Our Most Important Meal of 2020

As this year ends, we look at our schedules that have been decimated by Covid-19. No concerts, no sporting events, no movies, no large gatherings. Many of us want to skip to the end of 2020 already and move on with a fresh start in 2021.

Let me suggest that there is one very important meal for us all to have, and we don't have to wait until the new year to have it. This meal will certainly be THE most important meal for each of us, not just in 2020, but in all of our lives. 

Image by JamesDeMers from Pixabay 

Revelation 3:20

"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me."

What a wonderful promise from Scripture! 

So, who's ready for this meal? 

Remember, the food isn't going to be what is most important, and the phone needs to be nowhere in sight. 

Each of us will be opening that door and accepting an invitation from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He will sit across the table from us. We will nervously look down at our plates at first, and then He will call us by name, and with caring eyes and a soothing voice say, "How are you doing?"

No schedules. No distractions. No interruptions. 

"Well," we will start to cheerfully reply ready to fill the room with stories of our latest exploits. But as He reaches for the water glass and we catch a glimpse of a scar, the magnitude of the moment actually hits us. We look down and just fall silent. 

Our guest asks the question again, "How are you doing?"

Image by CJ from Pixabay 

We get the feeling that He doesn't necessarily want a report on the busy-ness that fills up our days. He wants us to be real. He wants to be personal. He wants a one-on-one relationship with each one of us. He wants to know us and more importantly, for us to know Him. 

This is going to be a memorable meal. 

This is going to be an important meal. 

This is going to be our most important meal.

This needs to be an individual meal. I am going to continue my own meal alone with Jesus. Please, open your own door and have your own important meal. No schedules. No distractions. No interruptions. 

Heavenly Father, I confess that I am a sinner in need of a Savior. Thank you for sending Jesus to sacrifice Himself for the sins of the world. Thank you for the promises contained in the Bible. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

John 3:16

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (NIV)

A Christmas Story: Do You See What I See?

 A Christmas Story:

Do You See What I See?

The Goodness of a Church Revealed

    I stand hesitantly and nervously at the doors of the church on that Christmas Eve, reluctant to step inside. 

    What was I thinking? I don't belong here. 

    The traffic had caused me to be a little late, so I walk in alone without a chance of just "blending in."

    I take a deep breath. I sigh and tug the door open. A stranger greets me with a smile and hands a paper to me. I clutch it and take in my surroundings.

    I hear the singing of a somewhat familiar hymn echoing from the main sanctuary. I follow the music.

    The seats in the back look pretty full, and at first glance, I don't see one that I can slip into unnoticed. I continue to glance around, and I actually almost consider leaving when I see a doorway that leads to some stairs.

    I take a chance and quietly take the stairs and find an empty balcony area.

What a relief! I can technically tell my parents I attended church this Christmas, and I can even relay details of the sermon, but I can take it all in by myself. I don't have to see the "look" from the regular church-goers. I start to relax as the song comes to an end and the music fades. I settle into my seat for the message.

    The message is from Romans. I think back to my Sunday school days, now far in my past, and I can't recall Romans. I do remember Daniel and the lions, David and the slingshot, and Jonah and the whale. The ark...I remember the building of an ark and animals going in two by two. But Romans? I don't remember anything about Romans.

    I try to focus on the words, but my mind wanders as I begin to look around at the congregation sitting almost shoulder to shoulder below me. The view from the balcony allows a unique angle. I examine the postures and the body language. I scrutinize the clothing and the demeanor of the "family groups." Everyone appears happy and at peace in their easy lives.

    As I explore the congregation, the past few years of my life come to mind. I've made so many mistakes. Costly mistakes. I've hurt myself and others in so many ways...I begin to feel more uncomfortable.

    I can't explain the discomfort, but I suddenly feel guilty, unworthy, and unwelcome. As I realize that I don't fit with these people, my eyes start to tear up, and I begin to gather my things to go.

    Someone that I hadn't noticed before had slipped into the pew next to me. He gives me a kind look and a nod. I sigh and look back down at the congregation. The pastor's words are echoing around me, and I try again to tune in to what is being said, "This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

    I shake my head. "...redemption that came by Christ Jesus..." This isn't about me. I look longingly down at the congregation again. This is about those people, the good people in the world. These good people making good choices and having good lives. This is not about me. This is not for me. My eyes well up again. I hang my head and sniffle. 

      The figure next to me, nudges me, and softly says, "Look again. Do you see what I see?"

This time as I look down at the clusters of people, all of those family groups, I see something appearing across the shoulders of each member of the congregation. The images come into focus, and I am just able to squint and make out the images as words appearing across the backs of the individuals.

    Across one gentleman's shoulders I read Glutton; the woman next to him has the word Envy across her back. I see Addict across the shoulders of several in the congregation, ranging from the elderly to even a young boy who couldn't be more than ten who is currently engrossed in a video game on a cellphone.

    I continue reading the labels and trying to understand: Pride. Idolatry. Thief. Murder. Bitterness. Sexually Immoral. Anger. Greed. Liar. Alcoholic. Each person has at least one of these strange labels. Even the family groups that I thought had such perfect lives have labels. Old and young. Adultery. Gossip. Wicked. Sluggard. Gambler. Selfish Ambition. Slander. I shake my head in confusion and disbelief. 

    I turn to the figure next to me for an explanation, and as his kind eyes meet mine, he softly says, "Do you still think that you don't belong?"

    Stunned that this stranger could read my thoughts, I shift in my seat. "Umm...but I--" I begin, hesitant to reveal the details of my own story.

    "For all have sinned," the stranger interrupts me, "and have fallen short of the glory of God. This Scripture is accurate and applies to all."

    I look down at my hands, take a deep breath, and as the confidence in me builds, I look up again to see the labels have disappeared. Stunned, I turn back to the stranger for an explanation.

    "Almighty God doesn't actually 'label' our sins; that was revealed for your benefit. You see, the words spoken earlier are true, and are straight from the Almighty: 'all have sinned,' all." He lifts my chin with a scarred hand. looks deep into my eyes, and says, "All." After a brief pause he adds, "I come that they--and you--may have life and have it abundantly."

    I look back over the congregation, and while they haven't moved or really changed at all, I see each of them very differently. I didn't remember any of the specific labels that had appeared, well, except for the boy still busy with his cellphone. As I try to look again at the faces when folks turn, the looks I had seen before appear so different now. They each seem familiar somehow, and less threatening and judgmental. They seem--just like me.

    I had assumed that everyone was full of goodness but me. I had assumed that God's goodness was for them, and not for me. I had assumed that I didn't belong amidst the goodness around me. The actual goodness within that church that Christmas Eve was the goodness revealed in the Good News of Jesus Christ.

    My visit to the church that Christmas Eve and the words of a stranger in church that day revealed to me that I was right where I belonged. That church was just like any church, and I was surrounded by people who belonged alongside me.

While this Christmas Eve did momentarily reveal some surprising labels,

it ultimately revealed to me the goodness of God within a church.

Almighty God, Great Mystery, Thank you for Jesus. Help me to realize that your grace applies to all and that I am included in all. Help me to ignore the world's labels and seek your righteousness. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Advent: Time for the BEST (5 of 5)

     Advent: Time for the B.E.S.T

T: Teacher

John the Baptist was Bold, he was Enlightened, 
he had the heart of a Servant, and finally, he was a Teacher.

Image by Pixabay

"The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River." Mark 1: 5

So, clearly John made an impact. The message he was sharing resonated enough that people were drawn to him. 

One of the main reasons for that message was to testify to Jesus as was prophesied in the Old Testament. John could also testify about the experience surrounding the baptism of Jesus.

"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.' 

Then John gave this testimony: 'I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit,' I have seen and I testify that this is God's Chosen One.'" John 1:29-34

Of course, John's teachings did bring mixed feelings to some. One in particular was Herod, "...Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him." Mark 6:20

In addition to testifying to Jesus and calling people to repent, John taught a simple message of kindness:

"'What should we do then?' the crowd asked.

John answered, 'Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.'

Even tax collectors came to be baptized. 'Teacher,' they asked, 'what should we do?'

'Don't collect any more than you are required to,' he told them.

Then some soldiers asked him, 'And what should we do?'

He replied, 'Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely--be content with your pay.'" Luke 3:10-14

Those are some pretty simple, straight-forward messages and guidelines for daily living. 

Sadly, the death of John the Baptist came after Herod ordered his beheading. In Matthew 14:12-13a Jesus' response is recorded, "John's disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus. When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place." 

John the Baptist is spoken about again in John 10:40-42. This occurs not long before Christ's own death on the cross.

"Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. There he stayed, and many people came to him. They said, 'Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man was true.' And in that place many believed in Jesus."

"...many believed in Jesus." Amen! Hallelujah, Amen! 

John the Baptist came into this world to be bold. 

He was enlightened by the Holy Spirit. 

He was a servant for the Lord, 

and he was a teacher to so many. 

More importantly, his message included these memorable words: 

"He must increase, but I must decrease."John 3:30 ESV

This Advent season, as we prepare our own hearts, let us seek to be each of these characteristics. 

Help us be Bold for the Lord. 

Help us to be Enlightened by the Holy Bible and the work of the Holy Spirit. 

Help us to seek out ways to be a Servant. 

Finally, help us seize upon opportunities to share the miracle of Jesus Christ.

Let's all strive to be the BEST this Advent season.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the gift of salvation through Your Son Jesus Christ. Forgive us our sins and help us to boldly live each day seeking to be enlightened by Your Holy Spirit and to serve and teach others of Your powerful influence on our lives. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Advent: Time for the BEST (4 of 5)

Advent: Time for the B.E.S.T

S: Servant

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, 

and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45

Image by Pixabay

 So far we have seen that John the Baptist was Bold, and we have explored how he was also Enlightened, now let's see the Servant in John the Baptist.

Given John's background one might think that he would lead an illustrious life. That he would be making great profits from his wisdom and insight. He should have started a business so he could be raking in the dough. We know none of this is true, because financial success and worldly glory were not goals of John the Baptist.

John's earthly goal is revealed in Matthew 3:1-2, "In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.'"

We have already explored the fact that many wanted to hear this message. Many sought out John and listened to his message, but John wasn't swayed by the attention. He didn't get entranced by the idea of so many seeking his words. 

John the Baptist stayed humble and focused on his message and on his purpose.

 

Matthew 3:11, "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."

Because John had been filled with the Holy Spirit from birth, John even recognized Jesus when he came to be baptized. John showed his servant attitude even in this moment. 

"Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?'

Jesus replied, 'Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.' Then John consented." Matthew 3:13-15

So, John has many people seeking him out for repentance; he has baptized Jesus himself! Time to retire, arrange speaking engagements, and sign that book deal! He is set for life. Ah, but remember, John didn't have that worldly view.

Jesus begins baptizing, and some of the followers of John are concerned as if it were a competition. "Then [John's disciples] came to John and said to him, 'Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan--the one you testified about--look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.'

To this John replied, 'A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him' The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.'" John 3:26-30.

John the Baptist shows us that we can be Bold for the Lord and Enlightened by the Spirit 

and still have the heart of a Servant. 

"He must become greater; I must become less."

God, thank you for John's example of having a servant's heart. Help me to seek out ways in which I can serve. Help me to live out John's words, "He must become greater; I must become less." In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Advent: Time for the BEST (3 of 5)

Advent: Time for the B.E.S.T

E: Enlightened

Through an examination of Scripture, it is obvious to see that John was B-Bold, in both his speech and his actions. Now let's explore how John the Baptist fits the B.E.S.T. description by being E-Enlightened.

Image by Pixabay

 No, I am not encouraging anyone to jump on the current cultural bandwagon and declaring how newly "woke" I am or we all should be. Instead, let's use this Advent season to reflect on the importance of Jesus' birth and also explore John the Baptist's role in this season. 

Enlightened: "having or showing a rational, modern, and well-informed outlook"

This definition looks reasonable, but by society's standards, most wouldn't have described John as rational, modern, or well-informed about what the world views as important.

Spiritually speaking, John does fit every bit of the above definition by Oxford Languages, but the second definition is even more appropriate: "spiritually aware." We have every indication from Scripture that John the Baptist was Spirit-filled even from the womb.

In the beginning of Luke's gospel, Luke explains that he has completed a great deal of investigation surrounding Jesus, and he desires to "write an orderly account." This orderly account actually begins with John's beginnings.

John's parents were Zechariah and Elizabeth, and Luke 1:6 states, "Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commands and decrees blamelessly." 

How remarkable to be described in this manner! The rest of the story is in the next verse, "But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old." So, a childless home for these two who passionately followed the Lord.

And then one day when Zechariah was continuing to carry out his priestly duties, he was startled by an angel. Luke 1:13-17, records the scene, "But the angel said to him: 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

Clearly, John the Baptist was Enlightened (spiritually aware) since he was filled with the Holy Spirit even before his birth!

Physical evidence of this is even revealed in the familiar account of the expectant Mary (Jesus' mother) visiting her relative Elizabeth (who was expecting John). Luke 1:41 states, "When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit."

John 1:6-8 states John's enlightenment more succinctly, "There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light."

John the Baptist has a big role in the Christmas story, and actually, we need to strive to follow in his footsteps. We don't have to wear camel hair clothing or eat locusts, but we do need to seek wisdom and ask for the filling of the Holy Spirit. We do need to "testify concerning that light." 

Jesus wants to play a role in the lives of each of us. 

He wants us to each be enlightened and recognize the True Light in our lives.

We are then to spend our lives striving to be "a witness to the light."

Heavenly Father, I am a sinner. I need you in my life. I believe that You sent Jesus to this world to redeem all who believe. Father, help me to recognize Jesus as the True Light, fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to spend this season testifying to the Light in my life. In Jesus' Precious Name. Amen.

Advent: Time for the BEST (2 of 5)

 

Advent

Time for the BEST

Let's first look at how John fits the description of being B.E.S.T. by exploring in what ways John was Bold.

John's boldness is apparent from the start as his coming helps fulfill prophecy: John 1:1-4, "The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way' --a voice of one calling in the wilderness, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.' And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins."

This boldness of John's is rooted in the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:80 explains, "And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly in Israel."

When it was time for John to appear, he clearly had a mission to follow. John 1:15 records John the Baptist at his mission, "(John testified concerning him [Jesus]. He cried out, saying, 'This is the one I spoke about when I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'"

John's boldness affected every aspect of his life, as he certainly didn't strive to fit in or "keep up with the Joneses." Matthew 3:4 describes the scene, "John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey." 

Interesting then, are the next verses, Matthew 3:5-6 "People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River."

A unique figure, to be sure. 

Bold in his appearance; bold in his lifestyle choices; bold in his declarations and his challenge to all who would listen. 

John certainly did not live to fit in or to go unnoticed. 

John also apparently did none of the typical things to gain the approval of the hordes (appearance, money, "hanging with the right crowd") and yet people were drawn to him, or more so, his message. They were drawn to him to confess their sins; they were drawn to a stranger in camel's hair clothing who dined on grasshoppers and honey in order to seek ways in which they could be forgiven. Remarkable, and certainly the work of the Spirit.

Despite the fact that John didn't tell people what they wanted to hear, they were drawn to him. John even spoke boldly of the leaders of the day. Luke 3:19-20, "But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of his marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife, and all the other evil things he had done, Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison." The story doesn't end there. 

John's boldness didn't come without a cost. Matthew 14:10, records that John was bold even if it cost him his life: "...and [Herod] had John beheaded in prison."

John was guided by the Spirit and not by the world. John was bold, 

and that is just part of what makes him fit the description of B.E.S.T.

Heavenly Father: Thank you for the examples of being bold that are provided in Your Word. Guide me through this season, and help me live more for Your purpose rather than my own. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Advent: Time for the BEST (1 of 5)

 Advent

Time for the B.E.S.T.

Image by Pixabay 

As Advent is the precursor, the time before, Christmas, John the Baptist was the precursor to Jesus’ time on this earth. Throughout our time together this Advent season, we are going to explore the B.E.S.T. qualities in John the Baptist. As we venture further into this holiday season, let’s also look inward to determine if we can grow a little closer to being B.E.S.T. as well.

B-Bold

E-Enlightened

S-Servant

T-Teacher

In Scripture, John the Baptist received high praise from Jesus himself:

Matthew 11: 10-11a

"This is the one about whom it is written: ‘I  will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’”

Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist..."

John "...not risen anyone greater..." John could even be referred to as the BEST man. 

Traditionally, a best man stands by the groom. He supports and encourages the groom on this momentous occasion. The best man doesn’t focus on his own life; his focus is on uplifting his friend. 

John’s life certainly fits this description as he even describes himself this way in John 3:28-29.

"You yourselves can testify that I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him. The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete."

This holiday season let us prepare our hearts like that of the B.E.S.T. man. Let us find some time to wait and listen for Him. Let us be filled with joy when we hear His still, small voice reassuring us.

Almighty God, we submit to You this holiday season. We want to prepare our hearts to be in tune to Your will. Help us to put aside our busy-ness and our agendas for Your Heavenly Plan. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.