The Sabbath is Made For Man

Some churches will not let you partake of communion unless you are a member of their denomination. My sense is they are trying to somehow protect the sacraments. I see a similarity with the Pharisees when they confronted Jesus about the disciples picking heads of grain from the field. “The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” He answered, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:24-27 NIV).  Partaking of the emblems, rather than being a participation with a denomination, is a participation in the blood and body of Jesus.

Applicable

There are a few verses in the Bible that I don’t understand, while others I grasp, but they are not applicable to me at that moment. Jesus taught in parables and on more than one occasion the disciples asked Him to explain the meaning of the parable. The representatives of the Sanhedrin, who were well versed in Scripture, felt the sting of the Parable of the Talents, “Then they looked for a way to arrest him because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away” (Mark 12:12 NIV).

A Righteous Man

Matthew wrote, “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly” (Matt 1:18 19 NIV). An angel of the Lord intervened and revealed to Joseph that what was taking place fulfilled what was said through the prophet, and Joseph took Mary home as his wife. Scripture records very little about Joseph, but we know his character…he was a righteous man.

Shepherds Who Feed Themselves

I’ve heard more than a few sermons which left me feeling the message was more for the benefit of the pastor than instruction and edification for the congregation. Jude warns us about selfishness and greed among believers, “These men are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead. They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever” (Jude 12-13 NIV).

Climate Change

Last week a new report on climate change came out and environmentalists, who insist climate change is man caused, are making a renewed push for the legislature to address the issue. Prior to the Lord’s return He will give power to Two Witnesses. I wonder if environmentalist will have the same fervor to blame man for weather changes then as they have now. John wrote, “And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth…These men have power to shut up the sky so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want” (Rev 11: 3, 6 NIV).

God’s Exact Representation

There are a lot of agencies that have duly sworn law enforcement officers in their organizations — the police department, sheriff’s office, state patrol, national parks, forest service, etc. I have no reason to fear a park ranger, but when I see a police officer driving behind me, I immediately look at my speedometer and then try think if I had an infraction at the last turn, the last stop or the last crosswalk. I realize I do something similar on a spiritual level. I have more fear of God seeing my sins than I do of Jesus seeing them. However, the writer of Hebrews said, “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven” (Heb 1:1-3 NIV).

Thanksgiving Day

The book of Leviticus describes various offerings, their observance and requirements — Guilt Offering, Burnt Offering, Grain Offering, Sin Offering, and Fellowship Offering. The NIV Study Bible footnote said, “Thank Offerings were given in gratitude for deliverance from sickness, trouble, death or a blessing received.” As we celebrate Thanksgiving and feast on an offering of turkey, pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes and gravy I am truly thankful we are not under the Old Testament Law, “The meat of his fellowship offering of thanksgiving must be eaten on the day it is offered; he must leave none of it till morning” (Leviticus 7:15 NIV).

Famished

Last Sunday my church held their Thanksgiving Day potluck dinner following the morning service. All throughout the worship service the smell of turkey and all the trimmings cooking in the kitchen waft through the sanctuary. By the time lunch rolled around my stomach was growling and I felt like I was starving to death. Smell is a powerful sense and I’m now wondering how big of a role it played in Esau’s downfall. “Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.” “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?” But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob” (Gen 25:29-33 NIV).

Washing Feet

For the last three years my husband, Bill, has dealt with nerve issues that make it difficult for him to sit, stand, or walk for any length of time. However, his most recent steroid shots cut the pain in half and he is now more mobile. After his shower Sunday morning he said, “I could even lift my foot and wash between my toes!” I have to admit that even as a care-giver it never occurred to me to wash his feet. Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, “When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 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. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them” (John 13:12-17 NIV).

Many Are Invited

I people-watch when I’m on the treadmill at the gym. Recently a man showed up in handyman work clothes, rather than exercise work-out clothes. He didn’t use any of the equipment, but rather walked slowly through the gym looking around, stopping to watch the bank of televisions hanging from the ceiling and to occasional stretch his shoulders as though he had exercised and he was letting his muscles rest. His behavior was so odd and out of character for the environment that I began to suspect he could be casing the gym in order to burglarize it at a later date. The next day the man was again in the gym going through the same routine. He strolled around, ignored the equipment and never broke a sweat. I have no idea what the man’s story is, but it’s clear that just going to a gym does not make him health conscious. I’m reminded of the parable of the Wedding Banquet. When those invited to the banquet ignored the king’s invitation, the king instructed his servants to out into the streets and invite anyone they could find — both the good and the bad. Jesus said, “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ The man was speechless. “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ “For many are invited, but few are chosen” (Matt 22:11-14 NIV).

Unity

In preparation for writing a book I’m reviewing the series of stories I previously published on church visits so that I can put my experience into topical categories, i.e. greeters, music, communion. In order to accommodate different tastes in worship, one liturgical church moved from having one traditional service to having two services — an early morning traditional service and a mid-morning contemporary service. At first blush it sounds like a good solution; however, attendance for the traditional service dwindled to about eight people, while over 80 attend the contemporary service. Many of us have come to accept disunity among different denominations, but we don’t often see such disunity in one body of believers. Paul said, “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ro 15:5-6 NIV).

Love Your Enemies

The aftermath of the mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California is heartbreaking. In a television interview the grief stricken and angry mother of one victim said, “I don’t want prayers! I don’t want thoughts! Don’t send me any more prayers…I want gun control!” I can understand this mother wanting to blame someone or something for this senseless tragedy. However, I’m taken aback that she would strike out at people of faith as though we and our prayers are the enemy. Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matt 5:43-47 NIV).

To Whom Do You Turn

An ongoing television ad pleads for Americans to donate $25.00 to Russian Jewish Holocaust survivors who are purported to be in desperate need of food, medical supplies and care boxes. The spokesperson said, “They are turning to us because they have no place else to turn.” It makes me uncomfortable when America, rather than God, is looked to as the Provider. Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life” (Matt 6:25-26 NIV)?

Through the Flames and the Smoke

The wildfires in California have scorched hundreds of acres of land, claimed over 30 lives, and burned an entire city to the ground. It’s hard to look at the devastation and see how this is used for God’s purpose. I’m reminded of the angel of the Lord describing the role of Samson, “…the boy is to be a Nazirite, set apart to God from birth, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hands of the Philistines” (Judges 13:5b NIV). As an adult Samson took vengeance on the Philistines, “So he went out and caught three hundred foxes and tied them tail to tail in pairs. He then fastened a torch to every pair of tails, lit the torches and let the foxes loose in the standing grain of the Philistines. He burned up the shocks and standing grain, together with the vineyards and olive groves” (Judges 15:4-5 NIV). If we look, God’s purpose can often be seen through the flames and smoke that devastate lives. 

Soldier On

We owe a debt of gratitude to all Veterans who, in the midst of personal sacrifice and hardships, remained obedient to their commanding officers. Similarly, Paul reminds believers to soldier on, “Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer” (2 Tim 2:3-4 NIV).

Specialization

For almost three years my husband has been dealing with nerve issues in the area of his hip and pelvis. He has been referred to one specialist after another, most recently a neurosurgeon. The Physician’s Assistant (PA) listened to Bill’s narrative, looked over his records and said, “And why were you sent to us?” Come to find out, a neurosurgeon works only on nerve issues from the pelvis up. The PA recommended we go to orthopedics (been there, done that), or to someone who specializes in the pelvis. It occurs to me that many believers go to the preacher for church related direction and he, rather than referring us to other church specialists, becomes the decision maker. Paul said, “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Eph 4:11-13 NIV).

Practice Hospitality

Webster’s Dictionary defines hospitality as the activity or business of providing services to guests in hotels, restaurants, bars, etc…and valet parking as the corner of the hospitality industry. For the believer hospitality is not an industry, but rather an expression of love. Paul said, “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality” (Ro 12:9-13 NIV).

End of Life Preparations

I have a friend who is getting on in years and is trying to tidy up the end of her life and settle her estate. At one point she said, “It doesn’t matter because I won’t be around to care.” I'm reminded of Jesus as he hung on the cross. The Lord might have easily said, “It doesn’t matter because I won’t be around to care.” However, the Lord in fact did care, “Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home” (John 19:25-27 NIV).

God’s Servants

Since 2016 the progressive left, the media and yes, even some people of faith, have fought against the election of President Donald Trump. Christians need to be reminded that God does not make mistakes with those He puts in authority and we must take Paul’s words to heart, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor” (Ro 13:1-7 NIV).

Conforming to His Likeness

A refrigerator magnet for dog lovers reads, “Lord help me to be the person my dog thinks I am.” As a Christian I have an image in my mind of what it means to mature in faith and be more Christlike. However, it never occurred to me to ask the Lord to help me be the person that God thinks I am. Paul said, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified” (Ro 8:28-30 NIV).

Scattered Sheep

I’ve visited a fair number of local churches whose membership has dwindled and now their weekly attendance ranges from two to 12. Pastors offer a number of explanations — older members dying, people moving, lack of youth programs, congregational splits, etc. However, never has a pastor attributed his scattered flock to the lack of leadership. Peter said, “To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” (1 Peter 5:1-4 NIV).

God the Father

An advertisement for a local university offends my parental instinct. The ad said, “Close enough for your parents to visit; far enough that they can’t just show up.” Trying to undermine parental authority is as old as creation. “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’” (Gen 3:1 NIV)? I can only imagine Adam and Eve’s surprise when God just showed up on campus, “Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you” (Gen 3:8-9 NIV)?