Coffee With The Lord

Water fountain discussion stuff… “Who is the greatest?” Everyone has an opinion. The evidence varies. “My guy! That gal! I’m pretty great too! What do ya think? … Why not ask Jesus? He should know!”

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus saying, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a child over and had him stand among them, and said, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you turn around and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven! Whoever then humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven! And whoever welcomes a child like this in my name welcomes me.’” (from Matthew 18:1–5 the NET Bible)

A child! That was His answer! … Humble, not presumptuous or aggressive… compliant, obedient … submissive, not pushy … trusting and believing … loving and affectionate … I could go on… A child – the greatest! Wow!! A Kingdom lesson I need and want to learn… At least if that’s how Jesus feels about it!

There’s an old, old worship song that goes something like this:

“Yes, He included me! Yes, He included me!
When the Lord said, ‘Whosoever’ (John 3:16) …
He included me!”

This morning during “coffee with the Lord” I read a wonderful passage in Exodus 19 at Mount Sinai just as the Children of Israel were about to embark on their journey to the Promised Land after having been delivered from Egyptian bondage. This is what the Lord directed Moses to say to God’s covenant people Israel…

“Thus you will tell the house of Jacob, and declare to the people of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt and how I lifted you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. And now, if you will diligently listen to me and keep my covenant, then you will be my special possession out of all the nations, for all the earth is mine, and you will be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you will speak to the Israelites.” (Exodus 19:3–6 the NET Bible)

Now I am from German heritage – I am not Jewish! So it could be persuasively argued those words don’t apply to me – I can’t claim them. The special relationship described in Exodus applies to people from Jewish heritage – they are God’s covenant people!

That may be the argument – but that is not the facts. Apostle Peter under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit used this very passage when speaking to a bunch of redeemed, born again Gentiles, who had embraced Jesus Christ as their Savior…

“‘You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own,’ (it’s language right out of Exodus 19!) so that you may proclaim the virtues of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. You once were not a people, but now you are God’s people. You were shown no mercy, but now you have received mercy!”

One more time! The old worship song is absolutely correct!

“Yes, He included me! Yes, He included me!
When the Lord said, ‘Whosoever’ (John 3:16) …
He included me!”

Concerned about your children (and grandchildren) growing up in a world filled with temptation, violence, evil people and influences? Psalm 12 provides great comfort and assurance…

Our concern… our prayer…
“Deliver, LORD! For the godly have disappeared! People of integrity have vanished!

The Lord speaks…
“Because of the violence done to the oppressed, because of the painful cries of the needy, I will spring into action,” says the LORD. “I will provide the safety they so desperately desire.”

Our response to His words of assurance…
The LORD’s words are absolutely reliable. They are as untainted as silver purified in a furnace on the ground, where it is thoroughly refined. You, LORD, will protect them! You will continually shelter each one from these evil people! The wicked seem to be everywhere, when people promote evil!” (from Psalm 12, the NET Bible)

I’m a parent (grand-parent and great grand-parent)… I can tell you, I banking on His words of assurance!!