Where Do You Want The Attention To Go?
Good Morning Friends,
I guess, persecution has its place to naturally limit the attention getters, but in most situations, we do so want to be recognized even to the point of competing with other ministries. And something about this misses the point of keeping the focus on Jesus. Where Do You Want The Attention To Go?
Scripture: When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them.
Acts 5:27-33 (NRSV)
The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified this, that God is true. He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God’s wrath.
John 3:31-36 (NRSV)
Message: Today we have some of the proof text on why we must in ministry work in collaboration, cooperation and coordination. And it also the proof text, when read in the context of the scripture around it, as to why this is so difficult for ministry work to be connected to the branches of the local church and growing vine of Christ. For example, in the text from John, the context is about being born again and how we must model the actions of John the Baptist, to decrease so that Christ can increase. It is in the same chapter of our text from Acts we have the story of how Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property to give to the church but conspired to kept part of the proceeds. Those in power in the religious institutions of the day did not like the idea of giving up power. They did not much like the disciples telling stories that undermined their power. Today we have a similar problem. Thankfully the gospel of John offers a clear example of living out our faith for and with a focus on the one who redeemed us. That is the key. Indeed, all of us can miss the mark by putting the focus on ourselves and not Christ. The big idea here is that the focus must be on Jesus. And the reality is that we will have both internal and external erosions of this foundation of our faith if we do not. The focus must be on Christ. And it must be this way because only in the Spirit of Jesus can we truly have collaboration, cooperation and coordination. And only with Christ can we communicate how to have a life which is everlasting. And only with a focus on Jesus do we receive the Spirit. And the amazing thing is that when we trust Jesus we are given the truth and when we receive Jesus in our lives we share in the ability to work in a way that glorifies God. It really is that simple and in the early church as today it is a real challenge. It takes the courage of Christ in us if we hope to truly share our faith. The disciples and early Christians willing suffered persecution and even death, because they had found something more important than fear. The disciples and early Christians also understood that it was necessary to both do good works and give witness to their faith. The two had to be combined to carry forward the ministry of Jesus. Like the disciples, it is important for us to go against the crowd, risk the judgment of others, and courageously, lovingly, boldly share our faith.
Pray we not miss the point of the new covenant in Christ. Pray we be focused on God’s renewal in Christ and how it renews us. Pray we realize that ministry is not about who is more popular but is all about who is faithful. Pray therefor we courageously open our lives to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Pray we without fear continue the ministry of Jesus Christ. Pray we be channels of God’s love and grace to change the world. Pray we reflect the characteristics of God’s Kingdom here on earth.
Blessings,
John Lawson
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