Devotion.al

Tag: servant

  • Not Yours, But God’s

    Not Yours, But God’s

    Psalm 69:1–5, 30–36; Genesis 17:1–13; Romans 4:1–12

    “Abram” translates to “exalted ancestor”. “Abraham” translates to “ancestor of a multitude”. While Ismael was Abraham’s son (the son he had with Sarah’s servant), it didn’t quite connect with Abraham as Ishmael wasn’t a result of him and Sarah (his wife and ).Both names had their own sting. “Exalted ancestor” requires more than just the son of a servant, but grandchildren. “Ancestor of a multitude” probably stung worse, for that would seem to imply even more. He had only one.

    Yet, as attest to (and recapitulates) Abraham trusted God, and Paul notes that God “attributed” to Abraham . The strong implication for many commentators was that God “considered” Abraham righteous because of his faith/trust, not because of his actions. In addition, many infer that it also means that God viewed Abraham as righteous in spite of any possible failings or sins that Abraham had.

    Circumcision was the act that in some respects “remembered” the covenant that God made with Abraham. One could view it as God choosing Abraham’s descendants, setting them aside, and treating them as righteous, even when they weren’t. The Israelites were set aside for God. The males bore the mark.

    The similarity between circumcision and baptism are often drawn. Especially in the traditions that baptize infants, it is quite simple. Even in the traditions that perform believer’s baptism, the imputation of righteousness is still there.

    When we are baptized (as infant or believer), the righteousness we receive is that of . It isn’t ours. Just as in circumcision, or even infant baptism, the is performed before the child has a choice.

    The reality is that almost the entirety of our relationship with God…the entirety of our becoming more like God…is because of God.

    Paul draws baptism and circumcision . Paul needed his Jewish brethren to understand that baptism was a valid entrance into the family of God. He also needed the to understand that baptism was part of tradition that went back in time, tying them to a tradition and people and God they were only beginning to understand.

    ※Reflection※

    • What traditions family, cultural, and/or religious tie you to the past? Why is being rooted in the past helpful when going forward?
    • The majority of church traditions/theology (there are outliers) believe in only one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. Why do you think that is?

    ※Prayer※

    God, your word goes to a past we do not fully know. Your word also goes forward to a time we cannot see. Thank you for the guidance that your word provides us, and may we share the of your word to others. Amen.

  • Joy in the Questions

    Joy in the Questions

    “Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your .’ Then the angel departed from her.”
    —Luke 1:38 (NRSV)

    When it comes time for the season and thinking about the story of Christmas— coming to earth for all humankind…I often think of Mary and Joseph. I think about what it must have been like to be these young teenage kids seeing an angel and getting this crazy, but amazing news. I think about Mary. She had to have known that by saying yes to this plan that God had for her was going to make Joseph question everything in their relationship. She had to have known that this would have ostracized them both from their and there would be whispers. All the whispers.

    She had to have known the repercussions and probably had so many for the angel. I mean—wouldn’t you? And yet. She said yes. She said that she would serve the Lord in this way. In this crazy unforeseen way she would follow through with what the angel was proposing to her. She could have said no. She could have! But, she knew (somehow) that God had a bigger plan and purpose here and for her. So she said yes. Yes to serving the Lord in this amazing way. She said yes in the face of potentially losing her fiance, dealing with all the whispers and questions, to caring for the Son of God.

    God asks us all to serve. God asks us to serve those around us for the Kingdom so that all might know Jesus. Ultimately this is what I think of when I think of Mary saying yes. When we invite Jesus into our lives we say yes to Him, but also to serving Him. We are to make disciples of all nations.

    This Christmas may not look . We won’t be in the building like we typically would be for the candlelight Christmas Eve service. But! You can still invite someone to and to experience the and of Jesus. You can invite them to your home to do circle church or you could invite them to watch with their own families. Tell someone about Jesus this year. Bring to someone else the way that God has brought joy to you.

  • Incomplete Armor

    Incomplete Armor

    Psalm 27; Zechariah 10:12; Ephesians 6:10–18

    This passage from Ephesians is one of those common favorites. Building and putting on the armor of God is still a popular activity for children. As a tool, it was and remains powerful.

    From the point of the Ephesians, they were very familiar with the attire of the Roman soldiers. Ephesus was an important city in the region. The Roman soldiers would be stationed there. With its importance, many military excursions would start and in Ephesus.

    However, while grasped a powerful visual (and, for modern children, a reinforcing activity), it wasn’t complete. As far as Paul was concerned, he delivered what he needed for conveying deep truths to the Ephesians.

    Yet, there is still something missing. When I was younger, people often thought I was an “Army brat”. Even to this day, some I’m ex-military. Most of this is a childhood affection (with, yes, a lot of military tradition in the ). So, when I look at Paul’s list, I’m a bit bothered.

    There are 2 significant pieces that are missing from Paul’s list: the javelin (or bow, depending on the unit) and the kilt. Also, certain Roman ensembles had shin guards, too (that makes 3).

    What does that matter, you might ? The javelin (again, or bow) was used for long-ranged attack; the javelin could also be used as a defensive tool against cavalry. We could use the long-range aspect as a “look ahead” and “be prepared” for what is coming. In other words, don’t just react to the world; be prepared to confront it.

    Regarding defense, the javelin would need to be set against the ground to be effective. Again, be ready for what is coming toward you.

    The kilt? Other than cultural Scottish attire, it protected the lower area of the body. It may not seem like a kilt could protect much, but much of the of the lower body is centered in that area. Wounds would deeply affect effectiveness. From a modesty sense, well, that’s probably obvious. That could represent purity.

    Purity in this day and is hard. Putting on the armor of purity may be more essential than we realize.

    The shin guards are a little harder. They do keep you from getting kicked, and they would protect you from ramming your leg into a coffee table (you winced, didn’t you?). So, perhaps we could look at the shin guards at that which protects us (somewhat) from our own stumbling.

    There is a fun addition to the helmet. Normally, the helmet was unadorned. However, during parades, the higher one’s rank the crest on the helmet would be brightly colored. Kind of similar to the flames of , perhaps?

    ※Questions※

    1) Which armor piece is most significant for you? Why?

    2) If you were to choose aspects of the spiritual life that the 3 additional pieces would represent, what would they be? Why?

    ※Prayer※

    God, thank you for the vision and of your servant Paul whose words, inspired by you, guide us today. Amen.

  • Force or Choice

    Force or Choice

    Matthew 20:20–28; Matthew 22:15–22

    The author Robert Heinlein once wrote, “When you vote, you are exercising political authority, you’re using force. And force, my friends, is violence. The supreme authority from which all other authorities are derived.”

    There has been a transformation in our society where this seems to be truer now than when Heinlein wrote it. What may be depressing is that it means that democracy is in many ways no better than any political system. Humanity, through politics, shows its selfishness.

    During the last presidential election (and probably during this one, as well), there will be people proclaiming that one person or political party is better than the other (especially in regards to the multi-sided political scene that has been forcibly trimmed into 2-sided). They will judge and condemn those that appear to support the other, even if that decision is the perceived lesser of two evils.

    There will be those that will choose a different political party (there are more than 2). There will be those that will not vote. It is the latter that provides the greatest insight into ourselves.

    They are those that believe that a vote is just as much Caesar’s as was the denarius. This is the darkness of politics and even a republic such as the US. Heinlein’s comments may sound harsh. If one compares it to people’s reaction when the “wrong” party gets power, we can see that we subconsciously understand the reality of power.

    ‘ concerns regarding power are not small. There is a very valid reason why many over the years have claimed that the was corrupted when Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity and then made it the official of the realm.

    On the other hand, if you have a glass of water and do not hand it to a person of thirst, what kind of are you? This is the debate that is truly at the of being a Christian in a democracy or republic.

    Voting is power. Sometimes it feels as if it not. However, if all are of one mind it is indeed quite powerful. Power to coerce is the power of violence. This is not what we are called to do.

    On the other hand, the power to vote is also a responsibility to care for our fellow citizens, and to put a to guide the path the country walks. This is the voice and path that can find justice, , and for the least, the last, and the lost.

    ※Prayer※

    Jesus, as we look to you for guidance in these trying times, may your ‘s heart guide our decisions. Amen.

  • I Said, You Say

    I Said, You Say

    Exodus 4:10–17; Matthew 25:14–30

    Moses is highly regarded in Jewish circles. As the bringer of the Law, his place in their history is unassailable. The first 5 books of the Bible also being attributed to him also helps.

    Moses was (and is) viewed as the greatest prophet from a Jewish perspective. Yet, Moses was human. Moses did human things. Moses had human failings.

    In today’s passage, we see that Moses really was trying to avoid his calling. Was he trying to avoid the Pharaoh? Maybe. Was he afraid? Probably. Was he “poor” of ? Probably.

    Moses pleads to escape God’s call on him. He didn’t want to be the one. “Please send someone else.”

    How many times have you said that about helping others? How about speaking Christ into the lives of others? We often say to ourselves; God will send someone better than me.

    God calls us for a time and place, and the call may as the times and places change. Not only are there times we avoid the call, there are also times we hold onto a call whose time has passed.

    There is something to notice. “Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses…” That is not the most comforting thing to . Making God angry is generally an unwise .

    Even though God is angry with Moses, God still condescends to him by assigning his brother Aaron as the mouthpiece. The co- goes .

    Even Moses allowed his and apprehension to turn him from God’s mission. No one is immune to fear. We just have to find in our hearts the the trust God.

    ※ Prayer ※

    Lord, help us to embrace the unique mission and ministry that you have given us. Amen

    ※ Questions ※

    1) What is your current commission from God? If you are not aware of it, set aside some time today to prayerfully God what the commission is…and God the space to answer it.

    2) Why do you think that God allows Aaron to speak for Moses even though it was Moses’ commission?

    3) Think about what you know about Moses. Put times in Moses’ life against each of the servants noted in the Parable of the Talents. Which life event of Moses to you apply to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd servant?

  • Substantial Character

    Substantial Character

    Daniel 6:1–24; Philippians 2:3–16

    Adventure! Drama! Let’s see the big scene!

    Daniel and the Lion’s Den is a dramatic story. No question about that. It’s a great one for kids.

    Daniel, himself, is a great character. Daniel has great character. If you read the story carefully, you’ll notice something interesting. Daniel only has spoken words at the end when he assures Darius that all is well.

    This also speaks to Daniel’s character. As much as the Book of Daniel is Daniel’s story, the Book of Daniel is about God’s plan and redemptive regarding the people of Judah in their time of exile.

    Daniel (along with others) was called to work for the they were in (for the Generations community, that was the topic of the last two sermons). He was called to work for the benefit of the kingdom. He was not called to gain power.

    ※ Why do we often think we must have “power” to change things or make things better? ※

    Daniel did gain power. However, he did not as if it was his to do with as he pleased. This contrasts with the two other administrators and all the satraps.* who sought greater power and control of their own. As Daniel was successful as a leader for the empire, pursuing their own success and power was then not working for the empire.

    As we watch the unfolding of political events around the world (not just the US), all too often people use the emotions of others to draw people it…to gain power and influence. Most of the bureaucrats that are often maligned are putting aside their gain to their best (as they understand it) for their nation.

    Does that mean there aren’t any “bad actors”? Of course not! It does mean there are likely as many “bad actors” as there are anywhere else, or as few. Yet, a cabal like the one portrayed here is really beyond the US system (despite the conspiracy theories, yes, I’m stepping in a minefield).

    However, culturally, it was normal. In fact, there are still examples of it today throughout the world. Thus, the best witness that Daniel could be (the one he was called to) was to God well through the place and time he was.

    ※What is the witness of this time and place for you? ※

    Daniel truly embodies the Christ-like characteristics of unselfish ambition looking to the benefits of Darius and the Median empire. His character was so resolute that even his adversaries recognized it.

    Daniel became a true and devout servant of the empire, even going so far as to submit to being setup. Daniel maintained his and his witness, despite the efforts of those around him.

    While perhaps only for a brief time, Darius honored Daniel’s faith and the God Daniel served. All this building up to even a greater witness.

    Imagine that. Being quiet, gentle, unassuming, and working for the benefit of others was Daniel’s greatest witness.

    These same characteristics apply to Jesus. As Paul noted, Jesus set aside being God to serve the created. While not literally exiled from Heaven (unlike others), Jesus was in exile. Jesus was now in one with the created.

    Jesus surrendered in grace and to a system and peoples (Jews and Romans) that unjustly crucified him. Jesus did it for all people. He was looking out for everyone else’s interests.

    ※What does Paul’s ending words in this passage tell you about Paul’s heart? ※

    ※Prayer※

    Spirit, and mold us to be humble people that seek the welfare of others so that we are a faithful witness of your work in our lives. Amen.

    * not including Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, more commonly called Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

  • Pour

    Pour

    Matthew 25:14–30; Luke 19:12–27 (read online ⧉)

    If you’re like most people in the US, you have a retirement account. If you’ve retired, the stock market swings may not affect you very much, except for secondary investments. If you are not retired or have other significant investments in the stock market, your stock funds—your financial and security—might seem pretty shaky.

    If you’ve been taught to treat the stock market with a “long game”, then the current volatility isn’t too concerning. If you haven’t been taught that, you’re watching the stock market with acid indigestion when it falls and elation when it rises.

    We really do understand the concept of investing when it comes to money. We don’t do so well investing in people.

    Over the last few decades, as the focus on schooling increases (along with its costs), mentoring is talked about a lot, and done very little. There seems to be an expectation that people will now self-educate. There is good in that, as true education (versus regurgitation) requires self-direction. The problem that then arises is a lack of community and loyalty.

    In Luke’s version of the minas (i.e., talents), the nobleman who left his servants behind expected self-direction. In this version of this tale, 10 servants are each given a mina (for a total of 10 minas). We only about the super-successful , the quite-successful servant, and the vocally ungrateful one. The prologue to the tale indicates that the vocal servant probably voiced the feelings of them all. He was just the only one who said anything.

    What about the other 7 servants? Did any fail and declare bankruptcy? Did some only earn 1 or 2 minas? Did some at least put it in the bank and interest?

    The and difficulties of parables and illustrative stories such as these are that we can miss differences. Most of us read into this Lukan version what we read in Matthew. We see the 3 and miss the 10. The differences in these 2 versions mirror similar tales in our days. Magazines, blogs, TV shows will focus on the super- and quite-successful entrepreneurs and leaders. They rarely pay attention to the burying type but are vicious wolves when they do.

    Except for election season, the remaining 7 are ignored. Leaders will all too often focus on the 3, and not the 7. They will pour 80% of their effort (even its nothing more than taking credit) into the 2, get 800% back, evaluate themselves as successful, and cast-off the 1. The 7? Only God knows. Their potential has been completely squandered.

    This is not to say that everyone is capable of pouring into 10 people and making them all successful. However, the reality is that while the nobleman got something from 2, what does this tell us about his leadership for the other 8?

    ※※

    All-Seeing God, help us to see those you have put before us to lead and mentor. Help us be humble to for the guidance and of others. Amen.

    ※※

    1) Which of the 10 servants (in Luke’s story) are you?

    2) Who are you pouring into, leading, and mentoring?

    3) Is mentoring and leading a role, or is it a ? Why would the difference matter?

  • What’s At The End?

    Mark 8:27–38; Mark 9:30–34; Mark 10:32–40 (read online ⧉)

    There were 3 ages that I looked to: 13, 18, 25. Prior to achieving each of these birthdays, I expected to die before each of them. That’s a pretty morbid thought, isn’t it? This wasn’t only my depression or suicidal thoughts that brought me there, but an almost fatalistic anticipation of my .

    I don’t know how much my friends during those times understood my thoughts or expectations. I wasn’t open to sharing it. They may (or not) have noticed an underlying that was part of my existence. We (including me) can look back on these thoughts and think…oh, what drama! And it possibly was.

    So, imagine what ‘ disciples thought? There were plenty of charismatic people leading people astray. Some seemed like cults. pursued aims (overthrowing the Roman Empire) that were suicidal. Did they really mean to follow this guy? They were in deep already (hey, Peter declared him the Messiah, of all things). Were they sure about this?What made the difference between my fatalism of youth, and Jesus’ and looking toward (not looking to) death? The end.

    What was the end? For me, I don’t know that I thought about it. For Jesus? Glorifying God and salvation for everyone. While the end does make the easier, it does make it easier to walk toward.

    In all three declarations of his expectations of death, there were very responses within verses of the Scriptures. The first declaration resolves with each person who follows Christ having to bear the cross (a symbol of torture, humiliation, and death). The second declaration resolves with being a servant of others. The third declaration resolves with both the cross and service. Jesus resolved each declaration in a way that doesn’t necessarily encourage the hearer…unless the end is kept in mind.

    1) Death is the end of this life. What is your view of death? How would you if a friend or family member told you they expected to die (not due to health or reasons of conflict)?

    2) The cross has lost much of its horror. What can you think of in modern times that might approach the cruelty of the cross?

    3) In the 3 times that Jesus spoke of his death, the world’s agenda was not the same as God’s agenda. There are plenty of horrors around us. How can we embrace those horrors and point to Jesus?