"Angels We Have Heard on High

"Anonymous," a prolific writer, penned the words of a favorite Christmas carol, "Angels We Have Heard on High." Since the song was first published more than 150 years ago, it is safe to believe that "Anonymous" is singing in heaven’s choir this morning. Our unknown friend is still calling us to remember and reflect on what happened when Mary gave birth to Jesus.
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.

Refrain:
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heav’nly song?

Come to Bethlehem and see
Christ Whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

See Him in a manger laid,
Whom the choirs of angels praise;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
While our hearts in love we raise.

The refrain, "Gloria, in excelsis Deo!" is a doxology that soars gloriously, convincingly, triumphantly! For more than 20 years we enjoyed caroling as we walked the narrow streets of Newark, NJ, and Philadelphia, PA. One of the highlights for me was hearing Spirit-filled people singing into the night, "Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory to God!"

As the "Glories to God" careened against brick and mortar I was inwardly praying that the glory of God would penetrate facades of man-made fortresses. And, the glory of God often did find an obscure opening. People opened their doors and offered cookies while telling us we reminded them of their childhood experiences. Some of our neighbors wept. Darkness was dispelled for a few moments. The caroling experience reinforced my conviction, "The presence of God’s people guarantees the presence of God." We are the light of the world. (Matthew 5:13-16)

Tomorrow evening Pat and I will gather with many others and sing popular carols, read from the prophets and Gospels and light candles. I have the privilege of sharing a brief message in a service that is on every church’s highlight reel. I am preparing to share how one can live today and experience the glory of God.

"Glory" is abstract. How does one describe "glory," making it tangible, so real that others want to taste, touch, smell, hear and see the glorious One? To be sure, the Spirit must communicate, and I am sure He will. The Spirit dispatched an angelic choir to hillsides near Bethlehem summoning common shepherds to become eyewitnesses of God’s glory.

It is not a Christmas carol, but this December 23 I awoke with an old gospel song bouncing, no jumping, in my soul.
That God should love a sinner such as I
Should yearn to change my sorrow into bliss
Nor rest till He had planned to bring me nigh
How wonderful is love like this?

CHORUS
Such love, such wondrous love
Such love, such wondrous love
That God should love a sinner such as I
How wonderful is love like this.

That Christ should join so freely in the scheme
Although it meant His death on Calvary
Did ever human tongue find nobler theme
Than love divine that ransomed me?

That for a willful outcast such as I
The Father planned, the Savior bled and died
Redemption for a worthless slave to buy
Who long had law and grace defied.

And now He takes me to His heart a son
He asks me not to fill a servant’s place
The "Far-off country" wand’rings all are done
Wide open are His arms of grace.We won’t sing the song tomorrow night, but I just may quote a stanza or two! The glory of God, the in excelsis Deo interrupted unsuspecting shepherds plying their trade and the Spirit of God is still doing His work today. Glory to God in the Highest! 

O Come All Ye Faithful

Christmas music, the songs reminding us that God in His caring compassion sent Jesus to be our savior, has a special capacity to evoke deep feelings, arouse dormant memories, and heighten anticipation. My Christmas experiences begin with positive memories. Christmas music reminds me of mini family reunions in a church gym. Uncle Raleigh played Santa. Uncles, aunts and cousins swarmed noisily around tables filled with the best food one can imagine. Almost all of them were among the "faithful" in worship and as reliable examples of Jesus followers.

Boyhood memories connect to Pat and my first Christmas. We were too poor to buy a tree, but wanted one badly! On the way home from purchasing a few groceries we followed a large semi truck piled high with Christmas trees and, one blew off! It dropped right next to our car – as if it came down from heaven! That December 1967 experience still speaks of the faithfulness of God to us today!

When I sing, "O Come All Ye Faithful," during the Advent season, I also think of the "Faithful" folk who have surrounded me for seven decades. Last June Pat’s father, one of the best examples of "faithful" that anyone can imagine, passed away. Pat and I often said, "Roy Kolas is the same yesterday, today and forever!" Roy’s model of "faithfulness" taught us to sing all year, through ups and downs, in sunshine and in rain, and with softened joy in seasons of sorrow. My sister who has rarely been under the bright lights of public ministry, quietly, consistently, routinely found ways to comfort, encourage and urge forward those suffer or who are alone. And everyone ought to sit at her dinner table to experience a foretaste of "the marriage supper of the Lamb!" Ralph Crites is a faithful friend who comes to mind when I sing, "O Come All Ye Faithful." When I needed help one one of many church construction projects, all I had to do was call Ralph. He made it easy, because Ralph never learned to say, "No!"

"Seasonal saints" attend pageants and candlelight services but are hardly qualified to be numbered with the "faithful." The "faithful," like many in my experience, are reliable, ready and participate in the rigors of Christian service all year. The "faithful" are consistent. When the seats of the "faithful" are empty people are as surprised as when the fickle fans of seasonal religion appear.

John, one of the Twelve closest to Jesus, wrote, "Because in this world we are like him." (1 John 4:17) Jesus called the Twelve to be "with Him," and to learn from Him by observation and by participation with Him. So, when I sing, "O Come All Ye Faithful," I sing with wonder-filled memories of the past and with serious introspection so that I sing as one of the "Faithful."

