The woman caught in adultery..

Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” (John 8:10, 11 ESV)

I've been struggling with this passage for a couple of weekes now, mainly because it evokes so much emotion for me. I get so angry at the religious leaders for their treatment of this woman. I get so frustrated by the commentaries I read that get wrapped up in the mystery of what Jesus wrote on the ground. And my heart breaks for this woman who has found her way into such a wretched situation. But as I've reflected and prayed and journaled on this passage, I have been able to peel back all the layers and bring it back to what I believe is the essence of this story. A story of one sinful woman's encounter with Jesus, and I discover that it is story much like mine. I don't know much about how judgment day is going to pan out, but I know that like this woman, there are going to be people who will bring their charges against me and call for my death. They will be just as insistant, just as convinced that they are right in their accusations against me, and like the woman, I will be cowering at the feet of Jesus, waiting for the inevitable first blow. But Jesus said, 'Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.' The question is; why doesn't Jesus condemn her? He alone was without sin, and he alone had the authority to condemn her, but he chose not to. Is the answer that he thought that what she had done wasn't that big a deal? That even though she was certainly guilty, that she doesn't deserve death? But how can we say that, when Jesus is God and he wrote the law that condemns adulterers to death? Did he change his mind? Was he afraid to condemn her? Was he afraid to execute a woman in an occupied country where it was illegal for anyone but the Roman Governer of the region to order executions? But can we really say that Jesus is a man who suffered from fear? The man who slept through storms, walked on water and daily rebuked and humiliated the most respected leaders of the town? Can we say that this man would not do what is right because he was afraid? The truth is, that Jesus took the sin of this woman onto himself and died in her place. Jesus died so she would have the chance to try again, and live a life of love, and not of sin. He suffered and died for her, even though what she had done was disgusting in his eyes. And likewise, when the time comes for me to be judged, no charge will be able to be brought against me, because Jesus has already paid the price for my sins. 

Confusion

And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, “He is a good man,” others said, “No, he is leading the people astray.” John 7:12 ESV

Who is this man Jesus? Where did he come from? Why did some people say he was God and some wanted to kill him? If he was so good, why did he hang around with prostitutes and tax collectors? If he was so bad, why were so many people being healed and saved? Leading up to the time of Jesus’ arrest and execution, the people were becoming more and more divided. And today, not much has changed. Some claim that he is the Son of the only true God. Others than he was simply a good man, who preached a message of love. Still others claim that he was the instigator of centuries of abuse, xenophobia and persecution. There is so much conflicting information about this man that it can feel easier to switch off, especially when life is going well. If you have money in your bank, a family who loves you and food in your fridge, why worry about a guy who lived two thousand years ago? And when everything is falling apart, your marriage, your job, your dreams; who has time to think deep philosophical questions anyway?

There are many, many people who are so much better equipped to answer this question. Books, blogs, sermons are all devoted to answering the question: who is Jesus? And the Bible does the best job of explaining him than any other book can. But I didn’t start following Jesus because of a thorough in-depth study of all the evidence. I started following him because he broke into my life and loved me like no one else had ever loved me. It makes no sense that I worship a broke homeless guy who was killed by his own people. And it is only after coming to faith that I began to add the head faith to my heart faith. I believe Jesus is God, that he came to earth born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed many miracles, was betrayed by one of his best friends, was crucified, buried, and on the third day rose back to life. I believe that believing in him is the only way that this life can make sense, and that in him is the promise of another life that is infinitely better than the one we are living now. I believe that Jesus didn’t just come to earth to tell us that he loves us, but to reveal to us the gravity of our sin, and that the consequences of our sin is real and horrifying, and that only he is able to save us from those consequences. Not because we deserve it, but because he loves us so much that he can’t bear the thought of spending eternity without us by his side. Who is Jesus? He is God. He is love. He is justice and mercy. He is the way, the truth and the light. There will always be confusion and division about who he really is, but there is only one truth, and sooner or later the truth always comes out.

Discipleship matters...

“After this a lot of his disciples left. They no longer wanted to be associated with him. Then Jesus gave the twelve their chance: “Do you also want to leave?” Peter replied, “Master, to whom would we go? You have the words of real life, eternal life. We’ve already committed ourselves, confident that you are the holy one of God.” John 6:66-69

 

Not everyone who encounters Jesus will choose to follow him. Jesus spoke on this fact again and again, but it is still so easy to overlook, especially when we focus all our attention and all our energy into getting people to make that initial commitment. It’s there in the parable of the sower, when only some of the seed falls in good ground and bears fruit, while all the rest is choked by weeds, stolen by the birds, or withered by the sun (Matthew 13:1-23). It’s there in the story of those who call out “Lord, Lord” but not all will be invited into the kingdom (Matthew 7:21). And most tragically, it is there in the life of Judas Iscariot, who followed Jesus for three years, but ultimately betrayed him. In the account of when Jesus calls Peter and his brother away from their fishing business and fish for men, Jesus did not say to them, ‘Accept me as Lord and Saviour’, but he said to them “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19). We have to follow Jesus, not just believe in Him. And we don't go out to change peoples' minds about Jesus, but to make disciples. Even demons believe in Jesus, but it doesn’t change the fact that they are far from Him! James tells us that we need faith AND action (James 2:18). Faith in Jesus is not demonstrated though changed minds, but through changed lives! Romans tells us to “not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2). The fancy pants word for this is 'sanctification' and I love this definition from the Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology:

The generic meaning of sanctification is "the state of proper functioning." To sanctify someone or something is to set that person or thing apart for the use intended by its designer. A pen is "sanctified" when used to write. Eyeglasses are "sanctified" when used to improve sight. In the theological sense, things are sanctified when they are used for the purpose God intends. A human being is sanctified, therefore, when he or she lives according to God's design and purpose.

So to be sanctified is to follow Jesus, live like Jesus, love like Jesus and disciple like Jesus. And that’s a tough ask! Choosing to live your life for God’s purpose is rarely lucrative, pain free, or glamorous. It challenges you every step of the way as you step out from conforming to the world and dying to yourself so you can live for Christ (Philippians 1:21). It’s no wonder that people fall away. I don’t blame them, because it is so hard to wake up every day and decide to try and life God’s way. I want to be lazy, selfish, and chase after what feels good. And honestly, most days that’s the side of my nature that wins out. But for me, I can’t stop chasing after God, no matter how many times I stuff up or how many times I’m tempted to turn my back on Him and take an easier road. But like Peter, my response has always been that I’ve committed myself, and no matter how difficult and unattractive the road ahead looks, I can’t unbelieve the fact that Jesus died for me. Like Peter, I think, ‘To whom would I go?’ because for me there is no other option than Jesus. No matter how disillusioned I get about the state of the world, the suffering I see, attitudes of some who confess themselves to be Christians, how angry or scared I get, I still can’t leave him. I’m not my own anymore, I belong to him. I don’t just believe in Jesus, I follow him. I stumble and grumble along the way, but my path is set before me and I can’t turn back now. And my challenge today is to see others become followers, not just believers, in Jesus, because our whole body was created to serve him, and not just our minds.

The missing piece..

“You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you’ll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me ! And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren’t willing to receive from me the life you say you want. (John 5:39, 40 MSG)

One of my favourite Christian books is The Jesus Storybook Bible, which beautifully retells the story of the bible for young children. I love it because at the end of each story, it explains how the story is all about Jesus, and that these stories are always about Jesus. In the introduction, the author Sally Lloyd-Jones says it like this; "He is like the missing piece in the puzzle - the piece that makes all the other pieces fit together, and suddenly you can see a beautiful picture". And that is exactly what Jesus is saying here. Becuase unless we approach the scriptures with a heart that is seeking Jesus, looking for Jesus, and wanting to learn more about Him, then the words are as empty and lifeless as yesterdays newspaper. We don't read the bible to learn more about ourselves or about people who lived thousands of years ago, but to learn about Jesus. Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of the time because even though they knew thier scriptures back to front, they didn't really know it at all, because they didn't know HIM. You can recite bible verses like a parrot, sing every hymn and worship song till you're blue in the face, and study your bible till the pages fall out, but if it's not bringing you closer to Jesus than it's a waste of time, and it won't save you. The bible is more than just words, it is life! There is life in these words, life-changing, powerful, invigorating, healing, abundant life! And if you're reading scripture it isn't changing you, you're doing it wrong. The bible is a gift, it's a blessing, it's a weapon, it's a bandage, it's a best friend when we need it most.

 I'm challenged today when I rememeber Jesus talking about the scriptures as our daily bread, as I am hopeless at opening my bible everyday and studying the word. But this is such a great analogy because preparing food and eating is something we do every day, because our bodies need it. We don't consider the time it takes us to prepare our meals and eat them as wasted - we prioritise that time, we even schedule our days around our meals, because we know if we don't than our body will quickly deteriorate. And I think what Jesus was getting at is that our spirit is the same. We need spiritual food every day. We need to prioritise the time it takes to prepare our spirit for the Word of God, and consume it daily, otherwise we will start to deteriorate. 

God, please help me to understand how vital your precious word is. Help me to prioritise it, make room for it in my life, and to stop making excuses. And every time I open my bible, may it bring me closer to you, Lord Jesus, and bring me closer to the light. Amen. 

Desperate for love..

Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” (John 4:7 NLT)

This woman had nothing to offer Jesus whatsoever, just brokeness. Five times she married, hoping each tome that this would be the man who would love and care for her, but five times she was disappointed. So desperate and wretched, the man she is living with now won't even marry her. She was completely dependant on a man who neither cared for her or respected her, but she had no where else to go, and no one else to turn to. The women in the village shun her, and the men mock her. She takes to keeping to herself and avoiding being amongst the hussle and bussle of the village, even though it means walking miles outside of the village on her own, just to get some water. One day, there is a man already at the well when she arrives. But he doesn't mock her, or ignore her, he talks to her. Jesus showed this women more compassion and honour in a few minutes than she had even received in her whole life. She had questions about God and religion and life, and he took the time to explain things to her. He didn't brush her off as too far gone to be saved. He dind't give into the fatigue  he was feeling and just stay silent. Jesus took the opportunity to draw this woman close to God. I love the picture of what happens next, when she runs back to the village and tells everyone what had happened to her. I love that this women who had been sneaking out the back door, and trying to go by unnoticed walked straight up to the people who despised her and told them about this man Jesus she had just met. Through this women, that whole village come to believe. Jesus chose her to be the one to carry his message of love and acceptance and forgiveness. I love how God so often choses the most unexpected people to be his messengers. I love how this woman had the courage to respond to what she had experienced and share it with everyone. But most of all I love Jesus' heart for this lonely, wretched woman, who just desperately wanted to be loved. 

This is what I believe..

 

How to love like Jesus...

On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." (John 2:1-5 ESV)

What strikes me most about this chapter is the fact that even though Jesus says no to his mother, she still believes that he will still come through for her. Mary had raised this man from birth, and knew him better than anyone, and here we see a beautiful example of her absolute faith in his character. When I have read this passage in the past, it has often bothered me because it seems like such a trivial little story. John records it as the first of Jesus' miracles, but the other Gospels leave it out, and that makes me wonder, perhaps did they thought it was trivial too? Tonight as I was reading and processing this chapter, it occured to me that for Mary, this was not a trivial matter, and Jesus saw that and responed to it. One of the most beautiful demonstrations of love is when someone can see into your soul and value how important something is to you, even when they don't understand why. We don't know Mary's relationship to the couple at this wedding, and we don't know why this wedding was so important to her, because John doesn't tell us. All he tells us is;

a). the success of this wedding was important to her, and in her view, running out of wine would have ruined it; 

b). that Jesus was not really that concerned with the wedding, and if the wine ran out or not; and 

c). even though the wine situation was of no real importance to Jesus, he still acted and performed the miracle of the water turning into wine. 

