Wednesday, July 8, 2009
SUMMER BREAK
Paradigm is taking a summer break during the months of July and August from its weekly meetings. A special one time event has been planned during July and another one time event for August. Weekly meetings will begin again in mid-September. Enjoy your summer. Stay connected... with one another... with God.
OUR JACOB-WRESTLING GOD, Part 2
“The Blessing of Wrestling”
TEXT: Genesis 32:24-31
Where I grew up, real wrestling took place a mat within a circle – not in some ring surrounded by rope. High school wrestling was very popular and is still a very big sport in my town and surrounding area. Bigger than basketball!
Wresting involves:
Stamina: the ability to go the distance.
Skill: agility & ability, coming from one's knowledge, practice, aptitude, etc., to do something well.
Strength: the ability to overpower your opponent.
Where does this event occur? Bank of the Jabbok River. Jabbok derives it name from a root verb signifying “to pour out, to empty – namely its waters into the Jordan River. Another meaning derived from the verb means to wrestle or contend.” We do both when we wrestle with God: it takes a pouring out of self and can be a contest of wrestling with God as we pour out self.
If we look close: Jacob is wrestling with God because he is wrestling with life! It wasn’t by accident that Jacob ended up in a wrestling match with God. Everything that had happened, everything that was happening in his life, had been leading up to this one crucial encounter.
What is the object of wrestling? It is to control your opponent. To pin your opponent! Jacob was trying to control life. Control God. Control his circumstances.
What were Jacob’s life issues? Family, fear, future, etc.
Three thoughts to leave with you from verse 24:
1. “Jacob was left alone”
There comes a time when each of us must accept responsibility for our own situation and circumstance. No matter whose fault it is, or who caused our struggle, we must ultimately decide what we are going to do about our situation. This is especially true in our relationship with God. No one else can accept your responsibility to God.
Example: Jesus at Gethsemane. Matthew 26:36-38; Luke 22:39-45.
There is a time in life when we have to go it alone in our encounter with God. We have to wrestle with our sin, our faith, and our commitment. We have to surrender our habits, our crisis, our problems, and our struggles to God.
2. Jacob wrestled in the dark of night.
Sometime, there are no simple answers. We wrestle in the darkness of our human understanding. As we wrestle with life and wrestle with God, there is much that we do not understand, do not know, and can’t know.
Paul said, “For we know in part…we see through a glass darkly.” (1 Cor. 1:9,12)
3. As Jacob wrestled in the dark of night, He experienced as we do that wrestling can be painful.
Our encounters with God are not always pleasant.
As Jacob wrestled with God, “he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched” (v.25). As we come to grips with our problems, it can be painful. To this day, I carry the painful reminder of a fall 39 years ago while working in a warehouse. But I have learned how to live with it. I have learned how to adjust and adapt to it. I have accepted that disability, knowing I cannot change it.
The good news is that there is blessing in wrestling with God. Jacob was man of stamina, skill, and strength. He refused to give up. He was persistent. He was determined. Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” (v.26)
There is always a temptation to give up or give in too soon, to our problems and difficulties. In our aloneness, in our darkness, in our pain we want to cry out “I give up.” “I can’t take it anymore.” But here is the blessing of wrestling:
1. Accept responsibility.
You may not be able to change your circumstances, but you can choose to allow God to change you. Jacob was changed by his encounter with God. But he still had to face the circumstances.
2. Discover God’s unlimited resources and ability in your wrestling.
Eph 3:20-21 NIV
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
3. Champions learn to overcome adversity and setbacks.
Jacob’s former name was “deceiver.” His new is Israel. It means, “he struggles with God.” It also came to mean “God’s Prince.” The root verb means to struggle or strive with determination, and then rule. It is a title of victory and speaks of contending for the faith and power from God.
TEXT: Genesis 32:24-31
Where I grew up, real wrestling took place a mat within a circle – not in some ring surrounded by rope. High school wrestling was very popular and is still a very big sport in my town and surrounding area. Bigger than basketball!
Wresting involves:
Stamina: the ability to go the distance.
Skill: agility & ability, coming from one's knowledge, practice, aptitude, etc., to do something well.
Strength: the ability to overpower your opponent.
Where does this event occur? Bank of the Jabbok River. Jabbok derives it name from a root verb signifying “to pour out, to empty – namely its waters into the Jordan River. Another meaning derived from the verb means to wrestle or contend.” We do both when we wrestle with God: it takes a pouring out of self and can be a contest of wrestling with God as we pour out self.
If we look close: Jacob is wrestling with God because he is wrestling with life! It wasn’t by accident that Jacob ended up in a wrestling match with God. Everything that had happened, everything that was happening in his life, had been leading up to this one crucial encounter.
What is the object of wrestling? It is to control your opponent. To pin your opponent! Jacob was trying to control life. Control God. Control his circumstances.
What were Jacob’s life issues? Family, fear, future, etc.
Three thoughts to leave with you from verse 24:
1. “Jacob was left alone”
There comes a time when each of us must accept responsibility for our own situation and circumstance. No matter whose fault it is, or who caused our struggle, we must ultimately decide what we are going to do about our situation. This is especially true in our relationship with God. No one else can accept your responsibility to God.
Example: Jesus at Gethsemane. Matthew 26:36-38; Luke 22:39-45.
There is a time in life when we have to go it alone in our encounter with God. We have to wrestle with our sin, our faith, and our commitment. We have to surrender our habits, our crisis, our problems, and our struggles to God.
2. Jacob wrestled in the dark of night.
Sometime, there are no simple answers. We wrestle in the darkness of our human understanding. As we wrestle with life and wrestle with God, there is much that we do not understand, do not know, and can’t know.
Paul said, “For we know in part…we see through a glass darkly.” (1 Cor. 1:9,12)
3. As Jacob wrestled in the dark of night, He experienced as we do that wrestling can be painful.
Our encounters with God are not always pleasant.
As Jacob wrestled with God, “he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched” (v.25). As we come to grips with our problems, it can be painful. To this day, I carry the painful reminder of a fall 39 years ago while working in a warehouse. But I have learned how to live with it. I have learned how to adjust and adapt to it. I have accepted that disability, knowing I cannot change it.
The good news is that there is blessing in wrestling with God. Jacob was man of stamina, skill, and strength. He refused to give up. He was persistent. He was determined. Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” (v.26)
There is always a temptation to give up or give in too soon, to our problems and difficulties. In our aloneness, in our darkness, in our pain we want to cry out “I give up.” “I can’t take it anymore.” But here is the blessing of wrestling:
1. Accept responsibility.
You may not be able to change your circumstances, but you can choose to allow God to change you. Jacob was changed by his encounter with God. But he still had to face the circumstances.
2. Discover God’s unlimited resources and ability in your wrestling.
Eph 3:20-21 NIV
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
3. Champions learn to overcome adversity and setbacks.
Jacob’s former name was “deceiver.” His new is Israel. It means, “he struggles with God.” It also came to mean “God’s Prince.” The root verb means to struggle or strive with determination, and then rule. It is a title of victory and speaks of contending for the faith and power from God.
Our Jacob Wrestling God, Part 1
“Between a Rock and a Hard Place”
SERIES TEXT: Ps 46:11 THE MESSAGE
Jacob-wrestling God fights for us, God of angel armies protects us.
Our two part series is derived from this verse found in The Message. Ever been “between a rock and a hard place”? What does it mean? What does it look like?
Its Meaning: In difficulty, faced with a choice between two unsatisfactory options. In Bisbee, Arizona, in the early years of the 20th century, a dispute between copper mining companies and mineworkers developed. In 1917, the workers, some of whom had organized in labor unions, approached the company management with a list of demands for better pay and conditions. These were refused and subsequently many workers at the Bisbee mines were forcibly deported to New Mexico. Given that the mineworkers were faced with a choice between harsh and underpaid work at the rock-face on the one hand and unemployment and poverty on the other, that this is the source of the phrase.
Jacob faced such a moment. Actually he faced several moments like that. We will look at two, one this week and one next week.
