"I Know But One Way" Part I

THE WAY (Matthew 5)

3"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of
righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The Way – a paraphrase

A person who realizes they are spiritually impoverished will be overcome with grief at their spiritual destitution and humbly seek with the desperation of a starving and parched person acceptance from God.

This person will find himself not only accepted into the kingdom of heaven and comforted but inheriting a new life on earth. They will be filled with joy and happiness at this undeserved gift of acceptance. Their natural reaction to this grace will to be merciful to others.

In response, God will continue to show them mercy cleansing them from all unrighteousness and giving them pure hearts. Newly cleansed they will see God for who he truly is and begin to act as peacemakers.

As they act as ministers of reconciliation between the rebellious sons and daughters of earth and the kingdom of heaven, some will call them who they truly are - sons of God while others will persecute them for their new way of life. In either outcome, these sons and daughters of God will celebrate their place in the kingdom of heaven.

Next Part II: "Jesus and the Way"

Evidence that Demands a Verdict

Matthew 9:35-38

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (NIV vs. 36-38)

Jesus “making a circuit of all the towns and villages… teaching in their meeting places, reporting kingdom news, and healing their diseased bodies, healing their bruised and hurt lives…” (Msg vs. 35) looked into this sea of battered peoples' lives and his heart broke. The image is of a people harassed by the ravenous wolves of Satan’s minions. Helpless against the lies of the enemy and the power of sin. Like sheep without a shepherd not knowing where to go or how to get there. Jesus is so moved at the overwhelming need that he stops his relentless ministry to the people and turns to the disciples and commands them to pray.

I imagine the disciples puzzled looks. Pray? Pray for what? Are you not the answer to our prayers' Jesus? Are you not leading the most dynamic and anointed ministry we have ever seen? Are you not the one ushering in the kingdom of heaven to earth? Are you not the answer to visions of all our prophets?

Can Jesus really be so overwhelmed by the incredible need he sees before him that he must stop to enlist the prayers of his chosen friends and sent-ones? Is it possible that the Lord seeks for partners in his task of “ever making intercession?” (Heb. 7:25)

The answer is YES! The Son of man having so deeply immersed himself in the sea of humanity suddenly surfaces to proclaim golden fields of wheat so heavy with fruitful seeds that there is a risk that the very seeds will break the stalk and the harvest will be lost. Time is of the essence! The harvest season will not last forever. The Son of God cannot accomplish the work alone.

What is needed? More workers, and not just workers, but workers who have been commissioned, empowered, and sent by the LORD of the harvest. How will these workers be released? By the sons of men earnestly asking, beseeching God for more laborers.

Oh that we would respond to the Lord’s cry! Oh that our knees would become calloused and our floor boards worn! Oh that our hearts would break for what breaks HIS? Oh that we too could see the harvest? Open our eyes Lord Jesus!

Come friends get, “On your knees and pray for harvest hands!” (Msg)

When Love Costs

There are affections in our lives that we love and dearly hold onto. Often time, these affections hold no similar appeal to those around us. If they were to look into our hearts, they would not understand why we get such joy and pleasure from these momentary delights. Yet, these delights drive and thrill us. Our enjoyment of them is so intense that we find them coming to the forefront of our minds more often then we would like to admit (and always at the strangest times!). We find ourselves adjusting our schedules around them. Even becoming disillusioned if not angry when we don’t have time for them.

More often than not, these affections are false loves, hidden parts of the soul that no one else knows about until they suddenly coming rumbling to the surface in an angry, accusatory mix. False loves do not sustain you; there is no lasting peace found in them. The momentary delight fades when confronted with the cool, harsh realities of life. We find ourselves unable to enjoy them in the context of community because they are selfish, inward things. We find them filling our thoughts and time and driving us from others.

Love is a costly thing. When I was a child, I read a story of a young forest princess who stole a dragon egg because of its beautiful colors. She hid it in a tree and when the beautiful baby dragon was born she daily cared for it and fed it. Until one day, it had grown so big she could not longer control it, and it turned against her almost destroying her life. In the same way, we watch false loves grow in our lives denying their power over us. Then suddenly, they rear their ugly heads surprising those around us and destroying everything in their path.

To rid ourselves of these loves comes at a great personal cost. It is not easy to let go of something that holds such sway over the seat of our affections. We find ourselves cringing at the thought of it. Can I really enjoy myself without this relationship, that job, the show, the book, the sport, the drink, the drug, the game, the idle wandering of our minds?

But when we do give them up pushing through the pain and tears of losing it, we find for the first time a strange liberating feeling pumping through our hearts. We find freedom to be a better master then false love, and we find true joy comes after mourning.

Esther 9:22

A New Generation Arising

In the midst of the winds of changing culture and shifting ideologies in the midst of rapid globalization yet increasing obscurity, a radical and subversive people are emerging. Unshakeable in faith, they beckon the many to join them in a way of life, an ancient path oft spoke of yet seldom travelled.

Assailed by doubt and persecution, they journey together in the pursuit of that which is eternally good. Confounding the wisdom of the wise, they live out a new life uncompromised by the pressures of earthly achievement or false humility. They are beautiful yet broken, weak yet brave, humble yet assured.

Dark but lovely, the light of eternity glistens on their faces as they fix their eyes on the Son. Ruined for this world, they reflect the One who changed them, gave them hope, and taught them how to love.

In Him they find healing and freedom, a reason to live. Their story begins and ends with Him, their creator, their lover, their friend.

Jesus.

Boston Arise!

God told me to re-start the blog. God will awaken Boston - don't doubt it.