Wednesday, September 27, 2023

“Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.” (Colossians 4: 5 -6, The Message Bible)

                Make the most of every opportunity.

                Since I retired several years ago, I sometimes wonder whether I have been making the most of every opportunity.  There seems to be a vast, out-of-proportion sitting in my big, blue recliner with my nose stuck in a computer or occasionally in a book. But for a few rare moments, i.e., when called to fill-in as a hospital chaplain or preach somewhere or maybe this blog, I can’t say that I have been contributing much to the welfare of the world around me. My well-worn, all-too-comfortable, blue recliner calls to me. Its siren call is very alluring. Sloth – thy name is Laz-y-Boy.

                Making the most of every opportunity is challenging.

                Jesus told parables about the necessity for being alert and ready for opportunities to serve. “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning…” (Luke 12:35, New Living Translation) According to these stories, it is up to each of us to be alert, prepared, ready and able to respond to the sudden and surprising appearance of the Messiah in our world. You never know when or where he might show up, “as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks.” (Luke 12: 36, NLT)

                Indeed, his well-known parable about the sheep and the goats in Matthew’s Gospel helps us to understand what making the most of every opportunity is all about while alerting us to his Messianic presence.

                “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.’

“Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’” (Matthew 25: 34 -26, TMB)

                Jesus  Christ appears, not only just at the End of the Story, but he shows up wherever there is an opportunity to do good in this world. Jesus shows up, not in his glimmering, Sunday-go-to meeting, white-robed Jesus’ clothes, but in in his rugged, practical, everyday, work clothes, calling us to join him in his Kingdom work.

                Right now, truth be told, my service is “looking after” Susan while we live with the challenge of her cancer. She is doing quite well, all things considered, no pain, and her meds seem to have slowed down any progress.  It’s a loving joy to serve her.

                What opportunity do you have to serve the Lord? It doesn’t have to be big, glamourous, showy or life-changing. “And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” (Matthew 10:42, NLT) I fill up Susan’s glass of water every night before she goes to bed. No biggie – but it helps.

                Look, there’s Jesus now. “So, let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” (Galatians 6:10, TMB)

Dale

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

“As they continued down the road, they came to a stream of water. The eunuch said, “Here’s water. Why can’t I be baptized?” He ordered the chariot to stop. They both went down to the water, and Philip baptized him on the spot.” (Acts 8: 36 -37, The Message Bible)

               On our family Messenger chat-site, our adult children have been complaining about the trials and tribulations of bath times for their own young children. It takes a lot of wheedling and coaxing. They resort to bribes like new water toys, goggles, etc. to persuade them to get in the tub. They play silly games – gas bubble games are particularly enjoyed, if you get my drift. But as I understand it, it can be a frustrating, tortuous, lengthy process for all involved before ears are clean and necks are scrubbed. All children go through this stage at one time or another.

                Philip, a leader in the church, feels led by the Spirit to travel on a wilderness road where he encounters an important court official of the court of the queen of Ethiopia. The man is sitting in his chariot, trying to make some sense out of the scripture he is reading. He had been in Jerusalem and now was returning home. He appears to have been a proselyte to Judaism. Philip invites himself into the chariot to help the eunuch understand what he was reading.   “The eunuch said, ‘Tell me, who is the prophet talking about: himself or some other?’ Philip grabbed his chance. Using this passage as his text, he preached Jesus to him.” (8: 35, TMB)

                Then, when the eunuch spied a stream, he stopped his chariot and asked, “Why can’t I be baptized?”  There was absolutely no reason why he shouldn’t and couldn’t. “They both went down to the water, and Philip baptized him on the spot.”

                Consider the eunuch’s question. Apply it to yourself perhaps. Why can’t I be baptized?  I am not meaning just the meaningful and expressive act of being baptized by water, but I am also meaning what is preventing you from a deep and meaningful relationship with Christ? Are you fighting it? Resisting it? Perhaps, you think it pointless or unnecessary.  Perhaps, you have been already baptized, ritually, in some way, but now the “water” seems a little cold and murky. It takes a lot for you to feel  clean and spotless.  So, one way or another, we make excuses for our lack of baptismal spirit, for resisting the Love of Christ in our lives.  We have all sorts of excuses, complaints, issues, struggles with the whole idea of plunging into a relationship with Jesus Christ.

                One part of this story that is sometimes overlooked is the fact that the Ethiopian was a eunuch. Some might argue that “people like him” should not be allowed in the fold. He wasn’t “normal” enough.  But the Good News, here, is the Love of Christ is all-inclusive. There are no exceptions.  And once an individual makes the decision to engage Jesus, intentionally and decisively, there are no restrictions or limitations on whom the Church recognizes as a brother or sister in Christ.

                Baptism is a symbolic expression of the life we gain in relationship with Jesus Christ. The rite itself is not grace but points to God’s Grace through Christ. “By faith in Christ you are in direct relationship with God. Your baptism in Christ was not just washing you up for a fresh start. It also involved dressing you in an adult faith wardrobe—Christ’s life, the fulfillment of God’s original promise.” (Galatians 3:26 -27, TMB)

                So, get wet! There is nothing preventing you from making that decision or living out that decision for Christ. Plunge into this relationship with mind, body and soul. Use water if you prefer as part of your proclamation and declaration. But let nothing get in the way between you and Jesus.

                “The waters of baptism do that for you, not by washing away dirt from your skin but by presenting you through Jesus’ resurrection before God with a clear conscience. Jesus has the last word on everything and everyone, from angels to armies. He’s standing right alongside God, and what he says goes.” (1 Peter 3: 21-22, TMB)

                Splish, splash!

 Dale

               

               

 Wednesday, September 13, 2023

“Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing. Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good. Here’s what you do: Say nothing evil or hurtful; Snub evil and cultivate good; run after peace for all you’re worth. God looks on all this with approval, listening and responding well to what he’s asked; but he turns his back on those who do evil things.”  (1 Peter 3:8, The Message Bible)

                I really miss having a dog around the house. There is always something life-affirming about a cold nose and furry belly and those big eyes. Now is not the time for another dog in our lives, but life is always better with a dog.  (If you’re a cat person, well, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt but I’m sure it’s the same.)

                One of my favourite daily comic strips is Pearls Before Swine. One of last week’s strips connects with my thoughts about dogs. The ever-optimistic, idealistic Pig is asked what his set of beliefs were. Pig responds: “Don’t judge. Don’t brag. And greet everyone you know like it’s the first time you’ve seen them in ten years.” When asked where did he learn all that, he responds, “My dog.” Then he adds, “If she founds a church, I’ll join it.”

                Amusing, for sure. But the unconditional love from a dog is a lesson for us, especially if we follow Jesus Christ. He did found a community of believers who were and are commanded to love one another as he has loved us.

                I am baffled that this community of believers which we call Church cannot get this right, not just some of the time, but all of the time. Our standard of conduct, the New Testament in particular, overflows with the sort of counsel we read in our text from 1 Peter. Our faithful heroes be they Jesus, Paul, Peter, John exhort and insist on love-based behaviour, words and attitudes. “That goes for all of you, no exceptions.”

                Yet, sadly, some Christians limit their love, narrow  their love, prevent others from accessing their love.  They barely define who are lovable. Some Christians are hostile toward people who are different.  But there should be no room in our lives for anything but the standard of Jesus’ Love, affirmation, inclusion and blessing toward those whom we encounter. Even enemies merit this Love.

                And again, it bears repeating from Peter.  “That goes for all of you, no exceptions.”

                We don’t get to choose whom we love. “Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing.”

                Just this week, a truck driver cut me off and I stopped just in time. I was not, shall we say, very charitable toward him as I honked and then rolled down my window to give him a piece of my mind. Afterwards, the thought dawned on me what if I, someday, met this man coming into church, and he recognized me, what would he think of my behaviour and words?

                No exceptions! Loving everyone is not easy; takes effort; takes discipline; takes mindfulness; takes practice. Which is probably why there is so much in the Bible which addresses the need for making such an intentional effort. Otherwise, we might forget, or try to rationalize our behaviour, or become lazy and ineffectual or worse, hypocritical. Even our pets have to be trained for their best behaviour. So too, we Christians seem to need constant reinforcement of the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” (Luke 6:31, New Living Translation)

                No exceptions! Ever!

Dale

               

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

“If I had a mind to brag a little, I could probably do it without looking ridiculous, and I’d still be speaking plain truth all the way. But I’ll spare you. I don’t want anyone imagining me as anything other than the fool you’d encounter if you saw me on the street or heard me talk.” (2 Corinthians 12:6, The  Message Bible)

                Allow me to do a little grandfatherly bragging, a bit of boasting.

                Our eight-year-old grandson, Henry, was named his team’s MVP for the season. He plays second base for a rep team, a level that is a little higher than house league. Rep teams play other teams from other cities.  One has to have some better skills for the game to play on a rep team. His brother, William, is also on a rep team for ten-year-olds.

                I got my love of baseball from my father. I passed it on to Nick. When he was less then a week old, he was sitting on my lap as we watched the MLB playoffs, together.  Nick has passed the love of the game to his boys. So yes, it makes me very proud to see them enjoy and excel at the game we all love so much.

                Being voted as the Most Valuable Player on Henry’s team is pretty cool. So darn right, I am going to do some boasting, some bragging, and take pride.

                Boasting about someone else’s accomplishments is okay by me; people should be appreciated for what they do. But I have never been very comfortable about bragging about myself which is not to say that I have never been arrogant or big-headed. Been there, done that! Nevertheless, there is enough humility in me that prefers to deflect praise or acknowledge the things that I may do well. Perhaps, there is something in my upbringing that one doesn’t work for praise and constant commendation but rather for the pleasure or satisfaction of a job well done.

                “It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.” (Ephesians 4: 8 -10, TMB)

                I once knew of a Baptist minister who openly claimed that the was our Convention’s best preacher. He wasn’t; he may have been good but there were many who were equally capable but never crowed about it.

                Boasting is a balloon of hot air, waiting to blow up in our faces. “Don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying.” (James 3: 14, New Living Translation)

                In his letter to the Philippians, Paul speaks about the things that would be cause for personal boasting, “even though we can list what many might think are impressive credentials. You know my pedigree: a legitimate birth, circumcised on the eighth day; an Israelite from the elite tribe of Benjamin; a strict and devout adherent to God’s law; a fiery defender of the purity of my religion, even to the point of persecuting the church; a meticulous observer of everything set down in God’s law Book.” (Philippians 3: 5 -6, TMB)

 But them he goes on and says, “Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung. I’ve dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him. I didn’t want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ—God’s righteousness.” (Philippians 3: 8 -9, TMB)

Now, I am sure that we needn’t be so severe on ourselves that we regard all that we do as foul refuse or garbage. But I do think we can take a cue from Paul in what is appropriate to brag about: “Yet I dare not boast about anything except what Christ has done through me...” (Romans 15:18,  NLT)

But let’s be clear, we don’t get to brag about our piety, our religiosity, any sense of spiritual superiority, church-y entitlement, or even biblical knowledge. “If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13: 1 – 3, NLT)

Let others boast about you and me because we exude love, compassion, kindness, empathy, acceptance of one and all, and spread that Love around. “So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.” (Colossians 3: 12 -14, TMB) 

Dale