quarterinchjack

journey's end

2005-12-04T22:41:00.000-05:00

UPDATE: new blog

I started this little project one year ago because my voice was seeking a place to speak. Not necessarily to be heard, but to speak. And the journey has been unexpected.

But now this season is giving way to another and the time and energies must follow. Thank you for keeping up with this small thread of the web and this diffident spark in the fire of our faith.

". . .a time to be silent, and a time to speak. . ."

touch

2005-12-03T12:06:00.000-05:00

"King Midas and the Christian Touch"

Some time ago there lived a king name Midas who was very wealthy and quite concerned about the encroachment of the pluralistic society on his kingdom. He spent much of his time fighting for prayer in schools. Curiously, however, he very seldom prayed with his lovely daughter, Christiana.

While the hot sun beat down in the afternoon, Christiana would play in the vineyard while King Midas thought about ways to revers the culture’s dreadful trend toward secularism.

“Please read to me,” said Christiana one day. She loved to hear Mother Goose rhymes, and because the king could not think of a Christian alternative, he took up the book and recited “Jack and Jill.”

At the part where Jack fell down, a thought came to him: if only everything in my kingdom could become Christian, the world would be a much better place. The would would be safe for my daughter, and I wouldn’t have to worry about lawsuits, unless of course it was a Christian world that didn’t read the Bible very carefully.

“If only I could have the power to make everything Christian,” he said aloud. “I would give anything to have that power, anything at all. As he stared into space as fathers sometimes do, Christiana said, “Come on, Dad, read!”

But her pleas fell on deaf ears, for all at once King Midas was stunned by a bright light and a piercing voice that said, “Your wish has been granted, King Midas. As soon as the sun rises tomorrow, anything you touch will become Christian.”

“Will it change into a deeply committed Christian thing or simply become lukewarm?” King Midas asked. 
“That is for you to see,” said the voice - which being interpreted means, “It’s for me to know and you to find out.”

And find out he did. In the morning King MIdas awoke fitfully from sleep and found the mattress he was lying on had become Christian. The tag displayed the manufacturer’s name with addresses in Wheaton, Illinois, and Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Anything I touch now will become Christian, thought the king. How wonderful for my kingdom.

Immediately he jumped out of bed and put on his shoes, which became sandals. He ran down the stairway eagerly, looking for objects to touch, and came upon his daughter’s book of nursery rhymes. One touch, and instantly the book was transformed! Every story, every poem, now had a religious slant.

The king ran on to one of his favorite places, the royal baseball diamond. Players for the minor-league Nuggets were running wind sprints and chewing tobacco, which should be done only by professionals. Forgetting his gift, King Midas approached a particularly rugged player who was the star of the team. Upon seeing the king the slugger uttered a few unprintable words and offered his hand.

Instantly the chaw in his cheek and his stubby beard disappeared. “Praise the Lord,” he said to the king. “It’s a real blessing to meet you.” 
I’ve never heard this player talk this way in postgame interviews, the king thought. Aloud he said, “You are certainly a talented young man.”

“Well, I just want to thank the good Lord,” the player said.

King Midas was overjoyed about the effect he was having on his kingdom. He ran in to a royal used care lot and leaned against one of the automobiles to catch his breath. Straightaway, each end of the care was graced with bumper stickers that said “One Way” and “Honk If You Love Jesus.” King Midas stepped into the dealer’s office and shook hands with the owner and his sales staff. They too turned Christian and began praising the Lord by offering markdowns on their inventory.

The king walked by the royal broadcasting center with its radio and television outlets and thought, Why not? Thus it came to be that one minute his kingdom was watching a talk show that paraded people with every known relational dysfunction across the screen. The next minute they were watching the same people being counseled by a Christian psychologist/faith healer.

King Midas was not only delighted in the change, he was ecstatic that all he had to do was touch a person or object to make it holy. No hard work, no prayer, no long days of waiting and struggling. Just a little touch, and each thing or person was converted.

Walking back toward the palace, he touched flowers and trees, which thereupon sprouted “Jesus Loves Me” buds. he met the gardener, an unkempt, bushyhaired individual with a long beard. When King Midas touched him, his hair turned three different shades of orange, and he went running toward the nearest televised sporting event to hold up a “John 3:16” sign.

The king approached two children who were playing with violent action toys. One touch, and the toys became biblical violent action toys with spears and slingshots.

A group of concerned politicians had gathered at the palace. When King Midas shook hands with them, they turned from the opposition party to the “League of Believers,” a new Christian coalition.

King Midas knew he had one important person left to touch. He found Christiana alone by the grapevines, reading her new Mother Goose book. He toucher her gently on the cheek and watched closely to observe the metamorphosis. To his surprise, he did not see any change. So he touched her shoulder a bit more firmly.

“What are you doing, Father?” she asked.

“I’m trying to turn you into a Christian,” he said, and grabbed her arm and shook it vigorously.

“Father,” she said meekly, “since my youth I have known of the things of God, as the Sunday School teachers have taught me. The words from the book about the man from Galilee, his perfect life, his perfect sacrifice, and the forgiveness he offers - that message touched my heart long ago.”

“Then I have been misled,” said the king. “I have thought all this time that I was making a society Christian. But you are saying it is not true. The voice I heard must have been lying.”

“The only One who can truly change our culture and the people in it is the One who touches the heart,” Christiana said with wisdom beyond her years. “You certainly have affected the outward appearance of men, such as the baseball player and the used-car salesman. But tomorrow one will put cork in his bat an the other will overcharge his customers for a brake job unless the Spirit reaches them.”

King Midas looked sad, and teardrops fell down his cheeks like so many little fish symbols. He loved his daughter even more because of the valuable lesson he had learned.

From that day forward he and Christiana devoted themselves to prayer for the kingdom. The regularly visited the poor, the widows and the orphans and set up a shelter for the homeless. They related the timeless message that the Great King of Glory loves people and wants them to know him. One by one people’s lives were changed, and the kingdom was never the same.

Chris Fabry, Spiritually Correct Bedtime Stories: Parables of Faith for the Modern Reader (Downers Grove: IVP, 1995)

if the music is groovy

2005-11-30T00:19:00.000-05:00

Just had a great conversation that pushed me to this direction. In the context of storytelling, ethics and responsibility it has become quite evident that the Christian voice has walked away from the table of public opinion and is now having such a difficult time returning. And, of course, evangelicals take the 'high road' of claiming this is no fault of their own but that they are being persecuted and ignored because of their religious beliefs. The cite certain biblical passages which tell them that being pushed around by society is indicative of doing the right thing (even though Jesus' warning of the world's hatred does not cover cases of sheer tactlessness).

And the absurdity continues to grow and further remove us from our effectiveness. . .and our relationship with the divine.

The comment was made to me, "Christians are afraid of magic. Hence, Christians are afraid of mystery and the unknown which leads them in a direction way from God." Right on. Let us consider what magic means (I'll hit the F12 key and check; if you don't know what this means, don't worry about it).

"magic" - the power of apparently influencing the course of events by using mysterious or supernatural forces

If there is anyone who should believe in magic, it should be Christians! Another reason for this blog now is that in just about one week from now there will be released a movie version of C. S. Lewis' classic, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. And in this book there is an emphasis on magic (i.e., chapters 9 & 10). I'm waiting to see if any fundamentalist wing of evangelicalism will decide to have a problem with this to appear consistent as there is a clash between "Deep Magic from the Dawn of Time" and the triumphant "Deeper Magic from Before the Dawn of Time."

In our spiritual infatuation with having all of the answers we have paved the road away from the power and mystery and depth of a creator who stands beyond the veil. And we run from 'magic' like it will be our undoing. Perhaps it will be our undoing. . .and maybe that's a good thing.

[thanks to lovin' spoonful]

sometimes we find that hope falters in the face of hope that we might discover the fulfillment of true hope

2005-11-29T15:16:00.000-05:00

When a pitcher is on the mound with a runner on first, it is his responsibility to keep that runner from stealing second (or to have too much of a head start toward the other base in the event of a hit). In order to accomplish this pitchers have developed very intricate ways of deceiving the runners in order to keep them guessing as to where the ball is going to be thrown. In the issue of fairness, Major League Baseball Official Rule Paragraph 8.01 states that when a pitcher commits himself to a certain point (various moves are described specifically), he must throw home. If not, it is a balk.

Zechariah in the temple is faced with a great hope. We are told that he had been praying for a son, and given the advanced age of he and his wife, we can see traces of a great hope that lies within him in the power of Israel's god to do mighty works. And then he is told that his prayer has been answered and that this son would be great to the entire nation and in the history of humanity. This son would prepare the way for the coming of the messiah. Although Zechariah had hope, he was entirely unprepared for the fulfillment of this level of hope.

And he balked.

He had committed to throw home (i.e., he had demonstrated some hope) and was distracted by a runner on first to the point where he didn't complete the pitching motion. Although he had committed to the belief that 'god can do anything' (after all, who doesn't believe that?), his theology could not comprehend the fulfillment of that reality. In actuality, though, the fulfillment of promise frequently goes far beyond our expectations. Perhaps most of us would not have done much better.

But then do we hold on to hope or do we find eloquent theological positions and search for articulate-sounding questions?

I suppose it depends on whether or not you can throw heat.

interpretation

2005-11-28T14:54:00.000-05:00

"Our understanding of Jesus' career is guided by the Scriptures, but so is our understanding of the Scriptures shaped by Jesus' career; the two are mutuallly informing." *

What a wonderful statement of both hermeneutical approach and theological understanding. In the first place it speaks of the revelation that the Scriptures give about Jesus and how he is quite unique. Only he could accomplish the work which he came to do. And we further enlightened to the significance of his mission and ministry by diligently observing what the Scriptures teach of this anointed one.

And then he interpreted the Scriptures to compensate for our lack of understanding. Or to correct our incorrect interpretation. Or both.

The lesson found in this is that nothing is the same after encountering Christ. He has a way of showing things as they way they really are - or the way they should be. And in spite of the many who try to recast him into their own wants and desires, he never remains within the parameters of human expectation. His is a reality far beyond that which our minds can fabricate. And perhaps this is why so many would rather dismiss him than face him as he is. Is it not easier to walk away from a supposed fraud than to admit the shortcomings of your own theology?

". . .I will not call it my philosophy; for I did not make it. God and humanity made it; and it made me." **

*Joel B. Green, "Learning Theological Interpretation from Luke" in Reading Luke: Interpretation, Reflection, Formation (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005), 70.
** G. K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy (New York: Dodd, Mead and Co., 1908), 13-14.

ǀə'soom'd • ə'θoritɛǀ

2005-11-23T19:59:00.002-05:00

ǀə'soom'd • ə'θoritɛǀ

adj.

exercising power or serving a function without being legally or officially established; assumed by one's own act, or without authority; cf. emergent leadership. syn: de facto, self-assumed.

66³

2005-11-22T16:12:00.001-05:00

Come and listen, all you who fear God;
let me tell you what he has done for me.ps

The activity of Israel's god was told and retold and preserved for many generations to hear. Beyond the notion of heritage, though, was the intent of telling outsiders about this incredible creator. In the context of the Ancient Near Eastern culture this could simply be a move to tell of how Israel's god was superior to the many other deities which were represented in the surrounding nations. And while this may also be the case of this particular statement (and the psalm in its entirety), there is yet more to this beckoning to come and listen. . .

Within the framework of religious practice, to tell of divine activity is to glorify the one who acts. In other words, whenever a story is recounted it is for the purpose of promoting and glorifying the figure at the center of the story. Psalm 66 is a hymn of thanksgiving which makes use of this principle.

"And when he bids his fellow believers hear what God has done for him, then this 'narration' is likewise meant to form a part of the glorification of God's saving deeds in the presence of the congregation, which forms the purpose and theme of the cultic ceremony."*

In summary, narration beckons glorification.

For Israel's god to act drives the individual and community to an appropriate response of thanksgiving and worship, which encapsulates the telling of his story and produces glorification. And we know now why his actions bring him glory (though perhaps a greater process than first imagined). I would suppose that it is a good thing for this process to become rather instantaneous in our lives. . .so long as we do not forget to tell of what he has done.

*Artur Weiser, Psalms OTL (Lousiville: WJK, 1962), 471.

fights

2005-11-21T16:53:00.000-05:00

While in the wilderness, on his way to meet Esau, Jacob wrestled with God.

God started it.

Even though one can trace an impressive character development in the story of Jacob, there evidently was more growing that needed to happen. [Insert all-night fight sequence] The determination with which Jacob struggled was quite remarkable. Yet this account is not attempting to say that Jacob was as strong as God but highlights the tenacity of this particular individual. The tenacity of this very conniving individual who did not yet realize that he would begin a covenant people.

I have to wonder if anyone in the modern church would classify Jacob (as seen here) as a 'seeker.'

If so, then it begs the question of why he was looking for Esau rather than God. If not, then one is left to wonder why this was such a meaningful spiritual experience if Jacob was not a seeker. The answer to this might come down to the fact that we have no idea what it means to be a 'seeker' in the first place. For it is not required of us to seek God in specific religious practices but to live life and allow God to find us.

And start a fight.

Why a fight? Because God is not concerned with our safety or our well-being as much as he is concerned with having our passion driving us toward him. So Jacob walked away limping. . .and changed. And so we too walk away limping. . .and broken. For only then can we truly allow God to get down to business. His business of salvation and restoration. He knows our will must be shattered and he recklessly swings away.

". . .he bloodies your nose and then gives you a ride home on his bike."
~Rich Mullins

66²

2005-11-20T12:32:00.000-05:00

You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.
I will come to your temple with burnt offerings and fulfill my vows to you-vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke when I was in trouble.ps

While reading through this literary piece, I was drawn to the phrase, "The history of suffering is the history of grace." Perhaps more attune to the overall biblical story is that the history of suffering becomes the history of grace. But then again, that might just be semantics. A while ago this blog cited, "And does glory ever come except on the heels of sorrow?" (R. Mullins); that is to say, can we ever find the true glory or grace of our god except when he has dispelled the rumors of truth found in this world? Instead, he works to destroy the so-called reality of this world in order to capture us into the legend of the other side.

The difficulty we find, then, is that we cling so tightly to all that we can see and hear and touch and feel and perceive. And so it becomes to us a punishment, perhaps because we have not matured enough to realize that pain is not necessarily punishment. On the other hand, however, it is neither for us to become religious masochists (even though the eyes of this world will regard our behavior as such). The promise of this journey has been referred to as the things of this world growing strangely dim.

After all of this, it becomes clear that indeed the history of suffering is/becomes the history of grace. For he will not have anything to do with competing for our attention. He must (and will) remove it from the equation. Until only two remain on the path (accomplished over and over and over again. . .).

How can I find something
That two can take
Without stumbling as we
Walk into our future's wake

(As Long as It Matters)

shaken

2005-11-16T00:34:00.000-05:00

[in regards to paul and the damascus experience - which, incidentally, was also the name of his punk rock band]

Following his encounter with the risen kind, we see a tremendous change come over the outlook and activity of this devout Pharisaic and zealous first-century Jew. A faithful member of the nation of Israel, this man knew that obedience to the Law was the only hope that this people group had for their god to come and establish his kingdom. Any attempt to subvert this divine activity had to be removed from the picture - by force, if necessary. Such was the devotion and zeal of this man.

And yet we take for granted the impact upon him as we are content with our sunday-school representation of Saul going down the road, blinded and commissioned by a risen Jesus, and suddenly changing his name to Paul (which isn't the case anyway. . .) while going on tour to tell everyone that Christianity was the right choice. With such a glossed over reading of the text it is no wonder why we do not see more people in our churches wrestling with their faith and fearful to struggle with spirituality. For as advances as Saul was in his own spiritual understanding, this face-to-face with Jesus left him in a definite daze.

In his own account of the impact of this event, we learn that he had to get away from everything for at least three years in order to sort all of this out (see here). And this is a guy with serious credentials. I am a firm believer that there is no encounter with Jesus that does not leave us in some sort of a daze (if so, then it probably was not a legitmate encounter with him). His holiness impacts our unholiness with such incredible power that we can not come away unchanged.

A shaken faith might not be the end of the world. . .

And when Christ has stripped away all of your 'phony-baloney' kind of systematic theology, all of your lame, Protestant kind of stupidity, all of your Catholic hang-ups, when Christ has stripped away everything that we have invented about Him, then maybe we will encounter Him as He really is. And we will know ourselves as we really are. So don't be afraid that your faith gets shaken. Could be that God is shaking you forward, and shaking you free.
~Rich Mullins

66¹

2005-11-15T16:43:00.000-05:00

"Come and see what God has done. . ."ps

In the context of Israel's worship one finds a continual and recurring theme of remembering and recalling all that their god has done in the process of salvation history. This occurs on many different levels, from the personal and intimate to national history and the miraculous. What I found to be of special note on this topic, particularly in Psalm 66, is how the story of salvation and the activity of the divine among humanity is told in both historical and present form. In other words, the past and the present are told in one breath.

This is due to the fact that the biblcal portrait of heavenly activity is seen as a single and unified event. The past serves as a heritage for the faith that we display in the present. In turn, our present activity will be the heritage upon which the future will be built.

And whenever we remember the past it actually becomes part of our present experience, which means the telling and retelling of God's activity allows it to live and impact and save today. "In the cultic representation the 'there' and the 'once' of history becomes the 'now' and the 'here' of the [salvation-history]; it becomes the eternal presence of the rule of God which is the true object of the cultic ceremony and of the hymnic praise of the tribes of the covenant people."*

So if the 'there' and 'once' become the 'here' and 'now' it is our responsibility to make the 'here' and 'now' become the 'everywhere' and 'tomorrow.' Our story must be continually present.

*Artur Weiser, The Psalms OTL (Louisville: WJK, 1962), 470.

sycamore

2005-11-14T18:12:00.001-05:00

"The statement of Zacchaeus [Luke 19:8] is to be understood as a reaction to the initiative of Jesus and to the objections of the crowd. In order that Jesus may be freed from the suspicion of consorting with a sinner he makes a public declaration of his intention to live a new life. In such a situation a declaration of intent was an adequate sign of repentance. At the same time, his action is to be seenas an expression of gratitude to Jesus for his gracious attitude to him, and as an example of the sort of change in life that should follow upon the reception of salvation." *

This particular comment struck me quite odd, yet remarkably difficult to pass by. The second line is what makes this account leap off the page - In order that Jesus may be freed. . . - and thus creates a shocking situation. Most people know the basic story of Zacchaeus (p.s., from what I can gather he was a wee little man) and thus are familiar with the fact that Jesus invited himself to this tax-collector's home. Two observations: 1) Jesus appears to have no hesitation to invite himself to someone else's house, which is a bit weird; 2) by going to this certain house he would have raised a number of eyebrows, as evidenced in Luke 19:7 with the response of the crowd. In fact, the response of the crowd shows that this activity of entering into a sinner's home was the same as sharing in Zacchaeus' sin.**

But at the end of the story the weight is given to the action of Zacchaeus to free Jesus from the reputation he had taken upon himself. What an incredible portrait of grace is demonstrated (once again) here to see the length to which God will go to reach his beloved. Such a magnificent humility is found in Jesus' willingness to bind himself to a sinner with the intent purpose of making that sinner pure. How is this possible? Jesus knows that holiness is not corrupted, but that it is the more contagious entity. In other words, holiness influences unholiness.

So in spite of the separationism of many modern evangelicals, this is not the solution. Rather than sit back and let this world pass on by, it is our duty to engage the sinfulness of this world on its own terms. For only then can we allow our holiness to pervade it and draw it to Christ.

And what about ourselves?
Christ has bound himself to us in our sinfulness.
Have we freed him from such a reputation?

*I. Howard Marshall, The Gospel of Luke NIGTC (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1978), 697.
**Craig L. Blomberg, Contagious Holiness: Jesus' Meals with Sinners (Downers Grove: IVP, 2005), 153.

stumbling

2005-11-04T12:26:00.000-05:00

One of the most interesting observations about biblical narrative is the frankness with which the story is told, with much care given to the perfection of the Author and a seeming disregard for how each character comes across. Never are the blunders or shortcomings of any individual glossed over for the sake of good storytelling. Even some of the most well-known (greatest?) of our Sunday School heros are a bit rougher than we first realize. Samson is a sex-starved dimwit; Jonah is a jerk and a half who does not preach because he does not think his recipients worthy of salvation; Paul calculatingly murdered Christians; the Twelve had their own problems throughout; etc. . .you get the idea.

Much like Moses, we get the idea that these are ambling through this life and somehow stumble onto holy ground. When this eighty-year-old sheep-herder ascended the mountain he just wanted to see what all the smoke was about. He never envisioned himself returning to Egypt for some divinely commissioned task. And then he tried to get out of the job. Walking along, minding his own business he found himself on the brink of a movement that would shake the foundations of the world. He was unholy on holy ground.

I once learned that true greatness does not seek out great things. Rather, great things will come to those who are destined to be great. Not that we always find greatness accompanied by much acclaim. For the truest greatness is standing by the power which God has given you in those times into which he has brought you. And perhaps we find that in all of our stumbling along we are doing a great thing. We stand in the middle of a movement that is shaking the foundations of the world. We are unholy on holy ground.

So we who trip and lose footing find eventually that it is because we have actually and unknowingly been ascending a mountain. And certain moments demand we remove our sandals. . .

CR550N

2005-10-28T21:09:00.000-05:00

As I was driving down the highway today I became acutely aware. . .

1. There is such a wonderful color and beauty which surrounded me in nature. Since it is autumn, the various colors that are otherwise hidden within the leaves are able to emerge and display such a magnificence. And this is all part of a dying experience. For some this already sounds too morbid, but I believe this is because we have too easily lost a proper appreciation for the seasons of life - it is not that those who see beauty in the process of dying are particularly warped.

2. There seems to be an equation to spiritual existence. Yet this is not some mathematical economy which may be experienced as a formula in which lives are placed in a cosmic algebraic recipe and have all turned out. There is faith and hope. . .faith is built upon that which God has done in the past and hope is looking forward to the future. Yet there are three that remain: love is that which enables us to move from faith to hope in a three-part pilgrimage.

c. Trinity gains us an understanding of reality (it is the ultimate reality). Three persons, one essence. Bound together by an eternal and perfect love. Which means (among MANY other things) that Jesus and the Spirit and the Father are connected through love. We are told to display love toward each other and toward this loving perfection. The only possible way we can experience love is through the Spirit, which is the presence of Jesus who has enabled us to enter into the throne room of his heavenly Father. Could it be that the love we share carries the very presence of Christ? Perhaps even the heavenly glory of the Father?

4. Have you ever stopped to realize how close we are to the eternal? Our world is marked by so much that is temporary, yet the activity of grasping for these straws somehow binds us to that which will never end. We try to hold on to this life - sometimes for good and sometimes because we can't help ourselves - and we find that everything slips away from our reach. Even the most spiritually momentus occasions can not be preserved, yet we are still reaching for them. Perhaps our lives are indeed sacraments: outward signs of an inward grace. Sometimes we might be sacramenting the wrong direction.

four roads: one intersection: in more ways than one. . .

“Gratitude is a spiritual virtue that opens the door of the soul to the world around us.” *

C. Hassell Bullock, Encountering the Book of Psalms (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2004), 160.

penetrable

2005-10-21T12:35:00.000-05:00

There are, I suppose, two incompatible thoughts of god which dictate human existence. At least, they may be found incompatible in our particular uses (or understandings) of them. The first is to believe that god is a mighty fortress which cannot be infiltrated. And the other is that god is so interested in our lives that he can be summoned over the slightest murmur of a prayer. In modern day evangelicalism I do not see a healthy connection of these ideals. Perhaps this is because we do a rather poor job of acurately living this out. Our church spaces are most likely the best indication of this: either we have spaces that are truly contemporary but display little (if any) sense of reverence and awe or we have spaces which are stately and majestic but which make it difficult to approach god on terms other than white-collar, upper-class, management terms.

An interesting situation.

However, a solution might be approached if we realize that god is not an impenetrable and ineffable mystery before which one bow down to the dust, overwhelmed by mystical emotions but one who is intimately involved with every aspect of his creation. When Scripture speaks of his mindful eye it makes a profound statement that God is actively caring for all he has made. What is more, all that he has made is given an incredible position of being able to call out his name.

An interesting solution.

The notion of this god being available leads to the biblical position of god being moveable. Although many systematicians claim that god is not able to change (despite things such as the incarnation), Scripture is very clear and forthright about praying as though prayers make a difference! All of this leads to a god who has opened himself up to the risk of being hurt all so that he might have a genuine love and relationship with his people. This does not sound like an impenetrable force.

An interesting vantage point:

Since we are enamored with the biggest, strongest, best, etc. . .we cannot help but have pictures of might color our view of God. Even after he has demonstrated not a love of power, but a power of love (see blog. And given his position as creator and sustainer, it is not a question of whether or not this god exists as one who cannot be dethroned, but rather what kind of god is this that would risk rejection and a thwarted will (at least, in part) that he would enter into this world.

And as the creator, sustainer, and foundation. . .one must not worry about his lack of mighty strength (cf. Isaiah 40)

*gratitude to: Artur Weiser, The Psalms (Louisville: WJK, 1962), 467-472.

penitence

2005-10-17T16:44:00.000-05:00

illuminate

my heart's conscience

that

I might emerge

from your Shadow

:

simply

2005-10-16T14:17:00.000-05:00

. . .but success in whose terms?

I once was told that churches seldom (if ever) divide over matters of doctrine or theology, yet somehow find ways to split over the color of carpet, which font should be used on the hymnal engraving, or other seemingly meaninglessness tidbits. Although this mostly a facetious statement, there is a sting of truth in it. More acurately, it is the love and desire of power of influence which causes the difficulties to emerge. Perhaps this is because it is very much a part of human nature (or fallenness) that we should seek to have control. After all, is it not the first sin to take matters into our own hands?

St Francis penned:

To those who have lost their way, let me restore it to them.
To those who are aimless, let me bring purpose.
To those who do not know who they are,
let me teach them that they are the children of God and can be used as his instruments in the never-ending work of healing and redemption.

The image of 'instrument' is a far cry from the power struggles which so often characterize our modern Christianity. The relevant passage here is Romans 6:13: "Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness."

Interestingly enough, this simple monk from Assisi has reached across time and space in order to impact so many who have listened to his words. With a lack of regard for himself, he allowed the glory of God to shine through his words and actions and so let his power of influence be controlled by the Almighty. It is noticeable that the great saints that have gone before simply sought the face of God. It is because of this that they have been so powerful in reaching across the centuries as "instruments."

All the while so many are determined to walk the easy path of complex religion rather than the difficult path of simple faith.

nauseated

2005-10-11T20:23:00.000-05:00

The moral flabbiness born of the bitch-goddess success. That - with the squalid interpretation put on the word success - is our national disease.*

Just how long will our churches and religious communites submit themselves to such earthy notions of success, whereby we measure our effectiveness by number and power? I have been a part of churches both large and small, economically secure and lacking, in fine facilities and those with peeling paint. And no matter how many times the issue of overemphasis on attendance, buildings and cash is denounced by religious leaders there remains many power struggles ranging from the direction of millions of dollars worth of funds to what color the sanctuary carpet should be. Why? Because we have sold ourselves to the notion that success is them most important ideal.

But success in whose terms?

Denominations want to see increased revenue, membership and baptisms. Church boards want to see people filling their pews. Churchgoers desire the best music and a flashy sermon. And everyone desires their churches to be admired and accepted by the community. Perhaps the case can be made that each of these are fine in and of themselves, but the constant hyperextension to include these at the center of church life demonstrates the current situation of moral flabbiness of which William James speaks.

I have found this in many conversations following all types of religious gatherings (from church 'business' to church 'fellowship' - as though the life of a church can be separated). There are many who want to immediately decide if everything was a 'success'. What if it wasn't? Then what? Do we work to make it a success next time, if there even is a next time? Provide enough of these situations and one can easily trace the downward spiral of fabricating socio-cultural entertainment. In other words, our incredibly poor concept of success leads us further away from our mission as a church. And the result is a moral flabbiness which is characterized by the lack of understanding truth and pervading sinfulness within our churches today. It also explains the failure of the 'seeker-sensitive' movement which paved the way into this level of churchy leisure instead of holding fast in a world of shifting sands.

It is indeed a shame that the words of Amos are so quickly forgotten in our modern culture. Speaking on behalf of God:

I can't stand your religious meetings.
I'm fed up with your conferences and conventions.
I want nothing to do with your religion projects,
your pretentious slogans and goals.
I'm sick of your fund-raising schemes,
your public relations and image making.
I've had all I can take of your noisy ego-music.
When was the last time you sang to me?
Do you know what I want?
I want just - oceans of it.
I want fairness - rivers of it.
That's what I want. That's all I want

I have to admit that there are times when my stomach turns as harshly as this. And I am begin to think that it's not last night's pizza anymore!

"So long as man remains free he strives for nothing so incessantly and so painfully as to find someone to worship."**

Bible translation from The Message: a good paraphrase for those "too comfortable" with Scripture. . .

*William James, 11 September 1906
**Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov

IX

2005-10-04T16:17:00.000-05:00

My Dear Wormwood,

I hope my last letter has conviced you that the trough of dullness or "dryness" through which your patient is going at present will not, of itself, give you his soul, but needs to be properly exploited. What forms the exploitation should take I shall now consider.

In the first place I have always found that the Trough periods of the human undulation provide excellent opportunity for all sensual temptations, particularly those of sex. This may surprise you, because, of course, there is more physical energy, and therefore more potential appetite, at the Peak periods; but you must remember that the powers of resistance are then also at their highest. The health and spirits which you want to use in producing lust can also, alas, be very easily used for work or play or thought or innocuous merriment. The attack has a much better chance of success when the man's whole inner world is drab and cold and empty. And it is also to be noted that the Trough sexuality is subtly different in quality from that of the Peak - much less likely to lead to teh mild-and-water phenomenon which the humans call "being-in-love," much more easily drawn into perversions, much less contaminated by those generous and imaginative and even spiritual concomitants which often render human sexuality so disappointing. It is the same with other desires of the flesh. You are much more likely to make your man a sound drunkard by pressing drink on him as an anodyne when he is dull and weary than by encouraging him to use it as a means of merriment among his friends when he is happy and expansive. Never forget that when we are dealing with any pleasure in its healthy and normal and satisfying form, we are, in a sense, on the Enemy's ground. I know we have won many a soul through pleasure. All the same, it is His invention, not ours. He made the pleasures: all our research so far has not enabled us to produce one. All we can do is to encourage the humans to take the pleasures which our Enemy has produced, at times, or in ways, or in degrees, which He has forbidden. Hence we always try to work away from the natural condition of any pleasure to that in which it is least natural, least redolent of its Maker, and least pleasurable. An ever increasing craving for an ever diminishing pleasure is the formula. It is more certain; and it's better style. To get the man's soul and give him nothing in return - that is what really gladdens Our Father's heart. And the troughs are the time for beginning the process.

But there is an even better way of exploiting the Trough; I mean through the patient's own thoughts about it. As always, the first step is to keep knowledge out of his mind. Do not let him suspect the law of undulation. Let him assume that the first ardours of his conversion might have been expected to last, and ought to have lasted, forever, and that his present dryness is an equally permanent condtition. Having once got this misconception well fixed in his head, you may then proceed in various ways. It all depends on whether your man is of the desponding type who can be tempted to despair, or of the wishful-thinking type who can be assured that all is well. The former type is getting rare among the humans. If your patient should happen to belong to it, everything is easy. You have only got to keep him out of the way of experienced Christians (an easy task nowadays), to direct his attention to the appropriate passages in Scripture, and then to set him to work on the desperate design of recovering his old feelings by sheer will power, and the game is ours. If he is of the more hopeful type, your job is to make him acquiesce in the present low temperature of his spirit and gradually become content with it, persuading himself that it is not so low after all. In a week or two you will be making him doubt whether the first days of his Christianity were not, perhaps, a little excessive. Talk to him about "moderation in all things." If you can once get him to the point of thinking that "religion is all very well up to a point," you can feel quite happy about his soul. A moderated religion is as good for us as no religion at all - and more amusing.

Another possibility is that of direct attack on his faith. When you have caused him to assuem that the trough is permanent, can you not persuade him that "his religious phase" is just going to die away like all his previous phases? Of course, there is no conceivable way of getting by reason from the proposition "I am losing interest in this" to the proposition "This is false." But, as I have said before, it is jargon, not reason, you must rely on. The mere word "phase" will very likely do the trick. I assume that the creature has been through several of them before - they all have - and that he always feels superior and patronising to the ones he has emerged from, not because he has really criticised them but simply because they are in the past. (You keep him well fed on hazy ideas of Progress and Development and the Historical Point of View, I trust, and give him lots of modern biographies to read? The people in them are always emerging from Phases, aren't they?)

You see the idea? Keep his mind off the plain antithesis between True and False. Nice shadowy expressions - "It was a phase" - "I've been through all that" - don't forget the blessed word "Adolescent."

Your affectionate uncle
Screwtape

C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters
Letter IX

chase

2005-09-29T11:47:00.000-05:00

. . .and when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. . .
Revelation 5:8

. . .those who had been victorious [sang]. . .'Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.'
Revelation 15

In the first scene there is a portrait of the heavenly throne room, which is painted in terms similar to the earthly temple that stood in Jerusalem. For morning and evening worship there was offered from the temple incense to symbolize the rising of the prayers of God's people to his throne. What happened next? Perhaps there were some individuals who had various answers or thoughts on what happened to these prayers once they had ascended from the earth, but most likely it was considered to be in God's hands and therefore unnecessary to ponder. Or maybe even some who (so much like us today) felt as though they had fulfilled their religious quota by praying and could then move on with the remainder of the day.

There is, however, a picture of what happens to this rising incense: it is gathered in heaven and held in the presence of God. For the sake of accuracy, we must recognize that not all prayers are being described here, even though there seems to be a more universally principle understood. Rather, these prayers are specifically for the return of Jesus and the glory and judgment which will accompany his coming. These prayers for justice and righteousness - the heart of God's kingdom - are held in the very presence of God that he might be mindful of them.

In the second seen there is a portrait of those who have prayed and have proven themselves victorious, which is painted in terms that display a deeply spiritual significance to their lives. As God's will is being done on earth as it is in heaven, these persons cry out a worshipful song of praise, All nations will come and worship before you.

"Thus the saints have followed their own prayers to heaven. The faithfulness with which they lived and died in hope of the kingdom for which they prayed, has made them part of the answer to their prayers."*

The picture is this: the saint offers a prayer (a life) which rises as incense to the heavenly throne room. From there the saint runs furiously after this prayer to witness and worship the one who brings fulfillment. Perhaps this sounds odd, yet this could only be the coloring of our own culture which does not see prayer as a source of empowerment to godly action but a means of escapism from the duty and responsibilities of partnering with the divine. We chase because we can act. . .and we can witness. . .and we can worship.

. . .as it is in heaven. . .

*Richard Bauckham, "Prayer in the Book of Revelation" in Into God's Presence, ed. Richard N. Longenecker (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2001), 266.

life is a church

2005-09-27T17:55:00.000-05:00

watching the surf cover up my toes
breathing the salt air from the coast
ten years old with my eyes pressed closed
life is a church

remembering first love's tender kiss
mourning the loss of my innocence
the bittersweet taste of it on my lips

life is a church
these are the sacraments
this is the altar
love is the spirit
making the blue planet turn
life is a church

watching my baby being born
written all over you, pain and joy
holding your hand, it's a little boy

life is a church
these are the sacraments
this is the altar
love is the spirit
making the blue planet turn
life is a church

ashes to ashes, earth to earth
the preacher throws in the first handful of dirt
my little boy asks me, "Does goodby always hurt?"

life is a church
these are the sacraments
this is the altar
love is the spirit
making the blue planet turn
life is a church

life is a church
Marcus Hummon
(c) 2005 Careers BMG Music Publishing (BMI)

dim

2005-09-26T16:09:00.000-05:00

"when the music fades. . ."

There are days when you don't feel your faith within you. Not exactly the dark night or barren wilderness, but times when the Christian commitment does not demand an emotive expression. For those who have not understood the difference between joy and happiness, this can often be confused with spiritual dryness. I maintain that they are vastly different.

Sunday past was one of these days when my emotions were more of the "I'm-just-not-in-this" variety than anything else. Even though I was looking forward to the services. Perhaps this would be bothersome to certain individuals but my reflection has brought me to see that this was a time of allowing the noise of an outpouring faith to cease just long enough to hear a still small voice.

And that is what happened.

Through our community of faith we had a moving and memorable worship experience together with our Lord which made the lack of emotion meaningless. For faith goes so much further than emotion and is a call to true commitment and discipleship regardless of the world around us. Or empassioned by the world around us? Or inspired by the world around us?

To identify God as the cause behind all of this is to identify him as the author of creation. This means that when we look at creation we see into the mind of the creator. Life is no different, its experiences and moments become the grand movements of the outworking of a wild imagination. Sometimes the most emotional movements come to dimmed individuals who have grown tired of big shows.

incontheivable

2005-09-14T17:39:00.000-05:00

I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it, and it will be yours.
Mark 11:24

"How does one develop a faith like that? The matter is not helped by the way in which the disciples have just seen Jesus cause a fig tree to wither and been told that faith can move mountains. How can these things be - even if it be granted that the saying is metaphorical and hyperbolical? Our concern is not usually with moving mountains! Far more often it is about doing things that are a great deal more ordinary by comparison." *

Until I read that earlier today, it had never before occurred to me that it might be possible to over-expect in our prayer life. I mean, in all of my years growing up in the church I never hear this. . .in fact, I was always given the understanding that we do not expect enough when we pray. In all actuality, I believe that both (mis)approaches go hand in hand.

It becomes apparent that our spirituality becomes so focused on grandiose religious ideals that we live out more pie-in-the-sky worldviews than real life faith. And then there is the tendency to look for mountains which we can run out and move and never notice daily situations because we quickly dismiss them as molehills. Even when those molehills are the highest of mountains to those who struggle to cross over them.

And while we are looking for summits to reconfigure, using our prayers as dynamite we miss out on all that God has waiting for us that is within our reach. Because we think of them as less-significant we assume that God will not bother in dealing with them either. Which leads us to underestimate and underexpect his activity.

One question, though: when YHWH acts, can it ever be considered more or less significant?

* I. Howard Marshall, "Jesus - Example and Teacher of Prayer in the Synoptic Gospels" in Into God's Presence: Prayer in the New Testament. Richard N. Longenecker, ed. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2001), 121.

fuse

2005-09-10T20:39:00.001-05:00

"Much Modern theology presupposes the deistic assumption that the first step is to prove God exists. No, the biblical question is what kind of God exists?"
~ Hauerwas and Willimon

It seems to me that truth of this statement is best shown in ancient Israel's approach to understanding history. Unfortunately we have lost an appreciation for the interconnectedness found in their history and theology. To know history was to practice theology. This is largely because our modern world has decided that it is fashionable to question the very existence of God, something that the ancients would not have been so inclined to do. What made Israel's monotheism unique was not that they held to a supreme power at work in the universe, but that it was a different understanding of the supreme power than existed in the ancient near east at the time.

For example, the study of creation is critical to the foundation of Israel. Because it is a historical-theological account of how this world came into existence it does not offer scientific proofs and apologetic evidence to prove that a theistic god was behind all of this matter. As said above, it was simply not an intelligent position to think that there was no supreme power behind this world. Rather, what kind of god is behind all of this? And from this appreciation for how this god filled this world in the manner in which he made and separated creation comes a very human response of love and adoration.

Fast forward to the poetic literature found in the written psalms. These are unique in the Bible becase they contain humanity's response back to this god. In other words, this is our response to the statement which has been made in history-theology. And these responses show an entire nation and worldview being shaped by an understanding of what kind of god exists.

He is a creator god, and in his creation he displays his sovereignty.
He is an omnipotent god, and his creation of a universe (not a multiverse) attests to his order.
He is an imaginitive god, and the wild diversity shows his mind.
He is an open god, and his care for this world is seen in his outstretched arms.

And it would benefit us greatly to fuse the events of this world (:history) with our understanding of what kind of god is out there (:theology).

For he is there and he is not silent.

truth decomposition

2005-09-05T20:16:00.000-05:00

I am still waiting to hear some intellectually and morally challenged Christian to lay out an I-told-you-so to those suffering in the wake of the devistating events on the gulf coast. And although there is a general lack of public editorial at the moment, my bet is that there are many who have internalized a position of judgment being cast down upon the godless and immoral (which means that it will only be a matter of time. . .). This prompts me to toss out an immediate and preemptive point of view.

To put forth that this destruction is the direct result of incurring God's wrath does not accomplish much (indeed, nothing) in the way of caring for and saving the victims. In fact, the results would be more catastrophic as it removes the final ounces of hope from those who are hurting and further drives the wedge between them and their creator. Rather than achieve all of this we should acknowledge (along with the hurting) that there exists real evil and destruction in the world, but God is at work to right the wrongs and those who endure in their faith will find that it will be worth it.

Having said that, it is important to address the evil and pain that has occurred and is still occurring at this time. The murdering, raping, looting, rioting, and chaos is indicative of an ethical and moral loss which has been going on for some time. I do not believe that God has somehow directed this storm to attack and destroy this area. However, he has allowed the choices that have already been made to be carried forth by those who have already rejected him. In their exchange of the truth of God for the ability to live by their own morality, they have chosen a path that led them away from God - and now he has allowed them to live in that choice.

Consequently, we have people who are acting without morality and ethic as the rules of might-makes-right come into full effect. Those who have argued long and hard against the need for a standard of ethic and rule of law are now able to see a "society" which operates in such a way. And they blame God because he "allowed" this to happen - they who told God they did not want anything to do with him now wonder why he is strangely absent. Except those who are destroying themselves and their hope of rescue. These act out their worldview and demonstrate the reign of anarchy.

The postmodern relativist thinker typically holds the following position:

"Christian ethics is fine for the Christian community. However, do not try to make them applicable outside of your community. Each community determines its own ways." One may keep Christian morals as they are demystified and disinfected of any residual absolutism.*

Now, in the wake of inconceivable destruction, we can see the fruits of this worldview which has been sewn for the past years in our culture. And this is evidence that the church still needs to work its way back to the table of public opinion.

For now our focus must remain on those who are reaching out, that we might respond as adequate representatives of him who already holds out his arms to them.

Douglas Groothuis, Truth Decay: Defending Christianity Against the Challenges of Postmodernism (Downers Grove: IVP, 2000), 193. Note: this quote does not represent the author's view, but is used in the course of his argument.

one hit wonder

2005-08-31T16:02:00.000-05:00

If you were to write one song (or poem), what would it be like? What message would you want to leave the world? What if you knew that your work would be preserved in the national annals and be read by religious scholars, seekers, pastors and the like for centuries to come?

These thoughts come to mind when I consider Psalm 88. On close reading we find that it was composed by Heman the Ezrahite. I love Heman the Ezrahite - I find that I can't quite get enough of him. Actually, this is the only writing that we have which is attributed to him. Fortunately for us, it is not the only piece of information we know about him. 1 Kings 4:31 tells us that Heman (or He-Man, as referred to by those of the female persuasion) was famed for his musical leadership and his wisdom (even though Ethan the Ezrahite seemed to be just a bit wiser).

And the one piece that we have from him is often considered to be the saddest prayer in Psalms.* Throughout it speaks of his sleepless nights, the encroaching shadows, the apparent victory of death, and the fact that his cry has gone on unanswered. Perhaps this is why they didn't ask him to write another psalm! In fact, there isn't even an ending of assurance or praise or "everything's-gonna-be-alright." Even so it does not appear that our hero has given up. For the suffering he endures is not because his life is worthless. He recognizes that God has a place for him and this provides his drive to struggle with his face rather than abandon it.

Such an openness and honesty allows He-Man to grow and struggle. He does not take the opportunity to tell his god where to stuff this life, but looks to him for answers to his situation. And he does not back down from asking hard or 'embarrasing' questions (i.e., "Where are you, God, in the middle of all of this?") for he realizes that these matters cannot be swept under the rug. The lesson we gain from this individual is that recognition and "right-religion" do not account for the totality of this life. And perhaps we should be working to make our song not so much a perfect and majestic hymn for the ages, but live our life to cry the name of the one who loves us most.

*cf. Derek Kidner, Psalms 73-150 (Downers Grove: IVP, 1973), 316.

this is the slam

2005-08-28T23:09:00.000-05:00

"By this all men will know that you are my disciples. . ."
John 13:35

Jesus could have ended this phrase with so many things: nice church buildings, political savvy, theological insight, biblical wisdom and understanding, powerful preaching, great Christian gatherings, etc. . . Yet he chose to be consistent with his own worldview and said that it was our love for one another. Notice also that he did not say that the world would recognize us as Christians when or if we have love for another but by the love that we already display for each other. It is almost a sign of what kind of disciples we are showing ourselves to be through the love that is exhibited from one disciple to another. And perhaps Jesus is also referring to the Jewish notion of a disciple being a direct reflection on their leader - the type of love that you show for each other will demonstrate to the world what type of love I have come to show.

Having said that, why do we find it so difficult to refrain from slamming each other and going for the jugular whenever we disagree or are "embarassed" by other church members? In our latest controversy I have found myself running to the aid of a stupid statement just because it is so nauseating to hear more and more Christians aim and fire on one of their own. Again. In fact, it seems that the ecclesiastical community has surpassed even the mainstream media in its amount of biting and malicious rhetoric of the current Christians-in-culture flavor of the month.

As a brief side note: I find it interesting that many are calling on this particular individual to be denounced by other well-known evangelicals who were (and will soon be again) just being denounced for their interaction in the political realm.

It is becoming apparent that the Christian community can be easily manipulated to inward division and fighting. Those who oppose our worldview and message have figured this out. Too bad most of us have not. And our lack of love has not only reflected poorly upon our leader, but has become so non-existent that it is now a tactical tool to be used against us rather than a demonstration of the gospel. Let the church aspire to be weak, and the world will stand in awe.

I have also paroused some interesting sites regarding this situation and have found certain sources attacking this comment and apology from very unique perspectives. I cannot help but be troubled that many of these sources find little to no time to speak out against the raging heresies that do exist in the church, via the many television personalities who preach a gospel contrary to that of Christ. These individuals will never make a political statement, for they are too intelligent for that - they know that they will find themselves in the midst of a controversy such as this, they will realize they might actually make a lasting difference, and they see the lost income earning potential. And yet so many find ways to defend these individuals for, "At least they are doing some good for some people. We need to re-evaluate where we fight our battles.

On a personal note, I do not endorse the message but stand by the messenger as one of my family. Although the words were found to be irrational and unthoughtful, the messenger remains a child of the king. And I cannot endorse the dysfunction of this family through such vile rhetoric about one of my brothers.

Fortunately for all of us, the world will not recognize Jesus' disciples by our blogs. . .

recovering pharisees

2005-08-25T10:14:00.000-05:00

Sometimes we're closer to certain people groups than we allow ourselves to realize. Take for example, our good friends from the Gospels: the Phanatical, Phantastic Pharisees! Now, I know they don't typically garner such enthusiasm, especially because they haven't been painted in a good light for quite some time. But if we take a minute and examine their beliefs and ideals we might find they weren't so bad at all.

First, it was the objective of the Pharisaic community to combat the mounting political and social upheaval that surrounded them by living lives dedicated to purity and holiness. For them, purity of self was the foundation to combat the impurity of one's surroundings. This makes sense - for if you were unable to control the holiness of the world which surrounded you, at least you were at work to control the holiness of yourself. And yet while all of this is important, it was not their primary objective in and of itself. Their aim was not to achieve piety for its own sake, but to honor Israel's king and see the redemption of the nation (and through it, the world). In other words, they were about the work of bringing God's covenant to its completion.

Second, in a world of shifting sand and uncertain futures the Pharisees stood to preserve the ancient traditions of Israel so that this nation might remember its heritage. To remember the godliness of the past and have the nation's history serve as a cry to return back to their god. Included in this particular wing of the Pharisaic movement were certain individuals who spoke as modern day prophets, often engaging the hot political and social issues of the day. Others sought to achieve pockets of influence in order to sway the decisions of the military and governing officials - all in the name of Israel's true king.

Third, of the most fundamental beliefs was that held by the nation as a whole - the coming of a messiah. This would be the individual ordained to purify the land by removing all of the ungodly powers which permeated the nation (i.e., kicking out the Romans). This lead to a common belief that the messiah would be a military figure ordained by Israel's god.

Fourth, there was a movement to foster these beliefs through the daily practices of first century commoners. That is to say that since there was not a clear opportunity to take over the governing bodies of the day, it became more important to build a 'coalition' of purity throughout the nation of Israel by working through the local religious centers (synagogues) in educating, guiding, and calling the people of Israel to a higher holiness so that they might be prepared for the arrival of their redeemer.

I must say, this is not a bad course of action.

In fact, it is so 'not bad' that it is still in use by modern evangelicals.

How many times do we stress the need for personal piety in the face of mounting opposition? (Although this is not a bad agenda to have, it does bring us one step closer to understanding this group) How often do evangelical leaders get caught up in the opportunity to achieve power and influence and sacrifice the true nature of working in the kingdom? How many times has the church allowed itself to place its hopes within a certain military or government official who comes with the expectation of removing all of the ungodliness from the land? How much have we sought to build our own coalition in the name of godliness but have face (in reality) a group seeking to achieve power of influence?

Are we so far removed?

Matthew 23: But woe to you who. . .
. . .shut people out of your churches (13)
. . .seek converts out of motive instead of love (15)
. . .display yourselves as hypoctrites by your words (16-22)
. . .try to tilt the odds to your favor (23)
. . .miss out on what's really important because of meaningless rants (24)
. . .try to make everything appear clean while the inside is corrupt (25)
. . .act out works of righteousness while allow sin to rule yourself (26)
. . .for erecting monuments to your religion and missing the living god (27)

*Pharisaic facts influenced throughout by N.T. Wright, The New Testament and the People of God (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1992), 167-203.

ntwrightpage

do the dew

2005-08-20T11:57:00.000-05:00

"Dew is the term for small droplets of water that appear on thin objects in the morning or evening. This is a form of condensation. Dew results from atmospheric moisture that condenses after a warm day and appears during the night on cooled surfaces as small drops. The cool surfaces cool the nearby air, decreasing the amount of humidity (dissolved moisture) the local air can hold. The extra vapor condenses (precipitates out of solution in the air). When temperatures are low enough, dew will take the form of ice; this form is called frost. . .Culturally, dew is often associated with purity and freshness." *W*

Let me 'splain; no time, let me sum up. . . As a response to the environment which is around it, dew appears on an object through the transitional world in which it exists. It is important to note that the moisture (the dew) was always present in the atmosphere to begin with. . .

Think about it.

How God Comes to the Soul
I descend on my love
As dew on a flower.

~Mechthild of Magdeburg (c. 1212-1297)

As a public service, see also: DEW

let all creation cry. . .or something

2005-08-15T08:15:00.000-05:00

(Note: I don't think this is quite what Stopford had in mind)

All throughout my daily errands I found myself to be plagued by whiny children. From doctors offices to department stores, I could not escape the scene of little children pushing their parents - and everyone else - to the brink. And while I sat in the waiting room it occurred to me that this kid wasn't even trying. I mean, come on!!! If you're going to have a fit, you really need to have a fit! The little shot-gun bursts don't really convince anyone and make your case look quite pathetic. At least the parents weren't fooled either.

But I suppose this is why it is called a 'fit.' Otherwise it is a 'cry.' And as we grow older we tend to view the difference between the two as a superficial want and a sign of a true need. Or perhaps we figure that whining is just some annoying technique (which it is) to achieve some shallow self-gratification and reserve the act of crying out for deeply desired passion and need. Yet from the obtuse perspective of a child there might not be that great of a difference between the two (and if whining works, go with it).

And so we cry out to God. Or do we whine?

Or have we yet grown enough to see through his eyes and know the difference?

more on God's perspective

if there are seven wonders

2005-08-08T19:22:00.000-05:00

i've been thinking about me
wondering who I am
trying to be somebody
wondering if i can
i look into the mirror
have this silent fear
there is no one really there. . .*

It is quite remarkable to see how little we regard ourselves and understand just who we are meant to be. Rather than face-up to our own futility and mortality, we insist on hiding behind various facades that mask our true being. This past week I pointed out to my congregation just how important this openness to God and to each other really is to our spiritual growth and development. If we are not able to see ourselves through God's eyes then we will not be able to properly put away our old nature in hopes of taking up our newness in Christ.

Still having these thoughts jogging through my mind, I ran across this in today's reading:

"God has an incredibly high view of people. God believes that people are capable of amazing things. I have been told that I need to believe in Jesus. Which is a good thing. But what I am learning is that Jesus believes in me. I have been told that I need to have faith in God. Which is a good thing. But what I am learning is that God has faith in me.
The rabbi thinks we can be like him."**

How interesting it is that the paradox of the Christian faith brings us to the place where we readily see our weakness in order for us to readily accept our strength that comes from God. We must learn to lose in order to find (or something like that).

And when we come to the place where we can get beyond ourselves and embrace the truth found in Jesus' words, "I chose you. . ." we will find a closeness to the Father of which we've never before imagined. The key is found only through the letting go of all that we try so hard to grab hold of in this life. But the strength for this cannot be summoned from within ourselves, but through the change in perspective that God does indeed believe in us.

The Father's belief in us is readily evident: he has entrusted the work of the church to us.

And the scary thing about God is that he never established a Plan B.

Lord, i feel the wonder of this world
when i understand
through your loving eyes you see
the wonder of who i am*

*Eighth Wonder : written by White Heart (Freedom, 1989.
**Rob Bell, Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005), 134.

news snooze lose clues

2005-08-05T17:09:00.000-05:00

Living in a twenty-four hour news culture is interesting, to say the least.
It can be rather annoying, to say the most.

I have just heard another unsolicited opinion regarding Natalee Holloway and her plight in Aruba. Although I might clarify that I do indeed feel for her and her family, I will also understand that some might think otherwise. So be it. What I especially did not care for in this particular point of view is that it was wildly inaccurate and too easily glossed over other important and major issues which are also involved in this situation. All of this brings me to the central thesis of this particular posting: a society of twenty four hour news has dumbed down our culture, created a false perception of individual expertise, and stretched our limit to care. Allow me to expound. . .

First, such a news-oriented culture has taken the limits of what makes for good reporting and journalism and have denegrated them into lifeless, overdrawn, beat-a-dead-horse approach to the happenings of our world. Further, the endless debates of journalistic integrity and unbiased reporting have been fueled by how much time the talking heads have to review the same two or three points of any given story. And with all of this information, we have not grown smarter or wiser because we take little to no time internalizing the data and quickly follow our emotions to the next big thing.

All the while (and this is my second point), we find ourselves believing that we are a more insightful and discerning lot as we have all of these televised experts providing us with so much information and commentary. This leads to what I consider to be a falsified sense of individual expertise - each person believing that they are some sort of knoweldgable entity on just about every topic that has crossed cable news in the past week. This is one of the primary faults found in the example cited above, in which the holes in said argument were considerably large. We think we know when we do not and miss out in actual wisdom.

Third (and I have noticed this much within myself), this attitude toward the world's events has stretched our limits to care. With so much being reported (it is not as though more is actually happening. . .) one finds the necessity to get away from hearing any more lest the cranial cavity explode. To follow all of these stories ad nauseum is to actually feel less concerned about them, not more. The tendency to make insensitive or shallow/crude remarks and jokes about very serious situations increases because we just have no more tears to shed. As humans we are limited in the amount we can stretch ourselves. There is only one omnipotent and omnipresent who does not tire nor grow weary. Limiteless beings are like that, limited beings are not. Further, those who push all of this information on us often make us feel uncaring and insensitive if we do not care along with every story that taps across the wire. Even when we've got no more to give.

In order to break this cycle we must remove ourselves from the media. Regularly. Often. This will restore our ability to think and grow wise, understand our place in the world, and care about those who need to be cared about. I wonder how many tears are wasted on people and situations which are televised but beyond our control when there are individuals who surround us that just need someone to hurt with them. We must know that those who are not God should not attempt to perform his job.

But, then again, the ratings are up. . .

of shopping carts and moral theology

2005-08-04T00:12:00.000-05:00

Moments we spend quickly
that we might come and go;
to share with those we see
all that we do and know.

Shopping carts with bad wheels
and restaurants with lousy food;
are tales of what we feel
- the ugly, bad and good.

Tiny heavens and hells
found in every day;
do we find time to tell
of him who is the way?

:mic

verdurous faith

2005-07-31T21:04:00.000-05:00

There is a bush in front of my house. It looks awful. This is my fault, because I had to go in with a saw and try to reclaim an unruly portion of our yard. Because of the lack of upkeep this particular plant has faced it kept on growing and looked like a massive entaglement of foliage. As I searched through the inner portions of the plant I noticed that much of it had died and was beginning to choke itself to death from the inside. All of the greenery that was showing came from just a few living branches that were struggling to survive. So I began to hack away at this plant with all hopes of a more sane and picturesque bush as a result.

When I had chopped away all of the dead parts, the bush itself looked really awful because now it was incredibly lop-sided and had no apparent shape or design to it at all. The only way I could begin to make this shrub into something nice was to prune the still living portions - some were pruned back a bit and some were pruned out entirely. Needless to say, I had quite the pile of lawn refuse lying behind me when I finished chopping away at this bush. Upon seeing such an outrageous sheering, my neighbor from next door came to survey the work and commented, "That bush really needed that! Last spring it hardly bloomed at all because it was choking itself out."

That made me feel better about the whole project.

One does not need to look far to understand the spiritual implications found in this little story, as pruning is a very simple and common biblical metaphor. However, I couldn't help but notice the amount of good stuff was being thrown out with the bad. It is as though the living portions of the bush had to be pruned because they were too intertwined into the dead shrub and were thus being choked out. This is why pruning can be a difficult process.

To remove a dead part wouldn't be that bad. . .because it's dead. The problem comes when we take spiritually dead parts of our lives and try to create something fruitful from them. We may be able to grow (for a while), but ultimately our core is being choked out. And we can never bloom in the season in which we are to do so.

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. . ."
~Jesus

echoes of reflection

2005-07-25T18:09:00.000-05:00

I have often pointed out that one has a better chance of being right all of the time than being wrong all of the time. You would have to know too much to be wrong all of the time since there are often versions and incomplete variations of what is right. This is a simple knowledge problem which basically means that in just about anything and everything there is some form of truth. This doesn't mean that it is the whole truth or even that it is the truth found in its proper context. I have often noticed this in studying other worldviews and world religions - every now and then we find truth in an otherwise erroneous perspective.

I found a couple of lyrics that illustrate this point rather well. The first is by a long-time Christian artist, David Meece:

I'll be waiting for you
When you open your eyes
And the light fills the skies
I'll be waiting for you
When the day's fresh and new
I'll be reaching my arms out to you. . .

The second by far-from Christian, Elton John:

Someday out of the blue
In a crowded street
Or a deserted square
I'll turn and I'll see you
As if our love were new
Someday we can live again
Someday soon

Different perspectives given on the same hope which is found deep within each and every heart. It is called a 'soul' and seeks to be reunited with its Creator, even when the person is not particularly aware of it. As St. Augustine once said, "Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee." At times there is passion and truth which needs to be redirected.

It is important to see these echoes, that we might see God in the reflection.

chutes and ladders

2005-07-19T20:55:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm not one to be overly critical about religious gatherings. Those close to me know that I would never be like that. This being said I would also like to say that the heart of this particular post came not from me, but from a fellow observer in a recent gathering. I just came back from a church conference meeting in which the speaker was incredible but not as much can be said for the rest. . .aaahhh, conference.

At the end of the speakers session, so moved was the worship leader (and various others) that they extended the final song and invited the many pastors and elders and lay leaders to come forward in order to rededicate their lives and ministries in such a way as was relevant to the evening message. This went on for a bit and there was the usual late-inning chastize, ". . .this is the final verse, now there are so many of you who know that you ought to be here. . ." And there was a number of pastors who came forward.

And it probably was a revitalizing time. And it was probably very meaningful. And. . .

Then the meeting ended.

And everyone went about their business. And the yip-yap level increased dramatically. And. . .

This is when the man next to me (who is from my church) leaned over and captured this sentiment to overly manufactured mountatintops when he said, "Now this should be one of those times when everyone leaves silently and thinks about the message. I mean, everybody here seemed real moved by the Spirit but now they are acting as though they've already forgotten it!"

Then I'm pretty sure that God applauded.

feeling smaller

2005-07-11T16:31:00.000-05:00

When I consider how many American evangelicals in the early 21st century believe that praying over wallets and for parking spaces is a way to combat demonic powers rising against the church, this particular letter made my world grow amazingly big:

"We have seen the hand of the Lord at work all these years. Lives have been transformed, leaving everything to follow Christ. In our church we have 61 home groups that meet weekly, and this has been glorious for reaching the lost. The work has been hard in all these years, with many problems and struggles, but God has given us the victory, and he will always hear our prayers. God has also blessed the presbytery. We started with seven churches. Now we have 18 churches and 25 missions. We are bombarding the devil from every direction."

-A.G., Cuba
From "The Voice of the Martyrs", Special Issue, 2005.

*emphasis mine, so its perspective would be less easily ignored

appropriately appropriating

2005-07-09T23:28:00.000-05:00

taken from Charles Colson's Breakpoint Commentary:

July 6, 2005

Real Problems, Real Solutions: Fighting Poverty and AIDS Effectively

Could last weekend’s “Live8” event, rock concerts worldwide raising the awareness of poverty in Africa, be considered a success? That depends on how you define success. Putting aside my misgivings about the self-congratulatory nature of the event, Sir Bob Geldof and company did indeed focus the world’s attention on the desperate needs of the African people. And the organizers were determined to put pressure on the G-8 nations meeting today in Scotland to pump billions into Africa.

Now, I don’t want to rain on Geldof’s parade. But as good as his intentions are, I doubt that his approach would work. That’s why I did not sign the recent letter circulated by religious leaders, urging President Bush and the G-8 members to give massive sums to Africa and indiscriminately cancel all debts for the poorest countries.

My view about what needs to be done is more like the approach taken by New York Times columnist David Brooks. Brooks recently visited Africa, accompanying Mike Gerson, one of President Bush’s assistants. Here’s what Brooks, who is a self-described Jewish agnostic, said about helping Africa fight poverty and AIDS: “If this were about offering people the right incentives,” Brooks writes, “we would have solved this problem. But the AIDS crisis has another element, which can be addressed only by some other language. . . . The AIDS crisis is about evil. . . . It’s about disproportionate suffering. . . . It’s about these and a dozen other things—trust, fear, weakness, traditions, temptation—none of which can be fully addressed by externals. They can be addressed only by the language of ought, by fixing behavior into some relevant set of transcendent ideals and faiths.” Brooks later went on to write that the Bush Administration’s approach “is built upon the assumption that aid works only where there is good governance, and good governance exists only where the local folks originate and believe in the programs.”

Prison Fellowship’s ministry members in Africa, and other mission groups I know, all confirm what Brooks says. The hard fact is that African poverty will not be solved through international concerts by celebrities or by pressuring the G-8. Money alone won’t work any more than an alcoholic can be cured by giving him money. To dump limitless funds into corrupt governments does nothing more than create more multi-million dollar dictators who stash their funds away in Swiss bank accounts—good for the Swiss bankers, bad for the African people.

The key to the African crises is to find ways to target the aid to the people who need the funds. This is what Christian ministries do best—and what we should all be supporting.

And we should be asking our public officials not simply to open the treasury, but to use funds to encourage freedom, the rule of law, and good government. Otherwise, we’ll simply be propping up corrupt regimes that take the food out of the mouths of the poor.

So thank you, Sir Bob and company, for reminding the world of the tremendous problems in Africa. Now maybe you’d like to come and visit some of those mission outposts where you’ll see organizations like World Vision that have been doing this for years, quietly getting goods and food to the people who need it most. And yes, maybe you would even like to give them a hand.

/in·'dik·ə·tiv/

2005-07-05T22:31:00.000-05:00

"So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers."
-Acts 16:5

Building upon my previous post, I continue in my challenge to those who believe that our attendence, buildings and cash are primary indicators of a healthy church. Throughout many Christian ~~book~~stores today there are growing sections devoted to church growth and pastoral leadership while the areas related to in depth Bible study seem to diminish rapidly (you can ask my wife what a headache I am to take along these days).

And while I can make my best case(s) for our approaches to growth and spiritual maturity within the local church, there is still a sentiment that can quickly respond with Acts 16:5 - a "clear claim" that growth is a sign of a healthy church. Suppose we accept that logic. . .if we allow this verse to be so simply applied to our current situation why not refer to Mark 13:6, "Many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and will decieve many." This seems to be more appropriate to the issue at hand and actually helps us to see the difference between many and many.

For so many are so quick to claim their growing numbers as a sign of the New Testament church. . .yet one can hardly find one who is ready to prepare themselves as did the early church. In other words, seeking the ends without working through the means. So what are we to conclude from such a situation? Perhaps it is that many will come. . .and will decieve many. Numbers are not so indicative as some would have us believe.

Relationships and maturity and Christ-like love are the marks of a healthy congregation. And instead of building a community on earthly wisdom we seek and find the word of God, which will not pass.

"There was no confusion in the minds of the first Chrsitians about what to proclaim. There was no searching for new and novel messages. The plain gospel that they heard form Jesus their Lord was considered entirely adequate."*

*Jim Cymbala, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997), 105.

growing

2005-07-05T09:17:00.000-05:00

This past week I was challenged by a particular thought about escaping the tyranny of busyness. It is no big secret that our culture and society are busier than ever, especially the rate at which our children move between various activities. Yet all of this running about does not really make us less lazy, nor does it bring us any real fulfillment. Nevertheless, we are still overloading ourselves with so many activities.

Although this is no shocking revelation, it did cause me to think of our churches. Have we become to busy in our spiritual activities that we have lost our basic ability to think straight and consider spiritual things? I believe that we have, and that such an approach to our churchtime is becoming one of the fundamental flaws within our early 21st Century evangelicalism. Not only has it become a problem in and of itself, it is actually being prescribed by many church leaders and church growth "specialists" who believe that people must be very active less they fall away.

While I do believe that activity within the body is vital for the community of faith, an overemphasis on Christian activity can be equally destructive to the well-being of the church. When our lives become so full of activity and noise, it is easy to lose the ability to think straight. The same is definitely true of spiritual activity, which is why Scripture advocates the need to isolate oneself from activity and wait upon the Lord (Psalm 46:10).

It has been the philosophy of many church leaders and so-called "experts" that we must take new converts or members and plug them in to various activities of responsibility within the church so that they will be able to foster their growth and feel an "ownership" of the community itself. This, we are told, will ensure their ongoing participation and spiritual growth. I believe this might be wrong. For if we are to accept the premise that our lives are already filled with so much activity and that our culture has lost the ability to wait patiently upon the Lord, then it makes little sense that we should try to combat overactivity with more activity!

For some reason, this approach believes that slapping a "Christian" label onto the front of "activity" will make it a magical practice that does not have the same effects as little league, soccer games, bake sales, band concerts, etc. . . Yet the primary problem still persists: we are running around without reflection. In all of this, Christian activity is being promoted at the expense of Christian reflection and spiritual maturity. Church-centered activities may be well and good, but without the proper priority given to engaging God one-on-one then our activities are worthless (from a more Kingdom-oriented viewpoint).

What to do, then, with our newest and youngest in the faith? I propose that, along with everyone else in the faith, they follow the model presented by Jesus. As Mark presents Jesus' preparation before his public ministry, he emphasizes the fact that Jesus goes into the wilderness and is alone with God for an extended period of time (Mark 1:12-13). The only phrase that is repeated in these few words are "in the desert" which shows the emphasis Mark is giving to this aspect of the story (since he takes no time to develop or emphasize Jesus' showdown with Satan). It should follow that since no servant is greater than his master, we should not expect that we can be effective apart from the Spirit and ready for activity until we have spent time alone with God - just like Jesus.

A church cannot be built upon activity, yet we always try to do so. This often results in activity centers rather than churches, or churchy groups that have high attendence, impressive buildings, and much cash - all of which will fade away, none of which will be of any benefit before our Master. In fact, Jesus modelled a continuous participation with the Spirit even when he was in the midst of his ministry (Mark 1:35). To grow a church we need a community that is characterized by love: for God and for each other. Out of this our ministry will grow and be effective as well as drawing persons to a more mature relationship of faith.

Our numbers are not indicative of our effectiveness. . .

pendulum

2005-06-28T22:06:00.000-05:00

The Supreme Court is back in the news again, after releasing its newest judgments regarding courts and Ten Commandments and Christmas scenery. And the evangelical community responds with its predictable bellyache as though it were waiting just offstage reading a copy of the script. As I said, it is a respondent bellyache to a situation way out of control rather than taking some initiative to induce change and make the situation right.

After some thought on this particular situation it has occurred to me that we have the proverbial pendulum at swing. If we take this image to be a fixed weight hung so that it can swing freely back and forth (say, a clock pendulum which swings anywhere between the 9 and the 3), then we can envisage how trends and ideology moves from one extreme to another. This is largely based upon action and reaction. What if the points between 3 and 9 were submerged, as though it were underwater? This would mean that both extremes were rather shallow and that the correct balance of both could be the deepest option.

This is not true in all things, mind you, but it can be a very important axiom to have in mind. Evangelicalism has popularized itself into an extreme of Christianity (mostly refered to as 'Christianize') which is very shallow, displaying its intellectual depth in various bumper stickers and abounding "self-help" books (RABBIT TRAIL: why self-help and not Spirit's guidance?). One of the effects of this pop-Christianity is that it has disengaged the message of Christ from the arena of public ideas. And then it becomes easier for churches to gripe about the situation than working to offer alternative, biblically based solutions.

However, if we swing the pendulum to the other extreme we find an overly fundamentalist view that reads Scripture only as a condescending and judgmental. This position seems only to view the biblical text as a list of rules to be followed and spends little time reaching society on its own level - in terms it can understand. Our culture often refuses to see this situation as valid (can we blame them?), even though many of the positions can be viewed as biblically accurate in its foundation.

Where is the pendulum right now. I suppose it depends on who you are; it is quite subjective. While there are pockets of both extremes in our own evangelicalism today, most persons fall under the easy (lazy?) position of popular Christianity, with more CD liner notes memorized than Bible verses and more reading devoted to Christian dating than how we can be the most effective salt and light as possible.

Let the pendulum swing when it must and rest when it can. That might be a :micverb (I think I'll send it to clave on a bumper sticker).

but I don't know how to swim

2005-06-20T22:06:00.000-05:00

"When we talk of 'finding God's will' we generally want divine guidance on specific choices, but it should be noted that this specific term is never used after the Holy Spirit came upon the church at Pentecost. The apostles, upon whom the church is founded, did not teach that we are to seek God's will in this way. Instead, the New Testament offers us a program of the Father's guidance that is based upon having a close relationship with Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit."*

This quotation is taken from a challenging book which was produced ten years ago but has largely been unnoticed by evangelicalism as a whole. Waltke's premise is obvious from reading his comments, and it points out the tendency of today's Christians who want little more than quick answers to any and all of their problems. His argument is quite good: this type of activity is closer to pagan divination than Spirit-driven lifestyle.

Why this matters is that it explains very much how our spirituality at the turn of the century has become so shallow and self-serving that it cannot see beyond our immediate need/wants (most of which are quite insignificant in view of worldwide need and in light of eternity - i.e., praying for parking spaces). We refer to this as knowing God's will for our lives, but in reality we are just looking for pat answers to common headaches.

What we are called to is a realationship with the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit which guides and directs our lives. It is not for us to appease the Spirit so that we might have a "get out of jail free" card or some cosmic umbrella to keep out the rain, but a relationship that joins the Lord of Creation at his table of fellowship because we have been invited to join him and find our rest and completeness. And yet we take such an invitation for granted and slap another bumper sticker on our cars in order to find that preordained parking place.

So instead of overspiritualizing everyday events and reading into random events of life that happen to just about everyone and 'decide' that it is God's will at work, perhaps we ought to do the unthinkable: wait upon the Lord and renew our strength that we may know his will through the Spirit's constant work within us. Jesus never asked for God's will, for it flowed through him constantly as did the Holy Spirit which facilitated his communion with the Father. And since he is our paradigm for faith, we might find a more constant and deeper understanding of God's will by having his Spirit more constantly and deeper through us.

For this to happen, we will need to want to go deeper. . .

*Bruce K. Waltke, Finding the Will of God: A Pagan Notion? (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995), 10-11.

somebody take a stand. . .now go away!

2005-06-16T23:09:00.000-05:00

This particular post is going to be more of a rant than I've ever attempted on this site before. For quite a while I have been watching the Christian community as it continually whines and cries over the fact that nobody ever takes a real stand in the public forum for the ideals and ways of the church. In the past few years this sentiment has revolved around our president, who categorizes himself as a believer but is forced to constantly defend himself - mostly from other Christians.

It never ceases to amaze me how evangelicals keep calling for lambs that roar (quite the overused metaphor), and then running back to the house to find the shotgun at the first hint of disagreement. I have to say that this is not the picture of grace that one envisages from all of the biblical talk about community. Nor does it sound like the attitude of commitment and edification that comes from those who are true and devoted followers of Jesus.

One of the more ongoing favorites for personal attacks is Dr. James Dobson (founder of Focus on the Family). And I just caught another "theo-"blog kicking up some dirt in his direction. Although this individiual has provided such an incredible impact for the ethics and morals of the kingdom of God, he is frequently attacked by churchgoers (a rather ambiguous term) who couldn't theologize their way out of a wet paper sack. Yet they feel the need to take someone who has stepped out to make a difference and fire shots at his back.

Not that it has made much of a difference. For those who are about the Father's business will not be taken down, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven and they work through the empowerment of the Spirit. Of all of the attacks, supposed exposes, insider trashing and constant annoying the work of the kingdom moves forward through such incredible individuals.

There are lessons to be learned:
1) to take out a person of faith is to take out the Spirit at work within them (which is quite impossible)
2) to be a part of a community demands commitment and a call to edify

Are we commited?

This might be something along the lines of our identity being wrapped up in our love for each other or something like that. . .

faking it

2005-06-13T13:38:00.000-05:00

I think the biggest fear I have for myself is that I will lose this fullness of the Spirit out of which authentic ministry flows. People will not at first notice that I am ministering in the flesh. I think I have enough knowledge, experience, and abilities that I would be able to fool people for a considerable amount of time. Even if they noticed, they probably would not mention it. But in terms of effectiveness in teh agenda of the kingdom, I would be castaway, disqualified from the service that meets God's approval. It is a comfort to know that Paul also lived with that fear. He said, 'But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified' (1 Corinthians 9:27).*

This amazingly open and honest quotation is taken from perhaps the greatest book on Christian ministry and leadership this current generation has seen. And since I never read books that systematize leadership, ministry or relationship, then it is the best book on any of these subjects that I have ever read. Working through this book for the second time, this particular quote really stood out in a chilling way. It raises a couple of disturbing questions that we as Christians living in the early 21st century must face head-on.

What a shame that we spend so much time categorizing and labelling our different doctrinal positions regarding the experience of the Holy Spirit while never addressing the need for each believer to act through the power of the Spirit. Notice here that I am not suggesting that we do not seek to understand the Spirit - we should seek so that we might find. I am advocating that after all of our debates, challenges, doctrinal statements, creeds, books and sermons that we actually seek to experience the Holy Spirit as the empowering force which drives all believers onward.

There are, I believe, two unsettling questions to ponder that flow out of Fernando's discussion:

1) Would my life and ministry be unchanged if the Spirit were not a part of it?

2) Would anyone notice?

*Ajith Fernando, Jesus Driven Ministry (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2002), 36.

blinded by the dark

2005-06-09T09:05:00.001-05:00

[SPOILER!! - This blog discusses the transformation of Anakin Skywalker to Darth Vader. If you did not know that Anakin is Vader, then do not continue reading this post.]

Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith started its first week with such a bang that many people thought it to be on its way to cruising into the spot of highest grossing film ever made. Then Madagascar was released the next week and caused for a lot of retractions. Having seen it recently I can verify that it is a good flick, although their various attempts at suspense are difficult to achieve since most everyone has already seen Star Wars: A New Hope (the original 1977 movie). Something that I've been waiting for is Anakin's morph into Darth Vader (along with Yoda - the coolest character in the series. . .and really, Yoda really spiked in popularity with the lightsaber scene in Episode II).

What struck me as odd in this latest installment is how Anakin is being persuaded to join "the dark side" of the force. For those who have been under a rock for the past thirty or so years, the force is a Hindu/New Agey rip-off that writer/director George Lucas put into these movies as an energy that binds all things (living/dead) together. It's totally bogus, but most sensible people just look beyond it in order to see some cool outer space effects. This force has a good side and a dark side, one which empowers and one which corrupts and destroys. The myth in all of this is that one can become more powerful by going to the dark side and the lure of power has drawn many down that path.

Anakin is definitely dealing with issues of power and responsibility in this movie. He is being lured to the dark side and struggles to make the right choices. Initially I was a bit confused about the attractiveness of the dark side. From a marketing standpoint it couldn't have a worse name. "The dark side." If they were really serious about getting folks to sign up for this, perhaps they would use more ambiguous titles. . .the cool side of the force; the deeper side of the force; the new black. . .

It seemed absurd to me that this was going on, perhaps because I have learned that evil does not usually persuade us by presenting itself as evil. I kept thinking about how Satan "masquerades as an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14) and manipulates our perception of right and wrong. This outlook made the movie hard for me to accept. However, it later came to me that there was a more intrinsic message in the characterization of young Skywalker. For him to be drawn in by an evil that did not seek to hide itself meant that he had already come to struggle with his own reality. . .just like so many in our own culture. To turn this movie outward is to see something wrong within ourselves.

Our own society has come to struggle with right and wrong. The moral and ethical relativism that plagues our culture today means that we often choose evil even when it is not hiding itself. Labelled as "rebellion" or "experimentation" we allow so many of our younger generations to toy with evil, taking away its edge and making it more familiar. Let's face it. . .if we do not understand dark as an ethical descriptor, then we will have no problem exploring the dark side. But if we can regain the standards of right and wrong; light and dark; truth and lies. . .moral relativsts beware!

mmmmm, truth shall you know - set you free, it will.

a big inning

2005-06-07T08:51:00.000-05:00

"The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God."
Mark 1:1

So I was having an ice cream with hipperken yesterday and we were talking about the implications of an existential understanding of the variegated nomism which characterized the salvific expectations surrounding second temple Judaism as is depicted through the narrative dynamics of the Pauline corpus within the first century. He had made some pretty good points, but really caught my attention with some comments on the process of living life on this side of eternity. For the sake of berevity, I'll save the comments on the former topic and focus our attention on the latter.

It is very apparent that the New Testament is (from start to finish; top to bottom; front to back. . .) essentially a balance. The entire notion of a new covenant is built upon what biblical scholar George Ladd once called an "inaugurated eschatology." Even though this phrase can astound your friends and family with its percieved percipience, it is a very simple descriptor which means "the beginning of the end." This inaugurated eschatology is found in the coming of the kingdom. As Christians we believe that the kingdom of God has arrived (coming with and through Jesus) but also recognize that the kingdom of God has not come in its fullness, which will happen at the second coming of Christ.

The point that stuck with me through the conversation with hipperken is statement regarding the importance of this present age. If the kingdom is in fact already present among us (through the church), then it is of vital importance that we work to see this kingdom realized (. . .as it is in heaven). I could not agree more. In fact I believe there are far too many Christians who write-off this world as something temporary and (therefore) insignificant. Not if we are to believe that the advent of Jesus truly means something. We have a great work to do and this world is not just something we endure until we move on. . .it is a place where ministry and worship and glorification and spiritual warfare happens.

The beginning of the gospel is not just some clever way to start an adult biography. Mark intentionally places this phrase at the outset of his work to remind us that what Jesus came to do only started something that cannot be stopped. This really seems to be a title of what follows. . ."Interpreting 1:1 as the title of the book, therefore, helps make sense of the abrupt ending of 16:8 - the beginning of the good news is over on Easter morning; after that "the good news of Jesus" will continue through the life of the church."

The life and work of Jesus did make for a big inning, but it wasn't the ninth.

*Joel Marcus, Mark 1-8 (New York: Doubleday, 2000), 146.

is this thing on?

2005-05-31T22:16:00.000-05:00

"We have a responsibility to communicate the gospel to our generation. . .No one can become a Christian unless he understands what Christianity is saying. Many pastors, missionaries and Christian teachers seem to be helpless as they try to speak to the educated people and the mass of people about them. They do not seem to face the fact that it is our task to speak to our generation; the past has gone, the future is not yet here. So the positive side of apologetics is teh communication of the gospel to the present generation in terms that they can understand." *

Tired old discussions of religion still dominate many of our churches today. Sometimes this is seen in the lack of preparation that many of our church leaders provide for themselves. Knowing full well that not everyone has the opportunity to study and learn the finer points of theology, philosophy and reason, my argument here is against the poor attempt to understand and to think about our faith. In support of my thesis is the overwhelming people who are still being had by the health and wealth heresies (the Hinnster, Hot Rod Parsley, Bobby $Tilt$ton, etc. . .) as well as the "upper class" churchgoers who attend Sunday morning musicals with no mention of sin and sacrifice.

It is no wonder that the church is having such a difficult time in our culture. Yet in many places across the globe the radical message of the Gospel is being lived out in revolutionary ways - much to the explosive growth despite massive persecution for faith. And in these parts of the world it is still considered a privledge, responsibility and even honor to grow in God's Word.

And knowledge is not the end, but the means. Perhaps this realization will hinder the pile of arguments for Christian Theism that debate points nobody even cares about in today's society. Our apologetics seem to be on pace with our Sunday morning services - outdated and impotent. Let us remember to challenge ourselves with a tenacity for the truth of the Gospel, that we might rightly divide the Word of Truth, expose counterfeits for what they really are, and effectively engage our world. After all, it was Jesus who spoke of knowing the truth - for it will set us free.

So if our lives proclaim the Gospel, let's make sure the amplifier is cranked.

*Francis A. Schaeffer, The God Who Is There, 2nd ed. (Downers Grove: IVP, 1982), 172-173.
emphasis in original

stronger than gravity

2005-05-28T21:45:00.000-05:00

I'm always a bit taken back by the amount of people who want to find external blame for their own actions/inactions. Indeed, our own culture is still making great strides at removing any possible reason why we should ever be actually responsible for anything. As a species we have become quite good at shifting blame (of course, we could easily erect a hall of fame for such ethical achievements in this arena) and are always on the lookout for other possible escape hatches for our own lack of morality.

Several years ago I wrote a small piece describing what I refer to as the "My-Bad Syndrome." A seemingly harmless yet serious condition which emerged and flourished in the mid to late 1990s, this affliction may still be observed in varying areas in the world. The key tenet of the "My-Bad Syndrome" is that individuals may be released from any moral responsibility for any action simply by acknowledging the fact that it was not a desireable outcome. Notice that there is no need to admit that any wrongdoing ever occurred, since that would mean there were moral absolutes and actual rights and wrongs to begin with. Rather, simply stating "my bad" as a way of recognizing the "situation" released any need for apology or repentance.

This syndrome was largely harmless among humans as it frequently occurred among people groups that accepted such behavior as appropriate and found no problem in exchanging such verbal statements. The big problem is that this attitude began to influence our own interaction with truth and its Author. In actuality, the "My-Bad Syndrome" was just another phase of what has been happening from the beginning - a way of removing ourselves from the seat of moral responsibility. Jesus simply would have none of this and affirmed God's absolute standard time and again.

All of the lame excuses ranging from "the devil made me do it" to "but I was born that way" do not cut it. It is the human condition to fall. We are constantly fighting an internal pull downward which is part of our own human nature. Ours is a bent toward sinning and a natural tendency to pull ourselves down.

But we are faced with a tremendous opportunity to experience the love of God, which is the only antidote to this syndrome. The acceptance of his grace remains the only hope of our downward spiral, for his love is stronger than our own gravity.

renewing strength

2005-05-21T20:32:00.000-05:00

I feel like I'm rejoining the world. . .AND I've just plugged in the new internet connection! There is so much that has happened over the last four weeks. It's one of those things where you realize that you haven't been able to blog but didn't realize that you hadn't realized THAT because you haven't had much time to realize any reality (easy for me to say). For the time being this particular site is being published out of the cornfields of Indiana - really! I suppose you never know where you will find the work of the kingdom waiting for you - I think Jesus said something of that sort.

Five months to the day of being fired from my position of "Assistant to the Minister" in Newnan, Georgia, and falling prey to some pretty nasty church politics, I gave my first sermon as Pastor in Twelve Mile, Indiana. Even re-reading my own blog doesn't get me out from the feeling of it being much longer than actuality. I came to realize that so many in my previous surroundings were so concerned with becoming the most, greatest, or best that they lost sight of the true nature of the Gospel. Truth of the matter is, I began to lose sight of it as well. Over the last few months I have been able to regain my perspective of the kingdom. It began with getting to know some great people at the restaurant at which I began working. There was a level of 'realism' that I had lost in the ecclesiastical communities in which I was running. And now the healing process can complete with folks who just want to be about their Father's business.

Healing can finish, although I will still bear the scars of FUMC. But it is like a scar on the back of my hand, which I earned one summer afternoon just a few miles east of here while cutting grass during college summer break. I will never forget the time, the experience, or the location. . .but the pain is forgotten.

Isaiah 40 speaks of those who hope in the Lord renewing their strength, because even youth grow tired and young people stumble. It occured to me that this all implies that believers will lose strength, but have hope in the knowledge of it being renewed. So I'm rejoining the world, at last. . .oh yeah, I also have internet again.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. . .
2 Peter 3:9
(the first Scripture my ears heard on my first Sunday in my new church home)

when memory fades into reality

2005-04-15T15:05:00.000-05:00

Boxes are beginning to pile up around the apartment. At least, full boxes are piling up. Since December we have been gathering these all-purpose storage containers because we knew that we would be moving. OK, all conversations of foreknowledge aside. . .we were hoping that we would move - desperately hoping. And now that seems to be happening because of a timing higher than our own.

So the boxes are stacking and stuff is disappearing from reach. Soon this will no longer be our reality but only a memory of what once was. Like it, love it, or hate it you have to admit that this scene causes for a brief pause. No matter how much I am anticipating this move, we did spend a year and a half of our lives in this place. In fact, we grew way more than a year and a half's worth within these walls. And now the new day prepares to dawn.

The reality that brought us tears and laughter, heartache and friendship, love and loss will soon be a memory. We will be in a different place. And the more I think over this the more I realize just how this whole life ends up. I suppose some would say that this present reality will someday be a memory and we will be in another reality known as heaven. Yet this seems like a great understatement that provides a disservice to what will actually happen.

For our hope is not that someday we will enter into another reality but that we will come to know reality for what it really is. This is the dim reflection that will be shattered in the moment true light shines upon it. And so we find that our reality does not become memory simply because another reality takes its place. More precisely, what we experience now is a fading memory that promises to keep slipping into reality.

12 7/8

2005-04-13T08:53:00.000-05:00

On December 1, 2004, I received the news that the church at which I was working as an assistant minister would no longer be needing my services. Fired. Needless to say, this threw our world into a bit of a whirlwind as we now had to scramble to find a lot of answers to many questions. The biggest question was whether or not we would ever do this sort of ministry again, seeing as how it had burned us so badly.

Four long months later we visited a church in Indiana which was full of warm and loving people. We discovered that these folks had themselves been burned by this greatly flawed human enterprise known as "full-time ministry" (as if all other ministry does not require our full time). Their previous pastor had taken advantage of them and had left them empty, hurting and unprepared for tomorrow. This was a situation to which we could relate.

Coming from this history I did not expect to find such a treasure: this was a community of love, acceptance, faith and hope. Perhaps nobody had informed them of the psychobabble notion that they were entitled to a little resentment and even hatred. Or perhaps they considered their faith and regarded such notions for the crap that it is. These folks want to move on and move forward - they desire to make an impact on their world and do not see their situation as insignifigant.

So I think we'll join them and see what makes such people.

I hold fast to the belief that God does not send us hardships - this makes for a kooky view of God. But it does seem that he allows us to endure so that we might be ready for the task that lies ahead. I am convinced that he had hoped for good things for us by moving to Newnan - mostly, that it would not have ended so soon or with such a venemous send-off. Yet he has chosen not to control the outcome of everything, just the outcome of all things.

The contrasts between these two churches and communites could not be more defined or vast. However, these are ordinary laymen who figure they have been called to minister to all - not just those who vote on their salary. And so. . .yes, I think we'll join them.

Because this community in Twelve Mile seem to be big enough to be called Thirteen. We'll see. . .

of priests and popes

2005-04-05T11:36:00.000-05:00

What is a priest?

A priest is a mediator between the divine and the human. It is one who connects the things of God with the things of this world in an act of ministry. For some, a priest has been known as a bridge builder - taking on the active task of connecting people to each other and to God. While there are many activities of ritual which faciliatate this, it is also a task of caring. It is only when people care about each other that the priestly activity of mediation finds is true place.

A priest is a changer, one who strives to transform their surroundings. By connecting people with God the priest helps individuals move from what they are into what they are to become. The work of Christ is seen in the way people are changed as they approach the throne. When individuals are changed, the world around them also changes. The priest is the divine tracker who discloses the traces of God in human life.

A priest sacrifices. In almost every religion the practice of sacrificing is reserved for the priestly figure. The same is true in the biblical office of priest. The uniqueness of the Christian priest is that rather than sacrificing an animal for atonement, we sacrifice ourselves. Jesus began this act by giving of himself and now calls each believer to do likewise. Rather than sacrificing folks around us (which many people inevitably do), we must lay down ourselves first.

A priest heals. This is another activity of the holy. By mediating the divine and human, working for change, and being self-sacrificial the priest is able to faciliate the healing of many hurts. It is truly a shame that such a powerful and needed ministry has been so reserved for and perverted by those who search only for 'miracle-curing' rather than true healing. The priest sends each person away with a confidence and a wholeness.

The image that Hebrews draws of Jesus is very human and comforting. The description of the High Priest explains the essence of Jesus and calls each of his followers to do likewise. Pope John Paul II exhibited a true Christlike character to the benefit of our world. He will be remembered as one of the great leaders of the church and a true priest.

