What would you say to someone you loved, if you knew it was the last time you would speak with them?  Final addresses and farewell speeches abound, especially on the internet.  My son, the soccer coach recommended that I read Jimmy Valvano’s.  He was a well-known basketball coach from North Carolina State who received an Espy Award in March of 1993 for his fund raising efforts for Cancer research.  At the time, he was also dying from cancer.  These were his final words:  There are three things you should do each day: 1) laugh, 2) spend time in thought, and 3) let your emotions be moved to tears.  Enjoy your life.  Keep your dreams alive in spite of problems.  Work hard to accomplish them.  Jimmy Valvano died on April 28th of that year, but his final speech is an inspiring message to the sports community.
            Randy Pausch was acclaimed in the academic world.  He was a professor at Carnegie Melon University, working with art and science in the field of virtual reality.  Immensely popular on campus, he became an internet success with his "last lecture" given before friends, family and colleagues after having been diagnosed with a fatal illness.  His humorous and self-effacing account of his life and the things he'd learned while living it was filled with the typical words of wisdom (help others; don't give up), and beneficial mottos (brick walls show our dedication- they weed out those who don't really care).  Randy summarized his philosophy of life by saying:  "If you lead your life the right way, your dreams will take care of themselves; they will come to you".  His departing thought was a wish that he'd given off good "karma" and made a difference in the world.  Pausch died on July 25, 2008, having inspired a new generation of virtual "techies" and living life the way he saw fit.
            I am sure that these men, and the words they've left behind, have impacted and influenced others.  But I find their final thoughts, their "wisdom" about life, to be focused on the very physical realm of living only.  Not so with Paul.  His final words to his young protégé Timothy are focused on the Christian life and how we are to make an eternal difference right where we are.
            Timothy joined Paul's ministry team on the Paul's 2nd missionary trip.  He came from the city of Lystra, about 200 miles east of Ephesus, and was now charged with overseeing the church in that massive city.  Although he was young to be a leader in the cultural mindset of his day, Paul felt very strongly about his abilities (Phil. 2:19-22) and loved him like a son.  Both Timothy's mother and grandmother were believers of Jewish descent, but his father was Greek (Acts 16:1-3).  His mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois, raised him to know the Scriptures (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:15).  What we gather from Paul's letters to Timothy is that he was on the timid side, somewhat uncertain of himself, but also loyal and committed to serving God and Paul.            
            The “book” of 2 Timothy is a letter which contains Paul’s final instructions to his beloved son in the faith (but they could just as well have been written to us).  Over 1,000 miles away and in prison Paul is uncertain whether or not he will not see Timothy again so he addresses four areas of concern.  First and foremost, Paul is concerned about our witness in the world (2 Tim. 1:8; 2:3, 18; 4:1, 5).  Secondly, Paul is concerned about our walk with God (2 Tim. 1:6, 14; 2:1, 16, 19, 22, 23; 3:10, 14, 16).  This is an aspect of our faith that requires the “maintenance” of regular Bible study, fellowship and self-sacrifice.  These activities keep the Spirit fresh within us and make us more attentive to His leading.  Thirdly, Paul is concerned about our spiritual health (2 Tim. 1:13; 2:2, 15; 4:15).  There is a plethora of Christian “how-to” books out there, but there is only one BOOK that is inspired (2 Tim. 3:16).  I'm not saying the others are bad, but you should always go to the Bible first- then the rest.  The Bible is inspired; direct from God to you- therefore the Bible is THE book to instruct you, correct you, exhort you, and train you for your walk of faith.         And lastly, Paul is concerned with our relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ (2 Tim. 2:11-13, 24; 4:19-21). 
            Your life is also a letter.  Paul says there are four areas that we are to examine as we write this letter.  First, what is our witness like?  Are we living STRONG in the grace of Christ?  Secondly, what is our relationship with God like?  Are we keeping that gift of His Spirit refreshed?  Thirdly, how is our spiritual health?  Are we in God's Word, drawing from its teaching?  Or are we distracted with other things?  And lastly, what is our relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ like?  Are we an encouragement?  Are we a need waiting for a solution, or a solution waiting for a need?  Paul wanted Timothy to remember these principles as he continued to minister in Ephesus.  Like Timothy we are stationed in a time and place to do the same.  What is in your letter today?
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.  
