If you caught my husband’s most recent Pioneer column you met Diva, our 13-year-old Bichon Frise. Mike compared Diva’s adoration for us to the adoration we should have for our Master. Perhaps you were touched by Mike’s description of Diva lounging among our shoes or nesting in a jacket. She is adorable. And when I come home after a long day, it’s like she’s been fixed in place, just waiting for my return. How touching is that?
While Diva is a loving and faithful companion, the one thing Mike did not mention is that she’s not real smart. It’s OK…I’ll choose faithful and affectionate over intelligent any day. But sometimes I do wish she could figure out how to get the kibble from under the table without needing me to move the chairs around.
She doesn’t understand much of what I say to her. I don’t think it’s selective hearing…she’s just not very bright. She picks up certain words: “walk,” “outside,” and “go to bed.” Other than that, I’m sure my speech pretty much resembles that of Charlie Brown’s teacher’s: “mwa mwa mwa.” My lips are moving and something’s coming out, but to Diva it’s all gibberish.
To the people of ancient Corinth, much of what the Apostle Paul had to say was gibberish…nonsense. Paul came to the busy Greek trading city to share the gospel with the mostly Gentile population. He taught about the freedom of life in Christ—the Jewish Messiah who came to save the world. He preached about Jesus’ death on the cross and subsequent resurrection. He asked people to accept the Good News and experience the new life for themselves.
It was a difficult sell in a cosmopolitan city that celebrated Greek philosophy and a culture of “wisdom.” Though not a scholarly city, philosophers were plentiful—each with their own conclusions regarding the world’s problems. And into this enlightened society, Paul brought the word of the cross (1 Corinthians 1:18)—so much mwa, mwa, mwa. To people who celebrated the power and wisdom of gods such as Kratos and Athena, the God of Israel was insignificant. How could an Almighty God allow His Savior to die the death of the lower class? The Roman cross was reserved for criminals and slaves—not the Son of God. That was simply foolishness.
Some, however, heard Paul’s message and believed. It made no logical nor reasonable sense, yet they saw this weakest, most foolish moment as the moment God sacrificed for them. And this, of course, revealed God’s strength and wisdom. In allowing Himself to be seen as weak and foolish, He attracted intelligent but needy Corinthians.
God’s message of salvation through the cross remains so much mwa, mwa, mwa today. With our superior systems of knowledge and access to information, we do not accept what we cannot explain. And we cannot explain a God who allows war and hunger and the sexual exploitation of children. We cannot explain a God who allows suffering through cancer and AIDS. To call Him a loving God is simply foolishness…according to the world’s wisdom.
Yet, there are some who do believe. They believe God loved this world so much that He allowed His Son to die to save it. He allowed Himself to be weak, and Jesus offered no resistance when arrested. He permitted Himself to be foolish, and Jesus submitted to torture and death. It’s an outlandish story…but many believe it.
God is well pleased through the foolishness of the message to save those who believe (1 Corinthians 1:21). It really doesn’t matter whether we think God is foolish or weak. The truth is He saves those who believe. The evidence of His wisdom and power is displayed by their lives—renewed, restored, and changed lives. It pleases God when we break through the mwa, mwa, mwa and believe.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
IF I HAD A PULPIT: For Example
Adults make difficult students. They come to the classroom with busy schedules, conflicting obligations, and a great wealth of experience—sometimes of the subject being taught. Instructors have much working against them. Desire to learn isn’t always the motivation with adult students, so the last thing teachers need is a method that sabotages the learning process. Five strategies to avoid include:
1) Have minimal personal contact
2) Establish and maintain a passive mood in the classroom
3) Assume the class will apply what is taught. Don’t bother with examples.
4) Criticize
5) Make the students feel stupid for asking questions in class.
The many titles of Jesus include “Master,” “Rabbi,” and “Teacher.” Jesus came to teach about God’s Kingdom and to prepare the people for its coming. His primary audience was the working class of Israel—people hardened by life under foreign occupation and jaded by the religious leaders’ rhetoric. Ruling Pharisees had corrupted God’s Law by adding rules that they themselves could not keep. When Jesus came to the Israelites with the Good News of God’s Kingdom, the people were no doubt cynical.
Cynicism was counter to His message of hope, so Jesus got personal with them. He was face-to-face with His students, touching them, eating with them, crying over them. He encouraged questions and did not ridicule nor criticize.
Stories from the pages of their daily lives peppered Jesus’ lessons. Often in teaching the concepts of the Kingdom, Jesus provided a living example. In the synagogue, He freed a man of a demon. As the exorcism demonstrated, evil would be thrown out of God’s Kingdom. The end of sickness and death was shown when Jesus healed Simon’s mother-in-law from a raging fever. Later Jesus gave an object lesson on the benefits of cleansing.
While preaching in the province of Galilee, a leper found Jesus. The man fell to his knees and begged, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Oh, the faith. The leper believed in the Jesus’ Kingdom work. He had faith enough to believe that Jesus was able to cure his devastating disease.
The physical ruin was readily apparent, but Jesus also saw the desperation of the man at His feet. Compassion overcame Him. “I am willing,” He said reaching to touch the leper. “Be cleansed.” The disease vanished. The leper left the gathering free and clean (Mark 1:40 – 42).
Jesus came to teach and preach and heal. But He came to cleanse the world of sin. The leper asked for a healing, but he was saying, “I’m filthy. I’m defiled. I’m tainted. Make me pure. Make me clean. Make me new.”
The confession of a sinner.
In many ways, leprosy symbolizes the ravages of sin. It gradually erodes the body—first the skin, then muscle, then bone—all while life remains. The leper bears the effects of the disease. Sinners bear the scars of their actions. Persons affected with leprosy are separated from community as sinners are separated from commune with God.
When the leper cried out, “You can make me clean,” he was saying, “You can restore me to what I once was.” Jesus healed this man as an example of the eternal healing He came to do. For all who come to Him and say, “If You’re willing,” Jesus says, “I am willing.” For those who say, “I’m a mess. I am hopeless. My life is dark” Jesus says, “I am willing.” He longs to hear the cry, “You can put me back together. You can give me hope. You can clean me and restore me to what I should be.”
The healing of the leper was a real-time lesson on forgiveness of sin. Jesus transformed him from an outcast to a man embraced by society. Jesus heals the sinner and transforms him/her from a wretch to a child embraced by God.
Few students, however, grasped the lesson. It would be repeated over and over, but until the Resurrection, it remained unlearned.
Today, we have the benefit of knowing the whole story. We know Jesus’ mission and purpose for healing. We know what He did to fulfill that mission. Still, we may not understand what He has demonstrated before our eyes. All around we can see the evidence of His healing—broken people who now treasure their circumstances. Hopeless people now inspiring others to dream. Addicts in recovery, shattered marriages restored, convicts mentoring troubled youth. Have you learned the lesson? Have you trusted in the cleansing that comes when sin is forgiven?
1) Have minimal personal contact
2) Establish and maintain a passive mood in the classroom
3) Assume the class will apply what is taught. Don’t bother with examples.
4) Criticize
5) Make the students feel stupid for asking questions in class.
The many titles of Jesus include “Master,” “Rabbi,” and “Teacher.” Jesus came to teach about God’s Kingdom and to prepare the people for its coming. His primary audience was the working class of Israel—people hardened by life under foreign occupation and jaded by the religious leaders’ rhetoric. Ruling Pharisees had corrupted God’s Law by adding rules that they themselves could not keep. When Jesus came to the Israelites with the Good News of God’s Kingdom, the people were no doubt cynical.
Cynicism was counter to His message of hope, so Jesus got personal with them. He was face-to-face with His students, touching them, eating with them, crying over them. He encouraged questions and did not ridicule nor criticize.
Stories from the pages of their daily lives peppered Jesus’ lessons. Often in teaching the concepts of the Kingdom, Jesus provided a living example. In the synagogue, He freed a man of a demon. As the exorcism demonstrated, evil would be thrown out of God’s Kingdom. The end of sickness and death was shown when Jesus healed Simon’s mother-in-law from a raging fever. Later Jesus gave an object lesson on the benefits of cleansing.
While preaching in the province of Galilee, a leper found Jesus. The man fell to his knees and begged, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Oh, the faith. The leper believed in the Jesus’ Kingdom work. He had faith enough to believe that Jesus was able to cure his devastating disease.
The physical ruin was readily apparent, but Jesus also saw the desperation of the man at His feet. Compassion overcame Him. “I am willing,” He said reaching to touch the leper. “Be cleansed.” The disease vanished. The leper left the gathering free and clean (Mark 1:40 – 42).
Jesus came to teach and preach and heal. But He came to cleanse the world of sin. The leper asked for a healing, but he was saying, “I’m filthy. I’m defiled. I’m tainted. Make me pure. Make me clean. Make me new.”
The confession of a sinner.
In many ways, leprosy symbolizes the ravages of sin. It gradually erodes the body—first the skin, then muscle, then bone—all while life remains. The leper bears the effects of the disease. Sinners bear the scars of their actions. Persons affected with leprosy are separated from community as sinners are separated from commune with God.
When the leper cried out, “You can make me clean,” he was saying, “You can restore me to what I once was.” Jesus healed this man as an example of the eternal healing He came to do. For all who come to Him and say, “If You’re willing,” Jesus says, “I am willing.” For those who say, “I’m a mess. I am hopeless. My life is dark” Jesus says, “I am willing.” He longs to hear the cry, “You can put me back together. You can give me hope. You can clean me and restore me to what I should be.”
The healing of the leper was a real-time lesson on forgiveness of sin. Jesus transformed him from an outcast to a man embraced by society. Jesus heals the sinner and transforms him/her from a wretch to a child embraced by God.
Few students, however, grasped the lesson. It would be repeated over and over, but until the Resurrection, it remained unlearned.
Today, we have the benefit of knowing the whole story. We know Jesus’ mission and purpose for healing. We know what He did to fulfill that mission. Still, we may not understand what He has demonstrated before our eyes. All around we can see the evidence of His healing—broken people who now treasure their circumstances. Hopeless people now inspiring others to dream. Addicts in recovery, shattered marriages restored, convicts mentoring troubled youth. Have you learned the lesson? Have you trusted in the cleansing that comes when sin is forgiven?
Friday, February 13, 2009
PIONEER COLUMN (February 2009): Hide 'n Seek
The game has changed dramatically since I was a kid. It used to be you’d gather with a bunch of friends, appoint one of them to be IT, then scatter and hole up while he/she counted to 100. IT then set out to uncover the rest of us. We hid in trees, behind garages, under piles of leaves. If your hiding spot was discovered you ran to the safety of home, striving to reach it before IT tagged you and knocked you out of the game.
Well, 21st century technology has overhauled the simplicity of Hide ‘n Seek. The object now is to locate hidden treasures rather than hidden friends. High-tech equipment—a hand-held GPS device—is required to find the treasures as opposed to trusting basic instinct and give-away giggles. Even the game’s name has changed. This updated version goes by the ostentatious title geocaching: geo from geography and caching for the act of hiding something in a secret spot.
The plus side of this modern version is that the treasures will likely be found. Latitude and longitude coordinates are provided and entered into the GPS unit before the hunt begins. The hunter (AKA IT) simply follows the device’s arrow till the hidden treasures are uncovered. Diligent searching leads to discovery.
The way to acquire treasures—whatever they might be—is to seek them. And whether through use of the most advanced satellite science or the ancient practice of prayer, those who search for treasures find them.
The exiled Israelites learned that despite their sufferings, God could be found in Babylon. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you…(Jeremiah 29:13 – 14). Hundreds of years later the people anxiously looked for God’s Servant, the Messiah, to release them from captivity of foreign rule and an oppressive religious system.
The day Jesus launched His traveling ministry He left the crowds and admirers behind. He rose before sunrise and hiked to an isolated spot. There He spent the pre-dawn hours in prayer. The disciples woke and found Jesus missing. They mounted a search and, like skilled hunters, tracked Him down. It probably was a frantic hunt. A crush of sick and invalid and demon-possessed awaited Jesus’ return. Everyone is looking for You (Mark 1:37), the disciples informed Him.
Everyone is looking for you. How profound. Without realizing it, the disciples stated the urgency of Jesus’ mission. Their intent was to return Jesus to the waiting crowds for another day of healing and miracles. But Jesus had been in prayer for His ministry. He and the twelve were about to hit the road to share the Gospel because everyone was looking for Him. It was time for Him to be found.
The urgency remains today. All around us, people seek God. They ask, How could a loving God allow… or Where was God when… or even Why is God punishing me? They want answers. And God promises that when they search with all their heart, they will find Him. He’s not hiding. Jesus goes to meet the seekers where they are—hospitals, prisons, soup kitchens and shelters.
How can you help seekers around you? Be a disciple. Jesus is found in His followers as they feed the hungry, visit the imprisoned, shelter the homeless, stand against injustice, stand for the rights of the persecuted and disadvantaged, when they care for the least of society. Jesus makes Himself known when His disciples promote the Kingdom of God with their words and actions.
Well, 21st century technology has overhauled the simplicity of Hide ‘n Seek. The object now is to locate hidden treasures rather than hidden friends. High-tech equipment—a hand-held GPS device—is required to find the treasures as opposed to trusting basic instinct and give-away giggles. Even the game’s name has changed. This updated version goes by the ostentatious title geocaching: geo from geography and caching for the act of hiding something in a secret spot.
The plus side of this modern version is that the treasures will likely be found. Latitude and longitude coordinates are provided and entered into the GPS unit before the hunt begins. The hunter (AKA IT) simply follows the device’s arrow till the hidden treasures are uncovered. Diligent searching leads to discovery.
The way to acquire treasures—whatever they might be—is to seek them. And whether through use of the most advanced satellite science or the ancient practice of prayer, those who search for treasures find them.
The exiled Israelites learned that despite their sufferings, God could be found in Babylon. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you…(Jeremiah 29:13 – 14). Hundreds of years later the people anxiously looked for God’s Servant, the Messiah, to release them from captivity of foreign rule and an oppressive religious system.
The day Jesus launched His traveling ministry He left the crowds and admirers behind. He rose before sunrise and hiked to an isolated spot. There He spent the pre-dawn hours in prayer. The disciples woke and found Jesus missing. They mounted a search and, like skilled hunters, tracked Him down. It probably was a frantic hunt. A crush of sick and invalid and demon-possessed awaited Jesus’ return. Everyone is looking for You (Mark 1:37), the disciples informed Him.
Everyone is looking for you. How profound. Without realizing it, the disciples stated the urgency of Jesus’ mission. Their intent was to return Jesus to the waiting crowds for another day of healing and miracles. But Jesus had been in prayer for His ministry. He and the twelve were about to hit the road to share the Gospel because everyone was looking for Him. It was time for Him to be found.
