Monday, April 30, 2012
The purposes of God and my response
Luke included a terse observation about the Pharisees and experts of the law in his Gospel, “The Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves.” (7:30) Even if one is refined and well educated, is able to argue the fine points of theologies, and is held in high esteem by ones contemporaries, he still must pursue God’s purposes!
John the Baptist was the lightning rod! He became the issue over which many debated. It seems as if most folk had an opinion and the theological-political house was divided. Quibbling has always been a vocation for some of “the cloth.” But, “God’s purpose” must loom larger than curiosity, more dominant than personal preference.
A few verses later, in the same chapter, Luke reports that Jesus forgave the sins of a woman who bathed and kissed his feet. The quibblers challenged Jesus’ authority. I think they were the same people who “rejected God’s purposes for themselves.” As the “purposes of God” were worked into the warp and woof of those present at the foot washing event reported by Luke, they had no unresolved questions about Jesus’ authority! Reading the first five chapters of Luke’s other book, The Acts of the Apostles, makes that perfectly clear.
I, for one, have spent too much time quibbling. I determine to spend the balance of my time in wonder and awe of Jesus’ authority to forgive, to embrace “God’s purpose” for me.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Jesus, the Message
I have a conviction that when we lose confidence in the Message, the Gospel of the Kingdom, we intensify our focus on methods. My perspective has been influenced by a very positive experience and privilege of sharing the Message in over three hundred different pulpits. The presence of God is as satisfying and relevant in a group of ten or twelve as in crowds of thousands. I have been in very small and in huge settings and have discovered that where Jesus is, I am satisfied.
In my travels I have been introduced to what church leaders variously call the “wow factor,” “energy,” or “pop” of public worship. It’s lights, cameras, action! The performance of highly-skilled religious artisans evokes excited, enthusiastic songs, dance, shouts and ample energy. But, on more than one occasion, there was no mention of Jesus, the Christ, who is the church’s Message. The call to the good life, to endless bounty, to a god described as a cosmic problem solver, will not save anyone. It is Jesus, who is the church’s Message. Jesus guarantees deliverance from the debilitating effects of sin, escape from crippling mental and emotional distresses, and the promise of purposeful living. Jesus calls people to unselfish living that satisfies the painful boredom which alcohol, drugs, and myriads of therapies attempt to anesthetize. Jesus is the Message. He satisfies people in every venue where He is welcomed, acknowledged, and heard.
In recent readings of the Gospels, I have been startled with how frequently Jesus deliveed the needy from the aching, crippling effects of disease, demons and death. Jesus inflicted fatal blows to boredom. Matthew’s Gospel records that the words and works of Jesus “amazed” the people. Many times the people were “filled with awe” as Jesus taught and demonstrated His authority. “Surprise” repeatedly enters the circle of people gathered around Jesus. “Wonder” often describes the reaction of people in Jesus’ presence.
Jesus sometimes had to send the people away. They wanted to linger, to bask in His Presence. He never said, “Tomorrow we will be meeting at the Fifth Street Synagogue. Bring your friends!” On at least one occasion Jesus got in a boat, crossed the lake, and was met by another group who found their way to where He was going! The satisfaction of the Presence, the presence of the Message was enough to attract people. The “awe” accompanied with Jesus’ presence was enough. Jesus, the Message is the magnet. Jesus, lifted up, still draws people to Himself. Jesus, the Message, is the miracle who still creates amazement and surprises!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
The Second Half
Pat and I are clearly living the second half of our lives. It is obvious that there are fewer years ahead than behind! Some folk grow morose, moody, and mumble with complaint as they age. In my opinion, they spend too much time wondering why things aren’t like they used to be, and resenting that reality that another generation is appropriately leading the way.
While reading the nativity story recently, I was reminded that some of the key members in the report were “second half people.” Elizabeth is described as “well along in years,” and Zechariah said, “I am an old man.” Both expected that they, like the Patriarchal couple, Abram and Sarah, would be childless. But, in the “second half” they each experienced things so amazing that their youthful years are almost completely overlooked! The most important observation I can make is that they were both faithful to their vocations for a long time before the mystery and marvel of the “second half” began to happen. To quote Luke, “Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly.”
Consider, “well-along-in-years” Elizabeth, conceived, just as an angel hold told her husband she would. When carrying The Baptist in her aged womb, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exalted loudly with an excited exclamation,
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”
Elizabeth became a prophetess as a senior citizen!
Not to be overlooked, Elizabeth is the only audience of record for the first singing of Mary’s hymn, a glorious song which begins with –
“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me — holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.”
The senior citizen listened to the song written by a member of the youth group! No “Tsk! Tsk! What is the world coming to?” We have an example before us, the young and old can, and in my opinion should, worship together.
While only a few months or years away from being inserted on the Temple’s roster of retired priests, Zechariah had his finest hours. God arranged for the “lot” to select Zechariah for special Temple duty. It may have been his first turn at the holy office as lots are unpredictable. While performing his priestly assignment, the angel Gabriel appeared, spoke prophetic promises, and left Zechariah speechless. The inability to speak disappeared as soon as John was named, and Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and composed a powerful hymn which begins with –
“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.
He has raised up a horn£ of salvation for us in the house of his servant David
(as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),
salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us —
to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant,
the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear
in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
I’d love to hear Mary’s song and Zechariah’s sung today!
Two other “second half” people round out the cast of the nativity story. Anna was at least eighty-four years-old, and Simeon apparently was waiting for “the consolation of Israel” for a long time. Each of them teaches us about the “second half” too. But, this piece is already too wordy.
My take-away lessons include:
1. God uses people who stay with their assignments for a long time.
2. The “second half” can be the most productive time in life.
3. Miracles happen to young and old. In the nativity account the miracles complemented each other.
4. It is good for old and young to spend time together.
5. Old people ought to be inspired by the younger.
6. Young people’s songs may be as good as old people’s songs.
You surely will have more to add. Please send us the lessons the Holy Spirit in you. I’ll share them with other readers.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Yes, we believe in miracles!
A paper newsletter we distribute via snail mail includes the following, “How many people do you know who have answered the phone to hear, ‘I just sent $50,000 to you for your project?’ In answer to prayer, we have experienced many miracles. When I work, I work. When I pray, God works!”
Here is the story of the $50,000 phone call. While talking on the telephone, I inquired about the health of the spouse of the person with whom I was speaking. We had received a report about a cancer diagnosis and I called to verify the accuracy of the report and to offer prayer. The spouse’s condition was grave and I assured the family that the church would be praying.
Just before ending the call, I was asked, “I heard you have a project in North Philadelphia. How is it coming along?” I responded as light-heartedly as possible, but had to soberly report that the renovations at Resurrection Life had stalled for lack of funds. We had an estimate of $75,000 to install a sprinkler system, an unexpected add-on imposed by the city fire department, and we didn’t have the needed 50%, or $37,500, to get the job started.
“Oh, that’s a lot of money!” my friend said. “We would really like to help, but we’ll pray.” Since I had not called to speak about a renovation project or to raise money, I gave little thought to our friend’s promise of prayer. But, less than an hour later, I received a call and the happy news, “We will be sending you $50,000 to help get that sprinkler system installed!” That happened more than three years ago. Other challenges were presented. The balance was met as miraculously as the generous gift of $50,000. The list of miracles is long!
If anyone asks you, “Do you know anyone who received a phone call and the promise of $50,000?” Say, “Yes!” Have the person call and I will verify that the story is true! Our Father knows what we need even before we ask! (Matthew 6:8)
Friday, April 20, 2012
Worry, wealth and want
One of my favorite book titles is Your God Is Too Small, by J. B. Phillips. The title captures Jesus’ teaching in the parable of the seeds. One group of people Jesus described is, “Like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.” (Mark 4:17,18) The people Jesus described hear the same word as others, but process what they hear in the arena of worry, wealth and want.
My working definition of worry is, “Helping God remember things I believe He forgot.” In contrast to worry, the Psalmist wrote this assurance, “For you, O Lord, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.” (Psalm 97:9) It is impossible to worship the “Most High,” while worrying. One may sing worship lyrics while stewing and fretting, but not worship. Worship brings “Most High” into startling, satisfying focus.
The “deceitfulness of wealth” is that if we have riches we have life. The old axiom truthfully says, “Everything I purchase eventually owns part of me.” For the past eighteen months we have owned two houses. The one we live in is a needed shelter and gathering place for family and friends. The other demands our attention and gives little in return. Some have said, “It must be great to own a house like this!” Not! Wealth, or ownership of too much, is deceitful, an encumbrance.
Do you know people who have an inordinate “desire for other things?” The need to have is insatiable. The thirst for more cannot be quenched unless the seed of Jesus’ message enters, germinates, takes root and bears fruit. The degree to which Jesus’ parable has been applied in our lives, is the measure of tranquility and productivity we enjoy.
My working definition of worry is, “Helping God remember things I believe He forgot.” In contrast to worry, the Psalmist wrote this assurance, “For you, O Lord, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.” (Psalm 97:9) It is impossible to worship the “Most High,” while worrying. One may sing worship lyrics while stewing and fretting, but not worship. Worship brings “Most High” into startling, satisfying focus.
The “deceitfulness of wealth” is that if we have riches we have life. The old axiom truthfully says, “Everything I purchase eventually owns part of me.” For the past eighteen months we have owned two houses. The one we live in is a needed shelter and gathering place for family and friends. The other demands our attention and gives little in return. Some have said, “It must be great to own a house like this!” Not! Wealth, or ownership of too much, is deceitful, an encumbrance.
Do you know people who have an inordinate “desire for other things?” The need to have is insatiable. The thirst for more cannot be quenched unless the seed of Jesus’ message enters, germinates, takes root and bears fruit. The degree to which Jesus’ parable has been applied in our lives, is the measure of tranquility and productivity we enjoy.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
We simply must not quit!
I quote Chris Schneider of the Associated Press this morning.
“Jamie Moyer, the 49-year-old, threw seven masterful innings and Dexter Fowler hit a two-run homer to help the Colorado Rockies hold on for a 5-3 win over the San Diego Padres. Moyer (1-2) was sharp all evening as he picked up his 268th career win, tying him with Hall of Famer Jim Palmer for 34th on the career list. Moyer earned that elusive win for the ages in his third start of the season. He is 49 years, 150 days old.
“Away from the mound, Moyer hardly looks like a kid anymore. He has gray streaks in his hair and frequently dons reading glasses that sit perched on the tip of his nose. This betrays his age, too: He’s on the verge of receiving his AARP card. But once he steps on the mound that youthful exuberance returns.
“Moyer enticed the Padres to hit into three double plays . . . The aged wonder used his wealth of experience to his advantage against the young Padres, six of whom weren’t even born when Moyer made his major-league debut in 1986.”
Major League Baseball’s archives record the following fascinating facts.
• Moyer’s catcher last night wasn’t even born when Moyer entered the major leagues.
• Moyer’s wife and seven of their eight children were in the stadium to view his record setting feat. One adult son pitches for a college team and couldn’t make it!
• In an era of 100 mile per hour fastballs, none of Moyer’s pitches got up to 80 miles per hour.
• After three years with the Chicago Cubs, 1986-1989, Moyer was offered a coaching job because team management was convinced that he would never succeed as a major league pitcher. After at least five trips to the minor leagues, Jamie Moyer now has 269 wins and some who evaluated him are no longer in the game.
Sure, Jamie Moyer is a one-of-a-kind athlete. There may never be another like him. But, he determined that he would pitch at the highest level of competition, and succeeded. It is likely that Jamie Moyer will be inducted into Major League Baseball’s Hall of Fame!
The lesson? Don’t quit! Adjust! Succeed! Moses didn’t hit his stride until he was 80 years-old. Joshua and Caleb outlasted a whole generation. Quitting simply cannot be in the vocabulary of Jesus’ disciples.
“Jamie Moyer, the 49-year-old, threw seven masterful innings and Dexter Fowler hit a two-run homer to help the Colorado Rockies hold on for a 5-3 win over the San Diego Padres. Moyer (1-2) was sharp all evening as he picked up his 268th career win, tying him with Hall of Famer Jim Palmer for 34th on the career list. Moyer earned that elusive win for the ages in his third start of the season. He is 49 years, 150 days old.
“Away from the mound, Moyer hardly looks like a kid anymore. He has gray streaks in his hair and frequently dons reading glasses that sit perched on the tip of his nose. This betrays his age, too: He’s on the verge of receiving his AARP card. But once he steps on the mound that youthful exuberance returns.
“Moyer enticed the Padres to hit into three double plays . . . The aged wonder used his wealth of experience to his advantage against the young Padres, six of whom weren’t even born when Moyer made his major-league debut in 1986.”
Major League Baseball’s archives record the following fascinating facts.
• Moyer’s catcher last night wasn’t even born when Moyer entered the major leagues.
• Moyer’s wife and seven of their eight children were in the stadium to view his record setting feat. One adult son pitches for a college team and couldn’t make it!
• In an era of 100 mile per hour fastballs, none of Moyer’s pitches got up to 80 miles per hour.
• After three years with the Chicago Cubs, 1986-1989, Moyer was offered a coaching job because team management was convinced that he would never succeed as a major league pitcher. After at least five trips to the minor leagues, Jamie Moyer now has 269 wins and some who evaluated him are no longer in the game.
Sure, Jamie Moyer is a one-of-a-kind athlete. There may never be another like him. But, he determined that he would pitch at the highest level of competition, and succeeded. It is likely that Jamie Moyer will be inducted into Major League Baseball’s Hall of Fame!
The lesson? Don’t quit! Adjust! Succeed! Moses didn’t hit his stride until he was 80 years-old. Joshua and Caleb outlasted a whole generation. Quitting simply cannot be in the vocabulary of Jesus’ disciples.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Jesus' Kingdom, a radical call to follow
According to Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus moved from “unknown” to “celebrity” in a few steps. While we have no exact indication of time, Jesus navigated from being the eldest son of a working class son carpenter; challenged his entire being by fasting for forty days in isolation, capped with a writhing period of hand-to-hand, will-to-will, face-to-face temptation; and then, learning of his cousin John’s imprisonment, Jesus entered public life.
Jesus’ first announcement as rabbi-teacher-Messiah concerned the Kingdom of God. His first words were, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” (Matthew 4:17) In effect Jesus was saying, “Listen up, I am calling you to change your mind, change your heart!” The world’s promise is leadership, ownership, privilege and influence. Jesus called out to Peter and Andrew, “Follow me! Forfeit your share of the family business, your privileges as sons of the owner, and all the security you know. I will teach you to fish for men.”
As Jesus made his way through Galilee, He taught in synagogues, preached the good news of the Kingdom, healed the sick and paralyzed, and delivered those possessed with devils. When He arrived at His first hillside classroom, Jesus sat down and taught what has become known as “The Sermon on the Mount.” Jesus began with –
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5)
Using a sweeping panorama, Jesus was sharing that the Kingdom of God is radically different from anything the world had even seen. And, Jesus was enlisting His students to follow Him to live as a revolutionary.
Serious study of the sermon is a worthy exercise, but we must not overlook the big picture! The focus of Jesus’ teaching was a call to a new way of thinking, a new life enabled by the Spirit. The “blessed” or “happy” person chooses to reach for and embrace what the world’s system consistently scorns. Kingdom people quit elbowing their way to the front of lines and demanding their rights. They ache for righteousness, live mercifully, seek purity, and make serious efforts to secure peace. Persecution? That is a small price to pay for citizenship in Jesus’ Kingdom! Heaven will be worth everything.
Understanding Jesus’ call to follow as His disciple requires serious consideration of the radical nature of His Kingdom.
Jesus’ first announcement as rabbi-teacher-Messiah concerned the Kingdom of God. His first words were, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” (Matthew 4:17) In effect Jesus was saying, “Listen up, I am calling you to change your mind, change your heart!” The world’s promise is leadership, ownership, privilege and influence. Jesus called out to Peter and Andrew, “Follow me! Forfeit your share of the family business, your privileges as sons of the owner, and all the security you know. I will teach you to fish for men.”
As Jesus made his way through Galilee, He taught in synagogues, preached the good news of the Kingdom, healed the sick and paralyzed, and delivered those possessed with devils. When He arrived at His first hillside classroom, Jesus sat down and taught what has become known as “The Sermon on the Mount.” Jesus began with –
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5)
Using a sweeping panorama, Jesus was sharing that the Kingdom of God is radically different from anything the world had even seen. And, Jesus was enlisting His students to follow Him to live as a revolutionary.
Serious study of the sermon is a worthy exercise, but we must not overlook the big picture! The focus of Jesus’ teaching was a call to a new way of thinking, a new life enabled by the Spirit. The “blessed” or “happy” person chooses to reach for and embrace what the world’s system consistently scorns. Kingdom people quit elbowing their way to the front of lines and demanding their rights. They ache for righteousness, live mercifully, seek purity, and make serious efforts to secure peace. Persecution? That is a small price to pay for citizenship in Jesus’ Kingdom! Heaven will be worth everything.
Understanding Jesus’ call to follow as His disciple requires serious consideration of the radical nature of His Kingdom.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Responses welcomed!
I received the following in response to yesterday’s “Renewed Cities” item. A few names have been removed, but the rest of the response is intact.
“I am currently teaching the book, Living in the Spirit, by George Wood to my adult Sunday School class. I printed your teaching on dreams to share with the class.
“Several years ago, my daughter-in-law, daughter and I were planning a trip to see my mother-in-law in Graying, (MI) who was very ill. My granddaughter got sick, so we canceled the trip. Friday night, I had a dream that caused me so much concern that I woke up and said, ‘OK, God, I’ll go alone to see my mother-in-law.’
I don’t remember the specifics of the dream at all. Saturday evening, before I left to return home, I led my mother-in-law to the Lord. Monday morning, my sister-in-law called to tell me that my mother-in-law died in her sleep. God intervened. I was able to see my mother-in-law one last time and have assurance that I will see her again.”
Several people have responded to items posted. Like you, I am glad to hear responses. This forum is better as a dialogue. We welcome your observations and will pass as many on as appropriate.
Thinking ahead, tomorrow I will introduce the Sermon on the Mount on Jesus’ Kingdom being advanced by those who practice self-management.
“I am currently teaching the book, Living in the Spirit, by George Wood to my adult Sunday School class. I printed your teaching on dreams to share with the class.
“Several years ago, my daughter-in-law, daughter and I were planning a trip to see my mother-in-law in Graying, (MI) who was very ill. My granddaughter got sick, so we canceled the trip. Friday night, I had a dream that caused me so much concern that I woke up and said, ‘OK, God, I’ll go alone to see my mother-in-law.’
I don’t remember the specifics of the dream at all. Saturday evening, before I left to return home, I led my mother-in-law to the Lord. Monday morning, my sister-in-law called to tell me that my mother-in-law died in her sleep. God intervened. I was able to see my mother-in-law one last time and have assurance that I will see her again.”
Several people have responded to items posted. Like you, I am glad to hear responses. This forum is better as a dialogue. We welcome your observations and will pass as many on as appropriate.
Thinking ahead, tomorrow I will introduce the Sermon on the Mount on Jesus’ Kingdom being advanced by those who practice self-management.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Dreams, Do They Matter?
For many years I have mused over the role of dreams and visions in the lives of Jesus’ disciples. The interest was jump-started when a Godly lady, an immigrant from an Eastern culture, asked me to help her by interpreting a dream while I greeted people following a morning worship service. Later, I discovered that her request would not be considered unusual in the Pentecostal church in her homeland.
Like most Pentecostal disciples, I typically focus on speaking in tongues as an evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit. But I wonder why so little is said of dreams and visions when both are rather prominently mentioned in Peter’s explanation of Day of Pentecost events. “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” (Acts 2:17)
My material for pondering was reignited as I reread the first chapters of Matthew’s Gospel. Consider, God communicated with Joseph in a dream when He assured Mary’s betrothed, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21) An all-important message was communicated via a dream!
The Magi changed course because, “And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” (Matthews 2:12) Soon after the Magi left, Joseph dreamed another dream when the Lord said, Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘Out of Egypt I called my son.’” The integrity of Jeremiah’s prophecy was guaranteed by Joseph’s response to a dream and the Savior’s life was preserved.
While in Egypt, Joseph dreamed another dream and took his little family back to Israel. En route, another dream with additional instructions changed the family’s destination, and Jesus would be called a “Nazarene,” as the prophets had predicted. (Matthew 2:19-23)
I may be overstating the importance assigned to dreams. Or, maybe their importance has been overlooked! Of one thing I am certain, vision casting in the Bible is not the work of a deliberating committee, but a Spirit-driven Holy interruption to ordinary thinking. I am also quite interested in discovering how dreams have affected others. It may give me courage to share one or two of my own!
To whet your interest, some of my dreams came to me when I was wide awake!
