"Done"

“Done”

During my time pastoring in New Hampshire I emailed the treasurer of our Benevolence Fund asking him to send a gift to one of our church families who had an emergency need. The next day I received a one-word reply: “Done”. (Did I mention he didn’t like to waste anything, including words?) I later used this as the title for a Resurrection Day message based on what was likely Jesus’ final saying on the cross: “It is finished.” (John 19:30). In Greek it’s one word which literally translates “It has been completed” (in another word, “Done!”).

In Exodus 25-40 God gave Moses precise instructions for building the tabernacle, a tent-like structure which symbolized His presence among the Israelites and was the nation’s worship center. He also designated two divinely-prepared men, Bezalel and Oholiab, to oversee its construction (Exodus 35:30-36:1). Various articles were included so the priests could carry out their work, but one kind of furnishing was conspicuously absent: seating. Why? Because the priests’ work was never completed—sacrifices were to be offered continuously to atone for the sins of the people (“Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.”—Hebrews 10:11, emphasis added). After centuries of animal offerings Jesus by giving His life and blood brought them to an end (“But when this priest [Jesus] had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.”—Hebrews 10:12, emphasis added). So when Jesus said, “Done.” He meant God’s justice had been satisfied and His resurrection confirmed this fact (“[God] has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”—1 Peter 1:3).

Later this month the people of God around the world will remember and celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ, the heart of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). As we do so, let’s be thankful that it’s “Done!” And because it is we can look forward to being with Him forever.

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"The Most Valuable Resource"

“The Most Valuable Resource”

 

As I was waiting to go on the entrance ramp to I-4 recently a semi turned onto the highway. That’s not unusual but what was painted on the back of my trailer caught my eye: “Our most valuable resource sits 63 feet ahead.” This means that they see their people (in this case, the driver) as of greater significance than anything else in their business. In a culture in which many companies put profit, prestige, and name recognition ahead of people this was refreshing to see. (Interestingly, while writing this I saw a TV commercial in which a terminated employee of a major corporation said he and others who had lost their jobs were required to train their foreign replacements or they wouldn’t receive severance benefits. Quite a contrast with the trucking firm cited above!)

We’re living in a day and age in which the human element is being lost as seen in the use of automation, robots, and even instant replay in sports. And research on driverless cars is growing (according to Wikipedia, this is “…a vehicle that is capable of sensing its environment and navigating without human input.”). While technology has advantages we all enjoy it also can have its down side when it comes to human value and dignity.

In contrast to what we see around us God always acts with people in mind. We are objects of His love (“I have loved you with an everlasting love….”—Jeremiah 31:3), beneficiaries of His plans (“I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”—Jeremiah 29:11), and recipients of His grace (“…The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all [people].”—Titus 2:11). And our worth is seen further as Christ identified with us in His humanity (“The Word became flesh and lived…among us.”—John 1:14).

As we consider these blessings there’s no question that we’re God’s most important resource. And because we are He’s entrusted us with His most important task: “…You will be my witnesses….” (Acts 1:8). We must do it—nothing else will or can.

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Check It Out"

“Check It Out”

 

Years ago I wrote a “Letter to the Editor” to an area newspaper in response to a column which had lambasted a Christian ministry. In my zeal to set the record straight I’d neglected to check a key fact and was embarrassed when my error was brought to my attention. After this experience you can rest assured that I’m much more diligent to do my homework before expressing my thoughts.

While pastoring in New Hampshire I received an “every box mailing” claiming to represent a fellowship of believers with which I was familiar. As I read it many of the statements didn’t line up with what I knew about this group’s beliefs. Thinking back to the letter incident of years before I called the organization’s headquarters and was told that the writer had been disfellowshipped  a few years previously for spreading doctrine which was contrary to Scripture. I was then able to warn our congregation (many of whom had seen the same material) of this false teaching.

From time to time I get email forwards from well-meaning people. Some of these messages have value but others were sent without checking on their accuracy. This can become the cyberspace version of rumors and gossip, something God warns us to avoid (“What dainty morsels rumors are—but they seek deep into one’s heart”—Proverbs 18:8, NLT). So before believing (and especially sending on) what shows up in our inbox check it out for accuracy—a number of websites are available to do so.

During Paul’s travels he ministered in Berea after a quick nighttime exit from Thessalonica. As he taught in the synagogue “…The Bereans…received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (Acts 17:11). So they didn’t just blindly accept what was said—they made sure it lined up with God’s Word.

So whether it’s a teacher, preacher, email or any other source check it out to avoid believing and spreading misinformation. This will quickly stop the rumor mill, silence gossip, and keep the egg off our faces.

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Trashing the Trash"

“Trashing the Trash”

 

I coined a phrase a few years ago which I believe still holds true even though it hasn’t yet found its way into Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations. I maintain that the amount of unused and/or unnecessary things we save expands to fill the space we have available to keep it. When the storage area becomes oversaturated some of it has to go (a process Karen and I went through prior to our move to Florida). Useable items which don’t make the cut are given away, but much is defined as trash and finds its way to the dump or a similar final resting place.

As we’ve attacked this periodic chore a thought struck me from Nehemiah 4:10. The task of rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall had begun, but a few complained that, “The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.” In other words, they became discouraged because the trash kept them from seeing the end result.

How often have we been kept from God’s best because of the accumulation of useless junk in our minds! Over the years we’ve amassed guilt, anger, bitterness, hurt, and resentment (to name a few) which have expanded to so fill our lives that there’s no room for the things that are good. We then run the risk of becoming unloving (and maybe unlovable) people whom others avoid. The resulting loneliness feeds the other refuse and the old treadmill continues.

The time is always right to trash the trash of our lives. How? By a big dose of Philippians 4:8 (“Whatever is true…noble…right…pure…lovely…admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”). When we saturate our minds with the good stuff it expands to fill the available space, leaving no room for the garbage. Let’s give our “think list” a try. Chances are we’ll be much happier—and so will those who know us!

Blessings!

Jim McMillan