My New Year's Resolution: To Lead By Following (Christ)

"As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.' At once they left their nets and followed Him."
Matthew 4:18-20

The start of another calendar year always seems to usher in a wave of unspoiled hopes and dreams. It bears a time to begin anew. To try something never done before, or revamp a habit, hobby, or a fellowship that has long suffered from neglect or underutilization. From this mindset flows a host of resolutions. Some commit themselves to exercising more, and eating healthier entrees so that they can be viewed in a new light (from without and from within). Some commit themselves to relinquishing destructive (spiritually or physically) patterns in order to feel better and be perceived as improved. And some commit themselves to making positive strides in family and communal relationships so that they can enjoy unity rather than disunity. And while all of these pursuits are good, provided they are generated with the right motive (for God's glory rather than self glory), I find myself holding onto one firm desire: to lead others, specifically in my home, by following Jesus.

This may sound like an understood goal that I should have already obtained as a mature believer, but as I grow in my knowledge of God's Word I realize how far from I am from fully relinquishing control of my life to Christ. Yes, I surrendered a Jesus-centered confession many years ago as a teenager, recognizing Jesus is my Lord and Savior, Who alone can reconcile me to God through His sacrifice at Calvary. And this glorious declaration secured my eternal residence in heaven. But faith goes beyond an internal, or external, proclamation of Christ's divinity. Faith, in its purest, truest form, should comprise an all-encompassing, unyielding desire to let God have the reins of my life. It should exhibit humility, honor, and holiness. It should be motivated by giving, not taking. It should be total, unadulterated allegiance to God. In other words, faith seeks to bring the Lord praise through personal unbending service. And I admit this type of faith, although present at moments in my life, is not yet the default state of my heart. And this is why I want to lead by following Jesus, genuinely and wholeheartedly.

And so when I read a passage like Matthew 4:18-20 I am convicted because I question whether or not I possess the same type of "all in" heart that the disciples displayed when Jesus called them to go and follow Him into the great unknown. Picture the scene. Peter, Andrew, James and John were examining their nets. It was an ordinary day for these anglers, a profession that can be grueling and competitive (after all there are only so many fish in the sea). They spent hours daily performing the same task. Cast then retract. Cast then retract. And sometimes the wear and tear on the fishing nets required patching for any weakness in the net would threaten to lose a precious haul of fish. Their work was the very manner in which they provided for their families and supplied for their pressing, legitimate needs. Obviously, fishing was their very livelihood. And as they were looking over their nets on a presumably average day, preparing the next cast, a stranger walked up to them, dressed in ordinary, everyday attire, and asked them to come and follow him. His words were few, and his promise was rather vague. Yet something was clearly different about this individual. His voice, tone, and spirit all conveyed a depth, a spirituality, that was unlike any demeanor that Peter, Andrew, James, or John had ever experienced from a rabbi in their synagogye  Peter and Andrew dropped their fishing nets and followed. James and John did as well, but also left their father behind who was fishing with them. 

Clearly, obedience is not some feeble step toward God. It is an all-in, here is my life kind of faith-based sacrifice. Each day we must choose to place God above everything in our lives. We must let His will guide us and lead us. But notice a few elements to these few short verses. One, the initiation. Jesus initiated the communication and the conditions regarding the opportunity for discipleship. Just as God called out to Moses from a burning bush in Exodus 3 so Jesus called out to Peter, Andrew, James, John, and eight others (to be His students and future servants). This is how it has always been. God, as the Creator, finds us when He determines we are ready for His work. We are made in His image, which is a continual reminder that we are not put on this planet for our own adoration and legacy. We are here to advance God's legacy. And when God calls out to us we would do well to model our response after that of the disciples: to drop our figurative nets (that which affixes us to this our self-focused world) and go wherever He leads.

Two, the invitation. Jesus invited the disciples to follow Him. He did not say, at first, what that choice would entail (persecution, death, and exile). But that was not the point. The flesh is consumed with the "hows and whys" of such situations. What are the conditions and requirements we will be subjected to? But faith chooses not to dwell on the details, or anticipated hardships to the brink of falling away. No, faith chooses to see the beauty of the holy invitation and partake of God's inclusiveness. When the Lord offers the opportunity to serve we should serve without hesitation or reservation. 

Three, the inheritance. Jesus pledged to make the disciples fishers of men. This was a pledge packed with divine implications. As Scripture would later confirm, the disciples (minus Judas Iscariot) were among the first to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2). The Holy Spirit fulfills many roles in the lives of believers, including the guarantee of eternal life (2 Corinthians 5:5). So as Jesus stood before the disciples and told them to join Him in His mission He was pledging a supreme inheritance, an everlasting inheritance. An inheritance that would rescue humanity (for those who find Christ's redemption) from despair and desolation. And so with all of this being said my new years's resolution, better yet my earthly lifelong resolution, is to lead, in my home, church, and community, by following Christ. He initiated my calling, invited me into forever fellowship, and gave me a wondrous inheritance. How can I deny His love and not follow Him, wherever that leads?

Father I pray that I would follow You in sincere and utter devotion. That the words of my mouth, the desires of my heart, and the actions of my life would resonate with complete, total allegiance to You. Help me not to exhibit a divided mind. Help me not to be consumed with selfish ambition, or corrupted values. Help me not to walk away from Your great and glorious purpose. When You call may I be ready and willing to go, without hesitation or reservation. Thank you Lord for Your love and Your grace. And thank You that You would allow me, a weakling, a wretch, into Your eternal kingdom through the sacrifice of Christ. May Jesus be the Lord of my heart and the passion of my soul. May my life be the proof of Your amazing love. Amen.  

                

An Amazing Christmas Story

"and she (Mary) gave birth to her firstborn, a son (Jesus). She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no room in the inn."
Luke 2:7

Sometimes I struggle to envision the story of Jesus' birth as it really was. I, like so many, revert to images that are often portrayed in church musicals or religious presentations. Many of you can relate to the traditional Christmas productions. Jesus, an adorable baby, is neatly wrapped in linen cloth, and sweetly held in Mary's tender grasp. Joseph happily, and silently, looks on, trying to take the whole scene in. Then there is a little bit of hay spread out on the ground. Perhaps a few shepherds and some wise men enter the scene to look upon the Messiah. But that is about the extent of it. So often such church Christmas productions are offered from the comfort of a plush, carpeted stage, making it difficult to grasp the type of grimy, dirty surroundings that Jesus really encountered when He entered this world in the form of a tender child. In other words, it is hard to contemplate, or acknowledge, some of the undesirable aspects that Mary and Joseph endured in welcoming Jesus here on earth, specifically the setting, surroundings, and sacrifice.

What was the setting? Bethlehem, home of David. There was nothing wrong with Bethlehem in and of itself. But Joseph and Mary were from Nazareth in Galilee (Luke 1:26-27). This meant that Mary gave birth to Jesus some eighty miles from home, equivalent to a four day journey in the ancient world. Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem because a census was issued by Caesar Augustus (Luke 2:1), requiring everyone to return to the traditionally-held epicenter of their lineage. But to go into labor in a place so far from where one currently resides is a major burden and strain for anyone, let alone someone so young as Mary probably was. Apparently Joseph and Mary had no close relatives in Bethlehem, which only added to the state of hardship, because the couple did not secure lodging in another's home. Even when they tried to stay at local inns they were turned away. The setting for Joseph and Mary was a foreign one, and yet this was the location God ordained for Jesus to be born, as prophesied in Micah 5:2.

What were the surroundings? Scripture does not provide us much in the way of details. Maybe it was a cave. Perhaps it was an animal pen of some sort. But whatever it was it was probably not the ideal setting to deliver a baby. The ground was likely rough. The supplies were certainly limited. After all, Joseph and Mary were on the outskirts of Bethlehem.  Why do I say this? Because angels appeared to shepherds in fields nearby, indicating Joseph and Mary had some separation from the immediate Bethlehem residential area. I wonder what it would be like to care for a baby when the air is thick with the stench of livestock. Of what it would be like to cradle a child when the environment requires crude candle light just to see a few feet in front of you. But this was presumably the surrounding that Joseph and Mary were forced to accept. 

What was the sacrifice? Joseph and Mary's lives would never be the same. Why? Because they had the Savior of the world in their care, and this entailed great responsibility, as well as great risk. We see this reality manifested quickly after Jesus' birth for Joseph was warned in a dream to flee to Egypt to avoid Herod's wrath (Matthew 2:13). Yet again, Joseph and Mary were relegated to packing up their meager belongings and journeying to a place that was not home, but would have to become home for a time. All the angelic visits and all the supernatural dreams that Joseph and Mary experienced confirmed that Jesus would be no ordinary child, but this also meant that Joseph and Mary were charged with an obligation to rightly care for the promised One, the Redeemer of the world.

