Remember What Is Important

We have all forgotten things and were embarrassed by our lapse in memory. I once forgot a speaking engagement in Southern California. When I remembered, it was too late and too far away to do anything about it. I apologized, and they were gracious enough to let me come at a later date.  There are, however, things far more important that we must not forget.

When Timothy was facing tough times in the ministry, the Apostle Paul told Timothy to remember some essential things that would always help him stay focused. First, he told him to remember that Jesus has been resurrected (2 Tim 2:8). Every time we face death, we recognize there is one who conquered death. Paul reminded him to remember that Jesus is the Messiah—the one who fulfilled all the biblical prophesies—the one who can save us. Paul encouraged Timothy by reminding him of how powerful the Gospel is. Paul referred to himself as a prisoner of Christ, not of Caesar (2 Tim 2:9). That’s because Paul knew he was in prison by God’s will, and he made the best of it, writing several of his letters from that dungeon. Paul concluded by giving Timothy a poem that would help him remember four essential things: First, if we died with Christ, we will also live with him (eternal life). Second, if we endure suffering for Christ, we will one day reign with him (reward). Third, he gave Timothy a warning that if we disown Christ, he will disown us (apostasy). Fourth, if we are faithless, Christ remains faithful (Christ’s faithfulness, 2 Tim 2:11-13). How encouraging all of this had to be for Timothy! Paul's letter had to be pivotal in Timothy’s ministry at Ephesus.

Pivotal experiences are so compelling; they impact our lives and prepare us for the future.  One particular experience in Tucuman, Argentina stands out to me from the first church we planted in that city. In preparation for an upcoming campaign, a pastor and I were building a platform. However, while doing this, something significant occurred. He brought out a huge can of old rusty nails that he had saved over the years and dumped them on the ground.

We both began straightening out the crooked nails, which took considerable time and patience. After some time of hammering out these old nails, I said in a voice of frustration, “I’m going to buy some new ones.” I immediately left for the hardware store to purchase the nails.  I thought to myself, “I have better things to do than straighten out old rusty, crooked nails.” However, on my way to the store, God spoke to me and said, “I want to use the rusty nails because I want you to learn something from the process. In the campaign, as people come to hear the gospel, and when they respond, it won’t be because you are a good preacher or because they are impressed with you or anyone else. It won’t be because of any human talent or ability but because I’m going to take the rusty and broken lives and straighten them out with the hammer of my Word.” I never forgot that experience, and sometimes even today, the Spirit reminds me of that same truth. God used this experience to remind me that it is the Gospel that changes people’s lives!

One True King

What a contrast between Herod the Great and Jesus the One True King. Herod was a madman who slaughtered the remnants of the previous dynasty and arbitrarily executed many of his officials. He murdered his wife, mother-in-law, and three of his sons. However, the most terrible act came the day he ordered all the babies two years and younger killed in Bethlehem. When Herod heard from the wise men that the King of the Jews had been born in Bethlehem and that this fulfilled the prophecy of Micah, he was troubled (Matt 2:3). He felt threatened by a baby. His egotistical and warped mind demanded that he remove that threat. No matter how many Herods try to remove God’s appointed King, Jesus, they will never be successful. David describes God’s reaction: The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, “I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.” (Ps 2:4-6)

The Apostle Peter described Jesus in these words, “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1 Pet 2:22-23). What a description of Jesus! Who could do that? Only the one true King!

There were mixed reactions to the newborn King. Herod was hostile, and the religious leaders were indifferent, but the wise men who came following a star worshipped him. We can respond to Jesus with indifference, hostility, or worship. Matthew writes this about their response, “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh” (Matt 2:11).

What an infamous scene. The One True King is born in a stable, a manager for a bed. His first guests are poor shepherds, and then a few months later, these strange astrologers arrive from the east. They followed a star from a faraway place and came bearing gifts; with those gifts, they worshiped the King.

We all have a choice to make. It may not be that first Christmas, but Christ is still born in every heart that accepts and worships him. Will you be indifferent or hostile, or worship him like the wise men did long ago and receive him as the true King?