Coffee With The Lord

Here’s an incredibly important couple of verses for followers of Jesus – a part of my Bible reading today during “coffee with the Lord” (first the verses – then a few comments)…

“Be imitators of God as beloved children! And walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV)

Gotta say… “IMITATING GOD IS A ‘TALL ORDER!’”  Talk about totally intimidating! I feel completely unqualified and incapable!

But as an early “dad” I had a great illustration of its incredible truth and beauty (taught me SO much!”  Our daughter, Shari, was an “infant/toddler.”  One morning at breakfast, I had picked up my spoon and was eating cereal… Something caught my eye!  I noticed Shari in the highchair, trying to hold her spoon “just like Daddy!”  It was easy, and she wasn’t doing very well, but she was sure trying!  Imitating Daddy!!  I was so moved by watching her I had to wipe away the tears – my “beloved daughter!”  And in that moment the Lord reminded me of this verse… “IMITATE GOD AS BELOVED CHILDREN!

But what, in particular, should we imitate – what pleasures Him most?  When we “WALK IN LOVE AS CHRIST LOVED US!”  Now the Greek word “walk” used here is Apostle Paul’s favorite word for “discipleship!”  He does not say “fly” or “ride” (in fact he does not even resort to “run” here) – it’s the most basic, fundamental, ancient word for movement, travel and progress – “WALK!”  It’s how we should live our lives day by day, moment by moment, event by event, opportunity by opportunity – “IMITATING HIM – LIVING OUT HIS LOVE!

And what kind of “love” of His is it that we should express – simply “Gushy, syrupy” love – sweet sentimental emotional love?  NO, far beyond merely that kind of love! Instead, the kind expressed by Christ, “WHO LOVED US AND GAVE HIMSELF UP FOR US!” … Self-sacrificing love – for Him, first of all, and then for others!

And the result – the impact of that IMITATION – THAT KIND OF LOVE, UPON GOD?  It will be “a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God!”  It will be most pleasing and acceptable to God! … Oh help me Lord – I want to live that way!!!

Perhaps you’re a part of a congregation being torn apart by conflict.  There are accusations and counter accusations.  Bitterness fills the air.  Guests who visit the church, quickly sense the atmosphere of conflict, and then leave.  No one is coming to Christ and experiencing salvation.  Young people and children are caught in the middle of the fights.  Genuine disciple-making is “stalled out!”  It seems like it’s every person for themselves… I could go on…

What to do in a situation like that?!!

Well, I read a wonderful passage this morning that provides some wonderful “apostolic help”!!!  The Apostle Paul wrote these words to some churches that were being torn apart by conflict… (read the context carefully and you’ll see Paul’s emphasis on unity! 🙂  Here’s his advice…

“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received!  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace…” (Ephesians 4.1-3)

Then, he goes on in the verses that follow, if I might paraphrase… “Recognize, affirm and focus on what you have in common (rather than the things that divide you) – vss. 4-6! 

He encourages each of their gifted leaders to use their gifts “so that the body of Christ might be built up until together they reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, becoming more and more mature, until they attain the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (i.e. more and more like Jesus – personally and collectively).  (Verses 11-16).

Wow!!  What incredible apostolic pastoral advice!!

Listen!!  I don’t know if conflict characterizes the congregation that you’re a part of, BUT YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE THERE!  You can be an agent God uses in your congregation to help bring reconciliation, healing and spiritual health.  THE LORD WANTS EVERY CONGREGATION TO BE “THE BODY OF CHRIST” IN THEIR COMMUNITY … TO BE HIS HANDS, HIS FEET, HIS VOICE, HIS HEALING PRESENCE THERE, REPRESENTING HIM WITHOUT DISTORTION IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!

Anyone who has ever had to do much writing knows what it is like to have a reality, concept, or idea so grand that it is difficult to put into words. You search your vocabulary bank for the right words, you rummage around in the thesaurus, and you even visit with trusted colleagues about phraseology. The quest becomes how do you do the concept justice?

That is the challenge Paul faced I believe in Ephesians 3:20-21! His only recourse? Aided by the Spirit of God he piles up superlatives – words, phrases, and images that attempt to describe the spiritual bounty to be found “in Christ!” And the result is one of the most majestic, grand, awe-inspiring expressions of praise in all the Bible!

Here it is from the English Standard Version of the Bible…

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20–21 ESV)

Three key issues…

1. What God is able to do…

“God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine!” Our thoughts include more than we dare ask. Our dreams always exceed the resources. But here that concept is turned on its head. Our imagination – our dreams cannot exceed the eternal, almighty God’s provision “in Christ!” He is able to do more!

2. How God is able to do it…

God is able to accomplish all of this “According to His power that is at work within us.” The same power that Paul says resurrected Jesus from the dead, that resulted in His ascension into heaven, that led to Christ’s exaltation to the Father’s right hand… and the very same power by which he rules and sustains everything, everywhere (1:19-22; Colossians 1:15-18)! Incredible power – cosmic power – is at work within the humblest believer for everyday living “in Christ!”

3. To God be the glory!!!

Have you discovered Jesus? Have you experienced life abundant “in Christ?” Have you grasped the possibilities of what God is able to do in your life personally? Have you begun to imagine the mighty things God is able to do within and through your church by the power of the Holy Spirit! Let it be said again with inspired emphasis – “HE IS ABLE!!!”