Verse of the Day for January 26, 2012

“Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach.”
- 1 Timothy 3:1b-2a (NIV)

We continue our series on Biblical Leadership. . .

Paul uses the Greek words “episkope” and “episkopos” that are translated “overseer” in our verses for today (the KJV renders these “bishop”). These words may sound somewhat familiar as they are where the title of the Anglican Church in America, the Episcopal Church, derives its name. The instance in verse 1 refers to the office and the instance in verse 2 refers to the holder of the office. Is this important?

When we look at the senior leaders in a church, many of whom are called “Elders”, we must first realize that they fulfill a role and/or hold an office or title. According to the New Testament Greek Lexicon*, episkope means “investigation, inspection, visitation
that act by which God looks into and searches out the ways, deeds character, of men, in order to adjudge them their lot accordingly, whether joyous or sad
oversight
overseership, office, charge, the office of an elder
the overseer or presiding officers of a Christian church”

The holder of the office, the person, is, according to that same lexicon, “a man charged with the duty of seeing that things to be done by others are done rightly, any curator, guardian or superintendent the superintendent, elder, or overseer of a Christian church.”

Thus, there is a role and then there is the man charged with filling that role. There are expectations and required tasks. The man must be fit for both task and title.

When we look at leaders today, there isn’t always this match. Somebody holds a title but they don’t execute the tasks very well. Or there are those leaders who do the tasks but, for whatever reason, people have seen fit NOT to put them in the role. Both cases are examples of injustice and poor judgment.

In 1 Timothy 5:17, Paul says we are to honor elders who serve well. So, we must not keep those whose qualifications and behaviors demonstrate leadership attributes out of the office of overseer. Conversely, we must not let those who do NOT display those attributes into the office.

Are we appreciating our leaders who serve well? Are we affirming servants with leadership attributes by giving them the title and tasks they deserve? These are questions that must be answered in the positive if the church is to make any difference in the world.

* http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/episkope.html

 

Verse of the Day for January 19, 2012

“Deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.”
- 1 Timothy 3:8-10 (NIV)

We continue our series on Biblical Leadership. . .

So, what does it take to be a deacon/server on God’s leadership team? Here are some observations from our verses for today.

1. If we are not respectable, there’s little hope that we can ever effectively serve others or lead them.

2. We must say what we mean and mean what we say. The words that we speak must not be flippant – they must come from the heart.

3. As Paul says, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” (Eph. 5:18). If our actions are controlled by drugs, alcohol, or worse, we aren’t in control of ourselves. How can we shepherd others or advocate the “full sway of the Spirit” in the lives of others?

4. If we are not trustworthy with money, can we expect that others will entrust us with their eternal dispositions?

5. People are looking for leaders who truly believe what they say. If we only have a shallow faith, how can we help others when they come to their own “dark night of the soul”?

6. The only way to earn the trust of people is to earn the trust of people. Churches that take a shortcut to put popular people in leadership irrespective of their track records will regret it every time.

Of course, it’s easy to gloss over these qualifications because, if one is not seeking a leadership role, it’s easy to say, “That doesn’t apply to me.” But, the challenge is, which one of any of these qualifications doesn’t apply to every believer? In other words, why shouldn’t everyone seek to aspire to this level of faith-based behavior?

These are qualities that Jesus held in full-measure. How are we doing at emulating Him?

Verse of the Day for January 12, 2012

“In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve . . . said, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.’ This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose [and] presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. ‘”
-Acts 6:1-7 (NIV)

We continue our series on Biblical Leadership. . .

Inequity in God’s family? Yes. Even within just a year of Jesus’ resurrection, the church was experiencing bias, prejudice, and lack of fairness. Cultural and ethnic forces brought about inequitable treatment of those who needed kindness and generosity the most.

Leaders at the top of any organization have core responsibilities to watch over the entire group. They need to delegate myriad tasks to those who are closer to the “action” and who have a better relationship with the people they serve. Thus the first “deacons” were named because of their duty – - to serve others.

Much has been written about “servant leadership”. It’s a concept that, when executed properly, improves everyone’s lot. Whether in a corporation, a non-profit agency, or a school, when leaders serve the people they lead, needs are met and dignity is enhanced.

So many of our “role models” today take instead of give, dictate instead of serve, and abuse instead of raise up. The biblical leader takes seriously the “upside down kingdom” principle and understands that posturing and braggadocio don’t put food in mouths or clothes on backs. Leaders with egos are dangerous to the populace!

What does it take to be a deacon/server? More on that next time.

Verse of the Day for January 5, 2012

“Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening. When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, ‘What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?’”
-Exodus 18:13-14 (NIV)

Today we begin a series on Biblical Leadership. Now, more than ever, we need spiritual leaders who know why they are needed and understand their calling.

God’s people have always needed leaders. The reason is simple: we’re human; our condition requires intervention. And, the way God chooses to intervene most often is through other humans.

In Moses’ day, it was clear that there were disputes to resolve and decisions to render. People stood for hours and/or days waiting for their “intervention”. Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, observed that this in itself was injustice and did not serve the best interests of the nation. Thus, he recommended that Moses

“select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves… you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.” (vv. 21-23)

This worked for two reasons:

1. It kept Moses from burning out
2. It got the people exponentially closer to closure

As we look at churches today, we may not notice the heavy load put on the Pastor or Staff. We may have been quite comfortable previously in letting the “professionals” handle ministry. But, that’s unrealistic and unbiblical. Lay people, whether volunteer or remunerated, are needed to lead in their spheres of responsibility. We can’t default to the clergy; God wants His whole team in the game.

Are you game?

Verse of the Day for Dec. 29, 2011

“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ – - which means, ‘God with us.’”
- Matthew 1:22-23 (NIV)

“And surely I am *with you* always, to the very end of the age.”
- Matthew 28:20 (NIV)

Matthew starts his gospel with a genealogy and the story of Jesus’ (Immanuel’s) birth. He ends it with Jesus’ promise to be “with us”.

As we leave 2011 and enter 2012, let us remember that God has not broken His promise. He is “with us” in the good times. He is “with us” when all around is chaos. He is “with us” in our deepest hurts and highest joys. There is no place we can go where He cannot reach us or be near us (Ps. 139:7-10).

That should inspire us to try new things, to step out on faith, and to go boldly in righteousness (doing right things, for the right reasons) out into a world that needs light and truth. The world doesn’t need more chastisement and failed leadership; it needs more love and authenticity.

If we truly believe that God is “with us”, what will we do differently in 2012?

Verse of the Day for Dec. 22, 2011

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
-Luke 2:19 (NIV)

And just what were those things that Mary treasured and pondered?

Luke tells us that it was the shepherds’ adoration and their experiences that made Mary pause and consider. These affirmations that her Son was indeed the Messiah must have been good news piled on top of a mother’s relief at birthing a healthy child, promised by an angel.

What are the things *we* are treasuring and pondering? Do we, like Mary, have affirmations of Jesus’ deity and lordship that we are treasuring and meditating upon? Or, do the Scriptures seem cold and distant to us, much like God might?

The key to understanding Jesus, and appreciating what a gift He has for us, is found through His Word. Your correspondent wishes you and yours a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year that finds you growing closer to God for:

“My goal is that [you] may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that [you] may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that [you] may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
-Colossians 2:2-4 (NIV)

May you enjoy the unveiling of this blessed mystery during these holidays!

Verse of the Day for Dec. 15, 2011

“For no word from God will ever fail.”
- Luke 1:37 (NIV)

In the angel Gabriel’s message to Mary announcing that she will birth the Messiah, he utters the fantastic words in today’s verse. It was more of a guarantee than a promise; an ironclad truth that cannot be altered.

In our world today, a person’s word is becoming less trustworthy. There was a time when one’s word was his/her bond. Yet, as we’ve seen in study after study, the incidence of lying is increasing and people feel less guilt the more they lie.

