We lived in East Liverpool, Ohio at the time in a big house that overlooked the Ohio River and Chester, West Virginia. We loved that house because of all the oak wood (including floors) and the tile fireplace.
However, we rarely used the fireplace. It was such a source of heat loss, that I covered it with plexiglass during the winter so you could still enjoy its beauty.
Our tradition included hiding baskets filled with candy and small toys. On Easter morning, the kids would have to search the house to find their baskets. This search proved to be a very fun experience for them as my creativity at hiding the baskets escalated!
As a matter of fact, one year Troy didn't find his basket until we returned from church. On the way into the house, he saw it hanging from a hook on the front porch about ten feet off the ground!
The year Travis was 10, I had hidden his basket in the fireplace behind the plexiglass, a card table and a pot of flowers. I was convinced it would take him a loooooong time to find it!
However, he came down the oak stairs, crossed the living room, moved the flowers, the card table, the plexiglass and immediately found his basket. I was astonished as I asked him how he knew where it was.
He said, "Dad, I dreamed that you hid it in the fireplace!"
His reaction: He was totally bummed because he had been robbed of all the fun of hunting for his basket!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
75 Pounds?
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is extremely relevant to our upcoming celebration of Easter!
Joseph of Arimathea was a prominent member of the Jewish ruling council (Mark 15:43). He was a wealthy man. He was a secret disciple. He had not agreed with the Council's decision to have Jesus crucified!
We don't know much more about him. He hadn't appeared earlier in the gospels. Had he been a follower of Christ for a long time? Had he heard Jesus preach and seen Him heal the crowds? How had he come to a decision to follow Christ?
We don't know...
But what we do know about this man is enough to inspire us to "see Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly, follow Thee more nearly".
We do observe that he and Nicodemus were apparently friends. Remember Nick? He was also a member of the Jewish ruling council. He's the one who came to see Jesus at night in John 3. He wanted to know how to be born again. It was in responding to Nick's question that Jesus gave us the greatest verse in all the Bible:
When the soldiers retired from the scene, Joseph sprung into action. He went to Pilate and sought permission to take Jesus' body down from the cross. This was a bold request. It may have been granted mainly on the basis that Joseph was a well-known leader of the Jews in Jerusalem. He may have been one of a few who could make this request and see it granted!
Joseph of Arimathea was a prominent member of the Jewish ruling council (Mark 15:43). He was a wealthy man. He was a secret disciple. He had not agreed with the Council's decision to have Jesus crucified!
We don't know much more about him. He hadn't appeared earlier in the gospels. Had he been a follower of Christ for a long time? Had he heard Jesus preach and seen Him heal the crowds? How had he come to a decision to follow Christ?
We don't know...
But what we do know about this man is enough to inspire us to "see Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly, follow Thee more nearly".
We do observe that he and Nicodemus were apparently friends. Remember Nick? He was also a member of the Jewish ruling council. He's the one who came to see Jesus at night in John 3. He wanted to know how to be born again. It was in responding to Nick's question that Jesus gave us the greatest verse in all the Bible:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
These two apparently became friends through their association on the Council. They both had been drawn to Jesus. They saw that this Man was special and recognized that "...you are a teacher who has come from God." (John 3:2)
How much had they conferred? Had they spoken of Jesus frequently? How close was their friendship? How much had Jesus influenced them? To what extent were they following Him?
How thankful I am that all four gospel-writers tell their story:
- Matthew 27:57-60
- Mark 15:42-46
- Luke 23:42-46
- John 19:38-42
What is their story?
Jesus had died on the cross. Fortunately, He had died on His own - so they did not have to break His legs as they did the thieves. Their deaths needed to be rushed because they could not hang on the crosses during the Sabbath.
When the soldiers retired from the scene, Joseph sprung into action. He went to Pilate and sought permission to take Jesus' body down from the cross. This was a bold request. It may have been granted mainly on the basis that Joseph was a well-known leader of the Jews in Jerusalem. He may have been one of a few who could make this request and see it granted!
