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Would You Like To Get Well? by Rob Haynes

Would You Like To Get Well? by Rob Haynes

1 Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. 2 Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. 3 Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. 5 One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?” 

7 “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.” 

8 Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!” 

9 Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking!

John 5:1-9

 

Why Did Jesus Ask, “Do You Want to Get Well?”

Sometimes, the questions Jesus poses to people give me pause. This is one of those times. It seems like an unusual question to ask someone who had been lying there sick for nearly four decades. He looks at him and asks, “Would you like to get well?” Their conversation does not begin with Jesus declaring that he can make him well. It does not begin with a teaching or a sermon. It begins with a simple question to a man in a dire situation: “Would you like to get well?”

One thought is that the man may not have necessarily wanted a change in his condition. Some commentators on this passage say that the man may have profited from his infirmity. As someone who had no source of income, he would have been forced to beg for his livelihood. Maybe you have seen people today who manipulate their own situations for financial gain. However, the place where Jesus finds him points to a more likely alternative. The pool of Bethesda was believed to be a place of healing. This man likely wanted a different life for himself. 

 

The Man’s Surprising Response to Jesus

His answer to Jesus’ question is even more surprising than Jesus’ opening question. The sick man does not answer, “Yes! Please!” Rather, he tells Jesus of his seemingly impossible situation. He thinks that he can be healed if he is the first to the water when it is stirred up. But he has no way of getting there because someone else always beats him to it. 

The gospel does not tell us the source of this frustration. Does he think that others are treating him unfairly by not giving him the first chance since he’s been that way so long? Does he blame his family or friends for failing to come to his aid? Does he think that other passersby should come along and help him into the water? Does he blame the religious leaders who pretend to show good works to others but fail to help him? Maybe it is one of these, or something else. Maybe it is a combination of some or of them all.

Jesus does not address his complaint. He does not place the blame on the man or on anyone else. Rather, Jesus changes his life. Stand up. Take up the symbol of your illness as a sign of its defeat. Walk into a new way of life. Instantly, the man was not just healed, but he was made whole. He did not need the elixir of the waters of the pool. He did not need someone else to change their habits for his healing. He did not need the religious establishment to change its ways. He needed an encounter with the living Christ.

 

Applying the Story of Bethesda to Our Lives

Maybe you can relate to this man’s plight. Have you dealt with something for years, looking for a cure that seems illusive? It may be physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. Do you long for those around you to come to your aid, but they seem to be ignoring you? Do you wish that family or friends would change their ways? Are you blaming a pastor or other church leader for failing to do what you think should have been done? Are you blaming another for the decline of your church or denomination?

The answer for any of these situations is to first seek the Living Christ. He offers a new life to the man who lay on the mat. The Greek word used for his command “stand up” is the same word he will use later in this chapter for the life-bringing effect of Jesus’ call on the day of resurrection (see verses 28 and 29). Jesus continually declares his mission to offer this new life to anyone who would follow him. He tells them to focus on him first. The call is the same for his followers today.

 

Finding Healing in Christ Today

Let me be clear: if you have a physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual need – seek out professional help. If there is a problem between you and another, seek reconciliation. Remember, all healing comes from Jesus. He tells us to put aside bitterness, envy, and strife. He’s the only one who can make it possible to do so. The command is to take Christ’s hand rather than hold on tightly to grudges.

Would you, really and truly, like to get well? If Jesus asked you the question, how would you answer?

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We Can Never Gain As Much As God Gives by Rob Haynes

We Can Never Gain As Much As God Gives by Rob Haynes

A celebrity was being interviewed on a TV talk show. The host asked, “Can you recall the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you?”

“Yes, Next question!”

 

When Embarrassment Leads to Transformation

Most of us would like to forget our embarrassing or humbling experiences. We would like to move past the things that we aren’t proud of, or don’t put us in a positive light. However, the Bible is full of stories where people share their highest highs and lowest lows. That is because the thing that came after the embarrassing situation was worth more than anything in the world. One such story that is often overlooked is found in Daniel, where King Nebuchadnezzar proclaims to “people of every race and nation” that “’I want you all to know about the miraculous signs and wonders the Most High God has performed for me. How great are his signs, how powerful his wonders! His kingdom will last forever, his rule through all generations.’” (Daniel 4:1-3, NLT)

 

The Humbling of King Nebuchadnezzar

Nebuchadnezzar is more often known for his conquest of Judah, his prophetic dreams, his construction of idols, and his attempt to punish Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego for their refusal to worship a giant idol. It is also worth taking a closer look at the transformation that happens to him in chapter 4. We have an account, mostly in his own words, of another prophetic dream and the subsequent works of God that transform his life. This dream tells him of his own pending humiliation, if he does not give glory to God. The king fails to do so, instead looking upon the riches of his capital city and the empire and claims these to be works of his own “majestic splendor.” (v. 30)

Babylon was, indeed, a majestic city. It was the center of the known world in the areas of art, music, science, mathematics, and literature. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are still considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. True to the vision God gave Nebuchadnezzar he lost it all in an instant. He suffers the fate that so many fear: exclusion, alienation, and abandonment from family and friends. He is forced to live outside for seven years and even eats grass like a cow. He proves that too many times we try to climb ladders of success only to find that we have been leaning them against the wrong walls.

 

Success Is Not Proof of Righteousness

While many of us may not state it this way, an incorrect thinking can sneak in among Christ followers that goes something like this: “”If success is not by might nor by power, then it must be by my righteousness.” God answers through Nebuchadnezzar that our achievements are not by our might nor our own righteousness, but only through his grace. The Lord will use our obedience to bless us, but he is not obligated by our obedience to grant us earthly success.

If we have accomplished anything, it only takes a little reflection to see “worse” people who have done far better—and better people who have done far worse. It would be foolish to claim that our accomplishments are because of some sort of moral superiority. Nebuchadnezzar was the richest, most powerful man. Was he morally good? Absolutely not. He was a cruel, wicked, vindictive man. This flies in the face of a supposed cause-and-effect relationship between our “good works” and big successes.

That must mean that the only explanation for earthly success is God’s gracious provision to us. You see, we can never gain as much as God gives. Nebuchadnezzar had more of an earthly kingdom than most of us could ever imagine and will ever obtain. And he was spiritually bankrupt. In an instant, he lost all those material blessings as well.

 

God’s Grace Is Greater Than Our Failure

But God did not leave Nebuchadnezzar there. God’s extravagant grace breaks in. Nebuchadnezzar is restored, both spiritually and physically. So much so that he proclaims: “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble the proud.” (v.37)

All of us are just one step away from that lowly state ourselves. It only takes:

One phone call from the boss

One rejection from our children

One heartbreak from a loved one

One change of health

That same Grace that transformed Nebuchadnezzar’s life is available to all who put their faith in Jesus Christ. God’s grace is above or below any place you may find yourself today. No pride is too monstrous to block it. No humiliation is beyond his redemption.

What are you training to gain that only God can give? The Good News is that God is more ready to give than we are to ask. So let’s start asking.

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Admirers vs. Followers by Rob Haynes

Admirers vs. Followers by Rob Haynes

I enjoy watching sports. I am amazed at the skills and talents demonstrated on the field in a competitive game or match. From my couch, I admire them while I enjoy a snack in the comfort of my living room. I must admit that rarely, however, do I follow their example of their hard work and dedication to their craft. I do not follow their advice on how to master the skills they demonstrate. It is much easier to be an admirer than a follower. In the Christian life, it is important to make a distinction between “admirers” and “followers.”  An admirer is awe-struck. A follower is devoted. An admirer applauds. A follower surrenders. An admirer approves. A follower obeys.

The gospels tell us that a large crowd gathered for Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Matthew records that the crowds were “astounded” at his teaching, for he taught as someone with authority (see 7:28-29). The crowd admired Jesus. However, there were a few that went beyond mere admiration, they became followers. They are the ones who said that they were willing to give up what the world is offering to accept what Jesus is offering. They would rather do that than to give up Jesus’ invitation for the emptiness of the world’s offerings.

The Bible shows us that Jesus is constantly inviting and challenging people to move from a mere admirer to be a follower of Jesus. Such a move involves more than just a mere verbal agreement. It requires some sort of action or commitment. Frequently, there is a price to pay. The same holds true today. We see this in John 3 when Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader comes to talk with Jesus. In their conversation, Jesus tells Nicodemus that he must be born again: he must put away his old life and be personally and publicly connected to him. Later, we see that Nicodemus does so when he asks for Jesus’ crucified body, and he helps bury him. Nicodemus became a follower.

The man we commonly refer to as the “Rich Young Ruler” in Luke 18 is a different story. This man admired Jesus and his teachings. He asks Jesus, essentially, “What’s the least I need to do to get into heaven?” Their conversation shows us that the young man liked the idea of Jesus’ teachings. However, when Jesus asked him to be a follower, to make a commitment, he went away sad. He could not move past being an admirer.

While the Bible gives us pictures of admirers and followers, in many parts of the church today, we have added another category: Users. Users of Jesus want the promise of eternal life, a cultural status, or to get some help out of a tight spot. Putting too heavy an emphasis on encouraging people to know where they are going when they die, without teaching them how to live, has created users like the Rich Young Ruler. They want to know: what’s the least I need to do?

While there are many reasons for the trend in exhaustion and burnout among ministry leaders, I think part of the problem is that many churches are full of admirers and users. In many places, ministry models have been developed to try to re-excite admirers and users, but have not asked them to move to actually being followers. Admirers and users are willing to identify as Christians, while reserving the label “disciple”, what I am calling a follower, for the “Super-Christians.” There are many reasons why so much of the church finds itself in this state today. One key area that I want to point out is the over-emphasis on program-driven activities rather than disciple-making ministry. Organizing groups by affinity, age, or need only to make it easier to present information without the expectation of transformation can lead to a church full of mere admirers. Offering an endless stream of information-based lectures and videos, carefully crafted by a few to impress the many, and do not actually expect personal transformation, can lead to large groups of consumers, not disciples.

Danish Philosopher Søren Kierkegaard put it well in Practice of Christianity:

“If you have any knowledge at all of human nature, you know that those who only admire the truth will, when danger appears, become traitors. The admirer is infatuated with the false security of greatness; but if there is any inconvenience or trouble, he pulls back… Christ, however, never asked for admirers, worshipers, or adherents. He consistently spoke of ‘followers’ and ‘disciples.’”

The focus of evangelism is not to merely make another admirer or a user. The goal should be to make disciples. Reclaiming our Wesleyan tools to make disciples who will make disciples through the Classes, Bands, and Societies is a great step in making followers of Jesus Christ. You can read more about those here.

The kind of relationship Jesus asks for is one that changes our words, our actions, our thoughts about others, our habits, and our views about the world. This type of relationship should change our values and our pursuits. It should change us to the very core. Such a relationship cannot be cultivated by mere admirers. It requires devoted followers.

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God Delights In Your Participation In His Provision by Rob Haynes

God Delights In Your Participation In His Provision by Rob Haynes

Have you ever considered how amazing it is that God asks his people to participate in the work of the Kingdom? He doesn’t need our help. He could do it without us. So why would he ask flawed and broken people to join in? Wouldn’t it be easier if God just handled it all on his own? Scripture tells us that there is something more going on than merely finishing the job. Let me illustrate.

My wife and I have two adult children. When they were younger one of our favorite things to do with them was to ask them to help us in the kitchen. They particularly liked it when we asked them to make something sweet, like chocolate chip cookies. The smiles on their faces and the smells of those treats baking in the oven are some of our fondest memories.

We did not need their help to do the baking. We were certainly capable of completing the task without them. In fact, it was not efficient, it took more time, and it was much messier when they were “working” with us. However, we were delighted when they came alongside us to join in the process. It was extra special when we took the products of our kitchen work to a family member, friend, or neighbor who needed a little pick me up. The joy was evident in both the receiver and the giver.

I suspect that God looks upon our efforts for the sake of His Kingdom in the same way I looked at my young children with pride. God is up to something all the time. He is working to set things right, to reconcile, to heal, to make things new. He could do it on his own. He could drop something out of the sky and set things as they should be. But he doesn’t. He calls people to come alongside Him in the work He is doing in the world. It is frequently messy, inefficient, and doesn’t always go the way we had it planned. However, this truth remains: God enjoys your participation in His Provision for others.

Paul writes about this when he tells the church in Corinth that when the people there would give generously to the poor elsewhere God will be praised, God will be pleased, and God will provide for every need for both the giver and the receiver. (See 2 Corinthians 9:6-15) The image we are given is of a farmer scattering seed. The seed grows into much more than the small things planted into the ground. Rather, it grows into a plant that produces abundant fruit for eating, oxygen to nourish, and new seeds to repeat the process over and over again. 

Paul tells us that God gives us resources to use them for His purposes for the Kingdom here on Earth and in Heaven. Like that farmer, when we share what God has entrusted to us, He uses them for things far beyond what they were when they were in our care. The time we have to use the material things of this life is short. Investing them for eternity is the only way to use them properly. Consider a few accounts from Scripture.

When the Israelites left slavery in Egypt, they took clothing, gold, and silver from the Egyptians as they departed. In the account in Exodus 12, we see that “The Lord caused the Egyptians to look favorably on the Israelites, and they gave the Israelites whatever they asked for.” (see verses 35, 36) The people who had been enslaved for generations, who knew no wealth for themselves, were leaving Egypt loaded down with all sorts of treasures. I can almost see them walking with an awe and wonder at their tremendous wealth.

However, the Lord did not intend for them to keep it. We see in Exodus 25 that they are to bring metals, clothing, gems, and other fine goods to the craftsmen who will use them to build the tabernacle and all the furnishings. Certainly, God who dwelt in the Tabernacle could have built it Himself. Yet he asked the Israelites to participate in its supply and its construction. He did so for His glory and joy. Like a parent asking a child to help in the kitchen he invited them into the process.

