Ignoring Jesus? - September 30, 2018

John 8:24 - Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.

Several years ago, I became intrigued regarding a bumper sticker on a car in the parking garage where I work. The dark blue letters on bold yellow background seemed to jump out and assault the reader. While I am not a big proponent of "bumper sticker theology," this one definitely caused me to ponder its meaning. While seemingly harsh, there is nothing unscriptural regarding the words "Ignoring Jesus is Choosing Hell!" In fact, one might argue the point whether they are meant in an angry, judgmental way as some have since commented. I suppose it all depends upon one's perspective. I can understand why a few might think it is meant in a condemning way, because that is possibly their point of reference from past experience. However, personally, I believe it can just as easily be said by a tearful, mourning God who is beseeching a dying world no longer listening. While some see a vengeful, angry person as the author of these words, I tend to see a Holy Spirit inspired entreaty to a stubborn, calloused world that does not have eyes to see nor ears to hear. I envision the Father God pleading through these words and telling mankind He has done all He will ever do to redeem us. The result of our indifference and outright choice to ignore Christ's gift will mean an eternity in the very hell prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41).

As our lead verse clearly states, Jesus was not one to mince words when it came down to delineating exactly who He was upon this earth as well as His reason for being here. If we were to suggest Jesus came merely to point us down one of the many roads which leads to a blissful eternal life, we would be of the same opinion of the vast majority of humankind. However, if one reads the Scriptures with an honest appraisal, they will come to a different conclusion about this Man, Jesus Christ. As others have so aptly stated, Jesus is either who He said He is, the Messiah of all mankind, or He is both a lunatic and a madman! Those who believe the latter, for whatever reason, may choose to stop reading at this point. My intention in this writing is not meant to dissuade these from their preconceived notions. However, for those who believe that Jesus Christ was divinely sent to this earth but are unsure of what God required of Him and then also requires of us, I invite you to read on. In most instances, the Bible (as some have erroneously suggested) is not cryptic and subject to many interpretations. The following passages are but a few which make this point.

Jesus told his disciples in John 14:6 that He was the Way, the Truth, and the Life and that no one would come to the Father but through Him. Is this not clear enough? If we conclude that Jesus is who He said He is and not a lunatic, then this very statement states there is salvation in no other manner. Peter, when preaching to the people after the lame beggar's healing, stated in unequivocal terms when speaking about Jesus' power to save: "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) And, what about the most quoted scripture in the entire New Testament? If we truly believe Jesus is who He said He is and we believe the Father sent Him to save us from our sins, then we must take John 3:16 for what it says at face value. Jesus was not cryptic when He said: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." Does this sound like an angry God who is seeking to commit us to eternal suffering? On the contrary, He is giving us a most gracious escape from what we deserve through the sacrifice of His own Son. If we could pick out a mission statement of Jesus Christ it would probably come from John 10:10, for His desire is that we would have life and have it abundantly. God's yearning has never been that any would perish, but that all would come to repentance (II Peter 3:9). Through these scriptures and many more like it, we must see that God has not ignored us, but we have ignored Him. By our eventual acceptance of Him or our continual ignoring, we will make our ultimate choice.

Salvation is a gift God has granted for all to accept. However, individual perspective to acknowledge Jesus for who He is (or not) will be the final arbiter. I suppose it depends on whether you view the proverbial glass half empty or half full. Some might regard an angry, vengeful God with no basis for condemning the human race because of sin. These would be those who would see the glass half full of God's judgment and the remaining emptiness His indifference toward His prized creation. Others of us will choose to see a glass half full of God's love toward a wayward, blind race of people who choose not to respond to His great desire for fellowship with them. The tragedy is the other half of emptiness of this analogous glass typifies God's broken heart and our isolation through utter meaningless. The Father is crying out, constantly, through His Holy Spirit with a heart of reconciliation saying "Ignoring Jesus, my gift to you, is inviting a future of eternal hell away from My presence!" What will we choose today? He has done all He can do. He is now waiting for us to respond.

Heavenly Father, may we not ignore Your Son but embrace Him for all He has done for us. May we look full into that wonderful face and see His great desire for His greatest love which He purchased with His blood. Help us see not an angry, vengeful God but one who is pleading with a prodigal race destined for perdition without their choosing otherwise. May we all come to know You and not continue in our ignorance to do otherwise. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick

You Must Be Born Again - September 23, 2018

John 3:7 - Do not be amazed that I said to you, "You must be born again."

From the dialogues of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, we are introduced to the mythological ruler of Corinth, King Sisyphus. Because of a series of dastardly events which the king cleverly engineered throughout his lifetime, he was assigned a fitting punishment in the land of the dead. Sisyphus was to roll a huge boulder up a steep hill with the belief that he would be free from his punishment once he was able to reach the summit. However, as he neared the top, the boulder would invariably roll back on the king and back to the bottom of the hill. Throughout eternity, Sisyphus must continue to work the large stone up the hill only to see all his efforts frustrated. This judgment of useless efforts and unending frustration would never have an end. While this is a mythological morality tale regarding how no one can redeem themselves once under the judgment of the demon gods, it is nonetheless a good analogy to point us to Christ and the significance of Him taking away our judgment through His gift of the new birth.

Before knowing Christ, we may have found ourselves not only amazed at much of the Lord's words, but also a bit irritated that much of His teaching seemed so unattainable. Or, possibly we considered Jesus' teaching superfluous, not really understanding His intent. Like Sisyphus, we believed we could roll this massive boulder (symbolizing our life) up this ponderous hill (depicting our redemption). As the mythological character, we often thought we were gaining while trudging up this steep incline. However, circumstances would too often dash all hope of conquest. Many continue through this life and never find hope to help them in their summit. Then again, a few do find liberty they so earnestly desire. Relief often comes in unexpected ways and through divine encounters. Like Sisyphus, Nicodemus thought he was doing an admirable job of conquering the hill. He undoubtedly felt the strength of the Law of Moses on his side, commending to him how he had lived a righteous life. But then comes Jesus, the fulfillment of the Law to show him otherwise.

Possibly Nicodemus was feeling a bit self-righteous when he came to the Lord that fateful night. Perhaps he was acting on a sense of conciliation as he mentioned to Jesus in the first two verses of John chapter three how his colleagues considered Jesus a great teacher and a man of God (John 3:1-2). However, Jesus' reply was like a blow to the stomach which knocked the religious wind right out of the Pharisee. When Christ told Nicodemus, "... unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God,” this invariably shook this master of the Law, challenging the very paradigm he had built his life upon (John 3:3). The rattled Pharisee then began questioning the Lord, not believing his ears. It was as if this Sisyphean had just realized he was never going to accomplish his task of redeeming himself through his own efforts. He suddenly came to the conclusion that this mighty boulder he had been pushing through life was large and mighty because of the weight of his sin. We know Nicodemus is dumbfounded and amazed, for the Lord tells him not to remain so, as our lead verse points out. Throughout the remainder of this glorious chapter, we see the Lord laying out to Nicodemus the way of salvation---that he no longer had to push his cumbersome rock up the hill. Jesus was telling him, through simple scriptures such as John 3:16, that He was the Rock and He would make that climb up Calvary's hill in his stead. All he had to do was to believe.

Like Nicodemus' amazement, we can also react similarly to a supernatural requirement that seems beyond our abilities. Once we understand we cannot save ourselves, self-redemption becomes a hopeless endeavor which only produces more hopelessness. The great desire of the flesh will always be to save itself through "good works" and possibly seeking the good of mankind. While this is noble, it is high treason to God without first becoming born of God's Spirit. Only then are we empowered to perform His goodness, not ours. We cannot continue pushing this enormous rock symbolizing a life weighed down by our shortcomings and sins, but we must believe He has already pushed it to the summit and has obliterated it with His resurrection. Beloved, to be born again has nothing to do with doing more for God, but BEING more in God. Without the being, there can be no doing that will have lasting value. May we all understand that He is the Rock who has redeemed us by removing the large stone from that tomb entrance nearly two thousand years ago. He is risen, friends, and He desires us not to live in a Sisyphean way but one of surrender through which we might always push through this life with victory!

Father in heaven, May we all understand how we cannot rely upon our own efforts to redeem us. There is salvation in only One, for He is the Rock who overcame the hill of Golgotha and rose from the dead to give us the power to live. Allow us all to be amazed at our inability to save ourselves, and our wonder at the love of Christ for doing so. May we all be born from above so that our lives will emulate our Father both now and forever! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick

Unlimited - September 16, 2018

Habakkuk 3:4 - His radiance is like the sunlight; He has rays flashing from His hand, and there is the hiding of His power.

Time, as well as our spatial experience, limits everything. We are earth-bound creatures who have learned to measure most things in our temporal existence. However, the more we understand about life's building blocks, we continue to discover how infinite it seems as scientists strive to break matter down to its lowest common denominator. Many would say this is only a glimpse into the mind of God -- how He exposes Himself and His eternal, infinite Self through time-bound limitations. How extraordinary will it be when we throw off time and we experience unveiled expressions of the Divine? When time gives way to eternity, how will God appear to His Son's beloved bride? We might suggest, since God is eternal and unlimited in power, that there will be a withholding of His attributes even in Glory. As our lead verse states, the prophet suggests how God's power is veiled, in time and possibly eternity. It is not clear whether it is both, for Habakkuk doesn't tell us. However, we can be sure whether we witness His power on earth or in heaven, it will be marvelous to behold.

God is unlimited in power, therefore He has to hide the vastness of His nature for it would overwhelm us. When some might think of God's unlimited power, they may consider His power to destroy or judge. I prefer to meditate on unlimited love. Can you imagine, beloved, a God with eternal, limitless love? We may swoon when we experience human love between our betrothed or maybe when we catch a glimpse of God's love toward us that takes our breath away. But can you imagine the depth of His love to be revealed? No wonder the 24 elders fall down before His throne, casting their crowns at the Lord's feet. They are overwhelmed by His great love. The elders and the entire host of heaven must understand how His presence is so exquisite, yet He hides His full glory because of its intensity. Since we will share in eternity as eternal beings, will we have the ability to grow in love through God's impartation? While there is no specific scripture which tells us we will continue to evolve in God's power and love in eternity, we know as sons and daughters that we are made in His image to emulate Him. I believe from Psalm 89:2 we can deduce how love will continue to grow in us, where we have the capacity to take in more and more of God's presence. This scripture simply states: "For I have said, 'Lovingkindness will be built up forever; In the heavens You will establish Your faithfulness.'” What a mind-boggling concept to understand how our God will continue, throughout all eternity, to reveal more of Himself to us!

It behooves us as believers, since God is an unlimited God, not to limit the possibilities of what He can do while we are bound by time and space. God gives us glimpses into eternity through the book of Revelation and through scriptures such as the aforementioned one in Psalms 89, showing us the grand possibilities if we will but only believe. If we have an eye on eternity, then we can understand how an unlimited God can move on behalf of our prayers. Paul pointed out in Colossians 3:1-3 the necessity to keep our eyes trained toward heaven because in so doing it enlarges our hearts to believe. He admonishes the church at Colossae saying: "Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God." The apostle in his letter to the Ephesians also commends his readers to understand they already possess every spiritual blessing that God has in store for us in heaven (Ephesians 1:3). We must simply believe God for these unlimited resources while in our time-bound existence. Paul is telling us we can have the very things while on earth that we already possess because of Christ's great gift to us. We might as well exercise our rights to it now, for we possess an unlimited supply to draw from.

Some might say this sounds a bit mystical and not worth the time to consider God's unlimited power and love in eternity. However, I would suggest that to do so prepares us for that place where we will spend the most significant part of our existence. We must become so heavenly minded upon this earth that we are no longer any good for this world. When we consider God's unlimited character and how we will continue to grow in His image, it does matter how we approach our time on earth preparing for eternal life. A right understanding will only cause our faith and character to grow while here, beloved. For the day will come when we will be changed in an instant into His image. What happens after that and how we grow in God is only to be imagined! May Jesus continue to reveal the greatness of His power to us all, especially His love, until that day when time is swallowed up by eternity.

Lord God Almighty, may we continue to understand how great is Your power toward us who believe. May we allow Your presence through our faith to transfigure us, even now, drawing upon Your unlimited attributes. May we continue to become like Your Son until time finally gives way to the eternal. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick

Children of the King - September 9, 2018

John 14:18 - I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

In our present culture of westernized Christianity, there is much buzz regarding the "signs of the times" and the rapture of the church. While biblical prophecy certainly points to Christ's imminent return, we could conceivably still be years from witnessing His reappearing. Regardless of when the King does return to earth to restore His Lordship over planet earth, we are told to be vigilant in our waiting as those in Jesus' story about the ten virgins (Matthew 25:13). As these were instructed to have oil in their lamps, so we are commanded to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) and to quench not the Holy Spirit---a metaphor regarding the spiritual oil that comes down from heaven (I Thessalonians 5:19). He is truly our Helper in the absence of the Son. However, where is His evidence in our waiting for the Lord's return? While some are crying out for revival and for God to do a great ingathering in these last days, there is a mindset in many churches today to simply wait for His return rather than waiting on God. Many of us would rather fellowship at the local buffet than seek God in a church basement on our knees for souls. While we claim to be children of the King, we more closely resemble those whom we should be asking God to save. We are counting on that sinners prayer we prayed long ago to ensure us entrance into Christ's kingdom. However, little we have done in the meantime would make someone say to us, "You must be a Christian, for you resemble Jesus!" These may be in for a shock someday as they are standing at eternity's door, realizing they have no oil whatsoever in their lamps (Matthew 25:1-13).

Jesus' discourse to His disciples in John chapters 13 through 16 gives us a clear understanding of what it means to enter into relationship with Christ and His Father. Throughout these chapters and verses, the Lord tells us we must obey, love, and abide in Him. This is simplified, of course, as there are other themes in Christ's Johannine Discourse. However, love through obedience and Christ's promise of His presence through the Holy Spirit is a major thrust of these scriptures. (Just as John 17 is Christ's intercession to the Father to make our unity with Him possible.) Some will use the text in the middle of this discourse in an attempt to merely sit back and wait on Christ's appearing. These have no intention of living like Christ, but they want and desire the eternal security these verses offer. For instance, many like to use our lead verse as validation of their soon anticipated escape from this earth by the rapture of the church. However, this is not what Jesus was saying in context. The Lord is talking about the Helper or the Holy Spirit in the two previous verses (John 14:16-17). What many fail to see is Jesus has sent the Holy Spirit, but few embrace Him as they should while many grieve Him. These are expecting Jesus, but they don't want to be bothered by this "Holy Ghost" that wants to meddle in their day to day living. This is the reason why so many of us still look like pitiful orphans "wandering through this world of woe."

We cannot say we love Jesus and not love the Holy Spirit whom He has sent to do Christ's bidding until He returns. Their natures are exact representations of the Father's whom we may claim to love in word, yet often deny when it comes to how we obey. Without accepting both the Son and the Spirit, we have not the Father (II John 1:9). How do we embrace the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit? By obeying Christ's commandments. We sing "O, how I love Jesus" but do we obey Him? This is the reality of loving Him according to John 14:15: "If you love Me, you will keep my commandments." This means looking toward heaven with an expectation of Christ's return, but also to busy ourselves with the work He has left us to do through the Holy Spirit. This means no compromise, beloved. If we are counting on Christ to save us someday in the "sweet by and by," we best understand that the Holy Spirit is here to perfect us in salvation. For without sanctification, no man will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).

It is our decision: Will we sit on the sidelines and wait for Christ and His return? If so, we may be eternally disappointed. However, if we decide we want to be "in the game," suited up by the Holy Spirit for whatever God has for us, then we are wise like the virgins in our aforementioned example. The more we obey accordingly, the more we prove to be Christ's disciples. Then, beloved, He can say to the Father, "They love Me, Daddy, because they listen and do what I say through the Helper We have left them!" If we resemble spiritual orphans, it is our fault because we have resisted the Holy Spirit. However, if we will but trust in Christ and embrace the loving hand of the Helper, then we will become one with the Triune God and will forever resemble children of the King.

Heavenly Father, help us to look to the clouds, yet at the same time allow us to look within our hearts to ensure we are obeying Your Son through the Holy Spirit. May we anticipate Your return, yet be at peace with whatever You desire us to do until You return. We submit to Your love. Change us into Your image as sons and daughters of the Most High. In Your perfect Son's Name, Yeshua, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick

Coveting - September 2, 2018

Ephesians 5:5 - For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Most of us who have raised children or who have been around nieces and nephews know how children can get rather possessive of what they believe is theirs. I experienced this all over again with my grandson a few years ago when he was about four years old. If it was something he didn't care about that much, he generally had no problem giving it up if I asked. However, say I had given him a soft, chewy chocolate chip cookie. "Can grandpa have a bite?" Usually, the answer was "No, it's mine!" In all fairness, however, sometimes he did decide to share even if it was something he really wanted.

We learn so much about ourselves from children. They are honest looks at ourselves, both the good and the bad. The example of the cookie can be an exaggerated expression of how we react all day long to various situations. I once heard a good definition for lust which is I want it and I want it now! Likewise, covetousness can be defined as I want what YOU have and I want it now, or something I possess and I refuse to give up! Children are upfront and usually honest about their feelings in this regard. Sometimes as adults we dress up our wrong desires by other names. In Luke 12:15, Jesus warns his disciples and us stating: "Then He said to them, 'Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.'” The King James Version uses the word "covetousness" in the place of "greed." Either are appropriate, for the root of both are wanting something someone else has at their expense. The Lords warning to be on guard against "every form" should give one pause. Of course, we know we should not covet according to the Ten Commandments. Some of us may refer back to the Mosaic Law when we hear the rather archaic word "to covet." However, it is important for us to know what coveting is and to seek forgiveness for it if it is part of our lives. Paul tells us in our lead verse it is imperative if we seek entrance to God's kingdom. So, what does the commandment command? Exodus 20:17 states: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” At this point, it is important to determine what "belongs" to my neighbor.

First of all, the Scripture reveals the nature of coveting from another of Paul's writings in the book of Romans. We are told how Paul became so acutely aware of the law that it revealed in him coveting of all types. He confesses his plight in the following: "What shall we say then? Is the law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the law; for I would not have known about coveting if the law had not said, 'YOU SHALL NOT COVET.' But sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the law sin is dead." (Romans 7:7-8) Like Paul, when we seek to please God in all we do, the law becomes alive in us and condemns us for falling so short. In addition, there is the desire within that proceeds from our old nature to actually WANT to sin. I call it the "wet paint principle." When we see a sign that tells us "wet paint" on a park bench, our desire is to touch the bench to see if it is really wet! It's the same thing with the law of God, which none of us can keep except for Jesus. When we become more and more aware of God's desire for us to walk by his commandments, we see how miserably we fall short concerning the ability to do so. The more we see of the excellence of God's law, the more we see we cannot keep it. We must cry out as Paul did in Romans 7:24-25: "Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! ..." Only then can we find true freedom from the law. The knowledge of our failure to keep it is our redemption if we run to Jesus!

We might say to ourselves, "I don't desire what my neighbor owns. I am free from coveting." I challenge you to pray to God that He would reveal to you the truth. How about in traffic? Do you covet your lane and refuse to give place to anyone else? Do you covet your place in a grocery store line, not giving place to someone with a crying child? Have you considered how we covet that last piece of pie? Or, how about how we covet our time when all someone needs is another person to listen? Remember, covetousness is something I have which I refuse to give up or something someone else has that I desire. In our lead verse, Paul equates it to idolatry, the act of worshipping and deferring to something or someone in our lives which is not God.

If you still believe yourself to be free from covetousness and idolatry, here is a test which will prove the legitimacy to your claim. Pray daily for a month, sincerely, that God would reveal His law to you and to help you love it. Then, see what He shows you regarding your desires. Beloved, I have been doing this for some time and the Lord continues to show me areas which I need to repent of and bring to the light. That is the point. If we refuse to own our covetous hearts and ask Him to reveal them, then we are no longer responsible for them once we repent. Just as Christ cleansed us positionally through His blood when we accepted Him into our hearts, now he is sanctifying us through our confession and turning us into the image of His Son while still mortals. The time has come for the Body of Christ, His Church, to rise up and call sin what it is. However, we need revelation to do it. May we all love His law and our inability to achieve it so He might empower us to walk as Christ both now and forever.

Heavenly Father, we desire to love in all respects. Show us how we often covet our own ways above Yours in our daily lives. However, with that knowledge, help us to lean upon Jesus who already fulfilled the law for us and set us free from coveting. Help us to draw from His strength, for that is our only hope to conformed to Your Son's image while in our mortal flesh. We ask all this in Christ's Name and for His glory, Amen.

Your Barefoot Servant,

Rick