LookingtoJesus

Love and Compassion (the Sheep and the Goats)

Bible Reading: Matthew 25:31-46

The passage before us has been the subject of various interpretations.  It has been misused by some to proclaim a “social gospel” and by others to teach a salvation by works.  Much of the confusion occurs because the passage is stolen from its context. John Walvoord addressed this matter: “Accordingly, on a strict exegesis of this passage, the judgment deals with those on earth among the Gentiles who have survived the tribulation and now await judgment in relation to entrance into the millennial kingdom.  It is accordingly not a general judgment, not a judgment of the church which has been raptured earlier, nor is it a judgment of the dead as in Revelation 20:11-15.” 

So this passage represents neither the judgment seat of Christ (a judgment for believers with respect to rewards that is subsequent to the rapture) nor the Great White Throne judgment (the judgment of the dead with respect to their destiny).  It is a judgment–to take place at the end of the tribulation–of the nations with regards to the treatment of “His brethren” (Matthew 25:40). 

Another important and oft-neglected aspect of this judgment has to do with the significance of the deeds that were commended.  The things spoken of here (feed the hungry; give drink to the thirsty; welcome the stranger; clothe the naked; visit the sick or imprisoned) are indeed things that every child of God should do—in any age.  But understanding the context helps to better appreciate the importance of these deeds.  The tribulation will be a time of great persecution of the Jews—“the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7).  The persecution will be so severe that two-thirds of the Jews in the land will die (Zechariah 13:8).  It will be marked by a satanic hatred of the Jewish people (much as exists in this age but to a higher degree).  Satan will once again attempt to exterminate them as he has done before in previous occasions.  Those faithful Jews who refuse to worship the world ruler will face a death sentence.  It is in that context that these deeds take place.  These will be deeds done at great risk to those performing them.  They will be done by faith and in love for Jesus’ brethren (Matthew 25:40).  

In Hitler’s Germany there was a great persecution of the Jews.  Jews were despised, thrown out of their businesses, ostracized, and ultimately led off to slaughter.  There were some believers in Christ who stood against the tide of that growing hatred and persecution.  They spoke out, they intervened, they hid, fed, clothed, visited, and showed love towards the Jews in that day—knowing full well that their benevolent intervention could work to threaten their own lives and/or livelihood.  Some were sent to the prison camps where they suffered the same fate as those they cared for. 

At the end of the tribulation “all the nations will be gathered before Him” (Matthew 25:32).  The long standing promise—“I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse” (Genesis 12:3)—will once again find fulfillment.  We should indeed do the things spoken of in this passage—care for the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the unclothed, the imprisoned—true faith in God is revealed in so doing (1 John 3:16-17; James 2:14-17).  But to show love to God’s people in His name when great risk is involved—that’s a glorious thing indeed.  That kind of sacrificial love is even now being demonstrated by believers towards their persecuted brethren in various parts of the world. 

As believers in Christ we will not be at this particular judgment, but we will “appear before the judgment seat of Christ.”  We will then “be recompensed for (our) deeds in the body, according to what (we) have done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).  Those deeds done with His love, by His grace, through the Spirit, in obedience—these alone will pass the test.  The gold, silver, precious stone-like deeds built on the good foundation of a genuine relationship with Christ will remain.  All else will be burned up (1 Corinthians 3:10-15).  Let us be careful then to show love to others and especially to those being persecuted for their faith (Galatians 6:10; Hebrews 10:34, 13:3).  God is well pleased with such sacrifices (Hebrews 13:15-16).  And loving in such a manner is part of what it means to love like Jesus.

To Care for Folks in Their Time of Need is Part of What it Means to Love Like Jesus

Father.  We thank You for Your loving care and protection over us.  We know that we can trust You always to know and do that which is best for us.  How blessed we are to live in a place where we are free to publicly acknowledge and worship You.  But we know that’s not always the case, and that some of Your children live under the threat of persecution simply because of their faith in You.  Forgive us for not praying and caring to the extent that we should. Open our hearts and eyes to the needs of people around us, and especially those who are oppressed in whatever way.  May we be always loving like Jesus to Your honor and glory.  Amen.  

Selfless Love (Timothy)

Bible Reading: Philippians 2:1-30

In one of the most important and majestic passages dealing with His saving work, Philippians 2:5-8, we read of Christ Jesus and His humiliation and ultimate death on a cross. Step by step the passage describes for us His descent from heaven’s glory to His obedient subjection to His death on a cross.  It was all voluntary on His part, as He came into the world not to be served, but to serve and give His life and ransom for many (Mark 10:45).  I find here in this text two incredible truths: 1) That the eternal Son of God would step down from heaven to dwell amongst man and die for my sins is a divine mystery defying all comprehension.  It is as the hymn puts it: “Amazing love, how can it be; That Thou my God shouldst die for me?”  and 2) That God would call for me to have the mind of Christ, thereby imitating Him in His humble and self-sacrificing manner of life.  But that’s exactly what verse 5 calls upon us to do, saying: “Have this mind among yourselves, which was also in Christ Jesus.”  Mind = attitude = way of thinking.

Set against the sin-rooted backdrop of man’s depravity and its associated selfish ways, the life of Jesus shines forth in the glorious beauty of its radical selflessness.  His was a perfect life.  Never demanding.  Always loving.  Always serving.  Its glorious divergence cries out to us from the majesty of His inner virtue.  He’s marked out for all a narrow path of self-sacrifice which beckons to those weary of the broad path’s selfish and hurtful ways.  The cross represents to the believer not only the basis of salvation, it also sets before us the manner of life to which we are called, according to example of Christ in His self-sacrificing way of thinking and living.

Philippians chapter two puts before us three examples of those who walked according to Christ’s example: the Apostle Paul (Philippians 2:17-18); Timothy (Philippians 2:19-24); and Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25-30).  All three demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice in obedience to Christ and for the sake of others.  They all were following in Christ’s example, as we are all called to do.  We’ve not the space to look at all three here, but consider the example of Timothy.

Paul abounded in praise for his son in the faith, Timothy.  Note what he said about him: 1) “I have no one like him;” 2) “(he) will be genuinely concerned for your welfare;” and 3) “you know Timothy’s proven worth” (Philippians 2:20-22).  But on top of all that Paul made this astounding statement: “For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 2:21).  Of whom was Paul speaking when he said that they all seek their own interests?  Not unbelievers, who have neither the heart or ability to do anything but seek their own interests.  He was speaking of the able-bodied folks in the church who could be useful, but were debilitated from serving by their own self-focus.  How tragic!  How tragic whenever self works to negate our freedom to serve Him who sacrificed all to save us!  But then there was Timothy, saying, “Here I am, Lord, ready to do Your bidding!”  He had chosen that better, more beautiful, path–the one marked out for us by Jesus.  In the setting aside of his own personal prerogatives, Timothy would be used by God to bear a glorious harvest of fruit in the instruction, encouragement, and care of his fellow believers.  In seeking the interests of Jesus Christ, Timothy set his sights on that which was well pleasing to God and of lasting significance!  To be sure, one can only live like that by the leading and empowerment of the Spirit, but we do well to think and live like that, according to the example of Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus, and most of all, according to the example of Jesus Himself.  To serve in selfless fashion is a part of what it means to love like Jesus!

The Cross Sets Before Us the Way of Salvation and the Walk We Are Called To

MAY THE MIND OF CHRIST, MY SAVIOR

May the mind of Christ, my Savior,
Live in me from day to day,
By his love and pow’r controlling
All I do and say.

May the word of God dwell richly
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph
Only through his pow’r.

May the peace of God, my Father,
Rule my life in ev’rything,
That I may be calm to comfort
Sick and sorrowing.

May the love of Jesus fill me
As the waters fill the sea.
Him exalting, self abasing:
This is victory.

May we run the race before us,
Strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus
As we onward go.

Love and Giving (the churches in Macedonia)

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9

“It is more blessed to give than to receive” – Jesus

The context of this passage is the appeal from the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth to participate in the relief efforts for the church in Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8:7).  A number of factors led to their impoverished condition.  Some were ostracized from their jobs and families for their faith.  A famine aggravated the situation.  The people were heavily taxed.  Paul responded by going to various churches and asking for their help.  Over a period of five years a considerable amount of Paul’s time was given to this effort.  

The believers in Macedonia were commended to the Corinthian church by the Apostle Paul, as examples, for the spirit in which they had given (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).  They gave sacrificially (out of their “extreme poverty” and “beyond their means”); joyously (“their abundance of joy”); generously (“in a wealth of generosity”); beggingly (“begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part”); lovingly (“for the relief of the saints”); and in a surprising fashion (“and this not as we expected”).  

Theirs was not a reluctant “how much is this going to cost me?” kind of gift.  It was a “my brothers in Christ are in serious need, I’ll sacrifice anything I have to help” kind of sacrifice.  Their brethren in Jerusalem were hundreds of miles away, but that mattered not to the Macedonians.  They had never met these folks, but they responded as they were kin (which they were; Hebrews 13:3).  Why did they give as they did?  Paul explained, “They gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us” (2 Corinthians 8:5).  They gave as an act of worship.  Their hearts and lives and love already belonged to God (2 Corinthians 5:15).  They were Spirit-led to give in Christ-like manner that they might assist their Christian brethren.  

They gave as Jesus gave.  He Himself came as a heaven-sent gift of “inexpressible” worth (John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 9:15).  He did not merely give out of His riches, He gave and gave and when He had given all that He had in this life, He gave that up too (Philippians 2:5-8).  He impoverished Himself so that we might be made rich.  “For you know the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).  When it comes to the matter of giving His example reigns supreme. Indeed, it is from Him and His sacrifice that all blessings flow!

Such giving is ultimately sourced in Him.  It is by His grace in salvation that rebels are transformed into worshippers and created anew with the desire to give.  It is by His grace that we are enriched, for “what do (we) have that (we) did not receive” (1 Corinthians 4:7)?  It has all come to us by grace—salvation, provision, strength, motivation and ability to serve.  By the grace of God we are what we are (1 Corinthians 15:10).  Whenever we see that spirit of giving—whether it be of time, energy, or money–we can trace it back to God, who is the greatest giver of them all (James 1:17).  Having a heart to give is a part of what it means to love like Jesus!

“It is More Blessed to Give than to Receive” – Jesus

Lord Jesus.  How we praise You for Your gracious work by which You impoverished Yourself that we might be made rich in knowing You.  We marvel at Your giving heart and ways!  Forgive us for our selfish ways in which we are prone to think first of ourselves and not of others.  O to be like You!  May the Spirit work mightily within us towards that end.  You’ve told us that its more blessed to give than to receive.  May we ever seek to lay hold of the promised blessings associated with the expenditure of our lives, in Your Name.  Knowing that all we have received has come from gracious hand, and every act of love can ultimately be tranced back to You.  Amen.

A Healthy Addiction (the household of Stephanas)

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 16:13-18

“They have addicted themselves to the ministry” (1 Corinthians 16:15, KJV).

According to Webster’s Dictionary, to be addicted is “to devote or surrender oneself to something habitually or obsessively.”  There are a great number of things to which people are prone to become addicted—alcohol, drugs, gambling, food, video games, etc.  People can even be addicted to shopping.  Oniomania is the technical name given to that disorder.  Funny, I’m never prone to exhibiting oniomania when I visit a fabric store, but maybe if I’m looking for sporting goods! 

We are prone, by nature, to addictive behavior.  The lusts of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and boastful pride of life constitute desires within us that beg for satisfaction (1 John 2:16).  The pleasure realized in the practice of any particular sin quickly diminishes, leaving in its path a hunger for more or better.  We are all born into this world as sin-addicts, foolishly attempting to  satisfy our thirst for God in the empty promises of broken cisterns (1 Peter 1:18; Romans 6:21).

Jesus was an addict of another kind.  His life was utterly devoid of sin.  He was addicted to serving—indeed, that was the purpose for which He came (Mark 10:45).  To be delivered from sin-addiction and to be made a “slave of righteousness” is a glorious work He alone can do ( Romans 6:1-14).  Having trusted in Jesus for salvation, the believer is set free from sin-dependence, and born again to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4-7).  There is a healthy addiction to which God would then direct us–serving others.

Paul commended the household of Stephanas.  “They have addicted themselves to the ministry,” he said (1 Corinthians 16:15, KJV).  The term “addicted” translates a Greek term that means “to arrange, assign, order.”  The thought here is that they had so ordered their lives that ministry to others came first (Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:5).  The term “ministry” is the Greek, “diakonia,” which speaks of service.  It is the same term elsewhere translated “deacon.”  The household of Stephanas was addicted to ministry in the sense that they had prioritized their lives such that the service of others mattered most.  They were given to it.  Their lives were characterized by it.  They were devoted to serving Christ by serving others.

Paul exhorted the Corinthians to “be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors” (1 Corinthians 16:16)  Many in the church in Corinth were walking as “mere men” and behaving in selfish and childish ways (1 Corinthians 3:1-4; 13:11-13).  Paul directed them all to the better example of the household of Stephanas, who were walking in an exemplary fashion (1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17).  The church needed to follow their example.

God has called us to a radically different way of thinking and living.  A way of life exemplified in Jesus, who came to serve and not to be served.  Serving others in Jesus’ name is at the heart of worship (Hebrews 13:15-16; 2 Corinthians 9:12); will be rewarded at the judgment seat (2 Corinthians 5:10); and works to bless others in a variety of ways.  Love calls us to serve: “through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13), and when it comes to serving, we don’t need to worry ourselves about becoming addicted; for it is a healthy addiction of which God approves.  And it’s part of what it means to love like Jesus.

Serving Others in Love is a Healthy Addiction of Which God Approves

Lord Jesus.  We were slaves to sin, but then You worked to set us free.  Now we’ve been born again to serve You, and in serving You we find a true purpose.  You are worthy, Lord!  Worthy of our praise and thanksgiving, and worthy of our faithful service.  Forgive us our forgetfulness and negligence.  May the Spirit work in our hearts to kindle afresh the love we had at first.  That love which captivated our being and worked to lead us along to wherever You might send us.  Opportunities for serving You abound, grant us eyes to see and hearts to care and hands ready to do Your bidding–each and every day!  May others see You in us, and look to You as the sole source of all that is good!  In Your Name.  Amen.

Love and Good Deeds (Dorcas)

Bible Reading: Acts 9:36-43

“That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love” (Colossians 2:2)

We’ve a lot of quilts around our house. There’s one that hangs in the upstairs hallway. It was a gift from our church family on the first anniversary of our ministry at Lewis and Clark Bible Church. Every family in the church contributed a square and it was all sewn together to make a beautiful wall hanging. Years later the church made another wonderful quilt for us bearing the names of a lot more families, as the church had grown. When my Mom died Laura engaged some church ladies to help put together a quilt full of pictures of Mom with her children and grandchildren. It served as a comforting and precious gift in a particular time of need. Having heard of Laura’s cancer diagnosis, our friend Nancy in Maine, worked in her quilting group to put together a colorful quilt for her. Some ladies at Lewis and Clark Bible Church spearheaded an effort to sew dresses and “Days for Girls” kits for us to take to Uganda. At one point there were as many as 30 ladies in that sewing group! Hundreds of dresses and kits made their way to needy girls in that far away place. Our friend Cynthia took some remnants from that effort and sewed together a rag rug to be used in our new home in Heppner. For over two years Laura has been working daily on putting together memory quilts for our four children. She’s completed three, and has only one left to go. And lest I forget, our dear friend Mary (now home with Jesus), worked tirelessly for many years making quilts for folks in nursing homes and assisted living centers. Our youngest daughter used to go weekly to help Mary in those efforts.

That’s a lot of sewing. And a lot of beautiful quilts lovingly created to bless a lot of different folks. Over the past years I’ve witnessed the time and energy Laura’s given to preparing these memory quilts for our kids. It’s a labor of love for sure! By the way–it’s Laura’s birthday today! Thank you so much for your continued concern and prayers for her as she continues courageously fights her long battle with cancer.

Like so many dear Christian women I’ve known over the years, Dorcas was “full of good works and acts of charity” (Acts 9:36). The main point of the passage is the miracle that took place when she was raised back to life. That miracle became known throughout Joppa and “many believed in the Lord” (Acts 9:42). But there’s another endearing element of this story that should serve as an encouragement to us all.

Dorcas had a heart to serve others.  Like so many others I’ve known, she was always looking for opportunities to share the love of Jesus with other folks.  It’s apparent from what we read in the text that she had a special place in her heart for widows.  As a hospice chaplain, and having recently led a GriefShare support group, I’ve witnessed how difficult it can be for those who have lost a loved one.  In their grief, such folks deal with all kinds of new challenges and difficult emotions.  How good it is then when someone comes alongside with an encouraging word or caring presence.  In Dorcas’ case, she made “tunics and other garments” for them (Acts 9:39).  In fact, it was apparently quite a scene when Peter arrived where Dorcas’ body lay, for he found a group of widows eager to display to him what Dorcas had made for them!  They were to them more than garments, they were evidence of the love of Jesus revealed to them through Dorcas’ efforts.

Dorcas loved Jesus.  And she loved Jesus by loving others.  Her talent was sewing, so she used that particular gift to lovingly provide and encourage those in need.  She made beautiful garments, even as Jesus was making something beautiful of her life.  The love of Jesus worked through her to bless others, and that’s the way things are supposed to work.  You may not be much of a seamstress, I’m sure not, but God has given you a unique set of gifts and talents to be used in serving Him.  Opportunities abound…all you need is a heart to serve!  God will take care of the rest.  And that’s part of what it means to love like Jesus!

God Knits Something Beautiful of our Lives as we Find Ways to Serve Others 

Lord Jesus.  How beautiful is Your church.  Knitted together in love, You’ve done a miraculous thing in uniting us all together.  Yet, we sometimes fall back into our old selfish ways and lose track of the glorious work You are doing.  Forgive us.  You’ve worked to change our hearts.   You’ve filled our hearts to overflowing with Your love.  But not so we might simply sponge it up, but that we might be channels of blessing.  We marvel at Your example of servanthood.  And we are encouraged by the examples we read about and see.  May Your Spirit work mightily in us, that we might eagerly pursue those good works You’ve prepared ahead of time for us to do.  Thank You for the privilege of serving You.  May You be honored and glorified in it!  Amen.

Love and Encouragement (Barnabas)

Bible Reading: Acts 4:34-37, 9:26-27, 11:19-26, 15:36-41; 2 Timothy 4:11

Encouragement  noun  “the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary).

Barnabas was an encourager.  A Jew from Cyprus, his given name was Joseph (Acts 4:36).  But the apostles renamed him, “Barnabas” (i.e. “son of encouragement”), which served as an apt description of him and his ministry to others.

He is first mentioned in the Bible in Acts chapter 4.  Many Jews were as refugees in Jerusalem.  Having traveled there for Pentecost from faraway places, they remained after their conversion, and were in need of shelter and food.  The early church responded: “There was not a needy person among them for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need” (Acts 4:35).  Likewise Barnabas “sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money” (Acts 4:36-37).  Imagine how those early believers must have been encouraged in Jesus through the example of Barnabas‘ loving sacrifice! 

Some of those scattered as a result of the great persecution preached the gospel in Antioch.  “A great number who believed turned to the Lord,” so the church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas there (Acts 11:21-22).  And in Antioch Barnabas worked to encourage the new believers “to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose” (Acts 11:23).  Then when Barnabas needed help in his ministry, he “went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch” and together they spent “a whole year” teaching “a great many people” (Acts 11:25-26) and encouraging those believers in the Word.  Together with Saul, Barnabas would later serve in a “relief effort” to meet the needs of those suffering through “a great famine” (Acts 11:27-30). Barnabas had a heart to serve others.  You’d find him wherever there was a need for an encouraging presence or word or provision. In his love for the brethren he was much used by God!   

The Christian life is often compared in Scripture to a race (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Hebrews 12:1-2; Philippians 3:14).  We are called to run with endurance, knowing that we will face many distractions, disruptions, and discouragements (Hebrews 12:1-2).  Imagine the scene.  Christians running side-by-side all headed to the same goal.  But there are those who are weighed down with earthly concerns or entangled in sin, and some fall behind and others collapse.  Too often we can run in the race oblivious to the hardships faced by our struggling companions.  We run right past them, step over them, or even in some sad cases kick them when they are down.  But that’s no way for a Christian to behave.  Instead, we are to be “encouraging one another, and all the more as (we) see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25).  

God would have us all to be like Barnabas.  We are all sometimes in need of encouragement and God is well-aware of that.  The Holy Spirit is the ultimate encourager!  He is called the “Helper” (Greek “parakletos,” “one called alongside to help”; John 14:16).  The Greek term translated “helper” and the Greek term translated “Barnabas” are related.  Being filled with the Spirit as he was, Barnabas functioned in his ministry as the “Holy Spirit with hands.”  Barnabas encouraged others such that they were better off in Christ as a result of his presence and ministry. 

God exhorts us to love one another by encouraging one another.  By the Spirit we can (Galatians 5:22-23).  In love we will (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).  There is a good chance you have someone in your life who is even now desperate for some loving word or deed by which they might be encouraged.  There is plenty of encouragement to be had in Him and His Word (Romans 15:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Hebrews 10:25; 12:1-3).  Is your walk with Jesus such that He has the freedom to  work through to encourage someone else in your life today?  It’s a tremendous privilege to be used by God to encourage, and it’s part of what it means to love like Jesus.

Be an Encourager.  The World Has Plenty of Critics Already. – Dave Willis

Lord Jesus.  We are so thankful for the sure hope we possess in You!  How wonderful the day when You worked to make known to us the good news.  Thank You for saving us and setting us on a course to heaven.  Along the way we face a lot of challenges and disappointments, and it’s easy for us to grow weary and discouraged.  How thankful we are for the indwelling presence of the Spirit, who is always working to remind us that You are our reason for hope.  Likewise, You’ve privileged each of us to have a role in encouraging others.  Grant us eyes to see and hearts to care.  May we be Spirit-led to be used by You that we might find ways to encourage the others you’ve placed in our lives.  That we might all be fixing our eyes on You as we run with endurance in the race that is set before us.  In Your Name.  Amen.

Loving without Expectations 

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:46, 10:8; Luke 14:12-14

“Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8b).

As many of you know, I’ve made many trips to Uganda working with Hope and Mercy Mission.  It’s been a tremendous privilege to be a part of the amazing work God is doing in that region of the country. Mission teams of folks from churches on both coasts of America have ventured there many times to assist pastors and churches in the region and God has worked through them to do incredible things.  Early on in my involvement in that work, I was hesitant to keep asking for funds from our church family for our repeated visits.  I questioned whether the people would tire of my repeated appeals or if we could afford it. But I didn’t understand or appreciate the extent of God’s readiness to provide through His people.  Ultimately our church in Astoria spent many tens of thousands of dollars in supporting that ministry.  But we never lacked for funds.  In fact, our church finances prospered as we expended resources in that missionary endeavor.  Donations would come right on time and from unexpected places, as God’s people demonstrated an eagerness to assist their impoverished brethren on the other side of the world.  The churches involved would work to send many suitcases full of provisions for the folks over there–books, t-shirts, dresses, eyeglasses, gifts and candies for children, pens and pencils and notebooks, medical supplies, and all sorts of other needed items.  Hope and Mercy Mission would buy boxes of Ugandan Bibles to distribute to the many churches involved over there.  It was always quite an undertaking to unpack and sort through all the suitcases of supplies when we finally arrived in the village.  We knew that on the other side of those gifts we’d witness the overflowing gratitude of our Ugandan friends.

