If you hear the term "unwilling leader," what do you think or imagine? I think first of those people who are thrust into a position of leadership without seeking it. I remember my days in veterinary science class in high school. Nearly everyone in the class looked to me for leadership during the lab dissections. I was considered smart, and I was able to make some educated guesses as to what our teacher was hoping we accomplished. I was shy and didn't want that kind of responsibility, but somehow people determined that I deserved it. I also think of the anointed Saul, hiding from his coronation before Israel. God chose Saul, but the man was still unsure of himself as a leader. He was called and needed to take that step of faith to claim the calling and live by faith in it.
There's a second way to think of unwilling leaders, and this also applies to Saul, though later in his life. Not everyone in a position of leadership is leading properly. The position doesn't make the man. King Saul became so involved in being king and taking advantage of the benefits of the duty that he lost sight of the type of leader that God desired. Unwilling leaders can be people in leadership roles who are unwilling to do just that - lead.
This problem is pervasive in so many parts of society because people enjoy the benefits of a position of power and authority but often do not want to be held responsible for the failures and losses that also come. We see ineffective managers all the time who yell at their employees for not fulfilling the managers' obligations to the company. They pass the blame to their workers even if it's not directly the workers' fault. We see public figures who are role models, being arrested for drugs or suspected of steroid abuse, who spend frivolously because they can, who have numerous marriages, who expect their every whim to be fulfilled because of the money and power that they wield. We see church pastors who don't actually lead their congregations in righteousness any longer. They have the position but are unwilling to lead. They are unwilling to risk what they have and stand firm. They waver with popular opinion. They bend to the wishes of the wealthy, lest they be cut off. They look for security from their own contrivances rather than from the Lord.
I was in Romania with an evangelical church group a few years ago, and this story has stuck with me. The denomination was relatively new in Romania, officially working as an outreach/aid organization. This evangelical church was attended mostly by young people. The denomination's missionary in the country considered it her duty to grow the church. The problem was that few men were taking leadership roles within the church. There was also a core group of members in the primary church of this denomination in Romania. Then they went to college and moved on with their lives afterward. That church has been dying. That missionary wanted the young men to stay in that town to be leaders of the church. She saw in them what she wanted to see and tried to make it work. It was her plan, not the Lord's plan.
There are churches throughout the world facing the problems of leadership. Not everyone is made to be a leader in the same way, but certainly there are times when we must act as leaders. We must each stand firm in the faith, to proclaim the good news throughout the world, to be obedient to our Lord and Savior. If others falter, that is still our calling. If that makes us leaders, then so be it. I saw four pastors at a medium size church this Christmas Eve; all of them were part of the worship service. But I saw none of them truly lead. I heard no preaching. No expounding the truth of the gospels about the need for Christ. Nothing of His salvation or resurrection. If nonbelievers happened to be at that service, that was a lost opportunity to share the Good News, the whole reason for celebrating Christmas - looking forward to the coming of Christ our King, whose life, death and resurrection have given us life and joy and peace. Much of the service I yearned to stand up and preach - not that I had any idea what I might say - but to share Christ, not some skits and a shortened version of our traditional Advent hymns that neatly fit into sixty minutes. Leaders, lead your people!
By being careful not to offend those who neither believe nor understand, those who do have not been fed and those who do not still cannot comprehend their lack. Our pearls have been cast before swine. Should we expect anything else than for them to turn next and maul us? Leaders, be bold and encouraged. Take heart, for the Messiah, God incarnate, is our Lord. In Him is our hope, our faith, and life everlasting.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
A Human for All Humanity?
I started reading another book recently, called Exiles. One of the points the author makes is that so much of pop Christian culture puts Christ on a pedestal. Instead of earnestly waiting on the Lord and seeing the humanity in the human (let us not forget that Christ is fully God AND fully human), we see an object of worship. The God of the universe, of Adam and Eve, of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, of Peter, Paul and Mary - this same God is human. Would you know that from most of the Christian pop music? We sing that "God is bigger than the air I breathe," He's "my Glorious," "God of wonders beyond our galaxy." Such an immensely awesome and powerful God does not sound like a real being, much less like someone to whom I could intimately relate. But He is.
The writers of the New Testament wrote about a righteous, just, loving God who was incarnate - not like some hero of mythology - but who was fully human and fully God. He experienced joy and friendship, struggle and disappointment. He knew rejection; his best friends fled and denied knowing him when he was unjustly arrested. He performed miracles, and there were many people still alive when parts of the New Testament were written who experienced those very events that were recorded. Jesus Christ is a real person; he walked the earth like the rest of us. But that's not all He is.
Let's take a different perspective for a moment. Think of all the evil that humankind has committed. Numerous genocides, rape, war, beatings, murder, abortions, adultery and slavery are not only part of our collective history, they are all ongoing. What about stealing, lying, lusting, greed and pride? We build weapons for maximum destruction, maximum casualties. We release chemicals and germs to harm people to get our point across. We torture to get information to save lives. Every day millions of lives throughout the world are hurt by other humans. What would it take for a righteous and holy God to love such a broken humanity? What would it take to bring humanity back into a right relationship with its Creator? One man, even a perfect man, seems like a small offering for all that evil.
Jesus Christ did live a perfect life, was crucified, did die, was resurrected and lives forevermore. In Him is our hope for life, for salvation. He wasn't just a man, but He was fully human. Jesus knows temptation. He knows loneliness. He knows what it's like to feel lost and abandoned. He talked to other people, ate with them, laughed and cried with them. God isn't some idol, whether literal or figurative. He doesn't just want to be worshiped and obeyed. He wants a relationship with every person. He desires our faith, our belief, our resources and our energy. He wants to share with us as well. He wants the relationship. He wants access to your heart, to my heart. It's too easy to write off Jesus as being far beyond our comprehension. It's time to relate to the risen Christ, to learn from Him. Fully God, fully man - Jesus Christ came for all humanity.
The writers of the New Testament wrote about a righteous, just, loving God who was incarnate - not like some hero of mythology - but who was fully human and fully God. He experienced joy and friendship, struggle and disappointment. He knew rejection; his best friends fled and denied knowing him when he was unjustly arrested. He performed miracles, and there were many people still alive when parts of the New Testament were written who experienced those very events that were recorded. Jesus Christ is a real person; he walked the earth like the rest of us. But that's not all He is.
Let's take a different perspective for a moment. Think of all the evil that humankind has committed. Numerous genocides, rape, war, beatings, murder, abortions, adultery and slavery are not only part of our collective history, they are all ongoing. What about stealing, lying, lusting, greed and pride? We build weapons for maximum destruction, maximum casualties. We release chemicals and germs to harm people to get our point across. We torture to get information to save lives. Every day millions of lives throughout the world are hurt by other humans. What would it take for a righteous and holy God to love such a broken humanity? What would it take to bring humanity back into a right relationship with its Creator? One man, even a perfect man, seems like a small offering for all that evil.
Jesus Christ did live a perfect life, was crucified, did die, was resurrected and lives forevermore. In Him is our hope for life, for salvation. He wasn't just a man, but He was fully human. Jesus knows temptation. He knows loneliness. He knows what it's like to feel lost and abandoned. He talked to other people, ate with them, laughed and cried with them. God isn't some idol, whether literal or figurative. He doesn't just want to be worshiped and obeyed. He wants a relationship with every person. He desires our faith, our belief, our resources and our energy. He wants to share with us as well. He wants the relationship. He wants access to your heart, to my heart. It's too easy to write off Jesus as being far beyond our comprehension. It's time to relate to the risen Christ, to learn from Him. Fully God, fully man - Jesus Christ came for all humanity.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
An Epic Battle
Sometimes I am still surprised by the extent to which people become prey to heretical doctrines. Is it the information explosion that has left us with so much more to sift through - both orthodox and heretical - that we can hardly keep up? Is there simply a need for more discernment in the church? Is it the lack of righteous men and women to stand for Christ and His commands? Is it a matter of pride or greed? Is it the draw of our own sinfulness to pervert the truth given to us, that we would act as gods, thinking ourselves Sovereigns over the kingdoms of our lives?
Heresies take many forms, but ultimately I believe that it comes down to the same old fight - are we individually for Christ or against Him? Rarely are the lines drawn in such stark contrast to the circumstances. After all an effective lie isn't the one that looks like a lie; it's the one that's plausible, that sounds similar to the truth but is not the truth.
2 Peter 2:1-10 states, "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
"4For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment; 5if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; 6if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men 8(for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)— 9if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment. 10This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority."
This same scenario has been played throughout history and continues today. There are many people who call themselves Christians today but who don't believe that the Bible is inerrant or that absolute truth is real or that Jesus is God or that faith in Christ is the only way to heaven or that hell really exists. And often we don't even realize that our brethren in Christ are believing such heresies until they are in a position to profess their beliefs to others. If the rest of us just keep our mouths sealed as these false teachings are happening, our silence is condoning these heresies.
James 5:19-20 gives us this encouragement and exhortation to one of the tasks laid upon us: "My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins." I pray that we take the stand for the sake of Christ and out of love for our brethren. There is a better way to live. Choose true life. May your eyes and ears be opened to see and hear the truth, and may your tongue be bound to proclaim it and nothing else.
Heresies take many forms, but ultimately I believe that it comes down to the same old fight - are we individually for Christ or against Him? Rarely are the lines drawn in such stark contrast to the circumstances. After all an effective lie isn't the one that looks like a lie; it's the one that's plausible, that sounds similar to the truth but is not the truth.
2 Peter 2:1-10 states, "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
"4For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment; 5if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; 6if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men 8(for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)— 9if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment. 10This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority."
This same scenario has been played throughout history and continues today. There are many people who call themselves Christians today but who don't believe that the Bible is inerrant or that absolute truth is real or that Jesus is God or that faith in Christ is the only way to heaven or that hell really exists. And often we don't even realize that our brethren in Christ are believing such heresies until they are in a position to profess their beliefs to others. If the rest of us just keep our mouths sealed as these false teachings are happening, our silence is condoning these heresies.
James 5:19-20 gives us this encouragement and exhortation to one of the tasks laid upon us: "My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins." I pray that we take the stand for the sake of Christ and out of love for our brethren. There is a better way to live. Choose true life. May your eyes and ears be opened to see and hear the truth, and may your tongue be bound to proclaim it and nothing else.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Finding (or Creating) Meaning
I was reminded today of the hopelessness that we face when we try to understand life apart from God. As I searched the Scriptures for something to share with my family this morning, I turned to 2 Peter 1:20-21. For ease, the NIV puts it as so: "20Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." By itself, you might say "So what?" Lately, however, I've been having a curiosity for prophetic Scripture. Do you see where the point is going to be yet?
A couple of times recently I opened to Ezekiel chapter 24. I assumed that the passage must somehow relate to me on a more personal level than as a prophecy spoken through Ezekiel to the remnant of Israel that was about to be destroyed as the Babylonians laid seige to Jerusalem. In my self-centeredness I assumed that the Spirit led me to this passage to explain a parallel in my life. So I started trying to draw connections and conclusions. Aha, with my problem-solving abilities given by the Lord, I figured it out -- I, like the prophet Ezekiel, was going to lose something precious to me. Like Ezekiel, it would be as a sign to the rebellious. Like Ezekiel, I was forbade to mourn. And it would be used to show that He alone is the Lord. How marvelous are the ways the Lord chooses to work!
I would like to think that I wasn't actually as prideful in my thoughts as I just portrayed. But that's basically the way that I interpreted the events in my life recently combined with that Scripture. Thankfully, then God gave me a little wakeup call with 2 Peter 1. Interpretation isn't by the will of man. I was looking for an interpretation, for a way to make sense of things. I found something that sounded good in my own mind. I was blind to see that it was the product of my own thinking and reasoning, however. And that happens far too often. We look for meaning; we look to understand the world and events around us. We assume that once we find a plausible answer, especially if it fits well with our belief system, that we found truth. Too often we assume that anything supernatural, if not overtly evil, must be divine. We only look for truth as far as it directly concerns us and as far as it can provide us with an answer that we are willing to accept.
What is the Lord telling us that we are choosing not to accept? Do we not see this as denying Christ, who, with the Father, is sovereign over all creation? What interpretation, what meaning, what answers are we assuming to be truth? What in our beliefs, in our lives, is vanity? What needs to be torn away and burned in the fire? To what are we clinging instead of Christ? It's time to allow every part of our lives to be threshed by the Lord. We, too, have been a part of the harvest. Now it's time to be purified, for the chaff to be removed from the grain.
A couple of times recently I opened to Ezekiel chapter 24. I assumed that the passage must somehow relate to me on a more personal level than as a prophecy spoken through Ezekiel to the remnant of Israel that was about to be destroyed as the Babylonians laid seige to Jerusalem. In my self-centeredness I assumed that the Spirit led me to this passage to explain a parallel in my life. So I started trying to draw connections and conclusions. Aha, with my problem-solving abilities given by the Lord, I figured it out -- I, like the prophet Ezekiel, was going to lose something precious to me. Like Ezekiel, it would be as a sign to the rebellious. Like Ezekiel, I was forbade to mourn. And it would be used to show that He alone is the Lord. How marvelous are the ways the Lord chooses to work!
I would like to think that I wasn't actually as prideful in my thoughts as I just portrayed. But that's basically the way that I interpreted the events in my life recently combined with that Scripture. Thankfully, then God gave me a little wakeup call with 2 Peter 1. Interpretation isn't by the will of man. I was looking for an interpretation, for a way to make sense of things. I found something that sounded good in my own mind. I was blind to see that it was the product of my own thinking and reasoning, however. And that happens far too often. We look for meaning; we look to understand the world and events around us. We assume that once we find a plausible answer, especially if it fits well with our belief system, that we found truth. Too often we assume that anything supernatural, if not overtly evil, must be divine. We only look for truth as far as it directly concerns us and as far as it can provide us with an answer that we are willing to accept.
What is the Lord telling us that we are choosing not to accept? Do we not see this as denying Christ, who, with the Father, is sovereign over all creation? What interpretation, what meaning, what answers are we assuming to be truth? What in our beliefs, in our lives, is vanity? What needs to be torn away and burned in the fire? To what are we clinging instead of Christ? It's time to allow every part of our lives to be threshed by the Lord. We, too, have been a part of the harvest. Now it's time to be purified, for the chaff to be removed from the grain.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Breaking
Brothers and sisters, taste and see that the Lord your God is good. Jesus Christ did suffer and die for our disobedience. And our hope should be in Him, for He also was raised from the dead. We don't worship a dead man but the living God. So easily we forget or deny what that means.
For too long we have lived, both us and our fathers before us, acting as though a loving and merciful God will not judge righteousness but will abound in mercy to all, even those who do not yet seek it. As a part of the church in the West, we have continually failed the body by not proclaiming truth. We have failed our neighbors by attempting to make the narrow and difficult path more easily traveled. We have failed our God by acting in disobedience to Him time after time, acting in unrighteous or impure motives, claiming the lie of subjectivism - what each person believes is good for them, being anything but the lights that we are supposed to be in this world.
In Revelation, the churches are told to either endure faithfully in the trials that face them or to repent from their sins. The majority of the churches are told to repent. What is it that we are doing any differently? We are broken, prideful, hardened, worldly people. We are called to wake up and repent - to be the changed people that Christ has allowed us to be. But we choose not to give the time to the Lord. We keep our talents, we withhold from the Lord what He has given to our care. But we refuse to even admit that, as a body, we need to come to true repentance! We need to be broken. We need to be laid bare. We need to be shaken from this comatose state of what we call Christianity, that we would turn and choose life abundantly, that we would repent and turn from our multitude of sins, that we would seek the Lord with all our hearts, that we would call out to Him, that we would be obedient before Him. Oh Lord, "Why should the nations say, 'Where is their God?'" (Ps. 115:2).
There is a strongman who works tirelessly to tear down the stone foundation. His endurance appears inexhaustible. Stone by stone, he slowly demolishes the building. It is not illustrious, but it is effective. Who shall come upon him, who shall rise up to stop but a single man? Is there no one to call upon? There is no battle cry against this single strongman. There is none who takes note of him. Woe to those who choose inaction.
"For our struggle is not against enemies of the blood and flesh, buth against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. . . . Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints" (Eph. 6:12-13,18). Father, call us back to Yourself!
For too long we have lived, both us and our fathers before us, acting as though a loving and merciful God will not judge righteousness but will abound in mercy to all, even those who do not yet seek it. As a part of the church in the West, we have continually failed the body by not proclaiming truth. We have failed our neighbors by attempting to make the narrow and difficult path more easily traveled. We have failed our God by acting in disobedience to Him time after time, acting in unrighteous or impure motives, claiming the lie of subjectivism - what each person believes is good for them, being anything but the lights that we are supposed to be in this world.
In Revelation, the churches are told to either endure faithfully in the trials that face them or to repent from their sins. The majority of the churches are told to repent. What is it that we are doing any differently? We are broken, prideful, hardened, worldly people. We are called to wake up and repent - to be the changed people that Christ has allowed us to be. But we choose not to give the time to the Lord. We keep our talents, we withhold from the Lord what He has given to our care. But we refuse to even admit that, as a body, we need to come to true repentance! We need to be broken. We need to be laid bare. We need to be shaken from this comatose state of what we call Christianity, that we would turn and choose life abundantly, that we would repent and turn from our multitude of sins, that we would seek the Lord with all our hearts, that we would call out to Him, that we would be obedient before Him. Oh Lord, "Why should the nations say, 'Where is their God?'" (Ps. 115:2).
There is a strongman who works tirelessly to tear down the stone foundation. His endurance appears inexhaustible. Stone by stone, he slowly demolishes the building. It is not illustrious, but it is effective. Who shall come upon him, who shall rise up to stop but a single man? Is there no one to call upon? There is no battle cry against this single strongman. There is none who takes note of him. Woe to those who choose inaction.
"For our struggle is not against enemies of the blood and flesh, buth against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. . . . Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints" (Eph. 6:12-13,18). Father, call us back to Yourself!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Standing Firm
What does it mean to stand firm? We are encouraged and exhorted to do so throughout the Bible. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 - So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. 1 Corinthians 16:13 - Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. Philippians 1:27-30 - Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
Take a stand. Don't let people sway you. Don't give in to false teachings, to ease of lifestyle. Don't give in to sin, to temptation, to the works of the flesh. Stand your ground. Why should you not fight? Don't let yourself be trampled. You will be persecuted for Christ's sake if you are following Him. Don't give in. Don't give up. You learned truth through Christ. Don't brush it aside. Everything that should matter to you is from Christ. So take a stand for Him. Why should you give ground to the enemy when Christ, who is the Head of this side you claim to be on, is all-powerful? These are speaking personally. It is each believer's individual responsibility to stand firm. Whether we are obedient to that call does not dismiss the fact that all believers are called to stand firm. Don't give up! Don't lose heart! Act in truth and love. Follow Christ, none other! Lay yourself bare before the Lord. He will protect you and strengthen you. In your weakness, His power is perfect. When we are exhausted and want to give up, when there's nothing left of ourselves to give - STAND FIRM! Be obedient to the Lord your God. He will overcome, as He always has. Standing firm is not inaction; it is not "holding the course" for the sake of keeping the status quo. Standing firm is something that we must do every day of our lives, through the small skirmishes and through the devastating onslaughts - for we do face both - to be refined by the Father for His sake, for His glory.
