John 3:17 "God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted." Larry asked me one time, when I was struggling, what I thought Jesus would say to me if Jesus walked into the room at that moment. I felt He would be so disappointed with me that I didn't have it together and kept struggling with the same old stuff. Humbly and gently, Larry shared with me that God wanted to reframe my perspective. He doesn't show up to tell us how bad we are. He comes to help and put our world right, Plan A. He comes to love.
John 4:1 I don't recall ever realizing that the Pharisees kept count of the number of baptisms performed by John and Jesus. They posted a score and Jesus was winning! Wonder if our numbers today reflect the same attitude? Is God more pleased if 500 people are baptized than if 50 sinners were baptized? Is God more pleased with a mega-church of 10,000 than a broken church of 100? Are we keeping score in our hearts?
Jesus spoke to a Samaritan woman---unheard of in those days. He inquired about her 5 husbands, going straight to her heart. Her response: "Our ancestors worshiped God at this mountain, but you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place for worship, right (John 4:19)?" How often do we do this in our conversations? We become uncomfortable in facing truth so we make shallow talk. Change the subject. Jesus response: "Where you go to worship does not matter. It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. So how honest am I in my worship before Him? Am I saying all the right things? Do I even know where I really am this moment in life? Know Yourself. I wonder what being honest will look like for you today? Those who are quiet and agreeable may just need to stand up and share their heart. Those who are forceful and authentic may just need to sit down and quiet themselves. No formula living.
I think the answer to the numbers question is also how many are we truly helping to grow in mature believers, instead of just worrying about how many join or how many get baptized. Numbers don't count to me IF we are not disciplining people and getting them grounded. There are far too many on our church rolls who "think" they are going to heaven and all they have is their name on a church roll. Praise God for a God who shows up to help us and not criticize..what a gracious and merciful God He is.
ReplyDeleteJohn 4:23 -24"It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration."
ReplyDeleteBev, thanks for sharing. I have been stuggling with myself as well, and it really gave me food for thought and encouragement today.
I'm catching up tomorrow morning. I love John and can't miss these chapters! We're dog tired tonight helping Greg move. Love to you all.
ReplyDeleteJohn 4:6
ReplyDelete"Jesus, worn out by the trip, sat down at the well. It was noon."
God the man was weary.
I would think He had dirty feet and a thirst for water.
Flesh had been mastered in His life. He was weary, but He came to sow and reap a harvest.
He had no bag of seeds or a plow, but the soil was ready for planting.
As thirsty for water as His flesh must have been, and as weary as His body was...he sat down at Jacob's well and waited for one that most would have avoided.
Timing was perfect. An audience of one with the One and Only.
John 3:17
"God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted;"
This woman had no pretense to her "Life in Ruins." She could never fool this Godman talking to her about the facts of her life. He could peel the layers of disappointment and sin right off of her.
His goal was to turn her inside-out. To change her where you can't see...because it is Spirit, born from above.
She came for well water. She left with Living Water. And it ran straight and fast into the lives of those she knew.
"Come see a man who knew all about the things I did, who knows me inside and out. Do you think this could be the Messiah?"
Do you think He still cares about the ones who come to the well when others won't be there? To avoid shame and ridicule?
Do you think He still cares about a woman who was ready to debate about temple worship? Even thought He was tired, dirty, thirsty and weary?
He loves and he comes out of the darkness to reveal the Light of God.
Grace upon Grace upon Grace.
John 4:23 -24
"It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration."
He met her right where she was. And her life was turned upside- down.
Luke 4:36
"The Harvester isn't waiting. He's taking his pay, gathering in this grain that's ripe for eternal life. Now the Sower is arm in arm with the Harvester, triumphant."
Sweet Bev. You ministered to me today when I needed it most. Your letter came and it was as if the Spirit had placed it in my hand for my perfect time of need.
ReplyDeleteI had a low moment today when I passed by my husband on the road. No wave from him. No acknowledgement. Nothing. I sacrificed a wave and drove on home. With sadness. And there your beautiful letter was in my mailbox! Thank you for ministering to me this good day.
I have sensed I am in the tomb with Jesus as I wait on my marriage crisis to reach it's appointed end. Sometimes in my mind I glance at that shrouded beautiful body of Jesus lying there in the tomb, experiencing the reality of His body dead and gone. Just like my marriage. Or so it appears to the flesh eyes I have.
But then I remember that the tomb of Christ's body became the womb of Grace. Love never fails.
I don't know how things are going to end in my situation. I just know that it feels really hopeless. Except for that still, small Voice that guides me to Hope...to Abide...
He works and I wait. Keeping vigil. With God-blessed eyes that see Godlight.
Thank you so very much for the encouragement today. It blessed me so very much!
I love you.
Such difficult things many of us are dealing with--you continue to bring Him such glory through out. Must seem like a marathon, not a sprint. It's so apparent He sustains you. I'm lifting you each by name in prayer this morning.
ReplyDeleteMary Lou, I, too, am most concerned about our lack of discipleship just buying "fire insurance" without real grounding. Lord, have mercy on us all.
Blessed Saturday, everyone.