“Love…”

What does it look like?

If you were to describe love to someone, how would you do it? Would you base it on certain actions? Would you centre on the emotion or feeling of being in love? You know, where butterflies rise in your stomach when you think of that certain someone? How would you describe love or define it?

There is a book by Gary Chapman that focuses on love. It is called The Five Love Languages. It describes how each of us has a primary and a secondary way, (or language) when it comes to feeling loved. The Five Love Languages include the following: words of affirmation (or compliments), quality time, gifts, acts of service, and physical touch.

Often someone will express or show love to others using one of these actions. Usually, the way they show love is how they feel loved. For example, if someone typically shows love through acts of service, then when they do something, like the laundry, they think of it as an act of love. They anticipate that their partner should respond accordingly – they would if someone did that for them.

However, if their partner feels love through quality time, then they are glad that the laundry got done, but it does not make them feel overly loved. If they sat down and spent time with them, they would feel differently. They would feel loved.

While this provides some helpful insights into how we can display love to those closest to us, it does not answer the question about the nature of love. We know that love is powerful. We will do almost anything for love, even though we may have a hard time defining it.

We often think that love is an emotion. It is something that just happens. It is love at first sight or something like that. However, love is a choice. We choose whether we will love or not.

In 1 Corinthians there is a chapter called the “Love Chapter”. It is Chapter 13 and defines love this way,

⁴ Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud ⁵ or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. ⁶ It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. ⁷ Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

It is an apt description of love. Regardless of what our love language is we want to have people love us like this. Be patient with us. Never keep our wrongs against us or demand their own way. Having love shown to us that involves these things would be desirable.

At the same time, we recognize that to love like this is not easy. I can think of some circumstances that would be difficult to endure. Maintaining love during them would be stretching. It makes me believe that love is more than a feeling.

For us to love like this it requires a choice. I know that does not sound romantic or how we often think about love. However, this kind of love involves choosing to love like this.

As I think of this definition of love I cannot help but think of how Jesus chooses to love us. In John 13 Jesus said to His disciples,

³⁴ So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. ³⁵ Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

The example of love that Jesus demonstrates is the kind of love His followers are to display. We are to love as Jesus loves. He would display how great His love for each of us is when He would go to the cross and give His life for us. However, these followers of His witnessed love not long before these words.

As they got ready to eat, Jesus got up from the table, took a basin of water, and a towel, and began to wash their feet. It was an act of love that was not what any of them expected Jesus to do. But serving them was a demonstration of His love for them and the kind of love they were to display.

It is easy to throw the term “love” around without much thought about what it means or looks like. Yet, it is one of the biggest choices we will ever make – to choose to love as we have been loved by Jesus. To love as we have been loved by Him. That is love.

“Why…?

It comes out of curiosity. If you have young children or grandchildren, there is a point where you hear this word numerous times a day. They want to know; they are curious about the world around them.

While we might become less curious over time and ask the “Why” question less often, there remain moments in life where we wonder. Life does not always make sense. At times, we will have the nerve to ask, other times the question “Why” will be confined inside our minds.

There are enough things that occur that we struggle to understand. Our minds are filled with questions and we wonder why. Why did that happen? Why did they do that? Why do I have to…? Why?

Sometimes, even though we ask the question, the answer is obvious. We recognize the reasons or motives easily and there is absolute clarity. However, not all situations are like that. At times clarity is elusive. We are unable to determine the reason for what transpires. We wonder, we question, and we become confused as we seek to know “the why”.

Passion Week was filled with questions and may still be.

Thinking about what transpired between the Triumphant entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem and the events that happened days later, questions are raised.

Jesus entered the capital city with great fanfare and excitement. It was the kind of entrance that should translate into lasting changes. People expected Jesus to be the Messiah, a ruler who would alter everything. But, after all the excitement of His glorious arrival – nothing.

No surrender of authority to the obvious people’s choice to lead them. No uprising to seize power. No pushing back against Roman rule. It was as if His arrival in the city was for show. Nothing was tangibly different. Why?

As the week continued, before the crowd could explain it, they witnessed Jesus in chains. Beaten beyond recognition by those who were to be overthrown. No supernatural power was used to defeat these enemies. No force to cause them to shrink back and leave the nation. The hope they placed in Him looked hopeless.

Then, it got worse.

