Are you a seeker of Truth?

Luke 9:18-21

Are you a seeker of truth, have you grown tired of religion and it’s tradition?  In fact, you may be one who is smart enough to know there is a Creator, someone that holds this universe together, but you do not know how to find that one.  I’ve got great news for you, in four verses from the Bible you can find the answer, it is that simple! 

“Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.” Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”  (Luke 9:18-22 ESV)

If you are one of those literal people as I seem to be, it appears as if Dr. Luke miss spoke when he stated; “as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him” but my sweet wife explained “Jesus praying alone is the same as you praying on the back porch, and me sitting with my cats in a chair near by,” and she is right.  Jesus being God in the flesh had no need to ask anyone anything, but He did this for you and me, and the twelve.  “Who do the crowds say that I am?”  If you want the answer to that question go to any school of higher learning and ask the professors and I bet you are going to hear a little different answer from the one the disciples and the people of that day.  These are the answers you can expect, a good moral man, a good teacher, historical figure, a Rabbi who acted like a rebel, a guy who claimed to be God, and the list goes on.

A Christian group in Dallas, Texas, called Bluefish did a man on the street interview and these are some of the answers to “Who is Jesus?”

He was a dude that lived back in the day pretty awesome he had a beard.

I don’t know because I don’t really believe in him so I don’t really think anything of him.

Jesus was a man from what I figure.

He probably existed but I don’t believe he was the Son of God or anything.

I think that he is a pretty cool guy he had a peaceful philosophy I think he’s misinterpreted by a lot of people.

Not that much different from the University professor but C.S. Lewis rains on these summations, this is his quote on the subject: “If Jesus was not whom he claimed, then he must be a lunatic, a liar, or worse.”  In his book “Mere Christianity” you can read Lewis going into great detail on the subject of the above statement. 

So the people all gave Jesus a pass on being someone of great importance like John the Baptist or Elijah, but not the Messiah.   Jesus asked the question to the twelve and Jesus has not stopped asking it of all people, “But who do you say that I am?” 

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Imagination

Luke 9:10-17

God has given us a wonderful gift and the modern world we live in has almost removed it from most of us, but children have it and most who read books, especially mysteries, still use it; it’s your imagination.  So today will you ask the Helper to allow your imagination to engage and be one of the twelve disciples?  My grandson John Mark would have no trouble identifying with a fisherman, in that it is also his passion, so he might pick James or John in the story, it matters not who you pick, just ask the Helper to give you a place in the story.

If I was Matthew, most of my life would have been collecting taxes, before I met Jesus I worked for the Roman government.  And I’m sure you understand that people were not all that happy with me and yet they feared what I could do to them, and now I’m not taking but giving, do you know that I was part of a larger team of twelve and that Jesus sent us out in two’s with no provisions, but with His power and authority and WOW!  I wish you had been there, it was amazing!  We told people they needed to repent, and they did and we were able to cast out demons and up to now we have been observers, Jesus has done all the demon removal, and he still is but He does it through me, now that’s a WOW!  And we also anointed the sick with oil and they were healed, and now we are returning to share all of this with Jesus, I am so excided, what a change has happen in me since meeting Jesus, since He called me to follow Him and I did, WOW!  I am excited.

And on our return Jesus took us away from the crowd to a town called Bethsaida, but our solitude did not last, the crowds learned where we were, and now this is just like Jesus, He was not upset, I believe I can speak for the twelve on this one, we were wanting to be alone with Jesus, and He welcomed the crowds.  They seemed to come from everywhere, thousands of them, in fact later we counted the men and there were about five thousand.

And in a crowd that large you have a lot of needs, and Jesus began to talk about the Kingdom of God and cured those who needed to be healed.  The day is getting late and the area we are in has never seen so many people and we came to Jesus and said, Master send them away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are in a desolate place.  Now I know this is going to blow you away, we were amazed; Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.”  This was our reply: “We have no more than five loaves and two fish – unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.”  I’m sure Jesus was thinking; you are the guys who just came back from casting out demons, and healing the sick; “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.”  By this time when Jesus said something we just obeyed what He said so that’s what happened and then Jesus took “the five loaves and two fish, and looking to heaven and said a blessing over them.  Then He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.  And they all ate and were satisfied.  And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.”

Not much has changed, for the same Jesus who did it all through Matthew and the twelve will do it all through you, for it is Christ in you the hope of glory.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

History has a way of repeating

Luke 9:7-9

Have you heard someone say history has a way of repeating itself, and humans seem to learn little from it?  Can you imagine a culture that has no understanding of its history, but knows everything there is to know about some movie star, rock star, or country singer, but cannot tell you anything about current affairs, government, or have any understanding of the price that has been paid for freedom, and the reason for it and the ones who paid the price.  Now I’m referring to spiritual matters and the lack of understanding of our history and current affairs is almost a guarantee of repeating history.

In Luke 9:7-8, we have this account: “Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen. Herod said, “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see him.”  Jesus, this new Rabbi, is making an impact on the people of Judea and Herod is perplexed, because it is reported by some that John had been raised from the dead.  If you are asking why would that bother Herod the Tetrarch who ruled under the authority of Caesar Augustus after the death of his father Herod the Great in four B.C. over Galilee and Perea as a client state of the Roman Empire, it is a very good question?

History of John the Baptist is still fresh in the minds of the people but it would seem much more in the mind of Herod, who has no doubt that he has killed a prophet of God, a righteous man.  I’m not sure you can forget such a man, so when the reports began to come to him about Jesus, Herod was sure it was John the Baptist whom he had beheaded, if you have any doubt read Mark 6:16, “But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”  Mark’s gospel gives us a very clear picture of the relationship Herod had with John the Baptist, looking at Mark 6:19-20, “And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, ²⁰ for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.” 

My goal is not to offend anyone, but a great example in 2015 is Billy Graham being invited to the White House and confronting the President on his support of marriage between a man and a man, or a woman and a woman, or the killing of the unborn children, and being invited back over and over on the same subject, I have no doubt the current President would be greatly perplexed, in fact it is not going to happen for one reason, the current President does not want any opinion other than his own.

Herod the foolish, wanted an audience with the one he feared, John and it was offered to him by a Roman leader named Pilate, who had animosity toward Herod, and when Pilate heard Jesus was a Galilean he sent Him to Herod.  Dr. Luke gives this account in the 23rd chapter, verses 8-9, “When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer.”

Herod the foolish would not get the show he hoped for, God had sent John to confront him of sin and so that day in front of Jesus it was too late for a foolish man who only wanted to be entertained, and had no desire for truth, and it’s sad, for he was in the presence of Truth.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

    

Go in the authority of Jesus

Luke 9:1-6

“And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.  And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.”

Has God held back on those who followed Jesus after the twelve?  We know one of the twelve was a liar and thief and yet they “went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.”  One thing is clear Judas did as he was told, and he and whoever was his partner for this mission saw and preached and witnessed people being healed.  In Mark 6:7 you have the same account, and in Matthew 10, we have a clearer picture of more than the moment.

“These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics4 or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. As you enter the house, greet it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.”

Did Jesus ask the twelve to go and do something that all other followers of
Christ have been given a pass on or has the task of being sent out by Jesus been amplified?  We have Matthew’s account of the resurrection and the angel of the Lord coming and rolling back the stone, and telling Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, “He is not here, for He has risen, as he said.”  And after they looked into the tomb that was empty, they left rejoicing and Jesus came to them, with this word “Greetings” and what did these ladies do?   You are 100% correct, just what you and I would have done, they worshiped Him.  And the ladies went and told the disciples to do as Jesus and the angel had said, go to Galilee and they will see me there.

It is in Galilee where they got their commission, and so did you and I as followers of Christ, and this is it: “When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful.  And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit…” There is not much new under the sun, some of the chosen eleven doubted, so many of us today find ourselves in good company.  But that does not change this truth Jesus has authority both in heaven and on earth, and as His disciples, or followers, we are told to go to all nations in the name and authority of Jesus and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Coming back a Super Star

Luke 8:40-56

I can only imagine what it is like to be welcomed home, as the super star, and I’ve witnessed what that is all about when the San Antonio Spurs won the NBA championship.  The headlines read like this on June 15, 2014, “Spurs' fans flock downtown in celebration” and that was for a bunch of guys who played a game.  It makes me wonder what would folks do if the person coming to town had healed your daughter, your cousin, your dad, or mother, or a neighbor who was blind from birth.  Now that has got to draw a larger crowd than some very tall guys dribbling a round ball up and down a court, throwing it at the rim and hoping it falls through, it would seem so anyway.

Jesus has been told He is not welcome in Gerasenes after He allowed the demons to enter the herd of pigs and set a man free from the control of Satan, but the people of Gerasenes cannot see a miracle, they can only see the loss of income.  So Jesus gets back into the boat and returns to Galilee, and it is somewhat of a celebration that Dr. Luke reports in verse 40, “Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him.”  This crowd is much like the blind man who was told by the religious leader that Jesus was a sinner, and this was his reply: “He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”  (John 9:25)  They were looking and waiting for the one who had the power to change life, and a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue,  came up and fell at Jesus feet, for his only daughter was dying and she was only 12 years old.

Now Jesus went with Jairus but on the way with the crowd all pressing in on Jesus a mighty act of faith took place.  Jesus stopped and asked, “Who was it that touched me?”  If your Jairus, that is not good, something is wrong the Master has stopped and my little girl is in great need.  If you are one of the disciples you’re wondering but not saying, sure someone touched you this crowd is about to get out of control.  Leave it to Peter to say what the others are thinking: “Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.”  (Luke 8:45-46 ESV)

The one who had touched Jesus is referred to as a woman with a discharge of blood, for 12 years she had spent all her money on doctors and Jesus was her only hope.  So Luke tells us she owned up and came trembling, and falling down before him and shared with all the people how the moment she touched Jesus she was healed.  And Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”   Wow, no one is dribbling a ball, no politician, no play actor can do what Jesus has done, or will do for you if you will only ask for that kind of faith.

I bet Jairus was pumped at this point, maybe a little frustrated but excited for his daughter is next.  And while Jesus is still speaking, someone from Jairus’ home town brings the news no dad wants to hear, your little girl, the one you would gladly exchange places with is dead.  And Jesus turns to Jairus and says: “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.”   We do not know this, but it would seem all that is in Jairus mind is; did you not hear the report, it came from someone I trust, my little girl is dead, and Jesus is saying; “only believe, and she will be well.”

When Jesus came to the house the mourning and weeping had began, and these are the words of Jesus; “And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.”  (Luke 8:52-56 ESV)  Faith is the Victory!

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

 

Encountering Evil

Luke 8:28-39

“Christ in you, the hope of glory,” is found in Colossians 1:27b and it is a mystery, but should it be to those who go by the name Christian?  Doctor Luke is sharing an account of Jesus getting off the boat in Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee, and as he stepped on dry land a man met him.  That is nice to have someone greet you in a place you’ve not visited, if that someone is the local mayor, the banker, or even from the welcoming committee of the local community, it’s all good, but if he is a man full of demons, how are you going to react?  

For many a person with the title of Christian, it’s not a problem, and there is a good reason, they are never going to get in the boat, but for you who are followers of Christ, you are in the boat, and it has reached the Gerasenes and it’s dry land, and you are sure it is where you are suppose to be, but back home you never encountered a guy this intimidating.  You can see chains that have been broken hanging from his wrist and being dragged from his ankles he does not have on any clothes, and the smell of his body takes your breath away. 

What actions are you going to take?  A friend tells me that his first two trips to India working in the slums and at the Sister Teresa sisters of charity in Calcutta; the smells and the poverty were more than he had expected, and one or two who came just never got out of the boat, or never got involved.  Now there are good reasons for some of us to jump back into the boat, and first, and foremost is the Father never ask us to get into it, and some of us believe no matter what, we can handle whatever comes our way, but in no way were they prepared for this naked, smelly man with all the chains and once we had encountered him, that become the least of our problems, we were full of fear for we had never encountered someone this evil with this kind of power. 

It’s not that Christ is not living in us, but maybe we have been so busy doing good that we forgot to wait, watch, and listen to the Holy Spirit, to daily come to Him for instruction, to look into His instruction book on living life on planet earth, and wait for His voice.  For it is there we begin to grasp, “I can’t, He never said I could, He can and He promised He would.”  Then it is not our doing but Christ doing it all in and through you, it’s the mystery of “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

Do not be surprised when this one whom all fear see Christ in you, for when this man saw Jesus it was the demons who knew and proclaimed; “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?  I beg you, do not torment me.”  Only Christ in you will understand it is the demons speaking, and only Christ in you will ask the right question: “What is your name?”  And we know his answer was “Legion” for he had many demons, and one thing is clear, the man had not spoken to Jesus, only the demons that had control of him.  It was the demons that ask to be put into the herd of pigs, and pigs are very smart, they chose death over the control of demons.

It matters not to the world how much harm the demons do as long as we can push them out of our area.  In fact, the world will never address them by the right title it will come up with work place violence, or any name that seem proper.  But if you cast the demons out no matter if the person is now free, clean, and with clothes, and it affects the business community in anyway that is not for profit, they will do to you what they did to Jesus.  You will be asked to leave, and never come back.

 From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Turning from fear in the storms

Luke 8:22-25

I’ve often shared that much of my life was filled with the fear factor, fear of not being liked, fear of failing in school and later in marriage, being a husband, dad, and also in my business life.  As I have matured, it has become very clear that fear and faith cannot live in the same mind fear will always be in control.  Many have written about fear, so let me share a couple of quotes: “The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.” (H. P. Lovecaft) Gandhi said,  “The enemy is fear. We think it is hate; but it is fear.” 

Doctor Luke in sharing this story with us gave us examples of how fear can control us, but also how fear can drive one to awaken or drive us to Jesus. “One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”  (Luke 8:22-25 ESV)

As a follower of Jesus we all want to get into the boat and it’s cool to be part of the ones that hear Jesus say let’s go to the other side of the lake, but few of us enjoy being on the lake in the boat when the storms, the winds, and the water begins to fill our hope of getting alive to the other side.  You may be person of great faith, but I’ve always been the type of person who has a hard time seeing Jesus when the wind is tossing my little boat and the waters are sure to take me to the deepest part of despair.  So I can easily put myself in the boat with those disciples, and the real question is Jesus how can you be sleeping, I sure hope you will awake, I sure hope you care? 

And in my time of storms, I’ve discovered Jesus cares, He can calm the storm but He is waiting for me to turn from fear and look to Him.  And He is asking the same question today, as when you pushed out in calm waters, “Where is your faith?”

Faith quotes: “Faith isn't the ability to believe long and far into the misty future.  It's simply taking God at His Word and taking the next step.” - Joni Erickson Tada

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice