Dr. Terry Threadwell's Blog

Later when Jesus was eating supper at Matthew’s house with his close followers, a lot of disreputable characters came and joined them. When the Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of company, they had a fit, and lit into Jesus’ followers. “What kind of example is this from your Teacher, acting cozy with crooks and riffraff?” Jesus, overhearing, shot back, “Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? Go figure out what this Scripture means: ‘I’m after mercy, not religion.’ I’m here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders.” A little later John’s followers approached, asking, “Why is it that we and the Pharisees rigorously discipline body and spirit by fasting, but your followers don’t?” Jesus told them, “When you’re celebrating a wedding, you don’t skimp on the cake and wine. You feast. Later you may need to pull in your belt, but not now. No one throws cold water on a friendly bonfire. This is Kingdom Come!” He went on, “No one cuts up a fine silk scarf to patch old work clothes; you want fabrics that match. And you don’t put your wine in cracked bottles.” (Matt 9:10-17, MSG)

Lent is a good time to refocus on what it means to be a Christian.  Even though John the Baptist was something of a trailblazer, preparing the way for the Lord, his disciples seem to have fallen into the well-trodden ways of the Pharisees.  Isaiah 58 the people were asking the same question, “Why have we fasted,’ they say,` and You have not seen? Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?’ (Isa 58:3 NKJ) The way of the Pharisee was religious, self-righteous, a works mentality, judgmental and condemning. This kind of sickness was so prevalent in the religious system that those it affected did see their own need for healing.

The tax collectors, prostitutes, and the nobodies had nothing to lose and quickly recognized Jesus as a life changer. They flocked to where he was because he met them where they were. Didn’t stand there laying down the law, he sat down and broke bread.

I want to be a Jesus kind of Christian, how about you? Paul tells us to, “Take off the old human nature with its practices and put on the new nature, which is renewed in knowledge by conforming to the image of the one who created it. In this image, there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all things and in all people. (Col 3:9-11 CEB)

Once when Jesus was praying by himself, the disciples joined him, and he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They answered, “John the Baptist, others Elijah, and still others that one of the ancient prophets has come back to life.” He asked them, “And what about you? Who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Christ sent from God.” Jesus gave them strict orders not to tell this to anyone. He said, “The Human One must suffer many things and be rejected–by the elders, chief priests, and the legal experts–and be killed and be raised on the third day.” Jesus said to everyone, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me. All who want to save their lives will lose them. But all who lose their lives because of me will save them. What advantage do people have if they gain the whole world for themselves yet perish or lose their lives? (Luk 9:18-25 CEB)

When Jesus was doing all the miracles he drew quite a crowd, thousands even. However, as the passion grew ever closer, the numbers dwindled. In fact, around the cross, there were only a handful of close disciples and family members.  Thousands were there, but they were screaming for his crucifixion, one of the most horrific forms of punishment, so horrendous, it was not mentioned in polite society. And yet, that was the invitation given by Jesus. Deny yourself and follow me to the cross.

For many Christians, dying for their faith was an everyday reality. Polycarp, the 2nd-century Christian bishop of Smyrna was martyred for his faith. Bound and burned at the stake, then stabbed when the fire failed to touch him. His prayer was not for his rescue from death but that he might be counted worthy to suffer for the gospel sake.

Resurrection is coming, but we have to go to the cross first. This Lent season,  dying to self,  means giving up more than Facebook or chocolate, it calls us to daily leave something of ourselves behind so that it becomes all about Jesus.  Death to self that I might live.

A green Shoot will sprout from Jesse’s stump, from his roots a budding Branch. The life-giving Spirit of God will hover over him, the Spirit that brings wisdom and understanding, the Spirit that gives direction and builds strength, the Spirit that instills knowledge and Fear-of-God. Fear-of-God will be all his joy and delight. He won’t judge by appearances, won’t decide on the basis of hearsay. He’ll judge the needy by what is right, render decisions on earth’s poor with justice. His words will bring everyone to awed attention. A mere breath from his lips will topple the wicked. Each morning he’ll pull on sturdy work clothes and boots, and build righteousness and faithfulness in the land. (Isa 11:1-5. MSG)

Lent is a season of fasting and penitence in preparation for Easter, remembering that Easter is not just a reflection on the death of Christ but his resurrection. 

The book of Hebrews, speaking of Abraham, tells us, “By faith, Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” (Heb 11:8-10 NKJ) That city, along with the Kingdom of God had been the expectation and dream of generations. Years of idolatry, disobedience, and rebellion against God had led to the prospect of exile.  The dream was a vague memory, that is until Isaiah once again brings the hope of a peaceable kingdom. Tree cut down and yet out of the stump hope comes forth. As we start on this journey of Lent, let us put aside the noise and distractions and look beyond to the hope that lies ahead.

In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the articles of the house of God, which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the articles into the treasure house of his god. (Dan 1:1-2. NKJ)

The fifth century Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Judah and took the king Jehoiakim captive.  In the books of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, the name is Nebuchadrezzer.  One translation means ‘Nabor protects the elder son,’ the other translation means Nabor protects the mule. Thought to be a word play by opposition groups in Babylon.

The articles were taken from God’s house and taken to the ‘house of his god.’  Several of the kings of Israel had offered these treasures as a tribute or boasted in what they had.  King Hezekiah was one such person, boasting to Isaiah that they were ‘his treasurers. The fact was—these vessels belong to God. 

At that time Berodach-Baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that Hezekiah had been sick. And Hezekiah was attentive to them and showed them all the house of his treasures– the silver and gold, the spices and precious ointment, and all his armory– all that was found among his treasures. There was nothing in his house or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them.  Then Isaiah the prophet went to King Hezekiah, and said to him, “What did these men say, and from where did they come to you?” So Hezekiah said, “They came from a far country, from Babylon.” And he said, “What have they seen in your house?” So Hezekiah answered, “They have seen all that is in my house; there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shown them.”  (2Ki 20:12-17 NKJ)

Later, Nebuchadnezzar’s grandson Belshazzar thought he would take the sacred and make them secular, the vessels of honor for dishonorable use, he soon saw the writing on the wall.

Today we have allowed the world to treat the sacred with disrespect and brought the secular into the sacred space.  Interpreting this as a blessing, only a few are seeing the writing on the wall.

So does a wall exclude or contain? The wall could be a physical wall of brick, stone or metal, keeping certain people out such as the Mexican drug cartels. It could also be judicial, or philosophical wall excluding those that have a particular ideologies or religion, refugees from Syria and Muslims from certain countries.

Perhaps there is a third option, walls built with fear, mistrust, bigotry, and hypocrisy.  We start early by telling the children the revisionist history of this great nation, and how it was based on Judeo-Christian values.  In reality, it is hard to prove that any of the founders had any such moral beliefs and that they saw religion from the eyes of Plato and Marx, a kind of pacifier for the masses. Along with this we repeat and continue to repeat a framing story that reinforces the belief that inside the wall is safety and outside are dangerous.  Inside we have the best education, healthcare, housing, etc. Even the World news remains within the wall unless it is to report a military exercise in protecting our freedom or a political visitation to offer leadership to those living on the outside.

Critical thinking is discouraged, activism and protest are shunned, only believe. The wall that surrounds us even keeps God outside.  We occasionally get a glimpse of the divine, but in general, those churches that thrive are made in the image of the corporate entities they serve with a message of prosperity, feel-good motivation, and a militarized Jesus. He is coming soon with his AR-15.

Those who get a glimpse outside the wall and attempt to spread the message of true freedom are ostracized and if they cannot be contained, will be excluded.

“Build that wall, build that wall” cried the people as they rallied behind their leader. But I say, “forgive them, Lord, for they know not what they are saying.”

And He (Jesus) Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, (Eph 4:11-12 NKJ)

Where are the prophets, and I don’t mean those people that are as flaky as all get out and want to bring a meaningless message or want to exercise control over another person or people?  The problem is, I believe that Pentecostalism, in general, has adopted as the norm, a celebratory, victoriolic, and triumphal genre of ministry.  It would seem that we have no time to share in a persons, pain, suffering or abuse.  In fact to declare such problems is seen by some as a lack of faith.

