Victory over death part 2

April 5, 2020

Today is “Palm Sunday.” This story is found in all for Gospels, (first four books of the New Testament about Jesus life, ministry, and miracles).

From Mark’s account we see an interesting bit about the donkey Jesus rode into Jerusalem that day. “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.” [Mark 11:2 NLT] A donkey, in American thinking, is stupid and stubborn. Riding one that nobody has ever ridden would have been almost impossible. Yet this is a fulfillment of prophecy. “Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey -- riding on a donkey’s colt.” [Zechariah 9:9 NLT] The choice of a donkey is significant because it is what a king would ride if he were entering a city in peace. In war time, the choice would have been a horse.

As Jesus entered the city, “Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, “Praise God (Hosanna) for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD! Praise God in highest heaven!” [Matthew 21:9 NLT] This comes from Psalm 118:26 – 27. The Jewish tradition at the time was to shout “Hosanna” and wave palm branches around the Torah (first five books of the Bible) during the festival of Sukkot (Booths/Tabernacles).  This outraged the political elites of Jesus’ day. They insisted Jesus quiet the crowd. Jesus’ responded, “... “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!” [Luke 19:40 NLT]

This is five days before the Passover. According to the Old Testament Law, this was the day the Passover lambs were chosen (destined for sacrifice they were taken into the home) . With the huge amount of lambs (and what they drop on the road) brought into the city that day, no wonder the crowd laid down their cloaks. Jesus is openly displaying Himself as the Messiah to the people that day. But Jesus was understood to be the Passover lamb to be sacrifice so the people would be spared. John the Baptist declared, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” [John 1:29b NLT] Paul understood, “Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us.” {1 Corinthians 5:7c NLT]

Jesus enters the Temple, looks around, and leaves. [Mark 11:11] He does nothing. He doesn’t start what would have been an expected rebellion. He doesn’t give a sermon. He simple goes back to Bethany (and goes to bed). I’m guessing that may have been a letdown for people expecting a deliverer. But, Jesus does not meet our expectations, especially when He has something better in mind. The path to victory is not through the sword or sermon. Victory comes only as Jesus lays down His life. Deliverance comes only through the shed blood of Jesus.

The whole trip, from the “Triumphal Entry” to the crucifixion seems scripted as suicidal. Jesus’ confrontations with the political elite, posing as experts of religion, looks like He is poking, prodding and provoking them to into their actions. Yet, I think this shows Jesus is in control of every situation, event and outcome from beginning to end. Jesus clearly understood what He was doing. Listen in on His conversation with the disciples, “From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead.” [Matthew 16:21 NTL]

I do not know what the future holds; except Jesus will return and set all wrongs right. Nobody knows the day or the hour. Who knows how this COVID-19 will fit in, if it fits at all. Yet I see humanity doing everything it can to escape the inescapable. Death waits for us. Maybe not today, or tomorrow, or next week; but it waits and will take every one of us (short of divine interruption in the natural course of history). Just remember our expectations can be very different than Jesus’ plan. His plan is always better than we expect.

Pandemic Tip #10

April 3, 2020

In this time of desperation we need each other. Relationships are one key to emotional health. Unfortunately not all relationships are healthy.

One such glaring relationship is found between Jesus and Judas Iscariot. It’s hard to think that the Christ, one who never sinned, would have an unhealthy relationship with someone close to Him. But let’s take a look at it.

Judas Iscariot was hand-picked by Jesus to be one of the Twelve Disciples, His inner circle (Mark 3:19). Judas was the treasure for the group and is recorded to having been a “thief.” John 12:6 reads, “Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.” [NLT]

He is probably best known for betraying Jesus. The Bible does not tell us his motivation for such a dastardly deed. But it does seem cruel to betray a close friend (Psalm 41:9). Judas had invested three years into following Jesus. Judas listened to everything Jesus taught and watched every miracle. Jesus even washed his feet at the “Last Supper.” John 13:27 notes Satan entered Judas after he had eaten the bread (Eucharist, communion, Lord’s Supper). But Jesus already knew Judas’ future was bad, very bad. (John 6:70 – 71)

What happened to him? I’m glad you asked!!!

A clue might be found in John 13:2 which tells us, “It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.” [NLT] The word translated “prompted” is the Greek word βάλλω (ballō) which means “to throw.” This throwing action carries with it the idea of being violent and intense.

Despite following Jesus, Judas had a character flaw and the tendency to steal. This love of money became the wedge between him and God. At a critical moment in John 12, he was angry at losing a chance to gain more. Thus Satan had an opportunity to violently invade Judas’ soul. In fact, Luke 22:3 claims, “Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples.”

Judas had a pattern of sin in his life that left the door open for Satan to violently invade his decision making process at a critical moment. This destroyed what should have been Judas’ most critical relationship.

I am suggesting this is still a pattern, one of Satan's schemes. We give the devil critical space in our life with desire and behavior. Thus, we are prompted to say or do something cruel at a critical moment. I have watched this pattern repeat countless times in believer's lives.... and cried.

Call it a “stronghold” from which to operate (2 Corinthians 10:4). This space can betray us at a critical moment causing us to destroy a relationship or someone we love. Judas traded three years and the Messiah for 30 pieces of silver. A token price paid for a slave. This was a fulfillment of prophecy (Zechariah 11:12 -- 14).

Watch out. In this trying time of “lock down” and “social distancing” there will be a lot of opportunity for Satan to grab something in your life and cause you to damage the ones you love. Then again, maybe this is just exposing something unhealthy that needs to be corrected.

"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." [1 Peter 5:8 NLT]

Pandemic Tip #9

April 1, 2020

Decisions, decisions. We all make choices. Those choices shape our current circumstances and future destinies. Some are choosing to stay in place, others are deciding to ignore common sense guidelines.

The prophet Joel spoke about a time of decision. Joel 3:14 states, “Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.” [ESV]

What is Joel talking about? I am glad you asked!!!

First Joel is thought to have lived in the 9^th century B.C. Probably a contemporary of Elisha, he would have been one of the earliest writing prophets. He gives striking detail to “the Day of the LORD” which is believed to be an end time prophecy. It was Joel that Peter used on the day of Pentecost to prove the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Joel points to a time when Israel would be restored (verse 1). So he is speaking about a time AFTER Israel is distressed or disbanded. One possible meaning would be the re-founding of the nation of Israel in 1948.

Verse 2 refers to the “Valley of Jehoshaphat.” This location is where nations will be judged (also in verse 12). There is a complaint God has against the nations trading boys and girls for prostitutes and alcohol (verse 3). A revolving door of slavery is discussed in verses 4 – 8. The nations are called to war against Israel (verses 9 – 11).

This brings us to the critical time of decision. “For the day of the LORD is near” declares verse 14. The idea of "decision" is odd because the verses surrounding it are clear that this is a terrifying time of judgement. God's judgement has already been rendered. Joel must be referring to some thing else. In other words, Joel is talking about a “decision” made by humans, not made by God. 

The decision for the nations (that's us) to make is whether we will bend our knee to the King of Glory or remain in rebellion. The first offers eternal life in an eternal and literal heaven (and new creation). The second offers eternal torment in an eternal and literal lake of fire (typically known as "Hell" -- Revelation 20:14).  By the way, Jesus is very descriptive of what we generally call “Hell” as being a place of eternal emotional misery and physical torment. 

Contrary to "popular belief" God does not send anyone to Hell. We choose an eternity of misery and torment over the loving offer of eternal bliss. Then again, maybe this eternal misery is better than spending eternity in the presence of a God we have generally rejected and some have despised. But that is our decision. 

How do we make this decision? First, admit you have done wrong (“sinned”) and fall short of any and all standards of God. You have no hope in yourself or in any means, other than Jesus, to reach heaven. (Romans 3:23)

Believe in Jesus. (Acts 16:3) What we cannot do, Jesus did for us. In fact, Paul claims, “For our sake he (God the Father) made him (Jesus, God the son) to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” [ESV]

We must confess Jesus is Lord. This claim is audacious because it is declaring Jesus to be God, to be the sole rightful ruler of all, and to be the only one that saves. Claiming this in the Jewish/Roman world was hazardous. It cost social standing, economic well-being, and for some life. “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” (Romans 10:9 – 10 NLT)

Does that seem too easy? Maybe that’s the point. All are invited. No one is excluded. So easy even a child can do it. It's as easy as A - B - C. Kind of hurts the pride, eh?

Pandemic Tip #8

March 30, 2020

I’m still seeing misunderstanding among Christians about “fear” and “faith.” Let me take apart a very important verse in this discussion.

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”  [2 Timothy 1:7 KJV]

I’m not doing a “smarter than you" type thing. It’s what I am trained to do. Kind of like going to a doctor if you are sick. It’s what the doctor has trained to do. 

