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YOU CAN LEARN A LOT FROM A BLIND BEGGAR IN 7 SHORT VERSES!
Below is the story of Bartimaeus the Blind Beggar from the gospel of Mark. It is only 7 verses long, but each one of them speaks volumes. Take some quiet time alone with God as you read this story.
- Before you start, ask the Holy Spirit to accompany you in your reading
- Open up your heart and mind to God’s power and cleanse your heart and mind of notions of self-will or previous knowledge
- Come as a blank slate to Jericho with Jesus. Let Him fill you with the story.
- See what you notice … what stands out to you … what words stick with you … can you find yourself in this story … as you walk with Jesus, think about what this story is teaching you.
Mark 10: 46-52
46 They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside.
47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
48 Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
49 Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.”
50 So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.
51 Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.”
52 Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.
Wasn’t that a wonderful experience? Walking with Jesus into the ancient city of Jericho and being by His side when he encounters, heals, and transforms a blind beggar.
I challenge you to read through the story another time of two … really focusing on each word and every scene. See the story playing out in your mind’s eye. Pick up on the scents and the heat and the crowd noise. Look at the face of Bartimaeus – wrinkled with age but glowing with the spirit.
I’ve made a quick list of things that land on my heart and mind and stick with me as I walk through this story with Jesus and the Holy Spirit — see what you think of these insights and questions:
> What must it have been like traveling (walking!) with Jesus through the deserts from Galilee to Jericho, and then on to Jerusalem. Did they travel at night to stay cool? What did they eat? When did they sleep? How dangerous was it? Would I ever consider joining them?
> As you walk with Jesus into the town of Jericho, can you hear Bartimaeus calling out to Jesus? He is calling Jesus by a name you haven’t heard before — “Son of David.” Do you wonder how a blind beggar would know that Jesus is so close? And why would he call Him by this “royal” name?
> Did you notice what Bartimaeus asked for from Jesus when he called out to him — “Mercy!” He wants mercy from Jesus. Isn’t that a good place to start your conversation with Jesus everyday — “Lord, have mercy on me!”
> Do you get the feeling that Bartimaeus might know more about Jesus even though he is blind, than the disciples know about Him even though they have been walking with Him for years? Think about it: the blind shall see!
> The crowd reprimands Bartimaeus to be quiet — to stop yelling out His name. Do you know what that is like? Either way: have you been part of the “crowd” that wants to shush public cries for Jesus (it’s so embarrassing!) — or, have you ever been on the receiving end of those shushes?
> There is this short and beautiful half-verse that says … “Jesus stood still.” Is it when Jesus is still that God is speaking to Him, moving within Him, sending Him the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s like the psalm says: “Be still and know that I am God.” Before Jesus converted this blind beggar, he was still.
> Have you ever missed things … or even people … because you were too busy to be still? Sometimes God puts things right in front of us when we least expect them, and if we’re not capable of being still, we just might miss God. How many times a day do you think that happens to you? Think of the things you may have missed. Think of the people that you may have missed. Do you think you’ve ever been too busy to notice Jesus? I bet He’s never been too busy to be still for you!
> As soon as Jesus asks for Bartimaeus to come to Him, the crowd quickly changes its tone and excitedly helps Bartimaeus come. How fickle we can be when it comes to our notions of appropriate and inappropriate, right and wrong, good and bad. Sometimes it takes Jesus Himself to teach us of our misguided and fickle ways of thinking. That’s why starting with a blank slate is so important when reading scripture — otherwise we just “use” the words to affirm our own prejudices and biases. That might make us feel better, but it’s not the purpose of scripture!
> Do you think Bartimaeus is excited when Jesus calls him? The story says he threw off his cloak and sprang to his feet! For a blind beggar, the cloak is the most prized article of possession. It’s a blanket at night. It’s a shield from the rain. It’s even a “basket” to hold the alms that are tossed his way. But when it comes to Jesus — it’s expendable! Jesus is everything! Nothing else matters. And by the way — when is the last time that you think Bartimaeus leaped to his feet like that? That may have been a first… and possibly a last. But can you be surprised? Jesus just called him! What would your response be? What is your response today to the call of Jesus?
> I am fascinated by the question that Jesus asks Bartimaeus: “What do you want me to do for you?” Wow — think about it: Bartimaeus is blind … he is poor … he is a beggar … How about starting with all that! But, of course, Jesus already knows that Bartimaeus needs (and wants) something much more than those things fixed. Bartimaeus wants a new life … he wants to be a disciple … he wants to get a restart on a new path. Jesus knows this because deep down inside, it’s what we all want. Oh sure … we may think we’ve got it good … all set … blessed and safe … but Jesus knows us better even if we don’t know ourselves. That question that Jesus asked Bartimaeus is the same question Jesus always asks: “How can I help you today?” And Jesus is always the answer to that question, “What do you want?” Answer: More Jesus! When we start there, we begin a life conversion process that ends up changing everything. Just ask Bartimaeus … or me!
> Bartimaeus responds to Jesus with the only thing he could say: “I want to see again!” Amen … don’t we all? Remember, Bartimaeus was the one who was seeing who Jesus pretty well. He, nobody else, called Him, “Son of David.” He, nobody else, asked Him for the one thing only Jesus could give him — mercy. He, nobody else, threw off his greatest possession and leaped to come to Jesus. Friends — that is what faith looks like in a blind beggar! Bartimaeus doesn’t just want physical sight; he wants to see the world as Jesus sees it — in a whole new way. Like disciples do.
> As soon as Bartimaeus asks, Jesus responds. But He doesn’t tell Bartimaeus that he has his sight back — although he does. Jesus tells Bartimaeus something much more important — “Your faith has made you well.” Jesus knows faith when He sees it — when he feels it — when He senses it. Of all the things that Bartimaeus was, or wasn’t, he was the one thing that Jesus could work with — Bartimaeus was a man of faith. Not just a fan. Not just looking for a miracle or a healing. He wanted to be a disciple. Many people “come to Jesus” looking for the wrong things. To be healed of an illness. To get a better job. To win a game. To be in the “right” crowd. I’m sure many of those people in the Jericho crowd on this particular day were there for some of these reasons, and even more. But not Bartimaeus. He was there to be made a disciple. And that’s exactly what happened!
> From that day on, the life of Bartimaeus was never the same. He was now on “the way.” Everything changed. I wonder if anybody noticed. Scripture doesn’t tell us that. Maybe he kept begging. Maybe he sat in the same spot he had sat in everyday as a blind man. Maybe he still only owned one cloak. Maybe, on the outside, Bartimaeus was still the same, except not physically blind. But on the inside. Bartimaeus was re-born. He was changed from within — transformed from above — a full-fledged disciple. It’s a reminder to be careful when we try to judge people based on what we see with our physical eyesight. Those eyes aren’t capable of seeing a disciple. In fact, those eyes aren’t capable of seeing Jesus either. Just ask the former blind beggar known as Bartimaeus, who knew Jesus when he saw Him, even though he had no physical sight.
I don’t know much … But this is what I can tell you … I was blind, but now I see …
Pastor Bob
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A NOTE TO OUR READERS: A LETTER, APPARENTLY WRITTEN IN — OR NOT — AROUND THE 1ST CENTURY, WAS RECENTLY DISCOVERED IN-BETWEEN THE COUCH CUSHIONS IN A PARSONAGE ON WALNUT STREET IN ARTHUR, ILLINOIS. IT IS BELIEVED — OR NOT — TO BE A LETTER FROM A “PASTOR BOB” TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF VINE STREET CHRITIAN CHURCH OF ARTHUR, ILLINOIS IN THE YEAR OF THEIR EPIPHANY. BELOW IS THAT LETTER.
Family & Friends of Vine Street Christian Church:
In the name of the One Almighty and All Loving God, and in the spirit of God’s One True Son, the Anointed One, the Messiah, and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I wish you the mercy and peace of their infinite longing for your life; May you be blessed beyond imagination by their Word and their Truth –
For you, my dearest sisters and brothers in Christ, I offer this letter of heartfelt notations which might land on your own hearts in the Spirit that is intended, to strengthen and expand your knowledge of God’s presence in your life and of the power of the Holy Spirit that comes to us through Jesus Christ himself, the Son of the Living God:
1 ARTHURIANS 1: 1-7
- This life God has gifted you with is even “more” and “better” than you realize today;
- The “Abundant Life” that Jesus has prepared for us consists of 2 equal parts: the life of the flesh & the life of the Spirit; by integrating these 2 parts of life in your own heart, you can seek and find a peaceful balance within yourselves and a divine harmony with others and all of creation;
- It has been 2000 years since Jesus came and walked with us on this earth; Why isn’t life on earth better?
- How long have you known Jesus as your personal Lord & Savior? Why isn’t your life better than it is?
- We tend to live a mostly (or purely) physical life (life of the flesh) that confines us to a linear view of our life in time and a materialistic view of personal success and happiness.
- As Jesus taught Nicodemus, a spiritual rebirth opens us up to ALL that God has to offer us and gives us the ability to broaden our life so that we can see and receive the “eternal & universal” gifts of God.
- Finally, sisters & brothers, much of what I talk about centers on “Christianity,” denominations, and the institutional church. Probably too much! Because … what is really the most important thing isn’t any of those things, but is instead about YOU, as an individual woman or man of God, and your personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
May blessings abound as you continue to abide by your faith in God and seek more Jesus in your heart,
Pastor Bob
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DEAR FAMILY & FRIENDS OF VSCC: I OFFER SOME THOUGHTS ON WHERE WE ARE AND WHERE WE’RE GOING – By Pastor Bob
Part I: Make It All about God
Last Sunday, I believe, could be a “turning point” day for Vine Street Christian Church, if we let it. We must nurture the spirit and cultivate the soil that is being tilled in our church, and in our own hearts. With all the “digging” going on right now, I think the most important thing for us to do is keep everyone safe and secure within the “boat” – the Jesus boat. If we do that, everything else will take care of itself. The potential for what is beginning to happen in our midst is life- and church- changing. But it must be all about God — God’s plans, God’s timing, and God’s Spirit. Therefore, the most critical decision we have to make as a congregation right now is to let God have this … to relinquish our need for some control and comfort in this … to support each other in a firm and embracing Christ-like manner … and to surrender the need for change on our terms and in our time, and instead let God rule and allow Jesus to be our Lord.
Part II: No Turning Back
This week’s “good News” for me is that I have begun to sense that WE CAN DO THIS! Because GOD IS DOING IT! The call to ministry that I have is to be here, in a small but mighty congregation that is hungry for more Jesus and at least open-minded enough to listen to things that are foolish in the eyes of the world. After more than 2 years, I can tell you that this call is being affirmed by God. And now, today, we are in a tenuous position as a small-town, mainstream, denominational church. You see, normally churches don’t do what we’re doing! Most churches prefer, indeed they even excel in, NOT rocking the boat. The best change is no change. They like to come together once a week in a joyous spirit to receive the good news about themselves and their church, which affirms that they are right where they are supposed to be in God’s eyes. And, as we all know, that is a warm and comforting feeling! And so even now, in our own hearts, we are wondering, why. “Why, for God’s sake, would we do something different?” And the answer to that is in the question: FOR GOD’S SAKE!
Part III: Let’s Think About This …
I know that it’s hard for many of you to see that our church, along with most other American Christian churches, have strayed from the “way of Jesus” over the last century, and way before that. And unless we become willing to put our lives and our church in front of a “Gospel-reflecting mirror,” then we would probably never “see” the gap between where we are today and where Jesus is today.
But the “churches” that are willing to do something like that – to reflect in a serious way about the way of Jesus, and then apply it to their own church – they will become the 21st century Jesus communities. And those “communities” will be the “churches” that redefine the Christian landscape in our land, and join the Jesus movement that is emerging all across the globe in so many shapes and forms. In the glory of their vast diversity, those church communities will all have one thing in common … Jesus Christ and His Gospels in the center of everything. They will come to believe and know that their future is already in the hands of God, and to join God in that kingdom-building mission means to put Jesus above all, Lord of all, in front of everything in their lives … including, significantly, even this wondrous creation we are all part of called “our church.”
Yes, of course, without a doubt, we have a great church today, and our future looks brighter than many others. But though being a “great church” is a wonderful thing, being a “Jesus community” is beyond comparison. I believe God is moving here at Vine Street because we are a great church, poised to take that fateful leap into the unknown to realize all that God has to offer us.
Part IV: It’s Worth It
People of God — Keep the Faith!
What is going on here is too rare and precious to miss, to not be a part of. The 1st century Jesus movement never relied on “bigger is better” theories. Everything Jesus did was “small” and “intimate,” like us. His ministry was mostly one-on-one, and his gatherings were often small groups of neighbors and friends, like us. His whole strategy to change the world started in the hearts of ordinary pilgrims, like us, and in the hearts of whoever else was willing to deny themselves, take up their cross, and commit their remaining time on earth to follow His ways.
When that actually happens in a group of people, large numbers are not necessary; just a small group of dedicated selfless servants banding together to be led by the Holy Spirit. There is no more “abundant life” than that! And life is never the same.
Part V: It’s a Generational Thing
So, you’re thinking: What can we be? Well, here’s where I think we are today: one small but powerful local church that is facing a “turning point” in its life together, and is seeking with God a new way of being church that we can “pay forward” to the young people and children among us, who will then take it to the next level with Jesus. And if you haven’t noticed, our young people and children are already doing that, in their innocence — and it seems completely natural to them! Go ahead – this Sunday ask one of them about the love of Jesus.
As adults, we must learn from them … we must pray to become more like them (as Jesus said) … and then, soon, we will start to look more and more like Jesus in the world today. Just like they do.
Pastor Bob
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JOHN 3:16 – WHAT IT REALLY SAYS
This Sunday we will continue our “Foundations of Scripture” series that began 3 weeks ago with Matthew 25: 31-46, and then took us to The Book of Jonah 2 Sundays ago. I hope you have made time to go back to reflect on those amazing stories of God’s truth!
Since last Sunday was pulpit exchange Sunday, we took a week off from the series. But now we’re back — and this Sunday we’re returning to the New Testament, and specifically, to perhaps the one most popular and cited verses in the entire Bible — John 3:16.
You might have heard it before:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
That’s the NIV (New International Version) translation — one most commonly cited.
But here’s The Message version of the same verse:
This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.
Interesting, isn’t it? You may prefer the NIV translation because it is the one commonly recited, and thus the one we know best. But maybe The Message version says it best! How much does God really love us? Well, Jesus says, let me tell you. This is how much!
Though we often focus on this one specific verse, John 3:16, we also need to understand the context of the entire scene in the 3rd chapter of the Gospel of John. Here’s what’s happening: A well-known religious leader of the Jews named Nicodemus has come to Jesus in the middle of the night to learn more about this Kingdom of God that Jesus has been announcing and explaining. Jesus tells Nicodemus that one must be “born from above” in order to see this Kingdom, and Nicodemus then asks Jesus how could an old man possibly be returned to his mother’s womb in order to be born a second time .
Jesus explains to Nicodemus that this new birth isn’t about being born of the flesh — one must also be born of the spirit. Without both, the flesh and the spirit, Jesus says, one cannot possibly know or understand the Kingdom of God. Then, as Nicodemus is struggling with that notion — Jesus tells him why this is so important: And this is when Jesus recites the verse of John 3:16.
The Kingdom of God, you see, is all about God’s unusual love for the world … and thus, God’s same unusual love for Nicodemus himself. To understand the truth of the Kingdom, we must be born again with the Spirit from above (Holy Spirit) so that we can understand who God really is and why we would want to be re-born in order to access the Kingdom of God.
But then it gets even better! In the very next verse, John 3:17, Jesus tells Nicodemus the mission God is on through this divine love, including sending his Son to be sacrificed for all humanity:
Again –let’s look at the NIV translation first, and then The Message version:
NIV: For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
The Message: God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.
You see, Jesus didn’t come in order to create a new religion that would further divide the world between those who “believe” in Him and those who don’t. John 3:16 is not a tool to help us figure out who is right and who is wrong – or good and bad – or worthy and unworthy – or saved and condemned. John 3:16 is not a spiritual insurance policy for those who say they are “believers” so that they can be assured of their salvation, and assured of others condemnation.
No! That common interpretation of John 3:16, and others like it, completely miss the truth that Jesus is teaching to Nicodemus. Instead of using these words of Jesus to separate us between the saved and damned, Jesus is actually telling us that God sent the Son so that the whole world could be saved — made one — healed – and put right again.
Jesus came so that we all could have the Kingdom of God again — right here and now! This verse is not about who is in and who is out. Jesus is teaching us that we are all in! Through Jesus’s coming to the world and giving up His life for us, He is intending to save the whole world – not just some.
Remember — Jesus is teaching this “new” truth to one of the most religious and devout individuals in his own faith tradition! Clearly — this isn’t just “Good” information — but it is also “News” information. Indeed – this “Good News” is so “new” that many religious and devout people, both then and now, have yet to hear it … much less believe it!
Just to give you a hint of our hang-ups in understanding this new truth — here are 2 common misconceptions we have about this wonderful verse:
1) This teaching is intended to be about YOU! It is PERSONAL! Jesus is teaching this truth to one person – Nicodemus — and it is applicable to all of us — it is universal and eternal. Instead — Christians use this text “corporately” — to define a doctrine of a religious movement that today is called Christianity. If you happen to “believe” in Jesus (can someone please tell me exactly what that means?) then you are saved! As in — one of us! If not — too bad. Eternal damnation for you.
2) Which brings us to another misconception we have about this truth. Christians often project this teaching into the future –as in “the next life” — as in heaven and hell after life on earth. But Jesus’s conception of heaven and hell is in the present — not the future. He wants the Kingdom of Heaven NOW! He doesn’t want you to have to live in hell NOW! This text is not about salvation at some later time — it’s all about your salvation and eternal life right now. Jesus isn’t telling Nicodemus how to stay out of hell when he dies. He’s telling him how to have the Kingdom of God today! For Jesus, Hell, for Jesus, is literal and present — not conceptual and later.
I hope this gives you some grist for the mill – some spiritual food to chew on.
Come to church this Sunday and let’s see where God takes us. It appears we have much to learn about John 3:16 that perhaps we never knew!
God loves the whole world so much!
Pastor Bob
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PASTOR BOB’S NEIGHBORHOOD
Hello everybody. Today we’re going to talk about “good words.”
What “good word” is it that you want to hear from me today?
Do you prefer the word of “Us vs. Them”? It’s such a soothing word, after all, because we are always “us” … and they are always “them.” Its “good” to be on the right side with God, isn’t it? And it’s “bad” to be on the other side. So, do you want me to assure you today that you’re on God’s side … the right side … our side?
Or maybe you prefer the “chosen people” word today. It’s comforting to know that God loves us more because we know the truth. After all, Jesus said, “the truth shall set us free.” And we do know the truth, right? Well, uh, at least we know our truth … and our truth is always right! Would you like me to congratulate you today for your version of the truth?
Then again, maybe it’s a good day for the “Jesus is like us” word. That’s always reassuring! Have you seen his picture lately? I think we might be related, he looks so much like my second cousin, Patrick. The blue eyes. The long blond hair. And the thing I love most … that “America First” button! Would today be a good day to thank God for making Jesus just like us?
Or, perhaps you have your favorite “good words.”
I put “good word” in quotes, because we all have those good words that reassure us of who we are; justify our way of life; clarify our goodness and rightness; and situate us right smack dab in the path of God’s light. Those are really good “good words,” aren’t they?
But there are some other “good words” that we might want to consider. These are the words that come straight from the Good Shepherd. Sometimes these words are not so soothing or comforting. In fact, often these words are challenging and lead us to reflect upon who we really are and how we are living our life.
I wonder if you would like to hear some of those words today.
Hello? Hello? Is there anyone still here?
Oh … hi there … I’m so glad you stuck around! Did you notice how the crowd just got a lot smaller?
So let’s move on. You see, the good words that I will share with you today are special words. Some people call them, “red-letter words.” That means that they are words spoken directly by Jesus himself. And though Jesus didn’t speak English (and He wasn’t American either!), He did have some very important words to share with us about how to live like He did.
Now, I don’t know if that’s something you’re really interested in. I have discovered that many more people say they are, than really are. It seems many people prefer the “good words” like the ones I talked about before: the “Us and Them” words; or the “Chosen People” words; or the “Jesus is like us” words. There are many other versions of these kinds of good words. But they are not “red-letter” words.
Jesus gave us His “good words” because He loves us so much that He doesn’t want us to stay the way we are – He wants us to become more like Him, a little bit each day! Those other good words are nice, but they won’t help us become more like Jesus.
But His “good words” will! These are legit “red-letter” words straight from the mouth of Jesus … directly into your waiting heart. So, if you’re ready for them, spend some time with each of these “good words” this week. Cut these out and tape them to your fridge … and then pick one each day to try to live up to.
If you’re willing to do that, then you’ll find yourself changing … and becoming more like Jesus. And really, that’s all He ever wants from you!
