Alabaster Jar: January 2021

Friday, January 29, 2021

Friendliness part 5

January 29, 2021 devotional

Here we are at the end of another week. We've spent about a month going through a lengthy discipleship resource called The Disciple's Journal. If you still want to participate in this process, you can download this resource here.

This week we have been examining the characteristic of friendliness. Now, if I were to ask just about every Christian if they were friendly, I suspect most would say yes. But the scripture for today really throws a wrench into that assessment. And it comes from the great wrench thrower himself, James, the half-brother of Jesus.

In James 2:8-9, the pastor of the Jerusalem Church draws a distinction between Christian love and favoritism.

James suggests that a person may have true Christian agape love toward others - even their enemies - but still fall short of the Lord's command. We do this when we show partiality... or "favoritism."

What does favoritism look like?

Imagine that you invite 10 folks over to your home for a lovely Ladies Tea. Out of love you include the new convert who just started attending your church. She has just barely begun her walk; she was ransomed out of a life of darkness. Sure, from the outside she resembles the world but on the inside she is a new creation. At the tea everyone is cordial and kind, but this new believer is still kept at arms length. There's still a little too much of the world in her and the group just isn't sure how to react. She is present but not treated with the same degree of honor you express to your long-time friends. James says this is showing partiality (not being friendly).

Jesus says this group of women have failed to fulfill the Law; they did not "Love others as themselves" (Matthew 22:39).

Do you recall the story about a woman who happened to attend a meal at Simon the Pharisee's house? This woman had recently been cleansed by Jesus. Hearing that the Lord would be present, she brings an Alabaster Jar of perfume and stands behind Jesus and anoints His feet (Luke 7:36-48). There are two things in this story that really drive home the lesson from James

Although its obvious this woman had a deep love for Jesus (He had apparently reached out to her prior to this event), Simon still saw her as a sinner (Luke 7:39). He could not get past her past and, consequently, did not want that sort of woman near the seats of honor.
The Lord's rebuke in Luke 7:47 isn't that Simon had little love for Jesus but that Simon found it difficult to demonstrate love toward anyone!

Scholars suggest she was an uninvited guest. But if that is true then why didn't Simon simply have her removed from the premises? Yet he doesn't. And we are left to wonder why not. Anyway, rather than kick her out, he merely shows disgust over her public display of affection. It was appalling. The unfriendliness in Simon's heart caused him to show favoritism. It seemed okay that she was there, as long as she stood in the back.

What caused Simon to turn a cold shoulder toward this woman and, presumably, toward anyone on the outside. Jesus says it was because he had been forgiven little.

It's not that Simon lived a really good life while the woman had a great number of sins piled against her but that Simon simply did not seen his fallen human nature. When compared to the life of this woman, Simon felt the scales tipped in his favor.

Simon suffered from a common disease called self-justification; he measured his life against those who were in the world. Compared to this sinful woman, Simon felt he was a saint. Consequently, he showed disgust and revulsion toward someone who was not as holy as he.

This is the sin James addresses.

When a Christian recognizes that "all have sinned and fallen short of God's holy standard" (Romans 3:23), it is unlikely they will struggle with favoritism. They will see the person of the world as an equal; the life-long Christian recognizes they too are just as guilty as the person who has lived a good part of their life apart from God.

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Friendliness part 4

January 28, 2021 devotional

Did you know that your friendliness towards others has the ability to diffuse a rather hostile situation? Sure, I believe it really does.

Take, for instance, a rather tense moment in David's life.

Sometime around 1070 B.C. a man named David had been running for his life. the King of Israel was trying to kill him. As David and his loyal followers were hiding in the land, the just happened to come to the aid of an fellow Israelite named Nabal. David and his men stopped some foreign invaders from killing Nabal's servants and stealing his livestock. A little later on, Nabal was busy shearing his sheep and, since David and his men had been in hiding, they though that perhaps Nabal could show a little hospitality; could he spare a little food and drink for a band of hungry men. Well Nabal, whose name means "fool," wasn't too kind in his response. Instead of being grateful for what David did, he insulted him (1 Samuel 25:10-13). Needless to say, David was outraged.

I want you to see how Nabal's wife responded to this volatile situation. David is seething in anger, yet it is Abigail's friendliness that disarms the whole situation.

In 1 Samuel 25:23-25 we see that she took the blame for the misunderstanding. She doesn't scold David for his reaction; she even admits that her husband caused the problem. And I were add my own assessment of the situation I would say Abigail "saw" David. She saw the situation through David's eyes.

Look again at question #4 in the self-evaluation section. David was certainly not in a friendly mood that day, yet rather than being inflamed by David's anger, she spoke kindly to the man - with friendliness.

Have you ever had a circumstance when a little friendliness could calm a tense situation? Have you ever wished that you could have remained calm rather than get drawn into the fight? How do we keep from being influenced by the attitudes and actions of those around us?

Let's go back to the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). One specific characteristic the Holy Spirit produces in us is Peace. And not the sort of peace the world might suggest (which is an absence of conflict), but the kind of peace only Jesus can produce in us (John 14:27). When we draw closer to Jesus, our relationship with Him drives out fear; it calms a troubled heart. So when we find ourselves in a tense situation, the peace in our heart enables us to express a genuine concern for the angry person standing before us. We respond with friendliness even in the midst of conflict because we have first stood alongside Christ.

My friend, the world will never create an environment absent of conflict. We will inevitably have to face a tense situation. I preparation for the day, draw near to Christ today so you might remain peaceful and calm tomorrow.

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Friendliness part 3

January 27, 2021 devotional

In Luke 14:7, there is a great story where Jesus watches a crowd of people gather for a meal. And what He observes is that many of the people were trying to get the best seats in the house... close to the front and near the head of the table. In response, He tells a parable about a wedding guest who found himself in the wrong seat.

The Parable of the Guests, Jesus implies that those individuals who had gathered in the Pharisee's house that day did not consider the needs of others but were self-focused; consumed by their own wants and desires.

I think all of us have witnessed this type of behavior. we've seen the pushing, the irritation, and the impatience from those who only focus on themselves. This is why a Christian who demonstrates friendliness stands out like a ray of light in a dark and hurting world.

I know, I know; friendliness is not listed as a "Fruits of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23), but it certainly is a characteristic that is found in someone who has been transformed by the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit is allowed to transform someone, one of the effects is that person begins to see others. Transformed Christians walk into a room with their heart and eyes fixed on everyone else, not themselves. A transformed Christian sees the needs of others and puts those needs ahead of their own. A transformed Christian begins to demonstrate the same attitude that was found in Jesus.

Paul teaches us that we should never allow selfish ambition or vain conceit to drive our actions and attitudes. We are to regard others as more important than ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4). When we demonstrate friendliness to others it communicates that we see them; we notice their needs and view them as a person of value. And in a world where everyone else is pushing and shoving to be first, the Christian who puts themselves last will be, perhaps, the most unusual things someone will ever experience.

This is the real reason someone is friendly toward others; they are friendly because the Holy Spirit has transformed them, and they now see the value in others. It is the Christian who has been changed by the Spirit who goes out of their way to make someone else feel significant.

Can you image the impact if an entire church felt this way?

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Friendliness part 2

January 26, 2021 devotional

This week we are examining the biblical principle of friendliness. It is best understood as displaying warmth and kindness toward others and truly desiring what is best for them. One excellent example of this characteristic is found in Luke 10:29-37. Its a story about a religious leaders - an expert in Jewish Law - and a Samaritan man.

The religious expert knew God had commanded his people to "Love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:18). But this expert wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus to clearly define who his neighbor truly was. The Lord's answer is known as the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

A certain Jewish man was mobbed by bandits and left for dead. The only individual who was kind, warm, and caring was a despised Samaritan; someone who had abandoned the true Jewish faith. The Lord's lesson here was the the one who demonstrated friendliness, even toward someone who hated him, was the one who truly fulfilled God's Law.

A Christian must never feel they have the right to be unfriendly... even toward those who hate them.

But we struggle with this, don't we? I know I do. I have angered and upset my share of people over the years, even during my pastoral ministry. There have been folks who prayed I would resign and leave their church, and I knew this; I knew they were praying I would leave. I was forced to resign in one of the churches I served, and was never given a reason; just told to pack up and be out of the office in 4 day. Does friendliness come naturally when I think of these people? No, not really. When I rely on my own strength or follow my feelings, I don't want to demonstrate friendliness. But we have not been commanded to depend on our own fortitude, have we? Christ has told us that in all circumstances we are to fix our eyes on Him, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Our wounds, our hurts, the bruises we have received from others in this world are the things which keep us from running the race (Hebrews 12:1). We are encumbered by those who have wounded our lives. those who despise us - who hate us - have hindered our ability to be friendly. And chances are these people will never come to you seeking forgiveness. Therefore, we must fix our eyes (our hearts) on someone else.

This story about the Good Samaritan is marvelous; he showed kindness and friendliness toward this wounded Jewish man who, on any other day, would have spit in his face. Yet the Samaritan man "did to others as he would have them do to him (Matthew 7:12).

The lesson here is obvious; you and I should do the same. When we show friendliness and tenderness toward those who despise us, we are truly following the commands of God.

Where we find the ability to live like this is something we will look at tomorrow.

Monday, January 25, 2021

Friendliness part 1

January 25, 2021 devotional

As you may already know, we are taking a look at 52 different character traits that should be found in the life of a Christian (download or view the Disciples Journal here). Using The Disciple's Journal as our guide, this week we will examine friendliness.

Friendliness is the quality of displaying goodwill, warmth, and kindness toward others. And in the life of a Christian, it is "desiring" that others experience these good things in their life.

Question #4 in the self-evaluation section asks, "Does my friendliness depend on how friendly others are?" Our answer should be "no." Our friendliness toward others should not depend on how friendly they are toward us. And yet I am deeply aware that our unpleasant encounters with some people make it difficult to express friendliness toward them (question #9). For those who have wounded us, it is quite difficult to desire their good will or feel warmth toward them.

For some of us, its easier to be friendly toward those we don't know than toward those who have hurt us deeply. And yet, Jesus doesn't give us any wiggle room; there is no escape clause. He doesn't say, "Pray for those who have never hurt you." Proverbs 24:17 says we should not rejoice when our enemy falls, and to not let our heart be glad when they stumble. Why? Because God takes no pleasure in this attitude. We are to desire what is good and best even toward those who hate us or those who persecute us. Yet, this is what many of us end up doing; we want bad things to happen to those who have mistreated us; we lack the characteristic of friendliness toward those who have been unfriendly toward us. And I suppose the biggest question here is why; why are we unfriendly toward those who are unfriendly?

Question #14 in the self-evaluation section asks, Does God give me the right to be unfriendly toward certain people?" And, just as in question #4, our answer here should also be "no." Instead, we have a duty and a responsibility to demonstrate a heart-felt desire to see God's blessing fall upon everyone... even those who have wounded us. We are to love and pray for those who have wounded us so we might demonstrate that we are truly children of God (Matthew 5:44-45).

Our inability to be friendly may be tied to our unwillingness to forgive. Yet, keep in mind that Jesus warned us that if we are not willing to forgive the person who has hurt us, God will be unwilling to forgive us (Matthew 6:14-15). So, its possible that our lack of friendliness is closely related to our refusal to forgive.

If you are already a friendly person, don't allow your circumstances or moods to affect your desire to see others blessed by God. However, if friendliness is something you struggle with, ask the Lord to reveal why your heart is hardened toward others. And if it is an issue related to unforgiveness, then just jump ahead to next weeks study. We will examine the art of forgiveness then.

In the meantime, keep in mind that when we are talking about friendliness we are speaking about the Christian trait that desires what is good and best for those whom we meet. And we'll spend some time this week looking at some biblical examples of friendliness.

Friday, January 22, 2021

Courage part 5

January 22, 2021 devotional

How can you and I be sure that resisting the pressures of our society, refusing to follow man-made laws, and standing firm in our convictions are all within God’s will? How did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Daniel, Peter, and John know they were standing courageously rather than merely being stubborn? I suppose we could say that history has proven them to be correct, but that doesn’t offer us any guidance.

In each of these three cases, the people were pressured to deny God or deny Jesus. So, this becomes our first sign that we need to take a courageous stand. When we are called to turn our backs to God or to deny Jesus, we know we must stand firm and be courageous.

For example, consider Peter outside the High Priests house while Jesus was on trial (Matthew 26:69-74) or Pilate who surrendered to the mob (John 19:12-16). Even though he knew Jesus was innocent, Pilate gave in to pressure.

I’ll admit that first one was easy; it’s a “no brainer!” But this other issue – the call to rethink long-held beliefs – is rather difficult.

As I mentioned yesterday, some Christian denominations are calling believers to make compromises on specific doctrines that have been the very foundation of our faith. I’ve have heard denominational leaders challenge the belief that Jesus was truly God in the flesh. He was said to be nothing more than a good teacher who modeled a way of living. I know one denomination that “seeks the mind of Christ” to determine beliefs and practices. And what that means is that when people want to understand scripture or establish doctrines, the majority rules. God’s word is not consulted. And, as I said before, I want to make sure I am taking a courageous stand for God’s will and not resisting the Spirit’s conviction through the hearts of other believers.

When should we stand firm and when should we change?

Here are the tools we need to guide us in that discernment process.

1. Know God’s word. Your Bible is the key to knowing God’s character, God’s heart, and God’s will. Part of the reason many Christians have been swept away by the world’s philosophy is because they don’t know what God has said.

2. Rely on the Hop Spirit. In John 14:6, the Lord promises us that the Holy Spirit will help us understand the Word of God. When one allows the Spirit to reveal the Word, they have the ability to know when some new teaching or some reinterpretation of Scripture contradicts what God has already said.

3. Remember what Jesus has said about the Spirit in John 16:13. The Holy Spirit will not say something new to the church today. That’s not His role. So, when someone comes along and says the Spirit has given them a new revelation or a new interpretation of scripture, you can be sure what they say is not true. The Holy Spirit will never reveal something to you that contradicts what the Word of God has already said.

For nearly 2,000 years, Christians have been reading scripture and attempting to live a life according to the Word. Yet, in their arrogance, some religious leader comes along today and claims they have a new understanding of something, and it just happens to contradict what Christians have been claiming almost since the beginning? How arrogant can someone be? Really, they know better than all the faithful who have gone before them?

4. Keep in mind what John wrote in 1 John 4:1-5. Don’t believe everything you are told. If the person who is pressuring the Church to compromise or change their beliefs cannot confess Jesus is God in the flesh, then you can be certain that they don’t speak for God. You can stand firm and resist their teaching courageously. In fact, if the new theology or doctrine being proclaimed by some Christian organizations is widely accepted by the world, then you know it is something false (see verse 5-6).

The bottom line is this; I would rather err on the side of God than on the teachings of Men. If I am wrong about a certain belief or doctrine, God will hold me accountable. The Spirit will continue to convict; that’s what He does.

Remember: greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

Thursday, January 21, 2021

Courage part 4

January 21, 2021

In Acts 4:13-21, Peter and John find themselves standing before the Sanhedrin - the leading religious leaders of the day. As I mentioned yesterday, they are told to stop speaking publically about Jesus. Their response? It was courageous. "We cannot stop telling people about Jesus" (verse 20). And later they say, "We must obey God rather than any human authority" (Acts 5:29).

Peter and John did not wield a sword against these religious leaders - they had no stones, no sling. Instead, they faced their giant with courage and faith.

Like our world today, the leaders of Israel simply did not want to hear the name of Jesus mentioned out in the public. The only difference is that in Peter and John's day, it was organized religion that was attempting to silence their testimony about Jesus.

I'm curious; do Christians face this same kind of pressure from religious leaders? Is organized religion trying to silence born again Christians from proclaiming Christ?

I am reminded of those who suffered persecution or those who were martyred during the reformation. They were looking to transform the Catholic faith but faced all sorts of dangers and difficulties because of what they said or did. Like Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego, the leaders of the Protestant Reformation were unwilling to conform; to just simply follow the crowd.

I wonder if organized religion is doing the same thing to Christians’ today?

It is certainly old news that our country and our leaders are seeking to changes the long-held beliefs of Christianity. Marriage is being redefined, gender identity is being questioned, and the sanctity of human life is being tossed aside. But is organized religion attempting to do the same thing? Are the leaders of Christian denominations telling believers to “stop proclaiming your understanding of Jesus”? I’m sorry to report this but indeed, there are. The teachings of some major Christian denominations align with the current thoughts and opinions of the world.

Here's when things get kind of tricky for me. As one of our presidents used to say quite frequently, I don’t want to end up on the wrong side of history. I want to make sure that I am standing firm in areas I should not change all while being sensitive to the Holy Spirit whose role is to convict me to change. And at times I just can’t tell if the Holy Spirit is trying to speak to me through these religious leaders or if what they are saying is just nonsense.

How do I – we – determine if our steadfastness aligns with God’s will, or if He is truly leading the church through another reformation.