Then, accompanied by his friend, Nicodemus, they lowered the body of Jesus from the cross. Most portray this being done by wrapping long strips of cloth under His arms and gently lowering Him to the ground. Then, these two prominent, Jewish leaders carried the body of Jesus to the place where Joseph had recently had a tomb hewn for his own use.
We dare not miss the significance of this event! Touching a dead body meant that these two godly men would be unclean for seven days (Numbers 19:11). This meant that they would not be allowed to participate in the celebration of the Sabbath or the Passover!
It doesn't take much imagination to realize that these men took on the blood of Jesus. After carrying Him to the place of the tomb, they would have washed His body. Then, they carefully wrapped Him with strips of cloth that had been saturated with - are you ready for this?
seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes!
This has always explained to me how the women found the tomb in the dark early on Sunday morning. They simply followed their noses!
My research reveals that this amount of spices would have cost a great deal; not to mention that Joseph was giving up his own carefully prepared burial site. These are tangible measurements of his love for Jesus!
So, how much do you love Jesus? Seventy-five pounds worth?
Do you proclaim Him to your friends and neighbors? Do you stand up for Him when His name is used in vain? Do you maintain an ongoing dialogue with Him? Do you systematically read His love-letter to you? Do you regularly join others who worship Him and serve Him?
I mean it - really? Before you click back to Facebook - how much do you love Him? What could you change about your life that would be an expression of your love for Him? What tangible thing could you do TODAY that would demonstrate your love for Him? Make a plan and a determination before you click - or it will never happen!
Thank You, Lord Jesus!
Really! No one else can forgive my many sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.
Yet, You did this for me! Wow! You're amazing!
I didn't deserve it. I can never earn it.
All I can do is thank You and live for You.
With Your daily help, I will do this.
Amen.
Friday, March 11, 2016
Dirty Politics
Politics is ugly stuff! It always has been and I guess it always will be.
King David had many sons and they all probably had dreams of succeeding their father on the throne.
Absalom was the first to try to take his father's throne. He endeared himself to the people by intercepting them when they went to the king for justice. Over a period of time, he garnered significant trust with them through this personal access and through his good looks and charm!
Then, through a clever and carefully laid out plan, he marched on Jerusalem to overthrow his father. David escaped with a large group of those who were faithful to him - including many of his fighting forces. He left a spy behind to send him 'intelligence reports'.
In the long run, David's forces defeated Absalom. Unfortunately, Absalom died in the battle. David was deeply grieved over the death of his son! [Read II Samuel 15-19 for the whole story]
The next to try a coo was Adonijah. He was one of David's older sons. He was an arrogant man who used his privilege and opportunity to have fifty men run ahead of him! He conspired with one of the priests and the leader of David's army. David was now very old. Adonijah threw a party and invited everyone who was important - including all of David's sons - except Solomon. The plan was to announce his kingship and overthrow his father by surprise!
The prophet Nathan heard of this plan and spoke privately with Bathsheba (remember her?). He informed her of the plot and advised her to speak to the king about his promise to make her son (Solomon) king. After she approached the king, Nathan also came to report to the king about Adonijah's plan.
David sprung into action! He called for Solomon to be placed on the royal donkey and brought into Jerusalem. Once there, Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anointed him king over Israel. Then they blew the ram's horns and all the city began to shout: "Long live King Solomon!"
Adonijah's feast was just culminating when they heard the shouts from the city. It threw his guests into confusion; they scattered in fear of retribution! Adonijah took refuge in the sanctuary in fear that his brother would have him killed.
David effectively handed his rulership over to his appointed successor, who sought to bring honor to God and his father, David! [Read I Kings 1 for the whole story]
In the legacy of kings of Israel and Judah that follow Solomon's reign we see terrible atrocities take place. The whole situation is so despairing to God that He finally allows both nations to be carried off into captivity.
The New Testament bears similar brutalities and horrors. Remember how Herod had the children of Bethlehem slaughtered in hopes of killing off any future heir to the throne (Jesus).
This same Herod killed two of his own sons because he didn't want them to succeed him on the throne!
Politics get nasty.
All this ought to make us feel a little better as we view the 'reality show' dramatics that have been unfolding over the past several months. Although there have been some nasty exchanges, at least no one's broken into fisticuffs - yet!
There have been a few hopeful moments for me in recent weeks:
As a leader, I also get to lead a congregation in prayer about this election process every Sunday. Prayers of agreement are especially powerful before our mighty God.
But the thing that helps me sleep at night is the acknowledgement that God truly appoints leaders:
or...
He will give us leadership that will execute His justice on a nation that is turning its back on Him.
Whichever happens, my role is exactly the same. I am to be a godly man who lives with integrity and intercedes for my family, community, country and world! I am to be a faithful example of what it looks like to live for God. With God's help, I will do this!
My counsel to you: It's far more important for you to pray than it is for you to vote!
King David had many sons and they all probably had dreams of succeeding their father on the throne.
Absalom was the first to try to take his father's throne. He endeared himself to the people by intercepting them when they went to the king for justice. Over a period of time, he garnered significant trust with them through this personal access and through his good looks and charm!
Then, through a clever and carefully laid out plan, he marched on Jerusalem to overthrow his father. David escaped with a large group of those who were faithful to him - including many of his fighting forces. He left a spy behind to send him 'intelligence reports'.
In the long run, David's forces defeated Absalom. Unfortunately, Absalom died in the battle. David was deeply grieved over the death of his son! [Read II Samuel 15-19 for the whole story]
The next to try a coo was Adonijah. He was one of David's older sons. He was an arrogant man who used his privilege and opportunity to have fifty men run ahead of him! He conspired with one of the priests and the leader of David's army. David was now very old. Adonijah threw a party and invited everyone who was important - including all of David's sons - except Solomon. The plan was to announce his kingship and overthrow his father by surprise!
The prophet Nathan heard of this plan and spoke privately with Bathsheba (remember her?). He informed her of the plot and advised her to speak to the king about his promise to make her son (Solomon) king. After she approached the king, Nathan also came to report to the king about Adonijah's plan.
David sprung into action! He called for Solomon to be placed on the royal donkey and brought into Jerusalem. Once there, Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anointed him king over Israel. Then they blew the ram's horns and all the city began to shout: "Long live King Solomon!"
Adonijah's feast was just culminating when they heard the shouts from the city. It threw his guests into confusion; they scattered in fear of retribution! Adonijah took refuge in the sanctuary in fear that his brother would have him killed.
David effectively handed his rulership over to his appointed successor, who sought to bring honor to God and his father, David! [Read I Kings 1 for the whole story]
In the legacy of kings of Israel and Judah that follow Solomon's reign we see terrible atrocities take place. The whole situation is so despairing to God that He finally allows both nations to be carried off into captivity.
The New Testament bears similar brutalities and horrors. Remember how Herod had the children of Bethlehem slaughtered in hopes of killing off any future heir to the throne (Jesus).
This same Herod killed two of his own sons because he didn't want them to succeed him on the throne!
Politics get nasty.
All this ought to make us feel a little better as we view the 'reality show' dramatics that have been unfolding over the past several months. Although there have been some nasty exchanges, at least no one's broken into fisticuffs - yet!
There have been a few hopeful moments for me in recent weeks:
- watching Ben Carson give his testimony in a church including lengthy quotes from the scriptures.
- hearing about Franklin Graham's plan to hold prayer rallies in every state capital between now and November to call the nation to prayer for godly leadership!
- hearing the crystal clear hope of Heaven described and lauded at Nancy Reagan's funeral!
As a leader, I also get to lead a congregation in prayer about this election process every Sunday. Prayers of agreement are especially powerful before our mighty God.
But the thing that helps me sleep at night is the acknowledgement that God truly appoints leaders:
Romans 13:1 (NIV)
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities,
for there is no authority except that which God has established.
The authorities that exist have been established by God.
God will either give us leadership that will establish justice and restore values...
or...
Whichever happens, my role is exactly the same. I am to be a godly man who lives with integrity and intercedes for my family, community, country and world! I am to be a faithful example of what it looks like to live for God. With God's help, I will do this!
My counsel to you: It's far more important for you to pray than it is for you to vote!
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