MAYBE WE SHOULD CELEBRATE MORE?

I recently wrote a blog about Israel’s deliverance through the Red Sea and how God closed the water over the Egyptian army so that not one of them escaped!  If you haven’t read it – you should check it out!

The very next chapter [Exodus 15] is the response of the Israelites.  It begins:

Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to GOD, giving voice together…  [v.1]

I have immediate questions about this.  How did they all sing together?  I mean, they didn’t have a copier there and distribute song-sheets! 

This was a large, multi-generational crowd of inter-related people!  They had just witnessed a phenomenal miracle that was clearly a God-intervention.  On the other side of the Red Sea – before this intervention – they had feared for their lives!  At the worst, they thought the Egyptian army would kill them all.  At the best, they would be returned to slavery in Egypt! 

But now they were free!  AND GOD DID IT!  And they were grateful! 

It was their natural response to sing and dance!  But how could they all sing together without knowing the words to the song? 

Perhaps it was done in an antiphonal fashion where Moses or Aaron [or some other gifted leader] sang out a line – and then everyone repeated it?  Perhaps this line was repeated over and over until even the people in the back of the crowd got it?  Just a thought. 

However it happened, it was a joyful celebration of God’s deliverance!  You’re welcome to read it, but here are the first few lines:

I’m singing my heart out to God—what a victory!
    He pitched horse and rider into the sea.
God is my strength, God is my song,
    and, yes! God is my salvation.
This is the kind of God I have
    and I’m telling the world!  [vs.1-2]

Then, Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine, and all the women followed her with tambourines, dancing.  Miriam led them in singing,

Sing to God – what a victory!

He pitched horse and rider into the sea!   [vs.20-21]

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I’ve been a part of joyous celebrations plenty of times, although nothing that would compare to what I’ve just described!  I wish we had audio/video of that! 

Recently, our Bethel congregation celebrated their first worship experience in the brand new sanctuary.  It took MUCH longer to build than was originally anticipated, so it was a greatly anticipated event.  The sanctuary was full!  The worship experience was jubilant.  And as a result the church is growing…

I guess the greater the sense of God-intervention, the greater the celebration! 

How do we get God-interventions? 

PRAYER! 

SEEKING HIS PRESENCE!

SEARCHING HIS WORD!

God acts in response to our appeals! 

In our land [the United States of America], if we want restored security, unity, bounty, spiritual renewal, then we should do more than vote.  We should call on God for His divine intervention and do so fervently! 

Maybe then, we’d have cause to sing and dance in the streets as well as our sanctuaries. 

GOD ALWAYS HAS A PLAN!

Exodus 14 is an amazing chapter!  It is clear from the beginning that God has a plan!  God always has a plan! 

As they escape Egypt, God – through Moses – tells the Israelites exactly where to camp next to the sea.  This is apparently a very vulnerable spot that will entice Pharaoh to attack to try to recover his slave nation.  God’s intent is to – one last time – show Pharaoh who is really God!  And that’s what happened.

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Eventually Pharaoh and his people realized what they had done.  They had – in one night – lost their entire force of slave labor!  He ordered up all of his chariots and quickly pursued the Israelites.  God was again working in Pharaoh’s heart, making him stubborn! 

The Egyptians caught up to Israel by the sea.  As the Israelites saw them coming, fear gripped many.  There were two responses to this immediate threat:

Some cried out in terror to God.  Others ran to Moses and complained in bitter sarcasm:  “Weren’t the cemeteries large enough in Egypt so that you had to take us out here in the wilderness to die?  What have you done to us, taking us out of Egypt?  Back in Egypt didn’t we tell you this would happen?  Didn’t we tell you, ‘Leave us alone here in Egypt – we’re better off as slaves in Egypt than as corpses in the wilderness?’”  [vs.10-12]

TWO RESPONSES:

1.      Call out to God!

2.      Complain and blame!

There’s value in spending some time trying to determine which group you would have been in.  When the sky grows dark or the devastating news comes, do you call out to God or grumble and sulk?  This is a vital distinction.  The ones who are truly committed to God will know deep in their hearts that GOD ALWAYS HAS A PLAN!  And, they will trust in that plan! 

But notice the grace and mercy of God!  Even in this story, the grumblers are spared!  God is patient and kind and works diligently with His people to get them to believe and trust in Him.  He’s doing that with you – right now! 

Through all this threat, Moses believed!  He told the people, “'Don’t be afraid.  Stand firm and watch GOD do his work of salvation for you today.  Take a good look at the Egyptians today for you’re never going to see them again.  GOD will fight this battle for you.'  And then with a glance at the nay-sayers, he added, 'And you?  You keep your mouths shut!'”  [vs.13-14]

This is a vital lesson for leaders and pastors to learn.  Those who espouse negativity have to be silenced!  Negativity spreads like wildfire – it must be halted!  Negativity is NOT a faith environment!  Confrontation is awkward and hard!  Most pastors run from it instead of dealing with it!  As a result, the damage grows and the problems increase.  Being close to God and having had a glimpse of His plan allows us to stand strong and face the opposition with righteous zeal.  I learned - over time - that in most cases, the opposition folds in situations like this. 

What happens next is REMARKABLE!  The angel of God that has been leading them moves from in front of the Israelites to their back – along with the pillar of cloud that has been leading them.  Together, they take up this position of protection between the two camps – throwing light on the Israelites and darkness on the Egyptians!  God is unfolding His plan! 

Then, God tells Moses to hold his staff over the sea.  During the course of the night, an east wind dries up the sea and creates a walled walkway through the sea.  This wind is so persistent, that the people are able to cross the sea ON DRY LAND ALONG WITH ALL THEIR FLOCKS!  Once they’re all through, the angel and cloud move and the Egyptians hurry into the pathway through the sea.  But there are two problems:  The dung from all the flocks begins to clog their chariot wheels.  Also, God seems to allow some of the seawater to seep into the pathway.  The Egyptian forces bog down and get stuck!

TERROR STRIKES THEM!  They cry out: “Run from Israel!  GOD is fighting on their side and against Egypt!”  They begin to retreat.

At this moment, GOD instructs Moses to hold his staff over the sea again.  As he does so, the waters immediately break loose and flood the pathway.  Not one Egyptian survived! 

And all Israel stood in utter amazement as they watched the dead bodies of the Egyptians wash up on the shoreline.  They immediately realized the tremendous power that GOD brought against the Egyptians.  They were in reverent awe before GOD and trusted in GOD and his servant Moses. 

Notice that Moses’ stock has increased as a result of this supernatural intervention by GOD!  He had – under GOD’s direction – initiated this escape!  He had confronted Pharaoh repeatedly.  He had led them out of Egypt.  He had obeyed GOD throughout the process.  He had confronted the naysayers.  He had been faithful! 

AN OLDER PERSEPCTIVE FOR YOUNGER COUPLES

Debbie and I were married in 1973.  We made a conscious decision to not have kids for two years so that we would have some time to just enjoy one another.  We've never regretted that decision.  In February 1976, Travis was born and our family life began.  We offically denested around 2000, when Tracie (our youngest) returned to Maryland to live and work [at the age of nineteen].  

When I was actively doing pre-marital counseling with couples, I made sure that we talked about certain specifics during the process.  It's likely that some couples may have already discussed some of these issues, but many do not.  I have no feel for things today.  I don't know if pastors are still requiring couseling or not?  I feel it is an essential responsibility for someone who is bringing couples together in a lifelong relationship.  

Everyone realizes that young couples are in an infatuated state during courtship and premarriage days.  

Merriam;Webster defines infatuation:  

"filled with or marked by a foolish or extravagant love or admiration"

I always made sure we discussed topics like:

• FINANCES:  Are you bringing debt into this relationship?  Will you merge incomes or continue separate finances?  Do you plan to tithe?  Who will pay the bills?
• FAMILY PLANNING:  Do you want to have kids?  When do you plan to start?  How many might you like to have?  What will you do if you are unable to have children?  How do you plan to parent your children?  [I provide recommended resources for all of these areas]
• FIGHTING FAIRLY:  This is vital information for young married couples.  There are rules that should be followed.  Without following these rules, you will end up suffering extreme frustration and emotional distance!  

I know you'll want these, so here they are:

1. Stay on topic!
2. "Don't let the sun go down on your anger"  [Ephesians 4:26]
3. Look for 'release valves'.
4. Recognize that "The tongue has the power of life and death"  [Proverbs 18:21]
5. Never use 'the silent treatment'!
6. Keep your relationship close by sharing openly with one another on a regular basis.  Maintain regular devotional time together, then it will naturally happen when children come along!
7. If tension periods persist and you can't seem to resolve the issues, ASK FOR HELP!

• FAMILY TRADITIONS:  More than two people are being married here.  How will you merge these two family traditions?  How will you balance your time between these two families - especially holidays?
• HIS NEEDS/HER NEEDS:  We discuss this book by Dr. Willard Harley.
• THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES:  We discuss this book by Gary Chapman.

Typically, I asked for ten hours - as long BEFORE the wedding as possible - to comfortably discuss these issues!

With that platform laid, I'd like to get more specific.  

In my latter years in ministry, I noticed that couples were fairly consistently telling me that they wanted to wait to have "all their ducks in a row" before starting a family.  There's some logic in this, of course.  When Debbie and I were young the adage was "If you wait for the right time to have kids, you'll never have kids!"  There's some truth to that as well.  

As an older person - with no desire to offend anyone - I'd simply like to offer two points for consideration that may not be immediately obvious to younger people in this stage of life.  Here they are - I hope they're helpful!

FIRST

By delaying the birth of your children, you're cutting down the years that they will be exposed to your own parents!  Grandparents can be a great blessing in presenting the children a picture of a completely different generation.  They typically support the goals and aspirations of the parents and provide resources, services and exposure that has the potential to enrich the lives of children.  Do you really want to cut that time significantly shorter?

SECOND

This is what I like to call the 'hidden repercussion'.  By delaying the birth of your children, you're also cutting down the number of years that you will be exposed to your own grandchildren!  Think it through:  If you wait till you're forty to have kids, and they wait till they're forty to have kids - you'll be eighty when your grandchildren are born!  If you understand this point, you might want to speed up your timetable for having a family, so that you can enjoy multiple generations before you leave this earth!

Psalm 127:3-5 [TM]

Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift?

    the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?

Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows

    are the children of a vigorous youth.

Oh, how blessed are you parents,

    with your quivers full of children!

Your enemies don’t stand a chance against you;

    you’ll sweep them right off your doorstep.

BURNED OUT - THEN REDEEMED

I arrived as pastor of the Oakland Church in June,1982.  I was thirty.  Most of those leading the church at the time were from my parent’s generation.  My Pastor’s Cabinet had people on it like Paul Ward, Alma Kelly, Pete Muschweck, Jim Heldreth, Russ Dray, Martha Anderson, and perhaps one or two others [they were all contemporaries with my parents and thought of me as the ornery kid from Family Camp].

In spite of significant opposition, the church began to grow.  I was leading a growing church, travelling to Pittsburgh three or four times a week to attend classes toward my Master of Divinity degree, helping to launch a pregnancy Center, and all-the-while, trying to be a great husband and father.  By October,1984, I was exhausted and overwhelmed.

One Wednesday, I called an emergency Pastor’s Cabinet meeting and resigned.  I had no plan, no job lined up, no resources stashed away – I was simply and severely ‘burned out’! 

Needless to say, the Cabinet members were shocked by my announcement.  After delivering my message to them, I simply got up and moved toward the door.  As I did so, Alma Kelly called my name in her principal’s voice:  “Harold!”

I did what any respectful person would do – I turned to face her.  She had tears in her eyes.  She trembled as she spoke.  She reviewed the fact that I had been working in an environment that was immersed in evil forces.  That struck me;  I had never seriously considered that circumstance.  Less than ten years earlier this church had been rocked with a moral scandal that had damaged lives as well as the church’s reputation.  She pointed out that the very study where I worked daily had been the place of horrible violations. 

