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Go – Baptize – Preach

Sometimes it is intriguing to think back on my “growing up” years. I will be the first to admit that I never would have gone to church or been part of choir and youth group without my parents insisting that I be involved. As I reluctantlly was a part of these things, I am amazed at the seeds that were planted during that time.  (Side note…parents, don’t be afraid to insist that your kids are participate  in activities that they would rather not be part of.)  There have been numerous times over the past years that something pops into my mind from what I learned back in those days. Today is no different.

Our reading today is Matthew 28. As I was reading the passage, two songs immediately came to mind from my days in the Church Choir back in the 80s. The first is a song we sang called “Go Ye Therefore and Teach all nations, Go, Go, Go”. The second song I recall is from a musical we performed and all I remember is “God, please don’t send me to Africa” I recall at the time seriously thinking about that and what my life would look like if God really sent me to Africa. (I know some of you reading this were in that same musical and are singing the song in your head right now:)

Matthew 28:18-20:
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to by everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The above 3 verses are known to us today as The Great Commission. It is Jesus’ last earthly message to his disciples. This is the message that Jesus wants his disciples to remember as his final command. He instructed them that He wants them to do 3 things:
1 – Go and make disciples
2 – Baptize them
3 – Teach them all that I have commanded you

Can you imagine how you would feel if Jesus appeared before you (after being crucified on the cross and put in a tomb) and commanded you to do these 3 things?? Would you be ready? Does this mean you have to pack your bags and get on the quickest trip to Africa?? How do you suppose the disciples reacted to this command?

The reality is, the Bible is Jesus’ way of speaking to us and commanding us to do what He wants of us. And guess what, He is asking us or commanding us to do what He asks of the disciples!

Go – Baptize – Teach!

What excuses do we bring to the table when we think about doing these 3 things? Personally, I think about my daily life and how busy I am. I have responsibilities to my husband, my children, to dos for work, errands, keeping up with household chores, and the numerous other events that pop up daily. There are so many reasons that I am too busy to “go and teach all nations!”

But, Jesus is asking us, just as He did His disciples, to preach the Gospel every day, right where we are (while some are called to Africa). We can preach the Gospel every day: by what we say, how we say it, what we do and how we do it! Every day we have the ability to “preach the Gospel” without saying a word. We can “preach the Gospel: simply by who we are, what we do and how we do it!

We have to make this a daily choice to live our lives in a loving and generous way to all those we encounter.

Thankfully, we don’t Go – Baptize – Teach on our own! Jesus ends this command to “go” with a promise of His presence. He says in verse 20, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Jesus promises this to the disciples and also to everyone of us! He is saying to us, “don’t worry, I got your back! I will be with you!”

Where is Jesus sending You? Where has He sent you? Is it in your community, your work place, your family, or maybe Africa? Where is it that Jesus is commanding you to go make disciples? Wherever it is, He promises to go with you.

Jesus being our ever present help gives us the opportunity for a closer relationship with Him daily. “I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.”  Oh what great words of courage and confidence that Jesus gives us today. If you abide in Christ and Christ abides in you, here is another one of God’s promise to you today… Joshua 1:5 says, “No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” God promises never to leave me nor forsake me. I need to let that sink in my brain and my heart daily, sometimes hourly! We can rest in the promise of God in knowing that He will be with us ALWAYS, even unto the end of the age. There is never a time when He is not present with us. So, don’t be afraid of what God has commanded us to do..
GO – BAPTIZE – PREACH

Think Ahead

Matthew 27, Psalm 100

when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind ~Matthew 27:3

Today, in Matthew 27, we read about Judas’ victory. Or, at least, what Judas thought was going to be his victory.  He finally achieved what he set out to do.  There are two reasons, I surmise, for Judas’ choices.  One is money and the other is acceptance.

Consider first that Judas was the keeper of the purse for the apostles.  Not because he was specially gifted with finances, however.  No, Judas was concerned with the amount of money in the purse.  Not for the benefit of Jesus, or humanity, but for his own gain.  This is evident in John 12:1-8.  Judas was, in fact, greedy for monetary gain.  HIs relationship with Jesus was nothing more than a vehicle to gain wealth. Perhaps, that is why he was willing give up Jesus’ location for 30 pieces of silver.  Unfortunately, 30 pieces of silver is only about $600 in todays dollars.  There must be a secondary motivation for his choices.

