The Sacrifice To End All Sacrifices

            “For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14).

            With reference to World War I, it was British futurist author H.G. Wells who is credited with coining the phrase “the war to end all wars.”  Note this recollection of his words from a little over 100 years ago: ““We have not sought this reckoning, we have done our utmost to avoid it; but now that it has been forced upon us it is imperative that it should be a thorough reckoning,” the British futurist writer H.G. Wells wrote in an article titled “The War That Will End War,” published in The Daily News on August 14, 1914...“This is already the vastest war in history. It is a war not of nations, but of mankind. It is a war to exorcise a world-madness and end an age… For this is now a war for peace. It aims straight at disarmament. It aims at a settlement that shall stop this sort of thing forever. Every soldier who fights against Germany now is a crusader against war. This, the greatest of all wars, is not just another war—it is the last war!””*

            Subsequent years have proven the folly of Wells’ prediction.  The last 100 years have been as bloody as any.  It’s just another reminder of human limitations.  We tend to be long on idealism and woefully short on making it happen.  It’s easy to get jaded when you hear bold claims being made about some “miracle” product or process that “will change the world as we know it.”

            That is why the words of Hebrews 10:14 are so striking!  Jesus did one thing one time and took care of the world’s greatest problem.  His sacrifice was truly “the sacrifice to end all sacrifices.”  No more offerings for sin would ever need to be made.  Once was enough!  That, my friend, is impressive!  It reminds me of the words of Jesus Himself: “It is finished!”

God loves you!

Mike

*http://mentalfloss.com/article/58411/wwi-centennial-war-end-all-wars

Do You Find This Puzzling?

            A recent Reuters news article* spoke of the Chinese government's current efforts to crack down on the growth of Christianity in their country.  The article begins by highlighting the struggle faced by Chinese parents who are believers in such a climate of repression.  “When authorities in China’s southeastern city of Wenzhou outlawed Sunday School earlier this year, Christian parents determined their children must still learn about Jesus and the Bible. Churches in Wenzhou started teaching children in private homes or at other venues. Some billed Sunday School classes as daycare, not education, or moved them to Saturdays, more than a dozen local Christians told Reuters.”

The writers go on to cite one specific example.  “In her house, “faith comes first, grades come second,” said one parent surnamed Chen, asking not to use her full name due to the sensitivity of the matter.”  She went on to speak of how the children of believers “must” attend Bible classes because there is no other venue that will provide the guidance necessary to counteract the draw of the vices in the world around them.

            A couple things came to mind as I read the article.  First, I am humbled by the example of these believers as they courageously practice their faith in the face of such persecution.  These Christians are defying the government to be together for times of spiritual education.  Secondly, I am discouraged when I reflect on the flabbiness of much of what is called “faith” in our own country.  Some (many?) Christians can’t be bothered to attend a Bible class of any kind, even when there is nothing standing in their way.  In our own congregation, several opportunities are provided for spiritual education.  Yet, only part of our group takes advantage of them.  This puzzles me.

            Maybe we need more persecution.  Perhaps, then, Bible class would be viewed as more than an elective.  But, then again, maybe it would just provide another reason to skip it.

God loves you!

Mike

*https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-religion-education/in-chinas-jerusalem-christians-say-faith-trumps-official-sunday-school-ban-idUSKBN1EI025?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=Social

When God Has Other Plans

Steven Brice shared a great post recently on the Charis website titled “When God Shows Up For Christmas".*  He begins by describing (in modern terms) how preparations for Mary and Joseph’s marriage were likely moving forward according to plan until God intervened to disrupt their plans.  He goes on to write of how, from that point on, their world was turned upside down.

I especially appreciate his summary paragraph.  “The story of Jesus entering into the world is a story of God disrupting the lives and plans of those God chose. I am aware that during the Christmas season, many find deep delight in thinking about the birth of Jesus or some random white fat guy squeezing through a chimney looking for milk and cookies while providing gifts. But the Christmas story is more than that. It is a reminder that God will disrupt our lives and plans as a gift to the world. I am aware that the Christmas season invites us to create a wishlist of things we want, but the Jesus story invites us to welcome an uninvited guest who is about to turn our world upside-down. So in this Christmas season, as we sing choral songs, drink vegan eggnog, and spend time with family and friends, may we be prepared and be obedient to what mission God is calling us to be a part of when God shows up for Christmas."

As I read these words, I thought of so many others in the Scriptures whose lives and plans were changed in an instant by God’s plans.  Abraham, Sarah, Joseph, Moses, Ruth, Esther, Jeremiah, Mary Magdalene, Paul, etc..  And as I thought about these people of faith, I reflected on my own reaction to the times when God disrupts MY plans.  It’s so very easy to become discouraged or resentful when things don’t work out the way I would like.  God, please give me the courage to shelve my own plans when YOU have other plans.

God loves you!

Mike

* http://char.is/blog/2017/12/23/when-god-shows-up-for-christmas/