Don’t Miss the Boat
Scripture:
“Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.’ Matthew 7:21-23 (MSG)
Perspective:
If you have ever been late for a connecting flight at an airport, you know the sinking feeling you experience when you realize you might miss the plane. Even with your best intentions to get to the plane on time, sometimes it is not possible. The thing that is even worse is when you can see the plane sitting outside the airport window, but they have already closed the door. We don’t like to miss out.
When Jesus was teaching the people, he was addressing an audience that was religious. They followed the religious protocol down to the details. It was important that they abide by all of the guidelines on the Sabbath in order to be validated in the meeting place. Yet, Jesus, in his love and compassion, could see right through it. He was concerned that people were associating with God for the social status without their heart being connected to God. It’s kind of like when we slap the title of Christian on ourselves only when it is socially acceptable. Maybe it is time to take a personal inventory. For me, it is so easy to get caught up in ministry that the “why” behind the “what” gets lost. It’s not about doing things in Jesus’ name for their own sake. It is about having our heart so connected and in love with Jesus that we are not trying to make ourselves important through our works. Works are simply an overflow of our heart. In Acts 13:37-39 (MSG), Paul addressed Jews in a meeting place saying, “I want you to know, my very dear friends, that it is on account of this resurrected Jesus that the forgiveness of your sins can be promised. He accomplishes, in those who believe, everything that the Law of Moses could never make good on. But everyone who believes in this raised-up Jesus is declared good and right and whole before God.” The simplicity of the gospel message is that Jesus paid the price for our sins. When we try to take the cause of Christ and use it for our own benefit, we miss the heart behind the message. I don’t want to be someone who fills a pew every Sunday for the sake of taking up a seat and miss the message of Jesus. When it is all said and done, I want to know that I loved Jesus and shared his truth with others. If we keep our focus on the “why,” then when this life comes to an end, we can be confident that our lives are a living testimony of Jesus’ power to save.
Scripture taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
New Grounds for Believing
Scripture:
“Then Jesus became explicit: ‘Lazarus died. And I am glad for your sakes that I wasn’t there. You’re about to be given new grounds for believing. Now let’s go to him.’…When Jesus finally got there, he found Lazarus already four days dead. Bethany was near Jerusalem, only a couple of miles away, and many of the Jews were visiting Martha and Mary, sympathizing with them over their brother. Martha heard Jesus was coming and went out to meet him. Mary remained in the house. Martha said, ‘Master, if you’d been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. Even now, I know that whatever you ask God he will give you.’ Jesus said, ‘Your brother will be raised up.’ Martha replied, ‘I know that he will be raised up in the resurrection at the end of time.’
‘You don’t have to wait for the End. I am, right now, Resurrection and Life. The one who believes in me, even though he or she dies, will live. And everyone who lives believing in me does not ultimately die at all. Do you believe this?’
‘Yes, Master. All along I have believed that you are the Messiah, the Son of God who comes into the world.’ After saying this, she went to her sister Mary and whispered in her ear, ‘The Teacher is here and is asking for you.’ The moment she heard that, she jumped up and ran out to him. Jesus had not yet entered the town but was still at the place where Martha had met him. When her sympathizing Jewish friends saw Mary run off, they followed her, thinking she was on her way to the tomb to weep there. Mary came to where Jesus was waiting and fell at his feet, saying, ‘Master, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died’.” John 11: 14-15, 17-32 (MSG)
Perspective:
Have you ever been running late to work or church? At that point, you are either in a panic to get out the door or accept the inevitable of being late. When we are running late, we want the clock to slow down, all cars to remove themselves from the road, and every traffic light to be green. The panic of being late can leave you frazzled. And in life when we think God is running late, it can leave us feeling hopeless.
