Reaching the Saturation Point

"one Lord, one faith, one baptism..." Eph. 4:5

"[with] one Lord (or: Owner), one faith (or: loyalty, confidence, assurance, and trust; or: one belief - Bultmann), one submersion and envelopment which brings absorption and permeation to the point of saturation." Eph. 4:5 Jonathan Mitchell Translation.

Soaking wet is a condition I normally avoid. I love roller coasters, but if one involves water, count me out.

I did get dunked when baptized, but it appears Paul's view of the sacrament isn't just a ritual for church membership. It's more than getting dipped for Jesus.

"Having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God who raised Him from the dead." Col. 2:12.

In some of the early churches baptism was more like a near death experience. People weren't in and out, but held under for a period of time to simulate dying. I doubt we could pull this off today. A church contemplating this approach should have an attorney on speed dial.

Consider the church's position at that time. In the beginning, resistance came from both religious and political fronts. Being a Christian was a health hazard that could shorten one's life span exponentially. Baptism gave the new believer a taste of what was a real potential sooner-than-later future. It also confirmed the status of their old man. He was dead.

I enjoy Mitchell's description of the interconnectivity with God that baptism provides. We are submerged, enveloped and saturated with Him. He permeates our entire being. We can't get any closer to Him than that.

It's a comforting and empowering thought. The Very God of Very God infuses Himself into us. The old really passes away and the new truly has come.

One Sunday my pastor made a radical statement, "I am Jesus Christ in Scott Johnson form!" That woke the sleepers up.

Just to be sure no one misunderstands, he wasn't claiming to be God, but simply agreeing with Colossians 3:3. "For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." My Pastor accepts the truth that he is now permeated and saturated by God as Paul describes in Eph. 4:5. Because this is so, "How then should we now live?"

My friend Ray Ray took our pastor's words to heart. The next morning at work he boldly announce, "I am Jesus Christ...", but promptly forgot the rest of the sentence. His co-worker's reactions ranged from confused to amused. At least they know that Jesus is in the building and where to go to find them if they need Him. And they will.

Most Christians relegate this type of intimacy with God to life after death in heaven. If you do, can you explain the good it will do you there? The challenges to be faced are here in this earthly portion of eternal life. Couldn't we benefit from this type of closeness with God now in the circumstances we'll face here?

Jesus and God are both in heaven. Since we're "in Christ", so are we. We should be those, "who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." Heb. 5:14 (emphasis mine). Note the primary purpose is to spot what is good, and not the other way around. Perhaps we entertain angels unaware because we are too busy looking for demons. We don't recognize the good guys when they show up.

As believers we've been invaded by God in a friendly takeover. Let's live out of that reality. Absorbed into God, let's impact our world now and release what's inside of us. As His body on the earth we can show those who don't know Him what He's really like. As we recognize, accept and project God, Who is already inside of us, there'll be no lack of manifestations of God in the world.

How about you? Have you ever thought that as a Christian one is already bi-locational, on earth and in heaven at the same time? How does the scripture in Col. 3:3 change your ideas of experiencing heaven before you die? How will you prayer life change if you pray from your position in heaven with Christ as opposed to you place here on earth?

Mary Did You Know?

"I am the Lord's servant', Mary answered. 'May it be to me as you have said" Luke 1:38.

Mary did you know what you just got yourself into? Probably not.

What Jewish woman wouldn't jump at the chance to be the Messiah's mother? Israel once again found itself under the heel of a foreign government. This time it was Rome. Still, the Jews maintained their vigil. He will come...

So Mary, did you know:

- when you said "Yes" your betrothal to Joseph was in jeopardy? Seriously contemplating annulling their marital contract Joseph was willing to bypass more drastic measures. Pregnant with a child that wasn't his, Mary could be stoned for adultery. The alternative, life as a single mother with a bastard child would be very difficult. Did you know it would take an act of God to change Joseph's mind?

-your child, in order to fulfill prophecy, would have to be born in Bethlehem? Courtesy of Caesar Augustus, Mary then nine months pregnant, and Joseph made the 90-100 mile plus trip. Scripture never says she rode a donkey, and in that culture Joseph would have ridden it not her. From what we know the Shoe Leather Express was their means of transportation.

- your first baby would be born in a stable? Even if there were other family members, friends or a mid-wife around, having a baby anywhere but in familiar surroundings is difficult. How about the surprise, uninvited guests...the shepherds. Did you know you'd be entertaining company so soon after giving birth?

- what would happen at your son's consecration at the Temple? How exciting was it to hear the words that flowed from Simeon when he saw the long awaited Promised One? Wow! Oh, and by the way, "and a sword will pierce your own soul too" Luke 2:35."

What was it like getting a prophetic word like that? "Get thee behind me Satan!" Did you know if Simeon was talking literally or figuratively? Either way your future looked less than promising.

- you, Joseph and Jesus would have to skip town in the dead of night and live in Egypt for an undetermined time? Upon returning, did you have to face the stares of mothers who when learning the year and place of your son's birth wondered why their child was dead and yours wasn't?

- at one point your son would go missing? What mother wouldn't freak out at that. How do you tell God you managed to misplace His one and only Son? When you found Jesus in the Temple and chewed Him out for giving you such a scare, did you know His reaction would be, "Duh, what else do you think I'd be doing?" (my translation)?

- you would become disenchanted with your son's Messianic performance? Could you possible imagine that despite His miraculous conception, complete with an angelic visitation, you'd fall prey to hope deferred? Which was the more painful memory: watching Him die or remembering the time that you, along with His siblings, came to take Him home because you thought He was crazy?

- there would be no overthrow of Rome, no revolution, no physical kingdom established, no Queen Mother status? The Kingdom would come but not as expected.

Like every other parent, Mary had no idea what having this child held in store for either one of them. It took faith to believe that a no-name carpenter's son could rise up and rule the world. Then she watched Him die and all her preconceived notions about the Messiah bit the dust. He rose to her complete surprise and then He left for good. Did she know His life on earth would be so short? Did she ever wonder, "What did I get myself into...this isn't what I signed up for?"

Saying "Yes" to God's request was 'virgin' territory on two fronts: First, this was her first baby. Second, this was the first (and only) time that God took on human form and was born into our world. No advice from family or friends could adequately prepare her for the first. None existed at all for the second. Being willing to co-operate with God opened up a world of unknowns neither Mary nor anyone else could have anticipated in advance.

How about you? How has your relationship with God impacted your life in ways you never thought of? What instances have occurred where you thought He'd asked too much of you? How different is the reality of your life from the one you imagined it would be?

Saying, "Yes" to God rarely, if ever turns out the way we plan. That said, saying "No" deprives us of the most incredible journey we can experience. There's no guarantee it will be easy, more than likely it won't. We may think we were crazy for signing up in the first place, and we may have a sword pierce our soul. Mary wasn't the perfect  mother but we can look at her life and learn that no matter how much things don't turn out as anticipated, if we persevere to the end, they will turn out much better than we'd ever imagined.

Trip of a Lifetime

"Moses, Aaron, Nabad and Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel went up and saw the Lord God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of sapphire, clear as the sky itself. But God did not raise his hand against these leaders of the Israelites; they saw God, and they ate and drank." Exodus 24:10-11

"So Aaron, how was your day today?"

"Oh, you know dear. Hung out with Moses and the guys. Went to heaven. Had lunch with God. Pretty nice place He has there."

That would have been one interesting conversation around the dinner table.

Think of it. These men went to heaven and shared a meal with God. This will rock our religious sensibilities when we consider that they weren't saved as we know salvation. None had trod the Roman Road nor learned and abided by the Four Spiritual Laws. They didn't declare Jesus is Lord because they didn't know who He was. They didn't confess He was raised from the dead because it was several centuries before the Resurrection. However, they all had an encounter with God that most Christians would drool over.

We should get upset and excited!

The Scriptures point out that God didn't raise His hand against these leaders of Israel. Fresh out of Egyptian bondage, the men were just getting acclimated to their new environment - freedom.

Previously surrounded by Egyptian religious practices and rituals the Israelites, in contrast, had no codified belief system. Their forefathers learned about God by the seat of their pants (robes to be more accurate). Slowly being exposed to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob exclusively, they were still very rough around the edges.

Some Christians may find this portion of the Bible disturbing. It defies long held sacred traditions. These were just ordinary men. Their lack of formal religious training would disqualify them for positions in many of today's churches. If asked were they saved, they'd probably reply, "Sure!" And they were. They'd escaped the clutches of Egyptian slavery. Their idea of a messiah/deliver would be Moses. They had no tabernacle/temple, sacrificial system, and no Day of Atonement. There they were, warts and all having lunch with God in heaven, and living to tell the tale. Unbelievers in heaven? Scandalous.

Maybe God's not as picky as supposed. Maybe He'll take the slightest hint of interest as an opportunity to reveal Himself in all His glory to a seeking soul. Testimonies of individuals having encounters with God in countries closed to the Gospel abound. If God will fellowship with unbelievers in this manner, should His sons and daughters expect less?

God's willingness to reveal Himself may be greater than we've believed. This text shows His love for the unsaved (at least as reckoned by our standards today). Compared to the well educated and thoroughly indoctrinated people in churches today, these men were ignoramuses (not a put down), but they saw God and ate with Him. How many Christians can make that claim?

How about you? Does this scripture strike a nerve, and if so...why? What sort of experiences with God should believers today expect to have? How would genuine encounters with God bolster your relationship with Him? If given the opportunity, would you take it?

p.s. Please do not misinterpret this post as propagating universalism. Salvation is only through Christ, Who is the only access to the Father. Space precludes me from expounding on how I think this was made possible. The point of this post is the encounter, and if we believers should expect less than what these men experienced, not the nuts and bolts of how God worked it out legally. 

The Law of Unintended Consequences

"What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means..." Rom. 6:1-2a.

We dubbed it Plan C.

Our core of young (age and maturity in the Lord-wise) believers experienced our own grace revolution back in the 70's. Most of us came from backgrounds of sex, drugs and rock-n-roll. Meeting Jesus brought stability and meaning to our out-of-control lives.

Our Pentecostal church was filled with loving committed Christians whose lives stood out in stark contrast to the culture de-jour. We were exhorted to live Godly lives...or face dire consequences.

Grace, misinterpreted and misapplied, infiltrated our ranks with a ripple effect. Pondering the possibility that we were already forgiven of all sin (past, present, future) was a tantalizing idea to some former druggies. If already forgiven then, "Anything goes." Hence the birth of Plan C, a euphemism for licentiousness. My husband and I saw many friends go this route who now no longer serve the Lord. This is a great example of the Law of Unintended Consequences.

Let me explain.

In the book, Finding God in Unexpected Places, author Phil Yancey writes:

"The scandal of grace - God informing us of our forgiveness in advance - is probably the closest we will come to certain knowledge of the future...that very knowledge opens up all sorts of devious possibilities."

This might just be the most dangerous information God gave to us humans knowing our propensity to push the limits and mess up a really good thing. With Plan C one could sin now and say, "Sorry" later because, "Hey, everything's already forgiven, right?" Unfortunately the plan failed to factor in the Law of Unintended Consequences.

In this same book, Yancey shares the story of a friend who after fifteen years of marriage that produced three children, found his soul mate. (Hint: she wasn't his current wife). Contemplating leaving to take up with the new girlfriend, the friend came to Yancey for advice. His burning question was: "Will God forgive me if I do this?"

After picking himself up from the floor from shock, Yancey assured his friend that God would forgive, but this wasn't the real issue. Sin, which is rebellion, produces changes in us that are unforeseeable. His friend, right now, cared deeply about being forgiven. The person his friend would become if he followed the path he desired might not. That's the Law of Unintended Consequences.

Ultimately Yancey learned that the man pursued his passion and eventually turned his back on God. As far as Yancey knew, this hasn't changed. The man never intended to forsake God, but it happened. It was an unintended consequence of a very bad decision.

If we had advanced knowledge of all the ramifications of our actions we'd probably make fewer really dumb decisions. The Bible is filled with object lessons for our benefit. These stories of personal failures aren't designed to shame or embarrass those involved. They are warning to all of us who consider taking that same path. Things don't always work out as planned; they usually get much worse.

Grace isn't a license to sin (as if we'd need one). Grace demonstrates God's confidence in us to do the right thing, for the right reason. Grace assures us that if we should mess up, we won't wind up in God's doghouse. Repenting is recognizing our error, acknowledging it and then changing our behavior. We're already forgiven, and healing comes when we face the truth of our actions.

How about you? When considering violating Scriptural principles arises how does, "I'll just ask for forgiveness later." factor into your course of action? If you're not aware that all of your sins: past, present and future are already forgiven, how does this truth impact your behavior going forward? If you are willfully living in a Plan C environment what assurance do you have that at some time you'll repent? Are you really prepared for the Law of Unintended Consequences when kicks in?

Why Settle for Second Best?

"See that you make them after the pattern for them, which was shown on the mountain" Ex. 25:40.

As if leading a large contingent of former slaves to freedom wasn't a big enough challenge, God handed Moses a set of blueprints (so to speak) and said, "Build this." No small feat when the labor pool's resumes read: "Can make bricks from mud and straw."

The tabernacle required skilled craftsmanship in: woodworking, textile design and manufacture, gemology, and working with precious metals. Everything was to be built to exact specifications all while in the middle of nowhere, and on the move. Did someone forget to tell God that the potential builders were totally unqualified? No wonder Moses on several occasions was ready to quit.

Despite impossible odds, the job was successfully accomplished. Throughout their wilderness wanderings, and on into entering and settling the Promised Land, this mobile sanctuary served its purpose. Then things changed.

After a Philistine invasion and the capture of the ark, it is unclear whether or not the tabernacle survived. The Philistines, initially thrilled with the ark's capture soon regretted their accomplishment, and sent it back.

Fast forward to David's reign. Transported to Jerusalem, the ark was housed in an open air tent, visible to all, and surrounded by worshipers 24/7. This lasted for years. With a genuine love for his God, David desired to build Him a real house. Israel had a king like all the other countries around them. Why should their God, Who is the only true God, not have a grand temple like the pagan deities? Circumstance within his control prevented David from achieving his dream. The task fell to his son Solomon, who did an outstanding job-of sorts.

The Bible never states that either of the two temples built were according to God's specifications as the tabernacle had been. It appears that God's houses were built without His input or opinion. How odd.

In the wilderness, the tabernacle was centrally located in the midst of all the tribes. Everyone had easy access, but if you really wanted to interact with God you went to the Tent of Meeting just outside of the camp. When the temple was permanently located in Jerusalem all this changed.

Several times a year mandatory attendance at the temple was required. For those in the greater Jerusalem area this wasn't a problem. One could sleep late, roll out of bed and down the street just in time for the service to begin. For the rest of the Israelites, these trips were a major undertaking. People today find traveling in climate controlled vehicles for an hour or less too taxing when it comes to church attendance (including Christmas and Easter). How many today would spend days on foot or donkey in order to get to church? Can't really blame the Israelites for skipping service when we do the same thing.

David's problem is the same today. We love God - a lot. We want to DO something spectacular for Him and wind up erecting structures He neither requested nor designed. The original Tabernacle was portable. As the tribes fanned out and settled the land, it could have been, if God directed, moved. No one tribe would have had an unfair advantage travel wise. Nor could any tribe adopt an attitude of spiritual superiority. Jerusalem became the defacto center of all things religious, but not because God said so. David, a godly king, came up with the idea. Unfortunately, kingship was never God's idea either. Settling for second best always has a price.

How about you? What over-the-top dreams do you harbor as a means to show your love and dedication to God? Is there even a whiff of an attempt to build up your own name and credibility lurking in the background? How would you react if God said, "Thanks, but no thanks."

God's plan for the Tabernacle was grand and He isn't opposed to big dreams. The problem comes when we try to improve upon His design. Are you willing to let Him construct your life as a Tabernacle that He'd enjoy residing in?

Watch Where You Step

"But Jael, Heber's wife picked up a tent peg and a hammer and went quietly to him while he lay fast asleep, exhausted. She drove the peg through his temple into the ground and he died." Judges 4:21.

Wow...no Three Strike Rule or special consideration for a first offense. Jael knew how to get her point across when it came to a violation of her boundaries. Watch where you step buddy!

This incident can leave you scratching your head; what's up with this crazy lady? Showing up at her home could be fatal. So much for Bedouin hospitality, you'd be better off going to your enemy's camp.

The story is all about boundaries, and even if violating someone's could save your life, your decision to do so just might be lethal. Ask Sisera.

The crux of the story is found in Judges 4:17. Sisera was defeated in battle and forced to run for his life. He sought protection at the home of Heber, a friend of King Jabin who was Sisera's boss. For some unusual reason Sisera sought refuge in the tent of Jael, Heber's wife. In that culture, a big NO-NO.

At that time only a woman's husband or father could enter her tent, no other males were allowed. Sisera may have been counting on the fact that no one searching for him would dream of violating the sanctity of Jael's tent to look for him.

The Bible does imply that he entered with Jael's permission. Why she did this isn't clear; to do so was to sign her own death warrant. Why did Sisera single her out and not go to the main tent of Heber? Better yet, where was the camp sentry whose job was to watch for visitors and direct them to the proper place? Perhaps caught off guard, Jael had reason to fear for her life and the lives of her family if she resisted. After all, Sisera was the highest ranking official in the king's army. We just don't know.

What's clear is that Jael didn't take this breach of etiquette lightly. Her reaction was extreme and the lesson to learn is an important one. Dire circumstances do not warrant disrespecting others, violating their boundaries and putting them in danger. Sisera would have known the predicament he'd placed Jael in, but he didn't care. He considered his life more important than her's. She disagreed.

How about you? Have you been tempted to overstep and encroach on someone's boundaries in order to save yourself? What negative repercussions followed your actions? What safeguards can you put in place in your own life to see that you don't do this again?

The Day of the Lord

"He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ" 1 Cor. 1:8.

"Who will be making you folks stable, certain and established on good footing until maturity (until attainment of the purposed goal; until accomplishment of the intended and destined results): people not [being] open to accusation (or: those not in the midst of a [legal] charge, not being called into account, or considered in some category; unimpeachable ones), within the midst of and in union with the Day of our Lord [Christ or Yahweh] - Jesus Christ! (or: in the Day which is our Lord, Jesus Christ; or: in the day of [Yahweh], which is our Master, Jesus [the] Anointed.) [comment: the phrase 'day of the Lord' was used by the prophets to signify God's influence and activity upon people.]" 1 Cor. 1:8, J. Mitchell translation.

Is Mitchell's premise, based on Koine Greek, that the Day of the Lord refers to God's influence and involvement with people biblically sound? If so, may every day be the Day of the Lord in my life.

Naturally speaking, the term day isn't just a 24 hour period. It also includes the hours when the sun doesn't shine. Jesus was crystal clear concerning the true source of light.

"As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent me. Night is coming when no one can work. While I'm in the world, I am the light of the world." John 9:4-5.

According to Mitchell, Jesus is the Day of the Lord. He is the light, an influence on and an activity in people's lives. Therefore, we can have hope that all will not be reduced to chaos.

This is beautifully depicted in Genesis 1. Tohu bohu is the Jewish word which describes the condition that existed before the God spoke the words, "Light be." In the same manner that the cosmos' disarray was resolved by the entrance of God's light, our lives suffer the same state of affairs until God intervenes. Remove God from the equation and it is easy to see why individuals, governments, world systems and even religions get derailed. Operating in darkness guarantees ultimate failure.

I'm thankful that today for many it is the Day of the Lord. He continues to impact and actively participate in the lives of all who have received Him, and even in the lives of those who haven't. People of the light receive additional clarity, those in darkness find a means of escape.

The Day of the Lord isn't necessarily to be feared, but to be embraced. However, we must also take Jesus' words seriously. "Night is coming..." The removal of God's light isn't a pleasant thought. It's best to take full advantage of it while we can.

How about you? Does the term Day of the Lord dredge up images of apocalyptic doom and destruction only? How, if at all, does Mitchell's translation change your thinking? With Jesus as the Light of the World, how has hope taken root in your heart and given you a more optimistic outlook for the future? How can you take full advantage of God's influence/activity on our world in your daily life?

The Good Old Days

"Do not long for 'the good old days'. This is not wise"

Ecc. 7:10 (NLT).

Admit it. The past usually looks better than the present when viewed through the rear-view mirror of memory. It's easy to look back to childhood when life was easier and carefree. And for kids it is. There are few to no responsibilities to shoulder. Parents, however, may express a different sentiment about that era if asked.

Christians can fall into the same ditch. Disillusioned with the Church's present condition, they long for the simplicity the first-century believers enjoyed. What parallel universe did these Christians live in anyway? A careful reading of the New Testament doesn't print a problem-free picture of the Church's early beginnings.

Larry Osborne, author of Accidental Pharisees warns of idolizing the past. The early Church faced many of the same issues we do today. Take prejudice for one.

The early church prejudiced? Blasphemy! Sacrilege! Sad, but true, they had their issues. Initially instructed to remain in Jerusalem, when empowered by the Spirit they were to take the Gospel further and further abroad until they reached the "uttermost parts of the earth." They didn't. The uttermost parts were Gentile territories and no self-respecting Jew risked contamination by traversing on pagan soil. These early believers were saved but their mindset toward non-Jews needed redemption.

The New Testament records attempts by the Judaizers to impose the Law on Gentile Christians. The Book of Acts recounts the inequitable distribution of aid between the Jewish and Greek widows. The Greeks were getting the short end of the stick. This accusation was serious enough for the Apostles to appoint a group of spirit-filled men of integrity to ensure that all were treated fairly.

Peter and Paul had a major confrontation concerning Peter's attitude shift toward Gentile believers. Peter, the man with the heavenly vision who paved the way for evangelizing the Gentiles, caved under pressure and withdrew from fellowshipping with non-Jewish believers. Paul publicly called him out on this hypocrisy.

Osborne offers another example of the early Church's problems. The New Testament doesn't contain directives for Christians to sell everything as the Jerusalem church did. Paul wrote that people with means should be generous toward those in need, but he didn't advocate one liquidate all of one's assets. Paul eventually had to take up an offering for the Church in Jerusalem because they were broke.

Believing Christ's return to be imminent, Church members camped out and waited. The current culture of hospitality lent itself to hosting extended stays. Fellowshipping daily together was the norm, but Christ didn't return as anticipated and the money ran out. No wonder Paul reminded the Thessalonians that if you don't work, you don't eat. (2 Thes. 3:10). Once again, our concept of a picture perfect first-century church is flawed.

In all fairness to the first-century believers, they were pioneering new territory without a guidebook or map. For both Jew and Gentile this was a brand new way of relating not only to God, but also to other people. As Christ, the Light of the World, shown in their hearts old mindsets, biases and behaviors were exposed and change was necessary. We all know how difficult that can be.

"Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold I will do something new. Now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it?" Isaiah 43:18-19.

The questions posed to Israel is pertinent to us today. Will we get so caught up in trying to replicate the past and its glory that we'll miss out on the new things God is doing? He's not confined to any single methodology. He mixes things up, and the Church eventually catches on. We need to be alert for change and not hang on to the same-old-same-old.

How about you? Are you open to God re-configuring your concept of the Church and how it should function? He never deviates from His foundational truths, but He'll continuously bring to light where we're operating out of our own ideas of who God is as opposed to His true nature. Are you willing to sacrifice your comfort zone for a deeper relationship with God, your brothers and sisters in Christ, and those who don't yet know Him? Can you bid the good old days a fond farewell and embrace the new things God has in store for us now? 

Simple Three Word Answers for Difficult (not Stupid) Questions

"Like apples of gold in settings of silver, so is a word skillfully spoken." Prov. 25:11.

Growing up in the Stone Age, one of my favorite reads was Mad Magazine (What, Me Worry?). Initially banned in our home until my father read it and realized it wouldn't turn our brains to mush, Mad came out of the closet and onto the coffee table.

A favorite feature was, Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions. Although the Mad I grew up with has changed, this portion still lives on today...in Christian circles! Too often serious, difficult questions are deemed stupid and are dismissed with a zinger, which is really no answer at all.

It's true that believers have the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16), but our thoughts and words sometimes are so un-Jesus like that silence would be a wiser response, and say so much more. The mind of Christ is accessed by knowing Him through experience and not just intellectually. Even those actively pursing a deep, intimate relationship with Him can find themselves at a loss for words when posed with hard questions.

Here are a few simple three word phrases that can help when faced with the un-answerable.

1. "I don't know." Congratulations! You have permission to not be God's Official Informed Source about everything. Don't feel compelled to manufacture answers to things you don't know about. Don't worry about disappointing someone. It's better to admit your lack of knowledge than to try to bluff your way through in order to save face. They may not like your response, but will appreciate your honesty and unwillingness to try to con them.

2. "I don't understand." Why are some folks healed and others aren't? Why do wickedness, lawlessness and injustice exist and seemingly go unpunished? Why do my beloved Philadelphia Eagles continually implode and self-destruct? Some situations defy logic and reason. We don't have be able to explain everything.

3. "I don't care." Unlike a snappy Mad Magazine retort or the more recent vintage, "Whatever!" this confession relays the total release of and contentment with things you can't explain. Taking a position that refuses to dwell on the inexplicable frees the mind from endless machinations and turmoil. Your stomach will thank you for this too.

4. "And it's ok." This wraps up 1 through 3 in a neat, tidy package. Don't beat yourself up when faced with dilemmas that have no rhyme or reason. Some things, like my Eagles, will never be understood this side of eternity..."And it's ok."

Scripture exhorts us to always be ready to give a testimony to the hope we have in Christ (1 Peter 3:15). We're also told not to wrack our brains for those perfect Snappy Answers to Difficult (not Stupid) Questions. Holy Spirit is never put on the spot. He will give us the right answer every time when necessary (Luke 12:11-12). Sometimes it just might be one of these little phrases.

How about you? How does it feel to admit there are things you neither know nor understand? How do you think others will react to an honest admission of your ignorance in these matters? How can your relationship with God be enhanced sans the pressure to explain His actions or lack thereof? How will your life improve by not having to be a 'know-it-all'?

It's Just Not Fair!

"These who were hired last worked only one hour,' they said, 'and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.'" Matt. 20:12.

"It's just not fair!"

That's was the viewpoint of the workers in the parable, and later of the Jewish believers in the early days of the Church. After spending their entire lives attempting to follow the letter of the Law, the Gentile believers were getting what was perceived as a pass.

"That you abstain from  food offered to idols, from blood, from anything that has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these things you will do well. Farewell." Acts 15:29 (Holman Study Bible).

That's it? No circumcision, tithes, offerings, temple taxes, stringent dietary restrictions. In addition, freedom from the myriad of precautions instituted as safeguards to prevent the slightest infraction of the Law. It just wasn't fair.

Despite the directive issued by the Church leaders in Jerusalem to the incoming Gentile believers, some Jews still tried to impose the law on their non-Jewish counterparts. If they had to jump through the hoops (which they didn't have to), so would the newbies. Forget that attempting to do this was an impossible task; misery loved company. Did it never occur to them that they could shed the burden of keeping the Law also? Traditions die hard.

Abraham already set the example. His relationship with God was well established before he was circumcised. This sign of their covenantal relationship wasn't a means to garner God's favor. Instead, it was proof of what he'd already received. Revered by Jews as the Father of their faith, Abraham operated without the Law's statutes and walked by faith alone.

Abraham was assured that this same covenant would pass via his descendents to a wide variety of ethnic nations and peoples. The door would be open to all, not just a selected few.

Unfortunately, the pressure to conform exhibited by the early Jewish believers still prevails today. To be fair, intentions are probably honorable, but the resulting attitude is the same. "Believe like ME, or else!"

Take, for example, baptism. Is it only for those old enough to understand its significance or should infants also be included? Do you sprinkle or dunk? Is it done in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, or in the name of Jesus only?

How about salvation? Some might contend that the thief on the cross really wasn't saved. He never made a "perfect act of contrition." He didn't officially confess that Jesus is Lord. We don't know if he even knew the Savior's name. He couldn't believe in his heart that God had raised Jesus from the dead, because Christ was still alive. Despite his failure to fulfill Romans 10:9 perfectly, Jesus welcomed him into His family anyway.

Also, Christians many not like to admit it, but we too harbor notions of a reward system that's based on cumulative actions, and not God's grace. How can a "relative newcomer" have as many crowns to throw down on the glassy sea as someone who has put in years of time and effort? Just for fun, try to find in the Bible where it says that believer's cast their crowns down...it doesn't exist. Nice hymn stanza, but wrong theology.

Like first century believers we can't let our pet traditions be impediments to those seeking God. Salvation is by faith alone. Our behavior should reflect the Gospel's impact on our lives, but not be construed as a official means to obtain a right standing with God.

The gift of salvation has an amazing ability to change our lives if given free rein/reign. It is, for the most part a process, not an instant transformation. We can't and shouldn't hold others to our personal standards, especially if they have just started out on their journey with God.

How about you? Are you irritated that other believers who aren't as committed as you are just might get equal rewards? What traditions have you adopted that may look good to others but really aren't essential for salvation? How can you develop a walk of faith built on simple obedience and not a rule book?

It's Just Not Fair!

"These who were hired last worked only one hour,' they said, 'and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.'" Matt. 20:12.

"It's just not fair!"

That's was the viewpoint of the workers in the parable, and later of the Jewish believers in the early days of the Church. After spending their entire lives attempting to follow the letter of the Law, the Gentile believers were getting what was perceived as a pass.

"That you abstain from  food offered to idols, from blood, from anything that has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these things you will do well. Farewell." Acts 15:29 (Holman Study Bible).

That's it? No circumcision, tithes, offerings, temple taxes, stringent dietary restrictions. In addition, freedom from the myriad of precautions instituted as safeguards to prevent the slightest infraction of the Law. It just wasn't fair.

Despite the directive issued by the Church leaders in Jerusalem to the incoming Gentile believers, some Jews still tried to impose the law on their non-Jewish counterparts. If they had to jump through the hoops (which they didn't have to), so would the newbies. Forget that attempting to do this was an impossible task; misery loved company. Did it never occur to them that they could shed the burden of keeping the Law also? Traditions die hard.

Abraham already set the example. His relationship with God was well established before he was circumcised. This sign of their covenantal relationship wasn't an means to garner God's favor. Instead, it was proof of what he'd already received. Revered by Jews as the Father of their faith, Abraham operated without the Law's statutes and walked by faith alone.

Abraham was assured that this same covenant would pass via his descendents to a wide variety of ethnic nations and peoples. The door would be open to all, not just a selected few.

Unfortunately, the pressure to conform exhibited by the early Jewish believers still prevails today. To be fair, intentions are probably honorable, but the resulting attitude is the same. "Believe like ME, or else!"

Take, for example, baptism. Is it only for those old enough to understand its significance or should infants also be included? Do you sprinkle or dunk? Is it done in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, or in the name of Jesus only?

How about salvation? Some might contend that the thief on the cross really wasn't saved. He never made a "perfect act of contrition." He didn't officially confess that Jesus is Lord. We don't know if he even knew the Savior's name. He couldn't believe in his heart that God had raised Jesus from the dead, because Christ was still alive. Despite his failure to fulfill Romans 10:9 perfectly, Jesus welcomed him into His family anyway.

Also, Christians many not like to admit it, but we too harbor notions of a reward system that's based on cumulative actions, and not God's grace. How can a "relative newcomer" have as many crowns to throw down on the glassy sea as someone who has put in years of time and effort? Just for fun, try to find in the Bible where it says that believer's cast their crowns down...it doesn't exist. Nice hymn stanza, but wrong theology.

Like first century believers we can't let our pet traditions be impediments to those seeking God. Salvation is by faith alone. Our behavior should reflect the Gospel's impact on our lives, but not be construed as a official means to obtain a right standing with God.

The gift of salvation has an amazing ability to change our lives if given free rein/reign. It is, for the most part a process, not an instant transformation. We can't and shouldn't hold others to our personal standards, especially if they have just started out on their journey with God.

How about you? Are you irritated that other believers who aren't as committed as you are just might get equal rewards? What traditions have you adopted that may look good to others but really aren't essential for salvation? How can you develop a walk of faith built on simple obedience and not a rule book?

Generation Gap

"...your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams." Acts 2:17

Whoever invented the generation gap in Christianity? Not God!

Sadly, the church in the West often emulates society, and not the other way around. Heavy emphasis is placed on the youth who are important. They are the future. However, gearing resources and attention to this age demographic specifically to the exclusion of others creates the same imbalance found in popular culture.

Peter's speech in Acts was revolutionary. Sex, age and social rank didn't matter in God's kingdom. Women, children and slaves could participate on equal footing with men. This was unprecedented for that time, and still is in certain situations today. Old mindsets, unfortunately, die hard.

With the exception of the Israelites who would not enter the Promise Land, the term generation in the bible isn't age specific. Jesus spoke of the destruction of Jerusalem coming upon a generation (Matt. 23:36). The scope of the calamity wasn't limited to the chronological age of His listeners. Everyone: young, old, men, women, and children were affected. Biblically speaking, a generation refers to all who are alive at a particular time period.

Society's glorification of youth fuels the notion of a generation gap. The church doesn't need to follow their lead. Age, maturity and experience produces a different perspective. Things aren't as simple as a child might suppose. Rather than being a point of division, this should be further impetus to keep all engaged and working together.

Placing the majority of our efforts and resources to reach the youth means we'll miss opportunities to reach older people who may have more influence on social and political issues, and also control a large portion of the world's purse strings. Young fiery believers are potential world changers. Is it wise, however, to wait several decades for them to step into the shoes of those already shaping world policy and events, assuming that their zeal for God will remain intact?

God's plan was to keep all age groups actively participating - together. For those of us who are older, we need to stay involved with our younger counterparts. They don't look, act, talk or think like we do, but hey, we were once young and weird too. The young have energy, enthusiasm, and a different world to negotiate than we did. In reality, the good old days were not as ideal as we remember them to be.

The up and coming church can benefit greatly from the wisdom and experience of older Christians. Their problems/conflicts/dilemmas may be wrapped differently than those of past generations, but at the core: "there nothing new under the sun." Ecc. 1:9. The Body of Christ has invented a plethora of reasons for division. Age shouldn't be one of them.

How about you? Where do you fit into this generation of the church? If an older person, do you feel left out? If so, what steps can you take to connect with younger believers? If you're on the other end of the spectrum, how can you benefit from the wealth of wisdom and experience many more mature Christians have accumulated over the years? As the Body of Christ, how can we integrate all age groups and eliminate a Christian generation gap?

Give 'em Hell?

Woe to you Korasin! Woe to you Bethsaida!...and to you Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No you will go down to the depths. Luke 10: 13, 15

Some elements of Christianity harbor a propensity for calling down judgment on others with a flippant air of self-righteousness. After all, don't people deserve what they have coming to them?

Perhaps there's a benefit to taking a big step back and thinking before we speak.

In context, Jesus commissioned seventy-two disciples to fan out across the region and preach the Gospel. Traveling rabbis/teachers walked by faith and were at the largesse of those they had contact with for food, shelter and so forth. Under no circumstances were they to ask for money or charge for their services.

In Luke 10:4 Jesus instructed them to go barefoot. According to Bruce Chilton they were to be, "barefoot priests, treat the land as holy, villages as temples." This manner of travel paralleled God's instructions to Joshua. "I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses." Joshua 1:3. How would this happen? DNA transfer.

These freshly appointed emissaries would pass through Gentile territory, just like Jesus did. It was customary at that time for a Jew before re-entering Jewish land to shake the dust of Gentile soil off his feet to demonstrate it was polluted and unholy. While living in Haiti we experienced something similar to this at the border crossing between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Guards on the Dominican side washed the tires of our vehicle to remove any traces of Haitian soil before allowing us to proceed. The bad blood between these two countries goes back hundreds of years and is still an issue.

Luke 10:11 in the NIV gives the impression that this action was an indictment against the lack of customary hospitality withheld. The Jonathan Mitchell New Testament, taken from the Koine Greek, presents a different perspective. Not afforded the expected courtesies given to travelers, the disciples were to demonstrate the kingdom in action. Dusting the soil off their feel showed that they were not taking anything that wasn't offered to them. In addition they transferred their DNA to the ground and marked it as kingdom property.

What does this have to do with calling down God's judgment on people? Jesus reserved His harshest criticism and words of warning for areas open to the Gospel, including his adopted hometown Capernaum. While this seems unfair, it makes perfect sense. Those who know the truth, and ignore it are held to a higher standard than those who have never heard.

If we want to call down God's judgment we must be prepared to face the same thing, but in a greater measure. Judgment starts with God's house first (1 Peter 4:17). The measure we use, we receive in return with even more added to it (Luke 6: 37-38).

I'm not suggesting that believers turn a blind eye to sin, their own included. We need to keep our attitudes under constant surveillance. Jonah ran from God's call to preach repentance to Nineveh because he didn't like them. He was sure God would spare them if they had a change of heart and he didn't want to see that happen. His desire was for them to get the punishment he felt they deserved. We don't want to make that same mistake.

How about you? When you see things you know are ungodly and you must speak out, how can you do so in a manner that brings life and a fruitful outcome? If you want to call down judgment on others, what type and how much are you willing to endure first? How can you effective communicate the love of God to those who need it? Seasoned with genuine love, it will probably be well received.

Protocol

And Jesus spoke seriously but respectfully to him, adding a penalty (or: Jesus respectfully charged it; Jesus appraised him and assessed a penalty, assigning a punishment upon him; or: Jesus strongly speaks to him in reproof {censure, reprimand or strict enjoining}, in saying, "Be muzzled (= be silent) and go (or: come) forth out of the midst of him at once." Mark 1:25 The New Testament, Jonathan Mitchell (emphasis mine).

Then, upon taking a place over her, He spoke a respectful directive to the fever, and it released her and flowed away (or: abandoned her). Luke 4:39 The New Testament, Jonathan Mitchell (emphasis mine).

Jesus showed respect to demons and sickness? Outrageous! Maybe not.

Apparently Jesus felt no need to break out in a sweat, scream, hoop, holler or perform gymnastics when dealing with His enemy. By following protocol these were unnecessary.

God's kingdom has protocols, something most of us in the West neither understand nor appreciate. The two instances cited above aren't the only times that Kingdom operational procedures appear opposed to conventional thinking.

A dispute arose between Michael the arch angel and the devil concerning the disposition of Moses' body. According to Ezekiel 28:14 the devil was, "anointed as a guardian cherub..." Outranked, Michael followed proper procedure, stood down, and placed the fate of the fallen angel in the hands of God. "The Lord rebuke you."  Jude 8.

According to the Mitchell translation this phrase in Jude can have both positive and negative connotations. Taken from the Greek word epi (upon) timao (to hold in respect, to honor, to value or to award), this phrase could be interpreted "The Lord (Yahweh) might hold you in high honor (or: set a value upon you; put respect upon you; award you)." On the other hand it can mean to assess a penalty upon, to chide, to respectfully reprove or admonish.

In the first two chapters of Job there are two occasions where the angels are required to present themselves before God, and Satan was included. This might ruffle some theological feathers but it's kingdom protocol. First, the devil is still under God's authority and ruler ship. If God says, "Jump!" the devil has to ask, "How high?" Second, it wasn't uncommon for a defeated king to be afforded a position with a level of respect in the court of his conqueror. Check it out for yourself, it's in the bible.

There's a lesson here. Although man was created as a higher ranking spiritual being than any angel, we would be wise to adhere to kingdom protocol. Jesus did.

Have you noticed that neither Jesus nor any of the disciples ever bound the devil? Rebuking and commanding one (or more) to leave isn't binding. Only Jesus has the keys to hell, not us. If a devil/demon is to be sent there it's His call, not ours. When it does come time for the devil to be bound, Revelation tells us that an ordinary angel will be assigned to that task at the direction of and in the timing of God.

I'm not suggesting that we feel sorry for the devil nor back off from dealing with him with God's direction and permission. We may wish to reconsider our approach and follow Jesus' example. We may not like nor understand Kingdom protocol, but as mature sons of God we must behave accordingly.

How about you? If you are placed in the position of having to reverse you enemy's impact on a situation, how should you proceed? Describe a "serious but respectful" confrontation with the devil. Can you build yourself up in the reality of who you are as a son of God beforehand so that operating in Kingdom protocol becomes your second nature? Follow the rules and success will be the result.

If You Had Been Here...

"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died." John 11:21.

Her words, encased in anger and frustration, hurt Him. How could Jesus explain His long overdue arrival? Could she really understand the reason for His delay? Probably not.

Have you ever wondered how Jesus felt walking into that hornet's nest? His life was totally beyond His control. Words and actions reflected only those of His Father. Without explicit instructions to respond to Lazarus' illness, all Jesus knew was the sickness would not end in death, but would give glory to God.

