Showing posts with label Psalm. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Psalm. Show all posts

Why Do We Give?

Posted by Randy | Labels: , , , , , , , , , | Posted On Saturday, October 4, 2014 at 9:50 PM

I shared in a message on October 5, 2014, the importance of generosity in our lives. But there's so much more that could be said. So, below is a longer list of reasons why giving is good for us. See what you think...
The Apostle Paul: “I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.” (Philippians 4:17 Message)

1. Giving is good for us because it proves what is really important to us. That which you value most in life is that which you can never give away. It’s easy to give away stuff that doesn’t matter to us. But what happens when it is important to us.
I've played a little bridge and 42. Sometimes, in playing a hand of bridge or 42, someone is winning all the tricks. At first it’s easy to throw off cards or dominoes because you know you can’t win with them. But as your opponent keeps winning it becomes harder and harder to throw off. Finally, you get down to the last two or three and it gets really hard to decide which to throw off, knowing that one of them may be the very one to stop your opponent. Eventually you get down to that last one, that given all you know, offers you the best            chance to stop your opponent and save your game.

What’s that last thing in your life that you would hold onto until the very end? Whatever that is, that is your real god. Is it the Lord God, or something or someone else?

The Bible tells us the First Commandment, from Genesis 20:3, is: “You must not have any other gods except me.” God tells us this because He knows no other god can ultimately save us. Every other god offers promises but never ultimately fulfills them.

Money is not a bad thing, and we need it to operate in this world, but money will not save you. Yet, many, many folks seemed to have placed it at the top of their lists.

Jack Benny, the comedian who always acted the part of a miser, told of the time he was held up. The robber stuck a gun to his back and said, “Your money or your life.” After a long pause the robber repeated his threat to which Benny replied, “I’m thinking, I’m thinking!”

Jack Benny was, of course, kidding, but a lot of folks aren’t. God is telling you and me that He will not tolerate money being your god, work being your god, pleasure being your god, or even family. When you put family ahead of God, you have made it an idol. And the truth is, you and your family will suffer if that is the case because we weren’t created to live that way—we’re misusing the product. It doesn’t mean family and work aren’t important, but what is most important? What will you hold until the very end—that has the power to save you?

If you can’t give financially to God’s work, God can’t be very high on your list, can He? God doesn’t ask for everything He’s given you, but He does ask and expect a tithe, which is 10%. If God is first, He should receive His 10% first. We all know we can make room for those things that really matter to us, so is God first in your life? If He is, among other things, your checkbook and credit card statement should show it.

Proverbs 3:9 (Message): “Honor GOD with everything you own; give him the first and the best.”

Does God get His 10% first, or only if there’s anything left after everything else you want and need to do. Don’t misunderstand me—God wants you to have food, clothing and shelter. But, do we have too much food, or too expensive food, like eating out too often? Do we have more clothing and things than we really need? Is our home reasonable, or did we build or buy or rent too much home?

To be faithful in this area should require sacrifice on our parts, but then we always sacrifice for those things that matter most to us. And lest we forget, God sacrificed His Son on the cross for us, so He certainly understands sacrifice.

If you have recently become a believer, you may be stuck with some choices you made earlier in your life. God knows where you are, and while He understands, He still wants your life to express your priorities. The question for you is what can you do, now and in the near future, to move your life in the right direction?

If you’ve been an active, practicing believer for a while, and your life and finances do not demonstrate God as first in your life, you will have more to answer for. So, are you making adjustments in your life that are allowing you to move in that direction? God honors our efforts to move in the right direction so that every area of our life reflects His priority in our lives.

I might add that I heard a recent survey that indicated that 95% of people who tithe did it cold turkey, without working up to it. At Gateway we offer the 90-Tithing Challenge, because God says in Malachi 3 that in this one circumstance we can test the LORD. If He says you can, then so do we - consider giving it a try.

C.S. Lewis said, “Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you will get neither.”

2. Giving is good for us because it demonstrates our obedience.
Malachi 3:10 (NLT): “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse…”

There are many other passages in the Old Testament that demonstrate that God expects us to give the tithe, a tenth of our income. And in the New Testament Jesus affirms it as the norm, though he really sets a higher standard. I could go on here, but the Scriptures are clear here.

3. Giving is good for us because it is an expression of thanks to God.
Psalm 116:12 (NLT): “What can I offer the LORD for all he has done for me?”

