Hectic week this week! No excuse to not blog, but . . . that's the best I can do. :0)
I wanted to talk today about the Magi. This will be my only message this week. Let's look at Matthew 2:
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:
" 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him." After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. (verses 1 - 12)
There are so many topics to cover here, don't you think? First of all, some background: who were the Magi? There's an article about ten years old that I found on the internet at http://ldolphin.org/magi.html that shares a ton of information. I will continue to talk about the Magi next week, but for today, I want to talk about the three gifts they brought: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
These gifts were prophetic, "speaking of our Lord's offices of king, priest, and savior. Gold speaks of His kingship; frankincense was a spice used in the priestly duties; and myrrh was an embalming ointment anticipating His death."
Which makes me think about the gifts that I bring Him on a daily basis. Do my gifts of my life, my actions, my thoughts . . . do they represent Him as king, as priest, as savior? When I speak of Him, or speak for Him, can He see that He is king of my life? Can others see that He is my priest, my shepherd? Is my heart reflective that Christ is my savior?
As you enter these next two days, exchanging gifts, eating, hanging out, think also of the gifts represented in your heart and life. Are they worthy of the Christ child? The Christ who was and who is and who is to come? Nothing we could ever offer is worthy- no gold or silver, no castles or lands. The only thing He wants . . . is everything. All of us. All we own, all we care about, all we love, all we hate, all we think about . . . all of it. As a King, He could come in and just take it. As a Priest, He could force us into a religious rituals. But as the Savior, He destroys those myths and shows us daily, continually, continuously, that a King is strong enough to serve. That a Priest refutes religion and strives for relationship. And that a Savior loves so passionately, He would humble Himself, be born as a babe, and give the ultimate sacrifice.
So. Hmmmm. All He wants is everything. Are you giving Him everything? Your good stuff, bad stuff, in-between stuff? He wants it more than anything. So this Christmas, give Him the best gift, the only gift - give Him you.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
"The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told." Luke 2:20
The shepherds are an awesome bunch. They didn't have anything to offer Mary and Joseph, didn't come to the manger to show off or measure up. They didn't come out of obligation. They didn't come with phoniness. They came because something spectacular had happened to them, and during that angelic encounter they were given a promise.
God has many promises for us in the Bible. Sometimes we just sit and do nothing and God's promises are revealed. But sometimes His promises are two-fold: do something, and He will do something greater. That's what happened to the shepherds, right? They were told to go and search, and they would find the Christ child. And the angel told them how to find Him: He will be the one who is wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Because they followed the angel's instructions, they were the first of all mankind to witness the Messiah.
What promises does God have in store for you? What has He asked of you? Do you think He asks more of you than He did of the shepherds? (Let me take a second here. I have typed the word shepherds about 50 times over the last three days. Spelled it wrong every single time. What's up with that?) It couldn't have been easy for the shepherds to go into Bethlehem, where they wouldn't have been eagerly embraced, and go door to door looking for a baby! But they went, and when they had seen Jesus, it's easy to imagine they went back to those same homes, and told them what they had seen: "When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child." Luke 2:17 The shepherds didn't wait for Jesus to come to them. They got up! They took off! They moved. They acted on the information they were given.
Sometimes moving and acting look different then what we think. Look at the favorite promise of countless Christians, Isaiah 40:31: "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength." Waiting isn't a passive thing. Waiting is an active, feet planted, not gonna move, not gonna be swayed, gonna hold onto my God no matter what it takes, kind of thing. The important thing to see here is that our waiting is part of God's promise: once we wait, He renews our strength.
Look at another promise: Psalm 37:4. "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." First, delight in God. Revel in Him, enjoy Him, drink Him in. THEN He will give you the desires of your heart. Why do you think God designed this promise this way? Could it be because He knows that once we are swimming in the sea of His goodness, His love, His life, the desires of our heart could change? The wants and wishes we have could become more like Him and His, setting us up for eternal success instead of failure?
Isn't that what today's verse is all about? The shepherds returned to their fields, praising and glorifying God. They were certainly delighted in Him, weren't they? I'll bet they couldn't sleep that night! Not only did they see the Messiah, but it happened exactly as they were told. God's promises aren't negotiable. What's that old song? "God said it, I believe it, and that settles it for me!" Think about that - not only did they go exactly as the angel had told them to, but they found exactly what the angel said they would find!
The shepherds (spelled it wrong again!) teach us so much. It doesn't matter who we are, God wants to reach us. God can use us. They didn't let themselves become encumbered with physical, emotional or mental baggage, providing an excuse to not go when God called them. And they took action, believing God's promise to be true.
Who would have thought a seemingly small part of the Christmas story could teach us so much about life?
The shepherds are an awesome bunch. They didn't have anything to offer Mary and Joseph, didn't come to the manger to show off or measure up. They didn't come out of obligation. They didn't come with phoniness. They came because something spectacular had happened to them, and during that angelic encounter they were given a promise.
God has many promises for us in the Bible. Sometimes we just sit and do nothing and God's promises are revealed. But sometimes His promises are two-fold: do something, and He will do something greater. That's what happened to the shepherds, right? They were told to go and search, and they would find the Christ child. And the angel told them how to find Him: He will be the one who is wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Because they followed the angel's instructions, they were the first of all mankind to witness the Messiah.
What promises does God have in store for you? What has He asked of you? Do you think He asks more of you than He did of the shepherds? (Let me take a second here. I have typed the word shepherds about 50 times over the last three days. Spelled it wrong every single time. What's up with that?) It couldn't have been easy for the shepherds to go into Bethlehem, where they wouldn't have been eagerly embraced, and go door to door looking for a baby! But they went, and when they had seen Jesus, it's easy to imagine they went back to those same homes, and told them what they had seen: "When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child." Luke 2:17 The shepherds didn't wait for Jesus to come to them. They got up! They took off! They moved. They acted on the information they were given.
Sometimes moving and acting look different then what we think. Look at the favorite promise of countless Christians, Isaiah 40:31: "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength." Waiting isn't a passive thing. Waiting is an active, feet planted, not gonna move, not gonna be swayed, gonna hold onto my God no matter what it takes, kind of thing. The important thing to see here is that our waiting is part of God's promise: once we wait, He renews our strength.
Look at another promise: Psalm 37:4. "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." First, delight in God. Revel in Him, enjoy Him, drink Him in. THEN He will give you the desires of your heart. Why do you think God designed this promise this way? Could it be because He knows that once we are swimming in the sea of His goodness, His love, His life, the desires of our heart could change? The wants and wishes we have could become more like Him and His, setting us up for eternal success instead of failure?
Isn't that what today's verse is all about? The shepherds returned to their fields, praising and glorifying God. They were certainly delighted in Him, weren't they? I'll bet they couldn't sleep that night! Not only did they see the Messiah, but it happened exactly as they were told. God's promises aren't negotiable. What's that old song? "God said it, I believe it, and that settles it for me!" Think about that - not only did they go exactly as the angel had told them to, but they found exactly what the angel said they would find!
The shepherds (spelled it wrong again!) teach us so much. It doesn't matter who we are, God wants to reach us. God can use us. They didn't let themselves become encumbered with physical, emotional or mental baggage, providing an excuse to not go when God called them. And they took action, believing God's promise to be true.
Who would have thought a seemingly small part of the Christmas story could teach us so much about life?
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The Shepherds Take Off
"When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.'" Luke 2:15
It's amazing to me that these shepherds, these inconsequential non-members of society, weren't content to sit with what they knew. They might have not been educated or wealthy, but they were smart enough to know that something amazing had happened, and they wanted to be a part of it! They didn't doubt for one minute that they had heard from God. They didn't take time to organize a committee or map out a plan. They took action - look at the verbs that they used. "Go!" "See!" Those are action words!
Perhaps another reason God chose to use shepherds was because they were transient. They were able to spontaneously take off, unworried about the sheep and focused on finding this baby. They didn't have to pack anything - not that they had anything to pack anyway - and all they wanted to do was see what the Lord had told them about.
Are you ready? Are you unhindered by physical, emotional, and mental baggage, so that when God calls you to see, you are able to go? So often we are worried about God calling us to "do" something. Yet what is more likely is that God is calling us to "see" something that He is doing. Yes, many times when we see what God is doing, we are impassioned to get involved. But it's not about our doing. It's about His.
Live today this way. Make a choice to be willing to be unencumbered, so that when God has something for you to see, your eyes will be open to see it. We've got one more day with the shepherds - tomorrow we'll see how they responded to seeing the Christ child.
It's amazing to me that these shepherds, these inconsequential non-members of society, weren't content to sit with what they knew. They might have not been educated or wealthy, but they were smart enough to know that something amazing had happened, and they wanted to be a part of it! They didn't doubt for one minute that they had heard from God. They didn't take time to organize a committee or map out a plan. They took action - look at the verbs that they used. "Go!" "See!" Those are action words!
Perhaps another reason God chose to use shepherds was because they were transient. They were able to spontaneously take off, unworried about the sheep and focused on finding this baby. They didn't have to pack anything - not that they had anything to pack anyway - and all they wanted to do was see what the Lord had told them about.
