March 2015 – Eagle Rock Community Church

“What have you done for me lately?”

Ever heard this question? When I think about the plethora of religious leaders throughout history, I think of this question. Here were people like you and I trying to guide other humans towards God or some spiritual path. The bottom line is usually the same. Do this, do that and these will be the results. It all comes down basically to a “spiritual” self helps system. Not so with Jesus! Here is God’s anointed Servant. He did all the work to bring us to God. In biblical terms it is called grace. God’s undeserved love demonstrated in the redeeming work of Christ on the cross. If you have received the redeeming work of Jesus, then you probably are experiencing what He has done for you lately! His work keeps going on because His resurrected life is being lived out through us. Paul articulated this clearly in his letter to the Galatians. He says, “ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20. Our responsibility can be summarized as letting go of our own efforts and trusting God to work through us. This really hits home this week! I am tired, a little overworked and my prayer is, “ God give me the strength to do your work through me.” I am so thankful for the Servant’s work for me. I am reminded of Isaiah 42. The Servant will deal with us tenderly. A bruised reed he will not break and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. Thank you Jesus for what you have done for me lately!

It Is All About Power!

We have been flooded with materials on the local city elections. I wonder how many of us really read what comes in the mail or is left on our doorsteps? Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for public servants. I pray for good people to serve on all levels of government. What is disheartening, is when our elected officials work harder to keep their positions of power and influence than serving their constituents. Power in any arena can blind people from truly serving the needs of others. Jesus dealt with this in his little band of disciples. Too often the history of the church has been riddled with people abusing power. Jesus modeled how to truly influence and transform lives by living as a servant. He had all the power available to him by being the divine Son of God, yet he humbled himself and became a servant. He went all the way in giving his life as a ransom for our spiritual freedom. These four weeks before Easter, we are looking at Isaiah’s portrait of God’s Servant. God gave the prophet four songs,(Isaiah 40:1-7, 49:1-7, 50:4-11 & 52:13-53:12), and each one provides critical revelation of how this Servant will fulfill God’s plan of redemption. In preparing for these messages, I have been reflecting on our current historical context. The powerful are really powerless in bringing any social, spiritual or political restoration to our world! We must face the reality that this age will never reach perfection. There will always be evil and injustice. In fact, the Bible says it will get worse! Jesus Christ must return in order for evil to be finally eradicated from this age. The powerful will be overthrown and the meek will inherit the earth. In the meantime, it is up to the multitude of Christian communities to serve the Kingdom and faithfully witness through their words and actions. We can make a difference! What God is doing in this age is rarely seen by the world. God doesn’t need headlines, He needs faithful servants to witness for Jesus. I am excited to be a part of this kingdom work here in Eagle Rock. Let’s not get discouraged by the ineptness of the powerful, but be energized to see God work through our faithful service!