Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. (Ps 82:4)
It’s easy to sit in the suburbs and think the urban poor just need to try harder and they can “make something of themselves”. But what if you don’t know how to try because no one ever showed you? Or what if you are convinced it is pointless to try because nothing you can do will change your situation? Some people can make it on their own, but most are too weak – weakened by their upbringing and the evil that surrounds them. They are preyed on by drug dealers, bullies and thieves, exploited by politicians and ignored by most of the rest of us. God commands us to rescue the weak and needy – to bring the light of hope through the gift of love, to lend a hand and to show the way. Truly they need Jesus, but Jesus will only come to them in the person of ordinary Christians like you and me who are willing to be obedient and get involved. God, forgive me for my selfishness and laziness. You have given us your commandments and your example. I want to do my part to rescue the weak and the fatherless and bind up the brokenhearted. Teach me to be “Jesus with skin on”. Use me to show your love and mercy to the world. Amen.
Showing posts with label service. Show all posts
Showing posts with label service. Show all posts
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Dishonest Scales
The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight. (Pro 11:1)
This is one of those verses that seem so foreign to us culturally. In Biblical times, every merchant would have a scale and a set of weights for measuring the goods exchanged. A dishonest merchant would keep two sets of weights – lighter ones for weighing his product and heavier ones for weighing your payment. This must have been a common scam because it is condemned many times in the Bible. In our day, everything comes prepackaged at the store and we pay whatever is rung up on the cash register. So in one sense this verse no longer seems to apply to us. But the sins of dishonesty and selfishness are still with us.
As I reflect on how this verse may yet apply to my life, I realize that I do indeed keep two sets of weights. With one I weigh what others do for me and with the other I weigh what I do for others. Like the dishonest merchant, I overvalue what I do to serve others and undervalue what others do to serve me. I am quick to be put out when others ask for my help and slow to show gratitude for the help I receive. Lord, forgive me for my selfishness, which I compound by my dishonesty and ingratitude. By your Incarnation and your death on the cross you gave us the supreme example of servanthood. Convict me when I fail to follow in your footsteps. Amen.
This is one of those verses that seem so foreign to us culturally. In Biblical times, every merchant would have a scale and a set of weights for measuring the goods exchanged. A dishonest merchant would keep two sets of weights – lighter ones for weighing his product and heavier ones for weighing your payment. This must have been a common scam because it is condemned many times in the Bible. In our day, everything comes prepackaged at the store and we pay whatever is rung up on the cash register. So in one sense this verse no longer seems to apply to us. But the sins of dishonesty and selfishness are still with us.
As I reflect on how this verse may yet apply to my life, I realize that I do indeed keep two sets of weights. With one I weigh what others do for me and with the other I weigh what I do for others. Like the dishonest merchant, I overvalue what I do to serve others and undervalue what others do to serve me. I am quick to be put out when others ask for my help and slow to show gratitude for the help I receive. Lord, forgive me for my selfishness, which I compound by my dishonesty and ingratitude. By your Incarnation and your death on the cross you gave us the supreme example of servanthood. Convict me when I fail to follow in your footsteps. Amen.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Just Kill Me Now
I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how you’re going to treat me, put me to death right now – if I have found favor in your eyes – and do not let me face my own ruin. (Num 11:14-15)
God called Moses to lead the people of Israel. It was a difficult job dealing with such an ungrateful, disobedient group of complainers. In this chapter they're at it again – complaining about the manna and asking for meat – and Moses was ready to quit. “Just kill me now,” he says. How many of us have thought or said the same thing? But whenever we start to think that way we make the same mistake Moses did. He thought he was all alone. Every burden was on his shoulders. But God never calls lone rangers to serve him. He calls his church. Moses forgot that we are to share our burdens. So God had him call together the seventy-two elders of Israel and made his Spirit fall on them so that they prophesied. That was the only time these men ever prophesied. Why? God wanted to show Moses that he had raised up these seventy-two men to help him. The prophetic office still belonged to Moses but these men stood near to help him in many other more mundane ways. When God calls pastors and other leaders he does not call them to serve alone. All of us are to come alongside them and help them, each according to our gift. Lord, never let me fall into the trap of thinking that I must serve alone. And when I am serving under someone, don't let me sit back and expect them carry the whole load. Teach me to do my part. Amen.
God called Moses to lead the people of Israel. It was a difficult job dealing with such an ungrateful, disobedient group of complainers. In this chapter they're at it again – complaining about the manna and asking for meat – and Moses was ready to quit. “Just kill me now,” he says. How many of us have thought or said the same thing? But whenever we start to think that way we make the same mistake Moses did. He thought he was all alone. Every burden was on his shoulders. But God never calls lone rangers to serve him. He calls his church. Moses forgot that we are to share our burdens. So God had him call together the seventy-two elders of Israel and made his Spirit fall on them so that they prophesied. That was the only time these men ever prophesied. Why? God wanted to show Moses that he had raised up these seventy-two men to help him. The prophetic office still belonged to Moses but these men stood near to help him in many other more mundane ways. When God calls pastors and other leaders he does not call them to serve alone. All of us are to come alongside them and help them, each according to our gift. Lord, never let me fall into the trap of thinking that I must serve alone. And when I am serving under someone, don't let me sit back and expect them carry the whole load. Teach me to do my part. Amen.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Cry of the Poor
If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered. (Pro 21:13)
Lord, I know that I don’t do nearly enough to help people in need. I live a cloistered life. All my family and friends and coworkers are well fed and have good homes. How often do I concern myself with those who are less fortunate – those who are barely making it, or those who have no jobs at all? Lord, could it be that my prayers are not answered because I have hardened by heart to the suffering around me? How can I be a man of God if I have no compassion for the poor? And how can I be compassionate if I fail to act? Lord, I will open my heart to the poor. I will begin to serve those in need. Forgive me for my self-absorption and remind me of the promise I make today. Amen.
Lord, I know that I don’t do nearly enough to help people in need. I live a cloistered life. All my family and friends and coworkers are well fed and have good homes. How often do I concern myself with those who are less fortunate – those who are barely making it, or those who have no jobs at all? Lord, could it be that my prayers are not answered because I have hardened by heart to the suffering around me? How can I be a man of God if I have no compassion for the poor? And how can I be compassionate if I fail to act? Lord, I will open my heart to the poor. I will begin to serve those in need. Forgive me for my self-absorption and remind me of the promise I make today. Amen.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Rich Man, Poor Man
Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is Maker of them all. (Pro 22:2)
If there’s one thing the Bible is clear on it is that we are all equal before God, rich and poor alike. Passages like James 2:1-7 come to mind, but it is not just a New Testament message. The Law makes no distinction between rich and poor, except that the poor can bring a cheaper sacrifice. In Lev 5:7-13, for example, if you cannot afford a lamb for a sin offering you can bring two doves or two young pigeons. Those who cannot even bring two doves can bring a small amount of flour. Even more, the Law requires men to take special care of the poor: to aid the widows and orphans, not to exact usury, to free all slaves in the year of jubilee, etc. The Scriptures, in fact, spend quite a bit of time on this topic, and why? Because we need it! Throughout history, societies have stratified into an upper class and a lower class, the haves and the have-nots. Our pride deceives us into thinking that if we own more we must be worth more. People misunderstand God’s blessing. They think they deserve it. Now it is true that wisdom and righteousness often reap a harvest of prosperity. You don’t have to go far in Proverbs to see that. Just two verses past this one we read, “Humility and fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.” (v4) But nowhere does the Bible say that rich people are intrinsically better than poor people.