Perhaps Judas was also looking for the respect of men.  Looking back to Matthew 26:14-16, Judas was hanging out with men opposed to Jesus.  Given his position, I imagine that they did not fully trust him.  Maybe they made fun of him for being with Jesus.  Maybe Judas wanted to be liked by them.  We all do stupid things when we are seeking the approval of men.  I imagine Judas puffing himself up with stories about Jesus and the Apostles.  Eventually, to build creditability, he chooses to make a grand gesture.  In this case, it was about selling Jesus’ location. 

Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.

Once Jesus was condemned, however, Judas rethought his choices.  In fact, he realized that he was on the wrong side.  I can only guess why.  Honestly, its like most things of this world.  We all choose things that will serve our wants and build our own credibility and not the kingdom’s.  Seriously, think about a time when you were tempted to compromise your values for something that you would gain.  Maybe its an oversight on your taxes or taking credit for work so that your boss will see you in a better light.  Maybe, like Judas, we are ok with your choices.  Until, you get caught and are able to see the bigger picture.  Perhaps we have all experienced what Judas felt in Matthew 27, realizing that our gain is actually a huge loss.  When that happens, don’t we do exactly what Judas did in verse 3?  We change our minds!  Sadly, for Judas, it was too late.  He could not see past his betrayal.  The only restitution he could think of was death.

We do have an option.  Today, and everyday, we can choose life.  Simply put all of my faith in Him and His goodness.  Nothing else.  Before, it’s too late.

Eat, drink, remember.

The events in Matthew 26 take place just prior to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In verse 38 Jesus says, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death”. He knows he is nearing the end of his earthly life so he is making final preparations, and sharing parting words and guidance with his disciples.

Jesus continues to teach and love this group of followers all while knowing one of them will betray him, another will deny him, and they will all “fall away” (NLT uses the word “desert”) because of him.

Some good friends, right? Alas, I too am guilty of betrayal through my sin, denial, and most certainly desertion.

One practice that puts me back on track, reminds me of who Jesus is and the significance of what He has done is the partaking in Holy Communion (which we find in today’s chapter).

This act must not be taken lightly, nor should it be considered a box that we check over the weekend. Holy Communion is a ritual of deep significance that has been practiced for over 2,000 years, billions of times, by billions of people.

Holy Communion exists and is valuable because of the greatest sacrifice of all time. Consider coming to the table as described in Philippians 2:12b “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,”. Let us come to the table handing over our worries and doubts and confessing our sins, then receiving the free gift of salvation.

Please read these words slowly today, and even consider “mentally” partaking in communion as you read them remembering, this is his body, this is his blood, for the forgiveness of our sins.

26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the[c] covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (Matthew 26-28)

Communion is about remembering, humbling ourselves, coming to the holy table of the Almighty God. Without the broken body and the spilled blood of Jesus Christ, we go to the table covered in shameful sin and we have no chance at the final judgment. Nothing but the blood of Jesus can take away our sin. He lived innocent and died innocent. Eat, drink, remember.

The Lord Reigns! Psalm 99

Do as I say, not as I do

Good Morning Bible Journal Family!

Keep reading daily and living out God’s word.   Developing yourself and others requires time in His word.  Ephesians 4:11-12 says So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.

Today’s Reading Matthew 23 and Psalm 96

Matthew 23:4-5 So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

I  heard growing up the phrase, “Do as I say, not as I do” many times at different occasions.  So in most cases what did I do? I didn’t listen and did it anyway, often learning the hard way. So in fast forwarding time, now there are times when I have say to my own children, students, family, friends, and others,  “Do as I say, not as I did.”  Mostly because I learned the hard way and trying to spare some pain.

