Jacobs Thoughts and Doings

Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

2 Timothy 2:19

I note how important this statement is to Timothy, it is like a precious document that is under an official seal which sets it apart as something that can be depended on – without a doubt.

Here is the declaration – “The Lord knows those who are his.”  This is the important thing – that the Lord knows!  We try to impress one another, I presume, but this word is as clear as the morning sun.  The Lord knows!  That is what matters.  And that gives special weight to Timothy’s statement that the Lord knows those who are his.”

Timothy has no doubt that this is the bedrock belief, sure faith – Jesus knows those who follow Him, who place their lives in his hands. This is the most important relationship in the entire world.  And, alas, it is a gift to us who have denied self and follow Jesus.  Is there a greater gift than that?  No.

Memorial Day cookout at our place.  Paul and Tammy brought the usual hamburgs but, in addition, they included the vegies they are eating these days at home.  We had a nice houseful, and enjoyed being together.  Lasted well into the night!

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.  I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”

John 10:14-16

As I read again and again these words of Jesus I am blessed, challenged and thankful.

The backdrop is Jesus announcing that he is the Good Shepherd.  I am a sheep among willing sheep.  This describes all of us, in all time and place.  We need a shepherd.  We are completely lost without one!

But the shepherd/sheep relationship does not full describe our place in redemption.  Our Good Shepherd knows his sheep and, the new thing, they know HIM!  We usually think of sheep as innocent, protected and helpless.  Not so with Jesus’ sheep!  They know their Shepherd and He knows them.  So, the simile is broken, these are sheep who are not just owned by Jesus but they are brought into fellowship with their Good Shepherd in a most amazing and intimate way.  Jesus knows his sheep and the sheep know Jesus!  Can it be simpler than that – and more glorious?  I think not.

I rejoice this morning sitting here in front of my computer in the year 2019, amazed all over again that Jesus is right here with me as I write these words and as I think and pray.  Is this not the most wonderful thing you ever heard?  It is for me, definitely.

Anna Ruth and I were swept off our feet by a visit of about 7 from Tanzania and three of their Ohio hosts. This is the second time that the Ohio hosted a group from Tanzania, a courtesy return visit by the people who received the group from Orville Mennonite Church last year.

I was truly amazed and full of thanks, as was Anna Ruth.  Here we stand with my new shirt and her pound or so of Tanzania coffee, brought by these loving people.

The oldest in the group was one of the first students I had in Tanzania – at the Bumangi Middle School.  He made banking his career.  What a joy to see him!

Another was one of the students who studied at Morembe Girls School. All of the Tanzanians were from the central church in Dar es Salaam.  This congregation developed a relationship with the Orville Ohio church.  I was quite excited by learning all this.  We squeezed into an hour at least two hours of getting to know each other.

The Bishop impressed me!  God is so good.  The Bishop conducted a lovely fellowship time and prayed for us!  Wow.  Then off to Washington DC and on home.

A visit that Anna Ruth and I will not only remember but cherish with all our hearts.  Remember, we left Tanzania in 1967!

The Mennonite Church in Tanzania is growing, growing.  Amazing!

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:14 – 16

Jesus Christ, our High Priest, is in heaven praying for us and leading us in the paths of obedient joy!  We grasp this reality, more real than the sun, with eagerness, realizing that our lives are in Him and all the strength we need we receive from Him.

Paul then reminds us of what our High Priest Jesus went through.  Jesus was tempted just like we are tempted, but He did not sin.  Therefore, He is able to walk with us weak persons, tempted as we are and loved.  This is our home!  Like Jesus.  He enjoyed his Father’s help always in all things.  How about me?

I move eagerly – approaching the throne of grace with confidence, receiving mercy and grace without which I can do nothing. The door is open to this marvelous grace of God all the time, now and forever and for all occasions.

Now, my soul, take heart and embrace anew our Jesus.

Here is what we purchased yesterday at a few cents each.  They are golden colored perch that are sold at the Fish Store as shark food!  They brighten our pond and give the heron a reason to stop in and have a wee meal!

I must admit, in my eye, this is as beautiful as can be.  The blooms of the tulip tree, now in full flower!  I love the color, presentation and beauty of this flower this May morning.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

2 Thessalonians 3:16

Paul is not offering something that his readers can not get.  He is promising them that the peace of the Lord is theirs always in all things.  Their situation was not without stress.  They found that in following Jesus Christ they were reborn as citizens of Thessaloniki, now followers of Jesus – yet members of their social groups into which they were born, so to speak. Following Jesus is not just some sentimental thing, it is more real than the rising sun.  It is a new orientation, a new way to view life!  It is truly being born a second time!

Paul confirms the believers in their new-found faith and assures them that it is the way of peace in all that life presents them with.  Following Jesus is a radical departure from the expectations of society. It is a miracle to be sure.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Ephesians 6:10

We hear the word of God, “Be strong in the Lord.”  Paul was well aware of the weakness of the believing community.  Who were they in the midst of an imperial power that demanded complete and instant obedience?  That community of believers stood alone against overwhelming odds.  A straw in the haystack, we say.

So, the Spirit of God knows exactly what is happening and encourages the believers to be strong in the Lord!  The basis of his appeal is the power of the Lord that is at work in them.  That power is stronger that that of all of Rome!  It maybe didn’t look like that but as we look back over time we are amazed at the power of the belief of the believers.  Power beyond belief!

That is the power in which I begin the day, and you, dear reader, as well.  The center of the walk of the believers is weakness – but that weakness is the means by which the power of God is known and lived.  A mystery known only by believers.

Thank you, my Lord, for loving me, saving me and keeping me all these many days and years.