I often give my posts a provocative title or one with humor. My desire is that people will read and give thought to my musings and perhaps learn something new. I do not hold hope that this post will be popular or even entice anyone to read, much less to read to the end. It is a personal record of the conflict I am having with how unfair it is to be overshadowed by the God of love and grace.
I have been in ministry for forty plus years. I have seen God heal one going blind, cancer removed, mobility restored, infertility conquered, and marriages healed. I have experienced first hand the power of prayer. I have also known those times when the Lord determines that the prayers of God's people will not yield the desired results. "Thy will be done" is always a necessary part of the petition laid before the God of all grace who knows far more than I will ever perceive. I have come to accept that reality.
Being a Pastor and teacher has become more than His gift or even His calling, it is who I am. The greatest cost is that of friendship. Pastors live under the shadow of expectations. I have connected, cared for, ministered to, discipled and loved a significant number of men and families. Almost as many have come to find that I have failed to meet their expectations in some way or form and have moved on to other assemblies and left me behind. In quiet nights like these I am still haunted by the loss of what I once thought was friendship. However, there are occasions when someone looks past the gift and accepts you for who you are. Another frail and flawed pilgrim on life's journey. They are few and far between. I have four such treasured friends in my life. One I moved away from, two that have moved away to other parts of the USA and one who has been closer than a brother. It is he who holds my attention tonight.
About two weeks ago the Lord allowed him to suffer a stroke. He is six years my junior and was in good health. The stroke was minor and recovery, though time consuming, seemed likely. I prayed for him. I prayed in the car on the way to the hospital, I prayed in the lobby, in the elevator, and at his bedside. He squeezed my hand and thanked me for my concern. I knew God would heal him. He is my dear friend. His wife needs him, as do his children and grand children. Then there are his band members and co-workers and members of the fellowship where he leads worship and encourages Christ's Bride. This episode was just God's new material for those beloved "mini sermons" he shares as he welcomes God's children to come to worship. .
We share on a great many levels. We have prayed for our wives and our children together. We have wept in sorrow and in Joy. He always has my back. He has always defended me and we have faced more trials and joys in leading a flock together than anyone. Did I mention, he is my friend and I need him. I had laid out a flawless case before the Lord, healing was assured.
His incremental improvements served to fuel my confidence in his eventual healing. Until the heart attack and coronary arrest. There have been a few shimmers of hope but the situation is clouded with a growing darkness that seems to be leading to his departure. God is still almighty and the Messiah he calls Lord can still heal the blind, cause the lame to leap and the dead to rise. He can heal my friend. But, what if He chooses not to? I am not happy.
I would like to question God. I want to shake my fist in His face and tell Him how unfair this is. I want to wallow in some crises of faith and doubt everything I have held to be true. I want to cry out in anger and tell Him of this injustice and that I am done being His servant. I am walking away. But, He will not let me go. Everything I know and have known holds me to the Rock that is greater than I. I desire anguish and rage and find instead, "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guarding my heart and mind through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). I find myself standing with Job saying, "though He slay me, yet will I trust Him". The quiet confidence and peace that overshadows me robs me of my indignation and gives me unwelcome comfort. And to add to my inability to cast Him aside He replays a song by Casting Crowns over and over again in my head (Here is my opportunity to place it in your head https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCpP0mFD9F0 ), "The God Who gives, and takes away."
In the midst of the storm a firm hand grasps mine and gently says. "Come with Me, climb in, join Me in the safety of the boat. Here is a cushion. lay down. Come unto me, for I am gentle of heart, come find rest for your soul."
And my soul is at rest. He will not let me go. It is simply beyond understanding.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Monday, November 21, 2016
The Other Side of Grace
Grace. It is the hallmark of contemporary Christendom. It is proclaimed to be the New Covenant that replaces the archaic notion of the Law. We love to see God as our gracious Heavenly Father. To know that it is "By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). For many the New Testament hold the words of grace, love and life while the Old Testament is about the law, wrath and death. Failing to consider the truth that without grace in the Old testament the story would have ended in Genesis three and we would not be here. Grace permeates the whole of Scripture and requirements of obedience are just as much the teaching of Paul, Peter, James and Yeshua as are Moses, Isaiah and Daniel. Just in passing the New Covenant is found in Jeremiah 32 and reiterated in Hebrews 8. The promise of the New Covenant is that God's Law or Torah is written on our hearts. Far from being made obsolete, obedience to the Law will come from the inside out if you are under the New Covenant. in fact, all who are under the New Covenant will be Torah obedient. Even though this is true and an interesting discussion it is not the point of this post. Here I want to remind us of the other side of grace.
Grace is often defined as"unmerited favor". A simplistic but accurate phrase, it is just inadequate if we are to really appreciate this wonderful gift from Yahweh. Grace is seen as forgiveness. The joy that, even though there is nothing I can do about my sin and failures, God intervenes, "As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:12). God will remove my sin. God is indeed gracious and loving and forgiving. However, He is also pure, just, righteous and holy. If we do not give a little mental exercise to the reality of grace we will redefine God's grace into our terms. For humans we exercise grace by forgiving someone of an offense. "Hey, it is no big deal, forget about it." "Just keep the $20, you needed it more than I do." Simple acts of grace. Simple applications of "unmerited favor" just because we care about the other person. Just dismiss the issue and move on. Doesn't God do that for us?
Yes and no. He does forgive and remove our transgressions but a holy and righteous God cannot just pass over the violations of the boundaries He has set. A price has to be paid or God is not holy and just. He determined that the violation of His word is death. He did not just ignore the sin of Adam. They were removed from the garden and life became far more difficult for human beings ever since. The reality is that death await all of us. The means of dealing with sin and disobedience is woven into the culture and worship of Judaism, (a culture and faith we were to be to be grafted into) and composes much of the instructions and directions given to us in the Word of God. Someone has to merit that unmerited favor offered to us. Someone has to pay the price for the transgressions that cast a shadow over our lives. For a Hebrew follower of God this meant the sacrifice of an unblemished animal in their place. The wages of sin is death, if not your own than that of someone else. Someone who has garnished favor with God needs to intercede. Someone who actually merits God's favor needs to step in so unmerited folks can survive, to avoid the death sentence they deserve.
Grace is the merited favor offered to the unmerited offender. Sin is not just "cast into the deepest sea" it is paid for. The deserved death penalty is experienced by the one who merits grace so grace can be passed on. We tend to forget that. What sin condemns us to death? Murder, rape, kidnapping, how about a bite of fruit or murmuring God's name as someone cuts you off in traffic. The odor of death clings to humanity as we walk obliviously in violation of the commands of God Almighty. For those who believe there is hope. "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21). Messiah intercedes on our behalf. He offers life and deliverance. The price for grace is no small thing. "Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold ... but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:18-19). Every offense, every transgression, every careless word, condemns us to death. I am lost. Unless one who has merit before the Holy God of creation comes to my rescue. Comes to accept the death penalty on my behalf.
Grace. An expensive act of deliverance. An act that should humble us and direct us to a true experience of awe. To lead us to worship and solemn praise. Grace that drives us to obedience so we do not bring dishonor to the one who provides us grace based on His merit and standing with God the Father. Grace is no frivolous theological thought that says "God forgives so I am okay". It is the soul wrenching reality of the enormity of the cost of my sin. "For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6). Messiah died ............................ for the ungodly. For me. For you. That is the other side of grace.
Grace is often defined as"unmerited favor". A simplistic but accurate phrase, it is just inadequate if we are to really appreciate this wonderful gift from Yahweh. Grace is seen as forgiveness. The joy that, even though there is nothing I can do about my sin and failures, God intervenes, "As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:12). God will remove my sin. God is indeed gracious and loving and forgiving. However, He is also pure, just, righteous and holy. If we do not give a little mental exercise to the reality of grace we will redefine God's grace into our terms. For humans we exercise grace by forgiving someone of an offense. "Hey, it is no big deal, forget about it." "Just keep the $20, you needed it more than I do." Simple acts of grace. Simple applications of "unmerited favor" just because we care about the other person. Just dismiss the issue and move on. Doesn't God do that for us?
Yes and no. He does forgive and remove our transgressions but a holy and righteous God cannot just pass over the violations of the boundaries He has set. A price has to be paid or God is not holy and just. He determined that the violation of His word is death. He did not just ignore the sin of Adam. They were removed from the garden and life became far more difficult for human beings ever since. The reality is that death await all of us. The means of dealing with sin and disobedience is woven into the culture and worship of Judaism, (a culture and faith we were to be to be grafted into) and composes much of the instructions and directions given to us in the Word of God. Someone has to merit that unmerited favor offered to us. Someone has to pay the price for the transgressions that cast a shadow over our lives. For a Hebrew follower of God this meant the sacrifice of an unblemished animal in their place. The wages of sin is death, if not your own than that of someone else. Someone who has garnished favor with God needs to intercede. Someone who actually merits God's favor needs to step in so unmerited folks can survive, to avoid the death sentence they deserve.
Grace is the merited favor offered to the unmerited offender. Sin is not just "cast into the deepest sea" it is paid for. The deserved death penalty is experienced by the one who merits grace so grace can be passed on. We tend to forget that. What sin condemns us to death? Murder, rape, kidnapping, how about a bite of fruit or murmuring God's name as someone cuts you off in traffic. The odor of death clings to humanity as we walk obliviously in violation of the commands of God Almighty. For those who believe there is hope. "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21). Messiah intercedes on our behalf. He offers life and deliverance. The price for grace is no small thing. "Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold ... but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:18-19). Every offense, every transgression, every careless word, condemns us to death. I am lost. Unless one who has merit before the Holy God of creation comes to my rescue. Comes to accept the death penalty on my behalf.
Grace. An expensive act of deliverance. An act that should humble us and direct us to a true experience of awe. To lead us to worship and solemn praise. Grace that drives us to obedience so we do not bring dishonor to the one who provides us grace based on His merit and standing with God the Father. Grace is no frivolous theological thought that says "God forgives so I am okay". It is the soul wrenching reality of the enormity of the cost of my sin. "For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6). Messiah died ............................ for the ungodly. For me. For you. That is the other side of grace.
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Hide and Seek With Yahweh
Most of us have played some form of "Hide and Seek". That game where the group hides and the one who is "it" has to count to fifty with their eyes closed and then try to fine those who are hiding. It is a pretty simple game for children. There are also variations by other names like "Sardines" or "Mafia" for the more mature crowd who think they have out grown the simple game. The game can be pretty fun, unless no one looks for you. My question for today is, "Does Yahweh play hide and seek with His children?" If so who is "it"? Does God do the seeking or is that my part? If God is entirely sovereign then why would He ever seek me? Doesn't He already know where I am? Is it possible we occasionally trade roles? You know, where one day I seek Him and on another day God seeks me. So today's question is, "Does Yahweh play hide and seek with His children?" It seems that He does, at least when you look at the Scriptures. It may well add a more personal dimension to the relationship we share with Him, and may raise some of unwanted questions. It may elevate ares of tension we often ignore or avoid as it can tax our little brain cells. The game begins way back in Genesis chapter three.
