The Profound Pronoun

Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” The Jews replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it again in three days?” But the temple he spoke of was his body. John 2:19, 20 (NIV)

As Easter approaches I recall a sad story that again proves truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. Years ago I read a newspaper account of how a dying Christian man told his family that God would raise him from the grave three months after his death. The account related how three months following the funeral the family had the grave reopened on the day the man had said God would raise him from the dead. The story sadly stated how the man’s casket was disinterred at the family’s request. As they gathered around the casket one of them tapped it with a shovel handle and called to their beloved husband and father to come out. He never did. The family left the cemetery that day with the finality of his death firmly before them as the cemetery personnel prepared to reinter the man’s mortal remains.

I had read today’s verses for years and the astounding meaning of Jesus’ words always seemed to glaze over my understanding. Then one day as I read His words I was stunned. Wait a minute I remember thinking, Jesus said He would raise himself from the dead?! “I will raise up this temple in three days,” displays a Power behind the Pronoun that is not merely a mirror reflection of the Profound, it is the exact nature and essence of the Father. From the very lips of Jesus comes the confession that He and the Father are One (John 10:30). Everything we believe about Jesus Christ revolves around this central event; that is, that Jesus of Nazareth said He would raise Himself from the dead and was witnessed after He did so by hundreds of persons. Hallucinations are rarely shared and the same hallucination is never shared by hundreds of folks at different places and times. These people eye-witnessed the risen Christ and the evidence cannot be explained away as mere hysteria. If the resurrection of Jesus is removed from belief the wheel of Christianity flies apart for us. Our faith is just another ordinary religion of rules and regulations.

It’s been centuries since that first Easter morning and our Profoundest Pronoun, Jesus Christ, continues to be as powerful and actively interested in us. This personal interest is about to finish in our triumph. This same friend who raised Himself from the dead also says, “Behold, I am coming soon.” He is the Power and the Glory forever. On the day He comes to get us no one who died believing on Him will leave the cemetery disappointed. They’ll be out of there in the blink of an eye. And the rest of us who are still standing will be right behind them. Wow, now that’s profound.

Ken

www.devotionstoday.blogspot.com

Multi-Dimensional

“And you shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, ‘Beware that you do not go up on the mountain or touch the border of it; whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot through; whether beast or man, he shall not live.’ When the ram’s horn sounds a long blast, they shall come up to the mountain.” Exodus 19:12, 13 (New American Standard Bible)

“God is love.” I’ve heard it mostly from folks who really want to have nothing to do with Him. In fact, that’s all they want to believe He is. Just love. Imagine the God of the Universe as a one-dimensional being. I don’t know anyone who is one-dimensional, do you? People tell me I have a sense of humor, but I can be serious, too. I love my grandkids and reveal to them great grace but if I need to be firm with them I can be. I’m capable of compassion but I can also stand for justice when it is warranted. I am surely not one-dimensional and neither is any other human being so why is God only love to the majority?

Today’s verses sound pretty harsh, don’t they? Most folks won’t see that God demanded the Israelites respect His awesome holiness, instead they will see in these verses a vengeful and terror inducing deity who would kill anyone who approached Him. Why is God so serious about it? Holiness is the first thing He wants to be known for, not His love. I smile at that recalling when I taught on this a few years back I asked my group if God wanted to be known first for His love or His holiness. Every one of them to a person said “love” and gasped in astonishment when I said “He wants to be known first for His holiness.” My point is He is just not one character trait.

God’s personality is well-rounded and not one-dimensional. While He is neither all love He is neither all thunder and lightning. While He is indeed love He is so much more for me. He is multi-dimensional. He is my provider (Genesis 22:13, 14), my health (Exodus 15:26), my banner (Exodus 17:8-15), my peace (Judges 6:24), my shepherd (Psalm 23:1), my righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6), and is always present for me (Ezekiel 48:35). Personally, I’m glad He isn’t just love. His being so much more means He has so much more to offer me as His child and His perfect holiness makes all of that for me perfect.

Ken

www.devotionstoday.blogspot.com

When Christians Collide

And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Colossians 3:12, 13 (New American Standard Bible)

Disagreements happen among Christians and sometimes they can be heated. Two instances in the early church are when Paul faced Peter for his flip-flopping before the believing Jews concerning believing Gentiles (Galatians 2: 11, 12) and when Paul had a disagreement with Barnabas over John Mark to the point they decided it would be better to part ways for awhile. (Acts 15:36-41). It is inevitable that we will not always agree with fellow Christians on every issue. As Christians it is OK to disagree agreeably with one another when different views are discussed. The Spirit of Christ admonishes us to be agreeably disposed to one another in love even when someone has an alternative view in mind. Paul may have disagreed with his fellow Christians yet he never allowed bitterness to lead to the festering of his heart. He was a Christian with a definite point of view but his spirit continued to see his fellow Christians in the light of God’s love.

