"When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, 'Will you give me a drink?' (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)" Jn 4:7-9 (NIV)
Beloved, the gospel is not a secret and Christianity is not some sort of exclusive club (insofar as that everyone is welcome). In fact, it could be compared to the Ark on which Noah vigorously invited everyone to join him and his family due to the impending deluge. Noah cared for his fellow man. It could just as easily be compared to a hospital where the sick are invited to come for healing (which everyone could use in some form). Doctors, nurses and hospital staff are dedicated to this pursuit. The key to both of these analogies is the invitation. The key to the invitation, with the understanding that love and compassion drives it, is how it is made.
Jesus, our great example and inspiration did three great things to extend the ultimate invitation. First, he went where he would not normally go. There was a hundreds of years old schism between Jews and their compromised relatives, the Samaritans. Samaria was avoided by Jews and the name was often used as an insult. Samaritans in turn felt the same way about the Jews. So it was completely out of what would be expected for someone of Jesus' knowledge and de facto authority to even be in Samaria.
Second, Jesus did what he might not normally have done. It was highly unusual for someone who was considered a rabbi to be in a private conversation with a woman, particularly one who was "involved." Speaking of involved, Jesus later demonstrates knowledge that she is co-habitating with a man that is not one of the 5 husbands she has had. Some even accuse her of harlotry. Added to this, he asked her for a drink. Because the passage later reveals that he had nothing with which to draw water, he could only have drunk after her or use her vessel. There are all kinds of ceremonial purity issues here, nevertheless, Jesus, because of his great love, was some place he should not have been, doing something he should not have done. This is said from the standpoint that once his apostles returned and came upon this scene, they had some serious unarticulated questions, but would not even acknowledge the presence of the woman.
Finally, Jesus met her in the location and the condition that she was. It was entirely unlikely that she would ever leave her confines to seek Jesus for the truth. She did not even know who he was and she had her own understanding of truth (vs. 20). It was therefore necessary that if she was to ever experience the safety of the Ark or the cures associated with the hospital someone had to make the information known. Someone had to go to where she was and minister to her even in her sinful condition in a loving way. Jesus has done the same thing for you. Will you do likewise for someone else? Will you extend yourself to extend the invitation?
Committed,
Lee
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
The Unglamorous Work of God 5/30/2013
"Then his servants came near and spoke to him and said, 'My father, had the prophet told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?' So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child and he was clean." 2 Kings 5:13-14
There was once a man named Naaman who was a great soldier that had distinguished himself in battle. Unfortunately, he had leprosy. Through the course of time and events he found himself being instructed by the prophet Elisha through a messenger to wash in the Jordan river 7 times in order that he might be cured of his condition. Naaman was initially very angry. He expected that Elisha would come out to him and do something miraculous. Further, he thought there were much better and cleaner rivers than the Jordan in which to be cleansed. The bible tells us he left Elisha's door in a rage.
This passage came to mind at last evening's bible study while talking to one of our faithful and hard working members. He and his wife had just returned from leading a small group to tornado ravaged Oklahoma in order to lend a helping hand to those in need. He related that a lot of the work they did involved clearing brush, picking up trash, dismantling and stacking wood from blown down fences and various other "unglamorous" (my word, not his) activities. This brother has many talents and thought he might be doing more things like fixing roofs, installing windows or perhaps even doing some electrical work.
Through the course of our conversation, he came to realize that his and the other's willingness to pack up, drive hundreds of miles without so much as a plan for a place to lay their heads just to help perfect strangers in a time of need was the very definition of loving God with our whole selves and loving others as we love ourselves (Matt 22:37-39). Further, the help that was rendered was critically needed by those who received it. They helped older people who could not have done what they did by themselves. They even did work on a home for a person who was not there. He was not there because he was in another state receiving a bone marrow transplant due to his cancerous condition. Their time, effort, energy and sacrifice was appreciated by all they assisted and, I believe, God is pleased.
Beloved, let us not diminish in our own minds the value of service and obedience to God. Not everyone is going to be in a position to pull someone out of a burning building, lift a heavy object from off of a trapped individual, administer CPR to someone whose life is endangered or come to the aid of a car accident victim. Doing good is not about the "wow factor." It is about love and the vast majority of good done for others is quiet, small and ordinary. God works this way so much in our lives, we not only take it for granted but we fail to see His actions for the everyday miracles they are. Ask a severe asthmatic about the value of simply being able to breathe.
Naaman expected something big and flashy from God, but He delivered in the smallest, most quiet way. Having him wash in the dirty Jordan, rather than the famous clear, cold and pure rivers of Damascus, Naaman was made whole, just as the people of Oklahoma will be, one small act of love and kindness at a time.
Blessings to all who do the work of God.
Committed,
Lee
There was once a man named Naaman who was a great soldier that had distinguished himself in battle. Unfortunately, he had leprosy. Through the course of time and events he found himself being instructed by the prophet Elisha through a messenger to wash in the Jordan river 7 times in order that he might be cured of his condition. Naaman was initially very angry. He expected that Elisha would come out to him and do something miraculous. Further, he thought there were much better and cleaner rivers than the Jordan in which to be cleansed. The bible tells us he left Elisha's door in a rage.
This passage came to mind at last evening's bible study while talking to one of our faithful and hard working members. He and his wife had just returned from leading a small group to tornado ravaged Oklahoma in order to lend a helping hand to those in need. He related that a lot of the work they did involved clearing brush, picking up trash, dismantling and stacking wood from blown down fences and various other "unglamorous" (my word, not his) activities. This brother has many talents and thought he might be doing more things like fixing roofs, installing windows or perhaps even doing some electrical work.
Through the course of our conversation, he came to realize that his and the other's willingness to pack up, drive hundreds of miles without so much as a plan for a place to lay their heads just to help perfect strangers in a time of need was the very definition of loving God with our whole selves and loving others as we love ourselves (Matt 22:37-39). Further, the help that was rendered was critically needed by those who received it. They helped older people who could not have done what they did by themselves. They even did work on a home for a person who was not there. He was not there because he was in another state receiving a bone marrow transplant due to his cancerous condition. Their time, effort, energy and sacrifice was appreciated by all they assisted and, I believe, God is pleased.
Beloved, let us not diminish in our own minds the value of service and obedience to God. Not everyone is going to be in a position to pull someone out of a burning building, lift a heavy object from off of a trapped individual, administer CPR to someone whose life is endangered or come to the aid of a car accident victim. Doing good is not about the "wow factor." It is about love and the vast majority of good done for others is quiet, small and ordinary. God works this way so much in our lives, we not only take it for granted but we fail to see His actions for the everyday miracles they are. Ask a severe asthmatic about the value of simply being able to breathe.
Naaman expected something big and flashy from God, but He delivered in the smallest, most quiet way. Having him wash in the dirty Jordan, rather than the famous clear, cold and pure rivers of Damascus, Naaman was made whole, just as the people of Oklahoma will be, one small act of love and kindness at a time.
Blessings to all who do the work of God.
Committed,
Lee
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
When Satan is Not the Problem 5/28/2013 (rp)
"But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust." James 1:11
As human beings, we tend to play the blame game when we find ourselves in a disadvantageous situation. Rare are the times when we take complete responsibility. Case in point, when humanity fell in the Garden, Eve blamed the serpent, then Adam blamed Eve and God. Though Satan has the power and desire to tempt, he does not have the power to decide for us nor force us to do anything.
Beloved we must always be aware of our weak areas. Each of us knows where we are vulnerable and subject to slip out of God's will. It is important to do all that can be done to overcome and remove unrighteous desires (whatever they may be) in order that they not be used against us. In an effort to make a point (rather than being literal), Jesus once said, "If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell." Matt 5:29.
In the end, it is we who make the decisions and commit the actions that are righteous or unrighteous. In the end, they cannot be blamed on Satan or God. We were created with free will and are responsible for the choices that we make. To be sure, Satan is a problem but he is not THE problem.
Committed,
Lee
As human beings, we tend to play the blame game when we find ourselves in a disadvantageous situation. Rare are the times when we take complete responsibility. Case in point, when humanity fell in the Garden, Eve blamed the serpent, then Adam blamed Eve and God. Though Satan has the power and desire to tempt, he does not have the power to decide for us nor force us to do anything.
Beloved we must always be aware of our weak areas. Each of us knows where we are vulnerable and subject to slip out of God's will. It is important to do all that can be done to overcome and remove unrighteous desires (whatever they may be) in order that they not be used against us. In an effort to make a point (rather than being literal), Jesus once said, "If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell." Matt 5:29.
In the end, it is we who make the decisions and commit the actions that are righteous or unrighteous. In the end, they cannot be blamed on Satan or God. We were created with free will and are responsible for the choices that we make. To be sure, Satan is a problem but he is not THE problem.
Committed,
Lee
Friday, May 24, 2013
The Good Old Ways
“Thus says the Lord, 'Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls.' But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’" Jer 6:16
God was angry with His people, in this case, the people of Judah in particular. Despite all of the many times that God had come to their aid after they got themselves in trouble through disobedience, they turned to idolatry time and time again. He sent His servant Jeremiah to give them one last warning that harsh punishment for their rebellion was imminent. It is important to know that this warning was not to the peoples of the earth at large but to the people that God called His own.
Today we are exasperated when we look at the condition of the world. We are constantly faced with the effects of corruption, immorality, strife, hatred and godlessness. And while this can be seen throughout the world, what can be seen among the people of God? Unfortunately, all of the above can be found inside the church as well. While it is important to understand the source of illness in the body; however, the priority is always to seek first the cure.
Beloved, we tend to pursue new ways, new understanding and new interpretations of what God has always told us, but not all that is new, shiny and technological is good. The word of God and the instructions it contains for how we must live our lives is ancient. And of His surpassing existence and nature we must understand that, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" James 1:17 (NIV). When we stray from God's way, we leave the path He has lit and laid out for us from the beginning, and stumble into darkness. This most tragically takes place among those God calls His own and we are utterly without excuse.
The cure for this malady is simple: "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it" Matt 7:13-14. Let us emulate David who said, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn and I will confirm it, that I will keep Your righteous ordinances" Psa 119:105-106. The word of God is the true way and the true path. Let us be sure to follow it.
Committed,
Lee
God was angry with His people, in this case, the people of Judah in particular. Despite all of the many times that God had come to their aid after they got themselves in trouble through disobedience, they turned to idolatry time and time again. He sent His servant Jeremiah to give them one last warning that harsh punishment for their rebellion was imminent. It is important to know that this warning was not to the peoples of the earth at large but to the people that God called His own.
Today we are exasperated when we look at the condition of the world. We are constantly faced with the effects of corruption, immorality, strife, hatred and godlessness. And while this can be seen throughout the world, what can be seen among the people of God? Unfortunately, all of the above can be found inside the church as well. While it is important to understand the source of illness in the body; however, the priority is always to seek first the cure.
Beloved, we tend to pursue new ways, new understanding and new interpretations of what God has always told us, but not all that is new, shiny and technological is good. The word of God and the instructions it contains for how we must live our lives is ancient. And of His surpassing existence and nature we must understand that, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" James 1:17 (NIV). When we stray from God's way, we leave the path He has lit and laid out for us from the beginning, and stumble into darkness. This most tragically takes place among those God calls His own and we are utterly without excuse.
The cure for this malady is simple: "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it" Matt 7:13-14. Let us emulate David who said, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn and I will confirm it, that I will keep Your righteous ordinances" Psa 119:105-106. The word of God is the true way and the true path. Let us be sure to follow it.
Committed,
Lee
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Believing In God vs. Believing God 5/23/2013
"Then Barak said to her, 'If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go.'” Judg 3:8
The context of this admittedly obscure passage of scripture is that a man by the name of Barak was told by God to take ten thousand men to a pre appointed place where He would deliver the enemy of Israel into his hand. This information was delivered by Deborah, a prophetess and judge of Israel. God was setting him up for success.
Beloved, it is easy to say that we believe in God. In fact, if you ask most people in this country whether they believe in the one true God, the answer would be a resounding yes. Unfortunately, that is where it usually stops. Believing in God is easy because it is conceptual. It requires no effort whatsoever to believe in an idea, a perceived fact or even an individual. Believing God, however, is an entirely different matter. Believing God means not only accepting as true His existence but conducting your life in accordance with this fact. It means accepting that if He can create the universe then He can most certainly take on flesh, walk on water, still storms, feed five thousand with a few fish and pieces of bread, call the dead to life, forgive our sins and save our very souls. It means having confidence that He can and will do what He says and it means conducting our lives in a manner reflective of that.
It is recorded in scripture, "You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?" James 2:19. Essentially, believing in God is something even the devil can claim but do we believe Him enough to do what he says?
It is clear that Barak believed in God. He was of the house of Israel and he gave credence to the words of the one who God placed in a leadership position over them. It is just as clear that Barak did not believe God would deliver the enemy into his hand, opting instead to allow Deborah to have the preeminence in the situation. She, on the other hand, believed God would do what he said: "She said, 'I will surely go with you; nevertheless, the honor shall not be yours on the journey that you are about to take, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hands of a woman.' Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh" Judg 3:9. The enemy was in fact delivered into the hands of a woman. Believe God.
Committed,
Lee
The context of this admittedly obscure passage of scripture is that a man by the name of Barak was told by God to take ten thousand men to a pre appointed place where He would deliver the enemy of Israel into his hand. This information was delivered by Deborah, a prophetess and judge of Israel. God was setting him up for success.
Beloved, it is easy to say that we believe in God. In fact, if you ask most people in this country whether they believe in the one true God, the answer would be a resounding yes. Unfortunately, that is where it usually stops. Believing in God is easy because it is conceptual. It requires no effort whatsoever to believe in an idea, a perceived fact or even an individual. Believing God, however, is an entirely different matter. Believing God means not only accepting as true His existence but conducting your life in accordance with this fact. It means accepting that if He can create the universe then He can most certainly take on flesh, walk on water, still storms, feed five thousand with a few fish and pieces of bread, call the dead to life, forgive our sins and save our very souls. It means having confidence that He can and will do what He says and it means conducting our lives in a manner reflective of that.
It is recorded in scripture, "You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?" James 2:19. Essentially, believing in God is something even the devil can claim but do we believe Him enough to do what he says?
It is clear that Barak believed in God. He was of the house of Israel and he gave credence to the words of the one who God placed in a leadership position over them. It is just as clear that Barak did not believe God would deliver the enemy into his hand, opting instead to allow Deborah to have the preeminence in the situation. She, on the other hand, believed God would do what he said: "She said, 'I will surely go with you; nevertheless, the honor shall not be yours on the journey that you are about to take, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hands of a woman.' Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh" Judg 3:9. The enemy was in fact delivered into the hands of a woman. Believe God.
Committed,
Lee
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
When Disaster Strikes 5/22/2013
"Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same." Luke 6:31-33
Today I am mindful of the great tragedies that have befallen residents of Texas and Oklahoma last week. Much has been reported and is still being reported about the terrible loss of life and property including those elementary school students whose lives were taken by the horrific storms that impacted the area. I am likewise mindful of the proclivity we as human beings have to help one another in a time of need. The news reports showed that there were so many first responders trying to get in the area that they had to hold them off until they could clear a path for them. Organizations like the Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team (http://www.churchesofchristdrt.org/#!currentlocation/c10d6) reacted immediately and are already amassing volunteers, food and materials for the moment when volunteers are allowed into the area. Even members of our own congregation are in the process of packing up tools, coolers and materials to drive to Oklahoma and lend a hand.
Beloved, it is at times like these when it is most critical that we exemplify the love of Christ by being a part of the effort to provide relief to those who are suffering. Imagine what it would be like to have your whole world blown apart. Your first response would likely be to cry out to God for mercy and help. Should we not then be the presence of God when others are suffering? We truly have the ability to be the answer to someone's prayers.
While we may not all be able to travel to Oklahoma or Texas to hammer nails, serve food or lend a shoulder to cry on, we can help others who can by donating materials, the use of vehicles or tools, food and funds. And never let us forget the awesome power of prayer. I encourage us all to put ourselves in the position of those impacted and do what we would have them do if it were us. It may be that through the power of God and through our efforts, not only can a home be restored and a heart soothed, but it may be that souls can be saved. Through our love, some will see God.
Committed,
Lee
Today I am mindful of the great tragedies that have befallen residents of Texas and Oklahoma last week. Much has been reported and is still being reported about the terrible loss of life and property including those elementary school students whose lives were taken by the horrific storms that impacted the area. I am likewise mindful of the proclivity we as human beings have to help one another in a time of need. The news reports showed that there were so many first responders trying to get in the area that they had to hold them off until they could clear a path for them. Organizations like the Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team (http://www.churchesofchristdrt.org/#!currentlocation/c10d6) reacted immediately and are already amassing volunteers, food and materials for the moment when volunteers are allowed into the area. Even members of our own congregation are in the process of packing up tools, coolers and materials to drive to Oklahoma and lend a hand.
Beloved, it is at times like these when it is most critical that we exemplify the love of Christ by being a part of the effort to provide relief to those who are suffering. Imagine what it would be like to have your whole world blown apart. Your first response would likely be to cry out to God for mercy and help. Should we not then be the presence of God when others are suffering? We truly have the ability to be the answer to someone's prayers.
While we may not all be able to travel to Oklahoma or Texas to hammer nails, serve food or lend a shoulder to cry on, we can help others who can by donating materials, the use of vehicles or tools, food and funds. And never let us forget the awesome power of prayer. I encourage us all to put ourselves in the position of those impacted and do what we would have them do if it were us. It may be that through the power of God and through our efforts, not only can a home be restored and a heart soothed, but it may be that souls can be saved. Through our love, some will see God.
Committed,
Lee
Monday, May 20, 2013
Trusting God 5/20/2013 (rp)
"Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." Job 13:15
Most of us are no strangers to the trials and tribulations of Job. We know that he lost his family and everything he owned. On top of that his closest friends first came along to comfort him but then began to pile on to his woes by adding their criticisms and questioning his character. Many of us know what it is to suffer loss. Whether it is a dear loved one, a job, a blow to our reputation, a friend, or any other thing we hold close, loss can be a gut wrenching experience. Some of us even get angry with God... It is natural to have these feelings. He is the highest power to whom we can look for help in our time of need. He is also the highest One to whom we assign blame when things do not go as we would choose.
Beloved the exhortation today is to do as Job did, trust Him come what may. He is the Creator of the universe and the creator of each and every one of us. By definition, His ways are farther above ours than the heavens are above earth. He is without constriction regarding time, place and knowledge. In short, He knows more than we do and has a plan that we do not understand. In the short run, we many experience negative impacts associated with living life, but if we would maintain trust in Him, "the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us" Rom 8:18. Just ask Lazarus (Luke 16:20-25).
Committed,
Lee
Most of us are no strangers to the trials and tribulations of Job. We know that he lost his family and everything he owned. On top of that his closest friends first came along to comfort him but then began to pile on to his woes by adding their criticisms and questioning his character. Many of us know what it is to suffer loss. Whether it is a dear loved one, a job, a blow to our reputation, a friend, or any other thing we hold close, loss can be a gut wrenching experience. Some of us even get angry with God... It is natural to have these feelings. He is the highest power to whom we can look for help in our time of need. He is also the highest One to whom we assign blame when things do not go as we would choose.
Beloved the exhortation today is to do as Job did, trust Him come what may. He is the Creator of the universe and the creator of each and every one of us. By definition, His ways are farther above ours than the heavens are above earth. He is without constriction regarding time, place and knowledge. In short, He knows more than we do and has a plan that we do not understand. In the short run, we many experience negative impacts associated with living life, but if we would maintain trust in Him, "the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us" Rom 8:18. Just ask Lazarus (Luke 16:20-25).
Committed,
Lee
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