Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Secret Sin / Unrecognized Virtue. 

I was preaching on Matthew 26 last Sunday and was struck by the irony of 26: 4 how Jesus' enemies
 " schemed to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him." I can relate to that. I tend to think I am doing my sin secretly , that I can control it , that the deed itself isn't the worst thing but it being known to others is.
Judas thought he was so stealth too vs 14-16. If Dr Phil was here right now he might ask the famous " And how did that work out for ya?" those covert acts are without a doubt the most proclaimed acts of all time! 
Then sandwiched in the middle of all that is this very generic sort of anonymous woman. She pours out probably thousands of dollars of perfume on Jesus as an act of worship and is criticized by all 12 disciples and yet defended beautifully by Jesus and is given this promise in vs 13 " Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." 
I don't believe she was trying to draw the notice of others ( what notice she did get from all but one was not enjoyable anyway) yet it was recognized by the most significant person of all time. Think about this, you just read about her AGAIN in 2013! 
It struck me suddenly that when it comes to sin, one of my greatest fears is being found out.  This is sad when you think of how often I still do it because the God who sees all never misses one of them. You'd think I would find more motivation to shun evil from that fact. 
On the other hand when it comes to virtues, one of my biggest fears is not being seen ( being under-appreciated or being misunderstood). This is sad because my "Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward"...me (Matt 6 : 4,6,18) He never misses the good things I attempt for his glory. You would think I would find more than enough motivation to serve with all my strength, based on a fact like that. 

With a record like that ( sinning despite the fear of being found out and neglecting to do good despite a promise that he will see and reward that)   no wonder he calls me to return often to the Lords table to receive the bread and the cup. That is the very next passage to the story-line we have been thinking about.  He always knew I would be a high maintenance friend.  

26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Wednesday, November 06, 2013

I hear dead people...praying

OK so that is a sad rip off  of an old movie quote but I recently took the advice of another Pastor I was introduced to and bought myself a copy of "The Valley Of Vision" so I have taken the challenge to use this highly recommended prayer resource to bring some training wheels to my own prayers...The Valley Of Vision is a collection of written prayers from the Puritans (  theological giants of the likes of Baxter /Owen/Spurgeon )
You can read about the idea HERE and I may be back telling you how it's going. I am setting my phone alarm for a three times a day office of prayer. if you are interested in joining me get a copy HERE the bonded leather version looks pretty slick and I hope it becomes a dear companion in the years to come!