Instead of changing life in Israel, Jesus was carrying, for as long as He could, a cross. Ultimately, He was nailed to one. Why?

The questions kept mounting as the unthinkable became a reality. How could this happen? It seemed impossible a few days ago. But the question that sat in the minds of many was…Why?

However, if they were close enough to hear Jesus they would have insight into the answer. From the eyewitness account of this eventful moment, John writes in chapter 19,

²⁸ Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” ²⁹ A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. ³⁰ When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

These three simple words said so much. “It is finished”. They speak to the “Why” question. The mission of Jesus had come to an end. What occurred was not some random event, acts of fate, or an unexplained tragedy. What occurred had meaning.

While they believed Jesus was going to establish a typical Kingdom. He would overthrow the present rulers and establish Himself as King. Yet, He had something else in mind. A greater need was going to be addressed.

Why could He say that?

Most did not understand. He had just died. Why would His mission be complete in death?

What they did not see was their greatest need. Rather than a ruler to replace their current ones, they needed someone to address their frailties and their sin. Someone who would be their final King.

Because their actions separated them from God something had to happen. There were ways. There were sacrifices, following rules, living as rightly as possible, and then hoping. Hoping it would be enough.

Instead, what they found was a never-ending cycle. No matter how hard they tried it wasn’t enough. They would act, do, or think something at odds with a holy, pure, and righteous God.

Jesus came to fulfill what we could not.

Earlier Jesus stated what He came to do. In Matthew 20 we read,

²⁸ For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

His mission was to give His life so our greatest need would be met. Through Jesus, we could be welcomed by a Holy God, forgiven, and find life. It is why He did what He did. It was about us.  

“Democracy…”

Democracy is fragile. It always has been.

There are many examples of times and places in history where those with power determine they should continue to maintain it, regardless of what anyone else thinks. Maintaining power varies. Some use force, some limit choices, and some declare themselves to be emperors or gods. The means are not important. The results are. Dictatorships are not democratic.

Democracy discussion has consumed a lot of oxygen. Cries of “Threats to democracy” have echoed from many corners for different reasons. Often it is simply one side defining another as the biggest threat to democracy. You should avoid giving “them” power or control, give it to “us”. They will destroy democracy and we won’t.

By no means is this a political column. But the definition and process for democracy are relevant to faith. Democracy is a system of government, a political system. It requires the involvement of people, of the citizenry, to express and voice their opinion by choosing who should lead and speak on their behalf.

In a democratic system, everyone can choose to express their will through voting. The person they choose may win or may lose, but at the end of the day, the voter was able to express their voice or opinion.

We may like this system, wish there were adjustments to it or would pick a different one altogether. However, at the end of the day, having the ability to choose is what makes democracy work.

The appeal of democratic government is the ability for everyone to have a say or choice in who represents or leads them. Without an opportunity to choose, it is no longer a democracy. Unfortunately, it is easy to forget our responsibility in this system. Increasingly, we find fewer people exercising their voices.

With recent elections and our opportunity to “remember” what democracy costs, I could not help but wonder about democracy, our democracy.

Many years ago, I listened as veterans discussed their experiences in war. Some shared them for the first time. Even their families did not know what they went through until that moment. They heard what was happening “overseas” and knew they needed to help stop it. Instead of watching, they became engaged. Their reasons for stepping up varied. So too, did their experiences.

What did not vary was the horrible cost and toll it took on them. Scores of people lost their lives in these conflicts. For those who made it home though, their lives were forever changed.

At times, war gets glamorized. Phrases like, “Fighting the enemy”, or pursuing “Freedom at all costs,” paints a much more glamorous image than what the actual reality is. War is awful. No one wins. One side might declare victory, but no one wins as people’s lives on both sides of the battle are forever changed if not destroyed.

On November 11th, in Canada, we will pause to “Remember”.

It is our day to think about and remember those who gave of themselves to preserve freedom, liberty, and democracy.

It is a sobering day. Not only because of the extreme sacrifices that were made, ones made with little regard to personal comfort but because of how little we seem to be willing to sacrifice our comforts for others.

One of Jesus’ close followers, John, describes the kind of sacrifice Jesus made for us. In 1 John 4, we read,

¹⁰ This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

Jesus acted sacrificially out of love. He gave everything so we could have a choice. So, we could choose to walk in a relationship with God as opposed to being limited to struggling on our own.

