Jesus' Last Days II – Fragrance of Love

Today is Saturday. Jesus dines intimately with loved ones in Bethany before His very public entry of Jerusalem tomorrow. The twelve disciples and Lazarus sit at the table with Jesus. Once again, Martha serves while Mary is at Jesus' feet. But Martha is not the one to complain about Mary this time.

Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
~ John 12:3 (NKJV)

This is apparently the same woman mentioned in Luke 7:36-50. (See "This Woman" post for an explanation.) Mary has not forgotten the "much" she has been forgiven, and she continues to love much.

Perhaps, because of her sinful past, Mary does not feel she deserves a place any higher than the ground. Who better, in the eyes of Jesus, to be exalted (Matthew 23:11-12) than one who humbles herself from the depths of love?

Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head.
Mark 14:3 (NKJV)

Israel's kings received an anointing to mark them for the throne. The King of kings also receives an anointing on the day before the crowds shout "Hosanna!" and proclaim Him their King. The honor of anointing Him is bestowed upon a woman of so little esteem that two of the Gospel writers don't even record her name.

The fragrance of her love is caught up in the aroma of spikenard, poured upon Jesus in an anointing of honor—and an anointing for burial (Matthew 26:12; Mark 14:8; John 12:7). As modern day users of essential oils well know, an entire pound of spikenard, poured over Jesus' head and into His hair, would leave a scent that stayed with Him throughout the week.

And so, as He wept over Jerusalem, Jesus smelled the fragrance of love. As He rebuked the Pharisees, Jesus smelled the fragrance of love. As He washed His disciples' feet, Jesus smelled the fragrance of love.

As He prayed so intensely that His sweat became the first drops of blood He would shed, Jesus smelled the fragrance of love. As He was flogged with metal scourges, Jesus smelled the fragrance of love. As He asked His Father to forgive the men driving nails into His flesh, Jesus smelled the fragrance of love.

As He triumphantly declared, "It is finished!" and drew His final breath, the last thing Jesus inhaled was the aroma of spikenard—the last thing He exhaled was the fragrance of love.

Comments are welcome (including respectful disagreement) and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – use @gmail.com *after* buildingHisbody
Copyright 2013, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

One Question Quiz

A woman of Samaria came to draw water.
Jesus said to her, "Give Me a drink."
~ John 4:7 (NKJV)

Which is more surprising?
(a) Jesus stepping into enemy territory
(b) The Rabbi alone with a harlot
(c) the God who has everything asking a person for the little they have
(d) the Creator needing a drink

The answer certainly isn't (a). God coming to dwell with man was stepping into enemy territory from day one. Knowing men would eventually kill Him never hindered Jesus from being where He needed to be to do His Father's will.

Is (b) really unusual? More than once, we see Jesus as able to associate with all manner of sinners, because their sin did not tempt Him. He unapologetically did right and spoke truth, knowing people would speak badly of Him anyway, and having no fear of their slander (John 2:24-25).

Consider (c). Does this woman of bad reputation have anything to offer Jesus except that drink of water? There seems to be no surprise that He asks it of her. Why then are we taken aback when He asks us for the little we have?

And so I choose (d) as the most surprising. I shake my head to think that the Creator puts on mortal flesh and allows Himself to become needful of a drink of water.

I shake my head to think that God creates mortals and allows Himself to require our love.

How does God surprise you?

God of Living Waters, You fully command my love. Thank You for rendering my heart helpless before You.

Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Intercourse of Fellowship

This post is part of a blog carnival hostessed by Bridget Chumbley. You're invited to visit her at "One Word at a Time" and see what others are saying about today's theme: Fellowship.

And the LORD God said,
"It is not good that man should be alone ..."
~ Genesis 2:18 (NKJV)

It’s said that a small child’s greatest fear is abandonment. We understand that one of the most subtle yet devastating forms of torture is to inflict solitary confinement on a person. The human spirit can rise above nearly any shared suffering—but it withers in the vacuum of loneliness.

So God created man in His own image;
in the image of God He created him;
male and female He created them.
~ Genesis 1:27 (NKJV)

The Bible speaks of fellowship with the Greek nouns metochē ("hold amid"; participation; intercourse) and koinōnia (social intercourse; communion). The latter word can include the meaning of completeness.

