MAXIMIZE your Prayer: Speak Up!

Today we are advancing in our series, “MAXIMIZE: Making the most of what God has given” and one of the things that will continue to surface is the idea minimizing the distance between our potential as a church and what is current reality. One great example of the distance between potential and reality is found in the United States’ pursuit of energy independence. With gasoline prices on the rise and global tension getting worse and worse, our need to be energy independent is becoming more acute with every passing day. Regardless of where you stand on this issue, consider this. According to Forbes, “Total recoverable oil in North America exceeds 1.7 trillion barrels, which is more oil than the entire world has used over the last 150 years. And that amount alone could meet the energy needs of the United States for the next 250 years. An estimated 1.4 trillion of those barrels are buried under American soil. The total proven reserves in Saudi Arabia is just about 260 billion barrels.” However, in spite of this awesome potential, little is being done to tap into our own reserves in order that we as Americans might benefit from all of the known perks that would naturally come out of tapping into this precious commodity.  

As bad as this might sound to you, there is an even worse example of negligence in our world today that involves something far more valuable than oil and if remedied would result in something far more powerful that energy independence. It is the awesome power of God available and ready to change the world. It is in infinite supply, will never run out, and is only a prayer away.

“Prayer is as vast as God because He is behind it. Prayer is

as mighty as God because He has committed Himself to it”

-Leonard Ravenhill 

However, believers and their churches rarely tap into this potential in the discipline of prayer. Because of this they throw away their potential. Paul seeks to remedy this in his encouragement to Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:1-8. In this passage, Paul gives four reasons for prayer that challenge the church in Ephesus to maximize their prayer lives so that God’s power and movement might be unleashed to the fullest extent. These same reasons apply to our context today as we seek to maximize prayer in our lives and at our church.

I. REASON #1: BECAUSE IT IS NEEDED-2:1-2

1 Timothy 2-3 deals with Paul’s instructions on how to repair the church. Having already identified what to watch out for (false teachers, strange doctrines, etc. in chapter 1), Paul now moves to encourage the church toward right practice and prayer is number one in his list of encouragements. Prayer’s placement in the book as a whole suggests prayer’s priority in the life of the church. It is priority number 1.

"The greatest thing anyone can do for God or man is pray." S.D. Gordon 

"The most important thing a born again Christian can do is to pray." Chuck Smith

In his explication of prayer, Paul introduces four words, “entreaties, and prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving” (2:1). Though all describe prayer in some way, each has their own unique nuance. First, “entreaties” are those requests made to God based on a sense of deep spiritual need. Second, “prayers” is the most general term used to describe all kinds of prayer. Third, “petitions” is often used of Christ’s prayers for believers. In other words, this word places a heavy emphasis on Christ’s will for the church. Finally, “thanksgivings” are praises of gratitude offered up to God. Inevitably, this list is not intended as a list of different kinds of prayers to pray. Instead, Paul simply gathers the words he knows for prayer and uses them all to highlight its significance to the Christian life and movement of the church. In other words, Paul said, “In every way you can, be praying…”

Not only was Timothy instructed to lead his church in praying every way possible, but he was also encouraged to prayer for everyone possible, “on behalf of all men, for kings, and all who are in authority” (2:1b-2).  Praying for everyone as instructed here is sympathetic to the heart of God (see 2:4, 6) and in keeping with the scope of His love. Commentator Kelly asserts, “Paul makes it plain that narrowness [in one’s prayer life]…offends against the gospel of Christ.” However, Paul does not mean that everyone must be prayed for by name. Instead, as Lea and Griffin Jr. suggest, Paul’s intention is that “all needy sinners—without distinction of race, nationality, or social position—must receive our prayers” (87).  

"Talking to men for God is a great thing, but talking to God for men is greater still." E.M. Bounds

Though everyone is to be included in the content of prayer, special concern for rulers and authorities is highlighted in verse 2. These terms referred to the authorities of the state during that time (i.e. emperors, governors, etc.). But why were they singled out in this way? Church history may provide the answer. At this time in the early church, many Christians were persecuted by these authorities. Because of this growing trend, many believers were tempted to strike them from the prayer list. This temptation is similar today with reference to the authorities in place in the U.S. Yet, no matter how grudging authorities may be, believers must never begrudge them prayer. After all, they are included in the word “all” mentioned earlier when Paul encouraged prayers for “all men” (2:1).  

Prayers offered on behalf of all men would result in a “tranquil and quiet life” (2:2b). No doubt, Paul is not anticipating heaven on earth. The idea of a life without any conflict and persecution would have been totally unrealistic to the apostle. However, Paul did believe that an orderly life free of strife and discord was possible within the church. This is the result of prayer that Paul mentions here.

The orderly life that Paul describes would take place in a state of “godliness and dignity” (2:2). These terms refer to a proper respect for God and a life that is set apart. Such a life found within the church context would be a glorious witness to the unbelieving world that something was indeed different and attractive about the body of Christ.    

This reason for prayer begs a simple question. Who do you pray for? Are your prayers limited to family, friends, and the problems of church members? Or, do you pray for the lost, gross, misinformed, corrupt, and unattractive too? People who often deserve prayer the least are those who need it the most. Why pray? –because it is desperately needed in order for the lost to be saved the mission of the church to move forward.

II. REASON #2: BECAUSE GOD WILL BE PLEASED-2:3-4

The second reason that Paul calls for prayer is because prayer is pleasing to God, “this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior” (2:3). “This” has at its most appropriate antecedent in the earnest concern for the lost of this world mentioned above. God is pleased to see His disciples demonstrate their concern for the lost in their fervent prayers for all people. Lea and Griffin conclude that “the knowledge that such prayer pleases God provide a throbbing incentive to pray” (88-89).   

Why are the prayers of the church for the lost so pleasing to God? The answer is simple. Prayer for the lost is in keeping with God’s nature, “who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2:4). The word, “all” must refer to the same group as “everyone” did in verse 1. Therefore, this would include all people without any distinction whatsoever. However, just because God may “want” all to be saved does not mean that He will override human reluctance or antagonism against Him. God’s desires do not run roughshod over human beings forcing obedience on those who resist the gospel. Instead, God urges people to repentance with His kindness and goodness (Rom. 2:4).

God’s desire is that all would come to know the gospel, that is the “truth” spoken of in verse 4. In fact, to “come to the knowledge of the truth” is synonymous with Christian conversion. This is God’s desire.

In order for Timothy and his church to please God, they were instructed to be people of prayer. Similarly, in order for Crystal Spring Baptist Church to please God, we must be a people of prayer, bringing our requests to God in such a way that we identify with His concern for the world and the salvation of others.

"All great soul-winners have been men of much and mighty prayer, and all great revivals have been preceded and carried out by persevering, prevailing knee-work in the closet."  Samuel Logan Brengle

Why pray? –Because it makes God happy.

