Faithful on Fridays Blog

I find the languages of Hebrew and Greek intriguing. Learning the names of God in Hebrew, Yahweh, Adonai, Elohim enhance my understanding of God’s character. These names help us know Him more intimately because they all contain shades of meaning that reveal Him. This holds true for the New Testament Greek as well so let’s look closely at some names of Jesus.

Kyrios. This Greek word connects the Old with the New: it means Lord. Used 750 times in the New Testament, it’s the parallel for the Hebrew Adonai. In both languages it contains the meaning of master, ruler, or owner. A kyrios, lord, has authority over others and requires submission from them.

For the LORD your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, the mighty and awesome God … Deuteronomy 10:17a NLT

He is Adonai; He is Kyrios.

As Christians the title of Lord flows freely off our lips but I wonder if we know what we’re saying when we call Jesus, Lord. Declaring Him Kyrios indicates that we have submitted to Him, to His sovereignty, His ownership, and His rule in our lives. Jesus understood submission and cautioned those following Him:

So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? Luke 6:46 NLT

Ouch. So … what did He say? If you back up in this passage you’ll see that crowds had gathered to listen, be healed, and delivered. His teaching remains practical: love your enemies, don’t judge others, forgive, and be generous. So why do we keep calling Him Lord, Kyrios, when we haven’t submitted and obeyed His instructions?

Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. Matthew 7:21 NLT

Again, ouch.

As Jesus approached the end of His life on earth He had a final supper with His Twelve. Do you know what He did? He washed their feet.

You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.
John 13:13-15 ESV

Think about it this way … foot washing is forgiveness. When we call Jesus, Kyrios, Lord, we’re receiving His grace and forgiveness, therefore, we are expected to extend the same grace and forgiveness to others. That’s submission and that’s obedience; the by-product is peace and joy in our hearts. If you find yourself calling Him Lord, do a heart check; are you obeying Him?

… He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 1 Timothy 6:15b ESV

… and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:11 NLT

Peter, the Learner

Let me start off this week with a question: Why is it important to discipline (not punish) children? I think we’d agree that it’s for them to learn what’s right and wrong and what’s safe and dangerous. Well, it’s the same with leaders. Peter’s life shows us that he was a true disciple: he was a learner.

Peter was given the privilege to learn from the greatest teacher of all time, Jesus Christ. In essence, he was a ‘learning leader’. I submit that we should also be ‘learning leaders’ as we study Jesus’ Leadership Development Plan with Peter and ultimately with us. As we walk through Peter’s life we observe that he was in a constant state of growth. His learning was intimate as he watched and experienced the Savior’s love and the way He helped people. Isn’t that our goal as well? The apostle Paul thought so for he wrote,

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 NLT

Those ‘good things’ include the people you lead whether it be at home, at work, or at church; you are a leader. Are you born a leader or do you learn to be a leader? Either way, leadership needs to be developed and fine-tuned. Yes, you make mistakes and sometimes have poor judgment, however, as you take a step forward or a step back you’re learning. The good news is that the Holy Spirit is your divine Guide and Teacher; He’ll help you, if you ask Him.

In the Christian life you find out early that you can’t do it alone. You need help. Spending time with God is indispensable to your walk with Christ. He gives direction, guidance, encouragement, and sometimes correction but He’ll also help you develop your strategy and give you finesse in dealing with others. When you spend time with God you can expect His help. Leadership means that someone is following you, be it a toddler, teenager, adult children, co-workers, or other Christians and to lead them in the right direction you need God.

Peter learned the hard way several times; Jesus even had to rebuke him publicly. His pride and self-centeredness led him to think he was someone that he was not. Pride gets in the way of leaders more than anything. You don’t know it all and you don’t always have the best ideas; get over yourself! Humility is often learned but it doesn’t have to be the hard way.

Be intentional in your quest at leading by watching other leaders. Read their books, listen to their messages, and most importantly, watch and learn from the Lord, especially the way He dealt with Peter.

My two favorite leadership books are Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybels and The Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley. Take advantage of the wisdom of these two pastors but never forget the way Jesus taught Peter.

Have you noticed the nativity scenes that are displayed this year? I see them in people’s yards, in front of buildings, churches, and even some brave, local businesses. Some cities have displayed nativities for decades but now are threatened with lawsuits if they’re not removed. Why? What’s the big deal? Why does anyone care about a representation of a 2,000 year old story?

Part of the answer is that the nativity of Christ depicts the fulfillment of the promise God made to man back in the Garden of Eden.

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel. Genesis 3:15 NIV

The nativities remind us that God, born of a woman, would crush Satan’s head and destroy his authority. Our enemy, who hates God and hates believers, is reminded as well. What is that all-important reminder? Remember, Satan wanted to be like the Most High God, the king of his kingdom, so to speak. It must exasperate him to no end to be reminded that he simply will never be a king.

How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High. Isaiah 14:12-14 NLT

However, the angel Gabriel announced to a young, virgin named Mary:

You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end! Luke 1:31-33 NLT

There can be only one king in this world and His name is Jesus.

Yeshua is the Hebrew name we translate ‘Jesus’. It means the One who will save, deliver, and rescue us. We’re reminded in the nativity scenes that Jesus came to rescue us: then and now. Living in the kingdom of God is being delivered from evil and constantly calling on Him to save us from circumstances that are out of our control. His desire is to hear us call out and answer those prayers; this shows us that His love is eternal, whether in this world or the next.

God is all about memories so go ahead and remember this Christmas that God’s Kingdom, which is our Kingdom, endures forever. Now, that’s good news of great joy! Have a Merry Christmas this year full of memories and enjoy viewing the nativity scenes with new eyes and a fresh look: view them with a kingdom perspective.

When I was growing up it was never questioned if I would go to church or Sunday School: it was assumed. I received every badge and every prize offered for attendance and yet, I didn’t know God personally. Oh, I knew about Him but I didn’t know Him. There’s a difference. I was 30 yrs. old before I realized that God was calling me and finally responded.

In this third message on Leadership Lessons I want to discuss our calling. To be called is to be chosen and invited into relationship by God. We experience several callings in our life but the first must be our calling to salvation. See how Peter responded to his call,

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” Luke 5:8 NKJV

That was only the beginning. God had so much more for Peter and He has so much more for you! He has placed within you a destiny, a plan to participate with Him, and for you to help and serve others.

Peter was called to be a disciple, a learner, first. He spent over three years learning from Jesus. We have a calling to be a disciple as well. Are you consistently learning and growing in faith? Peter was also called to be an apostle. This word has been confusing in the Christian world but I see it very simply. It means to be sent. An apostle is a ‘sent one’. You can be sent to the nations, to your community, or even the grocery store! God sends you where He wants you to represent Him. It’s not complicated. Did you ever have someone tell you what you said was just what they needed to hear? That’s God. Were you ever at the right place, at the precise moment, and experience a ‘God moment’ with someone? He’s sending you. Now, don’t go around calling yourself an apostle, you’ll confuse people. Stay humble. It’s not about you, it’s about Him. Ministry is about serving, not about titles.

When you’re involved in leadership of any kind it’s important to spend time with God. He will reveal to you where He wants you to serve. Yes, I said serve. Ministry is serving others and there’s great reward. Spending time with God allows Him to encourage you, to give you direction, and develop your calling. You can’t do it alone. To know God is to know His heart and that only comes by spending time together. Ask Him about your calling; it can change over time. Ask Him about His plan for you at this time in your life, and discuss it with Him. Accept your calling as a privilege.

And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. Romans 8:30 NLT

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10 ESV

A glistening angel appeared at night to some low-class shepherds and gave them a message from God that was good news to bring them joy. What news could these Jewish shepherds receive that could possibly make a difference in their life? Here it is; they were chosen to witness the sign: Messiah had arrived.

After thousands of years, generations of patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), and hundreds of years of prophets’ messages, the kairos moment had arrived. The Plan of Redemption that God instituted before time was manifested on the earth. How? A baby born to a virgin in Bethlehem.

Notice the angel used the word behold; that means to listen up or pay attention to this message because it’s important! I should say so.

This good news, the gospel, is vital to all people because it offers great joy. Not simply joy: great joy. That’s mega-joy, super-sized joy, and it’s available to all people. All people? Even Herod? The Pharisees? The tax collectors and prostitutes? All people. Will all people receive it? No.

