23

Jump Start # 589

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

 

Jump Start # 589

Luke 17:19 “And He said to him, ‘Stand up and go; your faith has made you well.’”

Lately, I have been looking at some mini series for our Jump Starts. This week we will do another series. I want to look at the things that impressed Jesus. In these, we find Jesus complimenting and praising unique things. We do this, not to seek praise, fame or a name for ourselves, but to please our God.

Can you imagine going to an art museum with a famous artist. He would see things that most of us would miss. The same is true of attending a concert with a trained musician, or, as I have had the pleasure more than once, of sitting at a professional baseball game with a former player sitting beside me, sharing with me his insight and play-by-play of the game. It changes how you see things. I noticed the hotdog man, he noticed the shortstop giving signals to the outfielder. I didn’t know shortstops did that. Through his eyes, I saw things I never saw before.

Our passage today comes from the healing of the ten lepers. Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem to be crucified. These ten, nine Jewish and one a Samaritan, stood at a distance and begged Jesus for mercy. Jesus had healed so many. They believed Jesus could heal them, as well. It is interesting to see that Jesus did not refuse them. Even on the way to the cross, He heals, goes to the home of Zaccheus and continues to show, until the very end, that He is God on earth.

Jesus never touched these lepers. He told them to show themselves to the priest. This was necessary to be declared clean and to be able to return to society. Off they go, still lepers. On the way, they are healed. One, the Samaritan, Jesus calls him ‘a foreigner,’ returns. He bows before Jesus, glorifies God and gives thanks.

In teaching this story, we often leave the impression that the other nine, the Jews, were not thankful. That’s not true. They wanted to be healed. They asked Jesus to be healed. They did what Jesus said, go show yourself to the priest. They were not mad that they were healed. They didn’t think, “man, now I have to go back to work.” Not at all. They were all glad, rejoicing and thankful. Yet only one, returned and actually expressed it. That’s the difference. That’s what impressed Jesus.

It’s easy to say, “He knows,” or, he’ll understands how I feel. Say it. Show it. Return. Fall to your feet. Glorify God with a loud voice. All ten owed that to Jesus. He saved their lives and gave them hope.

What impressed Jesus was seeing the faith of this thankful Samaritan. In words, in body language, in thought and in heart, he praised and thanked Jesus. He didn’t seem embarrassed that others might see him. He didn’t take Jesus behind closed doors to say this. Out on the street, in front of who ever may have been there, Jesus was praised and thanked.

Faith will do that. Faith will ignore self to honor God. Faith will make a big deal out of God. I have sat in church services where some folks were singing so loud it nearly parted my hair. At first I was annoyed. Then I thought, why am I not singing that loud? Don’t I love God? Their faith overlooked being embarrassed and it looked only to the Lord who saved them.

I look at this story of the 10 lepers and wonder what I would have done. It’s easy to think that I, too, would have returned with the Samaritan and bowed and praised. But would I? Would I have done had the Samaritan not been there? Would I have just mailed Jesus a thank you card? Would I have thought, the next time I see Him, I’ll remember to tell Him thanks? Would I? How have I thanked the Lord for this new day he has given? How about my health today? How about my family? My opportunities? How about my salvation? That was even more life changing than healing leprosy?

Jesus was impressed with a faith that led a man to come and thank Him. There is an interesting thought at the end of our verse today. Don’t miss it. It’s tucked in there but you can see it. Jesus said, “your faith has made you well?” He was already well at this point. What faith was Jesus talking about? Standing on the street corner and shouting with the nine sick Jewish men? Or, the faith, that led him to return and thank Jesus? It was the latter that Jesus was impressed with. Jesus asked where are the others? He expected them to do the same. They didn’t. So, Jesus tells the healed Samaritan to go and that his faith has made him well. I believe he got an additional blessing that the other nine missed. The Samaritan was cleansed on the outside and the inside. Jesus forgave him. It’s one thing to be sick on the outside, but being sick on the inside, from sin, is a whole lot worse. The Samaritan was healed in and out. Jesus was impressed with his faith. Ten were cleansed of leprosy but only one was forgiven.

Faith, like love, must be more than a feeling. It changes us and has an impact upon us. Jesus noticed. Jesus was impressed.

The size of your house, the newness of your car, the number of college degrees you have doesn’t move the needle in Jesus’ heart. But faith does. He notices faith. He’s interested in faith. Often, it’s the child, or mentally challenged that can outshine the rest of us when it comes to showing how much Jesus means to us.

Oh, how I love Jesus…great song. Greater still when it causes one to turn around, return to Jesus, fall down at His feet and praise Him.

Too proud to do that? Doing that is not cool? Worried what others may say? Want to be religious but not too much? Sounds like we are standing with the nine Jews who failed to tell Jesus. He wants you to tell Him. Tell Him, Thank you. Tell Him, how you feel. Tell Him, how  much you appreciate His blessings.

Tell Him. Did you tell Him? That’s what Jesus noticed.

Roger

 

20

Jump Start # 588

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

 

Jump Start # 588

Revelation 3:20-21 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”

Yesterday, our Jump Start took a look at this passage that was addressed to the church at Laodicea. There awaited two wonderful promises if they changed and repented. God wanted them to have these. The first, was to dine with Christ. We talked about that yesterday.

The second blessing, to sit down with Me on My throne. What an honor that would be. Can you imagine being able to sit in the president’s chair at the Oval Office? That would never happen. But the Laodiceans had the opportunity to sit in Christ’s throne. We are talking about Heaven, here.

Notice first of all, it is described as “My throne.” It belongs to Jesus. He earned it, it was given to Him. All authority lies in Christ. When He ascended to Heaven, He sat down at the right hand of God. This is a position of honor, power and authority. It is His throne.

Also, there is a parallel between what Jesus had done and what He was wanting the Laodiceans to do. The parallel is OVERCOME. Jesus overcame and sat with the Father on His throne, and if the Laodiceans would overcome, they would sit with Jesus on His throne. They were not being asked to do anything that Jesus had not done himself. Overcome. Stay with it. Do not go down. Do not be defeated. Win.

Also, the promise is to sit with Jesus. It’s not that Jesus is getting up and then we sit down, we sit with Him. He is always on His throne. He never leaves it. When my kids were small, they would sit with me in a chair and I’d read to them. It was a special time. Sitting with Jesus includes closeness, fellowship, love and trust.

It’s easy to lose the emphasis of the passage by trying to make this too literal. We could ask, how can all of us sit in a chair with Jesus? Won’t that be crowded? Surely, we all can’t fit? Remember, these are word pictures. There won’t be a literal chair. The passage is driving at closeness, trust, fellowship and love. We will be where Christ is. We will be together.

These scenes are used to encourage the Laodiceans. These are things that God has promised. God is not trying to bribe nor buy their allegiance. We owe our all  to God  simply because He is God. Our God is generous. He loves to bless.

Our passage begins with another picture. Jesus standing at the door knocking. Will we invite Him in? Do we want Him in? Are we going to leave Him on the doorstep? It’s not your house that He wants in, it’s your heart. He wants to come in. He wants to be invited in. Paul would say, “Christ lives in Him.” The Colossians were told to “let the word of Christ richly dwell within you…” This is how all of this begins. This is how one wins. This is the first step in overcoming. Let Jesus in. Let Jesus take charge of your life. Let the beauty of Jesus fill your heart. See things the way Jesus sees them. Let Him in. Don’t keep Jesus out of your life. Don’t keep Him out of your problems. Don’t try to do things on your own. He wants in. He wants to help.

There is a hymn, “Why keep Jesus waiting, waiting at the door…?” Good song. Good question. Why? Isn’t it time? Isn’t it time to invite Jesus into the marriage? Isn’t it time to let Jesus into your plans?