III. REASON #3: BECAUSE BELIEVERS HAVE A MEDIATOR-2:5-6

The third reason that Paul gives for an intercessory culture is that prayer is possible. As with the universe itself, the ancient law, salvation for the individual, and everything else of eternal significance, prayer begins with one premise, “there is one God” (2:5). Because there is only one God, there is one ultimate prerogative and one appropriate destination for glory. God’s oneness also sets God apart from the rest of creation and due to the fall of man, all of creation has been rendered incapable of having a relationship with Him. This leads to the second premise.

“…and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (2:5). As the mediator, Christ Jesus provides a way for those who are not God to communicate and have a relationship with God. Jesus Christ, the God-man, is uniquely qualified to serve in this role and is the sole agent capable of bringing sinful people into the family of God. Why?

Jesus produced Himself as the “ransom for all” (2:6). This is the only time this word is used in the New Testament. The concept was often used when describing freed captives of war or the emancipation of slaves. In other words, through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus paid the debt that humanity owed, paving a way to God the Father. 2000 years ago, Jesus voluntarily gave of Himself so that all might have the potential of entering into a relationship with Him. This is in keeping with God’s desire for all to be saved and the call of the church to pray on behalf of all men.

The possibility of prayer is a unique ability given to only those members of the human race who have accepted the gift of God through Jesus Christ. No other creature crawling upon the earth or swimming in the sea is capable of interacting personally with the one true God! This is a treasure that Paul encouraged Timothy and his church to take advantage of.

Like a forgotten treasure, prayer is often neglected in the church today. We must rediscover how precious a gift prayer is to us and remember that it was bought with Jesus’ blood. In order for our church to maximize our prayer lives, we must appreciate the fact that communicating with God has been made possible for you and me!

In order to validate the act of praying for all people, Paul describes his ministry as a preacher, apostle and teacher to the Gentiles, yes, even the Gentiles. This completes Paul’s inclusion of “all men” in the encouragement earlier. Not only was the church to pray for Christians, Jews, the authorities, and even their enemies, but they were also instructed to pray especially for those outside the faith. Why? Because Paul had received an appointment by God Himself, who, like Paul, desired all men to be saved, no matter what their spiritual background might be.

Paul’s words up to this point challenge prayer lives in at least three different ways. First, Paul encourages the church to pray for all people. Second, Paul says that prayers should be made in order that people come to a saving knowledge of God’s saving power. In other words, as believers intercede for the sick, needy, confused, and suffering, they must not forget that their ultimate aim is that they those who are lifted up experience divine saving power. Third, Paul reminds every believer that as they pray they have the confidence that Christ’s death has provided the ransom for sin, allowing their prayer to be heard in the first place.   

These reasons for maximizing prayer are alive and well today and continue to inspire effective churches. Are you inspired to recapture the sacred ministry of prayer in a new and fresh way in light of what has been learned so far?

“There is no other activity in life so important as that of prayer. Every other activity depends upon prayer for its best efficiency.”  M.E. Andross

Why Pray? –Because Jesus died so that we could in the first place.

IV. REASON #4: BECAUSE I WANT YOU TO-2:8

The final reason Paul gives for maximizing the ministry of prayer in the church is his own personal desire, “…I want the men in every place to pray” (2:8). This final reason stems from all of the others mentioned.

Commentator Fee points out that Paul’s instruction is not that only men should pray. Instead, he is choosing to single out the men here in order to identify their role as spiritual leaders in their local church family. In other words, “I want especially the men to pray in every place”  (“every place” meaning wherever they were worshipping).  This statement highlights, once again, the priority of prayer in corporate worship and in church life.

The manner in which Paul wanted the men to pray was with hands raised. This calls to mind an Old Testament posture of supplication and of worship. Standing with hands lifted up was common among the Jews and Christians in the first Century (see also Ps. 134:2; 141:2). Paul is not prescribing how everyone should pray all of the time, but emphasizing his call for men to pray by referring to the most popular posture used. This would be similar to saying something like. “I want the men in every place to pray with heads bowed and eyes closed.”

In giving this final reason to pray, Paul emphasizes the attitude that the men were to bring to prayer. Paul did not just want the church and Timothy to pray, He wanted them to pray the right way. The term “holy hands” calls to mind hands that are morally pure and are demonstrative of a devout life-style that sought to passionately please God. “Without wrath and dissension”   suggests that prayers offered in an attitude of anger or disputing were ineffective. Therefore, men defiled by impurity or divisiveness would be ineffective in their prayer lives.

“What the church needs today is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use— men of prayer, men mighty in prayer"  E.M. Bounds

So What?

Why is it important to pray? (1) Because it desperately needed (2) Because God will be pleased (3) Because Believers can and (4) Because God wants you to, Paul wants you to, and I want you to! How can we maximize our prayer lives? Listen to these words from John Laidlaw-"The main lesson about prayer is just this: Do it! Do it! Do it! You want to be taught to pray. My answer is pray and never faint, and then you shall never fail…" “When God finds a person [or a church] who will place as his priority a life of intimate, personal, dynamic fellowship with Him, He directs His power, guidance, and wisdom into and through that person [or church]. God has found a man [or church] through whom He can change the world”-LeRoy Eims. "Prayer is the first thing, the second thing, the third thing necessary to a minister. Pray, then my dear brother; pray, pray, pray."  -Edward Payson. May we recapture the priority of prayer as a church as we move forward for God’s glory and do His work! In order to maximize the potential that God’s wants to see manifested in this church, not only must we be a people of faith, we must be a people of prayer.  As bad as our need for energy independence may be, the spiritual needs of this world and this church are far greater. Are you willing to tap into the power of God like never before? Are you ready to draw from the wells of God’s power on behalf of the church and for His glory? Then it is time to pray like we have never prayed before!  

MAXIMIZE your Faith: All in!

I believe that God has an incredible adventure waiting for our church that has everything to do with seeing souls saved, people growing, and a coalition of disciples taking the gospel to the ends of the earth (Know Christ, Grow in Christ, and Show Christ to others). I know I’m called to this adventure, and wonder if anyone else feels the same way.

But how do we intend to do this?

At the very beginning of this year, after much prayer and careful consideration on behalf of both myself and the advisory council at Crystal Spring Baptist Church, we put together a five year plan in order to see this mission fulfilled. Let me remind you of what we hoped to accomplish in year one.

Discipleship: We hope to begin 4-5 small groups that actively disciple church members in intimate environments.

Children/Youth: Conduct a Children’s Church on Sunday Mornings

Missions: We intend to minister to Hospital staff in and around Carilion as well as reach out to the Medical School.

Services: Keep as is

Property: We plan on building new bathroom facilities and begin updating the 2^nd and 3^rd floor of the education building.

