Tag Archives: helping others

Not Immune

When the next mind boggling event occurs in America, I’m not afraid to question God, searching for answers to stabbings, shootings and tragedy in public places.  Sometimes I feel like God has removed his presence, moving on to another nation, where hearts are open to truth.  Yet, as soon as trials enter my own life, the Holy Spirit has reminded me this week that Jesus was not immune from heartache.

According to John 11:14, God reveals to Jesus that his friend Lazarus has died.  As He makes his way to the tomb, Jesus is met with a distraught sister, blaming him for her brother’s death, John 11:21.  A second family member has similar feelings, bringing Jesus to tears, John 11:32-35.  While using God’s healing power to raise Lazarus from the dead, John 11:38-44, Jesus’ grief continued.  One of his disciples betrayed him, another publicly denied knowing Jesus and finally the Jews convinced the public leaders to have him crucified.

Unlike the Curse of the Bambino for Boston Red Sox fans, the events of original sin can not be reversed, Genesis 3:16-24.  Perhaps, this may explain Hebrews 12:4, putting life into its proper perspective.  With the circumstances in life continuing to decay, no one is immune from pain.  Therefore, as you fight the good fight, 1 Timothy 6:12, hang in there, encourage the depressed around you and place your trust in the Lord, Proverbs 3:5-6.  Share how you have been helped or reached out to lend a loving hand.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

Saving the Best for Now

Attending weddings are often a family affair, seeing relatives that you’ve only heard stories of or seeing others you haven’t seen for years.  Whether you are on the bride or groom side, marriage is meant to publicly celebrate the union between a husband and a wife, where two individuals become one flesh, Matthew 19:4-6.  Although not mentioned in John 2:1-11, the rabbi overseeing the proceeding likely quotes Genesis 2:24 during the vows portion of the wedding in Cana that Jesus and his family attended.

Based upon the accounts in chapter 1, only 6 disciples had been selected by Jesus, with 6 more to complete his ministry team.  This passage also suggests Joseph, Mary’s husband and Jesus’ earthly father had been dead for sometime.  The final piece of the puzzle insinuates that Mary is a close acquaintance to the parents of the bride as she is concerned about how her friend would be perceived if they ran out of wine at the reception, with some carrying on for 3-4 days.  If this is true, these elements help explain Jesus’ comment, “my time has not yet come,” Joseph’s absence from the text and Mary’s anxious reply to her son.  An observer to all of these occurrences is James, the author of the Catholic Letter and younger brother of Jesus.

Although his earthly ministry was not suppose to start yet, Jesus felt compelled to obey 5th commandment, Exodus 20:12, “honor your father and mother.”  The perfect child, Jesus calls the servants at the party to listen to his instructions, John 2:6-8.  Knowing the miracle had been done from a distance, Jesus orders the master of the banquet to receive a cup from one of the 6 stone jars, filled with water.  Remaining in the background, Jesus allows the bridegroom to take credit for the choice wine created by the son of God.  The master of the banquet refers to his sip as, “saving the best til now!”

An eyewitness of this miracle, James probably never forgot what his oldest brother had done, a special memory etched in his mind.  Perhaps James 4:13-17 is a small glimpse of the lesson God taught him in Cana.  You may love your past or can’t wait for a future event, but all that matters is the here and now.  Therefore, don’t worry about what could of or should have been and avoid the temptation of what may be.  Rather, live out Colossians 3:17 today as you save the best for now!

by Jay Mankus

When the World Around You Begins to Fall Apart

Seven years ago, I felt like I was on top of the world.  My family and I spent a month traveling around the country, with the Grand Canyon as the main attraction.  A year later, we had enough money to put an addition on our house, giving each of our 3 children the privacy of their own room.  With the summers off as a teacher, a good paying hard-scaping job provided the extra funds to buy accessories for this new project.  However, as I cut my grass today, I realized that I have slowly allowed the world around me to fall apart.

By foregoing a few upgrades on our addition, there is now a water fall directly under the front door during each rain storm.  This lack of foresight has led to a now rotted door frame which needs to be replaced.  Recognizing I didn’t have the financial resources to maintain my yard properly in the spring, I waited to see what would happen without applying fertilizer, lime or weed and feed.  The consequence has been a yard of clovers, weeds and vegetation more suitable for a jungle than a neighborhood.  The appearance of the exterior of my home highlights that lack of care, concern and priority I possess for having a green thumb.

When you don’t set aside time for things or make it a priority, decay often follows.  When neglect turns to denial, people’s lives can  fall apart.  On the other hand, you don’t want to waste your life trying to pretend to be happy on the outside, yet when the camera is off, you’re a wreck.  Thus, balance is crucial, Philippians 2:4, taking care of your own needs before you can be of any help to others.  Honestly, I don’t know if my yard can be saved, but for those around me, hurting or in need of encouragement, that is where I need to invest my time for now.  Take part in this spiritual harvest, Matthew 9:37-38.

by Jay Mankus