In John 11, Jesus received word that his friend, Lazarus, was sick. While Lazarus’ sisters, Martha and Mary, wanted Jesus to come right away, Jesus stayed where he was for two more days. After four days had passed, Jesus arrived to find Lazarus dead. Martha met Jesus first and explained that if Jesus had followed their time table, then the situation could have been avoided. She had probably seen and heard about the miracles that Jesus had performed. She knew he was able, but it seemed that she didn’t understand his heart. Didn’t Jesus love Lazarus? They knew that he could heal Lazarus, but it just didn’t make sense. Why would Jesus wait until it was over? Mary and Martha were being set up for a miracle, even though all they could see was there current circumstance. John 11:41b-43 (MSG) says, “Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and prayed, ‘Father, I’m grateful that you have listened to me. I know you always do listen, but on account of this crowd standing here I’ve spoken so that they might believe that you sent me.’ Then he shouted, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ And he came out, a cadaver, wrapped from head to toe, and with a kerchief over his face.” In one instant, Jesus breathed life into a dead man, which showed God’s glory and power. It appeared that Jesus was late, that he couldn’t be trusted, and that he did not care. But there was something of greater importance that needed to be displayed. In the midst of facing difficulties, God is working behind the scenes to set you up for a miracle for your good and God’s glory. God’s timing is an interesting thing. He is rarely early, never late, and always on time. But how he defines “on time” is usually different than our definition. Have you ever felt that God was running late? Our definition of “on time” is usually at least a six month detailed plan of God’s provision. We want to see the miracle come to fruition before we believe. God is asking us today if we believe. Do you believe God when all you see is a negative diagnosis from the doctor? Do you believe God when you are doing your very best but don’t have enough money to pay all of your bills? Do you believe God when your spouse has walked out on you for the last time? Jesus is not asking us to believe after the resolution has occurred. He is asking you to believe in the midst of your situation today. And when you believe even when you can’t see, your miracle moment is going to become new grounds for believing God.
Scripture taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
Calling It Quits
Scripture:
“After this, Jesus appeared again to the disciples, this time at the Tiberias Sea (the Sea of Galilee). This is how he did it: Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed “Twin”), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the brothers Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. Simon Peter announced, ‘I’m going fishing.’ The rest of them replied, ‘We’re going with you.’ They went out and got in the boat. They caught nothing that night. When the sun came up, Jesus was standing on the beach, but they didn’t recognize him. Jesus spoke to them: ‘Good morning! Did you catch anything for breakfast?’ They answered, ‘No.’ He said, ‘Throw the net off the right side of the boat and see what happens.’ They did what he said. All of a sudden there were so many fish in it, they weren’t strong enough to pull it in. Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It’s the Master!’ When Simon Peter realized that it was the Master, he threw on some clothes, for he was stripped for work, and dove into the sea. The other disciples came in by boat for they weren’t far from land, a hundred yards or so, pulling along the net full of fish. When they got out of the boat, they saw a fire laid, with fish and bread cooking on it.” John 21:1-9 (MSG)
Perspective:
Were you ever on a team that you wanted to quit? If you took music lessons, played baseball, or went to school, you probably wanted to quit at some point while you were growing up. Some activities you might have quit, but other things, like school, weren’t an option. You still had to go back the next day. Even though it wasn’t always fun, learning to persevere and not give up taught you a valuable life lesson.
Peter had enough. It was over, and he was done. He couldn’t wrap his mind around the events of the last few weeks. Peter had denied Jesus when Jesus was facing the greatest persecution of his life. Days later, Peter probably still had that sinking feeling in his stomach. He thought Jesus was going to set up his kingdom on earth, but instead he was sentenced to death. In the midst of it all, Peter probably was reminded that it was over, and he was through with his ministry. So, when bad became worse, Peter was ready to throw in the towel. Instead of moving forward, he reverted back to his old way of life. Peter was a fisherman by trade; it was the thing that was familiar. So, as Peter went to the sea and got in a boat to fish, the other disciples with him in Galilee decided to go fishing too. Peter’s decision not only impacted himself; he influenced those around him. Then it happened. They were unsuccessful at the very thing that had been their livelihood for years. They didn’t catch any fish. Can you imagine the emotions that were stirring in that boat? I wonder if Peter was recounting what he viewed as failure on top of failure. Then, Jesus walked into the picture and challenged the men in the boat. Throw the net off of the right side of the boat. They had probably done it all night. How would one more time change anything? Yet, when the boat began to strain under the weight of the fish, Peter realized that Jesus had come to him even after he wanted to call it quits. Sometimes in life, our backs are against the wall. We run out of options; our failure becomes so large in our minds. In the midst of those moments, it can be easy to want to give up. Instead of fighting for the struggling marriage, it seems that it would be easier to end it. Instead of pursuing the dream God placed in your heart, it seems that it would be easier to simply forget about it. The interesting thing about Peter walking back to the boat and fishing is that it is so like you and me. When God doesn’t come through for us in the way that we thought he would, we think that it must be over. But even in those moments, I dare say that Jesus is standing on the shore of our lives, asking us, ” what are you doing?” Then, he reaches out and challenges you to follow him one more time. God was not willing to let Peter throw in the towel, because Jesus saw what Peter could not. Jesus saw Peter leading thousands of people to Jesus, healing the sick, and discipling people in their faith. Peter’s God-given destiny was so great that Jesus did not want him to forfeit the blessing of God on his life. And Jesus sees in your life that which you cannot see. So, before you throw in the towel, reach out to Jesus. He is watching and waiting for you to come home.
