Sunday, September 5, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
"The word Redemption is not in my vocabulary."
Recently, Marion Jones (former Olympic sprinter and "fastest woman on earth") was introduced as the newest member of the WNBA's Tulsa Shock. For those of you that do not know, Jones won 5 medals in the Olympic Games before being stripped of them following the discovery that she had used banned steroids to improve her performance. Many considered her to be the greatest track athlete ever... testing positive for steroids. Following the steroid use, Jones was sentenced to 6 months in federal prison for lying in a federal court about her steroid use and for check fraud. Her track career has all but been erased and will forever be tarnished by these decisions. But now, Jones is turning a new page. A former college basketball player (North Carolina) and National Championship team member (1994), Jones has decided to give the WNBA a try. Now, why am I mentioning this? It is because her press interview intrigued me... check it out, and listen to what she first says:
"The word redemption is not in my vocabulary". WOW. If my vocabulary could only contain a handful of words, redemption would be one of the first. The word redemption is one of the most beautiful words we have. It is also one of the most powerful. It makes me sad for Jones that she does not see the need for redemption; not just in this situation, but in life. We all need to be redeemed. That is why Jesus came. That is the overarching theme, some say metanarrative, of the Bible. It is the big picture. It is the big picture not just for all of humanity, but for each individual person. The overall metanarrative of the Bible goes like this: Creation, Fall, Redemption, Consummation (completion). Humanity was created in the image of God through Adam and Eve, they rebelled and sinned against God, God sent Jesus to redeem their mistakes and restore our relationship with Him, and in the future Christ will return and complete the work of redemption in full! This is such an amazing story line. Here is a pic:
Photo via Keith Walters
And we, our individual lives, fit into and follow this metanarrative as well. We are created by God, we have sinned against Him (Romans 3:23). Some trust in Jesus for REDEMPTION, and have hope in His future coming for their consummation and eternal glory with Him! Redemption is central to the metanarrative. It is central to our lives. Without redemption, there is no Biblical metanarrative and no hope for this life. One interesting thing about redemption is that God has made it so multidimensional. It fits into the overall story of the Bible, but also our individual circumstances. Christ's blood can redeem any circumstance or situation. It saddens me that Marion Jones feels she has no need for redemption in her life. Redemption is one of the sweetest words I know, and I am thankful I know it through the grace and blood of Jesus Christ. I pray that Marion may someday see the need for her life to be redeemed, and my also come face-to-face with the one true Redeemer.
"The word redemption is not in my vocabulary". WOW. If my vocabulary could only contain a handful of words, redemption would be one of the first. The word redemption is one of the most beautiful words we have. It is also one of the most powerful. It makes me sad for Jones that she does not see the need for redemption; not just in this situation, but in life. We all need to be redeemed. That is why Jesus came. That is the overarching theme, some say metanarrative, of the Bible. It is the big picture. It is the big picture not just for all of humanity, but for each individual person. The overall metanarrative of the Bible goes like this: Creation, Fall, Redemption, Consummation (completion). Humanity was created in the image of God through Adam and Eve, they rebelled and sinned against God, God sent Jesus to redeem their mistakes and restore our relationship with Him, and in the future Christ will return and complete the work of redemption in full! This is such an amazing story line. Here is a pic:
Photo via Keith WaltersAnd we, our individual lives, fit into and follow this metanarrative as well. We are created by God, we have sinned against Him (Romans 3:23). Some trust in Jesus for REDEMPTION, and have hope in His future coming for their consummation and eternal glory with Him! Redemption is central to the metanarrative. It is central to our lives. Without redemption, there is no Biblical metanarrative and no hope for this life. One interesting thing about redemption is that God has made it so multidimensional. It fits into the overall story of the Bible, but also our individual circumstances. Christ's blood can redeem any circumstance or situation. It saddens me that Marion Jones feels she has no need for redemption in her life. Redemption is one of the sweetest words I know, and I am thankful I know it through the grace and blood of Jesus Christ. I pray that Marion may someday see the need for her life to be redeemed, and my also come face-to-face with the one true Redeemer.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Are you a parasite?
This is for everyone who claims the name of Christ and claims to be a committed, passionate, follower of Him... especially for those in the age range of the 20 somethings.
Over the past few weeks, I have become increasingly disappointed and embarassed for my generation (myself included). I have become disappointed in the role we have taken and how we are characterized... especially in realtion to the Church (Big C).
In the U.S. Church especially, one of the most promising, potential filled generations has failed thus fair to live up to it's hype. Instead of a generation characterized by love (Romans 12:10), service, and sacrifice for the Body (Big B), and one of many generations chosen as His method for bringing His grace and glory to a fallen world, we have sadly been a generation that can at best be characterized as PARASTIC.
In the U.S. (I do not know about the rest of the world), the 20 somethings (in general) are without question the weakest, most selfish, most passive, yet proud demographic in the church. They are parasites... again, myself included.
This is why I say this: My generation is the one with the least amount of responsibility, most freedom, most time, most influence, most strength, most energy, most ability to learn, and the greatest ability to serve; yet my generation does not captialize and utilize it's strengths. Instead of using our time and freedom, we selfishly hoard it. Instead of using our extra energy and resources to serve and help (the Body especially [Galatians 6:10]) we selfish take more. Instead of using our strength to help others that are weak, we sit complacent. Instead of using our relation to emerging culture as a platform to help reach the lost, we sit silent and criticize those who do speak. Instead of using our capacity to learn and have even greater influence, we sit and critique thinking we already know everything. This is why my generation is at best considered a parasite.
We sit in churches, taking up seats every week, taking as much as we can get. We sit, listen, and smile. Then when it is over, we leave and the criticism begins. No longer is the sermon about how God is speaking to you and asking you to change and BE His Body, but it is all about what I can take, and whether it satisfied all of my uncommunicated needs. If it did not, we tune out and criticize insted of offering input, giving, helping, and serving.
My generation has the greatest ability and opportunity to serve and give in the church, yet we do nothing... we take and take and take... parasites... sucking the life out of our host. Then when the host needs help (fyi, the Church is not here just here for you and to serve you, but in fact needs you, and needs your help), we detach and go find another host to continue sucking the life out of, never giving back. The scariest part is, my generation is sucking the life out of the Kingdom of God. OK, I will admit, giving and serving is hard. But here is the problem, MEANINGFUL LOCAL CHURCH INVOLVEMENT (GIVING AND SERVING) IS NOT AN OPTIONAL SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE! It is essential, and it is the way Christ designed it. It is the way believers are intended to find Christ and grow with Him.
Now you may say, "But Andy, I am a poor college student, working my way through school. I do not have much extra time to be involved serving in the church, and I definitely do not have any extra money to give". And to that, I have to say, that is great that you are working your way through school. Very ambitious. But that does not disqualify you if you claim to follow Christ. We are called to give. We are called to give of the resources we do have. And I do not care who you are and what situation you are in, everyone in the Body has resources of some kind! If you have money, give! If you do not have money, give your time! Sacrifice for the Body. Help the Body. Serve the Body. BE the Body!
To all Christ follwers in the 20 something generation. Quit being characterized as proud, "know it all", passive, selfish, and weak. Quit being parasites! Quit taking, never giving back! Just going to college groups, Bible studies, and Chruch is not giving and serving. That is a whole lot of taking! Repent of our ways and start living up to the potential and opportunity we have. Give of whatever resources you have; and give joyfully and abundantly! Christ gave everything for the Church. He sacrificed it all, and held nothing back. He obtained the Church through His blood (Acts 20:28). If you say you love God, then love His Church. If you say you serve God, then serve His Chruch. Quit being a parasite and always taking. If you continue, you will continue to suck the life out of the Kingdom!
Instead, let's be a generation characterized by a gospel community. A community of believers that speak turth and love to one another, celebrating each others strengths, not being so critical. A community that gives, more than they take. A commuinty bent on changing our current image as being slefish, life-sucking parasites. A community like the early Chruch, "And all who had believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they recieved their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." -Acts 2:44-47
Over the past few weeks, I have become increasingly disappointed and embarassed for my generation (myself included). I have become disappointed in the role we have taken and how we are characterized... especially in realtion to the Church (Big C).
In the U.S. Church especially, one of the most promising, potential filled generations has failed thus fair to live up to it's hype. Instead of a generation characterized by love (Romans 12:10), service, and sacrifice for the Body (Big B), and one of many generations chosen as His method for bringing His grace and glory to a fallen world, we have sadly been a generation that can at best be characterized as PARASTIC.
In the U.S. (I do not know about the rest of the world), the 20 somethings (in general) are without question the weakest, most selfish, most passive, yet proud demographic in the church. They are parasites... again, myself included.
This is why I say this: My generation is the one with the least amount of responsibility, most freedom, most time, most influence, most strength, most energy, most ability to learn, and the greatest ability to serve; yet my generation does not captialize and utilize it's strengths. Instead of using our time and freedom, we selfishly hoard it. Instead of using our extra energy and resources to serve and help (the Body especially [Galatians 6:10]) we selfish take more. Instead of using our strength to help others that are weak, we sit complacent. Instead of using our relation to emerging culture as a platform to help reach the lost, we sit silent and criticize those who do speak. Instead of using our capacity to learn and have even greater influence, we sit and critique thinking we already know everything. This is why my generation is at best considered a parasite.
We sit in churches, taking up seats every week, taking as much as we can get. We sit, listen, and smile. Then when it is over, we leave and the criticism begins. No longer is the sermon about how God is speaking to you and asking you to change and BE His Body, but it is all about what I can take, and whether it satisfied all of my uncommunicated needs. If it did not, we tune out and criticize insted of offering input, giving, helping, and serving.
My generation has the greatest ability and opportunity to serve and give in the church, yet we do nothing... we take and take and take... parasites... sucking the life out of our host. Then when the host needs help (fyi, the Church is not here just here for you and to serve you, but in fact needs you, and needs your help), we detach and go find another host to continue sucking the life out of, never giving back. The scariest part is, my generation is sucking the life out of the Kingdom of God. OK, I will admit, giving and serving is hard. But here is the problem, MEANINGFUL LOCAL CHURCH INVOLVEMENT (GIVING AND SERVING) IS NOT AN OPTIONAL SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE! It is essential, and it is the way Christ designed it. It is the way believers are intended to find Christ and grow with Him.
Now you may say, "But Andy, I am a poor college student, working my way through school. I do not have much extra time to be involved serving in the church, and I definitely do not have any extra money to give". And to that, I have to say, that is great that you are working your way through school. Very ambitious. But that does not disqualify you if you claim to follow Christ. We are called to give. We are called to give of the resources we do have. And I do not care who you are and what situation you are in, everyone in the Body has resources of some kind! If you have money, give! If you do not have money, give your time! Sacrifice for the Body. Help the Body. Serve the Body. BE the Body!
To all Christ follwers in the 20 something generation. Quit being characterized as proud, "know it all", passive, selfish, and weak. Quit being parasites! Quit taking, never giving back! Just going to college groups, Bible studies, and Chruch is not giving and serving. That is a whole lot of taking! Repent of our ways and start living up to the potential and opportunity we have. Give of whatever resources you have; and give joyfully and abundantly! Christ gave everything for the Church. He sacrificed it all, and held nothing back. He obtained the Church through His blood (Acts 20:28). If you say you love God, then love His Church. If you say you serve God, then serve His Chruch. Quit being a parasite and always taking. If you continue, you will continue to suck the life out of the Kingdom!
Instead, let's be a generation characterized by a gospel community. A community of believers that speak turth and love to one another, celebrating each others strengths, not being so critical. A community that gives, more than they take. A commuinty bent on changing our current image as being slefish, life-sucking parasites. A community like the early Chruch, "And all who had believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they recieved their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." -Acts 2:44-47
Thursday, February 4, 2010
"But" is my Favorite Word
"But" is such a small, simple word. If you look it up in the dictionary, you will see that it is a conjunction (a word that serves as a connector between words, phrases, clauses, or sentences) meaning: on the contrary, yet, except, and otherwise. To many, it oftentimes gets passed over rather quickly, BUT, it is quickly becoming one of my favorite words.
A while back, I asked a few people what they thought the most powerful word in the Bible was. Now, quick disclaimer; I am not saying these are the most powerful words, I just wanted to get people's opinions. The results were expected. Love of course topped the list, followed by faith and joy. It is true that these words are powerful. Based on the Biblical definitions of each, they are very powerful words that carry tons of meaning. After pondering it for a while, and spending some time looking through Scripture, I want to make a motion that "But" may be the most powerful word in the Bible. Let me explain.
Words like love, faith, and joy are very powerful, amazing words. They carry supernatural power that gives strength and encouragement to the soul. My point in saying that they are not as powerful as "but" is because they only show one side of the coin. For example, let's take love. In I John 4:16, the Bible says, "God is love". AMAZING. POWERFUL. The thought that the God of the universe is characterized by love, and fully encompasses and embodies the characteristic of love throughout His entire being blows my mind. I am not trying to take away from that. But, the word "but" offers another aspect.
As we established earlier, a conjunction is a word that functions as a connection between other words, phrases, clauses, or sentences. This is why "but" is so powerful. No longer does a word like "love" take on a specific meaning in a certain context (i.e. I John 4:16). Now, with the word "but" meaning on the contrary, yet, except, and otherwise, we can make a compare/contrast relationship between multiple clauses. Maybe I am just a nerd, but this is awesome! No longer is the meaning of a certain word one dimensional within it's context, but the entire scope is expanded. All the sudden, I can see a physical timeline, and movement along that line. No longer is it a single word that carries so much powerful meaning, but entire thoughts and sentences. I am falling in love with the word "but" because it not only shows me the aspect of where I would be without Jesus, but also shows me where I am with Him. Let me show you.
