"Careful What You Ask For"

Scripture Passage

Mark 5:1-20; Matthew 8:28-34; Luke 8:26-39; Mark 5:21-43; Matthew 9:18-26; Luke 8:40-56

Scripture Focus

And all the people in the region of the Gerasenes begged Jesus to go away and leave them alone, for a great wave of fear swept over them. So Jesus returned to the boat and left, crossing back to the other side of the lake. (Luke 8:37 NLT)

Observation

The region of the Gerasenes was a predominantly Gentile area southeast of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus has perhaps retreated to this area for a brief respite from ministry and a time of personal restoration. If so, Jesus has jumped from the frying pan into the fire—the first person to greet the disciples as they arrive across the lake is a madman. He’s homeless (living in the local cemetery), naked, and demon possessed. He’s apparently been a problem for the local population, because they’ve tried unsuccessfully to restrain him in the past. But "even when he was placed under guard and put in chains and shackles, he simply broke them and rushed out into the wilderness, completely under the demon’s power” (Luke 8:29 NLT).

So Jesus—having just demonstrated the inbreaking of His Kingdom by calming the wind and the waves—now demonstrates the same again by delivering the demoniac in full. As the news of this spreads and the villagers arrive on the scene, they discover the former demoniac “sitting at Jesus’ feet, fully clothed and perfectly sane” (Luke 8:35 NLT). You would think, wouldn’t you, that they’d be delighted? That they’d be rejoicing? That they’d be celebrating the solving of this problem that had plagued them so incessantly? Instead…

…all the people in the region of the Gerasenes begged Jesus to go away and leave them alone, for a great wave of fear swept over them. (Luke 8:37 NLT)

Now, that’s interesting enough—the truth is, change…progress…healing is unsettling enough for some people that they’d just rather have their problems…they’d just rather live with the mess they’ve got. But here’s the thing that has my attention:

So Jesus returned to the boat and left, crossing back to the other side of the lake. (Luke 8:37 NLT)

The people of the Gerasenes didn’t want Jesus around, so He left. Know this: Jesus doesn’t force Himself on anybody. He’ll not force Himself on you. People protest the thought of an eternal experience described as “unquenchable fire” (a la Luke 3:17) and claim to wonder how God could be so cruel. I’m convinced people who ultimately suffer such a fate have spent a lifetime pushing God away, assuring Him they want nothing to do with Him. If finally and ultimately He concedes, He’s done nothing but honor their requests.

Careful what you ask for—you may just get it.

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"The Price of Inattention"

Scripture Passage

Matthew 13:10-23; Luke 8:9-18; Mark 4:21-29; Matthew 13:24-30; Mark 4:30-34; Matthew 13:31-52; Mark 4:35-41; Matthew 8:23-27; Luke 8:22-25

Scripture Focus

Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” (Mark 4:24-25 NLT)

Observation

Okay, this is frustrating. There are sections of Scripture—maybe I’m just not that “spiritual”—but there are sections of Scripture where a guy has to fight and scrape just to find a speck of inspiration…a little something that seems to resonate deep in the heart. Then there are sections like today’s reading, where (as someone has said) it’s like trying to take a drink from a fire hose! Which of the multiplied potential “jumping off points” becomes the one from which you actually launch?

Jesus’ words to His disciples regarding the purpose of parables are, honestly, some of the most perplexing in Scripture, I think. (I know they may seem crystal clear to you, but to me, there’s a tension in what Jesus says that’s not easily resolved.) In essence, as best as I understand it, Jesus says, “My parables make things plain—but not necessarily on the first hearing; not necessarily at first glance. You’ve got to listen more than casually, consider more than lightly. Hardened hearts and darkened eyes may hear and see, but that doesn’t mean they’ll perceive and understand.” And that, I think, is why Jesus says…

“Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” (Mark 4:24-25 NLT)

There’s something significant here about the progressive nature of revelation in a person’s life—about the necessity of holding hard and fast to what’s been received (1) so that what’s given won’t be taken away and (2) so that more of what’s been parceled out can be added.  Inattentive listening apparently carries a significant pricetag. Or as my wife might say to a distracted student in her classroom, “Look me in the eyes!”

So, does He have your attention?

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"Did You Hear About the Fight?"