Week of 2/26/2017

            How’s this for a list of names?  Shammua, the son of Zaccur, Shaphat, the son of Hori, Igal, the son of Joseph, Palti, the son of Raphu, Gaddiel, the son of Sodi, Gaddi, the son of Susi, Ammiel, the son of Gemalli, Sethur, the son of Michael, Nahbi, the son of Vophsi, and Geuel, the son of Machi.  You may never have seen their names before, let alone be able to pronounce them without some practice, but these men collectively are perhaps some of the better known names in the Bible.  It’s not because they were more pious or faithful, or even brave (lest you’re thinking they were some of David’s Mighty Men).  No, they are known for being “nay-sayers”, doubters and faithless.  What did they do?  They were the 10 spies who gave a negative report about the Promised Land and stirred up a rebellion against Moses and the Lord with disastrous results.
            Their story begins in Numbers 13:1-24 when Moses assigns 12 men the task of scouting out the Promised Land.  Moses charges them with answering several questions: What is the land like?  Are the people strong or weak?  Are they few or many?  What are the cities like?  Are they open camps or fortified?  Is the land fat (productive) or lean?  Does it have trees?  The reconnaissance mission takes them from the lowest border of the Wilderness of Zin, through the Negev and into the hill country of Judea, Samaria and Galilee and as far north Rehob (the modern day border of Israel and Lebanon), a journey of about 500 miles (vv.17-20).
            The spies venture forth and follow the route suggested by Moses.  Paran, Zin, and the Negev (which means south) are arid with low vegetation and dotted with water sources such as wadiis and oasies like Kadesh Barnea where the Israelites were presently camped.  There is a lot of room for grazing herds (if you stay close to the water) but it wouldn’t make you want to move in and stay!  The northern region however would certainly do that.  Replete with water sources and lush hillsides covered with vegetation, it lives up to the name God gives it in Ex. 3:8 – a land of milk and honey (see also Ex. 3:17; 13:5; 33:3; Lev. 20:24; Dt. 6:3; 11:9).  While passing through the Valley of Eschol, 20 miles northwest of Hebron, they stop to gather some of the produce of the land (Num. 13:23).  The grape clusters are so big it takes two men to carry one.
            It takes 40 days to gather the information Moses is seeking.  Although the land is relatively small (150 miles long and 60 miles wide) it is home to several people groups.  The Amalakites are living in the Negev.  The Canaanites were occupying the coastline.  The Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites are living in the hill country.  In Hebron they encounter the descendents of Anak who are identified as “giants” (Num. 13:32), but on the whole, all of the residents in the Promised Land look bigger, stronger and foreboding.  The cities alone, with their 25 foot high and 20 feet thick walls were the “straw that broke the camel’s back” and the spies (with the exception of 2) nix the idea of going into the land completely.
            How quickly the people seem to have forgotten their miraculous exit from Egypt.  It hasn’t been that long since they left.  Yet even with God’s presence evident by the pillar of cloud in the day and the pillar of fire at night, the Israelites are uncertain that God will be with them as they move forward.  The negative opinions of 10 men turn their hearts from obedience to rebellion and the consequences are tragic.  The report at first gives cause for faith- the land is everything God said it would be.  But talk of giants and walled cities causes fear to rear its ugly head and the result is 40 years of wandering until that faithless generation died off.  Faith requires that we not listen to the negative reports around us and trusting that God is faithful to fulfill every promise He’s made (Dt. 7:7-9; 1 Cor. 1:9; 10:1-11; 1 Th. 5:24).  How many times have you “wandered through the wilderness” when you did not want to take God at His word (Ps. 95:6-11)?
            Michael Davis O’Donnell, Robert Dale Draper, LeRoy Tafoya, Kelton Rena Turner, Dwaine McGriff, Marlin Eversgerd, William T. Perkins Jr., Danny G. Marshall, Tom Gonzales, and Stan King were not part of the rebellious nation that refused to venture out in faith and conquer a land promised to them by God.  They did however believe in serving our country and in the process gave their lives for it.*  For their ultimate sacrifice their names have been engraved on the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D. C.  What kind of list would your name be written on today?  Would you be one of the 10 spies whose negative attitude dissuades a brother or sister from taking a step of faith?  Or would yours fall beneath Joshua’s and Caleb’s- a faithful servant like the men and women whose names are inscribed on the Wall in D.C. (1 Cor. 5:7; Heb. 3:12-19; 11:1-3; Js. 1:2-4)?  Which list do you want to be on?
