Everyday Yes #14 --

Sorry for the delay, but time just kind of got away from me yesterday. I slept later than usual and by the time I would have been ready to watch the Sermon and do a blog post, it was just too late in the day. As hard as it may be to believe, a 40 minute or so message can take up to 7 hrs. to blog!! (that's an extreme that's only happened once so far, but the "norm" is 3 1/2 to 4 hrs*. Anyway, here I am on Saturday evening at home on my computer*. I watched the message, took a supper break, and am now ready to present this weeks' "official" message, as opposed to the one from Mike's church in Brattleboro. I didn't technically "have to" blog that one, but I chose to as it had so many elements that were either new or reminiscent of prior experiences in my Christian journey*.

I'll pretty much bet "real money" that any of you parents out there who have kids old enough to talk well enough have been in the car with the family and heard the question, "Are we there yet??" It can be a tough call as to whether that, or "Why??" is the more annoying question... amiright?? ;p Sometimes, if I'd heard the single word one enough times, I would just leave off with saying, "Because God wants it that way." End of discussion. LOL It can be easy to lose patience with our kids in those moments. We've all been there, and I'll be the first to admit that my navigational skills weren't always perfect. But we ask forgiveness and move on, understanding that neither we nor our kids are perfect, and that's okay. The point lies in admitting to our mistakes and doing what we can to learn from them. The themes of today's message are kids and patience; but from Jesus' perspective with the Disciples. Let's turn to Matt. 18:1-5 and see what it says --

Matthew 18:1-5 New International Version

The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven 18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

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Short, sweet, and powerful; kinda reminds you of someone, doesn't it?? LOL JK Seriously though, no one can pack so much love and compassion into fewer words than Jesus. But before we dig too far, our "message bringer" this week was not Pastor Matt or Joe. Not even Nate, it was Andy Needham. He first spoke at CenterPoint back at the end of March (at least that I'm aware of). He and his wife travel around New England offering Ministry assistance and music as the Lord leads. I'll tell you about this week's Missions partners in the footnotes*.

For starters, Andy opened his time by sharing about the unique experience he and his wife had over 4th of July weekend. Apparently for at least 20 yrs now, there has been a group of around 450 Arabic speaking Christians from around New England and the Northeast, who gather in conference every year. This year was the first Andy had caught wind of it, so he was led to attend and see what was going on. They were gathered at a hotel somewhere in Massachusetts. IDK if the location changes or whatnot, but there they were, ignoring national backgrounds and simply gathered in Christ. What an amazing thing to see!! And as someone pointed out as Andy spoke with him; God is always doing at least 10,000 things, but we only see 1 or 2... True story or we most of us probably wouldn't be here*!!

Now, I've grown up in a variety of Churches, and I'm sure at some point, I've either heard it said or even thought it myself that, "I wish today's Church could be like the Early Church was in Acts." I'm sure many of you have heard that same sentiment, right?? But if we think it through a bit, we may not be so sure... I mean, that idea is basically focused on chapters 1-4. They were anticipating the Holy Spirit, He comes, they're filled, they start preaching, "Hey, guys, check it out!! Jesus, The Messiah, has been around, and His ways are sooooo much better than what we've been doing!! We're more loving and compassionate now..." Full of fire and enthusiasm for the Word, yay God!! But what happens in Chapters 5-28?? Uh-oh!! Divisions, persecutions, Paul can't keep a Ministry Partner... Messy, messy, messy... And then we start reading Paul's letters to messy Churches. But you know what else we see as we read it all through?? Persistent faith, trust, and hope for the future God had in store as a result of God's continual faithfulness, earning that trust, and providing hope for the future He was putting into place. God is always working to advance His Plans and Purposes to advance His Kingdom on this Earth.

So instead of looking at the Early Church as an example, we start looking at the Early Followers because, that's got to be better for us as individuals, right?? But we really don't find any improvement there either do we?? Because as humans, nobody is perfect. Not even Jesus' chosen Disciples. But that's another example of God's thinking being higher than ours. I mean, if it were up to some Oversight Committee today to choose The Twelve who would best serve under Jesus, we would look for those we deemed "worthy" by factors like finances, education, intelligence, appearance, spirituality, etc... only the best for Jesus, because after all, He's the best of us and of God, right??* Let's face it, people are "messy" one way or another no matter who you look at. Whether in attitude, appearance, or whatever else, there's none of us "worthy" to serve Jesus. That decision came from God when He chose to offer Salvation from our sins. He had love and compassion for us all because He knew that giving us Free Will would inevitably mess some of us up worse than others. But there was no choice because without it, our "love" for Him would be nothing but coercion, and what He desires from us is genuine, voluntary, companionship. Nothing more, nothing less. So He's left with messy people to shape into the servants He requires them/us to be to the best advantage for His Kingdom. And much like kids, servants come with a plethora of questions and divisions, and "bickering" over favorites...

