Until I was a young adult, I had never heard the word "lectionary." I discovered that a lectionary is a book or listing of scripture readings appointed for worship. Many communions follow a lectionary to assure a balance of reading and preaching themes throughout the church year. In contrast, I was reared in and ministered in the Pentecostal tradition which emphasized being led by the Spirit, affirmed spontaneity and welcomed "freedom from forms and lifeless routines."
After nearly seven decades of living, worshiping and serving in the church, I have concluded that the human instinct to the comfort and security of rhythms and routines creeps into church life. We routinely sit where we usually sit, stand at what has become an acceptable time and fulfill the congregation’s expectations during public worship. The template for worship activity varies from one congregation to another, but is rather predictable within each group. People simply love the comfort of predictability.
Personally, I wonder if our being "led by the Spirit" tradition overlooks some of the values of lectionary discipline. An argument can be presented for preparation for significant celebrations within all communions. For instance, Passover was observed following a carefully dictated template initiated in Egypt and handed down and observed by Jesus. Passover was observed in hope and experienced during the first Holy Week, the week when Jesus offered himself as the Passover Lamb.
The disciples asked, "Where do you want us to prepare for Passover?" (Luke 22:9) Clearly, the Twelve were familiar with how the Passover would be observed. The preparations would take time and required ingredients. Passovers could not be observed haphazardly.
Most of the Christian world observes Lent, a time of preparation for the events leading up to Holy Week and culminating in Resurrection Sunday. Smudges of ash in the form of a cross were on the foreheads of fellow Christians. On Ash Wednesday they made a public statement about their commitment as Christians to spiritual preparation for the weeks ahead. To be sure, some may have been simply going through the motions, but I was inwardly asking, "What would happen if I went to Bible study tonight with the same mark?"
Isaiah announced that a plan was in place and preparations were being made for the One who would offer the sacrifice to end all sacrifices.
1 Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? 2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. (Isaiah 53)
I argue, if Jesus’ sacrifice was promised and planned, and if the Passover was observed in anticipation for centuries, what could possibly be wrong with setting aside time to prepare for a more authentic spiritual observance of the Passover’s fulfillment, Jesus’ death and Resurrection? Is a season of preparation an empty routine devoid of value? Are we wise in discarding a season of thoughtful spiritual preparation to observe the greatest single event in history, the resurrection of Jesus from the dead?
Maybe a smudge of ashes on our foreheads would have the right effect on proud people of the Spirit. Perhaps a discipline of reviewing the events leading up to and including Holy Week would slow us down and add solemnity to our Resurrection Day observances. Are we too proud to humble ourselves with a bid of ashes smudged to our forehead? Is it possible that "Spirit-filled pastors" would struggle less with building a special service, complete with obligatory religious bells and whistles? Following a season of serious spiritual preparation, would we dare to truly trust the "leading of the Spirit" to communicate the world-changing reality, "Christ is Risen?"
Grace is an important and frequent Bible theme. The simple, most frequently used definition of grace is "unmerited or unearned favor," which serves us adequately for our present purpose. Most frequently grace is considered in personal dimensions, and thanks for the grace of God is expressed for the favor of God on an individual. We appropriately sing, "Amazing grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost but now I’m found, was blind, but now I see." While we sing the ancient tune in congregations, the focus is personal.
During recent readings of the New Testament Epistles and several books of American history I was challenged about the scope of God’s grace being experienced corporately, internationally and through many generations. For instance, when the first generation church was in the throes of her first wave of persecution, Luke records, "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all (emphasis mine, Acts 4:32-33). Peter and John had performed the first public miracle after Pentecost and their lives were in jeopardy. The church prayed fervently and grace was experienced corporately.
The Apostle Paul often extended introductory grace greetings to the churches. To the Romans he wrote, "To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ" (1:7). To the Corinthians he bid farewell with, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen." (1 Corinthians 16:23-24). The whole church is blessed, graced, no one excepted.
Throughout history God’s grace has been manifested, and His grace remains and is active today, if we will reflect and remember the Sovereign’s interventions. The grace of God was expressed internationally when God intervened and brought Egypt’s reign of terror to an end. A small sample of the details surrounding the grace of God’s actions include the salvation of Moses from Pharaoh’s death order. Moses’ encounter with the Almighty at the burning bush is a grace experience much broader than the personal impact on Moses. Daniel’s story and the gracious activity of God in the judges reinforce the truth that grace is broader, more far-reaching and more frequent than personal experience.
In the 1960's the "military-industrial complex" was at a full throttle. President Eisenhower warned the nation in a farewell address that the "Cold War" required huge expenditures of the nation’s budget to make weapons that, if used, could potentially unleash world-ending devastation and contaminate the environment so that human life would not be sustained. Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev pounded the desk with a shoe while debating at the United Nations. The "nuclear clock" was at 11:58 P.M. and many world leaders were in despair and convinced that peace was impossible. Evangelists leveraged the "doom’s day" or "nuclear clock" to warn of the Lord’s coming.
Into the doom’s day environment, grace was extended. A Roman Catholic, President John Kennedy, one for whom God-fearing Evangelicals would not vote, made a speech at American University calling for our Cold War antagonists to sit down and reason together. Hot words and threats were set aside and a non-proliferation treaty was hammered out, a true expression of grace. Fifty years have passed. One may comfortably argue that God’s grace was delivered by a man who had been disqualified by good, well-intentioned people. Grace is too broad to be confined in the narrow limits of human understanding. Maybe Peter’s Spirit-given insight is applicable here, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." – 2 Peter 3:9
September 11, 2010 angry terrorists made a statement of hate which forever changed the way every person in the world lives today. On that day the Attorney General of the United States was John Ashcroft, a member of the Assemblies of God. I believe Dr. Ashcroft was a gift of grace God appointed to his post for that season in our nation’s history. The complexities of his Senate confirmation hearings, the first-of-its-kind attack, and the mood of our nation all required a special person to serve alongside the President and Congress. The emphasis is not on a man, but on the grace of God extended to a nation and to the world.
One last observation, since "9-11" one of the songs sung during Major League Baseball games, seventh-inning stretches, is America the Beautiful. I note that in each of the four verses a simple prayer is inserted, "America! America! God shed his grace on thee." We are as undeserving of God’s grace as any other nation who has rebelled against God. But, if we keep pleading, keep interceding, keep singing the much-needed appeal for grace, He may hear us and heal our nation.
Come, let us sing a verse together today!
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
Generosity is a foundational value found in followers of Jesus. Because generosity is a core value demonstrated and taught by Jesus his disciples ought to embrace and practice liberality consistently.
Jesus’ teaching was blunt and forceful. He taught, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38) The parable of the man victimized by thieves and ignored by the religious establishment reprimanded those who withheld their gifts of comfort and help. The generous Samaritan was placed in opposition to the "I-don’t-care-stinginess" of those who took comfort in their orthodox legalism while disconnecting behavior from the nature of God who is full of compassion.
Following World War Two, George Marshall was invited to make a speech before scholars at Harvard University. On June 5, 1947, Mr. Marshall laid out a plan of national generosity which became commonly known as "The Marshall Plan." America’s World War Two enemies were restored to economic stability and foes became friends in one generation. Missionary societies and benevolent ministries based in the United States have unselfishly poured billions of dollars into the less fortunate and impoverished around the world. And God has blessed our nation because of that liberality.
In 1992 we were privileged under God to establish Vailsburg Assembly of God. Within the first six months we convened a missions convention and began teaching the infant church how to give generously. We recently learned that the congregation will give more than $100,000 in support of missions around the world in 2014. It is obvious that because of generosity God’s blessing causes the church to thrive in every measurable way.
The parable of the last judgment in Matthew 25 is one of His last before the crucifixion. People who appeared at the judgment were separated right and left and sent them away as one separating sheep and goats based on how they invested or failed to invest in others. A careful re-reading of the story always sobers me. How we treat people is important to Jesus and ought to be of highest priority to anyone claiming to follow Him.
