Words from the Pastor
I heard a song by Chris Tomlin the other day called, “I Will Follow.” Part of the chorus went like this, “How you serve I’ll serve, who you love I’ll love…” and that hit me like a ton of bricks. We are called to be like Jesus, right? I know in my life at least I come up way short in this area. My flesh rises up and screams at me that I’ve been wronged or that they aren’t living up to my standards or better yet, “Back in 1982 they said this about me!” and I still remember and hold a grudge (Must be the elephant in me!). Unlike Jesus, the one that we are supposed strive to be like. The one that we are supposed to follow.
Who did Jesus serve? Everyone! He could have played the “I am God the Son” card, but He didn’t. He washed His disciples’ feet, He hung out and served sinners. He felt right at home with tax collectors and prostitutes. He came to the sick and the needy and took care of their needs. And notice what He said to the religious leaders of the day. The folks that I would have thought He would have hung out with because they are the “spiritual” ones that know the “Deep Things of God.” Jesus told them that they were graves full of dead mans bones, they were whitewashed walls, they were snakes and they were sons of Satan. But when it come to the women caught in adultery, the very act of adultery, the Bible says Jesus never condemned her. He never judged her. He just told her not to sin anymore.
Who does Jesus love? John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son that whosoever should believe in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” So, He loved the whole world. Everyone in the world. And then He says go and do likewise. Unconditionally like I have loved you. Pretty big order I would say. Love the person who has different political views than you. Love the one that doesn’t see sin in the same way you see sin. Love your neighbor as yourself even. “But Lord, do you know who my neighbor is?” Well, I can guarantee you that He does. And that He put your neighbor there just so you could grow and become more like Jesus. Or maybe it’s a coworker or someone you’re married to. Jesus is calling us to love them as we love ourselves. That’s a tall order and I have failed and I am going to fail still. And praise the Lord that He understands that and keeps putting up with me and loves me anyway. What a good, good Father. Let’s just keep looking up. His mercy endures forever!
Please let me know if you need anything. You pray for me and I’ll pray for you. Naomi and I love you all. -Pastor Steve