We will face times in our life when we are discouraged and despairing because our future seems so uncertain. Life may be falling apart as a result of our own wrong decisions or through no fault of our own, just as a result of living in a fallen world. Doubt, discouragement, and uncertainty can affect varied aspects of our lives. We might be uncertain about our material needs be met. We may be uncertain about our personal relationships, our physical health, or some other area of our lives. During those times of uncertainty and discouragement we need a word of encouragement; a word of hope. We need to know that things will work out. The good news is that we can have this need for encouragement and assurance met because God, through his word and Spirit, reminds us of what we need to remember in uncertain times. In fact, this particular passage of Scripture contains four things we need to remember in uncertain times. Jacob was facing a very uncertain future. He was far from home and could not be sure of ever coming back. He had no assurance of finding a wife, a job, a home to stay in, or even having his basic needs met. He was seemingly all alone in a hostile world with no guarantee that he would not be hunted down and killed by his brother Esau or that he would not be harmed by a bandit or wild animal. Jacob was living in very uncertain times and needed a word of encouragement and assurance from God. Jacob did not deserve anything from God, but God in his mercy still came to Jacob.
READ TEXT: Genesis 28:10-22 THE MESSAGE
Jacob had traveled about 70 miles of his 450 mile journey to Haran. He needed to rest for the evening and so he set up camp in a "certain place." This place is not especially noteworthy; it does not even have a name. It is not known as a place for Divine visitations. There’s nothing particularly holy about this place. It is just a place of dirt and stones, so Jacob has no reason to expect anything unusual. Soon after Jacob goes to sleep with this head on a rock, which is not unusual for people in ancient times, God comes to Jacob in a dream. God sometimes shows up at unexpected times and unexpected places.
Two import spiritual principles: First, God sometimes shows up at unexpected times and unexpected places. Second, God is present and active even when we are unaware of him.
In verses 13-15 The Lord speaks to Jacob, and it is from that speech we learn the four things we need to remember in uncertain times, when we are “between a rock and a hard place.”
1. In uncertain times remember God’s promises.
The first thing God reminds Jacob of is the promises he had made. He basically says, "I made a promise to your father Isaac and your grandfather Abraham to give you the very land where you are now asleep as a stranger and to bless the whole world through your offspring and I am going to do it."
2. In uncertain times remember God’s presence.
We must know that God is with us if we’re to face the uncertain and fearful future with confidence. In verse 15, God said very clearly, "I am with you!" Jacob may have felt alone, but he never was alone and neither are we! God’s word to us is the same as his word to Jacob, "I am with you." This does not mean we will escape the storms of life, but the knowledge of his presence in those storms can give us peace and confidence in uncertain times
3. In uncertain times remember God’s protection.
God’s protection is the next thing that the Lord reminds Jacob of. He says in verse 15, "I am with you and will watch (keep) over you." In other words, I’m going to protect you on this perilous journey. This did not mean that nothing hurtful or bad would not ever happen to Jacob, but it did mean to him and it does mean to us that God will protect us so that his plan, which is good, comes to fruition. Jacob did not have to worry about his brother’s anger, bandits, or wild animals. God would protect him.
4. In uncertain times remember God’s provision.
The promise in verse 15 to "watch over you" had a dual meaning. The Hebrew word for "watch" meant to protect and to provide for or to take care of. The Hebrew word is first used in Genesis 2:15 where God instructed Adam to "take care" of the garden i.e. provide for its needs. This means God was also promising to provide for Jacob’s needs in addition to promising to protect him from harm. Jacob clearly understood this because he expects God to both watch over him on his journey and provide food and clothing for him as we see in verse 20. Now let’s look at Jacob’s response to God’s gracious encouragement and assurance. Read Genesis 28:16-22In verse 16 we see that Jacob recognizes that God has intervened in his life in a very special way and that such a Divine visitation should elicit a special response. Jacob then proceeds to set up a stone pillar as a memorial of worship. We also should worship God, especially when he reveals himself to us in special ways.
Then in verses 20-22 Jacob made a vow or commitment to the Lord. This vow could be seen as conditional, "If God does what he promised, I will follow him." The vow could also be translated as, "Since God has promised these things, I will follow him." In either case Jacob’s response is to serve Yahweh as his God and King and to worship him. We also should respond to God’s assurances to us with worship and commitment.
Conclusion: Each of us will face uncertain times but we can be encouraged because God is with us and for us.
SERIES TEXT: Ps 46:11 THE MESSAGE
Jacob-wrestling God fights for us, God of angel armies protects us.
Our two part series is derived from this verse found in The Message. Ever been “between a rock and a hard place”? What does it mean? What does it look like?
Its Meaning: In difficulty, faced with a choice between two unsatisfactory options. In Bisbee, Arizona, in the early years of the 20th century, a dispute between copper mining companies and mineworkers developed. In 1917, the workers, some of whom had organized in labor unions, approached the company management with a list of demands for better pay and conditions. These were refused and subsequently many workers at the Bisbee mines were forcibly deported to New Mexico. Given that the mineworkers were faced with a choice between harsh and underpaid work at the rock-face on the one hand and unemployment and poverty on the other, that this is the source of the phrase.
Jacob faced such a moment. Actually he faced several moments like that. We will look at two, one this week and one next week.
We will face times in our life when we are discouraged and despairing because our future seems so uncertain. Life may be falling apart as a result of our own wrong decisions or through no fault of our own, just as a result of living in a fallen world. Doubt, discouragement, and uncertainty can affect varied aspects of our lives. We might be uncertain about our material needs be met. We may be uncertain about our personal relationships, our physical health, or some other area of our lives. During those times of uncertainty and discouragement we need a word of encouragement; a word of hope. We need to know that things will work out. The good news is that we can have this need for encouragement and assurance met because God, through his word and Spirit, reminds us of what we need to remember in uncertain times. In fact, this particular passage of Scripture contains four things we need to remember in uncertain times. Jacob was facing a very uncertain future. He was far from home and could not be sure of ever coming back. He had no assurance of finding a wife, a job, a home to stay in, or even having his basic needs met. He was seemingly all alone in a hostile world with no guarantee that he would not be hunted down and killed by his brother Esau or that he would not be harmed by a bandit or wild animal. Jacob was living in very uncertain times and needed a word of encouragement and assurance from God. Jacob did not deserve anything from God, but God in his mercy still came to Jacob.
READ TEXT: Genesis 28:10-22 THE MESSAGE
Jacob had traveled about 70 miles of his 450 mile journey to Haran. He needed to rest for the evening and so he set up camp in a "certain place." This place is not especially noteworthy; it does not even have a name. It is not known as a place for Divine visitations. There’s nothing particularly holy about this place. It is just a place of dirt and stones, so Jacob has no reason to expect anything unusual. Soon after Jacob goes to sleep with this head on a rock, which is not unusual for people in ancient times, God comes to Jacob in a dream. God sometimes shows up at unexpected times and unexpected places.
Two import spiritual principles: First, God sometimes shows up at unexpected times and unexpected places. Second, God is present and active even when we are unaware of him.
In verses 13-15 The Lord speaks to Jacob, and it is from that speech we learn the four things we need to remember in uncertain times, when we are “between a rock and a hard place.”
1. In uncertain times remember God’s promises.
The first thing God reminds Jacob of is the promises he had made. He basically says, "I made a promise to your father Isaac and your grandfather Abraham to give you the very land where you are now asleep as a stranger and to bless the whole world through your offspring and I am going to do it."
2. In uncertain times remember God’s presence.
We must know that God is with us if we’re to face the uncertain and fearful future with confidence. In verse 15, God said very clearly, "I am with you!" Jacob may have felt alone, but he never was alone and neither are we! God’s word to us is the same as his word to Jacob, "I am with you." This does not mean we will escape the storms of life, but the knowledge of his presence in those storms can give us peace and confidence in uncertain times
3. In uncertain times remember God’s protection.
God’s protection is the next thing that the Lord reminds Jacob of. He says in verse 15, "I am with you and will watch (keep) over you." In other words, I’m going to protect you on this perilous journey. This did not mean that nothing hurtful or bad would not ever happen to Jacob, but it did mean to him and it does mean to us that God will protect us so that his plan, which is good, comes to fruition. Jacob did not have to worry about his brother’s anger, bandits, or wild animals. God would protect him.
