Category: Authority - Jethro TOOLS

Darkness & Hope

12/8/2024

Isaiah 8:1-9:2
“Hey! Watch this!” That phrase is the beginning of what turns into a viral internet video. However, it normally does not end well. There is some sort of unspectacular splat into a puddle of sloppy mud. A miss on a throw, or an ungraceful flip that lacked execution leaving the performer in a pile and in pain. In many ways the people of Isaiah’s day had been playing a game of spiritual performance. They may have acted good trying to check the spiritual boxes, but in reality they were far from the mark of pleasing God. In fact Isaiah records the spiritual darkness of the people by describing their lack of trust in God. He says in chapter eight that they sought other sources of spiritual authority and spiritual direction (19-20). Their searching led them to seek other sources to satisfy their spiritual hunger (21). The result is that they have a limited spiritual perspective as all they see is filled with darkness, fear and gloom (22). Their spiritual acrobatics have been pitiful and not worthy of praise from God. They are left stumbling around in their problems and pain. They should have turned to God for help and direction in dealing with the sin in their lives and in their nation. So God hid His face from His people (17) and allowed them to continue in the path of their distrust leading to their despair and destruction. However, out of the darkness of sin that is pictured in Isaiah 8 a new reality of hope is described in chapter 9:1-2. In spite of the people rejecting God for other solutions He offers mercy and grace by offering His hope and salvation found in Jesus. God calls to the sinful world, “Hey! Watch this!” And Jesus was born to give God’s light and hope to all who are lost in the darkness of sin without Him.

For More See ISAIAH or CHRISTMAS

Walk as a Family

5/26/2024

Ephesians 6:1-4
I have an old dog. For those of you who have had old animals, you can relate. This old dog, like others that I have had, has become disinterested in food. I have realized this and have tried to keep her healthy by making her meals more exciting. I am now sprinkling the magical pixie dust of parmesan cheese on her food. Now, every meal is a treat of spaghetti and meatballs. It is funny to watch her apathy at every meal turn into excitement which turns into an appetite, which leads to nutrition and then good health. Similarly, our lives as believers are strengthened by feeding on God’s Word and then excitedly living out the truth through His grace and strength that He provides. That is what Paul wants from the Ephesian believers as he writes to them in Ephesians 6:1-4. Paul first addresses children, challenging them to live obediently toward parents and honor them (1-3). Then he turns his attention to fathers, or more accurately parents by encouraging them in the proper use if their authority within the home (4). Paul desires for his audience to truly be changed by God’s grace so it is displayed in the home and shown as an example to the community. Today, we need to understand that God’s grace changes us at the cross when we believe in Jesus for salvation. God then enables us, through His grace, to live a transformed life with His power by His Spirit. Parents need to understand that the purpose of their parental responsibility is to show God’s transforming grace and not bend children to their will. Children need to understand that their obedience is a sign that God has truly changed them to ultimately honor Him. Like an old dog, our life is renewed by God’s grace and that should excite us, transform us and change our families.

For more see EPHESIANS

The Disciple's Characteristic: Commission

3/5/2023

Deuteronomy 31:1-8
One of the greatest paintings of all time is the work of Michelangelo, on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel located in Rome. This enormous piece of art literally pictures much of the Old Testament from Genesis to the kings and even several prophets. The central part of the ceiling illustrates scenes from creation to the flood, with the central pieces showing God creating Adam and Eve, followed by their fall into sin. The main character is God, and Michelangelo depicts the human response to God. This is best illustrated by God reaching out to create Adam. This enormous project was commissioned in 1508 and finished in 1512. The contract, in today’s money, paid him approximately $600,000 in gold coins. Today when we think of a commission, we think of a sales person who earns a commission from selling a car; or an artist, like Michelangelo, who is commissioned to paint a picture. However, a commission is more than that. When used in the Bible the giving of a commission involves authority, communication, action, and completion. In Deuteronomy 31 Moses challenges the people (1-6), and commissions Joshua (7-8). Moses wants the people to experience God’s promised land, and Joshua is commissioned to lead the people into the land under God’s authority. A commission is where someone is given the authority by someone greater to complete a task. Joshua is reminded by Moses, that God will go before him and be with him (8). That is God on a mission with His servant. God’s commission for our lives begins with His authority over our lives. We must listen to His Word and respond obediently by seeking to complete His desires. Are we on our own mission? Are we under God’s commission? Are we living a life of omission, refusing to follow? A disciple responds to God’s commission (Matthew 28:18-20).

For more see DEUTERONOMY or DISCIPLESHIP

The Disciple's Clarity

1/15/2023

Matthew 10:24-33
What makes a good job great? Many would answer by saying, higher wages, more time off, and improved benefits. However, the greatest single factor that will help an organization is leadership. Research consistently shows that good leadership will benefit an organization and help retain employees. We like a consistently organized boss that cares about us, and organizes our work by producing everything we need to do the job. We also like to have an orderly work place. None of us will tolerate continual chaos. We live with a desire to be in charge or follow good leaders. This all is the result of being created in God’s image. You see, we were created with an internal sense and desire for order by an orderly God. Our desire for order and clearly defined authority in work is a small redemptive glimpse of our deep desire for God to control our world and our life. The problem is, we may want God’s order and authority, but often do not submit to it. As we examine Matthew 10 we note that Jesus is preparing to send His disciples out on a ministry assignment. He describes to the twelve that they must clearly understand authority as they go (24-33). Why? Jesus makes it clear that when confronted with persecution the disciple must know the truth and imitate Christ (24-25). Secondly, when faced with fears the disciple will be confident in the authority and power of Christ (26-31). Third, the disciple who believes the authority of Christ will speak of Christ (32-33). It is interesting to note that Jesus began this training session by giving the disciples authority as mentioned in verse one. Do we clearly understand Christ’s authority? Do we live by His power and authority, confidently proclaiming His name and greatness? Has Christ truly transformed us?

For more see MATTHEW or DISCIPLESHIP

Submission of Life

9/25/2022

James 4:11-17
The cool morning air caused me to grab a jacket on the way out the door. During my normal morning trail walk with the dog I met one of the regular walkers who smiled and said, “I did not recognize you, but I recognized your dog.” We shared a good laugh and then continued on our separate ways. As I walked away I began to think about what had just been said. As a believer in Jesus Christ, God wants my life to be so in tune with Him and submissively under His control that others see Him first. My conversation reminded me to be submissive to God in all areas of my life so others will see Jesus first before they see me. In the closing part of James chapter four, we are reminded to submit our life to God in two areas that we struggle with even today. The first area is our speech and specifically judging others (11-12). When we judge we demand that others conform to our imperfect standard rather than God’s. In doing so we elevate our selves to be more important than others. However, a life of faith willingly submits to God’s view that we are all sinners in need of God’s perfect correction through His perfect grace. Secondly, James addresses the worldly issue of self sufficiency that seeks to be in control of life (13-16). James helps us see that a life of faith will humbly submit to God who knows all and His perfect plans. Living by what God has made clear is a life submitted to Him and His authority (17). James reminds us that a submissive life lives by faith by trusting God’s authority in what is right in the present and His plans for our future. When others look at us who do they see? Do they see Jesus first?

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Submission of Desires

9/18/2022

James 4:1-10
In a number of combat or wrestling type sports there is a universal term and signal for submission called a “tap out.” This submission is the result of one opponent being placed in a position that chokes them or strains an arm or leg joint. The one under the control of their opponent taps the other person or the floor several times with their hand before further injury is sustained. This tap signals to the referee that they have given up and are submitting the victory to their opponent. As we move into James 4 the emphasis is now on submission to God and not our worldly selfish ways. Our worldly way of thinking tells us to insist on our own way. However, that form of thinking and operation is selfish and lacks faith in God. James opens this chapter by asking his audience about the source of their conflicts (1). He points out that conflict is the result of worldly personal and selfish desires (2-3). Worldliness is a love for the power, possessions, and positions of this world over and above a love for God. James says that a love for the things of the world and a love for God can’t exist together. In saying this he challenges the spiritual unfaithfulness of his audience (4). Thankfully, he does not leave his readers without hope. In verses 7-10 James gives the solution to this conflict. He notes that the selfish condition of worldliness finds its cure only in the grace offered through Jesus Christ and humbly submitting to His authority. Today, our situation is not all that different. It is easy to allow the self-centered attitudes of our world to influence our thoughts and action. We need faith to let God be the authority in our life and the humility to submit. That is what you call a spiritual tap out.

For more see JAMES

Love Mercy: Deliverance for Sinful People

6/19/2022

Micah 4:1-5:15
When we think of Father’s Day our mind goes back to Dad and what he was like. Men are often known as being able to work with their hands. For me, the memories are fond. I remember my father as the one who was able to fix most anything. My fathers hands were used to build our house and make it a home. However, I remember my Dad often working on the family car to keep it running. In the process of trying to keep the car on the road and road worthy he ran into repairs that he knew nothing about. Instead of giving up on the repair Dad went out and bought a repair manual that was designed specifically for that car. I remember him studying the words and absorbing the pictures in order to restore the car to a useful condition. My father sought help from an authoritative source, he did the repair work, and the car became a testimony of what he could do. In Micah 4-5 the prophet offers a message of help and hope to the people. Micah communicates that God is the authoritative source and in the future the people will turn to Him alone for instruction (4:1-5). Micah tells the people that God will accomplish this work through a new king that is yet to be born (5:2-3). The result is that in the future the people will be enabled to live a transformed life because of God’s mercy (5:4-15). The same is true of our relationship with God. He is the authority that does the work and we are to be the living testimony of how He has renewed and restored us to operate as vessels to bring Him honor. Do we love God’s mercy? He alone offers a message of hope that brings transformation.

For more see MICAH

Opportunity for the Faithful

3/27/2022

Revelation 3:7-13
As I walked out of the store I reached in my pocket for my car keys. I froze in fear as I realized the keys were gone. What did I do with them? Then at that moment I looked through the window and saw them dangling from the ignition. Have you ever done that? It may not be car keys, but it may have been house keys that are locked or lost. Fortunately, I had learned a simple trick from my father of carrying a spare key in my wallet. I was able to open the car door and go about the rest of my day. If you hold the keys you have the power and authority to open certain doors and also shut certain doors. In Revelation 3 Jesus presents Himself as the God of all authority to the church of Philadelphia. He alone holds the key and has the ability to open and shut (7). The problem is that in the city of Philadelphia there was a Jewish temple and people who opposed the Christians. They asserted that they had the approval and acceptance of God. What they promoted was false religion that opposes true faith in Christ as savior. This false group asserted their practice over the truth that Christ alone provides salvation. Jesus tells the church of Philadelphia that because of their faithfulness they have an opportunity to be a witness to those that oppose them and teach falsehood (8). God will bring those from the false teaching in the synagogue to the point of repentance from sin and worship of Jesus as the only savior (9). Like the church of Philadelphia we have the opportunity to present the truth of Jesus to those who do not know the truth that Jesus. He is the only savior who provides the only way to gain forgiveness of sin and eternal salvation. Who have you told about Jesus recently?

For more see REVELATION

Tolerating Corruption in the Church

3/13/2022

Revelation 2:18-29
When it was built the old shed was fine, but over the years it gradually fell into decay because it lacked a solid foundation. Having been built right on the ground the floor supports began to rot. I needed a shed, and this building was on the property. I would save a lot of time if I could salvage the foundation. So I went to work and jacked up the building and placed concrete blocks on the ground and good wood on top of the concrete to support the shed. The end result was a revitalized building that is still in use today all because it has a solid foundation. In many ways, I believe that our life can be illustrated by that shed. We need to understand the solid foundation of God’s word so the corruption of the world will not cause our spiritual life to slowly rot away. This was the problem of the church in Thaytira. They did not practice spiritual discernment and slowly fell into decay. Simply put, they tolerated the moral compromise of a sinful woman as leader in the church (20-23). Jesus encouraged those who were faithful (19) to persuade them to continue being faithful (25). Like Thyatira, we need to be discerning about spiritual authority. We need to discern that what is taught follows the authority of scripture. We need to be discerning in our own lives and follow God’s authority. Finally, we need to discern that God is the sole authority in the church. A title and a position that lack the support of God and His word will not provide an example of God’s transformative power or teaching for spiritual change. A church that lacks discernment and discerning people will be a place ripe for the rottenness of sin and decay. Our foundation must be based on Christ and nothing else.

For more see REVELATION

God's Victory

11/7/2021

Exodus 14:23-31
The movie Ford v Ferrari, that was released in 2019, tells a story from 1966 of the 24 Hours of LeMans. This is an endurance car race that takes place for 24 hours in the French city of LeMans each year. For years Italian automaker Ferrari, had dominated this racing circuit. However, in the 1960’s US automakers began to respond to the demand for faster and sportier cars. They believed that winning car races was one way to prove to the buying public that their car brand was faster. Ford Motor Company set out to do just that in the 24 Hours of LeMans. To make a long story short Ford built a car that accomplished their goal and Ferrari was soundly defeated at Lemans. In much the same way God displayed His authority and completely destroyed the Egyptian army in Exodus 14. Pharaoh’s army persisted in pursuing Moses and the Israelites (23-25), but God caused confusion and chaos and their final calamity. God displayed His power over nature by holding the water in place for the Israelites and then caused it to return to its place covering the Egyptian army (26-28). God delivered His people (29-31). Israel saw the soldiers that they once feared now lifeless and they believed God (31). The lessons for us today are clear. God will not allow any power to thwart His purpose or destroy His plan. He will use any means necessary to display His greatness and gain His victory. God’s goal is to display His power to gain His honor and our commitment to follow Him alone. Do we really believe that He alone is the all powerful God? Let us believe God always and live by faith as we follow Him each day.

For more see FEAR, FAITH & FOLLOWING

Swallowed Because of Grace

9/27/2020

Jonah 1
There are two types of fish stories. First there are the exaggerated ones where in the excitement of retelling the story of the great catch of a giant fish some times the facts get stretched. Somehow fish gain size and the battle of pulling the fish in gains time and effort. Then there are the real stories like the one where a fish gobbled my lure and took off down stream. I tried running downstream but he fish was faster. I tried reeling in but the fish was more powerful. The fishing reel screamed and the fish and my lure disappeared. In the book of Jonah we see a true fish story. As we pick up the story in Jonah chapter 1 we see the prophet Jonah disobey the direct command of God and attempt to run from God. Jonah finds that it is impossible to outrun God. In this initial scene we see that God desires to show His grace to a sinful city, a group of pagan sailors and one of His wayward servants. The chapter ends with the fish getting the man, not the man getting the fish. God used His authority to halt Jonah and his running and saved his life by providing a fish to swallow him. God uses His authority to display His grace. Are you running from God and life seems to be falling apart? Stop and allow God to swallow you with His grace.

For more see JONAH