I've been studying a lot in Luke lately. I just taught the book to my seventh grade class last semester and we've been going through it section by section, verse by verse at Exodus. So I am preparing for Sunday's sermon and reading the account of Jesus' interaction with a leper in Luke 5.
The account is exactly what I would expect from You. You came into a city, met someone in need of deliverance, and released them from the situation that was holding them back from wholeness. In this case, it is the man's skin disease. There are some remarkable intricacies to this story, some depth that we'll get into on Sunday, but I am struck today by the end of this passage.
After You healed the man, the crowds were over the top about You and Your ministry. Your miracles, Your bold teachings, the authority that You had (nice advantage, being God and man :-), but all of these things were impressing the people. And they wanted on board. So they began to follow and the crowds became larger. You were so successful!
I find, in my times of success, two things happen to me. First of all, I become very busy. There are many people who want to talk to me, many things that I have to do to keep the success going, many people I want to see me because I want them to recognize how successful I am. I get busy.
Secondly, when I am successful I get very nervous. I worry that something will take the success away. I think about tennis last year when we were 10-2, and how much I worried that something could go wrong (something did). The year before when we won the Sectional, the way I worried about whether we would accomplish our goal or not (and we did). I think about Exodus even, when things were going really well at the beginning and people were joining on (the Mahaffas, Tim Vogel, Ben Gooding, the DeMotts - and all of a sudden we had a full house!) I remember we worked so hard and late on sermonizing and preparing on Monday nights (busyness) and I often worried about what people would think of my sermons (worry).
Strange, but I think success is so desired that it causes undue stress to most of the people in this world.
And maybe for You as well, but in this passage You did something pretty cool. Something that I as an introvert really connect with. You withdrew Yourself from the crushing crowds and prayed in "lonely places." You made time to be alone and reconnect with the Father. In success, You didn't try to do so much more, You did less. You didn't load up Your mind with constant worry; You unloaded Your mind alone with our Father.
This is something to remember. I don't know when I'll have success again. I don't know when Exodus will start firing on all cylinders and people truly grow and change. I don't know when my classes at school will again bring me the "Teacher of the Year" award. I don't know when my tennis team will jump out to a great start to the season, or have a shot at another Sectional title. I hope all of these successes will come soon and often, for I am a human and desire to see the efforts of my hands become successful.
But whenever the success comes, let me remember: Those are the times when I must run to You with even more passion!
Showing posts with label example. Show all posts
Showing posts with label example. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Friday, March 14, 2008
Live Up to What You Know
FRIDAY 3.14.08 – PHILLIPIANS 3:16–17
Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.
Lord, thank You for a great teaching meeting last night. I feel energized again about the group of pastors, group of people, group of disciples that I am apart of in following You. I'm reminded again yesterday, two different times actually, how refreshing honesty can be. At tennis practice I confronted one of my players about his attitude and the conversation ended with him saying he was glad I talked to him. At teaching meeting Joel confronted us with his frustration and the night ended with all of us saying that this was a good night.
Interesting thing about the verse today: "Only let us live up to what we have already attained." I believe as I pulled up this verse in Bible Gateway, that the context here is that we should live up to the things about Christ that we know. Certainly we are always growing and learning and seeing more clearly if we are truly following as a disciple. I think that this verse is saying, what you know, do that. What you don't know, don't worry about that yet. That's what Paul does.
Today, I want that to be true of me but also my community. And that's my prayer. Transform people, Lord, so that they can live what they know. Transform me, so that I can live up to what I've already attained. And that's where I'm going to end, short and sweet. Lord, let me meditate today on the Word. Let it sink into me throughout my comings and my goings. Amen.
Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.
Lord, thank You for a great teaching meeting last night. I feel energized again about the group of pastors, group of people, group of disciples that I am apart of in following You. I'm reminded again yesterday, two different times actually, how refreshing honesty can be. At tennis practice I confronted one of my players about his attitude and the conversation ended with him saying he was glad I talked to him. At teaching meeting Joel confronted us with his frustration and the night ended with all of us saying that this was a good night.
Interesting thing about the verse today: "Only let us live up to what we have already attained." I believe as I pulled up this verse in Bible Gateway, that the context here is that we should live up to the things about Christ that we know. Certainly we are always growing and learning and seeing more clearly if we are truly following as a disciple. I think that this verse is saying, what you know, do that. What you don't know, don't worry about that yet. That's what Paul does.
Today, I want that to be true of me but also my community. And that's my prayer. Transform people, Lord, so that they can live what they know. Transform me, so that I can live up to what I've already attained. And that's where I'm going to end, short and sweet. Lord, let me meditate today on the Word. Let it sink into me throughout my comings and my goings. Amen.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Let 'Em See Good Works and Then...
THURSDAY 3.13.08 – MATTHEW 5:14–16
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Love, love, love this verse. It's not like today is my first time reading it. I make my students study this verse in connection with the verse where You said: "While I am in the world I am the light of the world." It's amazing that this with this whole study of light, we find that where You dwell there is light, life, and provision. Then You come and dwell in human flesh among us and proclaim that You are the light of the world. Yes, because at that time You were dwelling among us. Then, it what is a most radical statement, You declared that we were the light of the world. It's radical in two ways that I see: You are giving responsibilities to humans and also it means that You dwell among us, because only where You dwell is there true light, life, and provision.
So, how is my life bringing light to everyone in the house? Do I have good deeds that are shining forth, allowing people to praise You, my Father in heaven? When I turn the spotlight on my life, I think there are certainly ways about my life that do help people see You. In my teaching, I make sure to start everyday with a prayer. I know that besides our sixth grade teacher I am the only teacher to do that. And it's because I want You to be involved in my classroom throughout the day. The students are part of the prayer obviously, because I pray out loud with the class, for the class, etc. It's not necessarily a good deed, but it does allow for students to praise our Father in heaven.
Other than that, I'm not sure I could come up with many examples of specific deeds that shine before men. It doesn't mean that I never do anything to shine, it just means I can't think of anything right now. But that also doesn't mean that this verse doesn't hold some conviction for me.
One thing I've noticed throughout this fast is how rarely I feel like I have the opportunity to serve and actually do what I consider good works. Now, I accept that perhaps my definition of good works is a little off. But at school I seem to constantly be trying to keep hold of my classroom discipline, teach something, get people to pay attention...it certainly feels like I do more strong-arming than serving. What I truly desire is a change in my perception, I want You to show me where I can live a life that serves. Where am I missing opportunities? Where could I allow myself to be broken a bit more? Because I feel this is the way of Christ, Your way that will allow more people to praise my Father in heaven, You.
Dear Lord,
I pray today that You provide opportunity to serve and that I see and do not go the other way. Allow me to do the little things, the medium things, and the big things that allow people to praise You. Begin to transform me to make this service and brokenness part of my being, my attitude, my attention, and just a part of who I am. I thank You that You dwell with us and are constantly working and calling us to be something more, to be light to the world. Never stop calling, help me to answer.
Through Christ and in the Holy Spirit I pray. Amen.
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Love, love, love this verse. It's not like today is my first time reading it. I make my students study this verse in connection with the verse where You said: "While I am in the world I am the light of the world." It's amazing that this with this whole study of light, we find that where You dwell there is light, life, and provision. Then You come and dwell in human flesh among us and proclaim that You are the light of the world. Yes, because at that time You were dwelling among us. Then, it what is a most radical statement, You declared that we were the light of the world. It's radical in two ways that I see: You are giving responsibilities to humans and also it means that You dwell among us, because only where You dwell is there true light, life, and provision.
So, how is my life bringing light to everyone in the house? Do I have good deeds that are shining forth, allowing people to praise You, my Father in heaven? When I turn the spotlight on my life, I think there are certainly ways about my life that do help people see You. In my teaching, I make sure to start everyday with a prayer. I know that besides our sixth grade teacher I am the only teacher to do that. And it's because I want You to be involved in my classroom throughout the day. The students are part of the prayer obviously, because I pray out loud with the class, for the class, etc. It's not necessarily a good deed, but it does allow for students to praise our Father in heaven.
Other than that, I'm not sure I could come up with many examples of specific deeds that shine before men. It doesn't mean that I never do anything to shine, it just means I can't think of anything right now. But that also doesn't mean that this verse doesn't hold some conviction for me.
One thing I've noticed throughout this fast is how rarely I feel like I have the opportunity to serve and actually do what I consider good works. Now, I accept that perhaps my definition of good works is a little off. But at school I seem to constantly be trying to keep hold of my classroom discipline, teach something, get people to pay attention...it certainly feels like I do more strong-arming than serving. What I truly desire is a change in my perception, I want You to show me where I can live a life that serves. Where am I missing opportunities? Where could I allow myself to be broken a bit more? Because I feel this is the way of Christ, Your way that will allow more people to praise my Father in heaven, You.
Dear Lord,
I pray today that You provide opportunity to serve and that I see and do not go the other way. Allow me to do the little things, the medium things, and the big things that allow people to praise You. Begin to transform me to make this service and brokenness part of my being, my attitude, my attention, and just a part of who I am. I thank You that You dwell with us and are constantly working and calling us to be something more, to be light to the world. Never stop calling, help me to answer.
Through Christ and in the Holy Spirit I pray. Amen.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
The Good of Many
WEDNESDAY 3.12.08 – 1 CORINTHIANS 10:31–11:1
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God—even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
The very beginning of this verse makes me pause and ponder. "Whether you eat or drink..." Well, I've been doing absolutely no eating for the last thirty-six days and a whole lot of drinking. Milkshakes that is, and juice, and coffee, and water. Lot's of drinking. And while I know that Paul is writing this verse about foods and drinks that were ceremonially unclean to the Jews, it does make me wonder whether or not my drinking is "all for the glory of God."
I mean, there is certainly a part of the whole thing that is for the glory of God, or at least in obedience to God. Fasting isn't something I simply made up, for thousands upon thousands of years it has been a spiritual practice that allows Your people to hear Your voice. It's all over the Scriptures, including Jesus. But as to whether this fast is all for Your glory, well, I know that it is for other things as well in my head. Weight loss, development of proper eating habits, health, receiving joy...not that any of those are particularly bad things but not necessarily do they bring You glory.
What does it mean to give You glory even? I think maybe this is further explained by Paul within this verse. Sometimes it is very hard to put action or even further ideas to some of these Christian phrases that we hear so often. "Give God the glory" is one of those phrases, "exalt the Lord high above" is another, and the list probably goes on. I mean, I can tell what these phrases kind of mean, to give God the credit when things are going well and to declare that God is better than anything else, but it seems like those definitions fall woefully short of what we really are trying to say.
Giving the glory to You I think is maybe further defined here by Paul, when he says that he is not seeking his own good but the good of many. There always seems that there is a battle between my selfishness and pride and Your will. I will undertake something for You and turn it into something about me. This fast is a great example. People always ask about how much weight I've lost, maybe because they don't know what else to ask about a fast. Why can't I use that occasion to talk about the spiritual depth that You are developing in me during the fast, to explain neat it is that something I undertake completely for You also has health benefit? How You are an amazing God and that is being proven to me time and time again? Why can't I say something that is good for them and not just good for me?
My thoughts naturally run to what is the best scenario for me. All the time. Let me follow Paul's example, let me follow Christ's example. Let me seek the good of many. This means I will need Your wisdom and Your eyes throughout the day, and a change of mindset. Only You can transform me. Give me the undeterred will to change, give me a fresh heart, and allow me to remember the transformative works You have done before in my life. I am prepared for another journey, one where painful selfishness is pointed out. Let Your Spirit come work in me.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God—even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
The very beginning of this verse makes me pause and ponder. "Whether you eat or drink..." Well, I've been doing absolutely no eating for the last thirty-six days and a whole lot of drinking. Milkshakes that is, and juice, and coffee, and water. Lot's of drinking. And while I know that Paul is writing this verse about foods and drinks that were ceremonially unclean to the Jews, it does make me wonder whether or not my drinking is "all for the glory of God."
I mean, there is certainly a part of the whole thing that is for the glory of God, or at least in obedience to God. Fasting isn't something I simply made up, for thousands upon thousands of years it has been a spiritual practice that allows Your people to hear Your voice. It's all over the Scriptures, including Jesus. But as to whether this fast is all for Your glory, well, I know that it is for other things as well in my head. Weight loss, development of proper eating habits, health, receiving joy...not that any of those are particularly bad things but not necessarily do they bring You glory.
What does it mean to give You glory even? I think maybe this is further explained by Paul within this verse. Sometimes it is very hard to put action or even further ideas to some of these Christian phrases that we hear so often. "Give God the glory" is one of those phrases, "exalt the Lord high above" is another, and the list probably goes on. I mean, I can tell what these phrases kind of mean, to give God the credit when things are going well and to declare that God is better than anything else, but it seems like those definitions fall woefully short of what we really are trying to say.
Giving the glory to You I think is maybe further defined here by Paul, when he says that he is not seeking his own good but the good of many. There always seems that there is a battle between my selfishness and pride and Your will. I will undertake something for You and turn it into something about me. This fast is a great example. People always ask about how much weight I've lost, maybe because they don't know what else to ask about a fast. Why can't I use that occasion to talk about the spiritual depth that You are developing in me during the fast, to explain neat it is that something I undertake completely for You also has health benefit? How You are an amazing God and that is being proven to me time and time again? Why can't I say something that is good for them and not just good for me?
My thoughts naturally run to what is the best scenario for me. All the time. Let me follow Paul's example, let me follow Christ's example. Let me seek the good of many. This means I will need Your wisdom and Your eyes throughout the day, and a change of mindset. Only You can transform me. Give me the undeterred will to change, give me a fresh heart, and allow me to remember the transformative works You have done before in my life. I am prepared for another journey, one where painful selfishness is pointed out. Let Your Spirit come work in me.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
A Journey from Hopelessness to Joy
TUESDAY 3.11.08 – JOHN 13:15–17
I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
I'm going to take a break today from commenting on the Lent readings. They've been very formational throughout my fast this year, but today other things are on my mind.
Basically, in my continual struggle through this fast, my eyes have left You my Lord. It happens in cyclical fashion throughout my life, and it's not something I'm panicking over like many times recorded in this blog. It's almost simply a fact, and I feel a conviction to focus back on You and what You are doing in this world.
I notice two specific things that often cause me to either look at myself or lose my joy and hope. Both have happened recently to me.
Number One: Losing Joy and Hope
I certainly have lost some of Your Spirit of joy and hope. To make a really easy observation, this happens when I feel overwhelmed and as if You are not answering a prayer of mine that is good. Instead of just being general, let me give You an example.
This past week I was feeling very joyful and hopeful until we had our teaching meeting on Thursday night. Actually, during and after the teaching meeting I was really pleased and hopeful about the things we were pursuing and may be able to get done. We talked about justice and injustice and how one of the callings of every church and every Christian is to bring justice to situations of injustice. Convinced of this, we began to ask where Exodus can become involved in injustice. We had a hard time coming up with concrete ideas. So we said we'd search this week and went our own ways. We also said we'd pray.
So we have, I have, and almost a week from that...well, I almost typed in here that I've had no ideas. But that's not true, I had one brilliant idea. It's scary and big, but it was a great idea and it came during my one true time of extended prayer specifically about this topic. You see, I was fully intending to rant here in this post that it seems like You're not answering me. In honesty, You did, but it looked nothing like what I expected. So I've continued to look for something like I expected, and perhaps that won't be there until we've taken care of what You did give us a vision for. Honestly, all of this came to me while I was typing here.
Isn't it odd how we completely miss the blessing You give us, and then complain that You are not giving us any attention. But certainly, I had felt hopeless these past couple of days because I felt like I'd been praying for a place for Exodus to fight injustice and You've just been ignoring me, opening no doors, providing no opportunities. And I've felt like I have done my part, searching the Internet, looking for places that want more than money, looking for something that would grab our hearts.
And that caused a hopelessness and sucking out of my joy. But as I realize the blessing of answered prayer, the fact that I really am not paying attention and listening to what You say, my hope is returning. It makes me very joyful to learn that the problem is with me, and not with You. When You are supposed to be perfect, and it feels like there is a problem with You, well, You can see how that leads to a lack of joy. But when You who are all good are proved to be all good, well, You can see why joy returns.
Number Two: Looking at Myself
Sin. Yuck. When I get that feeling of hopelessness, warranted or not, and frustration with You, that's when sin is the most easily active in my life. It makes total sense, I resist temptation in obedience to You, because I believe that it is true that my best life is free of the things You say are sinful. But when I'm mad at You I don't have as much ambition to obey.
That's totally happened to me this week and past weekend. My will becomes so weak in times of hopelessness. It hasn't even been that bad, but it has been there. In the way I treat my wife, I have been selfish and sinned. In the things that I let my eyes linger on, I have been selfish and sinned. In my treatment of students, I have been weary and sinned.
But remembrance, remembrance is the key to obedience. As pointed out in the Abraham story, building the altars to remember what the Lord had done for him. I don't know why I always forget this important part of the Biblical narrative. What You have done for me is great! And recent, and relevant even to my frustration and struggle. You had answered my prayer, giving a way for the community to thoughtfully and worshipfully engage in each other's injustices. And it's an inspired idea, because it came from a time of prayer with You.
Joyful, joyful we adore Thee! For the things that You've done that we recognize: the cross, giving us Your Spirit, rising again, giving life, light and provision. For the things that You've done that we don't see: answering our prayers in unexpected fashion, walking with us through our frustration. Please help us to see this. And finally, we adore Thee for Your numerous blessings: my son's goofy giggle, my wife's arm thrown around my shoulders at night, my possible job change, my tennis team and our journey, my friends at Exodus, the transformation of lives...the glory of the LORD!
Let me walk in Your ways today Lord. Amen.
I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
I'm going to take a break today from commenting on the Lent readings. They've been very formational throughout my fast this year, but today other things are on my mind.
Basically, in my continual struggle through this fast, my eyes have left You my Lord. It happens in cyclical fashion throughout my life, and it's not something I'm panicking over like many times recorded in this blog. It's almost simply a fact, and I feel a conviction to focus back on You and what You are doing in this world.
I notice two specific things that often cause me to either look at myself or lose my joy and hope. Both have happened recently to me.
Number One: Losing Joy and Hope
I certainly have lost some of Your Spirit of joy and hope. To make a really easy observation, this happens when I feel overwhelmed and as if You are not answering a prayer of mine that is good. Instead of just being general, let me give You an example.
This past week I was feeling very joyful and hopeful until we had our teaching meeting on Thursday night. Actually, during and after the teaching meeting I was really pleased and hopeful about the things we were pursuing and may be able to get done. We talked about justice and injustice and how one of the callings of every church and every Christian is to bring justice to situations of injustice. Convinced of this, we began to ask where Exodus can become involved in injustice. We had a hard time coming up with concrete ideas. So we said we'd search this week and went our own ways. We also said we'd pray.
So we have, I have, and almost a week from that...well, I almost typed in here that I've had no ideas. But that's not true, I had one brilliant idea. It's scary and big, but it was a great idea and it came during my one true time of extended prayer specifically about this topic. You see, I was fully intending to rant here in this post that it seems like You're not answering me. In honesty, You did, but it looked nothing like what I expected. So I've continued to look for something like I expected, and perhaps that won't be there until we've taken care of what You did give us a vision for. Honestly, all of this came to me while I was typing here.
Isn't it odd how we completely miss the blessing You give us, and then complain that You are not giving us any attention. But certainly, I had felt hopeless these past couple of days because I felt like I'd been praying for a place for Exodus to fight injustice and You've just been ignoring me, opening no doors, providing no opportunities. And I've felt like I have done my part, searching the Internet, looking for places that want more than money, looking for something that would grab our hearts.
And that caused a hopelessness and sucking out of my joy. But as I realize the blessing of answered prayer, the fact that I really am not paying attention and listening to what You say, my hope is returning. It makes me very joyful to learn that the problem is with me, and not with You. When You are supposed to be perfect, and it feels like there is a problem with You, well, You can see how that leads to a lack of joy. But when You who are all good are proved to be all good, well, You can see why joy returns.
Number Two: Looking at Myself
Sin. Yuck. When I get that feeling of hopelessness, warranted or not, and frustration with You, that's when sin is the most easily active in my life. It makes total sense, I resist temptation in obedience to You, because I believe that it is true that my best life is free of the things You say are sinful. But when I'm mad at You I don't have as much ambition to obey.
