"In His Steps"

“In His Steps”

In 1896 Charles Sheldon wrote the classic In His Steps, a novel in which the main characters agreed to ask “What would Jesus do?” before acting during the following year. Many may remember that on the centennial of the book’s publication in 1996 “WWJD” bracelets became a familiar sight. After 120+ years it’s still a valid question to ponder in life situations.

This past fall Karen and I had the unique opportunity to literally walk in the steps of Jesus when we went on a tour of Israel with a group from a church in Connecticut where dear friends worship when they’re not snowbirding in Florida. As we traveled through the country we saw many of the places where our Lord ministered through teaching, healing and meeting people’s needs in other ways. As we observed these sites our Israeli guide, host pastor and members of the group read Scripture associated with the events which took place where we were standing. Biblical passages we’ve read many times came alive as we pictured our Lord’s words and actions.

I won’t attempt to provide many details here—Lord willing, I’ll do so in several future articles—but let me share the “CliffNotes” version. We began in Tel Aviv, Israel’s business center, traveled north to Caesarea then Tiberias, from which we visited Nazareth, Mount Hermon, Caesarea Philippi, Capernaum, the Mount of the Beattitudes and the Golan Heights (captured from Syria during the Six Day War in 1967 and a key part of Israel’s defense). The highlight was a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee where Karen led a time of singing God’s praises.

After being baptized in the Jordan River (as Jesus was at the beginning of His public ministry)   we went south down the Jordan Valley. At times we were literally steps from the border with Jordan. We “swam” in the Dead Sea (the lowest point on earth) and saw the caves at Qumrum where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947. Then it was on to Jerusalem via Masada, a mountain-top fortress built by Herod the Great and utilized as a place of refuge for three years by some 960 Jewish patriots (men, women and children) after the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD.

We spent three days in Jerusalem (with a side trip to Bethlehem) visiting and/or viewing the Mount of Olives, Temple Mount, Pool of Bethesda, Wailing Wall, Golgotha and the Garden Tomb (where we observed the Lord’s Supper). Just think—we were where Jesus died and rose and from which He’ll rule when He returns (Micah 4).

All Karen and I can say is (paraphrasing 2 Corinthians 9:15), “Thanks be to God for this marvelous gift.” We’ll never see Scripture or Jesus in the ways we did before. To Him be the glory!

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Get Out the Shovel!"

“Get Out the Shovel!”

This past September I began serving as an on-call chaplain at our Lakeland hospital. This involves periodic coverage during non-business hours for a week as well as filling in on day shifts when needed. In early December I was working for a colleague who’d been bitten by the flu bug. During my rounds I encountered a patient suffering from liver disease which resulted from (by his own admission) bad life-style choices. His illness had led him to reaffirm his faith so our conversation centered on how God was working in his life. As we talked he commented. “God can move mountains but sometimes He gives us a shovel.”

Since our visit I’ve thought a lot about this down-home bit of wisdom based on Jesus’ words in Matthew 21:21-22: “…I tell you the truth, if you have faith…you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Obviously we have to ask before we can expect an answer (see James 4:2), but does this mean we’ve fulfilled our responsibility before God once we’ve prayed about a need? Our Lord’s brother speaks to this question: “What good is it…if (someone) claims to have faith but has no deeds? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to (him or her), ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about (his or her) physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:14-17). Ten centuries earlier Solomon echoed this thought by writing, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.” (Proverbs 3:27). In other words, there are times God wants to use me to answer my own prayers.

Paul tells us we are “…thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:17). And in 2 Peter 1:3 we’re assured, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness….”—including a shovel! Is mine ready for use?

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

(with helpful input from Karen)

"Becoming Overcomers"

“Becoming Overcomers”

A baseball pitcher will study films and charts to learn an opponent’s weakness and will exploit it until the batter shows he can hit the pitch. A football quarterback will analyze another team’s defensive shortcomings and take advantage of them until the opponent makes adjustments and is able to stop the offense. In each case a new strategy will have to be developed in order to bring success. And the opposition will continue to work to neutralize the new approach.

What happens in baseball and football (as well as in other sports) is also true of us in our walk of faith. God has called us to live lives marked by obedience to Him (“Anyone who claims to be intimate with God ought to live the same kind of life Jesus lived.”—1 John 2:6, TM). But since the Garden of Eden Satan has attempted to mislead God’s people into listening to and following him, not our Creator, by hammering us at our weak spots (with Adam and Eve it was pride, Judas greed, Peter fear). And he’ll keep doing it until we show we can resist. Can we? Listen to our Lord’s brother: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7). How? Jesus’ friend and apostle described the devil as “…a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) whom we are to “Resist…standing firm in the faith….” (1 Peter 5:9). So with God’s help we can overcome our weaknesses and have victory over our archenemy.

Jesus set the example for us in dealing with the devil. Just after beginning His ministry He went to battle against Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). The evil one put our Lord to the physical test (“…tell these stones to become bread.”), the pride test (“…throw yourself down….”—He even threw in some Scripture on this one), and finally the possession test (“All this I will give you…if you will bow down and worship me.”). But the Master overcame each of these temptations by turning to the Word of God (“It is written….”). Since Satan cannot fight Scripture he left. So Jesus has been where we’ve been (and maybe are at this moment) and “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrews 2:18).

The Apostle Paul (who knew what it was like to face satanic attacks) wrote, “…We are not unaware of his schemes.” (2 Corinthians 2:11). So let’s “Put on the full armor of God….” (Ephesians 6:11) to become overcomers and move on to victory.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Worth the Risk"

“Worth the Risk”

Last year our church bought a new minibus to enhance our overall ministry. In announcing the purchase the pastor jokingly said he wondered when the first scratch would appear but added that the only way we could be reasonably sure this wouldn’t happen was if it were never used. Then years ago I heard of a church that recarpeted its auditorium and a group forbade children from meeting there lest it become stained (the pastor quickly reversed this action). In both these cases there was a willingness to risk damage in order to reach people with the gospel message.

Since ministry involves imperfect people (both those who serve and who are served) it can be difficult, hurtful and even messy at times. The only way I can think of to avoid these unfavorable possibilities is to stop serving. But if we do this we’re disobeying God’s clear commands (“…As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people….”—Galatians 6:10); “Anyone…who knows the good {he or she} ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”—James 4:17). So we must take the risk, do what He’s told us to do and leave the results with Him.

The Apostle Paul was described by Jesus to the Damascus believer Ananias as “…my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and the people of Israel.” (Acts 9:15). This calling brought Paul a great deal of struggle (see 2 Corinthians 11:21-28) but he wouldn’t be deterred. When his friends heard a prophecy that he’d be arrested and turned over to the Romans they tried to persuade him to evade it. His response: “I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 21:13). To him preaching the gospel was imperative (“Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel.”—1 Corinthians 9:16) and it was worth the risk to “…complete the task the Lord has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24).

Jesus never promised ministry (or life) would be easy (“In this world you will have trouble.”—John 16:33) but He’s promised us “…everything we need for life and godliness….” (2 Peter 1:3). So walking with and serving Him is a risk worth taking. Am I willing to take it?

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan