The Prophet’s Calling; the Messiah’s Mission

Pro Clarity of Purpose

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David…that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days… Luke 1:68-69; 74-75

Zechariah’s prophecy states that God had visited and redeemed his people so that they might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness, and that his own son John would be a prophet to prepare the way for the fulfillment of that cause;

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins… Luke 1:76-77

and that the Messiah was coming to bring light into the darkness of their lives.

…because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:78-79

Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Zechariah saw that God’s plan was not to bring fame, fortune, or affluence into their lives. God’s movement, born from His tender mercy was to provide a way to peace. John's calling was to bring the truth of God's plan to people who were living in the shadows of false expectations so that the Messiah could bring light into their darkness and peace to their souls.

When we acknowledge God’s plan and perceive His movement in our lives, and then follow through with our own attitudes and obedience, we begin to comprehend the ways of the Messiah in our world and to see with clarity our own personal calling. Who is God sending us to? Who do we know that needs to hear the truth of God's tender mercy and experience the light of forgiveness, the light of hope, the light of peace?

Let's DO something about it:

Are we looking for the fame, the fortune or the affluence of false promises in our own relationship with Christ, or are we looking for the light so that we can shine that light in the way of service to others?

• Prayerfully consider how clearly you perceive your holy and righteous calling to serve God by serving others. Then consider how fully you are fulfilling that calling.
• Ask God to show you one person you can reach out to today who may be hidden in the shadow of regret, hopelessness, or anger. Ask the Holy Spirit for one specific way that you can bring the light of forgiveness, hope, or peace into that person’s life. Now go do it!

Spirit Filled Comprehension

Pro Redemption

The immediate result of Zechariah’s non-traditional, neighbor-shocking naming of his son John, was that Zechariah’s impediment of speechlessness was dramatically reversed – not just relieved, but reversed. He was filled with the Holy Spirit and began prophesying! From silence to revelation. From his previous words of doubt (see Luke 1:18-20) to his restored words of praise and comprehension. Zechariah’s period of silence led to his act of obedience which resulted in his ability to comprehend God’s Presence and Plan in his life. By remembering the words of God spoken “by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old” [v.70] (in other words, the Old Testament) and recalling the promises and the covenants made [v.72], the Holy Spirit enabled Zechariah to see God’s great unfolding plan.

And what was God’s plan?

“that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear…” v.74

Redemption and purpose – in other words service. Delivered so that we might serve. Saved from mandatory slavery for voluntary servanthood. Our redemption has not given us self-determination, but instead has given us holy and righteous purpose.

Let's DO something about it:

When we remember God’s words by studying scripture, and recall His promises by appropriately interpreting the Word, we become more aware of God’s movement in our own time.

• Consider how familiar you are with God’s Word and His Promises. What steps can you take to become more acquainted with the scriptures and more proficient in their appropriate application?
• Prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit to show you what promises God has fulfilled in your own life.
• Spend a few moments meditating on Luke 1:74-5,

that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

Ask God to show you how you can serve Him today.

Starting New Traditions

Pro New Ways

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

Tradition. It connects us to our roots and reminds us who we are. But when tradition exists for its own sake, at best it becomes cold and meaningless and just something we do because we have always done it; at worst it becomes little less than an idol, the focus of our devotion and fidelity.

When it came time to name John (the Baptizer) his parents called together friends and family for the naming ceremony. This is a very important event in Jewish life. The child’s family, religious, and community identity is established. Equally important is the name itself. It is tradition that a son is named after a family member to keep the name alive. Zechariah and Elizabeth were advanced in years. They were probably not going to have more children – this son was a miracle. Surely he would be named after his father. But,

When it was time for Elizabeth’s baby to be born, she gave birth to a son. And when her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very merciful to her, everyone rejoiced with her. When the baby was eight days old, they all came for the circumcision ceremony. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father. But Elizabeth said, “No! His name is John!”

“What?” they exclaimed. “There is no one in all your family by that name.” So they used gestures to ask the baby’s father what he wanted to name him. He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise he wrote, “His name is John.” Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God.

Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills. Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, “What will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way. Luke 1:57-66

At the moment Zechariah broke with tradition and obeyed what God had told him, he was miraculously healed. His mouth that had been “shut up” months before when he questioned God’s intentions now is loosed again, and result was everyone’s astonishment and wonder. That’s what happens when we do “new things” in God’s name. People wake up and take notice. A ritual becomes fresh and full of meaning. Anticipation and excitement replace normalcy and tradition. People begin to look for and talk about what God is doing.

