For a while, I have been perplexed by Jesus' command in the Sermon on the Mount that we love our enemies. Before digging into it, I tended to view this kind of love as simply not hating our enemies in more a passive sense. However, after reading through Dietrich Bonhoeffer's exegesis of Jesus' longest sermon in his book The Cost of Discipleship, I believe I have a more complete view on the Sermon as a whole. Bonhoeffer starts the chapter on enemies with a slightly shocking statement:
The love required of us for our enemy is, again, beyond what a finite mind can grasp. Bonhoeffer goes so far as to say that "no sacrifice which a lover would make for his beloved is too great for us to make for our enemy." Wow! That's pretty crazy, but check this out. Bonhoeffer says that, by praying for our enemies, "we are taking their distress and poverty, their guilt and perdition upon ourselves, and pleading to God for them." Again, the whole point of loving our enemies is "to bring them nearer to reconciliation with God."
This all probably seems absolutely insane. Why should you be so actively concerned about the spiritual well-being of those people who hate you, who deride you, who curse you because they disagree with what you believe? You may be thinking that Jesus is asking the impossible of us, and I would say to you emphatically that, Yes, He is.
But, back up a little bit, did any of those demands sound familiar? They should because they are exactly what Jesus lived out on the Cross! Let us not forget Titus 3, where Paul reminds us that we were all once enemies of God. It may be a good exercise to remind yourself from where Jesus brought you and remember that you owe your "very life to the One, who though [you were] His enemy, treated [you] as a brother and accepted [you], who made [you] His neighbour, and drew [you] into fellowship with Himself."
This still does not seem to address how we love our enemies. But, as with pretty much everything in the life of the saint, it requires the Holy Spirit applying the love of Jesus through us. Bonhoeffer sums it up like this:
This post categorized under Personal Thoughts, Book Commentary, and Culture.
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Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at 8:56 AM. Love is defined in uncompromising terms as the love of our enemies. Had Jesus only told us to love our brethren, we might have misunderstood what he meant by love, but now he leaves us in no doubt whatever as to his meaning.Bonhoeffer continues expounding on the impossibilities of loving our enemies by explaining the motivation of this love. He questions, "Who needs our love more than those who are consumed with hatred and are utterly devoid of love?" We have often heard it said that "the only way to overcome our enemy is by loving him," but how does that transcend the theoretical into practical application. Bonhoeffer claims that our enemy's "persecution of us only serves to bring them nearer to reconciliation with God and to further the triumphs of love," but this just doesn't seem to play out in 'real life.' Jesus says that is not ours to determine.
The love required of us for our enemy is, again, beyond what a finite mind can grasp. Bonhoeffer goes so far as to say that "no sacrifice which a lover would make for his beloved is too great for us to make for our enemy." Wow! That's pretty crazy, but check this out. Bonhoeffer says that, by praying for our enemies, "we are taking their distress and poverty, their guilt and perdition upon ourselves, and pleading to God for them." Again, the whole point of loving our enemies is "to bring them nearer to reconciliation with God."
This all probably seems absolutely insane. Why should you be so actively concerned about the spiritual well-being of those people who hate you, who deride you, who curse you because they disagree with what you believe? You may be thinking that Jesus is asking the impossible of us, and I would say to you emphatically that, Yes, He is.
But, back up a little bit, did any of those demands sound familiar? They should because they are exactly what Jesus lived out on the Cross! Let us not forget Titus 3, where Paul reminds us that we were all once enemies of God. It may be a good exercise to remind yourself from where Jesus brought you and remember that you owe your "very life to the One, who though [you were] His enemy, treated [you] as a brother and accepted [you], who made [you] His neighbour, and drew [you] into fellowship with Himself."
This still does not seem to address how we love our enemies. But, as with pretty much everything in the life of the saint, it requires the Holy Spirit applying the love of Jesus through us. Bonhoeffer sums it up like this:
... it is not the disciple's own love, but the love of Jesus Christ alone, who for the sake of His enemies went to the Cross and prayed for them as He hung there. [...] Perfect, all-inclusive love is the act of the Father, it is also the act of the sons of God as it was the act of the only-begotten Son. (emphasis mine)The chorus of an old-school Newsboys song entitled Breathe captures it well:
Breathe on meLet us long for the Spirit to fill us with His power to love like He does!
Breathe oh Breath of God
Breathe on me
`til my heart is new
Breathe on me
Breathe oh Breath of Life
Breathe on me
`til I love like You do
This post categorized under Personal Thoughts, Book Commentary, and Culture.
Over the past few weeks, a group of us have met for breakfast to talk about a number of topics. This morning's focus was on the book of Revelation. Chris was talking about how scary some of the imagery that John uses is, and he made the comment that, if, for example, he saw the oceans turn to blood, there would be no such thing as free-time because it would all be spent in intense prayer and telling other people about what was happening. This made me think, "So, why aren't we doing that now?" Then, this afternoon, I read Peter's exhortation to the saints in 1 Peter 4:7-8:
Wow, two thousand years ago, Peter felt like the end was near and told believers that, because of that, they should live in a state of readiness. Jesus Himself told the Disciples to be on the alert in Mattew 24:36,42,44:
So, that leaves us with one question: Do we live like we really believe that Jesus is coming back?
Along with that, Jesus said in v. 14 that the "Gospel of the Kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." What are we doing to fulfill that promise?
I would encourage you to take a fuller look at Jesus statements concerning His return in Matthew 24. I think it's probably one of the more definitive passages on one of the least defined topics in Scripture.
Let us live with eternity in mind!
This post categorized under The Church and Culture.
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Thursday, August 17, 2006 at 6:04 PM. The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love overs a multitude of sins.
Wow, two thousand years ago, Peter felt like the end was near and told believers that, because of that, they should live in a state of readiness. Jesus Himself told the Disciples to be on the alert in Mattew 24:36,42,44:
But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.... Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.... Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
So, that leaves us with one question: Do we live like we really believe that Jesus is coming back?
Along with that, Jesus said in v. 14 that the "Gospel of the Kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." What are we doing to fulfill that promise?
I would encourage you to take a fuller look at Jesus statements concerning His return in Matthew 24. I think it's probably one of the more definitive passages on one of the least defined topics in Scripture.
Let us live with eternity in mind!
This post categorized under The Church and Culture.
The Lord has been showing me a whole lot lately about faith, justification, righteousness, the fulfillment of the Law, and several other things related to that. I feel like this is something that we already know intellectually and theologically, but He has just been revealing His Truth in real ways that have been really sweet. It seems like everything just keeps tying back together, too, which is really cool but a big part of the reason it has taken me a long time to get anything written about it. I finally just decided to get it out in pieces. So, here goes...
This morning, Chris Osborne preached from Galatians 2:15-16 and 2 Corinthians 5:21 in a sermon* that nailed a lot of what God has been teaching me about justification as of late, and I ran across John Piper's most recent sermon** over Luke 18:9-14, which deals, again, with justification through Jesus Christ alone. Travis Mitchell also had an insightful blog post about the topic, as well. It's been a little crazy but really sweet to read and hear so much about this topic recently.
The simple fact that Jesus' blood is our only means of being right before the Holy God of all Creation is absolutely amazing. Not only does that mean that I don't have to earn my righteousness before God, but it also reminds me that I can't. We need to have a better picture of who we are and who Jesus is. Paul reminds us in Colossians 2 that we once walked as "sons of disobedience," enemies of God deserving the His full wrath. But, the blood of Jesus has brought us back into perfect fellowship with our Heavenly Father to walk in righteousness by the power of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The key lies with whose righteousness we walk in. If it is our own righteousness in which we attempt to walk, we will "fall short of the glory of God," as Paul tells us in Romans 3 and will stand only in condemnation. Even recognizing righteousness imparted by the sanctification of God is not enough. Jesus did not come just to grant us the ability to produce righteous works but to actually be righteousness for us. We tend to forget that the downright only way to be justified in the eyes of the Final Judge is to be absolutely perfect, having absolutely no blemish, for every aspect of your being to have been right in both the sight of God and of men. Who can make such an audacious claim? Only the Lord Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Son of God, the Spotless Lamb! It is by His righteousness that we stand justified before the Holy God of the Universe. My only vindication before a Just God is that the Blood of Jesus has covered over me and He is my righteousness!
The most glorious transaction of history occurs at the Cross of Calvary. "[God] made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Cor. 5:21) Wow! Read it again! Jesus Christ knew no sin; He was perfectly blameless. But, He took on all of our sin and shame upon the Cross; He drank the cup that could not pass. Somehow, He makes the miraculous exchange of my sin for His righteousness. Do you understand that? Do you believe that? At first, it might seem right to say, "Thanks, Jesus. I guess I'll just keep drudging through my sin, and You'll forgive me anyway." Brothers and sisters, do not buy into that lie! Let the Truth of the justifying Blood of Jesus grip you! When we really understand the Reality of the Cross in light of the sheer magnitude of our sin and God's holiness, the only possible response is that of the tax-collector in Luke 18: "God, be merciful to me, the sinner!" He has looked away from himself and toward God, His only hope for mercy. All the glory belongs to Jesus, as Piper concludes his sermon:
*The audio file of Chris's sermon should be posted on the Central Baptist Church website in the next few days. You may find it here.
**The audio file for Piper's sermon can be found here.
This post categorized under Personal Thoughts and Sermon Commentary.
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Sunday, August 13, 2006 at 10:42 PM. This morning, Chris Osborne preached from Galatians 2:15-16 and 2 Corinthians 5:21 in a sermon* that nailed a lot of what God has been teaching me about justification as of late, and I ran across John Piper's most recent sermon** over Luke 18:9-14, which deals, again, with justification through Jesus Christ alone. Travis Mitchell also had an insightful blog post about the topic, as well. It's been a little crazy but really sweet to read and hear so much about this topic recently.
The simple fact that Jesus' blood is our only means of being right before the Holy God of all Creation is absolutely amazing. Not only does that mean that I don't have to earn my righteousness before God, but it also reminds me that I can't. We need to have a better picture of who we are and who Jesus is. Paul reminds us in Colossians 2 that we once walked as "sons of disobedience," enemies of God deserving the His full wrath. But, the blood of Jesus has brought us back into perfect fellowship with our Heavenly Father to walk in righteousness by the power of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The key lies with whose righteousness we walk in. If it is our own righteousness in which we attempt to walk, we will "fall short of the glory of God," as Paul tells us in Romans 3 and will stand only in condemnation. Even recognizing righteousness imparted by the sanctification of God is not enough. Jesus did not come just to grant us the ability to produce righteous works but to actually be righteousness for us. We tend to forget that the downright only way to be justified in the eyes of the Final Judge is to be absolutely perfect, having absolutely no blemish, for every aspect of your being to have been right in both the sight of God and of men. Who can make such an audacious claim? Only the Lord Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Son of God, the Spotless Lamb! It is by His righteousness that we stand justified before the Holy God of the Universe. My only vindication before a Just God is that the Blood of Jesus has covered over me and He is my righteousness!
The most glorious transaction of history occurs at the Cross of Calvary. "[God] made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Cor. 5:21) Wow! Read it again! Jesus Christ knew no sin; He was perfectly blameless. But, He took on all of our sin and shame upon the Cross; He drank the cup that could not pass. Somehow, He makes the miraculous exchange of my sin for His righteousness. Do you understand that? Do you believe that? At first, it might seem right to say, "Thanks, Jesus. I guess I'll just keep drudging through my sin, and You'll forgive me anyway." Brothers and sisters, do not buy into that lie! Let the Truth of the justifying Blood of Jesus grip you! When we really understand the Reality of the Cross in light of the sheer magnitude of our sin and God's holiness, the only possible response is that of the tax-collector in Luke 18: "God, be merciful to me, the sinner!" He has looked away from himself and toward God, His only hope for mercy. All the glory belongs to Jesus, as Piper concludes his sermon:
Give Jesus Christ his full glory--not half of it. Give him the glory, both as the one who is perfect righteousness for us--which we have by faith alone--and the one who, on the basis of justification, works progressive righteousness in us. Don't rob him of the glory of his role as your righteousness. He is your righteousness. And because he is your righteousness, he can, and will in time, make you righteous. Look to Christ alone, trust in Christ alone--not your righteousness--for your right standing in God's court and your acceptance with him. Amen.Amen, indeed! Let us not miss the unlimited importance of justification by faith in Jesus Christ alone! He truly is our righteousness, restoring us to glorious fellowship with our Creator.
*The audio file of Chris's sermon should be posted on the Central Baptist Church website in the next few days. You may find it here.
**The audio file for Piper's sermon can be found here.
This post categorized under Personal Thoughts and Sermon Commentary.
A sweet hymn that we sang this morning. I thought it was worth spending some time to let it marinate.
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at 2:45 PM. Take My Life, and Let it BeThis post categorized under Musical Musings and The Church.
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet, and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold:
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect, and use
Ev'ry pow'r as You choose.Here am I,Take my will, and make it Thine,
All of me.
Take my life.
It's all for Thee.
It shall be no longer mine;
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store;
Take myself, and I will be,
Ever, only, all for Thee.Here am I,
All of me.
Take my life.
It's all for Thee.
"What Does it Mean to be Called?" - Another summary of a Glorieta Breakout Session from Phillip Bethancourt. Really good word on understanding the calling of the Lord.
"Lost Missions" - Good article on changing our view on the strategy of missions.
This post categorized under Linkin' Logs and Missions.
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Wednesday, August 09, 2006 at 9:41 PM. "Lost Missions" - Good article on changing our view on the strategy of missions.
This post categorized under Linkin' Logs and Missions.
Check out Phillip Bethancourt's comments on one of the Breakout Sessions at the 2006 Collegiate Conference in Glorieta, New Mexico entitled "Reshaping Your View of God." Greg Pinkner (the speaker) parallels and adds to one of my previous posts, "We Don't Get It."
This post categorized under Linkin Logs and Sermon Commentary.
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Monday, August 07, 2006 at 6:56 PM. This post categorized under Linkin Logs and Sermon Commentary.
Until more recently as the Lord has revealed some things to me, I have often skimmed over the seeming "absurdity" of Paul's words in Romans 9 with little legitimate meditation: "For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, [...] who are Israelites." That just seems straight-up crazy! Paul is wishing that he, himself, might be cut off from fellowship with Jesus Christ, if only it might result in salvation for the Jews who had rejected their Messiah. Sacrifice the absolute greatest and most perfect relationship man can know? Obviously, Paul was burdened for them to, as we see it, an insane extent, saying that he had "great sorrow and unceasing grief in [his] heart" because of their rejection of Christ. Jeremiah cries out in a similar way, lamenting the foretold destruction of his people:
Yet, still Paul's statement seems to us completely absurd. Why in the world would someone voluntarily forfeit his relationship with the Lord Jesus, that unalterable unity that has been purchased for and promised to us by the precious Blood of the Lamb of Calvary? But wait! That's exactly it! The secret lies with the Cross. Jesus himself voluntarily forfeited absolute and perfect unity with His Father to take the sin of the world on Himself on the Cross. Darkness fell on the earth for three hours when the Holy God of the Universe turned His back on His Beloved Son. In the anguish of death and separation, Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" We think it crazy that Paul would sacrifice fellowship with the Father, but that is exactly what Jesus Christ did on the cross. It was the only means to reconcile Holy God with Sinful Man. Though the physical pain of the cross was excruciating, the agony of the separation of Father and Son was infinitely more painful.
So, the question I ask myself now is, Why does that same groaning distress not burn in my heart for those walking around in the stench of death and utter hopelessness? If the Spirit of God lives inside of us, why are we not moved with compassion to the same extent that Jesus was, to the same level of laying down our very lives for our friends, and enemies for that matter? Have we become too selfish, too stuck on our own satisfaction to lay it all out there and sacrificially love people? I confess that I don't walk in that kind of love every day. Therefore, I challenge each of us to spend a good deal of time meditating on Paul's desire for the salvation of his people in light of the magnitude of the reality of the Cross. That reality which separated the Son of God from His Holy Father for the sake of buying back the souls of men. Let our lives be radically altered by that realization and let us love like Jesus loves. Let us live in absurdity!
This post categorized under Personal Thoughts and The Church.
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Friday, August 04, 2006 at 12:17 AM. My sorrow is beyond healing,We see that Jeremiah is passionately distraught over the plight that his people have brought on themselves. Just like Paul, Jeremiah is in desperation over the reality that people are bound on a course of death, misery, and destruction.
My heart is faint within me! Behold, listen! The cry of the daughter of my people from a distant land:
"Is the LORD not in Zion? Is her King not within her?"
"Why have they provoked Me with their graven images, with foreign idols?"
"Harvest is past, summer is ended,
And we are not saved."
For the brokenness of the daughter of my people I am broken;
I mourn, dismay has taken hold of me.
Is there no balm in Gilead?
Is there no physician there?
Why then has not the health of the daughter of my people been restored?
Yet, still Paul's statement seems to us completely absurd. Why in the world would someone voluntarily forfeit his relationship with the Lord Jesus, that unalterable unity that has been purchased for and promised to us by the precious Blood of the Lamb of Calvary? But wait! That's exactly it! The secret lies with the Cross. Jesus himself voluntarily forfeited absolute and perfect unity with His Father to take the sin of the world on Himself on the Cross. Darkness fell on the earth for three hours when the Holy God of the Universe turned His back on His Beloved Son. In the anguish of death and separation, Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" We think it crazy that Paul would sacrifice fellowship with the Father, but that is exactly what Jesus Christ did on the cross. It was the only means to reconcile Holy God with Sinful Man. Though the physical pain of the cross was excruciating, the agony of the separation of Father and Son was infinitely more painful.
So, the question I ask myself now is, Why does that same groaning distress not burn in my heart for those walking around in the stench of death and utter hopelessness? If the Spirit of God lives inside of us, why are we not moved with compassion to the same extent that Jesus was, to the same level of laying down our very lives for our friends, and enemies for that matter? Have we become too selfish, too stuck on our own satisfaction to lay it all out there and sacrificially love people? I confess that I don't walk in that kind of love every day. Therefore, I challenge each of us to spend a good deal of time meditating on Paul's desire for the salvation of his people in light of the magnitude of the reality of the Cross. That reality which separated the Son of God from His Holy Father for the sake of buying back the souls of men. Let our lives be radically altered by that realization and let us love like Jesus loves. Let us live in absurdity!
This post categorized under Personal Thoughts and The Church.