The times when Jesus fed the masses in the gospel accounts are parallel to this, in many ways. Jesus, who walked on water, healed people, raised the dead, and turned water into wine certainly could have fed the 4,000 and the 5,000 (men, plus women and children). However, he receives with joy an offering of a few fishes and a few loaves of bread from a young boy. Everyone and their fill and there were leftovers aplenty.

It is remarkable to consider all the ways in which people were blessed by the ministry that occurred at the tabernacle. This was the center of all religious life for the people. It was there that God encountered people in life-giving ministry. The gifts of the faithful were no small part in that. It is also remarkable to consider the scores of people on the shores of the Sea of Galilee who stood in awe at the way Jesus met their physical and spiritual needs because of a gift that looked meager by many standards. Though they may not have known it at the time, the recipients of those gifts were counting on the giver.

God continues to call his people to use the gifts he gives to bless others. It may be a physical gift, it may be a word of encouragement, a kindness to a stranger, or any number of things. Do it because God delights in inviting you to participate in the work. Don’t do it to try to treat God like a vending machine, i.e. Don’t do it because it only makes you feel good or you’re trying to manipulate God into blessing you. Do it because God delights in your faithfulness in His work. Take the benefits He gives and enjoy them. He’s glad to give them to you. Remember: God enjoys your participation in His Provision for others.

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What Is Our Worth? by Rob Haynes

What Is Our Worth? by Rob Haynes

I am often fascinated with stories of people who unknowingly purchase rare and valuable items at a second-hand sale. A small bowl bought for just $35 at a sale in the US State of Connecticut has turned out to be a rare 15th-Century Chinese artefact from the Ming Dynasty. It was one of only seven such bowls ever made and was worth nearly one-half million dollars.

How exactly the bowl found itself being sold at a Connecticut outdoor sale remains a mystery. To the average person, the untrained eye, any object appears to be normal, unexceptional. That’s because all we can do is look at the outside. What is presented before me? What do I know of my very short encounter with it. I make value judgments on what is seen, not what is unseen. However, to the authority, the expert, to the one who knows the object better, it is of great worth. So much so, that it would be considered to have value beyond measure.

This is just an echo of what James is trying to convey to his hearers, and to us, in James 2:1-13. In this passage, some people are looking at others and deciding their value based upon external appearances. James writes to a gathering of Christians who encounter struggles in their society that favors some people of wealth and certain ethnicities. The culture represses the outsiders and these habits are seeping into the young church. 

To put it in a scenario that might happen today: Someone with fancy jewelry and expensive clothes is greeted warmly by the ushers at the door on a Sunday morning. They say, “Hey, right this way. Sit on the front row so we can show you off to everyone.” And the wealthy person is thinking “Good. That’s where I wanted to be—where everyone can see me.” And the ushers walk away saying, “Wow, I can’t wait to see what he puts in the plate!”

They go back to the door to greet someone else. This time, it is someone with poor clothes, maybe they are dirty, a little smelly. The ushers say, “You go sit in the back, over in the corner. As a matter of fact, pull up a piece of the floor and sit there.” James points out that they have a case of spiritual nearsightedness. One person arrives late because he wants to be seen by everyone. The other one arrives late because she does NOT want to be seen by everyone.

We forget that the people we see before us are more than what we see on the outside. Verse 4 tells us that this sort of favoritism, discrimination is from our own motives, and James points out that this is not of God. Rather, it is evil. He says that when we make distinctions, we are operating not in God’s direction, but our own. We are judging when it is up to God to be the judge. 

Jesus gave us what many call the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31) Too often, we have accepted the corrupted version of that: “The one who has the gold sets the rules.” In our culture, we look too much to celebrity status or fame to give us our direction. The culture may look to someone who has made lots of money, and think their value is more than another’s. Or maybe is the one who can hit the ball the furthest, score the most goals, entertain me the most, and so on. 

One problem with this sort of thinking is that all of those things are fleeting. They will not last.  Another problem is that we might get the idea that our own value is less than another’s if we do not have one of those attributes that the culture values. These are not the ways that God sees us.

In God’s eyes, our worth is not in our abilities or esteem that the culture values. Our worth is not in our performance or ability to look presentable before others. God didn’t start loving you when you got your act together. God doesn’t stop loving you when you feel like you’re coming apart at the seams. God’s love for you isn’t based on your perception of your performance for him. He simply, completely, undeniably, and extravagantly loves you. If you feel like you’re found in a museum or a second-hand sale, it doesn’t matter. Embrace the extravagant offer that Christ makes to each of us to find our worth in him.

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Upon Arrival by Rob Haynes

Upon Arrival by Rob Haynes

My favorite part of any airport is the arrivals lounge. Everyone in the arrivals area seems to be full of happiness. Travelers are happy that they have arrived after their journey. Their friends and loved ones are happy to see them. Shuttle drivers are happy to see their passengers. The place is full of smiling faces.

In some airports, you see travelers get picked up outside the terminal building on the curb. A long line of cars moves along as travelers jump into cars and speed off. Surely, those people are happy as well. But there is just something about the inside arrivals area that warms my heart. You might see signs welcoming a loved one home from military service or from medical treatment or from a time of study in a far away place. To see those loved ones eagerly awaiting someone from my plane makes me smile. They look past me to see the one they expect to greet with great celebration. They want to welcome the long-expected one home.

In Luke 4, we see Jesus arrive home to teach in the synagogue. Luke records it this way:

16 When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: 

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” 

20 And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.

Luke 4:16-21

To those in the synagogue that day, the Isaiah passage would have been a familiar one. It speaks of the long-expected One who would set things right. This prophecy of the Lord’s anointed was the impetus for great hope for anyone who is poor, captive, blind, or oppressed. He is saying, “The one you have been waiting generations to see has arrived! Time to celebrate!” The people could be holding up signs and carrying balloons and shouting for joy. They only meet him with confusion and disregard. However, we see in the gospels that Jesus delivered on these promises. Was it only in his time on Earth that delivered on these promises? Let’s take a closer look at each of these.

Who are the poor? The Greek text here says: “To evangelize poor people” A look at the text tells us that the meaning of the phrase is “Poor in Spirit” and is the same that we see in the Sermon on the Mount.

Who is captive? The Greek here for “release” used here can be translated “forgiveness” or “remission.” And the word for “captives” means a “prisoner of war.” We are captive to our sin and need forgiveness and remission from that which separates us from God, ourselves, or from others. Jesus is the only one that can release us from captivity to our sin.

Who is blind? There are many accounts of Jesus healing both physical and spiritual blindness. This helps us see that Jesus can give us all the sight to see the world as it should be. 

He also sets the oppressed free. The meaning of this phrase could also give the idea of “bruised now have liberty.” Who are the ones in your community who are bruised by others, by society, and by circumstance? 

There is another important and related account where Jesus arrives on the scene quite unexpectedly. The evening of the first Easter, the disciples are locked in the Upper Room. The last 72 hours have been tumultuous, at best. They are POOR, spiritually. It’s been an awful few days.

They are BLIND, it’s night and their future is dark. They are CAPTIVE: they’ve locked themselves in. They are BRUISED, all their hopes have been dashed by Jesus’ death, and there are only rumors of his resurrection. They haven’t seen it for themselves. Then Jesus arrives on the scene:

21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

John 20:21

Did you catch that? As the Father sent Jesus, he sends his disciples. That is any who would follow Jesus. That means we do the things he did and teach the things he taught. Though the world may not realize it, they are looking for Jesus’ message. They are standing at the arrivals lounge of their hopes, dreams, and expectations. They are setting their gaze on things that are making them poor, captive, blind, and oppressed. In the pattern of Jesus, we are called to let them know that the One they are waiting on has arrived. He has what they are looking to see. It is our job and privilege to announce the arrival of One they seek. Who will you proclaim that today?

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Mutual Love Leads To Extreme Hospitality by Rob Haynes

Mutual Love Leads To Extreme Hospitality by Rob Haynes

Have you ever felt completely out of place? Have you ever been in a situation where you were in a room full of people, didn’t know how to act, and weren’t sure how to meet anyone to help you feel more at home?

Some years ago, a pastor friend of mine got married. I had met his fiancée, now wife, a few times through our work together. They had a family service in a location out of state, then a large reception at a place back home. I went to give them my congratulations. For some reason—probably related to the fact that our kids were young then—my wife couldn’t go. So, I went alone. I did so with the expectation that I would find other colleagues at the party. If so, it would not be so awkward.

When I arrived, the party, the music, and the laughter was in full swing. The venue was beautifully decorated. Many people had turned up to express their love and congratulations.  However, none of my other colleagues showed up. I only knew 2 people in the room: the Bride and the Groom.

The groom was off talking to some folks with his back to me. However, the bride caught my eye from across the crowded room. I smiled and waved and mouthed “congratulations” to her. She scanned the room and realized: I didn’t know anyone else there. Rather than ignore me and go back to her party, she made her way across the room to me and took me by the hand. She thanked me for coming. She thanked me for the card I brought. Then she took me around the room and introduced me to people. Because she knew I would be lost without her hospitality. She was sacrificing her time – on her day. The day when she had the right, and expectation, to be the center of attention. She did so just to make sure I was welcome and that I was comfortable. That’s not just hospitality. That’s extreme hospitality.

When I think about this years later, I am still struck that the bride sacrificed for me, an outsider—though one who was invited to her celebration. It also strikes me that Jesus calls his followers, the Church, His Bride. We are also commanded to show this same sort of gracious and generous hospitality.

The thirteenth chapter of the book of Hebrews begins with, “Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” The writer ties the Christian trait of Love directly with showing hospitality to others. The reference to entertaining angels brings up the images of Abraham and Sarah entertaining the three strangers in Genesis 18. These acts of generous and gracious hospitality were certainly an amazing display of welcome to these messengers from the Lord. Even though they weren’t aware of who they were at the time, Abraham and Sarah showed them a lavish welcome.

Even though our culture is certainly very different from the times of the writing of Genesis and of Hebrews, the need for the same sort of hospitality remains. Though digital communication, distance work and school, and social media continue to permeate many parts of our daily lives there remains a deep need for human connection. The boomerang effect is happening as many people, corporations, and schools are prioritizing in-person interactions again. People still long for real community.

At the same time, and perhaps coincidentally, there has been a decline in church involvement in many parts of the world where such real community has been neglected. However, research and practical experience tell us that people who are connected to church are still interested in spiritual matters. They will want to know how to answer the big questions of life, how to find their purpose, how to serve their families, and many others. We know those questions are tugging at them because God is calling them unto Himself through his prevenient grace. The question is, who will help them find those answers?

The practice of extreme hospitality is one important part of evangelism. Who are the people near you that need to know that they are welcome? That may feel like an outsider in your church, even though they were invited. Like the bride in the opening story, are you willing to help them feel comfortable even at your own personal expense? To let them know they are a vital part of the big party? My friend saw my value, my discomfort, and that there was no way I was going to make it without her. There are many people out there in the same situation spiritually. Our job is to help them feel at home, where they belong. She did so even though it would cause her some discomfort. She deserved to be the focus of attention. Instead, she made me feel like the most important person in the room. How can you, your family, and your church help others feel this same sort of welcome?

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Discipleship Is Not A Do-It-Yourself Project by Rob Haynes

Discipleship Is Not A Do-It-Yourself Project by Rob Haynes

Maybe you are like me and enjoy trying Do-It-Yourself (DIY) projects. I enjoy the challenge of tackling carpentry, mechanical, or other such projects. The proliferation of DIY information online, particularly on YouTube, makes it even easier to gain confidence to try new tasks. However, not everything, including Christian Discipleship, is a DIY Project. 

The Limits of DIY Faith

There is a saying I grew up with that goes something like this, “I know just enough about [that particular subject] to be dangerous.” That means I have enough knowledge of that particular thing to get started in it, but not enough to do it well, completely, or safely. We see this, to a degree, in the account of the Rich Young Ruler (see Luke 18, for example). A young man, someone of some prominence in the community, comes to Jesus and asks, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” 

What he was saying was: “What’s the minimum I need to do to get to Heaven?” The two have a dialogue about the teaching of Scriptures. The young man says that he knows the Scriptures. Jesus doesn’t argue with this. Where it falls apart is where Jesus tells the man to follow his teachings—all of them. And at this, the young man goes away sad.

Ouch. But, let’s be honest—haven’t many of us asked the same question?

The Rich Young Ruler was looking for a DIY project of faith. Give me what I need to know, and I’ll take care of it myself. I have some knowledge of the life of faith, but don’t ask me to do the stuff I don’t want to do. The Bible’s teaching is that it is not enough to just say, “Oh, yeah. That’s a good idea. Everyone else should do that.” Jesus expects each of us to be transformed by the Truth, and to live it out.

Mere recognition is not the same as trust. Sincere belief does not always equal surrender.

The Role of Community in Discipleship

John Wesley cautioned against this sort of misunderstanding. In his 1748 “An Account of the People Called Methodists”, Wesley cautioned those who keep the Bible on the shelf—even if we affirm every teaching in it—if we do not allow it to transform us. Having all the right answers, like the Rich Young Ruler, Wesley said, was a “Slender part of religion.” He went on to say that we need to have the right attitude and actions towards, and about God, as well.

That means that we need to DO what the Bible says. We call that discipleship. At its best, discipleship is not a DIY project. Elsewhere on this platform, we have discussed Wesley’s emphasis on Class Meetings and Band Meetings as a mechanism for Christians to come together to work out their salvation as they grow in holiness of heart and life. Those articles talk about much of the “how,” but I would like to emphasize some of the “why” here. 

