Another Great Commission

Posted on December 23, 2010 by Pete

Ok . . . so who am I to challenge that the “Great Commission” is Jesus’ charge to His disciples to “Go therefore and make disciples?” (Matt. 28:19). They are the last words of Jesus recorded in by Matthew . . . they have become the rallying cry of the church for centuries if not for millennia . . . but, as I wrap up my reading in John’s gospel, can I nominate another “great commission” for the runner up slot?

As I read John 21 this morning, and in particular reflect again on Jesus’ one-on-one conversation with Peter, it occurs to me that after 3 years together . . . 3 years that must have felt like a lifetime to Peter . . . that after 3 years, a death, and a resurrection together, Jesus final words to Peter sound a lot like His first words to the disciple He nicknamed Cephas, “the rock” . . .

“And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ (Matt. 4:18-19) . . . This He [Jesus] spoke, signifying by what death he [Peter] would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ . . . Peter, seeing him [John], said to Jesus, ‘But Lord, what about this man?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.’ ” (John 21:19-22)

After witnessing healings . . . after seeing demons cast out . . . after hearing teachings which burned within his heart . . . after grasping the increasing revelation that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God . . . after fighting for Him . . . after denying Him three times . . . after seeing Him die . . . after eating breakfast with Him that morning as Jesus sat before him in His resurrected body . . . after having the chance to affirm his love for Him three times . . . it came down to two words . . . “Follow me.”

John says that the reason he wrote His gospel was so that I might believe . . . and that believing I would have life in His name (John 20:31). He writes that there were many other things he could have recorded . . . so much stuff to tell that “even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written” (John 21:25). So I think it’s worth noting that the Spirit led John to conclude His account of the good news with this interaction between the risen Savior and the single disciple . . . to conclude it with this last great commission . . . “Follow me.”

It’s kind of a “command to obey” for all seasons, isn’t it? Times are going well? . . . Follow Me. You’re going through the ringer? . . . Follow Me. You got tons of dough? . . . Follow Me. You don’t know where your daily bread’s gonna come from? . . . Follow Me. You’re going to a foreign land in full-time service? . . . Follow Me. You’re going to work? . . . Follow Me. You’re preaching to hundreds? . . . Follow Me. I’ve given you a family to lead to salvation’s door? . . . Follow Me. You feel like following Me? . . . Follow Me. You don’t feel like following Me? . . . Follow Me, still!

The Greek tense is imperative, present, and active . . . Just do it! . . . Get ‘er done! . . . Follow me!

“Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the LORD of hosts (Zech. 4:6) . . . that’s how I can follow Him at all times. My feeble faith and willingness . . . His all surpassing grace and power.

So, if it isn’t “THE GREAT COMMISSION” . . . I certainly think it is A GREAT COMMISSION.

For His glory . . . amen!

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The Reunion

Posted on December 22, 2010 by Pete

Really, if you think about it, they hadn’t been apart that long. It’s not like their reunion was a get together after ten years . . . nor was it a five year reunion . . . it wasn’t even a one year reunion . . . actually, it had only been three days. Only three days since they had been together . . . stretch it to four days if you clock it from time they last were together in a room interacting.

But it wasn’t so much about the length of time they had been apart . . . it was about the extent to which they had been apart. First, sleep had separated them. They were together in the garden and He had a need to pray . . . “Pray with me,” He asked. But they couldn’t keep their eyes open . . . so He prayed alone. Then came the posse sent by the chief priests and Pharisees . . . and they took Him away . . . and the disciples ran in the other direction. But a few had followed Jesus to the court of the high priest, but there too, one of them removed himself farther from the Master as three times he denied he knew the Man. And I’m guessing most, if not all of them, were standing somewhere in the crowd as He was crucified . . . the distance and separation growing as they watched the One in whom they had placed their hope give up His life. Dead . . . buried . . . for three days. No one was expecting a reunion . . . until that blessed morning.