The urgency remains today. All around us, people seek God. They ask, How could a loving God allow… or Where was God when… or even Why is God punishing me? They want answers. And God promises that when they search with all their heart, they will find Him. He’s not hiding. Jesus goes to meet the seekers where they are—hospitals, prisons, soup kitchens and shelters.
How can you help seekers around you? Be a disciple. Jesus is found in His followers as they feed the hungry, visit the imprisoned, shelter the homeless, stand against injustice, stand for the rights of the persecuted and disadvantaged, when they care for the least of society. Jesus makes Himself known when His disciples promote the Kingdom of God with their words and actions.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
IF I HAD A PULPIT: There Must Be Some Misunderstanding
Big Jim is not a church-going man. We see his wife each Sunday and at church events, but generally Big Jim stays home. So when he walked in to last week’s service we knew something was up.
When Pastor called for prayer concerns Big Jim raised his hand. “Pastor,” he said, “I’d like the church to pray for my hearing.”
The grin on Pastor’s face told us that he would not let this moment pass. “Yes, of course we will, Jim. In fact, everyone gather around Big Jim and lay hands.”
Well, the pews emptied as we moved around the man, reaching out to touch his shoulders, back, and head. Pastor placed his hands on Big Jim’s ears, then bowed and prayed—a long prayer, peppered with choruses of “Yes, Lord” from the congregation. Heads lifted at the “Amen” and a few women wiped their eyes. Pastor looked at the big man with confidence and said, “Well, Jim, how’s your hearing now?”
“I don’t know, Pastor,” he replied. “I don’t go before the judge till next Thursday.”
That one’s been around a while. Yet its message remains forever relevant. Despite our best intentions—as the good pastor’s prayer exemplifies—misunderstandings happen when we assume to know what a person is saying. Communication is lost when one perceives a message differently than it was intended.
Jesus had an important message for the people of Israel: the Kingdom of God was coming (Mark 1:15). The time of God’s ultimate reign was closing in. The burden of oppression would be lifted, and evil would be abolished. Jesus’ message was an appeal to turn away from sin and believe.
It was more than an evangelizing sermon. Through captivating stories, miracles, and healings, Jesus taught about the wonderful things of the Kingdom. The Kingdom of God defies this earthly domain, as Jesus demonstrated when He commanded a demon to leave its human victim—and it obeyed (Mark 1:26).
This was a new teaching. It wasn’t the scholarly debate they were accustomed to. It was straightforward truth: God’s Kingdom was near. Believe and accept it.
How did the people respond to the new teaching? They went out and shared the news—news about the incredible healing they witnessed. Soon, villagers knocked down the doors wherever Jesus stayed for their own piece of the miracle action.
The people got the message. But they misinterpreted it.
Mark 1:28 says, Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere…(NASU). Some versions say His fame spread across the country. Jesus came to preach the good news, but the news that spread was about the miraculous exorcism. It was what Jesus could do that got the people talking.
And isn’t that just how we are. We hear a message, but condense it to headlines and highlights. The Kingdom of God is coming was reduced to There’s a guy who calls evil spirits out of people. The casting out of demons exemplified casting evil out of God’s Kingdom. But the meat of the message was missing from the stories that were spread. The purpose of Jesus’ mission was misinterpreted.
Undoubtedly your messages have resulted in unexpected outcomes. It’s a risk with all communication. Have you thought about how to avoid misunderstandings?
What about avoiding miscommunication of the Gospel of Christ? If you’ve let Jesus into your life, you have a message. In fact, all Christians have been entrusted with a message to share…the message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19). God’s Kingdom comes when the lost return to Him. You can have a part in bringing the Kingdom to a hurting world. Have you thought about what to say? How to say it? How does your life exemplify the hope of the Kingdom? A message as important as the coming of God’s Kingdom needs clear understanding…how are you assured that listeners perceive the your total message?
When Pastor called for prayer concerns Big Jim raised his hand. “Pastor,” he said, “I’d like the church to pray for my hearing.”
The grin on Pastor’s face told us that he would not let this moment pass. “Yes, of course we will, Jim. In fact, everyone gather around Big Jim and lay hands.”
Well, the pews emptied as we moved around the man, reaching out to touch his shoulders, back, and head. Pastor placed his hands on Big Jim’s ears, then bowed and prayed—a long prayer, peppered with choruses of “Yes, Lord” from the congregation. Heads lifted at the “Amen” and a few women wiped their eyes. Pastor looked at the big man with confidence and said, “Well, Jim, how’s your hearing now?”
“I don’t know, Pastor,” he replied. “I don’t go before the judge till next Thursday.”
That one’s been around a while. Yet its message remains forever relevant. Despite our best intentions—as the good pastor’s prayer exemplifies—misunderstandings happen when we assume to know what a person is saying. Communication is lost when one perceives a message differently than it was intended.
Jesus had an important message for the people of Israel: the Kingdom of God was coming (Mark 1:15). The time of God’s ultimate reign was closing in. The burden of oppression would be lifted, and evil would be abolished. Jesus’ message was an appeal to turn away from sin and believe.
