Think About It

I'm studying 1 Peter right now...this verse has consumed my thoughts the past few days...

"All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever." (1 Peter 1:24-25, ESV)

Here's a thought centered around those two verses...what are you doing today...what are you investing your life in today that will last forever? What are you doing today that will really matter in 10, 20, 30 years? There are two things today that will last forever...your soul (and others' souls) and the Word of God. Everything else will crumble and pass away. Your body...will pass away. Your riches will be gone in 100 years or less. Your earthly possessions will be outdated in 5 years, irrelevant in 20 years and completely gone in probably 50 years and will mean nothing to anyone in less time than that. But...your soul...and the soul of your family, friends and neighbors...will have just begun to live in 10,000 years. And the Word of God, will still be relevant, active and perfect...forever. So...in light of that. What are you doing this day...that will still matter in eternity? What are you worrying about...that won't matter tomorrow? It all will eventually fade...every bit of everything. What are you 'storing up' for the long haul? Think about it.

Obscurity in Mark's Gospel account II

Okay...here is another verse/phrase that has captured my attention the past few weeks as I have read and re-read the Gospel accounts of Passion Week. It's found in Mark 15:43

"Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus."

I have read this verse many, many times and yet, the phrase 'looking for the kingdom of God' is what really provoked me. Luke also describes him in this way while Matthew and John use the phrases 'a follower of Jesus' and a 'disciple of Jesus'. I have grown accustomed to the phrases that Matthew and John used. However, for some reason, the phrase that Mark and Luke used helped me understand Joseph a little better. Joseph was a member of the Sanhedrin council, he was a respected man in the community and obviously wealthy. He was surrounded by those that had long cashed in their desire to see the Kingdom come and had instead, decided to create their own kingdom. They were all still religious and were pursuing their 'kingdom' in the name of religion...but they were all about themselves. And this Jesus...this carpenter from Nazareth was beginning to really cramp their style. He was questioning and confronting their pursuit. It had to stop. People were beginning to actually listen to Him. And these religious leaders, while they would probably say they were looking for the 'Rescuer to come'...they had long given up on that and were taking matters into their own hands. If there were a 'Deliverer'...He would have to come on their terms and conform to their religion...because they were there first. They had a pretty good thing going.

Okay...so here is what really intrigued me about Mark and Luke's comment. Somehow...in the midst of this religious, self-seeking environment...Joseph was able to keep a heart for the things of God. Somehow...in this society that was built on the legalism of the law...Joseph continued to look for the True Kingdom. Not a kingdom built by hands. I love this picture. In the midst of all of those that were playing church....Joseph was able to keep his head above the peer pressure of religion. And I'm not even sure that the 'peer pressure' was intentional by the religious leaders...it just happens as more and more people begin to live and operate in a certain way. When everyone else was looking 'this' direction...Joseph was looking 'that' direction. Not by happen stance...but because He was still trusting in the things of God. He was still standing on the promises of the prophets. He was still studying the scriptures with awe and wonder. Somehow, he had been able to escape the entrapment of his riches, the notoriety of his standing in the community and the intoxicating power of his position on the ruling council. Of course, he wasn't the only one. Nicodemus helped him prepare and bury Jesus' body as well. But somehow...these guys were able to disengage from the popular theologies and practices of that day and to keep an eye out for God. Seems like a crazy statement since the Sanhedrin were the religious authorities.

What am I trying to say? I want to be like Joseph of Arimathea. No matter what...I want to be found 'looking for the Kingdom'. I don't want to be so self absorbed in my own ministry, religion or religious pursuits that I miss the plan of God. I want to be able to keep my head above the status quo of religion. I want to be ready for God to do a new and fresh work that may not go over well with the establishment. I want to recognize when God is moving and 'take courage' to follow Him. I believe that while we are working and pursuing God's Kingdom here on earth...that there is a greater Kingdom to come. I am afraid there have been many times that I 'loved this world' and have gotten caught up in my own pursuits and interests in the name of religion and supposedly 'pursuing God'. I have pursued my own kingdom. My gut level, heart wrenching cry is that God will keep my eyes fresh and my heart open to what He is doing. That I might read His Word with wonder and awe and worship Him with great affection, deeper intellect and Holy Spirit infused Truth.

"God...help me to live with this perspective that Joseph had. Give me a heart today to take courage and follow after You."

Obscurity in Mark's Gospel account

Recently I challenged our choir and worship ministry staff at Second Baptist to spend the month of March reading thru each of the Gospel accounts of Passion Week. While Matthew, Mark and Luke are very similar, John gives us a completely different perspective on the happenings of that week. But even within the Synoptics (Matt., Mark, Luke), there are little nuances that set each one apart from the other. Though I have read thru these accounts numerous times, for some reason (this time) I was drawn to a particular detail that is only mentioned in Mark's writing. It's found in Mark 14:51-52 and it reads...

"And a certain young man was following him, clothed in a linen sheet over his naked body. And they tried to seize him, but he left the linen sheet and escaped naked."

What? Did I read that right? Wait...did I miss something or where did that come from? It's such a jarring comment that comes out of nowhere. I've probably had 10-12 questions about those two verses in the past month from those that have been reading the accounts. "Why?", "What's the use?" they have asked. Many have speculated as to the purpose and significance of those two ambiguous verses. So...since I believe that the Word of God is the most intentional book ever written and I believe that every word of it has the power to speak...here is where I am with those two verses:

1) Since these verses aren't included in the other two Synoptic Gospels, it seems to follow that only Mark felt this was significant enough to include. Additionally, there's pretty good evidence that the Last Supper that Christ shared with His disciples took place at John Mark's house (house of Mary, John Mark's mother). With those things in mind, it seems to make sense that the 'young man' in the sheet was probably Mark himself. Further logic would extend to say that Judas returned to Mark's house with the Temple police only to find that Jesus had already left for the Garden of Gethsemane. The stirring probably woke Mark and in his haste to get to the garden, he wrapped himself in his bed linen and left to warn the others. This seems to be the most logical explanation to most of the writers/commentators I have read.

2) So why am I drawn to this? Well, first of all, because I have had so many questions about it lately. It has peaked my interest as well. Secondly...I have wondered what God could say to me and His people thru these verses since they are as inspired as John 3:16 (and every other passage!). What was it about these verses that caused Mark to say... "I need to include these details in the writings". He obviously, intentionally put them in...and the Holy Spirit obviously led Him to do it. So...why? Well, here is where it becomes more subjective...but here is what God has seemed to speak to my heart:

a) First of all, by including these two verses...Mark is saying "I was there". I am an eye witness to what happened in the Garden of Gethsemane...and possibly at the Last Supper. He wants us to know, without stating it, that he was there.

b) I believe we see the passion of a Christ follower in Mark and these two verses. We see humility in that he was so captivated by Jesus...he wasn't concerned with himself or his appearance. Much like David, he was willing to become undignified to follow his King. It may not have even been a conscious decision but he just responded out of his love for Jesus, not considering what others might think. It portrays a raw sense of following Jesus yet tempered with some uncertainty and pensiveness.

c) I am reminded and convicted of my own questions and desire to follow Jesus from a distance at times...my need to have it all figured out before I fully commit or come out of the shadows. I like to manage risk as much as possible. Following Jesus is filled with what we call 'risk' which is really only our perceived control (or lack of control) over our circumstances. This is the very heart of the issue for following Jesus...trust...hope...FAITH!

So...I don't think we'll every really know for certain who this 'young man' was. Some have even speculated that it was Jesus' brother, James and then again others have thought possibly the Apostle John. Regardless, it was intentionally written and included by Mark in his gospel. It's worthy of study and asking God to speak to us thru it. I have been challenged, convicted and encouraged by it.

Good is Good enough!
"The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45, ESV)

When did good become a bad word? At what point did we become so obsessed with greatness and being better than good that good all of a sudden became a less than desired status? To say that someone is good in today’s society is to say that they are mediocre at best and is really a polite way to say…they are really just average. You don’t really hear anyone ever describe Tiger Woods as a good golfer. The last time Michael Jordan was described as a good basketball player was probably in grade school after his first practice. I can hear the coach now…’you know that Jordan kid is going to be a pretty good player…lots of potential.’ After practice #2, I would imagine his status went from good to great! And that’s what we all desire pretty much isn’t it? To go from good to great? I mean…that’s the desire of every red blooded American…right? Who wants to be just plain ole’ good? Who would be lazy enough to just desire to be good?
I find myself in the whole adjective and superlative struggle almost everyday. Trying to find words that ‘out do’ the ones I have over used and seem to fall back on so frequently. Awesome! Amazing! Unbelievable! Incredible!....just to name a few. I have subscribed to dictionary.com to try and find new words! Nothing wrong with expanding our vocabulary and in fact, I recommend it! However… I find myself saying new and old words all the time and yet…they never seem to truly communicate what I am wanting to say. So I continue to search for a new way to describe the grandeur and magnificence of the object or thought I am wanting to convey. And I’m weary. Where does it end? How can I communicate how delicious a burr grinded, French pressed cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee really is? I’m so tired of my limited and worn out vocabulary. And yet…something within me just continues to scream….it’s soooo good! It’s good! So very good! And in my heart and mind…that seems to satisfy. But I worry that that doesn’t communicate anymore. That good is such a negative word now that most people won’t really understand what I am trying to say.
What is up with good? It seems as though there was a day when good was great! You know? When good was a really choice word that communicated in such a descriptive and positive way. When everyone wanted to be good in the most genuine sense. I believe we’ve lost the true meaning of the word ‘good’. I believe if we will disconnect from society for just a moment…and consider once again the original intent of good…that we will find it was the original great. It was the standard by which all other things were measured. It was the mark that everyone wanted to attain. There was no ‘good to great’. Good was good enough. It was the destination! I don’t know about you…but I want to return to a life and a society where good is prized. Where good get’s it’s credibility back. After all…look at what God calls good…

"And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness." (Genesis 1:4, ESV)
"God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good." (Genesis 1:10, ESV)
"The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good." (Genesis 1:12, ESV)
"to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good." (Genesis 1:18, ESV)
"So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good." (Genesis 1:21, ESV)
"And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good." (Genesis 1:25, ESV)
"And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day." (Genesis 1:31, ESV)
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)
"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" (Matthew 7:11, ESV)
"The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil." (Matthew 12:35, ESV)
"And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.”" (Matthew 19:17, ESV)
"And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone."

(Mark 10:18, ESV)
"But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil." (Luke 6:35, ESV)
"Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty." (Acts 6:3, ESV)
"But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." (Acts 8:12, ESV)
"All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”" (Romans 3:12, ESV)
"For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out." (Romans 7:18, ESV)
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, ESV)
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
" Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good." (Romans 12:9, ESV)
"For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil." (Romans 16:19, ESV)
"So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:10, ESV)
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6, ESV)
"but test everything; hold fast what is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:21, ESV)
"and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work." (1 Timothy 5:10, ESV)
"Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work." (2 Timothy 2:21, ESV)
"but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined."

(Titus 1:8, ESV)
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,"

(Hebrews 10:24, ESV)
"Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?"

(1 Peter 3:13, ESV)

I hear people say all the time…. “I want to do great things for God…or…I want to be used for great purposes for God”…basically meaning they want a ministry or effectiveness like Billy Graham or Rick Warren. And honestly…I must confess that I have the same thoughts and desires. But I wonder what God thinks about that? I wonder if our motives are truly to glorify God, or to puff up self? I think what Jesus would say to us is… ‘you want to be great…then just be serious about being good…take that serious…concentrate and set your heart on being good.’ What was it He said…. ‘He that wants to be the greatest…must become the......least?’