"Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth." -Matthew 5:5
The Beatitudes were spoken to change the attitudes of the people. They are full of power today just as they were when first spoken. Christ began by pointing people to their need of a Savior (the poor in spirit recognize their sin). Then He promised an all-encompassing comfort for the pain of sin (the mourning are forgiven). He then moves to the vaccination for sin.
In Isaiah 14 we read of the beginning of sin on the streets of heaven: "How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.'" (vs. 12-14, emphasis added)
Lucifer determined in his heart he would rule himself. He would set his own role in heaven. He was willing to go to the greatest lengths to assume the throne of heaven. His pride, "the essence of all sin", resulted in his expulsion from the throne room of God where he has served and, ultimately, heaven. (Andrews Study Bible [ASB], p.878 - fn)
Jesus speaks to the people in the mountain sermon and reveals the vaccination to self-centeredness and pride. "Blessed are the meek." The meekness Jesus speaks of is a self so consumed by Jesus they act, and react, as Christ. There is no consideration of themselves except they be hidden in Christ. They sit at the feet of Jesus and are taught in His school. His words are their textbook and come alive in their lives. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle (meek) and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:29)
The meek take Jesus at His word and follow after Him through self-denial. (Matthew 16:24) "The independence and self-supremacy in which we glory are seen in their true vileness as tokens of servitude to Satan. Human nature is ever struggling for expression, ready for contest; but he who learns of Christ is emptied of self, of pride, of love of supremacy, and there is silence in the soul." (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings, p. 15)
Christ longs to bring silence and peace to our troubled hearts. His example of self-denial, surrender and sacrifice serve as the greatest announcement of His peace. In the face of His accusers He could stand silent. Not because He was ignorant or weak; because He was wise and meek. Christ could endure the taunts and jeers because He surrendered to His Father's will. The physical pain held no weight compared to the thought of denying His Father. In His silence He declared ownership of this world and the next. He reclaimed earth for us.
Today He offers us the world through surrender. Some say God is waiting to make us all millionaires if only we would pray harder and read our Bibles more. God says He wants to give us the peace surpassing the understanding of the world. When we place His yoke on our shoulders the world is ours. When we humbly surrender to His Spirit's work in our hearts, the terrors and traumas of earth hold no influence on us. And soon, so very soon, the new earth will also be ours.
Be blessed. Be meek. Claim your inheritance.
Showing posts with label Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christ. Show all posts
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Breathing
Little comes more naturally than the simple (and yet, complex) act of inhaling and exhaling. Breathing is generally considered an involuntary action. We don't think about it. The oxygen and other life-sustaining gases are drawn into the lungs and out comes the carbon dioxide and other unnecessary gases. (Obviously I did very well in Anatomy and Physiology in high school with this technical description of breathing. [heavy sarcasm])
Jokes have been told of people who must be reminded to breathe by a recording. Some people need to be reminded to breathe in times of great stress or anxiety. (In my case I have to remind myself to breathe while lifting weights - a time of both great stress and anxiety.) But breathing is so natural to me I don't usually give it a second thought.
Does this mean I should never think about it? Does this mean breathing is not important? Or does my lack of thought on the matter make zero difference to the importance of breathing? Perhaps it has always been vitally important and especially in times of my greatest need of oxygen the thought of breathing held overwhelming position in my consciousness.
(You're probably thinking, "Get to the point, Aaron!")
Here's the point: if I fail to think of breathing it does not diminish the importance of breathing. Breathing is still central to my existence; whether I am conscious of it or not. Breathing does not care if I think about it. It will continue to be.
Jesus is the Sustainer of my breath. He has always been. He will always be. Whether I believe in Him or not does not diminish His importance or determine His existence. And just like breathing I often take for granted the depth and width of His presence in my life. Without Christ I would be dead - physically and spiritually.
Do not let Jesus be an involuntary reflex. Have Jesus be central to your thoughts all day, every day. Give Jesus the second, third and fourth thoughts He deserves and desperately desires.
Jokes have been told of people who must be reminded to breathe by a recording. Some people need to be reminded to breathe in times of great stress or anxiety. (In my case I have to remind myself to breathe while lifting weights - a time of both great stress and anxiety.) But breathing is so natural to me I don't usually give it a second thought.
Does this mean I should never think about it? Does this mean breathing is not important? Or does my lack of thought on the matter make zero difference to the importance of breathing? Perhaps it has always been vitally important and especially in times of my greatest need of oxygen the thought of breathing held overwhelming position in my consciousness.
(You're probably thinking, "Get to the point, Aaron!")
Here's the point: if I fail to think of breathing it does not diminish the importance of breathing. Breathing is still central to my existence; whether I am conscious of it or not. Breathing does not care if I think about it. It will continue to be.
Jesus is the Sustainer of my breath. He has always been. He will always be. Whether I believe in Him or not does not diminish His importance or determine His existence. And just like breathing I often take for granted the depth and width of His presence in my life. Without Christ I would be dead - physically and spiritually.
Do not let Jesus be an involuntary reflex. Have Jesus be central to your thoughts all day, every day. Give Jesus the second, third and fourth thoughts He deserves and desperately desires.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Work Out Your Own Salvation
You've probably heard the phrase, "Fake it 'til you make it." I'll bet a Christian came up with that one. We are great at faking a Christian attitude most of the time. The real problem comes when we think faking it will lead to making it (to be better/real Christians, to changing ourselves, to the kingdom). I've tried "faking it." It takes more work than actually surrendering myself to God and Him "making it."
Philippians 2:5 says, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,..." We shouldn't keep trying to fake the presence of Christ in our hearts. He actually should be there. But the best news comes in verses 12 and 13.
"Therefore, my beloved, ... work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."
Paul and Timothy tell us to individually seek out salvation. Most of the time we read this verse and think God's telling us to work harder. But He's actually telling us to seek Him on our own. Don't rely on your friend's/parent's/grandma's/sibling's/pastor's relationship with Christ to sustain you. Work out your own salvation.
Secondly, you're not the one who does the work (or earning part). Ever. It is GOD who works in you. Just consider that part for a second. GOD is working. GOD is working in YOU. Wow. He cares enough to get His hands "dirty" in your messy life.
Finally, God does two things: 1. He grants the will, and 2. He gives the power.
You get up some days and you despise Christianity. The church bores you, frustrates you, annoys you, embarrasses you. You're tired. You're disinterested. You just want a day off. Philippians says God can restore your will to seek salvation. God gives us the desire, the want-to, the motivation, the passion. He gave it to us the first time and He will work in you again to restore it.
He also gives you the power to have the mind of Christ (and his heart and actions, too). God gives you the power to do. Everything God ever asks of us is by His power and strength. You need to apologize to your wife or girlfriend...He'll give you the power. You need to conquer an addiction or sinful attitude...He'll grant you the power. You can't stand that co-worker who is unbearably nasty...God will change your heart and give you the power to love them.
It's so simple it seems wrong. Let the mind of Christ dwell in You. Pray this prayer:
God, use my brain to think Your thoughts. Use my mouth to speak Your words. Use my eyes to see Your people as You see them. Use my heart to love with Your love. Let Your will be my will. Give me the power I need to do what You ask me to do. Amen
Monday, January 9, 2012
The Truth of Perception
Not long after I started as a pastor in my first district my head elder pulled me to the side and told me, "Pastor, perception is 99% of reality."
We do not, as a general rule, develop our ideas of other people over a long period of time. Don't agree with me? Then why aren't job interviews years long in multiple settings? Why do we consider "speed dating" a realistic way to find your "soul mate"? Why do we cross the street when we feel threatened or uncomfortable with those who are quickly approaching our little sidewalk square? You've even probably defended a friend or family member before with, "They're really cool/nice/fun once you get to know them."
The truth is perception really does form 99% of our initial reality. (I say "initial reality" because our perceptions do change over time.) Your actions, dress, mannerisms, demeanor, posture, breath, hair color, facial expressions, and words all carry an overwhelming weight in developing perception. The places you go, the people you hang with, all say certain things about you whether we like it or not.
Some people act like they don't care about these things when secretly we almost all do. Some say Jesus didn't care about who He was hanging with, but I believe He intentionally looked for the perceived low-lifes and spent time with them. He knew the perception of God was already one of unapproachability. He wanted that changed. He knew everyone already thought God was on the side of rich, the beautiful, the physically healthy, the well-dressed and the powerful. He meant to show God is in love with everybody.
The best way to change the perception of people is spending time getting to know them, no matter how difficult it seems to start. Usually we find at least one thing we like about everyone. (Although, admittedly, it may take a great deal of work and patience with some.)
The best way to change the perception we have of God (and we all have one) is spending time getting to know Him. It seems so simple and still it can be so hard to start. But God promises if you search for Him He will not hide from you. He promises you'll find Him if you put all your heart into the search. And finally, I guarantee your perception of God will change (whatever it is) the more time you spend with Him. Let God change your perception of Him into a literal reality.
We do not, as a general rule, develop our ideas of other people over a long period of time. Don't agree with me? Then why aren't job interviews years long in multiple settings? Why do we consider "speed dating" a realistic way to find your "soul mate"? Why do we cross the street when we feel threatened or uncomfortable with those who are quickly approaching our little sidewalk square? You've even probably defended a friend or family member before with, "They're really cool/nice/fun once you get to know them."
The truth is perception really does form 99% of our initial reality. (I say "initial reality" because our perceptions do change over time.) Your actions, dress, mannerisms, demeanor, posture, breath, hair color, facial expressions, and words all carry an overwhelming weight in developing perception. The places you go, the people you hang with, all say certain things about you whether we like it or not.
Some people act like they don't care about these things when secretly we almost all do. Some say Jesus didn't care about who He was hanging with, but I believe He intentionally looked for the perceived low-lifes and spent time with them. He knew the perception of God was already one of unapproachability. He wanted that changed. He knew everyone already thought God was on the side of rich, the beautiful, the physically healthy, the well-dressed and the powerful. He meant to show God is in love with everybody.
The best way to change the perception of people is spending time getting to know them, no matter how difficult it seems to start. Usually we find at least one thing we like about everyone. (Although, admittedly, it may take a great deal of work and patience with some.)
The best way to change the perception we have of God (and we all have one) is spending time getting to know Him. It seems so simple and still it can be so hard to start. But God promises if you search for Him He will not hide from you. He promises you'll find Him if you put all your heart into the search. And finally, I guarantee your perception of God will change (whatever it is) the more time you spend with Him. Let God change your perception of Him into a literal reality.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Death to Death
This year starts out with funerals. A close friend of our family buried his dad this week after he died on Christmas. A church member buries her daughter-in-law today after six months-to-live turned out to be ten days. Tomorrow another close family friend buries his brother. Death is never fun and almost certainly inconvenient to all the parties effected.
I have had the unfortunate responsibility of presiding over several funerals in my short pastoral tenure. Only one for someone I knew personally. Funerals are my least favorite pastoral duty to perform. I'm always honored to be asked to perform the funeral, but I definitely do not want to become the funeral expert.
Hearing other pastors give eulogies intrigues me. Most of the sermons I've heard have been from those who believe in the instant transfer from the grave to heaven. I often wonder where they read in Scripture that as pastors we are granted the authority to declare a person's eternal destination. I haven't found it yet. I do find plenty of evidence of death as a sleep which will only be disturbed when the trumpets of heaven and voice of Christ Himself serves as the ultimate alarm clock. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17) I do find hope in the soon return of Christ. I do find solace in the judgment of God alone and, despite my observations and judgments of person's character and supposed relationship (or lack of one) with Christ, God will decide eternity for the deceased.
God does not wish that any should perish: now or eternally. He looks forward to His coming with the same, if not greater, anticipation than ours. It will be a day of great rejoicing and reunion. It will signal the death of death. Jesus holds the key to Hades and He can't wait to share it with His beloved.
I have had the unfortunate responsibility of presiding over several funerals in my short pastoral tenure. Only one for someone I knew personally. Funerals are my least favorite pastoral duty to perform. I'm always honored to be asked to perform the funeral, but I definitely do not want to become the funeral expert.
Hearing other pastors give eulogies intrigues me. Most of the sermons I've heard have been from those who believe in the instant transfer from the grave to heaven. I often wonder where they read in Scripture that as pastors we are granted the authority to declare a person's eternal destination. I haven't found it yet. I do find plenty of evidence of death as a sleep which will only be disturbed when the trumpets of heaven and voice of Christ Himself serves as the ultimate alarm clock. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17) I do find hope in the soon return of Christ. I do find solace in the judgment of God alone and, despite my observations and judgments of person's character and supposed relationship (or lack of one) with Christ, God will decide eternity for the deceased.
God does not wish that any should perish: now or eternally. He looks forward to His coming with the same, if not greater, anticipation than ours. It will be a day of great rejoicing and reunion. It will signal the death of death. Jesus holds the key to Hades and He can't wait to share it with His beloved.
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