Constanta Church of Christ

GOD'S PLAN FOR MY LIFE

Inca un mesaj adanc de la Charles... te pune pe ganduri si totodata pune lucrurile intr-o noua perspectiva.

   "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do."  (John 17:4)

   That's quite a mouthful..."I have finished the work you gave me to do."  Jesus looked back on his life without disappointment or need for correction.  His life has born the scrutiny of two Millennia and Pilate's statement is still true..."I find no fault in him."

   What was the secret of this flawless life?  It's not because of his divinity...he had emptied himself of that.  The answer is found in his word..."I came not to do my own will but your will."  Jesus' biography was written in the mind of God.

   I believe God has a plan for your life and mine.  And, I believe I can build a solid case for such a faith.  First, please know that I'm not among the religious powder-puffs that talk in syrupy platitudes on TV.  My world view is as modern as this morning's newspaper.  I believe evolution is a proven fact, not a theory.  I believe the earth is very old, about 14 billion years.  I believe if all time were put into a 24 hour day, man has been around for 2 seconds.  That being said, I believe God is the Creator of all and all is moving toward his designed purpose.  His plan is encoded in the universe.  What say we more?

   Each person is unique.  None is like you, never in all eternity.  Each has his own individuality and each his own unique possibilities and mission. 

   Why do we say God plans every life?  Because He has planned everything else in the universe.  Flowers speak to us with perfume and color.  Where'd they learn such chemistry and mix of color.  Where did the lily get its dress?  Not from Solomon's wardrobe. Where did the mockingbird go to school...to learn music?  Who made the swallow's calendar that it returns to Capistrano on a single day?  Who taught the tern geography or gave it a compass to fly 18,500 miles from the Arctic to Africa?  If every star were a train, none would ever be late, not even by one second.  When David went to church, he walked into the Judean hills and took his seat.  His preacher was the heavens when it "declared the glory of God and the firmament showed His handiwork." 

   But wait!  The Bible declares King Saul a pathetic ruin.  Why?  Disobedience.  He turned his face away from God's purpose.  We do not live our lives in a fixed groove.  God is the architect, but you are the builder.

   How may I know God's plan for me?  Help, do not hinder.  Push, do not drag.  Play, do not criticize.  If work needs to be done, do it.  If a door is open, enter.  Listen to the loudest call and answer it.   

   Live like the above paragraph until you can say..."For this reason I was born and for this I came into the world."  (John 18:37)

                                                              Charles Jackson   

GREAT FAITH or OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

    "Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.  A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him crying out. 'Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me!  My daughter is suffering...'  The disciples urged him, 'Send her away.'"  Matthew 15:21f)

   This story ends by Jesus saying, "Woman, you have great faith!  Your request is granted."  Faith is measured in two ways:  1) What it accomplishes.  2) What it overcomes.  Jesus had the second in mind when speaking of the mustard seed.  It is neither beautiful or useful.  The wonderful thing about the mustard seed is its gallant adventure into the world of life.  Its very presence is a marvel because of its unlikely beginning, in view of its size.  It is the second feature that distinguishes the faith of the woman mentioned above.   What did the woman overcome?

   Her birth was against her.  She is Canaanite, the race of people that was to be exterminated by Israel...she is part of a remnant left.  She lived in absolute hate for the name Jew.  Her people were steeped in bitterness and prejudice.  Acquaintances would despise her for making an appeal to Jesus, a Jew, for help. 

   She worshiped a heathen god and heard Jehovah's name only in tones of contempt.  Being a stranger to the Hebrew Bible, she never sang the songs of David. 

   Her knowledge of Jesus was only hearsay...and, there was not a single rumor of his healing a heathen.  Yes, he had healed others but only people among whom he lived.

   The disciples were against her...saying, "send her away."  They had come northward for a bit of rest.  She was a disturbance to their R and R. Of no small matter was, they were men and she was a woman.

   Jesus seemed to be against her.  At first, he ignores her.  When he spoke, he robbed her of hope.  Did she retire saying, "I now go away, my case is hopeless."  Then came the darkest words of all..."I don't take the bread for children and give to dogs."  Watch now!  She turns being called a dog into an argument...the household pet does catch the scraps that fall from the table. 

   Jesus is absolutely charmed and captivated by the woman's refusal to admit defeat.  He surrenders to her faith and the daughter is healed. 

   Her great faith broke every obstacle.

                                                              Charles Jackson

DO YOU WANT TO GET WELL?

   "One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years.....Jesus asked him, 'Do you want to get well?'"

   In the reading above, Jesus encounters a man who had never walked.  This invalid had made a career out of weakness.  For him, it was not a bad life.  How so?  Friends brought him to the pool of water that was supposed to have healing properties.  The City provided shelter.  Here, he met his cronies for regular conversation.  The Portico of Bethesda was a comfortable place to people watch and pass the time with others. 

   "Do you want to be healed?" was no rhetorical question.  Let me illustrate.  A sickness of our society is war.  Nobody wants war.  Yet, out of its preparation and execution great prosperity is generated for military industry and defense projects.  If you doubt it, just try and close a naval or air base. 

   In our immediate present, inflation is seriously affecting our economic security.  But, everyone wants to buy a house for $250,000 and, two years later, sell it for $300,000.  Do we want to be healed?

   This morning's news reported that a Radio Talk Show Host signed an 8 year contract for $400,000,000.   The program solely gives itself to a discussion of problems and weaknesses.  However, the fact is more people are healed by being made aware of opportunities and resources.  The invalid at the pool was no rare specimen of human kind.  He was exceedingly like many of us.  We prefer to embellish the sickness than go for the healing.

   I believe the teachings of Jesus destroy our illusions and give us health.

                                                           Charles Jackson

WHAT DO I STILL LACK?

   "Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, 'Teacher what good thing must I do to get eternal life?'"  ...Jesus replied, "Obey the commandments."  "All these I've kept" the young man said.  ...Jesus answered, "Go, sell your possessions and give to the poor."  (Matthew 19:16-22)

   As with his first century audiences, we are often puzzled by the fact that Jesus did not fit the image of a preacher.  He made friends of the fringes of society...despised, prostitutes, derelicts and the chronically ill.  Many of the stories we have of his activities, he is with people who made no pretense of being "religious."   Once, he explained his habits by saying he was as a physician who spent time with the sick.  Again, he said he saw people as "lost sheep."

   In the story above, the young ruler was searching for what his wealth and religious background had not provided.  He had lived a disciplined and responsible life yet sensed something lacking.

   I think this young man represents the majority of religionists in America today.  They believe in decency and honesty, even when not affiliated with an organized church.  What's more, many are disenchanted with organized religion.  With them, the adventure is gone.  They see religion simply as rule keeping, which they can do very well out of a church.  Many find the church as offering little personal experience and requiring nearly nothing.  If asked, "Does the typical organized church represent Jesus?"  Most answers would be "No."

   What is Jesus saying when he said, "Go, sell, give to poor, follow me?"   A new commandment or a hundred commandments would not have changed the meaning of the young man's life.  What Jesus wanted (and wants) is the commitment of the whole person.  Herein lies the rub. If we want a life rich in meaning and to quiet the restless quest for substance, then, lay aside all other sources of security and put one's trust in God.  Do we dare make ourselves completely vulnerable to Jesus' teachings?  Following Jesus will mean burning a few bridges behind us. 

                                                           Charles Jackson

LIFE BEGINS AT EIGHTY

 

   "So now, go.  I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.  (Exodus 3:10)

   In the reading above we see an aged shepherd going out in front of his flock.  Who is this old man?  It's Moses, the son-in-law of Jethro, a very prominent Bedouin herdsman.   Talk on the grapevine says this Moses has a more noble background...but, for 40 years he's been tending another man's sheep.  We immediately assume his best days are behind.  Indeed, Moses has several counts against him. 

   In the main, we expect little or nothing from an old man.  "Revolutions" are fought by young men.  And, most of us are more afraid of the calendar then the bomb.  Years do take something from us.  Our courage turns to caution and passing time steals our strength.  But, with Moses, his life began at 80.

   Moses' enlistment as an Emancipator did have a few things against it.  First, he had found a measure of security.  He's past retirement age, with no fear of losing his position,  and, he'll soon inherit measurable wealth from his father-in-law.  Also, he's an old failure.  He fumbled miserably his first attempt at delivering Israel from Egypt, and this in his springtime of life...there's less chance now. 

   Then, there's the incident of the burning bush.  Nothing unusual about a burning bush...this one just would not be extinguished.  What did the bush say?  It said, "You once burned like this, you were enthusiastic for the right...why did your fire go out?"

   How many years have you?  Is there yet any fire for setting free what is held captive?

                                                               Charles Jackson

NO ORDINARY MAN

   "One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: 'aren't you the Christ?  Save yourself and us!'  But the other criminal rebuked him.  'Don't you fear God, he said, since you are under the same sentence?'  We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve.  But this man has done nothing wrong."  (Luke 23:39-40)

   This is no ordinary man.  He is a daring thinker.  Though a highway robber, history has given a thumbnail account of him. 

   There is a holiday in Jerusalem with multitudes from out-of-town.  Rome will execute three prisoners today.  She wants a large audience.  No problem, the crowd is eager for a bloody show.  It's our common trait.  We enjoy seeing men flirt with death...gladiators...bull fights, race cars, etc.

   The three victims are well known.  Two are popular because they have irritated the common enemy--Rome.  The other is prominent for a different reason.  He has preached in their synagogues, Temple and streets.  He has healed the lame, given sight to the blind, raised the dead and shown marvelous power.  For this reason some love him and, for same reason, some hate him.  The robbers appeal to the vulgar crowd.  They are hard and strong.  Jesus, because of a horrible night and loss of blood falls under the cross.

   Arriving at the skull-shaped hill, the victims are stripped and offered medicated wine.  The robbers drink, Jesus refuses.  Spikes are driven, there is a spray of blood from tearing flesh.  Three trees are planted laden with fruit of infinite pain.  Crucifixion is a slow-footed monster so the soldiers make themselves comfortable and begin throwing dice.  The crowd participates in the scene with words of insult and scorn.  One makes no reply.  The other two victims look upon the same scene and react differently.  Having attended the same service one softens and the other hardens.

   With no throne but a cross, no crown but thorns, no scepter but nails, no retinue but a howling mob, no royal wardrobe but in the hands of Roman crap shooters, the thief penetrated the disguise of nakedness, shame and death and saw who had been missed by the High Priest, Pilate, the mob and one thief.  He saw Jesus, the Son of God.

                                                             Charles Jackson

AND HE WAS A SAMARITAN

 

    "One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.  He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him--and he was a Samaritan" (Luke 17:15-16)

   Ten were cleansed of leprosy.  Only one, a foreigner, a Samaritan came back to say thanks.  "And he was a Samaritan."  Why did Luke have to say that?  What difference his Nationality?  Why disturb the first century Jewish reading audience?  Samaritans were considered by the Jews to be worse than dogs.  So, why would Jesus distract from his lesson? 

   I think Luke is warning us.  On every page, he gives favorable attention to those outside of accepted religious and social circles.  Luke's pattern is set in a larger contest and might have much to say to the traditional and conventional church today.  Note the following:

   Jesus singles out the Samaritan leper who, in gratitude, fell on his face in front of Jesus.  Levi, a tax collector, gave a banquet for Jesus while the Scribes complained.  A sinful woman washed Jesus' feet while Simon, the host, criticized both.  Zacchaeus, another tax collector, joyfully received Jesus into his house, while his neighbors grumbled.  Also, the significance of the above pattern is underlined by Jesus' own comments.  He complemented the centurion who asked for the healing of his servant and Jesus says he'd seen no such faith in Israel.  It was the Samaritan and not the respectable Priest or Levite who was made the example of being a neighbor.  Jesus reminded the Jews that It was a non-Israelite widow who housed the prophet Elijah, and, it was Naaman, the Syrian, who was the only leper Elijah ever healed. 

   The Bible indicates there is great danger in thinking that ones self is on the inside while all that do not see with their eyes are on the outside looking in. 

   Why did the "outsider" receive such favor in the Gospel stories?  The answer is because  they came to Jesus with a deep sense of need, they claimed no resources of their own and were overwhelmed with problems.  They needed help, asked for it, received it and were grateful.

                                                             Charles 

HE SOLD ALL THAT HE HAD

   "The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.  When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it."  (Matt. 13:45-46)

   When Jesus told this parable pearls had a strange fascination to man.  They were desired, not for their money value, but to be looked at and handled.  The loveliest were found in the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and in India and Britain.

   Christianity invites the seeking mind.  It's as Plato said, "the unexamined life is not worth living."  It is the duty of every man to think a thing through, to tease out the problems.  What's more, a man should never be ashamed of his doubts or questions.  One skeptic said, "I skirted the howling desert of infidelity."  A believer said, "You would have done better to have struggled through and come out on the other side."  It is better to have one or two things that one believes unquestionably than a host of things believed vaguely.  Do you believe in anything for which you would sell all? 

   The merchant, to get the best, had to abandon the second best.  To achieve the best in our lives most often does not require us to give up the worst in our lives but what is second, or third best.  Therein lies the rub.  The thing to be forfeited for the better might be a thing material, a comfort or security or a relationship. 

   Sheer adventure leaps out of this parable.  The willingness to risk is the price of the Kingdom, or, life's greatest good.  Never did Jesus play down the difficulty to induce acceptance. Lessons from all history indicate the opposite appeal is more effective.   Pizarro came to South America.  He drew a line in the sand and told his men---North to Mexico and safety, South to Panama and danger.  All chose South.  Shackleton advertised for volunteers to go to the South Pole and explained the danger.  He was inundated with letters.

   Is there one thing in your life for which you are willing to live..or, die?

                                                               Charles Jackson

                                                               Fayetteville, Arkansas

THE MODERN SLAVE---MARTHA

   "As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.  Martha was distracted---'Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?  Tell her to help.'  'Martha,---you are upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.'"  (Luke 10:38-41)

   A favorite guest has arrived and the occasion demands a feast.  Martha is rattling pots and pans and Mary is not helping.  Martha's request is natural and reasonable.  Food is necessary.  However, Jesus rebukes Martha rather than Mary. 

   Is Martha a wicked woman?  No.  She is fine and noble and devoted to Jesus.  Is she rebuked because she is active and industrious?  No. Jesus is a practical man, not an impossible dreamer.   Then, what's Martha's problem.  She has become a slave of things.  The old slavery is gone but there is a new tyranny.  Martha did not have time to sit at Jesus' feet...not free to hear his voice.  She found no peace and joy in this bondage because her heart was brim full and her face was lined.

   Our chances for happiness are exactly in proportion to the things we can do without.  Two flies were sitting at the edge of a ten-acre field (actually, it was two inches of flypaper).  One says to the other, "What do you think of this new invention?" The other said, "I don't like it."  Why? Is it poisonous? Is it bitter? No. Then, the first fly lit in the center.  You'll never see that one in Prayer Meeting again.  He thinks he has the flypaper but the flypaper has him.  Wisdom of experience says it is better to desire the things we have than to have the things we desire.  Only the man who is set free of things can truly enjoy them. 

   Did Martha enjoy the meal?  No.  She was too worried, angry and ashamed.

   Did Jesus enjoy the meal?  No. His presence had made for trouble.

   Did Mary enjoy the meal?  No. Martha's criticism made her feel ill at ease and embarrassed.

   Jesus calls us to simplicity.  "But only one thing is needed."

                                                           Charles Jackson

                                                           Fayetteville, Arkansas