As predicted, life took hold and my jump start enthusiasm fizzled along with my energy after the move, getting settled, the gift of company in town, beating pregnancy nausea, and the stomach flu. I continued to read in Matthew, but spent a lot more time processing the verses I was in and remembering the sweet nuggets I found earlier in the month. I realized that the words of Christ were becoming my sustaining, life-giving reminder of hope and perseverance. Not just a snack for the road, but a full meal that satisfied me to the core.
I've been in chapter 24 for 4 days now. What a chapter! Here's a summary of where we find Jesus and His entourage in the days before His death:
Jesus is in Jerusalem and has just toured the temple with His disciples. The disciples understandably want to know when He will come in glory and when that age will end. He begins to tell them about the signs of the end of the age. Phrases found throughout this passage:
"Wars and rumors of wars"
"Famines and earthquakes in various places"
"They will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death"
"False prophets will arise and lead many astray"
"The Gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to the nations, and then the end will come."
As I read through this familiar passage I was struck by the finality of it. Everything that the Lord has said will happen in His Word, has happened. Every promise He made to the nation of Israel- good or bad, came to pass. This is definite. This has been in motion since He first set the earth on it's axis and breathed life into Adam. His game plan is in motion and we are part of it; either as "trophies of His grace or objects of His wrath." (A quote from one of our favorite pastors)
While looking up "images of the apocalypse" and "Jesus return" in google images (which I highly recommend- it's hilarious) I came across a website on the failed doomsday predictions in history. One of them was May 21st, 2011. A date that was obviously a flop. There is something fascinating about wanting to predict when all of this is going to happen. But, Jesus clearly says in 24:36 "Concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only."
Like so many generations of believers before me, I pray that I see my Lord's coming in my lifetime. Although, from the description in this passage, it sounds like the events leading up to it are pretty terrifying. No matter what you believe about eschatology, we know the end result. Victory is already His.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Day 20
I've been getting butterflies in my stomach as I get nearer to the end of Matthew. They aren't good butterflies, they're dreadful and sad. I've spent almost a month examining the life and ministry of the man who is God that I call my Lord and Savior and though I've heard the rest of the story for most of my life, my heart is preparing itself for the inevitable. The brutal betrayal, torture, murder, death, and separation of ultimate unity. I know that it doesn't stop there, but the depth of pain He experienced for my sake is not something that is pleasurable to ponder.
The beginning of the end that leads to the beginning...(haha) starts in chapter 21- The Triumphal Entry. Jesus is welcomed by Jerusalem with celebration and palm leaves. He knew those shouting "Hosanna" would be the same that would shout "Crucify Him!" only days later.
After His arrival, He stopped at the temple to rebuke some moneychangers, healed some lame and blind, and was then encountered by the religious leaders. The next day, He's confronted by them again and He tells them two parables- in both of them, they lose out on eternal life.
As I read more about the scribes and pharisees and chief priests of the temple, my heart breaks for their state of blindness. These guys have dedicated their entire lives to The Law, the Torah. The Pharisees were also known as chasidim, which means loyal to God, or loved of God. It is tragically ironic that the very God these guys spent their lives striving to please came to earth as a man, stood in front of them, taught in their temples, healed their sick, and challenged their hypocrisy, only to be hated and eventually killed by them. Which was of course, all part of His plan.
I'm humbled by the fact that indeed all my righteous acts are as filthy rags to Him and as I lay helpless, He took away my blindness and made me see.
Thank you, my gracious and all powerful Father for rescuing me, for clothing me in robes of righteousness, for setting me free.
The beginning of the end that leads to the beginning...(haha) starts in chapter 21- The Triumphal Entry. Jesus is welcomed by Jerusalem with celebration and palm leaves. He knew those shouting "Hosanna" would be the same that would shout "Crucify Him!" only days later.
After His arrival, He stopped at the temple to rebuke some moneychangers, healed some lame and blind, and was then encountered by the religious leaders. The next day, He's confronted by them again and He tells them two parables- in both of them, they lose out on eternal life.
As I read more about the scribes and pharisees and chief priests of the temple, my heart breaks for their state of blindness. These guys have dedicated their entire lives to The Law, the Torah. The Pharisees were also known as chasidim, which means loyal to God, or loved of God. It is tragically ironic that the very God these guys spent their lives striving to please came to earth as a man, stood in front of them, taught in their temples, healed their sick, and challenged their hypocrisy, only to be hated and eventually killed by them. Which was of course, all part of His plan.
I'm humbled by the fact that indeed all my righteous acts are as filthy rags to Him and as I lay helpless, He took away my blindness and made me see.
