Fully Trained

Some of Jesus’ teaching are so familiar we tend to gloss over them. Well, of course, we say. Until we try to live them. Then they become difficult.

Teachings like, If you love those who love, what credit is that to you . . . love your enemies. . . . (Lk. 6:32a,35a NIV)

Perhaps we have trouble living the teachings of Jesus because we do not submit to his training. Jesus told us we would never rise above our master. He said, everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. (v. 40b)

So who is our master? Is it Jesus?

The ability to love those who do not love in return is not natural. We cannot love on our own even when we try to love. But we can love if we focus on Jesus, because we discover He loves us. If we demonstrate love because we know by faith that He is alive—and that He lives in us—His love becomes reality through us.

Jesus trains us when we look to Him. It can become a lifestyle.

Originally published June 21, 1985.
Picture: Como Park Conservatory, St. Paul, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

He Gave Up His Plan

When people love God, they want to do something for Him. David had the power to do big things, and he wanted to build a temple for God’s glory. See now, he said, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells inside tent curtains. (II Sam. 7:2b NKJV) As a reigning king who had won many battles, he had collected much spoil that would provide precious metals to be used in the structure. It was an exciting project. (II Chron. 22)

God understood and valued David’s intentions. But God had a different plan. While David desired to build an earthly house for God, God desired to build a spiritual house through David. God said, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body . . . He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. (II Sam. 7:12b,13)

David might have been disappointed. (In fact, much later, Solomon referred to his father's disappointment.) However, instead of focusing on his loss, David focused on God's promise to him for the future generations. In response to a the prophet’s Word, he gave up his heartfelt and worthy desire—his precious plan—and submitted to God. He said in his heart, As for God, His way is perfect. . . . (II Sam. 22:31a)

Originally published October 2, 1987.
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Do You Believe the Prophets?

Is it possible to believe without faith? Perhaps knowing truth and walking in truth are not the same? Look at the cases of Governor Festus and King Agrippa.

By way of background, when Paul arrived in Jerusalem, Christians welcomed him gladly but the religious leaders seized him on false charges. Roman soldiers arrested him to avoid a riot and, to avoid certain death at the hands of locals, Paul appealed to the Roman governor.

After languishing in prison for a season, a new governor named Festus came to town. Then King Agrippa, a king with a Semantic heritage, visited Festus. The two rulers reviewed Paul’s case together and Paul was brought before them. Paul used the event as an opportunity to tell the men about Jesus.

Each of the rulers responded based on their unique backgrounds, and each put their spin on Paul's message. Festus had a Roman viewpoint and Paul challenged everything he had learned and believed. He saw the reasoning of Paul’s argument, but he said, “Paul, you are beside yourself. Much learning has made you mad!” (Acts 26:13:NKVJ) He could not—would not—allow an intrusion into his personal views or mindset.

Agrippa, a man acquainted with Scripture, thought differently. Paul asked, “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets?”

Agrippa couldn't discount Paul and he knew the question was not an idle question. Yet he wasn't willing to follow the God of Scripture. “You almost persuade me to become a Christian,” he said. (v. 27,28) He knew Paul spoke truth.

One man rejected truth because he could not comprehend it. The other rejected truth because he did not want to submit to its claims.

Originally published May 15, 1987.

According to His Lovingkindness

Some people are prone to wake up early during the spring season. When the sun rises and light comes through the windows, their inner clock tells them it’s time for another day.

The psalmist of Psalm 119 woke to a different inner clock. He woke and then rose in the Spirit and he looked forward to both a new day and a time of spiritual renewal. It was time to seek God. I rise before the dawning of the morning . . . revive me according to Your justice. (Psalm 119:147a,148a NKJV)

Rising with the concept of justice could be frightening. But if we know in our hearts that God is both just and loving, we are eager to rise early—before dawn. During those quiet morning hours we can seek Him without fear.

When the psalmist rose early, he also prayed, Revive me, O Lord, according to Your loving kindness. (v. 159b) Lovingkindness and Justice—together.

God’s judgments don’t match people’s concept of justice. We can turn to God—put ourselves in God’s hand—submit to His justice and trust in His lovingkindness.

Originally published April 23, 1993.
Picture: Flowers in Hawaii, 2004. Photo by Patty.

Secure and Humble

True humility is not the same as a poor self-image. It is rooted in love, and it is based on a good self-image and emotional security.

Jesus was the most secure person who ever lived; His self-image came from His Heavenly Father. But secure people do not flaunt their security or their position. So on the night of the Passover meal, Jesus displayed the freedom to step down from His position of authority to provided a vivid image of a servant-leader. [He] rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. (Jn. 13:4-5 NKJV)

Although Jesus knew all that lay ahead, and although He knew He could choose to walk away from His impending death, He also knew He would submit to His Father. And submitting to the Father required a servant’s heart. So, during this final meal together, Jesus securely and humbly served His followers.

Originally published July 27, 1990.

His Father's Plan

Imagine riding triumphantly into Jerusalem knowing that crucifixion was in your immediate future. Jesus understood prophecy, and He knew what what was going to happen to Him. He had learned Scriptures as a child and knew many passages that foretold His future. Perhaps Psalm 22 was vivid in His mind: I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. . . . (Ps. 22:14 NKJV)

Nevertheless, Jesus steadfastly rode the donkey forward to meet His destiny. What did He think as He looked out over the large crowd? He could have avoided both the time of praise as He entered the city and the time of confrontation with the Pharisees that would follow.

If He had, He would have avoided His Father’s plan. So He went forward, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and fulfilling what He had said of Himself earlier: I lay down my life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down. . . . (Jn. 10:17b,18a NKJV)

Originally published March 21, 1986
Picture: Landscape, Las Vegas, NV, 2008. Photo by Solveig.