"Finished"

 

“Finished”

 

In 1822 Franz Schubert composed his “Symphony #8”, better known as his “Unfinished Symphony” since it’s comprised of only two movements instead of the usual four or five. (His reason for not continuing this great work remains a mystery.) In 1892 construction began on the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York City, one of the world’s largest church buildings (it can accommodate 8600 people and has a floor area of 121,000 square feet) but to this day it’s never be completed due to style changes, work interruptions and unstable ground and has been nicknamed “Saint John the Unfinished”. During a tour of Italy Karen and I saw the Basilica of San Petronio in Bologna of which construction was started in 1390 but remains yet unfinished. (I shudder to think of how many projects I’ve undertaken that are uncompleted!)

Shortly after beginning His earthly ministry Jesus told His disciples, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” (John 4:34). Just before His betrayal and arrest He said to His Father, “I have finished the work You have given Me to do.” (John 17:4, NKJV). And from the cross He cried out, “It is finished.” (in Greek “It has been completed.”) (John 19:30, emphasis added throughout). Jesus came to earth to “…give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28) and He fulfilled this mission by His sacrificial death which met God’s requirements (“…You were redeemed…with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.”--1 Peter 1:18-19). And His Father showed acceptance of His Son’s sacrifice “…by his resurrection from the dead….” (Romans 1:4). And as we celebrate this great truth on which our faith rests this month we can cry out as Jesus did, “It has been completed!”

But that’s not the end of His work. While Christ’s death took care of the sin problem “…once for all.” (Hebrews 10:12) He never stops working in His people until He calls them to be with Himself (“…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus—Philippians 1:6, emphasis added). So we’re always works in progress as we “…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18). So in my unfinished life may I pray with the psalmist, “Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end.” (Psalm 119:33).

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"The Jesus Nut"

 

“The Jesus Nut”

  

Recently I read a devotional article in which the writer referred to the “Jesus Nut” (not to be confused with the sometimes derogatory term “Jesus Freak”) on a helicopter. I did some research on my old friend Google and found that the term was likely coined by GI’s in Vietnam, the first combat zone in which choppers were used extensively to transport soldiers. Since it’s the mechanism that holds the main rotor in place legend has it that its failure meant the aircraft would crash and its occupants’ only recourse was to “pray to Jesus”.

Rather than plow through the technical jargon on line which I probably wouldn’t understand I talked with a friend who’s a retired Navy helicopter pilot. He explained that it was the most important part of the machine and was carefully inspected by the flight and ground crews before lifting off. Depending on the size, type and age of the aircraft the unit could be a single nut or a more sophisticated assembly. My friend knows of no instance where the “Jesus Nut” failed while in flight, a testimony to the diligence of the maintenance team. (This also brought to mind the title of a great hymn from 1927, “Jesus Never Fails”.)

As I thought about the great significance of the “Jesus Nut” a number of applications came to mind. First, Paul writes in Colossians 1:17 that “(Christ) is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” “Before” denotes “priority in importance” so as the “Jesus Nut” holds the helicopter parts together Jesus keeps the universe in order. Next, Jesus is called “the chief cornerstone” in Ephesians 2:20. As such He keeps all creation in balance as the “Jesus Nut” does on a chopper.  Then, too, as this key element is closely inspected before flying we have the example of the Berean believers who “…examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (Acts 17:11). Finally, even though the “Jesus Nut” is the key component in any helicopter it can’t do its job without many other functioning parts’ doing what they’re intended to do. Paul describes how Jesus designed His church to fulfill its mission in this way: “Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” (Ephesians 4:16, NLT).

Since we live near a hospital with a trauma unit and a commercial airport the sound of helicopters is a common occurrence to us. Knowing about the “Jesus Nut” made me realize its crucial place in aviation safety and Jesus’ place in the universe and His church. I’m thankful for both—and I hope you are too.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Taking Inventory"

 

“Taking Inventory”

 

One of my responsibilities of my work as a Sears’ warehouseman during the 1960’s was being a part of the annual inventory team. This was a multi-step process including pre-listing stock in each aisle, making a note when items were removed, the physical counting, recounting for accuracy, submitting the completed forms to the office to be recorded on file cards and setting damaged or discontinued merchandise aside for sale at greatly reduced prices. Little did I know then that years later I’d work as a retail inventory auditor but by that time sophisticated calculators and computer systems had been developed making the counting procedures quicker and more accurate. Store personnel relied heavily on our work to determine sales trends, loss levels and future ordering.

A few months ago my Bible reading was in Nehemiah. When he heard of the condition of his beloved Jerusalem he prayed and made himself available to God to do something about it. He secured permission from his employer, King Xerxes, to take a leave of absence to rebuild the city’s walls. He tells us what he did in these words: “…I went out…examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire.” (Nehemiah 2:13). In other words, he took inventory of the conditions. He then challenged the Jewish leaders, “Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem….” (Verse 17) to which they replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” (Verse 18). The remainder of the book relates God’s blessings as the project was completed in 52 days (Nehemiah 6:15).

Around 1000 BC King David prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me, and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:23-24, NLT). In other words, he invites God to take inventory of his life. Some 1000 years later Paul challenges his readers to “Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups.” (2 Corinthians 13:5, TM, emphasis added). Stated another way, “Take inventory of your life to see if you measure up to God’s expectations and desires.”

Just as regular physical inventories of stock helps businesses operate more efficiently our regular (better yet, daily) inventory of our lives, both God’s and our own, brings us closer to and makes us more effective for Him. Have I taken personal inventory lately? What needs changing? And am I willing to do it?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"When Little Is Much"

 

“When Little Is Much”

 

In 1854 Hudson Taylor arrived in China to bring the gospel message to that needy land. He identified with the nationals by adopting their dress and many of their cultural practices. Despite resistance to his pioneering methods he founded the China Inland Mission which by 1895 had 641 missionaries serving in that vast country. The seeds he and his colleagues planted are likely still bearing fruit despite opposition from the present day government. He is credited by many with the saying, “Little is much when God is in it.”, a faith principle which motivated his work and set an example for those who followed.

Many years ago Pastor and Author John MacArthur observed in a series of cassettes called The Marks of a Successful Church, “Size is irrelevant to God!” He maintained that success in God’s work is marked by faithfully using entrusted resources most productively (“…It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”—1 Corinthians 4:2). So God has the power to take what we may think of as small or insignificant and multiply its effectiveness many times over. To cite a few biblical examples….

*He used five stones and a sling in the hands of a young man named David to kill Goliath and bring Israel a great victory over the Philistines (1 Samuel 17).

*He used an ox goad (or pointed stick) in Shamgar’s hand to strike down 600 Philistines and provide Israel’s deliverance from bondage (Judges 3:31).

*Our Lord used a young boy’s small lunch to feed a great crowd (John 6:1-13).

*Jesus used a poor widow’s meager offering to show the value of giving all to Him (Luke 21:1-4).

*His brother shows how a small part of our body, the tongue, can provide great good or cause catastrophic damage (James 3:1-12).

*And Paul describes those God uses mightily in His work: the foolish, weak, lowly, despised (1 Corinthians 1:27-28). Why? “…So that no one can ever boast in the presence of God.” (Verse 29, NLT).

An old hymn, “Our Best”, a favorite of my youth group in the days of yore, concludes in this way: “Our talents may be few, These may be small, But unto Him is due Our best, our all.” Are we ready to let God use the little we have to offer to accomplish much for His glory?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

 

"The Missing I"

 

“The Missing ‘I’”

 

The 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, NY was highlighted by the men’s ice hockey team’s winning the gold medal over the heavily favored squad from the (then) USSR. No one who saw the semi-final game against the Russians can forget Sportscaster Al Michael’s shouting as the clock would down and the American victory was assured: “Do you believe in miracles? YES!!” Sports Illustrated named it the top sports moment of the 20^th century. The story behind this great accomplishment is told in the 1981 movie “Miracle on Ice”. (Another film version appeared in 2004 simply entitled “Miracle”.)

Coach Herb Brooks took an unorganized group of college amateurs and in a matter of months molded them into a unit which defied the odds and brought gold to our nation. But it wasn’t easy as the players jostled for recognition. After a lackluster performance in an exhibition game leading up to the Olympics Brooks held a brutal practice session during which he said, “The name on the front of your jersey is much more important than the name on the back.” This was a key turning point in the team’s progress towards the ultimate objective as they saw themselves as a unit, not individuals, and learned the truth of President Truman’s words: “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”

Solomon wrote, “A good name is more desirable than great riches….” (Proverbs 22:1), so there’s a place for healthy pride in our reputation as godly people. That’s the name we wear on our back. But our Lord’s brother makes reference to “…the noble name of him to whom you belong.” (James 2:7). (The Greek word translated “noble” also means “beautiful, excellent”.) This “noble” name is “Christian”, or follower of Christ. That’s the name we’re to wear on our front for the world to see.

Long time UCLA basketball coach John Wooden repeatedly told his players, “There’s no ‘I’ in ‘team’”. The same can be said of “church”. Paul describes this in these words: “…In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” (Romans 12:5, emphasis added). So the missing “I” is to be replaced by “we”. Jesus asked His Father that “…all of them (i.e. those who believe in Him) may be one….” (John 17:21). Will we strive to be the answer to His prayer?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Candid Camera"

 

“Candid Camera”

 

The TV reality show “Candid Camera” was broadcast in various versions from 1948 through 2014. Created by Allen Funt and hosted by various celebrities over its phenomenal run, the program filmed ordinary people’s reacting to pre-designed circumstances. Examples include a gas station attendant’s (remember them?) pumping fuel into a VW Bug outfitted with a 40 gallon tank (its standard size was 12.5 gallons) and a string tied to a tee at a golf driving range which a hidden staff member pulled so the ball fell off the tee when the golfer began his swing. The “victims’” reactions varied from humor to horror when they were caught in the act of being themselves (the show’s catch phrase).

In 2 Chronicles 27:2 it says this about Judah’s King Jotham: “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord…but…he did not enter the temple of the Lord. The people continued their corrupt practices.”  (Emphasis added). His example of neglecting worshipping God in His house didn’t go unnoticed and had a negative impact on the nation. Our influence isn’t that of a king but we can’t risk leading someone astray by not living our faith out in the everyday world. (“Live as children of light….”—Ephesians 5:8, emphasis added).

Chances are most of us were never caught unaware by the “Candid Camera” crew. However, we never know when someone may be watching and being influenced by our actions. Dr. Haddon Robinson shared a story from his pastoral ministry of a young couple whom he saw in their home after they attended a service. They asked him if another couple they knew were church members. When Dr. Robinson replied that they were the new couple said they were watching them to see if their faith made a difference in their lives. Dr. Robinson then told the church couple about the visit without identifying the seekers. Shortly thereafter the new couple accepted Christ as a result of a godly example set by others.

To someone somewhere it’s probable that each of us is Exhibit A of what a Christian is like. Jesus may have had such a situation in mind when He said, “…Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:16, NLT). So…as I’m on someone’s “Candid Camera” am I making Jesus look good?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

 

"Read It Aloud"

 

“Read It Aloud”

 

In the Old Testament, especially in Exodus and Leviticus, God gives specific procedures for worshipping Him (e.g. perfect sacrifices, cleansing, times). As we read through the New Testament, however, we find no prescribed order of worship. But there are a number of elements included in the church’s corporate gatherings (e.g. singing, prayer, preaching, teaching, giving and fellowship) which are still done today. One practice, though, which was part of the early church’s time together which isn’t included in many of today’s assemblies is Scripture reading. Paul instructed his pastoral protégé to “…devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.” (1 Timothy 4:13, emphasis added). Why is this now a “missing element” in many Bible believing churches?

One possibility is that it was necessary in the first fifteen centuries of church history because written copies of God’s Word weren’t readily available. They had to be copied by hand, a laborious process, until the printing press was invented in 1453 and even then they were too costly for average people to purchase. Another is that most were illiterate because the scarcity of materials made learning to read and write largely unneeded. Bibles are now available at reasonable costs in many places and (at least in our country) most people are literate so public reading may be viewed as unnecessary. But are we missing God’s blessing by eliminating it from our times of corporate worship?

In the Men’s Bible Study I facilitate one of the members once cautioned us not to skip reading the Word before studying and discussing it. In recent years the devotional Our Daily Bread has included the printed Scripture passage on which the day’s thought is based. The logic of both is that what God says is far more important than human insights so it can’t be ignored.

After Nehemiah led the Israelites in the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall Ezra was used of God to restore the nation’s spiritual life. In Nehemiah 8:2-5 we’re told, “…Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly…He read it aloud from daybreak till noon…And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law…Ezra opened the book…and as he opened it, the people all stood up.” (Emphasis added). So the reading of God’s Word was welcomed and respected as shown by the congregation’s standing and listening when it was presented. Many churches, including those I’ve pastored and attended, do this which I believe to be highly appropriate.

When Scripture is read aloud and we follow it on a screen or in our own Bible God is using two senses (sight and hearing) to help us grasp His truth. So let’s use both for His glory and our benefit.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan