November 25, 2010 - Luke 22:19

“And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’” Luke 22:19.
Jesus had gathered His disciples for what was to be His last meal with them: the Passover meal. He knew that by this same time the next day, He would be dead and His men scattered. With this in mind, Jesus took the bread and gave thanks for it to His Father. He refers to the bread as His body, which was to be broken for them, as well as for all humanity.
I find it so interesting that Jesus, knowing fully what was going to happen, gave thanks. He broke the bread (and even shared it with Judas!). In my case, I can only hope that I would be thankful if I knew that I was soon to suffer for Jesus’ sake. As I reflect on the Thanksgiving season, it is my hope that, no matter what circumstances life finds you in, you will take some time to reflect on what you are thankful for; what you are grateful for. As I sit here, I think of my wife and children, their spouses and children (our precious grandchildren!), and I am moved to grateful tears of appreciation for God’s gift of them to me. I am also deeply grateful for God’s tender mercy and grace poured out for me through Jesus, His dear Son. I am grateful for having the opportunity to be with my brothers, whom I have not been with at the same time in over 20 years. Finally, I am grateful for the friends who have stood by me and have shown me much about the love of Jesus when I was unlovable.
Questions to consider: What are you grateful for? How can you express your gratefulness? How will you express it?
Prayer: Father, thank You for the relationships in my life. I am humbled by Your loving care for me expressed through those in my life. Thank You! Amen.

Happy Thanksgiving to each of you!

November 4, 2010 - Acts 15:28

“’It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements:’” Acts 15:28.

In his letter to the Gentile believers, James explains the results of the special council meeting in Jerusalem, which dealt with the issue of strict obedience to the Law of Moses by the Gentile believers. In presenting the decision, James uses a less authoritarian expression, saying, “It seemed good…” It communicates openness to the possibility of their being wrong or not hearing adequately or correctly the desires of the Holy Spirit. To me, this phrase is an open-handed appeal expressed in a reconciliatory manner.

I don’t doubt that God speaks within our cultures; but I have trouble hearing clearly. Unfortunately, I have been all too aware of how we Christians come across as having all the answers or having the authoritative word when it comes to the things of God. Humility, at least in the American church, is not our strong suit. I am continually challenged to see other perspectives and to not limit my understanding of issues to one narrow approach. This is difficult within a culture that insists on having all the answer to the problems we face. Perhaps we can begin to discover some answers to these problems in the building of closer relationships. As we get to know one another, we can understand each other’s points of view a bit more.

Questions to consider: Have you observed people giving authoritative answers to problems and felt as though something was wrong with those answers? How does it make you feel when someone gives a narrow, authoritative answer to a problem that you know is more difficult to solve? Have you, at times, been too authoritative with your comments?

Prayer: Father, help me to remember that I may not hear clearly or completely Your words that are spoken to me. Help me to say phrases like “it seemed good” to me, as I seek to serve You humbly. Amen.