I am troubled when I hear those who are sincerely following Jesus carelessly and without compassion rail against those who benefit from generosity. I am troubled because –
I can find no occasion when Jesus berated a person for being poor, ill or in need of help. Rather, Jesus used each occasion to demonstrate forgiveness, compassion and His willingness to improve the lot of those who were helpless to improve their lot in life.
No one has anything of any value which did not originate in the heart of a compassionate and forgiving God. Grace is "unmerited, undeserved blessing."
The excuse to refuse help because someone is "using the system" is a worthy risk, especially if one takes seriously Jesus’ assurance, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these my brothers." For someone to "use the system" because of laziness or other sinful choices may reduce that person to the "least of these," but, the promise of "inheritance, the kingdom!"
Each of the actions Jesus affirmed in His explanation of the judgment is a personal, people-touching action. Caring for people may be organized but is not at its best when it is institutionalized. In a hurry-up, growth and promotion oriented world, caring for others is usually inconvenient.
Generous compassion has been a hallmark of Jesus’ disciples through the ages. Love is always a giving action. Missions cannot be reduced to a budget number, but an expression of generosity, liberality and deep compassion flowing from deep within the heart of an individual and a congregation.
Pastors serve their congregations well when they create many opportunities to hear of needs and then lead the congregation in an appropriate response. The church that formed me in my youth did that and many of us have given our entire adult lives in God-called service as a result. The legacy of the church is known on several continents! The church thrives and will soon celebrate her 75th anniversary of giving, serving, expressing the heart of Jesus to a world stumbling under the weight known to "the least of these my brothers."
"Stingy Christian" is an oxymoron, a world-class contradiction. Jesus taught his disciples in the shadow of the Last Supper, Gethsemane and the cross, How you treat people, your generosity in meeting human need, is a serious consideration at the judgment.
Reading large segments of Scripture in a single setting helps me get the big picture. This week I read First Corinthians through in several translations with as few interruptions as possible. In a single-session reading of the letter to a proud congregation the Apostle Paul drew strong contrasts between knowledge and practice, lofty spiritual insights and polarizing attitudes. First Corinthians will stand one on his religious head if it is taken seriously!
The Apostle noted how the church "lacked no spiritual gift" (1:5) while tolerating divisive attitudes and practices in the church family (1:10-17 and 11:17-22). He challenged Corinthian boasting of human abilities and self-applauding wisdom and countered human ability with "faith that does not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power." (2:1-5)
As the Holy Spirit washed the Word over my mind and spirit I was reminded of a sage mentor who invested deeply in me while I was a youthful pastor serving my novitiate. My mentor enjoyed emptying the church’s mailbox and sorting invoices, personal letters, product promotions and publications. It was in the era when we received reams of materials from Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, and North Carolina. As the sorting task ended, my friend and mentor often would say, "We wouldn’t know much about these people if they didn’t send us so much stuff about themselves!" He sounded Pauline!
In one of my readings of First Corinthians I was arrested in chapter 4, verses 6 and 7, "Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, "Do not go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over against another. Who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?" Shouldn’t we be startled once in a while when we remember that we were dead in our sins (Colossians 2:13) when Jesus came to raise us to everlasting life? How wise can I be if I was dead at the point of entry into the family of God?
The Holy Spirit arrested me in chapter 6 as well. "You are not your own; you were bought at a price" (6:19-20). Oops! Am I in any position to insist on my way, ask for privilege or edge toward the head of the line? I don’t think those who remember their condition when Jesus first met them assume they deserve special favor or ever are comfortable promoting a list of their achievements. But, I must quit. Verbosity is an indication of the very thing the Apostle is challenging!
While mediating on First Corinthians I remembered a song from my youth. The church that was so instrumental in forming me sang it often enough that it is now a part of my private repertoire. If you know it, sing along!
There’s a sweet and blessed story.
Of the Christ who came from glory,
Just to rescue me from sin and misery;
He in loving-kindness sought me,
And from sin and shame hath brought me,
Hallelujah! Jesus ransomed me.
Refrain:
Hallelujah! what a Savior,
Who can take a poor, lost sinner,
Lift him from the miry clay and set me free!
I will ever tell the story,
Shouting glory, glory, glory,
Hallelujah! Jesus ransomed me.
From the depth of sin and sadness
To the heights of joy and gladness
Jesus lifted me, in mercy full and free;
With His precious blood He bought me,
When I knew Him not, He sought me,
And in love divine He ransomed me.
From the throne of heav’nly glory—
Oh, the sweet and blessed story!—
Jesus came to lift the lost in sin and woe
Into liberty all-glorious,
Trophies of His grace victorious,
Evermore rejoicing here below.
By and by, with joy increasing,
And with gratitude unceasing,
Lifted up with Christ forevermore to be,
I will join the hosts there singing,
In the anthem ever ringing,
To the King of Love who ransomed me.
The Apostolic letter and the humble song of a bygone era remind me of James’ observation, "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). In other words, "If it is noteworthy or good, it didn’t start with us!"
Have you discovered evidences of our Lord’s will and design sometimes on display in unlikely places? They can occur in unexpected places and at unusual times. The Lord recently allowed me to witness a demonstration of how He desires people to live together in a community.
I recently chaired our community’s homeowner’s association board of directors meeting where we wrestled with a sticky problem relating to a house under construction. The chairman of the architectural committee is assigned the responsibility of overseeing plans and permits for new construction. He is eminently qualified as an architect and is fastidious about his work. In the design and permit process a serious error was made. Communication broke down between the contractor, county agencies and the homeowner’s association representative. Thousands of dollars are at stake. The architect feels as if he has let down the whole community and apologized in tears.
As the board struggled through the various issues and listened to the presentations and viewpoints of the parties directly involved, a member stated, "I think we need to do what good neighbors do. We ought to share the responsibility for what has happened and make the best of an imperfect circumstance." A few persisted using tense legal argument and questioning the integrity of the contractor, but slowly and steadily the directors decided on a non-punitive course of action by affirming the architect and deciding on an acceptable plan for all parties. The board adopted a formal statement sharing the responsibility for the difficult circumstance. And at the end of the meeting I noticed nearly every board member individually assuring the architect and thanking him for many years of service.
The meeting was so different from some board meetings I have attended. I have seen well-intentioned business and community leaders act like playground bullies insisting on their own way. Sadly, I have seen similar behavior among church leaders. Contention, threats, ultimatums and anger breed an unpleasant atmosphere and regrettable memories. The spirit and behavior of those meetings should have never happened.
In reading Paul’s letter to the Colossians I was reminded of the apostle’s instruction, "Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Colossians 3:12). The behavior is an exact opposite of the preceding instruction, "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature" (Colossians 3:3). It is our choice and our activity. We "put off" and "put on" what we choose. God doesn’t do it for us. As we make choices and follow those decisions with complementary actions, we glimpse the kind of family, community and church emerging that pleases the Lord.
The story is familiar to those who have read the Bible. It is found in Luke 17:11-19.
Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!"
When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him--and he was a Samaritan.
Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?"
Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."
The lesson is obvious and simple. Ten lepers, social outcasts unwelcome in a healthy society and reduced to begging because of their medical condition, called out to Jesus in desperation. Jesus represented their only hope. Their condition was otherwise terminal. Human contact was forbidden. All bridges back to home, neighborhood and employment were destroyed by the dread disease.
But Jesus came by and healed them! Cleansed! Restored! As good as new, the ten ran off to have their healing and status in society validated by the temple priests. And then, one returned shouting appreciation and praise. Throwing himself at Jesus’ feet the Samaritan said, "Thank you!" Twice pushed to the perimeter of society, because of leprosy and ethnicity (Samaritans were ostracized and despised by the Jews.) The good man’s understanding of Jesus’ gift of healing was doubled. He was whole and accepted by Jesus, God’s Son.
Ingratitude seems to be in revival mode. A society intoxicated with a glut of entitlements has dulled the edge where grace and generosity are intended to whet the edge of our spirits. Pat and I have made contributions to people and projects we deem worthy of our support. The stature of those to whom we give is often reinforced with simple and sincere "Thank yous," a card, a note or phone call. But too often we have heard nothing. In my most charitable moment I think, "They are busy." But, too often, I think those whom we have helped think that they are entitled to our support and go off to the next donor.
Saying, "Thank you!" is too important to be forgotten. Luke points out that the man was a Samaritan, drawing a contrast with the "I-have-it-coming" politically and socially correct in society. The lesson is, "The Samaritan spirit is to be envied, and copied!"
Thank you for reading my occasional efforts to write. Thank you for being friends. Thank you for allowing me to see the great and generous grace of God in you. Saying, "Thank you!" is good for a man’s spirit.
This week our President’s wife, Michelle Obama, wore an expensive gown to a state dinner honoring the President of France. People who generally disapprove of the President’s leadership are questioning the propriety of Mrs. Obama wearing such an expensive gown when millions of Americans are unemployed. Others simply exposed their heart by wondering aloud, "What does wearing a $15,000 dress feel like?" (I don’t know what wearing a $2.00 dress feels like, but I have worn second-hand clothes from thrift shops.)
Newspapers and television outlets reviewed Mrs. Obama’s dress as they analyze the costumes worn by actresses and singers on the morning after awards shows. Designers vie for high profile showcases because if the public likes their creations, sales will translate into dollars. Dressing up is big business!
A long time ago a guest in a homiletics class fielded questions. One knows it was a very long time ago because one of the memorable questions was, "Is it right for a pastor to wear a sport coat in the pulpit?" Notice, the question wasn’t, "Is it good taste to wear jeans, or cargo pants, or T-shirts, or flip flops, or . . . , no, ‘sport coats!?’" The answer was profoundly important, "If what you wear is what people are talking about, you have worn the wrong thing!" Alas, we are still talking more about what to wear than the Message!
As the media critiqued Mrs. Obama’s choice of gowns and political adversaries pettily pointed to the price tag, I wondered why Christians found it important to give it a moment’s thought or to even comment. Jesus’ teaching turns men’s thoughts from the outside to the inside. The outward symbols of worship in the Older Testament are refocused on the heart, the inward parts of man in the Newer Testament.
Would it be better if we spoke about eternal clothes? The Apostle Paul wrote, "For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." (Galatians 3:27) That’s priceless! A mere $15,000 for tastefully arranged yard goods is not worthy to be compared nor should it usurp the centrality of Christ who clothes us.
Peter added, "All of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." (1 Peter 5:5) Second-rate criticism of a national leader and his wife certainly doesn’t seem compatible with being clothed with humility. Can we find deliverance from petty pickiness and live up to the Name by which we are called?
Have we lost sight of the ultimate clothing expo? Certainly not! It is for that event that we live in joyful anticipation. John foresaw the event on Patmos while wearing prison garb, "After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb’" (Revelation 7:9-10). No cheap designer togs here! Hemlines, seams, bodices and sleeves are unimportant! The robes have been purchased by the blood of the Lamb. (1 Peter 1:9) Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
For us who know Him, idle chatter about gowns and dresses here has little meaning. The third stanza of Edward Mote’s, "The Solid Rock," captures the truth,
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
Charles Wesley’s "And can it be that I should gain?" reinforces the priceless righteousness which allows us to enter the main gate of heaven!
No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in him, is mine;
alive in him, my living Head,
and clothed in righteousness divine,
bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Our White House, the Kremlin and capitals everywhere are testaments to man’s best efforts. To dress well for special occasions in those place is proper and good. One day, very soon, we will be dressed as none can imagine!