GOOD RED-LETTER WORDS FROM THE GOOD SHEPHERD:
- Love your enemies.
- Do good to those who hate you.
- Bless those who curse you.
- Pray for those who abuse you.
- If anyone steals your coat, give them your shirt as well.
- Give to everyone who begs from you.
- Do not judge others.
- Do not condemn others.
- Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
- Give, give, and give some more – for the measure that you give will be the measure that you get back.
Hope you enjoyed these “good words” — Pastor Bob
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“From the Belly of a Whale”
Have you ever been caught in the belly of a whale? To answer that question accurately, you’ll need to know the context of the story. And this week we will attempt to do just that as continue our “Foundations of Scripture” series that began last week with Matthew 25, and continues this week with The Book of Jonah.
But before you move on to Jonah’s great biblical escapade, let’s not leave Matthew 25 too quickly. Here are some suggestions for the rest of this week:
- Write down or copy the text from Matthew 25: 37-40 (it was printed in last Sunday’s bulletin) and tape it to your refrigerator – so that every time you go fetching for food, you will have another opportunity to read and think about this great lesson from Jesus;
- Write down of copy the text from Matthew 25:40 (it was on the cover of last week’s bulletin) and stick it to your bathroom mirror so that this verse becomes your “memorization verse” for the week – as you stand in front of your mirror you can literally recite it over and over and commit it to memory;
- Grab your “Kind Like Christ” checklist from last Sunday (special thanks to Karaline, Annabelle, McKenna & Ally!) and get to work … for a kinder world. We will have more ‘Kind Like Christ” checklists available this Sunday at church!
Now, let’s get back to that question I started with: Have you ever been caught in the belly of a whale? Literally … almost for sure, NOT! But what about figuratively … metaphorically … almost for sure, YES. Whether you call it “the belly of a whale,” or “between a rock and a hard place,” or “up the river without a paddle” or “rock-bottom,” or, as it was frequently in the Bible, in the fasting in the wilderness or exiled in the desert – we ALL know the experience of Jonah being caught in the belly of a whale.
This Sunday I’m going to the Old Testament for our “Foundations of Scripture” to teach the “simple, but not easy” story of Jonah, God, and Nineveh from the Book of Jonah. The Book of Jonah is only 4 chapters long, but for its size it probably gets more attention than most books of the Bible that are much larger. The main reason: It’s a simple yet entertaining story. if you know anything about the Book of Jonah, you probably know it’s about Jonah in the Belly of the Whale – which makes for a great kid’s story at church (and a really good trunk-or-treat decoration!). It’s also very prevalent in VBS curricula, so almost everyone first learned of this story when they were youngsters.
But even with its simplistic characters and entertaining theme, the story of Jonah makes for strong and hard teaching about who God is and how God shows mercy to all peoples — and also about who we are (Jonah) and how we struggle mightily with the idea that God could care about even the most despicable humans on earth.
Ultimately, this story teaches us that God pursues every single person, and welcomes home any repenting sinner … even you and me … and our worst enemies! As we learn from Jonah, coming to terms with the truth about who God really is, and then putting that into action in our daily life is a most insurmountable challenge … especially without God’s help. On the other hand, with God’s help … anything is possible!
So, we’re not off the hook because it seems so hard! This little “simple, but not easy” story will help us come to terms with what it means to be a servant of God in a world of other masters. And you won’t be surprised to learn — it’s much harder than you might think. Just ask Jonah, who’s famous “last words” are, “I do well to be angry … even unto death!”
That is NOT God’s plan. God’s plan for you is just like it was for Jonah: God wants (needs) you to go to the hard places in order to spread the “Good News” about the redeeming love of God and how, according to God’s plan, we can all live in harmony together, if we’re only willing to trust God.
It’s worth asking, isn’t it?
- “How am I being called by God today to apply the story of Jonah to my life?”
- “What does the story of Jonah teach us about how we as followers of Christ should be responding to our current national and global situations?”
- “Where do the ‘people of God’ stand AND act on issues of oppression, discrimination, and war?”
- “What is justice in the eyes of God?”
- “What does it mean to be a ‘patriot’ and a ‘follower of Christ’? — And is that even possible?”
I’ll meet you in the belly – God’s got some work for us … Pastor <>< Bob
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