Teacher Devotions: Back to The Future

Lectionary verse: Psalm 25:7 Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD.

Most of the psalms in the Bible are written by David, Israel’s greatest king. Usually, they have been written during his moments of great strength, faith, and creativity. It’s as if the vitality of David made him want to write some wonderful songs. And, if you think of it, most songwriters compose their best songs, lyrics, and tunes when they are between the ages of 25 – 45.

Today’s sacred poem is a bit different. I think that it’s written by an elderly David who is reflecting upon his life, his past mistakes, and deepest regrets. He’s looking back on some of his rash choices and poor decisions in his long life. And like anyone else who happens to be an elderly citizen, he wishes that things had been different and hopes that God will be merciful. You see, David is preparing for his final finals – he knows that one day soon, he will be face to face with God.

I don’t know about you, but when I look back at my own crazy past I want to give myself a good shaking down - especially when I was a teenager and in my early twenties. In my mind’s eye, I see myself saying and doing foolish and despicable things, or what David so eloquently calls ‘the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways.’ I wish that I could go back to the past and alter things, but I can’t. And if, at the end of my life, anyone asks me “would you change anything?” I would have to answer with a resounding “yes!”

David’s problem with his past causes him concern for his eternal future. He wants God to forget about the many mistakes and wicked deeds that even he, the greatest Israelite King, had committed. He’s begging God to set aside all of those sinful times that contaminated his faith, his family, and his friendships. In other words, David is looking for a mulligan, as far as his life is concerned. He wants God to bend the rules, show some mercy, and apply some grace so that he can die and rest peacefully.

You see David did not have the wonderful opportunity to cast his sins upon Christ’s Cross to be redeemed, and although he made many sacrifices in the Holy Temple each year, the king still carried the burden of a sinful past. Today, we are more fortunate because we can directly, sincerely, and humbly appeal to Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins. We can go back beyond our own sinful past to centuries before we were born and hang our mistakes, our guilt, and our regrets on a tree called Calvary.

We can also come to a Table full of mercy, forgiveness, and peace, instead of an altar streaming with blood, terror, and fear. If David knew then what we know today, then his anxiety and angst, troubles and tribulation over his youthful sins and rebellious ways would have been swept away by the blood of our precious Savior, Jesus Christ.

So, when we read today’s psalm and Gospel lesson, let’s give thanks to God that we live in a merciful time, where the Good News of salvation can be given to every sinner, just like ourselves, who personally comes to Jesus, seeks His mercy, and receives God grace. We go back to the past in order to move on to the eternal future where faith sets us free from fear, hope handles all our doubts, and love cleanses our sins forever.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. He regularily writes a devotional blog called Heaven's Highway.

The illustration was drawn by John. It is called "Lenten Prayer." You can see more of John's liturgical art at his webpage Stushie's Art.

Teacher Devotions: No Favoritism

Acts 10:34, 35 Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.

It’s a problem for every generation of Christians. How does God treat and judge those who do what is right, but have no knowledge of Jesus? Are they lost forever, or does God give them credit for being good people?

Over the years, I have struggled and wrestled with this. Scripture is absolute when it states that those who believe shall be given everlasting life, whereas those who have no belief shall perish (John 3:16-18). In our cosmopolitan and pluralistic society, those words of John seem to be unacceptable, archaic, and out of touch with the real world. And yet, they were written at a time when the world was just as cosmopolitan and pluralistic as it is today.

When I read Peter’s words this morning, I thought that they might provide the loophole that most of us look for when dealing with this subject. ‘God shows no favoritism’ - not even to Christians? ‘God accepts men from every nation, who fear him and do what is right’ – does this not validate that God accepts all of those who try to do good, no matter what they believe? On the surface, it appears to be that way.

And then, just when I think this serious issue is resolved, Peter adds something to the equation: “You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.”

Knowledge of God’s message and the good news (Gospel) of peace through Jesus Christ is required. Universalism is therefore not the answer – knowing Jesus is.

