Adam was created in God’s image. He is the only man to arrive on this planet without parents, childhood, family or friends. No wonder he wasn’t alone long. God created Adam to develop community and togetherness. As Adam, we long for intimate relationships with others. We are created to be together as family and friends.
We tend to overlook many of Adam’s accomplishments choosing to focus on his faults. He was the first zoologist, landscaper, horticulturist, general contractor, engineer, farmer, husband and father. Talk about responsibilities! He had to be a type A personality. Adam’s historical story is more than just the beginning of humanity. Theological implications are far reaching when Adam is discussed. More than the father of humanity or the man who brought sin into the world, Adam’s relevance to the Gospel message cannot be ignored. God’s redemptive plan is revealed in Adam’s life. As God made provision for Adam by covering him with animal skin, He covered us by shedding His blood for our salvation.
Genesis 1-5, I Chronicles 1:1, Luke 3:8, Romans 5:14, I Corinthians 15, I Timothy 2:13-14
In understanding Adam’s life story, I understand mine. The more I study his life the more consumed with the central message of scripture I become. The more consumed with the central redemptive truth of the Bible I become the more I realize about myself. Holy Cow, the Bible is about me!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
Tape Measure Guy
Ezekiel was a prophet of Israel before and during their exile in Babylonia. His visions foretold the coming exile, destruction of Jerusalem and eventual restoration of the nation of Israel to God’s Promised Land. Ezekiel used unconventional methods to communicate his message of God’s new covenant.
In chapter 40, Ezekiel records the beginning of a lengthy vision in which he spends time with an angelic being (40:3) who took him on a tour. This may be the first Holy Land Tour. This angel carried a tape measure in his hand. For a good portion of chapters 40-46, Ezekiel accompanies the tape measure guy throughout the city and temple as he measures every inch. In sure, at times, Ezekiel wondered why it was important he be shown the exact measurements of the walls, gates, pillars, steps, porches, altar, etc. The vision was specific and very detailed.
In chapter 47, the tape measure guy takes Zeke back to the temple. Zeke is shown the river that flows from the temple. He measures 1,000 cubits and the two wade into ankle deep water. Another 1,000 cubits are measured and they wade into waist deep water. Another 1,000 and now the river is too deep to cross. Zeke is led back to shore and shown trees flourishing on the bank. Verse 12 says their leaves will not wither and their fruit will not fail. Their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing.
What a visual image! Many Christians wade in ankle deep water much of their spiritual lives. Others dare to spend more time in God’s word and prayer and they may reach waist deep water. How incredible to be one of the few who reach spiritual depths they cannot cross because the river of life is spectacular? The tape measure guy wanted Zeke to teach Israel the God of restoration is the source of food and healing.
I’ve wondered about the tape measure guy and recently discovered he makes another appearance toward the end. Apparently, he’s a visionary type because he reappears in Revelation. He’s the guy taking John on his visions (Rev. 21:15-17). In Revelation chapter 22, the tape measure guy shows John a familiar vision of the River flowing from the temple throne. This river displayed beautiful trees on its banks producing fruit. The leaves are for the healing of the nations. Just like Zeke’s vision.
Well, I guess this could symbolize many things but I think it’s simple. God created a redemptive plan for us by providing the source of spiritual life – Jesus (River). Christians are represented by the trees that produce fruit for spiritual food and leaves for the healing of the world. Let’s follow the tape measure guy into the full depth of the River of Life and bring healing to our land.
In chapter 40, Ezekiel records the beginning of a lengthy vision in which he spends time with an angelic being (40:3) who took him on a tour. This may be the first Holy Land Tour. This angel carried a tape measure in his hand. For a good portion of chapters 40-46, Ezekiel accompanies the tape measure guy throughout the city and temple as he measures every inch. In sure, at times, Ezekiel wondered why it was important he be shown the exact measurements of the walls, gates, pillars, steps, porches, altar, etc. The vision was specific and very detailed.
In chapter 47, the tape measure guy takes Zeke back to the temple. Zeke is shown the river that flows from the temple. He measures 1,000 cubits and the two wade into ankle deep water. Another 1,000 cubits are measured and they wade into waist deep water. Another 1,000 and now the river is too deep to cross. Zeke is led back to shore and shown trees flourishing on the bank. Verse 12 says their leaves will not wither and their fruit will not fail. Their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing.
What a visual image! Many Christians wade in ankle deep water much of their spiritual lives. Others dare to spend more time in God’s word and prayer and they may reach waist deep water. How incredible to be one of the few who reach spiritual depths they cannot cross because the river of life is spectacular? The tape measure guy wanted Zeke to teach Israel the God of restoration is the source of food and healing.
