Daily Liturgy and Scripture

How do you know the person that should be leading your church? Paul gave Titus one good way to find them: look to their families. Titus apparently lived among a people that were known for being craven, so a person with a family that didn't fall prey to that would have been an exceptional example.

Human tensions can cloud divine intentions. God has included the complicated and contentious human race in his plan, which certainly complicates the march of heavenly progress. And yet, we are still part of that plan, so learning ot live with one another in a way that honors God is critically important.

We need a spiritual family. We need spiritual parents who lead us, spiritual siblings who walk with us, and spiritual children that we mentor. This structure is what helps us hear from God and one another, and this is a healthy Body of Christ.

Paul is training Timothy as a pastor, and he was apparently quite young compared to many who entered into the vocation. Paul moves past this issue and encourages Timothy in the things which are more important than age, such as discipleship and godly living. This had to come first if it was to be taught to others.

Christ is risen! The promise of resurrection is for more than just the Son of God, it is for all of us. Jesus set the stage for the future that will be ours, and the future of our glorified bodies will be also fellowship with him.

The reality of Jesus dying is important, because resurrection is part of our own future. Jesus was the first to show what God has for the future, and that is also true of victory over death. The victory belongs to him, and we follow in his footsteps, just as we follow him in life.

The idea of this Friday being good seems ironic. It is the remembrance of Jesus's death, and on the surface it seems tragic, not good. But this is the work of God, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the victory over sin and death, which is certainly good news.

Today, we remember the day that Jesus ate his last meal with his disciples. There had no doubt been many before, but this one was significant: it included an invitation even to his betrayer. Eating with enemies is not our practice, but it seems to have been Jesus's.

Being part of the Kingdom of Jesus requires humility from all. Nobody is higher than anyone, and all are subject to Christ. this requires mutual respect, and Paul breaks that down to everyone -- even slaves and masters -- who wishes to follow Jesus.

Submitting to one another is an act that signifies humility. Husbands and wives practice this to honor one another, passing the love that has been given us by Christ. Practicing that love which is of Christ is part of following him.