Take a stand. Don't let people sway you. Don't give in to false teachings, to ease of lifestyle. Don't give in to sin, to temptation, to the works of the flesh. Stand your ground. Why should you not fight? Don't let yourself be trampled. You will be persecuted for Christ's sake if you are following Him. Don't give in. Don't give up. You learned truth through Christ. Don't brush it aside. Everything that should matter to you is from Christ. So take a stand for Him. Why should you give ground to the enemy when Christ, who is the Head of this side you claim to be on, is all-powerful? These are speaking personally. It is each believer's individual responsibility to stand firm. Whether we are obedient to that call does not dismiss the fact that all believers are called to stand firm. Don't give up! Don't lose heart! Act in truth and love. Follow Christ, none other! Lay yourself bare before the Lord. He will protect you and strengthen you. In your weakness, His power is perfect. When we are exhausted and want to give up, when there's nothing left of ourselves to give - STAND FIRM! Be obedient to the Lord your God. He will overcome, as He always has. Standing firm is not inaction; it is not "holding the course" for the sake of keeping the status quo. Standing firm is something that we must do every day of our lives, through the small skirmishes and through the devastating onslaughts - for we do face both - to be refined by the Father for His sake, for His glory.
Friday, October 17, 2008
a call to reality?
Some thoughts and writings from the past month or so - it's a bit of a mix.
You're so isolated, by your own choice. You're miserable. You're struggling to stay above water when what you really need to be allow yourself to plunge to the depths. I saved you! declares the Lord. I gave you a family, a hope, a future. I gave you people to depend on, so that you would truly and rightly depend on me to provide for all your needs. And you know the words that I have spoken, you have experienced My power. And still you don't get it! You're defensive when you feel weak - though I have told you that I am strong in your weakness. That's where I work so well, but you have the choice whether to let Me. You hide your pain and weakness, but they are still so apparent to Me. Come, let Me enter in. Provide for Me a place in your heart and I will enter. I want to show you how much more there can be. I want you to know the fullness of rightness with the Father. I want you to know the power of the Spirit alive and working within you and through you. I want you to be completely and wholly set free. I want you to get past the trappings of the material world. I want you to be free from the trappings and pain of sin. I want you to know life in abundance. Why do you turn away my servants and demand signs and wonders of me so that you would believe and be open to me? Don't you realize that your claims are escapist? Why do you still not believe?
Why are we busy theologizing when people are crying out for the practical? Asking "how can this work out in life" and getting "think of it like this" perspective. . . . Sometimes we just yearn to know what to do with what we know. Why aren't we applying it to every aspect of our lives? Why the separation between head and heart? . . . We need to be challenged, to be held accountable. We need people to tell us that we're not living what we've been taught and commanded. Sometimes we need to be shaken to our core in order that we might cling fully to God and to truly know that to which we cling. Lord, bring those events down upon us. Thresh us, oh Lord our Lord. May the chaff be blown back to the dust while You oh Lord come into every part of our lives, saturate every part of us, that we would not be the same ever again. Lord, may we have encounters with You, the Living God, that would leave us forever changed. Beat us upon the threshing floor, that we could not hold onto anything but You. Tear it from our lives in Your mercy. May we not be so close and yet completely miss the truth of Your salvation, Holy Lord.
Almighty Lord, break these bonds that continually ensnare us. Raise us up as Your servants. Lord, change our lives. Without You we suffer and die. May You in Your infinite mercy, oh Lord, help us to see and to comprehend. Lord, it is not Your desire for us to be of infantile faith. You desire us to be whole in You. You desire for us to be mature in You. You desire so much more for us than we desire for ourselves. Lord, help us to desire that which You desire! May Your kingdom be realized and Your glory professed. May You who are enthroned above the earth reach into our lives and forever change us, oh Lord and God.
You're so isolated, by your own choice. You're miserable. You're struggling to stay above water when what you really need to be allow yourself to plunge to the depths. I saved you! declares the Lord. I gave you a family, a hope, a future. I gave you people to depend on, so that you would truly and rightly depend on me to provide for all your needs. And you know the words that I have spoken, you have experienced My power. And still you don't get it! You're defensive when you feel weak - though I have told you that I am strong in your weakness. That's where I work so well, but you have the choice whether to let Me. You hide your pain and weakness, but they are still so apparent to Me. Come, let Me enter in. Provide for Me a place in your heart and I will enter. I want to show you how much more there can be. I want you to know the fullness of rightness with the Father. I want you to know the power of the Spirit alive and working within you and through you. I want you to be completely and wholly set free. I want you to get past the trappings of the material world. I want you to be free from the trappings and pain of sin. I want you to know life in abundance. Why do you turn away my servants and demand signs and wonders of me so that you would believe and be open to me? Don't you realize that your claims are escapist? Why do you still not believe?
Why are we busy theologizing when people are crying out for the practical? Asking "how can this work out in life" and getting "think of it like this" perspective. . . . Sometimes we just yearn to know what to do with what we know. Why aren't we applying it to every aspect of our lives? Why the separation between head and heart? . . . We need to be challenged, to be held accountable. We need people to tell us that we're not living what we've been taught and commanded. Sometimes we need to be shaken to our core in order that we might cling fully to God and to truly know that to which we cling. Lord, bring those events down upon us. Thresh us, oh Lord our Lord. May the chaff be blown back to the dust while You oh Lord come into every part of our lives, saturate every part of us, that we would not be the same ever again. Lord, may we have encounters with You, the Living God, that would leave us forever changed. Beat us upon the threshing floor, that we could not hold onto anything but You. Tear it from our lives in Your mercy. May we not be so close and yet completely miss the truth of Your salvation, Holy Lord.
Almighty Lord, break these bonds that continually ensnare us. Raise us up as Your servants. Lord, change our lives. Without You we suffer and die. May You in Your infinite mercy, oh Lord, help us to see and to comprehend. Lord, it is not Your desire for us to be of infantile faith. You desire us to be whole in You. You desire for us to be mature in You. You desire so much more for us than we desire for ourselves. Lord, help us to desire that which You desire! May Your kingdom be realized and Your glory professed. May You who are enthroned above the earth reach into our lives and forever change us, oh Lord and God.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
On Job, pt. 2
The words of Job's wife, seeing him in such anguish, are well known to us. They sound so cruel, so cold. "'Do you still persist in your integrity? Curse God, and die.' But he said to her, 'You speak as any foolish woman would speak. Shall we recieve the good at the hand of God, and not recieve the bad?'"
We assume that she just hit her breaking point and emotionally exploded. Everything that she had - family, friends, possessions - just vanished too. And she's looking upon her husband who is afflicted with terrible sores all over his body; they're festering wounds that Job is scraping off with a broken piece of pottery. She is emotionally overwhelmed, crushed. We see her breaking point, but we write it off as cold and callous. She saw her husband in this wretched state and just couldn't believe that he still clung to his claim of innocence. She wanted him to be out of his pain and misery. Job was the spiritual leader in his marriage. He had faith when even his wife gave up. He persevered through pain, through debates, through anguish, through everything that was presented to him. Job knew in Whom his faith was found, and he knew of His righteousness, His truth, His insurmountable goodness and mercy, His faithfulness, and His justice. And Job clung to Him as best he could, for he knew no other way.
Job's friends surely cared for him. They loved him, and they showed it. They came from distances when they heard of their friend's loss and pain. They tore their clothes, they wept - they mourned - and, "They sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great." They didn't know how to comfort him because they realized that what he experienced was beyond how they could relate. Yet his friends stayed with him in his distress, hoping to comfort him with their presence. They surrounded their loved one and waited. During that time I would find it difficult to believe that those men did not spend their time praying and thinking.
What is the point of life, of learning, of pain, if we have no hope after death? What should stop us from being hedonists? Why should we not flee from every painful experience in our lives if this is all we have? These issues come to a head in Chapter 14, where Job questions whether men have life after death. "If mortals die, will they live again?" The answer once again is found in the life and power of Jesus Christ, who is given power over death. In John 11:25-26 it is written, "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?'" There is a resurrection. Therefore there is hope. This pain is temporary, these circumstances are temporary, but life in Christ will never pass away.
When faced with the reality of the Lord Almighty answering him, Job concludes rather quickly that he is "of small account." In light of God, who made all that exists, who knows all, who is everywhere and eternal, Job cannot count himself righteous or important or worthy. He is humbled before the Lord. Job has understood that he is unable to contend with God, for he knew that he needed a Mediator. However, Job further realizes that life is not about the person or the circumstances. God alone gives life and meaning to all. Job is humbled by His truth. After this, Job does not seek further vindication but accepts the will of God as something not to be fully grasped by man. Certainly we do go through life searching for meaning, but we need to find that meaning through experiencing an intimate relationship with our Creator and Savior.
We assume that she just hit her breaking point and emotionally exploded. Everything that she had - family, friends, possessions - just vanished too. And she's looking upon her husband who is afflicted with terrible sores all over his body; they're festering wounds that Job is scraping off with a broken piece of pottery. She is emotionally overwhelmed, crushed. We see her breaking point, but we write it off as cold and callous. She saw her husband in this wretched state and just couldn't believe that he still clung to his claim of innocence. She wanted him to be out of his pain and misery. Job was the spiritual leader in his marriage. He had faith when even his wife gave up. He persevered through pain, through debates, through anguish, through everything that was presented to him. Job knew in Whom his faith was found, and he knew of His righteousness, His truth, His insurmountable goodness and mercy, His faithfulness, and His justice. And Job clung to Him as best he could, for he knew no other way.
Job's friends surely cared for him. They loved him, and they showed it. They came from distances when they heard of their friend's loss and pain. They tore their clothes, they wept - they mourned - and, "They sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great." They didn't know how to comfort him because they realized that what he experienced was beyond how they could relate. Yet his friends stayed with him in his distress, hoping to comfort him with their presence. They surrounded their loved one and waited. During that time I would find it difficult to believe that those men did not spend their time praying and thinking.
What is the point of life, of learning, of pain, if we have no hope after death? What should stop us from being hedonists? Why should we not flee from every painful experience in our lives if this is all we have? These issues come to a head in Chapter 14, where Job questions whether men have life after death. "If mortals die, will they live again?" The answer once again is found in the life and power of Jesus Christ, who is given power over death. In John 11:25-26 it is written, "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?'" There is a resurrection. Therefore there is hope. This pain is temporary, these circumstances are temporary, but life in Christ will never pass away.
When faced with the reality of the Lord Almighty answering him, Job concludes rather quickly that he is "of small account." In light of God, who made all that exists, who knows all, who is everywhere and eternal, Job cannot count himself righteous or important or worthy. He is humbled before the Lord. Job has understood that he is unable to contend with God, for he knew that he needed a Mediator. However, Job further realizes that life is not about the person or the circumstances. God alone gives life and meaning to all. Job is humbled by His truth. After this, Job does not seek further vindication but accepts the will of God as something not to be fully grasped by man. Certainly we do go through life searching for meaning, but we need to find that meaning through experiencing an intimate relationship with our Creator and Savior.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
On Job - pt.1
The story of Job is so familiar to many of us, and yet it still speaks to us. It spoke to me in a new clarity recently, thanks in part to the book The Answers of Jesus to Job and some trying life circumstances.
Job looks like he has the perfect life - blessed with a good family, friends, wealth - what more could he ask for? He is known for being honest and upright, a man of integrity. How often do we lust after such a lifestyle? There certainly must be trials for people who live like this as well, but we blind ourselves to the bad so that the grass looks greener still on the other side. We want it all, but we want it from somebody else so that we do not have to work or to sacrifice anything that we do or have in order to get it. And therein lies our selfish pride. Surely we deserve to be blessed like that. After all, we say that we're Christians. We go to church from time to time. We even give our money, even occasionally our time. But let's be honest with ourselves and with each other - we are not owed anything. Perhaps my greatest problem with the so-called "health and wealth gospel" is in this sense of entitlement. For it is by grace - not by works - that you have been saved. If works cannot affect the status of our souls either granting us entrance to heaven or condemning us to hell, why do we assume that we should be blessed based on that type of system? Let us examine Job's change of circumstances to better illustrate this point.
Job is told in an instant that pretty much all that he had - family, possessions, servants - was utterly destroyed. Did he commit some egregious sin to lose the material blessing of God? Surely, his friends tirelessly argued, this must have been the case. Job is a witness to these friends. He explains that though he did not sin, he still cannot come before God as he is. Job cries out for a mediator between himself and God, one who can hear his plea, one who just, one who has authority in heaven and on earth, one who is approachable by mortals. In short, Job cries out in need for the Messiah. If only we were humbled so earnestly that we would see and know this need in our lives and in others' lives continuously. Do you know this in your heart and in your mind? Have you thought about it lately? Why isn't this affecting the way you live your life?
Job looks like he has the perfect life - blessed with a good family, friends, wealth - what more could he ask for? He is known for being honest and upright, a man of integrity. How often do we lust after such a lifestyle? There certainly must be trials for people who live like this as well, but we blind ourselves to the bad so that the grass looks greener still on the other side. We want it all, but we want it from somebody else so that we do not have to work or to sacrifice anything that we do or have in order to get it. And therein lies our selfish pride. Surely we deserve to be blessed like that. After all, we say that we're Christians. We go to church from time to time. We even give our money, even occasionally our time. But let's be honest with ourselves and with each other - we are not owed anything. Perhaps my greatest problem with the so-called "health and wealth gospel" is in this sense of entitlement. For it is by grace - not by works - that you have been saved. If works cannot affect the status of our souls either granting us entrance to heaven or condemning us to hell, why do we assume that we should be blessed based on that type of system? Let us examine Job's change of circumstances to better illustrate this point.
Job is told in an instant that pretty much all that he had - family, possessions, servants - was utterly destroyed. Did he commit some egregious sin to lose the material blessing of God? Surely, his friends tirelessly argued, this must have been the case. Job is a witness to these friends. He explains that though he did not sin, he still cannot come before God as he is. Job cries out for a mediator between himself and God, one who can hear his plea, one who just, one who has authority in heaven and on earth, one who is approachable by mortals. In short, Job cries out in need for the Messiah. If only we were humbled so earnestly that we would see and know this need in our lives and in others' lives continuously. Do you know this in your heart and in your mind? Have you thought about it lately? Why isn't this affecting the way you live your life?
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Why Are Our Necks Too Stiff for Servanthood?
Why is it so difficult for us, as members of the body of Christ, to be servants? We don't want to be troubled with doing more than is required of us, yet we fill our lives with other activities. We are members of sports teams, social clubs and humanitarian groups. We fill our lives with idols that requiare so much of our precious time and attention.
We are selfish and prideful. We cannot fathom that we are wrong in our hearts, and we are therefore completely unrepentant. The worst "problem" that we often notice with our pride and selfishness is our indignation when we have been offended. Even then, however, it is not a matter (from our deluded perspective) of our pride or our sin, but of this perceived sin by the offender. How blind we are to our own sin! How blind we are because of our own pride!
Often our selfishness keeps us from seeing the needs of our neighbors, our brothers and sisters. We are too busy focusing on ourselves, and we ignore the opportunities to serve anyone other than ourselves.
The Bible is replete with wonderful examples of servanthood. Joseph was sold into slavery and became a servant in Potifar's house. But God used those circumstances for His good will. Joseph's position of service was used to provide wisdom to his neighbors and mercy to his brethren. God placed him in that time and position for His will, for His glory.
Nehemiah was cup bearer to King Artaxerxes; his career was one of service. When he heard about the state of Jerusalem, he asked permission to go and help his fellow believers. He left the comfort of his position in the King's court to do what needed to be done - to raise up a work force in the midst of his enemies and to rebuild. He rose to meet the need of a servant before the people of Jerusalem.
Esther and Mordecai served King Ahasuerus and the Israelites. Jonah eventually went to Nineveh and proclaimed God's message to the people so that they could repent. Numerous others also were raised up as servants. Jesus washed the disciples' feet. Christ submitted to death to free humankind of its bondage to sin. How then can we refuse servanthood if even the One whom we proclaim as our Lord and Master showed us how to be servants? It is time for us to return to humility, to let the Spirit wash over us and cleanse us. It is time for repentance. Christ calls us to be servants. We must not refuse.
Teach Us to Pray
When I was young, I thought like a child, I spoke like a child, I acted like a child, I prayed like a child. As I grew, it became apparent that I needed to change. This monologue while kneeling at my bed was not working. Surely there had to be more to prayer than this. How else could believers do this for years and years? It was so utterly unfulfilling. When I earnestly asked others, those whom I thought would be able to bestow wisdom, I had less-than-inspirational assurances that God would make known to me what to do in the right time and to just keep up with the uncertain monotony that typified my days.
It's only been over the last year and a half that God has helped me to understand even a speck of the mystery of prayer. Indeed prayer is powerful. But we must not continue this monologue before the Almighty. Truly He seeks to have a relationship with us, and He wants that relationship to grow into maturity through sanctification. How do we break through our lens of selfishness, our lens of sinfulness? How do we bare ourselves before our Lord? For me, that freedom has been revealed by those who taught me to write. It is possible to write that which my spirit cries out to God in earnestness. I do not fully understand this mystery, but I shall glorify my God. I can write in prayer that which I would not even think to say when praying. I am not encumbered by my tongue. Nor am I encumbered by this self-centered vale. There is freedom in the Spirit by Christ Jesus for any who truly seek it!
In prayer, we ought to refine our focus. We must not be focused on ourselves or the world, for that is idolatry. We must focus in Him who called us to Himself, called us to freedom, called us to repentance, called us to faith, called us to new life, called us to holiness. When we focus on what we are doing, on what the world is doing, we are choosing not the focus on Christ. We are making a decision that this is more important to us. God does not love the prayers of the long-winded or of the eloquent for their many words or the beauty of those words. God hears the prayers of the meek and the humble, of those whose focus is set solely in Him.
Do not pray to yourselves, as you have no power apart from God, from whom all power is given. Instead set your gaze toward heaven and set your hope in Him. Be defined by your Savior. Live in Him, walk in His ways, pray as He teaches you. Not to us, but to Your name be the glory.
It's only been over the last year and a half that God has helped me to understand even a speck of the mystery of prayer. Indeed prayer is powerful. But we must not continue this monologue before the Almighty. Truly He seeks to have a relationship with us, and He wants that relationship to grow into maturity through sanctification. How do we break through our lens of selfishness, our lens of sinfulness? How do we bare ourselves before our Lord? For me, that freedom has been revealed by those who taught me to write. It is possible to write that which my spirit cries out to God in earnestness. I do not fully understand this mystery, but I shall glorify my God. I can write in prayer that which I would not even think to say when praying. I am not encumbered by my tongue. Nor am I encumbered by this self-centered vale. There is freedom in the Spirit by Christ Jesus for any who truly seek it!
