Tag: Devotional

As we seek to follow Jesus better, it is a good idea to frequently remind ourselves who we are following! We sometimes can focus too hard on figuring out how to follow, and we can become forgetful about the one we are following. There are many stories in the Gospels that could inform us about Jesus and His ministry on earth. Paul gives us a variety of wonderful insights in his letters to the churches as well. The New Testament is foundational when it comes to understanding Jesus, however this morning I want to try something a little different. The Old Testament has a great deal to show us about who Jesus is as well. When he was at Harding School of Theology, my professor Dr. Rick Oster often said, “When Jesus and the disciples thought of the Bible or quoted from the Bible, it was the Old Testament they had in mind.” The New Testament had not yet been written! The New Testament writers quoted Scripture frequently, so if it was important to them then it should be important to us as well.

There are many Old Testament passages we could read, but for now I would like to focus on Psalm 118. As a Psalm of Thanksgiving, it gives praise to God for all of the mighty things He has done. Let’s read it together, but while we do – there are some phrases in here which you might find familiar. Listen for them and we’ll identify a few when we are done.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his love endures forever.
Let Israel say:

    “His love endures forever.”
Let the house of Aaron say:

    “His love endures forever.”
Let those who fear the Lord say:

    “His love endures forever.”
When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord;

    he brought me into a spacious place.
The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.

    What can mere mortals do to me?
The Lord is with me; he is my helper.

    I look in triumph on my enemies.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord

    than to trust in humans.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord

    than to trust in princes.
All the nations surrounded me,

    but in the name of the Lord I cut them down.
They surrounded me on every side,

    but in the name of the Lord I cut them down.
They swarmed around me like bees,

    but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns;

    in the name of the Lord I cut them down.
I was pushed back and about to fall,

    but the Lord helped me.
The Lord is my strength and my defense;

    he has become my salvation.
Shouts of joy and victory

    resound in the tents of the righteous:

“The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!
The Lord’s right hand is lifted high;

    the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!”
I will not die but live,

    and will proclaim what the Lord has done.
The Lord has chastened me severely,

    but he has not given me over to death.
Open for me the gates of the righteous;

    I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.
This is the gate of the Lord

    through which the righteous may enter.
I will give you thanks, for you answered me;

    you have become my salvation.
The stone the builders rejected

    has become the cornerstone;
the Lord has done this,

    and it is marvelous in our eyes.
The Lord has done it this very day;

    let us rejoice today and be glad.
Lord, save us!

    Lord, grant us success!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

    From the house of the Lord we bless you.
The Lord is God,

    and he has made his light shine on us.

With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession

    up to the horns of the altar.
You are my God, and I will praise you;

    you are my God, and I will exalt you.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

    his love endures forever.

Did you hear some phrases that sound familiar? Here are some phrases that I heard:
“His love endures forever”
“The Lord is my strength”
“I will enter and give thanks to the Lord” (gates)
“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord”

Keep these phrases in mind as we think about what this Psalm has to share with us. For the Israelites, this Psalm recounts a time when enemies were advancing and Israel was in distress. At that very time, God rescues Israel and restores peace to the nation. That event is definitely in there – but the language the Psalm uses points to an understanding that God’s rescue is about more than a single crisis. The psalmist is going to great lengths to make sure that you finish reading this Psalm with the feeling that God’s love has always been there and will continue to be there forever.

Psalm 118 is part of a group of six Psalms that go together, known as the “Egyptian Hallel.” It is a group of Psalms which celebrates the greatness of God surrounding the Exodus from Egypt. Each Psalm tells about that time from a different viewpoint, and Psalm 118 is the concluding psalm and the climax of the series.

• Psalm 113 praises God as the one who reverses the status of the poor, lowly, and needy.
• Psalm 114 tells the story of the Exodus and how God’s rule enters the world.
• Psalm 115 contrasts how God helps Israel with how other gods treat the rest of the nations.
• Psalm 116 expresses thanks to God for saving them from death.
• Psalm 117 calls on the rest of the nations to praise the Lord.
• And Psalm 118 sums them all up and announces that Israel exists to praise God.

Today, we typically think of the Passover in one of two ways. First, we often think about the actual event in Egypt when the Israelites spread blood on the doorposts and the angel of death killed all of the Egyptian firstborn. Second, we often think about Passover as the time when Jesus and his disciples got together in the upper room for the Last Supper. But when Jews in the first century thought of Passover, they would have thought of something else. For them, it was one of the most important festivals in the Jewish calendar. It lasted a whole week and many people made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. As a part of the celebration, these six Psalms would be read – one each day – leading up to the final Passover meal and the reading of Psalm 118. In fact, it was during this Passover week when Jesus applied verse 22 to Himself. After entering Jerusalem, Jesus was walking in the Temple courts when the chief priests tried to test Him. They could not answer His questions, so Jesus told them a parable about a group of tenants who killed the master’s messengers because they wanted the vineyard for themselves. At the end of that parable, Jesus adds a quote from Psalm 118: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” and He asks them to describe its meaning. Jesus is the stone which the builders rejected. The chief priests and the teachers of the law crucified Him, in part, because He made these claims. But Jesus is also the stone which God has made the cornerstone through raising Him from the grave. That’s important. It is central to our beliefs about the identity of Jesus! It helps to inform us as we seek to follow Him in our own lives. But if we stop there, we miss a great deal of context and meaning.

Jewish rabbis in the first century used a very common teaching method with their disciples. The rabbi would speak a small part of scripture, and then expect the disciples to recall the entire passage. For instance, they might be walking along the street together and observe some other people caught in some kind of situation. The rabbi might want to comment on that situation and teach his disciples something about what they are seeing. But rather than explaining everything in detail, the rabbi would simply tell his disciples a short part of a longer teaching. Then, he would expect his disciples to recall the rest of that teaching and apply all of it to whatever situation they were observing. We know that Jesus was considered a rabbi by His disciples. They often call Him teacher, and would have naturally experienced this kind of teaching by Jesus as well. Luke tells us that the scribes and priests knew Jesus was equating them to the evil tenants and that Jesus had portrayed himself in the parable as the master’s son. But Jesus also adds the quote from Psalm 118 as further clarification about who He is. By identifying Himself as the stone the builders rejected, Jesus isn’t just intending for them to think only about the cornerstone. He means for them to understand that the whole Psalm in some way applies to Him.

Psalm 118 is all about expressing Thanksgiving to God for rescuing His people. By tying his identity to the rejected stone in verse 22, Jesus is also saying that He is the “One who comes in the name of the Lord” in verse 26, and that the His presence is further proof that the Lord is good and “his love endures forever” as in verse 29. By connecting the two dots of Himself and the rejected stone, He is wanting you to continue connecting the dots in Psalm 118 about exactly who He is.

Because Jesus is the fulfillment of Psalm 118, we can also say that:

• Jesus is the new passover lamb, sacrificed to save the people.
• Jesus is the blood for the doorway, to turn away God’s wrath.
• Jesus is the one who is not dead, but lives to proclaim what the Lord has done!
• Jesus is the one who comes in the name of the Lord, who brings God’s light to shine on all of us.
• Jesus is the cornerstone for the kingdom which God is building.
• Jesus is the reason we too can join with Psalm 118 and give thanks to God for rescuing us!

I think it is possible to connect the dots just a little bit further, though. Jesus’ disciples would have known to think about everything in Psalm 118 after Jesus quoted verse 22. Yet, Psalm 118 was well-known as the final Psalm in the Egyptian Hallel set of Psalms. They were frequently read together, and each has more meaning within the set than by itself. It is possible that Jesus was intending for us to draw conclusions about His identity from this whole group of Psalms and not just Psalm 118.

Let’s look back and see what we find when we look at all six Psalms in light of Jesus.

• Psalm 113 praises God as the one who reverses the status of the poor, lowly, and needy. Jesus’ ministry paid special attention to the status of the poor, lowly, and needy.
• Psalm 114 tells the story of the Exodus and how God’s rule enters the world. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection show us how God’s kingdom defeats sin and death.
• Psalm 115 contrasts how God helps Israel with how other gods treat the rest of the nations. Jesus’ compassion for all humans displays God’s enormous love for His people.
• Psalm 116 expresses thanks to God for saving them from death. Jesus’ always glorifies God instead of Himself, giving thanks for God’s blessings.
• Psalm 117 calls on the rest of the nations to praise the Lord. Jesus’ willingness to accept all, regardless, reflects God’s desire for all humanity to come to Him.
• And Psalm 118 sums them all up and announces that Israel exists to praise God. Jesus describes His people as a light on a hill for all to see and know.

The Egyptian Hallel is a celebration of how God rescued His people from slavery in Egypt. Jesus, by identifying Himself with these texts, is proof that God is still rescuing His people! We can celebrate because through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, God has rescued us from slavery to sin and death! Because His Love Endures Forever. Amen.

~ Clay

Once upon a time, I played the French horn in a wind ensemble band. It was an experience which I still cherish. Maybe you have played in a musical ensemble before or attended the concert of a symphony orchestra. Or maybe you simply enjoy video and audio recordings of classical music on your own. Most of us, at the very least, have seen enough of these musical groups to understand how they function. All of the musicians, dressed in various clothes that reflect their individual backgrounds and personalities, add their particular instrument and part to the symphonic whole. Each person is essential. Each one is playing their own instrument, adding what they can do well, in a way that nobody else can quite do. Each one brings a different artistic skill, a different giftedness, and different emotions as they play. Yet they play together with one sound so beautifully. Despite there being a wide range of instruments which sound very different from each other, they join together as one community for the single purpose of creating beautiful music. In fact, it is their diversity which allows room for each person to be so significant and needed, but by working together in harmony they achieve a sort of musical unity that can stir the emotions of those who are listening.

This is a beautiful example of human flourishing. At the same time, we witness the efforts of the one as well as the many. At the same time, we recognize what is unique and what is common. We see that the contributions to the whole produce creative and passionate music that can become very meaningful as we experience it. This type of human flourishing is found across all cultures and all times. Sometimes it is formal and sometimes it is informal. Sometimes it is public and sometimes it is private. Sometimes it involves very common experiences and sometimes it is quite exceptional. Flourishing can happen at home, within families, on the athletic field, in a business meeting, in positions of hospitality, in both rich and poor circumstances, and in any language or context. The capacity to flourish is built-in for every person.

The God made known in Scripture and incarnate in Jesus Christ desires flourishing people who live in a flourishing world. Human flourishing is God’s intention and His commitment. In fact, God created humans in such a way that they flourish best when they co-labor with Him toward that end. The extent to which we respond positively to this desire of God is an important issue to think about. Sadly, the Bible narrative contains many stories that tell about how humans have undermined God’s plan for human flourishing. Beginning all the way back at the garden of Eden and continuing right up through the Gospel narratives, we read about how our human ancestors replaced God’s plan with their own ideas about how to flourish as human beings. We also read about the devastating consequences that usually result from such choices as well.

Right alongside those stories, however, the Bible tells the long and never-ending story of how God relentlessly pursues us in faithfulness and love. The everlasting communion of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is a flourishing of its own, and from the overflow of that flourishing we find our hope and our salvation. God desires for humans to flourish in ways that He created us to. We, as part of Jesus’ church, are intended to be tangible evidence of God’s desire for the world. You and I. Together – as the church. This is our calling as followers of Jesus. As a church, we respond to God’s calling and show everyone around us the way to the true purpose of human life. The Word made flesh in Jesus Christ shows through us. We are the primary evidence to the rest of the world that God’s version of human flourishing includes love, grace, and truth in Jesus through the Holy Spirit.

The heart of God’s call for humans is that we receive God’s love for us and for the world, and that we in turn live out that love in the world around us. It is the foundation on which Jesus says in Matthew 22: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” We are made to love the Lord and our neighbors. Our call is to love our communion with God, yes, but our call is also to look at the world around us with the same type of love and compassion that God does. It should become the defining characteristic for our identity, for our community, and for everything we do.

In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” We are to live our lives as ambassadors of God’s kingdom. This is our primary call, God’s call to each one of us. The narrative of Scripture overwhelmingly illustrates that God is not a deity primarily concerned with ideas and forms. Those are important, of course. However, God is more concerned with expressing His love and pursuing relationship with us. The fullness of God’s pursuit of us is shown through His promising, pursuing, calling, engaging, revealing, sustaining, comforting, and redeeming us. The Bible is overflowing with examples of grace demonstrated and truth performed.

The first and second commandments, as identified by Jesus – to love God and love our neighbor – are our calling. They guide the way we conduct our lives as God intends them to be lived. We FIND our lives by LOSING them in these particular ways. The people of God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, are meant to be the hope of the world, the model for all humanity. We are also the living defense of the faith that God is present and that God’s loving purposes will come to pass. Often, we forget to live with this calling in mind. We are not perfect and sin invades our thinking and behavior. We get distracted by all of the complexities of daily life and the burdens of living in a broken world. We, like our ancestors of old, sometimes decide that we know better when it comes to identifying what makes humans flourish. We pay the price for these decisions in our own walk.

The church also pays a price when we fall short as well. Many outside the church look at us and see only our faults and inability to follow Christ completely. Our identities as bright, uncovered lights have been obscured by our unwillingness to follow Jesus in everything we do. Our calling sort of slips through our fingers as we instead focus on programs, buildings, classes, projects, and budgets. Programs, buildings, classes, projects, and budgets are important! However, we cannot allow them to overshadow our primary call to pursue relationships with the unbelievers around us. That is what God pursues so persistently, so we should as well. The world around us knows why salt and light are good in a physical sense, and since they are created in God’s image they will be drawn to salt and light in the Spiritual sense as well.

In March of 2013, the Catholic Church elected Jorge Borgoglio of Argentina to become Pope Francis. He chose Francis as his papal name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, and he is beloved for his humility and emphasis on God’s mercy. During his first days as Pope, the world watched as he washed feet, cared for the poor, and reaffirmed the basic vocation of the church as the presence of Christ in the world. The world was shocked by what they saw! They expected to see another Pope surrounded by the trappings and power of the Catholic Church, maneuvering deftly with defensiveness, crafty words, and great posturing. Suddenly, they were confronted with what appeared to be a genuine disciple of Christ. He didn’t merely represent church power, but lived what the church claims is its calling. It was enough of a shock that Time Magazine chose Pope Francis as their 2013 Person of the Year. Why did they do that? He simply lives as a follower of Jesus, and that matters. The world recognizes it when they see it.

It is ironic that what Pope Francis does draws such dramatic attention. He is simply doing what every Christian is meant to be doing. It is shocking because in that context it is so unusual. It gives us the opportunity to step back and think about ourselves. Are we living in a way that shows the world around us what Christ looks like? Or would those who pass by us on the street be surprised if they saw us loving them as Christ does? Sometimes the church just seems unusual. We have odd habits, ways of talking, attitudes, potluck meals, and whatever else. Every church is uniquely particular, and you can sort of “smell” it as soon as you walk in the door. Every human group develops this characteristic. The point isn’t whether or not we are odd. I can confirm for you all that we are. Rather, the question we should be asking is, “Are we odd because we imitate Christ?”

The vocation of every Christian is to live as a follower of Jesus today. In every aspect of life, whether small or large, we are to seek to live out the grace and truth of Jesus. This is our calling. Put simply, this is the exact call Jesus made to all of his disciples: “Follow me.” Peter wasn’t Matthew. Matthew wasn’t James or John. Each of them followed Jesus in a manner unique to his own life, but they had the same basic vocation. This is the clear, unifying call to those trying to be disciples of Jesus. As we learn to follow Jesus, it is important to consider where we start. We aren’t generic robots programmed to follow Jesus. We are people with histories, personalities, relationships, and much more. As we grow more Christ-like in our walk, we must do so right in the middle of this existing context. Each of us is a child of parents and maybe a sibling to someone. We all have friends, co-workers, and others we interact with frequently. Following Jesus starts with learning to see these people again for the first time – as they are made and loved by God.

This is where our calling gets challenging. Sometimes people are annoying to us, or interested only in themselves, or they reject us because they are afraid of our faith. It is here, in the middle of ordinary life, where we learn to follow Jesus by learning to love and serve those around us. This will be true throughout our lives as disciples. We will never be called to do less, and sometimes this can feel like the hardest part of all. Jesus began his earthly ministry by proclaiming that “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is because Jesus himself had drawn near. Whether it was the woman caught in adultery, or a group of children wanting to be near, a leper crying out for help, or one of his disciples asking the wrong questions, Jesus was present with them and always building relationships with whomever crossed his path.

We, as the church, declare Jesus’ kingdom and we enact that declaration as His devoted people. This is a grand and far-reaching proclamation! However, it is played out in the small and ordinary details of our daily lives far more often than in flashy, large events. Our gifts and context help shape our contributions to the life of the church and it is important for us to explore how we can better use them to influence those around us.

Thinking back to our musical beginning, it is important for us to individually learn how to play our parts. The better we can do that, the easier it will be for us to join in the symphony of sound that is Christ’s church. We must be careful, though, to not allow our individual playing to overshadow the sweet music that we are creating as a community. Jesus simply calls us to “Come, follow me.” As we learn how to follow Him better, let us remember that Jesus always valued building relationships with the people around Him. It is through these small, daily interactions that the Kingdom of God will be revealed. Amen.

~ Clay

It’s hard to say which group of Psalms number 25 really belongs. Some parts feel a lot like the lament psalms – references to gloating enemies and distressing troubles. Yet other portions seem to be teaching truths in a way that would fit nicely in the book of Proverbs. All of it is interwoven, though, into a prayer to Yahweh God.

The prayer of Psalm 25 complements the wisdom of Psalm 1. That psalm, in the more didactic tradition of wisdom, established the two ways, that of the righteous and that of the wicked. But taken alone, the dispassionate wisdom of Psalm 1 could be misleading; it might be taken to imply that the essence of life was simply choosing the right road – once the choice had been made, all would be well. But in Psalm 25, the wisdom themes reappear, though now in a context of prayer. The prayer is that of a person who has made the choice and is walking the road of the righteous; but the dispassionate wisdom has been transformed to passionate petition, for the right road is not an easy one to walk. It is lined with enemies who would like nothing better than to put the walker to shame. The traveler on the road is also plagued with internal doubts, as he recalls in his mind previous wanderings from the path and former sins. The essence of the road of the righteous is this: it is a road too difficult to walk without the companionship and friendship of God. The psalmist, troubled from without and within, has stopped for a moment in the way. He knows he cannot turn back, but scarcely knows how to continue. So he prays that God would show him the road forward and make him walk in it. He knows he does not deserve such guidance and strength, but as one forgiven of sin, he is confident that God will show him the road again.

It is remarkable that in Psalm 25, contrary to normal expectation, the covenant the psalmist anticipates is not a relationship predicated on absolute perfection of obedience, but is from the outset a “covenant for sinners.” He acknowledges sinful acts of long-standing, hoping that Yahweh will no longer “remember” them. He goes on to declare that one indication of Yahweh’s “good and upright” character is the fact he “instructs sinners in his ways.” God’s purpose is to bring sinners into the covenant, and to this end He provides the necessary guidance and instruction to make their participation possible.

This idea of a “covenant for sinners” is borne out by the OT narratives of the lives of those we might tend to consider “saints.” Abraham, Jacob, David, Gideon, and Samson were all “sinners” who nonetheless found themselves bound graciously into a covenant relationship with Yahweh. Abraham with his constant confusion of self-interest and divine promise, Jacob’s numerous attempts to manipulate and control the gift of divine blessing, David and his abuse of kingly power for personal gain and gratification, Gideon’s creation of seductive idols to lead the people astray, Samson’s self-destructive pursuit of love in the arms of the enemy – none of these “sinners” could undermine God’s purpose to establish and flesh out a relationship of salvation with his people. God relentlessly pursues these and other sinners. He patiently instructs them in his ways, guides them in what is right, teaches them his way, confides in them, and makes his covenant known to them.

So, if we aren’t talking about a covenant where we have to remain perfect… what are we talking about? What does it look like to be a part of this covenant relationship? The main characteristic is to be humble. Yahweh guides and teaches those who acknowledge their need and reliance on him. Another way to describe this humble attitude is by saying someone’s life shows the “fear of the Lord.” Those who live this way HOPE and TRUST in Yahweh – and him alone – for life, salvation, and continued providence.

It is important to note that it is “hope” and “trust” that link the humble sinners to the covenant with God, not sinless obedience. This is Grace – right in the middle of the OT! When the psalmist declares that “all the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant,”” we immediately think of the law and the necessity of keeping its commandments. But the broader context of Psalm 25 starts to erode that idea and presents us with a better view of the Old Testament covenant with God as a covenant of grace offered to sinners.

For those humble sinners who rely wholly on him, God responds in love and faithfulness. He forgives their sins. He frees them from the snares that entangle them. He graciously removes the anguish they experience and protects them from public humiliation.

God is God of the Old Testament as well as the New. God is God of Israel as well as the Church. We shouldn’t be surprised to find that he has the same message of love and forgiveness throughout ALL the pages of both the Hebrew AND Christian Bibles.

The “Covenant for Sinners” that Psalm 25 describes is a divine gift. I find that I often identify most with those OT characters who struggled honestly and faithfully with their doubts, fears, and inward demons. I am thankful that God calls sinners into relationship with himself, that he forgives our sin, and that he releases us from our anguish as well as the snares that bind and hinder us.

Those who enter the eternal kingdom of God’s grace are those who acknowledge their sin and trust in the gracious mercy of God while surrendering self-power and pride. May our eyes be ever fixed on God our Father, and on Jesus who showed us his ways and his paths through a life here among us.

~ Clay

Each week during our communion time, we gather around table and reflect on the body and blood of Jesus – represented by small amounts of bread and juice. It is a central part of our time together during worship. In Luke’s account of the Last Supper, in chapter 22, we find the familiar phrase “do this in remembrance of me.” And so, we gather together each week to honor Jesus and observe the sacrament.

If you’re like me, each week during communion I think back to what it must have been like during that fateful Passover weekend – for Jesus, for his disciples, Peter, even Judas. Week in and week out I rehearse what I know of the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord. As I should. As should we all.

Lately, though, I’ve been wondering if I shouldn’t be remembering more. When he said to remember him during this time, did He mean for us to just remember that one chapter of His story – or would it be better for us to remember the Story of Jesus in a more wholistic way?

The sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus might be central in our minds, but it is an old, old story as the hymn reminds us. Jesus life, for us, recalls thoughts of the past and distant memory handed down through the ages. Yet the story of Jesus goes way back beyond that. John’s first chapter tells is that “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was god.” The story of Jesus starts at the very beginning.

Before you setup camp solely in the past, though, let me remind you of Matthew’s account of the Great Commission in chapter 28. Jesus tells his disciples “surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” As we remember Jesus, we are remembering the one who is Alive and present – seated on his throne.

You may have had the opportunity to know a Memphian named Darrin Ruddy. For a time, he was the campus minister at SOMA, the Christian student center at the University of Memphis. You can’t be around Darrin for very long before you hear him refer to Jesus. Except he almost always calls him “King Jesus.” It’s just one of many ways Darrin chooses to honor Jesus with his life. The Story of Jesus is past and present.

But, the Story of Jesus has another chapter. One which has already been written, but we have not yet been able to read. The Story of Jesus continues in the future as well. Nearly every NT author references the Second Coming. Jesus himself taught his disciples to be ever vigilant in this regard. As quirky as it may sound in English – we should always remember the future coming of Christ. Our weekly observance of Communion is the perfect opportunity to remind ourselves of the New Heaven and New Earth that is to come through Jesus Christ’s work in the world.

The Story of Jesus is our past, our present, and our future. May your next communion experience serve to help you remember Him better.

~ Clay

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our inner strength in the Lord is growing every day. These troubles and sufferings of ours are, after all, quite small and won’t last very long. Yet this short time of distress will result in God’s richest blessing upon us forever and ever! So we do not look at what we can see right now, the troubles all around us, but we look forward to the joys in heaven which we have not yet seen. The troubles will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

For Paul, God’s power and glory aren’t just abstract ideas – they are realities to be experienced. The resurrection is already being inaugurated in the conversion of believers into the body of Christ. Therefore, the power of Christ in establishing his reign as the Son of God is already taking hold in the lives of believers who wage war against the flesh. The kingdom of God has already broken into the world, but it is not yet here in all its fullness. The fullness of God’s presence and the blessings this entails are still in the future.

In the meantime, suffering is a reality. It is Paul’s ability to endure and rejoice in the midst of adversity that reveals “the life of Jesus” to others. Paul reminds us that this future focus of our faith is the key to resisting the false gospel of focusing on a better life here and now. This self-denial type of faith isn’t just wishful thinking. Nor is it simply pretending our circumstances don’t affect us. For those who see the glory to come, though, this life isn’t really a sacrifice. As believers, we never give up more than we receive in Christ.

In order to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, an intimate relationship with God, a desire for the glory of his character to be shown, and a longing for the coming of his kingdom in all its fullness MUST replace our cravings for what the world has to offer. It wasn’t Paul’s gratitude for what Christ had done in the past that sustained him (though he was very grateful!). It was Paul’s hope for the future that sustained him! God is to be PRIZED above all. The ultimate purpose is the PRAISE of the glory of God’s grace.

You can’t praise what you don’t prize.

Put in different words, God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him. Sin is what you do when your heart is not satisfied with God. Paul was thankful for Christ’s sacrifice – but Paul was more focused on a future with God – a future that will be so glorious that nothing in this world can compare. The more you allow that future to determine your present, the stronger your faith will become.

Prayer Prompt: Think about something you desire more than God’s glorious future.
Then spend some time in prayer asking God to help you let that thing go.

~ Clay

When something happens, we humans have a tendency to look back at it and wonder why. More specifically, we sometimes think back to the circumstances surrounding that event and mentally tinker with the timeline and try to imagine what might have been different if this fell one way (rather than the other) or if that occurred later (or even earlier). I suppose that’s just natural curiosity for the most part. It is also an integral part of the way we humans learn from our experiences as we consider how things might have come out differently when our actions are modified. These musings, and the lessons learned from them, can help inform our choices when similar situations arise in the future.

However, sometimes we look back and can’t help but wonder if someone else might be active. Maybe it seems like the details, viewed from our limited perspective, line up a little bit too neatly. When most other arenas in life seem to be quite random, it can catch our attention when we detect a more uniform pattern in the way our daily lives swirl around us. After all, we see numerous examples of this phenomenon. We instantly recognize that straight rows of trees were obviously planted intentionally by someone years ago and didn’t grow that way as part of some naturally occurring forest. If you spend much time outdoors, it becomes pretty obvious which trails were naturally carved by deer and which ones were built by the US Army Corps of Engineers. When playing a board game with friends we get quite suspicious if one of them starts rolling two pairs of sixes every time they tossed the dice.

In most places around the world, people aren’t content to simply ponder these types of events when they happen. They are ready to go the next step and assume there must be some sort of explanation even if they don’t immediately know what that is. Here in the West, we automatically assume someone set things up that way or pre-programmed some sort of system to arrange matters or some other logical explanation. For tribal or more animistic cultures this can often include the belief that some sort of spiritual power is at work – for good or for ill. They will even do whatever they can to influence these powers with rituals and totems and by venerating certain relics and mystical practices. Many Eastern cultures pay careful attention to undertaking important events on certain auspicious days or times in hopes that these unseen influences will increase their success.

As Christians, we know that God is active in the world today. His Spirit is with us continually as a guide. In the well-known verse from Romans, Paul reminds us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him…” and in the rest of Chapter 8 we see that Paul is not interested in this good simply being a by-product. The goodness imparted by God when He is “working all things” directly contributes to our becoming “more than conquerors” over all that which might separate us from His love (death, life, angels, demons, present, future, powers, heights, depths, anything!). So, that begs the question of figuring out whether or not something is merely chance or was it the providence of God?

I recently was reminded of this when Emily and I took a weekend trip to see our son in college. It was going to be a “regular, quiet” weekend here at the house. Emily had a work commitment Saturday morning, but it didn’t take much time. When she returned home, I asked her if she might be game for a last-minute trip to Searcy to catch that evening’s Harding Football game, hang out with Ben and Naomi for a bit, grab a hotel room for the night, and do Worship and lunch the next day with them. No grand plan, no itinerary to keep track of, and no commitments to meet. Just a fun getaway to sneak in a little time together before the Fall holiday season really gets going and things get crazy/busy again.

By the time we were driving back to Memphis Sunday afternoon, we couldn’t help but remark on just how many people we crossed paths with in the previous 30 hours. Of course, we got to spend some good time with Ben and Naomi, which was our priority, but by my unofficial count we had at least 25 separate “chance” encounters with people that included some sort of meaningful interaction beyond a simple wave and saying hello. Wow! Several of these interactions, completely unplanned by us, turned out to be very helpful with respect to planning for Ben and Naomi’s wedding in January. We even managed to setup a meeting in a couple of weeks to discuss our desire for mission work in Japan with a member of Harding’s Global Missions department.

So, back to our question: was it merely chance or was it providence? I’m not sure it is in our best interest to try and press that question too far. After all, our limited perspective and human tendency to overlook our own flaws might force an answer which is neither helpful nor correct. Caveats considered, though, I do think God was at work this weekend in the way we had opportunity to connect with people. I won’t go so far as to concretely, definitively pronounce that each interaction was heralded directly from heaven, since I have neither the wisdom nor insight to make such a proclamation. Further, I recognize the vital role that Faith plays in our lives here on Earth. When I lean into that Faith and start to trust God to work everything out without needing to understand it all myself, I suddenly feel less compelled to try and determine the issue of chance versus providence at all.

I will simply stick to what I know, and let God do His thing as He wills and wants to do it. It’s fun to think about all of the ways that God “works everything out”, but this side of heaven I don’t need to know for sure. In the meantime, I find comfort in Isaiah’s word that “God has me in the palm of his hand.”

~ Clay

I was in the Band in my younger days. I played fourth part french horn. It isn’t a glorious part, on the whole. Most often, it doesn’t even resemble the music played by the first, second, and third part horns. It’s almost as if the composer didn’t quite know what to do with a fourth horn part since the interior notes of the harmonies were already covered. So, often times us fourth part horns found ourselves simply playing along with whatever the bass line was playing – usually the euphoniums or tubas. That’s ok, though. I was still in the band! I got to participate in every concert and contribute my part (however inaccurately my paltry level of practicing allowed) to the whole of the sound. We played some fantastically beautiful pieces both in high school and in college, and I treasure the many concerts we gave sharing that music with whoever was in the audience to hear.

There’s just something special in the way a group of people (in my case, teenagers) can come together and produce such a wonderful collaboration. No single one of us could come anywhere close to producing such a sound on our own, of course. Only by bringing our talents together could we sound so pleasing. Naturally, we had to be playing our parts as the composer had envisioned, and that is a key element, but we each had individual influence over how our parts were played as well. There is a great spectrum of expression available to a musician, and how they choose to express that melody is as unique as the artist interpreting the notes on the page. When it all comes together, though, it can be truly breathtaking.

There is a sense in which the musicians are doing it for their own gratification. It is immensely satisfying to be on stage in such a concert contributing your small part to the whole, and letting the music just course through you – knowing what notes are coming and understanding how all of the melodies and harmonies interact. Yet there is a performative dimension as well. Others are watching and listening closely, hoping that what you are about to do will bring them great joy as well. We could simply keep rehearsing in the band hall and really enjoy the music ourselves. It is much more gratifying to put all of that hard work to use over in the concert hall where it can benefit so many more people as they watch and listen to the fruits of our labors.

Scripture, to oversimplify, paints a grand picture of God’s desire for us to work in concert with each other. Through narrative, poetry, song, and history, this timeless collection of writings that we love so much shows us over and over again how God’s people can work together to make beautiful music from the score that He has composed. Scripture doesn’t pull any punches, though. It is also full of examples of just how badly we can mess things up when we refuse to do so. Yet each time God consistently pursues His beloved creatures anyway. It is a story of ultimate faithfulness to humans beyond our ability to reciprocate. God’s pursuit of us is rooted in love, not vengeance. That is the truly remarkable part. In return, to the extent that we are able (flawed as we are), we are called to return this faithfulness and love by becoming the humans that God created us to be. In other words, we are called to join with each other and strike up the band! God has composed the most beautiful and masterful score, and simply asks that we use the gifts He has given us to play our music in harmony.

There have been a handful of times when God has chosen to reach out directly to a human. Moses at the burning bush is a prime example. Yet the vast majority of the time, God prefers to reach out to us through other people. I have not experienced any burning bushes in my lifetime, nor have I met anyone who has. But I definitely give God credit for putting certain mentors in my life. God has worked through former employers, teachers, coaches, band directors, co-workers, family members, and friends. God prefers that we join Him as co-laborers. Sure, God has the ability to directly talk to each one of us, like he did for Moses. Yet how much more powerful is it for my story to be intertwined with your story? How much more meaningful is it for us to work together to further His kingdom? Yes, God could accomplish it – every bit of it – all by himself. He chooses to conduct a symphony of followers instead.

If you profess to follow Christ but aren’t exercising your gifts in concert with fellow believers, are you really following Him? Jesus was clear that He came from the Father, and that they are one in heart such that speaking to one is functionally as good as speaking to the other. It is in working together as a church that we produce truly beautiful wonders of the kingdom. My encouragement is for you to find your instrument and practice your scales. Develop your musicality with the gifts you have been given. But don’t stop there.

Find a band to join and make music together. Even if you find yourself in a 6th grade beginner’s band full of people who consistently crack the notes and come in at the wrong time. Everyone had to start somewhere. The important thing is to keep playing! You will play better with time and practice and the patience of our gracious conductor Jesus.

Strike up the band!

~ Clay

The first chapter of Luke describes the scene in which Gabriel, the angel of the Lord, speaks to a young woman named Mary, sharing God’s miraculous plan for how the Messiah will come into the world. God, like He so often does, chooses those who are lowly in the eyes of the world as the means of accomplishing His will. The narrative concludes with a passage that has become known as Mary’s Song or more formally, The Magnificat. She describes in a truly poignant way how God has deemed her worthy of such honor as being the mother of Jesus despite her humble status. Mary goes on to proclaim that this is par for the course for God: His mercy extends to those who fear Him, He scatters those who are proud, He brings down rulers yet lifts up the humble, He fills the hungry, and more. It is a theme that runs through scripture all the way from the Garden of Eden through to the pronouncements given to the seven churches in Revelation.

And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.

~ Luke 1:46-48

In her song, Mary states that her soul “glorifies” the Lord. This word can also be translated “magnify” (which is where we get the word “magnificat” in the formal name). In doing so, she humbles herself and gives thanks for God’s mindfulness of her position. It is a posture that we are keen to emulate! We too should humble ourselves and “magnify” the Lord. It is an issue in every area of our Christian walk, and it is particularly important when it comes to our Worship.

When we watch a movie or stage play, it sometimes becomes obvious when the actor or actress is trying too hard. Maybe they are a bit too dramatic for that scene, or maybe in some other way their performance just goes over the top. Instead of conveying a believable sense of that character, the story gets warped when the actor or actress shows himself or herself off a little too much. Unfortunately, we can sometimes fall into the same trap when it comes to our worship of the Lord.

Yoshiya Noguchi, minister at the Ochanomizu Church of Christ in Tokyo, Japan, recently wrote that when Japanese people encounter such an actor’s performance, they characterize it as “stinky”. He explains that the Japanese kanji for “stinky” (臭) is actually a combination of two simpler kanji for the words “self” and “large”. Meanwhile, the kanji for “beautiful” (美) is a combination of the simpler kanji for “lamb” and “large”. Yoshiya writes that this suggests that when we make ourselves too large we end up becoming stinky before God and those around us. In contrast, it is something beautiful when we allow the Lamb to be large in our lives instead.

As we praise the Lord, whether in a corporate worship setting or in every other form of worship we employ with our daily lives, let us remember the posture of Mary and remain humble while we magnify the Lord.

~ Clay