My 2011 Assignment...Pilgrimage Begins #4...

I'm still pondering the Luke 8 passage which is found in verses 26 - 39.  I have posted thoughts about the demon possessed man from whom Jesus cast a legion of demons, the people of the region who begged Jesus to leave their area and now I want to focus on another group of people who were involved as observers of this miracle.

Verse 26 begins with the word "they".

They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes which is across the lake from Galilee.

Who are "they"?  We answer that question by reading the preceding paragraph as follows:

Luke 8:  22 - 25

²² One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. ²³ As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.  ²⁴ The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
   He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. ²⁵ “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.
   In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”

 So the "they" is Jesus and his disciples.  They have just been part of Jesus' teaching ministry involving large crowds of people.  No wonder Jesus was so physically exhausted that he was able to stay asleep during a squall which threatened the swamping of their boat.  But he placed his trust in his heavenly father and slept without fear.  

Fear, however, visited his followers and they turned to him with a shouted prayer cry!  

"Master, Master, we're going to drown!"

And before he questioned their faith, he calmed the storm.  He spoke to the wind and water and the storm that was raging and it obeyed him - it was stilled.  Perhaps Jesus went back to his "bed" to continue sleeping.  But his disciples were so wide awake and amazed that they could only wonder at what they had just witnessed!  It was one thing when humans obeyed his voice, but it was truly amazing when the wind and waves obeyed!    And their question was, "Who is this?"

They are about to get an answer to their perhaps theoretical question.

They follow Jesus as he steps on shore in the region of the Gerasenes.  As the homeless, naked demonic approaches, a voice from within that man cries out - 

"What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?"

The demons know who Jesus is and the disciples are witnesses to their proclamation.  Jesus is the Son of God!  And they are about to observe that demons also obey him because he is going to perform a miracle.  He will cast 2000 demons from this tortured man and free him from their control.  Another act of Jesus which amazes his fearful disciples.  

And until the community comes together and asks Jesus to leave them because of the fear they have, Jesus teaches the newly healed man a portion of his life changing and nourishing truth.  The disciples witness this.  

As Jesus got into the boat to leave, the demonic begs to be able to leave with him but is told,

"Return home and tell how much God has done for you."

I have been thinking about that command since early January.  I have been thinking that those words were not only given to the demonic but they were also given to me centuries later.  And today I believe that this message was for the disciples also.

That is why I wanted to explore those who witnessed these words Jesus spoke and to ponder what their answer would be if they were to "...tell how much God has done for you."  

Here are some of the things they would probably tell just from what they have seen so recently:

• Jesus awakened from sound sleep when I cried to him during a life threatening storm
• Before Jesus challenged my faith, he calmed the storm creating my fear
•  The wind, waves and storm obeyed Jesus' command so that my life was spared
• Jesus was proclaimed to be God by demons and Jesus did not refute that claim
• Demons are powerless when Jesus speaks to them
• Jesus took what caused my fear and brought calm

If these disciples tell these things as they walk amongst their friends, family and the crowds that gather around them, they will be powerful witnesses of Jesus' life changing, truthful words which provide freedom from fear and from the control of danger and demons. Those things are powerless when we cry for release and Jesus acts on our behalf.  

 

I, too, am amazed and released from fear and powerlessness.  I must join these Jesus followers and  

"...tell how much God has done for you."

My 2011 Assignment...Pilgrimage Begins #3...

I continue to explore the application of Jesus' words to a newly healed man,

Luke 8: 39a  "Return home and tell how much God has done for you."

I have looked at the man and the villagers who heard and saw what happened as Jesus came on shore in their neighborhood and radically changed one man's life.

I have some more thoughts about this man in relation to the assignment Jesus gave him.  The man was begging Jesus to allow him to go with him.  Because of fear, the villagers had asked Jesus to leave and he was obliging them. So Jesus was getting back into the boat to leave.  But rather than take the healed demoniac with him, he gave him this assignment:

Luke 8: 39a  "Return home and tell how much God has done for you."

 

I've been thinking about reasons that this man would have been begging to go with Jesus.  I imagine that all of the following are experiences and feelings which he was having as a result of Jesus' love and action.

• He had just met Jesus who had listened to him and responded with power and the gift of freedom.
• He had just become a healed person who was able to physically control his own body.
• He had been released from binding chains and human guards.
• He was clothed with garments that helped him feel cared for and human.
• He was able to focus his mind, heart and attention on Jesus' instructive words.
• He was receiving answers to questions he was able to articulate.
• His hunger for acceptance and truth was being fed. 
• He was learning what it was like to experience an atmosphere of contentment and calm.

Of course he would want to stay with Jesus.  Jesus was healing and redeeming him and he wanted more of all that love and kindness and truth.

