My house is full of little things; some are useful, some not so useful.  Some things are meaningful and some things appear to be meaningless.  That would not be the case with the hundreds of pictures I must own.  Granted some of them are just a record of something that was important to me and not really print-worthy.  But a good majority of them are family heirlooms and I truly count it a blessing to have photographs of several generations on both sides of my family tree.   The most recognizable photos grace the mantle over our fireplace- my father and mother, grandfathers and grandchildren.  The oldest is in an elaborately carved wooden frame and is the image of my great-great-grandfather Amos Hoster.
            While some may think of photography as a modern invention, there are some hints in antiquity that man dabbled with the idea that images could be projected on to light sensitive materials but keeping a permanent record of that image didn’t seem to be a concern.  The first successful fixed images were made in the 1800’s by Nicephere Niepce but they required at least 8 hours and up to several days of exposure in the camera and the results were very crude.  The first man to accomplish a more practical process was Louis Daguerre.  The daguerreotype required only minutes of exposure in the camera and the pictures were clear with fine details.  Photography took off from there with the advent of photographic paper, reduced exposure time in the camera, rolls of film, and cameras designed specifically for amateur use.  The introduction of digital cameras revolutionized photography even further so that what took days to produce by Niepce can now be taken on your phone and almost instantly posted on the world-wide web.
            There is something special about holding those family pictures in between my fingers and looking at the people pictured there.  While I’ve never met my ancestors when I look at their pictures I get a strong feeling of who I am.  Pictures and heirloom photos may be considered part of the “little things” that fill my home.  But this week they were also an illustration of the Lord and how He understood Who He was and what He came to do.
            In Luke 18:31-34 Jesus announces to the disciples “we are going to Jerusalem” after which He proceeds to describe His betrayal, suffering, death and resurrection which will take place there.  It was as if Jesus was holding in His hands the snapshots of all the prophets’ words concerning Him (handed over to the Gentiles: Ps. 41:9; 109:4-5; Zech. 13:7; mocked, mistreated and scourged: Is. 53:3-5, 7; killed: Is. 53:8-9; Dt.  21:23; rise again: Ps. 16:8-11; 2 Sam. 22: 6-7; Ps. 18:4-6; 116:3; 2 Sam. 7:12-13; Ps. 132:11; Hos. 6:2).  One can almost imagine the disciples’ objections to this trip since opposition to Jesus had risen steadily (Jn. 16: 7-8, 16) but Luke notes that Jesus knew this is how the words of the prophets would be accomplished (Lk. 18:31).  This word, teleo, means not merely to end something (as in turning off a video game whether you’ve won it or not) but to bring something to its destined goal, to carry it through to perfection.  Jesus, as John notes in his gospel, was able to do this because He knew that the Father had “given all things into His hands” (Jn. 13:3).  When Jesus looked at those prophetic pictures, He knew Who He was and what He came to do.
            Many years ago, in those ancient days of film, I would often get a roll of film developed and look forward to seeing what came out.  Once in a while there would be a picture which was unidentifiable.  Somehow the shutter went off and the camera recorded a random view.  In spite of my best efforts I could never figure out what the object in that picture was.  In a way that is how the disciples first reacted to Jesus’ announcement.  Our Bibles say they did not “understand” what Jesus meant.  This Greek word refers to the inability to assemble individual pieces of information into an organized whole- as in assembling the pieces of a puzzle into organized picture.  In contrast the following verses (Lk. 18: 35-43) record the story of a man who did see the big picture (literally and figuratively!).  When you look at the pictures of Jesus’ final week of ministry do you understand the big picture?  Do you recognize He had to go to Jerusalem and why?  We don’t like to think of the reason for the cross.  It is far more popular to think good thoughts about ourselves in reference to God’s love rather than to acknowledge the Sin which Jesus bore for us to satisfy God’s wrath (Rom. 3:21-15; 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 2:14-17; 1 Jn. 2: 1-2).  But more importantly, do you see the fulfillment of all the pictures painted by the prophets in the events which took place then?  If you do, your celebration of the resurrection is joyous indeed!   Thankfully, unlike those pictures I could not identify, the final picture of this week is recognizable- the accomplished work of Jesus as testified by His resurrection (Mt. 28:6; Mk. 16:6; Lk. 24:6).  He is risen indeed!
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre

            I’ll never forget the first time I drove to visit my father in Vermont by myself.  I climbed into the car thinking it was going to be a LONG 7 hours without anyone to talk to and so to entertain myself I’d brought along most of my favorite music and immediately popped in the first cassette.  I do not usually sing in the shower, but I love to sing in the car!  The miles melted away as melody after melody filled the car and I sang to my heart’s content.  Before I knew it I arrived at my father’s house and the trip was over.
            Music is a powerful method of conveying thoughts and emotions.  It can reflect a person’s perspective or viewpoint, their feelings and desires, and any number of nouns or verbs- joy, sorrow, happiness, regret and so on.  Some songs connect us to significant times in our lives.  They can relate to how we felt or actually be the thing that helped us through them.  They can remind us of people and places that are dear to us or even stimulate an attitude or determination to make us a better person.  Songs can be sung in protest, for motivation, in reverence or camaraderie.  And that’s just scratching the surface of the role music plays in our lives.  So it is not surprising that it has a large role in the Bible as well.
            In fact there is ample evidence that music played a large role in the ancient world in general.  Archaeologists have uncovered both music (dated 1400 B. C.) and instructions (dated 1800 B. C.) in digs from Egypt to Mesopotamia.  Music was an integral part of Israel’s daily life in Old Testament times.  It was played or sung at parties (Gen. 31:27), in celebrating heroes (Jud. 11:34; 1 Sam. 18:6), at coronations (1 Ki. 1:39-40; 2 Ki. 11:14), as entertainment in the royal court (2 Sam. 19:35), at banquets of the wealthy (Is. 5:12; 24:8-9), by workmen to help pace their work (Is. 16:10; Jer. 25:30), was used to express sorrow upon a person’s death (2 Sam. 1:17-18), and was an integral part of worship (Neh. 12:27, 45-46).
            The most obvious record of song in ancient Israel is the Book of Psalms which is often referred to as Israel’s Song Book.  The “book” is a collection of musical pieces in poetical form, but instead of one composer, there are several and only the lyrics have survived.  The 150 individual psalms that we have today are an organized collection, having been grouped the way we are familiar with by the priests and scribes of Ezra’s day.  However it is David who is attributed with making the psalms and the music which went with them an integral part of Israel’s worship.  Scripture notes that he selected instruments (1 Chron. 16:5), appointed musicians (1 Chron. 16-23), gave out assignments and designated students to perpetuate the addition of music to worship at the Tabernacle (1 Chron. 25:1-8), and subsequently the Temple.  David’s detailed organization of musicians and singers reflects how important music was in Hebrew worship.
            The Gospels and New Testament letters continue the Old Testament pattern and demonstrate that music remained an important part of the believing community (Mt.9:23; 24:31; Mk. 14:26; Lk. 7:32; 15:25; 1 Cor. 13:1; 14:7-8).  Music was a form of communication between believers (1 Cor. 14:26; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16) who often gathered in homes to worship together (Ac. 16:14-15; 1 Cor. 16:19).  Music was a way to recount God’s activity in human history (Dt. 31:14-27), to testify to God’s faithfulness (Ex. 15:1-2) and to praise God (Ac. 16:25) and Jesus for His sacrificial work on the cross (Phil. 2: 5-11 is believed to be an early Christian hymn).
            When we sing, we are in good company with a number of singers in the Bible- and not just the “professionals” like the sons of Aspah (1 Chron. 6:1-32)!  Moses sang (Ex. 15:1), as did his sister Miriam (Ex. 15:20-21), Deborah (Jud. 5:1, 12), Hannah (1 Sam. 2:1), David (2 Sam. 1:17-27; 23:1), the nation of Israel (Num. 21:17; Ez. 3:11), the Apostle Paul (Acts 16:25) and Jesus and His disciples (Mk. 14:26).  So, whether we can carry a tune or not, music should be a part of our walk with the Lord.  Lawrence Richards noted, “Music in biblical times, as in our own, enriched the daily life of ordinary people.  It captured the deepest emotions of the heart, celebrated national and personal joys and sorrows, and expressed the values shared by members of God’s covenant community.  Perhaps most of all, music was a vital element in worship, lifting the heart to God, celebrating His goodness, and calling to mind His mighty acts.  In a most significant way, the thoughts of the men and women of faith were guided and shaped by music, so that, to a large extent, those believers became what they sang.”  Are you letting the Lord speak to you through a song right now?  Are you using a song as an expression of your faith in Him or as a form of praise for what He’s done both in your life and for people as a whole?  If so you are enjoying one of the Lord’s most creative forms of expression and are fulfilling the words of Ps. 92:1-4.
