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Book - Walk On Water

Truly, truly.

According to the Pew Research Center, “About nine-in-ten U.S. adults believe in God or another higher power, including 54% who say they believe in “God as described in the Bible” and 34% who say they don’t believe in the biblical depiction of God but do believe there is “some other higher power or spiritual force in the universe.”* It’s quite an interesting fact, isn’t it? Nearly ninety percent of Americans believe there is some kind of God out there. But it is an insignificant statistic really.

Nicodemus believed in God. He was a very religious man, a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews. He visited Jesus one night (when no one was watching), and told Jesus he believed that he was “a teacher come from God.”1  And then he added in admiration, “No one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”1  Jesus, unaffected by the compliment, picked up on that word unless and said: “Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”2 Nicodemus probably paused, looked at him with his head cocked, and laughed or chuckled because being “born again” sounded so ridiculous, and he told Jesus it was!

And Nicodemus was right! It is ridiculous! For although Nicodemus—and nearly 90% of Americans—believe in God, they are clueless as to what this really means. Which is why Jesus explained that it is a spiritual birth. It is a metaphor to be “born again.” But it is also an actual event, a spiritual exchange that takes place. We give up our old self and it is replaced with a new one!

Even with that explanation, however, Nicodemus didn’t get it. He said, “How can these things be?”3 And Nicodemus is right again! What Jesus was describing was impossible! Jesus must have smiled at this point and said, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?”4 In other words, I thought you were a religious man, an educated man! And you don’t get this? And Jesus probably chucked and cocked his head a bit.

But then Jesus explains. He discusses earthly things and heavenly things because Nicodemus (and 90% of Americans) believe there exists a spiritual world. In his explanation he reveals the “work” that everyone must do because that is Nicodemus’ language—doing good works for God. And the work is this: to believe that Jesus was not just a “teacher come from God”4 who could do signs, but that he was God’s “only Son” who was sent in order that the world might be saved through him.”5

However, it was more than Nicodemus could grasp because the story ends with no further discussion. I wish that 90% of Americans would ask Nicodemus’ questions about God but even more so, ask God himself! For merely believing in God (as Nicodemus did) is truly truly irrelevant. I love that Jesus emphasized things as well. He says, Truly, truly . . . unless one is born again.”6  And then, Truly, truly . . . unless one is born of water and the Spirit.”7 And lastly and to the point, Truly, truly . . . you do not receive our testimony.”8

If you believe in God, well, good for you. It seems that most Americans do. But “even the demons believe—and shudder!”9 I suggest studying Nicodemus’ conversation with Jesus and asking yourself this question: Have you been born again? For that answer is truly, truly, the most important thing. And by the way, Nicodemus shows up to defend Jesus at his trial, so I am hopeful that he pondered Jesus’ remarks and was truly truly born again!

1John 3:2   2John 3:3   3John 3:9   4John 3:10   5John 3:16   6John 3:3   7John 3:5   8John 3:11   9James 2:19   *Becka A. Alper, Michael Rotolo. “2. Spiritual Beliefs.” Pew Research Center, Pew Research Center, 7 Dec. 2023, www.pewresearch.org/religion/2023/12/07/spiritual-beliefs.

Halloween Message

The Israelites knew God. They had seen him. They were witnesses to his signs and miracles. They promised Moses that they would do whatever God wanted them to do. But when they sat on the edge of the Promised Land and Caleb told them that they would have to fight to get in, they said No, thank you! and began packing their bags to go back to Egypt. They wanted God’s gift of the Promised Land, had actually traveled for two years to get to this juncture, but they did not want to fight for it. They wanted God to simply give them the land. And that’s what we do. We want the gifts of God in our lives, but we do not want God in our lives. So, here’s a good question: Does God require that we earn his gifts?

And the answer? Yes. And No. We cannot earn the gift of eternal life. For example, “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”1 The gift of Jesus is free; even though we must believe in Jesus to receive this gift, it is not a gift we can ever earn. There are other gifts God gives us freely, like mercy and forgiveness and grace. And sometimes God gives us gifts just to make us happy because he loves us so much. But sometimes God says, I want to give you this, but you must earn it. You must prove yourself first. Why is that? Because he wants us to grow up! Where is there evidence for that? All over the scriptures. But let’s just look in Philippians to save ourselves a lot of time.

