Faithful on Fridays Blog

This family is in crisis. Lazarus, head of the house is sick, near death, and these sisters are devastated because they could be left without a protector and provider … unless the Rescuer arrives in time.

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. John 11:5 ESV

Interestingly, the word used throughout this family-story is philon: friend. The love of a friend is different than the word Jesus used for this family; He used the word agape this one time. Agape love is a personal decision or commitment to another. It’s your will to show unselfish affection or tenderness to someone regardless of their response. John used agape to convey that Jesus decided to love this family and He expected nothing in return. Agape love never fails; that’s Jesus’s same attitude toward us because we’re also friends.

With that kind of love you’d expect Jesus’s immediate response to their needs, however, He waited two extra days before coming to their aid. In fact, here’s what He said,

… “Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” John 11:14-15 ESV

I’m glad I wasn’t there? Are you kidding me? What kind of a friend is that? But Jesus saw the bigger picture; He knew it was about faith and glory. The experience of death and resurrection was due to His agape love for this family and to show the ‘glory of God’ through it (John 11:4). Let’s define glory.

As a verb it’s the demonstration of God’s character, His love displayed, and proof of His divinity. The root for doxa, glory, as a noun suggests an opinion of praise and honor based on value. We recognize the value of His magnificence, excellence, and highest worth.

Lazarus’s death undeniably proved the glory of Jesus; only God can raise the dead.

“Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” John 11:40 ESV

Lazarus’s family was experiencing firsthand the glory of God but to be honest, the circumstances looked bleak. Do you see where I’m going? We all have family crises at one time or another but the key is belief that He’ll appear even if it seems He’s two days late. He’s never late … and He’s never early.

This foreshadow of Jesus’ own death and resurrection is undoubtedly given to encourage and inspire us. The whole family and community are waiting at the tomb to see what He’ll do. Will Lazarus get a second chance at life? Will God glorify His Son, showing His infinite value, and come to the aid of this family?

Lazarus’s name means God is my help, that’s curious because it’s often, in the Old Testament (Eleazar), used for military aid; a fellow soldier or comrade would rush to the help of another. God rescued this family and He’ll do the same for yours: never late and never early.

Finding Jesus in Kings

Independence Day is celebrated in America with much pomp and circumstance. Fireworks, BBQ’s, get-togethers, and a day off work for some lucky ones are given to remember the high cost of our liberty. When the Puritans escaped from England it was the beginning of what John Adams called ‘a day of deliverance’ and a ‘gift from God’. In the Books of Kings (I’ll deal with them as one) we find independence a continuing theme, however, Israel wanted independence from God, not independence to worship Him freely. Our nation was founded on Biblical principles and a consciousness of God that has lasted 241 years; Israel’s rebellion against God lasted for over four centuries.

Following Saul and David, King Solomon ruled over the united kingdom of Israel but at his death the land was divided. He appointed his son Rehoboam to rule over the south calling it Judah and his servant Jeroboam ruled over the north called Israel; more bad decisions were to come.

The books of the kings remind us that people need Godly leadership, without it we fall deeper and deeper into sin which leads to judgment. That’s true for Israel and also for America. After 19 kings in the north (Israel), all evil, and 20 in the south (Judah) with only 8 who were good, we see God’s judgment: exile. The northern kingdom was eventually conquered by the Assyrians, deported into captivity, and dispersed throughout the empire. Meanwhile, due to the hard work of the 8 good kings in the south, God allowed Judah to remain for another 150 years. The day of judgment finally arrived and they were exiled to Babylon for 70 years.

Even though the kings would come and go we get a sense that this account, written during the Babylonian captivity, would bring hope and encouragement that Messiah was indeed coming. God graciously communicated through the prophets during this dark time in their history calling them to repent and return to Him, yet to no avail. It was God’s plan from the beginning to preserve the southern kingdom of Judah and we find Jesus there.

And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” Revelation 5:5 ESV

God preserved His remnant from Babylon so that the final King, Jesus Christ, would arrive to rescue them and set up His eternal reign. The books of the kings look forward, along with Christians today, to that final King.

From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. Revelation 19:15, 16 ESV

Everyone has a beginning in their walk with God, that moment you realize your need for a Savior, repent, and He enters your life with forgiveness and love. That’s undoubtedly the backstory of Mary early in her friendship with Christ. Jesus said,

“… but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42 ESV

Developing intimacy with Jesus begins our friendship as well. Time spent in His presence, honestly, receiving forgiveness, and praying for others are all part of our relationship with God. Jesus commended Mary for making Him her priority.

Later we find Mary (John 11) and Martha again, however, this encounter shakes their faith. God has every right to test our faith and He chose the death of their brother to bring them face to face with the issue of trust.

These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
1 Peter 1:7 NLT

Mary is young in her faith and shaken by the fact that Jesus didn’t immediately come and heal Lazarus. She was disappointed with God. Ever been there? Instead of joining Martha, when He finally arrived, she remained in the house. Martha told her Jesus was coming and calling for her, then she responded but her words reflect her disappointment.

When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:32 NLT

Ahhhh, the trying of our faith; it can be painful.

Mary’s name comes from the same root as Martha’s: strength or bitterness. Isn’t it true that in our walk of faith we move in and out of trust and reliance on God?

Jesus’ response to all the grieving surrounding this episode was annoyance, how intriguing. He was angry and agitated at the unbelief (John 11:33) shown by all the people and reminded them to believe. What was the outcome? He raised Lazarus from the dead.

Mary had the privilege of anointing Jesus’ feet (John 12) for His journey to the cross and His head (Mark 14), symbolizing His position and authority, and He called it a ‘beautiful thing’ yet she wasn’t constantly walking in faith. Again, intriguing.

As believers we will encounter circumstances in life that disappoint us and shake our faith; how do we respond? Stay in the house or run after God?

Mary’s anointing of Christ, the lower story, points us to the Spirit of Christ abiding in us (1 John 2:20, 27), the upper story. John guarantees that spending time with God will teach you how to walk through your trial in faith and victory. Spend your time wisely.

Finding Jesus in Samuel

Here in America we aren’t familiar with a monarchy because we’re a republic. We’re not ruled by a king but as Abraham Lincoln wrote: we are a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. We read in the books of Samuel that Israel was never a republic: they were ruled by God Himself.

In these two books we find Israel rejecting God as their King and desiring to be like other nations yet God never rejected His original plan. Samuel was a prophet chosen to represent Him to Saul and David. The First Samuel focuses on Saul and Second on David with the eternal promise:

And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’” 2 Samuel 7:16 ESV

Who ever heard of an earthly king having someone on the throne forever yet Messiah, Jesus Christ, came from the line of David and will reign eternally. Finding Jesus in the books of Samuel is clear, in fact, Peter said this on the Day of Pentecost:

And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. Acts 3:24 ESV

Let’s look at David as a picture of Christ. He was a physical shepherd (lower story); Jesus was a spiritual shepherd (upper story). David was a warrior (lower story); Jesus is called a Man of War (Ex. 15:3 and Rev. 19:11), upper story. David was ‘man after God’s own heart’ (13:13-14); Jesus possessed God’s heart (John 17:21). David wanted to build God a temple but God had a higher plan: the temple would be in his heart. As the story flows from Samuel through Saul, and his ultimate rejection by God, we arrive at the point where God’s sovereign plan was inaugurated through David.

As you read through the New Testament watch for his references since they are given to direct you to the promise of kingship through Jesus Christ. An angel told Mary:

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
Luke 1:32, 33 ESV

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were waiting for this One.

Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, saying, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “The son of David.” Matthew 22:41, 42 ESV

From the apostle John,

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” Revelation 22:16 ESV

As you read through Samuel get used to the idea of royalty: as a believer, it’s your future.

Friends experience life together, walking alongside each other through the good times and the bad; when a family crisis arose, Lazarus died, Jesus was a friend.

