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Christ's Example
People get uncomfortable around Jesus because He doesn't fit into the way
they see things, plan things, and do things. With our natural minds, we can
never really understand what Jesus is all about. When we place Him next to
our human plumb lines, He appears to be on a slant to the way we function;
when we put a level next to Him, He looks out of balance to the way we
react; when we put a ruler on Him, He doesn't seem to measure up to the way
we go about our business. Jesus' entire life has been an enigma to many. The
natural mind asks, "How could a prince be born outside a palace, a teacher
have no degree, a king have no army, a ruler have no place to lay his head,
and a miracle worker be unable to come down from a cross?"
When we see the way that Jesus responded to His disciples as they gathered
for the Passover, we are once again amazed at His behavior. Even Peter could
not fully grasp it. Peter saw himself as the follower, and Jesus as the
Master. "Why" he questioned, "would my Master take the place of a slave and
wash my feet?" Peter had been with Jesus for more than three years but still
had many things to learn. As Jesus washed the disciples' feet, He was doing
far more than teaching them a lesson in humility; He was demonstrating to
them what was at the heart of the Kingdom of God. The message of the Kingdom
is that every follower of Jesus Christ carries a towel and washbasin with
him into every circumstance and relationship in life. Jesus showed us that
the Kingdom of God is "upside down" to the way the world operates.
In the Kingdom of God...
...a person is lifted up by humbling himself, not by exalting himself in the
eyes of others.
...strength is found through weakness, not by being confident in your own
abilities.
...fullness comes by becoming empty, not by running after pleasure.
...life is gained by losing it, not by looking out for "number one."
...riches come by giving them away, not by storing them up.
...greatness comes by becoming a servant, not by seeking power and
celebrity.
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FAITH OF A CHILD
The father, a well digger, strong was he,
And as loving and kind as a father could be.
And Mary his daughter, five years old,
Was very much dearer than millions of gold.
To Mary her father was big, grand and nice,
So each had a treasure, beyond any price.
One day to the well, little Mary was sent
To take daddy's lunch, how gladly she went.
But when she looked down, not a thing could be seen.
The well, like a pocket, was dark as could be.
The father saw Mary and heard her voice, too,
But made not a sound, just to see what she'd do.
She dropped to her knees, the dear little soul,
And called down, "Oh, Daddy, are you down this hole?"
"Why yes Mary darling, I'm here at your feet,
Just drop my lunch for I'm ready to eat.
Just let it go easy, I'll catch it alright."
She did and she saw it fall out of sight.
"Why Mary," said father, "
There's enough here for two,
Now this is the thing I would like you to do.
You jump down here to me and we'll eat it together,
Down here in the cool and away from the weather."
"Oh, daddy, I'm afraid, I can't see you at all,
Be sure now you catch me and don't let me fall."
'It was just for a moment she wavered in doubt,
Then closing her dear little eyes she jumped out.
In the darkness, yes, that was the test,
She trusted in faith in her father's request.
And both were so happy he kissed her and smiled
Because of the sweet trusting faith of his child.
"Oh, sweet little Mary, you put me to shame, How often my Father has called
me the same, But because it was dark I turned back in doubt.
Refusing the call, though his arms were stretched out."
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Allah or Jesus?
Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for
maintaining my state prison security clearance. During the training session
there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic,
Protestant and Muslim faiths who explained their belief systems.
I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say.
The Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a
video. After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers.
When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked: "Please,
correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of
Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the
world. And, that by killing an infidel, which is a command to all Muslims,
they are assured of a place in heaven. If that's the case, can you give me
the definition of an infidel?"
There was no disagreement with my statements and without hesitation he
replied, "Non-believers!"
I responded, "So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of
Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they
can go to Heaven. Is that correct?"
The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that
of a little boy who had just gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
He sheepishly replied, "Yes."
I then stated, "Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope John
Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Pat Robertson
or Dr. Stanley ordering Protestants to do the same in order to go to
Heaven!"
The Imam was speechless.
I continued, "I also have problem with being your friend when you and your
brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me. Let me ask you a
question. Would you rather have your Allah who tells you to kill me in order
to go to Heaven or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to
Heaven and He wants you to be with me?"
You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame.
Chuck Colson once told me something that has sustained me these 20 years of
prison ministry.
He said to me, "Rick, remember that the truth will prevail." And it will!
by Rick Mathes
Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to |