Kicked Out of Church; Accepted Into the Kingdom

December 19, 2008
Text: John 9:35-41
Title: Kicked Out of Church; Accepted in the Kingdom

Thoughts:

If there were one thing the religious people of John 9 were not ready for, it was a man blind from birth who was healed by Jesus. (Just typing that sentence feels scandalous.) More time is spent in interrogation in the chapter than in the actual healing. When the ‘right’ answer isn’t given the man is whisked away to the synagogue for further questioning. And, when that’s not good enough, he’s expelled from the synagogue.

As an outsider, you can’t help but shake your head in amazement like the Aflac duck in the Yogi Berra commercial. It is at this precise moment that Jesus again enters the picture. Jesus, too, has a question. Yet, His is much different. He is not seeking to inquire about facts, feelings, and techniques. Jesus wants to know, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” (v.35).

I am amazed at the contrasting and conflicting views of religion and faith. Religion cannot accept moves of God that cannot be explained or that interfere with status quo. Faith, on the other hand, simply asks one question: “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” One is condemning, confusing, and cynical. The other is accepting, inspiring, and relationally driven.

Though he was kicked out of church, our formerly blind friend is accepted into the Kingdom. Responding to Christ’s question of faith, he expresses faith and worships Christ. Now, that’s what I want to be a part of. A community that does not worship rules, religion, or regulations, but Jesus Christ. So, go ahead, kick me out of the church and let me be free to join the Kingdom.

Application:

In what ways have you experienced “religion”? (Rules, regulations, rituals void of meaning, etc.)

It’s important to recognize that rules and laws are not inherently evil. However, if they replace faith, we have forfeited faith for works. Have you ever replaced faith for works in your walk with Christ? (see Dec. 17 devo)

If Christ were to ask you, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” What would your answer be?

Prayer:

Father,

Thank You for being there when religion kicked me out. When my failed attempt at good deeds and works had left me in despair and disdained in the eyes of religion, You were there for me. You have asked one thing of me, “Do You believe in Me?” Jesus, I believe in You and place my faith in You today. When religion and rituals seek to take center stage in my life, remind me that it is my faith in You that matters most. May I share this hope with others today.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

A Little Higher

December 11, 2008
Text: Luke 19:1-10
Title: A Little Higher

Thoughts:

In the early years of my life, my sister and I were fortunate enough to grow up without a tv to entertain us. Therefore, we were forced to find outdoor entertainment options to bide our time.

Across the street from our house was one of our favorite sites. In our neighbors yard was a rather large oak tree. Its branches were extremely large and expansive. Its strength was impressive and inviting. And, we were obliged to climb from limb to limb, enjoying the adventures from another level. It is reminiscent of the scenes from Forrest Gump.

Reading of Zaccheus scaling the sycamore tree this morning prompted visions of our childhood pursuits of adventure. In Zaccheus’ situation he was determined and dedicated to see Jesus in the crowd. While others were lining the streets, he ran ahead and ascended a tree to see Jesus from another level.

My thoughts this morning were consumed with the possibility of seeing Jesus from a new level. What would happen if we broke away from the entertainment and distractions, excuses and exceptions and pursued Jesus as Zaccheus did? Would we see Him in a new light? Would our view of Him differ from the world that is seeking to see Him from the sidelines?

There are lots of questions about Jesus that I believe would be answered if I were just willing to devote my energies to seeing Him. Frankly, I find the entertainment of the world too inviting and cozy to deviate from the norm. Oh, that I would have the dedication to ascend the tree of life to see Jesus today. Perhaps, He might choose my home to rest in.

Application:

Do you find that the conveniences and comforts of life draw you closer to Jesus or make it more difficult to pursue Him? Why or why not?

In what ways can you climb higher to see Jesus today? (devote time to prayer, reading the Bible, studying the Bible, etc.)

Will you dedicate yourself, and your family, to find time to see Jesus from another level?

Prayer:

Father,

Thank You for the many opportunities that You provide for me to see Jesus. Unfortunately, I am often preoccupied with the entertainment and pleasures of the world to dedicate myself to seeing Him. Like the crowd, I choose to see Him from the sideline. However, may I have the dedication and determination of Zaccheus today. May I throw off excuses and distractions to pursue Christ. As I do, will You reveal Yourself to me in a new way?

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Finding Jesus in the Crowd

December 10, 2008
Text: Luke 19:1-10
Title: Finding Jesus in the Crowd

Thoughts:

“Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, and was unable because of the crowd, for he was small in stature.” (Luke 19:3)

Until studying this passage recently, I’ve always had the approach that Zaccheus was magically drawn to Jesus. My mind has written a story where he is so soul-hungry that he is looking to see who Jesus is. While it is clear that Zaccheus is looking to see who Jesus is, the original meaning of this passage is less like the story I created. Rather, the original context is that Zaccheus is looking to see which one of the crowd is Jesus.

In college I read a text on evangelism entitled, “Out of Their Faces And Into Their Shoes.” The author makes a point that Christians have a myth that says, “Lost people are miserable.” Perhaps, this is the reason why we view Luke’s words in a manner that has Zaccheus insatiably longing to know who Jesus was. However, the author says, “Not all lost people are miserable.” Some people are content in their sin and worldly approach to life.

Certainly we live in a spiritually hungry age. People are genuinely hungry for a spiritual encounter that infuses purpose, power, and peace. Nevertheless, like Zaccheus, they are not always seeking to know who Jesus is. They are, however, wanting to know which One He is in the crowd of religious options.

There has never been a greater opportunity for the believers of God to bear witness to who Christ is in the midst of the crowd. He’s not where you gather for “church” on Sunday. That’s not where they are looking. He’s in the streets, on the job, in your business relations…People want to know which one Jesus is in the parade of life. Can they see Him in You?

Application:

What do you think about the statement: “Lost people are miserable.”? Were you always miserable before you came to Christ?

When you came to Christ were you seeking to know who He was? Or what He looked like? The former describes His character, the depths of His person. The latter describes a mere introduction of someone you have never met for the first time.

Does your life reveal enough of Jesus that others can find Him in your life among the religious parade of options?

Prayer:

Father,

I want to deeply know who You are. I want to know Your passions, heart, and purposes. I want to experience Your power, presence, and peace in my life. Yet, more than these I want to embody who You are. In a sea of religions, people are searching for You among the crowds. When they see my life, may the see the difference You make. And, like Zaccheus, may the hear Your voice calling to make their heart Your home. In doing so, we reveal what the early Church saw and experienced…Jesus!

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

When It Doesn’t Seem So

December 9, 2008
Text: Luke 19:1-10
Title: When It Doesn’t Seem So

Thoughts:

When I read through the story of Zacchaues I have this overwhelming sense that Jesus responded in a way that He wasn’t supposed to. The entire passage is a series of things that happen that just don’t seem like they should have. Zacchaues, an entrenched sinner, seeks out Jesus. Jesus, the Holy One of God, chooses Zacchaues’ house as His place for the night. Zacchaeus willingly offers half of his possessions to the poor and restitution, four times worth, to all the people he had extorted in his past. The whole encounter is a bit bizzare.

But what can you expect from a passage that begins with a verse like the second one?! “And there was a man called by the name of Zaccheus; he was a chief tax collector and he was rich. (v.2)” Zaccheus, meaning pure, innocent, just, is described  as a chief tax-collector and rich man. A chief tax-collector is like a perverted, corrupt, mobster IRS agent. They simply created their own rules and were considered the most deprived of all humanity. To say that they were despised would be saying it mildly. Nevertheless, Zaccheus is pure, innocent, just. Again, it’s just a bit bizarre.

Yet, is it really all that bizarre? Isn’t this the beauty of what a Christ-encounter does? It takes a perverted, corrupt, and despised member of society and transforms them into an individual who recognizes their wrong, submits to a new Lord, and bears fruit of their new life in Christ. Literally, they become what they are in Christ; holy, just, pure, and innocent.

When we surrender our lives to Christ, we become what doesn’t seem possible. Our lives are dramatically changed. Regardless of how we feel we are new in Christ. When it doesn’t seem so, Christ makes it so!

Application:

Have you ever felt like you were something you weren’t supposed to be? (parent, manager, starting athelete, etc.)

When you read all of the things God says about you in His Word, how do you feel? He says you are holy, righteous, victorious, pure, His child!

What do you feel you are not that Christ needs to make so today?

Prayer:

Father,

So often I feel like Zaccheus. Though You call me forgiven, a new creation, and holy, I feel like I am anything but. Help me today to realize all that I am in Christ Jesus. Christ makes it so! Would You make it so in my life today? May I live in the revelation of who You are today.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.