Psalm 2:11-12 Take Refuge

While I was living in Puerto Rico, during one hurricane season, a flood ensued due to much rain. I was driving at the time and I noticed that down the road a flow of water was coming my way dragging cars and whatever else along the way. I had the opportunity to turn away from the flood by getting on the sidewalk and a gravel patch to climb to higher ground and take refuge until the flood subsided. I was safe because I took refuge.

We are living in very uncertain times. The economy, the war, and the healthcare reform have everyone talking about what it will be. Unfortunately, many look up to our President as the one who can provide the certainty we need in life and ignore the true ruler who can be a true refuge for our lives despite the circumstances. Psalm 2 is a song with lyrics that uncover the plot of the nations to overthrow Israel and proclaims its Messiah as the only true refuge in times of uncertainty.

Jesus, the Messiah, our King is the only refuge. But for him to be our refuge, we must submit to him as our King and worship him. We must serve him wholeheartedly as the only ruler of our lives. Jesus, the Anointed One, came into the world to become the ruler of all nations, and not just of our individual souls. One day, he will sit on a throne above all nations and those who made him their refuge will rejoice with him. Unfortunately, those who reject him as King will be judged by him.

"Blessed are all who take refuge in him." Let's take refuge in Jesus!

Father, grant me the heart's desire to make your Son my refuge. Fill me with your Spirit to submit to his rule, worship him with joy, and serve him with all my strength. Amen.

Matthew 4:12-17 Jesus Begins His Ministry

Jesus begins his ministry in the midst of much social, political, and religious turmoil. His withdrawal right after John's arrest tells me that Jesus was not a demonstrator. At times, I confuse the kingdom of God and its agenda with protesting for something or someone. Jesus could have mobilized people to get John out of jail. Maybe he could have planned a revolt to liberate him. He simply avoided being noticed because the kingdom agenda demanded that.

Even from the start, we see Jesus interested in the needs of the Gentiles. As fulfillment to a prophecy Jesus made his base of ministry among those who needed it the most. Jesus became the light in the midst of darkness. Ministry is to serve those who are in need. It is not a social club for "us four and no more." I must seek the needs of the community and shine the light of Christ upon them.

Jesus' ministry, though distinct from John the Baptist, is also a continuity to the work that John - and all the prophets before him, had started. The message of the kingdom continues to be one of repentance. Ministry can take many shapes and forms. Ministry can become creative and challenging to society. But ministry must never change the message. There is a legacy that I must respect and continue to preach what I have learned.

Ministry is not protest. It is to shine the light of Christ upon people who live in darkness. It is to continue preaching to the world that repentance is the only way into the kingdom.

Oh God, may I never innovate ministry so much that I become a demonstrator missing out its essence. Help me see the need for light in people's darkness and be willing to serve that need. Teach me to preach repentance until the end of my days, no matter how old-fashioned it may become.