Freedom in Christ

Dateline April 27: When the coronavirus pandemic eventually passes, it certainly will be nice to be able to invite friends over for dinner again. I, for one, miss those occasions. But have we considered who else we might invite when this pandemic is over? How about those who don't get invites for one reason or another? Or someone severely affected by the fallout from the pandemic?

Jesus once was invited to the home of a high-ranking religious leader and he noticed who was invited - close friends, rich people, relatives, and other important people. In typical fashion, Jesus proceeded to give his host a little valuable instruction: “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” (Luke 14:12-14)

Jesus invites all of us to the ultimate wedding feast in heaven (Rev. 19:9). Yes, us lowly human beings with all of our warts and scars! He values each of us and has a place at the table with our name on it. That is just how Jesus the Father are. Meanwhile, back on earth, we might find it worthwhile to be like Jesus and reach out to someone who cannot return the favor. It might be fun.

Dateline April 25: Jesus' disciples were often preoccupied with trying to figure out who would be the greatest in the kingdom. We saw in an earlier 'word for the day' that Jesus instructed them that they would have to become as little children before they could even enter the kingdom of heaven, let alone be the greatest..But Jesus did tell them on two separate occasions how someone could be considered great.

One one occasion while they were traveling on the road, Jesus caught them disputing among themselves about who would be the greatest. So He sat down, called the twelve over to Him, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be the very last of all and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35) On another occasion, just MINUTES before taking the Lord's Supper, the disciples were at it again, arguing about who should be considered the greatest. Jesus had a lot on His mind that evening, but he patiently reminded them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves." (Luke 22:26). To drive His point home, he then washed the disciples' feet as an example of servanthood. The great Lord of the universe humbled Himself and performed a task normally reserved for the lowest of servants. Several hours later he submitted Himself to the humiliating and excruciating crucifixion process, to be the ultimate servant of all.

Aren't we so fortunate to have a God who defines greatness in terms of humility and servanthood rather than besting the competition? Jesus lived this way of greatness because each of us are valuable in His sight and the 'price' He paid was worth it. That's encouraging news! He also lived this way of greatness as an example for us to emulate. So... want to be great? In one sense, we already are. But if we were following Jesus' example, we would be looking to "wash someone's feet" at the next opportunity.

Dateline April 21: There is a lot to complain about these days and for some, perhaps rightfully so. Income may have been reduced or lost. You can't go to your favorite restaurant any more and you don't like your own cooking! Enjoy a movie or a football game with friends - nope. Can't find the 'essential' products or supplies at the stores - yup! And even the churches have been shut down. Yet, despite all this, we are reminded that we should always be rejoicing and be giving thanks.

Here is what Paul wrote to church members in Thessalonica who were living under the boot of Roman rule. "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thess. 5:16-18)

Apparently giving thanks at all times is not just a nice idea - it is actually the will of our God and our Lord Jesus. Paul later wrote in Hebrews 12:2 that even Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, endured the shame of the cross for us with joy, and now is sitting at the right hand of the throne of God.

Maybe each of us should stop a moment , reflect, look around us, and make a written list of what we are thankful for. It might surprise us... and make us more thankful.