Mary was the first to find out something was up ( . . . literally . . “Up!” . . . as in “raised from the dead” up!). She found the empty tomb and ran to tell the others. Peter and John high-tailed it to Jesus’ burial site and confirmed Mary’s report . . . stone removed . . . burial garments in tact . . . no body and nobody to be found . . . and it started to dawn on John . . . he believed (John 20:1-8). And then that night, as the disciples huddled together behind closed doors, it happened . . .

“Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace to you!’ ” (John 20:19-21)

It wasn’t how long it had been since they had last seen Him, but the fact that they never thought they’d see Him again. But there He was . . . alive . . . standing in their midst . . . and they were glad . . . . ya’ think? And notice Jesus’ reunion theme . . . check out the first words out of His mouth that He deemed the most appropriate, most important implication of them being together again . . . “Peace to you!” Twice He says it. And eight days later, when He shows up in their midst again, this time to graciously woo Thomas’ unbelieving heart, He again stands in their midst and the first words He says are “Peace to you!” (John 19:26).

Isn’t that the bottom line implication of encountering the risen Christ? Isn’t that the “natural” outcome of being with Him? Peace? As we approach “the season” how often are we being reminded that “unto us a Child is born . . . a Son is given . . . and His name shall be called . . . Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). He came to bring peace . . . peace to those who were enemies with God . . . peace to those estranged from the promises of God . . . peace to those separated from by sin . . . peace through redemption . . . peace through reconciliation . . . peace through reunion!

Jesus said that He would leave us His peace . . . that He would give us His peace . . . not as the world gives . . . but the peace of heaven itself (John 14:27). In the world, He said, we would have tribulation, but in Him, we would have peace for He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Paul says it’s a peace that passes all understanding . . . a peace that will garrison the heart and mind (Php. 4:7).

Peace . . . a tranquility . . . a security . . . a safety . . . a harmony . . . a restful assurance. That’s what happens when we connect with Jesus . . . when He is “standing in the midst” . . . “Peace to you!”

And “Praise to You” my King . . . thank You for being in the midst . . . thanx for the “reunion” again this morning . . .

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Hallelujah!

Posted on December 21, 2010 by Pete

“Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” (Rev. 19:9) And with that declaration Revelation 19 stirs the heart and the imagination.

Christ is presented in His conquering glory as He is beheld on a white horse and bears the name of “Faithful and True!” (19:11) He leads the armies of heaven with eyes which are like a flame of fire and on His head are many crowns . . . He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood . . . and His name is called the Word of God.” (19:12:14) On His robe and on His thigh this name is written: “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” (19:16) He executes final judgment upon the earth — He treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. (19:15)

And I’m reminded this morning that this Awesome One has called me to His marriage supper. Far from fearing His wrath, I’m reminded that a day awaits me when I will be “glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” (19:7) That I will stand ( or, more likely, be facedown) in the midst of His glory overwhelmed at my calling to His table. And what will I do? I will worship . . . I will declare His praise . . . I will be part of the “Hallelujah Chorus.”

Revelation 19 is the only place in the New Testament where we find the word “Hallelujah!”

It will be the echo of heaven as “a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven say, ‘Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!” (19:1) . . . . as they rejoice over the putting down of the enemies of Good, “Hallelujah! Her smoke rises up forever and ever!” (19:3) . . . as a sound like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, cries out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!” (19:6) . . . as the twenty four elders and four living creatures again go facedown and worship God sitting on the throne, saying, “Amen! Hallelujah!” (19:4)

And who is leading this “Hallelujah Chorus?”

“Then a voice came from the throne, saying, ‘Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!’ ” (19:5). A voice from the throne of God . . . not God’s voice for He is the subject of the exaltation. Perhaps it is the voice of the Lamb in the midst of the throne (Rev. 5:6) who, as a Son, determines to, in all things, bring glory to the Father. Perhaps it is the voice of the seven-fold Spirit of God before the throne (Rev. 4:5) who desires to magnify the Father and Son. Or, maybe it’s just the “natural” calling heard by those who find themselves in the presence of God . . . “Praise our God, Shout Hallelujah!” burns within their heart.

The apostle John is so overwhelmed by it all that he falls down at the feet of his escort angel . . . as John tries to digest it all he feels compelled to humble himself and worship something . . . anything!! And the angel directs John to the only object worthy of his adoration, “Worship God!” (19:10)

What else is there left to do amidst such a wondrous sight . . . before such an awesome God . . . called by such a Wonderful Savior? And right there, in the middle of it all, there I’ll be!!! . . . part of the bride of Christ . . . the wife which has made herself ready! Amazing!! By the grace of God I have been invited . . . by the love of God the price for my admission has been paid . . . by the gift of faith from God I have RSVP’d, “Yes! I’ll come . . . O Lamb of God, I come!!” How overwhelming to imagine the marriage celebration which awaits me . . . to be part of that heavenly chorus.

How I look forward to being part of that choir. . . to fall at His feet in worship and adoration . . . to sing at the top of my lungs, “Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! And again, Hallelujah!”

Amen?

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Think

Posted on December 20, 2010 by Pete

Is it too early to start making New Year resolutions? Maybe. Is it too early to start thinking about them? Maybe not.

Decembers, as a month, has a way of being a catalyst for a lot of stuff. It drives some into a material frenzy . . . shop ’till you drop . . . wheel to get the deal . . . spend likes there’s no end. For others it creates a lot of anxiety . . . seems troubles are magnified during this season of “peace on earth, goodwill towards men” . . . family tensions, if they existed, become greater . . . problems become more depressing . . . the focus is often on just getting through “the season”. And, for some, it ignites the advent countdown . . . flames the fire of wonder and awe concerning “God with Us” . . . captures again our hearts with adoration and thanksgiving . . . O Come Let Us Adore Him!

But there’s at least one more thing December has a way of fueling. Because it’s the homestretch of another year, as we work our way through the days of the last page of our calendar, it often is a time of reflection. Where’s the year gone? What’s been accomplished? What’s ahead? As, such, December is not a bad time of year to read Haggai.

Five times in the prophet’s short, two-chapter letter, written to those who had returned after the captivity, God says to His people, “Consider. Consider your ways . . . consider now from this day forward . . . consider it!” (Haggai 1:5, 1:7, 2:15, 2:18)

The NIV says, “Give careful thought” . . . the NLT, “Look at what’s happening” . . . and Peterson’s take in the MSG is “Take a good, hard look at your life. Think it over.” Literally it has the idea of setting one’s heart on one’s ways.

God had brought them back from exile to rebuild His temple, instead they rebuilt their houses. He asked them to raise His earthly dwelling place from the ruins, instead they put nice siding on their homes. He had promised to meet their needs if they would be about His business, instead they were frustrated farmers getting no cooperation from the weather as they sought to meet their own needs. And so God says, “Consider . . . give careful thought . . . take a look around . . . think!”

And they were not to just think about where they had been . . . or just about what they were doing (or not doing) . . . but the prophet says, “Think ahead, too!” “Be strong,” says the Lord, “I am with you . . . according to the word that I covenanted with you . . . so My Spirit remains among you, do not fear!” (Hag. 2:4-5) In light of what God had promised . . . in view of what they knew to be true concerning Him and His plans . . . remembering is promise to dispel all fear through His abiding presence . . . they were to give careful thought to how they were investing the time here and now in light of there and then.

Yup, in many ways December is a gift. A great time to bless others with a little of the material blessing we’ve known . . . a time to worshipfully focus on God’s gift to us . . . and a time to take stock. A time to ask myself if I’ve been about the business God wants me to be about . . . to check priorities and make sure they’re aligned . . . to be honest if I’m settling for what’s good and not pursuing what’s best. It’s a time to remember the promises of God . . . those fulfilled in the Babe in the manger . . . those concerning His presence and help for the present time . . . and those which speak of a future of which we can only imagine.