The word “fear” is the Greek word δειλία (deilia). Literally it means “timidity” or better yet “cowardice.” This is in context to unfeigned faith (v 5), gift of God (v 6), and not being ashamed (v 7). What Paul is saying is that in the exercise of our faith and the spiritual gifts God has given us; we are not to be afraid or ashamed. Encouraging one another in context to the exercise of our faith using our spiritual gifts is proper.

Let me see if I can help you understand this better. 2 Timothy 2:7 is the ONLY place in the New Testament that “deilia” is used. Typically in studying Scripture, it is unwise to build a theology off a single passage (or worse yet one word). We must pay attention and take it seriously. Which means we need to understand it and not add meaning to the text.

So for instance when the Bible says “I can do all things…” it does not mean I will quarterback the next Super Bowl championship team. The context to the “all things” was hardship and comfort.

The “fear” is contrasted to three things. First, there is “power.” The word here is δύναμις (dunamis). In the Greek this is the “ability” type power. (The Biblical Greek has multiple words for our English “power” each means something different.) Power is one of Paul’s favorite concepts (behind faith, hope, and love). A believer without power or the “ability” to exercise their faith is useless.

The next contrast to “fear” is “love.” Here you have it. The opposite of fear is not courage, it is love. Again, the Greek, has multiple terms for our English word “love.” We see Paul using the word, ἀγάπη (agapē). If you have been in church and heard this explained you will know this is understood as “unconditional love.” Maybe a more complete understanding would be “unconditional love in action.” This kind of love drives out fear (1 John 4:18), which is φόβος (phobos). That’s the kind of fear that inspires dread and terror. It’s paralyzing panic. Love and fear cannot exist in the same person at the same time.

The final contrast to “fear” is translated “sound mind” while modern translations generally say something like “self-control” or “discipline.” The Greek is σωφρονισμός (sōphronismos). To paint a word picture, think “sober.” Meaning not under the influence of panic.

So God has given the follower of Christ the ability to deal with circumstances and people who would try to intimidate the follower from exercising their faith. Love is the pivot point. As in, do we love God best and most? And finally, we are given the skill to think clearly outside the influence of trying circumstances and unhealthy people.

Let me make this clear. Follow your local government and health officials recommendations. At the present, our government is saying, if you are sick, older, or have an undying condition “stay home.” Other guidelines include, practice social distancing and proper hand washing. This is not fear, it’s exercising the sober judgement of a sound mind. It is an act of love, protecting the vulnerable among us. It is the ability to trust God regardless of the confusion and fear that is walking among us.

Is this the Apocalypse ?

March 23, 2020

Some people are wondering if this is the end, like the book of The Revelation type end. So, I’m going to dig into that subject.

I believe the Bible should be read in the simplest and most literal manner that makes sense in context (of the passage, the original writer, and today’s world). I’m not much into the idea of loading our interpretation down with theological systems and presumptive traditions. Personally I believe that Jesus’ return could be at any time.

When we talk about “prophecy,” what we are talking about is actually INTERPRETATION. That interpretation is based on the shifting perspective of the individual in their time period. So for instance, a second century Christian reading about the city on seven hills would automatically think of Rome. In the twenty-first century, another capital city that would fulfill the criteria is Washington D.C. (It is a planned city designed to mirror Rome and sits on seven hills.)

For those new to these ideas, there are multiple ways to understand the book of Revelation. One of them is to see it as a book of “prophecy.” (Events that have yet to happen.) I’d like to point out that John watched them from heaven. This would mean Revelation was written as a history. However, this prophetic view has probably not been the interpretation for the bulk of Christian history.

Much debate has happened about the timing of Jesus’ return. Technically, it’s Jesus’ revelation or apocalypse. The Greek word for reveal is apocalypse. This often centers on the “rapture.” The rapture is a physical removal of believers from the planet earth. It’s important to know “rapture” is never mentioned in the Bible, in any translation. It is a word constructed to describe an event. 

Where does it come from? One thought is that John was taken into heaven to watch the events in Revelation 4:1. The thought is John was representative of the church. Okay, so I started with the one with the biggest stretch of the imagination…

Another place the idea comes into focus us from 1 Thessalonians 5:9a, which states, “For God has not destined us for wrath…” [ESV] The idea is the “Great Tribulation” (the theorized final seven years of earth’s existence before a millennial kingdom is established) is the time of God pouring out His wrath on earth. 

1 Thessalonians 4:17 talks claims, “Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” [ESV] There are also those who point to “being changed in the twinkling of an eye” and the “restrainer” being removed (or stepping aside).  The point is generally those who believe in a “rapture” believe that it will happen BEFORE the “Great Tribulation” when God pours out His wrath on the earth (not just humanity), or in the MIDDLE of the “Great Tribulation," or at the END of that time.

Confused yet? You should be. The problem is matching the events of today with the events of the Bible is a bit dicey. Our perspective is skewed by current events and what we want to see happen. Let’s say you were living in 1918 when the Spanish flu ripped countries and families apart. How would you have seen those days? Those who lived through World War II must have wondered if Hitler and company were not the incarnation of the Four Horseman in Revelation 6.

Let me leave you with some happy thoughts. Paul’s advice for those wondering about the end was, “Therefore encourage one another with these words.” [1 Thessalonians 4:21 ESV] Jesus taught “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” [Luke 21:28 ESV] In other words, in times of unprecedented stress like we are facing now, the follower of Jesus should renew their hope and be reminded that drifting in life is no longer an option. 

Okay, it was never an option. Nothing like a plague to get our attention and wake us up.

(Why do we have to wait for God to grab us by the throat?)

Pandemic Tip #4

March 22, 2020

There are a lot of things to do at home during this time of self-imposed isolation. There are plenty of books being offered for free. [BTW, if you can find anything by C. S. Johnson grab it. She writes “young adult” type books along the “urban fantasy” and “space opera” genres.] Want to learn to play the guitar? Look around, someone is offering free lessons on-line. Art classes are being made available for no charge. Chess lessons are being offered for free. There is always YouTube; where it’s been said anyone can learn anything. You name it, it’s probably available. Go ahead and learn something new or brush up on an old skill. The extension of good will is impressive.

The real human need is contact with others. If they are family, friends, and neighbors; the bottom line is humans are social creatures that need to interact with one another. It’s the way we are designed by our Creator. However, at this point we are being told to practice “social distancing” (which some would argue is NOT enough). Which means we are going to feel a deep sense of isolation, even if we find distraction.

Technology has given us several ways to stay connected. To steal a phrase from an old TV show, “phone a friend.” Some of us still have “phones with tails.” (The ones that plug into the wall and have a curly cord between the handset and the rest of the contraption.) Others are carrying incredible computers in our pockets that can even show us live pictures of the people we are chatting with… or maybe write a short note.  Sure it’s not the physical proximity and contact that we crave and need, but it is contact.

Calling someone is a way to find out if some is in need or if help is required. It's also a great time to share stories and maybe laugh together. You never know what you might learn.

Speaking of calling someone, maybe one of the best calls we could make is to God.  In Psalm 86:7 David admits, “In the day of my trouble I shall call upon You, For You will answer me.” [KJV] David's life was not easy, it should have been but his disobedience and criminal activity cost him dearly. Through it all David maintained his prayer life and experienced mercy and grace.

My suspicion is what we need most is a meaningful, authentic, and right relationship with God. Go ahead, give Him a call. You might be surprised to find that He’s listening and cares more about you than you could possibly imagine. You might just find the mercy and grace you desperately need in this life, and in eternity.

Pandemic Tip #3

March 20, 2020

There is a tendency to think of right and wrong in absolutes. It’s not our fault. When we were in school we were taught that 2 + 2 = 4, any other answer is wrong. Let’s face it, we carry that over to questionable matters like politics and religion. We develop a “we is us, and they is them” mentality. I can, with almost certainty, declare that this blindness will bring death.

There seems to be an idea that “faith” and “fear” are opposites. Some churches will not be meeting as a congregation until the pandemic has passed. They might be accused of “fear.” Other churches will continue to meet under the guise of “faith.” Others might call it dangerous (at best).

I’m going to propose the unthinkable. Neither are right or wrong. What if, they are not on opposite ends of the stick? Maybe we should look at them as different sides of the cut gem. Both correctly looking at the same thing from a different perspective.

The Bible states that the “fear of the LORD” is the beginning of “wisdom.” [Proverbs 9:10] It also claims the “fear of the LORD” is the beginning of “knowledge.” [Proverbs 1:7] We are also told the “fear of the LORD” is a “fountain of life.” [Proverbs 14:27 KJV]

But God is such a loving God, why should we “fear the LORD?” Without fear we will not gain knowledge or wisdom. Let’s face it, some things are just plain dangerous. A healthy fear will go a long way in keeping us alive. That’s the “fountain of life” thing. But this is where we begin to understand “faith.”  Without one you can’t have the other. Fear by itself will make us irrational, unthinking animals. Faith, without correct knowledge will never give us the wisdom we need. Knowledge and wisdom only come from  _________. (Okay, class what is the answer? Hint, four letters and starts with “f.”)

