Pastor Goforth

Marathon Man

February 8th, 2023

1 Thessalonians 5:23 may your whole spirit, soul, and BODY be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ…

This verse caught my attention this morning because last week, I did something I thought I would never do – Ran a marathon.

For most people, you don’t just wake up and say “I’m going to run a 26 mile race today.” Yes, one day, I decided I was going to run a marathon, but that was in May of ’22 and the race was in February of ’23. There is a previous decision, a process of preparation. There is an investment, a price to be paid, tickets, training, and so much more. There must be presence at the starting line, persistence toward the finish, power of mind over matter, and a passion to complete, before we ever get to the party of celebration.

And here is Paul, in this first of his letters. he is giving final instructions and tells them much they need to do. I sort of think this is a great set of instructions for potential marathoners. v13 – be at peace among yourselves v14 – warn those who are idle, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. v15 – Pursue what’s good (don’t repay evil). v16 – Rejoice always – v17 – Pray constantly – v18 don’t stifle the Spirit….

I actually read and wrote on this passage one month ago on January 9 – but now it speaks fresh and living to me on the other side of this marathon, yet I’m still moving toward the next level. Yes, there is power for my Spirit, and Soul, but some days the Body just doesn’t want to cooperate. How do we get to the Heavenly Finish line? How do we get to completeness? It’s those “P-words”. A Previous decision, a Process of Preparation, Persistence, a Price being paid, Presence at the Start, Perseverance, Passion to finish – THEN comes the Party.

In the day-to-day struggle, sometimes I don’t want to and think I can’t, but I go on. It’s because of all of those “p-words”. I’ve said them twice already. Oh, the pre-race activities were fun, and the crowd at the start, the excitement, there were even fireworks. We had much fun at the beginning, through mile 6, and on to mile 10, even to the 1/2-way spot. But then about mile 16-18 it became WORK. And then it was a challenge of those “p-words” that kept me going. The goal wasn’t to be first; it wasn’t a certain time; it was to FINISH. So, I was doing whatever it took to finish.

But the great news here in Paul’s letter is that v24 says He who calls you is faithful, HE WILL DO IT.”

YES

I wish this was the way it worked for the race, that Jesus just picked me up, but I WILL say that at times, my legs didn’t want to participate. My Achillies tendon argued – wanted to cramp – but I said, “NO, I’m getting there” and so I won out over the parts that weren’t so sure. Even in our spiritual life, it’s not like Jesus just picks us up and we glide down life’s path. But he is still in charge and getting us there.

My spirit, soul, AND body are SOUND – holokleros = sound, complete, perfect in every aspect – and then he says Blameless. Oh, I like this… but WHEN? At the Finish Line – at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” It doesn’t say I’ll be FAST, or STRONG, or FIRST – but it does say I’ll be complete – When Jesus Comes, At the Finish line.

If you look at pictures of me during the race: In some I’m happy, some silly, some determined, some struggling, but at the Finish – I’m Satisfied, I’m finished, I’m Complete, I’m Sound – that’s the Goal.

When it comes to the life and race to Glory, it’s all about those “p-words”:

A Previous decision – made by Christ to make a way, and my decision to receive it by faith. A Price paid by Christ at the Cross. There was Perseverance, Persistence, Power, not my doing, but by the work of Christ In Me, to see me through, and my surrender to his work. There was Passion to complete, be complete. And so, before me lays the Party to celebrate. And Faithful is He who Calls me – He will do it. Jesus started it, he continues it, he will see to the finish, and then he will be waiting at the finish line.

See ya At the Finish Line!
The Lord is here Among

January 24th, 2023

Zephaniah 3:8 “therefore, wait for me… until the day I rise up”

Zephaniah like many of the prophets, I think of Zechariah and Daniel, tells the story of how God responds to sin and rejection of God, while still telling that history is a moment in what is eternal for God. That God judges, but God saves. That this moment might be hard, but for those who trust God there is a day coming. Here in chapter 3 God’s word goes down through what is coming – restoration, faithful service, purity, removal of shame, right living. And God calls them to v14 Sing For Joy – Shout Loudly – Be Glad, Celebrate with all your heart. We need to keep God’s work and his promises always in our minds.

Then v16 – do not fear – don’t let your hands grow weak

Why? And here is the verse that started my thoughts today, Zephaniah 3:17 ” The Lord your God is AMONG you, a Warrior who Saves. He WILL rejoice over you with gladness. He WILL quiet you in his love. He will DELIGHT in you with singing” – Oh that is beautiful.

