As the rain and snow

“Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face and paid homage to Daniel, and commanded that an offering and incense be offered up to him. The king said to Daniel, ‘Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery.’ Then the king gave Daniel high honors and great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon…

“King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its breadth six cubits. He set it up on the plain of Dura, in Babylon. Then [he] sent to gather the satraps, prefects, governors, counselors, treasurers, justices, magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image. They… gathered for the dedication… The herald proclaimed, ‘You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, that when you hear the sound of… every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace…’

“Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought… Nebuchadnezzar… said to them, ‘Is it true that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up?.. If you do not, you shall be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?’

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace… But if not, be it known that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image you have set up.” Daniel 2:46-48; 3:1-6,13-14,16-18

King Nebuchadnezzar had a confused sense of supremacy. Irrational and fickle, he wielded his authority carelessly. When Daniel revealed God’s interpretation of his dream, he spontaneously honored Daniel like royalty and declared his God as Lord of kings, yet proceeded to erect a huge gold image he demanded people worship. For him, the only true sovereign was Self, and all underlings would suffer if they did not concede. Only after God humbled him did he acknowledge the true God as God. (Daniel 2:12-23,26-28; 3:19-22,26-30; 4:28-37)

Capricious and arrogant, man tends to crafting God in his own image. We give lip service as expected or convenient, but resist yielding our throne. We might credit Him with obvious miracles, but then reduce or disparage Him when things don’t go our way. When God isn’t really God to us, life gets disordered, and we make foolish decisions. Only the truth can set us free to see, fear, and adore Him for who He is. (John 8:31-32)

In truth, God is always God, but He sometimes has to go to great lengths to convince us of that. What misconceptions about God’s sovereignty do we hold with no biblical basis? Where are we taking His place in setting direction and managing our affairs? What little lords do we follow astray? What attitudes need to be adjusted, what preferences and choices reordered, so we submit to the Lord on His rightful throne?

Lord, may I ever praise, extol, and honor You as King of kings.

“The men of the city said,.. ‘The situation of this city is pleasant,.. but the water is bad, and the land is unfruitful….’ Then [Elisha] went to the spring and threw salt in it and said, ‘Thus says the Lord, I have healed this water.'”

“The [Shunamite] woman [who’d built him a room] conceived, and bore a son the following spring, as Elisha had said to her.

“When the child had grown,.. he died. She went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God and went out…

“When she came to the mountain to the man of God,.. [Elisha] said, ‘She is in bitter distress, and the Lord has hidden it from me and has not told me…’ So he arose and followed her…

“When Elisha came into the house, he saw the child lying dead on his bed. So he went in… and prayed to the Lord… And the child sneezed.., and opened his eyes.” 2 Kings 2:19,21; 4:17-18,20-21,27,30,32-33,35

In the days following Elijah’s departure, his successor Elisha exhibited the spirit he’d requested. He continued God’s prophetic ministry with sensitivity and care, directing king to military success, widow to sustenance, citizens to fresh water, and barren woman to her heart’s desire. Never haughty or aloof as God’s chosen, Elisha served his Master earnestly one step and place at a time. Eager to follow the Lord’s bidding, he also willingly acknowledged when he lacked and asked the Lord to supply. (2 Kings 2:9,15; 3:13-19)

The Lord desires earnest obedience that willingly goes where He directs, does what He asks, and trusts Him for equipping. Humble plodding keeps us keen to His leading and develops skills He imbues. Where arrogance and self-confidence might lead us to prefer certain positions or tasks, submission leads us to fulfill His design and intentions. Be it with royalty or paupers, God watches over His will to perform it. (2 Kings 4:38-44; Jeremiah 1:12)

God’s people can be known for a number of accomplishments done well, yet tend to prefer concealing what we cannot do. Willingness to admit weaknesses and needs is a powerful attribute that actually enhances effectiveness as His servants. If we understand that every ability is a gift to be used for His purposes, our attitude toward their procurement and use changes from pride to dependence. (1 Corinthians 4:7; James 1:17)

Where has the Lord called me to serve? Am I eager or reluctant to obey? If I’m slow to respond, what selfishness, prejudice, sense of superiority or pride dictates my attitude? What tendencies toward comfort or preference need I confess in order to serve eagerly wherever and however God asks?

How willing am I to do the next small thing, even when it is not convenient, simple, or easy? Do I give up, or look up for His promised provision? Serving God with wholeheartedness accomplishes His work and honors His sovereignty. Trusting Him and engaging His supply develops faith and magnifies His grace and power. (Matthew 7:7-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)

How has the Lord undertaken for me with difficult situations, or people? Where do I need particular discernment or empowering? The Lord designs every assignment to do His work both in us and His wider plan.

Lord, may I eagerly, earnestly, and willingly minister in Your kingdom to serve Your purposes and glory. 

“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own… One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.” Philippians 3:7-15

Paul lived and breathed and spent himself for the sake of Christ who had saved him. He was constantly on the move, by foot or mouth or pen or prayer, compelled by spiritual hunger and gospel fire. He wanted above all to know Christ and make Him known, and believed God would direct and enable that call. As long as he was on earth, he would press on and ahead for his Lord, His kingdom, and spiritual maturity. (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

Growing mature in the Lord does not just happen, and does not come easily. The pull of this world is persistent and strong, and requires continual resistance to withstand its force, and pressing on and upward to break its draw. God’s Spirit, greater and more potent than that of the world, directs spiritual focus and empowers godward priorities. (Romans 8:31-32; 1 John 4:4)

As long as we secure our foundation and motives in Jesus’s sake, the stress and strain of resistance and service, learning and refining, suffering and growth, are worth the gain they achieve. All is dross that is not for Him, all is loss when we consider eternal gain. The sting and friction of present hardship and trouble soften when we keep our eyes looking forward, shadows pale in the light ahead. (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

What in our lives surpasses the worth of knowing Christ? Would we count them as rubbish for the greater value of Jesus? How will we, in mindset and ambition, exchange worldly affections for the treasures of eternal glory?

Are we straining forward, pressing on, gaining Christ? How is He increasingly exhibited in our impulses, choices, words, countenance? Where has He entered and made a difference in relationships, our work, our disciplines?

Lord, may I ever strain toward Your upward call, to lift You high and exalt Your worth and honor.

“When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven.., Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.’ But Elisha said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So they went down to Bethel…

“Elijah said to him, ‘Elisha, please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.’ But he said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So they came to Jericho…

“Then Elijah said to him, ‘Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.’ But he said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So the two of them went on… Then Elijah took his cloak and rolled it up and struck the water, and the water was parted to the one side and to the other, till the two of them could go over on dry ground.

“When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.’ And Elisha said, ‘Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me…’ And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven…

“Then [Elisha] took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the water… And the water was parted to the one side and to the other, and Elisha went over.” 2 Kings 2:1-2,4,6,8-9,11,14

The Lord had told his prophet he’d anoint Elisha his successor, and that time had come. Elijah’s final journeys lead tenacious Elisha to places that marked God’s hand: Bethel, beginning with God; Jericho, God’s breaking strongholds; and the Jordan, divine deliverance into blessed land. God would continue what had done and been for Elijah with His next prophet to Israel. Elisha desperately desired his mentor’s spirit, and gleaned all he could in preparation for God’s new season. (Genesis 12:1-8; Joshua 3:7-17; 6:15-20; 1 Kings 19:9-16)

Throughout life we’re confronted with impending loss. While some drastic changes come suddenly and force their own effects and instruction, many shifts are gradual and offer significant opportunity to learn and prepare. As we age, we experience varied adjustments: passing the baton of leadership, declining capabilities or health, diminishing control of circumstances and plans. We realize the Lord has been at the helm always, though we’re used to managing ourselves. To accept gracefully His endings is to entrust our time to His sovereignty and live out our days for His purposes.

We have seasons as recipients, accompanying older, wiser sojourners with Christ to learn from and follow. We have seasons of authority and influence, and moments of private instruction where we convey lessons and spiritual encouragement. Whom do we follow, and in whom are we investing, to prepare for His shifts? God ordains and uses all the years to enrich His kingdom.

How yielded are we to His divine timing? How seriously have we applied life’s Bethel, Jericho, and Jordan River lessons? Do we resist His changes, or gratefully trust His providence?

Lord, keep me surrendered to Your order of things, keen to learn, zealous to serve, willing to step up or step down at Your bidding, until Your will is done.

“He brought me to the door of the temple, and water was issuing from below the threshold toward the east… The water was flowing down from below the south end of the threshold of the temple, south of the altar. He brought me out the north gate and led me around to the outer gate that faces east; and the water was trickling out on the south side.

“Going on eastward with a measuring line in his hand, the man measured a thousand cubits, and then led me through the water, and it was ankle-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water, and it was knee-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water, and it was waist-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the water had risen. It was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be passed through. And he said to me, ‘Son of man, have you seen this?’

“Then he led me back to the bank of the river. As I went back, I saw on the bank of the river very many trees on the one side and the other. He said, ‘This water flows toward the east… and goes down into the Arabah..; when the water flows into the sea, the water will become fresh. And wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish. For this water goes there, that the waters of the sea may become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes… It will be a place for the spreading of nets. Its fish will be of very many kinds… And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail. They will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.'” Ezekiel 47:1-10,12

The beautiful vision of the flowing water given to Ezekiel from the Lord flows with the freshness and hope of its life-giving message. A trickle begins, turning into a stream, then a river, bringing satisfaction and beauty and fruitfulness wherever it goes, and leaves for healing. Not only is thirst slaked, and fruit trees grow giving fragrance and nourishment, but even the leaves bring healing to the soul. The Lord’s living water does far more than simple minds imagine, to His glory. (John 7:37-39)

In God’s great world He gives many illustrations from nature for His design of man’s need of water and His intention for our fruitfulness. The invitation to go deep, and deeper still, welcomes us to deep satisfaction and flourishing. It also beckons us to healing from an array of ills.

In the muddle of days, busyness may hide our need for soul work that only God can do. Have we hidden long-seated jealousy or resentment? Do we suffer from the sting of shame or regret for things done or left undone? What specific area- body, temper, tongue, mind- trembles for healing from God? Only when we immerse ourselves in His living water will we absorb all it supplies.

Lord, by Your grace, help me receive and extend Your leaves of healing.

“When the people of the land come before the Lord at the appointed feasts, he who enters by the north gate to worship shall go out by the south gate, and he who enters by the south gate shall go out by the north gate: no one shall return by way of the gate by which he entered, but each shall go out straight ahead. When they enter, the prince shall enter with them, and when they go out, he shall go out.” Ezekiel 46:9-10

Ezekiel addresses the people of the land, prophesying regarding God’s temple, priests, sacrifices, and ongoing worship. At the regular appointed feasts, they were to enter by one gate and leave by another, accompanied by the prince. Their time of worship, remembrance, and celebration was to move them forward and onward in companionship with their Sovereign. (Ezekiel 45:13-35)

Getting before the Lord in worship and moving through His sanctuary at His side redirects us. The humdrum of days can motor into seasons and years where we feel in a rut- of zeal, or inspiration, or mindset. Stuck in routine, or wrong thinking we cannot shake, we might work hard and even fast, but harden into complacency, fear change, and lack hope beyond today and vision for what the Lord would do. (Psalm 73:13-17)

Time spent with the Lord can shake off malaise, mental quandaries, and spiritual paralysis. Worship makes a difference by connecting us with the Holy One. If we approach the Lord with expectancy, and anticipate moving forward and out with Him, the focus and by-product of that time is altered. Rather than going through motions of shallow repetitious exercises and rewinding to repeat, we enter His space one way, and leave another, marked by genuine offerings and His powerful presence.

How eager are we to meet with the Lord and be made different? Is His sanctuary, and our time spent together, a hallowed place of wholehearted praise, earnest confession, hearty thanksgiving, and dependence? How can we develop greater eagerness for His sanctification?

What effect has private worship had on decisions, outlook, demeanor? Where do we need refreshed habits, new direction, a change of attitude? Spending time with Jesus will certainly change us.

“Lord, speak to me that I may speak
In living echoes of your tone;
As you have so’t, so let me seek
Your erring children, lost and lone.

Oh, lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wand’ring and the wav’ring feet;
Oh, feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Your hung’ring ones with manna sweet.

Oh, teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious things that you impart,
And wing my words, that I may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.

Oh, grant my spirit to renew,
That I may speak with soothing pow’r
A word in season, as from you,
To weary ones in needful hour.

Oh, fill me with your fullness, Lord,
Until my very heart o’erflow
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Your love to tell, your praise to show.

Oh, use me, Lord, use even me
Just as you will, and when, and where,
Until your blessèd face I see,
Your rest, your joy, your glory share.” ~ Frances Havergal (1872)

Father, daily make me more like You, transformed to affect and bless my corner of the world.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:4-9

Paul’s letter to the Philippians was filled with joy- his own, joy shared in ministry, and the repeated admonition to rejoice. He closes his letter with affectionate encouragement to remember what is true, and choose to settle their joy and peace there, no matter what circumstances arise. God’s peace was ready for the taking if they would turn their cares over to Him with grateful trust. (Philippians 1:3-4,18-21; 2:1-2; 3:1)

We may imagine peace as a state of serenity and stillness, when the atmosphere around us is placid, and comfortable. The Scriptures tell a different story. A calm serenity of soul often comes in the midst of angst and storms, tumult and uncertainty. It also flows out of active rejoicing and specific, earnest prayer. It does not just happen, or appear, but is a by-product of knowing the Lord is sovereign, nigh, and able to supply for every need.

Jesus brought us peace through the opposite of smooth waters. Heaven roiled as He endured the cruelty and took on the sin of the world. He died a horrific, vicious death to reconcile us to Himself. He made peace for us, so we can exercise faith and spiritual disciplines that effect the same. (Isaiah 53:3-7; Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Colossians 1:19-22)

Are we experiencing God’s peace? Have we the right understanding of how it was, and can be, settled in our souls? If we know the peace of Christ in salvation, why do we fret and stress at hardships in our day-to-day?

How will we ‘claim’ ongoing peace through constant rejoicing, voicing gratitude and expectancy as we pray about everything, and setting our minds on all that is true and good? When will we determine to make these a rhythm in our days? Whom can we ask to hold us accountable for regular practice of these admonitions from Paul? In any dearth or threat, grief or storm, God’s peace will hold us as we exercise these duties as surely as His promises to us are true.

“When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
‘It is well, it is well with my soul.’

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control:
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and has shed his own blood for my soul.

It is well, it is well with my soul.” ~ Horatio Spafford (1873)

Lord, keep me consistent in rejoicing, thanking, praying, and meditating on You, so I know and convey Your inimitable peace.

“He humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know,.. that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” Deuteronomy 8:3

“Now Elijah the Tishbite said to Ahab, ‘As the Lord lives,.. there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.’ And the word of the Lord came to him: ‘Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, east of the Jordan. You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.’ So he did according to the word of the Lord. He went and lived by the brook Cherith… And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. And after a while the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land.

“Then the word of the Lord came to him, ‘Arise, go to Zarephath… and dwell there. I have commanded a widow there to feed you.’ So he arose and went to Zarephath… Elijah said to her,.. ‘Thus says the Lord, “The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth.”’ She went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah…

“The woman said to Elijah, ‘Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth.'” 1 Kings 17:1-10,13-16,24

“[Jesus] answered, ‘It is written,“Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”'” Matthew 4:4

In the reality of time and space, Israel was in a famine and Elijah was hungry. God’s word broke in to instruct and provide, and by the prophet’s obedience, his and others’ hunger was satiated. Throughout the scriptures, as the word came in power, so did its fulfillment.

God, in ordering both need and provision, demonstrates the potency of His spoken word. Though much is still mysterious to us, it is true that in Christ, every promise spoken is yes and amen. God’s word delivered is God’s word done, always in His way and timing. (Numbers 23:19; Jeremiah 1:12; 2 Corinthians 1:20)

When we live by mantras and pleasures of this world, our pangs are never satisfied. But when we live by God’s word- take it as our own and heed it- our souls are sustained. What is our true desire, and how are we pursuing it? (Psalm 63:5-7)

In weakness and hunger, where do we go for satisfaction? The world offers an array of empty enticements that lure eyes, mind, and emotions. If we would name and put away the poor choices and empty nourishment we’ve wastefully entertained, we’d see clearly to partake of the rich repast our Lord daily offers. (Isaiah 55:2)

Lord, may I find sustenance and satisfaction You alone.

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit,.. according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For… you have been filled in him… putting off the body of the flesh,.. having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. You who were dead in your trespasses.., God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us.., nailing it to the cross…

“Since then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God…

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry… In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” Colossians 2:6-14; 3:1-3,5,7-10

Paul reminds the Colossians that their gift of salvation was only the entry to life in Christ. As they have been made new and alive with Him, filled with and hidden in Him, since they were raised with Him, they were responsible to think and behave differently. All that had been accomplished spiritually must now be implemented and expressed practically. To walk and grow in Christ required ongoing vigilance against filthy habits of the world and upward toward godly thinking and doing.

The upward call of Christ is not an easy climb. Pauls letter intended to encourage the early churches upbuild and fortify the Church today. Christians are cloaked in many an ‘as’ and ‘since,’ and it takes faith and practice to take hold of new realities.

Regrets pepper our thoughts, and we must remember Christ’s forgiveness. Weakness riddles our resolve, and we must put away doubt. The philosophies of the world stream ubiquitously, and we must tune in to the Word and renew our minds. The upward climb itself is littered with distraction and temptations to apathy or sloth or surrender, so we must press on and keep faith muscles supple and strong. (Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 3:12-16)

What thinking or affection needs realignment? What habits need be ruthlessly put off? What truths of Christ’s victory over sin and its fallout need I apply?

The Lord does not leave us to grow alone, but provides His word, His Spirit, and His people to show the way and come alongside. How are we taking advantage of in-person worship, teaching, encouragement, and serving at church? Beside whom do we plod and strain forward? What steps would God have us take to better establish ourselves, or others, today? (Psalm 119:105; Hebrews 10:24-25)

Lord, help me faithfully apply what You have victoriously done, to Your glory.

“Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the [Gentile] churches give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well.  Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.” Romans 16:3-16

Beloved, beloved, beloved. The fullness of Paul’s heart permeates his greetings to many fellow servants of God he loved from afar. He has built relationships, enjoyed mutual caring and fellowship, noted their sacrifices, witnessed their effectiveness, learned and cared for their families. The scope of his gratitude for their hard work, kinship, shared faith, and familial love is expressed with lavish affection. His deep experience of ties that bind God’s people in ministry moves him to embrace them individually by name and impart love as though he were looking them in the eye.

Who would be on our greeting list? When do we make the effort to listen, get to know, and care for those in the Body? Alongside whom do we regularly serve? For whom do we sacrifice time, resources, and convenience to share meaningful experiences? Do we excuse ‘not being good with names’, or make concerted effort to learn them and so convey value to their owners?

As a fruit of the Spirit, love is deepened when we practice preferring others before ourselves and regularly pray for them. How well do we love God’s people? In what practical ways do we demonstrate and communicate that love? (Romans 12:9-15; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Philippians 2:2-4; Galatians 5:22)

When do we find it most difficult to love? Replacing resentment, shame, selfishness, or jealousy with meditating on Christ’s love brings gratitude and fresh desire to love as He does. Where do we need our love to grow in quality, capacity, and reach? As we love His children, God’s love is magnified to the world. (John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:19)

“Blest be the tie that binds 
our hearts in Christian love; 
the fellowship of kindred minds 
is like to that above. 

Before our Father’s throne 
we pour our ardent prayers; 
our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, 
our comforts and our cares. 

We share our mutual woes, 
our mutual burdens bear, 
and often for each other flows 
the sympathizing tear. ” ~John Fawcett (1782)

Lord, fill me to overflow with Your love for Your people, to their upbuilding and Your glory.