"Thirsty"

"Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst." - John 4:13-14a (NIV)

I remember a scene from my childhood where my Dad and I would go into a hayfield a pick up hay bales for the horses our family owned.  Between the heat and the hay, it would not take long for our bodies to crave something that would satisfy our thirsts.  Thankfully, on the way back home, we would find a convenience store that proved to be an oasis.  I still recall turning up those glass bottles of Montain Dew, enjoying the last cool drop of refeshing soda. 

While those trips to the convenience store provided much needed rest and refreshment, it would not be long before that physical thirst would awaken once more.  Whether it was another trip to the hay field or the barn, a neighborhood or church basketball game, or some other activity, those physical pangs of thirst would eventually come back.  Water, Mountain Dew, or juice could never provide any kind of lasting satisfaction.  Truth be told, our physical bodies require daily replenishing of fluids, no matter the level of activity.

Our spiritual bodies work that way as well.  We are in dire need of daily spiritual nutrients, no matter how intense the spiritual warfare may be for any given day.  Physical water means physical life.  spiritual water means spiritual life.  The word "thirsty," or "dip-sah'-o", in Greek, occurs six times in the book of John.  Once, in John 19:28, the crucifixion scene, it denotes a physical thirst.  Jesus' six mock trials, endless beatings, a flogging, and crucifixion have produced this natural need.  But in the other five instances where this word is used , it is refering to the spirtual longings in our heart.  The second meaning of this word is "figuratively, those who are said to thirst who painfully feel their want of, and eagerly long for, those things by which the soul is refreshed, supported, strengthened."  (Kittell). 

This was the deep need of the Samaritan woman Jesus encountered one day.  A social outcast, as she happened to be a woman and a frowned upon Samaritan, she also carried years of emotional baggage.  Five former husbands and a possible number six spoke much into her past and present.  Broken, dry, beat down, and weak.  She, although unaware, is a perfect candidate for grace.  We should be careful not to judge.  Each of us have pursued that one thing that we thought would bring lasting fulfillment.  For some it may be relationaships; for some it may be habits, for some it may be religion.  Jeremiah, the Old Testament prophet, speaks to us: ""My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water."  (2:13, NIV)  We, like the Samaritan woman, are perfect candidates for grace, whether we realize it or not.

Jesus reminds us that only he can provide what is everlasting.  Apart from him, we are pursuing dry and cracked cisterns.  No physical water means death.  No spiritual water means spiritual death.  The Samartian woman found the One who truly satisfies.  In Christ, we have everything we ever need.  The stagnant waters of the cistern are replaced by fresh "living" water.  Christ gives us a taste, now, of what is to come.  In the closing chapter of the Bible, John records these words: "The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life." (Revelation 22:17, NIV)

Broken cistern or Living Water?  Where does his grace need to intersect your life, today?   Drink deep.   If this were a commercial, the voice over would say, "NOT SOLD IN STORES!"

"Quarrel"

"...They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink.  The people quarreled with Moses, and said, "Give us water to drink." Moses said to them, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?" - Exodus 17:1,2  (NRSV)       Click here to read the story in Exodus 17:1-7

There are some people you just cannot please.  The late singer Ricky Nelson opined in one of his songs, "..you can't please everyone so you gotta please yourself."  Unfortunately, too many people take his advice.  Take Israel, for example.  The people of God were captive in Egypt under a heavy burden.  God heard their cries and sent a man by the name of Moses, along with his brother Aaron, to rescue the people of God.  The Bible speaks of the climax of this rescue operation in spectacular fashion (Exodus 14). 

So what would you do after seeing God work so magnificently on your behalf?  You would praise him!  Ah, praise.  That is just what the people of God did.  Exodus 15 provides the lyrics for the great song of praise they offered to God.  My, how the people were grateful!  Perhaps you can guess what happened next.  That would not be hard because we all have engaged in this at some level.  Exodus 17 says the people "grumbled," or "quarreled" with Moses.  The great moving of God, followed by an outpouring of praise to God for that moving, has taken a backseat.  Apparently, the people of God did not feel God was keeping his end of the bargain.  The issue?  Lack of food and water.  They were hungry and thirsty.  They felt death was the only logical conclusion.  The journey began to make Egypt look pretty good.  How quickly they had forgotten where God had led them from!

