I know that my blog has typically been reserved as a place to post Sunday morning sermons. As I was looking over some previous posts, I realized how boring I've made this little corner of the internet. In fact, when compared to my wife's wonderful blog (check her out here!), I'm almost depressing. I never share personal stories. I've reduced my blog persona to the point of, well, a boring Baptist preacher.
I realized that, at least by the appearance of this blog, a younger friend's fears have came true. A close friend of mine told his mother upon hearing of my surrender to the ministry, "Mr. Josh can't be a preacher. Preachers aren't allowed to have fun."
The fact is that, while this page hasn't often reflected it, my life is full of unique and entertaining circumstances. Last Friday would easily fall into that category.
These past two weeks at work have been almost as tolerable as a teacher dragging nails across a chalkboard. Every morning, I have to will myself out of bed and force myself to see my patients.
Apparently, God decided that He and I both needed a good laugh last Friday. The morning started very similar to most other work days. I managed to get dressed (somewhat appropriately) and poured myself into the front seat of Em's Jeep. I watched as mile after mile slowly ticked off the odometer.
My first two visits were pleasant, but very typical. And then the fun began. After grabbing a bite for lunch, I decided to embark on my journey to the next lady's home.
Now, HIPPA prohibits my disclosure of the woman's identity. And so all I can tell you is that she is a wonderful Choctaw Indian lady. In fact, I look forward to her visit every month because I can script what we will say. We'll talk about spiritual things for a few moments. We'll discuss the nurse's last visit. She'll tell me about any medications that need refilling. Eventually, the conversation always gets back to her arthritis, we pray, and I leave.
I followed the trek to her home, lost in thought about how I would break the news of our moving to this wonderful woman, and then it happened. As I rounded the corner, I could see her house- or at least all of the cars and people that covered her yard.
The usual quiet emptiness was now filled with the sight of approximately twenty cars, two buses, a couple of large tents, and at least twenty-five Choctaw men sitting in a line along the front of the house.
The thought swirled in my mind, "Could I really be make a visit in the middle of a family reunion?"
Stunned, I drove past the house without stopping. A few doors down, I turned the Jeep around and made a second pass. This time, I noticed a sign beside the road that read, "Slow, Funeral in Progress." This caused further disorientation and I made a second slow pass past the ensuing circus.
Suddenly, a world of possibilities flooded my mind. I feared that our patient had died, and no one thought to notify the hospice company. I began considering how I could politely ask one of the attendees, "Did she, um, I don't know, die?" without causing undue stress on all of those at the home.
I called the office hoping that they would have some information and I was just out of the loop. Unfortunately, that was not the case. When our secretary answered, I explained the scene, described the two buses, shared my hysteria, and then the phone went dead. Doesn't it always happen that outrageous things happen at the edge of cell service areas.
Finally, after another couple of slow passes, I determined that I just had to buckle down and get a hold on the situation. So I parked a few hundred yards up the road, and set out to stick my foot in my mouth. After scanning the gathering of men along the front of the house and discerning that they were wondering about the crazy white preacher that had been stalking the house, I went to a bus driver to find out the situation.
I explained who I was and what I was doing there, asked the awkward question, "Did she, um...?"
To my relief, the bus driver, who was actually very kind and understanding, told me of the passing of our patient's son. Finally, I could breathe again... well until I walked toward the front of the house to check on my dear patient. It was then that I found, this was not a family gathering for lunch after the service. This was the service! The casket was set by the front windows behind the line of men and the sweet melody of "Amazing Grace" (sung in Choctaw) echoed in the house. The preacher was beginning to speak- and I determined that a nuclear blast would be more subtle than my entry into the middle of that crowd.
And so, I expressed my condolences with those that could hear. I said a quick prayer in my head and walked as fast as possible toward the car without looking completely ridiculous.
As I was getting in the car to leave, can you guess what arrives to take my parking place? Another bus load of people! So now, I've managed to somehow infringe on three buses and a funeral.
This may sound cruel or unsympathetic, but as I drove away and once again saw the scene from a distance, I began to laugh until I cried. Only I could answer when asked the question, "What did you do at work today?" with "Not much. I just saw three buses and a funeral."
Well, as if this was not enough to send my mind into an alternate reality, my next visit only added to the uniqueness of the day. My next patient is an elderly African-American lady that always has something unique to share when I arrive. And this time was no different.
With my head still spinning from the debacle of my last visit, somehow our conversation progressed from her physical status to the injustice of society. Now, I should not admit this, but there are times when a loud TV in the background causes me to miss a few words in a conversation- especially when it is Judge Judy. (You understand, right?) This was one of those times. The TV program was hitting a climactic point and it would be at that time she asked me to read something that sounded like an "eviction notice."
I thought that I simply misunderstood her and made the mistake of asking, "What did you want me to read?" Again, she told me that she wanted me to look at the letters from her landlord and her eviction notice.
After examining that piece of paper, she was actually evicted in September. Here it is March and she is still in that unit. We worked through some details and possibilities, and eventually the conversation returned to the current state of society.
Apparently, her unit is located in a place that attracts some of Central Mississippi's most interesting personalities (that's the nice way of describing what one of Emily's former patients called "rogues"). One of her neighbors was brutally attacked by her own boyfriend, and my patient happened to observe the chaos of that evening. Apparently, she even traded words with the assailant.
By now, my mind has gone into overload. But she continues to share.
After the fact, she was called on to issue a statement and talked to a local judge. She relayed, in detail, exactly what she said to the perpetrator.
Apparently, he used some explicit language that I cannot repeat, called her a few names, and told her to mind her own business. Now, you can imagine how an eighty year old woman would probably respond. My patient doesn't fall into that category.
Apparently, she warned the young man that "the next time she saw him, and he used that language and tone with her, she would see if his blood ran the same color as her's- red."
After this the judge sat in stunned silence. Unfortunately, my patient thought this meant he didn't understand. So she began to repeat herself. After stopping her from retelling the entire story, she stopped to share one final thought. In closing, she told this stunned judge, "The next time I see him, I'm gonna be shootin'- for his head."
All I could think was, "Ain't it nice to know that I'm seeing Madea."
I took the continual progression of our conversation as my cue and developed an elaborate exit strategy- pray and run! And run, I did!
After such a wonderful day, what could possibly cap off a day like this?
The only way to cap this off is to get lost. And that I did. When trying to leave in haste, I ended up on some dirt roads headed in the wrong direction and finally recognized where I was after heading about 25 miles off course. At that point, I decided it was time to call it a day before anything else could happen.
I'm glad these kind of days only happen about every other day.
So, this is a pretty normal Friday. Three buses and a funeral. An eviction notice. A death threat. Wandering aimlessly lost in the woods.
So I leave you with two thoughts: First, the next time your work day gets strange, ask yourself, "How many death threats, eviction notices, and surprise funerals have I encountered today?" and secondly, if a day is spiraling out of control, remember the wisdom of a breadman, "A bad day can only last 24 hours, then it's a new day!"
I would invite you to leave a comment or a link sharing one of your funniest, or most memorable days at work. I want to see if there is a job more interesting than that of a traveling chaplain.
Showing posts with label Josh Fidler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Josh Fidler. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Born to Die
The following is from Montrose Baptist Church's AM worship service on December 20, 2009.
Let me set a scene for you briefly. It is early evening. The room is dark, yet the outlines of streamers are noticed drooping from the corners of the room. A common silhouette is provided by the funny, pointed hats that sit on each person’s head. Many also have a protruding tube gripped between their teeth producing a funny, yet annoying noise. Suddenly, the room erupts in a common song and a cake is placed in the center of the table with candles aglow glistening in the darkness.
This is a common scene. In fact, it is something many of us have experienced many times more than we would like to confess.
While we each celebrate birthdays with our various traditions year after year, they are all just that- a celebration. But let me ask you this morning, what is it that we celebrate?
You see, we don’t merely celebrate the date of a loved one’s birth, but we acknowledge and celebrate the life that has come since that time.
As we celebrate Jesus’ birthday this coming week, we must also realize that the celebration only begins with His birth. In addition to His birth, we also celebrate the life that followed.
In this season each year, we must remember the meaning of the holiday season. We always come back and start with the story of our Savior’s birth. We make a concerted effort to once again gather around that manger in a lonely stable.
The story has become so common that many of you could quote the King James rendering of this story beginning with the “And it came to pass in those days…”
However, even in spite of our familiarity with the story, in spite of the commonality of investigating it at this time of year, we must be diligent to always return to the birth.
Read text. (Luke 2:1-19)
As we begin our story- as we look at the life and promise of this little baby, we must start at His earthly beginnings, at…
1.) The Birth (Luke 2:1-19).
I believe that the circumstances preceding and following the birth should communicate the importance and uniqueness of this baby. Obviously, there was something very special about this little child. Yet, in spite of the identity of this precious baby boy, He was not received. Rather, He was delivered in a stable and placed in a feel trough.
We know the details of the story. We know the progression. However, there is one particular verse that I want to dwell on for just a few moments this morning.
Luke 2:19 gives us a brief glimpse at Mary. It gives us a little insight into the mother of this precious baby. We are told that the shepherds shared about everything that they had seen and heard. As they shared, those around them wondered and marveled at what they heard. Yet, as we turn to Mary, we see something a little different.
Luke 2:19 says, “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.”
Rather than a mother caught in complete marvel, we find the presence of a loving mother that was carefully calculating everything that was said about her precious baby. She was considering the future of her child.
Can you picture her? I wonder if she was similar to most first time parents.
When Sarah Beth was born, I was first in shock, but then completely amazed at the miracle of life. As the nurses cleaned her up and laid her under the warmer, I can remember looking over that precious little baby girl wondering about her future.
When she was only a few hours old, I was already convinced that my daughter was brilliant and destined for greatness. I delayed holding her for awhile, mostly out of fear that I didn’t know what I was doing. Yet, as I looked into those squinting eyes, I can remember the flood of thoughts that came over me. I was already preparing for the first time I will have to greet a young boy at the door that thinks he is going to take my daughter on a date. I was already practicing my speech about the pains of the heart after her first breakup. I could already picture her donned in graduation dress delivering the valedictorian speech.
At that moment, when that little girl was in my arms, life was so full of possibilities. The world seemed completely open to every amazing possibility. I pondered in my heart what life would hold for her.
As Mary experienced that time, I imagine that moment was something a little different. While she was promised that her Son would be one whose kingdom would never end, I truly wonder if a Jewish mother made the connections of Old Testament prophecy. I wonder if she already began to consider her Son’s place as the atoning sacrifice for mankind.
I believe that Mary was already pondering the fact that her Son, this precious baby, was born to die. The story began with the birth.
Thankfully, the story did not end at the threat of King Herod or in that stable. And while we tend to forget this fact around Christmas time, Jesus did not remain a baby. Rather, we find a progression. From His birth, He became…
2.) The Blessing (Mark 10:13-16)
I believe as Mary considered the future of her Son, as she pondered what life held for Him, I believe that she would have expected Him to be a blessing. I believe that she was like most parents in her time that regarded children as an incredible blessing from God.
We could have chosen any number of passages to illustrate this fact. However, I don’t know if there is an image that I love more than the one presented in Mark 10.
“And they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them; and His disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, ‘Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not; for such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, shall not enter therein. And He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them.”
Jesus was not merely a good boy and man. He was not just someone special. Rather, He became the greatest blessing the world has ever known. He sought to be a blessing.
This encounter in Mark 10 just gives a little insight into the heart of Christ. You probably recall this occasion. Jesus has been teaching the masses that are constantly chasing after Him. In fact, He was dealing with the popular topic of divorce.
After some time of teaching, some parents began to bring their children to Jesus. While the disciples evidenced much of the attitude that was prevalent in their day, while they obviously didn’t regard children as equals or important, Jesus sought to bless even them. He welcomed them with open arms.
Many of the accounts of Christ that the writers of the gospels leave us with are times when Jesus was offering a blessing, or literally being a blessing to those around Him. We are told of the times when He evidenced His love for humanity by seeking to serve and encourage those around Him.
As we return to Mary’s pondering, I believe that she would have expected this. And let’s face it, most parents act as if their children are perfect little angels that are incredible blessings to everyone they are around.
Mom, Dad, if you have not already discovered it, let me go ahead and help you out with a valuable life lesson. Your son or daughter is not perfect. That sweet little baby that captivated you in the hospital room is going to have times when they let you down. They are probably going to have times when they offend and hurt you. I guarantee you that they are going to have times when they act like anything but a blessing.
As Mary pondered what awaited her Son, I believe that she knew that her Son was going to be an incredible blessing to the world. However, that probably made the ultimate outcome even more difficult.
As she pondered the birth of her Son and the blessing He was going to become, I believe she also foresaw…
3.) The Bloodshed (Luke 23:32-38)
“And there were also two other malefactors led with him to be put to death. An when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.’ And they parted His raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided Him, saying, ‘He saved others; let Him save Himself, if He be Christ, the chosen of God.’ And the soldiers also mocked Him, coming to Him, and offering Him vinegar, and saying, ‘If thou be the King of the Jews, saved thyself.’ And a superscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’”
As I mentioned earlier, the only problem with our typical approach to Christmas is the fact that we leave Jesus a baby in a manger. However, that was not the totality of His purpose.
I believe that Mary understood much of this from the very beginning. If she did, can you imagine the excitement and pain mingled together when looking into the eyes of that baby boy?
The fact is that Jesus was laid in a manger, He grew up, performed a few miracles and sought to be a blessing, and then He was crucified as our substitute. He took our punishment.
Can you imagine what this must have been like for Mary? What emotions flooded over her through this time of pondering? I believe that it was in some ways similar to what every parent feels.
There was that excitement of a baby, of a child, yet there was the dread of the inevitable times of pain that come in life. For Mary, it was a little more extreme. I believe that we can begin to understand some of what she felt.
To the parents in the room, it is difficult enough to think about the pain and heartache that your precious baby will eventually endure. I already dread the first time that my daughter comes in the house with tears streaming down her cheeks because some boy broke her heart. I don’t look forward to the times when reality in life may fall a little short of her dreams.
However, I understand the reality of life. I understand that things don’t always seem completely fair.
But what would it do to your heart to know that your child is a perfect, sinless gift from God that always blessed and served, that he or she never wronged anyone or even told half-truths, and then you discover that they have been sentenced to death for a list of heinous crimes that they did not commit? How would it feel to know that they were enduring hardship and punishment because they loved so deeply that they willing assumed that place for someone else?
As Mary pondered in her heart, I wonder if her muscles already tensed, and she already dreaded the fact that her precious baby would unfairly, yet willingly, endure the full weight of God’s wrath on every sin of mankind.
Regardless of what Mary saw in the eyes of her baby boy that day, it did not change the fact that Jesus willingly shed His blood on Calvary for you and me. He endured the agony of the nails willingly, because of His love for you and me.
Rather than simply envisioning a peaceful baby boy snuggled in warm clothes in a comfortable bed, we must remember that this baby whose birthday we celebrate this week is the same one that spread His arms wide to show the world just how much love He has for you and me.
The birth was followed by His life as a blessing. His life of blessing was followed by an event of bloodshed.
While we often abbreviate the story and leave Christ in the manger, it seems that if we are faithful to carry through to His sacrifice and resurrection we are prone to stopping there. However, that still is not the complete story. Where we celebrate the birth, His life as a blessing, and even His bloodshed, they story still continues. The fact is that Jesus continues to live on, and the next chapter of His story is dependent on…
4.) The Believer
Too many times we stop the story before it ever requires something of us. We like to recite the facts and tell the tale. However, we must realize that the life of Christ bids us to make a decision. It demands something from you and me.
When we see the picture of the baby in the manger, the benevolent Savior showing His grace and goodness to the children, or that child as the grown King that sacrificed His own life as a ransom for many, it demands that we make a decision about who we believe this Jesus to be.
We must each understand that we are part of this story. Whether you realize it or not, as that precious baby found Himself laying in swaddling cloths in a manger, His very presence on this earth was because of you. He left His throne in heaven and took on the form of flesh because of you.
Because of that fact, He demands a verdict.
The life of Jesus, the life and events that Mary pondered in her heart have transcended time and continue on through you. The life of Christ comes to an intersection with you this morning.
Jesus was not simply a child with a difficult life. He was not just a victim of unfortunate circumstances. Rather, the hardship He endured was done willingly for us. And when we consider that fact, we must make one of two decisions: we can simply regard this baby in a manger as a holiday icon and a cute story, we can leave Jesus in the manger or we will recognize His sacrifice and love, and will surrender our hearts and lives to Him.
This morning, that cute little baby that was wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger is looking for a willing heart to call home. He is looking to be Lord and Savior of your life.
This morning, what will you do will the baby in the manger? Will you leave him there, or will you give Him the throne of your life?
Let me set a scene for you briefly. It is early evening. The room is dark, yet the outlines of streamers are noticed drooping from the corners of the room. A common silhouette is provided by the funny, pointed hats that sit on each person’s head. Many also have a protruding tube gripped between their teeth producing a funny, yet annoying noise. Suddenly, the room erupts in a common song and a cake is placed in the center of the table with candles aglow glistening in the darkness.
This is a common scene. In fact, it is something many of us have experienced many times more than we would like to confess.
While we each celebrate birthdays with our various traditions year after year, they are all just that- a celebration. But let me ask you this morning, what is it that we celebrate?
You see, we don’t merely celebrate the date of a loved one’s birth, but we acknowledge and celebrate the life that has come since that time.
As we celebrate Jesus’ birthday this coming week, we must also realize that the celebration only begins with His birth. In addition to His birth, we also celebrate the life that followed.
In this season each year, we must remember the meaning of the holiday season. We always come back and start with the story of our Savior’s birth. We make a concerted effort to once again gather around that manger in a lonely stable.
The story has become so common that many of you could quote the King James rendering of this story beginning with the “And it came to pass in those days…”
However, even in spite of our familiarity with the story, in spite of the commonality of investigating it at this time of year, we must be diligent to always return to the birth.
Read text. (Luke 2:1-19)
As we begin our story- as we look at the life and promise of this little baby, we must start at His earthly beginnings, at…
1.) The Birth (Luke 2:1-19).
I believe that the circumstances preceding and following the birth should communicate the importance and uniqueness of this baby. Obviously, there was something very special about this little child. Yet, in spite of the identity of this precious baby boy, He was not received. Rather, He was delivered in a stable and placed in a feel trough.
We know the details of the story. We know the progression. However, there is one particular verse that I want to dwell on for just a few moments this morning.
