Tag: ministry

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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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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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Not So With You

One of my favorite verses in Scripture is from Matthew’s incredible account of Jesus’ response to a mother’s request. The mother of the Zebedee sons (James and John), later identified as Salome*, has one favor to ask of Jesus:

Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor ‘What is it you want?’ he asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.’ Matthew 20:20-21

If the NIVAC* is accurate, Salome’s request isn’t really out of the question. She’s part of the entourage that’s been with Jesus since the beginning of his ministry. We find another clue in the previous chapter where Jesus tells them, “you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (see: Matthew 19:28).

Mark’s account of the scene (Mark 10:35-45) has James and John making the request themselves. The point of the story is not to focus on the requestor, but to emphasize the origin of the misguided thought.

Jesus makes it clear,

“You don’t know what you are asking,’ Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?’ Matthew 20:22a

In my imagination, the room becomes awkwardly quiet. If we were there during times like these, I think we could feel the weight of the moment even as the words escape our lips, “we can” (Matthew 20:22b). What once seems plausible now meets the ridiculous. But Jesus continues to speak with kindness from a position of great authority. The heaviness gets the attention of the other disciples, and it doesn’t take long for them to catch wind of the discussion.

When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Matthew 20:24

The Teachable Moment

Jesus now has the attention of everyone in the group. All ears and eyes are focused on what he has to say.

You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:25-28

John would later capture a prime example of the Son of Man serving his disciples by washing their feet in John 13:4-6 before the Last Supper in the Upper Room. Jesus didn’t need to show another sign of his willingness to serve, but the significance put an exclamation point at the end of the statement.

The point of these examples and this discussion rests in just four words shown in bold above: Not so with you. Throughout the history of Israel, the people wanted to be like everyone else. “We want a king over us” (1 Samuel 8:18-20). From the days of Moses, God intended to raise a generation of people that were a distinct example for the world to follow.

I will make a distinction between my people and your people. Exodus 8:23

Standing in front of Pharaoh, Moses declared God’s intention that would follow the Israelites through history. We are to be different than the world around us. The world wants men to rule over them, but not so with you. Nations call us to accept standards imposed equally on everyone, but not so with you. Our society turns its back on the lost, the least, and the lonely, but not so with you. Not so with you.

We are to be a people that serve one another just as Christ came to serve. But the focus isn’t so much on serving as it is on not putting ourselves in the driver’s seat. Jesus’ example was to demonstrate how to honor God above everything else. Serving others is not meant to earn our way into heaven; we know this is not possible. Instead, serving others is our way of pointing people to Christ. Here I am serving you this plate of food, just like Jesus would do if he were here. Here we are washing your feet before supper, just like Jesus did in the Upper Room.

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. John 13:14-5

Whenever we serve with this in mind, we honor Christ. Our posture of serving gives God the glory, not man.

I have many thoughts to share on this subject, but for the sake of brevity, I’ll hold them for later discussion at this point. My prayer is you will see those four words and take them to heart as you go about your day. We are to be a people that are distinct and separate from the world to point people to Jesus.

Not so with you.

I leave you with the words of Psalm 67.

May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face shine on us—
so that your ways may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.

May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you.
May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you rule the peoples with equity
and guide the nations of the earth.
May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you.

The land yields its harvest;
God, our God, blesses us.
May God bless us still,
so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.

 

*Wilkins, Michael J. NIVAC Bundle 6: Gospels, Acts (The NIV Application Commentary). Zondervan Academic. Kindle Edition. Later identified as Salome, she is among the women who attends Jesus at the cross and witnesses the empty tomb (cf. 27:56; Mark 15:40; 16:1). The best clarification of the listings of the women identify Salome as the sister of Mary, Jesus’ mother (cf. John 19:25). So she is Jesus’ aunt, and her sons, James and John, are his cousins on his mother’s side.

 

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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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When Leaders Pray

In one way or another, we’re all leaders. People will choose to follow (or not) based on our actions, decisions we make, policies we support, or the goals we pursue. Leaders, in this case, suggest those who are leading well, i.e., they are respected and admired. The number of people following is not the point, but if we’re to spread the Gospel to the entire world, at some point, we need to bear the burden of leadership. One other important distinction before we dive in: our overarching strategy is to lead others to Christ, not ourselves. That’s where Christian leadership experiences the most tension. I don’t want you to follow my blog or read my book as a way of honoring me. I want you to read some words that point you to Christ, not me.

We have the incredible fortune to have the Bible at our disposal. I hope my description of The Reading Room made some sense and encouraged you to invest time hearing from God consistently. Throughout the Bible, we read stories of leaders that succeeded and those that failed. There are lessons to gain from both perspectives. Today, I’d like to consider the prayer life of a leader.

Have you ever wondered what effective leaders pray for? In this journey to become more Christ-like, we’re focused on how Jesus led, taught, prayed, slept, rested, etc. In this particular study, I’m biased toward understanding how God cares for those our society has discarded.  It’s my greatest desire to learn lessons from his life that I can put to use in spreading his kingdom on earth. This lofty goal leads me back to Scripture for advice.

In this instance, my mind is drawn to King Solomon. Take a moment and read Psalm 72. I’ll highlight a few verses here, but it’s important to remember that this began as a prayer by Solomon, perhaps the wisest and richest man the world will ever know, one who had everything any man could want. Let’s take a look at Solomon’s prayer.

Endow the king with your justice, O God,
the royal son with your righteousness.
Psalm 72:1

Solomon begins by praying for justice and righteousness, then explains why in the following verse:

May he judge your people in righteousness,
your afflicted ones with justice.
Psalm 72:2

Those under the king’s authority are not his own; they belong to God. These are “your” afflicted ones. Solomon continues this theme throughout the psalm. He recognizes that through justice and righteousness, people are drawn to God. All people.

May he defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy and may he crush the oppressor. Psalm 72:4

The beginning stanza of this prayer focuses on victory by caring for those who are troubled. Have no doubt, the king expects to honor for his efforts, but why would he mention the needy, the afflicted, the weak, and the oppressed? The reason is simple: God cares for the least, the lost, and the lonely. If he refuses to care for the least of these, can he expect prosperity? Will tribes bow before him and enemies lick the dust?

When a leader leads well, other leaders will follow. And more importantly, the needy are delivered.

For he will deliver the needy who cry out,
the afflicted who have no one to help.
He will take pity on the weak and the needy
and save the needy from death.
He will rescue them from oppression and violence,
for precious is their blood in his sight.
Psalm 72:12-14

When Solomon executes the list above, all will shout, “Long may he live!” He will have earned respect from all people by focusing on the least.

It’s a bit of a conundrum and a slippery slope for those with self-preservation in mind. We should all beware of our internal motivation.

Description of the Messiah

The prayer of Psalm 72 becomes a prophetic message about the coming Messiah and ends with this exclamation1:

Then all nations will be blessed through him,
and they will call him blessed.
Psalm 72:17

The NIV Study Bible notes include this insight:

Later Jewish tradition saw in this psalm a description of the Messiah, as did the early church.2

Many others agree that this psalm provides a beautiful example of Christ. When we look at his earthly ministry, we read about how Jesus was concerned for the needy.

Reread the psalm with Jesus in mind. Go ahead and substitute “Jesus” where you see references to “the king” or other places that refer to Solomon. Here’s an example:

For [Jesus] will deliver the needy who cry out,
the afflicted who have no one to help.
[Jesus] will take pity on the weak and the needy
and save the needy from death.
[Jesus] will rescue them from oppression and violence,
for precious is their blood in his sight.

For those who are waving the heresy flag, calm down. I’m not rewriting the Bible. Here’s the thought: if we are sincerely trying to be like Christ, our prayers should reflect his nature. If I pray for success in some effort today, I should be praying that Jesus succeeds. My goals, my desires, my motivation should match that of the Holy Spirit that lives inside me.

When our prayer life becomes like Jesus’ prayers, we will lead others to Christ. It might be from a platform, or it might be scooping some food on a plate. We might have a bestselling book or write a note that encourages someone. Large and small, the weight of the impact is disproportionate to heavenly rewards.

Pray Psalm 72 for yourself. Seek to be one that cares for the afflicted more than anyone else. I’m pretty sure the outcome will make Jesus smile.

 

1Psalm 72 ends at verse 17. Verses 18-20 conclude Book II of the Psalter.
2NIV Study Bible, p.936, note on Psalm 72, Zondervan, 2011.

 

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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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Hannah’s Prayer

One of the joys I’ve had in this life is the time I’ve spent with youth and young children. Their perspective on life is untainted, pure, and honest–at least at the youngest end of the spectrum. Our modern culture shatters innocence far too early. As a reluctant middle school pastor, I learned this years ago. Young boys and girls became men and women well before years should allow. Whether we point to technology, pornography, or both, the family unit continues to unravel from the inside out. Domestic violence is on the rise. Divorce cripples families. Children are sold at an epidemic rate into human trafficking mayhem for which we are only partially aware. Mental illness among the youth continues to rise, and suicide is seen as the only way to stop the pain for too many beautiful children of God.1

Such agony is not new to our world and not unique to our culture. Digging deep into Hebrew history, take a look at one of the heroes of the Bible: Hannah.

In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. 1 Samuel 1:10

We are only given a few verses to understand the context for this scene. Hannah was one of two wives of Elkanah. (I’m not going to discuss polygamy.) Though he cared for her most, she was not able to have children and was aggressively looked down upon by her rival. Culturally, she was an outcast who, at best, was pitied by the world. As we wade into the story, Hannah is deeply depressed, yet faithfully worships the Lord at the temple. Showing herself in public must have been humiliating. Eli notices.

There’s a humorous twist in the plot as Eli mistook Hannah for one who was drunk. Note to self: don’t be too quick to judge! Fortunately, Eli was able to look beyond outward appearances and see that this young lady was distraught. With a simple gesture, he changed the trajectory of Hannah’s life and the direction of Hebrew history.

Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.’ 1 Samuel 1:17

Most of the time, we read the verse above and continue along our way, but this is an extravagant statement. Eli is the High Priest. His words carry tremendous weight. In our culture, we toss words around carelessly, but Eli was not making a flippant comment to dismiss Hannah, nor was he trying to cover for his mistake. Eli was moved by her statement and was deftly attune to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I cannot possibly explain the importance of his response. Hannah understands:

She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.’ Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast. 1 Samuel 1:18

Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to the mighty prophet we know as Samuel. She returned to the temple when Samuel was of age along with a bull as her sacrificial offering. She reminded Eli of their meeting years earlier, then fulfills her promise:

So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there. 1 Samuel 1:28

She had no idea what this would ultimately mean to the people of God. There was no way she could have foreseen years into the future when Samuel would verbally hear God’s call. Eli didn’t know either. There was no band playing, no flashing lights, no haze machine setting the mood. In my imagination, it was just a typical day at the temple. Eli was going about his business accepting offerings and making sacrifices. Nothing special. He was merely doing what God called him to do, and both were faithful. They listened to the prompting of the Spirit without any promise of fame or fortune. Samuel became Eli’s very young apprentice and worshiped the Lord.

Hannah was so moved that she wrote a prayer to capture the moment (I think of it as a song). Her song is what prompted this particular entry into our discussion of serving the poor. I had to set up these few verses by providing some background. I hope you are now prepared to hear her words.

He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes
and has them inherit a throne of honor.

For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s;
on them he has set the world.
1 Samuel 2:8

Oh yes, I cherry-picked the verses that speak to exalting the needy. Please forgive my laser focus on the topic. But hear Hannah’s words as someone who was rejected by society, her family, and her neighbors. In those days, perhaps even now, those with problems were seen as unrepentant sinners. There was a simple cause-effect relationship to sin. And people weren’t shy about pointing this out.

Fast-forward to the 21st century and observe our society. Many people point to those who are homeless, imprisoned, poor, and needy as those who have made unwise decisions and cast them out as a result. We’ve learned to avert our eyes from those in need, but God does not forget. His plan is to set crowns on the heads of those who call Jesus their Lord and Savior. God will set the poor beside the prince, the desperate next to the princess, he will raise the downcast.

Allow me to offer one more quick thought about the two main characters in this story, Hannah and Eli. Hannah is clearly the hero, the one we honor most in this story. She grabs the headlines and deserves the recognition for her actions. But let’s not forget Eli. As you go about your ministry today, preparing your place to receive people, making sure things are tidy and well kept, may I suggest you look at Eli in this story. Your role is just like his. Day after day, you offer your work as a pleasing sacrifice to the Lord without any knowledge of Hannah’s that might wander into your presence.

Keep up the excellent work, Eli. Now, go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.

