A while ago, I started to look at the "I AM" statements that Jesus made as He walked this earth. I came up with 17 different things He said about Himself in the gospels. I've been wanting to take a deeper look at these, and so over the next couple of months, I will be sharing here about what God is teaching me in relation to those statements. There may be times when there is some diversion based on what I am seeing, but I think this is a good continuation of the theme of being an imitator. If I can grow in my understanding of who Christ is, there's more opportunity to reflect Him.
I've been thinking a lot about light recently, so I will start with Jesus words in John 8:12, "I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life." From the beginning of creation this idea of light has been with us. Gen.1:3 gives us this account, "Then God said, 'Let there be light', and there was light." And in Revelation 21:23 we read, "And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine upon it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb." God, who John tells us is light, spoke the light that we know into existence, and will forever be the light of our eternal habitation. Jesus identifies Himself as God in this saying. And He gives us a promise here as well. Those who follow Him will not walk in darkness. In his first epistle, John speaks of this relationship, "If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." So, where I walk is an indicator of the strength of my relationship with Jesus. I can't say that I'm His follower while engaging in the deeds of darkness. Paul gives this charge in his epistle to the Ephesians, "for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light"5:8.
We who once knew only darkness, have become light as a result of relationship with Jesus. This leads me to the other place where Jesus talks about being light. But in this verse He qualifies it. "While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." Why does He say it this way? I think we gain some insight into this in His sermon on the mount recorded in Matthew's gospel. "You are the light of the world...Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matt. 5:14,16 We have been commissioned by Him who is light to be light, reflecting Him. As we do this, others will see our actions and give glory to God, the source of our light. Jesus lived as an example for us, reflecting the light of the Father, and now that He is no longer physically present on earth, He has passed on to His followers the privilege and responsibility of shining forth the light that comes from Him.
I want others to see light in my life today. I want to be a proclaimer of "the excellencies of Him who has called [me] out of darkness into His marvelous light;" 1 Pet. 2:9b
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Friday, April 13, 2012
Ambassadors!
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Cor. 5:20,21
I want to take a look at the second verse first. It is so amazing that God would choose to take our sin on Himself. When I think about the cross, the physical pain associated with that is enough to make me shudder. But beyond that, the fact that Christ would endure the separation from God the Father because of my sin, and the agony associated with that separation is hard to grasp. We see how painful that was in Christ's cry from the cross, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" He experienced that so that I would not need to. He set such an extreme example of living sacrificially, and through that sacrifice we now are clothed in a righteousness we were incapable of attaining. As I think about being an imitator, the words Jesus spoke to His disciples echo in my head, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." I don't know about you, but it makes me want to ask, "Where are You taking me, Lord?" That middle phrase frightens me. I don't like crosses. I'm not a fan of pain. I'm getting too old for that! But there is a call to live sacrificially, and I want to heed that call.
Ambassador, or Representative is how God now sees us. We are His representatives on this earth, called to give those we rub shoulders with an accurate picture of God. We are given the responsibility to be proclaimers of this message that God delights in reconciling people to Himself. I was looking at Luke 15:1,2 the other evening. "Now all the tax-gatherers and sinners were coming to Him to listen to Him. And both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying, 'This man receives sinners and eats with them.'" The accusation against Jesus was that He accepted people. This God-man, who was the holiest person to ever walk on earth, received the worst of sinners while maintaining His holiness. I'm challenged by that. I am called to be holy, but in my relationships, is holiness something that draws people and allows them to experience acceptance, or am I using it as a buffer to turn people away? If I'm ever on trial, I'd love for that to be the charge against me, that I accept others. I know also that Jesus was very intentional in His acceptance of others. He came to proclaim the Father's love for people, and like Him we are to share that message.
It's encouraging to me that Paul, speaking to the church, says, "we beg you...be reconciled to God." We cannot look at our reconciliation as a once and done thing. It is an ongoing journey God has us on. In view of my stumbling, I'm grateful that He continues to reconcile me.
What will the world think of God? I have an opportunity to influence that today as His ambassador. Lord, keep me humble and obedient as I walk this earth.
I want to take a look at the second verse first. It is so amazing that God would choose to take our sin on Himself. When I think about the cross, the physical pain associated with that is enough to make me shudder. But beyond that, the fact that Christ would endure the separation from God the Father because of my sin, and the agony associated with that separation is hard to grasp. We see how painful that was in Christ's cry from the cross, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" He experienced that so that I would not need to. He set such an extreme example of living sacrificially, and through that sacrifice we now are clothed in a righteousness we were incapable of attaining. As I think about being an imitator, the words Jesus spoke to His disciples echo in my head, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." I don't know about you, but it makes me want to ask, "Where are You taking me, Lord?" That middle phrase frightens me. I don't like crosses. I'm not a fan of pain. I'm getting too old for that! But there is a call to live sacrificially, and I want to heed that call.
