You Got to Have a Zacchaeus

So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

 ⁵ When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” ⁶ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.  Luke 9:4-6

In the book " The 11 Most Indispensable Relationships You Can't Be Without" Leonard Sweet felt that of all of the variety of people one needs....one of them needs to be a Zacchaeus.  Someone that is socially akward, someone up a tree, someone that isn't in the in crowd.  Listen as he paints this picture of a Zacchaeus.   " Some people are drawn to thoroughbreds.  Others are drawn to mongrels.  But almost nobody is drawn to misbehaving weirdos gifted in oddness.  Except Jesus, who expects us to do as he did." pg 146

So in your facebook community or real community who's the Zacchaeus?  You know the one who is really up a tree: socially, economically, mentally or emotionally? The truth is....we all are or can be up a tree during a variety of segments of our lives about one thing or another...and this person helps us to keep a good relationship with even our own weirdnesses.  So during this chapter and during your life here's what it's important we all remember as we live, work, and play:  

1.  Zacchaeus are up a tree (or maybe even hiding under a rock). 

2.  They are one of a kind. - there's value you in not being a cookie cutter. 

3. They are out there....meaning...outer space sometimes (radical which remember...Jesus & His followers were branded as radicals)....and who else would get you to explore it, if not them.  Chances are they don't go to your church or even A church.      

4. Be aware that a Zacchaeus is in trouble.   SERIOUSLY...he or she's the one...people are saying "I don't think you should be hanging with, or talking to......"  If you hear this...you got the right one.  Just think had Jesus followed the publics opinion....the disciples wouldn't have been disciples.

5.  Zacchaeus's tend to be inefficient, but don't be deceived they are worth your time...remember Christ was on His way somewhere...but made time to have an intimate evening with Zacchaeus, and evening which was transformational.  When was the last time you spent time with your Zacchaeus...or invited one over for dinner?

No  matter who you are....we need to be following Christ's example of relationship building.  He didn't discriminate or exclude folks because of what OTHER people said....but rather engaged in conversation and or life with least favorable folks. 

Look around your neighborhood, work group, or even church community...surely there's someone you could stand to get to know better, and the goal is only that....NOT TO CONVERT THEM TO BE ANOTHER YOU, for heavens NO!!!!  But to solely get to know them, so that you could value what GOD there creator values about them.  I think that's a challenge...to you......Have them over for dinner......LGLP

Withness 7: You Need a (Deborah) Back Coverer

Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, judged Israel at that time......And she sent and called Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, Has not the Lord, the God of Israel, commanded [you], Go, gather your men at Mount Tabor, taking 10,000 men from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun?

    ⁷And I will draw out Sisera, the general of Jabin's army, to meet you at the river Kishon with his chariots and his multitude, and I will deliver him into your hand?
    ⁸And Barak said to her, If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go.
    ⁹And she said, I will surely go with you; nevertheless, the trip you take will not be for your glory, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh. (Judges 4:4, 6-10)

In the book " The 11....." by Leonard Sweet he talks about the importance of having someone to cover you back, and Deborah like individual.  He says if you gonna need a guide, you will as well need a guardian like Deborah because it's a guarantee you will get it in the back.  Listen to how he puts this: 

The worlds is filled with people  who like nothing better than to kill- your reputation, your spirit and your mission.........  If your life is on mission for good & God, you'll be the first one fired by enemies and by friends.  It doesn't matter how good  you are; you're going to get criticism, and usually it comes via the back door.   And it's going to be more than back-biting.  It's going to be back stabbing, or worse.  If you recall, it was the religious establishment that gold Jesus His healing was a work of the Devil............The ultimate betrayal is when the back-guard becomes the back-stabber.  Look around you at the your circle of closest friends.  You can be certain of one thing: One of them will betray you.   You say, " No, certainly not! Not my friends." I say, " Are you better than Jesus?"

The truth is, Sweet doesn't say that we need a back-stabber....but the reality is you don't have to hire or recruit for one...they will willingly volunteer for the job.  But what is true you need, you want, we should all desire that someone is willing to keep watch over us while we yet sleep or even work for the greater good.    Jesus was not only stabbed in the back once...but twice by individuals who were in His inner circle.  Everyone is quick to remember old Judas...but what about Peter...and denying him three times?   The difference is that Peter repented and instead of ending his life, decide to really give it to the cause of Christ.   What was AMAZING was that CHRIST actually washed both of their fetes, knowing what both of them would do futuristically.    For my readers today.....take note of Jesus heart even towards the back-stabbers.....He still humbly served them.  So while I pray that each of you have guardian angels on Earth that desire to make sure you fulfill GOD's appointed mission....I pray even more that you love your enemies....or back-stabbers as Christ loved His.  REALLY LGLP!

Who's Your Yoda (Peter/Paul)?

By far, to me, one of the most interesting chapters of " The 11.............." by Leonard Sweet is the chapter titled " Withness 6: Who's Your Peter/Paul?  You Need A Yoda" not because I am a Star Wars junkie at heart, but because if we are honest: " each one of us needs a Yoda- a mentor, a guru, a coach, a spiritual teacher/director --if we are to complete successfully the missions to which God is summoning us........Each one of us needs someone to look up to, a wiser, (usually) older, God-energized guide who can help us find our way through this new and unfamiliar landscape landscape that is not for the faint hearts or weak stomachs." pg 115

And he appointed twelve (whom he also names apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast our demons.  Mark 3:14-15

Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. Acts 16:3

The disciples had Jesus.   Timothy had Paul.  Luke had Yoda.  Neo had Morpheus......but what about you?  Who's voice is it that helps you make the tough decisions, and forces you to pause before making the ones that appear to be no brainers that helps you to listen to what it is or maybe the Spirit is calling you to?  Mine...has been a host of people, from Mark Mueller (a dear brother in the faith), my stepfather Alvin Center, to my old constant brother Dr. Richard Exley, to a few great men and women of the faith that have Pastored me over the years.   Without these individuals....I am certain that I wouldn't be where I am today, nor would I be the person I am becoming.   What about you?  Who's your Paul/Peter/Yoda...who's on your back...in a good way that's talking you through the major decisions of your life?  If you don't have someone......(JESUS is a great first choice....but until you can truly say you know HIS voice) you might be benefited by someone who already does know HIS voice, and listens to HIM regularly, that loves you...and wants to see you be/do your best.  If you already have that person who's "showing your the ropes" bless them today with a email of appreciation or even a shout out....LGLP

Who's Your Barnabas.....Your Encourager?

In the book " The 11 Most Indispensable Relationship That You Can't Be Without" Leonard Sweet mentions the importance of having an encourager in your band of brothers/sisters.  Someone who believes in you, and desires to see your candle stay lit.  Listen to how he paints a picture of the need of such a person when your day or days get dark... 

 " What curls you into fetal position?  Death of a loved one?  Depression? Fear of the unknown?  Collapse of a relationship?  Dreaded diagnosis?  Sickness?   When I'm sick, here's my routine: go home, shut the door, close the blinds, and crawl in bed.  And go into fetal position.  I unconsciously want to re-create the conditions of the womb: darkness (hence the closed curtains or blinds), warmth (hence the hot water bottles, and warm blankets), quiet (turn off loud noises -only simple soothing rhythms), cramped quarters (tuck in the bedsheets or comforter).  I want to recreate that time in my life when I felt most secure and taken care of the womb.  

No one can keep you from going into that fetal position...but they can encouraged you to uncurl........ pg 103"

²⁶ When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. ²⁷ But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. Acts 9:26-27

See it was the Barnabas in scripture that spoke up for Saul (newly converted Paul) when the other disciples were afraid of him.  It was the Barnabas in Sam that spoke into the life of Frodo Baggins when the days got dark or the road ahead was tough.....that encouraged him to continue.  Who's that person for you; that will not allow the worst day for you, to get any worst?   That when everyone else has given up on you....they still believe in you?  " Someone who, when life takes your breath away and you hold it in, will slap your back and inspire you with the enlivening Spirit who makes you want to breathe again; ......"

As certain as I am you need a Barnabas (and it's important you identify who HE or SHE is) you also need to be a Barnabas for someone.  Here's your challenge today follow these scriptures:  But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness (Heb. 13:3) and 2Cor. 13:11  Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.  LGLP

Who's Your Timothy?

Continuing our study of the book " The 11........" by Leonard Sweet, in the chapter " Withness 4:  Who's Your Timothy?"  he talks about the importance of discipling and that " If the church members have a responsibility to replicate themselves in the form of a new converts, how much more should church leaders replicate themselves in the form of new ministerial candidates?.............Cloning isn't present in the Bible either.  Joshua is not a Moses clone.  Timothy was not a Paul Clone."

The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent. Exodus 33:11

¹⁶ “May the LORD, the God who gives breath to all living things, appoint someone over this community ¹⁷ to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the LORD’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”
 ¹⁸ So the LORD said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit of leadership,^[a] and lay your hand on him. Numbers 27:16-18

So just as Paul was careful to start his letters off regarding his young apprentice Timothy, you see where Moses was intentional about including Joshua (one of the 12 spies, and only one of 2 that brought back a positive report) to accompany him even when it came to meeting with God, and how he (mentioned in Exodus 33:11) opted to stay in the tent of meeting, in the presence of God.  So who's the younger individual that you are pouring yourself into; that you are discipling?  That when people see you....that person isn't far behind?  That you are passing the baton off to?

The truth is I believe we were all a Timothy once....think about who wasn't that mentored or discipled you?  Now, the expectancy is that you should be doing it for someone else.  Sweet is onto something, because the risk is, if you aren't discipling or mentoring someone, you end up with the book of Judges, where there is no leader (because Joshua discipled no one), and people are doing what they want to do.   Your goal in life she be pretty clear based on scripture...." Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  No need to provide you with any other challenge than this because it (your life) should be about further His Kingdom, not your agenda, for His Glory!  LGLP

Who's Your Jethro a.k.a. - Your Butt Kicker:

Now when many of you read that title you are probably think of maybe your modern day Jillian, Bob, Dovan from biggest loser, someone to get into your head and get you motivated to do the things to actually save your life.  Well that works....see Moses was killing himself trying to do it all, and called for help...and enters Jethro, his father in law.  In the book "The 11......" Leonard Sweet states in the chapter "Withness 3 Who's your Jethro? You need a Butt-Kicker"

"You grow up and don't have parents to kick you out of bed.  But you still need someone to kick you around when you're intellectually/morally/spiritually lazy, dumb and fat:"

Jethro’s Wise Advice

¹³ The next day, Moses took his seat to hear the people’s disputes against each other. They waited before him from morning till evening.

¹⁴ When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What are you really accomplishing here? Why are you trying to do all this alone while everyone stands around you from morning till evening?”
¹⁵ Moses replied, “Because the people come to me to get a ruling from God. ¹⁶ When a dispute arises, they come to me, and I am the one who settles the case between the quarreling parties. I inform the people of God’s decrees and give them his instructions.”
¹⁷ “This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. ¹⁸ “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. ¹⁹ Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you.

See Jethro wasn't Jewish, and if you really scale this back you notice that Moses and the Israelites were IN THE WILDERNESS wandering around, and Jethro came from his home with Moses wife and kids.  HELLO - Moses's butt kicker wasn't in his religious community, nor was he wrapped up in their wandering.....BUT HE APPARENTLY HAD A RELATIONSHIP with GOD (he was a priest) to come and give Him Godly advice that would save him from an early heart attack.   Your Jethro maybe of a different denomination, they may not be, but what you have to be open to realizing is that YOU NEED THIS PERSON, often times we are so busy trying to be grown....we don't give somebody the authority of a NATHAN to correct us, or a JETHRO to tell us that we are DOING TOO MUCH, and or WE ARE DOING IT ALL WRONG!  See it's when you've done all that you can do, when you education and life experiences have been exhausted that this person is really really important because they offer a fresh GODLY perspective that can help get you over your wall.

CHALLENGE:  Identify your JETHRO or who are you a JETHRO to?  Listen to them...and if you don't have one....become open to the idea of the need for one, and just maybe he/she has been waiting for you to open up to allow them to bless you.   LGLP

"You Got A Friend In ........" Do You Really?

 As we continue in the book " The 11......" the next Withness Leonard Sweet suggests you need is A Jonathan, not just a best friend but a true friend.  He stated:  But most of all, a Jonathan sacrifices himself for  you, even knowing as the original Jonathan knew, that the more your song rises, they more his or her own song fades into the background.  A Jonathan is willing to lead a life of decreasing significance, or as John the Baptist  put it so eloquently about his younger cousin Jesus, " He must become greater; I must become less."

1 Samuel 18:2-4(NLT)

² From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn’t let him return home. ³ And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. ⁴ Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt.

 

Who's that guy or that girl for you?  That is like your second self?  You know they could order for you in a restaraunt?  That as they live alongside you they are singing the song...." If we stick together  we can see it through, Cause you got a friend in me." - Randy Newman, Toy Story  Jonathan was so committed to David's success that he defied his own father.   He equipped DAvid with his royal robe, armor, and weapons.......  Friendships play out in pop-culture...Frodo had Sam, Harry Potter had Ron, Laverne had Shirley, Batman had Robin.....Friendships are importan and according to scripture ONLY HE WHO SHOWS HIMSELF/HERSELF FRIENDLY are the ones that have friends....which ultimately means:

1.  You have to be willing to love someone else more than yourself.

2.  Be willing to lay your life down for that individual's life/success.

3.  You have to be willing to be honest (transparent).

 

 

Jesus is our best (truest) friend, and He has demonstrated the top 3 aforementioned things, begin first coming to the reality that He truly is OUR BEST FRIEND, and prayerfully you will warm up to the importance of as believers.....that we must befriend even sinners, in order to reach them for the Kingdom.  LGLP