I’ve wondered about the tape measure guy and recently discovered he makes another appearance toward the end. Apparently, he’s a visionary type because he reappears in Revelation. He’s the guy taking John on his visions (Rev. 21:15-17). In Revelation chapter 22, the tape measure guy shows John a familiar vision of the River flowing from the temple throne. This river displayed beautiful trees on its banks producing fruit. The leaves are for the healing of the nations. Just like Zeke’s vision.
Well, I guess this could symbolize many things but I think it’s simple. God created a redemptive plan for us by providing the source of spiritual life – Jesus (River). Christians are represented by the trees that produce fruit for spiritual food and leaves for the healing of the world. Let’s follow the tape measure guy into the full depth of the River of Life and bring healing to our land.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Grace Illuminates the Darkest Place
Another poor attempt to write poetry.
The Choice
My heart's racing at the speed of sound,
Just to help you turn around.
Around to hear His kind, loving voice,
Call you again to make the choice.
Time
Hearing the clock scream tick tock,
Louder and Louder as time grew near
When I would have to face my fear.
Fear of looking into my soul
Seeing my sin had taken control.
Men of Old
Abram lied to the Egyptian throne
In anger, Moses struck the stone.
David stayed home and chased a girl
And Jonah ran to another side of the world.
Great men of old who truly loved Christ
But fell into temptation when enticed.
The Choice
My heart's racing at the speed of sound,
Just to help you turn around.
Around to hear His kind, loving voice,
Call you again to make the choice.
Time
Hearing the clock scream tick tock,
Louder and Louder as time grew near
When I would have to face my fear.
Fear of looking into my soul
Seeing my sin had taken control.
Men of Old
Abram lied to the Egyptian throne
In anger, Moses struck the stone.
David stayed home and chased a girl
And Jonah ran to another side of the world.
Great men of old who truly loved Christ
But fell into temptation when enticed.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Water into Wine
John 2:1-11
Jesus’ first recorded miracle – Turning Water into Wine
This may be one of the most misunderstood passages of scripture recorded because many readers stop at surface level meanings. I cannot tell you how many sermons I have heard and Bible Study classes I’ve attended where the lesson taught had to do with drinking alcohol. How shallow and stupid! The passage has nothing to do with whether it’s alright for Christians to drink! Anyone who reads this passage and goes off on a tyrannical rant about the evils of alcohol has no understanding of what the Apostle John was trying to share.
There are many deeper implications we can draw from this miracle. Actually, it was more than a miracle – John called it a sign. What was a sign in ancient Jewish culture? Something that pointed to something bigger – well, duh! There you go. Could it be that Jesus was simply illustrating His purpose? After all, everything He did was intended to point us toward His purpose!
I would encourage you to read the text. Here’s the point. Jesus asked the servants to fill the ceremonial water jars. Oops, mistake number one. Come on, Jesus. What were you thinking? Those jars are for ceremonial washing NOT drinking. Who wants to drink from jars used for bathing? Yuk! I just thought of the poor servants who had to serve the head steward water from dirty jars. Remember, only a few knew where the water originated. I bet they were sweating, nervous and scared to death from the moment their master’s lips touched the water until he spoke! Talk about being on pins and needles! His response was to call over the bridegroom and ask why he had saved the best for last! The custom was to save the cheap wine for late in the wedding celebration. Not this guy! He saved the best for last.
What a visual picture Jesus provided. Hasn’t He saved the best for last? Think about it this way, Jesus took something from the Old Covenant (ceremonial cleaning jars) and transformed them into something living. This sign was a picture of the New Covenant Jesus became. It’s not about alcohol. It’s about Him transforming our old, dead ceremonial jars into living vessels (I and II Peter). The sign was a foretelling of his death, resurrection and ascension. Oh yeah, it was also about saving the best for last. That’s Heaven - the greatest celebration (wedding feast). Doesn’t that sound familiar?
Jesus came to transform the old, broken, lost, blind, deaf, cripple, and diseased human race and in so doing He saved the best for last.
Jesus’ first recorded miracle – Turning Water into Wine
This may be one of the most misunderstood passages of scripture recorded because many readers stop at surface level meanings. I cannot tell you how many sermons I have heard and Bible Study classes I’ve attended where the lesson taught had to do with drinking alcohol. How shallow and stupid! The passage has nothing to do with whether it’s alright for Christians to drink! Anyone who reads this passage and goes off on a tyrannical rant about the evils of alcohol has no understanding of what the Apostle John was trying to share.
