Jump Start # 3857
Acts 12:2 “And he had James the brother of John put to death with the sword.”
I was watching the Indiana Pacers in the seventh and last game of the NBA finals. Their star player got hurt in the first half and could not play anymore. The team hung in there at the half. But, through the second half, the game got away from them and they were beaten and lost the championship. It was great seeing them in the finals. That doesn’t happen much for that team.
But, what an incredible lesson for us spiritually when we think about the star player no longer being able to play. Franchise teams often are built around a superstar. Things work well when things are working well. But, when the superstar is sitting on the bench, often the team struggles. This is true in sports and it is true spiritually. In the church we don’t have franchise players and superstars—at least we shouldn’t. A good dose of humble pie ought to change our thinking on that. But, leaders lead. Preachers preach. And, week after week, we count on them being there and doing what they do so well. The ship sails smoothly when everyone is in their place and everything is as it ought to be. But, one of the leaders retires and moves away. A job moves one away. A death takes one, as with our verse today. James, one of the chosen is killed by Herod. The Lord allowed this to happen. The wall of protection was removed and James died. In this case, no one replaced him or took his place. We do not have perpetual apostles.
Here are a few thoughts for us:
First, it’s good to think about these things before we are forced to think about them. This is as true in the home as it is in the church. As long as we are around, we take care of things. But, what if we are no longer around? Are your papers, insurance, passwords all in a place where others know and can find them? The sorrow of a funeral quickly turns into the anguish of trying to deal with all the paperwork that follows and not having a good understanding of where things are and what needs to be done.
In a healthy congregation, the outlook is often looked at. Steps are taken to develop and mentor the next level of leaders.
Second, developing a congregation helps when transitions take place. Can no one other than the preacher publish the bulletin? Can no one other than the preacher put fresh material on the website? Can no one other than the preacher teach classes? The work should not come to a screeching halt when the preacher moves. Training, developing and working with people will ensure that the gospel will continue to be taught and people continue to be encouraged. Sports teams suffer with injuries. It ought to be different with the church.
Third, be patient and give a little space for those who are learning and trying. We can get used to mama’s cooking and when we try similar food, we quickly reply, “It’s not like mom makes it.” This is true in cooking. It’s also true in writing, preaching and teaching. We all have our own flair. We excel in different ways. Because it’s not the same as mamas does not mean it’s not good. In fact, don’t tell mama, you might even like it better. Peter didn’t preach like Paul. James doesn’t read like Romans. Proverbs is not like Leviticus or one of the prophets. Different in their own ways, but each necessary, important and helpful. A young man giving a lesson will not have the life experiences as a senior saint giving the same lesson, but both can be very helpful. The wisdom of the senior and the passion of the young both challenge us to give our best to the Lord.
When things do not go well or to our liking, we start comparing. Comparing can quickly turn into complaining. And, complaining discourages. And, at a time when people are being called to step up and fill in gaps, discouragement is certainly one thing that is not needed. It won’t be the same, but give it a chance. It may even be better.
James finished. The Lord called him home. Others would have to step up and do the work to further the kingdom. It’s good to know what to do before that moment is thrust upon us. Can you put some thoughts together to give a lesson or teach a class? Do you know how to do that? While you have talent around you, why not tap into those opportunities and resources that can help you. Learning now will help later on.
James was gone, but the kingdom wasn’t finished.
Roger