FWD: Morning Manna (Nov. 19); BP: Jn.15:12-17; RBTTY: James 1; Ez. 11-13

 
Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net

 

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-----Original Message-----
From: Apostle Tom <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sun, 18 Nov 2007 16:19:25 -0600
To: <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Subject: Morning Manna (Nov. 19); BP: Jn.15:12-17; RBTTY: James 1; Ez. 11-13
 
November 19                                                                                                               "Christ’s Clone"  
"This is My commandment: That you love one another, as I have loved you."
                                                                                                                                                  John 15:12
      It’s the litmus test for authentic Christianity.
     Nowadays there are lots of counterfeit products on the market. They look like the real thing. They feel like the real thing. And, they may even operate like the real thing. But, they’re not the real thing.
     They’re fake. Imposters. Not the "real deal." And, so often only the trained eye can tell the difference, so advanced are counterfeiters these days—whether it be in currency, computers or clothes.
     Sadly, this same tendency occurs (and has occurred) in churches down through the centuries since Christ uttered today’s Manna. The building may be massive and impressive, with its towering steeple and deeply-etched, expensive stained-glass windows. The carpet may be plush and the pew’s padded seat quite comfortable.
     But, inwardly, those "hallowed halls" are "full of dead men’s bones" (Mt. 23:37) because there’s a dearth of Christ-like love in the hearts of those who sit on the pews and sing the praise choruses with the choir.
     Some of those same folks who boisterously sing, "Oh how I love Jesus" are the same ones who cheat on their income tax returns and give "crumbs from a rich man’s table" when the offering plate is passed. Likewise, they’re the same ones who believe Jesus is a W.A.S.P. (white, Anglo-Saxon Protestant) and look down upon those who aren’t.
     Won’t they be in for a shock when they stand at the Great White Throne Judgment and hear the One with nail-scars in His hands say, "Depart from Me, you worker of iniquity—I never knew you. Enter now into that lake of fire, prepared for the devil, his angels and all those who said ‘I love God, Whom I haven’t seen, but hate my fellow man whom I have seen’" (Mt. 7:21-23; Rev. 20:11-15; I Jn. 2:7-17; 3:13-24; 4:7-21)?
     Years ago one of the most popular songs in churches was "Yes they’ll know we are Christians by our love"—which was based on Jn. 13:35. And, when coupled with today’s Manna, we realize that our love for others must be just like Jesus’ love for us.
And, what might that love look like?
     Just read I Cor. 13 and you’ll find the answer.
     Or, better yet, just read the Synoptic Gospels about the life and ministry of Jesus here on earth. He was truly "the Word made flesh" (Jn. 1:14); however, He was also "Incarnate Love," which is never a static noun, but always an action verb (Jn. 15:13).
     May the Holy Spirit reveal to us today if our "loving others is as Christ has loved us." His love is our litmus test, level and plumb line. And, when He shows us those areas wherein we fall short, may we repent and cry, "Oh, help me, Lord, to not rest until I (willingly) love others that same way You love me." Amen and amen.
o