The Monday Memo from John Stanko

870: "Go and . . . You Will Be Told"

In this next installment in the "Go and . . ." series, we look at the Apostle Paul's encounter with the Lord when he was still Saul and while he was "still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples" (Acts 9:1). It surprises me that the Lord appeared to Saul not to rebuke him but to reveal his Saul's purpose, which was to take the gospel to the Gentiles. We read this account of Saul's Damascus Road experience:

As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do" (Acts 9:3-5).

TWO ACCOUNTS    

Luke's account in Acts seems to indicate that the Lord said little to Saul directly, but rather told him he would received his marching orders from someone in the city where he was heading. Later in Acts, Paul gives this account of the story, which would have occurred about 20 years after what we read in Acts 9:

“Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ “‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me'" (Acts 26:15-19).

The narrative in Acts 26 seems to indicate that the Lord said much more than what we saw in Acts 9, but there is a simple explanation for this. In Acts 26, Paul was not going to allow his story to bog down in the details. He had a window of opportunity to witness to the king, so he eliminated unnecessary details. In reality, the Lord spoke to Saul through His servant Ananias, who also had a "go and" moment: "But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name" (Acts 9:15-16).

LESSONS

Here are some lessons to consider from this "go and" story.

1. Sometimes we must go and then we will get more information. Usually, we want the information before we will go.
2. God reveals purpose in His time, but when He does, it is often an event that leaves us shaken, requiring time to sort things out.
3. While it is good to hear from the Lord, it is also easier to ignore His voice. Thus, He sends His servants to tell us what He wants us to do.
4. The light of purpose can be so bright that it can disorient us, creating our need for people to take us by the hand and guide us.

It is commendable if your thinking is, "I want and need to hear from the Lord," but then don't box God in as to how He will speak to you. He will use other people, your curiosities, and life circumstances to reveal His purpose. You must have faith that He is not trying to trick or mislead you and go. Once you get up and go, God gives you more information and clarity, but only if you have a "go and" attitude. When you do, God is on the journey with you, and you will have everything you need to carry out His purpose for your life. Have a blessed week!

869: Go and . . . See

Earlier today, I went through the Old Testament and Acts to find a few more verses that will enable me to continue this "Go and . . ." series and eventually turn it into a book. Before we get to those new verses, however, I still have one more from Jesus' ministry to share, and then we will close out this series with one final reference from the gospels.

This week, we look at the story of Jesus feeding the multitudes with five loaves and two fish. Here is the context of the event:

By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish." Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand (Mark 6:35-44).

What can we learn from this latest command that involved the word go?

REALITY

Walking in faith never requires that we ignore reality. The disciples faced the reality that it was getting late and the huge crowd was hungry after a day of listening to Jesus. They assumed they did not have the resources to feed the people, so they brought the problem to Jesus and outlined the options: send the people home or spend a lot of money they did not have on a picnic lunch.

The disciples did not need money or a dismissal prayer; they needed a new way of thinking. Jesus presented them with a new thought—they already had enough to meet all the needs of the people, with some left over. They had never considered that possible and therefore had no faith for anything beyond what they could see. Jesus wanted them to see what they had, but then to see that what they had was enough.

The reality was that they had all they needed to do what God wanted them to do. They simply needed to exercise faith and think differently.

A NEW REALITY

One time, I was complaining to the Lord that I had no money for Christmas presents for my friends. I was broke—or so I thought. Then I looked at my magnificent library filled with books I no longer read or needed. I prayed and then picked out a book that I thought each friend needed to read and would enjoy. They were all blessed, but the point is that I had all I needed for the gifts. I only needed to think new thoughts.

On another occasion, I was telling the Lord I had no resources to participate in a special church offering. it was then that I thought of my coin collection, which I promptly sold and gave the proceeds in the offering. I had what I needed. I only needed to think new thoughts.

