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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Early Hebrew rabbi’s had a saying mirrored in an assurance by Christ of his presence among his worshippers in Matthew 18:20. The rabbinic teaching likewise affirming God’s presence whenever students of his word came together to study, saying “When two sit together and exchange words of Torah, then the Divine Presence dwells among them.”
Many Jews read their ancient scripture – our Old Testament – as if it were a rendering of their family history, considering themselves as much a part of what is related there as were their ancestors thousands of years ago. Many consider Moses, not as a near-mythical figure, but more like an important though distant uncle. Likewise, in studying the words of their rabbis, they often approach the material not as a lesson from history but as a discussion of pertinent information with an older, wiser relative.1
That vital thread of connectedness with their spiritual ancestors is often missing among Christians. But matters such as answered prayer, God’s judgement, Christ’s forgiveness and eternal salvation are just as relevant today as they were to the early church ages ago; as are the Apostles, early church fathers and other heroes of the faith, setting examples as to how we should behave and respond today. Christian author Eugene Peterson asserting that, “A Christian who has David in his bones, Jeremiah in his blood stream, Paul in his fingertips and Christ in his heart will know how much and how little value to put on his own momentary feelings and the experiences of the week.2Faith blossoming not in adherence to abstract ideals – regardless of their practical value – but in a real-life encounter with Jesus Christ.
Part of that on-going experience means sharing our lives with Him and others. Spangler/Tverberg writing, “If the goal of discipleship is to become Christ-like, it’s important that we spend time with others learning how to love and be loved…”3 Yet as worldly-wise Westerners, much of our technology and material wealth instead fosters minimal contact with others – even as we claim they open new channels of connectedness. Removing from our “relationships” the sometimes messy, more-often pleasing, at times challenging encounters with real people; causing us to miss out on opportunities for growth, support, accountability and faith-building that those encounters often foster. Spangler/Tverberg asserting that, “Time alone with God and away from daily pressure can help us discern the still, small voice of God; but isolated solitude should not be the norm. We should look for opportunities to connect with others in meaningful ways…”; where evangelism can happen and genuine love – on a number of levels – can be experienced and expressed.4 A “community” of believers, large and small, encouraging debate of the realities of life, even as it develops trust and fosters respect.
Paul, one of the greatest creators of community through church planting prayed, “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,.” Romans 15:5,6 Unity of spirit, heart and soul being essential to the message and survival of the early Christian movement, as it still is for the church today. Jesus praying that his followers would be blessed with the same unity of purpose He and His Father possessed. (John 17:11)
Paul characterized his herculean efforts at evangelism and church building as, “..that (we) may be encouraged in heart and united in love,…” Colossians 2:2 The early church finding unity of purpose through connectedness with the past and community with fellow believers in the present, forging a “family” that would last into the future; even in the face of horrific persecution and social upheaval. (See Romans 8:16,1 7)
Thereby finding solace, strength and purpose through adoption into God’s family through faith, obedience and sacrifice. (Mark 3:31-35)
Paul further exhorting us to, “Keep on loving each other as brothers.” Hebrews 13:1 Which can be difficult for any number of reasons; but if we can’t live and interact reasonably with one another by extending grace and exercising patience with our blood brothers and adopted family members, how can we ever hope to relate to unbelievers with whom we share almost nothing?
Scripture, as usual, sets the pattern for ideal family interaction, starting with “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds… Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 11:19 The obvious goal being to pass along to each succeeding generation what God has done for us. (See also Deuteronomy 4:9) A significantly direct correlation – or connection – between an Old Testament observance and the church being the Passover meal (Exodus 12) and the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:14-20), celebrating the fulfillment of Passover in Christ.
As a result of that remembering, the early church “hung out” together, holding everything in common; to the point of selling their possessions and dispersing the proceeds among the needy. (Acts 2:44,45 & 4:32 Not a requirement of membership, but an ideal worth consideration today. See Acts 4:36 & 5:1-11 as well) These acts of generosity being a natural outgrowth of, “…devot(ing) themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer… Every day they continued to meet together…”; praising God with glad and sincere hearts and consequently enjoying the favor of many people – believers and unbelievers alike – because of the sincerity of their hearts and the genuine concern they showed for their neighbors. (Acts 2:42-47) Giving new meaning to the exclamation of Psalm 133:1, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!”
A key to that kind of unity is rooted in a generous and liberal approach to others. By that I mean allowing for differences of personality, understanding and ability, while acknowledging God’s provision through them all. In fact, one of the first acts of the early church was to form a committee in an attempt at soothing hurt feelings arising from a sense of neglect and favoritism by one group within the church against another. (Imagine that!) The Twelve, not wanting to neglect their duties of leadership to “wait on tables”, recruited seven men “known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom” to do so instead. Through this first experience at diplomacy and problem-solving, unity was restored and the word of God continued to spread unabated as the number of disciples increased rapidly. (Acts 6:1-7)
Romans 12:4-8 & 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 describe the various functions and gifts necessary for a vibrant, healthy “body”, explaining “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” There naturally being, “…different kinds of gifts,…different kinds of service,…different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.” As “…to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is for the common good.” Being given, “…just as He determines.”
1From Nahum Goldman’s autobiography, Memoirs – Weidenfeld & Nicolson Publishing, quoted by Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg
2From, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, Inter-Varsity Press, quoted by Spangler/Tverberg
3From, Sitting at the Feel of Rabbi Jesus, Spangler/Tverberg, Zondervan Publishing
4 ibid, subtitled, How the Jewishness of Jesus Can Transform Your Faith
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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