only did the Jewish establishment conspire to have Jesus put to death, now someone had desecrated his grave! That must have been the last emotional straw for Mary.
Angels spoke to Mary. Still tears. Jesus addressed his grieving friend. She confused the Messiah for the gardener. Still tears. It was only when Jesus spoke her name that Mary to recognized her friend and savior. Tears turned to laughter. Sorrow turned to joy. Death turned to life.
I can close my eyes and imagine the scene. Christ softly speaks Mary's name. Perhaps with a slight lift of his eyebrows. A gentle voice full of love, acceptance and comfort. Mary's face went from grief to unbelief to realization to unspeakable joy! She wanted to cling to Christ. Hold him. He told her "no" but to go and tell others.
He uses that same gentle, loving voice to call to each of us during times of abject sorrow and despair. Angels can't provide that comfort. Sunday school class members, although well meaning, are not able to sooth and calm. But Jesus can. His voice can turn tears to laughter. Insomnia to sleep. Pacing to peace.
Side Note: Jesus' first conversation after his resurrection was a directive to go and tell others about his victory over the grave. He didn't waste any time before encouraging evangelism.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
September 20, 2012
Chapter 26- The Hour of Darkness
"The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." How oft' is that verse quoted in various forums. I wonder how often our spirit isn't all that willing. Do we really strive to serve God? Is there a true willingness to turn from our favorite sin? Or do we presume on God's forgiveness too often in order to tell that off-color joke, make that sharp retort to our spouse or short-change our employer without really begging and pleading with God to keep us our spirits strong?
How many times do we have that split second of conviction before we sin and forge ahead anyway? "Yeah, I probably should not say/do what I am about to say/do, but (fill in the blank with rationalization)."
James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
It appears to me that if the spirit were truly willing, there would be many fewer times by far when our weak flesh will be an issue. That is not to say there will not be times when we fail, but I would hazard that stronger spirits would greatly decrease instances of weak flesh.
"The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." How oft' is that verse quoted in various forums. I wonder how often our spirit isn't all that willing. Do we really strive to serve God? Is there a true willingness to turn from our favorite sin? Or do we presume on God's forgiveness too often in order to tell that off-color joke, make that sharp retort to our spouse or short-change our employer without really begging and pleading with God to keep us our spirits strong?
How many times do we have that split second of conviction before we sin and forge ahead anyway? "Yeah, I probably should not say/do what I am about to say/do, but (fill in the blank with rationalization)."
James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
It appears to me that if the spirit were truly willing, there would be many fewer times by far when our weak flesh will be an issue. That is not to say there will not be times when we fail, but I would hazard that stronger spirits would greatly decrease instances of weak flesh.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
September 19, 2012
Chapter 26- The Hour of Darkness
Looking for a purpose in life? Give John 17:1 a try.
Whatever we ask in God's name should be so that He can be glorified. Personal wealth? For the glory of God. Career success? For the glory of God. Health? For the glory of God. Protection of loved ones? For the glory of God.
When we go to God with our requests, do we truly ask of Him to that He can be glorified or are there covertly or overtly personal reasons? Perhaps we don't receive not because our requests are out of line with His will, but our motives for asking are personal, not glorification of Him.
If our prayers have any motivation other than God's glorification, are they truly within His will?
Looking for a purpose in life? Give John 17:1 a try.
Whatever we ask in God's name should be so that He can be glorified. Personal wealth? For the glory of God. Career success? For the glory of God. Health? For the glory of God. Protection of loved ones? For the glory of God.
When we go to God with our requests, do we truly ask of Him to that He can be glorified or are there covertly or overtly personal reasons? Perhaps we don't receive not because our requests are out of line with His will, but our motives for asking are personal, not glorification of Him.
If our prayers have any motivation other than God's glorification, are they truly within His will?
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
September 18, 2012
Chapter 26- The Hour of Darkness
My biggest frustration with the current Sunday School curriculum is the amount of material we are expected to cover each week in only a 50 minute time slot. The video takes 5-7 minutes of that time so little is left for discussion of more than 2-3 topics.
This week's chapter starts in the 22nd chapter of Luke. Here we find Jesus entering Jerusalem for the Passover. The foot washing episode is recorded in John 13. I have seen pastors copy this scene and wash deacon's feet on stage. It has always stuck me as a bit of showboating, but as I was studying the episode tonight, I realized just how almost laughable it is for anyone to try to emulate what Christ did that night.
At the Last Supper, where the foot washing took place, Jesus knew what the next few days held for him. He knew that Judas was going to betray him. Jesus knew that his disciples would abandon him. Yet he still performed one of the most culturally degrading tasks for each of them, even his betrayer. That is a true servant's heart!
One passage has always given me cause for pause. John 13:26 This verse records Jesus as saying, "26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. I have always wondered if Jesus so clearly identified his betrayer, why did not the others take a stand? I have read several explanations of this verse, but would be interested in others. One explanation was that Jesus was still giving Judas a chance to change his mind. I question this. If Judas had not betrayed Jesus, then Christ's death on the cross might have been averted and the plan of salvation changed. We know that from Jesus prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, there was no other way.
My biggest frustration with the current Sunday School curriculum is the amount of material we are expected to cover each week in only a 50 minute time slot. The video takes 5-7 minutes of that time so little is left for discussion of more than 2-3 topics.
