"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

 

 

"A Sobering Question"

 

“A Sobering Question”

 

Several weeks ago the musical package in our church’s worship service included Thomas Chisholm’s familiar hymn from 1923, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”, which has become Karen’s and my favorite as a couple. It’s based on Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV): “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” (Emphasis added.) We’ve seen the impact of this passage as we think of God’s goodness to us over our 56 years together.

As I was listening to the words of this great song of praise (I had a throat problem so was unable to sing) I never realized how many additional biblical truths it contains. These include….

*”There is no shadow of turning with Thee.” (James 1:17).

*”Thou changest not….” (Malachi 3:6).

*”As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.” (Psalm 102:27).

*”Join with all nature in manifold witness….” (Psalm 19:1).

*”Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth….” (Romans 5:1).

*”Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide.” (Matthew 28:20).

*”Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow….” (Hebrews 4:16).

*”Blessings all mine….” (Psalm 68:19).

*”All I have needed Thy hand hath provided.” (Philippians 4:19)

 

(Check the references out in the KJV as it’s the version on which the hymn is based.)

A godly man in one of the churches we served used to say, “Great truths sing well!” As we sing these great truths let’s proclaim them loudly from our hearts in praise to God.

But a sobering question came to my mind as I listened to the hymn’s familiar words: How great is my faithfulness to the One who’s been so faithful to me? My prayer is that expressed by Jon Mohr in his 1987 song (adjusted slightly to make it personal):

“O may all who come behind (me) find (me) faithful;

May the fire of (my) devotion light their way.

May the footprints that (I) leave Lead them to believe,

And the (life I) live inspire them to obey.

O may all who come behind (me) find (me) faithful.” Amen.

 

 

Grace and Blessings!

 

Jim McMillan

 

 

 

 

"Learning a New Word"

 

“Learning a New Word”

 

In a “Dennis the Menace” cartoon years ago the tow-headed mischief machine’s father came home and observed his son sitting in the corner. His wife explained why: “He learned a new word today!” In another panel Dennis was in his toy truck and his mom said, “I don’t care if you are a truck driver. I don’t want to hear that word again!” So learning new words isn’t always a good thing.

Early in my college freshman year my professor in writing class suggested we buy a good dictionary which I did and it served me well for many years. But as time went on some words I ran across in my reading weren’t included because they’d been created as our society changed. (The most recent edition of the Oxford English Dictionary includes about 1600 new words and phrases from the previous one.) So we’re continually being exposed to new words and expressions. Taking some liberties with Ecclesiastes 12:13: “Of making many words there is no end….”

During one of our trips to Honduras our missionary contact asked Karen and me to meet with a national pastor and wife who were struggling with their relationship and ministry. In the course of our conversation (which the missionary’s Honduran wife translated) we found that the pastor had overcommitted himself to his work and neglected his family. I said to him, “There’s a word you need to learn that’s the same in English and Spanish.” After translating I told him the word: “NO!” along with an explanation that he couldn’t do everything but needed to delegate some tasks to others and concentrate on what he did best. (I had been there and done that!) I’ve lost track of this couple after 20+ years but pray that they reset their priorities and prospered in their relationship and ministry.

The phrase “one thing” appears at least six times in Scripture, all expressing emphasis on what’s important for us in God’s sight. We may encounter those who are offended if we say ”No” to their request (or agenda for us) but we can ask with Paul, “Am I now trying to win the approval of (people), or of God?” (Galatians 1:10) and follow Jesus’ counsel, “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’, and your ‘No’, ‘No’….” (Matthew 5:37, emphasis added) and learn to use an old word in a new (and hopefully better) way.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Convenience Stores"

 

“Convenience Stores”

 

In driving around town did you ever notice (to quote the late commentator Andy Rooney) the number of convenience stores which seem to be on every corner? These shops are so designated because their hours of operation (many are open around the clock), locations and speed of service fit into our schedules and whims. We can stop in for coffee to stay awake while driving, fill up on gas, grab a sandwich for the road or pick up an item or two we forgot on our last super market trip and be on our way quickly. For the most part they live up to their name.

We live in a world of conveniences. We use ATM’s and go through self-checkouts to avoid waiting on lines, shop and pay bills on line and have groceries delivered rather than travel to the nearest Wal-Mart or Publix. And we become annoyed when we’re inconvenienced from our normal routines.

Since it’s difficult if not impossible to separate “everyday” life from “spiritual” life we often carry the same desire not to be inconvenienced into our following and serving God. We may consider involvement in His work as long as it doesn’t interfere with our plans, but if it means giving up something or going out of our way our response may be, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.” Sound familiar? These are Moses’ words in Exodus 4:13. But he was willing to change and God was then able to use him mightily. It’s really no different for any of us today.

Shortly before his death as David was preparing for the temple’s construction by gathering materials to be used by Solomon to complete the project he challenged the nation: “Now, who is willing to consecrate (him/herself) today to the Lord?” (1 Chronicles 29:5, emphasis added). In other words, “Who is willing to be inconvenienced so God can do His work?” Can we (I) say with God’s prophet, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8)?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Learning from the Past"

 

“Learning from the Past”

 

In 2016 Karen and I went on a Mediterranean cruise which included stops at a number of ports on Europe’s southern coast. One of the highlights was a boat tour viewing the Amalfi Coast, a 32 mile stretch south of Naples known for its scenic beauty and productive agricultural areas, especially lemon groves (we later visited the “Lemon Capital”, Sorrento, in this region). The guide pointed out about 30 guard towers overlooking the coastline which were built between the 9^th and 16^th centuries to defend against pirate invasions from the Tyrrhenian Sea. They were constructed so that each one could see the two nearest to it and communicate using smoke signals. These structures proved effective until longer range weapons were developed.

This strategy was seen as innovative and clever. However, God had used a similar plan about 1300 years previously. In Nehemiah 4:19-20 His servant said to those building Jerusalem’s wall, “The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!” So instead of fire and smoke the Jewish people used bugle calls to alert of danger. (I wonder if some godly person in 9^th century Italy read this passage and put the principle to use.) Taking some liberties with Matthew 24:42, “…Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your enemy will come.”

Paul wrote his pastoral mentoree, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful….” (2 Timothy 3:16, emphasis added). How? In this case to teach us from the past (“…Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us….”—Romans 15:4). Some historians maintain that quarantining Black Plague victims in 1347 Europe to stop the spread of the epidemic had its origins in the Old Testament practice of separating those with contagious diseases such as leprosy. In 1 Samuel 16:16 we read, “Whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better….” So today’s musical therapy had its roots in biblical history. And in our Men’s Bible Study we’re looking at Paul’s ministry strategy described in Acts and discussing how its elements can be applied to today’s opportunities.

God’s truth is timeless and works in all times and cultures. As we learn from the past we’ll be better equipped to serve in the present and future. Can I say with the psalmist, “Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever.” (Psalm 119:152)? Can you?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan