Recent posts on A Look in the Mirror

Although I haven’t recently posted extended blogs here, I have written several for A Look in the Mirror. Here is a brief explanation and a link to each one.  

The Rock that is Higher – Trust in God our Rock even in difficult times… especially during difficult times.

Celebrate Their Goal – Inspired by the FIFA World Soccer Cup and my four year old daughter, I look at rejoicing with those that rejoice.

Mercy Triumphs over Judgment – How should we respond to those that do wrong, offend us or take advantage of us?

Enjoy.

The Servant King

Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth. Isaiah 42:1-4 ESV

Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:43 ESV

The title public servant is common but the concept of being a leader and a servant isn’t. Isaiah’s servant is anointed by the Spirit and brings justice, but his justice will not bruise or break. The Servant King, just as the Good Shepherd, will guard the weak and dependent, taking them in his arms to protect and carry them.

Jesus came to serve. He became a man and died an unjust death. He gave his life so we could live. Instead of pursuing a political kingdom with its riches and power, he humbled himself and become a servant. Through service his kingdom was established.

“King Jesus, anoint me with the spirit of service. Help me not promote myself, but to love, care for and bless others.”

Advent 15: Light for the Nations

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The way up is down; the road to influence is the path of service.

The Shepherd King

He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. Isaiah 40:11 ESV

And I will set up over them one shepherd… he shall feed them and be their shepherd. Ezekiel 34:23-25 ESV

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1 ESV

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. I know my own and my own know me. John 10:11, 14, 15 ESV

The devoted shepherd carries the lambs and gently leads his sheep. He feeds and protects the flock. He drives evil away from the fields, so the sheep can sleep in peace.

The LORD is my shepherd; I lack nothing. He supplies pastures of fresh tender grass. He finds calm waters. He provides a peaceful atmosphere where the sheep can rest. When the flock is attacked, the Good Shepherd protects the sheep from danger. He gives his life for his sheep. Jesus is the Good Shepherd.

“Good Shepherd, I place myself in your care. Lead me, guide me, feed me, and protect me. You are my Shepherd. I want to hear, know, and obey your voice.”

Other verses: Matthew 11:28-30; John 10:26-30

Advent 14: The Servant King

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Righteous Scepter

I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel. Numbers 24:17a ESV

But of the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.” Hebrews 1:8 ESV

The star and scepter speak of the Messiah’s royalty and authority. He would rise a powerful king to destroy all the enemies of Israel. The religious leaders interpreted these ideas exclusively as a national, political leader that would free them from Roman oppression. They disregarded the Christ that walked and talked with them.

Hebrews extends the metaphor to a scepter of uprightness. Jesus came to rise as the righteous king of power and authority in our hearts, establishing his kingdom of righteousness there. We must therefore receive his authority and extend the Kingdom of Heaven to the ends of the earth.

“Righteous King, rule in my life. I accept your righteousness and authority. Empower me for the purpose of influencing others in just and moral living.”

Advent 10: Born of a Virgin

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Snake on a pole

Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live. Numbers 21:9 ESV

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. John 3:14, 15 ESV

In Numbers the serpent image used in Genesis is renewed representing temptation and the results of sin. For murmuring against the authority of God in their community the people of Israel were dying. We too have rebelled against God and our relation with Him is lost.

John foretold that the “Son of man” was to be lifted up like the bronze serpent in the desert. Jesus fulfilled the prophecy by becoming sin and dying on the cross. If we will look up to Him in faith we will have eternal life. What an awesome gift.

“Merciful LORD, forgive my rebellious thoughts and actions. Cleanse me from my disobedience. Restore my relationship with you. Give me your life.”

Other verse: Isaiah 53:4-5

Advent 9: The Righteous Scepter

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

Sincerity

Sincerity is worth more than trying hard.

...a thought from July 3rd.

See post on A Look in the Mirror

Looking

"You must look into people as well as at them." - Lord Chesterfield

 

Italics mine.