Quick Note – Genesis 12:1-3 – The Blessing of Being a Blessing

Genesis 12:1-3 – Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.  And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

There are times in our lives when we can be a blessing to others.  It may be through an encouraging word that is shared with a person who is struggling from a loss.  It may be through a simple act of kindness like paying for a meal for the next person in line at McDonald’s.  It may be through the writing of a timely blog post that says just the right thing to the right person at the right time.  We never know what things we do each day may bless another person.  About ten years ago, I had a conversation with a person on a cruise ship talking about the most random things, but what seemed like an inconsequential conversation to me was actually a huge blessing to that person, who was missing home.  Without even knowing it, I was a blessing to another. 

In our passage today, God called Abram to leave his country, home, and family to go where He would lead him.  Abram (whose name would eventually be changed to Abraham) had no idea where this would be but was promised by God that if he obeyed, he would be made into a great nation, would be blessed by God, have a great name, and be a blessing.  When this story is shared in church often the focus is on how God would make Abraham into a great nation, but today, I want us to focus on a different aspect of that blessing and that is that Abraham was blessed to be a blessing.  Abraham would be made great, so that he could be a blessing to others.  Now, throughout his life, Abraham was a blessing to others.  He was a blessing when he rescued his nephew Lot from captivity in Genesis 14.  He was a blessing to Abimelech, who made a treaty with Abraham, when he noticed that God was with Abraham (Genesis 21:22-34).  And based on his interactions with the people of Canaan, which always seemed peaceful, we can assume he was a blessing to them.  Abraham was a blessing throughout his life.  But more importantly, he was a blessing to the world because through his lineage, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, came into this world, bringing salvation from sin and death to all.  This is the greatest way in which Abraham was a blessing. 

We Christians can also receive this blessing of being a blessing to others.  We are called to serve others through the love of Christ.  We are called to consider others better than ourselves and to look not only to our own interests but the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4).  We are called to encourage one another and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11).  And most importantly, we are called to share the Gospel and make disciples of all nations.  It is by following these callings that we become witnesses of what Jesus Christ has done in our lives.  It is through these callings that we are a blessing to this world, because it is through this love that the world will know that we are Christ’s disciples.  By being a blessing to others, we act as the salt of the earth, as the light of the world, and as a city set on a hill.  Let us strive to be a blessing this upcoming year, drawing people to the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  It is when they meet Him that they receive the ultimate blessing.  So may our lives be small blessings that always point to the greatest blessing – the Son of God. 

Three Quick Notes – John 11

Today, I would like to just share a few quick notes on John 11, where Jesus Christ raised Lazarus from the dead.  Rather than spending a long time describing each section, I encourage you to read the whole chapter to get the full context of the story.  Nonetheless, I want to bring to your attention a few lessons that stood out to me as I read the chapter this morning. 

For those who would like to read the passage: John 11

Lesson #1:  God’s Timing Leads to What Is Best

John 11:4-6 – But when Jesus heard it, he said, “This illness does not lead to death.  It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”  Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.  So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. 

This passage makes it clear that Jesus Christ loved Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus.  They were not just strangers to Him, but likely close friends.  Yet, when Jesus Christ heard that Lazarus was sick, He did not immediately go to him and heal him.  Instead, it says that He waited two more days before leaving to see him.  The Son of God who could have healed Lazarus with a simple word, chose not to do anything in that moment and to wait, and because of waiting Lazarus died.  This made me reread the verse several times, where one word popped out to me in vs. 6, SO.  The word so was like a connecting word with the previous sentence, so (see what I did there), I read the previous verse and linked the ideas together, which made it sound like what was actually being said was, “Because Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, he waited two days longer.”  Now, the question I had after reading this was “Why?”  If Jesus loved them so much, why was He willing to allow them to go through the heartbreak and suffering that accompanies the death of a loved one?  The answer to it was in the previous verse – “It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”  By waiting a couple of days until Lazarus died, a greater miracle would occur that would bring more glory to God.  Rather than just healing Lazarus, Jesus would raise him from the dead and show the world that He truly was the Son of God, since He had power over sin and death.  Sometimes, God does not answer our prayers instantly the way we want it, because it will bring Him more glory to wait and to do it in another way.  We must be patient, trusting that our loving God will always do what is best.  Jesus Christ waited, Lazarus was raised from the dead, and many believed in Christ due to this miracle.  Trust God’s timing and plans. 

