@beckykiser- Need more pictures!!! Keep ‘em coming

Several years ago Robin and I decided to take a trip (as tourists) to New York City. We wanted to see Statue of Liberty, Empire State Bldg, Broadway shows…and friends told us we had to see The Blue Man Group. so, Robin ordered tickets was surprised to find out that she was able to get front row tickets. When we arrived at theater there appeared to be plastic trash bags on our seat that the cleaning crew somehow left behind or so we thought… It turns out that the Blue Man Group is very entertaining and quite messy—Robin got what appeared to be Banana Pudding in her hair as they were performing one of their acts. We learned a lesson that day as the hearers of Luke’s account of “The Parable of The Wedding Feast”(Luke 14). That what appears to be the best seat…isn’t always the case.

Luke begins the 14th Chapter by telling us that: On The Sabbath…Jesus went to eat…at The House—of A Prominent Pharisee. Now we have seen this one before … Already in Luke’s gospel (Luke 7) Jesus is invited for a dinner at the home of a Pharisee. Where he encounters the woman with the alabaster jar of expensive perfume and anoints his feet. In Chapter 14 Luke tells us that: “He (Jesus)was being carefully watched” The Greek word for “To lie in wait”. I’m reminded of hunting season..November 1. We sing “As A Deer” the last Sunday of October. When you hunt from a Deer Stand, that is exactly what you do you “carefully watch” for the deer coming to feed at the trap set up near the stand. This is exactly what the Pharisees had done with Jesus (as he was coming to feed).

Then Luke tells us that Jesus notices: How the guests picked the places of honor at the table.…some of Jesus’ own Disciples had a similar problem. In Mark’s gospel we are told:

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came over and spoke to him. “Teacher,” they said, “In your glorious Kingdom, we want to sit in places of honor next to you,” they said, “one at your right and the other at your left.” Mark 10:35,37

Not understanding that it is being a part of The Kingdom is reward enough. Jesus decides to make this a teaching moment for his Disciples and any who care to learn. So Luke tells us that Jesus offers a Parable about a Wedding Feast.

There are two Wedding Feast parables in the gospels. The First is told in Matthew’s gospel:

“The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son…

There are several invitations given and no response (better things to do)—then

…and he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, and the guests I invited aren’t worthy of the honor.’” Matthew 22:2,8

A lesson in priority to respond to God’s invitation..Jewish People

Luke’s parable is intended for a Greco-Roman (Western) Readership—

When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited.Luke 14:8

This idea of distinguished is not often found in scripture. In some translations it is the same word as place of honor. Especially at times when we are called on to be Christ in someone’s life—offering Prayer, Comfort, Peace…Just like Jesus and when we do—there will be people watching…carefully

Jesus continue that we should always take “The least important place” Jesus instructs his Disciples in Mark’s gospel:

Anyone who wants to be the first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else. Mark 9:35

This is exactly the opposite of everything that existed and still exists in the western world. It’s about being #1, being the best, the fastest, the winner. Then Jesus explains how this works (especially in context with the Kingdom of God).

But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place. Luke 14:10

Jesus emulated this throughout his life and ministry. Being born in a Stable, he was raised in an out of the way village, he owned nothing but the clothes on his back and died the most humiliating death imaginable, so that WE might “Move Up.”

Jesus goes on to say:

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 14:11

It is here Jesus is talking to the Religious Leaders/Pharisees. Luke also uses this to highlight the importance to those of us with that “western mind-set.” There is no Hierarchy in The Kingdom of God. We are either In or Out. We either accept God’s Unconditional Love and Grace or We Don’t—and if we do…we are to share that same Love and Grace in total Humility (as the hands and feet of Jesus).

Then Jesus tells the host of this Dinner Party:

When you give a luncheon or dinner,  do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors… Luke 14:12a

I’m reminded of a scene from the movie Ghostbusters, there is a dinner  party and the host who is an accountant telling one of his guest that he invited clients rather than friends so it would be tax deductible. However, Jesus has something better in mind…He continues:

… if you do, they may invite you back  and so you will be repaid. Luke 14:12b

When you invite people you know the best case scenario is what you experience for that moment or they will feel obligated to invite you. Jesus is obviously painting a picture of The Kingdom of God and the future of The Church. He  wants us to invite everybody.

However, in addition to these we should also consider Jesus other  suggestion:

But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind…Luke 14:13

There was a term used back in the 60′s and 70′s—for the excluded of society..those who weren’t part of the “In Crowd”…that person was referred to as a “Nowhere Man.” It was just these type of people that Jesus focused on in his ministry. He called them to be his Disciples. He continues to minister to them through us (as we invite them to His Banquet)

Jesus tells them that when you invite them—you will be blessed. Looking at Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount…particularly the Beatitudes. In one of those Beatitudes Jesus says:

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Matthew 5:7

I can’t imagine a better example than the Food Pantry here at Splendora Countryside. Every month we provided provisions for many families in our community…Provided for by you as the hands and feet of Jesus by way of Invitation and Mercy.

Finally Jesus tells them that:

Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Luke 14:14

They (the people you invite to God’s Banquet) can’t repay you. In fact that is not even the reason for inviting them to begin with. Jesus says that you will be repaid at the “Resurrection of The Righteous.” This is often believed to mean when we die and go to Heaven. But consider this…Righteousness is not only living a Sin-Free Life. That’s Impossible (only Jesus was able to do that). However, righteousness does mean living a life in relationship with God (through Christ). We do this by emulating him…Remembering the Greatest Commandment to Love God..with All Heart, Soul, Heart & Strength and loving your neighbor (especially all the Nowhere Men or Women) by extending His invitation To be a part of His Kingdom & His Banquet—Forever & Ever

THE BEATLES-NOWHERE MAN (VIDEO)

Interesting Article: More teens becoming ‘fake’ Christians – http://bit.ly/abI4Rh #cnn

Great article by Brian Taylor- A Guide to Spiritual Practice:
An Introduction http://t.co/J9B3cCE via @AddThis

Great article by Will Mancini:
http://www.willmancini.com/2010/08/vision-sunday-tips-the-1116-principle.html

NOWHERE MAN: http://wp.me/pwUXZ-5d

Beatles Series (Podcast):Nowhere Man
Next Week: Chains (Philemon 1-21)
http://www.buzzsprout.com/300/15341-nowhere-man

In The Gospel of Luke 13, the 10th verse opens by telling us that the events that follow happened “One Sabbath Day” which would be a Saturday morning. Sabbath/Shabbat begins Friday evening (Sunset)-Saturday(Sunset). It is given in the Law-The original  ”Big 10″ to stress the importance of Rest.

We find that earlier in Luke’s gospel (Chapter 4) Jesus sets a precedent by teaching in “their synagogues” on the Sabbath. It is here we find him in his hometown (Nazareth) stating the purpose of his ministry by quoting the prophet Isaiah:

He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him…“The Spirit of the LORD is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor.”

Jesus had come to fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy that The Messiah will be bringer of Good News…Freedom…Restore Sight…Proclaim..Jubilee—This didn’t play too well in his hometown..it is still the message Jesus proclaimed throughout his ministry and was probably not that different this Sabbath Day as this story unfolds.

Luke tells us that Jesus sees a woman who was crippled by an evil spirit…As he is addressing this crowd at this particular Synagogue he sees a person who doesn’t quite fit. Someone who epitomizes who he was sent to share The Good news and proclaim Freedom. He could see that she was crippled he sensed it was as a result of “An Evil Spirit.”

When Luke tells us that this woman is crippled by an evil spirit we find that here in the original Greek it literally means a weakness or disconnect between her spiritual self (God) and physical self. A similar use of this phrasing comes in the story of the three disciples that accompany Jesus at Gethsemane. Jesus tells them:

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

Even for us often time we can be crippled by allowing a disconnect between ourselves & God. When worry and fear take hold of our lives.

Luke tells us that this woman had been bent over for 18 Years.  In actuality in Greek it is written (δέκακαίὀκτώ) which means 10 plus 8—the number 10 usually references the Law and in particular the 10 Commandments. This woman was there on the Sabbath according to The Law. The number 8 has particular significance dealing with New Beginnings-8 people on the Ark, 8 days Passover to Rosh Hashanah-David 8th Son. Baptismal Font-Eight Sides..Our Baptism is A new Beginning..for this woman she had been Faithful to the law & now was about to experience a New Beginning of her own.

Luke tells us she was unable to stand up straight. This phrase in Greek is used only one other time in Scripture in the story of another woman accused of Adultery. In John’s Gospel:

He stood up again and said, “All right, stone her. But let those who have never sinned throw the first stones!“ Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one…then Jesus stood up again and said to her, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”

So first Luke tells us that Jesus Saw her…but not as the rest of the people gathered that day…he saw despite her condition. James tells us in his Epistle that as followers of Christ we should do the same. James Writes:

Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father  means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us.

In addition to seeing her he actually called her…Luke tell us that he called her over and said.

” Woman you are healed of your sickness.” Amazing that Jesus heals people in different ways. As he does for us today. Some people need to hear that Call of Jesus that the disconnect between us & God is no longer. Many people need more than anything to hear those words of Compassion that Christ gave to his Disciples and all those who would follow him. In Matthew’s Gospel he records:

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

That is Healing…How many are left “Unhealed Today” …How many…”Come To Him?…

Then Luke tells us that Jesus touched her and instantly she could stand straight.

He speaks the words then touches her. Reminding me of the Gaither Hymn recalling that time of encounter with Christ when ultimate Healing takes place “He touched me & made me whole.”

In the case of this woman it helped her to Stand which represents an ability to withstand or overcome the work of The Enemy—Paul tells the Ephesian Church:

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand… stand firm then…

“When”..not “If” the Day of Evil Comes, after “You” have done everything to “Stand”…

“Stand Firm” (In God)…just as this woman was able to do.

Then Luke tells us that this woman Praised & Thanked God—She realized where the healing power came from. Luke tells a similar story later in his gospel about a leper colony that Jesus passes by with 10 lepers who are healed by Jesus’ actions—only one returned to give thanks and was also praising God…Do we Praise God enough for what he has done? That is why we come on Sunday mornings. Worship Him daily.

Then there was the “Leader in charge of the synagogue” Luke tells us:

But the leader in charge of the synagogue was indignant that Jesus had healed her on the Sabbath day. “There are six days of the week for working,” he said to the crowd. “Come on those days to be healed, not on the Sabbath.”

Luke tells us he was “indignant”…(GK-Bent out of shape). The same as this lady

He was so into the Pharisaical law (in addition to God’s law) he was willing to allow this woman or anyone to not be healed on the Sabbath.Then Jesus responds:

“You hypocrite! You work on the Sabbath day! Don’t you untie your ox or your donkey from their stalls on the Sabbath and lead them out for water?”

When we get so technical about what is & isn’t a sin.. we lose sight of God’s purpose.

Jesus adds:

Wasn’t it necessary for me, even on the Sabbath day, to free this dear woman from the bondage in which Satan has held her for eighteen years?”

The woman needed to be freed from her disconnect with God. He mentions the 18 years to symbolize that this man also needed to be freed from his disconnect. He was “Bent out of Shape” by The Law and need to a new beginning himself.

Then Luke tells us: That this (Jesus response) shamed his enemies.The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church:

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

Maybe many people were in need of healing that Sabbath Day. Maybe the same can be said for us today.The world would tells us to be Wise & Strong

Then finally Luke concludes with: “All the people rejoiced at the wonderful things he did.”

Which indicates to me that All were healed that day…Because they all rejoiced.

It all started with Jesus seeing this woman that everyone else saw as disfigured and insignificant.

Yet he saw her standing there, upright and a child of God and as she rejoiced in her healing…I believe eyes were opened. Jesus was showing them that he truly had come to bring Good News…Free prisoners…recover sight…release the oppressed…and when he does…Then they (the ones healed) will proclaim the Jubilee. In Psalm 22, which is well known by Jesus reciting the first few words on the cross: “My God. My God…why have you foresaken me.” However it ends by stating:

The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the LORD will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.

No matter where you are today. Jesus sees you standing there. Will you be healed? Let Your heart rejoice with everlasting joy…AMEN

The Beatles-I Saw Her Standing There (Video)

There are many things I have found in life that require patience and a considerable amount of…waiting.

Baseball: Waiting for each pitch, batters stepping out of the box, holding a runner on 1st base, and no time limit (however UK friends tell me Cricket is actually worse).

Golf: It takes 4-5 hours to play 18 holes. Waiting on: the foursome in front of you, people taking practice swings, sizing up a putt, and again..no time limit.

Then I think of the occupation of Waiters & Waitresses (Professionals). My Aunt Wanda worked for 40+ years at a well known restaurant  “Bill Bennett’s” in Downtown Houston. I remember stopping in one day and observing how she “waited’ on her customers. She was both observant and perceptive to the needs of those she served and most importantly “waited” on. This the type of example that Jesus gives to us in calling us to be “Servants.”

In Isaiah there were a number of passages known as Servant Songs where Isaiah portrays the Messiah as one who would come as A Servant (Slave-Hebrew Vernacular). It is here we get an image of what of Jesus and His idea of Servant.

The very first of the Servant Sons begins:

Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring  justice to the nations     Isaiah 42:1

A description of Jesus..and ideally a description of us.

In Luke’s gospel  Jesus describes a servant and their many responsibilities. One of the things Jesus stresses is that they will be “Dressed for Service.” When I think of being dressed for service I think of a uniform. Remembering back the first uniform many of us wore was probably if we were involved in scouting. Cub Scouts, Brownies, Camp Fire Girls. I think back on my first Cub Scout uniform and how I couldn’t wait to wear it to school. To show that I belonged and that I was ready to serve. It happens when we 1st become followers of Christ.

Jesus also says that as a servant we should be “Well Prepared.” This stated after he has told his disciples that on being a servant you should…”Sell what you have and give to those in need”…by being willing to serve those in need we in turn serve God. He adds by doing this we will “store up treasure in heaven“.  The word “Treasure” in Greek is Thesaurus (which means collection of useful things). A Collection of useful things in Heaven (where God is).

In ancient times you became a servant/slave in basically one of three ways. First, you might be born into servant hood/slavery. If you were a servant/slave and had a child that child became the property of the master according to Jewish Law. Many of us learn to be servants of God by being raised in a Christian Home. Even if that is the case we need to make our own commitment to Christ; as that of our family of origin.

Secondly, many servants/slaves of that time were actually “indentured” due to debt or obligations and were required to work to pay off or meet those obligations It is especially here we see what Jesus was speaking of in serving him. The Apostle Paul told the Corinthian Church.

For he who was a slave when he was called by the LORD is the LORD’s freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. You were bought at a price   1 Corinthians 7:22-23

In our relationship with Christ he cancels our debt to The World/Sin (Frees Us) from things such as Fear, Substance Abuse, Worry, Sin. He then calls us to likewise serve him by helping to free others.

The last primary way of becoming a servant/slave was as a consolation of war. The Roman Empire found this especially beneficial for implanting their culture within a people group. However, we as servants of Christ (through his victory over Sin & Death), no longer have to fight that battle. He has won our independence.

In this story, I am also reminded of farming (not that I have a lot of first-hand experience). I do know that it  begins with a lot of work preparing the soil, then planting the crops, then…Waiting. It appears that the more you plant…the more you wait…on God. The same is with the church. Ministries even within our own church. We plant and we wait…as we continue to serve God.

Jesus talks about the many different roles of an effective servant. One of the first he mentions is “Watching & Waiting.” He says: “There will be special favor for those who are ready and waiting for His (Masters) return.” In our everyday life is inviting in and anticipating The Holy Spirit.(That is definitely special favor).

It’s also important to be Prayerful as we serve God and serving others. We know that Paul told the Ephesian church “to pray on all occasions, all kinds of prayers.” This is where we find the power that only comes from God and remember it is ultimately Him that we serve.

We also need to remember to be “On Guard” when serving God. Discerning the truth and listen to His voice as we serve others in places such as the Food Pantry and  Visitation.

Jesus warns that we need to be resolve. “He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. You must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” We need to be ready to serve Him at all times regardless of our own personal circumstances. Especially in The Darkness. If we remember the darkest hours of our lives.

Are we available to serve him? Worship Him? Is that how he is getting our attention?

There many rewards for being effective Servant. How effective are we at Waiting on God? Waiting on Others???

As effective servants we have to know that ultimately it is God who provides…Everything. Jesus tells John in his Revelation

Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends.      Revelations 3:19-20

We usually don’t think of The Master sharing a meal with one of His Servants. That is one way where Jesus is very different. That is one of the ultimate of all rewards. To sit down and share a meal with Jesus— Intimate encounter

I am reminded in Jesus ministry of the times in which he shared this experience with some of his servants. With Zacchaeus as he tells him despite what you have done in your life come down & serve me…for I’m coming to Your House TODAY!

Then there was the Last Supper in the Upper Room with Jesus followers. Before that meal he washed the feet of everyone there as a sign & example of what it means to serve and wait on one another.

Then after Jesus resurrection He traveled to a place called Emmaus where he shared a meal with those two pilgrims who had not yet learned the lesson of serving or waiting until the very moment that Jesus broke the bread that day.

Finally we see throughout the gospels the ultimate reward of serving Christ is the relationship & praise from Jesus himself. In fact Jesus said in Matthew’s gospel of the reward that awaits effective servant hood. He said:

The master was full of praise. Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!   Matthew 25:21

Jesus celebrates with us as we Wait on him and Wait on one another.

In whatever the task He has called you today. Let the voice of Christ say to you. “Well Done…Good and Faithful Servant.”

The Beatles: WAIT

In case anyone was wondering; Robin and I always suspected we had Faith. Now we are sure. You see we  just inherited Robin’s brother’s Golden Retriever named “Faith.” She is actually a very sweet dog with a great disposition. I know that somehow there is a message in this for us. We know about the Grace of God  and yet we have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Grace (Karis) of Chris and Becky (our granddaughter who is due within the next couple of weeks).

Maybe it is just a reminder from God based on Hebrews 11; the very first verse.

What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see.