Tag Archives: Jesus

December 25, 2012 · 8:21 PM

An extraORDINARY gift

What did you open today?  A small fuzzy box with beautiful jewels tucked inside?  Maybe a larger box with more bells and whistles than you know what to do with?  Or, an envelope with promises of a warm destination to steal away the winter blues?  No matter how much you love that present,  there’s one more.  Did you find it?

Amid the piles of torn wrapping paper and glittery bows, a gift more expensive, exceptional and exquisite than any other waits for you.  It fits you perfectly – was tailor-made.

Photo credit: Duwe, 2012 (copyright 2012)

Photo credit: Duwe, 2012 (copyright 2012)

Don’t be fooled by the ordinary wrapping of linen strips…nothing compares to this extraordinary gift…no, nothing.

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger…”
 Luke 2:7

Ever wonder why Luke included this detail of “swaddling cloths” in his account of the Christmas story? Certainly, we can make a “feel-good” connection to our tradition of the beautifully wrapped presents we give one another at Christmas.   But I don’t think that’s exactly what God had in mind when he inspired the Gospel writer to include it.  No, this simple story element foreshadows Jesus’ ultimate life-mission – and the greatest historical event in all history.

“Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen.” John 19:40a

After Jesus died on the cross, his body was literally swaddled in grave cloths.

Jesus entered this world as God’s greatest gift to us, was bound in swaddling cloths by man, and unwrapped by God himself – for us.

“Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves…” Luke 24:12a

Hallelujah!   A child was born this day!

Hallelujah! Christ is risen!

Let’s Pray:
Oh Father!  Thank you for your gift today!  It’s perfect.  I know I’m completely unworthy of such an extraordinary gift, but in complete humility, I both accept it and give thanks.  Jesus, help me to live a life worthy of such a gift – never taking for granted the tremendous price you paid, for me.  Amen

Ironing it out:

Have you ever received an extravagant gift you had difficulty accepting? Or, perhaps you’ve been on the other side as the giver of a heartfelt gift that someone flat out refused (or tried to refuse) to accept.  Maybe you were left with a gift you had to return feeling ashamed or deeply disappointed. 

God’s gift in Jesus is more than extravagant, exquisite, and extraordinary, but before you try to refuse this one, there is no return policy available.  The gift was paid in full, swaddled at birth – for you. 

Spend time thanking God today for this gift of love and life.  What can you adjust in your life to demonstrate your deep gratitude?

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December 21, 2012 · 5:25 AM

extraORDINARY cost

 And she gave birth to her Son, her Firstborn; and she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room or place for them in the inn.   Luke 2:7 (NIV)

Photo Credit: www.visualbiblealive.com"A stone manger from Solomon's stables."

Photo Credit: www.visualbiblealive.com
“A stone manger from Solomon’s stables.”

“And (she) laid him in a manger…”  Mary and Joseph were resourceful people.  The stable conditions were hardly their first, second or third choice given their situation, but it would have to do.  Joseph looked around for a good place to lay the baby so they both could rest.

That’s when he saw it.  He hated that it was a feeding trough for donkeys – the ultimate unclean animal according to their Jewish faith.  It was so dirty, but he had little choice.

Using an old rag, Joseph quietly scraped off some rodent excrement and cleaned out the manger.  Covering the base with clean, fresh hay, he wondered why God would allow this.

Watching Mary place the baby in the manger, Joseph wondered if he’d done something wrong. None of this made sense.

As puzzling as the scene appeared to the human eye, the tapestry God was weaving made perfect sense from above.

The filthy conditions of that manger accurately reflect our sin-filled hearts without Christ. Soiled, beyond reproach.  

But nothing is beyond the redemptive reach of God.  When we open our hearts to Jesus, hope enters in as his glorious light illuminates and cleanses us with his grace and forgiveness.  This was the Good News the angel spoke of when he told the shepherds:

“…for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people. For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord!” Luke 2:10-11 (AMP)

Leaving the comforts of heaven, Jesus held nothing back when he arrived in that grimy, smelly, and yes, ordinary manger.  He came, giving of his whole self, only to be rejected by the people he came to save and nailed to a Roman cross 33 years later.  The cost was enormous…it was…extraordinary.

Let’s pray:

Lord Jesus, we can sanitize the image of that manger all we want, but the true reflection of its filthy condition is only as far away as my own heart. The manger is a humbling reminder of where I’ve come from, and the tremendous price you paid for my life.  Thank you. Amen

Ironing it out:

At Christmas we look for ways to give of ourselves to others.  We help and bless friends, family and the less fortunate through donations of money, time and gifts which represent only a small portion of us or our resources.  We then return to our comfortable homes with over-stocked kitchens; soft, warm beds; clean running water; and televisions.

Jesus’ gift to us at Christmas couldn’t be more opposite.  He gave us everything, holding back nothing, when he exchanged heaven for a manger.

Spend time today considering Jesus’ enormous sacrifice.  There was no going back until the ultimate price – his life – had been paid.  He loves you that much! 

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December 19, 2012 · 5:18 AM

An extraORDINARY moment

Photo Courtesy of Corel<br /><br /> (Israel)<br /><br /> (from Bible Photos of the Holy Land - Biblesoft)

Photo Courtesy of Bible Photos of the Holy Land – Biblesoft

ONE-thousand years before Jesus’ birth, a young boy tended sheep in the hills outside a small, practically unknown town called Bethlehem.  He was brave and courageous.  Reputed to have killed lions and bears with his own hands in an effort to protect his flock, David would do anything for those sheep – often putting his own life in harm’s way for them.

It was a typical afternoon, nothing special.  Keeping a keen eye on the sheep, David sat on a rock singing praises and playing his harp.  Suddenly, he heard a frantic voice calling him.

“David! David! Your father needs you to go home immediately.  I’ll watch the sheep for you. You must hurry!”

Without delay, David hustled home, where earlier that afternoon, his father Jesse had paraded his seven older brothers in front of an old prophet named Samuel.  Once the last of the seven was presented, Samuel asked:

“Is this it? Are there no more sons?”

“Well, yes, there’s the runt. But he’s out tending the sheep.”

Samuel ordered Jesse, “Go get him. We’re not moving from this spot until he’s here.” 1 Samuel 16:11 (The Message)

When David arrived, out of breath, smelling of sheep mixed with sweat and in need of a bath, he found his father, seven brothers and Samuel anxiously awaiting him.

He was brought in, the very picture of health—bright-eyed, good-looking.

God said, “Up on your feet! Anoint him! This is the one.”

 Samuel took his flask of oil and anointed him, with his brothers standing around watching…         1 Samuel 16:12-13 (The Message)

From ordinary hills, outside an ordinary little town, God called an insignificant young shepherd boy – who had been passed over by his own father – to become Israel’s most extraordinary king.

One-thousand years later, God chose these same hills to reveal his most extraordinary good news, this time to a group of ordinary shepherds.

 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord flashed and shone all about them, and they were terribly frightened.

But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people.

For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord!         Luke 2: 9-11 (Amplified)

Perhaps for the first time in their career, these diligent shepherds determined to leave their flock alone, in God’s care.  Following the angel’s instructions they left their posts.

In darkness, they walked through the city gates of Bethlehem in search of the true light of the world.

Let’s Pray:

Most gracious heavenly Father, these passages today remind me how life changes in mere moments.  Life can seem so ordinary and boring, but little do we know you are just waiting for that exact moment to take us on the ride of our life!  Lord, help me today run – not walk – when you call.  Help me to earnestly seek after you – even when it may come with great risk. Amen

Ironing in out:

David ran. The shepherds sought. When God calls us out of the ordinary, to experience the extraordinary, it always requires a response and action.

If God is calling you to something today, what’s stopping you?  What risk frightens the socks off your toes? 

Are you willing to trust him?  David and the shepherds learned first-hand God offers great reward when we submit in humble obedience. What are you missing?

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December 14, 2012 · 12:24 AM

An extraORDINARY little town

BethlehemChristmas Day, 1898

Bethlehem
Christmas Day, 1898

But you, Bethlehem, David’s country,
the runt of the litter—
From you will come the leader
who will shepherd-rule Israel.
He’ll be no upstart, no pretender.
His family tree is ancient and distinguished.

(Micah 5:2 The Message Version)

Some 500 years before Christ, Bethlehem was home to a scant 123 people, according to Ezra 2:21. That’s smaller than my neighborhood! It took a full five full centuries for this little hill town’s population to grow by just a few hundred more.  So, by the time Mary and Joseph arrived on the scene, scholars estimate the population at 300-1,000 people.

Little.

Bethlehem has a significant Old Testament history as the burial-place of Jacob’s beloved wife, Rachel (Gen. 35:19), and the town from which Israel’s greatest king, David, came. But it never really “grew up.”

The Hebrew word translated as “runt of the litter” in the Message translation of Micah 5:2, see above, (“little” in most other translations) is tsa`iyr. It means:

tsa`iyr:

1) little, insignificant, young

a) little, insignificant

b) insignificant, mean

c) young, younger, youngest

Bethlehem was not just an ordinary small town…it was considered insignificant.  Nobody expected much from Bethlehem, and that is what made it the perfect place for the most extraordinary person to begin life on earth!

God did not choose Bethlehem because of its wealth or success.  He did not choose Bethlehem because of its “booming” population or cultural achievements.

No.

He chose Bethlehem because it was ordinary.  He chose it because it would magnify his great mercy, grace and love.

He chose Bethlehem for us.

Let’s Pray:

Father, centuries before Jesus’ birth, Bethlehem almost missed another great leader in a shepherd boy named David.  That young man went on to become Israel’s greatest king.  Our world is not conditioned to look for greatness in insignificant places. I’m humbled to be called your child, but my heart also aches today for others who have not yet opened their hearts to you.  Lord, today I specifically pray for _______________.  Help me to be a light of your love, mercy and grace to him/her.  Perhaps this Christmas he/she will see the true meaning of Bethlehem and experience the depth of your love for them. Amen

Ironing it out:

Bethlehem literally means “House of Bread” in the Hebrew.  In John 6:32-33, Jesus said “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

In John 6:48, Jesus reveals “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger…”

How can you make your ordinary home a “house of bread” this Christmas, where all who come will have the opportunity to meet our King Jesus, the bread of life?

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December 10, 2012 · 5:49 AM

An extraORDINARY Name

Wordle: Jesus

“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

- Matthew 1:20-21

Baby naming can be one of among the most challenging tasks in parenting.  It doesn’t matter if it’s your first or tenth child, most parents care a great deal about “the name!”  We look for names we hope the child will (someday) like.  Names that exude strength.  Names that are pretty.  Names that sound good. Names not easily made fun of.  A special name that will set the child apart.

Two-thousand years ago, if you were going for unique, the name “Jesus” would not be on your list.  It was a fine Jewish name, but common none-the-less.

Imagine Joseph and Mary’s surprise when the angel Gabriel instructed each of them individually to name their child – conceived under anything-but-ordinary circumstances – one of the most common names in town.   I wonder if God had Gabriel reiterate the name to Joseph, in part, because Mary wondered if she heard that part right. Certainly God wouldn’t choose such a run-of-the-mill name for the Savior of his people!

But what man had made ordinary was about to be redeemed.

Until his earthly ministry began, the Son of God would live an ordinary life, working an ordinary job, identifying with ordinary people who knew him by an ordinary name: Jesus!

Identifying with us all – on common earthly terms – Jesus demonstrated his gift of salvation was not just for the elite.  It was not just for the poorest of poor.  It was – and is – a gift for us all: common man.

Ἰησοῦς 

               Iēsous: Jesus = “Jehovah is salvation”

Jesus came to save the very people he created!  Jehovah is salvation! 

God intentionally chose an ordinary name for his extraordinary Son, so he could fulfill it unlike any other – in the common skin of mankind.  

Let’s Pray:

Oh my Lord! You spare no details, puzzling as they may be at  the time.  No, not one element is missed!  I will never be able to wrap my head around the fact that you gave up heaven – with all its glory, beauty and imperfections – to wear the common skin of mankind and save us from our sins.  Your love is limitless.  Thank you! Amen.

Ironing it Out:

It’s ironic, isn’t it?  What was once a common name has become uncommon today because it is so highly esteemed!  

Take a moment and soak in the details of an extraordinary life lived through the ordinary. Then, spend some time in prayer and thanksgiving, praising the Lord for his remarkable love for you yesterday, today and tomorrow. 

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December 7, 2012 · 5:13 AM

extraORDINARY Wedding Plans

It was an exciting time in life for Joseph.  He was busy preparing a home for his bride-to-be who would return from a long visit with her cousin Elizabeth any day.

Mary!   She was such a sweet, kind, faithful, and compassionate girl.  Everybody knew it was a match made in heaven!  Joseph dreamed of their future:  the meals they would share, the children they would raise, the family trips to Jerusalem for Passover…   The days without her in Nazareth were long.

When Mary finally returned, Joseph’s joy quickly turned to anguish when he saw her.  Imagine the shock when he realized she was…pregnant! Dreams shattered before his eyes as he tried to make sense of the situation.

Joseph knew this was not his child.  He could not fathom that Mary would be unfaithful, and indeed she claimed just the opposite!  What happened?  None of it made sense.

Joseph struggled with his options.  Friends likely counseled him to save his name.  ”Divorce her!”  ”She deserves to be stoned,” some likely advised. But one problem existed.  He still loved her. So he decided to divorce her – quietly. 

But God had other plans and sent the angel Gabriel to visit Joseph in a dream:

“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21)

The Gospel account tells us Joseph responded without hesitation.

“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.” (Matthew 1:24)

The Wedding of Mary and Joseph by Giotto di Bondone, c. 1303-1305

The Wedding of Mary and Joseph
by Giotto di Bondone, c. 1303-1305

Can you imagine Joseph’s friends surprise when he boldly approached Mary’s home that morning?

There were no wedding bells.  No parties. No big community celebrations or parades.  Without any pomp and circumstance, Mary went home with Joseph.  Husband and wife. And God breathed life back into a seemingly dead relationship.

It was not the typical Jewish wedding celebration Joseph or Mary had planned.  No, this was extraordinary. The pair had become living sacrifices for God’s greatest purpose in them, and his miraculous plan of redemption in his son, Jesus Christ.  

Let’s Pray:

Lord Jesus, in this era of entitlement, it might be crushing to think about all the fun Joseph and Mary “missed” on their wedding day.  It was not a day of celebration in the village.  The circumstances surrounding your birth did not exude worldly joy, but rather, sorrow.  Thank you that you turn our sorrow into joy, and our mourning into dancing. You redeem what we perceive as lost and make all things new. Help us to trust you today  when our plans go awry, and believe that you have an extraORDINARY future for us!  Amen.

Ironing it Out:

What is the first thing you do when faced with a life-changing crisis?  Do you talk to friends?  Call a parent or other trusted advisor? At what point do you seek God’s advice?  When God points you in another direction – even after making your decision - are you willing to believe as Joseph did, and adjust course?    

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December 5, 2012 · 5:46 AM

The extraORDINARY Pauper-Princess

"Annunciation" by Leonardo da Vinci

“Annunciation” by Leonardo da Vinci

Read Luke 1:26-56

The centuries-old masterpiece paintings idealize Mary as a beautiful young, fair-skinned girl who typically donned a halo.  Pimples? Non-existent. Hormonal?  Doubtful. Peaceful? Definitely.

