Loosening My Kung Fu Grip

"And Peter said, 'See, we have left our homes and followed You.' And He said to them, 'Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life'" (Lk 18:28-30).

These three verses provide an epilogue to Jesus' conversation with the rich young ruler (Lk 18:18-27).  Christ's call to cash in his chips and follow revealed the man's idol: his own wealth.  Jesus then pointed out how it's easier to smush a 1500 pound camel through the eye of a sewing needle that for a rich person to squeeze himself through the gates of heaven.  The Lord pointed out that the only one capable of making that happen is God Himself.

At this point, Peter speaks up (v28).  Let's face it, when Pete says something, there's a 50-50 chance he's going to make a fool of himself.  Pastor Mike Lee says that it often seems like that the only reason Peter opens his mouth is to change feet.  But here, Simon says the right thing.

In response to the rich ruler's retreat, Rocky speaks up for all of the twelve.  It's just another example from the Bible of Peter's role as leader of the apostles.  It's a role he will retain even in the wake of his betrayal of the Lord.  He was part of Jesus' inner circle along with the Sons of Thunder.  Peter was first among equals among Christ's twelve.

The Rock reminds Jesus of all that His own disciples have left in the rear view mirror in order to follow.  "See we have left our homes and followed You."  Actually the word "homes" is not in the original text.  Pete actually says they have left "one's own" or “everything belonging to us" (Gr. adjective idios).

It is a reminder of how these twelve men walked away from not just their homes, but everything in order follow this amazing Man from Nazareth.  Professional fishermen dropped their nets and left their business behind.  A tax collector turned his back on his incredibly profitable occupation (and repaid with interest!).  They had left it all behind.

Jesus responds to Peter's statement with an encouragement (v29-30).  First, He talks about what they all have given up in more detail.  These men have left their homes, wives, brothers, sisters, parents and children.  And they didn't do it simply to hang out with some homeless and untrained Rabbi/Carpenter.  They did it "for the sake of the kingdom of God."  Somehow, someway they understood that something bigger was at stake.  And they were willing to leave it all behind.

Jesus announces here that this call to leave it all behind is not just for these twelve closest followers.  Are we willing to leave it all behind?  I'm afraid that we Americans are more like the rich young ruler than the blue-collar bunch that Jesus' assembled.  According to some statistics, 21st-century Americans are among the top 2% of the wealthiest people who have ever walked on the planet.  How many of us are willing to leave everything to follow Jesus?  House?  Family?  Job?  Cars?  401k?  I think it's time to move on.  It's getting rather uncomfortable, don't you think?

After affirming everything that His followers give up, Jesus goes on to give an overview of the benefits package (v30).  Those willing to forsake everything for the sake of the kingdom get unspeakable blessings, both in this life and the life to come.  Don't miss that Jesus speaks of receiving "many times more in this time."  Don't miss the math.  God's blessings will be multiplied "many times more!"

I would hardily disagree with those preaching a prosperity Gospel that Jesus is promising earthly riches.  It may happen.  But the blessings of God are so much more than that, so much more robust than that, so much deeper than that.  They include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal 5:22-23).  Most importantly, it is the blessing of God Himself.  He is our portion (Ps 16:5).  He is our great reward.

Jesus alone is worth leaving all.

Then Jesus points us to the most mind-blowing retirement package the universe has ever known.  He promises that we'll see those blessings continue once we pass from this life into the life to come.  Much ink has been spilled on heavenly and eternal blessings.  Christ is reminding His followers that it's worth it.  It's VERY MUCH worth it.  He doesn't deny that they've given up a lot.  But they have only begun to scratch the surface on what's to come.  And they don't have a clue of what will happen in the coming months and years.  Their minds couldn't hold it all.

This passage reminds me of the statement that hands clinging tightly to earthly possessions are not open to receive the blessings of God.  Too often we have a kung fu grip on things that have absolutely no eternal value.

Let it go.  Put it down.  Let the Lord fill your palms with His unspeakable and overflowing goodness.  We can only receive when we loosen our kung fu grip.

Jesus alone is worth leaving all.

Talking Back to the Smack

A lot of folks today think that talking trash is something new. They believe it just started in in the past few years. You know what I’m talking about, don’t you? A basketball player flaps his gums about how he’s going to school his opponent. A cocky football player won’t shut his yapper. I’m not saying talking smack is right, but it’s certainly nothing new. A gang of thugs starts chirping, trying to intimidate Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem from rebuilding the city walls (Neh 2:19-20). You might not think that the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes would know how to comeback to their smack. But Nehemiah makes it clear that he knows exactly how to take out the trash.

Before we jump in to the specifics, let’s back up and see exactly what’s going down. The city of Jerusalem is basically a pile of bricks. Back in 586 BC, God sends Nebuchadnezzar’s battalions to level the city and haul the Jews back to Babylon into exile. Over the next 70 years, the LORD coordinates a series of very interesting events. First, the Persians knock the Babylonians off as the world’s superpower. God then uses a series of Persian kings to not only send His people back to the Promised Land but put the full resources of the government behind it. A series of three different resettlement and rebuilding teams make the 1,000 mile trip back to Jerusalem. Zerubbabel leads the first, Ezra the second, and Nehemiah the third. 

Nehemiah is probably the most unlikely leader of the bunch. Zerubbabel is the grandson of King Jehoiachin, the second to last ruler over the southern kingdom of Judah. Ezra is a priest, a scribe, and one of the greatest Bible teachers ever mentioned in the Old Testament. Nehemiah? Just a lowly servant at Artaxerxes’ palace (Neh 1:1). As the “cupbearer to the king” (Neh 1:11), he’s the royal wine steward. But his role is just a little different than the dude with the corkscrew at that high dollar restaurant. His job is to check for poison in the wine. You can figure that there might be some, how shall we say it, “significant turnover” in the cupbearer position when the king has lots of enemies. But his job gives Nehemiah regular access to the most powerful person on the planet. When God breaks his heart over the crisis in Jerusalem, the king’s servant sommelier leverages his position to seek Artaxerxes’ assistance to rebuild the city walls. The next thing you know, the Persian dictator gives this lowly servant everything he asks for. “And the king granted me what I asked for the good hand of God was upon me” (Neh 2:8). Maybe you think there’s no way Jesus could ever do anything through you. Remember, God has a habit of raising up leaders from the most unlikely of places. 

Once in Jerusalem, Nehemiah gets a firsthand look at the condition of the walls during a midnight ride around the city (Neh 2:11-16). It’s bad. REALLY bad. But that doesn’t stop him from sharing with the local leaders what God has laid on his heart. The king’s cupbearer reminds the city’s movers and shakers of just how awful the situation is. We can often become blind to the mess around us when we live in it everyday. He reassures them that not only has the king given them his royal blessing, but that God’s hand has a firm grip on the entire project (Neh 2:17-18). 

As the next scene opens, the music changes. Think the Imperial March from “Star Wars.” We see three bad dudes getting tipped off about what’s about to go down in Jerusalem. We see “Sanballat the Horonoite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant and Gesham the Arab” (v19). We’ve met the first two thugs earlier in the story (Neh 2:10). They hit the roof when they got wind of Nehemiah’s plan to help the people of Jerusalem. The best guess is that Sanballat and Tobiah rule over areas just outside the city to the north and east. We meet the third member of this unholy trinity. His name is “Geshem the Arab” (v19). He’s the newest member of the enemies’ inner circle. Geshem probably rules the area south of Jerusalem. He’s most likely from the city of Kedar in Arabia. If so, he’s a direct descendant of Ishmael, Abraham’s son by the servant girl Hagar (Gen 25:12-13). 

The gang of three is plugged into the rumor mill. They get wind of Nehemiah’s plan and “hear of it” (v19). Their sources tipped them off when this latest caravan rolled into the area (Neh 2:10). Now they hear of the plan to rebuild the walls just after Nehemiah’s meeting with city leaders. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem clearly have sources deep inside the Jewish leadership. Later, Nehemiah will discover just how deeply their diabolical tentacles extend into the people of Jerusalem (Neh 6:12, 17-19; 13:4-8, 28).

Once Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem find out, they immediately start talking trash. “They jeered at us and despised us” (v19). They hear. They jeer. Earlier we read that the situation is so bad that Jerusalem has become a local joke (Neh 1:3; 2:17). The city that was supposed to be God’s glorious city on a hill has been reduced to a punchline. Think Newark. Think Buffalo. Think Detroit. The crazy thing is that God is behind it all. One of the psalmist writes, “You have made us the taunt of our neighbors, the derision and scorn of those around us. You have made us a byword among the nations, a laughingstock among the peoples” (Ps 44:13-14). This is a result of the open rebellion and sin of God’s people against His goodness and grace. The broken walls of Jerusalem provide plenty of material for local comedians. 

