While looking over Communion passages for Sunday, reread John 13:1-17. Just before they celebrated the first Lord's Supper together, Jesus washed his disciples' feet.
By doing so, He challenged their ambitions. They had demonstrated - on a number of unfortunate occasions - the desire for public prominence, the desire to be #1, the desire to be served rather than to serve.
In the culture of that time, a servant was responsible to wash guests' feet after a dusty walk. If a servant was not available, others could perform the duty. However, no one would expect the most important person present to do it.
But Jesus loved them - He was confident in His identity and authority - and He wanted to teach them kingdom principles. So...He washed 24 dirty, dusty feet. He left them an example of service that changed their lives - and resonates to this very day.
I have been part of three foot washing events. The first was a failure - elders at the small church I was preaching at gave attendees an opportunity to wash each others' feet - only the chief elder and I participated. The second was a resounding success - church leaders washed hundreds of members' feet - a pivotal event in that church's life. The third caught me off guard - Pastor Tom Kyle washed my feet in a public demonstration of humility in ministry.
What if we held a foot washing service (say, as part of Communion some time)? Would you come? Would you participate? Your answers (internal or external, silent or written) may be a window into your soul.
Something to think about.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
America in Prophecy?
Is America anywhere in God's word?
Not that I can see (unless we are the Babylon of Revelation 18).
So, should crisis situations in the United States make us think that Jesus might return shortly?
Probably not.
Actually - if I understand scripture correctly - we should live each day in the light of His imminent return - while realizing that we cannot "cram" each national or international crisis into prophecy.
Just my thoughts.
Not that I can see (unless we are the Babylon of Revelation 18).
So, should crisis situations in the United States make us think that Jesus might return shortly?
Probably not.
Actually - if I understand scripture correctly - we should live each day in the light of His imminent return - while realizing that we cannot "cram" each national or international crisis into prophecy.
Just my thoughts.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Doing Business With God
We enjoy comedy, humor, laughter, fun. God made us this way. I often picture God smiling at His children, especially His very young children. Scripture tells us that His joy is our strength.
But sometimes God wants to do serious business with us. We'll be looking at one of the serious scriptures Sunday, Hebrews 6:1-12:
"Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.
It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.
Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.
Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case—things that accompany salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised."
The most sobering words are in the second paragraph. God tells us that there will be people who appear to be Christians, who make professions of faith, who have been enlightened, tasted and shared, who will fall away (at some point) and never come back. Any of us could, potentially, fall into this category. How careful we must be to avoid "churchianity", avoid going through the motions, avoid making all the right noises, only to discover we never really had a relationship with Jesus, never really made an impact for Him, never bore any fruit. How tragic!
Yet the warning comes with a blessing as well. The writer was convinced that his readers were real followers of Jesus, that God would honor their commitment and work for Him. I have the same confidence in our church as well. However, as we near the end of the year, let me seriously counsel you as scripture does, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?"
But sometimes God wants to do serious business with us. We'll be looking at one of the serious scriptures Sunday, Hebrews 6:1-12:
"Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.
It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.
Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.
Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case—things that accompany salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised."
The most sobering words are in the second paragraph. God tells us that there will be people who appear to be Christians, who make professions of faith, who have been enlightened, tasted and shared, who will fall away (at some point) and never come back. Any of us could, potentially, fall into this category. How careful we must be to avoid "churchianity", avoid going through the motions, avoid making all the right noises, only to discover we never really had a relationship with Jesus, never really made an impact for Him, never bore any fruit. How tragic!
Yet the warning comes with a blessing as well. The writer was convinced that his readers were real followers of Jesus, that God would honor their commitment and work for Him. I have the same confidence in our church as well. However, as we near the end of the year, let me seriously counsel you as scripture does, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?"
Monday, December 22, 2008
When God Speaks
How do you react when God speaks to you?
Doubt? Righteous people doubt all the time. Zechariah doubted when an angel told him about the birth of his son (John the Baptist) – he and his wife were too old to have children! Mary had at least a sliver of doubt when the angel told her about her son (Jesus) who would save the world from its sins – after all, she’d never even been with a man.
Fear? Mary was greatly troubled by the angel’s visit, Gabriel told her not to be afraid. The shepherds dropped in fear as God’s glory shown around them, but the angel encouraged them, sharing good news of great joy. Isaiah collapsed in fear as God made himself evident in the temple, John the apostle was so terrified by Jesus and His words in Revelation that he “feel at his feet as though dead”.
Questioning? The Magi (wise men) came to Jerusalem, asking questions about the one born King of the Jews. The disciples were filled with questions as Jesus taught them. Nicodemus, the preeminent teacher in Israel, was filled with questions during his visit.
Two thoughts from these scriptural observations:
Reactions are just that, reactions, our first line of defense when the unexpected impacts us. God does not seem as concerned about our initial reaction (other than to calm us) as He is our long term response. Zechariah doubted initially, but praised God for his son and God’s work among His people. Mary eventually accepted the angel’s promises, praised God and brought Jesus into the world (despite public and private reaction). The shepherds went to Bethlehem, saw Jesus and believed. The Magi found Jesus and worshipped.
God has not changed (James 1:17 & others). He still speaks today. Perhaps He speaks less spectacularly than at Jesus’ birth, but He still speaks to us through His word, His Son, other people, creation and other means. Don’t worry about your initial reaction – doubt, fear, questioning are all natural, God frankly expects such – but move through that reaction to faith, to hearing and obeying Him as He speaks.
Doubt? Righteous people doubt all the time. Zechariah doubted when an angel told him about the birth of his son (John the Baptist) – he and his wife were too old to have children! Mary had at least a sliver of doubt when the angel told her about her son (Jesus) who would save the world from its sins – after all, she’d never even been with a man.
Fear? Mary was greatly troubled by the angel’s visit, Gabriel told her not to be afraid. The shepherds dropped in fear as God’s glory shown around them, but the angel encouraged them, sharing good news of great joy. Isaiah collapsed in fear as God made himself evident in the temple, John the apostle was so terrified by Jesus and His words in Revelation that he “feel at his feet as though dead”.
Questioning? The Magi (wise men) came to Jerusalem, asking questions about the one born King of the Jews. The disciples were filled with questions as Jesus taught them. Nicodemus, the preeminent teacher in Israel, was filled with questions during his visit.
Two thoughts from these scriptural observations:
Reactions are just that, reactions, our first line of defense when the unexpected impacts us. God does not seem as concerned about our initial reaction (other than to calm us) as He is our long term response. Zechariah doubted initially, but praised God for his son and God’s work among His people. Mary eventually accepted the angel’s promises, praised God and brought Jesus into the world (despite public and private reaction). The shepherds went to Bethlehem, saw Jesus and believed. The Magi found Jesus and worshipped.
God has not changed (James 1:17 & others). He still speaks today. Perhaps He speaks less spectacularly than at Jesus’ birth, but He still speaks to us through His word, His Son, other people, creation and other means. Don’t worry about your initial reaction – doubt, fear, questioning are all natural, God frankly expects such – but move through that reaction to faith, to hearing and obeying Him as He speaks.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Accepting Help
From dwightclough.com (posted with permission, personal friend & past co-worker):
"For those struggling financially ... It is more blessed to give than to receive. I genuinely believe that. If you are a child of God, deep in your heart I know you do too. But let me show you the other side of the coin. It is more educational to receive. Here's what I mean. Accept help. Most of us hate to humble ourselves, to admit that our best efforts weren't good enough, that we tried and failed, that we are now in need. But understand this: All of us are needy. In one way or another, every single person is incomplete alone. By accepting help graciously when we need it, and offering help generously when we can, we acknowledge the truth God spoke in Genesis, when He said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” I understand the application to marriage, but it goes beyond that. We need each other. "
"For those struggling financially ... It is more blessed to give than to receive. I genuinely believe that. If you are a child of God, deep in your heart I know you do too. But let me show you the other side of the coin. It is more educational to receive. Here's what I mean. Accept help. Most of us hate to humble ourselves, to admit that our best efforts weren't good enough, that we tried and failed, that we are now in need. But understand this: All of us are needy. In one way or another, every single person is incomplete alone. By accepting help graciously when we need it, and offering help generously when we can, we acknowledge the truth God spoke in Genesis, when He said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” I understand the application to marriage, but it goes beyond that. We need each other. "
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Naive?
Sometimes I come across as naive.
Sometimes it's true, I missed a clue or reality that others pick up on (witness the recent surprise birthday party, I missed a number of clues!). At other times, I'm being intentionally "naive", particularly about people's futures.
You see, I deeply desire people to change, to come to know the Lord, or grow much more deeply in their walk with him. I believe that God changes people (who allow Him to change them). I believe that people can be much better than they currently are.
This runs cross-grain with the belief that people are just a sum total of their experiences, that they will continue to make the same mistakes in the future that they've made in the past. Often this is true. But sometimes it isn't. And it's the "sometimes" I'm looking toward and working for.
Today I wrote a jail inmate that I've known for a few years, someone who has bounced in and out of jails over the last few years. I honestly believe that he can change (more accurately, that God can change him). I will treat him as one that can change. This may make me appear naive, but so what - if he changes, then bring on the naivete!
Sometimes it's true, I missed a clue or reality that others pick up on (witness the recent surprise birthday party, I missed a number of clues!). At other times, I'm being intentionally "naive", particularly about people's futures.
You see, I deeply desire people to change, to come to know the Lord, or grow much more deeply in their walk with him. I believe that God changes people (who allow Him to change them). I believe that people can be much better than they currently are.
This runs cross-grain with the belief that people are just a sum total of their experiences, that they will continue to make the same mistakes in the future that they've made in the past. Often this is true. But sometimes it isn't. And it's the "sometimes" I'm looking toward and working for.
Today I wrote a jail inmate that I've known for a few years, someone who has bounced in and out of jails over the last few years. I honestly believe that he can change (more accurately, that God can change him). I will treat him as one that can change. This may make me appear naive, but so what - if he changes, then bring on the naivete!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Is Barack Obama the AntiChrist?
There has been speculation that our president-elect may be the AntiChrist. One of the best (biblical & rational) discussions of the questions is found on the following website:
www.gotquestions.org/Printer/Barack-Obama-antichrist-PF.html
Please allow me to encourage you not to give into speculation - believers have been "prophesying" who the AntiChrist was since the days of Nero - while Paul encourages us "Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed...." (2 Thessalonians 2:3) God will show us when it is time.
Thanks!
www.gotquestions.org/Printer/Barack-Obama-antichrist-PF.html
Please allow me to encourage you not to give into speculation - believers have been "prophesying" who the AntiChrist was since the days of Nero - while Paul encourages us "Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed...." (2 Thessalonians 2:3) God will show us when it is time.
Thanks!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Christianity & Conservation
How involved should Christians be in environmental/conservation efforts?
God has great joy in His creation (Genesis 1:31, Job 39-41 & other passages). We have been given the stewardship over nature (Genesis 1:26). Nature waits eagerly for God's children to be revealed (Romans 8:19). Our earth is showing significant signs of wear. Sounds like we should be active.
On the other hand, earth's burgeoning population needs to be fed & clothed, which requires resource utilization & clearing of land. Energy resources need to be tapped (and alternatives developed). Nations need to be allowed to develop their economies.
Complicating the issue, conservative American Christians tend to affiliate with the Republican party (not known for its environmental sensitivity), while environmentally savvy people tend to affiliate with the Democrats.
And this summary barely touches the issues (for example, global warming concerns may or may not be true).
We will be covering this in our "Creation Changes Everything" class that starts this Sunday. If you're not already signed up for a class, feel free to come.
Thanks!
God has great joy in His creation (Genesis 1:31, Job 39-41 & other passages). We have been given the stewardship over nature (Genesis 1:26). Nature waits eagerly for God's children to be revealed (Romans 8:19). Our earth is showing significant signs of wear. Sounds like we should be active.
On the other hand, earth's burgeoning population needs to be fed & clothed, which requires resource utilization & clearing of land. Energy resources need to be tapped (and alternatives developed). Nations need to be allowed to develop their economies.
Complicating the issue, conservative American Christians tend to affiliate with the Republican party (not known for its environmental sensitivity), while environmentally savvy people tend to affiliate with the Democrats.
And this summary barely touches the issues (for example, global warming concerns may or may not be true).
We will be covering this in our "Creation Changes Everything" class that starts this Sunday. If you're not already signed up for a class, feel free to come.
Thanks!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Scripture, Devotionals & Commentaries
I'm not particularly picky about the appearance of my Bible - in fact, just purchased a new (well, actually used, new to me) one after 15 years of hard service - Psalms was falling out.
This new Bible is called a "Couple's Devotional Bible", which had the virtue of being $8.98 at Books Revisited in St. Cloud. Every couple of pages has a devotional, which I generally glance at when I'm reading or studying scripture.
If you ever have any doubt about the fact that God inspired the Bible, compare scripture with the devotionals & commentaries about it. Our writings fall so far short of His (sometimes pathetically)! Please allow me to encourage you to not settle for substitutes - devotionals and commentaries have their place - but only after we've looked at the Word for ourselves.
This new Bible is called a "Couple's Devotional Bible", which had the virtue of being $8.98 at Books Revisited in St. Cloud. Every couple of pages has a devotional, which I generally glance at when I'm reading or studying scripture.
If you ever have any doubt about the fact that God inspired the Bible, compare scripture with the devotionals & commentaries about it. Our writings fall so far short of His (sometimes pathetically)! Please allow me to encourage you to not settle for substitutes - devotionals and commentaries have their place - but only after we've looked at the Word for ourselves.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)