"Frightened out of their mind, the disciples wondered to each other while considering the man standing strong at the bow of the boat, "What manner of man is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him?" Mark 4:41 (CWV) "Do you think most Christians want 'more'? Are the words given to us in the Bible not enough: Not exciting enough, not new enough, and not personal enough? Are the scriptures lacking that extra special 'more' that I need to keep on keeping on?" I asked this question to my fellow pastors on staff as we collaborated on our next series of sermons concerning God's Word. The general consensus among us is that people are not satisfied with only having his word to meditate and study on. They really want a walk with Jesus that is tailored specifically for them. Close encounters, moments of bliss, and audible words just for them. They want a vibrant life as found in the new favorite book "Jesus Calling." Even a 90 minute trip up into heaven wouldn't be so bad either. People want more! Is there anything wrong with that?" We have had God's Word written down now for a good 2,000 years; don't you think that is plenty of time to read just one book? C'mon man, let's move on, spice it up, give me "more." I think there is a dangerous assumption with are living under with our desire to always hear directly from God. Sentimentalism seems to me to be the order of the day when it concerns thinking about Jesus: "God will always be nice to me. If I could just hear from him directly I would get the encouragement I need. I would finally know for certain that he loves me, little ole' me." For some reason the message of love as expressed on the cross never seems to be enough? Is Jesus primarily nice? Should this be the way to look at him? Is his goal to make you feel good about yourself, accepted, a special person who stands out among the nameless crowd? Did Jesus come to cater to me? I know Jesus loves me. I know Jesus cares about me. I know Jesus will never leave me nor forsake me. But did Jesus come for more than that? I was once challenged to read the gospels with the eyes of an agnostic asking the question, "What sort of man was Jesus? Was he just a sweet guy - - smiling, laughing and picking daisies?" What I found shook me to the core. Most of the time when Jesus spoke to a person directly is was the last thing in the world they wanted to hear. Here are a few examples: A Pious Rich Guy (Mark 10:17-27): This man only wanted to know how to gain eternal life. Seems pretty noble to me. Here is Jesus' answer: "Go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." It says the man left sad. Man, if a rich guy came to my church asking about heaven I assure you I would not want him leaving my church sad. A Close Disciple Not Wanting Jesus to Die (Mark 8:33): His number one follower was upset when he heard Jesus would have to suffer. Peter didn't want his master to die, another noble sentiment. Jesus looked at him and in front of others he declared, "Get behind me Satan!" Huh? Why was Jesus so upset with Peter? He was only trying to help. A Man who was Upset that His Brother wasn't sharing his Dead Father's Money (Luke 12:14-16): A man wanted Jesus to arbitrate a probate case. The older brother wasn't sharing the money. Jesus didn't even care, but instead attacked the younger brother's greed. Wow, think about that, all the guy is asking for is his fair share? And Jesus doesn't even care. A Poor Lady whose Daughter was Demon-Possessed (Matthew 15:23-26): This lady came to Jesus wanting her daughter healed from demons. But she was being ignored by him because she wasn't Jewish. She had to shout to get his attention and then he turned to her and said, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." What? This is the epitome of heartlessness. What is going on with Jesus, is he having a bad day? The Religious Leaders Disrespected (Matthew 23): This may be the most startling passage of Jesus' complete disrespect for the noble men of town. Can you imagine calling the Pope, or your local priest, or your pastor a "White Washed Tomb, a Child of Hell, or a Snake?" Seriously Jesus? I am telling you, Jesus was really not that nice...and the more you read the gospels the less of a sweet fella he becomes. That is because Jesus is Lord. He is the King of the Universe, the Holy One who wants to make us Holy. This often takes hard words, and harsh rebukes and correcting (2 Timothy 3:16). He is the one to fear. He gave all men and women his words in God breathed scripture because he is not at the beck and call of each person's personal whims and preferences. He wants us to conform to him, not him to us. He is pleased to reveal himself in eternal words that are not open for private interpretation, but revelation is meant for us to submit and order our lives by. Americans do not like this, we like to have things "served our way...hold the pickles." We are so arrogant thinking he needs to serve us as we wish on our time schedule in our busy day. I was thinking as I was driving by a church that had a sign outside inviting people to come this Sunday to experience the presence of God. It was written as if he only worked on our schedules. 9 to Noon God guarantees to show up; and he promises to be done by 1:00 because that is when the football game starts. Jesus is pleased with his Words as they are revealed. He never promised more. Not even for you.
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