That Mary

It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.
~ John 11:2 (NKJV)

The New Testament mentions a half dozen women named Mary (Hebrew "Miriam"):

• Mary of Bethany, the above sister of Lazarus and Martha;
• Mary the mother of Jesus (Matthew 1:16);
• Mary Magdalene, "out of whom [Jesus] had cast seven demons" (Mark 16:9—and Scripture says nothing of her being immoral), who was among the women who followed Jesus and provided for Him and His disciples (Luke 8:1-3), and also among the women present at the crucifixion, who came to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body;
• Mary, mother of James "the Less" and Joses, and wife of Clopas (his Hebrew name is Alphaeus, Mark 3:18), who is apparently the sister of Jesus' mother (John 19:25), and was also present at the crucifixion, burial, and empty tomb of Jesus;
• Mary the mother of John Mark (Acts 12:12) and also relative of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10), who opened her home for Christians to gather;
• Mary of Rome, "who worked very hard" (Romans 16:6).

Mary of Bethany not only anoints Jesus the week of His passion, but also appears to be the sinful woman described by Luke, who boldly enters the home of Simon the Pharisee and washes Jesus feet with her tears. Only these two incidents mention a woman wiping Jesus feet with her hair.

Such an act is far more extraordinary than intentionally breaking a bottle of expensive oil—the extravagant gift typically highlighted in sermons about the incident. Yet any woman, especially in ancient Jewish culture, would give a gift of any price more readily than she would use her hair as Mary did.

But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her ...
~ 1 Corinthians 11:15 (NKJV)

First of all, every chaste woman of Jesus' time would keep her hair bound and covered. The mere act of exposing her long hair among a group of men would be scandalous. Second, men (who wished to remain ritually clean) generally avoided physical contact with women (who might be "unclean"—Leviticus 15:18-19), and women certainly wouldn't initiate physical contact. To this day, Bedouin culture does not permit public displays of affection between husbands and wives, but only between brothers and sisters (Song 8:1) or other family members (Genesis 29:10-11).

Yet the most compelling reason a woman wouldn't use her precious and protected hair to wipe feet is the extreme filth involved. Walking the roads shared by livestock resulted in feet as dirty as a stinky diaper. Foot washing was reserved to lowest servant. The rag used as foot wipe would be defiled as much as any modern day disposable wipe used for a baby's bum. The woman who would think to use her hair as one, even for the Lord Himself, would be most unique, and unlikely to be imitated.

Yet there is a still more compelling reason to believe these two incidents describe the same woman, based on comparison of various Scriptures and, (believe it or not), a contemporary movie.

More on that Mary for Friday's post.

Lord Jesus, please make our hearts eager to do whatever pleases You, believing it is never too much for even You.

Comments are welcome (including respectful disagreement) and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2012, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Behold Your God

"The ultimate aim of the gospel is the display of God’s glory
and the removal of every obstacle to our seeing it
and savoring it as our highest treasure."
~ John Piper

Behold Your God

From Jesus Christ,

the trustworthy witness,

the firstborn from the dead, and

the ruler over the kings of the earth.

To Him who

loved us and

washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has

made us kings and priests to His God and Father,

to Him be

glory and

dominion

forever and ever.

Amen.

~ Revelation 1:5-6 (NKJV)

The number three represents entirety or wholeness when it appears in Scripture. Father, Son, Spirit. Beginning, End, Middle. Was, is, is to come. These verses contain three threes.

The Person of Jesus is Trustworthy Witness, in Whom we put faith. He is the Firstborn of the dead, in whom we have life. He is Ruler, Prince, or (literally) Primary over all other authorities, before Whom every knee will bend, either freely in this life or under condemnation on a day to come.

The Presents of Jesus to His people are His love, in greatest fulfillment for the human soul. He washes us from sin, that we may have peace with God, fellow man, and ourselves. He then bestows to us highest honor—we are not merely royalty, but kings; not merely servants, but priests.

The Power of Jesus is His matchless glory, the beauty of purest Light which compels us to fall down in worship. His dominion is unrivaled, and can be contested by no other power in the heavens, on the earth, or under the earth. His power is eis toús aīonas ton aionōn, "unto the ages of the ages," undiminished by passage of time.