People say that Christianity is dying out and they clutch at straws about salvation. However, there are more Christians in the world today than at any time in the history of our faith. Christ’s message is expanding and more people are being saved each day. The world may cling to its own understanding, but the Christian faith has never altered its message: those who know the Lord will know salvation.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, today there will be many people throughout the world who will turn to You and believe. They will set aside their fears and place their faith in You. They will give up on their doubts and give themselves to you. Thank You for increasing the number of Christians on Earth each day. Help us to do whatever we can to bring other people to You. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Teacher Devotions: Mardi Gras or Mighty Grace?

Psalm 97:12 Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise His Holy Name.

Today is Shrove Tuesday and usually our church gathers this evening for a Pancake Supper. It’s a great time of food, fellowship, and fun. Pancakes and sausages are served to our families, and then we have a sing-along. We often sing old spirituals like ‘O When the Saints,’ ‘Down By the Riverside,’ and ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.’

I love the party atmosphere at the church and I think it’s a much better tradition than the brazenness of Mardi Gras parades and Fat Tuesday fiascoes that take place all over the world. People go overboard and turn the whole celebration into a drunken orgy, instead of taking time to gather together for one last community meal before Lent begins.

A lot of Christians ignore the feast because of the all night partying that is sadly associated with it, but I believe that our families and kids should get the opportunity to experience the religious side of the celebration and show that faith can be full of fun.

Wherever you are today, take time to praise God for the life we have, the food we eat, the friends we know, the families we love, and the faith that we cherish. Mardi Gras then becomes a feast of Mighty Grace, which is something more worthwhile and everlasting than anything that New Orleans, Rio, or anywhere else has to offer this day.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank You for this day of celebration where we cast off our sins and look forward to Your coming sacrifice. We praise You for the forty days of faith that begin tomorrow with Ash Wednesday and end on Easter. Help us to prepare our hearts and homes to welcome You as our Resurrected Savior and Everlasting Lord. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Teacher Devotions: Soldier-Servant

Acts 10:2 Cornelius and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.

I think when I get to heaven, I’d like to meet Cornelius. His story fascinates me and I love the fact that God uses him as a vehicle to spread the Christian faith throughout the mighty Roman militia. He is chosen by God because of his faithfulness and generosity. He walks the talk and makes himself not only acceptable to the Jews around him, but more importantly to God Himself.

In the scripture we are told that Cornelius is a centurion in the Italian regiment. That means that he is an officer in one of Caesar’s finest troops. His loyalty to the Emperor must have been strong, and yet he is also a follower of the God of the Jews.

I like the fact that God is willing to use an outsider like Cornelius to accomplish an important part of Christ’s ministry. God is favoring the centurion because of his devotion and charitable contributions. Cornelius just isn’t a person who says he believes; he puts his faith into practice by giving to and providing for the poor in his community. Usually, a Roman centurion couldn’t care less about the Jews or those living in poverty. Cornelius is an exception to the rule and because of this, God uses him in an extraordinary way.

I think what the passage is teaching us is this: Cornelius was a Christian even before he knew about Christ. His devotion to God, regular praying, and giving to the poor were very Christ-like. He was an honest soldier with noble characteristics. He was a man of God who would soon become a servant of God’s Son. Cornelius provides for all of us a trustworthy example of a faithful devotee of God.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank You for people like Cornelius, whose lives are filled with faith and honesty, loyalty and charity, commitment and compassion. Help us to receive his example of faith with love and grace. Empower and enable us to try to do much of the same. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Teacher Devotions: Stupid Button

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

I wasn’t a very nice person when I was a drunk. In fact, I was more likely to get me and my friends in trouble through the stupid things that I would say or do. One minute everything in the pub could be fine and dandy; the very next minute, I would cause a disagreement with someone at the bar, or a waitress, and we’d end up getting thrown out.

I also got myself into some hair-raising moments and difficult situations that I would have avoided like the plague had I been sober. It was as if the alcohol within me reached a level that automatically pushed my stupid button and I would end up in the wrong company, at the wrong time. I can remember being holed up with a notorious Glasgow street gang for three days and nights. Most of them wasted their own lives and have spent years in jail for burglary, armed robbery, and even murder.

I shudder when I look back and think about those foolish times. And then I remember God’s grace and how He helped me through those events. Without His mercy, I would either be in prison or possibly dead. With Christ’s love, I am now free and abundantly alive.

Perhaps you’re struggling right now with your own foolishness or mistakes. Maybe you’ve found yourself in a regrettable situation that is now beyond your control. I don’t know what brought you into that predicament, but I do know Who has sufficient grace, mercy, and love to rescue and redeem you. Just approach God’s throne with confidence and you will receive mercy and find grace to help you in your time of need.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You seek to help us even when we don’t deserve Your mercy or grace. You know the foolish things that we say or do, the miserable mistakes that we make, or the upsets and issues that we create. Forgive our stupidity and replace it with spirituality. Have mercy upon us and grant us the gracious help that we need. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Teacher Devotions: Christ's Choice

Philippians 2:5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Sometimes I wonder how Paul would have fared in today’s world. He comes across as being too sure of himself and I don’t know whether he is rebuking his readers or encouraging them.

Take this morning’s small verse, for instance. Paul begins by stating, ‘Your attitude should be…;’ he doesn’t write could be or might be – Paul insists that our attitudes should be – that’s pretty strong stuff for a preacher to be expressing. That meddles directly with how we manage our faith.

If Paul was around today, he would probably get thrown out of a lot of churches for preaching such a controversial and confrontational message. He would be emotionally tarred and feathered by an outraged congregation, especially one of those ‘you’re okay, I’m okay, everybody’s okay’ type of churches.

When I question Paul’s no nonsense Christianity, I’m reminded of two things: firstly, my own failures as a Christian in trying to be a perfect servant of God; and secondly, Paul’s unquestionable right to state such things. After all, Paul was no cozy theologian who sat in an Ivy League study asking hypothetical questions. He was a diehard Christian who had been almost lynched, battered and bruised, hunted and harassed, stoned and shipwrecked, tortured and tried for his faith in Jesus. If anyone had the right to meddle in our lives and to state things like ‘Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus,’ it surely was Paul.

As a pastor, I come across many people who are hostile to Paul’s teachings, but do you know what? I’ve still to come across one of his critics who have experienced any real persecution.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, sometimes we forget that it was You who personally intervened and dramatically converted Paul on the road to Damascus. Too easily, we cast him aside because his certain faith makes our own beliefs seem shallow and pale. Help us to look again to Paul’s teaching and remind us that he was Your choice. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Teacher Devotions: Oscar Month

John 6:15 Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.

I love February because it’s Oscars month on Turner Classic movies. I get to record and watch the old movies with famous actors like Errol Flynn, Olivia de Haviland, Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, and Greer Garson.

For the past two night, I’ve been watching Laurence Olivier in Richard III. He plays one of the sleaziest, greediest, and wickedest villains on the screen. I love Shakespeare’s plays anyway, but Olivier’s acting is absolutely amazing.

Richard, Duke of Gloucester, cheats, conspires, and kills his way into becoming the King of England. Along the way, he makes many enemies and at the end of the play, he is left destitute on the battlefield. That’s when Olivier utters the immortal lines: “A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!” Justice is served and the villainous king is cut down and killed by his rival.

When I read the Gospel passage this morning, I was reminded that the people wanted to make Jesus their king, just because He supplied them with fish and bread. They wanted Him to provide for them, to heal their sicknesses, to satisfy their hunger, and to make their lives pleasant.

But Jesus was on a mission from God, so He couldn’t be tempted by such an offer. He was serving God, not Himself. He was doing God’s will, not His own.

This also reminds me that our faith in Christ is purely meant to glorify and honor Him. If we seek Jesus to bless us all the time and to make our lives easier, then we’ve crowned the wrong kind of king in our hearts. If we place our lives into His hands and seek to serve His kingdom here on earth, then we’ve truly made Him the King of our lives.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to place You at the center of our lives and to honor You with our service to Your Kingdom. Enable us to keep You as the King of our hearts and Lord of our days. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Teacher Devotions: Where Best to Invest

Now is not the time to invest in stocks; now is the time to invest in church.

John 4:34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.”

In these uncertain times, we are all faced with financial worries and concerns about money. For some, it seems to be that saving for the future is futile because the financial market is on a catastrophic roller coaster. For others, the worry about losing their jobs and busting their career goals seems imminent. Hardship and recession, anxiety and depression are lurking everywhere. There just doesn’t seem to be any end to the uncertainty and, across the country, millions of families are trying to make ends meet.

How long this economic downturn will last, no one knows. So where can we invest our resources, time, and talents in something that will have a lasting effect and will endure for the rest of our lives? I think that the answer is simply this: our churches.

Now I know what you’re thinking: just because I’m a pastor, I’m bound to say this to make sure that the church survives this crisis. But that’s not the case. What I’m saying is this: in these uncertain times we should draw closer to God, to let the broken world see that our faith can overcome the worst of times. If we are just fair-weathered Christians who believe in God when things are going well, then our faith is shallow. However, if we continue to praise God and support Christ’s ministry during tough times, then our faith will be tested, tried, and turn out to be deeper than we have ever known.

During different crises in the past, the Church continued to flourish because it was needed to help heal and support those who were broken in the world. At the time of the Black Plague, many churches became hospitals in Europe. After the Reformation, the Church combated ignorance and poverty by setting up parish schools for young people, to make something better of themselves through the power of knowledge and education. And during the last Great Depression, churches ran soup kitchens, clothing centers, and support groups that enabled small communities and many families to overcome the hardship of the times.

In these uncertain times, we need to invest in the Church, because the Church ultimately brings out the best in humanity through faith, hope, and love to the many people who are struggling.

The Christ we serve is the Lord of all Compassion. So let’s use these times as an opportunity to show the world who Jesus is, by investing in our churches and applying our faith in meaningful and supportive ways.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, the world is hurting and our economy is struggling. People that we know have lost their jobs, whilst others are losing their hard-earned savings. In the midst of all this uncertainty, let Your Church become a constant haven of salvation and support, kindness and compassion, charity and love. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Teacher Devotions: Lucky Charms

Isaiah 46:7 They lift it to their shoulders and carry it; they set it up in its place, and there it stands. From that spot it cannot move. Though one cries out to it, it does not answer; it cannot save him from his troubles.

When I was at High School all the girls used to wear silver bracelets with lucky charms. The charms were made up of tiny bells and lamps, carriages and locks, precious stones and symbols. The bracelets were beautiful, but I wonder how much good luck they actually brought to the girls who wore them.

For thousands of years, humanity has fashioned silver and gold into millions of lucky charms. Some of the earliest archaeological finds are fertility and prosperity charms shaped into bracelets, necklaces, and amulets. People of every place, age, and civilization want to be rich and happy, prosperous and wealthy. These days, you’ll even find lucky charm symbols on our coins, notes, and lottery tickets!

The Bible constantly reminds us that our lives are not subject to fate or luck. Our lives are given to us by God. If we are prosperous, we bless Him for our successes. If we are in trouble, we look to Him for salvation. And when at last, we leave the surly bonds of earth, we look to God to grant us everlasting life through Jesus Christ, our Savior, our Deliverer, and our Lord.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, the world tries to tell us how to be a successful winner in life, but Your Gospel reminds us that even if we owned the whole world, but lost our soul in the process, we would gain nothing eternally. In these uncertain times, remind us that we will not always be in this world, and that Your word is more precious than silver or gold. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.