And building on it to the glory of God
Reading:

Psalm 137

Zion (ie Jerusalem) was (as well as represented) the Israelite’s heritage and identity.

But in general, they had despised and their hearts had wandered from that identity and heritage. They didn’t want it? They didn’t treasure it? Well, then, God drove them from their land and destroyed Jerusalem.

Then their feelings changed, but too late, of course.

“By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion” (Psalm 137:1).

What is my spiritual heritage and identity?

Christian, Anabaptist, Mennonite — that’s what. (And that’s the order.)

By the grace of God, I will not despise nor turn from nor forget any of the three.

Is my experience with and among all three perfect? Of course not.

What of it?

Are there hypocrites or immature ones among those who embrace all or any of the three? Yes. Many.

What of it?

God is yet at work!

Why should I give up or settle for a downgrade?

On the other hand, where elements of my heritage, identity, faith, and practice are short of God’s best and distant from His heart, I want to improve them. They must — absolutely and without exception — fall in line with God’s Word and will. As must I.

Well, this post has a different feel to me than do most in this blog. And it certainly is incomplete and, therefore, very vulnerable to attack and to being misunderstood. But it gives you a bit of a glimpse into my heart. Oh, and I suppose I ought to end with an important disclaimer: I do not look down on nor hold in contempt those whose Christian heritage and identity is different from mine.

How shall we sing the LORD's song in a strange land? (Psalm 137:4)

How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a strange land? (Psalm 137:4)

A little bit more from Psalm 137: If I Do Not Remember

The only way to be a disciple of Jesus

This last piece of Luke 22:54 seized my mind this morning:

“And Peter followed afar off.”

To me, that illustrates an important spiritual lesson — To follow Jesus, I must be close to Him.

Following Him from a long distance is no way to follow Him at all.

So how did I do yesterday?

Sometimes, though I eventually do things His way, I purposefully delay my obedience. “Afar off.”

Sometimes, though I desire to live His way, I want to “just check out” another way before I obey Him. “Afar off.”

Sometimes, though I sincerely strive to follow Him, I want to do it on my own terms. “Afar off.”

Sometimes, though I know His way, I choose to do something contrary (for whatever reason). “Afar off.”

Following Jesus afar off will lead to denying Jesus. (How deeply do I believe that?)

Let me have Peter’s repentant heart!

And let me follow Jesus closely. This closely: “I walk with the King.”

[And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter (Luke 22:61)]
from Luke 22:61
Reading:

Luke 22:54-71

A little bit more from Luke 22: Words of Doom