Reduced to Silence

Our reading is Mark 9:30-35. Jesus and the disciples are walking toward Jerusalem, and everyone knows a great conflict is coming with leaders of the orthodox faith. However, Jesus and the disciples view that conflict in completely different ways. Jesus is focused on the will of God and his appointment with the cross. The disciples are focused on their personal desires. They believe Jesus is a political Messiah who will lead a political revolution against the Romans. As Jesus’s friends, they believe they will receive powerful positions in the new government. So, they begin arguing about who will get the most powerful positions. Their arrogance is on display for the entire world to see. When Jesus confronts them about their arrogance, they are reduced to silence. There is no place for arrogance in the Kingdom of God.

In this blog, I want to help you eliminate arrogance from your life by looking at three reasons the disciples were reduced to silence. Arrogance is an important topic for anyone who wants to be used by God in this world. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” So why were the disciples reduced to silence?

The disciples were reduced to silence because of their ruthless pride. I did not say pride, I said ruthless pride. There is a great difference between the two. I believe that having a certain kind of pride is good. For example, I am proud of my wife, who has helped countless people around the world through her nonprofit. I am proud of my daughters because they help children in their occupations. I am proud of my grandchildren – I believe they are perfect. I am proud I served in the ministry for decades, and I am thankful God called me. I am proud of the Christian faith; it is the one true religion. I am proud to be an American. Far from perfect, I do not want to live anywhere else. Having pride in certain things is a good thing.

The disciples didn’t just have pride; they had ruthless pride. Ruth is one of the great characters in the Old Testament. She is remembered for love, loyalty, thoughtfulness, and faithfulness. In her story, she worried more about her mother-in-law, Naomi, than she did about herself. She is a beautiful example of humility. The disciples in our story are not “ruth-filled”; they are ruthless. They cared only about themselves and possessed none of Ruth’s qualities. Their ruthless behavior had to be eliminated from their lives if they were going to be part of the Kingdom of God. In the same way, ruthless pride must be eliminated from your life if you are going to be used by God in this world. The disciples were guilty of ruthless pride. They were arrogant and were reduced to silence.

The disciples were reduced to silence because of their bitter self-centeredness. They dreamed about how this new kingdom would benefit them. They showed no concern for others and no sign of personal humility. Their arrogance was on full display. American evangelist Dwight L. Moody (1837-1899) once said, “God sends no one away empty except those who are full of themselves.” Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility value others as better than yourself.”

On Christmas Eve 1910, the Salvation Army held its international convention in London. The organizers asked their founder, William Booth (1829-1912), to speak. Unable to attend because of poor health, he sent a telegram. To save money, the telegram contained only one word: OTHERS.

In 1964, Roy DeLamotte (1918-2010) served as chaplain at Paine College in Augusta, Georgia. He was once asked to deliver a sermon answering the question, “What’s in religion for me?” The sermon became famous because it was the shortest in the history of Paine College. It was one word: NOTHING. When asked how long it took him to prepare the message, he said, “Twenty years.” It is too bad that the disciples didn’t attend that convention or hear that sermon. They were only worried about themselves and were reduced to silence, guilty of bitter self-centeredness.

The disciples were reduced to silence because of their bickering hostility. They were wrestling for position, hoping to influence the whole group. They were guilty of a condition I call “elitist domination.” That happens when one person or a small group dominates the behavior of the whole group. Sometimes, it is a well-meaning layperson. Sometimes, it is the pastor. How many struggling congregations do you know that are run by a small group or individual?

During my time in ministry, I believed in something called “healthy tension.” This is when everyone is permitted to express an opinion. Yes, tension arises and feelings can be hurt, but I believe that tension can be God’s will. In a local church, two groups are always present: bean counters and visionaries. Both hold strong opinions and believe they are right. Bean counters base their decisions on logic, while visionaries base their decisions on their hearts. If you have ever said in a church meeting, “We can’t afford it,” you are a bean counter. If you have ever said, “We need to step out in faith,” you are a visionary. The truth is that neither bean counters nor visionaries are always right. The best church decisions are often a compromise between the two. We find God’s will in that compromise. The disciples did not want tension or compromise, they wanted to dominate the entire group and were guilty of hostile bickering. They were arrogant and were ultimately reduced to silence. Let me end with a story I have told many times. At first, I thought it was historically accurate, but now I am not sure. Regardless, it makes a point.

In 1969, a group of friends in Pass Christian, Mississippi, gathered for a “hurricane party.” Police Chief Jerry Peralta arrived and urged everyone to leave because the storm was approaching. The group arrogantly refused. The officer wrote down their names, just in case. It was a good thing he did. On August 17 at 10:15 p.m., Hurricane Camille came ashore with winds of more than 200 miles per hour. Raindrops struck with the force of bullets, and waves along the Gulf Coast crested between twenty-two and twenty-eight feet high. Later news reports showed that Pass Christian, Mississippi, suffered some of the worst damage. Approximately twenty people were killed during the hurricane party. Nothing remained of the three-story structure except its foundation. Let me ask you a question: What killed them? Did the hurricane kill them, or was it their arrogance?

Jesus reduced the disciples to silence when He confronted them about their arrogance. Could that be our story? Are we dead in the water because of our arrogance? God cannot use you in His work if you are filled with ruthless pride, bitter self-centeredness, or bickering hostility. Perhaps Proverbs 16:18 says it best: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Life’s Greatest Motivator

Viktor Frankl (1905–1997) was an Austrian psychologist who spent four years in Nazi concentration camps. During that time, he observed something that reshaped his work: the people who survived were not always the physically strongest, but those who held on to a reason to live. That insight led him to ask, “What is the greatest motivating force in life?”

Frankl reflected on the leading theories of his day. Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) believed pleasure was life’s greatest motivator, but there was no pleasure in the camp. Alfred Adler (1870–1937) believed power was life’s greatest motivator, but the Jews had no power there. Frankl developed a different theory: the greatest motivating force in a person’s life is hope. Those who survived never lost hope. Despite the hardships around them, they believed their suffering would one day end and that they would again live meaningful, purposeful lives. Never underestimate the power of hope. That takes us to our scripture reading, Matthew 14:22-33.

Jesus has just fed 5,000 men, plus women and children, with five loaves and two fish. Physically and spiritually spent, he longs to be alone. Before going up the mountainside to pray, he sends the crowd away and tells the disciples to sail to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. According to Mark’s version of the story, the disciples head to Bethsaida. While Jesus and the disciples are separated, a storm strikes. Things look bad when the disciples cannot row against the storm, but Jesus saves them. Breaking natural law, he walks on the water and calms the storm. That quick overview leads us to the first of three questions.

