Our Father in Heaven

There was a cute little joke about a child who kept referring to God as “Art.” His mother mentioned to the Sunday School teacher that whenever he prayed, he would speak to this “Art.” When the Sunday School teacher asked the child about it, he said, “Well, you told us should pray to our Father, who is Art, in heaven.’” This child’s misunderstanding actually revealed a greater understanding of the personal relationship we should have with God.

Popular culture may sometimes paint a picture of God as “the old man in the clouds,” who is all-powerful, but completely disconnected from the human condition. This can create a very damaging perspective, which is so contrary to what we know about God from the Bible, His Holy Word.

Our God is not and has never been an absentee father! We know that from the very beginning, from the first verse of the first book of the Bible, God has been involved in every aspect of humanity. He created our world, He provided for all of our basic needs, and He desired a very personal relationship with us.

This is where the secular view of a disinterested God gets turned on its head. For those who buy into that way of thinking, it’s so hard to believe or understand why a spiritual being, who has so much power and authority, would even seek to associate with the common man. Yet for Christians—even though it is beyond our understanding to know why God loves us so much, we simply know and appreciate that He does. And the evidence is found throughout the Bible. 

When Christ taught the disciples how to pray, He began by telling them to say, “Our Father, who art in heaven…” (Matthew 6:9). When we approach the Almighty One, we can do it the same way a child nears his or her loving dad. Isn’t it good to know that we have a Father who is always near, who will leave or forsake us?

Happy Father’s Day!

Living Sacrifice

“When did people stop making sacrifices to God?” This question from a student made me pause once during a Sunday School lesson. And I completely understood where my student was coming from. True, I thought, God no longer requires us to slaughter the fattened calf to atone for our sins. But how do I answer this?  Then, the Holy Spirit gave me a revelation…

The easy answer is that God has always required a sacrifice for sin. Under the Law, there were various types of sacrifices that were given depending on the type of sin committed. The most significant was the blood sacrifice of an animal without defect. When Jesus came into the world, He offered Himself as the perfect blood sacrifice for all of mankind. He, who had never committed sin and was therefore without defect, took upon the sins of the world and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice. The blood He shed washed us clean of the penalty of sin. God, who is unchanging, did not change his mind about sacrifice—His requirement of a blood sacrifice for our sins was fulfilled through Jesus.

Again, that’s the easy answer.

Those who are spiritually mature may realize that we, who are no longer bound by the Law, have a different requirement. I believe the apostle Paul said it best when He stated, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1)

We, as Christians, were saved from the penalty of sin and freed from the obligations of the Law. Jesus took us from a point of physical sacrifices (with our hands, actions, and deeds) to that of spiritual sacrifices (with our hearts, minds, and souls).

What are these sacrifices? When we deny our carnal nature and make a conscious decision to instead follow the Word of God. Or when we show love to others by putting our needs last and theirs first. There are many examples that can be given, but in general, when we listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and follow Him without regard for reputation, position, or favor with man, we offer ourselves as a sacrifice to the Lord. As believers, our sacrifice is made daily!

Because of Jesus blood sacrifice is no longer required. Through Jesus self-sacrifice is to be desired.

“It Ain’t Ministry ‘Til It Hurts”

One morning, I had put out some special treats for my Sunday school class. I was about to send my group of teens off to attack the table of goodies, but when I saw my pastor coming into the room, I said, “Pastor first.” He stepped back and said, “Oh, no. Pastor last!” In this day and age where pastors would declare themselves to be kings, I found my pastor’s attitude absolutely refreshing.

I used to attend a church where the leaders of the church had the mantra, “It ain’t ministry ‘til it hurts.” And their work proved it. Personal time, attitudes, and comfort were often put on hold as they addressed the needs of the congregation and promoted the Word of God. These men and women sometimes worked past the point of exhaustion. Ministers, Deacons, Trustees—even Greeters and those who led other ministries—put aside their own needs and feelings to get the work done. Although they recognized that their position in the church was a privilege, hardly any boasted or took it for granted. They knew that along with title came great responsibility. There was even a gentle reminder written on the walls of the pastor’s study, “…To whom much is given, from him much will be required…” from Luke 12:48.

Jesus gave the greatest example of leadership in John 13. During the Last Supper, He got up from the meal and proceeded to wash His disciples’ feet. They objected to Jesus taking such a lowly position, as they looked to Him as their teacher and their leader. But Jesus told them, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:15) Jesus made it clear that leadership and ministry isn’t about lording our position over others, but about serving others with humility.

And Christ’s example doesn’t only apply to those who are recognized as leaders and who have been given titles. Even in the pews, we should adapt an attitude of, “What can I do to serve?” When we surrender our all to His will and His way, we might be amazed by what He can do through us.

There isn’t just one “I” in ministry because it’s not just about you. There are two I’s in ministry because God’s eyes are watching, too.