I was asked a good question today at church as we looked at and talked about the Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount. The question had to do with the beatitude in Matthew 5:5 ~ Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.
The question came up, what it means to be meek. There was discussion of the meaning of the word and I looked in my Bible and saw that it had been translated humble. After some dicsussion I said that it is what it said in the Greek and that to argue that point would be something that would have to be taken up other places. Well my answer was a little quick, even though my bible translated the word that way, (which I think is a good and appropriate translation) and Vines also translates one of the meanings of the word as humility.
That said, I thought I would do a posting today related to this Beatitude. Let’s think about this saying by Jesus which in some ways was meant to shock the hearer, but to also challenge us, as does the rest of the Sermon on the Mount to take our faith and our walk a little more seriously.
Taking the Sermon on the Mount seriously and applying its content was as difficult for the people hearing it during Jesus time as it is now. It is intended, some would say, to challenge us in our walk with God. Part of the sermon is to challenge us to live out the concepts of the teachings and laws of the Old Testament and to be as much like Jesus as humanly possible. I don’t believe as some theologian’s do that the Sermon on the Mount is not for us, or that it isn’t intended to be taken literally. I believe God inspired both Luke and Matthew to record the sermon, it was placed in the Bible, and the concepts of it, while difficult, are possible to live by, with practice and a submissive spirit. That said, let’s look at the word meek a little more.
The following is taken from Vines Dictionary of the Bible and uses the Strong’s Concordance of the Bible in looking at the Greek definition.
Meek, Meekness: an earlier form, denotes "meekness." In its use in Scripture, in which it has a fuller, deeper significance than in nonscriptural Greek writings, it consists not in a person's "outward behavior only; nor yet in his relations to his fellow-men; as little in his mere natural disposition. Rather it is an inwrought grace of the soul; and the exercises of it are first and chiefly towards God. It is that temper of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting; it is closely linked with the word tapeinophrosune [humility], and follows directly upon it, Eph 4:2; Col 3:12; cp. the adjectives in the Sept. of Zep 3:12, "meek and lowly;" . . . it is only the humble heart which is also the meek, and which, as such, does not fight against God and more or less struggle and contend with Him. This meekness, however, being first of all a meekness before God, is also such in the face of men, even of evil men, out of a sense that these, with the insults and injuries which they may inflict, are permitted and employed by Him for the chastening and purifying of His elect" (Trench, Syn. xlii). In Gal 5:23 it is associated with enkrateia, "self-control."
The meaning of prautes "is not readily expressed in English, for the terms meekness, mildness, commonly used, suggest weakness and pusillanimity to a greater or less extent, whereas prautes does nothing of the kind. Nevertheless, it is difficult to find a rendering less open to objection than 'meekness'; 'gentleness' has been suggested, but as prautes describes a condition of mind and heart, and as 'gentleness' is appropriate rather to actions, this word is no better than that used in both English Versions. It must be clearly understood, therefore, that the meekness manifested by the Lord and commended to the believer is the fruit of power. The common assumption is that when a man is meek it is because he cannot help himself; but the Lord was 'meek' because he had the infinite resources of God at His command. Described negatively, meekness is the opposite to self-assertiveness and self-interest; it is equanimity of spirit that is neither elated nor cast down, simply because it is not occupied with self at all.
"In 2Cr 10:1 the Apostle appeals to the 'meekness . . . of Christ.' Christians are charged to show 'all meekness toward all men,' Tts 3:2, for meekness becomes 'God's elect,' Col 3:12. To this virtue the 'man of God' is urged; he is to 'follow after meekness' for his own sake, 1Ti 6:11 (the best texts have No. 2 here, however), and in his service, and more especially in his dealings with the 'ignorant and erring,' he is to exhibit 'a spirit of meekness,' 1Cr 4:21; Gal 6:1; even 'they that oppose themselves' are to be corrected in meekness, 2Ti 2:25. James exhorts his 'beloved brethren' to 'receive with the meekness the implanted word,' 1:21. Peter enjoins 'meekness' in setting forth the grounds of the Christian hope, 3:15." * [* From Notes on Galatians, by Hogg and Vine, pp. 294, 295.]
In some additional study of the word meek I was somewhat surprised at the teachings and beliefs that I came across. For example, this passage is considered by many as the "gateway of nonviolence taught by Jesus." This is especially true when looking at translations outside of the English. The sense of humility, gentleness and more are looked at in some detail here. In Spanish translations we see the translation of “los mansos,” meaning mild, in French we see “doux,” meaning sweetness. Even in German we see various translations such as Luther’s “Sanftmutigen,” which means sweet, and the ecumenical translation of “Einheits Bibel,” which translates to those who do not act with violence and are in fact, non violent. Even the English translation of the word “praius,” which generally translates to “the gentle.”
It is easy to see why some take the position they do regarding the concept of being meek. It is also easy to understand why some struggle with the concepts presented by Jesus, both here and in other areas of The Sermon on the Mount.
As I stated in church this morning, I am not telling people how to think, or what to think, I am just challenging them to think. For those of us who call ourselves followers of Jesus, we must take seriously the teachings of Jesus. We cannot, we must not, come to the conclusion we want regarding Jesus’ teachings, in fact, we should, we must, try to understand and accept Jesus’ teachings for what they are.
Dr. Margaret Dorgan states: “’Blessed are the meek.’ In English, the word meek derives from the Anglo-Saxon and carries an aspect of timidity. Actually, the Greek word used by Matthew is meant to convey gentleness, humility, a level of courtesy and considerateness in dealing with others. It does not signify a kind of cowardly or submissive surrender.