The Lord spoke the animals into existence. But the Creator's fellowship with people began by forming man with His hands, and then intimately breathing His life into this creature made in His own image.

Our human attributes unique to God's image include a free will which discerns morality and the ability to communicate logic. We are not simply social, as many animals are, but our souls are bound up with one another in communion. We are incomplete without one another, because we are made in the image of a God who created us for fellowship.

And they heard the sound of the LORD God
walking in the garden in the cool of the day ...
~ Genesis 3:8 (NKJV)

We share with our Creator the need for fellowship.

If God simply wanted worshipers, He needed only the angels. Yet there is something about a perfect God which seeks completeness through communion with puny humans—something which seeks to love and be loved.

We enjoy social intercourse with our Maker through His Word in the Bible, through His Holy Spirit in prayer, and through fellowship with His body of believers. Such intercourse is only a foreshadowing of the union we shall one day share with one another and with Him.

God says,
"Who draws near to Me an inch,
I will draw near to him an ell; *
and whoso walks to meet Me,
I will leap to meet him."
~ Eastern Proverb

[*ell is the length from elbow to middle finger's tip]

Lord of Heaven and Earth, who are we that You should desire our love? How great is Your love for us! May we delight to spend our days learning to love You.

I appreciate hearing from you. Questions are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments or e-mail me—my address is
buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com.
Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Image source: larsoninstitute.com

God's Need

"Be persuaded, timid soul,
that He has loved you too much to cease loving you."
~ François de la Fenelon

Then Jesus said, "A man had two sons. The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So the father divided his property between them..."
~ Luke 15:11-12 (ISV)

Though this beloved parable has its application for evangelism, it also mirrors two kinds of Christians. The older son is evidently quite capable, has access to his father’s wealth, and does many righteous works. He sees himself as an asset to his father. But he calls his obedience "slavery" or "bondage" (Greek douleuō). His heart has long been distant from his father.

The younger son knows his father’s goodness. His brother’s achievement is painfully obvious. How can he measure up? The feeling of unworthiness surely started long before he first slept with prostitutes and then later with pigs. He is finally forced to confront his inability, destitution bred by squandered wealth, and many wicked deeds.

Both sons measure themselves by capability, resources, and works. Both believe their father uses the same standard. Neither lived a life of closeness to his father, though the father obviously desired it all along.

"So he got up and went to his father. While he was still far away, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him affectionately."
~ Luke 15:20 (ISV)

I’ve visited the place of both sons. There was a time when I had learned so many amazing things about God and His gifts to me that I thought I'd become an asset to God and could start coasting. When later confronted by how deeply-entrenched my sin is, I regarded myself as unfit to do or give anything worthwhile to God, and therefore unworthy to draw too closely to Him.

The Lord doesn’t regard us as assets or liabilities. He looks past what we have and sees who we are. Having been transfused with His Son’s blood, we've become our Father’s daughters and sons.

We can offer God nothing with our capability, resources, or works. He has sufficient might to create the universe, owns everything in it, and already did His greatest work at Calvary.

But we do have one thing outside the Lord's control and dominion. And He needs it.

Because God is Love, He needs relationship—He needs our freely given love.

God names Himself Father rather than Master. He asks us for relationship rather than service. Even if we encounter His occasional discipline or displeasure, mutual love prevails over all.

If ever at a loss for how to express love for God, a good place to start is giving Him thanks.

: : :

Note: This Thursday, for Thanksgiving, I’ll share with both saved and unsaved women at the local county jail a similar message about feelings of unworthiness and how to draw closer to God by giving Him thanks. I’d be most grateful if you’d take just a moment right now and ask the Lord to use my words in their lives.

I appreciate hearing from you. Questions are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments or e-mail me—my address is
buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com.
Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Image source: southern-orthodoxy.blogspot.com

The I AM Made Mine

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."
~ Revelation 1:8 (NKJV)



The I AM Made Mine

God Almighty is the Beginning and the End—but not always my God, my Almighty, my beginning and end.

"... lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven ... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
~ Jesus (Matthew 6:20-21 NKJV)

It's been said that a person's god is identified by calendar, clock and checkbook. How often is my foremost use of talent, time and treasure consistently centered upon the One I call "Lord"?

