In Matthew 25 Jesus lists 6 types of people, the hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick and those in prison. We are obligated to love them if we are going to heaven with him.
Lets get practical, If we are going live like strangers in this world. We have to come to 3 realizations. Ask yourself this, what are you about? Lets not create a moment, but a lifestyle.
You have to come to 3 realizations.
#1. We think that those that have, have because of what they do. After all, you go to work and if you advance its because you work hard.
Those that have money. Imagine they have money because they are wise stewards. Those that have nice houses. Put hard work into them.
And there is enough truth to allow you to live in that mirage for the rest of your life. But here’s the truth. You have what you have because of when and where you where born. And you have nothing to do with that. I would guess that 90% is because you had good parents. And you were born in an extraordinary time and place. You can’t brag about that.
You can’t say that what you have is primarily because of your good effort. Its because of a gift form God. And if you begin to understand that, that its not from what you earned, but a gift that which you are a steward. It will change the way you handle it. It becomes an opportunity to you, to reach out to other people.
#2. Those who have not, have not, not because of their choices, but because of the hand they’ve been dealt. Now I’m going be the last person to take away personally responsibility from an individual. You have to take responsibility for your actions. In till you live up to your choices you will never conquer your addictions.
But I also know this, and I’ve said it before… Most of the time when I judge someone its because I don’t know their story. And people, who are unlovely, are not unlovely because they are unlovable, but because they are unloved…Benevolence is worth it!
God’s perfection in the hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick and those in prison is shown in and through love. Our job as strangers in this world, as God’s children, is to show His love and bring glory to His name in everything that we do.
Who can you show a little extra love to this week?
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Comfort for the Stranger
According to Scripture, God's people, should always feel somewhat out of place in this world. They ought to feel like strangers, pilgrims, aliens, like "ducks out of water," out of their proper environment. The Psalmist said, "I am a stranger on earth" (Psalm 119:19a). The phrase, "wherever I lodge," in verse 54, literally means: "in my temporary house." According to Hebrews 11, the "heroes of the faith" "admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth" (verse 13).
As strangers in the world, we are disturbed by many things. Our own mortality can be distressing. Children grow up and parents grow old. Life is going by rapidly. Also distressing is the fact that bad things happen to basically good people, to God's people.
The Psalmist was well aware of his weakness and frailty. In the Psalms we read of both high and low points in the life of faith. Like the Psalmist, there are times when, spiritually speaking, we feel like we could "soar with the eagles." And a short time later, Our own instability can be distressing.
Whether we observe it or experience it, we know that life is simply unfair. Injustice occurs every day, in all aspects of human life. The problems of the world seem so overwhelming that we are tempted to just throw up our hands in despair.
But strangers in the world are not alone in the world. In one Bible version, Psalm 119:49-56 is entitled: "God's Word is my comfort and guide whatever the circumstances." The Psalmist wrote, "My comfort in my suffering is this: your promise preserves my life" (119:50). "I remember your ancient laws, O Lord, and I find comfort in them" (verse 52). He found comfort not only in Scripture, but in Scripture's Author: "You have given me hope" (verse 49).
in an imperfect world filled with imperfect people problems are inevitable, so don't expect too much.
There are times in your lives when bruised knees or broken dreams have brought tears to your eyes. You have probably experienced how some people can be downright nasty or unkind. Maybe you yourselves said or did something that made you feel bad, that gave you a guilty conscience. Life simply isn't fair. Some people have great beauty or brains, health or wealth, while our portion seems rather small. Diseases and accidents happen to both believers and unbelievers. The Bible reminds us that while life may be unfair at times and people might be unkind,
God is always just and loving.
Peter reminds his readers that they are "God's elect, strangers in the world...who have been chosen" (I Peter 1:1, 2). Being God's chosen people does not keep us from life's storms, but it is our security in life's storms. Another Psalmist reminds us that "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." When we are in the midst of a "storm," we usually ask God to calm it. The sea around us might be raging but in our hearts there can be the peace of God.
Psalm 4 says: "Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord will hear when I call to him" (verse 3). We need to know that we are children of God. The awareness of God's presence helped Jacob on his way (Genesis 28:12ff). Once he was alone under the stars, running for his life, when he saw a stairway with angels on it. He woke up and said, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.... How awesome is this place!" Then he continued his journey.
If only we could live each moment of every day with that awareness, thinking: "Surely the Lord is in this place and in my life. Because of that, How awesome is this place, and how awesome is life itself and eternal life!" Even though you might feel out of place at times, feel as though you don't belong, you do belong to your Savior.