God was working through His people to lovingly provide and assist their brethren in a far away place, and it’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve witnessed in my life.  All those folks gave in Jesus’ name, sacrificing their time, effort, and finances, to help folks that they’d never seen and who would never be able to pay them back. God’s love is like that.  He freely gives and calls us to freely give as we’ve freely received.

How incredibly blessed we are as believers in Christ! Indeed, we are the recipients of “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 1:3).  In “lavishing upon us” the riches of His grace, God has filled our cups to overflowing (Ephesians 1:8).  All three persons of the Triune God have had a part in this.  The Father has chosen and adopted us; the Son has redeemed, forgiven, enlightened, and enriched us; and the Spirit has sealed us, thus serving as a guarantee of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:4-14).  How has this happened for you?  What did you do to deserve these incredible blessings?  The answer is, of course, is that you’ve done nothing to merit any of that which you have received (Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Corinthians 4:7).  These blessings have freely come to you entirely by the grace of God–simply because God is who He is.  Indeed, everything pertaining to your salvation, from that moment of saving faith until you are taken home to glory, has been freely given to you.  Indeed, you and I have freely received!!!

It is in the nature of God’s children to love as they have been loved (Ephesians 5:1-2).  Jesus has saved us that we may “become partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4). He’s made a radical change in us.  The world loves, but according to the rules of its barter system approach, in which love is shown with the expectation of receiving something in return.  God’s love is something far more glorious in that it flows from His heart, it comes with no demands or expectations.  The child of God is Spirit-led and empowered to love in like manner–whether it be love shown to an enemy or a stranger or to friend–to love without expectations is a part of what it means to love like Jesus.  

Freely You Have Received, Freely Give

Father.  Praise You and Thank You for the incredible blessings You’ve bestowed on me according to the riches of Your grace.  I was so incredibly lost in sin, but then You intervened.  I had hoped for forgiveness, but by Your grace You’ve blessed me in an exceeding, abundant, beyond all I could ask or think manner!  In lavishing Your grace upon me, You’ve filled my cup to overflowing.  Thank You that it’s in Your nature to give like that!  Forgive me for my sinful tendency to hold on to things as I do. Change my heart, Lord, and open my eyes to the glory of Your love and Your ways.  Grant that I might walk according to the example of Jesus, who said it is more blessed to give than to receive. From Your hands I’ve received infinite blessings, may my heart and my hands be ever glad to freely pass them on to others.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Love and Impartiality

Bible Reading: James 2:1-13

Imagine this scene. You notice that a new visitor has just parked their shiny Cadillac in the church parking lot. A husband and wife both step out of the car. Well dressed and adorned with expensive jewelry, they appear to be quite well to do. The couple are warmly received at the front entrance, the greeters personally accompany them, and seat them where they prefer. Soon after, a beater of an old van arrives, belching smoke from its exhaust. And out of the van burst forth a single mom and five rambunctious children, attired in worn and wrinkled garments. Mom breaks up an argument between two of the boys and then manages to somehow corral the reluctant kids to the entrance. The greeter hands the mom a church bulletin and points to some seats in the back corner of the church. After the service the rich couple is warmly greeted by members of the church. The single mom, on the other hand, received no greeting and only disdainful looks. Having come to the church looking for some hope and answers, she left never to return again.

Do such things happen?  Yes!  Should they?  Never!!  I’m so glad for the impartiality of God with respect to His love.  I think back to where I was and what I was doing when I first believed.  I was so incredibly blessed by God’s love in the forgiveness I received!  That God would save someone like me speaks to how truly amazing His grace truly is.  And so it is for all of us.  “Consider your calling,” wrote the Apostle Paul, “not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).”  God has so worked in salvation to remove every possible reason for human boasting.  Any good in me is entirely by God’s doing and according to His grace!

James speaks of the “royal law.”  “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (James 2:8), is the law of our King, and the highest of all His laws. Jesus, our King, showed no partiality.  The One who was rich but became poor crossed all kinds of traditional barriers in dealing with people.  In fact, the religious leaders chided Him for His propensity to hang out with sinners and tax-gatherers.  He lovingly ministered to both Jews and non-Jews (and even Samaritans), rich and poor, men and women.  Even societal outcasts, like the lepers and the demon-possessed, found a friend in Jesus.  

In  his  Prison Fellowship newsletter, Chuck Colson wrote of a “pastor who was putting the final touches on his sermon early one Sunday morning when he heard a knock on his study door.  There stood three ragged  boys who had previously received gifts from members of the church.  Their home was ravaged by drugs and prostitution.  They had never been in a church before and wanted to look around.  So the pastor gave them a quick “tour.” Fifteen minutes  later they were back, asking what time the service started.  “Can people come to your church if their  socks don’t match?” asked the oldest.  The pastor assured them they could.  “What if they don’t have any socks?”  Again, the pastor reassured them.  “That’s good,” said the boy, “because my socks don’t match, and my little brother hasn’t any.”  That morning those boys came to church and were warmly welcomed.  Since then the church has helped the entire family.”  Jesus showed no partiality.  And if we are to love like Jesus then we need to do likewise.  . 

Jesus Showed No Partiality and Neither Should We

Lord Jesus!  How amazing it is that You saved me!  I was a rebel sinner, hostile in mind to You, and engaged in all kinds of evil.  But You showed no partiality when You intervened in my life and saved me from my sins.  Forgive us for our sinful tendency to measure people according to our own preconceived notions or their appearance.  You desire all men to be saved.  Knowing this, may we treat people according to the same kind of impartiality as You.  People need You.  Help us to see people through Your eyes and to relate to them with Your compassion–no matter who they are.  In Your Name.  Amen.

Loving One’s Enemies

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:43-48

Though we were enemies of God, He has nevertheless worked though Jesus to reconcile us to Him (Romans 5:8-11).  God has called us to love in like manner, and as you will see in this following story, God is able to use that radically-differing way of responding to make Himself known.

Mitsuo Fuchida was the lead pilot in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.  He returned to Japan to receive a hero’s welcome and advanced in the military throughout the Japanese campaign.  He narrowly escaped death on several occasions, but survived to the end of the war.  Later when called upon to testify at the War Crime trials he was troubled by testimonies he heard regarding the abuse of American prisoners in Japanese prison camps.  He assumed such treatment was typical in the American camps as well.  He went so far as to travel to Uraga, Japan to meet with returning Japanese prisoners to find evidence of such abuse.

He met a man there, Sub-lieutenant Kazuo Kanegaski, who had previously served with him.  This soldier had survived the sinking of the carrier Hiryu only to be rescued by the Americans.  He was ultimately taken to a prisoner camp/hospital near the Utah-Colorado border.  Kanegaski told Fuchida he never “saw atrocities in the American camps.”  He went on to share an experience he had there:  “Something happened at my camp which made it possible for all of us interned there to stop nursing our resentment and to return to Japan with lightened hearts…Shortly after the end of the war, an American girl about 18 years old came to the camp as a volunteer social worker.  She ministered to the Japanese with tireless energy and kindness.  Her name was Margaret Covell.  The men called her Peggy, as did her American friends.  She spoke no Japanese, but the prisoners had picked up enough English to communicate with her.  ‘If you’re uncomfortable or need anything, let me know,’ she would say.  ‘I’ll do anything I can to help.’  With her conscientious care she touched the prisoners.  She also puzzled them.  Some three weeks after her first visit, one of the men asked her curiously, ‘Why are you so kind to us?’  ‘Because Japanese soldiers killed my parents,’ she answered.” 

As the prisoners stared at her in astonishment, she explained that her parents were missionaries who had fled Japan to Manila where they thought they would be safe.  When the Japanese captured the city they fled to the mountains.  Japanese soldiers ultimately found Peggy’s parents and in their possession a small portable radio they mistook for a secret communications apparatus.  They tried the couple as spies and convicted them.  They were blindfolded, their hands bound behind their backs, and forced to their knees.  As the husband and wife prayed—asking God to forgive their executioners–the Japanese soldiers beheaded them.

“Peggy, who had been living in the United States, didn’t learn of her parents’ fate until the end of the war.  At first she choked with hatred for the Japanese.  Then she began to meditate on her parents’ selfless service to them.  Slowly she became convinced her parents had indeed forgiven their executioners before death.  Could she do less?  So she volunteered to work with Japanese prisoners of war.  Her example of charity and gentleness greatly impressed the men, and they loved her with a pure tenderness.”

Fuchida was puzzled by what he heard.  “The Japanese considered revenge a beautiful virtue.  A man captured and awaiting death never forgave his captors.  He prayed to be born again seven times, and to exact revenge in each life.  He even prayed his sons and daughter would avenge him.  The Japanese word for revenge, katakiuchi, means literally ‘attack enemy.’  Steeped in Japanese history and culture, Fuchida fervently believed in the principle of katakiuchi.  Now he heard a story of unjust suffering and death and a daughter left to continue the bloodline.  But the tale featured no vow of vengeance from either the dying or the survivor.”

“Fuchida was thunderstruck.  ‘This beautiful story overwhelmed me and made me ashamed,’ he reflected.  He had come to Uraga with hate in his heart.  What he found was goodness he could scarcely comprehend.”  Ultimately Peggy’s example was used by God to help lead Fuchida to Christ.  He was saved and became an evangelist.  He once shared the gospel from a platform standing next to Jacob DeShazer (the former Japanese prisoner who later returned to Japan as a missionary).  Fuchida even visited Jacob’s church in Salem, Oregon.  Fuchida committed his life to the sharing of the gospel–in both Japan and America and far away Germany and Finland.  He even visited Hawaii.  Instead of delivering bombs, he brought to them the good news of eternal life through Christ.

Katakiuchi.  That’s the way the world typically thinks and behaves.  But to get even is not to get ahead.  Peggy could have chosen a different route.  It would have been both natural and acceptable, according to the world’s way of thinking, for her to seethe in bitterness and nurture thoughts of revenge.  Instead, looking to Christ’s example, by the Spirit’s direction and power, she took the higher route.  Her parents would have been pleased.  Her forgiveness and loving sacrifice reflected the greater love she herself had received in Christ.  It gave tangible evidence to the truth about Jesus.  May the love that has been shed abroad in our hearts overflow from our lives and boldly testify to the greater love of Christ from which it flows!

Quotations from “God’s Samurai: Lead Pilot at Pearl Harbor,” by Donald M. Goldstein and Gordon W. Prange; Copyright 1990 by Prange Enterprises, Inc.

When We Love Our Enemies We Direct Their Thoughts Godward

Lord Jesus.  How precious Your example to us from the cross!  You prayed for us though it was us who put You there!  Such love is too wonderful for us to comprehend.  We are so prone to responding in kind when people cause us harm.  But You’ve commanded us to love our enemies and even pray for them.  Thank You for the examples of our brothers and and sisters who have responded to Your call to love like this.  May the Spirit work within us that we might view things according to the perspective of Your truth.  And as we are confronted by opposition, in whatever way, may we be strengthened by Your grace and filled with Your compassion, that we might imitate You.  Cause us to be always mindful of the cross which has not only worked to save us, but to instruct us in the self-sacrificing manner of life to which You’ve called us.  In Your Name.  Amen.

Love Never Fails

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:4-13

Love never fails.  And you and I should be very glad for that!  I suspect you’ve been challenged as we’ve journeyed daily considering these various aspects of Christ-like love.  I have!  In too many ways and on too many occasions I’ve failed to measure up to Jesus’ lofty standard.  And while I’ve sometimes failed to love as I should, God’s love never fails.

What is meant by this phrase “love never fails?”  The ESV reads “love never ends” and that’s a better way to understand what’s being said.  Agape love will never cease.  In the ages to come we will be eternally loved by God.  We will still love Him and we will still love one another.  Love never ends because it is an attribute of God, and God is love.  His love endures forever.

This enduring aspect of love stands in contrast to the temporal role of the spiritual gifts we have received. Recall that the context of this passage was the malpractice of the believers in Corinth with respect to their gifts. They were devaluing some gifts and some were using their gifts to bring attention to themselves, obviously not practicing them in love and for the building up of the body.

They were enamored with their gifts, whereas they needed to be enamored with love.  God has gifted His church with spiritual gifts, and each of us should exercise them “by the strength that God supplies…that in everything God might be glorified” (1 Peter 4:10-11).  But though the gifts are important, the time will come when they will no longer be needed.  Spiritual gifts were imparted for the building up of the body, but when Jesus comes that work will cease.

The believers in Corinth were being childish.  You’ve seen how children are prone to fight over toys. They were acting like that.  So Paul admonished them.  It was time for them to grow up! They needed to stop thinking and acting like children.  They needed to act like grown ups.  Spiritual maturity reveals itself in a Christlike manner of thinking and living–and that looks like love.

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Paul used this similar imagery in 2 Corinthians 3:18, where he spoke of the Spirit’s transforming work in our lives: “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into that same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” We struggle now to clearly see the glory of our destiny. The “breadth and length and height and depth” of the love of Christ “surpasses knowledge” (Ephesians 3:19). But the day is soon coming when He will appear and “we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). The fullness of Him–and His love–will be unveiled to us and in us! Until that day, it is our prayer and goal and pursuit to be like Him. And that means, in part, that we are learning to love like Jesus!

Phil Ryken, “Anyone who has read and studied 1 Corinthians 13 should have some idea what it would look like to live in the headlong pursuit of love.  It means being patient with other people’s failings!  It means being kind to people, even when they don’t seem to deserve it.  It means not promoting ourselves, or boasting about our accomplishments, or insisting on having our own way.  It means making less of ourselves and more of others.  It means forgiving people when they hurt us and refusing to get angry when they irritate us.  It means believing the best truth about other people, not the worst falsehood.  It means even in the most desperate circumstances, we are able to keep believing, keep hoping, and keep loving.”

Pursue Love.  For It’ll Never End!

Father.  How very glad we are that the measure of Your love is too deep for us to comprehend!  And thank You for loving us with a love that never ceases.  Forgive us, Lord, for we are so prone to devote our time and energy to spurious things.  Even as we’ve set our hearts to know You better, may we be ever growing in the knowledge of Your love.  Been rooted and grounded in Your love, may Your presence in us fill up every part of our being.  That we might love like You.  Until that day when You appear, and we shall see You as You are, and what is lacking in us will be swept away.  But love will never end.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen!