The caller to the well-known talk radio host began to rail on drug users basically saying they were useless human wrecks! I waited to see how the host would respond, knowing full well that just a few years ago he had been in rehab for his own addiction to prescription drugs. This man known for his bombast, his judgments of the foibles and failures of others, and calls for swift and painful justice- fell uncharacteristically quiet and quickly went to commercial break. The caller was gone when the show resumed. Our own failures and sins can - and should - produce a healthy humility in us and a genuine desire for mercy. Do they? Or, do we compartmentalize our own sins, excuse them, and continue to clamor for 'justice' for those on whom we look down from our pedestal?
Jesus told a series of stories about lost thing in the 15th chapter of Luke. There was a lost sheep that the shepherd went out and found. All the people rejoiced. Yeah! Little lamb is back safe and sound. There was a coin mislaid. The woman of the house turned it upside down until she found the coin. All the people rejoiced. Yeah! Her fortune is restored. There was a lost son, beloved by his father despite his sin and rebellion. Finally, the wayward one returned home. The father, who is overjoyed, throws a celebration. Jesus puts an ending that is very different in this story. Instead of the people rejoicing, there is an older brother, a good son who worked hard and took care of his Dad and the farm who sees the joy of his father over the return of his drunken, immoral brother and asks, "where is the justice in this?"
"The older brother stalked off in an angry sulk and refused to join in. His father came out and tried to talk to him, but he wouldn’t listen. The son said, ‘Look how many years I’ve stayed here serving you, never giving you one moment of grief, but have you ever thrown a party for me and my friends? Then this son of yours who has thrown away your money on whores shows up and you go all out with a feast!’ " (Luke 15:28-30, The Message)
That part of the story is painful for me to read because I see many of the traits of that older brother in myself and in many Believers. Instead of being welcoming, hoping for the return of those who have wandered from our Father's house, we want justice visited on them. We are like Jesus' own disciples who, when a village refused to show them hospitality, had a burst of faith and asked Him - "Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?" But Jesus turned and rebuked them." (Luke 9:54-55, NLT) It is amazing how quick we are to turn the fire of our condemnation on those we deem to be 'sinners,' and seeing our lack of love as an expression of righteousness!
Jesus reserved His strongest rebukes for those who were scrupulous about keeping the smallest details of the Law of God, but who failed to see the importance of grace, mercy, and love. His words are not softened or subtle! "You’re hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You keep meticulous account books, tithing on every nickel and dime you get, but on the meat of God’s Law, things like fairness and compassion and commitment—the absolute basics!—you carelessly take it or leave it. Careful bookkeeping is commendable, but the basics are required." (Matthew 23:23, The Message)
My appeal today is two-fold.
First, if you're a wanderer- "come home!" The Father loves you and waits for your return. Your brothers may be a little slow to accept you, but that is the way it is with those who grow proud of their own goodness and blind to their hidden sins.
Second, if you're one of those who are clamoring for justice to fall on 'all those sinners' in this world - let the scandal of God's grace touch your heart anew. Weep for the erring one. Lift up the fallen. Open wide the door and invite them to experience God's amazing grace - just as you have, time and time again.
________________________________
Red can't explain the beauty of a rose
And white can't tell the magic
In the air when it snows;
Marvelous can't half convey
The grace of the King,
The only word for grace is amazing.
There's no other word for grace but amazing,
No other explanation will do,
unmerited favor, the song that I sing,
There's no other word for grace but amazing.
Now the Father looked beyond
All the failures I had made,
He never seemed to notice
All the times I did not obey;
He overlooked all the scars
Of sin I had in me,
But the grace that He showed
Still amazes me.
No Other Word for Grace but Amazing
Kirk Talley © 1982, 1988 Kirk Talley Music
(Admin. by Integrated Copyright Group, Inc.)
Friday, August 17, 2007
Thursday, August 16, 2007
God and Gold
The financial picture on Wall St. is turning darker by the day, so it seems. In the last month, the Dow indicator is down by just over 8%- from an all time high of 14,000 in July. Is this just a 'correction,' or are we in for a tough time in the American economy? Nobody knows! The 'experts' are divided with some insisting that the dip in values is a normal fluctuation while others are pointing to big problems in the mortgage and real estate parts of our economy that they say will drag the rest of the economy into a recession. Do I worry about the up's and down's on Wall St.? No. Do I pay attention? Yes! It is one way that as a Follower of Jesus I am - 'in the world, but not of the world.'
Maintaining the proper balance between providing for my family and future through sound fiscal management and,
ultimately keeping my trust set squarely in the promises of God is not as easy as it might seem.
Some decisions are simple.
I tithe (give the first 10% of my income to the church) regardless of the state of the economy. I believe that the first 10% belongs to the Lord and is not mine to spend on even those things that are 'necessities.'
I am careful about creating debt in keeping with the Scriptural guideline that tells me not to count on tomorrow's income to fund today's desires. Who knows what may happen tomorrow? The only exceptions to that are for things that have enough enduring value to cover the debt created to own them - such as a mortgage.
I buy reasonable amounts of insurance, realizing that this is a prudent way to avoid financial ruin in the event of sickness or accident.
In a decision that is not as simple, I set aside a percentage of my income in savings, anticipating the day when I am, by reason of age or ill health, unable to produce the same level of income I have today. I also live on a budget, refusing to spend more than I make, saying "No," to desires that tempt me when easy credit offers would make it possible to enjoy some consumer good by pushing off payment into the unknown future. Some believe that budgets and savings shows a 'lack of faith.' They insist - "God will provide!" I agree with that whole-heartedly and to this time of my life I can say that He has met my every need - in times of plenty and in leaner days, always providing for my daily bread and shelter. He also has given me insight, wisdom, and responsibility for the choices I make.
However, I know that despite my best efforts to prepare and to be wise, the world in which I live is unpredictable. The weather, the government, and things unseen - are beyond my control!
So, my mind must choose to trust these faith-building words from the Lord Jesus: "Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? "Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? "And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need." (Luke 12:24-31, NLT)
There are two lines that keep a Believer at peace when the economic storms threaten --
"He will certainly care for you," and,
"Seek the Kingdom above all else."
Believer, where is your greater security - in God, or in gold?
If all you owned were swept away in flood or fire, would you still be a rich man?
If your wealth diminished in a recession, would you still be a peaceful man?
Here's a word from the Word for your thoughts today --
"Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Luke 12:33-34, NIV)
Maintaining the proper balance between providing for my family and future through sound fiscal management and,
ultimately keeping my trust set squarely in the promises of God is not as easy as it might seem.
Some decisions are simple.
I tithe (give the first 10% of my income to the church) regardless of the state of the economy. I believe that the first 10% belongs to the Lord and is not mine to spend on even those things that are 'necessities.'
I am careful about creating debt in keeping with the Scriptural guideline that tells me not to count on tomorrow's income to fund today's desires. Who knows what may happen tomorrow? The only exceptions to that are for things that have enough enduring value to cover the debt created to own them - such as a mortgage.
I buy reasonable amounts of insurance, realizing that this is a prudent way to avoid financial ruin in the event of sickness or accident.
In a decision that is not as simple, I set aside a percentage of my income in savings, anticipating the day when I am, by reason of age or ill health, unable to produce the same level of income I have today. I also live on a budget, refusing to spend more than I make, saying "No," to desires that tempt me when easy credit offers would make it possible to enjoy some consumer good by pushing off payment into the unknown future. Some believe that budgets and savings shows a 'lack of faith.' They insist - "God will provide!" I agree with that whole-heartedly and to this time of my life I can say that He has met my every need - in times of plenty and in leaner days, always providing for my daily bread and shelter. He also has given me insight, wisdom, and responsibility for the choices I make.
However, I know that despite my best efforts to prepare and to be wise, the world in which I live is unpredictable. The weather, the government, and things unseen - are beyond my control!
So, my mind must choose to trust these faith-building words from the Lord Jesus: "Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? "Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? "And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need." (Luke 12:24-31, NLT)
There are two lines that keep a Believer at peace when the economic storms threaten --
"He will certainly care for you," and,
"Seek the Kingdom above all else."
