The Shepherd's Apprentice

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May 23

He came to Jesus by night
John 3:2

The Gospel portrait of the Pharisees is: Whitewashed tombs. Clean as a freshly scrubbed cup on the outside, but full of greed, self-indulgence, legalism, and pride on the inside (see Mt 23:25-26).

Fortunately, at least one Pharisee defied the stereotype. Nicodemus was hungry for the truth. Therefore, he sought out a humble carpenter who reflected the way, the truth, and the life. Isn't it fascinating, though, that he did it at night, under the cloak of darkness?

I've watched too many spy movies (to be sure) and a few comic capers like Get Smart. Therefore, I often imagine Nicodemus as Maxwell Smart -- sneaking between the shadows, looking over his shoulder, dialing Pharisee number 99 on his sandal phone, and meeting with Jesus under the cone of silence.

How many people in our sphere of influence are hungry for the way, the truth, and the life, but they've dug themselves into a prideful hole? They dare not admit that they need help ... need faith ... need healing ... need God. They're so scarred by life that they cannot believe that they can be loved. They cannot come forward publicly. It would be too embarrassing.

Who do you know like that? Tell them about Nicodemus. And encourage them to sneak into God, church, and faith undercover. (For example, many people can't imagine coming to a church worship service -- "the roof might cave in" -- but they wouldn't mind being invited to a picnic!)

In Christ's Love,
Agent 32
(as in John 3:2)

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May 22

His disciples remembered that it was written,
"Zeal for your house will consume me."
John 2:17

John doesn't record my favorite line in the cleansing of the temple: "My house shall be called a house of prayer" (Mt 21:13, Mk 11:17, Lk 19:46 -- all based on Isaiah 56:7). Thankfully, John's remembrance enriches us with another verse -- based on Psalm 69:9, "Zeal for your house will consume me."

When you think of "church" -- Spirit of Joy -- what do you think of? I urge you to lift two words to the top of your list: prayer and zeal.

Pray more and more for you church ... and in your church. Come early. Stay late. Pray for our council and leaders. Pray for our hurting brothers and sisters. Lift up our kids in a society intent on dumbing them down. Ask for reconciliation with those who've hurt you. Seek to know those who are new as true brothers and sisters in Christ.

And zeal ... Zeal means passion, enthusiasm, eager desire, fervor, and love. What keeps you from zeal for God's house -- our church -- in your life? Whichever one of those words for zeal is missing in your heart, start praying for it daily. "Lord, help me have a fervor for church and service -- not just an exhaustion in my life and work." "Lord, help me be enthusiastic supporter of ____ ministry."

In Christ's Love,
a guy who hungers for
a stronger and stronger and even stronger
house of prayer

_________________________
May 21

Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water."
And they filled them up to the brim
John 2:7

It didn't make sense.

They were out of wine. Why fill the barrels with water?

Sometimes our instructions to our kids don't make sense. We say stop. They go three more steps, then think about slowing down. From their perspective, there's no reason to halt. But what if there was a snake? Obedience matters. Immediate obedience matters.

It didn't make sense for the stewards at the wedding in Cana to fill the jars with water. In fact, many of the passages in the Bible don't immediately make sense ... at least from our human perspective. But miracles happen when godly obedience exceeds human reasoning.

In Christ's Love,
a guy who needs to write a hundred times,
Obey immediately.
Obey immediately.
Obey immediately.
Obey immediately.
Obey immediat.....