Neither?

An angel must be an overwhelming sight. Imagine meeting one who identifies himself as the commander of the Lord's army! Such was the case for Joshua shortly before the battle of Jericho. But the angel's words are even more arresting. 

Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”

“Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell face down to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?”

The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. Joshua 5:13-15 NIV

Joshua asks a straightforward question. While scouting the city of Jericho he runs into this large, armed, angelic being. Resisting the urge to flee he gulps and simply asks "are you going to help us or hurt us?" 

Joshua had already been communicating with the LORD--already receiving instructions from Him--and His plan was being implemented. It would make sense that the Angel Commander would be part of that plan. But this angelic being brings an unlikely answer.

For most of us, we see the world around us in only two shades: those things that help, and those things that do not. Cars help us or they do not, computers help us or they do not, co-workers help us or they do  not; and as pragmatic individuals, the things that don't help we avoid, trade,or discard. But notice in our two color system who the arbiter of "help" or "hinder" is--it's us! Try as we might to be self-less and sensitive and humble, most of the time we evaluate life in terms of how it affects us. In other words, we act and speak as though we are the center of our universe-everything pivots around us! Hmm. Does it?

Perhaps this is reading between the white spaces of the narrative, but it seems the angel is telling a great truth by simply answering honestly. Put simply, the angel communicates that he works for God; he was on a mission for God; he is on station and awaiting further instructions from God. A Holy God is the pivot point of the universe! Not Joshua.

This is not to say that Joshua is unimportant or the battle for Jericho is unimportant. Clearly to God they were not. But the mission, the battle, the victory were from God, not Joshua (and his marching around the city). God's army knew who was in charge.

Again, stretching the narrative a bit, perhaps the angel heard the question and realized that Joshua wouldn't comprehend the complete response. God's plans didn't fit an "either / or" question! God was at work doing something far bigger and more complex than just a miraculous battle in the deserts of Palestine. God still works in large ways.

John Piper once wrote that God is at work in our lives in a million ways, and we may be aware of just three things He is doing. So the times when life doesn't seem to make sense (to us), or things don't seem to be progressing (for us), or our life has more questions than answers, rest assured that God is at work at all times in ways we cannot comprehend. When our prayers go unanswered perhaps it is because we pray amiss-- even while God is at work providing exactly what we need.

Though the angel at Jericho had some trouble with Joshua's question, I can assure you that God does not! He is for us! But, God remains the pivot point, not us--and that is a great thing! We can trust Him! He is good, all the time.

As with Someone Weaker . . .

Ever notice that undue stress seems to rob us of civility? Our lack of consideration is most painfully felt in our closer relationships. It’s amazing how we can be so abrupt (and even mean, sometimes) with those who matter the most to us.

I was first reminded of my shortcomings many years ago when I encountered Frank and Esther on the Swing bed unit. Esther was our patient and Frank visited faithfully several times each day. One day as I prepared to visit Esther I paused at the door and heard part of a conversation. It was Frank and he was speaking to Esther so very politely! It was as if he was still hoping to make a good impression on her! Though they had been married for more than fifty years (at that point), they still spoke to each other kindly, thoughtfully, and even “tenderly.” I was impressed and immediately humbled by their example. Frank must have been reading the first letter of the Apostle Peter:

You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.     1 Peter 3:7 NAS

The word “as” is an important word. It is a simile and “simile” is defined as “a figure of speech in which two unlike things are explicitly compared, as in “she is like a rose.”[1]

Peter’s intent in this verse was not to set up a debate about which of the genders is stronger or superior. But, rather, what Peter is trying to say in this passage is that husbands should treat their wives with extra special respect, deference, and understanding—the same as if  their wife needed or required the extra special attention due to some weakness or infirmity.

The King James Version uses the phrase “as unto a weaker vessel” which is a great analogy. In Peter’s day, there were common vessels of wood and clay, and more treasured vessels of ceramic, stone, metal, and precious metal. Common vessels were used for everyday things, treasured vessels were only used occasionally – like the fine porcelain (china) you may have in a cabinet somewhere. Peter instructs husbands to treat their wives like fine china—not because they are fancy or delicate or weak, but because they are of such great value.

Peter’s words may be the best marriage advice anyone could ever give the average guy. But, what does it look like to “live in an understanding way . . . treating one’s wife with extra consideration?"

Well, first, let’s re-frame our thinking a bit. A wife is more than a “partner”. She is more than the person who hands tools to her husband; more than the person who helps move furniture or haul hay. She is more than the person that runs to the auto parts store at the last minute. She is more than the person responsible for the kids and the house and the bills and the groceries and all the other things that may be on the list. She is more than the person who sits with her man while he watches his favorite movies or sporting events.  She is more than the person who works two jobs to support her husband’s vision of what life should be. She may be all of those things; but she is far more. Seeing one’s treasured vessel as merely a helpful “partner” misses what God had in mind.

A wife is also more than “one’s better half.” She is more than a conscience or day planner or peace-maker; a wife is more than a cook, companion, or lover. She is more than a counselor or personal nurse; she is more than one’s dietician, personal trainer or motivational speaker.  Instead, she is a “treasured vessel”; someone to honor and esteem. She is even someone to serve; someone to whom husbands should ask, “What are your goals in life and how can I help you get there?” Perhaps husbands might even ask, “How might I change to best serve you and our family?”

There is a lot of serving going on in most marriages today, but often it is very one-sided! Husbands, ask yourself if someone came to your house to visit –someone you cared for and wanted to impress—would you serve them or expect them to serve you?

 It is important to remember that  Jesus desires to be the authority in our families. Our marriages and families are not simply props to serve our own needs and whims but are designed to honor Him. Understanding who we belong to helps us honor one another –and even prefer to serve each other. Scripture reminds us that we are not created to serve our own needs all the time.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:9, 10 NIV

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, Ephesians 5:25 ESV

And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Mark 10:42-45 ESV

May God give us the heart of a servant to enable us to see and understand the needs of others; and may He give us grace and wisdom to especially treasure and encourage those He has given to share our lives.

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[1] http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/simile

My Crazy 75%

A friend told me she didn’t feel comfortable sharing too much personal information with others. She related, “I don’t want others to know how crazy I am.” That brought a smile because I could relate—and probably so can you. Jung theorized that there is 25% of who we are that we want others to see and know about; 50% we’d prefer to keep out of view, and 25% of who we are is unknown to (especially) us. Though the percentages are artificial, we can easily characterize our life as similar to an iceberg, only part of which is visible above the water.

We want others to know about our successes, our strengths, our knowledge, our positive character, our good ideas, our ability to cope—all of our positives, perhaps even a few weaknesses --if they are attractive enough. Among intimate friends, we may share some of our hidden stuff: our guarded fears, shortcomings, mistakes, and weaknesses. If we have a BFF, we may share some of the scarier stuff; but a large percentage of who we think we are (and what we may have done) is still a closely guarded secret.

We keep part of ourselves hidden because we are convinced that no one would like our whole person—and certainly only our mothers may love who we have become. As a result some put a lot of energy into building personalities that are mere facades; some try to be the person they think others want them to be or adopt attitudes or behaviors they think will be more acceptable to others (for that very reason, I encourage young couples to have engagements beyond six months: after all, with proper nutrition, exercise, appropriate medications, and plenty of sleep anyone can appear loving, sensitive, and unselfish for six months).

But, in our honest moments, we may fear that others will somehow see through us and learn “who we really are.” That fear keeps us isolated and disconnected and often ashamed. Well, if you are fearful or ashamed of your “crazy 75%”, I have good news for you (Good News, actually).

In the fourth chapter of John, Jesus waited by a well in Samaria and had a revealing conversation with a woman from the village of Sychar. This woman had two big cultural problems, and one moral problem that automatically excluded any interaction with most   religious leaders: she was a woman in a male-dominated society; she was a Samaritan which meant she was half Jewish and half something else; and third, she had been in a string of bad and failed relationships. One can imagine the woman’s prospects were increasingly desperate and troubling.

In addition, women normally came to the well together in the morning—part of their social interaction—so the fact that this person came to the well at midday alone suggests she was isolated from local society, too. In essence she was “that woman.” She was “that woman” who was abused and neglected by “that man” and shunned by the women of the city and their respectable families.

However, she was precisely the person that Jesus came to Sychar to see that day, and He knew all about her!

So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” They went out of the town and were coming to him. John 4:28-30 ESV

“Good” Jews avoided Samaria.  Jesus could have easily avoided the whole county, but He chose instead to wait by a well for woman –someone everyone else went to great lengths to judge and avoid. Jesus took the time to talk with her and explain who He was; this may have been her longest conversation with anyone in years.

I believe John included this story in his Gospel because he related to the plight of this woman. We don’t know much about the background of the Apostle John, but in referring to himself in the Gospel he never used his own name, but instead used the humble phrase, “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” Now in truth Jesus loved all of His disciples; He loved the woman by the well; He loved the people of Israel and Samaria (He even loves the whole world according to John 3:16). What John meant by this phrase (according to many commentators) was his realization that Jesus loved all (100%) of him (the good, the bad, the scary, all of him!)—and that truth was like a lightning bolt! That realization was both great and humbling at the same time! Perhaps John was not very impressed by his own resume, but he was nonetheless “loved by Jesus”.  And because of that, he felt accepted! No more fears! No more facades! Jesus knew him and loved him . . . completely . . . anyway.

So much is written about the love of God—in the Bible, in Christian songs, and countless books; and for those authors it is not an academic subject, but a life-transforming experience.  Murderers, slave-traders , even lonely women and forgotten men are completely transformed by the love of Christ.

Jesus sought out the desperate woman in Sychar; He chose people like John to be His disciples. Hmm. . . I wonder if there is a message there for us?

Oh, the joy and fellowship (and peace) of those who know they are someone whom Jesus loves!

Important or Urgent?

There is a television commercial that depicts a man so worried about his retirement portfolio that he misses an opportunity to visit with a stranger who could have brought a multi-million dollar opportunity to his company (and thus, ironically, more funds for retirement). There are perils to focusing on the wrong thing. Focus is a finite commodity. We only have so much energy and focus each day. How do we spend it? Do we need more time, or more energy, or better priorities?

Years ago, Charles E. Hummel wrote a riveting little booklet called the “Tyranny of the Urgent.” In it he describes,

We live in constant tension between the urgent and the important. The problem is that the important task rarely must be done today or even this week.  . . . But the urgent tasks call for instant action---endless demands pressure every hour and day.

A man's home is no longer his castle; it is no longer a place away from urgent tasks because the telephone breaches the walls with imperious demands. The momentary appeal of these tasks seems irresistible and important, and they devour our energy. But in the light of time's perspective their deceptive prominence fades; with a sense of loss we recall the important task pushed aside. We realize we've become slaves to the tyranny of the urgent. [1]

In 2014, after decades of hustle and bustle, it is reasonable to ask if we know the difference between “urgent” things and “important” things. Let’s look at some examples that challenge all of us:

Exercise and good nutrition are certainly important things. Too often they are both sacrificed to the urgency of work deadlines, family schedules, and (as it follows) lack of energy. After all, nothing “bad” happens (immediately, anyway) if we don’t work out. On the other hand, life can get pretty uncomfortable when deadlines and schedules are not kept.

Or maybe we could start by tackling something simpler: being attentive and present with family and friends is important. Giving another person one’s undivided attention (when they need it) is very important. Yet, we have these little devices that ding, and buzz, and ring every few seconds that (seem) to demand our immediate attention. We are tempted to talk to one another while looking at our phones.

Quite frankly, with a little thought we could easily divide much of the important from the urgent in our lives--at least intellectually—by asking “what matters the most?”  For some things, however, it can be pretty difficult to discern. So, how does a person separate them? And, how does one re-capture the right priorities? Hummel takes a cue from the life of Jesus. 

What was the secret of Jesus' work? We find a clue following Mark's account of Jesus' busy day. Mark observes that "... in the morning, a great while before day, He rose and went out to a lonely place, and there He prayed" (Mark 1:35). Here is the secret of Jesus' life and work for God: He prayerfully waited for His Father's instructions and for the strength to follow them. Jesus had no divinely-drawn blueprint; He discerned the Father's will day by day in a life of prayer. By this means He warded off the urgent and accomplished the important. [1]

A great morning prayer might be simply, “Lord, what really matters today? And, who really matters today?” James reminds us “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5 ESV).

Learning what is important in our lives is a big step. Acting on the important versus the urgent is a bigger step and one of the biggest on-going challenges we all face. As a fellow struggler I can commend the grace of God and the power of prayer (when we take advantage of them) to help us.

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[1] Charles E. Hummel, “Tyranny of the Urgent”, [Internet]; as accessed on April 2, 2014 at http://www.navfusion.com/assets/Tyranny%20of%20the%20Urgent%20[Hummel].pdf

Re-calibrating

In my chemistry days we weighed compounds and reagents in containers: beakers, crucibles, or sometimes a piece of non-reactive paper. To get an accurate measurement, however, we would have to subtract the weight of the container, or first “zero” the scale (if electronic) with the container on the scale. Of course, one must check the scale from time to time, too, with known test weights to make sure the mass of one’s samples is being measured accurately and consistently.

The analytical machines required a similar process. When working with liquid samples, for example, from time to time we would analyze known test concentrations of the compound being measured to make sure those samples were being processed accurately. In effect, these are chemistry “reality-checks.”

In problem-solving the crucial question is generally “what do we know about the problem?”And to effectively answer that question one must determine “how good is our information?” After all, we are seeking to understand what is really occurring—what is reality? Objective data always trumps subjective experience.

To the point, as one listens to contemporary Christian music, it seems a large volume of contemporary Christian music is directed to hurting souls.  Countless times in the last few years—and just when I needed it -- I have been humbled, encouraged, and blessed by the message of an inspired song. But, why do I need so much encouragement?

