So easy a caveman can do it—sacrifice

I have always marveled at the primitive church as it, almost euphorically, sought to establish itself. There was such marvel, wonder, and trust among them that generosity and sacrifice was the rule of the day.

One of the places we read about this generosity and trust is Acts 4:32-37. There were many such acts, but one in particular was noted—Barnabas’. Barnabas, which means son of encouragement, sold a piece of property, and brought the money to the apostles. The humility and trust of his offering is given emphasis in the scriptures by noting that Barnabas laid [the money] at the apostles feet (vs. 37).

I remember the man in my congregation years ago who borrowed what then was a large sum of money and gave it to the church for a building program we were starting. While I would not encourage anyone to borrow money, it was an indication of the sacrifice he was willing to make. I remember the student at another congregation who gave a semester’s tuition to a building program.

Our trust is that God will use our sacrificial efforts to strengthen this community of faith. Barnabas went on to become the stalwart companion of the apostle Paul. The student went on to become an advisor to one of our Presidents. The man who borrowed the money retired and lived a simple but full life.

God is good and will honor whatever sacrifices we make.

Equal sacrifice—not equal gifts

C. Mac Hamon, Senior Pastor
Castleton United Methodist Church
05.25.10

Monday, May 24, 2010

So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.
- Matthew 10:31

The phrase fear not or do not be afraid or have no fear appears three times in this short passage in Matthew 10:26-31. Various sources indicate that some form of the phrase fear not appears 365 times in the Bible—an encouragement for every day of the year.

I have written several times in Castleviews over the last few years about not being afraid. Certainly fear is a normal part of life. I don’t think the scriptures are saying never be afraid, but don’t fear the wrong things. In this passage in Matthew Jesus says, Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

In the most recent Newsweek (May 24 & 31, 2010) on the last page there is a list of the kinds of things people fear. Across from the list of those things we fear most is another list that generates far less fear yet has more potential for damage. Among those listed were 2.2 million burglaries versus 8.3 million identity thefts; 33 Americans killed by terrorist attacks verses 36,171 who die from seasonal flu; etc.

The point is made both by this scripture and this article that we often fear the wrong things. Jesus was making the same point—we fear for our bodies but not our souls. We so easily forget that these souls of ours are eternal—handle with care.

So, today care for your soul by laying aside some fear that has gripped you for too long. Lay that fear in the lap of God and let God care for it. As the scripture says, God is love . . . and there is no fear in love, but perfect love (the love God has for us) casts out fear (1 John 4:8, 18).

Prayer
Almighty and loving God, the world is ever with me and seems to shout in my ear that I should be afraid. Help me to be aware this day of your perfect love that I may lay aside my fears and serve you to the glory of Jesus the Christ. Amen.

C. Mac Hamon, Senior Pastor
Castleton United Methodist Church
Indianapolis, Indiana
05.24.10