Abundant Fields - Matthew 13:1-9 - Seventh Week after Pentecost

 

Matthew 13:1-9 NIV

13 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. ² Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. ³ Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. ⁴ As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. ⁵ Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. ⁶ But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. ⁷ Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. ⁸ Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. ⁹ Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

¹⁸ “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: ¹⁹ When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. ²⁰ The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. ²¹ But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. ²² The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. ²³ But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

Abundant Fields

This was an intense teaching time in the ministry of Jesus. His teaching continued on His way from a house to a location by the Sea of Galilee. Here in this passage Jesus’ teaching is moving from a private location into a public location. Jesus was an excellent teacher with an eternal message that transcends time and space, calling us, in this place, to listen to Him, and listen carefully.

So, as Jesus draws a crowd, He takes advantage of the location of a boat in the Sea. In a boat, Jesus becomes the sole focal point. This is a wonderful way to focus the crowd’s attention on Jesus, the teacher and the speaker. This is an important teaching lesson that Jesus wants ALL to hear… even for us today.

Think about all of the times that God teaches His people either from the shore, or facing the water, or in the water. Think, even now, about your own baptism, or even the baptism of someone else, as you observe. There is teaching by the waters all of the time. So, once again, God uses an earthly element, like water, combined with the Word, to lead people to see His presence with them. This earthly element and Word spoken, especially by Jesus, leads us forth and through to the gifts God develops in each of us through His Holy Spirit. Always pay attention to how God comes to us, in flesh and blood, upon this earth with His Spirit. God IS present in such circumstances. Here, as well, Jesus will teach us a truth from the water, as we observe from the shore.

So, yea! Gather together, for a sermon from Jesus. Gather together in churches now, and all over, to hear the Word spoken through the pastor, lay-person, or priest. Gather together to hear the Word of God. It’s important that we gather together. Don’t take attending church lightly. Gather together often, and listen, and see Jesus.

Now, let’s think about parables. Parables were common teaching methods in the Jewish community of the day. Parables were used to reveal Truth, in and through earthly examples. There’s that earthly element stuff sneaking into the teaching. So, perk up as Jesus teaches eternal truths, with earthly elemental examples. God speaks in and through His Word, combined with earthly elements. Think baptism and communion, where water combined with a Word and a Promise, jumps a new disciple into life through the Holy Spirit. Think bread and wine, in with and under the body and blood of Jesus, that draws us into Jesus’ real presence, and His gift of forgiveness and salvation. All of these move us close to God. See, they move us close to God. God is the one moving us towards Him. God always comes to us. There is nothing that I can do that will allow me to move into God’s presence. I’m not worthy of that. But thanks be to God, that He moves to me, and draws me in. That’s some love!

So, next we jump into the parable. I’m interested in the earthly people and the earthly elements right away. We have the sower, seed, differing kind of paths, soil or at least the depth of soil, growing or not growing plants, and first off, some birds.

I’m at this point, not really thinking about who represents what. I would rather think about the point of the message, than reflect on who or what represents what. I’m listening, in this instance for the message. Will I get it? I don’t know, but I’m listening.

Now it moves from birds to the sun. It seems like something is always acting on the seeds to prevent growth. Makes me wonder what acts on me in my life to prevent growth, especially when I think of my life in relationship to God. I know that my sinfulness, and the deception of the evil of this world, draws me away from God, acts upon me and turns me around, in directions that I should not go. But I need God to turn me around from my selfish ways, to see and live in His goodness.

The thorns of my sinfulness overwhelm me, and choke out my love for God, and for neighbor. As I read, and reread this parable of Jesus, it’s obvious that there are dangers in my everyday living, drawing my attention away from God. Jesus is really pointing out why I need Him, in this teaching.

In the finality of it all, Jesus draws me back to some good soil. And there is that God coming to us again. God comes to us, even in the midst of the birds, the scorching sun, the rocks and the thorns of this life to bring us to Him. This action of God, even in the actions of the sower, seems to draw me into Him.  Teach me and guide me I pray, Lord Jesus!