In truth, my concern is not about the music on the radio. It is rather, the condition of my heart. Because as I drive by the homeless to my comfortable home; or as I learn about the exponential growth of religious persecution as I sit in my comfortably-appointed church building, or leave the bedside of a terminally ill patient, or as I read my monthly newsletters from mission organizations, I realize the deep distress that I sometimes feel is a little out of balance with my reality. My struggles are really pretty minor when compared to others. But my perceived pain is not. In effect, I’m weighing my pain without subtracting the nicely insulated container. One does not need to renounce the comforts of one’s life, but we need to somehow mathematically subtract them so that our distress and pain is seen more realistically.

A Nigerian believer, gravely injured a in a bomb attack on his church wrote, “After going through what  I went through, seeing other Christians go through suffering, having Christians encourage me and pray for me, it all brought me closer to Christ.”[1]

I have often joked with patients that “the definition of ‘major surgery’ is any kind of surgery happening to me; while ‘minor surgery’ is any kind of surgery happening to anyone else.” That inward focus can also apply to one’s perspective on spiritual distress.

A brother in Nigeria considers his injury a blessing, while I consider my bank balance a trial. If our brother’s testimony teaches us anything, if world news teaches us anything, if history has taught us anything, if the Bible has taught us anything—then we should know that adversity accompanies the life of the believer. God uses suffering and difficulty to mold and refine His children. And by comparison, it appears that we in the West have had it pretty easy so far. Jeremiah was reminded that he needed to grow up and toughen up—in his faith, trust and endurance. In response to some of his questions and complaints, God responded,

If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you conquer horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan? (Jeremiah 12:5, NIV)

I am a lot like young Jeremiah; perhaps that analogy aptly describes many in the American church. So, let’s re-calibrate; let’s do a reality check. Difficult times come our way; perhaps more difficult times are ahead. But, we have a big God! Let us be encouraged to look beyond ourselves and grow in His grace and strength and wisdom.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. (Hebrews 12:1-4, 7-13 ESV)

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[1] Awuna Sunday, as quoted in The Voice of the Martyrs annual calendar publication, 2014

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[1] Awuna Sunday, as quoted in The Voice of the Martyrs annual calendar publication, 2014

It is Never Easy

The books of Ezra and Nehemiah are quick reads and interesting narratives. Both describe the adventures of exiles who return to Jerusalem from Babylon/Persia with a specific mission. Ezra returned to rebuild the temple and re-institute the teaching of God’s Word; and Nehemiah returned to rebuild the walls and gates of Jerusalem and bring order to its governance. Look, for example, at the description of Ezra in chapter 7:

. . . . this Ezra went up from Babylonia. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses that the LORD, the God of Israel, had given, and the king granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him. . .

For on the first day of the first month he began to go up from Babylonia, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, for the good hand of his God was on him. For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. (Ezra 7:6, 9-10 ESV)

God’s hand certainly was upon Ezra and also Nehemiah, but both of them had very difficult jobs and (on top of that) met with immediate opposition. Unfortunately their work (God’s plan) was blunted by a variety of physical challenges and selfish human interests. Momentum on both endeavors actually ground to a halt for a time.

One is prompted to ask, “Why, Lord? Things started out so well. . .”

At the beginning, God gave both men wisdom, opportunity, and favor with their respective bosses, and miraculously provided for both men to return to Jerusalem. In fact, God miraculously prompted two different pagan kings to fund the rebuilding of Jerusalem and its temple—things their predecessors had destroyed (by the way.) The amount of gold and silver and other resources given to each man was staggering! So one would think the tough part of their projects was over. Not so fast . . .

Now, fast forward for a moment; it may be safe to assume that you can count several “good things” falling into place for you in your recent past. These positive occurrences were either the result of great timing, good luck, coincidence, or possibly a miracle. But, perhaps following those amazing gifts of good fortune, troubles soon followed. You have had the same question, “Why, Lord? Things started out so well. . .”

First, our struggles may be more sociological than theological; and it is basic human nature to want things to go our way—all of the time. American culture takes it a bit further: we want things to go our way, all of the time, now! We have been raised to think, “Forget the journey, God, and just get me through this quickly . . .”

Part of the answer to our question “why?” is found in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah themselves. In short, there is grace in our struggles: Grace for learning, strengthening, increased faith and dependence upon God. There is grace for not only changing us, but becoming a light for others.

God provides grace for a level of experience with Him that is not possible apart from difficulty. And God’s goals are often different than our goals, anyway—and for Him the process can be just as important as the end result.  God aims for a new heart, Christ-likeness, trust, friendship, and obedience. He longs to make us complete, filled with His joy, and power, and peace. We, on the other hand, would often settle for something shiny, but far more transitory.

Consider this analogy; how many of us upon being fortunate enough to make the roster of a NCAA basketball team would believe that our days of practice were over? Great fortune? Yes! Struggles over? No! Likewise, God has big plans for you and I, and getting there can be our greatest blessing (while at the same time!) it is never easy. Hang in there! God is at work and He is good!

