Perfected in love.
It didn't look like much, just an old rusted frame with fenders. But he bought it, and began the mammoth job of restoration. He stripped it down to get off all the rust. He scoured the country getting parts, carefully testing and shaping each one to fit. His original investment paled in comparison to the money and time now being poured in.
Anyone who happened to see it during this process thought “What a waste of time! This won't ever become what he's planning.” But he kept laboring on, building and burnishing. He'd go on for hours, telling anyone who would listen about his plans and dreams for this car.
One year passed, then two. There were times the task seemed never-ending, impossible. Would this “sows ear” never become the silk purse of his dream? Then one day, everything came together. Motor and transmission, once clogged and worthless, purred like a kitten. The soiled and torn interior was replaced with gleaming beauty. Sad sagging fenders were now high and tight. The faded paint was long hidden under layer after layer of glowing brightness. What had been valued cheaply had now become priceless, and those naysayers? Their open-mouthed admiration quickly became envy and desire, as his small investment was turned into tremendous value.
I didn't look like much. Beat up. Ravaged by sin. Cast on the junk heap of life. But He valued me, paid my debt, and went to work to transform me. Lots of times I doubted I would ever be what He was working toward. In many ways, I'm not there yet. Restoration is on-going. Frustration with failure in parts I thought had long since been perfected. But He keeps fixing, shaping, polishing. “One day,” He says, “one day, you'll be perfect. Those naysayers out there, they'll see what I saw back there in the junk yard. They'll be amazed at what you've become, and so will you.”
When the time comes to put a value on my life (and yours), it will be what He has done that will stand out as precious, making what was originally considered worthless now priceless. Nobody makes Him do it. He does it for fun – and love. Does He get His money's worth? The open-mouthed admiration of a cynical world seeing the result of love poured out without reservation is music to His ears.
Therefore, my beloved, ... work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Phil 2:12-14
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
The earliest scale was probably just a rope or string hung from a peg, and used to compare relative weights. “So what?” you're thinking. I'm glad you asked, since we are always eager for participation from our readers!
The word up there in the title of this column, “Selah”, is found over 70 times in the Psalms and Habakkuk, usually with a footnote saying that it's suspected meaning is some sort of musical information, but nobody knows for sure. Me? I'm suspicious that something repeated so many times is not mere choral direction, and that God put it there on purpose.
Selah is from a Hebrew root word meaning “to suspend, weigh”, as in “weigh in the balance”, or “judge”.
Reading the Psalms, I get the feeling that it's placed there for emphasis. “Ponder what was just said. Think about it. Consider. Measure this against what you know.”
You ever read something, then put it down and be unable to remember even a little bit of it? That's OK with a magazine article, or the TV guide or something, but too often we do that with our Bible readings. It's kind of like yard-mowing. With our riding mower, you have to engage the blade, or you're just going for a ride. The grass-cutting power is available, the time is being spent, the potential for accomplishment is there, but nothing comes of it. Just letting our eyes pass over the Scripture without being involved with it is just as much a waste of time and energy. Actually, it's more of a waste, because it gives the Devil an opportunity to steal the Word away before it can take root.
“So what can I do about it?” Well, I'm glad you asked, since God gives us what we need to know.
... his delight is in the LORD's instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. He is like a tree planted beside streams of water that bears its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. (Psalms 1:2-3 HCSB)
Meditate on the Word. Think about it, pick it up and look at it from all sides. Imagine how it could be put to use in your daily trials and joys. Remember how God has done great things . Get engaged with it, and you'll be doing “Selah”.
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable--if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise--dwell on these things. (Philippians 4:8 HCSB)
The word up there in the title of this column, “Selah”, is found over 70 times in the Psalms and Habakkuk, usually with a footnote saying that it's suspected meaning is some sort of musical information, but nobody knows for sure. Me? I'm suspicious that something repeated so many times is not mere choral direction, and that God put it there on purpose.
Selah is from a Hebrew root word meaning “to suspend, weigh”, as in “weigh in the balance”, or “judge”.
Reading the Psalms, I get the feeling that it's placed there for emphasis. “Ponder what was just said. Think about it. Consider. Measure this against what you know.”
You ever read something, then put it down and be unable to remember even a little bit of it? That's OK with a magazine article, or the TV guide or something, but too often we do that with our Bible readings. It's kind of like yard-mowing. With our riding mower, you have to engage the blade, or you're just going for a ride. The grass-cutting power is available, the time is being spent, the potential for accomplishment is there, but nothing comes of it. Just letting our eyes pass over the Scripture without being involved with it is just as much a waste of time and energy. Actually, it's more of a waste, because it gives the Devil an opportunity to steal the Word away before it can take root.
“So what can I do about it?” Well, I'm glad you asked, since God gives us what we need to know.
... his delight is in the LORD's instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. He is like a tree planted beside streams of water that bears its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. (Psalms 1:2-3 HCSB)
Meditate on the Word. Think about it, pick it up and look at it from all sides. Imagine how it could be put to use in your daily trials and joys. Remember how God has done great things . Get engaged with it, and you'll be doing “Selah”.
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable--if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise--dwell on these things. (Philippians 4:8 HCSB)
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
What are you good for? When George Washington Carver asked that question of the lowly peanut, he discovered anywhere from 100 to 300 uses. They ranged from food products (peanut butter, candy bars, cooking oil, instant coffee, sausage, meat substitute) to stock feed, from dyes and paints to medicines, wood filler to paper to laundry soap. They are used as an ingredient in dynamite and nitroglycerine. They can be made into gasoline and diesel fuel (and would probably smell better in use than either of those). When Carver was born in Missouri sometime in 1864, the peanut had been known and used for hundreds of years, but it took a man of faith to see beyond its snack value and uncover its potential.
Jesus was always discovering potential where others only saw problems. Zaccheus, the woman at the well, Mary Magdelene, Lazarus, Matthew were all damaged people. The religious authorities of His day were stuck in the mindset of condemnation. Their focus was on the cause and criticism of the problem, not its redemption, but the Jesus who saw the spiritual significance of the mustard seed also sees the spiritual significance of each of His children.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Eph 2:10
What are you good for? When the Master Craftsman asks that of you, what will He discover, someone who is hiding their talent in a napkin or someone who is investing that talent as if everything depended on it? None of us want to be on the wrong end of that conversation, but it remains for us to do something about it. Discover the value of the Gifts of God in your life. Put them into practice and unlock the “peanut potential” that lies in His provision and revelation.
Jesus was always discovering potential where others only saw problems. Zaccheus, the woman at the well, Mary Magdelene, Lazarus, Matthew were all damaged people. The religious authorities of His day were stuck in the mindset of condemnation. Their focus was on the cause and criticism of the problem, not its redemption, but the Jesus who saw the spiritual significance of the mustard seed also sees the spiritual significance of each of His children.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Eph 2:10
What are you good for? When the Master Craftsman asks that of you, what will He discover, someone who is hiding their talent in a napkin or someone who is investing that talent as if everything depended on it? None of us want to be on the wrong end of that conversation, but it remains for us to do something about it. Discover the value of the Gifts of God in your life. Put them into practice and unlock the “peanut potential” that lies in His provision and revelation.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Which Side?
A teenager named Miguel was visiting the local jail with my father-in-law's jail ministry. He read a passage from the book of Jonah, then said to the prisoners, "This could be your fish. This time in jail could be the Lord reaching out to you to get you back on track, away from the destiny of your rebellion. Don't stay in the fish."
Which side of the fish are YOU on, in-side or out-side? Have your circumstances hemmed you in, so that you are drowning in a sea of despair? Cry out to the Lord, and let him put you back on His track for your life.
Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the belly of the fish, saying, 'I called out to the LORD, out of my distress, and He answered me'...And the LORD spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land."Jonah 2:1, 10
Which side of the fish are YOU on, in-side or out-side? Have your circumstances hemmed you in, so that you are drowning in a sea of despair? Cry out to the Lord, and let him put you back on His track for your life.
Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the belly of the fish, saying, 'I called out to the LORD, out of my distress, and He answered me'...And the LORD spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land."Jonah 2:1, 10
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The Name
In the movie Toy Story, the hero (Woody) was depressed. He feared he was being replaced in the affections of his owner (Andy) by a newer, more exciting toy. He would look at the bottom of his shoe from time to time, where Andy had written his name. His world changed around him, he had trouble, disillusionment, discouragement, discontent.
He was lost, trapped in adventure with his nemesis, without hope of rescue, but the Name endured, written in permanent ink.
Sometimes, we’re kind of like Woody. We go along through life with scarcely a ripple of trouble, then suddenly everything falls apart, and disaster threatens to overwhelm us. “Where is the God who delivers? Why are the heavens silent? Doesn’t He care about the trouble I’m in?”
Maybe we can get some help from the Gospel of Mark:
And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" Mar 4:37-40 ESV
When we give our lives to Christ, He writes His Name on our hearts. We may face trouble and discouragement, fear and doubt, but those temporary trials cannot erase the Name. Listen to the Savior: "Peace! Be still!" The Name, and all the promises of God that go with it, is still written, still vivid, still untarnished.
Woody’s attitude toward Andy wavered during the adventure, but only briefly. In the end, he remained faithful. Let’s learn from his fine example, and not be blown about by every wind and wave of discouragement that comes our way.
Psa 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
He was lost, trapped in adventure with his nemesis, without hope of rescue, but the Name endured, written in permanent ink.
Sometimes, we’re kind of like Woody. We go along through life with scarcely a ripple of trouble, then suddenly everything falls apart, and disaster threatens to overwhelm us. “Where is the God who delivers? Why are the heavens silent? Doesn’t He care about the trouble I’m in?”
Maybe we can get some help from the Gospel of Mark:
And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" Mar 4:37-40 ESV
When we give our lives to Christ, He writes His Name on our hearts. We may face trouble and discouragement, fear and doubt, but those temporary trials cannot erase the Name. Listen to the Savior: "Peace! Be still!" The Name, and all the promises of God that go with it, is still written, still vivid, still untarnished.
Woody’s attitude toward Andy wavered during the adventure, but only briefly. In the end, he remained faithful. Let’s learn from his fine example, and not be blown about by every wind and wave of discouragement that comes our way.
Psa 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Baptist Balloon
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Ephesians 5:18
I got a bag of water balloons the other day. The picture on the bag showed a balloon bursting, spraying water all over.
So, I gleefully ripped open the bag and flung a red “Water Bomb” at the nearest heathen, but to my everlasting disappointment, no baptism took place. Just a whimpy little “whap” and then it flopped to the floor.
OK, I confess! I made that up. Shocking, I know. I don't expect that “balloon baptizing” will really catch on, but think how much fun it would be to show up at a community gathering and convert the whole crowd!
Did you ever notice how a balloon acts differently, depending on what it's filled with? If you don't put anything in it, it's like a rubber band, stretchy if not useful, having potential only. If you fill it with water, you are overcome with a Spirit of Mischief, and can't wait to find a victim. If you blow it up with your own hot air, it makes a fine toy for the young'un in you, to bat around or rub on your head to stick to the wall with static electricity. If left alone, it falls to the floor of it's own weight, and if not popped will eventually wilt down.
But put helium in it, and it soars to the heavens.
Balloons, then, are containers of potentiality, just like you and me. Filled with nothing, we are just colorful bits of decoration. Fill us with earthly liquids (like wine, see above), and we become explosive and dangerous. Filled with hot air, we might bob around playfully for awhile, then fall to earth. But fill us with the living Spirit of God, and we become high-flying, heaven-bound adventurers. Which would you rather be? Judging by the way the Scripture verse is worded, we have the ability to decide what we are going to be filled with. It might be important to note that others will be able to tell which choice we've made, and no picture on the container will affect their perception.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:17
I got a bag of water balloons the other day. The picture on the bag showed a balloon bursting, spraying water all over.
So, I gleefully ripped open the bag and flung a red “Water Bomb” at the nearest heathen, but to my everlasting disappointment, no baptism took place. Just a whimpy little “whap” and then it flopped to the floor.
OK, I confess! I made that up. Shocking, I know. I don't expect that “balloon baptizing” will really catch on, but think how much fun it would be to show up at a community gathering and convert the whole crowd!
Did you ever notice how a balloon acts differently, depending on what it's filled with? If you don't put anything in it, it's like a rubber band, stretchy if not useful, having potential only. If you fill it with water, you are overcome with a Spirit of Mischief, and can't wait to find a victim. If you blow it up with your own hot air, it makes a fine toy for the young'un in you, to bat around or rub on your head to stick to the wall with static electricity. If left alone, it falls to the floor of it's own weight, and if not popped will eventually wilt down.
But put helium in it, and it soars to the heavens.