Because you belong to him, live for him. Peter writes: "I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul" (I Peter 2:11). Abstaining is not a very popular concept. But it’s your God, your Savior, who says: "Abstain from sinful desires." He does not want us to lose the battle for our souls.
It is hard enough to abstain from sinful words and actions, how can we abstain from sinful desires? Perhaps we can't keep inappropriate thoughts from crossing our minds from time to time, but we can keep them from staying there. We can't prevent them from using the road, but we can put up "No Parking" signs, and we can enforce that rule.
Peter urges us to live good lives among those who don't believe (I Peter 2:12). Many people are concerned about treasures on earth, God’s children should desire spiritual riches. We should be thankful for what we have, not angry or bitter about what we do not have. We should confess and repent of our faults, but not be obsessed with them. We know we have physical, mental, emotional, financial limitations. We accept God's love and forgiveness, and do our best.
Hopefully we, God's children, never waste our time wishing for things that others have, Hopefully we realize how beautiful and special we are in the eyes of God and in the eyes of those who love us. Hopefully we enjoy ourselves, our lives, our Lord, and develop the unique gifts he has given us. Hopefully we seek first God's kingdom and God's will for our lives. Hopefully we will be the best that we can be, for God's glory and for our own good.
Abraham was a great man of faith, who interceded for Sodom and rescued Lot. Like Abraham, Peter urges believers to make a difference in this world. All of us are called to fulfill our part of the Great Commission. Many of us have been strangers at some time in our lives, newcomers to a certain city or community. After living for awhile in a place, people usually become more and more comfortable. They adjust, and may even adopt some of the customs and traditions of their new home. In time, they no longer feel like strangers.
Yet Scripture warns us not to become too comfortable here on earth. The Bible does not promise us comfortable lives. It teaches us that our lives on earth are temporary, and that, spiritually speaking, even when we are in the world we are not of it. It informs us of the comfort that comes from knowing that we belong to Jesus.
As strangers in the world, we are disturbed by many things. Our own mortality can be distressing. Children grow up and parents grow old. Life is going by rapidly. Also distressing is the fact that bad things happen to basically good people, to God's people.
The Psalmist was well aware of his weakness and frailty. In the Psalms we read of both high and low points in the life of faith. Like the Psalmist, there are times when, spiritually speaking, we feel like we could "soar with the eagles." And a short time later, Our own instability can be distressing.
Whether we observe it or experience it, we know that life is simply unfair. Injustice occurs every day, in all aspects of human life. The problems of the world seem so overwhelming that we are tempted to just throw up our hands in despair.
But strangers in the world are not alone in the world. In one Bible version, Psalm 119:49-56 is entitled: "God's Word is my comfort and guide whatever the circumstances." The Psalmist wrote, "My comfort in my suffering is this: your promise preserves my life" (119:50). "I remember your ancient laws, O Lord, and I find comfort in them" (verse 52). He found comfort not only in Scripture, but in Scripture's Author: "You have given me hope" (verse 49).
in an imperfect world filled with imperfect people problems are inevitable, so don't expect too much.
There are times in your lives when bruised knees or broken dreams have brought tears to your eyes. You have probably experienced how some people can be downright nasty or unkind. Maybe you yourselves said or did something that made you feel bad, that gave you a guilty conscience. Life simply isn't fair. Some people have great beauty or brains, health or wealth, while our portion seems rather small. Diseases and accidents happen to both believers and unbelievers. The Bible reminds us that while life may be unfair at times and people might be unkind,
God is always just and loving.
Peter reminds his readers that they are "God's elect, strangers in the world...who have been chosen" (I Peter 1:1, 2). Being God's chosen people does not keep us from life's storms, but it is our security in life's storms. Another Psalmist reminds us that "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." When we are in the midst of a "storm," we usually ask God to calm it. The sea around us might be raging but in our hearts there can be the peace of God.
Psalm 4 says: "Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord will hear when I call to him" (verse 3). We need to know that we are children of God. The awareness of God's presence helped Jacob on his way (Genesis 28:12ff). Once he was alone under the stars, running for his life, when he saw a stairway with angels on it. He woke up and said, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.... How awesome is this place!" Then he continued his journey.
If only we could live each moment of every day with that awareness, thinking: "Surely the Lord is in this place and in my life. Because of that, How awesome is this place, and how awesome is life itself and eternal life!" Even though you might feel out of place at times, feel as though you don't belong, you do belong to your Savior.
Because you belong to him, live for him. Peter writes: "I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul" (I Peter 2:11). Abstaining is not a very popular concept. But it’s your God, your Savior, who says: "Abstain from sinful desires." He does not want us to lose the battle for our souls.