Too often we take the sacrifices of the past for granted. We enjoy our freedoms without recognizing what they cost. We ignore the benefits and privileges we have even though they only exist because of the sacrifices of others.

Those whose sacrifices we pause to remember did not hesitate. They, thousands and thousands of them set their own safety and security aside so freedom, democracy, and our way of life in Canada would continue.

Jesus too did not hesitate.

As John points out, Jesus loved us first. He freely gave of Himself so we could have the freedom to choose – choose to follow Him and find life. What will we choose to do?

As we think of democracy and the sacrifices made for us may we never forget what it cost.

“They will not grow old as we that are left grow old: age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”   

“Going Home…”

There is no place like home.

Home is intended to be the place where we can be ourselves. Where comfort and peace exists. Where we belong.

While that is not always what home represents, it is what home is intended to be. Going there should provide us with safety, security, and ease.

This week I have thought about going home. Two situations brought it to my attention. The first has to do with what tomorrow is.

“Going home…”

I can only imagine how overwhelming these words were for what is described as “The greatest generation.” Finally, after risking everything to fight against tyranny and for the cause of freedom, they were headed to where they longed to be – home.

Tomorrow, at the 11th hour, we pause to remember those who did or who continue to, place their lives in “harms way” for the sake of others. We remember our veterans.

In Canada, November the 11th, is our Remembrance Day. It is a day to honour and remember those who gave their lives for the cause of freedom. Following the first World War, a day was set aside to not only mark the end of the war, but to remember. Since 1919 it has been a reminder for us. A reminder to take time to pause, reflect and remember.

For those few moments, we remember sacrifices made by those who did not survive. We remember the life altering events for those who remained and eventually did come home. We remember service and we honour those who served.

Over the years I have spoken and participated in a number of Remembrance Day events. Each time, part of my message was to remind the gathered audience of unselfishness on behalf of those who willingly served. Included in that, are those who never made it “home” to be reunited with loved ones and those who came “home” forever changed by what they witnessed.

I have heard many stories from veterans expressing their experiences during their time in service. Stories, in many instances, that they never shared before I heard them. While they physically came home, in some ways they never returned. The tragedies they saw forever scarred their lives. “Going home…” was not what they anticipated.

“Going home…” makes me think of the thousands upon thousands who were never welcomed home by their families or who did not personally or directly receive thanks from their nation for answering the call. Nor the praise from a liberated people who benefited from their efforts. They would never see “home” again.

But, “Going home…” has taken on a different thought for me as well this week.

My best friend Doug, who I have known for more than 50 years, witnessed two members of his family “Going home…” in the last ten days. Both his dad and wife went home – just 4 days apart. Their journey in this life came to an end, but they experienced a homecoming beyond our full understanding.

While we experience our loss of relationship with them, they experienced what “going home” is intended to be.

In Hebrews 13 we read this description of those who are followers of Jesus. It says this,

¹⁴ For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.

We like to think of this world, where we live – reside, as our home. But for followers of Jesus we are simply passing through. There is a home that Jesus promised for those who trust Him with their lives. It is not a home for those who are perfect – for none of us would then gain entrance. Rather, it is a home for those who lean upon the One who is perfect – Jesus.

This week, these two people arrived at “home”. They are now where they are fully known. Where their struggles no longer exist. Where they are safe, secure, and at peace.

When Paul, a follower of Jesus, wrote to a group of believers who were very caught up with this life and what was happening in it, he points out how there is so much more to come. In his second letter, to these believers of Jesus in Corinth, he writes,

⁸ Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8 (NLT)

Paul understood that there exists this tension between this world and the next. We want to be at home here, but the greatest homecoming we will ever experience is when we are at “home with the Lord.” There, in His presence, we will be truly at home.

This occurs when we trust Jesus. Jesus said this,

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. ² There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? ³ When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. John 14 (NLT)

In other words, I want you to be with Me. I want you to be at home with Me. But Jesus also included how that can occur. He was asked and responded by saying,

⁶ Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. (John 14 NLT)

He provides the way home.

“Going home…” There is no place like it.

“Walking in Their Shoes…” (Part 1)

It is a statement we use to help build understanding.

Agreeing with someone on everything is impossible. Each of us have differing perspectives which make seeing “eye to eye” on every issue unreasonable. Yet, when we want to move someone closer to our point of view, the solution can be to invite them to – “walk in our shoes”.