Believer, where is your greater security - in God, or in gold?
If all you owned were swept away in flood or fire, would you still be a rich man?
If your wealth diminished in a recession, would you still be a peaceful man?
Here's a word from the Word for your thoughts today --
"Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Luke 12:33-34, NIV)
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Smoke, Beasts, Blood, and Thunder!
The book of the Revelation which closes the Bible defies easy understanding. My reaction to the amazingly terrifying images in its chapters has alternately been fascination and repulsion over the years. John wrote it in symbol and code, packing the paragraphs with allusions to prophetic passages of the Old Testament. What does one make of lines like this - "Then I saw a beast rising up out of the sea. It had seven heads and ten horns, with ten crowns on its horns. And written on each head were names that blasphemed God. This beast looked like a leopard, but it had the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion!" (Revelation 13:1-2, NLT) Each of those descriptive words does have meaning in John's code - meaning which we search out with careful study and the Spirit's help.
Many a tortured explanation for the book has been offered over time. In my youth, I was offered an interpretation of the book as a guide to a coming era called "The Great Tribulation" when the goodness of God is absent and Satan runs amok in a vain attempt to usurp God's place as King of Creation. Limiting one's understanding of this great vision in that way is tragic. Some read it as history, as John's way to assure the early Believers of God's ultimate victory as they were enduring crushing persecutions at the hands of the Romans. It is not just a book for a past generation, either. Perhaps both - future and past- are valid ways to read this wonderful book, but it is surely a book for every generation of Believers.
It is a book for those who suffer, those who are wearied by the constant battle with evil in this world. The reader will notice periodically throughout the chapters, various messengers step forward with songs that declare the eternal purposes of God, the inevitable triumph of His plans, and the glory that waits for the faithful. Every tired Believer ought to read them every now and again, out loud, with emphasis! Handel, in his great work, Messiah, was inspired by the 19th chapter of this book to write the "Hallelujah Chorus," which to this day brings audiences to their feet. When we are serving the Lord, wrestling with temptation, working to eliminate sin and suffering in the world of which we part; we run the risk of becoming demoralized. Weariness and despair are always at the edge of life, particularly when we endure those seasons that yield no clue about their purposes. When we go through situations that make it appear that the Devil is winning, when evil triumphs and the good die, faith dims.
In those moments we can be sustained by John's fantastic visions - and yes, I believe we should be!
" After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants."
And again they shouted: "Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever." The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne.
And they cried: "Amen, Hallelujah!" Then a voice came from the throne, saying: "Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!" Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
"Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready." (Revelation 19:1-7, NIV)
Don't get so lost in the desire to decode each symbol, to unwrap each metaphor, that you lose sight of the grand proclamation, made time after time by the unfolding of John's vision - God wins!
Believer, read the book of the Revelation - and remember the full name - "the Revelation of Jesus Christ." It is His finished portrait. In it the gentle suffering Savior who offered His life on the Cross, becomes the Lord of Glory, riding out to vanquish His foes. How I need to know that He is both - my Savior and my LORD! "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! Amen.
Many a tortured explanation for the book has been offered over time. In my youth, I was offered an interpretation of the book as a guide to a coming era called "The Great Tribulation" when the goodness of God is absent and Satan runs amok in a vain attempt to usurp God's place as King of Creation. Limiting one's understanding of this great vision in that way is tragic. Some read it as history, as John's way to assure the early Believers of God's ultimate victory as they were enduring crushing persecutions at the hands of the Romans. It is not just a book for a past generation, either. Perhaps both - future and past- are valid ways to read this wonderful book, but it is surely a book for every generation of Believers.
It is a book for those who suffer, those who are wearied by the constant battle with evil in this world. The reader will notice periodically throughout the chapters, various messengers step forward with songs that declare the eternal purposes of God, the inevitable triumph of His plans, and the glory that waits for the faithful. Every tired Believer ought to read them every now and again, out loud, with emphasis! Handel, in his great work, Messiah, was inspired by the 19th chapter of this book to write the "Hallelujah Chorus," which to this day brings audiences to their feet. When we are serving the Lord, wrestling with temptation, working to eliminate sin and suffering in the world of which we part; we run the risk of becoming demoralized. Weariness and despair are always at the edge of life, particularly when we endure those seasons that yield no clue about their purposes. When we go through situations that make it appear that the Devil is winning, when evil triumphs and the good die, faith dims.
