EASTER: EARTHQUAKE

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. (Matthew 28:1-8 ESV)

            On resurrection morning a few women went very early to the burial place of Jesus. He was no longer in a grave and an angel said he was alive. The women reported to the disciples that Jesus had risen from the dead.

            Luke records two disciples going back home to Emmaus in deep discussion later in the day. Why these two chose to leave Jerusalem after hearing a miraculous report is anyone’s guess. Their leader and friend was back alive and they did not stick around. Amazing!

            They told an unrecognized traveler “some women told us Jesus had been raised from the dead.” These confused disciples were debating a report given by some women. If a person refuses to accept the testimony of reliable eyewitnesses the only recourse is pure speculation.

            A conclusion out of the errant Jesus Seminar reads: “The disciples had an experience. They said, ‘Wasn’t it great being around Jesus before they killed Him? You remember those great stories He told? … Just thinking about it makes Him seem almost still here ... Let’s all close our eyes and believe real hard that He’s still here.’”

            The disciples were simple and ordinary people. These were not imaginative minds, writers of drama and creators of art. His followers were the kind of people who could see a crucifixion and not get a queasy stomach. The idea of a physical bodily resurrection is reported by common laborers, not created.

            First century people, like you, believed when someone dies they are dead. Many may consider a resurrection possible someday in the future yet, at the same time, live in everyday reality. Most hope for eternity but also want their world un-rocked by the resurrection of Jesus.

            Is this why Matthew says the earth shook on Resurrection Morning? Luke describes resurrection as a meal on Sunday evening. John has the resurrected Jesus encounter Mary Magdalene in the garden. Yet Matthew sees the resurrection as an earthquake, with a barrier removed and an untroubled angel sitting on the stone.

            The gospel writer introducing the New Testament records an earthquake on only two occasions. The first is the moment Jesus died on the cross. The result was the temple veil rent in two from top to bottom. His death gives everyone access to God.

            The second earthquake is the moment Jesus was resurrected. The aftershock of the cross was a stone rolled away from His tomb. His life provides everyone a relationship with God.

            Seattle regularly experiences tremors and earthquakes. In the spring of 1966 I was attending Queen Anne High School and taking an exam early one morning in an English class. Two students sat at a table in the classroom. The person sharing the table with me occasionally vibrated his legs, sometimes knocking against the desk.

            The table began to move and I was about to ask my classmate to quit knocking the table leg when I noticed the whole room was shaking. The floor was buckling like rolling waves. The experience was exhilarating and exciting.

            Earthquake drills at schools in the Pacific Northwest were as common as fire drills in other places. Throughout my growing up years I experienced several tremors, and they rarely caused alarm. Earthquakes were out of the ordinary but still business as usual.

            Matthew says Resurrection Day was an earthquake. The whole world was shaken, yet no longer business as usual.

The Resurrection is not explained

            People often try to explain the resurrection. Some say Jesus was in a deep, vinegar-laden drugged coma and woke up. Others say the disciples got all worked up in their grief and fantasized the whole thing. Still others say the body was taken while the guards were sleeping.

            You cannot explain the resurrection. The resurrection explains you. The truth about Jesus is seen in the testimony of the dumbfounded disciples. Not one of them expected His resurrection. In one way the disciples probably did not want a resurrection. Death, while regrettable, is at least explainable.

            If Jesus would have stayed in the tomb they could have said, “It was a good campaign while it lasted. We almost got Him elected Messiah but death spoiled everything. We had hoped, yet now it’s time to face the facts. Hey, is anyone interested in getting something to eat?” This is what happens at funerals. We face the facts and go back to the church to eat lunch.

            People are much more comfortable when they can explain something. How does someone handle the resurrection? How do you deal with something when things do not happen as they normally do?

            People live in the tight death grip of the facts. Everyone is encouraged to face the facts. The fact is, all that lives dies. Although a sober thought, some things stay the same. When someone is dead they stay that way. The resurrection cannot be explained with complete satisfaction.

The Resurrection is about God

            Resurrection is not about the resuscitation of a dead body, or the immortality of the human soul, or a divine spark enduring after the body dies. That is Plato, not Jesus.

