"Passing the Baton"

 

“Passing the Baton”

 

In relay races the most crucial element isn’t the runners’ speed but passing the baton which each participant must carry during his or her portion of the event. It must be transferred within a specified zone on the track or the team will be disqualified. And dropping it means almost certain defeat. So the runners practice the maneuver constantly to avoid mishaps.

Figuratively “passing the baton” refers to a transition of responsibility and leadership. It’s used for changes in politics, business, ministry and even families. Due to human mortality this process is inevitable at some point. And just as in preparation for track meets this transfer exercise is necessary to continue smooth functioning. In politics it’s done every four or eight years at presidential changes after a transitional period of about eleven weeks between Election Day in early November and Inauguration Day on January 20. A family business in one of the towns in which we served is now led by the fourth generation but each CEO has been thoroughly trained in every aspect of the company’s operation and philosophy according to Christian principles before the baton is passed on. And after our mother’s death in 2014 my brother noted that I was the oldest McMillan and therefore our family patriarch. In each of these cases and literally millions of others the new baton bearer is charged with continuing to provide direction according to legal, historical and biblical guidelines—often all three.

When Joshua died after leading the Israelites in occupying Canaan it’s written that “Israel served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him….” (Joshua 24:31). But he’d neglected to pass the baton by training new leaders (“…There arose another generation who did not know the Lord….”—Judges 2:10, NASB) and chaos resulted. Compare this outcome with Jesus’ words in His prayer just before Calvary: “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me (i.e. His disciples) out of the world…As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” (John 17:6,18). What happened? They were used by God to lead in the establishment of Christ’s church which is still alive and well after 2000 years as they and succeeding generations trained others according to Paul’s instructions in 2 Timothy 2:2 and passed the baton until the present day. We as present-day believers now have the baton in this race called life—are we equipping those who follow us to receive it?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

(For more on this subject see “Succession”.)

"The 'Princess and the Pea' Syndrome"

 

“’The 'Princess and the Pea’ Syndrome”

 

“Once Upon a Mattress” is a musical comedy based on the 1835 fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea” by Hans Christian Andersen. It first appeared on Broadway in 1959 and has seen numerous revivals since then. The plot surrounds Queen Aggravian’s ban on marriage in her kingdom until her son was married to a princess who met with her approval. The Queen devised a test for Princess Winnifred: sleeping on a bed twenty mattresses high wit a single pea underneath which she passed and “lived happily ever after” with her Prince.

“The Princess and the Pea” has found its way into our vernacular to describe emphasizing small things but missing the main point (or “majoring on minors”). During my pastoral years we replaced the large pulpit with a simple lectern. One church member told me he “couldn’t worship without the original pulpit”. My explanation that our objective was to lessen the perceived division between the pastors and congregation fell on deaf ears. In another case,  in my haste I wrote “Xmas” instead of “Christmas” on a chalkboard (remember those?), much to the annoyance of a man who lost the point I was making. My justification that “X” is the first letter of Christ in Greek didn’t make any headway. I’ve also been guilty of letting minor matters distract me and keep from grasping a more important truth—maybe you’ve had the same experience.

The Prophet Jonah allowed his concern for his personal comfort turn his attention from something far more important in God’s sight. The Lord said to his grousing servant, “You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there. And a plant, at best, is only short lived. But Ninevah has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness…Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?” (Jonah 4:10-11, NLT). I’d love to know Jonah’s response and the rest of his story (as I would with many Bible characters) but that’ll have to wait for Heaven. But I pray I’ll take God’s message to him seriously.

Our archenemy will try anything to distract us from “keeping the main thing the main thing”. We can’t afford to be “…unaware of his schemes.” (2 Corinthians 2:11), including diverting us from what matters most: honoring and serving our Lord. So at all costs let’s avoid “’The Princess and the Pea’ Syndrome” and emphasize the “…things (that) are excellent and profitable….” (Titus 3:8).

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"School Days"

 

“School Days”

 

When I was in fourth grade my misbehavior in class (guess I left my halo home that day) resulted  in my teacher’s requiring me to write the week’s spelling words five times each and the multiplication tables three times. I don’t remember what my offense was but even after 70+ years I haven’t forgotten the consequences. But I learned valuable lessons: repetition by writing can be an effective way of gaining knowledge as well as correcting unacceptable conduct.