For the past forty years of pastoral ministry, including the thirteen years working for Home Depot, I have found myself burdened by the plight of people around me.  Families that were dysfunctional, with teenagers on drugs or daughters with children and no sign of the father. Working at Home Depot with people that had been abused in life, had abusive partners, had health issues or needed to work extra jobs to make ends meet.  All that and we haven’t even begun to deal with national and international issues of hunger, poverty, war and oppression. I prayed, asking the Lord that I might feel the heart of God. There are times, more often than not, when tears stream down my face. Sobs, groans, and pain as I see and feel what God sees and feels.

I would suggest that the prophetic ministry is two-fold. First, the prophet is the prayer person who laments over what he or she sees and hears. Second, they are the activist who puts actions to their lament.

lament is lost. Not just lost in the Pentecostal church, but it would seem that lament has been lost in most of the Christian denominations. Could this be because we have become so middle class and no longer see ourselves as being in need of deliverance? Such a stance is strange when you consider that the majority of Psalms carry a lament. Lament recognizes the struggles of life and cries out for justice against existing injustices. When we no longer care for the needs of others such as the hungry, poor, homeless, sick or imprisoned, our theology becomes distorted. A lamenting community such as found in the Book of Acts is simply branded as Communist.

One-third of the Psalms contain a lamentation. Psalm 10 is a great example:

Why do You stand afar off, O LORD? Why do You hide in times of trouble?(Address)

(Complaint) The wicked in his pride persecutes the poor; Let them be caught in the plots which they have devised. For the wicked boasts of his heart’s desire; He blesses the greedy and renounces the LORD. The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts. His ways are always prospering; Your judgments are far above, out of his sight; As for all his enemies, he sneers at them. He has said in his heart, “I shall not be moved; I shall never be in adversity.” His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and oppression; Under his tongue is trouble and iniquity. He sits in the lurking places of the villages; In the secret places he murders the innocent; His eyes are secretly fixed on the helpless. He lies in wait secretly, as a lion in his den; He lies in wait to catch the poor; He catches the poor when he draws him into his net. So he crouches, he lies low, That the helpless may fall by his strength. He has said in his heart, “God has forgotten; He hides His face; He will never see.”

(Request) Arise, O LORD! O God, lift up Your hand! Do not forget the humble. Why do the wicked renounce God? He has said in his heart, “You will not require an account.” But You have seen, for You observe trouble and grief, To repay it by Your hand. The helpless commits himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless. Break the arm of the wicked and the evil man; Seek out his wickedness until You find none.

(Expression of trust) The LORD is King forever and ever; The nations have perished out of His land. LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, That the man of the earth may oppress no more.  (Psa 10:1-11:1 NKJ)

Lament then is not an opportunity to grumble and complain, but a chance to bring before God the needs of the oppressed, know that God and God alone can move on their behalf and rejoice in the fact that you can trust God.

In the next four years, more than ever, we are going to need the prophet prayer/activist.  Let us bring lament back into our theology and lay out the needs of the oppressed before God.

But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. (1Th 2:7-9 NKJ)

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing! (Luk 13:34 NKJ)

Sometimes we see in scripture only the paternal attributes of God and don’t see the nurturing elements that are so important. (I’ll post a full list of scriptures on the blog site) It might even seem as though ‘He’ is misogynistic, against women, yet nothing could be further from the truth. God is neither male nor female and yet in God is both male and female.

Paul, unashamedly, shows that maternal side of God.  Having, in a sense, given birth to the Thessalonian fellowship, he feels those strong nurturing instincts, like a nursing mother desiring to feed her children.

Motherhood of God

Genesis 1:2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters. (Gen 1:2 RSV)

Literally brooding

Genesis 1:27 Women and Men created in God’s image

“Humankind was created as God’s reflection: in the divine image God created them; female and male, God made them.”

Hosea 11:3-4 God described as a mother

God: “Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, I who took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them.”

Hosea 13:8 God described as a mother bear

“Like a bear robbed of her cubs, I will attack them and tear them asunder…”

Deuteronomy 32:11-12 God described as a mother eagle

“Like the eagle that stirs up its nest, and hovers over its young, God spreads wings to catch you, and carries you on pinions.”

Deuteronomy 32:18 God who gives birth

“You were unmindful of the Rock that bore you; you forgot the God who gave you birth.”

Isaiah 66:13 God as a comforting mother

God: “As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.”

Isaiah 49:15 God compared to a nursing mother

God: “Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.”

Isaiah 42:14 God as a woman in labor

God: “For a long time I have held my peace, I have kept myself still and restrained myself; now I will cry out like a woman in labor, I will gasp and pant.”

Psalm 131:2 God as a Mother

“But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like the weaned child that is with me.”

Psalm 123:2-3 God compared to a woman

“As the eyes of a servant looks to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to you, YHWH, until you show us your mercy!”

Matthew 23:37 and Luke 13:34 God as a Mother Hen

Jesus: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!”

Luke 15:8-10 God as woman looking for her lost coin

Jesus: “Or what woman having ten silver coins, is she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Now may our God and Father Himself and our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) guide our steps to you. And may the Lord make you to increase and excel and overflow in love for one another and for all people, just as we also do for you, So that He may strengthen and confirm and establish your hearts faultlessly pure and unblamable in holiness in the sight of our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) with all His saints (the [b]holy and glorified people of God)! Amen, (so be it)! (1 Thes 3:11-13, AMP)

You would think that cooking peas would be easy, but I have a confession to make.  I feel the saucepan with water, boil it and put the frozen peas in the water—and walk away. I hear a noise in the background, turn around, only to see that the saucepan of peas had increased, excelled and yes, overflowed all over the range top. Despite my failing in pea cooking, what a great analogy of the love of God in our lives. God takes us, adds grace, mercy, and love, the Holy Spirit increases our zeal and passion, resulting in an overflow of God’s love.  Some Christians want to turn down the heat and contain what they have. God, on the other hand, wants to turn up the heat and just let that love boil over and go everywhere.

Love God, your neighbor (regardless of the religion, culture or lifestyle. Love unconditionally), you’re your brother and sister and even love your enemies.  Last but not least, love yourself—increase, excel, and overflow.

God tested us thoroughly to make sure we were qualified to be trusted with this Message. Be assured that when we speak to you we’re not after crowd approval—only God approval. Since we’ve been put through that battery of tests, you’re guaranteed that both we and the Message are free of error, mixed motives, or hidden agendas. We never used words to butter you up. No one knows that better than you. And God knows we never used words as a smoke screen… to take advantage of you. Even though we had some standing as Christ’s apostles, we never threw our weight around or tried to come across as important, with you or anyone else. We weren’t aloof with you. We took you just as you were. We were never patronizing, never condescending, but we cared for you the way a mother cares for her children. We loved you dearly. Not content to just pass on the Message, we wanted to give you our hearts. And we did. (1 Thes 2:5-8. MSG)

But Paul, where’s the big mansion, the limousine, and the airplane? Surely you should have stipulated a five-star hotel when you arrived in down? No, that’s today’s standards, not God’s and not Paul’s. Somehow, we have allowed the standards of worldly success to be the measure by which we judge the gospel messenger. In this text Paul gives us a checklist for the God approved minister:

1. God tested—trials and tribulations go hand in hand with the position.

2. Straight talk—strive to understand God’s Word thoroughly. Don’t misquote, take it out of context or to make it prove your own agenda. Trying to make out that you have some hidden, secret revelation is nothing more than occult.

3. Don’t think of yourself more highly than you should. That title is a poor substitute for care, compassion, and love. If you cannot sit side by side with a homeless person, understand what it’s like to work a real job, as well as preach from the pulpit, then you’re a phony. All show on the outside, no substance on the inside.

4. Paul did just deliver the message; that’s the postman or courier. He gave his heart.

Now don’t use this checklist on anyone else until you first use it on yourself. Be the real deal.

O brothers and sisters loved by God, we know He has chosen you. And here is why: what you experienced in the good news we brought you was more than words channeling down your ears; it came to you as a life-empowering, Spirit-infused message that offers complete hope and assurance! (1 Thes 1:4-5)

There are few occasions when a politician speaks and you are totally enamored by what he or she says.  Perhaps JFK’s speech in Berlin, Ronald Regan’s demands to Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall and Obama’s Inaugural address in 2008. But few speeches have the power to transform lives, except, that is, for the gospel. It is:

Life-empowering—lives were and are changed causing people to do life changing things.

The spirit-infused message that offers complete hope and assurance—what more do we need than hope for the future and realization that God has everything under control.