We will be looking at just one scripture passage this week as we join together for communion this week, but it's a good one! In the first section Paul reminds his readers that, when it came to works-righteousness, he was in pretty good shape ("faultless," he wrote). For some who are part of our covenant community that is probably true as well. They were, and are, pretty good people, as people go. We also know that "pretty good people" often have a hard time seeing the need for a Savior. They are, after allow, pretty good. But as we have considered many times, that assumes that God grades on a curve or uses a scale which is set to determine that we are at least 50.1% "good." We all know that this is not how things work. God does not grade on a curve. There is no such thing as "good enough." When Paul realized that he had his breakthrough moment, and was ready to turn to Jesus. What was your breakthrough moment? Take a few moments to thank God for that moment today.
When Paul compared the righteousness of his former life to "filthy rags" (or garbage), he was quoting from a passage in Isaiah. In Isaiah 64:6 we read, "For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away." Believe it or not, the larger context for this passage is a plea for mercy. But I suppose that makes sense, for it is the realization that there is nothing you and I can do to clean up the mess we have made which prompts us to turn to God. Isaiah looked around and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, realized that things as they stood were utterly hopeless for Israel. They weren't hopeless for God, though, and so Isaiah knelt before the only true source of righteousness and cried out, "But now, O LORD, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand. Do not be angry beyond measure, O LORD, Nor remember iniquity forever; Behold, look now, all of us are Your people." Isaiah 64:8-9). That was Isaiah's hope. That was Paul's hope. That is my hope. Where is your hope today?
I vividly recall a short illustrated talk I heard years ago: A chart showed a huge circle, totally white -- but with a small black dot in the middle. What do you see-- the white circle, or the black dot? No matter how "pure" our hearts, in God's eyes we're still faulty, with many more than one flaw.
Some thoughts on Communion: Bread, Wine Some thoughts about Communion: Think of the abuse involved: Bread: Seeds planted, rot, die, germs sprout, seedlings struggle through hard earth, pelted with rain, enduring hot sun, bowed with the wind, mowed down, threshed, ground up, beaten (kneaded), baked, broken, chewed, soaked with acid, digested. Wine: Branches pruned, clusters cut or plucked, fruit trampled and pressed, poured out, aged (?), drunk, absorbed. Great symbols!
"But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ." (Philippians 3:7) Paul was not blind; he could look back at what was behind him and see the benefits of being "circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless." (Philippians 3:5-6). His point, of course, is that as good as those things may have been, they were nothing in comparison to what he received when he left them behind. I have fond memories of my 1976 Pinto wagon, but that doesn't mean I want to give up my cushy Mercury Grand Marquis and drive around in a wheezy carbureted four-cylinder that rode like a lumber wagon. It is true that my Pinto got me from point "a" to point "b," but what I have now is far superior to what I had then. How much more so when it comes to the things of the Lord! Not everything about my life before I became a Christian was horrible, but nothing I had then compares to what I have now. What was good is now infinitely better; what was bad has been done away with, much to my relief. When Paul was Saul his life had certain advantages. There were perks that went along with being a Pharisee of Pharisees. But those gains pale in comparison to what he gained through Christ, as did mine. We have much to be thankful for as God has transformed our lives, allowing us to let go of what went before so that we can embrace the grace and peace we enjoy now, as well as the eternal life that awaits those who have been called by Christ. Give thanks today for all the ways in which what was once gain is now considered loss for the sake of Christ.
As we know more about the persecution of Christians around the world, we see that the “Body of Christ” is still being broken -- wounded, bruised, beaten, whipped -- and His “Blood” still being poured out-- slashing, stabbing, even bullet holes. Yet, the abuse of the “Body” still has its Redemptive value, for, wonder of wonders, so often in nations where persecution seems to be the worst, the “Church” is multiplying the fastest. This is so like Christ’s suffering for our Redemption. Yet, while God forsook Jesus on the Cross, He is never closer to the suffering Christian than in those final moments.
Building on Dr. Burdick's thoughts above regarding the persecuted church, we read in Philippians 3:10-11, "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead." Those who are persecuted for the sake of the gospel participate directly in His sufferings. They bear the burden of the cross through their persecution and, in many cases, martyrdom. But what role do we play in our luxury and privilege? How is it that we participate in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death? One way, at least, is to remember that, as Dr. Vic reminds us, we are all part of the same body. Paul says as much in 1 Corinthians 12:26, where we read, "And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it." The suffering experienced by Christians in China or the Middle East or Africa is our suffering, for we are all part of the same body. We may not experience it physically, but we can connect with those who are being persecuted emotionally and spiritually. Pray for those parts of the Body of Christ which are undergoing persecution for Christ. Support those ministries such as Samaritan's Purse and Voice of the Martyrs who are there working with and providing aid to those who are suffering in that way. Recognize in their suffering the cost of discipleship, and rejoice in the peace and freedom which await them (and us) in the future. As we partake of the Body of Christ this Sabbath, be mindful not only of the cost Jesus paid for our redemption, but the cost being paid even now by the redeemed.
Fagheddaboudit! (Philippians 3:12-14, paraphrased). Okay, what Paul actually wrote was, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." I've talked with lots of people about communion, and one of the things that invariably comes up is the guilt we can feel as the bread and wine are passed. We think ourselves unworthy. And indeed we are. That is the point of what Paul writes to the Philippians. WE aren't worthy. But Jesus is. We come to the table not in our righteousness, but in Jesus' righteousness. We come not because we are worthy, but because Jesus is. Of course you should spend some time making sure that things are "right" between you and God. Of course you should spend some time going to your brother or sister if there is anything standing between you in order to be reconciled. But know this: the heavy lifting is done. You have been justified through the blood of Christ, and therefore you are worthy. Forget what lies behind. Press on to what lies ahead. You have been called heavenward in Christ Jesus. Receive communion with joy, knowing that God has called you by name.
"This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24) This is the day, and we are called this morning to gather before God as His people, to receive once more His Son in remembrance of His death and resurrection. Take His body, broken for you. Take His blood, shed for you. Mourn the cost of your redemption, but rejoice that you are redeemed. "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary." (Psalm 107:2) Come, take this opportunity which lies before us, and together let us proclaim the Lord's death, until He comes. See you all soon.
Thank You for sharing scripture and your thought's about our Lord and Savior. I will be reading and making this a habit each Sabbath before coming to church. Looking forward to today.
We will be looking at just one scripture passage this week as we join together for communion this week, but it's a good one! In the first section Paul reminds his readers that, when it came to works-righteousness, he was in pretty good shape ("faultless," he wrote). For some who are part of our covenant community that is probably true as well. They were, and are, pretty good people, as people go. We also know that "pretty good people" often have a hard time seeing the need for a Savior. They are, after allow, pretty good. But as we have considered many times, that assumes that God grades on a curve or uses a scale which is set to determine that we are at least 50.1% "good." We all know that this is not how things work. God does not grade on a curve. There is no such thing as "good enough." When Paul realized that he had his breakthrough moment, and was ready to turn to Jesus. What was your breakthrough moment? Take a few moments to thank God for that moment today.
ReplyDeleteWhen Paul compared the righteousness of his former life to "filthy rags" (or garbage), he was quoting from a passage in Isaiah. In Isaiah 64:6 we read, "For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away." Believe it or not, the larger context for this passage is a plea for mercy. But I suppose that makes sense, for it is the realization that there is nothing you and I can do to clean up the mess we have made which prompts us to turn to God. Isaiah looked around and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, realized that things as they stood were utterly hopeless for Israel. They weren't hopeless for God, though, and so Isaiah knelt before the only true source of righteousness and cried out, "But now, O LORD, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand. Do not be angry beyond measure, O LORD, Nor remember iniquity forever; Behold, look now, all of us are Your people." Isaiah 64:8-9). That was Isaiah's hope. That was Paul's hope. That is my hope. Where is your hope today?
ReplyDeleteI vividly recall a short illustrated talk I heard years ago: A chart showed a huge circle, totally white -- but with a small black dot in the middle. What do you see-- the white circle, or the black dot? No matter how "pure" our hearts, in God's eyes we're still faulty, with many more than one flaw.
ReplyDeleteSome thoughts on Communion:
Bread, Wine
Some thoughts about Communion: Think of the abuse involved:
Bread: Seeds planted, rot, die, germs sprout, seedlings struggle through hard earth, pelted with rain, enduring hot sun, bowed with the wind, mowed down, threshed, ground up, beaten (kneaded), baked, broken, chewed, soaked with acid, digested.
Wine: Branches pruned, clusters cut or plucked, fruit trampled and pressed, poured out, aged (?), drunk, absorbed.
Great symbols!
"But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ." (Philippians 3:7) Paul was not blind; he could look back at what was behind him and see the benefits of being "circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless." (Philippians 3:5-6). His point, of course, is that as good as those things may have been, they were nothing in comparison to what he received when he left them behind. I have fond memories of my 1976 Pinto wagon, but that doesn't mean I want to give up my cushy Mercury Grand Marquis and drive around in a wheezy carbureted four-cylinder that rode like a lumber wagon. It is true that my Pinto got me from point "a" to point "b," but what I have now is far superior to what I had then. How much more so when it comes to the things of the Lord! Not everything about my life before I became a Christian was horrible, but nothing I had then compares to what I have now. What was good is now infinitely better; what was bad has been done away with, much to my relief. When Paul was Saul his life had certain advantages. There were perks that went along with being a Pharisee of Pharisees. But those gains pale in comparison to what he gained through Christ, as did mine. We have much to be thankful for as God has transformed our lives, allowing us to let go of what went before so that we can embrace the grace and peace we enjoy now, as well as the eternal life that awaits those who have been called by Christ. Give thanks today for all the ways in which what was once gain is now considered loss for the sake of Christ.
ReplyDeleteAs we know more about the persecution of Christians around the world, we see that the “Body of Christ” is still being broken -- wounded, bruised, beaten, whipped -- and His “Blood” still being poured out-- slashing, stabbing, even bullet holes. Yet, the abuse of the “Body” still has its Redemptive value, for, wonder of wonders, so often in nations where persecution seems to be the worst, the “Church” is multiplying the fastest. This is so like Christ’s suffering for our Redemption. Yet, while God forsook Jesus on the Cross, He is never closer to the suffering Christian than in those final moments.
ReplyDeleteBuilding on Dr. Burdick's thoughts above regarding the persecuted church, we read in Philippians 3:10-11, "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead." Those who are persecuted for the sake of the gospel participate directly in His sufferings. They bear the burden of the cross through their persecution and, in many cases, martyrdom. But what role do we play in our luxury and privilege? How is it that we participate in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death? One way, at least, is to remember that, as Dr. Vic reminds us, we are all part of the same body. Paul says as much in 1 Corinthians 12:26, where we read, "And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it." The suffering experienced by Christians in China or the Middle East or Africa is our suffering, for we are all part of the same body. We may not experience it physically, but we can connect with those who are being persecuted emotionally and spiritually. Pray for those parts of the Body of Christ which are undergoing persecution for Christ. Support those ministries such as Samaritan's Purse and Voice of the Martyrs who are there working with and providing aid to those who are suffering in that way. Recognize in their suffering the cost of discipleship, and rejoice in the peace and freedom which await them (and us) in the future. As we partake of the Body of Christ this Sabbath, be mindful not only of the cost Jesus paid for our redemption, but the cost being paid even now by the redeemed.
ReplyDeleteFagheddaboudit! (Philippians 3:12-14, paraphrased). Okay, what Paul actually wrote was, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." I've talked with lots of people about communion, and one of the things that invariably comes up is the guilt we can feel as the bread and wine are passed. We think ourselves unworthy. And indeed we are. That is the point of what Paul writes to the Philippians. WE aren't worthy. But Jesus is. We come to the table not in our righteousness, but in Jesus' righteousness. We come not because we are worthy, but because Jesus is. Of course you should spend some time making sure that things are "right" between you and God. Of course you should spend some time going to your brother or sister if there is anything standing between you in order to be reconciled. But know this: the heavy lifting is done. You have been justified through the blood of Christ, and therefore you are worthy. Forget what lies behind. Press on to what lies ahead. You have been called heavenward in Christ Jesus. Receive communion with joy, knowing that God has called you by name.
ReplyDelete"This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24) This is the day, and we are called this morning to gather before God as His people, to receive once more His Son in remembrance of His death and resurrection. Take His body, broken for you. Take His blood, shed for you. Mourn the cost of your redemption, but rejoice that you are redeemed. "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary." (Psalm 107:2) Come, take this opportunity which lies before us, and together let us proclaim the Lord's death, until He comes. See you all soon.
ReplyDeleteThank You for sharing scripture and your thought's about our Lord and Savior. I will be reading and making this a habit each Sabbath before coming to church. Looking forward to today.
ReplyDelete