Asides

May 26
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Uncategorized Aside

“’Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.'” (John 9:3, NIV)

As difficult as it may be to face the fact that God allows his creatures to suffer hardship and pain; it would be infinitely more difficult if it were true that God was indifferent to human hardship and pain.  

We may not always know the reason why we or others must suffer; and today’s scripture cautions us against drawing conclusions about the reasons behind suffering. However, we may be confident in knowing that God both cares and is engaged.

The disciple of Jesus has the added benefit of knowing that “all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Do not be discouraged when you encounter hardship or pain — whether in your life of in the life of others. Remain faithful in all that God has given you to do, and you will experience both grace and peace.  – Luther

Special note: If you are interested in reading another, expanded, treatment of this topic; I am happy to send to you the manuscript of the sermon I delivered yesterday in the Historic Main Post Chapel on Fort George G. Meade, Maryland.  It was titled: “Suffering for Good.” If interested, please request through the comment box with your e-mail address; or/and send an e-mail to me at luther_alexander@yahoo.com with “Suffering Sermon” in the subject line.  Thank you! – L

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May 24
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“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained,  what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?  For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor.”  (Psalms 8:3-5, NKJV) 
I got up a little earlier than usual this morning in hope of catching the Camelopardalids meteor shower.  Once outside, I spent a lot of time looking up into the northern sky. It wasn’t long before I began to share the feeling of the Psalmist as he looked into the night sky thousands of years ago: Who are we that God might think of us — let alone condescend to visit us?
Then as now, God thinks more often about us than we think about God.

However, today — and every day — we have the opportunity to look around us at the handiwork of our heavenly Father, and be reminded of His great love and concern for everything (and everyone) He has made.  When you find yourself drifting into the sand trap of apathy or toward the shoal waters of despair: Look up!  – Luther

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May 23
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“Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.” (Luke 22:27, New Living Translation)

The disciple of Jesus is a servant. 

He or she is not a “servant-leader.” He or she is not an “apprentice-leader.” He or she is not “doing time” as a servant until something opens up at the top of the hierarchy. The pinnacle of a disciple’s aspiration is to be like his or her Lord; and the Lord Jesus is “among you as one who serves.” 

This is so not like us.  We desire the perquisites that come with leadership; or we see leadership as a reward for being a “good foot soldier.” But even leadership, in the estimation of our Lord, is nothing more than a greater opportunity for servitude; and “servitude” is to “service” as “being” is to “doing.” 

Make servitude for the sake of being like Jesus your sole ambition as a disciple. Even in the kingdom of God, good help is hard to find.  Aspire to be the “help.”  – Luther  

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