Some of us learn by listening, while others learn by doing and failing or succeeding. God has provided us His perfect living word and provided us a perfect model of these words in His son, Jesus.  There are other places in the bible where we find those who didn’t follow, or made up their own version of the law. As we continue to read through Matthew we get to Matthew 23 where Jesus warns us about the hypocrisy in the Pharisees.  It’s hard to believe that those who were so familiar with the word and could probably reference and quote whole books of the bible would lose sight of God. Not even  realizing they were in the presence of His son Jesus. To the point of trying to disprove Him or get Him to say something wrong(which He never did). The Pharisees had such wonderful knowledge of the law but lacked the true relationship needed. There are so many times where I wish I could just remember that “just right” verse for that moment to share with someone.   But I realize that wasn’t the only thing that was holding back these teachers of the law. Often they could put made laws above Gods.  They told the rules to everyone but when it came down to them it wasn’t happening. Rules that were followed were to make them look better and not about the focus being on God.

When I think about the Pharisees I wonder why they couldn’t take off blinders and realize they were in the presence of our Lord. Honestly, I wonder why at times my blinders can be on too.  Do I practice what I preach? Is there times I don’t even say anything? In my humble reflection, I think about sharing of God’s living word. Am I focusing and Him or myself.  God has already promised you a place in heaven with Him and it won’t be based on what we do or don’t do. Am I  acting out of convenience for myself or my present circumstance. am I dropping the ball just like a Pharisee.  Do I put things on others and not willing to help out of selfishness? As we read through these living stories I’m given a daily reminder of making sure it’s not about me, it’s about God.  It’s not about me, it’s about others.  It our earthly lives it can be easy to get caught up in the

In our earthly life we have to be careful to what people ask us to do.  Is it what they want? Is it what we want? Ultimately,  is it what God wants? As I reflect on these words I try to remind myself of the true meaning of why we do things.  Is it for myself or for others. If we go back to the acronym JOY (Jesus, Others, Yourself) are we talking in our homes and workplaces about Jesus=1st, Others = 2nd, Yourself= 3rd  Oh how I can mess up this order sometimes.  Are we acting these characteristics of Jesus out in lives? You may be the only Christian that person runs into today.  One additional reminder question to reflect on says Matthew 23:28 “In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside…

Psalm 96:3 Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.

 

Dear God,

Thank you for your truth.  Thank you for washing us clean. Your word continues to shape and form our lives. Our prayer is to not make anything about us, but about You and your word.  That as we go about our days with the true meaning of what we do, how we do it, and who we do it for, leading us all back to you and your love.  Keep our communion in you close so we know who we live our life for.  I pray our words match our actions and always represent you, in which we give you all the glory.

Amen

The only example we should follow is His.  John 13:15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

Cornerstone

Matthew 21, Psalm 94

By definition, a cornerstone is “a stone that forms the base of a corner of a building, joining two walls.”  Historically, the cornerstone was the first stone set in a new building.  It was carefully selected and placed, becoming the reference point for the rest of the building.  The Bible often references the cornerstone of our lives.  This stone is special and set apart, selected and laid by God himself (Job 38:4-7).  It has been tested and it is precious. These ensure a firm foundation (Isaiah 28:16).  This cornerstone is an anchor point for an entire building; his temple.  It consists now of apostles, prophets (Ephesians 2:19-21), saints, the chosen as his royal priesthood  (1 Corinthians 1:2, 1 Peter 2:9).  Each of us, placed securely and carefully around the cornerstone.

We get to choose a cornerstone upon which to build our own lives.  Just like the Jews in Matthew 21, we have a choice.  We either choose Jesus for that stone, or we reject him as that stone.  Trouble comes in the rejection.  You see, failure to place Jesus as the cornerstone, doesn’t mean that we have built an inferior house.  No, it means that we have built a house without God.  A house without life (Genesis 2:7, Acts 17:25).  In fact, Matthew 21:44 gets right to the point, reminding us that our rejection results in death. 

As we consider that truth, it is right to consider our current state.  Maybe our lives already have Jesus as the cornerstone.  In that case, the fruit will be obvious.  Our lives are exuding love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).  If these are missing, however, what are we to do?  That, my friends, is the wonderful thing about the Gospel. 

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22)

In order to receive his mercy and place him as our cornerstone, there is only one thing required.  Believe.

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. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. (Romans 10:9-10)

Good, Good Father

Today’s reading is Matthew 20 and Psalm 93.

As we read Matthew 20:1-16 about the laborers who worked in the vineyard and were paid the same wage regardless whether they started working at the beginning or the end of the day, I have a feeling of great gratitude. I’m thankful were serve a great God who doesn’t care what we’ve done and when we give our life to him, but only that we give our life to Him.

As I ponder this in amazement, I can’t help but wonder why he is so loving and gracious? For all parents reading this, think of a time when your young children had a really bad day and you were at your wit’s end. As bedtime nears you are not sure if you can take any more of it and if they are like our kids there must be caffeine in the bathwater because they become even more rambunctious and listening goes out the window during and after bath. You then tuck them into bed to say good night, and they say in the sweetest little voice, “Daddy/Mommy…I love you.” Your heart then instantly melts. You forget the recent scolding and headaches they just caused you, and you realize deep down your love for them is unconditional. Why? Well, I believe it is because they are yours and you created them. Check out Matthew 20:15. The vineyard owner says, “Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?” God is telling us we belong to Him. He is our Heavenly Father and our one and true Creator. When you or others can’t imagine how God can forgive many past sins and potentially nearly a lifetime of separation from Him in some cases, we need reminded that we are His and He created us so His love is unconditional forgetting past mistakes. He only wants us to come back like the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. As a side note, this why the role of an earthly father is so important, God created us to model His love so that our kids can see it through us.

This week in our church we studied Joshua 2 where Rahab, a prostitute, helped the Israelite spies entering Jericho, even though she was a pagan and lived a life even pagans would believe to be wrong. We learn in Matthew 1:5 that she later became part of the lineage of Jesus! Talk about a redemption story! The Bible is truly full of them with this being just one example. Our Pastor Mike Baker said, “You can never get so far from Jesus that He can’t save you.” I would also add that you can never get so far from Jesus that He can’t use you for something positive and big. Outsiders become insiders through Jesus, and we are all outsiders to God through our sin …even Christians(Romans 3:23). Pastor Mike said, “Jesus came for outsiders like Rahab and all of us.”

I can’t help but think of the lyrics to the song, “Good, Good Father.” The lyrics not only say, “You’re a good, good Father, it’s who you are.” The lyrics also say, “I’m loved by you, it’s who I am.” Isn’t that awesome? You may feel like a failure. Maybe you have a failed marriage or relationship, troubled kids who make you feel like a poor parent, professional shortcomings, financial challenges or even a fallout in relationship with your siblings or earthly parents whose love and approval you deeply yearn for. There is no question these situations are hard and painful. Thankfully, these lyrics are so true though as the Scriptures remind us countless times. He created us and not only is He good, but only Him and His love matters. This is who we are. His love, and His love only, defines us. His love is unconditional. Praise God!

As we read Matthew 20, we can also likely think of a family member or friend who is a non-believer, and we are reminded it’s not too late, no matter how old they are, and no matter how many times we have witnessed to them and feel like we’ve been unsuccessful. If they are still on this Earth, they can still be saved. Through these Scriptures today, God laid on my heart an elderly man with failing health who both my Dad and I have witnessed to. This man has done so much good in his life and is a wonderful person, but know John 14:6 to be the truth. These scriptures gave me hope for him and reminded me it’s not too late. He can still be saved! I must not give up. I must continue to pray for him and speak with him again.

I pray this has touched you in some way. Maybe you can relate to Rahab and this reminded you that you can be used for God’s purpose still and only His love defines you, or maybe it re-invigorated you to pray for and witness to a non-believer you know who can still be saved. Either way, we can all be very thankful we have a “Good, Good Father.”

“Let the little children come to me”

Can you recall your Kindergarten or First Grade teachers? I can. After a week of Lab School at Eastern Illinois University where I had attended preschool, my parents decided to move me to the public elementary school, Mark Twain. Mrs. Triplett was awaiting my arrival and had two girls, Lisa Grant and Gina Eads, with her at the door. What an impression they made on me, welcoming me, ensuring I had a great start to Kindergarten. I can still visualize the picture of them standing there and then recall they brought me over to the sandbox in the room as my parents left.

