How do you express your emotions? How well can you write how you feel so others can understand? Emotions can be tricky things. They are a gift from our Creator and a part of His image that we bear. I was brought up in a family that was a little less than expressive when it came to emotions. I married into an Italian family that displays pretty remarkable emotions during fast food commercials. I have either learned to be a bit more emotionally expressive or it has something to do with age. I get teary eyed more than I used to, and that is probably a good thing. The challenge with emotional expressions is more strongly evident when we try to write them down or when we try to interpret what has been written down for us. Lately I have wondered how much of my personal emotional bias has found its way into my reading of God's Word. I have been reading, teaching, and listening to other teachers teach God's Word for about 45 years. After a while you can fall into what you think you know before you even read the passage. I wonder if I have missed or misread the emotions of the Biblical writers due to my preconceived understanding of the text.
In 1 Samuel 15 we have the record of King Saul's defeat of the Amalekites. Saul was to have destroyed these evil people and their livestock. He fails to do so and is rebuked by Samuel. 1 Samuel 15:22-23, "So Samuel said: “Has the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king." Pretty strong words. Seems as if the emotions were running high and that the words were said with force and perhaps a little anger. Saul responds in verse 24-25, "Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. Now therefore, please pardon my sin, and return with me, that I may worship the LORD.” I read this as Saul being both broken and repentant, even a bit fearful. He cries out to Samuel for forgiveness. Samuel, more or less, tells Saul it is too late and turns to walk away, Saul reaches out and clutches Samuel's robe and it tears. Samuel turns to Saul and says, "The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today, and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you." What is Samuel's tone to the broken and repentant Saul? I had just assumed it was a continued strong rebuke, but perhaps not.
How did Samuel feel about Saul? What was his relationship to this first king of Israel? Samuel had been with Saul from the very beginning. He was the one who anointed Saul and presented him to the people. God has made His judgement, but how does Samuel feel about it? 1 Samuel 15:11 God says, "I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.' And it grieved Samuel, and he cried out to the LORD all night." Samuel is deeply moved and sorrowful at the plight of Saul. He has not taken the Lord's judgement lightly. God has to come to Samuel to encourage him to move on, 1 Samuel 16:1, "Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel?" "How long will you mourn?" The pain and sorrow of Saul's demise has permeated the very soul of Samuel. He longs for things to be different. He longs for Saul's restoration.
Could it be that back in chapter 15 that Samuel's tone and emotion turns to one of sorrow and hurt as he must deliver the news that the kingdom will be torn from Saul? Can you picture Saul on his knees clutching the edge of Samuel's robe as Samuel turns with tearing eyes to say, "The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day." Saul has sinned. Saul has repented. Saul asks Samuel to come with him to worship. Samuel relents and goes with Saul. Samuel is grieved, and sorrowful, and mourns over the end of Saul's reign. Could it be that Samuel's anger and disappointment is turned to grief as Saul humbles himself and admits his sin? Have all the messages I have heard and the things I have read kept me from the possibility of a brokenhearted Samuel? Have I been jaded to the grief that comes to the prophet's soul as the king he anointed is now rejected? Could I have missed or misread the emotion of the moment?
I also wondered about the passage in John's Gospel account. John 20:15-16, "Jesus said to her,[Mary] “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away. Jesus said to her, “Mary” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher)."
You may be familiar with the story. Three days after the horror of the crucifixion of the Lord Mary has come to the tomb. An Angel has rolled away the stone and proclaimed that Christ is risen as He said. She has gone into the tomb where two beings in white have again given her the account of Messiah's resurrection. She has run to tell the disciples, and Peter and John have visited the tomb. Mary stays behind alone. Jesus appears, but she thinks He is the gardener. She asks, "Sir, if you carried the body away..." He replies "Mary". or "Mary!" depending on you translation. What was the tone and emotion of Jesus? Was He gentle as he quietly whispered her name? Was it sort of a normal tone and hearing Him speak her own name awaken her recognition, remembering the day he called her to Himself and cast out the demonic tormentors? Or was the Lord just a little exasperated. Was there just a little edge to His raised voice to get her attention. Just a hint of "Yo! Mary! It's Me!" There had been those times. Luke 9:41, "Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” Sounds to me like there was a little emotional edge here. Have we so stereotyped the Lord that a little sharp nudge to bring Mary to her senses seems out of character?
How openly do we read the Scriptures? Any possibility we are sanitizing the Word of God to fit our emotional grid? Could it be that we are missing the hearts and souls of these real people who interacted with the real God and with one another? The God we worship is an emotional God. His Word simply must have emotions woven throughout the stories. How much of ourselves and our traditions get in the way of recognizing the emotions in these accounts? Do we consider the emotions of the people and the Lord Himself? Maybe it is time to take a fresh look at the stories we know so well and ponder what emotions filled the moment. Maybe we will find the characters in the Bible are a lot more like us than we thought.
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
The Death of "LY"
How important is it to be accurate? Is it better to just sort of grasp the general principles of things and move on or do the details really matter? Perhaps the answer is yes and no. You certainly want your surgeon to have a grasp on the particulars before he begins that triple bi-pass, a general understanding of anatomy is not enough. But, "it is about 2:30" may be close enough. I have noticed that, over time, what used to be important is now not so much. I am not an English scholar. I was born void of a spelling gene so spell check is my life line, though I must admit that at times even spell check has no idea what I am trying to write. That being said, I do get a bit bugged by the growing lack of appreciation for the simple ending "ly". These little letters turn an adjective to an adverb. However, the adverbial form is losing ground quickly, or as it is now quite commonly said, losing ground quick. The defenseless little "ly" is being removed from speech, literature, even road signs. "Drive slow, school zone" for example.