That’s one reason why people may doubt the accuracy and truthfulness of God’s Word. We see a diminishing supply of role models for truthfulness (think of politicians, for example) and think that is “just the way things are”. Yet, the danger in ascribing human failings to be “reality” is akin to calling a freight train a feather – - it is a non sequitur.

As we begin to celebrate the Christmas season, we may be tempted to downplay the sheer miracle of God becoming flesh. We may hear “scientific” explanations of the Star of Bethlehem or the possibilities of mass hypnosis of shepherds. Yet, these are to be suspected because, as with many attempts to devalue Deity, they try to make the origin of such wondrous events in the Scriptures to be other than God Himself.

The center of Christmas is God, not nature. The explanation of events is miraculous, not mediocrity. The ramification of God’s intervention is eternal, not seasonal.

How are we doing at believing God’s Word?

Verse of the Day for Dec. 8, 2011

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”
- Isaiah 9:2 (NIV)

“The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
- Matthew 4:16 (NIV)

When Matthew wrote His gospel, he wanted to make sure that people knew that Jesus was the “real deal”. Thus, he linked Jesus’ appearance on earth as fulfillment of the major prophecies concerning the Messiah or Christ, the “chosen one”.

Your correspondent has written much about the subject of “light” in this space. Perhaps you’ve noticed that he has often characterized salvation with the metaphor of being delivered from the kingdom of darkness and transported to the kingdom of light.

As the Christmas season envelops us, and as our daylight grows shorter each day for the next two weeks, light becomes a precious resource. Our lives, governed by the movement of the Sun across the sky, search for light once it sets to see our way clear, stay safe, and enjoy additional activities.

In some places of the world where electrification has not arrived, light is a most precious and hard-earned commodity. Indeed, the daily cycle becomes so much more dependent on the Sun’s rise and fall. Once the sun is down, life all but stops.

In a similar way, we should view our Christian practice. Like plants, we should lean toward the Son, seeking His light, bringing all our activities to be under His shining. Like the prophet Isaiah, we recognize that the alternative is deep darkness and, ultimately, death.

How are we doing at “soaking up the Son”?

Verse of the Day for December 1, 2011

“You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm… He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.”
- Isaiah 40:9-11 (NIV)

In “Messiah”, G. F. Handel crafts verse 9 into an alto solo immediately followed by the choir. A lone voice delivers a message of hope, declaring God is here, followed by other voices literally echoing one another. The voices then unify in affirmation of His presence and His affect on those He touches.

Jesus did not burst into our world with a display of power. He came in humble circumstances so as not to scare us. He displayed a lowly character and caring manner to draw people to Himself. However, there is no doubt about His strength. The One who cleansed the temple and defeated Satan can indeed cleanse us and deliver us from evil.

God’s plan is for individual voices, experiencing the love of the Shepherd, to proclaim that God is here! What better time than now to give this message of hope to those around us?

Verse of the Day for November 10, 2011

“While the earth remains,
      Seedtime and harvest,
      Cold and heat,
      Winter and summer,
      And day and night
      Shall not cease.”
- Genesis 8:22 (NKJV)

Your correspondent is currently traveling on business just outside the Beltway in Northern Virginia. The nights have been crisp and cool with beautiful days that are perfect settings for the display of fall colors in the woods.

The passing of the seasons are a reflection of a promise God made just after the flood. He covenanted with Noah to never destroy the earth by water again. In that promise, He guarantees that the earth’s natural cycles will continue as long as it exists.

We behold the beauty of the changing colors. We relish the relief from the heat of summer. We gather the grains that have absorbed the energy from the sun. We revise our routines to reflect fewer hours of daylight. In short, our lives continue to be governed by the natural cycles in spite of technology, pollution, and yes, even natural disasters.

This should bring us comfort! This should reinforce our faith! The believer should be inspired by the continuing evidence of the Creator’s hand that set in motion the enduring successions of summer, fall, winter, and spring. Though, in some parts of the world the marching of the seasons may not be so notable, we know they happen and, in ways both big and small, our behaviors probably reflect those transitions.

How are we doing at finding our faith reinforced by the creation around us?