Author: Aaron Hufty

Aaron Hufty is the Associate Pastor for Worship and Music at FBCSA.

Love First

Re:Verse passage – 1 John 4:19–21 (day two)  

And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also. Vs. 21

For God so loved…Love the Lord with all your heart…This is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us.

How do we truly reflect the Imago Dei in our lives. The answer seems almost too apparent, we love. If this isn’t abundantly clear, re-read John’s gospel, and all his letters. If there is one characteristic that demonstrates the nature of our creator, it is love. We are instructed over and over again to display this trait in every way that we can. Love the Lord – love each other.

We spend so much time complicating that command. We attach qualifications to our love, even in our families, our churches, our friendships. Loving someone doesn’t mean that we agree with everything they say or do, and it doesn’t require them to meet a standard before we start to love. Love first, figure out to get along later.

Endure

Re:Verse passage – Jeremiah 29:10–14 (day two) 

Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. vs. 12

As Pastor Chris said yesterday in the re:vlog video, 70 is a lifetime. Jeremiah contains many words of warning and admonition to kings, leaders, and people of every station. The Lord had been speaking to the people through prophets for generations, and this exile was not a surprise to those who were listening.

That’s the key to this passage; listening, keeping alert, and not straying from the path. There are many instances where people go through hardship, and they turn to every possible source of help and hope, and in their desperation they finally turn to the Lord. This is not one of those times. The Lord, in his mercy, had promised a time of hardship and exile because of the  people’s sin. There were, however, a remnant who remained faithful throughout the struggle. God reminds us of his presence throughout the trial. In this case he gives a timeframe, just like he did to Moses. Struggles can be a part of a larger narrative that the Lord is teaching you, and others. Sometimes, your job is to endure. You are to remain faithful. The Lord is not absent, he is always at work.

Abundance

Re:Verse passage – John 10:10 (day two) 

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. 

Abundant life sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? Rich, full lives is what each of us desire at some level, and although the definition will likely differ for each person, we want some measure of abundance. As we study this oft quoted verse, we should remember that an abundant life is not simply the absence of the ‘thief’, but more importantly the presence of Jesus. His nearness is fullness. To know him should color what it means to be full. If we long after him in all things, it should change what we mean by abundance. May each of us seek to be in the presence of Jesus today.

Create

Re:Verse passage – Genesis 1:26–27 (day two) God created man in His own image…vs. 27a

This has been a seminal passage for me as I have attempted to navigate the calling to worship ministry. The word ‘create’ has much to say to us beyond the one time act of creating. As God created, we who are made in his image, should create. We cannot create out of nothing, as God does, but we can use what he has given us to form, shape, and imagine beyond to the limits of our imaginations (another divine gift). The word has even permeated out leisure, we call it re-creation. Each time we design a building, paint a picture, sing a song, write a poem, work with our hands, etc. we are tapping into the very fabric of God’s creative nature. Our hope, as believers, is to help others see the built-in God-image that is giving them the ability to see beyond the possible. In her book Walking on Water, Madeleine L’Engle says the creative artist bears the ‘wound of transcendence’. They recognize the very art they perform is evidence there is more.

Don’t come to me next Sunday and tell me you can’t sing, or draw, or create. God didn’t make an exception with you. If you have breath, you have a voice. It may not sound like mine, but what would be the fun in that. Use what  you have, in whatever means you have and recognize that each creation bears the distinct mark of its Creator.

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. Romans 1:20

Jesus is Life

Re:Verse passage – John 14:6 (day two) 

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

As we embark on this thirteen week study of the exploration of life, and how we are created to live fully, it is so wise that we begin with the author and perfecter of our faith, Jesus. Jesus, the Word become flesh, who was with the Father at creation when we were spoken into creation, declares for all the he is life. There is no equivocation, no alternate route, no misunderstanding. Jesus is life. C.S. Lewis would refer to passages like this in his Mere Christianity when he states that Jesus is either who he says he is or he is a mad man. There can be no in-between. If we want to fully understand life, and who we were created to be, we must begin with Jesus. No other model will measure to him. As we walk through this summer series, would you consider Jesus as your reference, your guide, and your help in understanding who you were created to be?

The Church

Re:Verse passage – Proverbs 31:10-31 (day two)

The metaphor of the church being the bride of Christ is one that is often discussed when studying the Song of Solomon. Let’s take a moment to consider the same metaphor when looking at this passage in Proverbs. We, as the church, should strive for this standard of life. Our reputation should be one of industriousness, compassion, purity, and love. These qualities are often held up as a barometer for a good spouse, but how often have we considered these as benchmarks for the church. If we diligently strive to serve the Lord in all the ways in which he has created us, consider the impact in the world. Consider how this will please the Lord.

Sharp Knives

Re:Verse passage – Proverbs 27:17 (day two) Iron sharpens iron,
So one man sharpens another.

I came to the food preparation scene fairly late in the game. The nuances of how ingredients work together is still something I’m figuring out. If it is not in the recipe, it is not in the dish. To that end, it has taken me some time to appreciate the value of a good, sharp knife. Who knew that you shouldn’t have to saw a tomato when slicing? (Please don’t judge) I was recently given a sharpening set, and I’m slowly understanding the effort it takes to keep knives sharp. If the blade has gone dull, it takes a lot to bring it back to its useful state again.

There are times relationships can be like this. If we are not sharp, i.e. where God wants us to be, there can be a season of tough refinement to back in shape. We should long to remain in that state of usefulness to the Lord. If yo are being refined or sharpened by someone right now. Take a moment to be grateful. My knives aren’t bitter when I sharpen them. They don’t resent the tool that is being used. They are, however, much more useful when sharp, and so are you.

Measure

Re:Verse passage – Proverbs 23:17-18 (day two) 

Do not let your heart envy sinners vs. 17a

What is the yard stick you use for measuring success? Who do you look to as benchmark for a job well done? Our culture is centered around a ‘get-ahead’ mindset, and we are taught to judge others by what they have or what they have done? There is value in the pursuit of a goal, no doubt, but we must be careful to put our hope in perceived success. What has God called you to do today? Who has he created you to be. Measuring success by any other mark may fill a bank account but bankrupt your soul. Find contentment in the Lord’s best version of you, and who knows what could follow.

Burden

Re:Verse passage – Proverbs 22:7 (day two) 

The rich rules over the poor,
And the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.

The language of this verse is strong; necessarily so. It is unlikely that we would use words like slave/ruler in a modern context, which is wise, but the Solomon clearly captured the yoke of debt. I have found it overwhelming when a financial burden clouds decisions. Somehow that weight and responsibility seeps into other decisions and conversations. Often, I don’t realize what is souring my mood, or my ability to act decisively. When the burden is lifted or overcome, however, it becomes abundantly clear how much that yoke of debt clouded so many other facets of my life and relationships. We are far more able to be God’s instrument when things like debt and finances are managed well. It doesn’t always equate to coffers being full to overflowing, but it does mean a peace and contentment which is worth far more.

Re-defined Joy

Re:Verse passage – Proverbs 15:15-17 (day two)

All the days of the afflicted are bad, But a cheerful heart has a continual feast. Vs. 15

How desperately do we want that ‘continual feast’ to be material? Car, job, bank account, etc. So often we read that kind of verse believing that if I’m ‘happy’ enough, things will work out. I am a big believer in positive attitude, but that is not what scripture is calling us to here or in other passages like this.

It seems to me that we must constantly re-define the concept of ‘joy’. ‘Happy’ should not be our end game. Do I want that for you, for me, for my family? Absolutely! But an honest assessment of the human condition reminds us that our fallen sin-filled world robs many of happiness. Scripture is replete with stalwart believers who are walking a dark and lonely journey. What scripture promises is the assurance of God’s presence in those circumstances. This is joy, this is a feast; to know the Lord has not left you. Let us continually seek joy in all situations.