Privilege and humility

Mark 7 presents us with an unusual story of Jesus refusing a request for healing. The requestor was a woman from a region known for wealth. Jesus removed her apparent privilege by telling her that his ministry was to Israel first. The woman humbly asked that she be granted a "crumb" from the table and in declaring her unworthiness, her request was granted. What expectations do you have for God and for those around you?

Lydia loves God and receives the gospel

 

The story of Lydia reminds us that God loves all kinds of people. Lydia was a gentile entrepreneur who worshipped God and received the gospel when Paul presented it (Acts 16). Like Lydia, there are many who might defy our expectations of what a God worshipper. How do you share the gospel with others? 

The normalcy of hospitality

 

Western culture often struggles with concepts of hospitality for immigrants and vistors. Like many middle-eastern faiths, early Christianity viewed hospitality as part of their faith practice. Lydia demonstrated this when she immediately invites Paul to come stay with her and her family (Acts 16:15). By receiving Paul, she became a part of his story. In what ways do you help non-residents feel welcomed and cared for?

The stories we don't tell

 

Some Bible stories can be hard to read because they accurately depict man's sinful nature. Tamar's story (Gen 38) is one of those stories. In this story, Tamar is denied her only avenue of security and she response by blackmailing her oppressor. Rather than looking for righteous hero in this story, we might do well to let it remind us that systems of oppression produce desperate people who need our care.

Sisera's misplaced trust

Sisera, trusted his large and sophisticated military to win the battle with Israel (Judges 4).   Sisera's trust proved to be poorly placed when his army was completely destroyed by Barak's men. Seeking refuge, Sisera again trusted poorly, by asking Jael to hide him. She killed him in sleep, further humiliating him. As Christians, we trust in God, not in armies or political powers. Who do you trust to keep you safe?

Extending radical kindness

 

The early church was known radical care and kindness. Often reaching beyond the bounds of ethnicity or even religion, the early church was known as a group who would literally give the shirt off their back for anyone in need (Luke 6). How would others respond to modern Christianity if we considered their needs above our own needs? Can you think of a way to put others first this week?

Ruth joins the story of the Bible

 

Although no law forced her to, Ruth purposefully tied herself to her mother-in-law. (Ruth 1)The reason for such a strong bond is not truly known, but by Ruth's actions seem to indicate she cared for others and for the God of Israel. By showing unusual kindness, Ruth becomes part of the Bible story and one of Christ's ancestors. What unusual acts of kindness can you perform today?

Dealing with change

 

The Bible often describes crisis moments that required God's people to choose bold, new ways of living or even worshipping. Ruth and Orpah (Ruth 1) face this kind of decision when their husbands die and their mother-in-law decides to leave the country. While facing change is trying and frightening, God's people have always relied on Him to help them navigate the changes and still remain faithful to His word.

Sitting quietly with those who suffer

 After suffering great loss and physical pain, Job was unrecognizable to his friends (Job2). Job's  sorrow and pain was so pronounced that his friends simply sat with him for an entire week. This is the time that their friendship shone brightest. At the end of the week they began to 'counsel' Job and simply brought him more pain. Can you sit quietly with other's pain?

Pushing through to Jesus

A desperate woman pressed through the ever-present crowd surrounding the Lord Jesus Christ and touched his clothing (Mark 5). This act of faith drew Jesus away from his urgent mission of saving a child's life, long enough to commend the woman for her faith and to give her comfort. Can you be comforted to know that Jesus is never too busy to stop for you?

 

Do you know where you hurt?

 Richard Rohr Quote: “Pain that is not transformed is transmitted.” We see this thought acted out in the story of Hannah (1 Sam 1). When the high priest heard Hannah praying he accused her of being drunk. Instead of becoming angry, Hannah spills her greatest weakness and pain out to her accuser and is granted a great blessing from God. Are you able to face your own weaknesses?

Are you stepping away from God's love?

 When Christians talk about remaining, or continuing in the "Love of God", it often sounds like a mental exercise in remembering to love God. In the gospel of John (Jn 15:9-17), the phrase seems more related to loving God by loving others. Maybe the best way to remain in love with God, is by showing His love to others. How can you love others this week?

Paul glories in...pain?

 The Apostle Paul, one of the most influential voices of the early Church, did not brag about his position. Instead, Paul acknowledged his ongoing prayer for relief and God's refusal to take the impediment from him (2 Co 12). While we don't know what Paul suffered from, we know that this affliction did not undermine his faith or his work. What weaknesses can you be thankful for?

The Ironic Gift

 

When the affluent Christians of Jerusalem found themselves suffering a lack of status and economic opportunity, the less affluent churches of Macedonia gave what they could to assist their fellow Christians
(2 Co 8:7-15). Demonstrations of love like this caused many communities to understand the transformative power of the gospel and to embrace Christianity.

Growing the Kingdom

Most of us want to do big, memorable acts that will create a legacy of our good works, but Jesus compared the entire Kingdom of God to a very small mustard seed that grows into a large tree  Mark 4. What small acts of faith, hope, or charity can you perform as part of the expanding work of God?

On the way to worship

Psalm 130 was part of a 'playlist' of psalms sung while traveling to the Temple. This Psalm reminds us of the pain we have felt, or might be feeling as a way of preparing the ourselves for worship. Whatever our circumstances, we can choose to be like the psalmist and put our faith in God's love and power to see us through these times. How do your hard times show that God is faithful?

An ancient blues song

As Christians we are bound across time and space by our mutual belief in the goodness of God and the redemption available in Christ. One of the most obvious ways we demonstrate this connection is through singing ancient songs. Ps 137 is an example of an ancient song of profound sadness, reminding us that every era has despondency. The words of this song are so powerful, they are still sung today.

Memorial Day, 2021

 This year we have so many dead friends to remember that it might become overwhelming. Over 3.5 million have died from COVID, and many more have died from hate-induced violence led by those who should be promoting peace. Isaiah 40 describes a similar time when even the young men lose their will to fight. May we memorialize our dead with the hope of the gospel, and with our own care and ministry.

Welcome to the Church...Maybe?

 

The Church is comprised of any who confess their absolute helplessness as a sinner and trust Christ to save them by His sacrificial death (Romv10:12-13). Paul reminds us that once this step has been taken, any and everyone is then considered part of the 'body of Christ' and should be welcomed and respected as family (Gal 3:23-29). 

Paul confronts Peter with his hypocrisy

Paul was quick to confront Peter's favoritism and hypocrisy (Gal 2). Peter willingly accepted the rebuke and corrected his behaviors. As one of Christ's 'inner circle', Peter had enough influence to dismiss Paul, but by embracing Paul and the gentiles, the church has grown into a worldwide movement of faith. How do you respond when you are found doing wrong?