Six amazing days of creative power has found Adam and Eve placed in a pristine and perfect garden. There is an unimaginable variety of food to eat and animals to tend and enjoy. However, there is that tree over there with fruit so pleasant to the eye and the serpent said it would make them wise. How upset could the creator really get if they took just a taste? The deed is done. Disobedience now marks their lives and they feel vulnerable so they hide. "Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9). "Where are you?" God comes seeking the disobedient, the rebellious, the one who has made the choice to turn away and hide. Amazing grace as the Lord comes seeking the ones who are hiding. David actually invites God to come find him, "I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments" (Psalm 119:176). Ezekiel gives us the voice of the prophet confirming God's commitment to find us, "I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick" (34:16). Messiah also comes to find us, "for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). God is the one who comes to seek the lost, wounded and wayward. David also reminds us that we honestly cannot hide from the Lord, see Psalm 139 for the details. God, His Son and His Spirit seek those He longs to be with.
On the other hand we also play the part of the ones who seek. Moses gives us this promise, "Seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul" (Deuteronomy 4:29). David tells us God will not forsake those who seek Him, Psalm 9:10, "And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You". )Actually, David tells us to seek the Lord at least a dozen times throughout the Psalms.) Messiah also tells us to seek, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7). However, it appears there will be a time when we can no longer find God. "Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near" (Isaiah 55:6). So, maybe now is the time to engage in some hide and seek activity with the Lord, before it is too late.
This does leave us with the question of who is "It". Are we the seekers or is that God's part? And why does God seek if as a sovereign being He already knows where we are? Is this a different kind of seeking? Does this cosmic game last a life time or do we find Him and the game is over? Can we get lost once we are found? It seems the more you think about all those hide and seek verses we end up with more questions than answers. Is David right that there are times when God hides from us, "And do not hide Your face from Your servant, for I am in trouble" (Psalm 69:17). God hiding does not sound all that comforting to me.
Perhaps that is not the point after all. Maybe it is less about who seeks and who hides and more about the game. Hiding and seeking demands interaction between the participants. It builds into a relationship. As we seek the Lord in times of trouble our trust can grow as He reveals himself to us. As with David, there is comfort in knowing that this lost sheep has one seeking him who will never leave or forsake me. It might just be that the Lord has called me to play a little "Hide and Seek" and I have been too busy to seek and to distracted to know I need to be found. The Word of God is filled with the stories and accounts of His playing Hide and Seek with His children. It seems we are always in need of being found and that we should be far more motivated to seek Him than our hectic lives allow for. With all we face in the world we live in it might just be time to step away from the chaos and play a little Hide and Seek with Yahweh.
Six amazing days of creative power has found Adam and Eve placed in a pristine and perfect garden. There is an unimaginable variety of food to eat and animals to tend and enjoy. However, there is that tree over there with fruit so pleasant to the eye and the serpent said it would make them wise. How upset could the creator really get if they took just a taste? The deed is done. Disobedience now marks their lives and they feel vulnerable so they hide. "Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9). "Where are you?" God comes seeking the disobedient, the rebellious, the one who has made the choice to turn away and hide. Amazing grace as the Lord comes seeking the ones who are hiding. David actually invites God to come find him, "I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments" (Psalm 119:176). Ezekiel gives us the voice of the prophet confirming God's commitment to find us, "I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick" (34:16). Messiah also comes to find us, "for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). God is the one who comes to seek the lost, wounded and wayward. David also reminds us that we honestly cannot hide from the Lord, see Psalm 139 for the details. God, His Son and His Spirit seek those He longs to be with.
On the other hand we also play the part of the ones who seek. Moses gives us this promise, "Seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul" (Deuteronomy 4:29). David tells us God will not forsake those who seek Him, Psalm 9:10, "And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You". )Actually, David tells us to seek the Lord at least a dozen times throughout the Psalms.) Messiah also tells us to seek, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7). However, it appears there will be a time when we can no longer find God. "Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near" (Isaiah 55:6). So, maybe now is the time to engage in some hide and seek activity with the Lord, before it is too late.
This does leave us with the question of who is "It". Are we the seekers or is that God's part? And why does God seek if as a sovereign being He already knows where we are? Is this a different kind of seeking? Does this cosmic game last a life time or do we find Him and the game is over? Can we get lost once we are found? It seems the more you think about all those hide and seek verses we end up with more questions than answers. Is David right that there are times when God hides from us, "And do not hide Your face from Your servant, for I am in trouble" (Psalm 69:17). God hiding does not sound all that comforting to me.
Perhaps that is not the point after all. Maybe it is less about who seeks and who hides and more about the game. Hiding and seeking demands interaction between the participants. It builds into a relationship. As we seek the Lord in times of trouble our trust can grow as He reveals himself to us. As with David, there is comfort in knowing that this lost sheep has one seeking him who will never leave or forsake me. It might just be that the Lord has called me to play a little "Hide and Seek" and I have been too busy to seek and to distracted to know I need to be found. The Word of God is filled with the stories and accounts of His playing Hide and Seek with His children. It seems we are always in need of being found and that we should be far more motivated to seek Him than our hectic lives allow for. With all we face in the world we live in it might just be time to step away from the chaos and play a little Hide and Seek with Yahweh.
Monday, November 7, 2016
Does God Know Who Will Win?
Tomorrow is election day here in the USA. The question one could ask is, "Does God know who will win?" This thought can apply to most any situation. Perhaps the more compelling question is, "Does God ordain who will win?" Whether it is a political contest, some military conflict, the World Cup or some other sporting event. Just how much does God control? As believers we often fine solace in the phrase, "At least we know God is in control." A true statement and a place to find comfort in the midst of whatever storms of life we may find ourselves. We understand God to be sovereign, Who will always accomplish His will. This is also true, however, I have observed this to be an excuse to avoid responsibility as much as a theological reality to hold to. If God is in ultimate control, than what decisions and actions I take have little consequence. I can go through life avoiding taking action and rest in His sovereignty while building up immunity to the conviction of His Spirit.
This is not what we find in Scripture. God does indeed know outcomes but He grants us the freedom and responsibility to take action. It is clear that there are more than one possible outcomes to events based upon our actions. The intervention of human beings in tangible situations changes things. If not then our relationship with Yahweh is a sham. "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." Or so James tells us (James 5:16). The only way fervent prayer avails much is if there is a response from the one prayed to, allowing for change to occur. In 2 Kings 13, Elisha comes to King Joash and tells him to strike the ground with some arrows. Joash strikes the ground three times. Elisha rebukes him for the striking f the ground represents victories God would grant him over Israel's enemies. God will give the victories, however, Joash is responsible for how many. There are a number of possible outcomes depending upon Joash. God does not make Joash stop after striking the ground only three times.
God had promised judgement upon Judah for their terrible sin. His judgement is withheld for a time due to the righteous actions of King Josiah (see 2 Kings 23). We can point to Abraham's intervention for Sodom or Moses being an advocate for the Nation of Israel on numerous occasions. The whole concept of prayer is contingent on the reality of diverse outcomes to different circumstances. If this is not so then there is no reason to pray for healing or direction if God has predetermined the outcome. In the bigger picture God will use whatever path that is chosen to accomplish His ultimate will. Yet, in the day to day reality we live in the decisions we make truly do matter. The kindness we show or withhold will grant different outcomes. A witness to a neighbor, friend or coworker may not change their view of God immediately, however, it does not mean we are not responsible to share a word. The excuse that, in the sovereignty of God, they will hear the truth eventually does not excuse our inaction. God's will can be accomplished down some other path but, you had a choice to direct the path to be taken at the time.
In the election facing the USA tomorrow, I believe God knows the outcome, I also believe there are two possible paths we can take. The choice is ours to make. The consequences are ours to bear. Both candidates are flawed. Some would say more so than in any time in recent history. However, the two main choices represent two distinct philosophies of governing. More or less Government control or our lives. The opportunity for the next president to place judges on the Supreme Court will have repercussions for a generation or longer. Things in God's Word could be labeled "hate speech" and become illegal to preach. Education in a home or private setting could fall under the control of a federal agency who will determine what can be taught to another generation. I am not an alarmist or a conspiracy nut, however, I am aware of the regulations placed by other governments who have chosen the path of government control. There will be consequences no matter what choices are made.
Will God still be in charge after the election? Of course. Just as He was when Portugal won the World Cup. The ramifications in this election just have the potential to be far more important than a sporting event. As believers we can trust in the sovereign hand of God to keep us and to bring about the Lord's will. There is the distinct possibility that His judgement upon a wayward and ever growing Godless nation can be withheld or accelerated. The path is ours to choose. As one looks at the prophetic passages of Scripture there is a clear absence of a reference to the USA. Perhaps it is because we are not a nation of consequence upon the events of the final days before Messiah's return. Perhaps that is the path we are choosing. That is a thought to be considered in a future post. Today's thought is the truth that we have choices to make and paths to follow that will determine God's activity in our midst. My hope is that fervent prayer will come before His throne of grace and that it will avail much on behalf of the nation I live in. For the sake of my children, my grandchildren, my beloved flock I shepherd, my community and even the world. Would you pause and offer a prayer to the sovereign God of the universe?
This is not what we find in Scripture. God does indeed know outcomes but He grants us the freedom and responsibility to take action. It is clear that there are more than one possible outcomes to events based upon our actions. The intervention of human beings in tangible situations changes things. If not then our relationship with Yahweh is a sham. "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." Or so James tells us (James 5:16). The only way fervent prayer avails much is if there is a response from the one prayed to, allowing for change to occur. In 2 Kings 13, Elisha comes to King Joash and tells him to strike the ground with some arrows. Joash strikes the ground three times. Elisha rebukes him for the striking f the ground represents victories God would grant him over Israel's enemies. God will give the victories, however, Joash is responsible for how many. There are a number of possible outcomes depending upon Joash. God does not make Joash stop after striking the ground only three times.
God had promised judgement upon Judah for their terrible sin. His judgement is withheld for a time due to the righteous actions of King Josiah (see 2 Kings 23). We can point to Abraham's intervention for Sodom or Moses being an advocate for the Nation of Israel on numerous occasions. The whole concept of prayer is contingent on the reality of diverse outcomes to different circumstances. If this is not so then there is no reason to pray for healing or direction if God has predetermined the outcome. In the bigger picture God will use whatever path that is chosen to accomplish His ultimate will. Yet, in the day to day reality we live in the decisions we make truly do matter. The kindness we show or withhold will grant different outcomes. A witness to a neighbor, friend or coworker may not change their view of God immediately, however, it does not mean we are not responsible to share a word. The excuse that, in the sovereignty of God, they will hear the truth eventually does not excuse our inaction. God's will can be accomplished down some other path but, you had a choice to direct the path to be taken at the time.
In the election facing the USA tomorrow, I believe God knows the outcome, I also believe there are two possible paths we can take. The choice is ours to make. The consequences are ours to bear. Both candidates are flawed. Some would say more so than in any time in recent history. However, the two main choices represent two distinct philosophies of governing. More or less Government control or our lives. The opportunity for the next president to place judges on the Supreme Court will have repercussions for a generation or longer. Things in God's Word could be labeled "hate speech" and become illegal to preach. Education in a home or private setting could fall under the control of a federal agency who will determine what can be taught to another generation. I am not an alarmist or a conspiracy nut, however, I am aware of the regulations placed by other governments who have chosen the path of government control. There will be consequences no matter what choices are made.
Will God still be in charge after the election? Of course. Just as He was when Portugal won the World Cup. The ramifications in this election just have the potential to be far more important than a sporting event. As believers we can trust in the sovereign hand of God to keep us and to bring about the Lord's will. There is the distinct possibility that His judgement upon a wayward and ever growing Godless nation can be withheld or accelerated. The path is ours to choose. As one looks at the prophetic passages of Scripture there is a clear absence of a reference to the USA. Perhaps it is because we are not a nation of consequence upon the events of the final days before Messiah's return. Perhaps that is the path we are choosing. That is a thought to be considered in a future post. Today's thought is the truth that we have choices to make and paths to follow that will determine God's activity in our midst. My hope is that fervent prayer will come before His throne of grace and that it will avail much on behalf of the nation I live in. For the sake of my children, my grandchildren, my beloved flock I shepherd, my community and even the world. Would you pause and offer a prayer to the sovereign God of the universe?
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Are You a Guardian of the Galaxy?
It is a popular thing to proclaim that you are out to "save the planet". We should use those reusable bags and avoid disposable dishes. Do not forget to buy products made of recycled materials and recycle them again. And perhaps most important, only shop at "green friendly" stores and restaurants. Finally, buy one of those hybrid cars that runs on electricity produced at a coal burning electric plant. Well, there maybe a bit of a conflict there so put up those solar panels and rub your feet on the carpet to make your own electricity. Don't get me wrong, I recycle and I do things that seem reasonable to prevent waste. It honestly grieves me, at times, to see how much stuff gets tossed away or set on the curb with the rest of the trash. However, there are those who now worship at the alter of climate change and see humanity as the evil Satan whose objective it is to destroy the very planet that provides for our life.
I suggest a little Biblical perspective is in order. Genesis 2:15, "Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it." The Hebrew means to till and work the garden and to keep watch over it. To help the garden produce, but also to protect the planet, is man's commission from God, Himself. It is a commission that is directed toward those who have a relationship with God. Who understand that the "garden" and all it contains, is a gift from God. However, the pristine planet and it's contents have been corrupted due to man's disobedience. It is still a remarkable planet to live on. God's creativity abounds. He did not just make one tree but thousands of varieties. And His creativity with flowers, why, “Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these" (Luke 12:27). From the solemn beauty of the desert to the majesty of snow capped mountains, the creation cries out praise to its creator. The heavens, as well, declare the Glory of God.
I suggest a little Biblical perspective is in order. Genesis 2:15, "Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it." The Hebrew means to till and work the garden and to keep watch over it. To help the garden produce, but also to protect the planet, is man's commission from God, Himself. It is a commission that is directed toward those who have a relationship with God. Who understand that the "garden" and all it contains, is a gift from God. However, the pristine planet and it's contents have been corrupted due to man's disobedience. It is still a remarkable planet to live on. God's creativity abounds. He did not just make one tree but thousands of varieties. And His creativity with flowers, why, “Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these" (Luke 12:27). From the solemn beauty of the desert to the majesty of snow capped mountains, the creation cries out praise to its creator. The heavens, as well, declare the Glory of God.
Yet, for all it's glory there are volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, forest fires, and a lot of other things we call natural disasters. Paul was correct when he said that, "For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now" (Romans 8:22). Our planet struggles under the weight of sin and the sorrow of a fallen world. The wonderful news for our planet, and even the universe, is found in the familiar verse of John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." The key word here is translated "world". It is the Greek word, κόσμος kosmos. It is the orderly arrangement of all of creation. Not just people and not just this planet. The verse does focus on those who believe, but all creation was touched by the power of the death and resurrection of the Son. There is a promise of a new heaven and a new earth, (Revelation 21:1) when all will be redeemed, all will be delivered. The groaning of the planet will be replaced with the joy of new birth. Deliverance is not just for us but for all of creation, for the cosmos.
In the meantime, it seems we have some things a bit upside down. Believers, followers of the One True God, have a responsibility to guard and oversee the protection of the world God has made. I know it applied to Adam and the garden of Eden; however, the responsibility is carried beyond the garden. Genesis 3:17-18, "Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the herb of the field." We are called to cultivate and care for the, now uncooperative, earth we inhabit. Believers should be grieved over the loss of a species or the extinction of a plant. We should be careful as we harvest and develop the resources the Lord has graciously provided. As we use the energy sources He created, for the care and provision of humanity, we should do so in a way that also protects His planet. As stewards we are to use these things, but never to be careless or unconcerned with the world which contains them. We are not to worship the planet or it's contents; it was given for humanity to use and enjoy, just to do so responsibly. For the betterment, provision, and protection, of mankind. Trees are there to make houses and pianos and then new ones cultivated for coming generations. Believers are also responsible to protect the wonder for coming generations, be they giant redwoods, magnificent waterfalls, exotic birds, flowers and animals. We are their guardians.
For the evolutionist these things should not be so. Protection of the planet and it's contents should appall them. For evolution to continue its journey of natural selection toward some later perfection, preserving what is here now interferes with what could be. The only logical course for evolution to follow is the extinction of the lesser species. The elimination of the inferior for the advancement of the superior. Volcanoes, and earthquakes should cause environmentalist to rejoice. Every inferior plant, insect, and animal eliminated should bring a celebration knowing it is another small step in the upward process of the evolutionary ladder toward perfection. Evolutionist should champion pollution and toxic waste. How else will the things occupying the planet be tested and adapt so only the most fit survive? Advancing the evolutionary process should be the goal of every evolutionist. As we have yet to develop the means to attract another meteor to collide with the earth and advance our species, perhaps nuclear fallout and noxious gases could serve as a substitute? However, evolutionists would never do this. They actually desire to fulfill the commission of the Creator they deny. They have picked up the role many believers have discounted.
So, how goes your stewardship role? Planet wise, I mean. Do you see yourself as the guardian of the galaxy? Well, at least this planet. If not, maybe now you have something new to think about.
So, how goes your stewardship role? Planet wise, I mean. Do you see yourself as the guardian of the galaxy? Well, at least this planet. If not, maybe now you have something new to think about.
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
The Failure inTrying or Yoda had it Right
Debbie and I went to see the first Star Wars movie on our honeymoon, over 39 years ago. Episode IV "A New Hope". We were hooked and have found our way to episodes V, VI, I, II, III, and VII. It is highly likely that we will see the new Star Wars this fall as we wait for episode VIII to come to the big screen. We can actually speak "Star Wars" with our children. "I am your father." In Star Wars Episode V "The Empire Strikes Back". Luke leaves the frozen world of Hoth to go to the Degaba system to train to be a Jedi. Here he meets Yoda, a Jedi Master, who is to teach him the way of the force. There is a lot of Eastern mysticism woven into the sci-fi fantasy but there are also some reflections of truth. Yoda is definitely not a student of Plato. His theological framework is, without a doubt, Eastern. He actually reflects a little Hebraic truth we can learn from. His thoughts are actually ones our Western world view has a harder time incorporating into our lives than we realize.
Luke is trying to "use the force" to levitate things when his X-wing starfighter begins to slip beneath the murky waters of the swamp that is Yoda's home. He is challenged by his teacher, Yoda, to rescue the sinking fighter. Luke is more than skeptical as he sees no relationship between his growing Jedi skills and this assignment. Moving boxes is one thing but this is an X-wing starfighter. He sighs and tells Yoda he will try. Yoda responds with a profound statement that every follower of Messiah can learn from. Yoda simply says, "Do or do not, there is no try". Luke gives it a shot, and for a moment we see the starfighter begin to move, Luke is on the verge of success. However, the moment passes and the starfighter heads for a watery grave. "I can't, it is too big" is Luke's excuse. Enter Yoda, who reaches out and, with the use of the force, lifts the starfighter to safety. Luke is stunned and says, "I don't believe it." "That is why you failed" replies Yoda.
Setting the mystical "force" stuff aside Yoda is actually on to something. God never tells us to try to do anything. He tells us to believe. John 6:29, "Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” To keep His commandments, John 14:15, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." Also, "I command you, that you love one another" (John 15:17). How about Micah 6:8, "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" God never tells us to try. He tells us to do. He offers forgiveness if we fail and second opportunities to "do". The expectation of obedience is just that, to obey. I have heard so many people say, myself included, "I'll try". It is a nice way of giving ourselves the out for disobedience. "At least I tried." Is the salve we readily apply to our failures.
As a hypothetical example, let's say you have determined as a couple to "try" not to argue or raise your voices. The opportunity comes to do just that and then your spouse hits that sensitive button they always do in these situations. You respond in like fashion and then there is vocal escalation and soon the shouting match is in full force. You can't help what happened, but at least you tried. Really? Okay, let us add one new component. In the midst of the mutual verbal assault your four year old daughter enters the room crying. The verbal battle is put on hold to comfort the child. Wow! It appears you can "do" instead of just "try" after all. When we enter into any discipline that the Lord and His Spirit has convicted us of the call is simple. Do or do not, there is no try.
"Trying" is often the way we can pre-excuse wrong behavior and broken promises. "I will try to come to your game", "I will try to read my Bible every day," "I will try to be more committed to being at church." I will try to listen to my spouse." This way if we do not accomplish what we promised we have the answer, I tried, I just didn't make it, or come, or read, or listen. "Hey, at least I tried." There are times when there are circumstances beyond our control, a car accident delays us, sickness, or some emergency meeting you cannot avoid. However, how many times do we toss out the "I tried" when the truth is simply we did not do.
I need to go to the gym. It helps my heart, my energy, my weight, my stress level and gives me opportunities to be a witness to some of the guys I have gotten to know. If I get up a little before 6:00 a.m. and do my morning ritual of devotions, putting the dishes in the drainer away, checking my emails, taking my supplements, I don my gym apparel, and brush my teeth it is now 7:00 and time to wake Debbie up. Then I just have to grab the gym bag and exit the house. If I DO this it works every time. I get to the gym. The mornings I try to go I almost always find a reason for not getting there.
The Scriptures are full, from cover to cover, with things I am to do. God loves me enough to let me know His expectations. He wants me to enjoy life and to get along well with others. He wants me to have a great marriage and to be a good dad. He gives me clear instructions as how to accomplish those things. He does not ask me to try. He tells me to do. It is in the doing of His will that we find joy, fulfillment and purpose in life. In 1 Samuel 17 we find the account of David and Goliath. David is mocked by his brothers and questioned by King Saul as to his ability to take on Goliath. Goliath mocks and curses David as well. We read, "Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied" (1 Samuel 17:45). David is confident. He is before Saul and Goliath. He does not say, "I will try to kill Goliath." He does not tell Goliath he will try and he does not expect to be the corpse with his brothers saying, "well, at least he tried." No, by the power of God David would do, not just try.
Yeshua put it this way, "But let your ‘Yes' be ‘Yes,' and your ‘No,' ‘No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one" (Matthew 5:37). Life is a series of decisions and choices. By the indwelling Spirit we can walk with the Lord in strength and obedience. We are called to be a trustworthy people. In the process there will be times when we do not know if we can make a commitment, and yes, it is reasonable to tell someone we will try to get to the party while letting them know there are circumstances that could prohibit that. However, when it comes to the Lord's Commands, if we Love Him we will not try, we will do. When we examine our own lives are we looking for the false comfort of "trying" when God's commands are clear?
" Do or do not, there is no try."
Luke is trying to "use the force" to levitate things when his X-wing starfighter begins to slip beneath the murky waters of the swamp that is Yoda's home. He is challenged by his teacher, Yoda, to rescue the sinking fighter. Luke is more than skeptical as he sees no relationship between his growing Jedi skills and this assignment. Moving boxes is one thing but this is an X-wing starfighter. He sighs and tells Yoda he will try. Yoda responds with a profound statement that every follower of Messiah can learn from. Yoda simply says, "Do or do not, there is no try". Luke gives it a shot, and for a moment we see the starfighter begin to move, Luke is on the verge of success. However, the moment passes and the starfighter heads for a watery grave. "I can't, it is too big" is Luke's excuse. Enter Yoda, who reaches out and, with the use of the force, lifts the starfighter to safety. Luke is stunned and says, "I don't believe it." "That is why you failed" replies Yoda.
Setting the mystical "force" stuff aside Yoda is actually on to something. God never tells us to try to do anything. He tells us to believe. John 6:29, "Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” To keep His commandments, John 14:15, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." Also, "I command you, that you love one another" (John 15:17). How about Micah 6:8, "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" God never tells us to try. He tells us to do. He offers forgiveness if we fail and second opportunities to "do". The expectation of obedience is just that, to obey. I have heard so many people say, myself included, "I'll try". It is a nice way of giving ourselves the out for disobedience. "At least I tried." Is the salve we readily apply to our failures.
As a hypothetical example, let's say you have determined as a couple to "try" not to argue or raise your voices. The opportunity comes to do just that and then your spouse hits that sensitive button they always do in these situations. You respond in like fashion and then there is vocal escalation and soon the shouting match is in full force. You can't help what happened, but at least you tried. Really? Okay, let us add one new component. In the midst of the mutual verbal assault your four year old daughter enters the room crying. The verbal battle is put on hold to comfort the child. Wow! It appears you can "do" instead of just "try" after all. When we enter into any discipline that the Lord and His Spirit has convicted us of the call is simple. Do or do not, there is no try.
"Trying" is often the way we can pre-excuse wrong behavior and broken promises. "I will try to come to your game", "I will try to read my Bible every day," "I will try to be more committed to being at church." I will try to listen to my spouse." This way if we do not accomplish what we promised we have the answer, I tried, I just didn't make it, or come, or read, or listen. "Hey, at least I tried." There are times when there are circumstances beyond our control, a car accident delays us, sickness, or some emergency meeting you cannot avoid. However, how many times do we toss out the "I tried" when the truth is simply we did not do.
I need to go to the gym. It helps my heart, my energy, my weight, my stress level and gives me opportunities to be a witness to some of the guys I have gotten to know. If I get up a little before 6:00 a.m. and do my morning ritual of devotions, putting the dishes in the drainer away, checking my emails, taking my supplements, I don my gym apparel, and brush my teeth it is now 7:00 and time to wake Debbie up. Then I just have to grab the gym bag and exit the house. If I DO this it works every time. I get to the gym. The mornings I try to go I almost always find a reason for not getting there.
The Scriptures are full, from cover to cover, with things I am to do. God loves me enough to let me know His expectations. He wants me to enjoy life and to get along well with others. He wants me to have a great marriage and to be a good dad. He gives me clear instructions as how to accomplish those things. He does not ask me to try. He tells me to do. It is in the doing of His will that we find joy, fulfillment and purpose in life. In 1 Samuel 17 we find the account of David and Goliath. David is mocked by his brothers and questioned by King Saul as to his ability to take on Goliath. Goliath mocks and curses David as well. We read, "Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied" (1 Samuel 17:45). David is confident. He is before Saul and Goliath. He does not say, "I will try to kill Goliath." He does not tell Goliath he will try and he does not expect to be the corpse with his brothers saying, "well, at least he tried." No, by the power of God David would do, not just try.
Yeshua put it this way, "But let your ‘Yes' be ‘Yes,' and your ‘No,' ‘No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one" (Matthew 5:37). Life is a series of decisions and choices. By the indwelling Spirit we can walk with the Lord in strength and obedience. We are called to be a trustworthy people. In the process there will be times when we do not know if we can make a commitment, and yes, it is reasonable to tell someone we will try to get to the party while letting them know there are circumstances that could prohibit that. However, when it comes to the Lord's Commands, if we Love Him we will not try, we will do. When we examine our own lives are we looking for the false comfort of "trying" when God's commands are clear?
" Do or do not, there is no try."
Monday, August 15, 2016
Gentiles in the Body? or "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?"
"Well, this will kill our property values." "There goes the neighborhood." "You let in a few and the next thing you know they have taken over and corrupted everything." This was the reality of the community of Messiah followers back in the days of Paul and the Apostles. There was an awakening among the Gentiles that Yeshua was Messiah, not just for the Hebrews, but for the Gentiles as well. Most of the epistles of Paul, as well as James, John and Peter, deal with the issue of unity in the Body of Messiah. It is not surprising when you consider the clash of cultures, ethnic backgrounds and the dramatic philosophic differences between the Greeks and the Hebrews.
The early seeds of this explosion were planted by God Himself as He places Peter into an almost trance. It is on this rooftop in Joppa that Peter has his famous "Bacon" vision (See Acts 10:9-16). This is the passage where most evangelicals ignore the context, miss God's point and focus on food. A bit of commentary on this is found in my 11/23/14 post entitled, "Bacon!!!!". However, that is not the point to be made today. No matter how you look at the passage considering dietary laws, the exciting news for the Jews, and for us Gentiles, is recorded in Acts 11:18, "When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.” Evaluating the evidence that Peter presents, the Jews are stunned to silence and conclude that God is allowing the Gentiles to repent and to be granted life. No more zombie like existence as the walking dead; the Gentiles now have the opportunity to be alive in Messiah.
Being so far removed from the events of Acts 11 we miss the magnitude of this declaration. We live in a time when the "church" is predominately a Gentiles club and our concern and compassion for the Jews is minimal. We may pray for them or support a mission focused to reach them; however, the thought of changing our behavior to remove the barriers that have long separated us is pretty much unheard of. This was not so as Peter gave his defense for going to the home of Cornelius. The Hebrews had understood their position as God's chosen people for generations. Gentiles were unclean people who partook of unclean activities. To visit the home of a Gentile put you at risk of becoming ceremonially unclean. Gentiles ate, touched, and associated with things that were unclean both by Torah and Jewish tradition. Such uncleanliness was transmitted to a Jew who had contact with a Gentile who stood unclean before God. This was a violation of tradition and potentially of Torah. This is no small thing to an orthodox and Torah observant Jew. Yet, in spite of all those generations of bias, the Jews of Peter's day were able to look beyond their traditions and accept the reality that Gentiles were also granted life through Messiah.
There is a long road ahead of the Messianic assemblies as Messianic Jews and Messianic Gentiles learned to live, serve and worship together. The challenges of grafting the Gentiles into the commonwealth of Israel were very real, as the New Testament Epistles bear witness. We who are of Gentile stock should honestly stand in awe and wonder at Paul's declaration in Ephesians 2:11-13. "Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands, that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." We who have no claim to the promises have been brought near. Amazing truth, amazing grace!
As history unfolds, that dinner date between Paul and Cornelius has lost its wonder. The Gentiles soon overwhelmed the Messianic assemblies and the guests became the dictators. Soon all Hebrew tradition, along with God's directions in Torah and the Prophets, as how to best live and honor Him, would be erased. The church fathers would proclaim that followers of the Jewish Messiah would be damned for all eternity for observing the Sabbath, dietary laws or any of the Hebrew feasts and festivals. Now it is God's people, the Jews, who are no longer welcome at the table. Now they are expected to somehow be grafted into the "church". To join the commonwealth of the Gentiles perhaps? I challenge you to find that in any of God's Scriptures.
I am honestly grieved at the attitude of believers, those who claim to follow this Jewish Messiah, toward Jewish people. Jews are fine as long as we can support them in Israel. However, if they move into your neighborhood, well, "there go the property values and everyone knows if you let in a few they will just want to take over." "Their traditions about Sabbath and food will impose on my God granted freedoms." It may well be that we need a Gentile Peter to sit on a roof and get a fresh vision of what God meant when we Gentiles were "grafted in" to His people Israel.
We have drifted far from that rooftop in Joppa. We have lost the respect and attitude of Cornelius who was honored beyond words to have a Jewish Rabbi come to dinner. I can guarantee, out of respect for his Jewish guest, he did not serve pork chops. The respect is gone, the Sabbath is gone, dietary restrictions are gone, Torah is gone; just what are we grafted into anyway?
The early seeds of this explosion were planted by God Himself as He places Peter into an almost trance. It is on this rooftop in Joppa that Peter has his famous "Bacon" vision (See Acts 10:9-16). This is the passage where most evangelicals ignore the context, miss God's point and focus on food. A bit of commentary on this is found in my 11/23/14 post entitled, "Bacon!!!!". However, that is not the point to be made today. No matter how you look at the passage considering dietary laws, the exciting news for the Jews, and for us Gentiles, is recorded in Acts 11:18, "When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.” Evaluating the evidence that Peter presents, the Jews are stunned to silence and conclude that God is allowing the Gentiles to repent and to be granted life. No more zombie like existence as the walking dead; the Gentiles now have the opportunity to be alive in Messiah.
Being so far removed from the events of Acts 11 we miss the magnitude of this declaration. We live in a time when the "church" is predominately a Gentiles club and our concern and compassion for the Jews is minimal. We may pray for them or support a mission focused to reach them; however, the thought of changing our behavior to remove the barriers that have long separated us is pretty much unheard of. This was not so as Peter gave his defense for going to the home of Cornelius. The Hebrews had understood their position as God's chosen people for generations. Gentiles were unclean people who partook of unclean activities. To visit the home of a Gentile put you at risk of becoming ceremonially unclean. Gentiles ate, touched, and associated with things that were unclean both by Torah and Jewish tradition. Such uncleanliness was transmitted to a Jew who had contact with a Gentile who stood unclean before God. This was a violation of tradition and potentially of Torah. This is no small thing to an orthodox and Torah observant Jew. Yet, in spite of all those generations of bias, the Jews of Peter's day were able to look beyond their traditions and accept the reality that Gentiles were also granted life through Messiah.
There is a long road ahead of the Messianic assemblies as Messianic Jews and Messianic Gentiles learned to live, serve and worship together. The challenges of grafting the Gentiles into the commonwealth of Israel were very real, as the New Testament Epistles bear witness. We who are of Gentile stock should honestly stand in awe and wonder at Paul's declaration in Ephesians 2:11-13. "Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands, that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." We who have no claim to the promises have been brought near. Amazing truth, amazing grace!
As history unfolds, that dinner date between Paul and Cornelius has lost its wonder. The Gentiles soon overwhelmed the Messianic assemblies and the guests became the dictators. Soon all Hebrew tradition, along with God's directions in Torah and the Prophets, as how to best live and honor Him, would be erased. The church fathers would proclaim that followers of the Jewish Messiah would be damned for all eternity for observing the Sabbath, dietary laws or any of the Hebrew feasts and festivals. Now it is God's people, the Jews, who are no longer welcome at the table. Now they are expected to somehow be grafted into the "church". To join the commonwealth of the Gentiles perhaps? I challenge you to find that in any of God's Scriptures.
I am honestly grieved at the attitude of believers, those who claim to follow this Jewish Messiah, toward Jewish people. Jews are fine as long as we can support them in Israel. However, if they move into your neighborhood, well, "there go the property values and everyone knows if you let in a few they will just want to take over." "Their traditions about Sabbath and food will impose on my God granted freedoms." It may well be that we need a Gentile Peter to sit on a roof and get a fresh vision of what God meant when we Gentiles were "grafted in" to His people Israel.
We have drifted far from that rooftop in Joppa. We have lost the respect and attitude of Cornelius who was honored beyond words to have a Jewish Rabbi come to dinner. I can guarantee, out of respect for his Jewish guest, he did not serve pork chops. The respect is gone, the Sabbath is gone, dietary restrictions are gone, Torah is gone; just what are we grafted into anyway?
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