I love this little story. It is often over looked, tucked in-between accounts of Jesus’ conception and birth. John’s life mission was to prepare the way for the Messiah, he was the forerunner of something new coming. Of course God would choose to shake things up, grab people’s attention! Too often we grow comfortable and complacent in the way “the church” does things. From music to missions, congregation to ceremony, ministry to membership we often grow so attached to the “way things have always been done” we miss seeing and experiencing the new things God is purposing in our midst. “If it’s not broke don’t fix it” drowns out the possibility of “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?”

Perhaps we should occasionally emulate Zechariah and spend a season staying quiet, observing what God is doing in and among us, so we can respond in true obedience. Obedience to God, not to tradition or the expectations of others, but to what God has shown us. We may be amazed at the healing and testimony that results.

Let's DO something about it:

Traditions serve an important part in our history and culture. They remind us who we are and give us connection with our past. But they can also prohibit us from growing and prevent us from fully engaging in God’s “new things.” They can also cause us to become exclusive and narrow-minded. The key is to find a healthy balance between celebrating traditions while keeping an open mind and heart to new expressions of what those traditions represent.

• Hebrews 4:12 says, “the word of God is living and active”. The opposite of living and active is dead and stagnant. Consider the impact of these descriptors. Consider ways you can keep the expression of your faith in your church, work, family, attitudes, words, and life alive and active.
• Think about some of the “traditional ways” you are particularly holding on to: in your relationships, your attitudes, your family, work or church. Consider if these practices are enhancing your experiences or keeping you from growing or experiencing new grace and blessing. Consider how and where you can make appropriate adjustments.
• Think about some of the traditions of other families, cultures, or churches that you are aware of – especially those you might tend to “automatically reject.” What is the basis of your rejection? Consider how you could better understand or adapt those practices into actually glorifying Christ as a way of reaching out to others.

Pro Including the Unlikely

Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word. Luke 1:38

The first chapter of Luke gives us a wonderful portrait of some of God’s favorite vessels for His blessings, the unlikely.

…they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. Luke 1:7

Elizabeth, an old barren woman. In her culture a barren woman was of no worldly usefulness, and one with no visible means of support as she got older – no son to provide for her, no daughter to help her with the rigorous “womanly” duties of her day; and no reason for hope – her physical circumstances prohibited her from changing her situation

Then there is Mary, a young, probably very poor, engaged virgin. Betrothed to a carpenter, this is no “upper crust” girl. God chooses these two unlikely candidates to change history in a totally unorthodox way. That’s the problem with “orthodoxy” – it leaves little room for random acts of Godliness! To one, at a very late (some would say impossibly late) stage of life, He grants her heart’s desire. A child, a son, a fulfillment of her cultural gender. But to the other, His “blessing” could very well have ruined her life… God chose to make her an unwed mother, a condition that no doubt resulted in criticism, outcast and in fact may have endangered her very life. How extremely odd.

How will this be, since I am a virgin? Luke 1:34

I wonder how often we consider the fact that our Savior was born from such unorthodox circumstances. Oh yes, we know and proclaim the virgin birth – it is grounded in our theological sensibilities, but have we grasped the social embarrassment, shame, and scandal of His earthly beginnings? Or, more importantly, have we been inspired by it? Does it motivate us to reach out to, support, encourage, embrace, and include the marginalized in our communities?

Luke tells us that Mary hurried out of town to her cousin Elizabeth’s home. Together they found mutual shelter, support, and encouragement in their “conditions.” We wonder sometimes why the marginalized are reluctant to come to our churches or claim our faith… could it be that we do not provide the comfort and acceptance regardless of their physical conditions or their ability to change their circumstances that they so desperately need? Or perhaps it is because we are only looking at them through our physical eyes, we have shut our spiritual hearts to them. Or perhaps we just don’t see them at all… they aren’t one of “us.” The scriptures tell us that the Holy Spirit caused Elizabeth to recognize Mary’s blessedness as soon as she entered the house. Are we willing to look for blessedness in unlikely places, in unlikely people? God is; it is in the margins that God chooses to change history.

Let's DO something about it:

• Prayerfully read the song of Mary from Luke 1:46-53. Consider that these words were sung by a teenage, pregnant, unwed girl whose future was uncertain. What insight does this perspective give you about God’s choices?
• Ask God to show you who (or what group of people) may be feeling “marginalize” in your community, church, or family. Begin to pray for ways to reach out to them and commit to following through on God’s direction.