My other vivid memory was Mrs. James, my first grade teacher. She had a checker system for being good – 3 checkers and you received an M&M. She had all kinds of interesting plants and animals in her room. We had an extensive unit on Ecology and went on a ton of field trips. I still pay attention to Walking Sticks, Praying Mantis and Monarchs based on her science units.  She invited the entire class over to her house to bake Christmas cookies. I can still picture Mrs. James. What an impression she had on me!

As I thought about other teachers, I recall one of my favorites, Mr. Gochenour, fifth grade. If you could recite all the states and capitols, he gave you a “huge” Marathon candy bar.  He also taught the entire class how to Disco Dance – Ha!  As my school years progressed, I don’t recall many of my junior high teachers and just have a few favorites from high school. I had to have a conversation with my mom about my teachers to try to help my memory! What that told me was how influential teachers were in my early years.

I think that is true today for our children. I know my kids school habits, friends, thoughts about school and confidence were formed by their teachers at Northpoint. I thank Mrs. Kraft and Mrs. Kerber for their influences on my boys.

The other visual this chapter gave me was our Children’s Sermon. I smile each week as the children go forward for a message from the Pastor. How influential that person is and can be with these little people. I can recall my father practicing his children’s sermons on me at a very young age. He wanted to make an impression and leave the children with a brief yet important thought of the day.

As we look at Matthew 19 today and as with many of the chapters in Matthew, there is so much content. Many chapters contain multiple messages, words of inspiration, parables, guidelines and reprimands. Matthew 19 is no different. “Let the little children come to me”. We all know this verse well.   The disciples were trying to keep the children from bothering Jesus. However, he “rebuked” them.   He understood the important influence he could make on their lives as such as early age. How impressionable the children were and he wanted to take the time to impart his words on them as well as provide healing to those in need.

As we go about our daily lives, let us be thankful for people who make an impression on our children, from teachers to pastors. May we also take time to make our own impressions on young children, those we know and even those we do not know. Even a smile or a compliment makes a difference.

“Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” You can finish the song out loud or in your head.

Extra reading:  Psalm 92

Life is Hard

Today’s reading is Matt 17 and Ps 90

 

As we read through Matt 17 today, my heart goes out to Peter. I know that the main focus of the Gospels is Jesus, but when I look at this (maybe) month of time in Peter’s life I feel like I can relate to the spiritual and emotional roller coaster he seems to be riding. Yesterday, Deb wrote about the disciples being questioned by Jesus, “Do you not remember what I have done? Remember just a few days ago I fed the crowd with a few loaves of bread? They had to feel frustrated by the fact that Jesus had to remind them who He was. Then Jesus asks them who they think He is. Definite high point for Peter as he answers correctly to Jesus, but I can’t help feeling for him again by the end of the paragraph as Jesus places the weight of the future of the church on his shoulders. Then Peter gets in a conversation with Jesus where Jesus predicts His death. Peter loves Him so much that he pulls Jesus aside and says, “Heaven forbid, this will never happen to You”. Jesus response seems harsh, “Get away from me, Satan! You are seeing things merely from a human standpoint, not from God’s”. I think I feel sorry for Peter here because I can hear myself saying the exact same thing if I were in his shoes. Because of Peter’s relationship with Jesus, he knows just enough about Jesus to be dangerous. He wants so much to love and protect Jesus and continue the good work that they have been doing as a group. He has walked away from his entire life to follow Jesus and has thrown himself at the work whole heartedly. He can’t possibly fathom that God’s plan is for Jesus to actually lose His life. It just can’t be!

