All posts by ljmonson

Bible Study, Devotions, Life

True Justice

Romans 3:28-31 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.

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Paul was a dedicated, energetic, almost driven keeper of the Law. For Paul, the law was kept by acts of the will: doing things. Further the law was a social construct of behavior: it was designed for his group, his ethnicity, his class. All his life he had been taught the exclusivity of the “People of God”, the “God of the Jews”.

Then he encountered Jesus. That encounter changed everything. No longer was his fixation on class, race, gender, or lifestyle.  No longer were they a part of his life.  He saw through the eyes of God and saw the unity of faith. He now saw the law and justice as divine gifts, bestowed upon everyone. No longer was anyone defined by the group to which society was placing upon them. Sure, the law was kept.  But it was kept by faith in the perfect vision of God’s image of all people.  True justice.

Life, Parable, Preaching

Slay the dragon

George is living his life. He doesn’t do anything that would hurt anyone.  “Can’t we get along” is his mantra. There are times of happiness, but they are fleeting. There are occasions when George is moved to go the extra mile for someone else. In his own keep calm and carry on he has made great strides in being a good person.

 There is a foreboding presence in George.  Deep inside of George a terrible dragon dwells.  A dragon living in a dark and dank cave. A cave hidden from everyone but himself. That dragon craves for power, and reputation and self-reliance. Occasionally George is overcome by the dragon. Especially when he is really stressed. Out of the unfortunate events in his life the dragon growls.  The dragon shouts, “I can do it”.  Giving into the dragon brings guilt, pain, embarrassment. George has lost self-control and let the dragon direct his responses. Few see his dastardly dragon, but he is there.  The dragon shapes and overshadows all his beliefs, attitudes, and more than he would admit, his actions.

A day not to long ago, George heard the Gospel.

In the word of God, George hears, “I will make you mine and take possession of the cave and slay the dragon. Will you yield to my possession? It will mean a whole new way of thinking and feeling and acting.”

George replied: “But that dragon has always been with me.”  And with down cast eyes and with a whimper, “the dragon is me. Even though I am embarrassed by him, he is who I am.”

In a desperate instant George raises his eyes and shouts back at Jesus, “If you kill it I will die.”

Jesus says, “And you will rise to newness of life, I will give you a new identity, I will make my mind, my will, and my heart your own.”

In the depths of George’s hidden cave he hears the dragon roar.

George in a moment of great distress and resolve and willfully ignoring the dragon, says, “What must I do?”

He answers, “Trust me and do as I say. As long as you trust me, we cannot lose.” Overcome by the beauty and power of Christ, George bows and makes a pledge of eternal loyalty and trust.

George rises with a new resolve, “I will follow you anywhere.”

Jesus responds placing a great sword in George’s hand and says, “Follow me.” He leads George to the mouth of the cave and says, “Go slay the dragon.”

But George looks at him bewildered, “I cannot do it, I have tried to silence him.  He is invincible. He is more than anything I can or have tried.  I cannot do it without you.”

Jesus smiles. “Well said. You learn quickly. Never forget: my commands for you to do something are never commands do alone.” Shoulder to shoulder and the sword in hand, they enter the cave together.

It was a horrific battle.  But each swipe of the sword, the hand of Jesus was there guiding, enabling, strengthening. Christ’s hand became George’s hand.

At last, the dragon lies limp. George asks, “Is it dead?”

Jesus with a concerned knit brow states, “I have come to give you a new life. This new identity is what you received when you yielded to my possession and pledged faith and loyalty to me. And now with my sword and my hand you have felled the dragon of the flesh. It is a mortal wound. It will die. That is certain. But it has not yet bled to death. I will help you seal up the cave. You must hold constant vigil to make sure the spirit of flesh does not come and cause earthquakes in your life and loosen the stones. It is up to you to keep the entrance fortified and well built. I have this confidence in you.  With My sword and My hand in yours, this dragon will die, he is finished, your new life is secure.

Culture, Devotions

Rule of Law – Equality

July is justice month day 9

Numbers 15:14,15 And if a stranger is sojourning with you, or anyone is living permanently among you, and he wishes to offer a food offering, with a pleasing aroma to the Lord, he shall do as you do. For the assembly, there shall be one statute for you and for the stranger who sojourns with you, a statute forever throughout your generations. You and the sojourner shall be alike before the Lord.

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Just societies are founded and kept by the rule of law.  Further this established law must, if it is just, applied equally to everyone.  It is of little consequence if the person is a foreigner, same law.  It does not matter if a person is citizen or not, same law.  Those who create the rules and regulations for the well being of the people must adhere to that same law. Politicians who adapt or bend the law to produce a preferred outcome is simply wrong. They are not free to set one interest above another anymore than you can choose which law to obey or not to.  Equality or respect for the rule of law is and always be, one of the foundation stones of our culture. Justice before God is equality.

Devotions, Life

Revenge does not belong to me.

Matthew 5:38-42 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.  Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

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Revenge is an attitude the seems to permeate our culture. When we feel put upon, or canceled we quickly fall into response mode.  We want to react in to wreak vengeance upon the offender.  A simple sarcastic comment slips out of our lips or runs through our minds. Even occasionally even the most devout Christian has visions of due justice.  We want people to get exactly what they deserve.

God tells us we are not to seek revenge but submit these feelings to God and respond His way.  Jesus challenges His people to choose a different behavior when we are confronted with anger and want revenge. I must resist and convert my feelings of anger into attitudes of positive action.

Devotions

Forgiveness as Justice

1 Peter 3:8-9 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 

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The closer the relationship and the stronger the offense, the more we MUST walk in forgiveness, compassion, and love. When we resist the urge to pay back evil for evil, God rewards with blessings.  Going the extra mile in Godly responses brings life instead of death.  Responding the way Jesus would promises blessings on you that will pour over on your household, relationships, marriage, in your work life, and in your church. 

Couching our lives to be more Christ-like is Justice.  Reacting to insults or offenses is a critical place to begin walking out our faith.  Imagine if your reputation at home, work, or your neighborhood was that of understanding, love, kindness, compassion, and humility.  People would trust and respect you more.  These characteristics open doors to all kinds of blessings in your life. 

Devotions

July is justice month Day 3

Hebrews 10:30

For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.”

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There have been times when someone I love and respect simply lashes out with a hurtful comment or condemnation.  I am bruised and wounded.  How am I to understand the innermost feelings and pains of others?  I cannot come to an understanding of someone lashing out because of some perceived slight.  Justice is about mutual agreement.  An agreement between two people which have lived in two different lives.  I am not making excuses for bad behavior. I have no position of authority to pass judgement. I do not set the rules for you.  I hope you do not have a set of rules for me that is different than those who you hold yourself to. Please do not demand of me that which you do not exhibit and live yourself. Show to me they are better than mine. That is justice. Until that day, I must follow the expressed expectations in the will of God. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Just Larry

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“What shall we call Him?

The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” 49 Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. 50 Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it, and he is the judge. 51 Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” 52 The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.’ 53 Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?” 54 Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ 55 But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” 57 So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” 59 So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. – John 8:48-59

What is my identity? Who am I?  What is the adjective that describes my noun? I call myself “Just Larry”.  It is intended as a double entendre; a word or phrase that is open to two interpretations.  First, Just Larry as one of the multitudes, not much, not seen as important.  And second,  Just Larry as one justified by Christ, a child of the King, an heir to a kingdom, and loved and cared for by the Jesus.  One is filled with anxiety and fear.  The other one with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

The only time he was ever stressed out was in the Garden when he struggled with his “Who I AM”. How did Jesus relax with the weight of humanity on his shoulders (literally)? Ultimately, He lived a life perfectly because he knew without doubt who he was. As Jesus said, “I AM the way the truth and the life.”  “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father”

I know who I am because I believe in the Great I AM and that makes a difference.

What shall we call Him?  Jesus my example.

Just Larry.

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“What shall we call Him?”

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I John 11-4  That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you that we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.

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I’m not much of a prayer warrior. Before you gather up your stones to throw at me, I do pray, I do lift up to God my life in expectation of change. But sometimes my requests are about control.  I want to control my circumstances and my plight by manipulation of God to do my bidding. My prayer requests seem to only be about things.  About things I cannot control.  I pray for healing; it is a great thing.  I pray for employment for my fellow travelers so there will be food on the table; good stuff and is sorely needed. I pray for church growth; cool beans, I like to be associated with something that is growing. But as I pray these things which I cannot control they seem to weigh upon me. I like control.  It is hard to “let go and let God.”

The uncontrollability of each situation speaks of my inability to do something about that situation. These uncontrollable things steal my temporary and fleeting happiness.  They make me sad. Prayer requests do not make me happy. Never-the-less, in the hope of joy, that innermost peace that only comes with God’s presence, I pray. I pray to bask in joy, the very evidence of God.  Until then I will pray without stopping.

What shall we call Him? Jesus the hearer of my prayers.

Just Larry.

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How was your hike!

John 15:16 You did not choose me, bit I chose you and appointed you that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

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I grew up in the late 1950’s in a little town pushed up against the Pacific Ocean. Occasionally in the summer as the fog began to lift, I would walk the mile or so down to the beach. Across the dunes I would go. As my shoes would fill with sand, I threw stones into the ocean surges. An occasional starfish would wash up and I would throw it back in. I would walk the beach looking for sand dollars and castaway junk thinking I would find something of great value. Sometimes I simply did nothing but stare at the constantly breaking waves. Time seemed to stop and yet pass by quickly.  At the end of my walks was the realization I had to get back home. The urge of return was complicated because of two paths.

One path was a retracing of my steps back to home and probably chores. The other was to go over the dunes, along the school yard and cross a four-lane highway and show up at my fathers’ workplace.  He was a mechanic at a small local shop. “Hi dad, I hiked over to see how you are doing.” With a smile he pulled out a slightly greasy three wheeled stool, sat me down and gave me a soda. “How was the hike?”, he would ask. And I would respond with my usual, “good”.  He acted like he expected me. Not an overly emotional man, but I could tell he was glad I was there. To share a moment of quiet between father and son.

I am expected in another place someday.  And my heavenly father is expecting me. He may not have a greasy stool and a coke, and He may well ask me, “How was your hike?”. There will be a smile on his face because will be glad to see me.

What shall we call Him.  Jesus our expectant and emotional greeter.

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May is MERCY Month, INOGAM –“In Need Of Grace And Mercy”

Matthew 25:35-40,45.

I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me. … Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’”

When I was 7 one of fondest memories was the seesaw.  We had four of them in the “little kids” playground at Marina Del Mar Elementary school.  Each was set in concrete in a dirty, sandy area. Each recess included running to this simple lever-based plaything.  The excitement was not in the contraption itself, but having someone to share the experience. It was a gleeful thrill to be raised up in the air with a little push.  Then came the dependency and the assurance of an equal push of your companion would bring me back down. Up and down, up and down, it was wonderful.  But the bell would ring and inevitably either I or my partner in joy would stepped off when at the bottom.  Down you would come with a great thump. We all have all felt the disappointment and pain of the bottom. Mercy is someone always willing to balance you.  Balance, that is mercy.