Martha, Martha -- an example for us

I generally don't pay attention to all the minor feast days in the Christian calendar.  It's traditional within the church to designate certain days to remember people of faith from our past.  Persons who died martyr's deaths are typically remembered on the day of their deaths -- the day they went on to be with the Lord in glory.  Others simply have dates assigned by tradition.  We aren't the type to pray to persons from the past; we rely on the LORD God alone.  But we do recognize the lives of trust that our predecessors lived and we desire to emulate their confidence in Jesus.  Scripture urges us to ponder how they lived by faith (cf. Hebrews 11).  "Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith" (Hebrews 12:1-2).

July 29 is the traditional day for remembering Martha of Bethany, sister of Mary and Lazarus, dear friend of Jesus.  We would do well to think about Martha's example as a believer.

I'm afraid what most of us remember about Martha -- and usually with disapproval -- is how she raced about in the kitchen when Jesus came to visit, and was frustrated that her sister wasn't helping her.  Luke 10:38-42:

Jesus came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Don't be too judgmental of Martha.  Jesus wasn't.  His words to her were a warm encouragement, not a stern rebuke.  Martha loved Jesus dearly and opened her home to him.  Who of you would not try to put your best meal on the table if Jesus came to visit?  So often so many of us need the reassurance of Jesus -- that we can quit all our racing around and just sit with him and listen to his message of hope.  We don't have to be the perfect accomplishers of all of life's little tasks.  We have a Savior who just wants us to be with him.

We would do well to remember another conversation between Martha and Jesus.  Martha's brother Lazarus became very ill and died ... and Jesus had not hurried to go to his friends when Lazarus was ill.  He came to Bethany finally after Lazarus had been in the grave for four days.  The evangelist John tells what transpired (John 11:20-27):

When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him ....

“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.  But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

Jesus demonstrated his grace and his almighty power that day, summoning the wrapped corpse of Lazarus out of his tomb and back to life.

  

Martha demonstrated the rock-solid faith of a disciple of Jesus that day, not afraid to question her Lord in prayer (conversation) with him, and also firmly convinced of the reality of his gospel.  Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, who came into the world to give us resurrection and life.

Martha knew that about Jesus.  We know that about Jesus.  

Through Jesus "you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God" (1 Peter 1:21).

Image by Johannes Vermeer [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons)

Tumbleweeds

During these summer weeks, The Electric Gospel is featuring items written by participants in the summer 2014 Devotional Writing workshop.  This week, Jenni Mickelson uses an illustration from nature to show our wandering tendencies -- and our need for rootedness in Christ.

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Blowing in the Wind

by Jenni Mickelson

John 15:5-6 – “‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.’”

If you find yourself on a flat slab of barren land in the western United States, you will most likely come face-to-face with the local drifter: the tumbleweed. Tumbleweed is a plant that finds its home in areas where the ground is either weathered by the natural elements or cultivated by farmers. Once the growing season passes and the tumbleweed shrivels up, though, the wind can easily pluck it out of the soil and blow it around aimlessly in the remote plains and deserts. The tumbleweed also carries with it thousands of seeds that spread about the land and will later foster a new crop of menacing weeds.

Tumbleweed, in its dry, lifeless state, is useless. It only moves, with no anchor to keep it positioned in the ground where it belongs.

We sinners are in danger of drifting like tumbleweed, alone and without purpose. Lost dreams, wrongdoings, and hardships leave us parched and cast our minds into hopeless wandering. We blow in the wind, with no root system to keep us steady, when we forsake God’s will and instead succumb to the enticing but fleeting temptations of this world, the devil, and our flesh. We foster sin’s weeds and put others at risk of flying away when we live our lives in this way. 

God does not want us to roam in this manner. He yearns for us to remain secure in him. It was for this loving reason that he sent his Son Jesus into the world. Jesus brought us back to God through his perfect life, innocent death, and glorious resurrection. Thus he is and forever will be our vine, our root, to keep us firmly grounded in the Lord. When we rely solely on Christ’s redeeming love and sacrifice for our salvation, and not on ourselves, we are no longer tumbleweed but rather the sturdy branches of God’s vine, nourished and strengthened by faith.

Tumbleweed – it blows around with seemingly no purpose but simultaneously gives off the impression that it is desperately searching for something out there in the world. How grateful we can be to Jesus for giving us a purpose to live for – him!

Prayer:

Jesus, forgive me for all of the times that I forget about being rooted in you and instead turn to the unstable pleasures of this world. Plant me firmly in you and nurture me once again with the news of your everlasting love through your life, death, and resurrection. Guide me in being your witness to others rather than being the cause of their drifting away from you. Amen.

God's guidance when life hurts

During these summer weeks, The Electric Gospel is featuring items written by participants in the summer 2014 Devotional Writing workshop.  This time, Ben Bain offers us a very personal story about how the Lord worked on his faith during a particularly painful time in his life.

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Shaped by the Potter’s Hands

by Benjamin Bain

“You, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand” (Isaiah 64:8).

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As a sophomore in college, I came home for Christmas break to a surprise.  It wasn’t a good surprise, unfortunately.  When I got home, my dad wasn’t there.  My mom told me he had moved out. They were separated and trying to work things out.  I was shocked and confused.  How had this happened?  Why am I finding out now?  Talk about a “merry” Christmas! 

I told my parents I would drop out of school so we could work this out as a family.  Both said I shouldn’t do that.  They told me it was their problem to deal with, not mine.  So I went back to school.

At school, I dug into God’s Word to learn what God said about divorce, the roles of husbands and wives, and blessings of marriage.  I prayed that God would bring healing and reconciliation for my parents, so that my family could be whole again.  Friends offered me encouragement and prayed for my family and me.

As painful as my parents’ separation and eventual divorce was, God used it to draw me closer to him.  I sought God’s wisdom in his Word.  My faith was strengthened.  My knowledge of God’s Word grew.  My understanding of Jesus’ love for me and all of his children blossomed.  I knew Jesus forgave my parents for their sins.  I knew Jesus forgave me for the pain I caused my parents and brothers.  I trusted Jesus could bring healing to all of the relationships in my family, but I also understood what Jesus meant when he said, “For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother” (Matthew 10:35).   I follow Jesus, even if no one else in my family does.

God uses many kinds of events in our lives to shape us into the people we are today.  And each of us is uniquely formed from the particular experiences of our lives.  And he blesses us with roles to play in his kingdom, distinctively suited to who we are.

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Prayer:

Loving Father in heaven, you have guided our lives, molding us lovingly into vessels for your good work.  Forgive us when we have tried to force ourselves to become something out of line with your plan.  Continue molding our lives as you see best.  We trust you fully.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

Check out posts you might have missed

The Electric Gospel in its present format is four months old today.  So far the blog is averaging a couple hundred page views per month; hopefully that will increase as readers share links to the blog and more sign on as followers.

I thought I'd report today on the most-viewed devotional messages so far, as well as highlighting some other past posts.  Maybe you'll notice something you missed that you might like to read.

The "top ten" viewed pages (March thru June) are:

1. "Are You a Perfectionist?" by Kathy Kolell
2.  "An Invitation to Church" by Candace Hoefert
3. "When Words Fail" by Gina Grove
4. "I Will Respect You" (author's name withheld by request)
5. "From Darkness to Light"  (author's name withheld by request)
6. "Free to Be Faithful" by Kaylee Messman
7. "The Importance of Holy Communion" by Jared Natsis
8. "The Spirit Works through our Words" by Andy Westra
9. "Served by Jesus, We are Servants" by Deyi Shi
10. "Forgiveness" by Brooke King

There are other posts you might want to check out beyond those ten.  For instance ...

• "A Letter to My Sister"  (author's name withheld by request)
• "On the Life of a Christian" by Danica Scharlemann
• "The Symbols of Holy Week" by Jennifer Birr

You can also click on the month-by-month links to the archives.  (For instance, there are new messages by Dawn Schulz and Justin Slominsky in the July files.)

If you find something you like, share it with friends.  Encourage folks to sign up as followers of the blog.  And if you have something you're writing which you'd like considered for posting on The Electric Gospel, send it my way!

- David Sellnow

Encouragement to Bible study

During these summer weeks, The Electric Gospel is featuring spiritual pieces written by participants in the summer 2014 online workshop on Devotional Writing.  

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Is your church offering Bible class opportunities this weekend--or at other times, in other groups, during the week?  Justin Slominsky urges your attendance at these rich spiritual meals.

Meet you at the potluck!

by Justin Slominsky

Cheesy potatoes, oriental coleslaw, Jell-O fluff, baked beans and bacon, taco dip, cheese and sausage, spaghetti and meatballs, mac and cheese, broccoli salad, hot dish, desserts, more hot dish, desserts, desserts, desserts and desserts!

I haven’t been a Lutheran as long as most Lutherans. I do however enjoy and look forward to our many opportunities for Lutheran potluck.  Food is good for us.  Food makes us happy. Food provides much needed fuel and energy. Food is satisfying.

The same can be said for God’s food—in an even more vital way.  More urgently than the way we feed our mouths, we want to be consuming a spiritual diet that feeds our hearts and minds.  The Bible speaks directly to our spiritual diet: 

• Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” – Luke 4:4
• All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. - 2 Timothy 3:16
• My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. – Proverbs 3:1-2
• Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation. – 1 Peter 2:2

We have great choices and selection.  All of God’s Word is useful, relevant and practical.  For each week’s Bible class session, our pastors pick especially pertinent and interesting topics. We have great pastors who diligently prepare, who are trained in the original languages and are committed to preserving the Word in all purity without intimidating those not as well-versed in the Bible.  We have great lay leaders who, with the help of the pastors and the Holy Spirit, joyfully and zealously share their time and talent with others in small group studies.  We have great members who participate with challenging and mature questions—members who are engaged and create solid conversation for growth. These members are graciously willing to share.  

Jesus died for each one of us. We did nothing.  He nourishes us.   Regular Bible study renews, edifies, and prepares us to live out our faith joyously and share with others eagerly.  “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life” (John 6:63).

A significant number of church members are making use of the many Bible study opportunities available to them.  If you are not taking deeper bites into God’s Word through Bible study with your fellow worshipers, please prayerfully consider one of the buffet of choices offered through your church.  Please join in the “potluck” of God’s Word.

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, motivate us by the good news of Jesus and lead us to be present at your potluck of wisdom and knowledge through the study of your Word.  Fill us with your Word that it might nourish us and aid us in our lives of service as we honor and glorify you daily with our lives, in Jesus.  Amen.

Jesus quenches our thirst

During these summer weeks, The Electric Gospel is featuring spiritual pieces written by participants in the summer 2014 online workshop on Devotional Writing.  

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If anyone thirsts?  Something to consider…

by Dawn Schulz

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.  Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water’”   (John 7:37-38).

“The great day” was during the Feast of Tabernacles.  During this festival the Israelites were required to live in tents for seven days in remembrance of 40 years wandering through the desert.  On the last day they gathered as a sacred assembly to present an offering of fire to the Lord (Lev. 23:36).  Over the years one particular ceremony had become tradition during this festival.  Each day, at the time of the morning sacrifice, a priest led a procession to draw water out of the Pool of Siloam with a golden pitcher.  After drawing the water he returned to a temple filled with worshipers.  During his ascent to the altar they sang the words from Isaiah 12:3, “With joy you shall draw water from the wells of salvation.”  Trumpets blasted as the priest spilled the water and drink offering onto the altar.  This last and greatest day served to commemorate God’s miracle of water to the thirsty Israelites at Meribah (Exodus 17). [1]

It was at this point that Jesus stood and called, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.”   In contrast to a ceremony reminding the people of how God satisfied their greatest physical need, Jesus offered himself as satisfaction for their greatest spiritual need.   It must have momentarily stopped the service as every head turned in unison to find the source of this bold claim.  John records that there had been much controversy among the Jews at the festival as to who Jesus was (John 7:12-31).  Now, at the climax of the celebration, Jesus answered their questions by standing to say, in no uncertain terms, that he was the Christ whose sacrifice would fully atone for sin.  Jesus ended all discussion with this announcement.  For those at the sacred assembly the only thing left to consider was if what Jesus said was meant for them. 

The question remains for consideration still today.  “If anyone thirsts…”   For some, this question is a challenge and the answer is “No”.  They are too busy running children to activities, caring for elderly parents or pursuing professional goals to even take notice of their condition.  Others live a comfortable lifestyle enjoying the pleasures that come with it and don’t see a need for what Jesus has to offer.  Some might recognize the need, but feel they are quite capable of taking care of it on their own.  There are also those gathered in the “sacred assembly” who come, but don’t drink.   They continue to thirst because they sip on fellowship, meetings and programs, but don’t let Jesus fill them.

The unfortunate truth is that all of them are thirsty.  Like the golden pitcher they find themselves empty day after day.  Repeatedly poured out into distractions, laziness and pride they return to things that do not satisfy their thirst.  Jesus’ offer is meant for them because only he can satisfy.  But they don’t see it or want it.  Sadly, their unquenched thirst will lead to death.

But for those who are aware of their thirst, the words of Jesus are an invitation.  Too long they have wandered in the desert of guilt and shame.  They are sorry for choices that left Jesus out of their life and long for forgiveness.  They know they’ve wasted his gifts and blessings on selfish living.  They crave peace knowing their attempts to earn God’s favor in the past have failed. To them this invitation to “come and drink” is a gift that gives pardon for sins, peace with God, and life eternal.   They drink deeply knowing that “streams of living water will flow from within them.”  To the thirsty, Jesus’ offer of himself is a gift received in humble thanks by those knowing they would be spiritually dead without it.

Jesus' disturbance at the Feast of Tabernacles was intentional.  He wanted everyone would to know exactly who he was.  The way he addressed the crowd was also intentional.  He wanted everyone to know why he came.  We have this account written in the Bible so that we intentionally consider our need.   “If anyone thirsts…”   He came for those who recognize their helpless condition so he can simply invite them “to come to him and drink.”   In Jesus, God has provided for our greatest spiritual need.

Prayer:  Dear heavenly Father, you’ve told me in your word that only Jesus quenches thirst.  So many things offer to do that, but they fail.  Forgive me for pursuing them.  I am thirsty.  I thirst for the forgiveness and grace that is only possible through Jesus.  Thank you for his sacrifice and the life that it has given me.  Continue to nourish my soul by the Holy Spirit through word and sacrament.  In the name of Jesus.  Amen. 

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[1] R.C.H. Lenski, Interpretation of John’s Gospel 1-10,  p. 574-575.

A message on the 4th of July

If you happen to read this on the 4th, I hope you're having an enjoyable holiday.

I thought I'd post something nation-related today as a bonus blog post for this week.  The following is abridged and adapted from a sermon I once delivered.

- David Sellnow

The Electric Gospel

Speak to Your Nation's Soul

The country in which we live has its share of problems -- problems of crime, of corruption, of callousness.  In every direction, from drug abuse to abuse of power, from security threats at airports to random shootings at schools, we are a nation in need of more decency and order, more right and less wrong, more truth and less media spin.  But we won't bring about a more God-fearing populace by passing new laws.  We won't remedy human problems by authorizing more funding for education or social programs.  We won't be redeemed by a change of administrations in the government.  Whatever happens in our national politics and elections, we can be quite certain that the day after any votes are counted, we still will have our work cut out for us as people who speak for God in this world.  "In these last days" (Hebrews 1:2), we are called to speak the word of Christ in whatever nation where we live.  And our nation -- like nations all through history -- is full of people who need that message spoken.  

The prophet Ezekiel serves as an example for us.  The LORD God said to Ezekiel:  

"I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have been in revolt against me to this very day. The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says.’ And whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious people—they will know that a prophet has been among them" (Ezekiel 2:3-5).

The nation in which we live and speak for the LORD is not much different than the nation in which Ezekiel prophesied.  We Americans likewise are proud. We are stubborn.  Our biggest weakness often is the very thing that made this nation strong -- we are so fiercely independent.  That independent streak goes beyond national pride.  Our independent streak becomes a strong will set against the will of God.  "I am independent and self-sufficient," we say.  "I can do what I want to do, have what I want to have."  It's not just other Americans who take such an attitude.  You and I are cut from the same stubborn cloth.  Every one of us is instinctively rebellious and obstinate, resistant to the words of God.  We all share the same human problem.  We bristle and balk at whatever God commands.  Our souls (all human souls) are naturally in a state of revolt against God.

But while human hearts naturally don't want to listen to God, the only way to redeem human hearts is by the words that God speaks.  So we keep speaking -- whether others listen or fail to listen.  And we keep praying that the Spirit will do his work -- one by one, convincing one soul at a time, just as he has convicted us with God's law and convinced us with hope in the good news of Jesus.  The word of Christ has spoken to our hearts ... and we will speak those same words to our neighbors.  "For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of" (Luke 6:45).