Read Matthew 21:1-16.
Jesus rode into Jerusalem, on the Sunday one week before He would be killed. In that week, He drove the moneychangers and merchants out of the temple; He taught in the Temple courts. In Matthew’s gospel, for example, most of chapters 21, 22, 23, 24,and 25 are teaching during this last week. The chief priests and the elders were nervous and challenged Him. Tensions increased. Jesus challenged them; remember Matthew 23, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!...”
On the Thursday night, Jesus shared the Last Supper with the Twelve disciples, then prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane before being arrested. Through that night He was tried before the Sanhedrin and, on Friday morning, tried before Pilate and Herod, before being condemned and led away to be crucified.
That week started with the excitement of the crowds welcoming Jesus as the Messiah. “Hosanna” means “save”. “Son of David” – definitely a Messianic term. “He who comes in the name of the Lord.” In the temple, the blind and the lame came to Him to be healed.
Matt 21:15 When the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things He did and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant.
They were indignant that Jesus was being greeted as the Messiah. They said to Him, “Do you hear what these children are saying?” as if to say, “Don’t you realise how inappropriate this is?”
Jesus said, “Yes, I hear it. Haven’t you read that God would inspire children and infants to declare praise. What they say is OK. Actually, it is a God thing.” Jesus accepted the title of Messiah.
But the week went from excitedly welcoming Jesus as the Messiah to condemning Him as a criminal and crying out for His execution only five days later. The same crowd that welcomed Him, rejected Him.
Was it the same crowd? Were the same people involved in both? I think I heard the suggestion once that by the end of the week the crowd would have been different because people were coming to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. Most of the gospels just refer to “the crowd” at both times as if there was no distinction. John links the crowd in particular to the raising of Lazarus from the dead. There had been a crowd present then and the reports had spread like wild fire.
John 12:18 Many people, because they had heard that He had performed this sign, went out to meet Him.
He also talks about some Greeks who had come up to Jerusalem to worship at the festival. It seems that the crowd included the populace of Jerusalem, especially those who had heard about the miracle of Lazarus being raised from the dead, and people who were already gathering in Jerusalem.
Luke 19:37-38 37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
38 "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
The whole crowd of disciples? In what sense were they disciples?
We know what disciples are, don’t we? Disciples are students of a teacher; apprentices; followers. There were the twelve disciples but they wouldn’t be a very big crowd. There was a much greater number of people who were followers of Jesus – who praised God for all the miracles they had seen; who had heard the teaching; who believed that He was the Messiah.
Where were they at the end of the week? Nowhere to be found. Who was supporting Jesus then? Where were His followers then? Were they also in the crowd baying for His blood?
If these people were disciples on Palm Sunday, doesn’t that make their defection even more serious?
The same was true of the Twelve who had been closest to Him. Where were they at the end of the week? They had melted away. They deserted Him. When Jesus was arrested all of the disciples deserted Him and fled (Mt 26:56, Mk 14:50). Peter. He and the other disciples no doubt relished the excitement of Palm Sunday. Peter declared he would never desert Jesus. On the Thursday night, he vowed that he didn’t even know Jesus.
Why? Why the change in all these people?
At the beginning of the week, it was exciting; they were on the winning team; they were seeing miracles. It was fun. They liked it. They were benefitting.
By the end of the week, there was cost. Why did Peter deny Jesus? Because his own safety was under threat. There was going to be a cost - and he wasn’t willing to pay the price. The disciples were happy to be with Jesus when He was being hailed as the Messiah but when He was arrested – when there was a cost to being with Jesus – they disappeared. The crowds were His disciples when people were being raised from the dead. That was huge fun. But how many claimed to be His disciples when He was being condemned as a criminal? None.
At the beginning of the week it was about what they were going to get. By the end of the week, it was about what they were going to give. At the beginning of the week, it was all about them. By the end of the week, it was all about Jesus. Or, at least, that was the challenge: Would it be all about Jesus? Would it be about loyalty to Him? Would it be about following Him when there was a cost?
And the answer was “No”. It was still all about them – their safety; their wellbeing; their next source of thrills.
At least three times Pilate, the Roman governor, went back to the chief priests and to the crowd and said, “I have examined this man and can find no basis for the charges you bring against Him. What crime has he done? I can find no grounds for the death penalty.” But, in the end, Pilate was spooked by the uproar that was developing and he washed his hands as if that absolved him from responsibility and handed Jesus over to be put to death. He wanted to do what was right but self-interest took over. Ultimately it was all about him.
By the end of the week, there was only one person left standing. Everybody had melted away except one person. Jesus Himself. Only one person was willing to keep standing when there was a cost. For Him the cost would be enormous. Though He had never sinned, He would take responsibility for every sin ever committed by every person on the face of this earth, both those already committed and those that would still be committed. Responsible for every sin, He would die. As a sinner, He would be forsaken by His Father who can have nothing to do with sin. Though He had shown great love and compassion, He would be abandoned. No one would love Him.
For Jesus it would not be all about Himself. Even though it was costly for Him, it was all about honouring His Father and all about those He loved – all about those who condemned Him; all about us.
Are we like that crowd? Are we here just for the ride? Are we here just because it is fun and we hope to get something out of it? Do we claim to be followers of Jesus just because we like having Jesus close to us, looking after us and just because it is convenient that God answers our prayers? Are we here because it is exciting when we hear about miracles? Do we follow Jesus just because we want to go to heaven?
What would happen if there was a cost? What would happen if it might cost us our lives or our freedom or financially? What happens when it is not all about me?
Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me.” (Mt 10:38; 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23) There is no other sort of discipleship. Those are the terms for anyone who wants to be a disciple: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me.”
Just after entering Jerusalem, some Greeks who had come up to worship at the festival came to Philip and said, “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.” Philip and Andrew took their request to Jesus and Jesus’ reply is a bit of a puzzle. It appears to completely ignore the Greek enquirers and we never hear of them again. Jesus said, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Those who love their life will lose it, while those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honour the one who serves me.” (Jn 12:23-26)
Those Greeks had said, “We would like... We would like to see Jesus.” I wonder if Jesus was addressing that attitude of it all being about me and what I would like. I wonder if they were simply excited about what was happening in Jerusalem and wanted to see it for themselves, and so Jesus responded by talking about paying a price. The kernel of wheat must fall to the ground and die. If it does not, it remains only a single seed. But if it does, it multiplies itself many times over. It seems that Jesus does have in mind this issue of it all being about me. He contrasts those who love their life – those who carefully protect their own safety and their own privileges – with those who are willing to lay down their lives. Those who want to get versus those who are willing to give. He goes on to talk about serving and following.
