27 October 2015

Scriptures:

• James 2:1-13
• Haggai 2
• 1 Kings 19
• Psalm 87

Observations:

In the James passage, we see two key ideas. The first is that the church should not hold partiality between individuals. The example given is a wealth disparity issue, but this can be applied to race, sexuality, gender, sinfulness. We cannot say to one, "Here, you take this [better] seat," and to another, "You can go sit back there [in a lesser seat]." In so doing, we have become judgers of others. I, for one, know myself to fall into that category of judger and really need to take a look at how in interact with others. The second idea hones in on the idea that we are all sinners. He segues on the idea of partiality being sin and, therefore, we have broken the law, just as a murderer, liar, or adulterer. Because of this, we should speak and act as those to be judged under the law of freedom, which is  a similar distinction as Paul's grace instead of law, meaning we should be acting as recipients of grace, extending grace to others, showing mercy, for, as James writes, "Judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy."

In the Haggai passage, we see a couple things. First, is a blessing/encouragement to the leaders managing the building of the temple, of which part is a prophecy for a future temple. Second, we see God and Haggai discussing laws of cleanliness and how, prior to the temple building being started, Israel's work was blighted, but how from that point onwards, their work would be plentiful. Last, is a prophecy to the governor, detailing what the Lord will do in the future, overthrowing nations and making him the governor, to be his signet ring, presumably that his descendant would be the messiah (cf Matthew 1).

In 1 Kings, we see Elijah fleeing for his life, in fear of the queen, Jezebel. Out in the wilderness, God meets with him in the stillness and comforts him - he tells him he is not alone, that there are 7000 others who have not bowed in worship to Baal. He also tells Elijah to anoint the two next kings of Israel and Syria and to go pick up Elisha, who will follow in his place.

The psalm is of one to God, in praise for him being the god of Jerusalem. It is more about the god-given greatness of Jerusalem than anything else.

Application:

The James passage puts a clear challenge to much of the church. How are we interacting with those not of the church, those who believe and act differently than we do? Of course, this doesn't mean we compromise our message, but we must comport ourselves in a manner reflective of Christ, who welcomed and dined with sinners and, in reaching out, brought many to himself. We cannot expect the gospel to spread if we act like everybody else and don't permit anyone to truly join us. What is enticing about that? What about that encourages someone to stay? It's funny how those who were once the lepers have become the pharisees and I include myself amongst the latter.

We need to be putting God first in everything. Where the Israelites fresh out of exile had put themselves first, God reminded them of who the priority was. We also see how Elijah put God first and how, even in his weakest moments, God was there to comfort him. God is not some dispassionate deity, but one who possesses a genuine desire for a relationship with us. He cares for our needs. That being said, we must not assume God is some teddy-bear pushover. He is also a jealous god who demands primacy. There is none other than him and nothing before him, as he told the Israelites through Moses and reminded them through Haggai. 

As for myself, these two reminders are important.

1. Reflect Christ through impartial love.
2. Place God as only and the first priority.

Prayer:

Lord, it is really easy to lose sight of these two issues. Help me to see where I act partially, excluding others by my actions and dimming my representation of you. Show me also when I worship something other than you or put you second to another, be it a person, an ideal, an item, or an action.

Lord, I ask today that you were able to begin some good work in my wife. Help us both to grow in understanding of ourselves, so that we can help understand each other. If I need to begin a similar process, Lord, let me know as well.

I also ask that the decision my parents have arrived at is of you. Confirm that to us all, that we may encourage them.

Give my sister eyes to see you, rejoicing in your love and presence. Allow her, also, to have the insight from your word that she needs.

Grant my brother the diligence he needs to perform well in his exams.

Speed the healing in my other brother's arms - let the break heal cleanly, and without fault.

Bless the believers in Albania, that through them may come many other disciples.

Amen