Maundy Thursday Matters

help-me

Today is Maundy Thursday.  It is a special day on the Christian calendar. But many Christians don’t know what maundy means. I imagine for some this day could easily fall just after Manic Monday, Ruby Tuesday… You get the idea. So if the term Maundy Thursday sounds foreign to you, relax, you are far from alone. 

The term Maundy is generally held to be derived through Middle English and old French, mande’; which comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning mandate or command.  This is the first word of the Latin phrase:

Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos.”

Or more familiar:

“A new command I give to you: Love one another.  As I have loved you so you must love one another.” (John 13.34)

This is a special day in the life of Christ’s People. It is a day when we remember that Jesus has commissioned us, not only to believe the Gospel of his life which was to be – and has been – given for the redemption of all who believe, but to live out the Gospel in relation to one another.  We are to love one another in the same tangible way, and to the same extent, as Jesus has loved us. 

This is what Jesus commanded of his believers only hours before he willingly gave his life for ours. (John 15.12-14)

Worldliness in Prespective

worldliness1

I recently finished reading the short book Worldliness, edited by C.J. Mahaney.  Each chapter is written by different men from the Sovereign Grace family.  I found it very insightful and practical. 

I appreciate that the writers did not merely resort to the worn out separatist “Us vs. The World” rhetoric.  Instead they wrestled intelligently, theologically, and bibilcally about the pertinent questions: What does worldliness actually mean?  What actual problems does worldliness pose?  Only once those questions are amply answered do the writers delve into practical applications in the various spheres of our culture.

I had given some thought to blogging about the book.  Already in previous posts I have elaborated on some of the insights I have gained.  But then on Crossway.blog I have found that Jonathan Leeman of 9 Marks has shared some highlights from each chapter.  Leeman has done such a good job that it made my intentions unnecessary.  I will still likely interact and expound upon some other insights in future posts, but for a good introduction to and overview of the book I encourage you to check out what Leeman has written.  Click: Worldliness

But don’t neglect the book. It is short, but beneficial. I’ve added it to my ‘must read’ list.