Thank you, my gracious and all powerful Father for rescuing me, for clothing me in robes of righteousness, for setting me free.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Day 19: Becoming a child
Matt 18:1-5
I love that this chapter begins with the disciples fishing for compliments. "Soooo, Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" (emphasis added) I can totally relate to the little bum-kissers. I've fished for compliments from way-less worthy people than the King of the Universe. Jesus brings a small child from the crowd and sets him before them and responds:
"Assuredly I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives me."
This is about to get really personal...
As I've written previously, we have been given the beautiful opportunity to be part of a team of people planting a church here in Boulder, Colorado. We are up and running now with about 75% of our regular attendees under the age of 7. What a gift! With that gift comes some major responsibility- regular childcare. With only 8 of us able to volunteer in the nursery at this point, that leaves 6 that are not leading in the service in some capacity to take turns hanging with the kids. Two workers must be present each week, so we are on rotations every 2-3 weeks. One of my kids is in the nursery, so I say this with all respect. It is truly a tiring hour and a half of boogers, separation anxious cries, cheerio crumbs, sippy cup spills, and poopy diapers. And it is the most important role that can be filled in our church at this point. This service allows for the parents that are joining in worship to have some precious moments being filled with the Word, joining in corporate worship of the King, and making connections with fellow believers and unbelievers. Do I have this attitude about it all the time? No.
I, like the disciples, think about greatness in terms of stature, position, recognition, power, mature knowledge, and esteem from others. Jesus defines greatness as follows:
1. Becoming like a child
2. Humility like a child
3. Receiving a little child
In pondering this, I've thought a lot about my own little one. Stella has not yet formed a "mask" or a facade to put on for reputation's sake. We had a new couple over for dinner the other night and right in the middle of devouring her chicken, Stella made the announcement "I tootin!" Hahaha. No mask. Just really honest about exactly what she was feeling at the moment.
She innately trusts. At this point, she puts her trust fully in what Seth or I or her friends tell her. Which is absolutely terrifying. Her soft little heart hasn't developed any calluses that give reason not to trust everyone.
I have no difficulty receiving my own child. It's one of the greatest joys I've ever known. Receiving other's kids can be harder. Especially when they're extra stinky, dirty, or annoying. But, Jesus gives NO exception to this rule. He says that receiving little children like this means receiving Him. He doesn't say giving the most money at church, or singing the best on the worship team, or having all the right answers in Sunday school, or inviting the most people to come with you will make you greatest. These are all good things, but it isn't HIS answer to His disciples question about greatness. Are you willing to lay aside your definition of greatness to truly become great?
I love that this chapter begins with the disciples fishing for compliments. "Soooo, Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" (emphasis added) I can totally relate to the little bum-kissers. I've fished for compliments from way-less worthy people than the King of the Universe. Jesus brings a small child from the crowd and sets him before them and responds:
"Assuredly I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives me."
This is about to get really personal...
As I've written previously, we have been given the beautiful opportunity to be part of a team of people planting a church here in Boulder, Colorado. We are up and running now with about 75% of our regular attendees under the age of 7. What a gift! With that gift comes some major responsibility- regular childcare. With only 8 of us able to volunteer in the nursery at this point, that leaves 6 that are not leading in the service in some capacity to take turns hanging with the kids. Two workers must be present each week, so we are on rotations every 2-3 weeks. One of my kids is in the nursery, so I say this with all respect. It is truly a tiring hour and a half of boogers, separation anxious cries, cheerio crumbs, sippy cup spills, and poopy diapers. And it is the most important role that can be filled in our church at this point. This service allows for the parents that are joining in worship to have some precious moments being filled with the Word, joining in corporate worship of the King, and making connections with fellow believers and unbelievers. Do I have this attitude about it all the time? No.
I, like the disciples, think about greatness in terms of stature, position, recognition, power, mature knowledge, and esteem from others. Jesus defines greatness as follows:
1. Becoming like a child
2. Humility like a child
3. Receiving a little child
In pondering this, I've thought a lot about my own little one. Stella has not yet formed a "mask" or a facade to put on for reputation's sake. We had a new couple over for dinner the other night and right in the middle of devouring her chicken, Stella made the announcement "I tootin!" Hahaha. No mask. Just really honest about exactly what she was feeling at the moment.
She innately trusts. At this point, she puts her trust fully in what Seth or I or her friends tell her. Which is absolutely terrifying. Her soft little heart hasn't developed any calluses that give reason not to trust everyone.
I have no difficulty receiving my own child. It's one of the greatest joys I've ever known. Receiving other's kids can be harder. Especially when they're extra stinky, dirty, or annoying. But, Jesus gives NO exception to this rule. He says that receiving little children like this means receiving Him. He doesn't say giving the most money at church, or singing the best on the worship team, or having all the right answers in Sunday school, or inviting the most people to come with you will make you greatest. These are all good things, but it isn't HIS answer to His disciples question about greatness. Are you willing to lay aside your definition of greatness to truly become great?
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