Mat 17:1 "And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart..."
I suppose it is no small thing to be a companion of Jesus. Peter, James and John had something special going on, of that there is no doubt. What is the message we can glean from this passage? I don't feel like an inner circle kind of person. There are very few people in this world to whom I feel this kind of kinship and trust. Most people keep even friends at arm's length when it comes to the essence of who they are for fear of rejection. This is a testament to the character of Jesus that He revealed Himself to these three men. He picked them carefully (as should we)to be His inner circle. To these men alone did He show this "light show" which pulled back the curtain on His glory just a bit.
So how about you? Is there someone to whom you can bare your soul? Often, folks are put off by someone who too freely confesses all they've ever done (cf. Jn. 4 where Jesus let the woman at the well know what He knew). There must be a commitment of trust in order to make this type of thing possible. That is rare.
Too often in this world today, we force or fake intimacy in an effort to "network". Life for some today is a big game of "Survivor" where deceit and backstabbing are a way of life. Rare is the friend to whom "warts" are not a hindrance to mutual respect and love. And rarer still is that soul who when his Lord calls him aside to the solitude of the mountain is not too busy to go, in hopes of seeing His glory.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
What do you Mean?
While I was driving home from work the other day I couldn’t help but notice something familiar. My journey takes me through rolling hills and wide open spaces filled with many sights and sounds. I always enjoy the smell of the flowers, new mowed hay, and even the occasional “fertilized” field. This particular day I caught the smell of honeysuckles blooming. That rich fragrance not only pleased my nose but it tipped over a bucket of memories in my mind which in turn cascaded across my consciousness. Each memory was suspended like a drop of water before my mind’s eye ever so briefly only to be displaced by the next. Each seemed visible only long enough to capture the context and feeling but each disappeared before the details could be examined.
Some might call this sort of reaction “meaning.” The smell of Honeysuckle brought many happy childhood memories, so therefore, it has a special meaning. Since this word can be used in that way many think that this is the only definition. Is this what post-modernists are talking about when they talk about meaning?
It has been said so often in recent years that there is no intrinsic meaning. “Meaning”, we are told, “is assigned by the observers and participants.” How ridiculous is this? While we can argue about the objective value of an object, truth, on the other hand, stands on its own without debate. Truth stands despite any vain attempts to discount its validity based on contextual or conceptual influences. I watched a Television show recently which I found to rather clever, and after seeing a review about it online I decided to see what the critic had to say. I was amused to find that a key component of the plot (an alleged movie prop bought as a gift which turned out to be a fake) was supposedly an ode to this disjointed post modern mindset. Apparently, if you follow this philosophy, even though the prop was a fake it was real to the person receiving it because he assigned its meaningfulness. In my mind I think that it much more likely that this critic confused value and meaning.
While I disagree with the philosophy, I understand the motivation. “I don’t agree with you therefore I don’t accept the truths you present since they don’t have meaning for me.” While Spiritual truths are not visible, they are empirical in a certain way. Hebrews 11 tells us that there is some evidence of those invisible things, and that one can be convinced of Spiritual things based on truths which must be accepted by faith.
Perhaps that is the real problem. If meaning and value are confused, then it makes it easy to ignore the evidence since the outcomes don’t have any perceived value to the individual. How do we overcome these philosophical obstacles? The clever argument won’t work here. We just need to be aware of the “lingo” and illogical thinking of those we are trying to reach. Only the Holy Spirit can awaken the post-modernist from his/her slumber. It is not the job of the Christian to “win” over unbelievers, it is our job to live in such a way as create significance and meaning which captures the attention of those watching. Sowing the seed will still work and the Spirit of God will give the increase.
Some might call this sort of reaction “meaning.” The smell of Honeysuckle brought many happy childhood memories, so therefore, it has a special meaning. Since this word can be used in that way many think that this is the only definition. Is this what post-modernists are talking about when they talk about meaning?
It has been said so often in recent years that there is no intrinsic meaning. “Meaning”, we are told, “is assigned by the observers and participants.” How ridiculous is this? While we can argue about the objective value of an object, truth, on the other hand, stands on its own without debate. Truth stands despite any vain attempts to discount its validity based on contextual or conceptual influences. I watched a Television show recently which I found to rather clever, and after seeing a review about it online I decided to see what the critic had to say. I was amused to find that a key component of the plot (an alleged movie prop bought as a gift which turned out to be a fake) was supposedly an ode to this disjointed post modern mindset. Apparently, if you follow this philosophy, even though the prop was a fake it was real to the person receiving it because he assigned its meaningfulness. In my mind I think that it much more likely that this critic confused value and meaning.
While I disagree with the philosophy, I understand the motivation. “I don’t agree with you therefore I don’t accept the truths you present since they don’t have meaning for me.” While Spiritual truths are not visible, they are empirical in a certain way. Hebrews 11 tells us that there is some evidence of those invisible things, and that one can be convinced of Spiritual things based on truths which must be accepted by faith.