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre

      Jeff’s keys always sit on the table by the door.  Well, at least they’re supposed to be there but sometimes when he’s loading the van or grabbing something out of the shed they travel about and get left in unusual places.  We then have to play the “Where did I see them last?” game until they’re found.  My keys, on the other hand, have less of a chance of being misplaced since I only use them for getting in and out of the house and to drive the car.  The car keys symbolize a sense of freedom to me.  With keys in hand I can travel near and far and some of those trips “afar” have been very interesting!  Take for example a recent trip home from visiting our son in Kentucky.  We left later than we expected but weren’t too concerned although the 12 hour drive meant we’d be pulling in around midnight.  It was smooth sailing until the traffic came to a stand-still. It was obvious why.  Not too far ahead we could see a thick cloud of smoke rising from the highway.  A 6 car pile-up was blocking the highway.  We turned around and spent another night in Kentucky.  The 12 hour trip home the next day was just as arduous.  We had to constantly check one of the tires as it developed a noticeable leak.  The following morning it was completely flat.  When the auto repair shop was replacing the tire they noticed a problem with the brake line which in turn led to finding a problem with the driveshaft.  What a trip that turned out to be!  When we were dealing with all those car issues it was stressful, but in hindsight we began to think, “What if the tire never went flat?  Who knows what would have happened with a faulty brake line and a bad drive shaft!”
            The Apostle Paul was an avid traveler as we all know.  His three missionary trips criss-crossed a prominent portion of the Roman Empire and eventually landed him in Rome.  One of those journeys reminds me a great deal of our Kentucky trip.  Paul began his second missionary trip in Antioch but instead of traveling by sea as he did the first time, Paul sets out on land traveling the Roman road through Cilicia and heading northwest toward Derbe, Lystra and Iconium.  After both success and opposition in these areas Paul and his companions proceed toward the province of Asia but the Spirit prevents them from entering the region.  So they turned northward to Bithynia but are blocked by the Spirit a second time.  I’m sure at this point some of them were thinking, “Well, where in the world are we supposed to go now!?”  We are not told how Paul knew the Spirit was blocking the roads to Asia and Bithynia.  It’s not as obvious as a 6 car pile-up!  But we do know how He showed Paul the right direction.  While Paul is staying overnight in Troas he receives a vision of a man from Macedonia asking him to come and help them whereupon Paul and his fellow travelers conclude that this is indeed where God wants them to go (Acts 16:1-11).
            The ministry in Macedonia begins in the beautiful city of Philippi.  It was a community established by military personnel and tradespeople, situated not too far from its port of Neapolis with the Via Egantia running straight through it.  Since it was a predominantly pagan city the small Jewish population met outside the city by the river for prayer and ritual cleansing.  This is Paul’s first stop on the Sabbath.  The Gospel is shared and it touches the heart of a God-fearing Gentile named Lydia.  Her home becomes the base of operations and the Gospel flourishes touching not only Lydia’s life but that of a demon-possessed slave girl and a jailor and his household (Acts 16:13-34).  The stories recorded here are some of the most powerful demonstrations of the transforming effect of the Gospel.  But what if Paul had insisted on going to Asia when the Spirit said no?  Or what if he’d gone to Bithynia anyway thinking the vision had only been a dream?  What if he’d stopped short of going into the very heart of Macedonia where Philippi was located and only gone to the border?  Would these stories ever come to pass? 
            As I said before Jeff and I often ask, “What if…?” concerning that trip to Kentucky.  But there are many times in life all of us ask ourselves, “What if?”  Sometimes we regret decisions or actions and ask, “What if I’d done it differently?”  Playing the “what if” game is not always a good idea if it leads to disappointment and discouragement.  But if it helps us to bring a new perspective to our struggles and trials, it can be a very positive form of reflection.  If it directs us to what the Lord desires for us to do, it is a tool in shaping us like Christ.  Perhaps when we encounter obstacles in our daily travels it is time to ask a new question.  The question is not, “Why is this happening to me?” but, “What if God is directing me to something better?”
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre

            In the little table next to my bed there is a drawer full of special letters.  Some of them are from my family, some from friends but each one has a very special meaning and I actually do enjoy taking them out and reading them from time to time.  The memories associated with them are very special particularly if they are from someone who has gone to be with the Lord.  The most recent addition came from my younger son and it’s a treasure like all the others!
            The dictionary defines a letter as a written or printed communication directed to a person or organization.  It is one person’s written message to another about something that involves both parties.  Despite the popularity of emails and texting, letters are still important particularly in business and for official communications.  Wikipedia listed several reasons why the most important being that it is difficult to forge an official letter or to transmit malware through it.  On a more personal level, letters help maintain intimacy or familiarity when two parties are separated by distance, conduct official affairs in business, government, academia and other professional settings, are a vehicle for self-expression and clarification in the arts, and can even represent one person on behalf of another as a form of introduction or recommendation.  The latter is often appreciated and received with satisfaction, but no one enjoys receiving a letter with bad news such as the infamous “Dear John” letter.
            The New Testament contains 27 books, 21 of which are letters.  Two other letters appear within the book of Acts (Acts 15:23-29; 23:26-30).  Letters were the most common form of communication in the 1st century Mediterranean world so it is not surprising that it is the predominant literary vehicle of the Gospel as well.  In style and skill the letters of the New Testament are at times eloquent and masterful or emotional and passionate demonstrating the close connection between the sender and those receiving it in more common vernacular.  The Greek word meaning “letter” (epistole) comes from the verb which means “to give an official order” indicating that letters originally were used in a military or diplomatic setting but their usage eventually broadened to the form of communication we use them for today- keeping in touch with family and friends, establishing agreements between clients and patrons and recommending a person for a position or the ability to participate in something like a prestigious school.
            The most extensive correspondence we have in the New Testament is the letters which Paul wrote to the Corinthian church.  Paul visited and ministered in Corinth numerous times.  One author noted, “In many ways, the city of Corinth Paul knew was closer to a modern American city than almost any other ancient city.  The upward social mobility conferred by large amounts of money, the large athletic spectacles, the love of parties, the problems created by a loosening of sexual limits, the desire to be as inclusive as possible in religious beliefs and practices, the desire to include social customs from secular life into the Christian community- all of these give to the problems discussed in the Corinthian letters.”  So it is interesting to note that in 2 Cor. 3:2-3 Paul likens the Christians there to letters.
            Several of the words that Paul uses to describe the Corinthians as “his letter” are notable.  They are written in his heart, the center of human life and in the NT it particularly represents the sphere of God’s influence in a person.  They are also Christ’s letter which Paul has been entrusted in caring for.  As letters the Corinthians are “written with the Spirit of the Living God” and the Spirit has engraved His message on the tablet of their hearts.  The imagery here is a throwback to the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai, a message which was written on tablets of stone.  Stones are inanimate and have no breath.  This message however is “living”, a word from which we derive the term “biography”, and is the narrative on how one’s life is spent.  Thus, as letters, the Corinthians should be living in such a way that they reflect their author.
            All of Paul’s letters exhort and encourage their recipients to live as “letters of recommendation” (see these verses which specifically use the word live- Rom. 8:12-14; 2 Cor. 5:15; Gal. 5:16-25; 2 Tim. 3:12-14; Tit. 2:11-12) and it is just as true for us.  What people see in our biographies represents Christ’s activity in our hearts.  Are you allowing the Spirit to write your biography or you influenced by your culture as the Corinthians were?  Does your life act as a “letter of recommendation for Jesus”?  Christ has sent you to your family, co-workers and friends.  What kind of letter are they receiving?
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
 https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre

            “Gramma’s Chair” is probably one of the sturdiest pieces of furniture I own although it is certainly in need of an upholstery make-over!  I inherited it when we were renting a home and in need of some furniture.  I’m not sure what style it is, but it’s always matched my decor and it’s quite comfortable to sit in.  I guess now that I’ve confessed it needs some TLC, I’ll make it a priority to get the job done!
            While my upholstered chair is associated with Gramma and fond memories of her, the “judgment seat of Christ” mentioned in 2 Cor. 5:9-10 is associated with accountability.  Paul begins this chapter by taking note that our earthly bodies are merely a temporary dwelling just like a tent (2 Cor. 5:1-5).  He concludes that this knowledge should affect how we live now (v.9).  The judgment seat of Christ (v. 10) is the place where we reconcile our days on earth to the way Jesus expected us to live.   The imagery here comes from Greco-Roman culture and a well-known “chair” called the “bema”.  The bema was a raised platform used for public proclamations such as the winners of athletic competitions, public speeches (Acts 12:21-23), and legal decisions (Acts 18:12-17).  The bema excavated in ancient Corinth rose 7 ½ feet above the market square and was just about as wide.  One author noted, “When someone appeared before the bema, it was sometimes for condemnation and sometimes for commendation”.  Obviously the latter was the preferred reason!  In this light the passage also has strong connections with two other New Testament passages which speak of Christ’s role as our Judge concerning our behavior, Eph. 6:7-8 and Rev. 22:12.
            It should be stressed that the judgment which takes place at the bema seat does not concern our salvation.  That has been accounted for by Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross and our profession that He paid the penalty for our sins.  As previously stated this judgment concerns rewards for how we have lived out those days in our earthly tent.  In the Biblical view a reward is the return that one receives for his/her actions; especially payment for doing good (Prov. 11:31; Eph. 6:8; Rev. 22:12).  But how does Jesus determine this?  According to the 2 Corinthians passage it is the result of what each has “done”.   This verb (prasso) means to do or perform in general but it is not a finite action.  It refers to actions that are ongoing, that is behavior which is repetitious, continual and habitual (Acts 26:20; Rom. 2:25; 7:15; 9:11; 2 Cor. 5:10; Phil. 4:9).  Two types of behavior are cited: good (agathos) meaning that which is virtuous (Mt. 12:34-35; Lk. 6:45; Jn. 5:29; Rom. 2:10; 1 Pet. 3:11, 13; 3 Jn. 1:11) and bad (phaloss) meaning deeds and words which are vile, evil, wicked, corrupt, good-for-nothing, unimportant, mediocre and worthless (Jn. 3:20; Tit. 2:8; Js.3:16).
            Two other passages give us a fuller understanding of the role of the “judgment seat” in the believer’s life, Mt. 8:1-13 and Js. 2:12-13.  In the Matthew passage a centurion has entreated Jesus to heal his servant.  Jesus commends his faith and then makes a very odd statement about the coming kingdom (vv. 11-12).  The parable seems odd to us but to Jesus’ listeners the picture was quite clear.  The term “outer darkness” referred to an area outside a well-lit banquet hall where the light no longer made things visible.  In this parable the outer darkness is not referring to those who are unsaved because the people who have come were at first seated at the banquet table.  But now they have been removed from the hub of activity.  We might liken this scenario to the privilege of sitting at the captain’s table on a cruise.  The reward for remaining at the banquet/captain’s table is based on what is done for Christ, the Captain (Mt. 5:3-12; 7:21-23; Lk. 6:20-26; Rom. 14:10-23; 1 Cor. 3:13; 1 Jn. 4:17; Rev. 20:11-15).  While Christ’s Jewish listeners thought that their lineage was their ticket to the banquet, Jesus had a different criteria- belief that is demonstrated by action and the centurion demonstrated more faith than them.  What kind of behavior is Christ looking for?  The passage in James answers this by emphasizing mercy.  If we understand God’s mercy toward us, James writes, we will extend it to others.  James echoes the intent of the fifth Beatitude (Mt. 5:7).  Those who seek mercy will receive it.  The entrance to heaven is a result of the work of Christ but our position at the banquet is determined on the life we’ve lived in response to our salvation.  In the matter of mercy, the measure of the mercy we give is the measure of our reward.  And you can’t go back and do your life over once it’s done (Lk. 16:19-31).
            How will I fare when I stand before the bema seat and Christ is my judge?  My reminder to live as Christ wants me to comes from one another one of His parables.  When it came down to what made the difference between the sheep and the goats, it was all a matter of what they did and didn’t do (Mt. 25: 31-46).  So as Paul wrote to the Corinthians, I desire to make my life pleasing to Him (2 Cor. 5:9) and follow the two greatest commandments of all (Mk. 12:28-31).  What about you?
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre