I Saw You

When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!”  Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” John 1:47-49 NRSV

Some of us take a long time before we make the move to get to know Jesus. It is sometimes even longer before we begin to actually follow him. It was not so with the first disciples. They pretty much dropped everything immediately to get to know him and to follow him. Nathanael was amazed that Jesus knew who he was before he met him. This knowledge was enough to get Nathanael to want to know Jesus.

It might take us some time to even begin to get an inkling as to who this Jesus is. But, it takes no time for Jesus to get to know us. Whether we know him or not. He knows us. He has always known us. He is always with us. He knows what we are doing even before we do it. He is the Son of God, after all. Won't you take the time to get to know the King of Israel; the King of Kings?

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Lord Is My Shepherd and King

What's so good about a shepherd king? That was the theme for our Advent Service last night. What's so good about having a king that knows how to lead their flock? Everything. The ability to lead others even through the darkest shadows of the valley of death is a very important trait for someone who would be king or maybe president. The ability to protect and comfort them when times are troubling is an awesome trait for a ruler.

David was a good shepherd and a great king. But, we have one who is even greater. He is the King of Kings. He looks after us as only a good shepherd can. He will reign forever over us.

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

Psalm 23

 

What's so good about a king who is also an experienced shepherd? Everything!

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Every Knee Shall Bow

 

 

Turn to me and be saved,
    all the ends of the earth!
    For I am God, and there is no other.
By myself I have sworn,
    from my mouth has gone forth in righteousness
    a word that shall not return:
“To me every knee shall bow,
    every tongue shall swear.”

Only in the Lord, it shall be said of me,
    are righteousness and strength;
all who were incensed against him
    shall come to him and be ashamed.

Isaiah 45:22-24

 

In the end, every knee shall bow before the Lord God. Let us trust in the Lord, the King of Kings, for our salvation.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

My Kingdom Is Not Of This World

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”  John 18:36 NRSV

The Lutheran denomination that I was a member of was in a state of political unrest at the time of my ordination. Yes, I said "political" unrest. It seemed that we were debating and voting on anything and everything to the detriment of the Gospel being proclaimed and heard. I had wanted all hints of worldly politics left out of the ordination sermon so asked a dear friend, Pr. John Henry, a United Methodist Pastor, to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus the Christ. And.. yes, I did let him know that was what I wanted to hear from the pulpit when I asked him. I had known and served in various capacities with him for years. I had heard him preach the Good News on many occasions and was confident that he would proclaim the Kingdom of God through Christ alone. Thankfully, he was willing and able. The Gospel was proclaimed! I have been called to proclaim this same gospel. Although, I am interested in secular politics; I am careful to not use the gospel to promote my particular political agenda. I believe strongly that through the regular hearing of the Word, the Holy Spirit will speak to each of us; lead us, and empower us to use the gifts that God has given us to serve in whatever manner we, as individuals, have been called. We have been given various gifts. It would behoove us to learn to work together using those individual gifts to glorify God.

I have been called to proclaim the Good News to all people so that all who would believe the Word will be reconciled to God our Father and our Lord, Jesus the Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. In my congregation there are men and women whom I would call lobbyists. They have secular "causes" that they support locally, state-wide, and even nationally from time to time. I truly believe that these secular "causes" are based on their faith and the gifts that God has given each of them. I do not particularly endorse or support all of these causes. Nor, do I chastise them for their political beliefs. None of them have done anything or supported anything that could be viewed as blasphemy.

We are no longer members of the denomination that voted regularly on secular political agendas. We are now free to serve God according to the calls we have received; revealed in His Word; and empowered by the Holy Spirit. As for me, I will keep praying; praising God; and proclaiming the Kingdom of God through Jesus the Christ, our Savior and King.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 19: Hallelujah!

Rev 19 NIV

In Chapter 18, we heard a three-fold woe. Today we hear a three-fold hallelujah. Woe to those who worship and serve anything or anyone other than the one true God. Hallelujah for God is GOD and salvation and glory and power belong to our God. His judgments are true and just. With justice he destroys the great whore who has corrupted the earth by her adulteries.

What a battle that will be. In fact, we are already in the midst of a battle to keep her from leading God's children astray. Alas, there is nothing we can do. Only God can save His children. Indeed, he will. The rider on the white horse, whose name is faithful and true, who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, will destroy the prostitute; will destroy the beast and the false prophet who have led God's people astray.

