"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'" -John 1:29
Most "criminals" that were killed by hanging on a cross did pretty nasty things like murder. The "guilty" person had to carry a heavy cross beam through the streets, wearing a sign that stated the crime committed. Then when he arrived at the place of death, he was stripped and taunted.
This punishment was so awful that Cicero once wrote, "Let the very name of the cross be far away, not only from the body of Roman citizen, but even from his thoughts, his eyes, his ears."
Jesus experienced the feeling of shame for ALL of the sins that had or ever would be committed. He was not a liar, but felt the shame of one. He was not a cheater, but knew that people looking at him thought he was. He felt ALL of that shame. Jesus was not guilty. He hadn't done any of the things of which he was accused. he didn't deserve this punishment. We were the ones that did wrong. We deserved to be judged for our actions, not him. "BUT HE CHANGED PLACES WITH US." - Galatians 3:13.
Sometimes I can't stand to feel shame for the things I do. It is even worse for others to be aware of it. When I read these stories about Jesus' actions, I am always trying to imagine what it would be like to feel what he felt. In this case, I really don't want to feel all of that. Imagining what it was like to have so many people and God the Father looking at all of that shame heaped onto ONE person. He did that foe ALL of us! Man. I really need to try to do less shameful things.
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
3.29.2008
3.18.2008
Daily Reading 30
"Jesus . . . endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." -Hebrews 12:2
Here is a list of some of the things that Jesus endured at the cross:
Here is a list of some of the things that Jesus endured at the cross:
- arms stretched across wooden beams
- soldiers' knees in his forearms
- metal spikes driven into his wrists and ankles
I think if any of us had been there, we would have wondered why he didn't try to stop them. When he turned his head and saw the nails, Mr. Max Lucado, the author of this daily reading suggests that he wasn't thinking about the pain. He was thinking of a long list. A list that includes all of my mistakes, your mistakes, and the mistakes of every person ever created. It included our selfish ways, our greed, lust, and anger. All of the things that we've done that we're not proud of were on it.
When he saw that list, he knew that somehow, there had to be a consequence. The sin that had been acted out resulted in death. And he knew that we were the source of that sin. He knew that each and every one of us would end up in eternity without God... So, instead of letting that happen, he took the penalty for us. He took the nails without fighting against them so that he could spend eternity with us.
What amazing grace!
2.18.2008
Daily Reading 28
"The soldiers and the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium. . . And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. When they had twisted a crown or thorns, they put it on His head." -Matthew 27: 27-29
The thorns that were put on Jesus's head were a symbol of the effects of sin. They weren't identifying Jesus as a sinner, they were actually pointing to the fact that our sins are piercing Jesus. When a sin grows, it is sharp, pointy, and hurtful. What are some of the sins that were laid on Jesus with that crown? Shame. Disgrace. Discouragement. Anxiety. Worry. Guilt.
Before the thorns were laid on him, Jesus had never felt any of these emotions. He was without sin. When al of humanity's sin was laid on him, he felt them all. That is why he cried out to God for help, "My God, my God, why have you rejected me?" - Matthew 27:46 He actually felt and experienced all of those hurts, the agony, the pain. I think it is pretty amazing that he took all of that on himself.
You need to know that he did that FOR YOU. For each of us, but definitely FOR YOU.
The thorns that were put on Jesus's head were a symbol of the effects of sin. They weren't identifying Jesus as a sinner, they were actually pointing to the fact that our sins are piercing Jesus. When a sin grows, it is sharp, pointy, and hurtful. What are some of the sins that were laid on Jesus with that crown? Shame. Disgrace. Discouragement. Anxiety. Worry. Guilt.
Before the thorns were laid on him, Jesus had never felt any of these emotions. He was without sin. When al of humanity's sin was laid on him, he felt them all. That is why he cried out to God for help, "My God, my God, why have you rejected me?" - Matthew 27:46 He actually felt and experienced all of those hurts, the agony, the pain. I think it is pretty amazing that he took all of that on himself.
You need to know that he did that FOR YOU. For each of us, but definitely FOR YOU.
2.10.2008
Daily Reading 27
"You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me." -John 16:32
"With Judas were many people carrying swords and clubs who had ben sent from the leading priests. . . Then the people came and grabbed Jesus and arrested him." -Matthew 26:47, 50
Mr. Lucado points out that this same story is told in another book of the bible, John. In John there is a specuific name for the group of people in the original language which means a group of 200 soldiers. Wow! 200 soldiers were sent by the religious leaders to find Jesus and arrest him! 200!
In that group, there was not one who stood up for Jesus. I wonder if any of them had heard him speak in church? Had a family member healed by him? Not a single one stood up for him that night. Even though he came to save them, they turned against him.
Those 200probably didn't know any better. But, what about his followers, the disciples? I can't believe what cowards they all were. "All of Jesus' followers left him and ran away." -Matthew 26:56 They ran away???
Jesus, unlike all of us, was not limited to the circumstances in front of him. He could see the big picture. His view was totally different. He was able to see purpose in this betrayal and pain. God was with him and he knew it.
In the middle of pain I am usually really mad or depressed. A lot of thse feelings are directed at God. I need to be continually reminded that even though crappy things happen, I am not alone.
"With Judas were many people carrying swords and clubs who had ben sent from the leading priests. . . Then the people came and grabbed Jesus and arrested him." -Matthew 26:47, 50
Mr. Lucado points out that this same story is told in another book of the bible, John. In John there is a specuific name for the group of people in the original language which means a group of 200 soldiers. Wow! 200 soldiers were sent by the religious leaders to find Jesus and arrest him! 200!
In that group, there was not one who stood up for Jesus. I wonder if any of them had heard him speak in church? Had a family member healed by him? Not a single one stood up for him that night. Even though he came to save them, they turned against him.
Those 200probably didn't know any better. But, what about his followers, the disciples? I can't believe what cowards they all were. "All of Jesus' followers left him and ran away." -Matthew 26:56 They ran away???
Jesus, unlike all of us, was not limited to the circumstances in front of him. He could see the big picture. His view was totally different. He was able to see purpose in this betrayal and pain. God was with him and he knew it.
In the middle of pain I am usually really mad or depressed. A lot of thse feelings are directed at God. I need to be continually reminded that even though crappy things happen, I am not alone.
2.02.2008
Daily Reading 26
Sorry I haven't been doing daily posts for the daily reading thing...
"Jesus... kneeled down and prayed, 'Father if you are willing, take away this cup of suffering. But do what you want, not what I want...' His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground." -Luke 22:41-44
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." -John 14:1
Jesus is praying, alone with the exception of God. It is not going to be long before Jesus dies. And he knows it. He is totally showing that he is fully human here. He is afraid. And it is part of the bible, so we are given this story so that we can know that he was really afraid. Most of us, though, don't want anyone to kow we're afraid. He's not pretending to be strong for the benefit of others. He's actually asking FOR strength. He is going to his Heavenly Father. He is trusting Him.
It is amazing to me that Jesus went into the events of his death knowing exactly what was going to happen. He faced them. He was not alone, though.
We don't ahve to go through junk that happens to us alone either. God wants to walk with us, too. He also put us together onthis earth because he wants us to help each other. Don't go through life alone. Let God in. Tell Him your fears and trust Him. I'd love to help, too. Let me knowif I can. emillerk@gmail.com
"Jesus... kneeled down and prayed, 'Father if you are willing, take away this cup of suffering. But do what you want, not what I want...' His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground." -Luke 22:41-44
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." -John 14:1
Jesus is praying, alone with the exception of God. It is not going to be long before Jesus dies. And he knows it. He is totally showing that he is fully human here. He is afraid. And it is part of the bible, so we are given this story so that we can know that he was really afraid. Most of us, though, don't want anyone to kow we're afraid. He's not pretending to be strong for the benefit of others. He's actually asking FOR strength. He is going to his Heavenly Father. He is trusting Him.
It is amazing to me that Jesus went into the events of his death knowing exactly what was going to happen. He faced them. He was not alone, though.
We don't ahve to go through junk that happens to us alone either. God wants to walk with us, too. He also put us together onthis earth because he wants us to help each other. Don't go through life alone. Let God in. Tell Him your fears and trust Him. I'd love to help, too. Let me knowif I can. emillerk@gmail.com
1.29.2008
Daily Reading 24
"Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." -Luke 5:16
Jesus gets it when we struggle with doing things that are not the best choices. Don't you think that he had lots of times when he was tempted to be the biggest and best? Most of the people that heard him call himself the Messiah wanted him to become a powerful king, an army general, and lead them to blast the other guys that were in power for so long over the people of Israel.
Jesus was tempted by arrogance, but he walked away to be alone.
Another time was when Peter didn't believe that Jesus needed to die. It would have been tempting for me to walk away from that situation.
Jesus shut down Peter's argument and said, "You have no idea how God works."
Another time Jesus was mocked. A little girl was really sick and the family had called for him. When he got there, she was already dead. The crowd taunted him, but Jesus just dismissed them. He told them to go outside. "The child is not dead but sleeping."
Most of the time, our reactions to temptations have to do with lack of impulse control. I know for me, eating a lot of sugar is one of those temptations. I usually try to talk myself out of it, but then I just give in and find something sweet. If I try to look at what Jesus did, I can see that he guarded his heart. He seemed to easily react in the opposite way that I expected. I wonder if he planned his reaction? Probably if I actually sat down and thought about it, I could be prepared with a healthier snack when I am tempted to eat sweets all the time.
I'm tempted by lots of other things too. I think we all are. Today, I'm going to focus on one of those things and try not to let my impulses always win.
Jesus gets it when we struggle with doing things that are not the best choices. Don't you think that he had lots of times when he was tempted to be the biggest and best? Most of the people that heard him call himself the Messiah wanted him to become a powerful king, an army general, and lead them to blast the other guys that were in power for so long over the people of Israel.
Jesus was tempted by arrogance, but he walked away to be alone.
Another time was when Peter didn't believe that Jesus needed to die. It would have been tempting for me to walk away from that situation.
Jesus shut down Peter's argument and said, "You have no idea how God works."
Another time Jesus was mocked. A little girl was really sick and the family had called for him. When he got there, she was already dead. The crowd taunted him, but Jesus just dismissed them. He told them to go outside. "The child is not dead but sleeping."
Most of the time, our reactions to temptations have to do with lack of impulse control. I know for me, eating a lot of sugar is one of those temptations. I usually try to talk myself out of it, but then I just give in and find something sweet. If I try to look at what Jesus did, I can see that he guarded his heart. He seemed to easily react in the opposite way that I expected. I wonder if he planned his reaction? Probably if I actually sat down and thought about it, I could be prepared with a healthier snack when I am tempted to eat sweets all the time.
I'm tempted by lots of other things too. I think we all are. Today, I'm going to focus on one of those things and try not to let my impulses always win.
1.20.2008
Daily Reading 20
"There was a woman in the crowd who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years." -Mark 5:25
"Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." -Mark 5:34
What kind of hands do you have? This woman's hands were the hands of a public outcast. She wasn't wanted around because she was too sick. Bleeding all the time. The way Max Lucado describes her hands - they probably hadn't been touched by another person for a long time. She was on her knees crawling after Jesus when she saw him walking through town. She and a bunch of others had heard about him and were following him around. She came homeless, poor, sick, and probably with little hope left.
Whispers had told her that there was something that this Jesus could do, that he was different. She literally had nothing to lose, so why not try? Why not do something desperate? She thinks to herself, "If I can just touch his clothing, I will be healed." -Mark 5:28. Even though the crowd told her to move out of the way; even though she kept getting jostled by them, she moved closer. Then when she got close enough, she reached out and grabbed his robe.
She realized instantly that "the bleeding had stopped, and she could feel that she had been healed." -Mark 5:29. She had LIFE again. He gave her LIFE.
The cool thing is, he knew that it had happened. He tried to find her in the middle of the huge crowd to let her know that her act of faith was what made her better.
Life can sometimes be full of a bunch of crappy stuff that makes us feel really weak. We don't feel much hope when something takes our strength away. Maybe it is a family situation? A job that we feel like we have to keep doing? Maybe its a choice that we keep making that we wish we'd never even started? I don't know what might be making you feel weak. I do hear from this message though, that Jesus wants to hold our hands. When we reach through all of the people, he knows. "Yours is the hand he loves to hold."
"Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." -Mark 5:34
What kind of hands do you have? This woman's hands were the hands of a public outcast. She wasn't wanted around because she was too sick. Bleeding all the time. The way Max Lucado describes her hands - they probably hadn't been touched by another person for a long time. She was on her knees crawling after Jesus when she saw him walking through town. She and a bunch of others had heard about him and were following him around. She came homeless, poor, sick, and probably with little hope left.
Whispers had told her that there was something that this Jesus could do, that he was different. She literally had nothing to lose, so why not try? Why not do something desperate? She thinks to herself, "If I can just touch his clothing, I will be healed." -Mark 5:28. Even though the crowd told her to move out of the way; even though she kept getting jostled by them, she moved closer. Then when she got close enough, she reached out and grabbed his robe.
She realized instantly that "the bleeding had stopped, and she could feel that she had been healed." -Mark 5:29. She had LIFE again. He gave her LIFE.
The cool thing is, he knew that it had happened. He tried to find her in the middle of the huge crowd to let her know that her act of faith was what made her better.
Life can sometimes be full of a bunch of crappy stuff that makes us feel really weak. We don't feel much hope when something takes our strength away. Maybe it is a family situation? A job that we feel like we have to keep doing? Maybe its a choice that we keep making that we wish we'd never even started? I don't know what might be making you feel weak. I do hear from this message though, that Jesus wants to hold our hands. When we reach through all of the people, he knows. "Yours is the hand he loves to hold."
1.17.2008
Daily Reading 18
I just have to start off by giving you the gist of the last part of Max Lucado's writing for today. If Jesus were just God he could not understand us. If he were just man, he could love us but never save us. Then he says, "But a God-man Jesus? Near enough to touch. Strong enough to trust. A next-door Savior."
In the reading from Luke chapter 7, Jesus is watching a funeral procession. A mother is burying her little boy. Instead of standing with his head down and eyes watering like most of us would be, Jesus is whispering to the mother. She looks shocked and then nods. Jesus tells the men carrying the casket to wait. Then he speaks to the boy, "Young man, I say to you, arise!" -Luke 7:14. He says it with power and authority. Kind of like when your mother uses your full name. He meant business. The boy starts to breath again, his skin warms up, and he jumps into the arms of his mother.
Amazing. Raising someone from the dead. Kind of creepy, too, but definitely amazing. After the funeral, Jesus is eating with the disciples and Peter realizes who is sitting beside him. Jesus is sitting there eating lunch, probably laughing and telling stories with the guys. Peter thinks back to what just happened and the reality of this powerful, Godly man hits him. He probably wonders why this man is not surrounding himself by kings and angelic beings. But that is the irony of Jesus. He came for everyone, not just the rich and powerful. In order to let people know who he was, he did lots of amazing things. But at the end of the day, he was also a man, who could understand people because he was living right there with them.
In the reading from Luke chapter 7, Jesus is watching a funeral procession. A mother is burying her little boy. Instead of standing with his head down and eyes watering like most of us would be, Jesus is whispering to the mother. She looks shocked and then nods. Jesus tells the men carrying the casket to wait. Then he speaks to the boy, "Young man, I say to you, arise!" -Luke 7:14. He says it with power and authority. Kind of like when your mother uses your full name. He meant business. The boy starts to breath again, his skin warms up, and he jumps into the arms of his mother.
Amazing. Raising someone from the dead. Kind of creepy, too, but definitely amazing. After the funeral, Jesus is eating with the disciples and Peter realizes who is sitting beside him. Jesus is sitting there eating lunch, probably laughing and telling stories with the guys. Peter thinks back to what just happened and the reality of this powerful, Godly man hits him. He probably wonders why this man is not surrounding himself by kings and angelic beings. But that is the irony of Jesus. He came for everyone, not just the rich and powerful. In order to let people know who he was, he did lots of amazing things. But at the end of the day, he was also a man, who could understand people because he was living right there with them.
1.15.2008
Daily Reading 17
"Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool. . . Here a great number of disabled people used to lie." -John 5:2-3
This pool. mentioned above is in a place called Bethesda. Lots of people are walking around, not paying any attention to the activity that is going on around this pool. Some of the passersby are going to the temple to seek God. the funny thing is, Jesus (God as a man) is walking near the pool amongst a whole lot of sick people who want to be well. The purpose of this "pool" was to heal. Under the pool, the water source was a natural spring. When the spring bubbled up, people thought that the first person to touch the water would be healed. One man was sitting a bit away from the pool, paralyzed when Jesus noticed him. At the time, he was alone; no disciples watching or following.
When Jesus sees this man, he asks him what appears to me to be a silly question, "Do you want to be well?"
The cynic in me says, "DUH, Jesus! Of course he wants to be well. Why do you think that he's there?"
The funny thing is that the man replies with a problem. He has no one to help him get to the water when it starts moving. And Jesus doesn't even really acknowledge the problem. Instead, he changed the man's perception and did something that he did not expect. He showed him the power of faith. Instead of carrying the man down to the pool, he told him to get up and walk. The man did it! He didn't argue that he couldn't. He didn't give excuses that others wouldn't help. He did what Jesus said because he believed him.
A lot of times I am not sure how have faith every day. I'm not saying that I don't believe that God loves me or that he forgives me. It's kind of hard to articulate. I guess I get annoyed sometimes when people say, "You just gotta have faith." What does that mean? Does that mean that I am not believing hard enough to please God? I don't think so. I don't think that God is up there waiting for us to perform certain actions in order to supernaturally open all of these consecutive doors. I guess my prayer to God is, help me to, "Get up and walk" when you're telling me to. Help me to step into the unknown and be okay with your guidance and my lack of control...
What do you think about this man's faith?
This pool. mentioned above is in a place called Bethesda. Lots of people are walking around, not paying any attention to the activity that is going on around this pool. Some of the passersby are going to the temple to seek God. the funny thing is, Jesus (God as a man) is walking near the pool amongst a whole lot of sick people who want to be well. The purpose of this "pool" was to heal. Under the pool, the water source was a natural spring. When the spring bubbled up, people thought that the first person to touch the water would be healed. One man was sitting a bit away from the pool, paralyzed when Jesus noticed him. At the time, he was alone; no disciples watching or following.
When Jesus sees this man, he asks him what appears to me to be a silly question, "Do you want to be well?"
The cynic in me says, "DUH, Jesus! Of course he wants to be well. Why do you think that he's there?"
The funny thing is that the man replies with a problem. He has no one to help him get to the water when it starts moving. And Jesus doesn't even really acknowledge the problem. Instead, he changed the man's perception and did something that he did not expect. He showed him the power of faith. Instead of carrying the man down to the pool, he told him to get up and walk. The man did it! He didn't argue that he couldn't. He didn't give excuses that others wouldn't help. He did what Jesus said because he believed him.
