So, we continue our journey through the book of Matthew. We now come to the place of Jesus’ temptations…or testings depending on which way you translate the Greek word peirazo. The word itself can mean either temptation or testing, and I personally believe gives us a clue about what Matthew is trying to teach us with this episode from his gospel. In fact, it is surprising to me that with all the messages preached from this text, the one major message about which Matthew is commenting is nearly universally ignored. And yet, it is understanding this central…dare we say original message…that unlocks the depth and meaning for us today. So, why would I say that this word peirazo gives us a clue to the meaning? Let’s talk about that for a minute.
There are certain words in the bible that can be equally translated into two or three words. In these situations, it is often the surrounding context and other bible verses that help us know which way the word should be translated. If we look at what the Bible says about God in the area of tempting people, we see that the book of James says, “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.” (James 1:13) Now, this is significant, because we know that it is the Spirit of God that leads Jesus into the desert to be tempted. In addition, if we understand that the desert is a place of testing…not only for Jesus but for Israel as well…then it could be that God’s goal is not to cause His Son to stumble, but rather to test His resolve and solidify the resolve within Jesus heart to faithfully follow Him, even in the face of demonic oppression.
Now, this fits not only the immediate context, but also the larger context of the whole Bible. You see, in Deuteronomy 8 God says this to the nation of Israel, “Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” (Deut. 8:2-3) Now, notice the parallels here. Jesus spends one day in the desert for every year Israel spent in the desert. God led Israel in the desert and Jesus into the desert. Israel grew hungry, and God provided her with food. Jesus grows hungry, and in the end is waited on by angels. Finally, note that Jesus actually quotes from this very passage when facing one of the testings before him.
So, why does this matter? Well, it matters because our wilderness experiences are not necessarily always evil attacks by the devil to trip us up. Rather, they are sometimes God’s way of testing our hearts…of revealing to ourselves where our resolve to follow must be strengthened…and then to realize if we will obey that God will provide what we need in order to follow. It is in the desert where God tests and refines our hearts so that we will follow Him more fully. And, because Jesus has succeeded…and because within us is the power of Christ…then we too can survive the test and live faithfully. This also means that God never, ever seeks to destroy us with trials. Rather, He seeks to refine us through testing. His goal is never evil, but always good. So, if you are going through a testing time…if you are in the midst of the desert…accept it as a time of humbling and testing so that when you have stood the test in the power of Christ, God will strengthen you and purify your heart. Rather than being angry with God for seeking to destroy you, thank Him for loving you enough to refine your heart and mature His child. I think this is what it means to “learn the lesson of the desert.”
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
I'm So Glad For Family
Have you ever asked yourself, “What does it mean to be a family?” Webster’s Dictionary defines it as “ a group of individuals living under one roof and usually under one head – HOUSEHOLD.” Now, I suppose that’s a technical definition, but is that all it takes to be a family? If we have a group of people who agree to live together in the same house, and agree to put one person in charge, do we really have a family? I don’t think most of us would think so. So, again I ask, “What does it mean to be a family?” Well, maybe we can get away from the technical definition for a moment and think about what a family does that unites it together. Maybe the best way to define the word is to examine the actual thing in action. So, let’s ask a different question. Let’s ask, “What does a family do?”
As I think about my own family as I was growing up, it seems to me that we did several things. First, we spent lots of time eating together and talking about life. There were many times when, as a young person, I would have preferred to miss these so-called wonderful “family times” around the table. And yet, these many years later, I have come to realize that as we talked together around a table and a meal, we somehow bonded. We came to realize that these are my people…this is my place…it is here that I belong. So, families spend time bonding together, learning to belong together, around warm meals and open conversation.
Families also share the load of hard times and the joys of good times. There are many times in life when the circumstances surrounding us are greater than the strength within us. If, left to our own strength and wisdom, we faced these times alone it would not be long before our wisdom was insufficient, our strength lacking, and our discernment less than adequate. However, when surrounded by others who share the load and help us think through our options, we seem to be able to get through hard times in a much more healthy and productive manner. Likewise, when something wonderful happens to us, our families are people with whom we can share the good news. They are people who join us in celebrating our achievements, our victories, our accomplishments. Together, as we share our burdens and extend our joys, we become family.
Finally, family members come along side us and share the work of daily chores that may not be pleasant, but are incredibly necessary. We take turns washing the dishes, taking out the trash, cleaning up the house, and managing the details of family affairs. Because we join hands and do the work together, the family runs smoothly and each task seems a bit easier to bear than if we were alone.
What this means, of course, is that a family is much more than a group of individuals under one roof, agreeing to submit to one leader. A family is a group of people doing life together. It is a collection of individuals becoming one as they eat and talk together, as they share their burdens and extend their joys, as they share the work of daily chores to make the family function smoothly. In short, it is a people doing life together.
I saw a beautiful picture of this reality over the last several days in our church. One of the founding members of the church recently passed away. And our church did what families do. We shared the burden of loss together. We gathered around tables, ate food, shared stories, and became one as we enjoyed the fellowship of family. Individuals showed up to share the chores that are needed to make a family run smoothly. Some brought food while others took out the trash. Some cooked meat while others washed dishes. Some organized the family events, while others took those plans and helped them become a reality. Each person came together and did their part, and through it all a very hard season of life was endured.
And now that the funeral is over, I pause to take stock at what was gained…and lost. We lost a wonderful and special woman, who believed deeply in family and gave the best years of her life to build one. However, as the wonderful saint left this world, I had the chance to see the fruits of her labors. She had committed her life to family, and that family was coming together in a way that revealed that we truly are one family. We are indeed under one roof (God’s Kingdom), and we really do submit to one leader (God). But we are so much more than that. We are a people doing life together…bearing patiently with each other…making mistakes and messes but also joining hands to correct those errors and clean up the messes. Family is a wonderful, life-giving thing…and I am so thankful for the one that God has given to me…both in my home and in my church. I hope the same is true for you.
As I think about my own family as I was growing up, it seems to me that we did several things. First, we spent lots of time eating together and talking about life. There were many times when, as a young person, I would have preferred to miss these so-called wonderful “family times” around the table. And yet, these many years later, I have come to realize that as we talked together around a table and a meal, we somehow bonded. We came to realize that these are my people…this is my place…it is here that I belong. So, families spend time bonding together, learning to belong together, around warm meals and open conversation.
Families also share the load of hard times and the joys of good times. There are many times in life when the circumstances surrounding us are greater than the strength within us. If, left to our own strength and wisdom, we faced these times alone it would not be long before our wisdom was insufficient, our strength lacking, and our discernment less than adequate. However, when surrounded by others who share the load and help us think through our options, we seem to be able to get through hard times in a much more healthy and productive manner. Likewise, when something wonderful happens to us, our families are people with whom we can share the good news. They are people who join us in celebrating our achievements, our victories, our accomplishments. Together, as we share our burdens and extend our joys, we become family.
Finally, family members come along side us and share the work of daily chores that may not be pleasant, but are incredibly necessary. We take turns washing the dishes, taking out the trash, cleaning up the house, and managing the details of family affairs. Because we join hands and do the work together, the family runs smoothly and each task seems a bit easier to bear than if we were alone.
What this means, of course, is that a family is much more than a group of individuals under one roof, agreeing to submit to one leader. A family is a group of people doing life together. It is a collection of individuals becoming one as they eat and talk together, as they share their burdens and extend their joys, as they share the work of daily chores to make the family function smoothly. In short, it is a people doing life together.
I saw a beautiful picture of this reality over the last several days in our church. One of the founding members of the church recently passed away. And our church did what families do. We shared the burden of loss together. We gathered around tables, ate food, shared stories, and became one as we enjoyed the fellowship of family. Individuals showed up to share the chores that are needed to make a family run smoothly. Some brought food while others took out the trash. Some cooked meat while others washed dishes. Some organized the family events, while others took those plans and helped them become a reality. Each person came together and did their part, and through it all a very hard season of life was endured.
And now that the funeral is over, I pause to take stock at what was gained…and lost. We lost a wonderful and special woman, who believed deeply in family and gave the best years of her life to build one. However, as the wonderful saint left this world, I had the chance to see the fruits of her labors. She had committed her life to family, and that family was coming together in a way that revealed that we truly are one family. We are indeed under one roof (God’s Kingdom), and we really do submit to one leader (God). But we are so much more than that. We are a people doing life together…bearing patiently with each other…making mistakes and messes but also joining hands to correct those errors and clean up the messes. Family is a wonderful, life-giving thing…and I am so thankful for the one that God has given to me…both in my home and in my church. I hope the same is true for you.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Content...Context...Culture
The other day I was talking to someone...of course in the coffee shop...and they noticed that I was studying the bible. Apparently this intrigued them, and they asked me if I believed I could know what the biblical author meant. When I asked them why they would ask that question, their response was interesting...and frankly understandable. They said that they will listen to several people explain the same passage and yet come up with different meanings to the passage. The end result, for this person, is that you can neve know for sure what a passage from the bible actually means.
How unfortunate this is...and how understandable. However, rather than giving up on the idea that we can understand the actual meaning of the biblical author, might I suggest some other ways to approach the issue. First, this is one reason to study the bible for ourselves. Rather than relying on others to explain what the bible is stating, take the time to study it out for yourselves. In this way, you experience the "aha" of the Lord revealing new truth directly to you. Second, make sure you know how to study the bible. Not all approaches to study are equally beneficial. And while I realize that the idea of studying the bible may seem too complex for the average person, I do not believe that is true. Let me give you three things to look for as you study the bible for yourselves...
How unfortunate this is...and how understandable. However, rather than giving up on the idea that we can understand the actual meaning of the biblical author, might I suggest some other ways to approach the issue. First, this is one reason to study the bible for ourselves. Rather than relying on others to explain what the bible is stating, take the time to study it out for yourselves. In this way, you experience the "aha" of the Lord revealing new truth directly to you. Second, make sure you know how to study the bible. Not all approaches to study are equally beneficial. And while I realize that the idea of studying the bible may seem too complex for the average person, I do not believe that is true. Let me give you three things to look for as you study the bible for yourselves...
- Content - Read what the author wrote carefully and take notes about what they actually stated. Do they use similes or metaphors? What is the flow of their thoughts or argumentation? Are there repeated or significant words used by the author? What do those words mean? Are there comparisons, contrasts, etc...? What kind of writing is it: poetic, historic, story, prophecy? As you pay attention to these things, take notes and then write out what you think the author is trying to communicate. Once this is done, go to the next step...
- Context - Every passage in the Bible has an immediate and larger context. For example, if you are studying Romans, chapter 4, make sure you note what chapter 3 and chapter 5 are about and how they may impact the meaning of chapter 4. Also, make sure you are familiar with the larger themes of the entire book to see how this chapter fits within the entire letter. Also, don't forget the larger context of the whole bible. Is the present author using quotes from other parts of the bible? If so, look up those quotes to make sure you understand why the present author decided to use that quote. In this way, you can not only better understand the present author's meaning, you can make sure your understanding of the present passage is consistent with the rest of the book and the bible. Finally, make sure you check out the...
- Culture - This can be a bit tricky. It's hard for us to know exactly what the culture of the bible was like. However, a good commentary can provide you with some background information. Commentaries tell you what the town or village was like; the customs of the people; if certain words were political or offensive; if what is being said is consistent with general thoughts of that time or quite different. Understanding this background can provide a fuller and richer understanding of a passage.
If you do these three things, you can be fairly certain that your understanding of a passage matches what the original author was seeking to communicate. So, as you study a passage of scripture, get out a pencil and pad of paper. Take careful notes about the content of what the author has recorded. Next, check how this fits within the context of the book and the bible. Third, look at the culture within which the words were originally communicated to round out your understanding of the passage. Finally, write down what the author is saying and how it informs your thoughts and actions. There you have it...not that hard. Just pay attention to content, context and culture...and enjoy the process of discovery!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Empowered...Encouraged...Enlarged
So, I am continuing my journey through Matthew's gospel, and I come to a passage of Scripture that scholars love to debate. It's the passage that talks about Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist. John has been baptizing people in the Jordan River, not for the sake of salvation, but as a means of preparing the way for the coming of Jesus. So John is under no delusions that he is somehow called to save people. He is only called to get things ready for the one who will come to save others. Suddenly, this coming savior is standing before John...and instantly he feels a bit uncomfortable. John knows that he is the one who needs the baptism of the Spirit that Jesus will bring rather than Jesus needing to be baptized by him. So John instantly shrinks back in humility. However, Jesus insists that John needs to baptize Him, so John accepts Jesus' word and performs the baptism.
It's at this point that scholars begin to debate what Jesus' baptism mean. Why did Jesus get baptized? If Jesus is without sin, and has no need to repent, then what good is a baptism of repentance? If Jesus is not without sin, what good is he as a savior...even if He is baptized? Did he get baptized to give believers a pattern to follow? Did he get baptized to fully identify with humanity? In the end, I suppose we will never know the answers to these questions. But it seems to me that there are certain things that Jesus' baptism does reveal...and these truths alone are pretty cool.
First, notice that Jesus' baptism was a moment of empowerment. It is as Jesus comes up out of the water that the Spirit of God descends upon Him. Now, I have no idea if this was the first time the Spirit filled Jesus, or if it was purely symbolic. However, what does seem fairly clear is that Matthew wants us to realize that spiritual empowerment preceded public ministry. Before Jesus will face the devil, heal the hurting, proclaim the gospel, or raise the dead, He will be filled with the presence and power of God's Spirit.