When I teach about Class Meetings, I sometimes hear people tell me that it will never work for them. They, and the people in their communities, are too private. They would never share their Christian journey with others. Part of that, I think, has to do with a misunderstanding about the idea of a “personal relationship with Jesus.” The terminology of a “personal relationship” was a response to some parts of the church where people let the institutional Church do the thinking for them. Yes, we need a personal—everyone of us involved—relationship with Jesus. But that doesn’t mean that it is private. With gratitude to the late Eugene Peterson, let me see if I can illustrate.

People love polls. We see them on the news all the time. Let’s imagine that we heard a report from a trusted pollster who made a definitive statement about a new Netflix series. People would nod and say “Yes, I will watch that series because of what that pollster said.” But what if we learned that the pollster had only consulted one person, and that the person had only seen 10 minutes of the first episode of the series. We would rightly be suspicious of the recommendation.

But this is exactly the kind of evidence that too many Christians would accept as the FINAL truth about many, much more important matters like faith, forgiveness, God’s will in the world, eternal salvation, or the latest issue where culture and faith intersect. And the only person they have consulted is themselves. And the only experience they used to make this evaluation is the most recent 10 minutes.

Listening to a Living Word

These are complicated issues. How do we do what the Bible says, in our world today? To answer that, we need to look at the Bible and its role today. The Bible begins with “God Spoke…” The Bible is an account of how God spoke to and through people throughout history. We see that God speaks to the prophets, to shepherds, to the disciples, and others. The Bible is the record of that. However, the last writings we have are almost 2,000 years old. Is God still speaking? Since God spoke in the beginning, and throughout the record of his work, why would we think he quit there? You see, the Bible is not just a book that was once spoken, it is a book that is now speaking. It is best heard in community.

God gives us one another—other brothers and sisters in the community of faith—and the history of experiences by our biblical ancestors. The lessons of Abraham, Moses, David, Esther, Peter, Paul, and the others are still available to us. However, one who refuses to learn those lessons, in the community of other Christian disciples, is like refusing to remember to move your thumb from the top of the nail when you swing that hammer. Refusing to move it again means you will get hurt again. That is when DIY projects get dangerous.

Discipleship involves listening to the Bible that still speaks, and to do so in the community of others who are doing the same. This moves faith beyond a simple acknowledgement that we should do the right thing by living as followers of Christ. Doing less than that can be dangerous for you, and for others.

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Today In The Valley Of The Dry Bones by Rob Haynes

Today In The Valley Of The Dry Bones by Rob Haynes

I talk to many people today who seem anxious. There is a great deal of anxiety due to global conflicts, national elections, or a myriad of issues that continue to fester around the world. The attack on Christians and Christianity from people of power and influence seems to be on the rise. The answers to these problems are complex and will take years to answer. 

A World Contrary to God’s Command

We should not be surprised that the world is full of teaching and practices contrary to God’s commands and principles. Jesus said as much to his followers on several occasions. Having grown up around farms and farming, I can hear the wise old men looking at me and saying, “You shouldn’t be surprised when you look at the cow pasture and see cattle.” A careful reading of Scripture tells us that the world around us will often be hostile to Jesus’ teaching. However, for the follower of Jesus Christ, we need not lose hope. Rather, God’s Word is full of examples when He calls His followers to speak words of life-changing truth and hope.

Ezekiel and the Valley of Dry Bones

One such example is in Ezekiel’s journey to the valley of the dry bones (Ezekiel 37:1-14—take a minute to read that now). The Israelites are living in captivity and a long way from the Promised Land. God calls his prophet Ezekiel to a valley full of dried up bones. God asks Ezekiel if he thinks that there is hope for the death and desolation around him. The prophet’s answer to this challenge is, though his faith is small, God—in whom his faith lies—is great. These bones can live, Ezekiel says, if You will make it so.

The Power of Prophesying Life

Though God could have made those bones alive again without help, He tells Ezekiel to “prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.” (v.5) I am always fascinated and humbled that God asks His followers to be a part of His work in bringing healing and restoration on Earth. Though God does not need our help, he gives us the joy and privilege of being part of His work. Sometimes we misunderstand the term “prophecy” and think it only means foretelling. It also means forthtelling: speaking the truth in love. Here Ezekiel speaks forth the promises of God and reassures them that He will resurrect them from the grave of their crippling anxieties, of their shattered hopes and dreams. God’s Word is the source of life and vitality they are seeking. 

