The Servant of the Cross

Introduction

Today we begin a series of seven articles on the cross of Christ. While it might seem odd to begin a series on the cross of Jesus during the week of Thanksgiving, it is this moment in history where we must always show our gratitude.

The cross of Christ is the turning point of human history. Before the cross, God-fearing men awaited the promised Messiah. Day upon day they waited. Approximately 33 years after His birth, Jesus, the Messiah, would hang on the cross as the greatest servant ever known. Even though men rejected Him, He stayed on that cross for them.

The cross of Christ did not end with an undeserving death, but it began the process of the salvation of humanity. Without the cross, there is no hope of the resurrection. Without the resurrection, there is no hope of eternal life. The beginning point of hope is the cross of Christ.

As you walk through these seven stories of the cross, may your life be enriched and your eyes opened to the great servant of humanity – Jesus.

May you be blessed in seeing the cross,

The Servant of the Cross

https://pixabay.com/photos/book-bible-text-literature-2073023/

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”

(Philippians 2.5-8)

When there was nothing, God created something. When there was nothing, God created everything. In six days, God created everything we see. I know and try to fathom the infinite knowledge of God (Matthew 11.21) as He created the world. I know the scriptures tell us of the awesome power of God (Revelation 19.6). They even further give us details of the all-seeing eyes of God (Psalm 139:7-12). Our God truly is an awesome God.

When He made a tree, was the Son on His mind? The apostle John tells us that Jesus was there in the beginning.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that were made.”

(John 1:1-3)

The Son was there in the beginning. The Son was there when man was made. (Genesis 1.26) We know the Son was there when the trees were made. (John 1.1-3) Because of the apostle John’s words, we know Jesus Christ had a hand in the tree's making, which would produce the seed, which would produce a tree, which generations later, He would hang from to save the world.

That Word became human, the flesh, and dwelt with people. (John 1.14) He left the throne of Heaven to come to earth and serve. (Philippians 2.5-8) He left the greatness of heaven to serve earthly man through serving His Father. If the Father wanted Him to serve to death, Jesus would. Jesus did.

What compelled Jesus to serve the Father to death and the resurrection from death?

Was it fame and fortune? Of course not.

Christ had the power and the majestic nature to claim fame and fortune. After all, everything is His. He created it. The car you own, His. The house where you live, His. The clothes you wear, His. He is the creator giver of every spiritual blessing. (Ephesians 1.3) It was not fame and fortune; it had to be something else.

It was love! Why else would a glorious Child of the Father leave the perfect dwelling place (Revelation 21.3, 4) and come to sin-filled earth? Sin had filled the earth since Eve ate of the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3); Cain murdered Able (Genesis 4), and people continued to grow worse until the flood of the world (Genesis 6-8). People continued in sin through the time of Christ, and people continue in sin today.

Sin will continue until the earth is no more. As long as the sun rises and falls, sin will exist. It will exist because man exists. Man has a choice, the choice to follow God or the choice to create friction. When man creates friction between himself and God, he goes against the Father. Crossing the commands of the Father is sin (1 John 3.4). No “ifs,” “ands” or “buts,” disobeying God is sin.

Sin is the separating factor. (Isaiah 59.1, 2) Sin is the destroying factor. (Romans 6.23) Sin has infected the lives of every person to walk the face of this Earth. (Romans 3.23) There is only one exception, Jesus Christ Himself. (Hebrews 4.15) Christ was tempted in every way as we are, but He was perfect. In the face-to-face meeting with the devil himself, Jesus won! (Matthew 4.1-11)

Hanging on two wooden beams between two thieves was the beginning of victory. The burial and resurrection became the victory over death. (1 Corinthians 15.55-57) The victory was God’s plan from the beginning.

After the choice of sin from Adam and Eve, God said Jesus would crush the head of Satan. (Genesis 3.15) The crushing blow to a poisonous serpent crushes the head. Jesus administered a crushing blow to Satan when the tomb was found empty (Matthew 28.1-6). With the fatal blow, the sting of death has been taken away because of the servant, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15.54-55).

In Adam, every person will die, in Christ, they will be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15.22) All this because of the humble servant of the Lord. Who would lay down their own life for their friends? It was the humble servant, Jesus (John 15.13).

As His thoughts turned to the cross He was about to bear, physically, mentally, and spiritually, the mind of our Savior turned to servanthood.

Jesus had sent Peter and John to prepare the Passover feast (Luke 22-13). It seems evident that Jesus had done some preparation Himself; a room was ready for the disciples to use. (Luke 22.11-13). While preparing the feast, one simple item was left out. After reading the gospel accounts, one can see that it is in the eternal plan of the Father. It is not clear at first, but the more you read, the more you find.

While the Savior sat in the upper room with His closest followers, His thoughts turned to His father. He knew the hour was drawing near when He would suffer one of the cruelest punishments known to man—the cross. (John 13) Christ must have looked at the tired, worn, and weary faces around Him. He knew they would be scattered because of His punishment. (Matthew 26.31)

Did His face turn toward Peter, who had been the most zealous of the group?

Did His eyes look into the eyes of John, His seemly closest friend?

Did He glance and see 11 men who would later be there on Pentecost preaching of His resurrection?

As His thoughts turned to the knowledge that God the Father (#1) had given all things in to His hands, (#2) that He had come from God and (#3) He was going to God, He rose from the table to begin one of the greatest illustrations of humbleness and service the world has ever seen.

What made this the impressive picture of servitude? It was a King was stepping down to wash the nasty feet of the disciples.

What was missing was a servant to wash the feet of those who entered the upper room to eat? During the time of Christ, a servant would remain by the door to wash the feet of the guests. The roads were not paved as they are today, but made with packed dirt. The role of the foot-washing servant was not a highly motivating position. There were few, if any, young men, or women growing up desiring to wash feet for their days on the Earth. Nevertheless, our Savior washed feet.

Rising from the table, Jesus placed a linen cloth or apron around his waist, filled a basin with water and begins to wash and then dry their feet with the cloth. Why would he take it upon Himself to take the place of the forgotten servant? Simple, He was the servant. If Jesus made plans to reserve the room, do you not think He would make plans for a servant? He did. He made plans for Himself. It was He who would do the serving.

As Jesus washes the feet of Peter, Peter refused (John 13.8). The spokesman finally has his say; Jesus tells Peter that He needs to, not for His sake but Peter’s sake. (John 13.8) Jesus shows Peter there is a noble purpose to this act; the purpose of the plan, the eternal plan.

It seems Jesus washed all the disciples’ feet. The apostle John writes, “So when He had washed their feet…” (John 13.12) Think the following people:

- Did Jesus wash Peter’s feet?–Yes
- Did Jesus wash Andrew’s feet?–Yes
- Did Jesus was Philip’s feet?–Yes
- Did Jesus was Judas’s feet?—Yes

Wait!

Did Jesus wash the feet of the one about to turn Him over to a mock trial and a cruel death? It seems so. As the disciples sat and watched in embarrassment as their leader washed feet, do you not think they would notice if He left one out?

Jesus knew there was one in the middle who would turn their back on Him. (John 13.2) Jesus knew there was going to be a betrayer before this supper. (John 6.70) Jesus knew He was going to die for the sins of man and He knew that hour was closing fast. (John 13.1)

He left the throne of glory for the linen, apron cloth of a feet washer. Not because He had to, but because He wanted to. The cross was a tough burden, but it was done because of love. The washing of a betrayer’s feet was a tough burden, but it was done because of love.

[bctt tweet="“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13.34)" username="PreachersPen"]

Understand, Jesus did not institute feet washing. Notice verse 15. Jesus says that “For I have given you an example, which you should do as I have done to you.” (John 13.15, emphasis mine)

Jesus did not say, “That you should do what I have done for you” but “you should do as I have done for you.” It was not the act of feet washing Jesus is discussing, it is the act of serving. Christ wants us to serve our brethren, so the world will see that we are His disciples. (John 13.35)

Why did Jesus go as far as He did? Simple, because He cared.

Amid His trouble, He cared. In the middle of His prayers in the garden, you were in His thoughts to the Father. (John 17.20-26)

Without a serving Savior, there would be no serving church.

Without a serving Savior, there would be no church. He served for you, and He served for me.

Will you serve for Him?

Just a thought,

Thank You!

Thank you for stopping by our little place on the internet. While you are here, be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you can hear from us each Tuesday.

Throughout the week, we want to provide you with words of encouragement and hope as you journey towards heaven. We pray your life is a blessed one.

Come back tomorrow and see the next article in the series.

A Few Wednesday Thoughts

The video below is part of the message I delivered to the congregation on Wednesday Night. The message contains updates about the happenings of our congregation, but it also includes five points to consider on not giving up.

Since March 2020, many congregations have been dealing with the effects of the Coronavirus or COVID-19. It has been challenging for eldership to make the proper decisions relating to meeting or not meeting. Some congregations continued to meet, others went to an online or virtual service, and some went to parking lot services using an FM transmitter.

Each congregation chose the means necessary for the physical safety of their membership. The decisions were challenging. I know of elderships who stressed over the decisions and still do this day. The decisions were met with prayer for the proper decision and the effects it might have on the congregation.

While the elders were making tough decisions, the members were trying to decide how to keep in touch with one another while still maintaining the social distancing guidelines. Each state had their own social distancing guidelines and the federal government was busy adding suggestions. The guidelines meant smaller groups for some congregations and closed doors for others.

As our congregation has used virtual meetings and we also met back when able, However, because of an increase in local cases, along with members coming into contact with those effected by the Coronavirus/COVID-19, our elders have canceled our in-person meetings and go to an online, all-virtual format.

In these uncertain times, allow me a moment to share with you a few reminders:

- The early church struggled through various physical persecutions and made it. We can make it through this too.
- The church, throughout generations, has been met with great difficulties, yet it continues to grow and meet.
- The church building is a building and it will be there when we get back to normal meeting times.
- The members of the church should use technology to keep up with one another during this time.
- It is important to maintain your Sunday and Wednesday routine to take advantage of online services.
- Spend time in prayer daily.
- Technology is a useful tool which can be used by members of the to continue to encourage and "fellowship."

It is my hope that this video brought you motivation in this uncertain time. May each one of us continue to walk in the faith and find ourselves in the love of God.

Just my thoughts,

A Parent’s Influence

Every day I am amazed how far our influence in simple things can reach into the world. In a hurting world, our influence of a greater hope is needed more than ever in our lifetime. People are hurting. They are hurting physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The effects of the Covid-19 virus, many people losing or changing jobs, the current lection crisis and the added bonus of a crazy news cycle has cause many to feel discouraged and disappointed. It is during this time that we, as Christians, can become a powerful influence on people.

The radio personality Paul Harvey once said that every day we influence 150 people directly and 450 people indirectly. To think that we have the ability to influence around 450 people each day is daunting, but a great opportunity. My amazement grows even more when I see how parent’s actions flow into the lives of their children. The influence we have on others, directly and indirectly, is significant, but the influence we have upon our children is most significant.

It makes me ask the question, “What are we teaching our children?’

I can assure you if you are not teaching your children, someone or something else is.

[bctt tweet=”I can assure you if you are not teaching your children, someone or something else is.” username=”PreachersPen”]

Our duty as parents should be the same duty the Israelites were given by God – to teach our children His word. At the end of life, it will not be the ballgames they played, or the performances they had, it will be the eternity they have gracefully gained.

Take Deuteronomy 6.4-8 as an example:

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-8; ESV)

Did you notice the remarkable things in those verses?

First, the word of God must be in the hearts of the parents before they can teach them to the children. Remember, if you are not teaching your children, then someone or something is. You need to be aware of the influences in your child’s life. Children need to be actively taught from their home. It is not the job of the Bible School to teach your children; the teaching must begin first in the home.

Second, the parents were to teach the children the precepts of God everywhere: inside, outside, in private, in public, simply everywhere. Are parents teaching children the word of God today? This is where your influence, as a parent will matter the most. If your children and not seeing how the Word of God is active in your life, then they may not understand the power of Christianity.

Our influence reaches to our children, no matter what we do. Let us commit today to becoming the Christ-like example our children need, not necessarily the example they might want.

Just a thought,

A Letter to My Friends

Friends,

Today I wrote out of frustration. I write because I am disappointed, discouraged and yet, challenged, by the mystery that is our country.

This year has been truly daunting. It started well, but then came the Covid-19 crisis, the murder hornets, wildfires, lockdowns, debates on mask wearing and now a volatile election. Who knows what the next few months will bring, but I see greatness ahead.

Many times, it takes much darkness to shine a light. Through the darkness there is always a beacon of hope. Hope that tomorrow will be better than the previous days. This hope, this attainable hope, is ready and willing to create a lasting impact on our lives than it has ever done so before.

Today, even though times are hard, I write as a hopeful man. I write because I know the best times still lay before us. We must have our valleys to bring about a mountaintop experience. It will be a climb. We will have to dig in our footing, examine the path ahead, adjust our holds, dig in again and all the while, keeping our focus on the pinnacle.

It will be hard. It will be scary. It will be terrifying.

But you know what, we can do this.

