3.25.15

Who Introduced You to Jesus?

John 1:35-51

The next day John was standing again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus walking along he said, “Look! The Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard what he said, and they followed Jesus.

When Jesus turned and saw them following, he asked, “What are you looking for?”

They said, “Rabbi (which is translated Teacher), where are you staying?”

He replied, “Come and see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon.

One of the two disciples who heard what John said and followed Jesus was Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Christ ). He led him to Jesus.

Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).

The next day Jesus wanted to go into Galilee, and he found Philip. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” Philip was from Bethsaida, the hometown of Andrew and Peter.

Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law and the Prophets: Jesus, Joseph’s son, from Nazareth.”

Nathanael responded, “Can anything from Nazareth be good?”

Philip said, “Come and see.”

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said about him, “Here is a genuine Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”

Nathanael asked him, “How do you know me?”

Jesus answered, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”

Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are God’s Son. You are the king of Israel.”

Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these! I assure you that you will see heaven open and God’s angels going up to heaven and down to earth on the Human One.”

       In the verses preceding this passage, John the Baptist gave testimony that one is coming that is greater than he: one whom “I am not worthy to untie his sandal” (1:27); one “who ranks ahead of me because he was before me” (1:31); one on whom he had seen “the Spirit descend and remain” (1:33).  John declares that Jesus is the one who is the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (1:29), “the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit” (1:33), “the Son of God” (1:34).

       The next day, Andrew was with John the Baptist when Jesus walked by.  John identified Jesus as the Lamb of God.  Andrew and his friend (probably John, the writer of this Gospel) followed Jesus.  When Jesus saw them following him, he invited them to come see where he was staying and they stayed with him for the rest of the day.   When Andrew left Jesus, he went directly and told his brother, Simon, “We have found the Messiah” and he took his brother to Jesus.  Jesus looked at Simon and renamed him Peter.

       The next day, Jesus saw Philip and called him to follow.   Philip found his friend Nathaniel, and invited him to come to see the one “about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote.”  Nathaniel was skeptical but went to see Jesus and was convinced when Jesus knew him before they met. 

       So Andrew followed Jesus based on the testimony of John, and Philip followed when Jesus invited him.  Both immediately found the person closest to them, and shared the good news that they had found the Messiah, the one written about by the prophets.  Andrew brought his brother to Jesus; Philip brought his friend.  Jesus knew who Simon and Nathaniel were before they were introduced by Andrew or Philip; changed Simon’s name to Peter; and promised Nathaniel that he would see great things.

       As we read these verses, stop to think about two things.  First, Who was Andrew or Philip to you?  Who introduced you to Jesus?   Second, which family member or friend is waiting for you to introduce them to Jesus?

       Sometimes I am amazed how fast news travels!  Bad news or good news – both travel fast!  When I ask, “How do you know?” or “How did you find out?” there are so many answers:  “I saw it on Facebook.”  “(name) texted me.”   “(name) called to tell me.”  “I got an email.”   We are all excited to hear the news when someone we know is getting married or expecting a baby, and want to tell others we know.  Many times the news we share is about the brackets for the basketball tournament, the latest diet, a new exercise plan, the newest electronic gadget, a video game, a new song on the radio, a TV show we like, or a movie that is coming out.

       The disciples and early Christians weren’t confused about what was good news.  When they found out about Jesus, they wanted to share it first with those who were closest to them, then with the rest of the world.   When was the last time we were so excited about the good news of Jesus Christ that we couldn’t wait to share it with someone else?

Prayer:

Jesus, Son of God, as you called Andrew and Philip, you call us to follow you.

Before someone introduced us to you, you knew who we were.

You answer our belief in you with promises of something even greater.

Remind us again of the good news of our salvation, 

and instill in us a burning desire to share the news of your love 

     with those closest to us, and then with others we meet.   Amen.

Let’s Talk About Something Else…

Lance Rogers

Scripture:  John 12:34-50

The crowd answered him, ‘We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains for ever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?’ Jesus said to them, ‘The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.’

After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them. Although he had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in him. This was to fulfil the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah:

‘Lord, who has believed our message,
    and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?’

And so they could not believe, because Isaiah also said,

‘He has blinded their eyes
    and hardened their heart,
so that they might not look with their eyes,
    and understand with their heart and turn—
    and I would heal them.’

Isaiah said this because he saw his glory and spoke about him. Nevertheless many, even of the authorities, believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human glory more than the glory that comes from God.

Then Jesus cried aloud: ‘Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness. I do not judge anyone who hears my words and does not keep them, for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my word has a judge; on the last day the word that I have spoken will serve as judge, for I have not spoken on my own, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment about what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I speak, therefore, I speak just as the Father has told me.’

Focus verses:  John 12:42-43   Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him.  But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human glory more than the glory of God.

I love to listen to the Comedy Central station on my phone app or satellite radio, because I just enjoy a good laugh.  One of my favorite comedians is Jim Gaffigan.  One of the bits he does goes something like this:

“I want everyone (the audience) to feel comfortable here tonight…  That’s why I’d like to talk to you about Jesus…  It doesn’t matter if you’re religious or not.  Does anything make you feel more uncomfortable than some stranger saying ‘I’d like to talk to you about Jesus?’”

There’s so much truth to that joke for most of us… I’ll admit it makes me uncomfortable.  It’s engrained in our social norms that talking about politics and religion to strangers is just not socially acceptable.  Talking about politics is one thing, but The Gospel is something completely different… we’re talking about the opportunity to bring people to Christ and a closer relationship to God.  This is the Good News we’re talking about!  There are plenty of stories in the New Testament that indicate the disciples didn’t have any hang-ups about approaching strangers.  So what are we waiting for?

I wouldn’t suggest grabbing a bullhorn and hitting a corner of downtown Durham… I wouldn’t do that either.  In reality, the “socially unacceptable” part of it would drive people away.  But, we should always be ready to share and profess our faith when the opportunity arises… even at the risk of breaching social etiquette.  Whether it’s explaining why you felt compelled to return their lost wallet or encountering someone in great need, opportunities can present themselves in many forms.  So are you willing to overcome a small bit of social awkwardness for the glory of God?

Prayer:

Lord, please help me have the discernment to know when I should mention my faith to others as a chance to share Your love and The Gospel to someone I don’t know, but may need to hear it.

March 21, 2015

Fulfilling the Law

Matthew 5:17-48

     ‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

     ‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

     ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.

     ‘It was also said, “Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.” But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

     ‘Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.” But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be “Yes, Yes” or “No, No”; anything more than this comes from the evil one.

     ‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.

     ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect..

     What did Jesus meant when he said that he had not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it?  As Jesus spoke, two groups were listening:  those who were following the law “dotting all the i’s” and crossing all the t’s” but without any thought as to the intent of the law; and those who were defying the law.  Neither group had considered a third way:  Jesus’ way.

      In the verses above, Jesus uses a series of examples each beginning with “You have heard that it was said….” and then states what the law teaches.  In contrast, Jesus then says, “But I say…”  Each time Jesus’ answer fulfills the intent of the law.  It’s not limited to not murdering, committing adultery, getting divorced, swearing, or getting even.

     Jesus helps his followers understand it is not just doing what law/tradition requires, but going beyond what tradition requires to what the Creator desires.  This doesn’t abolish the law, but goes one step further.  It fulfills the intent of the law by changing our hearts.

     This week, look for opportunities to practice Jesus’ teaching in regards to violence, lust, marriage, oaths, and revenge.

“A New Path to Aliveness” from We Make the Road by Walking by Brian McLaren.

March 20,2015

The Mark of Belonging

 Nancy Smith

Ephesians 1:13-14

Because you, too, have heard the word of truth—the good news of your salvation—and because you believed in the One who is truth, your lives are marked with His seal. This is none other than the Holy Spirit who was promised  as the guarantee toward the inheritance we are to receive when He frees and rescues all who belong to Him. To God be all praise and glory!  (The Voice Translation)

The word mark has many meanings.  We make many marks in the world don’t we? Think of some everyday uses of the word mark.  If you are a carpenter you have to mark where the doors and windows go, so they are installed properly (and pass inspection).  If you are a student the marks you make in school may help you get into the college of your choice. If you are an athlete you wait for the signal;  on your mark, get set, go!  We even mark the garbage can at the end of the driveway for safekeeping. 

When we heard the truth and when we believed God put his mark on us and sealed it with the Holy Spirit.  A seal that denotes ownership and security.  We belong to the creator.  The one who sent his son to us because he loved us so much and to set us free from sin.

Dear God thank you for putting your mark on us and giving us the Holy Spirit to guide us each and every day.

A Call to Holy Living

March 19, 2015

1 Peter 1:13-16

Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance.  Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct;  for it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

Consider the words of this familiar hymn as ways that we are call to be holy in the way we live each day.

Take Time to Be Holy

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord.

Abide in him always, and feed on his Word.

Make friends of God's children, help those who are weak.

Forgetting in nothing his blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on.

Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone.

By looking to Jesus like him thou shalt be.

Thy friends in thy conduct his likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy, let God be your guide,

And run not before him whatever betide.

In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord.

And looking to Jesus, still trust in his word.

Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,

Each thought and each motive beneath his control.  

Thus led by his Spirit to fountains of love.

Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

Words by William Longstaff 

Matthew 5:1-12

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him.  Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Come Holy Spirit

Replace the tension within me

with holy relaxation.

…the turbulence within me

with scared calm.

…the anxiety within me

with a quiet confidence.

…the fear within me

with strong faith

…the bitterness within me

with the sweetness of grace.

Replace the darkness within me

with a gentle light.

…the coldness within me

with a loving warmth.

…the night within me

with Your day.

…the winter within me

with Your spring.

Replace the harshness of criticism within me

with the gentleness of Your love.

…the strains of imprudence within me with

the wisdom of Your Spirit.

Straighten my crookedness,

Fill my emptiness.

Dull the edge of my pride,

Sharpen the edge of my humility.

Light the fires of my love,

Quench the flames of lust.

Let me see myself as You see me,

That I may see You as You have promised.

And be fortunate according to Your Word:

“Blessed are the pure of heart,

for they shall see God

 March 17, 2015

Gray Southern

I Corinthians 10:6-13

Now these things occurred as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil as they did.  Do not become idolaters as some of them did; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and they rose up to play.”  We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day.  We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did, and were destroyed by serpents.  And do not complain as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer.  These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come.  So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall.  No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.

My aunt and my uncle lived out an interesting life-long theological debate.  Every time something bad happened he would say, “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.”  She would counter that audacious claim with the response, “But stronger is not better; I’d just as soon stay as I am.”

Lots of people quote the latter part of I Corinthians 10:13:  “You aren’t going to be tested beyond your strength.”  The most honest reply most of us can make to that promise is that while it may be true we won’t be crushed; it does often feel like we about to be overwhelmed. 

During the time my family and I were blessed to worship at Mt. Sylvan we heard lots of stories of folks being overwhelmed.  And we heard about overwhelming circumstances around us in and around northern Durham and in the various friendship circles we heard folks discussing.  Life often does seem as if it is collapsing. 

The witness of Jesus, however, is neither a glib assurance that we’re not going to be pushed beyond our strength nor a surrender to the pain around us.  Jesus offers us the life that goes through pain, at times endures suffering, and then receives an Easter joy.  That is the point of our reflection this Lent for many of us:  we do not always know the fullness of life as we wish it were and lots of us mourn for what isn’t that should be and what is that shouldn’t.   But, we have the gift of Jesus who showed us that life’s joy and pain can be surrendered to the love of God who makes us “more than a conqueror” when it comes to life’s sorrows.

My uncle was right in his partial repetition of the Apostle Paul’s reminder that we are not destroyed by life’s pain.  My aunt was right in her partial reply that life, however, often feels out of control and dangerously scary.  But Jesus, who knit together human pain and hope, shows us by his dying and rising that it is hope and life that will triumph.  Thanks be to God.