Today is an ideal day to think about 'remembering.' We remember those who died in war, and I remember with some sadness the instances of war... sadness for their death and the current social construct that allows us to kill off human life without understanding the families, communities, and so many lives affected by each and every loss. I remember one member of my father's family was drafted into military service, and he went, but refusing to carry a gun, he went onto the battle fields to carry injured soldiers back to the camp for medical treatment. I remember those who have served their country in alternative forms of service. I remember those who have died and the lives they led off the battlefield.
So much to remember, always a mixture of pleasant and bittersweet memories. In fact, in some ways, our memories are what tie us together. Last night, I enjoyed celebrating Sara (the bear)'s b-day riding rides on the boardwalk as we did as kids! The big ferris wheel, the tilt-a-whirl, the carousel. Sara had it exactly right. As we got on those carousel horses, the feel of the wooden horse beneath us, the sound of the music, it transported us back to those memories of so long ago, when everything seems so much bigger, so magical.
It's important to remember the good times, the bad times, the difficult times. And our collective Christian memories unite us to our belief in what God has done for us through the ages.
Remembering God's Faithfulness
11 Then Asa called to the LORD his God and said, "LORD, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. O LORD, you are our God; do not let man prevail against you." -2 Chronicles 14:11
For instance, though I cringe at the stories of war in Chronicles, today I pondered Chronicles as a book. What would motivate the author to write of all these battles? And I believe if we look closely, the point is clear. It would've sufficed to list dates, sides, and outcomes, as accounted in many history books. However, the author writes what Asa said to the Lord. The accounts, their recorded memories serve not just to remind us of who won, but of who was with the army and who the army was with. The whole point of the story, then, is not the battle but also the remembering the power of the Lord and His faithfulness.
Remembering a Special Moment
1Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3Then Mary took about a pint[a] of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5"Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages.[b]" 6He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7"Leave her alone," Jesus replied. " It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me." -John 12:1-8
This has been a helpful verse for me lately, because the wedding is hard for me to accept. It's hard for me to be the center of attention, to have a special expensive dress and shoes, to have a day where people would travel and participate and give so much... just for me. The outpouring of love, the support, the encouragement. I know it's said that "it's better to give than to receive," but I find it quite the opposite. It's hard for me to receive the many beautiful gifts that my friends and family are giving me on this special day.
But, like Jesus recognized, He would not "always" be with them. Nor will I "always" be a bride. Instead, these special preparations, these beautiful gifts serve as special 'perfume' that creates the most beautiful wedding aroma of love! One that I will remember forever.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Never Say "Never"
Those Peter Pan fans out there know that you never say "never" in Neverland. But our un-containable God who is all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-benevolent wants to teach us that we should also never say "never" when it comes to God.
Take Matthew 17:20 for example. This is a never say "never" verse if I ever heard one:
He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
And there are many other examples of our un-containable God who makes the impossible possible, pushing us to never say "never."
1 When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. 2 The priests could not enter the temple of the LORD because the glory of the LORD filled it. 3 When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the LORD above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying,
"He is good;
his love endures forever." -2 Chronicles 7:1-3
While I have not seen fire come down from heaven, I can only imagine what it would look like. And I have seen other wonderful things happen... the Lord helping a family in need of comfort, healing a terrible wound, continuing to be with a young baby and family, bringing together two people. Even when it's not a physical healing, emotional healing is an even more beautiful triumph, because it is so difficult to conquer that part of our lives. And this I have seen. Somehow, I have see n the fire from heaven that has urged my soul to forgive, that has soothed my aching heart.
It probably comes as a surprise to most people that I love the Third Day song "Consuming Fire", but the harsh and loud tones remind me of the difficult work of God who refines and changes our hearts. Sometimes it's anything but easy. There are moments when we think it may "never" change. It may "never get better. But then, the love that gives us hope reminds us that with God, we can never say "never."
21 "Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask." -John 11:21-27
And this verse is so beautiful. Not just what Jesus did, but Martha's complete belief in something that seemed so impossible. When was that last time that we completely believed in God.
When we find it hard to forgive or let go, when we feel challenged by the uncertainties in the life ahead of us, when we are about to confront a challenge that seems too big...
Let us say: "But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."
It's tricky, because we can't get whatever we want... but whatever is in His plan and for His good will work out. And we know that God works for the ultimate good of all His children. It is quite true that something you really want may never happen. But then, that's different. It's not that it never can happen... it's that it never will happen, because it wasn't in God's design. God can do all things, but thank God that He does not do all things. Still, what gives us hopeis that we know of our powerful and wonderful God who can... in the 'never' situations.
Take Matthew 17:20 for example. This is a never say "never" verse if I ever heard one:
He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
And there are many other examples of our un-containable God who makes the impossible possible, pushing us to never say "never."
1 When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. 2 The priests could not enter the temple of the LORD because the glory of the LORD filled it. 3 When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the LORD above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying,
"He is good;
his love endures forever." -2 Chronicles 7:1-3
While I have not seen fire come down from heaven, I can only imagine what it would look like. And I have seen other wonderful things happen... the Lord helping a family in need of comfort, healing a terrible wound, continuing to be with a young baby and family, bringing together two people. Even when it's not a physical healing, emotional healing is an even more beautiful triumph, because it is so difficult to conquer that part of our lives. And this I have seen. Somehow, I have see n the fire from heaven that has urged my soul to forgive, that has soothed my aching heart.
It probably comes as a surprise to most people that I love the Third Day song "Consuming Fire", but the harsh and loud tones remind me of the difficult work of God who refines and changes our hearts. Sometimes it's anything but easy. There are moments when we think it may "never" change. It may "never get better. But then, the love that gives us hope reminds us that with God, we can never say "never."
21 "Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask." -John 11:21-27
And this verse is so beautiful. Not just what Jesus did, but Martha's complete belief in something that seemed so impossible. When was that last time that we completely believed in God.
When we find it hard to forgive or let go, when we feel challenged by the uncertainties in the life ahead of us, when we are about to confront a challenge that seems too big...
Let us say: "But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."
It's tricky, because we can't get whatever we want... but whatever is in His plan and for His good will work out. And we know that God works for the ultimate good of all His children. It is quite true that something you really want may never happen. But then, that's different. It's not that it never can happen... it's that it never will happen, because it wasn't in God's design. God can do all things, but thank God that He does not do all things. Still, what gives us hopeis that we know of our powerful and wonderful God who can... in the 'never' situations.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Un-containable God
In Linguistics, we talk about frames. For instance, a frame for a telephone conversation begins with someone picking up the receiver and saying "Hello." If no one says "Hello," even if you can audibly tell that the receiver has been picked up (from the clicking noise), you will probably not begin speaking. We wait for the correct "frame" for the conversation. Equally important is the end of the conversation. We will not put the phone down, barring an argument, in the middle of a sentence. We wait for the end frame, "Goodbye" or "Talk to you later" or "See you, ___."
Since our worldly interactions are built around frames, we sometimes incorrectly try to generalize our frame system to our God. We put Him in a box far to often... limiting Him to certain tasks, certain feelings, certain abilities, certain spaces. And Solomon has it right in the passage I read this morning... nothing can contain Him. And that brings new meaning to Jesus' entrance into the world.
18 "But will God really dwell on earth with men? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! 19 Yet give attention to your servant's prayer and his plea for mercy, O LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence. 20 May your eyes be open toward this temple day and night, this place of which you said you would put your Name there. May you hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. 21 Hear the supplications of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place; and when you hear, forgive. -2 Chronicles 6:18-21
The simple Sunday School answer to, "Where is God?" is probably something like "heaven." We use this to explain something inexplainable... the fact that God is everywhere, everything, all of the time. Like the familiar song, "God is here among us." He cannot be contained by the walls of a temple or the confines of heaven. That's one reason why I always loved the outdoor cathedral at Camp Swatara. It reminded me that the 'church' is not just a building, 'church' is the people, the space, the sentiment brought before the Lord in worship.
And this inability to contain our God is seen all the more clearly in our savior Jesus. God left heaven to come onto the earth. The heavens truly could not contain Him. Neither could the temples, since He was out and about preaching to people... yet this was/is very hard for so many to understand, as the next passage shows.
24The Jews gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ,[a] tell us plainly."
25Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, 26but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all[b]; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30I and the Father are one."
31Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, 32but Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?"
33"We are not stoning you for any of these," replied the Jews, "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God."
34Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your Law, 'I have said you are gods'[c]? 35If he called them 'gods,' to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture cannot be broken— 36what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, 'I am God's Son'? 37Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. 38But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father." 39Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp.-John 10:24-39
As Jesus said, "I and the Father are one." But this is not something that the people could understand. It must be blasphemy, because God wouldn't leave His heavenly kingdom and God wouldn't leave His heavenly celestial body to become a mere man. But, through His miracles, Jesus showed that He was "in the Father" and the Father was "in Him". And how comforting to know that wherever we may be... our un-containable God has the power to keep up... no one can snatch His sheep out of His father's hand.
Praise the Lord for His un-containable goodness... that passes our understanding- through time, space, season. He is Lord.
Since our worldly interactions are built around frames, we sometimes incorrectly try to generalize our frame system to our God. We put Him in a box far to often... limiting Him to certain tasks, certain feelings, certain abilities, certain spaces. And Solomon has it right in the passage I read this morning... nothing can contain Him. And that brings new meaning to Jesus' entrance into the world.
18 "But will God really dwell on earth with men? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! 19 Yet give attention to your servant's prayer and his plea for mercy, O LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence. 20 May your eyes be open toward this temple day and night, this place of which you said you would put your Name there. May you hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. 21 Hear the supplications of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place; and when you hear, forgive. -2 Chronicles 6:18-21
The simple Sunday School answer to, "Where is God?" is probably something like "heaven." We use this to explain something inexplainable... the fact that God is everywhere, everything, all of the time. Like the familiar song, "God is here among us." He cannot be contained by the walls of a temple or the confines of heaven. That's one reason why I always loved the outdoor cathedral at Camp Swatara. It reminded me that the 'church' is not just a building, 'church' is the people, the space, the sentiment brought before the Lord in worship.
And this inability to contain our God is seen all the more clearly in our savior Jesus. God left heaven to come onto the earth. The heavens truly could not contain Him. Neither could the temples, since He was out and about preaching to people... yet this was/is very hard for so many to understand, as the next passage shows.
24The Jews gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ,[a] tell us plainly."
25Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, 26but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all[b]; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30I and the Father are one."
31Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, 32but Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?"
33"We are not stoning you for any of these," replied the Jews, "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God."
34Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your Law, 'I have said you are gods'[c]? 35If he called them 'gods,' to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture cannot be broken— 36what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, 'I am God's Son'? 37Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. 38But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father." 39Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp.-John 10:24-39
As Jesus said, "I and the Father are one." But this is not something that the people could understand. It must be blasphemy, because God wouldn't leave His heavenly kingdom and God wouldn't leave His heavenly celestial body to become a mere man. But, through His miracles, Jesus showed that He was "in the Father" and the Father was "in Him". And how comforting to know that wherever we may be... our un-containable God has the power to keep up... no one can snatch His sheep out of His father's hand.
Praise the Lord for His un-containable goodness... that passes our understanding- through time, space, season. He is Lord.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
One for All and All for One- Sin as Partiality
If you show partiality, you commit sin. —James 2:9
Today's ODB reflection is especially lovely, and I'd urge you to read it as well as the recommended Bible passages. It reminds us of a common sin of omission. It's easy to hide this sin, because it's not something you do... rather, it's something that we should do but we often don't. James puts it in a very straightforward way... it's sin. Don't do it.
Of course, it's not easy to recognize that we do, but we do. There have been studies about how few people acknowledge the presence of maintenance workers around school buildings and treat different groups of people with differing levels of respect. When our Father says, "No. You're all the same. You're all my children." We are all equally important to our Lord God, and we should treat everyone as our brother/sister. Because they are, in Christ. And as a part of the same Christian family, we share a one purpose and one flock.
One Purpose
7 That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you."
8 Solomon answered God, "You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. 9 Now, LORD God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. 10 Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
11 God said to Solomon, "Since this is your heart's desire and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, 12 therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, riches and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have." -2 Chronicles 1:7-12
Another word for partiality is favoritism, and one form of favoritism is favoring ourselves over others. Pastor Marcos Inhauser in Brazil calls this 'the bellybutton complex.' When we look at 'me, me, me" all the time. What do I want? What do I need instead of what is best for my family, my church, my community, my environment?
Solomon showed his wisdom to be already apparent in not asking for the wealth and riches that would make him 'favored' in society. Instead his asked for wisdom and knowledge... and here's the key. He asked for them, for the good of his people. This is one thing that I love so much about Brad... so often when we are making decisions, I know that he doing it for my good. From wedding pictures to puppies to living arrangements... our purposes are becoming one, as we ask the Lord to make us one. And the unity of marriage represents our own Christian lives, in which we ask to be one flock...
One Flock
11"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father." -John 10:11-18
And I pray that we would all be able to have one purpose and all be able to see ourselves as one. Independent of denominations, cultures, skin color, languages, we could respect and appreciate and love one another. I sometimes find that Christians, who are part of the same family, are often involved in so much 'sibling rivalry' so to speak, that it must distract from our overarching purpose of living for the Lord and loving everyone into a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Relient K puts it this way in their song, "Down in Flames":
Christians-- we're all afraid of fire.
We prefer to suck on pacifiers.
Baby pacifists, we're throwing fits.
We don't shake hands, we shake our fists.
We're cannibals.
We watch our brothers fall.
We eat our own, the bones and all.
Finally fell asleep on the plane
to wake to see we're going down in flames.
"We eat our own, the bones and all." I pray that we would recognize that we are one flock, with one shepherd, just as these verses from John point out. If we know our shepherd and he knows us, he puts us together in the same pen so that we would watch our for one another. Wolves aren't allowed, cannibals aren't allowed... only the sheep with a singularity of purpose and love. One for all and all for one.
Today's ODB reflection is especially lovely, and I'd urge you to read it as well as the recommended Bible passages. It reminds us of a common sin of omission. It's easy to hide this sin, because it's not something you do... rather, it's something that we should do but we often don't. James puts it in a very straightforward way... it's sin. Don't do it.
Of course, it's not easy to recognize that we do, but we do. There have been studies about how few people acknowledge the presence of maintenance workers around school buildings and treat different groups of people with differing levels of respect. When our Father says, "No. You're all the same. You're all my children." We are all equally important to our Lord God, and we should treat everyone as our brother/sister. Because they are, in Christ. And as a part of the same Christian family, we share a one purpose and one flock.
One Purpose
7 That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you."
8 Solomon answered God, "You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. 9 Now, LORD God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. 10 Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
11 God said to Solomon, "Since this is your heart's desire and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, 12 therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, riches and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have." -2 Chronicles 1:7-12
Another word for partiality is favoritism, and one form of favoritism is favoring ourselves over others. Pastor Marcos Inhauser in Brazil calls this 'the bellybutton complex.' When we look at 'me, me, me" all the time. What do I want? What do I need instead of what is best for my family, my church, my community, my environment?
Solomon showed his wisdom to be already apparent in not asking for the wealth and riches that would make him 'favored' in society. Instead his asked for wisdom and knowledge... and here's the key. He asked for them, for the good of his people. This is one thing that I love so much about Brad... so often when we are making decisions, I know that he doing it for my good. From wedding pictures to puppies to living arrangements... our purposes are becoming one, as we ask the Lord to make us one. And the unity of marriage represents our own Christian lives, in which we ask to be one flock...
One Flock
11"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father." -John 10:11-18
And I pray that we would all be able to have one purpose and all be able to see ourselves as one. Independent of denominations, cultures, skin color, languages, we could respect and appreciate and love one another. I sometimes find that Christians, who are part of the same family, are often involved in so much 'sibling rivalry' so to speak, that it must distract from our overarching purpose of living for the Lord and loving everyone into a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Relient K puts it this way in their song, "Down in Flames":
Christians-- we're all afraid of fire.
We prefer to suck on pacifiers.
Baby pacifists, we're throwing fits.
We don't shake hands, we shake our fists.
We're cannibals.
We watch our brothers fall.
We eat our own, the bones and all.
Finally fell asleep on the plane
to wake to see we're going down in flames.
"We eat our own, the bones and all." I pray that we would recognize that we are one flock, with one shepherd, just as these verses from John point out. If we know our shepherd and he knows us, he puts us together in the same pen so that we would watch our for one another. Wolves aren't allowed, cannibals aren't allowed... only the sheep with a singularity of purpose and love. One for all and all for one.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Be Strong
Ask anyone. They'll tell you that nothing tears down your strength and stamina like stress. And this illustrious "they" will also tell you that many weddings are a recipe for stress. Now honestly, Brad & I have been very fortunate to have an extremely supportive family (on both sides) and interactions that have been conflict-free and nothing less than loving. We've had nothing of the family tensions that people talk about, and that is a beautiful blessing.
Nevertheless, it's "crunch time," and I think all huge life changes are accompanied by some sort of stress. After all, it is a big deal. An important decision. A significant change... albeit a lovely one. And so, sometimes I feel anything but strong... a usually 'put-together' girl, at times I'm transformed into an emotional basketcase.
But, when we aren't strong, there is one who gives us strength.
My strength is in You, Lord.
Strength through Encouragement
20 David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished. 21 The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the work on the temple of God, and every willing man skilled in any craft will help you in all the work. The officials and all the people will obey your every command." -1 Chronicles 28:20-21
Here David is talking to his son, and like most loving parents, he is encouraging. Be strong, and courageous and do the work. I've been reading up on puppy training recently, for my little puppy Shaya. And I've recently read about the 'scaredy cat' or 'scaredy pup' type. It recommends that the owner shouldn't constantly coddle the dog when they are afraid, because that will encourage the frightened behavior, making them continuously afraid of what they hear as they grow older. Instead, comfort the dog, telling them it's ok, but continue to portray confidence... giving the pup security.
Imagine if David had instilled a fear reaction in Solomon. He might not have grown into the wise king that he did. And his reasoning for Solomon was simple. In essence, he said, "Do not be afraid. Be strong, because... 1) God is with you, 2) He is faithful. 3) He will give you help. And we are in the same situation. Whenever we feel weak to complete a task... to build a temple, to go through with the wedding plans, to raise a puppy, to raise a child, to not worry about tomorrow and the questions it holds for housing and jobs, to forgive someone who has hurt us deeply. We need to remember that God is with us to help us, He is faithful, and He will give us help (family, friends, the Holy Spirit).
Strength through Prayer
14 "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. 15 We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. 16 O LORD our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name, it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. 17 I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. 18 O LORD, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep this desire in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you. 19 And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, requirements and decrees and to do everything to build the palatial structure for which I have provided." -1 Chronicles 29:14-19
While our words of reassurance and our works (physical help) are very important, prayer is also powerful. When we feel powerless to help in a situation, we must remember the amazing power of God... and the power that He gives to us through prayer. If we call upon our Father, praying for others in times of weakness and prayer for ourselves, He will be there for us.
I just went up to the hospital yesterday to pray for Tara's little 1 pound baby, and I continue to pray for her health. I know that this little dear needs our prayers, as does the whole family... and I could not imagine a more loving mother for her baby. Tara is tireless in her commitment to little Kaila Jeanine. She loves and cares and nurtures her baby, and she is there with her. And I believe God is there with both of them. And we pray for them... that God continue to give them great strength at this time.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. -Psalm 27:14
This verse is one of my favorites, and although it sounds sweet, it is a hard verse to put into action when it needs to be put into action. When we are feeling weak, it is hard to wait, it is hard to take heart, it is hard to feel the strength of the Lord. But we are called to strength, and we know that if we wait on the Lord and trust in Him... He will grant us His strength... the strength that we need to do all that He has given us...
strength to forgive...
strength to love...
strength to nurture...
strength for today...
strength for tomorrow...
strength forever and ever. Amen.
Nevertheless, it's "crunch time," and I think all huge life changes are accompanied by some sort of stress. After all, it is a big deal. An important decision. A significant change... albeit a lovely one. And so, sometimes I feel anything but strong... a usually 'put-together' girl, at times I'm transformed into an emotional basketcase.
But, when we aren't strong, there is one who gives us strength.
My strength is in You, Lord.
Strength through Encouragement
20 David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished. 21 The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the work on the temple of God, and every willing man skilled in any craft will help you in all the work. The officials and all the people will obey your every command." -1 Chronicles 28:20-21
Here David is talking to his son, and like most loving parents, he is encouraging. Be strong, and courageous and do the work. I've been reading up on puppy training recently, for my little puppy Shaya. And I've recently read about the 'scaredy cat' or 'scaredy pup' type. It recommends that the owner shouldn't constantly coddle the dog when they are afraid, because that will encourage the frightened behavior, making them continuously afraid of what they hear as they grow older. Instead, comfort the dog, telling them it's ok, but continue to portray confidence... giving the pup security.
Imagine if David had instilled a fear reaction in Solomon. He might not have grown into the wise king that he did. And his reasoning for Solomon was simple. In essence, he said, "Do not be afraid. Be strong, because... 1) God is with you, 2) He is faithful. 3) He will give you help. And we are in the same situation. Whenever we feel weak to complete a task... to build a temple, to go through with the wedding plans, to raise a puppy, to raise a child, to not worry about tomorrow and the questions it holds for housing and jobs, to forgive someone who has hurt us deeply. We need to remember that God is with us to help us, He is faithful, and He will give us help (family, friends, the Holy Spirit).
Strength through Prayer
14 "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. 15 We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. 16 O LORD our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name, it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. 17 I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. 18 O LORD, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep this desire in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you. 19 And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, requirements and decrees and to do everything to build the palatial structure for which I have provided." -1 Chronicles 29:14-19
While our words of reassurance and our works (physical help) are very important, prayer is also powerful. When we feel powerless to help in a situation, we must remember the amazing power of God... and the power that He gives to us through prayer. If we call upon our Father, praying for others in times of weakness and prayer for ourselves, He will be there for us.
I just went up to the hospital yesterday to pray for Tara's little 1 pound baby, and I continue to pray for her health. I know that this little dear needs our prayers, as does the whole family... and I could not imagine a more loving mother for her baby. Tara is tireless in her commitment to little Kaila Jeanine. She loves and cares and nurtures her baby, and she is there with her. And I believe God is there with both of them. And we pray for them... that God continue to give them great strength at this time.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. -Psalm 27:14
This verse is one of my favorites, and although it sounds sweet, it is a hard verse to put into action when it needs to be put into action. When we are feeling weak, it is hard to wait, it is hard to take heart, it is hard to feel the strength of the Lord. But we are called to strength, and we know that if we wait on the Lord and trust in Him... He will grant us His strength... the strength that we need to do all that He has given us...
strength to forgive...
strength to love...
strength to nurture...
strength for today...
strength for tomorrow...
strength forever and ever. Amen.
Monday, May 24, 2010
It's All in the Family
I've been thinking about family a lot lately... and by extenIn our pre-marital counseling sessions, Uncle Rod mentioned the critical role of the family in the spiritual development of the family. And in that way, I am so blessed to be marrying Brad. He will be such a wonderful spiritual leader for our children, as he has been for me. We currently have our own joint devotional time, but we look forward to planning a family worship each week, just like his family did for him.
But this is not a new thing. Other characters in the Bible recognized the important role of family in their faith... such as the examples that follow.
Preparing the Family
5 David said, "My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the LORD should be of great magnificence and fame and splendor in the sight of all the nations. Therefore I will make preparations for it." So David made extensive preparations before his death.
6 Then he called for his son Solomon and charged him to build a house for the LORD, the God of Israel. 7 David said to Solomon: "My son, I had it in my heart to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God. 8 But this word of the LORD came to me: 'You have shed much blood and have fought many wars. You are not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight. 9 But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon, [a] and I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign. 10 He is the one who will build a house for my Name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.'
11 "Now, my son, the LORD be with you, and may you have success and build the house of the LORD your God, as he said you would. 12 May the LORD give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God. 13 Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. -1 Chronicles 22:5-11
David shows that caring for your family's spiritual development involves careful preparations, explanations, and encouragement. Right now, there are a lot of preparations going on for the wedding. My church family has been preparing the sanctuary with lovely clean walls and areas and a beautiful rose garden among other things! And the new technology will help me to incorporate my cousin Jonathan and his talents into the wedding. My cousins and friends have already prepared a perfect shower for me, which so many loving friends attended... making it all the sweeter! Mom & Dad C are carefully preparing the rehearsal dinner: who will be there and how it will go. My musical friends and family are preparing their own wonderful original music to play for me! My parents are carefully preparing the food, the reception, the flowers, the dress etc. My Uncle Rod, Dad C, & Dick are preparing their parts in the message. These careful preparations are very special gifts to Brad and myself. The gift of time, care and consideration. Gifts that show their love for us. They are our family... and they prepare us for the holy commitment involved in the marriage ceremony, a commitment sealed by our Father in heaven.
These are all preparations for a marriage, but even if we are not celebrating a marriage... every step of our family life from a new baby to a move to a retirement... every step includes preparing ourselves and our hearts for our spiritual commitment to the Lord. How will we teach this baby to know and love the Lord? How will we use our retirement to honor our Father? How will we use this marriage to symbolize the love Jesus has for us? Prepare your family for the moment where you are... to make that a moment for the Lord.
Teaching Your Family
4Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37I know you are Abraham's descendants. Yet you are ready to kill me, because you have no room for my word. 38I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence, and you do what you have heard from your father.[b]"
39"Abraham is our father," they answered.
"If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would[c] do the things Abraham did. 40As it is, you are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. 41You are doing the things your own father does."
"We are not illegitimate children," they protested. "The only Father we have is God himself."
42Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. 43Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? 47He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God." -John 8:4-42
This passage reminds me of my conversation with Brad the other day, just after we had brought home our new rescued sheltie puppy, Shaya.
Bradley: wow! I'm a daddy!
me: :o)
Bradley: can you send me a picture?
i want to see if she takes after me or not ;)
We're always looking to see if kids take after their parents, and not just in appearance. Fathers often say to kids, "You're just like your mother." Mothers say, "You're just like your father." Unfortunately this is very often when they are upset with their kids and the traits they've picked up. But once in a while, it is used as a compliment. One of the most beautiful compliments I've ever received is when people tell me I remind them of my nana. I only wish I were more like her.
but it's true. So much of who we are is formed by our family. As Jesus says, "If God were your Father, you would love me." Who do you love? Who don't you love? What do you act like? Is the person you are pointing to your heavenly Father? Do you take after Him?
But this is not a new thing. Other characters in the Bible recognized the important role of family in their faith... such as the examples that follow.
Preparing the Family
5 David said, "My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the LORD should be of great magnificence and fame and splendor in the sight of all the nations. Therefore I will make preparations for it." So David made extensive preparations before his death.
6 Then he called for his son Solomon and charged him to build a house for the LORD, the God of Israel. 7 David said to Solomon: "My son, I had it in my heart to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God. 8 But this word of the LORD came to me: 'You have shed much blood and have fought many wars. You are not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight. 9 But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon, [a] and I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign. 10 He is the one who will build a house for my Name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.'
11 "Now, my son, the LORD be with you, and may you have success and build the house of the LORD your God, as he said you would. 12 May the LORD give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God. 13 Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. -1 Chronicles 22:5-11
David shows that caring for your family's spiritual development involves careful preparations, explanations, and encouragement. Right now, there are a lot of preparations going on for the wedding. My church family has been preparing the sanctuary with lovely clean walls and areas and a beautiful rose garden among other things! And the new technology will help me to incorporate my cousin Jonathan and his talents into the wedding. My cousins and friends have already prepared a perfect shower for me, which so many loving friends attended... making it all the sweeter! Mom & Dad C are carefully preparing the rehearsal dinner: who will be there and how it will go. My musical friends and family are preparing their own wonderful original music to play for me! My parents are carefully preparing the food, the reception, the flowers, the dress etc. My Uncle Rod, Dad C, & Dick are preparing their parts in the message. These careful preparations are very special gifts to Brad and myself. The gift of time, care and consideration. Gifts that show their love for us. They are our family... and they prepare us for the holy commitment involved in the marriage ceremony, a commitment sealed by our Father in heaven.
These are all preparations for a marriage, but even if we are not celebrating a marriage... every step of our family life from a new baby to a move to a retirement... every step includes preparing ourselves and our hearts for our spiritual commitment to the Lord. How will we teach this baby to know and love the Lord? How will we use our retirement to honor our Father? How will we use this marriage to symbolize the love Jesus has for us? Prepare your family for the moment where you are... to make that a moment for the Lord.
Teaching Your Family
4Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37I know you are Abraham's descendants. Yet you are ready to kill me, because you have no room for my word. 38I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence, and you do what you have heard from your father.[b]"
39"Abraham is our father," they answered.
"If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would[c] do the things Abraham did. 40As it is, you are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. 41You are doing the things your own father does."
"We are not illegitimate children," they protested. "The only Father we have is God himself."
42Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. 43Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? 47He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God." -John 8:4-42
This passage reminds me of my conversation with Brad the other day, just after we had brought home our new rescued sheltie puppy, Shaya.
Bradley: wow! I'm a daddy!
me: :o)
Bradley: can you send me a picture?
i want to see if she takes after me or not ;)
We're always looking to see if kids take after their parents, and not just in appearance. Fathers often say to kids, "You're just like your mother." Mothers say, "You're just like your father." Unfortunately this is very often when they are upset with their kids and the traits they've picked up. But once in a while, it is used as a compliment. One of the most beautiful compliments I've ever received is when people tell me I remind them of my nana. I only wish I were more like her.
but it's true. So much of who we are is formed by our family. As Jesus says, "If God were your Father, you would love me." Who do you love? Who don't you love? What do you act like? Is the person you are pointing to your heavenly Father? Do you take after Him?