Paul wrote this: IF you “rejoice in the Lord always” and IF “your reasonableness” is “known to everyone,” and IF you will “not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God,” THEN “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”2

So, peace is earned. We work for it. Trust me—rejoicing and being reasonable and not being anxious takes effort! But keep reading. Paul continues: IF you think about things that are honorable and just and pure and lovely and commendable and excellent and worthy of praise, AND if you “practice these things,”—practice being honorable and just and pure and lovely and commendable and excellent and being someone worthy of praise, THEN “the peace of God will be with you.”3

God loves us and wants to give us good things, but he requires that we work at being the people he meant us to be. Which, oddly enough means that the peace of God is not given freely. Many believers do not experience God’s peace because they refuse to practice the things that bring it. Instead of working for it, they just want to have it. And usually get mad at God for not giving it to them.

So, what makes this a Halloween message? Well, tonight many children will be going around door to door expecting candy for just showing up and asking for it! And we adults know better than to do that, right? Then why do we expect God to give us good things just because we ask for them? God wants to give us many good things, but sometimes he requires us to do our part. If we desire the peace of God in our lives, then we will need to follow Paul’s instructions. And also heed the advice of the writer of Hebrews: “Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity.”4  Perhaps it is time for us to stop acting like elementary age children and grow up!

1John 3:16   2Philippians 4:4-7   3Philippians 4:8-9   4Hebrews 6:1

Peace Rules

In a yoga class, participants are encouraged to empty their minds and become “void minded.”*

We often think of the word “peace” as a state of mind. My friend Merriam-Webster defines it as a state of tranquility or quiet. But that’s not how the peace of God works. Paul writes in Philippians: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”1  The word “guard” means to protect from danger and make secure. So, peace is an active agent here, tirelessly protecting the heart. It is the soldier on duty, who is strong and powerful and will defend the heart at all cost. And then Paul writes in Colossians: “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.”2 The word “rule” means exerting and exercising authority and control. That sounds like the opposite of peace! Peace is actually in charge!

There is nothing passive about the peace of God reigning in our hearts. God’s peace is not only in charge of our hearts, it protects our hearts. But if that is true, then why do our hearts break? Why do we feel duress? Because peace is not automatically ours when we become believers. It is the result of an action. In order for the peace of Christ to rule, we must “put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”3 Then we need to allow God to rule. It’s a conscious effort on our part to let Christ work his peace in our lives. Paul also writes that we must “not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”4 Then, the peace of God can guard our hearts. Prayer and praise to God initiate God’s peace.

The peace of God is not the absence of strife, it is the presence of God—which is quite powerful. The peace of God gives us the strength to stand up against any foe. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”5  The peace of the world is only available when life is calm.  The peace of Christ protects our hearts from being troubled and fearful when life is not.

We serve “the Lord of peace,” who will give us his “peace at all times in every way.”6 When we have faith in God, he, in return gives us his peace. And his peace is perfect. His promise? “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”7 But note that peace comes because our mind is fixed on God and it is fixed on God because we know we can trust him.

On multiple accounts, scripture tells us that ‘“There is no peace,’ declares the Lord, ‘for the wicked.’”8 The wicked can only rely on the peace that the world gives, which, at best, results in being “void minded.” The peace of God, however, gives us the capacity to be “filled with all the fullness of God.”9  The peace of God leaves us full. The peace of the world? As promised by Patanjali, it leaves us empty.

“May the God of peace be with you all.”10

1Philippians 4:7   2Colossians 3:15   3Colossians 3:14   4Philippians 4:6   5John 14:27   61 Thessalonians 3:16   7Isaiah 26:3   8Isaiah 48:22   9Ephesians 3:19   10Romans 15:33   *Feuerstein, Georg. “Cultivating the Opposite Thought.” Home, Yoga International, 16 June 2015, yogainternational.com/article/view/cultivating-the-opposite-thought-the-most-challenging-inversion-in-your-pra/.

Hold On Loosely

The day Job lost his 7,000 sheep and 3,000 camels and 500 oxen and 500 donkeys and all but three of his servants and all seven of his children, he “tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’”1 Hmm. I think the only reason Job was able to say this was that he had the proper perspective of the good things in his life: 1) he knew the good things/people in his life were not really his, and therefore 2) he held on to them loosely, and most importantly 3) he had settled this in his heart long before that catastrophic day.

What a great way—and the proper way—to live. Let’s take a look at Job’s philosophy.

  • “The Lord gave.” This is where we must begin. The good things in our lives are gifts—we have not earned them; we do not necessarily deserve them; we do not own them but are managers of them. James tells us that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”2 Why is it so important to view the goodness in our lives as gifts? Because a “good gift,” “every perfect gift” is one that is thoughtful. It has been given to us with us in mind. We not only love those kinds of gifts, we cherish them. And they give us great pleasure and they have a specific purpose designed for us specifically, which is why they are the “perfect gift.” Job loved his life. He loved his work and was very good at it for he “was the greatest of all the people of the east.”3 And he loved his children and “would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all”4 in case they had “sinned and cursed God in their hearts. Thus Job did continually.”4 But he knew all these things were gifts from God and not his own.
  • “And he said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return.’” This is where we must settle. The gifts in our lives are temporary. They come and they go. Which is why we must hold on loosely to them, but don’t let go. If we cling too tightly we’re gonna’ lose control (as the song by 38 Special warns)! Why would that happen? It seems the tighter we cling the more likely we would be in control. But this is not true. For the writer of Hebrews tells us that we are to “lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely.”5 Because when we cling too tightly, the good thing we have been given becomes a “weight,” which will slow us down as we try to “run with endurance the race that is set before us.”5  We must loosen the grip from our good gifts and be willing to let them go when it is time, understanding they were never ours to begin with but only gifts that we were to manage properly while they were under our charge.
  • “And the Lord takes away.” This is where we rest. We must let God be God. When we question his actions, we question his omniscience—his power to know what is best. And this understanding must be resolute in our hearts before the storms in our lives come. For if these things are not settled, then we will be tossed around by those storms “for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.”6 The storm is not the time to question God’s omniscience or omnipotence because we cannot think clearly but are simply trying to survive. Instead, we must settle these things in our hearts before the storms and then when they come, we can rest in the knowledge that “the Lord himself goes before us and will be with us. He will never leave us nor forsake us.”7 And since we are firmly planted in that knowledge, we can heed his advice: “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”7

And that, my friends, is how to not only live our daily lives but weather the storms when they come. And what a relief—to truly know that whatever happens, God is in charge and he loves us with an unending love. When we look upon our good things as gifts from our God who knows what we need and hold on to them loosely, then we can join Job in saying, “Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

1Job 1:20-21   2James 1:17   3Job 1:3   4Job 1:5   5Hebrews 12:1   6James 1:6   7Deuteronomy 31:8   

TV God

According to the Pew Research Center, only one in ten Americans say they don’t believe in God or a higher power of any kind. That means that 90% of Americans believe in some sort of God. So, my question for all these believers is what exactly do they believe about God? Perhaps they believe in a TV god. Like the Blue Bloods god.

For seven seasons the family on the TV series Blue Bloods recited this prayer before they had their Sunday dinner: Bless us, O Lord, and these our gifts which we are about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord. Amen. It’s a common Catholic prayer.

It’s a good prayer. The Catholics have a lot of good prayers written out for people to recite at certain times. There’s nothing wrong with that. My grandfather used to pray the same prayer at every dinner I ever attended. It was a beautiful short prayer. But there’s something wrong with the Reagan’s prayer, and that’s this: The prayer is nothing more than a ritual, a family tradition. And the rule is that they cannot eat the meal until grace is said and they cannot say grace until everyone is present. And they all stubbornly agree that this is the way it should be and feel really good about saying that prayer. And to watch it on TV, we feel good, too. It’s a nice moment. But then they go about their lives as if there is no god. There is nothing spiritual or even the least bit “religious” about the life of the Reagans.

There were a couple of episodes where Danny, (Donnie Wahlberg) the detective son of Frank Reagan (Tom Selleck) encountered people who had conversations with God, and Danny’s response was that they must be crazy if they were conversing with God. And most “religious” characters on the show are the fanatical ones who hurt people because God told them to do so. Or they are the swindlers who are leading people in the name of God but who are actually just power hungry con men.