A big part of their smack includes the charge of sedition against the Persian Empire. “Are you rebelling against the king?” (v19). Rebellion is a REALLY big deal back in the ancient Near East. Dynasties would drop the hammer in a New York minute on any rumor of insurrection. Artaxerxes had heard this garbage before and shut down the Jerusalem project (Ez 4:12-22). It seems that Geshem is the source of the rumors of rebellion by the Israelites. We read later that Sanballat credits Geshem for telling him Nehemiah and the Jews are rebuilding the walls is in order to rebel against King Artaxerxes the Persian Empire (Neh 6:1-6).

So what does Nehemiah do? How does he respond to their trash talk? How does comeback to the smack? Does he buckle under their intimidation and bullying tactics? Not hardly. “Then I replied to them, ‘The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we His servants will arise and build’” (v20). “The God of heaven” is a name of God used a lot in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah to make the point that the LORD is the ruler over international situations. This trio of local toadies is certainly no match for the God who rules the universe from heaven. Nehemiah goes to “the God of heaven” in prayer. When King Artaxerxes asks his cupbearer what is bothering him, Nehemiah throws a quick prayer to “the God of heaven” (Neh 2:4). When challenged by these goons, he doesn’t tell them that he has the king’s support. He simply points out that God is behind the project. Nehemiah didn’t just have the king’s permission, he had God’s protection and provision. They won’t just make progress. Yahweh will make sure they prosper. 

Nehemiah then makes it clear to his enemies just exactly where they stand when it comes to what happens in the city. “You have no portion or right or claim in Jerusalem” (v20). He draws a very clear and bold line between God’s people and His enemies. Once it’s obvious that Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem oppose the good of Jerusalem, Nehemiah tells them to put a sock in it. Zerubbabel and his crew had a very similar comeback when local thugs tried to intimidate their efforts to rebuild the temple. “You have nothing to do with us in building the house of our God” (Ez 4:3).

So what exactly does Nehemiah mean when he talks about their portion, right, and claim? A “portion” is an allocated share. It’s something given or granted (Josh 18:5-6; 19:9). It’s a term also used as a way to describe of belonging to something (2Sam 20:1). Nehemiah tells these bullies to back off because the city was never given to you. God graciously gave it to His people. This points to the fact that ultimately God grants us our portion in Jesus. Remember our Savior’s words to Martha when she got her undies in a bundle over her sister Mary’s lack of help. While Martha flies around the house trying to impress everyone as the First Century version of Martha Stewart, Mary parks herself right in front of the radical Rabbi/Carpenter. Jesus tells her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (Lk 10:41-42). Jesus is our portion.

Nehemiah lets these knuckleheads know that they also have no legal leg to stand on when it comes to Jerusalem. A “right” is an entitlement or lawful requirement. No law ever entitled these outsiders to the city. And finally they have absolutely no claim on Jerusalem. A “claim” literally means a memorial or something based on an ancient tradition. They have no historic tie or link to this town. One commentator thinks this could describe a right to come and worship in Jerusalem. There’s no historic connection to the city and no reason to come and worship. The only One to be worshiped in this place is the God of Israel. 

It’s always important to place ourselves in the story. How do we fit in to what we read? I would love to put myself in the place of Nehemiah. And why wouldn’t I? He appears to be the hero riding over the hill to save the day just in the nick of time. He boldly stands up to these thugs and puts them in their place. Or maybe I’m a citizen of the holy city who’s inspired to get to work rebuilding the walls. But I think the best role for me in this story is one of the evil three, Sanballat, Tobiah, or Geshem. Without Jesus, I have no portion in God. Without Jesus, I have to right to salvation. Without Jesus, I have to claim God’s kingdom. I’m an outsider looking in. I’ve laughed at people who’ve chosen to follow Jesus. I’ve made them a convenient punchline. I’ve completely failed to obey God’s law. But Christ changes everything. He lives the perfect life when I’ve absolutely fallen flat on my face. He dies the death on a Roman cross for my sin that most certainly should have died. He rises to a jaw-dropping new life that in no way deserve. By placing my trust in Christ, He grants me a portion, right, and claim in His kingdom. Without Him, I’m standing alongside Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, on the outside looking in. 

God and the One Percent

The Occupy Wall Street is nothing new. Flip your Bible open to the 73rd Psalm and see a very similar scene. This tune starts out very much like a sixties era protest song that you might have heard at Woodstock. But suddenly the songwriter named Asaph compares glamorous life of the filthy right with the amazing goodness of being in the presence of God. No comparison. Suddenly, the lyrics erupt in worship. Everything else is just monopoly money in contrast to basking in the very glory of the Lord. In an instant, everything changes. God is all I need. God is all I want. 

Right off the bat, the psalmist is completely transparent with his frustration over the haves versus the have nots (v3-5). One look at their lavish lifestyles results in jealousy. He wants what they have. And because of their wealth, they are living large and in charge. “They have no pangs until death” (v4). Nothing really bothers the one percent because they’re able to throw just sick amounts of cash at their problems. “Their bodies are fat and sleek” (v4). This is the ancient way of saying they are in top physical shape. They’re ripped. They’re jacked. Six pack abs. They eat the good stuff and it shows.

The songwriter goes on to tell us how these wealthy folks have no problem in abusing the poor and disenfranchised to build up their portfolio even more (v6-9). They laugh at people living below the poverty line. And if that’s not enough, they have absolutely no use for God. Why should they? They’ve got everything they need. Or at least they think they do.

The lifestyles of the unrighteous rich and famous have an effect on poor and unknown. It doesn’t take long to wonder if following, obeying, and worshiping God has been a colossal waste of time. “All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence. For all the day long I have been stricken and rebuked every morning” (v13-14). The one percent has ignored the Lord and has piled up cash as high as the sky. Meanwhile the ninety-nine has nothing to show for their faithfulness but a beat-down from life. 

But then something happens. Our author walks into the sanctuary of God and it changes absolutely everything (v16-17).  Once in the presence of Yahweh, he sees life from a new perspective. From God’s perspective. God’s presence is a complete game changer. Asaph realizes that what the rich really have is a ticket to their own destruction (v18-20). God opens his eyes to see just how out of whack his own priorities had become (v21-22). He takes the time to admit what an absolute knucklehead he’s been. He confesses his sin. He repents and does a 180 back toward the Lord.

At this point, the songwriter realizes just what God was up to despite his own rebellion. The Lord has been with him the entire time. “Nevertheless, I am continually with you” (v23). It’s not so much about our faithfulness, but His. I’m placing my complete trust in the One who will never, ever give up (2Tim 2:13). It’s not about the strength of my faith. Instead this is all about the One in whom I place my faith. I may wobble and turn away from Him but He won’t ditch me. Ever. Don’t forget Jesus’ famous last words before heading home to heaven. “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt 28:20). Draw a circle around the word “nevertheless” (v23). God has “nevertheless” faithfulness.

And look what God is doing to ensure we’re always in His presence. “You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward you will receive me into glory” (v23-24). He holds. He guides. He receives. What do I do? Not much. I’m just along for the ride. Between here and glory, He directs me. Just how valuable is His divine guidance? Flip over to the 119th Psalm. It’s the longest chapter in the Bible. Consider this tune to be the “American Pie” of Scripture. The big difference between Don McLean’s big hit and this psalm is that the meaning of this song is unmistakeable. I may not have a clue about the day the music died, but there’s no question about Psalm 119. It’s a fabulous love song written to God and His guidance through His Word. “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps 119:105). Our heavenly Dad lovingly gives us instruction in order to keep us out of trouble. If I stay on His path and I won’t get hurt. 

Asaph asks the musical question, “Whom have I in heaven but You?” (v25). The author realizes that there’s absolutely nothing he wants in heaven or earth more than God. There’s a ton of fabulous things in life and unthinkable riches in heaven, but they don’t hold a candle to God’s presence. King David sang about how the only thing he really ever wanted was to spend every waking hour in the Lord’s temple and simply take in the  jaw-dropping glory of God (Ps 27:4). Another psalmist wrote that he would rather be an usher in the house of God than have a place of honor among the wicked (Ps 84:10). A few hundred years later, the Apostle Paul fired off a letter to his friends in Philippi to let them know that compared to Jesus, everything else in his life looked like a big steaming pile. The one percent can keep the cash. I want Christ. “And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You” (v25). The gifts are nice. The Giver is the best!

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart” (v26). Life is short. Life is hard. Despite anything and everything that comes my way, the Lord gives me the courage to press on. That’s because that no matter what happens, Jesus is “my portion forever” (v26). That’s a reminder of what happened one evening at Mary and Martha’s place. The two sisters invited the Rabbi/Carpenter to swing by for dinner. Martha couldn’t enjoy His visit because she “was distracted with much serving” (Lk 10:40). When she got up in Jesus’ face because she thought He didn’t give a hot hoot that she was working so hard. She wanted Him to tell her sister to get off her keister and help. At this point, Jesus told His host to pump her brakes and slow down. “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken from her” (Lk 10:41-42). Mary knew what Asaph knew. Jesus isn’t just the source of the blessing. Jesus IS the blessing!

If I need to occupy anything, it should be His presence. Let this be the start of the Occupy Jesus movement.