Saturday, May 22, 2010
A Small Joy as a Reminder of All Joys
Today I have a joy that is small in size but huge and wonderful in my heart! And she has the sweetest little tail! :o)
Many people don't look back to the Lord and thank God when they buy a puppy, but prayers of thanksgiving and praise are what this puppy brings me to... perhaps puppy praise. My Father who has created all things has once again provided for me.
8 Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
9 Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
10 Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
11 Look to the LORD and his strength;
seek his face always.
12 Remember the wonders he has done,
his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,
13 O descendants of Israel his servant,
O sons of Jacob, his chosen ones.
14 He is the LORD our God;
his judgments are in all the earth. - 1 Chronicles 16:8-14
And my heart echoes these sentiments. We should thank God for all things, even small things. Even small things are sometimes so important. Like a little puppy. She serves a great purpose for me. After puppy hunting for a couple of months, God has given me a friend for all times and a companion and protector that will be there for me at times when my other companion and protector is in Brazil doing research. Not necessarily a 'need,' but this puppy is a great joy nonetheless... and I'm so thankful for her.
Who can help but marvel at God's wonderful works, when watching a little puppy run or jump or play? All that God has made is wonderful, and I thank Him for this little one that I've come to love so quickly.
Let's thank God for the small joys that show God's greatness and remind us of all joys: for puppies, for church yard sales that bring the community together, for times with friends, for a Young Adult Conference, for a wedding that so many friends and family will gladly attend and participate in.
Many people don't look back to the Lord and thank God when they buy a puppy, but prayers of thanksgiving and praise are what this puppy brings me to... perhaps puppy praise. My Father who has created all things has once again provided for me.
8 Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
9 Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
10 Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
11 Look to the LORD and his strength;
seek his face always.
12 Remember the wonders he has done,
his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,
13 O descendants of Israel his servant,
O sons of Jacob, his chosen ones.
14 He is the LORD our God;
his judgments are in all the earth. - 1 Chronicles 16:8-14
And my heart echoes these sentiments. We should thank God for all things, even small things. Even small things are sometimes so important. Like a little puppy. She serves a great purpose for me. After puppy hunting for a couple of months, God has given me a friend for all times and a companion and protector that will be there for me at times when my other companion and protector is in Brazil doing research. Not necessarily a 'need,' but this puppy is a great joy nonetheless... and I'm so thankful for her.
Who can help but marvel at God's wonderful works, when watching a little puppy run or jump or play? All that God has made is wonderful, and I thank Him for this little one that I've come to love so quickly.
Let's thank God for the small joys that show God's greatness and remind us of all joys: for puppies, for church yard sales that bring the community together, for times with friends, for a Young Adult Conference, for a wedding that so many friends and family will gladly attend and participate in.
Friday, May 21, 2010
What Would your Brother Say? WWBS
You've often heard it said... What Would Jesus Do? WWJD? But... today, you can ask, what would your brother say? It's far too often that we find ourselves being overly critical of the people who are closest to us. It happens naturally. The closer you are to someone, the more you get to know the 'worse' along with the 'better' of your now only sometimes-seemingly-better-half. Parents, siblings, kids... we can see the faults and we hesitate to believe the best in spouses who were once the moon and stars in our eyes, and parents who were once super man, and kids who at one point never did any wrong. But now, we see the wrong... and because of our deep sense of commitment, we're too quick to point it out.
For example, let's look at Jesus' brothers in this section.
1After this, Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life. 2But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near, 3Jesus' brothers said to him, "You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. 4No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world." 5For even his own brothers did not believe in him.
6Therefore Jesus told them, "The right time for me has not yet come; for you any time is right. 7The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil. 8You go to the Feast. I am not yet[a] going up to this Feast, because for me the right time has not yet come." 9Having said this, he stayed in Galilee.
10However, after his brothers had left for the Feast, he went also, not publicly, but in secret. 11Now at the Feast the Jews were watching for him and asking, "Where is that man?"
12Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, "He is a good man."
Others replied, "No, he deceives the people." 13But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the Jews. -John 7: 1-13
Poor Jesus. It's a tough life. Not even his brothers believe him. In fact, it's interesting, because they're admitting that He's done miracles. But it's almost as if they're saying, "Ok, sure. You can make things happen here at home. But prove it. Prove that you're the real deal. Do something someplace else."
And that's why it's important to consider what my Uncle Rod often points out and what I refer to as "the James test." If, after everything was said and done, Jesus' brother who saw Jesus through the 'worse' as well as the 'better' wrote a whole book explaining that Jesus was the son of God... that's really something. As Uncle Rod says, "Because I know my brother, and you know your brother, and we know they are great... but they are not Christ." If anyone knows you, it's your immediate family. And I'm sure it wasn't an easy thing to proclaim, but even after moments of doubt and disbelief... in the end James knew his brother.
So, for those moments of disbelief, remember "the James test." And take another look through that book of the Bible for an inspiring 'inside scoop' of the life of our Lord.
For example, let's look at Jesus' brothers in this section.
1After this, Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life. 2But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near, 3Jesus' brothers said to him, "You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. 4No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world." 5For even his own brothers did not believe in him.
6Therefore Jesus told them, "The right time for me has not yet come; for you any time is right. 7The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil. 8You go to the Feast. I am not yet[a] going up to this Feast, because for me the right time has not yet come." 9Having said this, he stayed in Galilee.
10However, after his brothers had left for the Feast, he went also, not publicly, but in secret. 11Now at the Feast the Jews were watching for him and asking, "Where is that man?"
12Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, "He is a good man."
Others replied, "No, he deceives the people." 13But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the Jews. -John 7: 1-13
Poor Jesus. It's a tough life. Not even his brothers believe him. In fact, it's interesting, because they're admitting that He's done miracles. But it's almost as if they're saying, "Ok, sure. You can make things happen here at home. But prove it. Prove that you're the real deal. Do something someplace else."
And that's why it's important to consider what my Uncle Rod often points out and what I refer to as "the James test." If, after everything was said and done, Jesus' brother who saw Jesus through the 'worse' as well as the 'better' wrote a whole book explaining that Jesus was the son of God... that's really something. As Uncle Rod says, "Because I know my brother, and you know your brother, and we know they are great... but they are not Christ." If anyone knows you, it's your immediate family. And I'm sure it wasn't an easy thing to proclaim, but even after moments of doubt and disbelief... in the end James knew his brother.
So, for those moments of disbelief, remember "the James test." And take another look through that book of the Bible for an inspiring 'inside scoop' of the life of our Lord.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Faith as Work
We often think of the James v. Paul debate. One emphasizes work; the other faith. Well, both come into the ring today as Jesus defines faith as work. It may be the work passed down from generations or a new type of work based on your context, but it's an interesting and different type of way for me to think about faith... and all the 'work' involved in having faith... during those even difficult times.
The Work of God
Another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel. —Judges 2:10
The ODB reflection cited this verse today, and I remember what it means to remember 'the work which God has done for Israel.' In fact, it reminds me of the Jewish song 'dayenu': it would've been enough. Juniata's Baccalaureate service went through a short reflection on this phrase and how it is used to recount the many blessings and miracles in the lives of the Jews. It would've been enough. And I look to this verse, and I believe it's all too true. How often do we pause to reflect on what would the Lord has done for us, for all of us. For, we have a part with the Israelites now... their story is now ours, and we can now rejoice that...
Dayenu... it would've been enough for God to part the red sea
Dayenu... it would've been enough for God to send His son
Dayenu... it would've been enough to bless me with Brad in my life
And I pray that I may remember to recount and remember God's many great and wonderful works all the days of my life, because it's all too tempting to forget that it is enough. Though the beauty of our love is amazing, I forget that it's enough. But it's so important for me to remember right now that this marriage is enough, in spite of what the flowers look like or whether feel the most beautiful or whether there will be what kind of dancing and if the dance goes well. The blessing of our love is enough, and this beautiful work of God gives us faith in a gracious and kind and wonderful heavenly Father who has united us.
The Work for God... Passed Down Through Generations
19 Shallum son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his fellow gatekeepers from his family (the Korahites) were responsible for guarding the thresholds of the Tent [l] just as their fathers had been responsible for guarding the entrance to the dwelling of the LORD. 20 In earlier times Phinehas son of Eleazar was in charge of the gatekeepers, and the LORD was with him. 21 Zechariah son of Meshelemiah was the gatekeeper at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. -1 Chronicles 9:19-21
Families also pass down their faith and their work for God. We can see this clearly in the different denominations that specialize in one work or another. Brethren are big on service. Other churches devote themselves to upholding the authority of scripture. Others dedicate themselves to evangelism. And perhaps this isn't a bad thing. I mean, we all know the phrase "jack of all trades and ace of none." If we try to dominate everything, it's first of all prideful and second of all un-biblical. This is exactly why Paul used the image of the church as a body. Perhaps we often think of that body on too small a scale. Instead, envisioning the Church, we can see how different congregations and denominations act as hands, eyes, feet, etc. Ever faithful to the gifts that God has given them, ever faithful to the Lord they believe in... their faith is reflected in the work that they do.
The Work Required by God... Having Faith
28Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?"
29Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."
30So they asked him, "What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'[a]"
32Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."
34"Sir," they said, "from now on give us this bread."
35Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. 36But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." - John 6:28-40
This is the verse that stood out the most to me today... the work of the Lord is this: that you believe in the one He sent. Belief! How can belief be work? That's the work that is required of the Lord? Well, it obviously isn't an easy task. The crowd is told they need to believe, and what do they ask for? More proof.
In today's incredulous and cynical society, belief is hard to come by, perhaps even more in grad school where we are taught 'critical thinking skills' and 'to question everything.' But it's not only a grad school thing. I'm convinced that the larger society is copying this trend, and it's harder and harder to believe, to really believe. Couples who don't really believe in marriage sign pre-nuptual agreements. Police who don't believe in individual's words file false reports. My high school teacher Dr. Kreider practiced something which is probably long gone from high school classrooms nowadays. The honor code... she left the room, believing that her students would not cheat. Her belief in our own ethical code was empowering to me, and her actions (work) went along with her belief. You could see it.
Ask yourself again... do you believe? Do you really believe? Are you living like you believe? Can you see it? If you really believe that Jesus sent His son, what would you do? Who would you tell? How would you respond? Would you praise Him right now? Would you tell that neighbor and remind them of the blessing that frees us? Would you respond by continuing His work of love and grace and service here on earth?
Do the work required of you... have faith, believe.
The Work of God
Another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel. —Judges 2:10
The ODB reflection cited this verse today, and I remember what it means to remember 'the work which God has done for Israel.' In fact, it reminds me of the Jewish song 'dayenu': it would've been enough. Juniata's Baccalaureate service went through a short reflection on this phrase and how it is used to recount the many blessings and miracles in the lives of the Jews. It would've been enough. And I look to this verse, and I believe it's all too true. How often do we pause to reflect on what would the Lord has done for us, for all of us. For, we have a part with the Israelites now... their story is now ours, and we can now rejoice that...
Dayenu... it would've been enough for God to part the red sea
Dayenu... it would've been enough for God to send His son
Dayenu... it would've been enough to bless me with Brad in my life
And I pray that I may remember to recount and remember God's many great and wonderful works all the days of my life, because it's all too tempting to forget that it is enough. Though the beauty of our love is amazing, I forget that it's enough. But it's so important for me to remember right now that this marriage is enough, in spite of what the flowers look like or whether feel the most beautiful or whether there will be what kind of dancing and if the dance goes well. The blessing of our love is enough, and this beautiful work of God gives us faith in a gracious and kind and wonderful heavenly Father who has united us.
The Work for God... Passed Down Through Generations
19 Shallum son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his fellow gatekeepers from his family (the Korahites) were responsible for guarding the thresholds of the Tent [l] just as their fathers had been responsible for guarding the entrance to the dwelling of the LORD. 20 In earlier times Phinehas son of Eleazar was in charge of the gatekeepers, and the LORD was with him. 21 Zechariah son of Meshelemiah was the gatekeeper at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. -1 Chronicles 9:19-21
Families also pass down their faith and their work for God. We can see this clearly in the different denominations that specialize in one work or another. Brethren are big on service. Other churches devote themselves to upholding the authority of scripture. Others dedicate themselves to evangelism. And perhaps this isn't a bad thing. I mean, we all know the phrase "jack of all trades and ace of none." If we try to dominate everything, it's first of all prideful and second of all un-biblical. This is exactly why Paul used the image of the church as a body. Perhaps we often think of that body on too small a scale. Instead, envisioning the Church, we can see how different congregations and denominations act as hands, eyes, feet, etc. Ever faithful to the gifts that God has given them, ever faithful to the Lord they believe in... their faith is reflected in the work that they do.
The Work Required by God... Having Faith
28Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?"
29Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."
30So they asked him, "What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'[a]"
32Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."
34"Sir," they said, "from now on give us this bread."
35Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. 36But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." - John 6:28-40
This is the verse that stood out the most to me today... the work of the Lord is this: that you believe in the one He sent. Belief! How can belief be work? That's the work that is required of the Lord? Well, it obviously isn't an easy task. The crowd is told they need to believe, and what do they ask for? More proof.
In today's incredulous and cynical society, belief is hard to come by, perhaps even more in grad school where we are taught 'critical thinking skills' and 'to question everything.' But it's not only a grad school thing. I'm convinced that the larger society is copying this trend, and it's harder and harder to believe, to really believe. Couples who don't really believe in marriage sign pre-nuptual agreements. Police who don't believe in individual's words file false reports. My high school teacher Dr. Kreider practiced something which is probably long gone from high school classrooms nowadays. The honor code... she left the room, believing that her students would not cheat. Her belief in our own ethical code was empowering to me, and her actions (work) went along with her belief. You could see it.
Ask yourself again... do you believe? Do you really believe? Are you living like you believe? Can you see it? If you really believe that Jesus sent His son, what would you do? Who would you tell? How would you respond? Would you praise Him right now? Would you tell that neighbor and remind them of the blessing that frees us? Would you respond by continuing His work of love and grace and service here on earth?
Do the work required of you... have faith, believe.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The Liabilities of Legalism
Recently, I've been learning about the 'liabilities of legalism' and it's reminding me of our study of Romans this year. Laws, rules, they're all good and well. But there are times when the way we think about the world and the regulations that frame things hinder productivity. Examples abound in the Bible and in our lives.
But it's the boy's personal food...
5When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" 6He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.
7Philip answered him, "Eight months' wages[a] would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!"
8Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, 9"Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?"
10Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them. 11Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
12When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." 13So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. -John 6:5-13
Just imagine what would've happened if the disciples had objected with this remark: "But that's the boy's own personal food" instead of obeying what Jesus said. "No, no... we'd have to compensate him for the fish and loaves. How many dinari do you have on you, J?" Such legalism would've prevented the whole crowd from enjoying a satisfying meal.
On Thursday morning, I encountered a similar situation. Utterly exhausted after several all-nighters, I slept 4 hours later than usual, until 10am. But I woke up as excited as ever, ready to enjoy a run for the first time in a week. So, I went off, forgetting that 10am in May in Tucson is not a great time for a 10 miler. Over half way through the run, I became extremely exhausted and dehydrated. I stopped at a nice little bagel place, sitting down 4 times from the dizziness before I could manage to stand and ask for a cup of water. They told me it would be $1.40, and I looked on in amazement. I was clearly not doing well here, and as I said, "Not even a cup of water so I can get back to campus?" tears welled up in my eyes... worsened by the fact that I had a dollar, but that was not good enough for them. I was missing 40 cents. Next door at a little Mexican fast food restaurant, I asked for a cup of water and said, "Please. I need a cup of water. I have a dollar." The lovely Mexican lady behind the counter said, "Water?" She handed me a styrofoam cup and didn't touch my money. She encouraged me to get water from the array of fountain sodas, no questions asked.
This whole episode made me think of the role of rules in our lives, especially in terms of giving. Do we ever look into someone's eyes and say coldly, "You're forty cents short" instead of offering "a cup of cold water to someone in need"? God challenges us to love, above all things love one another... love is the law that crosses all sorts of boundaries.
But you can't walk on water...
19When they had rowed three or three and a half miles,[b] they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. 20But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." 21Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. -John 6:19-20
Another common legality that often hinders our vivacity and our living is from our 'can'ts', the impossibilities we see in our lives. In this instance and also when Peter walked on water, we were amazed at Jesus' ability to do the impossible. As we are reminded, "if we say to the mountain move, it will throw itself into the ocean." But how many times are we afraid when we confront impossibilities?
The last few weeks in Tucson, it was Finals time... high stress and high pressure building up around me, to the point that I really began to question my ability to continue in a Ph.D. program. I began to say, "But, Katie, you can't do a Ph.D... you're not smart enough, you're not original enough, you don't want it enough. You're not competitive enough." And blessings surrounded me in the form of encouraging colleagues like Sonya and Deida. My professors offered helpful suggestions, and the International School of Tucson confirmed their interest in participating in my dissertation research. Every one of these important words guided me towards the water and made me believe that I really can and will walk the waters of a Ph.D., and I don't need to be afraid.
Whether we set rules upon our wedding ceremonies (how it should go), our names (how they should/shouldn't change), lives (how they should be lived)... God teaches us that what is more important than the impossibilities is the possibilities, the people are more important than the product, than the process or even the profit. The liabilities of legalism are great... they can keep us from reaching out to others, and they can also keep us from reaching our own God-given potential.
But it's the boy's personal food...
5When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" 6He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.
7Philip answered him, "Eight months' wages[a] would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!"
8Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, 9"Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?"
10Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them. 11Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
12When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." 13So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. -John 6:5-13
Just imagine what would've happened if the disciples had objected with this remark: "But that's the boy's own personal food" instead of obeying what Jesus said. "No, no... we'd have to compensate him for the fish and loaves. How many dinari do you have on you, J?" Such legalism would've prevented the whole crowd from enjoying a satisfying meal.
On Thursday morning, I encountered a similar situation. Utterly exhausted after several all-nighters, I slept 4 hours later than usual, until 10am. But I woke up as excited as ever, ready to enjoy a run for the first time in a week. So, I went off, forgetting that 10am in May in Tucson is not a great time for a 10 miler. Over half way through the run, I became extremely exhausted and dehydrated. I stopped at a nice little bagel place, sitting down 4 times from the dizziness before I could manage to stand and ask for a cup of water. They told me it would be $1.40, and I looked on in amazement. I was clearly not doing well here, and as I said, "Not even a cup of water so I can get back to campus?" tears welled up in my eyes... worsened by the fact that I had a dollar, but that was not good enough for them. I was missing 40 cents. Next door at a little Mexican fast food restaurant, I asked for a cup of water and said, "Please. I need a cup of water. I have a dollar." The lovely Mexican lady behind the counter said, "Water?" She handed me a styrofoam cup and didn't touch my money. She encouraged me to get water from the array of fountain sodas, no questions asked.
This whole episode made me think of the role of rules in our lives, especially in terms of giving. Do we ever look into someone's eyes and say coldly, "You're forty cents short" instead of offering "a cup of cold water to someone in need"? God challenges us to love, above all things love one another... love is the law that crosses all sorts of boundaries.
But you can't walk on water...
19When they had rowed three or three and a half miles,[b] they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. 20But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." 21Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. -John 6:19-20
Another common legality that often hinders our vivacity and our living is from our 'can'ts', the impossibilities we see in our lives. In this instance and also when Peter walked on water, we were amazed at Jesus' ability to do the impossible. As we are reminded, "if we say to the mountain move, it will throw itself into the ocean." But how many times are we afraid when we confront impossibilities?
The last few weeks in Tucson, it was Finals time... high stress and high pressure building up around me, to the point that I really began to question my ability to continue in a Ph.D. program. I began to say, "But, Katie, you can't do a Ph.D... you're not smart enough, you're not original enough, you don't want it enough. You're not competitive enough." And blessings surrounded me in the form of encouraging colleagues like Sonya and Deida. My professors offered helpful suggestions, and the International School of Tucson confirmed their interest in participating in my dissertation research. Every one of these important words guided me towards the water and made me believe that I really can and will walk the waters of a Ph.D., and I don't need to be afraid.
Whether we set rules upon our wedding ceremonies (how it should go), our names (how they should/shouldn't change), lives (how they should be lived)... God teaches us that what is more important than the impossibilities is the possibilities, the people are more important than the product, than the process or even the profit. The liabilities of legalism are great... they can keep us from reaching out to others, and they can also keep us from reaching our own God-given potential.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
He Remembers the Humble
This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. —Psalm 34:6
Time after time there is a theme that emerges, which I especially noticed in reading Luke this year... God lifts the humble, changes the paradigm, honors and respects and appreciate those in positions that are often passed by. This Psalm, for example is not what we typically think of when we think of the book of Psalms. It sounds more like a story than the poetry of the sheep and the pastures and the mountains. But this poor man cried out, but the Lord heard him. The Lord takes time to listen to not just those in authority... but the sincerely humble, the repentant sinner and his/her plea for forgiveness.
The Repentant Sinner
Ahab said to Elijah, "So you have found me, my enemy!"
"I have found you," he answered, "because you have sold yourself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD. 21 'I am going to bring disaster on you. I will consume your descendants and cut off from Ahab every last male in Israel—slave or free. 22 I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat and that of Baasha son of Ahijah, because you have provoked me to anger and have caused Israel to sin.'
23 "And also concerning Jezebel the LORD says: 'Dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of [a] Jezreel.'
24 "Dogs will eat those belonging to Ahab who die in the city, and the birds of the air will feed on those who die in the country."
25 (There was never a man like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, urged on by Jezebel his wife. 26 He behaved in the vilest manner by going after idols, like the Amorites the LORD drove out before Israel.)
27 When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly.
28 Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite: 29 "Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day, but I will bring it on his house in the days of his son." -1 Kings 21:20-29
From this passage, it seems no sin is too great for God to forgive it. Just after the parentheses tell us that "there was never a man like Ahab," who was "vile" and "worshipped idols," we see God recognizing Ahab's humility... for he went around humbly.
No matter whether our sin is time mismanagement, being disagreeable with someone when that's not what they deserve, not appreciating God's good gifts, or something like worshipping idols, we should 'go around meekly.' A couple of years ago I read the book "When People are Big and God is Small." It points out a dilemma we have today in being meek and humble and recognizing that God is the one who is big and who we need to forgive our sins, and we are small, powerless. When we truly recognize His greatness, we are humbled, and further humbled by the fact that He chooses to listen to, to remember us.
The Humble Plea
2Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."[b] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
35The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."
36The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."
38There was a written notice above him, which read:|sc THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
40But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[c]"
43Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." -Luke 23:32-43
While Ahab's plea for forgiveness came in terms of his change in attitude and his actions, the criminals on the crosses next to Jesus don't have enough time for any of that. But the one criminal recognizes Jesus as God and rebukes the other criminal... asking Jesus to remember him in His kingdom. And it was just that easy, with that honest open plea, Jesus forgave the man who might have done any number of wrongs. He recognized his faults and asked Jesus to look upon him.
Whether we have committed the sins of Ahab or the criminal that day on the cross, we are sinners. As Romans reminds us, all sin and fall short of the glory of God. But, that in itself is a beautiful thing, because it humbles us and reminds us that we cannot earn grace... it keeps us in our place and reminds us to honor Him who is holy and perfect and his amazing forgiveness for us.
Time after time there is a theme that emerges, which I especially noticed in reading Luke this year... God lifts the humble, changes the paradigm, honors and respects and appreciate those in positions that are often passed by. This Psalm, for example is not what we typically think of when we think of the book of Psalms. It sounds more like a story than the poetry of the sheep and the pastures and the mountains. But this poor man cried out, but the Lord heard him. The Lord takes time to listen to not just those in authority... but the sincerely humble, the repentant sinner and his/her plea for forgiveness.
The Repentant Sinner
Ahab said to Elijah, "So you have found me, my enemy!"
"I have found you," he answered, "because you have sold yourself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD. 21 'I am going to bring disaster on you. I will consume your descendants and cut off from Ahab every last male in Israel—slave or free. 22 I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat and that of Baasha son of Ahijah, because you have provoked me to anger and have caused Israel to sin.'
23 "And also concerning Jezebel the LORD says: 'Dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of [a] Jezreel.'
24 "Dogs will eat those belonging to Ahab who die in the city, and the birds of the air will feed on those who die in the country."
25 (There was never a man like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, urged on by Jezebel his wife. 26 He behaved in the vilest manner by going after idols, like the Amorites the LORD drove out before Israel.)
27 When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly.
28 Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite: 29 "Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day, but I will bring it on his house in the days of his son." -1 Kings 21:20-29
From this passage, it seems no sin is too great for God to forgive it. Just after the parentheses tell us that "there was never a man like Ahab," who was "vile" and "worshipped idols," we see God recognizing Ahab's humility... for he went around humbly.
No matter whether our sin is time mismanagement, being disagreeable with someone when that's not what they deserve, not appreciating God's good gifts, or something like worshipping idols, we should 'go around meekly.' A couple of years ago I read the book "When People are Big and God is Small." It points out a dilemma we have today in being meek and humble and recognizing that God is the one who is big and who we need to forgive our sins, and we are small, powerless. When we truly recognize His greatness, we are humbled, and further humbled by the fact that He chooses to listen to, to remember us.
The Humble Plea
2Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."[b] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
35The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."
36The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."
38There was a written notice above him, which read:|sc THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
40But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[c]"
43Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." -Luke 23:32-43
While Ahab's plea for forgiveness came in terms of his change in attitude and his actions, the criminals on the crosses next to Jesus don't have enough time for any of that. But the one criminal recognizes Jesus as God and rebukes the other criminal... asking Jesus to remember him in His kingdom. And it was just that easy, with that honest open plea, Jesus forgave the man who might have done any number of wrongs. He recognized his faults and asked Jesus to look upon him.
Whether we have committed the sins of Ahab or the criminal that day on the cross, we are sinners. As Romans reminds us, all sin and fall short of the glory of God. But, that in itself is a beautiful thing, because it humbles us and reminds us that we cannot earn grace... it keeps us in our place and reminds us to honor Him who is holy and perfect and his amazing forgiveness for us.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
In the Whisper
It seems that everything nowadays is in competition with everything else. Louder! Bigger! Stronger! But, God doesn't need to compete. He's already God.
Dr. Perry Gilmore is always telling fun stories about 'the genius in the family.' We all have one... someone who 'discovered nuclear fission' or some such thing. (My family has around 20!) They don't need to go around talking about it, because... first of all, we wouldn't understand and secondly, we already know they're genius! And the thing about God is it's not even just with intellect that He wins out. He's all-knowing, all-loving, all-powerful, all-everything! He wins on every accounts, so God can use the quiet send his knowing, loving and powerful messages... just like in these examples from today's readings.
Whispered Guidance
11 The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" -1 Kings 19:11-13
It's a familiar story, and perhaps if we think about it a little this morning we can allow it to surprise us. I mean, we normally think of the wind as quiet, don't we? Why wouldn't God be in the wind? And isn't there another scripture where God is compared to the wind, because you can't see Him? Some context might help us understand. We're dealing with the desert here, so now living in Arizona has given me some perspective. Just the other day we didn't have any 'ordinary' wind. We had massive, knock you down, palm tree bending wind! That's wind that you can feel and hear... not quiet at all.
I also think of the Wizard of Oz... because he had no real power, he hid behind a curtain and had smoke and huge images to impress. Instead, our God is a real and awesome God that doesn't need to be announced on a loudspeaker (although He deserves much more), who doesn't need cymbal and trumpets to declare that He is the great I Am.
A whisper is all that is needed to recognize the true presence of the Lord. And again I wonder about the whispers I've been hearing in my sleep. I pray Lord, that You may come again in a whisper and give me your guidance like that you gave to your servant Elijah so long ago. Perhaps you are telling me what you told him so long ago, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" What am I doing here? I pray to feel your renewed purpose, a focus on You... that that may be what I am doing here always, wherever 'here' may be.
Whispered Call
19 So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. 20 Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. "Let me kiss my father and mother good-by," he said, "and then I will come with you."
"Go back," Elijah replied. "What have I done to you?"
21 So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his attendant. -1 Kings 19:19-21
This continuation of the story of Elijah surprised me this morning. God's advice was to go and appoint Elisha, which we see him doing here. But we don't even hear any words. From reading this it even seems that Elisha was the one that did the running after Elijah.
And it almost seems odd compared to Luke 9:62, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." To a certain extent Elisha was allowed to go back. But then, he slaughtered his oxen and burned the plow. There would certainly be no looking back to his plowing days after that. It reminds me of the many other cases where disciples were told to sell all they had and follow Jesus. But again, this is a case where we see no angels and hear no explicit call. We only know that something (perhaps a quiet whisper) so greatly touched Elisha that he was willing to radically change his life for the power of that whisper.
Whispered Justice
Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. 2And they began to accuse him, saying, "We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ,[a] a king."
3So Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?"
"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
4Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, "I find no basis for a charge against this man."
5But they insisted, "He stirs up the people all over Judea[b]by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here."
6On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. 7When he learned that Jesus was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.
8When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle. 9He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. 11Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. 12That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies.
13Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, 14and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. 15Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. 16Therefore, I will punish him and then release him."[c]
18With one voice they cried out, "Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!" 19(Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)
20Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. 21But they kept shouting, "Crucify him! Crucify him!"
22For the third time he spoke to them: "Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him."
23But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. 24So Pilate decided to grant their demand. 25He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will. -Luke 23:1-25
In included the whole passage I read in Luke today to emphasize the contrast I see in the loud shouts of the people and the quiet whispers of Jesus. Notice how the people feel the need to shout, to accuse, to ridicule, to mock, to demand. The list goes on. This happens throughout history, and oftentimes it's on the wrong side of justice.
Notice that Jesus feels no need to shout. He calmly answers that he is King of the Jews, when surrounded by people who are shouting at him, mocking him, ridiculing him, accusing him. Now that's some impressive composure! Pilate and Herod also refuse to convict Jesus and don't find him guilty of any crime, amidst the crying and shouting of the crowd. Perhaps the quiet whisper of true justice has reached their ears. But we know the end of the story, the crowd wins out... and it was the plan that they wouldn't hear the whisper, at least not yet... not until the completion of the story.
So I pray today that we may listen for God through our goings and comings... knowing that it may not be in a flash of lightning or a cloud of smoke that we see or hear God's will for our lives. Instead, let's listen, let's quiet ourselves enough to listen for the whisper of a God so amazing, so wonderful, so loving, so powerful, that He only needs a whisper to express all of that.
Dr. Perry Gilmore is always telling fun stories about 'the genius in the family.' We all have one... someone who 'discovered nuclear fission' or some such thing. (My family has around 20!) They don't need to go around talking about it, because... first of all, we wouldn't understand and secondly, we already know they're genius! And the thing about God is it's not even just with intellect that He wins out. He's all-knowing, all-loving, all-powerful, all-everything! He wins on every accounts, so God can use the quiet send his knowing, loving and powerful messages... just like in these examples from today's readings.
Whispered Guidance
11 The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" -1 Kings 19:11-13
It's a familiar story, and perhaps if we think about it a little this morning we can allow it to surprise us. I mean, we normally think of the wind as quiet, don't we? Why wouldn't God be in the wind? And isn't there another scripture where God is compared to the wind, because you can't see Him? Some context might help us understand. We're dealing with the desert here, so now living in Arizona has given me some perspective. Just the other day we didn't have any 'ordinary' wind. We had massive, knock you down, palm tree bending wind! That's wind that you can feel and hear... not quiet at all.
I also think of the Wizard of Oz... because he had no real power, he hid behind a curtain and had smoke and huge images to impress. Instead, our God is a real and awesome God that doesn't need to be announced on a loudspeaker (although He deserves much more), who doesn't need cymbal and trumpets to declare that He is the great I Am.
A whisper is all that is needed to recognize the true presence of the Lord. And again I wonder about the whispers I've been hearing in my sleep. I pray Lord, that You may come again in a whisper and give me your guidance like that you gave to your servant Elijah so long ago. Perhaps you are telling me what you told him so long ago, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" What am I doing here? I pray to feel your renewed purpose, a focus on You... that that may be what I am doing here always, wherever 'here' may be.
Whispered Call
19 So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. 20 Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. "Let me kiss my father and mother good-by," he said, "and then I will come with you."
"Go back," Elijah replied. "What have I done to you?"
21 So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his attendant. -1 Kings 19:19-21
This continuation of the story of Elijah surprised me this morning. God's advice was to go and appoint Elisha, which we see him doing here. But we don't even hear any words. From reading this it even seems that Elisha was the one that did the running after Elijah.
And it almost seems odd compared to Luke 9:62, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." To a certain extent Elisha was allowed to go back. But then, he slaughtered his oxen and burned the plow. There would certainly be no looking back to his plowing days after that. It reminds me of the many other cases where disciples were told to sell all they had and follow Jesus. But again, this is a case where we see no angels and hear no explicit call. We only know that something (perhaps a quiet whisper) so greatly touched Elisha that he was willing to radically change his life for the power of that whisper.
Whispered Justice
Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. 2And they began to accuse him, saying, "We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ,[a] a king."
3So Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?"
"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
4Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, "I find no basis for a charge against this man."
5But they insisted, "He stirs up the people all over Judea[b]by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here."
6On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. 7When he learned that Jesus was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.
8When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle. 9He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. 11Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. 12That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies.
13Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, 14and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. 15Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. 16Therefore, I will punish him and then release him."[c]
18With one voice they cried out, "Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!" 19(Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)
20Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. 21But they kept shouting, "Crucify him! Crucify him!"
22For the third time he spoke to them: "Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him."
23But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. 24So Pilate decided to grant their demand. 25He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will. -Luke 23:1-25
In included the whole passage I read in Luke today to emphasize the contrast I see in the loud shouts of the people and the quiet whispers of Jesus. Notice how the people feel the need to shout, to accuse, to ridicule, to mock, to demand. The list goes on. This happens throughout history, and oftentimes it's on the wrong side of justice.
Notice that Jesus feels no need to shout. He calmly answers that he is King of the Jews, when surrounded by people who are shouting at him, mocking him, ridiculing him, accusing him. Now that's some impressive composure! Pilate and Herod also refuse to convict Jesus and don't find him guilty of any crime, amidst the crying and shouting of the crowd. Perhaps the quiet whisper of true justice has reached their ears. But we know the end of the story, the crowd wins out... and it was the plan that they wouldn't hear the whisper, at least not yet... not until the completion of the story.
So I pray today that we may listen for God through our goings and comings... knowing that it may not be in a flash of lightning or a cloud of smoke that we see or hear God's will for our lives. Instead, let's listen, let's quiet ourselves enough to listen for the whisper of a God so amazing, so wonderful, so loving, so powerful, that He only needs a whisper to express all of that.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
No More of This
That you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend . . . the love of Christ which passes knowledge. —Ephesians 3:17-19
Another version states... "the love of Christ which passes understanding." It does pass understanding; it's more than we will ever be able to love completely on our own. But Jesus came to try to teach us more about this love, so that we "may be able to comprehend." He came correcting us, just like our parents did when they said, "Enough is enough," or as Jesus puts it in Luke- "No more of this."
No More
47While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, 48but Jesus asked him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"
49When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, should we strike with our swords?" 50And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.
51But Jesus answered, "No more of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him.
52Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? 53Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns."- Luke 22:47-53
A familiar passage, but I read it differently this morning. The words that shouted out to me were "No more of this," perhaps because it was Dia del Nino (Kid's Day) on Sunday. In church, pastor was talking of the importance of correcting our children. Here Jesus was correcting us, His children. Because we do not yet understand the love of Christ, we might have reacted like Jesus' followers, in defend of Jesus, who they knew and loved.
But Jesus said, "No more of this." And he healed the man's ear. Jesus not only corrected the action, but he corrected the pain that had been caused. Now, many may not agree with my interpretation this morning, but to my two un-cut-off pacifist ears, this sounded very prophetic indeed. Before Jesus, there was a separation, those that deserved the sword and those that deserved healing, those that were meant for heaven (the chosen) and those that were lost (Gentiles). But now, the sword is meant for no one- "No more of this"- and the healing is meant for all, even the enemy who has come to take them away, as if Jesus were leading a rebellion.
Of This
36 At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: "O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. 37 Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again."
38 Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.
39 When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, "The LORD -he is God! The LORD -he is God!"
40 Then Elijah commanded them, "Seize the prophets of Baal. Don't let anyone get away!" They seized them, and Elijah had them brought down to the Kishon Valley and slaughtered there.-1 Kings 18:36-40
For example we may take this section about Elijah and His offering, when God proved Himself to be God by sending fire to burn the sacrifice. (Those who set up a sacrifice to Baal witnessed nothing.)
But the "this" that I see here is in verse 40, what was done with the prophets of Baal. They were seized and slaughtered. There is the sword- for the enemy, for those who were wrong, for those who were attacking the Lord with false beliefs. This is the "No more of this" to which I believe Jesus is referring. Now Jesus comes as the prince of peace, with hope and forgiveness for all.
No More of This... In Our Time
Some of you may be familiar with the new, I believe awful, legislation here in Arizona. It's basically legal racial profiling, where cops with 'due suspicion' ask anyone to prove their legal status in the US. Perhaps it's not using a sword, this type of 'power' which reinforces discrimination and stereotyping is a very real form of violence. The type of violence that we should have "no more" of.
As Jesus' people we need to spread the message of His incomprehensible love, His abounding peace... and 'heal' this law... change it and open the eyes of this world to understand that we are one- all welcomed, all loved, all healed. Jesus' message of peace and grace to all who believe in Him begs a world where there is "no more of this."
Another version states... "the love of Christ which passes understanding." It does pass understanding; it's more than we will ever be able to love completely on our own. But Jesus came to try to teach us more about this love, so that we "may be able to comprehend." He came correcting us, just like our parents did when they said, "Enough is enough," or as Jesus puts it in Luke- "No more of this."
No More
47While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, 48but Jesus asked him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"
49When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, should we strike with our swords?" 50And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.
51But Jesus answered, "No more of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him.
52Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? 53Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns."- Luke 22:47-53
A familiar passage, but I read it differently this morning. The words that shouted out to me were "No more of this," perhaps because it was Dia del Nino (Kid's Day) on Sunday. In church, pastor was talking of the importance of correcting our children. Here Jesus was correcting us, His children. Because we do not yet understand the love of Christ, we might have reacted like Jesus' followers, in defend of Jesus, who they knew and loved.
But Jesus said, "No more of this." And he healed the man's ear. Jesus not only corrected the action, but he corrected the pain that had been caused. Now, many may not agree with my interpretation this morning, but to my two un-cut-off pacifist ears, this sounded very prophetic indeed. Before Jesus, there was a separation, those that deserved the sword and those that deserved healing, those that were meant for heaven (the chosen) and those that were lost (Gentiles). But now, the sword is meant for no one- "No more of this"- and the healing is meant for all, even the enemy who has come to take them away, as if Jesus were leading a rebellion.
Of This
36 At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: "O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. 37 Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again."
38 Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.
39 When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, "The LORD -he is God! The LORD -he is God!"
40 Then Elijah commanded them, "Seize the prophets of Baal. Don't let anyone get away!" They seized them, and Elijah had them brought down to the Kishon Valley and slaughtered there.-1 Kings 18:36-40
For example we may take this section about Elijah and His offering, when God proved Himself to be God by sending fire to burn the sacrifice. (Those who set up a sacrifice to Baal witnessed nothing.)
But the "this" that I see here is in verse 40, what was done with the prophets of Baal. They were seized and slaughtered. There is the sword- for the enemy, for those who were wrong, for those who were attacking the Lord with false beliefs. This is the "No more of this" to which I believe Jesus is referring. Now Jesus comes as the prince of peace, with hope and forgiveness for all.
No More of This... In Our Time
Some of you may be familiar with the new, I believe awful, legislation here in Arizona. It's basically legal racial profiling, where cops with 'due suspicion' ask anyone to prove their legal status in the US. Perhaps it's not using a sword, this type of 'power' which reinforces discrimination and stereotyping is a very real form of violence. The type of violence that we should have "no more" of.
As Jesus' people we need to spread the message of His incomprehensible love, His abounding peace... and 'heal' this law... change it and open the eyes of this world to understand that we are one- all welcomed, all loved, all healed. Jesus' message of peace and grace to all who believe in Him begs a world where there is "no more of this."
Monday, May 3, 2010
How Firm a Foundation: A Scripture to Build a Marriage Upon
Scriptural Foundation of Service & Humility
Do nothing from selfish or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. -Philippians 2:3-4
Yesterday Brad & I looked back over the Final Project in our marriage book and read a recommendation to "select a scripture verse that you will build upon as a foundation for your future marriage and family." It told of a couple who used Proverbs 3:3 and inscribed "kindness" and "truth" in their wedding rings as reminders for their special foundational scripture.
While I have many favorite verses that speak toward marriage, this Philippians verse is the one that came to my mind immediately. And Brad agreed. Perhaps this isn't so surprising, since we are choosing to wash each other's feet in our ceremony, our own personal wedding vow to each other... to serve one another, considering one another more highly than ourselves, putting the other first. And while I don't know if we will inscribe "humility" or "service" in our wedding rings, I know that we will write it on our hearts, always looking to Jesus as our example.
Humility & Service- The Least is the Greatest
24Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.-Luke 22:24-30
If our example is Christ, and I believe there is no more beautiful example, then we can see a clear direction towards a life of humility and service. He spoke to his disciples warning them not to seek places of honor or call themselves great. In fact, Jesus came as a little baby in a manger not a palace. He came to Jerusalem on a humble donkey instead of a white stallion. And He came to serve the people.
I think this is also important in a marriage or any relationship for that matter. Sometimes our work, our dreams, our preferences seem so important. But if we constantly remember to serve one another, and consider one another more highly than ourselves... a husband's trip to Brazil is also important to us, a name change is also important to him. The two become one... one mind that cares about the desires, hopes, dreams of the other- serving those needs in love and humility.
And Brad is the perfect example of this. I've had an upset stomach lately, probably acid due to stress that often has negative effects on me. So last night when I had waited to long to put anything in my stomach, Brad ran to the store right away to get me some ginger and crackers in hopes to calm the pain. The pain went away, but even better was feeling so loved... appreciative the kind selfless service of my husband-to-be.
What is so beautiful is that when we don't seek places of honor, they are often bestowed upon us. Mom & Dad C have been serving God and working in ministry for many years now, and they are about to quietly move to a different part of their lives, a different type of ministry (for we are all ministers). Though they did not seek any honor or great place for themselves, the church recognized and honored their constant and faithful service to the church throughout the years.
Do nothing from selfish or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. -Philippians 2:3-4
Yesterday Brad & I looked back over the Final Project in our marriage book and read a recommendation to "select a scripture verse that you will build upon as a foundation for your future marriage and family." It told of a couple who used Proverbs 3:3 and inscribed "kindness" and "truth" in their wedding rings as reminders for their special foundational scripture.
While I have many favorite verses that speak toward marriage, this Philippians verse is the one that came to my mind immediately. And Brad agreed. Perhaps this isn't so surprising, since we are choosing to wash each other's feet in our ceremony, our own personal wedding vow to each other... to serve one another, considering one another more highly than ourselves, putting the other first. And while I don't know if we will inscribe "humility" or "service" in our wedding rings, I know that we will write it on our hearts, always looking to Jesus as our example.
Humility & Service- The Least is the Greatest
24Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.-Luke 22:24-30
If our example is Christ, and I believe there is no more beautiful example, then we can see a clear direction towards a life of humility and service. He spoke to his disciples warning them not to seek places of honor or call themselves great. In fact, Jesus came as a little baby in a manger not a palace. He came to Jerusalem on a humble donkey instead of a white stallion. And He came to serve the people.
I think this is also important in a marriage or any relationship for that matter. Sometimes our work, our dreams, our preferences seem so important. But if we constantly remember to serve one another, and consider one another more highly than ourselves... a husband's trip to Brazil is also important to us, a name change is also important to him. The two become one... one mind that cares about the desires, hopes, dreams of the other- serving those needs in love and humility.
And Brad is the perfect example of this. I've had an upset stomach lately, probably acid due to stress that often has negative effects on me. So last night when I had waited to long to put anything in my stomach, Brad ran to the store right away to get me some ginger and crackers in hopes to calm the pain. The pain went away, but even better was feeling so loved... appreciative the kind selfless service of my husband-to-be.
What is so beautiful is that when we don't seek places of honor, they are often bestowed upon us. Mom & Dad C have been serving God and working in ministry for many years now, and they are about to quietly move to a different part of their lives, a different type of ministry (for we are all ministers). Though they did not seek any honor or great place for themselves, the church recognized and honored their constant and faithful service to the church throughout the years.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs
Signs are on my mind this morning, as I woke up to another 'dream.'
I heard a male voice clearly whisper my name into my right ear as I lay on my pillow. I turned my head to the left, and of course- nothing was there. But then, although I thought I heard footsteps, there was still no one in my room. I fell back asleep and the same whisper happened again.
This morning, I am reminded of Samuel and wish that I would've said, "Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening." I wonder if God is trying to tell me something, and I wonder what that something is. And in these scriptures this morning, I don't 'hear' signs like that of Samuel and my whisper... instead, I 'see' signs. Both in Solomon as a king appointed by God and the parable of the end times, depict signs and something visible... Signs, signs, everywhere signs.
Sign of Wisdom
When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relation to the name of the LORD, she came to test him with hard questions. 2 Arriving at Jerusalem with a very great caravan—with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones—she came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind. 3 Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her. 4 When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, 5 the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at [a] the temple of the LORD, she was overwhelmed.
6 She said to the king, "The report I heard in my own country about your
achievements and your wisdom is true. 7 But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard. 8 How happy your men must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 9 Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD's eternal love for Israel, he has made you king, to maintain justice and righteousness." -1 Kings 10:1-9
Those in grad school are familiar with the 'written and oral comprehensive exams.' It might be likened to what we see the Queen of Sheba doing here. She heard about Solomon's great wisdom and came to test him. She 'did not believe these things until [she] saw them with [her] own eyes' [v.7]. In fact, perhaps that's the reason for the written and the oral... the oral comprehensives are in front of your committee, and they get to see whether 'your wisdom is true.' [v.6]
In fact, I really don't think it's all that dissimilar. Solomon's wisdom was a testimony to the fact that the Lord had appointed him to that position and given him abilities that suited him for that. God delighted in Solomon, blessing him with talents that he used to the glory of the Lord.
I pray that we might be the same in using the good gifts that God has given to us... that they may be signs of the Lord working through us. Whether those gifts are- wisdom, hospitality, generosity, encouragement, joy, hope, peace, love, creativity, or so many others- I pray that they may be signs that point to God, the giver of all good gifts, that all people may come like the Queen of Sheba and say, "Because of the Lord's eternal love for His children, He has made you ______ [teacher, mother, friend, minister, co-worker, father, sister, brother, etc].
And this is what I have been blessed to see in GCF this year. I am humbled by the privilege to be able to facilitate a Bible Study... and not just any bible study. Our group of Romans has continually lifted me up this year, reminding me of the beauty of Christian community and the many diverse and amazing gifts poured out onto each one of our group. I will miss them all this summer, but I will carry them in my heart.
Sign in Parables
29He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. -Luke 21:29
I heard a male voice clearly whisper my name into my right ear as I lay on my pillow. I turned my head to the left, and of course- nothing was there. But then, although I thought I heard footsteps, there was still no one in my room. I fell back asleep and the same whisper happened again.
This morning, I am reminded of Samuel and wish that I would've said, "Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening." I wonder if God is trying to tell me something, and I wonder what that something is. And in these scriptures this morning, I don't 'hear' signs like that of Samuel and my whisper... instead, I 'see' signs. Both in Solomon as a king appointed by God and the parable of the end times, depict signs and something visible... Signs, signs, everywhere signs.
Sign of Wisdom
When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relation to the name of the LORD, she came to test him with hard questions. 2 Arriving at Jerusalem with a very great caravan—with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones—she came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind. 3 Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her. 4 When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, 5 the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at [a] the temple of the LORD, she was overwhelmed.
6 She said to the king, "The report I heard in my own country about your
achievements and your wisdom is true. 7 But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard. 8 How happy your men must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 9 Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD's eternal love for Israel, he has made you king, to maintain justice and righteousness." -1 Kings 10:1-9
Those in grad school are familiar with the 'written and oral comprehensive exams.' It might be likened to what we see the Queen of Sheba doing here. She heard about Solomon's great wisdom and came to test him. She 'did not believe these things until [she] saw them with [her] own eyes' [v.7]. In fact, perhaps that's the reason for the written and the oral... the oral comprehensives are in front of your committee, and they get to see whether 'your wisdom is true.' [v.6]
In fact, I really don't think it's all that dissimilar. Solomon's wisdom was a testimony to the fact that the Lord had appointed him to that position and given him abilities that suited him for that. God delighted in Solomon, blessing him with talents that he used to the glory of the Lord.
I pray that we might be the same in using the good gifts that God has given to us... that they may be signs of the Lord working through us. Whether those gifts are- wisdom, hospitality, generosity, encouragement, joy, hope, peace, love, creativity, or so many others- I pray that they may be signs that point to God, the giver of all good gifts, that all people may come like the Queen of Sheba and say, "Because of the Lord's eternal love for His children, He has made you ______ [teacher, mother, friend, minister, co-worker, father, sister, brother, etc].
And this is what I have been blessed to see in GCF this year. I am humbled by the privilege to be able to facilitate a Bible Study... and not just any bible study. Our group of Romans has continually lifted me up this year, reminding me of the beauty of Christian community and the many diverse and amazing gifts poured out onto each one of our group. I will miss them all this summer, but I will carry them in my heart.
Sign in Parables
29He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. -Luke 21:29
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)