This long-ago incident came back to me recently when at Karen’s suggestion I read something in Deuteronomy 17 I’d never noticed before. (See “Perfect Faithfulness” for another example of this.) Moses prophesied that Israel would desire a king (fulfilled in 1 Samuel 8) and he set guidelines for the monarch. Included were these words from Verses 18-19 (NLT, emphasis added): “When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy these laws on a scroll for himself in the presence of the Levitical priests. He must always keep this copy of the law with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the Lord his God by obeying all the terms of this law.” (The priests likely provided oversight to see that this was done accurately.) So he was to write it, keep it, read it daily and obey it. At the conclusion of his final words to the nation “…Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the priests….” (Deuteronomy 31:9), putting the principle into practice.

The Bible is given to us to impact our lives (2 Timothy 3:16-17). To do this some of today’s discipleship programs strongly emphasize Scripture memorization and one of the best ways to accomplish this is to write the words out and refer to them daily as the kings of Israel were told to do and the psalmist carried out in his own life (“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”—Psalm 119:11). Maybe this takes you back to your school days and what you learned then has stayed with you without your realizing it as happened with me. We learn from our own past experiences as well as those of others (see Romans 15:4 and 1 Corinthians 10:11) so let’s profit from both for our lives’ enrichment.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan (with helpful input from Karen)

"A Wasted Day?"

 

“A Wasted Day?”

 

One of the churches I served held a men’s Bible study at 6:00am which opened with a rousing musical rendition of Psalm 118:24: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Since I wrote “Daily Bookends” about eight months ago I’ve sung this truth in my mind almost every morning, I have my plans for what I intend to do each day (as did the members of that group many years ago) but I have no idea of what might develop. Our Lord’s brother warns us against presumptuous planning in this way: “…You ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” (James 4:15, emphasis added).

I’m writing these thoughts on November 8. Yesterday as usual I prepared for my devotional reading (I’m in Isaiah) but God led me instead to Psalm 124 in which the unknown author expresses his trust in God’s protection: “Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Verse 8). This prompted me to stop, reflect on who God is and what He’s done and let Him speak throughout the day. There were periods of silence from Him which allowed me to take a couple of naps. At the end of the day I looked at the list of what I’d wanted to accomplish and saw few things crossed out. So was it a wasted day?

Waste means having no purpose. Does God do anything that doesn’t in some way fulfill His desires or intentions for His world and those who occupy it? Even if a day seems unproductive in my sight (as yesterday did) does that mean it was wasted? No way! Because God is sovereign over Heaven and Earth (“…the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.”—Deuteronomy 4:39) and “…his way is perfect…. (Psalm 18:30) every day and action is under His control and therefore will accomplish His objectives. So thank Him that He’s in charge (“…the Lord’s purposes {will} stand….”—Jeremiah 51:29).

I may never fully know why God changed my course yesterday but today I woke up refreshed and was able to function as I normally do and complete most of my plans (including some left over from yesterday). I was reminded anew of His words through His prophet: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways….” (Isaiah 55:8) and realized (for the umpteenth time) that God hasn’t told me to understand His ways but to trust Him, even through what might seem like a wasted day. It never is in His sight—I’m thankful that He’s in control, not me.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"No Home for Jesus?"

 

“No Home for Jesus?”

 

(A number of years ago Karen penned some words under the theme “No Home for Jesus?” This article borrows from her thoughts. I thank God for her insights, godly example and companionship throughout our 56 years together.)

 

During my 82 years on God’s earth I’ve called 16 structures “home” (plus several temporary ones at camps, college and seminary). God provided some of these in extraordinary ways for which Karen and I are thankful as He fulfilled David’s words in Psalm 37:25: “I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken Or his descendants begging bread.” (NASB).

As we enter the Christmas season we again remember Jesus’ leaving His home in Heaven to “…(become) human and (live) here on earth among us.” (John 1:14, NLT). But where was His earthly home? He didn’t have one! Some time ago Karen put these thoughts on paper under the title of this article:

*He was born in a stable (or perhaps a cave) and “…placed…in a manger, because there was no room…in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)—no home.

*When He was a toddler Joseph obeyed God’s voice and fled to Egypt for His and the family’s protection “’…until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’” (Matthew 2:13)—no home.

*He was mocked and rejected by those in His home town and “…they took offense at him.” (Matthew 13:57)—no home.

*He told a would-be follower, “…I…have no home of my own….” (Luke 9:58, NLT)—no home.

*Shortly before His arrest and crucifixion He taught during the day and “…each evening he returned to spend the night on the Mount of Olives.” (Luke 21:37)—no home.

After His earthly task (crucifixion, burial, resurrection and 40 days of “…(giving) many convincing proofs that he was alive.” (Acts 1:3) He returned to His home in Heaven and “…sat at the right hand of God.” (Mark 16:19). But He does have a home on earth: in the hearts of His people (“…I pray…that Christ might actually live in your hearts….” Ephesians 3:16-17, PH).

This Christmas does Jesus have a home in you?

 

Grace, Blessings and Merry CHRISTmas!

Karen and Jim McMillan

"Even Me?"

 

“Even Me?”

 

When our Men’s Bible Study Fellowship resumed after the summer break we began with the final phase of Acts 1:8 in which Jesus challenged His followers to be His witnesses “…to the ends of the earth.” This effort began in Chapter 13 when the leaders of the Antioch church obeyed the Holy Spirit’s voice and commissioned Barnabas and Saul (soon to be known as Paul) “…to the work to which I (i.e. the Spirit) have called them.” (Acts 13:2). Three men were part of the “sending team”, none of whom are mentioned elsewhere in Scripture: Simeon, Lucius and Manaen. (Some Bible teachers have linked Lucius to the Lucius mentioned in Romans 16:21 but this is conjectural.)  This is another case where “less than prominent” people were used of God to accomplish His purposes (see 1 Corinthians 1:26-29).

One of our group members became intrigued by Manaen “…who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch….” (Acts 13:1) so he did some research. Information is sketchy but it appears he was a foster brother of Herod Antipas (“the tetrarch”), a son of Herod the Great. The Herods were powerful and ruthless rulers (Herod the Great ordered the killing of young boys when he heard of one who was born “…king of the Jews….” from the Magi {Matthew 2:1-12}; Herod Antipas executed John the Baptist {Mark 6:14-29}; “the Great’s” grandson Herod Agrippa had the Apostle James beheaded {Acts 12:1-2}). So Manaen grew up in a political family where the end justified the means. But somehow through God’s providence he became a follower of Christ and respected leader in one of the most influential churches of the first century. Its cosmopolitan make-up is show by the brief backgrounds of the prophets and teachers who were Jews and Gentiles from different areas.

What can we learn from the little we know about this man of God? First, God can reach anyone from any background or in any location (Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11). Then too He calls those who would be looked down upon by the “elite of the world” (reread 1 Corinthians 1:26-29). And He uses people from diverse backgrounds to reach people with His message (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).

In my humanness I sometimes wish God had said more than He did about Himself, His work and those He’s called to Himself. But He’s told us what we need to know to live for and serve Him (“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by His own glory and goodness.”—2 Peter 1:3, emphasis added). Manaen shows how God can use even me (and you). So let’s use the gifts, talents and resources He’s entrusted to us (as Manaen did) to enrich others as well as ourselves.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Perfect Faithfulness"

 

“Perfect Faithfulness”

(Please read “A Sobering Question” before this article.)

 

Shortly after moving to Lakeland in 2014 God led me to begin a men’s Bible study group in our 55+ (actually ++++) community. Of the six original attendees two are with the Lord and the other four are still actively involved. Several years ago one of the founding members shared that something he’d seen in God’s Word “wasn’t there the last time I read that passage.” We all laughed at his comment but got the point: it’s easy to read Scripture carelessly and overlook some of its truths, especially the parts we’re most familiar with. Perhaps this is part of the reason God tells us to “meditate” on it about 17 times rather than simply read it.

I had the same experience as did my friend a couple of days ago. I was reading Isaiah 25 and in Verse 1 God’s prophet says, “O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.” (Emphasis added.) I’d never noticed the highlighted phrase previously so I did some research. The Hebrew word translated “perfect” appears only here in the Old Testament and comes from a root meaning trust or certainty. (In Isaiah 26:3 the writer uses a different word, meaning secure, for “perfect peace”.) The fact that the Spirit prompted Isaiah to use a distinct word suggests that God’s faithfulness is unlike any other and is unmatched in its significance. (See the early posting, “Coining Words”, for an example of how God created a word to describe the unique nature of Scripture.)

Many times in His Word God’s faithfulness in different ways is emphasized. These include….

*In keeping His covenant of love (Deuteronomy 7:9).

*In keeping His promises (Psalm 145:13).

*In calling us into fellowship with Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:9).

*In delivering us through temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).

*In completing what He’s started in us (1 Thessalonians 5:24 cf. Philippians 1:6).

*In protecting us from satanic influence (2 Thessalonians 3:3).

*In forgiving our sins (1 John 1:9).

“Perfect faithfulness” may seem redundant but it stresses the truth that despite our shortcomings “…He will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” (2 Timothy 2:13, emphasis added). In other words, He can never compromise who He is. So right now let’s praise Him for His “perfect faithfulness”.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan