Archive - March, 2010

The Unmistakable Movement of God (Acts 2:5-13)

March 8, 2010 in Acts with 0 Comments

Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Lybia belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians– we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” All were amazed and perplexed, saying one to another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”

Acts 2:5-13, ESV

The working of God in the lives of humanity is often subtle, leaving only a speckle of a trace that it is even His movement. But not always. At times, the movement of God has been unmistakable. One of the most significant events in early church history is indicative of it.

It was a noteworthy occasion to be sure. It was Pentecost, one of Israel’s high festive days. It was also known as the Feast of Harvests. Pentecost occurred 50 days after another holy day of crucial import: Passover.

Jews from all over the world converged at Jerusalem. The time was right. God knew it was right. His anointed had been crucified and raised. Now, it was time to initiate the new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34). In the power of the Spirit (Joel 2:28-32), the “good news” would be preached in the name of the resurrected Christ. This would be big and big it was!

Jesus’ apostles were all Galileans, and the crowd that gathered cannot ascertain how men, all of whom were Galileans, are speaking in languages not their own. The crowd was intuitive enough to recognize that something big, unusual, and noteworthy was taking place. Not even Rosetta Stone could have made the apostles affluent in these various dialects in that short a time. “Amazed” and “perplexed” is completely understandable.

Of course, Luke’s last words on the matter are most unfortunate, but so incredibly normal. There always has to be the shallow crowd that mocks doesn’t there? They are the ones who cannot see the forest for the trees. It’s almost as if they’ve got built in presuppositions to begin with, or they will argue over anything. It’s like the person who will argue with you on a cloudless day that the sky is cloudless. These kind of people are unbelievably frustrating!

To my knowledge, drunkenness has never produced the ability to speak in languages not one’s own. When drunk people say odd things, but not communicate in foreign languages. People in denial often say the stupidest things!

There’s an old saying that rings so true, “There are none so blind as those who will not see.” Things have hardly changed. It’s not uncommon that Christians have shut their eyes to the mission of God that is going on around them. It takes spiritual sight to see these things. I suppose that is why Paul prayed that God would open “the eyes of the heart” of Christians at Ephesus (Ephesians 1:18). Carnality causes us to overlook what God may be doing for us, and at some times through us (A scary thought to be sure!). I am certain, God has spent considerable energy in opening my eyes, and for that I am immensely thankful.

I have no problem believing that God has done big things in the past, but I want to believe that God will do big things now. He can. “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20, ESV).

Spirit from On High (Acts 2:1-4)

March 3, 2010 in Acts with 0 Comments

When the day of Pentecost arrived, the were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound of a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 2:1-4, ESV

It is not always easy to know when God is up to something in our lives. Oftentimes, it takes hindsight to be able to put things together. But when put together, the movement of God around us is unmistakable. God finds ways to leave no doubt.

On the first Pentecost following the resurrection of Jesus Christ, God moved mightily. The apostles and other disciples are where they needed to be. Some of Jesus’ final words before his ascension were to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8). There they waited.

How would the Spirit come? He wouldn’t come quietly. He would come as his nature would warrant, as Pneuma, a mighty breath or wind. It was no small wind though. It was “mighty” and fast moving, kind of like the winds of Eastern New Mexico or West Texas. You feel it and cannot ignore it.

The apostles began to speak in languages and dialects not their own (cf. Acts 2:7-8). Obviously, this wasn’t because they had access to Rosetta Stone. Jews from all over the world had converged at Jerusalem for the Feast of Harvests. The gospel would go forth so that no matter the dialect it would be heard.

It was the right time for the right people to proclaim the living message of Jesus Christ. They would do it through the Spirit. And through it he would infuse life to those willing to surrender.

Passing the Torch

March 2, 2010 in Ministry with 16 Comments

It’s hard to put a finger on the things that have so significantly figured into making us who we are today. Sometimes it is hard to even pinpoint who those people are. My friend John Dobbs has encouraged his friends to post tributes to those who have significantly influenced them in their ministries. For me, this is no easy task. I’ve not possessed a mentor who has been able to work with me in the way I would like and need. Thankfully, of late, men have begun to fill that void, but we are just starting the process. Therefore, their influence is minimal at the moment.

There are a number who have been vital to my life. I’m truly indebted to Trey Morgan. His passion and heart for people has forced me to evaluate the quality of my own ministry. By being the light of Jesus, he has caused others, in particular myself, to glorify God in their own lives (Matt. 5:14-16). I wouldn’t be who I am today, in part, had I not come to find friendship with Trey. My friend and fellow minister, Clay Martin, whom I’ve known since 3rd grade has been a strong presence in my life. He’s been there for me through think and thin. There are numerous others for whom I frequently give thanks. But there is someone to whom I am incredibly indebted who flies under the radar. This person wouldn’t be considered a “minister” in the professional sense. This person doesn’t stand behind a pulpit. This person doesn’t get paid by a church. But this person is a minister to be sure. Every Christian should minister in whatever capacity possible because this was the life of their Savior.

My wife, Tisha, has been an amazing ministry presence in my life. Unfortunately, I haven’t always been one who was willing to value her thoughts about things. When I began to, though, I found her insights intriguing and informative.

Most of all, though, she has been an incredibly stable source of support to me in my ministry. She has sought to keep me grounded. She has reminded me that I cannot please everyone, nor do I have to. When I get down she is there. In my darkest moments she has been there. Even though we both know that the life I’ve given her wasn’t what she really signed up for (the minister’s wife thing), she has been a trooper through it all.

Tisha has not confined her ministry to me either. She has served women who were contemplating leaving their husbands. She even gave up a kidney to save the life of a child not her own. Her rationale? Jesus died for her, so giving up a kidney to help a five year-old boy parents not lose their son was her faith in action. That single act has affected me, maybe, more than anything. Her faith is amazing. She believes in agape. She shows it to me, our kids, as well as to others. People have learned that she will speak her mind, so beware what you ask of her. She is, truly, a gift from God!

This is my tribute and I am thankful that someone like Tisha has walked with me the way she has for my 1o years of ministry. I’ve made many mistakes. We both have. She has seen me through them all, and that has made all the difference!

The Importance of One (Acts 1:15-26)

March 1, 2010 in Acts with 0 Comments

The legacy Judas left behind was tragic. Horribly, God saw the whole thing before it unfolded. It was time for a replacement though, and the appeal to Psalm 109:8 was the foundation.

What could one man do? Why not simply have 11 apostles instead of 12? Can one make that big a difference?

Apparently God thought so.

Two men were brought forth as replacements for the one who bought the Field of Blood. One was Barsabbas; Matthias was the other. They pray to “the Lord” to reveal which of these two He had chosen. And then…they cast lots? I really desire to know if this is what Jesus wanted them to do or not. Casting lots was a fairly common practice among Old Testament peoples, but that Jesus wanted them to use it as a mechanism for determining who would replace Judas, I find odd. He only knows.

But this much I know: God finds importance in one individual. He is willing to leave the 99 to rescue the one (Matthew 18:12). God sees the individual as important. It takes individuals to form community, and God is big on community.

He could have launched His new covenant with 11 apostles and the rest. After all, on the day the Spirit is poured out and 3000 respond to the gospel, He now has 3120 to work with. But the one, Matthias, was significant.

What became of him is steeped in controversy. Ancient historians suggest different things. None of it is important though. What’s important is that God saw fit to fill a crucial role with a replacement. God believes in the power and importance of one.

What can and will you do for Him?
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