Today’s Word Is HELPFUL

Fri-Apr-17-2020
It’s Humor Day

A guy named Darnell is at the Pearly Gates, next in line for a chat with St. Peter, and finally steps forward. St. Peter starts thumbing through the Book of Life to find his name. Darnell is worried that it is taking so long. Finally, St. Peter says, “Well, here you are! I found it! I see you are a faithful believer.”

“Yes sir, that’s right, born again, trusting in Jesus,” says Darnell. “And I am thankful to be here.”

St. Peter says, “I see lots of interesting stories in here about kind things you have done. You seem to have a great reputation for being helpful when people are in need. Tell me, what’s your most memorable story of helping someone in need?”

Darnell commences, “Well, probably the scariest moment of trying to help someone was the time when I came around a corner after dark in the city and there was a gang in the alley beating up an elderly gentleman. I just had to help him out. I grabbed an iron pipe on the ground, ran down the alley right into the middle of them. I walked straight up to the leader of the gang, a huge guy with a studded leather jacket and a chain running from his nose to his ear. At that point, the gang members formed a circle around me. So, I ripped the leader’s chain off his face and smashed him over the head with the pipe. Then I turned around and yelled to the rest of them, ‘Leave this poor innocent man alone, you slime! You’re all a bunch of sick, deranged animals! Go home before I teach you all a lesson in pain!’”

St. Peter says, “Really? That sounds like a frightful situation. However, I do not see this story in the Book. When did this happen?”

 And Darnell says, “About five minutes ago.”

I hope you have a reputation for being helpful. In Chattanooga, we are not only dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, but in the last few days we have the added tragedy of a series of tornadoes. Emergency Management says that over 1,000 structures were damaged, with 344 of those being completely destroyed. This amounts to approximately $300 million in damage, with 450 persons displaced from their homes and 2 known deaths in Hamilton County.

I am thankful for Nathan and Jason, who both have a reputation for being helpful and who responded with generator power. There are hundreds more like them out there helping one another recover from this destructive event.

It particularly pleases me to see the Christian community responding to these needs. Interestingly, the Thursday Bible Gateway verse of the day is … “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:8)

Because we love one another, we help when there is a need.

Enjoy your weekend, including family, rest, and worship,

Yes, you can worship at home!

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is HOSPITALITY

Wed-Apr-15-2020

“The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.” – N. D. Kalu (former NFL defensive lineman)

Several years ago, we bought a new home that suited our desires better. One thing we wanted to do was to entertain guests more often. Previously we had an open space on the main floor where a few people could hang out. Then there was a finished basement downstairs with another den. Now we have a one-level space with a larger gathering area.

The sale of the old and purchase of the new has a God-story in it. We understand that this is not “our” house … it belongs to God, as do all our possessions, along with ourselves. Thus, we are now able to  use our home for larger family gatherings and for entertaining more friends. A playroom next to the great room was part of the design to bless our grandkids, as well as the children of our visitors.

All of this is because we believe that the principle of hospitality is central to our Christian faith. We have hosted several people who have stayed with us a night or two or more in our new home. One had an apartment emergency and needed a place to stay temporarily. Another came as a guest after being incarcerated, and upon release needed temporary housing.

And we didn’t just start this recently. In many of our homes we have housed our parents, family members, and others for extended stays. But, of course, you should do hospitality your way. It doesn’t have to be large groups or extended stays. Maybe it is another couple for dinner, or a few friends occasionally, or even a weekly Bible study. All of this “social distancing” because of the Corona Virus has made us miss having guests. My wife and I can’t wait to get back to hosting friends and family.

If you are like us, then at some point along the way you will have to face your adversity to being inconvenienced, and finally submit to God’s little tests to see if you are willing to drop your selfishness, pride, and affinity to comfort in exchange for the chance to make a difference in someone else’s life. You will eventually forget most of your dislike for being inconvenienced and think more about the joy of serving others.

This is what it takes to have an attitude of hospitality. And leaving a legacy of hospitality will inspire others to do the same.

“Be sure to welcome strangers into your home. By doing this, some people have welcomed angels as guests, without even knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2 CEV)

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is FOCUS

Tue-Apr-14-2020

Today’s devotional is short since my laptop has only a small amount of battery power. We have been without electricity at our home for almost 24 hours. This is due to a series of tornadoes that struck Chattanooga last night and inflicted tremendous destruction. Thankfully, our home was not damaged. Please lift up prayers for those who have suffered from the devastation. And now, a brief word of encouragement.

“Obstacles are those frightful things we see when we take our eyes off our goal.” – Henry Ford

What we are focusing on definitely affects our progress and likelihood of success.

“Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” – Matthew 14:29-30

Yes, the wind and the storm are there. And it is okay to know that. Jesus wasn’t unaware of the storm; he just knew how to walk above it. Simon Peter learned a lesson that day … the difference between awareness and focus. This lesson applies to us as well … learning how to speak and to practice this principle … I am aware of the storm, but I am focused on Jesus.

You may be one of those folks who does it the other way around … aware of Jesus but focused on the storm. Maybe you never realized that’s what you’ve been doing.

Others of us may be well-grounded and focused, but still at certain times can get overwhelmed. So, we say to ourselves s-l-o-w-l-y …  I am aware of the storm, but I am focused on Jesus.

Trying to stay focused,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is DOUBT

Mon-Apr-13-2020

The Disciple Thomas is a hero, and referring to him as “Doubting Thomas” seems a bit harsh to me. I would rather call him the “gung-ho disciple.” In Jewish terminology, they would say that Thomas had chutzpah (pron “hootspa”), meaning audacity. And as such, he’s not in bad company. In the Old Testament, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, and King David all had chutzpa! You could say bold, brash, and determined.

In John Chapter 11, when Lazarus died and Jesus was going to go to Bethany, the other disciples hesitated, reminding Jesus that the Jews were plotting to kill him, and it would be a dangerous place to go. But not Thomas, oh no, he was ready! So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” (John 11:16) If Jesus wants to go face the threat of death, then me, too. I’m in! … Now, that’s chutzpah.

And it was Thomas who spoke up at the Last Supper when Jesus said he was going away. Jesus said, “And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” (John 14:4-5) Don’t you think all of them wanted to ask? Not even Peter spoke up. But when Thomas said “we” don’t know, none of the others denied it. And that’s when Jesus gave him that great answer, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” (v.6)

Now we fast-forward to after the resurrection, when on that Sunday later in the day, Jesus came to the disciples in the upper room where they were secluded. For whatever reason, Thomas was not there, when suddenly Jesus appeared to them, showing them his wounds and saying, “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” (John 20:21)

When they told Thomas they had seen the Lord, his chutzpah came out. But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” (John 20:25)

Let me encourage you, if you sometimes are experiencing doubts. It’s OK. Doubt comes in several forms, some helpful, some dangerous. I would say our goal is to eventually overcome all doubt, but it will come easy for some and hard for others, quickly for some and decades later for others. Can you be a believer and have doubts at the same time? Based on the disciples, I say yes.

Thomas wasn’t the only disciple struggling with doubt. Luke records one of Jesus’ appearances to the disciples like this, But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself.” (Luke 24:37-39) More than just Thomas were struggling to understand this unbelievable turn of events.

Furthermore, at the end of Matthew, Jesus met them a final time on the mountain. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. (Matthew 28:17) So, if you struggle with doubt, you are not alone. Some of the disciples did, too. Just keep on struggling through it. By the way, every single one of the disciples were witnesses and evangelists until the end. All were executed for their beliefs except John, who was exiled to an island.

Now, wrapping up with Thomas, what do you think? Did Jesus know that Thomas was not going to be there on his first appearance to the upper room? Of course, he did. So, why didn’t Jesus just wait until they were all there, including Thomas? I don’t know that answer, but I do know that Thomas ended up with a unique blessing. Jesus returned eight days later with a personal message. Then He said to Thomas, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.” Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:27-28)

The important question you must answer about your times of doubt is whether you want to keep it or let it go. Thomas was up front about saying he would let it go if he could see Jesus. Thomas had chutzpah, and he was not about to be labeled as “the disciple who was absent when Jesus appeared,” or “the only disciple who didn’t get to see the resurrected Lord, because he was off doing something else.” Thomas wanted the same privilege and experience as the rest, to see his risen Lord. And Jesus appeared especially for him.

And because of what Jesus did for Thomas, this disciple with chutzpah traveled to India, 2,500 miles away. Arriving in 52 AD, he fulfilled his calling to preach the Gospel in Eastern Asia. Many modern Christians who are descended from that area of India still call themselves “St. Thomas Christians” in his honor.

Doubt doesn’t have to hold you back. Sometimes doubt is the best incubator for faith! I can personally vouch for that.

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is FINISHED

Good Friday
Fri-Apr-10-2020

The foundation of our salvation is the combination of the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. There is not one without the other. It would be like asking, “Which is more important, breathing out or breathing in?” The Crucifixion is the breathing out – getting rid of the carbon dioxide, the poison, the sin. Breathing in is the Resurrection – filling with oxygen, new life, the Holy Spirit.

Today we focus on the Crucifixion. It was foretold in prophecy in numerous ways. Isaiah Chapter 53 is all about Jesus … (v.3) He was despised and rejected by men — (v.4) Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows — (v.5) But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities — (v.7) He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,  yet he opened not his mouth — (v.9) although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth — (v.17) because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.

King David said some prophetic things about Jesus in Psalm 22. And, among the seven “words” of Jesus from the cross, there is a quote from Psalm 22:1 … “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34)

In my early years, I had to struggle and come to terms with that verse. Many explanations that I heard did not make sense to me. Like this one … because Jesus took on our sin, God had to turn away from him because he couldn’t look at all that sin. Well, my thought is that God looks at sin all the time. He may not like the sin, but it is in his people, and he loves his people.

Another thought I have is that I thought Jesus’ death on the cross was part of the plan. So why would God have to look away from Jesus as he carried out the plan they made together?

If you read all of Psalm 22, you discover by the end that although David felt in his humanity that God had forsaken him, David finally affirms that God was there for him, and he was not really forsaken, but he did feel like it. This is what I think Jesus was experiencing. He knew the plan, that he would have to go to the cross. But while on that cross, he felt alone and helpless. It’s not that God was now rejecting him, it’s more like he was experiencing from a human standpoint what death and suffering felt like.

Besides his human emotion on the cross causing him to cry out to God about feeling forsaken, there is another angle to this. If you read all of Psalm 22, you will see that, just like Isaiah 53, it is a description of Jesus, with many details about the Crucifixion.

Psalm 22 (v.7-8) All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; “He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!” — (v.16) For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet — (v.18) they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.

Now, the Pharisees and teachers standing at the cross should know about Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22, right? And here is Jesus, dying on the cross as described in that Psalm. So, Jesus quotes the first verse as his expression of pain and helplessness. The teachers and rabbis who take students to school them in Scripture do an interesting thing. They will quote the first verse of a Psalm, perhaps, and the student is supposed to know the rest of the Psalm. It’s almost like Jesus is inviting them to quote the rest of the Psalm and discover that they are crucifying the Messiah … that they are, in fact, fulfilling a prophecy!

There is one other of the seven words of Jesus that relates to Psalm 22 … When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:30)

He was, in effect, quoting the meaning of the last verse of Psalm 22 (v.31) They shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that he has done it.”

Yes! Yes! Yes! He has done it! It is finished! To his last breath he was obedient!

This terrible, dark day of the Crucifixion is for you and me. And, since we are now 2,000 years removed and understand its meaning, it is in one sense both the worst day and the best day. We get tears and agonize over his suffering, while at the same time find ourselves filled with thanksgiving and praise. We know we are not worthy of such love, yet we love the Savior who did for us what we could not do for ourselves — paying the price for every sin we ever committed or ever will commit.

Glory to His Name!

Chaplain Mark

The Crucifixion and the Resurrection Work Together in Salvation

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures …” (1st Corinthians 15:3)

And then … “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

Today’s Word Is PROPOSAL

Holy Thursday
Thu-Apr-9-2020

I proposed to my wife on Labor Day weekend 37 years ago on a spiritual life weekend held at my grandfather’s farm in Little Creek, Virginia, while hiking in the woods. You know how it goes in our culture … you find someone you like, date awhile, fall in love, make a proposal, and if the answer is yes, you get married.

Ancient Hebrew custom was a little different … actually, a lot different. Two large families that had sons or daughters that “needed to be getting married” would discuss an arrangement. This was not arbitrary, it was well thought out, but guided mostly by the parents of the two candidates. The young man and woman were quite pleased with this arrangement and the two families were all in on the excitement. When a mutual decision had been reached to proceed with a marriage, the first step was the official proposal. The groom-to-be would go to the home of the bride-to-be to propose, and it might be local, or it could be quite a journey.

Now, before I tell how he proposed, let me add another twist that is quite different from our culture. Families stuck together … big families  … extended families. When the next generation got married, they would add on a room to the “big house.” It may or may not be physically connected, but it was close by, next door, sort of like a community, with generations and cousins. In fact, for a young man to take his bride and leave both their homes and move far away would have relayed the message that they were rejecting their families and breaking ties. You see, under their conditions, they needed to all stick together to survive and build wealth.

I am writing all of this for what we call Holy Thursday (or Maundy Thursday), our remembrance of the Last Supper of Jesus and the disciples. Jesus taught them many things that night, which are described best in John chapters 13-17 (yes, 5 chapters of what went on during the Passover meal and their walk to the Garden of Gethsemane). We know, of course, that Jesus offered bread and wine to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19) … And likewise, the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (Luke 22:20)

Back to the groom-to-be proposing to the bride-to-be … but keeping in mind what happened at the Last Supper. The groom enters the home of his beloved and has a meeting with her and her father. He offers to make a new covenant with her in marriage. Then, he gets out … not a ring … but a goblet and a skein of wine. He pours it and then offers it to her. If she takes it and drinks it, then she has said “yes.” Now, he goes back to his father to “prepare a place for her, so that where he is, she may be also.” (Sound familiar?)

Jesus said to the disciples on their last night, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:1-3)

You and I have also been invited into this New Covenant, and by saying yes, we enter his community, his Kingdom. It is good to remember each time we participate in Holy Communion, that by receiving the bread and the cup, we once again celebrate this gift.

This Kingdom is eternal. Someday, Jesus will return to take us home. When? No one knows the day or hour, but we must be ready. Jesus told the disciples, “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Mark 13:32)

Why is that? Well, back to the groom and bride … when the son goes back to his father, he begins to prepare a home for his bride. How long will that take? Well, it could be weeks or months and often more. Only the father knows. The son might build something quickly and think he is ready, but the place must be to the satisfaction of the father. Dad might say, “Not good enough,” and tell him to fix this or add that. And when the father says it is ready, the groom goes to get the bride, bringing her home accompanied by her family, where there is a marriage ceremony, a great feast, and a few days of celebration.

In Scripture, the Church of true believers is called the bride of Christ. “And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” (Revelation 21:2) The Father will send the Son to come for us, at an hour we do not know, and take us home.

The Last Supper was an amazing evening, and we will discuss more of it in the days ahead. But for now, we know that Friday is coming, and Jesus will make a sacrifice sufficient to cover the sins of the whole world. I hope you have accepted this free gift of salvation and entered into a relationship with the Savior.

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is BETRAY

Wed-Apr-8-2020

This is about Judas. But it’s not just about Judas. It’s about what he represents. Betrayal is a harsh word that we wouldn’t want to use lightly or mistakenly label someone with. Betrayal is the last step of a process that probably had what seemed to be a noble beginning or at least a harmless purpose.

It starts with the idea that “I have a better way of doing things.” And that is a pride issue. In the case of Judas, this was complicated by the fact that he thought he had Jesus’ agenda figured out. This created a license in his mind to make judgment calls about what Jesus should be doing to fulfill his purpose.

Prior to the betrayal of Jesus, there is only one Gospel narrative that involves Judas. In the text below I am going to replace the words “300 denarii” with the value of today, which would be about $54,000.

John 12:1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for [$54,000.00] and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”

Judas clearly thought Jesus had made a mistake in allowing this usage of the perfume. Judas had a better idea – give it to the poor. After all, doesn’t that reflect more of what Jesus is all about? And there’s the problem. Judas did not know what Jesus’ high purpose was. And John was right … Judas did not care about the poor … he cared about having a better idea … he cared about looking good in the eyes of others … he cared about himself.

A self-centered person can easily justify their words and deeds as acceptable, and then look at you like, “Don’t you get it?” I’m sure you know people like this. Their statements and actions often leave you baffled. How did you come to such a mistaken conclusion!?

Fast-forwarding to the final week that we call Holy Week, Judas has a better idea again. I can set up a confrontation and we will find out some things, and I can make a little money in the deal. Will the Pharisees really destroy him? And will Jesus really let that happen?

You know the rest of the story. Jesus calls him out at the Last Supper. After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” (John 13:21) It is Judas, and Jesus hands him some bread dipped in wine as a sign. Then after [Judas] had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” (v. 27)

Obviously, this did not all work out as Judas expected. Was he thinking Jesus would rise up and defeat the enemy and take over? Who knows? But he took the betrayal money back and went and committed suicide.

Here’s my point for today. The heart of faithfulness and belief is to trust God to set the higher purposes and guide the course of our lives, even when it doesn’t make sense to us. Our world is full of people who have ideas about how God could do things differently and better. The Israelites fleeing from Egypt couldn’t resist confronting Moses at moments when God didn’t seem to care. Moses certainly had some difficult exchanges with God, raising his own questions at times. But the difference between Moses and the people was that Moses obeyed because he trusted.

I hear this all the time … and you do, too … How could God let this happen? Why doesn’t God fix this and change that? I have also had such questions along the way. But … although I can’t identify the exact moment it happened, nevertheless, I changed. I began to trust the story God was shaping. I learned that if anything needs changing, it is me. I realized that what I don’t understand will make sense someday … if not in this life, then in heaven.

People ask why would Jesus be the only way to God? Doesn’t God love us enough to let us get to heaven in these other ways I’ve heard about? That is not faith. Faith says, “God knows why.” Faith says, “Let go and let God.” Faith says, “God’s Word is true.”

The road to betrayal starts with thinking, “I have a better idea than God does.” Don’t go down that road.

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is TEMPLE

Tue-Apr-7-2020

In the Old Testament, the Temple represented the presence of God as the center of the faith community. There was an outer court where people gathered, an inner court or Holy Place where sacrifices took place, and an innermost room, called the Holy of Holies, where the Spirit of God dwelt. In this innermost place was the Ark of the Covenant, a large golden chest, which contained a golden pot of manna from the wilderness, Aaron’s wooden rod which budded, and the tablets of stone containing the Ten Commandments.

Cloth partitions divided areas, including an enormous high and thick cloth surrounding the Holy of Holies. This was the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit would go out from there to do Kingdom work in the land where God needed it.

By the time of Jesus, the Temple had become a marketplace of vendors selling various animals to be used for sacrifice, as well as various religious trinkets. Activity was especially great during Passover. And during the final week of Jesus’ life, he entered this commotion to right a wrong.

And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” (Matthew 21:12-13)

The problem was that the hearts of the leaders were not right. In modern Western thinking, we consider that getting your heart right with God is about confession, attitude, positive thoughts, good intentions, and right beliefs. In the Jewish culture, the heart was a symbol of your will (your decision-maker). Thus, if someone wanted to check out whether your heart was right with God, they wouldn’t ask you what you believe, they would look at what kind of decisions you make, and what kind of activities are going on in your life. It was a contradiction to say that you loved God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and with praise and worship, and yet your life reflected something else.

Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple signified that what was going on in this Holy Place was not consistent with their faith. What was believed about the meaning of the Temple did not match up with what you observed when you were there. The next verse after the cleansing of the Temple says this, “And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them.” (Matthew 21:14) Now that’s what is supposed to be going on in the Temple!

On the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, great storms and earthquakes took place. And during this violent weather, a strange thing happened. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. (Matthew 27:51)

My friend Charlie tells me this is the reaction of God to those who hated his Messiah so much that they would be the perpetrators of the crucifixion. The Jews had two practices that indicated their objection to something that was wrong. First, if there were someone making false claims or spreading bad teaching in the public places of discussion, listeners would bend over and pick up a handful of dirt and toss it in the air. (We would be more likely to “boo” them in our day.)

Second, if something blasphemous was said, they would tear their clothing. When Caiaphas the High Priest was interviewing Jesus, and Jesus said, “You say that I am,” (meaning the Messiah), Caiaphas stood and tore his robe in half, “top to bottom” (Matthew 26:65).

Well, when God tosses dirt in the air (earthquakes) and rips his clothing from top to bottom (the curtain in the Temple), he does it in a big way!!

What happened that day was that the Holy Spirit left the Temple in Jerusalem, and 50 days later at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came to live in the hearts of believers. And that’s what happens to us when we repent, believe, and receive salvation … the Holy Spirit comes to live within us. Your spirit comes alive by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. (1st Corinthians 6:19)

My wife had a revelation several years ago, in which it came to her that Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple is a reminder to us that we, too, need to keep the new temple (our lives) cleansed. Just as Jesus got rid of those who robbed the Temple of its holiness, so we must get rid of those things which rob us of the peace, joy, and good things of God. We look to see if the activities and atmosphere of our lives reflect the faith, love, and worship which dwells in and sounds forth from the holy place called “me.”

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is BELIEVING

Mon-Apr-6-2020

The old phrase, “seeing is believing,” is only half the truth. Do you really have to see something first to believe it, or are you supposed to believe it first before you can see it? In the ministry of Jesus, it happened both ways. Sometimes “believing precedes seeing.”

For instance … And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” (Matthew 9:20-22) She believed first and as a result received her healing.

On the other hand, after Jesus had chosen his first disciples, he attended a wedding with his mother. It was there that he turned water to wine. “This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.” (John 2:11) They saw first and then believed.

Both of these scenarios happened many times in the ministry of Jesus. Sometimes people believed first and then the miracle came. And as a result of that, many others believed after they saw it.

The reason I raise this question at the beginning of Holy Week is because the day is coming on Easter Sunday when something difficult to believe, from the world’s standpoint, is about to happen … the resurrection of Jesus. It was well-known that Jesus foretold this. Not only did his followers know it, but so did the Pharisees and Temple guards. After Jesus was put in the tomb, the following discussion took place.

The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” (Matthew 27:62-64)

Jesus had begun his ministry at age 30, and up to that point in Jewish history, several resurrections had already happened that all Jews, especially the Pharisees, would know about. The prophet Elijah raised one. And the prophet Elisha raised one. Plus, there was the guy who, fortunately for him, had his dead body laid down in Elisha’s grave, and then came to life!

And now, here was Jesus, hundreds of years after the prophets, saying publicly, at least indirectly, that he was the Chosen One, and seemingly saying that his death was imminent, and even further, comparing himself to Jonah’s three days in the whale. (See Matthew 12 below.) He was explaining prophecies about the death and resurrection of the Messiah that were not being taught in the synagogues!

So, let’s go to one week before the annual Passover celebration in the third and final year of Jesus’ ministry, when a sad thing happened … Jesus’ good friend Lazarus got sick and died. Then Jesus told [the disciples] plainly, “Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” (John 11:14-15) So, Jesus and the disciples journeyed to Bethany, arriving four days after his burial. This was a personal loss to Jesus, as he often stayed in the home of Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha.

When Jesus arrived, Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:21) And in verse 25, Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

I’m sure everyone there, including Martha, knew that Jesus had previously raised two from the dead, a widow’s son and an official’s daughter. But this was her brother. This was personal. That is the moment when we are tested greatly … when it is about “me.”

There are many times that my faith needs strengthening, and sometimes what I must do is relive this moment when Jesus looks Martha in the eye and says, “Do you believe this?” When I think of Jesus standing face-to-face in front of me, I pretty much start melting, and my eyes moisten. He is nothing but pure love. And whatever it is that I am having difficulty with, I can already begin to sense that he knows my struggle and that I am going to be alright.

I believe Jesus wanted Martha, when asked “Do you believe this?’, to immediately say “yes,” even though Lazarus was still dead. He wanted her to believe that there is a resurrection of faith and life about to happen.

What seems impossible to us is altogether possible for him. We don’t have to “see” in order to say, “I believe.”

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Matthew 12:38-41

38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” 39 But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.

Today’s Word Is PARADE

Fri-Apr-3-2020

I am not observing “Friday Humor Day” today or next Friday in deference to the Easter season. The next two Sundays, Palm Sunday and Easter, are the most significant of the year for us as Christians.

Now you may not be used to observing Palm Sunday or putting it up there at the top along with Easter. As Christians, we celebrate the birth of the King on Christmas. On Palm Sunday he declared it. On Easter, he proved it.

Just in case you don’t remember the details of Palm Sunday, I have placed it at the bottom, from Luke 19: 29-44. You scroll down and read it now if you need to.

After three years of Jesus’ ministry, filled with teachings and miracles, the Pharisees and other leaders were in the process of planning how to kill him. They were offended by his teachings in which he was clearly claiming to be the Messiah, the Chosen One of God. And they were losing their hold on the masses of people who followed him, common folks who found hope in him and were amazed at his miracles.

Jesus knew that the Pharisees’ opposition was a signal that the time had come to fulfill his purpose, the sacrifice of his life for the sins of the people. The approaching week was the annual celebration of the passover, a somber festival to remember their escape from bondage in Egypt. The Israelites had suffered as slaves in Egypt for 400 years, but God sent Moses to lead them out. God instructed them to sacrifice a lamb and place the blood on their doorposts, so that when the angel of death came he would “pass over” their houses and they would avoid the 10th and final plague of the killing of the firstborn. Passover was a remembrance of this.

So, as Jesus prepared to enter Jerusalem for this festival, he knew this would be the year of the ultimate Passover, with a capital P, in which the Lamb, with a capital L, would be sacrificed as an all-sufficient, one-time atonement for the past, present, and future sins of all humanity.

Before we proceed with the parade into town, take note that there are two kingdoms throughout history – the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world. A Messianic Jewish teacher, whose lessons I am reading, calls them the kingdom of Empire and the kingdom of Shalom (Hebrew for peace). Empire operates by power, wealth, and control. God’s Kingdom of Shalom operates by hospitality, humility, sacrifice, love, faith, and forgiveness.

In ancient history, a conquering warrior-king, who returned to his city after victory in battle, rode on a white stallion, a symbol of power. Jesus rode into Jerusalem that Sunday on a donkey, a symbol of humility. He was teaching us: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6) As he rode along, crowds lined the roads, shouting his name as King, declaring the wonders of his miracles, and waving palm branches as a message of honor and peace and hope.

The world’s Empire power approach will never defeat the Kingdom of God. And Jesus, as the leader of the parade into Jerusalem, was proclaiming this truth. The Jewish power machine had tried to silence him. Now they were going to kill him. And he was going to allow them to do it.

The crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus, coming up in the following week, would be the proof that it is God’s Kingdom that is forever. For us, there is a choice – Shalom or Empire – God’s way or the world’s way. If you choose God’s way, you can practice humility and sacrifice and never be defeated. The world’s attempt to kill Jesus was not counting on a resurrection. And that is what we count on.

We can recall the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem when we need assurance. The people are shouting “king,” but his garment is not a royal robe; it is homespun and simple. He is not on a “warhorse,” but a beast of burden. His “court” is made up of fishermen and hated tax collectors. His “parade” is an array of common people.

Yet no pageant that ever passed through the streets of any city has so set its mark on time as this one. The triumphal entries of the Romans and all other empires have long since been forgotten or become irrelevant. But this one, with Jesus on a donkey, is known and retold in every detail, year after year, century after century.

Blessing you with peace as you follow God’s parade,

Chaplain Mark

NOTE: The Jewish teaching I referred to is called the Bema Podcast, by Marty Solomon, and is worth listening to on your favorite Podcast App.

The Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, which we call Palm Sunday, from Luke 19: 29-44

As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it.'” Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They replied, “The Lord needs it.”

They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it, and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace–but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”