Hallelujah! Our Lord reigns!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 8:13, 9:1-12 - Fifth Trumpet And Locusts

Revelation 8:13, 9:1-12 NIV

A great eagle flies in midair calling out "Woe! Woe! Woe!" The last three trumpets are about to sound ushering in even more destruction. The fifth angel sounds the trumpet opening up the Abyss so that locusts ascend upon the earth to afflict those who do not bear the seal of God on their foreheads.

The vision is reminiscent of the plague of locusts that descended upon Egypt (Ex 10:13-15) except that the locusts in Egypt attacked plant-life that was needed to sustain the people and the locusts in John's vision actually attack and torture the people who do not worship the Lord. The locusts will cause so much fear and pain that people would rather die than endure the attack. But, they will not die. Death will elude them.

The vision of these locusts is most unlike the grasshopper-like locusts from Exodus. These locusts are terrifying creatures to see. They look like horses prepared for battle; yet, their faces resemble human faces. They have hair and upon their heads is something like a gold crowns. Teeth like lions' teeth and breastplates like iron make them formidable attackers. It is hard to imagine what these locusts might actually look like or be. They are sent, we are told, by their King Apollyon (Destroyer), who is the angel of the Abyss. We will know exactly what this vision means for us when we see it with our own eyes. Until, then we would do well to remember that even God saved His people from slavery in Egypt; He is with those who love Him today.

The fifth trumpet has sounded and the first woe is passed. But, it is not over. There are more woes to come.

God's Peace - Pr. J
 

1 Peter 2:4-25 Holy Nation

1 Peter 2:4-25 NIV
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (vs 9)

I dislike having to check the box for my race as is required on so many forms. I especially dislike having to check a box if it is related to something within the church. That may be partly due to the fact that I am a "mutt." But, more than that is that no matter how many tribes or nations I may have inherited through family; my first nation is the one I was adopted into by the blood of Jesus. If there is a blank line for other, I usually write in "Holy Nation."

Each race has it's own culture and even within specific ethnic groups the culture may vary depending on the geographical region. That is also true for the people of a "Holy Nation." There may be variances in the way we live and worship; but, together we make up one truly awesome spiritual house. The differences really make no difference. What is important to understand is that we belong to the spiritual house built on the precious cornerstone, who is Jesus the Christ; the one who gave himself for us.

Since, we are members of this spiritual house, this Holy Nation, we ought also live as members of the holy priesthood, living in reverence and loving service to the King of all kings. According to St. Peter that means to live in loving service to one another. It's not about us. It's about all of us together living in reverence to God our Father and our Lord, Jesus the Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 26 Door of Opportunity

Acts 26 NIV


Doors
Ft. Boonesborough, KY

God will provide opportunities to proclaim the Gospel. Some opportunities come in gentle ways; others, not so gentle. Even while Paul is imprisoned he manages to tell others about Jesus. He is able to tell the story of Jesus to rulers, even kings because of his bondage. In fact, he seems to relish the idea as he has asked to be sent to Caesar for trial. In spite of the fact that King Agrippa finds him innocent; to Rome he will go, simply because Paul has asked to go.

Paul has chosen the not so gentle way to get the Word out there. Yet, even in the face of more false accusations and more bondage, he freely gives his life so that others might be saved through faith in Jesus the Messiah. There will be plenty of opportunities for each of us to share the life saving message of Jesus the Christ with others. When opportunity knocks, open the door, and enter in. God will be with you.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Acts 23:12-35 Oaths

Acts 23:12-35 NIV
Wow! What a good example to not go making vows that you're not going to be able to keep!

Some Jews formed a conspiracy to have Paul killed. They vowed not to eat or drink until he was dead. Their plot was thwarted by the Roman guard as Paul was transferred to Caesarea to protect him. A few years actually transpired from the day they made these oaths until Paul's death. Although, I cannot see where scripture says they broke this oath; I have a strong feeling that they broke it not too long after they made it.

God had plans for Paul. Even as a prisoner, he would continue to share the Good News with others. No one can know all the plans of God. It is really not in our best interest to make oaths that are contrary to His will.

"Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." (Matt 5:33-37)

May God help each of us to refrain from making oaths or promises that we will not be able to keep. May He guide us so that we refrain from persecuting those whom He has called and sent. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 19:17-27 Were You There; Would You Have Been

John 19:17-27 NIV
Who was there? Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Who had the courage to witness the crucifixion of Jesus. The two criminals who were crucified with Jesus were with him. The soldiers who nailed him to the cross were there. Many of the Jews may have witnessed his crucifixion, from a distance, as Golgotha was not too far from the city. They were able to read the sign. Did they read the words "JESUS OF NAZARETH. THE KING OF THE JEWS" as he struggled to carry his cross to his death?

The three Mary's were there to witness his death; Jesus' mother, Mary, and her sister Mary and Mary Magdalene were there. Where were the close disciples whom he had called? Peter was probably still in hiding. But, John was there. John, the disciple who loved Jesus, was there.

Every year at Good Friday, a very small crowd gathers at Zion to remember our Lord's death with a Tenebrae Service. We sing a verse of "Were You There?" with the snuffing out of each candle. It causes me to wonder how many would have been there at his death. Would we have made it to his crucifixion had we been there? Would we have been too afraid of being found a sympathizer to be found near him at his death? Or, would we have found something more pleasing to ourselves to attend instead?

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 18:28-40 Religion and Politics Crucify Jesus

John 18:28-40 NIV
Religion and politics don't go very well together. The Jewish leaders used politics to their advantage in order to rid themselves of Jesus.

On the one hand, they would not enter the palace of the governor as the praetorium had been and was still a place of contention between the Romans and the Jews. It was considered an unclean place and if the Jewish leaders had entered it they would not have been able to participate in the Passover Meal, due to being unclean. So the governor; Pilate comes out to them.

The Jewish leaders have no charge to bring against Jesus. Instead they respond arrogantly to the governor when asked what the charge was. "If he were not a criminal we would not have handed him over to you." That sounds to me as if there is a bit of hostility on the part of the Jewish leaders toward Rome. In effect, what difference whether they are inside or outside of the palace? Their contentious attitudes have made the whole area, themselves included, unclean.

The Jewish leaders manipulate and intimidate Pilate into having Jesus executed. They are willing to have a convicted murderer released in order get rid of the truth that Jesus has been busy proclaiming. They want Jesus gone and they will use even the tradition of the Passover as an excuse to get rid of him.

Yes, certainly, it is every Christian's right and responsibility to become politically engaged. We must, at times, speak out. We must speak the truth. But, it is very dangerous for a church to start mixing religion and politics. When the state becomes involved in your faith; you might just forget who your true God is and what His will is for all people. It is very dangerous, for everyone, when church leaders manipulate people into supporting specific political agendas or politicians. All I have to do is take a walk back in history to have that affirmed. Take a look at the world news of today; at the unrest (the killings and massacres) of countries where political parties are religious parties. Take a look back to Nazi Germany where even the churches supported Hitler. And... don't forget the unrest of the even earlier church when church and state were one. Priests and Popes were disposed at the whim of the state in order to be replaced by someone who was more in line with the state's leaders political and religious views. Our reading today brings us to the trial of Jesus at which we find the religious leaders manipulating and intimidating the Roman Governor, Pilate, into crucifying an innocent man.   

Jesus said his kingdom was not of this world. All who believe in him are a part of that kingdom; even though, we live in this world. We live in both and must be responsible citizens of both. But, let us not confuse the two. A final thought:  Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's and don't be playing one against the other. That, my friends, has been the source of many wars. Religion and politics don't go very well together. Remember, the Jewish leaders used politics to their advantage in order to rid themselves of Jesus.

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 13:18-30 - Desert Him?

John 13:18-30 NIV
It is not all that uncommon for someone who does not get his or her own way; who becomes disappointed in the direction that their leader or friend is going, and deserts them. This is exactly what Judas did. He became disenchanted with The Way that Jesus was heading. He had desired things of this world and wasn't quite so interested in serving God according to God's will. Becoming disappointed because Jesus was not going to be a great ruler and king of this world; he betrayed Jesus. He turned him over to the authorities for what was more desirous to him: money.

Judas had different goals than Jesus did. Often, we, too, put our own desires over the will of God for us and for all humankind. We desert him in order to pursue our desires, our priorities.

Judas really isn't so different from most of us. We may sit down to eat with a "friend" one day and the next we turn away from them because they don't think or act like exactly like us. May God help us to love our neighbor without prejudice so that we would not desert them in their time of need. May God grant us wisdom and courage so that we should never desert Him or turn from His good will for us to seek after things of this world.

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 12:12-19 Follow and Sing Hosanna!

John 12:12-19 NIV
Jesus is exalted by the crowd on his way into Jerusalem. They went out to meet him, shouting: "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"

No one really understands the significance of all this. But, they are excited. The Pharisees are excited, too. They need to figure out a way to turn this all around. They need to figure out a way to turn the people against Jesus; to abandon him; to quit following him around. And, they will! By the end of the week, the crowd will not be shouting, "Hosanna!" They will be shouting, "Crucify him!"

Crowds can be fickle. They can be led in any direction quite easily as the heat of the moment carries them away. Like sheep led astray; they may follow for awhile; but, when pastures seem a bit greener elsewhere, they leave the shepherd and follow the crowd. Sometimes, they might even choose to stay with the crowd in a dried out and dead field rather than seek green pastures with the shepherd, simply because they are afraid to move. They might think that there is security in numbers so they abandon the only one who can keep them safe. 

May God grant that you should never turn against him; but, follow him always singing praises; singing Hosanna! Do not be afraid, your king has come and he will come again.

God's Peace,

Pr. J

Luke 24:50-53 Ascend

Luke 24:50-53 NIV
We come to the end of the Gospel of St. Luke. The Good News culminates with Jesus blessing his followers and ascending into heaven in full view of the disciples. What did they do after Jesus disappears from their sight? They rejoiced. They worshipped him. They went to the temple praising God. What a fit way to respond to the end of yet another chapter in the story. What a marvelous way to respond to the end of yet another leg of their journey. But, even as one leg of the journey may be over, another begins. Every journey has it's ups and downs. The disciples will encounter much persecution as they continue their journey following in the footsteps of Jesus; proclaiming the Good News. But, they will be prepared. They know that God has a good plan and a good purpose. After all, they have seen the resurrected Jesus rise into the Kingdom of God. He has taken his place as King of Kings, the Prince of Peace, and we can all know that this Prince of Peace is with us, no matter what happens, even to the end of the age. In this we rejoice and give thanks to God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 7:1-17 - Authority Over All Things

Luke 7:1-17 NIV
What authority Jesus has!  He heals the sick and dying and doesn't even have to be present! He raises the dead! He Himself is Risen! He is Risen, indeed!

Who would not share the stories of Jesus' power; of His authority over even death? Who would not? Many don't. It appears to me that many "Christians" this is a small thing; so trivial that they think it not something worth sharing. Maybe, they think others will laugh at them. Maybe, they don't believe it themselves. Maybe, they just think it a myth or a nice story.

We talk about the power (or lack of) of our presidents, kings and queens all of the time. Well, Jesus has power even over them. Spread the word... Jesus has power and authority even over death. He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. If you believe this, confess it with your lips.
God's Peace - Pr. J

Mark 15:1-32 The Horror Of It

Mark 15:1-32 NIV
Words cannot adequately describe the horror of how the world turned against God the Son the day that Christ was crucified.

He had been deserted by his friends; the church turned against him; the people wanted him crucified; the soldiers and even the criminals hanging with him mocked him. "The written notice of the charge against him read: the king of the jews." (vs 26)

What do you want done with this one whom you call your king, Pilate had asked. Crucify him, the people replied. Indeed he was; he is, a King. He is our King. What would we do with this one we call our King? Often, we, as they did the day of his crucifixion, continue to turn our backs on him. There are days when it is as though we would rather have him hanging on a cross than interfering in our worldly lives. Our king, our gods, are of this world and Jesus is just in the way. Crucify him! Oh, I know you probably don't think in those terms. But, how often do we act as though he is not our King. After all, aren't we suppose to honor our King in all that we say and think and do?

Crucify Him, the people shouted. What would we say (what do we say) when he calls us to follow Him today? Crucify him? Words cannot adequately describe the horror of how the world (even His followers) have turned against God the Son; the Son of God, this day. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Matthew 26:1-13 - Mary's Anoints the King

I have, on at least one occasion, considered pouring anointing oil over the head of a loved one, when they really frustrated me, thinking that just maybe the "anointing" might have a positive effect. Don't worry, the thought flashed in and out of my mind quite quickly. No one, that I know, would appreciate having oil or perfume poured over their heads. They just wouldn't be able to put such a good construction on it as Jesus did when Mary anointed his head with oil at dinner.

In exuberant love, possibly, maybe most probably, inspired by the Holy Spirit, Mary anoints Jesus' head with very expensive perfume. The disciples reacted, as I would, "why are you wasting money like that?" But, Jesus, loves Mary and he knows that Mary loves him. He receives this gift graciously and tells the disciples: "When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial." (Matt 26:12 NIV) This was two days before the Passover, when he would eat his last supper, with his disciples. It was three days before his death and burial. There will be no time for Jesus' body to be anointed for burial as his body will be placed in the tomb quickly before the Sabbath begins on Friday eve. There will be no anointing, after his death, because he will rise from the grave before the women can get there on Sunday morning. So, this is it. This is his anointing for burial. I'm pretty sure Mary did not understand the overall implications of what she was doing. Love had guided her to anoint Jesus. Just as King David, generations before him, had been anointed by Samuel; the one who was least expected to be King; was anointed the King. No one, not even the disciples, that day, could begin to fathom the true Kingship of the one they followed.

Things happen. Sometimes, they don't seem or look right to us. But, remember, always, that God has a plan - a good plan... So be careful when you decide to judge something. Not everything is as it seems.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Matthew 11 - I Will Give You Rest

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt 11:28-29 NIV)

So many people seeking rest for their souls in the world today. Yet, they seek it in all the wrong places. There seems, at times, that there is nothing one can say or do, to help them to understand that Jesus truly can give us the rest we need. Unwilling to take up his yoke and learn from Jesus; we take upon ourselves a much heavier yoke, stumbling and often falling.

If, today, you find, that you are weary and burdened with the cares of the world, toss aside the yoke that is holding you down and find rest at the feet of our LORD and King, Jesus the Christ. Go to Him and He will give you rest.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Zechariah 9 - Rejoice Greatly!

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion!
    Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem!
Lo, your king comes to you;
    triumphant and victorious is he,
humble and riding on a donkey,
    on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
He will cut off the chariot from Ephraim
    and the war-horse from Jerusalem;
and the battle bow shall be cut off,
    and he shall command peace to the nations;
his dominion shall be from sea to sea,
    and from the River to the ends of the earth.

As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you,
    I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.
Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope;    today I declare that I will restore to you double." (Zech 9:9-12 NIV)

 

Zechariah predicts trouble, but in the end: Good News! And, the even better news for us today is that the King has come!

 

Sadly, even as this prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus entered Jerusalem in the days before he was betrayed; (Matt 21:1-11; John 12:12-15); even as he was not welcomed by all people then; he is not welcome by many today. He was viewed, by many, with suspicion then. He is viewed with suspicion and fear today.

 

Set aside those doubts and fears! Our hope is in Him! Let us rejoice in the Good News that our King has come! He reigns!

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Micah 2 - Follow the King

"Woe to those who plan iniquity,
    to those who plot evil on their beds!
At morning’s light they carry it out
    because it is in their power to do it." (Micah 2:1 NIV)

The word of the LORD through the prophet Micah. How many would prefer to hear this word; this prophecy of woe, or as Micah tells it like it is, would prefer to hear a prophecy more on the following lines?

"If a liar and deceiver comes and says,
    ‘I will prophesy for you plenty of wine and beer,’    that would be just the prophet for this people!" (Micah 2:11)

Woe, indeed! When we spend our lives planning trouble for others and worldly indulgences for ourselves. Even more woe to those who spend their time in a bar planning iniquity, publically, against others. Woe, indeed!

But, Micah has some breaking good news. The time will come when all this will end. "In Heaven There Is No Beer." No, sorry, that's not the good news - couldn't help but throw that in. The good news of deliverance is prophesied to come through Jesus Christ, our LORD and King.

“I will surely gather all of you, Jacob;
    I will surely bring together the remnant of Israel.
I will bring them together like sheep in a pen,
    like a flock in its pasture;
    the place will throng with people.
The One who breaks open the way will go up before them;
    they will break through the gate and go out.
Their King will pass through before them,    the Lord at their head.” (Micah 2:12-13)

Let us follow the King who has broken through the gateway of death and destruction for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J