Vol. 18 No. 14 | April 4, 2016

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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

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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.

Vol. 18 No. 09 | February 29, 2016

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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.

Vol. 18 No. 08 | February 22, 2016

22 They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. 23 He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he

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had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?”

24 He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.”

25 Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26 Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t go into the village.” (Mark 8:22-26, NIV)

The disciples were a lot like this man in that although Jesus was right there in front of them they could not see clearly who He was or what was happening. While they occasionally demonstrate partial understanding of “the way of the Lord,” they never fully grasp its implications. We are a lot like the disciples in that our vision and our understanding are often impaired to cause us to occasionally demonstrate partial understanding of “the way of the Lord.” We have a difficult time remembering and living according to what we know.

The blind man knew he was seeing people but they looked like trees. He knew what people looked like but as his sight is being restored he was not sure of what he was seeing. Jesus’s disciples experienced the same issue. They knew Jesus. They had seen and heard enough to know who He was, but at times, especially when following Him became more of a challenge, they had difficulty letting what they knew to be true was true and could be trusted. Since reading these words I suspect you have some knowledge and some belief that Jesus was who He said He was, did what He did, and is capable of doing what He said He could do. The problem for us is the same as the disciples we have trouble allowing what we know to be true to sustain us when following Him becomes a challenge.

The blind man could only see after Jesus put His hands on the mans’s eyes. He could see partially, but not total vision until Jesus touched his eyes. The disciples were only able to see clearly after spending more time with Jesus, after watching Him, after listening to Him, and after He filled them with His Spirit. When Jesus fills us with His Spirit will we be able to see Him clearly, understand His ways, and follow Him completely. Not before. Until then it will be as if we see people who look like trees walking around.

Are you seeing Jesus clearly? Would you like to see Him clearly? Here’s a suggestion: Beg Jesus to touch you.

Tom

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

Vol. 18 No. 07 | February 15, 2016

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The title of this article is probably not something you would expect from a Christian writer, so let me state upfront I am not advocating that you become skilled in ways to make God angry. I do, however, want to point out that there are several places in the gospels where it seemed that some of the people Jesus came to teach and to save had that as their goal. Obviously they were not trying to make Him angry, but their stubborn hearts and fear of losing control of their businesses prevented them from receiving for who He was.

In this particular story from Mark chapter 3 Jesus did want most of us on this side of the cross assume would bring them joy and cause them to be impressed. But it did not.

“Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, (italics mine) said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.” (Mark 3:1-6, NIV)

Did you see what happened? It’s the Sabbath, the day of rest. The day devoted to God. Instead of having their minds and hearts focused on God’s mercy and love, they were focused on how to trap Jesus in breaking the law. So, they wait and they watch. Then, they pounce. Unlike other occasions when they spoke to Him directly or mumbled under their breath, this time they remained silent. Instead of rejoicing with the man who had been healed, they remained silent. Instead of praising God for a miraculous healing, they remained silent. Instead of being thrilled with the display of God’s power, they remained silent.

Because of their silence and unbelief, Jesus was angry and deeply distressed. Because they refused to rejoice, Jesus was angry and deeply distressed. Because they refused to acknowledge Him as the Lord, the Messiah, the Son of God, Jesus was angry and deeply distressed. Why wouldn’t He be? How could He help but be disappointed?

That was then. What about now? Do you suppose we ever anger, distress or disappoint Jesus by not recognizing His greatness? Do you suppose we ever anger, distress or disappoint Jesus by our failure to rejoice over the wonders He performs in our midst? Do you suppose we ever anger, distress or disappoint Jesus by being silent when we should be rejoicing and praising Him?

That sunrise you saw this morning and were too sleepy and were more concerned about getting your first cup of coffee than you were about taking just a brief moment and saying, “Thank You Lord for that sunrise.” As the snow was falling were so frustrated about another day of delays and cancellations that you failed to praise Him for the sheer beauty of a pure fresh fallen snow. (I know…easy for me to say we’ve been in 70-80 degree weather all week.)

Instead of making God angry, please Him by praising Him with your words and actions. Instead of making God angry, please Him by rejoicing with others when you see them healed, restored, reconciled, refreshed, and refueled. Instead of making God angry, please Him by honoring Him with your good works, your kind and gentle heart, and loving ways to all people.

Tom

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

Vol. 18 No. 06 | February 8, 2016

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

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6 While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, 7 a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
8 When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. 9 “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”
10 Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. 12 When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 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.”

Lessons we can learn from this story.

1. There is never a wrong time to approach Jesus. This woman did not care what was going on. She was determined to get to Jesus. She did cared that she was not supposed to interrupt the conversation. She was on a mission to anoint Jesus. She would not be stopped. Jesus did not stop her. Are you feeling the need to move toward Jesus? There is not a wrong time, go to Him.
2. Some things are more important than money. The disciples were a lot like many of us are in that we allow money and other pragmatic things get in the way of the things that are really important. We de-emphasize expressing emotions and feeling. We call it weakness. Jesus did know consider it weak. His words: “She had done a beautiful ting to me.” Feel like expressing your feelings to Jesus. He welcomes that. Go ahead.
3. Just because some people think you are foolish does not mean you are foolish. We do not like to be criticized. Too often withhold our feelings and fail to express our love for the Lord or for another human being because we are afraid of being made fun of, criticized or rejected. What Jesus thinks about you is more important than what anyone else thinks. If someone tries to stop you, let Him handle them.
4. Jesus always welcomes a sincere heart. Your words may not eloquent, but He does not care. Your may not be able to get through your speech without tears, but that’s okay He can wipe your tears away for you. Your past is ugly, messy, shady, and you feel unacceptable. He is the Master of accepting the ugly, messy, shady and unacceptable. He looks beyond all that straight into your heart. Is your heart telling you to approach Jesus? He is ready to receive you.
5. This story needs to be told everywhere. “Wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Tell this story. Better yet, live this story. Be this story. Jesus will welcome you and may tell your story too.

Tom

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

Vol. 18 No. 05 | February 1, 2016

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Jesus told a story about a father and two sons (no, this is not the story of the prodigal son; it is a different father and two sons story of Luke 15), but there are some similarities, and the group of people He was hoping to reach with the stories is likely the same. Jesus came to save all people. Not just the Jews. Not just the Gentiles. Not just Americans. All people. However, one group He was especially interested in was His own people. Even though, as John tells us, “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him,…” (John 1:11-12a) throughout his ministry He attempted to get them to believe that He was who He said that He was.

This story of the two sons is located in a section of Scripture as Jesus moves closer to the cross. Reading through the story again makes it seem that as the cross nears the intensity with which He pleads for the Pharisees and Teachers of the law to wake up, listen, and accept Him as their true King. It seems as if He tells story after story hoping they will open their eyes and really see Him. The story of the two sons goes like this:

28 “Tell me what you think of this story: A man had two sons. He went up to the first and said, ‘Son, go out for the day and work in the vineyard.’

29 “The son answered, ‘I don’t want to.’ Later on he thought better of it and went.

30 “The father gave the same command to the second son. He answered, ‘Sure, glad to.’ But he never went.

31-32 “Which of the two sons did what the father asked?”

They said, “The first.”

Jesus said, “Yes, and I tell you that crooks and whores are going to precede you into God’s kingdom. John came to you showing you the right road. You turned up your noses at him, but the crooks and whores believed him. Even when you saw their changed lives, you didn’t care enough to change and believe him. (Matthew 21:28-32, The Message)

It is easy for us, knowing the whole story as many of us do, to call them foolish, and blind, and ignorant. “How could be so dull? How could they be so stubborn?” Before we start showing stones, remember we DO know the whole story. We know what happens next. We know that even though He is tried, convicted, beaten, crucified and died, the story did not end there. We know that He rose. We know that He is alive! From our perspective it makes no sense that they missed Him.

So, what is our excuse? We have the whole story written down for us in our own language, in transactions and paraphrases and interpretations that are easy to read and easy to understand. We can listen to it being read. We can hear it from pulpits. We can watch it on video…recorded and live. We have no excuse, yet some us, not them, will still miss Him.

Why? Because He is not the kind of king we want any more than He was the kind of king they wanted. We want a king that accepts us as we are and does what we want when we want Him to do it. We do not want a king that tells us how to live, how to treat people, and how to express our love to Him. We too often want a king that responds to our requests and demands more, instead of us giving allegiance to Him. So, we miss Him.

You may not have heard Him, obeyed Him the first time, or followed Him the first time He called out to you. He is still calling. Like the brother in the story, you can change you mind and follow Him now. Don’t miss Him by waiting for or hoping for a better king or a different king. Some will miss Him. Some will follow Him. You can. As long as you are able to read these words you can. Please, please, please don’t miss Him.

Tom

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