Sep
15
Join us in the Word!
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As a church family, we’re read through Scripture together using the Radio Bible Class’ Our Daily Bread. It is available free of charge in paper back form at our church or on line at http://rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml. Why read through Scripture together? First of all, as a Christian this is how we come to grow in grace and the knowledge of our Savior Jesus Christ. Secondly, by reading through the same passages of Scripture devotionally – as a church family we have common ground to talk around. If you do not already have a daily devotional, our Pastor invites you to join us!
Today’s passage was challenging to say the least. Paul told Philemon that it was good that his slave left him for a while so that Philemon would better understand that his relationship with Onesimus was not master/servant, rather, brother/brother because of Christ. This is difficult to apply, but it reminds me that any professing believer should be treated as my own sibling. Christ’s work on that cross breaks any social or cultural boundaries that once existed!
“Christians are windows through which Jesus can shine.” That’s the catch phrase of today’s daily bread passage. Considering the Queen of Sheba was impressed with Solomon’s kingdom, I have to ask, what was different from where she came from? I’m sure she too had a good amount of money and lived a luxurious life, but Solomon’s reign stood out to her. What was it? I’m inclined to say that it wasn’t the wealth (thought that was an impressive sight), rather, it was the wisdom in which he conducted himself and his kingdom in. And as we all learned in our Sunday school classes, his wisdom came directly from the Lord.
As Christians, what’s separating us from our normal surroundings? What allows us to be the “windows through which Jesus can shine?” James talks a lot about walking in wisdom, not in the wisdom of this world, but in wisdom from above. Anyone can care for the poor and help the weak. You don’t need to be a Christian to do that. However, I believe that when we ask the Lord for His wisdom through His Words and prayer, we can begin to live a life that stands out, through which Jesus can shine.
By the way, if you’re reading this, don’t let me be the only one commenting on this page, share your thoughts!
Psalm 46… I completely relate to the contradiction – “try and relax.” I have high dental anxiety. There are times when I really, as if on auto-pilot, take situations into my own hands and worry about them. I find that I am especially prone to this at night. I have found that reading Psalms such as this one remind me of God’s perspective and my own foolishness in worrying and trying to be a control freak. Coming to God in prayer is such a release of anxiety – especially when I speak out loud to the Lord. This passage reminded me of Matthew 6 – the latter half of the chapter that culminates with “Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you.”
I would agree Vince! There are far too many things going on for me think I can handle it all on my own.
As I was read verses 8 and 9, I almost got mental whiplash coming into verse 10, “be still and know…” But how can we have peace and be still? Our peace comes from the fact that God will be exalted and glorified in all that he does. Now the challenge is, do I allow that knowledge to bring a “stillness” into my life?
Matt. 16:24- “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’”
Those were some pretty strong words for the disciples to hear. It’s one thing to deny yourself, but to take up your cross is pretty crazy! I have to remind myself that the disciples at this point in time had no idea Jesus was going to be crucified on the cross, they only heard Jesus say He was going to suffer. When they heard the word “cross” come out of their mouth, they were probably thinking of two things, death and total humiliation. When they heard Jesus tell them to “take up their cross”, he wasn’t telling them, “Peter, stop being prideful” or “James, don’t covet.” Jesus was telling them that whoever wants to follow Him needs to COMMIT.
Jesus wants more than our Sunday mornings, He wants more than our money, He even wants more than a “full time ministry” profession. Jesus wants his followers to commit every aspect of their life to Him. I doubt anyone in the States has to worry about going to the cross, or die for their faith for that matter, but I believe that is the level of commitment that we are to be willing to give as followers of Christ.
So how does this look in my life? I’m not going to walk around Seattle with a huge cross on my back (though that’s been done), but I need to ask myself a question. “If I’m not willing to give up ___(fill in the blank)___, OR obey Christ’s command of __(fill in the blank)___, am I really willing to commit my life to Christ. Jesus’ call is not to an effortless life. Following the Master requires serious commitment. I know I have a lot more room to grow in, how about you?
This is a very big deal, I’d like to hear your comments too!