Today’s reading is Mark 9:1-10:52.

Twice this year already, I’ve had opportunity to travel with some other preachers to hear a series of lectures by multiple preachers. On the way home, I noticed how easy it was for us (the preachers who had not been asked to be in these series) to talk about the mistakes the presenters had made. (To be fair, we also talked about the great lessons we heard and learned.)

One of the fellows traveling with us on both occasions was a young man who has just started working in a training capacity with a friend. Recognizing how much we were talking about the supposed mistakes of our brethren, I turned to the young brother and said, “Don’t mind us, this is the part of the trip in which we try to make ourselves feel better about our preaching.”

Sad, but that is often the way it works. Fortunately, on one of those trips we got to hear a great lesson on envy. That helped keep us in our own skin a bit.

However, I can’t help but think of this when I read of Jesus’ disciples arguing about who is the greatest in Mark 9:33-37. I still seem to get that backwards. Too often, I want to be the greatest, the greatest preacher, the greatest teacher, the greatest pray-er, the greatest song leader, the greatest whatever. That is not what being God’s child is about. God isn’t looking for the greatest. He’s looking for servants. He’s not looking for people who can prove how amazing they are. He’s looking for people who are asking, “What can I do next for others?”

The fact is, the preachers we heard in those two series did a great job. They didn’t do everything the way I would, but then why should they? God didn’t put us here to compete with each other. He put us here to serve as best we can. That’s what I need to do today.

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

P.S. What struck you in today’s reading?

Today’s reading is Acts 17:1-18:28.

I’m impressed with Apollos today. He was eloquent. He was mighty in the Scriptures. He mostly knew what he was talking about. He taught most things accurately. That is all good stuff. However, what I’m most impressed with is when someone came to him and pointed out his error about baptism in Jesus’ name, he didn’t get defensive. He didn’t dig his heels in the ground. He didn’t start getting manipulative and trying to get back at the people. He apparently listened and changed.

Wow!

I need to be more like that. I need to hear what others are saying to me, even when we disagree. They might just be right. But even if they aren’t, I need to listen with the right attitude. When I find out I’m wrong, I need to change and keep on working for the Lord.

I’m going to work on this today.

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

P.S. What struck you in today’s reading?

Today’s reading is Romans 11:1-12:21.

Paul’s admonition to the Gentiles reminded me of how too many Christians behave today. In Romans 11:17-24, Paul talked about how the Gentiles were the grafted in shoots to the vine and the Jews, the natural shoots, had been cut off making room for the Gentiles. He then anticipated the potential arrogance of the Gentiles. He reminds them that if the natural branches might be cut off for not submitting to the root, then they can as well.

This made me think about how Christians can behave toward the world. We became Christians because we recognized we were sinners in need of a Savior. We laid out our brokenness before God and asked Him to mend us. So He started His work of grace in our lives. We started cleaning up. Our lives started looking better and better. Sadly, at this point, some of us look out at those who have not yet come to Jesus and instead of looking with eyes of mercy from the been there, done that perspective, we looked askance with eyes that said, “What is wrong with you? You should be more like me.” 

Forgiveness is no reason for arrogance. If our lives have been cleaned up in Christ, it is not because we are great but because God has been great through us. We need to remember from where we came. We need to remember by whose power we have come so far. Then, instead of looking at all those we think don’t deserve what we have, we need to remember how little we deserved it and look toward them with God’s love, letting our prayer and our heart’s desire be for their salvation.

Forgiveness is no reason for arrogance. It is every reason for mercy, compassion, and love.

***Question: How do you overcome arrogance in your spirituality?

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

Today’s reading is Luke 19:1-20:47.

Luke 20:18 says, “Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”

At first, this seems to be saying there are two different ways to be annihilated–fall on Jesus or let Jesus fall on you. However, I don’t think that is the point. I think this is a contrast.

If we fall on Jesus, the corner stone, we will be broken. However, if the stone falls on us we will be broken and judged. The word translated “broken to pieces” just means broken. However, the word translated “crushed” actually is connected to a winnowing fan. It doesn’t just mean crushed. It means ground to powder and winnowed away. I’m sure you already recognize the language of judgment there as used in passages like Matthew 3:12; Luke 3:17. 

The first statement is saying if we fall on Jesus, if we surrender to Him, we’ll be broken. That makes sense. After all, if we want to receive true life, we must give up our lives. Read Philippians 3:1-21 to see how broken I must be to lean on Jesus. I must recognize my complete powerlessness and how much I need Jesus. Falling on Him means being broken myself. The latter statement says if I don’t fall on Jesus and become broken, He will fall on me and I will not only be broken but scattered and judged.

The takeaway for me is that surrendering to Jesus is tough. It means sacrifice and giving up things I want to hang on to. It means breaking my power. It means humbling myself. It means being broken from my pride, strength, will. Let’s face it, that doesn’t sound like a very appealing process. I can see why some want to opt out. However, Jesus is pointing out that I’m going to end up broken one way or another. If I wait too long, then He’ll break me in judgment. I will be humiliated. I will lose my pride. I will lose my will. I will see how powerless I am. But then I’ll be judged. 

So, if I’m going to be broken anyway, why not be saved while I’m at it? Why not fall on Jesus instead of waiting for Him to fall on me in judgment?

***Question: Why do you think so many reject Jesus?

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

Today’s reading is Luke 13:1-14:35.

In Luke 14:7-11, Jesus told about a wedding feast. Don’t go into the feast and take the seat of honor. If you do, there might be someone more honorable and you may be asked to move down. How humiliating. On the other hand, if  you take the lower seat, you may be asked to move up. How honoring.

In this story, we see the solution to the two sides of arrogance.

On the first side, we have those who are obviously arrogant. They want the seat of honor. They take the seat of honor. They give no thought that others around them may be more honorable. It is just a foregone conclusion in their mind that everyone else is lucky to have them around. How arrogant.

They may not even realize it. I’ve seen people who come off as arrogant all the while trying to come off like they are the spiritual kings. They go around trying to impress everyone with their spirituality. They have to make sure everyone knows how spiritual they are. They have to make sure everyone knows what they’ve done spiritually and what they haven’t done sinfully. They remind folks about how much they study. They remind folks of how much they know. They consistently have to let others know what their two cents on any given issue is. These folks know how honorable they are and just can’t understand why no one else sees it, so they have to put it on display constantly.

That is one side of arrogance. It needs to be answered by not thinking more highly of yourself than you ought (Romans 12:3). Bring yourself down a notch or two and other people won’t have to. Answer questions when asked. Give advice when it is sought. Offer pointers when requested. Otherwise, back off.

On the second side, we have those who are so apparently humble they won’t ever receive honor. They couldn’t imagine ever being accused of arrogance or pride because they are so lowly and humble. Yet, these extreme displays of humility are nothing more than a pride taken in humility. “Wow, look at me, do you know anybody who is as humble as I am? Don’t you wish you could be as humble as me.” This is the person who will take the lowest seat, but then refuse when asked to move up to do so. “Oh, no. I’m just a humble piece of dirt in the midst of all this greatness.” Preachers have this problem sometimes. I’ve heard guest speakers so heap praises on the local preacher as if to say, “Oh, I’m so awful. I don’t even remotely compare to the guy who preaches here regularly. I’m just a piece of cardboard where a pain of glass usually sits.” I’m sure some guys mean this kind of thing sincerely, but all too often it is a false humility fishing for a compliment.

But in Jesus’ story, if you sit in the lower seat and are asked to move up, you don’t refuse in some grand display of humility. You accept the honor the host bestows on you. You accept it graciously. You accept it humbly. Say thank you. Don’t make a huge display of grandiosity. Don’t give the, “I knew this would happen” look around the room. Certainly, don’t taunt those who have been asked to move down to make way for you. 

This is the other side of humility that points out it is not wrong to be honored. Rather, it is wrong to seek the honor of men. When we live honorably, others will honor us. We can accept that graciously. That displays a true humility. Through it all, we continually point others to God who is worthy of all honor.

Remember the two sides of arrogance and humility. Don’t seek for self-honor, but don’t make great displays of refusing the honor offered to you.

***Question: How do you maintain humility?

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

Today’s reading is Matthew 15:1-16:28. 

The story of the Syro-phoenician widow struck me today. It struck me in a little different way than before. I’ve always been impressed with her faith. She so believed Jesus could heal her daughter that she simply kept on begging. However, what really hit me was what Jesus called her and how she responded.

Jesus said, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”

What? Is Jesus calling her a dog? WOW!

Yet, she doesn’t even bat an eye. She doesn’t get defensive. She doesn’t say, “Wait a minute here. I know I’m a Gentile, but a dog? You need to get your act together Jesus, you’ll never attract people that way.” She doesn’t stalk off in anger at His insensitivity.

Rather, she just says, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”

She was willing to accept the epithet of “dog.” She was humble enough to admit she was begging. She was humble enough to admit her own poverty. Jesus was the master. He was the one with the power. He was the one she had to latch on to and honor. She was willing to cast away all personal honor in order to honor Jesus. When she did, Jesus healed her daughter.

What about me? How much of my pride do I like to hang on to. I mean, I know I’ve messed up royally, but really, I’m not that bad. I’m really a great person. Don’t dare call me a dog. If Jesus is going to call me a dog, then I’m going some place else. 

Of course, the problem is there is no other place to go. 

In one sense, I am a dog. My sins have separated me from the master. I have wallowed in the mire and returned to my own vomit again and again and again. Yet, when I come to Jesus willing to cast aside all my pride, humble myself under His hand and admit that only He can fix whatever it is I need fixing, then He’ll be able to act. Notice, I didn’t just say He will act, but He’ll be able to act. The fact is, I’m only able to be a tool for Jesus when I put aside all my pride and humble myself before Him. To the degree that I hang on to my pride and my own ideas of personal powerfulness, Jesus is unable to work in my life. Not because He can’t overpower me, but because He refuses to.

Can I admit I’m a dog to receive the mercy of Jesus?

That’s a tough one.

Keep the faith and keep reading.

ELC

P.S. What did you get out of today’s reading?

Today’s reading is II Corinthians 2:1-3:18.

Sorry about the end of last week. I had several computer and server problems Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. I had scheduled the entries for my other site ahead of time, but not this one. Anyway, we’ll get back on track today. Thanks for your patience.

II Corinthians 2:4 struck me today. Paul wrote: “For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.” Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians was somewhat harsh. He rebuked them for several issues, not the least of which was the impenitent sinner they needed to discipline. That sinner repented and now Paul is going to advise the Corinthians to love and comfort him.

However, before getting to that, he talks about his mindset. Every Christian has seen times when someone needed rebuking. But that puts us in a very awkward position. First, who are we to rebuke anyone when we have committed so many grievous sins ourselves? Second, and more to Paul’s point here, how can we rebuke someone and let them know we are doing so out of love? 

This was Paul’s point in the verse. He had not written as an apostle from on high who was living perfectly and bringing judgment down upon those unworthy Corinthians Christians. He had written as a fellow traveller who saw the terrible end the Corinthians were making for themselves and wanted to help. He did not write with vengeful glee, laughing as he scribbled out the words. Rather, he wrote with tears, affliction, and anguish. He wasn’t trying to hurt the Corinthians; he was trying to help.

There are certainly times when we need to rebuke others. When we do, we need to check our motives. For what purpose am I rebuking this person. Is it to show myself as righteous? Is it to put them in their place? Is it to pronounce judgment? Or is to humbly help them surrender to the Lord? In order to check this motive, I need to check how I feel about their sin. Am I silently glad because it reminds me I’m better than them? Am I silently arrogant because at least I have done what they did (at least not for a while)? Am I internally happy for this opportunity to show my own spirituality? Or am I afflicted and in anguish because of where their sin is leading them? Am I humble because I remember my own sins and what they’ve done to me?

I once heard the story of a preacher who for years had preached sermons directly intended for the husband of one faithful sister. The husband attended regularly and regularly received a spiritual diet of sermons designed to get him to repent and serve the Lord. But nothing phased him. Nothing changed him. Then one Sunday a guest speaker presented a lesson and the husband came forward in tears wanting to submit to the Lord in baptism. The local preacher was amazed. He couldn’t believe it. He asked the man why he hadn’t budged for so many years despite hearing so many lessons, but on that day he finally did. The man responded, “Preacher, I don’t want to hurt your feelings. But, I’ll tell you. For years you have told me in your sermons that I was going to hell. You always sounded like you were happy about that. That made me feel like God was happy about it too. Today, this fellow told me I was going to hell and it sounded like it broke his heart. He let me believe that if I went to hell it would break God’s heart too. That broke my heart.”

I have to ask myself, when someone needs rebuking how do I sound when I talk to them?

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

P.S. What did you get out of today’s reading?

Today’s reading is Luke 13:1-14:35.

SMACKDOWN!

That’s what today’s reading is for me. Especially in Luke 14:7-11, called the parable of the wedding feast. Don’t take the seat of honor, Jesus says, lest you find out you didn’t deserve it and get humiliated in front of everyone. Instead, take the lower seats. Sure, you may end up stuck there. On the other hand, you may be exalted before everyone as the host explains you deserve to sit at a higher rank.

I need to hear this today (and every day). I have an awfully arrogant tendency to think I should be receiving most of the honor. For most of my life I have been plagued with jealousy when others receive honor. Thankfully, God has been working on that one and I’m gaining progressive victory over that arrogance. However, I needed this reminder. 

Of course, while Jesus couches His point in a seemingly self-serving practical point, I don’t think that was Jesus’ point. Jesus wasn’t saying, do this in some kind of self-deprecating, false modesty. Rather, he was using this scenario to explain the reality of life in general. When I think more of myself than I ought, God will humble me (King Saul comes to mind, as does King Rehoboam). On the other hand, when I walk with sincere humility, God will exalt me at the right time. I don’t walk with the humility in order to be exalted, because then that wouldn’t be sincere humility, would it? I can see it now as we develop our humility competition, “I’m more humble than you are.” No. That is not really humility. 

Rather, when I go to the lower place because I truly believe others are more important than me (cf. Philippians 2:3-4), then God will exalt me.

Praise God for this reminder.

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

P.S. What did you get out of today’s reading?

Today’s reading brings two men to mind. One was a self-centered egotist. The other was a man trusted by even the apostles.

It is too easy for me to be Diotrephes. That is, instead of seeking unity through the Lord’s will, I often seek unity through my will. I have the idea that if everyone would just do things my way, they would be better. How easy it is to get into this mold. This is a problem all by itself. True, my will may be within the confines of God’s but not everything has to be done my way to be within God’s will. But this especially becomes a problem when doing things my way means I won’t even submit to the word of the apostles. 

On the other hand, I should be Demetrius. Granted, we don’t know much about the man. However, he received a good testimony from everyone, including the apostles. No doubt, he lived by Paul’s principle in Philippians 2:3-4. He viewed others as more important. He definitely accepted the word of the apostles as inspired and submitted to them.

Today, I need to be Demetrius and not Diotrephes.

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC