Dr H Reflections

Worthy of my praise ∙

Worthy of my praise ∙

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Psalms 34:1-8

1 I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.
2 I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart.
3 Come, let us tell of the LORD’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.

4 I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.

6 In my desperation, I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles.
7 For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

In 1999, the album “Better Is One Day” was released. It features a beautiful song that recalls the hymns of old when the Father was the focus of our songs and worship, not us:

You alone are worthy of my praise.

The beginning is as follows:
And I will give You all my worship
I will give You all my praise
You alone I long to worship
You alone are worthy of my praise

(I will worship)
I will worship (I will worship)
With all of my heart (With all of my heart)
And I will praise You (I will praise You)
With all of my strength (With all my strength)
And I will seek You (I will seek You)
All of my days (All of my days)
Oh, and I will follow (I will follow)
Follow all of Your ways (All Your ways)

It could be a modern update to David’s ancient Hebrew song, in which he praises and honors the Father for all He has done for him (Psalms 34).

Sometimes, doing good things can have dire consequences and collateral damage. David killed Goliath and became the hero of Israel. Saul grew jealous and pursued him for years (1 Samuel 21). David penned many of the Psalms, including Psalms 34, during this tumultuous period.

Psalms 34 is a vibrant invitation filled with joy. After experiencing the Father’s deliverance, David calls on us to join him in praising the Father and to trust in His saving power. He encourages us to experience the Father’s goodness by seeing, tasting, enjoying, respecting, honoring, and truly knowing Him.

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, this Psalm extends an invitation from the Father Himself to all children of the King. He desires for us to taste His goodness, honor Him, and find joy in His presence. The Father is inherently good, blessing and safeguarding those who place their trust in Him (James A. Johnston).

As humans, we often focus on ourselves. This can be a temptation in our service to Him. While seeking the Father’s purpose is commendable, we might find ourselves more absorbed in how it benefits us rather than how it glorifies Him, even in our acts of praise.

True worship should focus solely on the Lord, not ourselves. As children of the King, we are made to praise. Peter reminds us: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, to declare His excellence, for He called you out of darkness into His wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).

We are called to live lives filled with praise for our Father, and Psalms 34 offers us a roadmap for worship.

When should we worship? Our hearts and words should be full of praise for the Father always, at all times, in every situation, whether good or bad (Psalms 34:1). Worship is a continual, moment-by-moment attitude of the heart.

How do we worship? Our praise and worship center on expressing gratitude and adoration for the Father (Psalms 34:2-3). When children of the King revere Him, an exhilarating transformation occurs within us. Our hearts grow more prayerful and focused on Him. We experience great joy as we rejoice in Him.

Where should we worship? Praise should be a personal ongoing practice. Yet, the psalmist invites us, “Let us exalt His name together” (Psalms 34:3). Collective praise enhances our worship as our voices unite in honoring Him. The Father delights in the collective praise of His children. When children of the King worship and praise Him together, our efforts transcend mere addition; they are exponentially enriched, offering a foretaste of heaven to come.

Is praise an integral part of your life? By giving the Lord a central place in your thoughts and heart, He is magnified, and praise becomes your genuine, instinctive, and natural response (Stanley, Michael W. Wesley).

REFLECT & PRAY

“In prayer, we act like men [people]; in praise, we act like angels” (Puritan preacher Thomas Watson).

Father, guide me to recognize and honor You consistently. May Your magnificent greatness be the focal point of my existence.

INSIGHT

What does it mean to bless the Lord at every moment? To bless someone is to say a good word to them. We speak positively and honorably concerning them.

“Blessing is the projection of good into the life of another. It isn’t just words. It’s the actual putting forth of your will for the good of another person. It always involves God because when you do the good of another person, you realize only God is capable of bringing it to pass. So we naturally say, ‘God bless you.’”

“You can bless someone when you will their good under the invocation of God. You invoke God on their behalf to support the good that you will do for them. This is the nature of blessing. It is what we are to receive from God and then give to another.”

“This isn’t just a verbal performance. It isn’t ‘bless you’ said through gritted teeth. It’s a generous outpouring of our whole being into blessing the other person” (Dallas Willard).

When the Father blesses someone, He speaks words over them for their well-being and prosperity. However, when we bless the Father, it isn’t about enhancing or improving Him, as we cannot add to His perfection. Instead, it’s about acknowledging His attributes: His kindness, goodness, beauty, and generosity. To magnify the Lord is to proclaim His greatness (ESV notes).

But there’s more!

As children of the King, we are meant to experience His goodness firsthand. We are not to merely believe in His goodness; we are to come and find out how delightful His goodness is. David appeals to us to taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalms 34:8). This is one of the unique instances in the Scriptures where the Father invites His children to put Him to the test. The Father challenges us to actively engage with faith and discover His goodness in our personal experience. Sampling the Father and experiencing His delightful goodness is transformational.

“Tasting” typically means experiencing flavors through the mouth, but it can also metaphorically refer to sampling something for understanding or appreciation. For instance, the phrase “Taste and see that the Lord is good” suggests that one should experience and understand the goodness of the Lord through personal engagement and reflection.

The Hebrew word translated as “taste” is taam. Taam has to do with determining or perceiving the quality of something. We are encouraged to discover through experience what the psalmist already knew: the Lord is good.

How can we sample the Father’s goodness? By immersing ourselves in His Word and meditating on it, we uncover just how delightful the Father truly is.

Psalms 119:103 How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.

“Taste” doesn’t suggest a sip or a nibble; it implies feeding on the Lord through His Word and experiencing all He has for us. It means knowing Him better and enjoying Him more (Wiersbe).

“Too often, we are too full of the stuff of the world to care about tasting from the Lord. May the Lord challenge us to put that stuff aside and taste and see that He alone is good (Stanley)!”

“You will know as much of God, and only as much of God, as you are willing to put into practice” (Liddell).

“If it’s not your practice, pick a day this week and praise God throughout the day. Praise Him when you wake up, praise Him when you eat, praise Him when you leave the house and when you return” (Stanley).

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Two kinds of storms ∙

Two kinds of storms ∙

The LORD hurled a powerful wind over the sea, causing a violent storm that threatened to break the ship apart. – Jonah 1:4

Matthew 14:22-33

22 Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home.

23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.

24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.

25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water.

26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”

27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”

29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.

30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped.

33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.

Storms on Earth typically arise from disturbances in the atmosphere, often due to a mix of factors like changes in temperature, humidity, and air pressure. As warm, moist air ascends and cools, it can lead to cloud formation and precipitation. When a low-pressure area develops and is encircled by high-pressure zones, the resulting pressure difference causes air to flow from high to low pressure, creating strong winds and severe weather phenomena.

Storms often bring intense weather conditions, such as powerful winds, tornadoes, hail, thunder, lightning, and heavy rainfall or freezing rain. These can significantly disrupt everyday life and often result in significant costs to human life, animals, and property.

The Scriptures distinguish between two types of storms. The first type refers to those allowed by the Father for our growth. These storms are meant to be instructive, offering lessons that enhance our ability to handle challenges with greater skill and fortitude. By responding appropriately, our faith is fortified, and our trust in Him deepens.

As children of the King, we experience the Father’s discipline (child training) aimed at nurturing a faithful, robust generation of loyal followers. His wish is for all His children to become strong in faith and mighty in spirit.

Proverbs 3:11-12

11 My child, don’t reject the LORD’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you.

12 For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

The Scriptures reveal a different kind of storm, one that arises when we stray from God’s will. These storms aim to provoke change in those who encounter them.

In Jonah 1:4, the LORD unleashed a fierce wind on the sea, creating such a tumultuous storm that it threatened to tear the ship apart. Jonah was fleeing from the Father’s plan and call, rejecting the assignment he was given. Instead of traveling east, he boarded a ship heading west. The Father was in hot pursuit. He produced a dangerous storm at sea that posed a threat to the boat and its crew. However, the objective was not to harm them but to reroute Jonah toward Nineveh to complete his calling. To this end, the Father had made available an intelligently designed and engineered underwater transportation system, aka the great fish.

The tempest arose as a consequence of Jonah’s deviation from the Father’s plan. He was out of God’s will. This was a corrective storm designed to bring Jonah back into alignment with the Father’s will. The storm was a consequence of Jonah’s disobedience, and he needed to be redirected onto the right path. The Father used the storm to guide Jonah to where He wanted him to be.

REFLECT & PRAY

“There are two kinds of storms: storms of correction, when God disciplines us; and storms of perfection, when God helps us to grow” (Wiersbe).

Father, help me to remember that in the midst of storms, You are by my side and interceding for me. You are greater than any storm.

INSIGHT

The Lord Jesus Christ intentionally sent His disciples ahead in a boat as He stayed behind to pray for them. Was He aware a storm would arise? Of course! Did He purposefully lead them into it? Indeed! They were safer amidst the storm within His will than on solid ground amidst the crowds but outside His will.

“We must never judge our security based on circumstances alone” (Wiersbe). Safety is not the absence of danger but the presence of God.

When a powerful storm arose, the disciples were terrified, fearing for their lives. Yet, they faced this storm precisely because they followed Jesus’ instructions. He was their Personal Trainer. This was part of His training program for them. It was an opportunity for the disciples to observe and learn more about His miraculous power and control over nature. They were astonished by what happened.

Amid the storm’s fury, Jesus approached them, walking on water. The exact nature of His walk is left to the imagination. Was He like a surfer riding the curls beneath the crests of the large plunging waves? Did the sea calm as He walked and became relatively placid beneath His feet? The Scriptures do not say. Regardless, He was in complete control of the energy and surge of the storm and powerful waves.

But there is more. They had just witnessed the miracle of the feeding of the 5000. What was the intended takeaway? The Lord Jesus Christ has power over nature. It is mere fingerwork for Him to provide for people’s needs. After He sent the disciples into the sea to face the coming storm, He retreated to the hills to pray for their safety and growth.

Mark 6:44-52

44 A total of 5,000 men and their families were fed from those loaves!

45 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida while he sent the people home.

46 After telling everyone goodbye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.

50 They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!”

51 Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed,

52 for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in.

The disciples had failed to put two and two together and were unprepared to handle the coming storm effectively.

Many Christians mistakenly believe that following God’s will guarantees an easy journey. But this isn’t true. Jesus assured us, “In the world, you will have trouble” (John 16:33). When we’re caught in a storm due to our obedience to Him, we must remember that He led us there and is capable of taking care of us (Wiersbe).

While we navigate life’s storms, where is the Lord Jesus Christ, and what is He doing? He is seated at the right hand of God in heavenly places. He was praying and making intercession for us. What a wonderful prayer partner!

Romans 8:34 Christ Jesus is the one who died – more than that, who was raised – who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

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Feeling His pleasure ∙

Feeling His pleasure ∙

God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. – Philippians 2:13

Hebrews 13:20-21

20 Now may the God of peace – who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood –

21 may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.

Chariots of Fire, which premiered on April 9, 1982, tells the inspiring tale of two elite British athletes as they prepare for and compete in the 1924 Olympic Games.

The film is anchored in the character study of the two athletes. It delves deeply into the personalities of these athletes. Harold Abrahams is depicted as a remarkable athlete driven by exceptional talent and fierce determination. His singular pursuit is victory. His only goal is to win. Running is his obsession. His inner drive and turmoil, encapsulated by the phrase, “If I cannot win, I will not run,” Is a testament to his struggle and determination. Abrahams is portrayed as a tortured soul who feels alienated, isolated, and discriminated against due to his Jewish heritage. He reflects on his experience with the sentiment, “I am invited to the table but denied the drink.”

Eric Liddell, in contrast, is a man of faith. Devoted to his family, nation, friends, and ultimately to his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God. He recognizes that the Father’s strength fuels his extraordinary drive, determination, and ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. Liddell’s success is attributed to his ability to tap into the immense power provided by his faith, which bursts forth when needed.

Liddell confidently states, “Everyone runs in her own way or his own way. And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within. Jesus said, ‘Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. If with all your hearts, you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me.’ If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race.”

His source of motivation is summarized in his belief, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”

The Duke of Sutherland comments, “The ‘lad’ is a true man of principles and a true athlete. His speed is a mere extension of his life, its force.”

Often, children of the King may find themselves confused about how the role the Father plays in their lives. This lack of understanding can lead to a distorted perception. Many imagine the Father as a gentle, benevolent, kind, warm grandfather figure who is merely there to make us feel happy and shower us with blessings. While it’s true that He is loving, kind, and provides for us, His purpose is not to cater to our desires. He does not exist to serve us. We exist to serve Him.

The reality is that we exist for the Father. He has intricately designed every aspect of us to prepare us for the tasks He decided upon long before we were born. The Father has crafted us with His plans and purposes in mind, equipping each child of the King to serve Him in unique ways. Each of us has a special role to play according to His plan; we serve to fulfill His pleasure (Stanley).

We are His workmanship. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago (Ephesians 2:10).

Our deepest fulfillment and satisfaction come from recognizing what the Father is doing and his invitation to join Him in it. We experience great joy and contentment when engaging in the tasks for which we were created. By serving Him, we feel His joy. Doing His pleasure, we feel His pleasure.

REFLECT & PRAY

Children of the King are encouraged to pray for one another, seeking to prepare each person to carry out the Father’s will in their lives.

Father, You are the Potter, and I am Your clay. You made me in order to participate in and be a part of Your work on Earth. Encourage my heart to do the good pleasure of Your will.

INSIGHT

The Father has provided us with everything needed to accomplish His will. Through the power of the Lord Jesus Christ, He aims to produce within us every good thing that pleases Him (Hebrews 13:21).

The Greek term for “equip” is katartizo, which means to prepare or make suitable for a specific purpose. In this context, it refers to preparing someone for service (Wuest).

The Father desires to provide us with all that is necessary to fulfill His intentions.

There is something magnificent here that easily escapes our notice. The writer of Hebrews is not praying to get the Father to do what he desires Him to do. Instead, he is praying that the Father’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven for every child of the King. Because we are the Father’s workmanship created to do His good pleasure, the Father is “all in” to make it happen.

Our Savior in Heaven desires to prepare us for life on Earth. With great care, He aims to mend the “broken bones” in our lives so we can walk uprightly and successfully navigate our life journeys. He wants to repair the holes in our nets so we can catch fish. Additionally, He seeks to equip us for battle, providing us with the resources to withstand life’s storms. In essence, He wants to help us grow and mature so that He can work in us and through us in a way that pleases Him and fulfills His will (Wiersbe).

2 Corinthians 9:8 God will generously provide all you need. Then, you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

Eric Liddell understood this and felt the Father’s pleasure within himself when doing His pleasure. Liddell clearly had his priorities straight, “It has been a wonderful experience to compete in the Olympic Games and to bring home a gold medal. But since I have been a young lad, I have had my eyes on a different prize. You see, each one of us is in a greater race than any I have run in Paris, and this race ends when God gives out the medals” (Liddell).

Each of us is uniquely crafted by Him, equipped with the precise personality and physical attributes needed to fulfill His plan for our lives. He has endowed us with the strengths, abilities, and talents required for His purposes. Every experience in our life is used by the Father to equip us for doing His will. Both the good and challenging times shape our character, mature us spiritually, and train us to help others (Stanley).

The Father provides what we need when we need it to fulfill His purpose. The necessary resources become available as required. One key area highlighted in the New Testament regarding always having enough is the area of giving.

2 Corinthians 9:9-13

9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”

10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.

12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving – the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.

13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.

A farmer must wait for his harvest, but the children of the King who practices grace-giving begin to reap the benefits immediately. While there are long-term rewards from our giving, there are also immediate blessings (Wiersbe).

First, we start to share the Father’s abundant grace (2 Corinthians 9:8). The concepts in this verse are astonishing: all grace, always, all sufficiency, and every good work. This does not imply that God makes every Christian wealthy in material possessions; instead, it means that the Christian who engages in grace-giving will always have what they need when they need it (Wiersbe)

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I want out ∙

I want out ∙

As for me, I will call on God, and the LORD will rescue me. – Psalms 55:16

Psalms 55:4-18

4 My heart pounds in my chest. The terror of death assaults me.

5 Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking.

6 Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest!

7 I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness.

8 How quickly I would escape – far from this wild storm of hatred.

11 Everything is falling apart; threats are rampant in the streets.

12 It is not an enemy who taunts me – I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me – I could have hidden from them.

16 But I will call on God, and the LORD will rescue me.

17 Morning, noon, and night, I cry out in my distress, and the LORD hears my voice.

18 He ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, though many still oppose me.

Fear is a universal human experience, with at least 60 percent of adults acknowledging that they harbor at least one unreasonable fear. Despite its pervasiveness, the exact reasons why these fears manifest remain elusive. Secular research offers various theories: one suggests a genetic predisposition to fear, while another attributes it to past traumatic experiences.

Fear is an emotional response to perceived threats or dangers. It is often characterized by anticipation or dread of potential disappointment or catastrophe. Fear can be rational, based on real and immediate threats, such as physical danger. However, it can also be irrational, arising from imagined dangers or past experiences, like the fear of failure or the fear of rejection. Phobias, such as arachnophobia or claustrophobia, are extreme examples of irrational fears that can significantly affect a person’s life.

Fear is a fundamental survival mechanism that triggers a range of physiological and psychological reactions. It prepares the body to either confront or flee from the threat, a response commonly known as “fight or flight.”

At times, our world can be daunting, causing fears to surface and driving us to worry, dread, and heartache. This is especially evident when it comes to fearing the future. Fear reveals more about us and our inner selves than our circumstances. While it is natural to experience anxiety when danger is present or bad things happen, overcoming fear is possible. It all depends upon what we do with it. By acknowledging our fears, understanding their origins, and facing them with courage, we can transform fear from a limiting force into a catalyst for growth and resilience. Faith has the power to transform our fears into opportunities for growth and resilience.

In Psalms 55, David is overwhelmed by the turmoil surrounding him and teeters on the brink of what we might now call a nervous breakdown. Engulfed by uncertainty, he yearns for a way to escape. David wants to run away, make that, fly away.

Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! (Psalms 55:6).

Despite the weight of his fears, David had developed a lifestyle of faith in the face of overwhelming odds. Rather than giving in to fear, David chose to pursue hope and confidence. Rather than running away from his pain, he decided to face it and ran to the Father. David called upon the Father to rescue him in his circumstances, not from the circumstances (Psalms 55:16).

In those moments when life feels unbearable, and escape seems tempting, David’s journey inspires us to boldly trust in the Father and rise above our immediate fears.

As Charles Stanley reminds us, “When the walls close in and the floor gives way, we often wish we could be anywhere but where God has put us. Trusting God, however, means looking beyond what we can see to what God sees.”

REFLECT & PRAY

Consider your own responses to fear and uncertainty. Are you seeking to escape or find refuge in faith?

Father, I often find it easy to feel fearful. Many difficult and dreadful events have left me with a hollow ache that turns into dread and anxiety. But, dear Father, You are my rock and fortress against fear. Please rescue me.

INSIGHT

The Lord Jesus Christ, through His atoning death, resurrection, and present intercession for us at the right hand of God, has broken the power of fear.

Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

Because we are children of the King and members of the Father’s Forever Family, we have a dynamic and remarkable power residing within us to overcome our anxieties.

Fear doesn’t become ingrained in us overnight, and courage and confidence don’t happen suddenly, either. Developing the ability to trust the Father with boldness and unwavering confidence rather than yielding to our natural fears is a gradual process. Peter shows us the way. It all starts with humility, setting the stage for a deeper connection with the Father and transforming how we handle fear.

1 Peter 5:6-7

6 Humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time, he will lift you up in honor.

7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Faith or fear, the choice is ours. The Father promises perfect peace to those who trust in Him. We have the power to choose faith over fear, and in doing so, we can experience the peace that comes from trusting in the Father.

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Psalms 97:11 Light shines on the godly, and joy on those whose hearts are right.

Psalms 56:3 When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.

The psalmist does not say, “If something ever scares me,” he says, “whenever I am afraid.” Fear is a natural human reaction to danger. The Father does not tell us to ignore our fears but to bring them to Him (Stanley).

“If people are afraid, it is because of something in the past that haunts them, or something in the present that upsets them, or something in the future that they feel threatens them. Or it may be a combination of all three. A believer in Jesus Christ does not have to fear the past, present, or future, for he has experienced the love of God, and this love is being perfected in him day by day” (Wiersbe).

Like a river glorious is God’s perfect peace,

over all victorious in its bright increase:

perfect, yet still flowing fuller every day;

perfect, yet still growing deeper all the way.

Trusting in the Father, hearts are fully blest,

finding, as he promised, perfect peace and rest.

(Frances Ridley Havergal)

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.

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Servant-mentor ∙∙

Servant-mentor ∙∙

Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. – 2 Timothy 2:2

Exodus 18:17-24

17 This is not good! Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed.

18 You’re going to wear yourself out – and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself.

19 Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people’s representative before God, bringing their disputes to him.

20 Teach them God’s decrees and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives.

21 But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten.

22 They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you.

23 If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.

24 Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and followed his suggestions.

In Greek mythology, when Odysseus, also known as Ulysses, set off for Troy, he entrusted Mentor with managing his household. Mentor was a trusted friend and loyal advisor to Odysseus. He was given the responsibility of guiding and educating Telemachus, Odysseus’ son. Over time, Mentor evolved into Telemachus’ protector and trusted advisor.

This story of Mentor’s guidance and support served as a model of a mentor. The term “mentor” in English originates from this tale. Today, a mentor is seen as a wise and trusted counselor or teacher who offers invaluable guidance and support.

Mentoring involves a long-term relationship focused on nurturing the mentee’s growth and development. The mentor provides wisdom, education, direction, and encouragement.

Successful mentoring requires the mentor’s willingness and ability to serve and the mentee’s openness to guidance and instruction. Disengaged mentors or resistant mentees can disrupt this dynamic relationship.

While the term “mentor” isn’t found in the Scriptures, there are many examples of mentoring relationships:

Jethro -> Moses
Moses -> Joshua
Naomi -> Ruth
Mordecai -> Esther
Barnabas -> Paul
Paul -> Timothy

Jethro, who was Moses’ father-in-law, possessed remarkable wisdom and insight. He took on the role of mentoring Moses, who had assumed the overwhelming task of resolving conflicts among the people. Recognizing the strain on Moses, Jethro astutely observed the situation and promptly realized that Moses was burdened beyond his capacity. Consequently, Jethro counseled Moses to alter his approach. Moreover, he offered practical and actionable steps that yielded remarkable results.

Exodus 18:21-23

21 But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten.

23 . . . then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.

REFLECT & PRAY

Servant mentorship thrives on solid relational bonds. It involves clearly communicating the nature of the relationship and shared values, building on the mentor’s ability to empower and guide mentees.

Father, thank You for the mentors You have placed in my life. Please help me to mentor others as I have been mentored.

INSIGHT

Barnabas grew into an exceptional servant-mentor. Recognizing his abilities, the leaders of the Jerusalem church entrusted him with guiding and mentoring the new believers in Antioch. Barnabas invited Paul to join him in this mission (Acts 11:26). Throughout their travels, Barnabas undoubtedly encouraged Paul to use and develop his spiritual gifts. Barnabas mentored Paul, and we know how that story played out.

Barnabas performed a pivotal role in encouraging John Mark. During Paul’s first missionary journey, John Mark faltered, failed miserably, and abandoned his responsibilities, leading Paul to deem him unreliable (Acts 13:13). This caused a rift between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:36-39). Paul refused to take John Mark on his second journey.

Barnabas, who had once taken a risk on Paul, now took a risk on John Mark, demonstrating the essence of a servant-mentor. That is what servant-mentors do. He gave John Mark a second chance, allowing him to overcome his past and serve effectively (2 Timothy 4:11).

There’s more to this story. Without Barnabas’ encouragement and mentorship, Paul might never have been accepted by those he once persecuted nor become the author of thirteen New Testament books. Similarly, without Barnabas’ support, the Gospel of Mark might never have been written.

Servant-mentors inspire their mentees by showing belief in them, often restoring them to wholeness and usefulness. An encourager motivates those they serve to believe in themselves and strive for their best.

When Barnabas met Paul, he introduced him to the hesitant leaders of the Jerusalem church (Acts 9:27-28). Later, Barnabas supported the rejected John Mark, taking him to Cyprus to mentor those in need (Acts 15:39).

Barnabas, the Father’s humble and effective servant-mentor, indirectly contributed to the creation of 13 New Testament books.

Servant-mentors focus on encouraging and training those in their care, aiming to work themselves out of a job eventually. They pour their lives into others, who may go on to make a significant impact. When the mentee succeeds, the mentor celebrates their achievements.

In the early accounts of Paul and Barnabas’ travels in the book of Acts, Luke initially refers to them as “Barnabas and Saul” (Acts 11:26; 13:2). However, after their time in Cyprus, the order changes to “Paul and Barnabas” (Acts 13:13).

Why the change? The Father chose to bless Paul’s efforts in extraordinary ways, and Barnabas gracefully took a supporting role, undoubtedly rejoicing in his mentee’s success.

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