It was more than an evangelizing sermon. Through captivating stories, miracles, and healings, Jesus taught about the wonderful things of the Kingdom. The Kingdom of God defies this earthly domain, as Jesus demonstrated when He commanded a demon to leave its human victim—and it obeyed (Mark 1:26).
This was a new teaching. It wasn’t the scholarly debate they were accustomed to. It was straightforward truth: God’s Kingdom was near. Believe and accept it.
How did the people respond to the new teaching? They went out and shared the news—news about the incredible healing they witnessed. Soon, villagers knocked down the doors wherever Jesus stayed for their own piece of the miracle action.
The people got the message. But they misinterpreted it.
Mark 1:28 says, Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere…(NASU). Some versions say His fame spread across the country. Jesus came to preach the good news, but the news that spread was about the miraculous exorcism. It was what Jesus could do that got the people talking.
And isn’t that just how we are. We hear a message, but condense it to headlines and highlights. The Kingdom of God is coming was reduced to There’s a guy who calls evil spirits out of people. The casting out of demons exemplified casting evil out of God’s Kingdom. But the meat of the message was missing from the stories that were spread. The purpose of Jesus’ mission was misinterpreted.
Undoubtedly your messages have resulted in unexpected outcomes. It’s a risk with all communication. Have you thought about how to avoid misunderstandings?
What about avoiding miscommunication of the Gospel of Christ? If you’ve let Jesus into your life, you have a message. In fact, all Christians have been entrusted with a message to share…the message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19). God’s Kingdom comes when the lost return to Him. You can have a part in bringing the Kingdom to a hurting world. Have you thought about what to say? How to say it? How does your life exemplify the hope of the Kingdom? A message as important as the coming of God’s Kingdom needs clear understanding…how are you assured that listeners perceive the your total message?
Saturday, January 24, 2009
IF I HAD A PULPIT: Coming Down from the Mountain
On a summer morning in 1974, a young Frenchman stepped out seemingly into thin air. Perched nearly a quarter mile above the earth, Philippe Petit positioned himself at the edge of the South Tower. He put one foot out and began a spellbinding journey across the 130-foot span between the Twin Towers…yes, the fated towers of the World Trade Center. For 45 minutes the daring acrobat walked a ¾-inch wide bridge of cable. He paused to perform a quick dance step and pirouette. He lay down and conversed with seagulls. By 8:00 that Wednesday morning rain forced him into the waiting arms of Port Authority Police. He had crossed the span not once, but eight times.
Have you had a “mountaintop” experience? I’m not talking about a literal climb up or across the heights. But have you ever experienced such an exhilarating event that you actually felt a change in altitude? You felt certain you were floating among the clouds? People use the term to describe the births of their children. Or playing in the championship game. Or graduation from college, making the big sale, overcoming a fear. These are the great highs in life…the heights you never want to come down from. But you do. Sooner or later, gravity pulls you back to earth.
That’s exactly what happened to Philippe Petit. Shortly after the infamous World Trade Center crossing he suffered his first fall—from a height of 45 feet. In traversing the New York skyline at 1350 feet, he had accomplished the inconceivable. It was the routine—a conventional height—that tripped him up.
This is the truth of all mountaintop experiences—especially our spiritual highs.
Jesus walked along the shores of the Sea of Galilee and came upon two muscular men in a boat. He watched as they grasped a circular net and threw it into the waters. They returned the net to the boat to empty the catch and Jesus called to them. “Come with me and you will no longer cast for fish. You will fill your nets with men.” The pair left their boat and net behind and joined Jesus.
Further down the shore He found another pair mending their nets. “Come with me,” He shouted. And these two left not only their boat and nets, but also their father and his hired fishermen (Mark 1:14 – 20 paraphrase).
These four men gave up careers and property, and in the case of James and John, a modicum of prosperity. For three years they traveled with Jesus. They were a part of many mountaintop highs, including healings and miracles. They witnessed Jesus transform from physical to spiritual being.
But then there were the lows…the times when travels were boring and food was plain. James and John—the brothers Jesus nicknamed “Sons of Thunder”—shook things up by reminding Christ of the Kingdom He was to establish. They asked for the privileged seats of power in Jesus’ administration. They suggested that Jesus fill them with power to call down fire from heaven.
And when the heat was on, all four abandoned Jesus. They were on the team, riding a spiritual high, when Jesus called them as His disciples. They each had moments of virtue and intense devotion. But when Jesus was arrested, they asked themselves Is this all there is? They left and returned to fish the sea.
Perhaps you’re wondering what became of your mountaintop experience. You wonder when the excitement and passion left your call to follow Jesus. You question why Scripture seems dry, why you can’t seem to pray anything but “Thanks, God.” When did you start simply going through the motions of worship and service?
Philippe Petit experienced his one and only high wire fall during a practice session. He knew what he was doing…as he had done so many times before. It was routine. Complacency. He temporarily lost focus and left the wire.
Dry spiritual lows offer two options: 1) the uphill climb out of the valley, or 2) the crashing fall. If you’re feeling lifeless in your spiritual journey, stay with the routine. Don’t abandon or lose focus. Call out. Cry out. But keep walking—one foot in front of the other. And maybe add a spin or pirouette.
Have you had a “mountaintop” experience? I’m not talking about a literal climb up or across the heights. But have you ever experienced such an exhilarating event that you actually felt a change in altitude? You felt certain you were floating among the clouds? People use the term to describe the births of their children. Or playing in the championship game. Or graduation from college, making the big sale, overcoming a fear. These are the great highs in life…the heights you never want to come down from. But you do. Sooner or later, gravity pulls you back to earth.
That’s exactly what happened to Philippe Petit. Shortly after the infamous World Trade Center crossing he suffered his first fall—from a height of 45 feet. In traversing the New York skyline at 1350 feet, he had accomplished the inconceivable. It was the routine—a conventional height—that tripped him up.
This is the truth of all mountaintop experiences—especially our spiritual highs.
Jesus walked along the shores of the Sea of Galilee and came upon two muscular men in a boat. He watched as they grasped a circular net and threw it into the waters. They returned the net to the boat to empty the catch and Jesus called to them. “Come with me and you will no longer cast for fish. You will fill your nets with men.” The pair left their boat and net behind and joined Jesus.
Further down the shore He found another pair mending their nets. “Come with me,” He shouted. And these two left not only their boat and nets, but also their father and his hired fishermen (Mark 1:14 – 20 paraphrase).
These four men gave up careers and property, and in the case of James and John, a modicum of prosperity. For three years they traveled with Jesus. They were a part of many mountaintop highs, including healings and miracles. They witnessed Jesus transform from physical to spiritual being.
But then there were the lows…the times when travels were boring and food was plain. James and John—the brothers Jesus nicknamed “Sons of Thunder”—shook things up by reminding Christ of the Kingdom He was to establish. They asked for the privileged seats of power in Jesus’ administration. They suggested that Jesus fill them with power to call down fire from heaven.
And when the heat was on, all four abandoned Jesus. They were on the team, riding a spiritual high, when Jesus called them as His disciples. They each had moments of virtue and intense devotion. But when Jesus was arrested, they asked themselves Is this all there is? They left and returned to fish the sea.
Perhaps you’re wondering what became of your mountaintop experience. You wonder when the excitement and passion left your call to follow Jesus. You question why Scripture seems dry, why you can’t seem to pray anything but “Thanks, God.” When did you start simply going through the motions of worship and service?
Philippe Petit experienced his one and only high wire fall during a practice session. He knew what he was doing…as he had done so many times before. It was routine. Complacency. He temporarily lost focus and left the wire.
Dry spiritual lows offer two options: 1) the uphill climb out of the valley, or 2) the crashing fall. If you’re feeling lifeless in your spiritual journey, stay with the routine. Don’t abandon or lose focus. Call out. Cry out. But keep walking—one foot in front of the other. And maybe add a spin or pirouette.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
IF I HAD A PULPIT: Service Calls
Though we were raised hundreds of miles apart, my husband and I share a similar summer memory. In fact, I think it’s a common recollection for most who grew up in the 60s. By day, we freely roamed the streets and playgrounds of our neighborhoods—pretty much unsupervised. Early each morning we hopped on our bikes and left home to explore and battle and conquer that world around us. Our days ended when by some mystically choreographed signal, the air filled with varied singsong bellowing. All around the neighborhood, ballgames came to an abrupt end, dolls were haphazardly packed into wardrobe cases, and secret treasures were quickly hidden away. Kids picked up discarded bikes and raced home. Mom had called.
We all knew what it meant when the afternoon waned and Mom stepped out on the front porch. When we heard the distinctive blare of our own name (or, in the case of the Powell kids, the piercing whistle), we knew there was no time to spare. Everything had to be abandoned at the sound of Mother’s call.
This Tuesday when our new President takes office, he will undoubtedly address America with a call of his own. Be ready to take action when Barack Obama calls this country to step up to community service. Mr. Obama campaigned on a platform of “citizen engagement” intended to lead the nation into expanded voluntary service. His plan calls for increased civic service opportunities for working Americans, retirees, and disadvantaged young persons. It outlines proposals to broaden AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps, integrate service-learning into public education, and help non-profit agencies introduce and grow successful service programs.
Americans will respond to this call. People believe in Barack Obama and the promise of change he brings to government. It is also well acknowledged that Mr. Obama comes to the presidency with a background rich in public service. His campaign calls it the “cause of his life.” As a student, Obama was active in poverty and health care issues in the US, and movements opposing South African apartheid. He served in community development and voter registration projects in Chicago. When President Obama makes the request for all Americans to step into voluntary service for the good of their communities, people will answer with resounding “yes.”
The more important thing, however, is not that the call is answered. It is whom we answer to. When my mother stood on the porch of our home on Berry Street and called my name, I responded. I reported to her. I didn’t peddle my legs off and then check in with the next-door neighbor. I went to my mom. And if by some chance I did not show when called, she returned to the porch. She called until I answered.
A young apprentice was serving in his master’s work place late at night. The boy fell asleep, but awoke at the sound of his name. Immediately, he went to the master to see what was needed. But the master had not called. He encouraged the lad to return to his own quarters.
Soon the child’s sleep was again interrupted. He returned to the master and was again dismissed. The boy heard his name a third time and went to see what was required. Finally the master discerned it was a greater call.
Three times the Lord called to Samuel (I Samuel 3:1 – 10). In obedience, the boy responded each time, but he did not answer the one who had summoned. Samuel could not fulfill the call on his life until he answered the One calling to him.
When our new president puts out the call for service, thousands—hopefully millions—will respond. In the excitement of this new era and hope for change, many will step forward and volunteer in their communities. We will answer in obedience because of the one who gave the call, but we won’t answer to him. Barak Obama will not hold us accountable. Likely, he will not stand before us and wait for a response.
But God does. This call to increased community service is not the brainchild of the American Democratic party—it’s the work of the church. Jesus asked His followers to care for the “least of these,” to visit the prisoners, feed the hungry and clothe the naked, to welcome strangers. The need for that work continues today. God is calling His people to mentor, build homes, to make beds and prepare meals at shelters. He’s asking for our vocational skills to teach, heal and nurse, fundraise, entertain. He needs our financial resources. God has placed the call; He is the one we answer to. He holds us accountable. He will call repeatedly if we don’t answer. And God is blessed when the response the same as young Samuel's, “Your servant is listening.”
We all knew what it meant when the afternoon waned and Mom stepped out on the front porch. When we heard the distinctive blare of our own name (or, in the case of the Powell kids, the piercing whistle), we knew there was no time to spare. Everything had to be abandoned at the sound of Mother’s call.
This Tuesday when our new President takes office, he will undoubtedly address America with a call of his own. Be ready to take action when Barack Obama calls this country to step up to community service. Mr. Obama campaigned on a platform of “citizen engagement” intended to lead the nation into expanded voluntary service. His plan calls for increased civic service opportunities for working Americans, retirees, and disadvantaged young persons. It outlines proposals to broaden AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps, integrate service-learning into public education, and help non-profit agencies introduce and grow successful service programs.
Americans will respond to this call. People believe in Barack Obama and the promise of change he brings to government. It is also well acknowledged that Mr. Obama comes to the presidency with a background rich in public service. His campaign calls it the “cause of his life.” As a student, Obama was active in poverty and health care issues in the US, and movements opposing South African apartheid. He served in community development and voter registration projects in Chicago. When President Obama makes the request for all Americans to step into voluntary service for the good of their communities, people will answer with resounding “yes.”
The more important thing, however, is not that the call is answered. It is whom we answer to. When my mother stood on the porch of our home on Berry Street and called my name, I responded. I reported to her. I didn’t peddle my legs off and then check in with the next-door neighbor. I went to my mom. And if by some chance I did not show when called, she returned to the porch. She called until I answered.
A young apprentice was serving in his master’s work place late at night. The boy fell asleep, but awoke at the sound of his name. Immediately, he went to the master to see what was needed. But the master had not called. He encouraged the lad to return to his own quarters.
Soon the child’s sleep was again interrupted. He returned to the master and was again dismissed. The boy heard his name a third time and went to see what was required. Finally the master discerned it was a greater call.
Three times the Lord called to Samuel (I Samuel 3:1 – 10). In obedience, the boy responded each time, but he did not answer the one who had summoned. Samuel could not fulfill the call on his life until he answered the One calling to him.
When our new president puts out the call for service, thousands—hopefully millions—will respond. In the excitement of this new era and hope for change, many will step forward and volunteer in their communities. We will answer in obedience because of the one who gave the call, but we won’t answer to him. Barak Obama will not hold us accountable. Likely, he will not stand before us and wait for a response.
But God does. This call to increased community service is not the brainchild of the American Democratic party—it’s the work of the church. Jesus asked His followers to care for the “least of these,” to visit the prisoners, feed the hungry and clothe the naked, to welcome strangers. The need for that work continues today. God is calling His people to mentor, build homes, to make beds and prepare meals at shelters. He’s asking for our vocational skills to teach, heal and nurse, fundraise, entertain. He needs our financial resources. God has placed the call; He is the one we answer to. He holds us accountable. He will call repeatedly if we don’t answer. And God is blessed when the response the same as young Samuel's, “Your servant is listening.”
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
IF I HAD A PULPIT: Separating Truths
Separate/Separation…
…to divide, as with an egg (splitting the yolk from the white) or laundry (keeping the light-colored clothes from the darks).
…a social system designed to keep groups apart; i.e., segregation justified by equality of services and facilities.
…a political and legal wall between two institutions ensuring the independent administration of each, as with church and state.
…(plural) as in components of a woman’s wardrobe…spring and summer tops and shorts, winter blazers and slacks.
…in some marriages, a time of living apart often preceded by separate accounts, separate vacations, filing separately, and separate beds.
The idea of separation may conjure fearful and heart-tugging images. It may simply have a more practical application. Perhaps it reminds us of injustice. We live in an inclusive society that encourages—no, demands—that no one be set apart to be labeled different. Separation divides and sets distinction. It just seems wrong.
But there is nothing wrong with separation as established by God. On the very first day of creation God’s Spirit hovered over the earth, moving back and forth across dark waters. God looked into the darkness and summoned forth light. Imagine that. Out of darkness, He created light. It was good—very good—so God separated light from darkness. He gave the earth time of prolonged darkness followed by time of prolonged light and named them accordingly: night and day (Genesis 1:1 – 5).
Creating light and separating it from the darkness gave the formless earth its first structure. Day filled the earth with the light necessary for the growth of plants and animals. It illumined the workspace given to man as he named and cared for the creatures. When night fell, man’s work was done. He and the rest of the earth relaxed and refreshed in the darkness. But only because the light and the dark were separated.
Separation is part of God’s order for the perfect functioning of His creation. He intricately designed and crafted this world to operate to His specifications, with boundaries around each created thing. These boundaries provide limits so all things function efficiently and completely, according to their purpose.
God separates to keep people or things distinct, pure, and dedicated to Him. He set the Israelites apart from the other nations to be His people. He asks His people today to separate from the world around them. The common catch-phrase is “we are in the world, not of the world.” We live here, work here, play here. But we do not belong to the world. We are God’s children. Our home is with our Father. While we live here, however, we are to distinguish ourselves from the evil and corruption that has tainted this world.
Though light is separated from dark and dark from light, there are times when the two mingle. Night overtakes day at sunset, and day breaks through night at sunrise. Day and night are divided by shadowy times of indiscernible spectrum.
And this is true for God’s people as well. Though we are to distinguish ourselves, it is in our lifestyles—loving one another, forgiving trespasses, expectant in hope for promised return of our Savior—that we separate from the world. We are not to withdraw and hibernate with our “own kind.” We are to live as lights in the darkness, drawing out the lost and guiding the wounded. We may look the same as everyone around us, but it is a bearing, a demeanor, that sets us apart.
How difficult is it to be thankful for separations? Isolating yourself from friends, family, or co-workers may sound depressing. A willingness to be the different, odd one can be daunting. Regardless, can you give God thanks for creating the separations around you? Can you thank Him for setting you apart to belong to Him and not the world? Can you celebrate your distinction as a child of God?
…to divide, as with an egg (splitting the yolk from the white) or laundry (keeping the light-colored clothes from the darks).
…a social system designed to keep groups apart; i.e., segregation justified by equality of services and facilities.
…a political and legal wall between two institutions ensuring the independent administration of each, as with church and state.
…(plural) as in components of a woman’s wardrobe…spring and summer tops and shorts, winter blazers and slacks.
…in some marriages, a time of living apart often preceded by separate accounts, separate vacations, filing separately, and separate beds.
The idea of separation may conjure fearful and heart-tugging images. It may simply have a more practical application. Perhaps it reminds us of injustice. We live in an inclusive society that encourages—no, demands—that no one be set apart to be labeled different. Separation divides and sets distinction. It just seems wrong.
But there is nothing wrong with separation as established by God. On the very first day of creation God’s Spirit hovered over the earth, moving back and forth across dark waters. God looked into the darkness and summoned forth light. Imagine that. Out of darkness, He created light. It was good—very good—so God separated light from darkness. He gave the earth time of prolonged darkness followed by time of prolonged light and named them accordingly: night and day (Genesis 1:1 – 5).
Creating light and separating it from the darkness gave the formless earth its first structure. Day filled the earth with the light necessary for the growth of plants and animals. It illumined the workspace given to man as he named and cared for the creatures. When night fell, man’s work was done. He and the rest of the earth relaxed and refreshed in the darkness. But only because the light and the dark were separated.
Separation is part of God’s order for the perfect functioning of His creation. He intricately designed and crafted this world to operate to His specifications, with boundaries around each created thing. These boundaries provide limits so all things function efficiently and completely, according to their purpose.
God separates to keep people or things distinct, pure, and dedicated to Him. He set the Israelites apart from the other nations to be His people. He asks His people today to separate from the world around them. The common catch-phrase is “we are in the world, not of the world.” We live here, work here, play here. But we do not belong to the world. We are God’s children. Our home is with our Father. While we live here, however, we are to distinguish ourselves from the evil and corruption that has tainted this world.
Though light is separated from dark and dark from light, there are times when the two mingle. Night overtakes day at sunset, and day breaks through night at sunrise. Day and night are divided by shadowy times of indiscernible spectrum.
And this is true for God’s people as well. Though we are to distinguish ourselves, it is in our lifestyles—loving one another, forgiving trespasses, expectant in hope for promised return of our Savior—that we separate from the world. We are not to withdraw and hibernate with our “own kind.” We are to live as lights in the darkness, drawing out the lost and guiding the wounded. We may look the same as everyone around us, but it is a bearing, a demeanor, that sets us apart.
How difficult is it to be thankful for separations? Isolating yourself from friends, family, or co-workers may sound depressing. A willingness to be the different, odd one can be daunting. Regardless, can you give God thanks for creating the separations around you? Can you thank Him for setting you apart to belong to Him and not the world? Can you celebrate your distinction as a child of God?
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