We know we cannot actually do that.

Each of us will walk our own path. The experiences I have differ from the experiences you have. Inviting you to “walk in my shoes” is not about you actually putting on my shoes or suddenly flipping places with me. Life is not “Freaky Friday” (some of you will get the reference).

However, the phrase is used to encourage each of us to think about someone else’s path. It is used to help us build understanding of what we would do if we were placed in the other person’s circumstances. If I had to walk down the road they were required to walk down, how would I respond? Would it be the same or different?

We see numerous examples where this action would be helpful. It, unfortunately like many things, is easier said than done.

I have traveled across my country where I have met and engaged in many conversations with people from all parts of Canada. Each area is distinct with unique viewpoints and perspectives. These come from many factors. Where they live, who they typically listen to, and so on. Each of these shape and influence its residents by forming their world view. It impacts everything from their perspectives on life, their priorities, how they think about issues and even their voting patterns.

The thing is, I do not know how many times I have heard people express how they just “Cannot understand how _____ can see the world the way they do.” Funny thing is, I have heard that from people on opposite sides of an issue about the other group. Little understanding is present of how someone could possibly think contrary to the way I do. Without seeing through someone else’s eyes, it is inconceivable that someone could think differently than me.

As we begin this season of expectation, Advent, we are confronted with a similar challenge. We know the story, how God chose to become flesh, to come to earth as a baby born to a young couple. How His arrival was dramatically announced to shepherds and Magi, one by angels and the other by a the presence of a new star.

The events are documented for us. The accounts go into detail about the human side of the story. We are told how the various participants wrestled or embraced the news they were given.

Except…

It is difficult to put ourselves “in their shoes”.

The most difficult of all the characters for us to grasp is the life of Mary and Joseph. They were faced with separate decisions. Each faced consequences for whatever they decided. We read about their wonderment and wrestling.

However we know the rest of the story. We know they will arrive in Bethlehem, find no room in the Inn, and have a baby – Jesus – born and placed in a manger.

We know what happens. What we can only guess at is how hard their decisions were. Following through on God’s plan was difficult. We get it. Or do we?

Until we put ourselves in their shoes…do we really understand the significance of what took place?

The first part of putting ourselves into their shoes revolves around Mary’s story. Her account is found in Luke’s record of Jesus’ life. In the first chapter we are introduced to her after being told about a family member, Elizabeth, who is now expecting a child, even though she is beyond child bearing years. It is a miraculous thing.

http://www.LumoProject.com.

The scene shifts to Mary where we are told how God sends an angel, Gabriel to her. Mary is a virgin engaged to marry a man named Joseph. The words of the angel give her God’s plan. He said,

³¹ You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. ³² He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. ³³ And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”

Mary’s response is well known. She said

³⁴ … “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”

The angel informed her it would be a supernatural conception. We then read Mary’s further response.

³⁸ Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.

What we do not often get about her story is how significantly challenging this request is. Put yourself in her shoes. You are engaged to be married and looking forward to the next chapter of your life. There is so much to look forward to.

Except…God reveals He has a greater purpose for you.

While it sounds noble, even exciting, it had the potential to wipe out all of her plans. Agreeing to have a supernatural child – threatened her engagement. Having a child out of wedlock, would lead to disgrace. But having a child by someone else – other than your fiancée – could even mean death.

It was not just a simple commitment to follow God’s plan for her. It meant everything she hoped for could be destroyed. She could be banished, at best, or even face death – simply by saying “yes”. However, she was willing. She does not seem to hesitate.

Why?

Because it was an angel giving her this message? Or, was it because she is simply willing to follow God’s word, regardless of what it meant? It seems to be the later.

If we were to walk in her shoes, what would we do? It is a hypothetical question, but one that I want us to ponder. Willingness to follow, regardless of what the consequences are, describes Mary’s heart.

Does it describe ours? What if we were in her shoes?

“For the Good of the Country”

These words are preceded or followed by a call to action.

“You should do… for the good of the Country”.

“For the good of the Country you need to…”

These statements imply action should be taken. Actions not in someone’s own self-interest, but rather with the benefit of others in minds. The words spoken are to challenge someone to act with less self-centeredness and be more other-centered.

Except…

Most of the time they are only hollow words.

