Tag Archives: Pursuing God

Forgetting or Paying Attention

There are some things that I rarely seem to forget. Rarely will I go a morning without having a mug of coffee. Unfortunately, I am one of those who get a slight headache by noon if I haven’t had a coffee. (I know, that’s telling me something…).

Sometimes I forget things that are important. Sometimes I forget things when I leave the house in a rush. My wife is accustomed to me coming back into the house a few minutes after I left because I forgot my phone, my watch or my wallet. On a more important level, I am prone to forgetting people’s birthdays and anniversaries. This doesn’t bother some people, yet I would like to remember so I can communicate how much they mean to me on their special day. But I still forget.

Sometimes, when I read Scripture I realise I’ve forgotten an important part of the message Jesus delivered. How could I forget something of such importance? How is it that a component of such good news could fall outside my intention and focus? Perhaps I hadn’t taken it seriously…? Maybe I didn’t really understand it in the first place…? Is it possible I had not given it priority in my heart or thinking…?

In thoughts like this I am reminded of what the author of Hebrews said, “we must pay more careful attention to what we have heard”.

If I paid more careful attention to what I’ve heard from Jesus, maybe I wouldn’t forget so much of what he said. Could it be that the ups & downs I face in my attempts to become like Jesus would become less extreme if I paid more attention to what I’ve heard from him? Is it possible that if I gave more careful attention to the message Jesus spoke, my pursuit of becoming more like him may become more consistent?

“We must pay more careful attention to what we have heard” (Hb 2.1)

Message of Importance

I have four children; three of whom are teenagers. This means that sometimes our house can be a busy, active place. In this environment details about collection times, after-school activities, and weekend plans can often be missed – even though one person is convinced the others were informed. Usually these kinds of miscommunications are easily managed: a family calendar is used for scheduling, reminders are given and greater efforts at communication are made by all. But, in order to ensure a certain message is made clear to the entire family (eg. housekeeping responsibilities) it is not uncommon for me to gather everyone into a room and make a family announcement in the form of a ‘town crier’. Yes, I do the “Hear ye, Hear ye…” complete with my best attempts at old English to get the point across.

Some messages are important and must be heard.

We live in a society in which people, companies and advertisers are constantly sending us messages. Through visual displays, roadside signage, TV & radio commercials and ads delivered through the apps and websites we use, companies are sending us messages to sell their brand and lure us into buying their product. I am usually able to simply tune out, or ignore most of these messages because they aren’t important or relevant to me.

Some messages are not important and do not need my attention.

Some messages are important. Some messages are not important. How do I decide what message is important? That may come down to my frame of mind or concerns of the moment. But for matters of real significance the determination will likely be based on my core values and who or what I believe.

Western culture is increasingly opposed to the idea that Jesus is even real – let alone the idea that his message is relevant. When a myriad of messages clamour for my attention, most of them delivering standards which compete with the values of Jesus, it can be challenging to filter out the negative and maintain clarity on what Jesus has said. In this context, it is even more necessary for those who follow Jesus to remind one another of WHO it is that we believe.

Some messages are important and need to be heard. Other messages are not important and can simply be ignored. But the messages delivered and declared by Jesus are of supreme importance and require my utmost care and attention.

“In the past God spoke to us through the Prophets; but in these last days he has spoken through his Son.” (Hb 1.2)

God Has Spoken By His Son

“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets…but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” (Hb 1.1-2)

For many years, God directed his people through the Prophets. The people understood that the Prophets could hear God and declare God’s will and purposes to the people. In fact, God would not do anything without first declaring it to the Prophets (Amos 3.7).

It is said of Samuel, that none of his words fell to the ground (1 Sam 3.19). This meant he spoke what he heard from God and didn’t exaggerate or embellish from his own perspective. Consequently, what the people heard from Samuel, could be counted as from God and should be valued as such. Over time the people paid less attention to what the Prophets had to say.

“…but in these last days God has spoken to us by his Son”.

But where God once used the Prophets to communicate to people, he has now spoken through his Son. Where people only caught a partial image of his nature through the life and message of the Prophet, now we can see the fullness of his nature through the life and message of Jesus. No longer do we hear about God through the way a Prophet repeats what God has said; now we are able to hear from God himself.

Jesus is the exact representation of God (Heb 1.3) and spoke what he heard from the Father:

…for I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me (Jn 8.28)
I can only say what I hear my Father say…. (Jn 5.19)
…my teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. (Jn 7.16)

And the people perceived something very different when they heard Jesus speak. Perhaps it goes back to the tangible sensations we’ve mentioned, but the people were clearly able to discern that Jesus spoke as one who had authority (Mk 1.22). This was in complete contrast to what they had heard – or didn’t hear – from the religious leaders of the day.

The words and teachings of Jesus contained so much life that people were drawn to him. They recognised; felt; believed within themselves, that his words were ‘flawless’ (Ps 12.6). People may not have been able to articulate what was happening inside them, but there must have been a lot of burning hearts among the crowd because even as they heard Jesus speaking people put their faith in him (Jn 8.30).

In these days God has spoken through his Son. Putting faith in him means more than believing what he says. Putting our faith in him means that we believe him.

The Life in Jesus’ Words

After one of Jesus’ teachings most of those listening, including many of his followers, left Jesus saying things like, “This teaching is too difficult to follow.” Jesus asked the 12 disciples if they wanted to leave as well but Peter responded on behalf of the group saying, “Where would we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn 6.68).

There is something that happens within the person who hears the words of Jesus. Although it is intangible it can be, at the same, very tangible. The internal sense of weightiness, conviction and hope are all thoroughly tangible sensations that one can experience when the words of Jesus are heard.

The Prophet Jeremiah described the words of God as a fire in his belly that he could not contain (Jer 20.9). Paul described the words of God as a purifying, cleansing water (Eph 5.26). The author of Hebrews said the words of God are ‘sharper than a sword that divides spirit and soul’ (Heb 4.12) And the disciples on the road to Emmaus recognised their hearts were burning as the risen Jesus spoke to them (Lk 24.32).

All of these sensations – these tangible manifestations within those who hear God’s words – are a component of what Jesus described when he said, “my words are spirit and they are life” (Jn 6.63). The alive-ness of his words and the substance of his Spirit cause a sensation in us that is often difficult to describe – yet it initiates an experience that leaves an indentation in our thought process.

The words of Jesus do not just stir, burn or stimulate; they are an ongoing source of life within us affecting who we believe, the way we think and, consequently, how we live.

Words: Dad & Daughter’s Declarations

Recently I’ve been thinking a lot about the power of words. I don’t mean the ‘mind-over-matter’ way of self-talk. I’ve been thinking about how the words spoken by Jesus and revealed by Holy Spirit are filled with life (see posts). When we align ourselves with the truths of God and verbalise what he has already declared, the life-giving substance within the idea is released through the spoken word.

The below video has been trending lately and I really like it. The benefit of this routine is, I think, more than just an inspirational habit. The Dad is teaching his daughter how to stand in Truth, which will create foundations upon which she can stand when she’ll have to battle against lies as she gets older. If she continues in these truths, she can provide a source of strength for others to learn how to stand in the life-giving promises of who God has created them to be.

Words of Jesus

Jesus is the ultimate example of the power of words. He is the living word – he is the WORD made flesh (Jn 1.1-3). Jesus was with the Father during the creation process, and through him all things were created. Is it a coincidence, then, that creation was brought into existence through the spoken word (Gen 1.3; Col 1.16).

Jesus told us that his words will never pass away (Mt 24.35). How could they? His words are Spirit and they are Life (Jn 16.13). His words were not just sounds emanating from his mouth. The very essence of his words was life. Their very substance was spirit. His words do not merely communicate life; they do not just contain life – they are life. Because of this Jesus’ words do not, cannot, fade away or disintegrate.

His words are living and active. From the moment Jesus spoke, his words have lingered in the realms of the Spirit; pregnant with creative power. When we become exposed to those words, our spirit is quickened because the words are just as powerful today as when Jesus first spoke them. They retain the fullness of his nature and carry the goodness of his promises.

Many have attempted to relegate the statements of Jesus to the mere sayings of a prophet, a philosopher or a wise teacher. The only way one can relegate his words to this human level is through the hardness of our heart. But no matter how hard it may have become, the heart that hungers can be made soft again. Once alerted to the life-giving sustenance of his words, the heart quickly acknowledges that bread alone will no longer satisfy (Dt 8.3; Mt 4.4).

And that seems to be one of the main purposes for the words spoken by Jesus. His intent was to help people hear, see and understand the Father (Jn 14.9). One way he did this was by speaking only that which he heard the Father say (Jn 5.19). And, because Jesus revealed and declared the purposes of God, His words that continue to linger will not return to him empty but will accomplish the purposes for which he sent them (Is 55.11).

Words

Words. We use them all the time. We use words to communicate; to express an idea, a thought or an emotion. We use words to entertain; to sing a song, tell a story or share a joke. We use words to conduct business; to promote a cause; to influence others. Sometimes, we use words without fully thinking through the way others will hear the words – so we often must use words to clarify, to apologise or seek forgiveness.

Words are powerful. Words create new realities; new possibilities. Words can inspire, convey truth, elevate thoughts, ignite hope and impart faith. Words can change someone’s demeanour; someone’s outlook; someone’s perspectives.

Words can build up and words can tear down. The words we speak can discourage, distort truth, dampen hope, spark conflict, invite chaos and perpetuate fear. In this context, the message of Proverbs is a stark reminder; “Life and death are in the power of the tongue” (18.21).

The power to bring life and death through the spoken word is available to all. This power is a natural ability which carries a spiritual reality, which is true for those outside the Kingdom just as it is for those within the Kingdom.

But for those of us inside the kingdom, those within whom Holy Spirit dwells, the choice of words is even more important. This is true for several reasons. One of the main reasons is found in Jesus’ statement, “It is from the overflow of the heart that the mouth speaks” (Lk 6.45).

What are the reservoirs from which my words come?

Simon, Do You Love Me? (Part 6)

When I first realised that Jesus gave Simon the new name but didn’t seem to use it when he spoke to him, I found myself being a little confused; even a little uneasy. Why give him the name and not call him that when you talk to him? Why put the guy through that kind of confusion?

Now that I see the end of the story I am more settled, more at peace. Again, much of this is my own surmising, but when we get to the final conversation between Jesus and Simon, it is clear that something very significant had taken place.

After the resurrection – and after Jesus had appeared to the Disciples a few times – Simon and some of the others were out fishing. Although they had seen Jesus and experienced the breath-taking awe of his resurrection, I still wonder what was going through Simon’s mind? How was he dealing with the fact that he had denied Jesus?

While they were in the boats Jesus showed up on the beach cooking fish that he ‘caught’ before the others dragged in another substantial catch. After breakfast Jesus had a conversation that is often referred to as the re-instatement of Peter, yet Jesus continued to call him Simon.

Simon…, Simon…, Simon…

Three times Jesus asks, “Simon, do you love me?” The Greek words used in this conversation (Jn 21.15-17) relay an increasing level of personal commitment; intimate, experiential knowing; and profound, godly love. By using a progression of words which reveal a deepening of the meaning of love, Jesus is directing Simon’s attention more deeply into the very core of his identity and, therefore, the very depths of his relationship with Jesus.

It’s as if each question from Jesus reminded Simon of his three denials. Each question about the level and type of love he had for Jesus forced Simon to face what was at the root of each denial.

“I don’t know him.” …Simon, do you love me?

“I am not one of his followers!” …Simon, do you really love me?

“I don’t know what you’re talking about!!” …Simon, do you truly love me?

After the third exchange Jesus told him of the kind of death Simon would undergo and then re-issued his invitation for Simon to follow him. It’s as if Simon had to get to the very bottom of ‘Simon’ in order to become the ‘Peter’ Jesus knew he was. Once Peter had gotten to that place, Jesus re-issued the call, “Follow me!” (Jn 21.19).

The power of Jesus’ mercy is striking. He didn’t condemn Simon; yet neither did he ignore the denials. But rather than give him a lecture, Jesus went straight to the heart of the issue.

Simon, do you love me? You denied me because you were afraid.

Simon, do you love me? You were afraid because there was a part of you that was insecure about my love.

Simon, do you love me? There is a depth of relationship with me that can free you from the effects of fear, insecurities and desire for reputation.

Peter…. Follow me!

Tell the Disciples and Peter (Part 5)

I often wonder what those hours immediately following the crucifixion were like for Simon. What thoughts ran through his mind after he denied knowing Jesus? How did he deal with the sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach as he reflected on how he’d turned his back on his friend, his teacher, his master?

Jesus had actually called him Peter – Cephas – the ‘rock’. And within that exchange, the only time Jesus ever called him by that name, Jesus also warned Simon that he would betray Jesus. Imagine the incongruity of it all.

Simon, you’ve lived with the fact that three years ago I gave you a new name, yet I’ve continued to call you Simon. Your new name, Peter, is a name of which you can be proud. It’s a solid name; a name which reflects an uncompromising nature. Now, in the very moment I finally use that name to address you, I’m also telling you that you will behave in a manner that is the very opposite of this new name.

I wonder if Simon was able to put all this together with Jesus’ statement immediately prior?

“Simon, Satan has asked to sift you but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Lk 22.31).

Even though Simon may not have made it through the ‘sifting’ in the way he likely would have preferred. Jesus knew Simon truly was the ‘rock’ worthy of the name Peter. Jesus had confidence in him.

But, what was it like for Simon during that day in-between? Was he able to look the other disciples in the eye? Was there tension between them all? Simon, you and John went into the courtyard so you would know what was happening to Jesus. Why did you run off? Did Simon feel he was no longer worthy to be counted among them?

I realise this is my own speculation, but something the angel said to the women stands out to me. When the women arrived at Jesus’ tomb and found it was empty the angel said to them, “…Go tell his disciples and Peter…” (Mk 16.7).

The angel didn’t say, “Tell the disciples and Simon…” Not only did the angel refer to him by the new name, but the angel was aware there was already some sort of distance between Simon and the rest of the Disciples. Had Simon already distanced himself? Had he turned away?

Perhaps, the angel’s instruction was to indicate to everyone that Simon was still included in the group. Perhaps, the use of the name Peter, was an indication to all that Simon was no longer to be called Simon. Perhaps, the use of the name Peter, was an indication to Simon that, despite how he may have felt at the moment, he truly was Peter.

Simon…, Simon, when you turn back; strengthen your brothers.

Simon, Peter, Simon (Part 4)

Not long after the second time of announcing Simon’s change of name, Jesus finally calls him Peter. The only recorded instance of Jesus calling Simon by the name Peter is recorded in Luke 22.34. Jesus uses the name Peter when he prophesied that Simon was about to deny him three times that night. Ouch.

Why did Jesus wait until this moment to call him Peter? It seems so contrary to the new name. This is the occasion when Simon is the least rock-like. Why not call him Peter after one of his many declarations of truth, or demonstrations of faithfulness? Why not call him Peter after he walked on water!?! Why wait to call him by this name of ‘rock’ when you’re telling him he will be very un-rock-like? Why use this name to tell Simon he will betray his friend, the one for whom only moments previously he had said he would lay down his life?

“Peter, before the rooster crows you will have disowned me three times.”

When the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, Simon took up the sword – some would say that is rock-like behaviour when your mentor and rabbi is being abused and unfairly treated.

When Jesus was taken in for questioning, Simon and John talked their way into the courtyard – some would say that is rock-like behaviour to stay aware of what is happening to your friend and teacher.

But when he is questioned by a servant girl Simon operated in non-rock-like behaviour. Some may say it didn’t really matter what a servant girl thought, Simon was focused on what was happening to Jesus. The servant girl was a distraction. Simon wanted to find out what would happen to Jesus, so he let the denials flow and kept his attention on the court proceedings.

Imagine Simon’s fear and guilt when he heard the rooster crow. Imagine the sinking feeling in his gut when he realised that these flippant denials to an insignificant servant girl really did matter. Imagine the depth of shame and embarrassment as he made eye contact with Jesus. What passed between them in that brief encounter? How rock-like did Simon feel in those moments?