4. In uncertain times remember God’s provision.
The promise in verse 15 to "watch over you" had a dual meaning. The Hebrew word for "watch" meant to protect and to provide for or to take care of. The Hebrew word is first used in Genesis 2:15 where God instructed Adam to "take care" of the garden i.e. provide for its needs. This means God was also promising to provide for Jacob’s needs in addition to promising to protect him from harm. Jacob clearly understood this because he expects God to both watch over him on his journey and provide food and clothing for him as we see in verse 20. Now let’s look at Jacob’s response to God’s gracious encouragement and assurance. Read Genesis 28:16-22In verse 16 we see that Jacob recognizes that God has intervened in his life in a very special way and that such a Divine visitation should elicit a special response. Jacob then proceeds to set up a stone pillar as a memorial of worship. We also should worship God, especially when he reveals himself to us in special ways.
Then in verses 20-22 Jacob made a vow or commitment to the Lord. This vow could be seen as conditional, "If God does what he promised, I will follow him." The vow could also be translated as, "Since God has promised these things, I will follow him." In either case Jacob’s response is to serve Yahweh as his God and King and to worship him. We also should respond to God’s assurances to us with worship and commitment.
Conclusion: Each of us will face uncertain times but we can be encouraged because God is with us and for us.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
THE GOD OF THE PATRIARCHS - Part 3
THE GOD OF JACOB IS OUR REFUGE
TEXT: Psalm 46 (Read from the NIV and The Message).
NIV: v.7 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
THE MESSAGE: v.7 Jacob-wresting God fights for us, God of angel armies protects us.
NIV: v.11 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
THE MESSAGE: v.11 Jacob-wresting God fights for us, God of angel armies protects us.
This Psalm portrays an absolute confidence in God even though the world becomes chaos!
"The LORD of hosts is with us, God of Jacob is our Refuge."
1. Jacob coerced his brother into selling his birthright for a bowl of lentil stew.
And then some time later, Jacob's resourceful character came through again when he tricked his father into giving him the blessing of the eldest son. He put goat skin on his arm, wore Esau's clothing and made his Father a meal just like his brother - he disguised himself as Esau and the disguise worked, he stole the blessing away from his brother.
Things were going great - all of Jacob's efforts to make sure that he got all that God promised to give him were going fine. He would do everything within his own power to get what God promised he would give him.
Jacob ran into a real problem: His brother Esau became his enemy - and as the death of Isaac approached, so did Esau's plot to finish off Jacob once and for all.
2. Jacob fled from Esau and went to Paddan Aram, to his Uncle Laban. On the way, he had a God encounter:
"I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your descendants; and you descendants shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east north and south, and by you and your descendants shall all the families of the earth bless themselves. Behold, I am with you and will keep you where you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done that of which I have spoken to you." Gen 28:13-15
Up to that point, everything seemed to go OK - the LORD was obviously on his side, he had many reasons for great confidence in God - and now this God had promised to be with him always - no matter what happened!
3. And then all his problems started...
He got to his Uncle Laban's house. There he met Rachael and Leah and he fell in love with Rachael. Jacob made an agreement with his Uncle Laban, that he would work for 7 years and then he would be able to marry Rachael.
For an energetic young men like Jacob, 7 years of hard labor was OK, if in the end he got what his heart really desired, but Jacob got shafted - he got Leah instead - and Laban worked it out that he would have to work another 7 years to get Rachael, the wife he loved.
The picture we get of Jacob through all these chapters is that he is a man full of energy and ingenuity - he was willing to work fourteen years to get the women he loved. Even though his boss, Uncle Laban changed his wages several times, Jacob still managed to manipulate the cattle in such a way as to increase his own herd.
Through careful planning and strategy, and a lot of hard slave labor - Jacob worked himself into an inheritance - or so he thought.
But his uncle found out and for fear of his life and his family, Jacob decided that he would have to flee.
But where could he flee? He couldn't go home. Esau was there. Jacob was between a rock and a hard place. He was going to have to face his brother’s anger, the brother that had consoled himself with the thoughts of killing Jacob. It is now 20 years since that flight from Esau. He returns.
4. But Jacob is still resourceful in himself. He chose to send gifts of many cattle ahead of him and he instructed each one of his servants who delivered the gifts to be deeply humble, in the hopes of winning Esau's pity.
And it seemed to work, at least to Jacob, for when he finally met Esau, Esau greeted him in love.
If you looked at Jacob up to this point in his life everything is going quite well even though he had a few frustrations. They were not too much to handle for a resourceful young man. Even though he had some character faults, his God was still blessing him with prosperity.
5. But then, on the way to meeting Esau, something happened to Jacob. He stayed the night in the place which would later be called Peniel. There, he spent the night wrestling with a man who was in fact God. It was the wrestling of an ambitious, energetic, sometimes deceitful young man against a God who was all powerful. And in that midmorning contest, God decided to end the fight by touching Jacob's hip. This was not the touch that healed - as we usually expect the touch of God to be - this was a touch of God which destroyed and crippled.
From that one wrestling match in the early morning hours, Jacob was handicapped, possibly for the rest of his life. From that point on - things he used to be able to control through his strength and ingenuity became things over which he had no control. Now he would have to face Esau and his 400 warriors but he had no strength from which to do it. Something in Jacob had started to break.
Jacob had to let go and for the first time, in a small way, he let his God be the God of Jacob. When he met Esau, Esau accepted him in love, something which all his ingenuity and plotting could not accomplish. Nothing but a divine force could work that change in Esau.
6. After his visit with Esau, Jacob settled in Schechem, but there his problems were just beginning. Because of his daughter Dinah, two of his own sons killed all the men in the town of Schechem. Because of their actions, Jacob would have to flee from that area on a painful hip.
With him, he took his 11 sons, his daughter, his two wives Rachael and Leah, and their maidservants.
Of all that he had, he loved his wife Rachael the most. And because of his love for her, he loved her son Joseph more that all his other children.
Rachael became pregnant again, but this time things did not go well. Out of his control, Rachael passed away on the road to Bethlehem as she gave birth to Jacob's 12th son Benjamin.
Jacob, the strong man, started noticing that the control he had over his life was slipping now through his fingers.
First Jacob lost Rachael, the wife he loved, and then he lost his father Isaac.
And in the next years, everything that he had attained for himself he lost.
First, Joseph is sold into slavery in Egypt by his brothers and they cover up their deed by convincing their father that he was eaten by a wild Animal. Jacob's favorite son was gone. His grief was so heavy that he felt he would mourn for him till the day he died.
Then a famine came to the land and because of the famine, he stared losing his grip on his possessions. First the barns went empty, then his cattle started to go hungry, eventually, even his family was starting to feel the pangs of hunger.
But there was food in Egypt, so he sent all his sons to go and buy some, except the only son that he loved deeply because he was Rachael's son, Benjamin. He would have to stay home with his Father. But to get more food from Egypt, an Egyptian authority (Unbeknown to Jacob, it was Joseph) insisted that the youngest son come also. So when the hunger pangs of the family became too severe, even Benjamin went with his brothers to Egypt.
At that point, the intuitive, sometimes deceitful Jacob had nothing left for he knew that letting Benjamin go might mean Benjamin's death. First Jacob lost Rachael, then Joseph, now even Benjamin. It was as if everything and everyone he loved and had worked for all his life was being taken out of his hands.
Jacob himself cried out in Genesis 42:36 "Everything is against me!" If he would lose his last beloved son, he would lose his very own life and everything that he had ever strived for.
The man Jacob, when he looked at his own life, analyzed it by saying that his days was few and evil (Genesis 47:9), even though in many ways he had been blessed, in the end, his days were filled with pain, misery, death, loss of loved ones , loss of his possessions.
If there was a life that came apart at the seams, it was Jacobs!
If there was a life where the earth seemed to quake against a man, where every kingdom seemed against him, where every part of life seemed to oppose a child of God who had the promises of God's love, it was Jacob.
At first sight - not much of a God to take refuge in.
7. But in all those years of pain, sorrow and loss, something happened to Jacob. Something in him died. That old character that insisted on doing things, his own way, came kicking and screaming, to an end. That old nature that insisted on holding onto the promises of God, and accomplishing them himself died a slow painful death. When he finally let go of Benjamin, he let go of his last hope in himself.
