One of the blessings of my life is balance, a spiritual equilibrium between the ecstacy of the Pentecostal church which I hold dear and the rhythms of life rigorously reinforced throughout the church calendar. This Holy Week I recall with deep appreciation the many experiences reaching back into childhood, strengthened in more youthful years and savored recently.
Our pastor graphically reinforced the Palm Sunday account this week. While I admit trying to be creative in an effort to make Palm Sundays past memorable, I failed more often than not. One sermon I preached was titled "What kind of parade is this?" and proved to be unforgettable only to me. (I wish it had never been preached! It was a real failure.) Our pastor reported that the Holy Spirit prompted him to ask the congregation to bring garments to the service on Palm Sunday. They would be strewn at some point in the service on the center aisle as a demonstration of our welcome to Jesus to enter our life experience.
No one was quite sure when we were to place our clothing in the aisle. I suspect the pastor didn’t either as none of us had ever observed Palm Sunday in this way. It happened spontaneously. One, then another, and another member of the assembled worshipers began spreading their clothes on the aisle until the carpet was covered from the altar to the rear of the sanctuary. What could have been a "cheesy" expression of man-made creativity was a deeply moving experience. True Hosannas rang out. The ecstasy was genuine. The Spirit moved our hearts deeply. I am a Pentecostal and happily at ease with the unexpected or unplanned.
The balance is found in expressions of reverence, readings, remembrances and ritual throughout the week. My spirit is arrested, brought to a solemn silence as I contemplate the last Old Testament Passover in a borrowed room in Jerusalem. Pat and I have plans to attend a Maundy Thursday service and spend time in reverent reflection on the lessons of the service. This week I am awed by Saint Paul’s Spirit-inspired insight, "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:6-8). There is enough wonder in three sentences to fill the hours of Holy Week with thoughtful worship.
The readings of the week also add ballast to the anticipated ecstacy of Resurrection Day. Rereading the Gospels is effective in establishing the spirit and attitude of the Holy Week worshiper. After reading the Gospels for decades, every Holy Week I am dumbstruck, filled with marvel at the deliberate steps Jesus took toward Jerusalem. Jesus knew what would happen, but set his face toward the struggles of Gethsemane and agonies of Golgotha. A friend mailed me a copy of Love to the Uttermost: Devotional Readings for Holy Week by John Piper. I am being enriched. The balance between deliberate actions of Holy Week and the spontaneous celebrations of Easter is refined.
Some congregations are busy with egg hunts and outreaches. Pat and I will seek out a Good Friday service. We need the acts of remembrance. Part of the rhythm, the cadence of my life, began as a boy. On Good Friday stores closed from Noon until 3:00PM. Streets were nearly silent. Dad took the afternoon off from his work. Our family sought out a church that conducted a Good Friday service. I will never forget the occasions when clouds rolled in and the sun was hidden. We all thought that it was a Spirit testimony of the Gospel account at the crucifixion. As a boy I began to learn the need for balance between Holy Week’s solemnity and Easter’s euphoric worship. The ‘Christ is risen!" shouts, could only be true if there had been a crucifixion. Before "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" could be joyously, loudly, and ecstatically sung with meaning and impact on Resurrection Day, we need quiet hours when we remember that, "Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split" (Matthew 27:50,51). The deep meaning of a ripped curtain in quietness adds powerful contrast and fuller meaning to the appropriately raucous sounds of "He Lives, He Lives, Christ Jesus Lives Today!"
Spiritual symmetry is my experience. As a child I began to learn about the need for balance between stillness for the purpose of reflection and remembrance to compliment ecstacy. That value was introduced, imposed by familial example and practice. As an adult I have cultivated the kind of spiritual poise that sustains us throughout the years when the rigors of life challenge our faith and assault our senses. Is it incongruous that a person or congregation would celebrate Jesus’ resurrection without deliberately reinforcing the reality of the crucifixion? Maybe it is just me!
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Living in the Overflow
It was almost a rite of passage for Bible college freshmen and novice preachers. The King’s Men was a Sunday School class taught by Revivaltime evangelist C. M. Ward. Most of the class members were employees from church headquarters, but college students were allowed to attend and generally sat toward the rear and around the fringes of the room. That class became part of my initiation into the big world of denominational leadership.
Dr. Ward was an electrifying instructor. His idioms and illustrations were unlike anything I had previously heard. His anecdotes remain as colorful and applicable today as they were in the early 1960's. One of the pithy statements gleaned from that class was delivered with the effect of an unexpected lightning bolt, out of the blue, without context or precondition. Ward said, "When you preach, men, preach from the overflow. Don’t serve up the lees from the bottom of the barrel, but allow the Spirit to splash freshness from the overflow." While the experienced leaders nodded in agreement, I reeled with appreciation for a new insight and determined to explore its applications.
Novices savor moments like that morning with the King’s Men. I have noticed that many people tend to allow life experiences to dampen their enthusiasm, dull the edges of the excitement for their vocation and absorb a blase attitude. I think that shoulder shrugging ought to be out of bounds for God’s people. "Who cares" and "Whatever" belong to another culture! Jesus’ followers, true "King’s Men" live with an overflow.
I know, I know! I can see a chorus of silent shoulder shruggers in the background, "Well, you have lived a charmed life and . . ." To those whose heads hang heavy and eyes look downward, we have been knocked around a bit, but in the rough and tumble of life the One who said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5) has kept His Word! Life has included a few dry spells when the lees at the bottom of the barrel stunk! That’s life! But, inevitably and as promised, the rivers of living water were restored and the Spirit refreshed us.
A church publication staff requested my responses recently. The survey focused on "life challenges." The questions included, "What do you worry or complain about most?" "What makes your days difficult or unpleasant?" "What stands in the way of what you need to do?" "What are the biggest problems you constantly try to solve?" And, "What would make your life absolutely amazing?"
I really struggled in attempting to answer the queries. First of all, my life is amazing! Pat and I have experienced so much more than we ever were able to dream. When we began our journey, we could not imagine what was in store for us. C. M. Ward’s axiom, "Preach from the overflow," to the Sunday School class has turned work into worship, overwork into an overflow. What a life! We have stories to tell to our children and grandchildren. Our lives are full of miraculous anecdotes, satisfying encounters, and a future which is unimaginably perfect!
Dr. Ward was an electrifying instructor. His idioms and illustrations were unlike anything I had previously heard. His anecdotes remain as colorful and applicable today as they were in the early 1960's. One of the pithy statements gleaned from that class was delivered with the effect of an unexpected lightning bolt, out of the blue, without context or precondition. Ward said, "When you preach, men, preach from the overflow. Don’t serve up the lees from the bottom of the barrel, but allow the Spirit to splash freshness from the overflow." While the experienced leaders nodded in agreement, I reeled with appreciation for a new insight and determined to explore its applications.
Novices savor moments like that morning with the King’s Men. I have noticed that many people tend to allow life experiences to dampen their enthusiasm, dull the edges of the excitement for their vocation and absorb a blase attitude. I think that shoulder shrugging ought to be out of bounds for God’s people. "Who cares" and "Whatever" belong to another culture! Jesus’ followers, true "King’s Men" live with an overflow.
I know, I know! I can see a chorus of silent shoulder shruggers in the background, "Well, you have lived a charmed life and . . ." To those whose heads hang heavy and eyes look downward, we have been knocked around a bit, but in the rough and tumble of life the One who said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5) has kept His Word! Life has included a few dry spells when the lees at the bottom of the barrel stunk! That’s life! But, inevitably and as promised, the rivers of living water were restored and the Spirit refreshed us.
A church publication staff requested my responses recently. The survey focused on "life challenges." The questions included, "What do you worry or complain about most?" "What makes your days difficult or unpleasant?" "What stands in the way of what you need to do?" "What are the biggest problems you constantly try to solve?" And, "What would make your life absolutely amazing?"
I really struggled in attempting to answer the queries. First of all, my life is amazing! Pat and I have experienced so much more than we ever were able to dream. When we began our journey, we could not imagine what was in store for us. C. M. Ward’s axiom, "Preach from the overflow," to the Sunday School class has turned work into worship, overwork into an overflow. What a life! We have stories to tell to our children and grandchildren. Our lives are full of miraculous anecdotes, satisfying encounters, and a future which is unimaginably perfect!
Monday, March 18, 2013
Marching into the very presence of God
Pat and I have very good friends. One friend has distinguished himself with sharing great books. Bob and his wife Judy have perfected the art of finding literary treasures in thrift shops, yard sales, and other unlikely venues. I have tried to copy their skill but have much to learn before I can compete in their league. (The jump from Triple A to the major leagues is daunting!)
Bob mailed me a copy of Alan Redpath’s Victorious Christian Living: Studies in the Book of Joshua several weeks ago, a book which I believe ought to be in every preacher’s library. The one-time pastor of Moody Church in Chicago connects the Hebrew experience of crossing into the Land of Promise and developing the area as a successful homeland. The lessons are well organized and presented in extraordinary hermeneutic and homiletic form.
From within the pages of Victorious Christian Living I mined the following: "The Christian life is not intended to be a series of crises and emotional upheavals. The Christian life in the purpose of God is expected to be a steady, onward, triumphant march toward the goal, the very presence of God." As I reflect on those who have been instrumental in shaping my life, they embody Redpath’s axiom.
Otto and Annie Wegner, my parents, were the most significant "Steady Eddies" in my life. I cannot remember ever wondering if we would be attending church on Sunday. We did! Always! Revival meetings (some of which lasted five weeks or longer) were a staple in the spiritual diet – always, every night! I worked most Summer days with my father and never discovered him in an ethical or morally compromising position. Similarly, Annie demonstrated "a steady, onward, triumphant march toward the goal, the very presence of God."
Roy and Martha Kolas, Pat’s parents, mirrored the same culture of steadiness. In fact, Roy, who turns 91 years-old this week, still is saluted by his children and friends as, "Roy, the same yesterday, today and forever."
Those whom God has chosen to intersect our lives and has used to form us seldom are not high profile, public and powerful in the eyes of the masses. Their work is in obscure settings and quiet hours away from the ordinary traffic and noises of life. In my experience, Brothers Richard Adiska and Frank Nagy, quite ordinary men, gathered boys in a dingy space that abutted the church’s boiler room and taught us Bible stories in Sunday School. They reinforced their teaching with spiritual disciplines which I acquired as I observed and copied. Sisters Adiska and Nagy were interesting women, because they reinforced and complimented their spouses and added to the men’s stature.
Another Brother, Kurt Nierhaus, a German immigrant, seemed stern and difficult to approach, but I learned about passion in prayer by listening to his appeals to God.
A Brother Kaiser, an aged retired barber tootled on a raspy clarinet Sunday evenings, quietly signaled that one could and should rely on Jesus, even in old age.
Sister Kennedy, a spiritual refugee from Roman Catholicism and a single mother in an era when divorce was infrequent and carried a stigma, could be legalistic and disapproving, but she knew the lessons of Joshua and practiced "a steady, onward, triumphant march toward the goal, the very presence of God."
An obscure English professor in college was a "steady, onward, triumphant marcher." At the time, I could not understand how important Brother Despain was in my formation, but now . . . well, now I am beginning to grasp how impeccable the wisdom of God is. Brother Despain modeled serious engagement in Redpath’s rigorous march into the presence of God.
And, the march continues. My children are demonstrating dogged determination and daring decision-making as they march into the presence of God. This weekend I observed their quiet, consistent example. I don’t observe the behavior and models of the churches in which my grandchildren are learning the "steady, onward, triumphant march," but I pray for the churches and ask the Lord to send a Brother Adiska, a Sister Kennedy and a quiet Brother Despain across each of their paths.
If you are a quiet pilgrim, not too colorful and seldom recognized by the religious establishment, take heart! Your life is forming generations to come. I salute you and God celebrates every time you take another step forward into His Presence!
Bob mailed me a copy of Alan Redpath’s Victorious Christian Living: Studies in the Book of Joshua several weeks ago, a book which I believe ought to be in every preacher’s library. The one-time pastor of Moody Church in Chicago connects the Hebrew experience of crossing into the Land of Promise and developing the area as a successful homeland. The lessons are well organized and presented in extraordinary hermeneutic and homiletic form.
From within the pages of Victorious Christian Living I mined the following: "The Christian life is not intended to be a series of crises and emotional upheavals. The Christian life in the purpose of God is expected to be a steady, onward, triumphant march toward the goal, the very presence of God." As I reflect on those who have been instrumental in shaping my life, they embody Redpath’s axiom.
Otto and Annie Wegner, my parents, were the most significant "Steady Eddies" in my life. I cannot remember ever wondering if we would be attending church on Sunday. We did! Always! Revival meetings (some of which lasted five weeks or longer) were a staple in the spiritual diet – always, every night! I worked most Summer days with my father and never discovered him in an ethical or morally compromising position. Similarly, Annie demonstrated "a steady, onward, triumphant march toward the goal, the very presence of God."
Roy and Martha Kolas, Pat’s parents, mirrored the same culture of steadiness. In fact, Roy, who turns 91 years-old this week, still is saluted by his children and friends as, "Roy, the same yesterday, today and forever."
Those whom God has chosen to intersect our lives and has used to form us seldom are not high profile, public and powerful in the eyes of the masses. Their work is in obscure settings and quiet hours away from the ordinary traffic and noises of life. In my experience, Brothers Richard Adiska and Frank Nagy, quite ordinary men, gathered boys in a dingy space that abutted the church’s boiler room and taught us Bible stories in Sunday School. They reinforced their teaching with spiritual disciplines which I acquired as I observed and copied. Sisters Adiska and Nagy were interesting women, because they reinforced and complimented their spouses and added to the men’s stature.
Another Brother, Kurt Nierhaus, a German immigrant, seemed stern and difficult to approach, but I learned about passion in prayer by listening to his appeals to God.
A Brother Kaiser, an aged retired barber tootled on a raspy clarinet Sunday evenings, quietly signaled that one could and should rely on Jesus, even in old age.
Sister Kennedy, a spiritual refugee from Roman Catholicism and a single mother in an era when divorce was infrequent and carried a stigma, could be legalistic and disapproving, but she knew the lessons of Joshua and practiced "a steady, onward, triumphant march toward the goal, the very presence of God."
An obscure English professor in college was a "steady, onward, triumphant marcher." At the time, I could not understand how important Brother Despain was in my formation, but now . . . well, now I am beginning to grasp how impeccable the wisdom of God is. Brother Despain modeled serious engagement in Redpath’s rigorous march into the presence of God.
And, the march continues. My children are demonstrating dogged determination and daring decision-making as they march into the presence of God. This weekend I observed their quiet, consistent example. I don’t observe the behavior and models of the churches in which my grandchildren are learning the "steady, onward, triumphant march," but I pray for the churches and ask the Lord to send a Brother Adiska, a Sister Kennedy and a quiet Brother Despain across each of their paths.
If you are a quiet pilgrim, not too colorful and seldom recognized by the religious establishment, take heart! Your life is forming generations to come. I salute you and God celebrates every time you take another step forward into His Presence!
Friday, March 15, 2013
Big Giants and Small god versus Small giants and Big God
No one is immune to experiencing impossibilities, challenges so demanding that quitting looms as the best choice of few options. We can all say, "Been there, done that!" Shrugging it all off and going forward as if everything is all right is not an alternative. Reality demands a response.
At this week’s midweek prayer and Bible study meeting at our local Assembly a list of needs included a 39-year-old father and husband who is laying at death’s door as a result of a flu virus. We learned a few days ago that a friend and co-worker from our New Jersey church planting days has been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). A college classmate is undergoing another battery of chemotherapy for recurring cancer. Two pastor friends have had strokes leaving them legally blind. And one of our best volunteers has liver cancer.
This week Pat and I spent time with a pastor and his wife who are so discouraged to the point of just wanting out! My brother calls from our hometown, Detroit, and relates how the city has been handed over to managers trying to avoid municipal bankruptcy. Our national leaders cannot agree on anything. The list is growing and the dysfunctions and diseases are everywhere.
Caleb, the Old Testament patriarch of faith and example waited more than forty years to overcome a delay caused by ten peers who could only see huge giants and served a shriveled and emaciated god. For forty years Caleb believed in a huge God and sickly giants! Caleb inspires me! He could have quit, but didn’t. He could have whined, but didn’t. He could have blamed others for his discontent, but didn’t. Caleb waited for the promise of his Big God to keep a promise. Caleb’s confidence, long endurance and faithfulness were sufficient for him to inherit the land Moses could only see from a distance and ten other spies never did possess. And Caleb even had enough to share an inheritance with his children.
It is not clear how Caleb passed the time between the moment he saw the land promised to him and when he actually lived there. Forty years is a long waiting season. It is safe to assume that he practiced what the Psalmist penned years later,
We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
– Psalm 33:20-21
Pat and I wait in hope and pray daily for our friends over whom the troubles and distresses of life have come. We pray that in this waiting time, the season of delay and uncertainty, that each will know God’s strong promises and experience His deliverance. I am more convinced than ever that our great God is listening to our prayers, understands our heart, and will not be late or faulty in His responses.
At this week’s midweek prayer and Bible study meeting at our local Assembly a list of needs included a 39-year-old father and husband who is laying at death’s door as a result of a flu virus. We learned a few days ago that a friend and co-worker from our New Jersey church planting days has been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). A college classmate is undergoing another battery of chemotherapy for recurring cancer. Two pastor friends have had strokes leaving them legally blind. And one of our best volunteers has liver cancer.
This week Pat and I spent time with a pastor and his wife who are so discouraged to the point of just wanting out! My brother calls from our hometown, Detroit, and relates how the city has been handed over to managers trying to avoid municipal bankruptcy. Our national leaders cannot agree on anything. The list is growing and the dysfunctions and diseases are everywhere.
Caleb, the Old Testament patriarch of faith and example waited more than forty years to overcome a delay caused by ten peers who could only see huge giants and served a shriveled and emaciated god. For forty years Caleb believed in a huge God and sickly giants! Caleb inspires me! He could have quit, but didn’t. He could have whined, but didn’t. He could have blamed others for his discontent, but didn’t. Caleb waited for the promise of his Big God to keep a promise. Caleb’s confidence, long endurance and faithfulness were sufficient for him to inherit the land Moses could only see from a distance and ten other spies never did possess. And Caleb even had enough to share an inheritance with his children.
It is not clear how Caleb passed the time between the moment he saw the land promised to him and when he actually lived there. Forty years is a long waiting season. It is safe to assume that he practiced what the Psalmist penned years later,
he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
– Psalm 33:20-21
Pat and I wait in hope and pray daily for our friends over whom the troubles and distresses of life have come. We pray that in this waiting time, the season of delay and uncertainty, that each will know God’s strong promises and experience His deliverance. I am more convinced than ever that our great God is listening to our prayers, understands our heart, and will not be late or faulty in His responses.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Lord's Day, the best!
The Lord’s Day, Sunday, is the special day of the week in our home. Attending church service is a highlight. Pat and I begin preparations early on Saturday. Yesterday I mentioned, "This is my favorite day!" Pat smiled, agreed and suggested that we may enjoy the Lord’s Day more because we have fewer responsibilities and have the afternoon to relax. It is that and more.
Worship is not a "stand-alone" event for us. We are worshipers all week. But the gathering of God’s people who sing and declare His Name as glorious is matchless. It makes the highlight reel weekly. The pastor’s son of the church where we worship is an excellent guitarist. The band is authentic in its service to the Lord and His church. The people reach out toward God with enthusiasm and authenticity. The church is very different from what we had grown accustomed, but it is now our home and family. We belong. Sundays are good because of corporate worship.
The message our pastor preached is one everyone needs to hear and obey regularly. Pat and I were fed the truth of God. I need the Word of God to enter me, forcefully, faithfully as preachers declare truth. It happened yesterday . . . wonderfully, memorably, and convincingly.
The early afternoon was filled with fellowship, conversation about the reality of God and His care for us in His Son. The time was refreshing, an exhilarating continuation of the hours we set aside gathering to worship. Four of us shared, learned, laughed and promised one another to support each other with our prayers and practical help. It was a biblical expression and continuation of the worship gathering.
The afternoon was spent with good books, and an occasional turn of the eyes toward a golf tournament. The hours were relaxing, full of reflecting and reviewing, refreshing, renewing and cause for rejoicing. The day was like no other of the week. If Sundays suddenly didn’t exist, my whole world would be turned upside down. Sundays help establish the rhythm of life. Sundays are never tedious but consistently tremendous! Sundays have been that way as long as we can remember!
Worship is not a "stand-alone" event for us. We are worshipers all week. But the gathering of God’s people who sing and declare His Name as glorious is matchless. It makes the highlight reel weekly. The pastor’s son of the church where we worship is an excellent guitarist. The band is authentic in its service to the Lord and His church. The people reach out toward God with enthusiasm and authenticity. The church is very different from what we had grown accustomed, but it is now our home and family. We belong. Sundays are good because of corporate worship.
The message our pastor preached is one everyone needs to hear and obey regularly. Pat and I were fed the truth of God. I need the Word of God to enter me, forcefully, faithfully as preachers declare truth. It happened yesterday . . . wonderfully, memorably, and convincingly.
The early afternoon was filled with fellowship, conversation about the reality of God and His care for us in His Son. The time was refreshing, an exhilarating continuation of the hours we set aside gathering to worship. Four of us shared, learned, laughed and promised one another to support each other with our prayers and practical help. It was a biblical expression and continuation of the worship gathering.
The afternoon was spent with good books, and an occasional turn of the eyes toward a golf tournament. The hours were relaxing, full of reflecting and reviewing, refreshing, renewing and cause for rejoicing. The day was like no other of the week. If Sundays suddenly didn’t exist, my whole world would be turned upside down. Sundays help establish the rhythm of life. Sundays are never tedious but consistently tremendous! Sundays have been that way as long as we can remember!
Friday, March 8, 2013
Should we really pray that way?
I probably shouldn’t, but I am compelled to comment on a political issue which has surfaced in the church. First, I must affirm that I have never registered with a political party. Second, as a loyal subject of the United States of America, I pay taxes, vote, pay taxes, volunteer in my community, pay taxes . . . And finally, my citizenship is in heaven. I don’t have an axe of any kind to grind.
Well-meaning, devout people, sincere people who are deeply concerned about the current condition of our nation, came to me questioning me about David’s prayer which begins in Psalm 109:8 –
May his days be few; may another take his place of leadership.
May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow.
May his children be wandering beggars; may they be driven from their ruined homes.
May a creditor seize all he has; may strangers plunder the fruits of his labor.
May no one extend kindness to him or take pity on his fatherless children.
May his descendants be cut off, their names blotted out from the next generation.
The question presented to me was, "Do you ever pray this prayer about President Obama?" I was shocked! I cannot remember praying against anyone in that way. I have had evil intentions about another (not toward anyone reading this blog), but I cannot remember praying that way, and certainly not about a national leader.
The idea was posed in a setting where I was enjoying good-humored fellowship, wholesome bantering, and true friendship. The context did nothing to prepare me for the request to offer my opinion. The question was, "Is a meanspirited prayer fitting for a Christian?" And, "Would I pray along with David in regard to our President?"
Months ago I learned that some Christians proudly report that they refuse to even pray for President Obama, or respect him, even though the Bible commands the practice. Consider, carefully and thoroughly the intentions and spirit of the Pauline Epistles, Romans 13:1-6; Colossians 1:16; Titus 3:1; 1 Timothy 2:2. Do I embrace all of the President’s agenda? No! Am I comfortable with the direction the nation seems to be moving? No! Do I have a mandate to wish him dead? No!
My first responses to the text from which my friends pulled the imprecatory are several, presented in the form of questions.
Who is urging us to pray for another man’s death?
Have we prayed our President’s heart is made right before God by fully embracing the message of the Gospel?
Who are we to determine that the replacement will be better than the one already serving by God’s allowance?
Is the church prepared to suffer with a grieving widow and orphans in the event our prayers are answered? The care of widows and orphans is the proof on true Christianity. (James 1:27)
Are we comfortable with wishing homelessness on anyone? Are we really? Is poverty a condition we want others to experience?
Do I want to be numbered with an angry crowd wishing evil, or identified with those who are kind, patient, gentle, joyful, and who love peace? (Galatians 5:22-26)
If David’s prayer is prayed, and answered, the result may be more complicated than praying for our President to gain wisdom, seek humility or long for understanding. Are we comfortable, and consistent, with praying that godly people gain access to the Oval Office and beam rays of life-giving light onto thorny problems and stubborn people?
At the outset David’s prayer is about as angry as a frustrated man can pray. But, the larger context includes the good king’s better judgment. David concludes his man-to-God dialogue with –
Help me, O LORD my God; save me in accordance with your love.
Let them know that it is your hand, that you, O LORD, have done it.
They may curse, but you will bless; when they attack they will be put to shame, but your servant will rejoice.
My accusers will be clothed with disgrace and wrapped in shame as in a cloak.
With my mouth I will greatly extol the LORD; in the great throng I will praise him.
For he stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save his life from those who condemn him.
Those that the press describes as the "Christian right" are regularly characterized as pompous, angry, vindictive, stubborn and narrow-minded. Wouldn’t it be disarming if our prayers were that we would become known for words of wisdom, kindness, catalysts for redemptive change? I would be more comfortable with that designation!
Well-meaning, devout people, sincere people who are deeply concerned about the current condition of our nation, came to me questioning me about David’s prayer which begins in Psalm 109:8 –
May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow.
May his children be wandering beggars; may they be driven from their ruined homes.
May a creditor seize all he has; may strangers plunder the fruits of his labor.
May no one extend kindness to him or take pity on his fatherless children.
May his descendants be cut off, their names blotted out from the next generation.
The question presented to me was, "Do you ever pray this prayer about President Obama?" I was shocked! I cannot remember praying against anyone in that way. I have had evil intentions about another (not toward anyone reading this blog), but I cannot remember praying that way, and certainly not about a national leader.
The idea was posed in a setting where I was enjoying good-humored fellowship, wholesome bantering, and true friendship. The context did nothing to prepare me for the request to offer my opinion. The question was, "Is a meanspirited prayer fitting for a Christian?" And, "Would I pray along with David in regard to our President?"
Months ago I learned that some Christians proudly report that they refuse to even pray for President Obama, or respect him, even though the Bible commands the practice. Consider, carefully and thoroughly the intentions and spirit of the Pauline Epistles, Romans 13:1-6; Colossians 1:16; Titus 3:1; 1 Timothy 2:2. Do I embrace all of the President’s agenda? No! Am I comfortable with the direction the nation seems to be moving? No! Do I have a mandate to wish him dead? No!
My first responses to the text from which my friends pulled the imprecatory are several, presented in the form of questions.
Have we prayed our President’s heart is made right before God by fully embracing the message of the Gospel?
Who are we to determine that the replacement will be better than the one already serving by God’s allowance?
Is the church prepared to suffer with a grieving widow and orphans in the event our prayers are answered? The care of widows and orphans is the proof on true Christianity. (James 1:27)
Are we comfortable with wishing homelessness on anyone? Are we really? Is poverty a condition we want others to experience?
Do I want to be numbered with an angry crowd wishing evil, or identified with those who are kind, patient, gentle, joyful, and who love peace? (Galatians 5:22-26)
If David’s prayer is prayed, and answered, the result may be more complicated than praying for our President to gain wisdom, seek humility or long for understanding. Are we comfortable, and consistent, with praying that godly people gain access to the Oval Office and beam rays of life-giving light onto thorny problems and stubborn people?
At the outset David’s prayer is about as angry as a frustrated man can pray. But, the larger context includes the good king’s better judgment. David concludes his man-to-God dialogue with –
Let them know that it is your hand, that you, O LORD, have done it.
They may curse, but you will bless; when they attack they will be put to shame, but your servant will rejoice.
My accusers will be clothed with disgrace and wrapped in shame as in a cloak.
With my mouth I will greatly extol the LORD; in the great throng I will praise him.
For he stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save his life from those who condemn him.
Those that the press describes as the "Christian right" are regularly characterized as pompous, angry, vindictive, stubborn and narrow-minded. Wouldn’t it be disarming if our prayers were that we would become known for words of wisdom, kindness, catalysts for redemptive change? I would be more comfortable with that designation!
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Hurts!
Hurt! The sound of the word arouses feelings which healthy people consciously avoid. Regardless of how feverishly we protect or insulate ourselves, hurt happens!
A mother recently told Pat and me about a call from her adult son who told her, "We’ll call you when we want you or need you." The message was received days after our friend took a month off from work. She had made arrangements for her other responsibilities and set her heart on taking care of her son’s new-born baby and her second grandchild. Then the phone call and then the "when we want you or need you" call came. Ouch! That hurts!
When one spends time in a visible leadership role, he is vulnerable and an easy target. Disgruntled people can be hurtful, often because they are clumsy or careless. Pat and I have been hurt. The most pain was experienced when our motives were challenged. Our intentions were twisted. Our character was questioned. Too often the pain was inflicted by someone with whom we have spent the most time or to whom we have given the most. The sense of rejection, deep-stinging hurt seems like a burning iron.
Being defensive and musing too long on the damage inflicted is dangerous. Forgiving, forgetting and trusting again is a healing balm. In our experience, those that hurt others are far fewer that those who heal. Reviewing the hurts and building defenses against future injuries tend to eliminate others who are genuine instruments gifted in restoring wholeness. Long ago I learned that forgiveness is a wonderfully liberating choice. Bitterness and anger drain creativity, and sever lines of communication between people, and from God Himself.
Hurts? Sure, everyone has known them. But nurturing wounds with coddling self-pity debilitates and controls ones outlook on life. When hurts have stung most deeply, felt like deep-to-the-bone gashes, the Spirit has reminded me that I am guilty of the very same behavior toward my heavenly Father. Brokenness reaches deep into my spirit as I remember that while I was still sinning Jesus died for me! (Romans 5:8) Hallelujah! I am free as I accept Jesus’ provision and offer the same toward those who hurt me.
A mother recently told Pat and me about a call from her adult son who told her, "We’ll call you when we want you or need you." The message was received days after our friend took a month off from work. She had made arrangements for her other responsibilities and set her heart on taking care of her son’s new-born baby and her second grandchild. Then the phone call and then the "when we want you or need you" call came. Ouch! That hurts!
When one spends time in a visible leadership role, he is vulnerable and an easy target. Disgruntled people can be hurtful, often because they are clumsy or careless. Pat and I have been hurt. The most pain was experienced when our motives were challenged. Our intentions were twisted. Our character was questioned. Too often the pain was inflicted by someone with whom we have spent the most time or to whom we have given the most. The sense of rejection, deep-stinging hurt seems like a burning iron.
Being defensive and musing too long on the damage inflicted is dangerous. Forgiving, forgetting and trusting again is a healing balm. In our experience, those that hurt others are far fewer that those who heal. Reviewing the hurts and building defenses against future injuries tend to eliminate others who are genuine instruments gifted in restoring wholeness. Long ago I learned that forgiveness is a wonderfully liberating choice. Bitterness and anger drain creativity, and sever lines of communication between people, and from God Himself.
Hurts? Sure, everyone has known them. But nurturing wounds with coddling self-pity debilitates and controls ones outlook on life. When hurts have stung most deeply, felt like deep-to-the-bone gashes, the Spirit has reminded me that I am guilty of the very same behavior toward my heavenly Father. Brokenness reaches deep into my spirit as I remember that while I was still sinning Jesus died for me! (Romans 5:8) Hallelujah! I am free as I accept Jesus’ provision and offer the same toward those who hurt me.
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