body of Christ – Be Still…

1 Chronicles 26:1-32 – Crucial but Not Flashy

Read 1 Chronicles 26:1-32

David’s spree of making assignments continues. These jobs of the Levites are not as glamorous but certainly critically important to the royal administration and care of the temple. Again, David uses sacred lots to make sure the assignments are blessed and fair.

What continues to astound me is the number of helpers it takes to care for the kingdom and future temple of the Lord. Were thousands of people really needed? David was intentional to make sure he had Gatekeepers to guard the entrances to the city of Jerusalem, Treasurers to keep track of all the gifts and offerings, and Officials and Judges to handle matters relating to God and the kingdom for multiple areas or zones.

1 Peter 2:1-10 – Living Stones

Read 1 Peter 2:1-10

It’s all about representing Jesus well. We just heard in our last reading about holy living, and now we learn we’re to be living stones! To get ready for that, Peter begins by commanding a cleanse. He knew firsthand how easily it was to fall prey to the world and let fear or doubt take control. You may even say things you don’t mean! Peter calls us to be real and not fake.

What does a living stone do? What are our job requirements? Peter was a living stone, building his life on the truth of Jesus Christ. What did Peter do? He told people about Jesus. Peter describes us as: “You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession.” There’s that bit about being holy again. Peter wants for us to be holy because that’s what Jesus wants for us. His kingdom is being populated with royal priests who are holy!

1 Corinthians 12:12-31 – Could I Be a Mouth?

Read 1 Corinthians 1:12-31

We are all parts of the body of Christ. I love the imagery Paul uses to help us understand we are all important. We all have a role to play. I said “mouth” for me because God is using me to “speak up” and help people remember to connect with him and his word. But really, I’d be doing the same thing I’m doing even if I was a big toe!

All kidding aside, I love how Paul affirms everyone. In our day and age when sensitivity is at an all time high, this is a particularly good message. Don’t you love when you stumble upon real life solutions within the pages of the Bible? The body of Christ must have all the different parts, and each part is equally important! When we live a truth like that, we can’t help but be more loving to others.

1 Corinthians 11:17-34 – The Lord’s Supper

Read 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

There are so many ways to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Have you ever done so in a home or in a park? I know my husband, as a pastor, has been doing in-home communion visits for all of his ministry career. Those moments were often treasured by congregants who could no longer make it physically to church. My own father is now one of those who looks forward to his monthly visit from a couple of church friends now that he’s in a care facility.

What did you think of Paul’s take on it? He seems to add a dimension that many people may not reflect on regularly. I don’t think I’m the only one grew up not knowing about the part of being “rightly prepared to receive this sacrament” (as in Luther’s Small Catechism). It makes a lot of sense.

Ephesians 1:15-23 – Spiritually Wise

Read Ephesians 1:15-23

I just love this passage. First of all, the prayer is a prayer I have for each of you, and particularly for each of my children and grandchildren. In this fast-paced, crazy world, the importance of a relationship with God can often get overlooked. I’m as guilty as the next guy. There were times in my life when Sundays couldn’t come fast enough, and the time in between, well, was full of things that kept my eyes focused on other things. Now I see the importance of a relationship with God, and I certainly want spiritual wisdom to grow in my knowledge of God.

For years, I put off my quiet time instead of making it a priority. Now that I am making it a priority, my life feels so much more complete. I feel more confident, more focused, more peaceful. I started this routine before I was retired. I challenged myself to start journaling my reflections. I did that personally with God. He prompted me to share with others. He knew we could use this to reach busy folks. He longs for a relationship with you. Continue reading “Ephesians 1:15-23 – Spiritually Wise”