Imagine thinking Jesus was with you and being mistaken! To say it would be disconcerting would be an understatement. This is exactly what happened to Joseph and Mary after celebrating the Passover with Jesus in Jerusalem. Luke 2:43-44 says, "When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; 44
but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day's journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances." Joseph and His mother journeyed for an entire day, supposing Jesus was with them, but the distance between them grew with every step they took.
We understand how people can be physically separated from others, but we must consider the reality that even those who believe in Jesus can also be separated from Him. Thousands in Israel did not know Jesus, and they did not miss Him. Even his parents did not miss Him for a day. Is this not a sobering fact? His own parents assumed Jesus was with them, and we can think in our efforts to please God Jesus must be with us when we have walked away from Him. Believing in Jesus does not mean He tags along with us. He is the Good Shepherd, and we are the sheep. We are called to abide with Him. Reversing this order is a great danger indeed!
When Joseph and Mary discovered Jesus was not with them, they immediately sought Him. Luke 2:45 reads, "So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him." What a good example this is for Christians, followers of Jesus Christ! Should we realise Jesus isn't with us, we need to stop, lay aside our plans, and drop everything to seek Him. We can toil in a ministry, thinking by virtue of our effort Jesus must be with us. But sometimes we have moved away from where Jesus is, following family, a schedule, or the crowds. If we ever make the mistake of wandering from the presence of Jesus, let's retrace our steps to find Jesus again without giving up.
God said in Jeremiah 29:13, "And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." Those who humble themselves, trusting in Jesus, will find Him. Jesus revealed Himself as the Son of God so He might be believed and save sinners, people who have been separated from God by sin. Praise the LORD that He may be found! Isaiah 55:6-7 says, "Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.
7
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon."
09 August 2015
05 August 2015
Feeling Unappreciated?
Do you sometimes feel unappreciated? When we feel unappreciated, the tendency towards bitterness, resentment, and ultimately inaction is a natural slide. We can fall into the trap of measuring the usefulness of our deeds based upon the response we receive from others. Did Jesus embrace the cross because He knew some might appreciate it? No! The lack of "appreciation" expressed by others didn't enter into His decision. He shed His blood knowing most people wouldn't appreciate or appropriate it! God had prepared a good work to enter into through sacrifice, and Jesus was obedient and faithful to see it through regardless of how much others appreciated it.
I don't always feel appreciated. Just yesterday I was feeling like my efforts to help others were not appreciated or being recognised at all. But as I examined my feelings according to scripture, I realised I was looking to the response of others to encourage me to serve when my eyes ought to be fixed on Jesus. "I don't feel appreciated, God." I said to Him. At that moment I felt as if God smiled upon me and said, "I still love you." That little word made all the difference. Even if I wasn't appreciated at all by others, I was still loved by God. When God's love for me is my motive in serving Him and others, what profound joy we can experience! Too often we substitute the appreciation of others for the love of God, and it is we who rob ourselves of the joy and strength we need to endure times of difficulty.
So instead of looking for signs of appreciation or affirmation from others in doing good, recognise and respond to the love of God demonstrated for you. Even if no one notices or seems to care about the sacrifices you make, God still loves you. And if this doesn't warm your heart and bring a smile to your face, may God open your eyes and heart to receive His love. Improperly received or over-valued appreciation by others is a thief that robs God of glory. When we don't feel appreciated by others, it provides deeper channels for us to draw upon the love of God. How good it is therefore to feel unappreciated and remain obedient! Man's praise quickly fades, but the joy of the LORD endures forever.
I don't always feel appreciated. Just yesterday I was feeling like my efforts to help others were not appreciated or being recognised at all. But as I examined my feelings according to scripture, I realised I was looking to the response of others to encourage me to serve when my eyes ought to be fixed on Jesus. "I don't feel appreciated, God." I said to Him. At that moment I felt as if God smiled upon me and said, "I still love you." That little word made all the difference. Even if I wasn't appreciated at all by others, I was still loved by God. When God's love for me is my motive in serving Him and others, what profound joy we can experience! Too often we substitute the appreciation of others for the love of God, and it is we who rob ourselves of the joy and strength we need to endure times of difficulty.
So instead of looking for signs of appreciation or affirmation from others in doing good, recognise and respond to the love of God demonstrated for you. Even if no one notices or seems to care about the sacrifices you make, God still loves you. And if this doesn't warm your heart and bring a smile to your face, may God open your eyes and heart to receive His love. Improperly received or over-valued appreciation by others is a thief that robs God of glory. When we don't feel appreciated by others, it provides deeper channels for us to draw upon the love of God. How good it is therefore to feel unappreciated and remain obedient! Man's praise quickly fades, but the joy of the LORD endures forever.
04 August 2015
Answer Christ's Questions BEFORE Asking
People ask God a lot of questions. Jesus demonstrated He is under no obligation to answer any question - especially the dishonest questions of men - though He is glad and willing to answer all sincere questions. In an interaction with the Pharisees, before Jesus agreed to answer their question they were required to answer His. This is the correct order of things, for God has all authority over men. If we demand an honest answer from God, we must first be honest with Him. When we refuse to answer Christ's questions, do not be surprised when you do not receive answers.
Matthew 21:23-27 tells the story: "Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, "By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?" 24 But Jesus answered and said to them, "I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: 25 The baptism of John--where was it from? From heaven or from men?" And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' He will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?' 26 But if we say, 'From men,' we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet." 27 So they answered Jesus and said, "We do not know." And He said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things." Jesus only did what pleased the Father, but His actions did not please the chief priests and elders. They openly questioned His authority. Knowing the hypocrisy of their hearts, Jesus agreed to answer them on the condition they first answered His question.
Christ's question prompted a private discussion. Answering the question Jesus asked would expose them as hypocrites or prompt indignation and outcry from the people - two things they had planned to do to Jesus by asking Him such questions publicly. So the most learned men in Israel lied and played dumb: "We do not know." Jesus replied, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things." Jesus had been given all authority from His Father. Since these rulers did not trust or believe Him, they wouldn't believe the truth even if He told them. They would only accuse Him of dishonesty when it was they who were dishonest themselves. This is a good lesson for Christians. We are never under any obligation to answer the dishonest questions of the unbelievers. Does God need me to defend Him? Well did our Saviour warn not to cast pearls before swine, lest after trampling those precious truths underfoot they turn and tear us apart (Matt. 7:6).
Do you have questions you want to ask of God? How about answering some of the questions Jesus asked first? Your answer or unwillingness to answer likely reveals why heaven seems silent. In the following passages, the bold emphasis is mine:
Matthew 21:23-27 tells the story: "Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, "By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?" 24 But Jesus answered and said to them, "I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: 25 The baptism of John--where was it from? From heaven or from men?" And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' He will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?' 26 But if we say, 'From men,' we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet." 27 So they answered Jesus and said, "We do not know." And He said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things." Jesus only did what pleased the Father, but His actions did not please the chief priests and elders. They openly questioned His authority. Knowing the hypocrisy of their hearts, Jesus agreed to answer them on the condition they first answered His question.
Christ's question prompted a private discussion. Answering the question Jesus asked would expose them as hypocrites or prompt indignation and outcry from the people - two things they had planned to do to Jesus by asking Him such questions publicly. So the most learned men in Israel lied and played dumb: "We do not know." Jesus replied, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things." Jesus had been given all authority from His Father. Since these rulers did not trust or believe Him, they wouldn't believe the truth even if He told them. They would only accuse Him of dishonesty when it was they who were dishonest themselves. This is a good lesson for Christians. We are never under any obligation to answer the dishonest questions of the unbelievers. Does God need me to defend Him? Well did our Saviour warn not to cast pearls before swine, lest after trampling those precious truths underfoot they turn and tear us apart (Matt. 7:6).
Do you have questions you want to ask of God? How about answering some of the questions Jesus asked first? Your answer or unwillingness to answer likely reveals why heaven seems silent. In the following passages, the bold emphasis is mine:
- "Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26
- "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26
- "Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. 16 And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. 17 Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, "Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? 19 Show Me the tax money." So they brought Him a denarius. 20 And He said to them, "Whose image and inscription is this?" 21 They said to Him, "Caesar's." And He said to them, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Matthew 22:15-21
- "When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, "Son of David, have mercy on us!" 28 And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to Him, "Yes, Lord." 29 Then He touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith let it be to you." 30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, saying, "See that no one knows it." Matthew 9:27-30
- "And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." 29 So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God." Matthew 14:28-33
03 August 2015
Jesus and Ronaldo
I saw a video of soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo going "undercover" as a bearded man in sweatpants and sunglasses in Madrid, Spain. During the short film, he pulled out a soccer ball and a cardboard box like a busker. After demonstrating some footwork, he tried to encourage other people to play soccer with him. No one seemed very interested in the man juggling and kicking the ball to himself. Finally, Ronaldo managed to gain the interest of a boy, and he encouraged him to try to steal the ball from his lightning-fast feet. After a few minutes Ronaldo picked up the ball, signed it, and began to remove his disguise. He handed the ball to the boy and gave him a hug. Onlookers can be heard gasping in shock and amazement as the sportsman revealed his true identity. The once desolate square quickly packed with people with mobiles out, and strained to capture images of the world-famous celebrity.
Who receives the glory for Ronaldo posing as a homeless man and giving a signed soccer ball to a boy? Ronaldo, of course. Why? Because he didn't have to. He makes more than 50 million dollars annually as a soccer player and could very well be one of the world's most famous athletes. This little gesture of putting on makeup and going into the real world without security or bodyguards as a busker with a soccer ball only took a few hours and was a small sacrifice. But because it was Cristiano Ronaldo, it is a huge deal that only improves his image (and provides advertising for products at the end of the video!).
What I find most compelling about the film (not knowing the motives of the man) is how everyone's attitude towards the man with the soccer ball changed when he pulled off his disguise. People seemed to come from nowhere to swarm Ronaldo. Security quickly ushered him away from the growing crowd of adoring fans, trying to press in as close as possible to the celebrity. He had demonstrated world-class talent in that square moments earlier, but no one recognised it. Only a couple of men and a boy were willing to humour the man and play with him for a few minutes. It was only after those who passed by saw the beard removed from the clean-shaven face they realised under that disguise was the best and most famous footballer on the planet. They couldn't believe their eyes.
When I saw this video, one thing flashed in my mind: Jesus never removed His beard. Ronaldo dressing as a homeless busker is nothing compared to the God of the universe becoming a man and walking among us. God didn't have to, but He wanted to. Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit in a devout Jewish woman and born as a baby in Bethlehem. Around 30 years old He began to preach repentance and the kingdom of God. He healed the sick, opened the eyes of the blind, cleansed lepers, and cast out demons. But Jesus never once "removed His beard" or His fleshly disguise. Most people had no idea Jesus was God in human flesh because He looked ordinary, and only a handful followed Him until the end. He did not step out of His human body and reveal His unrivaled divine splendour and glory, but chose to die the excruciating death of the cross as a sacrifice for sinners. Even after He rose from the dead, some doubted (Matthew 28:17).
Do you realise what Jesus has done in coming to earth? He shed His blood to provide atonement for sins so He could be with us forever - far more than Ronaldo did in giving a boy a signed ball. If the video of Ronaldo warms your heart, how much more should God's divine condescension fill us with love and appreciation for the One who has so vividly expressed the love of God for man? Many people still don't recognise Jesus for who He is, but one day every eye will see Him and bow before Him. Only those with faith like that little boy - the one who appreciated and played with Ronaldo before his disguise was removed - will receive His rewards when Christ is revealed from heaven. Only those who trust in Jesus, believing He is the Son of God, will be rewarded with eternal life.
Thank you Jesus for revealing yourself as the Son of God through wisdom, signs, wonders, sacrificial death, and resurrection. Remember me when you come into your kingdom!
Who receives the glory for Ronaldo posing as a homeless man and giving a signed soccer ball to a boy? Ronaldo, of course. Why? Because he didn't have to. He makes more than 50 million dollars annually as a soccer player and could very well be one of the world's most famous athletes. This little gesture of putting on makeup and going into the real world without security or bodyguards as a busker with a soccer ball only took a few hours and was a small sacrifice. But because it was Cristiano Ronaldo, it is a huge deal that only improves his image (and provides advertising for products at the end of the video!).
What I find most compelling about the film (not knowing the motives of the man) is how everyone's attitude towards the man with the soccer ball changed when he pulled off his disguise. People seemed to come from nowhere to swarm Ronaldo. Security quickly ushered him away from the growing crowd of adoring fans, trying to press in as close as possible to the celebrity. He had demonstrated world-class talent in that square moments earlier, but no one recognised it. Only a couple of men and a boy were willing to humour the man and play with him for a few minutes. It was only after those who passed by saw the beard removed from the clean-shaven face they realised under that disguise was the best and most famous footballer on the planet. They couldn't believe their eyes.
When I saw this video, one thing flashed in my mind: Jesus never removed His beard. Ronaldo dressing as a homeless busker is nothing compared to the God of the universe becoming a man and walking among us. God didn't have to, but He wanted to. Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit in a devout Jewish woman and born as a baby in Bethlehem. Around 30 years old He began to preach repentance and the kingdom of God. He healed the sick, opened the eyes of the blind, cleansed lepers, and cast out demons. But Jesus never once "removed His beard" or His fleshly disguise. Most people had no idea Jesus was God in human flesh because He looked ordinary, and only a handful followed Him until the end. He did not step out of His human body and reveal His unrivaled divine splendour and glory, but chose to die the excruciating death of the cross as a sacrifice for sinners. Even after He rose from the dead, some doubted (Matthew 28:17).
Do you realise what Jesus has done in coming to earth? He shed His blood to provide atonement for sins so He could be with us forever - far more than Ronaldo did in giving a boy a signed ball. If the video of Ronaldo warms your heart, how much more should God's divine condescension fill us with love and appreciation for the One who has so vividly expressed the love of God for man? Many people still don't recognise Jesus for who He is, but one day every eye will see Him and bow before Him. Only those with faith like that little boy - the one who appreciated and played with Ronaldo before his disguise was removed - will receive His rewards when Christ is revealed from heaven. Only those who trust in Jesus, believing He is the Son of God, will be rewarded with eternal life.
Thank you Jesus for revealing yourself as the Son of God through wisdom, signs, wonders, sacrificial death, and resurrection. Remember me when you come into your kingdom!
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