He let go, and let God do what he promised.
He became still, he could do no other. He had come to the point of realizing who God really is, that God is the one who will keep his promises, that they are all his doing, and there is nothing that we can do to inherit his kingdom.
When he came to the position of stillness; stillness and simply accepting that promises of God for what they are, that was when he got word back that the official in Egypt was in fact his son Joseph, that his beloved son Joseph was alive and had been chosen by God to save the lives of his family and many other people.
When Jacob finally became still before God, and waited in quiet faith, the Lord brought to fulfillment his promises.
And so toward the end of his life, we hear Jacob make the same confession that the Psalmist made years later. He said "the Lord is my shepherd" (Genesis 48:15), even though his life had been hard. The Lord led him through these valleys so that he might learn what it means to have God as his refuge.
8. One of the last pictures we see in scripture concerning Jacob is in Hebrews chapter 11, where read "by faith” Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, while bowing in worship over his staff."
The picture we see is not a man determining his own future, it is a picture of a Grandfather knowing that God will fulfill his promises; all he had to be was be still.
When Jacob looked back at his life he saw pain - yes - lots of pain. But he also saw something beautiful, because in all his agony, he saw the Lord was fulfilling the promises his own way, and all Jacob had to do was be still, be quiet, be at rest, be trusting; for the Lord would bring all of his promises to fulfillment.
That's why Psalm 46 boasts! Even though the earth changes, though the mountains shake into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble "The God of Jacob is our refuge!" Even though the nations rage, kingdoms totter, the God of Jacob is our refuge!
He is the God who gives to his children a kingdom which is unshakable, because the God of all faithfulness is the one who keeps his promises, they are "Yes and Amen" in Christ. His Kingdom will come!
Therefore:
10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
11 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah (NIV)
Jacob, as he looked back at his painful life, leaned on his staff and worshiped the Lord in stillness.
TEXT: Psalm 46 (Read from the NIV and The Message).
NIV: v.7 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
THE MESSAGE: v.7 Jacob-wresting God fights for us, God of angel armies protects us.
NIV: v.11 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
THE MESSAGE: v.11 Jacob-wresting God fights for us, God of angel armies protects us.
This Psalm portrays an absolute confidence in God even though the world becomes chaos!
"The LORD of hosts is with us, God of Jacob is our Refuge."
1. Jacob coerced his brother into selling his birthright for a bowl of lentil stew.
And then some time later, Jacob's resourceful character came through again when he tricked his father into giving him the blessing of the eldest son. He put goat skin on his arm, wore Esau's clothing and made his Father a meal just like his brother - he disguised himself as Esau and the disguise worked, he stole the blessing away from his brother.
Things were going great - all of Jacob's efforts to make sure that he got all that God promised to give him were going fine. He would do everything within his own power to get what God promised he would give him.
Jacob ran into a real problem: His brother Esau became his enemy - and as the death of Isaac approached, so did Esau's plot to finish off Jacob once and for all.
2. Jacob fled from Esau and went to Paddan Aram, to his Uncle Laban. On the way, he had a God encounter:
"I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your descendants; and you descendants shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east north and south, and by you and your descendants shall all the families of the earth bless themselves. Behold, I am with you and will keep you where you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done that of which I have spoken to you." Gen 28:13-15
Up to that point, everything seemed to go OK - the LORD was obviously on his side, he had many reasons for great confidence in God - and now this God had promised to be with him always - no matter what happened!
3. And then all his problems started...
He got to his Uncle Laban's house. There he met Rachael and Leah and he fell in love with Rachael. Jacob made an agreement with his Uncle Laban, that he would work for 7 years and then he would be able to marry Rachael.
For an energetic young men like Jacob, 7 years of hard labor was OK, if in the end he got what his heart really desired, but Jacob got shafted - he got Leah instead - and Laban worked it out that he would have to work another 7 years to get Rachael, the wife he loved.
The picture we get of Jacob through all these chapters is that he is a man full of energy and ingenuity - he was willing to work fourteen years to get the women he loved. Even though his boss, Uncle Laban changed his wages several times, Jacob still managed to manipulate the cattle in such a way as to increase his own herd.
Through careful planning and strategy, and a lot of hard slave labor - Jacob worked himself into an inheritance - or so he thought.
But his uncle found out and for fear of his life and his family, Jacob decided that he would have to flee.
But where could he flee? He couldn't go home. Esau was there. Jacob was between a rock and a hard place. He was going to have to face his brother’s anger, the brother that had consoled himself with the thoughts of killing Jacob. It is now 20 years since that flight from Esau. He returns.
4. But Jacob is still resourceful in himself. He chose to send gifts of many cattle ahead of him and he instructed each one of his servants who delivered the gifts to be deeply humble, in the hopes of winning Esau's pity.
And it seemed to work, at least to Jacob, for when he finally met Esau, Esau greeted him in love.
If you looked at Jacob up to this point in his life everything is going quite well even though he had a few frustrations. They were not too much to handle for a resourceful young man. Even though he had some character faults, his God was still blessing him with prosperity.
5. But then, on the way to meeting Esau, something happened to Jacob. He stayed the night in the place which would later be called Peniel. There, he spent the night wrestling with a man who was in fact God. It was the wrestling of an ambitious, energetic, sometimes deceitful young man against a God who was all powerful. And in that midmorning contest, God decided to end the fight by touching Jacob's hip. This was not the touch that healed - as we usually expect the touch of God to be - this was a touch of God which destroyed and crippled.
From that one wrestling match in the early morning hours, Jacob was handicapped, possibly for the rest of his life. From that point on - things he used to be able to control through his strength and ingenuity became things over which he had no control. Now he would have to face Esau and his 400 warriors but he had no strength from which to do it. Something in Jacob had started to break.
Jacob had to let go and for the first time, in a small way, he let his God be the God of Jacob. When he met Esau, Esau accepted him in love, something which all his ingenuity and plotting could not accomplish. Nothing but a divine force could work that change in Esau.
6. After his visit with Esau, Jacob settled in Schechem, but there his problems were just beginning. Because of his daughter Dinah, two of his own sons killed all the men in the town of Schechem. Because of their actions, Jacob would have to flee from that area on a painful hip.
With him, he took his 11 sons, his daughter, his two wives Rachael and Leah, and their maidservants.
Of all that he had, he loved his wife Rachael the most. And because of his love for her, he loved her son Joseph more that all his other children.
Rachael became pregnant again, but this time things did not go well. Out of his control, Rachael passed away on the road to Bethlehem as she gave birth to Jacob's 12th son Benjamin.
Jacob, the strong man, started noticing that the control he had over his life was slipping now through his fingers.
First Jacob lost Rachael, the wife he loved, and then he lost his father Isaac.
And in the next years, everything that he had attained for himself he lost.
First, Joseph is sold into slavery in Egypt by his brothers and they cover up their deed by convincing their father that he was eaten by a wild Animal. Jacob's favorite son was gone. His grief was so heavy that he felt he would mourn for him till the day he died.
Then a famine came to the land and because of the famine, he stared losing his grip on his possessions. First the barns went empty, then his cattle started to go hungry, eventually, even his family was starting to feel the pangs of hunger.
But there was food in Egypt, so he sent all his sons to go and buy some, except the only son that he loved deeply because he was Rachael's son, Benjamin. He would have to stay home with his Father. But to get more food from Egypt, an Egyptian authority (Unbeknown to Jacob, it was Joseph) insisted that the youngest son come also. So when the hunger pangs of the family became too severe, even Benjamin went with his brothers to Egypt.
At that point, the intuitive, sometimes deceitful Jacob had nothing left for he knew that letting Benjamin go might mean Benjamin's death. First Jacob lost Rachael, then Joseph, now even Benjamin. It was as if everything and everyone he loved and had worked for all his life was being taken out of his hands.
Jacob himself cried out in Genesis 42:36 "Everything is against me!" If he would lose his last beloved son, he would lose his very own life and everything that he had ever strived for.
The man Jacob, when he looked at his own life, analyzed it by saying that his days was few and evil (Genesis 47:9), even though in many ways he had been blessed, in the end, his days were filled with pain, misery, death, loss of loved ones , loss of his possessions.
If there was a life that came apart at the seams, it was Jacobs!
If there was a life where the earth seemed to quake against a man, where every kingdom seemed against him, where every part of life seemed to oppose a child of God who had the promises of God's love, it was Jacob.
At first sight - not much of a God to take refuge in.
7. But in all those years of pain, sorrow and loss, something happened to Jacob. Something in him died. That old character that insisted on doing things, his own way, came kicking and screaming, to an end. That old nature that insisted on holding onto the promises of God, and accomplishing them himself died a slow painful death. When he finally let go of Benjamin, he let go of his last hope in himself.
He let go, and let God do what he promised.
He became still, he could do no other. He had come to the point of realizing who God really is, that God is the one who will keep his promises, that they are all his doing, and there is nothing that we can do to inherit his kingdom.
When he came to the position of stillness; stillness and simply accepting that promises of God for what they are, that was when he got word back that the official in Egypt was in fact his son Joseph, that his beloved son Joseph was alive and had been chosen by God to save the lives of his family and many other people.
When Jacob finally became still before God, and waited in quiet faith, the Lord brought to fulfillment his promises.
And so toward the end of his life, we hear Jacob make the same confession that the Psalmist made years later. He said "the Lord is my shepherd" (Genesis 48:15), even though his life had been hard. The Lord led him through these valleys so that he might learn what it means to have God as his refuge.
8. One of the last pictures we see in scripture concerning Jacob is in Hebrews chapter 11, where read "by faith” Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, while bowing in worship over his staff."
The picture we see is not a man determining his own future, it is a picture of a Grandfather knowing that God will fulfill his promises; all he had to be was be still.
When Jacob looked back at his life he saw pain - yes - lots of pain. But he also saw something beautiful, because in all his agony, he saw the Lord was fulfilling the promises his own way, and all Jacob had to do was be still, be quiet, be at rest, be trusting; for the Lord would bring all of his promises to fulfillment.
That's why Psalm 46 boasts! Even though the earth changes, though the mountains shake into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble "The God of Jacob is our refuge!" Even though the nations rage, kingdoms totter, the God of Jacob is our refuge!
He is the God who gives to his children a kingdom which is unshakable, because the God of all faithfulness is the one who keeps his promises, they are "Yes and Amen" in Christ. His Kingdom will come!
Therefore:
10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
11 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah (NIV)
Jacob, as he looked back at his painful life, leaned on his staff and worshiped the Lord in stillness.
THE GOD OF THE PATRIARCHS - Part 2
Isaac: Walking In His Father’s Footsteps
TEXT: Genesis 26:1-35
INTRODUCTION
Isaac was the son of a famous father (Abraham), and the father of a famous son (Jacob, who became Israel). THIRTEEN chapters in Genesis are devoted to telling the story of Abraham, and around TEN chapters to the story of Jacob. They are major characters in the plot. But Isaac’s story is told in just TWO — chapter 24 (the account of Abraham finding him a wife, Rebekah), and this 26th chapter.
There is a world of difference between a rerun and an instant replay. A rerun is simply seeing the same thing over again. An instant replay is seeing something over, but not all of it. It is looking at certain events again, usually much more carefully. Focus our attention on chapter 26 as though it were an instant replay. Isaac’s life is summed up in the events described, all of which have a striking parallel in the life of his father Abraham. These similarities are key to rightly understanding and applying this passage to our own lives.
1. The Abrahamic Covenant Is Reiterated (26:1-6)
Lesson for us: Avoiding difficulties is often our first choice. Our journey is not without its difficulties. They key is obedient living in the promises of God.
2. Abraham’s Sin Repeated (26:7-11)
Isaac repeats his father’s inappropriate behavior. In what ways’ are you and I a “chip off the old block” of your father and mother?
Lesson for us: Do not let fear dominate our words and our actions. Forget not the promises of God. (2 Timothy 1:7)
3. Return to the Place of Blessing (26:12-25)
While Isaac may not have realized it for some time, it was the disputes over the ownership of the wells he dug or reopened that served to guide him in the direction of the land of promise.
Verses 23-25 are the key to the interpretation of chapter 26.
Lesson for us in faith and guidance: The place for God’s people is in the place of God’s presence. The place of intimacy, worship, and communion with God is the place to abide. There we should dwell, and there we may be assured of God’s provision for our needs. Material needs are thus considered last, while spiritual needs are primary. Is this not what our Lord referred to when He said: “But seek first His kingdom, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
4. The Witness of Abimelech (26:26-31)
Lesson for us: The prosperity of a godly man can easily be seen to be the blessing of God when we have our priorities right, that is, kingdom of God first! Matthew 6:33.
5. The Witness of the Well (26:32-33)
Lesson for us: The place of God’s presence is also the place of God’s provision.
6. Regret Due to Esau’s Marriages (26:34-35)
Serving God does not guarantee a trouble free life
Lesson for us: These verses help us to realize that even when we are rightly related to God, troubles will still be a part of our experience. These verses also provide the backdrop to the drama of chapter 27.
CONCLUSION
This chapter underscores the two most common systems of guidance which are available to Christians of every age: living by principles or by providence. When we walk in accordance with the principles given in the Word of God, we walk closest to Him. When we walk by providence we shall still arrive where God wants us to be, but without the joy of being an active participant in the process. Instead, we are the passive object which God moves from point to point by circumstances. There is little joy or intimacy with God in this system.
REFLECT
1. Isaac repeats his father’s inappropriate behavior. As a “chip off the old block”, we do the same. What one “sin” of your parents would you like help in eliminating from your life?
2. Where in your life would you like the quarreling and contention to stop and reconciliation to start? What next steps of faith might God want you to take toward that end?
3. What does God’s gracious treatment of Isaac and the perpetual nature of His covenant mean to you, as a child of the covenant? As one who repeat mistakes of your fathers?
TEXT: Genesis 26:1-35
INTRODUCTION
Isaac was the son of a famous father (Abraham), and the father of a famous son (Jacob, who became Israel). THIRTEEN chapters in Genesis are devoted to telling the story of Abraham, and around TEN chapters to the story of Jacob. They are major characters in the plot. But Isaac’s story is told in just TWO — chapter 24 (the account of Abraham finding him a wife, Rebekah), and this 26th chapter.
There is a world of difference between a rerun and an instant replay. A rerun is simply seeing the same thing over again. An instant replay is seeing something over, but not all of it. It is looking at certain events again, usually much more carefully. Focus our attention on chapter 26 as though it were an instant replay. Isaac’s life is summed up in the events described, all of which have a striking parallel in the life of his father Abraham. These similarities are key to rightly understanding and applying this passage to our own lives.
1. The Abrahamic Covenant Is Reiterated (26:1-6)
Lesson for us: Avoiding difficulties is often our first choice. Our journey is not without its difficulties. They key is obedient living in the promises of God.
2. Abraham’s Sin Repeated (26:7-11)
Isaac repeats his father’s inappropriate behavior. In what ways’ are you and I a “chip off the old block” of your father and mother?
Lesson for us: Do not let fear dominate our words and our actions. Forget not the promises of God. (2 Timothy 1:7)
3. Return to the Place of Blessing (26:12-25)
While Isaac may not have realized it for some time, it was the disputes over the ownership of the wells he dug or reopened that served to guide him in the direction of the land of promise.
Verses 23-25 are the key to the interpretation of chapter 26.
Lesson for us in faith and guidance: The place for God’s people is in the place of God’s presence. The place of intimacy, worship, and communion with God is the place to abide. There we should dwell, and there we may be assured of God’s provision for our needs. Material needs are thus considered last, while spiritual needs are primary. Is this not what our Lord referred to when He said: “But seek first His kingdom, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
4. The Witness of Abimelech (26:26-31)
Lesson for us: The prosperity of a godly man can easily be seen to be the blessing of God when we have our priorities right, that is, kingdom of God first! Matthew 6:33.
5. The Witness of the Well (26:32-33)
Lesson for us: The place of God’s presence is also the place of God’s provision.
6. Regret Due to Esau’s Marriages (26:34-35)
Serving God does not guarantee a trouble free life
Lesson for us: These verses help us to realize that even when we are rightly related to God, troubles will still be a part of our experience. These verses also provide the backdrop to the drama of chapter 27.
CONCLUSION
This chapter underscores the two most common systems of guidance which are available to Christians of every age: living by principles or by providence. When we walk in accordance with the principles given in the Word of God, we walk closest to Him. When we walk by providence we shall still arrive where God wants us to be, but without the joy of being an active participant in the process. Instead, we are the passive object which God moves from point to point by circumstances. There is little joy or intimacy with God in this system.
REFLECT
1. Isaac repeats his father’s inappropriate behavior. As a “chip off the old block”, we do the same. What one “sin” of your parents would you like help in eliminating from your life?
2. Where in your life would you like the quarreling and contention to stop and reconciliation to start? What next steps of faith might God want you to take toward that end?
3. What does God’s gracious treatment of Isaac and the perpetual nature of His covenant mean to you, as a child of the covenant? As one who repeat mistakes of your fathers?
Friday, June 19, 2009
THE GOD OF THE PATRIARCHS SERIES Part 1
Abraham: A Model of True Worship
Text: Genesis 22:1-19
The meaning of the term “Patriarch” – the pioneers or ancestors of our faith.
Two Questions: (1) What can Abraham teach us about true worship? (2) What can Abraham teach us about our God?
ELEMENTS OF TRUE WORSHIP:
1. Revelation (vv.1-2): God called out Abraham.
The call of Abraham contained two promises: land and descendants (Ge. 12:1-2).
2. Preparation (v. 3): Abraham prepared to worship God by being obedient to the revelation of God.
3. Separation (vv. 4-5): Abraham left his servants behind.
We need to separate ourselves from anything that would draw our attention away from God.
4. Dedication (vv. 6-10): True worship is costly.
5. Proclamation (vv. 11-14): Abraham called the place “The Lord will provide” – Jehovah-Jireh.
THE RESULTS OF TRUE WORSIP
1. Restoration (vv. 11-12): Isaac was restored to his father.
Abraham’s faith was restored.
2. Confirmation (vv.15-18): God confirmed his covenant with Abraham.
We find the principle that worship results in the blessing of the worshiper.If God’s blessing seems absent from your life, perhaps it is due to an absence of true worship in your life.
Text: Genesis 22:1-19
The meaning of the term “Patriarch” – the pioneers or ancestors of our faith.
Two Questions: (1) What can Abraham teach us about true worship? (2) What can Abraham teach us about our God?
ELEMENTS OF TRUE WORSHIP:
1. Revelation (vv.1-2): God called out Abraham.
The call of Abraham contained two promises: land and descendants (Ge. 12:1-2).
2. Preparation (v. 3): Abraham prepared to worship God by being obedient to the revelation of God.
3. Separation (vv. 4-5): Abraham left his servants behind.
We need to separate ourselves from anything that would draw our attention away from God.
4. Dedication (vv. 6-10): True worship is costly.
5. Proclamation (vv. 11-14): Abraham called the place “The Lord will provide” – Jehovah-Jireh.
THE RESULTS OF TRUE WORSIP
1. Restoration (vv. 11-12): Isaac was restored to his father.
Abraham’s faith was restored.
2. Confirmation (vv.15-18): God confirmed his covenant with Abraham.
We find the principle that worship results in the blessing of the worshiper.If God’s blessing seems absent from your life, perhaps it is due to an absence of true worship in your life.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
REAL WORSHIP
Feet Worship
Exodus 3:1-14; Romans 10:15
Holy Ground Requires Bare Feet! Exodus 3:1-14
Consider the place where Moses is:
- The very wilderness where he will later lead Israel.
- The mountain he will later receive 10 Commandments.
- God dwelt here, thus fertile area to pasture (Josephus).
- Place of stones, scorpions, and snakes; a bad place for bare feet.
God can take any situation and make it holy.
- To do so requires “taking off” the sandals. Bare your feet!
Walk in the awareness of God’s holy presence always.
- Moses took off something he made to stand on something God made.
Beautiful Feet Bears Good News! Romans 10:15
Feet are not exactly a thing of beautify when it comes to the body. 1 Corinthians 12:15,21.
God takes ugly feet and turns them into beauty by the message they carry.
Exodus 3:1-14; Romans 10:15
Holy Ground Requires Bare Feet! Exodus 3:1-14
Consider the place where Moses is:
- The very wilderness where he will later lead Israel.
- The mountain he will later receive 10 Commandments.
- God dwelt here, thus fertile area to pasture (Josephus).
- Place of stones, scorpions, and snakes; a bad place for bare feet.
God can take any situation and make it holy.
- To do so requires “taking off” the sandals. Bare your feet!
Walk in the awareness of God’s holy presence always.
- Moses took off something he made to stand on something God made.
Beautiful Feet Bears Good News! Romans 10:15
Feet are not exactly a thing of beautify when it comes to the body. 1 Corinthians 12:15,21.
God takes ugly feet and turns them into beauty by the message they carry.
REAL WORSHIP
Hands Worship:
Examine Our Worship: Psalm 24:4
The “hand” symbolizes:
1. Faithful and thorough work
Ps. 95:5; Ps. 111:7; Ecc. 9:10; Col. 3:23-24
2. Earning and paying; Getting and giving.
Prov. 10:4
3. Mutual faith and honor (handshake).
Ge. 14:22; Deut. 32:40
4. Power and conduct.
Exodus 17:8-13; Isa. 1:15-16
“I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.” Ps. 143:6
“What is that in your hand?” Exodus 4:2
Moses’ response: “A staff!”
1. Never under-estimate what is in your hand.
2. God uses things that are common and normal in everyday life to accomplish His glory.
The “hand” symbolizes:
1. Faithful and thorough work
Ps. 95:5; Ps. 111:7; Ecc. 9:10; Col. 3:23-24
2. Earning and paying; Getting and giving.
Prov. 10:4
3. Mutual faith and honor (handshake).
Ge. 14:22; Deut. 32:40
4. Power and conduct.
Exodus 17:8-13; Isa. 1:15-16
“I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.” Ps. 143:6
“What is that in your hand?” Exodus 4:2
Moses’ response: “A staff!”
1. Never under-estimate what is in your hand.
2. God uses things that are common and normal in everyday life to accomplish His glory.
REAL WORSHIP
HEAD WORSHIP
Head Worship is Transformed Thinking: Romans 12:1-2
Head Worship is Transformed Thinking: Romans 12:1-2
1. Our Christian attitude toward God. Our minds are to be conformed to God’s way of thinking! (1 Cor. 2:16; Php. 2:5)
2. Our plans and ambitions must be determined by heavenly and eternal truths!
3. A “metamorphoo” life! (“transformed”) A “transfigured” or “changed” life. This word is used 3 other times: Matthew 17:2; Mark 9:2; 2 Corinthians 3:8
4. The term used for “mind” is “noos.” Includes the intellect, the will, and the emotions.
5. Our mind is the battlefield where most of Satan’s attacks come. (Romans 8:5-7) Where we yield our minds to determines the outcome.
6. “Renewing” indicates present continuous action on the mind.
Romans 8:6 Contemporary English Version
If our minds are ruled by our desires, we will die. But if our minds are ruled by the Spirit, we will have life and peace.
Friday, April 3, 2009
REAL WORSHIP
Our theme text throughout this series is:
Matt 22:37-39 NIV
37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.’
There are four parts to this series:
1. Heart Worship
2. Head Worship
3. Hand Worship
4. Feet Worship
Verse 37 touches on the heart and the head.
Verse 39 touches on the hands and feet.
What makes for real worship? How do you know when it happened?
How do you know when it hasn’t?
How do you know when God is pleased with our worship?
When can we say that God is not pleased with the way someone is worshiping?
Some would suggest that we have no right to make these kinds of judgments – Who are we to question what another thinks constitutes worship?
Does it matter where I worship? John 4:4-24 Jesus’ discussion with Woman at the Well.
Does the method or preference really matter in worship? The Bible is filled with various forms of worship. The expression itself was not the key, but what was in the heart.
An act of worship forever talked about: Matthew 26:6-16; Mark 14:1-11; John 12:1-11
Mary showed the true character of worship!
The setting
1. Focus of Lazarus (John 12:2)
2. Focus of Martha (John 12:2)
3. Focus of Disciples (John 12:5; Matthew 26:8-9)
4. Focus of Judas Iscariot (John 12:6)
5. Focus of the other Jews (John 12:9)
6. Focus of Chief Priests (John 12:10)
7. Focus of Mary (John 12:3)
The anointing
1. She had great humility - bowed down to wipe His feet. The broken alabaster vessel represented her own brokeness. She was submitted to His ways. In our following of Jesus we must allow the process of brokeness that will surely come as we seek to do His will.
2. She sacrificially gave of her all to Jesus (perfume cost one years wages) - this is ’wasting’ ourselves on Jesus. What is the most precious thing we have that we can pour out on Jesus? Our time? How about our most precious desires? Are we willing to sacrifice out most precious things for Him?
The fragrance
1. It was an unmistakable odor. Each of us has certain fragrances that are almost instantly recognized by our sense of smell. I like “Obsession” cologne. You may not be familiar with it and not associate that smell as my cologne. However, there are certain aromas that are familiar to almost every one of us, not just a particular individual. There are certain fragrances that each of us would almost instantly recognize!
- The fragrance of roses
- The smell of freshly-cut grass
- The incredible smell of bacon frying in a pan
2. The scripture tells us that, after Mary had anointed the Lord, “… the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.” This was not a fragrance that was particular to just one person in that room. This was not just an aroma that only Mary recognized, or Jesus recognized. This was an unmistakable aroma that everyone in the room recognized. This was ointment of spikenard. It was costly. Those that murmured against her knew how much it was worth, dollar-wise. But they had no idea what it was worth to Mary. This was a fragrance that would have been saved up for the most intimate of moments. Yet, Mary pours out her most intimate fragrance on the head and feet of the One who changed her life. The unmistakable aroma of worship is one that everyone can recognize, the scent of adoration when a sinner begins to pour their heart out and anoint Jesus Christ as Lord and King.
3. The aroma may be unmistakable, but the cost is known only to that person, and to the Anointed One. When Mary worshiped, she exposed her heart. Her worship also exposed the heart of others around her.
4. Mary’s act of worship set off a chain of events that led to Jesus dying on the cross for us. The result of this was that the fragrance ’crowded’ the room and was sent out far and wide - touched the World (see Matthew 26:13). What Mary did seemed foolish to those around her but her action had a ripple effect that touched the whole world. Today this story is blessing to people in countries on the other side of the world from where Mary lived and indeed in countries all over the world. Her action was a WORLD-ACTION. We need to seek the Lord for what are the WORLD-ACTIONS He calls us to do and pour out our lives, wasting ourselves in His purposes!
Matt 22:37-39 NIV
37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.’
There are four parts to this series:
1. Heart Worship
2. Head Worship
3. Hand Worship
4. Feet Worship
Verse 37 touches on the heart and the head.
Verse 39 touches on the hands and feet.
HEART WORSHIP
What makes for real worship? How do you know when it happened?
How do you know when it hasn’t?
How do you know when God is pleased with our worship?
When can we say that God is not pleased with the way someone is worshiping?
Some would suggest that we have no right to make these kinds of judgments – Who are we to question what another thinks constitutes worship?
Does it matter where I worship? John 4:4-24 Jesus’ discussion with Woman at the Well.
Does the method or preference really matter in worship? The Bible is filled with various forms of worship. The expression itself was not the key, but what was in the heart.
An act of worship forever talked about: Matthew 26:6-16; Mark 14:1-11; John 12:1-11
Mary showed the true character of worship!
The setting
1. Focus of Lazarus (John 12:2)
2. Focus of Martha (John 12:2)
3. Focus of Disciples (John 12:5; Matthew 26:8-9)
4. Focus of Judas Iscariot (John 12:6)
5. Focus of the other Jews (John 12:9)
6. Focus of Chief Priests (John 12:10)
7. Focus of Mary (John 12:3)
The anointing
1. She had great humility - bowed down to wipe His feet. The broken alabaster vessel represented her own brokeness. She was submitted to His ways. In our following of Jesus we must allow the process of brokeness that will surely come as we seek to do His will.
2. She sacrificially gave of her all to Jesus (perfume cost one years wages) - this is ’wasting’ ourselves on Jesus. What is the most precious thing we have that we can pour out on Jesus? Our time? How about our most precious desires? Are we willing to sacrifice out most precious things for Him?
The fragrance
1. It was an unmistakable odor. Each of us has certain fragrances that are almost instantly recognized by our sense of smell. I like “Obsession” cologne. You may not be familiar with it and not associate that smell as my cologne. However, there are certain aromas that are familiar to almost every one of us, not just a particular individual. There are certain fragrances that each of us would almost instantly recognize!
- The fragrance of roses
- The smell of freshly-cut grass
- The incredible smell of bacon frying in a pan
2. The scripture tells us that, after Mary had anointed the Lord, “… the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.” This was not a fragrance that was particular to just one person in that room. This was not just an aroma that only Mary recognized, or Jesus recognized. This was an unmistakable aroma that everyone in the room recognized. This was ointment of spikenard. It was costly. Those that murmured against her knew how much it was worth, dollar-wise. But they had no idea what it was worth to Mary. This was a fragrance that would have been saved up for the most intimate of moments. Yet, Mary pours out her most intimate fragrance on the head and feet of the One who changed her life. The unmistakable aroma of worship is one that everyone can recognize, the scent of adoration when a sinner begins to pour their heart out and anoint Jesus Christ as Lord and King.
3. The aroma may be unmistakable, but the cost is known only to that person, and to the Anointed One. When Mary worshiped, she exposed her heart. Her worship also exposed the heart of others around her.
4. Mary’s act of worship set off a chain of events that led to Jesus dying on the cross for us. The result of this was that the fragrance ’crowded’ the room and was sent out far and wide - touched the World (see Matthew 26:13). What Mary did seemed foolish to those around her but her action had a ripple effect that touched the whole world. Today this story is blessing to people in countries on the other side of the world from where Mary lived and indeed in countries all over the world. Her action was a WORLD-ACTION. We need to seek the Lord for what are the WORLD-ACTIONS He calls us to do and pour out our lives, wasting ourselves in His purposes!
BREAKING OUT OF THE PRISON OF GREED
This is the final in in our Prison series.
Read from Phil 4:10-23 The Message
Emphasize verse 17: Not that I'm looking for handouts, but I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.
Philippians is not only a letter of joy, it is a thank you note. Paul is closing this letter, thanking this community of believers for their generosity. The key to breaking out of our prison of greed is by using generosity to unlock the door.
The number one headline for the past several months centers on the financial and economic crisis in our country. Everywhere there is fear and uncertainty. Government is not the answer to our financial woes. Greed has corrupted our market system from the top to the very bottom.
Here are your keys to unlocking greed:
1. Recession affects everyone! Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath: 1 Kings 17:1-16
2. Your assets become your liabilities in life if you don’t use them for God! Rich Young Ruler: Matthew 19:16-22.
The rich young ruler couldn’t let go! He had an opportunity to follow God. Greed consumed his life. What do you need to ”let go” of?
3. The remedy to greed is giving! The Poor Widow’s Offering: Mark 12:41-44.
She did the exact opposite of the Rich Young Ruler. She gave her all out of poverty. We are greedy by nature. Enough is not enough. The antidote or remedy to our greediness is found in giving. Generosity overcomes the entrapment of greed. Give that it might be credited to your account (Philippians 4:17).
4. Tithe! I believe that tithing helps to keep me free of greed! Malachi 3:8-12. Freedom from greed results in a joy filled and contented life.
Read from Phil 4:10-23 The Message
Emphasize verse 17: Not that I'm looking for handouts, but I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.
Philippians is not only a letter of joy, it is a thank you note. Paul is closing this letter, thanking this community of believers for their generosity. The key to breaking out of our prison of greed is by using generosity to unlock the door.