It is, after all, MARY!

Although Mary was technically a princess in the lineage of Israel’s greatest king, David, dreams of beautiful royal robes, gems and palaces were just that…childhood fantasies.

Mary lived as a common girl in Nazareth – a poor, unremarkable, and relatively unknown small town.

It had been 600 years since a descendant of David had reigned in Israel. And while most Jews  still hoped for a new King from that line, just as the prophets had promised, nobody could have guessed how this little girl could figure into that equation.

Mary, herself, didn’t have much to offer Israel’s future. She was young (about 12-14 years old), poor and, well,  a girl.  She was completely unsuitable in the world’s eyes to be used by God in a mighty way.

But God saw a girl perfectly positioned to usher in the greatest miracle heaven and earth have ever seen.  When he looked at this young girl, he saw a willing spirit. He saw a courageous girl with tremendous inner strength who was also  dutiful and obedient, trusting, humble, selfless, and compassionate.

When the angel Gabriel came to her with a message that God had chosen her to be the mother of his very own son – the Messiah – she willingly chose to trust and accept God’s plan for her. In doing so, she knew she’d face extraordinary risk.  In fact, she would risk everything for this assignment.

She would be harshly rejected. Her reputation, trashed.  Her fiancé could legally call for her to be stoned to death.

But fear does not come from God, and Mary treasured this truth in her heart.  Without skipping a beat, she said:

I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said. (Luke 1:38)

No argument.  No “why me?” No running away. No pointing fingers. No excuses.

An ordinary servant, Mary served out of the extraordinary strength only God could give her.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, you have perfectly positioned me at this time and in this place for an important role in your kingdom.  Maybe I never saw it coming.  Maybe it will feel too huge.  Maybe it will feel…ordinary. But Father, your word reminds us that we are blessed when we believe that you will do what you say you will do!  Help me today to have extraordinary faith to serve you – whether the stakes feel frighteningly high, or ridiculously ordinary. Amen.

Ironing it Out:

A wise friend once reminded me “God never promises the road will be easy, but his plan for us is ALWAYS good.” Mary knew the fate faced by girls who became pregnant outside of marriage.  While she may have understood the  immediate risk, she couldn’t have known how deeply the rejection would wound her heart…Or the pain of watching this miraculous baby die, crucified to a Roman cross…Or the joy she would experience upon his resurrection. 

Perhaps an impossible situation is breathing down on your neck.  In your heart, you know what is right, but you also know it may cost you everything. Make no mistake – it takes tremendous courage to make that choice, as Mary did.  Will you believe God?  Will you trust him that his plan offers you hope and a future?  Like Mary, your prosperity may never come this side of heaven, but obedience brings great honor from the Lord and your treasures are stored up in heaven! 

For further meditation, read: Luke 1:45, Prov. 3:5-6, Jeremiah 29:11 

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December 3, 2012 · 5:13 AM

Extra-ORDINARY Nazareth

“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46)  The would-be disciple recoiled at the idea that THE Messiah might hail from such a place.

Scholars estimate Nazareth’s population at the time of Christ at a scant 480 people.  Nonetheless, the small town’s reputation certainly preceded it, and left much to be desired.

Modern-day NazarethPhoto Credit: BiblePlaces.com

Modern-day Nazareth
Photo Credit: BiblePlaces.com

Speculations about that reputation swirl from the community lacking in religious training and education, to its independent attitude, to utter wickedness.

Prior to Luke 1:26, when we are told “God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph,” we have little frame of reference for the town. In fact, this is the first time Nazareth is specifically mentioned in any historical manuscript.

Geographically, we know Nazareth is located in the area originally allotted to the tribe of Naphtali when the Israelites conquered Canaan. That’s an important clue however, because the region had a humiliating history. Second Kings, chapter 15 tells us Naphtali was the first tribe to fall when attacked by Assyria.

An unimportant town with a history of weakness and defeat…it’s not exactly the place one expects a Savior or King to step onto the pages of history. Yet, the less-than-ordinary status of little old Nazareth made it the perfect place for God to begin his extraordinary story of redemption.

“…In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future, he will honor Galilee…” Isaiah 9:1

In the midst of an ordinary, perhaps disadvantaged, down-trodden unimportant little town, the unimaginable was about to happen. EXTRAORDINARY!

Let’s Pray:

Father, as we enter into Advent season, remind us to live simply so we can see your extraordinary work in the ordinary moments and places of our lives. Bless us, this day, with eyes to see your work in those places of our lives where we have been rightly humbled. Amen.

Ironing it Out:

Perhaps you find yourself today in the midst of  rubble left in the wake of a surprise enemy attack.  Broken dreams, job loss, a death, a destroyed relationship…perhaps something else?  

Or, maybe for you, it’s the piles of laundry, dishes and endless to-do lists that have you a little frustrated, discontent and (dare I say!) grumpy in this “less than ordinary” season of life.

Whatever it is, God is there. Just like little old unimportant and broken Nazareth, nothing (and no one) is beyond his reach! 

Are you living in the ordinary? Take heart, my friend! You are perfectly positioned for God to do the extraordinary!

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November 27, 2012 · 5:29 AM

Too Cute for Puke

Photo Credit: Federico Stevanin, http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Suggested Reading: Isaiah 53:4-5; Romans 5:6-8

It had been a long – but satisfying – day at work. I’d accomplished much and was enjoying that warm, satisfying feeling we ladies get from a cute new outfit and a good hair day.  Driving along, I was simply immersed in the moment of a beautiful day with sunshine and glorious fall colors surrounding me in every direction.

I still had a few more post-work errands to run with the kids now along for the ride: drop off the babysitter, run to the office store, stop into Target, zip by the post office, breeze into the pizza joint to pick up dinner, and then home. I was overly optimistic, at best, that we’d be home with the pizza in the oven by 6 p.m.

Suddenly, a little cry in the back seat…and my plan was completely derailed.

As looked over my shoulder, I saw it gush out. My sweet little two-year-old was having his first experience with…stomach flu. I pulled over as quickly as possible and began problem solving in my mind, all the while thinking “I look too cute to have a day like this! How am I going to do this without getting all of this nastiness on me? Seriously! This is dry clean only!” But a mom kicks things into high gear when required, which is exactly what I did.

A quick survey of the car and I realized that aside from a few napkins, an extra jacket and a plastic bag, I had nothing that was of any help at all. Mopping up the mess was a futile effort, so I stripped my little boy down to his skivvies, wrapped him in that jacket and prayed he wouldn’t vomit again before we got home.

Fortunately, a blanket greeted us in the garage upon arrival. It was the perfect answer to shield my baby’s naked body from the cold — and my cute dry-clean-only outfit from puke — as we dashed back into the house.

I love my children, but I have to admit something.  Our children’s “I was here” remembrances are not always welcome!

Christ, thankfully, doesn’t take that attitude with us. In fact he welcomes us in our stinky, smelly, filthy rags. The “I was here” evidence I’ve left behind on my Savior’s royal robes, his hands and his feet is more than I can comprehend, but he wears it without complaint. And He came to earth 2,000 years ago with that express purpose in mind.

Let’s Pray:

Oh Father, my son’s vomit is a walk in the park compared with the filth of my sins. I can’t even begin to imagine how the stench burns your nostrils, causes your eyes to water, and turns your stomach. Yet you always pick me up when I call out for help. You forgive when I seek forgiveness. You hold me close and gently clean me up. Strengthen me today to reject the “bling” of this world and seek after your righteousness and wisdom which are worth far more than rubies. Amen.

