September 13, 2022 – Mark 8:27-30 – Who Do You Say Jesus Is?

September 13, 2022

“Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.” Mark 8:27-30

“It’s not what his disciples expect. They, too, are children of the world. And although they weren’t bombarded with 5000 advertising images each day as we are, yet they still imagined that the secret to life was strength and power rather than vulnerability and love. And so they interpreted Jesus’ miraculous acts as demonstrations of power rather than manifestations of love. And when Jesus describes the greatest act of love – giving his life for them and the world – they can only object. But Jesus will not be deterred. He will continue on the path of sacrificial love – and continue to love his disciples even when they misunderstand him or choose not to follow that path – until the very end. And at the end, God takes what looks like weakness and demonstrates strength and transforms what looks like disgrace and reveals God’s surprising, even unsettling, but ultimately life-giving glory.” David Lose The Theory of Everything (Feb 23, 2015) In The Meantime

Don’t we find it odd that Jesus tells his disciples to “not..tell anyone about him”? Jesus is moving forward with his plans to enter Jerusalem, and this will put into motion the events of his own death by crucifixion, and yet the revelation by His disciples that He is the Messiah is something he wants to keep quiet. There are times that people want to make him king, and there are times they want to kill him — and both are good reasons for Him to avoid publicity. Is this why he says “tell no one”?

I believe the main reason Jesus wants to keep his true identity a secret is so that He can accomplish His main purpose — to see to the end the reason He came to this earth — and anything that may become a roadblock must be avoided. If the people believe he is the Messiah, they may riot to prevent his death. If the people find enough support that he is blaspheming the name of G-d by claiming he indeed is G-d, they may toss him off a cliff or stone him to death.

In the end, Jesus is not deterred by the people, or by the religious authorities. Oh, they think they have stopped him by crucifying him. But we know better……therefore, we can’t continue to keep this good news a secret. We need to let the world know.

Pastor Dave

September 12, 2022 – 1 Timothy 4:7b-10 — Being Trained-Up in G-dliness

September 12, 2022

“Have nothing to do with profane myths and old wives’ tales. Train yourself in godliness, for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” 1 Timothy 4:7b-10

“The problem is, the same Jesus who died and rose again for you died and rose again for your archenemy. And this is just plain unfair by the world’s standards. That’s the thing about God’s grace. No one deserves it, yet it’s given for all. It’s the same unfair grace that Jesus used when he forgave the guys nailing him to the cross-while they were swinging the hammers. It’s unfair, but it’s not so bad-because each day we need that sort of grace too.” Laurie Hanson. The Funny Shape of Faith: Devotions for the Rest of Us (p. 102). Kindle Edition.

Because of G-d’s amazing grace, we have an advocate waiting to teach us — and that advocate is the Holy Spirit. In fact we cannot train up ourselves in godliness on our own — it takes the support of the spirit. But the Holy Spirit will not wake you up in the morning to get you motivated. You and I must remain open to the spirit, open to the presence of the spirit, and expecting the spirit to move just when we least expect it. That is how one is “trained up” by the Holy Spirit. Grace saves us – faith moves us to love all.

Let us pray,

Lord Jesus, the giver of undeserved grace, thank you for giving me what I need, not what I deserve. Help me to treat others differently because of the way you have treated me. Amen.

Pastor Dave