Heavenhigh

Following Jesus

Following Jesus, Luke 9: 18-25 Aug 14, 2016

In the NIV Luke 9 has eight divisions and is full of the major themes from Jesus’ ministry on earth. We are looking at two sections: Section3, Peter declares Jesus as the Messiah and section 8, the cost of following Jesus. We will be looking at the cost of following Jesus. But we begin at verse 18 through verse 25. That is in the context of Jesus as the Messiah, and Jesus’ prediction of his death. But the issue is discipleship and about following Jesus at that time and it is about following Jesus and discipleship today. Jesus says to us who do you think I am? Who is Jesus to you? READ Luke 9: 18-25

We highlight verses 23-25 where Jesus says take up your cross and follow me. Don’t hold onto your life but loose your life for me Jesus says.

We want to follow Jesus. The Holy Spirit is at work in us to make a full commitment to follow Jesus but life often gets in the way. Following Jesus is not just going to church as important as that is. It does not mean just studying God’s Word as essential as that is. It is not only living as Christians at home and with family as important as that is. Those actions are included but it goes deeper. Following Jesus means that His humility, His spirituality, His compassion, His love, and His forgiveness are applied to all areas of our lives. It means making disciples: praying for and seeking the lost, setting direction for those who have lost their way, loving and helping those stuck in a destructive life with no way out on their own. God wants to reconcile mankind back to Him and He uses followers of Jesus to do it! Paul tells us in II Cor. 5:11-21 “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:” God makes His appeal through us!

The above is the Great Commission that Jesus commands and continues to command to all those who follow Him, as we read it in II Cor. and Matt 28:16-20.

Talking about taking up our cross, the end of the chapter (v. 57-62) is more definitive of the cost of discipleship. Jesus gives us several examples of those who want to follow Him but life gets in the way. Read. v.57-58 It appears this person decided not to follow Him. This person has the wrong financial priorities. Jesus is not asking us to be homeless, but serving Him must be our first financial priority. Lack of paying Ministry Shares has hurt overseas mission work in our denomination. We thank God for our supporting churches.

Read v. 59-60 What was this person doing there? Jewish custom dictates that the person is buried as soon as possible. Maybe he is talking about the future? Jesus sets his priority straight: “you go and proclaim the Kingdom of God.” Jesus tells him. Sometimes we are in the wrong place. Jesus is speaking to us also. Go and proclaim the Kingdom!

Read v.60-62 Here is an other family issue. Again it is a matter of priority, I don’t think Jesus calls us to reject or ignore our families, my family is my first mission field, but family should not prevent us from accepting or minimize what God calls us to do. These two issues, financial and family can be a big hindrance to ministry here and in Nigeria. We have lived in Niger State a very Muslim state but we worked with Traditional African Believers. Most of the elders in that community oppose conversion to Christianity and they oppose western education. When a person converts to Christianity they could lose their wife or children, they lose the support of the community they lose out economically. Jesus is asking them to make a huge sacrifice, humanly speaking. For us that kind of opposition is much more subtle but it is here just the same.

Even missionaries are under pressure. As missionaries working over seas educating our kids is a challenge for them and their children because most of the time it means sending your child to boarding school starting at first grade. Our son Steve spent all his lower ed. that way and when children go to collage in their home country there are unique difficulties when parents are out of the country.

This is what Jesus is talking about in Lk. 9:23-24 Where Jesus says: “Take up their cross daily and follow me” Jesus carried his cross willingly, knowing He would be crucified on it. Are we willing to deny ourselves like Jesus did, always putting others before ourselves, willing to give our physical lives to follow Jesus? Saving one’s life, as Jesus puts it, means to have only earthly ambitions, living only for ourselves, grabbing all we can out of this physical life with no thought about the after life. That means living apart from God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in this life and takes away our eternal life with Him.

The opposite of that kind of earthly living is losing our life to follow Jesus and having eternal life with God. Does that mean only suffering in this earthly life? No! Not necessarily, but it may, many of Jesus followers are persecuted in many places today. Even so, as a general rule those who follow Jesus have greater joy, live longer, are happier, have peace, love more than those who do not follow Him, and have eternal life beginning the day we commit to follow Him. That is what Jesus means in Verse 24: “whoever loses their life for me will save it.”

What do these passages really mean for us today? Well, 55% of the people living around us are not committed Christians or not Christian at all. God wants to reconcile the world back to Him and He makes his appeal through us. If Jesus is to be visible in the world today, His humility, His spirituality, His compassion, His love, and his forgiveness HE must be seen among us! That starts at home with family, moves to fellow Christians, we appeal to our friends, to our co- workers, and to our neighbors. Our succees and comfort is that God promises to be with us, whatever we do in His name, even unto the end of the age. Amen?

Seek Wisdom!

# 33 2016 Dev. Pr. 2:6. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Proverbs 2:6

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

The purpose of Proverbs is clearly laid out in the prologue (Pr. 1:2-7) summarized here: “for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding, insight; doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence, knowledge and discretion to the young—let the wise listen and add to their learning… The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools^[^c^] despise wisdom and instruction.” Generally speaking, in our time Proverbs is a “World and Life View” that glorifies God, resulting in a long, peaceful and satisfied life that shines the light of Jesus Christ on all those around us.

Chapter 2, labeled as the “Moral Benefits of Wisdom” is a first person and intimate conversation between a father (mother) and his (her) son. Verses 1-5 is the search for wisdom, V. 6 is the source of wisdom. Vs. 7-8 the benefit of wisdom. Vs. 9- 11 understanding wisdom. Vs. 12- 19 wisdom restrains evil. Vs. 20-22 the comparison of good (wisdom) and bad (evil).

V. 6 Points to God as the source of wisdom, it is a gift. The gift comes from the mouth of God. Knowledge and understanding comes from the Holy Spirit in our hearts and by the Spirit of the Word of God, written by many authors, directed by God’s Spirit and discerned by the power of the Spirit. Without God’s Spirit in our hearts God’s Word is only another book to us. Scripture, by God’s Spirit is a Living Book giving us understanding and knowledge. Further, v.6 points back to vs. 1-5 the personal search for wisdom and points forward to vs. 7-22 the predictable results of wisdom or the lack of it. Take responsibility for the search for wisdom in God’s Word and give thanks to God for the results of God’s gift many of us enjoy!

Be Blessed

# 32 2016 Dev. Mt. 5:3. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Matthew 5:3

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The book of Matthew is a series of 7 sections: an introduction, five conversations, (ch. 5-7 ch.10, ch.13, ch. 18, ch. 24-25) and a conclusion with material in between leading up to each conversation. Matthew’s main theme is that Jesus is the Messiah prophesied about and predicted in the Old Testament. Secondly, that Jesus is the Son of God and the Son of David (Mary).

Mt. 5:3 is in the first conversation and is part of Jesus’ introduction to the Sermon on the Mount. The sermon is about our attitudes, our actions and our ethics as people belonging to the “Kingdom of Heaven” as Matthew calls it. This verse is part of what is called “The Beatitudes”. Jesus was preaching and healing people before this time but this appears to be the first teaching session to His disciples and to a large group of people following Him.

v. 3 is a two-fold statement: have this attitude and this is the result. It is non the less a function of God’s grace. This attitude of “poor in spirit” is not possible but for faith in Christ Jesus. What attitude is this? It is the ultimate humility and confession about our own inability to attain salvation on our own. It recognizes our own short comings and Jesus’ perfect love for those who have faith in Him.

There are two results: one, blessed in this life (see Rom. 8: 28-39). Does that mean we never have a problem? No! But God is in control, He takes care of us. Second, we are given the Kingdom of Heaven; life forever! We don’t have to wait for it, that gift is ours the day we have faith in Jesus. V.3 is like Ps. 1:1-6: “Blessed is the man (and woman) who…. for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,”. This is the ultimate blessing!

Seek God!

# 31 2016 Dev. Ps. 73:28. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Psalm 73: 28

“But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds”.

Meditating on God brings us grace, peace and comfort for all of life!

The Psalms in general is a five volume section in Scripture of poems, songs, and prayers all praising, confessing to, and petitioning God. It is a Book of intimate fellowship with our Creator. The structure of Book III is three fold and symmetrical; Ps. 73- 78, 79-83, 84-89. Ps 81 is a song of praise central to the Book. On a practical level Book III is about seeking God’s special love for His people, seeking fellowship, seeking God’s protection and His blessings for our lives. This Book is the back story in our changing and unpredictable situation today.

Psalm 73 is at the beginning of Book III and it may be seen as an introduction beginning with a “Confession of Faith”. Ps. 73:28 is the last verse and between this verse and the profession of faith in v.1, is a confession of weakness, a lament about the prosperity of the wicked, a realization of God’s purposes for those who reject Him and a personal confession of faith.

The Psalmist confesses: “You hold me… you guide me… earth has nothing I desire besides you. My strength and heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart”. Then there is verse 27 as an antithesis to v. 28: “Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.”

“But as for me,” along with the Psalmist make that decision today; choose to seek out God now, “He will draw close to you”! For followers of Jesus, He is our refuge, our rock, our strength, comfort and our guide in this life!

Along with choosing to seek God the Psalmist also make a promise; to “tell of his deeds”. Jesus deals with us personally; He forgives, protects, guides, prepares the way ahead and draws us to Himself. Therefor, are you willing to proclaim God’s care for you, for His people and for His creation? May we continue to praise God in every situation!

Perfection

# 30 2016 Dev. Mt. 5:48. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Matthew 5:48

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

We have been looking at Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” Mt.5-7. The verse we see today (vs.48) is in a larger section of the Jesus’ instruction called “Love for Enemies”. Think about the title! Jesus is turning religious thinking of His day and the thinking of today upside down. There is no rationalization today that would suggest that we should love our enemies. In our political climate today enemies are quickly established, in our society today enemies are many, in our religious culture today fellow Christians often are the enemy! The reality of today is such that different views and different interpretations are being forced on those who disagree; there is no tolerance for dissenting believers or dissenting opinions.

In God’s realm all people and all of His creation belongs to Him and He wants to be glorified. He is not looking for clones, He wants all people to honor Him in diversity and respect His creation that highlight the riot of diversity we see all around us. Today the ability to “agree to disagree” is lacking among followers of Jesus and in society in general. We no longer are allowed to act on or speak about following our conscience because it is now deemed as a hate crime or hate speech if that disagrees with the majority opinion.

How then are we to be perfect as our verse commands? The verse points back to what goes before it Mt. 5:43-47. In the covenant of Jesus’ blood, we are not allowed to hate!

We are starting to see that “the New Testament is in the Old Testament contained and the Old Testament is in the New Testament explained”. Love those who hate us, love those who oppose us and love those who seek to hurt us. “Love Wins”. Love wins not only because it gives light to our enemies but it puts us together with Jesus as “children of God”. Wow! We are perfect only when we live in Jesus’ presence, He perfects us, faith in Jesus covers us with perfection in God’s eyes as it was in Abraham’s time (Gen 17:1). Loving our enemies in Jesus’ name is glorifying to God our Father, lights up the dark places of our world and draws us closer to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the God of Scripture. Praise be to God!

Peace

# 29 2016 Dev. Ps. 85:8. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Psalm 85:8

“I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—but let them not turn to folly.”

The Psalms in general is a five volume section in Scripture of poems, songs, and prayers all praising, confessing to, and petitioning God. It is a Book of intimate fellowship with our Creator. Psalm 85 is near the end of Book Three and is part of a 6 chapter set; Ch. 84-89. Book Three is about seeking God’s special love for His people, seeking fellowship, seeking God’s protection and His blessings for our lives. This Book is the back story in our changing and unpredictable situation today.

The last section of the Book Ps. 84-89 is comprised of individual prayers and communal prayers to which Ps. 84 is a powerful introduction. The emphasis in this section is on the “Lord Almighty”, His faithfulness, His everlasting love, His protection, His shield, and His anointed one. The anointed one refers to King David but ultimately is a reference to Jesus Christ who fulfills Ps. 89:4 quoted in Lk. 1:32-33,69.

Ps. 85 is a communal prayer seeking God’s mercy during a difficult time. This Psalm is addressed to everyone who follows Jesus. We live in a broken world and a broken country but there is room for optimism as this prayer indicates. We praise God for his past mercies and care (1-3). We petition God for restoration, for His unfailing love and for His forgiveness and salvation (v. 4-7.)

Verse 8 is a promise to listen to God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and claims God’s promise of peace but not to just anyone; to his righteous followers. The verse ends with a “but’ let them (God’s people) not turn to folly”. This phrase may also be translated as

“let them turn from folly”. Thinking about the issues churches are dealing with today, which translation of that phrase applies to us?

