Blessed to Give and Receive

Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).  While this is most certainly true, there is also great blessing in receiving.  What do we have as Christians that we have not received?  We have received great joy in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Romans 5:11).  1 Corinthians 2:12 states, "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God."  As we read God's Word, the Holy Spirit gives us wisdom and understanding.  All that we have has been freely given to us from God.

God has given us much that we have yet to receive.  There are often conditions which must be met before we can receive what God freely offers.  If we will be honest, we are not always initially willing to meet His conditions.  Whether it be pride, ignorance, or foolishness, no one hinders us from receiving of God's goodness more than ourselves.  A prime example of this is seen in the upper room when Jesus girded Himself with a towel, taking the lowest role of a servant, and washed the disciples' feet.  When Jesus approached Peter to wash his feet, Peter would have none of that!  John 13:6-8 tells us, "Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, "Lord, are You washing my feet?" ⁷ Jesus answered and said to him, "What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this." ⁸ Peter said to Him, "You shall never wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me."

Given the culture of the day, it is unlikely that Peter took issue with someone washing his feet.  He took issue with the idea of His Master, Jesus the Messiah, washing his feet!  Being the Master, this should not be done!  Peter didn't understand.  It didn't make any sense.  He flatly refused to submit to Jesus washing him.  "You shall never wash my feet!"  Then Jesus said, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with me."  Being washed by Christ was a condition of identifying, following, and being a partaker in His kingdom.  After hearing this, Peter backpedaled.  If that was the case, Peter asked that Jesus wash not only his feet, but his hands and head.  Peter was loyal to Jesus and loved Him.  He did not want Jesus to embrace dishonour by stooping to the role of a slave, for He was the Son of God.  But those who would honour Christ must obey Him.  They must submit to being washed by Him.

John 13:12-17 reads, "So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? ¹³ You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. ¹⁴ If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. ¹⁵ For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. ¹⁶ Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. ¹⁷ If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them."  When Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, He gave them a living illustration and example.  He was their Lord, supreme in authority being God made flesh.  Yet Jesus humbled Himself and washed the feet of the disciples.  He even washed the feet of Judas who would that very night betray Him.  Jesus came to earth not be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:25).  As His followers, Christians are called to go and do likewise.  We are called to serve, to give, and to allow others to minister to us in Christ's name.

In washing the feet of the disciples, Jesus did more than remove the dust from feet.  He set an example for all to follow.  There is no job too low for Christ's followers.  No matter the need:  whether it is cleaning toilets, washing feet, dumping a bedpan, praying fervently for an enemy, giving sacrificially, we ought to serve as Christ did.  The example of such a servant is seen in Paul's description of a widow in1 Timothy 5:10:  "...well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work."  We all admire those who are humble servants, graciously giving and serving in Christ's name.

But here's the rub:  all the things the woman did to serve were for people who were willing to receive.  Every time she did a good work in lodging strangers there was a stranger willing to lodge with her.  Every time this widow washed feet there were people who were willing to allow her to wash their feet.  All those afflicted people she relieved needed to be willing participants.  What if there were some who refused to allow this widow to serve them because she was an old widow?  Perhaps she generously offered money to people who refused to take it from her hand because she was on a fixed income!  Are there numbered among us those too proud to receive from a widow's hand?  What she does unto you she does unto Christ!  Should we rob her of such a great reward and testimony for God's glory?  Some of us are fine with receiving forgiveness and eternal life from Christ for our sins which at one time doomed us to hell, but we will not receive aid from a brother or sister freely offered for God's glory.  God forbid that we would even ask for help or allow anyone to know we are struggling!  If we will receive from God eternal benefits and blessings, shouldn't we be willing to receive them from others?

It is more blessed to give than to receive.  As we have received from the LORD, so let us give!  May we be those who are humble both to give and receive for God's glory.

THE Voice

Millions of people in Australia are waiting with great anticipation because tonight the winner for "The Voice" Australia will be crowned.  Week after week, contestants have competed in the televised show for the title. What made the show intriguing from other talent-based reality shows is the judges first heard the contestants with their backs turned.  The focus was on the voice, not on appearance or showmanship.  Both judges and the public have weighed in to advance singers to the final four.  Tonight the winner will be revealed, and it's a tight race anyone can win.

