lucas on 2009 - cwr · than a miracle, it’s a miraculous sign, a miracle with a message): he...

Copyright © CWR 2008Published 2008 by CWR, Waverley Abbey House, Waverley Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU9 8EP, UKTel: 01252 784700 Email: [email protected] Registered Charity No. 294387 Registered Limited Company No. 1990308Front cover image: Getty/StoneConcept development, editing, design and production by CWR.Printed in England by Linney Print.All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in

a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic,

mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior

permission in writing of CWR.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture references are from the Holy Bible:

New International Version (NIV), copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by the

International Bible Society.

Jesus in the HouseJeff Lucas

EvERy Day

LuCas onJan/FEB2009

LOLED JF 09_internals.indd 1 29/8/08 16:58:23

How to get the best out of Lucas on Life Every Day


BIG PICTURE:

ONE of the challenges about knowing Jesus is that I don’t know Him in the same way that I know Kay, my wife, or Chris, my friend, or even the smiley guy who makes me a cappuccino in Starbucks. To state the obvious, I can see my wife, my friend and the coffee barista. We’ve chatted, in Kay’s case over the last 34 years, and (in the case of the barista) occasionally over the last four months, as I indulge my caffeine habit. Lovers and friends enjoy the fruit of vintage times spent walking, talking – all the getting-to-know-you years. But, despite being a Christian for longer than I want to admit, I don’t know Jesus that way. We’ve never been formally introduced, face to face. I haven’t heard what His voice sounds like, audibly, to the human ear. And I’ve realised recently that much of what I know about Him is instinctive rather than precise: I have pieced together a Photofit portrait of what I think He’s like – not only from the Bible but (rather dangerously) from my interpretation of the Bible. My perception of Him has also been created by songs, books, chatter, sermons, testimonies, art, drama, emotions and a thousand other sources. And that means that my understanding of Jesus is flawed. One day, we’ll have that face-to-face moment that will last forever. In the meantime, my eyesight is blurred.

And so is yours. So, as we drop by on episodes when Jesus showed up at people’s homes, let’s prayerfully seek to dump our preconceptions and perhaps be surprised, even astonished. May our journey help us, by faith, to feel the contours of His face a little more clearly.

Prayer: Lord, show me you: the authentic, startling you. Help me to let go of the Jesus of my construction. amen.

THuRs 01 Jan

Knowing the astonishing Jesus

John 7:14–24 Matthew 22:33

FoCus: ‘Jesus said to them, “I did one miracle, and

you are all astonished.”’ (John 7:21)

We’ve never

been formally

introduced


BIG PICTURE:

FRI 02 Jan

A bit like me?

Matthew 11:16–19 Galatians 4:19–20

FoCus: ‘To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the market-places and calling out … “We played the f lute for you, and you did not dance.”’ (Matt. 11:16–17)

IN THE frequently inglorious history of Christian television, it was a new low. The Twin Towers of the World Trade Center had been hit and a set of numbers forever took on a new significance: 9/11.

Two of America’s best-known televangelists took to the airwaves and suggested that God allowed the planes to hit as an act of judgment on gay people. Within a couple of days, one of them had the courage to see the madness of his words and apologised. But the other preacher was guilty of an extreme case of a common delusion: the notion that Jesus is a bit like us, only without sin. We allow ourselves to believe that He shares our convictions, theology, preferences (especially about the Church) and prejudices. That preacher didn’t like gay people, so he assumed that his Jesus didn’t like them either. Nor did he like feminists (he said what they needed was a man around the house) and so, again, he was convinced that Jesus shared his views.

We can all be tempted to make Jesus in our own image which, of course, is entirely the wrong way round. So perhaps over the next few weeks we’ll feel a little uncomfortable at the Jesus who drops by a variety of homes for a meal, a foot-washing, a chat – and refuses to dance to the popular tune.

But whatever our reaction, as we ponder Him, we need to pray that we’ll walk in His footsteps, that ‘Christ be formed in us’ and we become like Him – and give up wishing that it were the other way around.

Prayer: Lord, make me like you. Forgive me for the times when I insist that you dance to my tune. amen.


Wee

kend

03/04 Jan

John 2:1–11 Mark 10:13–16

The Best GuestYesterday Kay and I received the most beautiful

wedding invitation. It was a work of art: stunning

calligraphy and rich, contoured paper. It’s obvious

that lots of thought is going into the preparations.

But whether the stationery is impressive or not, I

always feel grateful to be invited to a wedding. The

invitation is a messenger, saying ‘You matter. Come

and share this most personal, special day with us.’

The invitation lets us know that we count, that we’re

most welcome.

John especially wants us to notice that Jesus and

some of His disciples were invited to this wedding.

He was invited in His own right; he didn’t just tag

along with Mum.

Jesus was the sort of person you’d want to invite

to a party, to your special day. Wide-eyed, staring

religious zealots are usually short of social

opportunities. But Jesus was welcomed at loads of

dinner parties (usually, but not exclusively, held by

the ‘wrong’ people); children loved Him, strangers

confided in Him, friends were so stunned by Him that

they risked everything to be with Him. The Son of

God is a delight. He wanted to be with ‘sinners’. But,

perhaps wonderfully, sinners wanted to be with Him.

Jesus was the

sort of person

you’d want

to invite to

a party …


BIG PICTURE:

God … owes me

no explanations

MARy must have been a stunning human being. Every glimpse Scripture gives us of her reveals a warm, kind, courageous, selfless person. This was the woman who brought Jesus up and created the atmosphere in which His character was formed.

Ever met one of those deeply unpleasant people who get a kick out of other people’s calamities? Perhaps they’re driven by deep insecurity or jealousy, but when the singer’s tune is flat, someone else’s party is rained off or someone ruins their life with a stupid choice, there are those who can barely hold back a smile. Mary, seeing that social disaster is about to strike because the wine has run dry, hasn’t a hint of that attitude about her. Instead, she tells her Son about the problem. As she makes her request, she teaches us something about the way we ask God for things. Mary knows that Jesus is God-sent – the unforgettable encounter with Gabriel three decades earlier had burned that into her heart and she has cherished and pondered that reality ever since (Luke 2:19).

But, as yet, no miracles have been performed. And so she brings the problem to Jesus, not entirely sure of what He is going to do about it. Will He send some of His disciples on a quiet mission to a nearby home in search of wine? Or might something more incredible just possibly happen?

The essence of prayer is that I bring my requests to God and ask Him to act. How He responds, who He chooses to use, the method of His action – all of that is up to Him and He owes me no explanations.

Prayer: Lord, may I bring my requests to you with faith and trust you as I wait for your response. amen.

FoCus: ‘When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”’ (John 2:3)

John 2:1–3Philippians 4:4–7

Bring your requests

Mon 05 Jan


BIG PICTURE:

TuEs 06 Jan

Sending shame packing

John 2:3John 8:1–11

FoCus: ‘They have no more

wine.’ (John 2:3)

IN My early years as a Christian, I was a shame addict. And I use the term addict thoughtfully. An addict is someone who constantly thinks in a particular way, daily, hourly. Their mind is consumed with that substance or activity. Their behaviour is driven. That would have been me. Confusing holiness with perfectionism, I squandered my youth on being preoccupied with feeling bad. I know the power of shame.

The family at Cana was facing severe public humiliation when the wine supplies dwindled. The culture of the day demanded that hospitality protocols be obeyed: they could be fined, sued or at very least become the butt of community-wide jokes for years. And so Jesus moved swiftly to prevent a shaming.

Shame ruins life – even the best days. A wedding feast in Jesus’ day could last for seven days. The bride and groom would often dress up as a king and queen and be treated royally: but all that honour, that dignity, would have been lost to shame if the wine ran out. And so Jesus acted. And, as He did, He perfomed the first of seven signs that appear in John’s Gospel (this is more than a miracle, it’s a miraculous sign, a miracle with a message): He turned water into wine, a sign of joy and grace. It was also a contrast to Moses’ first miracle of turning water into blood, a sign of judgment (Exod. 7:19).

What shames you? Let Jesus take care of it. It’s what He came to do.

Prayer: Lord, I bring you all that would shame me. Teach me how to live as one forgiven and redeemed. amen.


BIG PICTURE:

Jesus is utterly

trustworthy

RECENTLy I read a bizarre newspaper report about a lady who drove her gleaming Mercedes sports car into a river. The car was swept hundreds of yards downstream. So what inspired this lady to become the pilot of a very leaky, luxury submarine? Apparently her GPS was having a quirky day and instructed her to turn right into the river. Unthinkingly, she turned right – which was so very wrong.

Sometimes I wish I had a similar attitude of unquestioning obedience to Jesus. And that’s precisely the lesson that Mary had to learn as she spent time under the same partying roof as her son. Commentators struggle at the forthright words of Jesus, which definitely carry at least a hint of rebuke and correction. Mary had to learn that now Jesus had begun His public ministry, everything would be different. No longer simply her son, now Jesus was walking to a timetable set only by His heavenly Father, who alone would determine which ‘hour’ Jesus was in.

And Mary gets the point and is able to pass her understanding to others, as she whispers to the servants, ‘Whatever He says to you, do it.’ Jesus the guest has become Jesus the host. He’s in charge now.

So let’s do what He says, without wasting time on the odd notion that we know better. Is there a crisis of obedience that you are in right now? Submission is the only useful way forward. Unlike that GPS system, Jesus is utterly trustworthy. He won’t lead us down the garden path. Or, for that matter, sell us down the river.

Prayer: Lord, give me a new sensitivity to your voice and a renewed readiness to obey you. Be Lord. amen.

FoCus: ‘“Dear woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.”’ (John 2:4)

John 2:4–5Hebrews 3:7–15

He becomes the host

WED 07 Jan


For full details phone 01252 784700, international +44 (0)1252 784700 or see the CWR website for further information.

www.cwr.org.uk

CWR MInIsTRy EvEnTsPlease pray for the team

Date Event Place Presenter(s) 9 Jan DiplomaofChristianCounselling Waverley abbey house heather Churchill (course starts) and team

16 Jan CertificateofChristianCounselling Wah irene davies and team(course starts)

the diploma and Certifi cate courses above are key CWr courses. each lasting one year, they offer

students biblically-based training to equip them to help others. Please pray that each student will be

used powerfully by god to impact the lives of those they go on to counsel.

26 Jan WomenMinisteringtoWomen Wah Women at Waverley (8 Mondays) team

7 feb WomenMentoringWomen yateley, hampshire Jeannette Barwick and lynn Penson

12 feb valentine’sEvening Wah Mark and Christine daniel

Please also pray for our tutors and students on the ongoing CertificateandDiplomaofChristianCounselling at london school of theology

NewYear,NewProgramme!our Jan–Jun 2009 training and events Brochure is now available. Call 01252 784700 or visit www.cwr.org.uk for your copy.


BIG PICTURE:

THE water-into-wine miracle has, predictably, caused quite a lot of consternation among religious people over the years. There are those who find a miracle involving alcohol rather awkward. I totally respect those who abstain from drinking for personal reasons. But the idea often circulated (that this wasn’t real wine, but a kind of premium grape juice) bears no merit whatsoever. The satisfied comment of the steward, together with his mention of the practice of serving cheap wine towards the end of a feast when some guests would be inebriated, makes that clear. This was wonderful, rich wine.

I heard of a Christian lady who was offended at this scene. Commenting on the fact that Jesus made wine, she lamented, ‘yes, I know He did. I just wish He hadn’t.’ But that’s Jesus for you. He refuses to conform to any demand that He play it safe. He takes jars that would have been used exclusively for Jewish purification rites and uses them as tools to fix a potentially disastrous party. These ‘holy jars’ were probably used by guests who would dip their fingers into them when entering the house. Now they became huge wine flasks. Relationships matter more to Him than culturally-defined customs or so-called sacred rituals.

Throughout His life and ministry, Jesus created outrage among highbrow religionists who were appalled at His behaviour – and He still does. Let’s not cling to our little traditions: Jesus may want to prise them from our fingers. And, as we saw yesterday, let’s allow Him to be the Host of our lives, doing things His way.

Prayer: Lord, help me to follow you when what you do surprises or even offends me. amen.

