Tag Archives: Godly

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

Godly Superstars on the Fringe

1 Comment

God created people and does amazing things with and through them—not necessarily the pristine, wealthy, or popular, but often the poor, despised, and unexpected. Matthew or Zacheus, presumably greedy Jewish folk who collected taxes for the Romans, may come to mind. This article isn’t about them. Instead, I want to introduce you to God’s superstars on the fringe who weren’t Hebrew or Israelite but pagans, some harlots and warmongers. Yet, God used them to draw creation back to Himself. Let’s take a look at a few, starting with Job.

Job. This righteous man, perhaps an Edomite, lived at around 2,000 BCE. He honored God with all he had and did. And God found favor in him as a result: “The LORD said to Satan, ‘Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.’” (Job 1:8). God presents him as an incredible model of perseverance and reverence.

Melchizedek. This pagan king of Salem reigned in around 2,000 BCE in the days of Abraham. Despite not being in the lineage of Abraham to Jesus (and not from the Jewish priestly line!), he was considered a “priest of God Most High” (Genesis 14:18). You can read all about him and Jesus’ comparison to him in Hebrews chapters 5-7 (FYI: Melchizedek was a real king/priest, NOT Jesus pre-incarnate!).

Tamar. This stubborn Aramean Gentile lived in the House of Judah in about 1,600 BCE. When she was betrayed by the King, she pretended to be a prostitute so he’d sleep with her and produce an heir. Pushing for her rights in this way proved her loyalty to Judah and earned her a place in Jesus’ lineage.

Rahab. This Canaanite prostitute lived in Jericho at around 1,400 BCE. Regardless of her occupation, her faithfulness earned her a place in biblical history when she hid and protected Israelite spies. Her works by faith also earned her a place in Jesus’ lineage: she was King David’s great-great-grandmother.

Ruth. This Moabite woman lived around 1,300 BCE and was King David’s great-grandmother. She was an incredibly loyal and kind woman who stayed by her widowed mother-in-law, helping her return to Israel, where Ruth became part of Jesus’ lineage.

Cornelious. Our final godly ‘superstar on the fringe’ is Cornelius (Roman Centurion from the Italian Cohort), who lived around 30 CE. His claim to fame? This pagan soldier prayed to the one true God and then obediently summoned Peter, who preached the good news of God’s Kingdom to him and his family. Cornelious is likely the first converted Gentile.

Summary. God will have His way—sometimes through the least of us, those on the fringe of society or culture. Next time, we’ll examine what it looks like “When Love Runs Cold.” Meanwhile, remember that God can use you even if you might be ‘on the fringe.’

God’s blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Uncategorized

Soul Food, Anyone?

Leave a comment

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!” resonates with those of us who understand the value of caring for what we value from home and car maintenance to finances. Care of the ‘soul’ should get no less attention and upkeep; spiritual formation points us in the right direction and can help us remain healthy in body, soul, and mind.

Because I understand the soul represents what the spirit doesn’t (e.g. body, mind, intent, etc.,) spiritual formation (soul-care) makes perfect sense to me as the ounce of prevention needed to be faithful, obedient, and healthy. The lack of attention to relative formation elements introduces the risk of stress, anxiety, poor physical and mental/emotional health, and limited or non-existent faith – all of which can become roadblocks to spiritual effectiveness!

Here are a few standard disciplines related to spiritual formation and the reduction of the risks I just mentioned:

  • Bible Study & Prayer. The Bible makes clear that our faith (belief/confidence) is formed largely through exposure to the Scriptures (e.g. Romans 10:17; 2Timothy 3:16-17). The learning provides boundaries and guidance, builds our ability to follow, and reduces the chances of deception (cf. Colossians 2:7-8). Most Christians (more than 98%, statistically) don’t read the Bible regularly. And, although prayer is our communication with God through the Spirit, we don’t do that regularly or effectively either. Setting aside at least one period each day (ideally at the same time) for prayer and Bible study will allow us to ‘renew our minds’, avoid deceptions (g., equip to train others, and petition or thank our God.
  • Physical Exercise. Physical exercise reduces stress and illness. And, the better we feel, the more efficient we’ll likely be in our walk as Jesus’ followers. A regiment of at least 30 minutes or so several times a week in some cardio and physical exercise would be an excellent start.
  • Mental Exercise. The brain needs stimulus too. Engaging in educational pursuits, intelligent conversations or debates, reading, etc. will help keep you mentally healthy and productive in your work, play, and witness.
  • Financial Stewardship. Financial problems provide much stress and distraction from important and healthy pursuits. Stress over financial trouble strains relationships and physical health alike. God calls us to be good financial stewards as shown by the Bible throughout the Old and New Testaments (e.g. Psalms 37:21; Proverbs 22:7 & 26; Matthew 25:27; Luke 20:20-25; Romans 13:8). Following biblical advice will aid greatly in keeping us healthy and financially stable.
  • Relationship Maintenance. Finally, we’re social creatures and must maintain our relationships to reduce stress and loneliness. Relationships are also critical to our ability to evangelize and disciple others. Therefore, we should make time to maintain our connections to family and friends.

In conclusion, my challenge to all followers of our Christ is that we continually engage in spiritual formation – ‘soul care’ – to ensure we’re active participants in our covenant with God.

Blessings,

rb