In verses 9-13 the Psalm goes on with an optimistic vision we have the opportunity to experience today. God’s salvation and glory is near to us! In the context of love and faithfulness, righteousness and peace kiss each other, they are intimately connected and go together. Our faithfulness by God’s Grace and God’s righteousness; forgiveness, salvation and unfailing love will bring us what is good. Are you ready to experience God’s goodness? The answer is verse 8; promise to listen to God and act on His will and experience His peace in an unpredictable world!

The Light!

# 28 2016 Dev. Mt. 5:14. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Mathew 5:14

¹⁴“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden”.

This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount. The introduction tells us there was a large crowd, Jesus moved to a high place, called his disciples to Him and started to teach. Jesus taught his disciples, He taught the crowd and now He also teaches us. Jesus’ message covers three chapters of Mt. 5,6,7. His teaching is revolutionary! He turned a very legal understanding of God’s Word, probably the Septuagint, upside down! This is a guide to all the teachings of the New Testament, the New Covenant of Jesus’ blood, His sacrifice for us, this is the way of Jesus.

Mt. 5: 3-12 is the baseline for the message, these nine attitudes and accompanying blessings allow us, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to hear the Way of Jesus and follow the Way of Jesus. From Jesus’ time on earth true Christians are people of the Way. Jesus teaches on murder, adultery, divorce, punishment, love, giving, prayer, wealth, worry, judging others, and trusting. He ends his message with the parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders. (Mt. 7:24-27)

Therefore, Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount compels His followers to be light in the world. Not only because Jesus commands it but also because they hold the key to the Light of God. The verse for this week is part of a larger section beginning in verse 13-16 called “Salt and Light”. Following Jesus is a complete experience, we see the light, we feel the power, and we taste the goodness. But Jesus warns us that salt affects taste, life is sweet, spicy and good, we are the salt in society but if we lose our saltiness we lose our good affect on those around us.

We also “are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” A light is lit for the purpose of giving light and must not be hidden, Jesus tells us. God’s light shines through Jesus’ followers, let’s keep it high and bright. Jesus wants everyone to see our good works, not for our own praise but to the praise of God our Father! Shine on!

Confession and Forgiveness

# 27 2016 Dev. Ps. 32:11 The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Psalm 32:11

“Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!”

Psalm 32 is a liturgical Ps. that falls into the category of Penitential Psalms (Ps. 6; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143). The structure is concentric (2,3,2,3,1). Starting with the first two verses David is speaking to an audience and sounding much like a call to worship.

The next 3 verses speak to God and is the theological heart of this Psalm. It is about the results of a stubborn refusal to acknowledge one’s sins. Both Peter and Judas acknowledged their sin but only one repented. There is Christian repentance and there is worldly repentance. David here does not hide his sin, “I will confess… to the Lord”, he goes straight to the Creator the only one who has the power to forgive and does forgive in Christ Jesus.

The next 2 Verses (6,7) describes the blessings in verses 1,2, but it begins with prayer, “everyone who is godly”. Does God listen to us? (Jas. 5:16). David addresses the audience again but in verse 7 he addresses God, yet he is still talking about the blessings of true repentance.

In the next section vs. 8,9,10 David is speaking for God. Here God is also speaking to us! It is a promise to guide and to protect. God also tells us to leave our stubborn ways giving the horse and the mule as the example of stubborn. God ends this section with a comparison of the life of the wicked and the life of those who trust in Him highlighting His unfailing love. That love is what David experiences and is the love we should experience as followers of Jesus.

Therefore, we are given the command to rejoice v.11! “Rejoice in the Lord you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!”. That should be a given and is based on all that goes before in this Psalm. For followers of Jesus, righteousness is kind of automatic isn’t it? No it is not! During Jesus’ time on earth the religious leaders pretended to be righteous but Jesus exposed their unrighteousness and they did all they could to be rid of Him. They succeeded but they did God’s work for Him.

Today we have no problem to consider ourselves righteous but often we lack the joy. We cannot just read verse 11, the whole Psalm applies here. We have attended and conducted worship serves in Africa and there is much joyful singing and dancing in the church. Many come out of a pagan culture and at one time pagan practices, now they are set free and rejoice in the Lord! We thank God! We need to again understand as David did that we all are sinners and have no right to look down at those overwhelmed with life.

Our righteousness and the uprightness of our hearts is directly related to our confessions, our repentance and our trust in Christ. Our relationship with Christ underpins our compassion for those struggling to find their way, that is the way of Jesus. We are His body and His light to all around us. Rejoice! Dance and sing! God is glorified!

Courage

# 26 2016 Dev. I Cor. 16:13,14 The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.

I Corinthians 16:13,14

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”

Corinth was one of the main cities of Greece, a port city with many temples and a city known for its unbridled sexual practices. The church in this environment was influenced by the culture around it. The church, struggling under these difficult problems had requested Paul to help them address these issues. Paul addresses a series of problems and questions: divisions in the church, immorality within the church, lawsuits in pagan courts, marriage, Christian freedom, spiritual gifts, Christian love, the resurrection of the body, and the collection of gifts.

Chapter 16 is the last page of this letter and reflects what was discussed but also includes personal requests and greetings. The central verses are 13,14 which points back to all the issues Paul has discussed in this letter. Further, Paul gives them and us the way forward under the pressure of a pagan culture. This advice is presently relevant for followers of Jesus. There are many Christians and churches in our country but true followers of Jesus need to come to grips with the fact that we live in a pagan culture when compared with Biblical principles.

The two verses we look at this week begins with: “Be on your guard”. That is the first thing we must do, question every change that is promoted by Christian leaders. Do we understand the culture pressures on our way of life? What is our responsibility when the government legalizes and pushes pagan practices on followers of Jesus? Is our Christian freedom and freedom of speech at risk?

Secondly, Paul says: “Stand firm in your faith”. Faith is a gift but it also comes from and is built up by hearing God’s Word. How much time are we spending hearing God’s Word but also spending time with the Scripture, pondering the issues of our day in the light of it?

Thirdly, we are told “be courageous”. Courage is in short supply among Christians this day and age, our youth are afraid to stand up for Biblical principles, afraid to commit to a life time of service in ministry or missions. Weak faith and lack of courage go together and is addressed by again filling our minds and hearts with the Word of God.

Fourth, we are told to “by strong”. Our strength comes from the Spirit of Christ (Php. 4:13)! The Spirit of Christ lives in the hearts of all followers of Jesus and He can be encouraged or He can be resisted as He works in us. He mostly speaks to us in whispers but many followers of Jesus are not listening.

Fifth, “Do everything in love”. Love is the bottom line as Paul shows us throughout I Cor. We all must practice this principle as the decline in Biblical Christianity is addressed. On the other hand, we must not use love as the only standard for accepting the radical cultural issues followers of Jesus are facing today. Also, love demands that we do point out that the Biblical principles are being watered down and in some cases set aside in the name of political correctness and peace. We must continue to pray for God’s wisdom!

From Our Father: “Love and Faithfulness”

# 25 2016 Dev. Pr.3:3 The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Proverbs 3:3

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.”

The purpose of Proverbs is clearly laid out in the prologue (Pr. 1:2-7) summarized here: “for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding, insight; doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence, knowledge and discretion to the young—let the wise listen and add to their learning… The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools^[^c^] despise wisdom and instruction.” Generally speaking, in our time Proverbs is a world and life view that glorifies God, resulting in a long, peaceful and satisfied life that shines the light of Jesus Christ to all those around us.

Ch. 3 is labeled in the NIV as: “Further Benefits of Wisdom” and is part of a larger section consisting of Ch. 1-4. This section is about all the benefits of practicing wisdom. This is always an important section for all of us but particularly so for Father’s Day. The emphasis is on parental guidance: “Listen my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching” (ch.1:8).

The verse for this week is in the context of a father’s instruction: “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,²for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity” (Ch.3:1,2). Verse 3 the father (and mother) encourages his/her son (and daughter) to practice love and faithfulness. Wear it like a necklace; a diamond studded necklace dazzling, of great value and obvious to everyone you meet. Daily practice impresses love and faithfulness on our hearts; practice turns into a good habit.

Before love and faithfulness moves down into our hearts it resides in our minds as God’s wisdom found only in the Word of God. From our minds, by the power of the Holy Spirit love and faithfulness moves into our hearts. From our hearts it becomes a life style because then by God’s grace we are empowered to live love and faithfulness. Praise the Lord!