Life Giving (part 2)

What was the price?
I’ve heard all my life that Jesus paid the price for our sins. It has often been indicated that the price was death on the cross or at least that’s how it comes across. But was Jesus’ physical death the punishment?

Fact: Unless your name is Elijah, there is nearly a 100% chance that you will die a physical death. (ok, I don’t know what happens exactly with those who are alive when Christ returns but there’ll be some physical change.)

Another piece of Sunday school info I learned at some point was that Jesus went to Hell sometime between breathing his last breath on the cross and his resurrection “on the third day.” Oh, and don’t forget that Hell is almost always taught in mainstream Christian churches as a horrible place of punishment. That’s important here. Of course, we are also taught that heaven has streets paved with gold. Honestly, that never impressed me as a kid and still doesn’t today.

Putting those bits of church chatter together, I’ve assumed that when Jesus died on the cross he went to a place of fire and experienced all the gruesome stuff we are taught to picture with the ugly guy in a red suit, weird ears and a funny looking pitch fork. Then, presto, Jesus returned from that terrible place and walked on the earth for 40 days. Interestingly, some people didn’t recognize him – I still don’t understand that one. But after 2,000 years of witnesses descriptions, some people still don’t recognize him.

Now here’s my most recent revelation on this topic – the punishment Jesus took on our behalf had absolutely nothing to do with physical pain.

Look around you. Everything you experience with the five physical senses is created by God and for God. Everything God created is good – right? Says so in scripture (1Ti 4:4)

Is Hell good?
Whatever Hell is, I think everyone agrees that it is most likely not a place that would have a five star AAA rating.

Look at the cross. When did the most dramatic things happen – you know, like the earthquake and total darkness in the middle of the day? Read it in Matthew 27:45-56. It was in the mysterious darkness that Jesus cried out “My God, my God, why have your forsaken me?” That’s huge. Don’t ever forget that Jesus said that to God the Father.

Then what happened when Jesus “gave up his spirit” – died? Oh, go read it. It’s too exciting for me to tell you all of it. Look at Matthew 27:51-53. The curtain in the temple tore in two, yes, but there was more. A door was opened and some holy people came out.

Know what I think? They came out because Jesus walked in – into Hell. The forsaken place where the presence of God is totally void.

Light - good; Darkness – not good
Genesis 1 tells us that darkness was over the surface of the deep in the beginning. Then God spoke light into being. This is not the sun. That comes later. God saw the light was good and he separated the light from the darkness. Yes, it goes on to distinguish day from night but this light was not the sun, moon, and stars. The wording implies to me that this darkness was not good. Nor was it created. It just was. It was there in the beginning and God added light – his own source of light.

When Jesus was hanging on the cross, it wasn’t night time but there was darkness. Have you experienced that kind of darkness? Does that give you a clue as to what it means to feel forsaken?

I’ve always wanted to say “no way, Jesus wasn’t forsaken by God. That’s impossible.” But I now believe he was. That was the punishment. That was the price he paid. Jesus left the presence of God so that we would never be forsaken (abandoned); so that he could always be with us even until the end of time. (Matthew 28:20) Now remember, Jesus was in very nature God (Philippians 2:6). Is it possible that at this point, Jesus gave up even the nature of God? Is it possible that Jesus, the Son of God, in his purest sense is the light that appeared in Genesis 1:3? Not human, yet placed into existence from the spoken word of God the Father (as we know him).

Without God’s source of light in us, we are darkness – nothingness, formless, meaningless, chaos. In other words, without God you just exist. That’s it. While you are here on earth you enjoy all the good physical pleasures God has created. But when this physical life is over, you just exist forever and ever and ever in nothingness. No rest by moonlight. No warmth by the sun. No coolness of a breeze. You have an awareness but with nothing to be aware of except maybe memories of what you had. Wouldn’t that be Hell to you?

Have you heard that Jesus set the captives free?
That’s exactly what he did when he died. He left the presence of God to set the holy people free from Hell - those who had died a physical death before his own physical death. He broke the bond between sin and death by taking the power of God – the spoken word of God - into that darkness. Wow! That’s exciting even as I type it! Those who recognized the light responded to him, uh, it. Those who didn’t recognize him, I imagine, turned away in fear and remained in their chosen state of nothingness.

Side note: If Jesus was in human form at this point, I don’t imagine any of those existing beings would have turned away in fear, they would have all jumped on the opportunity to get out of Hell free. As the spoken word of God rather than the compassionate human being, this Light would not have recognized those who blended into the darkness.

Then Christ returned from Hell. Wow! Let’s hear a little excitement out there. He would never need to ever go back there. Why? Because now he was returning to his place in the full presence of God where he would then send the Light in the form of the Holy Spirit to anyone who chooses to open the door to their physical life. Freeing them from the penalty of sin – that penalty being separation from the life-giving God who is always good.

A Living Sacrifice
In my last post I asked, “Did Jesus expect me to follow him in death?” Yes, I believe he did. But not physical death as we understand it. Although it is very physical. Anyone can sacrifice life for death if they believe in something strong enough – even if it isn’t truth. Real sacrifice that is pleasing and acceptable is sacrificing control of your physical life without looking to be rewarded for what you’ve done.

Who gave the Lord something which the Lord must pay back? Everything is from him and by him and for him. Glory belongs to him forever! Amen! Brothers and sisters, in view of all we have just shared about God's compassion, I encourage you to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, dedicated to God and pleasing to him. This kind of worship is appropriate for you. Romans 11:35 – 12:1 God’s Word

The only way to be a living sacrifice is to invite the life-giving Spirit of God into the darkness of your nothingness. Jesus took light into the darkness of death. Will you open the door of your life? Will you let him separate the darkness and fill you with that which is good?

Follow the Light
It’s simple really. Hold your hands out, palms up. Oh, come on just do it. This is your spiritual act of worship in the physical existence you have been given.

Now speak these words out loud – yes, out loud. Speaking to God is powerful:

Holy God, you are giver of life. I have attempted to create life in myself. Forgive me for playing God with all that you have provided in me. Please separate the darkness from me. Come into my physical life with your light. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Ps 139:23-24)

Stop and listen. You’ve just asked God to point out something to you. Let him do that.
With each thing revealed, ask his forgiveness. Don’t worry, he is gracious and merciful, he won’t point out everything at once. As you grow in relationship with him, he will continually show you the next step on the path of everlasting life. That’s why daily time with God is so important.

Profess out loud: Thank you Jesus. You were forsaken so that I may never be forsaken. Be the Leader of my life. I’ll be the follower. Not by my power, not by my might but by your Holy Spirit alive in me.

Now go tell a Christian friend what you’ve done. And celebrate your new life in Christ. For you have just offered to be a living sacrifice. If you have no one else to tell, email me, please! I’d love to celebrate with you. I’ve been praying for you already.

If you know someone that might benefit from reading this, edit it to your delight and pass it on as your own. (I don’t always give that copyright permission. But with this post you have it.)

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

Life Giving (part 1)

Tis Saturday, the day between Good Friday and Easter. If I had been a disciple of Jesus in that time, this would be perhaps the most difficult day of my life. I had given up everything to follow this man. Now he was dead. What did that mean for me? Would others pity me, would I be a laughing stock, would I forever be an outcast in the religious community – an even greater outcast than I was before I knew him.

Why did he have to die? And why such a death as crucifixion? A criminal’s death. What does that make me? An accessory to his crime? Or maybe a victim of his crime.

I gave up everything to follow him. Well, everything except my ability to breath and live a somewhat comfortable life. He gave that up. He could have had it all. He could have had multitudes following him. He could have had the place of a king! Wealth, power, all the pleasures of this world. Was that I was hoping to find in him?

He chose death. Death on a cross. Did he expect me to follow him in his death? Am I also to give up my physical life?

What was so bad about the animal sacrifices the priests had made for years? God accepted them, right? Oh, no. No, no, no. As a follows of Christ are we to give an annual sacrifice of ourselves – of human life?

Would Jesus ask me to also choose death?

Today is the Sabbath. I will rest as I mourn for this man whom I considered to be a great teacher. He called me friend. No one else has ever accepted me the way he did. What have I learned from him over the past three years? What will I do with what I’ve learned?

Stumbling Blocks

“The difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is how you use them” Anonymous

Oh wow, isn’t that so true! And have you seen positive people use the stumbling block as adventure and learning opportunities while negative people stare and complain about whose fault the stumbling block is?

I’d like to think I’m always on the positive side but I know I’m not. I’m continually learning and being reminded ever so gently by God’s Holy Spirit that I must keep my eyes on God, not on the stumbling blocks, if I want to finish the race he has set out for me. (Acts 20:24) What’s on your mind today? Are you stumbling or stepping?

“He will be a place of safety for you. But he will be a rock that makes people trip and a stumbling block for both kingdoms of Israel. He will be a trap and a snare for those who live in Jerusalem.” Isaiah 8:14 God’s Word

Hard Drive Crash - April Fool!

They got me! It was pre-planned, prepared days in advance, and a nine year old kept a secret for several days.

My son and husband downloaded a screensaver that makes it appear the hard drive has crashed. One glitch, April Fools day fell on a Sunday this year and I try not to look at my laptop on Sunday. Well, this created an unacceptable situation for my son. So he decided to pretend that he had used my laptop for something and discovered the error message. His “mom, your computer isn’t working” drew my calm and suspicious response – “my computer doesn’t work on Sunday.”

His award winning performance got me to my office to see the error message. Having just experienced the hard drive crash scenario in December, I will admit my heart trembled slightly. But I chose to assume he was celebrating his favorite holiday – April Fools.

As I reflected on the “fun” joke, God reminded me that Satan enjoys pulling Fools pranks everyday with much higher stakes.

Are you seeing error messages in life that make your heart pause? Smile, you’re on Satan’s candid camera. Although it is no joking matter for him – he desires to destroy you and humiliate you forever. God, however, has provided the truth. Regardless of your circumstances you can laugh. Jesus is Risen and therefore we have hope in all things.