FoCus: ‘Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.’ (John 2:6)

John 2:6–7Matthew 15:1–20

Unfettered by the religious

THuRs 08 Jan


BIG PICTURE:

Every good and

perfect gift comes

from God

IT WAS a fear that used to haunt me as a teenager: in being a Christian, was I missing out on life? And, if I’m honest, the anxiety occasionally still niggles at me today. Occasionally I find myself mildly envying those who don’t have faith – are they living carefree, uncomplicated lives, unconcerned about morality, heaven and hell, suffering and evil and a host of other complexities?

The truth is that Jesus offers not only the best life but life itself. All else is mere survival. To live a life in relationship with God is true ‘designer living’; for this we were made, the ultimate ‘good life’. This wedding happened on the third day, as was the Jewish custom. Tuesday was the one day in the creation story where God said ‘it is good’ twice (Gen. 1:9–13). It’s therefore thought of as the ‘double-good’ day – a great day for the new life that the union of marriage signifies. And then the steward of the wedding complimented not only the quantity of the wine so suddenly produced, but the quality of it too. To follow Jesus is to know ethics rooted in love; generosity instead of grabbing; happiness without the hangover; purpose rather than trivial pursuit; and sexual ethics that make sense. But more than all of that, it is a life knowing Christ Himself. It really is the best. Every good and perfect gift comes from God: He has the franchise on the good stuff. Let’s not spend our lives sipping water when rich, full-blooded vintage wine – the life of Christ – is freely available.

Prayer: Thank you for abundant life, available through Jesus. save me from mere survival and teach me how to live. amen.

FoCus: ‘Everyone brings out the

choice wine first and then the cheaper wine

after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best

till now.’ (John 2:10)

John 2:8–10 John 10:1–10

The best stuff

FRI 09 Jan


Wee

kend

Secrecy is a

discipline

Water into wineI love not only reading about what Jesus did, but

the way He did things. The water-into-wine event

could have been a spectacular way of launching a

ministry. One can imagine Jesus (if He had been a

showman), with much fuss, drama and perhaps a

loud drum roll, doing a Houdini-type miracle, laced

with crass theatrics. But instead He did it quietly,

without fuss, behind the scenes – and allowed the

steward to believe that no miracle had occurred at

all! Sometimes I feel uncomfortable with the circus

atmosphere that can accompany prayers for healing.

Who is supposed to look impressive – Jesus who

heals or the one who prayed for the healing?

Perhaps there’s another miracle that took place

here too, one often unnoticed. The disciples knew

the real truth. Can you imagine new recruit Peter,

frantic to broadcast the news far and wide about

Jesus’ incredible power? Perhaps Jesus looked across

the party at Peter and shot him a kind but firm look:

be quiet now …

Not everything needs to be announced. Secrecy is a

discipline. Let’s make the choice to give quietly, to

serve without drama and to pray our most fervent

prayers behind closed doors.

John 2:8–10 Colossians 3:22–24

10/11 JanCWR ToDay … FoR you anD youR CHuRCH

TRusTED aLL ovER THE WoRLD


CWR ToDay … FoR you anD youR CHuRCH

TRusTED aLL ovER THE WoRLD

This year CWR’s Waverley Training is

conducting courses and seminars on a

wide range of topics from counselling

to leadership, from marriage to Bible

discovery, and much more.

We also hold days of spiritual

refreshment for women, and men’s

mornings.

And the tranquil surroundings of

Waverley Abbey House make for a

spiritually renewing experience.

To view all our course offerings,

visit www.cwr.org.uk/waverley

We also hire out conference/meeting

facilities with fi ne food, beautiful

rooms and idyllic surroundings.

Special ‘First-Time Try’ offer – £10

discount on the day rate per person!

Take a virtual tour at

www.waverleyabbeyhouse.org.uk

‘The whole weekend had such depth,

such enjoyment and such special

teaching by the team. It was the best!’

‘This was a beautiful weekend – an

oasis and retreat from the treadmill of

everyday life.’


lucas on 2009 - cwr · than a miracle, it’s a miraculous sign, a miracle with a message): he...

Documents