Amen.

 

1 I’m not a fan of citing news articles, but there are many articles and volumes of data on the topic. Nonetheless, forgive me for using a Washington Post news article.

 

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The Year of the Lord’s Favor

Suddenly, Thanksgiving and Black Friday are in the rearview mirror. Advent is upon us. This season of hope insists that we look for words of encouragement beyond the sobering headlines. As I wander through the hundreds of verses chosen for this particular study, the words of Isaiah grab my attention. Chapter 61 begins with these three sentences unevenly distributed across the first three verses. I encourage you to pause between each as you read these carefully scribed thoughts:

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
Isaiah 61:1a

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
Isaiah 61:1b-3a

They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.
Isaiah 61:3b

Reflections

Luke records that Jesus used Isaiah’s words at the beginning of his earthly ministry. The significance of this reference might be difficult for us to appreciate. At this point in Jesus’ life on earth, he’s been baptized, then seemingly disappeared to be tempted in the wilderness for 40 days. The way Luke tells the story, Jesus comes back to Galilee being praised by everyone as he returns to the local Synagogue to teach. There was something electric about his demeanor now. It seems like he’s getting traction. His next stop is to his hometown of Nazareth, where we read these words from Jesus:

The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
Luke 4:18-19

The scroll of Isaiah contained words that were about 700 years old when Jesus read the words. Generations have heard the words repeated for years. Luke tells us, “the scroll of Isaiah was handed to him.” This would have been a pretty large scroll, probably a favorite of the Jews, especially toward the end. But this time, they heard the words spoken by Jesus, and something has changed.

…the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. Luke 4:20

There are probably times in your life when someone says something in a way that stops you in your tracks. Frozen. Imagine the scene. Pause. In my imagination, there are no sounds whatsoever. Not a bird, no cricket, not even a child stirring in the back. Complete silence. Then Jesus says the unthinkable:

He began by saying to them, ‘Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.’ Luke 4:21

As you read the rest of Luke 4, you’ll see the story doesn’t end well. This might be difficult to appreciate if we overlook the beginning of the verse above, “He began.” Jesus had lots of things to say at that point, and he didn’t need to scroll as a prop.

Jesus taught them that the fulfillment of the scriptures is standing right in front of them. From this day forward, the captives can be freed, prisoners of their dark past can enter the light, mourning and grieving are a thing of the past! No more despair! Hear the good news!

Through Jesus Christ, all of these possibilities are a present reality. If you are captive, you are free through Christ. If you’re a prisoner, freedom is within your reach. Those lost in mourning, living without hope, shrouded in darkness are invited to bask in the glory of his light. His warm embrace awaits.

What has the Lord appointed you to proclaim? I’m confident that if you search for this answer, you will find something beautiful. One way to discover the goodness that lives inside of you is to serve the least, the lost, and the lonely in some way. You don’t need to dive in headfirst, though some have found success with this approach. If you’re already serving in some capacity, take another step into the unknown to grow your faith or invite someone else to begin their journey.

Those who have received Christ have the privilege of sharing this great news. Go out this day and show someone the love of Christ.

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Remember the Poor

Pull up a chair. Sit and listen to the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians:

All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along. Galatians 2:10

The impact of this single verse fails to convey the powerful punch with which it was intended to deliver. The verse comes in the middle of Paul’s appeal to others to understand his approach to spreading the Gospel. He wasn’t trying to justify his actions; instead, he was trying to show that though his methods were different, they were consistent with James, Cephas (Peter), and John.

Paul and Barnabas continued to spread the Gospel in Gentile nations to the uncircumcised, using tactics that made sense in their context. From the beginning of chapter 2, we get the idea that a lot of time has transpired since Paul began his ministry. The beginning phrase, “Then after fourteen years…” helps me gain some perspective. Hear this, my friends, if Paul was willing to work for 14 years before checking in with “headquarters,” we need to be patient when our efforts take more than a year or two (or ten).

Verse 2 gives us some fascinating insight. Note: “them” in this case are people who are in key leadership positions in the church.

I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain. Galatians 2:2

Don’t you want to be sure you’re not running your race in vain?

I recognize the letter, and this chapter, in particular, is more concerned with issues that have arisen in the early church, but what I find amazing is Paul includes verse 10 as the closing statement in his paragraph that summarized his evangelistic missionary approach. Essentially, do whatever it takes to spread the amazing, great news about Jesus, but don’t forget to look after the poor.

Why tag on this request? Did Paul need a reminder? Do we need a reminder?

For those of us that have been around the church for a long time, the simple answer is yes. I added this quote from Tim Keller’s sermon (now on the index page for this series):

If you think you have a relationship with [God] and you don’t have a relationship with the poor and the oppressed, you’re mistaken. If you don’t have a relationship with the poor and the oppressed, you don’t really have a relationship with me.1

Paul had to appeal to “those who were held in high esteem” in his day. Tim Keller continues to preach this message in our modern-day and age. Yes, we need a reminder.

Whatever role we are blessed to play in church, business, non-profit, etc., we must never forget the requirement to be attentive to the poor.

Remembering the poor is just the beginning. This is not a box to check or a mandate to fulfill. Keller’s words are carefully chosen to capture the key idea: we are to seek relationships with those who would otherwise be forgotten by society. The concept is simple, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to apply.

I find it fascinating that Paul, in all his greatness, has always been eager to serve the poor. How do we convey this message to others? Perhaps we just need to continue providing safe places for people to get to know the poor, the oppressed, the marginalized. Most important, we must not let people forget.

Lord, help us to seek out relationships with all people, regardless of status or lack of status.

 

 

1See Tim Keller’s sermon, Doing Justice and Mercy, starting at 8:57

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Be blessed: Invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind

Jesus is speaking to a gathering at a prominent Pharisee’s home when He shares a parable that ends with:

But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. Luke 14:13-14

Isn’t it interesting that Jesus would make a particular point to invite those who are the outcasts of society to the home of one who is the most prosperous? This amazing passage is captured by Luke and printed in red letters in my Bible — the very words of Jesus. Please pause and let that sink in.

Will Be Blessed

The NIV Application Commentary authors seem to be captivated by this passage as well. I love their thoughts here:

Though those invited cannot repay, God will reward such care in the resurrection to come (1 Cor. 4:5). Again, the promise of reward is expressed in the passive voice (“will be blessed”), which means that God gives the response. He commends those who reach out to the needy and minister to them, often in quiet ministries that no one ever sees. True righteousness does not look for a payback but is offered free of charge, graciously, just as God in Christ has forgiven us free of charge (Eph. 4:32; 5:2). NIVAC Note

Some Context for the Passage

Let’s zoom out just a bit and see if we can discern why Jesus choose this as the appropriate parable. If it helps, here’s a post I wrote a few years ago surrounding this passage: Jesus and the Pharisees.

The first words of chapter 14 provide the setting, and it’s anything but ordinary. First of all, it’s on the Sabbath, and secondly, it involves a prominent Pharisee. Crazy. Luke makes a special note that Jesus was being carefully watched, so what does Jesus do? He heals someone as they watch — dumbfounded.

One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. There in front of him was a man suffering from abnormal swelling of his body. Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” But they remained silent. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him on his way. Luke 14:1-4

As I dwell on the section today, I’m struck by the scene in which the parable is presented. To begin with, this is in the home of a significant Pharisee. In today’s terms, that probably would look like a large house that would require an access code to get past a gate at the end of a long driveway.

How did Jesus get invited to the party?

There’s an incredible lesson to be learned from this alone. Not only did Jesus get invited, but He turned around and healed someone on the Sabbath, and they didn’t kick him out. The man who was healed was one of the main characters in his parable. He was unable to work because of some sickness, but Jesus was able to heal him and send him on his way. Surely the Pharisees and all those gathered had never witnessed a miracle such as this!

Jesus then looked around and addressed the way they invited the guests and how they seated them in places of honor in the form of a parable. These were intelligent men. They understood what was going on. Read the following verse:

When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” Luke 14:15

Yes! Blessed is the one invited to the feast!

Jesus drives home the point that those invited are not people who look like they should be in attendance. Those who are too busy, proud, successful, or too important won’t be at the banquet.

It seems that Jesus prefers the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame. Perhaps there’s something to learn from His example.

Not my words. His.

 

NIVAC Note. Wilkins, Michael J.. NIVAC Bundle 6: Gospels, Acts (The NIV Application Commentary). Zondervan Academic. Kindle Edition.

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