Praise the Lord!

My favorite part of today's service was the testimonials during the Lord's Supper.  I loved hearing what God is doing in people's lives as we ate the bread and drank the cup.  I imagine this may have been what the early Christians did as they celebrated the Lord's Supper.  In those gatherings they perhaps sat around a table, shared a meal together and; as part of the meal, ate bread and drank from the cup talking about what the risen Jesus was continuing to do in their lives through his Holy Spirit. 

After the service, one of our shepherds told me it was difficult to put words to his prayers during Family Prayer Time.  As the congregation sang, "I Need Thee Every Hour" the shepherd was praying with people about their specific needs and concerns.  He said he was having trouble expressing his thoughts and finally just said, "Exactly what we are singing right now, that's what we mean to say Lord!"  That, in a nutshell, is the beauty of a well-worded poem set to music.  It allows the worshiper to find the right words to express themselves to God.   

Be Prepared

Thinking of the 10 virgins as a "gaggle of giggly girls" certainly put Jesus' parable in a different light.  It's easy to understand why some would be prepared and others would not.  It's also easy to see that the unprepared would want to "sponge" off the one's who had thought ahead.  (I'm thinking now of trying to collect pizza money from a group of teenagers of either gender.)  Those who are prepared are often expected to bail out those who are not. 

As I contemplated the parable in this light, it began to take a different shape.  Certainly Jesus is interested in the final judgement and the end of the world as we know it, however, he seems much more interested in how we live right now.  The parables of the kingdom are about living in world as it is.  What does it look like for the kingdom of God to break into our world today?  What do Jesus' instructions in living the kingdom life mean for right now? 

In light of the parables of the kingdom, what was once a mysterious saying to me, now makes sense.  “Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old” (Matthew 13:52).  Let Jesus' instructions in the kingdom train your understanding of what to value and how to prioritize and you will be well prepared to live the kingdom life.

Celebrate and Party!

I love the thought that we've have been invited to the marriage of heaven and earth.  This is the meaning of the biblical phrase, "new heavens and new earth."  And, we are not just to be observers, but participants!  Revelation depicts this with Jesus as the groom with the church as his bride.  However, you envision this, we are to be part of the greatest celebration that's ever occurred.  In fact, the celebration has already begun.  When Jesus walked out of the tomb a new era began.  Old things are past away, "I am making everything new!" (Rev. 21:5). 

I loved the depiction of the king in today's parable.  The ruler of all pleading with people to come enjoy his bounty.  The supreme ruler refusing to be offended by those who deserved to be punished.  The royal lord and master welcoming all to his table of blessing without taking into account their past or their mistakes.  Only a fool would refuse such a gracious invitation from such a loving host.

Elder Ordination

I've always wondered about the "laying on of hands".  What is there about the physical touch that makes that ceremony significant?  As I said this morning, this symbolic gesture was used throughout scripture to signify the appointment to leadership.  What did Joshua think when Moses laid hands on him knowing that as the hands were laid on his soulders so was the responsiblity of taking care of the people of God?  As the Apostles laid hands on the Seven, did that experience communicate something to them?  Did Paul and Barnabas feel a sense of empowerment to go on the mission God had called them to when the church in Antioch laid hands on them? 

This morning I decided to do something different as I laid hands on each elder.  One by one I called them by name and spoke words affirming the work Jesus is giving them.  "Shepherd the church of God", I said to the first man.  "Feed my sheep", I urged the next.  One after another I called them by name and gave them their charge.  "Take care of my flock", I said to the third.  Each man looked me in the eye.  Some had the beginnings of tears forming. 

Ten men will now form our shepherding group.  Men of courage, faith and conviction.  Men who understand the task Jesus had laid on their shoulders just as they felt the weight of my hands.  Brothers who have heard the voice of Jesus speaking to them, "Shepherd the church of God", "Feed my sheep," "Take care of my flock."  Shepherds who believe the promises of scripture, "And when the Chief Shepherd apears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." (1 Peter 5:4)  Pray for them and receive them as God's gift to his church.