Now we must get to the sale quick or all the good bargains will be gone. If we drive too slow we may get none at all. And be sure to drive safe on the way so you don't get in an accident. Alas poor "ly" I knew thee well. I am aware that many will say, "Lighten up!What is important is that we communicate. Don't get all hung up on the details." There are ongoing changes to our language. Language is a living thing, so words change and even their meanings can change over time. Most people would think that if their savings were decimated they would struggle to recover. Even Webster would tell you that the large portion was destroyed. However, the original meaning was to reduce by ten percent. Just a tithe. Misuse of the word has actually changed it's meaning. So, if something isn't done quick, errr quickly, the little "ly" may soon find itself as extinct as the dinosaurs.
What is true with the adverb is also true in Scripture. It seems there is a growing desire to just stick with the principles that we find there. Read a passage and get the basic application and move on. I was talking to another pastor who said he appreciated my interest in the history, cultural context and details; however, he found that such things could cloud how the passage was applied to life. That kind of detail may have its place in academia but preaching needed to stick to general principles that are easy for people to apply. I guess I should assume that Paul's encouragement to Timothy to "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15) only applied to academics and not to common disciples. That certainly makes things easier. No need to really dig into the Word; just skim the surface and get the gist of the text and come up with a nice principle to supply.
There are some consequences to that approach. It leaves us with a number of diverse opinions that cannot all be true. It leaves us depending on others assumptions about the Word that, if passed on often enough, just become accepted as true, like decimated or the passing away of adverbs. As long as we communicate what do the details matter? This is why translators of Mark 7:19 can change the text, which, translated from the Greek says, "because it [meaning food]enters not into the heart but into the belly and into the drain goes out purging all foods". A simple description of the digestive process. However, we all "know" that Jesus did away with the Law and the dietary restrictions so the translators help us out with translations similar to the NIV, "For it doesn’t go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body.' (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.)." The words, "In saying this Jesus declared" is not in the original text but the general application is that Jesus ended dietary laws so accuracy doesn't really matter. How the text can be applied is all that is important.
The same "help" is offered for James 2:2: "Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in.(NIV). The NASB uses the word "assembly", as does the ESV and NKJV. The word is actually "Synagogue". However, we all "know" that the "church" would not be meeting at a Jewish Synagogue so the "helpful" translators correct the text to avoid confusion. Accuracy does not matter, just so long as we get the gist of the text to apply to our lives. Church people would certainly not be at a synagogue, would they?
Who knows, maybe in time Christians can find comfort in getting a divorce from another believer "knowing" the general principle we see in Scripture is that God wants us to be happy. We can defraud our creditors by declaring bankruptcy knowing the gist of Scripture does not want us to be in debt. The details don't matter as long as we are comfortable with the general application of what we find in the text. It is a far easier and more comfortable way to look at God's Word. Much less judgemental than sticking to all those details. It seems believers are comfortably drifting further from the truth, becoming content with the traditions that we "know" and the applications that fit with our predetermined desires.
I wonder, over time, what will happen to the things we now see as true. What other areas of life will we find new, more palatable ways of applying? There may be few standards or boundaries that make believers distinct from the world unless the Lord comes quick..................................ly.
Now we must get to the sale quick or all the good bargains will be gone. If we drive too slow we may get none at all. And be sure to drive safe on the way so you don't get in an accident. Alas poor "ly" I knew thee well. I am aware that many will say, "Lighten up!What is important is that we communicate. Don't get all hung up on the details." There are ongoing changes to our language. Language is a living thing, so words change and even their meanings can change over time. Most people would think that if their savings were decimated they would struggle to recover. Even Webster would tell you that the large portion was destroyed. However, the original meaning was to reduce by ten percent. Just a tithe. Misuse of the word has actually changed it's meaning. So, if something isn't done quick, errr quickly, the little "ly" may soon find itself as extinct as the dinosaurs.
What is true with the adverb is also true in Scripture. It seems there is a growing desire to just stick with the principles that we find there. Read a passage and get the basic application and move on. I was talking to another pastor who said he appreciated my interest in the history, cultural context and details; however, he found that such things could cloud how the passage was applied to life. That kind of detail may have its place in academia but preaching needed to stick to general principles that are easy for people to apply. I guess I should assume that Paul's encouragement to Timothy to "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15) only applied to academics and not to common disciples. That certainly makes things easier. No need to really dig into the Word; just skim the surface and get the gist of the text and come up with a nice principle to supply.
There are some consequences to that approach. It leaves us with a number of diverse opinions that cannot all be true. It leaves us depending on others assumptions about the Word that, if passed on often enough, just become accepted as true, like decimated or the passing away of adverbs. As long as we communicate what do the details matter? This is why translators of Mark 7:19 can change the text, which, translated from the Greek says, "because it [meaning food]enters not into the heart but into the belly and into the drain goes out purging all foods". A simple description of the digestive process. However, we all "know" that Jesus did away with the Law and the dietary restrictions so the translators help us out with translations similar to the NIV, "For it doesn’t go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body.' (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.)." The words, "In saying this Jesus declared" is not in the original text but the general application is that Jesus ended dietary laws so accuracy doesn't really matter. How the text can be applied is all that is important.
