Dale Cresap's blog

Is my generosity a hindrance for you? I told a story in which a man hired workers at various times during the day, and at the end he paid them all the same. Those who worked all day were offended, thinking that they should get more. But the man pointed out that they were paid the wage they agreed to. It was the undeserved blessing of someone else that offended them. Do you think I am too generous to the undeserving? If so then come to me that you may be transformed in your heart that you may rejoice in seeing my goodness poured forth as the rain and the sun on the just and on the unjust. Don’t let your thoughts be evil because I am good.

Do you think I am a sloppy farmer? Most farmers plant seed carefully in good soil because they don’t want to waste it. Yet I told a parable about a sower who appeared to scatter seed indiscriminately, without regard for the quality of the soil. You know that I was referring to myself, and by extension all those who sow the seed of the word. Can you tell by looking at someone whether they will respond to the gospel message or not? The quality of spiritual soil you encounter is not obvious. Therefore scatter the word freely and don’t worry about wasting it. I will work the soil to prepare it for harvest. 

Have you ever been in a dangerous place? In threatening locations you probably felt safer if you were not alone. The presence of your friend reassures you even if they are not skilled at defense. Have you ever had a bodyguard? This is someone trained and assigned to protect you. They should be more capable of it than an ordinary friend. I have called you to follow me. I may lead you to some unfamiliar places where you do not feel as safe as you do in your accustomed surroundings. Yet if you walk with me, I will also walk with you. I will be present with you to protect and defend you wherever I lead, as both a friend and a bodyguard.

I did not come to condemn the world, but to bring redemption. I also did not come to ignore or explain away sin, but to seek and save the lost. Do you see this principle in my ministry? It resulted in such statements as, ‘neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more’. If you look you will see mercy and justice working together in my ministry to change lives and transform people from darkness into my Kingdom of light. I have called you to follow me so you also should avoid condemnation yet you also should not ignore sin. Look for and implement my redemptive purpose and you will be doing my work. 

Do you see those who do evil as victims themselves? Your answer may depend on your political persuasion. Conservatives call for individual accountability, and liberals look for underlying causes. People tend toward one approach or the other, but they are not necessarily exclusive. You can stand for truth and righteousness and still be sympathetic toward those who have taken the wrong path. The Bible teaches both mercy and justice. It gives a perfect standard of conduct, and offers a way for redemption for those who have strayed, including you. Follow me that you may do and teach both principles. 

Do you face rejection from your own family? Is this the most painful form of rejection? If you face rejection from your friends you can make new friends, but family attachments are permanent even if they are painful. I said that a prophet was not without honor except among his own people. Those closest to you may not be prepared to accept the work I am doing in you. As difficult as this is, know that I have gone before you in this matter, and I addressed it specifically in scripture. He who has lost family relationships in this world for my sake will receive even more in this world among fellow believers and in the world to come eternal life.

Do you understand your identity in me? I have called you a partaker of the divine nature and made you kings and priests. You are not just a subject in my Kingdom, you are princes. There are few real kingdoms left in the world, but you are aware that princes have both privileges and obligations. Which of these has greater appeal for you? Princes have great resources available to them, but they are also expected to rule well and attend to the welfare of their people. Do you take this duty seriously, appropriating every type of material and spiritual wealth from the King to distribute to those in need? Follow the principles of your King, and minister life to those around you.

Do you search for something more diligently the more you need it and the more confident you are it exists? You are diligent in searching for your car keys because you know they exist and you need them. It is easier to give up looking for things that are unnecessary or unknown. How does this principle apply to your spiritual life? He who comes to me must believe that I am, and that I am a rewarder of those who diligently seek me. In other words, you seek me because you know I exist, and am necessary and important. In addition to these strong motivations to persevere, you have my promise that if you seek me you will find me – your search will be fruitful.

Is the standard measure of success to be rich and famous? Money provides a measure of comfort and security in this world, but why is fame important? You don’t have to be famous to know that even having your material needs met in a totally obscure life is not a satisfactory human experience. In the beginning it was not good for man to be alone and this is still true. This principle applies more widely than the provision of a mate, for even single people need others with whom to share the experiences of their lives. Yet even those who are married will go through times of feeling alone. Know that I am with you always as your constant companion who understands. 

Have you never repented boldly because you never really needed to? Blessed are those who have been raised in the faith and have never explored the depths of sin. Yet even those benefit by repenting boldly. Those who do not are too confident in themselves and too prone to the temptation that they are justified by their own righteousness. They are proud and eager to judge others who do not attain the high standards they do. But I know the proud afar off, and am eager to extend mercy to those who know they need mercy and ask for it. Those who repent boldly can be bold as agents of mercy and redemption in the lives of others.