Tag: love

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Neighboring: The Good Samaritan

Read Luke 10:25-37

It might be useful to back up and read the post I published a little over a year ago on this scripture. It’s pretty brief, but I don’t want to repeat myself, so take a look at this link. With that background in mind, let’s walk through the story by first looking at the setting.

If we zoom way out we remember that this is in the middle of Luke’s account of the life of Jesus. Luke is fully aware of the other writings that are circulating at the time, important words from eyewitnesses, and he sets out to give us his detailed perspective in his gospel record.

With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. Luke 1:3-4

Luke was crazy about details. In my imagination, I can see a large room with several tables, lots of horizontal surfaces with stacks of papers spread out all over the place. He walks around rearranging the stacks until he’s got it just right. Yes, indeed, with the prompting of the Spirit, Luke is constructing a document for us to read for centuries to come. In the end, he writes the bulk of what becomes the New Testament in two books we call Luke and Acts.

I wanted to give you that perspective as we focus on this parable. Take a look at the stories in Luke 9 that lead up to the current study. Here’s a quick summary: Jesus sends the disciples out on their first mission, miraculously feeds 5,000 (plus women and children), predicts His death twice, is transfigured, heals a demon-possessed boy, is rejected by a Samaritan village, and warns those about the cost of being a disciple. Luke 10 starts with Jesus sending out seventy-two missionaries to spread the Gospel news. That’s a lot to take in, but it’s interesting to consider when we think about Luke’s goal of providing an orderly account.

Jesus’ fame is growing quickly. For the common man, His deeds were amazing and His teaching was inviting. For the keepers of the Law, He was a growing threat.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan is Unique to Luke

If you’ve read or study the Bible much, you know there is a lot of parallelism between Matthew, Mark, and Luke. These three are referred to as the synoptic Gospels. Of all the verified accounts spread out on Luke’s table, he chooses to include this particular story. Over the next 2,000+ years, this becomes one story that almost everyone has heard about. Inside or outside of the church, most people know the story about someone tending to the needs of a stranger. But it’s far more than a story of showing kindness to strangers. Jesus uses this story to answer questions posed by the religious elite of His day and challenges our thinking hundreds of years later.

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Luke 10:25-27

The expert in the law, the religious expert, correctly summarized the law by drawing on his knowledge of what we refer to as the Old Testament. First, as part of the great Shema:

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:4-5

And the second from Leviticus 19:

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:18

This particular chapter in Leviticus has several references for dealing with neighbors. When you think about the time when it was written, it’s quite interesting. Who were their neighbors before and after entering the Promised Land? Perhaps another post is in order, but for now, I’ll try to stay focused.

Jesus’ response is profound:

“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” Luke 10:28

The expert wants to know more. There are three entities in his summary: God, neighbors, and yourself. There is no doubt about God and yourself, these are easy to identify, but for a rule-keeper, he wants a precise definition of the middle term: neighbors. He asks Jesus to give him a set of rules to follow.

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:29

Luke clarifies that Jesus knew the man’s heart was about self-justification when he asked his question, “And who is my neighbor?” You’ve probably seen this scene enacted at youth camps, retreats, in churches, etc., and you’ve probably heard all kinds of ways to pose the question ranging from innocent to arrogant. I’m thinking it was on the arrogant extreme, but Jesus doesn’t dismiss the expert. Instead, He shows incredible patience and leans in to tell a story. Jesus demonstrates how to love by engaging with one who He knows doesn’t get it. I hope we can learn from this example.

The Story

30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:30-37

An unfortunate traveler is ambushed on the road and left for dead. Historians tell us that this stretch of road was notorious for robbers and thieves, a place well known for treachery. Was he traveling alone? Did his friends scatter and leave him? Was it just bad luck? Is he one of the guys that show up at the Soup Kitchen for a meal? Apparently, that detail is not important, so we are left to use our imagination. The last idea is there for you to ponder as you help serve those in need.

All we really know is he was beaten and left for dead. The implication is that he would have died if someone did not intercede.

The Levite and the Priest are careful to avoid touching the man. They see him but stay far away.  Jesus probably includes two Jewish characters, a Levite and a Priest to add tension for the expert, but He doesn’t dwell on these two and He doesn’t make a big deal about them passing up an opportunity to help someone in need. Matthew 25:31-46 provides details about the cost of not serving the least of these. This question is centered on defining the term neighbor, so I’ll try to stay focused.

Up to this point, the expert was taking notes, perhaps judging the actions of the Levite and Priest. I’m sure he could recall similar events or robbery and murder in the past along this stretch of road. In modern times, we can probably remember seeing bad accidents where yellow tape demarks the scene of death and sadness. Then Jesus says the unthinkable — a Samaritan enters the story.

The Samaritan

But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ Luke 10:33-35

Jesus turns it up to eleven (an arbitrary reference to a guitar amplifier) by suggesting a Samaritan enters the scene. Of all people, a Samaritan is the least likely to be of service here. In Luke 9:51-56, Jesus sends a messenger to a Samaritan village, but they reject the messenger. James and John wanted to send fire down from heaven and smite the village, but Jesus rebukes them. What’s up with that? Jesus just moves on to the next village.

Samaritan’s were especially offensive to Jewish leaders. They were the kind that mixed theologies together into some sort of blended religion in an effort to please themselves. In today’s culture, I would compare these guys to those who embrace Unitarianism, Universalism, or the New Age movement. If that doesn’t offend you, think about the Samaritans as Mormons, Scientologists, or strong advocates of some cult or movement. Whatever it takes to raise your pulse. Think about it from that perspective. And remember, the person telling the story is Jesus, the one who just feed thousands, healed many, and cast out demons. His reputation demands your respect and attention.

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:36-37

Jesus brings the story home by asking a question. He could have asked, which of these was helpful or who did the right thing, but he didn’t. He asked, which was a neighbor.

Being an expert in the Law, we’re looking at a very intelligent man. He’s not easily manipulated or motivated to react to a story. I think the man listened to Jesus tell the story with great intensity. In other words, he was trapped by the cadence of the question and he wasn’t influenced by cellphone cameras or news reporters. He was having an intense conversation with Jesus. I can see Jesus looking directly at him eye-to-eye. Making sure the story made sense.

