The One Who Serves Me

Martha usually gets a bad rap. She is the sister of Mary and Lazarus who bears the scarlet letter throughout history as being the one who is busily distracted in Jesus presence (see Luke 10:38-42). Thankfully at that moment, Jesus gave her a gentle rebuke instead of letting her continue in her misguided agenda by reminding her of the one thing that was really important. Next we see Martha in John 11 just before Jesus performs his climactic miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead. But here, Martha runs to Jesus (ahead of her sister), communes with him, and declares him Lord (John 11:20-27). Finally upon Jesus return to Bethany at a dinner in his honor, Martha serves (John 12:1-2). This time, there is no indication of Jesus' correction of her actions even though her service here is moments before her sister Mary does the dramatic and unadulterated act of anointing Jesus with oil and wiping his feet with her hair!

Martha grew. Her disposition, her tendency, her make-up was to serve with her hands. She was probably a savvy homemaker and efficient at daily tasks. Jesus did not belittle this. Rather, he validated it. He simply wanted her heart to be infused with true service as her hands were busy. I've talked with many frustrated women who quickly identify themselves as "being a Martha" or "The Marta Syndrome". I think if we truly look at her growth and how she learned to serve the Lord in her own capacity and strength then that label can be worn proudly and not with defeated scorn upon oneself. Face it, we're all busy. But God does not equate busyness with sin or failure. Had Martha not served diligently and worshipped Jesus through these means at that dinner in Bethany, would there have been ample time or a hospitable environment for Jesus' glorious anointing by Mary? Her service was key to the moment and so is ours.

"Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me."
John 12:26

Where Do You Wash?

In John 9, Jesus heals a blind man by making mud and telling him to go and wash at a particular place (the Pool of Siloam). The man is obedient to these instructions and receives sight. Earlier in this story, the disciples asked why this man was blind (personal sin? sin of his parents?) and Jesus clearly states that it is to bring glory to the Father. I can only assume that this monumental miracle of giving him sight was the beginning of fulfillment of this plan.

Consider that the man washed exactly where Jesus told him to find relief. I don't think he had to convince him that he needed some cleansing here. Have you ever had dust in your eye? Imagine mud caked on your face. So the point being that instead of just grabbing from any source of comfort nearby (perhaps a jug of water at his feet, a cup of water held by a bystander, or even a bucket at a nearby well) this man went to a very specific place for help. So with us, Jesus sends us to a specific place for help in our suffering. He declares that he is the living water. Let's go to him and let God have the glory for cleaning out the grit in our lives.

Isaiah 58....

8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.

9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.

Stick Around

Final thought on the story of the adulterous woman brought before Jesus in John 8 (see previous post)...
This woman remained before the only one who could truly judge her while her accusers fled the scene one by one, oldest to youngest. I think she could have left with the rest of the crowd but she lingered in Jesus' presence.

Why? When we are ready, the Lord's promptings for us to let him do surgery on our hearts is a welcome thing. It has been said that before we're saved we're found in the fire of judgement but after we know Christ as our personal saviour, we are in the fire of refinement. Discomfort is almost guaranteed when the Lord brings an area to light that He wants to work on in our lives. Feelings of exposure might stir up guilt or shame within us. But the final result of forgiveness and restoration before our loving and righteous mediator is worth the temporary pain. Praise God that he gives us time to choose.

To get close enough to him and stay in his company long enough to allow His cleansing touch is ALWAYS a good thing. Of that we can be sure. Easiest, no. Best, yes!

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
-Matthew 11:28-30

What Goes Around

The beginning of John 8 gives a brief account of yet another attempt of man to bring judgement upon another. This is so like us. Our human propensity is to point out all the faults in those around us and even go so far as demand judgement and due consequence.

Here, they brought an adulterous woman before Jesus trying to trick him. They asked what should be done to her. As they had been taught through the law, death was her penalty. But Jesus wrote in the sand beneath their feet. He spoke to them, "Whoever is without sin, cast the first stone," then began to write again. After they left Jesus in the company of this sinner, he extended the opposite of what they had expected - grace. Giving the one "caught" the freedom to leave "freed". She was forgiven and free to have a fresh start. But what of the accusers? They left bound. Bound up in their legalism, darkness, and pride. The very thing they intended in their humanity to dish out came back upon them in full force - works.

"Then they asked him, what must we do to do the works that God requires. Jesus answered, 'The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent." John 6:28-28

Who is this man?

And what does he have to do with you?

I came across a thoughtful statement in a Beth Moore study that many of our ladies are going through as a group. Within the text is an encouraging segment on the examples of certain heroes of our faith that made a monumental difference for the Kingdom, but were pretty normal kind of people. That alone blows my mind right there, because I often muse about doing big things for God, but convince myself that it takes a lot more that what I've got to make it happen. These champions are the modern day Moses, Joshua, and David.

Regarding the commitment of William Carey to spread the gospel in India in the late 1700's despite hardships, struggles, many twists and turns of supposed ministry paths, and little acceptance of the good news for many years, he persevered to an ultimate breakthrough of God's love and life-giving truth toward an otherwise lost people. (For details, I encourage you to investigate the whole of William Carey's story where I'm sure you will find many streams of encouragement.)

Beth Moore writes, "We must persevere in our commitment to Christ, not in our commitment to our commitment." (Believing God, p. 176) Ouch! Sometimes I get more motivated by reaching goals in my spiritual walk than by simply reaching toward my Savior. Oh I know the bible reading plans build our faith, and I know the chapters of study material deepen our walk and application of Scripture. To that end, there is no doubt. But I cannot say that my motivation is always purely to know God more and to infuse His purpose in my life.

May the Lord continue to draw us close to Him, that we may know of His goodness and execute it outwardly in all aspects of life. May the steps we take toward our spiritual goals be the by-product of the simplicity of following Christ.

Of Mary who sat at Jesus' feet.....

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42

"No, but..."

Not a direct quote from God, but that was more or less the beginning of His response to King David who desired to build a temple for the presence of the Lord to dwell in (2 Sam 7). I always saw that particular interaction as somewhat of a chastisement from God upon David. His heart seemed to be in the right place and he wanted to do something grand for the Lord. But God did not want David to take on this feat. David was a "man of war". During his reign there was a lot of bloodshed and tension from Israel's adversaries.

In actuality, the answer God gave was a response of grace. Later, we find out that it took seven years to build the temple and that was after the plans had already been given for it as well as much of the supplies of precious metals, costly stones, and wood were accumulated for its construction. Can you imagine how much preparation and manpower it would have taken only one dynasty to oversee? Keep in mind that they didn't have the industrious railroad or highways filled with semis to deliver commodities in that day. God simply knew that there were not long enough periods of peace in the land while David was king to effectively accomplish the entirety of this this work.

It was also an answer full of love. God gave David a gift in allowing the project to be completed by his son Solomon, providing David with the design plans, and giving him access as king to the costly supplies mentioned earlier. David was allowed to play a huge role in the building process. Looking past the initial response and observing more deeply into the unfolding of events, we can see how God wisely distributes grace toward His children. That includes every one of them. You and I as well. Bask in the love that He lavishes upon you and know that it's OK when God denies or delays our requests for a greater good.

Watch and Learn

So many great things have been said in memory of my grandma who passed away during the holidays. She was a beautiful believer who really made an impact in so many lives. I always remember her making us, her grandchildren, feel loved and her pride in her family was very evident. Reflection on her life brings a new richness and reality to the command that Scripture gives us on living out our faith. Even those moments that may seem small (giving a compliment, listening to someone share, giving a hug or a smile) go a long way and make a big difference. Don't hold back.

James 1:22-25 says, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does."

Although imperfect, like any of us, my grandma was a great example of spirit-filled living. Think about the people in your life who set an example that you respect. But don't just watch, challenge yourself to live it out too.

Delivering "take-out"

1 Kings 18 records a tremendous historical highlight of the prophet Elijah battling for God's name-sake against the pagan nation that served Baal wholeheartedly under King Ahab and his ruthless wife, Jezebel. A notable account not to be overlooked or taken lightly. But within the margins of this intense drama in Israel's history, lies some insight on a man named Obadiah. He was apparently a high-ranking servant to King Ahab, more specifically "in charge of his house." During a perilous time when it was deadly to be a prophet of the Lord because of Jezebel's quest to kill them, Obadiah risked all. He hid 100 prophets in two caves and provided bread and water to sustain them. Obadiah's next role was to go to King Ahab and announce Elijah's where abouts - a task that would most assuredly end in revelation of his personal commitment to the Lord and put his life at further risk. But I'll let you read what happened after that and return your attention back to two specific things...

1. For a season, Obadiah faithfully worked behind the scenes (literally!) by hiding 100 of the Lord's prophets from incessant danger. God used him to preserve a remnant in Israel that would have a spiritually rippling effect for centuries to come!

2. The prophets Obadiah protected were safely tucked away inside caves and sustained by Obadiah's faithful provision of bread and water even though the land was in a severe drought!

Consider the things we do by the unction of the Lord that will have long-term effects in the Kingdom of Christ. Obadiah was dependable to use his resources for God and God took over from there, increasing the results into His plan for the future. Finally, if we examine the living conditions of the prophets in the caves, we see a true picture of the Lord. They were hemmed in by the rocks, they drank of the water, and they were sustained by the bread.

The Lord is our rock.
The Holy Spirit is the cleansing water.
Jesus is the Bread of Life.

We also can rest in Him, drink of Him, and always depend on Him. He is in total control and He will accomplish His mighty works!

Cultivated Capacity

So often the apostle Paul lays out spiritual direction in black and white. He was just that kind of guy - no beating around the bush - no time for that in his ministry. So when he summarizes that he is a "servant of the Gospel" in Colossians chapter one, I think, Yeah, he was an apostle, a missionary, an evangelist, he discipled other church leaders and pastored churches all over the place. He did serve the gospel. Go Paul! OK, now on to the next verse....

But wait. Every scripture is God-breathed and useful for rebuke, correction, instruction, and training in righteousness in our lives that we too (like Paul) may be made whole and equipped for every good work. Now think of the title roles in our lives. There are many. Wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, caretaker, neighbor, parishioner, employee, etc. How can we "serve the Gospel" through these positions God has placed us in?

Do all things as unto the Lord and not unto men and He will reward us as partakers of the inheritance (see Col. 3:23-24). To grow in this dimension of our existence adds richness and color to what could otherwise be deemed as common. Attend to the Gospel of grace in the creative capacities of your day, week, month, and year.

Slow and steady wins the race

At a birthday party this weekend my daughter was among six girls of all ages who gathered around for the next game. Their goal was to be the first one to thread several small beads onto a piece of string. Fingers flew. Some started with success then met frustration because of a run in with a frayed end on their string or an irregular plastic bead that kept rejecting the imposing cord. Frustratingly, other girls started out by dropping beads in their bustle of excitement but later fell into a momentum of pick up, thread through, pick up, thread through, pick up, thread through. A caring mommy nearby cheered, "Slow and steady wins the race, girls!" The tension was building. It was anyone's game.

Finally squeals rang out when the first string was raised declaring victory. Shortly after, the next one rose, and the next until all the girls had successfully reached the desired end. Faces once full of concentration transformed to smiles for the crowd while a half dozen rainbowed snakes dangled in the air. All were happy because in this case they all became winners. Each girl had her prize in hand-a new backpack zipper pull, a cell phone or Nintendo DS charm, a gift for Grammy, or perhaps a new bracelet or necklace.

Such is the life of a believer. Steady plodding through the Christian life will lead to a victorious end. The apostle Paul said that he hadn't arrived yet (already obtained perfection or "completeness") but would press on in order to receive that which Jesus had laid hold for him (see Philippians 3: 12-15). Oh, the obstacles will come. The tripping up along the way due to our human frailties will slow us down at times, but we get up again and get back in the race. Don't linger in the past (v. 13) but press on toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (v. 14). Someday we will all raise the victory flag and look into the approving eyes of our audience - the Lord.

Small But Mighty

While studying through the book of James, we were asked to think of adjectives that would describe the tongue. In James’ account of its influence and power (James 3:2-12), he likens it to a bridle in a horse’s mouth, able to control this muscular animal and direct its path even though it is such a small instrument. Next, he compares it to the rudder of a ship. This discreet piece of equipment also wields great power and influence on not only the vessel it is directing, but also upon the cargo and crew riding upon it. As if this doesn’t raise warning enough for the reader, he calls the tongue a fire. Think of the small spark that ignites a raging inferno consuming everything in its path. Unlike natural fire, the unrighteous source of this “fire” to which James refers is hell. The tongue is able to defile one’s body and even destroy the course of their life.

With this poignant picture in my head, I came up with a few adjectives. Dangerous. Powerful. Controlling. None of these quite encompass the magnitude of what I wanted to say about the Lord’s impacting words regarding the tongue. Then it occurred to me. Not an adjective, but a noun...flubber.

It’s been a long time since I have seen “The Absent-Minded Professor” if I’ve even watched the entire movie at all. And although I know I’ve seen the latest version entitled “Flubber,” I cannot recall many details of the film as a whole. I do recollect however a few captivating scenes. Thus, the reason for my tongue/flubber epiphany.

Remember when Fred MacMurry (Professor Brainard) puts this unique substance on the soles of the college basketball teams’ sneakers? The team goes flying high. They awe the crowd and win the game by leaps and bounds (literally). Everyone watching this wishes that such an event could actually occur. Oh how quickly I could get work done around the house with a little of that under my slippers. And those spider webs in our vaulted ceilings would be no match for me!

That scene was fun and lighthearted, but the really vivid imagery that says it all is in the modern version of this film where the professor first discovers flubber in his lab. Initially this small, gentle, and even cute blob seems innocent enough. Subtle responses to a little momentum begin slowly. Soon, spurts of spirited motion amaze the professor but that doesn’t alarm him. Then, increasing blasts of energy occur. It morphs, multiplies, and even does the mambo! But as the scene progresses, the flubber takes on a life of its own and becomes increasingly mischievous. Computerized movie-making magic displays green silicone bouncing in all directions of the lab reeking havoc while the professor frantically dodges its dangerous paths. It doesn’t take long for him to realize the power now set in motion. Although it seemed harmless, it quickly grew out of control and emblazoned with enough energy to destroy him and everything else along the way. Does this sound familiar?

James gave us a sobering reminder of the untamed nature of our mouths. The tongue (the pen, they keyboard) rattles on daily. Each word is a blessing, a curse, or something in between. For the maturing believer, these words should be an indication of growth in learning God’s ways and applying them to our lives. Previous to this excerpt, James admonishes those with faith in Jesus to put that belief to work through actions. Here’s a great opportunity to do so. One of the utmost importance.

If the tongue is the evidence of what we are on the inside, then let us challenge ourselves to give God control by allowing Him to transform our hearts and minds. As bridles, may our tongues take us in the right direction. As rudders, may they lead us toward righteousness, and as a fires, may they burn with holiness and reap good spiritual fruit along the way.

The words of a follower of Christ should be filtered first by the Holy Spirit and secondly by the wisdom given by God through His Word. How else will the world know that Christ is alive within us? Children can learn of God’s mercy when we speak compassionately. Co-workers can learn of God’s forgiveness when we express grace. Hurting friends can learn of God’s help when we share hope. May we tip the scale, not in our favor, but in God’s today by speaking more words of blessings than those of curses. It is by His perfect Words of Scripture and through the embodiment of His Words in Jesus that we are changed. No man can tame the tongue, but God can.

Get Used

Thanks to an awesome accountability connection with a friend, I've recently been reading through a few books of the bible repeatedly, namely Judges, 1st & 2nd Timothy, and Esther. Although there is so much to be gleaned on various topics, the compilation of these books have given me one main thing to consider... to get used by God.

In Judges there are several people (unlikely choices such as a mother, an ox herder, brave Gideon with a waning army, etc.) who God uses to bring deliverance to His beloved and restoration in their lives.

In 1st & 2nd Timothy, Timothy (a newer and unseasoned ministry guy) is lead step by step on how to let God use him to reach out to believers with truth, love and purpose.

In Esther, God uses a young Jewish girl to save her nation by giving her a platform before the king.

1. God sets the stage.
2. It's a matter of obedience to take that situation we're feeling led to act upon.
3. Get used by God.