Job Description

Haven't been posting frequently (read:  not at all) lately.  I intend to restart at the beginning of the year, perhaps with a slightly different focus.  Regardless of all that, I found a great job description that I want to emblazon on my heart, mind, and life.  


"I am an agent of the Living God, armed with the power of the Holy Spirit, sent on a mission to assist people in finding, knowing, and experiencing God's shalom."

Luke 23 - 24

The Roman overseeing the Judean district, Pilate, tried Jesus but found nothing that merited a further trial or sentence.  He sent him to Herod, the King of the region for further questioning.  Herod was not able to procure the answers he sought, so he had Jesus beaten and sent back to Pilate's custody.  Pilate again tries Jesus, but finds no fault in Him.  He attempts to have Jesus released, only to find that the people would rather have a known and convicted terrorist released instead of Jesus.  The crowd, fomented by the religious leaders, call for an execution.  Pilate releases Jesus to the custody of the religious leaders so that He could be executed by crucifixion.  Jesus was crucified outside the city gate, buried in a tomb and left there.  Very early in the morning of the first day of the week, women went to the tomb to further embalm the body, but found the tomb empty and an angel waiting with a message that Jesus had risen.  Several of the disciples went to investigate this claim and found no evidence to the contrary.  Jesus Himself appeared to two men traveling from Jerusalem that day, as well as to the disciples gathered in Jerusalem.  He proved to them that He had died and risen from the dead as He promised, then commissioned them to preach His message to all nations, beginning with Jerusalem.  He left them with a promise that He would return.

Luke 21 - 22

Jesus, in Jerusalem at the temple, observed the giving habits of the worshipers.  One woman who only gave 2 of the smallest coins gave more than anyone else, as she gave all that she had (not just all she had in her pockets; but the last two coins left to her name).  The disciples were more concerned about when all the fantastic events that would inaugurate Jesus' kingdom would occur, so Jesus began to describe the general conditions of a world into which He would interject His kingdom.  Jerusalem would be destroyed before His kingdom would be established; the disciples were to themselves be watchful for these events and were to teach others to be watchful as well.  Judas, one of Jesus' disciples, decided to betray his master to the religious authorities during the time of the feast celebration.  Jesus' other disciples prepare for the Passover and celebrate it together.  Although Jesus makes it clear that He is aware of the betrayer's presence and plans, Judas continues to carry out his arrangement while the other followers argue over who will hold the greatest office in the coming kingdom.  Retiring after their meal to a garden, Jesus prays while His followers sleep.  Jesus is arrested by those led to the garden by Judas; the disciples scatter; Peter denies having any affiliation with the man from Galilee; Jesus is beaten and tried by the Sanhedrin (the rough equivalent of our Supreme Court).  He is found guilty of blasphemy for His claims to deity.

Luke 19 - 20

Jesus meets and interacts with a tax collector named Zacchaeus.  The transformation made by Jesus in Zacchaeus' life is so drastic that he voluntarily pays back all that he has cheated out of his clients - with interest.  The fruit of repentance needs to be clearly seen; and Zacchaeus was showing it!  Jesus continued teaching that the kingdom of God was coming, but would not arrive as early as His followers anticipated.  Their responsibility was to faithfully complete the work given to them, and not to think that everything was already in order.
Jesus then entered into the city of Jerusalem shortly before the Passover was celebrated.  The throngs gathering in the city welcomed Him with a great reception that raised the attention of even the religious leaders.  Jesus cleansed the temple of those who sought to make a profit from their business dealings within the gates; and He promptly had His authority questioned by the leaders.  When He would not directly answer their questions, they kept asking other "litmus-test" questions, trying to catch Jesus in a contradiction that would turn the public's favor from Him.  Jesus, however, answered truthfully and wisely in each case and only highlighted the folly of the questioners.

Luke 12 - 13

Jesus began to warn His disciples about the dangers of hypocrisy in their lives.  It would eat away and infiltrate much like yeast permeates a lump of dough.  Another parable was given, illustrating the importance of preparing for eternity above preparing for an earthly future.  Those who seek God's kingdom will be in much better position than those who worry about temporal details.  The faithful disciple will be vigilant and prepared for his Master's return, will count the cost of his discipleship, and be aware of events around him.
Jesus then continued teaching about repentance.  He healed a crippled woman that was beyond the care of doctors, and taught about the kingdom using comparisons to mustard seed and yeast - small things with a great influence.  When Jerusalem rejected Him, Jesus mourned over the blessings that the city had forfeited.

Luke 10 - 11

Jesus commissioned His disciples to go into the neighboring cities and preach in the manner He had taught them.  They returned after having a successful journey, and Jesus reminded them that the power for such accomplishments came solely from His Father in Heaven.  He then instructed about eternal life and acting neighborly to one another.  In response to a request from His followers, Jesus taught how to pray - how to communicate with God in a manner that is both reverent and productive.  Several other parables were given to illustrate the dynamics of His coming kingdom.

Luke 8 - 9

Jesus continued teaching and aiding those with whom He had contact.  His teaching style utilized parables - stories that communicated a deeper meaning than just the story line.  He illustrated the coming kingdom by telling stories about soil and lamps.  After calming a storm and expelling demons from a possessed man, he healed a woman and raised a dead girl to life.  There was no power natural or supernatural that posed a difficulty to Jesus' power.  Jesus dispersed His disciples to reach a larger audience, and fed a crowd of over 5,000 in the process.  He continued to lecture and instruct His disciples, teaching them about true discipleship and greatness.  He did begin to tell His followers about His soon-to-occur death, but those who heard Him were too distracted by all the wonders their eyes were seeing to fully grasp what they were being told.

Luke 6 - 7

Note:  The blog posts were missing last week due to technical difficulties with the internet connection (translation:  a 20-year old wire decided to give out).  Posts resume beginning today!


Jesus and His followers are taken to task by the religious leaders because their actions do not fit with what the leaders expected would please God.  Jesus reminds the leaders that God is more pleased with our attitudes that lead to actions than with our actions that are not motivated by any loving attitudes.  Jesus then selects 12 of His followers to be intimately involved in His teaching - they become His disciples.  Jesus begins to instruct them carefully and fully about His expectations, teachings, and the rules of conduct they would be expected to live by.  He encounters the sick, the dead, the questioning, the critics and the admirers - and interacts with each group in a way that demonstrates not only a firm grasp of what God has commanded and expects, but does so in a loving and gracious way.  Along the way, He teaches His disciples about forgiveness.

Matthew 27 - 28

Jesus was led from the gathering of religious leaders to the office of the Roman governor in Jerusalem, Pontius Pilate.  Judas, seeing all that transpired, regretted his decision to turn Jesus over to the authorities and tried to rectify the situation.  This was not possible, and Judas, distraught over the events, took his own life.  Jesus, meanwhile, was questioned by the governor and found to be innocent of any formal charge.  In an attempt to release Jesus, the people call for a notorious terrorist to be freed instead - they want to see Jesus executed.  The people's wishes are eventually granted and Jesus is beaten, led to the place of execution, and put on a cross to die for His claims to deity.  After His death, His body was buried in a sealed tomb to prevent a grave robbery that would further His followers claims to His supernatural ability.  In spite of the guard's presence, Jesus rose Himself from the dead and appeared to His followers, instructing them to teach others about Him and His teachings.

Matthew 25 - 26

Jesus continues to stress the necessity of preparation for the coming kingdom of heaven.  Those who are ready will be welcomed in, while those who delay or think they are 'well enough' prepared will be disappointed.  Because of His teaching and popularity, the religious leaders of the land plotted to put Jesus to death.  They would not, however, attempt this during the feast celebration, since the thronging crowds in the city would back the popular preacher and prophet.  Judas, one of Jesus' closest followers, becomes upset with Jesus' methods and arranges with the leaders to set up a time and place where Jesus can be quietly arrested.
Jesus and His disciples celebrate the Passover feast together, after which Judas leads the religious leaders to the spot in a quiet garden setting where Jesus has gone to pray.  Jesus is arrested and brought before the Jewish legislation and accused of blasphemy (speaking against God).  Peter follows at a distance, is recognized but denies any association with the teacher from Nazareth.