Balloons, then, are containers of potentiality, just like you and me. Filled with nothing, we are just colorful bits of decoration. Fill us with earthly liquids (like wine, see above), and we become explosive and dangerous. Filled with hot air, we might bob around playfully for awhile, then fall to earth. But fill us with the living Spirit of God, and we become high-flying, heaven-bound adventurers. Which would you rather be? Judging by the way the Scripture verse is worded, we have the ability to decide what we are going to be filled with. It might be important to note that others will be able to tell which choice we've made, and no picture on the container will affect their perception.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:17
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The Easter Egg Hunt of Life
I remember my early hunts. Real eggs, boiled and dyed them ourselves. A fair amount of anxiety if someone should find more than me. The incredible tension until someone found the Prize Egg (only one, in our day) containing 50 cents, and O what Joy! - if I did!
Then there was the transition from Hunter to Hider, and a certain perverse pleasure in seeing your younger siblings desparately seeking and...NOT finding, becoming the anxiety of seeing your own kids WALK RIGHT PAST the treasures you wanted them to find.
Now I'm making a new transition, thanks to my condition: Old-Timers. I'm developing a new devotion to the Hereafter, as in, “What am I in HERE after?” I've identified some stages of Old-Timers, having to do with stuff. First came “I'm sure I left it here”, followed by “I think I left it here”. These first two show that I still had some of my mind left, but that quickly moves into the next stage: “How did that get in here?” which is hard on the heels of: “Where did that come from?”
What really surprises me, though, is the pleasure that comes from these discoveries. I mean, I've been “finding” my glasses every day since I was nine, but now that the search is harder, the reward is greater. Who knew such joy could be waiting in such...humble circumstances. Now I think I finally can sympathize with the woman who lost a coin and swept her whole house, looking till she found it. (Luke 15) If I ever call you to rejoice with me over finding my favorite pen, now you'll know why. I'm in the Old-Timers Easter Egg Hunt every day!
Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Luke 15:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Luke 19:10
I remember my early hunts. Real eggs, boiled and dyed them ourselves. A fair amount of anxiety if someone should find more than me. The incredible tension until someone found the Prize Egg (only one, in our day) containing 50 cents, and O what Joy! - if I did!
Then there was the transition from Hunter to Hider, and a certain perverse pleasure in seeing your younger siblings desparately seeking and...NOT finding, becoming the anxiety of seeing your own kids WALK RIGHT PAST the treasures you wanted them to find.
Now I'm making a new transition, thanks to my condition: Old-Timers. I'm developing a new devotion to the Hereafter, as in, “What am I in HERE after?” I've identified some stages of Old-Timers, having to do with stuff. First came “I'm sure I left it here”, followed by “I think I left it here”. These first two show that I still had some of my mind left, but that quickly moves into the next stage: “How did that get in here?” which is hard on the heels of: “Where did that come from?”
What really surprises me, though, is the pleasure that comes from these discoveries. I mean, I've been “finding” my glasses every day since I was nine, but now that the search is harder, the reward is greater. Who knew such joy could be waiting in such...humble circumstances. Now I think I finally can sympathize with the woman who lost a coin and swept her whole house, looking till she found it. (Luke 15) If I ever call you to rejoice with me over finding my favorite pen, now you'll know why. I'm in the Old-Timers Easter Egg Hunt every day!
Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Luke 15:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Luke 19:10
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2 ESV)
Some use Mac OSX. Some are in transition from Windows XP to Windows Vista. A few use Linux. But everyone who has a computer has to have an operating system (OS) to make it work. Without an OS, a computer is just a bulky dust collector. You can have power coming to it. You can tap the keys for hours, but without software to tell the hardware what to do, a computer is just a bad lamp: a lot of electricity for poor illumination.
But with an OS (and the knowledge to use it) the possibilities are practically endless.
In the Kingdom of Heaven, faith is the OS. By faith alone we have access to the amazing possibilities of God available to the believer, just as by the OS we have access to the world wide web, the educational and productive (and entertainment) capabilities of our computers. When God says "...the just shall live by faith." He is telling us to master the OS. Too many of us can't be bothered to become adept at faith. Would you believe someone was getting the best out of their computer if all they ever used it for was to play Solitaire? There's so much more! But we paddle around in the shallows of faith as if it were the deep end of the ocean.
"...we have ACCESS by faith into this grace..." All of God is available to us. All of His ability. All of His power. All of His wisdom. All that we need to turn our world right side up. All that we need to do is access it, and the only access key we have is faith in Him. By His plan, it's the only key we need!
And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets-- who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. (Hebrews 11:32-34 ESV)
Some use Mac OSX. Some are in transition from Windows XP to Windows Vista. A few use Linux. But everyone who has a computer has to have an operating system (OS) to make it work. Without an OS, a computer is just a bulky dust collector. You can have power coming to it. You can tap the keys for hours, but without software to tell the hardware what to do, a computer is just a bad lamp: a lot of electricity for poor illumination.
But with an OS (and the knowledge to use it) the possibilities are practically endless.
In the Kingdom of Heaven, faith is the OS. By faith alone we have access to the amazing possibilities of God available to the believer, just as by the OS we have access to the world wide web, the educational and productive (and entertainment) capabilities of our computers. When God says "...the just shall live by faith." He is telling us to master the OS. Too many of us can't be bothered to become adept at faith. Would you believe someone was getting the best out of their computer if all they ever used it for was to play Solitaire? There's so much more! But we paddle around in the shallows of faith as if it were the deep end of the ocean.
"...we have ACCESS by faith into this grace..." All of God is available to us. All of His ability. All of His power. All of His wisdom. All that we need to turn our world right side up. All that we need to do is access it, and the only access key we have is faith in Him. By His plan, it's the only key we need!
And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets-- who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. (Hebrews 11:32-34 ESV)
Thursday, May 28, 2009
To Eternity...And Beyond!
Psalm 68:1 Let God arise, Let His enemies be scattered; Let those also who hate Him flee before Him. (NKJV)
If God rises up in your life, what's going to have to go? If the Light of Life were to shine into the dark recesses of your soul, what would scurry away into the black?
We've all turned on a light and discovered vermin making a mad dash for cover at some time in our lives. Gives me the "heeby-jeebies" just typing about it! Decay, disease, and even death are in their wake, and no housekeeper in his right mind puts up with them.
So why do we put with their spiritual equivalent? The Silverfish of Selfishness, the Cockroach of a Critical Spirit, the Rodents of Un-confessed Sin, the Flea of Spite, the Earwig of Lust, if left unchecked do far deadlier damage to the hearts and minds they inhabit than their physical namesakes.
Just had a thought: these sound like villains Buzz Lightyear might face in his TV adventures. He always fought his enemies with his laser - focused Light!
It's time to shine the Light into all the places spiritual vermin hides, leaving them no comfort zone. We are going "To Eternity - And Beyond!" and we don't need any hidden passengers.
...for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. (Ephesians 5:8-11, ESV)
If God rises up in your life, what's going to have to go? If the Light of Life were to shine into the dark recesses of your soul, what would scurry away into the black?
We've all turned on a light and discovered vermin making a mad dash for cover at some time in our lives. Gives me the "heeby-jeebies" just typing about it! Decay, disease, and even death are in their wake, and no housekeeper in his right mind puts up with them.
So why do we put with their spiritual equivalent? The Silverfish of Selfishness, the Cockroach of a Critical Spirit, the Rodents of Un-confessed Sin, the Flea of Spite, the Earwig of Lust, if left unchecked do far deadlier damage to the hearts and minds they inhabit than their physical namesakes.
Just had a thought: these sound like villains Buzz Lightyear might face in his TV adventures. He always fought his enemies with his laser - focused Light!
It's time to shine the Light into all the places spiritual vermin hides, leaving them no comfort zone. We are going "To Eternity - And Beyond!" and we don't need any hidden passengers.
...for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. (Ephesians 5:8-11, ESV)
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Monster mash?
Body parts taken from various dead. Cobbled together into a semblance of hideous life. Animated by arcane and mysterious arts. Raining death, misery, and destruction on its creators. It is either: A Committee, A Political Party, Frankenstein's monster, or All of the Above.
Mary Shelley's cautionary tale of science run amuk could be read as a critique of church history. Catholics vs. Huguenots. Lutherans vs. Anabaptists. Papists vs. Protestants. Plenty of blood spilled, justified from pulpits and entered into with great zeal. I don't think this was what Jesus prayed for in John 17, and it wasn't what the disciples modeled for us, which is amazing, considering their backgrounds. I mean, you've got professional fishermen – very likely competitors – mingling with a religious extremist, a national traitor, an entrepeneur, a couple of hard-headed “see it to believe it” types, a veritable pot waiting to boil, but no broken noses or bloody lips. There was no shoot-out at the Galilee Corral, no Thrilla in Gehenna. Why? What was the factor that kept these opinionated, aggressive, strong men from each others throats? They had many reasons to keep them apart, but only one to bring them together: Jesus. He took these dead-in-their-sins chunks of vileness, and built them together into His living church. Unlike Frankenstein, he did not create an engine of death and destruction, but of life and hope. The magic He used wasn't hidden from the world, but revealed through His masterpiece: “...by this will all people know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35 He united them in Himself, the same way He unites people today. It doesn't mean that we won't ever feel angry or frustrated with one another. It doesn't mean that we won't ever have disagreements. It does mean that we have the highest standard of fellowship, and if we want to have fellowship with Him, our capacity to enjoy one another will be stretched to the uttermost.
Mary Shelley's cautionary tale of science run amuk could be read as a critique of church history. Catholics vs. Huguenots. Lutherans vs. Anabaptists. Papists vs. Protestants. Plenty of blood spilled, justified from pulpits and entered into with great zeal. I don't think this was what Jesus prayed for in John 17, and it wasn't what the disciples modeled for us, which is amazing, considering their backgrounds. I mean, you've got professional fishermen – very likely competitors – mingling with a religious extremist, a national traitor, an entrepeneur, a couple of hard-headed “see it to believe it” types, a veritable pot waiting to boil, but no broken noses or bloody lips. There was no shoot-out at the Galilee Corral, no Thrilla in Gehenna. Why? What was the factor that kept these opinionated, aggressive, strong men from each others throats? They had many reasons to keep them apart, but only one to bring them together: Jesus. He took these dead-in-their-sins chunks of vileness, and built them together into His living church. Unlike Frankenstein, he did not create an engine of death and destruction, but of life and hope. The magic He used wasn't hidden from the world, but revealed through His masterpiece: “...by this will all people know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35 He united them in Himself, the same way He unites people today. It doesn't mean that we won't ever feel angry or frustrated with one another. It doesn't mean that we won't ever have disagreements. It does mean that we have the highest standard of fellowship, and if we want to have fellowship with Him, our capacity to enjoy one another will be stretched to the uttermost.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Falling Star
One evening a few weeks ago, I went for a walk. I was almost home when I saw it. A shooting star! It crossed the heavens before me, brightly lighting the sky for a moment, then winking out. I stood there open-mouthed, half waiting for the rumbling thunderous sonic boom Hollywood always seems to add to these moments. Nothing. Silence. A still moment, and I found myself thanking God for the Wonder.
In the back of my mind, the factoids began to roll. A bit of cosmic dust, intersecting the atmosphere. Not important in the general scheme of things. No armies will march in its service, no prophets cry out a doom in its wake. But the Wonder was there, and it was real. And it lasted longer than the star's journey across the night sky.
Then, thoughts about the brevity of life began to flirt with my mind, an almost Ecclesiastes-like pessimism. “Life is like a speck, burning across the sky, then gone. To an Eternal God, how quickly our lives must flash before Him, gone almost before they start.”
Psalm 90:4, 10 A thousand years in Your sight is but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night....The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.
Yet the Wonder remained, and a new thought came: “Yes, your life is brief, but the Lord rejoices to see it.”
In “olden days”, men were astonished seeing what they believed to be fixed points in the heavens fall. Their minds raced for reasons, and often hit upon coming disaster or warnings from the gods. Even with the comfort of education, it took a Still Small Voice to turn pessimism to praise, insignificance to security, for there is a Living God, and He sees me. He sees us, and he rejoices to see us carry His spark across the heavens.
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your finger, the moon and the stars which you have ordained, What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. Psalm 8: 3-5
In the back of my mind, the factoids began to roll. A bit of cosmic dust, intersecting the atmosphere. Not important in the general scheme of things. No armies will march in its service, no prophets cry out a doom in its wake. But the Wonder was there, and it was real. And it lasted longer than the star's journey across the night sky.
Then, thoughts about the brevity of life began to flirt with my mind, an almost Ecclesiastes-like pessimism. “Life is like a speck, burning across the sky, then gone. To an Eternal God, how quickly our lives must flash before Him, gone almost before they start.”
Psalm 90:4, 10 A thousand years in Your sight is but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night....The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.
Yet the Wonder remained, and a new thought came: “Yes, your life is brief, but the Lord rejoices to see it.”