Behold your God. Let your pride be diminished before the Person, Presents, and Power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Love Him well.

Father in Heaven, much dissatisfies us in this world. Forgive us for believing we need more than what You are to us, bestow to us, and reveal to us. Remind of us often of the great honor You’ve shown us. Increase our capacity to love You.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
#knowingGod
Photo from deplicque.net

Who Am I?

"I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant."
~ Genesis 32:10 (NKJV)

Who Am I?

The Bible quotes David asking three times, "Who am I, that ..." The man after God's own heart asked this of Saul shortly after slaying Goliath, of God after receiving promise of an everlasting kingdom, and again shortly before he died.

Please permit me to quote from that last instance with greater length than I generally use here:

"Blessed are You,
LORD God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever.
Yours, O LORD, is the greatness,
The power and the glory,
The victory and the majesty;
For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours;
Yours is the kingdom, O LORD,
And You are exalted as head over all.
Both riches and honor come from You,
And You reign over all.
In Your hand is power and might;
In Your hand it is to make great
And to give strength to all.
"Now therefore, our God,
We thank You
And praise Your glorious name.
But who am I, and who are my people,
That we should be able to offer so willingly as this?
For all things come from You,
And of Your own we have given You.
For we are aliens and pilgrims before You,
As were all our fathers;
Our days on earth are as a shadow,
And without hope... "
~ 1 Chronicles 29:10-15 (NKJV)

Whatever his lapses, whatever his achievements, David did not lose sight of the fact that he was quite small, and God is quite large; that without the Lord, we are utterly without hope; that the Lord is worthy of our blessing at all times, even in the valley of the shadow of death.

It is a fitting perspective.



Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt?
Who am I, that the bright and morning star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wondering heart?

Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord You catch me when I'm falling
And You told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours

Who am I, that the eyes that see our sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again?
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me? ...

Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
'Cause I am Yours
I am Yours

Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com Comments or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Lyrics of "Who Am I?" as recorded by Casting Crowns are written by Hall, John Mark; © 2003 Reunion Records, Inc.

true meekness

"Some glances of real beauty may be seen
in the faces of those who dwell in true meekness."
~ Henry David Thoreau

Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga, left,

smiles as he walks away from first base umpire Jim Joyce, right.

true meekness

The meek shall inherit the earth,
And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
~ Psalms 37:11 (NKJV)

Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him ...
He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret ...
~ Psalms 37:5-7 (NKJV)

If not for my son Joshua (age 11 and a Detroit Tigers fan), I'd have likely missed watching one of baseball's finest events unfold; I'd have missed true meekness shining more brightly than pinnacle of achievement ever could.

Sports fans are by now familiar with Armando Galarraga, age 28 pitcher for the Detroit Tigers. Last Wednesday he pitched a perfect game against the Cleveland Indians. A perfect game is so difficult to attain that it has happened a mere 20 times in the history of Major League Baseball.

But Galarraga did not receive credit for a perfect game. On what should have been the game's last play, Galarraga sprinted to cover first base while the first baseman grabbed the Indians' 27th batter's hit. The replay shows that with ball in glove, Gararraga's foot stepped on the bag before the runner's did. It was a clean out. But umpire Jim Joyce declared the runner safe.

The game would not go down in the annals of baseball history as perfect. Galarraga's moment of a lifetime evaporated. Yet he didn't argue. He didn't pout. He didn't lose poise, but calmly went back to the mound with a peaceful smile, ready for his 28th batter of the night.

When later interviewed, he shrugged off Joyce's mistake as just that—a human error. While sports fans slandered the umpire with a variety of epithets, the one man who might be justifiably upset did not complain that he'd been wronged.

After seeing the replay, a distraught Joyce readily admitted he'd made a bad call, visibly shaken. He cursed himself, grief evident for what he'd inadvertently taken from the young pitcher. Galarraga responded by saying that he felt bad for Joyce—and he displayed it with exceptional dignity.

