Lenten Devotional...February 28

Exodus 16:1-8

I'm convinced that the children of Israel were Baptist.  How else could you explain the complaining?  Now, I know that complaining isn't exclusively a Baptist trait, but over the years I have noticed that we have honed it to a pretty precise science.  What were these desert wanderers complaining about?  They were hungry, thirsty, tired, maybe even a little homesick.  How, we might ask, could they be homesick for the bondage of slavery when God had so graciously freed them? 

 

I suppose the answer is found in the familiar, particularly when we evaluate it through the rearview mirror.  "If only we had died by the Lord's hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death."  Nostalgia is a funny thing...when looking back we tend to filter out certain things to focus on others.  The hard labor, the brutal treatment, the devaluation of an entire people...all of this is forgotten as their stomach's growl and their throats are parched.

Moses rightly reminds them that their complaints aren't really aimed at him, but at God.  He calls them to a perspective that is larger than their present challenge.  He calls them to remember the faithfulness of the One who delivered them from Egypt...the One who had faithfully walked with them, even when they were unfaithful.  I would not argue here that every complaint is an affront to God, but I do wonder how much of the whining and grumbling we do is aimed more at God than others. 

 

"I will praise the Lord at all times," the Psalmist writes.  "His praise shall continually be in my mouth."  It is not uncommon for complaints to crowd the pathway of Lent.  Our journey takes us to uncomfortable places and makes certain demands upon us.  God is faithful to provide.  Let us remember that when our complaints seem to get the best of us. May his praise continually be in our mouths.

Prayer: Patient God, forgive our whiny, tiresome complaints.  With every step of this Lenten journey, may we praise you.  Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...February 27

John 7:53-8:11

The grip of judgment is hard to release. Like a hand clinched around a hardened stone, there seems little that can be done to overcome the anger and contempt that draws muscles tight and sets nerves on edge. Something must be done to exercise such judgment...someone must pay a price, someone must be made an example.

A woman is thrust before the crowd, publicly humiliated for sexual sin. Righteous fingers are pointed in contempt as scripture is cited to justify this growing clamor for justice. One can sense the terror and shame of the woman who likely knows already the outcome of this "trial". But then, a man who has been stirring the dusty ground with his fingers throughout the prosecution's presentation, says, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Then he looks away and stirs the dust once more.

One by one, hands clinching weapons of judgment begin to open. One by one, with no particular rhythm, stones drop to the ground as the jury members turn and walk away. The atmosphere once electric with anticipated vengeance, is suddenly still as grace confronts sin. "Where are your accusers?" the man asks. "Who has condemned you?" The woman, stunned by the sudden turn of events, replies, "No one, sir." "Then neither do I condemn you."

I wonder if you and I see ourselves in that crowd...does the grip of judgment tightly control us, or do we hear the words of the man, Jesus, as he says, "Who has condemned you?" Perhaps, we see ourselves in both.

Prayer: Gracious God, forgive our judgmental ways, and remind us that we are forever debtors to your grace. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...February 26

Isaiah 65:17-25

In the beginning, God created…these are the opening words of Genesis that tell us the work of making things new is indeed the work of God. Speaking through the prophet Isaiah, the Creator affirms this truth, “I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.” Here is the good news for a sinful creation that has stubbornly chosen its own way; God is not only in the business of creation, but also re-creation. To a people in exile, these were words of hope, for despite their failures, God had not forsaken them.

In reminding the church in Corinth that Christ had come to continue this work, the apostle Paul wrote, “if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Though sinful creatures, we are not forsaken. God is at work, recreating within the human heart the hope of eternal, abundant living. It is the work of the Garden, deliverance from Egypt, the return of an exiled people, and the work of the cross. Brothers and sisters, it is the work of God in you!

Prayer: We give you thanks, O God, for the wonder of creation, and for the redemptive work of re-creation through the cross of Christ. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...February 25

Hebrews 3:1-6 

“…fix your thoughts on Jesus.” The writer of Hebrews offers sound advice in the comparisons of faith that often come. He makes the distinction between Moses and Christ, stating that while Moses was a faithful servant in God’s house, “Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house.” The work of Moses was ultimately prologue to the work of Christ who came in human form, completing what God had been building since the beginning of Creation. “…every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.” 

One should not embark on the Lenten journey without fixing his or her thoughts on Jesus. To do so is to misunderstand the blueprint for building from God’s perspective. And so, with our thoughts firmly fixed on the cross, we allow God once more to create anew this building of faith He is working on in every human heart that embraces Jesus Christ as Lord.

Prayer: Creator God, may my eyes be fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of faith. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...February 24

Genesis 12:1-4 

I marvel at biblical characters who respond to the call of God without question. My story would most likely not be characterized by such unquestioned obedience. I resonate more with Moses as he responds to God’s call at the burning bush with a laundry list of excuses about why someone else, anyone else would be better suited for the job. I am more inclined, like Ananias, to inform God about the circumstances of calling that might be distasteful, even dangerous. Ananias had a great point when he reminded God about Saul’s persecution of his fellow Christians. “Go!” God said to both men, and probably still grumbling, they went.

 
Not so with Abram. God called him to leave his family, homeland, and the security of all he had ever known, to step out in faith and help birth a new nation. Our text today says simply, “So Abram went, as the Lord had told him.” Which takes the greater faith…obedience without question, or grumbling obedience? Somehow God works in the midst of both. That is the wonder of God.

Prayer: God who calls, be present in our obedience, unquestioned or grudging, and use us today as you desire. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...February 23

Psalm 121

Help Wanted...We have all seen the signs, posted often in the window of a store, restaurant, or perhaps the classified section of the paper. Such a sign is most often an invitation to employment, however in a broader context, it can be a plea for assistance with a particular need. How many times have you benefited from the kindness of others who have stepped in to offer help? It might have been as simple as navigating instructions when putting something together, or as complex as navigating the shifting currents of human relationship.

The Psalmist asks then answers his own question pertaining to help. "Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." His response is one of informed expectation, based on past performance. In other words, because God has been faithful, he believes that faithfulness will continue. That is our assurance for the living of every day, no matter what comes. As the Psalmist concludes, "the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." That kind of oversight empowers our steps...even our steps toward the cross.

Prayer: Watchful God, who knows my coming and going, guide my steps that I may walk in your way this day. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...February 22

Micah 7:18-20

Corrie Ten Boom miraculously survived the horrors of Ravensbruck concentration camp in World War II. Her father, sister, and other family members were not so fortunate. The Ten Boom family was condemned by the Nazis for harboring Jews in their home…something they believed their faith compelled them to do.

Some years after Corrie’s deliverance from Ravensbruck, she was speaking about forgiveness when she encountered one of the guards who had treated her and others so cruelly. Having heard her speak of God casting sin into the deep ocean of his love and placing a sign there that read, “No Fishing Allowed,” the guard stepped forward, offered Corrie his hand and asked if she would forgive him. Admittedly, the most difficult thing she had ever done, she slowly reached out, took the man’s hand, and forgave him.

Of God’s forgiveness, Micah writes, “You will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.” Such forgiveness is never merited, but by God’s grace, freely offered.

Prayer: Loving God, whose grace overcomes our sin and remembers it no more, we humbly give you thanks. Through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray, amen.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...February 21

II Timothy 1:3-7

I received my first guitar when I was thirteen, a fine instrument, procured as many such treasures were at that time, from the Sears Catalog. The instrument’s quality wasn’t as important to me then as its availability. It had six strings, picks, and a Mel Bay chord book…everything I needed to become the next Les Paul!

While I learned quickly, I must say I have never threatened Mr. Paul as an excellent guitarist. I did take a passion for music, however, and turn it into something I have enjoyed over the years and used occasionally in ministry settings. You might say I fanned into flame a spark that my parent’s helped ignite with a simple purchase.

Paul encouraged a young colleague in ministry to “fan into flame the gift of God” he had been given. Timothy shared a rich heritage of faith with his mother and grandmother, and had been set apart for ministry by Paul. The spark had been lit…now, Paul was saying, the flame must burn brightly.

The work of salvation has been done through the cross of Christ. If you have by faith embraced Christ, then there is for you this simple question…is that spark of faith being fanned into flame within you?

Prayer: Light of the World, may the spark of faith be fanned into flame within our hearts. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...February 20

Matthew 18:10-14

Mention the word “"search"” today and many folks think about their computer, opening their Internet browser where typing the subject or question surrounding the aforementioned search brings them to some conclusion. Such searching requires little more than the right equipment, connection, and the time and patience to scroll through seemingly endless data.

The kind of searching that Jesus mentions in our text today is an intentional effort to find that which has been lost. This isn'’t casual exploration, but impassioned pursuit of that which is greatly valued. When this story is told in Luke 15, Jesus focuses on the celebration over the one that has been found as the shepherd calls his friends together and proclaims, “"Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep."” Then Jesus says, "“in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents…”..."

One would be hard pressed to view the cross as a symbol of joy, and yet, it reminds us of the depth of God'’s love in impassioned pursuit of that which was lost.

Prayer: Searching God, find in me a repentant heart. Restore to me the joy of salvation. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...February 19

Hebrews 4:14-16

Faith is defined in Hebrews 11: 1 as "... being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." One might not see this definition as a ringing endorsement for confident living. We desire in this twenty-first century to live in the shelter of absolutes, where questions find answers and doubts are overcome. "Seeing is believing," we boldly proclaim. The Hebrews 11 definition of faith...not exactly the absolute many are looking for.

It's interesting to see Jesus' definition of faith, offered to a doubting disciple. Thomas brashly declared that he would not embrace resurrection until he saw Jesus before him with nail prints in his hands and feet, and a wound in his side. He further claimed that unless he could put his fingers in the wounds themselves, he would not believe.. His disbelief surely empowered his crude declaration. But when Jesus did appear before him, offering freely the evidence Thomas demanded, he fell at his feet, proclaiming Jesus as Lord. Then Jesus said, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Our text today challenges believers to "hold firmly to the faith" and "approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Words like firmly and confidence might not seem appropriate here, and yet, they are absolutely vital. The cross is our destination in this season of Lent, but the road that leads us there is full of uncertainty. Sure of what we hope for...certain of what we do not see, we take each step in faith, for there, at the cross, you and I receive mercy and find grace.

Prayer: Dear God, mercy and grace are gifts of the cross. By faith, may we hold firmly, confidently to these gifts. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...February 18

I Kings 19:1-8

How quickly things change! In the preceding chapter, Elijah has called down fire from heaven and routed the prophets of Baal at Mt. Carmel. This was not subtle confrontation, but total domination as the power of God is displayed. One might think Elijah would be so emboldened by God's faithfulness, and yet, when Queen Jezebel hears what he has done, she promises to have him killed within twenty-four hours. In absolute terror, Elijah runs for his life. He stops along the way long enough to rest under a tree, declaring, "I have had enough, Lord."

There have probably been those moments on your walk of faith when, like Elijah, you have felt that you have had enough. You have experienced the wonder of God's power and presence, yet threatened by something or someone, you have forgotten what once gave you strength. God did not change in the aftermath of Mt. Carmel's victory, yet Elijah's fear overshadowed his faith. Neither have the promises of God changed because your circumstances have changed.

The cross of Christ reminds us that defeat can be overcome by victory. Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” When the hope of faith is overshadowed by the uncertainties of this life, take heart...trust that God will continue faithful.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...February 17

Psalm 32

It is hard to overestimate the gift of forgiveness. The Psalmist is empowered by such a gift, committing himself to walk anew in the way of the Lord…to rejoice, even sing! “I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin.”

 
Lent leads us to the cross of Christ, the ultimate symbol of forgiveness and grace. There we are confronted by the One whose sacrifice empowers next steps. Forgiven, we move in the shadow of the cross to forgive others…forgiven, we move to become more of what God created us to become.

 
Issac Watts, in the fourth verse of his hymn text, “Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed” offers this challenge: “But drops of grief can ne’er repay the debt of love I owe. Here, Lord, I give myself away, tis’ all that I can do.”

 
Lord, I give myself away…what does forgiveness empower you to do?

Prayer: Gracious God, may the forgiveness we know through Jesus Christ empower our thoughts and actions this day. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...February 16

Matthew 18:1-7

Greatness is debated in many forums today. Often the discussions are simply talking points to fill air time on radio or television broadcasts, intellectual debates between scholars or students, or perhaps the rivalry between competing siblings or friends who want to establish who is greatest among them.

Jesus offers a different perspective about greatness in our text today, reminding those closest to him that greatness isn't measured by arrogance, but rather, by humility; "whoever takes a humble place--becoming like this child--is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." His perspective isn't always well received in our modern culture where we seem to admire the personal arrogance and drive that enables domination.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I believe in the power of the cross. There, I witness the unmatched, conquering power of love. This power, however, wasn't packaged in arrogance and pride, but punctuated by humility as the Son of God took on human form and gave himself to die for your sin and mine. Such humility is indeed the definition of greatness.

Prayer: Eternal God, help me reevaluate my definition of greatness in light of the humble Christ. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...February 15

Psalm 51:10-19

In this throwaway world, there is little patience with broken things. In our affluence, that which is flawed is often discarded, quickly replaced with something new. In ancient Israel, the brokenness of sin was often “fixed” by the sacrifice of an animal in the temple. The burning flesh of that sacrifice supposedly appeased the God of heaven who, upon breathing in the smell of such sacrifice granted forgiveness to the people. It was an easy fix, requiring little from the sinner.
 
As David confesses his sin before God, he realizes such sacrifice fails to get to the heart of the matter. “You do not take pleasure in burnt offerings,” he says. “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” David’s confidence in the unfailing compassion of God melts his arrogance, and for that moment, reveals a brokenness that he knows can only be repaired by God.
 
The cross of Christ reminds us of God’s willingness to repair broken hearts and lives. May the brokenness of your heart and mine open the door that God might continue the great work of grace in us.

Prayer: God of compassion, may we come before you in brokenness, allowing you to mend our hearts and lives, through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray, Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...February 14

Psalm 51:1-9

The prophet Nathan confronted King David with charges David hoped would never come to light. Psalm 51 is David’s plea for mercy and forgiveness…a pledge of future faithfulness, not unlike the pleas you and I make when confronting our own sin. It is interesting to note that what draws David to this moment is not what he knows about himself, but what he already knows about God. One might think it presumptuous of David to call for compassion and unfailing love, asking to be washed clean from the filth and dirt of his sin when he was caught, as they say, red handed.

There is no doubt that you and I are sinners, falling short of God’s expectations. The key to forgiveness, however, doesn't lie within us. Yes, confession is important, but more important is the grace and mercy of God. The Lenten journey is a bold trek toward forgiveness, with eyes focused squarely on the unfailing, compassionate love of God. Will you be so bold?

Prayer: God of grace, may we find mercy and forgiveness as we boldly walk in your unfailing, compassionate love. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...Ash Wednesday

Isaiah 58:1-12

Today, the season of Lent begins. What does that mean to you? For many, Lent is a season of preparation and contemplation as one journeys to the cross with Jesus. Too many of us talk of it in terms of personal sacrifice made for this journey, but I’m not sure that giving up one’s favorite candy bar, soft drink, or television show for forty days communicates true sacrifice. Perhaps we need to rethink our approach to Lent, shifting the focus away from what is given up, instead contemplating what might be given.

Today’s text challenges us to think beyond ourselves. To do so, one may “loose the chains of injustice…set the oppressed free…share food with the hungry, provide the poor wanderer with shelter, and seeing the naked, clothe them.” In the words of Jesus, “whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.”

What will you give for Lent?

Prayer: Gracious God, once more, I give you my heart. Now, what may I give to others in your name? Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Acts of Love

I have read with interest this week the story of Rob Morris, pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newtown, Connecticut. Rev. Morris has apologized publicly for his participation in the community prayer service in the aftermath of the horrific school shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in mid-December. The church Rev. King serves is a Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. The denomination prohibits participation on the part of its clergy in what they call "joint worship services" where other faith perspectives might be represented and shared.

I understand and affirm the privilege of soul freedom that allows for different perspectives and as such, though I don't agree with the MSLC's stance on this matter, recognize their right to the their beliefs and practices. We celebrate such freedoms as a nation and indeed, as Baptists, we have been known for fierce independence in the context of religious conformity. The issue for me is not how other Christians or denominations view their role in the broad context of modern spirituality for I am not called to be like other Christians. Unfortunately too much time and energy are spent defending our particular persuasions when a hurting world cries out for comfort in the midst of unspeakable tragedy.

Reading the gospels, one gets the impression that the greatest concern of Jesus was not for the protection of religious orthodoxy or for sustaining the status quo. His was a message of radical transformation that began in the heart and found its greatest expression in acts of love. His association with people wasn't dependent on their world or religious viewpoint. In the brokenness of disease, bigotry, grief, and social exile, he exemplified a willingness to look beyond the surface to see the need of the heart. He was criticized by the religious establishment for associating with these outcasts, but such censure did not dissuade him from loving...even his enemies.

Dr. John Jonsson was South African by birth, a Christian by faith, and professor of missiology at Southern Seminary when I was a student there in the early 80's. In speaking to the diversity of views apparent between people of different faiths, he taught his students to approach these differences with respect. "You will not have a platform for sharing the love of Christ, if you disrespect the faith of another person," he said.

From my perspective, to pray alongside a person whose faith is different than my own, threatens neither me nor my faith. The words, name, and comfort of Christ need to be heard. To reach out to hurting people in the name of Christ, regardless of their faith perspective, is not something I or any Christian should ever feel the need to apologize for.

Pray for hypothermia week at Westwood which begins this Sunday evening. Much time, effort, and prayer have gone into the preparation for this vital week of ministry. Now, let us warmly welcome these friends from our community, reminding them once more of the love of Christ.

Jim Abernathy

When Bad News Comes

What do you do when you hear bad news?  Sometimes our responses are tempered by distance and depth of relationship.  Things happening a world away to people we have never met are tragic, but often we respond to such news in muted ways that reflect a lack of connection to the place or person.  Perhaps we take time to pray for them, contribute to an ongoing fund for relief, or talk among friends about the continuing tragedies of the world.  But what happens when that bad news impacts a close friend, respected co-worker, family member...yourself? 

 

We each respond uniquely to hearing bad news.  Some immediately think the worst, others look for options, perhaps even silver linings among the clouds. Disbelief, shock, even anger are common responses, and yet, no one feels exactly as you do when confronted by tragic, even frightening news.

 

In a quiet moment this morning, reflecting on the news of this day, a gospel song came to my mind that I have not thought of or sung in probably two decades.  Perhaps it is a gift of the Spirit to me for this day...perhaps a perspective builder for this day's unfolding path.   The text of John Moore's hymn, "Burdens are Lifted at Calvary," offers this assurance in the midst of our heartaches...

 

Days are filled with sorrow and care,

Hearts are lonely and drear,

Burdens are lifted at Calvary,

Jesus is very near.

 

Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Calvary, Calvary.

Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Jesus is very near. (Chorus)

 

Cast your care on Jesus today,

leave your worry and fear,

Burdens are lifted at Calvary,

Jesus is very near.

 

Troubled soul, the Savior can feel

every heartache and tear.

Burdens are lifted at Calvary,

Jesus is very near.

 

Bad news is an unwelcome, but not uncommon companion on this life's journey. We would prefer it take another path...that we would not have to share a moment's time in its chilling embrace.  That is not a realistic expectation, however.  Yet, there is another companion whose presence empowers the bearing of these burdens.  Moore simply says in his hymn text, "Jesus is very near."  For some, that may seem little comfort when bad news comes.  For the one who knows the Savior, there is strength enough in his presence and the assurance that he will take those next steps with you.

 

Dear friends, no matter what news you hear today, remember, Jesus is very near.

 

Jim Abernathy