I know that sounds harsh. Maybe a tad cynical. Only, think of those occasions when you hear someone use these words.

Frequently, they are uttered when someone is doing something that I do not really want them to do. I use this expression to appeal for them to think about a bigger purpose. I want them to step up and act in line with… what I desire them to do. To do what I assume others will want them to do as well.

In other words, these become words of coercion. They are words of guilt – meant to get someone to do what I would like them to do. I use them to appeal to a higher, more noble purpose. It all sounds so admirable. Yet, too often it is as much about me getting my own way, by pushing you to do what I want, than it is about acting selflessly.

How tragic, that someone else’s selflessness has become an extension of my own selfishness.

But it is where we are.

This is November 11th.

It is a day of Remembrance. This day marks the opposite of this self focused, self righteous, self indulgent culture we find ourselves in.

In my nation, this day is set aside to remember true selflessness. True acts of sacrifice where individuals acted “For the good of the country.” Where they placed themselves in harms way and too many gave their lives defending and preserving freedom.

Annually we hold events to mark this selflessness. Most of all we pause to remember.

Unfortunately, like most of life these days, gathering together to pause and offer moments of reflection is impacted by the pandemic. Most communities will not be gathering to remember. Meeting with others to look past our own inconveniences and focus our attention on what true sacrifice looks like will not occur this year – at least not in person as a community.

A year ago I spoke at my communities’ Remembrance Day service. I wrote about that day here:

https://wordpress.com/post/floydmartens.wordpress.com/16654

I am reminded of what I felt and said that day.

My focus was on the words of Jesus as He identified Himself as the Good Shepherd. Because of love He gave His life for His sheep, He gave His life for us. In Ephesians 5:2 (NLT) it says,

² Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us – and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

In 1 John 4:10 (NLT) we read,

¹⁰ This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

I am reminded of these other statements I made.

Jesus acted sacrificially out of love. He gives us an example we are encouraged to follow.

Sadly, it is something we know so little about today.

We take the sacrifices of the past for granted. It is easy to trample on the freedoms we enjoy without recognizing the cost of our freedom. It is easy to ignore the benefits we have, the privileges we have even though they only exist because of the sacrifices of others. Sacrifices motivated out of love.

The fact we live in freedom, we live in a democratic society, the envy of much of the world, yet only 2/3 of us bother to vote when others died so we could – that concerns me.

I asked, “What motivates us? Are we motivated enough to act sacrificially? What makes us set aside our own agendas for the sake of others?”

Those we remember today did not hesitate. They, thousands and thousands of them, set their own safety and security aside so Canada, freedom, democracy, and our way of life would continue.

I am not sure this attitude is growing in our nation. We see it in places at times, but a general attitude? I am not sure we understand the costliness of the democratic, free society we enjoy. It seems we take it for granted. It makes our remembering the sacrifices of others in our history more difficult.  

While it is impossible to make our fellow citizens pause to remember, laws and legislation will not do it. However, we can set an example. We can follow the example of Jesus by living a life filled with love. We can set an example by being people who act out of love, who act sacrificially, who honor the sacrifices of the past.

Except this year we will not be able to do so. We will not be able to utter collectively these words.

“They will not grow old as we that are left grow old: age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”   

May we not forget, for the good of our country.

Motivation…

What would you choose?

Would you seek to protect your own safety, well-being and security…or do you help someone else, potentially putting your own life at risk?

Under normal circumstances this is an ideal question for a debate. For many people these days, it is more than a hypothetical one. It is something they deal with everyday.

Thousands upon thousands of people, each day, choose to set their own well-being aside for the sake of others. You can easily think of those who do.

Those who serve in police forces, our various first responders, and given our current environment, we include anyone working in hospitals not the least of which are nurses and doctors. Each of these people act selflessly to ensure their patients, those in distress, get service and care, even though it may affect the worker’s own health.

I am sure I have missed some of the areas where people put their lives or health on the line each day. That is not my intent. In the midst of our current pandemic, finding people who will put their own security at risk for the benefit of others is necessary. In fact, throughout history we find examples of people who act heroically without much regard for their own health and security. They do so, not because of the benefits they will receive, but because it was required for others to continue to enjoy life.

Seeing these responses in action solicits a reaction. It is great to see people rise up to cheer on the efforts of first responders and front line works. They deserve our appreciation for being willing to sacrifice their own comfort and security to help others during our current crisis.

I too applaud them.

This week my thoughts have shifted to the motivation behind these efforts. What causes someone to go above and beyond, disregarding their own safety and security to benefit someone else? Is it just the nature of the job? Is it empathy? Is it the call of duty or simply because they are nice people?

Each of these could be factors, but I know people who work in certain service areas or are nice people who would never place themselves in life-threatening discomfort.

So why?

It is amazing how we see so many practical situations about life found in the scriptures – the Bible. On the issue of motivation, we find Jesus told a story about people facing other people’s challenges with varying responses – revealing their motives.

The event is found in Luke 10. We do not know whether this is an actual event that took place or a story that Jesus told. However, we do know it was told in response to a question Jesus is asked. “Who is my neighbor?”

This came from a man who sought out Jesus to get answers, or rather to confirm, that what he was doing measured up to the kind of life God required. His own assessment was that he was doing everything he needed to do. Jesus’ response was that there are two commandments necessary for him to follow – to love God with everything he had and love his neighbor as much as he loves himself.

We then read,

²⁹ The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

The question is harmless enough, except when his motives are revealed. “Justifying his actions”, speaks to motives. This man did a lot of good things. He followed acceptable practices. Only he did so with ulterior motives. He did it because he wanted to be seen as doing the right thing. It had little to do with others in mind.

So we find Jesus tells a story to help him see his own heart.

Luke 10:30–37 (NLT)

³⁰ Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.

Here we see the need. A man is attacked and overcome by his attackers. Without some attention and support he may not make it. The situation is serious. Jesus continues…

³¹ “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. ³² A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.

Of all the people who could pass by this situation these two would be expected to do something about the situation. It would be in their job description. It would be the right thing to do. It would be what they would encourage others to do in a similar situation. Only, they respond differently.

There is little excuse. They see the man lying there. They know he is hurt. But, it would mean a lot of inconvenience if they stop. Jesus continues.

³³ “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. ³⁴ Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. ³⁵ The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’

³⁶ “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked.

This man went out of his way, inconvenienced himself, used his resources and time to care for someone he did not know. Why? Because he cared and was full of mercy toward others. The man talking with Jesus answered.

³⁷ The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”

Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”

It is the same message to us. What motivates you?

Passion…Friendship

This is Passion Week.

It is the week where we remember the desire, commitment, devotion, and love of Jesus on full display. It is where His passion for people was so intense it led Him to a cross.

You likely are aware of the event.

Jesus, who many considered to be a prophet in Israel, is betrayed by one of His followers and arrested in the middle of the night. He is falsely accused by the religious leaders, and then taken to the legal authority in Israel – Pilate the Roman governor. Instead of justice being served, Pilate gives in to pressure and allows Jesus to be put to death on a cross. This only takes place after severely beating and mocking Him.

There upon the cross Jesus offers comfort to His mother, forgives the soldiers who placed Him there, and provides grace to one of the thieves who is on their own cross beside Him.

Then, with clarity of purpose, Jesus cries out with a loud voice, “It is finished”.

In most cases that would be the end of the story, other than preparing for a burial and the lingering memories. In the case of Jesus it was only the beginning.

Days later, the tomb, where they placed the body of Jesus, is empty. All that remains are the cloths used to wrap Him. The days following become the most amazing in history. He appears to His close followers on several different occasions. He eats with them, joins them in conversation, stands in the presence of 500 people at once, and then ascends into heaven in front of a crowd of followers.

The tragedy of His death is overshadowed by the triumph of His resurrection.

The life, death and resurrection of Jesus becomes the catalyst for so many other stories of hope. Promise, struggle, hope lost, re-emergence of hope and ultimately new life. It is the foundation for the best stories, only they are based on the story.

Yet, the life of Jesus is more than a story.

What occurred at the beginning of the 1st century forever changes human history. It changes it because what we see on display is the passion Jesus has for you and me.

Everything that took place in Jerusalem in the first century by Jesus was because of love.

Love is a powerful motivator. It causes us to act in ways no other feeling, emotion or choice can. Love will cause us to move mountains – so to speak. We will go the extra mile, do what we do not really want to do, endure many things simply because we chose to love.

However, love has its limits. We are willing to do a lot of things for love, but not everything.

In describing the love of Jesus, a follower of His named Paul, describes the limits of love – our limits and the limitless nature of the love of Jesus. In Romans 5 (NLT) we read,

6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good.

This is especially true of us. Life is precious and willingly giving it up for someone else is an amazing act. That is why we are so grateful for the health care workers who are treating people with risk to their own health these days. They do not want to catch the virus but treat patients because of their commitment to help others. It is an act of love.

In Paul’s description he is clear that we might be willing to give our lives for an especially good person. However, he continues to describe the love of God shown through Jesus.

8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

What he tells us is when we were enemies of God, He chose to send Jesus to give His life for us. He gave it to us so we would be forgiven, so we could have a relationship with God, so we could be God’s friends. He did this not because we were nice, kind, good people. He did this because He loves us in spite of our hostility toward Him.

This week we are reminded that God desires to be our friends. He has made it possible for that to happen.

In having the opportunity to ponder the significance of this moment in history – the week of passion – Passover, Good Friday, and Easter, I wonder if we should ponder the reason this moment occurred in the first place. This only occurred because of love. The love of God for us.

As Jesus said,

16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16–17 (NRSV)

Happy Easter!

“Ash Wednesday”

What a difference a week makes.

If you read my last post, it was about taking time to enjoy and celebrate the people around you. It was titled “Celebration”, focusing on our celebration of my wife’s birthday. Today’s takes a much different slant.

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the period of time known as “Lent”. It is a time where celebration and throwing parties is not the focus.

If you are unfamiliar with this season of Lent, it is the 40 days prior to Good Friday and Easter weekend. This time frame is used to help fix our attention on what Jesus did for us. It is a time set aside for reflection, prayer, fasting, and penance. Each of these actions are a means to help us humble ourselves, draw closer to God, and help us think about and realize what Jesus did for us.

The interesting part is that Lent is preceded and concludes with celebration.

Historically, when the season of Lent began, people’s diets changed. Part of their spiritual discipline included restrictions on certain foods. Some were individual restrictions, my choice, others were encouraged, set by others. However, because of these restrictions, any food that would not be consumed during these next 40 days would go bad.

This meant that prior to Ash Wednesday, when Lent began, you attempted to ensure the food that could not keep, was consumed. This meant a celebration, a feast, a party, a reason to invite people to get together to consume everything you could not keep as you prepare for a season of going without.

Once the 40 days concluded, another celebration took place.

This one came with the arrival of Easter Weekend. The time of fasting, going without, is over, and a time of celebration for new life occurs.

Between these two there is little focus on celebration. Instead the focus is on reflection, penitence or sorrowful humility to realize the impact of our actions and the response by God to them.

Over time, some of these historical traditions lessen. We can put food in a freezer and so “fasting” for days to come did not mean what we had before. Consuming everything that would go bad before Ash Wednesday is not as critical. But the concept remains the same.

Giving up certain things for Lent still occurs as a spiritual discipline during these 40 days. So too is the pattern of what happens when I know that starting today I am going to “fast” from something.

Not being able to do something for a while creates a common reaction. It is like this. If I know that I will not be able to enjoy something for weeks to come – starting tomorrow – I will indulge – as much as possible today. I will binge today so I do not feel as deprive tomorrow. It is what we do.

Except….

Jesus had a different perspective.

In His day it was not Ash Wednesday. It obviously had not occurred yet. There were, however, a number of other occasions to “fast” and demonstrate piety and devotion. There were times where practices were used to show commitment and demonstrate their spiritual devotion.

In a lengthy address, to a crowd of people who came to hear Jesus, He said this to them about fasting…

16 “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. 17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. 18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Jesus saw how going without, depriving oneself for a period of time, was often done to reveal just how spiritual someone was. It had more to do with demonstrating piety than actual piety or heart devotion. He saw the practice more often than not as hypocrisy. People tried and be something they were not and wanted everyone else to believe it.

To be clear, Jesus did not speak against the practice of fasting. But, He encouraged His followers, that if they practiced it, it do so as an action between them and God.

Jesus looked for authentic people. People who were themselves, who did not pretend to be someone they were not. Looking spiritual during Lent and living differently during the rest of the year has little value.

In this same message, Jesus went on to say this…

25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?

Jesus pointed out what really matters. We get so caught up with stuff that matters so little and ignore what matters most.

He went on to say…

31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

It is a perspective of life we should heed as we enter into a season of reflection.

Whether you use this time to “fast” or not is not the point. What is the point is that your and my life is real and authentic. Pretending to be something we are not is never what God is looking for.

Amazing Love

This week is Valentine’s Day.

Did you stop reading? Did I lose you?

It may depend on how you see this day.

The romantics amoung us love the idea. They love the idea of love, romance, and “happily ever after’s”. Thoughts of romantic dinners, roses, walks on the beach, anything which enhances your romantic feelings and love is appreciated. Having a day to accentuate those thoughts is perfect.

On the other hand, those who see the day as simply an attempt to sell more cards, chocolates and hearts, have a very different perspective. They see it as an idea to be forgotten, ignored or left to the Hallmark channel.

In fact, Anti-Valentine’s Day is growing in popularity. There are even Anti-Valentine Day parties to try and combat the perceived sappiness of February 14th. Feelings of romance should be suppressed if not ignored outright.

However, whatever your thoughts about Valentine’s Day, reminding ourselves of the importance of love is a good thing. Why? For one simple reason – we all need it. One of our basic human needs is to love and be loved. Each of us require love – whether we recognize it or not.

Sometime in the mid-1960’s, Dr. King was asked to define the meaning of love. He wrote: “Love is the greatest force in the universe. It is the heartbeat of the moral cosmos. He who loves is a participant in the being of God.”

Then he signed the note, “Best Wishes, Martin L. King Jr.” This rare note is for sale for $42,000. 

Dr. King understood how powerful a force love is in our lives. Love transforms us.

What we may forget, because of the other speeches and efforts of Dr. King, is he understood the power of love. He knew he was loved – loved by God.

In the last few weeks I have studied 1 Peter.

In this letter, Peter writes to followers of Jesus who faced many challenging times. Things were hard. Persecution and struggle was constant. Peter encourages them to endure these difficulties following the example of Jesus.

Peter had first hand knowledge of how much Jesus endured. He was there. He saw much of what happened to Him. He heard directly the words of Jesus and His command to “love others as you have been loved.”

In writing to these followers He uses a description of the coming Messiah from the Prophet Isaiah to reinforce the depth of suffering Jesus faced. On a week where we celebrate love, I am struck by the motivation of Jesus to face what He did.

We read in 1 Peter 2 these words.

21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. 22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds
you are healed. 25 Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.

There are several thoughts that come to mind when I read this description of Jesus.

The first is that Jesus – never did anything wrong – vs.22. It is hard to imagine what that is like. None of us know. We have all made mistakes, acted in ways we should not have, missed the mark. However, Jesus is perfect, sinless, without any fault whatsoever.

Yet, what Jesus did, in the midst of His perfection, is He chose to set aside what He deserved. He chose to carry all of our failures on His shoulders, all of our sins. This is the second amazing thing for me.

Carrying our failures cost Him something – it ultimately cost Him His life. But it cost Him more than that. He chose to carry my imperfections on Himself. He chose to be painted with my sins, even though He had nothing to do with what I have done. How and why would He do that?

The third thing that strikes me about this description of Jesus is that the path toward death was not simple. He did not die in His sleep. It was not easy. As Peter uses this description, he is also aware of what he saw. The path to the cross caused Jesus to face insults, accusations, and then the extreme pain of death on a cross.

I cannot imagine what it would be like to be crucified. However…

The other part of this I do understand. Jesus is accused of behaviour – awful behaviour.

Accusations, particularly false ones, are not always easy to disprove. Think about how you would respond to accusations about committing the worst crimes or actions imaginable. You would want to clear your name. Set the record straight.

Jesus did not.

He did not retaliate or seek revenge. He is perfect. These were false accusations leveled against Him and yet He just took them upon Himself. I could pause and start listing all of the things this includes, but you can make the list. Jesus received the accusations as if He were guilty.

Why would He do that?

He did it because of what it says in vs. 24. He took upon Himself all of our sin. The actions of all people, our imperfections, our behaviours, our crimes, our failings, He took them all upon Himself so we would not have to.

Amazing.

Actually, it is Amazing love. The only reason Jesus did what He did is because He loves us so much that being painted with our sin was worth it. It was worth it if it meant He could ultimately have a relationship with us. One where we could be free and forgiven.

That is amazing love. A love available for us not only on Valentine’s Day.