Lent – Page 8 – Pot of Manna

Awaiting the Bridegroom

⁴⁴Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. Matthew 24:44, NRSV

Hustle, bustle, and brides all around.

The ministry where I work is hosting two events this weekend. On Saturday there’s a bridal show. There are all kinds of vendors hawking their services to starry-eyed brides. The highlight will be a fashion show and give-aways. The setup process has taken most of the week. It runs from 3:00 to 7:00. And when it’s done exhausted workers will tear everything down and return the building to its original state.

This event is a huge reminder that weddings are a lot of work.

The other event begins today and goes through Sunday, and may even spill over to Monday. On the top floor denominational leaders will be meeting with prospective individuals and couples applying to serve as missionaries. These candidates have completed training, schooling, internships, and service in the process of preparation. Being ready to serve is not a walk in the park. There is typically a time of proving and testing of one’s call.

Sitting here surrounded by wedding dresses hanging on mannequins and thinking about the bridegroom text, I couldn’t help but sing the “old” Larry Norman song, “I Wish We’d All Been Ready.”

And then I pictured all those hope-filled candidates anxiously awaiting the church’s stamp of approval upon there call. They’re ready! And willing.

In the story of the bridesmaids (Matthew 24) all ten thought they were ready, but only five had done the work. As they waited, they all fell asleep. The sleeping wasn’t the problem, no more than it was a problem for the disciples who went to the garden with Jesus to pray.

Here’s the key, as I see it in the story: we don’t know when the bridegroom will come. We can’t be lazy, or forgetful, or complacent. Readiness takes constancy and effort. The question that used to be asked was, “Are you paid up and prayed up?”

Are you?

PRAYER: Lord, you love us, and your desire is that we would be ready and anticipating your return. Show us where our faith has become lazy–and help us get back on track. We want to be ready….whenever you come.

This Little Light of Mine

¹⁴‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house. ¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16, NRSV)

Being light is not a suggestion. Jesus didn’t say, “Hey, if y’all don’t have anything else planned, I have this really cool idea. How ’bout we let the glory of God shine through our broken places and carry light into the darkness.”

No. He said, “You’re it. You’re the plan. Go be who I created you to be. Be light. Be warmth. Shine brightly.”

And you won’t be able to hide it. A wise man once told me, “There are no secret disciples. Either the disciple will kill the secret or the secret will kill the disciple.” (Charles Munson)

Where will you shine your light today?

AFTERTHOUGHT: I want you to know I picked the version of “This Little Light of Mine” very intentionally. There were several renditions with a single voice. And at first, I thought I wanted that. But when I listened to this version by The Lower Lights, I was impressed by the group. I pondered again the verse and went to the Greek.

The “you” is y’all (humeis). You plural. His light will always shine brighter when we shine together.

Cracked Pots

We have this treasure in jars of clay.

Someone described those clay jars as cracked pots.

Not everyone would be able to understand or appreciate this thought. Those with wealth and means would not put their treasures in clay jars. Their treasures would be kept in the most beautiful and exquisite vases.

God, the creator and Lord of the universe, however, chose to put his treasure in common clay pots. Humble pots. Pots from humus…earth. That’s where we came from.

Imperfect pots chosen intentionally “so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7, NRSV)

Are you feeling broken? Unusable? Used up? Worthless? Rejoice! You’re exactly what God wants to use. You are not full of yourself or thinking too highly of yourself.

Those cracks you try to hide, they’re perfect places and spaces for the light of God to shine through.

He shines in the broken places.

Amen.

Pieces Parts

¹²For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12

I have three masters degrees. I’m not telling you that to impress you. One in New Testament Studies, a general pastoral degree (M.Div) and a Masters of Pastoral Counseling.

I pastored for twenty years, a chaplain for ten, and a counselor for ten.

People told me I was good at what I did. I believed them. Armed with those beliefs I acted with reckless arrogance.

My arrogance was nearly my demise. I became the educated idiot. I was broken.

I tried desperately to put the pieces back together. Tried to find some semblance of wholeness.

God had to show me I didn’t have all the pieces to begin with

I only saw in part.

Now I live with whatever pieces and parts I have in the moment. It makes the moments much better and the living is good.

This helps me understand another saying of Paul: Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. (Philippians 3:12, NIV)

Each day provides new pieces. Each day I see a little more clearly. And one day I will see it all.

PRAYER: God of perfect vision, help me remember what I am seeing is imperfect. Forgive my arrogance and help me live with the pieces and parts of life…until I come to complete understanding in you. Amen.

Blinded by the Light

Yesterday we considered God appearing as a gentle nudge, how he arrives gently and naturally on the scene. This appearance is comforting to me.

Sometimes, however, he has to explode onto the scene to get my attention. This is what he did with Paul:

But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest ²and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. ³Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him.⁴And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” ⁵And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. ⁶But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” ⁷The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. ⁸Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. ⁹And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. (Acts 9:1-9, ESV)

Do you find it interesting that Paul knew immediately who was speaking to him? He knew who was showing up in that blinding light. It was the Lord. Instant recognition and obedience. Paul’s companions were there as witnesses–a good thing to have when you’re going through a major life changing experience.

God burst into Paul’s life. Was that the only way he could have gotten Paul’s attention? Would Paul have ignored the gentle nudges? Can you relate? Have there been times when you stubbornly ignored God’s more gentler attempts to get your attention? Did it take a more earth shaking, life changing, event to break through your reluctance, your arrogance?

I know what it’s like…perhaps that why I prefer the nudges.

But either way, it’s good to know God knows how to get our attention.

PRAYER: God, thank you for breaking into my life, my awareness, my mess just the way you need to in order to get my attention. Nudge me or blind me, but don’t let me get away from what I need to hear today. My ears, my eyes, and my heart is open. Amen.

Gentle Nudges

So far in this journey, we have been focusing on our seeking or looking for Jesus. For a few days I want to think about how God chose to show himself.

One of my favorite resurrection stories is the encounter Jesus had with the Emmaus Road travelers.

Can you imagine the saddness these two felt? Everything they hope for seems gone. They counted on Jesus being the one and now he was gone. What would they do? How would they face their family and friends.

And Jesus comes up and starts walking with them. He acts like a clueless traveler to hear their story…their sadness…their disillusion.

Today just read the story. Ask God to show you where and when you have been disappointed and disillusioned and how he came along side and helped you to see more clearly.

¹³That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles^[a] from Jerusalem, ¹⁴and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. ¹⁵While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. ¹⁶But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. ¹⁷And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. ¹⁸Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” ¹⁹And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, ²⁰and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. ²¹But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is nowthe third day since these things happened. ²²Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, ²³and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. ²⁴Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” ²⁵And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! ²⁶Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” ²⁷And beginning withMoses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

²⁸So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, ²⁹but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. ³⁰When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. ³¹And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. ³²They said to each other,“Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while heopened to us the Scriptures?” ³³And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, ³⁴saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!”³⁵Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. (Luke 24:13-35)

PRAYER: Jesus, thank you for traveling with us on our roads of confusion. Thank you Holy Spirit for opening our eyes. Sometimes we are so focused on the problems, and our sadness so overwhelms us that we are unable to see or recognize you. Keep walking with us for we want to see you. Amen.

Faith the Final Frontier

²⁹Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:19

I learn best when I can watch someone or I can see an example. Following written instructions, like how to crochet or knit, or even utilize a new cooking technique, ties my brain in a knot.

Thomas is my kind of guy. Show me. I need to see this incredible thing, because it’s just too complicated for my mind to grasp. It does not make sense.

Thomas responded skeptically, but he’s not the first person in the Bible. Sarah laughed when she heard God’s plan. Zechariah wanted a few details when he knew he had to explain to Elizabeth what God was doing. Gideon questioned God’s strategy for his army several times…just to be sure.

I get it. The things God does and says are bigger than our minds. He owns this principle: my ways are not your ways (Isaiah 55:8).

So even though Thomas “doubted,” Jesus appears and allows him to touch his side and hands. Thomas wasn’t kicked out of the club because he was confused. That is good news!

But wait there’s more! Here’s the better news—news for you and me: blessed are those who have not seen (who don’t get your opportunity, Thomas), and yet believe.

That’s us. Looking into Thomas’ eyes, Jesus saw you and me. He knew how hard it was going to be to wrap our brains around resurrection. And he issued a “trust me” statement.

We have to take this one on faith…and if we will…we will be blessed.

PRAYER: Father, when you looked at Thomas kneeling there in reverence, believing because you revealed yourself to him…you saw me. And when you saw me, you knew it wasn’t going to be easy to believe. Thank you for extending your blessing to those of us who have not seen you in person, but who see you by faith. Please continue to show up when we have questions and reveal yourself. Open the eyes of our hearts to see you today, for you are our Lord and our God. Amen.

What’s in a Name?

²⁹Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29

I want to spend a couple days with Thomas and this passage. First, Thomas.

Interesting legacy these folks must have left. How would you like to be remembered for your worst moment?

F.O.R.E.V.E.R.

How would you like for your name to be synonymous with the concept of doubt?

Always the doubter. Not the ponderer or questioner. The doubting one.

That’s Thomas.

He asks one question and is forever branded as the doubter.

What’s your worst moment look like? What shame or angst rises up when you think about it?

Imagine what it must have been like for Thomas. The others were claiming that Jesus was alive, resurrected. Wouldn’t you have questions, concerns? Seriously, let’s not jump to conclusions. I’m from Missouri. Show me.

And Jesus did. We’ll talk more about that tomorrow. Right now, I want to stay with Thomas, and his question. And Jesus response.

There was no chastisement for Thomas. No making him feel foolish, or wrong. Picturing Thomas there with Jesus causes hope to rise up in my soul.

Here’s the truth, as I see it: it’s okay to question and doubt as long as when Jesus shows up we recognize him and believe. One theologian has even said, “the doubter is sometimes closer to God than the believer.”

The world will always judge us, maybe even call us names, but the only judgment that matters is Jesus’.

PRAYER: Lord, we stand with Thomas today, and maybe even the father who came to Jesus seeking healing for his son: I believe. Lord, help me with my unbelief. Teach us it’s okay to ask questions. Help us to come to you for answers. We confess that image is often too important–at least the way we worry about what the world thinks about us. Heal the shame-filled spaces in our hearts. And may like Thomas bow in awe and wonder and acknowledge you as our Lord and Savior. Amen.

When Will I See You Again?

⁷For we walk by faith, not by sight, (2 Corinthians 5:7)

I’m at Florida Christian Writers Conference. It’s a great place to be on so many levels. For one thing, the weather here is delightful. I’m also improving my craft, networking, and making new friends.

So, it might make more sense to you when I tell you I walked out on my balcony and prayed: Lord, where will I, when will I see you again? (And then I started singing, “When will I see you again?” by the Three Degrees…it’s on youtube if you need an earworm)

I love my regular times with the Lord. Morning routines of prayer and attention to the Word can put such a positive energy into the beginnings of my day. If there’s a sunrise or a sunset filling the sky, it feels like God is tapping me on my shoulder reminding me he’s still there.

I have an “unscheduled” personality. When I take personality trait inventories, I come out on the side of less consumed with calendars and organization and with a far greater need to “fly by the seat of my pants.” (Ok, in MBTI terms, I’m off the scale P.)

Maybe that’s why I find it much easier to walk by faith. Sure, I’ve had to learn my God will provide and he has a plan. Trust often comes slowly. But I don’t need to know exactly how he’s going to do it. I’ve read the end of the Book, I know how things are going to end—we win! (Hope I didn’t spoil it for you.)

Walking by faith doesn’t mean I’m walking blindly. I know how God operates. And I’ve learned I can trust him.

Walking by faith means I expect to see God at every turn, around every corner, in every encounter.

And when I chose to walk this way, it is amazing what I see!

PRAYER: When will I see you again? Oh God, those words do not come from a doubting heart, but a heart believing you can be found all the way throughout my day. Those words come from a heart anticipating you will show yourself in amazing ways. Looking forward to seeing you.

First Thing First

³³But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

There’s a line from a child’s poem that rumbles through my brain when I read this part of the Sermon on the Mount: :…why the people rush and worry so..” Jesus was aware of the people’s preoccupation with what they would eat and what they would wear and wear they would lay their head at night.

His solution: seek 1st things 1st.

Determining our priorities pose problems for us. The struggle often comes from our inability to distinguish between what is urgent and what is important.

What are we chasing after and why?

Jesus is pretty clear. Seek first God’s Kingdom–his way of doing things. This thought was already given prominence in his answer to the disciples request for his teaching on prayer: pray this way, “Your Kingdom come.” Which in a nutshell means: I am willing Lord to live by your principles.

And your righteousness. Big theological word. What does it mean? To be in right relationship with God.

And if we do these things? Then all these things…the stuff the world chases after…worries about…labels as urgent and important….will be given to us.

A Psalm that most of us know much of by heart was also familiar to those who listened to Jesus that day. The Lord is my Shepherd. I have everything I need.

Those two lines are what Jesus was…is referring to. By acknowledging his Lordship, we declare whose Kingdom we are a part of. Identifying him as our Shepherd clearly defines our proper relationship. And the outcome: we won’t be rushing or worrying after things…for we will have everything we need.

PRAYER: Dearest Shepherd, you know what we need before we ask for it. You love us enough to provide. Teach us what it means to live citizens of your Kingdom, in right relationship with you. And thank you.

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