IN THE PRESENCE OF OUR ENEMIES

 

DECEMBER 1, 2023

Psalm 23:5

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

On the night before facing the realities of death on the cross, Jesus gathered with His disciples to celebrate the Passover. Here he was, the Lamb of God, the One who would soon shed His blood to atone for the sins of the world, remembered the blood of lambs painted on the doorposts and beams of Israelite homes in Egypt. It was shed blood that saved and liberated God’s people then, as it would be the case following the “Last Supper” of Jesus with his disciples.

The night that Jesus celebrated in Jerusalem, His enemies, "Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel," plotted against Him (Acts 4:27b). The disciple Judas Iscariot, who would betray Jesus, was present at the table until the time of Jesus' betrayal drew near. Earlier that same evening the Lord had called His disciples "friends" (John 15:15b), but later that same night the disciples would forget that friendship and flee from the Savior to save themselves.

You likely know how things unfolded, Peter would deny Jesus and swear that he did not even know his Lord. Jesus came to the table while His enemies schemed in the city. He shared a meal with His betrayer and with disciples who would abandon Him to His captors. Yet that night at the table, in the presence of enemies and friends who would soon run from Him, Jesus offered to His disciples and to us the gift of His body and blood, given and shed for the forgiveness of our sins. Taking up the bread and wine, Jesus said, "This is My body .... this is My blood" (Matthew 26:26b, 28a).

In the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, a table is prepared for us in the presence of our enemies. Perhaps we have real human enemies of some kind, people who wish us harm. As Christians, we face the opposition of a skeptical world, as Jesus warned us: "I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you" (John 15:19b). We may face the "enemies" of our own thoughts, our doubts and fears, our guilt and shame, as we wonder are we worthy of Jesus’ gift?

Take notice, in the presence of our enemies, Jesus welcomes us, He welcomes all people, to the table that He has prepared for us. At this table Jesus invites us to receive His body and blood, forgiving our sins, nourishing our faith and assuring us of His triumph over every enemy. The Lord’s table overflows with His grace and mercy.

Lets us remember this the next time we receive from the table of our Lord.

Lord Jesus, I give You thanks and praise for the table You have prepared for me in the presence of my enemies. Amen.

STIR UP YOUR MIGHT

 

November 30, 2023

 

Psalm 80:1-2

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock. You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth. Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh, stir up Your might and come to save us!

"Stir up Your might and come to save us!" We are very familiar with that kind of prayer. Struggling with illness, loss, and grief, or worried about difficulties with family or work, we plead with God in much the same way: "Lord, come to save me!"

After King Solomon died, the twelve tribes of Israel were divided into two kingdoms. The northern tribes, including Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh as mentioned in this psalm, formed the kingdom of Israel. The southern kingdom was called Judah. The king of Assyria besieged and conquered the northern kingdom. The Israelites were taken captive and exiled to Assyria. The verses of this psalm is their plea for deliverance. They knew the Shepherd of Israel cared for His people, but now "wolves" surrounded them. They needed the Shepherd!

We also need the Shepherd. Israel looked back to their past to see how God had cared for them; they called on Him in prayer, seeking His help once again. We read about this story, this history, in the Bible to see how God led Joseph "like a flock." God's mighty acts of power shapes our faith and our life in Jesus. We see that we like God’s Old Testament people we must put our trust in the Shepherd: "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" (Romans 15:4).

Israel longed and prayed for the Messiah, the Shepherd of Israel, to come to rescue them. When the right time came, Jesus the Shepherd, the Son of God, was born in Bethlehem; the long-promised Savior had come! He is the Good Shepherd who came to lay down His life for His sheep, to suffer and die for the sins of all. He came to set free all who are held captive. As anticipated in the psalm, the Shepherd came to save us!

As we prepare to celebrate Jesus' first advent, His birth in Bethlehem, we also look forward to the day of His return, His second Advent. The Good Shepherd will come again to gather His flock to Himself forever. This prayer from the Psalm 80 is a good Advent prayer for us: "O Shepherd of Israel ... stir up Your might and come to save us!"

Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.

 

HELP the WORLD REJOICE

 

November 29, 2023

 

Psalm 80

Restore us, O God of hosts; let Your face shine, that we may be saved! You brought a vine out of Egypt; You drove out the nations and planted it. You cleared the ground for it; it took deep root and filled the land. ... Why then have You broken down its walls, so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit?

In the Movie and play Sister Act, Mother Superior is afraid of Deloris Van Cartier and for good reason. Deloris is a mess. She needs a sanctuary. Delores is a singer. Her latest audition was after-hours at a seedy joint in south Philly. She didn't get the job. And, to make matters worse, that night, when she left, she took the wrong door and witnessed a murder. Right in front of her, the club owner shoots one of his henchmen for squealing on him to the cops. Now Deloris is a witness, on the run, and needs a sanctuary. The police hide Deloris, the loud-mouth lounge singer, in a convent, much to Mother Superior's chagrin. Because when Deloris joins the choir, she brings the whole scummy world inside that sanctuary, into God's vineyard, and the riff-raff are trampling down the vine, eating all the fruit, just as Mother Superior feared.

Psalm 80, was written during a time when ancient Israel was divided. The leaders in the Northern Kingdom were corrupt. They had mixed with the culture around them, the consequence of their choices caused things to come crashing down around them. In the year 722 B.C., the Assyrians invaded, broke down their walls, trampled their sanctuary, and scattered the people. The Poet of Psalm 80 probably lived in the southern part of Israel when it happened. He hears about it and calls out his prayer to God in a poem. The Psalmist compares God's people to a vine, and their land is like a vineyard. And like Mother Superior in Sister Act, the Psalmist does not understand why God would let the world invade His vineyard.

When Jesus said, "I am the true Vine and you are the branches" (John 15:5a), He probably had Psalm 80 in mind. Recognizing Jesus as the Vine we see the relationship between the world's mess and God's sanctuary in a new light. Because the Gospels show us that Jesus embraced the so called "riff-raff", you and me included. Jesus let Himself be trampled, cut down, crucified, then, with God's power and compassion, He rose from the dead. He broke down the wall. He welcomes us in, so that we can welcome others.

Back to Sister Act, when Deloris Van Cartier led the choir in the convent, she taught them how to sing. And maybe we can hear her words as prophetic. She tells her sisters, and us,

"When you've got a song worth hearin' 

there's one thing to do.

Just keep your fear from interferin' 

and let that sucker burst through.

Raise your voice! Blast it! Blare it! 

Stand up and share it! Help the world rejoice!"

God, keep our fears from interfering, so that we can help the world rejoice in Jesus. Amen.

 

COME ON RING THOSE BELLS

 

NOVEMBER 28, 2023

 

EPHESIANS 2: 19-22

you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

"Built on the Rock, the church shall stand
even when steeples are falling;
Christ build His church in every land;
bells still are chiming and calling,
calling the young and old to rest,
calling the souls of those distressed,
longing for life everlasting.”



"We are God's house of living stones,
built for His own habitation;
He fills our hearts, His humble thrones,
granting us life and salvation.
Yet to this place, and earthly frame,
we come with thanks to praise His name;
With all His grace and His favor."

(Built On The Rock - Hymn)

We may imagine steeples falling and crumbling everywhere, even though the church buildings that support those steeples are still standing. I suspect we all have heard or experienced the reality that in many places, church attendance has dwindled, or is dwindling. Many point the finger of blame on the pandemic, as that which kept people away. Most church leaders I talk to say that many long time worshippers have not returned. I was at an appointment recently and a discussion developed about Churches closing, dying off, and one person said “it is so sad.” The other person asked, “oh, are you a church person?” “Oh Know,” came the reply, “I’m not religious.” She represents a growing segment of the population that is referred to as "nones" because they mark "none" as their choice of religion on surveys.

Yet the "nones" are still "souls distressed." They long "for life everlasting," even if they are unaware of, or deny, that distress and longing. They are not really "nones", as if they did not exist. They are people loved by God, people for whom Jesus died and for whom church bells "still are chiming and calling."

The church may be a building, but it is much more than that. "We are God's house of living stones." All who trust in Christ for salvation are the "temple of the living God" (2 Corinthians 6:16b). It is not the bells in church steeples that ring out the Good News, but our own voices calling out as our lives reflect Jesus' love. We invite others, including the "nones", or however they may choose to define themselves, to find life and rest in Jesus, who suffered and died on the cross for them and who lives to give them forgiveness, hope, rest, and eternal life.

Church buildings, with Bell towers and Steeples intact, are still standing. Yet wherever we are, we are the church, the living, breathing, actively loving body of Christ. In the power of the Spirit, an offered prayer, a quiet word of encouragement in Jesus' Name, and the proclamation of the truth of the Gospel ring out louder than crashing steeples or ringing bells. 

I know it does seem that the alluring voices of the culture drown out the bells that call people to worship. We may not be able to keep up with a loud, tempting, and rapidly changing culture, but we know and proclaim an unchanging truth. Jesus Christ has risen from the dead and in Him alone we have life and hope! It is a message that will not be silenced and if you look around, it is a message the world needs.

LET US PRAY

 Jesus, help my voice to ring out with the Good News always. Amen.

SO MANY CROWNS

 

November 27, 2023

 

"Crown Him with many crowns, the Lamb upon His throne; Hark how the heav'nly anthem drowns all music but its own. Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee, And hail Him as thy matchless King through all eternity.

"Crown Him the Lord of heav'n, enthroned in worlds above, Crown Him the King to whom is giv'n the wondrous name of Love. Crown Him with many crowns as thrones before Him fall; Crown Him, ye kings, with many crowns, for He is King of all."

Although there may be few such rulers in our world today, kings most often come into their kingship because of the death of the previous monarch. We witnessed this with the death of Queen Elizabeth, and the immediate ascending to the throne of her son, Prince Charles in 2022. In other circumstances, as in ancient times, a king might take up his reign after conquering his enemies and taking their territories as his own.

Jesus, the "Lamb of God", came into His kingship by way of suffering and dying. As we reflected on yesterday in our service, Jesus was crowned, not with gold, but with thorns. He was lifted up, not on a throne, but on a cross. His kingship was mocked by the sign posted above His head, a warning to others who desired kingly power: "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews" (John 19:19b). Jesus the King died and was buried, not with great ceremony as might be done for a monarch, (again think of Queen Elizabeth’s funeral) but in haste because of the nearness of the Sabbath day. On the third day after His death, Jesus the King appeared in triumph over death, a victory no earthly king, however powerful, could claim. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered His adversaries, our enemies, sin, death, and the devil, as many of the creeds put it. Our risen and exalted One ascended to reign in splendour and glory and is seated at the right hand of God the Father. The Bible tells us that Saints and angels celebrated as the King of Kings received His throne: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever," says Revelation 11:15b.

The verses of the hymn above celebrates the "many crowns" of the Lamb who was slain for us. Jesus is crowned as the virgin's Son who, even though He was God, humbled Himself, taking on our human flesh to be born among us, or as John’s gospel describes it Jesus “pitched his tent among us.”  Jesus is crowned as the Lord of love, who carried our sins in His body on the cross. “He who knew no sin, took our sins upon himself, so that we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Cor 5:21) He receives a crown as the Lord of life because He conquered death to gain eternal life for us. It was impossible for death to keep its hold on him," declared Peter in Acts 2:24. Ephesians 1:21ff says that God seated him (Jesus) at his right hand in the heavenly realms,  far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.  And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Finally, Jesus is crowned as the Lord of heaven, the One to whom all authority is given. So many crowns! Yet all of these crowns are hardly enough to reflect the power and glory and grace and love and mercy of our King Jesus, who will one day present to each of His faithful followers the crown of life. Paul articulated the promise best, “there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

“Thanks be to God, for his incredible gift to us in Christ Jesus our Lord” Amen.

RECEIVE GOD’S WORD OF BLESSING

 

November 24, 2023

Titus 1:4

May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace.

Of all the things you could ever wish upon someone, or of all the ways you could ever string words together and form a sentence to offer someone encouragement; these powerful words Paul uses to open his letter to Titus might just top the list.

May God give you grace and peace. These words, written long ago, are still a powerful encouragement for you today.

Grace – may you find favor with God, even when you don’t deserve it.

Peace – may you feel calm today, even in the midst of chaos.

Whatever you’re facing today, whatever is on your mind right now, whatever worry, uncertainty, or fear you may have; remember it is no match for the grace and peace of God.

Your faith in Jesus Christ is well placed, for he alone is the Savior of the world. The one who gives grace and peace to all who put their trust in him.

So today, receive these words, repeat them often, and let them sink down deep into your soul. Grace and peace.

Share them with those you encounter today, and may God give you grace and peace as you do.

Amen.

OUR REWARD for SERVICE

 

 

November 23, 2023

 

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.

Colossians 3:23-24

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

 

In Ecclesiastes 9:10 King Solomon reminds us, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." Meanwhile, Colossians 3:23-24 exhorts, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Our lives, as Jesus’ disciples are not a series of random events; they are beautifully arranged to serve a higher purpose. The verses above remind us that God calls us to live with passion and dedication, offering our best efforts in everything we do. Whether in our jobs, relationships, or daily tasks, we have the calling, the opportunity of honouring and glorifying God through our actions.

Honouring God means recognizing that our lives are not solely about personal gain or success but about serving and glorifying Him. When we work diligently and wholeheartedly, viewing every opportunity as an avenue to honour Jesus, even the most ordinary tasks take on eternal significance.

As we align our hearts with God's purposes, we will find unspeakable joy in knowing that we are not serving human rulers, but the Creator of the universe. In this understanding, our labour becomes an act of worship, and our lives become a testament to His grace and love.

Today, let us embrace a higher purpose in life, to honour God in all we do. What might it look like if we approached each task with passion and enthusiasm, knowing that we serve Jesus Christ Himself. As we live with solid dedication, we can rest confidently that our efforts, fueled by love for God, will not be in ineffective. The promise to us that we read above in Colossians is that we will receive the promised eternal inheritance as our reward.

Our inheritance in Christ has four defining qualities that make it superior to any earthly inheritance: as 1 Peter 1:4-5 describes it as "an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. (think about that). This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."

Thanks be to God!!

 

ARE YOU TOO BUSY FOR JESUS?

 

 

NOVEMBER 22, 2023

 

Every morning I have a regular routine, like most of you do no doubt, my routine is to get up, make a coffee, grab my iPad and go to a news app I have installed. It is different kind of news app from others, it gives the news without spin or conspiracy theories, just facts and statements from all sides. They do not run a story with out checking the facts of a story. The app also has quizzes, and knowledge testers, you get points based on your answers, and faithfulness, every day participation earns you a streak, and you get extra points based on your consistency. The other morning as I was doing my routine, it occurred to me how disciplined I am to do this App every day. The thought went through my mind, are you as disciplined with spiritual things as you are with your App.

Have you ever had that little voice inside speak a question like that to you? I am sure we all have come to places in our lives where we have been distracted by other things and these things have replaced our care of our Spiritual journey, of staying close to Jesus.

Life can get crazy. We have so much going on whether it be work, school, family, friends, relationships and so much more. We get overwhelmed with everything going on in our lives that we hardly make time for things that are really important. We start to neglect things in life that are important because we say we “do not have time.” There is a saying, “you find time for what is important to you”, I believe we all know the truth of that. Yet, sometimes we give focus and time to the less important things.

This devotion is a bit of self confession, I suppose. Spending time with God is important to the highest degree, yet while we affirm this, it seems it is easy to excuse ourselves from this discipline. We have time to scroll through social media or watch Netflix or some other streaming platform, but when it comes to reading our Bible or spending quiet time with God we excuse ourselves on the basis of being “too busy.” Being busy is no excuse. We can pray when we are walking, or driving (eyes open praying), cleaning up after supper, we can listen worship music in the car, in our homes, we can read the Bible at breakfast, or before bed, or listen to the Bible being read on the many Apps and podcasts that are available. I guess the point I am making we can always find time to spend with Jesus.

Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”  Matthew 6:33

Martin Luther is recorded as saying that “the more I have do, the more I have to pray.” I wonder if that’s not a good approach to take when life is hectic and busy, what if to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, results in the “these things” in our lives being more manageable, less stressful and overwhelming, because of God’s peace that comes from spending time in his presence.

So, on the day that little question went through my mind doing my App, guess what popped up in my inbox? An article that asked the question, “Are You Too Busy For Jesus? I got the message!!

Can I ask you today how you would answer this question? 

Are You Too Busy For Jesus?

STEADFAST LOVE

 

November 21, 2023

Psalm 100:4-5

Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His Name! For the LORD is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.

