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