Second, Jesus' baptism seems to be a moment of encouragement. As the Spirit comes upon Him, the voice of Jesus' father comes to Him. God ensures that Jesus has no doubt about who He is, and how God feels about Him. God announces that Jesus is His Son, and that He is well-pleased with His boy. Now, I can't be sure of this, but I'm guessing that those words brought Jesus a sense of encouragement and strength many times during his public ministry. When the religious leaders oppose Him. When the people turn and walk away from Him. When the demons resist Him and His friends abandon Him. From the moments of isolated testing in the Judean desert to the painful carrying of His own cross, I'm sure the constant reminder that He is a Son within whom God is pleased gave Him the courage and strength to press on.
Third, Jesus' baptism was a time of enlargement. As a result of His baptism, Jesus would be launched into the epic ministry of saving the world. He would travel from village to village proclaiming the word and saving souls. He would call disciples and train them to carry His message from one end of the globe to the other. He will defeat the powers of darkness and establish the church on earth. So, while there is much we don't know about Jesus baptism, what we do know is that it was a time of empowerment, encouragement and enlargement.
In some ways, our own baptisms are similar. When a believer is baptized, they are reminded that they have died with Christ and, through the power of the indwelling Spirit, they have risen as new creatures with a new mission. The Spirit will then empower us to follow Jesus and do His will. As we face one challenge after another, we are to look back at our baptism as a reminder that we are, in fact, children of God with whom God is well-pleased. We realize that while we are not yet what we ought to be, we are certainly more than we used to be. In addition, as we follow Jesus out of the waters of baptism and into the mission field, our world enlarges and expands. We find ourselves with new opportunities to represent Him and new ways to live for, through and with Him. So, even for us, baptism is a time of empowerment, encouragement and enlargement.
As you live your life today, live large through the power of the Spirit. Follow hard after Him, and take advantage of every opportunity given to you. And be encouraged...for even if you faulter or fail, Jesus is ready both to forgive and to restore. So press on...and bear His name with honor...for you are a child of the King and an ambassador of heaven.
It's at this point that scholars begin to debate what Jesus' baptism mean. Why did Jesus get baptized? If Jesus is without sin, and has no need to repent, then what good is a baptism of repentance? If Jesus is not without sin, what good is he as a savior...even if He is baptized? Did he get baptized to give believers a pattern to follow? Did he get baptized to fully identify with humanity? In the end, I suppose we will never know the answers to these questions. But it seems to me that there are certain things that Jesus' baptism does reveal...and these truths alone are pretty cool.
First, notice that Jesus' baptism was a moment of empowerment. It is as Jesus comes up out of the water that the Spirit of God descends upon Him. Now, I have no idea if this was the first time the Spirit filled Jesus, or if it was purely symbolic. However, what does seem fairly clear is that Matthew wants us to realize that spiritual empowerment preceded public ministry. Before Jesus will face the devil, heal the hurting, proclaim the gospel, or raise the dead, He will be filled with the presence and power of God's Spirit.
Second, Jesus' baptism seems to be a moment of encouragement. As the Spirit comes upon Him, the voice of Jesus' father comes to Him. God ensures that Jesus has no doubt about who He is, and how God feels about Him. God announces that Jesus is His Son, and that He is well-pleased with His boy. Now, I can't be sure of this, but I'm guessing that those words brought Jesus a sense of encouragement and strength many times during his public ministry. When the religious leaders oppose Him. When the people turn and walk away from Him. When the demons resist Him and His friends abandon Him. From the moments of isolated testing in the Judean desert to the painful carrying of His own cross, I'm sure the constant reminder that He is a Son within whom God is pleased gave Him the courage and strength to press on.
Third, Jesus' baptism was a time of enlargement. As a result of His baptism, Jesus would be launched into the epic ministry of saving the world. He would travel from village to village proclaiming the word and saving souls. He would call disciples and train them to carry His message from one end of the globe to the other. He will defeat the powers of darkness and establish the church on earth. So, while there is much we don't know about Jesus baptism, what we do know is that it was a time of empowerment, encouragement and enlargement.
In some ways, our own baptisms are similar. When a believer is baptized, they are reminded that they have died with Christ and, through the power of the indwelling Spirit, they have risen as new creatures with a new mission. The Spirit will then empower us to follow Jesus and do His will. As we face one challenge after another, we are to look back at our baptism as a reminder that we are, in fact, children of God with whom God is well-pleased. We realize that while we are not yet what we ought to be, we are certainly more than we used to be. In addition, as we follow Jesus out of the waters of baptism and into the mission field, our world enlarges and expands. We find ourselves with new opportunities to represent Him and new ways to live for, through and with Him. So, even for us, baptism is a time of empowerment, encouragement and enlargement.