And here lies the issue.  The word, "quarrel", or "reeb" in Hebrew means "to strive or contend," but it is steeped in the lanuage of legal proceedings.  It means "to make a case, debate, plead a case, dispute, or argue."  This action, then, stems from this deep seeded passion to have one's side presented.  My way, or my belief system is paramount to yours.  I need to be heard!  The Sunday morning sing a long has given way to the Tuesday mundane.  Forgotten are the great moments of God breaking into worship.  This is now about me and my wants!

It is worth noting that the place they were camped in was named "Rephidim."  The irony is that "Rephidim" means "resting place."  God, in his great love and compassion, had brought the people of God to a place of rest.  But, rather than rest, they fought to get their way.  They quarreled.  One may understand why Moses would be frustrated.  One may further be inclined to think of God's displeasure with you and I.  How often do we forget his goodness when our own wants and needs are taking center stage.  God was not going to lead them to the desert to die.  He was going to take care of them.  He desires to take care of you and I as well.

Rather than give up on the lot, like we are apt to want to do, God instructed Moses to hit a rock with his staff to produce water.  The people were refreshed, but only temporarily.  They would grumble, again, and God would provide, again.  It would not be in the manner the people wanted or expected, but provision would come.  When you feel like contending or quarreling for your rights, remember God has not left you, nor forsaken you.  He will provide in due season, maybe in an unexpected way.  When those around you are prone to contend or quarrel, take your staff and become a purveyor of his grace and presence.  Allow the "Living Water" to fill and refresh, not only your life, but the lives around you as well. 

Clara Williams penned these marvelous words:
Hallelujah! I have found Him- Whom my soul so long has craved!
Jesus satisfies my every longings; through His blood I now am saved.

Want to join me at a Rock?

"Pervading"

"One God and Father of [us] all, Who is above all [Sovereign over all], pervading all and [living] in [us] all. - Ephesians 4:6 (AMP )                                                  

Recently, my wife and I were able to enjoy a wonderful time of renewal and refreshing at the Ministry Team Retreat, sponsored by the Virginia District Church of the Nazarene.  Dr. Bob Broadbooks, USA/Canada Regional Director for the Church of the Nazarene, and the featured speaker, reminded  us that we are to be "purveyors of the presence of  Christ."  We were also reminded that we were to point others to the Christ that "is present, although absent."  In other words, the components of our worship together should magnify a Christ that has come to visit with a people seeking after him.  It was a powerful reminder that everything we do is run through the filter of "God in Christ, reconciling a world unto himself."

As I have been studying the book of Ephesians, I have found great encouragement through its words.  Through its pages, a marvelous portrait of the Church emerges in breathtaking beauty.  In Ephesians 4, a call to unity (v. 3) is given as one of the ways God fulfills his purpose for the Church. In verse 6, we see that there is only one God who is "over all, and through all, and in all" (NIV).  Unity is so much easier to achieve when focused in one direction.  One body, one Spirit, one hope (v.4), one Lord, one faith, one baptism (v. 5), and one God.  Sounds pretty clear, does it not?  Yet, too often, many seem to be running after agendas, programs, plans, numbers, goals, etc.  The problem, then, is no one is on the same page.  "Me" becomes the primary focus, not "Him."

So, "pervading." The Amplified Bible picks this word up for the word "through", or "dia" in Greek.  While the word may denote movement, extent of time, or "by means of", the message here involves God's "pervading immanence".  To put it another way, God is not detached from his creation.  He is not just a spectator watching from the wings.  Pain and suffering often obscure his presence and action.  Job wondered openly about his plight, and complained to God (Job 29-31).  Jesus, in all of his humanity, wonders aloud why his Father had abandoned him (Matthew 27:46).  Thinking God is far off or that he does not care is sometimes easy to do.  Forgetting him is easier than that.

But, God is not far off.  He is actively involved in his creation.  He is moving it according to His plan and purpose and this assures that life has meaning and makes life worthwhile.  Job was answered out of the whirlwind; Jesus was answered on Easter morning.  God is present.  He is with you and me, comforting, healing, and redeeming.  We are not left hopeless.  By being "through all, " I can encounter God through many avenues.  My Bible, the communion table, a friend, a stranger, creation, an artist, or a servant of God can speak the presence of God into my life.

How does our view of worship change, if we were to believe God is present and active?  Should not our times together reflect the importance of that?  What would our ministries look like?  Should they not reflect the hands of God reaching out?  Speaking for me, I want to be a "purveyor of his presence."  I would hope my words, actions, and attitudes would point someone to his redemptive work in the world.  Think on these words by Brian Doerksen

He is here, listen closely
Hear Him calling out your name
He is here, you can touch Him
You will never be the same

"World"

"God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life." - John 3:16 (NCV)

Hollywood has away of telling stories of love.  If I may borrow from the controversial Rob Bell, "love wins" just about ever time.  Usually the two protagonists need to overcome some sort of obstacles, deal with each others faults and goof ups, come to some sort of epiphany, and, viola, love wins.  Happy and sappy, things work out.  Occasionaly, the boy does not alway get the girl, but, normally it is because some obstacles just cannot be overcome.  Yet, even here, one can see that love still remains even though circumstances are dictating our protagonists' seperation.

Where is the story that tells of someone loving another despite hate and rejection.  Where is the movie that shows the protagonist giving the ultimate sacrifice for another while being maligned, abused, and counted as a fraud.  Those stories are extremely rare on film and in print, if they exist at all.  No, I am afraid that this kind of story might be labeled as one of a kind.  However, it does exist.  It is located in John's Gospel, chapter 3, verse 16.  It is a love story that rivals anything ever seen on screen.  Titanic and The Notebook, take a seat.  Harlequin and Jackie Collins, you have nothing.  Yes, this love story trumps them all.

You see, the Bible says that "God loved the world so much..."  The focus here is not on love, for we all know that God loves.  That's who he is; that's what he does.  Ah, but the object of that love deserves comment.  The word "world" is simply translated "kosmos" in the Greek language with a variety of meanings.  It can mean: planet earth, the world as sum total of everything, or mankind, among other things.  But it also has the connotation of "the world, and everything that belongs to it hostile to God. (Walter Bauer).  John uses this term no less than 57 of the New Teatament's 186 usages.  Nearly all of John's references to "world" have this latter meaning.

Several commentators have stated that a more accurate reading of the text would be, "For God so loved the God-hating world."  This is you and me.  We have rebelled, chosen to be our own gods, treated God callously in the good times, and with contempt in the bad.  Yet, despite unasked for and undeserved, God chose to love all encompassing and unconditionally.  Plus, he does it whether we like it or not.  Take a look around.  From the religous leader to the sinner; from the homeless to the rich man; from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe; "red and yellow, black and white," this world became the target of the largest rescue operation ever.  That person on the news, the one seated next you, the one down the street, the loudmouth, the arrogant, the shy, the incompetent, the braggart, the adult, the child, and the teen are all targeted by God's love.  Now, that is a love story!

While we may complain about "this world" from time to time, and those opportunities are all too frequent, remember that God loved it so much he was willing to give his Son to redeem it.  If he could do that, the least we could do is pray for our world.  And the ending?  Well, it is still being written.  The offer of uncondional love is still offered to the world.  This is one happy ending you get to play a role in.  God loving us, despite us.  I guess we are not in Hollywood, anymore.

"Affection"

The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples.  - Deuteronomy 7:7 (NIV)

When I read this verse the other day, I recalled a great old hymn from my childhood by Robert Harkness:

Such love, such wondrous love!
Such love, such wondrous love!
That God should love a sinner such as I,
how wonderful is love like this!

I have to say, those exclamation points say quite a bit.  After all, should we not be excited to be loved by God?  Should we not be excited to know our Creatore loves us so?  Absolutely, we should be excited!  There are many different "voices" that bring an equally number of emotions into our lives.  One of the greatest voices that elicits the grandest of all emotion, is the one that conveys love and acceptance.  To know one is loved is perhaps the greatest feeling of them all.  A spouse, child, or close friend has a way of calming the storms in our lives by their declarations of love and support.

In the book of Deuteronomy, Israel stands on the brink of Canaan.  Moses, restricted from going with them, encourages them through a series of sermons.  And encourage them he does!  The nations may be larger and stronger (7:2), but God is on the side of Israel!  The Israelites are "holy to the Lord," "chosen," and a "treasured possession" (v. 6).  All Israel had to do was follow in the laws and decrees of  God. 

Yet here is the intersting part: God loved them.  That's right.  God, the Creator of all things, loved Israel.  Through good times and bad, He loved them; through obedience and disobedience, He loved them; through acceptance and rejection, He loved them.   It was not because the were the largest, they were not.  It was not because they had a lot to offer, they did not.  It was not because they had abundant wealth or resources, they did not.  But he loved them!  Not only that, but God had "set his affection" on them (v. 7).  

"Affection", or khaw- shak in Hebrew, here means "delight, love, attached to.  Is this not an amazing concept?  God delighted himself with Israel.  He attached himself to them.  Throughout their journeys, this reminder would always be with them.  Through the victory of Jericho and the defeat at Ai, God loved them.  As a nation and in exile, God loved them.  His greatest act of love would be shown on a rocky hill called Golgotha many years later.  Jesus' death heralded, yet again, the reminder that God, through it all, loved them.

Did you know that God has "set his affection" upon you?  Not because you were good enough, not because you have a lot to offer, not because you are wealthy, not because you are wise, and not because you have it all together.  No, he loves you, because that is who he is.  So when your world crashes in, breaks your heart, disappoints, insults, maligns, and hurts you, remember that God loves you.  He always has; he always will.  A rocky hill called Golgotha reminds us of that fact.

"How wonderful is love like this!"

"Pleasing"

"When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it." -  Genesis 3:6 (NIV)

I love driving past the local Chevrolet dealership here in Roanoke.  I have been an admirer of the Chevrolet corvettes for years.  I love to cruise past the dealership and look at the 'vettes all lined up, which seemingly to call out, "Pick me!  Take me home."  And much like the child who cannot take the candy, the toy, or the new pet home, I, too, am forced to keep moving along my way without that nice 'vette.

No problem.  I am a realist.  I can say in most certainty that I will never have one.  Things out of reach almost always never pose a problem for us.  Shrug it off.  No big deal.  But, what about the things within our grasp?  It is hard to shrug those things off.  And that is where things can get a little complicated.

In the story of Adam and Eve, recorded in the opening chapters of Genesis, we are shown a portrait of a gracious God who has created mankind "in his image" (1:27) for intimate fellowship with himself.  The Lord planted a garden, named Eden, and gave man dominion over the created order (1:28).  But there were boundaries.  God would provide everything Adam and Eve could ever imagine, but God reserved the right to draw parameters, namely the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (2:17).  For a while, all was well.

Then one day, Eve got into a theological debate with a serpent.  I do not know how long this debate lasted, but things changed.  Imagine that one day, your whole world revolves around the Creator, God.  Then, you find yourself here; your ears listening, not to God, but to a serpent; your eyes, not on the Creator, but on fruit.  The Bible says in Genesis 3:6 that the fruit was "pleasing to the eye".  "Pleasing", "tah-av-aw" in Hebrew, means to lust or covet, a desire of the heart.  So this was more than just a simple, "Ooooo, pretty fruit!"  It was more of "Got to have it!"

Think about that for a minute.  With God, one gets everything their hearts can imagine, within the framework of submitting to the Creator.  But, without God, we allow the lure of being our own gods to transform us into lustful, covetous creatures seeking our own pleasure.  It is little wonder that Jesus would begin his ministry in the wilderness, "correcting" the decision of Adam and Eve.  Jesus resists the devil by keeping what really mattered before him (Matthew 4:1 - 11).  In Jesus we are reminded that, whatever pleasures this life affords, God can abundantly give at his discretion.  We also are reminded that it is not worth trading for self-fulfillment.

So, we are then reminded why we need the season of Lent.  We are reminded why we need a Savior.  Left to ourselves, we choose us.  Jesus comes to bring us back to the Father.  In this journey through Lent, may we follow in the steps of Jesus.  In this journey, may we be drawn closer to the heart of the Father.  May we find him to be everything what we could never be on our own.  Lusting after 'vettes is not my problem.  Wanting to be my own god?  Yeah, that's a problem.

"Tear"

Tear your hearts, not your clothes. Return to the LORD your God. He is merciful and compassionate, patient, and always ready to forgive and to change his plans about disaster.  Joel 2:13 (GWT)

The most frequently asked question regarding the season of Lent is simply, "What are you giving up?"  It is an admirable question.  Lent, after all, is a time of introspection, reflection, and drawing close to God.  The idea of giving something up finds merit when "things" cloud out the voice of God.  Truth be told, all of us can place our fingers on those things that deflect our time and energy from our relationship with the Father.

In this passage of Scripture from the Old Testament, Joel is speaking from the context of a natural disaster.  A plague of locusts has devoured the land (Joel 1).  This is a real, physical problem that has crippled the land.  A very physical threat has left a devastating physical impact.  With the land ravaged, food is scarce.  Crops that were a source of income for families are gone.  Real problems.  Real results.  Real pain.  Israel needs help.  They need the rains to come and once again bring life out of barreness.

Joel, however sees another issue at work.  This physical problem underscores a deeper, spiritual concern.  In the same way as the land has been devasted by locusts, Joel forsees a time when Israel will face the consequences of ignoring the ways of God.  Spiritual waywardness has caused a spiritual drought, leading to a spiritual barreness of the heart.  Just like a physical rain was needed for the crops, a spiritual rain was needed for the soul.

Joel's answer was to "tear your hearts, not your clothes."  In Old Testament times, the tearing of one's clothes was a sign of deep remorse, sorrow and grief.  After the defeat of the Israelites at Ai due to Israel's sin, Joshua did this exact thing (Joshua 7:6).  The word translated "tear" or "rend" (kawrah) means to tear apart, split assunder, tear to pieces.  You get the idea.  You may understand why the tearing of one's clothes was a sign of remorse.  It is a powerful demostration.

And here lies the real issue with Lent.  We are so good with the physical outward expressions of worship.  We sing, pray, give in the offering, do our religous duties.  In Lent, we give up habits or give up things that are unhealthy.  In truth, Lent should force us to confront ourselves and make necessary adjustments. The real focus, however, should be on the heart, where we sometimes restrict God.  It is in the walled citadel of the heart where we need attention the most.  When we "tear to pieces" our hearts.  God has unhindered access.  We then find the spiritual rain for our spiritual barreness.

In Lent, we do the things that bring us to the heart of God.  So, maybe it is not only what you are giving up, but what you are adding.  Give up TV, FB, or internet?  Use the time for Bible reading or prayer.  Give up food?  Feed the hungry or donate money to an organization that helps the hungry and the homeless.  True repentance and sorrow does not stop with the physical demostrations.  A physical cure does not address a spiritual need.  It is in confronting who we are before God's holiness that brings meaning and purpose to the season of Lent.  Draw close to Him.  He is waiting.  Be ready... looks like rain.