We are each called to be a priesthood of believers.

One of our best has now joined the highest.

life goes on

2005-04-01T01:11:00.000-05:00

The whole notion of commemorating Easter is to celebrate a two-pronged fact: that death has been defeated and that life wins. All because of a particular individual who proved that he was not just some dead Jew hanging from a tree one Friday afternoon. In what can be known as history's biggest turn-of-events, God took the absurd notion (some say "folly") of dying in order that each individual might have life - not just life on this mortal coil, but a life that never ends.

Each New Testament writer works hard at processing and fully grasping the implications of the ressurection. Luke in particular sees it as the fulfillment of Jewish promise. He quotes a psalm in Acts 2:27 to show how the circumstances surrounding Jesus do fit with the messianic hope set forth in the Old Testament. This hymnic line states the fullness of hope for those who trust in the Lord. The psalmist trusted that his inner fellowship with the divine would not be broken - even by death.

Resurrection itself means that this promise is now passed along to all who believe. Psalm 16 is now read in light of Jesus, whose relationship with the Father was not severed by death. As God's beloved we will not remain in death. Death will no longer have the last word for those who put their trust in him. This is what Paul spoke of repeatedly by referring to firstfruits and death leading to life.

Remembering the work of Christ - his death and resurrection - brings new hope and promise to the world. During bleak and seemingly hopeless situations we see that God is constantly at work to bring about life. This is seen in spring, where creation breaks through the cold and comes alive again. Just like the warm breath of Aslan began to break the spell of the White Witch in Narnia, so too are the cold chains of death being broken by the warmth of God's love.

In the end we must hold fast to this promise and assurance, no matter how difficult it becomes. We are cast down as fools by the world for holding to such things. . .even though it is the same foolishness that confounded so many of the wise. Even when death and despair has made a significant blow we know that (because of a tomb that couldn't complete the job) life goes on.

love walks on

2005-03-28T12:38:00.000-05:00

As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
-Luke 24:28-29

Just as quickly and as unannounced as he joined in this traveling party, the resurrected Jesus was willing to keep on walking and leave these brokenhearted disciples in the village. Is there something wrong with this picture? Does there seem to be something that just doesn't fit? Might this image of Jesus go against our Footprints view of Christianity which says that during such times of sorrow and grief Jesus is doing all of the work for us (i.e., carrying us)? I think that on a certain level, it does go against the grain of this popular understanding of the Christian walk.

Here we have two disciples - it does not say who, but it is most likely one of the Eleven - who are devistated at the events which they have just witnessed. They had once believed that this Jesus was the messiah who would save Israel. They no longer believe that. Enter Jesus - Stage Right.

He gives them what has to be the greatest Old Testament exposition in the history of earth! And we don't have the details because he "wasted" his material on an audience of two (intrinsic lesson for many modern preachers/teachers). He explains to them all the pieces that they had been missing. And then he is willing to leave them and continue down the road. Now it is up to them to decide. He knows that there is no substitutionary faith.

Their hearts were burning within them and they begged him to stay with them. It is only after this choice that they are able to recognize him and to have their eyes unveiled to the all-too-familiar stranger. This is quite an amazing and beautiful story of the resurrection. And it aptly describes the Christian's walk of faith throughout this life. There are times when life becomes difficult and hard to bear. . .and that doesn't mean that Jesus will just jump in and take care of everything. But we do know that he is willing to walk along our road with us.

Just as long as we aren't content to let him keep going. . .

love goes on

2005-03-27T12:00:00.000-05:00

a shooting star tumbles down, it's flame cannot endure
a scarlet rose withers brown, to loose its fragrant lure
the moon illuminates the night to vanish at the dawn
but, love. . .love goes on

fortunes faid and disappear, like castles in the sand
power spoils and causes fear, but yields to stronger hands
fame lasts for a moment, then in a moment it is gone
but, love. . .love goes on

beauty fades, passion wanes and faces show their years
death steals a lover's touch away, but time dries up the tears
tunes are soon forgotten, singers lose their songs
but love. . .love goes on

a baby boy, a starlet night, kings on bended knee
healing hands giving sight, then tortured on a tree
a woman sings, rejoicing, "He is risen, he is gone!"
because, love. . .love goes on

-David Phelps

(c) 2004 Wordspring Music, Inc.

the sum of all insignificance

2005-03-26T15:18:00.000-05:00

If we were to total up all of the insignificant details of Christ's passion and resurrection, I believe we would have a very long and surprising list. That is to say, throughout the centuries it has been the custom of humanity to emphasize various pieces of the Gospels which never really mattered much in the first place. Yet somewhere in all of our pageant and tradition we have built up so much of what we think really matters. History, however, tends to tell a different tale. Let us examine one potential alarming fact to make this case.

Just about everyone who has ever heard about Jesus knows that he died via crucifixion. Those who know this probably also know that this event occured at a place known as Golgotha ("the skull"). Where and what is Golgotha? While our mind's eye conjures up images of high and lofty mountains suitable for such a magnanimous spiritual warfare (just like all those movies), it is striking to realize that it was nothing more than a rock quarry just outside of the city walls. The drilling and mining of all of this hard rock made the side appearances of this quarry look like a skull - hence the name. Since it was just outside of the city gates, it also fit well into the Roman practice of lining up it's executed along the road into the city as a warning to anyone who might be thinking of challenging them.

Scholars believe they have discovered this place. It is now best remembered as a bus station - a place of great historical significance that is now covered up by random comings and goings of all sorts of people. How many have so carelessly and thoughtlessly walked across this very sight which so many evangelicals seek to memorialize so deeply into their spiritual existence? But is that the point?

Are we searching so hard for a powerful image to show the magnitude of our God that we seek out power and prestige to attach to something he was so willing to go through powerlessly? In all of our searches for an astounding and impactful message we miss the absurdity and shock found in his one request from the cross: "Father, forgive them. . ."

Our search for power and justice keeps us from seeing the way things really are. And when we see deeper into him we not only find him for who he is. . .we find that we can see ourselves for who we really are. The sum of all insignificance is quite large when we calculate it from the perspective of the cross of Christ. Such a vantage point is what made Jesus' words possible. And it is why Paul said that he could throw away everything else that seemed to have mattered once before.

The sum of all insignificance leads to forgiveness.

heaven in his eyes

2005-03-25T12:00:00.000-05:00

see the teacher sitting on a mountain
see him walking along the shore
his friends and disciples gathering around Him
say never spake a man like this before

but why's a man as wise as he
weeping alone in Gethsemane
did he know that some would never see
the heaven in his eyes

see the master walking on the water
hear him speak and calm an angry wave
look at him raising up Jairus's daughter
and with a word Lazarus comes forth from the grave

why is a man as strong as this
being betrayed by a good friend's kiss
could it be that maybe this man missed
the heaven in his eyes

and I'm not talking about the pie in the sky
that the good girls and boys get in the by and by
but rather the strength, the strength that we could find
if we've got the guts to try

and I see the teacher playing with the children
and hear him baffle the doctors of the law
look at the people gathering to go with him
those who see the vision that he saw

this is why a man as holy as he
had to die alone on Calvary
'cause it was the only way that we could ever see
the heaven in his eyes

and heaven's in his eyes

-Rich Mullins

(c) 1998 Liturgy Legacy Music

Jesus the clown

2005-03-23T16:21:00.000-05:00

The earliest picture of Jesus at his crucifixion comes to us by way of caricature - a rendering of Jesus on the cross depicted with the head of an ass. This was the early Roman attempt at mocking him by depicting him as a ridiculous figure, someone who deserved nothing more than being written off. We find in the Gospel accounts (as well as early history) the repeated attempts of the Roman officials treating Jesus as a figure of fun.

They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, "Hail, king of the Jews!" Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling down on their knees, they paid homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.
~Mark 15:16-20

The Romans weren't the only ones who regarded Jesus as a clownish figure. We can see his quick and forceful dismissal from the very pious and earnest Pharisees who found in utter contempt this carpenter who dared provoke the powerful and lawful. If you remember, they had brought to him a woman who had committed a great sin in order to hear his piety. Instead, Jesus bends over and writes with his finger in the dust on the ground. By playing in the dirt as a child Jesus reveals their own overly-solemn lives and uncovers their own godlessness, for he knows what they are really thinking.

"Jesus didn't observe the norms. In the eyes of the pious establishment he acted like a fool. In this role he proclaimed a God who wants life, before whom one doesn't need to appear with a serious face, but whom one can encounter in the joyfulness and freedom of the child, the clown and the fool."*

*Anselm Grun, Images of Jesus (New York: Continuum, 2002), 137.

for such a place as this

2005-03-20T23:07:00.000-05:00

"Would Amos have thundered so boldly if he had been a northern guild-prophet rather than a southern sheep farmer? Would John the Baptist have spoken so bluntly if he had been a courtier in Herod's palace? Could Martin Luther have seen the church's captivity as clearly if he had been a cardinal in Rome? Would Winston Churchill have spoken as freely as a member of the Cabinet as he did as a backbencher from Chartwell? Possibly; we are free to speculate. In the reality of history, however, there is a clear link between each messenger's perspective and each messenger's pain. Both are the result of being outsiders, and for any Christians who would speak out today in a time of the church's deepening cultural captivity, prophetic untimeliness carries a clear cost." *

Pondering these questions and possibile historical situations can guide us to very interesting thoughts regarding our place in this world. Certainly our society attributes greatness with sphere of influence as well as power and authority. The church has also seen its share of power-hungry and status-seeking persons as well as the late evangelical quest for the biggest and best spokesmodels for the Christian faith (sports figures, rock stars, politicians, movie makers, etc. . .). I think back to a challenged posed to such wishes by Tozer: Does God desire such worldly greatness and influence - certainly he is in no need of great humans in order to accomplish his work.

Examining our own theology might reveal our loose grasp of Jesus' teaching on the last being first and the least being greatest. For while so many of us enjoy quoting such niceties we are quick to push over each other for a greater status while passing through this earthly realm. Or we pass by those who are weak so that we may rally behind persons of higher rank, status, and publicity. Yet we must reflect on such named characters of godly influence mentioned above and wonder. . .

Perhaps it is important to remember that we might strive for weakness and be diligent to have others placed before us. I wonder if any of us might be accused of trying to out-do our founder. . .a man of no reputation.

*Os Guinness, Prophetic Untimeliness (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2003), 86.

n' peppa

2005-03-17T22:42:00.000-05:00

Because Jesus once used a metaphor about his followers being salt, there have been many who have used similar imagery to talk about the Christian's involvment in the world. One of the more popular books on evangelism speaks of Christians coming out of the saltshaker in order to influence the world. This is all well and good but begs the very simple question, "How do you get salt out of a saltshaker?"

As a food service professional, I would like to shed some light on this problem. I have witnessed many various approaches to the problem of transferring salt from its shaker onto the desired object and believe that I have found the best method. There are some who hold the saltshaker over their food and tap it slightly with their forefinger - this gets out a dash of salt. Some actually shake the shaker back and forth over their food which results in various amounts of salt dispersion (depending on the force and duration of the shaking process). Then there is the method assumed by a five-year-old girl who sought to quickly place a great deal of salt onto her napkin - she removed the top and dumped it.

[brief aside from a professional server: don't do this or allow others in your party to do this as someone must clean and refill - especially if it's me]

Now. . .after having observed these methods it seems that each approach has its particular value and/or setback. With the exception of five-year-old "Emily" (to protect those guilty), these salt dispersions were excecuted with the intent purpose of flavoring food. Emily did so only for fun. . .she hadn't even ordered yet. And there is a danger of interpreting Jesus' words as though they refered to salt as a flavoring agent. Because salt was, for the ancients, a preserving agent long before it became known as a flavor-enhancer.

So while flavor is a matter of taste, preserving depends upon how much one values something. In other words, the more value one places on something determines how hard one will work to preserve it. Jesus said himself that we are here to be that preserving force in this world. Although many think that we can just dash our influence here and there and call it a good day, we must remember that he cares so much for this world that he is not afraid to rip off the top and dump us right in the middle. . .and sometimes that can be a bit rough, only because passion is reckless.

Wake the dead. . .don't be content and just walk away*

*John Schlitt, "Wake the Dead" on Shake, 1995.

price of forgiveness

2005-03-14T23:55:00.000-05:00

"But forgiveness comes with a price: the suffering of the one who has been sinned against. The injured party must suffer the pain, forgoing revenge, in order to pursue reconciliation of the broken relationship. In this respect forgiveness is not 'unconditional,' since the person forgiving must fulfill this condition. Calvary demonstrates that God is willing to pay the cost of forgiveness and to work to bring about reconciliation. Vincent Brummer writes, 'Christ's suffering is not merely the paradigmatic revelation of God's atoning forgiveness. Such a revelation is also a necessary condition for this forgiveness.' God has humbled himself and has met this painful condition necessary for the restoration of the personal divine-human relationship. In Jesus, God overcomes the estrangement and provdes a way for us to repent and to be reconciled."*

Think about how much things cost. . . . . .just out of curiosity, did your mind wander to something expensive or something cheap? Does that tell us anything about ourselves? I don't know for sure. Perhaps there are those of us who want to know that what we have is very costly and expensive because we find value in such things and perhaps there are those of us who are looking for the biggest bargain. Depending on what we're talking about, I could go either way on that one.

But what is the price of salvation? It is offered free yet the cost to God is quite incomprehensible to us. All in all, God's extraordinary love and faithfulness is constantly displayed in the cross. Romans 5 tells of the incredible effects of this love as God took those who were enemies of himself and welcomed them into his family - us! I cannot even imagine bringing my enemies so close as to make them members of my family. Yet this is what God has done (and is doing).

At a high price.

Too high?

Perhaps for some.

Not for him.

*John Sanders, The God Who Risks (Downers Grove: IVP, 1998), 105.

curiosity and a cat

2005-03-10T17:42:00.000-05:00

So there we were, walking through the mall on the afternoon of Sunday last when I saw this on the fragrance counter of one of the fancier mall stores.

Curiousity seems to be the primary marketing point that is driving this advertisement (it couldn't be pure singing ability) and is rather indicative of our present culture as a whole. Being the ~~proud~~ uh. . .tolerant owner of an animal of the feline persuasion, I believe I have some first-hand knowledge of curiosity. I witness it every day. Now, I'm sure we all know what curiosity did to the proverbial cat. Why, then, are we so sure that we can escape the effects of such overwhelming inquisitiveness? We as people must believe that we are immune to the negative side of curiosity because we are constantly doing things (more appropriately stated: we are constantly justifying ourselves) all in the name of curiosity?

Why past experimentation with drugs? Curiosity! Why participate in underage drinking? Curiosity? Why be so free and careless with sexuality? Curiosity! etc. . .etc. . .etc. . .ad nauseum. And now we're combining the morality of Britney with the curiosity of our current society - this can only turn out ugly. Teens are being driven to explore various things in the name of curiosity (as Abercrombie and the like would have us believe is good).

During my reflection, though, it has come to my attention that there is a very clear and obvious reason why curiosity has not killed my cat (at least, not yet). You see, his curiosity is driven by his fascination with the world - and perhaps with its Creator - and his unceasing drive to see and know more and more and more and more. And one could easily make the case that this is the same push toward all of our human experimentation (although unlikely). But I see that my cat lives another day to feed his curiosity because of the limits I have set before him. He is not allowed to do certain things lest he find himself in deep trouble. Just like a child he has learned his boundaries through both discipline and painful discovery. Increasingly he listens to those in charge over him and finds life more enjoyable and free. . .

Until we as humans can listen and adhere to the boundaries set forth by our Master, I am afraid we will do no better than that proverbial nosy feline who can discover no more.

underblanket

2005-03-10T13:43:00.000-05:00

I remember when I was a little child there was a simple solution for being scared: hiding beneath blankets. Whenever there was trouble, I could very easily dive under some covers and everything would somehow be alright. Actually, I believe that one of the most frightening things I ever saw was the opening sequence to The Incredible Hulk, the part where the Hulk (Lou Ferrigno) would growl straight into the camera. Even though he was a good-guy, I would find myself either running behind a piece of furniture or pulling a blanket over my head. For some reason, the whole situation was resolved with an "out-of-sight; out-of-mind" reaction. I believed that if I didn't see the danger, then it could not hurt me.

Since I was a child, there have only been a handful of things that have scared me in the same way: 1) certain scenes from M. Night Shyamalan movies, 2) church sanctuaries in the dark, 3) a dream in which John Kerry won the election, 4) a certain television show I watched about a 'haunted' house (hey. . .it was very well done). So, while I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning to watch this 'haunting' program the other night it plants some seed in my mind about spirits. Afterward, while trying to find my way through the dark back to bed I couldn't help think of some of the representations of spirits that were depicted in that t.v. show - and suddenly figured I better get to the bed quickly!

Why? Because on some level I figure I've not totally outgrown the childish notion that hiding under the covers would somehow make everything better. But the whole notion seem so absurd upon reflection. I know that even though I might hide from any potential danger beneath a blanket, if there did happen to be somebody after me it wouldn't take much to get through my 'protection.' I suppose that I am acting out of instinct.

In the end, I am not embarrassed of such behavior (even though I might hear about it from some of my readers) because it is a reaction that assures me I have not totally grown up. Real-life comes close to this: one can easily be scared. It still might be child-like instinct to run. . .perhaps into the waiting arms of a Father.

sweat of necessity

2005-03-08T15:11:00.000-05:00

Christian piety has trivialized the passionate God of Golgotha. Christian art has turned the unspeakable outrage of Calvary into dignified jewelry. Christian worship has sentimentalized monstrous scandal into sacred pageant. Organized religion has domesticated the crucified Lord of Glory, turned him into a tame theological symbol. Theological symbols do not sweat blood in the night.
~Brennan Manning

How easy it is to forget just how real Jesus was. . .is. There is, perhaps, only one distinction between how the cross is viewed: either as horror or as beauty. To those who are in the church, the cross has long been sentimentalized into something that is to be revered and adored. Many of us grew up singing things like, "so, I'll cherish the old rugged cross. . ." which is a fine hymn of faith but nevertheless indicative of the cultural shift within the body toward a less violent view of the cross - for instance, no one who ever witnessed a crucifixion would ever think of cherishing such a thing. Then there are those who see nothing more than the violence of the cross. These folks may be easily found in those reactions to "The Passion of the Christ" that could see no possible plotline other than Jesus getting beat up for ninety minutes.

This rather harsh dismissal of the cross should come at no surprise to us when we see that such people have no belief that something greater and deeper is happening in the story anyway. They do not see their own part nor do they see God at work It is, quite simply, a tale about a beating. Yet somehow the story of the cross calls out to them, drawing their hearts in a way which they have never felt. And they find it hard to force themselves to ignore it.

On the church-end of things it has become apparent that so many have 'overfamiliarized' themselves with the cross to the point of having very little understanding of it at all. The impact of this scandalous event is lost deep within the many doctrinal lines of salvific necessity.

As is so often the case, we need to strike a balance between these extremes. Yes, the cross is a theological necessity which benefits us to better understand each day. But not at the cost of forgetting the extreme cost it issued. At the end it comes down to a gastly murder - one of the worst and most cruel ways humankind has ever devised to destroy itself - which we so carelessly adorn with gold and silver and wear around our necks. Presented with the real cross. . .spintery, old, cracked, bloody, gross. . .most of us would run away.

Beauty that
we left behind
how shall we
tomorrow find

Set aside
our weight in sin
so that we
can live again*

"I Shall Not Walk Alone" by Ben Harper

"The Communion of the Saints"

2005-03-03T23:53:00.000-05:00

In one of those especially poignant passages that so frequently and powerfully mark the Gospels and charge them with the character of Christ, we encounter Jesus and his twelve in a moment of deep sorrow followed by a great flash of glory. (And does glory ever come except on the heels of sorrow?)

Jesus has just alienated many of his disciples by telling them that they must 'eat body' and 'drink blood.' This directive must have been even more startling to its original audience than to us. They did not hear it through the filter of some 1900 years of systematizing theology contrived to intellectualize and cushion us against the blow of his outrageous command. They met it head-on and felt the full force of it and they were repulsed.

Here Jesus, who was habitually pushing the margin of reason into the realms of faith, crossed the line. Here, he ventured too deeply into the uncharted territory of the kingdom of God, articulated too clearly the good, yet distrubing news of that kingdom, and called for an obedience too radically opposite for the reasonable sensibilities of many disciples at that time. He called them to follow too far outside their well-defined comfort lines. . .and they ran away in disgust or stood paralyzed in terror as Jesus walked on - walked on into the binding light of the liberation truth he had just spoken.

The twelve stayed with him - maybe reluctantly, maybe for reasons that they didn't know. But when Jesus asked that heart-breaking question, 'Will you also leave me?' it is Peter - the impetuous apostle - who gives us the secret to the hidden heart of discipleship: 'Where else can we go? You have the words of life!'

Peter may very well have been as perplexed over the point of Jesus' teaching as those who abandoned him, but he was not confused about the person Jesus. Peter might have misunderstood his methods and mission, but he was certain that Jesus was Messiah. He may have been in the dark about where he was going, but he knew that in Jesus there was light. He may have been scared nearly to death by the demands of discipleship, but he knew that in Jesus there was life. Just before this confession of his dependency on and the sufficiency of Jesus, he had sunk in the storm of intimidating waves and been rescued by the hand of a Master who knew his weakness and the shallowness of his faith.

There is much that we are intimidated by in our walk: doctrines that run counter to our cultures and egos, tasks that seem nearly insurmountable, the weakness of our wills and the seeming severity of Christianity and sink in the despondency of our powerlessness to grasp the mystery of grace, but in the midst of that, we must do what the writer of Hebrews advised and what Peter did, 'Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith' (Hebrews 12:2). It is he who calls us and he who enables. His body is our bread; his blood, our drink. He has the words of life.

-Rich Mullins, "The Communion of the Saints" in The World as I Remember It: Through the Eyes of a Ragamuffin (Sisters: Multnomah, 2004), 129-131.

not a sound from the pavement

2005-03-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

I want to be remembered

not as a historical figure, a great man, or a memorable person

I want to be remembered

not of great accomplishment, admirable performance, or astounding virtue

I want to be remembered

not as a result of pioneering vision, creative innovation, or fearless leadership

I want to be remembered

not for my feeble strengths, mighty weaknesses, or uncommon complacency

I want to be remembered

as I really am

by him who said he would not forget

:

horrific beauty

2005-02-23T00:19:00.000-05:00

"We have made the bitterness of the cross, the revelation of God in the cross of Jesus Christ, tolerable to ourselves by learning to understand it as a theological necessity for the process of salvation. As a result, the cross loses its arbitrary and incomprehensible character."*

The Passion of the Christ created no little disturbance when it was released just under a year ago. Even today this movie is garnering much discussion (granted that it is now moving from more theological themes to artistic integrity and visioning). I believe that there is much we can learn from ourselves in our response to the film as we reflect in light of Multmann's comment above. Immediately there arose discussions about the historicity of the film - whether or not Mr. Gibson got the facts straight. Then there were questions about the theological placement of Mary in salvation. On the political level there was the question of how much the Jewish people were being "blamed" for the event.

In the midst of all of the question-and-answer time I hope that we were able to be shook by such a forceful reflection on Christ's passion. And while there are many who were so bothered by the physical brutality (which, of course, was a harsh reality), I would hope that our faith drove us further into his spiritual suffering - a far greater scandalous horror than anything else he experienced. Notice that the only time he verbalized his suffering was to express his spiritual anguish, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

We are so easily caught up with ourselves which is why we find it so difficult to see past the physical. This is an ongoing result of the Fall, which clouds our vision until the day when the veil is removed. I was onced challenged with the notion that a physical emphasis of the passion is only a product of an idolatry of self. I must say that I am compelled to agree.

Although I make it a point not to discuss this film with anyone who has not seen it, I will say that while internalizing Christ's suffering in such a visually stunning way was simultaneously the most horrific and beautiful experience I have ever dwelt upon. And while this is just a movie, it seems to spark something to those who seek. . .

*J. Moltmann, The Crucified God

how?

2005-02-22T23:42:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day has recently passed. And while it is indeed a day filled with much love shared from one person to another there are undoubtedly those who have spent their affections in vain. Perhaps it is the pig-tailed girl who passed a hand-made construction paper note to some boy who hasn't quite overcome his fear of cooties. Perhaps it is the emotions displayed openly from a hopeless romantic to a woman who desires to "just be friends." These are the all-too-common relationships that Hallmark hasn't quite figured out how to sentimentalize. . .yet.

What advice do we offer our fellow persons who continually pour out their affections in vain? You know as well as I do that there are many who will stop at nothing until they have captured the love of their sought after ones. And this perhaps goes on until our sad fellow finds himself in very sad and perhaps embarassing situations, having worn his heart on his sleeve to no avail and against the counsel of his friends. I suppose if this went on far enough we might get by with calling it disturbing.

We find such behavior disturbing because there cannot be genuine love unless such affections are reciprocated. We consider him a poor fellow because he has wasted so much care on someone who has no intention of giving it back, thus there is no hope of relationship. For those who won't give up the question arises: how can one care so much for another who cares so little about him? To continue this line of thought we might find ourselves in a discussion about obsession.

Yet that is exactly where we are. We find ourselves on the receiving end of a love that does not quit, that has a total disregard for any consequence, and which takes risks that can be characterized as reckless abandon. "For God so loved the world. . ." Remember? And his love is offered continually, regardless of the response of the beloved. And it can be characterized as obsession (at least it should be), perhaps it is the obsession - the only true definition of the word. The difference, though, is that his obsession is not because he desires so much for himself. No, his love is rooted in the fact that he knows what is best for us. And thus we also find the only true definition of love - all other acts are only dim reflections.

Now perhaps one of the most profound theological pursuits may be summarized in this question:
How can God care so much for those who care so little about him?

Jesus, he's the one
He's the one I'm looking for
And I'll never, never turn back no more. . .

Tell me where, tell me where
Tell me where he can be found
And I'll never, never turn back no more. . .*

*"No More"
traditional blues song

sleight of random

2005-02-17T17:12:00.000-05:00

One can find theology anywhere. This makes sense since God is everywhere. You just need to sit up and take notice. Again I go to Chili's since that is where I spend the majority of my time these days.

I am convinced that many people would never eat at a restaurant again if they ever met any of the cook staff. There's a reason why these individuals don't make table visits (this isn't Emeril's, folks) even though the overwhelming majority of line cooks that I've met foster a great deal of pride from their work. One of my most enjoyable activities is relaying a customer's satisfaction or expressed appreciation (since they never fail to hear about the complaints) since it makes them feel great for a brief moment, knowing they've accomplished. I'm just saying that at first blush, these guys would make most of you blush.

As is common in high-stress situations (i.e., Valentine's Day, Friday night, and the like) the tensions run high among all of the staff at Chili's because everyone is concerned with doing the best possible job. While most of the front-of-house staff remain relatively calm, these line cooks can let it fly (both words and, at times, objects). The other day there was a blow-up between one of the guys and a manager. To my astonishment this man is still employed at this restaurant! When I asked a fellow server why this person was not terminated I was told, "Because they always need cooks."

And this is just dinner. . .

How often do we as believers look for faults in other believers? Not just have conflict but actively look for that which we can use against our brothers and sisters so that we can remove them from our circle whenever we choose? Based on these two scenerios which endeavor would you say has the more value?

And this is just the kingdom. . .

(but I wouldn't know anything about that, obviously. . .)

belly-button lent

2005-02-16T01:54:00.000-05:00

Here we are again in the ever popular, growing by leaps and bounds season of Lent. Woo-hoo! Now we can all gather together in solemnity that we might grow closer to Christ through the tightening of our foreheads. And they wonder why no one even wants to get the point of Lent. In order to do my part (which - of course - nobody asked for) to prepare the way for our Lord at Easter, I want to take the next few weeks to focus on Christ and his death and resurrection. . .aaaaand, yes, our own mortality. After all, we are only human. I think this quote my be a good way to kick things off:

Viewed as a theological relic, the cross does not disturb our comfortable religiosity. But when the crucified risen Christ, instead of remaining an icon, comes to life and delivers us over to the fire he came to light, he creates more havoc than all of the heretics, secular humanists and self serving preachers put together.*

How little we experience of Christ all because we are so afraid of what might be in store for those who venture into the unknown depths of God. Thus we create our own religiosity which allows us to be comfortable with ourselves and safe in our beds. But there is a thief that is coming for us in the night anyway. A close friend of mine refers to such practice as "navel gazing" for it is no more worthwhile than believers who sit around and stare into their own belly-buttons. By rehashing the same old and tired traditions of a particular season we do little more than navel gaze, thus confining ourselves to spiritual ignorance. After all, there are many who need to know that the Lord is good but refuse to taste. . .

. . .and therefore cannot see.

*Brennan Manning, The Signature of Jesus (Sisters, OR: Multnomah, 1996).

faith in what, exactly?

2005-02-10T23:32:00.000-05:00

Have you ever noticed that sixty percent of the Psalms are laments? Seriously, well over half of the Bible's own "hymn book" consists of poetry written with a bit of woe-is-me going on. Many times the psalmist speaks of his unwanted, unwarranted position, of how his enemies are triumphing over him, and questioning how God could allow his anointed one to suffer. Of course, I should also point out that in the midst of all of this there exists a firm resolve that the Almighty will ultimately triumph in the face of whatever forces dare oppose him.

It has also come to my attention that a good percentage of this blog has been in the style of lament. As both of my readers know. . . . . .this site has been driven by the journey on which I find myself, as all good theology should be. For I do not believe theology can exist without the everchanging real-life experiences of individuals who struggle with faith. By referencing a struggle I am not suggesting that one needs to continually question their belief system on a fundamental (superficial) level. The struggle of faith that produces our best thoughts of God comes from the wrestling in which we find ourselves pushing and being pushed in the night by a Creator who refuses to leave us as we are. It's a Jacob thing.

Given my present circumstances I can say that I am struggling - indeed, growing - in my faith. This is because I have a pre-existing faith on which I can build. A faith not in church, people, money, status, government, school, information, gadgets, music, military, pastors, jobs, youth, elderly, leaders, ideas, or self. A faith in God alone.

Here's the big question: A faith in God is a faith in what, exactly?

Let me explain. . .when someone professes faith in God, what exactly is the expectation of that faith? For all of those individuals who have repeatedly told me that God has something in mind for my situation or that God is at work to bring about good for me, how is this supposed to happen? Am I to believe that when I pray for a job to come available that God is somehow going to override the freedom of another individual (or group) just so that my prayers can be answered? Although I would suppose that many would cringe at such a thought, I do believe it is the most natural conclusion at which we find ourselves when we evaluate our own Godspeak.

Or does my faith say that God will influence those who are connected by his Spirit to do that which is in his will, therefore all we need to do is pray that all individuals will be open to his leading? If we follow this path then is faith relegated back to faith in individuals rather than in God? Where exactly is the faith being directed? Perhaps a quick answer would be that one's prayers ought to be that God's Spirit would be so compelling that individuals would be drawn in such a way as to find it irresistable. But that sounds too Calvinist for me and doesn't really seem to answer the question in the first place.

Many questions. Few answers.

I'm not trying to run the universe. . .I'm having enough trouble just getting through my section of it.

I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
~Psalm 27:13

feeling at home away from home

2005-02-08T23:43:00.000-05:00

"All the pleasures of the world, and all the kingdoms of this earth, shall profit me nothing. It is better for me to die on behalf of Jesus Christ, than to reign over all the ends of the earth. 'For what shall a man be profited, if he gain the whole world, but lose his own soul?' Him I seek, who died for us: him I desire, who rose again for our sake. This is the gain which is laid up for me. Pardon me, my brothers and sisters: do not hinder me from living, do not wish to keep me in a state of death; and while I desire to belong to God, do not give me over to the world. Suffer me to obtain pure light: when I have gone, I shall indeed be a man of God. Permit me to be an imitator of the passion of my God. If any one has him within themselves, let them consider what I desire, and have sympathy with me, as knowing how I am straitened." *

As humans, we are created for community. This is part of the imago Dei which is stamped upon us. Contrary to what some have posited, God did not create this world because he was lonely and in need of something. The Christian doctrine teaches a triune Godhead, which means that God has never been in need of anything as he has always existed in a perfect community characterized by perfect love. When you translate that back down to us you find that we are people who are created for being with other people - communities.

And you see this all over our society and culture. There are millions upon millions of groups, cliques, subcultures, subsocieties, etc. . .in which we can and do participate every day of our lives. All of these communities have a purpose, whether or not it is explicitly stated by its members. Everything from running a business to having fun is fulfilled by these multi-person groups. So on this level it is not surprising that God's great plan for establishing his kingdom is a community (known as the church). The only real drawback to this is that churchgoers often superimpose ways of thinking and acting that are more suitable for these other groups onto the message and ministry of the church. Time and again the result is an ineffective body of believers.

When the church cannot help people (by either ignorance or apathy), then other communities will rise up to fill this need for a sense of belonging. Groups such as these range from both extremes: from bridge clubs to gangs. Either way, people seeking to belong will try and make anything into a fulfilling activity. People even try getting fulfillment out of church - rather than from God - either by controlling it or by participating in just enough to feel special about themselves.

All of this is to say that I am having difficulty fitting in these days. I used to work in a church and now I work in a restaurant. Somehow I feel more connected to my fellow coworkers now than I felt to the churchgoers that so often judged my every action. Somehow I feel more readily accepted as a friend and trusted ally by these (often) 'rough' characters than by ecclesiastical fundamentalists who always wanted to question my motives (no matter what I was doing). Somehow I sense a depth in these folks as they jump from relationship to relationship, beer bottle to beer bottle - all in search of their own fulfillment. And they do this together. . .in community.

I feel this connection because they are children of God and he is ever willing to run to them no matter where they are. I feel this connection because they have a passion. . .even if it is misguided. Although easily dismissed by many churchgoers, they are not fools. They have a passion and know that you cannot do much with wet wood. . .

. . .I would suppose this is why they often shy away from our gatherings.

*The Epistle of Ignatius to the Romans, ca. A.D. 100

cold chili for lunch

2005-02-06T23:18:00.000-05:00

Today I was able to conduct a brief, unexhaustive, yet telling survey among average servers at the local Chili's restaurant. Knowing that there is a major after-church lunch rush on Sunday's, my question was simple: In your typical experience with people who are obvious churchgoers, do you find their attitude to be favorable or demeaning? The unanimous reply was a resounding "demeaning" (or "snotty") from each individual with whom I spoke. There was less time for these respondents to come up with an answer than if I had asked their age (Georgia math skills notwithstanding). I even received strange looks as though I had asked, "Tell me, is the sky blue or is that a shade of mocha?" A no-brainer at best.

Perhaps the "good news" can be found in the reply of one of the store managers who said that although this is commonplace behavior (to a small degree) in every Sunday afternoon crowd, in twenty years of restaurant work he has never seen it as bad as it is here in Newnan, Georgia. Well, you had to figure a first-place ranking somewhere in this state.

At the time of my inquiry none of these individuals knew anything about my educational, spiritual, or employment history. This led to all sorts of unsolicited follow-up comments regarding the nature of "church people." For instance, one woman told me that she can't stand religion and that she was put off mostly because of the blatant hypocrosy and stupidity of those people who picket and throw pamphlets in your face. Another told me that he was tired of being looked down upon because people feel that they're going to church coupled with his aparent lack of being in church made them feel superior to him (nevermind that these people have no problem whatsoever supporting his lifestyle by frequenting this place of business on a Sunday). Then there was a woman who said that she believed in God, read her Bible frequently, but had felt run-off by the "church people." I told her not to worry. . .so had I.

And now I feel more able to relate to these servers than I was ever able to relate to the vast majority of people at my last church. Because how quickly one goes from offering public prayers on a Sunday morning (which were obviously too long and too short) to being on the receiving end of a long an pious nose which only leaves the stuck-up position long enough to cast a condemning gaze upon another. You see, this was an easy survey to conduct and understand because I am now one of the servers who felt this sickening stigma being displayed today: people who spend their mornings listening about Jesus and trying to secure their own salvation followed up by a noontime meal flavored with self-righteous judgmentalism.

Yes. . .I am upset about this. Not because I feel bad - for I have been over this shallow puddle of churchianity for some time. Such two-faced action will have to answer for itself someday. Right now my concern is for the people who are being driven away from their God by a bunch of white-collars who can't get over themselves. This is becoming a major dilemma with few in the institutional church who care to take notice.

"Life in the church had become so small. . .It had worked for me for a long time. Then it stopped working."*

It doesn't matter what we do. . .money given, mission trips taken, buildings built, programs instituted, sermons preached, songs sung, choirs rehearsed, potlucks ate, offices recarpeted, prayers rehashed. . .unless we can first learn to care enough for those around us that we are driven to reach out to them as the everlasting arms of Christ and embrace them for everything they are - their successes and failures, gains and losses, beauty and warts, righteousness and sin.

If you love only those who love you, what reward will you get?
Matthew 5:46

*Kristen Bell as quoted in Andy Crouch, "The Emergent Mystique" in Christianity Today (November 2004), 38.

God in the dark

2005-02-03T03:19:00.000-05:00

"It's a quarter 'till tomorrow; only half past yesterday. . ."

For the moment I have given up on sleeping and have decided to spend these late hours back at the mac. It's one of those nights where so much is going through your mind that you realize you've been staring at the ceiling for quite some time. Since I was a bit restless, I figured I'd get up for a while.

We watched The Village earlier in the evening. Instead of offering a movie review I'll just identify with the main character, Ivy Walker. Here is a blind girl who is driven out of love to wander into the woods alone for the benefit of her fiance, Lucius. Despite her obvious vulnerability, she risks her life and feels her way around in the dark as an act clinging to hope. Here is a plot to which I can relate.

Increasingly, I have been feeling the limits of what I can see and how much I really know. Don't get me wrong here. . .although I've often been accused of being a fountain of worthless information, I have never considered myself to be a know-it-all (those types of people irritate me). But seriously, more and more I feel that my paths are fewer, my options more limited, and my dreams quickly escaping. More and more my answer becomes, "I don't know."

I am in the dark.

And now I'm beginning to learn that feeling around in the dark is a good thing. I was recently told, "We don't always control whether or not the lights will go out. But when that happens, we can either be content to sit in the darkness or be so compelled to search for the switch."

I am not content with the darkness.

And then there's tonight. Here I am sitting in the dark when it occurs to me that there is work to be done, something to be found in the darkness. I consider this possibility because there was once a chaotic darkness into which a voice spoke and produced light. A short while after that the darkness was being removed by a light that dared step into the black. And perhaps now there is a light to be found at 3am.

". . .The voice often comes in the middle of the night or the early hours of morning, when our hearts are most unedited and vulnerable. At first, we mistake the source of this voice and assume it is just our imagination. We fluff up our pillow, roll over, and go back to sleep. Days, weeks, even months go by and the voice speaks to us again: Aren't you thirsty? Listen to your heart. There is something missing.
We listen and we are aware of. . .a sigh. And under the sigh is something dangerous, something that feels adulterous and disloyal to the religion we are serving. We sense a passion deep within that threatens a total disregard for the program we are living; it feels reckless, wild. Unsettled, we turn and walk quickly away, like a woman who feels more than she wants to when her eyes meet those of a man not her husband." *

Perhaps this is where the postmodern church is finding itself today. This could certainly fill another blog, but it is interesting to note that an increasing amount of believers are finding that they do not fit within the culture of the local churches. While it is not surprising that a generation of non-traditional people do not feel at home in a traditional church, there might be more to this than meets the eye. Consider that many believers who are not content to sit in the dark are handed nothing more than broken light bulbs from most religious communities - and then told to be content. Such a situation is definitely the source of a rather large chasm driving the emerging culture of the church forward.

Annie Dillard once said, "We wake, if ever we wake at all, to mystery." Such a reality. Such a recognizable fact. Such a truth. Such a missing component of 'typical' church.

*Brent Curtis and John Eldredge, The Sacred Romance (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997), 1.

hard to get

2005-01-31T17:00:00.000-05:00

You who live in heaven
-hear the prayers of those of us who live on earth

Who are afraid of being left by those we love
and who get hardened by the hurt

Do you remember when you lived down here where we all scrape
to find the strength to ask for daily bread
Did you forget about us after you had flown away
Well I memorized every word you said
Still I'm so scared I'm holding my breath
While you're up there just playing hard to get

You who live in radiance
-hear the prayers of those of us who live in skin

We have a love that's not as patient as your was
but still we do love now and then

Did you ever know loneliness - did you ever know need
Do you remember just how long a night can get
When you are barely holding on and your friends fall asleep
And don't see the blood that's running in your sweat
Will those who mourn be left uncomforted
While you're up there just playing hard to get

I know you bore our sorrows - I know you feel our pain
I know that it would not hurt any less even if it could be explained
I know that I am only lashing out at the one who loves me most
And after I have figured this somehow
All I really need to know is if

You who live in eternity
hear the prayers of those of us who live in time

We can't see what's ahead
and we cannot get free of what we've left behind

I'm reeling from these voices that keep screaming in my ears
All these words of shame and doubt, blame and regret
I can't see how you're leading me unless you've led me here
Where I'm lost enough to let myself be led
And, so you've been here all along I guess
It's just your ways and you are just plain hard to get

-Rich Mullins

(c)1998 Liturgy Legacy Music

. . .here tomorrow?

2005-01-30T15:09:00.000-05:00

[part two]

Along with the more general statements of Christians and culture is the very present and specific examination of the church's response to George W. Bush. Many within the church prayed and cried about having a president who is a believer. Now that W holds that office, a large number of evangelicals complain because he's too divisive, too forthright, too ________. I suppose more than anything else, I just want the current Christian subculture to make up its mind.

As previously stated, I am particularly disgusted with believers who believe that the church is called to make a difference in the world while simultaneously complaining about Christians being involved with any particular venue (such as government). I feel that this has led to a situation in which the church has lost its effectiveness. This, of course, is apparent to just about everyone at the table except churchgoers. Ultimately, we're divided on our self-perception. Some believe that the church is totally non-effective, making no difference whatsoever. Others would say that the church is making powerful strides forward to advance the kingdom of God. My conclusion is that both sides are correct.

The church is making a difference where it decides to make a difference. Not pretends, but decides. Many more churches pretend to be doing this than you might think. Here's an incredible question that every church (and believer) should ask about their ministry:

"If the church were removed today, would anyone notice tomorrow?"

gone today. . .

2005-01-29T23:13:00.000-05:00

While cruising through my local "Christian store" I happened across a book that has been fairly popular as of late (I withold the title fearing possible backlash and loss of readership, which I can't really afford right now). Although I anticipate a rise in blood pressure as a result of reading some snippets of a work of Christian-pop, I go ahead and do so. Hey, what else have I to do with all of this free time?

In a section that was aimed at the role of the Christian, this particular author spent much time on how non-political the church ought to be in today's world. I considered his argument for a full three seconds before returning the paperback to its place on the shelf. Now let me see if I can get this straight, as I have heard similar statements elsewhere in my life. . .

Supposedly, the church is God's primary force of change in this world and its members (believers, if you will) are placed with a divine appointment (elected, perhaps) to make a difference to all that surround us without becoming involved with political realms of society. Yeah, I think that's it. For some unknown reason, this has become the popular stand among many evangelicals at present. While we're at it we could also remove ourselves (if we haven't already) from judicial, legislative, philosophical, scientific, literary, journalistic, and artistic realms of society as well.

Too much?

Let me put it this way: in order for the church to make an impact with society, the church must engage society. Further, it is important that we take opportunities that are afforded to people living in a nation where the individual holds the highest responsibility of running the nation itself. How many Christian voices were made known in the last election? How many Christians made concious efforts to know and understand the issues of our day? The numbers may surprise you.

OK, OK, OK, OK. . .let me present a simple clarification: it is not the job of the church to dictate political agenda. In other words, while it may be acceptable to remind people to exercise their right and responsibility of voting, it is wrong for the church to endorse any political candidate. However, too many religious leaders have used this as a shoddy excuse for avoiding all discussion that may or may not be political regardless of the spiritual implications involved. Perhaps this is why so many feel as though we're losing the culture wars. . .it's because we're not fighting the culture wars.

I also notice that complaints such as the one in that particular book come from people who don't have a public voice. How many times does the Christian community sit around whining and crying because there isn't anyone who will step forward and be a champion for the church only to have that person come along and be left for dead at the frontlines. I've seen this firsthand with a public leader. . .it is amazing how quickly evangelicals can turn on one of their own because of stupid reasons.

(. . .more to come, I'm not through with this)

no longer living

2005-01-26T22:41:00.000-05:00

". . .Genesis 1:26-27 stands at the pinnacle of the biblical creation narrative that, unlike the myths of other ancient peoples, posits a God who creates the world in freedom as a reality external to himself and then places humankind within creation as a creaturely image of the Creator. Genesis 1:26-27, therefore, functions not so much as an ontological declaration about human nature as a prologue to all that follows in the biblical narrative. Viewed from this perspective, the first creation narrative is intended to indicate that God has endowed humankind as a whole with a vocation: to live as God's representative within creation, that is, to be that image through whom God's presence and self-manifestation may be found." *

Gaining much popularity in certain circles is "the exchanged life" theology, which is one particular approach to understanding grace and atonement from a Christian perspective. As a way of moving past the legalism of various religious systems, the exchanged life approach offers fresh air in much of the ecclesiastical presentations of grace. Although the adherents of this perspective do not claim that this is a new idea (nor are they the first to describe it), many believers today do not realize the full implications of the atonement and thus find the exchanged life perspective new and inviting.

The fundamental position of the exchanged life promotes the oft-underemphasized notion that when an individual comes to faith in Christ their status as a person is no longer valid, for we become one with Christ's status - participants in his life, death and resurrection (see Galatians 2:20). Thus, we are no longer called to performance in order to merit God's grace or affection. While this is a good and valid viewpoint, there is a bit of foundational work that helps us understand our place in God's kingdom.

As the opening quotation by Grenz points out, humanity from the beginning was placed within creation with God's own image in order to be his representative on earth. This means that the imago Dei that is stamped upon each person comes with a responsibility to work on his behalf - something intended as humanity's role from the beginning. Paul was on to something when he declared that we were created to do good works. But, that is not the entire story. . .Jesus adds more to our role within creation as we are now adopted into his sonship as coheirs with Christ.

"In Romans 8:29, Paul presents the idea of the new humanity in Christocentric language reminiscent of Genesis 1:26-27. According to the apostle, God's intention is that those who are in Christ participate in Christ's destiny and thereby replicate his glorious image. The language of the text is eschatological. Paul declares that his readers will be caught up in the Christ event and become copies of God's Son. The climax of the verse comes in the declaration, 'that he might be the firstborn,' which expresses the Christological intent of God's foreordination, namely, the preeminence of Christ among those who participate in the eschatological reality." *

Not only are we created with the imago Dei marked upon us, making us God's representatives within creation, but now - thanks to the work of Christ - we are recreated with the imago Christi which brings us to the place where we are one with Christ in his Sonship. I've heard the pop-phrase that we "might be Jesus" to someone today. . .this blows that imagery out of the water. We are in reality Jesus to the world. At every moment.

So, the exchanged life is off to a good start. Perhaps there is more to this than anyone first imagined. The life, death and resurrection of Christ was for much more than fire insurance. And it empowers us to more noble tasks of service than telling our wallets to produce more money, pursuing divine healing for every stomachache, condemning others from street corners, or mistreating fellow believers for personal gain.

Really. . .what would Jesus do?

*Stanley J. Grenz, "Jesus as the Imago Dei: Image-of-God Christology and the Non-Linear Linearity of Theology" in Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society vol. 47, no. 4 (December 2004): 622.

the church's one foundation

2005-01-25T21:55:00.000-05:00

“When did the church become a building?” *

A very good question to ask in this particular day and age. Certainly the concept of church did not start out in the same way we experience it now. The foundational understanding of the church was a group of people - a people called out, to be more precise. Thus the emphasis was more on the function of a body of believers and not a descriptor of a particular meeting place.

Ever since the first church buildings appeared during the 300s, there has been a human struggle with how much our earthy structures occupy our time, talent, and money. Today’s culture is no different. Many churches reduce their effectiveness to country-club-level groups that gather together for the intent purpose of building design. Somehow I don’t think carpet shade and paint samples quite capture Jesus’ ideal of the Kingdom of God.

In the last church I was at there was an incredibly large and incredibly useless building that had been recently built. I remember once showing a friend of mine this particular structure and he commented, “This is a great monument. . .really big and stately built with no pragmatic touch.” Indeed, this was a very expensive place that no one could effectively utilize, other than parking clave’s twin-engine prop plane in there.

“How many of the needs of ‘the least of these’ could be met if all the church buildings were sold and the money given to the poor?” *

Too extreme? Perhaps. Perhaps not. I suppose our knee-jerk reactions might be telling in this case as to how we’ve been conditioned to think.

Called to make a difference. . .not ampitheaters.

". . .and for her [wool-knit-altar-kneeler] he died."

*Ole Anthony and Skippy R., “A Handful of Nails” in The Wittenburg Door no. 197 (January/February 2005): 47.

these two remain. . .until we can do better

2005-01-24T16:38:00.000-05:00

. . .As for you, Morrel, this is the whole secret of my behavior towards you: there is neither happiness nor misfortune in this world, there is merely the comparison between one state and another, nothing more. Only someone who has suffered the deeper misfortune is capable of experiencing the heights of felicity. Maximilien, you must needs have wished to die, to know how good it is to live.

So, do live and be happy, children dear to my heart, and never forget that, until the day when God deigns to unveil the future to mankind, all human wisdom is contained in these two words: 'wait' and 'hope'!

Your friend
Edmond Dantes
Count of Monte Cristo. *

The Christian faith is at once a remembrance of things past and a preparation for things future. For the believer there really is no separation of the two for we are called to build our hope for tomorrow on that which we know has happened in a thousand yesterdays. Biblical study is, at least at the outset, a study of historical events - this we believe to be the work of God Almighty. From early on, the Israelites were instructed to commemorate such divine works through feasts and festivals and other religious observances otherwise out-of-the-norm for their daily activities.

Even today the church follows a liturgical calendar to mark important historical events (Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, Organ & Tissue Donor Sunday. . .um, that last one might just be the UMC). Even churches that turn their noses up at liturgical practices still seem to find a way to celebrate the "major" days as well as fit in the offering, sermon, candle-lighting, fifth-Sunday communion, etc. into the same slots during the same services on the same days.

Sunday ritual notwithstanding (I'll save that discussion for a future blog), it is important that adherents to the Christian faith remember God's activity in the past that it may serve as a foundation for our future. Dumas' words are very captivating and I think he does well (through Dantes) to capture the human condition in 'wait' and 'hope.' It is the inherent nature of humanity to wait and hope yet many do not have a basis for their hope. Think of the postmodern production Waiting for Godot. The play is (author's plot summary) a bunch of long drawn-out discussions that occur while waiting for a character (Godot) that never appears. That's it. For those who would like to be more entertained with the same overall plot premise, I suggest Waiting for Guffman. . .he never shows up either, but it's funnier.

"But now, LORD, what do I look for?
My hope is in you." **

Indeed, we are waiting and hoping for something. . .but what? This is where the message of faith and deliverance can be so effective and powerful. In Christ we are given a reason to wait and a foundation for hope. In Christ the things of this world make sense and then fade away. All of this begins with our understanding of our biblical past and our abiblity to dangerously live. Unlike our unfortunate fellow travelers who never get to see Godot or Guffman, we know for certain God comes to those who wait and hope in him.

"Wait for it!" ***

*Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo (London: Penguin, 1996), 1077.
**Psalm 39:7
***Cpl. Walter "Radar" O'Reilly, 4077 M*A*S*H

and am persuaded

2005-01-22T21:23:00.000-05:00

"If our lives and ministries are expressions of what we actually believe, and if what we believe is off center and yet so pervasive that it is seldom even brought to conscious discussion, much less debated, then this explains why our impact on the world is so paltry compared to our numbers. I cannot overemphasize the fact that this modern understanding of Christianity is neither biblical nor consistent with the bulk of church history." *

For centuries within the history of the church, believers were identified as very able and willing individuals who often engaged the broader intellectual culture of the world. Many ecclesiastical leaders during the 1800s were considered to be among the most learned members of a community. Sadly, this all began to change at the turn of the nineteenth century when fundamentalists started to withdraw to their own holy huddles and left the public discourse. And thus, the salt removed itself from the culture.

Moreland lists five characteristics that capture the essence of anti-intellectualism on today's evangelicalism:
1) a misunderstanding of faith's relationship to reason
2) the separation of the secular and the sacred
3) weakened world missions
4) anti-intellectualism has spawned an irrelevant gospel
5) a loss of boldness in confronting the idea structures in our culture with effective Christian witness

Unfortunately, faith is not often characterized in these terms in much of our modern Christianity. I will never forget that a senior pastor with whom I once worked (with forty years of ministry experience) told me that church members could not be challenged very much because they would not have the ability to follow. In other words, it is the responsibility of church leadership to dumb down Christianity so that people will continue on with their botox-esque churchy smiles that ignore real spiritual growth or biblical maturity. With this attitude prevailing in our pulpits today, it is no wonder that the church is seen as ineffective and stereotyped as a safe haven for stupidity.

By contrast to this approach to church is the biblical understanding of faith that is always built upon reason. Although I have been told many times that you cannot reason your way to heaven, we should have a good foundation for thinking that Christianity is true before we dedicate ourselves to it. Further, in every single instance where faith is mentioned in Scripture it is built upon knowledge and understanding. Nowhere does the Bible speak of a blind faith nor does Jesus ever say, "Don't think about it, just believe. . .just believe." Yet so many Christians repeat this mantra over and over and over again.

Faith is a necessity for the Christian life. However, a misunderstanding of faith leads to a misrepresentation of faith which means we have an entire culture of beleivers that are believing in false doctrine. Theoretical reason is no longer part of our churches - sould we be surprised when so many of our own fall for so much? Let us work to recapture the spiritual mind, which thinks and reasons and postulates on God. Then we will know him more and grow in our effectiveness in the world.

Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
Incline your heart to understanding.
~Proverbs 2:2

*J. P. Moreland, Love Your God with All Your Mind (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1997), 25.

responsible freedom

2005-01-20T23:45:00.000-05:00

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
~Galatians 5:13

"Our country has accepted obligations that are difficult to fulfill, and would be dishonorable to abandon. Yet because we have acted in the great liberating tradition of this nation, tens of millions have achieved their freedom. And as hope kindles hope, millions more will find it. By our efforts, we have lit a fire as well - afire in the minds of men. It warms those who feel its power, it burns those who fight its progress, and one day this untamed fire of freedom will reach the darkest corners of our world." *

Already the press is having an apparent brain aneurism over the president's second inaugural speech. Evidently, Peggy Noonan was left with a "bad feeling" and "reluctant dislike" over such an assertion of agenda and (in her thoughts) overuse of God. Yet the primary thrust of this speech was on liberty and what liberty means in the world. In fact, it resounded many of the sentiments expressed in the founding documents and the personal papers of our nation's fathers.

What the president spoke of is the biblical notion that true freedom cannot exist apart from a relationship with the Creator. Since he assumes 1) there is a Creator and 2) Scripture is true, he has rocked the boat somewhat with his statements. And what bothers me is that many believers do not share in his conviction. Perhaps this is because the accurate biblical portrait of freedom compels individuals to act - something that American Christians do not always care to do aside from throwing money at some cause.

We have been given the gift of freedom. . .it is thus our responsibility to spread liberty across all of the world. There is much that has been entrusted to us and there is so much work that lies ahead.

. . .and then we also have responsibility as Americans.

"When the Declaration of Independence was first read in public and the Liberty Bell was sounded in celebration, a witness said, 'It rang as if it meant something.' In our time it means something still. America, in this young century, proclaims liberty throughout all the world, and to all the inhabitants thereof. Renewed in our strength - tested, but not weary - we are ready for the greatest achievements in the history of freedom." *

*President George W. Bush, Second Inaugural Address, January 20, 2005.

assurance of the unknown

2005-01-17T23:41:00.000-05:00

I have no job. Let's just get that out of the way right now. It should be made clear to everyone who reads this blog that it is being composed by a man who does nothing for a living. At least, at the moment. I can testify that it is very difficult to get prospective employers to move swiftly on the hiring process during the holiday season, especially churches. Since I have resigned myself to believe that nothing in this life is going to happen "normally" it comes as no shock that my present situation should ensue. And now the ice is getting thinner, the road is narrowing, the net is filling with holes. Choose your cliche.

And today clave has the nerve to say (with a straight face), "You'll be fine. Everything's gonna be alright." Imagine the nerve of someone who could stand directly in front of me, knowing all that has been going on, understand the mounting tension of our situation and utter words so fundamentally and completely. . . . . .true. In fact, the profundity of his statement so strongly sounds the gong of truth and promise that it is actually frightening. Frightening to know that God is waiting to act at precisely the perfect moment, perhaps just to show off a bit that he is God and I am not. For some reason, he gets a kick out of doing that (truth be told, I tend to like it too. . .um, when it's over).

It strikes me that faith is so much easier to hold on to when you talk about it rather than when you are forced to live it. I guess that's why we overuse language of God's "testing" of our faith. Wait. . .testing? If faith isn't faith until it is lived then how can every time we are in a position to live it we give it a negative connotation of being tested as though this is some unwarranted, uncalled-for, obscene pop quiz during third period? We are called to a life of faith, not a life of faith-directed dialogue. So this is what faith really is. And clave's comments to me were so certain about a future that has not happened. Then it hits me.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1

This is faith. And faith becomes a worldview by which believers live. Thus, life without faith is not living since we have been called to live by faith. The two are inseparable. Living requires faith; faith demands living.

I believe that it is time for us all to move past this notion that any challenge, any trouble, any difficulty, any actual required effort is some animated essay contest by which we either pass or fail with Professor God in order to see if we're acceptable in his sight or not. Instead, let us just live. After all, the ice is getting thinner, the road is narrowing, the net is filling with holes. . .right where he wants me.

cut to rich:
"After all, He had a certain fondness for sparrows and did not consider their care and feeding beneath the dignity of God - though God's care and dignity (Jesus would assert) is beyond the comprehensiveness of men." *

*Rich Mullins, "Considering the Lilies" in The World as I Remember It (Sisters, OR: Multnomah, 2004), 32.

and there's reason to believe

2005-01-17T01:57:00.000-05:00

Alright, sometimes conversations make or break your day. I just had one that did a little of both. Since I genuinely have an adoration for all except one of my former disciple students (keeps them guessing), it is always a pleasure to talk to them. This one was a very interesting encounter. It was humbling to hear him tell me how much he misses me and how much he enjoyed the class while I was leading it. Then he wanted to take a moment and reassure me since I had been quickly dismissed from the church for having a pastor who did not like me. Basically, he told me that his observations have led him to believe that in this district of the UM church he feels that only a handful of the pastors do not need serious counselling (his own guesstimation).

While this statement had obvious spirit-lifting qualities, there was something else that has kind of stuck with me. I say that the conversation made my day because it is always uplifting to be appreciated (something I missed from the church leadership). But I will never be unbothered by such disturbances within the Body of Christ. I think that we ought to be deeply bothered by it. I suppose that if I were working as a surgeon, then my ignoring of such behavior would be labelled malpractice; if I were an airline pilot, reckless endangerment; if I were a businessman, they would call it fraud. Yet so many have listened to my spiritual concerns about the climate and character of this church office and have quickly written off. And why should we care? It's only spirituality. . .not like the important stuff, right?

"Jesus did not come simply to rescue people for heaven, but also to have them know God's transforming presence. . .This different way of relating to God, the call to service verses power, and the road of suffering it entails will not be popular, and so commitment to Jesus' teaching and path is required."*

So it has been a long December and there's reason to believe maybe this year will be better than the last.** I will never forget the wonderful perspective that my friend provided (which seemed to fit): "so they have hurt your feelings a bit, good for them. They haven't touched you inside." That, my friends, is the power of God's transforming presence. Spiritual transformation is talked about much more than it is lived - which means what we're discussing is not really transforming. When it is truly experienced is when we find ourselves and our God.

Once when I spoke of passion to one of the key leaders in this church he said, "I think people just don't want that." I think that some people are just plain dead. The passion for God that comes through the transforming power of his Spirit's presence upon us compels us forward. For church leaders to totally miss this point is one of the biggest problems facing the church today. Spiritually clueless people leading. . .or was that the blind leading. . .um, something like that.

In any case, looking back at the last few weeks I cannot say that it has not hurt. I cannot say that I am unchanged. My honest prayer is that the church leadership can say the same. It has been a difficult road to be able to pray for them, but a very wise woman advised me to do so. No matter how absurd or difficult it seemed at the time, she was right.

I can't remember all the times I tried to tell myself to hold on to these moments as they pass.
And it's one more day up in the canyon. And it's one more night in Hollywood.
It's been so long since I've seen the ocean. . .I guess I should**

I stand firmin my conviction that we are passionate beings who are searching for our creator that we might be able to make our way home. There are, I think, still some who are alive enough to press on with me.

So it's been quite a long December. . .like, I spent a decade there one month. Although I will not stop in my relentless pursuit of godliness among ourselves, held to the highest standards among the leaders of the church. . .I let this one go.

Thanks Ed.

*Darrell L. Bock, "Luke" in The Face of New Testament Studies (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2004), 360.
**A Long December by Counting Crows

no take-backs

2005-01-16T01:44:00.000-05:00

'Praying for particular things,' said I, 'always seems to me like advising God how to run the world. Wouldn't it be wiser to assume that He knows best?' 'On the same principle,' said he, 'I suppose you never ask a man next to you to pass the salt, because God knows best whether you ought to have salt or not. And I suppose you never take and umbrella, because God knows best whether you ought to be wet or dry.' 'That's quite different,' I protested. 'I don't see why,' said he. 'The odd thing is that He should let us influence the course of events at all. But since He lets us do it in one way I don't see why He shouldn't let us do it in the other.' *

C.S. Lewis, God in the Dock (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1970), 217.

I suppose this entails moral responsibility for our actions: the notion that what we say and do matters and becomes the basis by which we are held accountable for this life.

In such a world where our decisions mean so much and we are given such an important role in accomplishing the will of God, are there really any "insignificant" choices? There probably are. . .but which ones are which?

crutchlessness

2005-01-13T23:16:00.000-05:00

"I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home."
Mark 2:11

An interesting component of Jesus' healing ministry is that he tended to ask for things of those to whom he was ministering. In other words, he was not going around offering blanket healings as magical cure-alls. Instead, he healed as one aspect of an overall ministry to guide people along in their faith and to combat the forces of darkness that run loose in his creation. The passage quoted above demonstrates this approach as Jesus calls to the paralyzed man to stand up. We could probably envision Jesus going over and standing the man up himself, but that is not the point of the overall mission.

Perhaps there was a mental or emotional component to this man's suffering. It might have been more that just a muscular disability to move. One can almost hear Jesus' tone: "Get up, you can do this. Stand up!" It was the original Nike ad: just do it. Along with whatever physical cure there was in this moment, this man who believed so much in Jesus finallly had someone who believed in him. As he gazed the mile between his life on a floormat and Jesus' face standing over him, these words of challenge and assurance sent chills down his spine - perhaps the first chills he has ever felt. Jesus assures this man that despite his insecurities and inhibitions he can go his own way.

Jesus never treated people like passive objects. He never regarded individuals as a means to an end. He never told someone that their malady occured because "everything happens for a reason" or that it was part of "God's unknown higher plan." Jesus never tried to minister through the painted-on smile of "Well, just remember, God loves you." And not once did he tell a sick person that they had ticked God off by not having enough faith. He healed.

If we want to model ourselves after Jesus, we need to start here. We are not called to walk people through faith by theological practices, liturgical rites, or methodical traditions. To follow Jesus is to challenge and assure people so that they might be empowered to greater depths of faith and perhaps feel - for the first time - the chill that is at once fear and blessing that overcomes those who stand before the Almighty.

"Offer your leprosy, your paralysis, your blindness, your exhaustion to Jesus. Talk to him about your illnesses. What happens to you then?" *

*Anselm Grun, Images of Jesus (New York: Continuum, 2002), 53.

downside-up

2005-01-12T23:05:00.000-05:00

"In the end all authority will be given to Jesus (Mt 28:18), but the path to his victory led through death and resurrection. The way of God in Jesus will not be achieved through overwhelming power or invulnerability. Jesus acknowledges his place as a creature of God dependent on divine provision, which entails the possibility that he shall go hungry and be susceptible to injury. Jesus accepts the finite conditions of existence as a blessing from God. Consequently, he does not accept the Old Testament 'prediction' that the Messiah would be immune from bodily harm (Ps 91:11-12) as applicable to himself. Jesus trusts in the same providence that covers all humans. This involves acknowledging the risk and vulnerability we experience in life. Providence does not mean protection from the vicissitudes of life. Jesus chooses the path of faithful trust in God the Father in the midst of life's uncertainties. 'What does it mean to worship and serve the Abba God?' asks Tupper. 'It includes the renunciation of dominating power and overwhelming force as the way to accomplish the will of God.' The way of God in the world is not a display of raw omnipotence - a love of power - but the power of love. It is in this that Jesus trusts." *

Perhaps this is why Jesus was so effective in his ministry. He genuinely cared for the lost, the lowly, the downtrodden, the hurting. He had no agenda of his own and he did not seek out any earthy positions of power or fame.

Perhaps this is why we can be so ineffective in our ministries. Many pay lip-service to God but do not genuinely care for those around us. We often have our own hidden motives that we keep secret from everybody - maybe even ourselves. Even the seemingly harmless activity of saving face usually means that someone else is hurt for our own gain.

Even when we recognize God's kingdom as operating "backwards" we have difficulty living it.

John Sanders, The God Who Risks (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1998), 94-95.

accepting the unacceptable

2005-01-10T23:59:00.000-05:00

If you, LORD, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
Psalm 130:3

"Let us not, therefore, be insensible to his kindness. For were he to reward us according to our works, we should cease to be. Therefore, having become his disciples, let us learn and live according to the principles of Christianity. For whosoever is called by any other name besides this, is not of God. Lay aside, therefore, the evil, the old, the sour leaven, and be changed into the new leaven, which is Jesus Christ. Be salted in him, lest any one among you should be corrupted, since by your savour you shall be convicted. It is absurd to profess Jesus Christ, and to Judaize. For Christianity did not merge into Judaism, but Judaism Christianity, that so every tongue which believes might be gathered together to God."
The Epistle of Ignatius to the Magnesians, first century A.D.

It is a very sad (sickening) observation to witness Christian groups so easily accept and live under God's grace but never offer that grace to anyone else. This is especially true of the way some denominations or church groups exclude other believers on the basis of stupidity, such as which Bible translation is the "only one" or what color of carpet is the only acceptable means by which flooring should be adorned (o.k., so maybe the carpet-thing is a stretch).

Then there are those groups who like to hide their hypocrisy behind more "important" sins. Perhaps homosexuality. Those who know me understand that I have an unwaivering position of homosexuality as a sin on the basis of clear biblical teaching. However, I have always stressed the necessity for churches to be places where those who struggle with this sin may be welcomed and guided - right alongside the rest of us vulgar, despicable sinners.

I once had a discussion (argument) with a local pastor who was standing on a street corner with signs condemning practicing homosexuals to hell on the basis of various prooftexted Bible passages. All I had to do was ask why he chose to do this for him and his group to accuse me of being evil for "defending them." Tact was not in his vocabulary. The point at which I almost blew chunks was when he said: ". . .if one of them f*****s would come up to me and showed some repentance, well I would kneel right there and pray with him."

(I considered a momentary conversion to Islam so that I could punch him. . .)

Although to some (twisted) folks this may sound like an admirable act of love and acceptance, it made me sick to think of how vulgar he treated his fellow humans. As Psalm 103 reminds, if transgressions were being counted. . .none of us could stand. How quickly we forget. There seems to be an insatiable drive to accept grace and then keep it for ourselves. God isn't fooled by this either.

Churches are afraid to touch these topics. There is either the tendency to accept without moral standard or the tendency to inflate moral standard to the loss of the ability to accept. Christ came to embrace. . .then to change. We have a real need in this world to do the same.

struck down. . .but not destroyed

2005-01-09T21:06:00.000-05:00

Today I was surfing through the many, many channels of nothingness that is cable television while waiting for a football game to come on. Through all of the overplayed infomercials (which I usually watch time and again) I finally found something worth pausing over for a while: a movie channel was running The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. It was at the place when Aragorn saw the thousands marching toward Helm's Deep and was racing to warn the city. Since I knew that a great battle was approaching, I put down the remote.

Every time I see the multitude of Orcs quickly attacking the city walls I get the immediate feeling that this battle is already over. Those within Helm's Deep are vastly outnumbered and the night grows increasingly dark. The enemy is advancing through the gates and scaling the walls with much destruction. Eventually everyone is huddled in the innermost portion of the city - the last place of refuge - with the doors failing to hold any longer.

I can remember the first time I saw this movie being amazed that there were any left, not to mention the main characters of the story. Then they notice that morning has broken and all are reminded that this is all they had to do - fight and survive until the dawn. It is then that Aragorn and the king ride out and advance upon the evil, only to be met with Gandalf and his mighty army. The enemy is destroyed.

This is the church. . .clearly. Although there is much evil that surrounds us and comes against us - much of which attacks and scales the walls with great quickness and efficency. Yet there is much battle to be done and we are called to fight and survive until the dawn. Perhaps we are sometimes called to pull back into the deepest recesses of safety. . .and then we are called to advance on the encroaching evil. When the morning breaks we will see a glowing rider on a white horse that will come and wipe clean the very ground on which we fight.

"We have a future, but this tale is not over yet - not by a long shot. We now live between the battle for Helm's Deep and the Battle of Pelennor Fields. Between the beaches of Normandy and the end of the war. Between the fall of the Republic and the fall of the Empire. Between Paradise lost and Paradise regained. We live in a far more dramatic, far more dangerous Story than we ever imagined."
John Elrdredge, Epic (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2004), 99.

peculiar people

2005-01-05T22:33:00.000-05:00

"For the Christians are distinguished from other people neither by country, nor language, nor the customs which they observe. For they neither inhabit cities of their own, nor employ a peculiar form of speech, nor lead a life which is marked out by any singularity. . .they dwell in their own countries, but simply as sojourners. As citizens, they share in all things with others, and yet endure all things as if foreigners. Every foreign land is to them as their native country, and every land of their birth as a land of strangers. . .They are in the flesh, but they do not live after the flesh. They pass their days on earth, but they are citizens of heaven. . .To sum up all in one word - what the soul is in the body, that are Christians in the world. The soul is dispersed through all the members of the body, and Christians are scattered through all the cities of the world. The soul dwells in the body, yet is not of the body; and Christians dwell in the world, yet are not of the world" *

One of the great marks of the early church was its distinctiveness. In part because of their newfound status, they were the buzz of the Roman Empire. When one reads back through the ancient documents that discuss this novel community it becomes evident that the whole world was watching these devoted followers. As Mathetes demonstrates, the manner of living displayed by these folks was unique and often contrary to the rest of society.

Yet they were part of society, fully engaging their culture as participants. Often 1 Peter 2:11 gets thrown around when discussing the role of Christians in the world. This passage is used to point out the fact that believers are aliens and strangers in the world and thus do not belong here at all. I disagree with that interpretation. A clearer reading of this verse in its proper context refers to those whose citizenship is ultimately found in another place although they presently find themselves here. In fact, Peter points out that we were formerly part of the very community that now regards us as foreigners. We have not immediately left this world.

I believe that this debunks the oversimplistic notion that "we are just a-passin' through" because such a thought inevitably leads to a disconnect with this world that never makes a positive impact for the Kingdom. It does, however, bunk up (?) the idea that we have a job to do, and that our present reality is surrounded by this world. We have changed our citizenship, but remain here to do a very important work. We are surrounded by darkness. . .as a city on a hill.

At the same time we need to remain distinct. All the while we participate in the things of this world (we are not called to be separatists) we do keep in mind that the foundation of our lives is found on a higher plane.

People should talk. Not because we're insensitive-illogical-extremist-hypocritical-kooks, but because we are peculiar people.

We are peculiar people. We are peculiar people.
There is more to who we are than meets the eye.
We are peculiar people. We are peculiar people.
We will shed our human skin and learn to fly.
Yeeah-oh-oh-oh-oh.
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh.**

[quotes]
* The Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus, ca. A.D. 130

**MUTEMATH, "Peculiar People" on Reset - EP

a bowling trophy faith

2005-01-04T09:34:00.000-05:00

"When you think you know it all,
could it be that you are thinking way too small?"*

One of the fundamental problems Jesus had with the religious leaders of his day is that they had placed God in some box which they could (ultimately) control and manipulate to fit their individual desires and motivations. In similar fashion - because there is nothing new under the sun - we have found ourselves a God that is not too offensive and placed our understanding of him on our mantles, right next to all of the other trophies we've accrued. Although it sounds rather absurd to throw our understanding of the transcendent and omnipotent next to some gold-painted plastic kingpin dude, this is exactly what many Christians do everyday. In fact, many of us get together and form church communities dedicated to this very end.

I often point out the fact that theology is, in part, an admission that we do not have all of the answers. The entire task of theology is questions. We question what we can/cannot or do/do not know about God. Further, theology allows us to question God himself! I know that in more fundamental circles the notion of questioning God might as well be outright heresy, but for those who actually experience some level of normalcy it happens all the time. And that's o.k. Actually, it is more than o.k. - it is good. That means that we are wrestling with God and he is wrestling with us. It is the solidification of a relationship between the human and the divine.

Whenever we come to the point (and many of us are there) where we no longer ask questions about God or to God then we inevitably reach the point where we feel secure in our knowledge of God and assume we have all the answers. It is at this point that we are no longer doing theology. . .we are regurgitating thoughts of God that lose their effectiveness and meaning. By contrast, a faith that is being challenging and being challenged becomes a vibrant relationship with the divine. It allows him to tear down all of our misconceptions produced by a mind corrupted by sin and a soul shrouded behind the veil of his glory.

Knowing him shakes the foundations of the soul and allows for no rival. Approaching the hidden one scares the hell out of us. But. . .I suppose that's the point.

*John Schlitt, "God Is Too Big" on Unfit for Swine
Words by John Schlitt and Mark Heimermann/Music by Ronny Cates
(c)1998 Norman Clayton Publishing

slipping out the back

2004-12-31T22:43:00.000-05:00

. . .his master replied, "Well done good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things. . .
~Matthew 25:23

One of God's servants left this world and went home. Although this is a continuous event, it is always a time to take pause when someone you know dies. There have been a few close to me this year who have "slipped the surly bonds of earth" and have arrived on the other shore (the closest and dearest of these was the early-summer loss of my grandfather).

Two days prior to Christmas a dear lady that I had known from growing up in a small church past on. She was 93. Her life had been devoted to the church and to some missions work. Perhaps the world will never know the full impact of her ministry upon others (who, in turn, continually pass along the flame). What made me reflect on this particular occasion was what I learned about the funeral.

I was unable to attend the service myself, but my parents have told me of the details. It seems that there were only a dozen or so people that came to the memorial. This is partially due to the fact that she has outlived most of her friends and fellow companions in the faith. Indeed, only a couple of her fellow former-church family are around to even attend. As her life came to a close on this side of eternity, she simply left with no ado.

What a stark contrast it is for Christians who have given their lives away. Even for the well-attended funeral for my grandfather, there seemed to be a climax that was missing. Given the amount of life that he possessed and shared on this earth, it was a calm and quiet send-off. Our best memorials never seem to capture the vitality of our best examples of humanity. We can only do so much. . .partly because we are still seeing through a veil.

For them, the veil is lifted and reality has set in. There is no comparison between the services we conduct in an effort to deal with the grief and the homecoming party these saints encounter when they come face-to-face with love himself. It is not the goal for Christians to make a name for themselves here. . .all of that, the Bible says, is meaningless vanity. Our humility and servanthood bring us to an almost secretive departure.

We slip out the back quietly - having completed God's work through us - and walk in to a mighty celebration.

sipping cocoa in a coffee shop

2004-12-28T15:27:00.000-05:00

I am sitting in a coffee shop in northern Illinois. Although they have a wi-fi available, I come to the conclusion that I am too cheap to purchase access which means that I will compose now and post later from a free internet connection.

The other oddity at play here is that while I am sitting in a coffee shop, fully taking in the atmosphere, I am not drinking coffee. I never drink coffee. I can’t stand the stuff. I love the aroma of brewing coffee and find that the coffee shop itself is a great place to find oneself, especially in the cold northern winter. Actually drinking coffee, however, is another story.

So it all comes down to atmosphere. Perhaps other people. Perhaps the feeling of authenticity of some sort. Nonetheless it is a personal anomaly that I come to coffee shops with no intention whatsoever of drinking a cup of coffee.

And so it is with many who pass through the doors of a church. People come for many reasons. Perhaps people, the search for authenticity,* a feeling of warmth from the cold world – but something. I think it all comes down to atmosphere. Fundamentally there is a culture of Christianity that participates in all the tradition but never really has any intention of partaking of God.

In fact, I would suppose that there are a good number of churchgoers who, when face-to-face with God, find that they really cannot stand him. Yes, I said it. . .I’m talking about those of us who really cannot stand God. This is a little discussed problem with the Christian subculture which begins when an individual experiences a lacking faith experience. When our churches ignore the foundational aspects of a true biblical faith, then we find an ecclesiastical culture so addicted to a counterfeit that cannot accept the legitimate.

I have witnessed this phenomenon firsthand, while teaching an overview/introductory course on the Bible at my last church. There was a woman in that class who had spent a large amount of time in church for many years. She was so taken back by some of the events in the Old Testament (which would bother many of us) that she told me, “I just do not like this picture of God and do not think that I need to know this side of his character.” Point illustrated.

She – along with many, many others – had been left with such a misrepresented portrait of God that her image of Christianity was nothing more than a cultural read-back of what was comfortable to her. The result of this was a God who resembled a figure who was idealized from a human perspective rather than finding its definition in the transcendent divine. By her response, it seems that her spirit was rejecting Scripture just as my body convulses when the bitterness of coffee hits the upper pallet. The danger of biblical illiteracy among Christians keeps building.

Perhaps I’ll go force down a latte as an act of empathy and spiritual discipline.

are met in Thee tonight

2004-12-24T23:59:00.000-05:00

In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all humanity. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. . .
The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
~John 1:1-5, 14~

Few things in this world capture the essence of humanity. We award prizes to those unique individuals who somehow grab hold of a piece of the human condition (Pulitzer and Nobel are the most famous). Even with these 'grand' accomplishments it is astounding how many people still question the meaning of existence and stare into the heavens with a sense of loneliness. Perhaps this is because all of our attempts to express the true nature of ourselves fall terribly short.

Christmas is a magical time. It is magical because of the sense of wonder it arouses within our innermost being. Every Christmas story or movie has some sort of magic attached to it, whether it is about Santa Clause, the birth of Jesus, or some singing snowman. All of our celebration - both secular and religious - comes back to the wonder that encompasses this special time.

And why is this time of the year so special? Most scholars will tell us that Jesus probably was not born anywhere near December and other folks will speak of the notion that this is a holiday invented to compete with the pagan celebrations. OK, so what? The point of the Christian faith is not the specific day that is celebrated but rather the inclusion of a season that focuses on the the coming of the Savior.

It is this advent that sparks the sense of wonder within us. When we stop and ponder the words of the first chapter of John our spirits stir within us and our souls rejoice. Even the world around us cannot hide from this magnificent story. The wonder and magic of the Christmas event permeates our very being. How can Christmas do this? Because in the person of Jesus the essence of humanity is captured fully. When we gaze upon this man we find that the entirety of ourselves is found in him.

The hopes and fears. . .all of our joys, sorrows, successes, failures, morality, sinfulness, laughter, tears are captured in time and space and found within this child. Tonight there is a wonder that is set loose upon the earth. Every year - for at least one night - it cannot be contained.

The wonder that is Jesus is revealed.
He is the essence of us. . .our hopes and fears. . .our beginning and end.

shall come to thee

2004-12-22T22:13:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow we head northward in search of family and Christmas tradition. We were just informed that the forcasted high for tomorrow at our destination is 2. That's right, 2 degrees fahrenheit. I'm still used to walking around without a jacket (still an odd December experience for me), so I definitely need to pack the heavy stuff.

Why do I do this? Really, when you think about it I should get all of my family to come down here. Somehow that just wouldn't be right, something would be missing. . .it just wouldn't be home. Home is that ineffible quality that refuses to be replicated. It is the reason why we overload the car with stuff, cram a crabby cat into the back seat, and drive for fourteen hours. To fellowship with family, catch up with friends, observe traditions, play in the snow, and to arrive - ultimately - at home. That's why we head to the cold.

The way I see it the pinnacle of ventures into the cold came two-thousand years ago. Jesus himself left the warmth of his heavenly glory and went out into the cold dark to find us. Why would he do this?

Because this isn't home and although we may have a map, he knows we'll need a ride.

[insert pithy quote here]

where have all the magi gone?

2004-12-20T15:14:00.000-05:00

"The three kings had only a rumor to go by. But it moved them to make that long journey. The scribes were much better informed, much better versed. They sat and studied Scriptures like so many dons, but it did not make them move. Who had the more truth? The three kings who followed a rumor, or the scribes who remained sitting with all their knowledge?"
~Søren Kierkegaard

There are those in this world who actually seek and those who think they have found. In the context of this quote those who seek are the magi while the scribes demonstrate those who think they have found. Matthew includes this juxtaposition at the forefront of his Gospel because it dramatically demonstrates the ongoing theme of Judaism missing Jesus. Throughout the Jesus story we find the old-guard religious leaders who believe they have this whole God-thing figured out. No one (especially not some punk carpenter from a hicktown like Nazareth) is going to tell them their business.

Now if we were able to step back through time, I don't think anyone of us would willingly align with the magi. These men come into the story because of their astrological practices. What is worse, they are foreigners who probably don't have a clue regarding Torah. The obvious choice is to side with the scribes. After all, they knew the Scriptures better than almost anyone and could recite more rules and regulations about the Sabbath than you could shake a phylactery at.

The problem with this nice little blog is that I don't believe it is necessary step back a couple thousand years to make this comparison. Even with this stark contrast set in front of us we often find ourselves choosing the scribes over the magi. I have often said that when our theology reaches the point at which we no longer ask questions, then we have reached the point at which we are no longer doing theology. The scribes had stopped doing theology because they had stopped searching. All the while, the magi were wholeheartedly searching even when they lacked the proper direction. Søren's question is right, "Who had the more truth?"

Today, who has the more truth? Is it those who gather in churches for association and comfortability or those who are unafraid to search any religious path in search of a deeper meaning? Jesus helped clarify the mystery with, "Seek and you will find." Here's the loaded question for the day: Will God hold it against those adherents of other religious practices who are so misdirected because the church failed to properly faciliate their search?

The magi came on the basis of a rumor. The rumor is that there is something better, something deeper, something greater. When the scribes of our world stop considering the rumor a possibility, perhaps it's time to find some magi.

come, thou long-expected Jesus

2004-12-19T21:26:00.000-05:00

"Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day. We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, 'Come Lord Jesus!'
Amen."
~Henri J. M. Nouwen

As the light from the candles atop the Advent wreath grow brighter, we are reminded of the increased intensity of God's entrance into the world - his light into our darkness. The fourth candle lit represents love. How fitting that the culmination of the other weeks - hope, peace, joy - are all brought together in love.

The elder captured it all with such a profound simplicity, "God is love" (1 John 4:8).

In many ways we are still waiting for Jesus to appear among us. I realize this sounds rather absurd to many of you since our church-time is spent, in large part, asking for the presence of God to be made real in our lives. Well, as long as the presence of Jesus doesn't hold us past 11:59am, ask us to alter our behavior in any way, or require that we know our neighbor beyond a hallow greeting. Otherwise, we are so ready for Jesus to show up.**

BUT. . .God is love. Contrary to what you may hear in most churches, this is not just some warm blanket that makes you feel like everything's alright in your life as long as you keep coming to Sunday service on a semi-regular-slightly-comatose state and coast your way through the ins and outs of spirituality.

No. Because the whole foundation of the Christmas story is that everything is not alright. Jesus did not come down to earth just to pat everyone on the back and try the fish. The advent of the Christ was an act of spiritual warfare, driven out of God's incredible LOVE for each of us. If everything is as good as preachers make it sound then there is really no need for Jesus at all. Perhaps that is why need-for-Jesus has been so removed from our pulpits.

Everything is not alright. Such is the effect of sin.
Everything will be alright. Such is the effect of Jesus.

With the light from the Advent wreath shining brightly to symbolize Christ's illumination of the darkness, perhaps we can increase the intensity of our self-sacrificial love for each other. Because, "God is love," and all will know his disciples by. . .

**(specifics are interchangeable; these three address a certain UM church in the so-called Bible Belt)

will the real Jesus please stand up?

2004-12-17T13:38:00.000-05:00

"And those who believe that in the life and teaching of Jesus God has given a unique revelation of His character and purpose are committed by this belief, whether they like it or not, whether they admit it or not, to that quest. Without the Jesus of history the Christ of faith becomes a Docetic figure, a figment of pious imagination, who, like Alice's Cheshire cat, ultimately disappears from view."*

Jesus is definitely a popular figure, by those who seek either to dismiss him or to promote him. And, of course, all across our news channels we hear about battles in various parts of the country over what does and does not constitute a religious celebration and/or symbol. It's the whole pc thing, and I'm sick of it too - but that's for another time.

As one scholar recently stated, "Everyone wants Jesus to be on his or her side." Indeed, there are all sorts of people that try to make Jesus fit into their preconceived notions and ideologies: both fundamentalists and liberals, feminists and chauvinists, charismatics and presbyterians, poor and rich. In fact, New Age thinking throws up its hands and says Jesus is whatever anyone thinks he is. Even political groups and movements have used Jesus to promote themselves.

What's the deal? If this were just another teacher from Galilee there would not be such a ruckus. But there is such a ruckus, so there must be more.

All of these approaches and movements have a common failure: to let Jesus speak for himself. Why? Because it is easier to see what we want in Jesus than to let Jesus see through us. Even as we draw near to the Christmas story, our preachers get caught up in feel-good theology that misses the whole point expressed in the birth of Christ. The level at which we fail to focus on this child seems to suggest that we have grown too old for the story. As if there was not enough wonder and magic in this story to forever captivate our imaginations.

So, as with most everything, our failure to see Jesus starts at the beginning. His beginning. And in order for us to embark on this quest of finding him we must start looking. Perhaps we cannot draw near to his death and resurrection until we can draw near to his birth and his life.

*G. B. Caird, New Testament Theology (Oxford: Clarendon, 1994), 347.

bearing gifts, we traverse afar

2004-12-15T23:59:00.000-05:00

OK, so we're all in the season of buying. You know what I mean: the Christmas spirit has us all running around trying to find the perfect gift for all of our friends and loved ones. Although I mostly enjoy finding gifts for others, it is apparent to me that there are many who do not enjoy the holiday experience. And to be truthful, I must confess that these crabapples are the primary reason why I would rather stay at home than to brave the shopping malls and department stores.

And the difficulty in our society is that the Christmas gift-giving has been interwoven into our culture. This is easily recognizable in that age old tradition of buying gifts for coworkers, clients, distant cousins, and other folks you never interact with throughout the year. This, I believe, is the foundation of our giving woes. While it is a good thing to make our close friends and family happy, we really don't care a whole lot about the rest of them. Perhaps this is why we quickly grab the first item we can find and end up giving some of the worst gifts ever.

C. S. Lewis wrote: "Things are given as presents which no mortal ever bought for himself - gaudy and useless gadgets, 'novelties' because no one was ever fool enough to make their like before." *

Then there are those who force gift-giving simply by presenting you with a gift. The modern rule here is that the act of receiving a gift means that one owes a gift in return. I guess it is a legalized blackmail.

How did all of this get started? Where did the absurdity begin?

The roots of all of this hustle and bustle trace back to Jesus - God's gift. Now, this is often referred to in corny fashion on some cheesy Christmas card, a holiday pencil topper, or one of those specialized shopping bags, but it is indeed true.

The difference is that he gave freely, not grumbling or complaining. He gave an incredibly great gift, not some spur-of-the-moment, infomercial product. He gave it to those closest to his heart, even though he might not hear from them as much as he'd like. And his giving demands nothing in return.

Although. . .it would be nice.

*C. S. Lewis, God in the Dock (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1970), 305.

eternal revelation to men as dull as stone

2004-12-14T16:39:00.000-05:00

"It is fitting, then, not only to be called Christians, but to be so in reality."

What happened after the nativity scene? I know that it seems to be a rather odd question to ask because we have preserved the scene in our minds just as it appears before us in painted ceramic. I wonder what kind of lasting impression the birth of Jesus left on those who were called to bear witness to the event. We are told that the magi went back to their own country (Matthew 2:12), at which point we can only speculate what they did with their newfound knowledge of the Savior.

The shepherds, on the other hand, went all about the countryside to proclaim what they had seen and heard (Luke 2:17-18). This appears to be the little known fact of the story. We seem to be quite content to let the shepherds rest at the manger, gazing upon the baby. Even when baby Jesus has grown up and left the stable we still picture the shepherds and their blank stare into the troff (ok, perhaps it's a bad paint job on their eyes but try to hang with me here). The point here is that they took the revelation given them by God and spread the news to everyone they could find.

And remember, these were the shepherds, not exactly the high-end-socialites of the day. God indeed came to the lowliest in order to make such an important announcement. To emphasize humanity's need for him he sent word out to those who had nothing else in which they could trust. No money. No status. No power. No respect. The dirty, filthy, stinking, rotten, no-good, vulgar, despicable shepherds. The result? It changed their lives and they could not contain it.

Why come to these guys? If we look closely we will see that the physical nature of the shepherds as such despised outcasts demonstrates the spiritual nature of each and every one of us. We are the dirty, filthy, stinking, rotten, no-good, vulgar, despicable sinners. And God has come down to us.

Do we stay at the manger, gazing with blank stares which are poorly painted onto our faces?

*quote from The Epistle of Ignatius to the Magnesians, first century A.D.