This week's chapter starts in the 22nd chapter of Luke. Here we find Jesus entering Jerusalem for the Passover. The foot washing episode is recorded in John 13. I have seen pastors copy this scene and wash deacon's feet on stage. It has always stuck me as a bit of showboating, but as I was studying the episode tonight, I realized just how almost laughable it is for anyone to try to emulate what Christ did that night.
At the Last Supper, where the foot washing took place, Jesus knew what the next few days held for him. He knew that Judas was going to betray him. Jesus knew that his disciples would abandon him. Yet he still performed one of the most culturally degrading tasks for each of them, even his betrayer. That is a true servant's heart!
One passage has always given me cause for pause. John 13:26 This verse records Jesus as saying, "26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. I have always wondered if Jesus so clearly identified his betrayer, why did not the others take a stand? I have read several explanations of this verse, but would be interested in others. One explanation was that Jesus was still giving Judas a chance to change his mind. I question this. If Judas had not betrayed Jesus, then Christ's death on the cross might have been averted and the plan of salvation changed. We know that from Jesus prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, there was no other way.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
September 15, 2012
Not comparing my recent blog absence to the mother of all sins, but I can see how Adam could justify taking a bite of the proverbial apple in the Garden of Eden. My extended absence from this blog was rationalized because my computer had some malware and needed to be replaced. Therefore, I used it as an excuse to: A. Wait until I had another computer; B. Not start blogging again until I had all the software installed. Of course since I could not blog, there was really no need to spend extended time in Bible study and prayer. So my computer malware became an excuse for extra snooze button festivals in the morning.
Time to get back to self-discipline, some self-sacrifice and get things up and running once again. Luckily God chose not to utilize the rod of correction to get me back on track.
I am going to switch to the weekly Sunday School readings to guide my ponderings and musings. I need to read the lesson each week, so why not make it the focus of my blog?
I believe that Chapter 25 is the lesson for tomorrow. Since it is Saturday, I will have to hurry through this week's lesson, but at least the road to discipline recovery has begun. (I can already hear the little voice saying, "Oh, tomorrow is Sunday so you will get God time then, and you have so much to do today, why not just wait until Monday to restart your blog." How quickly and subtly does our human side start to assert itself.)
Christ incarnate or Holy Spirit/Holy Bible? Which one would more likely create a faithful, unwavering disciple? There have been many times in my life when I have said to myself, "If only Jesus were right here with me in person to help guide or strengthen me. Boy, then I would be this on-fire, bold, fearless follower of Him." Chapter 25 in The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People proves that to be wishful thinking.
At this point in Christ's life, the disciples had witnessed first-hand Jesus heal, cast out demons and perform miracles. They had sat under His direct instruction and listened to Him as he dumbfounded the religious leaders of the day. Yet one of the twelve, Peter, argued with Christ (Mark 8:32), they all misunderstood Jesus' teaching (Mark 8:17) and eventually deserted Him at a crucial point in His life (Mark 14:50).
Not that these examples should be an excuse for our desertion of Christ during periods in our lives, but it should help decrease the feelings of guilt when those times happen. It should also serve as a caution that we should "never say never". Our relationship with Christ should never be taken for granted or allowed to slip into a casual, que sar sar affair. I think Paul had the right idea when he equated the Christian life to the training regime of an athlete. Daily, intentional, disciplined and intense. While that is still not guarantee against periodic idleness, it should help prevent extended absences from the spiritual disciplines.
Time to get back to self-discipline, some self-sacrifice and get things up and running once again. Luckily God chose not to utilize the rod of correction to get me back on track.
I am going to switch to the weekly Sunday School readings to guide my ponderings and musings. I need to read the lesson each week, so why not make it the focus of my blog?
I believe that Chapter 25 is the lesson for tomorrow. Since it is Saturday, I will have to hurry through this week's lesson, but at least the road to discipline recovery has begun. (I can already hear the little voice saying, "Oh, tomorrow is Sunday so you will get God time then, and you have so much to do today, why not just wait until Monday to restart your blog." How quickly and subtly does our human side start to assert itself.)
Christ incarnate or Holy Spirit/Holy Bible? Which one would more likely create a faithful, unwavering disciple? There have been many times in my life when I have said to myself, "If only Jesus were right here with me in person to help guide or strengthen me. Boy, then I would be this on-fire, bold, fearless follower of Him." Chapter 25 in The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People proves that to be wishful thinking.
At this point in Christ's life, the disciples had witnessed first-hand Jesus heal, cast out demons and perform miracles. They had sat under His direct instruction and listened to Him as he dumbfounded the religious leaders of the day. Yet one of the twelve, Peter, argued with Christ (Mark 8:32), they all misunderstood Jesus' teaching (Mark 8:17) and eventually deserted Him at a crucial point in His life (Mark 14:50).
Not that these examples should be an excuse for our desertion of Christ during periods in our lives, but it should help decrease the feelings of guilt when those times happen. It should also serve as a caution that we should "never say never". Our relationship with Christ should never be taken for granted or allowed to slip into a casual, que sar sar affair. I think Paul had the right idea when he equated the Christian life to the training regime of an athlete. Daily, intentional, disciplined and intense. While that is still not guarantee against periodic idleness, it should help prevent extended absences from the spiritual disciplines.
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