When the two meet at home plate the next day to play another game, Galarraga pauses to shake Joyce's hand before handing him the lineup. While Joyce attempts to focus on the lineup and wipes away tears, Galarraga puts a warm hand on Joyce's shoulder and rubs it briefly. Joyce reciprocates with a friendly cuff to Galarraga's arm, and a new game begins.

Armando Galarraga is both a perfect pitcher and a perfect gentleman. He has earned respect far beyond what he might have received for the perfect game alone. And the world has witnessed one of the finest examples of meekness it might ever hope to see or emulate.

Lord, please be patient with us as we learn to meekly wait for Your perfect purposes for everything You allow in our lives. Alllow us no sense of entitlement. Enable us to return injury with grace, delighting in Your abundance of peace.


The play:




The meeting:



Your feedback is appreciated.
Post to BuildingHisBody.com Comments or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Image source, Galarraga & Joyce: blog.pennlive.com

The Strength of Gentleness

"Nothing is so strong as gentleness;
nothing is so gentle as real strength."
~ Ralph W. Sockman

The Strength of Gentleness

"Gentleness" is the translation of the Greek word praótēs. I thought its definition so lovely and sufficient a description of the Holy Spirit's fruit that I offer it here for the blog carnival hosted by Bridget Chumbley. (Be sure to visit her site for more on gentleness.)

praótēs (fem. noun from práos, meek): Meekness, mildness, forbearance. Primarily it does not denote outward expression of feeling, but an inward grace of the soul, calmness toward God in particular. It is the acceptance of God's dealings with us considering them as good in that they enhance the closeness of our relationship with Him... Meekness does not blame God for the persecutions and evil doings of men. It is not the result of weakness ... According to Aristotle, praótēs is that virtue [which] stands between two extremes: uncontrolled and unjustified anger; and not becoming angry at all no matter what [evil] takes place around you.*

* Definition from The Complete Word Study Dictionary, General Editor: Spiros Zodhiates, Th.D., © 1992 By AMG International, Inc.
Image source: michaelyon-online.com

Kindness Says ...

This is a late entry in the blog carnival hosted by Bridget Chumbley.
For more about it, click here on "Kindness."

"The quality of mercy is not strained.
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven,
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed.
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes."
~ Portia, from William Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice

Kindness Says ...

No task is beneath me, for that would place the one who performs it beneath me.

No one is unworthy of my attention, and therefore everyone is worthy of notice.

Every person is a masterpiece—highly valued by the Creator and therefore valuable to me.

Whatever someone's need, I'm willing to ask the Lord if I should do anything about it.

Those who cross my path should leave me in a better condition than they were before I found them.

There can be no presumption that any person walks an easier path through life than me, for poverty can be of health, love, or soul.

Everyone has something they might teach me if given the opportunity.

Everyone has a valid need to be validated.

For the person who bothers me by what they are, may I remember who they are.

Whatever I do or fail to do to those I consider the least, I do to the One Who breathed life into them.

Lord, I understand the language of kindness. Please help me speak it fluently.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
#discipleship
Image source: forums.macrumors.com

The Test of Suffering

The Question of the Week on Bullets and Butterflies last Saturday was "Why Suffering?" The answer will be expanded on this week's posts here.

"A man's health can be judged by which he takes two at a time
— pills or stairs."
~ Joan Welsh

The Test of Suffering

Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?"
So Satan answered the LORD and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!"
~ Job 1:8-11 (NKJV)

Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said:
"Naked I came from my mother's womb,
And naked shall I return there.
The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the LORD."
~ Job 1:20-21 (NKJV)

It is not only Job, but every one of us who is tested by suffering.

Job came through Round One clean. He was tested. He worshiped. He blessed the LORD rather than cursed Him.

Round Two attacked Job with greater suffering. Still he did not curse the LORD—but he also no longer blessed the LORD. He failed to fall down in worship, but rose up in pride and dared to question God. He said that given the opportunity, he would ask Almighty God to explain his suffering.

Job called God into account.

God's answer? The Almighty's discourse goes on for four chapters of Scripture. It begins thus:

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind [tornado], and said:
"Who is this who darkens counsel
By words without knowledge?
Now prepare yourself like a man;
I will question you, and you shall answer Me.
"Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding."
(Job 38:1-4 NKJV)

Job now responds with humility. He acknowledges his pride with repentance. (And God returns blessing to Job which exceeds the test.)

So it is with each of us. The gap between what we think we are and what we really are is revealed in the test of suffering.

When disaster such as a mighty earthquake or Hurricane Katrina strikes, would we be found among the looters, those who go AWOL, those who search out a hiding place to look out for number one? Or would we be found among those who sacrifice their place in line to one less fortunate, drive themselves tirelessly to help others, cling to hope as we pull living victims from the rubble four weeks later?

If the suffering of indignity, annoyance, or discomfort strikes on any ordinary day of our lives, will we respond with love and patience? Will we strike back with irritation and complaining?

Such is the test of suffering.

Father God, we are not worthy of Your blessings. We are vile when we question You and think we are in a place to call You into account for the suffering on the earth. Please help us rethink pain as Your agent of testing. Please help us see clearly who we really are.

Wednesday: The Discipline of Suffering

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
#suffering
Image source: injuryboard.com

Humility in Suffering, Humility in Praise

"Humility is not an ideal.
It is the unconscious result
of the life being rightly related to God."
~ Oswald Chambers

Humility in Suffering, Humility in Praise

To the Chief Musician.
A Psalm of David The Servant of the LORD,
Who Spoke to the LORD The Words of This Song
on the Day that the LORD Delivered Him
from the Hand of All His Enemies
and from the Hand of Saul.
And He Said:
I will love You, O LORD, my strength.
~ Psalms 18:1 (NKJV)

Thus says the LORD: "... your house and your kingdom ... [and] your throne shall be established forever." ... Then King David went in and sat before the LORD; and he said: "Who am I, O Lord GOD? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far?"
~ 2 Samuel 7:5,16,18 (NKJV)

Though Saul dedicated his life to murdering David, David not only refused to retaliate, but excluded Saul from his enemies when penning his final psalm forty years after Saul's death.

Such humility marked David's life. He did not see himself worthy of marrying Saul's daughter, nor later, of the messianic covenant from the Lord. He thoroughly and immediately repented when confronted with his adultery and murder, and again later after an unrighteous census. He showed compassion to women such as Abigail when she was rich and he was poor and to Rizpah when she was forlorn and he was king.

When we think of examples of patience amid suffering, we think of Job, whose suffering was intense—but short lived. David's suffering marked most of his life—persecution by his son Absalom when he was old, by King Saul when he was young, and by many brethren who hated him while he suffered unrighteously as a destitute fugitive. Physical affliction is also mentioned throughout David's psalms.

Presenting suffering next to a good God, with the exhortation "rejoice always," is a distinct challenge for this writer to do credibly. My inspiration is the suffering David, whose humility enabled his enduring praise to God.

In that final psalm of his, David affirmed amid the suffering of infirmity: The Lord is our strength, and we declare to Him, "I will love You!"

Lord, You bless and take away, and always bless amid the taking away. By Your grace and strength, my heart will forever choose to say, "Lord, blessed be Your name."

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
#suffering
Image from jerusalem-4thtemple.org

Know Jesus, Love Jesus

"I love people. I know things.

But the love of Christ is a love that feels like knowing

and a knowing that feels like love."
~ Gwen Stewart

Know Jesus, Love Jesus

From Jesus Christ,

the trustworthy witness,

the firstborn from the dead, and

the ruler over the kings of the earth.

To Him who

loved us and

washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has

made us kings and priests to His God and Father,

to Him be

glory and

dominion

forever and ever.

Amen.

~ Revelation 1:5-6 (NKJV)

I love spotting symmetry, especially in the Scriptures.

The number three represents entirety or wholeness. Father, Son, Spirit. Beginning, End, Middle. Was, is, and is to come. In these verses I see three three’s.

The Person of Jesus is described here as the Trustworthy Witness, in Whom we put faith. He is the Firstborn of the dead, in whom we have life. He is Ruler, Prince, and (literally) Primary over all other authorities, before Whom every knee will bend, either freely in this life or under compulsion on a day to come.