As Jesus explains His parable, He draws us in. He draws us in to think deeply about His message. Jesus uses an agricultural theme, because that was common work for the people to which He was speaking. On the surface that seems elementary. But it’s not. Jesus is using something common, to highlight something deep in meaning. Something deep in meaning that has an eternal truth.

Jesus is teaching about the Kingdom of God. Now, Jesus takes us from what we know in earthly occupations, and earthly elements, and draws us to His Spiritual Kingdom in eternity. In some ways Jesus is drawing us out from this world to another world in which He has always dwelt. Yet, even at that, Jesus not only dwells in the Heavenly realm, He has come to live with us, in this earthly realm as well.

Here we learn from Jesus about the Spiritual warfare in the evils that are tempting us away from God. Satan’s lies are real. Satan’s temptations are constantly teasing us away from the eternal relationship that God has given us, to believe something else. And that something else moves us away from God, and into the realm of evil lies. It’s a battle for your soul, for your relationship with God, for your allegiance to God, or to Satan.

You most likely, in your life, hear God’s Word spoken or presented by the Bible or the words of friends or relatives. And when the True Word is given, you most likely, will accept that Word, or deny that Word.

How you respond to the love of God freely given to you, and how you respond to the lies of Satan, makes all the difference. Throughout time, and even throughout life, my life included, I, we, have taken God’s Word and responded in various ways. Sometimes it lights a fire of passion in life. Sometimes the Word places a fear in life. Sometimes the Word makes me run in fear.

As the Word is tossed out into our lives, our response matters. Here Jesus warns us of the various ways in which we will respond. And our response to God’s Word matters. Our response and our willingness to be obedient to God, as we see what He has done, matters.

As we see God’s action, we begin to realize, this life is about what God has given. God gives us all we need to live. To live here, and to live into eternity, with God in His Kingdom.

As this parable is taught, we are to listen for the Truth coming through it. The Truth is that God seeks us out, and wants us to live with Him forever.

But we easily are deceived by this world, and the desires of living in this world. Remember last week’s message of how we are to look beyond? Jesus draws us from the earthly elements of this world, to teach us a heavenly message. Not only through our baptism, or our receiving Him in Holy Communion, but in our everyday lives as well. Jesus draws us to Him, even in our lives of today.

And Jesus has a way of walking right into our daily lives, our daily beings and into our heart, to live with us and in us, as we live with Him, and in Him.

Listen to the words of the parable, with your eyes focused on what we know, in this earth, and what is revealed to you beyond this world, into heavenly union with God, and one another. Listen and listen deeply. Take the time. For as we listen closely to the parables of Jesus, He is drawing out a response from us that will produce the fruitful fields of abundant grain and life, not only here, but in heaven as well.

Water my life, Lord, that my only thought is to respond in obedience, and joy, to what You do, and have done. Draw me away from myself, as You come to me.

Lord God, thank You for filling this earth with Your love, and with the Words of Jesus. For You lead us from what we can see, here and now, to You into eternity. Thank You!

So, dear Lord, may I live, not by the spirit of my flesh, the desires that I have for the here and now; may I rather live by the spirit that you implant in me. May my life be a response to you, and not a life that responds to my carnal desires and sins. What a tall ask this is, but as You came to earth in the flesh and blood of Jesus, to experience what I experience, I know that Your presence is ever before me. Your presence to lead and guide me, here in this place, with you by my side, to be with You in Your Kingdom in eternity, all through the love, mercy, forgiveness, and power of Jesus, my Savior.

Focus on Jesus. Focus on His Words. Focus on Him in a boat, in the midst of the waters. Focus on Jesus’ call. Join your life, here and now, in this earthly world, to Him, SO THAT, you may see beyond the sower, the seeds, the birds, the soil, the sun and whatever else exists upon this planet, that, we may see in Jesus’ eyes, and hear in Jesus’ words, an eternal nature, and an eternal relationship that He alone can offer; to be with Him in His Kingdom… today… tomorrow… and forever. Thanks be to God!

I leave you with this YouTube Music Video that reminds me of the love of God as we walk in Fields of Gold…

“Fields of Gold” by Sting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jMAIuqnFEI&list=RD-jMAIuqnFEI&start_radio=1

Play Like a Child - Matthew 11:25-30 - Sixth Week after Pentecost

 

Matthew 11:25-30 NIV

²⁵ At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. ²⁶ Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

²⁷ “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Play Like a Child

At what time? This was in the midst of Jesus teaching, healings, and miracles, He was doing in various cities. And yet, some of the people, still refused to believe what was taking place before their own eyes. The people who couldn’t see God were the wise and learned people. It tells me that I can never learn enough. I’m always going to be innocent in my own humility before the presence of God. I will never fit the mold of self-wisdom or self-learnedness. This isn’t about how good I think I am, this is about Jesus the Messiah! Jesus the Savior! Jesus the God! It’s not about how wise or learned that I think that I may be in the eyes of God.

I must face the truth of God, and know that I am but His child. His child alone. No amount of religious theology or learning will make me righteous. Only through Jesus am I made righteous.

2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV

God made him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

And speaking of being a Child… In this one verse, Jesus shows the family connection of it all, and the intimacy He has with God the Father, and also little children. Jesus makes things wonderfully personal and grants us a unique relationship with Him, and the Father.

So, rejoice in humility before God. Humility is a blessing!

Jesus has a special relationship with God the Father. Here we see Jesus’ authority, and the Father’s authority, are combined. This speaks to the Trinity of God. Jesus IS God, yet has a unique call and mission, as given by God the Father, to come into our world to save us from sin and death. This was a mission set in place before the beginning. I’m not sure that I can explain that, even to my own satisfaction. But does my explanation really matter? I don’t think so, it’s my acceptance of what God the Father has led Jesus to do in this place, and in this world, and in the finality of it all, in God’s eternal Kingdom. And in this passage, we can see, that Jesus is revealing Himself to the world. But will the world see, or even accept this revelation of Jesus as God and Savior?

And now for the invitation from Jesus. Jesus sent from heaven to earth, invites us to Him. How great is that? God comes to us in the flesh and blood of Jesus, and invites us to be with Him, now and into eternity. Will mankind be able to get beyond their own pride, and accept Jesus’ call to come to Him?

Jesus offers up rest. But rest from what? For me, it’s rest from attempting to save myself through my own selfish actions. That stuff won’t work anyway. I’ve come to discover, that I can’t save myself, no matter how hard I try. I need a Savior and, guess what? Here in this passage, Jesus invites me, and you, to rest in His work of forgiveness, and victory over sin and death. That’s rest!

And then on top of it all, Jesus willingly, and freely, offers rest IN Him. There is that gift from God thing going at it again. God again gives us “Daily Bread.” God GIVES all we need to live eternal life with Him!

And the way Jesus gives us His gift of life! He is humble. That’s NOT something we are used to, in this world of power, might, greed and self-glorification. Jesus is not only giving us a gift of Himself; He is teaching us HOW to give of ourselves to our neighbors as well. We give ourselves in a humble, gentle, merciful manner to our neighbor. As we serve our neighbor, as we serve ALL people, we come to them and serve THEM with a loving, gentle, caring heart. Think about that and look around at how so many, in this world today, treat the “others” in their lives. Especially those others that are different, or that we may not agree with. We are called and taught to serve, not overpower one another.

And in this serving, and being served by Jesus, comes the grace of God. Our response to this gift of love from Jesus’ call to unity in Him, is for us a call to unity, in love, in meekness, and humility, to ALL those God gives to us each and every day… even those we love to hate. Is this an easy yoke? Well, for me, I guess that depends on what I make of it. Will I resist the yoke? Or will I accept the yoke with joy and thanksgiving, knowing that the “Pull” is already been done by God in Jesus, as He carries out the mission from God the Father, with the gifts of God the Holy Spirit. Think about your yoke and how you will respond.

