"Love leads." In our passages this week, we see three leaders (Moses, Jesus and Paul) all motivated to lead because of their love for God's people. Moses' love for his people made it possible for him to steadfastly lead his people to Moab, where he was able to climb Mount Nebo and look and see the land God had promised to His people from Pisgah's heights. Jesus loved His people enough to be their Messiah, and to fulfill that role in spite of the pain and suffering it entailed. Paul loved God's people enough to share the gospel, even in the face of great opposition, because "Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well" (1 Thessalonians 2:7b-8). Love is the ultimate motivation from which to lead because it allows a leader to put others ahead of him or herself. I am thankful for those who have led me in this way, for through them I came to hear the gospel as they both spoke and lived it, knowing that true love leads.
The love for my child is what led me back to the church after falling away from the church that I grew up in and stepping into a "life" that was far from true living.
I still spent many years not willing to die to myself, though, and it wasn't until fairly recently that I obeyed that call and discovered what it means to have the love of Christ in my heart. Now I find myself lead by His love each day, praying for others and encouraging them by sharing His Word, willingly taking on the opportunities that He provides to meet others' physical needs, submitting to my husband in our marriage, etc.
What's so amazing is that the more I let myself be led by that pure love -- giving up my prideful and self-centered attitude and allowing Him to fill me with love such as Paul described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 -- the more joyful I become!
About a half hour ago, I would of answered this question differently. As I was waiting in the waiting room for a procedure that my husband is getting, I noticed an elderly man named Bob sitting there reading his bible and underlining scripture. God called me to go talk with him. We had a great conversation and I read some scripture to him from my bible. God called me to share His love with this gentleman. We ended with a hand shake, I told him that I will pray for his wife and he said "God bless you." After Bob left the room, I thought about that statement. I am blessed ! Blessed and honored to share God's love with others.
Thank you, Stacey (or, more accurately, thank you, Holy Spirit), for letting us know how God is at work, leading is to lead. How exciting and humbling to see God at work in us that way!
Perhaps your question was rhetorical, but the first thought that came to my mind was the people of our church. I have cried on so many shoulders, had full-out anxiety attacks in their presence, and struggled with issues in kitchens and offices, but my church family has always been faithful in leading me. They have prayed with me and for me, contacted me privately, and led me into a deeper knowledge of God's truth through the years. I'm truly thankful for you, Pastor, and for all those others that are so strong in their faith that they lead with love and compassion without even realizing it with both their words and their lives.
Finishing well Moses Finished Well, in Faithful Service Deuteronomy 34: 7 Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim nor his natural vigor diminished. . . . . 10 But since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face. How many of us at 120 will still have both clear vision and strong bodies? Was Moses resurrected? Jude 9, Transfiguration of Jesus. Psalm 90 (Attributed to Moses) 17 And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands. Jesus Finished Well, in Debate Matthew 22: You shall love the LORD your God . . .‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” ‘The LORD said to my Lord , . . . If David then calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his Son?” 46 And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore. Paul Finished Well, with the Thessalonians 1 Thessalonians 2: 7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives,because you had become dear to us. Will We Finish Well? Matthew 25:21: His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
This is a very good "weave" of the three passages, and produces an excellent opportunity to reflect deeply about how we are doing when it comes to running the race. It calls us to join Paul in knowing that we are In a marathon, not a sprint, and that the last mile is as important as the first. "Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12)
"Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." (Psalm 90:1-2) The Lord leads us because He loves us. One of the amazing things we are reminded of in Psalm 90 is that He has ALWAYS loved us, because from everlasting to everlasting He is God, who does not change. He created our inmost being; He knit us together in the womb. His plans were laid for us before we were created, and His plan was to lead us to Himself. No matter where we find ourselves, "there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." (Psalm 139:10) Therefore we too can be secure in the Lord and say, "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24)
The author of Psalm 90 calls on the Lord to show compassion to His people in spite of their shortcomings. He goes on in verse 17 to write, "May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands." Now, most of the time you and I probably think of the work of our hands as being established by, well, our work. And that is certainly true of much that we accomplish. But the Lord loves us, and because of that He is leading us to establish a lasting work, one which has eternal significance and thus glorifies God. Certainly the day-to-day work we do is honorable and in doing it well we glorify the Lord, but it is, for the most part, transient. There is a lasting work we are led to, however, a legacy if you will, that is established through the Lord's favor. We are witnesses to that as we lead our children to Christ. We see that when the Lord uses us to communicate the gospel to our friends, family and acquaintances. That legacy is established as we invest our time, talents and treasures in missions so as to spread the good news to all who belong to the Lord. He is the one who establishes the work of our hands in a way that lasts, and He is leading us, even now, to do so. How is that happening in your life today?
"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’" (Matthew 22:37-39) Here is another thing that love leads us to do. Jesus explained to His listeners that the commandments are ultimately founded on God. The first three tell us how to show our love for God. The fourth reveals God's love for us, directs us in our loving response, and commands us to love others in the same way. The last six tell us how to show our love for those around us. But until we recognize and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, respond to the love God has shown us, we have no hope of keeping those commands. Thus the love that leads us to love others begins with God first loving us. Romans 5:8 says just this: "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." We are lead to love because that is where God's love leads us. I do not and cannot love as God does with my own strength, but I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. As you love others today, be reminded of the One who first loved you, and whose love leads you to love.
At the end of Deuteronomy we read the story of Moses' death. Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land because he struck the rock instead of speaking to it (Numbers 20:8-12). Just as the other Israelites who died in the wilderness because of their unbelief, so too would Moses. "Because you have not believed Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them." (Numbers 20:12). Instead of trusting that God would provide water when Moses spoke to the rock, Moses chose to strike it. Some teachers think that 1 Corinthians 10:4 alludes to the idea that the rock Moses struck was Christ, and that God was not well-pleased with Moses because of this. That may or may not be the case, but we don't need that passage to understand that Moses was prevented from entering the Land because he did not fully trust God, at least for a moment. This is an important reminder for us because, when it comes to being led by love, the only way that can happen is if we trust God completely. If we put our faith in anyone or anything else, we will be led astray and will neither lead nor love.
Numbers 20:10,11: And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the Rock; and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this Rock? 11 Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the Rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank.
”This was Moses’ problem:
He was disobedient: Told to speak to the Rock, he struck it – twice . His motivation was wrath and judgment -- prerogatives of God alone. He claimed the credit – Must WE bring water out of the Rock?
"We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition." (1 Thessalonians 2:2) It probably has not been lost on those of you who have read the passages for this week that one thing they hold in common is the element of suffering. Moses suffered as he was led by love. Jesus suffered as He was led by love. Paul suffered as he was led by love. The call to love sacrificially is wrapped up in all three of these passages, and sacrifice involves suffering. As we seek to be led by love and to lead in love, we must be ready to accept not only the joy that accompanies that decision, but the difficulty as well. As love leads, know that you will experience trouble, but rejoice also in the blessings that are compounded by the love God has for us. And take comfort in the fact that the Lord suffered, too, in order that His love might lead you and me to be saved.
"Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore the forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or the left, that you may be sucessful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:6-9 I really like this and wanted to share it as it is a promise God made to Joshua son of Nun and as we serve our Lord, and do His will, he will give us victory over the evil one ! Looking forward to worshiping our Lord with our church family this Sabbath !
Happy Sabbath! As we prepare for worship this morning, may God's love lead us to worship in spirit and in truth as, through that same love, we impart to one another our own lives, because we have become very dear to one another.
"Love leads." In our passages this week, we see three leaders (Moses, Jesus and Paul) all motivated to lead because of their love for God's people. Moses' love for his people made it possible for him to steadfastly lead his people to Moab, where he was able to climb Mount Nebo and look and see the land God had promised to His people from Pisgah's heights. Jesus loved His people enough to be their Messiah, and to fulfill that role in spite of the pain and suffering it entailed. Paul loved God's people enough to share the gospel, even in the face of great opposition, because "Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well" (1 Thessalonians 2:7b-8). Love is the ultimate motivation from which to lead because it allows a leader to put others ahead of him or herself. I am thankful for those who have led me in this way, for through them I came to hear the gospel as they both spoke and lived it, knowing that true love leads.
ReplyDeleteOops! Hit 'publish' too soon. The question I had in mind is, "Where has love led you?"
DeleteThe love for my child is what led me back to the church after falling away from the church that I grew up in and stepping into a "life" that was far from true living.
DeleteI still spent many years not willing to die to myself, though, and it wasn't until fairly recently that I obeyed that call and discovered what it means to have the love of Christ in my heart. Now I find myself lead by His love each day, praying for others and encouraging them by sharing His Word, willingly taking on the opportunities that He provides to meet others' physical needs, submitting to my husband in our marriage, etc.
What's so amazing is that the more I let myself be led by that pure love -- giving up my prideful and self-centered attitude and allowing Him to fill me with love such as Paul described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 -- the more joyful I become!
About a half hour ago, I would of answered this question differently. As I was waiting in the waiting room for a procedure that my husband is getting, I noticed an elderly man named Bob sitting there reading his bible and underlining scripture. God called me to go talk with him. We had a great conversation and I read some scripture to him from my bible. God called me to share His love with this gentleman. We ended with a hand shake, I told him that I will pray for his wife and he said "God bless you." After Bob left the room, I thought about that statement. I am blessed ! Blessed and honored to share God's love with others.
DeleteThank you, Stacey (or, more accurately, thank you, Holy Spirit), for letting us know how God is at work, leading is to lead. How exciting and humbling to see God at work in us that way!
DeletePerhaps your question was rhetorical, but the first thought that came to my mind was the people of our church. I have cried on so many shoulders, had full-out anxiety attacks in their presence, and struggled with issues in kitchens and offices, but my church family has always been faithful in leading me. They have prayed with me and for me, contacted me privately, and led me into a deeper knowledge of God's truth through the years. I'm truly thankful for you, Pastor, and for all those others that are so strong in their faith that they lead with love and compassion without even realizing it with both their words and their lives.
ReplyDeleteFinishing well
ReplyDeleteMoses Finished Well, in Faithful Service
Deuteronomy 34: 7 Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim nor his natural vigor diminished. . . . . 10 But since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.
How many of us at 120 will still have both clear vision and strong bodies?
Was Moses resurrected? Jude 9, Transfiguration of Jesus.
Psalm 90 (Attributed to Moses) 17 And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.
Jesus Finished Well, in Debate
Matthew 22: You shall love the LORD your God . . .‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” ‘The LORD said to my Lord , . . . If David then calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his Son?” 46 And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore.
Paul Finished Well, with the Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 2: 7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives,because you had become dear to us.
Will We Finish Well?