Where are the storms in your life? There are all kinds of storms. Maybe your storm is financial. Life is expensive. Maybe your storm is employment-related. There is more to life than paying bills. Maybe your storm is medical. You spend your time visiting various healthcare professionals. Maybe your storm is relational. You are concerned about your aging parents living alone in an old neighborhood that is no longer safe. Or maybe you are concerned about the youngest generation in your life because the world they are inheriting is complex. Maybe your storm is spiritual. You are afraid to die. Maybe you are facing more than one storm. Everyone faces storms. Where are the storms in your life? That leads us to question number two.

Are you ready to experience God in unexpected ways? In our story, the disciples are in a boat in the middle of a storm. They see what they believe is a ghost coming toward them and are afraid. In their culture, seeing a ghost meant someone was going to die. They think they are going to die. But then they experience Jesus in an unexpected way: he is walking on the water. They had just seen Jesus feed 5,000 men with only five loaves and two fish, but they are still amazed. They never expected him to come to them that way.

Sometimes Jesus comes to us in surprising ways. During the Korean War, a soldier became separated from his unit and was trapped behind enemy lines. With little chance of escape, he hid in a cave and prayed for God to help him. When he lifted his head, he saw a spider busily building a web over the cave’s opening. Moments later, he heard Korean soldiers approaching. Since he did not speak Korean, he understood only two words: spider web. As the enemy soldiers walked away, he realized why they had passed him by. Because the mouth of the cave was covered with a spider web, they assumed no one was inside. Sometimes God comes to us in surprising ways.

Sometimes God comes to us in the routine of daily life. I have been retired for four years, and people often ask what I miss about ministry. I do not miss preaching regularly. I do not miss the stress of Advent or Lent. I do not miss the weekly administrative meetings. I do not miss the complaints from well-meaning people. I do not miss attending every church function. I do not miss being accountable to all my parishioners. What I miss is praying with people during the most sacred moments of their lives: before surgery, at the birth of a child, and at the death of a loved one. I went into ministry to help people, but as a pastor, I was pulled in many directions. The larger my church grew, the less time I had with individuals. I took those moments for granted and forgot that God comes to us in the routine of daily life. That leads us to question three.

Are you ready to be a sign of hope for the hopeless? In our story, the disciples believe they are going to die. They have no hope, and then Jesus suddenly appears. Verse 27 says that once they recognize Jesus, they are no longer afraid. Peter, one of the twelve, is so inspired by Jesus’ presence that he attempts to walk on the water. Are you ready to be like Jesus? Are you ready to be a sign of hope to those who are hopeless?

American clergyman James P. Wind (1941–2011) once visited the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, where he came across a piece titled “America’s Joyous Future.” As contemporary artists often do, Erika Rothenberg (born 1950) had taken something from everyday life, a small church bulletin board, and turned it into a provocative work of art. In a style familiar to clergy across the country, she spelled out life at one local congregation in simple white letters against a stark black background. This is what it said. EVENINGS AT 7 IN THE PARISH HALL. Mon. Alcoholics Anonymous. Tues. Abused Spouses. Wed. Eating Disorders. Thurs. Say No To Drugs. Fri. Teen Suicide Watch. Sat. Soup Kitchen. Sunday Sermon 9 a.m. “America’s Joyous Future.” Wind admitted later that the piece haunted him. Did visitors to that art museum see it as an indictment of churches and synagogues that preach pie in the sky in their worship services while remaining oblivious to real human hurt and need? Or did they see it as a sign that our congregations are deeply immersed in human suffering?

American poet Emily Dickinson (1830–1886) famously described hope as a “thing with feathers.” We tend to imagine hope as something winged, flying serenely above the storms and untouched by ordinary life. But the value of hope lies in its presence in our everyday lives. Hope walks beside us. Are you ready to walk alongside people who are hopeless? Are you willing to be a sign of hope? Or are you another example of indifference?

Do You Like Apricots?

According to the scriptures, God selected Abram to be the father of a great nation. (Genesis 12:2) His descendants were to be as numerous as the stars in the sky. To underscore this calling, God changed his name from Abram to Abraham. In Hebrew, Abram means “exalted father.” Abraham means “Father of the multitude.” Yet, Abraham only had one child with his wife Sarah – Isaac. Abraham’s blessing was passed on to Isaac.

Isaac and his wife, Rebekah, had twin boys. (Genesis 25:19-26) The boys were not identical twins; the boys were fraternal and they were nothing alike. They even battled in the womb. (Genesis 25:22) The first boy born must have been a handsome lad. He was red and hairy. For that reason, they named him Esau, which means “hairy.” (Genesis 25:25) The second boy had a fighting spirit. He was still wrestling with his brother during his birth, grabbing his brother’s heel. They named him Jacob, which means “seizing the heel.” (Genesis 25:26) In certain ways the boys were like us. We like to think we are independent and choose our own path but, like Esau and Jacob, we are influenced by three great expectations. In this blog, I want to look at those expectations.

The first societal expectations. Our society expects a great deal from us. On May 24, 2012, Major League Baseball’s St. Louis Cardinals were hosting the Philadelphia Phillies. The game was competitive and the crowd enjoyed themselves. In the crowd was twenty-two-year-old Collin Grundstrom (born 1990). Just as the seventh inning was about to begin, a beer fueled Grundstrom decided to take his fun to a new level. He slipped into his birthday suit and streaked onto the field. The crowd cheered, but the police were not amused. In time, they caught and body slammed Grundstrom. He was charged with public nudity. One of the things our society expects from us is to keep our clothes on in public.

Every society is filled with countless expectations. Sociologists call them societal norms. Consider these societal norms or expectations. They are in no order.

1. Giving Christmas presents

2. Leaving a tip for a waiter (At least 15%)

3. Saying please and thank you

4. Avoid burping in public

5. Chewing gum with no sound

6. Chewing food with your mouth closed

7. Showering

8. Brushing your teeth

9. Opening the door for a lady

10. Surrendering your seat to an elderly person

You get the point. There are certain things our society expects. It is true of our generation, and it was true of Esau and Jacob’s generation too. From the moment Esau and Jacob were born their society was telling them how to act. From the moment you enter this world our society tells us the proper way to act. We are influenced by societal expectations.

The second is family expectations. Our families expect certain things from us. In 2012, my daughter, Anna, graduated from the University of Mount Union. I graduated from Mount Union in 1979. As a matter of fact, her Major was the same as my major, Business Administration with a minor in Marketing. In several classes we had the same professors over thirty years apart. I was so pleased, I told her several times I loved her and how proud I was of her on her graduation day. The last time I told her, she responded, “Dad, I don’t know why you are so impressed. I thought we were expected to go to college!”

Our families influence us in many ways. They serve as our first blueprint for future relationships, form our identities, and refine our behavior. Families shape our self-identity, provide a support system, encourage healthy behavior, promote or reduce our stigmas, and influence our priorities and opinions. When I ask couples getting married, “Whose relationship do you admire the most?” They never say Travis and Taylor. They tell me – their parents. Like it or not, you are influenced by your family.

Esau and Jacob were influenced by their family too. What did the text say? Their father, Isaac, prayed for his children before they were even conceived. It is not surprising Jacob went on to become one of the greatest spiritual leaders in the history of the world. How are you influencing the spiritual life of the youngest in your family? We are influenced by family expectations.

The third is divine expectations. God expects certain things from us. Someone once asked Jesus the question, “What is the greatest commandment in the law?” (Matthew 22:36) Jesus answered the question, “You are to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37) That means you are to love God completely. In other words, God is to be the top priority in your life. That is what God expects.

There is something called the World Population Review, which wanted to determine the happiest country in the world. They looked at 184 different counties and examined a wide variety of facts. They discovered the happiest country in the world is Finland, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and the Netherlands. The most unhappy country in the world is Afghanistan, followed by Sierra Leone and Lebanon. According to this study, the United States is the twenty-second happiest country in the world. Many were surprised by this low ranking, because many believe money can buy happiness. That simply isn’t true. If that is true, then the United States should be the happiest country in the world, because the United States holds nearly 35% of the world’s wealth. I think we are number twenty-two because we are no longer preoccupied with God. Today, we are preoccupied with money. As a nation we are spiritually out of balance. God is to be our top priority. That is what God expects. Let me end with this question.

Do you like apricots? You did not misread the question. I am asking you about the small yellowish-orange fruit with a single pit. Some love apricots; others hate apricots. What is your answer? Do you like apricots? I read this story years ago.

A young psychology student, serving in the Army, decided to test a theory. Drawing kitchen duty, he was given the job of passing out apricots at the end of the chow line. He asked the first few soldiers that came by, “You don’t want any apricots, do you?” Ninety percent said “No.” Then he tried the positive approach: “You do want apricots, don’t you?” About half answered, “Uh, yeah. I’ll take some.” Then he tried a third test. This time he asked, “One dish of apricots or two?” This time, 40 percent took two dishes and 50 percent took one!

That young psychology student learned quickly about the power of expectations. In America, we celebrate the fact that we are free, but we are not completely independent. We are influenced by three great expectations: society, family and spiritual. I would encourage you to view those expectations as a blessing, not a curse. Perhaps, this is a better question: what do you expect from yourself?

Christianity in America

God loves everyone! God does not care about our political or racial differences. God does not care about our educational or economic differences. God loves everyone and has no trouble crossing manmade boarders. God loves Americans as much as South Africans. God loves Americans as much as the Japanese. God loves Americans as much as the French. God loves Americans as much as the Brazilians. God loves everyone! I hope that doesn’t upset you, because, according to the recent surveys, up to 64% of Americans believe the United States holds a favored nation status in the eyes of God. Our generation is not the first generation to feel this way.

Americans have always appreciated the Christian faith. It has been that way from the very beginning. Consider these quotes from some of the Founding Fathers. General of the Continental Army and First President George Washington (1732-1799) said in his farewell address, “Do not let anyone claim the tribute of American patriotism if they ever attempt to remove religion from politics.” Chief writer of the Declaration of Independence and third president, Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) once said, “The First Amendment has erected a wall of separation between church and state, but that wall is a one directional wall; it keeps the government from running the church, but it makes sure that Christian principles will always stay in government.” Considered to be the architect of the Constitution and fourth president, James Madison (1751-1836) once said, ‘We have staked the whole future of American civilization not on the power of government, far from it. We have staked the future of all our political institutions upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.” While each one of these men had a different understanding of God, each one appreciated the Christian faith. On this 250^th anniversary of the birth of the United States we can see that American patriotism and Christianity share common themes.

First, both American patriotism and Christianity require a bold declaration. In declaring our independence, the patriots made that bold declaration. In 1776, Great Britain was the greatest political force in the Western Hemisphere. The thirteen colonies paled in comparison. History tells us the cry for independence was much clearer in the northern colonies than it was in the southern colonies. Only one-third of colonialists supported the idea of independence. Yet, on July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted to declare independence from Great Britain. It took two days to refine the wording of the Declaration of Independence, but two hundred and fifty years later we can still see that the Declaration of Independence was a bold declaration.

As a disciple of Jesus Christ, you made a bold declaration too – that Jesus was your Lord and Savior! Maybe you made that declaration on a youth mission trip or during a church camp. Maybe you made your declaration during a church revival or during a small group study? Maybe you made that declaration when you were young or not so young. Maybe your conversion story includes some questionable behavior or a loving patient Sunday school teacher. The details don’t matter. That only things that matters is that you at some point in your life declared to your world that Jesus is your Lord and Savior. Both American patriotism and Christianity require a bold declaration.

Second, both American patriotism and Christianity require a high price. Did you know fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence? When they signed their names, their lives completely changed. Their conviction resulted in untold sufferings for themselves and their families. Of the 56 men, five were captured by the British and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary Army. Another had two sons captured. Nine of the fifty-six fought and died from wounds or hardships of the war. Carter Braxton (1736-1797) of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships sunk by the British navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts and died in poverty. At the battle of Yorktown, the British General Charles Cornwallis (1738-1805) had taken over the home of Thomas Nelson (1738-1789). He ordered General George Washington (1732-1799) to open fire on his own home. Nelson died bankrupt. The signers of the Declaration of Independence paid a high price, but so did the colonists who supported the revolution. There is a cruel side to war that cannot be ignored.