Are you ready? Are you unhindered by physical, emotional, and mental baggage, so that when God calls you to see, you are able to go? So often we are worried about God calling us to "do" something. Yet what is more likely is that God is calling us to "see" something that He is doing. Yes, many times when we see what God is doing, we are impassioned to get involved. But it's not about our doing. It's about His.
Live today this way. Make a choice to be willing to be unencumbered, so that when God has something for you to see, your eyes will be open to see it. We've got one more day with the shepherds - tomorrow we'll see how they responded to seeing the Christ child.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Who Were the Shepherds?
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke chapter 2
Why did God choose shepherds to be the first to know about the birth of his son? From a marketing standpoint, it doesn't make much sense. Bethlehem was filled with throngs of people at that time, gathering for the census. There were a lot of high and mighty people gathered! Jesus was the Messiah - why not tell the Jewish leaders, who had waited for so long? Jesus was the King - why not send a warning to political leaders? Jesus was, at the very least, the grandchild for Mary and Joseph's families - why not send an angelic messenger to them?
Isn't it just like God to not be concerned with sending political, religious or social messages? Isn't it just like God to be certain that even the lowliest of society would know the Good News? Shepherds, far from being the cute little romanticized caretakers we may think of, were on the outskirts of Jewish society. At that time, many shepherds were either slaves of wealthy families who hired them to care for their herds of sheep or they were gypsy-like vagabonds traveling from region to region selling their sheep. There was a common stereotype that shepherds were thieves and should not be trusted. That is why, most often, shepherds rarely ventured into town.
Doesn't this knowledge just amaze you? Knowing who shepherds were, God chose them. Knowing what society - including the "religious" folks - thought about shepherds didn't stop God from using them in His most powerful plan. And it certainly didn't stop Jesus from referring to Himself as our shepherd in John 10:11: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
Perhaps, if Jesus walked among us today, He would be a janitor or custodian. And perhaps, if Jesus were to be born in today's society, God's equivalent of announcing his birth to the shepherds would be to tell . . . I don't know, the homeless men staying warm under an overpass. Do you understand my point? God had a plan that night, and His plan didn't include making the high and mighty - both religious and non-religious - feel good about themselves!
No, His plan was to use the least of these. The one thing we can say about these men and boys is that as shepherds, they would have been consistently looking to the sky. They knew how to read the stars, they could predict weather by what they saw in the clouds and by the wind, and move their sheep to safer ground. Perhaps that is why God chose them. Perhaps it is because the movers and shakers in Bethlehem never looked up, and wouldn't have noticed an angel in the sky. Shepherds were always watching and listening. Was anyone else watching and listening that night?
How about you? Are you watching for God? Are you listening to His voice? Are you living in an expectant manner, open and available to hear from Him? What good news does He have to share with you, that you are perhaps missing because your eyes are focused on something else?
That's all for today. Tomorrow we will talk about what the shepherds did with once the angels left them. I'm enjoying learning about all of this and sharing it with you!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The Angel Witnesses
I also imagine that the angels were so excited for mankind to meet their friend Jesus. They had known him for thousands of years, known him fully as God. They had to have loved him so much, as evidenced in their song of praise, right?
Yesterday, I thought that maybe they didn't know God's plan for Jesus to die. But I've changed my mind. This is strictly my opinion, of course. They surely would have known the prophecies that God had given His people through the centuries. And the prophecies were fairly clear about Jesus' fate. Yet still they were excited! Because they also knew God in a way beyond our understanding, and they surely knew God was the ultimate winner!
Let's look at Luke chapter 2 again:
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (verses 9-14)
We know that one angel delivered the initial message (WOW!! Wouldn't you love to have been picked for this job?). Then he was joined by a great company. They are the heavenly host. We don't know how many angels are in a company. Since angels are God's warriors, let's look at it from a military standpoint. Dictionary.com defines a company as a body of troops consisting of two or three platoons. A platoon is made up of two or more squads. A squad is made of around 12 soldiers. So . . . conservatively speaking . . . two squads of 12=24. Two platoons of 24=48. So 48 soldiers would very conservatively be one company. But Luke refers to a "great" company. So let's just say that a company of heavenly hosts is 100 angels. Now let's look at the type of angels.
First, there are cherubim. Cherubim, despite the earthly depictions as child-like, cupid-type creatures, are said to be guardians. They have four faces: one of a man, an eagle, an ox, and a lion. They also have four wings, and under the wings, human-like hands. They are guardians: they have guarded the Ark of the Covenant, and the Tree of Life in the garden of Eden. Cherubim are mentioned in Genesis 3:24 ; Ezekiel 10:17–20 , 28:14-16; and 1 Kings 6:23–28
The next angels described in the Bible are Seraphim. Seraphim serve as the caretakers of God's throne. In Isaiah 6 they continually shout praises to God: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts. All the earth is filled with His Glory." Seraphim have six wings: two covering their faces, two covering their bodies, and two with which they fly. The word "saraph," the singular of Seraphim, is translated as "fiery" or "burning ones", and it is said that they burn eternally with love and zeal for God. Seraphim are mentioned in Isaiah 6:1-7, Revelation 4:8, and Ezekiel 1:27.
The third set of angels are the archangels. There are two archangels mentioned by name in the Bible: Gabriel and Michael. Gabriel appears to be the messenger angel and Michael is the warrior. While no physical descriptions are given of them, both angels are mentioned by name in both the Old and New Testaments. It's quite easy to imagine that Gabriel is the angel who first appeared to the shepherds. Some religions cite references to seven archangels. They are traditionally thought of to be the protectors of nations.
That's a fairly short description . . . but NOW imagine the scene on the hillside where the shepherds lay. Imagine 100 multi-winged creatures streaming through the sky. Imagine guardians, warriors, messengers and caretakers, joyfully singing praises to God, worshiping the fact that His child had finally been born. Imagine their beautiful voices, see their breathtaking flights through the starry sky.
Can you imagine? How wonderful it must have been, how long they must have waited to deliver this good news! Just imagine . . . just imagine . . .
Yesterday, I thought that maybe they didn't know God's plan for Jesus to die. But I've changed my mind. This is strictly my opinion, of course. They surely would have known the prophecies that God had given His people through the centuries. And the prophecies were fairly clear about Jesus' fate. Yet still they were excited! Because they also knew God in a way beyond our understanding, and they surely knew God was the ultimate winner!
Let's look at Luke chapter 2 again:
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (verses 9-14)
We know that one angel delivered the initial message (WOW!! Wouldn't you love to have been picked for this job?). Then he was joined by a great company. They are the heavenly host. We don't know how many angels are in a company. Since angels are God's warriors, let's look at it from a military standpoint. Dictionary.com defines a company as a body of troops consisting of two or three platoons. A platoon is made up of two or more squads. A squad is made of around 12 soldiers. So . . . conservatively speaking . . . two squads of 12=24. Two platoons of 24=48. So 48 soldiers would very conservatively be one company. But Luke refers to a "great" company. So let's just say that a company of heavenly hosts is 100 angels. Now let's look at the type of angels.
First, there are cherubim. Cherubim, despite the earthly depictions as child-like, cupid-type creatures, are said to be guardians. They have four faces: one of a man, an eagle, an ox, and a lion. They also have four wings, and under the wings, human-like hands. They are guardians: they have guarded the Ark of the Covenant, and the Tree of Life in the garden of Eden. Cherubim are mentioned in Genesis 3:24 ; Ezekiel 10:17–20 , 28:14-16; and 1 Kings 6:23–28
The next angels described in the Bible are Seraphim. Seraphim serve as the caretakers of God's throne. In Isaiah 6 they continually shout praises to God: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts. All the earth is filled with His Glory." Seraphim have six wings: two covering their faces, two covering their bodies, and two with which they fly. The word "saraph," the singular of Seraphim, is translated as "fiery" or "burning ones", and it is said that they burn eternally with love and zeal for God. Seraphim are mentioned in Isaiah 6:1-7, Revelation 4:8, and Ezekiel 1:27.
The third set of angels are the archangels. There are two archangels mentioned by name in the Bible: Gabriel and Michael. Gabriel appears to be the messenger angel and Michael is the warrior. While no physical descriptions are given of them, both angels are mentioned by name in both the Old and New Testaments. It's quite easy to imagine that Gabriel is the angel who first appeared to the shepherds. Some religions cite references to seven archangels. They are traditionally thought of to be the protectors of nations.
That's a fairly short description . . . but NOW imagine the scene on the hillside where the shepherds lay. Imagine 100 multi-winged creatures streaming through the sky. Imagine guardians, warriors, messengers and caretakers, joyfully singing praises to God, worshiping the fact that His child had finally been born. Imagine their beautiful voices, see their breathtaking flights through the starry sky.
Can you imagine? How wonderful it must have been, how long they must have waited to deliver this good news! Just imagine . . . just imagine . . .
Monday, December 14, 2009
The Witnesses
Over the next several days, I'd like to take time to think about the pronouncements of that first Christmas. What do we really know about those who were a part of this Christmas story? My intent is to focus on the witnesses to this miracle (however, if God leads me elsewhere, I'll follow!) - the angels, the shepherds, and the wise men.