In those moments we can be sustained by John's fantastic visions - and yes, I believe we should be!
" After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants."
And again they shouted: "Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever." The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne.
And they cried: "Amen, Hallelujah!" Then a voice came from the throne, saying: "Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!" Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
"Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready." (Revelation 19:1-7, NIV)
Don't get so lost in the desire to decode each symbol, to unwrap each metaphor, that you lose sight of the grand proclamation, made time after time by the unfolding of John's vision - God wins!
Believer, read the book of the Revelation - and remember the full name - "the Revelation of Jesus Christ." It is His finished portrait. In it the gentle suffering Savior who offered His life on the Cross, becomes the Lord of Glory, riding out to vanquish His foes. How I need to know that He is both - my Savior and my LORD! "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! Amen.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
He will wipe away every tear
Yesterday, at the end of a tour of the battlefields at Gettysburg, PA, where the bloodiest battles of the Civil War were fought in 1863, I found myself with tears in my eyes, thinking not of the strategies of generals that won a victory, but of the sorrow of widows and children whose husbands and fathers never came home. There, on those beautiful ridges, thousands of men died and many thousands more were wounded as demons danced and angels mourned. What causes men to feel the need to settle disputes with bloodshed? Why is it that humans cover such horror with glory? Some may waves flags and celebrate victories won with guns, but I can think only of the suffering and weep.
On Saturday evening, as we sat down to dinner in a restaurant, we could not help overhearing the man at the next table cruelly berating his wife and little daughter, using his 'power' to oppress. His words were cutting, harsh, and angry- a constant barrage of belittling remarks. The wife, a pretty woman, showed the pain of her soul in the slump of her shoulders and downcast eyes. Her demeanor suggested that she was accustomed to receiving verbal violence from this stupid man who seemed to think it was his God-given right to mistreat her. Bev and I hurriedly finished our dinner and fled before I felt compelled to say something! Why do people visit such pain on others?
Friday evening, walking back to our hotel from a service of spectacular worship, we saw a man sitting on the sidewalk, leaning against a lamppost, holding out a little cup. "Just your pocket change, please?" he quietly asked as we passed. I turned and looked at at him, and my heart was touched, so I knelt down and took his hands in mine. He would not look at me, such was his shame. I asked his name, and learned he was called Billy. Then, I asked if I could pray for him. His grip tightened and he asked if I would pray that God would give him a home. In that moment, he became a human being, not a beggar on the street; somebody's son, and I ached for him. I walked away feeling so inadequate and wondered why in a nation with so much wealth Billy couldn't afford a place to sleep that night.
I am quite sure that if we talked today, you could tell me stories of sorrow, too.
Perhaps it is your own - or maybe it is that of those with whom you walk in this world.
"Jerry, why emphasize the sorrow? Why not look on the bright side?" Yes, there is joy to be found. Bev and I had many a joyful moment while we traveled this past week. We met old friends and our hearts were made glad by being with those we love. We experienced wonderful times of worship with thousands of God's people. We are unbelievably blessed! But, we live in a world full of sorrows. In my blessings, I cannot ignore those who suffer. I cannot, despite my overflowing cup of privilege, pretend that all is well. I am commissioned as an agent of the Savior, sent with a message hope and healing to those who are captives of the Evil One. His work is my work. Like Him, I want to let my heart be broken by the human need that is real.
Some may think that this mission of compassion is a fool's errand, that the tide of human suffering is irresistible. But I know the One who has overcome the world! I have read the end of the Book, and I know that in the end He will vanquish evil, wipe away the tears, and invite us into the Kingdom of Light and Love. I want to be about the work of building that Kingdom now even as I wait to see it arrive in the fullness promised in the Word.
Join me, friend, won't you? Let's look evil straight in the eye, engage ourselves with those who suffer, and do the work of Jesus while there is opportunity. All the while, we can be sustained by this wonderful promise.