In “olden days”, men were astonished seeing what they believed to be fixed points in the heavens fall. Their minds raced for reasons, and often hit upon coming disaster or warnings from the gods. Even with the comfort of education, it took a Still Small Voice to turn pessimism to praise, insignificance to security, for there is a Living God, and He sees me. He sees us, and he rejoices to see us carry His spark across the heavens.
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your finger, the moon and the stars which you have ordained, What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. Psalm 8: 3-5
Saturday, April 25, 2009
April 2008 newsletter
I thank my God every time I remember you, always praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
(Philippians 1:3-5)
Are we pets of the Savior, or are we partners in the Gospel?
A roofer once had a dog who could and would bring him tools and materials up a ladder. We've gotten used to the idea of seeing-eye dogs, rescue dogs, and police dogs. There are still many dogs who herd sheep and cattle, and we all know the value of a good hunting dog. But the vast majority of dogs live a different kind of life. Very little is expected of them. Eat. Sleep. Lick. Bark. If their owner is ambitious, maybe Sit, Speak, and Beg are added to their vocabulary. Most dogs are Pets, more decorative than useful. I think they'd be better off as Partners, even though it would mean a drastic change for them, and require much more of their time and effort.
Pets are treated somewhat differently than Partners. They are usually pampered, given special food, attention, even clothing. A Partner is trained, given instruction and expected to accomplish tasks. Pets must be protected. Any action they initiate will likely result in danger to themselves, so the owner carefully hems them in and watches their every move. Partners are trusted. Their training results in their obedience, their obedience results in their protection. Pets are Awarded. Their owners give them blessings which they have not earned out of indulgence. Partners are Rewarded. Blessings are bestowed upon them in response to their work, and both they and their masters are pleased. If things don't go to suit a Pet, he may sull up. If things don't go to suit a Partner, he still shows up.
There are too many Pets in the Body of Christ. Too many people desire the Pampering of Christ, too few walk in the Training of Christ.
Have you heard of Pet Psychology? There's even a Pet Psychic, who tries to tell you what your pet is “feeling”. Here's my psychic psychology for the week: Sulky, depressed, destructive dogs are that way because their lives lack Purpose. Trained, trusted, and involved, they are transformed. I urge you not to live your life seeking to be a Pampered Pet. Instead, pursue a Partnership with Christ and discover the joys of His pleasure.
... I have become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some. Now I do all this because of the gospel, that I may become a partner in its benefits.
(1 Corinthians 9:22-23)HCSB
(Philippians 1:3-5)
Are we pets of the Savior, or are we partners in the Gospel?
A roofer once had a dog who could and would bring him tools and materials up a ladder. We've gotten used to the idea of seeing-eye dogs, rescue dogs, and police dogs. There are still many dogs who herd sheep and cattle, and we all know the value of a good hunting dog. But the vast majority of dogs live a different kind of life. Very little is expected of them. Eat. Sleep. Lick. Bark. If their owner is ambitious, maybe Sit, Speak, and Beg are added to their vocabulary. Most dogs are Pets, more decorative than useful. I think they'd be better off as Partners, even though it would mean a drastic change for them, and require much more of their time and effort.
Pets are treated somewhat differently than Partners. They are usually pampered, given special food, attention, even clothing. A Partner is trained, given instruction and expected to accomplish tasks. Pets must be protected. Any action they initiate will likely result in danger to themselves, so the owner carefully hems them in and watches their every move. Partners are trusted. Their training results in their obedience, their obedience results in their protection. Pets are Awarded. Their owners give them blessings which they have not earned out of indulgence. Partners are Rewarded. Blessings are bestowed upon them in response to their work, and both they and their masters are pleased. If things don't go to suit a Pet, he may sull up. If things don't go to suit a Partner, he still shows up.
There are too many Pets in the Body of Christ. Too many people desire the Pampering of Christ, too few walk in the Training of Christ.
Have you heard of Pet Psychology? There's even a Pet Psychic, who tries to tell you what your pet is “feeling”. Here's my psychic psychology for the week: Sulky, depressed, destructive dogs are that way because their lives lack Purpose. Trained, trusted, and involved, they are transformed. I urge you not to live your life seeking to be a Pampered Pet. Instead, pursue a Partnership with Christ and discover the joys of His pleasure.
... I have become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some. Now I do all this because of the gospel, that I may become a partner in its benefits.
(1 Corinthians 9:22-23)HCSB
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