May 25 - Great Expectations

Luke 6:37 Jesus said, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (NIV)

            Of all the sayings of Jesus, I find this one to be among the hardest to put into practice. Whenever people upset me, whether it be family, friends, or acquaintances, I find it difficult to initially forgive them. I think unkind thoughts and harbor some resentment. I want them to be punished for upsetting me or at least put through something similar. I dwell on the hurt and ponder another saying, definitely not from Christ, ‘don’t get mad, get even.’ Even though I am a pastor with over thirty years’ experience, I’m a human being first and foremost, with all of the accompanying common weaknesses, faults, and sins.

            Because I’m so human, it makes me wonder why Jesus said this in the first place. If He knew it was very difficult and almost impossible to practice, why set up His followers to fail? If we are all guilty of judging, condemning, and not forgiving others, does this mean that we have no hope of being saved? Did Jesus expect us to live holy and perfect lives in order to be accepted and embraced by God?

            The more I read this passage, the better I understand my need for being honest with myself, as well as the absolute necessity of requiring God’s grace. If I arrogantly think that I am perfect, do no wrong, and have no need of forgiveness, then I am dangerously deluding myself and placing my soul in perdition. However, if I humbly acknowledge that I am as guilty as sin and often fail to practice what Christ preaches, then I am confessing my faults and placing my soul in His hands. Just like most of us, I would rather seek God’s mercy and grace than rely on my own misunderstanding and graceless ways.

Point to ponder

Have I recently judged, condemned, or not forgiven someone else? Have I confessed my failure to Christ? What does He expect me to do now?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You never said that faith would be easy or that we could live according to our own standards as Christians. As Your people, You challenge and confront us constantly because we carry Your Name wherever we go and whatever we do. Help us to become channels of Your mercy and conduits of Your grace. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Pentecost drawings called ‘Fiesta.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Fiesta.

May 10 devotion - Someone Else

Exodus 4:13 But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” (NIV)

            When I read about how reluctant Moses was to do God’s bidding, it makes me smile. Getting people to volunteer in church for leadership or ministry roles can be just as hard, too. Some folks feel as if they’re not good enough; others think they have too much going on to be effective, while others hope that someone else will step forward to do the work. Year in and year out, volunteers are needed to continue Christ’s mission, but it seems lately that more folks don’t feel called to work for God.

            I understand how they feel. After more than thirty years in ministry and attending thousands of meetings, I wonder how effective or essential those meetings have been. In the short term, each one of them has been important; in the eternal scheme of things, however, perhaps not so much.

            Moses didn’t want to respond to do God’s work. He felt it was a mistake and that someone else more qualified could do it. But God doesn’t make mistakes and He personally sought out Moses for the task. No matter how inadequate or reluctant Moses felt, God would not be thwarted. Moses was the right person, so God wasn’t going to take ‘no’ for an answer.

            Perhaps you’ve been asked to do something special in your church or have been invited to consider a leadership role in your congregation. Maybe you feel unqualified or overstretched, so you would like to say ‘no,’ and have someone else fulfill the call. However, before you reject the invitation, honestly ask yourself this question: “Is this something that God wants me to do?” If it is, then no matter how inadequate or how burdened you feel, know this: God does not make mistakes and He will help you to fulfill the role.

Point to ponder

What can I do for my church? What is God presently asking me to undertake and accomplish?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, Your ministry and mission continue in our congregations, communities, and around the world. You call on Christian people to be part of Your work on Earth. Help us to hear Your invitation and cheerfully accept what You need us to do. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Pentecost drawing called ‘True Spirit.’ If you would like to view a larger version, click on this link: Spirit.

Meaningful Multiplication - Matthew 25:21

Matthew 25:21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” (NIV)

            As a pastor, I have seen a lot of people do wonderful things for God and others that are remarkable, as well as effective. Their faith is both enthusiastic and energetic, as well as considerate and compassionate. Some people think that churches are full of self-righteous hypocrites who look down on everyone else. I must say that I have not found that to be the case, in any of the congregations I served in Scotland or the United States. Christians may be imperfect and sinful like everyone else, but they are also moved by love to support those in need, comfort those who are grieving and befriend those who are lonely.

            Today’s parable is about a rich person giving his servants fiscal opportunities and responsibilities while he is away from home on a long journey. The gold, however, represents the gift of faith that Christ gives to each of us on Earth. What we are meant to do with that precious gift is to share it with others in ways that will attract them to Jesus, too. No matter what the world tries to tell us, faith is not a private and personal thing, it is a potentially powerful present from God which can be multiplied when we honestly, sincerely, positively, and compassionately share it with our families, friends, and other people.

            One day, we will be ushered into God’s presence to show Him what we have done with our faith. When God expresses those beautiful words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” we will instantly know that the gift He gave us has not been hidden, diminished, or wasted, but that through our loving acts, faithful service, and compassionate deeds, we have multiplied our faith, pleasing both God and our Savior Jesus Christ.

Point to ponder

What faith-sharing opportunities has God given me this week?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of faith which keeps us connected to You. Help us to share the love we feel for and from You with others around us. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully pray. Amen.

Today’s image is one of John’s faith drawings called ‘The Promise.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Promise.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterianchurch.org. We would be delighted to see you there at any time. The Sunday worship service is at 11:00 AM.