It is interesting to read Christ's ministry in the gospels in terms of who (or whom) he chooses to attack, those he chooses to demonstrate God's healing love to, and those to whom he extends a hand of forgiveness to and with whom he associates himself. How do we, as Christians, measure up?
For one, when Christ renders justice against those in power, it is against the systemic church of the day. Look at Mark 12, when in verse 24, he says (to the Sadducees), "Is this not the reason you are wrong because you know neither the Scriptures or the power of God?" and in verse 38, he picks back up and says, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplace." In the end of the passage, we see him praising the widow who gives two copper coins, "This widow has put in more than all of those who are contributing to the offering box."
Christ focuses his attention on the least among us in his ministry - the sick, the outcast, the "sinner," the person of least concern. He uses his righteous anger to admonish or correct the church for misleading, intentionally or through their refusal to listen to him. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."
Like Christ, where do we focus this spirit? Do we use it to engage and to lift up the least among us? Do we use it to ensure that we are learning the scripture and teaching it correctly? Do we admonish those in the faith who are not walking in the faith and encourage those who seek to walk faithfully? Do we take this message of hope to those outside the faith boldly proclaiming God's love and grace and mercy?
Pray that we be like Christ and live in a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline in our daily walk.
Hope Men's Ministry
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