As I was reading the Bible last night, it occurred to me that as amazing and talented as those four final artists are, they could never be "The Voice."  They may sing with power, skill, and beauty, but none of them are deserving of the title.  Psalm 68:33-34 reads, "To Him who rides on the heaven of heavens, which were of old! Indeed, He sends out His voice, a mighty voice. ³⁴ Ascribe strength to God; His excellence is over Israel, and His strength is in the clouds."  Now THAT is the voice!  It is the One who spoke into the void:  "Let there be light!"  and there was light (Genesis 1:3).  Darren Percival or Karise Eden have nothing on God's voice!  His voice does not simply invoke emotion or stir the soul:  God speaks with power to create worlds and destroy them.

The Voice has been an international reality singing sensation.  Every single voice, those who sing beautifully or not, have been created by God.  As Creator, God deserves the glory.  Man tends to make idols of those he admires, but the idols are not worthy of worship.  It is God who has created such beauty and given human beings the capacity to appreciate it.  King Herod was a man who received such glory from men.  As he gave an oration Acts 12:22-23 says, "And the people kept shouting, "The voice of a god and not of a man!" ²³ Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died."  No matter how well someone sings or speaks, we ought to bow the knee only before God Almighty.

Another interesting occurrence is recorded after Jesus Christ was baptised in water by John.  Matthew 3:16-17 captures the moment:  "When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. ¹⁷ And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."  God the Father spoke from heaven, confirming before many witnesses that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah.  If we will tune in on Monday nights at 7:30 on Channel 9 to watch "The Voice," how much more important is it to heed THE Voice of God?  Job 37:5 says, "God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend."

What is the voice of a man or woman before God?  He says in Job 40:7-14:  "Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me: ⁸ "Would you indeed annul My judgment? Would you condemn Me that you may be justified? ⁹ Have you an arm like God? Or can you thunder with a voice like His? ¹⁰ Then adorn yourself with majesty and splendor, and array yourself with glory and beauty. ¹¹ Disperse the rage of your wrath; look on everyone who is proud, and humble him. ¹² Look on everyone who is proud, and bring him low; tread down the wicked in their place. ¹³ Hide them in the dust together, bind their faces in hidden darkness. ¹⁴ Then I will also confess to you that your own right hand can save you."  Who can be compared to God?  There is none like Him, in heaven or on earth.  No one can thunder with a voice like God!

How gracious and good is God who put on human flesh so He would have a voice which could be heard and understood.  God does not only thunder from the heavens, but gives an invitation of salvation to all people.  John 7:37 reads, "On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink."  Also in Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus says, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."  Have you heard?  Listen to His voice today!

What Really Matters

It's funny what we can find important.  In the ad, "the whole world" was watching the unblinking woman, pulling for her to claim the world record for the longest time without blinking.  People react as she survives close calls.  There is an absurd sense that those who watched either won or lost vicariously through this woman's strong effort to keep her eyes open.  Though the woman falls short of her goal, to me there was a satisfying conclusion.  All this media coverage, hoopla, anticipation, and heartbreak was generated over something that in the light of eternity didn't matter one bit.

We can be caught up in so many things that affect our attitudes, emotions, and outlook that are pointless from an eternal perspective.  In rugby, a man who kicks the ball wide of the posts is a failure, but the one who places the ball with downward pressure beyond the try line is a hero.  A man who runs the wrong direction on a gridiron pitch is a laughing stock (Jim Marshall once scored a safety for the 49ers with great enthusiasm).  A man who hits baseballs over the fence fair will make millions more than one who always hits them just foul.  Our lives are full of arbitrary events that can make us laugh, smile, cheer, or get angry with frustration.  It's good for us to step back and look at the big picture:  what does it really matter if my team wins or loses?  Who cares if someone keeps their eyes open for 16 hours without blinking?  What does it matter if I secure the big contract at work?  Does it really matter if I have the office with a better view of the city?  What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?

Isaiah 40:8 reads, "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever."  The glory of young men is their strength, but men do not stay young forever.  A day will come when that same man will glory in his silver hair and potbelly!  An athlete who wins a gold medal in the Olympics one year may not even qualify to return four years later.  All-Pro gridiron stars make millions one season, and the next they might be working as a bricklayer.  Our lives are constantly changing, but God and His Word will remain unchanged forever.  God's love, grace, mercy, and justice will always remain the same.  Every year a new Guinness Book of World Records is reprinted because so many changes have occurred.  But God's Word and His promises never change.

Instead of placing our attitudes and affections at the mercy of the ebbing tide of worldly affairs, let our lives be founded upon Jesus Christ.  Those who hear the words of Christ and heed them are compared to a wise man who built His house upon a rock.  When the winds blew, when the rain fell, when his team lost, when the lady blinked, the man who makes Christ his foundation remains steadfast, immovable, always abounding in labour for the glory of God.  Christianity is a life built for eternity.  Only Jesus provides us with a life that really matters!

Choose Godly Influences

I was reminded yesterday how important it is for parents to be ever vigilant concerning what their kids are exposed to.  It is very easy for us to lower our guard.  We might think because of homeschooling, sending kids to a Christian school, or going to church is enough.  Nope!  If you own a TV, a computer connected to the internet, if your kids have mobile phones or Ipods, if your car has windows which allows a child to see out as you drive, if your kids have family, friends, or acquaintances, if you take them to the shops to buy food or clothes, if they read books, magazines, or listen to music, the potential for ungodly influences on your child is a real threat.  The world works tirelessly to indoctrinate our children to accept evil as good.

We send our children to a Christian private school.  One of my sons was selected out of his class and he received an invitation to participate in an extra-curricular course geared to inspire bright kids to be authors, actors, and artists by a professional tutor.  Our son was keen to go, so we decided it would be a great reward for the hard work he has been putting in.  After paying the fees, we received a syllabus for the weekend classes.  It was immediately apparent that this class was unsuitable for our son because of the pagan and New Age practices they would be exposed to.  Now I'm not an "artsy" person.  Maybe I don't understand everything that goes into being an actor or artist.  But I don't even need to read between the lines to recognise what this class would be promoting is contrary to God's Word.

The introduction explained how the class would "tune their creative instruments" and by "...using exercises and games from all over the world we will energize and focus in on our journey over the weekend."  They would learn a vocal "warm up" to use their voices for their advantage, plus a "physical warm up that will awaken the senses and limbs to the creative flow that we will be developing..."  Then it went even further:  the children would be taught about the Ogham alphabet for the purpose of discovering their "own personal ogham poem."  "We will then explore our oghams, finding which sounds, words, physical actions, images and ideas resonate most within us."  I thought this class was about being an author, actor, and an artist - not an introduction for my son to practice divination through pagan customs and New Age techniques.  Needless to say, after my wife rang the class there is now an opening in a fully-booked course of classes.  So sought after are these courses that we could not transfer our son to an alternate class.  (Our fee was kindly refunded, if you're wondering!)  The school had no idea this class involved these activities, and I wonder if the same could be said of other parents.

Because he will be disappointed, I feel sorry for my son.  On the other hand, I am not sorry at all.  As good as the course sounded at first, it became clear that it stood in complete contrast to the biblical values we desire to uphold in our family.  Had my wife not carefully read the paperwork, we would have sent our son without a thought.  It just showed me again how important it is to know what is being taught at school, what your kids are reading, what music they listen to, what games they play, and who they spend time with.  I am not suggesting that a bubble be created around your children, but embrace teaching moments when you can explain why a class or a movie is not beneficial according to God's righteous standard.  Take time to dialogue with your children, not just "lay down the law."  Once my sons leave my care, I want their lives to be grounded on biblical truth and the teachings of Jesus Christ.  That will only happen if we are responsible to lay a good foundation by bringing our lives into subjection to God's Word.

We can choose to go the world's way, or God's way.  Maybe my son will someday be an incredible actor or artist.  That would be great!  I believe he can be an amazing actor or artist and still honour God with his life.  As Christians, Christ comes first.  Being a Christian may eliminate some acting opportunities, but what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?  Some people are willing to do anything for fame and earthly glory.  My job as a parent is to affirm God's truth, protect my kids from evil influences, and train my children to embrace God's way.  Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."