 

We know that human love can sometimes fail. People who profess love for one another can become unfaithful. Family members argue over politics, faith, or finances and refuse to settle their disagreements. Scripture speaks of the unexpected failure of a mother's love, contrasting that possibility with divine love than cannot fail. God asks His people to consider that shattering loss and then speaks of His comfort: “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget,  I will not forget you! (Isaiah 49:15). The psalmist in our reading today calls on us to give thanks for the enduring, steadfast love and faithfulness of God.

This steadfast love is not based on our accomplishments. It is not determined by how deserving we imagine ourselves to be. God's love is not just a pleasant "feeling" or warm thoughts. This is covenant love it is expressed in the self-sacrifice of God Himself. God first spoke of that sacrificial love in the Garden of Eden, promising that the Offspring of the woman would come to destroy the tempting serpent. Through the centuries, the promise of the Savior was repeated in the words of the prophets. Finally, when the time was right, God's steadfast, self-sacrificing love was expressed in the gift of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” (1 John 4:9).

Our Psalm above reminds us that we enter God's presence to worship and bless His Name, giving thanks for His steadfast love and faithfulness. The Bible’s promise is that one day, we will enter God’s heavenly courts with praise and give thanks  for the steadfast love that endures forever and ever!

 

Do Not JUDGE??

 

NOVEMBER 17, 2023

Matthew 7:1-5

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

 

Here is something I have noticed, likely you have as well, All of humankind have two things in common. First, we don’t like to be told how to live.  Second, we like to tell others how to live. Jesus knew this when He spoke the words captured in Matthew 7:1-5. However, His words have been twisted by both Christians and non-Christians alike. Either we like to use these verses because we don’t want others telling us what to do, or because we can tell others what to do, you know to stop being so judgmental! The point is either way we apply this verse, we are adding our intentions into the Scripture. When we do this we can miss God’s truth.

If we could never judge others, our world would lack the Christian voice and leadership in some important areas: the judicial system, policing, management, and parenting, just to name a few.

So, what is Jesus saying?

As we have been doing all week, let’s get some context for Matthew 6. Take a look and you will find that Jesus spent the first half of the chapter teaching how to give, pray, and fast without hypocrisy. In other words, He wanted us to do these things for God’s eyes rather for our fellow human beings.

So, the question becomes is Matthew 7:1-2 a command never to judge, or never to judge hypocritically?

The next three verses of Matthew 7 describe the ridiculousness of pointing out sawdust in your brother’s eye through the clouded vision of a plank in your own. Sounds like Jesus is continuing the hypocrisy theme into chapter seven. Many believe the book of Matthew was first written to the Jews to show Jesus as their Messiah. One recurring themes is Jesus’ confrontation with Jewish leaders (Pharisees) who had become zealous enforcers of a set of 613 religious’ laws. Jesus’ words would have exposed their strictly legal brand of worship.

Matthew may have included chapter 7:1-2 with his Jewish friends in mind, but let’s not miss what Jesus is saying to us today.

The New Testament is full of lessons on judgment to varying audiences. In John 7:24, Jesus told us, “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” The Apostle Paul copies Jesus in his reminder to Christians in Rome to avoid hypocrisy (Romans 2:1-4). In 1 Corinthians 5:12, Paul asked the Corinthian church to stop trying to judge people outside of the church because, as He explained in verse 13, that’s God’s job. So, can we just let judgments fly within the church? Galatians 6:1 suggests the opposite: gentle restoration through relationship.

What must we do with judgment?

I believe, we must first accept the judgment of Christ. Jesus pointed out to the so-called hypocritical Pharisees, and to us, our failure to live by the law. So maybe in this light, we should not get so “bent out of shape” when non-Christians don’t live according to Christian morals. I just feel that we Jesus followers can’t expect people who don’t know Jesus to live their lives trying to follow His ways. One final thought, Jesus teaches us, that we his followers need to restore those who share our faith, our sisters and brothers, with humility, gentleness, and relationship.

I hear you, “But wait, “I want to tell people how to live.” We’re humans. Of course, we do. What if instead of judgment, we let our lives display to people around us how to love, Jesus style? Might make a difference in us, and to them.

 

FOUNDATION FOR CONTENMENT

 

 

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

 

1 Timothy 6:1-10

1All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. 2Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves. These are the things you are to teach and insist on. 3If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. 6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

For the love of money 

is a root of all kinds of evil. … 

 

Well, there is a verse that has certainly been twisted, bent, folded, and flattened in every way in the minds of Christian believers. It’s been applied to those who are wealthy to get a little extra in the offering, and 1 Timothy 6:10 has also served as a justification for low balanced savings accounts.

• Was the Apostle Paul getting ready to ask for money?
• Was he trying to make himself feel better about his own lack of a nest egg?
• Was he saying money is bad and we should do everything possible never to have much of it?

Let’s look for some context surrounding Paul’s first letter to his  "son in the faith", Timothy (1 Timothy 1:2). Many scholars believe Paul wrote this letter on his third missionary journey, this would have been a few years prior to his arrest. By this time, Paul had abandoned comfort and a steady income for life as a nomadic leader of the early Christian church. In fact, Paul spread God’s word without requiring payment (1 Corinthians 9:14-15), and at times made tents to support himself (Acts 18:1-3). So, we know Paul was sharing a deeply held, lived-out in the real world belief with Timothy.

What will Paul’s words to Timothy speak to us? 

Let's consider a few things, Paul began chapter six with a servant-and-master theme. Later, he described false teachers who think godliness is a way to secure financial gain (1 Timothy 6:5). One verse later, as though he  had flipped a coin over, he states that godliness paired with contentment are great gain. Paul continued to make his case by reminding us of what we get to take with us when we die. He called the desire to get rich a way to destruction (1 Timothy 6:9). Then finally, he explained all this with 1 Timothy 6:10. It seems to me that Paul was not denouncing wealth, he was pointing his finger at the lack of contentment experienced.

The lack of contentment is a condition which overthrows God as Lord, and subjects people to the pursuit of money or some other currency in their life. You may remember that Jesus also used servant-and-master imagery to discuss money. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus plainly stated, “You cannot serve both God and money.”

Let’s reflect on this for a moment. Why do we, at least many of us do, want to win the Lotto-MAX jackpot? Somewhere deep within there is a belief that says more money will mean more security, happiness, significance, generosity, and even godliness. But security, happiness, significance, generosity, and godliness come from God, our creator and master. What Paul and Jesus were warning against is living by the false promise that something or someone other than God can result in the “good life” we long for. It is only, as we have “no other god’s before him” and as we crown God as our only King that we have the deep contentment we truly seek.

Is money bad? No. In fact, money submitted to God can accomplish great things for the Kingdom. We have witnessed this in our faith community. I believe that Jesus and Paul are saying that as we pursue Godliness with contentment, all these things will be added to us as well: we will know security, happiness, significance, generosity.

I have placed other god’s before him, have you? Have you replaced the peace, satisfaction, comfort, love, strength, and direction that comes from God in the hands of some other “master”?

If you have what step might you take today to re-instate God as King in your life?

STRENGTH FOR ALL THINGS

 

NOVEMBER 15, 2023 

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 

 

Ok, who hasn’t thought of Philippians 4:13 before a big examination, meeting, game, or some other challenge?

For many, Philippians 4:13 is quoted more for self-motivation than anything else. I certainly have quoted it this way in my life. Have you? Perhaps a more secular version might sound like, “If we set our mind to it, whatever it is, we’ll accomplish it.” Sure, “through Christ” is in our Bible verse today, but is “through Christ” meant to be understood, as some do, that He is there just to give us strength to accomplish our goals. Does Christ give us strength to do well in a game, or on that examination? Yes. Let’s remember that the original author of this verse, the Apostle Paul was writing, from jail, to the church he helped plant in Philippi.

If Paul had the power to do all things, maybe its just me but I would think that “get out of jail” would be at the top of his to-do list. After all, if he could really do all things, he’d be all-powerful it seems to me. We really need to put Philippians 4:13 in context. The preceding three verses give additional meaning to verse 13. Here the apostle, described experiencing poverty, hunger, want, and despite it all, he writes “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Then, he added verse 13 to basically say he could do all this only because of Christ. Paul’s words were less about motivating the Philippians to accomplish great things and more about inspiring them to trust God despite horrible things. The original language reads more like, "I have strength for all things. Why? Because of Jesus."

Bad medical news? Cling to Him; He is life. Lost your job? Submit to Him; He’s your provider. Are you “in want” like Paul? Come to Him; you can be content. Through Christ, you have strength for all these things.

What are you facing as you read this? How can you rely on Christ for strength?

 I kneel before the Father, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.             Ephesians 3:14-19