A thorough exploration of The Gospels will show us that the question of favorites was a common one among the Disciples. There are stories in all 4 books relating to it!! When were they going to understand that God/Jesus doesn't have favorites!! He loves equally and without condition. But we never see Jesus lose His temper with them, do we?? And that's the beauty and hope we can share today. None of our questions take God by surprise or catch Him "off guard". He's never fumbling for an answer or aggravated by the repetition. He lovingly and patiently "steps into" our every question and conflict to show us the answers. It's exactly this kindness and compassion that lead us to repentance. Seriously, where are we going to find a better Savior than Him?? We're not. Because there simply isn't anybody else that can offer the same assurances that God can. And our ONLY access to Him is through Jesus*.

Our 'everyday yes' entails bringing our every question and conflict to Him to solve and/or answer. At this point, Andy shared a brief personal story about a time he worked at a Christian Campground in Southern NH, years ago. He had started there as a teen and worked his way up into the Management levels. He had actually had to train the man who was to become his next boss!! After a while, another man was hired to be on the same level as a peer/co-worker to him. Eventually, the time came to promote someone, and the other guy got the position!! And to top it all off, Andy and his wife were literally headed out the driveway on vacation when he was called into this meeting!! Andy was understandably disturbed by this news!! Not only had he been the one to train his boss, but now his colleague, whom he had also had to train, got the promotion ahead of him!!?? What even was going on there!!?? But he quietly accepted the news and left for vacation. During his time away, he made the realization that it wasn't actually the job itself he really wanted, but the recognition it would bring of a job well done. As we saw last week, God's definitions of "success" are very different from our own. Humans are always about "bigger", "brighter", "better"!! The chart needs to flow up and to the right!! But God's perspective is just the opposite, isn't it?? In His eyes, it's quiet humility that brings true success in life. That quality of subversive love that we talked about a few weeks ago. In this passage above, the Disciples have once again, fallen into the trap of "workplace righteousness". By continually asking, "Who's the greatest??" They were trying to "put themselves forward" suggesting that it might be them, and thus securing the "best seat in the house", as it were. As if any one of them were more deserving in Jesus' eyes than the others.

The lesson we can learn from this today is this -- That proximity to the Kingdom Leader does not guarantee Kingdom priorities. I mean, think about it, no one was closer to Jesus than The Disciples. No one!! And yet what happened?? They were still human beings. They messed up on a regular basis. They were just. like. us. If that in itself doesn't give you hope, then I honestly don't know what to tell you...

But as, Andy observed, Matthew's account shows Jesus' gentlest response of the 4 Gospels. (possibly because he was starting it this time??)* Jesus gives them both admonition and hope in His response. He tells them that, unless they change their thinking and their hearts to that of a child, they would not see the Kingdom of God.

A really great quote by Rusty Osborne was brought out by Andy here -- "Childlike faith is not childish faith. The first resonates with, and embraces the neediness, dependency, and smallness of those who understand their place in the Kingdom of God. The second simply refuses to grow up." Rather perfectly stated, if you ask me. If we look over at 1 Corinthians 14:20, we see where the Apostle Paul is talking to them about the Spiritual Gift of Tongues* and clarifies that when it comes to sin, their faith needs to be childlike, but towards the Gifts, they need to think like adults.

In contrasting Childlike faith and Childish faith there are several different points to explore -

