Take Up Your Cross

Take Up Your Cross

He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Mark 8:34

 

I had not eaten since late afternoon yesterday. I broke that fast this morning at breakfast with my son and his girlfriend. Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the first day of the Lenten season. During Lent it is traditional to give up something that we enjoy. We will fast. We will not, with the help of God, break that fast until Easter Sunday.

 

But, no matter what it is that we give up for Lent, we ought not think of it as a sacrifice. There is nothing that can compare to the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for us. It is - a mere test of our own self-discipline. In the end, if we are honest with ourselves, we will say, I cannot pick up my own cross and follow Jesus to his cross. May God help me! And, he has. He will be with you no matter how large or small your cross is.

 

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matt 11:28-30

God's Peace - Pr. J 

Acts 20:1-6 Mission Field Is Large

Acts 20:1-6 NIV
The mission field is large. It is where you are. It is all around you. It is world-wide. There was an awful lot of area for those first disciples to cover; a lot of people to reach. Paul spent his ministry trying to reach all of them with the Good News of the Kingdom. After encouraging the disciples who served with him in Ephesus, he left them and set out to encourage others with the Good News of the Kingdom.

I was in a small group not long ago when the question was asked what we should do if our attempts to share God's peace with someone are rebuffed. Here is the answer that I hear from scripture: shake the dust off of your feet; shake the dust out of your clothes (Mark 6:10-12, Acts 18:6); and thank God that for the blessing of peace that has returned to you (Matthew 10:12-14) even as you move on to share the Good News with someone who needs and will hear it. The mission field is; after all, quite large. Sharing the Good News is a win/win for those who share it. If it is received, we have gained a brother or sister. If it is not, we have the peace of God which we have tried to bless others with. Do not fear to share the Good News. Do not be afraid to be rebuffed. The Lord is with you. His peace is a blessing to you.

The mission field is large. There are still a lot of people to reach. Our mission is not something that happens just in the sanctuary of our churches where we feel safe. Our mission will take us out into the world sharing the Good News of the Kingdom in Christ Jesus and encouraging others in the faith.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 21:1-4 The Widow's Mite

Luke 21:1-4 NIV
As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."

One of my least favorite things that happens within congregations is the public recognition of designated gifts to the congregation. It occurs very rarely at Zion. The gifting occurs, for sure; but, we don't normally publically lift up a person(s) who gives large gifts. The last large gift that was recognized happened years ago at the dedication of the addition to the church building; which included a library, office, three Sunday School rooms, and an elevator. The addition was a gift from someone who had never even attended Worship at Zion. The giver of this very large donation desired to remain anonymous. But, as he wished, we recognized God who gave this tremendous gift through him. We thanked God for the gift and for him, whom He used to give the congregation this gift.

The reason we don't normally recognize gifts or givers publically can be found in the parable of the widow's mite. First off, we are a small congregation and simply don't have the resources (time, energy, talent) to be able to track and recognize all of the gifts, both big and small. And... big and small is where the real problem comes in. Does there have to be a specific amount for the gift to be recognized? What about the person who gives less; but, their less is more? What about the one who gives a dollar or two; yet, they will be fasting in order to give that gift? Do we ignore their gift? Are we not thankful for every copper coin that is given for God's mission and His glory?

It is good to give; but, we should give to the glory of God and not ourselves.

God's Peace - Pr. J