Lesson #2:  God Empathizes with Us.

John 11:35 – Jesus wept.

I believe this verse is the shortest verse in the Bible.  It is the one verse that everyone can memorize, because it only contains two words, “Jesus wept.”  But with these two words, an important reminder is given to us – that God cares for us.  When Jesus went to the tomb and saw Mary and the other Jews weeping because of the death of Lazarus, His spirit was moved, and He wept.  He could feel their troubled hearts and moved with compassion, He wept with them.  God sees and knows our troubles, fears, and heartaches, and He empathizes with us.  If you are going through a difficult time right now, remember that God is there with you in it.  Don’t doubt that God cares for you when trouble comes, remember that Jesus wept with the others when Lazarus died, and He also weeps with you. 

Lesson #3:  Not Just Actions but Words as well

John 11:41-44 – 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” 44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

Oftentimes, Christians like to use the excuse that the way they live their lives is enough of a witness of the Gospel that they need not say anything.  They are either too afraid or too lazy to share the Gospel with their mouths, so they say that their lives will do Oftentimes, Christians like to use the excuse that the way they live their lives is enough of a witness of the Gospel that they need not say anything.  They are either too afraid or too lazy to share the Gospel with their mouths, so they say that their lives will do the talking.  Now, as you all know, I greatly emphasize that your life should be a witness of what God has done and that your life is the greatest witness of the Gospel to others; but I want to emphasize the importance of sharing the Gospel with your words as well.  Jesus Christ lived a righteous life.  He constantly worked miracles that proved He was the Son of God.  His actions were a great witness of Him being the Son of God.  Yet He never stopped sharing who He was with His words.  Even in this passage, it says, “I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.”  (Underline added for emphasis.)  Although He already knew that God was listening to Him and that He would raise Lazarus from the dead, He still spoke these words for the benefit of those around Him.  Jesus Christ used His words, although His actions already did the talking.  I encourage you to share the Gospel not only with your actions but with your mouths as well.  For how can people believe in Him whom they have never heard of?  Our words can make that impact today. 

I hope at least one of these lessons can bring you comfort and encouragement today. 

Quick Note – Matthew 12:33-37 – The Witness of the Mouth for the Heart

Matthew 12:33-37 – 33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

I must admit that over the years, there have been times where I have not been careful with my words.  I will either speak out of turn and offend someone by speaking what is right at the wrong time or I will literally say something hurtful to someone.  This often happens, because I do not put a watch over my tongue and instead just carelessly let my words fly.  I have been lucky, in that, to the best of my knowledge, I have yet to destroy any relationships with my words, but I most certainly have put tension on it for at least a few days.  What I have noticed though is that these words are often a reflection of my heart at that moment.  These situations only prove to me that the words spoken by Jesus in Matthew 12 continue to ring true today – “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” 

Many people try to hide behind a mask or façade of who they want people to think they are.  They will act like they are righteous and holy at church but live in the most ungodly way during the week.  They will present themselves as kind and caring in public but lash out at their family members in the privacy of their homes.  They will pretend to love and support a coworker’s success but inwardly despise and covet what they see.  But a person cannot hide their true nature for long, eventually it all comes to the light, for good trees will bear good fruit, while bad trees bad fruit. 

A true Christian reflects the love of God in his or her daily life.  It is seen in their actions and treatment of others, their reactions to difficulties and trials, and their demeanor.  Our lives are the best witnesses of what God has done in us.  Just yesterday, when I spoke with one of my co-workers about the Christian faith, she told me something that was quite poignant.  She, an unbeliever, said that Christians should stop trying to simply talk about how to get saved and instead to live out the difference that Christ makes in their lives.  She said that if that difference was seen, people would notice and ask what made that change.  This statement challenged me to reflect on my own witness and why I was not displaying it in my life the way I should. 

We as disciples of Jesus Christ must bear good fruit.  If we bear good fruit, the difference will be seen in our lives, drawing people to seek the reason for that difference.  That good fruit must first come from a change in our hearts – a change that is brought about by the Holy Spirit when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  We must then nourish that change by reading and obeying God’s Word until it produces the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives, fruit like – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) We can then observe that change by listening to the words that come out of our mouths, for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.  What do your words say about your heart?  Are you growing closer to Christ and reflecting the new clean and pure heart He has given you?  Or are you filled with the same sinful thoughts and emotions that were there before you came to Christ?  We will be judged by our words, so let us make sure our hearts are right with God, so that our words are a reflection of Him and the fruit that is being born from that change.  May our words be a witness of the work Christ has done in our hearts. 

Quick Notes – Double Post

This morning I wanted to do a double post.  The first half of the post is focused on those who are not Christians yet, those who are searching and trying to decide whether Jesus Christ is truly God or not.  I encourage you to read this quick post and consider for yourself is there is truly enough evidence for Christ.  The second half of the post is more focused on those who are already Christians and disciples of Christ.  I encourage you to read this quick post and consider whether you are living the life expected out of you as a Christian.  I have clearly labeled each post with a title, so it doesn’t get confusing, but it wouldn’t hurt to read both. 

More than Enough Witnesses for Christ

John 5:31-32 – If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true.  There is another who bears witness about me, and I know that the testimony that he bears about me is true.

In the ancient Jewish court of law, one needed at least two or three witnesses to confirm that something wrong had occurred.  This likely held true for validating whether some event whether good or bad occurred, as well.  Jesus knew the importance of this principle and emphasized that there was more than one witness that declared to the world that He was the Messiah, the Chosen One of God.  For this reason, it was quite shocking that the Pharisees, the leaders of the Jewish people at the time, were adamantly against placing their faith in Christ. 

Between John 5:31-47, Jesus mentioned three important witnesses that declared He was the Christ.  First, he mentioned the witness of a man, John the Baptist, who declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).  Although Jesus did not want to emphasize the testimony/witness of man, He knew that mankind would need this witness in order to believe, since we have a tendency to trust in our fellow man. Because of this, He wanted to clearly state that John the Baptist, a man like you or I, was a witness to His deity (vs. 33-35).  Second, He emphasized the witness that came from God the Father (vs.36-38).  If the people were willing to trust in John the Baptist, then they should be even more willing to trust in God.  God showed His approval of who Jesus Christ was through the works and miracles that Jesus did.  When Christ healed the sick, made the lame to walk, caused the blind to see, raised the dead – these were all works of God through His Son to prove that Jesus Christ is the one and only Son of God.  Just as our actions not our words declare to the world who we truly are, Christ’s actions and works proved that He was and is the Christ.  Third, Jesus emphasized the witness of the Scripture and the prophets (vs. 39-47).  The Jewish people held the Scriptures, the law of God, the witness of the prophets like Moses with high regard.  These Scriptures described the coming Messiah and what prophecies would need to be fulfilled in order to make it clear who He would be.  These same Scriptures that the Jewish people held to high regard described Jesus Christ.  Whether it was the prophecy about His birthplace in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:5-6) or the prophecy about His coming out of Egypt (Hosea 11:1, Mathew 2:13-15) or the prophecy about His ministry to heal the sick and free those who were prisoners to sin (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:17-20; Luke 4:38-41) or the prophecy about His growing up in Nazareth (Matthew 2:23), all were fulfilled in Christ.  If they believed the Scriptures, then they had to believe in Jesus. 

We are willing to place our faith and trust in the witness of man so easily, so why is it so hard for us to place our faith in Jesus Christ?  There is so much evidence that He is the one and only Son of God.  There was the witness of mankind, in that, many disciples were willing to die for their faith in Him.  They were either crazy people who were willing to die for a lie or truly saw the Resurrected Savior and Christ.  There was the witness of His works, in that, miracles immeasurable were performed during His time on this earth and continue to be performed this day.  We may not see Him walking on the water, but we can see God’s work in and through our daily lives.  I am sure there have been “close calls” that you have experienced that can only be explained by the grace of God.  There is the witness of the Bible, which describes who Jesus Christ is and how He fulfilled every prophecy declared about Him.  The probability of one person to fulfill even one or two prophecies was high, but to fulfill all of them is astronomical, yet Jesus Christ did.  What are you waiting for still?  Place your faith in Him today. 

Like Father, Like Son

John 5:19 – So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of His own accord, but only what He sees the Father doing.  For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.”

There is a common phrase that is spoken when a young boy acts just like his father – “Like father, like son.”  Children often act like their parents, and eventually when they grow up tend to be like carbon copies of the people who raised them.  They take up much of the good and the bad habits that they witness as they are growing up.  If their parents were hot-tempered, they will likely be quick to anger.  If their parents were talkative, they tend to be outgoing.  If their parents were kind-hearted, they likely becoming quite hospitable.  Children are like their parents. 

In the same way, Jesus Christ was like the Father.  He did everything according to His Father’s will.  More than that, He would only do what His Father willed (John 5:30).  Jesus Christ’s only focus was doing His Father’s will.  He showed the world who God was, because He was God.  He showed the Father’s love and compassion as He ministered to the people; He showed the Father’s righteousness and justice when He defended the downtrodden and rebuked the false teachers; He showed His Father’s grace and mercy when He willingly died on the cross for our sins; He showed His Father’s omnipotence when He rose from the dead.  Christ did everything God the Father would do and wanted done.  Like Father, Like Son.  This is why when Philip, a disciple of Jesus Christ, asked Him to show them the Father, Jesus pointed to Himself (John 14:8-11).  The question I have for you who are disciples of Jesus Christ, Christians, followers of God is “Are you living according to the Father’s will?  Are you living according to His character?  Like Father, like son?”  We as Christians are called the children of God, for when we receive Jesus Christ into our lives, we are adopted into His family.  But that means that we should also become reflections of Him to this world.  So are you doing that?  Are you acting like the One who saved you and raised you and accepted you into His family?  Can others see Jesus in you? Like Father, like son. 

Quick Note – Malachi 2:7 – A Messenger of the Lord of hosts

Malachi 2:7 – For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

Has a friend or relative ever come to you for advice?  Have they ever sought your wisdom and knowledge in order to make a decision?  Just the other day, a friend of mine asked me for advice on what board games to buy, because she knew that I had a vast knowledge of the types of hobby games that are on the market and what games were good for her.  I have also been sought for advice when it comes to some science related topics, since I have prepared my fair share of experiments as I work towards a Ph.D.  People seek advice from those whom they deem experts (or at least more knowledgeable than them) in a certain field.  The question I have for you is this – Do people seek your instruction for wisdom and guidance about life and specifically their spiritual condition?  In Malachi, God rebuked the priests of Israel, because they had stopped being a beacon of light for the Israelites and for the other nations.  Rather than leading them to follow God, the priests had disrespected God and turned people away from Him.  Instead of being a messenger of God that people could turn to and learn His Word from, the priests were the ones committing sin.  This was why God reminded them that it was from their lips that knowledge and instruction should flow from – that they were the ones whom people should seek instruction from.  They had forgotten their responsibility. 

1 Peter 2:9, we as Christians are also called a royal priesthood, which means that this job of being a messenger of the LORD of hosts is given to us, as well.  It is our responsibility to be a light to this world, a city set on a hill, and the salt of this earth.  We should be drawing the world to seek and to know the one and only Savior – our Lord Jesus Christ.  The people around us should be seeking instruction and knowledge, wisdom and guidance from us, because our lives are shining examples of what God can do.  So I ask you one more time – Can people come to you seeking wisdom and guidance in general?  God’s Word is a guide for the daily lives of people, whether they are Christians or not.  More importantly, do people come to you asking for advice about their spiritual condition?  Do they find peace, uprightness, and true instruction on your lips?  Do people know that you can help them to get to know God better?  If they do not and cannot, I encourage you to examine your heart and ask the Lord to show you what needs to be changed.  It is our responsibility to give wisdom and knowledge to this world, to instruct them in the way they should go, for we are messengers of the LORD of hosts.