Thursday, March 27, 2025

Security Is Found in Service

 

Proverbs 3 discusses true security.

It reminds us of many things we are not supposed to do.

It also contains a very subtle reminder of how we are to live.

Proverbs 3:34b (NRSVue) - but to the humble he shows favor.

In contrast, Luke 22 discusses some critical moments in the life of Jesus.

It talks about the plot to kill Jesus.

It talks about preparation for Passover.

It even discusses the Lord’s Supper.

But despite these major events, a dispute arises among His followers.

Although this is a critical juncture, they argue about which among them is the greatest.

Jesus sets the record straight,

Luke 22:24-26 (NRSVue) - A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, “The kings of the gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather, the greatest among you must become like the youngest and the leader like one who serves.

In hindsight, it is easy for us to be critical of them.

But are we any better?

Have we humbled ourselves before God?

Have we humbled ourselves in service to our neighbor?

As we continue our journey through Lent, may we ask ourselves these questions.

And may we have the courage to answer them honestly.

Even at this critical stage of Luke’s gospel, Christ demonstrated his compassion.

May we follow that example as we serve both God and our fellow man.

And may God find both our words and our actions pleasing.


Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, April 7, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, April 15, 2025


Thursday, March 13, 2025

True Peace

 

Psalm 4 is a plea for deliverance.

The Psalmist ends in recognizing that real peace and safety reside in God.

Psalm 4:8 (NRSVue) - I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.

In John 14, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit.

Jesus also promises true peace.

John 14:27 (NRSVue) - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

The world in which we live is turbulent.

Prices remain high.

World leaders clash over threats of tariffs and reprisals.

The nation is divided along political lines.

People, especially the young, take to social media and vent their frustrations.

Nations are engaged in armed conflict.

The list goes on.

But those who have faith understand that the Lord is a source of peace even amid turmoil.

And we, in turn, can help others find that same peace through our words and actions.

We can lead those we encounter to the source of true peace.


Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, March 21, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, March 28, 2025