James 3 Teachers

James 3 NIV

Youth praying with and for their teachers.

"We who teach will be judged more strictly." (vs 1) Although, my major was in education, I do not consider myself much of a teacher. It is included in my call; therefore, I teach. I teach cautiously and with the help of God. I pray that I do not damage anyone by teaching falsely. There are many others in my congregation who are more gifted at teaching than I and I thank God for them. This blog is, in a way, an attempt at teaching. However, I also attempt to keep the blogs short. They are mostly the first things that come to mind as I read the scriptures one chapter at a time. I cannot possibly cover everything that is possible to be taught each day in a blog. While they are meant to stimulate the readers thoughts, I am well aware that I have no immunity against making mistakes.

I confess that as this daily blog gets closer to the end of the Holy Bible and closer to the book of Revelation I am getting just a little apprehensive.  Revelation is something quite different. It is a vision and as such is full of symbolism, which should not be taken literally and about impossible to interpret since many of the events have not yet transpired. John's vision has already been interpreted in so many ways. They simply cannot all be right. I do not ascribe to the notion that there are opposing interpretations of  scripture; all equally valid. So, I have been praying for the last month or so, through a couple of books already, that God will guide me and I will more carefully listen through that upcoming and final book of Holy Scripture.

As teachers, we must be very cautious as to what we say and write. We are warned that teachers will be judged more strictly. As we do not wish to offend God or steer others in a way that they should not be going; we will be much more cautious in what we say as well as in what we do that others may come to know the joy of their salvation through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 21:1-16 Bound

Acts 21:1-16 NIV
One of the greatest hindrances that I have seen that keeps those who profess to be Christians is the fear that they may offend others with the truth. If they offend others, then they might not be as well liked as they would desire. Paul didn't worry about this. The truth was more important that popularity. Salvation of those he met was more important than whether they like him or not and Paul had more than a few enemies.

He knew he was headed for trouble when he headed for Jerusalem. He, himself, had so much as told the people at Ephesus that he was willing and even desired to move toward his death. His only concern was advancing the good news and ultimately the Kingdom of God. Here in Tyre, the prophet Agabus, warned that he would be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. The people, again, pleaded with Paul not to go. But, his heart and mind were set. He responded: “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (vs 13)

Are you willing to speak the truth? Are you willing to tell how much our Lord, Jesus Christ loved; was willing to die for us? Or are the things of this world like popularity more important to you than your neighbors salvation?

God's Peace - Pr. J

Mark 15:42-47 Conflict of Interest

Mark 15:42-47 NIV
There was a council member who abstained during the vote of the council of a small congregation. It was concerning the expenditure of about $100.00 for a non-essential item in the church. The budget was very small. The Pastor voted no as a similar item could be purchased for about $10.00 or less, citing poor stewardship. The rest of the council voted for the expenditure. But, this is not about stewardship. It is about why one council member would abstain. It was not a matter of conflict of interest for the council member to vote. Well, I guess there was a conflict of interest. He would not make a decision as a council member in order to stay on the good side of everyone. He simply did not want to offend the Pastor or the rest of the Council by voting against either one so he chose to do nothing. He just wanted to be a nice Lutheran and not offend anyone.

It was the hierarchy in the church that wanted Jesus out of their way. Yet, it was one council member who was willing to put his own life on the line and stand up for Jesus. Jesus was dead, so how was he going to know if Joseph of Arimathea stood by him? But, Joseph had hope in the Kingdom and it was important to Joseph that Jesus have a proper burial. He went to Pilate, knowing full well that the Council would find out, and asked for Jesus' body so that he could give Jesus' body a proper burial. Joseph was not afraid to do what he felt was right. Neither fear of Pilate or the other council members could keep him from doing what he felt he should and must do.

May God help us to do the right thing and not be afraid of what others will think of us or do to us when we stand up for Jesus.

God's Peace - Pr. J