In prayer, we ought to refine our focus. We must not be focused on ourselves or the world, for that is idolatry. We must focus in Him who called us to Himself, called us to freedom, called us to repentance, called us to faith, called us to new life, called us to holiness. When we focus on what we are doing, on what the world is doing, we are choosing not the focus on Christ. We are making a decision that this is more important to us. God does not love the prayers of the long-winded or of the eloquent for their many words or the beauty of those words. God hears the prayers of the meek and the humble, of those whose focus is set solely in Him.
Do not pray to yourselves, as you have no power apart from God, from whom all power is given. Instead set your gaze toward heaven and set your hope in Him. Be defined by your Savior. Live in Him, walk in His ways, pray as He teaches you. Not to us, but to Your name be the glory.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Dealing with a Tough Issue - Why Does It Come Back?
I had a conversation the other day with a friend and fellow former camp staff member. We discussed, albeit briefly, the situation concerning spiritual warfare on the camp grounds. Many Christians have called on the name of Jesus Christ to reclaim the land as a sanctuary, to cleanse it of the physical presence of evil. Time after time, it keeps coming back. I have heard some theories about why it returns, but none of the answers seemed to be sufficient. Yes, many people bring problems and habits with them to camp, both as campers, sometimes as staff, and as the general public that also uses the grounds. I would even go so far as to say that people have defiled the land; it's surprising and saddening what people do there. In various forms, as the argument goes, people are responsible for bringing it to camp.
Another argument is that the historical significance of the area, with respect to good and evil, leads to an unending battle. But if the place has been claimed by God the Sovereign, why then does this persist?
The only answer that has made sense to me is that God chooses to use this place, in light of its past circumstances and current position as a place of battle for the lost to receive salvation through Him. It's a training ground. God does not allow darkness to overcome any part of His kingdom. Everything that happens is because God allows it to happen. God is in control, but He allows such things to take place as fit within His plan. In His plans are times of our learning and training, that we would see and know that a spiritual battle still is taking place all around us, and that we have a part in that battle. His spiritual gifts are given to us in times of need for the glory of the Father. Fear not for the God of the universe, the Eternal Sovereign, is with you. May He guide and protect you all the days of your life.
Another argument is that the historical significance of the area, with respect to good and evil, leads to an unending battle. But if the place has been claimed by God the Sovereign, why then does this persist?
The only answer that has made sense to me is that God chooses to use this place, in light of its past circumstances and current position as a place of battle for the lost to receive salvation through Him. It's a training ground. God does not allow darkness to overcome any part of His kingdom. Everything that happens is because God allows it to happen. God is in control, but He allows such things to take place as fit within His plan. In His plans are times of our learning and training, that we would see and know that a spiritual battle still is taking place all around us, and that we have a part in that battle. His spiritual gifts are given to us in times of need for the glory of the Father. Fear not for the God of the universe, the Eternal Sovereign, is with you. May He guide and protect you all the days of your life.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The Difficulty of Ecumenicalism
In developing a Christian culture, there is clearly much at stake - economically, socially, and of course, spiritually. Christian music, Christian schools, Christian dating networks, churches and Christian organizations/charities are all parts of this culture. Each has its mission and its niche, and quite a few work together on varying levels. In many ways, groups that want to be included in this Christian pop culture must do what it takes to appear attractive and receptive.
I've been reminded numerous times that we Christians are brothers and sisters in Christ. The problem with this argument is that people want unity and uniformity. We are told in the Scriptures that many claim to be believers and followers who are not. Many of these people are false teachers and false prophets, seeking to lead people astray. That may sound irrelevant, but what about this: members of churches who use their power to achieve their goals, to accomplish what they want; members of Christian organizations who are more interested in promoting the social gospel rather than responding to the call of Christ. This is different from adding one's calling to the rich tapestry of work to which Christ calls us by the Holy Spirit. Sin gets in the way of our relationship with our Creator and Savior, and it affects what we do. Instead of dealing with it, we try to ignore it, we let it fester, and it infects and affects more areas of our lives.
What does all this have to do with Christian culture and ecumenicalism? Many people who call themselves Christians are driven by their desires, including to unite churches. Unfortunately one of the primary ways to unify Christians is by using the lowest common denominators. In order to promote harmony, we simplify things. We stay away from the explosive issues. We stay away from theological issues. Christ becomes "the famous One," God is "bigger than the air we breathe," and many people who claim to be Christians don't even believe that the Bible is the inerrant, inspired Word of God. I'm not blaming contemporary worship songs. But oversimplification of our faith pervades so much of Christian culture. Take a sample of these parts of Christian culture: think about the meaning of the sermon during worship, the meaning of Christian song lyrics, the kinds of doctrine that schools hold, and how it's expressed. Does it have spiritual truth and depth? What do the words really mean? Are the Scriptures actually taken in context?
One of the problems with ecumenicalism and denominationalism is that largely as Christians we don't even look any more at what we claim to believe. What is a Roman Catholic or a Greek Orthodox or a Presbyterian or a Methodist or a Baptist? What makes one different from the others? It's so easy to claim to be a Christian that there's no real need to look deeper, to truly search, to seek God with all our heart, soul and strength. When it's easy, we don't need to think about what we believe or why we believe it. There are real theological issues that led to splits in denominations. But if we don't even have the depth to understand what those theologies are, there's no reason for us to care about them. Suddenly the reason for our divisions disappears - but reason isn't that we've reconciled our differences at all. So we have people who truly desire to reunite the church; people who don't know why there are so many splits; and people who want to make Christianity fun, inclusive and culturally relevant.
The ecumenical movement has made strides to link believers in many ways so that movements, organizations and dealing with issues are not just drawn down denominational lines. It has also helped to rid Christian groups of unwarranted animosity toward one another. We are realizing, little by little, that Christ's church is universal, that believers are diverse, and that Christians can and should reach out and work together for the glory of the Father through Jesus by the Holy Spirit. It's time that we take a deeper look at our faith, at our doctrines, at our theologies. It's time that we focus on being obedient to God, whom we claim as our Father, Savior, Lord and Comforter. And God is so much more than that. It's time that we understand that in our hearts as well as in our minds.
I've been reminded numerous times that we Christians are brothers and sisters in Christ. The problem with this argument is that people want unity and uniformity. We are told in the Scriptures that many claim to be believers and followers who are not. Many of these people are false teachers and false prophets, seeking to lead people astray. That may sound irrelevant, but what about this: members of churches who use their power to achieve their goals, to accomplish what they want; members of Christian organizations who are more interested in promoting the social gospel rather than responding to the call of Christ. This is different from adding one's calling to the rich tapestry of work to which Christ calls us by the Holy Spirit. Sin gets in the way of our relationship with our Creator and Savior, and it affects what we do. Instead of dealing with it, we try to ignore it, we let it fester, and it infects and affects more areas of our lives.
What does all this have to do with Christian culture and ecumenicalism? Many people who call themselves Christians are driven by their desires, including to unite churches. Unfortunately one of the primary ways to unify Christians is by using the lowest common denominators. In order to promote harmony, we simplify things. We stay away from the explosive issues. We stay away from theological issues. Christ becomes "the famous One," God is "bigger than the air we breathe," and many people who claim to be Christians don't even believe that the Bible is the inerrant, inspired Word of God. I'm not blaming contemporary worship songs. But oversimplification of our faith pervades so much of Christian culture. Take a sample of these parts of Christian culture: think about the meaning of the sermon during worship, the meaning of Christian song lyrics, the kinds of doctrine that schools hold, and how it's expressed. Does it have spiritual truth and depth? What do the words really mean? Are the Scriptures actually taken in context?
One of the problems with ecumenicalism and denominationalism is that largely as Christians we don't even look any more at what we claim to believe. What is a Roman Catholic or a Greek Orthodox or a Presbyterian or a Methodist or a Baptist? What makes one different from the others? It's so easy to claim to be a Christian that there's no real need to look deeper, to truly search, to seek God with all our heart, soul and strength. When it's easy, we don't need to think about what we believe or why we believe it. There are real theological issues that led to splits in denominations. But if we don't even have the depth to understand what those theologies are, there's no reason for us to care about them. Suddenly the reason for our divisions disappears - but reason isn't that we've reconciled our differences at all. So we have people who truly desire to reunite the church; people who don't know why there are so many splits; and people who want to make Christianity fun, inclusive and culturally relevant.
The ecumenical movement has made strides to link believers in many ways so that movements, organizations and dealing with issues are not just drawn down denominational lines. It has also helped to rid Christian groups of unwarranted animosity toward one another. We are realizing, little by little, that Christ's church is universal, that believers are diverse, and that Christians can and should reach out and work together for the glory of the Father through Jesus by the Holy Spirit. It's time that we take a deeper look at our faith, at our doctrines, at our theologies. It's time that we focus on being obedient to God, whom we claim as our Father, Savior, Lord and Comforter. And God is so much more than that. It's time that we understand that in our hearts as well as in our minds.
Friday, January 11, 2008
What Does It Mean to Wait?
Something that keeps resurfacing for me over recent weeks has been the topic of waiting on the Lord. There are many biblical examples of people who truly waited for God, waited to hear His undeniable voice speak to them, in obedience, faith and love. The believers waited together on the day of Pentecost for God to reveal Himself through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Moses went up the mountain alone and waited for the Lord. Jesus waited in many ways for God's plan to be fulfilled at the right time and to be obedient in the middle of it. There are many other examples as well, and at least some of them are better for demonstrating the concept of waiting upon the Lord. With that said, what does it look like to wait upon our Father, and what's the point?
Jesus Christ used the parable of the widow and the unjust judge to explain the concept of persistence in petition before God. The widow demanded justice, and the judge decided to deny her request. She did not stop, however. She knew who had power and authority over her situation, and she took her petition to that person. She didn't just wait for justice to be thrust upon her circumstances. She didn't take vigilante justice, either. She was proactive in her position, but she didn't try to usurp or override authority.
David had been anointed King, but Saul was God's first anointed King of Israel, and he still lived. David held a legitimate claim to the throne, but he humbled himself before God, before men, and before Saul. David fled for his life and repeatedly suffered ill-treatment by Saul. Yet David waited on the Lord. He had opportunities to kill Saul and to take the throne. But he sought God's timing and His way.
So often we want to take the fast way or the easy way in what we're doing. We easily become impatient and unsatisfied with what we have and what we're doing. We get frustrated when we cannot see the fruits of our labors. We want to know what we did right or (sometimes) what we did wrong - to instantly evaluate the efficacy of what we're doing. We get too detail- or goal-oriented. We see waiting as not being a valuable use of time but rather a detour en route to our destination.
One problem is that all too often we view waiting as a waste. How many times have we waited in line somewhere and made no use of our waiting time? We just zone out or become bored. But waiting can be so much more meaningful than that. Waiting provides time for reflection. It also provides more time to listen. Waiting also allows us to develop patience and persistence. We are not meant to use waiting on God as an excuse for laziness. It's not just a matter of doing the same old thing until God eventually tells you to go do something else. Certainly having a job while waiting on God to reveal the next step in your life can be good, but there is so much more to waiting than that.
Jesus Christ used the parable of the widow and the unjust judge to explain the concept of persistence in petition before God. The widow demanded justice, and the judge decided to deny her request. She did not stop, however. She knew who had power and authority over her situation, and she took her petition to that person. She didn't just wait for justice to be thrust upon her circumstances. She didn't take vigilante justice, either. She was proactive in her position, but she didn't try to usurp or override authority.
David had been anointed King, but Saul was God's first anointed King of Israel, and he still lived. David held a legitimate claim to the throne, but he humbled himself before God, before men, and before Saul. David fled for his life and repeatedly suffered ill-treatment by Saul. Yet David waited on the Lord. He had opportunities to kill Saul and to take the throne. But he sought God's timing and His way.
So often we want to take the fast way or the easy way in what we're doing. We easily become impatient and unsatisfied with what we have and what we're doing. We get frustrated when we cannot see the fruits of our labors. We want to know what we did right or (sometimes) what we did wrong - to instantly evaluate the efficacy of what we're doing. We get too detail- or goal-oriented. We see waiting as not being a valuable use of time but rather a detour en route to our destination.
One problem is that all too often we view waiting as a waste. How many times have we waited in line somewhere and made no use of our waiting time? We just zone out or become bored. But waiting can be so much more meaningful than that. Waiting provides time for reflection. It also provides more time to listen. Waiting also allows us to develop patience and persistence. We are not meant to use waiting on God as an excuse for laziness. It's not just a matter of doing the same old thing until God eventually tells you to go do something else. Certainly having a job while waiting on God to reveal the next step in your life can be good, but there is so much more to waiting than that.
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