A Norvell Note

Vol. 18 No. 18 | May 2, 2016

John 18 gives the account of Jesus being arrested and put on trial. Even as we read it today, knowing what happens next, it is still a very sad part of the story. As sad as the story itself is, there’s even a sadder story included in John’s version. Simon Peter, and his denial of Jesus is specifically mentioned. Here’s this way it is spelled-out in the New International Version.

Peter’s First Denial

15 Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, 16 but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in.

17 “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter.

He replied, “I am not.”

18 It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.

Peter’s Second and Third Denials

25 Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?”

He denied it, saying, “I am not.”

26 One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” 27 Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.

How would like to have our name printed in every Bible that has ever been printed?

Tom’s First, Second, and Third Denial

Everyone who ever reads the gospel reads Peter’s name in bold print. Everyone who ever shares the gospel story speaks Peter’s name specifically. It’s a good news bad news scenario: Good News: My name’s in the Bible. Bad News: It’s in there because I denied Jesus three times.

It is sad, but it was would be worse if that was the end of the story, but it is not the end of the story.

John 21 includes the account of the conversation between Jesus and Peter (15-23). The heading for that section in the New International Version is: Jesus Reinstates Peter. It could be: Peter Confesses His Love For Jesus Three Times.

When you follow Peter into the book of Acts you see a courageous, confident, Spirit-filled leader of the new Kingdom movement. He still makes bold statements and is not afraid of going public with the story of Jesus. The heading for the section of Scripture that begins in the middle of Acts 2 is: Peter Addresses the Crowd. It could also read: Peter Leads the Revolution. Or it could read: The Transformed Peter Helps Transform the World.

It does not need to be the end of your story either. Maybe you have denied Jesus one, two, three times, or more. Maybe you are trying to find your way home, but guilt and shame is paralyzing your movements. If that describes you maybe you should do what Peter did. Confess your love and devotion to Jesus. Then, listen to Him as He reminds you that you still have a job to do. He told Peter, “Feed my sheep.” A bit later He said, “You follow me.”

Maybe your task is not to feed the sheep, but you can tell the story. As you follow Him share His story, share your story, make His Kingdom real in your life. Then, follow Him and celebrate God’s good ending.

Tom

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

 

Vol. 18 No. 17 | April 25, 2016 

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34,35, NIV) 

“Love one another.” Sounds easy enough. Just love each other. That is how people will know that we are Jesus’ disciples. Just love each other. 

You do not need any title. You do not need to pay a membership fee. There are no hoops to jump through. You do not need any special marking or identification badge. You do not need to make a loud public announcement about being a follower of Jesus. Just love one another. 

Churches who bear the name of Jesus Christ: Love one another. Churches who disagree on some doctrinal beliefs: Love one another. Churches who almost nothing in common except your love for Jesus: Love one another. Churches that disagree on the specifics what should be preached from your pulpits, the specifics of how you should worship, but agree on who you worship: Love one another. 

As you live within your churches you really need to love one another. Your roles are different so love one another. Your gifts are different so love one another. You may differ on the exact way ministry should be carried out  so, love one another. There are going to be times some people really get on your nerves so, love one another.  

Love one another. That is how everyone will know that you are my disciples. Sounds easy. It easy as long as everyone stays in their designated places doing what they are supposed to do. It is easy as long as no body tries to do anything that goes against what I am comfortable with. It is easy until I am not getting my way, or it appears that I am not getting my way. It is easy one another as long as we think alike, dress alike, and talk alike.

Those times when life gets stressful are the times Jesus probably had in mind when He said, “Love one another.” He knew His disciples were about to experience stress, distress, danger, and confusion unlike anything they had ever known. He knew they were going to tested in their faith and devotion and would be tempted to turn against and away from each other. He knew that the world would be watching them as they endured the images fo Jesus on the cross and in the tomb. He knew they would need one another more in the future than they had in the previous three years. So, He tells them, “Love one another.” 

Jesus knew the challenges disciples of His day would be facing as the cross loomed closer. He also knows the challenges disciples in our day are facing as we attempt to live faithfully in our times of stress, distress, danger, and confusion. He knew our faith would be tested and that we will be tempted to turn against and away from each other. He knew that our world would be watching us as we endure difficult times. He knew we would need one another more and more as we wait for the Lord’s return. He knew so He still tells us, “Love one another.” 

Sound like it should be easy. Whether it is easy or not, He wants us to love one another so that everyone will know we are His disciples because of the love we have for one another. He still wants us to be known by our love.  

Tom

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

Vol. 18 No. 16 | April 18, 2016

John 8 begins with the story (questioned whether it was actually included in the original text) of a trap set by “the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees” that involved a woman caught in the act of adultery being brought into the courtyard to stand judgment for her sin. Apparently not totally out of the ordinary, one has to wonder how often this was done since this was an opportune time for these religious leaders to put pressure on Jesus.  (John 8:1-11)

Although it does not say it the text, surely at that moment when Jesus bent down and wrote on the ground for the second time, the only sounds in the temple courts area was that of stones dropping to the ground, the sniffling of the woman standing in front of Jesus, and shuffling of feet as those who moments earlier were ready to stone her leave the courtyard.

Can you imagine how deafening that must have been? One moment she was humiliated and feared for her life. Then, as the stones dropped she received another chance at life. Or, since we do not know her whole story, maybe this was really her first chance for a real life.

Expecting to feel the pain of the stones, instead she heard them drop to the ground, the silence, then the gentle loving voice of Jesus, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “Then, neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”   

Maybe as Jesus spoke to her, she opened her eyes and looked around to discover that the sound she heard really was that of stones dropping to the ground. As she wiped the tears from her eyes, or perhaps Jesus did, she began to see like she had never seen before. Instead of seeing a life of condemnation and shame, for the first time in a long time she saw a life of hope. For the first time she felt the power of forgiveness. For the first time instead of dreading the events of another day of being used, she began to think in terms of newness, refreshment, and kindness.

Jesus’ stories give us the opportunity to ask, “Where I am I in this story?”

Like most of His stories this one is aimed at those who held the stones in their hands. They have already passed judgment on this woman. She is yet again only an object to be use…this time by religion. They had no concern for her; only how she could be useful in catching Jesus in a misapplication of the Law. If you find yourself identifying with this group, maybe it is time you heard what that stone sounds like when your hand releases it and it drops to the ground. 

Maybe you identify with the woman. You are guilty. The judgment waged against you is true and right. Whatever punishment the law demands is justified. Any feelings of value or self-worth left you long ago. The humiliation you feel as you stand there in the middle of the courtyard is only unique because you now stand there alone with Jesus. As you await His sentencing you are stunned when instead of glaring eyes and painful stones you hear His gentle voice ask about your accusers. When you acknowledge that they have departed, you are further stunned as you hear Him say, “Neither do I condemn you. God and leave your life of sin.” 

Could this be happening? Could He possibly be forgiving me? Could this One they call Jesus actually be this loving, this gentle, this kind, this merciful?

Some will identify with the judgmental crowd, some will identify with the judged. It is my hope that we will strive to identify with and develop a spirit more like that of Jesus. Not as a judge; though He certainly could have judged her. Not as one who condemns; though He could have condemned her. May we strive to be one who loves gently, judges rightly, and forgives completely!

Tom

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

Vol. 18 No. 15 | April 11, 2016

When the news reported that Merle Haggard had died, not only was it a big story for the Nashville community, but for country music fans everywhere. Merle was truly a legend in country music.

His death prompted me to spent parts of the next couple of days listening to Merle’s music. I listened in my car, in my office, and some while walking the Greenway. I was reminded of years long ago when as a college student a friend and I would sit around with your guitars in “pickin’ and a grinnin’” sessions which often included some of Merle’s tunes. Our playlist often included: “Mama Tried,” “White Line Fever,” “Holding Things Together,” “If We Make To December,” and “Sing Me Back Home.” As I listened to Merle’s simple and easy tunes I relived some of times that also seemed, in retrospect, pretty simple and easy.

The more I listened the more I began to see a connection between Jesus and Merle Haggard that I had never noticed.

The members of the church where I preach are reading through the New Testament together this year. Five chapters a week (Monday-Friday). Each Sunday we are using one of those texts for sermons, classes and small group discussions. The reading for today is John 3. Reading ahead in preparation for this article I saw a connection between this well-known passage and the music of Merle Haggard.

John 3:16-17 (NIV) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Merle sang songs about life. Many of his songs described a side of life that many followers of Jesus not only try to avoid, but spend considerable time condemning. For instance: “Working Man Blues,” “The Fighting Side of Me,” “I’m a Lonesome Fugitive,” “Branded Man,” “Ramblin Fever,” and “I Threw Away the Rose.” No doubt one of the reasons for Haggard’s impact on the music world is that so many could relate to what he was singing.

Maybe you have felt, “If we make to December (or to the end of the month, or next year, or through the holidays, or until we get paid) we’ll be fine.” Surely there have been days when you felt like you’re just “Holding Things Together.”

We, Jesus’ people, sometimes like to put those kinds of stories in the category of what “those” people go through. “Good Godly people don’t live like that.” “Church goers don’t have such hard times.” “If they’d only get their life right and change their priorities they wouldn’t have so much trouble and heartache.”

Jesus’ words reminds me that I’m missing the point when that is my attitude toward people. Jesus said, “For God so loved the WORLD that he gave his one and only Son,…” Not only the good people. Not only the people who have life all together. Not only the good Christian people. God so loved the WORLD. People who don’t have it all together, those never seem to be able to get it all together, and those who at one time had it all together but failed miserably at keeping it together.

Jesus’ words further convict my too often quick-to-judge attitude when He said, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” Where did we get the idea that it is our job to condemn? Where did we get the impression that God could not handle His creation and needs us to step in and set things straight.

Merle Haggard sang from the heart about life. Sometimes life is hard, and then it gets worse. Sometimes we mess up; sometimes we get things right. Sometimes we feel like we are down and out, but we keep trying.

Jesus lived, died, and rose again to teach us to love the world like He loved the world. What if we loved the people Merle sang about like Jesus did? Maybe it is time we started.

Tom

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

Vol. 18 No. 14 | April 4, 2016

Just before the last leg of His journey to the cross, Jesus spent time praying in the garden. He asked His friends to stay near and pray with him. They stayed but they fell asleep. When He finds them sleeping He expresses both frustration and concern for them, when He says, “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. ‘Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.’” (Luke 22:46, NIV)

Maybe you have heard those words yourself. I have. It is the middle of the night, or maybe very early in the morning. What sleep you have gotten has been restless and really pretty unrestful. You had a lot on your mind when you laid down, but knew you needed to rest. So you tried. You tossed. You turned. You wrestled with your pillow, the covers, and looked at the clock dozens of times. Finally, you hear the Lord say, “Get up and pray.”

So you do. You go to your spot. Your study. Your living room. The closet. Maybe the bathroom. You go there and you pray. You open your journal, or you get on your knees. You lay it all out before the Lord. “Lord, this is what is own my mind. I don’t don’t know how to say it, so I’ll just lay it out.”

You tell Him what you are worried about. You tell Him why you are sad. You tell Him about the conversation you had the day before that you cannot put to rest. You talk to Him about your marriage, your children, your job, your frustrations, your dreams, your desires, and your needs. You get it all out. Then, you say, “So there it is Lord. All of it. I don’t know what to do with it so I’m giving it to you.”

You take a few deep breaths, go back to  your bed, put your head on your pillow and fall back to sleep for another hour to two. Or, you get ready and go out to face the day. Now, you feel like you can face the day.

Before you go out to fact the day there is one more thing that Jesus mentions that we should not overlook. He said, “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” No doubt His instruction reminded them of the prayer He had shared with them earlier when He prayed: “And lead us not into temptation,” (Matthew 6:13).

Jesus knew what was ahead for His friends. He knew that within a short time they would be confronted with the reality of His arrest, trial, and crucifixion. He knew that as things digressed confusion and fear would seize them. He knew they would be tempted, that most would desert Him, and that others be filled with confusion.

Jesus also knew that eventually, after His Resurrection, they would be reunited, restored, and commissioned to spread His story throughout the world. As messengers of the Way they would face severe opposition and persecution. Not only had He promised that He would always be with them, but now instructs them to pray for themselves that they would not fall into temptation.

If it was important for Jesus to remind His disciples to avoid temptation, maybe we should consider doing the same. Maybe as we express our gratitude for all God does for us asking Him to supply our needs, we should also ask Him to help us not fall into temptation.

On any given day we can be faced the temptation of compromising our ethics in business, tempted to lose control of our anger, give in to sexual temptation, or give up on our faith. On any given day we can be tempted pass judgment on a co-worker, cheat on our taxes, take advantage of the vulnerable, or abuse alcohol or drugs. Temptations are all around us.

Remember the words from Paul, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:8-9, NIV)

Temptation is real. It is possible to resist it. The ability to resist may begin when we “Get up and pray so that we will not fall into temptation.” You have read these words, now, maybe you need to “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”

Tom

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

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

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.

Vol. 18 No. 09 | February 29, 2016

In Mark 13 Jesus talks about “The End of the Age” (NIV) and “Doomsday” (The Message). Don’t worry, I’m not going to tackle those things. And if you respond to this article saying, “I know” I may remove you from this mailing list. Might as well, if know the answer these kinds of questions I will certainly have nothing to offer you. The phrase that caught my eye as I read this chapter is not actually in the text itself, but in the headings that are found in the various translations and interpretations (though worded differently in those translations and interpretations). That phrase: Nobody Knows.

Nobody Knows. In context nobody knows the day or hour when Lord will return. Jesus basically tells us nobody knows so don’t believe anyone if they say they do. Since nobody knows when it will take place, be ready all the time. Be prepared. Don’t fall asleep. Don’t miss. Watch! Because nobody knows.

There are lot of things that nobody knows.

Nobody knows when they will die. There are times, near the end, when the medical team may say, “It could be anytime. An hour. A day. A few days. Nobody knows.” The end is certain…for all of us…but nobody knows for sure when.

Nobody knows what it is like on the other side. We can read stories, hear explanations and descriptions of near-death experience, but we do not know and cannot know and will not know until we cross from this life to the next.

Nobody knows the influence they may be having on another life. We can try to live impactful lives and be a source of encouragement and life to those around us, but we never really know the influence or impact we are having.

Nobody knows the impact of our words. There is a reason the Scriptures advise and instruct us to use our words carefully and thoughtfully. Words can harm. Words can help. Words can build up. Words can tear down. “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me.” Wrong!

Nobody knows what will happen tomorrow. Most of the time we are not even sure what will happen in the next hour or two. We can make plans, predictions and forecasts, but things can change in an instant. Lives can be changed forever in an instant.

Nobody knows when the Enemy will attack. If we knew ahead of time we would be prepared. If we knew ahead of time we would have our armor securely fastened and be ready for battle. He is the deceiver. He is the one prowling around waiting for the perfect moment when we are unprepared to attack and devour us.

Nobody knows when an accident will happen. If we did we would prevent them. Accidents happen quickly. Accidents come out of nowhere. We can be cautious, eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, take our vitamins, pray earnestly and constantly, but accidents still happen.

Nobody knows when any of these things will happen, but that does mean we are completely helpless, or that there is nothing we can do. As Jesus talks about the coming of the end of the age He gives this advice: “You must be on your guard!” (9) “Stand firm,” (13) “Be on your guard!” (23) “Be on guard! Be alert!” (33) “Keep watch!” (35, 36).

For all those surprising come-out-of-nowhere blind-side throw-you-for-a-loop events be as ready as you can be. Be on your guard, but don’t live in fear. Stand firm, but remember to be flexible. Be alert and keep watch, but don’t miss the life that is to be lived in between those events. Keep your eyes on the Lord, keep walking with Him, and trust Him to see you through because He knows what nobody knows.

Tom

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