Yesterday's meeting at the Corps explored the concept of being 'yoked'. It's referred to by Jesus in Matthew's gospel:
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
A yoke is a wooden beam, used to join a pair of oxen to enable them to pull together: this was in common use by farmers around the time of Jesus. I had heard the passage of scripture before, and understand some of the concept about learning from Him by being yoked to Him. However, there was teaching yesterday about us being a 'yoked fellowship' which I must admit to finding difficult, hence unpacking it here.
Being in fellowship together implies that we need to live together, to work together. Paul also uses this example in his letters, telling us not to be yoked together with unbelievers. Understandable, then, because as a team we need to pull together and to pull the same way in order to get things done. The verses are talking about teamwork!
The reference to 'rest' in the above passage may confuse some, as at first glance there isn't anything remotely restful about a yoke. However, it is the sharing of the load that makes the work easier, of far greater efficiency. This lightens the burden; ensures the task is completed more effectively. So, in theory, with all of us in fellowship with Him and with each other, we can all pull together, accomplishing much more than we could as individuals
Reading around the subject took me to Paul's letter to the Philippians, where I then discovered the word 'yokefellow'... which led me deeper into the concept. More later...
30 January 2012
27 January 2012
Bad... Or Worse?
I won't go into details about The Problem. But, trust me, it was quite a big deal when it happened.
When The Problem struck on that particular night, I felt so low. It was just before bedtime, so I was tired and more than a little ratty. I hadn't felt well earlier that evening, so this only made me feel worse. As I went up to bed I couldn't help feeling a bit sorry for myself.
But in the light of the next morning I remember realising how much worse The Problem would have been if had happened on the following night, one day later! In fact, it would have caused far more issues to me, even to others. At least we had a chance to sort it before that evening...
Thanks to some swift action by myself and my darling wife, it was all sorted by 4:30pm the next day. Well before the evening.
Is the timing actually a blessing in disguise?
Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
When The Problem struck on that particular night, I felt so low. It was just before bedtime, so I was tired and more than a little ratty. I hadn't felt well earlier that evening, so this only made me feel worse. As I went up to bed I couldn't help feeling a bit sorry for myself.
But in the light of the next morning I remember realising how much worse The Problem would have been if had happened on the following night, one day later! In fact, it would have caused far more issues to me, even to others. At least we had a chance to sort it before that evening...
Thanks to some swift action by myself and my darling wife, it was all sorted by 4:30pm the next day. Well before the evening.
Is the timing actually a blessing in disguise?
Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
25 January 2012
The Pursuit Of Excellence: continued
I've been thinking a little more about that meeting at the weekend on strengthening our faith, in an effect to become more like Jesus (I blogged about this a few days ago).
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.
There's the word 'excellent' again! It's clear that we should be thinking of 'excellent' things (virtuous, praiseworthy). Because if your mind is full of negatives (criticism of others, your own weaknesses) or wrong thoughts (greed, worry, lust) that's what your life will be filled with... whereas if we want to achieve excellence, we need to think of higher things, better things - excellent things.
One further observation: the word 'think' at the end of the verse implies deep contemplation. Some translations show this as 'meditate'. I like the word 'ponder'. Whatever. Let your mind dwell on it. Get your mindset right!
I came across this quote on the web by D. Martyn Lloyd–Jones on Matthew 6:25-34, where he comments on the subject of faith and thinking:
"Faith, according to our Lord’s teaching in this paragraph, is primarily thinking; and the whole trouble with a man of little faith is that he does not think. He allows circumstances to bludgeon him. That is the real difficulty in life. Life comes to us with a club in its hand and strikes us upon the head, and we become incapable of thought, helpless and defeated. The way to avoid that, according to our Lord, is to think."
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.
There's the word 'excellent' again! It's clear that we should be thinking of 'excellent' things (virtuous, praiseworthy). Because if your mind is full of negatives (criticism of others, your own weaknesses) or wrong thoughts (greed, worry, lust) that's what your life will be filled with... whereas if we want to achieve excellence, we need to think of higher things, better things - excellent things.
One further observation: the word 'think' at the end of the verse implies deep contemplation. Some translations show this as 'meditate'. I like the word 'ponder'. Whatever. Let your mind dwell on it. Get your mindset right!
I came across this quote on the web by D. Martyn Lloyd–Jones on Matthew 6:25-34, where he comments on the subject of faith and thinking:
"Faith, according to our Lord’s teaching in this paragraph, is primarily thinking; and the whole trouble with a man of little faith is that he does not think. He allows circumstances to bludgeon him. That is the real difficulty in life. Life comes to us with a club in its hand and strikes us upon the head, and we become incapable of thought, helpless and defeated. The way to avoid that, according to our Lord, is to think."
23 January 2012
Untouchable
Today I was reading the account of Jesus curing the man with the 'dreaded skin disease' (Mark 1:40-45).
The commentary on the passage revealed that this disease possibly wasn't leprosy - skin diseases of various kinds were usually lumped together under the same name - however the end result was the same. The sufferers were shunned, deemed to be outcasts of society. This action was all about religious cleanliness, and not individual prejudice. This was the custom, that was just the way it was.
Imagine, then, the outcry when a teacher such as Jesus intentionally reaches out to touch him. This simple act of kindness is shocking enough - add to that the fact of the eventual outcome and you can see how this caused such a stir.
To many, even the simple touch of this teacher could bring them hope; those who were previously untouchable. If Jesus could reach out to this man, surely then He could do it for others, in all kinds of circumstances. They came in their hundreds...
What is particularly amazing is the fact that Jesus doesn't need to touch him. There are other times in His ministry when He heals just by saying the word (Luke 17:11-14). Unless, of course, there is a real need for that physical contact. As there was on this occasion.
Even one tiny touch, a tiny bit of kindness, can make an incredible difference in some people's lives. Who are the 'untouchable' ones today?
Food for thought.
The commentary on the passage revealed that this disease possibly wasn't leprosy - skin diseases of various kinds were usually lumped together under the same name - however the end result was the same. The sufferers were shunned, deemed to be outcasts of society. This action was all about religious cleanliness, and not individual prejudice. This was the custom, that was just the way it was.
Imagine, then, the outcry when a teacher such as Jesus intentionally reaches out to touch him. This simple act of kindness is shocking enough - add to that the fact of the eventual outcome and you can see how this caused such a stir.
To many, even the simple touch of this teacher could bring them hope; those who were previously untouchable. If Jesus could reach out to this man, surely then He could do it for others, in all kinds of circumstances. They came in their hundreds...
What is particularly amazing is the fact that Jesus doesn't need to touch him. There are other times in His ministry when He heals just by saying the word (Luke 17:11-14). Unless, of course, there is a real need for that physical contact. As there was on this occasion.
Even one tiny touch, a tiny bit of kindness, can make an incredible difference in some people's lives. Who are the 'untouchable' ones today?
Food for thought.
22 January 2012
The Pursuit Of Excellence
2 Peter 1:5-7 (NIV)
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
Quite a shopping list, eh? These verses were shared during today's meeting - we were reviewing the subject of 'stretching our faith' from this year's Commitment Sunday cards - and there was plenty said during that meeting for me to reflect on this week.
Let's take the word 'goodness' for example: the New Living Translation actually uses the term 'moral excellence'. And, after some further study when I got home, I found a whole host of different words in a variety of scripture translations, all trying to best describe that particular quality:
'virtue' —KJV, NEB, Berkeley
'moral character' —Williams
'manliness' —Helen Montgomery (The Centenary Translation)
'noble character' —Weymouth
'integrity' - God's Word translation
'real goodness of life'—Phillips
It was the word 'excellence' that initially captured my interest. We are often told for our need to strive for excellence in our working lives - so why not in our Christian lives? Actually, the sort of 'excellence' we often look for as Christians is often the same one we seek in our secular lives - a concept all wrapped up in modern day stats, in achieving standards.
After some reflection, I am more drawn to something that is best defined as 'moral character', as we seek to become more and more Christ-like as we follow Him through His teachings.And I like the use of the word 'integrity'... I've blogged on this before.
Where to start? First thing to have is faith... These things are all built on our faith.
More later...
19 January 2012
Noobish News
I started this week at work feeling very noobish. Not because I am a total beginner; in fact I am regularly reminded that I'm now the longest-serving member of staff in my office. No, it's because there's a new regime in place; a new manager in charge; all things are different. In fact, it feels just about everything is new...
Because everything feels so different, it's a little scary. I need to consider my every step.
Wednesday night's bible study was all about Jesus walking on the water - and, in Matthew's gospel, Peter as well. Provided he kept his mind fixed on Jesus, he could do it. You've just got to get out of the boat...
I need to fix my eyes on my Lord - keep trusting Him. I can do it.
To do any less, would be a bit noobish...
:)
Revelation 21:5 (the Message)
The Enthroned continued, "Look! I'm making everything new. Write it all down - each word dependable and accurate."
16 January 2012
Shhh - It's A Secret! : part two
Following on from last week's blog entry under this heading - and giving me another excuse to use the pic of one of my childhood heroes from the Hanna-Barbera animation studio, Secret Squirrel - here's more from this passage from The Sermon On The Mount about the activities that we are encouraged to carry out in secret.
Matthew 6:6 (NIV)
"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Alongside those acts of charity that we are encouraged to perform in secret - there's also those times each day where we simply need to get down to prayer, to recharge our spiritual batteries, sharing quality time with your Lord. This is also something that we are encouraged to do in secret...
This is not saying public prayer is wrong - there's a place for public prayer as well as private prayer. Jesus practised both types during His earthly ministry. However, there's something particularly special about the intimacy of your private devotions - for instance, this allows for less distractions. Like our acts of generosity, prayer shouldn't be made public just for show - if you're doing it just because people are looking, you've got the wrong end of the stick.
Also, take note - the verse starts with 'when', not 'if' - it's taken as read this activity is essential.
Prayer is the Christian’s vital breath, the Christian’s native air, his watchword at the gates of death; he enters heaven with prayer. - James Montgomery
Matthew 6:6 (NIV)
"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Alongside those acts of charity that we are encouraged to perform in secret - there's also those times each day where we simply need to get down to prayer, to recharge our spiritual batteries, sharing quality time with your Lord. This is also something that we are encouraged to do in secret...
This is not saying public prayer is wrong - there's a place for public prayer as well as private prayer. Jesus practised both types during His earthly ministry. However, there's something particularly special about the intimacy of your private devotions - for instance, this allows for less distractions. Like our acts of generosity, prayer shouldn't be made public just for show - if you're doing it just because people are looking, you've got the wrong end of the stick.
Also, take note - the verse starts with 'when', not 'if' - it's taken as read this activity is essential.
Prayer is the Christian’s vital breath, the Christian’s native air, his watchword at the gates of death; he enters heaven with prayer. - James Montgomery
14 January 2012
Getting To Know The Lay Of The Land
"I offer a toast. The undiscovered country...the future." Line spoken by Chancellor Gorkon in 'Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country' (but referencing Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 1)
Picture the scene. You arrive in a strange town, perhaps a foreign country, never have been there before. It takes you a while to acclimatise yourself. To get to know where the shops are, the best place to get a bite to eat, and so on. To get to know the lay of the land. The customs, even the language used, may be totally different.
We're now at the end of the second week of January, and I think I've got a fair idea what challenges are ahead of me in 2012. Oh, definitely not the same as 2011! It's awesome to see what has changed, how things are different since this time last year, my head is reeling. Including how much my attitude has changed...
So, my sleeves are rolled up. I'm a little taken aback by the speed this has happened but am eager to embrace the challenge. I'm ready for new things.
Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
10 January 2012
Living It Out
I couldn't believe it. How could this person think that way? What they said was so obviously wrong - and I tried as hard as I dared to get them to see that they were wrong. Either they couldn't see it or wouldn't have it, whatever was the case they certainly wouldn't back down.
What do you do in situations like that, I asked in my quiet time that evening.
Some people never learn, said the still small voice. And history repeats itself time and again because people never learn. Every generation makes the same mistakes. Be different! And be wise - don't just read about it, let it become part of you, so you can live it out:
James 1:22-25 (NIV)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it — he will be blessed in what he does.
What do you do in situations like that, I asked in my quiet time that evening.
Some people never learn, said the still small voice. And history repeats itself time and again because people never learn. Every generation makes the same mistakes. Be different! And be wise - don't just read about it, let it become part of you, so you can live it out:
James 1:22-25 (NIV)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it — he will be blessed in what he does.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)