Vol. 18 No. 13 | March 28, 2016

Luke ends his account of the life of Jesus like this:

44 Then he said, “Everything I told you while I was with you comes to this: All the things written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets, and in the Psalms have to be fulfilled.”

45-49 He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way. He said, “You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations—starting from here, from Jerusalem! You’re the first to hear and see it. You’re the witnesses (Italics mine). What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you’re equipped with power from on high.”

50-51 He then led them out of the city over to Bethany. Raising his hands he blessed them, and while blessing them, took his leave, being carried up to heaven.

52-53 And they were on their knees, worshiping him. They returned to Jerusalem bursting with joy. They spent all their time in the Temple praising God. Yes. (Luke 24:44-53, The Message)

I hope your Easter Sunday included a time of genuine fellowship, energized and God focused worship, and a message from the Word that challenged you, encouraged you, and inspired you to greater service in the Kingdom of God.

I hope as you spent time over the last week reflecting on the last days of the life of Jesus, you also reflected on how you are living your life, how you would want to spend the last week of your life. I hope, now that we have passed through another Easter season, you and I will accept the same role as that of those who were with Jesus after His Resurrection. In verse 48 of the text above Jesus explains their new identity in the Kingdom: “You are the witnesses.”

A witness is one who sees an event. Jesus told them that they have seen the fulfillment of things He had told them would happen. “You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations—starting from here, from Jerusalem! You’re the first to hear and see it.” (46-47)

When you are witness you can testify as to what you have seen. If you see an accident or a crime you may be called into a court of law to serve as a witness, to give a testimony, to confirm or deny what is being said. If you witness something exciting—a great game, a beautiful sunset, or an act of inspirational courage—you cannot wait to share that with others. Given an opening into any conversation, you’ll seize it and share what you have seen.

When Jesus tells them, “You’re the witnesses” He is challenging them, and giving them an open door to share what they have seen and experienced. He basically tells them to wait until the Spirit comes to them, but be ready to be the witnesses. If you read farther in Luke’s writings (the book of Acts), you will see they accept and excel in being His witnesses.

You and I witnessed something yesterday. Because we are witnesses, it is now time for us to share what we saw, what we experienced, how we were impacted, and why it was so significant to us. That is what a witness does. That is what we are.

The only question that remains is, will we accept our role as His witnesses?

It is the day after Easter. Will you be His witness?

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 18 No. 12 | March 21, 2016

Jesus often talked to His disciples and interested followers about the danger of becoming too attached to the physical things of the world. In the midst of increasing opposition to His teaching and the cross that loomed on the horizon, Jesus reminded His disciples of importance of maintaining their focus on what was (and is) really important (Luke 12:22-34).

He begins by explaining the futility of worrying (12:22-26). Don’t worry about your life, your food, your body, or your clothing. Birds are cared for by the Father. You are much more valuable than the birds. Worrying does not change anything, so don’t worry about these things.

In 12:27-31 He uses the flowers that grow in the fields as an example of God’s care and provision. The lilies do nothing but grow. God takes care of them. The pagan world worries about these things, you don’t need to because the Father knows what you need. So seek His Kingdom and these things will be provided.

Then, in 12:32-33 He reminds them that there is no reason to fear. What a great reminder for us in this age where fear is promoted as the natural way of life! Focus on helping the poor and not focusing on your possessions. Focus on Kingdom things, not earthly things. Kingdom things cannot be destroyed. Earthly things can be. So, examine your heart to see what’s there.

Now the question: Where is your treasure?

Worry, anxiety and fear come as a result of making our treasure the things of this world. Do worry, anxiety and fear describe you? Then, your treasure is in the wrong place. Your heart is focused on stuff.

The remedy? Get rid of some of it. Give some of it away to those who really need it. The more you have the more you want and the more you want the more you worry about hanging on to it. It is a vicious cycle. I know that sounds idealistic in our world of “give me more,” but it is God’s way that will bring us peace and calm.

What are the things that you really treasure? What is that you hold on to so tightly? What is it that occupies and preoccupies so much of your time and energy trying to protect and maintain? What are the things that you believe will give you peace and provide security? What is it that you think about when you wake up in the middle of the night? What weighs on you most heavily when just before you drift off to sleep at night? Stuff? Clothes? Food? Your physical health?

Jesus wants us to know that there is a better way. When our focus in Him and on His Kingdom all that stuff that we need He will provide. Many of us have more that we can use. Our refrigerators and pantries are over stocked. Our garages are so full we cannot park our car(s) in them. Our closets are full of clothes we never wear. Our schedules are over-booked and our minds are over-loaded. Stress, hypertension, and panic attacks are common ailments that plague us and increase or levels of stress, hypertension, and panic attacks.

When will it stop? Today would be good time. Change your focus. Exchange your treasure for new treasure. The things that matter to God. Let Him be the manager of your life. Let go of some of the control. Put Him in charge. He is already in charge, so let Him. Stop worrying and start enjoying.

Where is your treasure?

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 18 No. 11 | March 14, 2016

The gospel of Luke (Luke 14:36-50), NIV) includes the story of a woman who breaks through the walls of tradition, religious custom and social propriety in order to see Jesus. Jesus was invited to the house of one of Pharisees for a meal. Keep in mind the Pharisees were at various times a political party, a social movement, and a school of thought during the time of Jesus; they were constantly suspicious of Jesus and searching for ways to destroy His reputation and eventually to destroy Him.

As the story of Jesus unfolds and the conflicts between Jesus’ teaching and that of the Pharisees continues the gap between the two continues to widen, making the fact that Jesus actually went even more amazing. A woman who interrupt the meal becomes the subject of discussion and how she is described gives the story a personal meaning that we cannot afford to miss.

In the beginning of the story Luke labels her as: “A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume.” (37) “A woman in that town who had lived a sinful life.” She brought a jar of perfume and poured it on Jesus’ feel. She wet his feet with her tears, then wiped his feet with her hair.

The custom of the day was for a host to provide a servant to wash the feet of the guest. (You can see another story where this same practice was neglected in John 13. Jesus also used that opportunity for more teaching.) This Pharisee had failed to provide for this during this meal with Jesus. The woman learned that Jesus would be there so she came, obviously with the intent of caring for Jesus.

The Pharisee objects (40) to himself, he thinks.

But Jesus, knows his thoughts and, as the invited guests says, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” First, Jesus tells a story about debt and asks for a response to His question. Jesus then affirms is answer and follows up with another descriptive paragraph about the woman. The woman “in that town who lived a sinful life.” But the language used to describe changes.

In verse 47 Jesus says, “her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown.” Or as some translate it, “She has loved much.”

In this one encounter this woman has been transformed from “A woman in that town who lived a sinful life” to “her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown.” And, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (50)

No doubt Simon was stunned, disappointed, embarrassed, and angered. No doubt this woman was relieved, elated, set free and filled with joy.

The amazing power of this story (and many stories Jesus told throughout His ministry) is that the message of the story was for the Pharisee, the woman, and you and me.

We come to Jesus as “A woman in our town who lived a sinful life” or “A man in our town who lived a sinful life.” Because of our “great love” for Him, and His great love for us, we leave as one whose “many sins have been forgiven” and we “go in peace.”

This woman was not invited to the dinner by the Pharisee, but she was invited by Jesus, as are we all, to come to Him for forgiveness. The Pharisee received the same invitation from Jesus. The invitation has been offered. What will you do with it?

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 18 No. 10 | March 7, 2016

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She had been feeling a bit more tired than usual. She also began having episodes of nausea. She knew that a child was growing inside her. She was overjoyed. As the child continued to grow and as she waited for the birth she treasured these things in her heart.

When the day arrived and the pain became increasingly intense she anxiously awaited the arrival of her child. The pain gave way to unbridled joy when the baby was place in her arms. She treasured these things in her heart.

The child grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with the God and man. The child seemed to be changing every day.  She treasured these things in her heart.

Moving toward adulthood brought struggles, pain, disappointments, and sorrow. There was heartache. There were days of victory. Together they shared them all. She treasured these things in her heart.

It came time for the child to move forward with independence which brought both joy and sorrow. This has been the dream from the beginning, but it has also been the dread. She treasured these things in her heart.

With independence and freedom came responsibility and another family. The new couple had children of their own. The grandchildren brought a new joy unlike anything ever experienced. She treasured these things in her heart.

The mother began to show her own age. She moved more deliberately and less frequently. She needed more attention which her child lovingly provided. She treasured these things in her heart.

When health began to fail and the days were numbered there conversations and memories and stories. There was laughter, there were tears, there were long periods of silence. She treasured these things in her heart.

Eventually as it was evident that her life would soon end and she laid on her bed peacefully breathing her last breaths and remembering the life she had lived. She treasured these things in her heart.

As her children gathered round her and celebrated her life. There were tears of immense sadness. There were moments of immense joy. Together they shared their stories. Together they relived her life and they treasured these things in their hearts.

Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:51-52, NIV)

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.