At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter WHY this was so important to Mary. The message I receive from this passage today is that love means serving someone in their present need, no matter how trivial, or silly it may seem to you. When you love someone, you value what they value, you care about what they care about, and what bothers them bothers you. When you are too busy judging someone's values and worries, you have no time to love them. Jesus loved his mother, and he cared about what she cared about. I also believe that this moment had a huge impact on Mary, and that this simple miracle was to her a treasured gift of love from her son. My reasoning here is that as I mentioned before, this story does not occur in any of the Gospels excpet John. Why? I think the simple answer is that John loved Mary to way Jesus loved her. At the cross, Jesus spoke to John and gave the care and love of his mother over to him. And I believe that as he spent time with Mary, listening to her and serving her, she would have recounted this story to him, and recounted how much it had meant to her. On hearing this story, John could easily have brushed it off as the ramblings of an old woman, and not included it in his account of Jesus life as too trivial and unimpressive next to the miracles of healing and the like. But John loved Mary like Jesus loved Mary, and he valued what Mary valued and when she recounted this story to him, he was listening so closely that he could hear how much this simple act had meant to her. John not only loved Mary, but he respected and honoured her, and I believe that this is evident in the inclusion of this simple tale in his Gospel. Jesus came to earth to show us how to love, and I believe that this is one of the most beautiful examples of that. 

This is the One!

John pointed him out and called, "This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word." (John1:15 MSG)

There was something about Jesus that stopped people in their tracks. John recognise Jesus as the One as soon as he set eyes on him. Men would leave behind their businesses, families and homes to follow him. Women would fall to the ground and wash his feet with their hair. Those afflicted with various diseases and disabilities would reach out to him, assured that if they just touched him, they would be healed. Children would run up to him, and throw their arms around him. Crowds would follow him, walking for days with no food, just to hear what he had to say. Jesus' very presence seemed to affect change in people. No one who met him could walk away and not be affected. When I was a teenager, I couldn't understand what it was about Jesus that had such an impact on people. I didn't understand why a God would send his son to earth just to die. I went to a catholic high school, and so every time we went to Church I would be confronted by this image of a crucified man, this homeless, broke guy who got on the wrong side of the wrong people, and died an excruciating death. I just didn't get it. I wanted to believe, but how can you have faith in something you don't understand?

One night, I was lying bed, thinking this all over in my mind, and I prayed out into the empty room, 'Jesus, I don't get you. What are you all about?' Jesus answered me that night through a vision, and it changed my heart forever. I had an encounter with Jesus, and like the people he met during his three year ministry, I did not walk away unaffected. In my vision, Jesus and I walked side by side through the desert. We didn't talk, just walked together, but as we walked towards Jerusalem, others joined us and eventually we were part of a huge crowd. As I watched Jesus, I noticed how he interacted with the people around him. He would listen to those who were in pain, and comfort them. He would laugh and joke with others. He would settle disputes and give advice to those who were facing major life decisions. Everyone received his care and attention. No one was left out, missed, or treated as if their needs were less important than anyone else. And he managed it with such ease and humility and love, that it astounded me. I had never met anyone like him, and I was overwhelmed by the sense of potential someone like this could have in the world.

By the time we had reached the city of Jerusalem, the crown was enormous. Everyone was singing, cheering and laughing. There was a feeling of excitement and expectation as we crossed through the city gates and entered the city. But once we were inside the city walls, the mood of the crowd changed. It was no longer a joyful crowd, it was more like a riot. I was being pushed from side to side, lifted off my feet and carried by the sheer force of the crowd. There was no more laughing and singing, but shouting and screaming. The people all around me seemed to be shouting ‘Kill him! Kill him!’ but I couldn't understand what was going on. I could see ahead that soldiers were trying to keep the crowd back, and above them, nailed to a cross, I saw Jesus, and realised that the crowd around me was calling for his death. I was in shock. Why could anyone want to kill this man? How could the people he had loved and led now be screaming for his execution? This man who could do so much for so many people was now dying and it seemed incredibly unjust. As I was being pushed about by the crowd and watching the horror of the crucifixion in front of me, I was overwhelmed by my own insignificance. This man, who was capable of so much was dying, and here I was, with nothing to offer, allowed to keep living. As the frenzy of the crowd increased I began screaming to the soldiers to let him go. And as I became more and more distressed, I eventually screamed out to them, 'take me instead'. 

At that moment, Jesus turn his head, and look into my eyes, with such love and pain that it broke my heart. And I realised, that Jesus had already taken my place. He had chosen to die, so I might live. I finally understood why Jesus had to die. It wasn't because of anything he had done. It wasn't just another random act of cruelty and injustice. It was a deliberate choice on his part to take my place, and pay the price for my sins, so that I could escape the punishment I deserved. After my vision ended, then and there I prayed that I would never forget the sacrifice Jesus made for me, and I would dedicate my life to trying to live a life like Jesus, to try and achieve some part of his mission. 

My faith is not built on a set of rules that I can't keep. It is based on the fact that I have been face to face with the man who gave up his life for me. My faith is not about what I have done, or what people who call themselves Christians have done. My faith is based on what JESUS has done. There is nothing in my life that can prove to you that God exists and that he loves you. And neither can I point to the Church as an example of what God wants from us. All I can do is point people towards Jesus, and hope that they will have the courage to look Jesus in the eyes and realise that he died for them too. 

 

Love is the stuff of life...

My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love. This is the only way we'll know we're living truly, living in God's reality. It's also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves. (1 John 3:18-20 MSG)

Love is not just a four letter word, it is a way of life. Love is active, not passive. We are urged to demonstrate our love for our brothers and sisters through practical means, and not just through good intentions. Love is the stuff of life. God breathed love and life into creation at the beginning of time. It is by love that we have the chance to experience this life. It is by love that God offers us the chance to experience the next life with Him. Love comforts us, and sheilds us from the attacks of the devil. Because we know that God's love for us in unconditional, we can take comfort in His grace when we stuff up. Love allows us to be known by God, and to be open to His comfort and healing. Without love, we close ourselves off to the one person who is able to help us. Love is what brought us to this point, and love is what sustains us in our current trials, and love is what gives us hope for the future. And more astounding, incredible and overwelming that all of this, is that we can love as God loves us. Even though selfishness, weakness, bitterness and foolishness seem to rule our hearts and minds, through the blood of Jesus, we are able to love our brothers and sisters with the same extravagent, over the top, never ceasing, always hopeful love of God. And when we can love others, like God loves us, THAT is when we truly appreciate what it means to be ALIVE in Christ.

Application: 

Which Bible story best demonstrates to you the awesomeness of God's love?

Who is your life needs God to breath life back into their hearts? 

How can you show through your actions and words how powerful the life giving love of God is?

Why are you resistant or hesitant to share the story of God's love with others? 

When are you going to share this story?

You belong...

But you belong. The Holy One anointed you, and you all know it. I haven't been writing this to tell you something you don't know, but to confirm the truth you do know, and to remind you that the truth doesn't breed lies. (1 John 2:20, 21 MSG)

Belonging is more than just a warm fuzzy feeling, it is essential for survival. Human newborns are among the most defenceless creatures on the planet, totally dependant on their parents to meet their basic needs for far longer than most mammals. At the int of birth, the 'love' hormone oxytocin floods the mothers body and bonds her to her baby. That bond is so powerful that despite extreme fatigue, frustration and constant disruptions to normal routine, the mother continues to care for this helpless and puts its needs above her own. Studies have now also found that a similar hormonal change occurs in fathers, likewise bonding them to their child, increasing their protectiveness of their family and decreasing risk taking behaviours. Physical touch has also been shown to be as vital to infant development has nourishment. Harlow's classic study showed that orphaned monkeys spent far greater time attached to a soft, warm 'surrogate' contraption with a fleecy blanket wrapped around it that did not provide nourishment to the similar surrogate with out the fleece that did provide norishment. Harlow observed that the monkeys could go to the nourishment sorrow ate when hungry, but consistently returned to the fleecy surrogate for comfort. A babies turn grow into children, their need for belonging is much greater than their need to be 'good' as any parent ha found when they inadvertently pay more attention to 'bad' behaviour than 'good'. Adolescence is marked by a constant battle for belonging, identity, and how to negotiate peer pressure. Even as adults our need to feel included does not fade. In an experiment where three participants are instructed to throw a ball to each other, and then two of the participants are instructed to exclude the third and just throw the ball between each other, the excluded participants consistently reported feelings of loss, and humiliation, even though rationally they know that it is just a silly game that at the end of the day, means nothing! Being part of a group is a powerful thing. Research has found that people who exercise together, study together or work together, consistently perform better on individual tasks than those who do it alone. God created us with a deep set need to belong. It is not a weakness to need others to support you and encourage you, it is how God made you! We're not designed to be independant, we are designed to be in community, needy and needed. This verse in John is so powerful because it speaks to a deep need in our souls. You belong. Don't listen to the lies Satan whispers into your heart that no-one loves you, that you're an outcast, unlovable, a burden, weird, or that people will always let you down so don't let them in. Don't buy into the lies! The truth is that you belong to God's family, and he will never let you go. Hold onto this truth in your heart - you belong. 

Tidings of comfort and joy...

We saw it, we heard it, and now we're telling you so you can experience it along with us, this experience of communion with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. Our motive for writing is simply this: We want you to enjoy this, too. Your joy will double our joy! (1 John 1:3, 4 MSG)

Tonigt I am convicted that my motivation for sharing the Gospel is so that we can bring joy to others. The truth that we have seen and heard is not purely a message of hope, but a message of great joy! We have the potential to have so much joy in Jesus, but too often it's a gift that as Christians we leave unopened. There are so many things to be joyful about! That our God still loves us even though we put His son to death on the cross! That Jesus is alive! That the Holy Spirit is with us, empowering us and guiding us! That despite constant persecution, the Church continues to grow! That we no longer are chained to our sins! That we can tap into the power of prayer to help and heal people who are in need! That we can share in the incredible gift of new birth, and celebrate when someone gives themselves to Christ. Last night I focused on the negative aspects of the world that burden my soul, but tonight I will dwell on all the wonderous things that God gives us each and every day. The laughter of children, the warmth of the sun, a hug and smile from a friend, music, amazing acts of generosity and courage, weddings and new babies, couples who are celebrating thirty, forty, fifty years together, hot buttered toast, gardens that change with the seasons, family meals and celebrations... so many things to be joyful about. I believe God is a god of joy, and loves to jump, shout, clap, sing and laugh with the love of it, and I believe that He invites us to share in it. So if you are reading this, and perhaps haven't felt joy for a while, take a moment to bring to mind a memory that brings a smile to your face, and hold it in your heart for a few moments. Be blessed!

Waiting, hoping, praying...

The Lord is not slow to fulfil his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 ESV)

Sometimes I get depressed by the state of the world. My heart breaks for those who are starving, abused, unloved, persecuted, grieving, dying or frightened. I try to imagine what God sees when He looks upon this world, and am quickly overwhelmed as I see image after image flash by of death, pain and despair. In my heart I cry out to God, why don't you put an end to this? Why do you keep us waiting for your return? How can you sit there and watch your precious children suffer so greatly? The problem of evil and suffering is not an easy one to wrap our heads around, and I don't for one minute want to suggest that this is a simple, neat explanation, but this passage from Peter comforts me. God loves us so much that He is waiting, hoping, aching for His children to come back to Him. Because He knows that once He comes again, there will be no more chances, everything that was will be swept away and only those who have been saved by the blood of Jesus will be taken into the new creation God has in store for us. God so desperately wants us all there, so desperately wants to make sure that no one misses out, that He delays so that we might repent and turn back to Him before it is too late. He is the loving parent who continues year after to leave the back door unlocked in case His son or daughter returns home. He is the loving teacher who doesn't give up on a difficult student, but continues to persevere and fight for them and their education. He is groom the that waits for his bride, knowing that if he loves her enough, is patient enough, and gentle enough, then she will let go of her fears and agree to marry him. And so God waits, and hopes, and celebrates with all of heaven every time someone opens their hearts to him, and accepts Jesus into their lives forever.

Leaders are not all made equal...

"But there were also lying prophets among the people then, just as there will be lying religious teachers among you. They'll smuggle in destructive divisions, pitting you against each other—biting the hand of the One who gave them a chance to have their lives back! They've put themselves on a fast downhill slide to destruction, but not before they recruit a crowd of mixed-up followers who can't tell right from wrong. (2 Peter 2:1, 2 MSG)

I believe that one of the greatest oversights of the Church today is thorough biblical teaching on leadership. Like so many aspects of our culture we swing between extremes; those who reject and oppose authority, and those who blindly follow anyone who calls themselves Pastor. Not all leaders who say they follow Jesus are trustworthy. Not all leaders who build up Churches are people of God. Peter is warning his Church that there will always be those in positions of authority who are lyers, and bring destruction with them. They draw the attention away from Jesus and onto themselves. They are divisive and get caught up in debates and conflicts over things that don't matter. And while they will ultimately bring about their own destruction, the cost to the Church may be devestating. I believe that Christians need to keep their eyes and their bibles open. They need to understand what qualities a good leader needs, and to seek our a Church community that has a clear leadership heirarchy. Ultimately, a good leader must first be able to submit to authority and be accountable, before they can be trusted with the responsibility of leadership. For how can anyone teach how to submit and obey, if they themselves are unable to?

So you want to marry my son...

"Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. (2 Peter 1:3 MSG)

I love the simplicity of the Gospel. In a world full of religion and rules and 12 step programs, the Gospel says that only one thing is required; a relationship with Jesus. The message puts it that everything, EVERYTHING, that goes into a life of pleasing God comes through getting to know Jesus. God is a relational God, not a rules God, and His word to us is filled with relational analogies. By far my favourite is when God describes His people as the Bride of Christ. When reading this passage tonight I had an image of a beaming Dad watching on as His son marries the love of His life. Any father who has watched their kids get hitched would identify with this verse. He would say that only one thing is required to please him - love my precious child with all your heart and strength. Dedicate your life to getting to know them deeply and intimately, and learn to love them for who they are, and not for who you want them to be. Jesus came to earth and invited His people to enter into a relationship as intimate and unbreakable as marriage. He died so that it would be possible for Him to love us forever in eternity, and for us to love Him. He died so that when the celebrant calls for anyone who has any reason why these two should not be married to speak, no one can object, because he has paid the price for all our sins! And when Jesus brings his beloved Bride to meet His Dad for the first time, God sees her through the eyes of His Son, perfect, whole and lovely, He requires only one thing from her. Love my son. Love Him for who He is and what He has done, and not for what you can get out of Him. Study Him, learn from Him, listen to Him, and never stop seeking Him. For He is worthy of all our love, and He is more wonderful than we can comprehend.