"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 Our apologetics seem to be on pace with our Sunday morning services - outdated and impotent.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
Tuesday, May 31
Saturday, May 28
stronger than gravity
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.
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.
Saturday, May 21
renewing strength
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)
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)
Friday, April 15
when memory fades into reality
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 13
12 7/8
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. . .
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. . .
Tuesday, April 5
of priests and popes
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.
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.
Friday, April 1
life goes on
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.
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.
Monday, March 28
love walks on
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. . .
-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. . .
Sunday, March 27
love goes on
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.
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.
Saturday, March 26
the sum of all insignificance
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.
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.
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