An Exposition of the Kingdom

Luke 8:10  He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to to others I speak in parables, so that,

“ 'though seeing, they may not see;
though hearing, they may not understand.'  (NIV-2011)

What we have here in Luke chapter 8 is an exposition on the Kingdom of God - what does it look like when Jesus goes about "proclaiming and bringing the kingdom of God"? Remember, He is training the twelve (Lk. 8:1, ESV) as He is about to send them out on their own to 'drive out all demons, cure diseases, proclaim the kingdom of God and heal the sick' (Lk. 9:1-2). True followers of Jesus put His words into practice (v. 21). Faith is required to see the kingdom come (v. 25, 48, 50). Testimony is the proper response when you encounter the kingdom - testimony which glorifies God (v. 39).

Some will reject our message. Some will appear zealous at first and then fade away (v. 13). Some will receive our message but never mature due to entanglement with worldly concerns (v. 14). Some will grow and produce fruit - it's an issue of the heart (v. 15). We should not be dismayed or dissuaded/distracted when this happens. Jesus told us ahead of time that this would be so. Brad, proclaim the message of the kingdom (Jesus is King and therefore everything is new) and do the works of the kingdom. It starts with obedience to His word(s) in your own life, "put it into practice" (v. 21) - obedience, simple obedience. Build your life on the rock of His (Jesus') teaching (6:46-48). Faith is a critical element - you're going to have to step out in faith and just trust Him. Testimony, telling others what he has done for you, is the disciple's response when He comes through, when that prayer is answered, when you find your trust was not in vain: "you will be my witnesses" (Acts 1:8)! Obedience, faith, and testimony to His faithfulness - that's it.

God may I be obedient, a man of faith - faithful and full of faith. Brad: "go and tell" (v. 39, 7:22). Holy Spirit build, grow in me a thirst, a longing for obedience - to do what is pleasing in Your eyes Lord and thus be glorified. Be glorified, Lord Jesus. Be glorified in me. Holy Spirit grant me strength and faith to not forget this moment, this conviction. God my Father, create in me a clean heart, a new heart that I might serve You. Bring Your kingdom.

In Jesus' name - Amen, 
                                  Son

The Call - Urgent & Irresistible

Matthew 4:19-20  And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed him.  (ESV)

Jesus could not have picked two more ordinary men for His first disciples - Peter and Andrew. Two brothers, on a presumably ordinary day. Hard working guys "casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen" (v. 18). Had God been working in their hearts, preparing them for this day, this call? Probably, for we know that Messianic expectations were high, what with John the Baptist and all. And along comes this Rabbi. They left their nets and followed Him. James and John left their father (v. 22). Elsewhere, it says 'they forsook all and followed Him.'

When you have a genuine encounter with Jesus, the call is irresistible. The urgency is immediate (v. 20, 22). He will train them. They will hear Him speak many times (ch. 5-9) and they will see many wonders before He sends them out (10:5f.), but the call to follow Jesus is now! Is He calling you today? I know He is calling me. The draw is strong, almost irresistible (save my stubborn will). The need is urgent, immediate: "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."

I will follow. Teach me. Show me. I am Yours. I don't know. That's why I'm the student and You are the teacher. I am the disciple. You are the Rabbi. Come Holy Spirit and fill me with the Spirit of Jesus as I follow. I want to be a diligent learner. Fill me with Your wisdom and discernment to recognize the scripture twisting deceptions of the devil: 'If you were really a Christian...' (cf. v. 6). Empower me Holy Spirit to minister to others. I am Yours. Teach me wisdom, Lord Jesus, I am Yours. I will follow.

In Jesus' name - Amen
                                 Son
 

The Seeking God

Psalm 136:23  It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
for his steadfast love endures forever;  (ESV)

If there is one thing that is clear in this Psalm it is that the steadfast love of God endures forever! When God makes a covenant you can count on His absolute faithfulness. He keeps His end of the bargain no matter what, no matter how long it takes. He is ever merciful, always kind to His sheep. The sun comes up each day, because He is faithful (v. 8). He delivered His people and gave them the land because of His hesed (v. 21-22). "Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever"! (v. 2)

Pastor Jeff was speaking on Luke 15 yesterday, and it hit me that in all three of these parables (the lost coin, the lost sheep and the lost son) it is God who does the seeking. It is not about us diligently seeking the kingdom. God diligently pursues us! It is He who remembers me in my lowly estate. It is God who went after me when I was openly rebelling against Him. He is the loving Father constantly calling home this prodigal. Jesus died for me - this is the blood covenant testifying of His unconditional love for me. The Father will never let up on His end of the bargain! Jesus only asks one thing from me. Come and follow me! Be my disciple. Join me on the mission. And I will give you abundant life.

I am Yours. Bought and paid for. I lay my life down (again) as a living sacrifice. Where You lead me, I will follow. Holy Spirit give me ears to hear and eyes to see. Grant me conviction, discerning of spirits, and faith. Teach me, Lord Jesus. Guide me. Father I present myself as a living sacrifice. I am Yours. In Jesus' name...

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever" (v. 1).

-Amen,
         Son

Let's Get to Work!

Luke 15:20b  But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.  (ESV)

Three parables all focused on the rejoicing that occurs when a lost sinner repents (v. 3-22). And it all begins with the Pharisee's grumbling accusation that "This man receives sinners and eats with them" (v. 2). The father sees the silhouette of his son far off - probably recognizing his gate. The rejoicing, the compassion, the party: "let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost and is found" (v. 23-24).


Let's not be like the older brother here: 'Him, you're letting him back in the house!?!' (v. 30f.). Brad, don't disdain the heart of an evangelist. You want others to affirm your gift? You can't be critical  of the gifting of another. The heart of the evangelist and the heart of a teacher work together to accomplish the great commission. "You bring 'em in, I'll disciple them." Repentance is at the heart of the gospel. When one sinner repents, it's time to throw a party! (v. 7, 9-10).


God bless my friends and brothers (& sisters) in Christ: the Pastor-Evangelists. Though it is not my gifting it is Your gifting for them and to the body, for Your glory. I repent for my judgmental attitude. 'Bring 'em in fellas* - and let's get to work!' Holy Spirit, put a check in my soul when the spirit of the older brother (the Pharisee) tries to rise up in me. Jesus I present myself as a living sacrifice - for Your kingdom, for Your glory.


In Jesus' name - Amen,
                                Son


*with apologies, Ladies, for the non- gender neutral language here (That would have gotten me in all kinds of trouble in grad school!)