Martha, this strong woman, had an opportunity to prove that her friendship with Jesus had changed her. Her words show us that her thinking had been transformed from the lower to the upper story. Neither women are afraid to let Jesus know they recognize His power, “if you’d been here he wouldn’t have died,” but in contrast, let’s examine their responses.

Martha realized Jesus was coming and went to meet Him outside the village and in that conversation she declared words of faith.

But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.”

“Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” John 11:22, 24, 27 ESV

Mary remained in the house.

Notice the words know and believe; Martha’s transformed mind allowed her to move from lower story thinking of Lazarus’ physical death into the upper story thinking of eternal life. Her words are evidence that the perception of her family crisis needed to move from physical to spiritual truth and she’s willing to change. Are you? Is there a family crisis you’re experiencing that needs a bolt of lightening faith? This story can do it.

Jesus responded to Martha’s proclamations by affirming and moving her into resurrection faith. The word believe is used by Jesus three times:

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” John 11:25-27 ESV

Paul tells us in 2 Cor. 4:4 that the god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers; they don’t have renewed minds, transformed thinking, or spiritual discernment like Martha. They’re still operating in the lower story. Only by faith and trust in our risen Savior can we begin to walk in the Spirit as Martha shows us.

Paul speaks to this issue in 1 Cor. 2:9-16 where he instructs believers that only by the Spirit of God can we receive revelation and understanding. It’s not our natural thinking, the lower story, but our spiritual perception, the upper story, that transforms us.

The ‘natural person’ is one who is led by his physical eyes, pseukee in Greek, the words ‘psyche’ and ‘psychotic’ are derived from here. In contrast, we are to be led by our spiritual eyes, pneuma or spirit. The word ‘pneumatic’, driven by air, the Holy Spirit, should be our description.

Where are your thoughts today, psychotic or pneumatic? Natural or spiritual thinking? The choice is yours.

Finding Jesus in Ruth

Next year my husband Dave and I will celebrate our fortieth wedding anniversary. Through our ups and downs he has faithfully been my provider, my protector, and if I need someone to stand up for me: it’s him. That’s the kind of man Boaz was. The book of Ruth is a love story for sure but it has an upper story that can’t be missed if we’re finding Jesus in the Old Testament.

Back in Gen. 17 we read that Abraham, our father of faith, was told by God that he would be the ‘father of many nations’. As we continue in this time period, that of the Judges, we have to wonder when these ‘nations’ will appear. It begins here in the book of Ruth.

Here’s the lower story. During a famine a Jewish family (Naomi’s) decided to leave Bethlehem and endure it in a neighboring country, Moab. Over a period of years her husband and sons died leaving her a widow and alone. That’s another story. Her daughter-in-law, Ruth, is committed to Naomi and makes this provocative statement:

“Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Ruth 1:16 NLT

That statement, by a Gentile (non-Jewish) woman, kicks off Abraham’s prophecy mentioned earlier and commences the royal line of kingship into Israel. We read in the New Testament that Ruth and her Jewish husband Boaz, who was from the tribe of Judah, were the great grandparents of King David. Royalty was inaugurated in Israel with the marriage of Boaz and Ruth and continued through the generations until God appeared in human form: Jesus the Messiah, Son of David, was born.

To bring this home let’s look at the upper story; what does this drama have to do with me? Boaz is a picture of Jesus. He was a Jewish man, called a kinsman redeemer, who literally purchased the right to marry Ruth. He provided for her, protected her, and stood up for her when she needed it. Isn’t that what Paul was talking about when he said that marriage was a picture of Christ and the Church (Eph.5)? Our Redeemer purchased us with His own blood and spiritually married us, Jew or Gentile. He’s our Bridegroom and we are His Bride, a profound mystery; He is our Boaz and we are His Ruth.

But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.” Revelation 5:5 NLT

Reading the book of Ruth with Jesus in mind keeps you aware that our sovereign God always had a plan, is always in the process of fulfilling that plan, and we are privileged to participate in that plan.

Martha

Martha, undoubtedly the oldest of two sisters, operated with a firstborn personality. Luke 10:38 tells us she had the gift of hospitality and desire to serve, however, she was definitely out of balance. A-type personalities have wonderful qualities but they can be impatient, controlling, and demanding. Martha became agitated with her sister Mary who simply wasn’t helping and boldly told Jesus, her friend, what to do about it; “tell her to help me!” Martha was driven to serve and interpreted Jesus’ disregard for her as uncaring. People who have driven personalities can fall into victim mode, blaming, and stressing out.

Luke used the word distracted in verse 30 which tells us that her mind was going in several directions; she was over-occupied and too busy to concentrate on her guest, Jesus. She allowed her driven personality to drive her away from Jesus instead of toward him.

There are two words that Jesus used to describe His friend Martha: anxious and troubled. The Greek word for anxious means to be pulled in opposite directions or divided. She was drawn to Jesus but the pull toward serving overpowered her desire to relax, sit at His feet, and just listen. Jesus said listening was the most important thing, so my question is, how many of us have responded the same way? We’re too busy to relax, sit in His presence, and commune with Him; we’re pulled in too many directions.

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?
Luke 12:22-23, 25-26 ESV

The second Greek word Jesus used to describe Martha was troubled. This shows us that she was close to a breakdown, her mind was disordered and disturbed. Martha was ready to have a panic attack if she didn’t quiet the noise in her mind.

Martha’s name is derived from the Hebrew word mara which can be bitterness or strength. The oil myrrh (also from mara), is strong in fragrance; Esther bathed in it for six months and Solomon mentioned it many times as a bridal scent in his book, Song of Songs.

Can Martha turn her driven personality into a strength, operate in her gifts and yet be content? Jesus said there was only one way: spend time at His feet and listen to His teaching. That’s the best part.

… do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

Finding Jesus in Judges

There was a time in the history of Europe (410AD) when the opulent and powerful Roman Empire fell. The eternal city, the mother of the world, as it was called, imploded from within; we call it the Dark Ages. Civil wars, injustice, starvation, and a hovering cloak of darkness settled over the city of Rome and the entire empire. The only hope for rescue was turning to God. Bill Hybels penned it well, “The local church is the hope of the world.” During this time the monastic movement within the Church began to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ with new passion. Some bright stars were shining during this dark time: Augustine, Benedict, and Anselm were hard at work hearing from God and bringing revival.

Israel also suffered from dark ages; it’s recorded in the book of Judges. This book continues the historical progression of Israel from the time of Joshua. The Hebrew nation, over a period of many generations, fell into a cycle of sin that also had only one hope: turn back to God. That cycle is seen throughout Judges:

*disobedience leading to oppression,

*oppression, leading to repentance,

*repentance, leading to deliverance from God.

From the time of Joshua until Israel’s first king, Saul, (350 years) the people struggled with this cycle. However, God also had some shining stars that would lead the people to repentance: Deborah, Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson (15 leaders in all) brought the light of God in this book.

Whenever God removes His hand of protection due to disobedience we see the natural consequences, even in our own life. This lower story during the time of the Judges points us to our own cycles. If we don’t drive out our enemies we’ll also see God allowing consequences to bring us back to Him. That’s the upper story. Unforgiveness, anger, sexual immorality, and the like will cause us to implode from within as Israel or Rome experienced. We find Jesus when we recognize that cycle and turn back to Him in repentance; He will forgive and cleanse us. That’s our only hope.

There are amazing times in this book when Jesus actually appears in the flesh! He’s called the Angel of the LORD as He visits His people, temporarily, to bring hope and reassurance that He is a covenant-keeping God. That doesn’t mean that He won’t discipline His people but that He loves them as a good, good Father. The Spirit of the LORD is also active in this book which points us to His role in our lives. We’re given the gift of Holy Spirit power, dunamis, to aid us as well but it’s not temporary: it’s permanent. His indwelling Spirit gives us direction and strategy to defeat our enemies and the enemies of our family. We cannot, as Israel experienced, live alongside or tolerate evil; we are called to be distinct and holy. Finding Jesus in the book of Judges is finding hope and not living in hopelessness.