Exaltation of the Holy Cross
September 14, 2019
Today’s Readings:
Numbers 21:4-9
Psalm 78:1-2, 34-35
Philippians 2:6-11
John 3:13-17
We read in today’s psalm: “They remembered that God was their rock, God Most High, their redeemer.” (Ps 78:35).
The Israelites, wearied by their journey through the wilderness, “complained against God and Moses” (Nm 21:5). They were much like God’s people today, forgetting about what God had done for them, especially in being granted salvation from captivity, then in Egypt, now from the evil one.
In fact, it is worse for us today, since God Himself, in Jesus, came “in human likeness; …. and he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.” (Phil 2:7b-8). Jesus is our Savior, offered by the Father for our salvation, for our restoration unto Him, and for our entry into heaven. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16).
Jesus as our Savior and Lord is the Rock upon which we base our lives.
Our theme for 2020 is “Built on Rock.” Our theme verse is Matthew 7:24-27, which speaks about the two foundations for a house, either built on sand or built on rock. We are to be like the wise man and not the fool. Let it be that our community, as we continue to listen and heed the words of Jesus, even as we are buffeted by winds, will not collapse as “it had been set solidly on rock.” (Mt 7:25).
In 2020, we need to assure that our vision for our life and work is 20/20. This speaks about the clarity and sharpness of our vision. In 2007, some of our brethren veered away from the vision, and there was a split. “Without a vision the people lose restraint” (Prv 29:18a). This must not happen again. In all of 38 years, God has made clear to us who we are and what we are to do. We are an evangelistic and missionary community committed to become families empowered by the Holy Spirit to renew the face of the earth. We are families on mission.
Starting next year, the fullness of the vision is to be lived out. “For the vision is a witness to the appointed time, a testimony to the end; it will not disappoint.” (Hb 2:3a).
Everything of course is dependent on the strength of our foundation in Christ, “for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor 3:11). Our very first Core Value is “Centered on Christ.” Jesus is the Rock. Our life and work are to be built on him.
