Ultimate Power

 Psalm 43              Leviticus 13-14                   2 Peter 1-5

When we live in the midst of an ungodly nation, a people that have rejected the ways of God, we find ourselves living in the midst of deception and misleading people. We often find ourselves feeling rejected and even under attack when we try to live a life of righteousness and integrity. The key to ending life well will always be to dwell on the light and ways of God and live them out in spite of the call of others to live differently. We are called to praise God even in the midst of adversity.

Reading through Leviticus 13 and 14 today where God instructs Moses on dealing with the disease of leprosy, I am reminded of the blessings of modern health care we often take for granted. If we think of Moses as the most educated man in the encampment, educated by God, it should come as no surprise that people were instructed to think of those he trained to be sought out on how to care for their physical bodies. For most of history it was the priests and pastors that were looked to for health care advise and in many ways it is still true today.

John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, not only was sought out for advice but was an early experimenter of medical practices. He did some of the earliest electroshock therapy. He wrote a book with health care advice in it. While most of us don’t think first of our pastor or priest when we have a health concern today many still seek out the advice of their spiritual leaders. As a pastor you would be amazed at the number of times I am approached about health concerns and what people should do. My advice is always first, talk to your doctor. Most of the time people respond in one of two ways. The most common is, “I already have, but……” and the other response is “I don’t know what to say to the doctor ……” and I realize they are looking for someone that might be able to guild them through an often unknown and scary field.

The most challenging questions are those around faith and science. I often remind people that science is only a search for truth and knowledge. Many of our institutions of higher learning were founded by the church in seeking out the truth. Even in Leviticus God is pointing out the ways for the priests to begin to understand the symptoms they could observe and learn from and then create a treatment plan. Science, including medicine is simply learning about God’s creation.

One thing I always remind people is that no matter how great the science and our understanding of the body and they way disease spreads, God ultimately provides the healing and those of us that guide the way or are the minds, hand and instruments that are used.

In 2^nd Peter, written to the Jews scattered around the world, Peter challenges them to remain faithful to the hope they were called, that was fulfilled in Jesus. The Jewish disciples, followers of Jesus, faced rejection not just from the already hostile gentile world but those that had shared their faith journey and now had walked a different path. Even today, the challenge of following the Holy Spirit can take us places that will be rejected by those that believe the old way is still the only way. The internal struggles between those that were of the same mind, including husband and wives, and now faith has taken them in different directions are called to struggle together for the good of the Kingdom.

There is the way we have always done it, and often that way is still a great way to live. Jesus transformed the world in allowing those that had walked away from the ways of God to be born again, to start over in life, and live a new God-fearing life. Keeping God the center of our lives through prayer is the only way to stay in tune with the leading of the Holy Spirit.

We are called to follow the ways of God, not because it is easy or accepted by others but because it is the right thing to do. The cost of rejection for the cause of building the Kingdom of Jesus Christ is a small price to pay for the eternal blessings that are offered.

The need to submit to your elders in the faith go against the current grain of leadership models and yet the call of Peter is not to submit because you under compulsion but with eagerness to that you can continue to grow in your faith and leadership ability. We are often called to humble ourselves, see ourselves as God sees us, so that God will have the opportunity to exult the followers at the proper time. The reward is eternal glory in the presence of God.

All of today’s readings reminded me who ultimately has the power and is in control. In the end, God lifts up those he chooses and brings down those that exalt themselves when the Glory belong to him. Good thing to remember when we want to take credit for the incredible ways of God.