WATCHWORD:
John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’ He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore, this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Meditation:
In this scripture passage, John is answering his worried disciples that everything he had was given by God, a gift. Even they, who followed John, likewise, were gifts from God and as gifts, they had a purpose, for which they should be grateful. John knew who he was, he was not the Christ. He made that plain.
In the Jewish wedding customs of that day, the friend of the bridegroom was like a combination of best man and wedding planner, they arranged everything, and wanted no attention. John saw his role was to bring two people together; Christ and His bride, you and me.
In our societal mind set we think we know what a bridegroom is but in Biblical terms, it means that Jesus is God. In the Old Testament, it was only Yahweh who was the husband of Israel, and John knew that very well.
His message, He must increase, but I must decrease, is to us. When I watch televangelists, my skepticism gets in the way of their message. The ego that too often struts upon the stage, the books that are sold, the programming that is presented with advertising, the hollow promises. I know that I’m a skeptic.
I read more credibility into the likes of Max Lucado, David Jeremiah, Joyce Meyer and Robert Morris, because their genuineness and their Biblical knowledge comes across. I know that each of them is a corporation. Yes, they’re selling their books, as well as their programming, and that probably makes me a hypocrite, but it’s that kind of income that keeps them on the air and able to reach out to the likes of you and me. But…
Four years ago, I wrote an essay entitled ‘Pastor Noah Tal and Book 14’. It tells the simple story of a student taking instruction from his pastor, and over the years had been encouraged to buy the Pastor’s books. Here is an excerpt from that essay:
I raised my hand and said “Pastor Tal, I’m confused. I have read your books, and I like them. I’ve also been reading Paul’s letters to the churches. Time after time the apostle refers to love as being the greatest. I wonder, Pastor, where love fits into God’s message that He’s sharing with you, which you then share with us in all of those books we bought.”
“Ah, child, I understand your confusion. Sometimes when we look at parts of a complicated issue we miss the whole picture… Love is definitely a part of God’s message to us, but it is only part of it. All the pieces of God’s sacred puzzle I will assemble with clarity. This will all be laid out in Book 14. Have patience, my child, and get your order in, for this book will prepare you, and you don’t want to miss God’s complete message.”
John tells his disciples that Jesus is the real deal. Follow Him. Martin Luther cautions his congregations to read and understand the Bible and not to rely on commentaries, even though he wrote some. If you want book learning on Biblical stuff, I have a recommendation for you. It’s call The Holy Bible. Front to back, it’s the story of God and all the answers are right there.
Bulletin Board:
Such a Time as This: I was reminded of this phrase by a friend who said, ‘This faith of ours, and this situation we find ourselves in, is God reminding us that we are positioned where we are for such a time as this. God said that. Esther 4:14, For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?’ Time to be bold, strong, courageous, and Trust the Lord.
From Gary: Many of the families who have received meals this past month are going back to work. They are so appreciative of the help this project received from Men in Mission, and others. This week, in all probability, will be the last for distribution of meals. We are down to just 40 families that need this support. In addition, he has plenty of chicken on hand, so whatever is left he will donate to the community meal program, whenever that starts again. Thanks to all. Gary Morgan
Remember: We wear masks to protect the other person, they wear a mask to protect you. Wear your mask!
Mother’s Day is Sunday: Celebrate them mothers!
Please Pardon my Personal Note: May 4, 1970, the Kent State University massacre, four students killed by Ohio National Guard. As assistant vice president at Illinois State University, I was one of three administrators that had a high degree of credibility and visibility with students. In memorial to the students killed, the university lowered its flag to half-staff. This enraged certain groups in the Bloomington-Normal area and the campus was surrounded by angry mobs vowing to restore the flag. Students reacted and lined the streets arm in arm against those groups. Throughout the afternoon and into the night, my colleagues and I patrolled those lines encouraging the students to remain calm and to make their point through peace and solidarity. In the end, ISU was one of just a few university campuses, nationwide, that had no violence during that period. We were so proud of our students.
Stan
Closing Prayer:
(From Mother Teresa of Calcutta)
May, today, there be peace within you.
May you trust God, that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities,
that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received,
and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing that you are a child of God.
Let His presence settle into your bones,
and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance,
and to bask in the sun.
It is there for each and every one of you.
Amen
