Jump Start # 2573

Acts 2:22 “Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God preformed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know.”

We were singing the hymn, “Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus” Sunday in our worship at home. What we are doing at Charlestown Road is providing songs for folks and families to sing at home in their worship. We sing the same songs, even though we are not together physically. “Tis so sweet,” was one of the hymns Sunday. That hymn has been around for a long time. Some would put it in the traditional or old fashioned category. Maybe, but it’s still a great song. It’s one of those hymns that stays with you throughout the day.

The chorus made me think of our verse today. In that hymn, the chorus begins, ‘Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him; how I’ve prov’d Him o’er and o’er…” How I prov’d Him. That’s the thought we need to look at.

Our verse today, from Peter’s early sermon, shows how God proved Jesus. The Lord was attested through miracles, signs and wonders, which God preformed through Him. God proved Jesus. He proved that He was God on earth. From the Heavens, God declared, “this is My Son.” God proved that Jesus was obedient. The cross proved that. God proved that Jesus was compassionate. The healing miracles showed that. The acceptance of the outcasts showed that. God proved that Jesus was a servant. Washing the disciples feet showed that. God showed that Jesus was the fulfillment of prophecy. God proved Jesus.

But in that old hymn, ‘Tis so sweet,’ the chorus states, “How I’ve prov’d Him o’er and o’er. It doesn’t say how the Bible proves Jesus, which it does. It doesn’t say how God proves Jesus, which we’ve seen He did. No, the hymn says, ‘How I’ve prov’d Him.’ And, it isn’t just a one time deal. I’ve prov’d Him o’er and o’er.

Now, that brings us to this thought: How do we prove Jesus? How do we prove Him o’er and o’er?

First, there is a strong link between the trusting in Jesus and the proving of Jesus o’er and o’er. Jesus has been there. Jesus has helped. Jesus has kept His promises. We know. We’ve trusted Jesus to help us through the storms of life and He has. There have been prayers offered from hospital rooms, the front lines of war, the cemetery, and beside the beds of our sick children. Those long nights have not found us alone. God has been there. God has helped us. The number of answered prayers among us is vast and long. How has one prov’d Jesus o’er and o’er? It’s been a lifetime of trusting God. The Lord has never forsaken us. The Lord has never left us on our own. The Lord has never been unreachable. We’ve trusted Him and He has been there. Even know, with this dreaded virus that is wrapping around the world, our prayers and our trusts in the Lord is strong. God never lets us down, never.

Second, we’ve prov’d the Lord by the difference He has made in our lives. We are a better people because of the Lord. Here we are in a world-wide storm, but there is a calm within us. This will pass, we know. The Lord has taught us to be thoughtful and kind. The Lord has molded our thinking and helped us to be forgiving and gentle. The Lord has opened our eyes to be generous and servants to others. We have become the living Bible that some will notice. We don’t gossip. We don’t try to hurt others. We do what we can, even to those who do not like us. Without the Lord, we’d be like everyone else. And, that is not a good picture. Consumed with the here and now. Materialistic. Selfish. Indifferent. Secular. And, now in a crisis, unable to understand and not even sure how to pray– that’s right where we would be, had it not been for the Lord. We’ve proven that the Lord can change a person. Look at how we were in high school or college. Wild. Rebellious. Indifferent. Radical. Anti-authority. Disrespectful. Wasting precious days. And, look at us now. We’ve shown to our families, to the world, and to ourselves that God can make a difference in our lives.

Third, we’ve prov’d the Lord through faith. Centuries of believers have given up their lives for the love of the Lord. They did not resist. They did not rebel. They did not strike back. They, like the Lord, suffered. They did not raise their voice. They did not utter threats. They did not deny the Lord. Fiery furnaces, lion’s dens, prisons, and the executioner’s axe did not make these believers waver. They believed in a better world. They believed that they would see the Lord. They believed that they would be with the Lord. The fear of death did not crack their great faith in the Lord. They loved the Lord more than their own lives. And, it is upon the shoulders of these great forefathers that we now stand. Critics deny the Lord, yet we believe. The godless mock the Lord, yet we believe. God’s word has been challenged, tested, attacked and accused. Yet, the faithful of God hold dear to their beliefs. Prophecies have been fulfilled. Promises have been kept. God’s word has shown to be true over and over.

Proving the Lord o’er and o’er makes our faith real. We’ve proved the Lord. It’s not just that the church has proved Him. It’s not just that the Bible proved Him. We have. We know. We’ve seen in our own lives that the Lord is good. The Lord is there. The Lord is real. Hope is wrapped around this great faith in the Lord. Death doesn’t scare us. The uncertainties of tomorrow doesn’t worry us. A world-wide epidemic doesn’t change a thing for us. God is good. He is so good to us. We know the Lord is. We know because we’ve prov’d Him o’er and o’er.

The victories in the past help us face tomorrow. Knowing that the Lord has been there for us, gives us the confidence that He will be there again for us. He has never let us down.

Indeed, ‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus.

Roger

Jump Start # 2572

Acts 4:36 “And Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means, son of Encouragement).”

I read something the other day that bothered me. It was about the Coronavirus epidemic. The news blip said that many communities were cancelling Fourth of July activities. Fourth of July? We are not through April yet. Then all of May. Then all of June. Then comes July. Now, behind this of course is lots of planning, hiring people, having professionals set off fireworks, bands, food vendors. These things can be planned a week out. But, the fourth still seems a long way out.

And, all of that takes us to our verse today. It’s not about the virus epidemic, but a much larger picture that is often over looked. So many preachers and shepherds are doing all they can to make videos and podcasts to keep the members in the loop, connected and growing. Great things are being done. There is more wonderful encouragement and lessons to be found on the internet than ever before. As social distancing continues on, it is easy for the encouragers to need encouraging. That is a thought that is often not considered.

Those that teach, preach and encourage others are always filling the buckets of others. They always seem to know just what to say. They always are upbeat, hopeful and pointing to the Lord. But after a while, who fills their buckets? What if the Barnabas’ among us needs encouragement? Who encouragers the encourager?

Here are a few thoughts:

First, shepherds need to include preachers in their shepherding. Don’t assume that the preachers are always ok. Sometimes we are not. Sometimes we want to believe that we are Superman and we never are discouraged, but that’s not the truth. A good and close relationship between the shepherds and the preachers will pick up on things and notice things. A honest relationship will allow them to be candid and open without fear of rebuke or criticism.

Second, the woodsman understands that there are times when you must stop chopping and sharpen your axe. A person feels bad when that happens. He feels like he is letting others down. But the truth is, by taking a little time to sharpen that axe, he will come back to the work fresher and able to do more than using a dull axe that wears him out. Find some challenging books to read. Not novels, not sci-fi, but books that will help you do your work better. Get away and visit someone who has ideas. Spend and afternoon talking, listening and growing. Many professions will send workers to conferences, continual education and things to make them better. Find similar things. Be willing to send your encouragers away to learn how to encourage more.

Third, sometimes a person just has to do this on his own. When David and his men were being chased by King Saul. They returned home only to find their wives and children had been kidnapped. David’s men became so distraught, that they were going to kill David. David was alone. The passage says that he “strengthened himself.” He found a way to get focused, get encouraged and stay in the game. A person has to do this sometimes. No one else can help because they are all ready to pick up stones and throw them. Others are wanting to walk away for good. If you have to rely upon someone else to help you, there are times when there is no one. You must find a way with the Lord’s help to encourage yourself. You must strengthen yourself.

Finally, the Lord is always there. That is what really helps. Remember the Lord. Pour yourself into Scriptures and prayer. The Lord understands. The Lord reigns. So, when it seems that the night will never end, keep looking to the Lord. The day always breaks. People look up to you because of the role you fill. You are a leader among God’s people. They feel that you must always know. They feel that you must always be on the top. There are days when you are not, but people expect you to be. Allow the Lord to help. Listen to your own sermons and advice. You are not different than others. The same that you would tell others, tell yourself.

So, you are not a preacher or one of the shepherds in the church. What can you do to help your leaders stay encouraged so they can keep encouraging you? Here are a few simple things you can do.

First, one of the greatest things you can do is to utilize all the resources that your congregation is providing. Keep watching the videos. Keep up with the classes. Keep worshipping in your home. The greatest fear as this “stay-at-home” policy continues, is that people will start dropping out and dropping off. You must be at the helm of your faith, not the church, not others. You must keep feeding, using and exercising your faith. We cannot be together, but that is no reason for you to become weak and indifferent to your soul. Find a routine that works for your family. Don’t become a “Sunday-only” Christian. Listen to podcasts during the week. Keep up with the mid-week Bible classes. Do your daily Bible reading. Preachers are putting a feast before you. It’s up to you to pick up your fork and eat. There will be some causalities in this crisis. Some will be spiritual. You decide and you make up your mind what will become of your faith.

Second, let the leaders know that you appreciate what they are doing. An email. A text. A card in the mail. Preaching to a camera with no audience is hard. Are people watching? Are we effective? Is this working? Through this social distancing with our worship assembly cancelled, I have received so many cards and emails letting me know that what we are doing is helping. That’s awesome! That’s so helpful. That encourages the encourager.

Third, keep using your teachers and preachers. It’s hard to teach a class when no one is sitting in a class. Are there questions? Are there comments? Send yours to the teachers and preachers. This is helpful. This is encouraging.

Fourth, keep praying. This should have been first on the list. Always pray. Pray that the leaders remain strong, connected to each other and encouraged. Thank the Lord for those in your congregation who are trying to make worship as “normal” as they can. God can do things that you cannot.

Barnabas—the encourager. There are times when the encourager needs encouragement.

Roger

Jump Start # 2571

Acts 16:6 “And they passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.”

I was thinking about this verse the other day. The current social distancing situation has really made many people and families alter and change their plans. I know of funerals that have been held but only ten people could be in the audience. I know of an upcoming wedding that had to be changed. Wedding showers and baby showers have been cancelled or changed to “drive-by” only. Seniors, both in high school and college are realizing that there won’t be a traditional graduation this year. Graduation open houses have been changed or cancelled all together. And, of course, worshipping together has certainly been changed.

Our verse is a great reminder. Paul was traveling and preaching. His plans were to go up into the Asia region. God had other plans. The Holy Spirit, our passage tells us, forbade Paul from going. Bluntly, God said, “No.” It was after this that Paul had the vision of Macedonia and it was there that he went and preached.

There are some reminders and lessons for us:

First, we are not in control of life. Oh, we think we are. We make plans and we’re going to do this and that, and suddenly, all of that changed. We can’t control the weather. We can’t control what goes on in the world. What we are going through is a great reminder of this. A virus has brought the world to it’s knees. Across the globe, nation after nation, big cities and little towns, this invisible enemy has put a scare in us, crippled the world economy and changed the way we do life. Wars have done that. Other epidemics have done that. And, some day, when the Lord returns, it will certainly do that.

Second, although things are not the way we’d like them to be, at the end of the day, the couple are married, the student has graduated, and the dead are buried. After things settle down, there can always be a gathering for celebrations, memorials and parties. The timing isn’t ours, but life can go on.

Third, years from now, this will be a special memory. Old timers still talk about the depression or the great war. That generation was called the “greatest generation” for the way they pulled together and how they endured things. Books, movies and all kinds of family stories have been told about those tough days. And, families and faith survived. So, will we. Decades from now folks will talk about the year they didn’t have a real graduation or a wedding with just ten people in the audience. It will be something to talk about. It will be a memory. There will be lessons that we can teach others. For a couple of months, or even longer, we worshipped in our homes. We still prayed. We remembered the Lord. We read Scriptures. We did what we had to do. Faith is forged upon difficult times. We like luxury. We like ease. We like things running smoothly. We like things to be just the way that they are supposed to be. But those times can make us soft. They can lead us to parking our faith and not using it. During hardships. During inconveniences. During trials. Those are the days that we really dig deep into our faith. We pray more. We trust more. We actually become a stronger people during hardships. Someday, this will just be a memory. For some, it’s been a nightmare that they want to forget as quickly as possible. But for others, they have seen things, learned things and even changed within themselves. Had it not been for this epidemic, some would have never learned these things.

Fourth, through all of this, God has remained right where He’s always been. He hasn’t moved. He’s still running the universe. He still displaying His wonder every day. His word remains true. His promises He has not forgotten. His will is still being accomplished. And, even through tough times, God is still good. Understanding history, especially Biblical history helps keep everything in perspective. We see through the pages of the Bible how the people of God got through tough times. There has been famines, wars, captivity. There has been fearful nights and long days. Some surrendered their faith. Some complained to God. But there were always those who, even in the darkest of nights, held on to a deep faith and trust in the Lord. The Lord saw that. We see that. So, we are having to stay home. It’s still home. We are not being carted away to Babylon. We are not facing lion’s dens, fiery furnaces, armies chasing us or spears being thrown at us. All in all, this isn’t as bad as it could be. Perspective. Look what our forefathers went through with a Civil War. Look what some of the reformers went through in the Middle Ages. Look at the end of Hebrews 11. And, God has remained right where He’s always been.

Finally, all of this puts two expressions before us: First, “If the Lord wills,” from James and second, “Thy will be done,” from the garden prayer. Jesus wanted the cup of suffering to pass. It wasn’t to be. It was not the will of the Father. Did that mean that the Father didn’t like Jesus? No. Did that mean that Jesus had done something wrong? No. The plans of God are often hard for us to see. God’s will brings honor and glory to Him and it fulfills His eternal purpose. We often don’t see that.

It is tough that weddings, graduations birthdays and funerals all have been altered and changed. But that’s life here. Life changes. The only thing certain, is the Lord. So, be flexible. Don’t complain. Make the most of it. Use your imagination and find safe ways to adjust. Things can still be special. And, someday, all of this will pass. It comes to pass, it never comes to stay.

Hope these reminders are helpful for us.

Roger