Don’t fear – do not let your hands grow weak. Fear is a powerful force against us. yare = dismay, distress. Fear manifested is often NOT fright, but DISTRESS, feeling like I can’t control my world, I can’ t make a difference. Jeremiah 6:24 says “We have heard, and our hands have become weak. Distress has seized us like a woman in labor.” And interesting comparison that Jeremiah makes also in chapter 50 of his prophesy. Like a woman in labor – sometimes we know good is coming, but we are afraid we can’t do what it takes to get there and when it comes, we won’t be equal to the task.

But the encouragement is … The Lord is here AMONG you – qereb = in, at, among, in the middle of, entrails” Entrails? Well the Lord is the GUTS we Need! Come on somebody. Let go of your flowing robe image of Jesus …

He is a WARRIOR who SAVES – gibbor = manly, vigorous, hero, champion, strong, mighty – See Jesus standing before you, the Warrior Hero. I think about Joshua on the road to Jericho and seeing a man before him with Sword Drawn, blocking the road. He asks, “are you for us or against us.” And the Angel of the Lord – Jesus – stands before him and says “neither, I’m the Commander of the Armies of Heaven”. Yes, Jesus is our Warrior, that SAVES – yasha = delivers, avenges, is victorious – He is not just an encourager, a spectator, he is our Victorious Champion.

He will rejoice OVER you – al=over, in front, before, above – Deuteronomy 30:9 The Lord will make you prosper abundantly in all the works of your hands… Again, this is the Lord at work for us, in us, through us.

He will be quiet in his love – I like that rendering. Elsewhere it is rendered renew you. But that word, as I looked, charash carries the idea of a farmer plowing – That doesn’t mean he is silent, but more like he is quietly plowing the field, preparing for planting, preparing for harvest, the desire, the victory. – stop a minute and think about the Lord when he seems silent, seems quiet, he is just preparing for what he is bringing.

He will DELIGHT in you with SINGING – This is such a beautiful simple picture. Oh, have you ever just spontaneously sung praises to your children, your spouse, your team? “You are great, You can do it, yes you can yes you can. We got this, good is coming.” That is our Warrior, Savior, Farmer, Celebrating what he is doing, what is coming.

Know, Feel, Follow, Win, Reap the Harvest
Sanctified By the God of Peace

January 11th, 2023

“Now may the God of Peace himself, sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Paul is finishing this letter, probably his first letter written. There is such a full understanding and hope for his people here. This is a “blessing” and he is closing this letter with a communique – “may the God of peace…” he starts this blessing with the nature and work of God in us, “the God of peace”. that means “freedom from disturbances”. We come to faith in Jesus and we are free in Christ with God. We are then at peace, positionally, we have been justified, but we are still struggling with our sinful nature, there is still a battle.

It’s always good to read verses in context, so you go back to v12 here and he tells them to give respect and recognition to their leaders, given by God to lead them toward soundness and blamelessness in lifestyle. He tells them to be at peace with one another. Don’t just watch the struggle someone is having, but warn those who aren’t active, to comfort those who are discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone and pursue what is good for one another. (not just good for you, but good for you together) He says “rejoice always”(not just when you like it) He tells them to pray at mealtime? No Constantly. Give Thanks IN, not FOR, but IN everything – and then says “this IS God’s Will”. Then comes the instruction’s purpose, don’t stifle the Spirit or despise the prophesies. (often we hinder the Spirit as we won’t live and love God’s Word, read, preached, and taught) Then the simple instruction, “stay away from evil… and HOLD ON to what is Good” (simple but often not followed)

And in that context we get to v23 – “may the God of peace…” All of vv12-22 are talking about us fighting with our old nature and our new nature in Christ. May the God of peace – that is the God who MADE peace FOR us, may he then DO PEACE IN us. vv12-22 are our daily struggles to live as citizens of heaven while we are foreign residents of earth. As we release ourselves TO God, Himself, he then does things IN us in every area of life. Go back and look at the completeness of this list in vv12-22 and see how it fits into our Spirit, Soul, and Mind categories. As we fight the battle, we don’t fight alone, God himself is our lead warrior. As I release myself piece by piece, I realize he is doing an eternal work in me – NOW. As I release to him, Paul prays that we be kept blameless, sound AT the Coming – NOT AFTER – Paul is praying for steps of sanctifications NOW, don’t wait for THEN. Every moment of release, victory, and peace, is a foretaste of Glory Days in Eternity.

“Oh I can’t, Pastor” – wait read v24 – He who calls you is faithful

HE – Yes HE will do it. We have to ask ourselves in the daily, Is this He or Me? When I do it, it falls short, I fail. But When He does it, there is victory and peace.

Go back and read vv12-22… then release every struggle, get up from every fall, and find out just how ABLE God is. Rejoice, Pray, Give, Hold on, Release, Believe, and See
Now? Not Now

January 4th, 2023

I’ve oft been struck by this conversation between Jesus and Peter in John 13:36-38, and I’ve written about it before in my blog. “Lord, where are you going?” He is asking the wrong question because Jesus already said, “you cannot follow now”. The question should have been, “ok… what should I do NOW?” Let “later” take care of itself and do NOW, well, NOW. But Peter, like the child the IN ME, says, “why? why can’t I follow you now?” He even says, “I will lay down my life for you.” But Jesus says, “Oh that will happen, but not now, that’s for later, truth is you are going to deny me now.”

Interestingly, Jesus has already answered the questions in vv31-35… He’s in essence saying, “NOW – if you want to follow – glorify the Father, glorify ME. My time with you is short… where I am going you cannot come.” And then Jesus gave the pathway for NOW.

vv34 “Love one another, just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.”

This is a command not a suggestion – love

There is a measure not an imagination – as I have loved you

There is a purpose not a gesture – v35 by this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another

We often would rather DIE for Jesus than LIVE for Jesus. Rather die for than LOVE LIKE. You don’t necessarily have to go out in a blaze of glory, but love like an expression of God’s glory in love given freely, given to the undeserving, given before returned, given if never returned. Dying for will come in due time, but live like, love like, so that everyone will know we are OF HIM, Following Him.

Death – maybe not now

Love – always for now

Peter needed to take care of first things first
May They Be One… So That

December 13th, 2022

As is my practice, I opened “My Utmost for His Highest” this morning, but on Mondays, staff meeting days, I just read the text, and not the writing from Ozwald Chambers. I always let the text he picks stir me and then I begin writing my staff devotion. O. Chambers today quotes part of John 17, Jesus praying the night before he is crucified.

In many ways Jesus is saying, “Well Father, here we are.” Scripture tells us that Jesus has committed to and anticipated his death as sacrifice for our sin since before the world was created. He created us, and man fell, and now time has passed and “here we are, Father”. John 17:1, “the hour has come.” There is so much in this prayer. O. Chambers focuses on v22, “that they may be one, even as we are one.” And when I read that my mind began racing with that.

“So, I go back and put it in context. “Glorify your son, that the son may glorify you.” then “You gave authority… so that… may give eternal life… glorify me in your presence.” Oh My, we often want our glory… recognition… but at the wrong time, in the wrong place, and for the wrong reasons. “So, I go back and put it in context. “Glorify your son, that the son may glorify you.” then “You gave authority… so that… may give eternal life… glorify me in your presence.” Oh My, we often want our glory… recognition… but at the wrong time, in the wrong place, and for the wrong reasons.

“I revealed your name to the people you gave me…” Oh that’s not just for Jesus, or preachers, but for all of us. Are we revealing his name to all he has given us?

And Jesus prays for all of us. He prays for our protection as we are in this world but not OF this world. We are bound for God’s presence. And again, this is not just for the disciples, but all the way down the line. v20 I pray not only for these (the 12) but also for those who believe in me through this word (that’s all of us) v21 May they be one, as you, Father are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that (say “so that”) the world may believe you sent me v22 I have given them the glory (doxa – brightness / reputation) you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one v23 I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be one, that the world may know you sent me, and have loved them as you have loved me

Now, I am always greatly challenged by verses that say, “so that”. Not “so what?” but “so that” Go back and count all the “so that” statements in this prayer. There are 4 just in these vv21-23 alone.

That they may be one – so many times we want to stop right there and define it for ourselves. “See we need to all like the same stuff, no fighting, just love…” But then Jesus defines “one” “as we are one”. Now, ues, you and I are NOT God. We don’t know all, love all, we aren’t perfect. But still, there is a marker, “you must be THIS tall to ride this ride.” as we are one

Well church, the hour has come, long since come, for us to do what we were born to do. Every church has been born to be the Bride of Christ, a city on a hill, the light of the world, live love, not just proclaim but live good news. I go back to the opening of this prayer and ask, “are we glorifying God?” Are we shining HIS goodness, making his reputation known? How do we do that? By completing the work he gave us to do. Matthew 28:19-20 As you go, make disciples, baptize them, teach them. Acts 1:8 – be witness in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, the ends of the earth. John 13:34-35 – love one another, just as I have loved you… by this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another. You know why the world doesn’t know or believe? It is because we are striving to complete the wrong tasks. God did not send us to fix political policy, or straighten out our neighbors, but to love and make disciples as we go. He has called us, prayed for us to be ONE AS… Father and Son are One.

v17 Sanctify them by the truth – we need to be cleaned, washed, made holy, hallowed by this truth. – Oh but that’s just “Jesus stuff” right pastor? well, v18 as you sent me… I have sent them into the world… that they may sanctify themselves by this truth – Oh… me too huh?

Oh we all love God, and we admire God, but do we really want to bear and live toward his bright glorious reputation? Like it or not, if we are the people of God, servants of God, the church of God, we have a reputation of love, commitment, sacrifice, holiness, purpose – God’s reputation / glory has been given to us. Have you ever had a non-Christian say to you, “but the church should be…” or “aren’t you a Christian and you should be…” And they are actually RIGHT! They may not want but they expect US to do it. And we should be a unified “WE” committed to that glory, that unity, as Jesus and the Father are one. Jesus lived that out, “I only speak what the Father says” “I only do what the Father is doing” “I have completed the tasks you gave me to do” “I reveal your name to those you gave me”.

Do we do this so that we can be famous? NO It is so that HE can be famous. So that THEY may believe.

Let me close with this thought – May we be ONE like a HAND… not like even 5 fingers, but as a HAND. Fingers are there, but they are together a HAND. Fingers operating fully independently can get hurt, or do things the hand didn’t intend. But fingers working together, according to the direction of the head, empowered by the arm, can play a symphony in perfect tune, and that’s beautiful.

We are to be made one SO THAT the world may KNOW – that we have a Sending Lord and God – That we have a Purpose and Power that is not ours. Know that you are SENT and know that you Just as Jesus was loved by the Father, then we also are loved in the same way

Oh, let’s be ONE – Define it, Determine to do it, Depend upon it, be Directed by it.
The Righteousness of God…

November 29th, 2022

Romans 3 is a very well-known passage and verse 23 one of the most quoted in scripture. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Yep, we know it and quote it, and I’m not going to write anything here that most don’t know, but… I’m going to write anyway. Yesterday, I read v22 which begins, The Righteousness of God…

Growing up in the church, in a pastor’s home, doing “right” was drummed into me from the beginning. And when I came up short, it was often drummed in with the drum of discipline, often administered with wood or leather. I know that’s not politically correct, but discipline IS important for good development. I’m not saying that I believe in abuse, but I do believe in correction. Yet, even good correction doesn’t bring about God’s Righteousness.

Scripture is clear that ALL of our righteous acts are comparatively “filthy rags”. (Isaiah 64.6) polluted garments (CSB) and the literal meaning of the word is worse than that, something we wouldn’t want to talk about but a regular reality of life. So, Paul makes it clear v22 the righteousness of God is THROUGH (because of, by) faith IN Jesus Christ – Not just ANY faith, not just sincerity, but by belief IN Jesus – And not just anyone named Jesus, but Jesus, born in Bethlehem, the promised Christ / Messiah, the previously existent, only, Son of God, faith in that Jesus is the vehicle to the righteousness of God

To ALL who believe (verb, present, active tense = believe, entrust, actively now)

Why? Because we all fall short. I said a few minutes ago, I often came up short, and I still do. And discipline was drummed into me. But verse 22 says there is no distinction. Colossians 3:11 says there is no distinction, not Greek or Jew… Barbarian or Scythian slave or free” … WE are the one who make distinctions, well if you come from this family, or are in this position, or are only THIS “bad”. But without distinction, we ALL come up short. “Well, my sin isn’t as bad as theirs.” NO DIFFERENCE, no table of reference – Short is Short = unrighteous. The “bar” of measure is the glory (weight, reputation) of God. ALL SHORT

But v22 also says to all who believe… that is also without distinction. ALL… v24 they… oh here’s the good news – just like there is no distinction / difference in our sin, there is not distinction in the OPPORTUNITY

– SAVE ONE – to all WHO BELIEVE – IF they have faith in Jesus, THEN, they are Justified Freely by his grace.

Now stop and look at that backwards – charis – grace = that’s receiving something good that I do not deserve. It comes freely – dorean = a gift, no charge, not earned. Grace, freely given… they – those who believe – they are justified – dikaioo = declared righteous. A verdict is rendered in the courts of Heaven. This is not earned on the battlefield, it is not earned in a contest, it is not earned by inheritance or family position. This word is in the present tense, is passive, and plural. This isn’t only for ONE, but for ALL WHO, and I can’t DO anything for it, but it is being done, remains done, for all who believe – Our position / standing is changed from the state of short of God’s Glory / righteousness, to being declared righteous!

Whew hands up somebody celebrate

We are, in the declaration of Heaven, moved from one position to another; from short of, to positioned in

By Grace… through the redemption that is IN Christ Jesus

Yes, God IS Love, but he is also JUST. So, forgiveness is available, but is borne by the work of Christ at the cross, and only received as we believe and receive that provision. I owed a debt beyond my ability to pay, and he had paid a debt he did not owe on my behalf. And when I believe and receive, everything CHANGES!

Oh, I know we know this, or do we? do you? Just an important reminder today, and if you have not, you can right now. Stop trying and start trusting, stop wondering and believe, and find the change of God. There is a great chasm between us and God, but faith in the work of Christ, bridges the gap
Just a Cog in a Wheel

November 15th, 2022
Genesis 24 in total is a very interesting event in the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham. At the end of verse 27 of chapter 24, the servant of Abraham on task to find a wife for Isaac said, “as for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to…

Abraham finally got the promised son, Isaac, when he was 100. Not the son he had first fathered, trying to “help” God. But the son that God had promised in unprecedented circumstances, unnatural timing, but still in the natural way with his wife, Sarah. Sarah has now died, and Isaac is of marrying age. They are living in tents in Canaan, the land of God’s promise. Abraham wanted him to have a wife from his people back in his homeland. So, he assigns his servant to go “home” and find a suitable wife for Isaac. He made this servant give him a deep oath of promise. That practice was gripping under the thigh. The strongest bone, the strongest muscle, strongest tendon, it was a way to say, I won’t break this or that.

Now, I was thinking about this and that servant
1. Abraham gave the instruction and he would ultimately get descendants, heirs of the promise of God that would carry on the promise of God – Good for Him
2. Isaac would get a wife – Good for Him
3. But the Servant – what’s in it for HIM?
  - The Journey with the Lord
  - the Fulfillment of his task
  - the Joy of just being a Cog in a wheel in something bigger than Him
  - A story to tell in Eternity
What’s a “cog in a wheel”?

American Heritage Dictionary says “someone or something that is small in significance in an operation or organization

Fairlex Partner Idioms says small or mundane, could be underappreciated, or unacknowledged in a large enterprise

Do you ever feel that way? Genesis 24:2 Abraham said to his servant, the elder of his household who managed all he owned… So this IS a guy who is important and does a lot… but we don’t even know his NAME. Yet, the “machine” that would fulfill Genesis 12’s promises to Abraham – name great – family – land – has a “gear” that has a “tooth” “a cog” that is this Servant. Without his work, no wife for Isaac, no children, no Jacob, no Israel, the people that become the birthing nation of the Messiah. Certainly God will do what God will do, but this Cog, keeps them involved. And so this unnamed, insignificant cog, goes, follows, and meets a girl named Rebekah, and in v27 he states the way of the cog in the wheel, “as for me…”. Many of us try and make our own way for fulfillment, make a name… but as for me…
- The Lord has led me on the journey
Wow, there is a sermon here, but this is just a devotion. The Lord is at work. This servant, this cog, asks Abraham and God a series of clarifying questions. A lot of “what if” scenarios are laid out. “What is she won’t come?” “Should I take Isaac there?” NO – Abraham has trust in the God he knows personally because Abraham as been on a journey with the Lord. v7 The LORD – YHWH – any time you see all caps in the scripture it is speaking of God’s covenant name. So when Moses tells us this story, he is talking to God’s people and reminding them that this is the God he met in the burning bush, the I AM. And so Abraham tells this cog in the wheel, the God who took me from… who spoke to me… swore to me… HE… He will send his angel before… if she is unwilling then you are free from this oath. In other words, I trust God, and if I’ve missed God, then you are free, but I Trust God to prepare the way for fulfillment of his promises.
- The Lord has LED me – nachah = bring, brought, lead, guide I’m just a cog in the wheel… there are powers behind this wheel. I’m just a tooth, not the wheel, I’m part of the wheel, but not the machine, I’m part of it, but I’m not the power behind it, I’m just doing my part
In verse 12 this servant prays to the source, the LORD and asks make this happen for me today and show kindness to Abrham…. And he asks for very clear signs so he can be sure and follow and do his part. And it says that before he even finished praying, there was Rebekah. Now, I’m not saying nor expecting that God always does what I want, but God does always answer. And v21 says he silently watched to see whether or not the Lord had made his journey a success.
- As for me, the LORD has led me on the JOURNEY to
the journey – derek = road, distance, journey, manner. A tooth on a machine wheel can’t get anywhere alone. A cog just goes WITH the wheel, in the machine, under the power, for the purpose. The cog is always just on a journey.
- The LORD has led me on THE journey TO
notice two significant cog-like words THE and TO. This is not just ANY journey, but THE journey. And not just ANYWHERE but TO a destination. There is specificity to the journey the Lord leads us on. There is a reason, a destination… we are part of something he is doing. It is not just a decoration, but an instrument for God’s reckoning, we are on a mission.

Rebekah, meets him, hears him, and runs to tell her mother’s household, and this grateful cog in a wheel begins v27, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not withheld his kindness and faithfulness from my Master – notice the focus again on the work of God FOR those he serves. And As For Me…

If we,who are just a cog in the wheel, will look we CAN find joy. Joy comes from… we already said it, but let’s refocus – the Joy for the Cog in the wheel comes from…
- The Journey with the LORD – even if it seems like we aren’t going anywhere, or doing anything special, we ARE WITH the LORD. That’s Joy
- The Joy of fulfillment of the tasks given. Not the Joy of who knows, or recognition for accomplishment, but of finishing the task… it was FOR the LORD anyway
- The Joy of being even an insignificant cog in the wheel. Each cog is important, so we join in the work, on the wheel, part of the machine, enabled by the power, for the greater purpose.
- And then the Joy of the Story we will tell in Eternity – no one may know here. This guy is unnamed in scripture, and surely never got to see much of the result of his work, but I believe he went into eternity a man who knew and trusted the LORD and he will have a story when I meet him in Heaven one day
On my, that unnamed servant. He believed in the LORD – He believed it was By Him and For Him. He praised the Lord and the Lord’s blessing of others through him. He cultivated and welcomed being a Cog in an Eternal Wheel.

Don’t be discouraged by anything that is unrecognized nor insignificant in your service, trusted servant – God has blessed you and included you in an amazing eternal story
Do The Works that I Do – “Ta Da”

October 31st, 2022

From my staff devotion a couple of weeks ago, and it was just a short thought but I never got around to posting, it’s been a busy few weeks. This is not intended to be commentary on this passage, but just some thoughts, reminders

I think some Christian Folks then “Ta Da” should be part of our vocabulary

John 14:12 is often quoted by people with an agenda – Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name I will do it 14 … in my name, I will do it

And you read vv15-17 and he promises the coming of the Holy Spirit. Now, remember first that Jesus is about to die. This is Thursday night. And people often quote v12 to say that we should all be doing WONDERS, Miracles, and they even add the verses that follow and say, “if you have the Holy Spirit you should be able to do the miraculous”, they say. But I believe they are missing the point.

Am I supposed to be a “Worker of Wonders” or a Doer of Wonderful Works?

The word is ergon = action, behavior, deeds, effectual labor. Jesus says that those who believe in him will do the action, behavior, deeds, effectual labor, that he does! And it hit me the other day, that John, writing this as an old man, is very selective on the words he uses, led by the Holy Spirit. When John talks about “miracles” he uses semeion = distinguishing mark, miracle, sign – I believe 17 times John uses this word – John uses this word to show us that Jesus is distinguishing himself as the Messiah with these signs. But that is NOT the word here when Jesus is speaking. Jesus is NOT saying that we must, or will, not to say God can’t in us, because anything IN HIS NAME can be done – but that’s not the instruction here. That is not the prophetic word here. The prophetic word here is that those who believe in his name will do the action, behavior, deeds, that he did. What did he do, what was his normal behavior? Love, Tell, Give himself, Sacrifice Self, Obey the Father, Complete the Task, Welcome, Encourage – oh somebody are you with me? Stay with me now. Jesus is saying, IF you believe me, you will do these normal behavioral things.

And then he takes it up a notch and says “even greater than these“. A.T. Robertson points out that the “greater” is in quantity not quality. And that is because in his “leaving” we received the Holy Spirit – John 16:7.

But the “agenda” folks then love that word “whatever” – Yeah – whatever you ask… Let’s go – Yeah – Wait … Look out definer ahead! IN MY NAME – “well what does that mean?” I’m glad you asked – It’s according to his character, his authority, for his glory, in his context, with his contribution of power, according to his plan and purpose. This is not a blank check promise. This is a purposeful promise. If we ask, and the Holy Spirit confirms that we are “in his name” – then YES he WILL do it. And it will be GREAT!

I’ll stop there – Don’t Focus on “Ta Da” – but “To Do what Jesus Does”
Hidden and Revealed

October 11th, 2022

Matthew 11:25 “… you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to the infants.”

hidden and revealed

Jesus is speaking in towns after being contacted by John the Baptist, who is in prison and seeks clarity before he dies on his mission. v3 “are you the one… or should we expect someone else.” Just a desire for a little clarity. Is it doubt? I don’t know, but never a bad thing to make sure you are dying for the right thing. And John tells those “Baptist disciples” – “go and report what you hear and see… the blind (see)… lame walk… leprosy cleansed… deaf hear… dead raised… and the poor are told the good news.” Sometimes we try and over analyze, over think, just go and report what you have seen and heard… Sometimes we are too smart for our own good.

Jesus asks them… what were you looking for? When you went to the wilderness to hear John, were you looking for a reed that sways in the wind or an oak of truth standing straight in the midst of the raging wind? Were you looking for fancy clothes? Were you looking for a prophet? Well, you got that and more. Sometimes we go looking for what is missing, but when we get it, it isn’t what we thought, and we are too smart, and we want something else. Happens in the church all the time, “we want someone to tell us the truth and lead us… then 6 months later it’s “oh no, not that way.” Jesus says that John IS the promised 2nd Elijah that would come before the Messiah, v15 “if you have ears, LISTEN” (I know you heard, now listen)

So then down in v21 Jesus begins to scold the pretty little Galilean towns where he had done miracles. He talks about where he did his prime ministry, and he says, if Tyre, Sidon, Sodom had seen what you saw, they (those evil historically looked down on cities) they would have repented, wouldn’t have been destroyed.

But we are too smart…

v25 “I praise you Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, because you have hidden…

Hidden from the Wise and Intelligent – Ok smart ones don’t over think this. Intelligent ones, don’t try to over analyze this. Jesus is NOT preaching a message of exclusion. The wonderful message of Christ, the gospel, is hidden from those who WILL NOT SEE, and will not HEAR. It is not about CANNOT but WILL NOT.

It is like me writing out the recipe to the greatest meal ever had and “hiding” it on the top of the table, right here, and telling you it is here. But it is “hidden” because 1) you think it isn’t good 2) you think you won’t like it 3) you will not come to the table 4) you won’t cook and eat it. So, the recipe is “hidden” – that Greek word is krypto – oh it’s hidden, it’s cryptic, when one won’t take and apply it. But Jesus says it is “revealed” – Apokalypto to the infants – nepios . literally simple-minded, child. The one who will not overthink it but hear. Earlier in Matthew 11 Jesus addresses some of them as spoiled children who fuss at people for not dancing to their tune. But these are not those children spoiled by entitlement thoughts. No, these are surrendered, humble, grateful, children. They are hungry, needy, willing, wanting, happy to receive, honest, and grateful.

What’s the difference between those from home it is hidden, and those to whom revealed? DISTANCE and DEFERENCE. – When we hear and understand v25 and the context of this chapter’s teaching, THEN we understand the more famous words coming. Jesus says, “no one knows the Father but the Son, and anyone whom the son desires to reveal – “There it is pastor, see it’s exclusionary to a special few” – NO

What makes the difference is Position and Palpability, Distance and Deference – Far or Near – Willing or Unwilling – and so he says to ALL – vv28-30 Come, Give, Takes, Learn, Find, it’s Easy

Come to me, all of you, who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is east and my burden is light

Come, give, take, learn, find, easy rest

Oh I’ll stop here – but go back and read those verses again 28-30… Hear Jesus speaking both to the wise and to the simple… and only the simple childlike find the revelation.

The answer is not hard, but it IS located by Jesus, if you will come and see.
Why Couldn’t We…

October 4th, 2022

Mark 9:28-29 Jesus’ disciples ask Jesus a question we sometimes ask, Why couldn’t we… and Jesus answers in v29 this kind… by nothing but prayer

Now this is an instance where a man came to Jesus, was interrupted along the way by the disciples who tried to do what he was coming to Jesus to have done and they couldn’t. The man had a son who had spirits that caused seizures and other things. The disciples tried unsuccessfully to cast them out.

Now you must back up – Jesus was on the “Mount of Transfiguration” with Peter, James, and John – when they came down, there was an argument going on. Jesus asked “what are you arguing about?” And the Father says, notice, “I brought him to YOU”. Don’t miss that, Jesus had NOT sent the disciples out to do things, but they seem to have interjected themselves into a situation, attempting to do what Jesus does. But couldn’t. When they asked “why couldn’t we“. Jesus says “this kind can come out by nothing but prayer” – Some manuscripts add, “and fasting”. But Robertson suggests this was a “late addition to explain the failure”. The oldest best manuscripts don’t have the addition of “fasting”. But the point seems to be that you can’t just run around and “do what you do”, or operate in your S.O.P. The thought, I’m sure, in adding fasting is that the spiritual practice of fasting changes everything. When we fast, our entire focus is: God, Separation from the normal, Seeking God’s Will and Purpose, Seeking God’s glory, Finding God’s intervention and his way.

But isn’t that the purpose of prayer? Well yes it is, but often we need fasting to cause us to do those things. Prayer is often changed, but us, into a “laundry list”. As I often say, we pray like WE are the VINE and HE is our Branch. “Dear Lord, I need x,y,z and a,b,c and sort of p,d,q, In Jesus’ name Amen.” As if his job is to carry out our desires.

Well, the old acrostic – A.C.T.S. in short or long format, is a good way to get to what God wants. If you don’t know that’s Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication, in THAT order.

Just like worship, isn’t worship if it doesn’t cost us something; service isn’t service if we are not certain God wants it, and he is the one who gets the glory, if we don’t need his power, if we don’t have his timing, then we aren’t serving HIM. It’s like going to someone’s house and saying, “I just painted your house, it’s beautiful red, just here to serve you.” And the person says, “well, I just painted it my favorite color blue last week, and besides, it’s plumbing work that I needed done.” That’s NOT service.

Jesus shows up and sees the inability, the lack of faith, and says, v19 you unbelieving generation, How long…?” What are we failing to believe? His Presence, Personhood, Power, and Purpose. That gets in the way of our faith and actions.

How do we become full of faith? It starts on our knees in prayer, spending time, listening, pondering, knowing his purpose, and talking to him.

So go back to that acrostic – you perhaps know it but think with me

Adoration – praise him for Who his. Love him for what he has done. Be amazed at what he can do. Just focus on him.

Confession – If I don’t remove my sin, he doesn’t hear my prayer David say. It hinders him from hearing and seeing me. It hinders my ability to hear and see him.

Thanksgiving – Celebrate what he has done. It puts into perspective what I think I need. If he never does another thing for me, he has done some much and I have so much.

Then

Supplication – NOW, I’m in position to ask, hear, believe, and act. and then v23 says everything is possible for one who believes.

It’s not just about believing that he can, but that he wants to. It seems that the disciples doubted, or it wasn’t God’s plan for them to do, or even they weren’t surrendered to the power and to the glory of God, but something was out of order. The order comes in the prayer room.

Everything is possible, but not everything is profitable

Everything is possible, but not everything is prudent

Everything is possible, but not all things are in God’s will for me now, and Prayer is where I hear, believe, and then act according to the will, power, and pleasure of God.

A.Lincoln at his second inauguration said, fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away, YET, if God wills that it continue…

Lincoln understood that prayer is NOT a magic potion or formula to get what we want – but it is an alignment process of our will with God’s will, of our actions with his, removing all barriers that he may be glorified.

Lincoln continued, “… if God wills that it continue until all wealth piled by the bondsman’s two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said, “the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether”

So, we come to the Lord with A.C.T.S. prayers and we listen, and we respond as he leads. We understand that God always answers, but 3 ways: Sometimes he says “yes” – so move and live in it. Sometimes he says, “NO” – so move on trusting God’s goodness and his loving answer in the negative. Other times, he says, “Not Yet” – so live in the “until” – keep praying, keep being faithful, keep trusting, keep serving, do the last thing he told you to do. Keep your head up, heart loving, hope shining, hold on, UNTIL, knowing that God is Good.

Pray on Saint

Follow on Child

God is able, and you are able to go with him – but the great things only come with prayer