Jesus' mission, is it our mission? Luke 4:14-21

Today as the gospel was being read, there was an interesting feeling of unity with God's whole church: something very special happened on that day when Jesus read the section from Isaiah 6 and proclaimed that it had been fulfilled. He went on to do just as it said:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,    because he has anointed me    to proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners    and recovery of sight for the blind,to set the oppressed free,¹⁹     to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

It is a no-brainer then that we as followers of Jesus in this life of faith would then want to do as he did. But just how do we do that, and whom do we serve?

Often we may share some food with the poor, and perhaps tel them about God, but do we also seek to assist them out of a life of poverty? We love to support the poor, over there, but do we look for the impoverished among us to assist? Or do we realize how poor we make ourselves by allowing too much bad news to creep into our minds and speech. Perhaps we must first start by sharing the good news with one another to end the poverty inside us, that we humbly admit we have.

We love those who go into jails to proclaim the freedom Christ brings to those who are imprisoned  While we also allow ourselves to be imprisoned to our favorite tv shows and keeping up with others on facebook. When is the last time we allowed God to captivate us as much as our favorite show? (Some translations read set the captives free.)

Have we really recovered our sight enough to see the remaining sin in our lives we were blinded by before Christ? Do we not see the sick and suffering, poor and needy around us? Or have we become blind where we once had sight? Have we allowed Jesus to regenerate us so that we can see in the first place?

Are we helping the oppressed get free? Do we share with them that there is freedom in Christ? Or do we oppress them just the same with classism and culturalism? Are we oppressing ourselves by not believing we too are anointed and can stun others as we engage Jesus' mission in our lives. Today is the day!

God delights in his people

The first reading from last Sunday keeps ringing in my head, from 
Isaiah 62:1-5, because it spoke so prominently about our new identity as God's children, whom he rejoices over:

Zion’s New Name
62 For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,
for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet,
till her vindication shines out like the dawn,
her salvation like a blazing torch.
2 The nations will see your vindication,
and all kings your glory;
you will be called by a new name
that the mouth of the Lord will bestow.
3 You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand,
a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
4 No longer will they call you Deserted,
or name your land Desolate.
But you will be called Hephzibah,[a]
and your land Beulah[b];
for the Lord will take delight in you,
and your land will be married.
5 As a young man marries a young woman,
so will your Builder marry you;
as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride,
so will your God rejoice over you.

Footnotes:
Isaiah 62:4 Hephzibah means my delight is in her.
Isaiah 62:4 Beulah means married.

In it our some very powerful eternal truths that apply to our lives today. We are given a new identity as God's children when we accept and pursue Jesus with our lives. Martin Luther uses the phrase " with my body, my soul and all that is mine" in his prayers, and this absolutely rings true for us to pursue God with all that we have. This wreckless abandon will surely be rewarded, as we too can be given a new name, according to the new people of God we become, having been washed by the water of the word, and through God's regenerating us. "Transformed by the renewing of our minds" even.

God rejoices over us all the time, even in the midst of our failures and sin. It was a that precise place in time that Christ Jesus died for us, so that we could then be washed clean and made into these new people. Yet, God delights in and  rejoices over us the whole time, as his beloved creation. Take a few moments today to ask God about this, listen for his answer, and meditate on his unending love for us, his very own bride. 

An Apathetic Apparition

      There may be more in common to all of Christianity than we think. Apathy it seems is a uniting apparition in every brand of the Christian faith. Most every church has a set of core members who do great amounts of service, and another core group who enjoys serving electronic boxes of different sizes and shapes. What is it that sets each of these groups apart? Of what substance are the tireless laborers for Christ made?

     I would first say it's a kingdom question. Do individuals believe the primary purpose of the gospel is to save individuals from their sin and potential damnation, or do they believe it has a larger reaching impact into this world as a holistic movement? I think for a number of believers from every sect there is a tendency to live out the gospel of the American dream in their day to day lives.

     It seems when even these same individuals or others take on the perspective that their primary allegiance is instead to the kingdom of God, they become open to a paradigm shifting outlook on life, where every moment on this earth takes on a whole new value. Each moment becomes a precious resource to be used carefully. Even this at times can be taken to far into the prophetic world, where believers can also get lost, and loose sight of the sinking ship this world is. In the words of the great James, what good then is faith without works? Can it merely be so that we might feel more comfortable in our easy chair?

