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Live Blogging Reload NYC, Part 2
By Jeremy | September 29, 2007
Rev. Dr. A.R. Bernard
“The Long Nightâ€Â
Youth are 60% of current population, but 100% of future.
Youth want what is real and genuine, a greater demand on us to be genuine and authentic.
“I tell corny jokes, but…â€Â
Q: What kind of car would Jesus drive?
A: A Honda: “They were all in one Accord.â€Â
“What if Jonah went to hell?â€Â
“Then you can ask him.â€Â
The longest night Jesus ever experienced was the last night of his life. What he did stands out. The secularization of the church (the moving away of the standards of Christ to privatization of faith) is happening fast & furious. Results in focus on personal counseling, and give “me†what I need to live right.
In Mark’s four soil parable, the greatest competition for the souls of our kids is the culture. Only the first soil, “the pathway,†was subject to Satan’s influence.
John writes both “God so loved the world†– which refers to people (John 3) – and, “Love not the world†(1 John) – which refers to value system.
You can be Biblical and not Christian. For example, Jesus said: “I know it was said … but I say….†We are called to be Christians, Christ followers, not “Biblical.â€Â
A thought about leadership from John 13, the last night.
Context: Earlier in the week, Christ experienced the Triumphal entry. But tensions were high. His family had mocked him just days before that because they didn’t understand his calling. Saturday and Sunday, he stayed at the home of dear friends, Lazarus and his sisters. Death threats were public, so whenever he was with the crowds he was safe. Spends Passover night with his disciples, investing in them.
Disciples were a motley bunch. Not prestigious, knowledgeable or religious. They were individuals who would obey him. Obedience is most important during ministry. It takes faith to obey without all the information.
A night of remembering. Receives the sader. “This is my body… This is the new covenant in my blood.†He was talking about his blood. It’s tough when staff doesn’t get the vision. He’s celebrating Passover in a way the disciples had never understood it before. He predicts Peter’s denial. He confirms that he’s the only way to the Father. He promised the Holy Spirit. He taught about the vine and branches. He warned about the hatred. Taught work and ministry of HS. Taught about using his name in prayer. He predicts his betrayal. After all that, he leads them to the Garden knowing full well that all his disciples would abandon him.
He asks them to “watch†while he went to pray, because he knew Judas would be coming with the soldiers. He agonized so much that his sweat came forth as blood. Public shame awaited him. He checked and they were sleeping. His agony: wrestling with himself, his will versus Father’s will.
He’s betrayed with a kiss. Peter tries to kill a soldier. “Put it away. I can call down legions of angels, but I must not so that God’s will may come. Subject to beating and sham trial. Crucifixion. A long night.
John 13:1 (NLT)
Jesus knew he had all the power and authority… but now he demonstrates what leadership is all about. He took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waste, and washed disciples’ feet. That shocked Peter. How he released them into ministry required them to wash feet. The only time foot-washing is done in scripture. It’s a one-shot deal where Jesus is making a point.
Was he a leader serving his followers or a servant showing them how to lead? If you see yourself as a leader, you’ll pick and choose times to serve. But if you see yourself as a servant whom God gives opportunities to lead, then serving will never be beneath you.
If serving is what you do, you miss it. Serving should not be an activity for leaders. It is who we are. We do what we do out of who we are. When Jesus watched their feet, he wasn’t serving. He was leading. He was giving them an example of how to lead.
I’m a pastor because I’m a servant of Christ whom he’s given an opportunity to lead. We only have one master, but he allows us to lead in many different capacities.
Mark 10:35-45
John and James request places of honor. Jesus’ response was to promise suffering, not “me first†blessing. Jesus didn’t promise what he couldn’t give. He knew that the Father alone could assign the places of honor in heaven. The disciples were indignant at James and John. Jesus said rulers of world flaunt leadership, but:
“AMONG YOU IT WILL BE DIFFERENT. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant. … Even the son of man came not to be served but to serve others and give his life as a ransom for many.â€ÂAre you going to be a leader who serves or a servant who leads? You must choose. Choose wisely.
Topics: ar bernard, leadership, reload, training, UYWI, youth ministry | No Comments »
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