Have you ever thought about the angels who proclaimed Christ's birth to the shepherds. Let's look at Luke chapter 2: And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (verses 8 - 14)
I wonder . . . I don't know a lot about angels. Here's what I do know. The word "angel" means "messenger of Yahweh, or messenger of God. Angels are not born or descended from a race of angels (see Luke 20:34-36). However, they are not eternal, as the Bible talks about the creation of angels in Nehemiah 9:5-6: "Blessed be your glorious name, exalted above all blessing and praise! You're the one, God, you alone; You made the heavens, the heavens of heavens, and all angels; The earth and everything on it, the seas and everything in them; You keep them all alive; heaven's angels worship you!" (See also Psalm 148:2,5 & Colossians 1:16-17).
Angels (or "heavenly hosts") are mentioned at least 108 times in the Old Testament, and 165 times in the New Testament. We also know from the scripture above that angels are heavenly, spiritual beings.
I tell you all this because . . . the conclusion that I draw is that angels had to have known Jesus before He was born as a man. Since there is only one God, one Creator who is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent, we can also reasonably conclude that God might not have shared with the hosts of heaven His complete plan for Jesus' earthly mission. Angels might not have been foreseeing Christ's agony which was to come in 33 short years. But even if they had known . . . These angels, messengers of God, had known Jesus Christ for thousands of years.
Today my son was in a Christmas show. Yesterday at dress rehearsal the director chided them a bit as they (wearily) recited the scripture from Luke 2, above: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." She challenged them to think like angels, to proclaim like angels, to imagine how the angels would have really sounded.
Can you imagine what that must have sounded like? Let's use our imaginations and really dream about that for a bit. I can almost see a light show in the sky of angels and shooting stars, dancing and racing through the sky as shared with common beings the best news of eternity. I mean . . . can you imagine? Maybe in our modern terminology, it would be something like: "He's here! He's finally here!! God has done what He promised! God loves you, and His promised one is here! God is so awesome! Praise you, God!"
I found this video on youtube.com. Click on the link to watch it. I imagine it as perhaps 1/100th of the magnificence of that night. We'll talk more about the angels tomorrow, but for today . . . just watch. Tell me what you think! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVrK4fxbsiY (If the link doesn't work I believe you can just copy and paste the web address into your internet browser.)
Have you ever thought about the angels who proclaimed Christ's birth to the shepherds. Let's look at Luke chapter 2: And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (verses 8 - 14)
I wonder . . . I don't know a lot about angels. Here's what I do know. The word "angel" means "messenger of Yahweh, or messenger of God. Angels are not born or descended from a race of angels (see Luke 20:34-36). However, they are not eternal, as the Bible talks about the creation of angels in Nehemiah 9:5-6: "Blessed be your glorious name, exalted above all blessing and praise! You're the one, God, you alone; You made the heavens, the heavens of heavens, and all angels; The earth and everything on it, the seas and everything in them; You keep them all alive; heaven's angels worship you!" (See also Psalm 148:2,5 & Colossians 1:16-17).
Angels (or "heavenly hosts") are mentioned at least 108 times in the Old Testament, and 165 times in the New Testament. We also know from the scripture above that angels are heavenly, spiritual beings.
I tell you all this because . . . the conclusion that I draw is that angels had to have known Jesus before He was born as a man. Since there is only one God, one Creator who is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent, we can also reasonably conclude that God might not have shared with the hosts of heaven His complete plan for Jesus' earthly mission. Angels might not have been foreseeing Christ's agony which was to come in 33 short years. But even if they had known . . . These angels, messengers of God, had known Jesus Christ for thousands of years.
Today my son was in a Christmas show. Yesterday at dress rehearsal the director chided them a bit as they (wearily) recited the scripture from Luke 2, above: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." She challenged them to think like angels, to proclaim like angels, to imagine how the angels would have really sounded.
Can you imagine what that must have sounded like? Let's use our imaginations and really dream about that for a bit. I can almost see a light show in the sky of angels and shooting stars, dancing and racing through the sky as shared with common beings the best news of eternity. I mean . . . can you imagine? Maybe in our modern terminology, it would be something like: "He's here! He's finally here!! God has done what He promised! God loves you, and His promised one is here! God is so awesome! Praise you, God!"
I found this video on youtube.com. Click on the link to watch it. I imagine it as perhaps 1/100th of the magnificence of that night. We'll talk more about the angels tomorrow, but for today . . . just watch. Tell me what you think! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVrK4fxbsiY (If the link doesn't work I believe you can just copy and paste the web address into your internet browser.)
Friday, December 11, 2009
The World Needs a Savior, pt. 2
Yesterday we talked about how much the world is drawn to Christmas. We have fallen into a trap of looking down on the fact that Christmas begins early, as early as September. However, I think it's awesome, because I think that it's just an example of how much the world is hungry for Christ.
We are looking at the verse in Isaiah 9:6: " For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
For most of us, Christmas is a fun time, a season of rejoicing. But for others, it can be a painful time, either from bad memories or current hurts. And yet, this season is just as much for the hurting as it is for the rejoicing. Look at the verse above . . . this season, this celebration of Christ's birth, has given us a counselor, a Prince of Peace. As difficult as this time can be, God has promised us more than this. Jeremiah 31 says " I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow (verse 13)."
The promise of the Christ is the same promise that turns our mourning into gladness. Notice that God didn't say He'll make it all better, or you'll feel better next year. He doesn't give a timetable. He simply gives Himself as a promise to comfort us. He'll turn our sorrow to joy.
If you are hurting this Christmas season, or know someone who is, don't sweep it under the rug. Through your tears you can still rejoice in the knowledge that God will comfort you. The same God who promised the Savior thousands of years ago has also promised to bring you comfort and joy. How ironic that one of our most beloved Christmas carols mimics this verse:
"God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay.
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day.
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy."
We are looking at the verse in Isaiah 9:6: " For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
For most of us, Christmas is a fun time, a season of rejoicing. But for others, it can be a painful time, either from bad memories or current hurts. And yet, this season is just as much for the hurting as it is for the rejoicing. Look at the verse above . . . this season, this celebration of Christ's birth, has given us a counselor, a Prince of Peace. As difficult as this time can be, God has promised us more than this. Jeremiah 31 says " I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow (verse 13)."
The promise of the Christ is the same promise that turns our mourning into gladness. Notice that God didn't say He'll make it all better, or you'll feel better next year. He doesn't give a timetable. He simply gives Himself as a promise to comfort us. He'll turn our sorrow to joy.
If you are hurting this Christmas season, or know someone who is, don't sweep it under the rug. Through your tears you can still rejoice in the knowledge that God will comfort you. The same God who promised the Savior thousands of years ago has also promised to bring you comfort and joy. How ironic that one of our most beloved Christmas carols mimics this verse:
"God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay.
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day.
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy."
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The World Needs a Savior
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. " Isaiah 9:6
Christmas is such a wonderful time. Although most Christians recognize that Jesus probably wasn't born on exactly December 25 (many theologians point towards a date sometime in mid-September, there are many citations on the internet), we still have chosen to celebrate His birth on this day. I'm not looking to debate the merits of the celebration today. I'm looking to recognize what a special time it is.
Let's face it, even for Christians,Christmas isn't just about Jesus. It's about spending time with family, Christmas pageants, good food and cool gifts. Sometimes we hear Christians lament the fact that Jesus isn't the ONLY reason for the season. Of course, He is THE reason for the season, but isn't God so awesome? He gives us this time of celebration and allows us to celebrate with family, friends, even strangers sometimes. We don't have to scream and yell and tell the world they are wrong because they celebrate Christmas the wrong way. Because they aren't wrong - not totally.
Christmas advertising begins in the fall, and we've all seen the tinsel and lights and thought, "This is crazy! It's too early!" But this year, I thought something else. I realized that I don't need anymore evidence than Christmas in September to recognize how much the world is hungry for a savior.
They substitute that need with lights, gifts and snowmen and reindeer. But I see what they really want - they want to come home for Christmas. There's a quote from a woman named Carol Nelson who says, "Christmas is a time when you get homesick-even when you're home." I've felt that before, have you?
Now I recognize what I'm homesick for. I'm homesick for my eternal home, with my eternal Father. And so are non-Christians, even though they don't recognize it. During this Christmas season, from September to January, we practically have a written invitation from the world to talk about Jesus. They want to talk about Christmas - so let's talk! They want to advertise and buy gifts - let's show them what the true gift is. Christmas is a time when even the hardest-hearted Scrooge gets mushy and lovey. So let's use that opportunity for Christ. Instead of bemoaning how early Christmas starts, let's celebrate it!!
When you're comparing your gift list with your neighbor tomorrow, remind yourself of the scripture above: For unto us, a Son is given. The greatest gift. The only gift. The eternal gift.
Tomorrow we'll talk about how Christmas is a gift, even when it brings us sadness. Because of Christmas, we have a Wonderful Counselor . . . and more.
Christmas is such a wonderful time. Although most Christians recognize that Jesus probably wasn't born on exactly December 25 (many theologians point towards a date sometime in mid-September, there are many citations on the internet), we still have chosen to celebrate His birth on this day. I'm not looking to debate the merits of the celebration today. I'm looking to recognize what a special time it is.
Let's face it, even for Christians,Christmas isn't just about Jesus. It's about spending time with family, Christmas pageants, good food and cool gifts. Sometimes we hear Christians lament the fact that Jesus isn't the ONLY reason for the season. Of course, He is THE reason for the season, but isn't God so awesome? He gives us this time of celebration and allows us to celebrate with family, friends, even strangers sometimes. We don't have to scream and yell and tell the world they are wrong because they celebrate Christmas the wrong way. Because they aren't wrong - not totally.
Christmas advertising begins in the fall, and we've all seen the tinsel and lights and thought, "This is crazy! It's too early!" But this year, I thought something else. I realized that I don't need anymore evidence than Christmas in September to recognize how much the world is hungry for a savior.
They substitute that need with lights, gifts and snowmen and reindeer. But I see what they really want - they want to come home for Christmas. There's a quote from a woman named Carol Nelson who says, "Christmas is a time when you get homesick-even when you're home." I've felt that before, have you?
Now I recognize what I'm homesick for. I'm homesick for my eternal home, with my eternal Father. And so are non-Christians, even though they don't recognize it. During this Christmas season, from September to January, we practically have a written invitation from the world to talk about Jesus. They want to talk about Christmas - so let's talk! They want to advertise and buy gifts - let's show them what the true gift is. Christmas is a time when even the hardest-hearted Scrooge gets mushy and lovey. So let's use that opportunity for Christ. Instead of bemoaning how early Christmas starts, let's celebrate it!!
When you're comparing your gift list with your neighbor tomorrow, remind yourself of the scripture above: For unto us, a Son is given. The greatest gift. The only gift. The eternal gift.
Tomorrow we'll talk about how Christmas is a gift, even when it brings us sadness. Because of Christmas, we have a Wonderful Counselor . . . and more.
Baby It's Cold Outside
I write this from the 32nd floor of the Marriott Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. It's snowy, cold, and windy. Really windy. I expect to see cows blowing by at any moment. (Remember the movie Twister?)
There are several spiritual lessons I am taking from this weather. First of all, I kind of asked for it. I love winter! I love snow, and I love Chicago, so I'm not going to complain. At least not so anyone can hear me and subsequently throw it back in my face. Just kidding. But seriously, I'm reminded that God doesn't always save us from what we ask for. Sometimes He gives it to us or allows it to happen, even when He knows we'll complain later. Or, He doesn't give us what we do ask for, because - as you know - He's Creator of the Universe and knows a bit more about what's going on then we do.
Secondly, sometimes we have cold seasons in our life spiritually. Times when, though it seems we are doing the same things we have always been doing, we are not having the same experience with God that we always had. Our reaction can be to unravel; unless we are intentional about looking inward and upward, we take this cold season as an excuse to go do our own thing. I love how Paul winds down 1 Corinthians, in chapter 16: "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love."
Being "on guard" has clear implications of being purposeful and meaningful. If we are not allowing God to change us, we enter a cold season where we slow down spiritually, even reaching the point of death.
Sometimes we also confuse a cold season with a waiting season; or should I say, sometimes a waiting season becomes a cold season. We become frustrated with God, thinking that we should looking for the open door or window. But sometimes God tells us to wait! We all know the Isaiah 40:31 verse: "But they who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not grow weary; they shall walk and not grow faint." That is the King James version; the NIV says that they who "hope" in the Lord shall renew their strength. Waiting is not a passive activity.
Think of how your children are waiting for Christmas to get here. They are expectant, eyes open, always looking for signs that it's getting closer and closer. That's how we wait for God. It's an awesome thing, and we have to be careful to not look at it as a . . . . bummer. !!!! Waiting on Him is hoping in Him.
Well, speaking of Christmas, I'll be writing about it over the next several days. Hope you'll join me!
There are several spiritual lessons I am taking from this weather. First of all, I kind of asked for it. I love winter! I love snow, and I love Chicago, so I'm not going to complain. At least not so anyone can hear me and subsequently throw it back in my face. Just kidding. But seriously, I'm reminded that God doesn't always save us from what we ask for. Sometimes He gives it to us or allows it to happen, even when He knows we'll complain later. Or, He doesn't give us what we do ask for, because - as you know - He's Creator of the Universe and knows a bit more about what's going on then we do.
Secondly, sometimes we have cold seasons in our life spiritually. Times when, though it seems we are doing the same things we have always been doing, we are not having the same experience with God that we always had. Our reaction can be to unravel; unless we are intentional about looking inward and upward, we take this cold season as an excuse to go do our own thing. I love how Paul winds down 1 Corinthians, in chapter 16: "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love."
Being "on guard" has clear implications of being purposeful and meaningful. If we are not allowing God to change us, we enter a cold season where we slow down spiritually, even reaching the point of death.
Sometimes we also confuse a cold season with a waiting season; or should I say, sometimes a waiting season becomes a cold season. We become frustrated with God, thinking that we should looking for the open door or window. But sometimes God tells us to wait! We all know the Isaiah 40:31 verse: "But they who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not grow weary; they shall walk and not grow faint." That is the King James version; the NIV says that they who "hope" in the Lord shall renew their strength. Waiting is not a passive activity.
Think of how your children are waiting for Christmas to get here. They are expectant, eyes open, always looking for signs that it's getting closer and closer. That's how we wait for God. It's an awesome thing, and we have to be careful to not look at it as a . . . . bummer. !!!! Waiting on Him is hoping in Him.
Well, speaking of Christmas, I'll be writing about it over the next several days. Hope you'll join me!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Again . . . love
It's been 12 days since I've posted. Part of the reason is because I have been busy like crazy. But a lot of the reason is that I've been pouting. I've had a bit of a personal . . . well, crisis may be too strong a word, but that's how it felt. I've been under attack, that I know for sure, and though the attack came from a so-called friend, the real battle has been spiritual.
When you find out that those you thought were loyal friends actually aren't, doesn't it cause you to doubt everything? When I learned recently of some harsh things that were said about me, it caused me to doubt myself, my ministry, my ability to lead . . . it caused me to doubt writing this blog. I thought, how can I lead anyone, when I know there are people who think these horrible things about me? That's when I remembered that for me, it's not about leading. It's about serving. Serving God through serving others.
I started this blog because I felt led to do so by my dad. Not my earthly father, but my eternal Father. My Abba Father, my Creator. The one who loves me deeply and passionately and with an all-consuming love. So I write this for Him, and if 9 people see it every day, if a few people get something out of it once in a while, that's great. But it's not for you. It's not for me. It's for Him.
Anyway, I realized that the earthly attack I felt was really only a cover for a spiritual attack, and I failed miserably. One of the groups I am in at church is studying the book, Crazy Love by Francis Chan. So check this out: I learned of this attack last Monday. On Wednesday we were reading the 2nd chapter of the book, where Chan shared his thoughts about stress and worry. He referred to Philippians 4:4: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Paul didn't say . . . hey, if you are worry-free, have no problems, or maybe when your problems are over . . . rejoice. No, it's not an offer or suggestion. It's a command: REJOICE! When I am overwhelmed with stress, worry, busyness, or feel under attack, and do not rejoice, I am disobeying God. I am telling Him that it's my right to worry, that this commandment doesn't apply to me. In fact, I am telling God that I do not trust His ability to take care of me.
I do not want to tell God that. I want to honor Him in everything I do. And the bottom line is, in my personal situation . . . I need to remember to live for an audience of One. When I keep that at the forefront of my mind and heart, it is easy to rejoice. It's natural, because I am thinking of the One who created me, purposed me, has a plan for me, died for me . . . the One who loves me.
When you find out that those you thought were loyal friends actually aren't, doesn't it cause you to doubt everything? When I learned recently of some harsh things that were said about me, it caused me to doubt myself, my ministry, my ability to lead . . . it caused me to doubt writing this blog. I thought, how can I lead anyone, when I know there are people who think these horrible things about me? That's when I remembered that for me, it's not about leading. It's about serving. Serving God through serving others.
I started this blog because I felt led to do so by my dad. Not my earthly father, but my eternal Father. My Abba Father, my Creator. The one who loves me deeply and passionately and with an all-consuming love. So I write this for Him, and if 9 people see it every day, if a few people get something out of it once in a while, that's great. But it's not for you. It's not for me. It's for Him.
Anyway, I realized that the earthly attack I felt was really only a cover for a spiritual attack, and I failed miserably. One of the groups I am in at church is studying the book, Crazy Love by Francis Chan. So check this out: I learned of this attack last Monday. On Wednesday we were reading the 2nd chapter of the book, where Chan shared his thoughts about stress and worry. He referred to Philippians 4:4: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Paul didn't say . . . hey, if you are worry-free, have no problems, or maybe when your problems are over . . . rejoice. No, it's not an offer or suggestion. It's a command: REJOICE! When I am overwhelmed with stress, worry, busyness, or feel under attack, and do not rejoice, I am disobeying God. I am telling Him that it's my right to worry, that this commandment doesn't apply to me. In fact, I am telling God that I do not trust His ability to take care of me.
I do not want to tell God that. I want to honor Him in everything I do. And the bottom line is, in my personal situation . . . I need to remember to live for an audience of One. When I keep that at the forefront of my mind and heart, it is easy to rejoice. It's natural, because I am thinking of the One who created me, purposed me, has a plan for me, died for me . . . the One who loves me.
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