Scripture Passage

Luke 8:1-3; Mark 3:20-30; Matthew 12:22-45; Mark 3:31-35; Matthew 12:46-50; Luke 8:19-21; Mark 4:1-9; Matthew 13:1-9; Luke 8:4-8; Mark 4:10-20

Scripture Focus

But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. (Matthew 2:28 NLT)

Observation

The accusation by Jesus’ enemies in today’s reading is that Jesus does his work by demonic powers. Jesus points out the obvious—that for a demon to cast out a demon would be self-defeating! (Duh! Ya think?) Then Jesus raises the only viable alternative to the foolish proposition of His enemies—that He was casting out demons “by the Spirit of God” (Matthew 2:28 NLT). And building on that declaration, please note the logical conclusion Jesus announces:

But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. (Matthew 2:28 NLT)

The dominate theme of Jesus’ teaching, preaching, and ministry was the arrival of the Kingdom of God. Please note—not just conversation about the Kingdom, but the experience of its arrival! In his hometown synagogue in Nazareth, Jesus reads from the prophet Isaiah a passage that speaks of the blind seeing, the captive released, and the oppressed set free—all signs of the Kingdom of God. Then he says quite clearly:

“The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” (Luke 4:21 NLT)

Jesus then sets out doing exactly what was prophesied by Isaiah. He pronounces the forgiveness of sins (Luke 5:23), heals the sick (John 5:8) and demonstrates His authority over demons! Every action Jesus takes confirms the Kingdom's arrival.

I’m not sure we get it, always, that there’s a spiritual battlefield marked by constant activity—a realm of forceful interaction between forces of good and evil that impacts our existence day by day. Jesus’ announcement is that the eternal Kingdom of God has invaded the present…has marched into the here-and-now…and is evidencing it’s presence by the signs and wonders Jesus accomplished—the miracles and the gospels report. The question I’m asking myself today is whether I’m living in that Kingdom’s reign or not. I assure you—I’m certainly not actively campaigning for the enemy—but am I engaging the advancing reign of God? He’s invaded this present age in the person of Jesus Christ, and continues that invasion through the present work of His Holy Spirit. Am I even aware of the battle?

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"Ready? Begin!"

Scripture Passage

Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-17; Matthew 11:1-19; Luke 7:18-35; Matthew 11:20-30; Luke 7:36-50

Scripture Focus

“Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers.” (Matthew 8:8-9 NLT)

Observation

On any given day, I try to read the whole “assigned” passage with fresh eyes. But sometimes, like today, I just love a thought that’s already familiar to me. Today’s regards authority.

Jesus is approached by a Roman military official because of a trusted and beloved servant who desperately needs healing. The servant “lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain” (Matthew 8:5 NLT). Remarkably (how many times have I used that word this year?), Jesus—who elsewhere declares that His ministry is to the “lost sheep of Israel”—immediately expresses His willingness to act: “I will come and heal him” (Matthew 8:6 NLT). But the centurion insists that travel is unnecessary.

“Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers.” (Matthew 8:8-9 NLT)

I simply assert that all authority is derived—that only someone under authority can really know authority. That's seen most clearly in the life of Jesus, whose authority over sin, sickness, nature, and even the demonic is illustrated again and again throughout Scripture. Where did Jesus attain such authority? How did Jesus operate in such authority? His words were these:

“I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.” (John 5:19 NIV)

Hey—I think spiritual authority is a gift I could utilize—not to lord it over others; spiritual authority doesn’t work that way! Honestly, my first thought is towards myself, and the greater authority I ought to exercise over me! “If a man would lead others, he must first lead himself,” someone has said.

But beyond that, the truth is, if our lives will count for Kingdom advance, spiritual authority will of necessity be part of the mix. How is authority obtained? Via submission!  "Ready?  Begin!"

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"When You Pray"

Scripture Passage

Matthew 6:5-7:6; Luke 6:37-42; Matthew 7:7-20; Luke 6:43-45; Matthew 7:21-29; Luke 6:46-49

(Ya know, I never clasp my

hands like this when I pray)

Scripture Focus

“When you pray…” (Matthew 6:5 NLT)

Observation

I know, I know—I’m focusing on an insignificant introductory phrase while there’s absolutely oodles of deep truth tucked away in every verse! (I mean, c’mon, Kent, you’ve got the Lord’s Prayer in today’s passage!) Still, the beauty of being the guy writing the blog is that *I* get to choose what captures *my* attention—and this phrase did.

You see, opening a sentence with “when you pray” assumes you do. But I’m not sure that’s as much of a given for us as it might have been for Jesus’ original audience. Our rationalistic worldview often pushes from our minds any abiding awareness of God’s intimate involvement in our days. Our hyper-loaded calendars pack our existence with so much activity that there’s often no time left to pray.

And we fight to overcome that by promising ourselves we’ll find a few minutes for prayer a little later (maybe just as soon as we’ve finished checking Facebook) or by turning the radio off for a bit on the morning commute. But surely God has more significant intentions for prayer than that!

One of my favorite Calvin Miller quotes comes to mind. Though I recognize that he’s writing of corporate worship, not personal prayer, the principles still apply. Miller says…

"We cannot possibly flatter the Almighty by hurrying into his presence, flinging a song and prayer at him, and hurrying out of church back into our hassled lifestyles. God is never flattered by our sanctified exhaustion."

~ Calvin Miller, Into of the Depths of God ~

Oh, that “when you pray” would be a given in our lives! What kind of difference might that make? What kind of changes might occur—in us—if each day had dedicated moments for honoring the name of God, imploring His complete will in our lives, inviting His supply, and welcoming His strength in spiritual battle (all the basics of the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6)?

