July 21 - How Many Do You Have?

Matthew 15: 21-39

And Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” (Matthew 15:34 ESV)

My son has just started trying to count things. He does it in the cutest little tone. It is just what you would expect from a toddler. The whimsical . . . One . . . the rising action of . . . Two . . . and the excited high pitch of the climactic . . . Threeeeeee!

When Jesus was teaching near the Sea of Galilee and a large crowd had followed him for several days he wanted to feed them. Knowing that they were under provisioned for the trip back to their homes and villages Jesus brought the disciples an opportunity to assist in a miracle that would provide for the people. He asked them how much food they had. They gathered their meager supply, turned it over to Jesus, and he performed the miraculous. All of the people present were fed, and then leftover food was gathered.

I am utterly convinced that God is on the lookout for an occasion to break into our lives and the lives of the people around us in a big way. I believe that he longs to partner with us to see it happen. Not so we can get any of the glory, but so that we can understand and celebrate the results of the miraculous.

However, if we are to be a part of what God is doing it means we will need to take inventory of our lives. We will need to see what is there, what do we love too much, what are we willing to part ways with, and what are willing to offer up for His service. As we identify that which God would use for His glorious purpose we will understand that same kind of whimsical joy-filled elation as a toddler learning to count for the first time.

July 20 - Great Faith

Matthew 15: 21-28 Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. (Matthew 15:28 ESV)

When the Canaanite woman approached Jesus seeking deliverance for her daughter a very interesting exchange took place. The disciples wanted to send her away because of her persistence. She threw herself at Jesus' feet, pleading for his help and he was moved by her faith.

The Canaanite woman had faith that Jesus would help her daughter. In the face opposition and unlikelihood she persisted. And her faith was met with the miraculous.

I don't know that we can change things based on our personal levels of faith. Perhaps we can, but Im just not sure. I don't think that kind of power lies with us. I believe it to rest firmly in the hands of God. I do believe that God gets a special kind of glory and worship when we persist in our belief. I find that in times of difficulty I sometimes actually feel closer to him as I learn to lean into Him with belief and faith that He will carry me through.

Small faith is easy to come by, at least for me. Not because I am anything special, I just have a lifetime of practicing it. Great faith is another matter altogether. It takes an intimate level of commitment and consideration to invest yourself in great faith. The closer I am to God, the easier I find it to entrust my big stuff to show care.

July 19 - Blind Guides

Matthew 15:10-20

Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” (Matthew 15:14 ESV)

Leading people is not an easy task. It involves great risk, responsibility, and repercussions. To lead well requires incredible selflessness and dedication to those in your charge. It also requires understanding, an open mind, and vision. The Pharisees in Jesus' time were struggling with their leadership roles.

By the time Jesus was born the Jewish religious system had become so corrupt that for many it was a stumbling block. Those charged with escorting the people to the Father were failing in their mission. They were blinded by their assumptions and arrogance. Their willfulness to embrace arrogant ignorance kept them from enjoying the reality of God incarnate, Jesus. In fact, it lead to great animosity and even murder.

If you want to lead people, you need to be able to see. You need to see with clarity, compassion, and character. Have the faith seek the truth about your leadership successes and failures. Find people that will tell you e loving and honest truth, so that you will have clarity. See people compassionately, as Jesus saw them. People are problems to fix, or riddles to solve. They are lives. They are souls. They are precious. Learn to lead with compassionate vision that cares more about the person than the plan. Learn to live and lead with character. That means a consistency of action and desire that is the same every day.

Seeing with clarity, compassion, and character will help, but its not a guarantee. Pray for help. Lead selflessly. And try to avoid blind spots. This world doesn't need anymore blind guides.

July 18 - Tradition's Sake

Matthew 15: 1-9

He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? (Matthew 15:3 ESV)

Traditions can be both beautiful and dangerous. I enjoy some wonderful family traditions, especially around the holidays. And for years I took part in many rich religious traditions. But for me there came a day when I began to understand the inevitable shortcomings of religious tradition.

Jesus was very clear about tradition. He rejected any that compromised truth. He systematically addressed those that enforced the corrupt religious hierarchy. Man's rules can never trump God's commandments. That was Jesus' point.

I know how easy it can be to do something because that is how you have always done it. But that is a trap that leads to idolatry. At some point the comfortable nature of a familiar practice, even one that starts out as a good thing, can become a dangerous snare.

Bad tradition becomes a self serving sickness. It is toxic. It thwarts spiritual growth, encourages ignorance, and focuses inward. At some point where bad tradition is involved you stop doing the right thing and start doing the wrong thing, all for tradition's sake.