Six days later, Peter goes with James, John and Jesus to get away to pray. While they are up on the mountain Peter witnesses Jesus transfiguration. I would say this is a spiritual “high” that none of us has ever come close to experiencing. Again Peter is eager to jump into action and commemorate this glorious thing they have witnessed by building altars as memorials. This time not Jesus but God Himself speaks to Peter and poor Peter is scared out of his mind. He falls face down on the ground. As the four men travel back down the mountain, a large crowd is waiting for them. They are instantly thrown right back into ministry with very little time to digest what happened earlier. A man comes to Jesus and asks for help for his son. He tells Jesus that he had earlier brought his son to the disciples to be healed but that they weren’t able to do it. Again what feels like a harsh statement from Jesus, “You faithless and corrupt people, how long must I be with you?, and Jesus heals the boy. Peter is there watching and listening to all, I’m sure feeling very small.

The next thing we know from Matthew is that the disciples and Jesus gather in Galilee, and Jesus again tells them that He will be killed, but on the third day He will be raised from the dead. “And the disciples were filled with grief”. Are you feeling for Peter by now too? I feel like his heart had to have felt twisted and pulled in so many different directions…His earthly mind was being taught and challenged to heavenly living. The plan was bigger than he could see or understand. He couldn’t make sense of his circumstances and he couldn’t possibly see how what he was going through was going to end up being good and a part of God’s plan. Have you ever lived in this space? Have you wondered what God’s plan is and how all that is happening to you can possibly be known by God because it is such a big mess?

The last four verses of this chapter are one more conversation between Jesus and Peter on a yet another issue needing to be dealt with. The tax collector is waiting for them when they get back to town. He is looking for what is due for Peter and Jesus’ temple tax. Jesus teaches Peter another lesson about who He is and how to live on this earth, heavenly speaking. To keep from causing a ruckus with the government at this time in His ministry, Jesus asks Peter to go ahead and pay the tax even though the temple is Jesus’ “home/kingdom”. Apparently neither of them had the cash on hand for the tax so Jesus has the goodness of heart to send Peter to the lake as he knows Peter loves to fish. Jesus has him throw out a line and open the mouth of the first fish he catches to find a large silver coin which will pay for their taxes.  I’m so glad that Jesus shows His love for Peter in this miracle. I’m thinking after all Peter has gone through in these last few chapters, he has to be about worn slick, at the bottom of his emotional barrel. Don’t you think that being cared for by Jesus in this personal and practical way, was meaningful to Peter?

Today I want to encourage you to take some time to look back through your life and see if you can see some personal touches from God at specific times in your life. Has He changed circumstances that you were powerless over? Has He comforted you or shown His presents in a personal way when you felt alone or abandoned? Has He provided money when you couldn’t pay for something you needed or really wanted to pay for? Has He gifted you with a relationship or another person when your heart longed for companionship? How about a miraculous intercession in a dangerous situation or accident where you know He stepped in to change circumstances to safe your life or a loved one’s life? I can’t possibly list all the ways God reaches out to show His love to us. I do think it is worth taking the time to look for and even list the ways that you know God has intervened in your life to show you personally how much He loves you and cares for you. Like Deb said yesterday, we need to remember because it helps us understand Him and His work.

Walking On Water

Halloween is right around the corner. Wether you are a fan of this holiday or not, it gets us all thinking about things that might scare us. We see many decorations around that can bring frightful thoughts into our minds. 18 years ago, my husband and I were blessed with a beautiful blonde-haired, blue-eyed baby girl. Besides her perfection, one other characteristic immediately stood out about her. We realized from day one in the hospital than many normal noises scared our baby. When doors closed or at any abrupt sound, her body would jump. We were concerned about this, but the Dr said it was normal, some babies just had a disposition for this and it was nothing to worry about. Halloween was a particularly scary time for her as she went around the neighborhood and saw the things she was not used to seeing. Ghosts, freaky masks, and monsters really freaked her out. This fear is not something that she has not fully grown out of. Thankfully, as she has gotten older we can discuss these things and guide her through the fearful times.