We live in a competitive world. We are encouraged to forge ahead even at the cost of wounded relationships. Jesus has a very different message. “Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart.” And where will His lesson lead us? “Your souls will find rest.” (Mt 11:29). The heart of Jesus wants to help us establish our own hearts in a peace that surpasses human understanding. We don't give up responsibility to improve the circumstances in which we find ourselves. No, we forge ahead with energy. But the meekness which Christ urges would keep power under control. “Speak gently and respectfully,” the First Epistle of Peter advises us (3:16).
Anger is easily aroused when we are disappointed in the outcome of events. Sometimes we too readily find a target for our rage by blaming other people. Then we give up what Jesus has promised. We do not inherit the land of Matthew's beatitude. Instead we lose territory as anger grounds us in the boundaries of a self-centered certitude. Alas, blessedness has given way to an unhappy isolation we have brought upon ourselves.
Peter's epistle tells us to leave this imprisonment holding us captive in such a small space. “Be like-minded, sympathetic, loving toward one another, kindly disposed and humble. Do not return insult for insult. Return a blessing instead” (1Pt 3: 8,9).
The meekness Christ helps us develop, results in a calm appraisal of events. We weigh them carefully and see where a gentle spirit might bring about some degree of improvement for everyone involved. Injustice is not condoned; we struggle to help the oppressed. That is how we spread the blessedness Jesus gives us as our inheritance. “May the Lord bless you more and more. May you be blessed by the Lord Who made heaven and earth” (Ps 115:14, 15).”
As I stated earlier, I am not here to tell you what to think, just to think. I don’t have the answers, in fact, the only answer I have is Jesus. I do know this though, God, through His Holy Spirit can challenge each of us as to the truth of his word if we will but open up our hearts and minds, and admit we don’t know it all, and approach it with a spirit and attitude of openness.
When we approach what I call hard passages of the Bible, and the Sermon on the Mount certainly falls into that category, with an attitude of being open to doing what God calls us to, we can, and will receive the blessings God has for us. Those blessings are a free gift, but we have to take seriously the need to change behavior that needs to be changed, even when that behavior challenges us to live and be different than what we are used to. That said, what do you think Jesus meant when he stated, “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.”?
I think I looked harder for this video than any video I have ever looked for. While it isn't perfect, it still gets the point across. I hope you enjoy it and get something out of it. Just click on the video, if the video don't appear, just click on the link:
Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew P.O. Box 17731 Wichita, KS 67217
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
Today, worship will be at the end of the service, but we do want to start out with a new band that has started up here at Mosaic. The name of the new band at Mosaic is Broken Pieces, Mary Jane, Garrett, and Angel will be playing guitar and doing vocals, Chris is on percussion. I will be playing bass and helping with vocals. The name Broken Pieces comes from the concept of a Mosaic is made up of broken pieces. Hopefully we will continue to practice and do more of the worship service in the future, until then, here is a song that is an illustration for todays service, titled, Whatever Happened to Love.
Whatever happened to love? Whatever happened to caring for each other? What happened to building up instead of tearing down? Whatever happened to, whatever happened to love?
You say you love me you say that you care Come on now punk I got brains beneath my hair I know what’s a happenin I know what’s real You talkin at my back with all kinds of zeal.
You say this and you say that, Expect me to believe you well that’s just phat Who do I believe? Well you’re not one, You’re just pretendin to have God’s son. You say you know me sayin it’s not true Just answer me this if you dare to.
Whatever happened to love? …. (Repeat 1st Stanza)
Jesus came and then Jesus died It’s because of him that we won’t be fried. He don’t ask all that much of us Just love him and others and not make a fuss.
Sometimes we talk sometimes we pretend But that won’t hack it in the very end You say you love me show me that it’s true Come on now show me by the things you do.
You don’t like a hearin what I say Well just answer me this rhyme right now today.
Whatever happened to love? …. (Repeat 1st Stanza)
A friend of mine, a pioneer in Jesus Music named Barry DeFleron wrote the original song Whatever Happened to Love. I use the chorus from that song here, but I wrote the verse and bridge as well as did the arrangement. There is a long story there but I will simply say that many times it is easy for us to conveniently quit loving. I don’t know how many times I have heard people say in a variety of situations, I just don’t love you any more. I am grateful that the love of God, the love provided by Jesus don’t quit on us, don’t change for us. But our actions don’t always show and mirror the love of Jesus.
I would ask, what kind of excuses do we make to not show others love? Do we ever say things like: ‘I don’t have the time?’ ‘You don’t understand what they did to me.’ Or, ‘Well brother I love them but you know I can only do so much.’?
Today we are going to do more of an expository message where we are going to look at Scripture, talk about it some and then go on to the next scripture. I want to look at the passage in the Bible 1st John Chapter 3.
1st John 3 makes it clear: A child of God is to love one another in word and in deed. Let’s look at what the passage says in the first three verses.
1 John 3: 1-3 Think how much the Father loves us. He loves us so much that he lets us be called his children, as we truly are. But since the people of this world do not know who Christ is, they don’t know who we are. My dear friends, we are already God’s children, though what we will be hasn’t yet been seen. But we do know when Christ returns, we will be like him, because we will see him as he truly is. This hope makes us keep ourselves holy, just as Christ is holy.
