Acceptance

Scripture:

Numbers 10, 11

Psalm 27

A psalm of David.

¹ The Lord is my light and my salvation—
so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
so why should I tremble?
² When evil people come to devour me,
when my enemies and foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
³ Though a mighty army surrounds me,
my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked,
I will remain confident.

Observations:

There is a common theory dancing through the courts of Christian culture.  In an apparent rebellion of dysfunctional church hierarchies, we, the church, has moved to a more democratic structure.  While this certainly fits a progressive governmental process, it isn’t modeled in the Bible.

Last week, at a leadership gathering, one of the people asked, “Well,” he said, “Can’t God speak to us as well as He can to you?”

Now, there’s really no easy way to answer that question without coming across as arrogant, power-hungry, and maybe even dismissive.  But the fact of the matter is, God works through leaders to accomplish His purposes.  Sometimes these leaders are in official capacities (e.g. David as the King of Israel), and sometimes these leaders are “unofficial” (e.g. Jonathan when he and his armorbearer attacked the Philistines).  But one of my favorite examples of how an unofficial leader operates, in the face of the annointed leaders, is when David refused to attack Saul, when they were in the cave.

I have no doubt that God brought me to Columbia County to lead.  I have no doubt that I am imperfect, and I’ve made mistakes (for which I’ve repented and asked forgiveness).  But it is quite apparent to me that others don’t see this so clearly.  I don’t believe it is my place to correct them.

Applications:

I really relate to several of Moses’ laments in the above texts.  First, he asks God “why did he have to bear the burdens of these people?“  Then, he pleads with God to deal with these folks.  But, it isn’t until much later in Moses’ maturation process that he pleads with God to take him, in order to atone for the sins of the people.  I see this as the capstone of Moses’ spiritual growth.  This is where he begins to represent Jesus.

Until I can learn to absorb and deflect the complaints, attacks, and gossip of the people, I’m not their leader.  Until I can be willing to suffer for their sins, I am unable to stand in the gap for them.

Prayer:

Father God, continue to humble me, break me, and teach me.  Give me strength, courage, and hope.

Blind to the Light

Scripture:

Mark 16:8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

Observations:

The women went to the tomb expecting one thing, and they found another. They fled. They ran away. They didn’t say anything to anyone. They were afraid.

Why were they afraid?

Partly, I believe, because their reality did not meet their expectations. Partly because they put their hopes on something tangible – and they were left with the intangible. Partly, because now they had no schema to hang their hat upon.

Application(s):

How does this apply to me? Where are my expectations? What is my schema, paradigm, and plan? Do I rely upon the tangible, or the intangible? Where will I hang my hat?

Currently, I have some friends who are under a great deal of attack – spiritual, political, social, and emotional. I see things pretty clearly. I have written my thoughts and sent them to people I trust. They agree with my assessments. Unfortunately, my friends do not. They took time to defend themselves and to attempt to slay all of my observations. It is as if they arrived at this situation and didn’t find what they expected – and now they are running away in fear.

They are bewildered.

Prayer:

Father God, please help my friends to see the light. You are the Light. Help them to see you.

The Kingdom of God is ????

Scripture:

Mark 9:1 And he said to them, “I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.”

24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.^{[and fasting]}“

50 “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”

Observations:

Jesus talks about the Kingdom of God coming with power, before some standing there (and hearing this comment) “taste” death. Six days later, the transfiguration occurs. Is this it? Is this the Kingdom?

Then, coming off the mountain, Jesus confronts a controversy and casts a demon out of a boy. The disciples ask why they were unable to do this and Jesus talks about their desire. It only comes with “much fasting and prayer” he says. Is this the Kingdom of God?

Then Jesus talks about being salty. To be flavor, to preserve, to enhance, to impact – there are many interpretations and analogies to be made here. However, if we, as disciples are salty and make an impact, are we not bringing the Kingdom in power to the rest of the world? Is this the Kingdom?

I do not believe it is any accident that these texts are linked together.

Application(s):

Too many Christians are so focused on the ever after, the afterlife, the Heaven experience, and the Second-coming that they miss the true value of the Kingdom of God. It isn’t so much to enhance my life as it is to enhance God’s presence in a world that has turned their back on Him. God told Moses that He is the “I Am.” Yet, the world tells themselves that it is all about “me.” As God is revealed in the lives of others, their lives are changed, but better yet, God’s character is vindicated.

As we learn to worship, pray, fast, and truly experience God, the Universe experiences the Kingdom of God with power, and glory, and grace, and love. This is the power of the Kingdom.

It isn’t about me, my tasks, or my agenda. Today, and only today, because I must take one day at a time, I must submit to God’s agenda for my life.

Prayer:

Father God. “Time keeps on slipping, slipping, slipping, into the future.” I have the best of intentions, but those intentions are “like ropes of sand.” It is a vicious cycle that drives me into busyness, missed sleep opportunities, and broken/damaged relationships (with you, my family, and others). Today is all I have and I must submit to You.

He says:  “I am your God.”

gw