Space is important to us! If people invade "my space" they get too close and violate my sense of shalom (That’s the Hebrew word for "peace.". I get nervous! It has probably happened to you too. Having lived most of my life in or near a major city I know the feeling when someone parks too close to my car, crowds the driveway where my car is parked or simply discards their Styrofoam Chinese take-out carton on my stoop. On too many occasions for me to number my space was violated by entering my home or church property without permission. How dare they? This is my space and it is upsetting.
Theodore Roosevelt, Roughrider and President of the United States, was a bold and daring visionary leader. Most of us are familiar with images of the youthful military man, complete with rearing horse and thick spectacles, leading a charge up San Juan Hill. Stories of Roosevelt’s safaris have made him a legend among outdoors men. But many overlook the fact that as President the Roosevelt of "speak softly and carry a big stick" fame, almost singlehandedly set aside massive tracts of land, millions of acres for recreation and the enjoyment of Americans. More than 100 years later, we enjoy a National Park system that is envied by most nations who lacked a leader of equal vision. Roosevelt gave us space!
In my recent reading I learned of General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s commitment to securing a different kind of space for people living in Europe and Asia. General Eisenhower wrote to his brother Milton, "Hitler should beware the fury of an aroused democracy."1 American and Allied troops liberated Europeans from the suffocating racism of Nazi Germany which had left them hollow-eyed and hopeless. I heard a few immigrants from that era, some of whom are personal friends, speak with misty eyed gratitude of the new ideological space afforded by democracies. This morning, desperate and disillusioned Egyptians chant, hurl incendiaries and pray for freedom. Egyptians, like all people, long for space to be . . . for venues to freely express their own ideas and for physical safety as they stare down tyrants.
You may have shared moments when you were uncertain that you had permission to express your mind. We may have asked ourselves, "Am I going too far?" We wondered, "Will I create a larger problem than the one being discussed if I say what I want to say?" "Will others laugh at me?" "Is it worth the risk?" We must be honest in those situations. We may cross the invisible boundary and invade other people’s space. Occasionally that is exactly what needs to happen, and in other circumstances we must honor the idea of space.
Jesus mastered the idea of space. He offered a woman caught in adultery to establish a new space by which she could experience a new life (John 8). The radical literalists were poised with rocks, ready to apply their understanding of the circumstances in which they found the woman. Jesus opened a whole new world to the guilty woman. He still does the same for all who will accept His offer. "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins . . . made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved" (Ephesians 2:1,5). The image is profound, in high-definition, in color! Satan is poised with rocks, towering over me, ready to snuff out my life, destroy all living space. I deserve the punishment. But, I am alive! Grace trumps rocks! Grace secures living space.
One last image – one last truth – comes into view. Jesus promised, "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am" (John 14:2-3). Jesus is willing to share space with people like you and me! Bob, my editor friend suggests that when God spends time with us it is a time share that is out of this world!
Today, if someone takes a shortcut across our lawn, or puts our car’s paint job at risk, or stands so close we can smell their breath, they will simply be invading our space. We have to decide what our attitude will be. I discovered that rocks are heavy and hard to throw.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
The Lord Knows the Way Through the Wilderness
Reflections, reveries and remembrances are among the contents in life’s treasure chest of luxuries. What I am finding most surprising is that my fondest memories are of simple, inexpensive things. In the mid 70's a vacation trip to Florida was a major undertaking on my marginal income. But, we had three children and Disney World was calling!
I was certain that our Oldsmobile would make the trip with ease, but a church member had a brand new Oldsmobile station wagon and insisted we travel in land yacht style! So we did! Our food budget was $15 per day. Pat brought along individual serving boxes of cereal to which we added milk. One meal down! Near noon we watched for Holiday Inns that featured a smorgasbord for $3.99 and "kids eat free." Eat up kids! And evening meals were cold sandwiches and popcorn. Inexpensive, but FUN!
A kiddie pool was a requisite amenity for serious consideration of motel accommodations. My reverie includes wading through a kiddie pool holding Jonathan’s hand while he sang loudly, "Here comes Jesus, walking on the water." Don’t you envy me? A memory like that is priceless and costs nothing!
Pat and I were college students when the Vietnam War was costing American families their sons and daughters. We read about Agent Orange and napalm while our peers were ingesting it, burning scar tissue into their lungs and twisting their immune systems into defenselessness. Chemicals distorted their genes until a long list of birth defects put their post-war born children on critical care lists nationwide. Added to the already too heavy load of nightmares, empty sleeves or pant legs, marriages teetered on the brink of ruin. Too many children were left without a father in the house, a silent casualty statistic of an ugly war. Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Humphrey and Nixon all dealt with the military-political quagmire and surely wish their biographers could have omitted paragraphs about Viet Nam. Stateside, college students who were still teens were shot dead by National Guardsmen who were also too young to vote.
More than one young married couple wondered, "Is it safe to bring a child into this world?" and "What will happen to this nation?" The Cold War was being executed with threats and counter threats. A Russian premier pounded his shoe on a desk in the United Nations Assembly. Gary Powers was shot down over the USSR and held in prison. Kennedy was assassinated. Johnson refused to run for a second term. Agnew resigned in shame. Nixon was forced out. Ford failed to be reelected after doing his best to heal a nation wounded by too many assaults on her spirit.
I have been remembering, reflecting on those days. And I remember singing a simple chorus.
The tune was catchy and easy to sing. We didn’t always have the best musicians, but they could play this one. So we sang! We clapped and sang the song when interest rates soared into double digits and the world economy looked like a chapter out of the Apocalypse!
But, we quit doing the simple, inexpensive things like taking trips to Florida on the cheap and singing simple songs of assurance. Too often we mobilize to resist decisions we don’t like as if we were college students angry with a war fought on the other side of the world. Instead of long hair, tie-dyed tees, sandals and sit-ins, we petition, parade and protest. A good long road trip with overnight stays at an inexpensive motel and some sing-along music affirming the sovereignty and wisdom of an almighty and gracious God is what we really need. We have survived a lot with the simple and inexpensive. Maybe we could sing "The Lord knows the way through the wilderness" one more time, or twice!
Thank God. The lyrics are true!
I was certain that our Oldsmobile would make the trip with ease, but a church member had a brand new Oldsmobile station wagon and insisted we travel in land yacht style! So we did! Our food budget was $15 per day. Pat brought along individual serving boxes of cereal to which we added milk. One meal down! Near noon we watched for Holiday Inns that featured a smorgasbord for $3.99 and "kids eat free." Eat up kids! And evening meals were cold sandwiches and popcorn. Inexpensive, but FUN!
A kiddie pool was a requisite amenity for serious consideration of motel accommodations. My reverie includes wading through a kiddie pool holding Jonathan’s hand while he sang loudly, "Here comes Jesus, walking on the water." Don’t you envy me? A memory like that is priceless and costs nothing!
Pat and I were college students when the Vietnam War was costing American families their sons and daughters. We read about Agent Orange and napalm while our peers were ingesting it, burning scar tissue into their lungs and twisting their immune systems into defenselessness. Chemicals distorted their genes until a long list of birth defects put their post-war born children on critical care lists nationwide. Added to the already too heavy load of nightmares, empty sleeves or pant legs, marriages teetered on the brink of ruin. Too many children were left without a father in the house, a silent casualty statistic of an ugly war. Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Humphrey and Nixon all dealt with the military-political quagmire and surely wish their biographers could have omitted paragraphs about Viet Nam. Stateside, college students who were still teens were shot dead by National Guardsmen who were also too young to vote.
More than one young married couple wondered, "Is it safe to bring a child into this world?" and "What will happen to this nation?" The Cold War was being executed with threats and counter threats. A Russian premier pounded his shoe on a desk in the United Nations Assembly. Gary Powers was shot down over the USSR and held in prison. Kennedy was assassinated. Johnson refused to run for a second term. Agnew resigned in shame. Nixon was forced out. Ford failed to be reelected after doing his best to heal a nation wounded by too many assaults on her spirit.
I have been remembering, reflecting on those days. And I remember singing a simple chorus.
My Lord knows the way through the wilderness
All I have to do is follow.
My Lord knows the way through the wilderness
All I have to do is follow.
Strength for today, is mine all the way
And all that I need for tomorrow.
My Lord knows the way through the wilderness
All I have to do is follow.
The tune was catchy and easy to sing. We didn’t always have the best musicians, but they could play this one. So we sang! We clapped and sang the song when interest rates soared into double digits and the world economy looked like a chapter out of the Apocalypse!
But, we quit doing the simple, inexpensive things like taking trips to Florida on the cheap and singing simple songs of assurance. Too often we mobilize to resist decisions we don’t like as if we were college students angry with a war fought on the other side of the world. Instead of long hair, tie-dyed tees, sandals and sit-ins, we petition, parade and protest. A good long road trip with overnight stays at an inexpensive motel and some sing-along music affirming the sovereignty and wisdom of an almighty and gracious God is what we really need. We have survived a lot with the simple and inexpensive. Maybe we could sing "The Lord knows the way through the wilderness" one more time, or twice!
