-

 Revelation 2:8-11 - From a Rock to a Great Mountain

Weakness and strength are a funny thing.  You see that in hockey.  Often the quiet leaders are the toughest on the ice.  And the bullies and tough guys in practice or on the bus become cowards in the heat of battle.  That’s the beauty of playoff hockey.  It takes 16 wins to get the Stanley Cup.  Much easier said than done.  Those who persevere to get their name on that cup well deserve it.

        A similar thing may be said of the Crown of Life that Jesus will give on Judgment day to those who love Him (James 1:12).  Life, although short, is like playoff hockey.  It takes true strength - something we can get only from the Holy Spirit.

        Often strength isn’t what we think it is.  Jesus may have looked weak and fragile and in broken spirit and body on the Cross of Calvary.  Yet there is nothing more powerful than the power of God and God’s mighty power to give us new life - eternal life in Christ.  God uses the weak to shame the strong.  That’s always been His way.  He never changes.  Cain thought he’d get one on his little brother, Abel, whom he desperately despised.  Yes, Cain may have been stronger, but who was shamed.  Not Abel.  Be ever mindful of paying heed to what matters most.  Just because someone has power or title does not mean he is truly strong.  Give honor only to God.  Boast only in the Cross of Christ.

We praise God for His ever-growing Kingdom.  God’s creativity, beauty, imagination, providential orchestration, and ability to turn a small thing into a great thing are endless and boundless.  Great are the works of Almighty God (Psalm 111:1-4).  We live in a time when governments turn over and nations rise and fall.  But the Rock that smashed the Roman feet of iron and clay (Daniel 2) grows into a Great Mountain that covers the entire earth.  That Rock, Jesus Christ, is Mighty God.  God’s Kingdom is forcefully advancing today and will never end.  He reigns today.  “His government and its peace will never end” (Isaiah 9:7).

        Find ways to encourage and motivate others today.  Be a great reconciler and ambassador for Christ.  We know that our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.  As Paul reminds the Church at Rome so too Jesus warns all of us: time is running out on this earth before Jesus will create new heavens and earth.  Now is the time to love our neighbors as ourselves and to put on the shining armour of right living.  Christians are to live clothed by the Spirit of Christ-rejecting wild parties, drunkenness, sexual promiscuity, immoral living, quarreling, greed, and jealousy.  Rather than constantly thinking of ways to indulge our evil desires we are to love one another and be known for living decent lives (Romans 13:11-12).

        We must not fear the devil or those of the synagogue of Satan (Revelation 2:9).  Like the church at Smyrna we are not to worship political leaders or the rich and seemingly powerful because of their titles.  And do not chase after the dream of riches in this life.  Instead, our riches are the fruit of God, persistence, faithfulness, steadfastness, godly discipline, loyalty to God alone, and a willingness to suffer for Christ with eager expectation and no fear of Jesus’ return.

        Lord Jesus, please give us your grace and increase our faith in You today.  We do not know what today or tomorrow will bring.  With Your grace and strength, we will succeed in making disciples just as You call us to do.  May we be ambassadors worthy of Your name today, Lord Jesus.  Amen.



Biking the Creeper Trail, Damascus, Virginia

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

-
Image
 Leadership in Crisis           In times of tariffs and market volatility, we naturally worry.  Yet Jesus commands us not to worry (Matthew 6:25).  These are times to depend on God, increase our productivity, store up treasure where it ought to be stored, and grow.           Christ-commissioned leaders seek to advance God’s Kingdom in all spheres of our lives.  And in good times, and bad.  Green market days and red.  So in these troubled waters let’s lead with confidence in Christ.  It’s not too hard to see when a storm is coming, but when you are amid a gale the calm seems far off.  Depend on God.  Pray.  Lead.  Serve others.  And keep checking your priorities.  Are they world-focused or Kingdom-focused?            Jesus says, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need...
Read more
-
Image
 John 10 - Growth Mindset Through the Gate           Jesus says His purpose is to give us a rich and satisfying life.  I’m in!           Have you ever felt more than ready for a change and a reset?  I was by Christmas and I am now.  I’m gladly watching what I eat and exercising.  It’s shocking how much more energy you have when you cut out the junk for a few weeks.  By reaching your 50s, you ought to know well what your body, mind, and soul need.  That's true, but like a child, I still feel like I’m learning new things - and need to do so.           I’m praying we all learn in this breakthrough year.  As Christians it is necessary to recalibrate weekly, nay, daily, to ensure we do not drift off course.  Shipwrecks are real.  No one can snatch you from God, but you can indeed for lack of fear of God and intentional neglect and disobedience take your ...
Read more
-
Image
 John 2:13-25 - Beer with Vance or Brunch with Baker           The church is desperate for authenticity, and genuine Christ followers.  Americans are desperate for good leaders, those who lead selflessly with hard work, intelligence, and grit.  We are sick of being lied to and sick of the hypocrisy.  It’s the same in the church.  The good news is that God shows us the way to authenticity and how to be good leaders.           I heard a local pastor a few years ago tell the congregation that if they ever see him drinking alcohol in a restaurant they should call for his resignation.  I too am for moderation and I have no problem with those who don't drink.  Good, great actually.  Yet the same legalists who preach legalistic messages are sometimes gorging themselves at the buffet and care nothing of transparency and living above reproach.  We all need to walk the walk.    ...
Read more