Jesus is patient. He’ll knock and knock. He won’t yell. He won’t pound. He won’t bust the door down. He wants you to want Him to come in. It’s not pressure, guilt or any other reason, but a desire to be with the Lord that causes you to open the door.

The Revelation picture begins with John seeing a door standing open in Heaven. He was allowed to look. The foolish virgins, of Matthew 25, arrived too late for the wedding. The door was shut. They knocked and wanted in, it was too late. Then there’s Noah. Inside the ark with his family and the animals, and God shut the door. Depending which side of the door you were on, determined whether they lived or died. Noah lived. The world died. The door separated them.

Doors separate. On the outside is the world, sometimes scary, sometimes calling for our attention. Inside the door, is peace, safety and calm. There is something special about coming through the door at the end of a day. You come home to family. You come home to your place. You come home to rest. There is no place like home, we say. Jesus stands at the door and knocks. He wants to come in.

It is those who invite Jesus in that are allowed to dine with Jesus and sit with Him on His throne. To enjoy the promises of God, you must let Jesus in.

Roger

 

19

Jump Start # 587

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

 

Jump Start # 587

Revelation 3:20-21 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”

This week our Jump Starts have taken a look at what Jesus said to the seven churches of Revelation to get them back on track. It is a profitable study and reminds us that Jesus doesn’t give up on us. He wants us to do well, as individuals and within the church. Success in these terms means walking with the Lord.

Before we leave Revelation, there is another interesting way to look at these seven churches. At the end of each specific message to these churches, Jesus gives a promise and a blessing for those who continue to walk with Him. These blessings are a glimpse of Heaven. There are seven of them—one to each of these seven churches. Look at all seven of these. Write them on a piece of paper and give them some thought. Bible study is like looking for hidden treasures, it takes a little looking and digging, but what wonderful finds you will discover!

Our verse today is what was promised to the lukewarm Laodiceans. If they repented, and Jesus believed that they could, awaiting them in the future was a warm and wonderful relationship with the Lord. Jesus reveals two concepts in these verses. These are concepts of Heaven.

  • I will dine with Him. Now understand these words and especially this book, Revelation, is stuffed full of symbolism. Heaven is a spiritual realm. The gold street is not real gold, nor is the pearl gate an actual pearl. Those physical items will not exist. Jesus is giving us word pictures. The book of Revelation is like a picture book. We see and we understand. There will be no eating in Heaven as we think about here on earth. No food. No getting hungry. The image of dining, brings the picture of closeness and intimacy. For our society, eating is a necessity. We do that to be able to do other things. We eat in a hurry. We eat on the run and in our cars and at our desk. We stuff food in our purses, gym bags, golf bags, glove boxes, and in desk drawers. We eat so we can play. We eat so we can keep working. Fast food is fast eating for many of us. It isn’t that way in Europe and certainly not that way in Biblical times. Dining was more than putting food in your mouth, it was sharing, talking, discussing and connecting with one another. Meals took hours. Dining was a major social event. Have you noticed how many times Jesus used this concept in His teachings? What did the father and the prodigal do when he returned? They celebrated by feasting on the fatted calf. In Matthew 22, a king gave a wedding feast for his son. The parable of the wise and foolish virgins ends with the door being shut and a wedding feast taking place. Not only did Jesus talk about dining in His teaching, we find Him in homes actually dining. He went to Matthew’s home, Simon’s home, Zaccheus’s home, Mary and Martha’s home. Then there was the last supper. Dining was an important part of life and relationships.

Our passage touches on that. The blessings awaiting the Laodiceans was dining with Jesus. Imagine that for a moment, just you and Jesus sitting across each other at a table. Not being in a hurry to go somewhere as we usually are, but talking, sharing, learning. Jesus wanting you to be there, not to lecture you, not to condemn you, but because He likes you. He is interested in you. He wants you to talk to Him. I think some would feel very uncomfortable with that idea because they are uncomfortable with Jesus. They don’t have a relationship as they ought to. For others, what a wonderful and rich and rewarding experience that would be. Just me and Jesus. Together with Jesus—that’s what Heaven is. That’s fellowship. That’s forgiveness.

Do you think you’d run out of things to talk about if you dined with Jesus? Do you think it would be a great experience? The thought Jesus is putting before us is something to look forward to, something that is good, something that ought to draw our hearts to Him. Multitudes begged for time with Jesus. They shouted at Him as He passed by. They touched Him when He passed. Always a crowd. Always interruptions. Always bits and pieces. That is not the image of dining with Him. Closeness. Openness. Time. Smiles. Reflection. Reminders. Thank yous. Joy. Appreciation. Questions. Answers. Depth. Insights. Hope. Trust. Faith. Peace. Calm. Just you and Jesus together. You could ask what word He wrote in the dirt when the adulterous woman was brought to Him. But you might think, it doesn’t matter. You might ask why Peter was the only one to walk on water. But, it doesn’t matter. You might ask about the cross. You might ask about Saturday in the grave. You might ask why He never gave up on you. You might look back and ask about something years ago. You and Jesus. Talk would turn to your family members. Before long, you’d see just how much He wants everyone to be saved. You’d see just how much He loves the entire world. Your thoughts, your questions would grow. They would start including the world picture. You would start to see what Jesus was doing and why He did what was done.

Dining with Jesus. The thought isn’t about food, it’s about relationship. It’s about closeness. This blessing wasn’t just for the Laodiceans, it’s for you and me. We must overcome. Awaiting us is a table for two—you and Jesus!

That’s Heaven!

Roger

 

18

Jump Start # 586

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

 

Jump Start # 586

Revelation 3:18 “I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.”

We have been looking these past few days at the Lord’s solution to troubled churches. Following the Bible does not get you in trouble. It’s when we leave the Lord and strike out on our own that we get into the messes that can be very complicated and hard to get out of. The seven churches of Revelation present to us a study of how to get back on course with the Lord.

Our final look is at Laodicea, the most famous of these seven churches. Laodicea was arrogant, lukewarm and sickening to the Lord. They proudly proclaimed that they needed nothing. That statement alone shows that they had taken their eyes off of Jesus. We sing the hymn, “I need Thee every hour,” not so for the brethren in Laodicea. Lukewarm was their temperature. Room temperature may feel comfortable to our skin, but it’s not the way we like our food. Room temperature pizza is considered cold and room temperature Coke is considered hot. Neither is appealing. Spiritually, lukewarm is content, meeting status quo, whatever that is. Lukewarm is serving out of duty, not devotion. Lukewarm is doing what is required and nothing more. Lukewarm is busy with self and little with the Lord. Lukewarm turns the Lord’s stomach. How can one be lukewarm about the cross? Lukewarm about the saving message of the gospel? Lukewarm about Heaven? Lukewarm is just a fancy way of saying, “Not interested.” I was approached by a very aggressive salesman the other day. It’s been a long time for me. He wanted me to switch cable companies. He laid it on thick and was putting the pressure on hot and heavy. I was not interested. I didn’t answer his questions, I didn’t pay attention to him, I was “lukewarm” in my response to him. I had made my mind up that I was not going to buy what he was selling. Some are that way with the gospel. Worse, some brethren are that way. Not interested in the gospel being preached. Not interested in learning more.

Across this country I’m hearing the same thing when it comes to gospel meetings, “We can’t get our own people to come anymore?” Why? Maybe it’s time to stick a spiritual thermometer in our mouths and see what the temperature is.

The Lord’s answer to lukewarmness? More Jesus. That’s the answer. He says to buy gold from Him, to clothe selves in white garments, and put on eye balm so you can see. Those expressions take us to other places in the Bible, and they all connect us to the Lord. It’s more of the Lord that is needed. We need to see as Jesus sees. Can you imagine having His eyes for a day? Can you imagine what you would notice and what you wouldn’t? The eyes of Jesus are going to see faith, spiritual and the needs of others. The eyes of Jesus won’t notice the physical things that really do not matter at all.

How does one “buy gold” from the Lord? It’s through the word of God. Lukewarm is to be stale, bored, in a rut or stuck. When a car is stuck in the mud, it needs a push. When we are stuck spiritually, we need a push. We need to get out of our routine and engage more spiritually.

There are many, many things that can be done. You are doing one of them right now, reading a devotional during the week. Many of you take these thoughts and share them with others. You are putting your faith into action. That movement will help one overcome being lukewarm. Have you ever seen a stagnate pond? There are some here and there in Indiana. The water is a gross green color, almost sickening to look at. It gets that way from a lack of movement, nothing flowing in and nothing flowing out. Movement, that is the key. Put your faith into action.

Find ways to do things for others. Use your faith. Teach your faith. Share your faith. Walk by faith. Don’t just sit there and become green pond scum. Engage in spiritual conversations with others. Read and grow your mind spiritually. Challenge yourself. Teach a class. Find ways to help brethren overseas. Visit others. Hospitality. All of these things produce movement, interaction with others and growth. Paul said, “I press on…” He was using that faith.

It’s easy to pray the same prayers, read Bible passages the same way, and talk to the same people at church services. Sameness. Routine. Habit. Those are not too far away from content, stale, rut and lukewarm.

A lukewarm faith won’t do anything for you. It won’t help you in times of trouble. It won’t remind you of the spiritual. It won’t keep you from getting into messes. A lukewarm faith is pretty worthless.

It doesn’t have to be that way. Make the investment in Christ. Buy, clothe and anoint your eyes—those are the steps away from the world of lukewarm and into the passionate, intimate relationship with the Lord. More, more about Jesus—not less! Let me walk close to Thee—not far from you. As a deer pants for water, so my soul longs for you. Our songs help us. Sing them to yourself. They are calling you to get closer to the Lord.

How about it? Is it time for you to light the fire of your faith? Have you been stuck for awhile? Are you waiting for someone else to do it for you

Buy, clothe and anoint—that’s the answer. That’s the solution. That’s what the Lord says.

Roger

 

17

Jump Start # 585

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

 

Jump Start # 585

Revelation 3:2 “Wake up, strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God.”

Our Jump Starts this week are looking at the seven churches that are listed in Revelation 2-3. Specifically, we are focusing upon what the Lord tells these churches to do in order to get back on course. Most of those congregations had spiritual problems. The Lord did not leave them to themselves to figure out what to do. His words are very specific about the proper steps to take to get back to where they need to be.

Our verse today addresses the church at Sardis. Their problem was that they lived in denial, as so many families, individuals, and churches do today. They had a name. They had a reputation of life but the reality was they were dead. That is amazing. They were so off base. They weren’t close to what was reality.

This starts with, “They had a name…” This may have been from the past. Congregations that have been around for awhile can be like that. Back in the day, things were happening. Everyone has heard of that church. But today, they are dead.

Dead churches are not attractive. Imagine trying to invite a co-worker to come to church services with you and you say, “By the way, our church is dead.” Don’t be looking for them to show up anytime soon. Years ago, my wife and I  attended a little congregation out in the country. I was new at preaching and interested in grabbing ideas. During the Bible class. the teacher said, “this church is missing one thing…” I took out a pen and thought this will be good. I need to remember this and maybe use this myself. He then went on to say that the church needed a wreath on the door because it was dead! I think my mouth dropped open. I remember telling my wife, “that poor preacher is going to be fired for saying that.” I found out later that he wasn’t even the preacher! At least, that person was honest.

Dead churches are still open for business. Worship continues on. There is preaching, praying and singing. But there is no heart beat. There is no excitement. The awe of God is missing. Little if any activity is taking place outside the building. No Bible studies going on. Very little, if any, hospitality. Folks show up for worship at the last second and leave the moment it’s over. They are there because they have to. They move like robots. No one has any spiritual ideas. Leadership is long gone. They’ll continue to meet as long as someone else opens the door. Visitors are generally ignored. These are the signs of a dead church. I’ve preached for some. Couldn’t wait to get back home. It’s hard to be passionate in preaching to an audience that is bored, and really has not desire to be there.

Death to a church happens because the members have died. They have no relationship with the Lord and their faith, what little they have, is left at the church building. They make no connection to what happens on Sunday to Tuesday. They don’t see the need to do anything. They are dead. Prayers are lifeless and the same. Songs are pitiful and the same. The sermons cover the same topics and in the same manner. It’s like eating Thanksgiving leftovers for three days in a roll. It gets old pretty fast!

Is there any hope? Some believe the answer is convincing some young preacher to move in and that he will be their savior to turn things around. That usually doesn’t work. The young preacher often quits preaching because of the terrible and discouraging experience. No, Jesus has another idea. Our verse expresses those ideas.

1. Wake up. I can see a parent saying that to their child on a school day. Get up. Wake up. Those words are found throughout the NT. When Jesus was praying in the garden before His death, he returned to find Peter sleeping. He asked him, “couldn’t you stay awake?” Paul said some of the Corinthians were asleep. This was in reference to the Lord’s supper. In Thessalonians Paul reminded the brethren that they were people of the day, not the night. Be alert, were his words.  Wake up. Some of us are asleep spiritually. Some fall to sleep literally in church. I see it. There are things that can be done, such as get to bed at a decent time on Saturday night. Get up in time on Sunday to get the blood and juices running through your brain. Be thinking of Jesus. The bigger problem here is those who are asleep spiritually. WAKE  UP. Get life into your spiritual life. Have some families into your home and read a page from the gospels. We did that last night with a few folks. Amazing. Exciting. Alive. Challenging. It’s not hard. Read something spiritual. Put down the sports magazines and the fashion magazines and get a really good book that will open your eyes spiritually. If you don’t know where to start, ask your preacher. If he doesn’t know, email me, I have a long list of books. Wake up. When a person falls asleep driving, a wreck will soon happen. When a student falls asleep during a test, he’ll flunk. When we fall asleep spiritually, our relationship with the Lord suffers.

2. Jesus then says to “strengthen the things which remain which were about to die.” Stop the process of death. Keep it from spreading. Where it spreads first, is to the family. Dad is asleep spiritually, then spiritual death takes over the rest of the family and a generation is lost. Kids grow up with out God and are content to live without God. Strengthen what remains. Get stronger. Put life into life. Build up what you have. Strengthening—whether you talk about hitting the gym, running, or spiritual strength—takes time, effort and energy. The lazy will talk about it, but will never get it done. It works best with a plan and a goal. It can be done, because Jesus said so.

The attention isn’t upon the dead, but upon what is alive. Maybe we spend too much time trying to get life into people who do not care. Maybe they like being dead. Instead, we ought to put our efforts in those that are alive. Some members won’t attend a church service during the week if Jesus Himself were to do the preaching. Don’t spend all your time there. Think about those who will come because they want to learn, grow, share and become. Strengthen what is still alive. That’s the thought. That’s where our attention needs to be. We hold everyone back trying to pump air into a tire that has too many holes in it. If the dead won’t wake up, they’ll miss out. They’ll never experience what could be. Let’s work on keeping alive what is alive. Let’s get those on spiritual life support off it and growing. Pouring water on a dead plant won’t make any difference. Those who are dead, simply need to wake up. If they won’t, please step aside, we’re going to Heaven and right now we’re marching to Zion. We won’t be held back nor held down by those who don’t care about their own souls. How sad. When they are ready, we will be there to help them. But until then, strengthen what remains!

These are serious words for serious times. It’s about time we took things seriously about Jesus and start to see things the way they really are. Spiritually dead people do not make a church alive. Spiritually dead won’t be carried into Heaven because they were part of a church that had a name. Doesn’t work that way. You must be alive for the Lord.

Have you put your fingers on your wrist lately to see if anything is beating spiritually?

Wake up and strengthen—that’s the answer. That’s what needs to be done.

Roger