The First Baptist Church “Hope & Pray Moving Company” was at it again earlier today. That’s the name I’ve come up with for our group of volunteers who help persons in the congregation move their household from one home to the next. I think our motto is “We hope it fits and pray it gets there!”. Hey, you get what you pay for, right?
Seriously, in my time as pastor of this congregation I’ve watched, helped and appreciated this rotating crew of men and women who just jump in when a need arises to assist with a move. We’ve helped move people from their home to an assisted living facility, from one home to another, from an apartment into a first home, out of a home that was flooded, into a moving truck that’s headed cross country – you name it, we’ve probably done it. An appeal goes out, and people show up! It’s amazing – and rewarding.
I’m preaching tomorrow on Jesus’ words to his disciples in the later part of John 14 where he says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Notice he doesn’t say, “you will keep the commandments” (as in the Top 10 – though these are his commandments too). No, Jesus says, “you will keep my commandments.” This should make us ask, “What are Jesus’ commandments?”.
I’m glad you asked. In Matthew 22, in response to a question about the commandments and which is the greatest, Jesus says this: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the greatest commandment. And the second is like it – love your neighbor as your self.” This, I believe, is what it means to keep Jesus’ commandments – to love God and love others. (What Scot McKnight calls the Jesus Creed.) When we do this, we demonstrate our love for the Lord.
Why else would a crew of volunteer movers show up early on a Saturday morning to load up pick-ups, trailers, vans and cars with “stuff” and to carry that same “stuff” to and fro, from one dwelling to the next? Why, other than their love for God and love for neighbor – in short, their love for Jesus.
So, until the next time the FBC Hope and Pray Moving Company is called into action, I’ve had my reminder this morning of what love looks like – in the name and spirit of Jesus.
Thanks FBCers for showing me the way once again!
danielcash 