Advent 2023: My Annual Christmas Post--The Mystery of Christmas

 Hello everyone:

I started this blog many years ago, and every year since I have posted a piece I wrote around Christmas in 2003. It kind of sums up for me what is the "Mystery of Christmas" as I meditate on the Incarnation and its implications for humanity (and perhaps for God as well!). The very idea of God becoming "one of us among us" (Immanuel) still fascinates and overwhelms me. 

God, the creator of all things, humbled himself, became of no reputation, and entered his own creation so as to renew and to redeem and to rescue us (and, ultimately, to do these things for all of creation as well). God, the Creator of all things, became flesh so that he might accomplish the plan to make his grace and glory known in humans and in all of creation. 

The One who had no beginning would now have a birthday. The creator would now be like the creature. The One who never knew death would die for sinners. The God who never knew sin would become sin for us. He would break the power of sin, condemn sin in his own flesh, and provide for all of us the rescue we need to become the people God always intended us to be. 

What amazing love! Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! As you celebrate the advent of our King, Jesus the Messiah, I hope you enjoy this rerun. Feel free to make comments if you'd like.

A little over 2000 years ago, a tiny child was born in some pretty bleak conditions. Oh, he wasn’t the only one born in less than optimal conditions. In fact, in some ways, he was one of the lucky ones. He and his mother actually survived childbirth. Still, this story is unique and amazing on several levels.

First, the life of this child would literally change the way time is reckoned in the world. His life and abilities would have such an impact on generations of others that a brand new movement would be created, one that would radically change the very face of the earth (sometimes for good, sometimes not). His name would become recognized among the names of the greatest of humans, yet he never forgot his own humble beginnings or lost a sense of who he was.

The second thing about this child is tied to the first in that this baby, this helpless lad full of spittle and mush, was born as the very Son of God. When Mary held his little head to her breast, he drank human milk. Yet, he was (and is) the God of the universe. Can you picture this simply ridiculous yet somehow poetic scene? God, who calls the stars by name, pressed to the human breast for sustenance. Humble yet awesome, this is how some folks would no doubt recall this child.

A little over 2000 years ago, God proposed that the only remedy for the human condition of sin would be if he humbled himself, stepped out of eternity and into human flesh, and suckled at Mary’s breast in preparation for the greatest, most impressive conversion of all. God, in Mary’s arms, toddling around Joseph’s home, learning to talk, learning to walk, tasting food, and touching things with human hands! As the Psalmist says in Psalm 139, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for us, we cannot attain to it!”

God knew that the only way to redeem us was if he did it himself. Haven’t you ever had that thought? You know, the one where you say, “If I want something done right, I’ll just have to do it myself?” Imagine God having that thought about bringing us to proper relationship with him. Imagine again that the only way he knew he could do that is if he came to earth as a baby. Think of it—-how vulnerable the almighty God was at that moment, how paradoxical that the God of all creation had to learn to walk! And why did he put himself in this situation? Out of his divine sense of justice and righteousness and mercy, out of his incredible love he acted in this manner.

God humbled himself, even to the point of death on a cross! The living God, incarnate as the Word, would know what it means to die. In a sense, he took on our insanity so that we may be sane. He became flesh so that we might walk in his Spirit. He took our sin so that we might be righteous. He became poor so that we might be rich. He who had the reputation of Creator became a humble servant with no reputation. He became a toddling, dribbling, helpless babe so that we could become mature humans in the image of the almighty Son of God. What wondrous love! What humility and service! How then can anything he asks of us be too difficult?

Father, during this Christmas season, remind us of your sacrifice and love so that we might be a light shining in darkness to others. Teach us to live a life of humble service like your Son did on our behalf so many years ago. As we celebrate the babe in the manger, may the glory he revealed in his life shine through us towards others that they may know God. May the grace of God and the peace of Christ rule in our families and our lives. Amen. 

Thanks for reading! Remember, God became one of us to reach us. He served humbly, what more can he ask of us? To love one another calls for humble service. It is enough.

May you all enjoy a very blessed Christmas!  May you know the blessings of the God who humbled himself and served! 

Sermon: Jesus is the Subject (Hebrews 2:5-9)

I have the privilege of preaching occasionally at Forest Community Church in Forest, Virginia. About a year and a half ago (April 2022) I began a series on Hebrews entitled "Keep your eyes on Jesus." I decided to post the links to the videos for these sermons in case there are those who may want to watch. this is the fourth sermon (from May 29, 2022) which covers Hebrews 2:5-9. The notes are available below, and you can use this link to watch the sermon: Jesus is the Subject. There are some announcements prior to the sermon, so the sermon actually starts around the 5:00 mark. 

Jesus is the Subject—Hebrews 2:5-9

Intro—2:1-4, first warning—against drifting—the danger of slipping away from the word spoken to us in these last days through God's Son Jesus. In chapter 1 Jesus is described as superior to angels.The author reveals Jesus’ superiority to angels so that he can warn us to stay focused on Jesus and Jesus' word without drifting. Now he returns to the contrast between Jesus and angels. He does this by focusing on Jesus as the subject. Jesus is the subject of Hebrews, but he is particularly the focus of 2:5-9.

The writer of Hebrews maintains a persistent focus on the superiority of Jesus as God’s Son. In this passage, he shifts to the historical incident of the incarnation. He brings his discussion to the earthly ministry of the Son of God in these verses.

Five times some version of “subject/subordinate/submit” is used here: verses 5 (once) and 8 (4 times). Psalm 8 is referenced in this passage as a Messianic passage referring specifically to Jesus. Subjection of the world to humanity at creation is the focus of Psalm 8. This authority was to some degree lost (or damaged) by the fall. The incarnation then is presented as the means of reinstating that dominion over the earth.

The main point today is that Jesus is the subject and all things are subject to him.

Heb. 2:5-9: God’s intention for humanity will be realized through Jesus. The central fact that our author shares with his readers is that Jesus is a person who actually shared our situation—the Incarnation gives information about God’s intention and provision for humanity.

Point 1—Jesus, not angels (v. 5)—The world was not subjected to angels but to God’s Son. The author may be responding here to some issues among the Jewish Christians of his church. They may have been thinking, “If the Son of God is greater than the angels, having obtained a more excellent name than they (1:4), then how does this fit with His becoming human, since humans are lower than the angels? Furthermore, how does this fit with His dying on the cross since angels never die? How then is Jesus superior to the angels?” Remember, there was an ancient Jewish belief that God appointed certain angels over particular nations of the world. 

Deuteronomy 32:8 CSB: “When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance and divided the human race, he set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the people of Israel.”

In the book of Daniel, angels are designated as the “prince of Persia” and the “prince of Greece”.  Michael is the “great prince” who watches over the nation of Israel.  The New Testament also echoes this concept. Even Paul mentions the role of supernatural beings in ruling over the earth in Ephesians 6:12: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.”

This is a contrast between two worlds. There’s the world to come, and that’s what is explicitly stated in Hebrews 2:5. There is also a future world which will replace this present world. The coming world is not subject to angels, but it will be subject to Jesus.

The author responds by showing that God did not subject the world to come to angels but to man. To support this point, he cites from Psalm 8 (LXX).

The subject is Jesus. The world to come will NOT be subject to angels, but it will be subject to Jesus. Jesus’ authority to rule then is tied up in his role as the Incarnate God and God’s chosen Messiah. The author turns to Psalm 8 to explain how Jesus fulfills what Adam and Eve failed to accomplish. Jesus is the subject and not the angels. Jesus is the subject and not Adam.

Point 2—Jesus, not Adam (vv. 6-8a)—Psalm 8—a psalm of astonishment on the honor God bestows on humanity. God’s intention for the human family: the world subject to the one who has God’s image. This intention was frustrated by human rebellion in Eden.

God’s original intent for humanity was for us to exercise dominion through and with him over his creation. Human destiny has always been higher than angels.

Psalm 8: Notice that the author is quoting the Septuagint rather than from the Hebrew which may explain the apparent discrepancy here. Instead of “a little lower than God,” the Septuagint has “a little lower than the angels.” The author of Hebrews sees first and second Adam in this Psalm. The phrase, “a little lower than the angels,” is ambiguous. It can mean either “by a small degree” or “for a short time.” The former sense fits the psalm as applied to Adam, who lacks the supernatural powers of the angels. The latter sense fits the psalm as applied to the Son of Man, who laid aside His glory for a short time to take on human flesh while on this earth (see Philip E. Hughes, A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews [Eerdmans], p. 85).

This Psalm reflects on the high position to which God appointed Adam and Eve, putting them over all creation. Nonetheless, the author adds, “we do not yet see all things subjected to him” (2:8). The unstated but obvious event that overturned humanity’s high position was the fall. God created humans as the apex of His creation, giving them great glory and honor. He gave them a position of authority, to rule over all other creatures. Humanity’s original high position of honor shows how utterly inexcusable the fall was!

Verse 8: The question is, does “him” here refer to humans or to Messiah? It may refer to humanity in the first place, but also beyond humanity to Messiah as the representative Adam (see F. F. Bruce, Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews [Eerdmans], p. 37). As Bruce explains (ibid.), “The writer confesses that it is not easy to recognize in man the being whom the psalmist describes as ‘crowned with glory and honor’ and enjoying dominion over all the works of the Creator’s hands.” But, as he will explain in verse 9, man’s failed purpose is fulfilled in Messiah.

 In verse 9, Hebrews will show that Jesus (the first use of his name in the book, obviously emphasizing His humanity) was crowned with glory and honor because of his death for us. He recovered what humanity lost in the fall. Although God’s original purpose for humanity was lost, it will be recovered through Jesus the Messiah. But how? This position cannot be regained by force, but it must be gained by humility, by obedience, by submission to God. Jesus, not Adam, is the one who will set things right, who will bring humanity to the fulfillment of God’s original intent. It will be Jesus, and not arrogance that will bring this intention to reality. Our last two verses tell us that Jesus is the subject and not arrogance.

Point 3—Jesus, not arrogance (vv. 8b-9)—Jesus will have rule over all things. Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s original intention for humanity. In Messiah humanity can realize God’s purpose. Psalm 8 is read as a confession of the dignity of Jesus. However, that reality has not come to pass completely as of yet. God’s intention in its fulness has not been reinstated, even though Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, ascension, and promised return establish the beginning of the fulfillment of this new reign. The reality is that the start is not the completion. So, “we do not yet see everything subjected to him” quite yet.

So what is going on when Christ does not seem to be in control? Here is the reality. Following Jesus often involves some sort of significant sacrifice and even suffering. The reign of God cost Jesus his life, after all! The fact that there is good in the world is a testament to the God who is good. The fact that there is evil in the world is a testament to man’s free will which rebels against the good God. The reign of Jesus has been inaugurated and is already a reality, but we won’t see the full impact until the consummation at the end of the age.

The order of thought here follows Paul’s treatment of Jesus’ humility and glory in Philippians 2:5-11. There, Jesus who existed in the form of God emptied Himself of His glory, took on the form of a servant, and became obedient to death on a cross. Therefore, God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name. Hebrews 2:9 reminds us that Jesus tasted death for all of us. To “taste death” means not to nibble at it but to experience death to the fullest degree.

Conclusions from verse 9: In the person of Jesus we see displayed the actual character of our human vocation. Jesus being “a little while” lower than the angels does not call into question his superiority to them. For the first time the author uses the proper name “Jesus.”

Jesus shared in the human condition so that he could taste death for all humans.

Jesus was crowned with glory and honor because he suffered.

Bill Lane—”The exalted Son of God made the human condition, and especially its liability to death, his own in order to achieve for them the glorious destiny designed by God.”

To recap, Messiah's incarnation and death did not in any way imply his inferiority to angels. This is supported by the fact that God ordained that humans will rule angels in the world to come. Psalm 8 shows that this was God’s original intent. That intent was hindered by the fall, but now has been recovered in the second Adam, the Lord Jesus Christ. Through His death, resurrection, exaltation on high, and coming again to reign, we will reign with Him.

Jesus, not angels or Adam or arrogance, is the way to proper relationship to God and to the reinstatement of human dominion under God’s leadership. Jesus is the subject!

Conclusion—How do we respond?         

First, recognize that the present fallen world is not the end of the story. Sin, fallenness, evil, and their accompanying issues are not the end of God’s intention for humanity. So, how do we respond when we encounter frustrations like we do and like we will have until Christ brings us home? We need to develop and maintain an eternal perspective of God’s goal in Messiah so that we can endure our present trials. If Jesus had to suffer first and then enter His glory, so do we. By faith we should see Jesus and marvel at what He did for us and that we are now in Him (2:9). He left the splendor of heaven and not only took on human flesh, but also went to the cross on our behalf! “Amazing love, how can it be, that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?” (Charles Wesley). We need to focus on him. Jesus, not the world. He is where we need to firmly “tie” our lives and efforts. Take time this week to focus on Jesus. Spend five to ten minutes each day contemplating all the good things Jesus has given in this life and the things he has promised in the life to come.

Second, one of the best ways to see Jesus it to see God’s work through him in the Bible. We see Jesus when we look to his Word. We see Jesus when we open up the Scriptures and the Spirit of Messiah helps us take every thought captive to the obedience of Messiah. We see Jesus when we see in the Scriptures and come to believe that he is the yes, the amen to all of the promises of God. This week, spend some time in these passages to see God’s plan for you in Jesus: Psalm 67. Psalm 97, Revelation 22, John 17, and Ephesians 4.

Thanks for reading! 

Sermon: Pay Attention--Hebrews 2:1-4

 Hello all:

I have the privilege of preaching occasionally at Forest Community Church in Forest, VA, and over one year ago (in April 2022) I began a series on Hebrews entitled: Keep Your Eyes on Jesus. I decided to post the links to the videos for these sermons in case their are those who may be interested in watching these sermons. This third sermon (from May 15, 2022) is entitled "Pay Attention" and covers Hebrews 2:1-4. The notes are written below, and you can use this link to watch the video (NOTE: there were some difficulties with sound at the beginning, so you cannot hear the sermon until around the 17:30 mark--sorry for the problems): Forest Community Church, May 15, 2022.

Intro: In chapter two our author makes the turn, as he so often does in this epistle, from exposition, from the theological discourse if you will, to exhortation, to telling us as a church what to do with all of that really rich theology that was unpacked for us.