True Christian discipleship requires a high price too. On May 23 of this year, Christian missionaries Davy (2003-2026) and Natalie Loyd (2001-2026) were killed in Lizon, Haiti. They were killed by gang members. It was reported, as Davy’s life came to an end, he refused to stop preaching the gospel; he paid the ultimate price. How much are you willing to sacrifice in service to God? Many want the benefits of Christianity without discipleship. How much of your time, natural talent and money are you willing to give up in the name of Jesus? Both American patriotism and Christianity require a high price.

Third, American patriotism and Christianity believe in a great reward. The American Revolution ended nearly two years after the battle at Yorktown. The treaty was signed in Paris in 1783. David Hartley (1732-1813) signed on behalf of Great Britain and King George III (1738-1820). John Adams (1735-1826), Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) and John Jay (1745-1829) signed on behalf of the United States. In the treaty the United States obtained their freedom and land. Great Britain surrendered all the land they held east of the Mississippi River, approximately 1.1 million square miles.

The Christian faith includes a great reward too. On the day you declared Jesus as your Lord and Savior you suddenly had a special relationship with God. You can live at peace in this world because you know that someday you are going to heaven. The Apostle Paul wasn’t wrong. Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Someday we are all going to heaven! Both American patriotism and Christianity include a great reward.

Only a fool would say the Christian faith has had no impact on America over the past 250 years. It provided the foundational moral language for civil equality, drove both monumental reform movements and devastating social oppressions, and inspired the constitutional architecture of religious freedom. The United States we know today would not be recognizable without the influence of the Christian faith. Let us pray Christianity will influence America for another 250 years.

A holy wooden Christian cross laying on a wood background with an American flag.

God’s Inspired Word

In the year A.D. 303, the Roman Emperor Diocletian (145-311) issued a decree which he hoped would extinguish the spreading flames of Christianity. One of his primary objectives was the seizure and destruction of the Christian scriptures. Later that year, officials enforced that decree in North Africa. One of the targets was Felix (247-303), the Bishop of Thibiuca. He lived near the town of Carthage. The mayor of the town ordered Felix to hand over his scriptures, but Felix refused. In time, Felix paid for his stubbornness with his life. Felix chose the scriptures over his life. That leads us to an interesting question – how important is the Bible to you? That takes us to our reading, Acts 8:26-34.

It is one of my favorite stories. According to the text, Philip is told by an angel to go to the 50-mile road that runs between Jerusalem and Gaza. Somewhere along that trek he finds an individual with a complex life, an Ethiopian eunuch. In charge of his country’s treasury, he had a wonderful professional life, but his personal life is lacking because he was a eunuch. According to the story, he was returning home after worshipping in Jerusalem. It is safe to say, he had been drawn to Jerusalem because Judaism, unlike his world, believed in one God and promoted a moral lifestyle. Philip finds him sitting in his chariot reading from the book of Isaiah. He is reading the words, but he doesn’t understand the words. Have you ever read the Bible, but you don’t understand what you are reading? Only a fool believes the Bible is easy to understand.

The Bible is hard to understand for several reasons. Consider these things with me. The Bible was written over a span of 1,500 years in a Middle Eastern society which is very different from our world. Their idioms, traditions, and social norms are different from our world. The Bible was originally written in classical Hebrew, Aramaic and classical Greek. Those languages are dead today. The meanings of metaphors and figures of speech can get lost or altered in translation. The Bible contains several kinds of literature, including poetry, law, history, prophecy and apocalyptic literature. Each style must be read with a different set of expectations. The Bible is hard to understand, yet that is not an excuse for not reading the Bible. Second Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is God breathed and is useful in teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

In our story, the Ethiopian eunuch was fortunate. As he is reading Isaiah 53, the Holy Spirit instructed Philip to help him expand his understanding of the reading. Acts 8:30 says Philip ran up to the chariot and asked the foreigner, “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip took the opportunity to explain the scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. We are not so fortunate. None of the Apostles will sit with us to explain the scriptures and expand our understanding of God’s ways. However, we do have various tools to help us understand the Bible. As I wrote this blog, I looked at various websites which gave guidelines to Bible students. I found the following six guidelines to be helpful.

Choose the right translation. According to the American Bible Society, there are over 450 complete or partial translation of the Bible in English. Finding the right one for you is important. There may be one which is more suited to your style of study.

Start with the Gospels. When reading the Bible you need to set a firm foundation. The entire Bible is about Jesus. The Old Testament is about everything leading up to Jesus’ birth. Acts and the Epistles are what happened after Jesus’ resurrection. It makes sense to read the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John first because they provide an excellent introduction to the life and teachings of Jesus.

Use a Study Bible. Study Bibles have notes written by Biblical scholars included, usually at the bottom of the page. They will include historical context, word usage and other helpful information.

Use a Bible reading plan. Having a plan will help you be more consistent. They provide structured daily guides to encourage you read the Bible. Bible reading plans can be found online.

Let the Holy Spirit guide you. The Holy Spirit is the ultimate guide to understanding the Bible. Trust the Holy Spirit and don’t be afraid to seek clarification from other Christians. Joining a Bible study group is helpful.

Apply what you have learned. Scripture is meant to have a transforming power in our lives. This not only applies to knowledge, but action as well. In James 1:22-25, we are called to be “doers of the word.”

Did you know, according to Lifeway Research, 40% of regular church worshippers do not read the Bible regularly? People don’t read the Bible for a variety of reasons. Some don’t read the Bible because it intimidates them or they don’t feel it is relevant. Others don’t read the Bible because of time restrictions or mixed-up priorities. The result is that we have become a Biblically illiterate society. It is painfully true. How many examples do you need?

Jay Leno (born 1950) hosted The Tonight Show from 1992-2009. Regularly, he had a portion on the show called “Jaywalking.” The idea was simple. He would go out on the streets and ask people, “simple questions.” On one evening, he asked people simple questions about the Bible. He asked the first person to name one of the Ten Commandments. A young man answered, “Freedom of Speech.” He then asked someone to finish the quote. Ye who is without sin _________. A middle-aged woman answered, “Has the most fun!” He then asked who in the Bible was swallowed by a great fish. An elderly gentleman answered Pinocchio. If you cannot answer those questions, or if you don’t know why those responses are funny, then you are Biblically illiterate too. How many of the three did you know?

The time has come to start reading your Bible. It is vital for spiritual growth, equipping you with practical wisdom for daily challenges, and fostering a personal relationship with God. English clergyman Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) once said, “Nobody ever outgrows scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years.”