Now He could do no mighty work there ... And He marveled because of their unbelief.
~ Mark 6:5-6 (NKJV)

Just yesterday I argued with God about something being impossible. How often do I limit what He might do in my life by my lack of faith, by calling Him less all-powerful than I know He is?

" 'And you shall love the LORD Your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment."
~ Jesus (Mark 12:30 NKJV)

I love my God. I wish I never failed to think of Him first upon rising, last at day's end; to unfailing ask Him first for my next step rather than come to Him as a last resort in adversity; to accept every blessing from Him with thanks and praise upon my lips. I fall short more often than I nail it. I take great comfort in knowing that His love for me is without condemnation, that He knew me before my beginning, and that when all else is laid to rest, He shall indeed be my end.

Lord God Almighty, how often I speak Your name without giving it full weight. I ask for myself and for everyone who reads these words that You would renew our awareness of Who You are. Please increase our faith in You, increase our love for You, increase our generosity with You.

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: outdoors.webshots.com

Hard Questions

"Judge a person by their questions, rather than their answers."
~ Voltaire

Hard Questions

"Now, O LORD my God ... I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in."
~ 1 Kings 3:7 (NKJV)

But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. And now, little children, abide in Him ...
~ 1 John 2:27-28 (NKJV)

Back in January, Russell Holloway invited me to do Q&A for his blog Bullets and Butterflies. For years I've answered Bible questions from students, family, friends, friends of friends, and now, blog readers. I've long wanted to do something more formal, but didn't feel qualified to offer myself without a sponsor.

I'll admit to knowing the Bible quite well. I've read it since I was a child. Since 1985 I've prayerfully read it over and over, cover to cover and inside out, studying the original languages in Bible dictionaries. I've researched biblical culture, archeology, history. I even peruse the commentaries, though I don't like to give them more attention than the Holy Spirit, Whom I believe to be our first and final Teacher.

But I also can't call myself a Bible expert. As one critic adeptly pointed out, "Anne, you've never been to Bible college like I have. You only read the Bible."

Russell startled me when he issued his invitation to bring on the questions with, "... the harder the question the better ..." I wanted to cry out, "Wait! I don't have all the answers!" I consoled myself with the knowledge that I know the One Who does, and plunged in.

I feel like a little child facing a doctorate exam.

Not because of the four questions I've handled so far—which have been plenty challenging—but because I'm painfully aware of how much I don't know, how much I'm learning, and how difficult my own questions for God are lately becoming. Questions like:

How do I give my kids a sense of how bad sin is without letting them wallow in it the way I did?

Since joy is the fruit of the Spirit like love is, am I doing something wrong if I lose my hold on joy for a time, the way I would be if I hated someone for a time?

I know what it is to release something to God, and have rest in not worrying about the outcome. How do I not do that too much, before lack of worry starts to become unhealthy apathy?

My hardest question is one I've asked it many times over the years. It is not altogether unlike Philippians 1:21-24. God never answers it. He simply wraps me in His love and wipes away my tears, because it comes out something like this:

Dear God, the more time I spend with You, the more I love You, and the more homesick I get to be with You. But I want to come with my arms filled with treasures I've laid up in heaven while on earth, so I guess You better keep me here a while. Is it possible to be a little less homesick?

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.Image source: helptalking.com

Desire and Pleasure

"Never give up on something
that you can't go a day without thinking about."
~ Unknown

Desire and Pleasure

Do what is well and pleasing, O LORD,
To the good, and to the upright in their heart.
~ Psalms 125:4 (author)

Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
~ Psalms 37:3-4 (NKJV)

"But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
~ Luke 12:31-32 (NKJV)

The Lord is the Creator of healthy desire, and of the good things which satisfy it. Sensual pleasure comes free of guilt when indulged in innocent objects such as the fragrance of a flower, the penetrating heat of springtime sun, a symphony of meadow larks, or a million other wonders of creation. Delights such as marital intimacy, food, and sleep are likewise intended for our enjoyment when given their proper place.

Can you imagine that the Creator created something better than Himself? Is there anything in which we might find pleasure that exceeds God?

Christians would never admit that greater satisfaction exists than what is found in God. But too many believers nod their heads in assent, and then turn back to everyday life in search for satisfaction elsewhere.

Today I challenge you. Consider for a moment where you find most pleasure. What is it that you cannot go a day without thinking about? What is it that never ceases to catch your attention, brings you to open your wallet, finds room on your calendar?