We saw in chapter 1 that Jesus is depicted as the Final Word of God. That idea has a tremendous impact on the verses in chapter 2. The superiority of Jesus is the background for what our author says in Hebrews 2:1-4. Because Jesus is incomparably greater that prophets or angels, we need to pay attention to Jesus! That is the author's message for this section. 

The author encourages us to pay attention, and he gives us three things that we need to pay attention to: 1) the appeal, 2) the admonition, 3) the evidence.

Point 1—Pay attention to the Appeal (v. 1). The need for personal responsibility and commitment, be careful of drifting away from Jesus. He calls his readers to a personal commitment and responsibility—they must be careful not to drift away from the foundation of Messiah.

Heed the Word—What Word? Chapter 1 tell us--Jesus is the Word. Andrew Lightner: “So, in short, we heard throughout the entirety of chapter one that the one who is the Son is fully God, always has been and always will be. Then for us in the fullness of time he became fully man as our second Adam, our better David, and our great high priest. Friends this is the gospel. That the word of salvation that we’re commanded to pay much closer attention to, it’s the hope of the world.” 

Jesus is the Word! The appeal is to focus on Jesus. 

Benjamin Hutson—“What we have heard refers to everything he just spoke about in chapter 1. It refers to the superior message of Jesus. It refers to the message that God became flesh and dwelt among us. It refers to the Gospel.” 

God has come in the flesh to address human sin, human rebellion (John 1:14, 18). God has come to accomplish what humanity has failed to do! Jesus, the only one of his kind, has come to set everything right. Immanuel has come among us. God himself here to deliver humanity from bondage to sin, from living in a kingdom of darkness. God did for us what we could never do for ourselves. Jesus died for our sins and rose again on a Sunday morning. No other religious leader accomplished what Jesus accomplished. He died and rose again. None of the prophets, none of the patriarchs, none of them did what Jesus did. Jesus is totally unique in human history. We must pay attention to God, to put our focus on him and especially his revelation of himself in Jesus (John 1:18). That is the Word to which we must pay attention. We must have laser like focus on what Jesus is doing. What is the goal of Jesus? We need to focus on that! Jesus reveals God to us, and we must become obsessed with him. 

Andrew Lightner: “What does it mean to pay attention? Then on the flip side what it would look like to drift from that? Well in this opening verse it’s interesting that these two key words in verse one. The words that are translated in the ESV 'pay attention' and then 'drift away' are, in the Greek, sailing terms. . . . It is imagery of keeping a ship on its proper course and intentionally fighting the currents or the wind to keep it steadily pointed in the right direction.” Focus will keep us from drifting. Focus will help us avoid drift. 

Avoid drift—The first warning to these people was concerning neglect. Neglect is usually not a DELIBERATE thing. (Fishing Story—other areas of neglect?). The danger of drifting is a spiritual reality. Think of a boat tied to a dock, but the knot comes loose and the boat drifts away. This neglect is similar to what our author has in mind here. 

Marilyn Murphee: “The danger of drifting is not limited to the physical realm. Our scripture today gives the first of five warnings. Our spiritual life can drift toward destruction as well. Drifting requires no effort of us. It is a natural thing to move toward what is convenient and comfortable. Paying attention is hard work and it involves focusing. It involves focusing on not only hearing but obeying.”

Benjamin Hutson—“It has been proven that we have several tendencies. We have a tendency to forget who it is that has given us His Word. We have a tendency toward lightheartedness about the Word of God. Is it the overwhelming authority in your life? Do you feast from it daily? Make no mistake: A lightheartedness about the Word of God will lead to a lightheartedness about worship.” 

We have a tendency to drift from the things we have heard. We have a tendency to forget to focus. We have the Bible, God's revelation of himself to humanity. To neglect it is to set myself up for the danger of drifting. If we are not careful, mission drift can set in, and we may forget our mission. 

David Gibson: “You may have heard the story of the Mennonite Brethren movement. One particular analysis goes like this: the first generation believed and proclaimed the gospel and thought that there were certain social entailments. The next generation assumed the gospel and advocated the entailments. The third generation denied the gospel and all that were left were the entailments.” 

So when we come to verse 1 of chapter 2. It can be said this way: Because Christ is so much greater and the message of Christ is so much greater we need to focus on him. We need to be tied tightly to Jesus. He is the only sure foundation. Remember this is what he begins the book with and this is the overwhelming and overarching theme of the book of Hebrews: “Christ is better.” So in light of that idea, our author goes on to say that “we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard.” There are dire consequences of drifting. Because the content is better, our attention to it must be better. 

Point 2—Pay attention to the Admonition (v. 2-3). There are dire consequences if they drift. He warns his readers of dire consequences if they drift.

Andrew Lightner: “Now bear in mind that when we read in our text about the message declared by angels or delivered by angels, well that’s not a reference to some esoteric knowledge that’s out there in the ether. No, rather that’s a reference to the law that was given to Moses, and by extension to Israel on Mount Sinai in the book of Exodus.” 

In that the idea is that in the law, the law was binding. There was a legally binding requirement in the Law (that may have been provided by angels), so how much MORE important to us should be the word spoken through the incomparable Messiah. How MUCH greater is the failure if we do not heed or obey the word of God Incarnate! We need to connect with and listen to him because he alone is our life and our deliverance. We must keep the connection with Jesus fresh--we must NOT neglect our salvation or else we will drift. What one generation permits, the next generation accepts as law. Where have we slipped from our connection to the truth about God and Jesus? How have we experience mission drift? We need to focus all the more on the salvation that God has produced by the death and resurrection of Jesus. We need to fixate on and even obsess over what God has said in Messiah. God's salvation is the need here, and drifting from it is the danger. Why focus on God's salvation? 

a) Our salvation is great because of its price (the life and death of the Savior--Jesus the Messiah)

b) Our salvation is great because of what it procured for us (eternal life with God himself)

Point 3—Pay attention to the Evidence (v. 4). Remember the message of salvation. He calls them to renewed focus on the message of salvation. 

a) Our salvation was declared by the Lord--our focus should be on what Jesus says about salvation and how it is given and received. The words of Jesus are the focus. We need to pay attention to what Jesus is saying. Look at Jesus. See how he lived, how he treated people, how he spoke of God. Jesus declared salvation from God! 

b) Our salvation was confirmed by the Apostles--God has given us historical evidence in how Jesus affected the lives of his followers. We can find confirmation in how Jesus changed the lives of those before us! 

c) Our salvation was demonstrated true by God in: 1) Signs, 2) Wonders, 3) Miracles, and 4) Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

First, we ought to be obsessed with Jesus. Do you know him? If not, why not turn from (repent of) your sins and turn to Jesus. Acknowledge him as boss, as Lord, as King. Serve him, obey him. He took our rebellion against God and paid the price by dying on the cross. He rose again after paying for our sins. Jesus promised eternal life and is the firstborn of the resurrection. Acknowledge your rebellion against Jesus. Confess your sins, and turn from (repent of ) them. Trust Jesus as the only means to save you. He is the ONLY way to God. Today, go to him as ask for his salvation. 

Second, Are you currently drifting? If so, where do you need to tighten your rope to Jesus? This week, spend some time looking at your life and your language. Ask God to show you any areas where you are neglecting God or where you seem to be drifting. Get some accountability with someone to help you tighten your grip on the Lord.

Third, Are you listening to this message of salvation? How is your time in God’s Word? This week, spend time in the following chapters and ask God to direct your steps. Psalm 8, Psalm 24, Luke 4, 1 Corinthians 10, and Ephesians 2. Reflect on what God has done to purchase salvation for you, and then ask God how you can tighten your connection to him and his ways to avoid drifting.

Thank you for reading! 

Sermon: The Incomparable Majesty of Jesus (Hebrews 1:5-14)

 Hello all:

I have the privilege of preaching occasionally at Forest Community Church in Forest, VA, and about one year ago (in April 2022) I began a series on Hebrews entitled: Fix Your Eyes on Jesus. I decided to post the links to the videos for these sermons in case their are those who may be interested in watching these sermons. This second sermon (from May 1, 2022) is entitled "The Incomparable Majesty of Jesus" and covers Hebrews 1:5-14. We celebrated communion in this service, so the sermon begins around the 24 minute mark on the video, and you can use this link to watch it: Forest Community Church on Facebook. 

Intro: The author of Hebrews has introduced a variety of important themes in his introduction, and now he brings OT quotations to support his themes. In this passage, Jesus’ superiority to the angels is confirmed by no less than 7 OT quotations. Cockerill (Hebrews: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition, p. 39): “The writer of Hebrews develops a comparison between the Son and the angels by using a series of Old Testament quotations. He shows how these quotations relate to one another and how they demonstrate the superiority of the Son.”

Point 1—Jesus is superior to angels in His Relationship with God (vv. 5-6)— Since God has declared Jesus to be his unique, one of a kind Son, this passage reveals two ideas: The Son’s superior position with relationship to the Father and the inferior position of the angels. To do this, the author uses the OT as an authoritative source to show God’s claims about his Son and his angels.

Psalm 2:7 and 2 Samuel 7:14—used to describe the king and his relationship as God’s representative/Son. These quotes probably refer to Jesus’ induction to his royal position of King because of his resurrection and ascension. They were read at the enthronement ceremony of David’s descendants as a reminder that they represent God and belong to God. They are his vice-regents. Verse 5 (and again in vv. 7 & 13) the author uses a rhetorical question about the angels. The expected answer is that “no angel” received such a spoken word or exclamation from God.

God is his father, and Jesus is the firstborn. Cockerill: “Hebrews 1:6, by contrast, gives us what God did say in relation to the angels, as found in Deuteronomy 32:43. The way in which this quotation is introduced is of great importance. The Son is referred to as the firstborn (Heb. 1:6).” 

The son is “heir of all things” (1:2). The point of it all is: The one some thought to be subordinate to angels is the very one whom the angels are commanded to worship as their creator!

The angels are to worship Jesus. That shows their inferiority. The inferior one worships the greater and not the other way around.

Importance of “firstborn”: The Jews dedicated their “firstborn” sons to Yahweh. The “firstborn” were important to families. This term is used of Messiah predominantly to refer to his resurrection (cf. Romans 8:29; Col. 1:15, 18; Rev. 1:5) but may also reflect his position as the Second Adam.

Point 2—Jesus is superior to angels in His Reign for God—the nature of angels versus the nature of the Son (vv. 7-12): First, Jesus creates while angels are simply servants (v. 7, contrast angels as created versus Jesus as Creator). Second, Jesus reigns over God’s kingdom (vv. 8-9). Third, Jesus’ kingdom is eternal in contrast to the angels who are created (vv. 10-12).

v. 7: Jesus is the creator while the angels are merely created as servants. Angels are part of creation, and Jesus the Creator makes them what they are. 

vv. 8-9: Jesus reigns forever (fulfilling the Davidic promise and showing divinity). He also reigns in righteousness. Luke Timothy Johnson (Hebrews: A Commentary, p. 80): "The choice of Psalm 44 is bold and brilliant. Bold, because it is originally an ode for a royal wedding in the Davidic dynasty and is redolent of a royal ideology that is entirely this worldly--to suggest that this Psalm 'speaks' of a crucified Messiah requires a courageous interpreter! The choice is also brilliant, because the Psalm uniquely offers a combination of thematic elements that fit the powerful yet paradoxical Christology of Hebrews." 

vv. 10-12: The Never-Ending Story—Jesus’ reign will never end. These verses draw attention to the Son’s eternal nature and to the eternal nature of his rule. In contrast, the rest of the world/universe is temporary and will be ended and replaced. Hebrews 1:10, quoting Psalm 102:25, affirms the Son’s work in creation.

Point 3—Jesus is superior to angels in His Reward from God (vv. 13-14): Jesus’ reward means a seat of high authority. David DeSilva (Perseverance in Gratitude: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrew, p. 101): "In the ancient world, seating order was based on the appraisal of relative worth or honor. The most distinguished people enjoyed the best seats. By applying Psalm 110:1 to Jesus, the author claims for him the place of highest honor in the Jewish-Christian cosmos, namely, a seat at the right hand of God. Lane correctly observes that session at God’s right hand ‘would convey to contemporaries an impression of the Son’s royal power and unparalleled glory.’"

Jesus sits beside God while angels act as ministers to Christians who belong to Jesus.

DeSilva (p. 103): "Christians are thus named as beneficiaries of God’s favor and deliverance. This 'salvation' is a benefaction yet to be conferred, and thus the hearers must remain firm in their hope and trust, remaining 'connected' to their patron through loyalty and reverent service. The identity of 'heirs of deliverance' is very positive, particularly in light of the alternative. The audience should thus have little trouble accepting this delineation of 'who they are.'"

Cockerill (p. 45): “God has spoken these words to the Son. They are now in effect. The Son is now at the Father’s right hand with all the authority in the universe to help us come into the Father’s presence. Thus Psalm 110:1 is also the key to understanding our own situation. We live between the exaltation and the final judgment. Christ has finished His saving work. He has provided for us to be cleansed from sin. He now sits at the Father’s right with the power to bring us into God’s presence.”

DeSilva (p. 103): "In 1:5–14, then, the author has provided a demonstration from Scripture for his premise in 1:4. The addressees would no doubt agree with him every step of the way, appreciating his exegetical finesse in applying OT texts as well as his rhetorical art in shaping antitheses to establish his point. He has reminded them of the transient value of the material and visible creation, such that the only firm ground for hope and trust remains the Son (and not the recovery of material goods or honor in the eyes of the Son’s enemies). He has, in every way, established the significance of the Son, such that the consideration that should be moving to the forefront of each hearer’s mind will be, 'How shall I respond to this Son so as to remain in favor, and not fall into the number of his enemies?' This is precisely the sort of question that the author goes on to answer."

So, how should we respond to this information regarding the Son’s superiority? How should Christians respond to the incomparable majesty of God’s Son?

Conclusion

Our author has now brought Scriptural references to support his views of Jesus. He has given us evidence to back up his assertions. The bottom line is that Jesus is superior even to other supernatural entities because he is God. The angels are therefore subject to him. He is superior to angels. God has declared these things about Jesus, showing that Jesus experiences favored status with God.

One point is that Christians are never completely defenseless in this world. The angels are servants on our behalf. More importantly, God is our strength and shield. Truth will not fail.

Another is that God has taken thought of our situation. He knows what we face. He put us here for this time. He equips us to do his will.

A. The Son has a better name. He was established as king when he rose from dead. There are many things in our life which are good and have their proper place in God's order, but they must never take the place of Jesus as God's superior Son. Will you yield to this king? (Give gospel here)

B. The Son has greater status. The Son rules, angels serve. Jesus holds final and ultimate authority over this world and indeed the universe. We must learn to submit to that authority in all aspects of our life, and we cart rejoice that ultimately no power will ever prevail against him. Will you serve the Son? This week ask God to show you where you need to submit to his authority. Where is repentance needed? Courage? Make Jesus boss.

C. The Son has greater dignity. The Son receives worship. The angels render worship to him. Just as the angels have the privilege of worshiping Jesus, let us worship him as well with unbridled love and devotion. Will you worship the Son? Live your lives this week as though Jesus’ is in charge. Do our lives reflect his dignity?

D. The Son has greater function. The Son is eternal and creator, angels serve the created. Will you recognize he is eternal and you are not? Will you recognize he is the creator and we are the created?

This week, read the following passages and ask God how to obey his word: Hebrews 4, John 14, Psalm 128, Psalm 19, 2 Timothy 3.

Sermon: The Final Word Hebrews 1:1-4

 Hello all:

I have the privilege of preaching occasionally at Forest Community Church in Forest, VA, and about one year ago (in April 2022) I began a series on Hebrews entitled: Fix Your Eyes on Jesus. I decided to post the links to the videos for these sermons in case their are those who may be interested in watching these sermons. This first sermon is entitled "The Final Word" and covers Hebrews 1:1-4 (with some background notes). The sermon begins around the 15 minute mark on the video, and you can use this link to watch it: The Final Word.

Here is a brief outline of the sermon if you would like some of the notes.

Introduction: 

No book in the Bible focus our attention upon the deity and high priestly work of Jesus Christ like the book of Hebrews. Preached/written to an audience that was considering walking away from Jesus to return to a former way of life (Judaism), the book of Hebrews appears to be a sermon encouraging its hearers to fix their eyes on Jesus to the exclusion of ANY OTHER means of salvation or security. When facing a crisis (spiritual, physical, political, etc.), fix your eyes on Jesus. When tempted to sin, fix your eyes on Jesus. When you want to quit, fix your eyes on Jesus. When discouragement or problems come to you, fix your eyes on Jesus. The main point of Hebrews appears to be: Fix your eyes on Jesus.

Point 1) God’s final Word is God’s Full Disclosure (vv. 1-2a): Past and Present Communication

God’s revelation to his people through the prophets is finalized by his revelation through the Son. (vv. 1–2a).

Point 2) God’s final Word is a Full Representation of God’s plan for humanity (vv. 2b-4): a) Fully Human—Second Adam, b) Fully God—creator of the universe, c) Fully in Charge—seated at God’s right hand, d) Fully Exalted

The Son in his exalted place at God’s right hand perfectly represents the essence, character, and action of God. (vv. 2b–4).

"If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation" (Romans 10:9-10).

Conclusion: 

A. The author clearly wants his readers to understand certain truths about God and Messiah as the foundation of his sermon. So we must seek to understand theological truth so we can then live appropriately.

B. The central force of the prologue is that "God spoke." This requires much of us. We must first acknowledge that God has spoken, then we must incline our hearts to hear what he has said and learn from him, recognizing that by virtue of his being God that he has a claim on everything that we are.

C. The affirmation about God speaking is that is has occurred through his Son. The truth is as commonly said as it is right: Jesus, God’s Son, must be at the center of all we do. He must receive our complete devotion and worship as God’s final revelation.

D. The mention of angels points out competitors for our attention. In our religious thinking we do not usually exalt angels, but there are many other things which compete for center stage. The only one who should hold that place is Jesus himself. Passages: Psalm 15; Psalm 18; Isaiah 55; John 1:1-18; Colossians 1. 

Thanks for reading! 

Annual Easter Post: What Did We Expect?

A few years ago I wrote the note below as I contemplated the days leading up to Easter Sunday. As I read the note, I thought it might be worth posting again. I hope it is a blessing to you!

The week before Easter is commonly called "Holy Week" by Christians. During this week we celebrate (is that the right word?) the last week of Jesus' life on earth. People sometimes make pilgrimages to Israel and retrace Jesus' final steps (the Via Dolorosa), they may pause at the "rock of agony" and cry where Jesus cried out to God in Gethsemane, they may go to the pit where Jesus was interrogated, they could pause where Jesus supposedly stumbled under the load of his cross, they could visit and contemplate Golgotha, they may visit the empty tomb, and they will most likely weep and cry and mourn.

Rightfully so . . . this was THE WEEK for which Jesus lived his entire human life, and it was a rough one for him. On Sunday before his crucifixion he entered Jerusalem with cheers ringing in his ears. The (usually fickle) populace embraced him for all the great miracles he performed, and they hailed his coming as though a conquering warrior had entered the city. Like paparazzi following a Hollywood star, they trailed behind this carpenter from Nazareth and looked for ways to become part of his entourage or to at least get a "piece of the action" as Jesus came to town.

Some of these same folks will probably yell "Crucify him!" in just a few days, by the way.

When Jesus offered them something tangible to grab, they wanted to be a team player, they wanted the fishes and loaves, the healings, the wonders, the mighty signs.

How soon their tune would change . . . how quickly they would turn on the one who was innocent of any sin except the failure to live up to THEIR expectations.

How like them we are today . . .

When things are going our way, we look to heaven and sing God's praises. We celebrate and sing and run to join the band as God rides triumphantly over all our "enemies." But as soon as Jesus fails to live up to OUR expectations, what do we do?

I know the spiritual answer--"though he slay me yet I will praise him."

Do we really? Will we? Will I?

I'm struck with how Jesus routinely challenged the popular expectations of the crowds who showed up hoping for another demonstration of heavenly power and flash. In John 12, just after the people have celebrated his "triumphal entry," Jesus tells them that the way to jump on his bandwagon is for his followers to hate their lives in this world. Just think how that must have sounded to the celebrants rejoicing in the coming of their conquering hero!

"You want to be a part of my movement, a part of my thing?" Jesus asks, "Then you will have to regard your life in this world as a dead man would. You have to become the least, the slave, the dead one, in order to get in on my movement."

Come and die.

What an invitation!

Of course, Jesus knew that in just a few days he would literally fulfill that invitation. The innocent would die for the unquestionably guilty . . . and he would die horribly.

I can just imagine how this conversation must have put a damper on the celebration in Jerusalem. Jesus took a party and turned it into a wake. The next thing we know he is engaged in theological discussions with the people and with the Jewish leaders. He created a controversy that caused folks to take sides. All he had to do was accept the adulation and promise to "win the war that must be won," but Jesus decided to go against expectations again. He decided to allow God to get the glory through humility and death.

Hasn't this happened to us? Just when we think we have God's agenda all spelled out like it ought to be, He throws us a curve ball that reminds us we aren't in charge! We have a hard time "boxing Jesus" into a neat package.

What's the point then? The point is that we should reverse the procedure. Instead of putting expectations on God, we should look for HIS expectations for us. What has He required of us? What does He want? How should we respond to His voice?

The week of Easter we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus. In the process maybe we should participate in a funeral of our own. Maybe we should let die our selfish expectations about how God "ought" to act towards us. Bury them, and let God resurrect them in His image.

As we contemplate the price of our salvation, let us willingly become slaves to the one who has paid such a price to purchase our freedom. Like Jesus, let our prayer be "Father glorify your name." Remember, if a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it will yield much fruit. It is, however, pretty useless in a bag with other seeds. Let's allow God to plant us where he wants so that our service can produce fruit for his glory. Let's follow our crucified Lord by living cruciform lives.

What would the world look like if we did?

I'd really like to find out!

Thanks for reading!

God is Faithful: A Word of Encouragement

1 Thessalonians 5:23-25

23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. 25 Brethren, pray for us. NASU

Job 5:17-27

17 "Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves, So do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. 18 "For He inflicts pain, and gives relief; He wounds, and His hands also heal. 19 " From six troubles He will deliver you, Even in seven evil will not touch you. . . 27 "Behold this; we have investigated it, and so it is. Hear it, and know for yourself." NASU

Faithful--God is faithful to finish what he starts.

Faithful--God is faithful to stand with us in our hour of desperation.

Faithful--God will not fail, he will not give up.

Faithful--if God has called us, he will complete that calling in us. He finishes what he starts (see Isaiah 66:9).

Think of Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Gideon, Samson, Deborah, Barak, David, Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Habakkuk, Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Jesus, the apostles, James, John, Peter, and Paul.

Think of poor young Timothy--his spiritual "father" Paul just died--he had his head removed by the Romans for preaching Messiah. And there sits Timothy. He arrived at the prison, the final home of Paul, but Timothy arrived just a bit too late. "Come before winter" Paul requested. Timothy hurried to Rome with parchments and supplies, only he arrived too late. Paul was dead.

We might be tempted to ask Timothy--"Is God really faithful? Does God finish what he starts?"

Tear stained eyes look up at us. A smile shows on a face that was just a moment ago contorted with grief.

"Is God faithful?" Timothy responds incredulously. He looks at us like we had three heads. "Of course God is faithful!" the disciple of Paul exclaims.

But, we might ask, you just lost your friend, your spiritual father. He is dead, gone, his life ingloriously snuffed out by the mad man Nero. Where is God's faithfulness in all of that?

Remember, dear reader, that God's constant faithfulness is not a guarantee against harm or even hard times. Paul knew that, and he knew the risks. But Paul was confident that God would empower him for the task at hand. He even wrote to dear Timothy--"If we are faithless, God is faithful" (2 Timothy 2:13).

Why is God faithful? Paul tells us it is because God cannot deny himself! God is always true to his own character.

Paul also reminded his disciple that hard times would come since "those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:2). In the midst of the storm, God is unable to deny his own essential nature of covenant love, of covenant fidelity, of faithfulness of humble service.

If God suddenly became unfaithful, the universe would literally fly apart at the seams, the world would cease spinning, the moon would crash into the ocean, life would cease, the sun would be snuffed out, the universe would cease its almost infinite growth. God can no more be unfaithful than a human can sprout wings or develop gills. God IS faithful because he is God! God does not change!

So, friend, what trial of darkness are we experiencing? Is it one of our own making, the result of mistakes and missteps in life? Is it an accident, simply the ebb and flow of life? Is it the result of righteousness? 

I'll tell you a secret--it doesn't matter where it originated--God is faithful still! Romans 8:28ff is still in effect.

Have we blown it? Hundreds of times no doubt! We need to make things right and remember--God works all things together for good. God is conforming his people to the image of his dear Son! He is faithful! 

Have you been treated badly for some good thing you've done? Be glad and remember that all things work together for good. Your present circumstances do not hinder God's faithfulness. God does not falter because your situation is so BIG. God is not intimidated by your situation or circumstance. 

GOD IS FAITHFUL!

For God to be unfaithful, he would have to deny himself. And that, dear friend, will never happen.

Thank you, God, for your steady commitment to us. Thank you for being constant and unmoving in your love for us. Thank you for your kindness that leads us to repent and for your faithfulness that calls us to faith. Thank you for the life and example of Jesus. Teach us to live as he lived. Thanks for listening to us!

Thank you, dear reader, for reading!

The Road to Emmaus: On the Road from Disappointment to Hope (Luke 24:13-35)

“O Lord my God, when the storm is loud, and the night is dark, and the soul is sad, and the heart oppressed; then, as a weary traveler, may I look to you; and beholding the light of your love, may it bear me on, until I learn to sing your song in the night. Amen.” From Little Book of Prayers by George Dawson.

Job 13:15a "Though He slay me, I will hope in Him." (NASU)

Luke 24:21 "But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, it is the third day since these things happened." (NASU)

The Emmaus Road story is a story of shattering and restoration, or disappointment and hope. Anyone who has ever been shattered can find themselves in this story. Anyone who has ever experienced restoration can find themselves in this story as well. And those who find themselves in that in between place, between shattering and restoration, then this story is for them as well. I call my version “on the road from disappointment to hope.” On the road from disappointment to hope we have to remember that we are on a journey. It is not a short road, but neither is it an easy one. There will be an end, but we must walk the road first. 

Sometimes in the midst of the trials and burdens of life, we lose sight of our anchor. We feel tossed and thrown as on a wild and restless sea. Our emotions tell us that things will never be good, all will be despair and loss. Our hope seems shipwrecked, our desire to go on in life sinks into depression. We see nothing good, only evil all around us. Our enemies (both physical and spiritual) seem to have the upper hand, they seem to be winning the day. Things are just not working out the way we expected! The victory we felt sure would come has not yet manifested itself, and we feel ourselves sinking ever deeper into a pit in which we cannot get the proper traction to climb. The clock is ticking down, our hope is gone, our day is over, and Christ has not come.

Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24, we had hoped that Jesus would be the one who would rescue us. We had fervently prayed that maybe, just maybe, today would be the day when we would “live happily ever after” and find our dreams coming true. We shake our heads and go out for a walk. Maybe some fresh air and a quick walk will clear out the cob webs in our minds (Luke 24:13-15). Still, the topic of our recent failure hangs like a cloud over our heads, raining down doubt and fear.

Leaving Jerusalem represents leaving behind dreams and expectations. Jerusalem was a place of pain, sorrow, and loss; a place of death, unmet expectations, and disappointment. It’s a place where our lives were shattered —these travelers on the road to Emmaus were disappointed due to events in Jerusalem, so they headed home. Home, where hopes and dreams are first discovered. Home! Where we could get some R&R away from the issues of Jerusalem. Our travelers left the city of “peace” (Jerusalem) to go find some rest or some hope. They left Jerusalem and headed to Emmaus.

They chat quietly together, commiserating a bit in their sorrow, in their recent loss. They try to remember all the "good reasons" they came to this time--like the first time they heard the story of Jesus, or the first time they met him, or even when they experienced firsthand some of his mighty works. Still, sorrow clings to their souls like a wet coat in a sudden thunderstorm. They can't get rid of the sense of sadness, it drenches them and sticks to them. They wonder why they even brought the subject up and continue to make the journey in silence. Maybe time alone with our thoughts will help.

Suddenly, a stranger approaches (Luke 24:16-24). He seems rather ignorant of their experiences, and besides that he has a fairly sunny disposition. He is definitely someone they want to avoid at this moment. No pie in the sky false hope will satisfy. They fear that he will say something like, “Cheer up! Keep a stiff upper lip! Things will work out in the end!” They try to avoid the stranger, yet he resolutely comes their  direction. He seems determined to interrupt their brooding, despair, and disappointment. He is on a mission, and they seem to be his primary targets. Maybe they try to ignore him, but then he speaks.

“So, what’s going on? Why the sad face?” he inquires. Out of pure human kindness they try to explain their pain and disappointment in as brief a manner as possible. They do not want to burden strangers with their “little” disappointments, after all. Have you ever noticed that some of the saddest words in our language begin with the letter “d”? For example, disappointment, disillusionment, defeat, death. The words of Cleopas and his companion to Jesus on the way to Emmaus represent some of these. Although they had left the demoralized and confused group of disciples, the events of Jesus’ crucifixion were still fresh in their memories. They left their disappointed community and continued walking in disappointment. We can understand their confusion, can’t we?

On the road from disappointment to hope we will find some of our expectations sometimes do not pan out as we expected. We may find ourselves disappointed, and we may long to return to another place where we felt safe. In our story Cleopas and his traveling companion chose Emmaus. Their entire world had come apart. They were discussing their situation (misery loves company, no?), and Jesus joins them in their walk and talk. We find out that they didn’t recognize Jesus or that they were prevented from recognizing him. God is often there when we aren’t even aware. Sometimes he sneaks in on our journey and joins our conversation, but he doesn’t always warn us in advance (Hebrews 13—show hospitality to strangers, you may entertain angels unawares).

The unrecognized Messiah asks them about their “dispute” or conversation. It must have been a lively conversation they were having. Perhaps they were trying to convince each other on the truth of their view? We may never know. They were discussing what had happened to Jesus and such, and they were none too happy about it. Jesus asks them the topic of their conversation, and with surprise they ask him if he’d been hiding under a rock the last few days (which, in reality, he kind of had been . . . let the hearer hear).

They are confused companions now confronted with a the mysterious stranger—“Are you a stranger?” they inquire.  Yet he knew better than anyone the experiences of the past few weeks! Perhaps they had entertained a view of Messiah that included a militant and forceful triumph of their enemies. They say, “But we had hoped!” They outlined for Jesus the recent events that happened to him. Their dreams were destroyed when Jesus died, and the report from the women didn’t really help much. The reports that Christ’s tomb was empty had only confused the disciples more. Their entire world had come apart. They were concerned, maybe even a little afraid. So they were headed home to the comfort of Emmaus (which may mean “hot baths”) to get over their bad experiences and hopeless feeling.

Human hope can be fragile, and when it withers it’s difficult to revive. Have you ever experienced such hopelessness? There was no way out… no matter what was tried… there was nothing anyone could do to change the situation…“The cancer has spread too far.” “My spouse has left me for another partner.” “I feel so stuck in my job.” “I’ve given up. Nothing will ever change with the church.” Hopelessness is hard to cure. 

And so, in our heart-break, like the Emmaus disciples, we may put up a wall of hopelessness around us, and we become trapped in our misery. "We had hoped . . . "  “We had hoped…” Hope seems to be gone, and our expectations have dwindled to little or nothing. Before there were sky high dreams of what God would do, now they are replaced by disappointment. We head home to Emmaus, to a place where we might find comfort. But will it work?

On the road from disappointment to hope we often find ourselves befriending two kinds of people—people who agree with us about how bad things are, and people who can see through the fog and explain how things really are. These two men are leaving disappointment and heading home to comfort and hopefully some hope. Emmaus represents hope/home. They are going “home”, but they are bringing a visitor with them. 

Heading towards Emmaus represents a restoration of hope or an attempt to return “home” to comfort, but the results aren’t always what we expect—on the road from disappointment to hope we often find ourselves instructed by Jesus himself, but we may not be aware of it. We may entertain strangers who are God sent messengers to encourage us, but we may not see it at first. (Luke 24:25-29)

The stranger hears their story and stands tall. Looking at them he says boldly, “Foolish ones, slow of heart to believe what God has said!” The force of his accusation no doubt caught them off guard. How dare this stranger tell them that? How dare he interject his thoughts into their moment of pain, their sorrow? Just who does he think he is to interrupt their musings with his “pollyanna” announcement? Maybe they even looked at him with disdain and wondered that he likely has nothing of real value to offer.

Then, he begins to speak again. Starting with the beginning of their story and bringing them pretty much up to date he tells us things they knew but somehow in anguish had forgotten. As he speaks, their hearts get a bit lighter. They can literally feel a burning inside that slowly (painfully slowly) begins to purify their thoughts and hearts. His words seem to dry the wet sorrow drenching them. Like sunshine after a thunderstorm, they begin to feel a bit of relief. Spring may yet come!

Jesus joins them. Jesus often joins us on our journey from disappointment to hope… he spends time with us… sometimes as an unrecognized stranger… Jesus enters our pain, and allows us to share our story of disappointment. The Emmaus travelers tell the stranger what they thought the man of Galilee was all about, but Jesus unpacks for them the full mystery of God’s plan of salvation. He fills their broken hearts with a lesson in faith and hope. He begins with the idea of suffering.

The necessity of suffering: that’s the one thing the travelers hadn’t factored in…Like many of us, the disciples may have expected a Messiah who would rule with power and crush our enemies and establish God’s Kingdom once and for all (hopefully with us in charge with him!). They could not conceive of a suffering Messiah who would die on a cross. That was not an option!

The needed Scriptures: Jesus opened the scriptures to them and He wants to do the same for us. Our role is to be a learner. We are to listen to His voice above all others. What did Jesus share? The OT story about Messiah and his sufferings seems likely. We don’t know the particulars, but we are made aware that when we are disappointed we need to return to what God has said. Maybe Jesus shared with them Psalm 22, Isaiah 53:4-6?

The neighborly invite: It was too dangerous to travel at night, so they invite the stranger to stay with them and have a meal. Jesus obliged, but he won’t stay long as we will see. Sometimes Jesus consents to stay with us, but we can’t expect to be able to dictate terms to him about his time. He will come in if invited, but we are not his bosses. He is Lord, and in our next section we will see that he plays the role of host in the meal. Jesus determines how he will interact with us, we do not get to tell him how that will be.

As he prays, they realize his true identity. He is Jesus, their Lord, the one who was beaten brutally, was painfully crucified, who died with the full weight of sin upon his broken and bruised body. He has been there all along, listening to them, sympathizing (or is it empathizing?) with their pain and anguish. He has been waiting to comfort them with his presence. He loves in this way, even when he seems silent.

They beg him to stay. Oh, the situations of our life haven’t changed dramatically. They still have problems, and those problems seem just as depressing and burdensome as before. The difference is that they have Jesus in the house, and the light of his love gives courage to press on, he becomes an anchor for our souls. Why? Simply stated—“Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Through him and his love we may not have better situations or circumstances, but we can still be “more than conquerors through him who loved us” in the trials we share as his joint heirs. How? Talk to him. Let him talk. Trust his character. He is faithful even when we are faithless. We genuinely matter to him. He says, "Keep pressing on, I have not forsaken you. I love you."

On the road from disappointment to hope we sometimes find ourselves entertaining God as a stranger, and his presence may speak to us in ways that help us hope again. We may (like the Emmaus road travelers) even find ourselves moved by God to return to Jerusalem (the place of disappointment)—to go back to our faith community and give a testimony to the Lord’s goodness (the man with the legion of demons, the lepers healed, etc.). They return to Jerusalem, but we get ahead of ourselves. There is a meal, a revelation, and a restoration in verses 30-35. This leads to a return to Jerusalem.

As we walk our soggy paths of life, we should pause and wait for the Lord. Let him catch up to us in our musings. Listen to his words (even the ones that gently rebuke). Get in his presence, let him pray for us  and with us. Let his words and actions encourage and empower. Remember, he walks with us whether we acknowledge him or not. 

Their return to Jerusalem shows a restoration of hope and passion—on the road from disappointment to hope we may find ourselves unexpectedly hosting the Lord in our midst (Luke 24:30-35). He may set our hearts on fire, and we may find our passion renewed. The key is listening to God’s Word—Jesus and Scripture.

Broken bread and opened eyes: Jesus broke the bread, and they recognized him (did they see his nail scarred hands for the first time on this trip?). Jesus wasn’t just giving them bread, he was giving them back themselves. This was their restoration. When Jesus broke the bread something in them broke open. With that breaking open their lives were being put back together. Despite how it feels, brokenness is not an ending and neither is disappointment. There is more to it than we often see or know. It is not just brokenness or shattering, it is a breaking open to new life, to new way of seeing, to new recognition, to community, welcome, hospitality, and love.

But Jesus doesn’t stay long. Don’t we understand that? Jesus often shows up in the hard times or in the good times, but he never seems to stay as long as we’d like. Like the mount of transfiguration, we want to camp there. Jesus has to move on.

Burning hearts and renewed passion: Finally recognizing that this stranger is the risen Jesus they travel back to Jerusalem in a hurry. If they were meandering and taking their time to get to Emmaus, now they are in a hurry. They return to Jerusalem with their hope and passion renewed. Hope has a powerful effect on us. It transforms ordinary people, like the Emmaus Disciples… like us… into passionate witnesses of the risen Lord!

To move from disappointment to hope, we must first find ourselves in the presence of Jesus. We need to slow down, to take time to listen to him and his instruction. We need to be receptive of the ways he brings instruction to hope into our lives.

Jesus is with us (even if we don’t always see him).

God will fulfill his plan for us, so we need to saturate ourselves with His Word and promises.

We need community—both as a place to share the testimony of hope God has given us, but also as a place to share our disappointments when expectations are not realized. We need each other.

This week, spend time reading from the letter of James. Ask God for direction on what community looks like and how we can be better at being God’s people. Also, spend time in Jesus’ presence and in the company of other believers. Don’t leave Jerusalem and head home to Emmaus, put down roots with others and find hope in what Jesus is doing.

Spend time with other believers, but instead of rehearsing all that has gone wrong find time to discuss the amazing things God has done. Make it a point to follow Jesus’ example in looking at God’s promises instead of spending time debating how bad things may be. Share time, be there for each other.

No, the church is not a perfect gathering of people, but we are on a journey with God. Jesus is our companion even when we can’t see him, and we have each other as well. May we all find ourselves on the road from disappointment to hope with Jesus as our traveling companion!

Thanks for reading!

Reflections on 2022: A Repost with an addendum

 Some of the information below I posted originally in 2009, and I am repeating it here as most of it has not changed. On the other hand, I have added some addendums in parenthetical statements. I hope you all have a blessed 2023! 

2022 was a rough year for me and my family. In the fall of 2021, one of my best friends (Mike Mitchell) passed away. Then in January of 2022, my mom went to be with Jesus. January also saw us without a dog for the first time in 26 years. I don't want to talk about it. Then in February our "adopted" daughter, Jane Marczewski, lost her battle with cancer. I also was no longer serving as the director of the PhD in Theology and Apologetics program after the spring of 2022. May 2022 saw us going through mom's stuff with my brothers and their families. My daughter finally was allowed by her doctors to begin to ride her horse again in 2022 (she had a fall in December 2021 that caused issues). We celebrated our first Thanksgiving without mom and our first Christmas without her. 

Yeah, 2022 was a tough one. Not an exemplary year for us, and yet God is faithful and good. We look to the future to see what God will do. As I repost this reflection, I wanted you all to know that my friends and family are used by God to make all of this bearable. Thank you! 

Another year has come, and I wanted to share some reflections with you all.

1. I am not a patient man, and waiting in airports is not my favorite activity. (Note: I have not waited in any airports for about 3 years, but I still do not like waiting)
2. As an aside and with reference to the same issue: I do not like lounge singers. (Note: No lounge singers have been around me for a while, so this opinion may have changed)
3. Traveling is fine, but I like coming home best of all.
4. It is easier to take down a trampoline than it is to set one up.
5. it is easier to fall off a trampoline than to relive your youth ("I'll bet I can jump higher than you" is not a proper challenge for an over 40 person to issue to a 9 year old!)--(Note: I have not actually jumped on a trampoline in about 10 years, and seeing as I am now over 60 I seriously doubt it will happen. Nonetheless, this is still true)
6. Preparing lessons, sermons, or lectures on a weekly basis is not as easy as you think.
7. I hang out with some amazing people . . . true scholars who sometimes overwhelm me with their knowledge and love for God as well as wonderful young adults whose passion for Christ pushes me to desire to be more like Him.
8. I have a great family and great friends.
9. My daughter is simply amazing. I wish I had her creativity. (Note: My daughter is a wise and mature individual. She has endured more stress and problems in her 26 years of existence than some will encounter in an entire lifetime. Nonetheless, she handles all of this with a sense of humor and with trust in God. I am honored to be her dad!)
10. My son is astounding. If I had half his energy (or brains), God knows what I could have been. (Note: The energy is not as high now, but my son is amazing and wicked smart. He is also one of the most compassionate people I know, and he believes in real justice. If there is a wrong to be righted, he will work hard to make that happen. I am honored to be his dad!)
11. I love my wife more every day. No matter what the economic, political, or seasonal outlook, she gets prettier and smarter every day. (Note: This is still true, and I am a blessed man!)
12. I am addicted to board games. . . and dominoes . . . and coffee. . . and meat . . . and chocolate. Not necessarily in that order. (Note: I should add . . . and cookies . . . and coffee . . . and books)
13. You can never have enough books, especially comic books (I may have another addiction, huh?).
14. I miss my dog. (Note: This is harder since we no longer have our dog)
15. January is a fine month, but I like it better with snow.
16. Christmas ends too soon.
17. Another year of college football is almost over, and I already miss it.
18. I'm not very good at writing reflections.
19. I better stop now.
20. No, I mean it, I have to stop!
21. Aaargh! Quit reading! Can't you see it is tempting me to continue!
22. The End

Maybe . . .

Sorry for the rambling . . .

Happy New Year!

May God's grace and finest blessings be yours in 2023.

Thanks for reading!