Personnel: Senior Pastor, Advisory Council, 4-5 Deacons.

Average Attendance: 100 people.

All of these goals, under the direction of the Holy Spirit and by the grace of God work together in order to see souls saved and disciples know Christ, Grow in Christ, and Show Christ to others. Sound like a tall order? Seem impossible to you? If you were a betting person, would you put your money on this place, trusting that God would come through, exceeding even these ideas? Or are you smirking even now saying quietly to yourself, “Get real Jeff!”

In our first installment in this new series “Maximize” we are going to talk about maximizing our faith from Romans 4:18-24. In this passage we are going to learn how to believe God for great things in our own lives and in our church by looking at three teachings that Paul gives on the topic of faith. By the end of our study this morning, not only will you learn why going all in for God’s plan is a safe bet, but you will also be challenged to do something in response. Are you ready?

I. TEACHING #1: FAITH BELIEVES THE IMPOSSIBLE-4:18-21

The beginning of this passage calls to mind a very important account from Genesis 12ff. Abraham, an old man with no descendants, was called on by God to move from his hometown to a distant land in order to father a new nation! From this new people would come the Savior of the world and the source of blessings for all mankind. Sounded great! However, everything about Abraham’s age and his wife’s barren condition pointed to the contrary.

Faith believes the impossible. At the very beginning of this passage, Paul reminds the reader that when all of the evidence pointed to the contrary, Abraham believed God’s promise. From a human standpoint, there was no hope that Abraham would live up to his name (“father of many nations.”)  However, from Abraham’s perspective, he had hope (“in hope against hope”)—that is the confident expectation that God would make good on His promises.

Not only did Abraham have faith that believed the impossible, He had the determination to be steadfast in his conviction in spite of the difficulty that surrounded him. Abraham was fully aware that his own body was as good as dead (“utterly worn out”). After all, at the time this promise was made, he was about 100 years old! Not the right age to begin establishing a nation. Not to mention, his wife Sarah had advanced well beyond her child-birthing years without every giving birth. Form the world’s standpoint there was not the slightest possibility that she would bear a child and give Abraham the nation he was promised! However, Abraham’s faith was unwavering. In full knowledge of these obstacles, Abraham’s faith remained strong. But why?

Faith in the impossible is only unreasonable within a restricted worldview that denies God the right to intervene. However, for those who believe in a universe with God, His intervention is highly rational. In fact, those with a biblical perspective like Abraham expect God to intervene on behalf of those He has created. Therefore, faith moves past human potentiality. It acknowledges the existence of one who is not bound by the limitations of this world. With regards to this passage, Mounce concludes, “Where God is present there is nothing that lies outside the realm of possibility.”

Churches today are in desperate need of those who will insist that God is able to do anything that is in keeping with His nature and in harmony with His program of redemption. What promises has God given us? What does God’s nature suggest? We have the promise that as we are about His business, God’s presence goes with us (Matt. 28:19-20). The Bible also says that all things are possible with God (Matt. 19:26). Therefore, let our faith not be shaken!

In a world bent against the truth, in a community that grows more disinterested in church each and every day, in a nation that grows more oppressive of Christianity with every piece of legislation, it may seem nearly impossible to grow a church and see lives changed. We may waiver in our faith and believe our goals to be too grand or irrational. However, this is not the faith we read about here. If you don’t believe God can accomplish great things in this church, change lives in these walls, and more than surpass all of our expectations in spite of all that might be working against us both from within and from without, your God is too small. Why do you waiver in your faith and yet claim to worship the Almighty? God loves to make the barren give birth, cause things to grow in the desert, and yields life from the dead.  We have every reason to believe He can accomplish great things here.

II. TEACHING #2: FAITH AIMS FOR GOD’S GLORY-4:20-21

Faith believes God’s promises against all hope and always aims for God’s glory. As Paul begins to present this second teaching, he reminds the reader of the nature of Abraham’s faith. A couple things are worth remembering. First, Abraham’s faith was rooted in the promises of God as spoken in His word. Second, Abraham’s faith did not waiver under the pressure and difficulties involved in his situation. Third, instead of faltering, Abraham’s faith actually grew stronger! Can the said be said of your faith in God for your life and this church?

Faith like this does not exist for personal gain, success, or the satisfaction of scribbled plans and man-made aspirations. It exists for the glory of God.

Glory to God was the residual effect of Abraham’s faith as well as the means through which he remained faithful. When God’s glory is our ambition, faith becomes alive and begins to trust Him for everything. 

Similarly, when faith is exercised, God’s glory is on display instead of man’s power, will, or ability. However, having faith in God is not a big risk. It wasn’t for Abraham and it need not be for us.

Verse 21 shares that Abraham was fully assured in what God had said. In other words, He stood firmly on what God had promised Him (that his seed would yield many nations).This describes Abraham’s complete confidence in God’s ability and integrity. God has the power—no doubt about it. God does what He promises. How could he not and still be God? Believing in the promises of God is a safe bet and it always results in His glory. Faith is total surrender to the ability and willingness of God to carry out his promises.

Similarly, we too can be assured that God is going to do great things in this church because of His promises and His ability to carry them out! However, every aspiration that this church has ever dreamed, every goal it could ever hope to reach, every step it will take must have as its destination the glory of God. Then and only then is it really faith. Then and only then will God support. For as it says in Hebrews 14:6…”Without faith it is impossible to please God.”

Do you want to be a part of a church that pleases God? Then give Him glory by placing your unwavering faith in Him to do great things!

III. TEACHING #3: FAITH RESULTS IN RIGHTEOUSNESS-4:22-24

Faith believes God’s promises against all hope, always aims for God’s glory, and results in righteousness. Abraham was given God’s righteousness because of his unwavering faith in him. Like all sinners, Abraham had a deficit in the bank of righteousness because of his sin. This placed him at odds with God and left him with no way to pay God back for all of the debt he had accrued. However, because of his faith in God, Abraham was credited with God’s righteousness, rendering him debt free and able to enjoy abundant life.  

This program is not limited to Abraham. Instead, it is available to all!

The greatest award of faith is the righteousness of God bestowed on His people. In the same way God credited Abraham’s account, He is able to credit the account of anyone who believes in Him who raised Jesus from the dead!

Ephesians 2:8-9-“For by grace are you saved through faith, and this not of yourselves, it is a gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast.”

Notice, faith from the individual is the key to the righteousness of God. However, it is the faith of the church body placed in God’s program of salvation that brings the opportunity of faith to the faithless.

Romans 10:14-17-“How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!’…So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”

Therefore, it is faith that propels salvation in an individual and it is faith that propels the mission of the church. Faith is where it all starts and where it all ends.

So What?

Faith believes the impossible, always aims for God’s glory, and results in righteousness. How is your faith? Like Abraham, are you convinced that God can do the impossible in your life and in this church’s context, or is your faith shaken by what you see, hear, and perceive? With God, there is no risk! Romans 8:31 says, in part, “if God is for us, who is against us?” though this church’s plans are a tall order, God is taller still!

So what does this passage demand of us? These concepts surrounding faith are great on the page, but what is it that I can take away and apply to my life? The answer is found in James 2. “Faith without works is dead.” The best way that you can demonstrate faith in God for the impossible to be made possible in this place, the most accurate way to bring glory to God at Crystal Spring Baptist Church, the way in which you can be used of Him to bring His righteousness to the lost is to DO SOMETHING! It is that simple! In order to maximize your faith, organize your own small group, invite a friend to church, have a neighbor over for dinner, drag your family member to Sunday service, pray like you never have before, phone a loved one, make a new connection, go on a fast,… DO SOMETHING! As Abraham before us, be all in, throw everything on the table, maximize your faith and watch God show off by doing far more than we could ever have imagined. Let the adventure begin! I’m all in. Are you?  

The Biggest Loser

“Loser” is a word that carries with it a severely negative connotation. However, one television show has turned this word into a victorious affirmation. I’m speaking of the “Biggest Loser.” In that program, overweight individuals set out to lose weight through a rigorous regimen of exercises. Whoever has lost the most weight or become the smallest version of their past self, is named the winner. It is the only example in our culture today that I can think of where less is more, smaller is better, and people work hard in order to achieve the status of a “loser.” In a season where many anticipate gym memberships and losing weight, I can think of no better time to discuss getting into shape spiritually, something that has nothing to do with weight loss but everything to do with self-loss.  Today we are going to listen to four statements that are made from one who understood self-loss from John 3:25-30.

This passage begins at the emergence of a discussion taking place between the disciples of John the Baptist in response to what Jesus was doing in and around the area (read vv. 22-24). With John baptizing in the area and Jesus doing the same nearby, John’s disciples began to “discuss” issues of purification and its relationship to baptism. Given the context of this dialogue, it might be that these followers of John were in a dispute around the issue of whose baptism was more efficacious, the Baptist’s or Jesus’. However, it is also possible that this is not in view. Instead, the discussion may have concerned the clash between John’s practices and other prominent Jewish practices. Lots of people are getting wet for all kinds of reasons. Therefore this small group of disciples begins to have a heated debate on the subject.

The manner in which John’s disciples refer to John reflects incredible honor. “Rabbi,” or “my great one,” would have been an esteemed title for any teacher. However, the manner in which John’s disciples refer to Jesus reveals a hint of jealousy on their part. Notice how impersonal they are in their reference to Christ, “he who was with you…to whom you have testified.” It is not as though His name escaped them or was unknown to them.  Jesus was a big deal! He had already amassed a large gathering and had performed many signs (one of which involving a very large spectacle in the temple that would have been the topic of many discussions in and around Jerusalem). Even John the Baptist had testified to Him. However, what is communicated here is that  John the Baptist and Jesus both had attractive, vibrant ministries and one was becoming more attractive and vibrant that the other.

The exaggerated statement, “all are coming to Him” reveals, once again, the impure jealousy of the disciples of John. Although some of John’s disciples were leaving him and going to Jesus (see 1:35ff), not everyone among the Baptist’s disciples was leaving. However, many were, and the disciples of John, as shown here, are beginning to ask questions. What’s the deal? Are you not as special as we thought? Were you not the first one baptizing? These questions gave John every reason and opportunity to stake his claim, defend his ministry, and tout his experience. Faced with a similar barrage of questions, anyone would be tempted to go to one’s own defense for fear of looking weak, obsolete, or inferior—especially after being egged on by a group of one’s supporters. However, that is not what John does here.

Statement #1 (I am Not in Control)-3:27

Here, instead of running to his own defense or explaining away the mass migration to Jesus, John tells his disciples that he must neither exceed his own calling, nor compare himself with the work of others.  As much as it concerned people responding to a message or calling, John submits that Jesus’ is far superior because the calling associated with Him is from heaven (a circumlocution for the name of God). The reference to Jesus’ superior calling coincides with John’s witness (1:7-9, 15, 26-27, 30). Reminding his disciples of his consistent testimony –Jesus is greater than he is—the Baptist tells his devotees that they should not be surprised that Jesus has attracted a larger following. John ultimately confesses that he is not in control and could not control how people were responding because the God of heaven is at work and moving. God’s sovereignty stands hidden behind all human claims, for a human being does not have anything but what he has received from the Lord. Believing for one second that John could alter the minds of people or attempting to sway them in his direction and away from Jesus would have been to behave in the worst possible arrogance.

Self-Loss Tip #1: Recognize that as far as your life is concerned, you are not in control. It is time for us to shape up by refraining from the tendency we all have of ever believing that we are calling the shots in our life.

Statement #2 (I am Not God)-3:28

John, unlike some of his followers, is not perturbed by the news of Jesus’ growing popularity. For starters, he had always made it abundantly clear that he was not the Christ.  For instance, in John 1:20-23, it states, “and he confessed and did not deny but confessed “I am not the Christ.’…I am a voice of one crying out in the wilderness,’ make straight the way of the Lord.’…” With Jesus’ popularity on the rise and John at the height of his popularity, the issue of John’s relationship to Jesus needed clarification. Here, John succinctly provides this clarity by saying, “by the way, I am not the Messiah, I’m just the messenger for the Messiah.”

The phrase “sent ahead” is used in the OT for messengers sent ahead of a given person (see Gen. 24:7; 32:3; 45:5; 46:28; cf. Ps. 105:17). Indeed, John had prepared the way of the Lord and His ministry, by its very nature was intended to result in people encountering the Christ (Messiah/Anointed One).  Both Jesus and John had been given their roles from heaven and John was content to play his part well. “Act well you part, there the honor lies.”

With my own academic and ministerial career on the up and up it was easy for me to begin developing a higher view of myself than necessary and play the role of a savior. I had spent the years at Liberty studying under amazing professors, serving in student leadership, and even served two summers at a thriving church where I received very practical experience. Having achieved the triple crown of my discipline at university (preacher of the year, the pastoral leadership award, and school of religion valedictorian) you can imagine the confidence I had walking into the church I currently serve. Never mind that there were only 13 people there that first week my soon to be wife and I attended. Never mind that you could not find a bathroom in the sanctuary building. Never mind that the next youngest person in the church was 46 years old. Never mind that my wife and I lived an hour away! I had read the books, aced the program, and achieved greatness and I got it in my head that I could be the savior of this struggling church. Little did I know I would begin a long and arduous journey that would break me of this misplaced confidence in myself.  Sleepless nights and tireless efforts with no observable results soon helped me realize that I could save nothing, no matter how highly I thought of myself. And neither can you. That marriage that is on the frits, that addiction you are trying to hide, that relationship that is broken is beyond your saving capabilities. Only Jesus is suitable for saving your life, because only Jesus is God. In the grand play of life, Jesus not only calls the shots as the director, but is the main event in which the real actions takes place, leaving you and I as a pre-show pointing to the main attraction.