Matthew 23 - 24

Jesus warns His followers about the false religiosity of the Pharisees, who made a show of their worship to gain the attention and favor of men.  In doing so, they actually made the God they claimed to worship less attractive to those not rightly related to Him.  They had reduced the worship and praise of Almighty God to a grocery list of do's and don't's, rituals and regulations.  The holy city of Jerusalem, instead of welcoming His arrival, rejected their promised Messiah when He arrived.  As a result, the temple and the land would be destroyed and the people scattered.  Jesus' followers ask when these events will occur and Jesus takes time to discuss with them events as they would unfold in the future.  Some events would occur rather soon, others have yet to occur.  The question is not so much "What is going to happen and when?" as it is "Am I prepared if these events occurred today?"

Matthew 13 - 14

Jesus instructed His followers in parable, a teaching tool that sounds like a story, but contains rich truths about other subjects on more careful consideration.  Those not looking for deeper meaning would hear an interesting story.  Those considering carefully what Jesus was saying would hear the great truths simply explained in a memorable way.  Jesus used this teaching method to instruct His followers about the coming kingdom ruled by God.  His teaching became so popular that many thought He was a reincarnation of John, who had been executed by Herod.  Jesus, however, was NOT a reincarnation; He and John were seen together many times.  Jesus did continue to demonstrate His power by proving that natural laws were no match for Him.  He fed 5,000 people with only a boy's small lunch, walked on water and healed many.  Jesus was a man, but so much more than a man!

Matthew 10 - 12

Jesus authorized twelve of His followers to represent Him in the land.  These disciples were given authority over unclean spirits and disease so that the miracles Jesus performed would also be accomplished by these men.  They were carefully instructed regarding their mission, what to expect, how to conduct themselves and the repercussions of their teaching ministry. Sending them out, Jesus continued to teach and preach on His own as well.  John, who had been baptizing prior to Jesus' ministry sent his followers to inquire about his authority.  Jesus proved to them that he was indeed the One John foretold.  In spite of clear evidence supporting His claims, many in Jesus' day refused to acknowledge His position.  Several cities in particular were outspoken in their rejection of Jesus, and they received a promise of strict judgment as a result.  When controversy arose (have you ever known a public figure that wasn't connected in some way to a rumor?) Jesus very succinctly set the record straight and when His detractors would not drop the matter, instead trying to escalate the furor, Jesus simply removed Himself from the situation.  The other religious leaders attempted many times to catch Jesus in His words or teachings, but He was always able to provide a very brief, clear and accurate statement verifying that what He said and taught was indeed in keeping with God's laws and commands.

Matthew 8 - 9

After delivering His sermon on the mountain, Jesus began demonstrating His power not only to teach but to heal.  He healed a leper, a centurion's son, and Peter's mother-in-law - proving His power was not limited by diagnosis, distance or disease.  His power over the elements of nature was also displayed as He calmed a storm that frightened even the seasoned sailors of the company.  His power over supernatural elements was shown as He cast demons out of a possessed man and into a herd of swine.  His power over sin was proven as He healed a paralyzed man.  Indeed it would have been easier to say nothing about his physical condition, but Jesus healed him to show that He also had power to heal spiritually.  Jesus was in the restoration business!  He restored health, He restored life, He restored sight, He restored speech, He restored purpose and dignity to a member of the lowest social stratus.  Above all, He restored hope and trust in His Father and encouraged others to serve the Father as well.

Matthew 1 - 7

Matthew begins his biography of Jesus by giving his genealogy, proving Him to be the Son of David and Son of Abraham.  His birth account was in keeping with the predictions made centuries ago by the prophet Isaiah, and was attested to by the appearance of the wise men soon after His birth.  Escaping the murderous plot of King Herod by fleeing to Egypt (again, in fulfillment of prophesy), Jesus grew up in the Galilean town of Nazareth.  During that time, a prophet named John began preaching a message of repentance in connection with Isaiah's prophecies of the voice in the wilderness preparing the way for the Lord.  Jesus was baptized by John and tempted by Satan before beginning His public ministry in and around Israel.  The message He preached was the same as John's:  repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.  After calling a group of disciples to Himself, He began teaching in Galilee.  His teaching - which carried more authority to His hearers than the teachings of the priests and Pharisees - centered upon the proper application of God's laws to not only a person's actions, but their attitudes as well.

Romans 8 - 10

Paul reminds his readers that those to whom God has given Christ's righteousness no longer face the threat of His condemnation.  They are free from the convicting influence of His law, while still bound by the controlling influence of His law.  They still follow His commands, but are not condemned for failure to live up to them.  The debt owed is not to the flesh or the law, but to the One who freed us from the law.  Our identification with Him will bring its own troubles and persecutions, but God is able to use even the difficulties of life to bring about ultimate good as He defines it.  With Him at work, what enemy should rightly be feared?  Nothing will separate us from His great love.  Paul's desire is for all to know God in this manner, yet not all do.  God uses even their rejection of Him to highlight His great mercy, grace, and goodness as He takes those unworthy to be His and makes them His own.  He does this through the transforming power of His Word (both the written word and the incarnate Word).  Those who take His Word find Him to be totally truthful.

Romans 4 - 7

Paul continues to explain to the Roman believers how God's righteousness is given and not earned.  He states the case of Abraham who was declared righteous by God apart from any work he had performed.  This righteousness is not transmitted via a ritual like circumcision or any other ritual, but merely by faith.  This steadfast dependence on God to perform what cannot be merited or earned is what demonstrates God's grace in declaring such a one righteous.  This imputed righteousness gives peace in times of trouble and comfort in times of distress.  Our standing with God is not dependent upon our outward circumstances.  Every person is born without this righteousness and is in need of God's transforming work.  Nevertheless, Jesus Christ proved to be a righteous man by living a life that was sinless and then sacrificially gave that life as the full payment price for sin's debt.  It is His death that qualifies individuals to be recipients of God's grace.  His life, death, and resurrection breaks the power of the law to condemn and enslave.  Because of Jesus, the law and sin do not have to be life's controlling factor.

Romans 1 - 3

Paul writes to the believers in Rome, thanking them for their bold witness to their city.  The reputation of these followers of Christ had reached around the Empire.  Paul's desire was to visit these saints and encourage their walk with God.  The city did not deter him, he was ready to preach the life-altering message of the gospel to them and their city.  The gospel message was clear:  man had violated a holy God's righteous laws and stood inexcusable before Him.  Whether they had committed the actions themselves or approved of those who engaged in such heinous practices, they were guilty.  It was not a matter of keeping the law, for the law only showed where it had been violated.  It was not a matter of nationality, for both Jew and Gentile were guilty before God.  It was not a matter of identification, for those both circumcised and uncircumcised were guilty.  The only group that had an advantage were those who took God's side of the issue and accepted His verdict of guilt as true and correct.  These are they who turn to a holy God and ask for His divine grace and mercy to be extended.  His righteousness is granted by faith in Jesus Christ's redemptive work of propitiation.  Righteousness, then, is not something personally achieved but is something individually granted to us by God.

2 Corinthians 10 - 13

Paul writes about the reality of the warfare in which he is engaged.  It is not against people, per se, but against spiritual forces that try to destroy him.  Because of this spiritual battle, he urges his friends in Corinth to not judge things merely by outward appearance.  Yes, his writings sound severe but they originate from a heart of compassion and concern for his friends and brothers in the faith.  His desire is that they continue to display faithfulness to the Lord.  He may not be the best or most eloquent apostle, but God is the One Whom he wants them to follow.  There is much about which Paul could boast, but it would not be profitable.  The glory belongs to God Who gives strength in times of weakness, not to the believer who is made strong to overcome.  Paul will come to see the church, if God will allow.  He ends his letter by reminding them of God's great love and grace towards them all.

1 Corinthians 12 - 14

Paul reminds the church in Corinth that they are a unified body, with skills and abilities that complement one another. Not all will have the same function, and not all will have the same amount of ability, but all are important to the proper functioning of their church.  The overriding principle is the exercise of love.  Regardless of the specific ability or gift they may have, it is to be used in love for the good and benefit of others in the body.  Those who speak on behalf of God must do so in a way that can be clearly understood and with the expected result of growth and maturity.  The gift of speaking on God's behalf is not for self-benefit, but for the maturity, encouragement and spiritual benefit of others.  The entire structure of the church's gatherings are to focus on this one point:  the instruction and encouragement of one another in light of what God has done and Who God is.