"Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the resports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write a careful account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught." Luke 1:1-4
Here is something I totally love about the Gospel of Luke. This was not a random blog sent out to whoever wanted to hop over. The efforts put into detail in this gospel were not for the sake of history, or even Luke's own memory. Heck, this was not Luke's personal journal, or scrapbook! (Don't you love how I can fit scrapbooking into this?!) This amazing story of good news was written FOR someone, it was written TO someone. The first person who probably laid eyes on this text was a guy name Theophilus.
The New Testament Bible Exposition Commentary shares that Theophilus was probably a Roman dude who had recently trusted in Jesus. He was a new believer. His name means "Lover of God". (I love that name! Just wish there was a simpler name, since I am not about to name my next kid Theophilus... they would hate me for that!)
The story of Jesus begins with Compassion and love for SOMEONE. It is all about relationships. It is all about God's crazy awesome love for us.
What is ministry without relationship? What is church without people? What is that? Sadly, it's probably what the outside world sees in lots of us. They look and seee a church that is all about business. They see commercialized church on steroids! Or maybe for the outsider, church feels like the marketing plan of a good intentioned moralistic entrepreneur (aka a church pastor). When people become a commodity, a faceless crowd, a customer... we have lost sight of the Gospel for what is truly is.
Everything Jesus did was for people. Everything he did was for our good, our benefit, our healing, our freedom, our salvation.
I also love the line in verse for that says Dr. Luke is writing so that Theophilus can be "certain of the truth of everything (he) was taught." It's funny how people like certainty these days, but are not so interested in the TRUTH part. There are so many lies out there. Distortions, spins, misconceptions, and outright deceptions. This guy Theophilus wanted the truth. Everyone in that day knew Jesus was the real deal. They saw him, lived with him. He healed their kids, fed them food, taught them with unmatched fervor and insight. And there were even those who buried a dead man only to hug him three days later. They saw it. Today, people can claim the whole Jesus thing is a myth. They try to explain away the miracles... but that was not really an option back in the first century.
Still though, Theophilus was a truth seeker. I love that! He desired it so much that Luke carefully put together a gospel that we now get to read. How awesome is that. I want to seek truth more than the rumors. I want to seek truth more than the traditional stories that I heard growing up. I want truth... because Jesus IS the way, the TRUTH, and the Life. Seek Jesus, and you find the Truth.
Questions... if you are brave enough... ask...
"How much am I seeking truth?
"How much is my personal ministry about me, or about loving other people?"
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Blind-folded
"Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God's presence." Ephesians 3:12 (NLT)
I definitely know how it feels when in our hearts we feel like God let us down. When we had prayed so hard, fasted, worshipped, and prayed some more... and things still don't turn out like you thought. Not only is it slightly different, but grossly different. I know what it's like when you think that all the dreams you had, maybe never come true. And it hurts. And you feel confused, and a bit wounded and even angry. Today I felt that way. Still do. I am not really angry AT God. Just frustrated, hurt, and feeling very much like a blindfold is tied over my eyes.
I tucked my son in to bed today and marveled at his faith. One week ago today he asked Jesus to be his Savior in his heart. And tonight he just kept saying "I want God. I need him. I want Jesus in my heart. Keep praying, Mom." All he cared about was Jesus. He fell asleep with such beautiful peace. Trust. That boy never worries. He doesn't worry about where his next meal comes from, or if he has clothes to wear when he grows out of these. He doesn't worry. As I watched him drift into dreamland, I was reminded of Matthew 6
"This is why I tell you not to worry about every day life- whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing?"
Verse 30 shares: "And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?"
In my heart of hearts, I really don't doubt that God will provide for me. He always has. He has never let me go hungry. He is so faithful and He has poured grace out on me and my family countless times. I have not forgotten those times. So, I don't think I am worried about that.
But today, I have wondered, if I am just confused and torn up inside because maybe God plans to provide for me differently then I thought. Maybe, just maybe, his plans ARE higher and better than mine. And even though I know that in my head that His plans are best. I know in my head that His ways are greater. I know all this. I have preached it and lived it. But tonight, I feel a change, like once again, I am being asked to relinguish my dreams for His glory. And I wish that I was so full of grace that I could easily take it in stride, with a smile, and Churchy words of positivity... but today I am just not feeling it.
No, I won't revert to my flesh. I won't be overcome with fear. I won't lash out at God. I won't give up. BUT... I am still hurting inside. I am still confused. I still feel like I can't see two feet in front of me. And so what do I do with that?
On my shower wall I have a piece of paper taped up with a big chunk of scripture from Ephesians 3. Every morning I read verse 12, among the other verses, and remember, that no matter what, no matter where I am... I can boldly approach my Savior. I can enter into His presence even when I am confused, or torn up, wounded, scared, clueless, or angry. Even if I feel like I am walking around with a blind fold, can't see anything, feeling clumsy... even then, even now, when I can't see anything else... I can come to Him. I know I will be welcomed in His arms. I know He will catch my tears before they hit the ground. I don't have to clean up, put on a mask, or modify things... it's just me. And that's all He wants.
So, today, I come to Jesus. I will keep coming. No matter what. No matter my mood, my pain, my joy. No matter what is going on in life. All I know is that I don't want to do life without Him. So I will keep coming.
Thank you, Jesus, for being with me today. I love you.
I definitely know how it feels when in our hearts we feel like God let us down. When we had prayed so hard, fasted, worshipped, and prayed some more... and things still don't turn out like you thought. Not only is it slightly different, but grossly different. I know what it's like when you think that all the dreams you had, maybe never come true. And it hurts. And you feel confused, and a bit wounded and even angry. Today I felt that way. Still do. I am not really angry AT God. Just frustrated, hurt, and feeling very much like a blindfold is tied over my eyes.
I tucked my son in to bed today and marveled at his faith. One week ago today he asked Jesus to be his Savior in his heart. And tonight he just kept saying "I want God. I need him. I want Jesus in my heart. Keep praying, Mom." All he cared about was Jesus. He fell asleep with such beautiful peace. Trust. That boy never worries. He doesn't worry about where his next meal comes from, or if he has clothes to wear when he grows out of these. He doesn't worry. As I watched him drift into dreamland, I was reminded of Matthew 6
"This is why I tell you not to worry about every day life- whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing?"
Verse 30 shares: "And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?"
In my heart of hearts, I really don't doubt that God will provide for me. He always has. He has never let me go hungry. He is so faithful and He has poured grace out on me and my family countless times. I have not forgotten those times. So, I don't think I am worried about that.
But today, I have wondered, if I am just confused and torn up inside because maybe God plans to provide for me differently then I thought. Maybe, just maybe, his plans ARE higher and better than mine. And even though I know that in my head that His plans are best. I know in my head that His ways are greater. I know all this. I have preached it and lived it. But tonight, I feel a change, like once again, I am being asked to relinguish my dreams for His glory. And I wish that I was so full of grace that I could easily take it in stride, with a smile, and Churchy words of positivity... but today I am just not feeling it.
No, I won't revert to my flesh. I won't be overcome with fear. I won't lash out at God. I won't give up. BUT... I am still hurting inside. I am still confused. I still feel like I can't see two feet in front of me. And so what do I do with that?
On my shower wall I have a piece of paper taped up with a big chunk of scripture from Ephesians 3. Every morning I read verse 12, among the other verses, and remember, that no matter what, no matter where I am... I can boldly approach my Savior. I can enter into His presence even when I am confused, or torn up, wounded, scared, clueless, or angry. Even if I feel like I am walking around with a blind fold, can't see anything, feeling clumsy... even then, even now, when I can't see anything else... I can come to Him. I know I will be welcomed in His arms. I know He will catch my tears before they hit the ground. I don't have to clean up, put on a mask, or modify things... it's just me. And that's all He wants.
So, today, I come to Jesus. I will keep coming. No matter what. No matter my mood, my pain, my joy. No matter what is going on in life. All I know is that I don't want to do life without Him. So I will keep coming.
Thank you, Jesus, for being with me today. I love you.
