April gives us lots of rain showers (oh, wait…that’s pretty much the case every month in Oregon).

April gives us the season opener for baseball.

And April gives us Tax Day.

Taxes. Taxes. Taxes.

In Mark 12, some Pharisees and Herodians asked Jesus a huge question: ”Should we pay taxes to Caesar or shouldn’t we?”

Jesus’ response in verse 17 was masterful: “Give to Caesar what belongs to him and give to God what belongs to him.”

The next thing the Bible says is: “And they were amazed at him.”

Unfortunately, it doesn’t tell us whether or not they were obedient to his words.

Perhaps it doesn’t explicitly say so because it leaves room to insert OURSELVES into the story. Are we giving what we should to the government (our taxes) AND giving to God what already belongs to him (our tithes)?

The coin that the Pharisees showed to Jesus had a picture of Caesar on it. His portrait and inscription denoted ownership – the money was his. Jesus said: ”Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar.” He is the owner and we are the steward.

In a larger sense, God is the owner of ALL we have. He releases it ALL to us so that we can steward it properly, and he only asks that we return to him 10% of it. That’s a pretty good deal.

“Give to God what is God’s.”  (that’s 100% of it, in case you’ve forgotten). But all he wants is 10%. Again…that’s a pretty good deal.

You may ask: ”Why does God want 10% of my money?”  

He doesn’t.  

He wants 100% of our heart.

In Mark 10 there is a character that we don’t have a name for…only three descriptions…

Rich.

Young.

Ruler. 

These descriptions are not all found in one place, however.  All the Gospels call him Rich, but only Matthew 19:20 denotes that he is Young. And, only in Luke 18:18 do we discover that he is a Ruler.

Rich. He had affluence.

Young. He had achievement.

Ruler. He had authority.

I want to make some comments about the first descriptor only: RICH.  To be an officer in the synagogue meant that this young man was required to have considerable wealth. He had affluence and position, but was wondering if it’s enough for eternal life.

Are riches the ultimate goal of happiness and spiritual contentment?

I remember a young guy named Nick saying, “When I got out of school I made a list of everything I thought I would need to be happy. Now it’s fifteen years later and I have everything on my list, but I’m still not happy. I just realized I made up the wrong list.”

When Jesus told the man to give everything he had to the poor, he knew it would be going right to the heart of the matter. That’s why Jesus said it is ”easier for a camel to go through the eye of the needle than a rich man to get into heaven.”

Jesus was using a well-known example. You see, at night, there was one gate open into the city of Jerusalem. The locals called it “the eye of the needle.” It was very small so that it could be easily guarded against attackers. A person simply couldn’t get through it with a fully-loaded camel, so he would have to leave the possessions outside the gate in order to get through.

Interesting, huh?

People of that day were taught that riches were the ultimate mark of blessing from God. Too many within the modern church still believe this. The “prosperity gospel” is alive and kicking.  Unfortunately, it’s not WHAT YOU HAVE that gets you into heaven or denotes God’s ultimate blessing.  I believe Jesus was expressing quite the contrary:  what are you willing to GIVE UP?  He pressed the young guy to sell it all, give the proceeds to the poor and follow him.

That’s tough stuff. Jesus knew how to get to the heart of the matter with our rich young ruler.

Will you allow Jesus to get to the heart of the matter with YOU?  What are you willing to give up?  Does your life feel like a “fully-loaded camel” that needs to be unpacked?  Have you made up the wrong list regarding happiness?

“Don’t you remember?”

Muse on this question.

“Don’t you remember?”

This is the question that Jesus asked his disciples in Mark 8. It came on the heels of two HUGE food distribution efforts. One was for a group of 5000 men (see Mark 6) and the next was for a smaller group of 4000 men.  By most estimations the groups were 2-3 times larger than reported due to the inclusion of women and children.

In both cases Jesus proved himself to be a miracle-worker. His batting average is perfect. Of course, isn’t that what you would expect from the Son of God?!?

After feeding thousands (and healing a possessed girl, a deaf/mute man, and oh yah…walking on WATER), Jesus and his disciples retreated to a boat ride on the lake. Shortly after disembarking, the disciples realized they had brought only one loaf of bread with them for the journey. This was clearly not enough for a day on the water.

What would they do? Where will they go? Who gets to eat? Who goes hungry?

Questions. Questions. Questions.

Then there was one from Jesus “Don’t you remember?”

He didn’t stop there:  Don’t you get it? Is your heart hardened? Can’t you see or hear? Don’t you remember when I feed five thousand and we had a bunch of left-overs? Don’t you recall when I fed four thousand and we had basketfuls of pieces to pick up?

“Don’t you remember?”

I need to confess that I have a short-term memory. Do you? Are you like me and so easily forget the past blessings of the Lord when current challenges present themselves?  It’s so common for us to watch the Lord move in powerful ways one moment then fail to trust him the next.

• 5000:  Fed and happy.

• 4000:  Full with left-overs.

• Boat full of disciples with one loaf of bread between them: Help! We’re gonna die!! All hope is lost!!!

Jesus must shake his head at the obvious display of unbelief and distrust…both then and now. Has God taken care of you in the past and yet you wonder if he will continue to moving forward? Have you given of your tithes and offerings watching how he “opens the floodgates of blessings” and yet fear grips you this month with your limited funds? Did you thank God for the food on your table last night but aren’t sure if he’ll sustain you tomorrow and the next?

“Don’t you remember?”

I believe that the power of anticipation is fueled by the practice of reflection. When you remember what God DID it builds a sense of excitement for he will DO!

Have you ever been challenged by the Lord to do something that you knew would stretch you? How about times when you really had to lean into Jesus for strength and wisdom because you were outside of your pay grade?

These kinds of situations happen to me often. Ever since I was young I have found myself way out of my depth. Youth pastoring at 18 years old. Married at 19. Baby at 20. Senior pastoring at 27. I’ve often joked with Denise that I’d probably end up having my mid-life crisis…early!

In Mark chapter 6 in the New Testament of the Bible, we discover the disciples of Jesus in over their heads. In the first half of this chapter Jesus sent 12 of them out to ministry in the villages. This was one of the first times they were without a leash. This is exciting and scary at the same time. Verse 12 tells us that they had pretty good success: they preached and people repented, demons were driven out and sick people were healed. Not a bad start.

Then Jesus kicked it up a notch (cause that’s what Jesus does).

In Mark 6:30-44 is the familiar story of the Feeding of the 5000. Most commentators agree that the crowd was actually more like 11,000-13,000 people due to the inclusion of women and children. Quite a crowd…and all hungry. The text tells us that they were in a remote area listening to Jesus’ teaching and it was getting late…too late to all go home. They were hungry and there was simply no place to grab a bite. It’s not like they could all hit a nearby Taco Bell for Fourth Meal!

The disciples encouraged Jesus to send the people away to nearby villages to get food.

His answer was no.

Then he dropped it like it was hot: ”You give them something to eat.”

You do it. Go ahead. Make it happen.

Excuses and questions began to fly. How? Where? What? Hello? Excuse Me? Jesus, are you crazy?

The Messiah asked them to give of what they had. Together they only had five loaves of bread and two fish. Not a lot…and yet, interestingly, enough. Because when Jesus blesses what we give him, he makes it enough.

Throughout the Book of Mark I have been noticing passage after passage that deals with issues of stewardship, giving and generosity. This is yet another. Jesus wants us to give what we have, even though it is little, and then allow him to bless it, break it and disperse it for his Kingdom use. Perhaps you don’t have much in terms of finances. That’s fine, but be generous with what you do have and watch Jesus do what only he can do: bless and multiply it!

Like the disciples, it’s good when we get into situations where we are over our head and needing to trust the Lord rather than our own understanding. It’s in times like these when we are called upon by the Lord to “Give them something to eat.” What will you do? Will you make excuses about what you don’t have or will you be obedient to give what you do have?

Together, I believe, we will discover the miracle of multiplication!

I love these topics.

Most pastors, however, shy away from talking about these important aspects of following Jesus for fear of offending or being labeled as a money grabber. The majority of The Church has been painted with a wide brush because of the imbalanced and improper teaching of a minority. As a result, Christian leaders fail to consistently teach and preach on tithing, stewardship and generosity.

This hasn’t helped the American Church much. The Bible says TOO MUCH to be overlooked. Such is the case with the Book of Mark. I noticed a number of passages that directly or indirectly address our possessions. In my last blog I wrote about chapter 2. This week I want to hopscotch over to chapter 4. The focus of most of this chapter is about seeds and sowing. Jesus told three parables about seeds: one about the farmer sowing seed on various soil conditions, another about the Kingdom begin like a seed that sprouted and grew, and a final one about a mustard seed and became the largest of all plants. Each of these Jesus Stories were about seeds.

Seeds. So small…but oh so much potential.

In Mark 4:8 “the seed fell on good soil…came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times.” In Mark 4:27 “the seed sprouts and grows…first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.” In Mark 4:31 “the smallest seed you plant in the ground, when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants.”

So small…but oh so much potential.

The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 9, expounds upon the concepts of seeds and sowing and connects it to an encouragement for generosity.

Check this out: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”

I encourage you to muse on this passage of Scripture this week and ask the Lord this simple question: “Lord, how should I respond to your Word?”

is so powerful.

It is so applicable to our lives.

It is so…well…alive.

Hebrews 4:12 instructs that “the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

It penetrates soul and spirit.

It judges thoughts and attitudes.

Of course, it can only do that which we allow it to. The Word of God is not gonna jump up off the coffee table and into our souls. It’s not gonna speak to our hearts if we are not willing to listen. We need to give it permission, preference and position in our lives. Never has this been more of an issue than with our material possessions. It seems as if we (myself included) let the Lord have access to many aspects of our lives, but not our money. I’m reminded of the cartoon in which a man was being baptized in water. Every part of his body was brought below the waterline…except his wallet!

As I’ve been reading the Book of Mark in my daily devotions, I have noticed a number of times the Gospel directly or indirectly deals with the topic of our resources. I first recognized it in chapter 12 regarding the story of the Widow’s Offering, but then I went back and saw that every other chapter in Mark tackled the topic of our possessions (chapters 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16). Over the next few weeks I want to unpack these findings.

Let’s begin with chapter 2 with Levi the Tax Collector.

Jesus began teaching along the shore of the Sea of Galilee because it was a popular place for people to hang out. Therefore it made perfect sense that Jesus would utilize its backdrop as an outdoor pulpit. It also made sense that Levi would set up a tax collecting booth. Whether you’re a preacher or a tax collector, you want to be where the crowds are!

It was here that Jesus the Messiah connected with Levi the Money Man. Mark 2:14 records that Jesus said, “Follow Me.” In response, Levi got up and simply followed him. He left his booth, perhaps his revenue as well. This was more than a passing decision, it was a new way of living. The Money Man became the Messiah Follower. Wow. What obedience and surrender!

I contend that it’s easy to follow Jesus when little is demanded of us. It means next to nothing for us to “get up and follow him” when we are leaving next to nothing. But what about when it involves the possessions that we have worked so hard for?

I believe that when Jesus says “follow me” he is referring to the entirety of our lives, including our money. He wants us to loosen the grip that our hands have upon our money so that our hearts may do the same. The Bible says, “where your heart is there your treasure will be also.” In other words, what our HANDS hold tightly to so will our HEARTS.

In the Old Testament, the Tribe of Levites (named after Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob), were the main caretakers of the temple. They were the lead worshippers. Fast forward to Levi the Tax Collector in Mark 2 and ask yourself these questions:

Are you worshipping God with your money?

Are you taking care of the temple of the Lord?

Are you following Jesus in every areas of your life, including that of your possessions?

If not, then allow the Word of God to penetrate your soul and spirit and judge your thoughts and attitudes.

Each message and memory posted has been special, but there was one that really captured the essence of my Mom. If you knew her then you’d probably agree with this list. If you didn’t then it’s a great glimpse of a great gal. The following was on Mom’s Facebook page from a wonderful woman named Molly Holknecht, who is a leader at Stanwood Foursquare Church.

Here it is:

• Everyone needs Jesus

• Pie and prayer restore body and soul

• When you see a need, find someone to meet that need

• Meatloaf can be edible

• It’s OK to come to worship with pink hair and a leather jacket

• When in doubt, call everyone “Honey”

• Expect the unexpected, then watch God work

• Hugs are always appropriate

• Love never fails

• Buy yourself a red, Mustang convertible for your birthday

• If you have leftovers and a package of noodles, you have dinner

• The garage is the perfect place to butcher a deer

• We were created in a garden, so plant, grow, harvest and eat

• The Good Samaritan is not a myth or theory, but something to be lived out

I saw two similarly dressed young men walking on my street while I was washing dishes (yes, my wife is away this week but that’s besides the point…I DO wash dishes!). Immediately my defenses rose up and I gave thought to hiding and ignoring the knock on the door. I even told my kids to not answer it (don’t judge me…we’ve all done it before). Minutes passed with no knock. I thought I dodged a bullet.

Then two figures darted in fronts of my kitchen window, bounding towards my front door.  They saw me! Uggg. Knock. Knock. I know who’s there.

Rather than ignoring it though, I opened the door and greeted them kindly. We talked about the erratic weather and then they introduced themselves as Elders So-and-So. If they are the “elders” then I don’t feel so weird being called “Senior” Pastor.

Before they could launch into their presentation, I invited them in for lunch (I was just making a sandwich). They had already eaten and declined. I then asked them if they were a part of the “Ward on Eola Drive” Yes, indeed they were. I went on to describe that my church is right across the street from that Ward and that I am the pastor. I love what transpired next.

They said: “You are the pastor of the Foursquare church?”

“We know that church. Wait, you’re the pastor?”

Yes.

“We hear that’s a fun church.” the young man said.

I replied: “Yes, it is. We kick it up.”

“That’s what we hear. There must be a lot of people that go there because so many folks we talk to on our walks say they attend that church.” said the other young man.

“Well, yah, lots of folks come to West Salem Foursquare and we do have fun together.” I replied.

Our conversation wrapped up with them asking if there was anything they could do for me. I should have mentioned that my wife is out of town visiting family, and that the laundry was piling up something fierce, but I didn’t.

I thanked them. Smiled, and then sent them on their way to knock on the doors of other West Salem Foursquare folks (ok, that’s wishful thinking…but we do want to reach our entire city, right?!?).

If they should knock on your door, keep these few things in mind:

• They are people loved by God.

• They want to serve and be helpful.

• They are on a mission to communicate a particular message. I believe that message is contrary to the whole of the Bible. But, they are not the devil so don’t treat them as such. Show love. Invite them in for a sandwich if you are comfortable and strong enough spiritually to have tough theological conversations.

• They are trained to refute, debate, and argue specific points and you and I may feel like we’re ill-equipped to do that without getting buried. If you’re new to Jesus, I don’t recommend getting into those discussions – you’ll probably loose or feel stupid.

• If you say “I’m a Christian” then they are told to say, “Us too” and attached themselves to a number of key tenants of our Christian faith. That’s all fine and dandy, but there are simply too many aspects that don’t line up with Judeo-Christian beliefs to say “We’re the same.”

• Be kind. They will know we are Christians by our love, not by the way we snarl and slam the door on them. I have to bet they get a bunch of them on any given day. Don’t be that person.

• Lastly, I love how they defined our church as “fun.” That made me smile. Grace should look and feel like that.

It made me chuckle.

He then asked me what my “e-lec-tronic thing” was. I explained that it was an iPad made by Apple. I think he was impressed…or, frankly, couldn’t have cared less. Not sure.

Then came the moment to settle in with a movie and my drink (no, not the beer…I’m a Ginger Ale man on flights). What followed was my universally understood (so I thought) indicator that I was not “open for business”; that I wanted to sit quietly and privately (as private as one can be in a cattle car)!

That indicator was the insertion of my earbuds.

I tried to drown out the engines roar and various conversations around me with my headphones. I wasn’t up for chit-chat, but my seat-mate didn’t get that memo. He would periodically ask me a question or make a general comment. I could have ignored him, but I chose not to. He was too nice of a guy. So I would pull out the earbuds, ask him to repeat himself, and then we would chat for a bit.

Rinse and Repeat. This went on for a few rounds until he wore himself out and fell asleep.

I was glad to see him dose off, until…

…he extended his right leg fully over the invisible barrier of my foot space.  I thought, “Hmmm, yep, that’s his blue jean covered leg touching mine; pressing me right out into the isle. I’m gonna loose a toe from a passing cart.”

I gave the leg a slight nudge with my knee but it didn’t budge. He was tired and so friendly, so I let it slide for the remainder of the flight. It wasn’t until we had landed that the leg wiggled it’s way back into its own territory with a stretch, a yawn, and a “Good flight, huh?”

Yep. Good indeed. 

As I reflect now, God was lovingly reminding me to be open to interruptions and encroachments upon my time and personal space. Ministry often happens in these simple moments. Joy is to be discovered in the mundane. Life is waiting to be exchanged in common and generic situations.

“Good flight, huh?” Yes, it was.

I learned to be more patient somewhere over Boise, Idaho, and by the time the wheels skidded into Kalispell, I wished I had been even more open and available to my flying partner.

Pretty sure I would have been the better man for it.