Talking about Sin

Our reading is John 8:2-11. According to the text, Jesus is in Jerusalem. Early in the morning, Jesus was in the temple courts teaching those who had assembled. Jesus is suddenly interrupted by his enemies, the teachers of the law. In a show of force, they appear with a woman who had sinned. No one debates her guilt – she is guilty of adultery. Only the woman appeared, her lover is not present. Unlike our generation, morality was important to their generation. They bring the woman to Jesus and remind him of the law. Verse five says they asked Jesus his opinion, “What do you say? “ Truth be told, the teachers of the law are not really interested in Jesus’ opinion. They are only interested in eliminating him. Verse six says it clearly, “They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.” It is hard to see generations later, but it was one of those questions that had no right answer. If Jesus says, “No,” then it looks like he is ignoring the laws of Moses. Deuteronomy 22:22-24 says the woman must be stoned. If Jesus says, “Yes,” then he is breaking Roman law which refused to permit the Jews to take a life. It appears to be the perfect trap, but Jesus seizes that opportunity to teach the crowd about sin. The story brings up three points about sin. This is the first.

It is easy to identify the sins of others. No one in the story is questioning the woman’s guilt. We do not know the details of the story. We do not know if this was her first offense, or if she was a repeat offender. The details really don’t matter. The only thing that really matters is her guilt. Do you know of anyone who is guilty? Do you know of anyone who has done something that will never be forgotten? How easy it is to identify other people’s sins.

When I served the local church, I had a woman who came to the church regularly looking for financial help. Her name was Sarah. She looked like a victim. Unfit and unclean, she smelled like a cigarette which explained her labored beathing. Every time she came, she had a different sad story. Each story ended with her asking for money. I helped her twice. The first time was when I paid for a motel room because she had nowhere to sleep. The second time I gave her a gift certificate for food when she had no food. Let me say this clearly – I never helped her again. This is why. On the day I gave her the gift certificate gift she told me she hadn’t eaten in days. No one should be hungry, even Sarah. I prayed with her, gave her the certificate and walked her to the door. As we stood at the door she thanked me one more time with a tear in her eyes. From the door I watched her walk toward her ancient SUV. I felt good because I had helped someone. Then I looked inside of her vehicle. I was surprised to see other people. One of them threw a fast-food bag out of the window as they drove off with the gift certificate. I picked up the trash and discovered they had been to Taco Bell. They were not hungry. Sarah was not hungry. There were half eaten tacos spread throughout the parking lot. There is no other way to say it, Sarah had lied to me, and I felt like a fool. I never helped her again. Sarah’s story reminds me it is easy to identify the sins of others. How many sinners are there in your life? This is the second point about sin.

It is hard to identify yourself as a sinner. Everyone is standing around the adulterous woman. They are holding a stone and hungry for justice. Verse seven changes everything. It says, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Suddenly everyone drops their rock, because everyone is guilty of some kind of sin. You are a sinner too. Romans 3:23 says, “All have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God.“ It is easy to identify other people’s sins. It is hard to identify yourself as a sinner.

On December 8, 1980, British musician John Lennon (1940-1980) was shot by Mark David Chapman (born 1955) in New York City. When the news was announced a crowd assembled on that spot to remember him. Lennon was dead and Chapman was sent to Attica prison, where he is today. Through the years journalists have interviewed him. One of them asked Chapman what he regrets most about the whole event. He responded, “I am saddened that people seem to misunderstand me. I am not a bad person. I only killed one person.” How difficult it is to identify yourself as a sinner. This is the third point about sin.

God treats sinners with mercy and compassion. God does not condone or accept our sinning; God expects us to do better. When the scene ends, only two people remain, Jesus and the woman. Jesus could have stoned her as the law required, but he looked at the woman and had compassion. When he looked at her, he did not see a sinner. He saw a broken, unhappy life, wasting her potential. Jesus cared more about the person then he did the law. God cares more about us then the law. What is more important to you, people or the law?

Years ago, I received an email from a person named Justin. I cannot tell you about him because I never met him. Our relationship was nothing more than a series of emails. He emailed me first because he had a question that was grounded in fear. He was afraid he had committed the unforgiveable sin. Mark 3:29 says, “Whoever blasphemes against The Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of everlasting sin.” I examined the passage to him. It was directed at a certain group at a certain time in history. I told him he wasn’t guilty because I was certain he was going around giving Satan credit for God’s great works. I told him God is more interested in the sinner then he is the law. I told him Jesus was the perfect sacrifice for our sins. I told him Jesus died so me could live. I told him to trust Jesus. I asked him if he knew Jesus as his Lord and Savior. His last email was one word, YES! I responded, “I look forward to meeting you in heaven.” Are you like Justin? Are you afraid your sins can’t be forgiven? Or maybe your sin is not accepting the fact that you are a sinner. I hope not. Jesus died as the perfect sacrifice and gives you the opportunity for eternal life. How easy it is to see the sins in others and how hard it is to see our own sins. Thank goodness, Jesus treats sinners like us with mercy and compassion. May we do our best to sin no more!

Some Much to Remember

Our reading is Genesis 8:15-20. The main character is Noah. Everyone knows his story. In his days, the world had grown so wicked that God decided to start over. God sends a great flood to destroy everything. However, God decides to save mankind and selects one righteous man, Noah, to repopulate the world. God has Noah build a great ark. On the day the rain began to fall, Noah entered the ark, along with his family and the animals. According to Genesis 7:12, it rained forty days and forty nights. (Remember, in the Bible the number forty is reserved for a sacred period.) When the rain stopped, the water began to dry up and in time dry ground appeared. The first verse of our reading tells us God directs Noah to exit the ark. Verse twenty says the first thing Noah did was build an altar to the Lord.

Why did Noah build an altar? In the Bible, man-made altars were created for several reasons. Sometimes man-made altars existed to offer a sacrifice to God. That is why Noah built his altar. However, that is not the only reason. Sometimes man-made altars were constructed to remember divine encounters or to remember divine acts. Some altars were built to seal a covenant or as a place of refuge. I do not want to simplify the topic, but altars were built to remember something significant. That is the same reason we place headstones at graves. On Memorial Day, it is the custom in the United States to decorate graves of fallen soldiers who have died in service to our country. On Memorial Day, it is the custom to decorate the graves of deceased loved ones. Did you know approximately 20% of Americans visit the grave of a loved one regularly? During those visits people do three things. Let me look at each one.

First, when we stand at a grave we remember the past. When Noah stood by his altar he remembered his past. Just think about it for a moment, Noah walked out of the ark with his family. There were eight of them. That was it. Everyone else was gone. Everything he knew in the past was gone. They were not going to be part of his future. Everything and everyone, except his family, was gone!

Have you ever stopped to consider how the world has changed? In 2014, Kathryn and I traveled to Quincy, Massachusetts. It is the home of Peacefield, the home of Founding Father and President John Adams (1735-1826) and his wife Abigail Adams (1744-1818) and home of President John Qunincy Adams (1767-1848) and his wife Louisa Catherine Adams (1775-1852). The oldest selection of the house was built in 1731. The entire property is now part of the Adams National Historic Park. Everything was well preserved, and we enjoyed our visit. It was easy to imagine what life was like during the early days of our country, except for one exception. Across the street from the Adams home was a Dunkin Donuts. I found the contrast between Peacefield and the Dunkin Donuts comical. It reminds us the world has changed a great deal in the past 250 years.

Have you ever stopped to consider how much the world has changed in your lifetime? I was born in 1957. In 1957, the world population was approximately 2.8 billion. Today, it is over 8 billion. Since 1957, there has been an information revolution. In 1957, a new home cost approximately $15,000. A new car cost approximately $2,000. Gas was 24 cents a gallon. A first-class stamp was 3 cents. College tuition for an Ivy League school was $1,000 annually. You get the point; the world has changed a great deal in my lifetime. How much has the world changed in your lifetime? Noah spent time remembering the past. How much time do you spend remembering the past? One of the things we do on Memorial Day is remember the past.

Second, when we stand at a grave, we remember what is important. Verse 20 says Noah built his altar to the Lord. It doesn’t say he built the altar to his wife, his sons or their wives. It says he built the altar to the Lord. He built the altar to the most important thing in his life, God! This is the question you must answer: what is important to you?

Sitting on a table next to my bed is an old, grainy family photograph. I look at it regularly. My Aunt Phyllis tells me it is a photograph of an Adams family reunion about the year 1900. Everyone is sitting in front of a farmhouse. All the men have long beards; all the women are wearing long dresses. The oldest are sitting on chairs in the middle. The youngest are sitting on the ground. There is a young boy sitting in front of the oldest man. That young boy is my grandfather, Roger Adams. He was the only one in that picture I ever met. Everyone in that picture is gone. Yet, that photograph is important to me because they are my ancestors.

I like to think the core values of my ancestors are the same as mine. Not a single person in that photograph is extremely handsome or rich. Not a single Adams ever invented anything or wrote a book. Those things really don’t matter to me. However, Adams means certain things. First, it means you are a good person. Second, it means you are honest. Third, it means you are loyal; loyal to your spouse, children, friends and country. Fourth, it means you are a Christian. Jesus is the most important thing to me. What is important to you? One of the things we do on Memorial Day is remember what is important.

Third, when we stand at a grave we ponder the future. What do you think Noah thought about his future? To answer that question, you must combine Noah’s past experiences and his priorities. His past included a sinful world. His greatest priority was God. When he looked to the future he must have been determined to do better. Through Noah everything started anew. God had given the world another chance and Noah knew they could do better. Have you ever thought about your future? What do you still want to do? What mistakes do you want to correct? What would you like to do better? One of the things we do on Memorial Day is ponder the future.

John Logan (1826-1886) was the National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic during the 1860’s. It was Logan who declared May 30, 1868 a “Memorial Day.” That date was selected because the flowers would be in full bloom in both the north and the south. The observance was held at Arlington National Cemetery. Ulysses (1822-1885) and Julia Grant (1826-1902) presided over the day. Soldiers from the Grand Army of the Republic and orphans from the Soldiers and Sailors orphanage placed flowers on both Union and Confederate graves. The idea was not original. By 1868, communities who had lost men in the Civil War had been decorating the graves of their lost loved ones for several years. There is nothing new about Memorial Day. People have been remembering for a long time. Perhaps, it all began with Noah, who built an altar and remembered. This Memorial Day what will you remember?

Facing the Challenge

The Sermon on the Mount is found in the fifth, sixth, and seventh chapters of Matthew. It is a collection of Jesus’ moral teachings. That means our reading, Matthew 5:38-48, stands within that body of teachings. There is nothing easy about what Jesus said to the crowd on that day; they were challenging words. They are challenging words to us today, and they must be taken seriously. They are challenging because they run contrary to normal human behavior. If you use your sanctified imagination, you can imagine Jesus using his well-warn sandal and drawing a line in the sand. He is challenging them, and us, to step over that line and stand with him. This is the truth – few have stepped over that line. Most of us are more concerned about being accepted by the world than standing with Jesus. The heart of those teachings is the topic of Christian discipleship. Are you taking your discipleship seriously? In this blog I want to look at Jesus’ challenge; we find that we are challenged in three ways.

First, are you willing to love unconditionally? Most of us love conditionally. Verses thirty-eight and thirty-nine says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” It is easy to love likeable people, who are just like you. It is not as easy to love unlikeable people, who are nothing like you. However, Jesus expects his disciples to love unconditionally.

Every American knows the name George Washington (1732-1799), the first President of the United States. Not many know the name Peter Miller (1709-1796), who was a friend of Washington and the German Baptist pastor in Ephrata, Pennsylvania. Within Miller’s congregation was a man named Michael Wittman. He hated his pastor and did everything possible to discredit him. One day Wittman was arrested for treason and sentenced to die. History tells us, Pastor Miller traveled seventy miles on foot to Philadelphia to plead for the life of the evil-minded Wittman. The plea was heard by his friend George Washington. At first, Washington was deaf to Miller’s plea because he thought Miller and Wittman were friends. Then, Miller responded, “No, he is not my friend but my bitterest enemy.” Washington responded, “You have walked seventy miles to save the life of your greatest enemy? That puts the matter in a different light. I’ll grant your pardon.” Peter Miller took Michael Wittman back home to Ephrata – no longer an enemy, but a friend. Would you beg for the benefit of an enemy? Miller didn’t just beg for Wittman’s life; he accepted Jesus’ challenge and crossed the line in the sand. I hope you would do the same because that is what Jesus expects. If you are going to cross the line in the sand and stand with Jesus, then you must love unconditionally. Are you up to the challenge?

Second, you must forgive unreservedly. Most forgive reservedly. On April 25, 1958, a 26-year-old exchange student from Korea was killed going to the post office near the campus at the University of Pennsylvania. The news of the attack spread quickly. The entire city of Philadelphia was outraged. A teenage gang was accused. The District Attorney wanted them tried as adults, so they could be given the death penalty. Then suddenly, something shocking happened. A letter came from Korea that confused everyone. This is what the letter said:

To Whom It May Concern:

Our family has met and has decided to petition your government so those guilty of this crime may be treated generously within your law. To give evidence of our sincere spirit, we have decided to save money for a fund to be used for the religious, educational, vocational and social guidance of the boys once they are released. We have learned about such forgiveness from our Savior, Jesus, who forgave us.

A large part of Jesus’ mission was to offer forgiveness. Those Koreans were not just setting up a fund, they were accepting Jesus’ challenge and crossing Jesus’ line in the sand. Jesus Christ forgave unreservedly, and so did those Korean disciples. Would you be able to forgive those teenagers? If you are going to cross the line in the sand and stand with Jesus, then you must forgive unreservedly. Are you up to the challenge?

Third, you must serve unselfishly. Are you open to sacrificing for a stranger? Verses forty through forty-two say, “And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” It is not easy to serve unselfishly, but that is what Jesus expects from you and me. Jesus says we must serve unselfishly.

On a dreary winter day in 1943, nine hundred and three soldiers and four chaplains boarded the SS Dorchester. World War II was in full swing, and the ship was headed across the icy north Atlantic. At midnight on February third, the ship was hit by a German torpedo. The word went out that the ship was going down. One of the chaplains was a man named George Fox (1900-1943). A young GI crept up to Fox and said, “I’ve lost my life jacket. Fox said, “Take this,” and handed the GI his life jacket. Before the ship sank, each chaplain gave his life jacket to another man. The heroic chaplains then linked arms and lifted their voices in prayer as the Dorchester went down. Those chaplains were awarded posthumously the Distinguished Service Cross.

Those chaplains accepted the challenge and crossed the line in the sand. They were true disciples of Jesus Christ! Would you have given your life jacket away to save someone else? If you are going to cross the line in the sand and stand with Jesus, then you must serve unselfishly. Are you up to the challenge? Let me end with this story.

In 1992, the movie A League of their Own was released. I have watched the movie several times. It is about a women’s baseball league during the Second World War. Geena Davis (born 1956) is the main character in the movie and plays the catcher of the Rockford Peaches, Dottie Hinson. She is not only the best player on the team, but also the best player in the league. As the season drags on, Davis’s character gets tired and decides to quit the team. She tells her manager, Jimmy Dugan, played by Tom Hanks (born 1956), that she is going to quit because baseball is “too hard”. I love his response. Hank’s character responds, “Baseball is supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it.” Then he said, “Hard is what makes baseball great!”

It is not just true of baseball; it is true of the Christian faith. If it was easy, then everyone would do it. The challenge is what makes the Christian faith so great! Are you going to accept Jesus’ challenge and cross Jesus’ line in the sand? If you are, then you’d better be prepared to do the most unnatural things. The choice is yours. I hope you are up to the challenge! American philosopher Dallas Willard (1935-2013) once said, “Discipleship is the process of becoming who Jesus would be if he were you.”

To Lynbrook with Love

My cousin Alice recently died. She lived in Lynbrook, New York. She had been sick for several years, but her death still came as a shock. We lived hundreds of miles apart, but I have fond memories of her. I will always remember her wonderful sense of humor and her giving spirit. To be honest, her death generated anger, guilt and depression inside of me. The whole family traveled to Lynbrook with love. I was humbled to be asked to officiate at her funeral. When my mother died several years after my father, I was uncomfortable being part of the older generation. When members of your own generation begin to die, it is disturbing. Death is uncomfortable for us mortals. However, death is a part of life. Our reading is John 11:1-44.

The story in our scripture verses revolves around a man named Lazarus. His name means “whom God helps.” He and his sisters, Mary and Martha, lived two miles from Jerusalem in the town of Bethany. They were personal friends of Jesus. In our story, Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that Lazarus was gravely ill. Through worldly eyes, Jesus arrived too late. Lazarus had died and everyone was grieving. When Jesus saw their emotions, he was moved and began to cry. John 11:35 is the shortest verse in the Bible, but it exposes a great deal about Jesus. He wept because he was filled with empathy. Have you ever wept at a funeral? The story reveals to us three things we must do the next time death invades our personal space.

First, we must remember our departed loved one. In 2013, Lt. John Harold Pritchard (1892-1917) of the British military was laid to rest, 96 years after his death. He died on May 15, 1917, during World War I. His remains were found by a farmer in 2009 near Bullecourt, France. He was just one of the millions who were killed during the Great War. Today, his remains are resting in a cemetery that is filled with World War I veterans. His 86-year-old great nephew said it best, “We all feel better now because we know we can come and visit him. We now have a place to come and remember.” There is an old pagan belief that holds some truth. They believe if the departed are remembered, part of the person remains. It is important to remember our departed loved ones.

Second, we must review our lives up to this point. In 1846, former President John Quincy Adams (1767-1848) suffered a stroke. Although he returned to Congress the following year, his health was clearly failing. Daniel Webster (1782-1852) described his last meeting with Adams: “Someone, a friend of his, came in and made particular inquiry about his health. Adams answered, ‘I inhabit a weak, frail, decayed tenement; battered by the winds and broken in upon by the storms, and from all I can learn, the landlord does not intend to repair.'” It was too late for John Quincy Adams. It is not too late for you. I recommend you start living now! Mary and Martha must have reviewed their own lives at Lazarus’ death.

The story of Lazarus teaches us that life is unpredictable. No one expected him to die. It also teaches us that life is short. I once had a woman in her nineties tell me she was ready to sign up for ninety more years. That simply isn’t possible. The question at every funeral is, who is next? Death does not always happen in chronological order. What do you still want to do with your life? Where do you still want to travel in this world? What do you still want to learn? I would suggest you don’t wait; life is unpredictable. Are you living? Or are you just waiting to die? American author and humorist Mark Twain (1835-1910) once said, “Let us endeavor so to live that when we come to die, even the undertaker will be sorry.” It is important to review your life.

Third, we must refocus our eyes on eternity. One of the great scenes in the New Testament is Mark 8:27-31, Peter’s confession. You know the story. For some time, the disciples had been following Jesus. They had seen the miracles. They had heard the teachings. They had felt his presence and experienced the reaction of the people who constantly followed Jesus. Our generation knows Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus’ own generation was not so sure, so Jesus asked the twelve the question, who do you say that I am? Anyone of the disciples could have answered the question, but only one voice was heard. Peter answered, “You are the Christ.” That correct identification changed everything. That correct identification changed the way we look at death. You must answer the question for yourself, who is Jesus? This is the bottom line.

Death doesn’t just challenge us to live fuller lives now. Death challenges us to be prepared for eternity. Your good deeds cannot earn your salvation. Your church membership has no guarantee of salvation. Your patriotic spirit will not influence your salvation. Your only hope of salvation is Jesus. Look at the story with me. Mary and Martha were reunited with their once deceased brother because of Jesus. Is it possible you are so busy with your life you need to refocus on eternity?

Several years ago, someone asked me what I look forward to in my death. I gave her an honest answer. I am no different from you. When I get to heaven, I look forwarded to being reunited with loved ones who have died. Does that sound selfish? Maybe I should have said standing near the throne or singing in the choir. Those things really don’t appeal to me. I look forward to being reunited with departed loved ones. Read the next line slowly. There is no hope of a great reunion without Jesus. Jesus asked the disciples, but Jesus is also asking you: Who do you say I am? I hope you identify him correctly. He must be your Lord and Savior!

Death brings out three things in us. First, death challenges us to remember the past. Those memories are important. Second, death challenges us to review your life to this moment. What do you still want to do? Third, death challenges us to refocus on eternity. Who is Jesus to you? Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) once said, “As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so a life well used brings happy death.”

Jesus’ Three Requirements

Our reading is Matthew 26:17-30. It is Thursday of Holy Week. Most call it Maundy Thursday. Jesus has already entered Jerusalem riding a donkey to celebrate his final Passover. Jesus has already cursed the fig tree and cleansed the Temple. Jesus has already been confronted by his enemies and Judas Iscariot has already agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. According to the text, Jesus has already washed the disciples’ feet and was observing the annual Seder with his disciples.

The Passover Seder is a structured, 15-step ritual meal held on the first two nights of Passover. It was a scripted meal. Everything they ate and drank reminded them of their ancestors’ exodus from Egypt. To be more exact, they remembered how God had acted on behalf of their ancestors. However, on that Passover Jesus changed the script and created something new – Jesus told the disciples the bread represented his body and the wine represented is blood. To the disciples the symbolism was clear. Bread represented blessings. Blood represented death. From the very beginning Christians valued communion. It has generated much debate in the life of the church.

Swiss theologian Karl Barth (1886-1968) once said, “The Word became flesh, and then through theologians it became words again.” For years, theologians have debated communion. I remember sitting in classrooms and studying the words transubstantiation and consubstantiation. The Roman Catholic tradition believes in transubstantiation – the bread and the wine mystically turn into the actual body and blood of Christ. That happens when the bell is rung during a Catholic Mass. The Protestant tradition believes in consubstantiation. The bread and the wine, or juice, represent the body and the blood of Christ. For years, theologians have debated communion.

For years, well-meaning laity have complicated communion by telling us how they prefer to receive it. Some like it weekly. Some like it monthly. Some like it quarterly. One woman told me communion should only be offered once a year, on Christmas Eve at the 11:00 PM service. The founder of the great Methodist movement John Wesley (1703-1791) took communion up to five times a week. Some like communion sitting in the pews. Some like it at the rail. Some don’t like it at the rail, because it discriminates against those with arthritic knees. Some like communion served in little plastic cups and cubed bread. Some like communion served by intinction, when you tear off your own piece of bread from a common loaf and dip it into a common cup. Germaphobes are repulsed by intinction. Some think long, complex liturgy should accompany communion, and others don’t want any liturgy at all. Well-meaning laity have complicated communion by telling us how they prefer it. The United Methodist Book of Disciple says, the appointed clergy will decide how often and in what form communion will be served. I wish I had such power. In my time in the ministry, the whole topic exhausted me. I grew tired of trying to keep everyone happy.That is impossible.

It is interesting to note the Bible does not use the words transubstantiation or consubstantiation, it does not tell us how to serve the elements. However, the Bible tells us what we must do when we partake communion. To be more exact, Jesus gives us three requirements we must observe when we partake the communion elements. This is the first requirement.

Communion requires us to remember Jesus! Verses 25 and 26 tell us Jesus took the bread and associated it with his body, and he took the wine and associated it with his blood. Like the rest of us, Jesus didn’t want to be forgotten once he was gone; Jesus wanted to be remembered.

What do you remember about Jesus as you partake of his body and blood? Do you remember his humble birth in Bethlehem? Do you remember his baptism in the Jordan River? Do you remember his lessons from the Sermon on the Mount? Do you remember his miracles? The lame could walk and the blind could see. Do you remember how Jesus walked on the water and controlled the weather? Do you remember how Jesus resurrected Lazarus? Do you remember Jesus hanging on the cross, twisted in pain for your salvation? It is a fair question. What do you remember about Jesus, as you partake of the bread and cup? I remember Jesus in the Upper Room with the disciples observing his last Seder. This is the second requirement.

Communion requires us to examine our present condition! Jesus was a man who lived the perfect life and sacrificed so much. He had the perfect relationship with God. In comparison to Jesus, our sins are obvious and we have sacrificed very little. There is no comparison between us and Jesus. Yet, Jesus invites us to partake. If you are not humbled at the communion table, then you have a serious spiritual problem. That is what Paul is saying in I Corinthians 11:27, “Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.” Communion humbles us, because we must examine our present condition. This is the third requirement.

Communion requires us to examine our eternity! In the scripture lesson, Jesus isn’t just embracing the moment, Jesus is forcing the disciples to examine their eternity. Verse 25 says, “I will tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until I drink it anew in the Kingdom of God.” Jesus is not just speaking of his own eternity, he is speaking of the disciple’s eternity too. By his invitation to us to sit at the table with him, Jesus is speaking of your eternity. Where do you want to spend eternity? I have never met a person who didn’t want to go to heaven. Jesus is your only hope of salvation. Communion requires us to examine our eternity!

Each time you take communion remember Jesus’s three requirements. First, communion requires us to remember Jesus. Second, communion requires us to examine ourselves. Third, communion requires us to examine our eternity. There is very little nutritional value in a small amount of bread and juice, but there is a spiritual value that cannot be dismissed. Pope Pius X (1835-1914) served as Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from 1903-1914. He said, “Holy Communion is the shortest and safest way to heaven.”