Thank God. The lyrics are true!
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Little is Much: A Lesseon from Four Quarters
February, 1988, was one of the most challenging months of my life. After more than 20 years as a lead pastor, during which I was surrounded with a support team that many of my peers envied, I was alone. I was charged with a task – namely, to plant urban churches. The project had drawn the attention of key leaders within the region known as "Bos-Wash." One in five US citizens lived within a few miles of these five key cities: Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
The strategy included training interns, arranging housing and paying their stipends and planting a church. At the time Candace was a freshman at Wheaton College, Jonathan was a junior in high school and Joanna was entering high school. I was trying to be a good father, a loving husband and do something no one had ever done in the same way. Then the big shock came! I would also need to share the responsibility of raising massive amounts of money.
The first Wednesday evening as a missionary I had invited myself to speak and share our dream with Paterson Assembly of God, a newer congregation that we were partially responsible for starting. We would be on friendly turf because we had enlisted our church members to assist the new assembly at tis beginning five or six years earlier. But, I was as uncertain and cautious as if I were preaching my first sermon as a rookie with a new diploma from Bible college. Being the pastor of a church who gladly followed our lead to become a leading missionary supporting congregation is significantly different from being the missionary! I discovered quickly that giving was easier than asking!
Many details of the service are tucked into unreachable crevices of my memory. I remember that after defining the mission to the best of my ability, Pastor Capers stood and told his congregation, "People, this is an important man and I believe in his mission. I want you to give now! Give folding money, no coins, Brother Wegner deserves our full support. You come up here and put your offering in the basket and tell our brother how much we appreciate what he has done for us in the past."
The instruments began playing, the people started to clap and sway as they made their way toward the offering basket. Men, women, boys and girls hugged me, expressed gratitude, and promised to pray. The basket began filling with bills and checks. Toward the end of the line that passed by a young man, somewhere between 14 and 16 years old, stepped forward and pressed four quarters into my hand. He hugged me . . . tightly . . . for a time that seemed too long for my German comfort, and then he whispered, "Here take this. Pastor said, ‘Don’t give coins,’ but this is all I have!" Others may forget moments like that, but I will always remember! And then he added, "Pray for me because some day I want to preach just like you!" More than 25 years have passed. A new pastor leads Paterson Assembly. I haven’t been back for many years. But, I do pray that that young man is somewhere preaching because he taught me that night that I could do something that I had never done before!
Several other "I-never-have-done-it-before" challenges have come along since. That experience with an inner-city church in a difficult location blessed me with their generosity that night, and the lesson learned that night enabled me to approach new challenges with confidence. In fact, on occasion I still look for a task that I have never before attempted.
The strategy included training interns, arranging housing and paying their stipends and planting a church. At the time Candace was a freshman at Wheaton College, Jonathan was a junior in high school and Joanna was entering high school. I was trying to be a good father, a loving husband and do something no one had ever done in the same way. Then the big shock came! I would also need to share the responsibility of raising massive amounts of money.
The first Wednesday evening as a missionary I had invited myself to speak and share our dream with Paterson Assembly of God, a newer congregation that we were partially responsible for starting. We would be on friendly turf because we had enlisted our church members to assist the new assembly at tis beginning five or six years earlier. But, I was as uncertain and cautious as if I were preaching my first sermon as a rookie with a new diploma from Bible college. Being the pastor of a church who gladly followed our lead to become a leading missionary supporting congregation is significantly different from being the missionary! I discovered quickly that giving was easier than asking!
Many details of the service are tucked into unreachable crevices of my memory. I remember that after defining the mission to the best of my ability, Pastor Capers stood and told his congregation, "People, this is an important man and I believe in his mission. I want you to give now! Give folding money, no coins, Brother Wegner deserves our full support. You come up here and put your offering in the basket and tell our brother how much we appreciate what he has done for us in the past."
The instruments began playing, the people started to clap and sway as they made their way toward the offering basket. Men, women, boys and girls hugged me, expressed gratitude, and promised to pray. The basket began filling with bills and checks. Toward the end of the line that passed by a young man, somewhere between 14 and 16 years old, stepped forward and pressed four quarters into my hand. He hugged me . . . tightly . . . for a time that seemed too long for my German comfort, and then he whispered, "Here take this. Pastor said, ‘Don’t give coins,’ but this is all I have!" Others may forget moments like that, but I will always remember! And then he added, "Pray for me because some day I want to preach just like you!" More than 25 years have passed. A new pastor leads Paterson Assembly. I haven’t been back for many years. But, I do pray that that young man is somewhere preaching because he taught me that night that I could do something that I had never done before!
Several other "I-never-have-done-it-before" challenges have come along since. That experience with an inner-city church in a difficult location blessed me with their generosity that night, and the lesson learned that night enabled me to approach new challenges with confidence. In fact, on occasion I still look for a task that I have never before attempted.
Friday, July 5, 2013
The fourth of July, on the fifth
On this fourth of July holiday the United States of America observes her freedoms including freedom of speech, freedom to worship, freedom to carry guns that kill and others too numerous to list. We really are wallowing in our freedoms nowadays. Courts interpret law and culture with an eye to allowing Americans to do as we please as long as we are observing the basic boundaries established by consenting adults. Restraint of any sort has become an enemy of personal freedom. Murdering a child is an approved legal practice as long as the mother desires to do that! I think I will learn to sleep with one eye open because someone may deem my life worthless before the hour appointed in heaven.
If one has been in the church very long, he has heard misrepresentations of a solitary line by Jesus who made the statement while contesting a series of arguments by an arrogant group of hostile religious professionals, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36 (NIV). As an aside, religious professionals can be among the most difficult people in the world.
The statement, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed," has been used to encourage demonstrations and to incite and satisfy rather carnal desires. I have seen out-of-control contorted bodies and enthusiastic church members sprinting about a church, expressions of "freedom in worship" when the "Spirit moved." Other excesses infringe on moral and ethical standards with which even agnostics agree. In the worst scenarios to be "free indeed" is interpreted to mean, "I have a license to do what I want," under the cover of religious jargon. Purveyors of television religion assure their constituents, "You are free to expect God to answer your demands. You are the head, not the tail!"
The vast majority of Americans understand freedom. They dutifully pay their taxes, obey government statutes and live respectfully and honestly in community. The same kind of obedience to Jesus’ teaching makes one "free indeed." The huge transformation of the new birth is the freedom from self, our own desires, standards of achievement and success imposed by peers, and an encyclopedia of fears. All tyrants to freedom come to nothing indeed as we say "YES!" to Jesus.
If one has been in the church very long, he has heard misrepresentations of a solitary line by Jesus who made the statement while contesting a series of arguments by an arrogant group of hostile religious professionals, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36 (NIV). As an aside, religious professionals can be among the most difficult people in the world.
The statement, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed," has been used to encourage demonstrations and to incite and satisfy rather carnal desires. I have seen out-of-control contorted bodies and enthusiastic church members sprinting about a church, expressions of "freedom in worship" when the "Spirit moved." Other excesses infringe on moral and ethical standards with which even agnostics agree. In the worst scenarios to be "free indeed" is interpreted to mean, "I have a license to do what I want," under the cover of religious jargon. Purveyors of television religion assure their constituents, "You are free to expect God to answer your demands. You are the head, not the tail!"
The vast majority of Americans understand freedom. They dutifully pay their taxes, obey government statutes and live respectfully and honestly in community. The same kind of obedience to Jesus’ teaching makes one "free indeed." The huge transformation of the new birth is the freedom from self, our own desires, standards of achievement and success imposed by peers, and an encyclopedia of fears. All tyrants to freedom come to nothing indeed as we say "YES!" to Jesus.
Unknown people often make huge contributions
Periodically I write about people that have influenced me positively and over a long period of time. Only a few of these people have well-known names with marque value. Two men who shaped my life served as church custodians. Norman Schwartz and Sam Vallone served congregations where I was the pastor, in Michigan and New Jersey respectively.
While leading Calvary Assembly of God in Lansing, Michigan the congregation grew quickly. The membership decided to enlarge their building. I was not yet 30 years-old and had no borrowing experience beyond purchasing a second-hand car and far too little building experience. The usual challenges associated with building began to accumulate and I was feeling overwhelmed. Some of the circumstances still seem impossible. And I’ll never forget the day while chatting with Norman. I could lead you to the exact spot where Norman and I stood. In the course of speaking about building matters and a bit about gardening, I offered to take Norman out to lunch. The "Aha moment" happened, right there in the church basement.
"No thank you pastor! I am fasting and praying until we get through this time in the church." To the General Motors retiree and custodian I responded, "Well, maybe tomorrow!" The next line was more startling, "No, I don’t think I will be eating for a while because we are really up against some serious opposition and I intend to see this through with prayer and fasting." I later learned that Norman, modest, quiet, and unassuming didn’t eat or drink anything for more than three weeks! Many people thought that I was responsible for what happened in the church during my tenure, but I am very aware that a retired factory worker prayed through and the church thrived because of Norman’s prayers.
Sam Vallone is the son of Italian immigrants and retired from a major grocery store chain where he was a produce manager. Sam maintained Bethany Church as if it were his most precious possession. Everything was meticulously tended. I cannot remember ever asking Sam about a project or needed repair without hearing, "Pastor, I did it yesterday," or, "It is on my list to do as soon as I . . . !" Everything was impeccably managed. More than once I found Sam crawling on hands and knees looking for flaws in the white enameled pews. When Sam gave notice saying, "The maintenance of the building is too much for me now," Sam had tears in his eyes, and so did I! Sam was absolutely the best.
Few people know Norman and Sam. Their names have not been printed in religious journals. I am quite sure that they have never been quoted in print. They have stood on no stages receiving awards for meritorious service. But they are the "salt of the earth" people who made church life victorious and pleasant. Norman has been living in rooms Jesus prepared for him. Sam is more than 90 years old now. He cannot attend church because of his health. Many attending Bethany Church have never heard his name. But, I want to make sure that you know these men just a little bit and I assume that they will be among the elite in heaven. Jesus did say, "But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first," didn’t He? (Matthew 19:30)
While leading Calvary Assembly of God in Lansing, Michigan the congregation grew quickly. The membership decided to enlarge their building. I was not yet 30 years-old and had no borrowing experience beyond purchasing a second-hand car and far too little building experience. The usual challenges associated with building began to accumulate and I was feeling overwhelmed. Some of the circumstances still seem impossible. And I’ll never forget the day while chatting with Norman. I could lead you to the exact spot where Norman and I stood. In the course of speaking about building matters and a bit about gardening, I offered to take Norman out to lunch. The "Aha moment" happened, right there in the church basement.
"No thank you pastor! I am fasting and praying until we get through this time in the church." To the General Motors retiree and custodian I responded, "Well, maybe tomorrow!" The next line was more startling, "No, I don’t think I will be eating for a while because we are really up against some serious opposition and I intend to see this through with prayer and fasting." I later learned that Norman, modest, quiet, and unassuming didn’t eat or drink anything for more than three weeks! Many people thought that I was responsible for what happened in the church during my tenure, but I am very aware that a retired factory worker prayed through and the church thrived because of Norman’s prayers.
Sam Vallone is the son of Italian immigrants and retired from a major grocery store chain where he was a produce manager. Sam maintained Bethany Church as if it were his most precious possession. Everything was meticulously tended. I cannot remember ever asking Sam about a project or needed repair without hearing, "Pastor, I did it yesterday," or, "It is on my list to do as soon as I . . . !" Everything was impeccably managed. More than once I found Sam crawling on hands and knees looking for flaws in the white enameled pews. When Sam gave notice saying, "The maintenance of the building is too much for me now," Sam had tears in his eyes, and so did I! Sam was absolutely the best.
Few people know Norman and Sam. Their names have not been printed in religious journals. I am quite sure that they have never been quoted in print. They have stood on no stages receiving awards for meritorious service. But they are the "salt of the earth" people who made church life victorious and pleasant. Norman has been living in rooms Jesus prepared for him. Sam is more than 90 years old now. He cannot attend church because of his health. Many attending Bethany Church have never heard his name. But, I want to make sure that you know these men just a little bit and I assume that they will be among the elite in heaven. Jesus did say, "But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first," didn’t He? (Matthew 19:30)
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Like Him in this world
Our pastor has completed a sermon series titled, "Like Jesus." Pastor Ross’ thesis included an appropriately reinforced challenge to move from "liking Jesus" to "being like Jesus." Each week during the series I was reminded of Saint John’s Spirit-inspired call, "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." I heard Vance Havner, a Baptist itinerant preacher from another era, preached a sermon, "Why not just be Christians?" His text was 1 John 4:17 in the KJV, "As He is, so are we in this world."
Last week I offered an opinion about the church’s reaction to the Supreme Court’s ruling on DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act is the short title of a federal law of the United States passed on September 21, 1996 as Public Law No. 104-199). In that essay I wrote that I expected my e-mail box to fill with heated reactions and appeals for funds to arm good people with righteous ammunition to the fight against and defeat "bad people," commonly known as secular humanists and god-haters. And, my mail box filled as predicted!
I observe that none of those who sent me mail offered to teach me how to navigate the twisting, treacherous trails which lead to understanding, patience, forgiveness and love. There is no apparent interest in equipping me to be a "good guy" who fulfills the ministry of reconciling the "bad people" to God. But, I really want to reconcile people to God because the assignment comes from the Highest of all possible authorities. (2 Corinthians 5:18-21) Instead, the promise was to lead the way in fighting against reconciling anyone anywhere. The appeal for money was attached to the promise that the monies would be used to make sure that the "bad guys" were always unsuccessful and the "white hats" win!
I ask myself, and any who dares to read farther, "How do the ‘good people,’ or the ‘Right,’ the ‘Conservatives’ who hover just inches from Jesus Himself, think Jesus would expect us to respond to the news that ‘bad people’ won again?" How do I be as Jesus in this world? What does being "poor in spirit" look like in this situation? Is anyone mourning? Is "arming for the next great fight" meekness? For what are we hungering and thirsting? I could go on . . . and on . . . but, people who have read this far probably understand my destination.
In the first paragraph of one digital appeal for the "good guy’s" contribution for arms, the dire, dark, doom-filled threatening shadows lengthened. The possibility that churches may lose tax exemption rose from the e-pages like an atomic bomb’s mushroom cloud. That’s next! It’s coming! An attack on our God-given right to deduct our generous gifts on an obscure line on an IRS form is next! Arm for war! After that, churches will have to pay real estate taxes on their buildings! Can you believe that? What in the world will we do?
I wonder, are we really committed to not offending "bad guys" whom we want to reconcile to Jesus? Do we "like Jesus" or are we like Jesus? Peter wondered, and I wonder. Jesus answered Peter’s question, ". . . so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours" (Matthew 17:27 NIV). If we "good people" lose that skirmish, perish that thought, we may have to go back to believing in miracles and expecting coins in fishes’ mouths!
Another question that comes to me – I promise, this is the last I will pose in this essay – "If we wind up paying taxes on the ambitious dreams built with 2 x 4's and concrete blocks, how will that effect our commitment to missionary endeavors?" Will we experience a round of "Doing Church Without Buildings" workshops and hire specially trained architects to convert altars into arcades? What will happen to the "newest" and "greatest" strategy reconciling people to Jesus since the Apostle Paul so in vogue today if funds for professional training seminars are reallocated to school tax bills? I wonder. I ponder. My children and grandchildren will deal with the nuts and bolts of the issues that are mere subjects for my wondering today. In the meantime, I want to reconcile some of the "bad guys" to Jesus! And, I want to do the reconciling by being like Him in this world!
Last week I offered an opinion about the church’s reaction to the Supreme Court’s ruling on DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act is the short title of a federal law of the United States passed on September 21, 1996 as Public Law No. 104-199). In that essay I wrote that I expected my e-mail box to fill with heated reactions and appeals for funds to arm good people with righteous ammunition to the fight against and defeat "bad people," commonly known as secular humanists and god-haters. And, my mail box filled as predicted!
I observe that none of those who sent me mail offered to teach me how to navigate the twisting, treacherous trails which lead to understanding, patience, forgiveness and love. There is no apparent interest in equipping me to be a "good guy" who fulfills the ministry of reconciling the "bad people" to God. But, I really want to reconcile people to God because the assignment comes from the Highest of all possible authorities. (2 Corinthians 5:18-21) Instead, the promise was to lead the way in fighting against reconciling anyone anywhere. The appeal for money was attached to the promise that the monies would be used to make sure that the "bad guys" were always unsuccessful and the "white hats" win!
I ask myself, and any who dares to read farther, "How do the ‘good people,’ or the ‘Right,’ the ‘Conservatives’ who hover just inches from Jesus Himself, think Jesus would expect us to respond to the news that ‘bad people’ won again?" How do I be as Jesus in this world? What does being "poor in spirit" look like in this situation? Is anyone mourning? Is "arming for the next great fight" meekness? For what are we hungering and thirsting? I could go on . . . and on . . . but, people who have read this far probably understand my destination.
In the first paragraph of one digital appeal for the "good guy’s" contribution for arms, the dire, dark, doom-filled threatening shadows lengthened. The possibility that churches may lose tax exemption rose from the e-pages like an atomic bomb’s mushroom cloud. That’s next! It’s coming! An attack on our God-given right to deduct our generous gifts on an obscure line on an IRS form is next! Arm for war! After that, churches will have to pay real estate taxes on their buildings! Can you believe that? What in the world will we do?
I wonder, are we really committed to not offending "bad guys" whom we want to reconcile to Jesus? Do we "like Jesus" or are we like Jesus? Peter wondered, and I wonder. Jesus answered Peter’s question, ". . . so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours" (Matthew 17:27 NIV). If we "good people" lose that skirmish, perish that thought, we may have to go back to believing in miracles and expecting coins in fishes’ mouths!
Another question that comes to me – I promise, this is the last I will pose in this essay – "If we wind up paying taxes on the ambitious dreams built with 2 x 4's and concrete blocks, how will that effect our commitment to missionary endeavors?" Will we experience a round of "Doing Church Without Buildings" workshops and hire specially trained architects to convert altars into arcades? What will happen to the "newest" and "greatest" strategy reconciling people to Jesus since the Apostle Paul so in vogue today if funds for professional training seminars are reallocated to school tax bills? I wonder. I ponder. My children and grandchildren will deal with the nuts and bolts of the issues that are mere subjects for my wondering today. In the meantime, I want to reconcile some of the "bad guys" to Jesus! And, I want to do the reconciling by being like Him in this world!
Friday, June 28, 2013
Has God Forgotten?
Our children and grandchildren represent the next two generations of the church and community. They are already leaders and are shaping the future of both church and community. The effects of their lives will be felt until Jesus returns. Pat and I are proud of each child, Candace, Jonathan and Joanna and their spouses as they imprint the future with their contributions today.
We are hopeful as we watch each grandchild grow and develop distinct talents and traits. Our oldest, Abigail, is competing in the Fine Arts Festival in Orlando next month. You can be sure that we will be there rooting her on! Alison and Isabella are memorizing Scripture and participate in Junior Bible Quiz competitions throughout the PennDel District. Each of the eight grandchildren is the brightest, most beautiful human beings God ever created! They will, under God, find their way into the right place for their contributions.
As I observe the next generations, I am reminded of my father’s insight into the changes he experienced in his life span of nearly 85 years. I find it mind-bending to remember that Dad plowed farm fields behind a horse and watched a man walk on the moon! Wages moved from $1.00 per day to more than $40,000 annually. And, cities of as few as 10,000 grew into population of more than 1,000,000. I remember Dad’s concern about the difficult days ahead for me as a fledgling pastor. Dad pointed out that in his youth people attended Sunday evening services because there were no other p/aces for wholesome fellowship. And, the church had gas lights, a piano, and preaching was an art the community appreciated. "But you," son, "Are competing for the attention of people who watch the Super Bowl, World Series, and Ed Sullivan in people’s living rooms." Dad wasn’t highly educated, but he learned to be an astute observer.
The announcements of the Supreme Court’s decisions yesterday reminded me of how much our world has changed in my lifetime. In less than 70 years we have moved from quietly whispering about secret sins to watching others boldly parading and celebrating what the Bible forbids. Our children do not remember when abortion was illegal. Their peers have never blushed, or know that there are times when that is the only appropriate thing to do.
For more than 45 years I navigated the spiritual-cultural mine fields. My peers and I have been stressed and stretched and yet, survived as rip currents of change threatened our ability to survive . . . theological excesses, legalization of Bible-proscribed behaviors, and the redefinition of morals. My e-mailbox will be jammed with angry accusations and calls to action. Some mail will be good, worthy of serious consideration, but few will reflect a broken and contrite heart, the very thing the God we say we worship always desires. I think that our leaders are more accustomed to evening the score than to reconcile others to Christ.
This morning many well-intentioned saints are teetering atop the precipice of despair with a morose sense of defeat. Like Al Capp’s Joe Bftsplk, it’s raining and my umbrella has holes in it! Others will angrily convene committee meetings to establish new battle plans for engaging the enemy. Is anyone considering that the present state of world affairs is all part of the Eternal God’s plan? Is a Holy God frustratingly wringing His hands in confusion this morning? Is the One who sent His "One and Only Son" into the world to save the world, not condemn it (John 3:16-17) is clueless and ill prepared for today’s events? Personally, I am encouraged every time I read about the mischief of 11 brothers who sold their sibling into slavery. Joseph’s line is priceless, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." (Genesis 50:20)
Was Moses an afterthought, someone who the Almighty, all-Knowing One had forgotten for forty years, or was He quietly working out His plan for the ages? Did He, or didn’t He, remember His followers in a Jerusalem prison cell and release them for the best possible effect? (Acts 5)
I wonder, is His promise to come again sufficiently embedded into our faith to allow us to walk forward with confidence? If we walk with the Lord humbly and with a broken heart because of the lostness of masses of people He has created and for whom He died, we will find the delicate balance between lethargic indifference and irresponsible hyperactivity. We must be confident that the Almighty will lead us through, not around, the "valley of the shadow of death" and "beside the still waters."
With the next generations in view, we have an opportunity to walk wisely, act kindly, love deeply, abide patiently, suffer without complaint and speak joyously of our God’s Sovereignty! The Word of God remains eternal, powerful, unchangeable and all the promises remain. My friends, He has said, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5) We’ve navigated many changes in our lifetimes. But the One who made us remains the same! May our children and grandchildren observe how we live, and learn from us as we experience still another season of chaotic change.
We are hopeful as we watch each grandchild grow and develop distinct talents and traits. Our oldest, Abigail, is competing in the Fine Arts Festival in Orlando next month. You can be sure that we will be there rooting her on! Alison and Isabella are memorizing Scripture and participate in Junior Bible Quiz competitions throughout the PennDel District. Each of the eight grandchildren is the brightest, most beautiful human beings God ever created! They will, under God, find their way into the right place for their contributions.
As I observe the next generations, I am reminded of my father’s insight into the changes he experienced in his life span of nearly 85 years. I find it mind-bending to remember that Dad plowed farm fields behind a horse and watched a man walk on the moon! Wages moved from $1.00 per day to more than $40,000 annually. And, cities of as few as 10,000 grew into population of more than 1,000,000. I remember Dad’s concern about the difficult days ahead for me as a fledgling pastor. Dad pointed out that in his youth people attended Sunday evening services because there were no other p/aces for wholesome fellowship. And, the church had gas lights, a piano, and preaching was an art the community appreciated. "But you," son, "Are competing for the attention of people who watch the Super Bowl, World Series, and Ed Sullivan in people’s living rooms." Dad wasn’t highly educated, but he learned to be an astute observer.
The announcements of the Supreme Court’s decisions yesterday reminded me of how much our world has changed in my lifetime. In less than 70 years we have moved from quietly whispering about secret sins to watching others boldly parading and celebrating what the Bible forbids. Our children do not remember when abortion was illegal. Their peers have never blushed, or know that there are times when that is the only appropriate thing to do.
For more than 45 years I navigated the spiritual-cultural mine fields. My peers and I have been stressed and stretched and yet, survived as rip currents of change threatened our ability to survive . . . theological excesses, legalization of Bible-proscribed behaviors, and the redefinition of morals. My e-mailbox will be jammed with angry accusations and calls to action. Some mail will be good, worthy of serious consideration, but few will reflect a broken and contrite heart, the very thing the God we say we worship always desires. I think that our leaders are more accustomed to evening the score than to reconcile others to Christ.
This morning many well-intentioned saints are teetering atop the precipice of despair with a morose sense of defeat. Like Al Capp’s Joe Bftsplk, it’s raining and my umbrella has holes in it! Others will angrily convene committee meetings to establish new battle plans for engaging the enemy. Is anyone considering that the present state of world affairs is all part of the Eternal God’s plan? Is a Holy God frustratingly wringing His hands in confusion this morning? Is the One who sent His "One and Only Son" into the world to save the world, not condemn it (John 3:16-17) is clueless and ill prepared for today’s events? Personally, I am encouraged every time I read about the mischief of 11 brothers who sold their sibling into slavery. Joseph’s line is priceless, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." (Genesis 50:20)
Was Moses an afterthought, someone who the Almighty, all-Knowing One had forgotten for forty years, or was He quietly working out His plan for the ages? Did He, or didn’t He, remember His followers in a Jerusalem prison cell and release them for the best possible effect? (Acts 5)
I wonder, is His promise to come again sufficiently embedded into our faith to allow us to walk forward with confidence? If we walk with the Lord humbly and with a broken heart because of the lostness of masses of people He has created and for whom He died, we will find the delicate balance between lethargic indifference and irresponsible hyperactivity. We must be confident that the Almighty will lead us through, not around, the "valley of the shadow of death" and "beside the still waters."
With the next generations in view, we have an opportunity to walk wisely, act kindly, love deeply, abide patiently, suffer without complaint and speak joyously of our God’s Sovereignty! The Word of God remains eternal, powerful, unchangeable and all the promises remain. My friends, He has said, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5) We’ve navigated many changes in our lifetimes. But the One who made us remains the same! May our children and grandchildren observe how we live, and learn from us as we experience still another season of chaotic change.
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