03/15/2024
My devotional reading on this day in 2016 was regarding the machinery of religion. E.M. Bounds used his daily lesson to speak of the heartlessness with which the machinery of our religion and church often operates. I, on the other hand, would like to speak today about the occasions when that machinery purifies itself in the word of God, and the blood of Jesus Christ; and how thus, having becoming pure and undefiled, it works wonderfully well. In this righteous state of faithfulness the product of our machine is love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
James 1:27 ESV
At about noon on this very day in 2016 my wife Ann had one of her knees replaced. The machinery of my church and so many others began to turn at once, and this resulted in prayers being lifted up for her. They weren’t rote prayers that meant little, but heartfelt prayers asking for healing, speedy recovery, and increased wisdom and skill for the surgical team. Then, later that week, when she was released from the hospital, and we came home, the machinery continued to move as meals were mercifully brought to our house and prayers offered through them.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’”
Matthew 25:34-36 ESV
E.M. Bounds warned us in his devotional message about the heartlessness with which our churches and their machinery can move, but not all aspects of a machine are uncaring and without merit. On the day of Ann’s operation, and in the days which followed, we witnessed the result of what Bounds referred to as "machinery inspired by Christ." Listen as Jesus speaks life into this inspired machine…
“”A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.””
John 13:34 ESV
The morning of Ann’s surgery had been a busy one for us, so by necessity I kept my devotional’s words that morning brief, but I did find time to thank each person who offered prayers for Ann that morning. I want to tell you how wonderful the machinery of our faith can be when it brings the children of God together, and unites them in a common cause involving faith, trust in God, merciful attention, and care. Regardless of the brand that is emblazoned upon the body of our machine (Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Pentecostal, non-denominational, Anglican, etc.) we all seek to produce the same end product for God's kingdom, and exhibit the same love for our neighbors.
I want to encourage you (if you haven't been already) to install a heart in the machinery of your religion... don't let your prayers be cold repetition, or your church services be without the warmth and love that God desires us to bring there. We enjoy the efficiency that our machines bring, but we are first and foremost human and are created in the image of a loving God. Bounds' message of warning is well founded, but it is only a warning and not prophesy. May God bless each one of you today and may your personal machines od faith and religion be put to good use for Him… brought to life through your faith in Jesus Christ who is the Son of God, and the one who has saved us from sin and defeated death… the one who loves us so dearly.
““For God so loved the world,[a] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.””
John 3:16-17 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for giving us each other as we join together in worshiping you, and for your Church, the bride of Christ, which binds us together in prayer and caring for one another. Thank you for your Son Jesus Christ who shows us how to live as one together, and operate unified in our belief in Him. Help us Father to obey your commands and commandments as we struggle to please you, and work to keep the machinery of our religion functioning within the bounds of your will. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you who gives us love, joy, and peace, in our lives. Thank you for a righteous redeemer in whom we can believe wholly, and in whom we abide. We praise you for Him Father, and for His blood that washes us clean of sin as your grace pours over us like salve from His side; relieving us of our sinful nature. Hear our prayers Abba as we lift them up from the hearts of our souls, that they might bless you, and bring you glory, as we ask that your will to be done through them. See the perfection of Christ in us Merciful Father when at last we stand before you in judgement, and on that day find us worthy in Him of eternity in your presence… not by our perfection, but in the perfection of His sacrifice for us. Then Lord, announce us to the inhabitants of your holy kingdom to be your children, and the new eternal citizens of Heaven. We will praise you in that moment Father, and call you Abba and Father for all to hear. Then, having been seated at your table, we will dine with you, and Jesus, forevermore… undefiled and having left the flawed machinery of our earthborn religion behind, adorned now in the Holy Perfection of Christ.
Amen
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:17 ESV
Rich Forbes