Cartoon used with Permission of Bonnie Fraser

Visit www.BibleAlive.org for Bonnie's
April Fool Story/Poem, Scriptures and Greeting Card

On Calvary

“On Calvary, Jesus seals his election as Messiah, holds firm to it despite the loneliness and desolation that are exerting tremendous pressure against his self-awareness as Son-Servant-Beloved.” Brennan Manning, The Importance of Being Foolish

The quote above reminded me of an experience I blogged about in May 2005, The Power of Love. Words escape me as I think of that experience and the additional words of Brennan Manning.

“The Cross confronts us with the cost of discipleship, reminds us that there is no cheap Pentecost, and carries within it the living power to enable us to endure the inevitable humiliations, rejections, sacrifices, and loneliness that the journey to higher Christian consciousness imposes.” Brennan Manning, The Importance of Being Foolish pg 170

Do you know the Power of Love? Can you hold firm to your commitment, your devotion, your passion for the purpose of Christ and the purpose of your life despite all circumstances?

My dear friend, wherever you are in your relationship with the all-knowing, all-loving God, know this: the power of love is greater than anything you can imagine. The power of love will hold you to a cross and raise you up out of the stench of death. The power of love will give you a sense of indescribable peace and passion for everyone around you – friend or foe. The power of love will give you a perspective like nothing you can reason on your own understanding.

This Easter, look at the cross and ask this question until you experience the answer from the all-powerful God. Why would a man - who, if he were God, could have called on 10,000 angels; if he were only human, could have denied the accusations to avoid suffering - allow mere mortals to pound stakes into his flesh?

Praying Against the Enemy

Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies. Psalm 108:12-13

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:11-12

The Old Testament without the understanding of the New Testament (and vice versa) can make us think we are all there is to creation.

I’ve found there is nothing more powerful than praying in agreement with others. I’ve also found there is only one way to truly pray in agreement and that is by allowing the Holy Spirit to voice our prayers. In my experience, this happens most often when there is more silence than talking in the group praying.

When we voice our prayers from what is only on our minds, we tend to see the enemy as the people around us. When we allow the Holy Spirit to word our prayers, the power of God and the love of God reveal the true enemy. The love of God causes us to pray for that person who is persecuting us.

That enemy is not flesh and blood. That enemy cannot be seen or experienced through our physical senses. The enemy is often manifested through people which is why we end up praying for God to remove individuals from the influence of those we love. But the heart of God is to separate the enemy from those people who are being used as weapons by the enemy. The power of God’s love in our innocent children may be the very ones who trample down the enemy.

The Old Testament provides example after example of the insignificance of the strength of man. If our enemy is another person, then outnumbering that person would be all we need for victory. Gideon discovered this truth. Sometimes we can outnumber the people but if we really want lasting victory we need to listen to God. (Read Judges 7) Otherwise, we will constantly be in battle.

What battles are you fighting?

Is your prayer against a physical instrument or the spiritual enemy?

What battles do you see in our country, in the world, that are focused on people rather than the true enemy?

How can you pray and encourage others to recognize that even our political battles are not against flesh and blood?

Pray against the real enemy.

Purpose in Unity

“I will sing of the Lord's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.” Psalm 89:1

I’ve been asking myself why I spend time trying to write – or anything that requires so much time, effort, and rejection. In God’s faithfulness he answered my questions with the verse above and the wise counsel of friends.

A friend challenged me with questions that helped me to understand my passion more clearly. In the past I have stated my passion as a desire to inspire others into intimacy with Christ. Her questions revealed my deeper desire. I don’t really want to influence people. My influence is limited and short lived. My desire is to find others who are in an intimate relationship with Christ.

Three verses that have stood out to me for some time are:

John 17:23 “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

Ephesians 4:10-13 “He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

2 Peter 1:3-4 “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

Yes, we are called to make disciples. But no one can be a disciple unless God the Father has enabled him. John 6 is full of clarity of the fact that we cannot draw people to Christ. Only God can draw people to himself. I am convinced that we make disciples – not only of others but of ourselves – by uniting with others who have been drawn by God.

Then, when those who have been drawn and are growing and united, those who God is drawing will see and know God’s love through Christ. They will then unite with those who are already united. It’s pretty simple really.

Jesus says his yoke is easy and burden is light. We complicate things by putting pressure on ourselves to draw people to Christ. The pressure is off of me. I don’t have to build my speaking, writing and consulting business to save the world. God has given me this opportunity to unite with others.

You see, I want to unite with those who have experienced the power and presence of an intimate relationship with Christ. Not for protection but for the purpose of letting the world see God’s love. I find them when I share my thoughts in writing and they respond. I find them when I ask questions that only a consultant is allowed to ask. I find them when I speak and someone looks into my eyes with the “that’s happened to me too” look.

When I unite, others will see and unite also. Now that is powerful purpose!

“I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.” Psalm 89:2