There are many deeper implications we can draw from this miracle. Actually, it was more than a miracle – John called it a sign. What was a sign in ancient Jewish culture? Something that pointed to something bigger – well, duh! There you go. Could it be that Jesus was simply illustrating His purpose? After all, everything He did was intended to point us toward His purpose!
I would encourage you to read the text. Here’s the point. Jesus asked the servants to fill the ceremonial water jars. Oops, mistake number one. Come on, Jesus. What were you thinking? Those jars are for ceremonial washing NOT drinking. Who wants to drink from jars used for bathing? Yuk! I just thought of the poor servants who had to serve the head steward water from dirty jars. Remember, only a few knew where the water originated. I bet they were sweating, nervous and scared to death from the moment their master’s lips touched the water until he spoke! Talk about being on pins and needles! His response was to call over the bridegroom and ask why he had saved the best for last! The custom was to save the cheap wine for late in the wedding celebration. Not this guy! He saved the best for last.
What a visual picture Jesus provided. Hasn’t He saved the best for last? Think about it this way, Jesus took something from the Old Covenant (ceremonial cleaning jars) and transformed them into something living. This sign was a picture of the New Covenant Jesus became. It’s not about alcohol. It’s about Him transforming our old, dead ceremonial jars into living vessels (I and II Peter). The sign was a foretelling of his death, resurrection and ascension. Oh yeah, it was also about saving the best for last. That’s Heaven - the greatest celebration (wedding feast). Doesn’t that sound familiar?
Jesus came to transform the old, broken, lost, blind, deaf, cripple, and diseased human race and in so doing He saved the best for last.
Monday, April 26, 2010
I'm Saving Your Life
A story from a few years ago …
Delaney was five and Ashlyn was three. They ran around the house jumping, skipping, singing and dancing like most little girls. Ashlyn never had much chance to play what she wanted because Delaney was insistent on making Ashlyn play her way. OK, I’ll say it, Delaney was bossy!
One day Shirley and I were outside doing something in the yard to make it appear we did yard work more than once a year. Neither one of us has a green thumb or a brown one or even a black one. I went inside to cook something for the girls to munch on - popcorn.
After pressing start on the microwave I returned to the yard. Five minutes turned to ten and ten quickly became twenty. You know how easy it is to lose track of time when doing something you love. Do you know how long you should cook microwave popcorn?
Delaney came running outside skipping in circles asking for her popcorn over and over and over. She was using that annoying high-pitched voice your children sometimes use. Shirley went in to get the snack and that’s when it happened ….. She started screaming in that same voice. I ran inside and found the kitchen full of dark black smoke. Scanning the room with eagle eye precision I noticed the source – the microwave. Black puffs billowed from the heatmaker.
With the black cloud growing, smoke filled the dining room and den. With the smoke alarm blaring, Shirley screaming and smoke covering the kitchen I sprang into action. I reached into a drawer and grabbed an oven mitt. Reaching into the microwave I felt a pile of soot – hard, dry soot that used to be popcorn. The noise was deafening – smoke alarm, screaming wife and now Delaney skipping around the island waving her arms shouting “Stop, Drop and Roll, Stop, Drop and Roll.” Apparently, she had just had a fireman come visit her kindergarten class. She knew exactly what to do. I have to admit at this point it did become comical.
Ashlyn came running into the kitchen because she thought we were having a party without her. Standing at the kitchen door with her usual I’ve-been-up-to-something-you-don’t-know-about smile, Delaney looked at her and said, “Ash, stop, drop and roll.” She grabbed Ashlyn and made her lay on the floor. We lost it when she started rolling Ashlyn toward the front door saying, “Stop, drop and roll. I’m saving your life, I’m saving your life,” over and over.
Needless to say, if you ever cook popcorn in the microwave make sure you select 2:30, not 230:00. Apparently, pushing too many zeros is not a good thing.
Delaney was five and Ashlyn was three. They ran around the house jumping, skipping, singing and dancing like most little girls. Ashlyn never had much chance to play what she wanted because Delaney was insistent on making Ashlyn play her way. OK, I’ll say it, Delaney was bossy!
One day Shirley and I were outside doing something in the yard to make it appear we did yard work more than once a year. Neither one of us has a green thumb or a brown one or even a black one. I went inside to cook something for the girls to munch on - popcorn.
After pressing start on the microwave I returned to the yard. Five minutes turned to ten and ten quickly became twenty. You know how easy it is to lose track of time when doing something you love. Do you know how long you should cook microwave popcorn?
