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Published: 27 May 2016

Have you ever heard of him?  Maybe you’ve heard of Shoeless Joe Jackson, no relation as far as I know.  Malchus wasn’t earless for long; he has the distinction of being the only guy in the Bible who lost an ear and had it put back on.  Those of you familiar with the story of Jesus’ arrest will remember that Malchus’ ear didn’t just fall off.  It was lopped off by Peter who was very likely going for a death blow on the nearest target possible.  Peter was the kind of guy who one author stated, “went for the head and hit hard.”  Peter was ready to face a mob of up to 500 armed men with only a small sword in hand.  If this story wasn’t so sad it would be comical.  I can’t feel bad about Peter.  He was mistaken but there was so much good in his heart.  He loved Jesus.  He was willing to die for Jesus.  He was committed to Jesus without reserve.  He would not run and would happily have taken a spear through his ribs before he let them arrest His Lord.  His bravery may have been a mix of ego, pride and machismo but it was still bravery.  Some Christians won’t even pray in public for fear of identifying with Jesus but Peter went all in with a swinging sword.  There is an important lesson in that incident that we should be aware of as we follow Jesus…namely, we can be sincere and be sincerely wrong.  We can be passionate and be mistaken.  We must not confuse zealous actions with righteousness.  There is certainly a place for the sword according to Romans 13…but impulsive behaviors, even when brave, are often contrary to Jesus’ ways.  Matthew doesn’t bring it up but Luke wrote in chapter 22 that the disciples actually asked, “Should we smite them with the sword?”  Before Jesus could answer, Peter was making his epic move.  I’ve sure done that before.  I’ve asked the Lord for an opinion and then acted without an answer; that is always dangerous.  So, for all you “Peters” out there, be careful.  God has the power and He has given us the means to do His work.  Let’s walk in His good ways and wait for His Word.

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Published: 12 May 2016

We’re becoming a nation of consumers.  Our expectations of what others are supposed to do for us can creep up until we believe we are “entitled” to certain benefits.  It’s true in the retail world and I think we all know it is true in the church.  I’ve been informed in the past month of two families that left our church because we failed to meet their expectations.  I am sad about that because I really hate to disappoint people.  I am sad about that because neither one of them ever came to talk to me about it.  I am sad about it for them because it is possible they have been infected with the consumer virus.  I really hope they are happy where they land and that their expectations are more fully met.  One of the dilemmas we face in the American Church is how to live in this consumer culture without becoming a part of its insidious grip.  I’m not suggesting that a person should never change churches.  Sometimes the only way to get on in life is to make the necessary changes, including a church.  However, sometimes we ought to stay put, roll up our sleeves and serve.  Serving in proper ways in the context of a church family has a number of benefits.  1) Serving helps us make connections.  2) Serving helps us grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord and His Word.  3) Serving helps us become servants.  4) Serving helps us with commitment, (which is a vanishing character quality today).  5) Serving is a practical way to make life less about “me.”  6) Serving helps us appreciate the diversity within the Body of Christ.  7) Serving manifests the life of the Spirit.  8) Serving brings glory to God.  9) Serving blesses other people.  10) Serving has eternal rewards.  I could go on and on but you get the point.  Of course, much of our service for Christ takes place Monday through Saturday but there are places to serve and the need for servants on Sunday too.  This coming Sunday is “Servant Sunday” and we’ll be surveying you regarding your interest in service opportunities for the year ahead.  We’ll be studying words of wisdom to the Corinthian church.  My prayer is that as a church family we’ll kick the consumer mentality to the curb, say no to many of the distractions this culture is throwing at us, roll up our sleeves and get to work…to serve…yes, to serve.