Over the New Zealand Christmas New Year holidays – which coincide here with 6 – 8 weeks off school and lovely summer weather – I found time to watch a full-length movie on YouTube. It’s of the genus “Christian movies,” though any evangelistic objective is pretty well disguised. But the title "2nd Greatest" is a bit of giveaway, as the story is about a pastor leading his church to become more receptive to needs in the neighbourhood, and to work together in the community for the greater good. The 2016 film is not only inspiring, but founded on true stories from a faith community in Colorado.
You may have picked that the title is an oblique reference to Jesus’ definition of the second greatest commandment - to love our neighbour.
In a conversation with a religious lawyer, Jesus named the most important commandment, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” The he said, “ A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (Mt 22:37–40)
The movie connected my thoughts back to the two blogs I published before the holidays, about Following Jesus being about both “Trust” and “Obey.” I could see that Pastor Dan was committed to both, though he also applied an entrepreneurial spirit, a passion for team building and a compassionate heart to his ministry work. And why not? God uses these qualities to accomplish his purposes in the world.
That same week I was reading Haggai in my daily prayers. I have to confess that in fifty years of sermons its a book I have never preached from– but my exegetical research about the Exile last year did help place it in context. Eugene Peterson writes in his Introduction to Haggai that,
“compared with the great prophets who preached
repentance and salvation, Haggai’s message doesn’t sound very “spiritual.” But
in God’s economy it is perhaps unwise to rank our assigned work as either more
or less spiritual. We are not angels; we inhabit space. Material—bricks and
mortar, boards and nails—keeps us grounded and connected with the ordinary
world in which we necessarily live out our extraordinary beliefs. Haggai’s
mission to complete the Temple keeps us
in touch with those times in our lives when repairing the building where we
worship is an act of obedience every bit as important as praying in that place
of worship.”
It was in Haggai that I heard about the governor Zerubbabel and read God’s prophecy over him. Here’s the Promise for Zerubbabel recounted at the end of Haggai’s prophetic announcements:
“But when this happens, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, I will honor
you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, my servant. I will make you like a signet
ring on my finger, says the Lord,
for I have chosen you. I, the Lord
of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!” (Haggai 2: 20 – 23)
Quite a dramatic revelation! My New Daylight study notes for that day were written by British author and retreat leader Tony Horsfall. He used the heading Chosen for a Purpose for his very insightful comments on these verses. I’m going to use a fairly hefty citation, highlighting the phrases that stood out to me, because it expands on our Following Jesus theme so well:
One of the first to return from the exile, he stood out as a natural
leader and was made governor of Judah. He was not a priest like his friend and
colleague Joshua; his role was more political and secular, but he exercised
it in a spiritual way. That is much to be admired. He knew what it was to be
convicted by God’s word and to respond in obedience. His spirit was
stirred into action by the knowledge that God was with them.
He is called ‘my servant’ by God, which shows the depth of his
character and genuineness of his walk with God. Godly leaders are first
of all servants: they lead not for prestige or power, nor even
personal gain, but in order to serve those they lead. They are humble-minded,
gentle in their approach and faithful in their calling.
God shares his secrets with his servants, and Zerubbabel is personally
told of the shaking that will happen in the political realm. This is to prepare
him for what lies ahead. But he is also told of the special part he is to play
in the future, and how God will use him, likening him to a signet ring
(Haggai 2:23). This is a way of saying he would exercise authority on God’s
behalf, a huge honour.
So where have I seen these truths worked out in my own life?
Partly through conversations I have got embroiled in, sometimes reluctantly.
One was at a seminar I recently attended
for my own professional development, and was looking forward to as a chance to
get away from the demands and expectations of others (yes this happens even in
semi-retirement!). But in the event, I sat next to young Asian woman whose
English was just not up to the pace of discussion. I spent the next three hours
making sure she understood what had been said, and more important, helping her
grasp what the interactive tasks involved. By the end, I have to admit that I
was quite frustrated that I hadn’t got to practise some of the skills we’d
learned, because it was so time-consuming working through the exercises with
this young student. Later that day we all received a confidential online survey,
and I have to admit I vented a bit to the group organiser. I suggested that
instead of pairing us up with the same person every time (which was what the
presenter had done) we swap round so when there is someone ‘draining,’ the
responsibility is shared around the group. I was surprised when the organiser guessed
who I was (“I think yours was the feedback about
supporting someone else to participate, perhaps at the cost of your own
involvement in the workshop”) and told me the other person’s feedback
(he was guessing again) was "extremely positive about the
experience and the kindness of the person who helped'. I was humbled, and at
that moment remembered that my reading that day had been about Mary saying ‘Yes’
to God’s Call through the angel. Perhaps
it was God who sat me next to the Chinese lady – or possibly deep down I knew
it was my calling as a leader. And it was certainly my own gifting at work when,
the next Sunday, I struggled to know whether to stay for a volunteers’ lunch after church. I found it
decided for me when a church member turned up and we shared a great conversation
before even leaving the church. Half an hour later I went to the hall to catch
up with food and coffee – and was told the kids had eaten all the volunteers' food in the first five minutes!! Even had I not waited to connect with that person,
I may not have got lunch. I felt God smile
– in fact laugh - with me that day.
All of these recent memories fed in to my response when, two weeks ago, a leader in a community group for retirees approached me to ask if I would stand for a leadership role for this 160-member group. I have attended for eight years, and had prayerfully thought of serving on the Committee before, before, but this time the timing was right - in the middle of the Zerubbabel pages! This is a more secular and political role and I have the leadership gifts needed. My prayer is that if, and when, I am elected, I can be like Zerubbabel, and exercise leadership in a spiritual way. I do know what it is to be convicted by God’s Word and to respond in obedience, but that will be in the shadows. Up front and on show will be my authenticity and character. I will not be there for prestige or power, nor even personal gain, but in order to serve my community. If it happens, I hope God will enable me, too, to be humble-minded, gentle in my approach and still faithful to my calling. Then I too may be a like a signet ring, exercising authority with trust, wisdom and integrity and reflecting the servant heart of the One I follow.
To Think About: When has God called you to take on a role serving others? Was it obviously aligned with your gifts or experiences? Or was it a surprise invitation, helping you discover new depths in your character and purpose? God uses both.
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Saviour...
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