 

One of the most amazing things to me about Jesus' words to him, is that Jesus had confidence that he was ready to: 

Luke 8: 39a  "Return home and tell how much God has done for you."

 

How could he be ready?  He had spent so little time in Bible Study and prayer.  He hadn't been to college or seminary or taken any online Bible courses.  He hadn't studied methods of evangelism nor witnessing.  I'm not saying these aren't good things to do but Jesus had a different plan for this man's launch as a witness for God.  It must be that Jesus knew this man's truthful telling of his life's story would be winsomely compelling wherever this man went with his new found voice of godly praise.  Jesus had started this man on his way to wholeness and he trusted him to follow through obediently.  

 

Luke 8: 39b  So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

 

I am so happy for this man!  His obedience excites me!  The Bible does not tell us the results of his words and actions but Jesus hadn't promised him a certain outcome.  All who heard his story had his same freedom to believe and trust or scoff and deny.  I'd like to think that there were many Jesus followers as a result of this man's voice but I find freedom in not knowing.    Jesus asked for verbal action and was hastily obeyed.

 

And I see something else that excites me as I soak in these verses today.  Jesus' words after healing this man were "...tell how much God..."

And the man went away and "...told all over town how much Jesus..."

Notice the change of name?  This man accurately, confidently recognized that Jesus was God.  He may not have understood how spiritually astute this was but I'm excited to see this as affirmation that Jesus was not just a man but he was God. Jesus gave this man an assignment to tell how much "God" had done for him, knowing that he would tell how much "Jesus" had done for him.  In this I see Jesus' claim to be God.  This is proof of his divinity.  In verse 28, the voice of an indwelling demon had called to "Jesus, Son of the Most High God".  This demon also knew Jesus was God.  This story builds my confidence in the truth of God the Father and God the Son.

 

I am marveling at the wonder and creativity of God's  redemption plan.  He allows his created human population to become tethered and broken by torturing demons but when there's a cry and a bow, Jesus responds with a command to the evil spirits to flee and the torment ceases and peace prevails.  A mighty God cares for his children and I am grateful. 

Still more to learn and share on another day.

My 2011 Assignment...Pilgrimage Begins #2...

I continue to explore the application of Jesus' words to a newly healed man,

Luke 8: 39a  "Return home and tell how much God has done for you."

Day 1 had some of my thoughts about the man from whom a "legion" of demons had been cast.

I turn now to others who witnessed this man's exorcism and reported it to the neighboring townsfolk who most likely were their family and friends.

Luke 8: 34-35a  When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened.

What these people had heard and seen was this:

• Jesus arrived by boat from Galilee 
• as soon as he stepped ashore, he was met by the demon possessed man
• The demonic fell at Jesus' feet shouting "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?
• Jesus commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man.
• The evil spirit had often seized the man though he was chained hand and foot
• The demoniac was kept under guard but had broken his chains and been driven by the demon into solitary places
• The man told Jesus his name was "Legion" because many demons had gone into him.
• The demons begged Jesus not to order them to go into the Abyss
• The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside
• Jesus gave the demons permission to go into the pigs and they did.
• The herd of pigs rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.

At this point, those who witnessed the interaction between Jesus, the man possessed by demons and the demons, "ran off and reported this in the town and countryside".

And those who heard the story came looking for Jesus.

• They found Jesus and
• found the man from whom demons had been cast,
• who was sitting at Jesus' feet, dressed and in his right mind.  

What was the response of the people who flocked to see this amazing thing?

1. Were they thrilled to find this man healed?  
2. Did they rejoice to see him clothed and in his right mind?  
3. Was this man welcomed back into the community and offered a place to live?  
4. Were they grateful that they no longer needed to be cautious or caution their children about this wild and dangerous man?  
5. Did they open their homes for a meal or overnight stay?

No, they were afraid!!!

The eye witnesses told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured.

• Then all the people of the region asked Jesus to leave them because they were overcome with fear.

All the people were overcome with fear!!!

How unfortunate that these people allowed fear to overtake them so that they asked the great healer, helper, restorer, redeemer to leave their region.  They failed to see how much God had done for one man and thereby were not willing to have their eyes opened to what he might do for them or for others with great needs.  

• Fear can be 
• irrational 
• blinding 
• personally limiting
• heartless
• selfish
• lots of things  

And so, out of their great fear,  they asked Jesus to leave them -

• So he got into the boat and left.

Was it that a legion of pigs was of greater value than one deranged and possessed man?  Were they ashamed of being considered powerless to help this man sooner without Jesus' intervention? 

But their fear was real and they felt action needed to be taken immediately so Jesus was asked to leave.  He must be the problem.  Get rid of him and fear will cease.

How unfortunate that these people did not see Jesus as an answer to fear and not the cause of it.  Certainly there was one man who knew that Jesus was the answer to human fear.  One man whose life had been radically changed  

• from a life of constant fear to a life of freedom from fear.   

The truth of this story remains for our time.  Jesus can take what causes constant fear and he can provide freedom from that fear when we "cry out and fall at his feet" as the demonic did.  Jesus heard that man's shouted prayer and knew this man recognized him as the one who could  take what had consumed and ruined his life and remove it from him with the result being healing, wholeness, gentleness and hunger for Truth.  And in that state of mind, this man would become a powerful and winsome witness as he began to respond to Jesus' request of him to:

"Return home and tell how much God has done for you."

Will I be one who is overtaken by fear when God does something huge in my life or in the life of a family member, friend or acquaintance or will I sit at Jesus' feet and allow his words to instruct and equip me in order that I might hear Jesus' request of me:

"Return home and tell how much God has done for you."

My 2011 Assignment...Pilgrimage Begins #1...

After hearing a reading of scripture on the radio in January, I felt moved to delve more deeply into the words Jesus spoke to the man from whom he had cast a legion of demons. (My post of May 19, 2011 gives background to this note.)  The specific words that had pierced my mind and heart were these:

“Return home and tell how much God has done for you.”

The context for that quote is in the following verses:

Luke 8: 38-39   

The man from whom the demons had gone out 

begged to go with him, 

but Jesus sent him away, saying, 

“Return home and tell how much God has done for you.”   

So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

As I thought about what Jesus was asking of this man, I felt compelled to read as much of the story as could be found in scripture.  Here is the story:

Luke 8: 26-39  They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. ²⁷ When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. ²⁸ When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” ²⁹ For Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places.  ³⁰ Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”
   “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. ³¹ And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.
 ³² A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. ³³ When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.
 ³⁴ When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, ³⁵ and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. ³⁶ Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. ³⁷ Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left.
 ³⁸ The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, ³⁹ “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

As I read this story, I thought of how this healed man would respond to Jesus' exhortation to "tell how much God has done for you".  Just think of how much God had done for him!  His life had been so messed up.  He had been so isolated and so out of control.  He had done such awful things both to himself and to those who had attempted to help him.  He lived in a cemetery where he was unclothed and homeless!  His pain must have been huge.  He must have longed for healing and hope and relief from the forces of evil who sought to destroy his sanity and life.  And into this man's neighborhood, came Jesus with his compassion and power.  He recognized the evil which dwelt within this tortured man and spoke words which would release this man from his despair and pain.  And following the expulsion and drowning of the evil spirits, the freed man received clothing and a healthy mind which immediately began to listen and learn at the feet of Jesus.  Think of how he must have treasured those moments with Jesus.  He must have been so thirsty for the Truth which had set him free.  How he must have longed for continuation of those loving words and actions from his redeemer.  No wonder he begged to go with Jesus when he left the area.  But Jesus had set him on a path which he knew would be followed and he gave him a huge, important assignment - tell your story at home.

The healed demoniac had so much to tell about what God had done for him.  And with Jesus' instruction to "return home and tell...", this man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.  He was free, healthy, loved and grateful.  His story was powerful and he obeyed Jesus' instruction to "tell" his story.

But what was the response of those who witnessed this miracle?  Let's explore that next.

My 2011 Assignment...

Not far into January 2011, I was busy about the house with the radio providing background music and commentary.  KHCB was on as usual at my home.  I wasn't paying too much attention until I heard words that came straight from the station to my heart with piercing precision.  I was walking through my living room as a voice was reading a passage of scripture.  I was only vaguely aware until about the middle of the room when my hearing was acutely captured by some words which Jesus had spoken to the man from whom he'd just cast a legion of demons.  Those words were,  

"Return home and tell how much God has done for you."

My first thought was, "That's it!!!  That's what Jesus not only said to the formerly demon possessed man in the region of the Gerasenes, but he's saying the same to me today!" 

It was as though I heard Jesus giving me his plan for the way he wanted me to make him known this year.  It seemed I heard him say to me, "tell how much God has done for you."

My next thought was, if I am supposed to tell what God has done for me, what is it that he has done?

So I began a search.

1. Where is this story told in the Bible?
2. What was going on in the life of Jesus at that time?
3. What circumstances led to this statement?
4. Who else witnessed these words?
5. What was the response of the formerly demon-possessed man?
6. What was the result of his actions?
7. What am I to do with these ideas?
8. How can I implement this plan?
9. What results will there be if I begin to implement this plan?

I will be seeking to answer these questions as I follow what I felt and still feel are words spoken to me by Jesus as I heard his words coming from my radio last January.