            The resurrection is not even about the human spirit continuing when the body is placed in the grave. Resurrection is about the One True God. Not a sympathetic but ineffective Good Friend, not some inner experience, but the Lord who creates a way when no way exists, the One who makes war on evil until evil is undone. The resurrection is about the Heavenly Father raising the dead Jesus and clearly revealing He is in charge. The empty tomb is about the Creator designing a new heaven and earth for believers and one day bringing about their resurrection, clothing them in glorified bodies.

            Although mere speculation, could the earthquake angel sitting on the rolled away stone be the same angel shaking Joseph one night with news of Mary carrying a divine child? God did on Resurrection Day by invading the tomb what He did at Christmas in a virgin’s womb. He made a way when there was no way.

            The angel sent to tell Joseph the infant Immanuel was to be named Jesus, could be the same angel telling the women at the tomb, “Do not be afraid. He is not here. He has risen.” The child “God with us” grew up, was crucified, made the earth shake, and is on the move to take back the world.

            On Good Friday the world did all it could do to Jesus. On Resurrection Day God did what He can do to the world and the earth shook.

The Resurrection is witnessed

            A person does not explain the resurrection. It is witnessed. Is this why the risen Savior appeared first to His own disciples? They heard Him teach, saw Him heal and watched as He loved the poor and attacked the rich. They witnessed His arrest by soldiers, His trial by religious and political judges, and His execution by crucifixion.

            Jesus came back first to His disciples because they would be able to recognize the risen Lord as none other than the crucified Jesus. The execution of Jesus was not just an unfortunate distortion and falsification of truth to a Roman governor. Crucifixion is the inevitable, predictable result of saying the things Jesus said, doing the things Jesus did and being the Savior that Jesus is. The world always treats harshly anyone who threatens business as usual.

            On Resurrection Day God inserted a new fact. The Lord took the cruel cross and made it the means of triumph. He took the worst people could do, all their death-dealing doings, and brought life. The resurrected Jesus picked up a piece of bread, ate it, and His disciples saw the nail prints in His hands. At that moment they discovered the world is about life, not death, and the earth has been shaking ever since.

Resurrection Day

            A devastating earthquake occurred in China in the middle of the last century. As a result a huge boulder was dislodged from a mountain. Behind the rock was a great treasure of wonderful artifacts from a thousand years earlier. A new world suddenly became visible.

            On Resurrection Day the earth shook and the stone was rolled away. The disciples got their first glimpse of a new world, a world where death does not have the last word, a world where injustice will be made right, a world where innocent suffering will be vindicated by the intrusion of a powerful God.

            The women came to the tomb to write another chapter in the story of deaths’ dominion, one more episode of how the good always get it in the end. This is the way life is suppose to end, not with a bang but with a whimper of resignation that death has won. And then the earth heaved, an angel appeared, the stone was rolled away and the soldiers shook.

            The angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid. You’re looking for Jesus? He isn’t here.” Could this same angel have possibly turned to the soldiers and said, “Be afraid!  Everything your world is built upon is being shaken.”

            Nobody at the tomb went back the same way they came. Resurrection Sunday declares the world will never be the same because God has come and shaken everything up.

            Enter your celebration of the resurrected life by proclaiming to one another, “He has risen!” or give the victorious response, “He has risen, indeed!”

[I stood behind a pulpit on Easter for 36 years talking about the resurrection, looking at the greatest event ever told through several windows. The outlines were created and developed from my personal study of Scripture. Yet to get the creative juices flowing, I also developed a discipline of reading what is sometimes referred to as “Sermon Starters.” They helped me gain fresh approaches to telling His story. Occasionally a sermon starter was so exceptional it was more than a starter but the sermon itself. The outline of the article today was too good to make better. I put some of my personality, my writing style and word usage, and a couple of personal observations into the narrative but, generally, the telling of this ageless event was designed by someone else. I wish I knew their name. I would gladly give them credit.]

HOLY WEEK: BETRAYAL

            And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

            While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” (Luke 22:39-53 ESV)

            Palm Sunday begins the final week of Jesus in physical ministry. The first day began with shouts of “Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” A few days later Jesus would be in a garden experiencing extreme agony, dying the next day at a place called The Skull.

