Coffee With The Lord

“INDIGNANT!”  Can you imagine Jesus “indignant?”

I mean use your imagination… Facial features, the flash of his eyes, tone of voice, gestures… You’ve seen someone you highly respected express it – “indignation!”

What would cause Jesus to express it…

Believe it or not, it was the response of His disciples to parents who brought small children to Jesus for His blessing… Here it is right out of the Bible – the account of an “eyewitness!”

“They were bringing children to Him that He might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them.  But when Jesus saw it, HE WAS INDIGNANT, and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me!  Do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God!’ (I mean, can you imagine the flash of His eyes, the tone of voice?)  He went on to say, ‘Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it!’” (From Mark 10:13-16)

And then, “He took them in His arms and blessed them, laying His hands on them.”  And I’ll bet their parents never forgot it either (or allowed their children to forget that “touch” and the blessing that went with it!)  Talk about a prime opportunity for a “cell phone pic!” (Sorry, too early for that to happen. ☹)

Just a few takeaways from that account…

• Watch your attitude to children – God has time for them, prioritizes them, and loves them!  He “blesses” their lives and their future and admires their faith and spiritual receptivity!
• Hey, some of them, are ready to receive “the Kingdom of God” before a lot of adults!  Never forget it!
• In fact Jesus declared (with a “Truly, I say to you!”) whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it!” – And I believe He meant it!
• And finally, I NEVER want to do ANYTHING that would make Him INDIGNANT!

I’ve traveled quite a bit overseas – in other countries – away from home.  I know what it is to be in another country where I do not speak the language and experience a problem or emergency… I can tell you the stories!  It’s a lonely, helpless feeling… (and on a few occasions no cell phone, no number to call, no one who understands me)!!  Some of you who travel a lot know what I’m talking about… FEELING HELPLESS!

I read the following words in my Bible this morning and was greatly encouraged!

“Hear my cry, O God!  Listen to my prayer!  From the ends of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint!” (Psalm 61.1-2)

And as I reflected on those words another passage came to mind…

 “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?  If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!  If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,’ even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.” (Psalm 139:7–12)

 Hey, that’s good news for those who travel a lot – you can always call on Lord when you’re in need!  It’s good news for anyone who reverences (i.e. “fears”) and trusts the Lord wherever they they may be – whatever emergency they may be facing!

A “portable fortress” – a “movable” one? Whoever heard of such a thing?!

Usually a “fortress” was strategically located, impressive, and solidly built – located in a difficult to reach location away from accessible thorofares… You travel to them and planned to stay awhile.

But imagine a “fortress” wherever and whenever you needed one…

Well that’s what David, when he was being pursued and on the run from King Saul imagined (read the introductory remarks to Psalm 59 in your Bible)…

Here what David had to say in the Psalm…

“Deliver me from my enemies, O my God! Protect me from those who rise up against me!

“O my Strength, I WILL WATCH FOR YOU, for you O God ARE MY FORTRESS! My God in His steadfast love WILL MEET ME! God will let me look in triumph on my enemies!

“I will sing of Your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning! FOR YOU HAVE BEEN TO ME A FORTRESS AND A REFUGE IN THE DAY OF MY DISTRESS! O my Strength I will sing praises to You, for You, O God ARE MY FORTRESS, THE God who shows me steadfast love!” (From Psalm 59 ESV)

Wow, a “Fortress” wherever and whenever you need one! How good is that? Just look around in your difficulties and challenges… He’ll be there!!!