Humble Servanthood
John 13.12-17
12When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13"You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
The sermon during the worship service at our church today mentioned the practice of footwashing. I began thinking, “What is the whole point of footwashing?” The preacher said, “It’s not about gathering in a circle and making sure everyone gets ‘done.’” I thought, “That’s right; it’s about teaching servanthood.” I then qualified that with humble servanthood.
Christ’s demonstration of washing his disciples feet was to teach them that ‘no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” Jesus was setting an example that, as Christians, we must serve others in a position of lowliness.
That is such a foreign concept in our society today, as I’m sure it was to the disciples. Every generation thinks, “What’s in it for me? How will this make me happy?” This line of thinking has destroyed the concept of community, it has eaten away at marriages, and it has brought pain to our nation. Unfortunately, our society is very individualistic. This sources from a lack of discipline in carrying out our freedoms effectively. We are so blessed with individual freedom as described by the Constitution, but we forget that we are also expected to help others. Each man has a right to his own property, but that does not mean he ought not share his property.
This is what humble servanthood is all about: considering others’ needs and acting on those needs accordingly. The humble part will come naturally. When you begin to serve others, you take on a state of humbleness. As the disciples washed Jesus’ feet, they probably soon realized the amount of humility and love which is shown by the act. Footwashing is a powerful reminder of the sort of servanthood we ought to demonstrate to everyone, including other Christians.
Are you acting in humble servanthood today? If not, pray that the Lord would grant you the heart to be a humble servant, and pray for the opportunities to put that humbleness into practice. May the Lord lead you into wonderful acts of service that ultimately show the world that He is in us, so that they may see the gospel. As the light of the world, let us be servants to reflect the light of Christ. Amen.
With love in Christ,
Austin Aldrich
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Plenty A’ Sunshine
Plenty A’ Sunshine
Revelation 22.3-6
“3No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. 6The angel said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place."
There is nothing that brightens my mornings more than coming into the kitchen to be greeted by the early morning sun. The warmth and brightness melts any anger, hostility, gloom, or aggravation. I think, “God, what a wonderful day You’ve given; let it be for you.”
The Bible teaches us that in the future, God Himself will be the only sun we need. Revelation says that “the Lord will give [His children] light” in place of “the light of a lamp or the light of the sun.” Imagine, now, if the sun truly were the face of God. Wouldn’t that make the sunshine that more glorious? How different our lives would be if we were aware at all times that God was shining down upon us, feeding us each day.
The truth is that this is exactly the case. As Christians, we should rejoice in the fact that the Lord is our Sun. He is “the sun of righteousness” (Micah 4.2). Beloved, Christ ought to bring healing, warmth, and joy into our lives, just like the sun. Unfortunately, we allow the clouds of sin and negativity to block the Lord. But Christ is still there, waiting for us to part the clouds and open our hearts up to Him once again.
As you go through your day, think of Christ beaming down on you. One day, His face will literally shine on us. For now, He shines in our hearts. Is Jesus shining in your heart today? If not, tear back the curtains of sin and allow the sunshine of God to envelop your life. May He swallow you with joy and peace that strengthens you each day to accomplish His will. Amen.
With love in Christ,
Austin Aldrich
Revelation 22.3-6
“3No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. 6The angel said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place."
There is nothing that brightens my mornings more than coming into the kitchen to be greeted by the early morning sun. The warmth and brightness melts any anger, hostility, gloom, or aggravation. I think, “God, what a wonderful day You’ve given; let it be for you.”
The Bible teaches us that in the future, God Himself will be the only sun we need. Revelation says that “the Lord will give [His children] light” in place of “the light of a lamp or the light of the sun.” Imagine, now, if the sun truly were the face of God. Wouldn’t that make the sunshine that more glorious? How different our lives would be if we were aware at all times that God was shining down upon us, feeding us each day.
The truth is that this is exactly the case. As Christians, we should rejoice in the fact that the Lord is our Sun. He is “the sun of righteousness” (Micah 4.2). Beloved, Christ ought to bring healing, warmth, and joy into our lives, just like the sun. Unfortunately, we allow the clouds of sin and negativity to block the Lord. But Christ is still there, waiting for us to part the clouds and open our hearts up to Him once again.
As you go through your day, think of Christ beaming down on you. One day, His face will literally shine on us. For now, He shines in our hearts. Is Jesus shining in your heart today? If not, tear back the curtains of sin and allow the sunshine of God to envelop your life. May He swallow you with joy and peace that strengthens you each day to accomplish His will. Amen.
With love in Christ,
Austin Aldrich
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Helping Others in Need Through Giving
Helping Others in Need Through Giving
James 1.27
27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Luke 12.33-34
“33Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
As I watched the devastation in Haiti, I was pleased by the outreach of the Church. It is during these times of great need that the world sees just how much Christ gives. He gives through us, beloved. Our giving is reflective of Him. If we give selflessly, God will be seen by the world as generous and merciful. But if we do not give, the world will see a bitter and selfish God who cares nothing for the needs and salvation of His people.
That is why it is so important that we help others in need through giving. As Christians, we are commanded by our Lord to give. He tells us to “sell [our] possessions and give to the poor.” We are also to “look after orphans and widows in their distress.” These sorts of giving, the Scripture teaches us, is “religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless.” Sadly, however, we are not giving enough. In a time when the Church has more money, more resources, and more access to those in need, we are giving less than we are capable.
I want us to be careful here, because the natural response to this argument is, “I don’t have any money to give.” That is precisely the thing we must not say. Notice that we can give in many ways. The Christians in Haiti and in Africa and all over the world are giving through ministering and through their time and effort in various volunteer work. Christians here are giving through fasting and prayer, with money and resources such as canned goods, Bibles, and other necessities. And yes, many are making monetary contributions. But the focus is the same—we are obeying our Lord by giving out of our hearts and, as Pastor David Platt puts it, “not out of our guilt. “ 2 Corinthians 9.7 tells us that “each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” I encourage you to read 2 Corinthians 9, for the whole chapter deals with the giving of the Church at Corinth and the impact that has on the Church and the world. The bottom line is that regardless of how the Lord tells us to give, whatever the Holy Spirit lays on our hearts, we should give out of love and compassion. We should give out of the love with which Christ first loved us. 1 John 4.11 says this: “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
I hope you are giving out of love to others. Whether they are strangers or friends, give to the needy in some way. Whether it be our prayers, money and possessions, donations, missionary work, or anything else, let us show the world the great and merciful love of Christ. Let us follow Jesus’ command; let us give! Amen.
With love in Christ,
Austin Aldrich
James 1.27
27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Luke 12.33-34
“33Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
As I watched the devastation in Haiti, I was pleased by the outreach of the Church. It is during these times of great need that the world sees just how much Christ gives. He gives through us, beloved. Our giving is reflective of Him. If we give selflessly, God will be seen by the world as generous and merciful. But if we do not give, the world will see a bitter and selfish God who cares nothing for the needs and salvation of His people.
That is why it is so important that we help others in need through giving. As Christians, we are commanded by our Lord to give. He tells us to “sell [our] possessions and give to the poor.” We are also to “look after orphans and widows in their distress.” These sorts of giving, the Scripture teaches us, is “religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless.” Sadly, however, we are not giving enough. In a time when the Church has more money, more resources, and more access to those in need, we are giving less than we are capable.
I want us to be careful here, because the natural response to this argument is, “I don’t have any money to give.” That is precisely the thing we must not say. Notice that we can give in many ways. The Christians in Haiti and in Africa and all over the world are giving through ministering and through their time and effort in various volunteer work. Christians here are giving through fasting and prayer, with money and resources such as canned goods, Bibles, and other necessities. And yes, many are making monetary contributions. But the focus is the same—we are obeying our Lord by giving out of our hearts and, as Pastor David Platt puts it, “not out of our guilt. “ 2 Corinthians 9.7 tells us that “each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” I encourage you to read 2 Corinthians 9, for the whole chapter deals with the giving of the Church at Corinth and the impact that has on the Church and the world. The bottom line is that regardless of how the Lord tells us to give, whatever the Holy Spirit lays on our hearts, we should give out of love and compassion. We should give out of the love with which Christ first loved us. 1 John 4.11 says this: “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
I hope you are giving out of love to others. Whether they are strangers or friends, give to the needy in some way. Whether it be our prayers, money and possessions, donations, missionary work, or anything else, let us show the world the great and merciful love of Christ. Let us follow Jesus’ command; let us give! Amen.