            If AD 30 was the year when Jesus was crucified, Good Friday would have been April 7^th.  Sometime around 1:00 AM a distrustful figure led a small group of men into an area located in the depths of the Kidron Valley, just below the Temple mound east of Jerusalem and situated near the accent to the Mount of Olives. The garden was actually an orchard of olive trees.

            The 33 year-old Jesus was coming to the end of His earthly assignment. The proclamation of Good News, the life-changing teachings, and the miraculous signs and wonders would continue through His followers after the Holy Spirit came upon them.

            His time in the garden was a crucial period of intercession. Only a brief moment remained of unrestrained freedom. The occasion for His arrest would soon arrive. The betrayer and conspirators were coming. Time was of essence in preparation for dying.

            All four gospels writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, record the momentous time in Gethsemane. Jim Bishop in the book The Day Christ Died described the scene this way: “To them, he seemed to be immeasurably weary, and this was strange because, only a few minutes ago, he had been expounding to them the last lessons of being missionaries. And he had finished the work with vigor. They fell mute and turned their eyes away because they did not think it was right to look upon the face of the Messiah in weakness and fear…. He doubled his hands into fists and held them against His breast. ‘I am plunged in sorrow,’ he said loudly and bitterly, ‘enough to break my heart!’ The three [closest friends] glanced at him sadly. Jesus looked through the branches at the miniature beauty of a thousand other worlds, and then he glanced once more at the temple, so near across the valley…. ‘Stay here and keep awake,’ he said….”

            The gospel writers indicate they did not stay awake, both physically and spiritually. The three in His inner circle, Peter, James, and John, missed the moment when the Son of God began to feel the countless sins of the world pressed upon His soul.

The contents of the cup

            Jesus made a request while praying. “O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me….” What was this cup and what was in it?

            The cup was the world and in the cup were transgressions, every sin of every person past, present and future. The content of the cup was actually the major cause of His grief that night. The violence of today splashed into the cup. The sexual perversions, the incestuous behaviors and the adulterous immoralities of society fell into the cup. Every slanderous word, every wrongful deed, every debauchery ever imagined became part of the concoction in the cup.

            This was His private ordeal, this was His personal mission. By one solitary act of His will Jesus allowed heaven to stoop to earth in mercy while others slept.

            “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) He took upon Himself every sin you have ever done and will ever do.

            An agony of the soul was part of the price Jesus was paying. He began to feel the stress of the innumerable offenses of every man and woman. Occasionally people think how unbearable their stress is but nothing compares to the stress in this garden scene. The salty sweat on His forehead began to change color, growing redder until even the most blasé onlooker realized it was blood.

            Doctors call this unusual physical phenomenon hematidrosis, caused when unreasonable pressures and anxieties mount layer by layer to the point that a highly sensitized person can no longer bear it. The capillaries dilate so broadly when they come into contact with the sweat glands that they burst. Blood is released with sweat. Not only did the cross and nails awaiting Him cause pain and sorrow in the garden, but also a world in rebellion that He took upon Himself.

The arrival of His betrayer

            Across the dark valley was a stream of oil-lit lamps bobbing and weaving down the pathway and the distant sound of clanging armor. Caiaphas had dispatched his secret service. Soldiers led by a betrayer entered the garden.

            Judas Iscariot, a disciple associated with The Twelve, was the betrayer and the only non-Galilean. The prize he gained that night was 30 pieces of silver, the same price wealthy landowners paid for virtually useless, wounded, and dying slaves. Arrogant religious leaders considered Jesus a nuisance, an insignificant bother, only worth a small token.

            Upon entering the garden Judas hails Jesus with a kiss, a seal of finality. Jesus had approximately 12 hours of earthly life left. By the time the sun peeked above the horizon Jesus would be interrogated and Judas would enter eternal torment. Jesus would die on a crucifying tree and Judas would die on a hanging tree, both on the same day.

What made Judas a betrayer?

            Authors and scriptwriters have ascribed to Judas noble goals and motives. Some fancied Judas a national zealot. Others imagined he was trying to force Jesus to deliver the nation from Roman oppression. A far more plausible answer is he allowed the tempter to capture his mind. He no longer was doing the bidding of Jesus. Judas was physically with Jesus for three years yet yielded to the temptations of humanity and gave his heart over to Satan.

            People can witness the marvelous things Jesus is doing, be closely associated with His mission, even declare His truths, yet refuse Him complete allegiance and end up totally lost. Whenever you allow spiritual slumber to grip your soul and fail to stay fervently awake in prayer and intercession, the threshold of failure can easily be crossed.

            When serving in youth ministry I assisted as a Teen Bible Quiz judge at a Finals Tournament. The coach of one of the strongest teams in the State was extremely sharp. He demonstrated a brilliant mind.

            In one of the matches his team answered a question incorrectly and he contested the Quiz Master’s ruling. The coach approached the Judges’ table to make his appeal. Even with the correct answer in front of the officials, he almost convinced us to give the team the points.

            Ten years later I was invited to speak at a church in the area. Before speaking in the Worship service, I led a Bible discussion in an Adult Sunday School class. A man came into the room wearing old tattered clothes. He seemed unfamiliar to me. I assumed he may have been part of the congregation. He quietly sat with his head down, never looking up.

            The pastor mentioned he was a visitor and asked if he would introduce himself. In his reply he sadly said, “I used to go to church, I even coached a Bible Quiz team, but I left. I am here today because I just felt like visiting a church.”

            At that moment I recognized him. He was the brilliant coach. Afterwards we talked privately. I informed him that I remembered him and asked what happened?  After a long pause he replied, “I don’t know, I just don’t know.”

            We actually do know what happened. The tempter captured his mind at a vulnerable moment.

            While providing leadership at a Bible College I watched students, seemingly surrounded in a spiritual cocoon, become disenchanted with the things of God. Tragically this often happens, yet never without reason.

            Why do such things occur? The answer is partly discovered by examining Judas. He only saw Jesus through prejudicial and prideful eyes.

            Jesus said His kingdom was not of this world. Judas wanted the kingdom to be on earth right away.

            Jesus said He came to bring eternal salvation. Judas wanted Jesus to bring emancipation on earth.

            Jesus said He came to give His life as a ransom. Judas wanted Jesus to live His life as a ruler.

            Judas possibly thought he was doing the right thing, no one knows. This is known: It is very prideful for a person to think they know better than Jesus how to establish God’s kingdom.

            If someone attempts to be a manipulator of Jesus, instead of a follower of Jesus, they are revealing the heart of a Judas. If someone is more enamored with the notoriety of being a member of an elite crowd than walking in absolute obedience to God’s plan, they are in danger of losing their very soul.

            The Good News is about grace and forgiveness on account of Golgotha, but it is reserved only for those who place faith in God and have complete trust in Him.

Deceived

            Deception is usually gradual. That is what killed Judas. He slowly got away from Jesus. He became mesmerized by the trimmings and blinded of the true mission.

            When a person refuses to recognize the suffering Jesus, the journey into deception gains momentum, first an inch than a foot, next a yard and finally a mile. Deception has the terrible ability of causing blindness. Deceived people do not see the lethal punch coming. All deception needs is a small chance and it will take on a nature of its own.

            Are there modern-day examples? Those consuming alcoholic beverages never intend to become a drunk. A drug user never anticipates becoming a dope-head. People deceive themselves into believing they can handle every deadly vice. Deception blinds them from seeing the addictive nature of numerous practices.

            Many look at Judas and think, “That will never happen to me. You won’t find me doing anything so hideous.” If you take your eyes off of Jesus and attribute to Him a lesser mission then betrayal will follow close behind.

A NAIL IN A SURE PLACE

In Memory of Melvin Drews

Intended for his memorial service, snowed-in at the Dallas airport instead!

Isaiah 22:22-23 (KJV) – “And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.  And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father’s house.

            I first met Mel Drews when I came from Marshall, Minnesota to provide oversight at the Assemblies of God church in Spearfish, South Dakota. He was the owner and operator of the KOA Campground in Lead/Deadwood.

             I left Spearfish three years later to serve as Executive Vice President of Trinity Bible College, providing hands-on leadership to the school while the President, Evangelist Lowell Lundstrom, extensively promoted the school to his national audience and gave a clear and concise vision for the campus.

            Part of my responsibilities involved creating the spiritual formation calendar every school year, something I normally did during the summer months. Besides the daily chapel schedule I incorporated a Spiritual Emphasis week in the fall and a Week of Prayer in the winter. The spring included College Days and Graduation Ceremonies.

            In my last year on campus I was praying about whom to invite as a Spiritual Emphasis Week guest speaker and sensed a strong nudging to invite Charles Greenaway. I knew Charles as a successful African missionary and a great Missions speaker but never considered him for spiritual emphasis. Nevertheless the divine prompting would not subside so I extended an invitation and Charles graciously accepted.

            Charles was Irish. He was as tough as nails, a critical component for serving on the African continent during the early years of missions. He had strong convictions, could sometimes be stubborn, and occasionally came across harshly toward others. Yet if you looked deep enough, looked carefully at his heart, you discovered a sensitive man, extremely compassionate.

            When the faculty returned to campus I took a few moments during their orientation to talk about the Bible theme for the academic year and the chapel schedule, including the Spiritual Emphasis week. I mentioned Charles would be speaking. A couple of faculty members knew him very well and privately spoke to me about a concern. They were not sure he was up to the task. I assured them this was an act of obedience on my part to the Holy Spirit. The students ended up benefiting from him in a variety of ways, both in chapel and on campus.

            Charles came and was true to his calling, and character. His messages were powerfully delivered, rich in content and life-changing. The altars were full of young people crying out to God in every service. Those concerned faculty members were amazed.

            Yet occasionally Charles spoke harshly, especially to sound technicians and musicians. If they failed to meet his expectations the reaction was an immediate public rebuke. His occasional gruff demeanor and bluntness was confusing to students, some were hurt and offended. He was not perfect, yet heavenly results were clearly witnessed throughout the week.

            In the final service he read the text from Isaiah quoted above. He told a story about a young missionary who was deathly ill, lying in a small hut at a remote African village. As an Area Director for the continent he immediately set out to find him. Searching and arriving at the village lying deep in the wilds, he located the hut and discovered a young emaciated body lying on a mat. His heart broke for the dying man and wept silently.

            Charles vigilantly stayed with the missionary, consoling him, praying for him, comforting him, loving him. Shortly before dying he looked at Charles and asked, “Do you think I did enough?” Charles assured him that he had. The young missionary left his earthly vessel of clay and entered the loving arms of Jesus.

            Charles looked at the students in the Chapel and said, “He was a nail in a sure place.” There was not dry eye at the altar that evening.

            From the Black Hills of South Dakota and beyond Melvin Drews has left an indelible mark. He was a nail in a sure place.

Dependable

            When we moved to Spearfish the church facility was in need of several repairs and updates. The place had been used extensively for children ministry, showing extensive wear and tear. Classroom walls had cracks and holes, doors did not work properly or close correctly, a few rooms were constructed poorly or left unfinished. Bathrooms and nurseries needed updating and better equipment. I never had to worry about carrying a key for the building. The front doors could easily be jimmied. During the high transits season of the summer months I often wondered who to expect in the building when arriving each morning. I talked with church leaders about the numerous items needing attention. We began to prioritize projects and pray for answers.

            I would occasionally go to the KOA campgrounds and visit with Mel about what would make the facility more presentable and welcoming to guest. Simple repairs got immediate attention. He taught me how to effectively repair holes and cracks in walls, making them disappear. He fixed and adjusted doors. He drew up plans, determined the material costs, and projected the amount of work for larger projects. When funds were available and major jobs became approved he sacrificially gave valuable time for labor, along with his son Alan. He was someone you could count on, a nail in a sure place.

            My father, a railroad engineer, died while my family and I lived in Spearfish. Mel, a collector of railroad memorabilia and models, compassionately came alongside and lovingly provided fatherly advice, when needed.

            After serving at TBC I moved to Chicago. The church in a northwest suburb started doing construction trips to Central and South America. I contacted Mel and asked if he would join us. He personally covered all his expenses, including the additional flight to and from Chicago, and became the team foreman. He even got personal friends and churches to financially donate toward building materials.

            I told other team members I would get them into and out of the country, but at the work site Mel was in charge. Before leaving he gathered information on what equipment we should bring. Upon arrival he talked with the missionary, learned the status of the project, determined what could be accomplished in a week’s time, and oversaw the work. The missionary got maximum performance from the crew. Time was well spent and much work was done under his leadership.

Skillful

            Mel knew the value of a carefully placed nail. He knew how to effectively use a nail for framing, shaping, securing, and strengthening. He was a craftsman, a worker with tools, a designer. He could take a block of wood and turn it into a piece of art.

            Go to a church in southern California and you will see his expert skills. Churches in the Northern Black Hills give testimony of his handiwork. At the Spearfish church the front overhang leading to the sidewalk from the building was designed and built by him with the help of his son. He prepared the framework for new industrial-grade commercial glass doors, securing the facility. The last time I walked into the Lead church I noticed the door trim entering the auditorium and said to myself, “Mel was here!” The mark of excellence is found at entranceways and altars in various places.

            Some may not have known Mel before he had a stroke, years ago. He was as tough as nails, had strong convictions, could occasionally be stubborn, and sometimes appeared harsh. Like all of us he was not perfect.

            He was a man with a low tolerance for mediocrity. The word mediocrity was not even in his vocabulary. He could not and would not settle for inferior workmanship. If it was not going to be done right, if he was not given the freedom to fully apply his expertise, he did not hesitate to emphatically voice his disappointment or not get involved. Some became confused and possibly offended, but if they took time to listen and looked deep inside his heart, they would quickly recognize a sensitive man, desiring to honor God with his very best.

Nail scared hands

            Jesus is the nail in a sure place, paying the price and providing salvation for people bound by sin. Mel loved the Lord very deeply. In some ways he may have better understood the Savior trained as a carpenter. He knew how painful nails can be when puncturing skin. He understood the potential agony caused when nails pierced hands and feet.

            Mel embraced all the promises given by Christ and fully understood what was meant when Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you….” Jesus, the Supreme Construction Manager, has designed and built a place beyond comparison to anything someone can presently comprehend. And with confidence Mel is at that place. (The word confident is the combination of two Latin words cum fide, meaning with faith.) Mel was a man with sincere faith and now abides in a custom-designed, perfectly built, heavenly place.

            Nothing would make Mel happier than for people to take time and affirm their faith in God. If you are a follower of Jesus then celebrate God’s goodness and grace in providing peace, joy and love, as well as an eternal dwelling place.

            If you do not know Jesus, and you know who you are, it is obvious to you, your life does not demonstrate love for God and you are not living the Jesus way – then place faith in God. More than simply convert, become a disciple. More than an impromptu decision, enter a lifelong journey. Genuinely follow Jesus.

            You have an opportunity right now to commit your life to Christ. No one can live a perfect life, yet everyone can live a forgiven life. Instead of walking further away from God, do an about-face and come to Christ. Ask for forgiveness and willfully turnaround. Experience firsthand the fullness and best of abundant life.

            Include yourself in the promise of an eternal dwelling place. According to God’s word a spectacular spot in His presence awaits everyone loving the Lord. Many who personally know you are already abiding in a heavenly home and want to see you there, including Mel. Make the right decision. Talk to God!

HOLY SPIRIT: CONVICTS

“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.” (John 16:7-11 ESV)

            The Holy Spirit, as revealed in John 14-16, enables you to do greater things, helps you live a victorious life; teaches you to reflect Jesus, and testifies about the Lord. 

            When enlightened by the Spirit, led by the Spirit and empowered by the Spirit, you see, hear and touch Jesus. You are better able to genuinely and completely testify of Him to others.

            Another blessing of the Holy Spirit is conviction, which is critical today. To convict means to prove a person guilty, to bring a convincing realization of guilt. Heartfelt conviction includes an element of shame. In a court of law criminals are often proven guilty, yet does this always translate into conviction and shame?

            The Holy Spirit has come to convict the world, yet shameful conviction is hardly witnessed anymore. Society is growing increasingly calloused. Are those following Jesus supposed to take the same shameless posture?

            While living in Chicago I was waiting at O’Hare Airport to pick up a passenger. Back then a person could momentarily wait just outside the baggage claim area but was never allowed to leave a vehicle unattended, under any circumstances. I watched as someone decided to leave their car and go into the terminal. A few moments later a tow truck came by, stopped, and the worker did his job. A young mother was sitting with her baby in another car nearby. As the truck pulled away with the vacated vehicle she laid on the horn and gave the finger, a disgusting action. Only women without shame behave this way.

            On another occasion I was on a city street that was about to revert from four lanes to two. Sitting at a stoplight, the vehicle in the left lane was driven by a woman. The car in the right lane, about to end, was driven by a man. Both anxiously waited for the light to change. When the signal turned green they quickly accelerated but the car driven by the man took the lead. She angrily honked and the man responded with the same crude hand gesture. Only men without shame behave this way.

            Years ago Hurricane Katrina hit the southern coastal area. A sad aspect of the devastation was the area-wide looting that followed. Hurricanes are external catastrophes, looting is inward corruption. One newspaper commentator wrote, “…some people rationalize that it is perfectly acceptable to steal, especially if others are doing it. A corollary of this view is that the thieves have somehow even earned the right to someone else’s property.” 

            Looting comes from a culture without shame. Actions are decided by the crowd. Standards of behavior are no longer established but floating or fluctuating.

            The Holy Spirit has come to awaken those following Jesus when the mindset of a shameless world creeps into the soul. The One who convicts arouses the conscience to sense remorse when godly behavior is forsaken.

            Conviction addresses rebellion and defiance, and those following Jesus are not exempt of slipping into this way of life. Shame should be sensed when the ways and will of God are violated. Sadly, errant attitudes and conduct do not always stop at church doors.

            Jude while writing to believers addresses poor actions: “Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam's error and perished in Korah's rebellion. These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever. It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, ‘Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.’ These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.” (Jude 1:11-16 ESV)

            The Living Bible paraphrases these verses:  “When these men join you at the love feasts of the church, they are evil smears among you, laughing and carrying on, gorging and stuffing themselves without a thought for others. They are like clouds blowing over dry land without giving rain, promising much but producing nothing. They are like fruit trees without any fruit at picking time…. All they leave behind them is shame and disgrace like the dirty form left along the beach by the wild waves. They wander around looking as bright as stars, but ahead of them is the everlasting gloom and darkness….”

            Convincing believers of shameful actions is an important blessing of the Holy Spirit. He convicts concerning sin, righteousness and judgment. Jude demonstrates these behaviors by exemplifying the conduct of three Older Testament people.

Concerning sin – the way of Cain (Genesis 4:3-12)

            Cain and Abel are brothers, the children of Adam and Eve. Abel becomes a keeper of flocks and Cain a tiller of ground. Both decide to bring an offering to God.

            Abel brought the firstlings of the flock. Cain brought some fruit of the ground. Abel brought a life-ending sacrifice, seeking an end to a rebellious nature. Cain brought a life-nourishing donation, wishing to maintain an unruly nature. The Lord recognized Abel’s sacrifice but took little regard for Cain’s donation. Out of a sense of rejection Cain kills his brother.

            The way of Cain defies God and destroys man, the highway of murderous envy and hypocrisy. This roadway becomes easily offended by sacrifice and surrender.

            Cain’s behavior involved selfishness and hatred. His actions opposed a feeling of brotherhood. His leanings were toward violence and cruelty, lashing out with destruction.

            Cain was ruled by a grumbling attitude. He chose to take measures into his own hands. He impulsively craved control, master of his own fate. How many today feel their circumstances are out of their control and allow the situation to haunt them with angry and evil thoughts?

            The issue of control is frequently seen on major expressways in metropolitan cities everywhere, drivers racing to get in front of others. A vehicle signals to change lanes and the car next to them accelerates, refusing to let the other driver take the lead. They must be first, they must dominate. Everything in their life is utter chaos. Having little control over homes and job, they attempt to control the road.

            The issue sometimes raises its ugly head at church. Part of my responsibilities in ministry involved helping congregations and church leaders wrestle through various types of conflict.