We have life, family, a place to live and places to work. We have talents and gifts. When we failed Him and turned from Him, He remained faithful to us. He sent us Son to teach us and love us and die for us. Through him we have forgiveness of our sins and eternal salvation. And we have the Holy Spirit at work in our lives, to remind us God is always with us and He is working in our lives to change us into the very image and likeness of Jesus himself. God has prepared an eternal home for each of us who believe Him and put our faith and trust in Him.

Frankly, you and I can’t outgive God and we can’t thank God enough. But, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try, and continue to do so on a regular basis. Through our worship, our prayers, our service, our gifts, and our witness we express our thanks to God.

4. Giving is good for us because it teaches us dependence on God.

How many of us ever do anything that depends on God in order for it to be a success? Many never do and wonder why they never experience God’s miracles.

But when Moses led the Hebrews out of Egypt into the wilderness, they quickly discovered they could not survive without God’s help. There were way too many of them to survive on what they could find out there. But each morning they found enough manna—a bread-like substance—for that day. If they gathered more than they needed, it spoiled by the next day. The only exception was the day before the Sabbath, when they were allowed to collect two days worth of manna, since they were not to work on the Sabbath. In these cases, the manna never spoiled on the Sabbath. (Exodus 16)

What did the Hebrews learn from this—absolute dependence on God. And a few thousand years later, God wants nothing less from us. When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he taught them to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11—part of the Lord’s Prayer) In other words, “Lord, give us what we need for today.” Yet, how many of us depend on God for what we need today?

When we give the tithe, it’s not necessarily easy. For some it becomes a real sacrifice, and we sometimes wonder, “How in the world will this work out.” And frankly, we often don’t know. But it is precisely at that point that God can really begin to work in our life. Because when we can’t do it ourselves, but we are attempting to do what God wants us to do, then we have to put it in His hands and trust Him. And it is amazing how it always seems to work out.

In my own life in the mid to late 1980s, I attended seminary, while making only thirteen thousand dollars a year by working in a church part-time. But I tithed. And…I paid for my seminary education, which cost well over twenty thousand dollars, bought my first Macintosh computer, married Susan and bought her a small diamond ring, and paid for all our living expenses, without incurring any debt! I honestly don’t know how that happened, except that it was the hand of God leading us and providing for us.

When we give, when we tithe, we are placing ourselves at God’s mercy. We have to depend on Him, and it will mean that we may not always get what we want, but we will always have what we need. I promise you that God has given every one of us enough to tithe—depend on it!

5. Giving is good for us because it teaches us how to be content.

Philippians 4:11-13 (NLT): “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

Paul was content. Did he have lots of things—apparently not. In fact, he indicates there were times he went without. All of this from a man who probably had a very privileged upbringing, who was used to having everything he wanted.

People tend to think that having more money, more things, living in the right house, having the right job, etc. will make them happy. Happiness is just around the corner, and if we can just find the right thing, we’ll have it. 

But Paul said he was happy, regardless of what he had or didn’t have. His happiness, his contentment was based on Christ, not on anything in this world. And once that was settled, Paul discovered he really didn’t need very much.

We get the idea that we need a great deal, when it actually turns out we want a great deal. And there is a big difference between our true needs and our wants. One survey showed that 82% of Americans believe “most of us buy and consume far more than we need.”

Giving helps to keep everything in perspective, because it reminds us we aren’t putting our trust in money and things, but in the Lord. So, we can give easily and freely because those are not things that bring ultimate happiness and contentment into our lives.

6. Giving is good for us because it is a way God blesses us and brings us His joy.
Scripture is full of promises here:

Malachi 3:10 (NLT): “'Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,’ says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, 'I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!’”

Proverbs 3:9-10 (NLT): “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.”

Jesus: “'Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.’” (Luke 6:38 NLT)

This doesn’t mean God necessarily blesses us financially when we give (as some like to promise). It means, simply, that we are blessed and filled with joy. Giving gives me some of the greatest joys of living. I can’t tell you how God will bless you in giving, but I guarantee He does.

One caution, however: if you are giving in order to receive, don’t expect blessings. God blesses giving done for the right reasons. There’s no guarantee you will be blessed when you give simply to receive. Your attitude is the key here.

7. Giving is good for us because it is a way we provide a living for pastors and staff God has called to ministry.

This is certainly a little awkward to talk about and I won’t spend much time here, but if I am going to be faithful to the Bible, I have to mention this. In the Old Testament, the Levites were the Hebrew tribe set apart by God to lead the spiritual affairs of the nation, not unlike pastors and church staff today.

The LORD said to Aaron, the first high priest, “'As for the tribe of Levi, your relatives, I will compensate them for their service in the Tabernacle. Instead of an allotment of land, I will give them the tithes from the entire land of Israel.’” (Numbers 18:21 NLT) 
However, those who serve as pastors and staff are not exempt from tithing.
Numbers 18:25-26 (NLT): “The LORD also told Moses, 'Give these instructions to the Levites: When you receive from the people of Israel the tithes I have assigned as your allotment, give a tenth of the tithes you receive—a tithe of the tithe—to the LORD as a sacred offering.’”
Susan and I have tithed and given offerings beyond the tithe our entire married life, and we've been grateful God has allowed us to give back a portion of what He first gave us.

8. Giving is good for us because it provides the resources to share and spread the Gospel.

Paul thanked the Philippians for helping him when he needed it as he spread the Gospel (Philippians 4:14).

The church is the only institution that exists for the sake of its non-members. We aren’t a club, but a mission, and Jesus gave us our mission to make disciples. And as in giving, it is in the actual giving of ourselves in mission and ministry that we are blessed and fulfilled.

But, it takes financial resources to accomplish this, and in calling for the tithe, God provided the resources needed to share and spread the Gospel. Your gifts make ministry with our children possible, touching hundreds of children and youth in an ongoing basis regularly.

But folks, that can only be the starting point because we know that by the time youth reach high school the majority of them are not involved in any church. That means fewer youth who have had Jesus Christ help shape their values and who can forward to eternity with him. We need to be asking ourselves, “What will it take to minister to hundreds more children and youth?”

We know that probably two-thirds of the adults in our area have either no church home or are not active in their church. Jesus Christ cares about those folks, and he wants us to help make them disciples. People are hurting in this world more than ever more, and we know Jesus Christ has answers. 

People are hurting in this world more than ever, and we know Jesus Christ doesn't just have answers—he is the answer! How do we effectively reach out to people struggling with losses through death and divorce, people struggling with illness and family issues, and much more? We need to be helping people locally, but also in missions to other places and countries, to share the Gospel in word and deed.

All of this requires resources—staff, materials, facilities, and more. When you and I give, we are providing the resources to make these things, and more, possible. God wants us to be obedient and gratefully join Jesus Christ in his mission to the people of this world that he died for.

Oswald Smith said, “It’s not how much of my money will I give to God, but how much of God’s money will I keep for myself.”

God blesses us to give, to be generous people. I hope you think on this and talk with God and see where He leads you. You might just discover that God's ways bring more blessings than you imagined!

Psalm 27

Posted by Randy | Labels: , , , , , , , , | Posted On Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 11:25 AM

This may seem like an usual blog post, but as I read this Psalm today, I just felt drawn to it and it's encouragement and promises. Yet, the more I read it, trying to think about what I would write about it, the more I sensed that I shouldn't write anything - just let God's Word speak for itself. So here it is - Psalm 27, from the New Living Translation. See what God wants to say to you today!


Psalm 27 - A psalm of David

1The LORD is my light and my salvation— 
so why should I be afraid? 
The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, 
so why should I tremble? 
2When evil people come to devour me, 
when my enemies and foes attack me, 
they will stumble and fall. 
3Though a mighty army surrounds me, 
my heart will not be afraid. 
Even if I am attacked, 
I will remain confident.

4The one thing I ask of the LORD 
  the thing I seek most— 
is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, 
delighting in the LORD’s perfections 
and meditating in his Temple. 
5For he will conceal me there when troubles come; 
he will hide me in his sanctuary. 
He will place me out of reach on a high rock. 
6Then I will hold my head high 
above my enemies who surround me. 
At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, 
singing and praising the LORD with music.

7Hear me as I pray, O LORD. 
Be merciful and answer me! 
8My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” 
And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.” 
9Do not turn your back on me. 
Do not reject your servant in anger. 
You have always been my helper. 
Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me, 
O God of my salvation! 
10Even if my father and mother abandon me, 
the LORD will hold me close. 

11Teach me how to live, O LORD. 
Lead me along the right path, 
for my enemies are waiting for me. 
12Do not let me fall into their hands. 
For they accuse me of things I’ve never done; 
with every breath they threaten me with violence. 
13Yet I am confident I will see the LORD’s goodness 
while I am here in the land of the living. 

14Wait patiently for the LORD. 
Be brave and courageous. 
Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. 

Membership Update - Exercising Stewardship (October)

Posted by Randy | Labels: , , , , , , , , , | Posted On Monday, October 25, 2010 at 5:24 PM

This month I'm wrapping up my Membership Series for our Gateway members (and anyone else). I began this series in May, and each month I've added more to this series, explaining what we call our GUIDE. The GUIDE (part of our Membership Covenant) is a tool we use here at Gateway that not only describes what a "fully devoted follower of Christ" looks like, but also lists biblical practices and disciplines that help guide us in our spiritual journey.

This month I conclude by examining the "E" of GUIDE: Exercising Stewardship. I'm defining stewardship as the process of managing that which belongs to another. Modern-day examples in the business world include bankers and managers.

The biblical idea of stewardship is rooted in the belief that God created all there is, and it is all His. Because God is the Owner, He has rights, while we, the "renters" or "stewards" have responsibilities.
“‘You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.’” (Revelation 4:11 NLT2)
“The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.” (Psalm 24:1 NLT2)
The implications of this belief underlie much of how Christ followers are called to live their lives. It calls us to care for the earth, because it is God's, and we have been entrusted with the care of the planet and all that is on it. To that end, Gateway has begun recycling. Our church family has really helped us here as we've sought to learn what that means and looks like here.

Another implication of this belief is that our lives are gifts from God to be used for His purposes. Christ followers have been bought for a price - our lives are no longer ours but belong to God to be used for His purposes and His glory. We were created to love God and love our neighbors. We were created to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Quite simply, we were created to do good for God's sake and glory.
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT2)
But perhaps the most difficult implication for us to accept is how we use the resources we have. The Bible tells us that everything we have, all our resources and even our ability to produce those resources, belong to God. Yet, our sinful nature too often grabs these resources for ourselves as means of security and greed and idolatry. We may not do this consciously, but we do it none the less. 

“…What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT2)
“If you start thinking to yourselves, ‘I did all this. And all by myself. I’m rich. It’s all mine!’—well, think again. Remember that GOD, your God, gave you the strength to produce all this wealth….” (Deuteronomy 8:17-18 Message)
Out of gratitude and obedience God calls us and invites us to exercise faithful stewardship of all He has entrusted to us. But perhaps even more importantly, God calls us to give back a portion of all we've received - the tithe, or 10% of our income - as a concrete statement of faith in God and His provision for our lives. God understands this is a challenge for us, so in this one instance He allows us to test Him.
“‘Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! ‘But you ask, “What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?” You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,’ says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, ‘I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!’” (Malachi 3:8-10 NLT2)
For all these reasons, we believe it's important to exercise stewardship in our lives as testimonies of faith and faith-building tools. I encourage you to be good stewards of our earth by recycling. I encourage you to be good stewards of your life by using it to bless others and by serving. And I encourage you to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to you by tithing. And to help you do that, we've set up our 90-Day Challenge. The details about it are below if you'd like to take God at His Word and discover how trustworthy He really is.

As member of Gateway, stewardship is an important part of our spiritual journeys. I hope you will allow God to encourage you in this area. It has the potential to grow your faith like few disciplines do. Susan and I have tithed (and given above) for over 25 years. I've discovered time and time again God is faithful, and I've been blessed - not necessarily with more resources, but with the experience of knowing I can put my whole faith in God through Jesus Christ. Stewardship has been a great guide for my life!
The 90-Day Challenge
I would like to test God's faithfulness by accepting the 90-Day Tithe Challenge. I agree that for the 90-day period, my household will contribute to God, through Gateway Community Church, a tithe equal to 10% of our income. At the end of the 90-day period, if I am not convinced of God's faithfulness to bless my life as a result of my obedience to His Word, then I will be entitled to request a refund, up to the full amount of contributions made during that 90-day period.
To begin, I will mark my first tithe “90-Day Challenge” or contact Elsa Salinas: esalinas@gateway-community.org or (281) 286-1515. (Gateway must be told you are beginning this challenge for this refund offer to be in effect.)