And I'll greatly appreciate other responses to these words of Jesus -

“Return home and tell how much God has done for you.”

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Luke 8: 38-39  The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, 

but Jesus sent him away, saying, 

“Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” 
So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

Easter 2011 Letter to Jesus... #1

My family and I hosted a family reunion weekend during the celebration of Easter 14 years ago. As I prepared events for that weekend, I knew that the Sunday morning worship service should reflect our family's commitment to Biblical truth. I also knew that it would be best if preparation for the service could take place in advance so that our focus that weekend could be on enjoying time with all the family members who would be gathering from all parts of the country as well as at least one from overseas. I pondered the fact that the Bible tells the story of people who actually saw the empty tomb and came to believe in Christ's resurrection and his divinity because of it. But 2000 years later, others believe in Jesus' resurrection based on the Biblical account of the empty tomb.

I decided that our beliefs could be conveyed through a drama. I would compose "Letters to Jesus" written by someone who could actually have gone to the tomb that first Easter to see that the grave was empty. I could also compose another "Letter to Jesus" from a present day person who had chosen to believe because of trusting the truth of scripture.

Members of my immediate family became the actors who portrayed the Biblical character who wrote a letter to Jesus upon learning of the resurrection. The actor read the letter to those gathered, removed their costume and became themselves - a present day believer who also wanted to read a letter they'd written to Jesus in order to convey personal gratitude for what he meant to them.

I selected seven Biblical characters; some of whom I gave a name because their Biblical story does not include a personal name. For our worship event that Easter Sunday morning, we used five performers.

My heart is filled with gratitude as I contemplate the immense sacrifice made by Jesus on my behalf. I am not worthy of forgiveness but my life has been changed because I have received that free gift which was made possible by Christ's death. I am posting the "Letters to Jesus" on this blog today. We begin with:

*****************************************************

MARY, THE MOTHER OF JESUS
EASTER MONOLOGUE

The tomb IS empty! It IS true! As soon as I heard the news of the resurrection, I just had to come here and see for myself. I was so afraid it was a trick; someone's imagination. You see, I'm Mary, Jesus' mother. If you're a mother you can probably imagine how I've been feeling since last Friday, what with the crucifixion and all but now - THIS. I could hardly believe it when I heard it. I just had to come and check for myself and see if the tomb really was empty. I want to read something to you. I've written a letter to my son which I hope to give him later today. He is busy with Peter and John and the others, I know, but I'm sure there will be a moment when we can be together for a few minutes. I can't wait to see him and once again give him a hug.
Dear Jesus, my son;
Being your mother has been such a remarkable experience. I have so often wondered why I was chosen for such a blessed privilege. For the past 33 years I have kept a journal and have recorded my thoughts as I watched you grow from infancy to manhood. There have been so many things I wanted to tell you - so many feelings I wanted to express. I have pondered these things in my heart and many of them I have put into this letter to you.
My first recollection is of that frightening appearance by the angel, Gabriel. I was so young and so excited about my wedding plans. And then the news that I would have a baby - how could that be? But the angel assured me there was a way and the baby would be the long awaited Messiah whose name was to be Jesus. Gabriel told me you were to save your people from their sin. I thought of that often. How would you save your people from their sin? Our sin was atoned for through the blood sacrifice of a perfect lamb. This was God's gracious way of offering forgiveness for our sin. Sometimes as my mind considered how you would save your people from their sin, I would be fearful but those moments were fleeting. Your birth was so thrilling. That little stable became so crowded with the anxious, eager shepherds all seeking a glimpse of you. I wondered what it could all mean. And then there was the cross-country move to escape from Bethlehem into Egypt. You were nearly two years old and I had put my roots down in Bethlehem so deeply, how I hated to pack and leave. And just as I was comfortably settled in Egypt, it was time to pack and travel cross-country again to Nazareth.
Those years when you were growing up and your brothers and sisters were being born, I would often be so exhausted and frustrated. I wanted to be a perfect mother and have perfect children but I too often let stress overwhelm me and I would respond unkindly and harshly. How I wish I could take back some of the things I said and did. I wanted to be the best mother possible but I know I often failed. You were so loving despite my frailty. Thank you for being an obedient son - for helping with all the household chores and all your little brothers and sisters and for being patient with me. I may not have always showed how much I loved you, but believe me, I always loved you intensely. I knew the day would come when you would begin your own career. How pleased I was when you turned the water to wine at that wedding feast - you really do love weddings. And whenever I heard of the miracles you performed - feeding thousands, healing sick, raising the dead - my heart nearly burst with pride. But there were other things I didn't understand. I was afraid you were crazy. People would mob you and sometimes you were so angry - like when you found sellers in the temple. I was always afraid there'd be a rebellion and you would get hurt. I really wanted to protect you from pain. But I couldn't. And then I witnessed your death. Every part of my body ached for you. In some ways I wish I wouldn't have been there to see you crucified but I couldn't tear myself away either. I just kept expecting that you would perform another miracle and get away. I watched those evil men manipulate the crowd in front of Pilate and get the people to demand your death and I was sure it was a mistake. It just had to be. You were perfect. You had done no wrong. You didn't deserve to die. I kept thinking, "If they crucify Him, evil will prevail. Right will fail." How I wanted to reach out with some caring touch or word to let you know how much I loved you. I just seemed immobilized. As I knelt below your cross, I recalled Gabriel's words, "You will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." But how would you save your people now? You were dead. You were gone. It was over. My pain was so great.
I've hardly slept all weekend. I just kept thinking "Where is the miracle?" And now I will see for myself. The tomb is empty. You did defeat death. You are alive. Thank you Jesus, for being my perfect son but thank you most of all for being the perfect sacrifice for my sin. I am sorry for all my unrighteousness. Please forgive me. I'm not worthy but I know you love me anyway. I give you my allegiance and will always be,
Your loving mother and devoted follower,
Mom
I, too, have a letter I've written to Jesus.
Dear Jesus,
I can easily relate to Mary. I feel so honored to be a mother. You have blessed me beyond anything I could have imagined. But like Mary, I have often failed - I have not always been the mother, wife, friend, daughter, person you wanted me to be. I am not worthy of your love. I wish I could stand before your cross as a perfect person in my own strength but I, too, have sinned. How I would like to go back and undo some wrongs of my life. But I can't. That's why Easter is so important to me. Because of your perfect sacrifice, I can be forgiven. You not only have taken away my sin, but you have also taken away the guilt I have felt. Your love for me took you to the cross and now there's a way for me to be forgiven. Thank you for being the worthy lamb. I give you my allegiance and with your help, I'll always be a loving mother and your devoted follower.

Easter 2011 Letter to Jesus... #2

(Note: Please see Easter 2011 Letter #1
for introduction to this series of posts.)

PETER, THE BIG FISHERMAN AND A DISCIPLE OF JESUS:
A MONOLOGUE FOR EASTER

The tomb is empty! It IS true! I was here earlier this morning after the women brought me the news of Jesus' resurrection but I wanted to come back for a few moments by myself. You see, I am Peter, a close friend of Jesus. I have mixed emotions as I stand here this morning. I am thrilled that He is alive! This is more wonderful news than anything I could ever imagine, but, I also have a heaviness in my heart. I have not been a faithful friend - but let me explain what I mean in a letter I've written to Jesus. There are so many things I've always wanted to say to Him - perhaps you'll understand more clearly after you hear what I have written.

Dear Jesus, my friend;
Three years ago when my brother Andrew came to me with the news that he had found the Messiah, I followed him immediately to you. You asked us to leave our fishing career and follow you so that you could make us fishers of men. I had no idea at that time what was coming down the pike, but the commercial fishing business was getting pretty boring and following you seemed exciting and adventurous. I always liked excitement and adventure! And have things ever been exciting and adventurous since I decided to follow you?!

Do you remember that day when you were speaking to that house full of people and plaster started dropping on your head? We all looked up in amazement as a man on a pallet was lowered into the room at your feet. You seemed undaunted and proceeded to announce his sins forgiven, his body healed and command him to take up his bed and walk which he did. There was also that day when you sent the 12 of us out onto the Lake to cross to the other side. You stayed behind, I believe, to spend some time alone on the mountain in prayer. You later joined us by walking on the water!! I thought I was seeing a ghost so I asked you to make it possible for me to walk on the water also if it was truly you ... it was and you did! That was awesome - until my faith wavered in the midst of the roaring wind and waves I realized were whipping around me. I started to sink. Fortunately, you reached for me and took me safely into the boat. There were so many other things: demons cast out, blind men made to see, crippled people made to walk and even my mother-in-law was cured of her deathly illness. It was always invigorating for me to be with you for those thrilling moments. I felt so powerful as a part of such miraculous activity.

But I have to admit, there were many things you said which I just didn't understand and which seemed so hard to swallow. For example, you said we were blessed when we were insulted, persecuted, and lied about because of you. You didn't seem to understand that that kind of rejection would be so painful. I wondered how it could actually be a blessing. And you said we were to love our enemies, and not retaliate if we were slapped in the face but to turn the other cheek, and even to change and become like little children or we would never enter the kingdom of heaven. All of these things seemed so wimpy to me. I wanted power, prestige, prominence. I am beginning now, I think, to understand what you have been trying to teach me.

You tried to tell me that you would have to suffer and die, but I kept thinking there would be some other way. We were such a dynamic team. I just couldn't imagine that the time would ever come that you would be killed. I wanted the Roman government overthrown and your kingdom put into place. Last week before the crucifixion, I watched in disbelief as my world crumbled. I had given you some of the best years of my life. I couldn't believe all my energy advancing your kingdom had come to nothing.

And now I come to the really painful part - the part that has brought a heaviness into my heart. You remember how you asked several of us to watch and pray in the garden while you also prayed just last week? We were so tired we just couldn't seem to stay awake. And then you were betrayed by Judas and arrested and taken away. That was the lowest point of my life. My dreams were broken, my hope was gone. I felt deserted by my best friend and I felt there was no use in continuing my allegiance to a dying cause. Several people saw me warming my hands by a fire and called out that I was one of your followers. I bristled at the thought - how could I be so stupid as to follow a powerless leader who didn't even resist arrest? So I denied the accusation. I told them I never knew you. Oh, how sincerely I now regret those words. I allowed my moment of pain to crush my resolve and I failed you, my dearest friend. Can you ever forgive me? Please give me another chance? I lied - I do know you. I do love you. I do desire to serve you. As I watched you die on the cross, my heart broke to see your pain. And I began to think that everything I believed about you was false. But, today I know differently. Today I see the truth. Jesus, you are the Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One, the son of the living God. You were the worthy, perfect sacrifice for my sin, you are now victor over sin and death. Please forgive my faithlessness. I do repent. I give you my allegiance and will always be,
Your loving friend and faithful follower,
PETER

I, too, have written a letter to Jesus....

Dear Jesus,
I can identify with the Apostle Peter. I feel so honored that you have chosen me as one of your friends. You have asked me to follow you and I have tried to faithfully live a life of gratitude for that privilege. How I have wanted to be perfect - to make you and others proud of what I accomplished. I have failed. Too often I have tried in my own strength as Peter did, to be more than you required me to be. I have neglected my family at times - I have given "doing for others" higher priority than being with you or them. That's why this Easter morning is so important to me. Because of your perfect sacrifice, I can be forgiven. Your love for me took You to the cross. Thank you for being the worthy sacrificial lamb by whom the Father forgives me and today gives me another chance to start afresh in my friendship with you. I give you my allegiance and with your help, I'll always be your loving friend and faithful follower.

Easter 2011 Letter to Jesus... #3

(Note: Please see Easter 2011 Letter #1
for introduction to this series of posts.)

MARTHA, SISTER OF LAZARUS AND MARY

The tomb IS empty! It IS true! I just knew Jesus would rise from the dead. I knew he had that incredible power. You see, I am Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus. We were all such good friends of Jesus. He often stayed with us but the thing that endears me most to him is what he did for Lazarus after he had been dead for four days. He brought him back to life. I always meant to communicate how much that meant to me so I've written him a letter. I brought it here as I wanted to see the empty grave for myself and I thought maybe he would be here so I could give it to him. Let me read it to you.

Dear Jesus, the Raiser of the dead,
You have made such a difference in my life. I can't imagine where I would be today if it weren't for you and your willingness to confront me about the things that are really important in life. Do you remember that day that you and your twelve apostles were passing through Bethany and I invited you all for dinner? Well, I was so excited to have you all there and be able to fix a meal for you that I decided it just had to be a banquet feast. I am one of those women who just love to have people in my home and serve them a meal. And I wanted my meals to be something that my guests would always remember so that they would be able to tell others what a terrific cook and housekeeper I was. I was trying that new gourmet recipe I had just gotten from the "menu of the month" club and it was going to be a winner. There was just one problem, however, I didn't have enough hands to do all the preparation myself. I really needed my sister, Mary, to pitch in and give me some assistance. I hardly had time to locate her but as I passed the hors d'oeuvres, I found her at your feet, just sitting, doing what appeared to be absolutely nothing. I was so perturbed that I interrupted you and asked if you didn't care that I had no help in the kitchen. I wanted you to tell Mary to come and help me but instead, you said to me, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Wow, that really stopped me short. I had always thought that I was doing very important things by serving others in the best way I possibly could but maybe I had some things to learn. I then decided the gourmet recipe could wait until another day and we could all eat the fruit and cheese that was already prepared. That way I, too, could be involved in the conversation with you. That comment by you that day, helped me so much. I still love to work in my home and serve others, but now I try to balance it with taking time to meditate on your word.
That was one of the special things you did for me that helped change my life, but the most spectacular thing was the love you showed to my sister, brother and me after he had gotten sick and died. Mary and I sent for you when we realized Lazarus wasn't going to survive and somehow you were delayed in coming until he had already died. We were so grief stricken. We just knew that you could have healed him if you had been there. You, also, were moved with compassion because of his death. You told me my brother would rise again. I knew he would rise again in the resurrection at the last day but you said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." You asked if I believed that and I answered, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world." And then you commanded the stone be moved away from the grave and when you called for Lazarus to come out, he did. He was resurrected and healed. Because of all that I had come to believe about you, I just knew you were the Messiah who would one day die but would conquer death and the grave again and come back to life yourself. This empty tomb shows me what tremendous love and power you have. I have given you my love and allegiance and will always be,
Your faithful friend and follower,
MARTHA

I, too, have a letter I've written to Jesus.

Dear Jesus,
I can relate to Martha. I, too, am a woman who can get distracted from the really important things in life by being busy about my home. I, too, have needed to rearrange the priorities in my life so that I put being with you before doing for you. I also, like Martha, have lost a brother to illness. You know how great a loss that has been for me and my family. We asked you to spare his life and heal his body. You chose not to give earthly life back to my brother. That has been unbelievably painful but because I trust that you are the Christ, the Son of God, I believe you did what was best for me and my family. Easter reminds me that your death wasn't what you wanted either but it was best for all humanity. Your love for me took you to the cross. I love you for being the worthy sacrificial lamb for my sin. I give you my allegiance and aspire to always be, your faithful friend and follower.

Easter 2011 Letter to Jesus... #4

(Note: Please see Easter 2011 Letter #1
for introduction to this series of posts.)

JAMES, BROTHER OF JESUS
MONOLOGUE FOR EASTER

The tomb IS empty! It IS true! The news was brought to our home earlier today and mom is so thrilled but the rest of us don't really know what to think. You see, I am James, the brother of Jesus. Our family has been together since Jesus' death on Friday. There've been so many things to talk about, so many feelings we have. This crucifixion has been really difficult for all of us but especially me because I was closest in age to Jesus. I have been trying to be the brave big brother but it hasn't been easy. You see, I have a lot of questions about who Jesus really is. But let me read you a letter I've written to him. There are so many things I want to say to him.

Dear Jesus, My brother,
The news came to us earlier today that your grave was found empty this morning. Some are saying that there's been a resurrection; that you have come back to life. Several of the women even claim they've seen you. They also seem to think they've talked to you and some angels. I really don't know what to think. I wish I were able to sort this out in my head and know for certain whether or not you really are the Messiah you claimed to be. I was so positive until this morning that I had the truth about you and now I am completely confused.

Have you wondered why none of your brothers and sisters believed you really were God in the flesh? Let me try to explain. As soon as I was old enough to understand things, I realized that there was something different about you. You were always so perfect - so in control- so almost inhuman and yet you were also ordinary but in a way I can't really explain and I never could understand. We were such close buddies when we were little - we used to chase each other around everywhere but I always had the feeling I could never be as good or as religious as you were. So I decided I would get recognition for being different from you - looking different and acting different and believing differently. Those avenues for expressing my individuality brought me some recognition but often left me feeling somewhat unfulfilled. It was as though I accomplished notable things but found they lacked satisfaction even though their achievement required much courage and resolve on my part.

When you told us you were God and man, and we heard the story of your birth and the early years of your life from mom and dad, none of that really made any sense. To me you were just another of my brothers - how could you be the Messiah? We knew you were just like any other human being except for the things you claimed about yourself. And that's really why I decided you must actually be crazy, mentally unstable. For your own good, I felt you should be restrained. When the Messiah came, he would set up an earthly kingdom. You weren't working on that. In fact you were an embarrassment to the rest of your family. You were associating frequently with scum, riff-raff, low-life. Your ideas were provincial and weird. We valued education, proper affiliations, community esteem and all you brought our way was disgrace. We even heard that you terrorized employees at the temple. When you rebuked our attempt to calmly and quietly get you some counseling, I decided the only thing I could do was distance myself from you and your fruitcake ideas.

When I heard of your death on Friday, I wasn't surprised. It was just a matter of time. We tried to prevent that from happening but people just can't put up forever with such a bizarre character as you have been. I wish it could have been different for us. You were really a cool big brother to me. I really looked up to you but I just couldn't swallow your philosophies. But you know, since this morning, I've really started thinking again. You told people, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days." I always thought you were referring to stone and brick but maybe you were talking about your body as a temple. I heard that at the moment you died on the cross, that the curtain in the temple was torn from top to bottom to open the way into the holy of holies. If it tore from top to bottom, that was supernatural because that curtain is 40 cubits or 72 feet high. How could anyone get up that high to tear it from the top down? But I wonder where the logic is in all this? I know you. I just can't believe you could be God. But this I have decided. I will attempt to learn the truth. I want to see you again so I can find out for myself, if you really have come back to life. If I am convinced that you really were dead and now live, I will change my mind. I will devote my life to serving you as the worthy sacrificial lamb. I will repent and give you my allegiance.
Your brother in the flesh and in the Spirit,
JAMES

(Remove costume and continue speaking.) I, too, have a letter I've written to Jesus.

Dear Jesus,
I can relate to some of the experiences of James, Jesus' brother. I, too, have an older brother. It was sometimes difficult to maintain my own identity as I followed his footsteps through life. I haven't, however, experienced the same degree of doubt about you as did your brother. I am so grateful that you did appear to him so that he could resolve his dilemma and follow through with his promise to serve you faithfully. He wrote another letter which I've read many times. It has reminded me that trials are to be considered pure joy because they produce perseverance. It also has clued me in that my faith is really nothing if it's not accompanied by good works. I do want to thank you for giving me a brother, a sister, a strong family. I am not always worthy of your love but Easter reminds me that you considered me worthy to die for - a truth I can hardly fathom. Thank you. I give you my allegiance and desire to always be, your faithful friend and follower.

Easter Letter to Jesus... #5

(Note: Please see Easter 2011 Letter #1
for introduction to this series of posts.)

JOSEPHINE, WOMAN WHO HAD BLED FOR 12 YEARS

The tomb IS empty! It IS true! On my way to the temple this morning, I learned that something has happened which has created great excitement in Jerusalem today. It is being reported that there's been a resurrection from the dead - Jesus of Nazareth has risen from the dead! I decided I just had to come here for myself and make sure Jesus' grave really was empty. You see, I am Josephine, the woman who was ill for 12 years with hemorrhaging. He miraculously healed me one day and I just knew he really was the Messiah, the Anointed One of Israel. There have been many things I wanted to tell him, so I have written him a letter. Let me read it to you.

Dear Jesus, my healer,
Until I met you that day as you walked through my neighborhood, my life was miserable. For twelve long years I had been bleeding abnormally. I had been to so many different doctors. I know they tried their best to find a cure for my problem. They experimented with any new theory they heard or read about, but for me there was no answer. My money was gone, my suffering continued and worst of all, I was shunned by society as continually unclean. I felt so abandoned and forlorn. There were many days when I thought God must be punishing me for something evil I had done or thought. I was brokenhearted because I would never know the love of a man or be able to give birth to a child. I questioned whether or not I was really a normal woman. I felt so different and rejected. How I ached to be able to one day hold my own flesh and blood - to have that wonderful experience of motherhood which so many women are privileged to have. I knew in my present condition, I was without hope. But then, I heard about you.

I had heard of great miracles which you had performed - blind were given sight, paralyzed were made to walk, deaf were made to hear - why couldn't my bleeding be stopped? But for me, it seemed impossible. I was not allowed to be amongst other people for fear of making them unclean. Then I heard that you were nearby.

There was a very large crowd following you, pressing about you and I thought maybe I could slip unnoticed into that crowd and get close enough to just touch just the edge of your garment. I was able - I touched your clothes and as I did, I was immediately healed. I felt it - I knew the miracle I had been praying for had happened. I wanted to just slip out of sight and return home to quietly meditate on what had happened, but you stopped and asked who had touched you. I saw there was no escape so I fell at your feet in fear and told you the whole story. You then said to me, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." How elated I felt. You recognized me - you blessed me - you healed me physically and spiritually.

That day I went home a changed person. You said my faith had healed me. Yes, it is true. I had great faith. I know you honored that and gave me the greatest desire of my heart - a cure for all my problems. I can't thank you enough. I knew I needed physical healing and you knew I also needed spiritual healing. I now know that your death on the cross makes that healing possible and your resurrection makes it certain. I am most grateful for all that you have done for me. I give you my allegiance and will always be,
Your faithful friend and follower,
JOSEPHINE

I, too, have a letter I've written to Jesus.

Dear Jesus,
I can relate to Josephine. I, too, have experienced being different from most other women. My womb is barren. I have not yet been able to conceive a child. I long to one day become a mother and hold my own flesh and blood in my arms. And I don't know if you will heal my physical problem and make that dream of mine come true or not.

But this one thing I know for sure. My love for you does not depend on your response to my deep desire to conceive and give birth to a child. Easter is so important to me today because I know that it really shows me again that you will do what's best for me. Your death wasn't what you wanted, but it was best for all humanity. Your love for me took you to the cross. And I love you for being the worthy sacrificial lamb for my sin. Whether or not you chose to bless my husband and me with our own biological child, I give you my allegiance and aspire to always be, your faithful friend and follower.