Tag Archives: Loving Like Jesus

Reconciling the World

Lent
March 29, 2019

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses, God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. –2 Corinthians 5:18-21

God entrusted the message of reconciliation to us. This expectation could not be clearer. So why are we so divided? Why do we seem to work harder at doing Christ’s job of judging people rather than our assignment of reconciling people?  What does reconciliation include?

The Greek word translated as reconciliation here, katallassó*, has three descriptions. It was originally used for the exchange of coins; properly, to change, exchange (especially of money); hence, of persons, to change from enmity to friendship. It is applied to marriage partners (1 Cor 7:11), but usually in the redemptive sense of a sinner reconciling to the Lord. And, finally, decisively change, as when two parties reconcile when coming (“changing”) to the same position.

The Identity Statement of my faith group. The Christian Church’s (Disciples of Christ), speaks to its ministry of reconciliation: We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one body of Christ we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us**. We as participants in this group commit ourselves to this identity. My guess is that most faith groups have some similar statement. The challenge is how do we make it real?

The definitions above provide some guidance. The first speaks to economic justice getting a fair return on one’s investment which plays out in moving from enmity to friendship. The second definition takes it further than friendship comparing reconciliation to the covenantal relationship of marriage which is used Biblically to illustrate our redemptive state in relationship to a loving, forgiving God. The last step takes the personal relationships of friendship, marriage, and God’s redemption to the community level where people work to find common ground for the Common Good.

We live is a diverse culture where many faith groups exist, and many people live who practice no faith at all. That was true of first century Galilee and Israel. Jesus intersected with them all, loved them all, and set the standard for how we are to live in our diverse world today seeking reconciliation.

Prayer: Make us all reconcile-rs as we let go of the need to judge others and learn to love them. Amen.

*https://biblehub.com/greek/2644.htm
**https://disciples.org/our-identity/

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Role Models

Lent
March 14, 2019

Scripture Reading: Philippians 3:17-4:1

Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliation so that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

My first thought every time I read this scripture is to ask myself the question, “Would I have the audacity to advise anybody to imitate me?” I do not think I would ever say it. The truth is as we are called to imitate Christ, people we introduce to God’s love as Paul did will see us as role models whether we invite them to or not. That is a very scary and humbling thought. I do think that Jesus was fully human and thus was as likely as you or I are to shout an expletive if we hit our hand with a hammer. Thus, I do not think we are prescribed to be holier than thou. The real modeling comes with our responses when we see someone hungry, thirsty, without appropriate clothing, sick, or in prison. All these conditions add up to addressing the need for righteousness, justice in our world today.

There are as many ways of addresses these issues as there are people on the earth. Some commit their lives to just one of these like those working to bring safe water to the Congo who are committing a lifetime of resources and talent to letting justice flow literally via streams of living water. Others excel at one-on-one mentoring of the poor taking care of immediate needs while providing training and education targeted toward self-support and self-sufficiency. Many throughout our land are making progress in switching our civil justice system from punishment to restorative justice, helping those who break the law become whole as productive members of society.

I keep coming back to the need to be intentional about our lives as followers of Christ because we never know when someone might be following us on their pathway to God.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be honest about who I am and my limitations while I intentionally seek to model my life after Jesus’ example. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Loving the Way Jesus’ Love

Jesus’ Ministry
February 25, 2019

Scripture Reading: Exodus 34:29-35

Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. Afterwards all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

They will know we are Christians by our love* was a favorite chorus when I was a youth and I still enjoying singing it. I, however, wonder today what behaviors are identified by the general population as “Christian”. I even at times refer to myself as a Christ follower rather than as a Christian because of the bad connotations of bigotry, hate, and privilege that are at times associated with Christians.

Moses’ shining face identified him with God as he guided the Israelites in their journey out of slavery. Our love is what identifies us with Christ as we model his behavior in all aspects of our lives. What we say means a lot. How we live our lives is even more important as people consider the worth of becoming a Christian.

We Will work with each other, we will work side by side;
We will work with each other, we will work side by side;
And we’ll guard each man’s dignity and save each man’s pride*.

Prayer: Lord, help our lives glow with the light of your love. Amen.

*Third verse of They Will Know We are Christians by Our love see at https://wordtoworship.com/song/14526

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Counting Blessings

Jesus’ Ministry
February 10, 2019

Scripture Reading: Luke 5:1-11

But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him. –Luke 5:8-11

I coordinated planning for a human service agency for over 20 years spending much time pushing executives to set measurable goals and track their progress. Seeing what works and what does not can make work more productive. After I retired, I went through spiritual direction training and became enamored with the whole process of self-examination in our faith journey. Greeting each day with a review of my previous day and identifying ways to grow and improve for the current day became meaningful to me. Of course, no day rarely goes the way we plan. Being flexible toward goal attainment is part of the definition of planning. The important thing to examine is are we moving toward the desired outcome. The side effect is being amazed at what can be accomplished with God’s help and it is those blessings that give us the motive to keep going forward.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God has done*.

Prayer: Lord, thank grant us the flexibility to work toward the full fruition of your kingdom ruled by love. Amen.

*First verse an refrain from the hymn Count Your Blessings by Johnson Oatman, Jr. see at https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Count_Your_Blessings/

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Catching Nothing

Jesus’ Ministry
February 9, 2019

Scripture Reading: Luke 5:1-11

Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. –Luke 5:1-7

I spend a lot of time catching nothing. Much of my retirement efforts, as was much of my work-related efforts, are devoted to seeking justice. The work is often met with skepticism and reluctance. I realized some time ago that I see the world differently than most people. I blame that on my mother whom I dubbed the words first true egalitarian. She was very practical and hard-working and strong in her faith commitment to serving those in need. I guess I must credit my father with seeing the bigger picture perhaps even his grandmother. I never met her, but he described her as being a visionary. I wish I had known her. She led a hard life and still could dream of better things to come.

Peter and his fellow fishermen had no doubt worked all night and caught nothing. Yet he was able to put his skepticism and reluctance aside and follow in faith this man called Jesus and eventually to devote his entire being to bring about Jesus’ vision for the world.  We too are called to step out in faith even when we sense we are catching nothing. We have no idea what God can create from what we perceive as nothing.

Why should I feel discouraged?
Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart be lonely
and long for heaven and home,
when Jesus is my portion?
My constant friend is he:
his eye is on the sparrow,
and I know he watches me;
his eye is on the sparrow,
and I know he watches me*.

Prayer: Lord, when we are discouraged help us feel your presence. Help us understand that you created the Earth out of chaos and can make a kingdom of love out of our best effort for which we do not see results. Amen.

*First verse of His Eye is on the Sparrow by   Civilla D. Martin, see at https://hymnary.org/text/why_should_i_feel_discouraged

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Let’s Go

Jesus’ Ministry
February 8, 2019

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to someone untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace towards me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them—though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe. –1 Corinthians 15:2-11

It is important for followers of Christ to tell our stories. Recently, I have been working with several people in my church on a particularly challenging issue. You know those problem/solution episodes that seem to move one step forward and two steps back. One of the people trying to make a difference shared her written list of answered prayers related to the issue. Her sharing her observation was encouraging and inspiring.

I stumbled on to the connection of Acts 1 with Acts 2 some years ago and now suggest to people caught in a spiritual funk that they read these two chapters together. Acts 1 is the report of a church board meeting. The Disciples had finally recovered enough from their shock/grief to realize they have a mission to complete. They added some new leaders to replace ones that were lost and set out to fulfill their mission when suddenly chapter 2 happens. It was so astounding we even assigned it a name we call it Pentecost giving an ancient holiday new life. It reports the coming of the Holy Spirit. When I read these two chapters together, I wondered, was God patiently waiting to say, “OK it is time, let’s go” for the Disciples to indicate their readiness to take up Christ’s mission?

Is it time for us to step out in faith and spread God’s love to the ends of the Earth?

Prayer: God of Justice and Mercy, here we are albeit with drooping hands and weak knees* but we are ready to join with you and say, “Let’s go”.

*Derived from Hebrews 12:12

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

 

Who is My Enemy?

Jesus’ Ministry
February 6, 2019

Scripture Reading: Psalm 138

Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
   you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies;
you stretch out your hand,
   and your right hand delivers me.
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
   your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
   Do not forsake the work of your hands. –Psalm 138:7-8

I am often my own worst enemy. Paul states it this way in Romans 7:21, So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand. I find myself treating myself to something I know I should not eat but just this once on this special occasion—most of us know the drill.  Why is it so hard to do what is right when we have it so good? We find this same reality in our faith history. Israel drifted away from God in the presence of abundance and peace. Faith thrived in famine and war.

We also tend to become more exclusive when greed and power rule our lives. We cannot seem to share abundance and peace with all of God’s children when we have it for ourselves.  Sometimes our experience of abundance and peace is at the expense of the others in our world. How do we grow beyond our self-fulfilling limitations?

We also get caught up in the whole idea that for some reason we are better in the eyes of God than those who are not doing as well as we are. We are punitive to the poor and sick assuming without fact that they are in their situations because of laziness when most of them work at minimum paying jobs with few if any benefits getting fired when they get sick. I do not see that in any of Jesus’ actions or teachings. He seemed to live just the opposite.

So, while I wonder why God even bothers with me as I am my own worst enemy. I read that The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me. We must take great hope in this reality, God loves us and sees potential in us no matter what. Once we internalize that fact, we can grow through God’s love and become the people God created us to be.

Prayer: Lord, forgive us when we get too full of ourselves and guide us to practice loving as you love. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

The Law and Love

Jesus’ Ministry
January 31, 2019

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. –1 Corinthians 13:1-3

I invest a lot of time in advocacy work primarily related to federal and state legislation. It seems fitting, since I spent 35 years of my life working in state government with a lot of federal programs. I do not know if I ever make any difference, but I feel compelled to do the work. The federal process takes breaks occasionally but in general is year-round. In Oklahoma the legislative session runs from February through May with a frenzy of work starting in the late fall of the prior year with bills being pre-filed, lots of bills being filed, most of which will never get out of committee some may never get into committee. Many are written to assuage concerns of a senator or representative’s constituent, some are designed to make a statement, and others are earnest attempts to address a need, improve government productivity, or correct or update current laws. Of course, there are differing opinions on whether a bill is the right way to address a need or improve government usually depending on your political persuasion or experience. Democracy is about negotiations and compromise and never easy.

As I read the scripture above, I could not help but think that it describes democracy where there are lots of wagging tongues and noise making with prognostications grim and rosy. Knowledge is important. In some instances, faith gets involved causing consternation when it is one groups faith but not another’s. Money is always at play.

I think we too often read 1 Corinthians 13 as beautiful prose rather than the prime directive God has given throughout the ages. In everything we do we are to love even in the process of making laws. If a democracy is to succeed, the fundamental laws of love, loving God and loving one another, must override all our human concoctions as we strive to find common ground for the Common Good.

Prayer: Lord, keep us ever mindful of our task of caring for others as we care for ourselves. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Reviewing the Life of Jesus

Christmas
January 1, 2019

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10
How beautiful upon the mountains
   are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,
who brings good news,
   who announces salvation,
   who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’
Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices,
   together they sing for joy;
for in plain sight they see
   the return of the Lord to Zion.
Break forth together into singing,
   you ruins of Jerusalem;
for the Lord has comforted his people,
   he has redeemed Jerusalem.
The Lord has bared his holy arm
   before the eyes of all the nations;
and all the ends of the earth shall see
   the salvation of our God.

Put away the tinsel, recycle the wrapping paper, carefully store the nativity pieces, God Incarnate has come and we have much to learn and much to do. Over the next several weeks we will revisit the lessons of Jesus’ life lived in love and hear again the sermons and parables, see the crowds throng about him, watch as he heals the sick and even raises the dead. Take it all in, seek new insights, grow in spirit and in truth as the baby Jesus grew in favor with God and people. But most of all let us all dedicate ourselves to be our part of helping all see the salvation of our God.

Prayer: Lord, empower use as your servants to show mercy, do justice, and walk humbly with God as you did in your season on earth. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

 

Generations of Love

Christmas
December 27, 2018

Scripture Reading: Psalm 148

Kings of the earth and all peoples,
   princes and all rulers of the earth!
Young men and women alike,
   old and young together!
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
   for his name alone is exalted;
   his glory is above earth and heaven.
He has raised up a horn for his people,
   praise for all his faithful,
   for the people of Israel who are close to him.
Praise the Lord! –Psalm 148:11-14

One of the greatest challenges the world faces today is bringing together the young and the old. There are six generations in our world today. We have even tried to name them. The Greatest Generation, Baby Boomers, etc. Each has a different worldview than the other. My mother lived through the Great Depression and she made good use of everything. I gave up buying plasticware and paper plates for my Christmas party to save work because I would find her in the kitchen after dinner digging those items out of the trash and washing them for reuse. Now I know it is not only economical to use regular dishes but better for the environment. Mom was right, this time.

The church always searching for its unique offerings to the world needs to consider that we are a great place to help generations blend together, learn from one another, and create a more loving world.

I must confess I wondered where the adults were when I watched on the news recently as a high school wrestler had his dreadlocks cut off because the referee refused to let him wrestle with them. His teammates attempted to support him, but I saw no one else stepping up to help. He gave up his dreadlocks apparently for his team and he won the match. He had been wrestling all season with the hairstyle It appeared to be a decision of the ref. It appeared to be racism. We must struggle with the question, “Why do we need to make the next generations conform to our worldview?” I remember when one of our church’s youth who is a good musician started singing with the adult choir. One Sunday he arrived with green hair. He was greeted with some smiles, most of us remembering duck tails or ratted hair, but with acceptance as he graced our choir with his lovely voice.  Perhaps the real question with which we need to struggle is “How can we learn through sharing the experiences of the various generations to make this world a better place?”

Prayer: Lord, forgive us when we enforce our taste on others as your taste. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.