Now here’s the thing that is not intuitive and that we have to get into our heads: those who want to protect their own lives will lose them, while those who lay down their lives will receive life for eternity. God will honour those who serve. It is counter-intuitive. It is not what the world thinks. The seed that dies produces many seeds. The seed that doesn’t remains only a single seed.
The disciples who melted away at Easter were given a second chance. The second time around they made a different choice. They identified with Jesus irrespective of the cost. And many of them died because of that choice. It had once been all about them. It no longer was. They were different people.
What happens when it is not all about me but it is costly? Do we avoid the cost? Is it actually still all about us?
I suspect that all of us are faced with some choice where God is asking whether we will do what is easy or whether we will pay a price. Can you think of some area in which God is currently saying to you, “There is a cost. Will you do your thing or will you do my thing?” There is a cost, maybe the risk of being rejected. There is a cost – maybe a financial cost. Maybe it means letting go of a dream – maybe a selfish dream and God is asking if we will let it go for the sake of something else that is part of His Kingdom.
Is there some area in which God is calling you to do something costly? What is going to be the outcome when it is not all about you? Will we be like those who defected? Or are we truly followers of Jesus who didn’t turn away from the cost but walked the path of obedience all the way to the cross – because it wasn’t about Him? It was about us.
What costly thing is God asking you to do? What will you do?
Remember what God has promised to those to lay down their own lives.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
21.03.10 - We're Able To Stand For God Reason
First of all let’s refresh our memories about what I mentioned in Parts 1 and 2 (in January).
1. Why has a Christian been called into spiritual warfare?
• To carry on the ministry of Jesus
• For individual refining
• To glorify Jesus (To honour Jesus)
• Spiritual warfare is not an option
2. Where does spiritual warfare take place?
God in His Word speaks of three areas where we as Christians fight our spiritual battles.
• The flesh
• The World
• Satan and demons
3. When can a Christian expect battles to take place?
• After conversion (e.g. after Jesus’ baptism – Matt 4, Mk 1, Lk 4
• When serving God• When physically tired
• When disappointments take place
• If personal boundaries are removed
• After some personal ministry achievements (successes)
• When ignorant
• Attack after ground reclaimed
• Resisting false beliefs
Jesus was ready for spiritual battles, unpleasant as they must have been. And He gave strong warnings to His followers that spiritual battles would be a part of following Him.
But in saying this, Jesus states very clearly we have some responsibility in order to stand. We must be alert / be watchful.
WATCHFUL / VIGILANT
• At the end of the age
Mark 13:32 – 37 three times Jesus says’ “Watch”. Note in particular verse 37
37What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' "
• At crucial ministry times
In the time of His own battle, in the Garden of Gethsemane Mark 14:32 – 42 three times Jesus says, Watch”
• When pride is evident
The warning Jesus gave His disciples when speaking to Peter Luke 22:31 the ‘you’ is in the plural.
31"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.
Experience speaks out
• Apostle Peter’s warning to believers
When Peter tells his readers about their enemy being like a roaring lion 1 Peter 5:8
1 Peter 5:8-9
8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
We now pick up on some practical points about spiritual warfare.
Watch for symptoms of disunity and confusion
Being in agreement in prayer – in the blessings of God (Matt 18:19 20 – in the context of restoring relationships)
The evil one will actively try to bring division into our relationships
- Marriages
- Families
- Work places
- Friendships
- Christian ministry
I think it would be reasonable to say that spiritual battles will take place anywhere in our lives and in at any relationships we are a part of.
We must be ready to make a stand, in fact to take a stand:
Ephesians 6:10-12 (New International Version)
The Armour of God
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
We have probably heard of the armour of God, which is listed in the verses following this call to stand firm.
This armour is important, but before referring to this let me talk about a few other highly important reasons as to why we can stand and face spiritual battles.
4. A Christian’s new birthright – their position in Jesus Christ
• We are God’s children.
Galatians 4:6-7 To show that you are His sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who cries out, ‘Father, my Father’. So then, you who are no longer a slave but a son.
• We have the presence of God.
Matthew 28:20b I am with you always, to the end of the age.
• We are a kingdom of priests.
Revelation 1:6 And He made us a kingdom of priests to serve his God and Father.
Revelation 5:10 You have made them a kingdom of priests to serve our God, and they shall rule on earth.
• We are a new creation in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 When anyone is joined to Christ he is a new being, the old has gone, the new has come.
• We have power and authority in the name of Jesus.
Luke 9:1-2 Jesus called the twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases.
• We have won the victory in the name of Jesus.
Colossians 2:14-15; John 16:33
1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
5. What are the weapons of our warfare?
2 Corinthians 10:3 – 6
“Indeed we live as human beings, but we do not wage war according to human standards; for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ. We are ready to punish every disobedience when your obedience is complete.”
• Divine power
The gift of the Holy Spirit – the baptism which Jesus promised His followers – so that they could be His witnesses (Acts 1:8; Ephesians 5:18)
The gifts of the Holy Spirit
• Word of testimony
Jesus used Scripture to defeat Satan in the wilderness temptations (Matt 4:1 – 11, Luke 4:1 – 13)
• Faith in God
Hebrews 11; Matthew 21:22fig tree – mountain – believing prayer (; Mark 11:24 (faith in God – throw mountain in sea); Philippians 4:13 (“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
• In the name of Jesus
Luke 10:17 (the return of the 72 – demons submitted because of the authority Jesus had given them); Ephesians 1:18 – 23 (the power at work in us is that power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead); Philippians 2:9 – 11 (at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow); Acts 16:18 (a spirit cast out of the girl in Philippi); Revelation 12:7 – 12 (the devil, or Satan, hurled down and defeated by the blood of the Lamb and the word of believers’ testimony)
• The whole armour of God
All the armour comes through knowing the Word of God.
Ephesians 6:13-18
13Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
• Recognise the tactics of the Evil one
- brings doubt
- Sows unbelief
These are often expressed through our mouths – Proverbs 18:21.
• Fasting
Luke 5:35. Jesus speaking about the time when the “bridegroom will be taken away” and then those who follow Him will fast.
Some manuscripts include fasting in the comment made by Jesus when He talks with His disciples following the healing of the by with an evil spirit (Mark 9:28).
To be a more submitted person to God
The bottom line is obedience to what God says – in His Word and as directed by Holy Spirit. (Note: the Holy Spirit will never ask anything of us that contradicts God’s written Word.)
Some indicators about whether one is responding rightly in battle or fighting / walking away from active duty:
• Is what I’m doing lining up with God’s character – honouring Him?
• Is what I’m doing strengthening the fruit of the Holy Spirit in my life – shaping my character to look more like that of Jesus?
• Am I building others up or knocking them down – pointing them to Jesus?
• Am I relying on God, or am I relying on my own abilities, unpowered by God’s Spirit?
Our Response
• What is your attitude to spiritual warfare?
• Alert and active?
• Passive or non-combative.
• Ready to take a fresh or new stand in the strength Jesus gives?
1. Why has a Christian been called into spiritual warfare?
• To carry on the ministry of Jesus
• For individual refining
• To glorify Jesus (To honour Jesus)
• Spiritual warfare is not an option
2. Where does spiritual warfare take place?
God in His Word speaks of three areas where we as Christians fight our spiritual battles.
• The flesh
• The World
• Satan and demons
3. When can a Christian expect battles to take place?
• After conversion (e.g. after Jesus’ baptism – Matt 4, Mk 1, Lk 4
• When serving God• When physically tired
• When disappointments take place
• If personal boundaries are removed
• After some personal ministry achievements (successes)
• When ignorant
• Attack after ground reclaimed
• Resisting false beliefs
Jesus was ready for spiritual battles, unpleasant as they must have been. And He gave strong warnings to His followers that spiritual battles would be a part of following Him.
But in saying this, Jesus states very clearly we have some responsibility in order to stand. We must be alert / be watchful.
WATCHFUL / VIGILANT
• At the end of the age
Mark 13:32 – 37 three times Jesus says’ “Watch”. Note in particular verse 37
37What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' "
• At crucial ministry times
In the time of His own battle, in the Garden of Gethsemane Mark 14:32 – 42 three times Jesus says, Watch”
• When pride is evident
The warning Jesus gave His disciples when speaking to Peter Luke 22:31 the ‘you’ is in the plural.
31"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.
Experience speaks out
• Apostle Peter’s warning to believers
When Peter tells his readers about their enemy being like a roaring lion 1 Peter 5:8
1 Peter 5:8-9
8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
We now pick up on some practical points about spiritual warfare.
Watch for symptoms of disunity and confusion
Being in agreement in prayer – in the blessings of God (Matt 18:19 20 – in the context of restoring relationships)
The evil one will actively try to bring division into our relationships
- Marriages
- Families
- Work places
- Friendships
- Christian ministry
I think it would be reasonable to say that spiritual battles will take place anywhere in our lives and in at any relationships we are a part of.
We must be ready to make a stand, in fact to take a stand:
Ephesians 6:10-12 (New International Version)
The Armour of God
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
We have probably heard of the armour of God, which is listed in the verses following this call to stand firm.
This armour is important, but before referring to this let me talk about a few other highly important reasons as to why we can stand and face spiritual battles.
4. A Christian’s new birthright – their position in Jesus Christ
• We are God’s children.
Galatians 4:6-7 To show that you are His sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who cries out, ‘Father, my Father’. So then, you who are no longer a slave but a son.
• We have the presence of God.
Matthew 28:20b I am with you always, to the end of the age.
• We are a kingdom of priests.
Revelation 1:6 And He made us a kingdom of priests to serve his God and Father.
Revelation 5:10 You have made them a kingdom of priests to serve our God, and they shall rule on earth.
• We are a new creation in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 When anyone is joined to Christ he is a new being, the old has gone, the new has come.
• We have power and authority in the name of Jesus.
Luke 9:1-2 Jesus called the twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases.
• We have won the victory in the name of Jesus.
Colossians 2:14-15; John 16:33
1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
5. What are the weapons of our warfare?
2 Corinthians 10:3 – 6
“Indeed we live as human beings, but we do not wage war according to human standards; for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ. We are ready to punish every disobedience when your obedience is complete.”
• Divine power
The gift of the Holy Spirit – the baptism which Jesus promised His followers – so that they could be His witnesses (Acts 1:8; Ephesians 5:18)
The gifts of the Holy Spirit
• Word of testimony
Jesus used Scripture to defeat Satan in the wilderness temptations (Matt 4:1 – 11, Luke 4:1 – 13)
• Faith in God
Hebrews 11; Matthew 21:22fig tree – mountain – believing prayer (; Mark 11:24 (faith in God – throw mountain in sea); Philippians 4:13 (“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
• In the name of Jesus
Luke 10:17 (the return of the 72 – demons submitted because of the authority Jesus had given them); Ephesians 1:18 – 23 (the power at work in us is that power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead); Philippians 2:9 – 11 (at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow); Acts 16:18 (a spirit cast out of the girl in Philippi); Revelation 12:7 – 12 (the devil, or Satan, hurled down and defeated by the blood of the Lamb and the word of believers’ testimony)
• The whole armour of God
All the armour comes through knowing the Word of God.
Ephesians 6:13-18
13Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
• Recognise the tactics of the Evil one
- brings doubt
- Sows unbelief
These are often expressed through our mouths – Proverbs 18:21.
• Fasting
Luke 5:35. Jesus speaking about the time when the “bridegroom will be taken away” and then those who follow Him will fast.
Some manuscripts include fasting in the comment made by Jesus when He talks with His disciples following the healing of the by with an evil spirit (Mark 9:28).
To be a more submitted person to God
The bottom line is obedience to what God says – in His Word and as directed by Holy Spirit. (Note: the Holy Spirit will never ask anything of us that contradicts God’s written Word.)
Some indicators about whether one is responding rightly in battle or fighting / walking away from active duty:
• Is what I’m doing lining up with God’s character – honouring Him?
• Is what I’m doing strengthening the fruit of the Holy Spirit in my life – shaping my character to look more like that of Jesus?
• Am I building others up or knocking them down – pointing them to Jesus?
• Am I relying on God, or am I relying on my own abilities, unpowered by God’s Spirit?
Our Response
• What is your attitude to spiritual warfare?
• Alert and active?
• Passive or non-combative.
• Ready to take a fresh or new stand in the strength Jesus gives?
Saturday, March 13, 2010
14.03.10 - How Can I Know If It Is God?
Over the last few weeks we have talked about partnering with God to deliver miracles into people’s lives – very day miracles – things that demonstrate that God loves people and knows their circumstances and because He cares, wants to do something. Essentially we have been following the book You Were Born For This by Bruce Wilkinson.
Often we have referred to “nudges” - those times when God nudges us and we feel we need to do something for a particular person. Sometimes that might be a very reasonable thought. Sometimes it might be quite frightening. When we talk about “nudges” we possibly all know what we mean: a person comes to mind unexpectedly and we feel we should phone him/her. We spot a stranger while shopping and something tells us we should approach that person. We are in the middle of a conversation and suddenly feel that we should ask a question that might take the conversation a lot deeper.
But should we approach that stranger or might we make fools of ourselves? Should we ask that question or might that seem to be prying too much? How can we know if it is God? That is a question several people have asked me while we have been looking at this topic: How can I know if it’s God?
I am thinking that maybe later in the year we might look at the topic of hearing God’s voice but for the time being let’s consider what Wilkinson says. He talks about five signals that guide a miracle delivery.
We pick up signals all of the time. We read body language. We listen to people’s words but also the tone of their voice. We know what it means if a person beckons enthusiastically or when asked a questions someone’s eyes drop and the feet start shuffling. We know what it means if someone shouts and looks aggressive.
A detective or a counsellor or a salesperson might have been trained to read those signals and understand what is going on. We all read signals to a certain degree but possibly could do even better with training.
Wouldn’t it be great if we could read the signals that God send when He wants us to be involved in a miracle? Can we learn how to do that better? We have talked quite a lot about nudges. That’s the sort of thing. But Wilkinson talks about nudges, cues, bumps, prompts and alerts. God wants to guide us.
Isaiah 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
Can we be more aware of the voice of God; of those nudges, cues, bumps, prompts and alerts?
According to Wilkinson, a nudge is an inner push that directs us towards a person or situation. It is that prompt from God that directs our attention to someone or some need. It might be that we see a person and it is as if God is highlighting that person and we sense there is an underlying reason; we sense that God wants to do something. Or it might be that a person simply comes to mind unexpectedly. It might be a sudden sense that we should do something: pull off to the side of the road; knock on the door of this house; talk to that woman. It might be an urging to do something uncomfortable.
How good are we at identifying those nudges? How good are we at stopping what we are doing and responding to the nudge? If God nudges, it is because He wants to do something. He will follow through on it. There is fruit He wants to see from it – if we respond and don’t ignore it.
A nudge is a signal from God to us.
A cue is a signal from the other person – something that indicates a need. It might be spoken: “I do wish my daughter was in a better place”, “I am so worried about...”, “I should never have...”. It might be unspoken: a big sigh, sudden discomfort, tears. It might be very obvious but it might also be fleeting – just a signal that all is not well. Do we notice those signals? We can practice noticing the cues, training ourselves to listen for words like, “I’m so worried that...”, or “I wish that...” or “I can’t believe that...”
Wilkinson could have called them “clues”. I guess he called them “cues” because they are our cue to do something. They are things that, if we are awake, we can respond to.
A bump is a signal from you to the other person hoping that the response will clarify the need. It might be a question or comment to help us gain more insight. I am not sure why he calls it a bump. Maybe it is like bumping a glass to see what spills out. I wondered if “probe” might be better. A probe is something you send out seeking information. But “probing” has the disadvantage of sounding too intrusive. It is not about being intrusive. It is about very gently seeing if the other person wants to give more information; more clarity. We do it all of the time when we say “How are you?” or “Are you OK?” But you wouldn’t walk up to an unknown couple and ask how their marriage was going!
Just by observation we might already have some information but a bump gives the person the opportunity to talk a little more. You might see an exhausted looking mother with several children and say, “I admire you. You are doing a big job. How do you manage?” It just gives her the opportunity to express some need and you the opportunity to deliver a miracle.
Wilkinson suggests questions like:
• If you could change something about your life, what would it be?
• What are one or two of the biggest problems your family is facing these days?
• If you could ask God one question, what would it be?
Bumps should be gentle, inviting and purposeful. The purpose is that you are seeking to be invited into the inner place where a personal miracle can occur – into the person’s heart.
A prompt comes from the Holy Spirit. It is some sudden insight into the person or the situation that helps you know how to proceed. Do you remember the story of Jimmy who was talking to Nick on a construction site when Nick mentioned that his marriage was on the rocks? That was the cue. Jimmy noticed it and decided to pursue it rather than change the topic. After more conversation he said, “Nick, I really want to help you. What can I do for you?” That was the bump – the seeking more information. Nick said Jimmy could give him some advice about how to save his marriage. Now Jimmy was way out of his comfort zone. Just to buy time, he suggested Nick get something to write on. When Nick returned, Jimmy heard himself saying, ‘Go home and make your bed.” He didn’t know where that thought had come from or what use it was. As it turned out, not making the bed had been a contentious issue in Nick’s marriage. Jimmy couldn’t have known that. That was the miracle but Jimmy had to say those words which had been prompted by the Holy Spirit.
Wilkinson’s last signal is a fear alert. We talked a bit about that last week. It is the type of fear that alerts us to the fact that this is a God-moment where we should exercise faith. Often fear tells us we should not do something. This is the type of fear that tells us we should do it.
Do those signals make sense? Let me tell you a story and you identify the various signals. Call out when you notice one and tell me what it is. Richard left home very early one morning to catch an early flight but in his rush he had forgotten his cell phone charger. He decided to go into the office to get it but, because it was before 6:00 a.m. he knew the alarm would be on. He pondered the time it would take to deactivate the alarm and reactivate it and the potential for it to go off waking the whole neighbourhood and alerting the police and decided to turn around and head straight for the airport. He caught his flight but in another city, while waiting for his next connecting flight, he bought another charger. Then walking the concourse, waiting for that next flight, he prayed, “Lord is there anyone you want me to meet here?"
Walking back towards the shop where he had bought the charger he noticed the salesperson who had served him standing by the shop entrance. He walked past but then he had an unexpected thought: Lord, that’s the lady you want me to talk to, isn’t it? He hadn’t even considered that when he had made the purchase.
So Richard said to God, If she’s still standing there when I go back – which would mean no customers in the shop – I’ll talk to her. She was, so he went up to her and introduced himself. Her name was April. Then he felt a pang of panic. What to do next? He decided to press ahead in faith.
“April, may I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
“If you could wish for one thing from God today, what would that be?”
April’s eyes filled with tears and she explained that she was due to give birth in three months but the doctor had said there was the possibility of serious health problems.
“You must feel very afraid. May I say a short prayer for you right now?”
“Oh would you? I know God sent you.”
Richard asked if she knew the Lord and she said she did. He then said, “I want you to know that I was walking up and down this concourse asking the Lord if there was anyone He wanted me to meet here. It is you, isn’t it?”
“Yes it is,” April said. Richard then prayed for a safe delivery and a healthy baby and said that he would pop in and see how she was when he came back through that airport in a few days.
April said she would love that. “Thank you so much. I know God sent you to me today.”
Richard was elated that God had guided him so clearly and then it dawned on him how God had brought the two of them together. Lord, he prayed, you did not want me to go back to the office to get my phone charger, did You? Thanks for leading me to meet April.
I’d like to read another story. Can we do the same thing: you spot the signals? READ Acts 8:26-40
We come now to Communion. If we are going to deliver miracles into people’s lives, ultimately they need Jesus. But if we are going to deliver miracles we need Jesus. We need to hear His voice. We need His help – especially when we doubt that we are hearing properly or we are afraid to respond. The good news is that God has sent Jesus – for others; for us.
Do you need Jesus to help you be more interested in other people, or to help you be aware of God’s nudges, or to give you courage to respond? Is Jesus inviting you to partner with Him to deliver miracles but, for some reason, you are holding back? In Communion we can meet with Jesus and talk to Him about the areas where we need Him more.
Often we have referred to “nudges” - those times when God nudges us and we feel we need to do something for a particular person. Sometimes that might be a very reasonable thought. Sometimes it might be quite frightening. When we talk about “nudges” we possibly all know what we mean: a person comes to mind unexpectedly and we feel we should phone him/her. We spot a stranger while shopping and something tells us we should approach that person. We are in the middle of a conversation and suddenly feel that we should ask a question that might take the conversation a lot deeper.
But should we approach that stranger or might we make fools of ourselves? Should we ask that question or might that seem to be prying too much? How can we know if it is God? That is a question several people have asked me while we have been looking at this topic: How can I know if it’s God?
I am thinking that maybe later in the year we might look at the topic of hearing God’s voice but for the time being let’s consider what Wilkinson says. He talks about five signals that guide a miracle delivery.
We pick up signals all of the time. We read body language. We listen to people’s words but also the tone of their voice. We know what it means if a person beckons enthusiastically or when asked a questions someone’s eyes drop and the feet start shuffling. We know what it means if someone shouts and looks aggressive.
A detective or a counsellor or a salesperson might have been trained to read those signals and understand what is going on. We all read signals to a certain degree but possibly could do even better with training.
Wouldn’t it be great if we could read the signals that God send when He wants us to be involved in a miracle? Can we learn how to do that better? We have talked quite a lot about nudges. That’s the sort of thing. But Wilkinson talks about nudges, cues, bumps, prompts and alerts. God wants to guide us.
Isaiah 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
Can we be more aware of the voice of God; of those nudges, cues, bumps, prompts and alerts?
According to Wilkinson, a nudge is an inner push that directs us towards a person or situation. It is that prompt from God that directs our attention to someone or some need. It might be that we see a person and it is as if God is highlighting that person and we sense there is an underlying reason; we sense that God wants to do something. Or it might be that a person simply comes to mind unexpectedly. It might be a sudden sense that we should do something: pull off to the side of the road; knock on the door of this house; talk to that woman. It might be an urging to do something uncomfortable.
How good are we at identifying those nudges? How good are we at stopping what we are doing and responding to the nudge? If God nudges, it is because He wants to do something. He will follow through on it. There is fruit He wants to see from it – if we respond and don’t ignore it.
A nudge is a signal from God to us.
A cue is a signal from the other person – something that indicates a need. It might be spoken: “I do wish my daughter was in a better place”, “I am so worried about...”, “I should never have...”. It might be unspoken: a big sigh, sudden discomfort, tears. It might be very obvious but it might also be fleeting – just a signal that all is not well. Do we notice those signals? We can practice noticing the cues, training ourselves to listen for words like, “I’m so worried that...”, or “I wish that...” or “I can’t believe that...”
Wilkinson could have called them “clues”. I guess he called them “cues” because they are our cue to do something. They are things that, if we are awake, we can respond to.
A bump is a signal from you to the other person hoping that the response will clarify the need. It might be a question or comment to help us gain more insight. I am not sure why he calls it a bump. Maybe it is like bumping a glass to see what spills out. I wondered if “probe” might be better. A probe is something you send out seeking information. But “probing” has the disadvantage of sounding too intrusive. It is not about being intrusive. It is about very gently seeing if the other person wants to give more information; more clarity. We do it all of the time when we say “How are you?” or “Are you OK?” But you wouldn’t walk up to an unknown couple and ask how their marriage was going!
Just by observation we might already have some information but a bump gives the person the opportunity to talk a little more. You might see an exhausted looking mother with several children and say, “I admire you. You are doing a big job. How do you manage?” It just gives her the opportunity to express some need and you the opportunity to deliver a miracle.
Wilkinson suggests questions like:
• If you could change something about your life, what would it be?
• What are one or two of the biggest problems your family is facing these days?
• If you could ask God one question, what would it be?
Bumps should be gentle, inviting and purposeful. The purpose is that you are seeking to be invited into the inner place where a personal miracle can occur – into the person’s heart.
A prompt comes from the Holy Spirit. It is some sudden insight into the person or the situation that helps you know how to proceed. Do you remember the story of Jimmy who was talking to Nick on a construction site when Nick mentioned that his marriage was on the rocks? That was the cue. Jimmy noticed it and decided to pursue it rather than change the topic. After more conversation he said, “Nick, I really want to help you. What can I do for you?” That was the bump – the seeking more information. Nick said Jimmy could give him some advice about how to save his marriage. Now Jimmy was way out of his comfort zone. Just to buy time, he suggested Nick get something to write on. When Nick returned, Jimmy heard himself saying, ‘Go home and make your bed.” He didn’t know where that thought had come from or what use it was. As it turned out, not making the bed had been a contentious issue in Nick’s marriage. Jimmy couldn’t have known that. That was the miracle but Jimmy had to say those words which had been prompted by the Holy Spirit.
Wilkinson’s last signal is a fear alert. We talked a bit about that last week. It is the type of fear that alerts us to the fact that this is a God-moment where we should exercise faith. Often fear tells us we should not do something. This is the type of fear that tells us we should do it.
Do those signals make sense? Let me tell you a story and you identify the various signals. Call out when you notice one and tell me what it is. Richard left home very early one morning to catch an early flight but in his rush he had forgotten his cell phone charger. He decided to go into the office to get it but, because it was before 6:00 a.m. he knew the alarm would be on. He pondered the time it would take to deactivate the alarm and reactivate it and the potential for it to go off waking the whole neighbourhood and alerting the police and decided to turn around and head straight for the airport. He caught his flight but in another city, while waiting for his next connecting flight, he bought another charger. Then walking the concourse, waiting for that next flight, he prayed, “Lord is there anyone you want me to meet here?"
Walking back towards the shop where he had bought the charger he noticed the salesperson who had served him standing by the shop entrance. He walked past but then he had an unexpected thought: Lord, that’s the lady you want me to talk to, isn’t it? He hadn’t even considered that when he had made the purchase.
So Richard said to God, If she’s still standing there when I go back – which would mean no customers in the shop – I’ll talk to her. She was, so he went up to her and introduced himself. Her name was April. Then he felt a pang of panic. What to do next? He decided to press ahead in faith.
“April, may I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
“If you could wish for one thing from God today, what would that be?”
April’s eyes filled with tears and she explained that she was due to give birth in three months but the doctor had said there was the possibility of serious health problems.
“You must feel very afraid. May I say a short prayer for you right now?”
“Oh would you? I know God sent you.”
Richard asked if she knew the Lord and she said she did. He then said, “I want you to know that I was walking up and down this concourse asking the Lord if there was anyone He wanted me to meet here. It is you, isn’t it?”
“Yes it is,” April said. Richard then prayed for a safe delivery and a healthy baby and said that he would pop in and see how she was when he came back through that airport in a few days.
April said she would love that. “Thank you so much. I know God sent you to me today.”
Richard was elated that God had guided him so clearly and then it dawned on him how God had brought the two of them together. Lord, he prayed, you did not want me to go back to the office to get my phone charger, did You? Thanks for leading me to meet April.
I’d like to read another story. Can we do the same thing: you spot the signals? READ Acts 8:26-40
We come now to Communion. If we are going to deliver miracles into people’s lives, ultimately they need Jesus. But if we are going to deliver miracles we need Jesus. We need to hear His voice. We need His help – especially when we doubt that we are hearing properly or we are afraid to respond. The good news is that God has sent Jesus – for others; for us.
Do you need Jesus to help you be more interested in other people, or to help you be aware of God’s nudges, or to give you courage to respond? Is Jesus inviting you to partner with Him to deliver miracles but, for some reason, you are holding back? In Communion we can meet with Jesus and talk to Him about the areas where we need Him more.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
07.03.10 - Faith Is Spelt R.I.S.K.
Bruce Wilkinson was once rushing to an airport with no chance of getting there in time to catch his plane. He prayed, “Lord, please delay my flight!"
When he got to the terminal he ran up the escalator feeling embarrassed about even being there but there on the departure board was the word “Delayed!”
At the gate he thanked God for the answered prayer and then prayed, “Now I want to do something for you. Please send me on a miracle appointment.” He took a deep breath and turned around, believing, as he had often before, that the person God had in mind would be immediately apparent.
Standing next to him was a well-dressed businesswoman who had also just arrived at the gate. “It looks like you are glad the plane is late too,” he offered. She nodded.
Then he took a risk. “How can I help you?” he asked.
“What?”
“No, really, what can I do for you?”
“You can’t do anything for me.”
Wilkinson knew that this must seem strange to her but he also knew from experience that he needed to give the Holy Spirit time to work. They chatted about other things then he tried again. “I know my offer was unusual but perhaps there’s something bothering you. Is there anything I can do?”
The woman seemed to calm herself and then said, “Actually, I am flying home to divorce my husband.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. That must be why I am here.”
As they talked, her resistance melted. Sophie’s professional manner and dress couldn’t hide the pain. Tears welled up in her eyes. Her husband had been unfaithful. Even though he now wanted to make things right, she had had enough. In her mind the marriage was dead. They continued talking.
When the call came to board, they were the last to walk down the ramp. Sophie seemed concerned. “We haven’t finished talking about this yet,” she said.
“Don’t worry,” Bruce Wilkinson said, “We will sit together on the plane.”
“What do you mean?” she said. “You don’t even know what seat I have.”
“I don’t but God does, and He’ll put us together.”
“God?” she exclaimed.
“If you were God,” Wilkinson said, trying to sound calm, “Wouldn’t you want us to sit together so we could finish this very important conversation?”
She shook her head in disbelief. When they compared boarding passes they discovered they were 5 rows apart and the flight was full. Now he was in a real spot... and so was God! Sophie took her seat and Bruce went to his row but then the man in the seat next to Sophie caught his eye and said, “I’ll swap seats so you can keep talking. I hate middle seats.”
Wilkinson says, ‘I’ll never forget that flight. God showed Himself so strong and compassionate. By the time we landed, Sophie was a changed person. Even she could hardly believe what had happened. She had experienced a miracle of forgiveness and had recommitted to giving her marriage another chance.”
We have been looking at the book You Were Born For This which is about being involved with God in delivering miracles into people’s lives. Bruce Wilkinson has described three keys:
1. Ask God to use you
2. Have God’s compassion for people and be willing to go to whomever God selects
3. Partner with the Holy Spirit. Be willing to be led by the Spirit.
4. Today’s one is the Risk Key. It means doing things in spite of discomfort or fear to exercise your faith during a miracle delivery. When you can’t possibly engineer the outcome, act anyway, depending on God to come through. When God acts, He enables you to deliver His miracle and He demonstrates His glory.
Wilkinson took two risks. The first was asking Sophie how he could help her. That is slightly bizarre behaviour, but he had asked to be sent on a miracle assignment. The second was saying that they would be seated together on the plane. There was a huge risk of that not happening, in which case, he would look very silly and Sophie’s impression of God would go down, not up. Why even take that sort of risk?
It was an act of faith. If there is no risk, no faith is required. Without faith, miracles don’t happen. If there is no miracle, there is not real revelation of the compassion and love of God.
In Matthew 17, when the disciples had failed to heal a demon-possessed boy, they asked Jesus, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
He answered, “Because you have so little faith.” Without faith miracles don’t happen. But He then said, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’, and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Mt 17:19-21)
Another time we are told that Jesus, in His home town of Nazareth did not do many miracles because of their lack of faith. (Mt 13:58) There is a link between faith and miracles happening.
What is faith? People might say, “Have faith in God” meaning that, when we are in some distress, God will be faithful and will look after us and we need not fear.” That is great. It is true that we can trust God even in times of extremity. But that faith is passive, inwardly focused and comforting. The faith we are talking about today is not passive. It us about acting. It is not inwardly focused. It is about someone else. And it is definitely not comforting. It might be very, very uncomfortable because it is about taking risks. One type of faith is about doing nothing but trusting God. The other is about taking risks trusting God.
I remember John Wimber many years ago saying, “Faith is spelt r.i.s.k.” Faith is about taking deliberate risks such that we are completely dependent on God for a miracle. It was because of the risk and the resulting miracle that Sophie knew that God had intervened in her day. No risk; no revelation.
My definition of faith is: believing what God says and acting accordingly.
It is only faith when we act on it. Faith without works is dead.
But it is not any old risk. Jesus would have taken a deliberate risk where He would have been completely dependent on God for a miracle, if he had thrown himself off the temple as Satan suggested. But that would not have been faith because faith starts with what God says and God hadn’t told Him to jump off the temple. If we take risks that God hasn’t initiated, that is not faith. That is presumption. It is the thought that we can force God to act.
But Bruce Wilkinson believed God wanted him to deliver a miracle into Sophie’s life. God had already nudged so faith meant saying, “What can I do for you?” Because he believed God wanted the conversation to continue on the plane (i.e. God was already indicating a miracle opportunity) Wilkinson took the risk of assuming God would want them to sit together and of voicing that. Faith is responding to God, not forcing God.
I have a theory about this. It’s called the “V-Theory” and it looks like this.
God offers God delivers
\ /
\ /
I respond
When I respond, that is faith. When God delivers, that is the miracle.
Is our salvation entirely dependent on God or does our decision have a place? My view is that salvation starts and ends with God but we also have to respond to God’s offer before He delivers.
Likewise, faith is our response to what God is saying. When we act, God delivers the miracle.
Perhaps a classic example of taking a bold action and experiencing a miracle is Peter’s walking on water. Let me read that to you. READ Matthew 14:22-33.
Where is the V there? Jesus said, “Come.” Peter stepped out of the boat onto the water – and it wasn’t even calm water. It was in the middle of a storm. God delivered the miracle. Peter walked on the water.
We can see this as a double-V. Jesus’ walking on the water was perhaps a faith-inspiring invitation. Peter responded with “Lord, tell me to come to you on the water.” Where did he get that idea from? Even that is a faith response. Jesus said “Come.” Peter stepped onto the water. The miracle happened.
But what about the next bit? Peter suddenly noticed the wind again and he began to sink. Why? Because the faith gave way to fear. Fear is a product of unbelief. He began to doubt that this was possible. Even though he was already doing it, He began to doubt God. Unbelief leads to fear. Fear means we don’t take risks. When we don’t take the risks – in other words, when we don’t have faith – we don’t see the miracles. What we want is the V where God nudges, we act, God delivers a miracle.
Almost certainly we will experience fear if we are put in a place where dependence on God is required. Again, if there is no fear then there is probably no risk and if there is no risk there is no faith.
If we are afraid, should we stop? How should we respond to the fear? Maybe it is a signal that this is a situation where faith is required; it is a signal that we are on the right track. Then it is going to be a contest between our faith and our fear. Do we believe that God can and will? Do we believe that God will not abandon us in the middle of it but He does intend to come through? Do we trust Him enough to press through the fear enough to act?
What has God done in the past for you? Has He been there for you when you have needed Him? Have you seen prayers answered? Have you known His healing or His provision miraculously? Have you received salvation when you put your faith in Jesus? Think about what God has done for you in the past. Now ask: is He a God you can trust?
What is the truth? Is God compassionate? Does He want to reveal Himself miraculously in people’s lives? Is He capable of doing the miraculous? Does He want you to be the means of bringing miracles to people? If He starts something will He finish it? Don’t listen to lies about God. What is the truth? Can you trust Him enough to take those risks that enable the miracles to happen?
Wilkinson suggest we do five things:
1. Affirm that God is who He says He is.
2. Admit to God that unbelief is sin, and apologise to Him for breaking faith in your relationship with him
3. Recount and remember how God has come through in the past for you and for so many others in the Bible and history.
4. Keep your eyes on Jesus, not the circumstances you find yourself in or the feelings you are experiencing.
5. Pre-commit to purposefully exercising risky faith whenever it is called for in the course of delivering a miracle.
When we do those things we are intentionally resting our hopes on the record, character and promise of God. And we are signalling to Him that we are now prime candidates for delivering miracles.
The Bible says, “The righteous will live by faith” (Rom 1:17) – not just be saved by faith but live by faith. Maybe those five steps can help us all be people who live by faith. Do you know how to spell faith?
When he got to the terminal he ran up the escalator feeling embarrassed about even being there but there on the departure board was the word “Delayed!”
At the gate he thanked God for the answered prayer and then prayed, “Now I want to do something for you. Please send me on a miracle appointment.” He took a deep breath and turned around, believing, as he had often before, that the person God had in mind would be immediately apparent.
Standing next to him was a well-dressed businesswoman who had also just arrived at the gate. “It looks like you are glad the plane is late too,” he offered. She nodded.
Then he took a risk. “How can I help you?” he asked.
“What?”
“No, really, what can I do for you?”
“You can’t do anything for me.”
Wilkinson knew that this must seem strange to her but he also knew from experience that he needed to give the Holy Spirit time to work. They chatted about other things then he tried again. “I know my offer was unusual but perhaps there’s something bothering you. Is there anything I can do?”
The woman seemed to calm herself and then said, “Actually, I am flying home to divorce my husband.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. That must be why I am here.”
As they talked, her resistance melted. Sophie’s professional manner and dress couldn’t hide the pain. Tears welled up in her eyes. Her husband had been unfaithful. Even though he now wanted to make things right, she had had enough. In her mind the marriage was dead. They continued talking.
When the call came to board, they were the last to walk down the ramp. Sophie seemed concerned. “We haven’t finished talking about this yet,” she said.
“Don’t worry,” Bruce Wilkinson said, “We will sit together on the plane.”
“What do you mean?” she said. “You don’t even know what seat I have.”
“I don’t but God does, and He’ll put us together.”
“God?” she exclaimed.
“If you were God,” Wilkinson said, trying to sound calm, “Wouldn’t you want us to sit together so we could finish this very important conversation?”
She shook her head in disbelief. When they compared boarding passes they discovered they were 5 rows apart and the flight was full. Now he was in a real spot... and so was God! Sophie took her seat and Bruce went to his row but then the man in the seat next to Sophie caught his eye and said, “I’ll swap seats so you can keep talking. I hate middle seats.”
Wilkinson says, ‘I’ll never forget that flight. God showed Himself so strong and compassionate. By the time we landed, Sophie was a changed person. Even she could hardly believe what had happened. She had experienced a miracle of forgiveness and had recommitted to giving her marriage another chance.”
We have been looking at the book You Were Born For This which is about being involved with God in delivering miracles into people’s lives. Bruce Wilkinson has described three keys:
1. Ask God to use you
2. Have God’s compassion for people and be willing to go to whomever God selects
3. Partner with the Holy Spirit. Be willing to be led by the Spirit.
4. Today’s one is the Risk Key. It means doing things in spite of discomfort or fear to exercise your faith during a miracle delivery. When you can’t possibly engineer the outcome, act anyway, depending on God to come through. When God acts, He enables you to deliver His miracle and He demonstrates His glory.
Wilkinson took two risks. The first was asking Sophie how he could help her. That is slightly bizarre behaviour, but he had asked to be sent on a miracle assignment. The second was saying that they would be seated together on the plane. There was a huge risk of that not happening, in which case, he would look very silly and Sophie’s impression of God would go down, not up. Why even take that sort of risk?
It was an act of faith. If there is no risk, no faith is required. Without faith, miracles don’t happen. If there is no miracle, there is not real revelation of the compassion and love of God.
In Matthew 17, when the disciples had failed to heal a demon-possessed boy, they asked Jesus, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
He answered, “Because you have so little faith.” Without faith miracles don’t happen. But He then said, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’, and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Mt 17:19-21)
Another time we are told that Jesus, in His home town of Nazareth did not do many miracles because of their lack of faith. (Mt 13:58) There is a link between faith and miracles happening.
What is faith? People might say, “Have faith in God” meaning that, when we are in some distress, God will be faithful and will look after us and we need not fear.” That is great. It is true that we can trust God even in times of extremity. But that faith is passive, inwardly focused and comforting. The faith we are talking about today is not passive. It us about acting. It is not inwardly focused. It is about someone else. And it is definitely not comforting. It might be very, very uncomfortable because it is about taking risks. One type of faith is about doing nothing but trusting God. The other is about taking risks trusting God.
I remember John Wimber many years ago saying, “Faith is spelt r.i.s.k.” Faith is about taking deliberate risks such that we are completely dependent on God for a miracle. It was because of the risk and the resulting miracle that Sophie knew that God had intervened in her day. No risk; no revelation.
My definition of faith is: believing what God says and acting accordingly.
It is only faith when we act on it. Faith without works is dead.
But it is not any old risk. Jesus would have taken a deliberate risk where He would have been completely dependent on God for a miracle, if he had thrown himself off the temple as Satan suggested. But that would not have been faith because faith starts with what God says and God hadn’t told Him to jump off the temple. If we take risks that God hasn’t initiated, that is not faith. That is presumption. It is the thought that we can force God to act.
But Bruce Wilkinson believed God wanted him to deliver a miracle into Sophie’s life. God had already nudged so faith meant saying, “What can I do for you?” Because he believed God wanted the conversation to continue on the plane (i.e. God was already indicating a miracle opportunity) Wilkinson took the risk of assuming God would want them to sit together and of voicing that. Faith is responding to God, not forcing God.
I have a theory about this. It’s called the “V-Theory” and it looks like this.
God offers God delivers
\ /
\ /
I respond
When I respond, that is faith. When God delivers, that is the miracle.
Is our salvation entirely dependent on God or does our decision have a place? My view is that salvation starts and ends with God but we also have to respond to God’s offer before He delivers.
Likewise, faith is our response to what God is saying. When we act, God delivers the miracle.
Perhaps a classic example of taking a bold action and experiencing a miracle is Peter’s walking on water. Let me read that to you. READ Matthew 14:22-33.
Where is the V there? Jesus said, “Come.” Peter stepped out of the boat onto the water – and it wasn’t even calm water. It was in the middle of a storm. God delivered the miracle. Peter walked on the water.
We can see this as a double-V. Jesus’ walking on the water was perhaps a faith-inspiring invitation. Peter responded with “Lord, tell me to come to you on the water.” Where did he get that idea from? Even that is a faith response. Jesus said “Come.” Peter stepped onto the water. The miracle happened.
But what about the next bit? Peter suddenly noticed the wind again and he began to sink. Why? Because the faith gave way to fear. Fear is a product of unbelief. He began to doubt that this was possible. Even though he was already doing it, He began to doubt God. Unbelief leads to fear. Fear means we don’t take risks. When we don’t take the risks – in other words, when we don’t have faith – we don’t see the miracles. What we want is the V where God nudges, we act, God delivers a miracle.
Almost certainly we will experience fear if we are put in a place where dependence on God is required. Again, if there is no fear then there is probably no risk and if there is no risk there is no faith.
If we are afraid, should we stop? How should we respond to the fear? Maybe it is a signal that this is a situation where faith is required; it is a signal that we are on the right track. Then it is going to be a contest between our faith and our fear. Do we believe that God can and will? Do we believe that God will not abandon us in the middle of it but He does intend to come through? Do we trust Him enough to press through the fear enough to act?
What has God done in the past for you? Has He been there for you when you have needed Him? Have you seen prayers answered? Have you known His healing or His provision miraculously? Have you received salvation when you put your faith in Jesus? Think about what God has done for you in the past. Now ask: is He a God you can trust?
What is the truth? Is God compassionate? Does He want to reveal Himself miraculously in people’s lives? Is He capable of doing the miraculous? Does He want you to be the means of bringing miracles to people? If He starts something will He finish it? Don’t listen to lies about God. What is the truth? Can you trust Him enough to take those risks that enable the miracles to happen?
Wilkinson suggest we do five things:
1. Affirm that God is who He says He is.
2. Admit to God that unbelief is sin, and apologise to Him for breaking faith in your relationship with him
3. Recount and remember how God has come through in the past for you and for so many others in the Bible and history.
4. Keep your eyes on Jesus, not the circumstances you find yourself in or the feelings you are experiencing.
5. Pre-commit to purposefully exercising risky faith whenever it is called for in the course of delivering a miracle.
When we do those things we are intentionally resting our hopes on the record, character and promise of God. And we are signalling to Him that we are now prime candidates for delivering miracles.
The Bible says, “The righteous will live by faith” (Rom 1:17) – not just be saved by faith but live by faith. Maybe those five steps can help us all be people who live by faith. Do you know how to spell faith?
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