Then – and I’ll never forget it – she said, “We don’t accept your resignation!  We’re placing you on an indeterminate leave of absence with full pay.”  And then she assured me that they would be praying for me to get rested and return to my ministry. 

And with that, I opened the door and left.

Now, let me state for the facts that Alma didn’t have the authority to make that decision!  However, no one – to my knowledge – ever questioned her decision. 

I don’t know all of the details that followed for the obvious reasons, but I know that Alma largely led the church for the next several months.  She arranged ‘fill-in’ preachers and may have even preached herself.  She took authority and to the best of my knowledge, no one questioned her during that period. 

Every Sunday after that, Peter Muschweck – the Oakland treasurer – stopped by our home on Sunday afternoons and dropped off my paycheck.  We received cards and bouquets of flowers from people in the congregation. 

During the ensuing weeks, I sought the counsel of several older pastors.  I also saw a professional counselor.  I did NOT leave God!  I still read the scriptures and still prayed.  I rested – as Alma had instructed. 

Toward the end of November, I announced to Debbie that I was going to go on a backpacking trip in the Laurel mountains.  After several days on this seventy-mile trail, I was walking a logging road and had a series of thoughts that passed through my mind in a matter of minutes.  I considered asking God for a ‘fleece’ [sign] to assure me that He did indeed want me in the ministry. 

My first question to myself was, “What would be a good fleece?”  My imagination took off.  I thought, “What if – when I return home – I was to go to the Oakland Church and whoever was the preacher would preach a message on the most common scripture in the Bible?”  Then, I thought, “What would that scripture be?”  The answer was obvious, it would be John 3:16.  And with that, this little mental excursion – that had lasted mere seconds – ended and was forgotten. 

During the next several days, however, I resolved through prayer and physical exertion that God did want me in the ministry – that He had indeed called me.  I longed to be with my family for Thanksgiving.  But I had miles to go with mountains in between to get to my car.  I hiked hard and into the night to make it.  Stopped on the way home to call Debbie and tell her that I would be getting home very late.  Then, I added, “On Sunday, we’re going to church at Oakland.”  That surely surprised her!

We had a simple Thanksgiving and on Sunday we arrived intentionally a little late for church. You could hear gasps as we walked down the aisle and took a seat down front. 

Alma was leading the service.  Elwood Daugherty was the guest preacher;  he was the assistant to the superintendent of the Pittsburgh Conference.  It was the first Sunday of Advent.  After some singing, Alma invited him to read his scripture lesson.  He invited us to turn to John 3.  I grabbed my Bible and opened to his lesson. 

As he began to read, the memory of my mental excursion became vivid to me.  I wondered how far he would read;  he finished at John 3:17. 

I was on pins and needles and couldn’t wait to hear him preach!  But there was an offering and more singing.  Every nerve in my body was alert and on edge!  I had the highest level of anticipation! 

Finally, he stepped up and said, “God has spoken to me very clearly this week.  He wants me to bring a message this morning that is based solely on one verse:  John 3:16.” 

I hope you know that I can’t help you understand what I experienced.  The love of God for me was made so clear that morning by Elwood’s words. 

Before the end of that year, I returned to my role as pastor and – in spite of chronic opposition – Oakland became a church of over two hundred with scores of people coming to faith in Christ! 

HOW IS IT WITH YOUR SOUL?

His name was Jim Heldreth [or Jack - he went by both].  He was a little younger than my parents.  He was - from time to time - a leader in the Pittsburgh Conference [FMC].  He was also a trustee at Roberts Wesleyan College for a number of years.  He was a long-term member of the Oakland Free Methodist Church.  He was a man of strong opinions, and he didn't mind sharing them with you.  He was a big man; handsome, married with no children.  He hailed from West Virginia and was proud of it.  I believe he made his living as a church furniture salesman.

Why am I telling you about this man?

Because when I was a freshman at Roberts, he showed up in my doorway on the fourth floor of Carpenter Hall.  Imagine my surprise!  He sat on my bunkbed, and we talked for half-an-hour.  During that conversation, he asked me how I was handling my new freedom.  He also asked me how I was doing spiritually.  I've often wondered, "Did he just do this with me?  Or did he visit other Pittsburgh Conference students as well?"

This was not shocking.  Although this practice has fallen into disuse, it was fairly common back in the 1960's to ask one another how your spiritual life was going.  It was also common - at least in Free Methodist Churches - to have weekly 'testimony meetings', where we gave public updates on our faith!  I was glad that I was able to give him a good report.  According to my recollection, he did this at least one, maybe two other times.  Although he was a friend of my parents, I really didn't know him personally.  However, when I turned thirty, I was appointed as his pastor, where I served for thirteen years!  😊  We had many deep theological discussions during those years.  When he disagreed with something I was doing or proposing, he had no difficulty in addressing me about it!  

Why is this important enough to be writing about?

Because it doesn't happen anymore!  I'm having difficulty remembering the last time anyone asked me how my spiritual life was going.  

I just read the first paragraph of Galatians 6 - here it is from The Message Bible:

1-3 Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.

These verses clearly imply connection, caring and communication!  

Let's look at these individually:

CONNECTION

You don't speak these kinds of words to just anyone!  This kind of inquiry require connection!  There must be a level of sharing that has been established.  Intimacies have been exchanged.  There's familiarity and some knowledge of one another's pilgrimage.  We KNOW one another!  We have spent time together individually or in a group.  I have a clear sense that you're not trying to gather gossip; I have no fear that you will use my confession against me.  We TRUST one another!  I am confident - without verbally noting it - that you will keep my confidences.  I know this because you have done it before!  I believe that you have a genuine concern for me and my spiritual well-being!

CARING

We have an innate sense about people that has developed from years of inter-relationships.  We can usually tell if someone truly cares about us.  People who simply want to use or manipulate us can be quickly discerned and carefully handled.  They don't have to be removed from our fellowship; just contained from intimacies until they have proven themselves trustworthy.  Jesus said this in Matthew 7:6 [NASB], "Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."  Solomon also had some wisdom on this topic:  "A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."  [Proverbs 18:24 NASB]  Do the careful, hard work of discernment and then build relationships that add value to your life!

COMMUNICATION

As a counselor, I was excited years ago when the research was published that 'talking' changes the chemical makeup of the brain!  I've heard the line over and over again - usually from men:  "What good does talking about it do?"  Well, the proof is in!  It actually DOES create real change!  

This is a big part of the value of sincere friends who talk to us and listen to us!  They care!  They want to help!  They want us to be the best we can be!  If you have these kinds of connections - THANK GOD FOR THEM!  They are far more valuable than you probably realize.  Pity the man or woman who has no friends!  They cannot possible be at their best without this essential interaction!  

I recently wrote about the failure of most churches to give us small-setting opportunities that allow these kinds of relationships to flourish!  Environments where we can openly confess that we're not doing well.  Places where I don't have to fear to report that I've fallen off the track and need help realigning my life!  Fellowship circles where the word 'relapse' is not a dirty word!  Encouragement enclaves where people who love me will gather around me and pray with me!  

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I've had this at times in the past - and it was a precious thing!  But, it takes time and effort to develop.  It is the business of the church - even though many churches seem to have relinquished their responsibility in this area.  

For we who have 'Methodist' as a descriptor - it's in our genetic make-up, thanks to John Wesley!  This seventeenth century revivalist put his people in groups that met at least weekly where they all answered questions such as:

• Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I am? In other words, am I a hypocrite? 
• Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?
• Do I confidentially pass onto another what was told me in confidence? 
• Am I a slave to dress, friends, work, or habits? 
• Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying? 
• Did the Bible live in me today? 
• Do I give it time to speak to me every day? 
• Am I enjoying prayer? 
• When did I last speak to someone about my faith? 
• Do I pray about the money I spend? 
• Do I get to bed on time and get up on time? 
• Do I disobey God in anything? 
• Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy? 
• Am I defeated in any part of my life? 
• Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrustful? 
• How do I spend my spare time? 
• Am I proud? 
• Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisee who despised the publican? 
• Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am I going to do about it? 
• Do I grumble and complain constantly? 
• Is Christ real to me?

I know:  By now you're either incredulous or laughing.  