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
Week of 2/19/2017

* You can read more about them at http://thewall-usa.com/names.asp

            Ephesus was located 4 miles from the Aegean Sea and accessed by an inland harbor off the nearby Cayster River.  Because of its harbor, it was also connected to all the major trade routes by the Roman Empire's extensive road system.  In Paul's day it was the 4th largest city in the Roman Empire with a population between 200,000-500,000 people (depending on the "tourist" season and religious holidays).  The Roman governor of Asia resided in Ephesus adding further stature to its importance.  Along with the theater which seated 24,000, Ephesus was also famous for the Temple of Artemis, a HUGE temple, which was one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world.  The statue of Artemis (who was a fertility deity) was housed inside the temple and pilgrims from all over the Mediterranean world go there to worship her.  Ephesus was a wealthy city thanks to these pilgrimages and its sea port.  The temple also supported numerous businesses such as silversmiths (who made souvenirs of Artemis to sell to all those tourists), restaurants, inns, and other industries related to temple worship.  The temple's treasury also served as a bank.
            Even in ruins Ephesus is an impressive site.  When I visited Ephesus in 2003, Ergin, our tour guide, described it as a metropolis, calling it the “Big Apple of Asia Minor”.  It certainly had similar features to many big cities: busy streets, theaters, a public library, places of worship, two thriving markets and even a brothel that advertised its location with a carving in the street that included directions!  Life in Ephesus was really quite pleasant as long as there were no uprisings to disturb the peace of Rome.  The climate was temperate and the city had a public sewage system, paved streets, beautiful architecture and homes heated with steam heat.  People had jobs and families too.  The world they lived in was not primitive as we are prone to think.  It was sophisticated and very much like our own.  But their culture was also steeped in pagan worship and myths, amoral indulgences and greed- very much like our own!
            In spite of Artemis’ central role in the city’s economy and spiritual life, the Ephesians were a confused religious lot.  Not only did they practice various forms of pagan worship, but sorcery and witchcraft as well.  The streets of Ephesus were dotted with many temples to the various gods they worshipped.  However, the worship of Artemis was the most prominent religion practiced there.  Paul spent over 2 years in Ephesus and his ministry had a major impact on the people as witnessed by the showdown between Paul and the silversmiths in Acts 19 and a heartfelt good-bye in Acts 20:17-35.  It is slightly surprising that Paul’s letter does not have an intimate slant to it as say Philippians does.
            But there is no question that the Book of Ephesians is “The Queen of the Epistles” as William Barclay noted in his commentary.  This is due to its presentation of the Church universal as the body of Christ (1:20-22; 2:14-18; 4:1-6), a holy temple built on living stones by the Holy Spirit (2:19-22), and a family to which every believer belongs (3:14-19).  Ephesians also contains some of the most beautiful truths of the Christian faith: the role of each Person of the Trinity in bringing us salvation (1:3-14); the lost condition of man and wonder of grace (2:1-10); the unifying work of reconciliation through Christ (2:11-22); a call to work together and minister to one another (4:1-16) as well as instructions on life together with Christ as our model (5:1-2, 15-33; 6:1-9); and presents the tools by which the believer is equipped to walk the walk and fight the good fight (6:10-18).
            One would think that living in a vibrant and thriving city nestled in an area with a temperate climate and located in a relatively peaceful corner of the Roman Empire that the people of Ephesus were a care-free and happy bunch.  But as Lawrence Richards noted, “Though institutional religion was a great success in Ephesus and a source of both pride and profit, it failed to meet the deepest needs of the population”.  It is into this mixture of the good life and hollow souls that the Gospel enters and transformation takes place (Acts 19:11-20).  It may have been easy for believers in Ephesus to become distracted with the same pursuits in life as their non-believing counterparts.  Of course, that never happens today!  I am constantly struck by how similar our days are with theirs.  I see the same empty pursuits in our culture today and unfortunately many believers get sucked into them as well.  I am then driven to pray as Paul did in this eloquent letter (1:15-19; 3:14-19) because it is only by knowing Jesus that we will understand (even in the least bit possible) what life is truly meant to be.
            Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.  Amen.
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
Week of 2/12/2017

If ever there was a Biblical woman who had little to say about herself it would be Dorcas (Acts 9:36-42).  Perhaps the most significant aspect of her story is the designation of Dorcas as a “certain disciple”.  This simple title earns her the honor of being the first woman called as such.  In Lk. 10:38-42 we see Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, taking the position of a disciple but she is never officially named as one.  But in this passage the designation of disciple is quite prominent and exclusive to Dorcas.  Dorcas is set forth as an example of what a true disciple looks like and the effect a disciple can make in the lives of those around them.
            The discipleship of Dorcas has little to do with her social status.  She seems to have no family but is apparently financially secure.  A hint of her background may come through the dual translation of her name, but any conclusions that might be drawn are speculation.  I believe her background and identity are left obscure on purpose so that her lifestyle is highlighted (not her life).  Luke notes she was “abounding with deeds of kindness and charity” and that she did them continuously.  Those deeds had strong ties to the Torah which was very concerned with the plight of widows.  Widows were among the most vulnerable in ancient society.  If there was no family to care for them, they lost all means of support and were relegated to begging for alms or prostitution as a way to support themselves.  The people of Israel were commanded to take up the widows’ cause and care for them (Ex. 21:29; 22:22; Dt. 10:18; 24:19-21; 26:12-13; Lev. 18:7).  For Dorcas, this concern was such an integral part of her life she practiced it “continually”.  But now she is dead!
            When Dorcas dies a frantic call is put out to Peter who “just happens” to be nearby.  A hasty trip is made to from Lydda to Joppa (a 10 mile distance) and the scene Peter encounters is both urgent and endearing.  Dorcas is prepared for burial (which in all likelihood would be taking place that evening) and on view in an upper room.  We see through the eyes of the widows the kind of person Dorcas was as garment after garment is produced.  The Greek word used to describe her actions designates her kindness as a quality that was profitable and useful to others and not just a nice personality trait.  Dorcas did not just acknowledge that widows had a problem and the Law required their care, she actually did something to help them in their time of need.  Her death is a terrible blow to them.  Something must be done, but the action suddenly stops as Peter clears the room to pray harkening back to several other men of God who prayed after someone died (1 Ki. 17:8, 17-24; 2 Ki. 4:8-37; Lk. 8:41-42, 49-56).
            While we don’t know what Peter prayed or how Dorcas felt when she awoke, the words are inconsequential.  As a summary statement Acts 9:42 emphasizes the point of the passage.  Notice that Peter and Dorcas are not even mentioned when “it” became known.  True discipleship produces faith.  Because the narrative forces us to see the event, rather than hear it, it is no surprise that the final three verses emphasize sight.  Dorcas opens her eyes, she sees Peter, and he brings her to the saints who see her alive.  Discipleship, then, is something that is seen.  A sensitive reading of this narrative then would cause us to ask ourselves if we see the same demonstration of discipleship in our own lives.  Are we, as Dorcas was, caring for the vulnerable, being attentive to their needs, and performing acts of kindness that benefit them?  If yes, then we are living as disciples should. 
            Unlike cultural values which fluctuate with the millennia, the value of women is very evident throughout the Bible, and most noticeably in the words and actions of Jesus.  Unlike the conventional teachers of His day, Jesus talks with women (Jn. 4:1-30), commends them for their faith (Mt. 15:21-28; Lk. 7: 36-50; 8:43-48) and even has them travel with Him as He teaches (Mt. 27: 55-56; Lk. 8:1-2).  Women played a large part in the early church as well (Acts 1:14), evangelizing alongside Paul (Rom. 16:1-2; Phil. 4:2-3), training leaders (Acts 18:24-26; Rom. 16:3-5), and planting churches (Acts 16:11-15; Phile. 1:1-2).  The Bible clearly shows us that women have been and always will be willing disciples whether they say it with words, or in the things they do.  But discipleship is not exclusive to women.  Men can be disciples too!
            Dorcas stands within a line of faithful women who did not consider themselves above the people they served.  By today’s standards we would want to elevate her and draw more attention to her self-sacrifice.  But she was content to work within the culture of her day and live the life of a disciple as her resources allowed.  In that way she demonstrates to all women (and men too) that this is our calling as believers in Christ.  And if others see this demonstrated in our lives, they too will believe (Mt. 5:13-16).
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.  
2/5/2017