Lost and Found - Luke 15:1-32

Lost and Found - Luke 15:1-32

In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. - Luke 15:10

A lost sheep.  A lost coin.  A lost son.

These stories all have in common the idea that something was lost, but now is found!  And it doesn't take long for us to identify with the lost thing.  Most of us have, at one point or another, found ourselves far from home... stranded... or lost in the cracks.  We've found ourselves at the bottom of the pit, unsure if there was any way out.

These stories not only remind us that the lost can be found again, but that God is actively seeking the lost.  Indeed, the message of the incarnation is that Jesus came to seek and to save the lost.  As Athanasius said, "He became like we are, so that we might become like He is."

These stories reveal that God is a seeking God... that finding and pursuing lost people is an integral part of the character and nature of God.

Are you being shaped in His Image?  If so, then who are you seeking?  Who are you pursuing?

I was lost, but Jesus found me, Found the sheep that went astray,
Threw His loving arms around me, Drew me back into His way.
Yes, I'll sing the wondrous story
Of the Christ who died for me
Sing it with the saints in glory,
Gathered by the crystal sea.

                            - Francis H. Rowley

The Good Samaritan - Luke 10:25-37

The Good Samaritan - Luke 10:25-37

"...and who is my neighbor?" - Expert
"...which of these three was a neighbor?" - Jesus

There's a lengthy story between these two quotes, so it's easy to miss the fact that Jesus doesn't answer the expert's question.  In true rabbinical fashion, he responds to the question with another question... but his question doesn't even exactly answer the question that has been asked.

The expert wants to know who qualifies as his neighbor, probably because he wants to limit the scope of the people he has to love.  If he can determine who is and who isn't a neighbor, then he can know who it is that he can get away with not loving.

But Jesus isn't interested in who qualifies as someone's neighbor.  Jesus is interested in whether or not the expert is being a good neighbor.  For Jesus, the question isn't about who is or isn't your neighbor... the question is about what sort of neighbor you are.

In relationships, our tendency is to blame the other person.  Marriage partners are tempted to look at all the wrong things the other person does... coworkers find it easy to find fault and place blame... next-door neighbors are often irritated by the things that the other family does.

But Jesus reminds us that we're not responsible for other people's behavior... we're responsible for our own.  And it's up to us to do the right thing, even if the other person is irritating, frustrating, unclean, or inconvenient.  It's up to us to be good neighbors to all that we see... whether they are a good neighbor or not!

Brother, let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you;
Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant too.
We are pilgrims on a journey; We are brothers on the road.
We are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load.
                                                - Richard Gillard

The Kingdom of Heaven - Matthew 13:1-58

The Kingdom of Heaven - Matthew 13:1-58

And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith. - Matthew 13:58

This chapter is full of images about the Kingdom of Heaven - it's like a pearl of great price... or like a mustard seed... or like a little yeast.  We read about the sower who went out to sow... and the net that caught all sorts of fish. 

And then we get to the end of the chapter, and find this little verse which indicates that Jesus didn't perform miracles in his hometown because the people had no faith.  Some versions of the Bible translate that verse with a little stronger language, suggesting that Jesus was unable to do miracles because of their lack of faith.

Jesus has arrived at his hometown, and all people can see is the son of the carpenter. I don't know if Jesus got into any mischief as a child... but if He did, they remembered it!  And because they considered Him to be just like one of them, they didn't listen to Him... nor did they have any faith in Him.

And because of their lack of faith, they were not able to see Jesus perform any miracles or wonders. Imagine that... not even faith the size of a mustard seed.  And because of their lack of faith, Jesus performed no miracles.

Are you praying and hoping for a miracle?  Are you believing that with God all things are possible?  Are you prepared to partner with God, participating in your miracle?  Let us echo the words of the man in Mark 9:24 who says, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

O for a faith that will not shrink,
Tho' pressed by ev'ry foe,
That will not tremble on the brink
of any earthly woe!
                  - William H. Bathurst

Sermon on the Mount - Part 2 - Matthew 6:5-7:29

Sermon on the Mount - Part 2 - Matthew 6:5-7:29

Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 

Three times in the beginning of Matthew 6, Jesus uses this particular phrase.  When you give... when you pray... when you fast... do it in secret... "then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

It's been said that integrity is about doing the right thing when nobody is looking.  And yet, the reality is that God is always looking.  And He doesn't care so much about our outward appearance or our public persona... He cares about our heart... He cares about who we really are.

The clear implication is that when we play for an audience of people, we have already received our rewards and accolades.  But when we play for an "Audience of One," we can be assured that God notices what we do.

So even though someone may not recognize your contribution to the Kingdom... even though you may feel taken for granted... even though your work may go unnoticed... remember that you're not working for the applause of men... but are performing for an "Audience of One."

I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause;
I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;
I'd rather be true to His holy name.
                      - Rhea F. Miller

Sermon on the Mount - Part 1 - Matthew 5:1-6:4

Sermon on the Mount - Part 1 - Matthew 5:1-6:4

You are the light of the world - Jesus

But wait a minute!  I thought that Jesus was the "Light of the World."  After all, last week we read John's words where he said that Jesus was the true light that gives light to every man (John 1:9)  But here in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells his followers that they are "the light of the world."  And by extension, I believe He's telling us that we are "the light of the world."

These words of Jesus cause us to take seriously the idea that we are to be the embodiment of Christ today.  When we say that the Church is the Body of Christ, these are not just figurative words, but a deep conviction that we are the tangible and concrete representation of Jesus.  We are to carry around the death and resurrection of Christ with us... we are to proclaim the Lord's death until He comes... we are the ambassadors of the Kingdom of God.

In some very real sense, we are the modern day version of the incarnation.  We are to be the hands and feet of Christ, taking Jesus with us into dark valleys and the messiness of the human condition.  Yes indeed... as the Light of the World lives in you, you also are to be the light of the world!  Shine brightly!

Brightly beams our Father's mercy from His lighthouse evermore;
But to us He gives the keeping of the lights along the shore.
Let the lower lights be burning! Send a gleam across the wave!
Some poor fainting, struggling seaman you may rescue, you may save.

                                           - Philip P. Bliss

Baptism and Temptation - Matthew 3:13-4:17

Baptism and Temptation - Matthew 3:13-4:17

They seem like such small things - commanding stones to become bread... or jumping off a high point.

In fact, this first temptation doesn't seem all that different from the temptation given to Adam and Eve--that was a pretty simple thing, right?  Just eat this fruit from the tree, and you'll become like God.

We are rarely tempted to do some horrible, awful thing.  Instead, we are first tempted to do something small... something that seems to make sense at first.  Our minds begin to justify the behavior... and that's where temptation begins to take hold.

It's only after we succumb to little temptations that the bigger ones begin to present themselves.  It's only after we do things that seem to be "no big deal," that we are faced with temptations of more obvious sins.  But by that point, those temptations no longer seem so bad... and we fool ourselves into believing that something horrible is "no big deal" after all.

The point is to practice saying "yes" to God and saying "no" to temptation, no matter how small the temptation may seem.  For only as we practice saying "no" to the little temptations can we be certain that we'll also be able to say "no" to the bigger temptations.  Each small victory will help you become better at resisting the many temptations that come your way.

Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin;
Each victory will help you some other to win;
Fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue,
Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through.
                                     - Horatio R. Palmer

John the Baptist - Luke 3:1-20

John the Baptist - Luke 3:1-20

Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. - Luke 3:8a

When Luke introduces John the Baptist to us, we meet a prophet who boldly speaks the truth without fear of offending anyone. Calling your audience a "brood of vipers" is not exactly at the top of the list of ways to "win friends & influence people."

What John identifies is the tendency of people to be sorry that they got caught.  These people are putting on a show of being sorry while still acting the same way.  They are hoping to escape God's wrath without actually changing their behavior.  John calls them to begin doing the right thing... to prove that they're truly sorry by producing fruit in keeping with repentance.

If confession is "telling the truth about our situation," then repentance is to "stop doing the wrong thing that we were sorry for."  True repentance requires transformation - a U-turn.  It's only then that we might begin to experience reconciliation with God or with other people.

My God is reconciled; His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child; I can no longer fear:
With confidence I now draw nigh,
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And “Father, Abba, Father,” cry.

                        - Charles Wesley

The Birth of Jesus - Luke 2:1-40

The Birth of Jesus - Luke 2:1-40

Merry Christmas!

Angels, shepherds, mangers and swaddling clothes - the Christmas story is full of images that fill us with joy as we consider the "old, old story!"

Carols, bells, candles and presents - our celebrations of Christmas are full of nostalgia as we remember the old-fashioned Christmases of yesteryear, and recall the celebrations of our childhoods.

But before we finish reading Luke chapter 2, our nostalgia and joy is challenged as we encounter these words from the mouth of Simeon, "and a sword will pierce your soul too."  Even in the midst of this beautiful story of Jesus' birth, Joseph and Mary are given a hint of the pain they will experience.

We must always remember that our salvation came at a great price.  The Baby in the manger ultimately grows into the Man who dies on the cross for our sins.  All of this is part of the plan that God set into motion at the beginning of time.

Tell me the old, old story
tell me the old, old story
tell me the old, old story
of Jesus and His love.
                            - A. Katherine Hankey

Gabriel's Message - Luke 1:1-80

Gabriel's Message - Luke 1:1-80

May it be to me as you have said. - Luke 1:38b

In the middle of this familiar Christmas story, we find this one sentence, the importance of which cannot be overstated.  Mary has just been given unbelievable and unimaginable news... she has no idea exactly how this will come about... or why she has been chosen.  And yet, she responds with a simple, faith-filled statement, "May it be to me as you have said."

While Mary asks a couple of questions, none of us imagine that she really understands what the angel means when he describes what will happen.  Mary can't imagine what it is like to carry a child and give birth, let alone to carry and give birth to the Son of God.

This is the sort of yielded devotion and commitment that God calls us to have.  And yet, we are often full of questions and conditions.  We want to know how the story turns out... we want to maintain control of our own involvement in the narrative.

But Mary's response challenges us do whatever God asks of us, even if we don't fully understand the ramifications.

I’ll go where You want me to go, dear Lord,
O’er mountain, or plain, or sea;
I’ll say what You want me to say, dear Lord,
I’ll be what You want me to be.

                   - Mary Brown

The Word Became Flesh - John 1:1-18

The Word Became Flesh - John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. - John 1:1

These beautiful words are the opening to the Gospel according to John--and the beginning to a sequence of verses  that are powerful, poetic, and full of meaning!

John is not only writing worshipful poetry to be read at Christmastime--but he is carefully crafting an argument that Jesus was not only a fragile baby born in a humble manger, but the very Son of God, eternally existing before time began.  While Jesus' human life had a definite beginning, John tells us that he was with God at the creation of the universe.

Consider for a moment that Jesus was present with the Father at the fall.  Jesus watched as the serpent tempted Eve, and as Adam joined Eve in disobeying God.  Jesus watched as the beautiful world began to unravel.

Perhaps in those moments, Jesus looked forward through time and could see the Father's plan begin to unfold.  Perhaps even then He knew He would humble Himself and take on the nature of a servant... and become obedient, even to death on a cross (Phil. 2).

Of the Father's love begotten, Ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega--He the Source, the Ending He,
Of the things that are, that have been, And that future years shall see,
Evermore and evermore!

                                                                       - Aurelius C. Prudentius; trans. John M. Neale

The Day of Judgment - Malachi 1:1-4:6

The Day of Judgment - Malachi 1:1-4:6

“But you ask, ‘How have we defiled you?’ - Malachi 1:7b

Seven times in the book of Malachi we see a similar phrase.  God makes an accusation against the people, and the people respond by saying "How have we ________?"  They had apparantly become so wrapped up in their disobedience that they were oblivious to it.  Like a teenager texting their way through the mall, the Israelites are unaware of their actions and the truth of their situation.

It's been said that the primary role of the prophet is not "foretelling the future," but "forthtelling the Word of God."  In this way, Malachi functions as a mirror--telling the people the truth about their circumstances... and their sins.

Mirrors never lie!  When I went to the barber this week, he held up that pesky hand-held mirror to show me the back of the head... and the ever-growing bald spot!  Mirrors tell us the honest truth, whether we like it or not.

A few weeks ago, one of the children in our church said that confession was "like telling the truth."  And she was exactly right!  Confession is telling the truth about our situation to God and to the people around us... whether we like it or not.  Repentance is the next step, when we stop doing the wrong thing we're doing, and start doing the right thing that God wants us to do!  But it all starts with looking into the mirror of God's Word... the mirror that never lies.

²² Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
²³ Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says
is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror
²⁴ and, after looking at himself, goes away
and immediately forgets what he looks like.

                             - James 1:22-24

The Story of Jonah - Jonah 1:1-4:11

The Story of Jonah - Jonah 1:1-4:11

At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him. - Jonah 1:16

Did you notice that the first converts in the book of Jonah were not the sinful residents of Nineveh?  It was a group of unnamed pagan sailors on a boat bound for Tarshish.

When we read this story, we typically focus on the dramatic conversion of the city... or the way in which God still got His man to fulfill the call... or the way that Jonah was displeased with God after Nineveh repented.  But we often miss the fact that Jonah's disobedience had an unintended side effect with these pagan sailors.

When the storm came up, we read that they each cried out to their own god, indicating that these sailors were from a variety of cultures and faith traditions.  But by the end of chapter 1, they feared the God of Jonah... offered sacrifices... and made vows to Him.

I'm reminded that God can even redeem our disobedience and use it for His purposes!  Who knows what happened when these sailors returned to their homes and told their families and neighbors about Jonah and his God?  Who knows if other people became sensitive to the work of God in their lives through this event?

Certainly, it would have been better if Jonah had obeyed in the first place.  But I'm glad that God can even use our failed attempts and disobedient actions to bring glory to His Name.

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

                      - John Newton

Daniel in the Lion's Den - Daniel 6:1-28

Daniel in the Lion's Den - Daniel 6:1-28

They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. - Dan. 6:4b

The story of Daniel and the lion's den is one of the earliest Bible stories we learn as children.  Daniel gives us an example of unwavering commitment... a willingness to do the right thing regardless of the consequences.  When Daniel knows that everyone is watching, he continues to pray to God - despite the new law.

But it occurs to me that there's something more remarkable in this story than Daniel's willingness to do the right thing when he knows that his actions are being scrutinized.  Perhaps it's even more significant that Daniel lives with integrity and diligence even when he doesn't know that he's being watched.

It's said that integrity is doing the right thing even when nobody is watching.  Daniel lives such a good life that even when his enemies are trying to dig up all the dirt on him, they can't find any.  I wonder if the apostle Peter was thinking of Daniel when he wrote these words: "^{I Peter 2:12} Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

How do you live your life when it's being scrutinized?  How about when you think nobody is watching? 

“Called unto holiness,” children of light,
Walking with Jesus in garments of white;
Raiment unsullied, nor tarnished with sin;
God’s Holy Spirit abiding within.

                             - Leila N. Morris

Jeremiah's Call and Message - Jeremiah 1:1-3:5

Jeremiah's Call and Message - Jeremiah 1:1-3:5

They have forsaken me,
    the spring of living water,
and have dug their own cisterns,
    broken cisterns that cannot hold water. - Jer. 2:13

Jeremiah was a prophet in the Southern Kingdom of Judah during the time leading up to (and including) the Babylonian Exile.  Nicknamed "The Weeping Prophet," Jeremiah grieved over the sins of the Jewish people, and the way in which the nation of Judah had exchanged the worship of God for the worship of false gods and idols.  Persecuted by kings, false prophets, and even his "friends," Jeremiah is an example of someone who preaches the truth, even when it costs him everything.

Jeremiah uses the image of the broken well to demonstrate what the Jews have done--they have forsaken God and worshiped idols of wood and stone instead.  We might imagine a backpacker hiking past a cool, fresh mountain stream, choosing instead to drink the stale, muddy water from a puddle in the middle of the trail.

We do the same thing whenever we trade the peace and security we have in Christ for the false peace and security offered by this world.  Whenever we put our trust in the things or kingdoms of this world, it's like drinking from the stale water in a puddle--when we could choose instead to drink deeply from the well of Living Water.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus;
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
                           - Helen H. Lemmel

 

The Suffering Servant - Isaiah 51:1-53:12

The Suffering Servant - Isaiah 51:1-53:12

Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices;
    together they shout for joy.
When the Lord returns to Zion,
    they will see it with their own eyes. (Isaiah 52:8)

After the Babylonian exile, there were three waves of exiles who returned to Jerusalem, rebuilding the temple and the city walls.  What previously lay in ruins and rubble, God was rebuilding.  The temple which had previously been desolate and abandoned was once again to be filled with the glory of God.  The ruins of Jerusalem were to burst into song because God had comforted His people and redeemed Jerusalem.

In the midst of this hopeless situation, the prophet tells us that there is reason to rejoice and celebrate.  There is good news to be told... and even the feet of those who bring the good news are beautiful!

While these verses find fulfillment in the return of the exiles and the rebuilding of the temple, we also recognize that they are fulfilled in the coming of Jesus... not only 2000 years ago, but in our present and future situations.

In the midst of hopelessness, broken lives, and ruinous situations, we are the ambassadors of the Kingdom of God.  We are the watchmen who lift up our voices and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and help those around us find healing in Jesus' Name.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

              - Isaac Watts

Just a Reminder - Catch Up Week

I hope you have been encouraged and challenged by our journey so far!

I wanted to remind you that this week (August 6-10) is our built-in "catch-up" week.  If you missed a few days, or substituted the children's lessons for the adult lessons on a busy day, then this is the week to get caught up.  Please remember that your small group may also be taking a week off.

We'll pick up with lesson 46 (The Suffering Servant - Isaiah 51:1-53:12) on Monday, August 13th.

Please pray for our Vacation Bible School this week, as our children learn how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Jon

Proverbs of Solomon - Proverbs 16:1 - 18:24

Proverbs of Solomon - Proverbs 16:1 - 18:24

^18:6 A fool’s lips bring him strife,
    and his mouth invites a beating.

^18:7 A fool’s mouth is his undoing,
    and his lips are a snare to his soul.

^18:8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
    they go down to a man’s inmost parts.
One of the themes of yesterday's reading was the importance of listening to God's Word--really listening, obeying, and heeding.

In this section of today's reading, we learn of the danger of too much talking!  There's much wisdom in the old saying that goes like this: "God gave you two ears and one mouth--use them in that proportion!"  Or this one, "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt!"

We all know how much danger our mouths can get us into: words that can never be withdrawn, hurt that can never be undone, bad advice that can never be taken back.  It's easy to get into trouble by talking too much... but not as easy to  get into trouble for listening too much!

...the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.
Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.
It corrupts the whole person,
sets the whole course of his life on fire,
and is itself set on fire by hell.
                      - James 3:5-6

Godly Wisdom - Proverbs 1:1 - 4:27

Godly Wisdom - Proverbs 1:1 - 4:27

"let the wise listen and add to their learning"

Today and tomorrow we read a sampling of the book of Proverbs--a collection of wisdom sayings which point us toward holy and wise living.  While some of these sayings are linked together by theme, often you'll find that the proverbs flow from one to the next without any apparent connection.

However, over and over again in this section, we read phrases like these:

• let the wise listen
• listen, my son
• My son, if you accept my words
• My son, do not forget my teaching
• Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction
• Listen, my son, accept what I say
• My son, pay attention to what I say

It's clear that "listening" in this context isn't just hearing the words like we might endure a painful and boring sermon.  Neither is it dragging our eyes across the words of the page in order to complete the assigned reading.  No, in this context, it's clear that "listening," is about absorbing and applying to your life.  It's about heeding and obeying... and being shaped by the words that you have read and heard.

There are 915 verses in the book of Proverbs, and yet they do us no good if we don't read them and allow their wisdom to shape our lives.  The wise recognize that they have never arrived, but instead they continue to listen and add to their learning.

Come now, Father, shape our ways.
We will use the light You give,
In Your Spirit serve and grow,
Learn how love would have us live;
Learn how love would have us live.

                                - Ken Bible

Praise the Lord - Psalm 103:1-22

Praise the Lord - Psalm 103:1-22

"he remembers that we are dust"

This psalm is one of the most beautiful and most-quoted psalms in scripture.  It reminds us to praise God... to not forget all his benefits.  We learn that He redeems us from the pit... and renews our youth like the eagle's. This is the psalm that tells us that God is slow to anger... and that he removes our sins from us as far as the east is from the west.

The psalm also helps us to know why God is so compassionate with us - He remembers that we are dust.  As the Laura Story song Indescribable says, "You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same."

While this knowledge should certainly not be considered as license to sin, it is a reminder that when we fear God, He has great love and compassion for us, and His everlasting love is with us.

Mindful of our human frailty
Is the God in whom we trust;
He whose years are everlasting,
He remembers we are dust.