A lot of times I am not sure how have faith every day. I'm not saying that I don't believe that God loves me or that he forgives me. It's kind of hard to articulate. I guess I get annoyed sometimes when people say, "You just gotta have faith." What does that mean? Does that mean that I am not believing hard enough to please God? I don't think so. I don't think that God is up there waiting for us to perform certain actions in order to supernaturally open all of these consecutive doors. I guess my prayer to God is, help me to, "Get up and walk" when you're telling me to. Help me to step into the unknown and be okay with your guidance and my lack of control...
What do you think about this man's faith?
Daily Reading 16
"I'm here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders." -Matthew 9:13 (Msg)
This time we're talking about how Jesus hung around a lot of people that were not perfect. The very religious people, the ones who tried to tell everyone how wrong they were, did not like this about
Jesus. Pastor Donnie is actually preaching through the book of Matthew this year. It just so happens that one of the biggest outsiders of the church back then was a guy named Matthew. He was a tax collector. Most of the people that knew him considered him a dirty crook. I don't know about you, but I am not a great supporter of the people who work in the business of taking money from my paycheck anyways. I would definitely have some strong opinions about a guy that was also taking more off the top for himself!
And yet, this guy was one of the closest followers of Jesus. One day Jesus walked up to him on the street, while he was working his tax collector both, and said, "Follow me." When Matthew responds, he doesn't just follow Jesus, he invites him over to get to know him. He wants to know more about this God Man. I'm sure that we can all picture what the religious types did when Jesus went to eat at Matthew's house. They weren't happy about it at all. But do you think Jesus cared?
He was sitting at a table with Matthew. he was letting him ask questions. He was probably helping Matthew get over some doubts that he had. In this story, we can see that Jesus wasn't here for the religious. Those guys thought that they had it figured out already. Matthew, on the other hand was just the type of guy with whom Jesus wanted to share his message. Think about it. What would the religious types do with this message that said their laws weren't everything? Go and plan to kill Jesus! And what about Matthew? He would be able to share a life changing message with other people like him.
Who can you share this message with? If you were in church on Sunday, who did you put in your fave five?
This time we're talking about how Jesus hung around a lot of people that were not perfect. The very religious people, the ones who tried to tell everyone how wrong they were, did not like this about
Jesus. Pastor Donnie is actually preaching through the book of Matthew this year. It just so happens that one of the biggest outsiders of the church back then was a guy named Matthew. He was a tax collector. Most of the people that knew him considered him a dirty crook. I don't know about you, but I am not a great supporter of the people who work in the business of taking money from my paycheck anyways. I would definitely have some strong opinions about a guy that was also taking more off the top for himself!
And yet, this guy was one of the closest followers of Jesus. One day Jesus walked up to him on the street, while he was working his tax collector both, and said, "Follow me." When Matthew responds, he doesn't just follow Jesus, he invites him over to get to know him. He wants to know more about this God Man. I'm sure that we can all picture what the religious types did when Jesus went to eat at Matthew's house. They weren't happy about it at all. But do you think Jesus cared?
He was sitting at a table with Matthew. he was letting him ask questions. He was probably helping Matthew get over some doubts that he had. In this story, we can see that Jesus wasn't here for the religious. Those guys thought that they had it figured out already. Matthew, on the other hand was just the type of guy with whom Jesus wanted to share his message. Think about it. What would the religious types do with this message that said their laws weren't everything? Go and plan to kill Jesus! And what about Matthew? He would be able to share a life changing message with other people like him.
Who can you share this message with? If you were in church on Sunday, who did you put in your fave five?
1.12.2008
Daily Reading 15
"Master, we worked all night and caught nothing." -Luke 5:5
"They caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break." -Luke 5:6
At this point in his walking around and preaching, Jesus had been attracting some consistent followers. Peter was one of them. He had heard Jesus preach, let Jesus use his boat, and Jesus had even healed his mother-in-law. Then after Jesus had finished preaching from the boat to people, Jesus tells Peter and his fishing buddies to go back out into deeper water to catch some fish. At this, Peter responded warily that they had been out all night and didn't catch a thing. They were worn out and wanted to go home and sleep. More work was not on the top of their priority list.
Even though he didn't want to, Peter and the other fishermen go out and do what Jesus says. they may have been muttering under their breath, but they did it. I wonder if Jesus had one of those just trust me looks on his face. Mr. Lucado thinks that maybe, "Jesus had a smile on his face thinking about how Peter was about to be half yanked into the water." When they men pull up the nets, they are overwhelmed by their catch! And Peter, a man who doubts himself a lot, finally sees who this Jesus really is. HE recognizes that Jesus is God as a human. Not just a teacher or talker. Not just a healer or miracle worker. He is God, himself.
When Peter realizes this, he immediately pushes Jesus away saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." -Luke 5:8 Jesus does the exact opposite. He won't leave Peter. He stays with him, actually asks him to come with him and do some more fishing. Except this time, he wants Peter's help to "fish" for people. He wants Peter to let others know about who Jesus is and what he is all about.
I bet that all of us have felt like Peter. Tired. Needing rest. Doubting. Amazed. Self-conscious. Ashamed. Jesus encouraged him and accepted him. He invited him to be a part of what he was doing, even though Peter was not who he thought that he needed to be. He gives us the same chance.
"They caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break." -Luke 5:6
At this point in his walking around and preaching, Jesus had been attracting some consistent followers. Peter was one of them. He had heard Jesus preach, let Jesus use his boat, and Jesus had even healed his mother-in-law. Then after Jesus had finished preaching from the boat to people, Jesus tells Peter and his fishing buddies to go back out into deeper water to catch some fish. At this, Peter responded warily that they had been out all night and didn't catch a thing. They were worn out and wanted to go home and sleep. More work was not on the top of their priority list.
Even though he didn't want to, Peter and the other fishermen go out and do what Jesus says. they may have been muttering under their breath, but they did it. I wonder if Jesus had one of those just trust me looks on his face. Mr. Lucado thinks that maybe, "Jesus had a smile on his face thinking about how Peter was about to be half yanked into the water." When they men pull up the nets, they are overwhelmed by their catch! And Peter, a man who doubts himself a lot, finally sees who this Jesus really is. HE recognizes that Jesus is God as a human. Not just a teacher or talker. Not just a healer or miracle worker. He is God, himself.
When Peter realizes this, he immediately pushes Jesus away saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." -Luke 5:8 Jesus does the exact opposite. He won't leave Peter. He stays with him, actually asks him to come with him and do some more fishing. Except this time, he wants Peter's help to "fish" for people. He wants Peter to let others know about who Jesus is and what he is all about.
I bet that all of us have felt like Peter. Tired. Needing rest. Doubting. Amazed. Self-conscious. Ashamed. Jesus encouraged him and accepted him. He invited him to be a part of what he was doing, even though Peter was not who he thought that he needed to be. He gives us the same chance.
Daily Reading 14
"Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will." -Romans 12:2
"They were astonished at his teaching." -Luke 4:32
Jesus had been through all of those days of temptation in the wilderness, went home only to be rejected, and then showed up in a town that completely swelled with excitement over his presence. He was in Capernaum. While there, all kinds of people came to him with requests, advice, and their own agendas. Jesus healed some of them, who had needs. But others, who wanted to tell Jesus what to do and how to do it were told what was up! "I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent." Luke 42-43
After 40 days of temptation, it would be hard to resist having a huge mass of people who were amazed by his teaching, wanting him to stay around and tell them more. But Jesus knew his purpose well. He could see the bigger picture. People in other places needed to hear his message, too. Even though there were a ton of people in this place who wanted him to stay, he knew his mission was to let EVERYONE know. He probably had to leave some people who still wanted to know more, or who needed to be healed. I wonder if they ever figured out that they could hear Jesus through others who had listened to him?
I can get caught up in what I think needs to be done, just like the people of Capernaum. Sometimes I wonder why God is not moving or acting like I think he should. Maybe I'm missing the bigger picture. Maybe there is something that is going to happen that shows that God really is a big deal in a way that I am not expecting. I do know that I can participate in His work. I am not going to just sit idly and wait for things to be done by Him. I am one of His followers and I want to help to let others know about His message of hope.
"They were astonished at his teaching." -Luke 4:32
Jesus had been through all of those days of temptation in the wilderness, went home only to be rejected, and then showed up in a town that completely swelled with excitement over his presence. He was in Capernaum. While there, all kinds of people came to him with requests, advice, and their own agendas. Jesus healed some of them, who had needs. But others, who wanted to tell Jesus what to do and how to do it were told what was up! "I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent." Luke 42-43
After 40 days of temptation, it would be hard to resist having a huge mass of people who were amazed by his teaching, wanting him to stay around and tell them more. But Jesus knew his purpose well. He could see the bigger picture. People in other places needed to hear his message, too. Even though there were a ton of people in this place who wanted him to stay, he knew his mission was to let EVERYONE know. He probably had to leave some people who still wanted to know more, or who needed to be healed. I wonder if they ever figured out that they could hear Jesus through others who had listened to him?
I can get caught up in what I think needs to be done, just like the people of Capernaum. Sometimes I wonder why God is not moving or acting like I think he should. Maybe I'm missing the bigger picture. Maybe there is something that is going to happen that shows that God really is a big deal in a way that I am not expecting. I do know that I can participate in His work. I am not going to just sit idly and wait for things to be done by Him. I am one of His followers and I want to help to let others know about His message of hope.
Daily Reading 13
"A prophet is honored everywhere except in his hometown and with his own people and in his own home." -Mark 6:4
"And he was amazed at their lack of faith." -Mark 6:6
So, I'm really far behind in my daily readings. It has been a week since I sat down to read and reflect. So, here we are, picking back up with the topic of Jesus' family.
I had never thought about Jesus' family much except for his mother and his father. He had siblings, though. Just like every family, they had their imperfections. I don't think that his family really was able to understand who he really was. I know that Mary and Joseph had been told that he was the Son of God. Don't you think they would probably have shared that with their kids?
When Jesus went out, no one from his hometown, including his family was very supportive. When he was being dragged off to die by people from his own community, his brothers weren't even around. Could it be that they knew who he was, but they were embarrassed? They didn't think the way that he did. They probably didn't agree with what he was doing by willingly going to die.
Lots of times, we wish that someone else understood. We have these ideas about how someone should act or think or respond to us. We do this a lot with family or close friends. I think what Jesus teaches us in this story is that we can't let the behavior of someone else control our own behavior. We can't demand that someone else think or feel or act the way that we think they should. Even family.
This is a hard concept to swallow. Jesus also tells us that we have family in our fellow believers. This is our spiritual family. When it comes to understanding each other spiritually, we can find that in others who are taking steps on their spiritual journey as well.
Even though it is hard sometimes to be in the middle of family stuff, we still have ways to connect with others and our Heavenly Father.
"And he was amazed at their lack of faith." -Mark 6:6
So, I'm really far behind in my daily readings. It has been a week since I sat down to read and reflect. So, here we are, picking back up with the topic of Jesus' family.
I had never thought about Jesus' family much except for his mother and his father. He had siblings, though. Just like every family, they had their imperfections. I don't think that his family really was able to understand who he really was. I know that Mary and Joseph had been told that he was the Son of God. Don't you think they would probably have shared that with their kids?
When Jesus went out, no one from his hometown, including his family was very supportive. When he was being dragged off to die by people from his own community, his brothers weren't even around. Could it be that they knew who he was, but they were embarrassed? They didn't think the way that he did. They probably didn't agree with what he was doing by willingly going to die.
Lots of times, we wish that someone else understood. We have these ideas about how someone should act or think or respond to us. We do this a lot with family or close friends. I think what Jesus teaches us in this story is that we can't let the behavior of someone else control our own behavior. We can't demand that someone else think or feel or act the way that we think they should. Even family.
This is a hard concept to swallow. Jesus also tells us that we have family in our fellow believers. This is our spiritual family. When it comes to understanding each other spiritually, we can find that in others who are taking steps on their spiritual journey as well.
Even though it is hard sometimes to be in the middle of family stuff, we still have ways to connect with others and our Heavenly Father.
1.04.2008
Daily Reading 12
"He knows me inside and out." - John 4:29
These words are talking about Jesus. The person who is saying them is not at all favorable in the opinion of many people... even some of Jesus' closest followers. If you think about who the woman is, she might remind you of some people that you have opinions about. She came from a place called Samaria. In this town lived a mixed race of Jews and Assyrians. Traditional Jews thought that the intermarriage meant betrayal. This woman was one of them. In the 9th verse of John chapter 4, the woman points this out to Jesus after he had asked her politely for a drink. "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman," she says.
Besides being Samaritan, was in a public place which meant that Jesus should not be seen talking to her as a Jewish man. She was also known by all who knew her to be living in sin. Jesus told her everything about herself. Things that he shouldn't have known because he had never met or talked about her with anyone. But this was God in front of her. She had no idea to whom she was talking.
Then he started to tell her about living water. He was explaining the condition of our souls. Just like our bodies need food and water, our souls need to be filled with the good news that Jesus loves us and accepts us, even while we are still in the middle of our sin. When we drink this water, it lasts forever. His forgiveness just has to be accepted.
Doesn't that tell you something about Jesus, that he was spending time with this woman who needed to hear about his grace? He wasn't just surrounding himself with religious people. He loved everyone. He came for ALL of us to know. Do you know what this woman's response was? She ran to the village, knowing that everyone already knew about her past, and she told them about Jesus' acceptance of her. When they heard this good news, they ran out to meet him themselves. He then stayed there for two days, sharing his message of love and grace and salvation with many more.
I know for a fact that Jesus wants everyone to know about this good news. Do you know that he loves and accepts you?
These words are talking about Jesus. The person who is saying them is not at all favorable in the opinion of many people... even some of Jesus' closest followers. If you think about who the woman is, she might remind you of some people that you have opinions about. She came from a place called Samaria. In this town lived a mixed race of Jews and Assyrians. Traditional Jews thought that the intermarriage meant betrayal. This woman was one of them. In the 9th verse of John chapter 4, the woman points this out to Jesus after he had asked her politely for a drink. "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman," she says.
Besides being Samaritan, was in a public place which meant that Jesus should not be seen talking to her as a Jewish man. She was also known by all who knew her to be living in sin. Jesus told her everything about herself. Things that he shouldn't have known because he had never met or talked about her with anyone. But this was God in front of her. She had no idea to whom she was talking.
Then he started to tell her about living water. He was explaining the condition of our souls. Just like our bodies need food and water, our souls need to be filled with the good news that Jesus loves us and accepts us, even while we are still in the middle of our sin. When we drink this water, it lasts forever. His forgiveness just has to be accepted.
Doesn't that tell you something about Jesus, that he was spending time with this woman who needed to hear about his grace? He wasn't just surrounding himself with religious people. He loved everyone. He came for ALL of us to know. Do you know what this woman's response was? She ran to the village, knowing that everyone already knew about her past, and she told them about Jesus' acceptance of her. When they heard this good news, they ran out to meet him themselves. He then stayed there for two days, sharing his message of love and grace and salvation with many more.
I know for a fact that Jesus wants everyone to know about this good news. Do you know that he loves and accepts you?
1.02.2008
Daily Reading 10
"Rabbi where are you staying?" they asked. (John 1:38)
"Come and see." -John 1:39
"We have found the Messiah." -John 1:41
Two guys, John and Andrew were doing a lot of listening to John the Baptist. Then they heard about Jesus and started listening to his teaching. The way that we can tell that these guys looked to him as different is by thinking about the question they asked. They asked where he was staying because they wanted to be around him, to learn from him, and to really know him.
The response Jesus gave, telling them to come and see is really intriguing. You know that popular catch phrase, "I'll believe it when I see it?" Jesus actually invited these two to get up close and personal and find out who he was. He wanted them to come and hang out with him. How could they really figure out who he was without doing so? Of course this makes sense. He wanted followers who wanted to know and learn from him. They took the initiative to ask and he welcomed it.
I can relate to John and Andrew. I want to understand and "see" who Jesus is, too. Reading his words helps me to figure out how to be more like him. When I do get that figured out, other people around me can "see" Jesus in my actions.
"Come and see." -John 1:39
"We have found the Messiah." -John 1:41
Two guys, John and Andrew were doing a lot of listening to John the Baptist. Then they heard about Jesus and started listening to his teaching. The way that we can tell that these guys looked to him as different is by thinking about the question they asked. They asked where he was staying because they wanted to be around him, to learn from him, and to really know him.
The response Jesus gave, telling them to come and see is really intriguing. You know that popular catch phrase, "I'll believe it when I see it?" Jesus actually invited these two to get up close and personal and find out who he was. He wanted them to come and hang out with him. How could they really figure out who he was without doing so? Of course this makes sense. He wanted followers who wanted to know and learn from him. They took the initiative to ask and he welcomed it.
I can relate to John and Andrew. I want to understand and "see" who Jesus is, too. Reading his words helps me to figure out how to be more like him. When I do get that figured out, other people around me can "see" Jesus in my actions.
12.31.2007
Daily Reading 8
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.' " -Matthew 3:16-17
The scene unfolds on this crazy looking man, John, who is wading in the water, telling everyone about the need for forgiveness. When we hear this guy in the bible, he is usually talking about another person who was coming. Another person who would show people how to live and love each other. Lots of people were waiting in line that day to be baptized. Waiting for their chance to say publicly that they are changing how they act. What is so surprising about this entire scene is that Jesus is in the line with everyone else. He is in line with the Gentiles - people who were not born into the Jewish faith, those who were seen as unworthy and pretty much scum to many Jews. John is perplexed when Jesus gets in the water. He tries to convince Jesus to switch roles with him and do the baptizing instead. But this act was making way for Jesus to show us yet again that he is willing to act for us.
I really think that it would be great if you could read the last two paragraphs of Mr. Lucado's thoughts about this story. He is pretty much affirming that none of us is perfect. We've made mistakes, tried to do what is right, and sometimes we fail. The attempts never come out to be perfect. But Jesus waiting in that line with us to be baptized is our clue that he takes care of all of that stuff. He can measure up where we can't. He is willing to pay the price for us that we could not pay ourselves. When we are baptized, we are connecting to the time that Jesus was baptized. We are saying that we accept the gift that he gives to us - the wiping out of our sin. t was accomplished for us, by God coming here as a human, to do it perfectly because we were not able.
I believe I need to say thank you for that, and remember my baptism. I actually grew up going to the Catholic church. I cannot remember having baptism explained to me when I was young. It may have been, but I don't remember it. Within the last couple of years, someone told me the reason that there are water bowls posted at entrances/exits in a Catholic church... Their purpose is to help you to remember your baptism. To remember that Jesus paid the price for you and to remind you of the decision you made to live your life in His direction. I have actually had two baptisms. When I was a teenager, I got interested in learning more about God. A friend of mine sparked the interest and I went to a youth event. After several months of questions and discussions, I realized that some people that I had met had something that I wanted. They loved unconditionally and supported each other through really tough stuff. I prayed in my room one night telling God that I wanted what they had. My friend's parents had given me a bible. I read in Romans 10:9-10 "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved." After some more discussion, I decided that I wanted to tell others about what I had learned, so I had a baptism. I don't necessarily think that I had to be baptised again. I believe that my parents wanted me to live with God's direction when I was baptised as a baby. This was another way to show how God had been working in my life.
