Monday, January 16, 2017

What Would Jesus Say: Associate Dean encourages students to be “all in”

Mon, 16 Jan 2017Asa Keimig | LUCOM Marketing and PR Coordinator

LUCOM student-doctors heard from Joseph W. Brewer, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Research, last week during their weekly convocation. Dr. Brewer encouraged students to be all in when it came to their spiritual relationships.

Dr. Brewer started his message recalling specific scripture that led him to remember the W.W.J.D. phase (What Would Jesus Do); branded bracelets and t-shirts were quite popular. His devotionals led him to the thought of W.W.J.S. (What Would Jesus Say) focusing on three different situations where responses from Jesus were quite powerful.

Dr. Brewer shared the following…

The Widow’s Offering

In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus is in the temple and He sits down to watch people place their money into the temple offering. Many rich people come and place large amounts into the offering, but a poor widow comes gives only two small copper coins. It was all she had. Jesus calls to His disciples to tell them about what happen.

Out of poverty the poor widow gave everything she had to Jesus. She was all in. This example is similar to a Christian walk; God wants everything we’ve got and wants us to be all in for him. He wants Christians to be fully committed to Him, fully serving Him, and fully trusting in Him.

“You’re giving me everything – you’re all in.”

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

In Mark 14:3-9, Jesus at a dinner with his disciples that was being held in his honor. Mary comes and pours expensive perfume on Jesus. His disciples criticize her and rebuke her because the perfume could have been sold and used to help the poor in various ways. Jesus silences them and tells them that Mary has done a beautiful thing.

Mary might not have had Chanel perfume or the nicest perfume of that time, but it was the best that she had. Mary pours expensive perfume on Jesus and by doing so she did what she could do with what she had and she didn’t wait to do it.

During this specific story, Dr. Brewer shared how his father, to this day, still gives with a kind and servant-like heart.

“At a young age, my father realized that he could donate blood and that would ultimately help others in need. Even at age 76, he still donates and has donated roughly 20 gallons throughout his lifetime,” said Dr. Brewer. “He did what he could, with what he had.”

Jesus wants Christians to live for Him every single day and to use the unique talents and skills that He given us for His glorify. Each person has a different talent that can be used to bring honor to God’s name. He wants us to use our talents daily to honor him.

“You’re doing what you can do – you’re doing it right now.”

Jesus visits Martha and Mary

In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus and his disciples are on their way to Jerusalem and they stop at the home of Martha and Mary. Martha is busy preparing the meal, cleaning, and getting everything in order. Mary on the other hand is sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to him. Martha takes notices of Mary, gets angry, and she complains to Jesus. His simple response, “she chose what was better.”

Martha is perfect reflection of life now-a-days. We’re busy, we have lots of stuff to do and a lot of things that we need to get done, and we’re constantly distracted. Mary chose what was best, time with Jesus. Most days, we’re incredibly busy, but in the busyness of the day, we need to eliminate distractions, get away from everything, and focus on Jesus.

“You’re choosing what is best – time with me.”

W.W.J.S.A.Y.

To conclude his message, Dr. Brewer encouraged students to adjust their focus now to: What Would Jesus Say About You (WWJSAY)?

“If Jesus is watching you, then what would he say about you,” asked Dr. Brewer. “I miss you”, or “well done, good and faithful servant.” He encouraged student-doctors to give God everything and to be all in; to do what they could, with what they had, right now. He also encouraged them to choose what was best and to not neglect time with Jesus.