Delaney came running outside skipping in circles asking for her popcorn over and over and over. She was using that annoying high-pitched voice your children sometimes use. Shirley went in to get the snack and that’s when it happened ….. She started screaming in that same voice. I ran inside and found the kitchen full of dark black smoke. Scanning the room with eagle eye precision I noticed the source – the microwave. Black puffs billowed from the heatmaker.
With the black cloud growing, smoke filled the dining room and den. With the smoke alarm blaring, Shirley screaming and smoke covering the kitchen I sprang into action. I reached into a drawer and grabbed an oven mitt. Reaching into the microwave I felt a pile of soot – hard, dry soot that used to be popcorn. The noise was deafening – smoke alarm, screaming wife and now Delaney skipping around the island waving her arms shouting “Stop, Drop and Roll, Stop, Drop and Roll.” Apparently, she had just had a fireman come visit her kindergarten class. She knew exactly what to do. I have to admit at this point it did become comical.
Ashlyn came running into the kitchen because she thought we were having a party without her. Standing at the kitchen door with her usual I’ve-been-up-to-something-you-don’t-know-about smile, Delaney looked at her and said, “Ash, stop, drop and roll.” She grabbed Ashlyn and made her lay on the floor. We lost it when she started rolling Ashlyn toward the front door saying, “Stop, drop and roll. I’m saving your life, I’m saving your life,” over and over.
Needless to say, if you ever cook popcorn in the microwave make sure you select 2:30, not 230:00. Apparently, pushing too many zeros is not a good thing.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Slavery
Too often we attribute our success to hard work, intelligence or good fortune. But how do we respond when things don't go well? If you’re like me, you blame bad luck or others for your failures. Human nature takes the credit and shifts the blame. We are usually good at patting ourselves on the back when things are going great. We are equally guilty of pointing fingers at others when things are out of control.
Five times in the Book of Deuteronomy we read the phrase, Remember that you were slaves in Egypt - 5:15, 15:15, 16:12, 24:18 and 24:22. God wanted His people to remember their past. Not to dwell on it but to learn from it. The reason for looking back and remembering is to maintain perspective in the present. When we forget where we came from we begin to think we have earned our positions or possessions and that we deserve God’s blessing. By remembering we were Slaves in Egypt, we will be able to engage life with gratitude and humility. Remember the cost Jesus paid to ransom us from spiritual slavery. We were spiritual slaves bought with a great price. Remember your freedom and the price that was paid to gain liberty. Freedom and liberty do not come from the government or any other man made entity. It is not our hard work, intelligence or good luck that sets us free. God's grace liberates us to serve Him with thankful hearts because we are now sons and daughters, heirs to His Kingdom, no longer Slaves in Egypt.
Five times in the Book of Deuteronomy we read the phrase, Remember that you were slaves in Egypt - 5:15, 15:15, 16:12, 24:18 and 24:22. God wanted His people to remember their past. Not to dwell on it but to learn from it. The reason for looking back and remembering is to maintain perspective in the present. When we forget where we came from we begin to think we have earned our positions or possessions and that we deserve God’s blessing. By remembering we were Slaves in Egypt, we will be able to engage life with gratitude and humility. Remember the cost Jesus paid to ransom us from spiritual slavery. We were spiritual slaves bought with a great price. Remember your freedom and the price that was paid to gain liberty. Freedom and liberty do not come from the government or any other man made entity. It is not our hard work, intelligence or good luck that sets us free. God's grace liberates us to serve Him with thankful hearts because we are now sons and daughters, heirs to His Kingdom, no longer Slaves in Egypt.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Breaking the Law
I was about twenty years old and had gone out of town one weekend. I was driving home – south on I-65 just north of Mobile. I’d just come off the Dolly Pardon bridge and passed a State Trooper. As I had done many times before, I flashed my headlights at oncoming traffic to warn them a Trooper was ahead. This is bad. Don’t ever flash your headlights to warn someone. Apparently, a great song was playing on the radio because I found myself flashing the lights to the beat of the music. That’s when it happened. I had driven about a mile and a half when I saw him. He walked from the right shoulder of the interstate into the left lane, stopped and raised his arm my direction. I slammed on brakes, skidding and sliding. When he raised his arm, I thought he was pointing a gun. The Trooper motioned me to pull over. Of course, I did. My heart was pounding and my hands were shaking. I almost ran over a cop! The nearly 7-foot, 300 pound Trooper knocked on my window. He asked for my license and stepped to the back of my truck. Actually, my dad’s truck. He walked back to his vehicle and stayed and stayed and stayed. It seemed like an hour before he returned.
All he said was, “Mr. Grizzle, will you please step out of your vehicle and into mine?”
HOLY CRAP! I was in the back seat of a Trooper’s car. Not a good way to start your day! His partner was talking on the radio and filling out some forms.
The officer said, “Did you know you are driving a vehicle with defaulty equipment?”
My response, “Huh?”
“Your vehicle has defaulty equipment.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Your headlights are malfunctioning. I saw them flashing on and off. That’s very dangerous, you know.”
“There’s nothing wrong with them, officer. I was …. “
“You need to have the electrical system checked.”
I finally figured it out. Apparently, you can get a ticket for driving a vehicle that is unsafe. I also found out I was speeding and driving a truck with an expired tag. Three big strikes. Remember, it was my dad’s truck. Wonder who forgot to get the tag renewed? Oh yeah, one more thing. I had left my wallet at home that weekend so guess who didn’t have a driver’s license? I knew I was in trouble when the officer said, “You have no identification, you’re speeding, and driving an unsafe vehicle with defaulty equipment and an expired tag.”
This is why some people smoke crack! My response to his next question was shocking. He said, “Are you going to slow down and stop speeding?”
I shrugged, “probably not.”
“WHAT!”
“Officer, the reality is that as soon as I leave I’ll go right back to driving 80. The law can’t change my actions.”
“You’re telling me you’re going to keep speeding?”
“The law can’t change me. Only I can change my actions and the truth is that I’ll probably keep speeding.”
Looking at his partner, the other officer said, “I don’t think he’s talking about speeding any more.”
Jesus came to save us from the law. The law was incomplete because a perfect sacrifice was needed. Jesus fulfilled the law providing freedom from the bondage to sin. Even God’s law can’t change our hearts or actions. It is by His Spirit we are called into a covenant relationship with Him through the renewing work of His death and resurrection.
Wow! The law can’t change us. Only He can!
By the way, I didn’t get a ticket. And just so you know, while traveling all over the United States I have had the privilege of meeting many our finest men and women in uniform. It seems as though they love to introduce themselves to me on the side of the roads. And you shouldn’t flash your headlights to warn others because you might be warning someone who is drunk. At least that’s what the Trooper told me.
All he said was, “Mr. Grizzle, will you please step out of your vehicle and into mine?”
HOLY CRAP! I was in the back seat of a Trooper’s car. Not a good way to start your day! His partner was talking on the radio and filling out some forms.
The officer said, “Did you know you are driving a vehicle with defaulty equipment?”
My response, “Huh?”
“Your vehicle has defaulty equipment.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Your headlights are malfunctioning. I saw them flashing on and off. That’s very dangerous, you know.”
“There’s nothing wrong with them, officer. I was …. “
“You need to have the electrical system checked.”
I finally figured it out. Apparently, you can get a ticket for driving a vehicle that is unsafe. I also found out I was speeding and driving a truck with an expired tag. Three big strikes. Remember, it was my dad’s truck. Wonder who forgot to get the tag renewed? Oh yeah, one more thing. I had left my wallet at home that weekend so guess who didn’t have a driver’s license? I knew I was in trouble when the officer said, “You have no identification, you’re speeding, and driving an unsafe vehicle with defaulty equipment and an expired tag.”
This is why some people smoke crack! My response to his next question was shocking. He said, “Are you going to slow down and stop speeding?”
I shrugged, “probably not.”
“WHAT!”
“Officer, the reality is that as soon as I leave I’ll go right back to driving 80. The law can’t change my actions.”
“You’re telling me you’re going to keep speeding?”
“The law can’t change me. Only I can change my actions and the truth is that I’ll probably keep speeding.”
Looking at his partner, the other officer said, “I don’t think he’s talking about speeding any more.”
Jesus came to save us from the law. The law was incomplete because a perfect sacrifice was needed. Jesus fulfilled the law providing freedom from the bondage to sin. Even God’s law can’t change our hearts or actions. It is by His Spirit we are called into a covenant relationship with Him through the renewing work of His death and resurrection.
Wow! The law can’t change us. Only He can!
By the way, I didn’t get a ticket. And just so you know, while traveling all over the United States I have had the privilege of meeting many our finest men and women in uniform. It seems as though they love to introduce themselves to me on the side of the roads. And you shouldn’t flash your headlights to warn others because you might be warning someone who is drunk. At least that’s what the Trooper told me.
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