KNOWING OUR SAVIOR - The Frustrated Christ

You might be surprised by this, but I have a little bit of a temper. It’s not a freak-out, turn red with rage, throw and punch stuff temper, but I can get peeved. To steal a line from Wreck-It Ralph, my passion bubbles near the surface. It used to be much worse, but I credit the Holy Spirit for toning me down a little over the years.

Today as we consider Christ, I thought I’d share a few examples of when he got frustrated. Now Christ’s anger and mine are very different. My anger is usually when something doesn’t go my way – a selfish anger. Christ’s frustrations were motivated differently. Check out these examples:

·         LACK OF FAITH IN HIM - Mark 9: 14-19  - When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.

“What are you arguing with them about?” he asked.

A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”

“You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

o   Christ rebuked the disciples, not for lacking faith in themselves, but for lacking faith in His power, which he had given them. Think about similar responses from Christ, like when Peter began to sink after walking on water, or the disciples were afraid of the storm. Christ wants us to trust in His power. While that might look different today than in the disciples day, the lesson still applies.

·         PUTTING ONE’S OWN DESIRES ABOVE GOD’S - Matthew 16:21-23 – From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

o   Although he cared for Jesus, Peter was still looking for a different Messiah than what God intended His Son to be. Peter questioned Jesus’ very mission, and Christ confirmed that denying His mission was the work of the devil. The same can be said for anytime we put our desires above the Lord’s will.

 

·         John 2:13-17 – When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.” This was the opportunity to atone for sin – the symbol God put in place before Christ would fulfill it – and they had turned it into a business venture – an obstacle for others to come to God

o   Christ gives His own explanation for His frustration. It’s pretty self-explanatory. Jewish leaders were making significant profits on their people, right there in the Temple court, to exploit the fact that they needed animals to fulfill their sacrificial obligations.

o   But how did others view this? Wasn’t He concerned about His image? Of course not. Everything Jesus did was with purpose, and in doing this, He not only stopped a practice disapproved by God, but He made an example to all in attendance. I have to think many were convicted by Jesus’ actions.

·         SIN IN THE CHURCH – Revelation 2 & 3

o   I won’t review all these chapters, but if you’re familiar with Revelation, you know that Christ addresses the various Churches, crediting their acts of righteousness while exposing their sins, such as:

§  Ephesus – “Lost their first love”

§  Pergamum and Thyatira –Prostitution/fornication and idolatry

§  Sardis – “Dead” (going through the motions but heart not in it)

§  Laodicea – “Lukewarm” (spoiled/entitled)

o   Considering Christ’s words to the Churches, it’s a good time to remember these messages are for us as well. We’re not perfect, but I’d rather act in a way that brings Christ’s approval, like we looked at last week, rather than His criticism.

I hope it’s been helpful to consider these aspects of Jesus’ personality and ministry. Ultimately, Christ is frustrated when we misrepresent God or fail to respond to Him, and His frustration seems to reach its righteous peak when confronted with sin among those who are supposed to be “in” – the Church and Nation of Israel.

Next week, we’ll discuss the compassionate Christ. Until then, have a great Memorial Day week!

Knowing Our Savior - The Approval of Christ

It looks like the days for our reconnection in person might be coming soon (for those of us who are comfortable with it). I’m excited about that. I miss coming together with you all, and this blogging is really not my wheelhouse. I’m thankful for Ben and Bobby and the great lessons they have been putting together.

For the next few weeks, I thought it might be nice to spend time focusing on the personality of Jesus. Knowing Jesus is knowing God. Those who spent time with Him knew Him intimately, and it’s no coincidence that those who knew Him the best made the biggest impact for Him. The Twelve Apostles got to know him, not as just the Messiah, but as a friend. Even Paul, who did not know Jesus in the flesh, came to know Him through the Holy Spirit and the Apostles.

Question for you. How do you view Christ?

•        As a character on the pages of scripture (albeit the most important character)?
•          As the image we’ve seen in movies, pictures, etc?
•          As a man with real cares, needs, and personality?

For our first look at the Personality of Jesus, I thought we’d consider those times when we saw His approval of others. It’s at these times when I picture Christ with a warm smile, like a proud parent, witnessing and recognizing the “redeeming qualities” in those he interacted with. Think back to your childhood. How did it make you feel when a parent or teacher was proud of you? Seeing Jesus in this way is motivating for me, as it makes me want to act in such a way that might bring a smile to His face.

Consider these scriptures where Christ offers praise/compliments to others (this is not an exhaustive list):

·         Matthew 8:5-13 - Jesus Heals a Centurion’s Servant - Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him,  saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.  For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!  And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.  But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”  Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.

·         Matthew 15:21-28 - ²¹ Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. ²² And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.” ²³ But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.” ²⁴ But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” ²⁵ Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” ²⁶ But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” ²⁷ And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” ²⁸ Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

·         Matthew 16:15-19 - He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.  And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.  And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed[d] in heaven.”

·         Luke 21:1-4 - And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, ² and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. ³ So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; ⁴ for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God,^[a] but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.”

·         John 15:14-15 - ¹⁴ You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. ¹⁵ No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. (This is following Christ giving his disciples the new commandment to “Love one another.”)

We see Christ offering praise for various reasons in scripture, but primarily we see him acknowledging faith. He also builds up Peter, preparing him for kingdom service. He acknowledges the widow for her sacrifice. He offers friendship to the obedient – I mean, what more approval do we need than the friendship of Christ?

Service, sacrifice, obedience…these things are all born of faith.

We all seek approval – some need it more than others, but an “atta boy” makes us feel good, right? However, that can be a dangerous temptation if we’re not careful. Sure, receiving praise from others is not something we should feel bad about, but seeking the approval of other people for our own ego is contrary to God’s purposes. If we chase that feeling, we would likely find ourselves making compromises for the sake of man rather than walking with God.

·         1 Thessalonians 2:4 - On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.

·         1 Corinthians 1:26-31 - ²⁶ Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. ²⁷ But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. ²⁸ God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, ²⁹ so that no one may boast before him. ³⁰ It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. ³¹ Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

So, to obtain the approval of Christ – we must be faithful – obeying His command to love one another. We must sacrifice and serve. In the parable of the talents, the master said “Well done, good and faithful servant. To those servants who returned on His investment. They bore fruit with what he gave them. Sure, we know we are not justified by works – but the fruit we bear is a reflection of our relationship with Christ – the closer we are to Him, the more fruit we will bear. In fact, He bears fruit through us. So let us strive for that, the day when we will see His face, and maybe see Him smile at us as He welcomes us home.

Be a Tree

              While we all would agree that the entire Bible is God’s word, it’s all there for a reason, and we should be reading and studying all of it – each of us is different and have our preferences. I’ve always been more of a “Proverbs man” and less a “Psalm’s guy”. Probably because I prefer black/white, nitty gritty,….and less emotion or poetry. But I know people completely the opposite. Most will respond that Psalm 23^rd, 91^st, 139^th, 27^th, and 121^st are those that are most popular and come to mind (look them up, pretty good stuff). Last week I started at the beginning and just started reading. Not to my surprise, it’s all good. Some a little more straight forward and easier to understand than others, but all worth our time. But I kept going back to Psalm Chapter 1. Six short verses. So that is where we are this week – just some thoughts on Psalm Chapter 1.

(NASB) Psalm 1:1

        1How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
            Nor stand in the path of sinners,
            Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!

      2But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
            And in His law he meditates day and night.

      3He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
            Which yields its fruit in its season
            And its leaf does not wither;
            And in whatever he does, he prospers.

      4The wicked are not so,
            But they are like chaff which the wind drives away.

      5Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
            Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

      6For the LORD knows the way of the righteous,
            But the way of the wicked will perish.

Here we have a contrast between the “blessed” (righteous) and the “wicked”. It begins with the term “How blessed” or “Blessed is”. This is an emphatic positive desirable condition, “Oh how happy”! We are familiar with the same wording in the beatitudes from Jesus in Matthew chapter 5. Here, verse 1 immediately focuses then on a person’s actions and attitudes. Personal responsibility. Do not walk, stand, or sit – interesting. This covers 3 states of motion in our lives which seems to indicate “in all parts”. In all parts of your life don’t adopt and follow the advice of the wicked, don’t participate in the practices and lifestyle of sinners, don’t deliberately associate with those that mock/scorn religion and what is holy and right. To not do all these things require purposeful effort on our part. This is not always easy. Some of the time there is good advice, acts of value, and valid questions mixed in with wickedness, sinfulness, and scornfulness. A lot of bad people are very charismatic, seem to appear knowledgeable and wise, or seem to have a great life (from a wordly perspective). Therefore, a blessed person needs to be able to see through this and recognize what is good counsel, a good lifestyle, and theologically sound. That leads then into verse 2, how to differentiate and know what’s right and what’s wrong.

 

To meditate – deep, serious, affectionate thoughtfulness – constantly on the law of Lord. For us today, the law of the Lord includes the entire Bible – and the leading of the Holy Spirit. But note again, it requires our purposeful action. To mediate, not to only focus 15 minutes a day on Tuesday and Thursday. Also to “delight” – this requires we recognize the value and want to focus on God. So it seems there is much responsibility on our part. To sit with eyes closed, arms crossed, in a quiet place and just “think” i.e. “meditate” isn’t something we can do 24x7 – or we would never brush our teeth, go to work, or eat. Perhaps, we are to consistently make some quiet times, but also purposefully consider God’s commands as part of how we make all decisions. Don’t purely go with our gut, or emotions, our desires. How to “meditate day and night” or “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess 5:17) – implies consistency, with perseverance, and applies to all areas of our lives.

Verse 3 seems to go deeper into “Blessed is” – its not just an emotional benefit. There is peace, consistency, certainty and guaranteed beneficial outcome. “In its season”  - at regular intervals, at the right time. We may have times of unfruitfulness, times of difficulty, - this should be expected. This is a bit counterintuitive to some worldly views. This also seems to indicate “patience is a virtue”. What about that last phrase, “And in whatever he does, he prospers”? We should carefully consider what is meant here. Many good Christians, much better than I, have had physically difficult lives and died poor. But many also have been comfortable and had things to pass along to their family. Perhaps “prosper” should be viewed through God’s lens of “what is good for us”. In all that we do, if we are focused on God and His ways – there will be something about the outcome that will be beneficial to us. Perhaps worldly gain or wisdom – perhaps even better spiritual gain. But we know prosperity of some type will be there.

In verse 4, the comparison of a firmly planted productive tree versus chaff (remnants of dead harvest) is a stark comparison. We know a lot of sinful and evil people do financially well, some live to a ripe old age. While we may desire those to a degree, those are not what’s most important. Steadfastness versus being blown around in life, peace and contentment versus chaos and unsatisfaction – how easy to identify what is better. This is what we internally really seek.

Verses 5 and 6 now go further to cover eternity. There will be judgement, and there will be a different outcome for the righteous and the wicked. Comparing the “assembly of the righteous” and “the wicked will perish” – what drastically different outcomes. We are all familiar with the concepts of heaven and hell. To live in God’s kingdom, versus the absence from it. To have the Lord wipe away every tear, versus existing in the constant gnashing of teeth. Maybe inferred is “Blessed is the righteous man that knows his eternity”.

I would have much enjoyed a live discussion with everyone on these verses. The above is just my initial thoughts on what we can pull away from it. There is much more meaning and value I’m sure that can be pulled from this passage. It is a great introduction defining “the righteous man who is blessed” – as many of the Psalms that follow are from King David. His delight in the Lord, prosperity that God gave him, the outcome when he walked in the path of sinners – it all seems to align.

Thoughts for application:

·       What might it mean for you to “meditate on the law of Lord” more?

·       How can you prevent being exposed to wicked council, being in the path of sinners, listening to scorners?

·       Do you recognize the effects in your life of being a “tree firmly planted”?

 

Feel free to post any thoughts and insight you have on these 6 verses. I’d love to hear it.

-Ben

Peace In The Valley

Something different this week. For many people, music is therapy, a way to express, even an outlet. Whether you listen silently, hum or sing, or even play instruments – music is just something that “hits home”. Classical, country, rock, pop, blues,…… it can just make us feel good – or even draw deep emotions and evoke sadness and regret. It can calm us down, or rev us up. It’s a very powerful thing. In the Bible there is much mention of music, instruments and their uses. We find music throughout history and in all cultures.

For this week, a challenge. Choose a favorite religious song. It can be a hymn, gospel song, song from 104.9, whatever. Think about why you enjoy it so much. Is it just the rhythm and beat? Is it just because you’ve heard it from birth and its so familiar? Is it the “feeling” or emotional effects? Do the lyrics express a message that you feel is true and honest, but something on your own you couldn’t put into words? Then- do a little research. Who wrote it, who has sung it, is there a back story? Are the words direct quotes from the bible, metaphorical, or something else? The point is to get to the reasons why the song touches you like it does. Then – dig into the “why”. See where this exercise leads you.

God gave us a gift in music. A gift to use to worship Him, but also to help ourselves. But as with anything, if abused, filled with evil and sin – it can become a hinderance and lead us away from Him. So we should be on guard. I just thought this might be a fun exercise. Feel free to share your song and what it means to you with others by posting a comment to this blog.



Here’s my example:

Peace in the Valley

Written in 1937 by Thomas A. Dorsey originally for Mahalia Jackson

Genre: Originally a blues gospel style song, but since adapted for country western and other types

Who has sang it? Elvis, Sam Cook, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Johnny Cash, Little Richard, George Jones, Dolly Parton, Faith Hill,…..and many others

Why do I like it?

Probably because as my wife says “I’m an old man in a younger man’s body”. I grew up hearing some old gospel and lots of hymns, so its very familiar to me. And its simple. As I grow older, the words seem to become more accurate for my “current state”. And when I hear it or sing it in my head (which sounds far better than when I physically sing it) – there’s the reminder of the assurance we have in salvation. I always find it uplifting

The lyrics:

I'm tired and weary   -(Ben) I’m only 48, but sure seems this is more and more true
But I must go along   -(Ben) Things continue to change whether I want them to or not.
Till the Lord comes to call me away, oh Lord –(Ben) Reminds me God is in control. Coronavirus, cancer, choking to death on a grape – it’s the Lord’s timing. There’s peace knowing this.  

Well, the morning is bright
And the Lamb is the Light –(Ben) Someday we will experience God’s glory all the time. Perhaps reference to Jesus transfiguration Luke 9:28-36
And the night is as fair as the day –(Ben) Darkness, fear – will all pass away

Oh, there will be peace in the valley for me, for me –(Ben) Our goal, the promise we hold to. Perhaps reference to Psalm 23 (…though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…)
There will be peace in the valley for me, oh Lord I pray
No more sadness, no more sorrow, no more trouble there'll be –(Ben) A future I look forward to
There will be peace in the valley for me, for me

Well, the bear will be gentle –(Ben) Reference to Isaiah 11:6. Metaphorical for how things will change after the 2^nd coming and the new heaven and earth
The wolf will be tame
And the lion shall lay down with the lamb, oh yes

And the beasts from the wild
Will be led by a child
I'll be changed from this creature that I am –(Ben) Perhaps reference to many verses such as 1 John 3:2, the new body we will have some day

Oh, there will be peace in the valley for me some day
There will be peace in the valley for me, I pray
No more sadness, no more sadness, no more trouble there'll be
There will be peace in the valley for me, for me