As you live your life today, live large through the power of the Spirit. Follow hard after Him, and take advantage of every opportunity given to you. And be encouraged...for even if you faulter or fail, Jesus is ready both to forgive and to restore. So press on...and bear His name with honor...for you are a child of the King and an ambassador of heaven.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
McDonalds Moment
So, I am sitting in McDonalds here in Huron, SD reading from the gospel of Matthew...and something interesting happens to me. Yesterday, I performed a wedding here in town with more than 400 people present. One of the people who "just happened" to be at that ceremony also "just happened" to enter the McDonalds where I was located. I didn't see them, as I was intent on reading, but they saw me. They introduced themselves to me and asked if I was the pastor who performed the Wedel wedding. I stated that I, indeed, was that pastor and they asked if they could sit down for a moment and chat. Of course, in the back of my mind I was thinking that I'm not here to talk, but to do my devotions. Thankfully, I'm not that rude, so I assured them that I would be open to visit with them. They grabbed a coffee and then grabbed a seat.
We had a very interesting conversation over the next several minutes. My meditation at the wedding was about how the marriage relationship is a picture of how Jesus loves His people, and how we as His people are to respond to that love. Jesus is our bridegroom...and every time we see how the bridegroom loves the bride, we see how Jesus loves His people. Every time we see the bride willingly giving herself in trust and faith to the leadership of her groom, we see how the church is to respond to Jesus' leadership. This was a new idea for this person, and they confessed that they had never pictured God as someone who loved us, but rather someone who sits in judgment over us. The more we talked, the more open he became to the idea of a loving and gracious God who sent His son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.
Well, as our conversation ended, the person thanked me for my time and the new perspective he has gained about God. I asked him where he was on his journey, and if he was ready to commit himself to a God of love. His response was, "Not yet, but I do think I'm much closer now than I have ever been." And with that, our conversation was over and he was gone.
Now, here is where it gets very interesting. You see, the passage from Matthew I was pondering was from chapter 3, verses 1-12. In those verses we are told that John the Baptist was sent, not to save people, but as "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" This is not only the calling of John the Baptist, but the calling of every Christian. You and I can't save anyone. We have no power to alter their circumstances, control their choices, or change the condition of their spiritual state. Only Jesus can do that. But, whether its in a South Dakota McDonalds or any other location, we can at least "make straight the way." We can certainly seek to "prepare the way of the Lord" into the lives of people. We can share a word of testimony and be open to the opportunities He gives us.
So, wherever you happen to be as you read this, don't lose sight of the ultimate reason you are on this planet as a believer. You are one filled with His Spirit, informed by His Word, and directed to "make straight paths" for others to come to faith as you "make straight paths" through your life and witness. Don't miss the opportunities the Lord is giving you today. And if someone walks up to you and says, "Can we chat?", take the time to set aside your plans and be a witness. Who knows. The Lord just might use you to make a difference in the life of a person searching for hope.
We had a very interesting conversation over the next several minutes. My meditation at the wedding was about how the marriage relationship is a picture of how Jesus loves His people, and how we as His people are to respond to that love. Jesus is our bridegroom...and every time we see how the bridegroom loves the bride, we see how Jesus loves His people. Every time we see the bride willingly giving herself in trust and faith to the leadership of her groom, we see how the church is to respond to Jesus' leadership. This was a new idea for this person, and they confessed that they had never pictured God as someone who loved us, but rather someone who sits in judgment over us. The more we talked, the more open he became to the idea of a loving and gracious God who sent His son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.
Well, as our conversation ended, the person thanked me for my time and the new perspective he has gained about God. I asked him where he was on his journey, and if he was ready to commit himself to a God of love. His response was, "Not yet, but I do think I'm much closer now than I have ever been." And with that, our conversation was over and he was gone.
Now, here is where it gets very interesting. You see, the passage from Matthew I was pondering was from chapter 3, verses 1-12. In those verses we are told that John the Baptist was sent, not to save people, but as "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" This is not only the calling of John the Baptist, but the calling of every Christian. You and I can't save anyone. We have no power to alter their circumstances, control their choices, or change the condition of their spiritual state. Only Jesus can do that. But, whether its in a South Dakota McDonalds or any other location, we can at least "make straight the way." We can certainly seek to "prepare the way of the Lord" into the lives of people. We can share a word of testimony and be open to the opportunities He gives us.
So, wherever you happen to be as you read this, don't lose sight of the ultimate reason you are on this planet as a believer. You are one filled with His Spirit, informed by His Word, and directed to "make straight paths" for others to come to faith as you "make straight paths" through your life and witness. Don't miss the opportunities the Lord is giving you today. And if someone walks up to you and says, "Can we chat?", take the time to set aside your plans and be a witness. Who knows. The Lord just might use you to make a difference in the life of a person searching for hope.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
He's Leading To Unknown Places
So, I am reading again today in the book of Matthew and a thought comes to mind. Joseph has packed up his little family of three and fled to Egypt. Who knows how long they've been there, but the time has come for them to return to the land of Israel. How does Joseph know this? Well, an angel of the Lord tells him so through a dream. So, as is his normal way, Joseph seems to instantly accept God's guidance and packs up the little three person group and heads for home. I'm sure nothing feels as good as knowing your finally going home after a long sojourn in a distant land.
Now, here is where it gets a bit interesting to me. As Joseph is heading home...presumably back to Bethlehem where he had been living prior to being forced to flee to Egypt, he gets word that Herod's son is now ruling the region. This scares Joseph, who no doubt takes his role as protector and provider of his family seriously. Joseph apparently doesn't want to march right into harms way and see his family hurt. It's also not a big stretch to imagine that Joseph is a bit confused as well. After all, he was commanded to run to Egypt to protect his family, and now he is being sent right back into the danger zone. So, why run in the first place? What is going on?
In the midst of all of this, here comes another dream. God now seems to change his mind, almost as though he were caught off guard. It's like God thought it was going to be safe for Joseph and his family to return to Bethlehem, but now the Lord is caught off guard by the fact that Herod's son is ruling the area. So, God shows up with another dream, to give a different set of instructions, because something He had not anticipated has happened. So God tells Joseph to change course and "withdraw to the district of Galilee." Joseph does just that, and ends up right back in Nazareth where the original news of Mary's pregnancy was announced.
What in the world is going on here? Is God actually caught off guard by historical realities He had not forseen? Is the Lord just reacting to random events unfolding on earth, constantly adjusting his plans? Well, I don't think so. You see, God knows something that Joseph likely knows nothing about. You see, the prophets had foretold that God's Son would be known as a Nazarene. However, that's not likely to happen if he grows up in Bethlehem. The prophets also said that it would be out of Egypt that God called His son. That, too, would not be possible if the boy grows up in Bethlehem. So, God arranges historical events in such a way that Joseph will take the boy to Egypt, and then to Nazareth.
I think this is amazing. You see, Joseph simply thinks he is running for cover when he goes to Egypt. But God is fulfilling prophecy. Joseph thinks he is altering course when he is rerouted to Nazareth. But God is fulfilling scripture. In addition, Joseph often finds himself in the unique position of thinking he is going to one place (like returning to Bethelehem) when in reality God is sending him to another place (like Nazareth). So, what seems like random historical events is, in actuality, the work of God to shape history in a way that honors His word and promise. And when Joseph thinks he is going to one place, he is actually being divinely guided to another place.
What do these events have to do with me? Well, as I sit here and think about it, it seems to me that often when I think God is sending me to one place, He is actually sending me to another. This is why I am sometimes surprised by where I find myself. But what is cool, is that while I am surprised, God is not. He knew all along where I was going, and He moved me along in a way that honors my freedom of choice and yet uses those choices to bring me to the exact location where He wants me. Pretty cool. It also means that the events of my life are not simply random coincidences. God is at work, often behind the scenes in ways I can't see or comprehend, to arrange the events of my life just as He desires. He is in control, and I need not worry. Finally, it means I can rest assured that this world will end just as God determines, when God determines, how God determines. He is the ruler over all, and this gives me confidence even if I don't know all the details.
Oh yea, and one more thing this story causes me to think about, "How does God speak to me today?" He seemed to speak to Joseph in dreams. Does He speak to me in the same way, or in other ways? If He speaks in other ways, then in what other ways? Through His Word? Through His people? Through life's circumstances? Through hardships and troubles? We would do well to pay attention to all these things, for in the end, the still small voice of God may come through any or all of them. And when it does, it is my hope to be as open and responsive as Joseph. My journey may be different from his...but it will be no less adventurous and no less challenging...not to mention rewarding. So let's get out there and live the adventure.
Now, here is where it gets a bit interesting to me. As Joseph is heading home...presumably back to Bethlehem where he had been living prior to being forced to flee to Egypt, he gets word that Herod's son is now ruling the region. This scares Joseph, who no doubt takes his role as protector and provider of his family seriously. Joseph apparently doesn't want to march right into harms way and see his family hurt. It's also not a big stretch to imagine that Joseph is a bit confused as well. After all, he was commanded to run to Egypt to protect his family, and now he is being sent right back into the danger zone. So, why run in the first place? What is going on?
