Dr. King’s Dream Continues to Inspire

We are celebrating the 95^th birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. King was reared in a Christian home, and nurtured by very religious and loving parents. His basic Christian principles were learned in the Baptist Church where his father was a beloved pastor, and he was guided by the teachings of the Baptist Church. His college education was received at Morehouse College in Atlanta, while his theological education was received at Crozer Theological Seminary (Baptist) in Chester, Pennsylvania. King earned his PhD degree from Boston University, a Methodist related institution.

It can be said that Dr. King, a well-educated preacher and theologian, became a legend in his own time, because of the dynamic leadership he provided to the Civil Rights Movement. His prophetic leadership upset the status quo in America.  He confronted the power structures, both political, economic and social. His philosophy of nonviolent tactics left a trail of turmoil and chaos in cities across the American south. His teaching and preaching have left an indelible imprint on the lives of people around the world.

Some of King’s influence is couched in his most memorable speech, “I Have a Dream,” which he delivered during the March on Washington, August 28, 1963. The speech engaged an enthusiastic crowd at the Lincoln Memorial, an historic tribute erected in honor of President Abraham Lincoln who had dared to sign the Emancipation Proclamation. His prepared remarks did not include his “Dream.” Mahalia Jackson, in the middle of his delivery, implored him to tell the people about the “Dream.” King then told the crowd, “I have a dream.” His dream cast a vision of an America where freedom would be allowed to ring and all people would be “Free at Last.”

The “I Have a Dream” speech is fondly remembered because of its rhetoric and prophetic content, however, let us also remember the dreamer, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. King continues to inspire us because he was a dreamer. As a prayer warrior and student of the bible, King possessed the foundation for birthing a dynamic dream. He was quite familiar with dreams from a biblical perspective. First, God utilized dreams and visions in the Old Testament to reveal God’s plan and the implementation of the same. Second, God employed dreams and visions in the New Testament to convey information, especially in the case of Jesus’ birth. Third, As God chooses, God still uses dreams and visions to communicate with humankind. God used Dr. King to speak to America and the world.

Langston Hughes (1902-1967) wrote the poem, “Dreams,” in 1923:

          Hold fast to dreams

          For if dreams die

          Life is a broken-winged bird

   That cannot fly.

          Hold fast to dreams        

          For when dreams go

          Life is a barren field

   Frozen with snow.

Hughes articulated his own dream in his 1941 poem, “I Dream a World.” Consider his futuristic sentiment:

          I dream a world where man

          No other man will scorn,

          Where love will bless the earth 

   And peace its path adorn

          I dream a world where all

          Will know sweet freedom’s way,

          Where greed no longer saps the soul  

   Nor avarice blights our day.

          A world I dream where black and white,

          Whatever race you be,

          Will share the bounties of the earth

   And every man is free,

          Where wretchedness will hang its head

          And joy, like a pearl,

          Attends the needs of all mankind –

          Of such I dream, my world!

We need dreamers who dare to dream, and have the courage to dream BOLD dreams. Maya Angelou said, “a person is the product of their dreams. So make sure to dream great dreams. And then try to live your dreams.”

We are grateful to Dr. King for telling us about the ‘Dream,” that has helped to set us free while his life and legacy still inspire little boys and girls to dream.

THINK ABOUT IT!

Matthew’s Gospel describes the visit of the wise men which occurred after the birth of Jesus (Matthew 2:1-12). They located the Christ Child by following the “star” which served as their guide and locator. Note, however, that their arrival in Jerusalem caused the ruling king, Herod, to perceive a potential threat to his power. According to Herod’s plot to protect his kingdom, the wise men were to report their encounter with Jesus to the king. The star led them to Bethlehem. God, however, intervened and disrupted Herod’s plan. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road (v. 12).

Pursuant to this dream, the wise men left Bethlehem and did not return to Jerusalem, leaving Herod uninformed about Jesus’ exact location. Their clandestine departure was accomplished in secret as they left by using a different road.

Now that our Christmas celebrations are coming to an end, and a new year is approaching, what route (way, path, road) will you choose to follow? Will you go back to Herod and the status quo in your life? Like the wise men, however, will you choose a different way that will lead to new life with Christ? Which road will you take in the New Year?

Robert Frost in his celebrated poem, The Road Not Taken, said:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

The fourth verse reveals the traveler’s choice:

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I —

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

There is difficulty, of course, in making the choice of a route. What is the right route, the best way, the right way?

One day, the disciples had a conversation with Jesus about the way to the Father. Jesus resolved the matter with this statement: I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6). Following Jesus puts us on the correct way, the right way, the Jesus way. The Jesus way introduces us to truth. The Jesus way enables us to live a new life with Christ. The Jesus way, among other things, introduces us to new sights, new sounds, new people, new cultures, new experiences and a new way of living.

This Christian way of living will provide a foundation and an impetus for doing the real work of Christ. Howard Thurman outlined the work of Christmas in his poem, The Work of Christmas:”

When the song of the angels is stilled,

When the star in the sky is gone,

When the kings and princes are home,

When the shepherds are back with their flock,

The work of Christmas begins:

          To find the lost,

          To heal the broken,

          To feed the hungry,

          To release the prisoner,

          To rebuild the nations,

          To bring peace among brothers,

          To make music in the heart.

I pray that you will take seriously the opportunity and the task of finding [y]our way after Christmas. Blazing a new trail and creating your own path is difficult, but it is rewarding.

THINK ABOUT IT!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Advent brings excitement and joy. It is a time of expectancy, a time of anticipation and a time of waiting for the birth of Jesus. Advent is a season of prayer and fasting which are done in preparation for the birth of Jesus. God sent the Son, Jesus, and he came into the world and lived among the people, displaying grace and truth. So, each year we ready our lives, our temple, to receive Jesus, creating a fresh opportunity for renewal.

The birth of Jesus is preceded by quiet and excitement which partner together to bring joy. The harmony of quiet and excitement yield to singing: Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King, let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing. Jesus Christ the King lived a life of harmony, and we are invited to make room for him so that we too might learn to live a life of harmony.

What is harmony? From a music perspective, harmony is a “simultaneous combination of tones.” When tones are blended into chords, it is pleasing to the ear. When singing, we tend to favor the melody and the rhythm, rather than the harmony. Simply put, it is a little more difficult to sing in harmony.

From the perspective of the four Gospels, harmony comes into play. In this case, harmony refers to the contents of the Gospels and their arrangement. Harmony relates to the parallelism, mutual relations and differences among the four Gospels. One might inquire as to whether a particular Gospel story is in harmony relative to its presentation in all the Gospels.

Harmony, then, can refer to agreement or orderly arrangement. Some synonyms are concord, unity, peace, amity, friendship, conformity, and consistency.

How then are we to live in harmony with God, our neighbors and our world? Living in harmony with God is to take seriously our covenant with God. God said: I will make an everlasting covenant with them, never to draw back from doing good to them (Jeremiah 32:40). It is God’s grace that enables us to live in a new and gracious way. God can and will heal us when we suffer. God can and does rescue us from our sins. God is with us in our living and our dying.

Always remember that God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him (1 John 4:9). Jesus came as a gift of God’s love. Jesus lived among the people and healed the sick. Jesus also bestowed forgiveness and pardon upon sinners. In this covenantal relationship, God has called us to live in harmony with God, our neighbors and our world. Indeed, it is difficult to live in harmony with others, when the world is rife with political and religious conflicts, wars, and a variety of crises. Nevertheless, we can strive to live in harmony with God, and then reach out to those near to us and keep reaching beyond our circle of family and friends.

In this Advent Season I extend to you, Good Tidings of Great Joy.

Juneteenth became a federal holiday when President Joe Biden signed legislation in 2021. My state, New Jersey, is among the many states that have designated Juneteenth as an annual legal holiday. This year, Juneteenth is celebrated on Monday June 19, 2023.

Let’s look at the origin of Juneteenth. On June 19, 1865, enslaved African-Americans in Galveston, Texas heard that they were free. They had not heard the news of their freedom. The news came more than two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. Lincoln’s proclamation, however, only freed slaves living within the states which were in rebellion.

The belief is that General Gordon Granger’s declaration which brought the Emancipation Proclamation into effect in the state of Texas marked the end of slavery. The day became known as Juneteenth which is derived by joining the words “June” and “nineteenth” together.

The event of Juneteenth suggests an interesting question that centers in the reality of the delayed news about the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston. A journalist arriving in Galveston in 1865 might have asked: Did you hear that President Lincoln issued an Emancipation Proclamation; or, have you heard that the President Lincoln issued an Emancipation Proclamation?

To say, “Did you hear…?” means exactly that. On the other hand, to say, have you heard…? suggests that there is some widely known news and the recipient of the question is being asked if they are aware of the “breaking news.” The plain fact is that the Black residents of Galveston, Texas had not heard the news of freedom that was more than two years old.

In this season of Pentecost, I am reminded of an experience that the Apostle Paul had in Ephesus. Paul encountered some disciples and he asked them, did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They told him that they had “not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Paul laid his hands on these disciples and the Holy Spirit came upon them. The result was that they spoke in tongues and they prophesied. Hearing about and receiving the Holy spirit gave them the benefit of a new power of freedom in Christ. (Acts 19:1-6)

These disciples in Ephesus gained a new freedom when they finally heard that there is a Holy Spirit. In a similar way, the Galveston slaves gained their freedom from bondage when they finally heard that the Emancipation Proclamation had set them free. They were now able to live as free men and women.

Has all of America heard about the Emancipation Proclamation? The abolishment of slavery did not erase racism. The truth is that in the years after emancipation, the Jim Crow laws were created to separate Black people from white society and severely limit their civil rights.

After the Civil War, in an effort to bring about freedom for black people, Congress adopted the “Reconstruction Amendments.” The 13^th Amendment was needed to end slavery in the whole nation. The 14^th Amendment extended the Bill of Rights to all United States citizens. The 15^th Amendment enabled Black men in all states to vote. These amendments, however, have been challenged or ignored over the years, thus making them more aspirational than the common reality of everyday life. For some, these amendments provide a foundation for racial justice.  Yet, there is a continuing stream of disenfranchisement for African Americans. It often appears that the legacy of these laws is suffering the erosion and corrosion of systemic racism.

America, have you heard?

Christians, have you heard?

As we celebrate freedom on Juneteenth and beyond,

Think About It!

Sing About It: Oh, freedom!

                      Oh, freedom!

                      Oh, freedom over me!

                      And before I’d be a slave

                      I’ll be buried in my grave      

                     And go home to my Lord and be free.

I have fond memories of the bread that my mother often made for our meals. For breakfast, she would make delicious baking powder biscuits. Her yeast rolls were always a special treat that I could not wait to consume after she would take a pan of rolls out of the oven. As a child, all that I needed in addition to her bread was some butter and some of Dad’s pear preserves. This seemed like a complete meal in my mind, but one needs to eat other nutritious food in addition to bread.

The devil once tempted Jesus to convert a pile of stones into loaves of bread while he was fasting. Instead of taking such a selfish action, Jesus made a cogent statement: “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Bread, of course, is an important staple in the diet of humans, but Jesus who is the Bread of Life (John 6:35) is the more important choice.

One day when Jesus had retreated to the other side of a lake, the disciples who were looking for him experienced a lesson about bread. Jesus told them that they were looking for him only because he previously had fed them with loaves of bread. He noted their disinterest in the signs he had performed. Jesus went on to say: “Do not work for the food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval” (John 6:27, NIV). In the ensuing conversation with his disciples, Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life.” What did Jesus mean by this saying?

As the bread of life, Jesus meant that the people who come to him will never go hungry. Also, those who believe in Jesus will never be thirsty. On the one hand, bread in the bible was used to draw people together as in a fellowship meal.  In addition, from a biblical perspective, bread represents the covenant relationship with God. Jesus’ ministry, of course, was focused on bringing people into covenant relationship with God. How does a denomination that is experiencing congregational disaffiliations go about doing this in an upside-down world that is emerging from the ravages of a Covid pandemic, among other things?

Let’s turn to the author, Johnson Oatman, who was born near Medford, N.J. (Not far from where I live now) on April 21, 1856. Oatman served in the Methodist Episcopal Church as a local preacher. His recommended action for Christians is still apropos today. Note the words in his hymn, “Lift Him Up:”

How to reach the masses, folk of every birth

For an answer Jesus gave the key:

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth,

Will draw all folk unto me.”

Oatman affirms the notion that “the world is hungry for the Living Bread;” therefore, we should let the world see Jesus the Savior in us.

          Lift Him up by living as a Christian ought,

          Let the world in you the Savior see;

          Then all will gladly follow Him who once taught,

          “I’ll draw all folk unto me.”

                   (“Songs of Zion,” #59)

A part of the challenge is to put these words into practice with the same enthusiasm with which the song is often sung.

Even in times like these, we can make an evangelistic difference as Christians by engaging in three action steps. First, live as a Christian disciple of Jesus who loves God and loves one’s neighbor as oneself. Second, when people see us, let them see Jesus in us by what we think, speak and do. We are called to do the Gospel. Third, share the Good News about Jesus and his saving grace. These actions embody the Spirit of Pentecost.

Dear God, make us hungry for the bread of life and desirous of the living water (Holy Spirit) that quenches our thirst. Give us courage to share the Living Bread boldly. Amen.

Think About It! Pray About It! Do It!!!

Easter is over, now what? In this season of Eastertide, we recall the recent events of Lent, Holy Week and Easter.  The Lenten journey provided time for personal reflection and confession. On Palm Sunday we had an opportunity to ponder the meaning of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  His joyful reception there was cause for celebration. The sacred Maundy Thursday event, however, was tainted by the ominous signs of betrayal and denial. We gained new insight about foot washing, servanthood and the Last Supper. Then the crucifixion of Jesus on Friday created an atmosphere of fear, doubt, betrayal, denial, desertion, death and forgiveness. The ensuing Saturday was shrouded in silence. But Sunday came, and we celebrated the resurrection of the crucified Jesus. Now, the observances of Lent, Holy Week and the Easter celebration are over, finished.

The word finished is reminiscent of Jesus’ words from the cross. “When Jesus had received the wine, he said, It is finished. Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (John 19:30). If we are to understand Jesus’ declaration from the cross, we must be sure to consider his purpose and mission. First, God had a purpose: “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” (John 3:16). Second, Jesus, the Son of God, had a purpose. He knew that he “must be about His Father’s business” (Luke 2:49). In Luke 19:10 Jesus said, “The son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” During his earthly ministry, Jesus sought out the poor, the destitute, those who were suffering, and sinners. Also, he boldly mingled with the tax collectors and other “undesirable” men and women.

In John’s gospel, Jesus said: “I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do” (John 17:4). So, Jesus asked to be glorified. On the cross, as he was about to give up his spirit, he cried out: “It is finished.”

It is helpful to remember that Jesus had trained his disciples to carry on his work into the future. Jesus knew that he would one day depart from them. Jesus, therefore, ultimately equipped the disciples by giving them the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. Perhaps on the cross, Jesus felt some sense of relief. His work was now complete. His disciples would be ready to carry on the work of ministry after Pentecost.

“It is finished.” Clearly and absolutely, however, our own life work is not finished. Three of John Wesley’s historic questions are apropos here. First, “are you going on to perfection?” Second, “do you expect to be made perfect in this life?” Third, “are you earnestly striving after it?”

The United Methodist Church needs spiritual leaders, lay and clergy, who are on the spiritual path together. While journeying together on the spiritual path, these leaders are earnestly striving after perfection in love. They do the work of ministry with Love.

Are you daily working out your own salvation in the spirit of Jesus, Paul and John Wesley? That’s what it takes for Easter people to do the work of ministry faithfully on all fronts today.

Think About It!

We live in a world that at times seems to be turned upside down – the Russian invasion of Ukraine; the Covid Pandemic; the January 6^th insurrection; worldwide inflation; global warming; gender bias; systemic racism; etc. The human condition is under siege on so many fronts. So, we ask, as did Martin Luther King, Jr., Where do we go from here? America has yet to achieve the vision outlined by King in his “I have a Dream” speech. Dr. King envisioned a world (not just America) where our children would not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their personal character. He had a vision of equality in America and a world at peace.

Langston Hughes in his 1935 poem, “Let America Be America Again” addressed the issue of inequality.

          Let America be America again,

          Let it be the dream it used to be.

          Let it be the pioneer on the plain

          Seeking a home where he himself is free.

          (America never was America to me.)

          Let America be the dream the dreamers dreamed-

          Let it be the great strong land of love

          Where never kings connive nor tyrants scheme      

          That any man be crushed from above.

The dreams of Langston Hughes and Dr. Martin Luther King are not yet fulfilled as America strives to be America.

While we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 15^th, we lament his premature death when the voice of one of God’s contemporary prophets was silenced. We should remember, however, the words of Isaiah: “Do not fear, or be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? You are my witnesses!” (Isaiah 44:8) Too often we wonder where God’s prophets are today, forgetting God’s desire as articulated in the hymn, “We Are Called to Be God’s People” (Moravian Book of Worship, #635). This hymn reminds us that we are called to be God’s people, God’s servants and God’s prophets. The prophet is called to speak the truth and to stand up for what is right. Consider the words of the fourth stanza:

          We are called to be God’s prophets,

          speaking for the truth and right,

          standing firm for godly justice, 

bringing evil things to light.

          Let us seek the courage needed,

          our high calling to fulfill,

          that the world may know the blessing

          of the doing of God’s will.

Martin King gave his life, striving to do God’s will. The contemporary challenge for us is to live, while also striving to do God’s will. This is the power of the church.

The Apostle Paul contends that the church indeed has all that is needed to be a prophetic church (I Corinthians 1:1-9). First, the church has the gift of community. Second, the church has the gift of wisdom and knowledge. Third, the church is vested with a variety of “spiritual gifts.” Fourth, the church has the practice of prayer. Fifth, the church claims the power of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, Paul says: “I give thanks to my God always because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus (I Cor. 1:4). Paul describes here the character of a thankful church.

In these troubled times, as we celebrate the birthday of Dr. King, let us realize the great potential of a thankful church when we utilize all of the gifts that God has bestowed among the pilgrim disciples. A thankful church must claim its prophetic zeal. Let us use our gifts to make a difference in the world. A Thankful church that uses its gifts will make a difference.

Think About It!

We enter into each new year with memories of the various happenings during the past year. Perhaps it is your fondest memory of winter, or spring, or summer or fall that you cherish. It might be the most memorable time that you spent with your mother or father, or a sibling. For some it will be the memory of a vacation spot or a retreat setting, or family reunion. A visit with a childhood friend might be an inspiring memory. Such a memory is not unlike the impact of a teacher whose presence has helped to shape your life. Fond memories can help to shape our future.

The month of December provides a context for considering one’s most memorable gift. On the one hand, our most precious and memorable gift is Jesus Christ. On the other hand, there is the most memorable gift that God has given to you. What have you been doing with your God given talents such as writing, music, art, teaching, preaching, medical work, engineering, and other marvelous talents? 

Do you harbor any memories of what you thought could be in your life in light of your gifts? Are there any regrets among your memories of the previous year?

The poem, “Burning the Old Year” by Naomi Shihab Nye notes that “so much of any year is flammable.” The last stanza of the poem says:

          “Quick dance, shuffle of losses and leaves,

          only the things I didn’t do

          crackle after the burning dies.”

Nye’s poem emphasizes the need to remove the old. At year’s end, consider the inconsequential things, things that don’t really matter. When we discard the unimportant memories or activities, we can welcome the fresh beginning offered by the New Year. When engaging this process, one should not feel guilt, but joy.

The poem invites the reader to be prepared for change, even unexpected change. The suggestion is that we burn the old stuff of the past year. The hope is that such burning will open one’s heart and mind to enjoy the fragrance of God’s fresh beginnings in the New Year. Now is the time to complete the unfinished tasks from the past.

The Apostle Paul reminds us that, “If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” (2 Corinthians 5:17) Couched within us is a new beginning, a gift from God. Remember the words from the “Hymn of Promise” (UMH, #707):

          “In our end is our beginning:

          in our time, infinity;       

in our doubt there is believing;

          in our life, eternity.

          In our death, a resurrection;     

at the last, a victory,

          unrevealed until its season,

          something God alone can see.”

With this in mind, our end and our beginning, we have an appropriate opportunity to vision and dream about next things.

What does God have in mind for you? What gifted opportunities has God placed in

your life? This is a matter of discernment. It is a matter of prayer, listening

to God. Dear God, grant us wisdom and courage to unwrap each new day in the

New Year as your gift to us. Reveal to us the memories of what 2023 could be.

Think About It!

Pray About It!

During the Christmas season, we often encounter the phrase, ‘tis the season in Christmas cards, Christmas carols and TV commercials. The origin of this phrase can be traced back to lyrics of the Christmas carol, Deck the Halls. One verse says, ‘Tis the season to be jolly. In the past, the phrase ‘tis was used as a conversational abbreviation for “it is.” 

Although it is not a biblical term, the phrase ‘tis the season serves as a means of expressing one’s sentiments about various aspects of the Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Some of the many experiences that we enjoy about the Christmas season are tree lighting ceremonies, hanging wreaths, Christmas lights, Christmas carols, live nativity scenes, candle lighting services, exchanging gifts, sending Christmas cards, writing Christmas letters, etc. These activities, however,  only occur during the Christmas season.

Christmas is about the Gift of Love, Jesus. The great reality is that Love came down at Christmas. God had great love for the world, so God sent God’s son into the world as a gift of love. Since last Christmas, there is a sense in which we have been waiting to celebrate again the birth of Jesus. Advent precedes Christmas and provides a period of time in which we prepare to receive Jesus into our hearts by making room for Jesus. Prepare him room.

When you make room for Jesus in your life, and you start hanging out with Jesus on a daily basis, something happens. In this Christmas season Jesus is at the center of our attention because of our expectation and our preparation. Consequently, one can say, ‘Tis the season to fall in love with Jesus.

When is the right time to fall in love with Jesus. Now is the right time. The words of Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) are apropos here.

“There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

When we realize how much Jesus loves us, it will change our relationship with Jesus.

In the bible, Mary Magdalene is portrayed as a faithful follower of Jesus. She was a witness to the crucifixion of Jesus. She is reported as announcing to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord” (John 20:18). In the musical, “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Mary Magdalene describes her relationship with Jesus.

“I don’t know how to love him.

What to do, how to move him.

I’ve been changed, yes really changed.

In these past few days, when I’ve seen myself,

I seem like someone else.

I don’t know how to take this.

I don’t see why he moves me.

He’s a man. He’s just a man.”

Mary Magdalene goes on to voice that Jesus frightens her, yet she confesses her love for him. But she seems confused by Jesus’ love for her. In actuality, it’s about falling in love with Jesus.

The song, “Falling in Love with Jesus” (Jonathan Butler lyrics) helps to shed some light on this spiritual sentiment.

          Falling in love with Jesus, falling in love with Jesus

          Falling in love with Jesus was the best thing I’ve ever done.

Why would this be the best thing you would ever do? Well,

          In His arms, I feel protected

          In His arms, never disconnected

          In His arms, I feel protected

          There’s no place I’d rather be.

Friends, ‘Tis the season to fall in love with Jesus.

A friend told our congregation about his recent exchange of greetings with a stranger. He asked the man, “How are you?” Listen to the man’s response: “Well, I am so glad you asked, and if I had three hours, I would tell you my life story, but I can sum it all up in two words, Jesus Christ. I had a troubled life before, but once I found Jesus Christ, everything has changed and I am GREAT now!” He had fallen in love with Jesus.

The founder of Methodism, John Wesley, who fell in love with Jesus placed a focus on Jesus’ commandment to love God, neighbor and self as basic to Christian discipleship. His “rule of life” was plain – do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God (attend to the ordinances of God).

Think About It!

The facial expression that came to our younger son’s face when he received his first bicycle at Christmas is etched in my memory. When he saw the bike there was an instant change in his mood. He displayed a big smile and he jumped with joy, expressing his happiness. He now had his own wheels, and this reality brought sheer joy to his life. The gift lit up his life.

Recently I turned the light on in my office and noticed immediately that my potted plants were drooping badly. They were thirsty for a drink of water. So, I got my watering pot and gave them a big drink of water. Within a few hours, my plants were revived and they were standing tall. The fresh drink of water revived the plants and lit up their countenance.

The Gospel of John tells the story of the Samaritan woman who encountered Jesus at Jacob’s well. Jesus asked the woman to give him a drink of water. The woman wanted to know why a Jewish man would ask a Samaritan woman for a drink of water. During the course of the conversation, Jesus revealed to the woman that he could give her “living water.” Jesus, like the woman, came to the well to quench his thirst with a drink of water. He, however, did not seek to quench the woman’s momentary thirst. Instead, Jesus offered her living water. He told her about how the living water would quench one’s thirst for all time. Jesus said: “The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” (John 4:14c)

Naturally, the Samaritan woman wanted some of this living water so that she would not have to draw water from the well daily. Eventually, as the conversation unfolded, the woman realized that Jesus’ offer of living water was spiritual and not material. When she realized that she had met the Messiah, she got all excited and went home to tell others about her experience. She invited the people to come and meet Jesus. This encounter with Jesus at the well changed her life, because she had met “the light of the world.” Jesus lit up her life by renewing her spirit.

Debby Boone recorded the romantic song, “You Light Up My Life,” which captures the sentiment of the something that brings joy and hope into one’s life.

“And you light up my life

You give me hope to carry on

You light up my days

And fill my night with song.”

“Rollin’ at sea, adrift on the water

Could it be finally I’m turning for home

Finally, a chance to say ‘Hey, I love you’

Never again to be all alone.”

It’s like that with Jesus who lights up one’s life when one enters into a relationship with Jesus. The Samaritan woman had spent her whole life seeking love and acceptance only to be abandoned by five husbands. It is the love of Jesus Christ that will satisfy our souls. The words of John Keble come to mind:

“Sun of my soul, Thou Saviour dear,

It is not night if Thou be near,

O may no earthborn cloud arise,

To hide Thee from Thy servant’s eyes.

Come near and bless us when we wake,

Ere through the world our way we take;

Till, in the ocean of Thy love,

We lose ourselves in heaven above.”

In this Advent Season and throughout the Christian Year, let us give thanks for the joy that Jesus imbeds in our hearts and the sunshine that dwells in our souls.                                                                                 

Jesus lights up our life. Come, Lord Jesus!

Think About It!