We all need to understand once in Heaven our imperfections will be gone. We will be like Jesus. Here there is an incredible component that I don’t know if most folks understand. You see, God has adopted us as his children. This is an incredible concept that adoptive parents understand, often their children, but others outside of those who have adopted don’t fully understand. Adoption has as a part of its root, a choice, a decision that one makes to accept one as family, as blood.
In my own life, through the adoption of my son I have come to understand this, and I come to understand it more the older I get. Hopefully my son also understands it. I will never forget being told about the reality of getting my son with less than a weeks notice. We had to go do what seemed to be like a test drive to see if we wanted our son. He was less than a month old and we were to meet him and the foster parents at the Adoption Center, Bethany Christian Services in Greenville South Carolina. We went in, held him and in our amazement was told to go talk about it. My wife and I stated we didn’t need to but was encouraged to at least go eat lunch and talk about it.
My wife, Mary Jane and I were across the street at the Burger King for only a few moments and we realized there was nothing to talk about. We knew in our heart of hearts that God was giving us our son. He had been called Jake by the foster parents, and we ended up naming him Nathaniel William Seth, he was ours as much as our daughters was.
It was interesting that during this presentation at church, Nicholas reminded us that in Jewish customs, that a good Jew could denounce their relationship with one of their own children, but once adopting a child, that child was their responsibility for life, no matter what. God has adopted us into his family; we are his no matter what. God has shown us all that much love by taking us, adopting us into his family.
We need to realize that we become like Jesus through life. We will be totally like him once in Heaven. That doesn’t change the fact that we are becoming more and more like Jesus. Heaven and the things that our relationship to God, through adoption, brings us, doesn’t have to wait until we get into Heaven, it in fact can start now.
There is not a lot of insight into what Heaven is like in the Bible. Human language is so limited it can’t even begin to describe Heaven. While that is the case we need to also understand that if we are obedient to Christ and his teachings we will experience glimpses of Heaven.
Now let’s move on and look at the next part of this passage:
Verse 4-8 Everyone who sins breaks God’s law, because sin is the same as breaking God’s law. You know that Christ came to take away sins. He isn’t sinful, and people who stay one in their hearts with him won’t keep on sinning. If they do keep on sinning, they don’t know Christ, and they have never seen him.
Children, don’t be fooled. Anyone who does right is good, just like Christ himself. Anyone who keeps on sinning belongs to the devil. He has sinned from the beginning, but the Son of God came to destroy all that he has done.
We can not continue to practice our sin; we must practice Jesus’ righteousness. This is a part of each of us taking on the nature of Jesus in our relationship and acceptance of him. We must realize that as we become as Jesus that Jesus had no sin, being absent from sin he can advocate on our behalf for our sins. If unwilling to change our practice of sin we must question if we really have relationship and or know God. The truth here is according to that this passage says, if we don’t change, we belong to the devil.
Part of being born again is receipt of the Holy Spirit into our lives. The Holy Spirit will make the desire to continue sinning unacceptable in our lives. Now understand, we continue to sin due to the fact that we are not perfect. The nature of Christ, His seed, His Holy Spirit dwells in us & makes us uncomfortable about it though. We will want to change our behaviors when it comes to doing wrong. If we don’t want to change we again, don’t have a relationship with Jesus.
This is not always easy because it is not in our nature. We have to understand though; the nature of Christ is not the same as ours. There is the story of the scorpion and the frog. A scorpion and a frog needed to cross a body of water, the frog would have no trouble but the scorpion couldn’t swim. It asked the frog to ride on his back across the water, “You’ll sting me and kill me,” the frog replied.
The scorpion emphatically replied, “No I won’t, for to sting you would assure the death of us both.”
Reluctantly the frog agreed to take the scorpion across the water. Halfway across the frog felt the sting of the scorpion. “What have you done?” asked the frog, “now we will both surely die.” The scorpion replied, “I couldn’t help myself, it is in me nature.”
When looking at ones nature we can think about things like the nature of a pig, a dog in heat. Only imagine what characteristics are within our own nature that has to change. Yet, they must change and will change as we take on the nature of Jesus in our life.
When looking at the nature of Christ, we see his nature to hate and abstain from sin. He gives us a new nature where we will take on this same nature, we will not want to sin, we will do our best to abstain from doing the things that displeases God.
Now lets look some more at the passage in 1st John by looking at Verse 9-13, God’s children cannot keep on being sinful. His life-giving power lives in them and makes them his children, so they cannot keep on sinning. You can tell God’s children from the devil’s children, because those who belong to the devil refuse to do right or to love each other.
From the beginning you were told that you must love each other. Don’t be like Cain, who belonged to the devil and murdered his own brother. Why did he murder him? He did it because his brother was good, and he was evil. My friends don’t be surprised if the people of this world hate you.
Our actions indicate to others who belongs to God and who don’t. Our unwillingness to change indicates that we aren’t born again, no matter how many times we have raised our hands or prayed a prayer. Going forward at a crusade doesn’t make you a Christian any more than eating a Big Mac makes you a hamburger.
If you don’t struggle with sin and have a desire to change, you don’t belong to God. Christ gave two commandments. Love the Lord your God will all your heart, soul, mind and strength love your neighbor as yourself. The world will see followers of Jesus or Christians as a goody two shoes, religious fanatic, Jesus Freaks, and more. When this happens be of good cheer, it is one of the marks that the Holy Spirit dwells in us. I firmly believe that righteous behavior and actions make others feel guilty and ultimately they hate us for making them feel that way.
Lets continue now with this passage by looking at verses 14-16 Our love for each other proves that we have gone from death to life. But if you don’t love each other, you are still under the power of death. If you hate each other, you are murderers, and we know that murderers do not have eternal life. We know what love is because Jesus gave his life for us. That’s why we must give our lives for each other.