The Presents of Jesus to His people are His love, the greatest fulfillment for the human soul. He washes us from sin, that we may have peace with God, fellow man, and ourselves. He then bestows to us this high honor, that we are not merely royalty, but kings; not merely servants, but priests.

The Power of Jesus is His matchless glory, the beauty of purest Light. His dominion is unrivaled, and can be contested by no other power in the heavens, on the earth, or under the earth. His power is eis toús aīonas ton aionōn, "unto the ages of the ages," undiminished by passage of time.

Behold your God. Let your pride be diminished before the Person, Presents, and Power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Love Him well.

Father in Heaven, much dissatisfies us in this world. Forgive us for believing we need more than what You are to us, bestow to us, and reveal to us. Remind of us often of the great honor You’ve shown us. Increase our capacity to love You.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
#knowingGod
Photo from deplicque.net

A Touch That Never Hurts

"Have a heart that never hardens,
a temper that never tires,
a touch that never hurts."
~ Charles Dickens

A Touch That Never Hurts
#powerofwords

"How shall I curse whom God has not cursed?
And how shall I denounce whom the LORD has not denounced?"
~ Numbers 23:8 (NKJV)

Death and life are in the power of the tongue.
~ Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
~ Romans 12:18 (NKJV)

As soon as I pick up my car keys, I am sure to immediately hear the running footsteps of my eight-year-old Abigail. However much household noise rules or far away she is, that distinctive sound is a magnet for her to hasten to my side and determine where I'm going, how long I'll be gone, and give me at least one 'I love you' kiss good-bye.

She likely got this from me. I do whatever possible to make sure every good-bye and its 'I love you' carries full weight. I most easily lay down pride when it comes time to part company. I am adamant for pleasant farewells, and I sorrow over every disagreeable one.

I do not obsess about death. But between the numerous death aftermaths I've been closely involved with, and my husband's occupation as a police officer—assigned to death investigations—I am acutely aware of how tentative life is. One never knows which words we speak may be the last between us and a loved one.

Another thing of which I'm acutely aware is how inclined my intensity is to take a hard stance, flash a quick temper, use a sharp touch with my tongue. The internet is a place of words offered at keyboard speed, where it is easier to measure each transmission, and double-click the trash can icon on regrets. You who know me only electronically see (as one critic called it) "the kinder and gentler Anne." I try ever so hard to be just as gracious in speech and electronic chats, but am sometimes not. Nearly all of my deepest regrets are of my words.

Is there anyone you've touched with words who has been hurt by them?

With eternity daily in the balance, is there any valid reason to not live peaceably?

Prince of Peace, You've given Your life and blood that we might know peace. I pray that every person who reads these words would know Your peace, and pass it on to as many people as possible, in as many ways possible.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from hebrewprincess.sulekha.com

As One Dead

"When you judge another person,
you do not define him or her, you define yourself."
- Wayne Dyer

As One Dead
#powerofwords

Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses ... "Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us also?" ... So the anger of the LORD was aroused against them ... suddenly Miriam became leprous, as white as snow... So Aaron said to Moses, "Oh, my lord! Please do not lay this sin on us ... Please do not let her be as one dead."
Numbers 12:1-2,9-12 (NKJV)

And it happened, as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the City of David, that Michal, Saul's daughter, looked through a window and saw King David whirling and playing music; and she despised him in her heart... Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.
1 Chronicles 15:29; 2 Samuel 6:23 (NKJV)

Where do you see barrenness? Is there a person, a relationship, or a church you know of which lacks spiritual life, as one dead or dying?

Is a critical spirit present?

Here are two biblical examples of a critical spirit leading to quenched life. It is a simple matter of sowing and reaping. Critical words tear people down, robbing them of life. Those who speak them are likewise robbed of life.

Ironically, a common response when recognizing that someone has judgmental and critical spirit is to ... judge and criticize the person. Do you see a problem here? If we want to reap spiritual life, we must consistently sow words of life and love. (I speak as one who's lived on both sides of the problem.)

Perhaps the people who need such words most are the critical and judgmental ones, who need an example of someone gently and lovingly sharing with them where and why things are amiss.

