Healing

In the end of John 4 and the beginning of John 5, we have two people that are sick -- a son of an official and a lame man. In both stories the person is healed. And, in both stories, we see the action of the person asking the request. The official goes home and the lame man walks. What we see is that Jesus' words give life. They bring healing -- physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. But, we must exercise faith in his words, his truth.

And, there is a twist on the stories. For the official's son, it was the official's faith that healed the son. He went to Jesus on behalf of his son. For the lame man, Jesus gave him the power to walk (power over the effect of sin because at the end of the day all sickness is a result of the fall) and then told him, "now you are well; so stop sinning." The obvious questions are was this sickness result of a particular sin of his, was he exhibiting jealously or envy of those that could walk? Of that I am not sure, but here is the principle, Jesus heals, gives us his power, and then asks us to live right (stop sinning).

So, for us today:

1. Is there someone that could use your prayer? your faith for a particular situation? Take time and pray for that person.

2. Do you feel lame, crippled by sin? Ask Jesus to heal you of that.

A Basic Thought

Normally my entires are longer. But, today, a really simple thought: God doesn't want me to endure life, he want me to enjoy life.

Advisers

In 2 Chron 10, Rehoboam was made king after his father Solomon. Solomon was the wisest and richest man to live and had ruled all of Israel -- the northern and southern kingdoms -- for 40 years. When Rehoboam was made king, the northern kingdom asked him to make life a little easier on them. He asked for 3 days to consult with advisers.

His first consultation was with those that were advisers to his father. They told him to be kind and then the people will be his servants for a lifetime. Then, he went to his friends he grew up with that were now his advisers. They disagreed and told him to make the load heavier than his father. And, Rehoboam did exactly what he friends told him to do.

I have a couple of questions: Rehoboam had never ruled before and neither had his friends. Why did they think they knew what was best? What would have been the harm in being kind? Why wouldn't he listen to the wisdom of men that had supported his father and advised the wisest man on earth? Why didn't he inquire of God as well?

Here are my thoughts: Rehoboam wanted his answer and he was open to asking until he got it. He wanted to show that he was in control and it was his kingdom. He was going to make a name for himself (and he did as the northern kingdom split away and never was ruled by him). His pride contributed to his downfall. And, I think, his friends didn't have the courage to tell him what they really thought (or they just went along with it without questioning). But, when that happens, we need to look at ourselves and ask whether we have created an environment of trust and authenticity or an environment of fear and passive acceptance. The truth is that the first advisers were right. Heck, they had the facts and experience necessary to make the appropriate decision. In transition, what does it cost to leave trustworthy advisers around for guidance while you learn the ropes? Your ego.

I know that we can't always rely on past advisers and that at some point we must move on. But, that is not the issue here. The issue is making sure that we don't let ego get in the way and that we are creating open and honest relationships for open and honest dialogues.

One simple question, do you want to know that you've done all you can to avoid a Rehoboam situation? If so, ask God to foster truth telling relationships and be open.

Lingering

I read John 8 today and saw it in a new light, specifically the part about the woman being caught in the act of adultery. Of course, some basic comments are: were is the man? can you believe that the religious leaders dragged her and interrupted Jesus as he was talking? How desperate must they be to save their world as they know it? But, I want to focus for a couple seconds on the woman.

The woman is there (I assume with a sheet???) and is a pawn of the religious community. Have you ever felt like a pawn? I have. In any event, here she is and they begin to use her to trap Jesus. Jesus doesn't comment directly to her until the show is over --until each person has left. And, for her to hear His words she had to linger. Her accusers left and she could have too. But, she didn't. And, Jesus doesn't condemn here. No, he encourages her to live a life that honors God.

Jesus doesn't stand at the door waiting to condemn us. No not at all. He stands wanting to embrace us, forgive us, and encourage us. But you see many times, we don't linger and we miss the words Jesus wants to speak to us. Today, approach Jesus and linger. When all else is gone and it's you and him then he speaks.....

Opportunities

God gives us opportunities to prove ourselves. Many times I have joked "only these crazy things happen to me." I never took a second to think as to whether God was trying to reveal something to me. And since I joked about how crazy they are, I always looked outside and not inside. But, God gives us opps to help us grow. He is a God of plans and action.

I noticed in Matthew 4 that God led Jesus out into the wilderness to be tempted. God also led Jesus to take up residence as an adult in a different town than as an adolescent. The point is that God takes us where we needs to go or let's us go where we need to go at other times. But, there is always a purpose.

Tomorrow, I have an opportunity to shine light. To not get angry. To not get upset. To not be impatient. So, I pause and embrace the fact that these things have happened FOR me not TO me and ask to learn....and act....