Loving each other is proof to the world and ourselves that Jesus lives. It is here that many make their mistakes; Christians seem to find reason to justify hate, or to redefine the true meaning of love. On this point, realize, hating is equivalent to murder.
When looking at, and thinking about what love is we need to think about the real example; look at the cross Jesus said, “If you are to be my disciples you must take up your cross and follow me daily.”
This scripture then makes it hard for many. These next verses are among those I call the “Hard Sayings of the Bible.”
Verse 17, 18 If we have all we need and see one of our own people in need, we must have pity on that person, or else we cannot say we love God. Children, you show love for others by truly helping them, not by merely talking about it.
I have a t-shirt I had designed some years ago. It has Furches, Magic with a Message on the front of the t-shirt and on the back it has this passage. I can’t tell you the times I have worn one of those t-shirts and someone would tell me they didn’t know that passage was in the Bible. That says something about the teachings in churches, and the life practices of many who call themselves Christian.
We have to understand, feeling sorry for someone is not love. We can talk the talk, but we have to walk the talk, actions always speak louder than words, and unfortunately on this point, most don’t have the actions to show that they are living out at least this one passage.
How important is it to love, 1st John goes on to give us further instruction in the next set of verses, 19-21 When we love others, we know that we belong to the truth, and we feel at ease in the presence of God. But even if we don’t feel at ease, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything. Dear friends, if we feel at ease in the presence of God, we will have the courage to come near him.
What we do will prove what we believe. Our actions indicate the reality of the relationship we have with Jesus. We have to make sure that those actions are not centered on ourselves but directed towards others through service and love.
If we want an example, remember, Jesus ministry was largely to the poor, and needy. He is the ultimate model of who to follow. If we have trouble knowing what to do, remember, sometimes we can’t trust our own hearts; we deceive ourselves, and others. Our actions are the proof God has changed our heart and that he is greater than our sin.
In wrapping up, lets now look at verses 22-24 He will give us whatever we ask, because we obey him and do what pleases him. God wants us to have faith in his Son Jesus Christ and to love each other. This is also what Jesus taught us to do. If we obey God’s commandments, we will stay one in our hearts with him, and he will stay one with us. The Spirit that he has given us is proof that we are one with him. Now in this passage, understand, verse 22 is often taken way out of context. The key to this principal is that we have to obey God and do what pleases him. This passage is about serving & loving others, not loving & serving ourselves & our own desires. It should be noted, that the more we become like Jesus, the more of the things Jesus wants will become the things we want. This isn’t a passage for claiming cars, homes, money and so forth, it is a passage that is encouraging us to become more like Jesus, and wanting the things Jesus wants.
Jesus is talking to his disciples and followers here remember, he also stated, “If you are to be my disciples you must take up your cross and follow me daily. There is also the need to his restatement as well as the apostles and writers of the New Testament of the great commandment, Jesus is our Lord our God, love him, believe in him, love each other just as he has told us to. When we obey God’s word we live in fellowship with Christ and each other. He is with us and we are with him.
We need to look at ways we can show others love in our own life, but we need to do the same as a church. In the wrestling community there are often people looking for locations to host certain events. I recently let the state coaching certification director know they could use Mosaic. One of the things that surprised many is we were willing to let them use the premises without charge.
I have been thinking about other ways can use the facility to facilitate ministry; one idea is ministry to the poor and needy, homeless, and so forth. Free coffee, food on occasion, and a service of some type to this community is one way of letting others know we really love them, how we love them, how we continue that love has a bearing on how they see Jesus.
Let’s pray; Father help us love, help me love. Lord may those we come into contact with see you through our actions.
Right now I am going to have us take a small break. I want to encourage people, a part of worship is giving, if you are a part of Mosaic, you have a responsibility to help the ministry of the church, if you are reading this and participating on line, you have the responsibility to find a ministry that you can support. It could be a ministry like Mosaic, The Virtual Pew, even Compassion International or some other ministry doing important work. If you are a part of a local congregation or group, support those groups.
Now let’s take some time to relax, spend some time with each other, and if at home or at work, then call a friend or family member and let them know you love them. After that then come on back and we will participate in worship together.
Welcome back, now as we enter into worship, you know a lot of the message requires most of us to change our heart. With that said, here is a great worship song to remind us of this need.
Once we are willing to give up our pride, surrender to the call of God, we realize that we start being with God on a daily basis. Once with God we realize there is no better place to be.
I know some of this sounds crazy today, but we serve a God who can make all things possible, including the possibility of loving others. You know the word Halleluiah means “Praise God.” While in a fun way, this next song is a reminder of the goodness and the joy of praising God. Let’s all have some fun with this one as we reflect on the joy God can bring in our life.
I hope you have all been challenged today to love more, to love The Least, The Lost, and The Last, in fact we are all there, we are all among these population groups in some way or the other.
Father God, thank you for each of the folks who participated in this service in one way or another. I ask with all sincerity your blessings on each of them. Bless their day, bless their life’s, no matter who they are, enemy or friend, may your grace, may your love touch each person. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen!
Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew P.O. Box 17731 Wichita, KS 67217
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
Today I was really blessed that I got to participate with the worship team. I am at heart, a musician and as any other musician will tell you, there is something special about the worship experience when you get to play your instrument. It is for that reason, that I appreciate Brian Hickey and Chris Atherton allowing me to play along today. That said, let’s all think about the words and music in today’s worship time. Join in, sing along, or simply put on the head phones, or turn up the volume and enjoy.
Sometimes I think of how much love I need? I think we are all at that point and we need to realize, I need to realize, that as long as I depend on people I will never have enough, when I depend on God though, my attitude changes.
I know when I hear from others, especially in regards to the struggles I have gone through that God uses you to share your love with me. I know that in reality, this is how we show God that we love him. God loves us through the hands and arms of others. Of course his love is far more perfect than we are, but it is a place where God wants us to be, that is, being his arms, feet, voice, and love.
Let’s pray, Father God, you are enough, you are a God of wonders who has shown each of us how much you love us. Father, let us be instruments of love to show others how much you love them. Thank you for loving us enough to want to use us, let us be satisfied in what you want for us dear God. Thank you for all you have done in my life, in our life, be with us and let us all be grateful for what you have done for us, and what you are going to do through us. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!
Now let’s take that infamous Virtual Pew Coffee Break. Take some time, get a cookie a cup of coffee, and then do what you ought to be doing anyway, give someone a call, tell them you love them. Take some time to let those around you know that you are different in how you live your life, how you live your faith. Then I also want you to remember the need to support some ministry, whether it is a church you belong to, or a ministry that blesses you in one way or another. Then step back up into your pew seat and enjoy the rest of the service. Welcome back! I hope that cup of coffee, or beverage of your choice was good. Some have seen the movie The Water Boy with Adam Sandler. While you may or may not like this movie, you can’t deny the contribution it has made to American Language. In fact there is one saying in the movie that is used in virtually every movie made by Sandler since then. The saying is even in the new movie Bedtime Stories. How many can remember the phrase famous from the movie The Water Boy?
There is a little bit of a difference in the new movie Bedtime Stories, instead of You Can Do It! We hear the phrase from Rob Schneider, “I Can Do It.”
As I look at the message today, I am reminded of the making sure I understand the vision of The Virtual Pew and Mosaic. There has to be a difference in the world view which we have in comparison to other churches, for example last weeks message at Mosaic by Nicholas St. John where he asked the question about the church being a church that sees her people as people made in the image of God, loved by God, and once coming to God, as Saints with freedom and liberty given by God. The Church is a church in reality, seen as saints as opposed to being seen as sinners. It is an attitude thing, an attitude in the reality of what God has made those who choose to follow after Christ.
Mosaic and The Virtual Pew muse see itself as a church that realizes the importance of prayer, not just individual but corporate. It is for certain, that all churches, all Christians, all who have a relationship with Christ will want to build on and grow in their relationship with God, that starts and in some ways, ends with prayer.
Mosaic and The Virtual Pew must see themselves as a church that sees value in getting to know, care for, and love each other. So many churches, so many people who say they are Christians do such a wonderful job of talking about their need for love, yet few actually do a good job of showing love. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it when people show me love, not just tell me about it. In fact, I am kind of tired of all of those, Christian or not, who talk about love, who talk about a God type relationship, but in reality, do nothing to live out the concept. We all struggle with this at times, but realizing that we struggle with this, and then taking the step to be better than this and then actually try to love others by our words and actions is an important step for those who say they love Jesus, want to follow him, and then have relationship with one another.
The Virtual Pew and Mosaic must be a church that understands the value of serving the community in areas of service, justice and power of God. This is an area that we seem to neglect, and then wonder why it is that so few want anything to do with this thing we call church. When we show we care about the struggles others are going through, when we care about social justice and serving the “least of these” then they will know we really do care about them. In fact when we do these things, Jesus went so far as to say it was as if we did it directly “unto me,” Jesus speaking of him. When the church goes out of its way to do these things, then the church is doing what it is supposed to be and followers of Jesus are living the way Christ has commanded them to live.
Mosaic and The Virtual Pew must realize we are a church that realizes we are involved in a war with real consequences, victories, and yes losses. The Bible talks about this being a spiritual war we are involved in. We have to see these daily battles, these daily struggles as battles in that war. We have to realize that there are spiritual things going on around us that are having an impact. If we truly realize the implications of the battles we are involved n then we will desire to not loose any of those battles to Satan and instead want to win them all for God.
Now I realize many won’t like what I am going to say now, but I have found it to be truth. When we recognize the above areas, begin to apply them in our life, we will see Satan attacking our individual lives, the church, our families, and trying to tear the church apart. Satan will have issues with us as followers of Jesus, both as individuals and as a corporate body taken on the causes of Christ. He will attack us, there is no doubt about it but we have to remember, war is not easy, war is not fun, but this war is necessary.
How have you been looking at the difficulties in your life, in the local church, or in the larger Universal Church? When life gets tough, when you don’t think you or the church can do it anymore, remember:
Today I have a long passage from the Bible I want us to look at, it is actually 2 chapters. I want you to take the time to read it, think about the story it is telling and then let’s get ready to move on from there.
Numbers 13, 14 (1) The LORD said to Moses, (2) " Choose a leader from each tribe and send them into Canaan to explore the land I am giving you." (3) So Moses sent twelve tribal leaders from Israel's camp in the Paran Desert (4 -16) with orders to explore the land of Canaan. And here are their names: Shammua son of Zaccur from Reuben, Shaphat son of Hori from Simeon, Caleb son of Jephunneh from Judah, Igal son of Joseph from Issachar, Joshua son of Nun from Ephraim, Palti son of Raphu from Benjamin, Gaddiel son of Sodi from Zebulun, Gaddi son of Susi from Manasseh, Ammiel son of Gemalli from Dan, Sethur son of Michael from Asher, Nahbi son of Vophsi from Naphtali, and Geuel son of Machi from Gad. (17) Before Moses sent them into Canaan, he said: After you go through the Southern Desert of Canaan, continue north into the hill country (18) and find out what those regions are like. Be sure to remember how many people live there, how strong they are, (19 -20) and if they live in open towns or walled cities. See if the land is good for growing crops and find out what kinds of trees grow there. It's time for grapes to ripen, so try to bring back some of the fruit that grows there. (21) The twelve men left to explore Canaan from the Zin Desert in the south all the way to the town of Rehob near Lebo-Hamath in the north. (22) As they went through the Southern Desert, they came to the town of Hebron, which was seven years older than the Egyptian town of Zoan. In Hebron, they saw the three Anakim clans of Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai. (23 -24) When they got to Bunch Valley, they cut off a branch with such a huge bunch of grapes, that it took two men to carry it on a pole. That's why the place was called Bunch Valley. Along with the grapes, they also took back pomegranates and figs. (25) After exploring the land of Canaan forty days, (26) the twelve men returned to Kadesh in the Paran Desert and told Moses, Aaron, and the people what they had seen. They showed them the fruit (27) and said: Look at this fruit! The land we explored is rich with milk and honey. (28) But the people who live there are strong, and their cities are large and walled. We even saw the three Anakim clans. (29) Besides that, the Amalekites live in the Southern Desert; the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites are in the hill country; and the Canaanites live along the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River. (30) Caleb calmed down the crowd and said, “Let’s go and take the land. I know we can do it!" (31) But the other men replied, “Those people are much too strong for us." (32) Then they started spreading rumors and saying, “We won't be able to grow anything in that soil. And the people are like giants. (33) In fact, we saw the Nephilim who are the ancestors of the Anakim. They were so big that we felt as small as grasshoppers."
Numbers 14
(1) After the Israelites heard the report from the twelve men who had explored Canaan, the people cried all night (2) and complained to Moses and Aaron, “We wish we had died in Egypt or somewhere out here in the desert! (3) Is the LORD leading us into Canaan, just to have us killed and our women and children captured? We'd be better off in Egypt." (4) Then they said to one another, “Let’s choose our own leader and go back." (5) Moses and Aaron bowed down to pray in front of the crowd. (6) Joshua and Caleb tore their clothes in sorrow (7) and said: We saw the land ourselves, and it's very good. (8) If we obey the LORD, he will surely give us that land rich with milk and honey. (9) So don't rebel. We have no reason to be afraid of the people who live there. The LORD is on our side, and they won't stand a chance against us! (10) The crowd threatened to stone Moses and Aaron to death. But just then, the LORD appeared in a cloud at the sacred tent. (11) The LORD said to Moses, “I have done great things for these people, and they still reject me by refusing to believe in my power. (12) So they will no longer be my people. I will destroy them, but I will make you the ancestor of a nation even stronger than theirs." (13 -16) Moses replied: With your mighty power you rescued your people from Egypt, so please don't destroy us here in the desert. If you do, the Egyptians will hear about it and tell the people of Canaan. Those Canaanites already know that we are your people, and that we see you face to face. And they have heard how you lead us with a thick cloud during the day and flaming fire at night. But if you kill us, they will claim it was because you weren't powerful enough to lead us into Canaan as you promised. (17) Show us your great power, LORD. You promised (18) that you love to show mercy and kindness. And you said that you are very patient, but that you will punish everyone guilty of doing wrong--not only them but their children and grandchildren as well. (19) You are merciful, and you treat people better than they deserve. So please forgive these people, just as you have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt. (20) Then the LORD said to Moses: In answer to your prayer, I do forgive them. (21) But as surely as I live and my power has no limit, (22 -23) I swear that not one of these Israelites will enter the land I promised to give their ancestors. These people have seen my power in Egypt and in the desert, but they will never see Canaan. They have disobeyed and tested me too many times. (24) But my servant Caleb isn't like the others. So because he has faith in me, I will allow him to cross into Canaan, and his descendants will settle there. (25) Now listen, Moses! The Amalekites and the Canaanites live in the valleys of Canaan. And tomorrow morning, you'll need to turn around and head back into the desert toward the Red Sea. (26) The LORD told Moses and Aaron (27 -28) to give this message to the people of Israel: You sinful people have complained against me too many times! Now I swear by my own life that I will give you exactly what you wanted. (29) You will die right here in the desert, and your dead bodies will cover the ground. You have insulted me, and none of you men who are over twenty years old (30) will enter the land that I solemnly promised to give you as your own--only Caleb and Joshua will go in. (31) You were worried that your own children would be captured. But I, the LORD, will let them enter the land you have rejected. (32) You will die here in the desert! (33) Your children will wander around in this desert forty years, suffering because of your sins, until all of you are dead. (34) I will cruelly punish you every day for the next forty years--one year for each day that the land was explored. (35) You sinful people who ganged up against me will die here in the desert. (36) Ten of the men sent to explore the land had brought back bad news and had made the people complain against the LORD. (37) So he sent a deadly disease that killed those men, (38) but he let Joshua and Caleb live. (39) The people of Israel were very sad after Moses gave them the Lord’s message. (40) So they got up early the next morning and got ready to head toward the hill country of Canaan. They said, “We were wrong to complain about the LORD. Let's go into the land that he promised us." (41) But Moses replied, “You’re disobeying the LORD! Your plan won't work, (42 -43) so don't even try it. The LORD refuses to help you, because you turned your backs on him. The Amalekites and the Canaanites are your enemies, and they will attack and defeat you." (44) But the Israelites ignored Moses and marched toward the hill country, even though the sacred chest and Moses did not go with them. (45) The Amalekites and the Canaanites came down from the hill country, defeated the Israelites, and chased them as far as the town of Hormah.
One of the sad things about this story, is the people didn’t remember that when it came to God, their response should have been:
Many, estimate that millions had gone on the journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. They all had the chance to see the Promised Land, however, only 2 got to go into the land to live. Imagine going on the greatest vacation ever and you only get to look in through the gates. You don’t spend time there, you don’t realize what lays ahead for you, you only take a quick glance.
There were respected leaders selected to scout out the territory in the Bible story above, 12 in all. All of the leaders, plus Moses got to see the Promised Land but didn’t get to go in. Only two, Joshua and Caleb got to go into the Promised Land. They all saw the potential harvest, and the large amount of fruit, but most focused on the obstacles more than they did the potential. Are we like that? I know that I often am, I have to remind myself of the very thing Joshua and Caleb knew:
How do we see things, do we see the positive and potential or do we see the negative and hazards? We have to realize that with God living within us, all things are possible, we have to remember, that greater is he who is in us, than he who is in the world. We have to also remember, that with God, all things are possible. Are we taking what we should know from what the Bible tells us and applying it in our lives? Or are we living in the same ol defeated, making excuses life that provides nothing but misery and heartache? If we want things to be different, we have to act different, a good place to start for those that love Jesus is to realize that because of God living in us, “We can do it!”
Often: when we see or experience the negative we blame people. Remember Satan is our enemy, not people. We tend to get angry, become upset at people, I know it is easy to do, but while those people are responsible for their actions, Satan is enemy, not them, in fact, they are people Jesus loves and wants to provide hope and salvation for.
In the above story out of the Bible notice how Moses, Joshua and Caleb call the people to prayer and then they pray. It was easy to be repentant at the time, but did you notice how the people responded initially when called to prayer? They wanted to stone Moses, Joshua and Caleb. They were not receptive to what these three men of God had to say.
In the process we can see that the Lord honored those who honored him, those who had confidence in him, those who trusted him, despite the difficulties that lay ahead at the time. The nature of God doesn’t change. God wants people to quit making excuses, he wants people to follow through with the vision and purpose he has, that is true for Mosaic, and The Virtual Pew. It is even more importantly true in the lives of the people hearing this, or reading this. God don’t want you giving up on him! He doesn’t want you making excuses, finding fault, quitting on the very thing he has brought into existence. The truth is, sometimes we try to make spiritual excuses to quit the things God has lead us to, we have all been taken to the place God wanted us in a church, in a fellowship or in the life of another, and then backed out, quit at times not realizing the full potential of what God was going to do, we have even been critical of those who led us on the journey, the ones God has given vision and hope to.
Remember as I stated above, the nature of God don’t change. The Lord becomes angry at those that have forgotten what he has done for them. I don’t think God appreciates quitters because quitting shows that there is a lack of faith in the ability of God to do exactly what he said he was going to do. Too many of us quit on loving people, we quit on churches that we think we need to move from, we quit on the heart of being different than the institutional church because we find it easier to join a bigger mega church where we can hide, we can go on and on why we haven’t fulfilled the mission and calling God has on us, but the nature of God don’t change. We should never forget what God has done for us, and what he wants to do through us. Any church, any group that allows one to hide behind the numbers in the sanctuary has forgotten about the fact that God chooses to use people go grow churches, to grow people in their faith. On this point, I don’t hold that God always gets what he wants here, it is a theology that can be quite dangerous, to assume that theology is correct would be to assume that God desires abortions to take place, that God desires for innocent children to be killed by drunk drivers, or deranged husbands. It has to simply be understood, things happen that God don’t desire, we are the instruments of that in that he has given us a free-will to make stupid decisions. Just like those in the story above. There were 12 who went in, 10 who lacked faith in the ability of God to deliver, although they had seen God deliver them time, and time again.
We need to get rid of Murphy’s Law, you know where we are told that something will inevitably go wrong. The law should be for the person who professes faith in Jesus Christ that there is nothing too difficult with Christ.
One of the things to realize is that how we ask a question makes a difference in the results we see, are we asking negatively or positively. Not just in the questions related to what God can do through us, but in the things God wants to do for us. A Recent Army kitchen survey showed that when serving apricots in the military mess hall, that when asking: Wouldn’t want a bowl of apricots would you? 40% said yes. Then when asking the question: Would you like a bowl of apricots? 50% said yes. Notice the improvement with the slightest of change, but then notice that when asked the question: Would you like 1 bowl or 2 bowls of apricots? 50% said 1 bowl, 40% stated 2 bowls only 10% with none. It’s how we ask the question, see the issue. Our attitude, and heart makes a difference. Not only do we have to ask things differently of others, we have to live differently. Some think this is not possible, I say:
We are the ones that determine how we look at things; no one can make us look at things in a negative light if we realize that Christ is the one that can do all things, or even yet, that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. When we quit, when we lack faith in God’s ability, we don’t look like we believe these things, our lives show it, and those that are looking to us for answers see it. What is really sad is the actions we take when we do realize it, it isn’t that much different than those in the story involving Joshua and Caleb. We don’t have the attitude of:
Asking the right questions and responding to what we think is the right answer has to still be done God’s way. I remember a guy who moved into my house in Oklahoma. He was one of three Christians that forgot about Christian obligation while living in that house. He signed a one year lease, and after being there for a short period of time contacted me to tell me that God had called him to another ministry location so would I let him out of the lease agreement. I reminded him, in a loving way of course, that if God had called him to his present job, had moved him to sign a one-year-lease and then called him to another church, that God would provide a way to maintain his financial obligation to pay the rent on the house until the house was rented out to someone else. He didn’t like it, but the truth is, God don’t call people to churches, don’t call them to ministry, don’t call them to be involved with people he loves so much, and then suddenly change his mind and call people someplace else. God delivers, he takes to the place he wants, it is up to us and our response if we enter into the Promised Land.
Notice the people’s response in this story though. After they were confronted in their sin, they want to jump up and do things their way instead of God’s way. They still held on to their selfish desire without listening to and doing the very things God told them. They decided to not listen to Moses in his directives here. We as well have to realize that a good heart, good intent, don’t make things right. We still have to listen to God and a part of listening to God is doing things God’s way. When we make mistakes, we are often given the opportunity to go back and make things right. It has amazed me for a number of years at the churches and people who say they love Jesus are so filled with pride that they won’t do this. They keep on doing things their way and then wonder why it is that it appears as if God is an angry God. God allows us to make mistakes, what ticks him off though is that when we go on in life doing things our way instead of God’s way. On this point, Frank Sinatra was a wonderful singer, but the truth is, the song “I Did It My Way,” is horrible teaching. God only wants us to do it our way, when our way is his way. Being disobedient, not having the faith God wants us to have is not doing it God’s way. When times get tough, when we don’t think we can, when we are having issue we have to address our problems with the attitude.
Now is the place where continued teachings and discussion can take place. Express your thoughts, make your comments, and post your questions and concerns. It was wonderful to hear all of the questions and comments that came about from this, there was a lot of insight from those in the congregation discussion.
I encourage you to really bless God for what he has done with your praise and with your life. Remember that how we live our lives are an ultimate act of worship.
Today in closing, I joy in the opportunity to pray for you.
Dear Lord, thank you for being patient with me. I ask that I can be more faithful, that I will realize I need to stick it out in the things you have called me to. Father forgive me when I fail you, forgive me when I quit or give up, help me, help us all in this area. Now Father God, Creator of the universe, I ask you to bless each of those who have participated in this message. May your Spirit bless and protect them. May your Spirit cause them to ponder this message, apply it and live it. Then God, I also ask that where we have failed, where I have failed, help me get back on track and do the things you would have me do in my walk to serve you. Thank you God, thank you for your love, now be with each of us for the duration of this week, for it is in the name of Jesus I pray, Amen!
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Mike Furches heads up The Virtual Pew, some say, the first Online Church. He speaks nationally on various topics and; is a freelance writer. He has published 2 books titled The Keystone Kid which has received rave reviews and thechildren's book with his late wife Mary Jane, Herald The Angel.. The short film, The Long Walk is also based on the book The Keystone Kid. Mike’s ministry is to those often called The Last, The Lost, and; The Least. Mike has worked with some top music artists and has an active interest in film. He is also an inductee into the International Blues Hall of Fame as a Great Blues Musician from the State of Kansas. He is available for speaking on a various topics. Mike has also been in some capacity as a pastor at various churches over the years. Thus the name Pastor Mike, which is a part of his Blues Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band which has been endorsed by numerous Blues Hall of Fame Members from across the world.
I was asked a good question today at church as we looked at and talked about the Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount. The question had to do with the beatitude in Matthew 5:5 ~ Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.
Meek, Meekness: an earlier form, denotes "meekness." In its use in Scripture, in which it has a fuller, deeper significance than in nonscriptural Greek writings, it consists not in a person's "outward behavior only; nor yet in his relations to his fellow-men; as little in his mere natural disposition. Rather it is an inwrought grace of the soul; and the exercises of it are first and chiefly towards God. It is that temper of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting; it is closely linked with the word tapeinophrosune [humility], and follows directly upon it, Eph 4:2; Col 3:12; cp. the adjectives in the Sept. of Zep 3:12, "meek and lowly;" . . . it is only the humble heart which is also the meek, and which, as such, does not fight against God and more or less struggle and contend with Him. This meekness, however, being first of all a meekness before God, is also such in the face of men, even of evil men, out of a sense that these, with the insults and injuries which they may inflict, are permitted and employed by Him for the chastening and purifying of His elect" (Trench, Syn. xlii). In Gal 5:23 it is associated with enkrateia, "self-control."
In some additional study of the word meek I was somewhat surprised at the teachings and beliefs that I came across. For example, this passage is considered by many as the "gateway of nonviolence taught by Jesus." This is especially true when looking at translations outside of the English. The sense of humility, gentleness and more are looked at in some detail here. In Spanish translations we see the translation of “los mansos,” meaning mild, in French we see “doux,” meaning sweetness. Even in German we see various translations such as Luther’s “Sanftmutigen,” which means sweet, and the ecumenical translation of “Einheits Bibel,” which translates to those who do not act with violence and are in fact, non violent. Even the English translation of the word “praius,” which generally translates to “the gentle.”
As I stated earlier, I am not here to tell you what to think, just to think. I don’t have the answers, in fact, the only answer I have is Jesus. I do know this though, God, through His Holy Spirit can challenge each of us as to the truth of his word if we will but open up our hearts and minds, and admit we don’t know it all, and approach it with a spirit and attitude of openness.