The Things You Have Been Taught; Pt. 2

Pro-Truth but Not Afraid of Fiction

It is foundationally crucial to base our faith in the Truth of God’s Word. Likewise, we must remember that we have been totally redeemed by the work of Christ – including our imaginations. We need not fear whimsy, or fairy tales, or stories of fantasy, but instead discern the difference between creative imaginings and destructive rubbish. The truth and power of God --Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – is sufficient to protect our hearts, minds, and faith from fairy tales and imaginary villains and enchantments. Pumpkins that turn into carriages need not scandalize us.

Regardless of our personal tastes, let us stop demeaning our faith by outrageously opposing simple fantasy and fairy tale. The key is to delineate our faith from fantasy, our worship from entertainment. The Word of God is not threatened by Grimm, Spielberg, or even J K Rowling. Far more threatening is the misinterpretation and intentional misuse of God’s Word by false prophets of cheap grace and casual obedience. Let us be scandalized by manipulated scripture, not invented fiction.

I believe that the more we immerse ourselves in the truth, the less threatening fiction becomes. A respected teacher I once had suggested that it is exactly the exposure to the wonders and magic of fairy tales and fantasy, science fiction and novel that opens and trains our mind to be able to accept the wonder and mystery and reality of the Spiritual Realm. If it is not your taste, fine – but please let’s stop maligning the imaginative works of creativity and save our indignation for creations of filth that demean the weak, deprive the poor, destroy beauty and wonder, and manipulate what’s holy.

Let's DO something about it:

• Reflect on C S Lewis’ quote, “Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.” What do you think he meant?
• Consider what criteria you put on acclaiming or disclaiming literature, art, music, etc. Is your criteria based in Truth or bias?
• Look at Philippians 4:8-9. Consider defining and writing down your standards for evaluating the arts. What is your primary measure of what is "good" and what is "bad"?

Certainty Concerning the Things You Have Been Taught

Pro Truth

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. Luke 1:1-4

The opening words of Luke begin with a declaration of purpose. The author is determined to set forth a factual, eyewitness account of Christ; what he said, did, and how he acted. We have not inherited a faith based on fairy tales, superstitions, or manipulated story. Factual observation and true testimony is the foundation of what we believe, how else can we learn to trust the spiritual and unexplainable elements of our faith if it is not based in reliable truth. As faithful followers of Christ, we must guard the expressions of our faith against falling into superstitious patterns and enchanted prayers. Truly our faith has Godly power, miraculous demonstration, and heavenly application – we don’t need to add fantasy or superstitious patterns to our expressions of faith.

First and foremost Christ-followers must be pro-truth!

Let's DO something about it:

Prayerfully read and reflect on John 8:31 and 14:6.

• What insights do these verses give you regarding the nature of “truth”?
• Spend some time prayerfully reflecting on your own patterns of prayer, or any particular religious phobias or bugaboos you may be holding on to. Ask God to reveal whether they are based on truth or superstition.
• Ask God if there are any changes He wants you to make. Record them and use them for occasional reflection and accountability.

3-2-1 Get Ready!

Christianity has taken a hit in the last few decades... and in some ways, I am afraid to say, rightfully so. The airwaves and sound bites are full of so called "christian rhetoric" which in reality seems to be barely more than a small group of people using the Bible to justify exclusive and often extreme points of view. The prophet Jeremiah laments about such people who "talk" religion, but lack the love and passion for God that holy living requires, "you [the Lord] are near in their mouth, but far from their heart." (Jeremiah 12:2)

I pray that this series may wake us up a bit. I hope it encourages us to examine if what we truly believe is Bible based, cultured based, or fodder for the enemy who delights in seeing Christ ridiculed instead of glorified and whose goal is to drive people away from the King of Kings instead of into His waiting arms. I want to shake things up a bit -- not for the purpose to provoke, but for the purpose of spurring Christ-followers on to greater deeds of love and glory for His Namesake. I do not aim to offend, but some might be offended, so I apologize in advance and ask that this be a place of honest examination and discussion. I encourage your feedback, questions, and comments -- but let's try to keep it honest, civil, and kind on both sides, remembering that it is Christ we represent, Christ we long to draw closer to, and Christ that we want to honor.

So, if you, like me, are tired of letting the fringe represent your faith, let's DO something about today! Let's take back our faith so that we can offer it with clean hands and mind and hearts to the world around us.

Let's DO something about it:

Prayerfully read and reflect on Psalm 24 and Hebrews 10:19-25.

• What thoughts or insights do you get from these passages?
• List any actions or change of heart/attitude the Holy Spirit may have inspired in you.
• Keep this list as a prayer or accountability prompt over the next few weeks as you consider this series.