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
John 1:12 ESV

This joy of the incarnation, God becoming man, brings jubilant ringing and singing pleasure to the heart. Those who receive Him will experience excitement, merriment, and a sense of triumph. Joy isn’t about being happy; joy is deep in your spirit bringing hope in a hopeless situation, confidence when doubt creeps in, and it’s your source of well-being or wholeness.

This sign, the baby in a manger, was to remind the people that God hadn’t forgotten His promise of a Rescuer, Savior, and Deliverer and prophecy was fulfilled. The Plan before time was continuing: 🎵God and sinners reconciled.🎵

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:14 ESV

The armies of heaven gathered to declare to these shepherds that God was connecting heaven and earth: shalom had arrived. The brokenness of mankind was to be made whole again, the meaning of shalom, by this baby found in a manger and it was God’s sign of a good plan.

“… with whom He is pleased.” Is He pleased with everyone?

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6 ESV

The Greek word for ‘pleased’ means God is good, really good, and He pleased with those who have faith in Him. His favor and satisfaction is shown to us in so many ways. Think about it … it’ll cause you to sing …

🎵 Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King. 🎵

A few years ago I experienced the Rock of Gibraltar on the coast of Spain. My prayer partner and I declared God’s Word over a cliff, within a cloud that descended, and prayed to our Rock, Jesus Christ. That’s important to today’s message because I want to talk about Peter’s name change from ‘hearer’ to ‘rock’ in this second part of Leadership Lessons gained from Simon Peter’s life.

First of all, God has divine, rock-like attributes that bring us reassurance. He’s unmovable, unchangeable, impenetrable, and He’s our Protector. When things aren’t going well in our lives we can confidently trust those characteristics that describe Him.

From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Psalms 61:2, 3 NLT

Secondly, Jesus strategically changed Simon’s name to Peter which means rock. That’s significant because this impulsive, young follower would ultimately be transformed into the leader of the Twelve Apostles and the newly formed Church. Jesus knew His name needed to reflect a new characteristic: his rock-like faith.

Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. Matthew 16:15-18 NLT

Undoubtedly, the reason why Jesus changed Simon’s name was that he had received a personal revelation from God that would forever transform him. It was the Rock of Salvation who spoke to Simon’s heart and revealed Himself as Christ and it’s the same divine revelation God uses with individuals today. No person can give revelation; it’s only God who removes the blinders from people’s hearts so they can hear and understand Him.

Leaders, we need to receive divine revelation from God and declare it into our lives and ministries in order to create life. Words have power and they impart life; Jesus blessed Peter for using them correctly. Peter, later on in his life, preached the gospel and used more of those inspired words to convince Jews and Gentiles alike that Jesus Christ is the Messiah.

Finally, the Church that was being formed would need this revelation of the impenetrable, immovable, unchangeable Rock in order to endure. The gates of Hell and it’s power will not prevail over this global community of believers who have rock-like faith. When I stood on the Rock of Gibraltar and declared the wonderful scriptures describing God as the Rock, faith rose up in my heart and I knew, without a doubt, God would always be there for me. It’s proven true.

One of the reasons Christmas is so enjoyable is presents, just admit it, we like presents. When it’s a mysterious gift hidden from us until the moment of unwrapping is the most fun. That’s how the incarnation was planned before the world began; it was a secret, previously hidden but now revealed plan. What was this mystery? Jesus Christ, the wisdom of God.

When Jesus became flesh and lived among us we know it was the predestined plan of the ages. Every part of history was lined up, every prophecy fulfilled, and the hearts of the people, for good or evil, were prepared. John the Baptizer, Joseph, Mary, King Herod, and even the magi were in alignment for this event.

And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. Ephesians 1:10-11 NLT

There’s one character I didn’t mention, one we don’t talk about at Christmas: Satan. The previous scripture mentioned the authority of Christ in heaven and on earth; why is that important? Since the timing of the plan of redemption was a hidden and secret mystery that means Satan and his cohorts didn’t know when it would happen. It was decreed that the Messiah would crush Satan’s head (Gen. 3:15) but when? No one knew.

None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
1 Corinthians 2:8 ESV

Human rulers, yes, Herod, Pilate, even the religious leaders, but also the heavenly prince or ruler of this world: Satan. Jesus said,

Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. John 12:31 ESV

Now that’s something to celebrate! The kingdom of God which was prepared for us since creation has arrived with the incarnation of Christ. The authority that God delegated temporarily to Satan was ripped from his grip when Jesus descended into hell and that authority has now been gifted permanently to the Church.