The same "help" is offered for James 2:2: "Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in.(NIV). The NASB uses the word "assembly", as does the ESV and NKJV. The word is actually "Synagogue". However, we all "know" that the "church" would not be meeting at a Jewish Synagogue so the "helpful" translators correct the text to avoid confusion. Accuracy does not matter, just so long as we get the gist of the text to apply to our lives. Church people would certainly not be at a synagogue, would they?
Who knows, maybe in time Christians can find comfort in getting a divorce from another believer "knowing" the general principle we see in Scripture is that God wants us to be happy. We can defraud our creditors by declaring bankruptcy knowing the gist of Scripture does not want us to be in debt. The details don't matter as long as we are comfortable with the general application of what we find in the text. It is a far easier and more comfortable way to look at God's Word. Much less judgemental than sticking to all those details. It seems believers are comfortably drifting further from the truth, becoming content with the traditions that we "know" and the applications that fit with our predetermined desires.
I wonder, over time, what will happen to the things we now see as true. What other areas of life will we find new, more palatable ways of applying? There may be few standards or boundaries that make believers distinct from the world unless the Lord comes quick..................................ly.
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Are You a Misfit Reindeer?
Spring has come to New York. The forsythia are in bloom and I began the season of lawn mowing just a few nights ago. With all the blossoms, bursting greenery and tree pollen My thoughts turned to ......... Rudolf. You remember, that Red Nosed Reindeer from a few months ago. In my years of interaction with people, especially evangelical believers, I have found that a great many feel like Rudolf. This little song tied to the Santa tradition is an awful song. The TV animation only serves to amplify how bad the message of the song really is. What we learn is that those who are different, outside the accepted norm, are unacceptable. Be they reindeer, dentist elves or misfit toys, if you do not fit in with what society demands you are not welcome. You cannot be a part of the games, you are fair game to be insulted, bullied and ostracized. Your only hope to be accepted is to prove you have worth. You must demonstrate the you can perform in some way to be seen as having value. If you do not you do not belong, you will never be accepted, loved, or valued. It is a devastatingly lonely place to be.
What is true of reindeer, dentist elves, and misfit toys is true for the rest of us as well.We who hold that the Scriptures are the revealed truth and will of God often have some of the greatest issues of acceptance. We hold a remarkable ability to compartmentalize truth, thus putting God's Word out of balance. When I was a new believer I took a few evangelism classes. We learned to let people know that, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). And that, “There is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10). Isaiah says, "But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags" ( Isaiah 64:6). And, "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). We are helpless, hopeless, depraved, and incapable of doing anything positive or good. That, of course, changes when we receive Christ. Though, even then, we are often reminded of how unworthy we really are. Even the hymn Amazing Grace reminds us that we are just unacceptable worms. Many believers still see themselves as misfit reindeer longing for acceptance.
In our effort to challenge one another to live holy lives that are pleasing to God, we may leave things out of balance. Confronted regularly by our own failures we may find ourselves feeling like we are still on the outside. We are still those marked more by failure rather than one of the beloved of God. We are acutely aware that we still "fall short" and that our tainted righteousness still harbors the stench of those "filthy rags" . No one needs to remind us of our unworthiness, it haunts us with every sin that so easily besets us. We long for just twenty-four hours of purity in thought, rescued from irritation or anger. It would be such a joy to get through one day and not be reminded of how incredibly frail and fallen we are. "Victory in Jesus" is a nice hymn title but it is far from the reality we crave as we stumble along in the mire of our own creation.
What is true of reindeer, dentist elves, and misfit toys is true for the rest of us as well.We who hold that the Scriptures are the revealed truth and will of God often have some of the greatest issues of acceptance. We hold a remarkable ability to compartmentalize truth, thus putting God's Word out of balance. When I was a new believer I took a few evangelism classes. We learned to let people know that, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). And that, “There is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10). Isaiah says, "But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags" ( Isaiah 64:6). And, "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). We are helpless, hopeless, depraved, and incapable of doing anything positive or good. That, of course, changes when we receive Christ. Though, even then, we are often reminded of how unworthy we really are. Even the hymn Amazing Grace reminds us that we are just unacceptable worms. Many believers still see themselves as misfit reindeer longing for acceptance.
In our effort to challenge one another to live holy lives that are pleasing to God, we may leave things out of balance. Confronted regularly by our own failures we may find ourselves feeling like we are still on the outside. We are still those marked more by failure rather than one of the beloved of God. We are acutely aware that we still "fall short" and that our tainted righteousness still harbors the stench of those "filthy rags" . No one needs to remind us of our unworthiness, it haunts us with every sin that so easily besets us. We long for just twenty-four hours of purity in thought, rescued from irritation or anger. It would be such a joy to get through one day and not be reminded of how incredibly frail and fallen we are. "Victory in Jesus" is a nice hymn title but it is far from the reality we crave as we stumble along in the mire of our own creation.