Ummm, back to matters at hand. Should we “fear” the pandemic? My suspicion is we should. We need to take this seriously and take every possible measure to protect ourselves and others against this virus. On this matter, I also believe we need to obey our governing authorities because they probably have the most accurate information about the situation and are acting in good faith.

Then “faith” steps in… What is the worst that is going to happen to you? If you have experienced the mercy and grace of God, then there should be an absolute trust you will spend eternity in heaven. If you have never repented of your sins and trusted what Jesus has done by shedding His blood on the cross, then you are correct to be in absolute terror of this plague.

Then again, the choice is yours.

Pandemic Tip #2

March 19, 2020

When I was growing up, I loved the nursery rhymes and children’s stories. When I grew older, I discovered that the original stories were meant to teach children (and parents) basic “common wisdom” lessons. Like Aesop’s Fables, only the “moral of the story” was left for the reader to figure out.

One such story is “Chicken Little.” The story I heard was the King solved Chicken Little’s problem at the end by giving her an umbrella so the falling acorns would not be a problem. However, this story has a very long and dark past.

The earliest recorded versions of the story had Chicken Little and the rest of her friends (all of them birds) meeting a fox and mindlessly going to the fox’s den, where they never came out. Some have declared the moral of the story is “don’t believe everything you hear.” While that might be part of the message of the story, I think there is also another point. Simply put, “don’t panic.” Basically panic created a situation where an event was interpreted in such a way that reason was lost. Once the emotional panic set in, it became a disease that spread to the other animals. It ended in a fox taking advantage of the panicked birds.

The line that maybe be the best known line in the story is “the sky is falling.” It comes from the version published in 1850. Students of history will recognize that the world was coming off, and in the middle of sicknesses that included Yellow fever, Influenza, and Cholera that did a lot of damage as far as death and fear was concerned.

Jesus warned us about worry when He said, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” [Matthew 6:24 NLT] Do you see it? What Jesus is saying is that when we worry we are thinking about things that may never happen. Energy is spent in “panic mode.” Once panic mode hits, we forget the things we have to deal with today. My suspicion is that once we start into panic mode; we essentially create the thing we fear BECAUSE we are not paying attention to what is important today.

I believe there is good news. Jesus gives peace. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” [Jesus, from John 14:27 NLT] I think the old meme is correct, “Know Jesus, know peace. No Jesus, no peace.”

So while attention is diverted to “am I going to have enough toilet paper tomorrow,” we are missing the real question. The real question you need to ask yourself, “am I on the path to heaven today?”

Pandemic Tip #1

March 18, 2020

Due to the current pandemic of the coronavirus (COVID – 19), services at Faith Alliance Church are suspended for March 22^nd and 29^th. Keep posted for the latest church news. Until then I will be posting some spiritual thoughts for all…

Our local TV station informed me last night that we have been without sports for 5 days. The sports reporter posted a video of him playing ball with his dog in what looked like the news room. Since much, if not all of the world is on voluntary to mandatory “lock down” I was wondering what there would be to do. How are we going to keep our sanity?

Playing ball with the dog or laser tag with the cat sounds fun. Eating with the family sounds intimidating. For some that means actually communicating. Maybe snuggling with your favorite person. All these are good, and maybe they are a much need Sabbath in our competitive and fast-moving world.

Speaking of Sabbath. It started when God created the world and rested on the seventh day. Genesis 2:2 – 3 states, “On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from ALL his work. ³ And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.” [NLT]

Wait, read that again. We are talking about the ALMIGHTY God, who can do whatever He wants, anyway He wants, anytime He wants. The ALMIGHT God took a day off. Let it sink in... The New Living Translation has a foot note that “rested” means He “ceased.”

Ummm, would that have caused everything to stop? After all Colossians 1:17 declares, “He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.” [NLT] So if God took a day off ALL his work including holding everything together; wouldn’t that cause everything to “fall apart at the seams?”

Or maybe God trusted His design to work the way it is supposed to work, at least for one day. Fragile yet durable. Dependent on rest. Now’s a good time to re-evaluate life-driving priorities, re-connect with our loved ones on a meaningful level, re-consider our spiritual path (as in; does it lead to heaven).

So my first bit of advice during this pandemic is “rest.” My suspicion is this is the time for everyone to "give careful thought" to their eternal destiny.