In the midst of all of this, here comes another dream. God now seems to change his mind, almost as though he were caught off guard. It's like God thought it was going to be safe for Joseph and his family to return to Bethlehem, but now the Lord is caught off guard by the fact that Herod's son is ruling the area. So, God shows up with another dream, to give a different set of instructions, because something He had not anticipated has happened. So God tells Joseph to change course and "withdraw to the district of Galilee." Joseph does just that, and ends up right back in Nazareth where the original news of Mary's pregnancy was announced.
What in the world is going on here? Is God actually caught off guard by historical realities He had not forseen? Is the Lord just reacting to random events unfolding on earth, constantly adjusting his plans? Well, I don't think so. You see, God knows something that Joseph likely knows nothing about. You see, the prophets had foretold that God's Son would be known as a Nazarene. However, that's not likely to happen if he grows up in Bethlehem. The prophets also said that it would be out of Egypt that God called His son. That, too, would not be possible if the boy grows up in Bethlehem. So, God arranges historical events in such a way that Joseph will take the boy to Egypt, and then to Nazareth.
I think this is amazing. You see, Joseph simply thinks he is running for cover when he goes to Egypt. But God is fulfilling prophecy. Joseph thinks he is altering course when he is rerouted to Nazareth. But God is fulfilling scripture. In addition, Joseph often finds himself in the unique position of thinking he is going to one place (like returning to Bethelehem) when in reality God is sending him to another place (like Nazareth). So, what seems like random historical events is, in actuality, the work of God to shape history in a way that honors His word and promise. And when Joseph thinks he is going to one place, he is actually being divinely guided to another place.
What do these events have to do with me? Well, as I sit here and think about it, it seems to me that often when I think God is sending me to one place, He is actually sending me to another. This is why I am sometimes surprised by where I find myself. But what is cool, is that while I am surprised, God is not. He knew all along where I was going, and He moved me along in a way that honors my freedom of choice and yet uses those choices to bring me to the exact location where He wants me. Pretty cool. It also means that the events of my life are not simply random coincidences. God is at work, often behind the scenes in ways I can't see or comprehend, to arrange the events of my life just as He desires. He is in control, and I need not worry. Finally, it means I can rest assured that this world will end just as God determines, when God determines, how God determines. He is the ruler over all, and this gives me confidence even if I don't know all the details.
Oh yea, and one more thing this story causes me to think about, "How does God speak to me today?" He seemed to speak to Joseph in dreams. Does He speak to me in the same way, or in other ways? If He speaks in other ways, then in what other ways? Through His Word? Through His people? Through life's circumstances? Through hardships and troubles? We would do well to pay attention to all these things, for in the end, the still small voice of God may come through any or all of them. And when it does, it is my hope to be as open and responsive as Joseph. My journey may be different from his...but it will be no less adventurous and no less challenging...not to mention rewarding. So let's get out there and live the adventure.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Joseph's Difficult Journey
I was reading today about Joseph's journies in the Gospel of Matthew. I don't think I really appreciate the faith and courage of this young man from Nazareth. Consider the difficulties he faced, not just believing in the arrival of Jesus to planet Earth, but accepting it. First of all, the woman to whom he is for all practical purposes married becomes pregnant. Now, all Joseph knows for sure is that the child is not of his making. And its not as though Mary came to him and tried to fully explain things. We are told that Mary was "found with child." In other words, it became obvious to all that this young lady was pregnant. What is a righteous man like Joseph to do? Should he publicly disgrace her and have her stoned? He could marry her, but then his good standing would be gone because it would always be assumed that the child was, in fact, his child and that he had entered intimate relations with Mary before they were officially married. Well, Joseph just wants it to all go away. Who wouldn't! So he decides to get rid of the girl privately and just move on with life.
But God shows up and challenges this young man to believe the improbable, to embrace the incredible, and to do the impossible. Joseph is to believe that Mary is innocent and righteous...that she is pregnant not due to unfaithfulness, but due to the power of the Holy Spirit. Then, if he believes that, he is to embrace that reality by taking her home as his wife...so much for his good reputation. Finally, he is asked to be a dad to God. Sure...that would be an easy task! But Joseph believes, embraces, and does the impossible. And from that moment on, his life will be a mess. He will leave his home and relocate to Jerusalem. He will be forced to flee to another country to protect the child. He will be asked to return to Nazareth to raise the child...a place where finding work as an unrighteous man will not be easy and gaining honor given what people think of him will be very unlikely. Not only does Joseph do all of this, just as God asks, but he never once complains.
Now, let me ask you if you have ever noticed anything unusual here. Notice that when Jesus enters Joseph's world, life becomes much more difficult. We tend to think that when Jesus shows up in our life, things are about to get better. Well, not for Joseph. Things certainly took on an eternal perspective and gained a wealth of purpose and meaning. However, life also became increasingly difficult day by day. Maybe that's a sign that we shouldn't be telling people that if they give their life to Jesus that its going to get easier and less confusing. After all, the opposite just might happen. It certainly did for Joseph.
For that matter, notice that Joseph's life was filled with unforseen adventures and unpredictable twists and turns. It seems that, too, is a part of following Jesus. I'm sure Joseph never thought his first child would arrive in a stable. I'm sure he never thought his child's first bed would be a feeding trough for animals. I'm thinking Joseph never thought king maker's from the east would bring him and his family a variety of gifts. I'm sure he never thought his son's presence would cause the deaths of so many other young boys. I'm sure he never thought he would be running for his life in the remote regions of Egypt. I bet he never thought he would be having dreams from heaven to direct his steps. But when God enters your world, its about to become a grand adventure of twists and turns.
Finally, while life became hard for Joseph, it also became more meaningful than he could ever have imagined. His son would not be a priest or prophet...he would be a universal king who fully revealed God to the world. His son would cause the dead to rise, the deaf to hear, the blind to see, the lame to walk, and the sinful to be forgiven. His son would overpower the political rulers of Earth and the spiritual rulers of the cosmos. Joseph's momentary obedience would have an eternal impact. So, too, can ours. So if you are looking for an easy, predictable and short-term impact in life...don't bother inviting Jesus into your life. He doesn't really do that for people. However, if you are looking for a demanding journey that requires great courage, steady faith, and willing obedience...a journey that is adventurous and unpredicatble...a life that has an eternal impact...then maybe you should allow Jesus to enter your life. Joseph did...and look at what happened to him!
But God shows up and challenges this young man to believe the improbable, to embrace the incredible, and to do the impossible. Joseph is to believe that Mary is innocent and righteous...that she is pregnant not due to unfaithfulness, but due to the power of the Holy Spirit. Then, if he believes that, he is to embrace that reality by taking her home as his wife...so much for his good reputation. Finally, he is asked to be a dad to God. Sure...that would be an easy task! But Joseph believes, embraces, and does the impossible. And from that moment on, his life will be a mess. He will leave his home and relocate to Jerusalem. He will be forced to flee to another country to protect the child. He will be asked to return to Nazareth to raise the child...a place where finding work as an unrighteous man will not be easy and gaining honor given what people think of him will be very unlikely. Not only does Joseph do all of this, just as God asks, but he never once complains.
Now, let me ask you if you have ever noticed anything unusual here. Notice that when Jesus enters Joseph's world, life becomes much more difficult. We tend to think that when Jesus shows up in our life, things are about to get better. Well, not for Joseph. Things certainly took on an eternal perspective and gained a wealth of purpose and meaning. However, life also became increasingly difficult day by day. Maybe that's a sign that we shouldn't be telling people that if they give their life to Jesus that its going to get easier and less confusing. After all, the opposite just might happen. It certainly did for Joseph.
For that matter, notice that Joseph's life was filled with unforseen adventures and unpredictable twists and turns. It seems that, too, is a part of following Jesus. I'm sure Joseph never thought his first child would arrive in a stable. I'm sure he never thought his child's first bed would be a feeding trough for animals. I'm thinking Joseph never thought king maker's from the east would bring him and his family a variety of gifts. I'm sure he never thought his son's presence would cause the deaths of so many other young boys. I'm sure he never thought he would be running for his life in the remote regions of Egypt. I bet he never thought he would be having dreams from heaven to direct his steps. But when God enters your world, its about to become a grand adventure of twists and turns.
Finally, while life became hard for Joseph, it also became more meaningful than he could ever have imagined. His son would not be a priest or prophet...he would be a universal king who fully revealed God to the world. His son would cause the dead to rise, the deaf to hear, the blind to see, the lame to walk, and the sinful to be forgiven. His son would overpower the political rulers of Earth and the spiritual rulers of the cosmos. Joseph's momentary obedience would have an eternal impact. So, too, can ours. So if you are looking for an easy, predictable and short-term impact in life...don't bother inviting Jesus into your life. He doesn't really do that for people. However, if you are looking for a demanding journey that requires great courage, steady faith, and willing obedience...a journey that is adventurous and unpredicatble...a life that has an eternal impact...then maybe you should allow Jesus to enter your life. Joseph did...and look at what happened to him!
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