". . . they stand in front of God’s throne and serve him day and night in his Temple. And he who sits on the throne will give them shelter. They will never again be hungry or thirsty; they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun. For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:15-17, NLT)
____________________
Jesus! What a friend for sinners!
Jesus lover of my soul!
Friends may fail me, foes assail me;
He, my Savior, makes me whole.
Hallelujah what a Savior.
Hallelujah what a Friend.
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.
Jesus! What a strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in Him;
Tempted tried and sometimes failing,
He, my strength my victory wins.
Jesus! What a help in sorrow!
While the billows o'er me roll,
Even when my heart is breaking,
He, my Comfort helps my soul.
Hallelujah what a Savior.
Hallelujah what a Friend.
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.
Our Great Savior- J. Wilbur Chapman © Public Domain
On Saturday evening, as we sat down to dinner in a restaurant, we could not help overhearing the man at the next table cruelly berating his wife and little daughter, using his 'power' to oppress. His words were cutting, harsh, and angry- a constant barrage of belittling remarks. The wife, a pretty woman, showed the pain of her soul in the slump of her shoulders and downcast eyes. Her demeanor suggested that she was accustomed to receiving verbal violence from this stupid man who seemed to think it was his God-given right to mistreat her. Bev and I hurriedly finished our dinner and fled before I felt compelled to say something! Why do people visit such pain on others?
Friday evening, walking back to our hotel from a service of spectacular worship, we saw a man sitting on the sidewalk, leaning against a lamppost, holding out a little cup. "Just your pocket change, please?" he quietly asked as we passed. I turned and looked at at him, and my heart was touched, so I knelt down and took his hands in mine. He would not look at me, such was his shame. I asked his name, and learned he was called Billy. Then, I asked if I could pray for him. His grip tightened and he asked if I would pray that God would give him a home. In that moment, he became a human being, not a beggar on the street; somebody's son, and I ached for him. I walked away feeling so inadequate and wondered why in a nation with so much wealth Billy couldn't afford a place to sleep that night.
I am quite sure that if we talked today, you could tell me stories of sorrow, too.
Perhaps it is your own - or maybe it is that of those with whom you walk in this world.
"Jerry, why emphasize the sorrow? Why not look on the bright side?" Yes, there is joy to be found. Bev and I had many a joyful moment while we traveled this past week. We met old friends and our hearts were made glad by being with those we love. We experienced wonderful times of worship with thousands of God's people. We are unbelievably blessed! But, we live in a world full of sorrows. In my blessings, I cannot ignore those who suffer. I cannot, despite my overflowing cup of privilege, pretend that all is well. I am commissioned as an agent of the Savior, sent with a message hope and healing to those who are captives of the Evil One. His work is my work. Like Him, I want to let my heart be broken by the human need that is real.
Some may think that this mission of compassion is a fool's errand, that the tide of human suffering is irresistible. But I know the One who has overcome the world! I have read the end of the Book, and I know that in the end He will vanquish evil, wipe away the tears, and invite us into the Kingdom of Light and Love. I want to be about the work of building that Kingdom now even as I wait to see it arrive in the fullness promised in the Word.
Join me, friend, won't you? Let's look evil straight in the eye, engage ourselves with those who suffer, and do the work of Jesus while there is opportunity. All the while, we can be sustained by this wonderful promise.
". . . they stand in front of God’s throne and serve him day and night in his Temple. And he who sits on the throne will give them shelter. They will never again be hungry or thirsty; they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun. For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:15-17, NLT)
____________________
Jesus! What a friend for sinners!
Jesus lover of my soul!
Friends may fail me, foes assail me;
He, my Savior, makes me whole.
Hallelujah what a Savior.
Hallelujah what a Friend.
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.
Jesus! What a strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in Him;
Tempted tried and sometimes failing,
He, my strength my victory wins.
Jesus! What a help in sorrow!
While the billows o'er me roll,
Even when my heart is breaking,
He, my Comfort helps my soul.
Hallelujah what a Savior.
Hallelujah what a Friend.
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.
Our Great Savior- J. Wilbur Chapman © Public Domain
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