leaders

Hebrews 13:17-19

There are two imperatives, each with further, explanation in these verses. The first is: "have confidence in your leaders." This includes the author as one of the audience's leaders seen by the plural "us". The reason that the audience should have confidence in their leaders is that the leaders are going to have to give an account for their leadership. The author has confidence that the leaders take their role seriously, understand that they are under the authourity of Christ and will have to give an account of how they led (see v18). Because of this, the conclusion is that the leaders have the best possible motives and are, as best as they can, ministering according to the direction of the Spirit. The audience's responsibility is to make sure that leadership is not a burden.
The second imperative is: "pray for us." The author implies what the audience should pray for: that the work of leadership will not be a burden, that the leaders will keep their conscience clear and that they will fulfill their desire to live honourably. We learn in this section that the author is prevented from joining the audience for some reason.
There are two implications for me: 1) because I have leaders over me, I must remember to pray for them and to have confidence in their leadership. This doesn't mean blind obedience but to recognize that they are leading as best as they know how and that their desires and motives are good. I must be very careful about how I talk about them and to them. I don't have any real problems with the leadership of this church but it's a good reminder to support them through prayer. 2) as a leader I must make sure that my motives are pure, my conscience is clear and that my desire is to live honourably as a leader. As soon as personal ambition or pride enter the equation, my leadership abilities are compromised. I enjoy leadership but it is a massive responsibility.

quoting Enoch

Jude 11-25

The key words are ungodly (repeated several times in Enoch's quote), the Spirit. There are a lot of word pictures and metaphors: the way of Cain (possibly seeking their own way to please God rather than accepting the ways of Jesus?), Balaam's error (possibly seeking the power of the Spirit for their own gain?), Korah's rebellion (possibly rebellion against the one God has chosen?), shepherds who feed themselves (possibly using leadership positions for personal profit), clouds without rain (lots of show and no substance, no use to the people who need water), autumn trees twice dead (no lasting benefit and no connection to God), wild waves (causing a big commotion but producing only foam and froth), wandering stars (no fixed point, no use for navigation).
I think the phrase that stuck out to me was "be merciful to those who doubt" (v. 22). I usually applaud those who are sure and lose patience with those who doubt. I need to hear the admonition of Jude: be merciful, be patient, journey with them. Jude also makes it clear that I can't lose my sense of urgency; eternity is at stake and there are some that need to be snatched from the fire. However, I don't need to be motivated by fear. I can just be faithful - open to the prompting of the Spirit and obedient to the call of Christ.

Being a Man

A final post on Mark Driscoll's message from ReFocus Canada...

I feel like my wife has been waiting for this for a long time but I was too much of a chicken and it felt too "forced" for me. If you know me at all, you'll know that I don't like to do things just because they are expected of me (and yet I'm a huge people pleaser - I know, it seems like a contradiction). So, when someone gave us a book called "Nightlight" or something like that - a book of couple's devotions to do together at night - I balked. Sure we tried it but I didn't really like it. I didn't like the questions - they seemed geared more towards the woman (you know, "how do you feel about...?" type questions. I hate those!!) - and it felt really artificial. It didn't take long until we were doing nothing as far as devotions together.
Mark really challenged me about my role in the home. I need to step up! And so I have been. We don't do devotions every night together because we aren't always home or going to bed at the same time (I'm too wired after youth to go to sleep!). And we aren't doing much - just following a calendar that has a verse (from the King James, no less!), a short meditation and a stanza from a poem or hymn and then we take turns praying. It's not that hard!!
It doesn't feel like a huge deal right now. There were no beams of light from heaven or anything like that but I think it's really good for a number of reasons: 1) I'm stepping up to take the lead in the spiritual life of my family. 2) It allows my wife to see a small insight into my spiritual and emotional side. 3) It a time to connect with my wife - we're so busy that we don't have many other times: We only eat dinner together on Thursdays, most Fridays and Saturdays and most Sunday lunches. I also think that over time we will grow closer than we already are. The spiritual intimacy levels will be raised and will benefit the other areas of intimacy as well (emotional and physical).