The conclusion seems anticlimactic. Of course, the Samaritan is the good neighbor, but that’s not what the expert says. Take a look at the words more carefully:

The one who had mercy on him

The expert in the law couldn’t even say the word Samaritan. That’s how offensive the character was in his legalistic mind. As a religious expert, he simply could not imagine someone who was despised could be a hero. The Samaritans were wholly rejected by Jewish leaders; this expert would be no exception. Do you see where I’m going here? The one who was rejected by others is the one who saved the one who was dying. The man on side of the road had no hope of living through the day except that someone had pity on him, risked his life, his reputation, and went to great expense to save him. Sound familiar?

Jesus never implied that we should adopt Samaritan beliefs. Nor did He tell the expert to ignore the law. Either approach would be easy to understand, but Jesus is not about being easy and he’s not trying to provide a checklist. He’s talking about changing hearts. His words follow His actions. Jesus is teaching us how to love our neighbor as a way of life, not a list to execute.

Our Neighbor

So who is your neighbor? Most of the time when we read this we conclude that the term neighbor is a metaphor for anyone in need. So the first answer is simple: anyone in need, anywhere, anytime. We should be concerned about people in need. This is a great answer that crosses cultural and racial barriers that separate our society. We must not lose sight of the implications of caring for people across social divides. Jesus provides a great incentive in the Matthew 25 reference above.

But the problem with only embracing the term neighbor as a metaphor is it lets us off the hook. I can love my metaphorical neighbors by giving to Compassion International or going on a mission trip every year. But here’s a funny thought, what if part of this answer has to do with the people that actually live next to us? Would you agree that the term neighbor could include those that live in our neighborhood?

Block Map

In serving our community and in talking to service providers around the area, all agree that the key to success is centered around building a relationship over creating new programs.

Building relationships is hard. It takes time and energy. It’s costly. It might even be dangerous. But it’s what Jesus describes in His parable. It was dangerous for the Samaritan to stop at a point on the road that evidence would suggest you could get beaten and robbed. His actions certainly cost him a great deal of time and money. Here’s a place to start.

The Art of Neighboring

Jay Pathak & Dave Runyon published a book, The Art of Neighboring, Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door, in 2012, to give us some guidance on how to become the kind of neighbors we are commanded to become. They created the “block map” below.

Imagine your house is in the center. Write the names of the closest eight people to your house, apartment, condo, etc. These are your nearest neighbors.

If there is one theme we must take from the teachings in the Bible, especially from Jesus, is that we are called to love one another. The song Reckless Love embodies this concept. Our God is one that loves us, present tense, so much that He was willing to send Jesus Christ as a man to live and walk among us and show what He meant by loving each other.

You can’t love someone without having a relationship with them. You won’t begin to have a relationship with someone if you don’t know their name. But we are called to love our neighbor, both metaphorically and physically.

If we adopt this principle we will be different, we will be distinctive, we will look like God’s chosen people. And guess what, others will want to be a part of that.

Imagine you are being relocated to a city far away from here. One of the first things you have to figure out is where to live. Three things drove our decision-making process as we did this several times thanks to the military: 1) school, 2) church, and 3) neighborhood. For #3, consider two options, one where everyone knows their neighbors in a genuinely friendly manner and the other where doors are locked, fences are walls, and people have no idea who comes or goes. Which would you want to be a part of?

The story of the Good Samaritan compels us to love the way Jesus loved. It will be costly, inconvenient at times, even tense. For those that are married, can you relate to this? But there is such great joy in being part of a community of faith.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and Love your neighbor as yourself.

The Challenge

Use the block diagram as a tool to pray for your neighbors. Let it remind you to memorize their names as you get to know them. Be vulnerable by letting them get to know you as well. Build meaningful relationships and encourage them to spread the love to their neighbors. Once this becomes second nature, use the concept at work, at your children’s games, in the grocery store, etc., wherever you meet people.

Then take it up another notch. As Peter directs us:

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:15-16

I challenge you to write down your answer to Peter’s directive. All of us who call ourselves Christ-followers should be able to do this without hesitation, but perhaps you haven’t been encouraged to stop and write it down. Now you have.

Lord, may we be a people that love You with all we’ve got. May we be those who love our neighbors as ourselves without reservation. Holy Spirit, teach us how to make the first step, and the next, and the next. May Jesus be the center of all of this great activity for His glory and for His Kingdom.

Amen.

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Sent by the Spirit

Sermon for Historic Providence Church, Anderson SC
August 9, 2020

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine.
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine.
This is my story. This is my song.
Praising my Savior all the day long.

Blessed Assurance is one of my favorites hymns. In the old days, we sang hymns crafted from a solid biblical foundation, full of theological truths. It makes me sad to think an entire generation will miss out on this “old-fashioned” idea. In contrast, I think it’s great to hear the old hymns arranged by contemporary musicians or played on instruments that are more common today. Each instrument has its own voice and each speaks into the music differently. Using a guitar with a finger-picking style seems to fit this song well. I love playing this song!

I was fortunate to be raised in a family that honored God. We went to church weekly, but we knew this wasn’t a goal; rather, it was an opportunity to worship Jesus for what he’s done for us. We learned to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves from a young age. Last year, I preached a sermon based on this mandate from the book, The Art of Neighboring. We read about the Good Samaritan and wrestled with what it might look like if we got to know our neighbors – at the very least, learn their names. How did that go?

I had no idea that we would be told to stay at home, but I couldn’t help but smile and wonder if that helped us get to know our neighbors. We have months to go from the looks of it, so if you didn’t get too far, I think you still have a chance.

Today, I hope to provide you with some thoughts on Romans 10:5-15. The Revised Common Lectionary reminds us it’s the tenth Sunday after Pentecost, and it seems the authors wanted us to remember some key distinctions that made Pentecost special. In particular, we need to be people that are sent to preach the Gospel so others will hear the great Good News and believe that Jesus Christ is Lord of all. I have a few more words to say about this, but let’s pause a minute and get some context.

The book of Romans was written around AD 57, about 13 years before the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed for the last time. No reconstruction teams. No Ezra, Nehemiah, or Zerubbabel. The temple was gone for good. No one of Jewish heritage could have ever foreseen this catastrophe. Paul wrote his letter to the Romans well before physical demolition. His concern is less for earthly matters, instead, he focuses on the sad spiritual condition of his brothers and sisters. It’s interesting to note that Paul probably wrote this letter for a handful of house churches in the area of Rome. No big gathering space for our early Christian brothers and sisters. Interesting. We’ll touch on this a bit more as well.

Paul presents several themes in these letters, but the overarching concept is that salvation is for all – both Jew and Gentile. He takes great care to describe complex theological concepts to help these young churches grow in wisdom and knowledge. The section we’re focusing on today falls between Romans 9:30 and 10:21. Read this complete section to gain a better understanding of the context of today’s Scripture reading. In the surrounding chapters, Paul speaks with great sadness about the fact that only a remnant of Israel has accepted Jesus.

We’re not going to talk about the entire section, but I think it’s essential to become acquainted with Paul as we read his writings to help understand his struggles. Acts 8:1 reminds us that Saul was pleased with the death by stoning of Stephen. Saul’s conversion gives us all hope. His name is changed from Saul to Paul as a reminder of this key event. Who better to help us move from complacent, nominal Christianity to effective preacher and evangelist for Jesus Christ!

From this vantage point, we quickly recognize how Paul is trying to appeal to his people. He uses several references to what we call the Old Testament. Dozens of footnotes are prevalent in the study Bible I use. Here I’m planting a seed for us to become better students of the Old Testament to appreciate and understand the new.

When this pandemic hit in full force, I committed to rereading the Old Testament, especially the prophets and their attempt to speak into the division that erupted and split Israel. I had plenty of time to read as my wife was in Canada taking care of her mom in early March. She wasn’t allowed to return until May! I came away with a renewed perspective of the exile into Babylon. Instead of some old story, I began to empathize with Esther and Mordecai, Nehemiah, Daniel, and their contemporaries. I could begin to see how and why Isaiah and the prophets were lonely and hated by the Israelites. To say this was a difficult time is a gross understatement, but the present pandemic helps me appreciate the significance. As we begin to understand the entire Bible, we can better see how we fit into The Story of God’s redeeming Grace and Mercy as He pursues us.

Put on your “Paul” glasses and see how difficult this writing must have been for him. Romans 9:1-2 sets the stage.

I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit—I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. Romans 9:1-2

Paul continues by explaining that his people were the chosen race, set aside to be an example for all, but they failed. He reaches back to Abraham to paint the picture as he builds his case for God’s mercy and righteousness – that which we should seek. He draws inspiration from Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, Isaiah, Joel, Hosea, and I’m sure more, to show the distinct connection and consistent desire God has for reconciling his people. The writing of the Old Testament was well known to our forefathers. They knew the stories, but it was (and is) a challenge to make the leap from obedience to a set of rules to complete faith that comes from deep within.

It’s pretty complicated, so Paul pauses and offers this thought:

What does all of this mean? It means that the Gentiles were not trying to be acceptable to God, but they found that he would accept them if they had faith. It also means that the people of Israel were not acceptable to God. And why not? It was because they were trying to be acceptable by obeying the Law instead of having faith in God. The people of Israel fell over the stone that makes people stumble.Romans 9:30-32

His words are not meant to be provocative, except as those that would prompt a positive reaction. We now come to today’s Scripture.

5Moses said that a person could become acceptable [righteousness] to God by obeying the Law. He did this when he wrote, “If you want to live, you must do all that the Law commands.”

6But people whose faith makes them acceptable to God [righteousness] will never ask, “Who will go up to heaven to bring Christ down?” 7Neither will they ask, “Who will go down into the world of the dead to raise him to life?”

8All who are acceptable because of their faith simply say, “The message is as near as your mouth or your heart.” And this is the same message we preach about faith. 9So you will be saved, if you honestly say, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death. 10God will accept you and save you, if you truly believe this and tell it to others.

11The Scriptures say that no one who has faith will be disappointed, 12no matter if that person is a Jew or a Gentile. There is only one Lord, and he is generous to everyone who asks for his help. 13All who call out to the Lord will be saved.

14How can people have faith in the Lord and ask him to save them, if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear, unless someone tells them? 15And how can anyone tell them without being sent by the Lord? The Scriptures say it is a beautiful sight to see even the feet of someone coming to preach the good news.” Romans 10:5-15

In verses 5-8, Paul reaches back to Moses’ writings, where we see not only an emphasis on following a set of rules, but we are to “turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deuteronomy 30:10).  It’s a matter of the heart more than a list of rules to follow.

Paul then provides a clear and concise statement that I hope you’ve heard (and responded favorably):

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9

It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’ve come from:

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Romans 10:13, Joel 2:32

Quoting the prophet Joel, Paul speaks to his brothers and sisters, to those he knows and those he will never meet. Joel talks about a day that will come when God will pour out his Spirit on all men and women.

How will he do this? How will people know to call on the name of the Lord? Paul gives us a formula:

    • Someone must be sent
    • They must preach
    • People will hear
    • Believers are saved

Here is the crux of my message today. If you’re with me this far and believe in Paul’s message for the salvation of all, we must become those who are sent to preach the Gospel to those who will hear and believe. It is our mission.

I know this sounds like the call for those in full-time vocational ministry, but I think we must look at this from a different perspective. While I don’t doubt that some are called to serve as shepherds (professional pastors), I am saying that we are all share in the mission of preaching the Gospel. We are all preachers. Some will use words and draw huge crowds; others use actions to start a movement. Some will stand in a pulpit while others sort clothes for the poor. Some lead huge organizations and have CEO gifts and abilities to generate profits that turn into donations for churches and non-profit organizations. Others will lovingly sit with a drug addict. Some will have few words that speak volumes while someone will conduct a funeral for a beloved pet of a man who lives in deep poverty.

I can introduce you to many who have names and stories that need to hear the great Good News of the Gospel message, who need to know salvation is for them, even though the world has turned its back on them.

But this message is not just for those living in poverty or experiencing homelessness. Indeed, it’s equally important to the one who drives expensive cars and has no physical or financial concerns.

My assertion is this: All are preachers. All are called upon to share the great Good News.

Go share the Gospel with your neighbors. You know their names, right? Do they live with the assurance that Christ died for them?

At the beginning of this year, you might have heard something similar, followed by this common phrase: bring them to church so they can hear the preacher. He has a way with words that can move hearts (not to mention the music, coffee, and donuts). What if this isn’t the message we were supposed to tell others? What if Paul were talking about us in Romans 10:2-3?