Ambassador, or Representative is how God now sees us. We are His representatives on this earth, called to give those we rub shoulders with an accurate picture of God. We are given the responsibility to be proclaimers of this message that God delights in reconciling people to Himself. I was looking at Luke 15:1,2 the other evening. "Now all the tax-gatherers and sinners were coming to Him to listen to Him. And both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying, 'This man receives sinners and eats with them.'" The accusation against Jesus was that He accepted people. This God-man, who was the holiest person to ever walk on earth, received the worst of sinners while maintaining His holiness. I'm challenged by that. I am called to be holy, but in my relationships, is holiness something that draws people and allows them to experience acceptance, or am I using it as a buffer to turn people away? If I'm ever on trial, I'd love for that to be the charge against me, that I accept others. I know also that Jesus was very intentional in His acceptance of others. He came to proclaim the Father's love for people, and like Him we are to share that message.
It's encouraging to me that Paul, speaking to the church, says, "we beg you...be reconciled to God." We cannot look at our reconciliation as a once and done thing. It is an ongoing journey God has us on. In view of my stumbling, I'm grateful that He continues to reconcile me.
What will the world think of God? I have an opportunity to influence that today as His ambassador. Lord, keep me humble and obedient as I walk this earth.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Is this the hardest part?
Up to this point, I have seen from this passage in 2 Cor. 5 that being an imitator requires me to die, to live for God rather than self, to see others with a new perspective, and to recognize my dependence on the Father. Verse 19 may well be the thing that causes the biggest struggle for many of us. "namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation."
Forgiveness: something I am extremely grateful for in light of the fact that I was hopelessly lost and dead in my sin until I experienced God's forgiveness, but something I find it difficult to offer to others. However, God's desire for me is that I would fully understand His forgiveness so that I too can be a forgiver. This verse tells us that God does not count our sins against us. I love Psalm 103, and gratefully read the words of verses 10-12; "He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." It is impossible for me to fully comprehend how a holy God could give such a gift to us, but He does, and not just once, but many times. His love for us is so amazing. His grace knows no boundaries. His forgiveness is as sure as the rising of the sun.
Too often I have the response of Peter, who asked Jesus, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" We are all familiar with Jesus' response, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." The following parable goes on to show how ridiculous it is for we who have been forgiven of such a great debt to withhold forgiveness to anyone. And yet I often do just that. 1 John 1:9 says, "if we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I think the most amazing part of this is that God is faithful to forgive. It is not that He will think about forgiving us, or might forgive, but He will. It is intrinsically wrapped up in who He is. And when I accept His mission as a messenger of reconciliation, and actually forgive others, I reflect His glory to a world in desperate need.
So, if I am to be an imitator, I need to allow forgiveness to become a part of the tapestry of my life. A tall order for today!
Forgiveness: something I am extremely grateful for in light of the fact that I was hopelessly lost and dead in my sin until I experienced God's forgiveness, but something I find it difficult to offer to others. However, God's desire for me is that I would fully understand His forgiveness so that I too can be a forgiver. This verse tells us that God does not count our sins against us. I love Psalm 103, and gratefully read the words of verses 10-12; "He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." It is impossible for me to fully comprehend how a holy God could give such a gift to us, but He does, and not just once, but many times. His love for us is so amazing. His grace knows no boundaries. His forgiveness is as sure as the rising of the sun.
Too often I have the response of Peter, who asked Jesus, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" We are all familiar with Jesus' response, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." The following parable goes on to show how ridiculous it is for we who have been forgiven of such a great debt to withhold forgiveness to anyone. And yet I often do just that. 1 John 1:9 says, "if we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I think the most amazing part of this is that God is faithful to forgive. It is not that He will think about forgiving us, or might forgive, but He will. It is intrinsically wrapped up in who He is. And when I accept His mission as a messenger of reconciliation, and actually forgive others, I reflect His glory to a world in desperate need.
So, if I am to be an imitator, I need to allow forgiveness to become a part of the tapestry of my life. A tall order for today!
Monday, April 9, 2012
HE IS RISEN!
HE IS RISEN!
That phrase has echoed across the centuries as a shout of triumph for all who believe in Jesus. Once again yesterday it was heard by many of us. What were you thinking as you heard? Was it cause for rejoicing...reflection...disappointment? 2 Cor. 5:17 says, "Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." And in Rom. 6:4 we read, "Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life."
I don't know about you, but at times those words are very convicting. I look at my life and wonder why there's not more evidence of newness. Why is it that the old things, which are supposed to have passed away, continue to show up in an action, a word, or even a thought? What is needed in this pursuit of being imitators of God? Is there anything I can do? The short answer is "No!"
Unfortunately, I often make it about me. More effort, more activity, more commitment on my part. But the verse in Romans says that "as Christ was raised...through the glory of the Father" we are able to walk in this new life. And 2 Cor. 5:18 goes on to say, "Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,". Could Jesus have raised Himself from the grave? It required the power of the Father to bring about the resurrection. It was another display of His glory. And verse 18 is a reminder that all we have is a gift from God.
There is a need for balance. We read in Phil. 2:12,13, "So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." We have a responsibility to obey. But God is the One who brings change, who makes all things new. Just as Jesus was dependent on the Father as He walked on this earth, I want to walk in that total dependence today. In light of His death, burial, and resurrection, I want to be able to say with Paul, "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me;" Gal. 2:20.
Let's show the world the glory of the Father by walking in newness of life!
That phrase has echoed across the centuries as a shout of triumph for all who believe in Jesus. Once again yesterday it was heard by many of us. What were you thinking as you heard? Was it cause for rejoicing...reflection...disappointment? 2 Cor. 5:17 says, "Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." And in Rom. 6:4 we read, "Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life."
I don't know about you, but at times those words are very convicting. I look at my life and wonder why there's not more evidence of newness. Why is it that the old things, which are supposed to have passed away, continue to show up in an action, a word, or even a thought? What is needed in this pursuit of being imitators of God? Is there anything I can do? The short answer is "No!"
Unfortunately, I often make it about me. More effort, more activity, more commitment on my part. But the verse in Romans says that "as Christ was raised...through the glory of the Father" we are able to walk in this new life. And 2 Cor. 5:18 goes on to say, "Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,". Could Jesus have raised Himself from the grave? It required the power of the Father to bring about the resurrection. It was another display of His glory. And verse 18 is a reminder that all we have is a gift from God.
There is a need for balance. We read in Phil. 2:12,13, "So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." We have a responsibility to obey. But God is the One who brings change, who makes all things new. Just as Jesus was dependent on the Father as He walked on this earth, I want to walk in that total dependence today. In light of His death, burial, and resurrection, I want to be able to say with Paul, "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me;" Gal. 2:20.
Let's show the world the glory of the Father by walking in newness of life!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
what do you see?
I made an interesting observation after my last post. It was the first time I got no response. Made me wonder...did my confession make people uncomfortable...disappointed...convicted? I don't know. But as I said at the outset of this endeavor, it's more for my good than anything else, and it was refreshing for me to admit my shortcomings.
I've been processing this commission to be imitators, and as I meditate on v. 16 of 2 Cor. 5, I face another real challenge. "Therefore from now on we recognize no man according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer." I don't claim to fully understand what this verse is saying, but here's what I do know. My natural tendency is to see people and respond to them based on their outward appearance-according to the flesh. A few examples of this: male/female, short/tall, skin color, tattoos, body piercings, clothing. And Paul is telling those of us who are followers of Christ that we ought to be stepping away from that natural tendency. While Christ walked on this earth, that's how people responded to Him: who he hung out with, what he ate, when he did certain activities.
The challenge for me comes in recognizing that God views us differently. He does not recognize us according to the flesh. In fact He tells Samuel in his quest for the next king, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." I don't know what Eliab had going on inside, but God saw something that kept him from being fit to be the next king. And as Jesus made His dwelling among us, we see that He saw the multitudes and "felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd." There are other examples from Jesus' life as well where someone came for physical healing and He responded by telling them their sins were forgiven.
Is it possible for me to take on this ability to look below the surface. I want to be discerning as I cross paths with people. I want to not be distracted by their appearance, but be sensitive to their hearts, to the needs that are less evident but just as real. Lord, give me eyes to see as You see, and ears to hear the cries of people's hearts. Help me to be a true imitator of You.
I've been processing this commission to be imitators, and as I meditate on v. 16 of 2 Cor. 5, I face another real challenge. "Therefore from now on we recognize no man according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer." I don't claim to fully understand what this verse is saying, but here's what I do know. My natural tendency is to see people and respond to them based on their outward appearance-according to the flesh. A few examples of this: male/female, short/tall, skin color, tattoos, body piercings, clothing. And Paul is telling those of us who are followers of Christ that we ought to be stepping away from that natural tendency. While Christ walked on this earth, that's how people responded to Him: who he hung out with, what he ate, when he did certain activities.
The challenge for me comes in recognizing that God views us differently. He does not recognize us according to the flesh. In fact He tells Samuel in his quest for the next king, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." I don't know what Eliab had going on inside, but God saw something that kept him from being fit to be the next king. And as Jesus made His dwelling among us, we see that He saw the multitudes and "felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd." There are other examples from Jesus' life as well where someone came for physical healing and He responded by telling them their sins were forgiven.
Is it possible for me to take on this ability to look below the surface. I want to be discerning as I cross paths with people. I want to not be distracted by their appearance, but be sensitive to their hearts, to the needs that are less evident but just as real. Lord, give me eyes to see as You see, and ears to hear the cries of people's hearts. Help me to be a true imitator of You.
Monday, April 2, 2012
accountability
Okay, they say confession is good for the soul. Last Monday I was talking about how God has been challenging me in the area of being controlled by Christ's love, and the need to die to our rights. I guess God wanted to see if I was serious or not. He put me to the test on Monday afternoon. I walked outside to see my neighbor engaged in a not so neighborly activity. Let's just say that I felt like my rights were being violated. Well all that good stuff I had written about in the morning had somehow leaked out of my brain, and my response was not an evidence of Christ's controlling love. Although I didn't say anything to him, I did make some unloving comments to my wife. All of that to say that I am very grateful that God is patient, His forgiveness is always available to us, and once He has begun this work of reconciliation in our lives He promises to complete it. (Phil. 1:6) I guess we all need to be praying for one another.
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