It is hard enough to abstain from sinful words and actions, how can we abstain from sinful desires? Perhaps we can't keep inappropriate thoughts from crossing our minds from time to time, but we can keep them from staying there. We can't prevent them from using the road, but we can put up "No Parking" signs, and we can enforce that rule.
Peter urges us to live good lives among those who don't believe (I Peter 2:12). Many people are concerned about treasures on earth, God’s children should desire spiritual riches. We should be thankful for what we have, not angry or bitter about what we do not have. We should confess and repent of our faults, but not be obsessed with them. We know we have physical, mental, emotional, financial limitations. We accept God's love and forgiveness, and do our best.
Hopefully we, God's children, never waste our time wishing for things that others have, Hopefully we realize how beautiful and special we are in the eyes of God and in the eyes of those who love us. Hopefully we enjoy ourselves, our lives, our Lord, and develop the unique gifts he has given us. Hopefully we seek first God's kingdom and God's will for our lives. Hopefully we will be the best that we can be, for God's glory and for our own good.
Abraham was a great man of faith, who interceded for Sodom and rescued Lot. Like Abraham, Peter urges believers to make a difference in this world. All of us are called to fulfill our part of the Great Commission. Many of us have been strangers at some time in our lives, newcomers to a certain city or community. After living for awhile in a place, people usually become more and more comfortable. They adjust, and may even adopt some of the customs and traditions of their new home. In time, they no longer feel like strangers.
Yet Scripture warns us not to become too comfortable here on earth. The Bible does not promise us comfortable lives. It teaches us that our lives on earth are temporary, and that, spiritually speaking, even when we are in the world we are not of it. It informs us of the comfort that comes from knowing that we belong to Jesus.
Who's A Stranger?
We look at strangers as the awkward weird kid a school. Or that homeless woman living on the streets. Jesus had read the word stranger over 100 times in the OT or its cousin Alien.
And all those passages had one of two emphases on them.
#1 If you have an alien living among you they need to live like you.
So if a group of Jewish people stop working come Friday night, if your living with them your supposed to stop working too.
If you get to the temple and the Jews are making sacrifice in a particular way. You’ve got to follow the pattern.
If you are going to live among us, you better live like us. Only exception is you can eat bacon. We don’t care about that. Your a Gentile, oy vey!
#2 God kept saying you’ve got to care for the aliens among you. And out of the dozens of passages we could turn to, I just want to leave you with one
Deuteronomy 24:17
“Do not deprive the alien or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge.”
Three categories of people are mentioned in this text. Orphans, widows, and aliens. This trilogy is consistent throughout the old testiment that Jesus read.
Even Jesus’ Half brother James wrote a little book in the NT In James chapter 1:26 he says pour and undefiled religion is ministering to orphans and widows in there distress. And keeping on with stand from the world.
Now He only mentioned two. Where did the strangers go for James? Was it like, Oh were Christians we don’t take care of strangers anymore? I think not! Put that in your pocket and save it for later.
James is missing one third of the trilogy. Vs.18 in Deuteronomy 24 “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this.”
why did Jews take care of the aliens? God is saying you people where
strangers, you know what it was like to be put in slavery.
Your people where strangers, you know what its like to not be able to find a job, don’t do that to other people. You know what its like to be hungry, you know what its like to be naked, you know what its like to be abused, don’t do that to other people. Sound familiar?
Like “Do unto others like you would have them do unto you.”
So Jesus comes along and says look, you’ve got to take care of strangers. That’s as kosher as a dill pickle. He didn’t make that up. That’s Jewish.
How did they take care of strangers? Lets look at vs. 19”When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands”
Take a look at how many times the trilogy comes up. vs. 21”When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the alien, the fatherless and the widow.” Chapter26:13 “Then say to the LORD your God: "I have removed from my house the sacred portion and have given it to the Levite, the alien, the fatherless and the widow, according to all you commanded. I have not turned aside from your commands nor have I forgotten any of them.”
Its right to support the clergy. And the trilogy has just as much right o it as the Levites. Vs 11 “And you and the Levites and the aliens among you shall rejoice in all the good things the LORD your God has given to you and your household.”
If the trilogy keeps coming up, even in the sacred tithes, why does James miss one third of the trilogy. How come he says to take care of widows and orphans but doesn’t talk about the stranger? I think the clue is actually in Peter. 1 Peter 2:11 “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.”
You need to understand who James was speaking to, and who peter was speaking to. these where Christians living in a roman world. They were the strangers and aliens.
To the Jews who came into there own land. You could say, do you remember where you lived? Who you used to be? If you remember that don’t treat the current strangers like that.
But in Peters world and in James world they where the aliens. They were the ones getting beat up, run out of town. They where the ones who couldn’t find a job.
And I would suggest, we fuss when we go a little bit without electricity, but we can go out and by a generator. We fuss a little bit when we don’t have running water, but we can still go buy bottled water. And even so, do you ever feel like your a stranger in this place?
I watch the news and I’m going “Am I really one of these people? Is this the world that I’m really leaving in?” Look we are described as Christians, aliens, and foreigners to this world.
So if someone else also fits that category, they belong. A homeless person belongs. Though they might not live like us (yet). They understand what its like to have people stare at them as they walk by. A prostitute belongs, because they know what its like to be used abused and lie’d too. They know what its like to be treated inappropriately by a culture that pushes them off to the margins. These people may not agree with you theologically (yet). They may not live like you morally (yet). But they understand something of what its like to be a Christian already, because they live counter culturally where they are. That’s theology.
And all those passages had one of two emphases on them.
#1 If you have an alien living among you they need to live like you.
So if a group of Jewish people stop working come Friday night, if your living with them your supposed to stop working too.
If you get to the temple and the Jews are making sacrifice in a particular way. You’ve got to follow the pattern.
If you are going to live among us, you better live like us. Only exception is you can eat bacon. We don’t care about that. Your a Gentile, oy vey!
#2 God kept saying you’ve got to care for the aliens among you. And out of the dozens of passages we could turn to, I just want to leave you with one
Deuteronomy 24:17
“Do not deprive the alien or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge.”
Three categories of people are mentioned in this text. Orphans, widows, and aliens. This trilogy is consistent throughout the old testiment that Jesus read.
Even Jesus’ Half brother James wrote a little book in the NT In James chapter 1:26 he says pour and undefiled religion is ministering to orphans and widows in there distress. And keeping on with stand from the world.
Now He only mentioned two. Where did the strangers go for James? Was it like, Oh were Christians we don’t take care of strangers anymore? I think not! Put that in your pocket and save it for later.
James is missing one third of the trilogy. Vs.18 in Deuteronomy 24 “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this.”
why did Jews take care of the aliens? God is saying you people where
strangers, you know what it was like to be put in slavery.
Your people where strangers, you know what its like to not be able to find a job, don’t do that to other people. You know what its like to be hungry, you know what its like to be naked, you know what its like to be abused, don’t do that to other people. Sound familiar?
Like “Do unto others like you would have them do unto you.”
So Jesus comes along and says look, you’ve got to take care of strangers. That’s as kosher as a dill pickle. He didn’t make that up. That’s Jewish.
How did they take care of strangers? Lets look at vs. 19”When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands”
Take a look at how many times the trilogy comes up. vs. 21”When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the alien, the fatherless and the widow.” Chapter26:13 “Then say to the LORD your God: "I have removed from my house the sacred portion and have given it to the Levite, the alien, the fatherless and the widow, according to all you commanded. I have not turned aside from your commands nor have I forgotten any of them.”
Its right to support the clergy. And the trilogy has just as much right o it as the Levites. Vs 11 “And you and the Levites and the aliens among you shall rejoice in all the good things the LORD your God has given to you and your household.”
If the trilogy keeps coming up, even in the sacred tithes, why does James miss one third of the trilogy. How come he says to take care of widows and orphans but doesn’t talk about the stranger? I think the clue is actually in Peter. 1 Peter 2:11 “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.”
You need to understand who James was speaking to, and who peter was speaking to. these where Christians living in a roman world. They were the strangers and aliens.
To the Jews who came into there own land. You could say, do you remember where you lived? Who you used to be? If you remember that don’t treat the current strangers like that.
But in Peters world and in James world they where the aliens. They were the ones getting beat up, run out of town. They where the ones who couldn’t find a job.
And I would suggest, we fuss when we go a little bit without electricity, but we can go out and by a generator. We fuss a little bit when we don’t have running water, but we can still go buy bottled water. And even so, do you ever feel like your a stranger in this place?
I watch the news and I’m going “Am I really one of these people? Is this the world that I’m really leaving in?” Look we are described as Christians, aliens, and foreigners to this world.
So if someone else also fits that category, they belong. A homeless person belongs. Though they might not live like us (yet). They understand what its like to have people stare at them as they walk by. A prostitute belongs, because they know what its like to be used abused and lie’d too. They know what its like to be treated inappropriately by a culture that pushes them off to the margins. These people may not agree with you theologically (yet). They may not live like you morally (yet). But they understand something of what its like to be a Christian already, because they live counter culturally where they are. That’s theology.
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