We Christians do tend to collide with one another on occasion but when it happens we ought to never allow it to bring division. When any part of the body is cut off it dies. It’s all right to have opposing opinions and at times it is a healthy thing for the body to have diverse input and suggestions. Healthy anger is sometimes good as it can help to change intolerable situations. But rage and bitterness have no part in application of our lives. Total agreement is impossible in some discussions and that’s OK, the thing Christ wants us to do is remain open and loving.

Even though Paul had a serious contention with Peter and with Barnabas it did not affect the outcome of their relationship to one another as brothers in Christ. As long as we are in these human bodies it will be inevitable we collide with some brother or sister. This is not always comfortable but stewing in our anger and resentment drives a wedge into our relationship with Christ and with our brothers and sisters in the family of God. The Lord Jesus admonishes us to forgive whatever grievances we do have. It is what the Lord calls us to do. It is what He has done for us.

Ken

www.devotionstoday.blogspot.com

Shortcuts

Again the devil took Him to a very high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory; and he said to Him “All these things will I give You, if You will fall down and worship me.” Matthew 4:8, 9 (New American Standard Bible)

I love to take shortcuts. I’ll look for highways and roads that will cut time from my driving, shortcuts when I do projects, and yes ladies, I do occasionally take shortcuts when I help with house work. Not always, but I do tend to look for ways to get around the agony of dish pan hands.

Satan asked Jesus to take a shortcut from His Heavenly Father’s plan of redemption. Satan tried the same maneuvering he used with Adam and Eve, misrepresenting the word of God. He inferred that God’s plan was a waste of time and pretty much useless. In the temptations of Christ he twisted Scripture appealing to physical appetites and pride. When that didn’t work he offered a way to circumvent the cross by offering Jesus instant power and glory. Thankfully Jesus didn’t fall to the temptation and chose the cross, a more difficult but perfect way.

The hard way initially bums me out. Sometimes I’d rather take a beating than push through some difficult circumstance. I will look for ways around it, look for another course and rationalize many reasons for taking it just to avoid the hard way. But you know every time I come out on the other side of a tough trial I find I am stronger and revel in the blessings of Christ. Going through hard times with God’s help isn’t pleasant yet it’s like pumping spiritual iron. I am strengthened in my faith and find my trust in God is greatly increased at the end. God in His wisdom knows the sinews of growth I will receive in my spirit by persevering through a hard situation. Jesus knew it too and praise be to God He didn’t choose a shortcut thereby giving me a way to relationship with God the Father, Himself and the Holy Spirit. The hard way is usually something that is not all that pleasant but it is still something to be embraced with faith. Jesus was well aware of it when He stepped out of that tomb on the third day and I and all believers are better for it. Praise His Holy Name.

Jesus, help me to trust in You through the hard times and difficult places, knowing that I will, as you did, come out fully in our Heavenly Father’s will.

Ken

www.devotionstoday.blogspot.com

I'm a Doulos Too

Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. Colossians 4:12 (New American Standard Bible)

I remember a funny story about a young man who thought his life at home was composed more of being a servant than being his own man. He came home one day and announced, “I’ve joined the Army.” His Father looked up from his newspaper and asked, “Why did you do that, son?” The young fellow pulled himself up in a huff and said, “Because I’m tired of people telling me what to do!” I’m sure that young man got an education in self-determination as soon as he stepped off the bus at his basic training base. As humorous as the story is I have to say I am much like that young fellow in my distaste of being under authority.

The Greek Christian Epaphras considered himself a bond-servant as did the Apostle Paul. Being a bond-servant (Greek doulos, doo-los) meant the servitude could be voluntary as well as enforced. In the Law of Moses, recorded in the book of Exodus, a Hebrew man could enter into a contract of servitude for 6 years. In the 7th year the Law said the man’s master had to release him from his service and let him go. If the man brought his wife and children into the contract at the beginning he could leave with them. If the master gave the man a wife during his 6 years when he left the wife and any children were the master’s property and remained in the master’s house. The husband had to go out on his own. There was a condition however that would allow the servant to remain. If he loved his wife, children and master he could elect to remain in the master’s service and stay with his family for the rest of his life. After witnesses were brought the master took the servant to a door post and with a hammer and an awl (a tool with a sharp point) he would punch a hole in his servant’s ear. This mark indicated the man was bonded to his master for the rest of his life. Remember this was done voluntarily.

As much as I have a natural aversion to being under authority I realize servanthood is not something too heavy to bear. Would I rather be a slave to sin or a willing bond-servant of Jesus Christ? Even the yoke of Jesus is an easy thing to bear made all the easier by a daily surrender to overflowing of the Spirit He said would lead us into all truth (John 16:13). The alternative is the reality too heavy to bear. The result of sin gains me nothing but a sterile, empty room where I need to return again and again to be fulfilled for a few minutes. It becomes a vicious cycle. It is more fulfilling to go to my Master, pledge my devotion and affection to Him and allow Him to mark my ear on the doorpost of His home. Being a doulos to Christ is valuable and advantageous. Being His bond-servant truly makes me free.

Ken

www.devotionstoday.blogspot.com

Double Vision

Now it came about when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” 2nd Kings 2:9 (New American Standard Bible)

Elisha was a disciple of the prophet Elijah. As the time approached for Elijah to leave this life he asked his young disciple what he could do for him before he was taken away. Elisha’s immediate reply was for a double portion of the mighty Spirit of God evident in the older prophet. When God took Elijah the old prophet dropped his cloak. Elisha picked it up and carried it with him as he did the work of a prophet of Israel. The young prophet wasn’t looking to be twice as popular as his mentor or to do twice as many miracles as Elijah had done. Instead of asking for material power and popularity Elisha was asking to become the spiritual successor of Elijah and to carry on the ministry of the Holy Spirit among his people. He had vision for something greater and to have a ministry doubled in power. Elisha had double vision.

Having double vision sounds like a pretty serious affliction and physically speaking it isn’t something we want if we need to drive around town. But double vision of the Spirit actually increases our inward vision. It empowers us to see opportunities to encourage and positively touch the lives of others.

Jesus said if we abide in Him and we allow His Spirit to abide in us we can ask whatever we want believing and He will gladly give it (John 14:14). We can receive much more of God’s strength as we ask Him to fill us daily to overflowing with His Holy Spirit. At this present time we don’t need to go to Elijah for One greater than Elijah is listening and willing to grant our request for a double portion of power. Because of the finished work of Jesus Christ we can now go straight to the source. The request is simple and can be made daily; “Holy Spirit overflow me today with a double portion of Your Presence and Power, Amen.” When we do we don’t need to feel the hair on our arms standing on end or expect to see ourselves glow in the dark. Praying that prayer is a step of faith and God is always willing to honor faith. As we pray this prayer on a daily basis we will begin to see His hand working in our lives in miraculous ways. As a man Elijah was willing to see his disciple receive his earnest request for more of God’s Spirit. How much more willing then is the Spirit Himself to pour into us His power? He’s very willing and all we need to do is ask Him. Spiritual double vision isn’t a serious affliction, it’s better than 20/20.

Holy Spirit thank You that You filled us and sealed us when we first believed in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Please, allow a double portion of Your power to be upon us that we may be better equipped to carry on Your work among the men, women and children we walk among today.

Ken

www.devotionstoday.blogspot.com

Temporary Insanity

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For the momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2nd Corinthians 4:16-18 (New American Standard Bible)

I tend to forget at times that my here and now will soon be there and went. I become pretty much focused on my present journey and the current world insanity forgetting that I am only a pilgrim passing through a small valley on my way to a better and eternal weight of glory.

The times are crazy. What is evil passes for good and what is good is openly condemned as evil. Thankfully I cling to Galatians 2:20 believing the life I now live is through the Son of God. Fortunately the pain and suffering associated with everyday living is, I realize, only temporary. Yes, this too shall pass. My inheritance lies in a better land, the land where the Lamb is seated at the right hand of the Father and it will be here I will be able to behold Him in all His victorious glory forevermore. The trials of this time will one day be no more. I will receive my inheritance and a place of peace and well being in the Lord’s new kingdom.

If this world were all there was I could cry with the apostle Paul “God forbid!” But with all the insane developments I see going on around me I can rest assured it is only temporary insanity. The Lord has promised me a precious heritage and an eternally first-rate life. He has always been in control and is currently sorting things out to His glory; the world situation is no surprise to Him. He is as good as His word and when the world is acting out of control around me I take heart in what He has in store for me. This insanity is temporary. I'm just passin' through.

Ken

www.devotionstoday.blogspot.com