Speaking of things we are not used to seeing that might scare us…

Matthew 14:22-33 describes what the disciples experience when they are in their boat, rowing to the other side of the lake. This was not a “quick trip”. They had been rowing all night and it had been storming the entire time they were in the boat. After several hours of enduring the wind and waves while being pelted with rain, they see something walking on the water and freak out assuming that it is a ghost. Then this “ghost” speaks to them and they recognize a familiar voice! They realize it is the Lord! Peter than says, “Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you across the water.” The Lord takes him up on it. “Come!” he says. So Peter steps out of the boat and actually starts to walk on the water! As Peter gets out of the boat, the wind and waves do not stop, it is still storming all around them. The more steps that Peter actually takes, the more he realizes the strong winds and waves all around him and fear begins to sink in and he begins to sink. As he sinks, he cries out, “Lord save me!” Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught Peter. But then, Jesus says to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Jesus does not say that Peter has no faith. After all, he had more faith than the other eleven, at least he stepped out of the boat!

I think we can relate to this story because we can so easily see ourselves in it. We often begin a journey with excitement and encouragement from others. Then the harsh reality of the everyday grind set in. Next come trials and unexpected detours. When things lose their new luster and excitement, sometimes we backtrack or even abandon the journey entirely.

“Little” faith means immature faith. For our faith to be mature, it must be used and and mixed with courage. We can only develop courage in the face of danger. If there is no danger, no threat, no trial, then there is no possibility of gaining courage. Mature faith means believing more in what you can’t see than in the terrifying things you can see. It means keeping the eyes of your heart fixed on the master of the wind and waves even though you might feel like you are sinking.

Jesus commands us many times in the Bible, “Do not be afraid!” (366 times to be exact! A reminder for every day of the year!!) We have to make a conscious decision not to allow fear to paralyze us. Peter sank because he stopped walking. Faith means to keep walking even when your knees are knocking. We have to keep seeking Jesus and looking to Him to guide us and He will catch us every time we cry out to Him, just as he caught Peter.

Good or Righteous

Matthew 13, Psalm 86

Matthew 13:47-50 (ESV) Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. 48 When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous 50 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Reading the parable presented in Matthew 13:47-50,  I find myself contemplating good vs. righteous.  Did you notice that the fisherman saves all the good fish?  Compare the fisherman to the angels in verse 49.  Alternatively, the angels don’t save good men, they save righteous men.  Why do these words change?  What is the difference? 

To start, consider what is good?  Who is good?  These questions remind me of Jesus’ conversation with the rich young man in Mark 18.  Jesus challenges the rich man’s definition of good.  Why?  Because it wasn’t enough.  In order to receive the full grace of God, being good didn’t earn him salvation.  The rich man needed something more.  Isn’t the same true today?  Everyone thinks that they are ‘good.’  In fact, just like the rich young man, we have followed the rules.  We have never murdered anyone, we don’t commit adultery, we don’t steal or bear false witness.  No, we do not defraud, in fact we are very honest and, yes, we honor our father and mother.  In fact, we see them every weekend and love them very much.  So clearly, we too, are good.  Unfortunately,  good is enough to save the fish, but apparently, not enough to save men. The salvation of men requires righteousness.

Verse 49, shifts the conversation from good to righteous.  Why?  Consider Jesus’ reminder in Mark 13:18.  Despite all our efforts, He insists that “no one is good except God alone.”  Paul backs him up in Romans 3:12, saying ‘no one does good,  not even one.”  As I consider these exhortations, everything in me wants to defend the good that I have done.  Maybe its about how much money I’ve given or how many hours I’ve spent serving and volunteering.  To be true, I have to ask, how am I, how are we, different from the rich young ruler?  Answering honestly, I must admit that we are not different.  We are just like him.  In fact, our failure to accept it strips all power from Jesus Christ, rendering his sacrifice on the cross impotent.  If, on the other hand, we embrace their admonitions, we are finally able to receive the deep desire of our hearts, righteousness.

When I think about good vs righteous in this way, I get a hint at their difference.  Good is about my life.  Good carries elements of carnality and the desires of the flesh.  Righteousness, on the other hand, is all about God.  It disregards my-self.  It prefers the kingdom of God over everything else.  There is only one way that this heart condition is rendered.  We see it in Romans 4:20-22.  Abraham “grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.”  How then, do we gain righteousness over goodness?  Give glory to God and rely on him to do what he has promised.