Childlike faith is vulnerable rather than defensive. Andy related an adorable little story here that perfectly illustrates childlike vulnerability. When his son was a Pre-schooler, he had a crush on a little girl in his class. When she rejected him, he came home crying and saying, "She broke my feelings..." :( Now, of course, as a parent, there are at least 3 things going on here. First is the validation of the child's feelings, second the avoidance of laughter in such a turn of phrase, and third, the consolation of the child. But if you look at the core elements here, you see a perfect picture of childlike vulnerability. The vulnerability to feel a wound deeply, yet express it imperfectly but fully. How amazing would it be to always have that level of trust in God that we could bring our every problem to Him like that and know that He has our best interests at heart!? Every attempt we make toward that shows growth in our Spiritual Lives. It is a goal worthy of setting and actively aiming for!! We should be asking ourselves on a regular basis if there are any areas of our faith that we get defensive about and work to fix them.
Childlike faith is trusting rather than skeptical. It's not unreasonable to think that the frequency of the Disciples' "squabbles" stemmed from their lack of trust that Jesus truly had their best interests at heart. In their weak humanity, they fell into the trap of needing an "insurance policy", if you will. They were willing to follow, but only if they had some kind of guarantee of results to their own success. They felt a need to compete for Jesus' love and attention and ensure themselves of "the best seat in the house". Even Salome, supposed* mother of James and John thought like this as evidenced by Matt. 20:20 with the request that her sons sit either side of Jesus in Paradise. Are there any areas of your faith that have a level of skepticism??
Childlike faith doesn't worry about tomorrow. Pretty much, unless a major trip is approaching in the next day or 2, kids are basically content to live in the moment.
Childlike faith doesn't have a mindset of scarcity. Children are Divinely Wired to trust the adults in their lives implicitly. They may be defiant at times, but they're not cynical. Cynicism tends to come with age, but if we can learn to trust in God, then maturity will bring assurance. We won't feel the need, as the Disciples did, to, "stake out" a place at the table because we understand that our seats our freely offered to all of us by God. We will be secure in the knowledge that His Kingdom is best.
Childlike faith seeks help and is glad to receive it while childish faith has delusions of self-sufficiency. Just think about how many times a day a young child asks for help, right?? "Can you tie my shoes??" "Can you get me a snack??" "Teacher, can you show me how do solve this Math problem??"* Children are formed and forged by adults who are invested in their lives. (hopefully lovingly) If we're wise, we will carry this teachable attitude and perspective into adulthood. That's what Jesus meant in His response to the Disciples and it serves equally for a reminder to us today.

Other Religions may require a journey "up the mountain" to reach "Enlightenment" or what have you. Christianity has the God Who "stepped down the mountain" to engage with us and personally invite us to join His Kingdom. I know Whom I have believed*... Who will you chose?? -- God Bless!!

Footnotes --

Blogging is not just a transcription of my notes. It's the personal sharing since my last post, it's composing a "message intro" paragraph, then the message itself with additional insights and "asides" as I go... Then there's the footnotes, music, and pictures!! Trust me, it's not as easy as it may look!! ;p (currently about 3 1/2 hrs in now)...
Saturday night on my computer... I don't want to give the impression that I resent this. By no means!! Honestly, if I weren't in my bedroom typing this, I would be out in the Living Room either watching a movie or prepping for karaoke... LOL (Remember, Jesus associated with "sinners" on a regular basis. I drink once in a while to be social, but never unable to walk home successfully) :) (and sometimes I even sing something faith-based, especially around Christmas) (although Delta Dawn is a standard)
To my newer members, be sure to check out my Personal Intro post for more info on my background.
So, this week's Mission Partners included someone I went to school with and I was sorry to have missed them for having been away. Kevin Bult was 2 yrs. behind me in school. He and his wife have built a growing ministry in Puebla, Mexico, about 2 hrs or so SE of Mexico City, I believe he said. Kevin administrates a Bible Seminary along with both a Boy's and Girl's Home for Mexican orphans, and a local Church. He shared briefly about how these ministries are beginning to intertwine, and all God is doing down there. He told about a man who serves in his Church who was a former street criminal before he finally relented and went to Church with his mother. Kevin and his wife are seeing clear evidence that Mexico is transitioning from a Mission Field to a true Force for Ministry. Praise God!!
God is always doing 10,000 things... I know for a fact that I wouldn't be here without God's intervention. As some of you who either know me personally or have been reading long enough to know, I had a brother who died of SIDS in 1972. Of course, back then it was called Crib Death. My father watched us kids during the day while my mother worked, then he slept for a few hours before working "graveyard shift" at the magazine press company. Long story short, he found my brother and rushed the 2 of us to the hospital... I was only 3 at the time, so I don't remember it. (most likely, I blocked it out) My point is this, my father has since told me that he rescued me more than once from the same situation.
Only access to God is through Jesus -- John 14:6 has Jesus saying, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life... " While it may be true that, "there are many paths to God" in terms of our life/faith journey; there is no other True God to be reached. There were other good men who sought peacefulness and love, and led others in their ways, but none of them were capable of the Sacrifice God provided in Jesus to save us from ourselves and our sins. As mentioned above, others make you "climb the mountain", but only God, through Jesus, stepped "down the mountain".
The idea that Matthew was starting the fight this time was Andy's thought on the situation, we really have no way of knowing for sure.
Gifts of Tongues -- sadly, the Spiritual Gifts are generally avoided at CenterPoint so as not to cause division. I personally embrace them, however.
Salome, "supposed" mother of James and John -- in looking this up, I discovered that's not who she was. Matt. 27:56 suggests that, while there was a Mary who was the mother of James and John, Salome was also present. Here's a link to the article I found -- https://www.biblewise.com/bible_study/characters/salome.php
"Teacher, can you help with this Math problem??" This was me on a regular basis... LOL
"I know Whom I have believed..." 2 Timothy 1:12 (I'll include the song below)