Aches and Praise Five Hundred & One

Posted on 2021-04-16 in English |

April 16, 2021
 
 

Dear friends,

                                                                                                                                                           
I hope that you are enjoying the beautiful Spring weather, as the days get longer and the temperatures warm up. Unfortunately, for my wife, Karen, it is not a fun time of the year, as she has very sore eyes due to allergies. In talking to family and friends who wished me a happy birthday on Wednesday, I was reminded how many people are praying for our family and ministry. Thank you for remembering Karen in prayer. In addition to having severe allergy reactions, she hurt her left knee on April 1st, when she fell outside. We are grateful for the excellent care of a physiotherapist who is a Christian whom Karen has known for many years. Grace is married to Peter, whom I met with often during our student days in the Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship at Concordia University. What a blessing it is to have Christian friends!
 

In studying the Gospel of Luke in preparation for a men’s study on Saturday mornings, I realized that the Lord Jesus chose twelve men from several different pursuits to be His apostles. The interaction of fishermen (Peter and John) with a political revolutionary (Simon the Zealot), a despised tax collector (Matthew), and one who would betray Jesus (Judas Iscariot) must have been emotionally-charged at times. In Luke 6, where we learn of the selection of the twelve apostles, we read these words of Jesus: “… Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you … But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil” (verses 27-35).

In commenting on this, the late Dr. Warren Wiersbe wrote: “How should we treat our enemies? We must love them, do them good, and pray for them. Hatred only breeds more hatred, “for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (James 1:20 NIV). This cannot be done in our own strength, but it can be done through the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5; Galatians 5:22-23). Have you prayed for someone who was antagonistic toward you? Have you seen a change in that person? I would be glad to receive your answers to these questions by email or a phone call.

If you would like a Bible research assignment, here is one suggestion: look up how many times the expression “Do not be afraid” is found in the Gospel of Luke. I have been thinking of doing this for a while, but haven’t yet … hopefully in the coming week, Lord willing.

Scripture for the weekend: “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.” Luke 9:26 (NKJV)

Thought for the weekend: “The Romans designed crucifixion to maximize both pain and shame, and Jesus acknowledged that identifying with Him in this world can involve both. Wanting to be spared, some would-be followers chose to drop away. Yet this life with its pain and shame is not the end. When Jesus returns in power and glory He will openly reward all who identified with Him, regardless of the temporary price they paid.” – Dr. David Jeremiah (from “The Jeremiah Study Bible,” published by Worthy Publishing, Franklin, TN)

 

By His grace,
 

Steve

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