When I review the setting, surroundings, and sacrifice of Jesus' birth in this light I find a wholly different perspective on the Christmas story. I see beauty, but not the worldly definition of beauty, which is marked by superficial, external markers. I see wonder, but not the worldly definition of wonder, which is characterized by feats of strength and success. I see grandeur, but not the worldly definition of grandeur, which is referenced with majestic landscapes or artistic contributions. I see a God Who chose to bless Joseph and Mary with the honor of raising Jesus because they had refinable, humble hearts. They were willing to accept the harsh setting. The arduous surroundings. The immense sacrifice. In short, Joseph and Mary revered God, so-much-so that they were willing to forego the comfort and pre-conceived direction of their lives for the sake of being vessels for God's glory. What an amazing Christmas story.       

The Cherishment of Christ

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."
Luke 2:19

Have you ever experienced a defining moment where you knew you would forever remember it, and forever cherish it? A moment that was so spectacular, so exceptional, that it continually causes you to sense joy every time you reflect upon it? A wedding day perhaps? Or maybe the birth of a child? Or the day that you, or a loved one, encountered salvation in Jesus? Beth Moore would call such moments "God stops". Moments that compel mankind to stop and recognize the Lord's holy, divine influence, and how He majestically works in this world. "God stops" are essentially the intersection of self and Sovereign. And the Sovereign Lord's goodness and greatness are so powerful, so incredible, that it leaves us in a state of awe and wonder.    

I myself have had several incredible confirmations of God's presence. And as I have aged I have found it beneficial to catalog them in some written fashion. Let me provide an example. A few short years ago my wife and I celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary. In the months leading up to the anniversary date I began to reflect on the amazing blessing that our marital relationship had become. My wife and I had spiritually matured so much and sensed God's benevolent mercy strengthening us, and drawing us closer to Him. I was flooded with gratefulness as I thought about the years my wife and I had experienced in our marriage. Gratefulness for my wife, who was, and is, an wonderful life-mate. She motivates me and cares for me beyond anything I can nobly express. She is tender, kind, and wholly affectionate. I also sensed gratefulness to the Lord, Who orchestrated the manner in which my wife and I  met each other so long ago (it was at church - not very original I know). 

I started to go through some pictures we had collected in our relatively short span as husband and wife. And one picture kept drawing my attention. It was an impromptu snapshot my Mom had taken. We were standing on the front porch of my parent's home. I don't recall the conversation, but we all began to laugh. My wife leaned in and hugged me, and that is when my Mom snapped the photograph. The picture conveys such happiness and joy. And it symbolized how I felt being with my wife, particularly in regard to how warm and genuine her embrace is. A few days later I decided to write a poem inspired by that image, which I later had framed with a copy of the poem. I am the first to admit I am not skilled with rhythmic prose, but I was so adamant about finding a way to uniquely express how appreciative I was to be married to my wife that I penned the following poem:

It's such a mysterious thing
To experience the warmth of your embrace
To be enveloped by arms that supply love
And overflow with grace

Impromptu hugs
Which I treasure and hold so dear
Offer me an affectionate shelter
Every time you draw near

With each tender touch
You affirm a heart that is genuinely true
And daily remind me
Life is fuller sharing it with you

I know the beauty of your smile
And the curves of your face
But nothing has captured me
Quite like the warmth of your embrace

This personal account highlights, to a degree, the state of Mary's heart in Luke 2:19. Luke 2:8-16 tells us that some shepherds were out in the fields near Bethlehem the night Jesus was born. An angel appeared to them and informed them that a Savior, the Christ in fact, had been born that very evening. Just as they were trying to absorb the message a great company of celestial beings appeared and praised God. The shepherds were obviously overcome with curiosity and rushed to Bethlehem to find the Messianic child. And when they found Joseph, Mary, and Jesus, the shepherds recounted everything that had just happened. Luke 2:19 then reveals that Mary treasured the news, and pondered it in her heart.

Luke 2:19 denotes the seriousness of Jesus' purpose on earth, and how Mary wisely perceived it. Mary understood, in some fashion, the weight of Christ's purpose on earth. She was more concerned with honoring the Lord than she was with achieving notoriety for herself or her family. The apprehension that she was part of God's collective work and will was being forged in her heart. Through Luke 2:19 we find that Mary was reposed and respectful. And she was astutely aware that the Lord was doing something magnificent with Jesus' coming, which would eventually be instrumental in changing the world.

The heart is the seed of emotions. It is how humanity can behold the grandeur of life. And through the heart Mary dwelled on the tremendous honor she had been given. She was the vessel God chose to bring forth Jesus into this planet (in human form). Mary did not boast about her position in history. Did not brag about it. Probably did not consider herself to be worthy of the privilege. Instead, she humbly pondered the meaning of the unfolding events surrounding Jesus, and treasured the baby supernaturally formed in her womb. In other words, Mary cherished Christ. And this consideration has valuable meaning and application today. Do we as Christians acknowledge Jesus as Savior and Messiah? Do we recognize His authority and glory? Do we choose to embrace His legacy and ponder it in our hearts daily? In short, do we cherish Christ, cherish Him as Mary did?  


    

The Word Made Flesh

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God. The Word was with God in the beginning. All things were created by Him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. In Him was life, and the life was the light of mankind…Now the Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We saw His glory – the glory of the one and only, full of grace and truth, who came from the Father.”
John 1:1-4; 14

For the better part of nineteen months this blog has focused on journeying through Scripture in a chronological fashion. There have been some slight deviations here and there, but the bulk of the writing since April 2012 has slowly and systematically worked through the Old Testament. Considering the Old Testament comprises two-thirds of the entire Bible it has required a significant amount of time to review its assorted passages. But with this entry we now make our way into the New Testament, which only amplifies the amazement and wonder of God’s eternal presence, position, and power that was set forth in the Old Testament. 

The starting point for this New Testament study is the book of John, one of the four gospel accounts. It is interesting to note that each of the gospel records presents a unique perspective on the lordship and legacy of Jesus. While there are correlating and matching stories, the text reads and flows slightly differently in all four books. Consequently, each gospel account opens in a distinctive manner. Matthew begins with the genealogy of Jesus (likely from Joseph’s line) and then lists details regarding the miraculous birth of Jesus (through immaculate conception, conceived by the Holy Spirit). Mark begins with the work of John the Baptist, who spiritually paved the way for Jesus’ ministry. Luke begins with the history of John the Baptist’s conception, which itself was supernatural, and then reveals the relational connection of John the Baptist’s mother (Elizabeth) to Mary, the mother of Jesus. And finally John begins in a theological style rather than a historical style, and provides one of the most impactful treatises on Jesus in all of Scripture. 

Where some authors opted to open their gospel accounts with the genealogical connection of Jesus to the Hebrew lineage, thus calling attention to Christ’s humanity, John the apostle opted to convey the holy nature of Jesus, thus calling attention to His divinity. In other words, Jesus was God in man, or the God-man. As the late, great British preacher and author Charles Spurgeon once observed, “Remember Christ was not a deified man, neither was he was a humanized God. He was perfectly God, and at the same time perfectly man.” And this theme is readily apparent in the first few verses of John’s gospel. 

The literary imagery that John captures in chapter 1, verse 1, (In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God…) takes us back to the book of Genesis. In Genesis 1:1 it states that “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” And a little later in verse three of Genesis 1 the text declares that “God said, ‘Let there be light.’ And there was light.” Therefore, God was able to abstractly imagine something that had never existed (like light, sky, stars, and humanity) and then literally speak it into existence with a spoken word. Such holy power is unparalleled and unmatched. God is so omnipotent that He can generate life and beauty with merely an expressed thought. Furthermore, light, sky, stars, and humanity have an origin through God, but God has no origin, no beginning point, for He has always been and will always be, And this reflection and knowledge bring us to a realization of the Lord’s supremacy, a recognition that is reaffirmed in the opening lines of John’s gospel. 

So when John says the Word became flesh (John 1:14) in Jesus he is confirming the overarching sovereignty of God. Jesus, like God, has always been and will always be. He was integral in the creation of man, and He was integral in the salvation of man. Mankind, as a whole, has struggled to fully grasp the splendor and majesty of Christ, let alone God. But John’s initial contemplations harken us to surrender praise and passion to Christ’s incredible redemptive work. And you cannot wholly appreciate what Jesus did through Calvary until you identify His eternal position, presence, and power. Yes, Jesus performed an amazing feat on earth, but that ministry is enveloped within His everlasting divinity.

It is remarkable to consider that Jesus donned human skin to rescue human souls, know He was stepping into hostile territory where He would be mistreated and maligned. And still to this day many are resistant to the message of Christ and denounce the name of Jesus. But to the followers of Christ we must proclaim the Word, the light, the name of Jesus. After all, from Christ’s abundance comes one glorious blessing after another (John 1:16). Therefore, let us not be silent. Let us not be stubborn. Let us be spirited. And let us rejoice that Jesus came to this world to redeem the otherwise unredeemable. He is full of grace and truth. To Jesus be the glory forever and ever.