The number one headline for the past several months centers on the financial and economic crisis in our country. Everywhere there is fear and uncertainty. Government is not the answer to our financial woes. Greed has corrupted our market system from the top to the very bottom.
Here are your keys to unlocking greed:
1. Recession affects everyone! Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath: 1 Kings 17:1-16
2. Your assets become your liabilities in life if you don’t use them for God! Rich Young Ruler: Matthew 19:16-22.
The rich young ruler couldn’t let go! He had an opportunity to follow God. Greed consumed his life. What do you need to ”let go” of?
3. The remedy to greed is giving! The Poor Widow’s Offering: Mark 12:41-44.
She did the exact opposite of the Rich Young Ruler. She gave her all out of poverty. We are greedy by nature. Enough is not enough. The antidote or remedy to our greediness is found in giving. Generosity overcomes the entrapment of greed. Give that it might be credited to your account (Philippians 4:17).
4. Tithe! I believe that tithing helps to keep me free of greed! Malachi 3:8-12. Freedom from greed results in a joy filled and contented life.
Friday, March 20, 2009
OVERCOMING THE PRISON OF DISCONTENTMENT
Overcoming a Spirit of Negativity
Philippians 4:1-10 The Message
Have you noticed that there are a lot of relationships in the book of Philippians? Paul calls a lot of these people by name. He knows them. He cares deeply about them. This church was a relational church. As our Paradigm Friday night gathering grows, it’s going to become more difficult to stay connected relationally to everyone. It’s going to take more intentionality, effort and time. This gathering is not just about worshipping and connecting with God. It’s about community; connecting with one another. It’s about relating in deep and authentic relationships.
Verse 2 reveals that this community of believers was not without relational conflicts or disagreements. Verse 2 was perhaps a representation of many such differences in the assembly. People cannot constantly experience joy if they are always bickering over minor matters. Paul appealed to them to settle their differences. These two women were not living up to their names: Euodias means “prosperous journey” and Syntyche means “pleasant acquaintance.”
Paul did not insist they think alike in everything, but that each would have a selfless attitude of Christ (2:1-4) and thereby could respect the other’s viewpoint and that neither be contentious.
Paul asked a third party to intervene. Bible scholars are undecided whether “Syzygus” and “loyal yokefellow” in original Greek either described the person addressed or whether it was an actual name.
Discontentment creates resentment. Resentment results in conflict (inwardly and outwardly). Conflict robs us of joy. We become a prisoner of discontentment. Discontented people are often lonely people. Aloneness is the result of discontentment. We have a mediator in Christ Jesus. He has called us to reconciliation with God and to one another.
Four Conditions Necessary to Experience Peace
1. Be considerate (verse 5). Other translations use: moderation, gentleness, considerateness, forbearing spirit.
2. Be worry free (verse 6). Other translations use: careful for nothing, not be anxious, have no anxiety.
3. Be right thinking (verse 8). Fill the mind with wholesome thoughts; meditate and reflect on the positive.
4. Be practicing what you heard, learned and seen (verse 9). If a person takes seriously the four conditions given by Paul and put them in practice, God will prove himself faithful to His promise. Joy will be the result.
Philippians 4:1-10 The Message
Have you noticed that there are a lot of relationships in the book of Philippians? Paul calls a lot of these people by name. He knows them. He cares deeply about them. This church was a relational church. As our Paradigm Friday night gathering grows, it’s going to become more difficult to stay connected relationally to everyone. It’s going to take more intentionality, effort and time. This gathering is not just about worshipping and connecting with God. It’s about community; connecting with one another. It’s about relating in deep and authentic relationships.
Verse 2 reveals that this community of believers was not without relational conflicts or disagreements. Verse 2 was perhaps a representation of many such differences in the assembly. People cannot constantly experience joy if they are always bickering over minor matters. Paul appealed to them to settle their differences. These two women were not living up to their names: Euodias means “prosperous journey” and Syntyche means “pleasant acquaintance.”
Paul did not insist they think alike in everything, but that each would have a selfless attitude of Christ (2:1-4) and thereby could respect the other’s viewpoint and that neither be contentious.
Paul asked a third party to intervene. Bible scholars are undecided whether “Syzygus” and “loyal yokefellow” in original Greek either described the person addressed or whether it was an actual name.
Discontentment creates resentment. Resentment results in conflict (inwardly and outwardly). Conflict robs us of joy. We become a prisoner of discontentment. Discontented people are often lonely people. Aloneness is the result of discontentment. We have a mediator in Christ Jesus. He has called us to reconciliation with God and to one another.
Four Conditions Necessary to Experience Peace
1. Be considerate (verse 5). Other translations use: moderation, gentleness, considerateness, forbearing spirit.
2. Be worry free (verse 6). Other translations use: careful for nothing, not be anxious, have no anxiety.
3. Be right thinking (verse 8). Fill the mind with wholesome thoughts; meditate and reflect on the positive.
4. Be practicing what you heard, learned and seen (verse 9). If a person takes seriously the four conditions given by Paul and put them in practice, God will prove himself faithful to His promise. Joy will be the result.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
The Four Seasons
I normally don’t post blogs outside of the notes from my talking points here. I usually save my blogging for my blog at Portside Reflections. However, I believe I need to make an exception, because of what the Lord is doing in our midst at our Gathering on Friday nights. So here it goes.
Spring is only a week away. I can't wait as I am not really a winter person and here I am living and ministering in Maine. Go figure. This got me to thinking about seasons. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says that "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." We live in four seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. I think of Spring as a season for planting, Summer as a time for harvest, Fall as time for storing or consolidating, and Winter as a time for lifelessness or hibernation.There are seasons in the church too. Right now Paradigm, our ministry to twenty-somethings is in the growth mode (harvest time). There has been a 100% increase in attendance within the last four weeks. This has all of us rejoicing. At the same time, it has me thinking about the next season to come and what should be done.Bill Hybels in his book, Axiom, describes the leader’s responsibility to know the seasons. He mentions five. Four of them compare with the seasonal changes I have already mentioned. They are (1) season of growth, (2) season of consolidation, (3) season of transition, (4) season of malaise, and (5) season reinvention.
Because we are in a growth season we cannot just sit back and ride the wave. The wave will recede at some point. We must become intentional in what we do with this new influx of paradigmers. We must plan now as to how to assimilate our new friends. This will require internal restructuring and new systems to accommodate this influx. We must be inclusive and encourage one another to become a shareholder in what God is doing through Paradigm. Paradigm’s mission is to connect with God, connect with one another, and connect with the world where we live.
We can apply these seasonal changes not only to organizational changes but also to personal changes in our lives. I hope you will join me in prayer and step up in your personal life by offering your talents, gifting, and abilities to God through this ministry. I trust that you will make room for others to share in this.
Spring is only a week away. I can't wait as I am not really a winter person and here I am living and ministering in Maine. Go figure. This got me to thinking about seasons. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says that "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." We live in four seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. I think of Spring as a season for planting, Summer as a time for harvest, Fall as time for storing or consolidating, and Winter as a time for lifelessness or hibernation.There are seasons in the church too. Right now Paradigm, our ministry to twenty-somethings is in the growth mode (harvest time). There has been a 100% increase in attendance within the last four weeks. This has all of us rejoicing. At the same time, it has me thinking about the next season to come and what should be done.Bill Hybels in his book, Axiom, describes the leader’s responsibility to know the seasons. He mentions five. Four of them compare with the seasonal changes I have already mentioned. They are (1) season of growth, (2) season of consolidation, (3) season of transition, (4) season of malaise, and (5) season reinvention.
Because we are in a growth season we cannot just sit back and ride the wave. The wave will recede at some point. We must become intentional in what we do with this new influx of paradigmers. We must plan now as to how to assimilate our new friends. This will require internal restructuring and new systems to accommodate this influx. We must be inclusive and encourage one another to become a shareholder in what God is doing through Paradigm. Paradigm’s mission is to connect with God, connect with one another, and connect with the world where we live.
We can apply these seasonal changes not only to organizational changes but also to personal changes in our lives. I hope you will join me in prayer and step up in your personal life by offering your talents, gifting, and abilities to God through this ministry. I trust that you will make room for others to share in this.
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