Passion, Love and 12 Crazy Men

So I am working my way through a study of the 12 apostles of Christ. It has been an amazing thing. Everyone knows about the heavy weights such as Peter, as he plays such a major role in the early church and the majority of the Bible follows his story so to speak. But taking a closer look at the lesser known apostles has really been an eye opener. Its one of those things that you never really think about till attention is drawn to it, and you are like "wow...yeah that makes sense".

Right now I wanna talk a bit about James and John, the sons of Zebedee. If you go through, you will notice that they are rarely found apart in fact there are scarce examples of them speaking separately. We get an idea of their outlandish, act before you think persona's from the nickname that Christ bestows them: "Son's of Thunder". We get that they are quite reckless in their actions and a couple of times we see them acting this out.

One that has had me thinking lately is when they, with mother dear in tow (Matt 20:20,21) confront Jesus asking, or more appropriately telling:

"Arrange it," they said, "so that we will be awarded the highest places of honor in your glory---one of us on your right, the other at your left." Jesus said, "You have no idea what you're asking. Are you capable of drinking the cup I drink, of being baptized in the baptism I'm about to be plunged into?" "Sure they said. "Why not?"(Mark 10:37-39 The Message)

What has been drawing my attention is their response to Jesus asking if they will drink his cup and bear his load. They, as if they didn't even think about it, answer with a simple answer assuming that it would be no big deal.

It's so amazing to think about this. They had no clue what they were really getting themselves into. Everything that they wanted had happened, but it was nothing like what they had expected. It's crazy to me to see God working. So often we know what we want, but we have no clue how we limit God with that thinking.

In James case: Rather than a crown of glory, he was given a cup of suffering; rather than power he got servanthood; He wanted prominence and he got martyrdom. He wanted to rule and He got to be the first of the 12 put to death.

Not so pleasant of a picture when you think about it on the surface, but I think there is so much more there.

Our first vision of James was that he was a hot-headed, self-righteous Zealot for Christ. He was the one ready to bring down fire to consume Samaria when they insulted Christ as He made His way to Jerusalem. He was clearly very passionate for the truth looking force Christ on the people. That is until Christ touches his life.

In acts we see a new image of James. One that still has this passionate pursuit for the truth, but that has controlled this passion with the power of the Holy Spirit. He had come to the understanding of what it was truly about. He finally got it, and his focus even up to his death was that of bringing people to Christ rather than condemning them for not immediately accepting.

His influence in the early church was obviously great as it was enough to spark Herod to order his execution. An account of the actual execution while left out of Acts was recorded by early church Historians. Clement of Alexandria recorded the following:

the one who led James to the judgment-seat, when he saw him bearing his testimony, was moved, and confessed that he was himself also a Christian. They were both therefore, he says, led away together; and on the way he begged James to forgive him. And James, after considering a little, said, 'Peace be with thee', and kissed him. And thus they were both beheaded at the same time.

This man that brought the judgment upon James confessed and brought upon himself the same fate, yet James held no grudge against him rather he saw the fruit in bringing another soul to Christ.

Amazing.

I think it's just wonderful to think of what Christ can do with people like James. How he can shape and mold even the wildest of characters into something that will shape the rest of the world so drastically. It give me hope in life. Makes me feel like there is something that He can do with even me. I love that thought.

I decided to boycott Februrary...and other thoughts...

Yeah, I guess I didn't keep up that momentum that I had coming in to 07 past January. I had it on my mind often to update, but I just never got around to it. I don't know that you'll all be that heart broken though. If you were, well at least I used the shortest month in the year right? Now on with the show.


So I have been thinking a lot today about the government and I keep asking myself why do they think they can mess with our clocks and not only continue using this stupid system of daylight savings time, but then to go and extend the dang thing by another month. I'm sorry I am not pleased one bit. And if they try to push it off on the farmers then I call bologna cause the farmer is going to get up when they need to get up. You Mr Senator have just forced me to get up even earlier in the twilight to complete my daily routine. Now instead of watching the sunrise as I run, I will now be returning home from my morning workout to the darkness that is dawn. I am not happy one bit. I vote we go Arizona and just drop the stupid system.

Seriously though, did they really think through all the trouble this is causing. I know with work the patches we are having to deploy to account for this and the troubles it has caused, can it really be that good for the economy to have to deal with this? I know that I had enough aggravation from duplicate calendar entries and reminder popups from our work email that it was definitely worse than Y2k. Quick everyone get your can goods and AKs and meet at the bomb shelter the world is ending...wait....

Yes, I say we find out who all voted and approved for the extension of DST this year and we eject them from office. If you are in support of this legislation then please tell me what are you are thinking....i don't understand it...i'm going to invest my 401k in Coppertone for all the extra hours of sun exposure and cancer that results...(is it sad that that was something discussed in the house in regards to this legislation and yet it still passed?)

ok i'm done...on to a real blog post coming up in just a minute