For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. Romans 10:2-3

What if we were trapped in some contemporary form of self-righteousness, rather than God’s righteousness? What if it took a pandemic to stop Sunday gatherings and allow us to rethink how we are to share the Gospel? Do you think Covid-19 is from God, or is God merely allowing it to happen? What if churches were missing the mark? Is it possible that God is sending the message:

Stop bringing meaningless offerings!
Your incense is detestable to me.

Wash and make yourselves clean.
Take your evil deeds out of my sight;
stop doing wrong.
Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow.
Isaiah 1:13, 16-17

Imagine how the Israelites responded to Isaiah when he shouted those words in the temple courts. The pandemic forces us to reconsider how we spread the Gospel.

What would happen if the entire Body of Christ were active in their homes and communities rather than only hyper-focused on a once or twice a week gathering where they were primarily spectators?

During this challenging time of disease and infection, let us learn how to preach in new ways. Let us commit to sharing the Gospel with our neighbors, and everyone we meet, perhaps for the first time.

If we do this well, if we genuinely pass this test, when we can gather as a collective Body of Christ, I’m convinced we will be overcome with joy, deep joy that flows from within. We will share how God answered prayers that would not have been offered because we didn’t know our neighbors, let alone love them. I can only imagine the stories we will tell when we can sit side-by-side, no longer bound by social distancing rules, unafraid to hug and cry together again. May this day come sooner than later!

Don’t miss the challenge in front of you today. Don’t sit idly by focusing on what you can’t do — focus on the incredible opportunity here within your reach.

How then can they call on the One they have not believed in?

And how can they believe without hearing about Him?

And how can they hear without a preacher?

And how can we preach unless we are sent? Romans 10:14-15

Today, my friends, hear this clearly: you are sent.

The same Spirit that lived in Paul lives in you.

Go and preach with words and deeds. Don’t ask me where to serve, ask God. And be willing to listen to the answer. Be ready to hear something you haven’t heard before. Be available to God. After all, He’s been there for you every time. Today is the day to listen and obey.

Grace and Peace.
Your brother in Christ,
Dave

 

4For this is what the Sovereign Lord says:

“At first my people went down to Egypt to live;
lately, Assyria has oppressed them.

5“And now what do I have here?” declares the Lord. “For my people have been taken away for nothing,
and those who rule them mock,”
declares the Lord.

“And all day long
my name is constantly blasphemed.

6Therefore my people will know my name;
therefore in that day they will know
that it is I who foretold it.
Yes, it is I.”

7How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”

8Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices;
together they shout for joy.
When the Lord returns to Zion,
they will see it with their own eyes.

9Burst into songs of joy together,
you ruins of Jerusalem,
for the Lord has comforted his people,
he has redeemed Jerusalem.

10The Lord will lay bare his holy arm
in the sight of all the nations,
and all the ends of the earth will see
the salvation of our God.
Isaiah 52:4-10

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Covid-19 Prayer

Our Heavenly Father, we acknowledge you as the mighty God, creator of earth, ruler of all that is, all that was, and all that will be.

With your help, Lord, when this pandemic is over, we will be a better people because you sent us to our rooms to re-learn what family is all about. Help us to learn that loving our neighbor actually includes the people that live next to us. Help us not to forget lessons we are still learning during this crisis. May we be stronger for having endured social distancing for the greater good of all.

Holy Father, we need your help. We cannot see beyond the mountain in front of us that professionals call “the curve.” We don’t know what the other side looks like and we struggle to admit we are powerless. Our faith is weak. But with your help may we exclaim,

I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief! Mark 9:24

Holy Spirit, give us an abundance of grace that is matched by the courage to face difficult days ahead. Let our courage be wrapped in kindness to others, to family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. May we learn new ways to love the Lord our God with all our heart and love our neighbors as ourself. Make this become a new normal for us as the Body of Christ. In so doing, may people from all walks of life be drawn to you, Lord, as we celebrate this Easter like never before. May our unity, our commitment, our love for each other be more contagious than any coronavirus ever could be. And may eternity provide evidence of those that chose Christ in these troubled times.

Lord, when historians write stories about the time when we struggled with COVID-19, I pray they highlight the bravery of our frontline workers: nurses, doctors, orderlies, janitors, technicians, and the like; the resiliency of our first responders: the emergency medical technicians, law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, and support crews; and the tenacity of medical professionals that solved complex problems with creative solutions until this virus was completely vanquished.

I pray for divine protection over each one that is in harm’s way. Protect them and bless their families as they suit up with whatever armor is available to guard them against this disease.

I pray above all else that we give you the glory for each new invention and innovation that renders this disease a thing of the past, a sickness that once threatened the earth now conquered.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

Amen.

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Sea of Words

Before me lies a sea of words
which ones to choose, said I,
the words of a sweet lullaby
or words that would make you cry?
In these days, we’re tempted, true,
to turn away our gaze on you,
but let me be the one who stays,
who remembers the countless ways
you’ve saved us in trials before
and will always, forevermore.
May words I say, my thoughts and needs,
be overshadowed by some good deeds
that go unnoticed by many, except
the ones whose need was kindly met.
There is no law, no global decree
that prevents us from loving God so free
with all our heart, and strength within,
with Faith and Hope, let us begin
to love our neighbors as we’re told
and to our Savior bravely hold
as the world around us spins away
may we be wise in what we say.
So, as our thoughts become words we speak,
may we be kind, may we be meek,
and show the world what Christians do
when love includes our neighbors too.

I tried to write the thoughts I keep thinking as I go from meeting to meeting in an effort to serve our community. My most consistent thought is to say words that are useful, helpful, and kind. There are so many people talking nonstop about Covid-19 that my heart aches. May we be known as a people whose words are kind and overshadowed by things we do to serve others.

This is the day to learn how to love your neighbor. Begin by learning their names and praying for them. Ask them if they have a need. For the first time in your life, you’ve been given the mantle of ministry. You can’t invite them to a gathering, but you can show the kindness of Christ by showing them how to love God and love your neighbor.

Print the graphic above from the Art of Neighboring* and write the names of those 8 neighbors closest to you. Pray for them. Pray for wisdom. Show them the love of Christ.