Jesus demonstrates the wonderful and awesome power of humility in that He comes to us, His Children, His creation… He comes to us humble, as a servant, even on a donkey on Palm Sunday at the beginning of His suffering and death, to love all of His creation to death, death on a cross, SO THAT, we can live with God into eternity, forgiven, and made righteous through what He does. How great is that?

Jesus, I see how throughout all time, that you are loving and gracious and giving to me. For no good reason, that I can see. Yet you are! And for this I give you all thanks and praise and honor. How could I do anything else? For I see the LAW before my eyes, and I see how I have failed you. Yet, you still come to me and call me to you, so that we can be together into eternity. Why would You do this? I’m not sure, but I know You did!

Wretched man that I am, You still come to me, You still save me from sin and death, and You still call me into Your presence. I can’t understand it, so here I am, to accept it and to love you into eternity, serving You with my obedience to Your call. Help me all along this path. For I know my sin, and You know my sin, yet You still choose me.

This past week, on Wednesday, I got sick. I mean really sick. Sick to the point that I had to stay in. I tried taking some medicine for relief, but none of that really helped all that much. It was a hang on kind of sick. Hang on for what, you may ask? Thursday was the day that I would get an infusion of medicine directly into my bloodstream that typically helped.

So, on Thursday, I received my transfusion, and it did help. It always has helped, and this time was no different. It was immediate relief, but it takes a couple of days for that relief to realize it’s full impact. Well, this time the nurse wanted to try something a bit different with the infusion. She got the doctor’s approval to attempt a “rapid” infusion. It was sort of “rapid.” Instead of three hours in the chair, I spent two hours in the chair, receiving the infusion, followed by 30 minutes of observation.

So, what’s all of this have to do with anything?

I’m reminded that I am but a child. A child whining and groaning about some discomfort. A child crying in pain in the darkness of my mind. Yet, I’m also reminded, as I sit in the infusion center, that I’m not alone in my pain. Other patients, came and went while I was sitting in that infusion chair. All of us like little children, in a world of disease, illness, and death. All of us, children, coming for a bit of relief, that may last, in my case about six weeks, before the pain and suffering returns.

Yet, as I was on Wednesday, before this infusion; my eyes couldn’t see beyond myself. I had a hard time seeing the Thursday ahead of me.

As I live out life in this evil, fallen, diseased, world; I must be careful not to focus my eyes and my thoughts on just what is before me, here and now. It’s important that, just as Jesus calls all of us, that we look beyond the evil, and disease of this world, to SEE through the eyes of the love of God in Jesus, that comes to us, to call us to Him, to something beyond ourselves. Something that calls us beyond this world, in which we all live out some kind of struggle, to see His eternal love and forgiveness and salvation. A love that calls His Children into eternity with Him where there will be no more pain, suffering, death and tears.

And in this call to us, may I, and you, be able to see the love and compassion of God. May we be able to witness God’s love to all those people entering the infusions centers of our own lives, to offer God’s love, our love and the compassion and love and forgiveness… as we all look beyond this temporary world to an eternal Kingdom of God, starting here and now and moving with God into eternity.

2 Corinthians 4:18

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

And in Jesus’ love and care, you, me and all who hear His call to come, can and will be able to play like a child in the love of God, now with God, with one another and into His Kingdom… today… tomorrow… and forever. --- Thanks be to God!

Enjoy this YouTube Music Video that spoke to me this week…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjWvbV6ohVc&list=RDXjWvbV6ohVc&start_radio=1

Give UP Life To Give UP Life - Matthew 10:34-42 - Fifth Week after Pentecost

 

Matthew 10:34-42 NIV

³⁴ “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. ³⁵ For I have come to turn

“‘a man against his father,
    a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
³⁶     a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’

³⁷ “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. ³⁸ Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. ³⁹ Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

⁴⁰ “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. ⁴¹ Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. ⁴² And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

Give up life to give up life

Jesus didn’t come into this world to settle things among ourselves. Especially if you are thinking of settling political scores between countries or people. He didn’t come to this earth to make things “right” and defeat the power of the Roman Empire over God’s people. That’s NOT peace. That’s more like revenge or getting even with people we disagree with. And in this passage, Jesus makes it clear. But the problem is, our ears want to hear what we want to hear, NOT, what God in Jesus is telling us.

So that begs the question, then, what is peace?

Jesus’ peace is NOT an agreement between the battling or warring powers of this world. It’s way more than that. Jesus’ peace is a peace that settles the ultimate score between sin and death. Jesus’ peace is a peace that settles sin and forgives, and brings new life. Life in the lives of believers in His Kingdom in eternity. Jesus’ peace is way more than what our minds can comprehend.

Let’s take a look at something, I’m sure many of you will recognize, and take comfort in, each week…

Numbers 6:24-26 NIV

²⁴ “‘“The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
²⁵ the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
²⁶ the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.”’

Now that’s peace. Think about it. This is usually the last thing said during the worship, by the Pastor, to the congregation, AS Words of God. Words spoken after the corporate confession and forgiveness, at the beginning of worship; after the Pastor delivers a Word from God, in sermon, after an affirmation of faith through a Creed, after the Lord’s Prayer and the prayers of the church, yes, words spoken even after the Holy Sacrament of Communion is received as a gift from God in the body and blood of Jesus, in with and under the bread and the wine, is received. Yet, words spoken before the sending of the worshippers back into the world, from the worship service.

Yes, it’s, for sure, when God has turned His face towards us and given His peace.

So, don’t get mixed up, between peace between nations, or anything else that we desire for our own well-being. This is not a selfish kind of peace, but a peace that passes all understanding. This IS the peace Jesus speaks of, here in this passage of Scripture…

 

Philippians 4:7 NIV

⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This is the Peace of God!

But since many people want a different kind of peace from Jesus, a peace that solves their own selfish personal needs; they don’t like or understand or even want to tolerate the kind of peace Jesus came to this world to give. And that makes people mad! Why doesn’t God do what obviously needs to be done in MY world, to bring ME comfort, and to give ME joy, even at the cost of someone else?

And in this, there is a division of people, and a division of understanding of what real peace actually is.

So, as disciples, and here, even apostles sent, we are called to stand up FOR and be obedient TO, the peace that Jesus brings into this world of sin and evil. EVEN at the turmoil of any conflict that may arise to this world’s common view of some selfish peace making.

We, as disciples, are called to be obedient and faithful to God’s WORD, not our desires.

Following, or even pointing to Jesus may, and probably will, cause divisions with family and friends. Like Jesus life, He was here to give up life to give up life.  Think about that for a moment.

And we too are called to give up life to give up life, in loving God and neighbor, forgiving and serving, God and the “other.”

So, we’re faced with a decision. With a message to give up life to give up life; will we be willing to face into the storm of hatred for the message of peace? Real peace, NOT the kind of peace that smooths all things out and compromises for the comfort of our own selfish needs of power, wealth and control; but rather a peace willing to give up life to give up life.

That’s the cross, Jesus came to bear, and that we are called to bear. Give up life to give up life.

Are you willing?

And in this “Give up life to give up life” – we lose life to find life, or even to give life to a hated neighbor. All as a gift of what God has done through the life, ministry, suffering, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Yes! We are called to “Give up life to give up life” for our neighbor as well. Even that guy we hate or disagree with.

As we go into this evil, sinful world, of people in the same kind of struggles as we ourselves struggle; we are called with a message that is BEYOND ourselves. Yet, we must still deliver the message.

What’s that? That we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves, but God came to this world in the flesh and blood of Jesus to deliver us from sin and death, to forgive our sins, and take upon Himself the SIN of this world and the people created, and “Give up life to give up life.”

How’s that? God sent Jesus to give up His life to give up life to us in love, compassion, understanding, SO THAT, we may live with Him as believers and children in communion, now and into eternity. So, when we receive Jesus, we receive life with God forever. Notice the word Jesus uses, “receive.”

To receive, we receive as a gift from God. It’s free. Take it! And respond in the obedience to God’s command to love Him and your neighbor… IN this peace of Jesus.

You are sent into this world as a messenger of God, to declare and to announce this wonderful gift given for ALL people. ALL is ALL… even the enemies, even those with various political standards and views, even with those of varying belief systems or customs. It’s NOT your message. This IS the message of God.

People will choose as they choose. People will believe as they believe. This is NOT up to you to force anything on another person. That is God’s work, NOT yours. You are called to be thankful, joyful, and obedient to the message that you too received and believed.

As a disciple, and a believer, your acts of kindness matter. You are called to live out these acts and to serve even a cup of water to the one in need. Yes, even to the one you may hate. Why? Because that’s why!

Pause and consider the message that God gave to Jeremiah to speak, at a time of turmoil. Many prophets coming before Jeremiah were telling of wars, disasters, plagues and great kingdoms. Doom and gloom! That’s NOT what Jesus Peace is all about. All of the wars, disasters, plagues and great kingdoms power and strength, come out of mankind’s selfish desires for control and power. Yet, the real peace that Jeremiah offers is backed up by a peace that comes from God, that separates our sinful desires, to the love of God through Jesus peace which He, that is Jesus, was coming to bring into this world. A new kind of peace of forgiveness, service and love that is eternal and ever-lasting.

In our daily call to give the Peace of God, we will face dangers, for sure, but God will protect us and guide us and bring us, in the finality of it all, TO, eternal communion WITH Him. How great is that?!

Lord, you have shown me my sin, yet still forgive. I know, and can see, how I deserve the eternal fire, and the damnation for my sin. Yet you came to forgive, to restore, to renew, even me, in my sin, to bring me to a new life with you forever.

As I go into this world, may I likewise proclaim, in word, and in action, this message You give of forgiveness, and new life, to all those you send to me, and that you give to me. May I bear the fruit of which you would have me bear; whatever that fruit may be. You have made it clear, here and in other passages of Scripture, through Your own very words…

 

John 15:5

 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

 

This past week I passed another one of those decade marks in age. Whenever I turn over one of the tens digits, I seem to take a break, pause and look back. It was no different this time as well. However, as each tens digit changes, I know that more is behind me than is before me. But, is that really true? If I measure time on the scale of a typical life span of mankind today; sure, it’s true. But, if I measure time another way, I’m just getting started into a timeless eternity.

 

So, it’s easy to judge myself in terms of, have I been obedient to God’s call. Have I even heard God’s call? Have I brought any kind of peace to this world in which God has placed me. Sometimes I think no. Maybe, here and there, is a glimpse of God’s peace, but probably most of the time, I exhibit the kind of peace that is selfish, that brings peace to myself and not to my neighbor. That’s an honest confession for me.

 

So, did I, myself, “Give up life to give up life?”

 

I can see the peace of Jesus and also see how He gave up His life to give up life to all those He loves. And all those He loves is ALL. But what have I done?

 

I attempt to be faithful and obedient, in telling all of the forgiveness and salvation that Jesus offers for ALL. But even in that, how many times have I backed away, in fear of judgment?

 

So, yea, I’m convicted and guilty of sloth or even errors.

 

But I’m not so sure that my weakness even matters in the eyes of Jesus. He knows I’m weak, as I know I’m weak. Jesus knows my weaknesses probably more intimately than I do myself. YET…

 

Jesus has chosen me, even in my weakness and sin, to GO! To GO with the message, He has for me to tell to all those He gives to me day after day. My obedience does not depend on MY goodness. My obedience rests fully in the goodness and grace that Jesus gives to me and all of His disciples and apostles.

 

I am not made good, or righteous or even just by my own goodness. NOPE!

 

 

2 Corinthians 5:21

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

 

That’s NOT about me. That’s all about what Jesus has done.

 

So, as I reflect back on that tens digit change… I see another kind of change. A change that I celebrate.

 

Earlier in 2 Corinthians chapter 5 is this…

 

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

 

So, I will continue to… “Give up my life… to give up life… to all those God sends to me, each and every day. Yep… even for today… tomorrow… and forever. All in the power and peace of Jesus as He sends me into the fields of this world in which I live. For as many tens’ digits as He wishes me to have. And in all of this… Thanks be to God!

 

Enjoy this YouTube Music Video…

“Even In My Old Age”

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeaDNylMvuo&list=RDIeaDNylMvuo&start_radio=1

 

Tornado! - Matthew 10:21-33 - Fourth Week after Pentecost

 

Matthew 10:21-33 NIV

²¹ “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. ²² You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. ²³ When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

²⁴ “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. ²⁵ It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!

²⁶ “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. ²⁷ What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. ²⁸ Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. ²⁹ Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. ³⁰ And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

³² “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. ³³ But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.

Tornado!

Remember last week? Jesus sends His twelve apostles out into the world. Sends them with very little. Yet, this week we hear the warnings. As these apostles, and us disciples of today, GO… we can expect that the message of the Gospel will cause societal divisions, yes, even divisions in family. At first glance it may not make sense. Afterall the Gospel is the Good News of God’s forgiveness and salvation. But many won’t agree. Salvation can’t be free! And many will disagree with the message that salvation is a gift. It just can’t be true. You are not truthful with this Gospel message.

Following Jesus just may lead to hatred from people in this world. Jesus can’t be the answer. Jesus can’t be the Savior. And for you to proclaim so, is a lie told. At least in the eyes of the unbeliever.

This lie may bring persecution, either physical or mental. But remaining obedient to Jesus’ call to go into the fields is what matters.

If people won’t listen to the Gospel message; move along. This advice from Jesus is some harsh stuff here. But the message that the apostles bring, is for all the people of this world, even if they are beginning with the Jewish people at first.

As disciples of Christ, we need to be humble. Humble before God and one another. When we attempt to understand and listen to Jesus, we must realize our need to learn, and grasp what God tells us. In days of old, God spoke to people through the prophets, but today we can open the pages of our Bible and hear and learn from Jesus. What a wonderful gift this is. So be sure to take time, each and every day to open the Word, seek God’s guidance and understanding, SO THAT, we can live out God’s Will in His Way. In this we are obedient and faithful. In this we know that God is God and we are not. In this we can commune with God and be His child. Humility is a wonderful thing!

But know and understand this, when we align with Jesus, we will be opposed by the evil and the evils of this world. Satanic power is real and can’t stand what God has sent Jesus to do for His Children. Satan will hate you as much as he hates God. So, be ready, to turn all of your trust and faith over to the protection of God. You can’t defeat Satan and evil… Only God can do this.

But even with this evil world and the evil people and powers within it, we need not fear. God has your back.

 

Psalm 27:1

¹ The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
    of whom shall I be afraid?

What God commands us to say, say it. Don’t be afraid of telling the word of God’s forgiveness and grace to all the world. Some people will hate your message. Your message is a gift from God, not something some people want to hear. Many folks only want to hear how they themselves, or their works, or their riches, power, or influence is what saves them. It doesn’t work that way. We need God.

Don’t fear mankind. Fear and honor God and God alone. He is your salvation.

Look around and see how God cares for creation, for animals, and for you and me as well. Remember that whole “Daily Bread?” God gives us all we need. Completely. There is more to all of this than what this world holds. Way more!

As a Child of God, you can rest assured that God loves you and has your back, even in death.

When we go into the world to tell of the Gospel, we are also telling people that God will turn their lives around. We are showing people their sin. And God moves in His Law to spin sinners away from evil, to face Him for grace and forgiveness. This message can be a dangerous message for people who live in sin and don’t want to change. Change is difficult and can send people into a wild defensive posture. Expect it. But the message is NOT yours. This message IS God’s message. And as tough as this message of sin is, we must be obedient to God’s command to speak HIS Word and not our words. After all, it’s God who grants the forgiveness, even for each of us as well, even as we speak God’s Word, we are convicted in our sin as well.

 

Hear this and grasp the comfort…

Psalm 91:1-4

¹ Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
² I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”

³ Surely he will save you
    from the fowler’s snare
    and from the deadly pestilence.
⁴ He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Even though we hear harsh warnings from Jesus, we can obey His will. Sin does not win out. We are not slaves to this evil world, even though we sin, Christ has freed us from the power of sin and defeated death, SO THAT, we can live with Him and under Him in His Kingdom, now and forever.

This past week, I experienced several Tornado Warnings. Warnings that came out in the early hours of the morning. First, my phone goes into that annoying alarm mode, detailing the possibility of a tornado in the area. Then I hear the city sirens wailing outside. Followed by my wife, coming to wake me from sleep! So, next we gather together the dogs and the cat and traipse down into the basement. Of course, the cat has his own ideas of taking cover and won’t comply with any wishes we may have. I take along my phone, of course, and set it up to listen to the local Cincinnati weather person reporting about all the tornado warnings in the area.

There is fear of what could happen, yet caution, to take cover of what may or may not happen. Finally, the all clear is given and we go back to bed, or in the case of my wife looking through some family papers she discovered in the basement. She is one to stay up late anyway.

Back to bed, and what happens? After about 30 minutes or so, another tornado warning is issued and the city sirens go off once again. What do I do? Irritated with this whole process, I lay in my upstairs bedroom and make the decision to “forget about it!”

Was it good for me to do this? Caution says no, but my impatience says okay.

This passage of Scripture from Matthew 10 makes me think of the love of God in Christ Jesus. Jesus warns us about what to expect as we go into the world to proclaim how sinful and evil we, you and I can be. Jesus places the LAW right before our eyes and we are convicted just like those guys at the social gatherings who hold signs of “Burning in Hell” do. Yet the flip side of what Jesus tells His apostles, and today disciples, is that we can be sure that we will be rejected. Sort of like sirens going off, and phones blaring and weather personnel telling us to go to our safe place.

But where is “safe?”

Our world is not safe. We have tornados, wars, hunger, poverty, accidents, illness and death all around us. We have people that steal, murder, lie and cheat; all around us. Our world is NOT safe!

Yet, here we are, sent to proclaim to evil people that this world is NOT all there is. Well, that’s just something that may be too far of a stretch for anyone to believe. And on top of all that we proclaim that we all fall short, and we all sin and are evil. Talk about making your neighbor mad at you!

But like the weather person, telling us to go to our “safe place.” God does offer a Gospel message in this “Safe Place” with Jesus. Jesus has overcome the evil of sin and overcome the power of death, FOR us, SO THAT, we may have a “SAFE PLACE.” Yes, a SAFE PLACE with Him forever in His Kingdom.

And it’s this message that we GO into the fields of this world to all the people in desperate need, to proclaim what God has already done.

God takes us and spins us around, even as we are in the midst of our sin, to show us His forgiveness and life with Him forever. And that’s not something we can do on our own.

So, as we GO! Even in the midst of repeated warnings, don’t ignore what Jesus sends us to do… not even when the message of safety is irritating for the second, third, fourth or maybe even fifth time in the middle of the night.

How can I not re-iterate my Confirmation Verse spoken over me by Pastor Bergdall as he lay his hands on my head…

Psalm 27:1 NIV

¹ The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
    of whom shall I be afraid?

Listen in obedience to the command, the warning, and GO out into the fields of this world to proclaim… The Kingdom is near… Jesus is here… the Holy Spirit is with us… God is at hand… today… tomorrow… and forever… Thanks be to God!

Hear now and be inspired by my favorite song that reminds me of my Confirmation Verse, Psalm 27:1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsQzeBKKIFY&list=RDtsQzeBKKIFY&start_radio=1