Monday, December 31, 2012

God is here! And we got problems!


Ever figured that if God was right there with you, everything would be fine.  No problems.  No worries.  Smooth sailing. 

You may have figured wrong. 

There are few stories in the Old Testament as captivating as Joseph’s.  At one point in the account his angry, jealous brothers sell him to some Ishmaelites, then to one of Pharoah’s officials.  Then, in what might be considered a nice turn of events Chapter 39 talks about how “The Lord was with Joseph”  - he prospers, enjoys great success is well-liked and gains much trust. 

Then gets thrown in prison. 

And while in prison, the writer says “the Lord was with him.”  In fact, the phrase is reiterated two sentences later “the Lord was with Joseph.”  But, alas, he is still in prison.  Some time later he gets a big break – someone he had helped had opportunity to help spring him from captivity – but, as the Lord is with Joseph, the man who stood to help free him “did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.”

The Lord is with Joseph, and Joseph is stuck.  Stuck in prison.  Stuck in unfair circumstances.  Stuck without a foreseeable way out. 

So, the story seems to want us to hear, it is possible for you to have a great relationship with the Lord and…have awful things in life happening to you.  And a large part of your discipleship in Jesus is apparently learning just that.

 - Stephen had the presence of the Lord, and got stoned.

- Paul had the presence of the Lord, and, well…where to begin?

“…troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger.  (2 Cor. 6:4-5)

-  The disciples had the presence of the Lord, and tradition suggests that Matthew was slain by a sword, Peter crucified, one James beheaded and the other beaten to death, Philip was hung, Bartholomew flayed alive, Andrew was fastened to a cross, Thomas speared, Thaddeus and Simon crucified, Matthias beheaded and John exiled after he was thrown into a cauldron of boiling oil. 

Jesus WAS the Lord, and was ruthlessly killed. 

This presence of the Lord stuff – apparently it’s not easy.  But, Joseph rescued starving nations, Stephen confounded his enemies and preached the Word, Paul launched out on three great missionary journeys, the disciples started a movement that reached you and me and Jesus – well, Jesus saved us. 

Not easy.  But good. 

“Lord, this may be the boldest prayer I have ever prayed… I want your presence.  Amen.”

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