The hardest times of our lives are not what we let others do to us, but what we allow to happen to us. It is time now that we pick ourselves up by the bootstraps, tighten our belts and prepare for the way ahead.

I am asking you today to take a step in the right direction.

Let us be honest, the right direction will not be easy, but it will be worth it.

Later this year, I will unveil a plan for 2021 and beyond. Yes, beyond. As Buzz Lightyear would say, “to infinity and beyond.” We must be forward thinking, and we can take the steps now for a greater tomorrow.

I admit, I have felt 2020 like I was stepping barefoot on a Lego but is it time to move beyond the year and get to work.

I want to surround myself with those who are willing to move in the right direction. I do not want multitudes of people milling about, but people willing to grow.

I want to surround myself with people willing to support each other based on a common bond of decency and respect. Our support will take each other through the valleys and ascending to the mountaintops.

I want to surround myself with people willing to challenge each other, but not leave each other alone. Each challenge presented with me met with the support we all need.

I want to surround myself with people who want to get better. Moving in the right direction is good, but getting better is…. better. The actions of movement in the right direction will create better days today for a better life tomorrow.

I want to surround myself with people who want others to do well. We need to compliment three times more than we criticize. We need to encourage more that we see the negative.

I want to surround myself with people willing to make a sacrifice for the good. It might be a sacrifice of time, of finances, or of self. Our desire to improve each other must rise to the occasion.

I want to surround myself with people who want to bring their families into greater success… physically, mentally, and spiritually. Not parents teaching the same things, but teaching greater things.

I want to surround myself with people who want to learn from the mistakes and create successes despite the past. The past is behind us for a reason. It is time to step up and move forward.

I want to surround myself with excellent people.

So, where do we begin and what do we do? Honestly, where do we go?

First, we must look within ourselves and see if we are ready. Are you discouraged right now? Are you ready for a change? Are you ready to move forward despite the circumstances? If so, you might be ready.

Second, be ready to get your family ready. Remember, you are leaving legacy every day as they see you walk and talk. Be the shining light of hope they need to see. Let them see their future is bright. Let us be sure we are leaving them with opportunities, desire, and hope.

Third, we need to be ready to support each other. We need to pray for each other. We need to encourage each other when you find the opportunity. We need to support each other’s business if they have one. Support one another and build one another.

Fourth, get ready to work. Take, at a minimum, 30 minutes each day to work on principles to be better. Find your strengths and begin working within your strengths to create a better you.

Remember, the greatest times are ahead. We have a bright future and a powerful hope. Let us go get it.

So, what next?

Over the next two months, I plan to focus on a few areas that I know are needed among the people. This focus will be based on Four Pillars—God, Family, Work, and Service.

Each Pillar can stand on their own, but together, they add strength and stability. With all four together, there is an unstoppable path ahead. But first, we must look to each pillar to find its meaning.

I want to build off the four pillars each week and begin creating a community of people seeking the great and not the mediocre. This will be hard, but the hardest parts can reap the greatest benefits.

Together, with whoever wants to make the journey, we can do this. We will make it successful, fun, rewarding and a way to bless others in our lives.

I am ready.

Let me know if you want to get on the journey.

Just some thoughts,

PrayfortheElection.com

In less than 40 days, Election Day will be here and millions of our country’s citizens will make their way to the polls to vote to vote for their candidate of choice. It is my prayer that all people would spend time in prayer before voting. Prayer is an important part of daily life, but especially during election times. Some will put their politics before their prayers. Let us be sure to continue in our prayers.

Last week, we began developing a website call Pray for the Election. (http://www.prayfortheelection.com) This website was developed, not as a political website, but as a website for prayer. There is no sponsoring of a candidate, political party or political agenda. It is a website dedicated to encouraging others to spend time in prayer on behalf of the upcoming elections. The Bible speaks of praying for the leaders of the nation in which we live, and we want to encourage others to pray for the upcoming elections.

Our nation is in turmoil on many fronts and we need to spend time in prayer. This is not a time to divide, but a time to unite in prayer and request that God provide us wisdom and peace. We know that God is in control and we need His blessing of strength in our lives. Let us pray.

The purpose of Pray for the Election. (http://www.prayfortheelection.com) is to encourage people everywhere to lift up Holy hands and pray for the next five weeks as we draw closer to Election Day. You can join us at the Pray for the Election. (http://www.prayfortheelection.com) website.

You can also join the Pray for the Election Facebook Page by clicking here.

Thank you for being a part of praying for our nation.

Just a thought,

« Older Entries

Next Entries »