Musings07/28/10,EatHisFlesh...by John

Eat His Flesh and Drink His Blood?

Eat His flesh and drink His blood? In John 6:54-56, Jesus said, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him." These words caused many of those following Jesus to leave. I think Jesus' humanity made him ask the twelve, "You do not want to leave, too, do you?" (v. 67) Through the ages scholars have debated the issues involved in those seemingly enigmatic words. If you are a literalist where Scripture is concerned you have to deal with what on the surface appears to be a cannibalistic statement. Some churches ring a bell indicating that the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus at that moment when they are partaking of the Lord's Supper, Communion, or Mass. At least one group says that the bread and wine don't change, but that the body and blood of Jesus are present in them. I don't believe that, and I see no reason why there should be a change.

Some other church groups simply say the bread and wine represent the body and blood of Jesus. I've prayed about it a lot, and I've felt led to spiritualize it. I believe Jesus means we must become completely one with Him spiritually. Romans 8:16, 17 say, "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." We are still in the world, still in the flesh, but spiritually we are God's children, so much so that Paul, in Romans, calls us "co-heirs with Christ!" What could be more wonderful than being God's Own child? I think nothing can equal that, but I also think many followers of Jesus, like those who went away (John 6: 66) have never become one with Jesus.

There are so many who admire the teaching of Jesus and think the world should change to fit those teachings, but they miss that connection that takes them into oneness with Him. I remember asking someone years ago if he was a Christian, and he said, "Of course I'm a Christian! I was born in America!" It was hard for me to tell him that did not make him a Christian.

John 6:63 quotes Jesus as saying, "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life." In verse 65 Jesus said, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him. That word, "enabled," is the Greek word "doma" translated in the King James as "draw," but it is past tense and the more accurate translation is "gifted." It isn't a matter of foreordination as is frequently taught. God's gift is to everyone who is willing to become one with Jesus. When we truly accept God's gift, God has foreordained that we become His children and spend eternity with Him.

Becoming one with Him is not a matter of work, striving, service, or worship. It is accomplished by God's gift, and receiving that gift requires surrender of self to God. As Romans 8:16,17 told us, Christians suffer with Jesus. Few Christians die of a cross, but we all suffer because of personal temptation, our own failures and also because the world hates Christ. When we become one with Him, the world hates us, too. They can't persecute Jesus, but they can reach us easily.

If you haven't heard this before, becoming one with Jesus may sound presumptive, but remember Philippians 2:5,6 says, Your attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus: Who, being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped...." Our motivation must be pure when we become God's child, a joint-heir with Jesus. Isaiah pictured extreme self-aggrandizement when he prophesied in Isaiah 14:12-14. Five "I will" statements are in that passage. The last one says, "I will make myself like the most high." Our egos make us want to rise to the heights of glory, but we cannot glorify ourselves, and if our spirits are right, we won't try. On the other hand, if we become one with Jesus, we will first of all change, and with that change, we will be happy with whatever glory our God gives us!

Submit yourself wholly to Jesus, and He will not only save you from the penalty, power and eventually even the presence of sin, but He will give you life without end, a new family whose Head is God Himself, and the joy of being in His presence

Musings07/26/10,Times and Seasons by John

Times and Seasons?

Some years ago, a person planned to visit our church and was talking with a member of another church. That person said, "You don't want to go to his church! He doesn't even believe in Christmas or Easter!" That was both true and untrue depending on what was meant.

I certainly believe in the birth of Jesus. I believe He was, and is, God's only born Son. I enjoy celebrating His birthday on December 25, but I am quite aware that His real birth day could have been another day. I don't believe we need to pay too much attention to times and seasons. When we do, I feel that we immediately begin to lose sight of the reality represented and begin to establish a tradition. In time the tradition becomes meaningless for many people. The tradition can become more important than the truth it should bring to mind.

I remember as a child I looked forward to New Year's Day, Washington's and Lincoln's birthdays, and the Fourth of July, not because of their meaning, but because on those days we bought and set off fireworks! That highlighted the days for me. Christmas can be only a day for getting gifts for many people instead of really remembering the that God gave His Son to be a flesh and blood Savior for all of us.

Each of the holy days we celebrate can be no more than a tradition we enjoy, but I believe we need to take extra care in keeping God's truth always in the foreground while we celebrate. I believe and try to keep every day holy to the Lord!

A close friend wrote me about a book she was reading that was quite specific about worshiping God on the Sabbath Day. I don't really know the details, but our calendar tells us the "seventh day," that's what Sabbath means, is Saturday. Most of us worship the Lord on Sunday. We call it the Lord's day. It is the day Christ arose from the tomb. It's just one of the seven days of the week, but if you work six days, or only five, or three, as some now do, it is a great day to worship God.

We need to remember that Colossians 2:20-23 tells us, "Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!" These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence."

It's obvious, that God is more concerned about our intentions and actions than that we follow the rules set by the world's society, and that includes church organizations.

Sabbath worship practice is manmade rule for the most part. In the Law Exodus 20: 8 says, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates." Did you notice anything about worship here? Of course not. We human beings don't like emptiness. Empty time gets filled with something. I'm sure you remember someone said, "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." It certainly doesn't have to be, but our minds are almost never idle, and our bodies carry out our thoughts as quickly as we think them don't they?

I'm not overlooking the many references of Sabbath worship, but simply pointing out how the Sabbath started, and I'm stating I think human beings' bodies and minds need refreshing at least one day a week. Sabbath or Sunday makes no difference to me since I plan for every day to be holy to the Lord, and I seek to worship at least privately every day.

We also need to keep in mind that we Gentiles were never included under the Law, and anyone who trusts Christ is not under the Law. Romans 6:14 says, "For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace." As Christians we are free from the Mosaic Law, but we are under "Christ's law." (I Corinthians 9:21) We are not lawless people, but neither do we expect an eye for an eye, or a tooth for a tooth, as the Old Testament said. Our law in Christ is far more comprehensive in it's application. We are to love our enemies and do good to those who misuse us. (That principle requires careful thought in application).

I have no quarrel with people who want to worship on Saturday, but I expect them to have no quarrel with me when I formally or informally worship every day of the week.

Thin Ice by John (A story story)

Thin ice

Jack and Henry went ice fishing in high spirits. The weather was not too cold, and there was no wind. They looked forward to having a great time. Henry noticed the ice looked thin, but Jack assured him it was plenty thick. He pointed to a spot where he knew the water was deep and the fishing would be good. "That's where we need to be, Henry!"

His friend hesitated. "I think that ice is too thin, Jack. You know how tricky river ice is. There may be a really thin spot between here and that deep hole!"

"Nah! I was out there last week! It's fine! You're too cautious, Henry!" A frown accompanied his words.

Henry frowned back at him, "A lot can change in a day or two. I just don't believe in taking unnecessary risks, and I don't want you to either. We need to remember our families depend on us, Jack."

Jack shook his head in resignation, "Well, you can sit up here on the bank if you want to, but I know the fish go deep when it's cold like this, and I'm going out there and catch 'em just like I always do!"

"Please, Jack be careful! Check the ice. You know that water is over your head, it's cold, and the current could wash you away! If it breaks I may not be able to help you! I don't want to lose a friend!"

"I won't need your help! That ice is plenty thick. It's never let me down before, and it won't now!"

Jack looked back at Henry as he strode confidently out on the ice with his metal cleats leaving little punctures marking his passage. Head shaking, Henry sat down on a log and began to rumage through his pack. He wondered if he was being too careful. A loud cracking sound interrupted his thoughts. His head jerked up to see what was happening. "Jack! Look out! I heard the ice crack!"

Jack was standing stock still. He yelled back, "I heard it, too! You know it does that sometimes, but it's nothing to worry about." The cracking sounds ended, and quiet returned. Jack smiled back at his friend and waved, "False alarm!" He moved forward again. The first step brought another cracking sound, and as Henry watched, Jack suddenly plunged into ice water. He threw out his arms. He was in up to his shoulders, but his arms on the ice stopped him from disappearing beneath the surface. Jack struggled to get out!

Henry was already on his feet. "Be still, Jack! Hold on! Stop moving!" "You'll just make the hole bigger!" The numbing cold was such a shock that Jack thought only on getting out. A big slab of ice snapped off as he kicked his feet and tried to lever himself up. It tipped up, and Jack floundered about trying to stay on top of the water. The edge of the slab disappeared under the surface and partly slid back under the solid ice downstream. Jack managed to work his way to the solid edge, but he couldn't pull himself out. He thought more clearly now. He quit struggling.

Henry was out of the ice as far as he dared now. The coil of rope from his pack was in his hand. It had a monkey's fist knot in the end to add weight.

"Jack! I'm going to throw this rope to you! You've got to tie it around your waist! Tight!" Jack's face was distorted by the cold, but his head tipped in a nod. Henry threw the rope as he had been taught in the Navy. It passed over Jack's head and settled across his shoulder. Jack grabbed it and wound it around his waist the best he could. His hands were already losing their grip. He knew he wouldn't be able to do anything very long. The cold was unbearable!

As soon as the rope was secure, Henry backed up until he stretched the rope tight. Keeping it taut, he moved back across the big log he sat on a few seconds before. He flopped down in the snow on his back. "Jack! Get ready! I'm going to pull you up as far as I can, but you've got to help!" He began to pull while bracing himself against the log. Jack struggled against the ice feeling the rope strain against his body. He managed to kick a little, and inched his body up. The ice groaned, and he thought it would break again, but he had to keep working. The pressure on the rope increased, and he was dragged up on to solid ice. He started to try to get his feet under him and heard Henry yell, "Don't try to stand up! Roll! Roll! Roll toward me! He did, and after he made probably twenty feet, Henry yelled, "Take it easy, Jack! Try to get up on your hands and knees. That spreads your weight out. Don't trust the ice! It may break again! Crawl! You need to keep your weight spread out as much as possible!"

Another twenty feet, and his mind as numb as it was with the cold told him he was in shallow water, so he stood. For a moment, the world seemed to wobble about. Things slowly became clear, and he walked unsteadily, but very carefully to the shore. With Henry's help, he shucked off the rope on the way to the pickup. Henry helped him in, ran to the other side, jumped in and started the engine. He turned the heater up as high as it would go while he watched Jack shake.
"The motor is still hot, Jack. I think you'll be okay now. How do you feel?"

"I've never been so cold in my entire life!" He struggled with his wet mittens, grunting with every movement, but he was able to strip off his boots. It was slow work, and he panted heavily.

"You got feeling in you hands and toes?"

"Yeah! Too much! They hurt!" He was hunched in the seat now. "I'm sure messing up your truck, Henry." He looked apologetic.

"That's okay. It may have ice in the floor mats until the weather warms, but you're the only thing important to me right now."

Satisfied, Henry went back down to retrieve his rope and tackle. Then he returned and drove back to town. Jack was pretty warm by the time they pulled into a McDonald's and Henry ordered two large, black coffees. Jack smiled as Henry handed him one. "This isn't exactly the way I planned for this trip to end, Henry."

"Yeh. Me neither."

"I planned to brag about how many fish I caught while ribbing you about being too scared to go out on the ice." His eyebrows raised as he looked directly at Henry What will you brag about, Buddy?"

"Well, I'm not planning to brag about pulling you out of the water, if that's what's worrying you."

"Hmm... That's good to know... It relieves my mind a little. I feel pretty stupid right now... I think that would make me feel a lot worse."

"We are friends, right?"

"Right!"
"Bragging about that would not be friendly, would it?"

"No."

"Well, if I was going to brag, I wouldn't brag to anyone but the Lord because I almost didn't put that rope in my pack before I left the house. In fact, even after I did, I almost took it back out. Something told me it was better to be prepared than sorry. I think maybe the Lord was looking after you, Jack."

"I'm sure glad. Maybe I ought to listen to you more...Like when you talk about Jesus."

Henry turned to look at him sharply. He had witnessed to Jack ever since they were kids, but Jack always turned a deaf ear. Was he joking? One look, and he knew he wasn't. "Jack nothing would please me more than to know you would go to heaven when you die! I was thinking you wouldn't make it to heaven if I didn't get you out of that water!"

Jack's eyes dropped to the floor, "Henry, I didn't think about that until I sat here in the truck watching you go back down to get that rope. All I could think of was, Henry brought that rope for me... Don't give up on me now. I'm ready to listen."

_________________________

This simple story illustrates how fragile life is and how quickly it can be lost. Beyond that, it is a reminder that the best time to prepare for emergencies is in advance. We know every life will have them, and we cannot safely predict when. Personally, I think God could have decided to take every person into heaven as he is, but He chose to give of Himself I believe for a very special reason. He wants us to be like Him, not because He forced us, but because we freely commit our lives to Him. Jesus died for His enemies, and that includes you and me. He gave that supreme gift of Himself, so that we can see God's way, and receive salvation by uniting with Jesus. We don't do that as equals, we do it as abject sinners, or we don't do it at all. When we wholeheartedly accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, Romans 8:16,17 says, "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." The safe thing is to give yourself without reserve to Jesus now, and then you will discover true greatness is being God's own child!