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.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
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
Friday, April 30, 2010
Seemingly Simple Gifts
We do good to recognize that all of the gifts that we give to our God are small, but not too small. It's a delicate balance between recognizing the value or our gifts as well as the fact that we are never able to give anything valuable enough to God... anything truly worthy of His majesty.
Whether we give Him a temple or a couple of coins, it is the heart that matters... God looks at the heart and sees what others cannot see. He looks for the joy of the giver and their worshipful attitude.
The Seemingly Second-Rate
27 "But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! 28 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 this day. 29 May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, this place of which you said, 'My Name shall be there,' so that you will hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. 30 Hear the supplication 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. -1 Kings 8:27-30
In this passage, Solomon has just finished building a temple for the Lord- adorned with wooden carvings (as we saw yesterday) and the finest material. This was certainly no small gift! The time, effort, energy, and monetary costs were all great! But, Solomon does well here to recognize that this temple in all its beauty and splendor is not even enough for the majesty of our Lord and king. He has another dwelling in the highest heavens, that makes this one look positively second-rate. Yet he asks God to come into this dwelling and to hear the prayers of His people that will come their to this place.
And the Lord's response:
"I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there. -1 Kings 9:3
When we give with all of our heart, even though it can never be enough... the Lord will hear our prayers and He will honor the simple gifts that we give to honor Him.
The Seemingly Small
1As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.[a] 3"I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." -Luke 21:1-4
More evident is the story of the poor widow and the offering plate. This familiar short account is told during many offertory remarks. And it serves to underline the fact that it is quality not quantity in the gifts that we give to the Lord. The rich gave based on quantity... the size and the value of their offerings. But the widow's offering was of quality. She gave 'out of her poverty' and 'put in all she had to live on.'
Even though my gifts to the church, to my friends, to individuals in need, may seem small, I pray that they may be of quality... giving out of my stipend, I pray that God would use what I have for His glory. This weekend it was so humbling to receive such generous gifts from so many... and gifts from those who are facing a move, a new child, paying for classes while working. Their gifts mean so much, because I know they come from the heart. I pray that God would teach me that type of generosity. And in some small way, I pray that our registration with idofoundation.org would help our wedding to share gifts with those who need so much more than we do, even in a small way... perhaps this is a seemingly small gift that we can give to God, by giving to His children.
Whether we give Him a temple or a couple of coins, it is the heart that matters... God looks at the heart and sees what others cannot see. He looks for the joy of the giver and their worshipful attitude.
The Seemingly Second-Rate
27 "But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! 28 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 this day. 29 May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, this place of which you said, 'My Name shall be there,' so that you will hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. 30 Hear the supplication 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. -1 Kings 8:27-30
In this passage, Solomon has just finished building a temple for the Lord- adorned with wooden carvings (as we saw yesterday) and the finest material. This was certainly no small gift! The time, effort, energy, and monetary costs were all great! But, Solomon does well here to recognize that this temple in all its beauty and splendor is not even enough for the majesty of our Lord and king. He has another dwelling in the highest heavens, that makes this one look positively second-rate. Yet he asks God to come into this dwelling and to hear the prayers of His people that will come their to this place.
And the Lord's response:
"I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there. -1 Kings 9:3
When we give with all of our heart, even though it can never be enough... the Lord will hear our prayers and He will honor the simple gifts that we give to honor Him.
The Seemingly Small
1As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.[a] 3"I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." -Luke 21:1-4
More evident is the story of the poor widow and the offering plate. This familiar short account is told during many offertory remarks. And it serves to underline the fact that it is quality not quantity in the gifts that we give to the Lord. The rich gave based on quantity... the size and the value of their offerings. But the widow's offering was of quality. She gave 'out of her poverty' and 'put in all she had to live on.'
Even though my gifts to the church, to my friends, to individuals in need, may seem small, I pray that they may be of quality... giving out of my stipend, I pray that God would use what I have for His glory. This weekend it was so humbling to receive such generous gifts from so many... and gifts from those who are facing a move, a new child, paying for classes while working. Their gifts mean so much, because I know they come from the heart. I pray that God would teach me that type of generosity. And in some small way, I pray that our registration with idofoundation.org would help our wedding to share gifts with those who need so much more than we do, even in a small way... perhaps this is a seemingly small gift that we can give to God, by giving to His children.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Places of Honor
This morning as I was running, I listened to the song by Relient K, "Getting Into You," a song that reminds me how humbling it is that God, in all His glory and honor chooses to love me.
"I've been a liar and I'll never amount to
The kind of person you deserve to worship you
You say you will not dwell on what I did but rather what I do, you say
I love you and that's what you are getting yourself into"
Though we can never be the kind of person God deserves to worship Him, as the song says, we're "gonna love him with [our] li[ves]". And that means, continually reminding ourselves and finding ways to worship our God who deserves the highest place of honor in our hearts, our homes, our banquets, our churches.