Like most Pentecostal disciples, I typically focus on speaking in tongues as an evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit. But I wonder why so little is said of dreams and visions when both are rather prominently mentioned in Peter’s explanation of Day of Pentecost events. “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” (Acts 2:17)
My material for pondering was reignited as I reread the first chapters of Matthew’s Gospel. Consider, God communicated with Joseph in a dream when He assured Mary’s betrothed, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21) An all-important message was communicated via a dream!
The Magi changed course because, “And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” (Matthews 2:12) Soon after the Magi left, Joseph dreamed another dream when the Lord said, Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘Out of Egypt I called my son.’” The integrity of Jeremiah’s prophecy was guaranteed by Joseph’s response to a dream and the Savior’s life was preserved.
While in Egypt, Joseph dreamed another dream and took his little family back to Israel. En route, another dream with additional instructions changed the family’s destination, and Jesus would be called a “Nazarene,” as the prophets had predicted. (Matthew 2:19-23)
I may be overstating the importance assigned to dreams. Or, maybe their importance has been overlooked! Of one thing I am certain, vision casting in the Bible is not the work of a deliberating committee, but a Spirit-driven Holy interruption to ordinary thinking. I am also quite interested in discovering how dreams have affected others. It may give me courage to share one or two of my own!
To whet your interest, some of my dreams came to me when I was wide awake!
Monday, April 9, 2012
Easter Guarantees the Future
Yesterday, Resurrection Day, was simply grand! Easter music is powerful! To sing with a church full of people, “Up from the grave, He arose!” is believing, confessing and living to the max! Listening to children singing a tune with lyrics reinforcing the resurrection truth was powerful, faith-building. The resurrection is welded to all the promises of God.
Yes, Resurrection Day is glorious, a marvelous day for all who trust in Jesus. This morning I read Zechariah of a promised day which will come as surely as others promised and fulfilled, a grand, glorious, unbelievable day!
“Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with him. On that day there will be no light, no cold or frost. It will be a unique day, without daytime or nighttime—a day known to the LORD. When evening comes, there will be light.” (Zechariah 14:5-7)
Ah, savor the promise, taste and see that the promise of the Lord is good! The day the Lord promises is one so unique that, “When evening comes, there will be light.” The whole world order will be reversed. Easter speaks of salvation completed and still to be fully known.
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” (2 Corinthians 1:20-21)
There is a whole lot of future in the resurrection! Wouldn’t it be great if next Sunday we could all sing a song of the future?
There is coming a day,
When no heart aches shall come,
No more clouds in the sky,
No more tears to dim the eye,
All is peace forever more,
On that happy golden shore,
What a day, glorious day that will be.
What a day that will be,
When my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand,
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.
Yes, Resurrection Day is glorious, a marvelous day for all who trust in Jesus. This morning I read Zechariah of a promised day which will come as surely as others promised and fulfilled, a grand, glorious, unbelievable day!
“Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with him. On that day there will be no light, no cold or frost. It will be a unique day, without daytime or nighttime—a day known to the LORD. When evening comes, there will be light.” (Zechariah 14:5-7)
Ah, savor the promise, taste and see that the promise of the Lord is good! The day the Lord promises is one so unique that, “When evening comes, there will be light.” The whole world order will be reversed. Easter speaks of salvation completed and still to be fully known.
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” (2 Corinthians 1:20-21)
There is a whole lot of future in the resurrection! Wouldn’t it be great if next Sunday we could all sing a song of the future?
There is coming a day,
When no heart aches shall come,
No more clouds in the sky,
No more tears to dim the eye,
All is peace forever more,
On that happy golden shore,
What a day, glorious day that will be.
What a day that will be,
When my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand,
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Good Friday
Pat and I are preparing to attend Good Friday services in nearby Rehoboth Beach. The pastor of the church posted the following on the church website. The verse is inscribed on a burial marker dating back more than three hundred years. The person interred had only lived twenty-five-years when she died.
“My flesh shall slumber in this Clay
Till the last Trumpets joyful Day
Then burst these bands with sweet surprise
And in my SAVIORS Image rise”
Three hundred years is a long, long time to await the full realization of faith. Others have been waiting even longer. But it is worth the wait!
This afternoon, I hope the congregation will sing the Isaac Watts hymn, “When I survey the wondrous cross.” The lyrics have helped anchor the faith of Jesus’ disciples as they have been sung since 1707, three hundred five years.
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
Pat and I are attending services because we need to continuously anchor our souls to the cross. The faith that saves us will be reinforced as we remember that moment when Jesus gave His life for ours.
“My flesh shall slumber in this Clay
Till the last Trumpets joyful Day
Then burst these bands with sweet surprise
And in my SAVIORS Image rise”
Three hundred years is a long, long time to await the full realization of faith. Others have been waiting even longer. But it is worth the wait!
This afternoon, I hope the congregation will sing the Isaac Watts hymn, “When I survey the wondrous cross.” The lyrics have helped anchor the faith of Jesus’ disciples as they have been sung since 1707, three hundred five years.
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
Pat and I are attending services because we need to continuously anchor our souls to the cross. The faith that saves us will be reinforced as we remember that moment when Jesus gave His life for ours.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
And, Can It Be?
Have you considered that God promised, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you?” (Hebrews 13:5). Among the last words to His disciples Jesus similarly, assured, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Shouldn’t we be deeply moved by the irony and apparent contradiction of one of Jesus’ statements from the cross, “‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’—which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” (Matthew 27:46) The One who promised never to leave to leave us was abandoned!
Charles Wesley’s 272-year-old hymn captures the poignancy and power of what Jesus has done for all who will call on His Name. The lyrics move me to tears, my soul shivers, shaking with truth.
1.
And can it be that I should gain
an interest in the Savior's blood!
Died he for me? who caused his pain!
For me? who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
2.
'Tis mystery all: th' Immortal dies!
Who can explore his strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
to sound the depths of love divine.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.
3.
He left his Father's throne above
(so free, so infinite his grace!),
emptied himself of all but love,
and bled for Adam's helpless race.
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
for O my God, it found out me!
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
for O my God, it found out me!
4.
Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
fast bound in sin and nature's night;
thine eye diffused a quickening ray; I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
my chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
5.
No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in him, is mine;
alive in him, my living Head,
and clothed in righteousness divine,
bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
I do hope that Wesley’s triumph in capturing truth in glorious lyric will be sung in one of the Holy Week services Pat and I will attend. In the meantime, I’ll be singing it to myself!
Shouldn’t we be deeply moved by the irony and apparent contradiction of one of Jesus’ statements from the cross, “‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’—which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” (Matthew 27:46) The One who promised never to leave to leave us was abandoned!
Charles Wesley’s 272-year-old hymn captures the poignancy and power of what Jesus has done for all who will call on His Name. The lyrics move me to tears, my soul shivers, shaking with truth.
1.
And can it be that I should gain
an interest in the Savior's blood!
Died he for me? who caused his pain!
For me? who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
2.
'Tis mystery all: th' Immortal dies!
Who can explore his strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
to sound the depths of love divine.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.
3.
He left his Father's throne above
(so free, so infinite his grace!),
emptied himself of all but love,
and bled for Adam's helpless race.
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
for O my God, it found out me!
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
for O my God, it found out me!
4.
Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
fast bound in sin and nature's night;
thine eye diffused a quickening ray; I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
my chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
5.
No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in him, is mine;
alive in him, my living Head,
and clothed in righteousness divine,
bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
I do hope that Wesley’s triumph in capturing truth in glorious lyric will be sung in one of the Holy Week services Pat and I will attend. In the meantime, I’ll be singing it to myself!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Good Friday Tradition
The lyrics of “Tradition,” in the stage play “Fiddler on the Roof” came to mind when I opened the on-line edition of this morning’s “The Philadelphia Inquirer.” Page one, below the fold, features an article about a new Haggadah, the text of prayers and readings that establish the order of the Seder at Passover. The cast members playing family in “Fiddler” define the roles in the well-known song. An excerpt follows.
[TEVYE]
Tradition, tradition! Tradition!
Tradition, tradition! Tradition!
[TEVYE & PAPAS]
Who, day and night, must scramble for a living,
Feed a wife and children, say his daily prayers?
And who has the right, as master of the house,
To have the final word at home?
The Papa, the Papa! Tradition.
The Papa, the Papa! Tradition.
[GOLDE & MAMAS]
Who must know the way to make a proper home,
A quiet home, a kosher home?
Who must raise the family and run the home,
So Papa's free to read the holy books?
The Mama, the Mama! Tradition!
The Mama, the Mama! Tradition!
[SONS]
At three, I started Hebrew school. At ten, I learned a trade.
I hear they've picked a bride for me. I hope she's pretty.
The son, the son! Tradition!
The son, the son! Tradition!
[DAUGHTERS]
And who does Mama teach to mend and tend and fix,
Preparing me to marry whoever Papa picks?
The daughter, the daughter! Tradition!
The daughter, the daughter! Tradition!
Friday, April 6, is Good Friday and, at sundown, Passover begins for the Jewish community. Our favorite supermarket has expanded the space for Kosher foods and filled their shelves with necessities and delicacies for the Passover feast. The “Inquirer” item prompted me to reflect on the importance of tradition. The author of the new Haggadah, “Approached his chosen task, ‘with humility and anxiety.’ There are more than 7,000 Haggadoth in print, and many more handmade Haggadoth, created and preserved, in the culture of their origin, by families everywhere. Why one more? ‘I’ve been attending and loving Seders my whole life,’ says Jonathan Safran Foer, (the author) He describes his family as ‘a pretty classically assimilated American Jewish family, nonobservant . . . Family Seders created wonderful memories. They’re precious — the only time of the year when my extended family gathers at the table to discuss the biggest of all themes and the hardest of all questions.’”
In my boyhood, our family established a tradition, attending church on Good Friday. For some reason I remember attending Gratiot Avenue Baptist Church as well as my childhood church. It was at Good Friday services that “the biggest of all themes and the hardest of all questions,” were introduced in a weighty context. I’ll always remember dark clouds rolling in mid-afternoon, during one of the services and thought how God was reminding me of the day Jesus died and how the sun retreated. “Atonement” and “sacrifice” still have tactile, audio, emotional dimensions because of the Good Friday experience. My faith has become more precious because of the tradition.
[TEVYE]
Tradition, tradition! Tradition!
Tradition, tradition! Tradition!
[TEVYE & PAPAS]
Who, day and night, must scramble for a living,
Feed a wife and children, say his daily prayers?
And who has the right, as master of the house,
To have the final word at home?
The Papa, the Papa! Tradition.
The Papa, the Papa! Tradition.
[GOLDE & MAMAS]
Who must know the way to make a proper home,
A quiet home, a kosher home?
Who must raise the family and run the home,
So Papa's free to read the holy books?
The Mama, the Mama! Tradition!
The Mama, the Mama! Tradition!
[SONS]
At three, I started Hebrew school. At ten, I learned a trade.
I hear they've picked a bride for me. I hope she's pretty.
The son, the son! Tradition!
The son, the son! Tradition!
[DAUGHTERS]
And who does Mama teach to mend and tend and fix,
Preparing me to marry whoever Papa picks?
The daughter, the daughter! Tradition!
The daughter, the daughter! Tradition!
Friday, April 6, is Good Friday and, at sundown, Passover begins for the Jewish community. Our favorite supermarket has expanded the space for Kosher foods and filled their shelves with necessities and delicacies for the Passover feast. The “Inquirer” item prompted me to reflect on the importance of tradition. The author of the new Haggadah, “Approached his chosen task, ‘with humility and anxiety.’ There are more than 7,000 Haggadoth in print, and many more handmade Haggadoth, created and preserved, in the culture of their origin, by families everywhere. Why one more? ‘I’ve been attending and loving Seders my whole life,’ says Jonathan Safran Foer, (the author) He describes his family as ‘a pretty classically assimilated American Jewish family, nonobservant . . . Family Seders created wonderful memories. They’re precious — the only time of the year when my extended family gathers at the table to discuss the biggest of all themes and the hardest of all questions.’”
In my boyhood, our family established a tradition, attending church on Good Friday. For some reason I remember attending Gratiot Avenue Baptist Church as well as my childhood church. It was at Good Friday services that “the biggest of all themes and the hardest of all questions,” were introduced in a weighty context. I’ll always remember dark clouds rolling in mid-afternoon, during one of the services and thought how God was reminding me of the day Jesus died and how the sun retreated. “Atonement” and “sacrifice” still have tactile, audio, emotional dimensions because of the Good Friday experience. My faith has become more precious because of the tradition.
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