Tag: love

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Luke: Do Not Worry

Read: Luke 12:22-34

The narrative today begins with the words “then” and “therefore” as a reminder that it’s important to remember this is a continuing story related to the previous lesson on greed. The next section of this chapter continues the lesson, but it seems prudent to post in smaller bites as long as we keep the bigger picture in mind. I hope you agree.

Do not worry. Do not be afraid. Have faith.

End of lesson, yes? Not quite. As I read the words of Jesus, I realize I have those phrases out of order, in fact, backwards. It should be:

Have faith. Do not be afraid. Do not worry.

The emphasis is on faith. Jesus, the masterful teacher, provides tangible examples to draw us into the story to help us learn this truth. Consider the ravens, birds of the air; look at the wild flowers, here one day and gone the next. All concrete thoughts that transcend time. We can nod our heads in agreement with our brothers and sisters from 2,000+ years ago. The NLV picked up on the footnote in the NIV translation:

Which of you can make yourself a little taller by worrying? Luke 12:25

I can’t make myself taller by worrying, nor can I add a single hour to my life. This isn’t a license to do nothing. It’s a strong reminder to stop focusing on myself, to stop being so self-centered.

And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Luke 12:29-31

This morning, in particular, I found the phrase, “for the pagan world” was most interesting. Jesus, God incarnate, sees the world with eyes that are far different than our own. He created the birds and the fields, the wonders of the heavens and the depths of the oceans. All nature obeys His voice. (The song, So Will I is now playing in my head.) Then we consider humankind. There are those who choose to love the Lord and there are pagans who refuse. We have a choice to make. We can join the pagans and chase after the things of this world, to set our hearts on transient, earthly goals, or we can seek the kingdom of God first and have faith that God will provide.

I’ve experienced this blessing over and over again. From outrageous tax refunds to checks showing up from places I never expected. Somehow, for some strange reason, God continues to fill whatever needs I have for daily bread, clothing, and shelter.

While I’m reminded of these blessings, I’m also challenged to do something as a result.

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32

“Little flock.” Now I’ve been put in my place! Please hear this human, the Father has given you the keys to the kingdom of heaven, that which will not wear out, will not wither, will not die.

Do not worry.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:34

Remember that verse. It’s easy: Luke 1-2-3-4. 🙂

Lord, increase my faith this morning, this day, this month, this year. Right now and from now on, I trust that you will provide. Teach me to give away all I can and have faith that you are there to take care of my simple earthly needs.

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Luke: Jesus Criticizes the Religious Leaders

Read: Luke 11:37-54

Invited to dinner with the Pharisees, Jesus is quick to point out their deficiencies as a group. The way Luke records this is fascinating. He sits down, doesn’t wash ceremoniously to get their attention, then proceeds to tell them they are fools!

Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You foolish people! Luke 11:39-40

Two chapters ago, before the Transfiguration, Jesus was telling His disciples, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law…” (Luke 9:22), the very people who invited Him to dinner — now He’s openly criticizing them!

Before digging into the “woes” that follow, I find it quite interesting that these guys don’t storm out of the room. It seems to me that they’re so confident in their position that they stand their ground to teach Jesus a lesson or two. Their proud posture will ultimately be their downfall. Something I need to be reminded of when I take a stance for or against the church. Jesus is the truth, not Dave, not the scribes, not the Pharisees.

Another general observation is that Jesus makes His position known openly, He doesn’t speak to the Pharisees one way in front of them and another to His disciples. The Pharisees (and others) are often seen whispering among themselves, plotting in secret, and acting deceptively. Jesus has nothing to do with such behavior and calls out these actions frequently. Important lessons to learn when having crucial conversations — integrity is of utmost importance.

We must NOT engage in religious hypocrisy. That sounds intuitively obvious, but when, not if, we only surround ourselves with people that agree with our own perspectives, we risk becoming hypocrites by association. For this reason, among many others, we must get out from behind the walls of the church building and befriend those who are far from Christ where our pious positions are not so revered and honored.

The Woes of Legalism

  • you neglect justice and the love of God
  • you love the most important seats…and respectful greetings in the marketplaces
  • you are like unmarked graves
  • you load people down with burdens
  • you build tombs for the prophets… from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah…this generation will be held responsible for it all
  • you have taken away the key to knowledge

Jesus didn’t just criticize randomly, He provides specific issues for them to consider, perhaps for us to consider. The words here are laced with pride, especially pride in their legalistic system with which few can pass tests and therefore enter the elitist community.

May we surround ourselves with people of integrity that question our motivation and decisions. Keep me far from “yes-men” that make me feel good about myself for the sake of feeling good. At the same time, I’m not suggesting that being obstinate is not a badge of honor. Let’s just simply be people of integrity.

Luke was inspired to provide these specific words for us to consider. Lord, I pray we would not neglect justice for the least of these, that we would love You above all else. I pray we lay down our prideful nature and selfish ambition to make You accessible to all people, especially those who have not properly heard the gospel. Help us to be keys to knowledge, not barriers!

 

Footnote of Interest from the NIVAC:

The Pharisees and scribes were not the majority on the ruling council of Judaism (the Sadducees were), but they did have great influence there. While the Sadducees basically followed the Torah (Genesis to Deuteronomy), the Pharisees developed an extensive tradition of oral law, applying it to every area of life; this factor made them the strictest of the Jewish religious sects. Though small in number (estimated to be over 6,000 at this time), as a lay movement they represented one of the more powerful influences on Judaism. 2 The scribes were scholars who tried to determine what following the law meant. They were respected by most Jews.

Wilkins, Michael J.; Garland , David E.; Bock, Darrell L.; Burge, Gary M.; Fernando, Ajith. NIVAC Bundle 6: Gospels, Acts (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 50699-50704). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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Luke: Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer

Read: Luke 11:1-13

The Twelve disciples have watched Jesus pray on many occasions. Finally, they stop and ask Him to teach them just as John taught his disciples. What a lesson on discipleship!

I love the fact that Luke captures the expanded lesson in the text here. It’s not so much a step-by-step guide as Matthew provided. Here are some words to follow along with a parable that explains why and how to pray. It seems simple, but the reminder is significant.

Begin with remembering what most Christians take for granted: we have a Father that is to be revered and worshipped. He alone is worthy of praise. Pray for daily bread, for forgiveness of sins, the great need to forgive others, and for wisdom to keep us from temptation. Pray and believe.

Shameless Audacity

I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need. Luke 11:8

Would someone describe you as one with shameless audacity? In a recent conversation with a close friend, I had to confess feelings of complacency, I was neither happy or upset about a particular subject. This is a scary place to be as one who is a fully devoted follower of Christ. The great tempter smiles at complacency and cowers at the mention of audacity.

Do you have a friend who is shameless? Whose audacity drives you nuts? If so, I would say you have a true friend. Sure, there are times to sit around the camp fire and sing kumbaya, but I’m one who needs to be stirred to action much of the time. We all know John 3:16, but do you know Revelation 3:16? Same author, very different idea.

Audacious Love of Christ

We are beyond blessed to know that we live with the Holy Spirit inside of us, that our presence here on earth counts for something, in spite of our shortcomings.

If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13

Oh, the reckless love of Christ! How beautifully wonderful it is to read these words. How important and significant it is to share this with all we meet, wherever we are, whatever we are doing.

Lord, thank you for teaching us to pray and for these incredible reminders. Don’t let us be lukewarm. Turn up the heat!

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Luke: Martha and Mary

Read: Luke 10:38-42

Of all the stories Luke has to choose from, and I’m sure there were literally hundreds, he selected a scene were two sisters appeared in conflict. In an age where women were minimalized overtly, we are asked to consider who is doing the most important thing. Martha takes charge while Mary doesn’t say a word, and apparently didn’t do anything to lend a hand in preparation for Jesus’ visit.

Before we get too critical of Martha, we need to consider that she took the initiative and opened her home to Jesus and the disciples.

…he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. Luke 10:38

The event seems much more impromptu than something planned for days. Martha and Mary probably heard they were coming through when Martha decided to make her home available. This is a good thing.

But the point of opening her home was not for the home itself. The point was to meet with Jesus. Mary saw this opportunity and was all in, while Martha was busy trying to “cook the casserole” as Albert Tate embellished.

Martha isn’t the shy one in the story, to say the least, so she confronts Jesus:

She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” Luke 10:40

She “asked” with the expectation that Jesus would send Mary to the kitchen to help. Jesus lovingly rebukes Martha with words I hope I can learn to take to heart:

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

Look at how we “do” church these days, perhaps how we do anything. How many times are we so focused on the preparations that we miss the time of gathering?

I definitely have a Martha-complex when it comes to events. I get so focused on preparation that I often miss out on the interaction for which the event was created. It’s necessary, to a point, but this passage convicts me and challenges me to stop worrying about many things and focus on the few, or indeed the one thing that is needed. Guilty.

Albert Tate used this text to open the main session at Exponential 2018 just a ten days ago (time flies). I’d love to just insert his talk here, it will definitely be one to see when we get the Digital Access Pass, but one of his main points is simply this:

Are you living for your resume or are you living for your eulogy?Albert Tate

As we settle into the rhythm of ministry, whatever titles are attached to our names, I hope we focus on the one thing that really matters and let go of the busyness that creeps in to control our lives. We need to learn to think differently, as Albert reminded us, to focus more on being a hero maker than shining the light on ourselves.

Lord, there is much to do each and every day. Help us to help each other to remember the better thing, even the best thing to do at any given moment.

 

Albert Tate is the founder and lead pastor of Fellowship Monrovia. Hearing the call from God, Albert and his wife LaRosa planted Fellowship Monrovia a Gospel-Centered, Multi-Ethnic and Intergenerational church in January 2012.

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Luke: The Good Samaritan

Read: Luke 10:25-37

This is probably one of the most well-known stories in the Bible, both in and out of church walls. A guy gets beat up, snobs walk by, then an undecorated hero steps in and helps the guy without any fanfare or hope for something in return. End of story, with one exception:

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

Let’s rewind the story and look at the beginning. The “expert in the law” was not confused about helping someone in need, he was asking about something much more significant:

he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Luke 10:25

Jesus takes advantage of this lawyer by showing him he already knew the answer but is unwilling to do something with that knowledge. The lawyer wanted to quibble over the term “neighbor” to justify his narrow focus on who he is obligated to serve.

How many terms do we want to define for our perfectly happy little world? Maybe it’s just me. Dave’s dictionary has lots of definitions that allow me to sleep at night. Would you like to see the list? Ha! That’s not going to happen. Thanks for asking.

Jesus constantly points to a simple four-letter word that we struggle to understand: love.

I can’t get away from the word love. It keeps popping up in every context. I read The Forgotten Way, and Dekker talks about love. I teach a class on Spiritual Gifts and serving in the church, and end with 1 Corinthians 13. Jesus is cornered by an expert who knows he is simply supposed to love God and love others.

The theologian in us is quick to explain, “In the Greek, there are five different definitions of love: agape, eros, …” Now I bet you read that last sentence and said, no Dave, there are four, not five. I tricked you by showing you just how much of a learned scholar you are!

C.S. Lewis wrote, The Four Loves, to give us insight. I’m not going to argue with such an incredible mind. I’m only suggesting there is a fifth definition of love: love. Mix all four of the preceding definitions and learn to love one another. Now go and do likewise. Stop defining it, explaining it, debating it, and justifying it — go out and love God, love yourself, and love your neighbor. (Who said I wasn’t allowed to preach from time to time!)

What must I do to inherit eternal life? In Christ we can confidently answer, Done. We have received the Holy Spirit. Christ is in us. This mortal body we are privileged to possess is temporary, right?

Here’s a question to ponder, when does eternal life begin? Another trick question, I know. Grab your Greek dictionary or Google “eternal” and start enjoying eternity now.

God, please help me to stop justifying actions as I qualify people and circumstances. Help me just to recklessly love the way you did. Teach me how it makes sense to leave the ninety-nine behind and pursue the one who is lost. Rid me of my desire for self, my pride, my status, and help me to simply move in Your direction.

[Read the rest of the story here…]

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Luke: Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-Two

Read: Luke 10:1-24

Luke’s masterful writing and arrangement of the text gives us a narrative that’s quite compelling. I love how the first two words of this chapter sets up the significant story:

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. Luke 10:1

After this…after challenging people to consider the cost of discipleship, after checking all the excuses for not following Jesus, after the dead are buried, the family and friends considered, auto-payment setup, after this — we can get going.

The first nine chapters have been a whirlwind — things are about to start getting very interesting as the perfect ministry of Jesus is handed to a small number of people compared to the masses of those who heard Jesus preach, teach, and heal.

I wonder what it was like to be one of the seventy-two appointed by Jesus himself. Let that sink in for a minute.

Coach Jesus sends out his selected few with great words of encouragement, ending with:

“Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.” Luke 10:16

Boom! When we pray as a worship team before stepping out on stage, we follow the amen with, “ready, break,” and all clap our hands once in unison. When I read these words, I imagine the group in a big circle listening to their coach, eager to get out into the mission field: ready…break!

Giddy with excitement, perhaps, they bolt off to proclaim the great news of salvation for the world.

What is at stake is the destiny of every person who hears the gospel. There is no room for the suggestion that one does not need the forgiveness Jesus offers or that somehow sin is passé. That is why Jesus tells his messengers to make clear that God’s blessing rejection is at stake. NIVAC Reference below

Mission Number One Complete

It’s encouraging and exciting to read the words Luke provides to describe the results of the first mission:

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” Luke 10:17

These words are some of the most encouraging words in the entire New Testament. Jesus is filled with joy and the excitement has to be overwhelming!!

Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. Luke 10:23

Be encouraged you ministers of gospel. Amen. Amen. Amen!

 

Reference: Wilkins, Michael J.; Garland , David E.; Bock, Darrell L.; Burge, Gary M.; Fernando, Ajith. NIVAC Bundle 6: Gospels, Acts (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 50041-50043). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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Luke: Tough Lessons Through Healing and Prophecy

Read: Luke 9:37-50

Last week we kicked off the Lenten season for 2018, February 14 through April 1st. Mardi Gras (Feb 13th) is probably celebrated with more enthusiasm than Ash Wednesday, but the timing of this season with reading Luke 9 and following is interesting. As we approach Easter, the pivotal event that ultimately defines Christianity, I pray that Lent will cause us all to stop and consider our faith.

The world is watching, to be sure, and I believe the world would like to see miracles and marvel at amazing works. The Cessationists would argue that God has withdrawn Spiritual gifts of healing (among others), but we still hear miraculous stories, though not very often. I don’t want to open that line of discussion here, at least not today, but it was a challenge when Jesus was walking on earth with His disciples, so let’s wade into that story this morning.

We just left the Transfiguration story, now we read about the inability of the disciples to maintain the healing ministry Jesus began, we see the disciples bickering over who is greatest, and the temptation to talk bad about those who don’t come from our tribe — all in 24 verses! No wonder that the disciples were confused (Luke 9:45)!

Jesus and his disciples are becoming known for their healing miracles, but apparently, the gift of healing is not for those with little faith. Luke begins this section with a report that calls out the disciples (not sure which ones in particular–no speculation):

I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not. “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” Luke 9:40-41

By now, the disciples are getting used to hard lessons and tough love that Jesus provides. He’s not holding back here! We might be prone to use language that gets bleeped out on videos!

Jesus casts out the demon and those watching were amazed. The disciples get defensive and start to argue about who is greatest among them. How does this make sense? It doesn’t. Jesus quickly sets them straight, but I greatly appreciate the story captured by Luke. How often do we elevate ourselves in the shadow of Jesus?

Others are casting out demons and the disciples want to squelch that ministry because they’re not part of the selected few. Jesus ends the debate quickly:

“Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.” Luke 9:50

This is a pretty amazing statement. Ministry is not limited to those with special robes or fancy titles. I look forward to the day when everyone recognizes they are a minister of the Gospel — not just the paid staff!

