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.
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.
It seems to me that among some Christians the all-too-human instinct to be right, and others wrong, has become so intense that common politeness, respect and kindness have been discarded as if so many soiled mechanics’ rags. In defense of morality, biblical behavior and righteous ethics some have become vicious, even suggesting that violence is an option in the battle for the soul of a nation. Nowhere is the phenomenon more startling than on social media venues. I find myself being ashamed that I know some of those who have personal freedom to disrespect and attack those serving in the highest offices in our government.
I am especially troubled because the "bully pulpit" which some so proudly use is a platform whose origins are secular and political, not rooted in the Kingdom of God. Boasting, bragging, blustering threats are of another spirit. To rip Psalm 109:8-10 from its context is at least as vicious as terminating the life of an unborn child. Does the spirit of Jesus allow us to wish our President dead, his wife a grieving widow and his children orphaned? Is bullying name calling and hatred allowed as an appropriate response to political and moral differences?
What happens when we express disrespect for leadership? I believe leadership undermined in one area creeps into other venues. Like anger, disrespect has no boundaries. A parent overheard by his or her child expressing contempt for a leader undermines their own God-given moral leadership. I am fond of telling others that I didn’t know pastors made mistakes until I became one. My parents, and Pat’s, instilled a deep respect for the office and the person called "pastor." Police officers were addressed with a "Yes sir," and teachers were held in high regard. What happened to us? Both office and officer, classroom and teacher must fight off bullying parents and I’m-right-and-you-are-wrong-militants.
It wouldn’t be so bad, but the spirit that troubles me is often the attitude of people calling Jesus Lord. The argument too often is, "Well, if he was like . . . . (one of the former residents in the White House) . . . then I would . . . " But, I am uncertain that Scripture allows that loophole for justifying rude, crude behavior. The Apostle Paul called on the church to pray for and submit to authorities, and many of those authorities were fearful violent men. (Romans 13)
If Stephen lived today, would he use Facebook to criticize and promote insurrection against a political party or an unpopular piece of legislation? Does heaven open and show Jesus standing to welcome anti-government martyrs, or for those who proclaim His Message? But, suffering is not now in vogue, for any reason.
Could we just be still for a while and dedicate social media time to helping a homeless person find a warm place to sleep on a freezing night? Would our message disarm detractors of Jesus’ Name if we responded to the needs of the unemployed, cared for unwed teen mothers or rebuilt an abandoned house for a family shivering in an old sedan because their home was ravaged by an arson-set fire?
Could King David’s attitude experience a new revival of popularity? David lamented that he disrespected Saul and the office of the King of Israel when being hunted by Saul. After ascending to the throne David sought out Saul’s grandson and moved him into his palace. Is it possible that American Christians do more damage than good by being so outspoken and political? Could we design a forum, on social networks and face-to-face, where we humbled ourselves for being so critical, contentious and combative? Could we develop a plan to contribute to the needs of others and regain a forum for our message supported by charity, kindness and jaw-dropping generosity? I believe contentious people who are absolutely convinced they are right have held bully pulpit microphones long enough.
Willard Cook and I first met in the Spring of 1999. My wife and I were guests at Highway Tabernacle and Brother Cook was among those who welcomed us. As we conversed, I was drawn to his anecdotes of life experiences and his sense of history. Our knowledge of the church was primarily drawn from history books and anecdotal references handed down friend-to-friend. Brother Cook and a few others remembered and repeated lessons learned from previous pastors which helped us understand the congregation’s values and ethos. Willard Cook was one of my important and valued informants.
We quickly discovered that Pat, Willard and I were all alumni of Central Bible College. Brother Cook’s college experiences were more than 25 years ahead of ours, but served as a special bond because his stories of student ministry, travel, classes and chapel helped us more deeply appreciate our experiences decades later.
At the first official church council we conducted, Brother Willard asked a most insightful question. After my response he quickly added, "If that is the case, I am in favor of the resolution." The congregation’s decision was reached quickly and unanimously. I have often wondered what might have happened if Brother Cook’s question hadn’t been posed and his response hadn’t been as direct. In a quiet way Brother Cook helped lead us that day. And, the effect of the decision at that meeting continues.
For more than a decade every Sunday morning I was asked, "Do you have something for the sign this week?" Brother Cook managed the sign with moveable letters outside the church. His persistent quest for something new helped me develop a discipline to find pithy statements designed to capture the thoughts of nonreligious people passing by. It wasn’t easy to pose questions or make meaningful statements with a few words. But Brother Cook wanted to keep the sign fresh and I was the one to produce the material. From behind the scenes Brother Cook served the church, the neighborhood and me. More than one neighbor told me that they walked by just to read the sign and find inspiration from its messages.
When I heard of Willard Cook’s passing, I immediately remembered his impact and contributions I have grown to appreciate. I rejoice that the place Jesus went to heaven to prepare for our brother has been completed. At the coming of the Lord we will be reunited. It will be a grand event. I think that I may carry a 3x5 card in my pocket with an appropriate message for a sign . . . just in case! In any event, our fellowship will be renewed in the presence of the One who drew us to Himself and saved us.
May the grace of God be abundantly poured out on us all.
The song was never one of my favorites, perhaps because as a boy I remember people singing it sadly.. Maybe it is because the melody wasn’t attractive to a restless youth or the fact that only older people seemed to enjoy singing Anne Murphy’s lyrics.
Youth tend to be restless, eager for the action. "Peace in my heart" doesn’t seem as important as daring challenges. And, "the trials of life that surround like a cloud" were not part of my experience that last time I remember singing "Constantly Abiding." But, this morning I awakened to the tune and truth seeking room for recollection deep within. I cannot account for the tune surfacing after so many years. I recall the first verse and refrain.
There’s a peace in my heart that the world never gave
A peace it cannot take away;
Though the trials of life may surround like a cloud,
I’ve a peace that has come here to stay!
Refrain:
Constantly abiding, Jesus is mine;
Constantly abiding, rapture divine;
He never leaves me lonely, whispers, oh, so kind:
"I will never leave thee"—Jesus is mine.
Time and life experience has given me an appreciation for the message. The trials of life, I’ve had a few now. And, I am happy to add, "the peace that has come here to stay," has a deep meaning. Anne Murphy surely had Hebrews 13:5 in mind, "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.’" I imagine Ms. Murphy was also familiar with the passage when Jesus commissioned his disciples in Matthew 28:18-20, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
While I stirred to be fully awake, I was prompted by the words of Jesus in John 14:15-18
"If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever– the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."
Before other morning activities began, I remembered that Father God sent Jesus the Son so that we might know what God looks like, how God acts and to what extent He loves His creation. After receiving Jesus back into heaven at the ascension, the Holy Spirit was sent to live within his followers so that they could demonstrate the very nature of God to a world He longs to reconcile the world to Himself.
"He never leaves me lonely" is true. But I believe we might better sing,
"He always moves me onward, He is present now.
He ever makes Himself known – He wants you as His own."
No one has mistaken me for a poet, and I don’t want to spoil a great song for others. I simply believe the Spirit is present in the church, in people like us, to make the nature of God visible in a world that doesn’t have a clue.
I think that one of the most extraordinary lines in the Bible is Hebrews 11:27. The author refers to Moses. "By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible." Now that is a world class oxymoron, a total contradiction within the sentence! One simply doesn’t naturally see the invisible, but Moses did!
Moses also heard a voice that others could not hear. God spoke to Moses and asked him relay the message to Aaron and to a nation of oppressed Jews writhing under the brutal hand of Pharaoh. Moses heard the Voice from a burning bush. And before each of the 10 plagues, God’s scourges on Egypt, Moses heard the Voice again. The instructions were specific and required daring trust. The Divine-human conversations included an audacious, rhythmic demand, "Let my people go!" Moses not only saw the invisible. He heard the inaudible!
The result of Moses’ deeply spiritual and otherwise inexplicable experiences of seeing the invisible and hearing the inaudible, was that he was trusted with doing the impossible, the miraculous! The mighty works of the Almighty unfolded as Moses acted on what he had seen and heard. Generations later the Psalmist wrote songs for the people of God to sing. The songs of victory are sung because of miraculous events.
Much of Psalm 136 is devoted to the miraculous events during Moses’ tenure as Israel’s leader. I think some gifted contemporary musician ought to write a singable tune for the words of triumph.
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.
4 to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.
5 who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.
6 who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever.
7 who made the great lights-- His love endures forever.
8 the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever.
9 the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.
10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt His love endures forever.
11 and brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever.
12 with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever.
13 to him who divided the Red Sea asunder His love endures forever.
14 and brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever.
15 but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His love endures forever.
16 to him who led his people through the desert, His love endures forever.
The song documents what happens when one man sees the invisible, hears the inaudible and trusts God enough for the impossible. In today’s international moral morass and failing financial systems and while our culture spins in vicious ethical and spiritual confusion, those who can see the invisible and hear the inaudible must announce, "Let my people go!" The same Spirit who equipped Moses senses supernaturally is present in the world today. Men and women of the Spirit are destined to lead people out of the impossibilities of the status quo into our God’s glorious freedom.
Travel interrupts the rhythms of my life. When we are home, my routines help me stay a bit organized. Sleeping in different places, spending time with people, even wonderful family members, and being distracted by the unusual interrupts my writing time. So, I haven’t written for the past two weeks.
When stirring into consciousness this morning I mused, "About what should I write?" The backdrop for my musing is a mural of need, staggering life-threatening illnesses, the recent passing of a dear missionary friend and one of our faithful volunteers. Each had a strain of cancer. I have been preaching for another friend who is fighting a battle with cancer of the esophagus. People we know shiver in poorly heated homes. What can I say, what can be written to encourage, to build faith, to urge those who struggle onward?
Then, the inspiration came! I opened the refrigerator door! I only expected to reach for the milk for my cereal when I spotted the container of croutons. The processor’s label caught my eye. The label stirred the memory of a miraculous provision! Ah, I immediately knew I could write a story of God’s supernatural provision.
While renovating the building that now houses Resurrection Life Church we experienced a series of financial challenges. One of the needs was for very expensive interior doors. Several had to be fire-rated per city building codes. The state board of education mandated that all classroom doors had to have a window so that classes could be observed and children’s safety could be guaranteed. All door openings required metal jambs and commercial door closers. The average cost for each door opening approached $500. And we had more than 30 openings.
At the time one of my daily routines included reading through electronic classified ads looking for needed materials. I will never forget the morning when I saw an ad, "Interior Comerica Doors, Best Offer." No pictures. No description. I called the listed telephone number and began my inquiry. The company was renovating office space and was replacing all their office doors. Need I tell you that the doors were exactly what we needed, jambs, closers, windows in the right doors, and fire-rated?
I then asked, "What is the best offer you have received?" "None," was the answer. In response I offered the same, nothing but a receipt for a charitable donation. And the company’s vice president was delighted to see perfectly good materials being put to good use. Isn’t God good?
I think I will make sure that the crouton container is always facing me as a reminder of the blessings of the Lord!