            A very likeable man started attending a church and quickly got involved. In minimal time he was selected to become a church leader. He considered the position a place of control more than service.

            An agenda item was being addressed by the Leadership Council. He had little background information and other leaders attempted to give him a clearer picture. It soon became apparent he did not care. He just wanted his own way. He tried to control the discussion in the board room and attempted to achieve his preferred outcome. With lots of distortion he blew the matter way out of proportion. The other members lovingly corrected him and also addressed his shameful behavior.

            Unwilling to accept the board decision he grew increasingly bitter and angry, and sought another avenue of manipulation. The annual church business meeting occurred shortly afterwards and he attempted to sway the members. The congregation accurately saw his argumentative attitude and refused to join him.

            He lost what little self-control was left and grew even bitterer. For the next several weeks he came to church, sat in the last pew sulking.

            Like Cain he demonstrated envy, hypocrisy, selfishness, hatred and cruelty. With a heart raging with scorn he attempted to kill the life out of the church, the body of Christ. If he could not have his way he preferred that brothers and sisters in the Lord not abide in one accord.

            The Holy Spirit convicts followers of Jesus about the way of Cain and exposes inappropriate addictions of control. The right posture is to submit all things to God.

Concerning righteousness – Balaam’s error (Numbers 22-24)

            After forty years of wandering the Israelites were in the final stage of their wilderness journey to the promise land. The king of Moab, after seeing what happened to the Amorites, sought help from a less than honorable cleric. He wanted Balaam to curse the people of God. The spiritualist was warned by the Lord not to be hired by the Moabites. King Balak was unwilling to take no for an answer and upped the ante, increased the benefits. The curse-maker accepted!

            The error of Balaam is a life diverted from righteousness and truth, rushing headlong into wrongful behavior for the sake of reward, motivated by revenue instead of right. Void of godly character he was driven by covetousness. Spirituality became perverted, changing prophet to profit.

            Balaam lived by the impulse of gain. His actions reveal he looked at situations with a mindset of “What’s in it for me!” The issue is connected to power, possessing influence and seeking favoritism.

            How many times has actions been determined by believing might is right? Tragically many carelessly think someone is correct because they have an element of notoriety. The take-charge person often gains a reputation of fame and ends up assuming their ways are always right.

            The Holy Spirit has come to convict followers of Jesus about the error of Balaam and exposes the pride of power. The right posture is humility to the Lord and one another.

Concerning judgment – Korah’s rebellion (Numbers 16:1-35)

            After leaving Egypt an influential leader in the tribe of Levi, along with 250 additional members, questioned the organizational structure God had established for the people. He claimed Moses had no basis for being the only person rendering leadership. Where did he get the exclusive right to establish rules of behavior for everyone? As a Levite, in the same tribe as Moses, he wanted equal standings. He grew discontented.

            The rebellion of Korah is a life having contempt for divine order and appointment, resenting the idea of someone being over them. They are ungrateful with their existing blessings and demand more. They sometimes resort to a self-invented holiness and adopt a form of worship foreign to God. Yet they expect the Lord to still be pleased.

            Korah lived by the impulse of greed. His actions revealed what he had would never be enough. The issue involved authority. He wanted greater influence, maybe even over God.

            Isaiah states God’s ways are normally different then your ways. If God is Lord of your life, He does not have to give an answer to you. He does not have to explain Himself.

            Thinking you are ever worthy of more then what you already have is arrogant. Find contentment in the things He has entrusted to your stewardship. Let God be God of who you are and what you have.

            The Holy Spirit has come to convict followers of Jesus about the rebellion of Korah, to expose a degenerate lust for authority. The right position is serving the Lord in every circumstance.

Remorse

            The Holy Spirit convicts whenever there is a misplaced emphasis on control, power and authority, whenever motivated by grumbling, gain or greed. He brings a sense of shame that restores submission, humility and servitude.

            People manipulate for control, politic for power and demand for authority. The Holy Spirit has come to convict followers of Jesus about such unsavory behavior.
           While abiding in a world without shame the One who Convicts reminds the church whenever rebellion surfaces. He extends a beckoning call to sense remorse and experience renewal.