Martin Bucer was a German priest and friend to Martin Luther. Under God’s direction, Bucer was a proponent of The Reformation. Because following Christ doesn’t always equate to an easy life, Bucer’s obedience resulted in exile and a life of poverty. What I’ve always enjoyed about Bucer is his writings on love and care of others as a natural expression of one’s faith.
Bucer would often say that if you want to follow Christ and change your perspective and behavior, then take all your concern for yourself and redirect it towards others. Genuine love, which fulfills every Biblical command, doesn’t seek its own profit at the expense of welfare of another. He said, “the best, the most perfect and blessed condition is that in which we can most usefully and profitably serve others. Keep in mind that spiritual service is superior to material service and that the community is more important than individuals…the responsibility of service to others rests upon both the spiritual and secular leaders. There can be no greater plague than people seeking their own advantage” (Instruction in Christian Love).
For many people, they live on the work of others. But followers of Christ do the opposite. The Christian gives up what might be rightly due so that one can help another.
This week’s reading:
- Monday – Romans 7
- Tuesday – Romans 8
- Wednesday – Romans 9
- Thursday – Romans 10
- Friday – Romans 11
Please Pray for:
- Our nation and our leaders.
- Our families, homes, workplace, church, and community.
- Our new year in Christian studies and activities.
- Those suffering due to catastrophic natural disasters.
- Ongoing Building Renovations, Modifications, and Phase 3: Construction of New Youth Building and rear parking.
- The United Methodist Church.