The scene unfolds on this crazy looking man, John, who is wading in the water, telling everyone about the need for forgiveness. When we hear this guy in the bible, he is usually talking about another person who was coming. Another person who would show people how to live and love each other. Lots of people were waiting in line that day to be baptized. Waiting for their chance to say publicly that they are changing how they act. What is so surprising about this entire scene is that Jesus is in the line with everyone else. He is in line with the Gentiles - people who were not born into the Jewish faith, those who were seen as unworthy and pretty much scum to many Jews. John is perplexed when Jesus gets in the water. He tries to convince Jesus to switch roles with him and do the baptizing instead. But this act was making way for Jesus to show us yet again that he is willing to act for us.
I really think that it would be great if you could read the last two paragraphs of Mr. Lucado's thoughts about this story. He is pretty much affirming that none of us is perfect. We've made mistakes, tried to do what is right, and sometimes we fail. The attempts never come out to be perfect. But Jesus waiting in that line with us to be baptized is our clue that he takes care of all of that stuff. He can measure up where we can't. He is willing to pay the price for us that we could not pay ourselves. When we are baptized, we are connecting to the time that Jesus was baptized. We are saying that we accept the gift that he gives to us - the wiping out of our sin. t was accomplished for us, by God coming here as a human, to do it perfectly because we were not able.
I believe I need to say thank you for that, and remember my baptism. I actually grew up going to the Catholic church. I cannot remember having baptism explained to me when I was young. It may have been, but I don't remember it. Within the last couple of years, someone told me the reason that there are water bowls posted at entrances/exits in a Catholic church... Their purpose is to help you to remember your baptism. To remember that Jesus paid the price for you and to remind you of the decision you made to live your life in His direction. I have actually had two baptisms. When I was a teenager, I got interested in learning more about God. A friend of mine sparked the interest and I went to a youth event. After several months of questions and discussions, I realized that some people that I had met had something that I wanted. They loved unconditionally and supported each other through really tough stuff. I prayed in my room one night telling God that I wanted what they had. My friend's parents had given me a bible. I read in Romans 10:9-10 "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved." After some more discussion, I decided that I wanted to tell others about what I had learned, so I had a baptism. I don't necessarily think that I had to be baptised again. I believe that my parents wanted me to live with God's direction when I was baptised as a baby. This was another way to show how God had been working in my life.
12.30.2007
Max Lucado Daily Reading 7
"Jesus went into Galilee proclaiming the good news of God." -Mark 1:14
"God chose him for this purpose long before the world began." -1 Peter 1:20
If you haven't tried it yet, find a bible and read some of the rest of the context surrounding the verse that starts each day. It totally helps to understand what is going on. Too often, we read quotes or bible verses in isolation. As I read the beginning of this first chapter of mark, I saw that it introduced Jesus a bit differently than Luke. It talked about John the baptist and how he proclaimed that the Messiah was soon coming. He was announcing Jesus' entrance into a life of public scrutiny. Max points out that Jesus had to first say goodbye to private life at home with his family in the little town of Nazareth before he went out. The crazy thing about it all is that Jesus didn't have to do any of it. He could have kept quiet and led a normal life. But he allowed God's plan to unfold anyway. Not just to be killed, but to willingly carry his own tool of death- a cross, to have it done.
My favorite question so far in these daily readings posed by our author came today: "I wonder what kind of love is this? When you come up with a word for such love, give it to Christ." I have a new friend that is a fabulous writer. I think someday, she will express this sentiment in a way that I cannot. I have been talking about God with her for only a short time, and she is continually blowing me away with her insight about this lifelong spiritual journey. I am thankful for her and I am thankful for what God has done. "immense in mercy and with an incredible love. . . embraced us." - Ephesians 2:4
"God chose him for this purpose long before the world began." -1 Peter 1:20
If you haven't tried it yet, find a bible and read some of the rest of the context surrounding the verse that starts each day. It totally helps to understand what is going on. Too often, we read quotes or bible verses in isolation. As I read the beginning of this first chapter of mark, I saw that it introduced Jesus a bit differently than Luke. It talked about John the baptist and how he proclaimed that the Messiah was soon coming. He was announcing Jesus' entrance into a life of public scrutiny. Max points out that Jesus had to first say goodbye to private life at home with his family in the little town of Nazareth before he went out. The crazy thing about it all is that Jesus didn't have to do any of it. He could have kept quiet and led a normal life. But he allowed God's plan to unfold anyway. Not just to be killed, but to willingly carry his own tool of death- a cross, to have it done.
My favorite question so far in these daily readings posed by our author came today: "I wonder what kind of love is this? When you come up with a word for such love, give it to Christ." I have a new friend that is a fabulous writer. I think someday, she will express this sentiment in a way that I cannot. I have been talking about God with her for only a short time, and she is continually blowing me away with her insight about this lifelong spiritual journey. I am thankful for her and I am thankful for what God has done. "immense in mercy and with an incredible love. . . embraced us." - Ephesians 2:4
12.29.2007
Max Lucado Daily Reading 6
"He's just a carpenter." -Mark 6:3
"No stately form or majesty that we should look upon Him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him." -Isaiah 53:2
"He had to enter into every detail of human life. Then, when he came before God as a high priest to get rid of the people's sins, he would have already experienced it all himself - all the pain, all the testing - and would be able to help where help was needed." -Hebrews 2:17-18
Today's reading takes us to the dusty village of Nazareth. It is brought to our attention that jesus is working there as a carpenter and that he is being raised by his mother Mary, alone. Joseph must have died. The passages above show us that others around jesus didn't see anything extraordnary about his childhood. He did a job that was dingy, hard, and probably caused a lot of BO! He is living among a bunch of people who are not thought of by their government as more than laborers. He lived in a simple place and did a mundane job. He worked for others in a job of service.
I can kind of get a glimpse into God's reasoning for sending his Son to live among us. I can see that jesus would really relate to us because of his childhood and job in these stories that are referenced above. It makes me want to thank God for showing us that he understands. I know that he knows and that helps. Sometimes I really want to shake my fist at Him and complain about my circumstances. At least Jesus was here and felt some of the same emotions. He probably didn't experience all of it the same way that I do, but he was here and he did endure "earth's toughest pain".
"No stately form or majesty that we should look upon Him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him." -Isaiah 53:2
"He had to enter into every detail of human life. Then, when he came before God as a high priest to get rid of the people's sins, he would have already experienced it all himself - all the pain, all the testing - and would be able to help where help was needed." -Hebrews 2:17-18
Today's reading takes us to the dusty village of Nazareth. It is brought to our attention that jesus is working there as a carpenter and that he is being raised by his mother Mary, alone. Joseph must have died. The passages above show us that others around jesus didn't see anything extraordnary about his childhood. He did a job that was dingy, hard, and probably caused a lot of BO! He is living among a bunch of people who are not thought of by their government as more than laborers. He lived in a simple place and did a mundane job. He worked for others in a job of service.
I can kind of get a glimpse into God's reasoning for sending his Son to live among us. I can see that jesus would really relate to us because of his childhood and job in these stories that are referenced above. It makes me want to thank God for showing us that he understands. I know that he knows and that helps. Sometimes I really want to shake my fist at Him and complain about my circumstances. At least Jesus was here and felt some of the same emotions. He probably didn't experience all of it the same way that I do, but he was here and he did endure "earth's toughest pain".
Max Lucado Daily Reading 5
"And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him." -Luke 2:40
Mr. Lucado discusses the first time that Jesus is acting upon the knowledge of who he is - God in human form. His parents have been traveling on a return trip home after visiting Jerusalem. They realize after 3 days that he is not with them. They look for him at relatives' homes and friends' houses, but do not think to look at the temple. Max points out that this is the first place that our Lord goes. He goes there first, showing us that we can do the same. In this visit, Jesus astounds many thinkers that are much older and have had more education. AND, even though he senses this call on his life, he returns home with his family. He spends time living with, taking care of , and focusing on them.
First of all, it amazes me to think that it took three days for Mary and Joseph to notice that their son was missing from their traveling group. There must have been a lot of people in that caravan! Reading this today, it does not surprise me that Jesus was in the temple. But then again, I only have a few pages to read, between his birth and this story. We have the benefit of reading the summary of what happened... Angels appeared announcing the arrival of the Messiah and we can quickly find out about how Jesus grows up and teaches people about the love of God. Mary and Joseph didn't have that knowledge. They were frantic, looking for their missing child. If I stop to think about it, this makes complete sense. Who wouldn't be frantic?
It also caught me off guard to think about how Jesus did spend a lot of his life at home with his family. It wasn't until in his early thirties that he went and gathered the disciples to help him tell about God's story to others. He really cared for his family. He made them a priority and helped them understand. What made the most sense to me was the line where Max asked, "What makes you think they'll believe you overseas if they don't believe you across the hall?" Lots of times, I need guidance because I am scared to start a conversation about spiritual things. I think I should try focusing on my actions, though first.
Mr. Lucado discusses the first time that Jesus is acting upon the knowledge of who he is - God in human form. His parents have been traveling on a return trip home after visiting Jerusalem. They realize after 3 days that he is not with them. They look for him at relatives' homes and friends' houses, but do not think to look at the temple. Max points out that this is the first place that our Lord goes. He goes there first, showing us that we can do the same. In this visit, Jesus astounds many thinkers that are much older and have had more education. AND, even though he senses this call on his life, he returns home with his family. He spends time living with, taking care of , and focusing on them.
First of all, it amazes me to think that it took three days for Mary and Joseph to notice that their son was missing from their traveling group. There must have been a lot of people in that caravan! Reading this today, it does not surprise me that Jesus was in the temple. But then again, I only have a few pages to read, between his birth and this story. We have the benefit of reading the summary of what happened... Angels appeared announcing the arrival of the Messiah and we can quickly find out about how Jesus grows up and teaches people about the love of God. Mary and Joseph didn't have that knowledge. They were frantic, looking for their missing child. If I stop to think about it, this makes complete sense. Who wouldn't be frantic?
It also caught me off guard to think about how Jesus did spend a lot of his life at home with his family. It wasn't until in his early thirties that he went and gathered the disciples to help him tell about God's story to others. He really cared for his family. He made them a priority and helped them understand. What made the most sense to me was the line where Max asked, "What makes you think they'll believe you overseas if they don't believe you across the hall?" Lots of times, I need guidance because I am scared to start a conversation about spiritual things. I think I should try focusing on my actions, though first.
12.22.2007
Max Lucado Reading Day 4
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." -John 3:16
Still pondering that amazing day of Jesus' birth, we are asked the question, "Would you do what Jesus did?" There are a lot of things to consider in this small question. Would I have given up the peace of heaven? What about the security of the Father's company and the worship of the angels? Or the control of the universe? Hmm. Trading in all of that for a cramped womb and then to have needs that have to be met by a mother and father. Did he know that later he would be humiliated and beaten when he gave all of that up?
Then we are asked to think about how that decision is completely because of love. Love is the difference maker. It was a choice that Christ made... to love.
It amazed me to try and put myself in Jesus' shoes and wonder if I would have made the same choices that he did. He could have stopped any time, when he was confronted with something that wasn't a "Godly" task, or when he was mistreated by others. But that is exactly what he did not do. He did not turn away from any situations that faced him. He experienced them as a man, even though he was God. This is love. That choice shows that he is willing to experience the pain and hurt, the mistreatment and mocking. He loved us enough to become one of us, so that we could understand who he is. He went all the way to the cross to show us how much he loves us. He loved us that much!
Still pondering that amazing day of Jesus' birth, we are asked the question, "Would you do what Jesus did?" There are a lot of things to consider in this small question. Would I have given up the peace of heaven? What about the security of the Father's company and the worship of the angels? Or the control of the universe? Hmm. Trading in all of that for a cramped womb and then to have needs that have to be met by a mother and father. Did he know that later he would be humiliated and beaten when he gave all of that up?
Then we are asked to think about how that decision is completely because of love. Love is the difference maker. It was a choice that Christ made... to love.
It amazed me to try and put myself in Jesus' shoes and wonder if I would have made the same choices that he did. He could have stopped any time, when he was confronted with something that wasn't a "Godly" task, or when he was mistreated by others. But that is exactly what he did not do. He did not turn away from any situations that faced him. He experienced them as a man, even though he was God. This is love. That choice shows that he is willing to experience the pain and hurt, the mistreatment and mocking. He loved us enough to become one of us, so that we could understand who he is. He went all the way to the cross to show us how much he loves us. He loved us that much!
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