That's totally happened to me this week and past weekend. My will becomes so weak in times of hopelessness. It hasn't even been that bad, but it has been there. In the way I treat my wife, I have been selfish and sinned. In the things that I let my eyes linger on, I have been selfish and sinned. In my treatment of students, I have been weary and sinned.
But remembrance, remembrance is the key to obedience. As pointed out in the Abraham story, building the altars to remember what the Lord had done for him. I don't know why I always forget this important part of the Biblical narrative. What You have done for me is great! And recent, and relevant even to my frustration and struggle. You had answered my prayer, giving a way for the community to thoughtfully and worshipfully engage in each other's injustices. And it's an inspired idea, because it came from a time of prayer with You.
Joyful, joyful we adore Thee! For the things that You've done that we recognize: the cross, giving us Your Spirit, rising again, giving life, light and provision. For the things that You've done that we don't see: answering our prayers in unexpected fashion, walking with us through our frustration. Please help us to see this. And finally, we adore Thee for Your numerous blessings: my son's goofy giggle, my wife's arm thrown around my shoulders at night, my possible job change, my tennis team and our journey, my friends at Exodus, the transformation of lives...the glory of the LORD!
Let me walk in Your ways today Lord. Amen.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Be Like Me
MONDAY 3.10.08 - ACTS 26:29
Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains."
Dear Lord, this is probably one of the most difficult texts for me. It seems so anti-Scriptural. There is no humility in this saying of Paul, that is what jumps out to me right away. Often it is hard to jump through that to what I might apply to myself, or to our church, or whatever wisdom this passage holds.
I think a lot of my hang up is Paul. I've read his letters so frequently, had them referenced so frequently, seen the church lift him high above Jesus at times, seen things go terribly wrong in the church because Paul's teachings became distorted...It's just made me frustrated with the written Paul. So sometimes it is hard to separate the fact that what the church has done with Paul isn't who Paul really is, or what he was trying to accomplish. I suppose this is a lot like last year when I wrote that I didn't really like Jesus. What I really meant, as I studied, is that I didn't properly understand Jesus. Now that I've spent a year in Scripture studying I like Jesus, I suppose if I would really get to the truth of what Paul is saying, I would like him as well.
So the question of the day: Paul says that he wishes that all who hear him would be like him, could I say that? Well, to be honest, and maybe this is what is scary, I think I could in many ways. All would be a tough word, because there are some people who are a better example than I am, and therefore they shouldn't be like me, I should be more like them. But my students at school for example, my tennis players, these young generations that I help to guide. I could look them in the eye and say, "I pray that you would be like me, except for these chains."
And when I say be like me, what do I mean? Because I don't mean be a pastor/father/math & Bible teacher/tennis coach. Like Paul, I am talking about the type of person God is making me to be. And I think that that hits the nail on the head. I would be comfortable saying "Be like me" not because I'm a finished project, heck no, but because I am serious about letting You conform me into Your likeness. I don't do a great job all the time. I don't always follow Your voice, sometimes I don't even hear Your wisdom coming to me, sometimes I am frustrated with the Scriptures, etc. But within me there is an honest desire. And that is the part of me that would truly allow me to say "Be like me."
Okay, so I start this by saying I don't like Paul, because this seems a little pompous and not at all humble, then I go on to say, "Yeah, be like me too." Just to put things back in proper perspective..."Except for these chains" applies to me too, but not even close to the way that Paul meant it. Paul said that because he was physically in chains, and in those chains for the preaching that Jesus is Lord. I am in chains too, but they are my own sin bondage. For years and years I have dealt with the same issues, and there oppression is ever present, right around the corner ready to pounce. Thank God for the times of victory, like recently, but the times of defeat are dark and self-chastising times that I don't wish on anyone. It's not really worse than anyone else's sins, but because I do have an honest desire to reflect Christ, it makes me all the more ashamed of myself. So, no, I don't wish people to be exactly like me.
I wish that those who hear me would be like me: Have an honest desire to follow Christ, and let that desire shape your actions. Fast, pray, get up at 5:15 in the morning to seek God in the Scripture, start a church, actively look to serve, be passionate about the Lord.
I wish that those who hear me would be like me, except for these chains: sin is a dark oppression, and the shame that comes with it just as dark. Don't stay in these places, let the joy and hope of the Lord pull you out. Staying and dwelling in your sin, and I say this by experience, leads to lack of confidence and fear. These things belong nowhere in the Kingdom.
Lord, I pray that You will keep conforming me into Your image, that I might say be like me with complete confidence. For while I will explain myself in the relative anonymity of a blog, I could not proclaim this in person to many a person, especially one of "higher rank" as Paul did. Continue to deepen my appreciation for Paul and his desire to be like You. What I want "be like me" to mean, in reality, is "be like YOU." All glory and honor to Christ Jesus forever, Amen.
Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains."
Dear Lord, this is probably one of the most difficult texts for me. It seems so anti-Scriptural. There is no humility in this saying of Paul, that is what jumps out to me right away. Often it is hard to jump through that to what I might apply to myself, or to our church, or whatever wisdom this passage holds.
I think a lot of my hang up is Paul. I've read his letters so frequently, had them referenced so frequently, seen the church lift him high above Jesus at times, seen things go terribly wrong in the church because Paul's teachings became distorted...It's just made me frustrated with the written Paul. So sometimes it is hard to separate the fact that what the church has done with Paul isn't who Paul really is, or what he was trying to accomplish. I suppose this is a lot like last year when I wrote that I didn't really like Jesus. What I really meant, as I studied, is that I didn't properly understand Jesus. Now that I've spent a year in Scripture studying I like Jesus, I suppose if I would really get to the truth of what Paul is saying, I would like him as well.
So the question of the day: Paul says that he wishes that all who hear him would be like him, could I say that? Well, to be honest, and maybe this is what is scary, I think I could in many ways. All would be a tough word, because there are some people who are a better example than I am, and therefore they shouldn't be like me, I should be more like them. But my students at school for example, my tennis players, these young generations that I help to guide. I could look them in the eye and say, "I pray that you would be like me, except for these chains."
And when I say be like me, what do I mean? Because I don't mean be a pastor/father/math & Bible teacher/tennis coach. Like Paul, I am talking about the type of person God is making me to be. And I think that that hits the nail on the head. I would be comfortable saying "Be like me" not because I'm a finished project, heck no, but because I am serious about letting You conform me into Your likeness. I don't do a great job all the time. I don't always follow Your voice, sometimes I don't even hear Your wisdom coming to me, sometimes I am frustrated with the Scriptures, etc. But within me there is an honest desire. And that is the part of me that would truly allow me to say "Be like me."
Okay, so I start this by saying I don't like Paul, because this seems a little pompous and not at all humble, then I go on to say, "Yeah, be like me too." Just to put things back in proper perspective..."Except for these chains" applies to me too, but not even close to the way that Paul meant it. Paul said that because he was physically in chains, and in those chains for the preaching that Jesus is Lord. I am in chains too, but they are my own sin bondage. For years and years I have dealt with the same issues, and there oppression is ever present, right around the corner ready to pounce. Thank God for the times of victory, like recently, but the times of defeat are dark and self-chastising times that I don't wish on anyone. It's not really worse than anyone else's sins, but because I do have an honest desire to reflect Christ, it makes me all the more ashamed of myself. So, no, I don't wish people to be exactly like me.
I wish that those who hear me would be like me: Have an honest desire to follow Christ, and let that desire shape your actions. Fast, pray, get up at 5:15 in the morning to seek God in the Scripture, start a church, actively look to serve, be passionate about the Lord.
I wish that those who hear me would be like me, except for these chains: sin is a dark oppression, and the shame that comes with it just as dark. Don't stay in these places, let the joy and hope of the Lord pull you out. Staying and dwelling in your sin, and I say this by experience, leads to lack of confidence and fear. These things belong nowhere in the Kingdom.
Lord, I pray that You will keep conforming me into Your image, that I might say be like me with complete confidence. For while I will explain myself in the relative anonymity of a blog, I could not proclaim this in person to many a person, especially one of "higher rank" as Paul did. Continue to deepen my appreciation for Paul and his desire to be like You. What I want "be like me" to mean, in reality, is "be like YOU." All glory and honor to Christ Jesus forever, Amen.
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