The humanity of those doing daily ministry with Jesus gives me some comfort as I struggle, trip and fall. My prayer is that I constantly look to Jesus for guidance in those moments.

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Luke: Are You Sure You Want to be a Disciple?

Read: Luke 9:23-27

I really have a hard time appreciating the gravity of this assertion:

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23

In our modern society we don’t require criminals to bear the instrument of death upon which they will be publicly humiliated, tortured, and ultimately killed. We’re much too civilized for that! For those hearing this command for the first time, this imagery was real. It was visceral. When Jesus spoke these words, I imagine He paused and looked deeply into the eyes of those who were listening to make sure they understood.

Bonhoeffer refers to this as “costly grace,” not some fake, cheap gospel that doesn’t require anything of us. Proclaiming Jesus as Lord means we are marked. In our politically correct world, the concept is watered down, but today I wonder if I will do what the song Devotion reminds me to do:

I will take up my cross and follow Lord where you lead me and I will take up my cross and follow wherever You go. Hillsong United: Devotion, 2007

Seriously, I can’t listen to this song without tearing up. Self-doubt wells up inside me as I look around at the comfort in which I live. Have I really denied myself for sake of the One who gave His life for all? Sure, I know Satan loves it when I doubt myself, when I waste time aimlessly wondering about my salvation, I get that, but that’s where you come in. The fellowship of believers we refer to as church.

The reason we are not a group of individual islands is obvious: divided we have no chance. That’s how the wolf attacks the flock. He picks off one, separates him from the herd, and devours his prey. However, together, united by Christ, we are unstoppable. We become the very force that will change the world. When like-minded, devoted followers of Christ team up, the Spirit moves mountains, lives are changed for eternity. I love to sing this part over and over again:

the sinners seek devotion, lost become chosen, and I fall to my knees.Hillsong United: Devotion, 2007

I hope you hear your call to ministry quite clearly this morning. Honestly, I hope that doesn’t mean working in a church building; rather, I hope you’re called to work around people that don’t think about Jesus at all! That’s where we have the best chance at building relationships with those who need to hear about the Savior who gave His life, who literally took up His cross for the world.

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Jonah: A Man Like Me?

Read: Jonah 1-4

Jonah is a short story that has captured the imaginations of countless people of all ages, but especially children in Sunday Schools and Vacation Bible Schools around the globe. It’s ironic that children enjoy the story while adults, if they would answer honestly, will most likely say it’s a fictional or allegorical work based on legend or folklore.

The NIV Study Bible provides this insight:

Although their specific suggestions range from fictional short story to allegory to parable, they share the common assumption that the account sprang essentially from the author’s imagination, despite its serious and gracious message. On the other hand, it must be acknowledged that Biblical narrators were more than historians.
They [Old Testament prophets] interpretatively recounted the past with the unswerving purpose of bringing it to bear on the present and the future. In the portrayal of past events, they used their materials to achieve this purpose effectively. Nonetheless, the integrity with which they treated the past ought not to be questioned. The book of Jonah recounts real events in the life and ministry of the prophet himself.

Why is it that we choose to believe one miracle and not another? We are so well educated that we think we can explain the universe, but in reality, through many apologetic arguments, at some point, we have to step out on faith. I’m not suggesting we put on blinders or act ignorant, but if we believe in a God that created the universe out of nothing, at some level it is possible that the same God could create a divine appointment between prophet and fish.

Then there’s the red-letter evidence in Matthew, the words of Jesus himself:

38 Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.” 39 He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here.
Matthew 12:38-41

I have much to learn and I don’t claim to have any knowledge at all except that I believe in the incarnational life of Jesus Christ, his death by crucifixion and subsequent miraculous resurrection. These beliefs already put me in the crazy pen, why not add the story of Jonah?

The Story

God tells Jonah to preach redemption to the evil city of Nineveh, a city so large that it would take three days to walk around it. That’s huge! Jonah decides to run away rather than be subjected to the humiliation of preaching in such a place as Nineveh. He pays for passage on a boat in the opposite direction and the trouble begins.

The superstitious sailors see the storm as a sign, something from the sea-gods must be happening. They cast lots and determine Jonah is the culprit. After Jonah begs them, they toss him overboard and the sea calms down.

At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him. Jonah 1:16

Jonah’s first converts are on the boat after they are saved by removing him.

Chapter 2 contains Jonah’s short prayer in the belly of the fish, his repentance is recounted briefly here. Three days and nights is a long time to be trapped inside, plenty of time to think about mistakes and misgivings!

Chapter 3 describes Jonah’s renewed mission — he preaches to the Ninevites and they repent!

The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. Jonah 3:5

Chapter 4 provides Jonah’s pathetic response, this is where I draw the title for this post, is this my response to God when his voice clearly tells me to do one thing and I choose to do another?

He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Jonah 4:2

Jonah’s mission was so successful that he wanted to die. These corrupt people, those who lived in great extravagance and self-absorbed living, actually repented and would reap the rewards for turning to God. Historically, we know this doesn’t last long, but for some, it seems, eternity was changed–they turned to God. Jonah is comforted by a plant, then God takes the plant away. God is in control the entire time, but Jonah has a part to play, he has a story to tell and many lives hang in the balance.

Jonah’s main flaw: he didn’t love the Ninevites as God loves all people. I continue to pray for God’s help in learning how to love as He loves, to see people as He sees them. When I get a taste for that kind of love, I know it’s real, but it’s hard to express in words.

Lord, help me to love as you do, at least one bit more today than yesterday. Help me to put aside the lessons this world has taught me and let me focus on your words, your actions, your ways.

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Love is from God — Let Us Learn to Love One Another

Walking Children

Since we celebrate Valentine’s Day today, I took some time to look through photos curated as “love” from my favorite photo source at unsplash.com. The photo above shows children walking together with their parents leading in the distance. The powerful legacy that I hope Zoë and I can leave our children: follow the narrow path dear children! I could write a post completely on that imagery, but I’ll leave that to your imagination! There are loads of photos of young couples getting married, of small baby feet, new families just getting started, but for me, perhaps because of my age, I think about a time when things have settled down, when I’m on the front porch swing with my wife, old and content. One of the photos includes an elderly couple, head to head, smiling authentically. Such joy is in their eyes. One day, many years from now, I look forward to being that elderly man loving his elderly wife. How about you?

John’s epistles, part of the pastoral letters toward the end of the Bible, First, Second and Third John, are a quick read, but full of the assurance that Father, Son and Holy Spirit are love and as such, we should love one another. Meeting on Sunday is great, but more than that, we should really enjoy being together. Stocked with wisdom in few words, I love the way he ends the second and third letters: “I hope to come to you and talk face to face so that our joy may be complete” (2 John 12) and “I hope to see you soon, and we will be face to face” (3 John 14). We are called to be a people of love and action, not just words and letters and emails and texts — we should find joy in being together!

John reminds us over and over in these few pages:

Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in action and in truth. 1 John 3:18

1 John is a short letter written to those who might be a bit confused about what love truly is so John makes it clear:

God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him. In this, love is made complete with us so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment, because as he is, so also are we in this world. 1 John 4:16-17

John lets us know without doubt,

I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13

There are some warnings about those who are against God, who do not profess Christ as the risen savior, but most of this text speaks to me about the fellowship we enjoy as part of this thing we call church. In this day and age, especially in this country, the masses may confuse church with a physical location, but as Pastor Mark Gasque pointed out several years ago when he was planting Hope Fellowship, a growing congregation,

“The church, in my understanding of scripture, has very little to do with the building and more to do with people” Pastor Mark Gasque, Hope Fellowship Church, April 7, 2007

The notion of biblical love, of being part of a community that is united in Christ is something to get excited about!

My prayer is today we stop and take a moment to ponder the depth and width of God’s love for us. I hope we can take hold of that love and pour into others as He poured into us.

Forget what this world teaches about love, look to the Bible and learn to love as Jesus loved. Be willing to take risks, to give it all and enjoy the sensational love that God lavishes on us through Jesus Christ!

 

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