God Is Not Dead

KATHARINE, the wife of Martin Luther, rushed into his study where the Reformer sat in gloomy introspection one day and declared, "God is dead!" She did this to awaken the great man to a realization that his worries were as unrea­sonable as her words, and the surprised move had its desired effect. Luther saw how pre­posterous was her declaration and how equally ridiculous were his worries. He leaped to the defense of the living God and declared that God cannot die and began to act like a man who believed in Him.[1]

Hard to imagine that a man of Luther’s faith and conviction would need such a kick in the pants; but indeed, the story suggests that Luther was a person (much like you and I) who dealt with doubts. Certainly, he did not believe God was dead; I’m sure he could have preached a passionate sermon to the contrary, but his day to day behavior (apparently) did not reflect his convictions. Luther is not alone. If one were to poll Americans about the existence of God, the numbers (though receding in the past few years) range from 68-83 percent.[2] So, the majority of Americans--our neighbors, if you will—believe in the existence of God. Yet, many of us (like Luther), don’t always act as if we believe at all.

What does that mean? How does my belief in God affect my attitudes and actions? Well, first, we have to ask, “What do I believe about God?” Our beliefs influence attitudes and behaviors. Is God good? Can I trust Him with the big decisions of my life? Is God loving? Does He have a plan for my life? Is God all-powerful? Does He have the ability to help me in my chaos? You see, the more we believe about God, the more we will depend on Him.

In 2 Samuel, chapter ten, we have a great picture of faith! Cast into battle, though not intending it, David's two generals approach their situation prudently, tactically, strategically, AND prayerfully. But, also, they approach their conflict with utter reliance on God: "may the Lord do what seems good to Him."

Faith is not so much believing that God will deliver, but that what He designs will be right, just, and in accordance with His character.

Can we live with the plans of a holy and just God? We can if we also remember that He is faithful, trustworthy, sovereign, compassionate, caring, long suffering, merciful, full of grace, redemptive . . . and "works all things together for good for those who love the Lord . . ." 

If we believe what the Bible says about God—and if we can call to mind the times He has provided--we will live differently. We won’t fear change; we won’t fear patiently waiting for change either. If we believe God is who He says He is (and is still alive), we won’t live in dread and despondency—like everything in our life depends upon us.

Luther, for a moment, though a great man of faith, became a practical atheist--acting as if God was not there. When we get busy, or stressed, or worried, or withdrawn we do the same thing. I encourage you to read the Bible with new intentionality. Highlight the places where God’s character is described. The Psalms are great for this. Then pray that you will begin to believe that God has a “steadfast love”, that He “preserves the simple”, and “revives the faint.” 

Find the verses that describe God as trustworthy, faithful, loving, powerful, generous, wise, compassionate, redemptive, patient, forgiving, holy, all-knowing, responsive, perfect, watching and listening for us, seeking and saving us. Look, also, to the story of Jesus who is the perfect reflection of God to man being generous with His time, His power, His compassion, His love--giving to seekers and the merely desperate alike--because His capacity was (and still is) always greater than the need.

Many of us live as if the gas station down the street does not have gas or is unwilling to sell us any. We have places to go, but fear the prospect of using up what little gas we have left. Likewise, this great reservoir of grace, strength, wisdom, encouragement, provision, peace . . ., etc., residing in our God lies untapped. God is not dead! Nor is He is against us! In fact, He awaits our call!

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[1] D.A. Delafield, “If God is Dead.” As accessed on January 9, 2014 [Internet], at https://www.ministrymagazine.org/archive/1966/02/if-god-is-dead

[2] Dan Merica, “Pew survey: Doubt of God growing quickly among millennials.” As accessed on January 9, 2014 [Internet], at http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/06/12/pew-survey-doubt-of-god-growing-quickly-among-millennials/

Shrinking Back

But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 

For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.”

But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. Hebrews 10:32-39, ESV

I once knew a very successful man who announced (since he could now afford it) he would no longer endure dull razor blades. The man could look like Paul Bunyan in two days, so his razors did indeed get a work out. Now, with success, a new razor blade was poised and ready in his medicine cabinet every day.

A famous television football analyst and former coach didn't like airplanes. Forced to fly as a coach, he negotiated the right and means for a private bus to travel to all of his games as a network football commentator. A new razor blade each day is a small thing; even a bus, in a bloated network budget, is a relatively small  thing. Truly for these men both were "necessary" things. The concessions came as rewards for hard work and success. As concessions beget more concessions, one can imagine there were more conveniences for both men as well. With success often comes a sense of entitlement--the thinking that one deserves certain considerations or "perks." Of course entitlement thinking can come from struggle and loss, too: because of a difficult life; perhaps because of one's lack of success, the thought or question of entitlement also can arise. In either case, the question of entitlement is, "Don't I deserve better?" 

Whether through success or hardship-- over time--one's tolerance for enduring difficulties erodes. It is easy to drift toward accumulating things or experiences that might make life better. Conversely, there is a growing aversion to discipline and privation, i.e., "doing without" or "making do." A growing list of  "needs" and a growing list of things one will "not put up with" begins to emerge. In effect, the perimeter of one's "comfort zone" (those things that make a person more comfortable) swells.

To be sure, some people experience very painful things,sometimes unimaginable and unbearable things, and bear the deep scars of significant emotional trauma. It is understandable in those cases if someone cannot revisit those experiences. Yet at the beginning of the passage above, the Scriptures identify some fairly traumatic difficulties that many experienced--and did so faithfully, and willingly. God's Word to us in Hebrews gently reminds,

Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 

Confidence? Endurance? From things we don't ever want to experience again? How does that work? Well, we are warned that if we do not have those things we will be tempted to "shrink back."

"Shrinking back"--what does that look like? I sense the author of Hebrews is describing the behavior of withdrawing from the pain, struggles, and (frankly) the things we no longer wish to do. He describes the narrowing of one's outward focus and the enlarging of one's inward focus. That narrowing can be especially noticeable in regards to activities and attitudes involving faith.

The idea of "shrinking back"  was heard in the voice of Moses, Gideon and others who were frightened and initially overwhelmed by their calling. It was not present in the lives of people like David or Daniel. Yet, courageous faith became the legacy of anxious people like Abraham, Moses, Gideon, and Mary. "Shrinking back" is the legacy of bold Solomon when his heart turned to pleasures, politics, and acquiescence rather than the firm and uncomfortable convictions of faith.

Living by faith requires spiritual energy and as people get older the youthful (and often fleshly) bravado with which they once approached life's challenges is no longer available. PTL! The unguided and unbridled enthusiasm of youth has sometimes advanced causes that didn't need advancing. But for the present and the future, believers still need to advance God's Kingdom and will need the energy  that only comes by reconnecting anew with the power of the Spirit made possible by faith--a re-energized faith.

Who re-energizes? Only God. Only God (Phil 2:12,13). How does it happen?

And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?"   Luke 1:30-34 ESV

Mary's question is revealing. She had just been told an incredible promise, and her question is "how?" To be sure, Mary was not just questioning the biology of the process. She was rightfully worried about the social ramifications of God's promise, too. Best case scenario, Mary believed she would be divorced and humiliated. Worst case? Death.

But Mary placed her life in God's hands. Perhaps frightened to the bone about her immediate future, she replied, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word (10: 38)."

As we race toward Christmas, well-intentioned people keep asking us what we need, what we want, or what gift would "make our Christmas!" The unfortunate result is a focus on gifting (rather than giving); sadly, we are guided and drawn to focus on ourselves--and our contentment goes out the window as our gaze is drawn to those things we believe we deserve and would make our lives so much better.

Let us reassert that Christmas is about giving, and about serving, and about honoring our Savior and doing all sacrificially. As believers let us ask ourselves if we are willing to keep walking by faith; are we willing to embrace our uncertainties with a bold and renewed trust of (or confidence in) God?

We can shrink back to self-made comforts; we can withdraw to more peaceable confines; we can push the demands of life out and crowd all the comforts we can afford in. We can say "no" more and "yes" to just those few things we trust to be comfortable. In doing so, we will shrink away from the life God called, designed, and hoped for us.

The Bible is filled with heroes (like Mary) who said "yes" to very frightful things. Not surprisingly, since they were responding to God's calling, those frightful things became the greatest blessings in their lives.  

What DO you have?

The Feeding of the Five Thousand was an incredible miracle and such a great teaching tool. It continues to have instruction (on many levels) for us today. Looking at just one aspect of this account we find Andrew making a claim that was representative of the other disciples, but probably contained a tiny bit more hope than the others.

Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” John 6:5-9 ESV

The verse that follows recounts that Jesus immediately asked the disciples to tell the people to sit down—i.e., get ready to eat. In view of prior discussions, Christ’s response is not logical.

Earlier, John’s Gospel tells us that upon seeing the gathering crowd, Jesus had asked the disciples where one could buy food for this large group of hungry people. Philip had concluded that two hundred days’ worth of wages would not be enough to buy the food necessary—if they could even find that much in the neighboring villages. Clearly, though Jesus had compassion and wanted to feed the people, there just was no earthly way He could do it. If two hundred denarii could not buy enough food, why was Jesus preparing to feed the crowd with a child’s snack?

There are many messages in the miracle, but one message jumps off the page! Christ enlisted the disciples’ help in figuring out this ministry opportunity. Basically, He asked them, “How are we going to feed all these people?” It wasn't an “if” question, it was a “how” question. Philip introduced the conventional approach outlining the money needed, the probabilities, the logistics, and so on. Philip outlined all that they didn't have to be successful. Truly, there were too many obstacles; it couldn't be done.

Andrew, however, was bold (or silly) enough to mention what they did have: a boy’s lunch. But, quickly (perhaps hearing laughter or derision in the background) realized how inadequate his suggestion was: “but what are they for so many?”

Jesus then used the resources (the little boy’s lunch) the disciples had concluded was wholly inadequate—and their reason for not even trying—to feed the multitudes! The lessons become pretty transparent at this point:

1. Jesus can do anything, anytime, anywhere!

2. What Jesus intends to do, He can and will do!

3. The very things that argue against success can be used to achieve God’s purposes!

4. It doesn't take much (on our part) to participate in miracles!

            5. Further, suppose they could have bought the food that was needed. What implications would have followed? Jesus was a nice guy; He was thoughtful, generous, a great host, etc. More importantly, what truths about His character and ministry would have been lost?

Sadly, I am more like Philip than Andrew. I have a gift for seeing the obstacles to any great adventure. I have a gift for seeing what is inadequate by design or practice. I find it easy to rule out opportunities that have no earthly chance of working—why waste time and resources on those things when there are plenty of other good, (and proven) methods, or opportunities that need our time and resources?

Jesus was teaching and healing. For Philip and the others those things were already incredible ministry—a hundred times better than what was happening in the temple and synagogues.

But Jesus wanted to do more.

And, it appears, He was able to do so with very little: a little boy’s lunch and twelve weary, human-thinking disciples. This is humbling for all of us who know what good ministry looks like. We know a church needs compelling facilities, a vague and arresting name, easy parking, up-tempo and contemporary music, outstanding musicians, hip staff, great preaching, lifestyle ministry and leisure activities, and great on-line resources. Pity the fools that can’t manage those things.

Or maybe not: Jesus made ten to twenty thousand servings of food from that little lunch—so much so that they had more leftovers than the food with which He started! Truly, God has raised up some great people and great churches to His glory, but statistically that is not the norm, nor is it (necessarily) God's plan. Perhaps (just perhaps) God can still use humble people and humble programs and humble facilities today . . . Perhaps it is still Jesus that matters most in all that we do.

As believers we need to change our thinking and praying to account for the fact that Jesus is the power and inspiration for all ministry. His glory is our goal! If Jesus is not at work, then all our activity is a silly waste of energy anyway.We need open eyes to see the miracles God wants to do in our lives and ministries. We need to move away from our fixation on conventional wisdom or (worse) what we do not have to freely and unabashedly giving our Lord all that we DO have . . . however humble it might be.

To God be the glory, great things He has done; great things He will do!

Worth Remembering

Sticky notes are useful tools for helping us remember chores, appointments, or the things we need from the grocery store. Basically, the sticky note has replaced the rubber band on the wrist, or the string tied to our finger as a memory aid (my problem with the rubber band was trying to remember what I was trying to remember).

Our minds are bombarded with so much interesting but (let's face it) trivial information. For example, having just finished "Shark Week" I know more about sharks than I will ever need to know (we don't commonly encounter them in Idaho).Coincidentally, the more I know about sharks, the less I like them.

Sharks aside, our minds are bombarded, much of the time, by not just trivial information, but trivia that is (also) incredibly incorrect. What, for example, will one learn about life (self-control, relationships, marriage, values, parenting, purpose, etc)  from dysfunctional reality television programs? Don't get me started: much of television does not even give us "conventional wisdom" anymore, but rather dispenses "conventional dysfunction." Now, like the majority of Americans, I do like a good demolition derby now and then; but it is important to view the carnage as entertainment and not drivers' education. In other words, as long as one views reality television as primarily indicative of the wrong things to do, you may be safe.

There are, however, some great things to learn and incredible messages to remember--especially given the steady stream of bad information being peddled in the media. Here are some great messages to write on your sticky notes and display prominently:

• God is a wise, patient and careful builder
• Since God can use anything for His glory, He can use me.
• God loves; God forgives . . .
• We can't do anything to make God love us any less; we can't do anything to make God love us any more. He already loves us completely.
• God is not tired, over-wrought, selfish, distracted, cranky, or too busy for us.
• God can create with a Word, and heal with the hem of His cloak.
• The Lord is good to all (all the time).
• God is faithful, even when we are faithless.
• Our Savior is full of grace and truth.
• He stands besides those in need--a bruised reed He will not break; a smoldering candle He will not extinguish.
• The Lord is the strength of His people.
• He helps us climb to higher places.
• Our God is our Rock, our Fortress, our Deliverer
• Our God is seeking, responsive, generous, compassionate, redemptive, eager to heal . . .

Well, those are just some examples. When reading Scripture, take note about what the verses say about the character of God and then make your own list. 

The believer needs to be anchored in truth so the confusion of the world does not overtake him or her. Remind yourself daily of the greatness of God-- and of His many blessings to you. Those are the things worth remembering.

A Ton of Difficulty

Remember the reality television show "Gold Rush?" The show followed three quite different but somewhat loveable "families" of miners as they ruthlessly pillaged the beautiful Alaskan countryside in search of gold. Turning beautiful forested valleys into jagged and scarred gravel pits, these adventurers sifted mountains of material in search of the tiniest grains of gold.

All over Alaska there are similar stories of individuals, and large companies converting mountains of dirt and rock into small jars of gold. The effort is truly on a monumental scale. The EPA reports that the ratio of overburden (the dirt they don't want), to the gravel that may contain gold can be as high as 10:1. 

At the largest placer gold mine in North America, Cambior, Inc.'s Valdez Creek Mine near Cantwell, Alaska, approximately 34,000 cubic yards of material were extracted daily. Of this, 3,000 cubic yards pass through the wash plant when it is operating, leaving approximately 90 percent of the material moved as waste.[i]

Now consider for a moment the remaining three thousand cubic yards of “ore” that is processed in the wash plant. Depending on its composition, three thousand cubic yards of ore/gravel can weigh from three thousand to forty-five hundred tons! The pay out—in gold—from this enterprise is measured in mere ounces! Converting thousands of tons to tens of ounces is quite a steep drop off.

Feelings about the possible abuse of pristine lands aside, this is a real-life lesson: great things are often refined from piles and piles of not-so-great things. Great works of art may begin as a huge block of unflinching marble. Great books emerge from thousands of discarded pages. Thin dissertations are the result of the prodigious combing of hundreds of source materials.

It should come as no surprise, then, that spiritual growth travels along similar paths. LeRoy Eims has asserted that “God allows a ton of difficulty to come into our lives to teach us one ounce of wisdom.”[ii]

That may seem like a poor exchange (for us), but like gold mining, the value of the final product more than pays for the trouble—because (in our case) it is God’s wisdom we are receiving; worth far more than any amount of precious metal!  (Psalm 19:10; 119:27, 72; Proverbs 3:14; 8:19; 16: 6)

So in life as in mining there is a sifting process to eliminate that which is not useful. Scripture tells that in life (as in mining) there is also a refining process. The recovered gold flakes and dust have to be smelted and refined; gold has a specific melting point (temperature) and it is typically heated with a specific flux that removes its impurities. The caveat is that the gold has to stay in the furnace until it melts, anything less and refining does not occur (at all).

Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another. Isaiah 48:10-11, ESV

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7, ESV

As humans and especially independent American humans, the thought of being shaken, sifted, washed, and then placed in the furnace is anathema! It is the very opposite of comfort. It is the very antithesis of “feeling good about ourselves.” And yet, God lovingly shakes, sifts, washes, and heats us up all the time. You may be feeling the heat even as you read this! Rest assured, our trouble is worth it—He is refining the gold of Christ-like character in us! In fact, it is some kind of heavenly alchemy where God takes that which has no worth and makes us into His sons and daughters. PTL!

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”

It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.  Hebrews 12:5-11 ESV

“It is for discipline that you have to endure . . .” God asks us to cooperate with His discipline, even embrace it so that we might “share His holiness” and reflect the “peaceful fruit of righteousness” to a world that desperately needs our Savior.

So “do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord . . ." Do not consider difficult times to be an unfruitful or an unnecessary waste of time. Do not try to escape the furnace until God has accomplished His purposes in you. He is, after all, God, and He knows what He is doing. God—more so than you and I—knows what He is creating and what it takes to get there.

And from personal experience, let me lend another lesson (in process): Trust is paramount, but at some point blind and resigned trust should be supplanted by confident, expectant, understanding and grateful trust! The grand designer is at work! And (even more amazingly) He is choosing to do His great work in me and you!

So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1 John 4:16-18 ESV

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4, ESV

In memory of Steve Bekkedahl who ably demonstrated how to embrace adversity and glorify God. His words and example continue to challenge, amaze and guide. Happy birthday big brother.

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[i] Environmental Protection Agency, “Technical Resource Document: Extraction and Beneficiation Of Ores and Minerals, Volume 6, Gold Placers” (1.4.2 Extraction Methods, 1-12) [Internet] http://www.epa.gov/osw/nonhaz/industrial/special/mining/techdocs/placer/placer1.pdf

[ii] LeRoy Eims, Daily Discipleship; A Devotional (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 1998)