In the midst of this, sometimes painful, journey, we need to be reminded of who else we are. David understood the depths of sin and the conviction that Yahweh can bring upon His wandering children, He also understood the amazing truth of who we are as those created by God. Psalm 139:14, "I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well." The Hebrew word, יָרֵא yare',translated "fearfully", carries the idea of being in awe. We have reverential fear for Yahweh, meaning we are in awe of His presence and person. David relates that the creative activity of God in forming a child in the womb is an awesome thing. Being knit together as a divine act from conception is amazing. Beyond that David also says we are "wonderfully" made. The Hebrew word here is, פָּלָה palah. It means to be to be distinct, be separated, be distinguished, to be unique. There has never been and never will be another you. From your fingerprints to your DNA you are a hand crafted creation of God. Even identical twins, who share the same DNA, have different fingerprints. In addition to our physical characteristics we have psychological, emotional, and mental uniqueness. And do not forget your personality, natural abilities, and gifts. Then, when receiving Christ as Lord and Savior, you are supernaturally empowered with a gift from the Holy Spirit. You are an essential part of the Body of Christ designed to do something in a way no one else can accomplish. You are an amazing creation of God Almighty. How marvelous is His work in you!
I do not mean to belittle sin or the ongoing struggle to be more like our Savior, however, you are amazing. It is the enemy of our soul who diminishes the awesome work of God in creating you in the womb. It is Satan who promotes the lie of "fetal tissue" that can be removed and discarded. You are not some happenstance mistake that evolved from some protein ooze over millions of years. NO! You were awesomely hand crafted as a unique and essential creation of God. So follow David's lead and rejoice, give God praise. Sit quietly in the loving arms of your heavenly Abba, Father and find rest and value for your soul. I am the father of five. I love my children dearly. They are not perfect and they occasionally fail. But, I have never stopped loving, never stopped forgiving, never ceased to be amazed at the wonder of who they are and who they are becoming. How could my Heavenly Father ever treat me with any less gentleness, acceptance, and yes, even look on me with a little wonder at what He has created?
You are fearfully, awesomely, wonderfully, uniquely, hand crafted by the God and Creator of the universe. Don't let anyone tell you differently. Not even yourself.
Monday, April 10, 2017
The Voice in the Darkness
As I go about my day it seems there are times when I catch the sound of a voice not quite discernible. It is not always there, however, it comes to me often enough that it can be a distraction. It is not out in the open, not where I can easily see, but it is there none the less. It is, sort of, a voice in the darkness. It has a tinge of loneliness, maybe a little regret. It is a voice that whispers there is a need that is not being met. The haunting feeling is that it is a need I am meant to satisfy. But one I, all too often, find ways to ignore. The remarkable thing is, that it is still and quiet but I hear it above the noise of the traffic, the clamor of the mall, and the blare of the radio. The voice in the darkness finds its way to me in the brilliance of sunlight and the stillness of midnight.
I sometimes wonder if it is that "still small voice" Elijah heard in 1 Kings 19:12. But no, this voice lacks encouragement, at times it almost sounds desperate and wounded. In truth, I live in a world filled with wounded voices in the dark. The wounded soul who checks out my groceries, the man with the sign, asking for change, the child on the street corner wearing a coat five sizes too large. There is no shortage of desperate voices. Even within the doors of God's assemblies where believers gather to worship and praise there are the broken families and grieving widows. There are those who join us and wear their best face yet are haunted by addictions and wounds that never seem to heal. There are times, even for believers, when we understand how Israel felt. When it feels like God has led us into the wilderness only to abandon us.
In those quiet, and not so quiet moments, when that quiet voice comes to me, I try to imagine that the voice is meant for someone else. However, I know that is not so. At times, when I allow myself to be most candid, I know the voice is mine. After all these years the enemy of my soul still speaks through my own shortcomings, my own feelings of failure. My own memories of missed opportunities and words that I can never take back. The voice in the dark reminds me of words my mind will never let go of. Words that are like festering wounds that were spoken decades ago. I would like to deny that the voice in the dark exists. I would like to say that I am beyond that. I would like to say that my spiritual growth after all these years has silenced the voice and my attention is solely on the needs of others. But that would just give the voice another thing to whisper in the dark.
The voice reminds me of the magnitude of the resurrection of my Lord and Messiah. I have life, for He has conquered death. The fear of a dark eternity is washed away in the light of His glory. He is risen and the voice in the dark is really a shadow with no teeth. However, it is still there. There are times it tries to be more vocal, more distracting, more condemning. Those times when the lie of the wilderness seems almost inviting. When one can rest in hopelessness and feel no responsibility for life. They are short lived. The Spirit simply reminds me that 1st John 4:4 applies. I am His child and greater is He who is in me than the disturbing voice in the dark. Even when that voice is my own.
We are reminded daily of a world that is lost and decaying. We may well be reminded daily of our weaknesses and failures. We will do well to remember Romans 5:8, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." We do not have to fix ourselves to be loved by Him. We do not need to defeat the voice in the darkness for our Savior has already brought us to the light. I believe the voice will always be there. However, I also believe I do not have to listen to the voice who condemns me. For I am in Christ Jesus, and there is no condemnation where I now reside.
I wonder if you hear a voice that whispers in the darkness. One that tries to discourage and condemn. I have little doubt that the voice in the darkness will call on all of us, from time to time. But the power of the resurrected Lord assures me of life. I no longer have to live in the darkness. When I rest in that truth, the voice in the darkness is robbed of his power. And I am free. And so are you.
I sometimes wonder if it is that "still small voice" Elijah heard in 1 Kings 19:12. But no, this voice lacks encouragement, at times it almost sounds desperate and wounded. In truth, I live in a world filled with wounded voices in the dark. The wounded soul who checks out my groceries, the man with the sign, asking for change, the child on the street corner wearing a coat five sizes too large. There is no shortage of desperate voices. Even within the doors of God's assemblies where believers gather to worship and praise there are the broken families and grieving widows. There are those who join us and wear their best face yet are haunted by addictions and wounds that never seem to heal. There are times, even for believers, when we understand how Israel felt. When it feels like God has led us into the wilderness only to abandon us.
In those quiet, and not so quiet moments, when that quiet voice comes to me, I try to imagine that the voice is meant for someone else. However, I know that is not so. At times, when I allow myself to be most candid, I know the voice is mine. After all these years the enemy of my soul still speaks through my own shortcomings, my own feelings of failure. My own memories of missed opportunities and words that I can never take back. The voice in the dark reminds me of words my mind will never let go of. Words that are like festering wounds that were spoken decades ago. I would like to deny that the voice in the dark exists. I would like to say that I am beyond that. I would like to say that my spiritual growth after all these years has silenced the voice and my attention is solely on the needs of others. But that would just give the voice another thing to whisper in the dark.
The voice reminds me of the magnitude of the resurrection of my Lord and Messiah. I have life, for He has conquered death. The fear of a dark eternity is washed away in the light of His glory. He is risen and the voice in the dark is really a shadow with no teeth. However, it is still there. There are times it tries to be more vocal, more distracting, more condemning. Those times when the lie of the wilderness seems almost inviting. When one can rest in hopelessness and feel no responsibility for life. They are short lived. The Spirit simply reminds me that 1st John 4:4 applies. I am His child and greater is He who is in me than the disturbing voice in the dark. Even when that voice is my own.
We are reminded daily of a world that is lost and decaying. We may well be reminded daily of our weaknesses and failures. We will do well to remember Romans 5:8, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." We do not have to fix ourselves to be loved by Him. We do not need to defeat the voice in the darkness for our Savior has already brought us to the light. I believe the voice will always be there. However, I also believe I do not have to listen to the voice who condemns me. For I am in Christ Jesus, and there is no condemnation where I now reside.
I wonder if you hear a voice that whispers in the darkness. One that tries to discourage and condemn. I have little doubt that the voice in the darkness will call on all of us, from time to time. But the power of the resurrected Lord assures me of life. I no longer have to live in the darkness. When I rest in that truth, the voice in the darkness is robbed of his power. And I am free. And so are you.
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
The Outside of the Cup
Have you ever noticed that as followers of Christ we seem to struggle to keep things in balance? It seems we are running after one thing or another at the expense of other areas of life. We know we need to be involved in ministry so we commit to various projects until our families are neglected. Then we turn our attention to our loved ones and find we have missed every other worship service. We get engrossed in some theological study and have no time for prayer. We concentrate on inner purity but leave out external actions. To be honest, we are also remarkably adept at excusing the excesses and extremes with common sayings that have little or no Biblical reality. One common excuse is that "God knows my heart". This is another way of saying, "good intentions are all that matters." "God knows my heart" just sounds a lot better, even a bit spiritual. And who can argue with that? It is a convenient way to excuse the imbalance and even sin in our lives.
The heart attitude is certainly important. Jesus, tells us, "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man" (Matthew 15:18). And the Lord warned Israel, "These people draw near to Me with their mouth,and honor Me with their lips,but their heart is far from Me" (Matthew 15:8). In our Lord's discussion with some of the Pharisees He rebukes them saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence" (Matthew 23:25). By these verses we know that the Lord God is deeply concerned with our heart attitudes. Just going through the motions is never enough or fully acceptable to the Lord.
The heart attitude is certainly important. Jesus, tells us, "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man" (Matthew 15:18). And the Lord warned Israel, "These people draw near to Me with their mouth,and honor Me with their lips,but their heart is far from Me" (Matthew 15:8). In our Lord's discussion with some of the Pharisees He rebukes them saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence" (Matthew 23:25). By these verses we know that the Lord God is deeply concerned with our heart attitudes. Just going through the motions is never enough or fully acceptable to the Lord.
That being said, a cup that proclaims to be spotless on the inside yet has an external appearance of impurity and filth is not acceptable either. The person who is in violation of God's Word or whose behavior is damaging to those around them cannot take a pass with the phrase, "But, God knows my heart." Maybe so, but people know your actions. Faith is demonstrated by what we do. A heartfelt "Be warmed and be filled" would never cut it with James. Neither would telling someone, "But, you know I love you" when the actions of love found in 1 Corinthians 13 are null and void. The outside of our cups are just as important as the inside of the cup. Paul encourages us when writing to Timothy, "Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter [inequity], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work" (2 Timothy 2:21). Vessels of honor are clean on the inside and the outside.
God's desire is that our lives be integrated into His. If we are to be like our Messiah we need to represent Him in how we act and with the attitudes that we hold in our hearts. Misconduct and an attitude that does not reflect our Lord is simply not acceptable, no matter what our heart tells us. Jesus displayed a humble and compassionate heart, grounded in uncompromising truth. His call on our lives is to reflect the same. Remember Jeremiah's warning, “The heart is deceitful above all, and desperately wicked; who can know it" (Jeremiah 17:9)? Our tendency is to find ways to excuse how we behave. The outside of the cup should reflect the inside. If Christ has cleansed our hearts our lives should reflect that cleansing.
God, indeed knows our hearts. The question we face is, do we?
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Monday, March 6, 2017
Why Wait 'til It's Too Late?
Having been a Pastor for a number of years I have had both the privilege and pain of a number of services honoring the passing of someone's loved one. Many have been friends, as well as my own father and mother. I have been there honoring a 94 year old saint and a 5 hour old tiny baby boy. The sorrow is genuine and the peace often does pass all understanding. Sometimes there are hints of anger and confusion not understanding the will of God at that moment. Death is simply a part of life as we know it. It's touch is inescapable and more frequent as we grow older. We strive to comfort those who suffer the loss. Words are often beyond our reach especially when the one passed has a sorted history that showed no sign of spiritual life. What words of comfort are available in those dark hours? As the days pass, the routine and business of life fill the gaps but it is often the simple things, the routine reminders, that can haunt us. A song we shared, a kindness like a simple morning cup of coffee, or a favorite movie clip all remind us of the loss. A life deeply shared, a friend tightly held has infiltrated the fabric of our souls so that a sunset, or stream of sunlight can suddenly flood our emotions and catch us unaware. They can be both consoling and disturbing moments.
God has instructed us to be a thankful and grateful people. To appreciate all He has provided and to not take it for granted. When it comes to people we are told to be thankful for them, to encourage them, to be encouraged by them and to build them up. The New English Version holds 72 verses that instruct us to encourage one another. Other translations use words like comfort, strengthen, and uphold. The intent is the same. In the midst of the breadth of the Hebrew and Greek words we are instructed to encourage one another. We are to do and say things that help our fellow humans move through this earthly life. This is especially true for the community of believers, the family of God. Paul sent Timothy to the young assembly of believers in Thessalonica to encourage them in their faith, I Thessalonians 3:2 reads, " and [Paul] sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith." A little later in the same letter Paul instructs the body to do the same, "Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). In a world that beats us down we need encouragement. Sin hounds us, which is why the writer of Hebrews leaves us with this, "But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin" (Hebrews 3:13).
I find the words at the beginning of Joshua encouraging as both the Lord and God's people encourage Joshua with the words to be "Strong and courageous". Words he needed as he took over leadership from a man like Moses who, let's be honest, was a pretty big act to follow. If you look to the end of most of the apostolic letters we find lists of people the writers were grateful for. The Apostle Paul records lists 0f names we know little about. Folks like, Prisca, Aquila, Onesiphorus, Erastus, Trophimus, Eubulus, Prudens, Linus, and Claudia. All found at the close of Paul's second letter to Timothy. Random people who encouraged Paul on his life's journey. Secured in prison encouragement was life's blood for the Apostle. Peter speaks warmly of Silvanus, his faithful brother and Mark, his son in the faith (1 Peter 5:12-13). John writes to his, "beloved, Gaius and to Demetrius, who has a good testimony from the truth itself (3 John 1 & 13). Words of encouragement with pen to parchment and preserved for all time.
I, myself, have a "Barnabas" file. Barnabas means "Son of encouragement", Not a bad nickname given to Joses by the apostles in Acts 4. My file contains notes and cards given to me over the years. Some are from my children and my wife. However, the bulk of them are from random people who took the time to encourage me in written form over the years. I have two poems individuals wrote to speak to me of friendship and the gift God let me be to them. They are treasured and a comfort when the slings and arrows fly during those uncomfortable and somehow inevitable painful days that come with ministry. They are the result of brothers and sisters in Christ who were obedient to God's direction to be an encouragement. They are more precious than gold.
I have presided over some pretty amazing memorial services where people came to share the joy of knowing a life now past. They come to pass on thoughts and memories of moments treasured and words spoken at just the right time. Eulogies for a life that had meaning and impact on their life and how they are a better person for having known the deceased. They are encouraging words. I wonder if they had ever been spoken while the lost one still breathed. The words spoken now fall on silent ears and a still heart. They are a consolation to those who remain. An encouragement to the friends and family who are left behind. However, the honoree lies cold and unresponsive. How many words do we wish we had spoken? Or words written to to be held and treasured as the years pass by. Why do we wait 'til it's too late? Today is a day to encourage. To follow the examples of Paul and Peter and John and write a note to a beloved friend. To let someone know the impact they have had on our lives. To tell them that their words made a difference. Forget the phone, no texts or tweets (not that these are a bad thing) but pick up a pen, buy a few thank you cards at the Dollar Store and encourage someone you care about. Let them hear your eulogy before their time ends and the clock stops. Why wait 'til it's too late?
God has instructed us to be a thankful and grateful people. To appreciate all He has provided and to not take it for granted. When it comes to people we are told to be thankful for them, to encourage them, to be encouraged by them and to build them up. The New English Version holds 72 verses that instruct us to encourage one another. Other translations use words like comfort, strengthen, and uphold. The intent is the same. In the midst of the breadth of the Hebrew and Greek words we are instructed to encourage one another. We are to do and say things that help our fellow humans move through this earthly life. This is especially true for the community of believers, the family of God. Paul sent Timothy to the young assembly of believers in Thessalonica to encourage them in their faith, I Thessalonians 3:2 reads, " and [Paul] sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith." A little later in the same letter Paul instructs the body to do the same, "Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). In a world that beats us down we need encouragement. Sin hounds us, which is why the writer of Hebrews leaves us with this, "But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin" (Hebrews 3:13).
I find the words at the beginning of Joshua encouraging as both the Lord and God's people encourage Joshua with the words to be "Strong and courageous". Words he needed as he took over leadership from a man like Moses who, let's be honest, was a pretty big act to follow. If you look to the end of most of the apostolic letters we find lists of people the writers were grateful for. The Apostle Paul records lists 0f names we know little about. Folks like, Prisca, Aquila, Onesiphorus, Erastus, Trophimus, Eubulus, Prudens, Linus, and Claudia. All found at the close of Paul's second letter to Timothy. Random people who encouraged Paul on his life's journey. Secured in prison encouragement was life's blood for the Apostle. Peter speaks warmly of Silvanus, his faithful brother and Mark, his son in the faith (1 Peter 5:12-13). John writes to his, "beloved, Gaius and to Demetrius, who has a good testimony from the truth itself (3 John 1 & 13). Words of encouragement with pen to parchment and preserved for all time.
I, myself, have a "Barnabas" file. Barnabas means "Son of encouragement", Not a bad nickname given to Joses by the apostles in Acts 4. My file contains notes and cards given to me over the years. Some are from my children and my wife. However, the bulk of them are from random people who took the time to encourage me in written form over the years. I have two poems individuals wrote to speak to me of friendship and the gift God let me be to them. They are treasured and a comfort when the slings and arrows fly during those uncomfortable and somehow inevitable painful days that come with ministry. They are the result of brothers and sisters in Christ who were obedient to God's direction to be an encouragement. They are more precious than gold.
I have presided over some pretty amazing memorial services where people came to share the joy of knowing a life now past. They come to pass on thoughts and memories of moments treasured and words spoken at just the right time. Eulogies for a life that had meaning and impact on their life and how they are a better person for having known the deceased. They are encouraging words. I wonder if they had ever been spoken while the lost one still breathed. The words spoken now fall on silent ears and a still heart. They are a consolation to those who remain. An encouragement to the friends and family who are left behind. However, the honoree lies cold and unresponsive. How many words do we wish we had spoken? Or words written to to be held and treasured as the years pass by. Why do we wait 'til it's too late? Today is a day to encourage. To follow the examples of Paul and Peter and John and write a note to a beloved friend. To let someone know the impact they have had on our lives. To tell them that their words made a difference. Forget the phone, no texts or tweets (not that these are a bad thing) but pick up a pen, buy a few thank you cards at the Dollar Store and encourage someone you care about. Let them hear your eulogy before their time ends and the clock stops. Why wait 'til it's too late?
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Wednesday, February 15, 2017
If God Is Good Why Is There Evil?
We live in a world and culture where some choose to not believe. They may reject aspects of what you believe or perhaps they have determined to disallow the very existence of God. That is their choice. However, that is often not enough for them. They seem to have some odd compulsion to try to convince you that your faith must be wrong or without any logical rationale. The question often asked is, "If God is good why is there evil in the world?" Or, "If there is a God who made everything why is everything in such a mess?" They are usually not open to the explanation that God, in His love and grace, made us free agents to make choices. Some of those are good choices and some are bad or evil choices. It is not God's fault when we make poor decisions with troubling consequences. Ahh but then comes the, "If God did make us why didn't He make it so we could only make good choices?" The conclusion is that either God is not good or He is not powerful enough to make people and a world where only good exists.
We could point to Exodus 34:6, "And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth." Here is a list of character traits for God. He is merciful, gracious, longsuffering, good and true. We can quote passages that tell us He is creator from Genesis one or that Titus 3:4 says, "when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared", letting us know God is our savior. It is true that God's word is powerful, Isaiah 55:11 assures us that, "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void." Paul reminds us that, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). It is important to use the Word of God in defense of His truth. However, for those who have already rejected the revelation God has given, it means little to them. Scripture offers no satisfying answer to one who comes to argue that your faith is baseless. We can move to a more philosophical approach where God is the initial mover or the great designer which accounts for the complexity of life and our very bodies. Yet, this still does not answer the question.
If those who question or deny God's existence feel the freedom to challenge our beliefs. then isn't it reasonable for us to also be able to challenge their beliefs? If one rejects the truth of God's existence and His revealed communication to us in His Word they are likely a believer in evolution. That would mean we are evolving beings moving toward a higher plane of existence. The universe, the earth, the living things on the planet and how they relate to one another should be in a gradual process of refinement. We should be moving in an upward direction toward an improved reality. Everything should be slowly changing to become more efficient, better adapted to the environment and in greater harmony with each other and nature. If their theory is true, we should be on a gradual but measurable path toward perfection with the passing millenniums. If this is not what we see, perhaps it is time to challenge what they hold to be true. Maybe we need to occasionally stop defending our faith and play a little offense and challenge what they hold to be true.
If evolutionary science, be it physical or social, is true, then we should be becoming more civil, more tolerant, more resistant to disease and more united as social beings. If we are continuing in this remarkable evolutionary upward spiral our social interaction should be improving. There should be fewer wars and a reduction in atrocities. Is this the reality we live in? Perhaps the "survival of the fittest" aspect of evolutionary theory comes into play here. However, if that is the answer, then they should rejoice over the extinction of any creature or plant. This simply would prove the progression and refining of the species. An observable collection of data within the social structures that have evolved upon this planet demonstrate that the theory may be flawed. We do not seem to be getting better. We see more strife, war, poverty, and violence. Humanity seems almost out of control and unable to resolve its own issues. Those who deny the divine can point to religion as responsible for much of the horror that has plagued the world. This is a hollow argument, for all religious belief systems would be a product of social evolution. Rather than progressive beings it appears that if the theory of evolution is true then you are nothing more than a pawn tossed about at the whim of natural selection. There seems to be little tangible evidence of the positive refining of humanity heading up the evolutionary ladder.
However, there is an alternative theory. One where there is a divine creator that made humanity and the world we live in. One where the divine entity gave His creation the ability to make choices. Good ones and bad ones. Where humanity was called to cultivate and protect the rest of creation. To have a divine command to protect endangered species from evolutionary extinction. An ordained social structure where good is rewarded and evil is punished. A social order where mankind can choose to follow the creators design or reject it and reap the consequences. A world where this divine being revealed Himself to us and actually took on humanity and walked among us to give us direction and instruction as how to best live while still respecting our ability to choose. A world where, in spite of how things appear, this knowable divine being will only let us degenerate so far before He intervenes and acts with righteous justice upon all of His creation.
So there are two basic theories before us. One believes that a knowable, divine being created us with the ability to choose and continues to respect that ability given to us. He offers hope and an eventual time where all of humanity and all that lives on planet earth will live in harmony. Where species do not exterminate each other and where humanity prospers in peace. The other may work out if anything survives the next million years and evolves into the social order and care for the planet God designed from the beginning.
You have the freedom to choose.
We could point to Exodus 34:6, "And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth." Here is a list of character traits for God. He is merciful, gracious, longsuffering, good and true. We can quote passages that tell us He is creator from Genesis one or that Titus 3:4 says, "when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared", letting us know God is our savior. It is true that God's word is powerful, Isaiah 55:11 assures us that, "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void." Paul reminds us that, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). It is important to use the Word of God in defense of His truth. However, for those who have already rejected the revelation God has given, it means little to them. Scripture offers no satisfying answer to one who comes to argue that your faith is baseless. We can move to a more philosophical approach where God is the initial mover or the great designer which accounts for the complexity of life and our very bodies. Yet, this still does not answer the question.
If those who question or deny God's existence feel the freedom to challenge our beliefs. then isn't it reasonable for us to also be able to challenge their beliefs? If one rejects the truth of God's existence and His revealed communication to us in His Word they are likely a believer in evolution. That would mean we are evolving beings moving toward a higher plane of existence. The universe, the earth, the living things on the planet and how they relate to one another should be in a gradual process of refinement. We should be moving in an upward direction toward an improved reality. Everything should be slowly changing to become more efficient, better adapted to the environment and in greater harmony with each other and nature. If their theory is true, we should be on a gradual but measurable path toward perfection with the passing millenniums. If this is not what we see, perhaps it is time to challenge what they hold to be true. Maybe we need to occasionally stop defending our faith and play a little offense and challenge what they hold to be true.
If evolutionary science, be it physical or social, is true, then we should be becoming more civil, more tolerant, more resistant to disease and more united as social beings. If we are continuing in this remarkable evolutionary upward spiral our social interaction should be improving. There should be fewer wars and a reduction in atrocities. Is this the reality we live in? Perhaps the "survival of the fittest" aspect of evolutionary theory comes into play here. However, if that is the answer, then they should rejoice over the extinction of any creature or plant. This simply would prove the progression and refining of the species. An observable collection of data within the social structures that have evolved upon this planet demonstrate that the theory may be flawed. We do not seem to be getting better. We see more strife, war, poverty, and violence. Humanity seems almost out of control and unable to resolve its own issues. Those who deny the divine can point to religion as responsible for much of the horror that has plagued the world. This is a hollow argument, for all religious belief systems would be a product of social evolution. Rather than progressive beings it appears that if the theory of evolution is true then you are nothing more than a pawn tossed about at the whim of natural selection. There seems to be little tangible evidence of the positive refining of humanity heading up the evolutionary ladder.
However, there is an alternative theory. One where there is a divine creator that made humanity and the world we live in. One where the divine entity gave His creation the ability to make choices. Good ones and bad ones. Where humanity was called to cultivate and protect the rest of creation. To have a divine command to protect endangered species from evolutionary extinction. An ordained social structure where good is rewarded and evil is punished. A social order where mankind can choose to follow the creators design or reject it and reap the consequences. A world where this divine being revealed Himself to us and actually took on humanity and walked among us to give us direction and instruction as how to best live while still respecting our ability to choose. A world where, in spite of how things appear, this knowable divine being will only let us degenerate so far before He intervenes and acts with righteous justice upon all of His creation.
So there are two basic theories before us. One believes that a knowable, divine being created us with the ability to choose and continues to respect that ability given to us. He offers hope and an eventual time where all of humanity and all that lives on planet earth will live in harmony. Where species do not exterminate each other and where humanity prospers in peace. The other may work out if anything survives the next million years and evolves into the social order and care for the planet God designed from the beginning.
You have the freedom to choose.
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