Self-Loss Tip #2: Understand, although it can be hard, that you are not God, Jesus is. It is time that we shape up by getting over ourselves and coming face-to-face with the very real fact that we are NOT GOD.

Statement #3 (I am Not the Center of Attention)-3:29

John next provides a similar comment by means of an illustration. Here, he likens himself to the best man at a wedding, who stands ready to do the bridegroom’s bidding. In the first century, the role of a best man included organizing the details of the wedding and presiding over its success. He would find his greatest joy in watching the ceremony proceed without a problem, and in knowing that the groom and his bride were being united with great rejoicing. In light of the Old Testament background where Israel is depicted as “the bride of God,” John the Baptist is suggesting that Jesus is Israel’s awaited Groom. In keeping with the ancient law, the Baptist as the “best man” would have been forbidden to ever marry the bride. Rather than try and steal the attention that belongs to a bride and groom on their wedding day, John, as a good best man stood on the side and “rejoiced greatly.” Coupled with the noun form of the verb, this literally reads, “rejoices a joy.” This is a Greek tool for communicating a higher degree. In this case, “rejoices greatly fits very well.”

John is ecstatic, not bewildered or threatened that many are responding to the voice of Jesus Christ. He realizes that the ministry, his life, and everything, is about people responding to the Messiah, not him—the groom, not the best man. John’s joy was fulfilled/made complete when he saw people leaving him and heading to Christ!

Over the course of the last two years, my wife and I have been in 10 weddings either as a bridesmaid, groomsman, mistress of ceremonies, or officiator. I am always interested in what the best man has to say about the groom in his speech at the reception. It is the one time the best man is allowed to take center stage and yet, even still, the main attraction is often the look on the grooms face and his reaction to what is being said. Similarly, John’s life and ministry was intended to point all attention and focus to Jesus. In this he found incredible joy and no cause for worry or shame. However too often in our lives, the platforms God gives us at our jobs, or in our families, or among our friends are used for selfish gain instead of pointing people to Jesus. Too often our source of joy is how many people are looking at us, instead of looking at Him. In essence, we become guilty of trying to steal the people’s attention for ourselves which is no better than the best man trying to run off with the bride at the wedding reception! In the grand play of life, Jesus is not only the director calling the shots and the main action that takes place on the stage; He is the lead role who receives all of the attention from the audience and from the minor roles around Him.

Self-Loss tip #3: Give focus to Jesus as the groom instead of trying to steal people’s attention from where it is supposed to be. It is time that we shape up by quitting this obsession with the sound of our own voices and begin tuning people around us into the sound of the only voice that saves.

Statement #4 (I am Not Trending)-3:30

John correctly perceives that his ministry is shrinking. This is not merely a personal issue. Instead, the transition from the Baptist to Jesus represents a crucial salvation-historical watershed from the Old Testament prophetic era to that of the Messianic era. In other words, the time for looking ahead to Jesus was coming to a close and the time for the emergence of the Messiah was at hand. Therefore, John concludes, in a most reflective tone, that it necessarily follows that Christ must increase while he must decrease.

One translation of this verb for “increase” says “to increase in status or become more important, to enjoy greater respect of honor.” Similarly, its inverse, “decrease,” means “to cause something to have less status or rank.” 

John finds his satisfaction in wholeheartedly embracing God’s will and the supremacy it assigns to Jesus Christ. John’s language is reminiscent of the increase and decrease of light from heavenly bodies. The more radiantly the sun begins to shine in the morning, the more John’s star would grow faint.

One of the shows my wife and I like to watch is The Voice. At the live results show, they will often talk about how an artist is trending on twitter or on Itunes. This means that a specific performance is being downloaded by huge number of viewers or is receiving superfluous mention in social media. The artist wants to be trending because that means their popularity is growing. In the case of Jesus and John the Baptist, Jesus was trending, and would continue to trend throughout His ministry. Some might even make the case that He continues to trend as His kingdom grows throughout the world. However, Jesus’ growth of popularity necessarily meant that John’s popularity and influence was depreciating. Similarly, our lives must be spent make ourselves smaller and Jesus bigger. What it is that we broadcast should only result in Jesus becoming more and more popular in our corner of the world. In the grand play of life, Jesus is not only the director calling the shots, the main action that takes place on the stage, and the lead role who receives all of the attention; He is the name on the billboard that draws the masses to Himself.

Self-loss Step #4: Instead of broadcasting yourself and your will to the world around you, choose to use yourself as a channel of God to broadcast Jesus Christ and His will in order that He might trend in the lives of those around you.

So What?

I challenge and compel you by the word of God and in light of John’s example to adopt a “self-loss” program this year that includes these realizations. Post them on a mirror, in your car, on a frequently opened door, and write them on the tablet of your heart. “I am not in control.” “I am not God.” “I am not the center of attention.” “I am not trending.” Recognize that Jesus is in control; He is God; He is the center of attention; and He should be the one trending in popularity. Today’s Christians have a real obsession with self as demonstrated by the questions they ask and cures they seek. “How can I be a better husband or wife?” “How can I manage my money better?” “How can I know the best decision in this particular situation?” “How am I supposed to fix this or that?”-- Here is the dirty little secret. YOU CAN’T! And no three or four-step process will provide you with the salvation you need in any of these areas. But Jesus can! He is a great husband. He manages everything well. He knows all things. He fixes all kinds of problems. Instead of focusing this year on becoming a better version of ourselves, perhaps we need to focus on becoming a smaller version of ourselves in order that Jesus can become a bigger influence. John the Baptist, understood this, and in response became the biggest loser. And so I say, with all due respect, as someone who has learned this lesson the hard way, step aside, move out of the way, and let God move. He must increase, and you and I must decrease.

Things are More than They Seem

When I was young, I was the worst at solving riddles or seeing the double image in an optical illusion such as the one below. In fact, it wasn’t until someone would come along and give me a helpful hint or point to some spot on the picture that I would be able to enjoy all that there was and thus satisfy my curiosity. I knew that things were more than they seemed to me, however, I simply could not see them for myself. Is not this how life is? Something happens to us that we do not fully understand- A diagnosis comes back from the doctor, a son or daughter has some news, a deal comes through for us, etc. and we step back and wonder, “is this all that there is in this world?” “Is something else at work that I’m not aware of?“ “Are things more than they seem?” Today I would like the opportunity to begin a series from the book of John that I believe will answer these questions and more. “What does God look like?” “What was before the beginning?” “Who is Jesus really?” “Is there such thing as truth?” However, today my objective is simple. Today I don’t’ want to preach, but instead simply want to lay out before you the argument that John sets out to prove in His introduction. Take it, leave it, or investigate it how you may. But if you dare, I invite you to travel through this book with us over the next several weeks and determine whether or not you believe John proves Himself and whether or not things are more than they seem.

I. The Word is Eternal-1:1a-“…in the beginning was the Word…”

The prologue of John’s gospel is a thesis and introduction into the major themes of the entire work. As any good writer knows, the author is supposed to begin his argument by telling you what he is going to prove. This is exactly what John sets out to do here. The first truism that John will work to prove in the remainder of the gospel is this, “the Word is eternal.” Notice, instead of beginning with genealogies (Matthew & Luke), or introducing Jesus Christ’s ministry (Mark), John begins at the very beginning (that being a very good place to start). The phrase, “in the beginning” is reminiscent of the first words in another famous book, Genesis.

This might be comparable to beginning an event or story with some familiar phrase or words to grab the attention of your audience. Many know to listen when someone begins a conversation with “true story.” Similarly, many used to prepare themselves for a special event every Monday night around this time when they heard Hank Williams say, “Are you ready for some football!” These and other examples establish mood and profundity. Similarly, by starting off with this familiar phrase, John immediately arrests the attention of the audience who would have been familiar with Genesis, the story of God’s creation, just as we would be when a loved one begins to explain their day with “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

However, the “beginning” that John is referring to is undefined. This is so because of the tense of the verb for being here. Notice, it is not, “in the beginning the Word became” or “The Word existed in the beginning,” instead, the Word always was, meaning that the Word is infinite, always being there, from the very, very beginning.

What or who is this Word? (and why doesn’t John introduce God here in the beginning of the book?) In the beginning, it was the words of God that spoke everything into existence. In the Old Testament, it was the word of God that spoke deliverance to a people in bondage. In the heart s and lives of people, it is the very Word of God that reveals Himself to all people. The word is the agency of God, through which His work is performed and will exercised. This is the Word that has existed from the beginning and this is the first argument that John seeks to prove.

II. The Word is Relational-1:1b & 2- “…and the Word was with God…He was in the beginning with God…”

One might naturally conclude that this mysterious “Word” that has existed from the beginning is, at least according to John’s argument thus far either God Himself or associated with God. If there is a God, would He not be the one who had been around from the beginning?

Interestingly enough, kids stake a sovereign claim over toys, tiny territories and deciding ties by whose is there first. In some way, we all have said from one time or another, “I was here first!” In a couple of short weeks, this phrase will be shouted from the aisles of department stores on Black Friday.  Races and competitions from Olympic sprints to hotdog eating contests are decided by who finishes first. Why? Everyone understands, as part of human nature, the idea that being first matters to some degree. Where does this come from? Could it be that human beings image their creator in some way, and because they are made in his image understand that coming first counts?

To answer everyone’s question about who this Word is, (whether he is God or associated with God), John suggests that both are true. First, John states that the Word was “with” God, indefinitely and infinitely. The idea here in the original language is that of active and intimate relationship. In fact, in terms of relationship, John’s claim here is that not only is there a relationship between God and the Word, they are distinct from each other. The word that John speaks of here is a relational being and has existed in relationship from the beginning.

Relationships are yet another thing that we can identify with on a very human level. Dysfunctional though they may be, relationships permeate the world in every culture in every environment and in every context. From casual acquaintances to 60-year-old marriages, we are a relational being. Ever wonder where that relational itch in every person stems from? Could it be that relationships, imperfect though they may be, are a way in which we resemble this eternal Word? John at least seems to think so.  

III. The Word is God-1:1c-“…and the Word was God…”

However, John’s next claim is even more off the charts. Not only did the Word exist alongside God at the beginning, the Word was God Himself! In fact, the way that this phrase is constructed in the original language suggests that this phrase should end with an exclamation mark, “and the word was God!” Ultimately, John intends that the whole of his gospel be read in light of this startling argument. It is one thing to be with God in the beginning, but another thing entirely to claim that the Word is God.

In our ever-darkening world of godlessness, claiming the Word as God is striking enough, however, this was also a striking thing to the original audience thousands of years ago! Just as your ears may have perked up after hearing this claim, you can imagine how the original audience must have felt after reading these lines.

It is at this point that John’s thesis statement grows even more profound. If John had merely wanted to affirm that Jesus was divine, there was a perfectly proper Greek word for it. However, he uses the word “God” purposefully to demonstrate that everything you could ever want to say about God, you can also affirm of the Word that is being discussed here.  

IV. The Word is Creator-1:3-“….All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being…”

Notice here that while the Word had no beginning, communicated by the tense of the verb “was” above, everything else did have a beginning. Everything else’s existence had a starting point.

The next item that John is going to set out to prove is that the Word is the agent behind the creation of the world. Taken more literally, this would read, “All things were made by him, and what was made was in no way made without him.” Just as in Genesis, where everything that came into being did so because of God’s word, this Word, understood in this prologue to be a personal agent, created everything. Here, John emphatically argues that everything owes its existence to the Word, not chance, not happenstance, but to this relational, eternal, divine agent.

That the world was created by some intelligent designer is not without evidence.  Even Scientists who reject the concept of a creator God agree that all living things exhibit evidence of design. Look at the veins of a leaf, the precariously placed planets in the solar system, with earth at precisely the right distance from the sun to create livable amenities for all its inhabitants. Who would come to a wristwatch lying on the ground and say that it was created by chance? No one. Well why do so many look at pictures of cloud nebulae, a chameleon, or into their child’s eyes and say what a wonderful bundle of random occurrences? Even Richard Dawkins, famed atheist stated, “We have seen that living things are too improbably and too beautifully ‘designed’ to have come into existence by chance.” Questions like, “can information come from non-information?”, and “what came before the Big bang, or banged it in the first place?” seem to poke holes in common worldly arguments. Not to mention, there are many irreducibly complex organs in the body, cells, and other living things that cannot be explained through evolutionary steps! Here, John explains creation by arguing that the source of all information and design in the universe is this Word. He is the uncaused cause that caused it all!

V. The Word is Life-1:4a-“…in Him was life and the life was the light of men…”

Eternal, relational, God, creator, the Word, according to John is all of these things, but John is not over yet! Next, John claims that the Word is life and the light of men. “Light” and “life” are near universal religious symbols for positive truths. Here, John’s argument is deeply rooted in the creation that has already been referred to. (By this point, it is clear that John makes great use of the Old Testament, proving, at least to the reader, that he believed it too be trustworthy) At creation, the Bible teaches that calling forth “light” was God’s first creative act (Gen. 1:3-5). Later, God placed lights in the sky to separate between light and darkness (Gen. 1:14-18). In this way, the light made it possible for life to exist.  With this in mind, it is clear that John is saying that the Word is the source of life for all mankind. The Word is the source of both spiritual and physical life.

To know truly gorgeous music is to know Beethoven, Mozart, and Eric Whitacre. To know aesthetic beauty is to know Rembrandt, Michelangelo, and Rafael. To know funny is to know Cosby, Steve Martin, and Chaplin. And, to know true refreshment with a crisp and sweet taste is to know Dr. Pepper. (Pause) John claims here that to know true, meaningful, abundant, and lasting life is to know the Word of which he speaks. The self-existing life of this Word was so dispensed at creation that it became the light of the human race.

VI. The Word is Misunderstood-1:5-“…The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it…”

Light and darkness are not simply opposites, darkness is nothing other than the absence of light. At the first creation, darkness was all that there was over the surface of the deep (Gen. 1:2) until God said (the Word said), “Let there be light!” At no time other than creation could it be more appropriately stated that the light shined in the darkness. Here, the darkness cannot grasp understanding of the light, i.e. the Word.

Given the personification of the darkness “that it could not comprehend the light,” it is clear that John is establishing a theme that he will build upon later in this book. The darkness in John is not only absence of light, but positive evil (cf. 3:19; 8:12; 12:35, 46). The light is revelation of creation and that which pertains to salvation. Darkness is “the world estranged from God, spiritually ignorant and blind, fallen and sinful, dominated by evil.” The light is salvation from these things, hope, mercy and grace that has come through this Word. Apart from the light brought by the incarnate Word, everyone naturally loves darkness and shies away from the light for fear of exposure of their bad deeds.

Unfortunately, this eternal, relational, godly, creator and life is misunderstood by so many. However, now that John establishes these arguments, it is his intention to prove them in his gospel for all who read it so that they might be brought from darkness and into the light of this Word.

But one question still remains…

Who is this Word? What character in John’s gospel successfully matches the criteria we see described in these five short verses? The Word’s name is Jesus! Against the falsehood you have heard and whatever you have assumed, things are more than they seem when it comes to this man. Jesus is eternal (He has always existed). Jesus is relational (and would love to have a relationship with you). Jesus is God (everything that can be said about God can be said of Him). Jesus is Creator (through him, everything you see around you came into being by Him as the uncaused Cause). Jesus is life (and through Him is meaningful, abundant, and eternal life). However, it is clear that Jesus is misunderstood as well. Failure to understand and believe in who Jesus is failure to properly understand everything in this world. He is the solution to the riddle of life, he is the trick to solve the illusion, he is the lens through which everything is in focus. People fail to see that things are more than they seem because they do not know the Word, Jesus Christ. However, this can be corrected.

So What?

Will you believe the arguments that john lays out here concerning the Word, Jesus Christ? Will you accept that He wasn’t an eternal relationship with you? Throughout the remainder of John’s gospel, he delineates the life of this Word. This eternal, relational, creator, and Life became a man and died a death he didn’t deserve so that all men might know life and not suffer what all deserve. If you want meaningful, abundant, eternal, and focused life, it is through Jesus Christ. Know that He loves you and wants a relationship with you. Grow in your understanding of Him through this incredible book. Show Him today that you accept His free gift of eternal life and enjoy complete existence. Things are more than they seem. Is it not about time you notice?

Observations from the Ledo Deck

Last week my wife and I had the incredible privilege of joining my family on a cruise to Mexico for our summer vacation. After a busy semester in seminary and church work for me and an equally busy semester of teaching and ministering for my wife, this vacation could not have come at a better time for the two of us. Somewhere between the plane ride home and being given my room key on board the massive vessel I found myself in awe of the incredible grace of God which had bestowed this break that I did not deserve. However, my euphoria grew into disappointment when I noticed that my grateful expression was not replicated on the faces of the strangers that boarded nearby.

The beautiful thing about cruises is that for an extended period of days, you get to escape the world (quite literally) and trade your normal routine for an exciting time of pampering, entertainment, fun, and food. Some escape in the sun, others escape in a bottle of cheap beer, others escape somewhere in the buffet line, and still other escape in the pages of the latest romance novel. For all onboard, the cruise offers an escape from a world of pain, economic depression, political turmoil, and personal stress to a world of sun, sorbet, sand, and shows.



Sadly, for many this escape is short-lived after the ship has docked and reality takes over once the luggage is returned and the drive home is complete. Many return to their routine believing that what they have just experienced is all they could ever hope to enjoy. Now they must return to the cruel world they temporarily forgot.


God? Sure….yeah right! How could God allow all of this stress and heartache? Why would a good God allow me to experience what I believe is happiness only one week out of the year in the summer? If there is a God, why does my life look like something out of the Titanic and not more like the Love Boat?

Interestingly enough, the answer is grace. Yes, grace!

Although most often used in discussions surrounding the salvation of the sinner, grace permeates the world at all times and in all places in a more general kind of way. Grace explains the sunlight, adequate temperatures, breathable atmosphere, and livable topography. Grace is to blame for the beautiful sunsets, seasonal fluctuations, provision of food, and ability to work and receive the fruits of that labor. Grace is the reason a family protects their child, strangers go to the aid of other strangers, and children share. Grace is God’s way of holding a fallen world together.   

Romans 1 calls this grace the “invisible attributes” and “eternal power” of God that is “clearly seen” and “understood through what has been made” (Rom. 1:20). Experienced by all, this grace goes unrecognized by the majority in those currently populating the world. Instead, what does go noticed is the pain and agony of countless children starving in Africa and the power outages that go on for days following a rare windstorm. However, don’t these disasters actually prove the grace of God in an indirect way?

Does not the anger over a starving child support the notion that children should not starve and remind many that their own child has plenty of food? Does not the frustration over power outages prove that power is a luxury that many take for granted and yet desperately depend on? More often than not, men and women in the developed country of America enjoy power, and do not see huge populations of starving children. More often than not, men and women live in the common grace of God’s provision, enjoying His gifts without even realizing it. However, when this grace is interrupted for a brief second due to a rare windstorm, people are quick to voice their disapproval of any notion that a God could ever exist.

Ultimately, the same grace that believers appreciate everyday is the grace that nonbelievers curse when it is interrupted. It is the reason why I acknowledge that my vacation is a gift from a God who gives every good thing (James 1:17), while others riding the vessel complain when their perfect vacation is interrupted by a rainstorm or sunburn. Grace is the reason believers give thanks in everything and the reason the unbelievers snarl when things get out of whack. The very fact that people complain when things go wrong suggests that there is a correct way to behave and live (a norm that is enjoyed because of the grace of God). 

In the same way light is more easily distinguished in the darkness, grace is evident and even proven in an ungracious world. Rather than marvel at the unrest and destruction people see, everyone should marvel at the common grace that more often than not holds the world together and keeps it from ripping itself apart completely.  

Just as a ship journeys from port-to-port people in life journey from stage-to-stage either toward or away from a loving relationship with God. Either they fascinate themselves with the world’s problems and blame God until they meet Him in judgment or they recognize the grace of God and enter into a relationship with Him that prevails for all eternity. In the former situation, God inevitably hands individuals over to their sins and allows them to experience the full effects of their binge drinking, gambling habit, destructive tendencies, etc. (Rom. 1:24-25). In the latter, God extends His special saving grace and leads individuals to true paradise (Acts 16:31). Where are you headed? What is your next port of call?

If the greatest possible experience for an unbeliever to enjoy is an extended vacation and temporary escape from their routine, Heaven represents the greatest possible experience for a believer to enjoy. Heaven is greater than any cruise. It is all inclusive, perfect, and eternal. Even more than that, it is freely offered through Jesus Christ!

Choose today to escape in the saving grace of God through Jesus Christ. Don’t settle for what is common.

He Is Risen!...Now What?

Matthew 28:5-7

Often times, even seasoned believers can find themselves in some sort of stupor or state of discouragement that they cannot seem to shake. Failing to remember the promises of God and His enduring presence are two carcinogens that inevitably contribute to the spiritual cancers of confusion and loss of hope. In these moments, God alone is capable of shaking His people free from despair and jarring them loose from their complacency. Failure to remember Jesus' promises and God's enduring presence is what contributed to the women's grief as they approached the tomb early Easter morning. With sunken heads and sullen expressions, their despondency would soon be annihilated by a glowing messenger. In their darkest moment, the angel of the Lord provides supernatural encouragement and comfort to these morose matrons through four proclamations that continue to bring encouragement to believers today in the midst of their bleak hours of testing.

FEAR NOT!-Matthew 28:5

As the grieving women approach the tomb, the angel shocks them with the first proclamation, "Do not be afraid!..." (28:5). However, when one considers what they had just experienced and what they now witnessed, one cannot help but believe that this is an unfair request.

Everything pointed to disparity for these women. Not only had they witnessed the most gruesome form of torture invented by the Roman Empire, reserved for the most heinous crimes, but it was their Friend, Son, Teacher, Healer, Savior, and Messiah that had been nailed to the cross just a few days ago. On top of this experience, the women now beheld an angel whose "appearance was like lightning and his clothing as white as snow..." (28:3). Against all natural responses to these events, the angel prohibits their fear with this initial proclamation. Although it may seem unfair, this glowing messenger's command reveals that he recognized what the women failed to realize about what had taken place earlier that morning.

WONDER NOT!-Matthew 28:6

After describing the passion these women had witnessed (28:5) and the death that they had grieved, the angel calls their attention to the empty grave, stating the arrestingly obvious detail that Jesus was no longer in His assigned burial plot. While a cause of concern for these faithless women (who probably speculated that His body had been stolen or discarded in some way), the angel quickly reveals that "He had risen!" (28:6).

The nature of this verb suggests the culmination of an event or process. Indeed, Jesus' resurrection had validated His ministry, fulfilled His redemptive work, and ushered in a new era altogether. Through His resurrection, Jesus defeated death, sin, and the world system. This act implies that those who belong to Him through faith can necessarily conquer these elements as well. Death no longer has sting! Hell has been defeated! Sin is no longer binding!

However, this whole miracle should not have come as a surprise to these women. In fact, Jesus resurrection happened exactly "as He said" in Matt. 16:21; 17:23; 20:19; 26:32. All throughout the gospel, Jesus desires to be taken at His word, Jesus accompanied His resurrection with plenty of evidence lying behind, "see the place where he was lying" (28:6). So much evidence is given that even Harvard Law professor Dr. Simon Greenleaf states, "according to the law of legal evidence used in courts of law, there is more evidence for the historical fact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ than for just about any other event in history." FEAR NOT! WONDER NOT!



TARRY NOT!-Matthew 28:7a-c

Instead of calling the speechless women at the graveside to worship in light of this miracle or stand in awe of the situation that had transpired, the angel tells them to leave and tell other the best part of the good news of the gospel, Jesus had risen. Interestingly, the theme of "going" and "telling" is carried on throughout the rest of the final chapter of Matthew. The angel in verse 7 calls them to go and tell, Jesus speaks of "going" to the brethren and in order to "take word" in verse 10. And finally, in the commission given in 19-20, Jesus commands his disciples to "go into all the world" and "make disciples."

It would seem that the natural and assumed response to Jesus' completed work of redemption involves movement, not complacency, communication, not silence, and intentionality, not laziness. This message of the resurrection would have brought comfort to the disciples these women were called to engage and in much the same way, this message continues to bring similar comfort to the world. FEAR NOT! WONDER NOT! TARRY NOT!

WORRY NOT!-Matthew 28:7d-f

Much trepidation may have come upon these humble women at the empty tomb at this point. In first century Israel, women were not seen as credible witnesses, and yet, these were God's chosen messengers. Hesitation is what makes the fourth and final proclamation of the angel so important.

In an effort to encourage these women, the angel brings their attention to Jesus' movement. Already, as they were encouraged to go and tell, Jesus was running ahead of them into Galilee where the disciples waited. The messenger's suggestion that Jesus' presence would precede their arrival would have brought much peace and excitement to these women as they made their way. Oh what a joy it would have been for Mary and her friends, who at the beginning of the day anticipated attending to a corpse and now anticipated a lively and glorified body (28:7).

For these women, the call to go and tell would lead to an unprecedented experience with the presence of Jesus. Similarly, Jesus' presence is promised to anyone who goes and tells later in Matthew's gospel (28:20).

Conclusion

If you do not know this Jesus, will you trust Him at His Word? He has disclosed to the world all that it needs to know of Himself in order to receive His resurrection power over sin and death. Will you believe in Him today?

Christian, will you be faithful to go and tell other about Him? How great a gift we have been given through the cross! How great a Savior we have living within us because of His resurrection! What a message to proclaim and share with the whole world!

If we really believe our God was killed and then raised from the dead the way the Bible reveals, what are we doing sitting quietly on our hands? Perhaps we are worried. Perhaps we are discouraged. Perhaps we are confused. Perhaps we are run down in life. However, the same message that should be proclaimed to unbelievers is the message that brings hope to believers in the midst of any stupor or struggle. No longer are we playing a man down. No longer are you and I working while wounded. No longer is failure an option! We have the resurrection power of God within us! The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is active in your life! That alone is enough to do wonders we could never imagine.

Be encouraged believer--FEAR NOT! WONDER NOT! TARRY NOT! WORRY NOT! Jesus is risen ! He is risen indeed!