God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 3:10-11 NLT

You, dear reader, have been given the gift of eternal life through the incarnation of Christ but it’s not just about dying and going to heaven; it’s about kingdom living now. It’s about the privilege of asking for His wisdom, in various ways, to make the right decisions, at the right time, and in the right place. That’s one of the ways we operate in our authority over Satan and it’s far better than any wrapped present.

This week I’m beginning a series on Leadership. You may think, well, I’m not a leader. Yes, you are. Everyone leads someone, even if it’s just your dog! As Christians we’re all role models and re-present Christ in our lives and that, my friend, requires leadership training. I’ll be focusing on the Apostle Peter as our example, his life as a follower of Jesus and an eventual leader. If it was necessary for him to be trained by the Master and learn how to be effective how much more for leaders today?

Simon’s (Peter) name means ‘he who hears’. That’s critical because listening is the first leadership trait we see developed in his life. Jesus observed listening, a necessary character trait, in Simon Peter’s life and yet it needed some ‘tweaking’. Let’s think about some aspects of listening that you’ll find in Peter’s story.

How about listening to God? Before his name change, Simon (later called Peter) was an impulsive spewer. He reacted with his mouth often before he took the time to think. Simon was rebuked by Jesus but eventually matured into a seasoned listener. He sat at the feet of Christ and listened to Him for three years allowing God to speak into his life. How about you? Are you listening to God or constantly talking? Is your prayer time like a grocery list or have you become intimate with your Savior? Scripture is clear that we need to develop our listening skills when we spend time with Him.

My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart. Proverbs 4:20, 21 NLT

What about listening to others? Would people say that you’re a good listener? Do you give eye contact? Do you listen while checking email or texts? Do you put people on speakerphone so you can do other things? When someone is transparent and trusts you enough to share their heart they need you to listen with your ears but also your heart. Listen without responding, without giving advice, and without drawing attention to yourself is a challenge that I hope you’ll accept.

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19 NLT

Who are you listening to? Leaders should not be afraid to take advantage of good counsel. Moses listened to Jethro and David listened to Nathan; both made good choices. Listening to the ‘right voice’ will keep you on the right path in leadership. Since there is a ‘right voice’ we can be assured there is a ‘wrong voice’. Discerning between the two is crucial to a leader. Time with God will help you to distinguish God’s voice from a stranger’s (John 10:1-5).

Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. Proverbs 12:15 NLT

Trust me, you can improve on being a good listener.

We’re given a glimpse into eternity when we discuss the incarnation. The Father explained that the plan was good and it was His divine will even though it included temporary pain and suffering.

But it was the LORD’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the LORD’s good plan will prosper in his hands. Isaiah 53:10 NLT

The Hebrew word for ‘good plan’ means to delight or take pleasure in doing something. How could the future of the Messiah, His suffering and death, bring delight or pleasure to His Father? Why would He offer this assignment, knowing the pain and torment involved, and the Son accepted it?

The incarnation, God becoming flesh, was the only way. He was the only One who could be born into the world in perfect holiness, without sin, and qualify for the Plan of Redemption. God Himself needed to take on flesh and blood in order to pay the price for our sin: a blood sacrifice.

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 ESV

Immanuel is the Hebrew phrase ‘God with us’. When we call or sing to Him by that name we’re declaring our faith in The Plan. We’re remembering yet again that He willingly accepted the incredible mission to redeem a people for Himself: a Bride. That’s love in action.

… the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God —his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. 1 Corinthians 2:7 NLT

This mysterious plan was developed in order for the Son to have a Bride, someone to love and cherish, a people totally committed to Him. The Father was able to look ahead to this ultimate glory and allow the temporary pain and suffering of His Son to not deter Him.

Is there pain or suffering in your life right now? Are there prayers you’ve consistently prayed for yourself or your family but haven’t experienced the answer? Are you still waiting for God’s timing or evidence that He’s even heard you?

Let me assure you today that He’s still listening but here’s the kicker; God is able to look beyond your present suffering or confusion and see the outcome. Be confident that He doesn’t take pleasure in your pain but delights in knowing the result. Immanuel is not only ‘with you’ but now is ‘in you’.

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:4-5 NLT