Perhaps that is the real problem. If meaning and value are confused, then it makes it easy to ignore the evidence since the outcomes don’t have any perceived value to the individual. How do we overcome these philosophical obstacles? The clever argument won’t work here. We just need to be aware of the “lingo” and illogical thinking of those we are trying to reach. Only the Holy Spirit can awaken the post-modernist from his/her slumber. It is not the job of the Christian to “win” over unbelievers, it is our job to live in such a way as create significance and meaning which captures the attention of those watching. Sowing the seed will still work and the Spirit of God will give the increase.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Hypocrisy On Parade
It has been my observation that one of the most frequent criticisms leveled against Christians (not the nominal variety) has been hypocrisy. When a Christian makes a stand about right and wrong it rubs many people the wrong way because of their own guilty conscience. When the same believer then violates those very standards which he has defended, those same detractors are offended most. While the revelation of Christians who are living a double standard can be cleansing for a church or organization, it is also ammunition for the enemies of Christ to claim that we all are living a lie.
In the story “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”, one the characters addresses the whispered secret plans of one of his sons with the phrase “There ain't nothin' more powerful than the odor of mendacity...You can smell it. It smells like death.” According to Webster's Dictionary mendacity is a lie, and in the context of the Tennessee Williams' story it is subterfuge and hypocrisy masquerading as concern. I thought of such hypocrisy this week during the coverage of the descent into madness by one of the highest paid actors on television.
Television history is replete with stars whose private lives were a shambles while their public personas were a complete contradiction. I grew up watching Jackie Gleason on television, I thought he was a great guy. Only when I was much older did I learn of his private struggles with alcohol etc. There are too many examples to dwell on only one. The hypocrisy of the media today is that while they are wringing their hands in public about some actor's rants and instability, they have known all along that this was his case and either didn't care or were more concerned with the money they were making.
How about the liberal mind of today? During a recent gorilla journalism video, a high ranking officer of the NPR foundation was heard to bemoan the fact that there are so few liberals in the country. He continued to say that the only reason people didn't agree with his view point was that they were ignorant and uneducated and xenophobic. How could anyone escape the circular logic and hypocrisy in his thinking. The conservatives they are talking about are afraid of those different from themselves but he sees those people as “less than” himself and ignorant. Is that not a quintessentially hypocritical position? “Oh I see, the reason I don't agree with you is not that you are wrong, it is because I'm not educated?”
These issues point out the need for logic and critical thinking skills on our part. We must not defend those who fall prey to their own lust and greed, but we must admit that failures happen because we are all fallible. We must also point out the rank hypocrisy of those who oppose us for what it is. They are deceiving themselves in order to raise themselves above others. Elitism is the prime example of this kind of thinking. Let us not have that attitude at Church!
Finally, we should always be willing to show grace and deference to those who admit their failures and repent. Paul's words in Galatians were never more meaningful...”Gal 6:1 BRETHREN, IF any person is overtaken in misconduct or sin of any sort, you who are spiritual [who are responsive to and controlled by the Spirit] should set him right and restore and reinstate him, without any sense of superiority and with all gentleness, keeping an attentive eye on yourself, lest you should be tempted also. “ AMPLIFIED
In the story “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”, one the characters addresses the whispered secret plans of one of his sons with the phrase “There ain't nothin' more powerful than the odor of mendacity...You can smell it. It smells like death.” According to Webster's Dictionary mendacity is a lie, and in the context of the Tennessee Williams' story it is subterfuge and hypocrisy masquerading as concern. I thought of such hypocrisy this week during the coverage of the descent into madness by one of the highest paid actors on television.
Television history is replete with stars whose private lives were a shambles while their public personas were a complete contradiction. I grew up watching Jackie Gleason on television, I thought he was a great guy. Only when I was much older did I learn of his private struggles with alcohol etc. There are too many examples to dwell on only one. The hypocrisy of the media today is that while they are wringing their hands in public about some actor's rants and instability, they have known all along that this was his case and either didn't care or were more concerned with the money they were making.
How about the liberal mind of today? During a recent gorilla journalism video, a high ranking officer of the NPR foundation was heard to bemoan the fact that there are so few liberals in the country. He continued to say that the only reason people didn't agree with his view point was that they were ignorant and uneducated and xenophobic. How could anyone escape the circular logic and hypocrisy in his thinking. The conservatives they are talking about are afraid of those different from themselves but he sees those people as “less than” himself and ignorant. Is that not a quintessentially hypocritical position? “Oh I see, the reason I don't agree with you is not that you are wrong, it is because I'm not educated?”
These issues point out the need for logic and critical thinking skills on our part. We must not defend those who fall prey to their own lust and greed, but we must admit that failures happen because we are all fallible. We must also point out the rank hypocrisy of those who oppose us for what it is. They are deceiving themselves in order to raise themselves above others. Elitism is the prime example of this kind of thinking. Let us not have that attitude at Church!
Finally, we should always be willing to show grace and deference to those who admit their failures and repent. Paul's words in Galatians were never more meaningful...”Gal 6:1 BRETHREN, IF any person is overtaken in misconduct or sin of any sort, you who are spiritual [who are responsive to and controlled by the Spirit] should set him right and restore and reinstate him, without any sense of superiority and with all gentleness, keeping an attentive eye on yourself, lest you should be tempted also. “ AMPLIFIED
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Love...
There is nothing in the world like love. Over the years many, in trying to define it, have actually dragged it down to a very low estate with low brow analogies and romanticized equivocations. It has been reduced to the stylized form of a heart which is then used as a verb as in “I heart you”, or “I heart my peek-a-pooh-malta-huahua” (whatever that is). The danger is in attaching things to love which don’t belong, and in so doing, we sell it short due to human frailty. How do you describe something so esoteric and yet so down to earth? It is not animal, vegetable or mineral. It could be as small as a baby’s sigh or as large as the universe itself. Its weight can be heavy enough to crush a man. It can also make a man feel light as a feather. It can be as soft as the down on a newborn chick, and at the same time; it can be as tough as nails.
What can it do? It can pull someone from the depths of despair and propel them toward a dawn of renewed hope and optimism. People without real love often spend much of their time in the darkest regions of the human soul. In that realm jealousy nurses her deadly offspring of broken trust, suspicion and unbridled paranoia. Love’s power is immeasurable, and its strength is unbreakable.
There are no words to explain its power to motivate, or its ability to provoke. This terrible, yet terrific motivator can provoke the most wonderful acts of selflessness. In the same moment, the threat of its being withheld induces the most horrific displays of self-centeredness imaginable. When people betray love for self, there is no more deadly combination.
There are many who are searching for it without knowing exactly what it is. They systematically test one dry well after another with no success. The use of drugs, illicit sex, knowledge, status, power; have all been confused for love. These are however; a mere shadow of the genuine article. It is often confused with a perverted cousin known as lust. Passion is love’s companion. Passion is often seen without love but not the other way around. Love is usually drowned out by a dozen miserable pretenders who try to steal center stage in a man’s heart. The extremes of its influence have taken people from the edge of reason to the brink of insanity. It can leave a man on his knees or it can lift him up to the pinnacle of joy. Grown men weep when betrayed by the object of their love. School boys take it for granted when it comes from their parents, but swoon with delight if it comes from the little girl across the classroom. The thought of losing it can break the strongest, corrupt the saintliest, and completely destroy the very one who is desperately clinging to it. These descriptions are all just love contaminated by human failings. Its purest form can’t be found in the human heart. This kind must come from without.
Love is defined by condescension, sacrifice, selflessness, and an overarching passion for its object. Many have different feelings about why Christ came, but I know the real reason. In coming as He came, and dying as He died, He stepped down. He is the paragon of selflessness and self effacement. He didn’t just appear in order to die immediately; instead He gave thirty-three years to the mission of letting man know Him. He also wanted to know man by experience and not just by His omniscience. It involved loss of personal prestige, loss of time, and the loss of the use of His sovereignty; not to mention His angelic attendants. As he pointed out in His prayer found in John chapter seventeen “And now, O Father, glorify thou me with Thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” He stepped down to wash His disciples’ feet. He bowed down to serve the servants. Often, His compassion couldn’t be bridled as it practically bursts from His lips at times. “Behold, the fields are white already to harvest.” Likewise, His Godly passion was seen as He cleansed the temple of those with a God called money, not once, but twice. Is there a greater scene in the history of the world than “On a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross….” In the midst of His suffering He calls on His disciple John to care for His mother. He calls on His father to forgive those who tortured Him. This completes the picture of love in all its aspects. He looks to the thief on the cross next to His own and promises eternal life. He turns His gaze of compassion on us and doesn’t expect anything in return, but offers us the same bargain.
What can it do? It can pull someone from the depths of despair and propel them toward a dawn of renewed hope and optimism. People without real love often spend much of their time in the darkest regions of the human soul. In that realm jealousy nurses her deadly offspring of broken trust, suspicion and unbridled paranoia. Love’s power is immeasurable, and its strength is unbreakable.
There are no words to explain its power to motivate, or its ability to provoke. This terrible, yet terrific motivator can provoke the most wonderful acts of selflessness. In the same moment, the threat of its being withheld induces the most horrific displays of self-centeredness imaginable. When people betray love for self, there is no more deadly combination.
There are many who are searching for it without knowing exactly what it is. They systematically test one dry well after another with no success. The use of drugs, illicit sex, knowledge, status, power; have all been confused for love. These are however; a mere shadow of the genuine article. It is often confused with a perverted cousin known as lust. Passion is love’s companion. Passion is often seen without love but not the other way around. Love is usually drowned out by a dozen miserable pretenders who try to steal center stage in a man’s heart. The extremes of its influence have taken people from the edge of reason to the brink of insanity. It can leave a man on his knees or it can lift him up to the pinnacle of joy. Grown men weep when betrayed by the object of their love. School boys take it for granted when it comes from their parents, but swoon with delight if it comes from the little girl across the classroom. The thought of losing it can break the strongest, corrupt the saintliest, and completely destroy the very one who is desperately clinging to it. These descriptions are all just love contaminated by human failings. Its purest form can’t be found in the human heart. This kind must come from without.
Love is defined by condescension, sacrifice, selflessness, and an overarching passion for its object. Many have different feelings about why Christ came, but I know the real reason. In coming as He came, and dying as He died, He stepped down. He is the paragon of selflessness and self effacement. He didn’t just appear in order to die immediately; instead He gave thirty-three years to the mission of letting man know Him. He also wanted to know man by experience and not just by His omniscience. It involved loss of personal prestige, loss of time, and the loss of the use of His sovereignty; not to mention His angelic attendants. As he pointed out in His prayer found in John chapter seventeen “And now, O Father, glorify thou me with Thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” He stepped down to wash His disciples’ feet. He bowed down to serve the servants. Often, His compassion couldn’t be bridled as it practically bursts from His lips at times. “Behold, the fields are white already to harvest.” Likewise, His Godly passion was seen as He cleansed the temple of those with a God called money, not once, but twice. Is there a greater scene in the history of the world than “On a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross….” In the midst of His suffering He calls on His disciple John to care for His mother. He calls on His father to forgive those who tortured Him. This completes the picture of love in all its aspects. He looks to the thief on the cross next to His own and promises eternal life. He turns His gaze of compassion on us and doesn’t expect anything in return, but offers us the same bargain.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Morbid Curiosity
What is it about human nature that makes draws us in when something bad is happening? During a recent car trip, our progress was much impeded by a series of accidents on the “other” lane of travel on a divided highway. Multiple times there was a back up of one or two miles while folks gawked at the imagined carnage on the other side of the median (although the accidents were minor).
Why are we drawn to tragedy? What is there in humanity which can draw either empathy or a detached amusement, depending on the point of view of the individual? We see it every day, a tragic news story leads the evening news and grabs the headlines on many Web Sites. There is a strange dichotomy at work and I think I have seen what it is all about.
“American Idol” is one of America's most watched television shows. There is no mystery why this is true. Let me explain. As mentioned above, there are two reactions people have to the dramatic. We either stare in disbelief and then empathize or we laugh at their calamity. Am I wrong?
There is nothing wholesome nor “good” about this. At this point I must put forth an explanation; I am not condemning folks who watch “American Idol” since I would be including myself (at least in the past). I am however, asking Christian folks with a desire to please their Lord to consider the petty and mean-spiritedness this show generates in each of us.
Who hasn't watched this show and laughed at the unbelievably self-deluded souls who claim with much fanfare that they CAN SING, when all evidence (including those of the professional judges who ought to know) points to the contrary. My favorites are those who say that “My momma says I sing good.” Mom should really be more honest with her children, and urge them to pursue something more in line with their talents but that's another discussion. While it is funny in one sense, it is also tragic. What hope does one of these people have of making it in this world when they are not in contact with reality? There is no shame in trying to accomplish a big task or having lofty goals. God rewards faith, but not when it is placed in one's self. Am I the only one who felt guilty about the fun poked at these folks who not only can't sing, but who are belittled for the lack of physical beauty? Who can forget Simon Cowel referring to one man as a “Bushbaby”? Who can stand up against that kind of critical scrutiny? Not I! Compare this with Paul's words in II Cor. 10:17-18 “But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth. “
There is one more aspect of “American Idol” which is troubling to the thoughtful soul. What is it that these people are aspiring to do? They want to be adored (read that affirmed, loved, accepted) by a wide segment of the population for a narrow range of talent and an even narrower range of morality. Why would a Christian consider this as a goal worthy of cheering on, let alone watching (even passively)? The source of acceptance and love is the Lord. (Eph. 1:6 “...accepted in the beloved...” ; Rom. 5:8 “God commendeth His love toward us that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us”) To search for love and acceptance in anything other than the Lord Jesus Christ is a sad and fruitless escapade. Fame and fortune are fleeting, but “he that doeth the will of God abideth forever...” I John 2:17
Why are we drawn to tragedy? What is there in humanity which can draw either empathy or a detached amusement, depending on the point of view of the individual? We see it every day, a tragic news story leads the evening news and grabs the headlines on many Web Sites. There is a strange dichotomy at work and I think I have seen what it is all about.
“American Idol” is one of America's most watched television shows. There is no mystery why this is true. Let me explain. As mentioned above, there are two reactions people have to the dramatic. We either stare in disbelief and then empathize or we laugh at their calamity. Am I wrong?
There is nothing wholesome nor “good” about this. At this point I must put forth an explanation; I am not condemning folks who watch “American Idol” since I would be including myself (at least in the past). I am however, asking Christian folks with a desire to please their Lord to consider the petty and mean-spiritedness this show generates in each of us.
Who hasn't watched this show and laughed at the unbelievably self-deluded souls who claim with much fanfare that they CAN SING, when all evidence (including those of the professional judges who ought to know) points to the contrary. My favorites are those who say that “My momma says I sing good.” Mom should really be more honest with her children, and urge them to pursue something more in line with their talents but that's another discussion. While it is funny in one sense, it is also tragic. What hope does one of these people have of making it in this world when they are not in contact with reality? There is no shame in trying to accomplish a big task or having lofty goals. God rewards faith, but not when it is placed in one's self. Am I the only one who felt guilty about the fun poked at these folks who not only can't sing, but who are belittled for the lack of physical beauty? Who can forget Simon Cowel referring to one man as a “Bushbaby”? Who can stand up against that kind of critical scrutiny? Not I! Compare this with Paul's words in II Cor. 10:17-18 “But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth. “
There is one more aspect of “American Idol” which is troubling to the thoughtful soul. What is it that these people are aspiring to do? They want to be adored (read that affirmed, loved, accepted) by a wide segment of the population for a narrow range of talent and an even narrower range of morality. Why would a Christian consider this as a goal worthy of cheering on, let alone watching (even passively)? The source of acceptance and love is the Lord. (Eph. 1:6 “...accepted in the beloved...” ; Rom. 5:8 “God commendeth His love toward us that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us”) To search for love and acceptance in anything other than the Lord Jesus Christ is a sad and fruitless escapade. Fame and fortune are fleeting, but “he that doeth the will of God abideth forever...” I John 2:17
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Suspense
Many years ago, I read an interview with the brilliant film director Alfred Hitchcock. He was known for his ability to sustain suspense for almost an entire movie. He made many classic movies like “Psycho”, “North by Northwest”, “The Birds”, “Vertigo”, “Rear Window” and more. (He did this by the way, without gore or overt sexuality). In this discussion Hitchcock was asked about the secret of creating the amazing level of suspense found in many of his movies. Although I can't recall his exact words, the illustration he gave was unforgettable. He described an ordinary scene in a diner where a couple is sharing a meal. In the course of their sitting, eating and talking, they make a discovery. Under the table is a bomb timed to go off while they are eating. The couple alerts the other diners and they all flee to safety. “That is how most directors would show the scene” said Hitchcock. “Here is how I would do it.” Same diner, same couple, except that the audience knows that there is a bomb while the couple does not. Changing perspective back and forth from the couple and other unsuspecting diners and then back the bomb ticking away. “That” said Hitchcock, “is suspense.” I'm sure he's right. Unwittingly being surprised by something (good or bad) is not excruciatingly stressful, however, waiting for something you know is going to happen, that is really difficult.
Suspense can be a hard thing to endure. While disappointment is that state of mind in which we DON'T get what we expect, the waiting is the hardest part. I remember once being in a car with my older brother when we were both teenagers. There was some sort of road block on the highway and we were last in a line of cars waiting our turn to move forward through the one open lane. Coincidentally, where we were parked was just beyond a blind hill on the road. As we waited, we heard the sound of screeching tires and I looked back to see a Cadillac sliding toward our rear bumper. I turned to see what my brother was doing behind the wheel, sure he would know what to do. He simply scrunched his shoulders up and squinted his eyes. At that moment, this feeling of helplessness washed over me(all of this took maybe one second) and I realized that this was happening, and there was nothing I could do about it.
Ever get that feeling? Something is coming at you(whether good or bad) and you can neither stop it nor speed it up. The bible is rife with examples of folks who had to wait. I think of Abraham having to wait on God's promised son. We have the Arabic people with us due to his inability to deal with the suspense. How about David? David was promised to be made the King of Israel, yet he had to wait upon God's method, and God's time. David handled the suspense of Saul's chasing him by fleeing out of God's will into Philistine territory. He did keep from taking Saul's life on two occasions and not only so, David was made King of Judah for over seven years before all Israel accepted him. Talk about suspense! What is keeping you on pins and needles?
Hebrews 11:13 says this “ These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. “ Remember the story of my brother and me? Well, the car behind us slid to a stop a couple of feet behind us. Just like that, most of those bad things which capture our hearts and minds in suspense and fear DON'T HAPPEN. Even the best things promised to the heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11 weren't fulfilled on earth.
As a child, I remember the unfettered anxiety of Christmas Eve. Waiting on those things which I circled in the Sears “Wishbook.” I would be thinking about fanciful gifts and the unearthly fun and satisfaction that would be mine. There are things I would like to accomplish in my life, things which I can't do without God's help and open doors. I see the sand in the hourglass running down and I feel the anxiety rising in my heart. Lord, I want to do this or that. Lord I want to see this one or that one saved.You get the idea. I'm sure you feel the same way.How about that rapture promise? That'd be one I'd like to see...
The words to an old song come to mind :
“They that wait upon the Lord
Shall renew their strength
They shall mount upon the wings of an eagle
They shall run and not faint
They shall walk and not faint
Teach me Lord,
Teach me Lord, how to wait"
Suspense can be a hard thing to endure. While disappointment is that state of mind in which we DON'T get what we expect, the waiting is the hardest part. I remember once being in a car with my older brother when we were both teenagers. There was some sort of road block on the highway and we were last in a line of cars waiting our turn to move forward through the one open lane. Coincidentally, where we were parked was just beyond a blind hill on the road. As we waited, we heard the sound of screeching tires and I looked back to see a Cadillac sliding toward our rear bumper. I turned to see what my brother was doing behind the wheel, sure he would know what to do. He simply scrunched his shoulders up and squinted his eyes. At that moment, this feeling of helplessness washed over me(all of this took maybe one second) and I realized that this was happening, and there was nothing I could do about it.
Ever get that feeling? Something is coming at you(whether good or bad) and you can neither stop it nor speed it up. The bible is rife with examples of folks who had to wait. I think of Abraham having to wait on God's promised son. We have the Arabic people with us due to his inability to deal with the suspense. How about David? David was promised to be made the King of Israel, yet he had to wait upon God's method, and God's time. David handled the suspense of Saul's chasing him by fleeing out of God's will into Philistine territory. He did keep from taking Saul's life on two occasions and not only so, David was made King of Judah for over seven years before all Israel accepted him. Talk about suspense! What is keeping you on pins and needles?
Hebrews 11:13 says this “ These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. “ Remember the story of my brother and me? Well, the car behind us slid to a stop a couple of feet behind us. Just like that, most of those bad things which capture our hearts and minds in suspense and fear DON'T HAPPEN. Even the best things promised to the heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11 weren't fulfilled on earth.
As a child, I remember the unfettered anxiety of Christmas Eve. Waiting on those things which I circled in the Sears “Wishbook.” I would be thinking about fanciful gifts and the unearthly fun and satisfaction that would be mine. There are things I would like to accomplish in my life, things which I can't do without God's help and open doors. I see the sand in the hourglass running down and I feel the anxiety rising in my heart. Lord, I want to do this or that. Lord I want to see this one or that one saved.You get the idea. I'm sure you feel the same way.How about that rapture promise? That'd be one I'd like to see...
The words to an old song come to mind :
“They that wait upon the Lord
Shall renew their strength
They shall mount upon the wings of an eagle
They shall run and not faint
They shall walk and not faint
Teach me Lord,
Teach me Lord, how to wait"
Thursday, January 13, 2011
The Voice of God Continued
In the last article for this site, we looked at several streams of thought concerning the voice of God. While listening to a message by Dr. J. Vernon McGee, I was reminded of the uniqueness of my Lord one more time. Dr. McGee was discussing the fact that while Jesus used different "techniques" to heal the blind, He always used His voice to call to life those who were dead. What a concept! He raised a young girl ("little lamb, wake up" Mark 5:41) gently. He raised a young man more firmly ("young man, awake" Luke 7:14). The third example is the most familiar. In John Chapter 11, Lazarus is dead, Jesus is several days journey away. In this instance, Lazarus is sealed inside a tomb. "And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. John 11:43. "
As Dr. Charles Stevens used to say, "everyone has an unique experience, even though they all are based on the same thing." There is an interesting thread to this "Voice of God" path. Jesus spoke to the dead and they responded. This is the same voice that I heard one day. He called me and I responded, though dead. I don't remember all the things He said to me, but I clearly recall His voice, not audible, but tangible.
Not only is that true, but one day I will hear His voice again. "1 Thess 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout..." Dr. McGee made the statement that the shout will be Him calling each of the dead by name to "wake up." I look forward to hearing that voice once again! Even so come Lord Jesus!!
As Dr. Charles Stevens used to say, "everyone has an unique experience, even though they all are based on the same thing." There is an interesting thread to this "Voice of God" path. Jesus spoke to the dead and they responded. This is the same voice that I heard one day. He called me and I responded, though dead. I don't remember all the things He said to me, but I clearly recall His voice, not audible, but tangible.
Not only is that true, but one day I will hear His voice again. "1 Thess 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout..." Dr. McGee made the statement that the shout will be Him calling each of the dead by name to "wake up." I look forward to hearing that voice once again! Even so come Lord Jesus!!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
The Voice of God
It occurred to me the other day that there are numerous biblical references to the voice of God. Perhaps you've had that experience where a familiar concept suddenly seems foreign in a different context or presentation, this was one of those times. There was the sound of God's voice which spoke the worlds into existence ( Gen. 1:1, Heb. 11:3 ). There was the sound of His voice walking in the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve's fall ( Gen. 3:8 ). He spoke to a Syrian named Abraham and made him an offer he couldn't refuse (Gen. 12:1). This same voice spoke to Moses from the burning bush (Ex. 3:4). This subtle sound soothed the jangled nerves of the prophet Elijah in the cave (I Kings 19:12). According to Psalm 19 this voice goes out into the entire earth as the sounding out of truth into the hearts of men. In firm resolve this voice both rebuked and defended the man of integrity, Job (37:5 ).
Is there any wonder then that when this voice became localized in a body, that those listening said “Never man spake like this man...”(John 7:46). What must it have been like to actually hear with the ear what we've already heard with the heart? Those listening to the Lord Jesus Christ were amazed at His ability to not side step an issue and still defeat the purposes of those questioning Him. Time after time He spoke to those most in need and they heard the love of God, from God Himself.
As one of the disciples, the Apostle John heard Him speak many times. As one of the inner circle, He leaned on His breast and felt the reverberations of this voice as it moved through the air. Even so, when John heard that voice on the Isle of Patmos, there was a new dimension added. Not only was there a physical transformation from the familiar physique which he knew before, but there was something else which John says that is significant. "...and his voice as the sound of many waters.” Oh, the majesty; oh, the glory of this scene! Since the nature of the scene is much more revealing than the fleshly life of Christ allowed, it must then be assumed that the majesty and authority of Christ is completely unveiled in this description of His voice.
All this being true, it is the more amazing, that when I am curled up in an emotional ball in the corner of my mind, that voice is the one who coaxes me out and assures me that all will be well even if it isn't well right now. It is His loving and quiet voice which soothes my fevered brow and talks me down off of that spiritual ledge I'm perched on. It is the same person with a voice like “many waters”.
Even so, it is all the more amazing that I don't always obey Him. How can this be? Though He also has a voice which can change the course of human history with a few well placed syllables I still struggle to obey this majestic voice. Is it my hearing, or my listening? As we say in the south I am not “minding” Him, even though I hear His voice. Anyone identify with my amazement?
Is there any wonder then that when this voice became localized in a body, that those listening said “Never man spake like this man...”(John 7:46). What must it have been like to actually hear with the ear what we've already heard with the heart? Those listening to the Lord Jesus Christ were amazed at His ability to not side step an issue and still defeat the purposes of those questioning Him. Time after time He spoke to those most in need and they heard the love of God, from God Himself.
As one of the disciples, the Apostle John heard Him speak many times. As one of the inner circle, He leaned on His breast and felt the reverberations of this voice as it moved through the air. Even so, when John heard that voice on the Isle of Patmos, there was a new dimension added. Not only was there a physical transformation from the familiar physique which he knew before, but there was something else which John says that is significant. "...and his voice as the sound of many waters.” Oh, the majesty; oh, the glory of this scene! Since the nature of the scene is much more revealing than the fleshly life of Christ allowed, it must then be assumed that the majesty and authority of Christ is completely unveiled in this description of His voice.
All this being true, it is the more amazing, that when I am curled up in an emotional ball in the corner of my mind, that voice is the one who coaxes me out and assures me that all will be well even if it isn't well right now. It is His loving and quiet voice which soothes my fevered brow and talks me down off of that spiritual ledge I'm perched on. It is the same person with a voice like “many waters”.
Even so, it is all the more amazing that I don't always obey Him. How can this be? Though He also has a voice which can change the course of human history with a few well placed syllables I still struggle to obey this majestic voice. Is it my hearing, or my listening? As we say in the south I am not “minding” Him, even though I hear His voice. Anyone identify with my amazement?
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Thinking versus Being
During our journey through I Samuel in our Sunday School class, we stumbled upon a very intense moment in Chapter 26. David runs from Saul and on several occasions they have been extremely close and even met face to face once. David's feelings of betrayal and abandonment by his father in law drove him to desperate measures in this setting when Saul once again drew near to him in the wilderness. He enlists a volunteer (Abishai, a relative of Joab) to go with him down to the camp to talk to Saul and persuade him to break off his needless pursuit.
Upon arriving at Saul's camp, they discover that all of the members of Saul's army are deeply asleep; so much so that their approach to Saul is completely undetected. Abishai spots this situation as an opportunity for David to gain the redemption and relief which his friend so badly needs and deserves. 1Sam. 26:8 “ Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time. “ Abishai had pure motives: To free David of the anguish he was in and to complete the known will of God for his life. There is one problem which David quickly points out to his mis-guided friend, Saul is alive because God has willed him to be. How often do we as God's people mistake circumstances for providence? Too often Christians believe in a mystical almost pagan system of cause and effect relating to circumstances which taints the dignity the deity. We have such a limited perspective on God's workings that we can not begin to know the significance of events from our little corner of the universe.
The problem with human kind is that we are so variable in our thinking from moment to moment. Empathy for David caused Abishai to forget God's command against murder. It is like that change of mind we have at midnight while staring down that last hunk of cheesecake, our priorities shuffle depending on our momentary felt “needs.” Perhaps this “in the moment” thinking explains the disconnect between what we know to be true (based on God's word) and how we actually live.
Another mistake that this passage brings to mind is that we often try to interpret God's intentions based upon a negative view of ourselves and not God's word. How many times have we bemoaned the trial we are facing by asking “what did I do to deserve this?” Some even assign specific failures in their past as the cause of current troubles.
Both of these approaches do injustice to God and His Word. They both assume a perspective of wisdom and knowledge unattainable by any human being. Can we presume to know what God is accomplishing by any tragic event anywhere in the world? We can only depend upon two certain facts: One- God is Sovereign and in control of events according to His pleasure. Two- God is all good and wills that all things work to the good of those who are His in Christ. Knowing these two facts relieves us of guilt for the past, and provides us comfort as we make the tough decisions of the Christian life. We may not like where we are, like David, but like him, we must do the right thing based upon God's Word and not how we feel about it at the moment. “It appears that too many Christians want to enjoy the thrill of feeling right but are not willing to endure the inconvenience of being right”--A.W. Tozer
Upon arriving at Saul's camp, they discover that all of the members of Saul's army are deeply asleep; so much so that their approach to Saul is completely undetected. Abishai spots this situation as an opportunity for David to gain the redemption and relief which his friend so badly needs and deserves. 1Sam. 26:8 “ Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time. “ Abishai had pure motives: To free David of the anguish he was in and to complete the known will of God for his life. There is one problem which David quickly points out to his mis-guided friend, Saul is alive because God has willed him to be. How often do we as God's people mistake circumstances for providence? Too often Christians believe in a mystical almost pagan system of cause and effect relating to circumstances which taints the dignity the deity. We have such a limited perspective on God's workings that we can not begin to know the significance of events from our little corner of the universe.
The problem with human kind is that we are so variable in our thinking from moment to moment. Empathy for David caused Abishai to forget God's command against murder. It is like that change of mind we have at midnight while staring down that last hunk of cheesecake, our priorities shuffle depending on our momentary felt “needs.” Perhaps this “in the moment” thinking explains the disconnect between what we know to be true (based on God's word) and how we actually live.
Another mistake that this passage brings to mind is that we often try to interpret God's intentions based upon a negative view of ourselves and not God's word. How many times have we bemoaned the trial we are facing by asking “what did I do to deserve this?” Some even assign specific failures in their past as the cause of current troubles.
Both of these approaches do injustice to God and His Word. They both assume a perspective of wisdom and knowledge unattainable by any human being. Can we presume to know what God is accomplishing by any tragic event anywhere in the world? We can only depend upon two certain facts: One- God is Sovereign and in control of events according to His pleasure. Two- God is all good and wills that all things work to the good of those who are His in Christ. Knowing these two facts relieves us of guilt for the past, and provides us comfort as we make the tough decisions of the Christian life. We may not like where we are, like David, but like him, we must do the right thing based upon God's Word and not how we feel about it at the moment. “It appears that too many Christians want to enjoy the thrill of feeling right but are not willing to endure the inconvenience of being right”--A.W. Tozer
Saturday, January 1, 2011
The Blessed Man
Familiar scriptures are often difficult to read without the imprint of past sermons or lessons over shadowing the eternal truths found there. Once in a while though, the Spirit breathes new life and the bones begin to revive. Anyone who has been a Christian for more than a few years knows what I'm talking about here. Today I had the experience of rereading Psalm One when I realized an aspect of this passage which hadn't been obvious to me at first blush.
We all know the progression of “walk”, “stand”, “sit” in the first section of the Psalm. This is the most popular lesson taught from these verses in the recent past. One of the obscure points that presents itself however is beyond the “Blessed Man” and his walk. The mention of the ungodly person and their characteristics takes up most of the verses in the entire passage. First, they are the shining example of what the “Blessed Man” was NOT to be. Keeping company (having fellowship is implied) with them is a sign of agreement with them. “Walking” in their “way” is a sure method for disaster. The Psalmist then mentions that the blessings promised to the “Blessed Man” are not for the “ungodly.” Their destiny is to be blown away like the dry chaff after threshing.
What do we learn from this? I am reminded by this, that I am surrounded constantly by those whom I should not emulate, nor aspire to imitate in any way. I must resist their enticements, and yet not withhold my compassion. I should be able to interact with them without being overwhelmed by how God views their lifestyles. It is difficult to try to show true respect to someone who doesn't respect themselves let alone those around them regardless of relationship. These same folks are destined for destruction, bound by deception and can't imagine what is ahead for them.
What should I understand from this? That brings us back to the “Blessed Man.” What is the source of his strength? The recurring theme here is the Word of God. He meditates in it day and night, he is like a tree planted by irrigation ditches (one interpretation of the streams of water) fed by the Spirit via His Word. In my last post I referenced Isa. 55:8. Because my thoughts are not His thoughts, I need daily infusions of His wisdom, His perspective and His guidance to keep me in His "way". I am grounded by His leading and imprinted by His manner of looking at things. I should not be looking at the culture or celebrities to know how to live this year. I should only be looking at His Word to help me avoid the influence of the "Chaff." I am humbled that I was once "only fit for the burning" but now I am his crown of rejoicing.(cf Eph. 2:5-7)
We all know the progression of “walk”, “stand”, “sit” in the first section of the Psalm. This is the most popular lesson taught from these verses in the recent past. One of the obscure points that presents itself however is beyond the “Blessed Man” and his walk. The mention of the ungodly person and their characteristics takes up most of the verses in the entire passage. First, they are the shining example of what the “Blessed Man” was NOT to be. Keeping company (having fellowship is implied) with them is a sign of agreement with them. “Walking” in their “way” is a sure method for disaster. The Psalmist then mentions that the blessings promised to the “Blessed Man” are not for the “ungodly.” Their destiny is to be blown away like the dry chaff after threshing.
What do we learn from this? I am reminded by this, that I am surrounded constantly by those whom I should not emulate, nor aspire to imitate in any way. I must resist their enticements, and yet not withhold my compassion. I should be able to interact with them without being overwhelmed by how God views their lifestyles. It is difficult to try to show true respect to someone who doesn't respect themselves let alone those around them regardless of relationship. These same folks are destined for destruction, bound by deception and can't imagine what is ahead for them.
What should I understand from this? That brings us back to the “Blessed Man.” What is the source of his strength? The recurring theme here is the Word of God. He meditates in it day and night, he is like a tree planted by irrigation ditches (one interpretation of the streams of water) fed by the Spirit via His Word. In my last post I referenced Isa. 55:8. Because my thoughts are not His thoughts, I need daily infusions of His wisdom, His perspective and His guidance to keep me in His "way". I am grounded by His leading and imprinted by His manner of looking at things. I should not be looking at the culture or celebrities to know how to live this year. I should only be looking at His Word to help me avoid the influence of the "Chaff." I am humbled that I was once "only fit for the burning" but now I am his crown of rejoicing.(cf Eph. 2:5-7)
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