Scripture taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
Crossroad Decisions
Scripture:
“Lot, who was traveling with Abram, was also rich in sheep and cattle and tents. But the land couldn’t support both of them; they had too many possessions. They couldn’t both live there—quarrels broke out between Abram’s shepherds and Lot’s shepherds. The Canaanites and Perizzites were also living on the land at the time. Abram said to Lot, ‘Let’s not have fighting between us, between your shepherds and my shepherds. After all, we’re family. Look around. Isn’t there plenty of land out there? Let’s separate. If you go left, I’ll go right; if you go right, I’ll go left.’ Lot looked. He saw the whole plain of the Jordan spread out, well watered (this was before God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah), like God’s garden, like Egypt, and stretching all the way to Zoar. Lot took the whole plain of the Jordan. Lot set out to the east. That’s how they came to part company, uncle and nephew. Abram settled in Canaan; Lot settled in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent near Sodom. The people of Sodom were evil—flagrant sinners against God. After Lot separated from him, God said to Abram, ‘Open your eyes, look around. Look north, south, east, and west. Everything you see, the whole land spread out before you, I will give to you and your children forever. I’ll make your descendants like dust—counting your descendants will be as impossible as counting the dust of the Earth. So—on your feet, get moving! Walk through the country, its length and breadth; I’m giving it all to you.’ Abram moved his tent. He went and settled by the Oaks of Mamre in Hebron. There he built an altar to God.” Genesis 13:5-18 (MSG)
Perspective:
At different moments in life, we face decisions that will impact us down the road. At the moment when you are deciding on your major in college, it is hard to really understand how that decision will affect your future career. When you are deciding to marry someone, it can be difficult to realize how that one decision will impact your kids, grandkids, and generations to come. Even when you are comtemplating a job change or a move across the country, each of those decisions will have a ripple effect, impacting not only yourself, but your family and your future.
When Abram left his homeland of Haran to follow God, his nephew, Lot, went with him. As God blessed Abram, his possessions and wealth grew as well. It came to the point that the level of abundance for both Abram and Lot created tension. Out of wisdom, Abram decided to logically settle the dispute. In order to preserve the family relationship, he suggested that they part ways. Abram allowed Lot to make the decision. Which way would he go? Lot was facing a crossroad decision that he might not have even realized. As Lot looked at the landscape, he saw the plain of the Jordan and the area of Sodom and Gomorrah, and it looked good. Based on the appearance, Lot made his decision. Little did he know that the decision would eventually negatively affect his family and result in the loss of his wife. Even more signifcant than the physical landscape was the spiritual temperature of the people living in Sodom. Their hearts were not set on seeking God. The close proximity to these people would eventually impact his family. When Lot stood at the crossroads, he could have chosen either direction. But the contrast between Lot’s direction and Abram’s direction impacted their families for generations. When you are standing at a crossroad decision, what do you do? Many times, it can be tempting to make our decisions based on what looks good, instead of what is good. Proverbs 16:2 (MSG) says, “Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good; God probes for what is good.” The natural human tendency is to take things at face value. Only God can give us the wisdom and discernment to look past the surface of our circumstances and enable us to make decisions that will bring blessing into our lives in the future. As you are facing decisions at crossroad moments in life, God’s message is to not make destiny-defining decisions solely based on appearance. One of the ways that we can avoid this is by seeking God in our everyday life decisions. So before you “pitch your tent” in a new land, look to God for His direction and wisdom.
Scripture taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
When God Says There Is Plenty
Scripture:
“One day a man arrived from Baal Shalishah. He brought the man of God twenty loaves of fresh-baked bread from the early harvest, along with a few apples from the orchard. Elisha said, ‘Pass it around to the people to eat.’ His servant said, ‘For a hundred men? There’s not nearly enough!’ Elisha said, ‘Just go ahead and do it. God says there’s plenty.’ And sure enough, there was. He passed around what he had—they not only ate, but had leftovers.” 2 Kings 4:42-44 (MSG)
Perspective:
When we were a child, our parents or a guardian took care us. You can’t go out and get a job when you are seven years old in order to provide for all of your needs. But, as we get older and become a provider for ourselves and our family, it can be easy to completely rely on our own ability. Instead of doing our best and looking to God as our ultimate provider, we can find ourselves depending on ourselves and no one else. Then, when God asks us to step out in faith, it can be difficult to take the leap.