So, Danny says grace before his Sunday meal but doesn’t ever speak to God himself or believe God speaks to people. And Frank Reagan has a friendship with his priest who occasionally has a part in the series. The writers of the show make us feel really good about Frank who has a religious friend and sometimes they have conversations about religious things but Frank’s life reflects no god at all.

My grandfather, who said the same prayer before every Sunday dinner, on the other hand, was a godly man. As a kid I was intrigued by his Bible that was well-worn with notes and pen marks and pages that were falling apart. He studied his Bible and served as a deacon in his little country church for 60 years. He had daily conversations with God.

Interestingly enough, the act of saying grace at the Reagan Sunday lunch disappeared at the beginning of season 8.  Why? Well, Danny’s wife is killed. According to the writers of the show it made no sense to thank God for his “bounty” anymore. Obviously, the Reagans, educated and good people that they were, should not include or acknowledge the kind of God who would allow Linda to be senselessly killed.  So, God was written out of the series.

Now I know that Blue Bloods is just a show. And it’s a good show.  But I think the scene of saying grace at the Reagan table depicts the “faith life” of many Americans.

Which reminds me of those haunting words that Jesus shared with the people who had gathered to hear the great sermon on the mount. Jesus told them: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’”2

Ironically, the Reagan family, who are all hard workers and good people who pride themselves in doing good and mighty works, who honor the law, who have dedicated their lives to observing the law and enforcing the law will hear these harsh words:  And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”3

And so these law-abiding folks (the Reagans and the Pharisees)  are referred to as “workers of lawlessness!” Therefore, the question we need to be asking is not Do we obey the law? but Do we obey God? However, the most important question to be asking is Do we know God? 

1Matthew 7:24   2Matthew 7:21-22   3Matthew 7:23

 

 

Storms

Though we should try to protect ourselves from storms, nothing prevents them from coming, does it? They reach us regardless of whether we prepared for them or not.

Jesus talked about the storms in one of his sermons. He said, “Everyone then who listens to these words and does them will be like a wise man who builds his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”1  Of course, Jesus is speaking metaphorically here. Truth is, sometimes houses fall during bad storms—even well-built houses. And trees—oh, my goodness, the trees—they are uprooted and thrown around during storms, especially category 4 storms, which we have learned are so powerful!

Therefore, as we pick up the pieces from Hurricane Helene and try to return to “normal life,” let’s ask ourselves a few questions about Jesus’ analogy. The “house” is our lives and the “rock” is Jesus. And the rain and the floods and the winds represent the injurious and destructive struggles of life—as well as real hurricanes! This storm that Jesus describes is not a gentle shower but the kind that knocks us over from the force of it. How, then, do we protect ourselves?

We must first assume that those do not listen to Jesus’ words are not protected from the storm at all, leaving themselves quite vulnerable to its annihilating power. But take heed—merely listening to Jesus’ words does not protect us either! Nope. For Jesus was very clear here. He did not say that everyone who listens to his words would not fall. Which means that those who listen to sermons (those who go to church, for example) are not protected from the storms, and it is likely that their houses (their lives) will fall apart during the force of it. And those who religiously read their Bibles are not protected from their houses (their lives) falling apart due to the storm either. Therefore, hearing about Jesus and reading about Jesus—although good things to do—do not protect us during the storms.

So what does? “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and does them . . .” That’s the secret. Everyone who practices what they hear, who are not just believers in Jesus but who actually are followers of Jesus. Okay. But there’s one more thing we need to ask: what are “these words” of Jesus that we need to practice? They begin in Matthew 5 and end in Matthew 7 with those challenging words about the storm.

“These words” are too complex to summarize but to give you a hint, Jesus begins by saying that if we practice his way of living, we will be “blessed” (happy and content) when we are needy and sad and gentle and humble. We will be “blessed” (happy and content) as we yearn for justice in the world and give mercy to others (even when they don’t deserve it—which is the definition of mercy!). We will be “blessed” (happy and content) when we strive to be pure and look for ways to bring peace in our communities. And he concludes his opening remarks by saying we will be “blessed” (happy and content) when people persecute and insult us.

And that’s just the first eleven verses. (There are 109 verses in this sermon!)

Therefore, we must conclude that following Jesus is not easy. But pay attention here! What Jesus is sharing with us is how to be content and even happy no matter how stormy it gets!  This is life-changing news! How is this possible? He laid it all out for us from the beginnings of his ministry. He said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”2  And then he said, “Follow me.”3 And as people began to follow, Jesus constantly reminded them to have faith in God and not be afraid.

The conclusion of the matter? Storms will cause damage regardless of how protected we are. But listening to Jesus and practicing his words will give us his strength to remain happy and content (“blessed”) even as we lament over our losses. How? Because our lives have “been founded on the rock.” Our foundation is secure.

We need not be surprised about the storms that come. Jesus warned us, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”2 How does that help us? If we trust in Jesus, he gives us his strength to “overcome (to conquer, to defeat, and to stand up against) the world.” But how strong can we be, really? It all depends on how much we practice what Jesus preaches. And if we do that, we “will be like a wise man” and survive the storms! 

1Matthew 7:24-27   2Matthew 4:17   3Matthew 4:19   4John 16:33

Freely Destined

Here is a most popular verse that we love to quote: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”1 So, the question for us is do we know that? Do we believe that all the things in our lives are purposeful? Because if we know that about God and believe that about all things, it will change how we think, how we behave, and how we hope for our future. To put it succinctly: Do we believe that 1) God planned things out and 2) things are going according to his plan? And if that is true, then how does our behavior and our plans play into his plan?

Most of the world believes they are not only free to do whatever they want, they should do whatever they want, and if they are good people, then good things will happen and their dreams will come true. It’s the Disney way. At the end of the great movie Back to the Future III, Doc Brown tells Marty McFly, “Your future hasn’t been written yet. No one’s has. Your future is whatever you make it, so make it a good one.” If this is true, then either God does not have a plan or we have the ability to override God’s plan. And our future is completely determined by our own choices!  Which is a bit scary when you think about it because we make bad choices a lot.

So we have two views: the one view says, the future has been written already because God has already planned it out and it does not matter what we do. And the other view is that nothing has been written and we write our own plan and have the freedom to do whatever we wish.

So, which is it? The Bible says both of those views are wrong, and both of those views are right! And the answer to the questions Are we free or Is there a plan is YES! How can this be? Really, how can this not be?  “Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.”2 But let’s study it some more anyway.

We read that “We were predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son,”3 and also, “He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.”4

Then in Ephesians chapters 2 and 3, Paul keeps reenforcing that idea of being chosen and of God’s will and his purpose. But in chapters 4-6, Paul talks about us working hard to walk in a manner worthy, to use our gifts, to equip the saints, to grow up in every way in him, to mature, to obey and be strong and put on the armor of God and stand firm and on and on and on. And in all of those things we have choices: do it or not. Grow or don’t. Obey or disobey. Be strong or be weak. But if I am destined to be like Christ, then my choices don’t really matter, right?

But Paul says, yes, we are destined and, yes, what we do matters. We are free and responsible for our actions and there are consequences. But God uses all our free choices, works on them, so that everything that we choose—good or bad—is worked into his plan, his perfect plan. We are free and there is a plan. Paul writes, “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.”5

Only the Christian faith understands that God “works all things according to the counsel of his will.”  And we also know Christ said, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”6   Therefore, as believers in Christ, we have true freedom but everything that happens to us, as well as the choices we make, are worked out to become part of God’s good purpose and will. We are free to be part of the plan.

1Romans 8:28   2Jeremiah 32:17   3Romans 8:29   4Ephesians 1:4   5Ephesians 1:11   6John 8:36

 

 

Simon and Jonah

“There was a man who had two sons.”1 We know about the younger son—the one who received his inheritance early and left home to spend it all. Let’s call him Simon. The older one—let’s call him Jonah—he knew better. He was willing to wait for his inheritance. Jonah lived at home and worked dutifully for his father. He was working in the field when Simon came home broke and remorseful. Jonah headed for the house and “heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’”2

Jonah stomped away, incensed at his father for throwing a party in honor of his wayward and irresponsible little brother. For months he had watched his father agonize over Simon’s decision. Although the father graciously gave his younger son the money, he suspected Simon would probably not handle the newly acquired wealth with wisdom. The father waited daily for any news from him. But when he did not hear anything, he thought the worst and concluded that Simon might be dead and mourned the loss in his heart. As Jonah watched his father suffer, his anger grew.