One last note before I go. Here’s something that kept ringing in my ears yesterday:

I know you’re way ahead of me, but today I had the occasion to suggest that pastors take a look at those in their congregations that are first responders or medical staff and reach out to them to see if they need childcare, a meal, or simply a break. The burden of the current crisis is on their shoulders. The rest of use are merely inconvenienced. Wouldn’t it be amazing if every church reached out to these incredible people?

 

Your brother in Christ, Dave.

*https://www.artofneighboring.com/

 

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Greatest Love

When I look at the Bible, online or a printed edition, I’m one of those who like to see the words of Jesus in red. The red letters prompt me to read a bit slower, be more meticulous, and pay close attention to the terms. Those who first wrote the text we now call the Bible must have savored every word that Jesus spoke. Given their background in keeping a flawless oral history, I can imagine they tested each other after one of Jesus’ sermons to make sure they captured every word he said. They wanted to be accurate. It was their signature.

If you’re with me on the red-letter editions of the Bible, you may have noticed there aren’t that many entirely red chapters. I know the chapter and verse numbering scheme is somewhat mechanical, but it is a consistent division across translations, so it has some inherent value.

Today we’re reading from John 15. The main focus of this post centers on verse 13, but I couldn’t help but notice the red letters that surround the words. The entire text is one of those rare red-letter chapters. At the very least, this means we should be careful when examining only one verse, though it’s often quoted by itself.

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

Taken at face value, we probably don’t struggle with this idea. Coming from a military background, the thought is a bit more concrete for me than perhaps many who have not been challenged to consider this is a reality faced on a daily basis. Our law enforcement friends feel the same pressure. But it’s not limited to those in lethal occupations. There are many others who would willingly sacrifice their life in place of a child, spouse, or dear friend. The latter concept is the point of Jesus’ statement. A child or spouse is one thing, but a friend is a different matter altogether. You don’t become a true friend overnight. Let’s zoom out a bit and look at the context.

Jesus is preparing his beloved disciples for the events that are about to transpire in just a few hours. I think that’s one reason this is a red-letter chapter. They are carefully listening to what Jesus is saying. The scene I’m trying to depict is one of incredible compassion for those few who are about to come under immense pressure. Jesus begins by washing their feet (John 13:1-17), then warns them about Judas’ betrayal (John 13:18-30), and prepares Peter for his unthinkable denials (John 13:31-38). These words trouble the disciples, as we can imagine, so Jesus chooses words to assure them they will not be alone, even when he is gone.

As we begin chapter 15, Jesus changes the rich imagery to state that he is the true vine, the source of all life. Last year I got caught up in the “if” words included in this text when I wrote about the true vine. It’s a promise that will endure. Complete joy awaits those who land on the right side of the “if” statements.

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:11-12

Within this framework, Jesus ties the knot:

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

Over the course of some three years prior to this gathering in the Upper Room, Jesus demonstrated what it means to be a loving person over and over again. Dallas Willard reminds us that “In the deepest sense, love is not something you choose to do; it is what you become—a loving person.“1 God wants a thriving relationship with each and every person regardless of status and Jesus is telling us plainly that he is willing to lay down his life for us — his friends.

Serving the Least

Let’s draw a line back to the theme of this series — serving the least, the lost, and the lonely. I think it’s safe to say that most Christians declare that they want to be like Jesus. The reason we read the Bible, worship with music, preach, teach, disciple, evangelize, etc., is to become more like Jesus. As we inch closer to this ideal state we come to the point where we have to love as Jesus loves. We must strive to be friends that are willing to die for one another. It’s this willingness that separates those on one side of the “if” statement.

You are my friends if you do what I command. John 15:14

Jesus, God incarnate, wants to be our friend. The Son of Man came to serve. He demonstrated this over and over again. He healed the lame, brought sight to the blind, and led by example for all to see.

The red letters continue through the rest of the chapter and mostly through chapter 17, the most amazing prayer recorded in the Bible. Take a few minutes and read the text. Imagine Jesus sitting in the room with you as he speaks these words for the first time. Slowly and deliberately, to make sure you hear and understand the significance.

The last song that Rich Mullins recorded was an attempt to capture the essence of these thoughts. As he sat in an old church building with his cassette recorder, pencil, and paper, he left us with this thought: “That where I am, there you may also be.” I particularly like the rough recording featured in this video.

Jesus’ greatest desire is to welcome all to his kingdom. Everyone is invited, but not all will accept. We don’t get to control that, but we do have the responsibility to provide the opportunity. That will look different for everyone, but that doesn’t let anyone off the hook.

How can we best serve the least, the lost, and the lonely? Do what Jesus commands. Love God. Love your neighbor as yourself. When we love others without reservation, we will make true friends. The kind of friends I would lay down my life for. How about you?

 

1Dallas Willard, Life Without Lack, p. 170.

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Why Serve?

The foundation of this series of posts rests on serving those in need. My assumption from the outset is we agree that serving is important, so it’s essential to stop and consider what it means to serve. Why serve? At its core, serving others is focused on giving up the scarce resource we all have in common. That resource is time. When we serve in any capacity, we give our time away.

Our current culture seems to be defined by a four-letter word: busy. If you ask someone how it’s going, their response will often include the phrase, “I’ve been really busy.” It’s almost a badge of honor these days.  The opposite of being busy makes us sound like we’re lazy, idle, or worse! These two states provide extremes along the continuum from idle to busy, or completely idle to extremely busy. Those who tend to the far right are those we often esteem and revere. If we’re supposed to gravitate toward busyness, how can we find time to serve? Why serve when we have so much to do just to keep up?

What would the world look like if we chose not to serve?

Years ago, I heard a sermon on the topic of hell. Imagine two scenes that depict heaven and hell. In both scenes, we see a banquet feast with an abundance of food. There are all kinds of meats, vegetables, fruits, drinks, amazing desserts, all overflowing. In hell, the people are bitter, and in deep anguish, but in heaven, there is much rejoicing. The odd thing about the scene, for some strange reason, the people in both scenes have no elbows. When we zoom in on hell, we see people holding forks and spoons, but they can’t eat because they can’t bend their arms. They have to bury there faces in the food and eat like wild animals. There is no joy. In heaven, by contrast, there is much joy and rejoicing. The people have all learned to feed each other. One person scoops up the food and helps the other one eat. Those in heaven are focused on serving one another; those in hell are entirely self-centered.

I remember this lesson when I was a youth. It’s no surprise that I have a deep-rooted need to serve others.

