Coffee With The Lord

I am always deeply impressed by the “heart” of a true spiritual leader!  Once again in my Bible reading today I read a passage that articulated the values and concerns of such a person – in this case the Apostle Paul.  Here’s what he wrote to the church in Colossae…

“I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you (and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face), that your hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.  For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.” (Colossians 2:1–5 ESV)

Here are the key things that impressed me today about authentic spiritual leaders…

1. The deep, deep concern they have for the spiritual welfare of others
2. The desire they have for love to dominate the relationship of those they lead, “knitting together” their hearts
3. The longing they have for God’s people to come to know Christ in a personal, deep, intimate way (because “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” are found in Him)!
4. The concern they have that those they lead not be deceived and deluded by false doctrine (even if it comes couched in “plausible arguments”)
5. The joy it brings them when they see “good order” and “firmness of faith” in Christ Jesus among those they lead.

As a boy growing up I was privileged to have had two pastors who evidenced these kinds of passions.  Today I honor them… Pastor Leon Mitchell (deceased) and Pastor Kenneth Peterson.  Thank you, gentlemen for being that kind of spiritual leader (“pastor”) and evidencing those kinds of values!  Listen, if you have (or have had) that kind of spiritual leader you have been blessed indeed!

Oh… one final word:  Just reporting – I passionately want to be that kind of spiritual leader!

What is our temptation in times of severe and sustained trouble? …

To take things into our own hands, abandon trust in the Lord, and do things our way… in a word – disobedience!

The inspired advice of Scripture?  Don’t do it!!! 

I read this wise advice in Psalm 119 in the Bible this morning! (Psalm 119:145-160)

The situation?  Severe and sustained trouble coupled with a cry for God’s help – expressed in the first phrase of several of the verses… “With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord! … I call to you; save me! … I rise before dawn and cry for help! … My eyes are awake before the watches of the night! … They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose! … Look on my affliction and deliver me! … Plead my cause and redeem me! … Many are my persecutors and my adversaries!”

Our temptation when an answer does not come quickly?  To abandon trust in the Lord and do things our way – disobedience!  Here’s the Psalmist’s inspired advice…  Don’t do it!  Instead trust in God and obey what His word directs you to do!  This is expressed in the second phrase of those very verses! … “I will keep your statutes! … That I may observe your testimonies!… I hope in your word! … That I may meditate on your promise! … You are near, O Lord, and all your commandments are true! …. I do not forget your law! … Give me life according to your promise! … I do not swerve from your testimonies!

And to sum it up?  “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever!” (vs. 160)

Let me tell you, I’ve decided that regardless of the pressure, regardless of the problems, regardless of persecution, I will not yield to the temptation to abandon trust in the Lord and do things my own way!  I’m going to continue to trust in the Lord and obey His word!  Oh, help me Lord, never to forget that!

Our Savior – Preeminent! … And then us!

This morning I read one of the grand and greatest passages of Scripture in the entire Bible – Colossians 1:15-23!  In it Apostle Paul presents a stark contrast… The eternal preeminence of Jesus Christ and our abject sinfulness and need!

Preeminence probably needs to be defined!  The Oxford Dictionary defines it as “surpassing all others – superiority.”  But the passage itself, describing Jesus Christ our Savior, reveals what it is perfectly! …

“He (Jesus Christ) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.  For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things were created through Him and for Him.  And He is before all things and in Him all things hold together.  He is the head of the body, the Church.  He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, THAT IN EVERYTHING HE MIGHT BE PREEMINENT!  For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell!! (vss. 15-19a)

Wow!!!  Jesus Christ, our Savior… fully God!  Existing in eternity past… there at creation… involved in every aspect of creation (from the smallest to the cosmic)… supreme and sustainer of everything… head of the Church… the One who not only gives life, but conquered death!  Yes… PREEMINENT!!!  I mean, think about it – it blows your mind!!!

And then the contrast… US!!!  Alienated and enemies of God – guilty sinners! We who were, “Once alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, He has now reconciled in His body by His death, IN ORDER TO PRESENT US HOLY AND BLAMELESS AND ABOVE REPROACH BEFORE HIM! (vss. 21-22)

Oh what a Savior!!!  And He, by his “preeminence” is not only able to save and reconcile us – “though Him to reconcile to Himself ALL THINGS, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross! (vs. 20b)  One more time WOW – WHAT A SAVIOR!!!