We come to the last Sunday of the liturgical year, which is Christ the King. The lessons are rich in the imagery of a shepherd and the sheep.
My focus will be on Ezekiel 34:11-15, 20-24. Israel had experienced a number of bad kings- those who were disobedient to God and had worshipped other gods. Now, the nation experiences God's judgment and is hauled into exile in Babylon.
We read, "Thus says the Lord God: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out." (vs. 11). God intervenes to rescue his own people. God will seek the lost, bind up the injured, and feed them with justice. We also read that God will send a shepherd, one who will be like his servant David, who will come and lead the people.
This text finds fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. He will come to save the lost. He will rescue us from our sin. In the picture of the Last Judgment, we have Jesus portrayed as a shepherd-king, separating the sheep from the goats. Those who are saved are those who have helped the least of those in society--the hungry, the sick, and the imprisoned.
On the one hand, we can be grateful for such a shepherd-king that we have. Jesus cares for each one of us. He has drawn us to himself. On the other hand, we, too, in the body of Christ - as his hands and feet - have the responsibility to care for the least in our society. Jesus did not just come for us to think about our heavenly home, but that we would help those who are suffering in our world today.
Have you thought about the depth of Jesus' care as a shepherd for you? How are you doing in helping the "least" in our society today?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Living the Creative Life
This Sunday I focus on the second part of my stewardship messages, where I speak about using our creativity. It is part of our stewardship; for we have been made in the image of a creative God.
In Genesis 2 we read about Adam who was given the task of naming the animals and birds. I believe he had to use his mind, his imagination in order to come up with names for these living creatures.
When we think of creativity, so often we think of the folks who are dancers, sculptors, painters, and musicians. In reality, are all artists. We are all entrusted to make with our life what we can. We have been given talents so that we can create goodness and beauty in our world. This task demands creativity.
It can be put in this way: How can each of us use what gifts we have to help others and make this world to be a beautiul place in which to live? I believe it's easy for us to become stagnant and not use our minds at all. How much more can we make use of what we have for God's glory!
Do you consider yourself creative? How might you use creativity with the gifts God has given to you?
In Genesis 2 we read about Adam who was given the task of naming the animals and birds. I believe he had to use his mind, his imagination in order to come up with names for these living creatures.
When we think of creativity, so often we think of the folks who are dancers, sculptors, painters, and musicians. In reality, are all artists. We are all entrusted to make with our life what we can. We have been given talents so that we can create goodness and beauty in our world. This task demands creativity.
It can be put in this way: How can each of us use what gifts we have to help others and make this world to be a beautiul place in which to live? I believe it's easy for us to become stagnant and not use our minds at all. How much more can we make use of what we have for God's glory!
Do you consider yourself creative? How might you use creativity with the gifts God has given to you?
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Being a Cheerful Giver
For the next two Sundays I will be focusing on stewardship. This Sunday my sermon will be directed to our financial giving. I believe the attitude in which we give is very important and is what I want to hit home. The Bible invites us to be "cheerful givers." 2 Cor. 9:7
In 2 Corinthians 8 Paul uses the example of the Macedonians who gave to help the poor. The apostle Paul wrote about them that "Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability." (vs. 2 & 3) They were those who first gave themselves to the Lord and therefore had a joyful spirit in giving.
I think about the projects at Savior Divine that we have had this year. The painting of the exterior of the church was a major undertaking and I was glad to see the response by the congregation in giving for this cause. How would we feel at this point in time if we had not gotten the building painted? We went out on faith that the money would eventually come.
Jesus' life is an example of generous giving. "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." (2 Cor. 8:9) We have all been made spiritually rich! That is to make us cheeful givers.
So, what is your attitude in giving to the church? Do you feel the generosity of God toward you in Christ?
In 2 Corinthians 8 Paul uses the example of the Macedonians who gave to help the poor. The apostle Paul wrote about them that "Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability." (vs. 2 & 3) They were those who first gave themselves to the Lord and therefore had a joyful spirit in giving.
I think about the projects at Savior Divine that we have had this year. The painting of the exterior of the church was a major undertaking and I was glad to see the response by the congregation in giving for this cause. How would we feel at this point in time if we had not gotten the building painted? We went out on faith that the money would eventually come.
Jesus' life is an example of generous giving. "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." (2 Cor. 8:9) We have all been made spiritually rich! That is to make us cheeful givers.
So, what is your attitude in giving to the church? Do you feel the generosity of God toward you in Christ?
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