John 20:21-22 Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and he said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. (ESV)
Jesus gives the disciples three things here at what I like to call John's version of the Great Commission. 1) He gave them Peace. They must have been extremely sad, confused and afraid. 2) He gave them a sense of sent-ness, mission - to continue the work of Jesus on earth, from the Father God to the world. 3) He gave them the Holy Spirit "for as yet they did not understand the Scripture that he must rise from the dead" (v. 9). I believe that the disciples were first converted (indwelt) at this moment.
I need these three things if I am going to go on mission. I need the peace that comes only with intimacy with God in the presence of Jesus. Brad, keep pressing in - He's pleased with you. I need to be sent by God. I don't need to create my own mission or dream up my own call. I need to know that I am sent by God for the mission that He has sovereignly created, molded, sanctified and prepared me for. I need the Holy Spirit. I need to believe that He is risen from the dead, Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God and that by believing I have life in His name (v. 31) (ζωὴν - life without end, blessed life that satisfies, eternal life).
God grant me peace. Jesus, Prince of Peace, I desperately need You, Your presence in my life. Here I am, Lord send me! Come Holy Spirit, I am Yours.
In Jesus' name - Amen,
Son
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Friday, January 11, 2013
Ambassadors
Matthew 10:7 And proclaim as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' (ESV)
The mission of the twelve is virtually identical with the mission of Jesus. He is training them to do as He does. He is preparing them to continue the mission after His departure. They proclaim the same message, do the same miracles (v. 8), endure similar persecution (v. 18-23), receive the same reception (v. 40).
We are His ambassadors (v. 14-15). Our mission is to continue to do the same works as Jesus (both spiritual and physical). Our reception will be very similar: some will welcome our message others will hate it. Our speech should be Spirit-led (v. 20). We needn't worry much about those who are uninterested (v. 23). Just go, proclaim, do. The mission is urgent. Our goal is to be like Jesus (v. 25). That's why we're called followers!
I am Your mouthpiece. I am unqualified. A simple working-man. But I am sent. Teach me, Lord Jesus, to fear not (v. 31). Teach me to depend on the Spirit. Teach me to accept the same pay as You (v. 8). Teach me to find fulfillment in self denial (v. 39). Teach me to proclaim. Teach me about authority (v. 1). I am Yours: body & soul, mind & strength, spirit. I worship you Jesus as King and present myself as a living sacrifice.
In Your name - Amen,
Son
The mission of the twelve is virtually identical with the mission of Jesus. He is training them to do as He does. He is preparing them to continue the mission after His departure. They proclaim the same message, do the same miracles (v. 8), endure similar persecution (v. 18-23), receive the same reception (v. 40).
We are His ambassadors (v. 14-15). Our mission is to continue to do the same works as Jesus (both spiritual and physical). Our reception will be very similar: some will welcome our message others will hate it. Our speech should be Spirit-led (v. 20). We needn't worry much about those who are uninterested (v. 23). Just go, proclaim, do. The mission is urgent. Our goal is to be like Jesus (v. 25). That's why we're called followers!
I am Your mouthpiece. I am unqualified. A simple working-man. But I am sent. Teach me, Lord Jesus, to fear not (v. 31). Teach me to depend on the Spirit. Teach me to accept the same pay as You (v. 8). Teach me to find fulfillment in self denial (v. 39). Teach me to proclaim. Teach me about authority (v. 1). I am Yours: body & soul, mind & strength, spirit. I worship you Jesus as King and present myself as a living sacrifice.
In Your name - Amen,
Son
Thursday, January 3, 2013
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
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
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
A Transforming and Purifying Fire
Matthew 3:11 I baptize you with water
for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose
sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy
Spirit and fire. (ESV)
John's mission was one of preparation, his message one of repentance in anticipation of the coming Messiah. To be sure, repentance is still of central importance in Jesus, but His is a baptism of transformation and a purifying fire. You will never be the same.
Once you encounter Jesus, the old you cannot stand. The Holy Spirit does a powerful work of sanctification: setting apart, purifying. As Pastor Christina said back in October: the Holy Spirit transforms us by truth, conviction, and power. He has made us spotless. There is no condemnation for us who are in Christ Jesus. You will never be the same, once you have a genuine encounter with Jesus. He will baptize (immerse) you in the Spirit and fire!
Come Holy Spirit, fill me. Not only fill me but immerse me, in You. That I know nothing else but Christ and Him crucified. Let Your truth convict me and Your power transform me. Come Lord Jesus, I am Yours. Let Your kingdom come - purify me with fire, consuming fire. Set me apart, for Your glory.
In Jesus' name - Amen,
Son
John's mission was one of preparation, his message one of repentance in anticipation of the coming Messiah. To be sure, repentance is still of central importance in Jesus, but His is a baptism of transformation and a purifying fire. You will never be the same.
Once you encounter Jesus, the old you cannot stand. The Holy Spirit does a powerful work of sanctification: setting apart, purifying. As Pastor Christina said back in October: the Holy Spirit transforms us by truth, conviction, and power. He has made us spotless. There is no condemnation for us who are in Christ Jesus. You will never be the same, once you have a genuine encounter with Jesus. He will baptize (immerse) you in the Spirit and fire!
Come Holy Spirit, fill me. Not only fill me but immerse me, in You. That I know nothing else but Christ and Him crucified. Let Your truth convict me and Your power transform me. Come Lord Jesus, I am Yours. Let Your kingdom come - purify me with fire, consuming fire. Set me apart, for Your glory.
In Jesus' name - Amen,
Son
Monday, December 10, 2012
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
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
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Do Not Give Up!
Psalm 126:6 He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him. (ESV)
There is a time for sowing and a time for reaping. When it is time to sow, you must go out and sow (Prov. 20:4) whether you feel like it or not (v. 5). Here the Psalmist recalls a time of great rejoicing (v. 2), when the Lord had brought a great deliverance/victory to His people (v. 1, 3). But now the people find themselves in need of God's restoring again (v. 4). But they must "sow in tears" if they are to "reap with shouts of joy" (v. 5).
I always say that we must continue to cling to & trust in God through the trials if we want to come out of it with a stronger faith on the other end. If we abandon God during our trial we will be blind to His work in delivering us as well as the work in our hearts in the midst of it. We must continue to do the acts of faith, continue to live the life of a follower of Jesus even when it seems like God does not hear us, doesn't care, will never deliver us. Pray, continue in fellowship, worship the King, receive solid Biblical teaching, allow others to bear your burdens, continue in devotions, meditation, fasting.
Brad, you must continue to sow if you want to see the harvest. Do not give up. You will not be like the sluggard who seeks at harvest and has nothing because he failed to plow in autumn (Prov. 20:4).
"Sow for yourselves righteousness;
reap steadfast love;
break up your fallow ground,
for it is time to seek the LORD,
that he may come and rain righteousness upon you." (Hos. 10:12)
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him. (ESV)
There is a time for sowing and a time for reaping. When it is time to sow, you must go out and sow (Prov. 20:4) whether you feel like it or not (v. 5). Here the Psalmist recalls a time of great rejoicing (v. 2), when the Lord had brought a great deliverance/victory to His people (v. 1, 3). But now the people find themselves in need of God's restoring again (v. 4). But they must "sow in tears" if they are to "reap with shouts of joy" (v. 5).
I always say that we must continue to cling to & trust in God through the trials if we want to come out of it with a stronger faith on the other end. If we abandon God during our trial we will be blind to His work in delivering us as well as the work in our hearts in the midst of it. We must continue to do the acts of faith, continue to live the life of a follower of Jesus even when it seems like God does not hear us, doesn't care, will never deliver us. Pray, continue in fellowship, worship the King, receive solid Biblical teaching, allow others to bear your burdens, continue in devotions, meditation, fasting.
Brad, you must continue to sow if you want to see the harvest. Do not give up. You will not be like the sluggard who seeks at harvest and has nothing because he failed to plow in autumn (Prov. 20:4).
"Sow for yourselves righteousness;
reap steadfast love;
break up your fallow ground,
for it is time to seek the LORD,
that he may come and rain righteousness upon you." (Hos. 10:12)
Lord Jesus, have mercy on me,
help me, strengthen me to be faithful when its hard. Holy Spirit grant me a gift of faith - for this is hard for me. Lord Jesus pour out Your righteousness upon me. "Dear God, perform Your work in me. Do Your work through me."* I am desperately in need of Your strength, Your grace!
In Jesus' name - Amen,
Son
*from Love & Respect, by Emerson Eggerichs
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
RE: Trust
Psalm 124:6-7 Blessed be the LORD,
who has not given us
as prey to their teeth!
We have escaped like a bird
from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken,
and we have escaped! (ESV)
What vivid imagery: if God had not delivered us, these enemies would be tearing us apart - sinking their teeth into our flesh. It is an image of narrow escape at the last minute - like a bird caught in a trap who manages to break free just in time. Oh the feeling of freedom (joy and triumph) as he flies away!
Once again it is as sovereign creator God, that He is able to deliver us. He is powerful, all powerful. I am limited, weak, finite. The truth is I am bothered by this. I want to have all I need to deliver myself. I feel more secure this way. I don't want to have to trust someone else. On the other side of the coin - oh the feeling of relief when I realize I don't have to do it all on my own (be all), especially when I know that ultimately I can't. I can't control everything.
God, help me to embrace this joy of release - the peace of dependence on another. Holy Spirit imprint an understanding of the character of God upon the retina of my brain that I might not forget Your loving kindness toward me (hesed). The truth is that I probably have more trouble believing that "You will" more so than "You can." I ask You to receive me, loving Father, just as I am. I thank You Jesus, my friend, my Lord, my brother for demonstrating so clearly and tangibly - How great the Fathers love for us!
In Jesus' name - Amen,
Son
who has not given us
as prey to their teeth!
We have escaped like a bird
from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken,
and we have escaped! (ESV)
What vivid imagery: if God had not delivered us, these enemies would be tearing us apart - sinking their teeth into our flesh. It is an image of narrow escape at the last minute - like a bird caught in a trap who manages to break free just in time. Oh the feeling of freedom (joy and triumph) as he flies away!
Once again it is as sovereign creator God, that He is able to deliver us. He is powerful, all powerful. I am limited, weak, finite. The truth is I am bothered by this. I want to have all I need to deliver myself. I feel more secure this way. I don't want to have to trust someone else. On the other side of the coin - oh the feeling of relief when I realize I don't have to do it all on my own (be all), especially when I know that ultimately I can't. I can't control everything.
God, help me to embrace this joy of release - the peace of dependence on another. Holy Spirit imprint an understanding of the character of God upon the retina of my brain that I might not forget Your loving kindness toward me (hesed). The truth is that I probably have more trouble believing that "You will" more so than "You can." I ask You to receive me, loving Father, just as I am. I thank You Jesus, my friend, my Lord, my brother for demonstrating so clearly and tangibly - How great the Fathers love for us!
In Jesus' name - Amen,
Son
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