Ready I think just about everybody is ready for the new year. I think we all realize the simple turning of the calendar is not going to change the factors affecting our lives and our world. But it does seem that the psychological and emotional boost we get as we consider the possibility and promise that the new year could hold. It is important that we remember that as strange, challenging, and different as 2020 has been, this new year, 2021, will also be unique. We must see in this the amazing opportunities that the Lord will give us to glorify Him in this new year. New Most of us tend to like new things, at least until the new wears off. But when we think about newness in regards to God's design, we are dealing with ancient new. By this I mean that this first day of the new year was decreed by God before the beginning of time. God knows the end from the beginning and orchestrates everything in between. This is a good reason for us to have great comfort even in the midst of pain or suffering. With great confidence we as believers should be glorifying God in all that is new to us but known to Him. New Hope Our hope is not in a passing newness but rather in the perpetual newness of life in Christ. When the Apostle Paul wrote to his protege, Titus, he spoke to him of the hope of eternal life. Paul says that this hope of eternal life was promised by God before the ages began. This means that for all of us who by faith are children of promise, we can have this eternal life hope right now. Paul also says that this hope of eternal life was at the proper time manifested in His word. So as we enter this new year where are we sure to find the truth of this hope of eternal life? That's right, in the Bible! As a church family, one thing that I really believe could help us is to be taking in God's Word on the same plan as one another. So starting today, we are doing a chronological reading plan through the Old Testament in 2021. I would love to invite you all to join us. P.S. Thank you all for supporting us with your prayers. I love you all very much and Lord has answered Laura and I with sustaining us with His mercy and grace!
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A Holiday This is what our culture refers to as the holiday season. And today is the big one, Christmas 2020! Every year it seems like everyone bemoans the commercialism and less holy parts of the Christmas activities with the cliche reminder that Jesus is the reason for the season. I get it. We don’t want people to miss that this is all about Jesus! That God came to save us, by becoming flesh like us, to live with and among us and to die for us! But maybe we need to be careful that in our effort to make sure that our celebration is rightly focused on Christ we do not lose the fact that it is a celebration. This is a party! We do not want to be the grouchy old curmudgeon that brings down the celebration of the Savior's birth. Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to express the joy that is inexpressible and eternal hope that brings true happiness. We are made to worship and while there is a kind of true worship in the midst of sadness our worship is primarily celebratory. Worship is our expression of praise and gratitude in light of God’s greatness and glory. If we simply think of worship as a solemn or somber activity in which we must precisely and methodically perform every detail, so as to make the effort worthy of the One for whom we worship, we will become like Michal, David’s wife, who thought that David’s worship was inappropriate behavior for the king. Oftentimes in our quest to have the perfect Christmas gathering or meal, we end up not enjoying the great gift that the gathering was supposed to be. The scripture is clear in both command and example that God’s people are to be joyful people. Especially when we are celebrating the glorious and majestic coming of the Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh. Festivities Our English word “festivities” means a day or period of celebration, typically religious. But if you trace the word back to it’s historic roots you will find the feast. We probably can recognize that in many of our community festivals they center around foods, such as chocolate rolls. But it is true that in the Old Testament the Isrealites were commanded to feast on certain days. Their feasting was a real form of worship. Now, we know that the Bible teaches, even from the mouth of Jesus, the idea of fasting as worship. But have you ever thought about feasting as worship? I am not endorsing here the gluttony of the professional eating competitors (yes, that’s a thing). Nor am I telling you to eat till you're miserable. Feasting is not so much about the quantity of the food or even the quality of the food but the joyous manner in which you participate in the meal. I would also point out that integral to the meaning of the word festival is the idea that it is a gathering. I know most of us are not getting to gather with the same groups as normal. I know some of our family gatherings have been canceled, others will not have everyone there. But still even if it’s just with your immediate family, this worshipful and joyful feast is meant to be shared. No doubt the people are far more important than the pots. Favorites What I want you to realize with this post is that you should enjoy all the traditions and entertainments of this Christmas day with enthusiasm. They are a means to worship God! Don’t go about the day simply thinking of how it could be better or questioning whether it is worthy of the day. That is a sure fire prescription for depression and does nothing to bring honor or glory to God. So this Christmas day make it a point to enjoy all your favorites and with gratitude receive from the Lord all of the true gifts of hope, joy, and peace available in Christ alone. For as believers we are not only celebrating Christ in the manger but Jesus as King on His eternal throne. Christmas is not only a look back but a look ahead to the Kingdom He has for us! Greetings I know that there are all kinds of opinions concerning the wearing of masks. It seems clear that anything that creates a barrier to the spread of the virus is important so that we can protect everyone’s health. But one thing that I have noticed is that the mask changes what you can deduce from an initial greeting. It is harder to tell if someone is smiling or frowning. The expressions that we make with our faces are a part of how we greet one another. The word “greeting” refers to an act of communication between persons. As we greet one another we express a sense of welcome, recognition, and goodwill. God made us as communal creatures. For example, after making Adam, the Lord said that it is not good for man to be alone. You may also notice that community is essential in the very nature of God. As Christians we know that the one true God eternal exists in three coequal persons. God is one, but not alone, all at the same time. So He made man to thrive in community. Sure, it is true that we need solitude from time to time, but no one is intended by God to be alone. We even see this in the way that God set up His kingdom community on the earth. God has always intended for His covenant people to share not only in private communion with Him but also in corporate fellowship with the covenant community called the church. These relationships are forged in the reality that we are like minded theologically and like hearted in our love for one another and the Lord! Hospitality Greetings are the simplest but possibly most important part of godly hospitality. By hospitality, I am not referring only to the formal sense of hosting a dinner party or welcoming someone into your home but more broadly the way we welcome people into our presence. You know we do not see Jesus welcoming people into His home in the New Testament. Most of the time Jesus is the guest in other peoples homes. However, even a casual reading of the gospel reveals that Jesus was always hospitable. He welcomes people into His presence whether traveling or teaching. As I read the Scriptures, it seems like everyone just wants to be around Him. I am sure we can all think of those people who, even when we are their guests, make you feel unwelcome. But as believers we must be ready to greet people with true hospitality and compassion. Relationships Based on this kind of genuine greeting Jesus is alo the model for us to build quality relationships. Of course, Jesus had those people who just want their belly filled or their sickness cured. But it is interesting that He seemed to form relationships very quickly. For instance, think of Nicodemus the Pharisee who came to Jesus by night. Possibly he feared what people would think and so consulted Jesus in secret but noticed how approachable the Son of God was even to a proud Pharisee. Or consider a chapter later when Jesus strikes up a conversation with a Samaritan lady. The kind of talk should have been beneath the dignity of most Jewish men but not the Lord Jesus who cared for her soul. Seemingly every relationship she had known with any man had been so that they could take something from her but Jesus rather led her His gift of living water. Think about the all Jesus rowdy crew: fishermen, a tax collector and even one who He knew would betray Him. Not only did He welcome them but He called (dare I say compelled) them to join Him. And I would be remiss If I failed to mention the children. Jesus joyfully welcomes the little children to come to Him. Jesus was also called Immanuel “God with us” and this title was not simply about physical proximity but relational reality. A Joyful Expression 1 Corinthians 16:20 “All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.” As the Apostle Paul is closing his letter to the church in Corinth, he expresses the greeting of all those with him and instructs them to greet one another with a holy kiss. I’d say even before the pandemic, some of this had been lost culturally to most of us. However, these days it's best not to hug or even shake hands, but that doesn’t change the fact that we need each other and we need the greeting. So whether it is a word spoken at a six foot distance, a text message, or post on social media let us be people who welcome others into our presence and build real relationships for their good and God’s glory! Holly Jolly Christmas Christmas traditions come in an amazing variety of different types. Some are serious reminders about what Christ accomplished for us in His condescension to come in the flesh. Other traditions are sentimental dealing with family and festivities. And some are just plain silly and commercial. For example, take all our stories and traditions surrounding Santa Claus, his elves and the reindeer. (This is not going to be a bash Santa post.) Have you ever thought about Santa’s signature “Ho, ho, ho?” What’s that all about? Well, it is actually the jolly old elf laughs. The fictitious character that our societal mythology has concocted is one that erupts with joy and happiness. And that’s great! Even in the Bible, the book of Proverbs 17:22 says, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” In the midst of the very nonfiction troubles and tribulations of this fallen world, God has gifted us a great tool for our flourishing and wellbeing: laughter and joy! As believers we ought to be the happiest people on the planet. So with tongue firmly in cheek and fully acknowledging the bushel of corn, I would like to say words that should spur our Christmas Joy! HOsanna! As the Lord Jesus who had come in the flesh came into Jerusalem riding on the colt of a donkey the crowds exclaimed, “Hosanna.” The term is one of adoration. The crowds were voicing their support and hope that Jesus would be the long awaited deliverer. Of course, Jesus was the Messiah, but not of the kind that they expected, so in only a few days crowds would be stirred up to cry, “Crucify Him.” But regardless of the fickleness of the crowds, the term rightly applied to Jesus. One possible translation of the word is, “Oh, Save.” The angel had told Joseph that His name would be Jesus for He would save His people from their sins, which is exactly what he did. Once again, this is especially applicable to Jesus because hosanna also carries the idea of success. One of the most important things for us as Christians to grasp, is Jesus’ perfection as Savior. He is the perfect Savior who never fails to save. He never only tries but actually accomplishes. He does not only begin He finishes! (Phil. 1:6) Holy! Truly, God’s people ought to be happy people. However, not the creature-comforts kind of happiness that appeals to our consumerist culture. The true way to happiness for the Christian is holiness. Notice the instruction from the Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 3: 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. Peter states clearly that Jesus’ people are to honor Christ the Lord as holy in our hearts. Peter wants us to see that Jesus is the Lord who has been worshipped for all eternity. Jesus must be regarded as the great I am who creates, delivers and redeems His people. If this is how we are thinking about our Lord it will produce genuine holiness also in us who are indwelt with his Spirit. Also, as we are saturated with the reality of Christ the Holy One and us as His holy people, a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works (Titus 2:14). We will be filled with what Peter earlier in his letter referred to as, “joy inexpressible and full of glory” (1 Pt. 1:8). As we enjoy this Christmas season we must remember that Christ is the source of our holiness and joy! Hope! Peter also mentions the hope that is in you. Peter is saying that we ought always to be ready to share the reason for the hope in us. The reason for the hope is because we honor Christ the Lord as holy in our hearts. We have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ in hope! For the Apostle Paul states in Romans 8: 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. We all know that at this time of year many people lose hope for all kinds of reasons. But let this be an encouragement to you that your reason for hope is not found in people, places and things or the lack thereof. Your reason for hope is not found in anything you can see but in the Lord Jesus in whom we patiently wait with eager expectation! The Holiday Season By the title of this post you may be thinking, “Yea, the end!” I think that feeling is pretty universal in 2020. But this really is my favorite time of year! Obviously, first and foremost, because we draw by culture, calendar, and convention to remember and celebrate God coming to our world in flesh (more on this at the end). Secondly, I love this weather! Yes, I know, most of you hate it but I love the cold and I am one of those folks always hoping for a little snow. And lastly as I write this I am getting ready to watch the first round of the ten days extravaganza known as the National Finals Rodeo. So I can say this really is my favorite time of year! I wrote about nostalgia back in September, but I think that something is especially engaging about it this time of year. Sociologists would probably demonstrate that the fact that we are collectively experiencing the focus of this time of year is a cause for the especially powerful emotional attachment. One could also postulate that the natural sense of completing one year and beginning another cyclically pulls us into this reflective state. But, I think we should admit, that the repetition of things that we have associated with this season in the past will affect how we relate to the season now. I must confess a certain amount of personal privilege at this point for my childhood and adolescence was marked with many immensely positive experiences especially with all the things already stated. The feasting, fellowship, as well as the lights and laughter make this an extraordinarily pleasing time of year. The Hap-happiest Season of All All of the adornments and ornaments are supposed to help us reflect the wonder and amazement of the season. As you read the heading for this segment, the song probably stuck in your head (you’re welcome). But most of us probably also know that my praise for this season is not shared by everyone, maybe not by you! It is fairly common knowledge that feelings of depression and despair also go up during this period of the year. Once again some explanation could be made.. dealing with lack of daylight hours and financial strain pressed on folks by the traditions of travel and gift giving. However, for many, the strain is because of negative experiences brought forward from previous trauma you have experience and associated with the season. Or you could be grieving those persons and relationships that you have lost over the years. Many during this time of year even reach the tragic terminal point of their despair. In light of the weight of these kinds of struggles, no amount of bells, whistles, and trinkets are going to be able to make everything alright. No perfectly wrapped box with just the right bow is going to contain what we all really need. But this season is truly about the gift that overcomes and liberates us from even the deepest and darkest despair! The Funniest Time of All I know Daniel Thursby preached from Galatians 4 on Sunday, but I want to discuss it a little further. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Galatians 4:4-6 You will notice that Paul tells us that the Father sent forth the Lord Jesus in the fullness of time. Of course, there are all kinds of speculation about what day or season of the year that Jesus was born, but the point here is that He came at the right time, the perfect time. God is never not on time! This is true in your life as well. God is bringing about and allowing the circumstances of all our lives and your life for a real purpose. You should therefore recognize that even in the midst of a hard journey hope still remains because the Lord’s timing is impeccable. We also need to behold this fact that Jesus came like us, human and responsible! He was born of woman, meaning with real flesh and blood humanity like Adam and Eve and like you and I. The phrase born under law, means that He was responsible for loving and obeying God as we all are. The difference is that He did it. Paul next points to the fact that Jesus' purpose was to redeem us. Jesus took on our humanity and our responsibility so that we could be cleansed, forgiven, and freed! But that’s not all. He gave us an amazing gift of adoption! By becoming like us, but better, He made our relationship to God better like His. Jesus brought us into the family so that the God who is in charge of everything that is happening and is bringing about His perfect future is our Father. Jesus brought us into the family so that the God who is now our elder brother and our joint heir is always interceding on our behalf (Romans 8). Jesus brought us into the family and put within us the Holy Spirit by whom we cry out “Abba! Father!” So rejoice with me brothers and sister, joy to the world, the Lord has come! |
AuthorEddie Ragsdale Archives
May 2024
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