Father, thank You for looking at Your children without condemnation. Please let us see one another through eyes of love first, and then with discernment of how to speak words of healing and peace. Please fill our hearts and mouths and keyboards with words of life.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Grace

"A pharisee is hard on others and easy on himself,

but a spiritual man is easy on others and hard on himself."

~ A.W. Tozer

Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things... You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? For "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you," as it is written.
~ Romans 2:1,23-24 (NKJV)

"The scribes and the Pharisees ... bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers."
~ Matthew 23:2,4 (NKJV)

Is it more important to be proven right (and/or righteous), or to make truth (and therefore grace) manifest?

"Amazing grace" is this: to realize how utterly undeserving of God's love and mercy and favor one is, and to therefore see anyone who is without these as being in need of compassion, not condemnation.

Grace sees the sin others carry, and rather than make sure they're aware of it, is more inclined to weep with empathy for their burden because one has not forgotten what the burden felt like.

Grace is less concerned with making a determination of whether or not a person might be marked as "saved" than to make a determination from God's Holy Spirit of how He'd direct His love to be shared with that person.

Grace is less inclined to judge whether or not a person's theology matches that of oneself than to be sensitive to how the person might be drawn ever nearer to God.

Grace recognizes that God manifested truth to us not so that we would display it with pride, but so that we would have it to share with others.

Grace has nothing to boast in, save the God Who gives grace.

Dear God, the weight of sin is too great to walk in freedom from its burden and not still feel the bruises left behind by carrying the load. Thank You for sending Your precious Son to shed His blood that we might be free. Please let us never see someone struggling anywhere we are free and not say, "There—but for the grace of God—go I."

Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Our Righteousness

"A King shall reign and prosper,
And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth...
Now this is His name by which He will be called:
THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS."
~ Jeremiah 23:5-6 (NKJV)

For we have all become as one who is unclean, and all our righteousness is as a polluted garment [filthy rags].
~ Isaiah 64:6 (HNV)

Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all.
~ Romans 5:18 (TNIV)

There's no reason for any Christian to have any pride or self-righteousness. Whatever "good" we see as our righteousness is unclean and filthy in God's eyes.

There's no reason for any Christian to have any despair or guilt for sin. We have no condemnation, for Jesus already suffered the condemnation for our sins. He has replaced our guilt, condemnation, and unrighteousness with His own righteousness. Our King's very name is "Our Righteousness"—YHWH Tsidke-nu (tsid-KAY-noo).

Our identity, in Christ, is "righteous."
Our righteousness is in Christ's identity alone.

O YHWH Our Righteousness, Your perfection and holiness are incomprehensible to sinful man. How can we begin to comprehend that it is ours? Please give us the right perspective of ourselves—nothing apart from You, everything in You.

Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Wash One Another’s Feet

"For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves."
~ Luke 22:27 (NKJV)

"You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you."
~ John 13:13-15 (NKJV)

"And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' "
~ Matthew 25:40 (NKJV)

Though Luke’s Gospel doesn’t include Jesus washing His disciples’ feet, it records the disciples disputing yet again who shall be greatest and Jesus’ reply. John’s Gospel omits the dispute, and simply relates that at supper’s end (when the disciples were surely relaxed with wine and full stomachs), Jesus the Master becomes the One who serves in the most menial capacity.

Jesus left behind a profound image as a last act of service before His death. He strips off the elite robe for which his mockers will soon cast lots. He washes from feet the street mire and dung into which His face will soon be pressed. He bows down before the men sitting at the table as if they are greater than Himself—men about to deny, betray and abandon Him.

We’ll be tempted to see some task as beneath us—to see ourselves as better than the man or woman who does it. There are some people we can’t imagine bowing before in menial service. Jesus asks us to put not ourselves in their place, but to put Him there, and recalculate the measurement we use for one who serves.

O Lord, we’re ever inclined to think too much of ourselves. Please give us a bigger view of Yourself. Enable us to exalt You in our lives so highly that after we’ve praised You on Sunday morning, we live throughout the week in Your example of One who serves.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

At Jesus' Feet

Mary ... sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word... "One thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."
~ Luke 10:39-42 (NKJV)

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your young men shall see visions ... "
~ Acts 2:17

"I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have concealed these things from the wise and sharp and learned, and revealed them to the childlike and unskilled and uneducated. Yes, Father, this was Your gracious will and pleasing to You."
~ Luke 10:21 (author, amplified)

Every time Mary of Bethany is mentioned, she is at Jesus' feet. She anoints His feet and uses her hair as a towel for them. She falls at Jesus' feet in worship and weeping. She sits and listens to the Word. A woman in patriarchal society, she found blessing in such lowly position.

God revealed something to Mary others missed—perhaps because she stayed lowly, perhaps because she had childlike ignorance. God takes great pleasure in such servants and rewards them with His choicest blessing—a view of Himself.

Jesus was an uneducated man who shared truth with words the wise and learned failed to understand. I've recently become acquainted with one of Jesus' humble servants to whom God gives both startling insights and the ability to share them with vivid simplicity.

If you're inclined to spend your Sunday looking for a view of God pure and plain, visit Billy Coffey at What I Learned Today. I promise you'll be blessed.

Lord of heaven and earth, You are good to make Yourself known in Your creation, in Your Christ, in Your Counselor. Thank You for loving the most lowly and humble and sinful of us and making us Your servants. Thank You for the ability to see Your face each day. I love You.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Who is Forgiven Little?

"There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more? ... Do you see this woman? Her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But the one who is forgiven little loves little." ... Then He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; be going on in peace."
~ Luke 7:41-50 (author)

"Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof."
~ Luke 7:6 (ESV)

These six things the LORD hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.
~ Proverbs 6:16-19 (NKJV)

Chapter 7 of Luke begins with the story of a wealthy Roman—a Gentile—who loved Israel and called her Messiah "Lord." He saw himself as utterly unworthy to even approach Jesus, let alone let Jesus enter his abode. Jesus identified his faith as greater than any He'd found in Israel.

The chapter concludes with the story of a woman called only "a sinful woman." Whatever her sin, it was obvious enough to be her identifying trait. Humbled by her many sins, her tears were sufficient to wash Jesus' feet, her love sufficient to kiss His feet before those who despised her.

Who is forgiven little? Only that person able to say, "I've never had a proud look or a lying tongue. My hands never caused the bloodshed of an innocent Man. I run from evil when I view it, and I sow only peace in my family."

Everyone is forgiven much. It's simply a matter of how little we perceive our sins to be that limits our capacity to love our Lord and Savior.

Jesus Christ, Yeshua Ha-Mashiach, You are my Lord and my God. You are Adonai and YHWH. My hands are stained with Your blood, and I gratefully accept You fully covering me with Your blood, under the shadow of Your wings, set under Your authority. I love You with as much strength as You provide.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Stoop Down

O YHWH, You are God of Vengeance.
God to Whom vengeance belongs,
Shine forth and be seen!
Rise up, O Judge of the Earth,
Pay back to the proud a deserved compensation....
O the bliss of the one
To whom You teach discipline, YAH,
And train from Your law.
~ Psalm 94:1-3,12 (author)

If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens.
Galatians 6:1-4 (The Message)

Why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.... Each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way.
~ Romans 14:10,12-13 (NKJV)

If there's anything Christians are hated for, it's recognizing sin—perhaps because we so often recognize and condemn sin in others, especially those who are not Christ's. In condemning their sin we judge and condemn them, whether intentionally or inadvertently.

Christ allowed that one without sin may "throw stones" at the sinner. We should by no means give sin a nod. But we are not appointed to judge sinners, and we must be careful before we even judge sin. The pride that cries "sin" may too quickly condemn what God does not.

Our approach needs to be cloaked in the humility and compassion which sees another staggering and stumbling under an unbearable load, and will stoop down to offer relief. If we are unwilling to stoop down, we ourselves may stumble and be compensated for our pride.

