Change to the atmosphere at the Football Stadium
Guardian Newspaper Report
Football Manager Pep Guardiola, “I would prefer not to play games without people watching,” he said. “It doesn’t make any sense to play, that special matchday atmosphere is not there, and the energy they get from the fans, the buzz that can give them a few extra per cent during a game, is missing.”
God makes a difference to our state of play, when we come to know God, as the atmosphere of our lives’ changes.
The atmosphere of Pauls’ life changed from being a persecutor of Christians to becoming a Christian.
When his fellow Jews were opposing Jesus’ disciples, Paul knew from his own experience that their leaders were acting in response of being under the law. Under their authority, he had rounded up Christians without mercy, believing that he was doing God’s will. “But as at the time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him/her who was born according to the Spirit. So, it is now.” Galatians 4: 29.
Paul experienced both sides : one of keeping and enforcing the law and the other of being free to choose by God’s mercy and grace.
Those who professed to be keepers of the commandments in the laws of Moses were challenged by Paul saying that they were not able to keep the law themselves, because their human nature was influenced by the evil one. Paul wrote that the Gentiles who had not the law lived by their conscious as a result they often acted in accordance with the law. Their conscious and will having the freedom to choose any actions they took, having made an informed choice from the mind, soul, will and spirit.
Paul understood that keeping the law enforced by the soul and spirit, over-ruled the freedom to choose. The Jews believed and had the experience that keeping the rules brought them into God’s favour and blessings, but there was no tolerance that could over-rule the penalties for not keeping the law. Whereas, God’s mercy over-rules the law, God being the stronger of the two in the covenant between God and Israel.
In the parable of Lazarus and the rich man Jesus gave the example of the rich man who interpreted the law towards the beggar Lazarus, treating him with contempt, because of his poverty. Luke 16: 19-22.
Jesus said that the dogs came and licked Lazarus’ sores.
My interpretation of what Jesus could have implied, Lazarus received help from the Gentiles who were acting under the guidance of their conscious to help Lazarus, and they had disregarded the barrier of the law. They had a part in Lazarus’ life by helping him, they were a loving neighbour. Jewish man Lazarus was not disowned by God by accepting Gentile food, which may not have been kosher. “ If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?” “If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you?” “If you lend to those who you hope to receive, what is that to you? “But love your enemies and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High.” Luke 6: 27-36.
The atmosphere of a Christians’ life in the Stadium of the world
In the parable Jesus taught God’s mercy and grace, therefore, Jesus didn’t judge Lazarus
God knows the thoughts and intensions of the heart, the rich man had judged Lazarus on his ability to follow the laws, which would have kept him in poverty and in need of Gentiles help. However, the rich man would be judged according to the law.
The world judges by looking at the motives behind people’s actions and Judging people by appearance or what their views and convictions are, measuring them against the Western World values.
“Jesus said, “Judge not, and you will not be judged, condemn not and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give and it shall be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” Luke 6: 37, 38.
Measured by love.
On one occasion I had the privilege of looking into a man’s soul, I discerned there was a measurement of love, he had 50% love of the world and 50% of God’s love.
God’s grace
“Jesus said, “Take heed what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get and still more will be given you. For to him who has more will be given and from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” Mark 4: 24, 25.
Jesus’ words worked out in practice are fulfilled in love, with spiritual integrity and like a child looking to dad and mum putting their faith in them, as they want the best for us and they correct us when we make mistakes. So, likewise we are trusting the Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit’s in all things. Our communication is in fellowship with them through prayer and the word.
We have a support team to help us prepare for each day: team mates to encourage and work alongside us: the strong in faith, supporting the weak and the measure is usually just right. We are blessed in many ways: sharing together in worship and ministry using Jesus’, the Holy Spirits’ and our anointed natural gifts.
Jesus’ compassion for those who are suffering the effects of this pandemic is like his attitude towards Lazarus, God took care of him in ways that were contary to his own religious family. He used the person who he wouldn’t have normally come in contact with: the stranger using their gifts to bring healing, who he might once have judged as unclean, but now his friend.