Luke 2:19 gives us a brief glimpse at Mary. It gives us a little insight into the mother of this precious baby. We are told that the shepherds shared about everything that they had seen and heard. As they shared, those around them wondered and marveled at what they heard. Yet, as we turn to Mary, we see something a little different.
Luke 2:19 says, “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.”
Rather than a mother caught in complete marvel, we find the presence of a loving mother that was carefully calculating everything that was said about her precious baby. She was considering the future of her child.
Can you picture her? I wonder if she was similar to most first time parents.
When Sarah Beth was born, I was first in shock, but then completely amazed at the miracle of life. As the nurses cleaned her up and laid her under the warmer, I can remember looking over that precious little baby girl wondering about her future.
When she was only a few hours old, I was already convinced that my daughter was brilliant and destined for greatness. I delayed holding her for awhile, mostly out of fear that I didn’t know what I was doing. Yet, as I looked into those squinting eyes, I can remember the flood of thoughts that came over me. I was already preparing for the first time I will have to greet a young boy at the door that thinks he is going to take my daughter on a date. I was already practicing my speech about the pains of the heart after her first breakup. I could already picture her donned in graduation dress delivering the valedictorian speech.
At that moment, when that little girl was in my arms, life was so full of possibilities. The world seemed completely open to every amazing possibility. I pondered in my heart what life would hold for her.
As Mary experienced that time, I imagine that moment was something a little different. While she was promised that her Son would be one whose kingdom would never end, I truly wonder if a Jewish mother made the connections of Old Testament prophecy. I wonder if she already began to consider her Son’s place as the atoning sacrifice for mankind.
I believe that Mary was already pondering the fact that her Son, this precious baby, was born to die. The story began with the birth.
Thankfully, the story did not end at the threat of King Herod or in that stable. And while we tend to forget this fact around Christmas time, Jesus did not remain a baby. Rather, we find a progression. From His birth, He became…
2.) The Blessing (Mark 10:13-16)
I believe as Mary considered the future of her Son, as she pondered what life held for Him, I believe that she would have expected Him to be a blessing. I believe that she was like most parents in her time that regarded children as an incredible blessing from God.
We could have chosen any number of passages to illustrate this fact. However, I don’t know if there is an image that I love more than the one presented in Mark 10.
“And they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them; and His disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, ‘Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not; for such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, shall not enter therein. And He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them.”
Jesus was not merely a good boy and man. He was not just someone special. Rather, He became the greatest blessing the world has ever known. He sought to be a blessing.
This encounter in Mark 10 just gives a little insight into the heart of Christ. You probably recall this occasion. Jesus has been teaching the masses that are constantly chasing after Him. In fact, He was dealing with the popular topic of divorce.
After some time of teaching, some parents began to bring their children to Jesus. While the disciples evidenced much of the attitude that was prevalent in their day, while they obviously didn’t regard children as equals or important, Jesus sought to bless even them. He welcomed them with open arms.
Many of the accounts of Christ that the writers of the gospels leave us with are times when Jesus was offering a blessing, or literally being a blessing to those around Him. We are told of the times when He evidenced His love for humanity by seeking to serve and encourage those around Him.
As we return to Mary’s pondering, I believe that she would have expected this. And let’s face it, most parents act as if their children are perfect little angels that are incredible blessings to everyone they are around.
Mom, Dad, if you have not already discovered it, let me go ahead and help you out with a valuable life lesson. Your son or daughter is not perfect. That sweet little baby that captivated you in the hospital room is going to have times when they let you down. They are probably going to have times when they offend and hurt you. I guarantee you that they are going to have times when they act like anything but a blessing.
As Mary pondered what awaited her Son, I believe that she knew that her Son was going to be an incredible blessing to the world. However, that probably made the ultimate outcome even more difficult.
As she pondered the birth of her Son and the blessing He was going to become, I believe she also foresaw…
3.) The Bloodshed (Luke 23:32-38)
“And there were also two other malefactors led with him to be put to death. An when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.’ And they parted His raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided Him, saying, ‘He saved others; let Him save Himself, if He be Christ, the chosen of God.’ And the soldiers also mocked Him, coming to Him, and offering Him vinegar, and saying, ‘If thou be the King of the Jews, saved thyself.’ And a superscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’”
As I mentioned earlier, the only problem with our typical approach to Christmas is the fact that we leave Jesus a baby in a manger. However, that was not the totality of His purpose.
I believe that Mary understood much of this from the very beginning. If she did, can you imagine the excitement and pain mingled together when looking into the eyes of that baby boy?
The fact is that Jesus was laid in a manger, He grew up, performed a few miracles and sought to be a blessing, and then He was crucified as our substitute. He took our punishment.
Can you imagine what this must have been like for Mary? What emotions flooded over her through this time of pondering? I believe that it was in some ways similar to what every parent feels.
There was that excitement of a baby, of a child, yet there was the dread of the inevitable times of pain that come in life. For Mary, it was a little more extreme. I believe that we can begin to understand some of what she felt.
To the parents in the room, it is difficult enough to think about the pain and heartache that your precious baby will eventually endure. I already dread the first time that my daughter comes in the house with tears streaming down her cheeks because some boy broke her heart. I don’t look forward to the times when reality in life may fall a little short of her dreams.
However, I understand the reality of life. I understand that things don’t always seem completely fair.
But what would it do to your heart to know that your child is a perfect, sinless gift from God that always blessed and served, that he or she never wronged anyone or even told half-truths, and then you discover that they have been sentenced to death for a list of heinous crimes that they did not commit? How would it feel to know that they were enduring hardship and punishment because they loved so deeply that they willing assumed that place for someone else?
As Mary pondered in her heart, I wonder if her muscles already tensed, and she already dreaded the fact that her precious baby would unfairly, yet willingly, endure the full weight of God’s wrath on every sin of mankind.
Regardless of what Mary saw in the eyes of her baby boy that day, it did not change the fact that Jesus willingly shed His blood on Calvary for you and me. He endured the agony of the nails willingly, because of His love for you and me.
Rather than simply envisioning a peaceful baby boy snuggled in warm clothes in a comfortable bed, we must remember that this baby whose birthday we celebrate this week is the same one that spread His arms wide to show the world just how much love He has for you and me.
The birth was followed by His life as a blessing. His life of blessing was followed by an event of bloodshed.
While we often abbreviate the story and leave Christ in the manger, it seems that if we are faithful to carry through to His sacrifice and resurrection we are prone to stopping there. However, that still is not the complete story. Where we celebrate the birth, His life as a blessing, and even His bloodshed, they story still continues. The fact is that Jesus continues to live on, and the next chapter of His story is dependent on…
4.) The Believer
Too many times we stop the story before it ever requires something of us. We like to recite the facts and tell the tale. However, we must realize that the life of Christ bids us to make a decision. It demands something from you and me.
When we see the picture of the baby in the manger, the benevolent Savior showing His grace and goodness to the children, or that child as the grown King that sacrificed His own life as a ransom for many, it demands that we make a decision about who we believe this Jesus to be.
We must each understand that we are part of this story. Whether you realize it or not, as that precious baby found Himself laying in swaddling cloths in a manger, His very presence on this earth was because of you. He left His throne in heaven and took on the form of flesh because of you.
Because of that fact, He demands a verdict.
The life of Jesus, the life and events that Mary pondered in her heart have transcended time and continue on through you. The life of Christ comes to an intersection with you this morning.
Jesus was not simply a child with a difficult life. He was not just a victim of unfortunate circumstances. Rather, the hardship He endured was done willingly for us. And when we consider that fact, we must make one of two decisions: we can simply regard this baby in a manger as a holiday icon and a cute story, we can leave Jesus in the manger or we will recognize His sacrifice and love, and will surrender our hearts and lives to Him.
This morning, that cute little baby that was wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger is looking for a willing heart to call home. He is looking to be Lord and Savior of your life.
This morning, what will you do will the baby in the manger? Will you leave him there, or will you give Him the throne of your life?
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Looking Jesus in the Eye
The following is from Montrose Baptist Church's AM worship service on November 29, 2009.
Perhaps one of the most famous betrayal stories in history came during the height of the Roman republic. It has been retold in various forms and fashions, and even lives on through the writings of William Shakespeare.
On the Ides of March (March 15) in 44 BC, a conspiracy to assassinate Roman dictator Julius Caesar came to fruition.
Many of you are probably familiar with that particular story. On the eve of that day, Mark Antony learned vaguely of the plot to kill Caesar. And in hopes to divert the attack, he attempted to head off the dictator at the steps of the forum.
However, a group of senators intercepted Julius Caesar before he ever made it that far and diverted him into a room adjoining the east portico.
At that time, Caesar was presented with a petition to recall his exiled brother. The group of men crowded around him to offer their support and cheer on the decision, but Caesar waved them off.
After refusing the request, one of the men pulled down Caesars tunic and another drew a dagger and swiped at his neck. During the tussle, others joined the attack and Caesar found himself on the floor surrounded by an angry mob.
Yet, Caesar attempted to defend himself against this onslaught. While there is some debate and discussion about Caesar’s last words, there is a general consensus by most to accept one of the following phrases: “Kai su teknon” in the Greek which means “You too, son?” or “Et tu, Brute” in the Latin which means, “And you, Brutus?”
The story is told that Caesar attempted to defend himself until he saw that Brutus was among those that were attacking him. Brutus, a distant cousin of Caesar’s, was actually loved and regarded as Caesar’s own son.
Legend has it that upon seeing the identity of this particular conspirator, that Caesar pulled his toga over his head and surrendered to the attack. He simply asked, “You too, son?” and surrendered his life.
Now, this day has been studied throughout history. Historians have argued over the details of the occasion. However, there is one aspect of the story that tends to be ignored. What must it have felt like to be in Brutus’ position? How would you feel if you were found betraying someone that loved you like their own child- and had to look them in the eye and hear them call your name?
This morning, we are going to look at an occasion when one of God’s beloved people had to look, not Caesar, but the Son of God in the eye after his betrayal- when he too, had to face the reality that the person that loved him more dearly than any other recognized his place in the plot.
We are going to examine what it must have been like to look Jesus in the eye.
Read text. (Matthew 26:20-29)
This morning, as we prepare ourselves to partake of the Lord’s Supper, we too must be willing to look Jesus in the eye. We must be willing to deal with the truth that Jesus sees in us.
And as we come to an understanding of where we stand as we look Jesus in the eye, I want to investigate what this day must have been like for Judas. I’m afraid that if we are honest, we might see part of ourselves in his story.
As we look at the passage, the first thing that we find is…
1.) The Betrayal
“When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve. Now as they were eating, He said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.’”
During the course of the evening, as the disciples were sitting around the table with Jesus, it is prophesied that one of the disciples will betray Jesus.
Most believers would likely pair the betrayal with the kiss on the cheek in Gethsemane when Jesus was physically handed over to the authorities. It seems that Jesus is even alluding to the coming events.
However, I would suggest that Jesus has already been betrayed. It is not a future event, but rather a past one. Just look at what happened earlier in this chapter. Verses 14 and 15 say, “Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?’ And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver.” It was at this point that Judas agreed to sell out Jesus. Through his agreement in this scheme, he actually started the process of Jesus’ betrayal.
Judas is by far the most infamous person in the Bible. He is hated and despised by believers. I, too, can hardly hear his name and not squirm. His act of betrayal is one never forgotten by those who call Jesus, “Lord.”
However, my goal today, is not that we would have a Judas-bashing evening. Rather, I want us to evaluate what we may have in common with him.
Let me ask, “Have you betrayed Jesus?”
Now pause a little before you get angry because I’ve suggested that we are like Judas. We may not have identified Jesus to the Jewish leaders, but I would bet that there have been times when we accepted 30 pieces of silver in Jesus’ place. In fact, we’ve probably done it at times for far less.
Thirty pieces of silver was the price of a slave. Additionally, a modern jeweler has tried to translate the worth of the metals into a modern price tag. He suggests that thirty pieces of silver is probably worth about $190.
I’m sure that there are things that cost far less that cause us to turn our backs on our Savior.
We betray Jesus every time we deny Jesus sole lordship of our lives. When we withhold something from him, we are in turn saying that it means more to us than he. We choose pleasure, comfort, and convenience over Jesus.
This encounter began with betrayal. But that was not all. Rather, when there is betrayal, there is something that inevitably follows…
2.) The Cover-up.
“Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, ‘Rabbi, is it I?’”
Judas was actively looking for an opportunity to deliver Jesus to the chief priests. He was seeking the chance to fulfill his end of the transaction.
Yet, when he found himself in the company of the early church- the disciples, he pretended that he was innocent. His betrayal was followed by a cover-up.
I’ve always wondered why Judas would bother to attempt to hide the truth from the man that claimed to be “the Way, the Truth, and the Life?” Did he really think that Jesus wouldn’t notice?
I can see Judas reclining at the table. Only he doesn’t resemble a confident money keeper. I see him as anything but comfortable. Shifting his weight from side to side. Heart beating out of his chest. Sweat beads rolling down his forehead. A lump in his throat and his gut. Reddened eyes darting around waiting to be caught with a condemning glance. I believe that Judas was terrified in this time.
Do we find ourselves in the same state? Have there been times when you white-knuckled the pew- refusing to relinquish the grasp on your life?
Are there invitations when your sin comes clearly to the front of your mind, and you hope that God doesn’t notice?
We are all guilty at some point of hiding our sin. We hide it from God. Or so we think. We try to hide our shame behind our good deeds and our dressy clothes. We put on our Sunday smile and pretend that we are faultless around other believers.
We, too, Sunday after Sunday during the invitation ask the same question as Judas, “Rabbi, is it I?” We know the ways that we’ve disappointed and betrayed our Lord. We know our attitudes and sins. Yet, we ask the question with the idea that we can cover up our failures.
Betrayal is typically followed by cover-up. Yet, there is still more. We find through Judas’ story that cover-up eventually produces…
3.) A Confrontation.
“…He said to him, ‘You have said it.’”
Judas is trying to play innocent. Yet his nightmare comes true. Jesus knows. Judas looks deep into his eyes- and he sees the truth. He sees past the façade and lies and sees the truth of the situation.
This is a frightening event- the time when the realization hits that Jesus knows.
There comes a time in our lives also, when Jesus will no longer allow our sin to continue without confrontation. Judas had to gaze into the eyes of the Almighty Son of God. He had to put aside his denial and answer the pointed finger of Jesus. The fate of the sin in our lives is the same.
What will we see when we look into Jesus’ eyes? Will we find the beaming eyes of a proud Heavenly Father? Or will we find tears rolling down the cheeks of God’s only begotten son? Will we have to look upon the Holy Lamb of God and cringe at the thought of what we let take his throne in our lives?
When the confrontation comes, there is no debating our guilt. We will not be able to tell Jesus that he is mistaken. We will not be able to say, “Surely not I, Lord.” We can continue to play innocent, but it does not change was Jesus sees in our lives.
I’m afraid that there are times when our sin seems to go unpunished. There are sins that we can try to hide. And there are times when they are completely hidden from everyone but the eye of God.
Yet, we must realize that sin- of any shape or size will not go unnoticed, nor will it be without confrontation. There will come a day when the sin in your life will demand an answer.
There will come a time when God will no longer allow you to continue in an errant lifestyle. There will come a time when the Spirit demands that you surrender your sin.
Betrayal typically produces a cover-up. Cover-ups will eventually lead to confrontation. Once the confrontation comes, we must come to…
4.) A Conclusion.
“Immediately, he went up to Jesus and said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed Him.” –Matthew 26:49, “Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.” –Matthew 27:5
Thank God, because of his Son’s sacrifice, there are options when he points out our sin. When we are brought to the place of confrontation between Jesus and our betrayal, we must make a decision.
Judas came to his conclusion. Rather than falling at Jesus’ feet and begging forgiveness, he leaves. Unfortunately for Judas, his conclusion did not equal restoration with God. There is obviously conviction, but never a plea for forgiveness.
Judas made his decision to continue in his betrayal. He chose his silver over his Jesus.
When we look into the eyes of Jesus, we too must make a decision. We must choose whether we will bow a knee and beg for forgiveness, or we deem the price of his betrayal to be reasonable.
When Jesus puts his finger on our lives, we make decisions in all forms and fashions:
We repent, we justify, we argue, we pretend not to notice his beckoning.
When brought to a place of confrontation with Christ, we are forced to come to a point of decision. A refusal to make a decision is a decision in itself.
So what is in your bag? Has Jesus been put aside for money? Maybe for power or favor? Perhaps a lifestyle?
Whether it be for money or because of selfish pride, the price at which we exchange Jesus is never adequate.
So what is his price in your life? Have you accepted a pitiful replacement for the precious Son of God? Have you betrayed Jesus? Are you continuing to do so?
I hope this morning that the Spirit brings you to a point of confrontation. I believe that we must make our decision and reach our conclusion about the place that Christ will be given in our lives.
If you were in Judas’ place, what would you see in Christ’s eyes? Would you see pleasure that Christ is taking in you? Or would you see the disappointment and pain that betrayal brings?
Perhaps one of the most famous betrayal stories in history came during the height of the Roman republic. It has been retold in various forms and fashions, and even lives on through the writings of William Shakespeare.
On the Ides of March (March 15) in 44 BC, a conspiracy to assassinate Roman dictator Julius Caesar came to fruition.
Many of you are probably familiar with that particular story. On the eve of that day, Mark Antony learned vaguely of the plot to kill Caesar. And in hopes to divert the attack, he attempted to head off the dictator at the steps of the forum.
However, a group of senators intercepted Julius Caesar before he ever made it that far and diverted him into a room adjoining the east portico.
At that time, Caesar was presented with a petition to recall his exiled brother. The group of men crowded around him to offer their support and cheer on the decision, but Caesar waved them off.
After refusing the request, one of the men pulled down Caesars tunic and another drew a dagger and swiped at his neck. During the tussle, others joined the attack and Caesar found himself on the floor surrounded by an angry mob.
Yet, Caesar attempted to defend himself against this onslaught. While there is some debate and discussion about Caesar’s last words, there is a general consensus by most to accept one of the following phrases: “Kai su teknon” in the Greek which means “You too, son?” or “Et tu, Brute” in the Latin which means, “And you, Brutus?”
The story is told that Caesar attempted to defend himself until he saw that Brutus was among those that were attacking him. Brutus, a distant cousin of Caesar’s, was actually loved and regarded as Caesar’s own son.
Legend has it that upon seeing the identity of this particular conspirator, that Caesar pulled his toga over his head and surrendered to the attack. He simply asked, “You too, son?” and surrendered his life.
Now, this day has been studied throughout history. Historians have argued over the details of the occasion. However, there is one aspect of the story that tends to be ignored. What must it have felt like to be in Brutus’ position? How would you feel if you were found betraying someone that loved you like their own child- and had to look them in the eye and hear them call your name?
This morning, we are going to look at an occasion when one of God’s beloved people had to look, not Caesar, but the Son of God in the eye after his betrayal- when he too, had to face the reality that the person that loved him more dearly than any other recognized his place in the plot.
We are going to examine what it must have been like to look Jesus in the eye.
Read text. (Matthew 26:20-29)
This morning, as we prepare ourselves to partake of the Lord’s Supper, we too must be willing to look Jesus in the eye. We must be willing to deal with the truth that Jesus sees in us.
And as we come to an understanding of where we stand as we look Jesus in the eye, I want to investigate what this day must have been like for Judas. I’m afraid that if we are honest, we might see part of ourselves in his story.
As we look at the passage, the first thing that we find is…
1.) The Betrayal
“When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve. Now as they were eating, He said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.’”
During the course of the evening, as the disciples were sitting around the table with Jesus, it is prophesied that one of the disciples will betray Jesus.
Most believers would likely pair the betrayal with the kiss on the cheek in Gethsemane when Jesus was physically handed over to the authorities. It seems that Jesus is even alluding to the coming events.
However, I would suggest that Jesus has already been betrayed. It is not a future event, but rather a past one. Just look at what happened earlier in this chapter. Verses 14 and 15 say, “Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?’ And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver.” It was at this point that Judas agreed to sell out Jesus. Through his agreement in this scheme, he actually started the process of Jesus’ betrayal.
Judas is by far the most infamous person in the Bible. He is hated and despised by believers. I, too, can hardly hear his name and not squirm. His act of betrayal is one never forgotten by those who call Jesus, “Lord.”
However, my goal today, is not that we would have a Judas-bashing evening. Rather, I want us to evaluate what we may have in common with him.
Let me ask, “Have you betrayed Jesus?”
Now pause a little before you get angry because I’ve suggested that we are like Judas. We may not have identified Jesus to the Jewish leaders, but I would bet that there have been times when we accepted 30 pieces of silver in Jesus’ place. In fact, we’ve probably done it at times for far less.
Thirty pieces of silver was the price of a slave. Additionally, a modern jeweler has tried to translate the worth of the metals into a modern price tag. He suggests that thirty pieces of silver is probably worth about $190.
I’m sure that there are things that cost far less that cause us to turn our backs on our Savior.
We betray Jesus every time we deny Jesus sole lordship of our lives. When we withhold something from him, we are in turn saying that it means more to us than he. We choose pleasure, comfort, and convenience over Jesus.
This encounter began with betrayal. But that was not all. Rather, when there is betrayal, there is something that inevitably follows…
2.) The Cover-up.
“Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, ‘Rabbi, is it I?’”
Judas was actively looking for an opportunity to deliver Jesus to the chief priests. He was seeking the chance to fulfill his end of the transaction.
Yet, when he found himself in the company of the early church- the disciples, he pretended that he was innocent. His betrayal was followed by a cover-up.
I’ve always wondered why Judas would bother to attempt to hide the truth from the man that claimed to be “the Way, the Truth, and the Life?” Did he really think that Jesus wouldn’t notice?
I can see Judas reclining at the table. Only he doesn’t resemble a confident money keeper. I see him as anything but comfortable. Shifting his weight from side to side. Heart beating out of his chest. Sweat beads rolling down his forehead. A lump in his throat and his gut. Reddened eyes darting around waiting to be caught with a condemning glance. I believe that Judas was terrified in this time.
Do we find ourselves in the same state? Have there been times when you white-knuckled the pew- refusing to relinquish the grasp on your life?
Are there invitations when your sin comes clearly to the front of your mind, and you hope that God doesn’t notice?
We are all guilty at some point of hiding our sin. We hide it from God. Or so we think. We try to hide our shame behind our good deeds and our dressy clothes. We put on our Sunday smile and pretend that we are faultless around other believers.
We, too, Sunday after Sunday during the invitation ask the same question as Judas, “Rabbi, is it I?” We know the ways that we’ve disappointed and betrayed our Lord. We know our attitudes and sins. Yet, we ask the question with the idea that we can cover up our failures.
Betrayal is typically followed by cover-up. Yet, there is still more. We find through Judas’ story that cover-up eventually produces…
3.) A Confrontation.
“…He said to him, ‘You have said it.’”
Judas is trying to play innocent. Yet his nightmare comes true. Jesus knows. Judas looks deep into his eyes- and he sees the truth. He sees past the façade and lies and sees the truth of the situation.
This is a frightening event- the time when the realization hits that Jesus knows.
There comes a time in our lives also, when Jesus will no longer allow our sin to continue without confrontation. Judas had to gaze into the eyes of the Almighty Son of God. He had to put aside his denial and answer the pointed finger of Jesus. The fate of the sin in our lives is the same.
What will we see when we look into Jesus’ eyes? Will we find the beaming eyes of a proud Heavenly Father? Or will we find tears rolling down the cheeks of God’s only begotten son? Will we have to look upon the Holy Lamb of God and cringe at the thought of what we let take his throne in our lives?
When the confrontation comes, there is no debating our guilt. We will not be able to tell Jesus that he is mistaken. We will not be able to say, “Surely not I, Lord.” We can continue to play innocent, but it does not change was Jesus sees in our lives.
I’m afraid that there are times when our sin seems to go unpunished. There are sins that we can try to hide. And there are times when they are completely hidden from everyone but the eye of God.
Yet, we must realize that sin- of any shape or size will not go unnoticed, nor will it be without confrontation. There will come a day when the sin in your life will demand an answer.
There will come a time when God will no longer allow you to continue in an errant lifestyle. There will come a time when the Spirit demands that you surrender your sin.
Betrayal typically produces a cover-up. Cover-ups will eventually lead to confrontation. Once the confrontation comes, we must come to…
4.) A Conclusion.
“Immediately, he went up to Jesus and said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed Him.” –Matthew 26:49, “Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.” –Matthew 27:5
Thank God, because of his Son’s sacrifice, there are options when he points out our sin. When we are brought to the place of confrontation between Jesus and our betrayal, we must make a decision.
Judas came to his conclusion. Rather than falling at Jesus’ feet and begging forgiveness, he leaves. Unfortunately for Judas, his conclusion did not equal restoration with God. There is obviously conviction, but never a plea for forgiveness.
Judas made his decision to continue in his betrayal. He chose his silver over his Jesus.
When we look into the eyes of Jesus, we too must make a decision. We must choose whether we will bow a knee and beg for forgiveness, or we deem the price of his betrayal to be reasonable.
When Jesus puts his finger on our lives, we make decisions in all forms and fashions:
We repent, we justify, we argue, we pretend not to notice his beckoning.
When brought to a place of confrontation with Christ, we are forced to come to a point of decision. A refusal to make a decision is a decision in itself.
So what is in your bag? Has Jesus been put aside for money? Maybe for power or favor? Perhaps a lifestyle?
Whether it be for money or because of selfish pride, the price at which we exchange Jesus is never adequate.
So what is his price in your life? Have you accepted a pitiful replacement for the precious Son of God? Have you betrayed Jesus? Are you continuing to do so?
I hope this morning that the Spirit brings you to a point of confrontation. I believe that we must make our decision and reach our conclusion about the place that Christ will be given in our lives.
If you were in Judas’ place, what would you see in Christ’s eyes? Would you see pleasure that Christ is taking in you? Or would you see the disappointment and pain that betrayal brings?
Gladness and Thanksgiving
The following is from Montrose Baptist Church's AM worship service on November 22, 2009.
Thankfulness seems to be a lost art today. Warren Wiersby illustrated this problem in his commentary on Colossians. He told about a ministerial student in Evanston, Illinois, who was part of a life-saving squad. In 1860, a ship went aground on the shore of Lake Michigan near Evanston, and Edward Spencer waded again and again into the frigid waters to rescue 17 passengers. In the process, his health was permanently damaged. Some years later at his funeral, it was noted that not one of the people he rescued ever said, “Thank you.”
Our current culture does not value the contributions of others. It does not typically seek to offer a word of recognition or appreciation. In short, it seems that people as a whole have forgotten the two little words, “Thank you.”
This morning I want to look for a few moments at our Biblical call to gladness and thanksgiving. I want us to consider the instruction we are given in God’s Word about an attitude of gratitude. I want us to rediscover our thankfulness to God.
But before we dig into our Biblical investigation this morning, many of you are probably wondering why you’ve been given a few sticky notes. I want to invite you this morning, as we are looking into God’s Word to think about some things that have happened in this sanctuary that you are thankful for. What are some reasons that you have to come into his courts with thanksgiving?
Perhaps there was a difficult time that you were going through and someone offered you a timely word of encouragement- if that is the case, write it down. Maybe it was on this altar that you surrendered your heart and life to Christ, and you discovered the fullness of life that comes through Him- write that down. Maybe you are thankful that God would allow you to identify with Him through baptism- and you were baptized in this baptistery. If that is the case, write it down. Maybe there’s something God spoke to you through a former pastor behind this pulpit that changed your life- write that down.
For many of you, you have decades of memories in this church building. You have a plethora of reasons to be thankful that God gave you in this very room. I believe that it is time that we rediscover those.
I would invite you to look with me at our call to gladness and thanksgiving.
Read text. (Psalm 100:1-5)
It seems to be apparent that this short passage was actually a call to worship. It was a beckoning of the Jewish people at the temple to enter into the courts with joy and thanksgiving in their hearts. It was literally an exhortation for people to arrive for worship and thanksgiving.
While this psalm is very short in comparison to the majority of the rest in that book, it carries a heavy message. It will challenge us, and teach us about the effects of a truly thankful heart.
As we look at this call to worship, the first thing that we note is…
1.) The Disposition
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.”
As we come into God’s presence, we are called to come with the proper disposition. We must possess the proper attitude.
Look at how we are instructed to come before our God to worship Him. We are told to “Shout for joy.” Now, I know that as conservative Baptists, you would probably get a few surprised glances if anyone actually shouted during a worship service. But we are called to come with such excitement and overwhelming joy that a shout is all we can muster.
I know that we’ve adopted this idea that joyful shouting is irreverent and inappropriate. But, just think about the way we approach football. We yell and cheer when our team scores a touchdown. We celebrate when the clock runs out and our team has secured the victory. Why is it that we don’t come through the doors with a shout of joy for what God has done for us? Why is it that we may muster a begrudging “amen” or a “that’s right” during a sermon, but we don’t shout for joy at what God has done?
We are called to shout for joy to the Lord, but then look at what comes next. We are told to worship the Lord with gladness.
Well, that might hit the root of our problem right there. We are called to worship the Lord with gladness. Listen, if we don’t muster a little gladness in our worship, we will never shout for joy to Him.
This passage tells us about the expected disposition of a thankful worshipper. We must be worshipful and happy that we have that opportunity.
We must be glad that we can worship Him. Yet, let me ask you to be honest with yourself. What kind of attitude do you have by the time that the service begins? Are you glad? Are you happy and excited? Or are you just ready to survive another Sunday so that we can have some fried chicken and watch some football?
Do you truly worship with gladness and excitement?
We must shout for joy, worship with gladness, and even come before our God with joyful songs.
Do we sing joyful songs? I believe that we do. I believe that there are plenty of times when we come into this place and offer joyful songs to our Lord. We have songs like Serve Him with Gladness, Heavenly Sunlight, When We All Get to Heaven, and Victory in Jesus.
Do you know what the problem is in the average church though? The words in the songs don’t match up to the attitudes in our hearts.
Let me explain. I’m a people watcher. I love watching people in public. And where I sit in this place, I have a good vantage point to see everyone during the worship service. But do you know what the average face looks like when we sing these “joyful” songs?
I’ve seen children look happier at the Health Department waiting on a shot than we often look when singing joyful songs of praise. We don’t look joyful- we look sour.
We must understand and possess the right disposition. We should be joyous and happy. But then we must understand why we should possess that disposition. We should be joyful and glad because of…
2.) His Designation
“Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.”
Why should we have a joyous disposition? Why should we be thankful? Because of His designation. We should be joyous and grateful because He is God.
We should be joyful because He is supreme. He has shown us grace and mercy. He is the one that has offered salvation full and free. He is the one that loves us. We worship and come before Him with joy and thanksgiving because of who He is.
I think if we are honest, we have truly lost sight of who it is that we are worshipping and serving. Life has become about appointments and things to do. It has morphed into a complex compilation of responsibilities and obligations. Even church and the worship service have fallen prey to this mindset.
I want everyone to stop for just a second. In the quietness of the next few seconds, I want you to think about who is really here this morning.
We are not gathered to perform a program. We are not here to see what the preacher managed to write for the sermon. We are not even here just to fill our pew.
We should be here because our desire is to come together as a people and community into the presence of God. We are here- and so is the God of creation.
If we ever truly recover the purpose for our gathering, if we ever really stop and grasp the magnificence of the One that has granted us His company we will rediscover our excitement and appreciation.
We should be joyful, excited and appreciative because God has given us the opportunity to spend the day with Him.
Let’s stop and do a little comparison.
Now I know that our current president is not very popular. In fact, I think I’ve been pretty open about my displeasure with his performance and priorities. But I’m sure that there has been at least one in your lifetime that you have liked. Think back on the president that you admired the most. Does everyone have a name and picture in the back of your mind?
What would you have done if you could rewind the hands of time and if that president called you on the phone and invited you to be his guest of honor for the day? What would you do if you were given the opportunity to fly on Air Force One, to sit in the President’s desk, and to eat at his table?
Who would you call? How excited would you be?
Yet, week after week, we come to God’s house without any excitement or anticipation. We come to the house of our president’s superior- and we don’t bother to be joyous about it.
We must possess the proper disposition because of His designation- because He is God.
If we possess the proper disposition, if we realize His designation, it will eventually bring us to…
3.) The Destination
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”
We mentioned just a moment ago that this psalm was probably a call to worship for those waiting outside of the Jewish temple. It was a bid for people to come into the courts of the temple for worship.
When we apply that to more modern times, we find that a proper attitude and a true recognition of the person of God will influence you toward a particular destination. Rather than us being called to the Jewish temple, I believe that the proper attitude and a true recognition of the person of God will encourage us to gather for worship in the church. It should bring us together for the sake of collaborative worship.
This last week, I have really struggled with a question. If one of the primary purposes of our gathering at this destination is to excitedly worship our God, why is it that so many times we gather together while frustrated and ill?
Why do we come to the destination without considering our demeanor and the person that we are gathered to worship?
As we return to the passage, as we look again at the destination, there is reiteration of the way that we are to approach our God. We’ve talked about the proper disposition, and we are reminded again of the attitude that we should have.
It says, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving.” The very thing that should characterize our arrival, our entrance, is an attitude of thanksgiving. Think about that for just a moment. As we part through the doors of the sanctuary, our thoughts should be centered around our appreciation of God’s goodness.
Now, let’s have a little confession here. I know that there are plenty of weeks when I enter through that door without appreciation. Instead, I am thinking about the class I am supposed to teach. I’m thinking about the business that needs to be taken care of. I’m recalling the message that I plan to preach. So many times, I am guilty of coming into the house of God not with appreciation, but with a misguided concentration on the mechanics of the services.
Am I alone here? Or do many of us come through those doors not thinking about the greatness and goodness of God? Do we come through thinking about the conversation we just ended? Do we arrive wondering just how long the preacher is going to ramble today? Or do we come with an appreciation of God’s blessing through the past week?
As a people, I believe that there are times when we need to regain our bearings. We need to truly consider our motivations and thoughts.
As we look at our call to worship in Psalm 100, we actually find an exhortation to gladness and thanksgiving.
We find a reminder of the way that we ought to approach our worship.
We must come to the proper destination in a right disposition because of God’s designation.
Our attitude must be one of gratitude. We must come into God’s presence with joy and thanksgiving in our hearts. We must rediscover the right heart.
This morning as we come to our time of invitation, things are going to be a little different. Rather than the congregation singing the hymn of invitation, I am going to ask you to do this: as the instrumentalists play, I would invite you to relive those reasons for thanksgiving that you have written down. As you look through those descriptions, I would ask you to place that sticky note in the place of your experience.
I want us to have to take action- to physically move to those places where God has done something for which we are thankful. And rather than taking another opportunity at that moment to ask for those things that we want- stop and pray and simply tell the Lord “thank you” for what He did there.
If it was on this altar that you found grace- or rededicated, or received the help you needed through a difficult time, I would ask you to place one there. If it was in the choir, place it there. If it came from the pulpit, place it there. Maybe it was right there in your pew- if so, place one there.
This is our opportunity to not only show our God how thankful we are, but to visibly remind ourselves of our reasons for gladness and thanksgiving.
As the instrumentalists play, show God a few places that you are thankful for.
Something amazing happened during the invitation that morning. Just look at the response!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Pressing Toward Perfection
The following is from Montrose Baptist Church's AM worship service on November 15, 2009.
The closest I have ever come to perfection probably occurred when I was fourteen years old.
I am certain by now that you all now how passionately I love the game of baseball. In fact, it is one thing that I miss dearly. I miss practice. I miss the sweat. I miss the muffled sounds through the ear-holes of a helmet. I miss the feeling of a ball hitting the sweet spot of the bat. And most of all, I miss standing on a mound staring down a batter.
Now, I’ve never claimed to be perfect, but one evening in 1996, I came close. That particular evening we were playing the Falcons. It had been more than seventy-two hours since our previous game, so I was OK to pitch.
For some reason that evening, my fastball had a little extra pep. My curveball had a little extra break. And my change up actually slowed down. Through the first four innings, I recorded ten strikeouts and two putouts. There had not been a ball hit past the pitcher’s mound.
Through the fifth, things continued on the same path- and by the time the sixth inning rolled around, I was sitting alone at the end of a dugout. (It's baseball superstition)
Finally, the game had progressed to the point if we held the other team off for one more inning, the game would be called an inning early on account of the ten-run rule.
During the last inning, with one out, my hope of perfection ended. A ground ball rolled through the legs of our third baseman. It was not hit that hard- it just was not fielded.
All of that work went for not- and the record would not show perfection.
As I was working on this morning’s message last week, I began to think about that day and about our quest as Christian people to become perfect. We are called to work toward the fullness of the image of Christ. We are to continually strive toward eliminating any imperfection. Unfortunately, there are times when we hit a pebble- or a bump in the road and our best attempt at perfection fails.
And then there are times when I am reminded that even if I am perfect for one day, even if I succeed for this time- the game of life never ends.
We are a people that must constantly press on toward righteousness and maturity until we reach the fullness of the stature of Christ- until we become as He is, perfect.
I do not say this in judgment or condemnation, but I am certain that there is not one person in this building that has reached the pinnacle of perfection in life. I know that I cannot claim that. And so, we have work to do. We are left with further growth and maturity to attain.
I believe that Paul gives us a great understanding as to how to strive toward our calling.
Read text. (Philippians 3:12-16)
As we look at Paul’s epistle to the church at Philippi, we find Paul’s progress and approach to Christian growth. We find four steps that we must take in our pursuit of Christ’s perfection.
First, we must…
1.) Grasp Our Condition
“Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature…”
Before we can move any farther than mere infancy in our Christian faith, we must truly grasp our current condition. We must see ourselves as we really our- and that is Christians that have not yet reached perfection.
Just consider the author of this letter. Consider what this should say to you and me.
Paul, the man that authored the majority of the New Testament said that he had not already reached the goal. He was not fully mature.
We can even look at his list of accolades earlier in the chapter. He was circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, and a Pharisee. It has even been suggested that Paul was a member of the Sanhedrin council. Paul- in terms of Jewish customs and law was faultless. This was a man that sat at the feet of Gamaliel. He was as close to perfect as humanity could get. However, he insists that he still has not reached the fullness of maturity in Christ.
Now, if Paul insists that he had not arrived, why do act as if we have?
None of us have completely digested the fullness of the knowledge of God. We still do not understand every facet of Scripture. And even if we did, there are none of us that are perfect in our adherence and obedience of that instruction.
As Christian believers, there is a time to look at ourselves in comparison to the lost world around us and feel accomplished. There is the temptation to think of ourselves more highly than we ought.
However, we must rediscover our need. We must rediscover humility.
Now, I realize that most of us- if not all of us would not hesitate to admit that we are in need of growth and maturity. However, I still believe that there is a struggle at times with truly grasping our condition. There is still a temptation, even in a small fashion, to pretend that we are farther along than we are.
Before we can grow any further, we must grasp our condition.
In addition to seeing ourselves as we really are, we must take the next step and…
2.) Grow Our Captivation
“…but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus.”
Paul realized the he was not perfect. In spite of the nearly perfect life he lived under legalism, in spite of his best efforts, he still was not fully perfect and mature.
And in recognition of that fact, Paul said that he makes every effort to take hold of that maturity because he has been taken hold of by Jesus.
I believe this is a beautiful image. When I see this in my mind’s eye, I see a picture of Christ hand in hand with one of his children. And because He is holding on to His child’s hand, because He is walking with Him, He is drawing him closer to fullness of maturity in Him.
Paul is saying, “Because Jesus has hold of me, because He is walking with me, I am going to take every opportunity to draw closer to Him.”
I believe that it is interesting that Paul used the term “taken hold of” here. It also tends to communicate the picture of captivity. Yet it is consistent with Paul’s presentation of himself throughout the epistles. Paul almost always calls himself a bondservant, servant, or slave of the gospel.
Paul speaks about being taken hold of, yet it is not a restrictive, demeaning captivity that we would think of. Rather, it is the idea that Paul is completely captured by the love of Christ. He is captivated.
Now, I know that y’all are probably tired of hearing about me and Emily. However, when I see this phrase speaking about being taken hold of, it makes me think about the love that I share with Em.
When we started dating, even until now, there is something about that love that has me captivated. It keeps my attention. It deserves my affection. Because of that love, there is nothing that I would let stand between me and her.
I believe that is exactly the picture that Paul is presenting here. Because he is captivated by Christ’s love, he is doing everything in his power to remove all obstacles to their relationship.
We should be challenged by Paul. We too need to grow our captivation.
Let me simply ask: Where has our wonder gone? What has happened to our utter amazement with Christ’s love? We must be captivated by it so that we are actively pursuing our relationship with Christ.
Let me mention briefly, the easiest way to grow your captivation with Jesus is not some séance or attempt to manipulate your emotions. The easiest way to restore your captivation is to spend time with Him. Study His word. Pray and speak with Him. Serve Him. The more you are with Him, the more you will desire to be with Him.
If we want to grow in our maturity, if we want to pursue perfection in Jesus, we must grasp our condition. We must grow our captivation. Then we must be careful to…
3.) Guard Our Concentration
“Brothers, I do not consider myself to taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead…”
We must understand where we really stand in God’s eyes. We must seek to grow in our love for Him. We must be captivated by Him. And then we must be careful to guard our concentration.
Paul says that he forgets what is behind and reaches forward to what is ahead.
Now, there is the tendency to use this at New Years when talking about the opportunities God grants for new beginnings. In fact, I have even used this passage for that purpose here.
However, I don’t believe that is all that it is communicating. We look at it and talk about moving on from past failures. And I believe that you can use it in that context and still be maintaining Scriptural integrity.
Certainly our sinful pasts can be cause for crippling our service of Christ. There are plenty of people within the church that believe that they are unable to serve God- or even come to Him because of something that they did in their past.
We must be willing to quit looking back to those disappointments and failures. We must move beyond those shortcomings and allow our past to be the past and not our future.
Paul was a man that would certainly want to forget parts of his past. Paul had a Damascus road experience where God Himself questioned Paul as to why he was persecuting Him.
Paul was convinced that He was doing God’s work and will until then. I am certain that Paul would love to forget about those that he persecuted and imprisoned. I am certain that he would love to move beyond the fact that we were introduced to him in God's Word as he held coats and cheered on those that stoned Stephen.
Yet, I believe Paul was communicating more. When we look back at the beginning of Philippians 3, we find that section that we quoted earlier. We find that place where Paul gives us a list of his accolades and qualifications.
Paul was a man that would have a great deal to boast about. He would have reason, more than any of us, to feel as if he had reached a higher plane in his Christian experience.
However, I believe that Paul was actually saying, “I forget what is behind and move forward- not because the past is all horrible and sinful, but because I cannot allow myself to boast in my accomplishments and forget I still have work to do.”
As Christians, many of you have served God faithfully for decades. You have taught classes and served the church. You have grown in your faith. However, we cannot look back on our pasts and pretend that they are enough. Rather, we still have more climbing to do. We still have further to go before we reach full maturity and perfection.
As God’s people, we must be careful to guard our concentration. We cannot get so caught up in the past- and our successes and experiences that we fail to move forward now.
We must grasp our condition, grow our captivation, guard our concentration, and lastly…
4.) Groan in Our Call
“I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.”
Paul understood where he stood with the Father. He understood his condition. And because of that fact, he was actively pursuing God’s call on his life. He was groaning in his call.
When Paul wrote this letter to the church at Philippi, I believe that it contained not just instruction, but imagery.
When Paul said that he pursues as his goal the prize of God’s call in Christ Jesus, I don’t see a man that decides to begrudgingly attend a worship service. I don’t see a man that reluctantly pulls out His Scriptures to fulfill his duty. I don’t see a man that shows any hesitancy.
Rather, he is pursuing his goal. He is running after Jesus with everything that is in him. He is praying faithfully. In fact, he can’t speak to the Father enough. He is studying God’s Word. He just can’t get enough. He wishes there was even more to it. He loves teaching and just being able to say the name Jesus.
This is a man that is excited about doing whatever God gives him the opportunity and privilege to do. He is going full-tilt toward his finish line.
And do you realize where Paul is in his race at this point?
Paul is in prison when he wrote this letter. He was in chains because of this gospel. Yet, he is still saying- whatever of my course I have left to run- I don’t care what the Romans do to me, I am going to pursue it with passion. I am going to give it my all- and I am going to love what I’m doing.
Paul is essentially the runner that has kept his eye on the finish line- and he is groaning- he is putting every ounce of energy he has into his pursuit of the call of Christ.
You know, when I read these words, its makes me ashamed. Here I am, a free man in a country that celebrates the greatest liberties of any nation, I am called to preach the gospel- I am given the opportunity of a relationship with Christ, and where is my passion? Where is the fervor in my life?
Ladies and gentlemen, we must groan in our call. We must pursue our Christian life with such energy and fervor that we have to depend on God for our strength.
I wonder what would happen if we approached our Christian calls with the same energy that we do sports- or family gatherings- or whatever our particular hobbies may be. What would life be like- what could God do if we passionately pursued Him the way we do other things?
I want to remind us this morning: We are not perfect. We have not yet arrived. There is still work to be done.
We must grow our captivation. We must be passionately in love with Jesus. We must keep our focus, not on our past victories or failures, but on what God has in store for us in the future. And we must groan in our call. We must run the race with everything we have.
The closest I have ever come to perfection probably occurred when I was fourteen years old.
I am certain by now that you all now how passionately I love the game of baseball. In fact, it is one thing that I miss dearly. I miss practice. I miss the sweat. I miss the muffled sounds through the ear-holes of a helmet. I miss the feeling of a ball hitting the sweet spot of the bat. And most of all, I miss standing on a mound staring down a batter.
Now, I’ve never claimed to be perfect, but one evening in 1996, I came close. That particular evening we were playing the Falcons. It had been more than seventy-two hours since our previous game, so I was OK to pitch.
For some reason that evening, my fastball had a little extra pep. My curveball had a little extra break. And my change up actually slowed down. Through the first four innings, I recorded ten strikeouts and two putouts. There had not been a ball hit past the pitcher’s mound.
Through the fifth, things continued on the same path- and by the time the sixth inning rolled around, I was sitting alone at the end of a dugout. (It's baseball superstition)
Finally, the game had progressed to the point if we held the other team off for one more inning, the game would be called an inning early on account of the ten-run rule.
During the last inning, with one out, my hope of perfection ended. A ground ball rolled through the legs of our third baseman. It was not hit that hard- it just was not fielded.
All of that work went for not- and the record would not show perfection.
As I was working on this morning’s message last week, I began to think about that day and about our quest as Christian people to become perfect. We are called to work toward the fullness of the image of Christ. We are to continually strive toward eliminating any imperfection. Unfortunately, there are times when we hit a pebble- or a bump in the road and our best attempt at perfection fails.
And then there are times when I am reminded that even if I am perfect for one day, even if I succeed for this time- the game of life never ends.
We are a people that must constantly press on toward righteousness and maturity until we reach the fullness of the stature of Christ- until we become as He is, perfect.
I do not say this in judgment or condemnation, but I am certain that there is not one person in this building that has reached the pinnacle of perfection in life. I know that I cannot claim that. And so, we have work to do. We are left with further growth and maturity to attain.
I believe that Paul gives us a great understanding as to how to strive toward our calling.
Read text. (Philippians 3:12-16)
As we look at Paul’s epistle to the church at Philippi, we find Paul’s progress and approach to Christian growth. We find four steps that we must take in our pursuit of Christ’s perfection.
First, we must…
1.) Grasp Our Condition
“Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature…”
Before we can move any farther than mere infancy in our Christian faith, we must truly grasp our current condition. We must see ourselves as we really our- and that is Christians that have not yet reached perfection.
Just consider the author of this letter. Consider what this should say to you and me.
Paul, the man that authored the majority of the New Testament said that he had not already reached the goal. He was not fully mature.
We can even look at his list of accolades earlier in the chapter. He was circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, and a Pharisee. It has even been suggested that Paul was a member of the Sanhedrin council. Paul- in terms of Jewish customs and law was faultless. This was a man that sat at the feet of Gamaliel. He was as close to perfect as humanity could get. However, he insists that he still has not reached the fullness of maturity in Christ.
Now, if Paul insists that he had not arrived, why do act as if we have?
None of us have completely digested the fullness of the knowledge of God. We still do not understand every facet of Scripture. And even if we did, there are none of us that are perfect in our adherence and obedience of that instruction.
As Christian believers, there is a time to look at ourselves in comparison to the lost world around us and feel accomplished. There is the temptation to think of ourselves more highly than we ought.
However, we must rediscover our need. We must rediscover humility.
Now, I realize that most of us- if not all of us would not hesitate to admit that we are in need of growth and maturity. However, I still believe that there is a struggle at times with truly grasping our condition. There is still a temptation, even in a small fashion, to pretend that we are farther along than we are.
Before we can grow any further, we must grasp our condition.
In addition to seeing ourselves as we really are, we must take the next step and…
2.) Grow Our Captivation
“…but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus.”
Paul realized the he was not perfect. In spite of the nearly perfect life he lived under legalism, in spite of his best efforts, he still was not fully perfect and mature.
And in recognition of that fact, Paul said that he makes every effort to take hold of that maturity because he has been taken hold of by Jesus.
I believe this is a beautiful image. When I see this in my mind’s eye, I see a picture of Christ hand in hand with one of his children. And because He is holding on to His child’s hand, because He is walking with Him, He is drawing him closer to fullness of maturity in Him.
Paul is saying, “Because Jesus has hold of me, because He is walking with me, I am going to take every opportunity to draw closer to Him.”
I believe that it is interesting that Paul used the term “taken hold of” here. It also tends to communicate the picture of captivity. Yet it is consistent with Paul’s presentation of himself throughout the epistles. Paul almost always calls himself a bondservant, servant, or slave of the gospel.
Paul speaks about being taken hold of, yet it is not a restrictive, demeaning captivity that we would think of. Rather, it is the idea that Paul is completely captured by the love of Christ. He is captivated.
Now, I know that y’all are probably tired of hearing about me and Emily. However, when I see this phrase speaking about being taken hold of, it makes me think about the love that I share with Em.
When we started dating, even until now, there is something about that love that has me captivated. It keeps my attention. It deserves my affection. Because of that love, there is nothing that I would let stand between me and her.
I believe that is exactly the picture that Paul is presenting here. Because he is captivated by Christ’s love, he is doing everything in his power to remove all obstacles to their relationship.
We should be challenged by Paul. We too need to grow our captivation.
Let me simply ask: Where has our wonder gone? What has happened to our utter amazement with Christ’s love? We must be captivated by it so that we are actively pursuing our relationship with Christ.
Let me mention briefly, the easiest way to grow your captivation with Jesus is not some séance or attempt to manipulate your emotions. The easiest way to restore your captivation is to spend time with Him. Study His word. Pray and speak with Him. Serve Him. The more you are with Him, the more you will desire to be with Him.
If we want to grow in our maturity, if we want to pursue perfection in Jesus, we must grasp our condition. We must grow our captivation. Then we must be careful to…
3.) Guard Our Concentration
“Brothers, I do not consider myself to taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead…”
We must understand where we really stand in God’s eyes. We must seek to grow in our love for Him. We must be captivated by Him. And then we must be careful to guard our concentration.
Paul says that he forgets what is behind and reaches forward to what is ahead.
Now, there is the tendency to use this at New Years when talking about the opportunities God grants for new beginnings. In fact, I have even used this passage for that purpose here.
However, I don’t believe that is all that it is communicating. We look at it and talk about moving on from past failures. And I believe that you can use it in that context and still be maintaining Scriptural integrity.
Certainly our sinful pasts can be cause for crippling our service of Christ. There are plenty of people within the church that believe that they are unable to serve God- or even come to Him because of something that they did in their past.
We must be willing to quit looking back to those disappointments and failures. We must move beyond those shortcomings and allow our past to be the past and not our future.
Paul was a man that would certainly want to forget parts of his past. Paul had a Damascus road experience where God Himself questioned Paul as to why he was persecuting Him.
Paul was convinced that He was doing God’s work and will until then. I am certain that Paul would love to forget about those that he persecuted and imprisoned. I am certain that he would love to move beyond the fact that we were introduced to him in God's Word as he held coats and cheered on those that stoned Stephen.
Yet, I believe Paul was communicating more. When we look back at the beginning of Philippians 3, we find that section that we quoted earlier. We find that place where Paul gives us a list of his accolades and qualifications.
Paul was a man that would have a great deal to boast about. He would have reason, more than any of us, to feel as if he had reached a higher plane in his Christian experience.
However, I believe that Paul was actually saying, “I forget what is behind and move forward- not because the past is all horrible and sinful, but because I cannot allow myself to boast in my accomplishments and forget I still have work to do.”
As Christians, many of you have served God faithfully for decades. You have taught classes and served the church. You have grown in your faith. However, we cannot look back on our pasts and pretend that they are enough. Rather, we still have more climbing to do. We still have further to go before we reach full maturity and perfection.
As God’s people, we must be careful to guard our concentration. We cannot get so caught up in the past- and our successes and experiences that we fail to move forward now.
We must grasp our condition, grow our captivation, guard our concentration, and lastly…
4.) Groan in Our Call
“I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.”
Paul understood where he stood with the Father. He understood his condition. And because of that fact, he was actively pursuing God’s call on his life. He was groaning in his call.
When Paul wrote this letter to the church at Philippi, I believe that it contained not just instruction, but imagery.
When Paul said that he pursues as his goal the prize of God’s call in Christ Jesus, I don’t see a man that decides to begrudgingly attend a worship service. I don’t see a man that reluctantly pulls out His Scriptures to fulfill his duty. I don’t see a man that shows any hesitancy.
Rather, he is pursuing his goal. He is running after Jesus with everything that is in him. He is praying faithfully. In fact, he can’t speak to the Father enough. He is studying God’s Word. He just can’t get enough. He wishes there was even more to it. He loves teaching and just being able to say the name Jesus.
This is a man that is excited about doing whatever God gives him the opportunity and privilege to do. He is going full-tilt toward his finish line.
And do you realize where Paul is in his race at this point?
Paul is in prison when he wrote this letter. He was in chains because of this gospel. Yet, he is still saying- whatever of my course I have left to run- I don’t care what the Romans do to me, I am going to pursue it with passion. I am going to give it my all- and I am going to love what I’m doing.
Paul is essentially the runner that has kept his eye on the finish line- and he is groaning- he is putting every ounce of energy he has into his pursuit of the call of Christ.
You know, when I read these words, its makes me ashamed. Here I am, a free man in a country that celebrates the greatest liberties of any nation, I am called to preach the gospel- I am given the opportunity of a relationship with Christ, and where is my passion? Where is the fervor in my life?
Ladies and gentlemen, we must groan in our call. We must pursue our Christian life with such energy and fervor that we have to depend on God for our strength.
I wonder what would happen if we approached our Christian calls with the same energy that we do sports- or family gatherings- or whatever our particular hobbies may be. What would life be like- what could God do if we passionately pursued Him the way we do other things?
I want to remind us this morning: We are not perfect. We have not yet arrived. There is still work to be done.
We must grow our captivation. We must be passionately in love with Jesus. We must keep our focus, not on our past victories or failures, but on what God has in store for us in the future. And we must groan in our call. We must run the race with everything we have.
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