"One God and Father of [us] all, Who is above all [Sovereign over all], pervading all and [living] in [us] all. - Ephesians 4:6 (AMP )
Recently, my wife and I were able to enjoy a wonderful time of renewal and refreshing at the Ministry Team Retreat, sponsored by the Virginia District Church of the Nazarene. Dr. Bob Broadbooks, USA/Canada Regional Director for the Church of the Nazarene, and the featured speaker, reminded us that we are to be "purveyors of the presence of Christ." We were also reminded that we were to point others to the Christ that "is present, although absent." In other words, the components of our worship together should magnify a Christ that has come to visit with a people seeking after him. It was a powerful reminder that everything we do is run through the filter of "God in Christ, reconciling a world unto himself."
As I have been studying the book of Ephesians, I have found great encouragement through its words. Through its pages, a marvelous portrait of the Church emerges in breathtaking beauty. In Ephesians 4, a call to unity (v. 3) is given as one of the ways God fulfills his purpose for the Church. In verse 6, we see that there is only one God who is "over all, and through all, and in all" (NIV). Unity is so much easier to achieve when focused in one direction. One body, one Spirit, one hope (v.4), one Lord, one faith, one baptism (v. 5), and one God. Sounds pretty clear, does it not? Yet, too often, many seem to be running after agendas, programs, plans, numbers, goals, etc. The problem, then, is no one is on the same page. "Me" becomes the primary focus, not "Him."
So, "pervading." The Amplified Bible picks this word up for the word "through", or "dia" in Greek. While the word may denote movement, extent of time, or "by means of", the message here involves God's "pervading immanence". To put it another way, God is not detached from his creation. He is not just a spectator watching from the wings. Pain and suffering often obscure his presence and action. Job wondered openly about his plight, and complained to God (Job 29-31). Jesus, in all of his humanity, wonders aloud why his Father had abandoned him (Matthew 27:46). Thinking God is far off or that he does not care is sometimes easy to do. Forgetting him is easier than that.
But, God is not far off. He is actively involved in his creation. He is moving it according to His plan and purpose and this assures that life has meaning and makes life worthwhile. Job was answered out of the whirlwind; Jesus was answered on Easter morning. God is present. He is with you and me, comforting, healing, and redeeming. We are not left hopeless. By being "through all, " I can encounter God through many avenues. My Bible, the communion table, a friend, a stranger, creation, an artist, or a servant of God can speak the presence of God into my life.
How does our view of worship change, if we were to believe God is present and active? Should not our times together reflect the importance of that? What would our ministries look like? Should they not reflect the hands of God reaching out? Speaking for me, I want to be a "purveyor of his presence." I would hope my words, actions, and attitudes would point someone to his redemptive work in the world. Think on these words by Brian Doerksen
He is here, listen closely
Hear Him calling out your name
He is here, you can touch Him
You will never be the same
Showing posts with label ministry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ministry. Show all posts
Mar 23, 2011
Mar 4, 2011
"Glorify"
"Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
- John 12:28 (NKJV)
The season of Lent in the Christian tradition is a time of reflection, introspection, self examination, and repentance. Beginning with Ash Wednesday, Lent covers the 40 days leading up to Easter. Through this 40 days, we are confronted with who we are in light of who God is. As Easter dawn breaks, we are aware, more than ever, of what the death and resurrection of Christ means for us.
The Sunday before Lent, observed in 2011 on March 6th, turns our focus upon Jesus' transfiguration upon the mountain. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all bring this story to light. In the story, Jesus takes Peter, James and John upon a mountain. In Matthew 17, we are told, "There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus." The purpose of this story seems to hinge on Jesus' glorification. It both reveales who Jesus is and foretells the events that will transpire in Jerusalem with the death and resurrection of Jesus. Upon descending the mountain, Jesus will begin the journey to Jerusalem, where he will fulfill the will of the Father.
In all three Gospel accounts, God himself, in a heavenly voice affirms the character and mission of his Son. It is interesting that John does not follow the lead of the other Gospel writers. The transfiguration story is not part of John's narrative. What John does emphasize, however is the glorification of Jesus. G.M. Burge points out that the greek word group for "glory", doxa / doxazein, is used 41 times throughout John. This is more than the other Gospels combined (37). So, maybe John does not need to reinforce a theme that has already been prevalent through the narrative.
What John has in common with the other Gospel writers though, is the voice from heaven affirming the mission of the Son. In John's account, his prayer is that the Name of the Father would be glorified (12:28). "Doxazo" means "action involving the recognition or the bestowal of that quality or property which is manifestly excellent and highly impressive (Zodhiates). What a prayer! As we embark on this Lenten journey, could we be so bold as to pray this prayer? Could the meditations of our hearts and the outworking of our faith bring "doxa" to Him? What would my world look like if my soul desire was to give "doxa" to the Name of the Father?