O come all ye faithful joyful and triumphant
Oh come ye O come ye to Bethlehem;
come and behold him born the King of angels;
O come let us adore him Christ the Lord.
　
Sing choirs of angels sing in exultation
Sing all ye citizens of heaven above;Glory to God in the highest:
O come, let us adore him, Christ The Lord
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be glory given;
word of the Father, now in flesh appearing:
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

Certainly the "word of the Father, now in flesh appearing" is worthy of our worship, worship expressed in lives marked with consistency, reliably and integrity throughout the year. "O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord," during Advent and throughout the coming year.

Mary's Song

Mary’s song is the most beautiful response to the Holy Spirit ever recorded. The context for the song is Mary’s visit to Elizabeth and Mary sang in answer the Holy Spirit message spoken through Elizabeth.

"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.

"He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are

proud in their inmost thoughts.

"He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.

"He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
 "He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers." (Luke 1:39-56)

The Spirit spoke and Mary sang even though she was navigating the most difficult passages of her young life. Pregnant, engaged but unmarried, Mary and Joseph’s reputations were on the verge of ruin. Their plans for a typical Judean life lifestyle were like small shards of broken glassware, strewn in disarray without hope of regaining what had been so promising. And yet, Mary sang!

Mary sang from the depth of her being, "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." Songs that sustain and strengthen for life challenges cannot be learned with a few repetitions, pasted to the memory like decals on window panes. The songs that magnify the Lord, which give and sustain life, are planted by the Spirit in the depth of our spirit, cultivated with life experience, and often watered with tears before a crisis challenges security and sanity.

Mary’s song is an affirmation of faith. Your time and my space is limited, but I suggest that a review of the four "He has . . ." statements in Mary’s song. If we sing of the Almighty’s activity, our spirits will take wing and faith will soar above the immediate circumstances. Yes, "HE HAS . . ." and because of what He has done, my song and faith remain unshakeable. I write from experience. Some of our days are difficult. But, our song remains!

Mary’s song is filled with the future! 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. Nothing is better than living with an assurance, a hardy hope and certain conviction that One born in Bethlehem’s stable remains in charge of all world affairs and our family for generations!

In a few days our three generations will gather with a song that begins deep within and which finds joy-filled expression – regardless of the circumstances.

Pat and I trust that your family knows and has adopted Mary’s song as your own!

"I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day!

As an elementary school-aged boy our family attended a presentation of Handel’s Messiah, presented by the Pershing High School, a public school in Detroit, Michigan. Gloria, my sister, was an alto in the chorus. A love affair with fine music wedded to Scripture was born.

Since that first hearing of Messiah when listening I have anticipated being moved again by the chorus first penned by Isaiah.
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6 KJV)
It is as if heaven opens its jaws widely and drops eternities of gracious promise onto the earth! The possibility for peace is poured out in a torrent of mercy and grace.

As I write I am reminded of contractors pouring the foundation of Philadelphia’s newest and tallest skyscraper. Last weekend over 400 transit mix trucks emptied their payloads in one continuous pour of concrete. The task lasted for more than 12 hours. In contrast, God has been pouring out assurances of peace on earth for centuries and sealed his promise by sending the Prince of Peace.

In completing the vocation assigned to me by the Prince of Peace, I wrote more than 40 Christmas Eve candlelight services. We read the salient prophecies, sang traditional music, shared God’s Word and lighted candles while singing robustly "Joy to the World." We also frequently sang Henry Wordsworth Longfellow’s poem, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day."
I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Till ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:"
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men."
Longfellow’s poem is often overlooked, but deserves careful consideration each Christmas season. Longfellow wrote the memorable words as a twice widowed, sorrowing husband whose son had enlisted in the Union Army and was then mortally wounded. In addition, Longfellow suffered from Neuralgia, a stabbing, burning, and often severe pain that occurs along a damaged nerve. For Longfellow, like us all, peace is elusive.

Two verses of "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" are almost always omitted. The stanzas face harsh realities of slavery and war. Longfellow, the news of a son’s death, noisily plowing deep furrows of painful grief into every waking moment wrote:

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn, The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Thank you Mister Longfelllow. You remind us that the Prince of Peace has come and the Message of the season trumps cacophonous cannons, dirges of despair, disease and death.

This year we are praying for the families of several friends who are now listening to heavenly choruses. We miss our friends, but not like their children and spouses. My prayer is, "Lord, especially this year, make sure my friends’ families Hear the Bells on Christmas Day! May Isaiah’s prophecy prove powerful and real for those of us who await reunions in heaven." And, let us remind those who need the reinforcement to faith challenged by great loss, "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep!"

Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne

A favorite hymn celebrating the Incarnation is Emily Elliott’s, "Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne." The enduring tune was first sung in 1864, in St. Mark’s Church in Brighton, England pastored by her father. Emily Elliott may have been influenced by her Aunt, Charlotte Elliott, who penned, "Just as I Am," the song often sung at the end many services in my boyhood church and the invitation the Holy Spirit used to woo thousands at Billy Graham crusade altar calls.

The language is quaint, of middle 19^th century vintage, but the message is timeless and forever speaks to a world distorted by human error and wilful sin.
Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,
When Thou camest to earth for me;
But in Bethlehem's home was there found no room
For Thy holy nativity.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.

Heaven's arches rang when the angels sang,
Proclaiming Thy royal degree;
But of lowly birth didst Thou come to earth,
And in great humility.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.

The foxes found rest, and the birds their nest
In the shade of the forest tree;
But Thy couch was the sod, O Thou Son of God,
In the deserts of Galilee.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.

Thou camest, O Lord, with the living word
That should set Thy people free;
But with mocking scorn, and with crown of thorn,
They bore Thee to Calvary.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.

When the heavens shall ring, and the angels sing,
At Thy coming to victory,
Let Thy voice call me home, saying "Yet there is room,
There is room at My side for thee."
My heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus,
When Thou comest and callest for me.
When one considers the verses with care one notices that "Thou Didst leave Thy Throne" presents a powerful series of contrasts in each stanza. Notice the stark differences between "throne and crown" with "Bethlehem’s home and no room." The "living word that should set thy people free," with "mocking scorn and crown of thorn," leave me gaping in wonder. The marriage of lyric and tune calls me to thoughtful consideration of contrasts between my way and Jesus’ way.

After completing more than 48 years as a pastor and missionary, and now living in my eighth decade, I have observed that in all relational problems between individuals or groups of any size the root cause included arrogance and pride. Someone always stubbornly insists they have a special privilege, are privy to a divine insight or elevate a personal viewpoint to "the will of God." The truth is, we all graduated summa cum laude at the "College of Me First." Humility is constantly in short supply and Emily Elliott’s hymn calls us to deal with the issue!

 The refrain is simple, "O come to my heart, Lord Jesus, There is room in my heart for Thee." If we welcome the Jesus defined by Scripture, we will welcome Him of whom it is written, "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross." (Philippians 2:6-8, NIV)

When we kneel before Jesus, make room for Him within, we open the door to powerful possibilities for reconciliation between warring factions, we become vulnerable to the point of admitting we are wrong, and we give Jesus an occasion to teach us what we have not yet learned.

Emily Elliott’s "Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne" is worthy of learning and singing!

Joy to the World

The last post to our blog, “Renewed Cities,” was in May 2014. We resume our bit of writing during Advent for a few reasons. The first is, I have a little more time. For the majority of this year we have filled the Philadelphia pulpit vacated by the untimely death of a dear friend, Abe Oliver. We have enjoyed the assignment, but preparation and travel time left little time for writing.

Pat’s health has been declining and my father-in-law, Roy W. Kolas Sr., passed away on Flag Day, June 14. Several trips to Indiana left us exhausted and still less discretionary time than usual. We miss Roy’s presence and rich contributions to our life. Pat’s health remains a challenge, and we are making new attempts at establishing routines to help us negotiate the ever-changing byways of Parkinson’s Disease.

We received little feedback to most of our “Renewed Cities” posts and I was secretly hoping someone would say, “We miss you!” Alas, few did and I spent some time evaluating whether or not we should stick with the exercise. 

 Then the “last straw” that set aflame a writing mood, Advent. The nearly total secularization of the glorious and eternal truth, The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth, (John 1:14 NIV) is too much for me. I cannot remain silent. At the risk of being tagged as an irrelevant Neanderthal, I will consider ten important Advent hymns we ought to learn and sing. A song is an effective communications medium. The truth of Advent is too important to follow the lead of Radio City Music Hall’s spiritual neutering of the great Message, God has cared enough about us to become one of us so that He could save us!

 We took our grandchildren to Radio City a few days ago. The last scene living nativity left me with a bit of hope after Santa and his elfish minions had center stage for more than 95% of the production. Pat and I attended a brilliant church Christmas pageant but I only recognized one singable song celebrating Jesus’ birth. I don’t expect too much from the secular stage, in my opinion, this is prime time for the church to get her Message out! If the church will sing the Message at her Advent events, in community marketplaces and at her neighbors’ doorsteps, the material on which faith rests will at least be heard once in the year. The songs of Advent have the potential of saving those floundering in darkness.

 The first of my ten selections (with a tip of the hat to David Letterman), is Isaac Watts’ “Joy to the World.” This Advent hymn is important because joy is on equal footing with love, peace, and the other fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22ff). I offer little commentary on Watt’s enduring lyrics, they speak eloquently and effectively and I have nothing to add.

 

Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

 
I beg the church to sing this faith-building anthem. Sing it often. Sing it well! Sing it until tears well up in people’s eyes. Sing “No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground.” Hope warms, then seeps and finally spews as a geyser as the Word that became flesh is discovered. Friends, let’s sing Joy to the World! All together now . . .   

Soft Edges

"Soft edges" is a feature on one of my computer programs I use. With a few clicks of the mouse photos can be edited to look like a real professional had produced the work. In my opinion the "soft edges" makes for a more attractive presentation.

While driving home from this morning’s errands, I was reminded of "soft edges." As my little Ford pick-up used for errand-running bounced along the radio was tuned to a station that plays Christian "Golden Oldies." Anyone younger than 50 years-old wouldn’t even hesitate at the radio’s frequency. I listen to some great preachers, Erwin Lutzer, pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago, if the timing is right. After Dr. Lutzer signed off the sounds from a recording of a musical artist playing a pipe organ filled my truck’s cab.

The speakers aren’t too good and the sound bounced around for a few seconds before I was able to identify the melodies. I knew the tunes, but they were tucked far away in the recesses of my memory. The first tune in the medley was "Stand up for Jesus." It must be at least twenty years or more since I heard the tune, 30 years since I sang the lyrics. Peddlers of political correctness would never allow something so edgy to sneak into the contemporary church’s repertoire. "What would people who have never been to our church think?" Could they wrap their minds around such demanding orders?
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the solemn watchword hear;
If while ye sleep He suffers, away with shame and fear;
Where’er ye meet with evil, within you or without,
Charge for the God of battles, and put the foe to rout.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the trumpet call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict, in this His glorious day.
Ye that are brave now serve Him against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the Gospel armor, each piece put on with prayer;
Where duty calls or danger, be never wanting there.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle, the next the victor’s song.
To those who vanquish evil a crown of life shall be;
They with the King of Glory shall reign eternally.
Militancy is passe, unless one is motivated by right wing ideology. Being well prepared and engaged in spiritual conflict has been moved just outside the viewable Gospel picture presented. Has the message been "soft edged" a bit too much? "Till every foe is vanquished," is as quaint as a visit to an apothecary!

The second tune in the medley is filed in the basements of musical museums, well out of hearing range. It is less familiar than Sousa’s "Stars and Stripes Forever," in a White House gala which features raucous rock themes. The organist segued into "Onward Christian Soldiers!" Of all the audacity, a suggestion of military-like preparation for the most demanding vocation in life!

Some of my readers may have a hard time relating to the martial theme and hard-edged call to action.
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
with the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
forward into battle see his banners go!
Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
with the cross of Jesus going on before.

At the sign of triumph Satan's host doth flee;
on then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell's foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.

Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
one in hope and doctrine, one in charity.

Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
but the church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never gainst that church prevail;
we have Christ's own promise, and that cannot fail.

Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,
blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud, and honor unto Christ the King,
this through countless ages men and angels sing.
Think of the hard edges of "Marching off to war!" Or, "Hell’s foundations quiver," and "One in faith and doctrine" have to be at the very top of soft-edged relevancy’s list of "no-nos!"

Saint Peter apparently didn’t know how to create "soft edges." After spending an evening in jail and being threatened by the religious establishment, Peter’s filled-with-the-Holy-Spirit, hard-edged response was, "Rulers and elders of the people!
⁹ If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, ¹⁰ then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. ¹¹ He is "'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone'. ¹² Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

Thomas Carlyle believed that people become what they sing. Generic, "soft-edged," lyrics touting a nameless god (Every culture has at least one god.) may generate warm, nonthreatening responses, but the Name of Jesus presented as the only Name that saves has a very hard edge.

Planning and Anointing, Conflict or Complement

Until I was a young adult, I had never heard the word "lectionary." I discovered that a lectionary is a book or listing of scripture readings appointed for worship. Many communions follow a lectionary to assure a balance of reading and preaching themes throughout the church year. In contrast, I was reared in and ministered in the Pentecostal tradition which emphasized being led by the Spirit, affirmed spontaneity and welcomed "freedom from forms and lifeless routines."

After nearly seven decades of living, worshiping and serving in the church, I have concluded that the human instinct to the comfort and security of rhythms and routines creeps into church life. We routinely sit where we usually sit, stand at what has become an acceptable time and fulfill the congregation’s expectations during public worship. The template for worship activity varies from one congregation to another, but is rather predictable within each group. People simply love the comfort of predictability.

Personally, I wonder if our being "led by the Spirit" tradition overlooks some of the values of lectionary discipline. An argument can be presented for preparation for significant celebrations within all communions. For instance, Passover was observed following a carefully dictated template initiated in Egypt and handed down and observed by Jesus. Passover was observed in hope and experienced during the first Holy Week, the week when Jesus offered himself as the Passover Lamb.

The disciples asked, "Where do you want us to prepare for Passover?" (Luke 22:9) Clearly, the Twelve were familiar with how the Passover would be observed. The preparations would take time and required ingredients. Passovers could not be observed haphazardly.

Most of the Christian world observes Lent, a time of preparation for the events leading up to Holy Week and culminating in Resurrection Sunday. Smudges of ash in the form of a cross were on the foreheads of fellow Christians. On Ash Wednesday they made a public statement about their commitment as Christians to spiritual preparation for the weeks ahead. To be sure, some may have been simply going through the motions, but I was inwardly asking, "What would happen if I went to Bible study tonight with the same mark?"

Isaiah announced that a plan was in place and preparations were being made for the One who would offer the sacrifice to end all sacrifices.
¹ Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? ² He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. ³ He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. ⁴ Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. ⁵ But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. ⁶ We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. ⁷ He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. (Isaiah 53)
I argue, if Jesus’ sacrifice was promised and planned, and if the Passover was observed in anticipation for centuries, what could possibly be wrong with setting aside time to prepare for a more authentic spiritual observance of the Passover’s fulfillment, Jesus’ death and Resurrection? Is a season of preparation an empty routine devoid of value? Are we wise in discarding a season of thoughtful spiritual preparation to observe the greatest single event in history, the resurrection of Jesus from the dead?

Maybe a smudge of ashes on our foreheads would have the right effect on proud people of the Spirit. Perhaps a discipline of reviewing the events leading up to and including Holy Week would slow us down and add solemnity to our Resurrection Day observances. Are we too proud to humble ourselves with a bid of ashes smudged to our forehead? Is it possible that "Spirit-filled pastors" would struggle less with building a special service, complete with obligatory religious bells and whistles? Following a season of serious spiritual preparation, would we dare to truly trust the "leading of the Spirit" to communicate the world-changing reality, "Christ is Risen?"

Great, far-reaching grace"

Grace is an important and frequent Bible theme. The simple, most frequently used definition of grace is "unmerited or unearned favor," which serves us adequately for our present purpose. Most frequently grace is considered in personal dimensions, and thanks for the grace of God is expressed for the favor of God on an individual. We appropriately sing, "Amazing grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost but now I’m found, was blind, but now I see." While we sing the ancient tune in congregations, the focus is personal.

During recent readings of the New Testament Epistles and several books of American history I was challenged about the scope of God’s grace being experienced corporately, internationally and through many generations. For instance, when the first generation church was in the throes of her first wave of persecution, Luke records, "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all (emphasis mine, Acts 4:32-33). Peter and John had performed the first public miracle after Pentecost and their lives were in jeopardy. The church prayed fervently and grace was experienced corporately.

The Apostle Paul often extended introductory grace greetings to the churches. To the Romans he wrote, "To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ" (1:7). To the Corinthians he bid farewell with, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen." (1 Corinthians 16:23-24). The whole church is blessed, graced, no one excepted.


Throughout history God’s grace has been manifested, and His grace remains and is active today, if we will reflect and remember the Sovereign’s interventions. The grace of God was expressed internationally when God intervened and brought Egypt’s reign of terror to an end. A small sample of the details surrounding the grace of God’s actions include the salvation of Moses from Pharaoh’s death order. Moses’ encounter with the Almighty at the burning bush is a grace experience much broader than the personal impact on Moses. Daniel’s story and the gracious activity of God in the judges reinforce the truth that grace is broader, more far-reaching and more frequent than personal experience.

In the 1960's the "military-industrial complex" was at a full throttle. President Eisenhower warned the nation in a farewell address that the "Cold War" required huge expenditures of the nation’s budget to make weapons that, if used, could potentially unleash world-ending devastation and contaminate the environment so that human life would not be sustained. Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev pounded the desk with a shoe while debating at the United Nations. The "nuclear clock" was at 11:58 P.M. and many world leaders were in despair and convinced that peace was impossible. Evangelists leveraged the "doom’s day" or "nuclear clock" to warn of the Lord’s coming.

Into the doom’s day environment, grace was extended. A Roman Catholic, President John Kennedy, one for whom God-fearing Evangelicals would not vote, made a speech at American University calling for our Cold War antagonists to sit down and reason together. Hot words and threats were set aside and a non-proliferation treaty was hammered out, a true expression of grace. Fifty years have passed. One may comfortably argue that God’s grace was delivered by a man who had been disqualified by good, well-intentioned people. Grace is too broad to be confined in the narrow limits of human understanding. Maybe Peter’s Spirit-given insight is applicable here, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." – 2 Peter 3:9


September 11, 2010 angry terrorists made a statement of hate which forever changed the way every person in the world lives today. On that day the Attorney General of the United States was John Ashcroft, a member of the Assemblies of God. I believe Dr. Ashcroft was a gift of grace God appointed to his post for that season in our nation’s history. The complexities of his Senate confirmation hearings, the first-of-its-kind attack, and the mood of our nation all required a special person to serve alongside the President and Congress. The emphasis is not on a man, but on the grace of God extended to a nation and to the world.

One last observation, since "9-11" one of the songs sung during Major League Baseball games, seventh-inning stretches, is America the Beautiful. I note that in each of the four verses a simple prayer is inserted, "America! America! God shed his grace on thee." We are as undeserving of God’s grace as any other nation who has rebelled against God. But, if we keep pleading, keep interceding, keep singing the much-needed appeal for grace, He may hear us and heal our nation.

Come, let us sing a verse together today!

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

Generosity: A Mark of Authenticity

Generosity is a foundational value found in followers of Jesus. Because generosity is a core value demonstrated and taught by Jesus his disciples ought to embrace and practice liberality consistently.

Jesus’ teaching was blunt and forceful. He taught, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38) The parable of the man victimized by thieves and ignored by the religious establishment reprimanded those who withheld their gifts of comfort and help. The generous Samaritan was placed in opposition to the "I-don’t-care-stinginess" of those who took comfort in their orthodox legalism while disconnecting behavior from the nature of God who is full of compassion.

Following World War Two, George Marshall was invited to make a speech before scholars at Harvard University. On June 5, 1947, Mr. Marshall laid out a plan of national generosity which became commonly known as "The Marshall Plan." America’s World War Two enemies were restored to economic stability and foes became friends in one generation. Missionary societies and benevolent ministries based in the United States have unselfishly poured billions of dollars into the less fortunate and impoverished around the world. And God has blessed our nation because of that liberality.

In 1992 we were privileged under God to establish Vailsburg Assembly of God. Within the first six months we convened a missions convention and began teaching the infant church how to give generously. We recently learned that the congregation will give more than $100,000 in support of missions around the world in 2014. It is obvious that because of generosity God’s blessing causes the church to thrive in every measurable way.

The parable of the last judgment in Matthew 25 is one of His last before the crucifixion. People who appeared at the judgment were separated right and left and sent them away as one separating sheep and goats based on how they invested or failed to invest in others. A careful re-reading of the story always sobers me. How we treat people is important to Jesus and ought to be of highest priority to anyone claiming to follow Him.

I am troubled when I hear those who are sincerely following Jesus carelessly and without compassion rail against those who benefit from generosity. I am troubled because –
I can find no occasion when Jesus berated a person for being poor, ill or in need of help. Rather, Jesus used each occasion to demonstrate forgiveness, compassion and His willingness to improve the lot of those who were helpless to improve their lot in life.
No one has anything of any value which did not originate in the heart of a compassionate and forgiving God. Grace is "unmerited, undeserved blessing."
The excuse to refuse help because someone is "using the system" is a worthy risk, especially if one takes seriously Jesus’ assurance, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these my brothers." For someone to "use the system" because of laziness or other sinful choices may reduce that person to the "least of these," but, the promise of "inheritance, the kingdom!"
Each of the actions Jesus affirmed in His explanation of the judgment is a personal, people-touching action. Caring for people may be organized but is not at its best when it is institutionalized. In a hurry-up, growth and promotion oriented world, caring for others is usually inconvenient.
Generous compassion has been a hallmark of Jesus’ disciples through the ages. Love is always a giving action. Missions cannot be reduced to a budget number, but an expression of generosity, liberality and deep compassion flowing from deep within the heart of an individual and a congregation.

Pastors serve their congregations well when they create many opportunities to hear of needs and then lead the congregation in an appropriate response. The church that formed me in my youth did that and many of us have given our entire adult lives in God-called service as a result. The legacy of the church is known on several continents! The church thrives and will soon celebrate her 75^th anniversary of giving, serving, expressing the heart of Jesus to a world stumbling under the weight known to "the least of these my brothers."



"Stingy Christian" is an oxymoron, a world-class contradiction. Jesus taught his disciples in the shadow of the Last Supper, Gethsemane and the cross, How you treat people, your generosity in meeting human need, is a serious consideration at the judgment.

Why do we boast?

Reading large segments of Scripture in a single setting helps me get the big picture. This week I read First Corinthians through in several translations with as few interruptions as possible. In a single-session reading of the letter to a proud congregation the Apostle Paul drew strong contrasts between knowledge and practice, lofty spiritual insights and polarizing attitudes. First Corinthians will stand one on his religious head if it is taken seriously!

The Apostle noted how the church "lacked no spiritual gift" (1:5) while tolerating divisive attitudes and practices in the church family (1:10-17 and 11:17-22). He challenged Corinthian boasting of human abilities and self-applauding wisdom and countered human ability with "faith that does not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power." (2:1-5)

As the Holy Spirit washed the Word over my mind and spirit I was reminded of a sage mentor who invested deeply in me while I was a youthful pastor serving my novitiate. My mentor enjoyed emptying the church’s mailbox and sorting invoices, personal letters, product promotions and publications. It was in the era when we received reams of materials from Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, and North Carolina. As the sorting task ended, my friend and mentor often would say, "We wouldn’t know much about these people if they didn’t send us so much stuff about themselves!" He sounded Pauline!

In one of my readings of First Corinthians I was arrested in chapter 4, verses 6 and 7, "Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, "Do not go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over against another. Who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?" Shouldn’t we be startled once in a while when we remember that we were dead in our sins (Colossians 2:13) when Jesus came to raise us to everlasting life? How wise can I be if I was dead at the point of entry into the family of God?

The Holy Spirit arrested me in chapter 6 as well. "You are not your own; you were bought at a price" (6:19-20). Oops! Am I in any position to insist on my way, ask for privilege or edge toward the head of the line? I don’t think those who remember their condition when Jesus first met them assume they deserve special favor or ever are comfortable promoting a list of their achievements. But, I must quit. Verbosity is an indication of the very thing the Apostle is challenging!

While mediating on First Corinthians I remembered a song from my youth. The church that was so instrumental in forming me sang it often enough that it is now a part of my private repertoire. If you know it, sing along!

There’s a sweet and blessed story.
Of the Christ who came from glory,
Just to rescue me from sin and misery;
He in loving-kindness sought me,
And from sin and shame hath brought me,
Hallelujah! Jesus ransomed me.

Refrain:
Hallelujah! what a Savior,
Who can take a poor, lost sinner,
Lift him from the miry clay and set me free!
I will ever tell the story,
Shouting glory, glory, glory,
Hallelujah! Jesus ransomed me.

From the depth of sin and sadness
To the heights of joy and gladness
Jesus lifted me, in mercy full and free;
With His precious blood He bought me,
When I knew Him not, He sought me,
And in love divine He ransomed me.

From the throne of heav’nly glory—
Oh, the sweet and blessed story!—
Jesus came to lift the lost in sin and woe
Into liberty all-glorious,
Trophies of His grace victorious,
Evermore rejoicing here below.

By and by, with joy increasing,
And with gratitude unceasing,
Lifted up with Christ forevermore to be,
I will join the hosts there singing,
In the anthem ever ringing,
To the King of Love who ransomed me.

The Apostolic letter and the humble song of a bygone era remind me of James’ observation, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" (James 1:17). In other words, "If it is noteworthy or good, it didn’t start with us!"

"God helpes us wherever we are"

Have you discovered evidences of our Lord’s will and design sometimes on display in unlikely places? They can occur in unexpected places and at unusual times. The Lord recently allowed me to witness a demonstration of how He desires people to live together in a community.

I recently chaired our community’s homeowner’s association board of directors meeting where we wrestled with a sticky problem relating to a house under construction. The chairman of the architectural committee is assigned the responsibility of overseeing plans and permits for new construction. He is eminently qualified as an architect and is fastidious about his work. In the design and permit process a serious error was made. Communication broke down between the contractor, county agencies and the homeowner’s association representative. Thousands of dollars are at stake. The architect feels as if he has let down the whole community and apologized in tears.

As the board struggled through the various issues and listened to the presentations and viewpoints of the parties directly involved, a member stated, "I think we need to do what good neighbors do. We ought to share the responsibility for what has happened and make the best of an imperfect circumstance." A few persisted using tense legal argument and questioning the integrity of the contractor, but slowly and steadily the directors decided on a non-punitive course of action by affirming the architect and deciding on an acceptable plan for all parties. The board adopted a formal statement sharing the responsibility for the difficult circumstance. And at the end of the meeting I noticed nearly every board member individually assuring the architect and thanking him for many years of service.

The meeting was so different from some board meetings I have attended. I have seen well-intentioned business and community leaders act like playground bullies insisting on their own way. Sadly, I have seen similar behavior among church leaders. Contention, threats, ultimatums and anger breed an unpleasant atmosphere and regrettable memories. The spirit and behavior of those meetings should have never happened.

In reading Paul’s letter to the Colossians I was reminded of the apostle’s instruction, "Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Colossians 3:12). The behavior is an exact opposite of the preceding instruction, "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature" (Colossians 3:3). It is our choice and our activity. We "put off" and "put on" what we choose. God doesn’t do it for us. As we make choices and follow those decisions with complementary actions, we glimpse the kind of family, community and church emerging that pleases the Lord.

The importance of saying, "Thank you!"

The story is familiar to those who have read the Bible. It is found in Luke 17:11-19.
Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!"
When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him--and he was a Samaritan.
Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?"
Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."
The lesson is obvious and simple. Ten lepers, social outcasts unwelcome in a healthy society and reduced to begging because of their medical condition, called out to Jesus in desperation. Jesus represented their only hope. Their condition was otherwise terminal. Human contact was forbidden. All bridges back to home, neighborhood and employment were destroyed by the dread disease.

But Jesus came by and healed them! Cleansed! Restored! As good as new, the ten ran off to have their healing and status in society validated by the temple priests. And then, one returned shouting appreciation and praise. Throwing himself at Jesus’ feet the Samaritan said, "Thank you!" Twice pushed to the perimeter of society, because of leprosy and ethnicity (Samaritans were ostracized and despised by the Jews.) The good man’s understanding of Jesus’ gift of healing was doubled. He was whole and accepted by Jesus, God’s Son.

Ingratitude seems to be in revival mode. A society intoxicated with a glut of entitlements has dulled the edge where grace and generosity are intended to whet the edge of our spirits. Pat and I have made contributions to people and projects we deem worthy of our support. The stature of those to whom we give is often reinforced with simple and sincere "Thank yous," a card, a note or phone call. But too often we have heard nothing. In my most charitable moment I think, "They are busy." But, too often, I think those whom we have helped think that they are entitled to our support and go off to the next donor.

Saying, "Thank you!" is too important to be forgotten. Luke points out that the man was a Samaritan, drawing a contrast with the "I-have-it-coming" politically and socially correct in society. The lesson is, "The Samaritan spirit is to be envied, and copied!"

Thank you for reading my occasional efforts to write. Thank you for being friends. Thank you for allowing me to see the great and generous grace of God in you. Saying, "Thank you!" is good for a man’s spirit.

What are you wearing?

This week our President’s wife, Michelle Obama, wore an expensive gown to a state dinner honoring the President of France. People who generally disapprove of the President’s leadership are questioning the propriety of Mrs. Obama wearing such an expensive gown when millions of Americans are unemployed. Others simply exposed their heart by wondering aloud, "What does wearing a $15,000 dress feel like?" (I don’t know what wearing a $2.00 dress feels like, but I have worn second-hand clothes from thrift shops.)

Newspapers and television outlets reviewed Mrs. Obama’s dress as they analyze the costumes worn by actresses and singers on the morning after awards shows. Designers vie for high profile showcases because if the public likes their creations, sales will translate into dollars. Dressing up is big business!

A long time ago a guest in a homiletics class fielded questions. One knows it was a very long time ago because one of the memorable questions was, "Is it right for a pastor to wear a sport coat in the pulpit?" Notice, the question wasn’t, "Is it good taste to wear jeans, or cargo pants, or T-shirts, or flip flops, or . . . , no, ‘sport coats!?’" The answer was profoundly important, "If what you wear is what people are talking about, you have worn the wrong thing!" Alas, we are still talking more about what to wear than the Message!

As the media critiqued Mrs. Obama’s choice of gowns and political adversaries pettily pointed to the price tag, I wondered why Christians found it important to give it a moment’s thought or to even comment. Jesus’ teaching turns men’s thoughts from the outside to the inside. The outward symbols of worship in the Older Testament are refocused on the heart, the inward parts of man in the Newer Testament.

Would it be better if we spoke about eternal clothes? The Apostle Paul wrote, "For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." (Galatians 3:27) That’s priceless! A mere $15,000 for tastefully arranged yard goods is not worthy to be compared nor should it usurp the centrality of Christ who clothes us.

Peter added, "All of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." (1 Peter 5:5) Second-rate criticism of a national leader and his wife certainly doesn’t seem compatible with being clothed with humility. Can we find deliverance from petty pickiness and live up to the Name by which we are called?

Have we lost sight of the ultimate clothing expo? Certainly not! It is for that event that we live in joyful anticipation. John foresaw the event on Patmos while wearing prison garb, "After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb’" (Revelation 7:9-10). No cheap designer togs here! Hemlines, seams, bodices and sleeves are unimportant! The robes have been purchased by the blood of the Lamb. (1 Peter 1:9) Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

For us who know Him, idle chatter about gowns and dresses here has little meaning. The third stanza of Edward Mote’s, "The Solid Rock," captures the truth,
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
Charles Wesley’s "And can it be that I should gain?" reinforces the priceless righteousness which allows us to enter the main gate of heaven!
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.
Our White House, the Kremlin and capitals everywhere are testaments to man’s best efforts. To dress well for special occasions in those place is proper and good. One day, very soon, we will be dressed as none can imagine!



　

　

　

Learning from antiquity

Church history wasn’t a strength when I was a student. I was probably too young to understand that what happened before, and my knowledge and attitude toward past events and people of antiquity, had the potential of influencing the future. Too often I behaved as if those church fathers tucked away in small Asian towns ought to be left there. In my youth I knew that there were people to influence, churches to build , and a world to save. What could musty parchments contribute to my mission? As I have aged, I have gained a far different perspective on life in and outside of the church.

The change in perspective may have influenced my recent reading list. Almost everything I have read this year was written more than 50 years ago. The authors influencing me now appear prophetic because the issues they addressed are now our daily experience. Their alertness, warnings, and concerns were largely ignored and we are now scrambling for quick fixes to systemic failures.

Polycarpa, Bishop of Smyrna, is a historical figure to which I ought to have given more attention. The bishop is an important link between the Apostles and me. Polycarp was a disciple of John and often spoke to his congregation with affection of how John had influenced his life. As Bishop of Smyrna, Polycarp must have taken notice of the special attention Jesus gave to the church he led.
"To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.
I know your afflictions and your poverty--yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. – Revelation 2:8-10
In Polycarp’s old age Roman Emperors ran with a wild frenzy every time their leadership was threatened. Because of the emperor’s insanity Polycarp was forced to offer a public sacrifice and declare the emperor as god. While in hiding from the emperor’s police, Polycarp dreamed that his pillow was on fire. When he awaken, he told those with him, "Let us go, I will be burned alive."

Because of his genteel spirit and widely known kindness the arresting soldiers begged Polycarp to offer a pinch of incense on the public altar. He could spare his own life! The aged bishop’s response is a lesson for us all to learn well.
"Lord God Almighty, Father of your blessed and beloved child Jesus Christ, through whom we have received knowledge of you, God of angels and hosts and all creation, and of the whole race of the upright who live in your presence: I bless you that you have thought me worthy of this day and hour, to be numbered among the martyrs and share in the cup of Christ, for resurrection to eternal life, for soul and body in the incorruptibility of the Holy Spirit. Among them may I be accepted before you today, as a rich and acceptable sacrifice, just as you, the faithful and true God, have prepared and foreshown and brought about. For this reason and for all things I praise you, I bless you, I glorify you, through the eternal heavenly high priest Jesus Christ, your beloved child, through whom be glory to you, with him and the Holy Spirit, now and for the ages to come. Amen."
A legend developed around Polycarp’s martyrdom. It is alleged that his body would not catch fire and a soldier was ordered to stab him to death.

How far has our culture wandered from examples like Polycarp? Or John who spent his last days in a death camp called Patmos? Or Jesus whose passion we all remember at the communion table?

Because of Polycarp’s special connection with the Apostle John, I am reading John’s writings again with a special interest in what must have shaped the spirit and behavior of an early bishop. In a combative culture demanding repeals of legislation and vicious threats against anyone or anything which may imperil our wellbeing, especially financial, I want to hear the voices of the Spirit and antiquity and learn to thoroughly apply eternal axioms like, In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. – 1 John 4:17 The good bishop of antiquity is still teaching any who will learn.

Who is lifted up?

Self-promotion has many faces. Star athletes adopt a swagger or brag about their exploits. (I find them hard to like.) Corporations spend millions on promoting their brand and promising products they claim are superior to all others. Even academia, once a bastion for genteel modesty, promotes its programs with splashy sureness. Competition is fierce in athletics, industry and academics, almost everywhere.

Does self-promotion belong in the church? The "bigger is better" theme is a constantly reinforced religious value. Churches use social media to promote themselves. Modesty is hard to find. Swaths of significant accomplishments are boldly presented without an asterisk or footnote mentioning the grace of God or the enabling Spirit. A slate of special performers at coming events is similar in kind to the latest performing rock band or dramatic troupe passing through town.

Am I opposed to enticing neighbors to attend special events at church? NO! I believe in the power of the Spirit to work His Message into people’s hearts when they gather in Jesus’ Name. I am merely reacting to what I consider an over-the-top self-advancement. People don’t need to know me. People need to know Jesus!

We are in danger of calling attention to the vessel or conduit as more important than the precious oil of the Spirit flowing through us. My head hangs in shame as I remember distributing an advertizing piece when I was very young and overly ambitious. The theme of the piece was, "The distance is worth the distance." How could I have been so crass, clumsy or conceited? Isn’t it my role under God to build up others?

The success of an athlete to end a contest with a heroic fete may warrant braggadocio. A company’s ability to parlay a promotion into dollars for stockholders may be an excuse for bragging. Colleges may be justified for pointing to successful alumni and ratings by accrediting boards. But I wonder is Jesus impressed with what one pastor calls his "wow factor?" Am I a servant or a savior in my own mind and heart? How much of Jesus is able to pierce the gaudy facades of church presentations?

Somewhere I remember reading, "If I am lifted up, I will draw all men unto me." A tad more modesty may go a long way to allowing Jesus to come to center stage.