Yet if there is something to this abundant life that Jesus preached, there must be more than Television and internet if we follow in his footsteps. It's a bit tough to determine what his own work ethic was like, and precisely at these moments I wish we knew a bot more of what Jesus was like as an adult prior to him beginning his ministry at thirty years old. One thing is plain to see: during his ministry years, he worked fervently to spread the great news about the kingdom of God, while taking time to care for himself. He also had a heart for the Sabbath  as he said to remember it and keep it holy. Out of such rest and refreshment comes the greatest works. 

       Let us have faith enough to move mountains, and know that we only need the amount of a mustard seed to be effective, as we live out real lives instead of watching everyone else do it on TV and the internet. Ask God today how he would have you spend your time, and just precisely what he has given you a passion for so that you could fill a niche in his kingdom.

Colliding Conversations

{Many of the posts on this blog have the potential to arise passions and/or offend some, due to the honest viewpoint that is given. While this is not the intention of the author, it is understood as a byproduct of honesty and simply will happen when contrasts are made, such as today.}

While I have known for some time that there can be differences in the type and kind of conversations people engage in that appear to be linked to their worship style, it recently became very apparent as I spent a day with 'the other side'. While liturgical worship has deep historical roots, the social aspect of many of the same type of churches tends to be similar to other social networks in the community. Part of this may be based upon the overwhelming grace contained in the doctrinal belief of this type of church.

On the other side, many Neodenominational churches include a social aspect as well, where part of the expected cultural norm is to be frequently discussing spiritual things. There is often heavy emphasis placed on sharing the gospel and having spiritual conversations, as well as discussing the progress or lack thereof in winning others over to the faith. While certainly some liturgical folks also engage in similar conversations, the focus appears to be more on living a life of faith in front of others.

During the commute to this recent networking gig, the contrast surprised me a bit at first as I found myself noticing these differences. Given a few miles and some more tea, I quickly reengaged with that part of my identity as a Christian. Through the course of the day I found myself more easily able to engage with the old lingo. I was also tremendously encouraged by the time we spent praying for one another's ministries and needs, after some time of introduction. Overall it was a wonderfully refreshing and encouraging day for which I was grateful to be invited to. Again I was reminded of just how much of a missionary I really am.

Even the church who was hosting us had a bit of the same story to tell about the decline denominations are facing, as they have shrunken considerably from what they formerly were and are struggling to find a new identity and audience. The gigantic old sanctuary had been re-purposed mostly as an over-sized storage room, and the church meets instead in the old foyer. I do not believe denominations will die entirely, for they hold some important viewpoints that balance one anther in this contrasting world we call our faith. I do believe many will need to find new ways to connect the coming generations if they are to succeed, and there is simultaneously a move back to more traditional liturgical churches that is beginning to take root in our culture. Sometimes people still want church to be church, and not just another fast paced entertainment venue. God help us all maintain our identities according to his good purposes.

Jesus Grew up fast! part 2

So, Jesus appears in Luke's gospel, again after a number of years; 18 to be precise. The verses covered in the gospel reading for today were in the third chapter of Luke, verses 15-17, and 21-22. We transitioned from John the baptist being asked if he was the Messiah, to him prophesying about Jesus coming to separate the wheat from the chaff, to baptism with fire, to Jesus' baptism and the accompanying approval from God Almighty. Quite a bit of action for such few verses, yet one common theme runs throughout: change. 

John the baptist had been effecting change already by calling people to turn from their sins and turn to God. He had just given them general, and then specific instructions on how they should do this in their everyday lives. Our faith in God should have a drastic effect in our everyday lives as well. Knowing Jesus makes all the difference in our lives, as we have access to an unlimited source of love, grace and hope. Share that fact with someone in your life today!

Jesus gives himself to his new calling in life through his baptism. It as at this point he receives both the power of the Holy Spirit, and his new identity as the best minister that ever was. He is about to launch out on a short yet intense missional journey to advance the kingdom of God. His Father in heaven rings through with overwhelming approval. "That's my boy!" Gaining God's approval is rather easy for us as well, all we have to do is accept his son, Jesus. 

