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Article Archive |
2007
Possum Pete
by Jim Morris
Almost every night after supper Possum Pete drops by to keep me company while I study my Bible. Actually, he could care less that I read from Greek or Hebrew lexicons, or dusty church histories. He seems content enough to nibble on the scraps of leftovers that I leave him each day on the patio. Possum Pete sure is “faithful,” isn't he? He shows up at more Bible studies than most people I know. Could our idea of being “faithful” to God be nothing more than “attendance”?
In my Bible I have ten words scribbled in the margin by the paragraph of Acts 2:42-47. I wrote them down as the late Richard Rogers preached 20 years ago on what true “faithfulness” to God looks like in the lives of new Christians after their baptism.
TEACHABLE. “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching...” (2:42). The early Christians were open to the Word of God. They cherished and laid up in store the holy truths of Jesus.
AVAILABLE. “They devoted themselves to the... fellowship...” (2:42).They were involved in one another's lives. It was important for them to gather together.
WORSHIPFUL. “They devoted themselves to the... the breaking of the bread...” (Acts 2:42). They gathered to remember the One who had bought them with His own blood. They worshipped Jesus each time they broke the bread that we call “The Lord's Supper.”
TRUSTFUL. “They devoted themselves to... to prayer” (2:42). They no longer trusted in themselves for all the answers. They turned to the Lord for strength and wisdom.
REVERENT. “Everyone was filled with awe...” (2:43). God was working in their lives. They gave God the glory for His presence in their lives.
UNITED. “All the believers were together and had everything in common” (2:44). Far from the argumentative fracturing that we see today, these early believers were united.
SACRIFICIAL. “Selling their possessions they gave to anyone as he had need” (2:45). God had not commanded but love had demanded that they give as needs arose. Such giving was actually no sacrifice. It was grace and mercy.
JOYFUL. “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts...” (2:46). Every shared meal was a joyful event among those brethren.
ATTRACTIVE. “They broke bread... praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people” (2:47). People with all of these traits are very attractive. However, even though they held favor with all of the regular people, the leaders despised them. If the leaders hated Jesus then why wouldn't they hate His followers, too?
FRUITFUL. “The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (2:47). Fruitfulness is not a command but is a promise. God only requires “faithfulness” and He will make us “fruitful.” Why are we not more fruitful? Why are we not more faithful? Or are we satisfied with Possum Pete's brand of faithfulness?
01-17-07
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