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Peter & John — 1 Peter 4:12-19

18 Jan

1 Peter 4:12-19 NIV
[12] Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. [13] But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. [14] If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. [15] If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. [16] However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. [17] For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? [18] And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” [19] So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Dear God, when I read this passage I have two thoughts:

1. I have no idea what this type of persecution is like.
2. There are plenty of people in the world who do and I need to pray for them.

When I hear people wonder why there is suffering in the world, I can explain most of it, but there is some evil I cannot explain. One of the biggest is human sex trafficking—especially sex trafficking. I think about the young victims and how helpless they are. Of course, even that evil would happen if there wasn’t a long list of people waiting to exploit them. From watching porn to actually purchasing their services, it’s a horrific situation. I saw “The Mule” with Clint Eastwood recently, and it’s the same kind of thing where, once you’re in, you are trapped and you’re not getting out without outside intervention.

But I digress. There are literally Christians around the world being tortured and killed because of their faith. Father, please see them, support them, alleviate their suffering, and don’t let it go to waste. If it must happen at the hands of evil people, please at least make it count. Make it count. I don’t know how to help them. I don’t know if sending money to someone would help. I don’t know if writing my Congressman or President would help. I don’t perceive that it would. I just want you to please, please help these people.

As far as thinking about this passage from Peter’s perspective, he knows about this suffering first hand, and he knows the pain of it and the power of it to witness to others.

Father, help me to live a life that is a prayer to you. Help me to represent you in all ways. And please help these Christians around the world and touch their persecutors so that they might see your glory, repent, and turn to you.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on January 18, 2019 in 1 Peter, Peter and John

 

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Enoch Walked with God — Genesis 5:1-8, 21-29

17 Jan

Genesis 5:1-8,21-29 NIV
[1] This is the written account of Adam’s family line. When God created mankind, he made them in the likeness of God. [2] He created them male and female and blessed them. And he named them “Mankind” when they were created. [3] When Adam had lived 130 years, he had a son in his own likeness, in his own image; and he named him Seth. [4] After Seth was born, Adam lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters. [5] Altogether, Adam lived a total of 930 years, and then he died. [6] When Seth had lived 105 years, he became the father of Enosh. [7] After he became the father of Enosh, Seth lived 807 years and had other sons and daughters. [8] Altogether, Seth lived a total of 912 years, and then he died. [21] When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. [22] After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. [23] Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. [24] Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. [25] When Methuselah had lived 187 years, he became the father of Lamech. [26] After he became the father of Lamech, Methuselah lived 782 years and had other sons and daughters. [27] Altogether, Methuselah lived a total of 969 years, and then he died. [28] When Lamech had lived 182 years, he had a son. [29] He named him Noah and said, “He will comfort us in the labor and painful toil of our hands caused by the ground the Lord has cursed. ”

Dear God, My thoughts on this story really just flow around the lives we live. We are here, we are a small part of the world, and then we die, leaving behind the little ways in which our lives caused ripples in the pool. A little George Bailey-esque, if you will. Enoch’s tale is unique because he wasn’t that old when compared with his contemporaries describe in these verses, but he was apparently taken up whole to be with you. I wish I knew more details about this story. It’s all pretty vague.

Bot the fun part of going through Revealed: A Storybook Bible for Grown-ups is getting to look at the art as well. What do I see in this piece that the artist might want to tell me?

  • The first thing I notice is the size difference. God is too big for the frame and cannot be fully seen.
  • The road that Enoch is walking is not smooth, but apparently paved with stones, over which Enoch might stumble.
  • God is carrying a shepherd’s crook, but dressed in modern clothes. I don’t know that this image was specifically drawn for the Enoch story or if it just fit with the Enoch story, but the image is obviously for me as well. The picture’s title is “Walking with God” by Rick Beerhorst. Going back to the shepherd’s crook, I think the artist is intimating that you are ready to catch us at any time. And you are also ready to nudge us along the right path.
  • I suppose those are fields next to the path, but it could conceivably be a river as well. Either way, there is something to the left that the man can see, but is not interacting with.
  • I guess the last thing I noticed is that the mountains are in the distance, so this picture is taken of the man while he is in the valley, where most of life is lived. Mr. Beerhorst could have placed the man anywhere and given the picture any background, but he chose to show us “Walking with God” in the valley.

I heard a speaker one time try to make the point that all of our lives are smaller than we think they are by asking us a series of questions.

  • How many of you know what your father did/does for a living?
  • How many of you know what your grandfather did/does for a living?
  • How many of you know what your great grandfather did for a living?
  • Great-great grandfather?

He then went on to indicated that, for our great-great grandfather, his life was complicated and could be overwhelming. His problems seemed so big to him, but now with the passage of time his work is largely forgotten. What remains of our great-great grandfather’s legacy are the relationships he affected while he was living and how his touch on them ripples through to time to our lives. It was a great reminder then, and seeing the legacy and lineage around Enoch is also a good reminder that, at the end of the day, Enoch’s biggest contribution to history was to be part of Noah’s family tree and then getting out of the way.

Father, help my life to ripple through time for your glory. I don’t know what will be left of my physical work when this world is all said and done, but I hope that, even after people have forgotten my name, that the love that I showed someone today will be there for someone else through someone else tomorrow.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on January 17, 2019 in Genesis, Revealed: A Storybook Bible for Grown-Ups

 

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Peter & John — 1 Peter 4:7-11

16 Jan

1 Peter 4:7-11 NIV
[7] The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. [8] Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. [9] Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. [10] Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. [11] If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Dear God, it’s interesting that Peter and Paul were under the impression that you would be returning at any minute. I suppose that created quite a sense of urgency for them.

I wonder how my life would change if I felt that same sense of urgency. What would it look like if I were able to make some of my decisions as if I’m in this earthly life for the long hall and but still had this overriding drive telling me you could be returning at any moment? Would my job be the same, but interactions with others be different? Would I actually make a lot of mistakes because I would lose my patience with how slowly your plan can unfold sometimes? As I think about it, one of the things you’ve really taught me over the last few years is to wait on you. I can see where the overriding thought that you could return at any moment would actually nudge me into doing some damage.

Father, as always, help me to hear your voice and follow your leading at any given time. Love through me. Encourage and inspire through me. And also encourage me along the way, although it feels silly to ask you that last one because you’ve encouraged me several times over the last year (and always). So thank you for that too. I really am grateful and try not to take you for granted.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on January 16, 2019 in 1 Peter, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — 1 Peter 4:1-6

15 Jan

1 Peter 4:1-6 NIV
[1] Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. [2] As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. [3] For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. [4] They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. [5] But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. [6] For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

Dear God, I had a great compliment the other day. A young coworker told me that my wife and I are “goals.”

“What does ‘goals’ mean?” I replied.

She said, “You’re the kind of people we want to be like.”

I have to confess, I never imagined anyone would see us that way. Now, in her case, I think she sees a financially middle class life that she would love to have, but I also think she sees stability and peace. And while I don’t go around beating people over the head with the Bible, I do think that everyone knows how important following you is to me. I hope that at some point she will connect the dots of the parts of my life that she appreciates to the idea of submitting myself to you.

Lest I get too haughty, there are still plenty of areas where you are still refining my heart. I get that. So please help me to be aware of those areas of my life that still grieve you and help me to willingly purge them. Help me to make it clear to those around me that the decision to follow you is the core of who I am and that your grace and love can set them free.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on January 15, 2019 in 1 Peter, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — 1 Peter 3:8-22

14 Jan

1 Peter 3:8-22 NIV
[8] Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. [9] Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. [10] For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. [11] They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. [12] For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” [13] Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? [14] But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats ; do not be frightened.” [15] But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, [16] keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. [17] For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. [18] For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. [19] After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— [20] to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, [21] and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, [22] who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

Dear God, there’s a lot here, and maybe I should have broken it into a couple of pieces, but I couldn’t find a good separation point. It all flowed together pretty well.

I guess what struck me about Peter as I read all of this is that Jesus was his personal, real life example. Jesus taught him personally to love Gentiles. Jesus taught him to do good in the face of evil. And Jesus taught him all of the things he asks us to do here.

So now, Peter is teaching us, but it’s important for us to teach others. We become the part of the fire that is asked to pass on the spark to another: “[15b] Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, [16] keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”

Father, I told my wife yesterday that I am feeling convicted that I let too many of these opportunities pass me by. Whether it’s with friends, family, coworkers, clients, or a stranger whom I can tell is in pain, I am often too timid to teach. So help me to remember to do this when you present me the opportunity and help me to do it with gentleness and respect. I don’t want to push anyone away from you because I am an arrogant fool. I just want to offer them a peace that they won’t understand until they have embraced your mercy and forgiveness.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on January 14, 2019 in 1 Peter, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — 1 Peter 3:1-7

13 Jan

1 Peter 3:1-7 NIV
[1] Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, [2] when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. [3] Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. [4] Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. [5] For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, [6] like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear. [7] Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

Dear God, oh boy! Now we get to deal with Peter the misogynist. I’m being sarcastic, but that is the first thing some people will see when they read these passages. It’s hard to remember context when you read stuff that was written 2,000 years ago. Heck, it’s hard to remember context for things written five years ago. A lot changes over time, and a lot has changed over the last few years.

I was watching some old Saturday Night Live sketches a few months ago, and when I say old I mean that they were from about eight years ago. The jokes they were making about men and women, sexual harassment, etc. would not be aired today—not even by SNL (South Park, maybe). They would be deemed inappropriate.

Then you go back 40 years. I’ll watch movies like “Smokey and the Bandit” and “Convoy” and consider how they treat law enforcement with such irreverence. I wonder if those movies, especially “Smokey and the Bandit” would be made in the same way today. How much of the script would be changed?

Of course, you can go back 150 years to The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and consider the language Mark Twain used to refer to black people. Of course, his publisher would never allow that now. Published for the first time in 2019, the book would have to be severely edited.

On the one hand, it is good that all of these things have morphed over time. We are growing as a society and as humans. We are recognizing the prejudices that have been baked into us as we grew. On the other hand, I think all of these pieces of art and recordings of our history help us to see where we used to be and how far we have come. One of the things I love about the #metoo movement is that Hollywood has taken its eyes off of judging a lot of society for things of which it disapproves and they have turned it back on themselves. We are all growing.

So I say all of that, probably unnecessarily, to point out that this is Peter (and Paul did it too) moving the ball forward. This is Peter telling women that they have power and influence that is beyond their sexuality. He might not have totally gotten it and been “lit” on this issue, but he was certainly pushing the boundaries of a cultural norm of the time. And then he turned it on the husbands. He tells them that their treatment of their wife will impact their relationship with you (“…so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”). No, Peter is not “lit,” but anyone judging him for that probably doesn’t realize how “unlit” they themselves are.

Father, give me a mind that is open enough for the Holy Spirit to give me your thoughts. Be glorified in my words and my actions. Help me to see your truth beyond the millennia of lies that have been baked into my training. And help me to be the man my wife needs me to be. No, better said, help me to be the man that you need me to be for my wife. And help her to be what you need for me. Teach me through her and teach her through me. Do this all so that you might use us in your world for your maximum glory and the benefit of others.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on January 13, 2019 in 1 Peter, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — 1 Peter 2:13-25

13 Jan

1 Peter 2:13-25 NIV
[13] Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, [14] or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. [15] For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. [16] Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. [17] Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. [18] Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. [19] For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. [20] But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. [21] To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. [22] “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” [23] When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. [24] “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” [25] For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Dear God, there are a lot of parts to this, and I almost took them apart and did one section at a time, but I think they are interwoven. I saw the first part about submitting to earthly authorities and I thought, ultimately, about Jesus and asked myself whether or not he submitted to the earthly authorities by going against what the church leaders were saying throughout his life. What about Peter himself, the author of these words? Didn’t he get himself imprisoned and killed?

But then I found verse 20, kind of tucked away in the middle of this passage: “But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.” I think there might be times when we will have to follow our conscience and suffer at the hands of those in authority over us, but if we do it because we are following you then it’s okay. I think maybe the submission part is us submitting to the earthly consequences of our actions. Jesus submitted to being beaten and crucified. Paul submitted to being imprisoned. Peter was beaten and jailed several times and ultimately killed, but he submitted to it.

We are coming up on the day we observe Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday in about 10 days. He and a lot of other people like him certainly walked this road, before MLK, with MLK, and after MLK. He didn’t raise up a physical revolution, but he did force the authority in his life to deal with them and their positions. I guess it’s not fair to say, “he,” because he certainly wasn’t alone. But you certainly imparted a leadership gifting upon him that helped to change a lot of things.

So where does all of this leave me and lead me? I tend to keep myself on fairly safe political ground even thought I have some strong political feelings. Part of it—okay, a lot of it—is a defense mechanism because I know that I have to raise money from people of all political persuasions and I don’t want my political opinions to jeopardize the work that we do. I also do it because my thoughts are not completely formed. I haven’t taken the time to educate myself and research the issues from trusted sources (not just the media on either side) so I don’t want to be wrong. I don’t know. Maybe I’m getting off on a tangent here.

Father, I guess I can cut this line off by just saying that I need to you guide me into my role in the world around me. I need you to let me know what to do, what to say, and what to think. I need you to let me know who needs my energy and my love. I need your grace over me for my failings. I need your grace to flow through me so that others might be drawn to you, to freedom, and to wholeness.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on January 13, 2019 in 1 Peter, Peter and John

 

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Revealed: A Storybook Bible for Grown-Ups by Ned Bustard

13 Jan

Revealed: A Storybook Bible for Grown-Ups by Ned Bustard

Dear God, I came in this room this morning expecting to continue on with my series on Peter and John when I found the book of an artist I met this weekend. He has taken different pieces of biblical art from various artists (including his own) and compiled them with the stories they portray. I really liked the guy and I had been wanting to pick up his book to check it out.

I just flipped it open, and the page I turned to struck me immediately. The art piece was titled “Isaac Blesses Jacob.” I didn’t even have to read the corresponding verses. I just wanted to dive into the picture, which was done by Wayne Forte. After only a couple of moments, I noticed so much in the picture (I should mention that this image is copyrighted and I hope that my publishing it here isn’t a violation of a copyright by him or Square Halo Books):

2019-01-13 07-49

* The goat skin on Jacob’s arms
* Esau in the background has hair on his arms
* The food is prepared while Esau is still hunting
* Rebekah is looking on, not only approving of the deception, but leading/participating
* Isaac is in bed, weak and gullible

And that’s just with a cursory look. If a picture is worth a thousand words, I’ll bet I could spend some time with this one image and come up with well over 1,000 words on what you might be saying to be about this story through the artists.

I am sorry for underestimating art for so much of my life. My wife helped to expand my horizons a bit, but it was my daughter being involved in theater that really made me appreciate the value of art in human development. And I might think, “Hey, I’m 48. I am already developed.” Well, obviously I’m not. My daughter needed it while she was growing up, but I need it too. You are still teaching me. I’m still growing.

Father, use whatever you need to use to reveal yourself to me. It might be a conversation, a secular song, a thought that passes through my head while I’m in the shower that you don’t want me to forget, or the things you have revealed to others that they can share with me. Put me in a position to hear, see, and understand, and then help me to not miss you in both the sacred and the secular that is around me.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on January 13, 2019 in Miscellaneous, Musings and Stories, Revealed: A Storybook Bible for Grown-Ups

 

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Division and Grace

10 Jan

Dear God, I heard/read a couple of things this week that are coming together into a complete thought.

This morning I read Fred Smith’s blog post called “The Great Wave of Schism.” It it he talked about the small cracks that form between us that eventually become breaks. It made me think of something that you taught me years ago. Causing division between people is Satan’s Plan A and he rarely needs a Plan B. It started with him causing division between you and Adam and Eve. It moved on to Cain and Abel and continues to this day. Right now our nation is unbelievably divided and our leadership is not helping. It feels like the trench warfare of WWI. Everyone is dug in. No one will advance and a lot of damage will be done.

Earlier this week I heard a sermon by Andy Stanley about the grace and justice that Jesus brought to the table. Frankly, I think it was the best sermon I’ve ever heard on describing your balance of grace and mercy. While I read Fred’s piece this morning, the thought occurred to me that grace and mercy are your Plan A to combat Satan’s Plan A, and you rarely need a Plan B.

Father, I’m glad you are the one that I serve. I know I fail. I know I can be part of divisions. I know I fail your sense of justice and I fall short of your glory. But your grace restores me to wholeness with you and then that experience enables me to extend grace to others. Help me to be a carrier of your grace into the world today.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on January 10, 2019 in Miscellaneous, Musings and Stories

 

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Peter & John — 1 Peter 2:11-12

09 Jan

1 Peter 2:11-12 NIV
[11] Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. [12] Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Dear God, I absolutely believe in choosing to abstain from sinful desires, but I also think it’s important to admit when we’ve failed. As I get ready to speak to a group of men this weekend, the thing that keeps coming to me is that I don’t want to come off as holy and perfect. I don’t want to be impressive. I want at least some of them to find something from the struggles through which you have brought me that will speak to them and give them hope in you.

It’s always interesting to try to find that line. One of the interesting things about my job is that I end up being publicly recognized for doing good works. And I get too much of the credit for the hard work of my coworkers. I don’t know how much of an effective example for you I can be in that light. Yes, I can use my position to encourage others in how much they serve the community, but my best moment with a donor last year was when they came for a tour and our conversation turned to our struggles as parents.

Father, you make me strong through my weaknesses. Of course, none of that would be possible with Jesus’ love and redemption. Without that I am nowhere. But I have your grace and that helps me to deal with my weaknesses and sins honestly and then use them to help draw others to you. Help me to do that, both this weekend at the retreat and every day.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on January 9, 2019 in 1 Peter, Peter and John

 

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