But think for a minute honestly:  If you WERE a part of a group that regularly addressed issues like this - might you be a better person and Christian?  

O Holy Spirit,

Help us to find friends that will stick closer than a brother or sister!

Friends who will listen carefully, counsel plainly and model openly.

Friends who will keep our confidence yet hold us accountable!

Friends who will pray for us and with us!

Who will not condemn us or judge us when we fail.

Who will turn to us when they fail or need help!

Friends who will faithfully help us to make it to Heaven!

For the Kingdom's sake.  Amen

A TIMID WOMAN

There was often a crowd of people around Jesus.  They wanted to be near Him, to hear Him, to see Him, to be right there if something significant happened.  That was not her reason. 

She was timid.  She didn’t want to be the center of attention.  She’d had a chronic problem with hemorrhaging for many years; it was embarrassing.  “She had spent every penny she had on doctors but not one had been able to help her.”  Somewhere, she had learned that if she could just touch the hem of the Messiah’s garment, she would be healed.  That’s all she wanted to do - just slip in, touch the edge of His robe, and then slip away;  hopefully unnoticed!    

In the 21^st century, we are not familiar with the significance of hems and tassels at the time of Christ.  We do know that in Matthew 23, Jesus condemns the Pharisees because “they do all their deeds to be noticed by men;  for they broaden their phylacteries [a small case containing scripture texts worn on the forehead for religious purposes] and lengthen the tassels of their garments.”  [v.5]  Extra-biblical references indicate that the hem of a man’s garment was somewhat equal to his signature.

We don’t have the video – but somehow, she got close enough and was able to touch the hem of His garment.  Did He pause long enough for her to kneel and do so?  We know the scene was full of people crowding around Jesus.  She was discreet.  No one noticed what she did – not even Jesus. 

But, He felt power being drawn from Him!  This is remarkable to us!  Somehow, Jesus knew that someone had drawn on His healing power!  How AMAZING!!!!!  His immediate response was to say, “Who touched me?”  His disciples were incredulous.  Finally, Peter spoke up, “Master, we’ve got crowds of people on our hands.  Dozens have touched You.”  [v.45]

The woman tried to be invisible until she realized that she couldn’t remain hidden.  Ultimately, she fell to her knees and confessed that she was the one who had touched Him.  She was terrified.  “In front of all the people, she blurted out her story – why she had touched Him and how at that same moment she was healed.”  [v.47]

Jesus – always full of compassion – spoke to her, “Daughter, you took a risk trusting me, and now you’re healed and whole.  Live well, live blessed!”  [v.48]

And in that instant, Jesus was pulled away from her to attend to another need.  She was left standing alone on the dusty road – HEALED AND WHOLE!  Her faith had been acknowledged and rewarded! 

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In that moment, surrounded by people she didn't know, this woman felt the need to confess publicly her dilemma and need.  She admitted that she was the one who had touched Jesus and drawn healing power from Him!  She blurted out this embarrassing medical condition that had caused her so much discomfort and shame for so long!  

I wasn't there, but somehow, I know that her eyes were not on the crowd - they were on Jesus.  His compassion captivated her!  He cared!  He genuinely cared about her!  She could see it in His eyes.  He loved her - even though this was the first time He'd met her!  She felt His warmth and acceptance.  No shame, no guilt - only peace and joy!  And then - He was gone!

We don't hear much public confession these days - not even in the church.  Perhaps we're too proud;  or too fearful.  

It's interesting how we elevate certain scriptures and seem to ignore others.  

James 5:13-20 is one of those passages that seems to be largely ignored in many churches today.  

At Monacrest this past Sunday, Pastor Raeanne singled out a person with a physical need for prayer.  She invited anyone who cared to come and 'lay hands on her'.  It was a beautiful response as people from all around the congregation moved immediately to her seat and physically participated in this focused prayer time!  I was moved by the caring!  

Her need was made public.  There was no judgment or shame.  Only caring and concern.  It was what one would expect to see in a church setting where we claim to love one another!  

This passage clearly exhorts us:

"Make this your common practice:  Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed."  [v.16]

Not many study the history of the great revivals, but the record clearly indicates that they ALL began with public confession of sin!  

Hmmm...maybe we should take a second look at this passage?  

HIS TOUCH

[Luke 8:40-42;  49-56]

Imagine that you’re a father with a twelve-year-old daughter who is dying and there’s nothing that can be done to save her.

Then, suddenly, someone mentions that Jesus – the Healer – is in a nearby town.  You run to intercept Him and tell Him about your daughter.  To your joy, He is willing to come and see her.  However, as you hurry along the road, Jesus is interrupted by another healing opportunity and precious time is lost.  You don’t want to be rude;  many people are hurting and need Jesus.  Yet, you tap your foot impatiently, hoping that He will soon be free to continue the trip to your home and your precious daughter.

But your heart sinks as you see some of your friends approaching quickly.  You can tell from the looks on their faces that they bear bad news.  If only Jesus hadn’t been interrupted.  You’re instantly filled with a sick feeling.  Sadness clogs your throat. 

In that instant, Jesus touches your arm and says – for only you to hear – “Don’t be upset.  Just trust me and everything will be all right.”  Something about His touch and His words affects you deeply.  It’s beyond understanding, but you do trust Him. 

It seems like only moments later that you and Jesus arrive at your home and are ushered into the room where the lifeless girl lies.  Family and friends are weeping – sobbing.  Sorrow fills the atmosphere!  And rightly so.  Jesus tells them all, “Don’t cry.  She didn’t die.  She’s sleeping.”  They laughed at Him.  They knew she was dead.

Jesus expels everyone except you, your wife and three of His disciples.  He takes her hand and speaks to her:  “My dear child, get up.”  She was up in an instant and breathing again!  Imagine your joy, your shock, your gratitude!  Your daughter was dead and now she’s alive!  Jesus tells you not to speak of what happened in this room, but you can’t comply – YOUR DAUGHTER IS ALIVE AGAIN! 

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WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE FROM JESUS' LIFE AND MINISTRY?

Well, clearly, we learn to trust in Jesus!  He has all the time in the world and is never rushed!  Keep trusting Him regardless of the circumstances - and everything will be all right.

But, Hal, children die every day!  How is that all right?

This is an essential question!  Our prayers are not always answered in the way we desire.  This vignette had a happy ending;  sometimes that is not the case.  

Debbie and I know this very personally.  When our lives were disrupted in early October, 2015, we flew immediately to our son's bedside in Honolulu.  We kept vigil there for nearly a week:  praying over him, singing to him, stroking his face, holding his hand, speaking tender words of affection and hope to him.  Then, the doctors told us it was over.  

We had to stay for over a week waiting for the memorial service in the chapel to be completed.  There we were, in Paradise for a week with no desire to enjoy our surroundings and its many pleasures.  We were in pain!  Debbie wailed in frequent outbursts of anguish.  Our son was gone - just before turning forty.  This was not a happy ending.  

But God has given us a caveat for situations like this.  Don't scoff at this, these are some of the most significant words in the New Testament.

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and live according to His purpose."

We clung to these words!  We believed them to be true.  Just as much as when Jesus touched the man's arm and said, "Don't be upset.  Just trust me and everything will be all right."  

And He has seen us through this painful loss!  We still grieve.  Occasionally, we're overcome with pain and sorrow at our tremendous loss.  Tears still flow.  Debbie doesn't wail anymore;  she gets quiet and withdrawn.  A few are sensitive to notice it and comfort her.  I always see it.  Holding her is the best I can do to comfort her.  

AND HE DOESN'T LOVE US ANY MORE THAN HE LOVES YOU!  His promise in Romans 8:28 is just as valid for you as it is for us!  Just trust Him - and He will see you through!  

THE MOST MISERABLE MAN IN THE BIBLE!

 "Um, Jesus, you’re a nice man and it’s clear that You have amazing power and can do remarkable things, but we’ve talked it over and we’d like You to leave our area.”

You’re making this up, Hal!

No.  No, I’m not!  It comes straight from Luke 8:37 [my paraphrase, of course]. 

Jesus had crossed the Sea of Galilee to the country of the Gerasenes.  Upon stepping off the boat, He was confronted by a wild man who had – for some time – been possessed by a mob of demons!  He had terrified the countryside with his acts of violence and threats [this sounds so 21^st century!].  He’d intentionally hurt himself repeatedly.  He ran around with no clothes.  He slept in the cemetery.  He had been bound repeatedly, but the demons gave him the strength to break his bonds and escape! 

BEFORE WE CONTINUE…

Let’s consider the plight of this man.  Have you ever felt miserable?  Has depression robbed you of your joy?  Have you suffered the torment of bad decisions and wrongful acts?  Have you experienced demonic oppression or possession? 

As evil as he comes across, this man was suffering!  He had no friends.  He was rejected by the community.  He was feared.  He had no place to live.  He had no resources.  Nobody cared about him.  No one reached out to him.  He never felt the touch of compassion or caring. 

THIS WAS A MISERABLE MAN!

BACK TO OUR STORY…

Jesus – upon confronting him – asked him his name.  The demons rushed to the opportunity and spoke on his behalf:  “Legion”  [At that time, a legion represented 3,000-6,000 Roman soldiers!!!!!!!!!]

Take note:  this man couldn’t even speak freely.  Did he even remember his own birth name?  Had he completely lost the ability of speech? 

Another note:  the demons immediately began begging Jesus not to send them into the abyss!  THEY RECOGNIZED THE LORD OF ALL CREATION – AND THEY KNEW HIS POWER!  They had an ominous sense that they were about to be dealt with harshly. 

In a panic, they looked around and saw a herd of pigs.  They needed a host, so asked Jesus to send them into the pigs instead of the abyss. 

ANOTHER DIVERSION…

Why were these demons so desperate to NOT be sent back to the abyss?  What is the abyss? 

It’s not a stretch to assume that the abyss is Hell – from which they originally came! 

Now think about it:  these demons begged Jesus not to send them back to Hell!  What does that tell us about Hell?  It is a place of suffering and misery, pain and anguish, torment and regret!  A place to be avoided – even by demons.

You know the rest of the story.  Jesus allows them to enter the pigs.  The pigs immediately sense the presence of evil and torment and rush into the sea, where they all drown.

Turn your head toward the man again.  It’s as though he awoke from a trance.  He is IMMEDIATELY RELIEVED!  I imagine he was exhausted.  Caring people get him some clothes and food.  He sits and talks with Jesus.  He is – for the first time in a long time – in his right mind! 

But the people from the area are terrified by what they’ve witnessed.  Someone’s pigs have been destroyed.   The Message reports:  “…too much change, too fast, and they were scared.” [v.37]

“Um, Jesus, you’re a nice man and it’s clear that You have amazing power and can do remarkable things, but we’ve talked it over and we’d like You to leave our area.”

And He did! 

The man – whose real name we never discover – begged to be allowed to go with Jesus.  Can you blame him?  But Jesus told him to go home and tell people about his experience.  “So he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.” [v.39]

______________________________________

Way back in the 1980’s and 90’s, there was a plethora of books, magazine articles and even conferences about spiritual warfare.  Today, we hear very little – if anything – on this subject.

It might be time to dig out some of those books and review their content.  We are immersed in a spiritual struggle and Satan’s power is captivating more and more in his grip. 

There are specific weapons that are used for spiritual warfare that need to be rediscovered and used.  Some are:

·         Prayer in Jesus’ name

·         Agreement prayer

·         Fasting and prayer

See the common thread here?

Jesus touched lepers, but He never touched a demon-possessed person! 

There’s much to be learned.  There’s a need for holy boldness!  There’s a need for deep caring and a sacrificial commitment! 

Lord Jesus,

Help us in this spiritual conflict!

We need wisdom, courage, and experience

to be able to deal with the terrible realities of our world.

People are suffering!

The church is ignoring its responsibility.

It’s up to us to make a difference.

Fill us with Your powerful Holy Spirit!

Holy Spirit, guide us, empower us, and use us

to accomplish Your desires.

For the Kingdom’s sake.

AMEN!