24 HOURS-Week 4: Psalm 22 & Encouragement

Posted by Randy | Labels: , , , , , , , | Posted On Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 6:06 PM


“Then at three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ which means ‘My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?’” (Mark 15:34 (NLT2)

I have to confess that the first time I read these words from Jesus, I was disappointed. I could not imagine God abandoning His Son, yet Jesus cried these words out. At first I thought this was evidence God and Jesus and the Bible weren't all they were cracked up to be. My faith was young and I did not know my Bible well. But words that at first caused me to experience doubt about either the Bible or the nature of God have now become words of great insight and comfort to me.

The first time someone explained to me that these were the first words of Psalm 22, written by King David some one thousand years earlier, I decided I needed to find Psalm 22 and read it. In case you haven't read it, I've included it below:

"My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night you hear my voice, but I find no relief.

"Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them. They cried out to you and were saved. They trusted in you and were never disgraced.

"But I am a worm and not a man. I am scorned and despised by all! Everyone who sees me mocks me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying, 'Is this the one who relies on the LORD? Then let the LORD save him! If the LORD loves him so much, let the LORD rescue him!'

"Yet you brought me safely from my mother’s womb and led me to trust you at my mother’s breast. I was thrust into your arms at my birth. You have been my God from the moment I was born.

"Do not stay so far from me, for trouble is near, and no one else can help me. My enemies surround me like a herd of bulls; fierce bulls of Bashan have hemmed me in! Like lions they open their jaws against me, roaring and tearing into their prey. My life is poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within me. My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead. My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on me. They have pierced my hands and feet. I can count all my bones. My enemies stare at me and gloat. They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing.

"O LORD, do not stay far away! You are my strength; come quickly to my aid! Save me from the sword; spare my precious life from these dogs. Snatch me from the lion’s jaws and from the horns of these wild oxen.

"I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people. Praise the LORD, all you who fear him! Honor him, all you descendants of Jacob! Show him reverence, all you descendants of Israel! For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned his back on them, but has listened to their cries for help.

"I will praise you in the great assembly. I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship you. The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the LORD will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy. The whole earth will acknowledge the LORD and return to him. All the families of the nations will bow down before him. For royal power belongs to the LORD. He rules all the nations.

"Let the rich of the earth feast and worship. Bow before him, all who are mortal, all whose lives will end as dust. Our children will also serve him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done." (Psalm 22 NLT2)

I was struck the first time I read this Psalm how descriptive it was of Jesus' last few hours here on earth. And as I dug deeper, the truth of this prophecy was astounding to me.

But, not only is it prophetic, Psalm 22 is rich in faith in God. In spite of all these circumstances, David writes about his faith. This Psalm reminds me of how there are times when I feel I'm just being overwhelmed, that I can't keep going. It's obvious that as David wrote this Psalm, he, too, seemed to feel that way. Yet, he held on to his faith.

I've always remembered something Mother Teresa said: "I know God will never give me more than I can handle, but I wish He didn't trust me so much." It feels that way sometimes. It must have felt that way to Jesus as he hung on the cross, but he did not let his feelings dictate his faith. He held on to his Heavenly Father, and that was enough!

I could say a lot more about this Psalm, but something else struck me about Psalm 22. It certainly could not be a coincidence that this difficult, gut-wrenching Psalm of faith is followed by Psalm 23. It almost seems like God used David to write an exclamation point to the faith of Jesus.

"The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever." (Psalm 23 NLT2)

Last Words, Lasting Message

Posted by Randy | Labels: , , , , , , , , , | Posted On Saturday, October 10, 2009 at 12:01 AM

Courts generally consider the dying words of an individual to hold great weight. In Luke 23 we see Jesus saying three things as he hangs on the cross. We can be sure each thing he says is very important.

After he was nailed to the cross, Jesus says in verse 34: "...'Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing.'" After having been beaten, mocked, ridiculed, wrongly accused and nailed to a cross, Jesus offers forgiveness to those around him. Here we see the heart of God for His children, who time after time wronged Him, yet He still loves and forgives. I honestly have a hard time imagining this level of love, yet I know that through Christ in me, God calls me to this as well. I fall terribly short, but this moment on the cross holds out for me the ideal, the goal, the perfection of love that I aspire to, only by the grace of God.

Luke also tells us that Jesus was crucified between two criminals. One of them taunts Jesus, saying, "'So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself - and us, too, while you're at it!'" (vs. 39) The other criminal, though, responds, "'Don't you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn't done anything wrong....Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.'" (vss. 40-42)

Jesus is suffering excruciating pain as he hangs on the cross, facing his last hours of life on earth, yet his concern isn't for himself but for this repentant criminal. Jesus utters the second thing on the cross, "'I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.'" (vs. 43) Jesus offered forgiveness, and now he offers love and hope to this man dying next to him. Jesus said he came to seek and save those who were lost, and even as he hangs on the cross facing his own death, he never forgets his mission and purpose. In these last minutes, he enables one more man to follow him into eternity.

If I want a picture of what matters to God, I can't miss it here. Jesus Christ lived and died for us. He never lost sight of his mission, even in his last hours. And he gives us this picture to show us his level of commitment to his mission. We, the church, are the body of Christ in the world today, and his mission is our mission. His level of commitment must become our level of commitment, so that we can remain faithful to him. If he died a horrible death for me, any discomfort I may sometimes experience in seeking those disconnected from God is a small price to pay for all he's done.

But Luke also records Jesus' last words, a prayer, before he dies on the cross: "'Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!'" These words are a quote from Psalm 31:5, with the addition of the word, "Father." And these words from Psalm 31 were traditionally taught by every Jewish mother to her child as the last thing the child would say at night. This prayer of faith as he closed his eyes, was a statement of faith in the Father. No matter what he had been through, Jesus trusted his Heavenly Father (and our Heavenly Father) to care for him.

In his last words, Jesus showed his undying love and concern for us and all those disconnected from God, and his complete trust and faith in his Heavenly Father. He models for us the life he calls us to live, as well. By ourselves, we cannot forgive or love or have this level of faith, but when Jesus is at the center of our lives, His Spirit grows the heart of Jesus within us. And by His power, Jesus' words and actions become ours!

Who is Your Cornerstone?

Posted by Randy | Labels: , , , , , , , , | Posted On Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at 12:01 AM

In Luke 20 Jesus continues to teach and have encounters with the religious leaders. In vs. 17 Jesus asks his listeners, "…'Then what does this Scripture mean? "The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone."'" Jesus is quoting from Psalm 118:22. It's interesting that both the prophets Isaiah (28:16) and Zechariah (10:4) made references to this "cornerstone." In the New Testament Matthew (21:42) and Mark (12:10) both quote Jesus on this same saying. Luke again quotes it in Acts 4:11. The Apostles Paul (Ephesians 2:20) and especially Peter (1 Peter 2:4-7) reference this same "cornerstone".

So, if this Psalm is quoted by Jesus, Isaiah, Zechariah, Paul and Peter, among others, it must have been significant. So, we go back to Jesus' question - what does it mean?

Jesus is applying this Psalm to himself. He has just entered Jerusalem (on what we call Palm Sunday) and faces his last week on earth. He knows that on Friday he will be rejected by the religious leaders and the government and even the people. He knows he will hang on a cross and die. He understands that his rejection is only days ahead of him. Yet, in spite of this "rejection," he will become the cornerstone of life and faith.

The cornerstone was the first and most critical stone laid in building a structure, because everything else was built from it and on it. If the cornerstone was improperly placed, the whole structure would be in jeopardy. So, the cornerstone was crucial.

Jesus is quoting this scripture to tell his listeners that rejecting him doesn't change his importance and significance. God placed Jesus as the cornerstone of life and living, and apart from him, life will never be all it can be.

Many of the people in Jesus' time rejected him, and many still reject him. They fail to realize who he really is and why he is so important. Sometimes it's intentional, but often it's simply from neglect or laziness. Yet, the day will come when everyone will know who Jesus is. Paul wrote to the Philippians: "Therefore, God elevated him (Jesus) to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (2:9-11)

Jesus is Lord and Master, whether we realize it or acknowledge it. But those who fail to acknowledge him will find that they built their life on something that will never support life now and for eternity. This isn't what Jesus wants, nor is it what his church wants. So, am I building my life upon the cornerstone? Have I chosen a cornerstone that is sure and true and strong? And what about those around us? Our goal and mission is to lead everyday people to build their lives on this cornerstone, this rock, that will withstand all the floods of life and remain standing into eternity. With so much at stake, how can we do anything less?

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