“Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (CSB – Read the chapter)
Jesus was not the first one to say something like this. Did you know that? This basic moral idea predated Jesus by several hundreds of years. You can find a similar idea expressed in numerous other ancient religions. Okay, well doesn’t that seem to give credence to the idea that Jesus is just another moral teacher like so many others have been? Not so fast.
This past Sunday was Graduate Recognition Sunday. From preschool to masters degree, we recognized and celebrate our many students and the grand things they have accomplished. Then, when it came time for the sermon, I offered the following as a challenge and encouragement. Thanks for reading.
God’s Got You
Do you remember learning how to
ride a bike? I actually still do. For whatever reason that particular day is
seared in my memory. If you think about
it, other than walking, learning to ride a bike is one of the most significant
accomplishments a kid can achieve. The
reason is freedom. There’s something
about being on a bike that brings a sense of freedom few other things
allow. As you push the pedals with your
own two feet, you are able to power yourself to go anywhere. You don’t have to rely on your parents to get
you there—within reason anyway. And when
you’re pedaling away, with the air rushing past you, you can feel yourself
moving. With every push of your legs,
you are moving yourself more and more in some direction. Even if it’s just to the end of the
neighborhood, you’ve gotten there. All
by yourself.
“Now if you faithfully obey the Lord your God and are careful to follow all his commands I am giving you today, the Lord your God will put you far above all the nations of the earth. . .But if you do not obey the Lord your God by carefully following all his commands and statutes I am giving you today, all these curses will come and overtake you.” (CSB – Read the chapter)
Every day we are faced with choices. We face all kinds of choices. We choose what to wear and what to eat. We choose where to go and what to do when we get there. We choose what kind of attitude we will have and how we will treat the people around us. Now, very rarely does one single choice hold the power to dramatically impact our lives, but a pattern of choices eventually becomes a habit and our habits do possess such power. There is one choice that is the most important we can make. This choice more than all the rest combined has the power to shape not just our character, but everything about us. Let’s talk about what it is.
“Rescue those being taken off to death, and save those stumbling toward slaughter. If you say, ‘But we didn’t know about this,’ won’t he who weighs hearts consider it? Won’t he who protects your life know? Won’t he repay a person according to his work?” (CSB – Read the chapter)
Have you ever read a verse and felt convicted by it? I’ve spent the past several days reading through Proverbs 24. I initially came to this spot because I caught a verse in another context and wanted to write a note about it. Taking my own advice, I read the whole context. There’s a ton of great stuff in this chapter. And there’s this passage. It’s grabbed my heart and mind and hasn’t let go. If you would, let me explore that with you.
“I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well.” (Psalm 139:14 – Read the chapter)
Sometimes you find yourself in the midst of a moment you weren’t expecting to experience. Now, technically, every second of our lives is a moment, but that’s not what I mean. I’m talking about a true moment; one of those times when the world gets a glimpse at reality in a way no one can ignore. I found myself there Wednesday night while watching the season premier of season 14 of America’s Got Talent.