Now imagine that the Lord really does fulfill a deeper desire than whatever that is.

Would you allow that no matter how much of Him has already satisfied you, there is more pleasure to be had for the desire?

Your Father can’t go a day without thinking about you. He doesn’t give up on you.

And He fulfills His desire in satisfying the pleasure you find in Him.

Lord, You are the treasure that I seek. You fill my cup. I bless Your name. You are my all in all. My highest privilege, greatest pleasure, and deepest passion are satisfied in 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.
Artwork: "I Will Not Fail Thee" by Derek Hegsted, from hegsted.com

First Love

"We are not held back by the love we didn't receive in the past,
but by the love we're not extending in the present."
~ Marianne Williamson

First Love

"I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil... and you have persevered ... Nevertheless I have this against you,
that you have left your first love."
~ Revelation 2:2-4 (NKJV)

Love never fails.
~ 1 Corinthians 13:8 (NKJV)

First love is consuming. It takes over all thought, feeling, word, action.

First love is driven. It will go around or through and beyond any obstacle.

First love is empowering. There is nothing it will not do for its object.

First love is not extinguished by time, but by the indifference of familiarity and the distraction of intrusion. Jesus gave two instructions to those He admonished for loss of first love:
remember and repent.

Many churches celebrate the Lord's Table today. It is a time to examine how we might repent, and remember our Lord's love. It is a time to celebrate the commUnion we share with one another. It is a time to celebrate all that is to come.

Especially as we begin a new year, the Lord's Table is an opportunity to renew first love.

Lord Jesus, Your love for us has stopped at nothing on our behalf. You've given us Yourself, Your Spirit, Your Father. You desire only our fully-surrendered love. Please help us repent of all distraction. Please return our hearts to the highest place our love for You has ever been, and push it higher.

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.
Photo from flickr.com

Day Three: Commandment

"The Twelve Days of Christ" series looks at Psalm 119's twelve Hebrew words for God’s Word, and a connection to the church for each one.

"I have wondered at times what
the Ten Commandments would have looked like
if Moses had run them through the US Congress."
~ Ronald Reagan

Day Three: Commandment
mitsvah: fem noun, "command[ment]"
From tsavah: verb, "to order, direct, appoint, command, charge"

And I will delight myself in Your commandments,
Which I love.
~ Psalms 119:47 (NKJV)

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
~ John 13:34-35 (NIV)

Thoughts on God's commandments.

The Ten Commandments were instructions before the Holy Spirit came. Now that the commandments are written in our hearts, they are promises. "You shall not ..." describes what we are in Christ, instead of telling us what to do.

God gave His commandments not to reveal right and wrong—because conscience already makes such distinctions—but to make it easier for us to see ourselves as sinners in need of a Savior.

"Love is the answer, no matter the question." ~ Unknown

Jesus said that in the commandments to love God and love neighbor, all other commandments are fulfilled (Matthew 22:37-40). He also said that what we do to the least person around us, good or bad, we've done to Him (Matthew 25:40,45). We're told we can't love God unless we love our brother (1 John 4:20). So all of life really comes down to simply loving others.

"Duty makes us do things well,
but love makes us do them beautifully."
- Zig Ziglar

The command to love removes the duty of all other commandments, because love does not comprehend duty.

"I would thank you from the bottom of my heart,
but for you my heart has no bottom."
~Unknown

Wish I'd said that. It makes a nice paraphrase of this verse:

To all perfection I see a limit;
but your commands are boundless.
~ Psalms 119:96 (NIV)

Now go love on people. That's an order. (But not from me :D)

#loveoneanother
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 flairinthecity.blogspot.com

That Day

"We must embrace pain
and burn it as fuel for our journey."
~ Kenji Miyazawa

That Day

Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
~ 2 Timothy 4:8 (NKJV)

And walk in love ... an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
~ Ephesians 5:2 (NKJV)

An oft expressed desire of Christians is the day we will stand before our Maker and see His smile, hear His voice, feel His touch. I daresay some are impatient for That Day.

But longing for That Day cannot be at the expense of today. We have on Earth something we shall not have in Heaven.

Here, we can give God expensive love.

I think that in Heaven love will no longer carry a cost. Here, to love the Lord is to ache with longing, to endure the pain of separation, to suffer graciously because Jesus did and asks it of us who love Him.

We can choose to love less and not experience the agony of love. Or we can love our God passionately, and offer to Him now that which we can no long offer on That Day.

My Lord, You know our impatience. You know the kind of love we wish to have for You, and yet fall short of in our selfishness. Please enable us to pursue that love and accept the pain to experience the passion You've created our souls to know.

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 corbisimages.com

The Gift of Listening

"Surely this is the greatest gift we can give to another—
to really listen."
~ Unknown

The Gift of Listening
#powerofwords

I love the LORD,
because He has heard My voice and my supplications.
Because He has inclined His ear to me,
Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.
~ Psalms 116:1-2 (NKJV)

"Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him."
~ John 9:31 (NKJV)

"Oh, that My people would listen to Me ..."
~ Psalms 81:13 (NKJV)

I've searched the Bible more than once, various ways, to find expressions of love for the Lord. In today's passage from Psalm 116, the psalmist speaks to a third party of his love for the Lord. Psalm 18 begins with David's declaration of intent in the words, "I will love You." And in John 21, Peter answers each of Jesus three queries about love with the words, "You know that I love You."

Considering that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord, doesn't it seem that it would be declared more often?

I come from a family effusive in expressions of love. We don't hang up the phone without an "I love you" and about every second Facebook status includes the same. As I get to know people through the internet, my affection becomes genuine. I don't pass along a single "I love you" or "much love" or "sending my love" that I don't mean. So for me, telling the Lord "I love You" on a regular basis is requisite.

But if the proof of love is in willingness to be quiet and listen, I fall short far more often than I'd ever want to admit. I'm horrible in conversation about interrupting with a question, comment, or—worst of all—my own anecdote or perspective. Being quiet in time of prayer too often leads to becoming distracted rather than hearing from the Lord. Even when I hear Him, if I fail to act immediately I am apt to not act at all.

Yet here is the reason the psalmist gives for loving the Lord: "because He has heard my voice ... because He has inclined His ear to me." The Bible, answered prayer, and peace of heart offer abundant testimony to the fact that in His love for us, the Lord is a good Listener.

Is there any friendship that would endure if we failed to listen?

Can we say we love the Lord and fail to listen, or fail to heed?

Lord, I confess that I've only begun to learn to listen. I ask for all Your people, and especially those reading these words, that You'd make each of us better listeners—truly hearing the words spoken and unspoken of those we love. Please enable our love for You to be expressed in listening quietly for Your voice.

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 larsoninstitute.com

I Won't Take Less Than Your Love

"Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs ...
the payment is pure love."
~ Mildred B. Vermont

I Won't Take Less Than Your Love

He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justly, To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?
~ Micah 6:8 (NKJV)

Yesterday's post ("Give and Take") spoke of the difference between extending unrequited love, and returning love in relationship. This song makes the point with more eloquence.



How much do I owe you? said the husband to his wife
For standing beside me through the hard years of my life
Shall I bring you diamonds, shall I buy you furs
Say the word and it's yours

And his wife said I won't take less than your love, sweet love
No I won't take less than your love
All the riches of the world could never be enough
And I won't take less than your love

How much do I owe you? to the mother said the son
For all that you have taught me in the days that I was young
Shall I bring expensive blankets to cast upon your bed
And a pillow for to rest your weary head

And the mother said I won't take less than your love, sweet love
No I won't take less than your love
All the comforts of the world could never be enough
And I won't take less than your love

How much do I owe You? said the man to his Lord
For giving me this day and every day that's gone before
Shall I build a temple shall I make a sacrifice
Tell me Lord and I will pay the price

And the Lord said I won't take less than your love, sweet love
No I won't take less than your love
All the treasures of the world could never be enough
And I won't take less than your love

Lyrics of "I Won't Take Less Than Your Love" by Paul Overstreet
© 1987 Capitol Records

Friday Freelance: Give and Take

"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone
who can do him absolutely no good."
~ Ann Landers

Friday Freelance: Give and Take

I'd embarrass my children if I told you how old they'll be before I quit blowing bubbles on their bellies—as if I even knew. It's harder with the older ones. You have to catch them when they're sleeping.

They'll always be my babies. Not that they're babied. I subscribe to the Amish philosophy which says that from birth to six expect children to take more than they give, from six to twelve expect them to give about the same they take, and after twelve expect them to give more than they take.

This is surely why the Creator made babies so cute. It's not so bad when an infant cries, upchucks (or worse) on you, or keeps you awake with sickness. They're cuddly and helpless and evoke sympathy. We had one who was colicky and drove us to our limits. But knowing she was in pain compelled me to draw upon an inner reserve of strength from God I didn't know existed.

They took more than they gave at that age—but they did give. They responded with smiles and affection and love.

For if you love those who love you, what reward have you?
Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
~ Matthew 5:46 (NKJV)

Unconditional love is willing to give without receiving, in ways big and small. It will care for the elderly invalid who curses without recognition. It will feed the homeless even if they do not say 'thank you.' It will yield an opening to the car trying to turn into heavy traffic.

It will die for us while we are still sinners in rebellion against God.

But extension of unconditional love does not constitute relationship. Relationship means there will be give and take of validation, and respect, and grace extended.

Jesus gave us numerous instructions which make for harmony with our world, ourselves, and our fellow man. Then He summed up everything in two simple commands: love God with all that you are, and love your neighbor as you love yourself.

He extended unconditional love to us when we gave Him nothing in return. He then invites us to share relationship with Him by returning that love.

After all He has done for us, it seems too little. In His eyes, it is all.

"They do not love that do not show their love."
~ William Shakespeare

Tomorrow's post: This message in a song

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 courtesy of Getty Images

Fool on the Hill

"Empty hands held high—such small sacrifice.
If not joined with my life, I sing in vain ... "
~ Mark Hall *

Fool on the Hill

For we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake ...
~ 1 Corinthians 4:9-10 (NKJV)

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
~ 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NKJV)

I remember the first time I experienced the urge to lift my hands in praise while singing. But nobody in our church did that, so I resisted being a rebel. But during a later conversation, a respected gentleman admonished me to not resist such an urge from the Holy Spirit.

At our present church I often lift my hands while singing praise. I sit in the back to avoid being distracting, because few (if any) of the other 400-500 people do likewise. Yet the shape of our sloped auditorium doesn't obscure me at its top, and I occasionally wonder if anyone thinks me foolish.

My God was once thought a Fool on the hill as He hung upon a cross for six hours, with hands uplifted by nails. He did it for my sake. He did it for love's sake.

If I'm ever thought a fool for uplifted hands, it's far too little to suffer for Christ's sake. I gladly lift my hands for love's sake.

Lord Jesus, thank You that You put Your Holy Spirit inside of us to empower whatever we do for You. Thank You for allowing us the privilege of offering You praise. May each word of our gift of praise be beautiful to You—as much as the sum total of all beauty in the creation You gifted to us.

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

* Lyrics of "Lifesong" by Mark Hall, © 2005 Club Zoo Music

Inseparable Love

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
~ Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV)

Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
~ Psalms 73:25-26 (NKJV)

The book of Romans is as rich as it can be. Chapter eight is dense with verses which carry us through our most difficult hours. Here is the climatic end. God gives us, through Paul, the words which assure us of His inseparable love.

We are fragile creatures who need constant reassurance of love. Whether or not we admit it to even ourselves, we fear rejection above all other fears. If we build walls around ourselves against love, it is to prevent rejection. Of all the hurts we can suffer, does any pierce more sharply than when we have loved and had our love scorned?

We need never fear such rejection from God. The only thing which can separate us from His love is the coldness of our own hearts. If we do not know His love it is because in our hurt we have hardened ourselves against Him.

This is likewise the one thing which hurts the Lord—that He would love us with all He is, then be rejected and have His love scorned.

Precious Abba, how often have we hurt You by brushing aside Your expressions of love? How often have we been too distracted to notice them? How often have things of this world been more important to us than You are? Please forgive us for such callous indifference! So move our hearts that there be none upon earth that we desire beside You. Thank You for your unfailing, inseparable love.

Feedback appreciated! 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.

Love Your Neighbor

"You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people ... You shall not hate your brother in your heart.... You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD."
~ Leviticus 19:16-18 (NKJV)

So the scribe said to Him, "Well said, Teacher.... To love [God] with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God."
~ Mark 12:32-34 (NKJV)

"Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets."
~ Matthew 7:12 (NKJV)

The God who gave the New Covenant is the same God of the Old Covenant. Hundreds of laws, rituals, ordinances, precepts, statutes and judgments of the Old Covenant had the same purpose as New Covenant grace: show how to love God foremost and fully, and how to love your neighbor. In these two commandments is summed up all the law and prophets.

