What does knocking have to do with following Jesus?
I looked up the Greek word for "knock" as used in Matthew 7:7. Thankfully, in a blog, I don't have to be able to pronounce it. The word is "krouo." It means literally "to knock at the door."
Hmmm.... Surely it is a metaphor, don't you think? It has to mean something more deeply spiritual than that, doesn't it? Could it really be as simple as knocking at the door?
Well, I can't bend the definition. What good would that do in helping us follow Christ? So where else can I find knocking in the Bible. Oh look, here's knocking in Luke 11:5-8. Here a man needs bread for his guests and he goes to his neighbor at midnight and knocks on the door. Hmmm... But the neighbor tells the man to go away. "It's late, for Heaven's sake, and my children and I are in bed." Paraphrase.
But the man needs bread, so he keeps in knocking. "Oh, please get up. My guests will starve over night if I don't have bread." Paraphrase again. The man knocks and knocks and knocks until the neighbor finally gets up. Why did he get up? New American Standard, Verse 8: "because of his persistence."
The man knocked and knocked and knocked and the neighbor answered, not because of the man's need, but because he persisted.
Persistence. That is a character trait of a follower of Christ.
How badly this man needed bread to keep on knocking like he did. He drove home his point to the neighbor and the neighbor heard his persistent knock. In fact, the man's persistence was so important that it warranted an illustration in the Scriptures.
My friend Lynn and I were mentioning that neither one of us finds knocking to be our strong suit. It's not that we take the easy way out, but we don't want to intrude upon God, or upon the neighbor. We need the door to be opened immediately. Shouldn't the neighbor have gotten right up and given the man some bread? Shouldn't we get the first job we interview for? Shouldn't our children respond to our first call? Have you ever mentioned Jesus to your neighbor only to have him mock your Savior (and you)? So you stop mentioning Jesus. Have you ever been rejected for showing Jesus' love? So you stop showing love.
How is your persistence? Do you ever want to give up on following Christ? Look at the man's reward: He got as much bread as he needed (Luke 11:8). It's interesting that the man needed bread. There is something about a piece of bread. It is very satifying. It fills a need for nourishment that we barely know is there. The bread of persistence as a follower of Christ will satiate you, will satify your deepest longing.
Knock. Knock. Knock and knock. Who's there? It's Jesus. The bread of life (John 6:35).
Monday, February 16, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Which One Are You?
I'm sure you know the verse: Matthew 7:7. Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you. It's a significant verse, one upon which many Christians focus their spiritual lives.
Ask. Seek. Knock.
When I lived in Pennsylvania, I heard a leader in a church teach on this verse. He began by effectually saying "asking is the important part in this verse; seeking and knocking are secondary in importance to asking."
Whenever I am not totally convinced of someone's opinion, I generally pause and say "Hmmm."
So ... Hmmm.
I tend to think that seeking and knocking are equally important to asking.
However, I also tend to think that believers may lean toward asking, more than to the others. Some people (like the aforementioned leader, perhaps) may be more askers than they are seekers or knockers. Some people may be more seekers, and some more knockers, than either of the other two actions.
Have you ever thought about that? Have you ever considered the difference between asking, seeking, and knocking? Have you ever looked at your own spiritual life and examined which of these activities you participate in more than the others?
I think this is an important point to ponder. Knowing more about ourselves as askers, seekers, and knockers could allow us to more closely follow Christ.
Over the next few blogs I'd like to talk about these three actions of a disciple. What does it mean to ask, to seek, or to knock? As this little discussion progresses, please feel free to post comments. In that way, we can all learn from each other.
By the way, enjoy your loved ones this Valentine's Day.
Ask. Seek. Knock.
When I lived in Pennsylvania, I heard a leader in a church teach on this verse. He began by effectually saying "asking is the important part in this verse; seeking and knocking are secondary in importance to asking."
Whenever I am not totally convinced of someone's opinion, I generally pause and say "Hmmm."
So ... Hmmm.
I tend to think that seeking and knocking are equally important to asking.
However, I also tend to think that believers may lean toward asking, more than to the others. Some people (like the aforementioned leader, perhaps) may be more askers than they are seekers or knockers. Some people may be more seekers, and some more knockers, than either of the other two actions.
Have you ever thought about that? Have you ever considered the difference between asking, seeking, and knocking? Have you ever looked at your own spiritual life and examined which of these activities you participate in more than the others?
I think this is an important point to ponder. Knowing more about ourselves as askers, seekers, and knockers could allow us to more closely follow Christ.
Over the next few blogs I'd like to talk about these three actions of a disciple. What does it mean to ask, to seek, or to knock? As this little discussion progresses, please feel free to post comments. In that way, we can all learn from each other.
By the way, enjoy your loved ones this Valentine's Day.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
To Market, To Market
A balmy 56 degrees on a February day in northern Indiana. A gift. Since I am not one to shun a gift, I decided to venture out into the sunshine. Every time I head down SR19, that's "State Road" 19, I notice a huge red barn-type building resting on a road-side crest. I had driven past in the dark, and had noticed that the building was completely outlined in little white Christmas lights. I thought to myself, "When did they move the Taj Mahal to northern Indiana?" A truly remarkable building, complete with three cupolas--you know, those towers on the top of really important buildings. I wondered what this building could be, when one day, Kevin the poker-playing maintenance man asked: "Have you been to the farmer's market?"
"No," I said, "but I enjoy fresh produce. Where is the market?"
I'm picturing an open-air market in the middle of some downtown street, closed off on Saturdays so that local farmers can sell their produce and wares.
"It's not downtown," remarked PP Kevin, "it's that big building on SR19, you know, the red one with all the lights and the three cupolas. The one that looks like a barn."
"That's the farmer's market?" I was astonished that the Taj was in actuality a place to purchase produce.
"You should visit it when the weather breaks."
Today, I did just that. I went to the Mahal, not the Mall, of produce. I wondered what vegetables and fruit they could possibly be selling in February, and found a few root vegetables and some imported lettuce.
But then I looked around, and as far as the eye could see, there were vendors selling everything from Girl Scout cookies (which I bought) to lavender goat milk soap with special healing properties (which I bought) to maple granola (bought it) to ground bison burgers (ah, no thank you).
The market has a food court with live entertainment. Today we were entertained by some guy on a guitar who sang a new last verse with a happy ending to Puff the Magic Dragon. So with Pepsi in hand, I took a seat on one of the sturdy Amish-built chairs. The goal was to listen, but really, the place was packed, and lent itself more to observing than to listening. A great spot for people watchin'.
And watch I did. I watched the elderly man lovingly push his wheelchair-bound wife up to the table where he fed her a snack. I watched the teen at the table next to me sit there with at least four of her friends, all of them feverishly texting God knows who, but paying no attention at all to one another. I watched as different groups of Amish and Mennonite folks came to take their shifts at the family-run stores on the second floor of the barn. (By the way, the barn has three floors, including a demonstration kitchen, and over 51,000 square feet of space available for you to lease.) There were many people, some old, some fat, some black, some handicapped. And all the others.
As I perused the people, I thought, "If there is this much diversity in Elkhart, Indiana, what must it be like in other parts of the country?" What was more amazing, was the politeness among the consumers. I heard more "excuse mes" as people lunged for the last of the hanging doo-dads.
You know, from the outside, you could be convinced that this building might take you back in time to the "general store" era, but inside it is rampant consumerism. Polite, but rampant, consumerism. I asked the guy who runs the speciality olive oil and dipping sauces store what it is like in the summer, when most produce is in season. He replied, "It is wall-to-wall, shoulder-to-shoulder people." By the way, I bought some of his dipping sauces.
The American Countryside Farmers Market provides opportunities for local entrepreneurs to expand their small businesses. I am 100% in favor of that, especially since at a 15.3% unemployment rate in Elkhart County, entrepreneurial ventures are just about all that's left. I would consider the market if I were to start a retail store for small consumables. But pushing and shoving turn me off. And overpriced merchandise turns me off.
People of all different varieties, now that's a sign of God's greatness, and that turns me on!
All opinions aside, tonight I'm going to bathe with my $5.66 bar of lavender-scented goat milk soap. May the healing properties begin!
"No," I said, "but I enjoy fresh produce. Where is the market?"
I'm picturing an open-air market in the middle of some downtown street, closed off on Saturdays so that local farmers can sell their produce and wares.
"It's not downtown," remarked PP Kevin, "it's that big building on SR19, you know, the red one with all the lights and the three cupolas. The one that looks like a barn."
"That's the farmer's market?" I was astonished that the Taj was in actuality a place to purchase produce.
"You should visit it when the weather breaks."
Today, I did just that. I went to the Mahal, not the Mall, of produce. I wondered what vegetables and fruit they could possibly be selling in February, and found a few root vegetables and some imported lettuce.
But then I looked around, and as far as the eye could see, there were vendors selling everything from Girl Scout cookies (which I bought) to lavender goat milk soap with special healing properties (which I bought) to maple granola (bought it) to ground bison burgers (ah, no thank you).
The market has a food court with live entertainment. Today we were entertained by some guy on a guitar who sang a new last verse with a happy ending to Puff the Magic Dragon. So with Pepsi in hand, I took a seat on one of the sturdy Amish-built chairs. The goal was to listen, but really, the place was packed, and lent itself more to observing than to listening. A great spot for people watchin'.
And watch I did. I watched the elderly man lovingly push his wheelchair-bound wife up to the table where he fed her a snack. I watched the teen at the table next to me sit there with at least four of her friends, all of them feverishly texting God knows who, but paying no attention at all to one another. I watched as different groups of Amish and Mennonite folks came to take their shifts at the family-run stores on the second floor of the barn. (By the way, the barn has three floors, including a demonstration kitchen, and over 51,000 square feet of space available for you to lease.) There were many people, some old, some fat, some black, some handicapped. And all the others.
As I perused the people, I thought, "If there is this much diversity in Elkhart, Indiana, what must it be like in other parts of the country?" What was more amazing, was the politeness among the consumers. I heard more "excuse mes" as people lunged for the last of the hanging doo-dads.
You know, from the outside, you could be convinced that this building might take you back in time to the "general store" era, but inside it is rampant consumerism. Polite, but rampant, consumerism. I asked the guy who runs the speciality olive oil and dipping sauces store what it is like in the summer, when most produce is in season. He replied, "It is wall-to-wall, shoulder-to-shoulder people." By the way, I bought some of his dipping sauces.
The American Countryside Farmers Market provides opportunities for local entrepreneurs to expand their small businesses. I am 100% in favor of that, especially since at a 15.3% unemployment rate in Elkhart County, entrepreneurial ventures are just about all that's left. I would consider the market if I were to start a retail store for small consumables. But pushing and shoving turn me off. And overpriced merchandise turns me off.
People of all different varieties, now that's a sign of God's greatness, and that turns me on!
All opinions aside, tonight I'm going to bathe with my $5.66 bar of lavender-scented goat milk soap. May the healing properties begin!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
To Worship God Alone
Hello!
What you are hearing is my contribution to your worship experience. If you scroll down to the botton of the page, I have added the To Follow Christ Playlist. Nachfolge Christi means "to follow Christ," or to be a disciple of Christ. The songs in this playlist point me to the Savior and Lord Jesus, and I hope they point you to Him, too.
With my blessings!
What you are hearing is my contribution to your worship experience. If you scroll down to the botton of the page, I have added the To Follow Christ Playlist. Nachfolge Christi means "to follow Christ," or to be a disciple of Christ. The songs in this playlist point me to the Savior and Lord Jesus, and I hope they point you to Him, too.
With my blessings!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Here We Go!!!
It's 4:20AM here in northern Indiana on a Sunday morning. I couldn't sleep. It's an exciting day. First off, I get to go to church. No I don't HAVE to go to church, I GET to go to church. At church, I GET to worship the Lord. I GET to study the Bible. And I GET to enjoy fellowship with other believers. In a few hours, I GET to go to church. Here we go!!!
But please indulge me when I say that going to church is not the only reason I am too excited to sleep. And please forgive me because the second reason that I'm too excited to sleep is not really in line with the theme of this blog. My second reason is not about following Christ, although for some people it might be, depending on whether or not you believe God answers prayer. I'm sure some people have been praying for my second reason for being too excited to sleep. In fact, I would guess that some people may have been praying all season for this day.
What season, you ask? Why football season, of course. Today is SUPERBOWL SUNDAY!!!!!!! Now Superbowl Sunday is not the reason I am too excited to sleep. Recall from my profile that I recently moved to northern Indiana from the Pittsburgh area. You guessed it: I am a Steelers fan. A died-in-the-wool supporter of Big Ben and the crew. And what about Mike Tomlin? Hand it to the man. It is only his second season as head coach and look what he has done. Congrats, Mike! (Do you suppose Mike Tomlin is reading my blog?)
As much as I am a Steelers fan, I have a confession to make. I don't know one thing about football. Well, I take that back. I understand an incomplete pass. That's it. No first downs. Nothing about penalties. I just don't get it.
Even though I know very little about football, I root for the home team. I am a Steelers fan. Not a fanatic, just a fan. And despite what may look like a deviation from the theme, I think being a Steelers fan can be related to following Christ. It has to do with commitment, loyalty, and team spirit.