When Simon finally showed up, Jonah was furious with him and expected his father to pour out wrath on the boy for his harmful and hurtful actions. But he did not. Instead, he was filled with joy and planned a big celebration for him. Jonah was outraged! The father should have rebuked Simon! This was no occasion to throw a party! Jonah was indignant and could not pretend to be happy over it. “His father came out and entreated him” to join the celebration “but he was angry and refused to go in.”3  And his fury caused him to yell at his father: “Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends.”4

When Jonah’s father saw Simon and how he had turned from his wayward life, “he had compassion”5 on him. “But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry.”6 And Jonah’s father left the party room and asked him, “Have you any right to be angry?”7  So instead of celebrating, “Jonah went out of the city and sat to the east of the city and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, till he should see what would”8 happen.

Wait a minute! I am mixing two stories together—the Old Testament prophet Jonah and the older brother, whom I have dubbed “Jonah,” in this prodigal son story. But they seem to be strangely similar. The two men had the same problem: they were both incensed at the mercy of their father. They did not believe that good things should happen to bad people—even if the bad people repented! The Jonahs believed in right living and following the rules, and they lived their lives accordingly. And although they had never thought about or even wanted a party thrown for them, they were suddenly very jealous of the party that their father was throwing for sinners—even if they had repented! They despised their father’s mercy and forgiveness. They were outraged at the outpouring of love towards sinners.

And that’s how the story ends for both Jonahs. How sad is that? There was a party going on right next to these guys, with music and dancing and good food and drink, and everyone “began to celebrate.”9 Everyone but the Jonahs—even though they were invited!  They held on to their bitter spirit. And chose not to have fun. Chose not to be happy. Chose not to sing. And dug their heals in the ground with their bitterness. And that is why we are told to “see to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.”10

Because a bitter spirit will refuse to celebrate good things. A bitter spirit will reject grace. It actually rebukes mercy. And kills joy. Our two Jonahs were two good men who became jealous of sinners’ luck. And they would also probably predict a falling away that would occur with said sinners. Because a bitter spirit “causes trouble.” Which is why we really need to not be bitter. Ever.

So, what is the big lesson here? God loves the Jonahs and the Simons of the world. His compassion and mercy is the same for everyone. When Simon “was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.”11 And the father lovingly reminded Jonah, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.”12  So whether we are “a long way off” from God or working “in the field” for God, the invitation is the same for all his children: Come to the party!

1Luke 15:11    2Luke 15:25-27     3Luke 15:28    4Luke 15:29    5Jonah 3:10    6Jonah 4:1     7Jonah 4:4    8Jonah 4:5     9Luke 15:24    10Hebrews 12:15    11Luke 15:20    12Luke 15:31

The Testing of Our Faith

James told us that we should “count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”1 So, when we meet a trial along the way, we might consider it a test from God. Why would God test us? The same reason teachers give their students tests—to find out what they know. Not that God needs to find this out (he already knows!), but we do. We will never know what we know until we go through a test.

But heed this: many people think they are ready for the testing of their faith when they are not! Jesus told a parable about it. He said that some people, “when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away.”2 Why did this happen? Because their foundation was rocky.

What should we do, then, to prepare for the testing of our faith? Make sure our foundation is secure and deeply rooted. And how do we do that? Paul has a good answer: “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.”3  So, we should give ourselves a test before God does! Not a bad idea! Okay. How? We should check our endurance levels. How long can we last in a difficult situation? Because if “faith produces steadfastness,” then if our faith is strong, so is our endurance.

How long does it take before we begin to waver, to falter, to question, to doubt? But how long should it take? Forever. James tells us “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”4 So, we are not to buckle under the strain of the test, but “be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”5 Okay. How do we become strong men (and women) who can “stand firm in the faith”?

Unfortunately, there is only one way to become strong, and that is to suffer, for “suffering produces endurance.”6  But this is good news! That means that there is a reason for the suffering! There is purpose in the pain! Which is why James said to “count it all joy!” You see, those who do not believe there is a God, do not have the same promise. They must conclude that suffering is meaningless because there is no purpose to anything! It’s all random. Others who believe that there is a God but do not subscribe to his laws, believe that suffering is punishment from God. But we who know God, understand that “all things work together for good for those who love God.”7

Therefore. Some day we might actually pray with David this prayer: “Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and my mind.”8 Some day we might tell God to Bring it on! But until then, we need to remember what Peter says about the test: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”9 We are to count on it! And one day, perhaps, “count it all joy!”

1James 1:2-3   2Luke 8:13   32 Corinthians 13:5   4James 1:12   51 Corinthians 16:3   6Romans 5:3   7Romans 8:28   8Psalm 26:2   91 Peter 4:12

Reckless living

Jesus told many parables to the Pharisees and the grumbling scribes. A favorite of mine starts this way: “There was a man who had two sons.”1  My ESV Bible has the heading The Parable of the Prodigal Son for this story. But Jesus didn’t label the younger son that way. And, by the way, the word prodigal not only means wasteful but also philanthropic and generous. So, we must be careful about our labels. Of course, the young son “squandered his property in reckless living”2 so wasteful does seem apropos—though not necessarily in an evil way, as we shall see!  

            The young son simply wanted what was rightfully his. He said, “Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.”3  And his father did not flinch, did not try to talk him out of it, did not rebuke him at all. The father gave the younger son his share. And then, “not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country.”2  He left home. It was an adventure! His life was suddenly his own, to live any way he wanted. He could reinvent himself! And he began to spend his money recklessly, as many do who come into a large sum of money. But we are not given any details of what this “reckless living” entailed. The phrase is also translated as “foolish,” “riotous,” “loose,” “wild,” and “extravagant” living. We imagine all kinds of awful things but many people become very generous after they win the lottery! The young son might actually have enjoyed giving a lot of his money away to new friends. He probably threw lavish parties and took great pleasure in helping people out. His “reckless living” could have been deemed “reckless” only in the fact that it was not wisely managed, not that it was spent on evil and wicked things. Some of the son’s new friends might have described him as unselfish!

            So “reckless living” occurs when we try to manage our lives without our Father’s guidance. “Reckless living” could be happening as we try to be good and generous people. Hmm.

            And so, this young son’s story is quite applicable for us. We believers also have “obtained an inheritance”4  as the son did.  And sometimes, knowing our place in heaven is secure, we try to manage our own lives, live life our own way, and neglect our father’s guidance—as the young son did. He actually “spent everything.”5  How does that happen? Didn’t the son, at some point, realize he was running out of money? Of course, he did! But people were counting on him. And so, he gave all his money away or invested his money in bad deals. Until he was broke.

            He was not a bad son. He was a bad manager of his inheritance. And here’s what happened next. “But when he came to himself . . .”6  When the young son realized that he had made a huge mistake, he came crawling back, “and came to his father.”7 He was expecting a rebuke. He believed his inheritance and standing in the family was gone.

            He was wrong. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.”7 And even more than being thrilled that his lost son was found, “the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.’”8  

            So what does this great parable teach? So many things but most importantly three things: 1) We are God’s children, and nothing we do will change that status. And 2) our inheritance is “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for [us].”9

            At times we may try to manage our lives without our Father’s good guidance and live recklessly—which may appear to others as quite unselfish! But when we come to ourselves and realize we are truly lost without God’s guidance, he will show us his unending love. Which leads us to the last thing on the list of important things this parable teaches: 3) “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.”7

             This picture illustrates that our Father is quite reckless—foolish, riotous, loose, wild, and extravagant—in his love toward us. So, to borrow Timothy Keller’s idea*, who is the prodigal now?

1Luke 15:11   2Luke 15:13   3Luke 15:12   4Ephesians 1:11   5Luke 15:14   6Luke 15:17   7Luke 15:20 8Luke 15:22   91 Peter 1:4   *Keller, Timothy. The Prodigal God. Zondervan, 2009.