How do you love your neighbor as yourself? We are so dense that Jesus makes it simpler yet. Do to others what you'd want done to yourself under the same circumstances. Forgive as you've been forgiven by Your Father in heaven. Show to those who offend you a fraction of the grace God has shown for your infinitely greater offenses against Him.

Whatever we might offer as a sacrifice, whatever we'd do to show ourselves children of God—in faith, hope, or love—we can do nothing greater than simply love.

Dear God, You've shown us perfect love. Please humble us so we might be filled with Your Spirit and able to love You as much as is humanly possible, and love the people around us who You love as You love us.

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

His Commandments are Not Burdensome

"This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you live: You must not eat any fat or any blood."
~ Leviticus 3:17 (NIV)

"Only be sure that you do not eat the blood, for the blood is the life; you may not eat the life with the meat."
~ Deuteronomy 12:23 (NKJV)

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.
~ 1 John 5:3 (NKJV)

Some thirty-four hundred years have passed since Moses gave the Israelites God's law, including the command to ingest neither blood nor fat. The warning to not take in blood is one of only four Old Testament directives called a necessity for New Covenant believers.

In the 21st century we know an animal's blood and fat contain disease and contaminants humans do best to pass over. God knew the hazards and protected His people with His prohibition. He wasn't handing down thou-shalt-not's just to throw His weight around.

We belong to a God who wants to bless us at every turn and asks our cooperation. For everything we sacrifice God will return a far richer reward. If we believe that He loves us and love Him in return, we will find His commandments are not burdensome.

Lord YHWH, You are only good. Your every commandment is good. ALL you ask of us is good. Please open the eyes of our hearts to see Your will as for our benefit even when we don't understand it.

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

Like God

However, they were expecting that [Paul] would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
~ Acts 28:6 (NKJV)

Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of [the fruit] your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
~ Genesis 3:4-5 (NKJV)

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son ... these He also glorified.
~ Romans 8:29-30 (NKJV)

Satan mixes his lies with enough truth to make them palatable. When the Creator made humans in His image, we were already "like" God. Furthermore, disciples of Jesus are daily conformed to the image of Christ. God goes so far as to allow us to share the glory of His Son.

Yet God alone is God. God is the Sovereign of the heavens and earth and everything in them. He owns us, and allows us to choose whether or not to have Him as ours. He is in control of the circumstances beyond our reasoning or reach.

God is not like us, nor is His love as ours. The love of people can be self-serving. They will disappoint us, fail us, even betray us. God's love is absolute and unconditional, based not on our (un)worthiness, but His capability. God is love, and love—real love—never fails.

The more we trust the love of God, the more we become like God, without ever becoming God. Why would we want to be God, even of our own lives? He's already more than adequate.

Heavenly Father, every effort we've made to be god of our lives has been disastrous. You are perfect and complete. Please make us more like You. Please enable us to trust You more fully.

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

Hear Him Speak

"Brother Saul, recover your sight... The God of our forefathers has appointed you to know His will, and to see the righteous One and hear Him speak."
~ Acts 22:13-14 (WNT)

"All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him."
~ Matthew 11:27 (NKJV)

Are you able to sing the words "I once was blind but now I see" because you have seen the Person of Jesus? Do you hear Him speak? Do you know His presence? Have you come to experience His love as something you cannot live without?

The devil and the world would have us believe that God is no more than a vague and impersonal spiritual force. The Lord says He passionately loves you and highly values you. The value of your love—freely given—is so high to Him that He refuses to take it as rightfully His.

Christianity is not about good religion. It is about a very personal and intimate God and His incredible [as in "beyond credibility"] love for you. If you don't believe it's for you, or have not yet experienced it, get to a quiet place and humbly ask Him what the two of you need to get straight. Then wait until you hear Him speak.

Of all His blessings, God's greatest gift to us is Himself.

Oh Lord our God, Your amazing love is beyond the comprehension of our finite minds. Please reveal Yourself and Your love to us. Please show us how to love You in return. You are worthy of our highest love and honor, with all we have.

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