Judge of the earth, condemnation and vengeance are Yours alone. Jesus, thank You for shedding Your blood to set us free from sin. Holy Spirit, thank You for moving us to hate sin. Father, please manifest in us Your light and love to expose sin and relieve its oppressive weight.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Mighty in the Scriptures

Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord.
~ Acts 18:24-25 (NKJV)

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure."
~ Luke 10:21 (NIV)

Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies... And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge ... but have not love, I am nothing.
~ 1 Corinthians 8:1; 13:2 (NKJV)

Apollos, thought by many (including this student) to be the unidentified writer of Hebrews, was called "mighty in the Scriptures." Paul was well-educated by the respected rabbi Gamaliel. Yet others who penned Scripture were the fishermen Peter and John, as well as James and Jude, sons of a lowly carpenter.

Knowing and understanding the Bible doesn't require formal education—though education is valuable. The Father Himself, through His Holy Spirit, reveals the hidden things of Scripture to those with the humble heart of a child, whether learned or not.

Being "mighty in the Scriptures" can puff up with pride. The Father does not honor pride. But if one desires to better know and love the Lord, and to better love and edify fellow man, it is the Father's good pleasure to reveal His treasures.

Knowledge is of great value, but love trumps education every day.

Lord of heaven and earth, our beloved Father, thank You for making Yourself known to those who seek You. Thank You for honoring those who honor you with a humble heart. Thank You for permitting us to glimpse Your magnificence, before which all else shall one day fade.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy

Bring It On

Therefore have I set my face like flint ...
He who vindicates me is near.
Who then will bring charges against me?
Let us face each other!
Who is my accuser?
Let him confront me!
It is the Sovereign LORD who helps me.
Who is he that will condemn me?
Isaiah 50:7-9 (NIV)

A Psalm of David ...
O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? ...
The LORD hears when I call to him.
Be angry, and do not sin;
ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
Psalms 4:2-4 (ESV)

Anger itself is not a sinful emotion. God gets angry. Sin comes in the reason for our anger and the way we express our anger.

David is an example of a good excuse for anger. He yet spent many years of his life as an innocent fugitive, fleeing from unrighteous men rather than striking against them. Yet he exhorted, "Be angry, and do not sin." Like Isaiah, his confidence was that "He who vindicates me is near."

Sure, I can have a face like a flint—if I'm struck just so, the sparks fly. WRONG application! Oh for the ability to set one's face like a flint as Isaiah, unmoved in the face of the worst provocation! Oh for the ability to say, "Bring it on," because I am so strong in the Spirit that I will respond correctly.

Sovereign Lord, Your anger is as holy as You are. The wrath of man is so ugly and sinful, completely at odds with Your Spirit's work in us. Please help us yield to Your Spirit and respond to situations as Jesus would. Let anger motivate us without provoking us, because we are like Him.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy

Speak Comfort

"Comfort, yes, comfort My people!" Says your God.
"Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her ...
That her iniquity is pardoned...
Prepare the way of the LORD;
Make straight in the desert
A highway for our God.
Every valley shall be exalted
And every mountain and hill brought low ...
The glory of the LORD shall be revealed."
Isaiah 40:1-5 (NKJV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NKJV)

"But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." ~ Matthew 23:11-12 (NKJV)

There is no greater comfort than receiving forgiveness of sin and laying down guilt. One may believe in God, exalt Jesus as Lord, and value righteous living. But until one feels the burden of sin, confesses it, and receives God's forgiveness, genuine comfort is not known.

Through the Gospel message comes the comfort of being made right with our Creator, and with that: faith that sees God (Hebrews 11:1), reliable hope for the future (1 Thessalonians 4:13), joy amid sorrow (John 16:22), full peace passing understanding (Philippians 4:7), and true love from which nothing can separate us (Romans 8:39). In these is genuine comfort.

If we would speak comfort based on Christ's faith, hope, love, joy, and peace, then we must be credible messengers of the Gospel. We will behave as His humble servants, and not show ourselves as exalted—unless it is to glory in the knowledge and understanding of the Lord.

Lord, Your great love compels our compassion for all the hurting people around us, their faces dark with the burdens they carry. Please make us sensitive to the voice of Your Holy Spirit, that He would speak comfort to them through us. Please let us know and understand You—reveal Your glory to us!

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy