"The Bible ends with a flourish..." begins Eugene Peterson's introduction to the book of Revelation, and boy, is he right. Heroes and villians, death and resurrection, sinners and saints, dragons and horses and creatures covered with eyes- all are present in the last book of the Bible. And what we see, in the end, is that everyone is worshipping the one true sovereign God.
When I read about angels and elders and creatures that are indescribeable and completely frightening, and they are all worshipping Him, it gives me a great feeling that I'm doing the right thing by starting worshipping Him now. But the best part of the book of Revelation (not Revelations, by the way) is this: in the end, Love Wins. God's love for His people defeats the hatred of this world, good triumphs over evil just like any good Western or Sci-Fi or Hollywood script. Only this one is real- a foretaste of what's to come. It truly is the best ending ever.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Happy Boxing Day!
Well, it's December 26 and I'm back at work. Boxing Day is the official name of the holiday today, and I always wondered where it came from.
Did it have something to do with the Boxer rebellion? Is it a traditional day on which to hold a WBA title fight?
Actually, it was originally a day where the wealthy would give gifts to the less fortunate- perhaps after they were visited by the ghosts of Christmases past, present and future? Or, maybe after they get what they want for Christmas and give their hand-me-downs to the poor.
In our house, there's no doubt what Boxing day is. That's the day my wife takes all of our Christmas ornaments and puts them in boxes to haul to the basement, so that after the 6 weeks of Christmas in our house, the furniture can find it's rightful place in the living room again. In fact, I assume by the time I get home this afternoon, the only remnants of Christmas in our house will be a few pine needles, the stacks of boxes and bags to go to Goodwill, and the two Christmas candles on the bookshelf she overlooked. We'll see.
Did it have something to do with the Boxer rebellion? Is it a traditional day on which to hold a WBA title fight?
Actually, it was originally a day where the wealthy would give gifts to the less fortunate- perhaps after they were visited by the ghosts of Christmases past, present and future? Or, maybe after they get what they want for Christmas and give their hand-me-downs to the poor.
In our house, there's no doubt what Boxing day is. That's the day my wife takes all of our Christmas ornaments and puts them in boxes to haul to the basement, so that after the 6 weeks of Christmas in our house, the furniture can find it's rightful place in the living room again. In fact, I assume by the time I get home this afternoon, the only remnants of Christmas in our house will be a few pine needles, the stacks of boxes and bags to go to Goodwill, and the two Christmas candles on the bookshelf she overlooked. We'll see.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Where our salvation began
It could have happened anywhere. It could have happened anytime. But God chose to have it happen here. In the small town of Bethlehem. In a stable. With animals and stench and filth.
It was here that God became Man. The Word became flesh. Heaven came to earth. Divinity placed itself in a young girl’s womb.
In an instant, the all-powerful became powerless. The creator of everyone became dependent upon someone for survival. He who provided for all was now seeking nourishment from a Jewish girl. God was with us.
He had come not as a flash of light, not as a mighty king, but as an infant born to a peasant girl and a young carpenter. One day, his face would be covered in glory. In this moment, God’s face was beet red and wrinkled like a prune. Soon, his teaching would be heard by all; tonight, his sharp cries pierced the chilled night sky, helpless and far from home.
Had this happened today, in 2008, it could very well have been announced on the front page of the newspaper, or on The Daily Show, or World Net Daily. Instead, it was announced with a simple star-- a star that attracted the curiosity of many who saw it, including some shepherds. Told also of his arrival by an angel of the Lord, it was pure mercy on them that their savior had come. Of all God’s people, the shepherds would have had the hardest time obeying the Levitical laws. Part of their job was handling dead animals, a practice that made them ritually unclean by the standards of the priest. And they couldn’t just leave their animals in the field to go perform one of the complicated hand-washing ceremonies required by the religious teachers of the day. So, they must have been just as excited when they got the news as they were puzzled when they ran into town and saw a shriveled, wet baby boy lying in they hay, surrounded by donkeys and sheep. A king among livestock.
Kings were revered in these days, too. Listen to this proclamation made over 2000 years ago:
“The providence which has ordered the whole of our life, showing concern and zeal, has ordained the most perfect consummation for human life … by filling him with virtue for doing the work of a benefactor among men, and by sending in him, as it were, a savior for us and those who come after us, to make war to cease, to create order everywhere… ; the birthday of the god was the beginning for the world of the glad tidings that have come to men through him…”
Listen to the words used here. Virtue. Benefactor. Savior. Make war cease. Create order everywhere. This was said, of course, about the birth of the man who would become Caesar Augustus, the next Roman Emperor. So, a king over the whole world should be even greater than the king of Rome, right?