If there’s one thing the Bible is clear on it is that we are all equal before God, rich and poor alike. Passages like James 2:1-7 come to mind, but it is not just a New Testament message. The Law makes no distinction between rich and poor, except that the poor can bring a cheaper sacrifice. In Lev 5:7-13, for example, if you cannot afford a lamb for a sin offering you can bring two doves or two young pigeons. Those who cannot even bring two doves can bring a small amount of flour. Even more, the Law requires men to take special care of the poor: to aid the widows and orphans, not to exact usury, to free all slaves in the year of jubilee, etc. The Scriptures, in fact, spend quite a bit of time on this topic, and why? Because we need it! Throughout history, societies have stratified into an upper class and a lower class, the haves and the have-nots. Our pride deceives us into thinking that if we own more we must be worth more. People misunderstand God’s blessing. They think they deserve it. Now it is true that wisdom and righteousness often reap a harvest of prosperity. You don’t have to go far in Proverbs to see that. Just two verses past this one we read, “Humility and fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.” (v4) But nowhere does the Bible say that rich people are intrinsically better than poor people.
God calls us to love our fellow human beings, whatever their estate. Forgive me, Lord, when I overlook those who have nothing or envy those who have much. Train my heart to see the person behind the tattered clothes or the fancy car. Every one is a sinner for whom Christ died, and I should love them no less than you do. Amen.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The Nobles of Tekoa
The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors. (Neh 3:5)
Under the leadership of Nehemiah, the people of Jerusalem repaired the city wall, which had lain in ruins for over a hundred and fifty years. It was a huge undertaking, but they completed it in only 52 days. This entire chapter of Nehemiah is devoted to recording all the people who helped, and what section they rebuilt. Goldsmiths, perfume-makers, merchants and Levites – they all helped build the wall. Well, almost everyone. In the whole chapter, only one group refused to help: the “nobles” of Tekoa. How foolish they must have looked! Tekoa wasn’t much of a town and, at this time, Judah wasn’t much of a country, but the proud “nobles” of Tekoa held themselves aloof. Was it that they considered manual labor to be beneath them, or could they not stand to take orders from someone else? Meanwhile, the men of Tekoa, perhaps embarrassed by the leading citizens of their town, actually repaired two sections of the wall (v27), the only group to do so.
Are there menial tasks that I would be unwilling to do for the sake of God’s Kingdom? Would I empty a bedpan or dig a ditch? I suppose I would try to weasel out by spiritualizing it. “Oh, that’s not my gift.” But Lord, I don’t want to be like the nobles of Tekoa. I am willing to do whatever needs to be done for your Kingdom. Convict me when foolish pride, or sheer laziness, causes me to shrink back from the task you have set before me. Amen.
Under the leadership of Nehemiah, the people of Jerusalem repaired the city wall, which had lain in ruins for over a hundred and fifty years. It was a huge undertaking, but they completed it in only 52 days. This entire chapter of Nehemiah is devoted to recording all the people who helped, and what section they rebuilt. Goldsmiths, perfume-makers, merchants and Levites – they all helped build the wall. Well, almost everyone. In the whole chapter, only one group refused to help: the “nobles” of Tekoa. How foolish they must have looked! Tekoa wasn’t much of a town and, at this time, Judah wasn’t much of a country, but the proud “nobles” of Tekoa held themselves aloof. Was it that they considered manual labor to be beneath them, or could they not stand to take orders from someone else? Meanwhile, the men of Tekoa, perhaps embarrassed by the leading citizens of their town, actually repaired two sections of the wall (v27), the only group to do so.
Are there menial tasks that I would be unwilling to do for the sake of God’s Kingdom? Would I empty a bedpan or dig a ditch? I suppose I would try to weasel out by spiritualizing it. “Oh, that’s not my gift.” But Lord, I don’t want to be like the nobles of Tekoa. I am willing to do whatever needs to be done for your Kingdom. Convict me when foolish pride, or sheer laziness, causes me to shrink back from the task you have set before me. Amen.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Fit for His Purpose
But in fact God has arranged the parts of the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. (I Cor 12:18)
Sometimes I think that I am rather lacking in spiritual gifts, that I would better serve the Body if I had different gifts or a different personality. But here Paul is affirming that God has shaped us and arranged us just as he wants us to be. I don’t have to be a different person to serve. I can serve God as who I am. Some parts are out front and some are behind the scenes. But all of us serve. I am part of his design for the body of Christ.
Sometimes I think that I am rather lacking in spiritual gifts, that I would better serve the Body if I had different gifts or a different personality. But here Paul is affirming that God has shaped us and arranged us just as he wants us to be. I don’t have to be a different person to serve. I can serve God as who I am. Some parts are out front and some are behind the scenes. But all of us serve. I am part of his design for the body of Christ.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Go and Do Likewise
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (Lk 10:36-37)
How much do I bestir myself to help those around me? Oh, I might help a family member or a friend. But there are needy people all around me who are practically invisible to me. When have I ever even felt compassion for them, let alone made any effort to help? This is not right! The cornerstone of our witness is our willingness to help those in need, even if they are not family or friends, or of the same ethnic group, or fellow Christians. Why would they listen to what we say about the love of Jesus if they don’t see that love in us?
How much do I bestir myself to help those around me? Oh, I might help a family member or a friend. But there are needy people all around me who are practically invisible to me. When have I ever even felt compassion for them, let alone made any effort to help? This is not right! The cornerstone of our witness is our willingness to help those in need, even if they are not family or friends, or of the same ethnic group, or fellow Christians. Why would they listen to what we say about the love of Jesus if they don’t see that love in us?
Saturday, April 24, 2010
How to Help Jesus
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in...Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?...I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. (Mt 25:35-40)
How often do I do any of these things? Not very often! I am convicted that I do way too little to help people in need in our society. It may be true that Christians as a group are more generous than society at large, but too many of us aren’t doing anything. What if the whole church were truly engaged? Great things could be accomplished! Lord, forgive me for selfishness.
How often do I do any of these things? Not very often! I am convicted that I do way too little to help people in need in our society. It may be true that Christians as a group are more generous than society at large, but too many of us aren’t doing anything. What if the whole church were truly engaged? Great things could be accomplished! Lord, forgive me for selfishness.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Digging Up Your Talent
Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will product its fruit. (Mt 21:43)
In this Parable of the Tenants, the wicked tenants kill the master’s son and refuse to give him the master’s share of the fruit. It is clearly very important to God that we who have been entrusted with his kingdom bear fruit. In my timidity, this is the very thing I have not done. I am like the wicked, lazy servant who buried his talent (Mt 25:26). Lord, I don’t want to bury my talent any more. I want to be in the game, getting roughed up sometimes, but bearing fruit for you. Thank you that you have been helping me see how I need to change. Thanks you for your Holy Spirit who will empower me to change and to act on your behalf. Thank you for your great patience with me.
In this Parable of the Tenants, the wicked tenants kill the master’s son and refuse to give him the master’s share of the fruit. It is clearly very important to God that we who have been entrusted with his kingdom bear fruit. In my timidity, this is the very thing I have not done. I am like the wicked, lazy servant who buried his talent (Mt 25:26). Lord, I don’t want to bury my talent any more. I want to be in the game, getting roughed up sometimes, but bearing fruit for you. Thank you that you have been helping me see how I need to change. Thanks you for your Holy Spirit who will empower me to change and to act on your behalf. Thank you for your great patience with me.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Give Your Life Away
Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Mt 10:39)
We have such a high calling to fulfill! Jesus asks us to give our life away. Not to live it for ourselves but to live it for him and for his Kingdom. It is truly not about us anymore. It’s about him, living for him and living for others. Our reward is in heaven.
We have such a high calling to fulfill! Jesus asks us to give our life away. Not to live it for ourselves but to live it for him and for his Kingdom. It is truly not about us anymore. It’s about him, living for him and living for others. Our reward is in heaven.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Give What You've Got
Andrew…spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves…” (Jn 6:8)
I’ve always wondered why Andrew would have brought this boy forward. Were they canvassing the crowd to see how much food people had brought? Today the wonderful thought occurred to me that the little boy might have brought it forward on his own to offer it to Jesus!
I’ve always wondered why Andrew would have brought this boy forward. Were they canvassing the crowd to see how much food people had brought? Today the wonderful thought occurred to me that the little boy might have brought it forward on his own to offer it to Jesus!
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