As I'm closing out my media fast I thought I would jot down some reflections on the past 40 days. First and foremost, I loved it!!! It wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it would be, which is great, because that was half the point; to find out if I was consumed by all the media around me. It was no trouble at all to stay off social media. I didn't miss paging through other people's posts, but there were a few times I wanted to post things. I have one TV show that I watch regularly and I missed it, but it wasn't a big deal. The worst part was not having the late night iPad/TV watching with my wife after the kids go to bed. We normally sit and watch an episode of something with a bag of popcorn several nights a week. I really did not miss watching TV or movies at all. I just missed the down time sitting on the couch with my wife. On the flip side there were several nights that we would just sit and talk during that time that would normally be TV time.
The other half of the objective was to spend more time with God. That was great too; mostly. I spent a lot more time in the Word, mostly putting my blog posts together or reading a chapter of the bible during the time I would normally be scrolling through Twitter. I say 'mostly' because I really wish I had taken more time to pray. I don't really waste as much time on media as I had thought. Dropping it out only opened a little time for me. I'm sure I could, and still can, make more time for prayer, and I need to. The extra time in the Word has been great and I plan to continue that as best I can, but I need to make more time for prayer. I did a much better job during this 40 days of having short prayers throughout the day, but I miss the days when I would spend 20 minutes or more in prayer on a consistent basis. That needs to find a way to come back!
All in all I really enjoyed this time and look forward to a better balance of media and time with God. I'll put some media back in, but will certainly keep more time with God in each day as well.
I recommend this 40 day fast to anyone. Even if you have no interest in spending time with God, just try knocking out media and see how much you love the extra time you have for things that are so much more important than entertainment.
Until next time...
Saturday, April 04, 2015
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Jesus' Command #17 - Ask, Seek, Knock
In Matthew 7:7-8 Jesus says, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks the door will be opened."
So command number 17 is "Ask, Seek, Knock."
Ask...seek...knock...for what? Like the Trinity is three, but yet one; Jesus is giving us three ways, but one instruction...to pray.
Like a beggar asking for alms, ask God for what you need. Seek as for a thing of value that has been lost. Knock as one who desires to enter the house and converse with God. (Matthew Henry)
In verses 9-11, Jesus goes on to talk about how we, "Though we are evil" give good gifts to our children, how much more will God, who is infinitely good, give good gifts to those who ask Him!
According to the NIV Study Bible, "Greek present imperatives are used here, indicating constant asking, seeking and knocking. Persistent prayer is being emphasized."
I also love what the Life Application Bible says about this. "Jesus tells us to persist in pursuing God. People often give up after a few halfhearted efforts and conclude that God cannot be found. But knowing God takes faith, focus, and follow-through, and Jesus assures us that we will be rewarded. Don't give up in your efforts to seek God. Continue to ask Him for more knowledge, patience, wisdom, love and understanding. He will give them to you." It goes on to say, "The children in Jesus' example asked their father for bread and fish - good and necessary items. If the children had asked for a poisonous snake, would the wise father have granted the request? Sometimes God knows we are prying for "snakes" and does not give us what we ask for, even though we persist in our prayers. As we learn to know God better as a loving Father, we learn to ask for what is good for us, and then He grants it."
When we talk about asking God for things, I think it's helpful to remember what James 4:2-3 says, "You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives." Check your heart when you ask, seek, and knock. Are you asking with right motives?
Be persistent in prayer. Ask, seek, knock.
Next time we'll look at Jesus' Command #18 - Do Unto Others!
So command number 17 is "Ask, Seek, Knock."
Ask...seek...knock...for what? Like the Trinity is three, but yet one; Jesus is giving us three ways, but one instruction...to pray.
Like a beggar asking for alms, ask God for what you need. Seek as for a thing of value that has been lost. Knock as one who desires to enter the house and converse with God. (Matthew Henry)
In verses 9-11, Jesus goes on to talk about how we, "Though we are evil" give good gifts to our children, how much more will God, who is infinitely good, give good gifts to those who ask Him!
According to the NIV Study Bible, "Greek present imperatives are used here, indicating constant asking, seeking and knocking. Persistent prayer is being emphasized."
I also love what the Life Application Bible says about this. "Jesus tells us to persist in pursuing God. People often give up after a few halfhearted efforts and conclude that God cannot be found. But knowing God takes faith, focus, and follow-through, and Jesus assures us that we will be rewarded. Don't give up in your efforts to seek God. Continue to ask Him for more knowledge, patience, wisdom, love and understanding. He will give them to you." It goes on to say, "The children in Jesus' example asked their father for bread and fish - good and necessary items. If the children had asked for a poisonous snake, would the wise father have granted the request? Sometimes God knows we are prying for "snakes" and does not give us what we ask for, even though we persist in our prayers. As we learn to know God better as a loving Father, we learn to ask for what is good for us, and then He grants it."
When we talk about asking God for things, I think it's helpful to remember what James 4:2-3 says, "You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives." Check your heart when you ask, seek, and knock. Are you asking with right motives?
Be persistent in prayer. Ask, seek, knock.
Next time we'll look at Jesus' Command #18 - Do Unto Others!
Monday, March 30, 2015
Jesus' Command #16 - Do Not Cast Pearls
In Matthew 7:6 Jesus gives a one line instruction, seemingly unrelated to the previous or following sentences. He says, "Do not throw your pearls to pigs." The whole verse reads like this, "Do not give to dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."
This seems very peculiar to me. My own impression is that it seems that Jesus is just saying don't give something valuable to those who won't appreciate it. Upon further digging (MacArthur Commentary) it seems as though Jesus is saying to the disciples, and to us, "Do not bother giving instruction, counsel, rebuke, much less comforts, to hardened scorners, to whom it will certainly do no good, but who will be exasperated and enraged by us." It's almost as if He's saying, "Choose your battles." Some are so hardened that it will cause us harm and the person no good by speaking to them.
It seems like there should be more to say, but I think that's all.
Come back again for Jesus' Command #17 - Ask, Seek, Knock
This seems very peculiar to me. My own impression is that it seems that Jesus is just saying don't give something valuable to those who won't appreciate it. Upon further digging (MacArthur Commentary) it seems as though Jesus is saying to the disciples, and to us, "Do not bother giving instruction, counsel, rebuke, much less comforts, to hardened scorners, to whom it will certainly do no good, but who will be exasperated and enraged by us." It's almost as if He's saying, "Choose your battles." Some are so hardened that it will cause us harm and the person no good by speaking to them.
It seems like there should be more to say, but I think that's all.
Come back again for Jesus' Command #17 - Ask, Seek, Knock
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Jesus' Command #15 - Judge Not
In Matthew 7:1, Jesus commands us, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged."
Before we go any further, I think we must first look at the word 'judge'. It seems like a simple word, but I think it's taken different ways by different people in different situations. In America, when we say, "Don't judge me!" What we mean is, "Don't look down on me for what I just did, or what I believe."
Webster's online dictionary has many meanings for judge, this first being, "To form an opinion about through careful weighing of evidence and testing of premises."
In my Bible research I could find two distinct uses for "judge" in the New Testament. The first is Krino (in the Greek) "to form an opinion", much like the dictionary definition. The second is Diakrino (in the Greek) "to make a distinction". For instance, "Judge for yourself which is right." Most occurrences of "judge" in the New Testament seem to be Krino; which is the case in Matthew 7.
When I read this verse in preparing this Blog, my initial thought was, "Don't judge. Well, yes, but aren't we to hold other believers accountable?" Let's look deeper at my preconception.
My first defense of this thought was Matthew 18:15-20. There it talks about dealing with sin in the church. It starts with, "If a brother sins". It does not start with, "Judge your brother, and if you've determined that he is wrong..." I think I have mistakenly taken this as a license to "judge" our brothers and sisters. It's a fine line between judging and pointing out sin to them. As I've already noted, to judge is to form an opinion. However, to point out sin to a brother does not require you to form an opinion. Only to recognize sin. So in a way I was right. We are to hold each other accountable for sin. However, it does not require me to judge anything. Only to know sin when I see it.
Next I thought of James 5:20 that says, "Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins." This corroborates my explanation from Matthew. I'm not to 'judge' my brother or sister in the Lord, but to help them turn from their sin.
I guess this takes me back to Matthew 7. "Do not judge." Yeah, I guess it's that simple. Jesus is telling me not to 'form an opinion' of someone based on their beliefs or actions. I am, however, to help a brother or sister turn from the sin that is evident in their life; not forgetting that Matthew 7:3-4 (the very next verses) also tells me to remove the two-by-four from my own eye before pointing out the speck of dust in my brother's.
It's all about "speaking the truth in love." I never have reason to judge, but if I must point out sin in someone's life I should surely do it in a loving way with intent to help them turn from it and to encourage them forward.
Praise God!
Tune in next time for Jesus' command #16 - Do Not Cast Pearls
In the meantime, go introduce someone to Jesus and bring them into the Kingdom with you (Command #49)!
Before we go any further, I think we must first look at the word 'judge'. It seems like a simple word, but I think it's taken different ways by different people in different situations. In America, when we say, "Don't judge me!" What we mean is, "Don't look down on me for what I just did, or what I believe."
Webster's online dictionary has many meanings for judge, this first being, "To form an opinion about through careful weighing of evidence and testing of premises."
In my Bible research I could find two distinct uses for "judge" in the New Testament. The first is Krino (in the Greek) "to form an opinion", much like the dictionary definition. The second is Diakrino (in the Greek) "to make a distinction". For instance, "Judge for yourself which is right." Most occurrences of "judge" in the New Testament seem to be Krino; which is the case in Matthew 7.
When I read this verse in preparing this Blog, my initial thought was, "Don't judge. Well, yes, but aren't we to hold other believers accountable?" Let's look deeper at my preconception.
My first defense of this thought was Matthew 18:15-20. There it talks about dealing with sin in the church. It starts with, "If a brother sins". It does not start with, "Judge your brother, and if you've determined that he is wrong..." I think I have mistakenly taken this as a license to "judge" our brothers and sisters. It's a fine line between judging and pointing out sin to them. As I've already noted, to judge is to form an opinion. However, to point out sin to a brother does not require you to form an opinion. Only to recognize sin. So in a way I was right. We are to hold each other accountable for sin. However, it does not require me to judge anything. Only to know sin when I see it.
Next I thought of James 5:20 that says, "Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins." This corroborates my explanation from Matthew. I'm not to 'judge' my brother or sister in the Lord, but to help them turn from their sin.
I guess this takes me back to Matthew 7. "Do not judge." Yeah, I guess it's that simple. Jesus is telling me not to 'form an opinion' of someone based on their beliefs or actions. I am, however, to help a brother or sister turn from the sin that is evident in their life; not forgetting that Matthew 7:3-4 (the very next verses) also tells me to remove the two-by-four from my own eye before pointing out the speck of dust in my brother's.
It's all about "speaking the truth in love." I never have reason to judge, but if I must point out sin in someone's life I should surely do it in a loving way with intent to help them turn from it and to encourage them forward.
Praise God!
Tune in next time for Jesus' command #16 - Do Not Cast Pearls
In the meantime, go introduce someone to Jesus and bring them into the Kingdom with you (Command #49)!
Sunday, March 08, 2015
Jesus' Command #14 - Seek God's Kingdom
In Matthew 6:33 Jesus tells us to, "Seek first the Kingdom and His righteousness." The context of this command includes instruction that we are not to worry about what we will eat or drink, or what we will wear. Jesus tells us to consider the lilies of the field; their beauty and how they do not work for their clothing. He says, how much more does our heavenly Father care for us than the lilies. Won't He be sure we're taken care of?
He does not promise comfort for all Christians. That would be a mistaken way to read this text. However, He does say that if we put first the Kingdom and His righteousness, "'All these things will be given to you as well." What I understand this to mean is that if we put the Kingdom first; if we make the Kingdom the center of our continual, daily priorities, He will make sure we have what we need. It may not be what we want or even think that we need, but what we actually need. As He says, "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
How do we apply this command? Make the Kingdom the center of our continual, daily priorities.
Come back again for Jesus' Command #15 - Judge Not
He does not promise comfort for all Christians. That would be a mistaken way to read this text. However, He does say that if we put first the Kingdom and His righteousness, "'All these things will be given to you as well." What I understand this to mean is that if we put the Kingdom first; if we make the Kingdom the center of our continual, daily priorities, He will make sure we have what we need. It may not be what we want or even think that we need, but what we actually need. As He says, "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
How do we apply this command? Make the Kingdom the center of our continual, daily priorities.
Come back again for Jesus' Command #15 - Judge Not
Saturday, March 07, 2015
Jesus' Command #13 - Store Up Treasures In Heaven
We spend our lives pursuing what we care most about. When we're not pursuing them, we're thinking about them. Let me give you an example from my life. I'm a track and field coach and I spend countless hours trying to make my team better. I recruit. I plan. I learn. I write works. I run practices. I spend my time building something to be greater than it is now. Using language from Matthew 6, I'm "storing up" by using my time to improve my team. I really put my heart into it. Where my treasure is, there my heart is also. Another example; even when I'm coaching/working, my mind is on my family; how I can provide and care for them, how much I love and miss them, and how I look forward to the next time I'm with them. I spend almost every waking moment, in some way, with my family on my mind. I'm storing up for them, so my heart is there also.
In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus is talking about where we store up our treasures. My thought process automatically starts thinking about the things I'm storing up and if they are treasures on Earth or treasures in Heaven, when that's not the point. The point is that our heart will be focused on Heaven or Earth based on the things we work for. If my aim is to earn money to care for my family, buy nice things, make a comfortable life for myself and those I love, then my heart is firmly planted in this Earth. However, if my aim is to make money so that it will aid me in telling the lost about salvation and forgiveness through Jesus and to help others do the same. In 'church talk', to build the Kingdom by saving the lost. Essentially, carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and obey the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-40), then my heart will be firmly planted in Heaven, where it should be.
If your heart longs for the things of this Earth then that is where you are storing up your treasures. However, if your heart longs for the things of Heaven, then that is where you are storing up treasures. Wow! What a gut check! If that doesn't affect my focus then I ought to question my own salvation! If my aim isn't to build the Kingdom and my heart isn't focused on eternity and what will happen after I (and we all) leave this life behind, then what am I doing!?
Lord, may Your will be done, and may my focus be to see that Your will be done. Amen.
As if to put the nail in the coffin, Jesus follows up this command with this. "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." You cannot have one foot on Earth and one foot in Heaven. You are either serving your selfish desires or you are serving the King.
May God point our compass toward Heaven so we walk in that direction.
Come back again for Jesus' Command #14 - Seek God's Kingdom
In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus is talking about where we store up our treasures. My thought process automatically starts thinking about the things I'm storing up and if they are treasures on Earth or treasures in Heaven, when that's not the point. The point is that our heart will be focused on Heaven or Earth based on the things we work for. If my aim is to earn money to care for my family, buy nice things, make a comfortable life for myself and those I love, then my heart is firmly planted in this Earth. However, if my aim is to make money so that it will aid me in telling the lost about salvation and forgiveness through Jesus and to help others do the same. In 'church talk', to build the Kingdom by saving the lost. Essentially, carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and obey the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-40), then my heart will be firmly planted in Heaven, where it should be.
If your heart longs for the things of this Earth then that is where you are storing up your treasures. However, if your heart longs for the things of Heaven, then that is where you are storing up treasures. Wow! What a gut check! If that doesn't affect my focus then I ought to question my own salvation! If my aim isn't to build the Kingdom and my heart isn't focused on eternity and what will happen after I (and we all) leave this life behind, then what am I doing!?
Lord, may Your will be done, and may my focus be to see that Your will be done. Amen.
As if to put the nail in the coffin, Jesus follows up this command with this. "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." You cannot have one foot on Earth and one foot in Heaven. You are either serving your selfish desires or you are serving the King.
May God point our compass toward Heaven so we walk in that direction.
Come back again for Jesus' Command #14 - Seek God's Kingdom
Thursday, March 05, 2015
Jesus' Command #12 - Practice Secret Disciplines
Matthew 6:1-18 specifically addresses giving, prayer, and fasting. To summarize; let there be no pride, only humility in your giving, prayer, and fasting. When you give, give in such a way that no one may know that you gave, or how much you gave. When you pray, pray in such a way that doesn't call attention to yourself. There is no need to use big, fancy words, and repeat yourself over and over in different ways so that God will hear you. God hears you the first time. And you do not need to impress others with the words you use to pray. When you fast, don't act in such a way that others know you haven't eaten or that you're not eating. Do these things in such a way that they bring glory to God, not yourself.
It's important to note that Jesus doesn't outlaw public or corporate prayer. He only says not to do as the hypocrites do when they pray by themselves in public so others will notice.
Jesus addresses the actions of the hypocrites extensively in this text. He tells us what to do by telling what not to do. He talks about how much the hypocrites use giving, prayer, and fasting to show others how holy they are. Clearly this is one of many cases where Jesus points out that the condition of your heart trumps your outward appearances.
There is so much more to be said of prayer and fasting, but for this post I want to stay singularly focused on the main point.
Come back again to read about Jesus' Command #13 - Lay Up Treasures In Heaven
It's important to note that Jesus doesn't outlaw public or corporate prayer. He only says not to do as the hypocrites do when they pray by themselves in public so others will notice.
Jesus addresses the actions of the hypocrites extensively in this text. He tells us what to do by telling what not to do. He talks about how much the hypocrites use giving, prayer, and fasting to show others how holy they are. Clearly this is one of many cases where Jesus points out that the condition of your heart trumps your outward appearances.
There is so much more to be said of prayer and fasting, but for this post I want to stay singularly focused on the main point.
Come back again to read about Jesus' Command #13 - Lay Up Treasures In Heaven
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Jesus' Command #11 - Be Perfect
At the end of Matthew 5:46-48 Jesus says that we should be perfect, as our Father in Heaven is perfect. Those who are humble and think rightly of themselves with sober judgement would say this is a tall order. Who can be perfect!? However, through God's grace it ought to be our aim to be perfect as He is perfect. This verse comes as the last statement at the end of a section telling us how to treat others and how this is different than how we naturally want to treat others; do good to our enemies, forgive injuries, entertain strangers, etc. Therefore we must seek to be perfect as He is perfect.
This process of moving towards perfection is called "sanctification" in church lingo; the continual process of becoming more like Christ.
Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..."
1 Peter 1:14-16 says, "As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy; so be holy in all you do; for it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy.""
As a follow of Christ, I must be different than what the world says is normal and okay. I must strive to reflect the image (actions) of Christ and seek to become like He asks me to be. Thus the reason to study these commands of Christ that I'm going through.
May God, in His mercy and grace, draw me ever closer to Him and mold me into His likeness. Amen.
Come back again for Jesus' Command #12 - Practice Secret Disciplines
This process of moving towards perfection is called "sanctification" in church lingo; the continual process of becoming more like Christ.
Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..."
1 Peter 1:14-16 says, "As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy; so be holy in all you do; for it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy.""
As a follow of Christ, I must be different than what the world says is normal and okay. I must strive to reflect the image (actions) of Christ and seek to become like He asks me to be. Thus the reason to study these commands of Christ that I'm going through.
May God, in His mercy and grace, draw me ever closer to Him and mold me into His likeness. Amen.
Come back again for Jesus' Command #12 - Practice Secret Disciplines
Monday, February 23, 2015
Why I Chose To Eliminate Media For 40 Days
I heard a great sermon on the radio a week ago that was talking about idols. He said that anything that we put in our lives that takes time away from God is an idol. He talked about the "content" of the things we allow ourselves to see and hear, and he talked about whether we are in "control" or whether there is a thing that controls us. It made me think of the media I consume. Is the content something I should allow through my eyes and ears? Can I give it up for a time to prove it doesn't control me, but I it?
This great sermon, which I'm doing a terrible job paraphrasing, helped me realize that media can be an idol, and take huge amounts of time away from me that I could be (and should be) spending with God. To help me prove to myself that media is not an idol to me, but more importantly to give me more time to spend with God, get closer to Him, and for my own spiritual growth I've decided to take a 40-day media fast. This fast will include social media (facebook and twitter), tv shows and movies, video games, news and any other media that wastes my time on television, iPad, or laptop.
I hope that by eliminating this wasted time consuming media each day will help me draw near to God and grown in my relationship with Him.
If you need to reach me between now and Easter please text or call as I won't be checking twitter or facebook.
PS: The only place you should see me on social media is posting future blogs on the Commands of Jesus.
This great sermon, which I'm doing a terrible job paraphrasing, helped me realize that media can be an idol, and take huge amounts of time away from me that I could be (and should be) spending with God. To help me prove to myself that media is not an idol to me, but more importantly to give me more time to spend with God, get closer to Him, and for my own spiritual growth I've decided to take a 40-day media fast. This fast will include social media (facebook and twitter), tv shows and movies, video games, news and any other media that wastes my time on television, iPad, or laptop.
I hope that by eliminating this wasted time consuming media each day will help me draw near to God and grown in my relationship with Him.
If you need to reach me between now and Easter please text or call as I won't be checking twitter or facebook.
PS: The only place you should see me on social media is posting future blogs on the Commands of Jesus.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Jesus' Command #10 - Love Your Enemies
Love my enemies?! What a great and difficult command! In Matthew 5:44-46 Jesus tells us not to hate our enemies, but to LOVE them! He says, "Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you."
Does that sound crazy or what!? Does that sound completely counter-culture?! If someone insults you to your face, behind your back, or on the interweb (sorry, I just love that word), isn't it expected that you'll blast them right back!? If you and another person don't get along isn't it likely that you'll either avoid each other or be less than civil to one another? What good does any of that do!!!? All it does it pile the coals higher to ignite a bigger fire and give you something to fume about while increasing your stress level.
What IF you were kind to the one that insults you or blasts you in social media!? What if you took the insult and stopped to ask yourself, "What is the most loving thing I could do or say to this person right now?" That doesn't only makes great sense, but it's something Jesus EXPECTS of us. Wow! What if we lived that way!
Come back again soon for Jesus' Command #11 - Be Perfect
Does that sound crazy or what!? Does that sound completely counter-culture?! If someone insults you to your face, behind your back, or on the interweb (sorry, I just love that word), isn't it expected that you'll blast them right back!? If you and another person don't get along isn't it likely that you'll either avoid each other or be less than civil to one another? What good does any of that do!!!? All it does it pile the coals higher to ignite a bigger fire and give you something to fume about while increasing your stress level.
What IF you were kind to the one that insults you or blasts you in social media!? What if you took the insult and stopped to ask yourself, "What is the most loving thing I could do or say to this person right now?" That doesn't only makes great sense, but it's something Jesus EXPECTS of us. Wow! What if we lived that way!
Come back again soon for Jesus' Command #11 - Be Perfect
Jesus' Command #9 - Go the Second Mile
Christmas and the start of indoor track and field season at work has kept me away from this for far too long. I'm excited to post this next blog and hope I can get back on track with some consistent time working through this.
In Matthew 5:38-42, Jesus gives us five examples of His instructions regarding what to do with the vengeful assertion that we should 'take an eye for an eye'. The origin of this idea is that is the way God instructed the Jews to administer justice among the Israelites (Exodus 21:24, coming in the laws God gave Moses directly after the Ten Commandments, and in Levitecus 24:20).
Jesus' instructions in this text could be misunderstood as telling us to be push-overs, letting people take advantage of us, and never stand up for anything. It's a mistake to think that is what He is saying. Jesus, in the hours leading up to His death certainly demonstrated 'turning the other cheek'. However, if you read the section as a whole and notice the theme, the point is to tell us not to seek revenge. In each of the occasions He references, one could either seek revenge, or comply and 'go the second mile'. We should show love to the one who seek to harm us, not vengeance. "It is Mine to avenge, I will repay", Paul reminds us in Romans 12:19, quoting Deuteronomy 32:35.
The book of Acts gives us plenty of examples of the early Apostles and disciples standing up for Jesus and not being push-overs.
Reading this in context of the rest of the bible shows that the point is love, not vengeance.
Up next: Jesus' Command #10 - Love your enemies (a GREAT follow up to this command)
In Matthew 5:38-42, Jesus gives us five examples of His instructions regarding what to do with the vengeful assertion that we should 'take an eye for an eye'. The origin of this idea is that is the way God instructed the Jews to administer justice among the Israelites (Exodus 21:24, coming in the laws God gave Moses directly after the Ten Commandments, and in Levitecus 24:20).
Jesus' instructions in this text could be misunderstood as telling us to be push-overs, letting people take advantage of us, and never stand up for anything. It's a mistake to think that is what He is saying. Jesus, in the hours leading up to His death certainly demonstrated 'turning the other cheek'. However, if you read the section as a whole and notice the theme, the point is to tell us not to seek revenge. In each of the occasions He references, one could either seek revenge, or comply and 'go the second mile'. We should show love to the one who seek to harm us, not vengeance. "It is Mine to avenge, I will repay", Paul reminds us in Romans 12:19, quoting Deuteronomy 32:35.
The book of Acts gives us plenty of examples of the early Apostles and disciples standing up for Jesus and not being push-overs.
Reading this in context of the rest of the bible shows that the point is love, not vengeance.
Up next: Jesus' Command #10 - Love your enemies (a GREAT follow up to this command)
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Jesus' Command #8 - Keep Your Word
In Matthew 5:33-37 Jesus seems to give us one command to keep our word, but with a few points to make along the way.
First of all He says, "Do not break your oath". Clearly, we must understand the importance of keeping our word. In verse 33 he references the Old Testament commands in Exodus 19:12 and Numbers 30:2.
He goes on to say, "Do not swear an oath at all." People would (and still do) swear an oath 'by Heaven' or 'by Earth' or 'by their own head' and that would be their way of saying that they really mean it. Jesus says 'You can't even make one hair on your head black or white, so how could you swear on that?'
So far He's made it clear that we shouldn't even make an oath, but if we must, don't swear by Heaven, or Earth, or by your own head.
Finally (and I think most importantly), He says that our word should be strong enough that all we need to tell someone is 'Yes' or 'No' and they will be confident that we will follow through with what we say. There will be no need to say, "I promise". If we have consistent character and always follow through with what we tell people, they'll never need to wonder whether we'll follow through with what we say. No promise will be necessary. Consistency of character will develop trust.
Up next: Jesus command #9 - Go the Extra Mile
First of all He says, "Do not break your oath". Clearly, we must understand the importance of keeping our word. In verse 33 he references the Old Testament commands in Exodus 19:12 and Numbers 30:2.
He goes on to say, "Do not swear an oath at all." People would (and still do) swear an oath 'by Heaven' or 'by Earth' or 'by their own head' and that would be their way of saying that they really mean it. Jesus says 'You can't even make one hair on your head black or white, so how could you swear on that?'
So far He's made it clear that we shouldn't even make an oath, but if we must, don't swear by Heaven, or Earth, or by your own head.
Finally (and I think most importantly), He says that our word should be strong enough that all we need to tell someone is 'Yes' or 'No' and they will be confident that we will follow through with what we say. There will be no need to say, "I promise". If we have consistent character and always follow through with what we tell people, they'll never need to wonder whether we'll follow through with what we say. No promise will be necessary. Consistency of character will develop trust.
Up next: Jesus command #9 - Go the Extra Mile
Sunday, December 07, 2014
Jesus' Command #7 - Do Not Lust
Jesus makes this one very clear in Matthew 5:27; You have heard it said, 'You shall not commit adultery', but I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully, has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Jesus is drawing a line in the sand here. He's saying that it is not only our physical actions that matter, but what's in our heart, and what we allow our mind to think, that are sin.
Men, when we see an attractive woman we are not to allow our minds to think a lustful thought about her. We MUST turn our eyes and our thoughts elsewhere; quickly!
When we allow our minds to wander and think about things we ought not, it is the pathway to causing even more depraved thoughts with the risk of putting those thoughts into sinful action. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, "Take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ." When we find ourselves with unclean thoughts we are to take them captive; lock them up, and get rid of them, and turn our minds elsewhere.
Up next: Jesus' Command #8 - Keep Your Word
Men, when we see an attractive woman we are not to allow our minds to think a lustful thought about her. We MUST turn our eyes and our thoughts elsewhere; quickly!
When we allow our minds to wander and think about things we ought not, it is the pathway to causing even more depraved thoughts with the risk of putting those thoughts into sinful action. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, "Take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ." When we find ourselves with unclean thoughts we are to take them captive; lock them up, and get rid of them, and turn our minds elsewhere.
Up next: Jesus' Command #8 - Keep Your Word
Monday, December 01, 2014
Jesus' Command #6 - Be Reconciled
Matthew 5:23-24 says, "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the alter and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the alter. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift."
To be reconciled means to restore or change from one thing to another. The Greek context indicates that one or both parties could be at fault.
Jesus is saying that even when we are doing something as important as offering Him a sacrifice, if you realize you have an unresolved issue with someone you must go and restore the relationship first and then come back to offer your sacrifice.
I've heard it said that God is in the restoration business. It's clear throughout the bible that He wants relationships restored; our relationships with Him and our relationships with others. In fact, I would say that is the common theme that is woven throughout the entire bible; God's plan to restore or reconcile us with Him all the way from Adam and Eve's first sin through His returning to take us into eternity with Him at the End Times in Revelation. How beautiful is that!?
Next up: Jesus' Command #7 - Do Not Lust
To be reconciled means to restore or change from one thing to another. The Greek context indicates that one or both parties could be at fault.
Jesus is saying that even when we are doing something as important as offering Him a sacrifice, if you realize you have an unresolved issue with someone you must go and restore the relationship first and then come back to offer your sacrifice.
I've heard it said that God is in the restoration business. It's clear throughout the bible that He wants relationships restored; our relationships with Him and our relationships with others. In fact, I would say that is the common theme that is woven throughout the entire bible; God's plan to restore or reconcile us with Him all the way from Adam and Eve's first sin through His returning to take us into eternity with Him at the End Times in Revelation. How beautiful is that!?
Next up: Jesus' Command #7 - Do Not Lust
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Jesus' Command #5 - Honor God's Law
Matthew 5:17 says, "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." I'm having trouble processing this as a command of Christ. It seems more informative. He's telling us the the law that is recorded in the Old Testament is not being abolished by His coming to earth in the flesh, but is being fulfilled. I suppose it could be seen as a command because He's letting us know that, though He came, the Old Testament is not erased and we must honor it.
This can be a very confusing statement for us in modern times whether you follow Christ or not. My first instinct is to ask why we don't follow the Jewish calendar of celebrations, or the laws on being clean and unclean, or why we don't sacrifice animals anymore. It's important here to understand that there are three types of laws in the Old Testament; ceremonial, civil and moral. The ceremonial laws were put in place to guide the way Israel worshiped God. The whole purpose was to point toward Jesus and what He would do. For instance the sacrificing of the spotless lamb for the forgiveness of sins was fulfilled through Jesus being the final sacrifice of a sinless and blameless lamb. He was even called the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Therefore, upon his death and resurrection, these laws were no longer necessary. Civil laws were put in place as a legal framework for the nation of Israel. The nation of Israel needed a system of laws as any nation does. Especially when the nation was not lead by a dictator king that would institute and enforce the laws he saw fit, like so many other nations of the day. These laws were specific to that nation, although the principles in them are still valid. Moral laws, however, are the direct command of God and are still very much in relevant today. Jesus followed the moral law explicitly while coming under attack for violating ceremonial law.
In looking at these types of laws in the Old Testament, we see that He indeed fulfilled the ceremonial law and that the moral law is still important as God's direct commands to us today.
Up next: Jesus' Command #6 - Be Reconciled
This can be a very confusing statement for us in modern times whether you follow Christ or not. My first instinct is to ask why we don't follow the Jewish calendar of celebrations, or the laws on being clean and unclean, or why we don't sacrifice animals anymore. It's important here to understand that there are three types of laws in the Old Testament; ceremonial, civil and moral. The ceremonial laws were put in place to guide the way Israel worshiped God. The whole purpose was to point toward Jesus and what He would do. For instance the sacrificing of the spotless lamb for the forgiveness of sins was fulfilled through Jesus being the final sacrifice of a sinless and blameless lamb. He was even called the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Therefore, upon his death and resurrection, these laws were no longer necessary. Civil laws were put in place as a legal framework for the nation of Israel. The nation of Israel needed a system of laws as any nation does. Especially when the nation was not lead by a dictator king that would institute and enforce the laws he saw fit, like so many other nations of the day. These laws were specific to that nation, although the principles in them are still valid. Moral laws, however, are the direct command of God and are still very much in relevant today. Jesus followed the moral law explicitly while coming under attack for violating ceremonial law.
In looking at these types of laws in the Old Testament, we see that He indeed fulfilled the ceremonial law and that the moral law is still important as God's direct commands to us today.
Up next: Jesus' Command #6 - Be Reconciled
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Jesus' Command #4 - Let Your Light Shine
"Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16.
The context to this one adds some much needed clarity to the nature of this command. Before this sentence, the bible says, "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put in on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
I think the important thing to remember here is that when you do good things, it is important that those who see you understand that it is for God's glory and from the overflow of love in your heart that you acted. That will show people God's love and point people towards Him.
Also, if all the good in the world were hidden and only the bad was seen by others, the world would be a dark place and our perception of the world could become even darker.
Get out there. Love others and do good. Don't hide your kindness and goodness. If others see the light you are shining take the opportunity to give the honor and glory to God so that they may be drawn to Him too.
Next up: Jesus' Command #5 - Honor God's Law
The context to this one adds some much needed clarity to the nature of this command. Before this sentence, the bible says, "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put in on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
I think the important thing to remember here is that when you do good things, it is important that those who see you understand that it is for God's glory and from the overflow of love in your heart that you acted. That will show people God's love and point people towards Him.
Also, if all the good in the world were hidden and only the bad was seen by others, the world would be a dark place and our perception of the world could become even darker.
Get out there. Love others and do good. Don't hide your kindness and goodness. If others see the light you are shining take the opportunity to give the honor and glory to God so that they may be drawn to Him too.
Next up: Jesus' Command #5 - Honor God's Law
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Jesus' Command #3 - Rejoice
Rejoice! That seems obvious. Why wouldn't we want to be excited and celebrate!? There's interesting context to Jesus' command for us to "rejoice" at the end of the beatitudes. Matthew 5:11-12 says "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Basically we are to rejoice when we are being persecuted for following Jesus. Again I go back to the comment that following Him requires action. You won't be persecuted for holding a belief that you don't make known by word or deed. However, if you are making the gospel known or standing up for something in the name of Jesus, you stand to be persecuted. So much of the world doesn't like what God desires for us to be and do. Jesus says that the world will hate us because they hated Him (John 15:18). All that to say that God assumes we will be persecuted for following Him. And when that happens, REJOICE that we face that trial because of our standing in the Kingdom!
Think of the apostle Paul and Silas singing hymns to God in prison at midnight (Acts 16:25). Think of the apostles "rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name." after being flogged by order of the Sandhedrin (Acts 5:41). That's what it's all about! We can rejoice because we know who we suffer for and with whom we'll spend eternity! Amen!!!
Up next: Jesus' Command #4 - Let Your Light Shine
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Jesus' Command #2 - Follow Me
It seems like such a simple thing; "Follow me" (Matthew 4:19). But what must we do to follow Him? To follow clearly indicates leaving where you are and going somewhere else. Verses 20-22 of that chapter (the next three verses) say that Peter and Andrew left their business and equipment to follow Him. James and John left their job AND their father to follow Him.
Clearly there's a cost to follow Him. Talk is cheap. To follow someone requires action. I heard a great quote recently that is very applicable here; "The difference between interest and passion is action." Anyone can pay lip service to a belief, but you've got to put the rubber to the road and act on your words. Get up and follow!
Also, it occurs to me that we follow when we ourselves don't know how to get somewhere. When people started to abandon Jesus after a tough sermon, He asked the twelve if they were going to leave too. Peter's reply in John 6:68 was, "Where else would we go? You alone have the words of life."
Of course in 2014 we can't physically walk next to a bone and flesh person, Jesus. So what does it look like for us today? I guess it means we pray and spend time with him as well as reading the word to see where he leads, so we can follow.
I feel like there's more to say here, but I'm just not hearing it. I suppose the books of Acts and James would be great places to go to see examples of how to follow and how others have followed.
Please feel free to chime in!
Next up is command number three: Rejoice!
Clearly there's a cost to follow Him. Talk is cheap. To follow someone requires action. I heard a great quote recently that is very applicable here; "The difference between interest and passion is action." Anyone can pay lip service to a belief, but you've got to put the rubber to the road and act on your words. Get up and follow!
Also, it occurs to me that we follow when we ourselves don't know how to get somewhere. When people started to abandon Jesus after a tough sermon, He asked the twelve if they were going to leave too. Peter's reply in John 6:68 was, "Where else would we go? You alone have the words of life."
Of course in 2014 we can't physically walk next to a bone and flesh person, Jesus. So what does it look like for us today? I guess it means we pray and spend time with him as well as reading the word to see where he leads, so we can follow.
I feel like there's more to say here, but I'm just not hearing it. I suppose the books of Acts and James would be great places to go to see examples of how to follow and how others have followed.
Please feel free to chime in!
Next up is command number three: Rejoice!
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Jesus' Command #1 - Repent
Matthew 4:17 - From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven has come near."
It's interesting to me that this is the first command recorded of Jesus and it's the first thing we must do when we come to him; admit our wrong to Him and turn from it.
It also says, "from that time on...". Does that mean that was the main focus of His preaching?
Before Jesus began his public ministry, John the Baptist was preaching the exact same thing. Reference Matthew 3:1-3. The bible says that he was "preparing the way" for Jesus.
When Peter preached in Acts 2, he said, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ or the forgiveness of sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." This clearly tells us that repenting is the first step in turning to, and following Jesus.
In the original Greek repent means to turn around; used in the spiritual sense it is to change your mind. Make an about face and turn away from your sin and turn toward Jesus. To change your mind about Jesus; instead of walking away from Him; doing a 180 and walking toward Him.
I'm trying to be practical as I go through this list of commands, so how do we make this practical? Have I repented? Yes, I've changed my direction and turned toward Jesus and am following Him. Have you?
It's interesting to me that this is the first command recorded of Jesus and it's the first thing we must do when we come to him; admit our wrong to Him and turn from it.
It also says, "from that time on...". Does that mean that was the main focus of His preaching?
Before Jesus began his public ministry, John the Baptist was preaching the exact same thing. Reference Matthew 3:1-3. The bible says that he was "preparing the way" for Jesus.
When Peter preached in Acts 2, he said, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ or the forgiveness of sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." This clearly tells us that repenting is the first step in turning to, and following Jesus.
In the original Greek repent means to turn around; used in the spiritual sense it is to change your mind. Make an about face and turn away from your sin and turn toward Jesus. To change your mind about Jesus; instead of walking away from Him; doing a 180 and walking toward Him.
I'm trying to be practical as I go through this list of commands, so how do we make this practical? Have I repented? Yes, I've changed my direction and turned toward Jesus and am following Him. Have you?
Do We Really Follow the Great Commission
As God continues to sanctify us (make us more like Christ), removing the bad from our nature and replacing it with the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23) we should find that we commit sins less often. That's just basic to following Christ. But following Christ is more than putting a stop to our bad behavior, it's doing the things he asks us to do. After Jesus gave us the part of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) that everyone seems to recite; "Go into all the world and make disciples" there is a second part to that commission that says, "teaching them to obey my commandments".
I see three basic steps to following Jesus. First we decide to follow Jesus and are continually sanctified throughout our lifetime as we spend time with Him in prayer and in the Word. Then we begin to tell others about Jesus (the first step in making disciples). Then we teach them to obey what He commands. I think this third step is often missed in our own lives, let alone our discipleship of others. We are very focused on making "converts" and helping them get over their sinfulness, without teaching them Jesus' commands (or even following them ourselves).
I've thought about this a lot the last several months (or more) and it occurs to me that I need to have a good understanding of what Jesus commands me to do. I've decided to use the list of 49 commands of Jesus from "The Institute in Basic Life Principles" (http://iblp.org/questions/what-are-commands-christ) in my own study of what Jesus asks of us. I intend to use this blog to post my thoughts and notes from my own study. I don't know where this will go or if it will be worth while for anyone else to read, but I'm going to put it out there instead of leaving it in a notebook somewhere.
Stay tuned for command number one: Repent
I see three basic steps to following Jesus. First we decide to follow Jesus and are continually sanctified throughout our lifetime as we spend time with Him in prayer and in the Word. Then we begin to tell others about Jesus (the first step in making disciples). Then we teach them to obey what He commands. I think this third step is often missed in our own lives, let alone our discipleship of others. We are very focused on making "converts" and helping them get over their sinfulness, without teaching them Jesus' commands (or even following them ourselves).
I've thought about this a lot the last several months (or more) and it occurs to me that I need to have a good understanding of what Jesus commands me to do. I've decided to use the list of 49 commands of Jesus from "The Institute in Basic Life Principles" (http://iblp.org/questions/what-are-commands-christ) in my own study of what Jesus asks of us. I intend to use this blog to post my thoughts and notes from my own study. I don't know where this will go or if it will be worth while for anyone else to read, but I'm going to put it out there instead of leaving it in a notebook somewhere.
Stay tuned for command number one: Repent
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