With love in Christ,
Austin Aldrich
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Be Patient in Suffering, Earnest in Prayer
Be Patient in Suffering, Earnest in Prayer
James 5.7-11; 16-18
7Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. 9Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 10Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. 17Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
When we suffer, we often make ourselves miserable. The misery is not always caused by the suffering itself, but by our unwillingness to turn our situation over to the Lord. I have heard many stories of people losing their faith because they wondered, “Why, God?” And yet the strongest people I know are the people who pray the strongest through trials, temptation, and the suffering that accommodates both. It is the people who keep getting hit and beaten down by life, and yet rise up again because they trust in the Lord through their tough times who understand well that we must be patient in times of suffering, and all the while be earnest in prayer.
That is what James 5 urges us to do. It is no coincidence that he mentions patience and prayer in the same chapter—the two walk hand in hand. He tells us to “be patient and stand firm.” He gives us an example of patience by “the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.” He then goes on to mention one prophet specifically, Elijah. Truly Elijah makes James’ statement ring true: “the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” Elijah, though he suffered, also prayed earnestly “That it would not rain” and that later it would rain.
Beloved, this is how we are to get through suffering. We must be like Elijah. We must pray, and we must trust God’s supply. Many of us like to groan and make a pity party, hoping others will see us. But as children of God, we must occupy our suffering with prayer and thanksgiving to God, just like Job.
So then, let us be patient and pray while we endure suffering. You will not find many examples in the Bible of a godly man or woman who did not pray during suffering. Moses, King David, Job, Elijah, Jesus, Paul, and many other people of God all prayed. We need to do the same. While patience involves waiting, prayer does not. We should be quick to pray. The moment we see ourselves in a situation where trouble could come, let us turn to Jesus.
Be quick to pray in all things, beloved! Whatever is on your mind, pray about it! I am convinced God gives us dreams, memories, thoughts, and that he puts others in our lives for the purpose of prayer for them and for their situations. If you have not been quick to pray, begin today. Ask the Lord for a heart that is quick to pray and that is “slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1.19). Pray earnestly in your suffering, beloved. Tell the Lord, “I’m struggling, Jesus. Help me with my needs.” Surround yourself with the Lord in times of trouble. Be intimate with Him. Talk to Him, worship Him, and read His word. He will help you through your tough times. Amen.
With love in Christ,
Austin Aldrich
James 5.7-11; 16-18
7Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. 9Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 10Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. 17Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
When we suffer, we often make ourselves miserable. The misery is not always caused by the suffering itself, but by our unwillingness to turn our situation over to the Lord. I have heard many stories of people losing their faith because they wondered, “Why, God?” And yet the strongest people I know are the people who pray the strongest through trials, temptation, and the suffering that accommodates both. It is the people who keep getting hit and beaten down by life, and yet rise up again because they trust in the Lord through their tough times who understand well that we must be patient in times of suffering, and all the while be earnest in prayer.
That is what James 5 urges us to do. It is no coincidence that he mentions patience and prayer in the same chapter—the two walk hand in hand. He tells us to “be patient and stand firm.” He gives us an example of patience by “the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.” He then goes on to mention one prophet specifically, Elijah. Truly Elijah makes James’ statement ring true: “the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” Elijah, though he suffered, also prayed earnestly “That it would not rain” and that later it would rain.
Beloved, this is how we are to get through suffering. We must be like Elijah. We must pray, and we must trust God’s supply. Many of us like to groan and make a pity party, hoping others will see us. But as children of God, we must occupy our suffering with prayer and thanksgiving to God, just like Job.
So then, let us be patient and pray while we endure suffering. You will not find many examples in the Bible of a godly man or woman who did not pray during suffering. Moses, King David, Job, Elijah, Jesus, Paul, and many other people of God all prayed. We need to do the same. While patience involves waiting, prayer does not. We should be quick to pray. The moment we see ourselves in a situation where trouble could come, let us turn to Jesus.
Be quick to pray in all things, beloved! Whatever is on your mind, pray about it! I am convinced God gives us dreams, memories, thoughts, and that he puts others in our lives for the purpose of prayer for them and for their situations. If you have not been quick to pray, begin today. Ask the Lord for a heart that is quick to pray and that is “slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1.19). Pray earnestly in your suffering, beloved. Tell the Lord, “I’m struggling, Jesus. Help me with my needs.” Surround yourself with the Lord in times of trouble. Be intimate with Him. Talk to Him, worship Him, and read His word. He will help you through your tough times. Amen.
With love in Christ,
Austin Aldrich
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Live as You Were Called
Live as You Were Called
1 Peter 1.13-16
13Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
God calls Christians to live a certain lifestyle. We are to be holy, set apart to Him. 1 Peter explains that we are to “be holy in all [we] do.” This means that our lives must conform to Christ's standards. That is never easy. The scripture says it requires us to “prepare our minds for action,” for us to “be self-controlled,” and for us to “set [our] hope fully on the grace to be given [us] when Jesus Christ is revealed.” Those are heavy demands, but they are necessary for holy living in the eyes of God.
Beloved, if we are to live as God called us, we must take holy living seriously. How do we implement this? We are told to be “obedient children” and to “not conform to the evil desires [we] had when [we] lived in ignorance.” This requires active participation. Merely coasting through life is exactly the opposite of what Christ demands in holy living. We are to actively “be holy in all [we] do.” Active holiness requires we consider every action we do. Does it line up with scripture? Would Christ do/think/say it?
When we begin to act out holiness, something quite special happens. Our mindset changes. Holiness begins to ooze out of us. It becomes easier and easier to do the will of God. That is not to say that the tasks themselves are any easier. Quite the contrary, holiness will increase in its demands. As reflections of Christ, we become holy because He is holy. Christ suddenly becomes reflected much more abundantly in our lives.
Are you living in seriousness about holiness today? The Lord commands us to do so. We must live as we were called by Christ, and that means we must live not in sin, but in virtue. Live as Christ commanded you, beloved. If you have not been doing so, make it right with Him today. Ask for holiness in your life, so that you may reflect Christ in holiness. Amen.
With love in Christ,
Austin Aldrich
1 Peter 1.13-16
13Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
God calls Christians to live a certain lifestyle. We are to be holy, set apart to Him. 1 Peter explains that we are to “be holy in all [we] do.” This means that our lives must conform to Christ's standards. That is never easy. The scripture says it requires us to “prepare our minds for action,” for us to “be self-controlled,” and for us to “set [our] hope fully on the grace to be given [us] when Jesus Christ is revealed.” Those are heavy demands, but they are necessary for holy living in the eyes of God.
Beloved, if we are to live as God called us, we must take holy living seriously. How do we implement this? We are told to be “obedient children” and to “not conform to the evil desires [we] had when [we] lived in ignorance.” This requires active participation. Merely coasting through life is exactly the opposite of what Christ demands in holy living. We are to actively “be holy in all [we] do.” Active holiness requires we consider every action we do. Does it line up with scripture? Would Christ do/think/say it?
When we begin to act out holiness, something quite special happens. Our mindset changes. Holiness begins to ooze out of us. It becomes easier and easier to do the will of God. That is not to say that the tasks themselves are any easier. Quite the contrary, holiness will increase in its demands. As reflections of Christ, we become holy because He is holy. Christ suddenly becomes reflected much more abundantly in our lives.
Are you living in seriousness about holiness today? The Lord commands us to do so. We must live as we were called by Christ, and that means we must live not in sin, but in virtue. Live as Christ commanded you, beloved. If you have not been doing so, make it right with Him today. Ask for holiness in your life, so that you may reflect Christ in holiness. Amen.
With love in Christ,
Austin Aldrich
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Christ Knows the Way
Christ Knows the Way
John 10.1-10
1"I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. 3The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." 6Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them. 7Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Many people feel lost these days. In spite of all the technology in our lives, sometimes we feel like we just can't navigate our way. We can travel around the world, know every path to every place on Earth, but still we feel lost. Sadly, even Christians can sometimes experience this sadness. Thankfully, we are told by Jesus that He knows the way. He says that He “is the shepherd of his sheep.” He “leads [His sheep] out” of the pen and into the place He knows best. Beloved, wouldn't our lives be so much more peaceful if we merely realized that Jesus is leading us where He knows best?
What do we need to do to follow His voice? He says that “His sheep follow Him because they know His voice.” If we want Christ to direct us, we need to learn His voice. You learn someone's voice by speaking to them. How do you speak to God? He communicates with us through His word. He communicates through prayer by the movement of the Holy Spirit. He works through others in our lives. His voice is the Holy Spirit. The more we begin to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, the more we will learn His voice. When we know He is speaking, we will be quick and precise to act. What happens then? When we take action, we move. And we do not merely move randomly, but in the direction God has planned for us. Like sheep, we are led to “find pasture.” We receive “life,” and we “have it to the full.” A man at my church says that some versions of Scripture substitute the word “full” for “abundant,” implying that God's life is overflowing in us, not simply full.
That is an incredibly wonderful and powerful thing. When God leads us and overflows in our lives, we are destined to accomplish His will and remain in His love. We are lead in His will. His plans become our plans. Suddenly we do not feel so lost anymore. We believe our lives have purpose, and that Christ is directing that purpose through every seemingly random act and every seemingly planned act. As you go through your day, remember Christ is leading you. Where and how may not always be known to us as the sheep, but rest assured in full comfort that the Shepard knows the way. He will lead us to “find pasture.” He will lead us home. Amen.
With love in Christ,
Austin Aldrich
John 10.1-10
1"I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. 3The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." 6Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them. 7Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Many people feel lost these days. In spite of all the technology in our lives, sometimes we feel like we just can't navigate our way. We can travel around the world, know every path to every place on Earth, but still we feel lost. Sadly, even Christians can sometimes experience this sadness. Thankfully, we are told by Jesus that He knows the way. He says that He “is the shepherd of his sheep.” He “leads [His sheep] out” of the pen and into the place He knows best. Beloved, wouldn't our lives be so much more peaceful if we merely realized that Jesus is leading us where He knows best?
What do we need to do to follow His voice? He says that “His sheep follow Him because they know His voice.” If we want Christ to direct us, we need to learn His voice. You learn someone's voice by speaking to them. How do you speak to God? He communicates with us through His word. He communicates through prayer by the movement of the Holy Spirit. He works through others in our lives. His voice is the Holy Spirit. The more we begin to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, the more we will learn His voice. When we know He is speaking, we will be quick and precise to act. What happens then? When we take action, we move. And we do not merely move randomly, but in the direction God has planned for us. Like sheep, we are led to “find pasture.” We receive “life,” and we “have it to the full.” A man at my church says that some versions of Scripture substitute the word “full” for “abundant,” implying that God's life is overflowing in us, not simply full.
That is an incredibly wonderful and powerful thing. When God leads us and overflows in our lives, we are destined to accomplish His will and remain in His love. We are lead in His will. His plans become our plans. Suddenly we do not feel so lost anymore. We believe our lives have purpose, and that Christ is directing that purpose through every seemingly random act and every seemingly planned act. As you go through your day, remember Christ is leading you. Where and how may not always be known to us as the sheep, but rest assured in full comfort that the Shepard knows the way. He will lead us to “find pasture.” He will lead us home. Amen.
With love in Christ,
Austin Aldrich
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Christian Forgiveness
Christian Forgiveness
Matthew 6.14-15
14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 18.21-27
21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" 22Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. 23"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' 27The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
What is this Christian business of forgiveness? It is one of the most healing, powerful, and Christ-like acts we can do. I am speaking of a Christian's forgiveness of his fellow man. This is an act we are called by our Lord to do. It is not optional, nor is always convenient, but it is a command from the Lord. The Good Lord tells us to “forgive men when they sin against [us].” Notice there is no degree of wrongdoing involved—He expects ALL sins to be forgiven. There is no limit to forgiveness, either. We are to forgive our neighbor “seventy-seven times” (some translations say the more familiar 'seventy times seven).
With no restrictions on forgiveness, Jesus obviously places it as a top priority in a Christian's life. It is so important that our Father tells us that “if [we] do not forgive men their sins, [our] Father will not forgive [our] sins.” Now, this is a very troubling matter, for it seems that our salvation itself depends upon it. However, as one commentator implies, Christ is actually moving closer towards us when we do not forgive our brother(http://bible.org/article/issue-forgiveness-sermon-mount). He pulls on our hearts, He makes us unable to sleep at night, He makes our stomachs rather upset and our minds always preoccupied. He makes us miserable so that we must forgive our brother. Eventually, we repent our transgressions and release the hostility, forgiving our brother. Sometimes it is a few days, but I have seen it linger on for decades. This is not healthy, beloved. Christ calls us to forgive each other, simply and purely. No strings attached.
When we forgive one another, we are like the rich king who forgave his servant's debt: we pardon the payment and show love to our neighbor, but that does not imply that we forget the servant was unable to pay. And that, I think, is quite a valuable lesson. When we forgive, we learn of each other's weaknesses. Not so that we may hold further grudges, but that we may build one another up in Christ to prevent any further transgressions. We ought take note of our own weaknesses as well, urging our brothers and sisters to forgive us when we know that we ourselves have committed a blunder.
Humans are not perfect, but through Christ we are being made perfect. Nevertheless, if we are to make it through this spinning blue and green rock of temptation, we need to learn to forgive our neighbor. One ought look deeply into his own heart, examining whether there is anyone who needs forgiving, or if we need to be forgiven. Examine your hearts. What is inside? Allow the Lord to mold you into a ministry of forgiveness and peace. Amen.
With love in Christ,
Austin Aldrich
Matthew 6.14-15
14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 18.21-27
21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" 22Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. 23"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' 27The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
What is this Christian business of forgiveness? It is one of the most healing, powerful, and Christ-like acts we can do. I am speaking of a Christian's forgiveness of his fellow man. This is an act we are called by our Lord to do. It is not optional, nor is always convenient, but it is a command from the Lord. The Good Lord tells us to “forgive men when they sin against [us].” Notice there is no degree of wrongdoing involved—He expects ALL sins to be forgiven. There is no limit to forgiveness, either. We are to forgive our neighbor “seventy-seven times” (some translations say the more familiar 'seventy times seven).
With no restrictions on forgiveness, Jesus obviously places it as a top priority in a Christian's life. It is so important that our Father tells us that “if [we] do not forgive men their sins, [our] Father will not forgive [our] sins.” Now, this is a very troubling matter, for it seems that our salvation itself depends upon it. However, as one commentator implies, Christ is actually moving closer towards us when we do not forgive our brother(http://bible.org/article/issue-forgiveness-sermon-mount). He pulls on our hearts, He makes us unable to sleep at night, He makes our stomachs rather upset and our minds always preoccupied. He makes us miserable so that we must forgive our brother. Eventually, we repent our transgressions and release the hostility, forgiving our brother. Sometimes it is a few days, but I have seen it linger on for decades. This is not healthy, beloved. Christ calls us to forgive each other, simply and purely. No strings attached.
When we forgive one another, we are like the rich king who forgave his servant's debt: we pardon the payment and show love to our neighbor, but that does not imply that we forget the servant was unable to pay. And that, I think, is quite a valuable lesson. When we forgive, we learn of each other's weaknesses. Not so that we may hold further grudges, but that we may build one another up in Christ to prevent any further transgressions. We ought take note of our own weaknesses as well, urging our brothers and sisters to forgive us when we know that we ourselves have committed a blunder.
Humans are not perfect, but through Christ we are being made perfect. Nevertheless, if we are to make it through this spinning blue and green rock of temptation, we need to learn to forgive our neighbor. One ought look deeply into his own heart, examining whether there is anyone who needs forgiving, or if we need to be forgiven. Examine your hearts. What is inside? Allow the Lord to mold you into a ministry of forgiveness and peace. Amen.
With love in Christ,
Austin Aldrich
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