The End

One of the keys to the Lazarus text is remembering that our definition for "end" is seldom the same as His.

In John 11:4, Jesus proclaims that "...this sickness will not END in death but is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it." I know for me, the END is typically felt when my circumstances appear to make that for which I had hoped no longer attainable. END is about limits, about the realm of possibility, about reality. Lazarus breathed his last and his family concluded he had come to his END.

Are you in the midst of a situation that feels as if it is over? There is a fine line between denial and faith. Oh God, may we live there...that still your Son may be glorified through it. May we risk denial for the possibility of hearing Jesus say again, "Come out!" Bring us to an END so we can stand in the midst of one of your miraculous beginnings.

Waiting at an END...

Pastor Fred

Same God?

Have you ever read Luke chapter 12, verse 32 and verse 47 and asked how this can be the same God? Because reading them alone can leave two entirely different impressions.

Verse 32 reads, "Do not be afraid, little flock, your Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom." Wow, that makes me feel accepted, loved, cared for...chosen! I'm great, celebrating, dancing even!

Then, I get to verse 47, "That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does do what his master wants will beaten with many blows." In the verses prior, Jesus states in the parable that a servant can be assigned to a place with unbelievers! Okay, now I am very, very afraid! I find this such a striking contrast because the consequence is not just the Kingdom being withheld, but in addition, a very real punishment being exacted.

This is why we read the whole Bible and use phrases like, "We understand all Scripture texts in light of the whole of Scriptural texts." If I only read verse 32, I have a perception of God that no matter what, the Kingdom is ours if we are His. If I only read verse 47, I am constantly trying to survive, just trying to avoid wrath with no hope of favor.

Jesus left these two insights into the heart of God next to one another, not to confuse us, but rather to complete us, to ensure that our understanding of the Father is whole.

May we all be given fully to His will, His ways, walking out of consequence and walking into favor!

Pastor Fred