I think it’s safe to say that a world in which no one serves another would indeed be hell on earth. A country full of people that refuses to serve each other would be the most repugnant of nations. If you’re nodding your head with me at this point, keep going down the line from world to the country to state to city to community. The challenge in all of this writing is to foster a community that serves one another. It’s a hope that the desire to serve others would spread to the state then to the entire country. The dream is to become a people that serve one another with gladness.

My thesis is simple: when we serve others with the love of Christ, each in his or her particular way, we will find complete joy and contentment. We would be the body of Christ. Then, when we take time to gather as a body of Christ, we will worship with unbridled enthusiasm that would be so inviting that others would eagerly desire to join us, they would flock to churches to find out why these people are so loving and so filled with purpose. In these moments, we will find a bit of heaven on earth, quite the opposite of the image painted above.

While the Old Testament may be challenging to read and understand, there is one theme that stands out above all others: God’s people are a chosen nation, unlike any other.

For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. Deuteronomy 7:6

The Bible Project team does a great job covering a variety of topics. Here’s a link that dives into God’s chosen people. [The Bible Project]

There are many references to God’s plan to show others the distinction between those who reflect his love, his desire, and his compassion for others. Likewise, the Old Testament is filled with stories about those who chose to follow their selfish desires. Tragedy appears when Israel wants to be like everyone else. The more they chased the dream of being like other nations, the farther they wandered from a loving God who seeks reconciliation.

While my feeble mind can’t wrap itself around all history, it must have been necessary for us to appreciate God’s remedy. At just the right time in history, when anarchy reigned supreme and self-serving desires ruled the earth, God sent Jesus to enter time in the most unlikely of ways.

Those of us raised in Christian churches know the story, but we need to remember no one at the time every dreamed of how this would all play out. The prophets did their best to articulate the vision. Jesus was born from a humble family and grew up under the authority of a loving father and mother. He was patiently waiting for the right moment for his ministry to begin.

What did Jesus do at the beginning of His ministry?

From the very beginning, his ministry became known for his amazing teaching and his concern for the sick, the lame, the needy. Those steeped in Levitical Law would mark these outcasts as unclean and unwanted. The priests wanted nothing to do with them, but Jesus embraced them and healed many.

Why did the sick and lame seek Jesus? When Jesus called the disciples and began preaching about repentance, he didn’t tell them to set out a sign that said, “bring us your sick, your lame, your diseased…healing at 11.” If they didn’t put out a banner, why did they come?

Mark’s gospel account focuses on the things Jesus did. As he began teaching, Jesus cast out a demon from a man in the synagogue. (Side note: the man was “in” the synagogue, he was a part of the establishment and deeply possessed. Think about that for a minute.)

The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. Mark 1:27-28

People heard about what Jesus could do, and they sought him out. He served others as an integral part of his ministry. Jesus demonstrated his love and compassion for others, then taught us to do the same.

Why serve? How can we not serve? It’s part of who we are as a people of God.

Lord, let us be known as a people that care for others, especially those who the world has ignored or cast aside. May we read the stories of the Bible and learn from your example. May we be a people of action that love you, Lord, with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. May we love our neighbor as ourselves, without boundaries. And may these acts of service draw people to you above all else. Amen.

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Moving from Spectator to Participant: How The LOT Project Changed Me

The shift from wanting to serve in the community to helping others find a place to serve was subtle, yet significant. A few short years ago, I met Andy Gibson and Cody Wright at The LOT Project (David Moore joined the team a year ago). The idea was simple, just show up and lend a hand.

Change can happen in a flash. A mere spark is often found to be the culprit for a fire that scorches hundreds of acres, but the spark is only a catalyst. We may talk about mitigating sparks and controlling open flames, as we should, but the forest wouldn’t have burned so quickly if it weren’t for the slow change over time. The imperceptible move from a rich and luscious grove of trees to a dry and barren environment ripe for destruction often goes unnoticed.

The opposite is true, as well. I like to say that I’m a “recovering Pharisee,” meaning that I once was the one who took pride in studying the Bible, attending all church events, praying before meals, etc. There’s nothing wrong with any of those activities except the part about pride. I didn’t notice. The people around me didn’t notice either because they were all drinking from the same fountain.

Here’s the catch: there wasn’t an “aha” moment. There wasn’t a particular time when it was clear I was on one side of the line or the other. Honestly, it’s not really a line; instead, it’s more like moving from dark gray to light gray. However, when I look back at the time I began to serve at The LOT Project, the change is now evident.

I’ve always been one who is drawn to serve others. Serving is part of my DNA. From the time I was a young child, we served in a local church and the community. I love the fact that churches, in general, promote serving the community. But if the motive for serving is only to spend some uncomfortable time around others who need to be served, we’ve missed the point of the lesson.

Peter sums up the idea beautifully here:

Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:7-10

Verse 10 captures the whole notion of serving at The LOT Project, use whatever gift you have received.

When you first serve on a Tuesday or Thursday night, you’ll hear a consistent message from Cody or whoever speaks as we circle up just before opening the doors. We’re here to provide free clothing, hygiene products, shoes, and a meal, but more than anything, we’re here to remind those we serve that they are God’s amazing creation. Each and everyone is a beautiful work of art handcrafted by the Master that created the entire universe. Take time to get to know some of the friends we serve.

The sign painted on the wall outside by a group of Middle School students, led by Josh Powell, captures the essence of this reminder: worthy, hope, and love.

As you look at this photo, reread Peter’s words. What a beautiful scene! These are faithful students. With each stroke of the brush, the wall beneath becomes a testimony to love and beauty. The cracks disappear, and the imperfections absorbed as your eye is now drawn to the giant letters that proclaim WORTHY. I’m thankful for Josh and his class, but they’re not the only ones.

On Mondays and Wednesdays, a faithful few show up to sort through donations and prepare the room for guests on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Each week the process is repeated. Drip, drip. Slowly, the bucket fills with water until its overflowing.

Kindness is contagious.

The core of The LOT Project is love for each and every person the way the perfect Father loves his child. You’re bound to change when you surround yourself with people with hearts set on loving the least of these, just like the most of these.

And that’s the point of this entire story.

Week after week, I moved from feeling awkward about sitting and talking to someone I’d never met to looking forward to Tuesdays and Thursdays to check in on Chris, Emmanuel, William, Kristi, Felicia, on and on. Suddenly, it’s normal to say, “I love you” to people a year ago I never knew.

Your experience serving at The LOT Project will be different than mine, or at least I hope it will. Honestly, I couldn’t think of anything more encouraging. It would be incredibly boring if we were all alike! What I know is I’ve been able to experience the joy of not just serving others, but loving people from all walks of life and on both sides of the serving line!

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

One last thought as I wrap up this post: get in the game. Go and serve as Peter reminds us all. Serve with joyful hearts. Look inside your heart for a place to be Jesus to someone that needs to hear the assurance that the Creator loves them. There is no more excellent form of evangelism, no stronger discipleship than serving others with the eyes and heart of Jesus Christ.

Go. Serve. Love.

And for goodness sake, smile!

 

 

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The Reading Room

Any Christian will tell you that the Bible is the inspired word of God. Some say the Bible was given to us as a guide, while others would assert that each word must be followed by the letter. Some demand that the only real Bible is the King James version of 1611, and therefore The Message translation is pure heresy! Find your spot on the spectrum and have a seat. Relax. I’m not going to support or defend any of the assertions above. What I hope to do is provide an ounce of inspiration that will enable you to enjoy the moments when you get to read the Bible. May each day be filled with opportunities to sit and hear from God, and may some of these be times that you read the Bible. I hope you got that concept.

Reading the Bible is just one way to hear from God–it’s not the only way. When we pause and think about it, the concept is simple. But it’s easier to rely on a checklist and ask some pointed questions about the time spent reading rather than hearing and learning.

The Bible is only a drop of words in an ocean of existence.

If we agree that God is omnipotent, omnipresent, omni____, and if He’s been around since the beginning of creation, the words He has spoken are like the stars in the sky: impossible to count. Here’s your math equation: Words in the Bible divided by the words God has spoken throughout eternity. Let’s agree that the number is very small.

The Bible is only the highlight reel to help us learn to hear God’s voice, to know His character, and understand His relentless pursuit of redemption for His creation.

It is NOT an idol to be placed prominently on the mantle above the fireplace. It’s a story to build us up, to encourage and equip, to rebuke and punish, to be shared from the heart.

Please don’t misunderstand my point. I’m grateful for the many ways the Bible has been published and made available to us. Adding chapter and verse numbers was an ingenious invention that helps to guide our discussion and builds uniformity. These are great features that improve understanding of the text, and I’m happy they exist.

I am authentically excited about the time I get to spend reading the Bible! I’m not trying to impress you, but I am trying to change your perspective from a duty that’s performed to a privilege that you anticipate. The idea extends beyond the Bible and can change the way you approach reading if you let it. Let me introduce you to the Reading Room.

The Reading Room

Imagine you’re walking in a hallway going from your bedroom to the kitchen. Place yourself in some luxurious manor, perhaps the Biltmore, or some such place. As you’re walking down the hall, you see a door open on the left. You glance in to see two chairs by the fireplace. One is empty. One is not. You pause for a moment and realize the one sitting in the adjacent chair is The One. Jesus is waiting for you to come and sit with Him by the fire for a few minutes as you begin your busy day. He wants to tell you a story, to speak to you, to remind you of mistakes His people have made in the past, of triumphs, of great faith, and even ridiculous failure. He’s waiting for you to come and sit and listen for a few minutes.

This is reading the Bible. This is learning to hear the very voice of God in our lives.

When you think about reading the Bible, consider Jesus sitting there with an empty chair asking you to join him. He won’t keep you long. After all, he’s given you work to do for his kingdom. But he does want to talk to you. He desires to teach you in many ways, one of which is through the stories in the Bible.

Here’s the thought: Will you continue walking down that hallway without stopping? Are you too busy to sit with Jesus for a few minutes?

Take the time to sit and listen as the words fill your mind. Imagine Jesus saying something like, “Do you remember the time when a shepherd boy confronted a giant?” or “Let me teach you about honor and dignity by telling you a story about Mephibosheth.”  In these moments, he is speaking those words for you, his only student at this moment. He wants what’s best for you.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10b

When you hear a verse quoted like the one above, ask Jesus to help you understand where that came from, i.e., back up a few verses and get the context for that quote.

The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them. John 10:3-6

Read the Bible, yes, but listen to his voice as you read. When the time comes, and he calls you by name, you’ll be glad to know you listened well and know his voice.

Lord, I love the fact that you are always there for us. Help us to take advantage of your presence in our lives today.

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Time to Grow Up

I listened to another sermon by Tim Keller today that caused me to stop and consider my current spiritual maturity. Our culture is pretty good about keeping track of progress during our formative years as humans on the planet. Soon after we’ve learned to walk and talk, we begin the assessment process from Pre-K all the way through Twelfth Grade or beyond. Each year forever etched in our memory like rings around a tree. We know we’re growing because we receive a report card from those who have gone before and have earned the position to stand in judgment. It’s funny that those we viewed as mature leaders don’t seem so old and wise as I get older, but that’s not the point and not where I’m going. For the sake of argument, let’s assume our teachers did an adequate job of grading us all those years. What’s next?

Once we get beyond the academic environment, we graduate into a society that grades us much differently. How we grow and mature is no longer monitored by tests and grades; instead, it’s much more difficult to assess.  Keller’s sermon, How We Can Grow1, caught my attention as he set the groundwork for his series on growing in Christ.  It seems fitting that we pause on New Year’s Eve to consider how we matured in the past year. Consider Peter’s concise beginning to chapter 2:

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2:1-3

One of the key phrases in this passage is the notion that we can directly impact our growth by craving pure spiritual milk. The time we invest approaching God in complete surrender provides great strength for the coming days. The opposite holds as well. If we choose not to spend time with God, we become weaker and are unable to cope with the troubles of this world effectively.

Keller made some particularly interesting points in his sermon concerning growing up. When a baby cries because she’s hungry, her parents will feed her immediately. But if a 15-year old cries for the same reason, the reaction is much different. Think about that for a moment. I’m sure I’ve said something like this to one of our 15-year old daughters, “If you’re hungry, fix yourself a sandwich!” Right? As a parent, you’re helping the child by not doing everything for them as they mature. The moment we first come to Christ, when we truly open our hearts and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are just like the newborn baby. However, fifteen years down the road, we should not be acting like a newborn anymore. We should not expect God to treat us the same, but so many times, I catch myself wondering why I’m facing this difficulty or some test that seems to be out of my reach. I cry out to God, “Why did you do this?” Then I wonder, am I still an infant?

What does this have to do with the biblical mandate to serve the least, the lost, and the lonely? I’m delighted you asked. To be blunt, it has everything to do with serving others, with living out our faith. As we become more Christ-like, we will naturally seek to save the lost, to help the afflicted, to be unnaturally kind to the oppressed. We have come to expect that of Jesus; why would we not expect that of ourselves? We must grow in our salvation to effectively serve those who are struggling to survive.

Peter continues to offer encouragement.

As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-5

Pause for a moment and consider that these words are coming from Peter. Reflect on the spiritual growth that he’s undergone and consider how Jesus reinstated and supercharged his ministry. Peter would not have been able to say these words 30 years earlier as a young follower of Christ. No one would expect that of him. Likewise, we should not expect new believers to have such maturity, even if they express unquenchable passion, but we should all be growing in a positive direction.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10

Peter tells us we are a chosen people, God’s special possession. We are sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty — all of us. One of my favorite verses in the Bible exhorts us to behave in a way that draws people to Christ.

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter 2:12

When we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and then love our neighbor as ourselves, we will live in such a way that others will want to join our family. There is no better evangelism, not stronger discipleship than living and loving the way that Christ lived.

Lord, we are amazed that you called us to be a chosen people. In our early days, you fed us like infants then watched us grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). May we choose to grow in the coming years. Help us mature to better serve your kingdom on earth. Challenge us when we need to be stretched and forgive our whining when the days are long. Help us to see progress, however small, to encourage us to take the next steps to bring as many people as possible into the fellowship, the true Koinonia.

 

1 This sermon was preached by Rev. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on October 1, 1989. Series “Growth in Christ, Part 1”. Scripture: 2 Peter 1:1-11. Sometimes it’s only as you begin to see what the Bible says is true of a Christian, what is in store for a Christian, the kind of growth that can happen in the Christian’s life, that you can come to see very clearly you’re not a believer. You’ve been in and out of churches. You’ve been in and out of different religious organizations. “How do you know?” Sometimes one of the best ways to know is to look and see what the characteristics of Christian growth are. Growth in grace is the very essence of the gospel; otherwise, you’re left with a “niceism” or a “moralism” instead of Christianity. Link to Sermon

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My Brother’s Keeper

Am I my brother’s keeper? The question keeps coming up, though mostly indirectly. At a men’s breakfast Bible study this past Saturday, the verse popped up again at the beginning of the session.

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Genesis 4:9

When looking at the biblical mandate for serving the poor, this verse is unlikely to make the list of Scripture references, but I hope you can make the connection. In the next few minutes, I hope to convince you we should include the text! Beyond that, I have no further goal. While I would like to claim these words might alter your desire to serve the least, the lost, and the lonely, how that looks in your life is between you and God.

Jesus summed up the entire Law in one rather simple statement: love God and love your neighbor as yourself. In my very biased opinion, this makes us our brother’s keeper.

The concept is simple, but how that looks in our lives is beautifully complex. Let me offer a musical example. Years ago, I was helping a youth group with a production that included a choreographed piece based on a popular song by Lecrae. It seemed simple enough: remove the vocal track from the mix to let the group fill in their part. I have professional software at my disposal, but I wasn’t able to lift the vocals without destroying the underlying music. My solution was to recreate the soundtrack, without the vocals. Mimicking a published song should be easy. The artist made all the decisions in his process of writing and recording the piece. All I had to do was listen and copy the parts.

What I discovered blew me away. I put in the essential rhythm parts and the central theme, but it sounded thin and hollow, so I listened closer to Lecrae’s masterpiece. I found layer after layer of nuances that had to be present to support the theme. Each part by itself was subtle, unnoticeable except for those who took the time to listen carefully to the song. Every element was precisely placed to complement the other. The more I zoomed in, the more I found. The beautiful thing was this: when I stepped back to listen to the original song from a distance, I had an entirely new perspective. And it was more beautiful than ever before.

Each of us plays a part in the dramatic life we’ve been given. It may be difficult for us to hear every little piece, but God sees it all. He is continually working to add an element here or there to make the song complete.

The idea works across all types of creative works. The painter creates her masterpiece one layer at a time, adding subtle hues and highlights. The symphonic composer considers how and when each instrument plays its part with a lot of rests in between. We might learn something in that concept alone.

Yes, my friend, I am my brother’s keeper, and so are you.

But just like the verse that followed Jesus’ summary of the Law, you might be tempted to ask, who is my brother? I’m posing this question much like the expert in the law that asked Jesus in Luke 10:25-37, the Parable of the Good Samaritan. I know the story that prompted Cain’s response was his attempt to coverup the murder of his brother Able, and I’m not elevating everything we do to murder. What I read in this story is that God cares about each of us; therefore, we should care too. Let me make this a bit more challenging.

Consider two brothers. One is wealthy. He is incredibly successful in business to the point that he has more money than he could spend, but has no relationship with Jesus. He’s kind enough, but his whole life is all about making money. The second brother either finds himself in jail, homeless shelters or on the street. He’s easy-going and the first to admit his mistakes. Like the first brother, you have no idea about his spiritual state. Both call you to meet for lunch. Who gets the appointment? 

The expert in the law wanted Jesus to define who his neighbor was so he could comply with a direct command, another rule. But Jesus’ answer paints a picture rather than provides a checklist. In other words, we must live a life based on loving as God demonstrates throughout the Bible.

When I read through the Bible today, I’m looking specifically for words that help me learn how to get better at loving God and loving neighbors as myself. I turned back to the beginning, and suddenly scripture that I had never associated with the Greatest Commandment jumps out at me. How about you? Do you see the connection now? The 4th chapter in the Bible asks the question in my mind, but it’s not even the first reference. Take a look at chapter 3 for yourself. Then continue forward through the history of our Jewish ancestors and see how God is adding notes, dabs of paint, moments of silence, and words of wisdom throughout history. It’s all right there in plain sight, yet so hard to see at times.

Lord, we need your eyes to see our brother the way you see him; to love our sister the way you love her. I pray that you reveal this kind of love as we read your word so that we would become men and women of action rather than scholars that teach. May we become our brother’s keeper.

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