Are you greater than John?

 Luke 7:24-28

After John’s messengers had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear elegant clothing and live in luxury are found in palaces.

What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written:

‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You,

who will prepare Your way before You.’

I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John, yet even the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

This scripture is a reminder that those in the new covenant are so much more than those in the old. We think Moses had a great relationship with God, or Abraham, or Isaiah but these are less of a prophet than John according to Jesus and what does Jesus say? 

You're greater.

Think about that.

What you have in Christ is greater. What God has and can do in you is greater! 

Wow! That is amazing.

Not my Rights

I enjoy my rights and I want what is "right" but I also remember that Jesus said:

Matthew 5:38-48 "You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth. But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well; and if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.q Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,s that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even Gentiles do the same?

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

I have to admit this version of perfection is hard. I like my "rights." What about you, is it hard?

Giving Sacrificially

 

 When I think about Christians sacrificially giving, I remember the times when Michelle and I gave to others anonymously and when they knew we did it. I remember many times when people would give of their time and money to help us and others. My life experience says that truly Christians give sacrificially of their time, their talent, and their treasure without seeking anything in return.  Sure, there are exceptions but as Elisha told his servant there are more with us than against us. I testify today that real Christianity is overflowing with loving and sacrificially-giving people. When it came to thinking of a time when someone gave that it meant so much and I have to be honest there are too many.   

As I thought this week however the most giving thing that stands in my mind is something the person who did it may not even have recognized as giving. What they gave helped me even more than I realized at the time.

When I started in ministry I was an odd duck. I didn’t grow up in the denomination. Originally, I went through the course of studies to get my ordination, a program that many considered second-rate, but which I found harder than college. I was preaching at a church of maybe a dozen people on a great week and I was working full-time. I couldn’t attend all the functions our denomination had and since I wore a suit this was even before I wore a clerical collar, I was accused by one pastor of being no better than a pharisee. To say the least, I felt less than a real minister, and sometimes real, or imagined I was treated that way.

I was invited to attend a meeting of pastors to pray. These pastors from various denominations were gracious, loved God, and loved each other despite the huge doctrinal differences between them. Pastor Paul Carey an experienced, well-educated Baptist pastor repeatedly treated me with respect and graciously listened to me as if I was his equal, I wasn’t. This gracious gift to a young pastor did and still does encourage me that God called me. His gift wasn’t money or talent, it was time and attention, and though he might not have thought much of it. It is one of the greatest gifts, I ever received. It flowed from his Christ-centered life. 

With Mothers' Day just finished and Fathers' Day fast approaching I wanted to consider Ephesians  5 and what it means to us men specifically. Often verse 22 is taken out of context to keep women silent and to make them little better or no better than a slave. The first issue that is overlooked is the command to listen to their own husband. I take this to mean, they were not supposed to be looking to other men for things that they should be looking to their husbands for (there is a lot to unpack in that and I won’t spend time here doing it). The second is the words “as unto the Lord,” to me this makes it clear that if a man is asking something God wouldn't they shouldn't. Just as with the government, you don't do anything God wouldn't be pleased with.

 

The other side of this is Paul's command to the husband. The husband can't demand obedience if he isn't doing his part. Loving her as Christ loves the church. Christ died to save the church. Most men say they would die for their wives so I'll give them this one (barely). Christ gave us the Spirit so that we can be all we were designed to be. Okay, so if your wife has the abilities to be a great CEO, are you as a husband supporting her in this? This is where most men fail or just refuse. They are supportive of the woman as long as they get something they want or they get the glory, but not the other way around. 

Jesus also listens to the church and asks us to bring all of our concerns to him. So are we really listening? Are we doing what is best for them not just what we think is best? Jesus is.

 

I could go on, but I will leave with this.
Pastor Charles