It’s a good time to think . . . amen?

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It’s A Duet!

Posted on December 17, 2010 by Pete

Most often, it occurs to me, I think of praise as a solo. This morning I’m wondering if, at least sometimes, I should be thinking of it more as a duet. For the most part I think of praise as “one way” . . . as God’s people offering up “the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (Heb. 13:15). When I think of rejoice and lifting up of loud voices, it’s the bride extolling the Groom . . . the sheep declaring the wonder of the Shepherd . . . the body humbly acknowledging it’s Head. But then I come across Zephaniah and am reminded that sometimes God sings back . . . that it’s a duet.

“Sing, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away your judgments, He has cast out your enemy. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; You shall see disaster no more. In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: ‘Do not fear; Zion, let not your hands be weak. The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.’ ” (Zephaniah 3:14-17)

Ok . . . so I know I’m in “application mode”. Strict interpretation concerns a future day when the returning King puts down His enemies and establishes His earthly home . . . when He restores to the people a pure language and they all call upon the name of the Lord (3:8-9) . . . when gathered to His holy mount is a remnant, a meek and humble people trusting in the name of the Lord (3:12). This passage deals with a future time . . . a future promise . . . a future reality for God’s ancient people. But I’m still thinking it reflects something of the reality of God’s disposition towards the “special people”, the “chosen generation”, the “holy nation” which declares the praise of Him who called them out of darkness, that I’m part of (1Peter 2:9). And if it does . . . then it’s a duet!

Think of it. God’s people singing . . . His own shouting . . . glad and rejoicing in heart . . . hands lifted high (well, figuratively speaking for us conservative types) . . . praise flowing from hearts and lips that are crazy in love with Him who first loved us . . . thankful for blessings and a hope that really is beyond fully knowing this side of heaven. We look heavenward . . . we turn, as it were, our eyes upon Jesus and look full in His wonderful face . . . and we sing with loud voices of the wonder and glories of the King. Our own attempt at a command performance before Him who is worthy of praise. Think of it. But then think too of Him singing back!

The Lord our God is in our midst . . . we are a dwelling place for God through His Spirit (Eph. 2:22). And He too is rejoicing over us with gladness . . . thrilled with those redeemed from destruction by the blood of His Son . . . ecstatic as He views trophies of His amazing grace. And that rejoicing isn’t something that He keeps in . . . uh, uh . . . He will rejoice over you with singing. God sings! And the original would indicate that it’s not some humming under His breath but that it is loud singing . . . shouting singing . . . at the top of His lungs singing. And the subject? . . . it’s “over you” . . . over His people. Unreal!!!

I’m a sucker for romantic duet’s . . . love songs between a couple as they gaze into one another’s eyes . . . voices in beautiful harmony . . . declaring words of adoration, faithfulness, and commitment . . . kind of brings a tear to your eye. What will it be like when this duet that we enjoy with God “by faith” . . . when this duet, that we see but now as “in a mirror dimly” (1Cor. 13:12) . . . when this duet will be face to face? We in His midst . . . the Lord our God in ours. We, lifting our voices in thunderous heartfelt wonder and appreciation, and He, rejoicing over us with gladness and with singing.

Oh, that I by faith might “hear” His song even today . . . that I might enter into the wonder of a duet with the God in our midst . . . for my joy . . . for His glory . . . amen.

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Stand Still

Posted on December 16, 2010 by Pete

There’s something about reading Job that, for me at least, sets a me bit back on my heals. Not so much chapters 1 and 2 in which God speaks with Satan . . . nor in chapters 38 through 42, where God speaks with Job . . . but in that middle part, chapters 3 through 37, where Job and his “friends” have their conversation about the ways of God. What keeps me a bit off balance is the fact that while I’m reading the Word of God concerning a discussion about God not everything written is true of God. While these men know a lot of facts about God, sometimes their understanding concerning the mind of God is lacking . . . and sometimes their application misses the mark . . . and sometimes their seeming arrogance gets in the way. So I find myself, as I read, always on edge a bit as I read these statements concerning God and seek to discern (with the help of my Teacher) that which is true of Him and that which is misunderstood by these men. This morning though, I found some pretty solid ground offered up by Job’s buddy, Elihu . . . “Stand still!”

“Listen to this, O Job; Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God” (Job 37:14)

Now those are words to take to the bank! When working through the “Why?” or the “How come?” of a tough situation . . . when the stress is piling up and the release valve seems stuck . . . when the going gets tough . . . or it’s just tough to get going . . . then maybe it’s wise to just stand still and look around.

Stop moving . . . cease the churn . . . take a breather . . . and behold the evidence and wonder of God in our midst. Take a peek at creation for the first time all over again. Marvel at the intricacies of how your body is put together. Determine for a few minutes to reflect on where you’ve been and where, but by the grace of God, you might have ended up. Recall the joy of your salvation . . . reflect on the certainty of your hope.

“Be still,” says the Lord through the psalmist, “and know that I am God. I will be exalted in all the earth. I am with you . . . and I will be your refuge” (Ps. 46:10-11). Sometimes we just need to cease and desist . . . stop the bus . . . put ‘er in park . . . and think . . . and ponder . . . and turn to our favorite passages in the Bible . . . dust off those promises that we’ve claimed and clung to for years. Sometimes we need to shut down the noise and seek to hear the still small voice of the Spirit inside us revealing the wondrous works of God in and around us.

This morning I also read the book of Habakkuk. Talk about some churn! The prophet is so bent out of shape over the persistent rebellion and sin of Israel, that He asks God, “How long are you going to put up with this, O Lord?” And the Lord responds, “Hold on to your hat (or yarmulke), Hab. I’m going to deal with the situation . . . I’m sending in the Chaldeans to judge my people.” And that doesn’t help Habakkuk much, “Them, Lord?!? You’re going to use them? They’re worse than us!” But then, check this out, Habakkuk must have read Job . . . “I will stand watch and set myself on a rampart, and watch to see what He will say to me, and what I will answer when I am corrected” (Hab. 2:1). That’s it! At some point the striving ceases . . . the questions have been asked . . . and it’s time to stand still . . . to listen . . . to consider . . . to know that He is God.

And, I’m thinking, what better time of year to walk the talk . . . or not walk as the case may be. When all around us the birth of Christ is evident . . . what an opportunity to be still and think Immanuel (Matt. 1:23) . . . God with us . . . amazing. To pause and reflect that unto us a Savior is born (Luke 2:11) . . . to take a few quiet moments and behold the Lamb of God (John 1:29) . . . to hear His voice again call all those who labor and are heavy laden to come to Him (Matt. 11:28) . . . to stand still and know that our salvation is nearer than when we first believed (Rom. 13:11) . . . to quietly gaze heavenward and know that our redemption draws near (Luke 21:28).

Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God . . . now that’s truth! O Come Let Us Adore Him . . . amen?

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New Songs

Posted on December 15, 2010 by Pete

As a kid I used to look forward to the weekly publishing of the “LG73 Top Ten.” LG73 was (maybe still is) a Vancouver (B.C. not Washington) pop music radio station. And every week it would publish the most popular songs played that week. And one of the reasons I looked forward to it was so that it would inform my decision on the next 45 I bought. 45 . . . as in 45 RPM record . . . as in two songs etched into some black vinyl . . . as in dark ages. We actually owned a Juke Box . . . and I loved going down to the record store . . . paying my 99 cents . . . and plugging in the new songs into our tunes player.

Funny how some things kind of don’t change. Now I live in anticipation of Tuesdays . . . I look forward to the second day of the week . . . ’cause that’s when iTunes publishes it’s new music. Almost every Tuesday, without fail, I get onto iTunes and check out the latest “Christian and Gospel” offerings. And guess what? The price is still 99 cents . . . though I don’t get a chunk of vinyl . . . and though I find myself now buying albums more than singles. But I still plug the songs into (aka download) a juke box of sorts . . . my iPod. I love new music . . . I love new songs . . . maybe that’s why the following captured my attention as I read this morning . . .

“Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.” (Revelation 14:1-3)

Oh, what will the music of heaven be like? It’ll be loud . . . like the roar of the sea . . . like “mega thunder” . . . but it won’t be ear-splitting . . . we won’t need or want ear-plugs to “tone it down.” And the music of heaven will be founded on exquisite musicianship . . . instruments being played at their highest levels . . . the sound will be pleasant to the ear . . . and melodies will capture the heart and compel the mouth to want to sing. And sing they will . . . a new song.

I’m thinking the songs of heaven probably won’t come out as part of a “Top Ten” or be released every Tuesday . . . but, that the music of heaven will be new and fresh, to me is clear. The object and themes of the songs won’t change for they are inexhaustible. There will always be words to be put to music concerning our God, our Savior, and our salvation. New thoughts on age old truths . . . fresh verses penned about Him who sits on the throne . . . recently framed choruses borne from the on-going new discoveries to be realized in heaven. As much as I enjoy some of the stuff being put out today by God’s people . . . what will it be like there and then?

And as I think about the on-going concert that awaits me, I’m reminded that these songs are exclusively for the redeemed. The music can’t be appreciated by those still in darkness . . . the lyrics make no sense to those who don’t know the reality of relationship with God . . . its just a cacophony of unintelligible noise to those who have not responded to the good news that “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11) A reminder that there are those who still need to hear and respond to the gospel before they too can enjoy the music.

And, a reminder, that but for the grace of God, I too would have no clue as to the “hidden collection” of “hit tunes” that awaits those who have been made new creations in Him. New songs . . . new melodies . . . new lyrics . . . new arrangements . . . concerning “the old, old story of Jesus and His love.”

So, for now, I’ll continue to look forward to Tuesdays . . . and picking up new tune-age that stirs my heart in anticipation of that day of “new songs” . . . in anticipation of that “concert” which will be literally out of this world . . . in anticipation of being facedown before the throne offering up fresh expressions of thanksgiving and praise to Him who alone is worthy . . . amen?

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Behold Your King!

Posted on December 14, 2010 by Pete

Nativity scenes . . . we never decided one day to start purposefully building a collection of them . . . but, in fact, that’s kind of what’s happened . . . we’ve ended up becoming collectors of nativity scenes . . . we bought another one this year. Right now, I think there are seven nativity scenes set up downstairs. Some with large characters . . . some with small. Some of a more “classic” nature and some a bit more contemporary. Some with just 3 pieces, a Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus . . . and some with multiple pieces including animals, shepherds, magi, angels . . . the whole nine yards. Sometimes they’re barely noticed . . . but at other times . . . probably more in the morning than the evening . . . in quietness and with a cup of coffee they become a catalyst for thought and meditation. An “igniter” to once again consider the wonder of Immanuel . . . God with us. A visual reminder of promise fulfilled as “Unto us a Child is born . . . ” . . . that “in the city of David a Savior has been born” . . . that He who was born to be King should be worshiped with the best that wise men (and women) have to offer. And it’s that King aspect that’s come to mind this morning as I read in John.

“So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. Then they said, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ And they struck Him with their hands. . . . And [Pilate] said to the Jews, ‘Behold your King!’ But they cried out, ‘Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!’ Pilate said to them, ‘Shall I crucify your King?’ The chief priests answered, ‘We have no king but Caesar!’ Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified.” (John 19:1-3, 14b-16a)

I cringe every time I read this part of the Passion story . . . this and Matthew’s record that the crowd also cried out to Pilate, “His blood be on us and our children” (Matt. 27:25). Father forgive them . . . they don’t know what they’re doing . . . they don’t know what they’re saying. “We have no king but Caesar” . . . really?!? . . what a thing to say . . . not just a rejection of the Son . . . but of the Father, as well. What were they thinking? They weren’t . . . hard hearts . . . blinded eyes . . . deaf ears . . . the rejection of their King. How sad . . . and, except for the grace of God, that’s me.

How I prefer to picture the baby King surrounded by those who love Him and adore Him . . . encompassed by angels . . . marveled at by shepherds . . . worshiped by magi . . . offered gifts befitting a Royal. I prefer it over that of a Man freshly taken from a scourging post . . . barely able to stand because of the beating He has just received . . . wearing some tacky purple robe . . . blood flowing down His face from the crown of thorns that has been forced upon His brow. Identified as a king by a pagan governor who didn’t want to deal with the truth . . . mocked as king by pagan soldiers who “offered” Him the blows of their hands as their “gifts of worship” . . . rejected as king by those He came to save. But, this too is the Christmas story . . . isn’t it?

Yes, He is King.

Recognized as such at His birth, by some . . . rejected as such at His death, by others . . . one day to be revealed as King of Kings when He returns, by all.

Behold Your King! . . . the babe in the manger. Behold Your King! . . . the Lamb of God come to take away the sins of the world.

O come let us adore Him! . . . . amen?

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Talking with Jesus

Posted on December 13, 2010 by Pete

It seems to me that Jesus was far more willing to speak with Pilate than He was to the high priest and religious elite of Israel. As I read John 18, Jesus refuses to engage with those who have put Him on trial (18:19-22). Yet, when He was sent before Pilate, Rome’s governor over Judea, Jesus was prepared to have a conversation. How come?

Pilate asks Jesus if He is the King of the Jews? Jesus answers Pilates question with a question, “Are you asking because you want to know, or is it just something you’ve been told?” (18:34 paraphrase). Interesting question, says Jesus . . . are you a seeker? . . . or just intellectually curious? Is what you’ve heard about Me causing something to stir within you so that you want to know more . . . or, are you playing the Jews’ game of trying to uncover some fact or admission upon which to hang me? It seems that Jesus is willing to speak with Pilate because the governor’s interest in Jesus is more than shallow curiosity.

Jesus then reveals to Pilate that His kingdom “is not of this world” (18:36). And I’m thinking that Jesus isn’t making this any easier on Pilate. In responding to Pilate’s question, Jesus introduces Pilate to a concept that wasn’t even on Pilate’s radar. A kingdom that transcends the physical reality that Pilate has grown comfortable with . . . talking of a rule and authority over servants who inhabit a different dimension . . . what’s Pilate going to do with that? And what I find interesting is that Pilate doesn’t just write off Jesus at this point . . . this powerful Roman doesn’t wave His hand and dismiss this lowly Jew as a mad man. Instead, Pilate asks another question to ensure his understanding, “Are you a king then?” (18:37)

“Bingo!” says Jesus (well, sort of), “You say rightly that I am a king.” That’s the truth says this One on trial . . . that’s why I was born . . . that’s why I have come into the world . . . so that people would know the truth . . . I bear witness to truth . . . and those who seek truth hear my voice (18:37).

Isn’t that why Jesus talked with Pilate when He refused to answer the high priest’s questions? Jesus speaks to those who are legitimately trying to understand . . . to those who have inquiring minds . . . to those with open hearts. For those who ask the sincere question . . . answers are available. For those who truly seek for what’s really real . . . reality will be found. For those who knock on the door of heaven’s knowledge and wisdom . . . the door will be open. Not that Jesus’ answers are simple . . . sometimes the answers create more questions. What do you do, as in Pilate’s example, when the “new data” you receive speaks of a kingdom that’s literally out of this world? But, says, Jesus, I speak the truth.

And this is where Pilate gets tripped up . . . he asks one more question . . . “What is truth?” I don’t think Pilate was disputing Jesus . . . in fact, I think something within Pilate was causing Him to conclude that Jesus’ claims were credible . . . but the implications were frightening . . . this was not going where Pilate was prepared for it to go. So, Pilate looked for a way out.

I guess if I’m going to try and engage Jesus with a sincere desire to know Him and His ways . . . if I’m going to honestly ask the questions . . . I had better be prepared for “out of this world” answers . . . input that may not fit neatly into the box I’ve created. If Jesus is the Truth (and He is) . . . and speaks the truth (which He does) . . . then, regardless of my level of full comprehension, isn’t mine to receive the truth . . . mix it with some faith . . . and respond to it accordingly? I’m thinkin’ . . .

I want to be someone that Jesus is willing to enter into a conversation with.

Father, keep me from a heart which, though asking questions, isn’t really interested in answers. Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Truth . . . give me ears to hear what You have to say. Spirit within me, thank you for taking on the task of being my Teacher . . . lead me into truth . . . for my blessing . . . for His glory . . . amen.

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Openly Spoken

Posted on December 10, 2010 by Pete

The last couple of mornings, as I’ve read in John 18, I’ve thought about how appropriate it is that, as I start getting “cranked up” for Christmas and focusing on the wonder of Immanuel, God with us, that I should be reading about His last days on earth. As much as I love to focus on that baby in the manger, the riches of “the season” are deepened when I recognize that this same baby was also the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. And a phrase in John 18:20 this morning kind of captured the essence of this time of year.

Jesus is before Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was the high priest. Annas questions Jesus about His disciples and His teachings. And Jesus’ response? “Ask them. Ask all those who have heard my teachings. It’s not something I’ve secretly passed on only to the select few. If you’re really interested, ask those who’ve heard Me — surely they know what I’ve said.” (v 20-21 – kinda – Pete’s paraphrase) And the phrase in verse 20 which so reflects what the Christmas season can be are the words, “I spoke openly to the world.”

Isn’t that what that the first Christmas was? An open, public declaration of Jesus the Savior . . . angels declaring His coming and glory 2,000 years ago . . .a star visible for all who had eyes to see . . . leading to that most holy place in Bethlehem? There was nothing secretive about that first Christmas. It wasn’t just a “what’s said in Bethlehem, stays in Bethlehem,” event between Mary, Joseph, and the animals in the stable. The shepherds knew about it, as did those they told. Aged Simeon and Anna knew about it. Eventually the magi would know about it . . . and so would Herod.

That first public declaration by angelic beings kind of set the precedent, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior–yes, the Messiah, the Lord–has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize Him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12 NLT)

A public declaration . . . spoken openly for all who had ears to hear. And that’s what Jesus said at the end of His earthly life as He stood before those who would eventually see to it that He hung on a cross — He says, “I have spoken openly to the world.”

And every year at this time there exists an opening . . . a unique opening . . . for Messiah to be presented . . . to surface the question, “Who was this baby whose birth was the catalyst for these ‘Happy Holidays?’ ” Sure, there’ll be many who, like this hard-hearted high priest, aren’t really interested in the question or the answer. But there will also be some who are seeking . . . some with the heart of the magi, who are seeking . . . some who will hear . . . and see . . . and believe . . . and respond. That’s why He still seeks to speak openly to the world by His Spirit through His people.

So we, as His followers, need to seize those occasions afforded us to share “the Reason for the Season.” O, that God’s Holy Spirit would use this Christmas to move some to hear Jesus as He continues to speak openly to the world through us. That the Spirit might help me to recognize when I have those opportunities to be one of those disciples who can pass on what I’ve heard Him openly speak . . . through His birth . . . through His death . . . through His resurrection . . . through His saving grace . . . through new life in Him . . . about His promise of coming again one day. That I too might speak openly . . . for a lost world’s benefit . . . and for His glory . . .

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