Month: March 2024

Colossians 1:15-20 MSG  We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, He organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body.  ^18-20 He was supreme in the beginning and—leading the resurrection parade—He is supreme in the end. From beginning to end he’s there, towering far above everything, everyone. So spacious is he, so expansive, that everything of God finds its proper place in Him without crowding. Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of His death, His blood that poured down from the cross.

Observation

In the NKJV, the “supreme” here is translated as “preeminence”.  Christ Preeminent is the theme of the first 2 chapters of Colossians.  Paul was reminding this church that Jesus Christ was the Lord God, only Savior/Redeemer, God made Human while remaining fully God.  He was combatting teaching by gnostics (who denied the divinity of Christ and offered secret mysteries not yet revealed) and Jewish traditionalists (who taught that the works/rituals were an added requirement).  Paul was reconfirming that Jesus, and Jesus alone, was sufficient – “everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him”. 

Here is the mystery.  All of God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) was in Christ Jesus.  “So spacious is He, so expansive, that everything of God finds its proper place in Him without crowding.” So, from my study Bible, I wanted to share some of the points about Jesus’ supremacy, the fullness of God in Jesus, that Paul made just in Colossians:

• In Universal Government
  The visible image of God (1:15)
  The agent of creation (1:16)
  The Sustainer (1:17)
  The Head of the church (1:18)
  
• In Reconciliation
  Pleases the Father (1:19-20)
  Reconciles us through His death (1:21-22)
  Lives in us as our hope of glory (1:27)
  
• In Wisdom and Knowledge|
  The source of all the treasures (2:2-3)
  Worldly philosophy does not conform to Him (2:8)
  
• In Personal Observance
  We are alive in Him (2:11-13)
  No need for legalism and ritualism (2:16-23)

Impact on Me

The world on its own is broken and dislocated, full of pain, suffering, famine and war – all caused by human pride, selfishness, lust for power, and all the other roots of evil.  But, here I am reminded that, in Christ, “all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of His death, His blood that poured down from the cross.”  One Man, one Cross, one tomb, one resurrection – Jesus Christ, my hope of glory, supreme over all.

So, Colossians reminds me that, because I am human, adulteration of my Christian world view is possible.  If I don’t stay in the Word, pay attention to what it teaches me and keep in fellowship with other Christians, I am in danger of drifting from the one and only truth to construct some other version of truth to fit in with my culture and avoid conflict and confrontation, allowing myself to start hitting the sour notes of compromise, selfishness, pride in my life.   No!  I have one King, one Savior, one Lord, and it is Jesus.  I want to be singing the song of the redeemed, one who allows others to be drawn also into His “vibrant harmonies”.

Prayer

Lord God, You are supreme in holiness, glory, majesty and power.  It is Your heart’s desire to see all creation fit together again as it was in the Garden of Eden.  May the desire of Your heart be the desire of mine.  Help me to stay on Your truth track, whatever the path may bring.  I want to live a life that sings Your praises in a way that others are drawn to join in the song, those vibrant harmonies in Christ.  Lord, forgive me for any sour notes in my life and help me to be Your encouragement those who have lost the melody.  Make it so, in Jesus’ name.

James 2: 18b-22 PHILLIPS To the man who thinks that faith by itself is enough I feel inclined to say, “So you believe that there is one God? That’s fine. So do all the devils in hell and shudder in terror!” For, my dear short-sighted man, can’t you see far enough to realise that faith without the right actions is dead and useless? Think of Abraham, our ancestor. Wasn’t it his action which really justified him in God’s sight when his faith led him to offer his son Isaac on the altar? Can’t you see that his faith and his actions were, so to speak, partners—that his faith was implemented by his deed? 

Matthew 25:31-43 MSG “When he finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with him, the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne. Then all the nations will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out, much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, putting sheep to his right and goats to his left.

^34-36 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why:

I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room,
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit,
I was in prison and you came to me.’

^37-40 “Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’

^41-43 “Then he will turn to the ‘goats,’ the ones on his left, and say, ‘Get out, worthless goats! You’re good for nothing but the fires of hell. And why? Because

I was hungry and you gave me no meal,
I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
I was homeless and you gave me no bed,
I was shivering and you gave me no clothes,
Sick and in prison, and you never visited.’

Observation

This “faith without works” passage has been a source of controversy when it is not set up next to Jesus’ words in Matthew 25 (and others).  Our relationship with Jesus is supposed to be based on love, gratitude, trust and absolute faith in Who He is and what He will be to and for us.  The problems arise when we begin to spiritualize this relationship.  In the Message, faith and works are seen as parts of one body.  If we cut off the body (works) from the head (faith), we end up with a corpse.  That’s a picture that I can’t get out of my head!

If Jesus is our model for how humans should walk this life in relationship with God, then we can take our lead from how He lived His.  He spoke the truth, shared the Gospel, taught the Scriptures AND healed the sick, raised the dead, fed the multitudes, and met the other needs that arose.  In Matthew 25, Jesus is making it clear that we gain the blessing of God and entry into the Kingdom by being engaged in the comfort and care of others. “Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.”  These are the works that demonstrate the authenticity of our faith.

Impact on Me

This week in Home Group we discussed “Church in the Wild”, our current sermon series.  Many in our group shared how they share the Gospel and it became evident that how we share depends upon our personalities, our training, our resources, the method that brought us to the knowledge of Christ, the circumstances of our lives, our location, and so much more.  I came away encouraged because so many embraced that God made them who they are specifically to be His instrument where they are, using their experiences, culture, humanity, in reaching people who would not otherwise be reached.

So, as I examine myself and how I respond to the love and grace given to me by this relationship with God, I am sure that I miss opportunities to respond in kind.  How can I do more?  This sermon series is leading to a call to activate faith, volunteer in whatever ministry fires the heart/soul and watch for and take advantage of those opportunities God sets up for us in our neighborhoods, workplaces and everywhere else we go.  If we just sit and take in all the teaching without putting it in action, we will be those goats (NOT the greatest of all time, but rather a disappointment to God!).  I think about my neighbors who are two men married to each other. They are so kind, generous and thoughtful but living a lifestyle that is considered sin. They were in Morocco during the earthquake and rented camels to take water to the devastated areas.  Will they be among the sheep or the goats?  Where will I be?  Only Jesus knows.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, Savior, Redeemer, Ultimate Judge of all men, I worship and adore You.  Lead me in trusting You to speak when I am led into uncomfortable or difficult situations.  I know that You died so that none should have to perish.  I know that You ate and associated with sinners so that Your presence and Your works would draw them to salvation.  Give me that same heart to reach out to those You bring my way, especially those who seem out of reach, those whom society considers valueless, those who are considered too young or too old to hear, receive, and embrace You.  Stir up the fire in me that You set as my calling, my best way to return to You the love, grace and sacrifice that You gave to me.  Make it so, in Jesus’ name.

Zechariah 9:9-10 MSG“Shout and cheer, Daughter Zion!  Raise your voice, Daughter Jerusalem!  Your king is coming!  a good king who makes all things right, a humble king riding a donkey, a mere colt of a donkey.  I’ve had it with war—no more chariots in Ephraim, no more war horses in Jerusalem, no more swords and spears, bows and arrows.  He will offer peace to the nations, a peaceful rule worldwide, from the four winds to the seven seas.

Psalm 118:25-26a AMP  O Lord, save now, we beseech You; O Lord, we beseech You, send now prosperity and give us success!  ²⁶ Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord;

John 12:12-15 MSGThe next day the huge crowd that had arrived for the Feast heard that Jesus was entering Jerusalem. They broke off palm branches and went out to meet him. And they cheered:

Hosanna!  Blessed is he who comes in God’s name!  Yes! The King of Israel!

Jesus got a young donkey and rode it, just as the Scripture has it: “No fear, Daughter Zion:  See how your king comes, riding a donkey’s colt.

Observation

Why were they waving palm branches and shouting “Hosanna (God save us now)”?  This event happened when the city was overflowing with those who had come to celebrate Passover.  We are reminded that Passover is a celebration of the God’s mighty power in bringing release from captivity in Egypt.  On this particular day, it would not be surprising for the people to be reflecting on the Maccabean revolt (which overcame the Seleucid rule to cleanse the Temple and restore Jewish religious practices) and the current suppression by the puppet king Herod and their Roman conquerors.  The Maccabees put palm branches, a symbol of victory, on one side of their coins.  Be aware that Herod and the Romans had only come to power in 37BC by conquering the last Maccabean ruler.

And so, here comes Jesus, the miracle working rabbi, “a good king who makes all things right, a humble king riding a donkey, a mere colt of a donkey” in the midst of this festival.   He seems to be fulfilling a prophecy of Messiah, the One Who will bring “a peaceful rule worldwide…send now prosperity and give us success…King of Israel”.  Their expectations of Messiah were for an immediate salvation from their physical oppressors, their immediate unpleasant circumstances, their physical poverty.  Perhaps that is why He wept over the city.  Their perspective and understanding were so small, so limited, so human.  He was Messiah Who would overcome the spiritual forces of evil and darkness forever – a victory that each person would have to choose to embrace by setting aside all the physical that was a barrier to allow the spiritual to do its work.