I assumed that Jesus always had the complete heads-up on every situation, but I don't now. I believe He had to exercise the same faith we do which means being in the dark about the details most of the time.

Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered. Hebrews 5:8. This may have been one of those hard lessons.

Was He tempted to question His Fathers judgment in this case? I would have. Jesus spent enormous amounts of time and effort ministering to complete strangers, sometimes without so much as a "Thank you." Now, a close friend needed His help. He had the power, but lacked the permission from the Father to use it. The choices were to either follow His natural feelings or obey. He stayed put.

Two days later the "Go ahead" came. The disciples were less than enthusiastic; Judea was no longer a safe place. If Lazarus wasn't dying, but just asleep, he'd recover. Why put themselves in harm's way? Finally Jesus spoke plainly, "Lazarus in dead..." John 11:14.

The reception at Bethany was strained to the snapping point. His reputation as a friend was in serious jeopardy. Both Mary and Martha laid the responsibility for their brother's death squarely on His shoulders. The Lord's willingness and ability to heal were damaged. No one knew or would have understood the constraints of operating in strict obedience to His Father. No one also could have guessed that a widely held religious tradition was about to bite the dust.

Martha protested opening the grave; the smell would be awful. Everyone (in that culture) knew that the soul of the deceased remained in close proximity for only three days. This was the fourth day and Lazarus' soul was long gone. It was too late.

Jesus defied tradition. Lazarus' resurrection disproved a deeply entrenched belief. Still, the question of God's timing lingers. How would an immediate response to the situation have hurt anything? The outcome would have been the same.

Mary and Martha aren't the only ones caught in the conflict of God's seeming indifference to our needs. "If only You had been here:

            - the planes wouldn't have hit the Twin Towers;

            - Katrina wouldn't have destroyed New Orleans;

            - I wouldn't be a single parent;

            - this injustice would never have happened;

            - we wouldn't have gone bankrupt;

            - my mate wouldn't have died so soon."

Fill in the blank, the list is endless.

It is hard to continue to believe when you feel that God's really let you down. Maybe Jesus felt the same way when He wasn't allowed to immediately help Lazarus. When He finally could go His reputation as a friend was damaged, and his ability to minister doubted. It's hard to be misunderstood for obedience sake and not get upset.

Often God's timetable and agenda clashes with ours. Walking by faith is a challenge in the face of God's perceived indifference. We're tempted to question His judgment sans a clear explanation for His inactivity on our behalf.

How about you? When have you said to God," If only you had been here...."? How did He respond? If your situation, unlike Martha and Mary's didn't reverse, how did you handle it? Have you ever considered that the reason Jesus hasn't answered your prayer is a timing issue, not a lack of desire to help? If you're still upset with God for letting you down, what can you do to resolve the roadblock, reopen the lines of communication and regain your peace? Can you and God be friends again?

Why Can't We Be Friends?

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. Matthew 5:17.

There are lessons Christians can learn from our Jewish brethren. One is the ability to strongly disagree, voice our opinions and still remain friends.

In his book, The Bible Tells Me So; Why Defending Scripture Has Made Us Unable To Read It, Peter Enns writes:

"This story illustrates something Judaism seems to have a good handle on but that many Christians do not; debating each other, and debating God, is what God wants.

We can see the same sort of attitude in the rich tradition of Jewish medieval commentaries on the Bible. The sages of Judaism debate the meaning of Biblical passages, often arriving at contradictory explanations - and all of it was recorded and preserved as part of the sacred tradition, without any need to resolve the problem and arrive at a final answer.

...But killing the debate is what kills faith. The debate keeps the conversation at the center of the community.

Ending the debate, getting to the right answer is not the prime directive of spiritual life. You can tussle with each other and with God (and win!), and its all good. The back-and-forth with the Bible is where God is found. Enter the dialog and you find God waiting for you, laughing with delight, ready to be part of the back and forth."  pg. 241-242 Kindle version.

According to Enns, Jews know how to have a good no-holds-barred, knocked-down, dragged-out argument over Scripture, and walk away as friends. They willingly pose opposing viewpoints and allow individuals to draw their own conclusions. There's method to this seeming madness.

I heard a speaker address this very issue from personal experience. Born Jewish in Nigeria, he came to know Christ as a youth. Immigrating to the U.S., our educational system afforded him opportunities unavailable in his homeland. He went on to earn two PhD's simultaneously.

In seminary, he and a group of African students would meet to discuss their studies. Word got out that these sessions could get rowdy and soon other students  ask to sit in and observe.

To their horror, the African students disregarded Robert's Rules of Order completely. The debaters screamed at each other, and pounded the table while defending their positions. Finally, when the verbal brawl ended, the atmosphere shifted. Former opponents laughed, congratulated each other on a job well done and went out for coffee. Their audience was dumbfounded.

The speaker explained that the purpose of the sessions was not to prove others wrong and convert them to your way of thinking. The debate forced the participants to critically think through their beliefs; intelligently articulate their positions AND not permit divergent and opposing viewpoints to drive wedges between them. None expected an arrival at a single consensus - that wasn't the point. It was also no surprise that this group of students graduated at the top of their class.

Jesus' response in Matthew 5:17 was typical for a rabbinical debate of His day. These words were part of the common language employed during theological discussions that could get heated. So, what's the point?

Often believers, in regard to Scripture, don't handle differing viewpoints gracefully. We're quick to draw boundaries around our version of the Truth. Those outside the lines are flat out wrong and not welcomed in our camp. Jews have debated issues of faith much longer than Christians. They know how to agree to disagree, allow all sides of the argument a seat at the table, and still stay friends.

How about you? How to you react to someone whose beliefs are contrary to yours? How open are you to listen to opposing viewpoints of Scriptural issues, carefully listening to them without going ballistic? How do you think the Body of Christ could be strengthened if we chose to come together on the essential fundamentals of faith and not allow the ancillary issues to divide us?