Disgraced and defrocked pastor Ted Haggard was on CBS's The Early Show the other day. I watched a clip later on the Internet. I am not here to discuss Haggard's sin and iniquities. But one thing he discussed on The Early Show made me cry. It was when Haggard shared that his wife lost her friends and supporters at their former church when his story came to light. Haggard's wife was alone in her pain. She was a member of the team, and the church did not support her. Even if they didn't understand one thing about her situation, commitment and loyalty to team members matters if we are going to follow Christ. I'm sure it was difficult for the church. I'm sure it was overwhelming for them. I'm sure people didn't know what to say. And that's where the team spirit comes in. The team Holy Spirit, who helps us be more like Jesus (John 14:26).
Jesus is honored when we support church team members in crisis. Support is the fodder for reconciliation and restoration. A few years ago, Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers' Quarterback, was dangerously driving a motorcycle without a helmet. He was seriously injured in an accident. The team rallied around him to nurture him back to health. But the team also held Big Ben accountable for his actions. Later, Ben apologized to his team members, to his coaches, and to the people of Pittsburgh. He also thanked the team for their support during his crisis. He was reconciled and restored, and today will lead the Steelers in this Superbowl game.
If the Steelers can do it, why can't the church?
The Steelers have a little jingle, perhaps you've heard it: "Here we go! Steelers. Here we go! Pittsburgh's going to the Superbowl. Here we go!"
That's the way it is in the family of God. When we joined team Jesus, we embarked on a journey together. There are times when we are winning the game, and times when we are trailing. But we are all in this together. To Mrs. Haggard and other strugglers on the journey, "Here we go!"
Enjoy the game!
But please indulge me when I say that going to church is not the only reason I am too excited to sleep. And please forgive me because the second reason that I'm too excited to sleep is not really in line with the theme of this blog. My second reason is not about following Christ, although for some people it might be, depending on whether or not you believe God answers prayer. I'm sure some people have been praying for my second reason for being too excited to sleep. In fact, I would guess that some people may have been praying all season for this day.
What season, you ask? Why football season, of course. Today is SUPERBOWL SUNDAY!!!!!!! Now Superbowl Sunday is not the reason I am too excited to sleep. Recall from my profile that I recently moved to northern Indiana from the Pittsburgh area. You guessed it: I am a Steelers fan. A died-in-the-wool supporter of Big Ben and the crew. And what about Mike Tomlin? Hand it to the man. It is only his second season as head coach and look what he has done. Congrats, Mike! (Do you suppose Mike Tomlin is reading my blog?)
As much as I am a Steelers fan, I have a confession to make. I don't know one thing about football. Well, I take that back. I understand an incomplete pass. That's it. No first downs. Nothing about penalties. I just don't get it.
Even though I know very little about football, I root for the home team. I am a Steelers fan. Not a fanatic, just a fan. And despite what may look like a deviation from the theme, I think being a Steelers fan can be related to following Christ. It has to do with commitment, loyalty, and team spirit.
Disgraced and defrocked pastor Ted Haggard was on CBS's The Early Show the other day. I watched a clip later on the Internet. I am not here to discuss Haggard's sin and iniquities. But one thing he discussed on The Early Show made me cry. It was when Haggard shared that his wife lost her friends and supporters at their former church when his story came to light. Haggard's wife was alone in her pain. She was a member of the team, and the church did not support her. Even if they didn't understand one thing about her situation, commitment and loyalty to team members matters if we are going to follow Christ. I'm sure it was difficult for the church. I'm sure it was overwhelming for them. I'm sure people didn't know what to say. And that's where the team spirit comes in. The team Holy Spirit, who helps us be more like Jesus (John 14:26).
Jesus is honored when we support church team members in crisis. Support is the fodder for reconciliation and restoration. A few years ago, Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers' Quarterback, was dangerously driving a motorcycle without a helmet. He was seriously injured in an accident. The team rallied around him to nurture him back to health. But the team also held Big Ben accountable for his actions. Later, Ben apologized to his team members, to his coaches, and to the people of Pittsburgh. He also thanked the team for their support during his crisis. He was reconciled and restored, and today will lead the Steelers in this Superbowl game.
If the Steelers can do it, why can't the church?
The Steelers have a little jingle, perhaps you've heard it: "Here we go! Steelers. Here we go! Pittsburgh's going to the Superbowl. Here we go!"
That's the way it is in the family of God. When we joined team Jesus, we embarked on a journey together. There are times when we are winning the game, and times when we are trailing. But we are all in this together. To Mrs. Haggard and other strugglers on the journey, "Here we go!"
Enjoy the game!
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