But, what a strange palace for a king. The only gold is the straw. The only light from a flickering lamp in the corner. No gem encrusted throne. No intricate eastern tapestries covering the windows. In fact, no windows. No royal scepters or flowing robes. Just a baby in a cradle, two scared teenagers, and a bunch of sleepy animals.
Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
And it all happened here. In a manger. In a small town. In perhaps the most unlikely of all places, on one silent night, God loved us and wanted us to be with him so much, that he came to be with us. Where this story endedis where our salvation began.
It was here that God became Man. The Word became flesh. Heaven came to earth. Divinity placed itself in a young girl’s womb.
In an instant, the all-powerful became powerless. The creator of everyone became dependent upon someone for survival. He who provided for all was now seeking nourishment from a Jewish girl. God was with us.
He had come not as a flash of light, not as a mighty king, but as an infant born to a peasant girl and a young carpenter. One day, his face would be covered in glory. In this moment, God’s face was beet red and wrinkled like a prune. Soon, his teaching would be heard by all; tonight, his sharp cries pierced the chilled night sky, helpless and far from home.
Had this happened today, in 2008, it could very well have been announced on the front page of the newspaper, or on The Daily Show, or World Net Daily. Instead, it was announced with a simple star-- a star that attracted the curiosity of many who saw it, including some shepherds. Told also of his arrival by an angel of the Lord, it was pure mercy on them that their savior had come. Of all God’s people, the shepherds would have had the hardest time obeying the Levitical laws. Part of their job was handling dead animals, a practice that made them ritually unclean by the standards of the priest. And they couldn’t just leave their animals in the field to go perform one of the complicated hand-washing ceremonies required by the religious teachers of the day. So, they must have been just as excited when they got the news as they were puzzled when they ran into town and saw a shriveled, wet baby boy lying in they hay, surrounded by donkeys and sheep. A king among livestock.
Kings were revered in these days, too. Listen to this proclamation made over 2000 years ago:
“The providence which has ordered the whole of our life, showing concern and zeal, has ordained the most perfect consummation for human life … by filling him with virtue for doing the work of a benefactor among men, and by sending in him, as it were, a savior for us and those who come after us, to make war to cease, to create order everywhere… ; the birthday of the god was the beginning for the world of the glad tidings that have come to men through him…”
Listen to the words used here. Virtue. Benefactor. Savior. Make war cease. Create order everywhere. This was said, of course, about the birth of the man who would become Caesar Augustus, the next Roman Emperor. So, a king over the whole world should be even greater than the king of Rome, right?
But, what a strange palace for a king. The only gold is the straw. The only light from a flickering lamp in the corner. No gem encrusted throne. No intricate eastern tapestries covering the windows. In fact, no windows. No royal scepters or flowing robes. Just a baby in a cradle, two scared teenagers, and a bunch of sleepy animals.
Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
And it all happened here. In a manger. In a small town. In perhaps the most unlikely of all places, on one silent night, God loved us and wanted us to be with him so much, that he came to be with us. Where this story endedis where our salvation began.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Wanna Dance?
So, I was at a Christmas party in Mexico last week. As I watched some of the locals spin and twirl in their colorful garb across the tiled dance floor, it occured to me that following Christ is a lot like dancing. Here's how:
1) Some people are excited to get up and get moving, while others would rather sit on the sidelines. I watched man after man get rejected by some shy woman who would rather sit than dance. As he walked away, dejected, I started to wonder if God feels the same way when we're not willing to serve him.
2) Some that are dancing are joyous and excited, and others are just going through the motions. I saw people- both women and men- full of life, really engaged and smiling and laughing. I also saw people who were obviously there out of obligation and/or guilt. The Kingdom has both.
3) When everyone is moving together to the same sheet of music, it is beautiful to watch. Truly.
1) Some people are excited to get up and get moving, while others would rather sit on the sidelines. I watched man after man get rejected by some shy woman who would rather sit than dance. As he walked away, dejected, I started to wonder if God feels the same way when we're not willing to serve him.
2) Some that are dancing are joyous and excited, and others are just going through the motions. I saw people- both women and men- full of life, really engaged and smiling and laughing. I also saw people who were obviously there out of obligation and/or guilt. The Kingdom has both.
3) When everyone is moving together to the same sheet of music, it is beautiful to watch. Truly.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
There's no escaping God's Grace
"God is good,
a hiding place in tough times.
He recognizes and welcomes
anyone looking for help,
No matter how desperate the trouble.
But cozy islands of escape
He wipes right off the map.
No one gets away from God."- Nahum 1:7-8 (The Message)
Do the Christmas holidays bring out the worst in you? I was talking to a friend today and asked if he was all ready for Christmas. "I'm never ready for Christmas," he grumbled. "It seems like everywhere I go people are pushing and shoving and no one remembers this is supposed to be a happy time."
I think lots of people are like that. It seems to me that for every person who sees Christmas as a joyful, happy time, there is one for whom it is a time of sadness, anger, or depression. Even the happy ones can get hung up in guilt- we haven't gotten our Christmas cards finished yet, or we haven't made cookies for our neighbors, or we forgot to send a gift to so-and-so, and on and on.
Well, here's a novel idea this Christmas- come back to God. This verse from Nahum says that God is the perfect hiding place- that He recognizes anyone looking for help. Chances are, if you're reading this, you already know that, but maybe you have neglected to seek Him out during this stressful time. Here's a thought- spend more time in your bible this month. Spend more time in prayer. Go off by yourself and read and pray. Or, spend time with other believers, building them up and getting yourself built up in the process. This passage also says "No one gets away from God." So- Christians- quit trying to hide this Christmas season. You know, intellectually, that His grace is abundant and sufficient for everyone. You just need to remember that this includes YOU. Even at Christmas.
Peace to you.
a hiding place in tough times.
He recognizes and welcomes
anyone looking for help,
No matter how desperate the trouble.
But cozy islands of escape
He wipes right off the map.
No one gets away from God."- Nahum 1:7-8 (The Message)
Do the Christmas holidays bring out the worst in you? I was talking to a friend today and asked if he was all ready for Christmas. "I'm never ready for Christmas," he grumbled. "It seems like everywhere I go people are pushing and shoving and no one remembers this is supposed to be a happy time."
I think lots of people are like that. It seems to me that for every person who sees Christmas as a joyful, happy time, there is one for whom it is a time of sadness, anger, or depression. Even the happy ones can get hung up in guilt- we haven't gotten our Christmas cards finished yet, or we haven't made cookies for our neighbors, or we forgot to send a gift to so-and-so, and on and on.
Well, here's a novel idea this Christmas- come back to God. This verse from Nahum says that God is the perfect hiding place- that He recognizes anyone looking for help. Chances are, if you're reading this, you already know that, but maybe you have neglected to seek Him out during this stressful time. Here's a thought- spend more time in your bible this month. Spend more time in prayer. Go off by yourself and read and pray. Or, spend time with other believers, building them up and getting yourself built up in the process. This passage also says "No one gets away from God." So- Christians- quit trying to hide this Christmas season. You know, intellectually, that His grace is abundant and sufficient for everyone. You just need to remember that this includes YOU. Even at Christmas.
Peace to you.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Leaders who honor God
So, I'm going through a transition in my life right now. I think it will be a good one, but it's scary nonetheless.
Sometime in the next few weeks, I will move from Director of Operations, with about 350 people reporting to me, to Director of Human Resources, with all of 4 reports. That doesn't bother me so much... I think I've arrived at a place where I understand that the HR department can have a huge affect on a company.
I also am not scared about the big things... I think we'll hire well, I think we'll fire well (yes, you can do that) and I think we'll continue to uphold our unique culture. What I'm most afraid of is that we will miss something- filing some important legal document, or enforcing some important-but-obscure federal standard.
But I take hope from this verse in Obadiah - and I think this may be the only reason Obadiah is in the bible.
"The remnant of the saved in Mount Zion
will go into the mountains of Esau
And rule justly and fairly,
a rule that honors God's kingdom." -Obadiah 1:21 (The Message)
In other words, in the end, only leaders who honor God will remain. So, no matter what I do, what I learn, how much I don't know about my new challenge, I think I just need to honor God and I will persevere. Maybe I'm taking this verse too far out of context, but it's comfort for me today.
Sometime in the next few weeks, I will move from Director of Operations, with about 350 people reporting to me, to Director of Human Resources, with all of 4 reports. That doesn't bother me so much... I think I've arrived at a place where I understand that the HR department can have a huge affect on a company.
I also am not scared about the big things... I think we'll hire well, I think we'll fire well (yes, you can do that) and I think we'll continue to uphold our unique culture. What I'm most afraid of is that we will miss something- filing some important legal document, or enforcing some important-but-obscure federal standard.
But I take hope from this verse in Obadiah - and I think this may be the only reason Obadiah is in the bible.
"The remnant of the saved in Mount Zion
will go into the mountains of Esau
And rule justly and fairly,
a rule that honors God's kingdom." -Obadiah 1:21 (The Message)
In other words, in the end, only leaders who honor God will remain. So, no matter what I do, what I learn, how much I don't know about my new challenge, I think I just need to honor God and I will persevere. Maybe I'm taking this verse too far out of context, but it's comfort for me today.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
My very first poll- Church Dramas
There is currently a debate brewing. You may be party to that debate, but I won't tell you which side I'm on.
One side says dramas are going the way of the flannel graph and overhead projector. The other says dramas can be a useful tool to reach people. Now's your chance, America. Tell me what you think.
One side says dramas are going the way of the flannel graph and overhead projector. The other says dramas can be a useful tool to reach people. Now's your chance, America. Tell me what you think.
Friday, December 5, 2008
A Festivus Miracle
"What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we're called children of God! That's who we really are. But that's also why the world doesn't recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he's up to." 1 John 3:1 (The Message)
I don't know about other Christians out there, but I often get frustrated when the world doesn't understand me. Like, when I tell a friend, "I'll pray for you," and they stutter and stammer, "uh, yeah, um, thanks. I can use all the good thoughts I can get."
Last night, I attended a Winter Chorale Concert at a local high school. Great music, good production, overall well done. There is no doubt if you only listened to the music, that this was a Christmas production- not a Winter production, a Christmas production. Silent Night was sung. Christmas trees were everywhere (as opposed to Festivus poles). And as the choir belted out the "Halleluja" chorus from Handel's Messiah, more than half the crowd stood in reverence and worship. But, here's the thing. Why not call it a Christmas Concert? What's the harm? Why wouldn't one of the teachers mention, even in passing, that Christmas was coming? Would it really be out of place given that the 180 students on stage were singing "King of Kings - Lord of Lords" at the top of their High School Musical lungs?
Some people are too politically correct for Christmas. Some people are constrained by their environment. But, the truth is, my real annoyance comes when people I talk to don't immediately see the benefits of following Christ like I try to follow Him. I just want to point to my family and how He's blessed me and say, "Don't you see what it's like to follow Christ? Don't you see how you can be blessed?"
But the truth is, and John wrote it, they don't. The world doesn't understand because they don't know what He's up to. And as long as the world doesn't understand Christ, they won't be on board with Christmas. And that has to be okay with me.
I don't know about other Christians out there, but I often get frustrated when the world doesn't understand me. Like, when I tell a friend, "I'll pray for you," and they stutter and stammer, "uh, yeah, um, thanks. I can use all the good thoughts I can get."
Last night, I attended a Winter Chorale Concert at a local high school. Great music, good production, overall well done. There is no doubt if you only listened to the music, that this was a Christmas production- not a Winter production, a Christmas production. Silent Night was sung. Christmas trees were everywhere (as opposed to Festivus poles). And as the choir belted out the "Halleluja" chorus from Handel's Messiah, more than half the crowd stood in reverence and worship. But, here's the thing. Why not call it a Christmas Concert? What's the harm? Why wouldn't one of the teachers mention, even in passing, that Christmas was coming? Would it really be out of place given that the 180 students on stage were singing "King of Kings - Lord of Lords" at the top of their High School Musical lungs?
Some people are too politically correct for Christmas. Some people are constrained by their environment. But, the truth is, my real annoyance comes when people I talk to don't immediately see the benefits of following Christ like I try to follow Him. I just want to point to my family and how He's blessed me and say, "Don't you see what it's like to follow Christ? Don't you see how you can be blessed?"
But the truth is, and John wrote it, they don't. The world doesn't understand because they don't know what He's up to. And as long as the world doesn't understand Christ, they won't be on board with Christmas. And that has to be okay with me.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Should everyone read the whole bible?
This question first entered my mind last week when, in a meeting, someone compared being wishy-washy at work to what Jesus says in Revelation about the church at Laodicea: "So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." -Revelation 3:16. Now, this is an important verse, and is instructinoal to followers of Christ. But, it may not be useful to bring up in a room full of people who don't know Christ.
Then, last night during my devotional time, I read this:
"I, Simon Peter, am a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. I write this to you whose experience with God is as life-changing as ours, all due to our God's straight dealing and the intervention of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ." -2 Peter 1:1 (The Message)
This got me thinking- Peter wrote this letter to believers. Should we encourage non-believers to read it? If they do, will they get it? Should non-believers read Leviticus before they understand how it relates to the grace offered through the life and death of Jesus Christ? Would it be helpful or hurtful?
Don't get me wrong- I know "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." But is all scripture useful to all people at all points on their faith journey? As Christ followers/ teachers/ shepherds, is part of our responsibility to point people to the right parts of scripture for their level of understanding and belief?
Just something I've struggled with lately. Feel free to weigh in.
Then, last night during my devotional time, I read this:
"I, Simon Peter, am a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. I write this to you whose experience with God is as life-changing as ours, all due to our God's straight dealing and the intervention of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ." -2 Peter 1:1 (The Message)
This got me thinking- Peter wrote this letter to believers. Should we encourage non-believers to read it? If they do, will they get it? Should non-believers read Leviticus before they understand how it relates to the grace offered through the life and death of Jesus Christ? Would it be helpful or hurtful?
Don't get me wrong- I know "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." But is all scripture useful to all people at all points on their faith journey? As Christ followers/ teachers/ shepherds, is part of our responsibility to point people to the right parts of scripture for their level of understanding and belief?
Just something I've struggled with lately. Feel free to weigh in.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
I don't get grace
Grace is God's ultimate gift to us. It is unmerited favor from God given to people who don't deserve it. It is often described in Christianese with the backronym "God's Riches At Christ's Expense." It is by His grace, we are saved. So I get that part.
So here's what I don't get... why me and not someone else? Certainly there are people who have done more good and/or less bad that don't know His grace. Why did I win the "eternity lottery" and others won't? Most of all, why did God (in all His righteousness) decide to save even one of us (in all our wretchedness)? Ephesians 4:7 says, "But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift."
The measure of Christ's gift... think about that. Christ's gift was God Himself, creator of all things, leaving heaven and coming to earth, living life as a human (and showing us how it's done, in the process) then submitting to the authority of this world and dying a horrible, painful, wicked death- being tortured and teased and left hanging on a tree. That is the measure of Christ's gift, and the bible says that each of us received grace according to the measure of that gift. I don't get it.
As a teacher in the church, I seem to think often that my greatest goal should be life change for the people in our church. But it's not. See, for me to change someone's life, I need to teach that grace is not enough. You need to have grace and give your tithe. You need grace and to serve. You need grace plus a good life. But, grace plus anything denigrates the measure of Christ's gift. Christ's body was broken for you. His blood was spilled for you. As he hung on the cross, your picture went through His mind. That plus nothing is enough for anyone.
So here's what I don't get... why me and not someone else? Certainly there are people who have done more good and/or less bad that don't know His grace. Why did I win the "eternity lottery" and others won't? Most of all, why did God (in all His righteousness) decide to save even one of us (in all our wretchedness)? Ephesians 4:7 says, "But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift."
The measure of Christ's gift... think about that. Christ's gift was God Himself, creator of all things, leaving heaven and coming to earth, living life as a human (and showing us how it's done, in the process) then submitting to the authority of this world and dying a horrible, painful, wicked death- being tortured and teased and left hanging on a tree. That is the measure of Christ's gift, and the bible says that each of us received grace according to the measure of that gift. I don't get it.
As a teacher in the church, I seem to think often that my greatest goal should be life change for the people in our church. But it's not. See, for me to change someone's life, I need to teach that grace is not enough. You need to have grace and give your tithe. You need grace and to serve. You need grace plus a good life. But, grace plus anything denigrates the measure of Christ's gift. Christ's body was broken for you. His blood was spilled for you. As he hung on the cross, your picture went through His mind. That plus nothing is enough for anyone.
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