Impact on Me

I am sorry to admit that I have times when I am those palm-waving people.  I pray for relief from immediate circumstances, challenges, and battles from a purely human standpoint.  I find myself praying against symptoms rather than being willing to endure whatever it takes to get the cure. 

Hosanna means “save us now”.  I need to remember that the saving is already accomplished by Jesus on the Cross.   The palm branches are to remind us that Jesus’ triumphal entrance on Palm Sunday was fulfilling the prophecy with a much greater victory than the crowd supposed.  I need to remember to rely on that eternal victory regardless of my perception of how the battles of my life seem to be going day-by-day, not being driven by urgencies but rather by faith and the assurance that You are working always to bring about Your will and purpose.  I want to always remember that You are much more interested in my character than my comfort.  Character is built under pressure and Godly character is refined by faithful obedience which endures under whatever pressure the Enemy will exert and whether or not I understand the reason.

Prayer

Lord God, King Jesus, my Advocate with the Father, I celebrate Your victory on the Cross.  I will joyfully sing Hosanna during this Easter season as I remember that You endured the Cross for me to have the right and privilege to embrace salvation and share in Your suffering in order to fulfill Your will and purpose in my life for Your plan.  Forgive me for the times when I get distracted by symptoms rather than focusing on the cure, something only the Holy Spirit can effect.  I pray for wisdom, knowledge, understanding and Your perspective so I might be effective in Your service.  On that day when I stand before You, I want to hear You say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”  Make it so, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Amos 5:13-15 (MSG)  Justice is a lost cause. Evil is epidemic.  Decent people throw up their hands.  Protest and rebuke are useless, a waste of breath.  14   Seek good and not evil—and live!  You talk about God, the God-of-the-Angel-Armies, being your best friend.  Well, live like it, and maybe it will happen.  15  Hate evil and love good, then work it out in the public square.  Maybe God, the God-of-the-Angel-Armies, will notice your remnant and be gracious.

This caused me to revisit an entry in my journal from a few years ago on another prophecy regarding injustice (see below). Even when we feel like the decent people above – overwhelmed by the evil and injustice that surrounds us – we must always remember that we serve the Living God, the God Who answers, the God for Whom nothing is impossible, this God-of-Angel-Armies Who cannot be defeated.

Isaiah 30:12-14 (MSG)  Therefore, The Holy of Israel says this: “Because you scorn this Message, preferring to live by injustice and shape your lives on lies, this perverse way of life will be like a towering, badly built wall that slowly, slowly tilts and shifts, and then one day, without warning, collapses — smashed to bits like a piece of pottery, smashed beyond recognition or repair, useless, a pile of debris to be swept up and thrown in the trash.”

Observation

People make up every society. We forget that people are people, whether in 1000 BC or 2000 AD.  There are always people who live in a way that pleases God and others who seek only to please themselves and the culture in which they live.  Because we only have a perspective limited by our mere decades of life, we often wonder why God does not move more quickly.  Sometimes it seems that the wall is not tilting and shifting because the movement is imperceptible in our short lifespan. 

We also are limited in experiencing the collapses that have come over the millennia, such as the revivals that completely turned a society right side up, the revolutions that have overthrown unjust rulers, and the social reforms that have succeeded against entrenched power and traditions. There is no way to explain with words the history leading up to those powerful events; you had to be there. 

Impact on Me

I have experienced miracles that cannot be explained with words – miracles of provision, healing and restoration.  There is nothing that compares to being in the midst of the power of God working, impacting your situation, making possible what is impossible, demonstrating that His eyes and attention are on you, filling you with a joy and peace that is immeasurable. 

These kinds of experiences fill me with hope for the next impossible challenge.  They also cause me to recognize that it is not what talents, abilities, resources experience or seniority I bring to the table that matter. He has gifted me on purpose for His purposes BUT it is only the submission that comes with faith, my willingness to be used and full obedience to His instructions that make my giftings matter and effective in His service.  His success does not depend on me, but mine entirely depends on Him.

Prayer

Lord, Father God, Almighty, Redeemer, Faithful forever, I praise and thank You for all You have done for us all.  May I never lose hope that You are faithful forever and will fulfill Your Word when the time is right and most profitable to Your Kingdom purposes.  Romans 15:13 (JBP) “May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in your faith, that by the power of the Holy Spirit, your whole life and outlook may be radiant with hope.”  Let me know that the wall will fall when You are ready.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.