Grief

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Sometimes the news comes quick. Sometimes the news comes slow. No matter how or when it comes, grief travels in the wake of the news. Grief is heavy, weighty, a burden, especially when it involves someone deeply loved. Grief is not meant to be carried alone. It’s too heavy and may last a while—and that’s ok. That’s what family and friends are for, to share the load. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his friend and wept but He did not weep alone. It was a deep, human moment. “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ” (Matt 5:4). If anyone knows how we feel in grief, it’s Him. But His grief did not linger long, as at the mention of his name, Lazarus came forth. We are not meant to dwell in grief, but should leave room enough for it. Let it run its course. Like the song says, “ Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain .” Another song says, “ The storm We will dance as it breaks The storm It will give as it takes And all of our pain is washed away Don't cry or be afraid Some things...

unstoppable

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Back in August,2004 I began to blog on a series called "The Spiritual Foundations of Ministry" beginning with "Effective, or just Successful?". During Christmas break I have been trying to get this study going again by looking at some biographies. One I read was that of the Apostle Paul (Acts 9-28). Once I heard a pastor ask, "Why is it when we think of "spiritual giants" or "heroes of the faith" we only think of those who are no longer living?" After getting through conviction-delux, I realized that I have spent many years looking into the apostle Paul's writing and have never really slowed down to look at the man Paul. Here is a non-exhaustive summation of the man I saw in Acts 9-28:

Paul was, from the beginning to the end, a character immersed deep with intention. This is seen in his tenacity of 9:1-3. Immediately one gathers that though he was a man of position and authority, reminiscent of that Roman centurion who met Jesus concerning his servant, Paul was one who was submissive and obedient (9:8; 16:9ff; 20:24; 21:4; 27:23-24). Though his personality was pliable (9:18-19) he was one feared, both before and after conversion (9:26; 14:19). Because of the way people were responding to him, he was both protected and defended at times (9:27; 16:25ff; 19:35ff; 25:8).

One also see Paul as bold as he talked and argued with those he met (9:28-29; 13:46; 14:3), telling the truth and showing discernment (13:10ff). As he spoke, his clear understanding of God's redemptive history is obvious (13:17ff; 14:15ff), and he kept everything in perspective (14:15; 18:21). Those he met were often strengthened or encouraged (14:22; 16:5; 20:31) and he was liked by so many (16:2).

As we see him in true history, we see him as he got frustrated and often provoked (17:16; 18:6), though we also see him holding his tongue (8:4). Paul is passionate, excited, innocent, fearless and without coveting (20:26; 20:26-27).

In Acts, Luke the physician records some interesting things we don't often get to see about many people. Paul is said to be humbled and strengthened (9:17-22) and late we find him in a catalog of dangerous situations (9:23; 14:19; 16:25ff; 19:29ff; 21:33; 23:12, Ch. 27), all of these as he travelled abroad.

The most familiar side of Paul is the spiritual man: having been confronted by Jesus Himself (9:3-6) and is declared to be the chosen instrument of God (9:15), set apart for the service of the LORD (13:2). Right away we see his walk tied into his understanding of purpose (9:15-16; 19:21; 21:24). Paul was often used by God to heal (9:17-18) and perform other miracles (13:11; 14:3; 14:8ff; 19:11; 28:8) as he preached (9:20; 13:5; 13:44; 14:3; 14:21-25; 20:7, 20) being filled with the Holy Spirit (13:9).

Paul was controversial (9:22; 14:19; 15; 16:19ff), but it was not uncommon to find him in fellowship, seeking out other believers with whom he fasted and prayed (13:3; 14:23; 20:37) or fasted and ministered (13:2). He went from place to place being sent (13:4) and appointed for the task (14:23). He was a man devoted to the Word and Christ (18:5).

No man could have pin-pointed Paul to accomplish the kinds of things he did. His entire life rests as an act of the Holy Spirit for the gospel of Jesus Christ to the glory of God. Looking at him one does not see a man who works all his life, gets old, retires and dies. One does not even get a glimpse of him catching his breath! He is the original Energized Bunny. He is called, gets to work, and that's it. Unstoppable.

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