Ezekiel prophesies a restoration of Judah to the Lord. This encompasses a total rehabilitation of every aspect of community life for the Jews. Due to rampant sin and lawlessness, they had lost their inheritance. Their city had been plundered, the temple had been destroyed, the religious had become irreverent and the priesthood was practically defunct. God promised a restoration would come. This restoration however was dependent on a spiritual restoration of God’s people. God sought for his place to be restored in the hearts of the people, before his gave them their land back.
How is God’s place in your heart? Do you make space for God? Were you once occupied with godly things, but now preoccupied with transient, natural life affairs? This is essentially what happened to the Jews in Ezekiel. God had been put on the back burner, and thus sin had crept in, until it manifested in apostasy leading to gross sin, and ultimately judgement and devastation.
For things to be restored thus, God would have to be resident again in the people’s lifestyle. Thus you find Ezekiel describing a vision that details the rebuilding of the temple in detail. This was primary, because the temple represented God in the land. The temple would no longer be lifeless, but God’s spirit would once again reside there. Further, God would separate to himself once more the priests. The priests like the temple were dedicated to the Lord. Thus they were to abstain from much normal activities, in order to practice piety and holiness unto their Lord. Their function was to model and represent God’s holiness for the people. A restored priesthood in a rebuilt temple could represent people before a holy God.
Today we don’t have a temple, priests or holy lands. However we do have a holy God, who has called all of us to be priests. We have Christ in heaven who represents us to God. Though there is no need for a physical building, God wants to make a place in us. This place begins by making space. This space is found first in our hearts, and then in our lives. He wants to build a holy habitation inside you and I. The temple was only distinct because of the residency of the spirit. God distinguishes us by choosing to reside in us. Isn’t that a mind boggling concept? Though he lives in us without our efforts, by his grace, yet we are required to consecrate ourselves. This allows his presence in us becomes a reality. Make space for God friend, so he can build a place inside of you. Space for God is created when you choose to spend time with him. A place for God is made as you allow God to take over your habits, choices, thoughts and lifestyle. Seek to be that temple, that holy land, that consecrated priest, maybe not literally but desire to be truly set apart for God, rest on his grace, wrestle with the flesh, and act on his word. Before you know it you will have created a space, a place where God can have his way in your life and others.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Small things, great love .....and great faith
Mother Teresa’s was noted to have attached much meaning to the phrase
“small things with great love”. As she ministered on the streets of Calcutta in her early years, she believed that small acts of love was much more impactful than a grandious desire to change the nations without followthrough. For Mother Teresa believed through her acts of love, she was ministering Christ’s compassion to the needy. Over time, her faithful acts of focused mercy, mushroomed into a national ministry with international renown. Small things, with great love, but also yet with much faith.
Jesus likened the kingdom of God to a very small seed, such as the mustard seed. Upon its planting, this seed subsequently grows to be among the largest of trees. Further, Jesus indicates that you and I do not know how this occurs. All we do is plant the seed, and live our lives. Somehow this seed over the course of seemingly uneventful passing of time becomes a grandiose tree. The kingdom of Jesus is such as this. Small things, done with great love and much faith.
Never underestimate the impact you have on people. I have been in youth ministry for almost two decades, as a volunteer, a youth pastor, and now a community worker. As I see generations of kids turn into teenagers, young adults and older, I am reminded of how small acts of love with faith impacted their development, for me this is the kingdom of God in action.
Maybe you are mentoring young children or teens, be aware of how significant your little actions can be. A simple demeanour of kindness, gracious words, consistent mood and tone, can significantly impact a minor who has been calloused with harsh treatment. Kind simple acts such as a trip to the mall, bowling, or burgers at McDonalds may be remembered by the youth for a life time. Your seemingly insignificant acts are like that seed which eventually turns into a giant tree. It could lead into the child being converted, a destiny altered and a future community leader formed. Act in faith, for someday, your love will be recognized for what it is, Christ’s compassion. Don’t try to do big things, just love these kids in simple ways, and remember who you are doing it for; “Whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord”. Small things, great love and much faith.
“small things with great love”. As she ministered on the streets of Calcutta in her early years, she believed that small acts of love was much more impactful than a grandious desire to change the nations without followthrough. For Mother Teresa believed through her acts of love, she was ministering Christ’s compassion to the needy. Over time, her faithful acts of focused mercy, mushroomed into a national ministry with international renown. Small things, with great love, but also yet with much faith.
Jesus likened the kingdom of God to a very small seed, such as the mustard seed. Upon its planting, this seed subsequently grows to be among the largest of trees. Further, Jesus indicates that you and I do not know how this occurs. All we do is plant the seed, and live our lives. Somehow this seed over the course of seemingly uneventful passing of time becomes a grandiose tree. The kingdom of Jesus is such as this. Small things, done with great love and much faith.
Never underestimate the impact you have on people. I have been in youth ministry for almost two decades, as a volunteer, a youth pastor, and now a community worker. As I see generations of kids turn into teenagers, young adults and older, I am reminded of how small acts of love with faith impacted their development, for me this is the kingdom of God in action.
Maybe you are mentoring young children or teens, be aware of how significant your little actions can be. A simple demeanour of kindness, gracious words, consistent mood and tone, can significantly impact a minor who has been calloused with harsh treatment. Kind simple acts such as a trip to the mall, bowling, or burgers at McDonalds may be remembered by the youth for a life time. Your seemingly insignificant acts are like that seed which eventually turns into a giant tree. It could lead into the child being converted, a destiny altered and a future community leader formed. Act in faith, for someday, your love will be recognized for what it is, Christ’s compassion. Don’t try to do big things, just love these kids in simple ways, and remember who you are doing it for; “Whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord”. Small things, great love and much faith.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Watch and Pray
Jesus had told the disciples to watch and pray lest they fall into temptation. The disciples didn’t take him seriously. Peter and probably all the disciples were comfortable in their relationship with Christ, and felt sure of their allegiance to Him. They had no need to take these words too seriously as evidenced by them subsequently sleeping in the garden while Jesus prayed against temptation.
Have you ever felt that you were impervious to sin? Then what happened? You probably fell, right? It’s a time tested formula. Holy living plus self dependency always results in sin. Peter and the disciples deserted Christ. Worse for Peter, he denied knowing Christ. He swore on oath multiple times to this. Can you imagine how severe Peter’s actions were? Have you committed a grievous sin as a believer that took you and others by surprise? Well this is exactly what happened. Peter’s denial of Jesus amounted to Peter stabbing our Lord in the back. See, in the Ancient East, mentoring relationships were often familial in nature, thus loyal and binding, typically to the point of death. For one to deny their family or kindred relation practically amounted to wishing they were dead. Thus by denying Christ, Peter might have well as literally stabbed him in the back.
As I ponder this larger context of Peter’s sin, I wondered how he could have fallen so far from grace. Then I remember the reminder of Jesus to “watch and pray”. Sin, pride and self-reliance are no respecter of persons. Lucifer a high ranking angelic being who knew better fell to prideful sin. Many saints in Church history have committed heinous acts, and even in today’s media we read about well respected church leaders falling from their throne of grace. So how can you and I stand? Very simple we can’t.
Even Jesus knew that he could not stand. Not by himself. As a master teacher, he modelled his own teaching. Thus, he watched and prayed through temptation. During the forty days of fasting, he was strengthened against temptation by watchful prayer. Also in the garden of Gethsemane, during those final hours of his life, he realized that only prayer against temptation would provide sustenance for this momentous temptation. For failing this test, would mean abdicating his mission to the cross and leaving eternity doomed to hell.
Watch and pray then my friend. Jesus passed his test because he did. Peter failed his because he didn`t. May you be found constantly in prayer. Pray in solitude mostly, but also often in groups. Share your temptations with a couple of trusted mentors. Pray together and pray often, and watch God strengthen you for your personal test and trials.
Have you ever felt that you were impervious to sin? Then what happened? You probably fell, right? It’s a time tested formula. Holy living plus self dependency always results in sin. Peter and the disciples deserted Christ. Worse for Peter, he denied knowing Christ. He swore on oath multiple times to this. Can you imagine how severe Peter’s actions were? Have you committed a grievous sin as a believer that took you and others by surprise? Well this is exactly what happened. Peter’s denial of Jesus amounted to Peter stabbing our Lord in the back. See, in the Ancient East, mentoring relationships were often familial in nature, thus loyal and binding, typically to the point of death. For one to deny their family or kindred relation practically amounted to wishing they were dead. Thus by denying Christ, Peter might have well as literally stabbed him in the back.
As I ponder this larger context of Peter’s sin, I wondered how he could have fallen so far from grace. Then I remember the reminder of Jesus to “watch and pray”. Sin, pride and self-reliance are no respecter of persons. Lucifer a high ranking angelic being who knew better fell to prideful sin. Many saints in Church history have committed heinous acts, and even in today’s media we read about well respected church leaders falling from their throne of grace. So how can you and I stand? Very simple we can’t.
Even Jesus knew that he could not stand. Not by himself. As a master teacher, he modelled his own teaching. Thus, he watched and prayed through temptation. During the forty days of fasting, he was strengthened against temptation by watchful prayer. Also in the garden of Gethsemane, during those final hours of his life, he realized that only prayer against temptation would provide sustenance for this momentous temptation. For failing this test, would mean abdicating his mission to the cross and leaving eternity doomed to hell.
Watch and pray then my friend. Jesus passed his test because he did. Peter failed his because he didn`t. May you be found constantly in prayer. Pray in solitude mostly, but also often in groups. Share your temptations with a couple of trusted mentors. Pray together and pray often, and watch God strengthen you for your personal test and trials.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Revival is Judgement
I will pour out my spirit....Acts 2:17 on one level speaks about Revival. God has poured out his spirit on Jews and Greeks alike in the 1st century church. Could this be the revival that Joel had prophesied in Joel 2? Peter sure felt so. In fact he quoted this verse as a reaction to the dynamism of the spirit he saw. Peter imagined that the day of the Lord was approaching, for Joel had prophesied that upon such a powerful display, such as in Acts the day of the Lord would come.
So what is the day of the Lord. It is a day envisaged in Jewish hope as the salvation of the Jews. On this day Messiah would take his rightful place as ruler over all his enemies. The Jews would once again be sovereign over their enemies, God will be their king and punishment will be dealt to the offending heathen nations. In Joel’s time the kingdom of Judah was in apostasy. Many had turned from God, and Jeremiah predicted doom. However God promised them absolution, if they returned to him. He promised a revival, that would usher in the day of the Lord. This revival is featured the Spirit outpouring on all flesh, similar to Acts 2, and was followed by mass conversion, again just as Peter observed in Acts.
But one key requirement was imposed on the Jews. Repentance. That is self-judgement. See repentance is judgment. God’s people were required to call to turn from evil, fast and seek him for an outpouring of his spirit. If they would do this, then he promised a revival. This self-judgement did occur, and God’s prophecy was fulfilled in Joel’s time.
Similarly in Acts, God’s people had decided to seek God. The disciples were meeting regularly seeking God for an outpouring. They had consecrated themselves, were often fasting, and sought God daily. By these penitent actions, they showed a heart of repentance. Thus God graced them with a revival. For the condition of Joel’s prophecy again had been met. God poured out his Spirit that day, Peter challenged the masses, they judged themselves and turned to the Lord.
Revival always brings judgement. For us believers, this self judgment leads us to confess our faults and change our actions. While for non believers they are convicted unto salvation.
Peter was partially right about the onset of the day of the Lord. It had not fully arrived, but it was progressively approaching. It seems that in Revivals God impresses the reality of his imment coming on people even stronger. That would have been what Peter, the early Christians, and the plethora of church history saints who have experienced revival from the 1st Century till now.
As we stand as current day believers, the challenge of Joel is still the same. Judgement is repentance. As God’s people repent and seek him, his Spirit is poured out, leading many to further repent. As the day of the Lord speedily approaches, God desires to bring the masses to him. Psalms 24 indicates only a holy generation can usher in a move of God. Thus, God is looking for some who will consecrate themselves, judge their hearts, and seek him for revival, and the evangelization of the nations. My question is will that be you and I?
So what is the day of the Lord. It is a day envisaged in Jewish hope as the salvation of the Jews. On this day Messiah would take his rightful place as ruler over all his enemies. The Jews would once again be sovereign over their enemies, God will be their king and punishment will be dealt to the offending heathen nations. In Joel’s time the kingdom of Judah was in apostasy. Many had turned from God, and Jeremiah predicted doom. However God promised them absolution, if they returned to him. He promised a revival, that would usher in the day of the Lord. This revival is featured the Spirit outpouring on all flesh, similar to Acts 2, and was followed by mass conversion, again just as Peter observed in Acts.
But one key requirement was imposed on the Jews. Repentance. That is self-judgement. See repentance is judgment. God’s people were required to call to turn from evil, fast and seek him for an outpouring of his spirit. If they would do this, then he promised a revival. This self-judgement did occur, and God’s prophecy was fulfilled in Joel’s time.
Similarly in Acts, God’s people had decided to seek God. The disciples were meeting regularly seeking God for an outpouring. They had consecrated themselves, were often fasting, and sought God daily. By these penitent actions, they showed a heart of repentance. Thus God graced them with a revival. For the condition of Joel’s prophecy again had been met. God poured out his Spirit that day, Peter challenged the masses, they judged themselves and turned to the Lord.
Revival always brings judgement. For us believers, this self judgment leads us to confess our faults and change our actions. While for non believers they are convicted unto salvation.
Peter was partially right about the onset of the day of the Lord. It had not fully arrived, but it was progressively approaching. It seems that in Revivals God impresses the reality of his imment coming on people even stronger. That would have been what Peter, the early Christians, and the plethora of church history saints who have experienced revival from the 1st Century till now.
As we stand as current day believers, the challenge of Joel is still the same. Judgement is repentance. As God’s people repent and seek him, his Spirit is poured out, leading many to further repent. As the day of the Lord speedily approaches, God desires to bring the masses to him. Psalms 24 indicates only a holy generation can usher in a move of God. Thus, God is looking for some who will consecrate themselves, judge their hearts, and seek him for revival, and the evangelization of the nations. My question is will that be you and I?
Friday, October 1, 2010
Love and Justice
I will put my spirit on him and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
Matthew 12:18b
God’s desire is for justice, fairness and equity to exist. In Isaiah 9, God foretells the coming of the messiah. This messiah would be spirit imbibed, led and empowered. By the Spirit he would rule and reign over the affairs of the earth. The government shall be on his shoulders the prophetic words state, and he will bring justice to the nations. (Isaiah 9)
Social justice was not originated by the faddish political correct movements of our post modern culture. In Biblical times, God’s desire was for justice to be displayed. This desire in God reveals his heart for all people groups everywhere. Often God would condemn the rich for oppressing the poor. Nations would be reprimanded for dealing a heavy hand on their weaker counterparts. Even clergy in the minor prophets are justly reprimanded for their role in fostering social injustice.
Let’s be clear, God’s love was and is not just spiritual. Granted, evangelism is primary as spiritual things are eternal. Yet God does not seem to differentiate or prioritize. The message of God’s salvation both in the Old and New Testament is well tempered with acts of generosity, justice, and love towards the socially disenfranchised. Could it be that God wants us to just love people. God’s justice is one of love, and in the New Testament he introduced the summation of the law – Love. Thus he wants us to just love people. For God, to love people is just.
Thus whether you are into social justice, legal justice or spiritual justice, all of them are important to God, and in my opinion they are all represented by God`s love. Because I love my fellow man I desire to alleviate social ills, aid in exposing legal and institutional oppression, and bring the message of salvation to heal their hurting spirits.
May God take you and I deeper on our quest of love. Loving him by loving others. As we do, we will by the spirit help bring justice to the nations.
Matthew 12:18b
God’s desire is for justice, fairness and equity to exist. In Isaiah 9, God foretells the coming of the messiah. This messiah would be spirit imbibed, led and empowered. By the Spirit he would rule and reign over the affairs of the earth. The government shall be on his shoulders the prophetic words state, and he will bring justice to the nations. (Isaiah 9)
Social justice was not originated by the faddish political correct movements of our post modern culture. In Biblical times, God’s desire was for justice to be displayed. This desire in God reveals his heart for all people groups everywhere. Often God would condemn the rich for oppressing the poor. Nations would be reprimanded for dealing a heavy hand on their weaker counterparts. Even clergy in the minor prophets are justly reprimanded for their role in fostering social injustice.
Let’s be clear, God’s love was and is not just spiritual. Granted, evangelism is primary as spiritual things are eternal. Yet God does not seem to differentiate or prioritize. The message of God’s salvation both in the Old and New Testament is well tempered with acts of generosity, justice, and love towards the socially disenfranchised. Could it be that God wants us to just love people. God’s justice is one of love, and in the New Testament he introduced the summation of the law – Love. Thus he wants us to just love people. For God, to love people is just.
Thus whether you are into social justice, legal justice or spiritual justice, all of them are important to God, and in my opinion they are all represented by God`s love. Because I love my fellow man I desire to alleviate social ills, aid in exposing legal and institutional oppression, and bring the message of salvation to heal their hurting spirits.
May God take you and I deeper on our quest of love. Loving him by loving others. As we do, we will by the spirit help bring justice to the nations.
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