Disciple or Apostle?

Would you rather be a disciple or an apostle? I am sure you think that is a very curious question, and in some ways it is. In fact, the choice might not even be yours, but it is an interesting analogy. Disciple is a very nice term and a great title that was used of those that followed Christ. Apostle was a more select term. But when I look at the definition of the two, I would suggest that most of us unknowingly prefer to be a disciple more than an apostle. Who is a disciple? Someone who believes the right things. Who is an apostle? Someone sent on a specific mission. Do you see the difference? Get ready for some contrasts as I speak on Jesus and his beginning as the Messiah. What does that mean? The title - "What's Next?"

Let me share this story with you. There is an old story that when Jesus arrived in heaven after the ascension, a member of the heavenly hosts asked him who he had left in charge and what institution he had placed to carry out his work now that he was no longer walking the earth himself. Jesus replied, "Well, I have left about 120 followers." The heavenly host member looked at who those 120 were and said, "That's it? They aren't a very impressive band. Their leaders are just fisherman, tax collectors and the like. What if they fail? What's Plan B?" And Jesus replied, "If they fail there is no Plan B; I have no other plan." Jesus left about 120 people, barely the size of a small congregation. That small entourage, empowered by the Holy Spirit, accomplished God's purpose and it's still going on today.

Looking For Love

The subject of love is real for everyone. We all long for a genuine love that will touch us deep within. The most prevalent definition of love in our world is about the love that is shared between a man and a woman. This is the love that we emphasize at Valentine's Day most often and that's a very good kind of love. For example, the prince was enraptured with Cinderella's intelligent, sensitive conversation; he was smitten by her wardrobe and her teeny, tiny feet. The same theme goes for Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. This love is known as "eros" love. It's the love of a treasure hunt - a love that grows out of need, admiration and desire. It is real, but it is a love that has to be earned. Does your soul long for a more giving kind of love? I know it does because that's the way God made you. Welcome to a service where we express the most satisfying love . . . the Bible calls it "agape."

Ask yourself, "What is real love? In what ways has your soul been nourished by love?"

Honest Blogging

I have had an interesting experience as a father . . . I’ve been reading my oldest son’s blog. He told me the next step is to actually make a comment about his blog. We’ll see . . . What I have noticed about my son’s blog is that he is very honest. He is not afraid to question the traditions of church, whether his own church, or the church in general. He will talk about his own questions and struggles. His readership has grown from a few to hundreds. I am proud of him and I am inspired by his honesty.

Let me attempt at being that honest – I have a love/hate relationship with being a pastor. There is a sense of fulfillment and excitement that is really energizing. For example, on January 11th we reenacted the response that we saw in the Magi by offering our own personal gifts to the Lord for 2009. There were a couple hundred sacrificial responses within our church body, indicating our desire to give our all to the Lord. As I read through some of them I was so encouraged and inspired. It was the mountaintop. But my heart sinks when I experience the prevailing discouragement that so many live with – an apathy about God and a wondering in life, pulled in every direction . . . losing one’s grip with the Lord. I struggle with the responsibility of the spiritual well-being of people that call New Harvest their home. People have told me that I don’t have to carry that weight, but I do. I have a love/hate relationship with being a pastor.

As I was reading ahead in 1 Samuel, these words got my attention, “Until the day Samuel died, he did not go to see Saul again, though Samuel mourned for him. And the LORD was grieved that he had made Saul king over Israel.” (1 Samuel 15:35) Samuel is God’s appointed prophet, as the first several chapters of 1 Samuel indicate. Samuel mourned for Saul. (15v35) Saul had drifted far from his original humility and obedience to God. I guess mourning is part of the call to leadership in the church because you see people drifting away, like a guy named Saul. I mourn like that for those who drift. However, the words “the Lord was grieved that he made Saul king,” were even stronger for me. I am a pastor because God has called me to be a pastor, and my commitment is to finish well. I pray that I will not be a man that would grieve God. I don’t like the travail that sometimes grabs my heart concerning the condition of the church . . . New Harvest and the church in general. But more than anything else I want to please the Lord. He has called me to be a pastor and I will continue to say yes.