Matthew 25:21: His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
This is a very good "weave" of the three passages, and produces an excellent opportunity to reflect deeply about how we are doing when it comes to running the race. It calls us to join Paul in knowing that we are In a marathon, not a sprint, and that the last mile is as important as the first. "Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12)
Delete"Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." (Psalm 90:1-2) The Lord leads us because He loves us. One of the amazing things we are reminded of in Psalm 90 is that He has ALWAYS loved us, because from everlasting to everlasting He is God, who does not change. He created our inmost being; He knit us together in the womb. His plans were laid for us before we were created, and His plan was to lead us to Himself. No matter where we find ourselves, "there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." (Psalm 139:10) Therefore we too can be secure in the Lord and say, "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24)
ReplyDeleteThe author of Psalm 90 calls on the Lord to show compassion to His people in spite of their shortcomings. He goes on in verse 17 to write, "May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands." Now, most of the time you and I probably think of the work of our hands as being established by, well, our work. And that is certainly true of much that we accomplish. But the Lord loves us, and because of that He is leading us to establish a lasting work, one which has eternal significance and thus glorifies God. Certainly the day-to-day work we do is honorable and in doing it well we glorify the Lord, but it is, for the most part, transient. There is a lasting work we are led to, however, a legacy if you will, that is established through the Lord's favor. We are witnesses to that as we lead our children to Christ. We see that when the Lord uses us to communicate the gospel to our friends, family and acquaintances. That legacy is established as we invest our time, talents and treasures in missions so as to spread the good news to all who belong to the Lord. He is the one who establishes the work of our hands in a way that lasts, and He is leading us, even now, to do so. How is that happening in your life today?
ReplyDelete"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’" (Matthew 22:37-39) Here is another thing that love leads us to do. Jesus explained to His listeners that the commandments are ultimately founded on God. The first three tell us how to show our love for God. The fourth reveals God's love for us, directs us in our loving response, and commands us to love others in the same way. The last six tell us how to show our love for those around us. But until we recognize and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, respond to the love God has shown us, we have no hope of keeping those commands. Thus the love that leads us to love others begins with God first loving us. Romans 5:8 says just this: "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." We are lead to love because that is where God's love leads us. I do not and cannot love as God does with my own strength, but I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. As you love others today, be reminded of the One who first loved you, and whose love leads you to love.
ReplyDeleteAt the end of Deuteronomy we read the story of Moses' death. Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land because he struck the rock instead of speaking to it (Numbers 20:8-12). Just as the other Israelites who died in the wilderness because of their unbelief, so too would Moses. "Because you have not believed Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them." (Numbers 20:12). Instead of trusting that God would provide water when Moses spoke to the rock, Moses chose to strike it. Some teachers think that 1 Corinthians 10:4 alludes to the idea that the rock Moses struck was Christ, and that God was not well-pleased with Moses because of this. That may or may not be the case, but we don't need that passage to understand that Moses was prevented from entering the Land because he did not fully trust God, at least for a moment. This is an important reminder for us because, when it comes to being led by love, the only way that can happen is if we trust God completely. If we put our faith in anyone or anything else, we will be led astray and will neither lead nor love.
ReplyDeleteNumbers 20:10,11: And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the Rock; and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this Rock? 11 Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the Rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank.
ReplyDelete”This was Moses’ problem:
He was disobedient: Told to speak to the Rock, he struck it – twice .
His motivation was wrath and judgment -- prerogatives of God alone.
He claimed the credit – Must WE bring water out of the Rock?
Do we ever have some or all of these problems?
"We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition." (1 Thessalonians 2:2) It probably has not been lost on those of you who have read the passages for this week that one thing they hold in common is the element of suffering. Moses suffered as he was led by love. Jesus suffered as He was led by love. Paul suffered as he was led by love. The call to love sacrificially is wrapped up in all three of these passages, and sacrifice involves suffering. As we seek to be led by love and to lead in love, we must be ready to accept not only the joy that accompanies that decision, but the difficulty as well. As love leads, know that you will experience trouble, but rejoice also in the blessings that are compounded by the love God has for us. And take comfort in the fact that the Lord suffered, too, in order that His love might lead you and me to be saved.
ReplyDelete"Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore the forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or the left, that you may be sucessful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:6-9 I really like this and wanted to share it as it is a promise God made to Joshua son of Nun and as we serve our Lord, and do His will, he will give us victory over the evil one ! Looking forward to worshiping our Lord with our church family this Sabbath !
ReplyDeleteHappy Sabbath! As we prepare for worship this morning, may God's love lead us to worship in spirit and in truth as, through that same love, we impart to one another our own lives, because we have become very dear to one another.
ReplyDelete