Journey, an update 4-17-07

“So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.” 2 Peter 1:12

This verse was part of the teaching in church this weekend and it was a timely reminder to me. It is altogether possible to know the truth, to believe in the truth, to be firmly established in the truth and still need a reminder of the most basic aspects of that truth.

I was impacted by this concept through more than just the sermon. In the musical worship time we sang a song called “I Will Remember.” And as I was singing about how I would not forget His sacrifice I realized that I had done exactly that. I hadn’t forgotten that it happened. I hadn’t even stopped thinking about the sacrifice or stopped telling people about it. But deep inside I had forgotten how to arrange my thoughts around the meaning of that sacrifice.

I’ve been struggling the last couple months with desiring to be here. (You’ve been praying with me for that very desire to renewed and I thank you for that!) You see, in truth, when I focus on what I want, what I desire, then, in essence I forget about the reality of what the cross means. I forget that it’s not really about me at all. (Ever read the Purpose Driven Life?) If I want to really live for Him then I have to remember that it’s not about me. It’s about the cross and all that that sacrifice includes. But as the old adage says, the biggest problem with being a living sacrifice is the ability, and the tendency, to crawl off the altar. So as Peter exemplifies, may we remind each other of these things, even the simple truths that are rooted and well established in our lives.

The Simple Life

There is an old country song that croons, “The simple life is the life for me.”

That is a phrase that resonates within my soul. I’ve never been someone who sought glory or fame or spectacular achievements that the world would be awed by. I’ve always been attracted by peace and quiet, small groups and individual relationships, life lived for the basics.

Now every life has struggles, ups and down, financial stress, health issues and the reality of living in a fallen world. But some paths lead through mountains and valleys and others lead straight into battlefields full of land mines, quicksand and enemy troops.

To take an illustration from one of my favorite series, in the Lord of the Rings, Frodo was a reluctant hero. He didn’t want to tread the path of danger. His desire was to settle into the beautiful Shire and enjoy all of the goodness around him. But for the sake of that very goodness that he loved he took up a quest that would cost him more than he wanted to pay.

I feel a bit like that as I serve here in Hungary. At times I am such a reluctant servant. I could have stayed forever in my homeland surrounded by beauty and a life I enjoyed while still serving the Lord. But here I am, because I am not my own. My life is not mine to direct and He has chosen a different path for me.

When I was in Italy, I stood on the pier waiting for the water bus to come and I watched a fisherman in his small boat out on the bay. It occurred to me to wonder if the disciples ever felt the same way. As they spread the gospel, pursued and persecuted, did they ever look out at the sea and wish for simpler days of fishing and enjoying family and friends?

I’ve been studying in Romans and though I’ve read this verse many times in the last few weeks this morning is the first time I think I really saw these words, “For even Christ did not please himself.” (Romans 15:3a)

Sacrifice is the heart of the gospel. And if that means life is more complicated then I would like it to be, it’s ok. Because there is no life at all without Christ and the simple life lived outside of His will would be a heartache that doesn’t compare with the struggle of living outside of every comfort zone but still safe and secure in His arms.

Journey, an update 4-12-07

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:4-6

As I reflect on the wonder of the resurrection that we celebrated this past week I was alerted to the words endurance, encouragement and hope.

We have the gospel that tells us of the age old plan of salvation, the amazing sacrifice of the cross and the glory of the resurrection. And when we bind that teaching with endurance, we find hope. Isn’t it interesting that endurance is part of the package? Hope doesn’t come from just an emotional response to the truth, but a lifestyle of persevering in belief and putting truth into action.

And giving hope is what the resurrection was all about. Hope is why I serve here in Hungary today; the hope that lives will be changed and that God will be glorified.

Journey, an update 4-2-07

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:9-13

Last week I was reflecting on those who have zeal without knowledge (Romans 10:2). This week Romans 12:11 captured my attention. “Never be lacking in zeal.”

I have a friend who has been on a strict diet which includes a great deal of fasting. Every time I see her she mentions the program and how it has helped her with both her weight and her walk with the Lord. Over time I have come to expect every conversation with her to include something about this program. Then one day God whispered to me, “This is zeal. Are you as passionate about me, that those around you expect every conversation with you to include something about me?”

Zeal is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as enthusiastic devotion to a cause, ideal, or goal and tireless diligence in its furtherance. I certainly find myself lacking in zeal from time to time. Tireless diligence? There are days that I feel like I am just hanging on and I while I love the Lord no less I am certainly am not “enthusiastic” in reflecting that love. Yet, this is a command. “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord”. And if God commands it that means He can also enable me to do it.

The second thing that stood out to me is that this command is situated between verses that tell us how to love and how to serve. Our zeal is to be in love, in serving others while serving the Lord.

We don’t have zeal without knowledge but we have the Word of God, the truth of the Gospel and the Spirit of God living within us. We have zeal based on the promises, the hope He has given us.