Ironing it Out:

Next week we begin celebrating the Advent season. I’m excited about the journey we’ll take together through this holy season. We do well however, to constantly remember the purpose of Christ’s visit – to save. 

Romans 5 says God established and proved his “agape” love (“affection, good will, love, benevolence, brotherly love for us“, Strongs G26) while we were still committed to a life of sin.  We were of no use to him at the time of Jesus’ sacrificial death.

I just want you to drink that in today. Smell the stench and then breath in the crisp, clean air of his forgiveness and righteousness.

What does this knowledge it mean to you?

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September 3, 2012 · 12:03 AM

You Deserve Dessert? Really?

Suggested Reading: John 14, Isaiah 64:4-6, Ephesians 2:8-9

It was a rough day.  Defiance. Rebellion.  Rudeness.  Inconsiderate action.

“Summer must be ending,” I thought. My youngest child in particular seemed bent on doing the exact opposite of what he knew was required. All. Day. Long.

I was looking for any glimmer of a contrite spirit in the boy so that I could encourage it with positive reinforcement.  So when he requested dessert, I asked “Do you think you deserve dessert?” I hoped for an honest “No.”  I could work with that answer.  I envisioned a “real lesson builder” for my son.

Then I woke up.

With a slight delay, he looked up at me and quietly said “Yes.” He didn’t say it in a questioning way – as though he wondered if that might work as an answer, he said it in quiet defiance.  Hoping for a different answer, I asked him a second time. Then a third.

“Sweetheart, after everything you did today, do you really think you deserve dessert?”  My tone pleaded with him to give the right response. But alas, his reply was unchanged.

Disappointed, his answer left me one response – dessert denial.

“Son, unfortunately, you don’t deserve this.  You continued to disobey and disrespect Daddy and me all day despite warnings and consequences. And even now, you are not being truthful – I think you know in your heart that you really don’t deserve this.  I’m sorry, but I can’t give you any dessert.”

The wailing that ensued would cause you to think someone died.  I too, was sad. There was nothing good about this situation.

As I watched my little boy suffer through a reality that was contrary to what he wanted, I understood how wired we are at our very core with that kind of sinful thinking. Entitlement

Over the centuries, Israel received warning after warning concerning their bad behavior, but instead of changing their ways, they acted like they had immunity.  They had the “inside track” with God – they were chosen, after all! Yet their willful attitude of entitlement lead them straight into many hardships.

Are we not unlike them?

Fast forward to 2012.  God gives us opportunity after opportunity to heed his warnings and trust him, yet we ignore them with startling consistency. But at the end of the day when we’ve eaten our last meal and breathed our last breath, what happens when we approach the throne of God and ask to enter his eternal kingdom?

What if he replies “Do you deserve it?”

Like my son, the bitter truth is “No.” No matter how many great things we did, how much money we earned or people we fed. Not one of us deserves entry – let alone lodging – in his kingdom.

But God gives us grace and the opportunity to answer in truth “No, Father, I don’t. But you sent your son Jesus to pay the debt of my sins on the cross.  Please have mercy.”

Let’s Pray:

Lord Jesus, I am a sinner, unworthy of your blessing or to be in your presence.  I’m sorry for all my sins and the sinful choices I have made and need your forgiveness.  Thank you for coming to my rescue by way of the cross.  Thank you for the resurrection which gives me hope.  Thank you for your mercy and grace. Amen

Taking it Deeper:

Do you deserve “dessert?”  If you have never declared Jesus to be the savior of your soul, will you do that right now?  And share that with a friend – or send me a private message here. In addition to the prayer above, you can also pray:

Lord, I confess Jesus is my personal savior.  I believe he died and rose from the dead for me. I confess my sin and ask for your forgiveness.   Thank you for your unlimited grace which saves me so that I may enjoy your presence from this day forward. Amen.  

I’ve linked this blog with Graceful.

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