Just a few minutes ago, I was asked to conduct an interview with someone and I needed to send them a link to complete a profile. Money is tight and I didn't want to spend what I had on the profile. Then I looked through my online files and found an unused profile I didn't know I had. I didn't need another profile. I only needed to think new thoughts and not assume there was only one way for me to do what I was asked to do.

YOUR REALITY

Perhaps Jesus is telling you to go and see what you have in your house, mind, experience, or some other place, not to point out your lack, but to point out that you have more than you think—once you add faith to it, just like Abraham did:

Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised (Romans 4:19-21).

Abraham faced reality, but he then faced the more important reality of God's promise. Without denying reality, he was actually strengthened in his faith and the Lord provided. This week, ask God to open your eyes to the reality of what you already have that He can use for His purpose. Then ask Him to give you new thoughts about what you have and don't have, and see if your new thoughts will allow you to re-evaluate your hesitancy to do something for the Lord. You may have your own loaves and fish that you thought were inadequate, but with new thinking you will see as adequate for the task at hand. Have a blessed week!

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KENYA TRIP: I am hosting an informational meeting this coming Saturday, September 22, here in Pittsburgh for the 2019 Kenya trip. If you are local and would like to come, let me know. If you live away from Pittsburgh and would like to connect by phone, let me know and I will set up a conference call that will allow you to participate. The meeting is from 9 to noon Eastern time. Below is information you can download about the trip.

Download KenyaFlierNew

Download KenyaFAQ2019

Download 2019KenyaApp

868: Go and . . . Be Freed

This "Go and . . ." series has already gone weeks longer than I originally planned, and it will continue a few weeks more. If you are just joining in, we have been looking at the instances in the gospels when Jesus told someone to go, and then focusing on what He told them to do as they went. You can see all the past entries here if you want to catch up on any you may have missed.

This week, we stay in the gospel of Mark to look at the story of the woman who was healed after she touched Jesus' garment. After Jesus inquired as to who had touched Him, we read,

Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering" (Mark 5:33-34).

Let's look more closely at this next "Go and" scenario.

FAITH

Faith and healing are a mystery as to their connection. You probably know someone who has been "accused" of not receiving something, maybe even a healing, because he or she did not have enough faith. Perhaps that has happened to you. That accusation can sting and leave a wound for a long time, causing people to be disappointed and disgruntled with the Lord, or blaming themselves for their situation.

I know that God heals. I have seen it happen and prayed to cause it to happen. I can't answer why He doesn't always heal, except to say that we would probably begin to put our trust in how the healing happened, or in the format or formula in the healing prayer. We would then be able to turn God's power off and on like a light switch, and soon we would be impressed with our own ability. Because of our tendency to control God or to reduce Him to someone we can more easily understand, we would put our trust in our faith instead of in God.

This is perhaps why Jesus healed in so many different ways. One time, He spit and made mud. Another time, He spoke or laid His hands on someone. If He would have healed in the same manner, we would have made a ritual of the process, establishing rules and regulations for healing.

BE FREED

The woman touched Jesus while He was on His way to visit the sick daughter of the synagogue leader. This story shows that there is no limit to Jesus' power and that He is not overwhelmed by human need because He came to overcome sin and death, our last enemy. We will all die unless the Lord returns, and we will die from some ailment or simply of old age. Hebrews 11:13 tell us, "All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth." I have decided I would rather die in faith than live in fear or presumption, so I will do what the woman did in as many situations as I can. She did not allow her history or the hopelessness of her situation to prevent her from pressing forward and trusting God.

Right now, I am believing God for finances--again. It seems like this has been the struggle of my adult life. God has provided, but there are long stretches where I second-guess myself and cry out, "God, where are you?" Regardless of how often this has happened, I am following the woman's example. I am pressing through the crowd of my doubt, I refuse to be defined by past experience, and I am straining and striving to be freed. I live in reality but I see the Lord, and I refuse to give up or give in

Perhaps you are struggling again with some pain or suffering, whether it be emotional or physical. I can only encourage you to press on and press through. I know the Lord wants you to be free and I cannot explain the reasons why you are not, but don't give up. Can you imagine the joy this woman had when she realized the dream of wholeness after a life of misery? That is the same joy we will have when we touch Him and receive what we believed for, even when it seemed beyond our reach or His desire to perform. As you press on and press through, I know you will have a great week.

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KENYA TRIP: I am sponsoring a tour to Kenya from February 14-24, 2019. The flier, FAQ sheet, and application are below. Study it and then take the step to go! This trip is shorter, less expensive, and more focused than any of my trips in the past. Come benefit from my experience that will provide a trip you will never forget.

Download KenyaFAQ2019

Download KenyaFlierNew

Download 2019KenyaApp

867: Go and . . . Tell

As we continue our "Go and . . ." series, this week we look at Jesus' words to the man whom Jesus delivered from the torment of a Legion of demons. After the man was clothed and in his right mind, we read about what happened when Jesus got in the boat to depart:

As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed (Mark 5:18-20).

Jesus did not allow the man to go with him, but instead told him to go home and tell his family, friends, and neighbors what Jesus had done for him. Let's examine this strategy that sent this man back home.

THE MAN HAD A STORY

We learn that this man was from a region that is today known as Jordan, but then was a collection of 10 cities or regions on the far eastern side of the Roman Empire that were hubs for Greek and Roman culture. This man was a spiritually-oppressed Gentile and Jesus went out of His way to come find the man to set him free. The man was so grateful and impacted by what Jesus did that He wanted to begged Jesus to accompany Him wherever He was going. Instead, Jesus sent him home to tell his fellow Gentiles what God had done for Him.

I can understand why the man wanted to be with Jesus. Hours earlier, he was tormented by a pack of devils that, when released from him, entered into 2,000 swine that immediately went stampeding down a hill and drowned in the lake. Can you imagine the stench and mess from 2,000 pig carcasses floating in the Sea of Galilee? The man had a story, however, and Jesus wanted him to spread the word about his miracle, perhaps as a harbinger of the good news that would infect the world after Jesus' departure. The man had a story and Jesus told him to go home and make a spectacle of himself, to draw a crowd and declare what he knew about God's mercy.

YOU HAVE A STORY TOO

You have a story too and you probably have the same desire as the man had. You want to stay close to Jesus and perhaps have even said, "I just want to be where you are, Lord." That often means being close to Jesus in your devotional life or in church. Jesus basically told the man, "I don't want you to be where I am; I want you to go where I am not." The man obeyed, but all we know is that the people were amazed. There are no reports of any from his audience coming the Lord for themselves.

When I say that God wants you to go where He isn't, what comes to mind? Do you think of missions or door-to-door visitation? That may be what God has in mind for you, but that may not be practical or feasible. But I know what is, and that is to use the technology available to you to tell how much Jesus has done for you. You can write a book, record a testimony, compose a poem, pen and put on a one-person play. Instead of using Facebook to tell people that you went to mall or washed your hair, tell them about God's goodness.

Since I have started my publishing company, I encounter many people who tell me that God told them to write. Many say they will call me and follow through, but most don't. They talk themselves out of it and instead just "stay close to Jesus" in prayer and devotions. That's good but that's not writing a book.

It's interesting that Jesus sent the man home perhaps because it was how the man could maintain his deliverance. You wonder, "How could the man stay free by being apart from Jesus?" Perhaps Jesus had Revelation 12:11 in mind before It was ever written: "They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death."

Perhaps some of your freedom and deliverance isn't in staying close to Jesus, but in sharing your testimony? if it is, then no amount of wishful thinking or spiritually sounding "I want to be close to the Lord" will do the job. You are going to have to do what the man did, and that was obey Jesus, go home, and tell everyone how once he lived with a bunch of devils but God set him free. Who knows who is desperately waiting to hear your report. Have a blessed week.

866: Go and . . . Learn

I thought I would be finished with this "God and . . ." series, but I found a few more examples of Jesus telling people to go and do something specific, so that means the series will continue at least another month. Who knows, I may find some additional examples after that. This week, we look at what Jesus said in response to criticism that He was spending way too much time with sinners and tax gatherers:

When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners" (Matthew 9:11-12, emphasis added).

Jesus was telling men who had made the study of God's word the work of their adult lives to go and meditate on a verse from Hosea because they did not really know what it meant. That should provide a warning to us as well who believe we are adherents to God's word and who have more resources available to study and understand God's word than any generation in history. Let's look more closely at our need to go and learn more.

THE MORE YOU KNOW

When I teach classes on preaching, I give my students this advice: "Whenever you approach a passage of Scripture, no matter how much you have studied it, no matter how much you think you know, you must approach it as if you know nothing at all."' Why do I teach this? I do so because when we are confident we see everything there is to see about a truth or a passage, we stop looking for more. We are confident, sometimes even smug, that we know all there is to know about it.

Jesus was talking to men who had memorized the verse He referenced. That had discussed and debated it, and had added much to their collective commentary about its implications for their lives as they served the Lord. They were so sure of their knowledge that they could not see how what Jesus was doing with sinners was in any way related to that verse from Hosea 6:6: "For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings."

Jesus told the Pharisees that they had not "arrived," but were still students in need of study and enlightenment. They knew the Bible but they were missing out on what God was doing through Jesus public ministry. He is saying the same thing to us today.

GO AND LEARN

• If you think you know it all about who you are or what God wants you to do, you need to go and learn more.
• If you think you know all there is to know about another person and their capabilities, you need to go and learn more.
• If you think you know all there is to know about a Bible story or passage you have studied regularly and taught on repeatedly, you need to go and learn more.
• If you think there is no need for you to learn new skills or gain new knowledge, that you can rely on what you have done in the past, you need to go and learn more.
• If you think you know the mind of God on politics, justice, mercy, theology, religion, or any other topic, you need to go and learn more.
• If you think you can comment on social media with absolute certainty about any matter in order to correct or lecture someone else to turn them from the error of their ways, you need to go and learn more.

Learning is not something we do for a certain period of life; it is a lifelong pursuit. We are always in need of more wisdom and knowledge so we can be more effective for Him and less dependent on our past, our position, our title, or even our insight. This is why I went back to school when I was 57 years of age. This is why I listen to and read as many books as possible. This is why I listen when people give me feedback. I want to "go and learn," and that is my motto until I die or run out of strength.

Jesus told those who thought they "owned" God that they needed to go and meditate on one verse to find out what it meant. I know I need to do that when I write, preach, or teach. I invite you to join me so that together we can continue to grow and develop to be the masters of our purpose, effective for Him while always striving for more and better. Have a blessed week.

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AUTHOR'S RECEPTION: As you know, I have started a publishing company called Urban Press. I am hosting a reception for all our Urban Press authors on Saturday, September 8, from 3 to 5 PM in Pittsburgh where I live. I am inviting anyone who wants to publish and be an author to come and meet the UP authors. If you are interested in coming to learn more about publishing your creative work, write me at [email protected] and I will forward you the necessary information.

KENYA TRIP: I am sponsoring a tour to Kenya from February 14-24, 2019. The flier, FAQ sheet, and application are below. Study it and then take the step to go! This trip is shorter, less expensive, and more focused than any of my trips in the past. Come benefit from my experience that will provide a trip you will never forget.

Download KenyaFAQ2019

Download KenyaFlierNew

Download 2019KenyaApp

 

865: Go and . . . Do Likewise

We continue with our "God and . . ." series this week, this time looking at the story of the Good Samaritan, one of Jesus' well-known parables. Jesus told this story in response to a question from an expert in the Law about the Old Testament command to "love your neighbor as yourself." The lawyer wanted to engage Jesus in a debate about who his neighbor was, but Jesus would have none of it. At the end of the story, Jesus asked the expert this question and concluded with this command:

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise" (Luke 10-36-37).

Let's look at what we can learn from the lesson of this parable that we can use in our own lives.

OVER-SPIRITUAL

I have watched people over the years over-spiritualize Jesus' command to "go and do likewise," and have done it myself. We are waiting on the Lord to lead and guide us to do good deeds, not wanting to get ahead of the Lord or step out of His will. It is humorous for me to picture the Lord saying to someone, "Who told you to help all those orphans? I wanted you to help 10 but you have helped 100! How dare you!? I wanted those other 90 to suffer and maybe even starve. Now I am angry!" Or "Who told you to visit the sick in the hospital or minister to those elderly people? I am the boss around here, and I didn't tell you to go. Now I am really upset!"

Both of those fictitious scenarios are ludicrous, but that is how we have acted at times, so afraid of getting ahead of the Lord, so fearful of doing the wrong thing that we do no thing. I heard a pastor one time say that the need is the call. What did he mean? He meant that if you see a situation that needs your help, you should not pray about it or delay. You should meet the need, and that may mean a significant investment of time and energy.

Still, you may be wondering, "But if I see the need, where is the Lord in all that? How do I know it's His will to be involved?" Good question; let's try to answer.

NOT EVERYONE SEES

When you see a need, you assume it is so clear that everyone must certainly see it, that if they don't do something about it, then they are callous or negligent. That may be true, but in most cases, the others cannot see what you see because it's not part of their purpose. When you go and see the children suffering or an organization's dysfunction, it's because you are viewing those situations through the eyes of your gift and purpose. When you see it, it's so you will get involved and educate others as to the need. Even if they aren't stirred to action, however, doesn't mean that you are exempt from doing something. You have seen it and now you must do something about it. The need you see then becomes all the call you require - and all the call you are going to get.

Where are you to "go and do likewise" by having mercy on those in need? Is it in your country or outside its borders? Is it in conjunction with another organization or are you start your own organization? Is it something other people understand and support, or are you to pioneer the work and lead the way for others to be involved? Is it a one-time need or something that you must do again and again for a few or many?

Jesus was purposely vague in answering the expert, not giving him the specifics of who was his neighbor so there would be no rules to follow, no easy answer to the lawyer's question. The answer for you isn't simple either, and requires that you be looking for a reason to act, not for a reason for inaction. Don't worry so much about getting ahead of the Lord and stop waiting for God to direct your every move. Armed with your go-and-do-likewise attitude, find those who need your help and then do the good deeds you were created to do. Have a blessed week.

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KENYA TRIP 2019: I have released the dates and information for my tour to Kenya for February 14-24, 2019. I already got my first two applications and I think there will be a big group going for what will be a wonderful trip. I am attaching all the information you will need below for you to download. Read it over and then consider joining me and my friends for a trip you have always dreamed of making. The time is now; don't let fear rob you of your opportunity.

Download KenyaFAQ2019

Download KenyaFlierNew

Download 2019KenyaApp

864: Go and . . . Make Preparations

This is the seventh in my series titled "God and . . .", which focuses on the times when Jesus told someone to go and do something (you can catch up on the others on my Memo site). This week, let's focus on the account of how the disciples prepared for what we know to be the Last Supper, but for them was the traditional Passover feast. This was to be celebrated as a family, but most of the disciples' families were up north in Galilee and they were with Jesus in Jerusalem. I wonder how their absence affected their families? Were they upset? Angry? Understanding? Resentful? That, however, is not our concern, for we want to look at how they made preparations for what they thought was a traditional meal, but in reality turned out to be so much more.

THE PREPARATIONS

Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” “Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked. He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.” They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover (Luke 22:7-13).

The disciples had prepared many Passover meals in the past, so this one was no different, except that they had to find a venue to eat it, for they were all away from home. Jesus gave them some rather unusual instructions that would enable them to find a place. First, they were to look for a man carrying a water jar, which was highly unusual, for carrying water was women's work. Then they were to follow the man and ask the owner of the home where he entered for permission to hold their celebration there.

Naturally, it all unfolded just as Jesus had instructed them. I have always said that God is a great administrator, always able to organize whatever it is He wants to do. The disciples had no idea this upper room even existed until they needed one, and then Jesus was able to direct them out of their need to the exact spot that they needed. God will do the same for you, for there are untold resources out there of which you are unaware. Your role is to listen and then obey, seeing that your need is creating a deeper need - reliance on God for the provision that will help you fulfill God's purpose for your life.

THE REAL LESSON

The more important lesson in the story is the unexpected outcome of what the disciples considered a traditional gathering. This was to be like no other Passover meal since the first one in Egypt, for at this meal, Jesus inaugurated a rite that we call communion, the Lord's table, or the Eucharist that has been performed countless times for the last 2,000 years.

The disciples' obedience to Jesus' unusual directives required faith and mindful obedience, but was not their most important role in the story. Their presence at the dinner enabled them to observe and hear what Jesus did and said, and they went forth from that room and did what He said to do: Do what they had just done in remembrance of Him and His upcoming sacrifice. They thought they were going to a Passover meal, of which they were familiar, but instead were part of a new practice that would impact the entire world.

That is the kind of expectation we must have as we follow and obey the Lord. We don't know the significance of our missions trips we take, poems we write, businesses we start, or relationships we honor. We may think we understand what we are doing, but there may be much more than what we think. Therefore, we must make the most of every opportunity, not assuming we understand the significance of what we are about to do, especially if we have done it many times before.

I have been to Kenya more than 100 times, but this last trip I just completed was special. I probably had the greatest impact I have ever had in my two weeks there, and I am planning another three trips back in the next nine months. I prepared for the trip, but something was different and unusual, and it took my breath away. That is what happens when you prepare and trust the Lord, for He is "able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (Ephesians 3:20).

I urge you to continue to work and prepare for the unexpected with hope that the next time you do something, even if you have done it many times before, you may be on the verge of something that will change the world - and if not the world, then at least your world. Have a blessed week!

863: Go and . . . Throw Out Your Line

Greetings from Kenya! I have been here for 10 days, and return home this coming week. I am adding many new readers this week, so if you are new, we are well along in a series entitled "Go and . . ." that focuses on the times in the gospels when Jesus told people to go and do something specific. You can read all the past entries here, but for now, let's look at this week's story based on the account in Matthew 17:24-27:

After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?” “Yes, he does,” he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?” “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”

THE BACKGROUND

In Moses’ time, each person over the age of 20 was to give an annual half-shekel offering (the equivalent of two Roman drachmas) for the support of the tabernacle (see Exodus 30:11-16). This practice was obviously still being observed in Jesus' day some 1,500 years later to maintain the temple. When the tax collectors asked Peter if Jesus paid the tax, he impetuously responded in the affirmative. When he next met Jesus, the Lord raised the issue with Peter, indicating that He was royalty and did not have to pay the tax, which was a veiled reference to Jesus' position as King of Israel.

Peter had made a commitment, however, and Jesus cooperated with Peter's promise to pay the tax. He then told Peter to throw out his fishing line and to examine the first fish he found, which would have the coin for the tax for both of them in its mouth. The story does not indicate that Peter did this, but the assumption certainly is that Peter found it just as Jesus had promised.

This story follows immediately after Jesus had predicted His death and resurrection, not long after His transfiguration and close to the time when Peter had his "get behind me Satan" encounter with Jesus in Matthew 16. This story is a simple but clear confirmation that Jesus knew what He was talking about! If He could predict that a fish caught on the first try would have money in its mouth and be accurate, then He was accurate in everything He said.

THE LESSONS

There is another aspect to the story and it is Jesus' cooperation with and tolerance of Peter's less-than-perfect behavior. Peter made a rash statement, and Jesus did not overrule His disciple's commitment to pay. Instead, Jesus agreed to pay on behalf of them both to cover Peter's mistake. I take great comfort from this story, for I too have made many mis-steps in my pursuit of purpose. I would like to believe that some of those mistakes were honest in that I made the best decision with the information I had while desiring to do the will of God. In response to my imperfection, Jesus did not abandon me. He did not revoke my purpose or chastise my efforts.

God is not nearly as short-tempered as we have sometimes made Him out to be. He is not as concerned about us "getting ahead of Him" or "missing Him" as we sometimes are. That reality should free us, not to be rash and cavalier about what we do, but to move forward with our ideas and creativity in an attempt to bear fruit for Him. For example, I cannot say that the Lord "told" me to write any of my books. I had ideas, I wrote, and now I am helping others write. There have been times when I threw out a line and found the provision I needed, just in the nick of time.

Can you imagine the impact it had on Peter when he went down and caught that fish? What a sense of joy and wonder He must have experienced? What a sense of relief that He had the money to do what He had promised to do. Our faith commitments, when realized, are always the most exhilarating experiences in our walk with the Lord and become our most meaningful testimonies. I urge you to trust the Lord and step out to do God's will, no longer afraid that you are overstepping your bounds, but are functioning in partnership with your Lord who is for you, not against you, despite your imperfections. Have a blessed week!

862: Go and . . . Sin No More

After a week off, we continue with our series focusing on Jesus' words "go and," highlighting the fact that Jesus always put people in motion, so to speak, because faith always requires action of some type. In John 8, there is the story of the woman who was caught in adultery whom the religious leaders brought to Jesus for sentencing. Jesus gave the woman instructions to "go and . . .," and it is that encounter that is the next installment in this series. Let's go there now.

SETTING THE SCENE    

This story raises a few questions that are impossible to answer but first, let's look at the narrative itself:

At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin" (John 8:1-11).

 The questions this story raises are:

1. Why did they only bring the woman and not the man caught in adultery?
2. What was Jesus writing on the ground?
3. Why did the older leaders leave first and then the younger?

We will not take time to speculate on these questions, for we can only surmise and postulate the answers. instead, let's focus on Jesus' response to the woman's alleged sin.

SIN

When Jesus was left alone with the woman, He said that He would not condemn her and then He in essence told her, "Go and stop it!" He did not send her for counseling; He did not lecture her once everyone was gone. He did not remind her of what the Law said. He did not tell her He was disappointed in her. He told her to go and sin no more. What does this tell us?

It tells us that we can too often wallow in our failures, convinced that we must go through major "reconstruction" before God can use us or even have fellowship with us. This encounter reminds of Saul's encounter on the Damascus road. God did not beat Saul over the head with his sin; He simply told him to stop kicking against the goads and then gave him a purpose assignment to the Gentiles.

Perhaps you read this and think I am making light of sin, which of course is terrible and causes repercussions that often affect other people (think of the problems that David's sin caused for his family as one example). Even in David's case, however, God still used and had close fellowship with David. Of course, the best strategy to follow is not to sin. In case that strategy fails, which it usually does, then you must learn how to run to God when you fail.

Have you allowed your failures or weaknesses, even your sins, to disqualify you from fulfilling your purpose and being productive for God? Yes, get counseling if you need it. By all means make restitution and ask forgiveness where necessary. Do what you have to do to get back into the game, so to speak, even if you have to spend time on the disabled list. Jesus was not shocked or scandalized by the woman's sin and we should follow His example by not making sinners pay a higher price for restitution than Jesus would require. Have a blessed week!

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IN KENYA: I am here for two weeks conducting some leadership training and visiting my ministry partners. We successfully raised $2,500 for bunk beds for our orphans here, but that did not include the cost of bedding ($1,800). If you would like to make a contribution toward that expense, please do so using my website or sending a check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 8882, Pittsburgh, PA 15221-0882. Thank you!

861: Go and . . . Wash in the Pool

This week, we continue with our series focusing on Jesus' words "go and," highlighting the fact that Jesus always put people in motion, so to speak, because faith always requires action of some type. In John 9, there is the story of the man born blind, which is one of my favorites. Let's look at this narrative in the light of our current theme:

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man  or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing (John 9:1-7).

THE PLAYERS  

There are three main characters in the first part of this story, and later we meet his parents and the Jewish authorities who were offended by Jesus' miracle, which makes five. The first is the blind man who had never seen in his entire life, a victim of congenital blindness. The second group was made up of Jesus' followers who wanted to debate the reason for the man's condition. The third character was Jesus, who wanted to heal the man. The fourth were his parents, who were so intimidated by the Jewish officials that they could not rejoice at their son's miraculous healing. And the Jewish officials comprised the final group, those who launched a congressional hearing of sorts to get to the bottom of the dastardly deed of healing a blind man on the Sabbath.

The context of this story is Jesus' lesson that He is the light of the world who requires that His disciples do good deeds and fulfill their purpose while they have the chance to do so. Jesus' healing in this case involved the strange act of spitting on the ground, making mud, and then smearing the mud on the man's blind eyes. He them told the man to go and wash in the historic pools of Siloam, built by Hezekiah to provide water in Jerusalem in case the city was ever under siege.

THE LESSONS

Jesus required that the man play a role in his own healing. Jesus told the man to go, something that was not easy for a blind man. Perhaps someone led him or maybe he was familiar with the way to the pool. Whatever the case, the man went immediately and obediently and after he washed, he came back and was healed. The name of the pool literally means "sent" so the man was sent by the Sent One to the pool named Sent to find his healing. Jesus was the start and finish, the Alpha and Omega, of the man's recovery and the same is true for you and me.

People ask me all the time when they find their purpose how they will fulfill their purpose. I had to face the same question in 1991 when I began teaching on purpose. Today 27 years later, I write, publish, travel, speak, consult, broadcast, and coach. The One who gave me my purpose is the same One who has helped me fulfill my purpose. He has been the Alpha and Omega of my purpose - He started it and has helped me achieve it. The same will be true for you.

Now that Jesus has opened your eyes to your purpose and creativity, He will continue to open your eyes but you must "go and . . . ." You must go and write, paint, rhyme, create, learn, expand, give, or travel. You are not to be like some of the characters in John 9 who wanted to debate or judge what Jesus was doing. You must not be like the man's parents who were terrified to embrace the moment. You must be like the blind man who obeyed immediately and, even though he could not see his way forward, found his way. As he did, he found his healing. That is your model to follow and as you go, I know you will have a great week this week and in the weeks to come!

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I NEED YOUR HELP: I have a trip coming up to Kenya on July 26 and I need your help. Watch this video of the children at Upako Centre and the Dr. Stanko Academy. Aren't they cute? They are excited because they received some of the resources you helped send in our container. Well, some of those children are orphans and they are sleeping on a mat on a concrete floor every night in one of the classrooms! I need to raise money for their beds and for other needs by the time I depart. You can give through my website or by sending a check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 8882, Pittsburgh, PA 15221-0882. Thank you but please don't delay. The need is urgent and my departure is near!

TRAVELS WITH DR. JOHN: I am planning three trips in the next two years, and I invite you to join me on any or all of them:

• Kenya Trip: February 15-23, 2019
• Alaska Cruise: August 4-11, 2019
• Israel Tour: April 21 - April 30, 2020 with an optional side trip to Jordan to see Petra from May 1-4.

If you would like information on these trips as it becomes available, write me at [email protected] and let me know.

The first is My Enemies My Friends, which is a fable that teaches important lessons about the book of Psalms, specifically the there is a message in the entire book and not just the individual psalms themselves. Dr. John imparts these lessons through an entertaining story of Pastor Harold Portis who is about to be voted out of his church (or so it seems).

The second is The Power of Purple, which contains the Monday Memo series on women of purpose in Scripture. Men and women who are reading this book are finding it helpful in their own search for purpose.

Click on the cover of either book and order your signed copy today. It will make great summer reading and you will learn a lot while you read. (Kindle versions are available through Amazon.)