Rest assured, when we pray, God answers! In the story of Jesus, "doxa" has not only been given to Jesus throughout his ministry up to this point in the narrative, but it is promised for what is to come. "I have glorified it" brings to mind the evidence of God in the ministry of Jesus. Water is turned to wine (John 2), the eyes of both religous leaders and "outsiders" are opened (John 3-4), invalids are healed (John 5), multitudes are fed with small lunches (John 6), sinners receive forgiveness (John 8), and the dead are raised to life (John 11). Yes, one who has sold out to the Kingdom will find God "glorifying" his Name through them!
Jesus' death and resurrection would bring further "doxa" to the Father. In this single monumental event, God would forever settle the conflict between being all powerful and all loving. This one event forever blends the two, never to be separated. The crucifixion forever settles the love issue, while the resurrection forever settles the power issue. The debate is over. Through his ministry, death, and resurrection, God's Name is given "the recognition or the bestowal of that quality or property which is manifestly excellent and highly impressive."
Through Lent, we follow the footsteps of the Savior. As we begin the journey, we pray that his Name will be glorified in us. If we are sincere in our prayer, we can have confidence that He will continue to do what we have failed to see all along. Our lives have been and will be a testimony to his grace.
Well, I say, "Glory!"
The season of Lent in the Christian tradition is a time of reflection, introspection, self examination, and repentance. Beginning with Ash Wednesday, Lent covers the 40 days leading up to Easter. Through this 40 days, we are confronted with who we are in light of who God is. As Easter dawn breaks, we are aware, more than ever, of what the death and resurrection of Christ means for us.
The Sunday before Lent, observed in 2011 on March 6th, turns our focus upon Jesus' transfiguration upon the mountain. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all bring this story to light. In the story, Jesus takes Peter, James and John upon a mountain. In Matthew 17, we are told, "There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus." The purpose of this story seems to hinge on Jesus' glorification. It both reveales who Jesus is and foretells the events that will transpire in Jerusalem with the death and resurrection of Jesus. Upon descending the mountain, Jesus will begin the journey to Jerusalem, where he will fulfill the will of the Father.
In all three Gospel accounts, God himself, in a heavenly voice affirms the character and mission of his Son. It is interesting that John does not follow the lead of the other Gospel writers. The transfiguration story is not part of John's narrative. What John does emphasize, however is the glorification of Jesus. G.M. Burge points out that the greek word group for "glory", doxa / doxazein, is used 41 times throughout John. This is more than the other Gospels combined (37). So, maybe John does not need to reinforce a theme that has already been prevalent through the narrative.
What John has in common with the other Gospel writers though, is the voice from heaven affirming the mission of the Son. In John's account, his prayer is that the Name of the Father would be glorified (12:28). "Doxazo" means "action involving the recognition or the bestowal of that quality or property which is manifestly excellent and highly impressive (Zodhiates). What a prayer! As we embark on this Lenten journey, could we be so bold as to pray this prayer? Could the meditations of our hearts and the outworking of our faith bring "doxa" to Him? What would my world look like if my soul desire was to give "doxa" to the Name of the Father?
Rest assured, when we pray, God answers! In the story of Jesus, "doxa" has not only been given to Jesus throughout his ministry up to this point in the narrative, but it is promised for what is to come. "I have glorified it" brings to mind the evidence of God in the ministry of Jesus. Water is turned to wine (John 2), the eyes of both religous leaders and "outsiders" are opened (John 3-4), invalids are healed (John 5), multitudes are fed with small lunches (John 6), sinners receive forgiveness (John 8), and the dead are raised to life (John 11). Yes, one who has sold out to the Kingdom will find God "glorifying" his Name through them!
Jesus' death and resurrection would bring further "doxa" to the Father. In this single monumental event, God would forever settle the conflict between being all powerful and all loving. This one event forever blends the two, never to be separated. The crucifixion forever settles the love issue, while the resurrection forever settles the power issue. The debate is over. Through his ministry, death, and resurrection, God's Name is given "the recognition or the bestowal of that quality or property which is manifestly excellent and highly impressive."
Through Lent, we follow the footsteps of the Savior. As we begin the journey, we pray that his Name will be glorified in us. If we are sincere in our prayer, we can have confidence that He will continue to do what we have failed to see all along. Our lives have been and will be a testimony to his grace.
Well, I say, "Glory!"
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