He is Risen!  He is Risen, indeed!

Just as He said.

Sometimes, I try to imagine the fear, the confusion, the shock, and the awe that the women might have felt when they first encountered the empty tomb.  An angel proclaims “Do not be afraid” to assuage their fear.  To hear the angel’s knowledge of why they are there must have ministered peace to their unsettled minds.  The explanation of the Lord’s rising from the dead would still have been a shock until they realized–in awe–that it was “just as He said.”  Jesus had told them.

There’s no need for fear, confusion, or shock because their Lord had told them before it ever happened.

So, today on Easter Sunday, we celebrate the Risen Lord and ask ourselves what else are we missing that He has told us?  What else are we forgetting? What other things haven’t we quite understood? How has He instructed us to live?  How can we be Christians and have our daily actions be “just as He said”–how can we be living, reflecting Him truly?

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:5)

Obey the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:1-27)

Be salt and light in a dark world, doing good to others.  (Matthew 5:13-16)

Love your enemies (Matthew 5:43-48)

Give to those in need, recognizing how much we’ve been given (Matthew 6:1-4)

Devote ourselves to prayer and forgiveness (Matthew 6:5-15)

Know where our true treasure is (Matthew 6:19-24)

Trust God to provide and to judge (Matthew 6:25-7:6)

And to do what He says…just as He said. 

Over the next few weeks, we will look at these things and learn what it means to be Living the Risen Life, obeying Christ, and doing the will of the Father.  The decision to follow Jesus is just the beginning of Living the Risen Life because, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)

At the very heart of discipleship is learning what Scripture says and building on that foundation.  Luke 6:46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”

Maybe it’s time to take Him at His Word and know the Resurrection Life He offers us.

Happy Easter!

The grave contains Jesus’ cold, dead body on Holy Saturday.  I am grieved at how much grave trampling is going on by those who call themselves Christian.

We’re concluding our Lenten devotional series on The Letter to the Romans: Paul’s Masterpiece in which Paul has been proclaiming,

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.  For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17)

The foundation of the Gospel is nothing less than the proclamation of Jesus Christ (Romans 16:25).  Paul builds carefully on this foundation: Jesus Christ, crucified for our sake.  On Holy Saturday the light of Christ is extinguished in the grave so that on Resurrection Sunday and beyond, we can call Him Lord over death, Lord over life, and King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Yet, too many of us want Jesus as our Savior and call ourselves Christian–all the time denying belief in God’s Word (Genesis to Revelation) and refusing to obey Him.  Too few of us want to call Jesus “Lord” and mean it.

Where are you today?  Are you acquiescing to the culture, afraid to take a stand for the Gospel, too young to know wisdom, too old to want to stand firm, too concerned with what your fellow man thinks and unconcerned about what Jesus thinks?  Are you trampling on the grave of Christ? Jesus asked in Luke 6:46:

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”

It’s Good Friday –a day to remember the way Jesus Christ suffered and died.  To remember how He bore our sins through His death on the Cross. 

Think about all His sufferings and how the insults we have issued to brothers and sisters (in humanity and even now in Christ) fell upon Him.  Insults to each other in addition to all of our collective insults to God Almighty directly!

It’s amazing how many ways we can inflict wounds upon our fellow believers and how often those conflicts are over theologically insignificant matters that we should learn to accept under the umbrella of diversity.  We insult God when we harbor ill will toward others instead of acting as we are instructed by today’s passage:

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,  because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. (Romans 14: 17-18, NIV)

Someone must pay for all these insults (both personal and collective) in order for God to be a righteous Judge.

 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” (Romans 15:3, NIV)

David, the author of the Psalm quoted in Romans 15:3 had guilt, but Jesus Christ–the Son of David, the Son of Man, the Son of God–did not.  In order for Good Friday’s insults to be dealt with completely, Jesus had to be numbered among the transgressors.

Read the account of the last hours of Jesus’ life in Luke 22:63-23:46.  See the insults He endured and how it was fulfilled,

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

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Give it up for Lent: Heaping insults upon Jesus by mistreating each other

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For further study,

1. Read Psalm 69, how does it speak of the ocean of insults?
2. Read Isaiah 53, the passage about the Suffering Servant.  How did this apply to Jesus?
3. When Jesus says in Luke 23:34 “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing,” how does this apply to us today?  Does it apply to non-Christians as well as to believers when we insult others? 
4. Do we realize that, as Christians, we heap insults upon God in whose Image all humans are made when we insult our neighbors?  Think about Jesus’ call to love our enemies.  Why would He have told us to do that?

Imagine that today, you’re standing before God, the Judge:

• Having to give an account of your life.
• Having to own up to all your sins. 
• Having to acknowledge the many ways you violated God’s commands. 
• Having to confess all the ways you capitulated to the culture.
• Having to explain why you took the wide, easy road of personal comfort and convenience instead of the way of holiness.

And then having your fellow man stand as a witness to how you judged him and placed obstacles–through your example, your acquiescence, your judgments by human standards, or your wrong-headed teachings–to his finding mercy in God.  Worse, for the person living in sin that you refused to point to the truth of Jesus Christ, he will face an eternity of torment apart from the mercy of God.

That day is coming. 

As surely as Jesus was heading to the Cross during Passion Week, He heads to the Great White Throne of Judgment and before Him, we will each give an account.

Romans 14:10 You, then, why do you judge your brother?  Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 11 It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.'” 12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way. (NIV)

So, the question you and I face is:

How are we doing with our final accounting?

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Give it up for Lent: Living for comfort and convenience instead of holiness

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For further study:

1.  Read Revelation 20:11-15.  How ought that influence how you live today?
2. The accountability for our actions is articulated elsewhere in Scripture.  Read Psalm 62:12, Jeremiah 17:7-10, and 1 Peter 1:17.  What does it mean to live our lives here in “reverential fear”?
3. How is enabling people to live in sin nothing short of placing a stumbling block to their coming to faith?  How is the truth spoken in love necessary? 

Years ago, comedian Emo Philips performed “Once I was in San Francisco,” a routine that included a joke that has been voted the best religious joke ever (watch here):

Once I saw this guy on a bridge about to jump. I said, “Don’t do it!”   He said, “Nobody loves me.”  I said, “God loves you. Do you believe in God?”

He said, “Yes.” I said, “Are you a Christian or a Jew?” He said, “A Christian.” I said, “Me, too! Protestant or Catholic?” He said, “Protestant.” I said, “Me, too! What franchise?” He said, “Baptist.” I said, “Me, too! Northern Baptist or Southern Baptist?” He said, “Northern Baptist.” I said, “Me, too! Northern Conservative Baptist or Northern Liberal Baptist?”

He said, “Northern Conservative Baptist.” I said, “Me, too! Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region, or Northern Conservative Baptist Eastern Region?” He said, “Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region.” I said, “Me, too!”

Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1879, or Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1912?” He said, “Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1912.” I said, “Die, heretic!” And I pushed him over.

The “Die, heretic!” conclusion of the joke was unexpected and makes it appropriate for today’s devotional on Romans 14:1-9.

We’re rapidly approaching the end of our look into The Letter to the Romans: Paul’s Masterpiece.    Paul has asserted that the Gospel is for all, that we’re all sinners and we’re all in need of salvation.  As he brings his letter to a close, he drives home this point:  Christ united believers through His death on the Cross, therefore, let us not divide ourselves over small things.

For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone.  If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.  For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. (Romans 14:7-9)

We belong to the Lord as believers, so let’s leave the judging to Him as Lord of life and death matters and every small matter in between.

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Give it up for Lent: Looking down on Christians who don’t believe exactly like you

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For further study, read Titus 3:1-10, noting all the ways this echoes Paul’s admonitions in Romans regarding how to live in community.

Titus 3:1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men. 3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. 9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.