When Ezekiel spoke to the bones, miraculous things happened! The bones were gathered together; they grew flesh and resumed the form of living things. Yet, there was work to be done. Though they had the form of humanity again, there was no life in them yet. God told Ezekiel to prophesy—to speak the truth again—to them so that there would be breath and life in them. Then, what was once a valley full of dry bones, now contained an abundance of life—“the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.” (v.10)

A Message of Hope for Today

While this message was originally given to Israel to remind them that God would gather them together and give them new life, the message applies to Christ’s followers today. Many in the world today are unknowingly lying lifeless in the valley. Many of Jesus’ followers are looking for the mountain tops from which they call yell down into these valleys, far from the effects of being in that valley inanimate bones and decay. Maybe it is time for each of us to listen carefully for God’s commands anew. He may be calling us into a valley of bones–not to become one of them, but to speak truth and life in the middle of a broad road that leads to death and destruction. Our job is to go where God calls, to speak the word of the Lord, and to let him bring new life in the darkest and driest places.

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Of Sheep and Shepherds by Rob Haynes

Of Sheep and Shepherds by Rob Haynes

I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.

John 10:14-16

Have you noticed the animals that groups of people use to symbolize themselves? You have probably seen a nation choose to use a lion, a bear, an eagle or something similar as a symbol for the spirit of a nation and its people. They do this sometimes to inspire their own people or to take a certain posture before others. Or maybe you have seen a sports team choose a panther, a jaguar, a shark, or some other fear-inducing animal to inspire their own team and to “intimidate” their opponents.

It is interesting to me that Jesus uses a much different kind of animal as an example when referring to his followers. Time and again, when Jesus talks about people, and any who would follow Him, he compares them to sheep. That’s not a tough animal. In many ways, sheep are not all that bright. A sheep can’t find safe pasture, good water, or a place to rest without help. Without someone to guide them, they are lost and cannot go on. These are one of the animals least likely to survive on their own.

Sheep are defenseless against enemies. They don’t have claws or sharp teeth. They can’t run very fast. They are scared at the smallest noise and a single barking dog can move entire herds. They are susceptible to the smallest, inconsequential “threat” sending them running in fright.

And this is the comparison to us. Time and again.

Jesus’ answer to their needs is not what one might expect. While we may want physical security or financial assurance, He frequently does not offer those first. Rather, what Jesus offers here is something quite simple: His voice. The sheep, He tells us, need to know the Shepherd’s voice in order to find the things they want and need. When the sheep heed his voice, they will find what they are truly searching for.

How to Hear God’s Voice

People frequently tell me that they want to hear from God, that they want to know when He is speaking to them. It seems like anyone would want to hear that. Yet, how do we know God’s voice? There are three rules that apply to anyone who would want to hear someone’s voice that can apply to hearing God’s voice.

Know the Person Who is Talking

You must know the person who is talking. Not long ago my wife and I were enjoying some time in a nearby park. There were many children there enjoying the day with their families. Parents were chatting with friends and family while the children were on the playground. Before long, a child called out for someone to help her. Her mother and father knew right away that they were the ones being called. They knew their child’s voice from all the others. This works both ways: the child also knows the parent’s voice apart from all the others. When the parent calls to the child, she knows who is speaking. This is so because they spend time in a loving relationship with one another. Knowing one another’s voice is easy when this happens. If we want to hear from God, we must spend time in the means of Grace (prayer, study, worship, service, etc.) to know who He is. When we do so it will be easy to know his voice.

Turn Off The Noise

When I was young, we were preparing for a musical concert at our school. While we were in the middle of our choral rehearsal at one end of the auditorium, the technician arrived to tune the piano at the other end of the venue. I could see him straining to hear the various tones to properly tune the instrument to the tuning forks. After working against the noise of our group, he finally turned to the director and asked her to stop the rehearsal. It was impossible for him to do his job when there was so much to distract him. The same applies when we want to hear God’s voice. We may be straining to listen, but are we willing to turn off the noises to hear it better? Are we turning down social media, television, distracting music, movies, etc.? While any one of these things may be good, in and of themselves, there comes a time when we need to turn them down, or off, to hear from God.

When He Speaks, Pay Attention!

In a mountainous region of the United States, a man set off alone for a hike. He told his family that he would return around 4pm that afternoon. When he did not arrive by 8pm, his family called the local search and rescue squad. They looked for him until the early hours of the morning, but to no avail. All the while, they called his mobile phone, which he always took with him when he hiked. Imagine everyone’s relief when the hiker appeared the next morning back at the trailhead, safe and sound. He had spent the night on the mountainside alone and disoriented. When they asked about his phone and the repeated calls they had made to it, he told them that he ignored the calls “because he didn’t recognize the number” calling in.

Is God calling you and you are ignoring His calls? 

The Call of the Sheep

While going along with the mascot of our favorite team, or our home nation, is fun for the moment, we do not gain lasting power or prestige for ourselves by assuming such a posture. Rather, the call of one who would follow Jesus is as a sheep. Then we will be able to hear the shepherd. Jesus knows that we need a shepherd who will give us the guidance we need.

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