There is twice the mention of fire; one is the baptism of fire and the other is the unquenchable fire that burns the chaff, after Jesus separates it from his wheat with his winnowing fork. Sounds to me like one way or another I must embrace fire; either after final judgement, or now as I accept the fire the Holy Spirit ignites in me as a new creation of God! What change we will bring to the world this year as we allow the fire within us to rage, and live out lives that blaze with the gospel of the kingdom of God consuming us!

It doesn't have to be awkward...

Let's not make this weird. We can just be friends, talk, go to church, and serve God together. Or agree to disagree too. Sometimes it seems it is not always possible to find agreement on simple things, like let's say Communion (Eucharist). My wife and I truly enjoy it, but have narrowly found a place that gives it the respect we have always felt it is due. After all, the apostle Paul did write a bit about judgement if it is done in an unworthy manner and all. We do sit and check our hearts as they stand before God before feeling ready to receive it, and occasionally decide not to take it.

Go to one church, and it is open to all. Go to another, only for members. Still another, for believers in Jesus. This other one, it's for everyone. That one, only if a profession is made. It may be worth fighting over, as it is a serious thing, at least according to my belief. I probably couldn't be convinced that it's not also a serious thing in the bible. Which I also hold to being the infallible  inspired word of God, usually seeking to be understood by fallible, hopefully inspired people like us. Several places have nice cards available for reading about what communion is, and whether one should partake or not. 

A while back, I attempted to form some kind of belief about communion according to religion, and I believe it does hold some weight, and it also tracks fairly well. In evangelical churches, typically the words of Paul are used to institute communion, and often it is seen as a remembrance of Christ giving his body and blood. More traditional and Liturgical denominations seem to prefer the words of Jesus himself for the institution, and it is a sharing in his presence in whatever form along with the remembrance that is actualized in taking the elements. 

Whether the memory of or the thanksgiving for, or the presence with, or to share fellowship with God and man, communion will always be an important part of our faith, as a real, tangible way we connect with the sacrifice Christ made on our behalf. That I believe is the point, and that is where those who are unsure may just want to further investigate before they partake, lest they forsake- Almighty God.

What's really important: Focusing on faith

What is really important in my life and in this blog, is that the focus remains on faith, that a pursuing Jesus Christ with reckless abandon. I am simply nothing without him. I would be a guy who smiles a lot, hoping I appear cute and desperate for successful approval. Since I have faith in Jesus, I can stand on my own two feet, confident in who he says I am, and not much else. No pretense, no show. Not always in a good mood. 

What I have noticed over this past week or so, is that I have become more conscious of my thought process and how it is greatly helped by writing. I feel significantly better earlier in the day, no doubt the result of so intentionally having morning prayers and devotion. I am still doing the routine suggested by Martin Luther in the Small Catechism: signing the cross, the Apostle's Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and his morning blessing. Then again in the evening, with some minor changes in the prayer. I enjoy the line about body, soul and all that is mine. This world has nothing for me. God has everything for me in heaven, and enough here to be joyous about until then.

The morning time since January first with The One Year Bible is great, it has readings from the old and New Testaments plus a sprinkling of Psalms and Proverbs daily. These things have really helped me have a better attitude in the mornings, as I am not tremendously ecstatic early mornings, and are prone to hit the snooze until my wife is wide awake when I am the one who needs to get up. This minimum half hour process is refreshing a part of my soul that needs consistency at a time when few things are certain.

This journey of faith, to leave the familiar setting of Neodenominational churches in an attempt to understand the 'other side', is also harmoniously weaving in with continued maturity. While I continue to investigate and learn, I have begun to see that no matter what type of church, there are many within who have huge hearts. We have experienced several tremendous blessings, and see that gratitude flows from every type of congregation towards those that serve them with their lives. Looking forward to Epiphany tomorrow at two liturgical congregations.

Am I religious?

We are all religious, at least in some respect. We tend to think of 'religious' as going through a set of  motions, without thinking too much, a routine if you will. Like when we brush our teeth. Or put our clothes on. This morning, I had something in my right hand, so I tried to put my coat on with my left arm first. Shouldn't be such a hard thing, but I swear I nearly fell over, as I lacked the coordination and muscle memory apparently. Try it sometime; if your daring try brushing your teeth with the other hands! Be careful you don't put your eye out! There is definitely something deeper going on with our common habits. We all have many of them.

The point is, we think of religious as doing something regularly, which for us Christians should be praying, attending church, reading our bibles, and living charitably. We use it to describe things that people do regularly, without fail, in a set pattern. He watches football religiously, meaning every Sunday, Monday and some Thursdays. It describes these regular habits. We might also say faithfully.

RELIGIOUS:

1

: relating to or manifesting faithful devotion to an acknowledged ultimate reality or deity <a religious person><religious attitudes>

2

: of, relating to, or devoted to religious beliefs or observances<joined a religious order>

3

a : scrupulously and conscientiously faithful

b : fervent, zealous

I could only hope that describes me!

What makes it difficult for outsiders is that they do not understand the idiosyncrincies that we do, and they can't fathom why people from the same group ("Christian") would infight so much. Just the other day I was talking to a couple prospects, and they asked me how I thought my church had the right angle that no one else did. They were astounded when I answered "I'm not sure that we do, no more or less than many others who share our same basic beliefs." I was equally shocked by the question being posed in the first place, as if they had asked it many times and were prepared for me to give a canned answer. I guess I have failed almost entirely at having set answers to basic questions, but I just don't think that way.

If we are truly to be religious, by devoting ourselves to our God, then we should cultivate many healthy habits. Just as we would not dare leave the house without going through at least some of our normal routines (getting dressed, brushing teeth, etc...) and without some of our usual items (car keys, cell phone) we also should not leave the house until we have prayed, listened, read and reflected, nor should we leave the house without God's word, both in our memory and carried with us. If we do not drive our cars without having our license with us, why would we live our life without the adoption certificate we have as heirs to God's kingdom being present? 

In 2013, I want to be more religious?!

It's true, in 2013 I want to be more religious. I want to make sure I pray every morning and evening. I have signed up a new mentor so we can hold each other accountable to read through the entire bible this year, with daily readings. I am sure I will got to church every Sunday without fail. I want to memorize prayers, commandments, creeds and scriptures. In this journey of faith, I am living religiously, worshiping liturgically, and seeking enthusiastically my Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier in a fresh new way. I am doing this by joining the historical church in their practices of worship and discipleship, very similar today to the way they were hundreds and even thousands of years ago.

It's taken a bit of humility on my part to get to this point; to be able to see the benefits to living this way, religiously that is. So much is said against religion, from both inside and outside of Christ's church. I read a few articles in 2012 ("its not religion it's relationship" for one)  that explored this topic, and I have not stopped thinking about it since. I can't understand how Christians could think that throwing other Christians under the bus would be somehow attractive to perspective Christians they are trying to woo into accepting Jesus. I have done far more than I would like to admit myself,  until I realized how exhausting it is to war against God. At several points in my life of faith, I have felt strangely similar to the apostle Paul, whom at his conversion was told to basically to quit warring against God and his church.

What began as a campaign by Jesus himself against the religious of his day who had lost the meaning of their religion as they focused more on going through the right motions has become fuel to pour on the fire of burning all things religious. What this ends up doing is breeding a rebellion in our hearts that very easily begins to transfer to God himself. We began to idolize rebellious zealots in the bible like the prophets, especially John the Baptist, and proceed to rip into all things religious as we grow more into their image than Jesus'. Then we go to Neodenominational churches and sing songs to Jesus, some of which even denounce religion. What? And tell people things like this:

Accepting Jesus Christ to the fullest extent means accepting his family, too. Guaranteed in every church in every time and style, they are both true believers and phonies. What happens to conversations as they deepen, when they are based on God not being God, and religion being a bad thing? They end, without making disciples, which is the great commission!  Shallow conversations, deep relation with worldly things and habits, when faced with deep study of the scriptures, these things expose themselves: "Friendship with the world is enmity with God."

God is God, the bible is his word, and I want to pursue him in such a variety of ways that when I travel anywhere, to anyplace of Christian worship that I will feel comfortable worshiping God whatever form it takes!