Enough writing…it’s time to pray.

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"Better Than Perfect?"

Scripture Passage

Mark 3:7-19; Luke 6:12-16; Matthew 5:1-12; Luke 6:17-26; Matthew 5:13-48; Luke 6:27-36; Matthew 6:1-4

Scripture Focus

“But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!” (Matthew 5:20 NLT)

Observation

It doesn’t take Jesus long to upset the apple cart, does it? Over the last couple of days worth of reading, we’re just not that far into the launch of His earthly ministry, and he’s already so unsettled the crowd at his hometown synagogue that they tried to throw him off a cliff. He’s ticked off the Pharisees and teachers of religious law by claiming authority to forgive sins. And now he’s pronounced to a crowd of attentive listeners that the righteousness of the most righteous people they could possibly imagine was not righteous enough to get anybody into the Kingdom of Heaven!

Understand that these “teachers of religious law and the Pharisees” (5:20) were not generally subject to criticism because of their religious zeal (as we sometimes criticize them today). Rather, these men were particularly dedicated to studying and obeying the law of God—and highly esteemed because of it!

I suspect that’s a bit difficult for us to understand given the generally low regard for religious leaders in our culture. You’ve probably read (like I have) the results of some of those “who do you trust” surveys that put clergy somewhere around the level of used car salesmen and lawyers! (And, hey, if you’re a used car salesman or a lawyer—God forbid you should do both *and* preach a little on the side—no offense intended…we’re in this boat together!) I’m just saying, religious leaders are not especially highly regarded in our day, but they were in Jesus’ day. Still, Jesus says that the righteousness of these most highly regarded people was inadequate for Kingdom qualification.

(As another little minor aside, please note that this isn’t specifically about getting into that “place” we call “heaven,” but rather about “entering the Kingdom of Heaven”—coming under God's reign even in this present age.)

What’s the solution? Jesus says it’s a righteousness “better than the righteousness of the teachers of the law and the Pharisees!” Wow! What’s that look like? Well, in short, Jesus says that kind of righteousness functions from the inside out, not the outside in. That kind of righteousness has everything to do with the heart of a person before it has anything to do with the behavior of a person. But our hearts are scarred by sin—by humanity’s brokenness and our own complicit choices to ignore God’s voice and do our own thing—and we’re simply no longer capable of that kind of righteousness.

Outside of divine intervention—the saving act of God in Jesus Christ—we have no hope! What do we do with that kind of dilemma?  We turn to God, who alone has the answer! "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV) What a gracious God we serve, who has lovingly provided for us what we could never provide for ourselves through Jesus Christ! He alone has the power (see Ezekiel 36:26) to remove our hearts of stone and give us hearts of flesh…to put a new heart and a new spirit in every one of us!

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"Tolerance or Truth?"

Scripture Passage

John 5:1-47; Mark 2:23-28; Matthew 12:1-8; Luke 6:1-5; Mark 3:1-6; Matthew 12:9-14; Luke 6:6-11; Matthew 12:15-21

Scripture Focus

“No wonder you can’t believe! For you gladly honor each other, but you don’t care about the honor that comes from the one who alone is God” (John 5:44 NLT)

Observation

In John 5, Jesus instigates conflict with the Jewish religious leaders by instructing a man He’s healed to “pick up [his] mat and walk” (5:8). Instead of rejoicing that a man infirmed for 38 years was now made whole, Jesus’ critics were angry that He had instructed the man to “pick up his mat”—that constituted “work” and was therefore a violation of their rules regarding the Sabbath.

In response to all that, Jesus says some remarkable things. He affirms His full alignment with the Father, declares that in that relationship “the Son gives life to anyone he wants” (5:21), that “the Son [has] absolute authority to judge” (5:22), and that “anyone who does not honor the Son is certainly not honoring the Father who sent him” (5:23). These forceful declarations come from only one paragraph of this passage—other adjoining paragraphs contain statements just as potent.

All of this points to the supremacy and uniqueness of Jesus of Nazareth as the Christ, the Son of God. Don’t ever let anyone tell you Jesus never claimed to be the Son of God—one paragraph of John 5 is enough to dismiss that notion!

Near the conclusion of today’s reading from John, Jesus says…

“No wonder you can’t believe! For you gladly honor each other, but you don’t care about the honor that comes from the one who alone is God” (John 5:44 NLT)

That verse has my attention as an apt description of what goes on in the name of religious tolerance in our day. Every faith is accorded equal honor (“you gladly honor each other”) except that faith which actually dares to celebrate one name “above every name” (Philippians 2:9 NIV). Contemporary culture has room for spirituality, but no tolerance for God.

As for me, I once more affirm God as holy, humanity as sinful, and Jesus alone as Savior. "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12 NIV).

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