Elisha had been Elijah’s protege. Elijah was a mighty man of God and had seen God do the miraculous. In 2 Kings 2, Elijah went to be with God, and left Elisha behind. Elisha had experienced God parting the Jordan River; he had seen God miraculously heal people. As he faced another situation that required faith, his faith muscles had already been exercised. His confidence was not in the physical provisions but rather the God who provides. In contrast, his servant simply saw the situation as it appeared. They were going to try to feed 100 men with limited resources. He probably counted the people in his mind then recounted the bread and apples. And each time he did the math, there wasn’t enough. It just didn’t make sense. How could they tell all of these people that they were going to feed them when there wasn’t enough? He probably feared that Elisha would over-promise and underproduce. Maybe the servant was trying to shield Elisha’s reputation. But Elisha had eyes to see more than what was visible, and he knew that the miracle was not solely dependent on him. He was not living out of lack but understood God’s abundant provision. As the food was passed around, the servant’s jaw must have dropped a little. How could they have leftovers? There wasn’t supposed to be enough. It is easy to live life out of our lack. We understand personal finances and scarcity. Money is finite, meaning that there is an end to our resources. It is not unlimited. However, in God’s economy, I believe that he views it much differently. He owns everything, so He is not limited in what He can supply. There is not a cap or limit to God’s blessings. It is interesting how God provides in plenty in the Bible. When Elisha had only twenty loaves of bread to feed many people, there were leftovers. God doesn’t just add to the original amount; he multiples it. Quite honestly, if God says there’s plenty, who are we to argue with him? Who are we to not take Him at His word? But there is one interesting component: the bread was not multiplied until it was released from the servant’s hands. Many times, we hold onto our resources, time, and talents, staring at them and waiting for them to be multiplied. When they are not, we feel justified in our original reasoning that God does it for someone else, but just not us. Sometimes I think God asks me to give simply because it reminds me that it is not about me and that my resources are not “mine.” It all belongs to Him. And, when my posture turns, my hands are open, and I am reminded of that truth, I am positioned to receive far more than I could hold onto out of my own accord. Open up your hands and watch God multiply as you give.
Scripture taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
The Price of Present Gratification
Scripture:
“One day Jacob was cooking a stew. Esau came in from the field, starved. Esau said to Jacob, ‘Give me some of that red stew—I’m starved!’ That’s how he came to be called Edom (Red). Jacob said, ‘Make me a trade: my stew for your rights as the firstborn.’ Esau said, ‘I’m starving! What good is a birthright if I’m dead?’ Jacob said, ‘First, swear to me.’ And he did it. On oath Esau traded away his rights as the firstborn. Jacob gave him bread and the stew of lentils. He ate and drank, got up and left. That’s how Esau shrugged off his rights as the firstborn.” Genesis 25:29-34 (MSG)
Perspective:
As a culture, we don’t like to wait. If we order a meal at a restaurant, we want it fast. If we buy a book online, we want the fastest shipping possible. When a new electronic device comes on the market, we want to stand in line to get it. Many times we crave gratification in the now. The concept that we have to wait or delay gratification can make us frustrated. And so the same thing can occur when we are pursuing God’s will for our life. Our desire for the fulfillment of His Will keeps us wanting it now without the wait.
Jacob and Esau were more than brothers; they were twins. However, Esau was still the firstborn son, entitling him to the “birthright.” The birthright had to do with an individual’s inheritance and position in the family. According to Deuteronomy 21:7, the firstborn son was given a double portion of his father’s possessions and wealth. The firstborn son was recognized as set apart from the other children. Jacob understood the value of the birthright. Esau, on the other hand, found himself tired and hungry on one hot day. He had been working in the field, and his physical need for food was of highest priority. His brother was making food, and he wanted some. In his moment of weakness, Esau’s current physical realities became more important than the future. Esau forfeited his future for present gratification. He could have said no, but his mental stamina was diminished by his present fatigue. Instead of placing value on his birthright, he traded his entire future for stew made of lentils. Oh, how many times do we do the same! God says that He has wonderful plans for our lives, we nod in response, and pursue His call. But, along the way, the future can seem so distant from today that we give up on our divine inheretance for a cup of soup. We are trusting God to bring a godly spouse into our lives, but it seems the wait has been too long. Surely God won’t care if we live with someone for just a few months. We say we trust God to deliver us from our financial despair, but surely it won’t hurt if we gamble some of the money away. We know God has placed a big dream in our hearts, but instead of pursuing it, we sit back and pursue our hobby for years. It seems like nothing, but our choices indicate that we are taking our birthright as heirs of God’s blessing and promise and trading it in for a cup of soup. It won’t satisfy long term, but it is available right now. And like Esau, our “right now” takes precedence over the promise. In your life, what areas have you forfeited God’s future blessing for something right now? The price you will pay in a moment of weakness will cost you more than you had wanted to give. So as you are given the choice, choose to pursue God, and don’t trade your future for a cup of soup.
Scripture taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
Danger of Optional Obedience
Scripture:
“And Samuel told him, ;When you started out in this, you were nothing—and you knew it. Then God put you at the head of Israel—made you king over Israel. Then God sent you off to do a job for him, ordering you, ‘Go and put those sinners, the Amalekites, under a holy ban. Go to war against them until you have totally wiped them out.’ So why did you not obey God? Why did you grab all this loot? Why, with God’s eyes on you all the time, did you brazenly carry out this evil?’ Saul defended himself. ‘What are you talking about? I did obey God. I did the job God set for me. I brought in King Agag and destroyed the Amalekites under the terms of the holy ban. So the soldiers saved back a few choice sheep and cattle from the holy ban for sacrifice to God at Gilgal—what’s wrong with that?’ Then Samuel said, ‘Do you think all God wants are sacrifices—empty rituals just for show? He wants you to listen to him! Plain listening is the thing, not staging a lavish religious production. Not doing what God tells you is far worse than fooling around in the occult. Getting self-important around God is far worse than making deals with your dead ancestors. Because you said No to God’s command, he says No to your kingship.’
Saul gave in and confessed, ‘I’ve sinned. I’ve trampled roughshod over God’s Word and your instructions. I cared more about pleasing the people. I let them tell me what to do. Oh, absolve me of my sin! Take my hand and lead me to the altar so I can worship God!’ But Samuel refused: ‘No, I can’t come alongside you in this. You rejected God’s command. Now God has rejected you as king over Israel.’ As Samuel turned to leave, Saul grabbed at his priestly robe and a piece tore off. Samuel said, ‘God has just now torn the kingdom from you, and handed it over to your neighbor, a better man than you are. Israel’s God-of-Glory doesn’t deceive and he doesn’t dither. He says what he means and means what he says’.” 1 Samuel 15:17-29 (MSG)
Perspective:
The focus of our attention receives our mental, emotional, and physical investment. If you focus on running a marathon, it changes what time you get up in the morning, the food you eat, and your daily routines. The magnitude of a marathon requires full attention. When we pursue goals, the goal is on our radar, and we set out to achieve it. Yet, in life, other things can garner our attention and take our eyes off of our true purpose.
Saul was the king of Israel, appointed by God. In 1 Samuel 15, he set out to fight the people of Amalek for their ambush against Israel. God had specific instructions that they were not to leave anything connected with the people alive. However, on the way to the battle, Saul must have thought God’s instructions were optional. Instead of following God’s commands, he made a few exemptions along the way. His position as king led him to believe that he had the ultimate authority to make the decisions. Surely God’s instructions were merely guidelines to follow. He was the king. He should know what to do. Surely they could save a few choice sheep and bring back the king of Amalek alive. In exercising his authority based on his position, he lost sight of honoring God in the process. He was King, and there came a point when he thought he had the final say. Saul became his own authority and dishonored God in the process. Additionally, he stopped being an influencer and was influenced by the opinions of the people. Because being in good graces with the people was essentially job security. Yet, Saul held tightly to his job as king instead of turning his heart in obedience to God. As a result, Samuel came to communicate God’s rejection of Saul as king. Saul forgot along the way that God had promoted him to his position. He had placed him in a position of leadership to lead the nation of Israel according to God’s decrees. He held on too tightly to a position, and it was taken away from him. In the same way,we live in a work driven culture where positions can define us. Whether it is a job, ministry position, or leadership in your family, over time, it can be easy to forget that God is the one who gave us that position and authority. If we hold on to it too tightly and walk away from following God, we forfeit the blessing that comes from obedience. God does not give us positions of influence to promote our own agenda. He allows us to be promoted in due time in order that He might be glorified in the process. So does God care about your job and work? I really believe that He does. But as he did with Saul, He sees your work as much more than a job. He sees it as an opportunity for your to outwork your love for Him. When we fail to seek God in all areas of our lives and begin to think we have the final say, we miss out on God’s favor and blessing in our lives. God wants us to lean into Him and listen for His voice in order to walk in obedience in all areas of our lives, especially in areas where we lead.
Scripture taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