Place of Honor in the Church
23 In the inner sanctuary he made a pair of cherubim of olive wood, each ten cubits [l] high. 24 One wing of the first cherub was five cubits long, and the other wing five cubits—ten cubits from wing tip to wing tip. 25 The second cherub also measured ten cubits, for the two cherubim were identical in size and shape. 26 The height of each cherub was ten cubits. 27 He placed the cherubim inside the innermost room of the temple, with their wings spread out. The wing of one cherub touched one wall, while the wing of the other touched the other wall, and their wings touched each other in the middle of the room. 28 He overlaid the cherubim with gold.
29 On the walls all around the temple, in both the inner and outer rooms, he carved cherubim, palm trees and open flowers. 30 He also covered the floors of both the inner and outer rooms of the temple with gold. -1 Kings 6:23-30
This part of Kings goes into detail about everything that was decorating the temple: the carvings, the decorations, the size, where they were placed, because it was important to these people. Isn't it true? We write about and talk about what is vitally important to our lives. I talk a lot about my friends and family, and other people who have met their cousins just once can't understand why I would talk about all of my cousins so often. I talk about church, about God, even in my courses. It comes up, because it's who I am.
And we put our money where our mouth is... we put time, effort, money into those things that we value. $100 shoes might be crazy to someone who isn't a runner. And as a non-movie fan, $50/month on movies seems strange. And hopefully we do the same thing with our Christian lives... giving to the causes that we feel led to give to, taking care of our brothers and sisters in the congregations and the needs of the church itself. Both my church at home and my Iglesia here both recently invested in a nice new technology system. My uncle said, "There was no contention. After all, who wouldn't want to make worship a more pleasant?" For those in attendance... and most importantly, for the one we give the glory to. When we value our time of worship, all that we do is a special way of creating a more beautiful place of honor for our Lord, who deserves the very best.
Place of Honor at the Banquets
45While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, 46"Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely." -Luke 20:45-47
Oftentimes, however, we forget that God deserves the place of honor in everything... in our homes, in our banquets, in our ceremonies. I am reminded of the Jewish tradition to leave one seat empty- for Elijah. I wonder if we should not leave one seat empty to remember that our triune God deserves the best place.
As we plan our wedding ceremony, Brad and I are trying to make sure that God stays at the center of this holy worship ceremony when we thank God for bringing us together and ask Him to bless our marriage and keep us united in Him. And importantly, I pray that He would be the center of our hearts, our home and our marriage... always, everywhere, the most important place belongs to Him.
"I've been a liar and I'll never amount to
The kind of person you deserve to worship you
You say you will not dwell on what I did but rather what I do, you say
I love you and that's what you are getting yourself into"
Though we can never be the kind of person God deserves to worship Him, as the song says, we're "gonna love him with [our] li[ves]". And that means, continually reminding ourselves and finding ways to worship our God who deserves the highest place of honor in our hearts, our homes, our banquets, our churches.
Place of Honor in the Church
23 In the inner sanctuary he made a pair of cherubim of olive wood, each ten cubits [l] high. 24 One wing of the first cherub was five cubits long, and the other wing five cubits—ten cubits from wing tip to wing tip. 25 The second cherub also measured ten cubits, for the two cherubim were identical in size and shape. 26 The height of each cherub was ten cubits. 27 He placed the cherubim inside the innermost room of the temple, with their wings spread out. The wing of one cherub touched one wall, while the wing of the other touched the other wall, and their wings touched each other in the middle of the room. 28 He overlaid the cherubim with gold.
29 On the walls all around the temple, in both the inner and outer rooms, he carved cherubim, palm trees and open flowers. 30 He also covered the floors of both the inner and outer rooms of the temple with gold. -1 Kings 6:23-30
This part of Kings goes into detail about everything that was decorating the temple: the carvings, the decorations, the size, where they were placed, because it was important to these people. Isn't it true? We write about and talk about what is vitally important to our lives. I talk a lot about my friends and family, and other people who have met their cousins just once can't understand why I would talk about all of my cousins so often. I talk about church, about God, even in my courses. It comes up, because it's who I am.
And we put our money where our mouth is... we put time, effort, money into those things that we value. $100 shoes might be crazy to someone who isn't a runner. And as a non-movie fan, $50/month on movies seems strange. And hopefully we do the same thing with our Christian lives... giving to the causes that we feel led to give to, taking care of our brothers and sisters in the congregations and the needs of the church itself. Both my church at home and my Iglesia here both recently invested in a nice new technology system. My uncle said, "There was no contention. After all, who wouldn't want to make worship a more pleasant?" For those in attendance... and most importantly, for the one we give the glory to. When we value our time of worship, all that we do is a special way of creating a more beautiful place of honor for our Lord, who deserves the very best.
Place of Honor at the Banquets
45While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, 46"Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely." -Luke 20:45-47
Oftentimes, however, we forget that God deserves the place of honor in everything... in our homes, in our banquets, in our ceremonies. I am reminded of the Jewish tradition to leave one seat empty- for Elijah. I wonder if we should not leave one seat empty to remember that our triune God deserves the best place.
As we plan our wedding ceremony, Brad and I are trying to make sure that God stays at the center of this holy worship ceremony when we thank God for bringing us together and ask Him to bless our marriage and keep us united in Him. And importantly, I pray that He would be the center of our hearts, our home and our marriage... always, everywhere, the most important place belongs to Him.
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