"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord" (Romans 12:11). A little while ago a video started circulating online of Bobby Hastings, the head equipment manager for the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team. During a game, Hastings could be seen on the bench closely watching the play. When a player … Continue reading Details and diligence
zeal
When we know the stakes are high
After the disciples saw Jesus cleanse the temple, they remembered that it was written: “Zeal for your house will consume me” (John 2:17). What words do we associate with Jesus? Loving, truthful, holy, powerful, or forgiving? What about zeal? If we want to be “like Jesus,” shouldn’t then zeal be a part of our lives … Continue reading When we know the stakes are high
Ritual or relationship?
“Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” [Jesus said] His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me” (John 2:16-17). Jesus had zeal. But what is it? Is it emotionalism? Unbridled fervor? Extremism? No, no, and no. Zeal is a deep and abiding passion and concern for the things … Continue reading Ritual or relationship?
Learning from a leper who drags himself to worship at 4am
John Piper tells of a young man who grew up on the mission field in Korea. His father worked with a leper colony. They had prayer meetings at 4 o’clock in the morning. That’s right, 4 a.m.! He remembers a man who came to the service, “crabbing along the ground” because he had no legs. … Continue reading Learning from a leper who drags himself to worship at 4am