Submission to the government is easy!  Not…

Many days go by in which I wonder how Presidential spokesperson Jay Carney can look at himself in the mirror without cringing.  Speaking for the government as he does…with God watching?

In the days prior to President Nixon, I’m sure the White House lied. It’s human nature to lie.  But something happened.  When Nixon was caught lying to the American people, it shocked the nation, severing the bond of trust many of us had in our elected officials.

Today, lying seems to be the official job description of elected leaders and for them, abusing the trust of the American public is just another day at the office.  Yet, this is our government and what do we do with a passage like today’s (Romans 13:1-14)? It is well worth the read.

The million dollar question is,

How do we submit to a government we cannot trust to do what is right with the truth?”

The priceless answer is,

The same way Jesus did.”

“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.” 1 Peter 2:23

When you get a chance, read the story of Jesus’ arrest, trial, sentencing to crucifixion, and burial in John 18:1-19:42.  Submission to authorities means entrusting the outcome of matters to God Himself.

We treat leaders, officials, and other authorities as God’s chosen ones for the purpose He has in mind.  Pilate wouldn’t have been God’s choice for Messiah, but was God’s choice to crucify Him.  Annas may have been chosen by God for Jesus’ interrogation, and Caiaphas for High Priest in order to fulfill Scripture, but neither of them dealt honestly with the Messiah. And neither of them were chosen to be disciples.  They served God’s purpose even in their wickedness.

The sovereignty of God and the grand sweep of redemption history is beyond our understanding.  God’s use of powerbrokers to accomplish His will has a long-established history–whether the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart or the dishonesty of religious leaders who led the call to crucify Jesus.

So, when we have cause to disagree with our government, become appalled at rampant corruption, grieve over the lack of personal integrity and honesty, we must remember that submission to authorities is what Jesus did and what we are called to do until He returns as our Righteous King.

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Give it up for Lent: Using Biblical counterculturism to cloak a rebellious heart

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For further study:

1. Read Exodus 9:16, 1 Kings 14:7-11, and Jeremiah 32:1-5 (fulfilled in Jeremiah 52:7-14).  What do these passages say about God’s raising up leaders for judging nations and individuals?
2. What does it mean for a leader to be “God’s servant” in verse 4 of today’s passage?  Does this mean the leader is good or just that the leader is God’s instrument of reward and/or judgment?
3. How does today’s passage affect your thinking about your current political system?
4. In reading the account of Jesus’ final days during Passion Week, where did Jesus draw the line with regard to the truth and personal integrity?

The cheese stands alone, the Christian does not.

It’s easy to be countercultural and come across as holier-than-thou.  Taking a stand on your principles sometimes means you need to stand alone (and is the result, but it should not be the goal).

Unlike the child’s game, “The Farmer in the Dell,” it’s not the goal to finish the game with the cheese standing alone.  Christians stand in community.

There’s a way to be biblically countercultural and a way not to do it.  Today’s passage talks about both.  These are instructions for wise community living:

Romans 12: 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  (NIV)

We aspire to live by principles, love our neighbors and therefore rejoice and mourn right alongside them.  We turn the other cheek.  We are blessed peacemakers.  We love our enemies.  We leave the judging to God and invest ourselves in doing what is right. That is how to be countercultural in a world that doesn’t value it.

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Give it up for Lent: Holier-than-thou attitudes

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For further study:

1. This is Passion Week (also known as Holy Week) in the Church.  Jesus was, in fact, holier than any of us.  Yet, how did Jesus act during the days prior to His crucifixion?  Read the account of Jesus in Luke 22:47-23:43.  How did He model what He expects of us?
2. Look at how many times in our passage today, it talks about our attitudes toward others and our view of ourselves.  To what extent are you willing to associate with people who are not like you?
3. In what ways can standing on principles lead to judging others?  What advice does our passage give to counter that?
4. What does it mean to heap burning coals on someone’s head?  The Message paraphrase records Romans 12:20-21 as saying, “Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.”  How might a guilty conscience also play a role?