Let's take Romans 6:23. "For the wages of sin is death, BUT the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord".
Here is a perfect example of why I believe "but" is so powerful. I am shown where I am apart from Christ; "the wages of sin is death". BUT, I am also shown the amazing reality of where I am in relationship with Him; "eternal life in Christ Jesus".
Another example. Look at I Corinthians 6:9-11. "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. BUT you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
Apart from Christ, I am unrighteous an will not inherit the kingdom of God. BUT! But, I am washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of Jesus Christ.
One more. Go to I Corinthians 15:56-57. "The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is in the law. BUT thanks be to God, who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ". Sin hurts and stings apart from Christ. BUT He has given us victory over sin! What an amazing reality.
These are only a few of the amazing places where the word "but" is used. A few of my other favorites are Ephesians 2:11-17, Philippians 3:19-21, I Thessalonians 5:9. Check 'em out.
I want to leave you with this. Do not overlook the work "but"; do not overlook any small word. Each word in the Bible was carefully breathed by God Himself and given to us. Oh the power and might in even the small words God uses.
A while back, I asked a few people what they thought the most powerful word in the Bible was. Now, quick disclaimer; I am not saying these are the most powerful words, I just wanted to get people's opinions. The results were expected. Love of course topped the list, followed by faith and joy. It is true that these words are powerful. Based on the Biblical definitions of each, they are very powerful words that carry tons of meaning. After pondering it for a while, and spending some time looking through Scripture, I want to make a motion that "But" may be the most powerful word in the Bible. Let me explain.
Words like love, faith, and joy are very powerful, amazing words. They carry supernatural power that gives strength and encouragement to the soul. My point in saying that they are not as powerful as "but" is because they only show one side of the coin. For example, let's take love. In I John 4:16, the Bible says, "God is love". AMAZING. POWERFUL. The thought that the God of the universe is characterized by love, and fully encompasses and embodies the characteristic of love throughout His entire being blows my mind. I am not trying to take away from that. But, the word "but" offers another aspect.
As we established earlier, a conjunction is a word that functions as a connection between other words, phrases, clauses, or sentences. This is why "but" is so powerful. No longer does a word like "love" take on a specific meaning in a certain context (i.e. I John 4:16). Now, with the word "but" meaning on the contrary, yet, except, and otherwise, we can make a compare/contrast relationship between multiple clauses. Maybe I am just a nerd, but this is awesome! No longer is the meaning of a certain word one dimensional within it's context, but the entire scope is expanded. All the sudden, I can see a physical timeline, and movement along that line. No longer is it a single word that carries so much powerful meaning, but entire thoughts and sentences. I am falling in love with the word "but" because it not only shows me the aspect of where I would be without Jesus, but also shows me where I am with Him. Let me show you.
Let's take Romans 6:23. "For the wages of sin is death, BUT the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord".
Here is a perfect example of why I believe "but" is so powerful. I am shown where I am apart from Christ; "the wages of sin is death". BUT, I am also shown the amazing reality of where I am in relationship with Him; "eternal life in Christ Jesus".
Another example. Look at I Corinthians 6:9-11. "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. BUT you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
Apart from Christ, I am unrighteous an will not inherit the kingdom of God. BUT! But, I am washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of Jesus Christ.
One more. Go to I Corinthians 15:56-57. "The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is in the law. BUT thanks be to God, who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ". Sin hurts and stings apart from Christ. BUT He has given us victory over sin! What an amazing reality.
These are only a few of the amazing places where the word "but" is used. A few of my other favorites are Ephesians 2:11-17, Philippians 3:19-21, I Thessalonians 5:9. Check 'em out.
I want to leave you with this. Do not overlook the work "but"; do not overlook any small word. Each word in the Bible was carefully breathed by God Himself and given to us. Oh the power and might in even the small words God uses.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Life is not fair... and I am Thankful.
It does not seem "fair". Why would Haiti get hit with such an enormous earthquake? Did they do something wrong? Is this God's specific and aimed judgement on a disobedient people and a disobedient nation? No, Jesus actually says so! Even with this answer, it still does not seem "fair".
Many people have been saying, "It is circumstances like this (earthquake in Haiti), that make me not believe in God. How could a God let something like this happen?". When I hear people say things like that, or hear of people saying that, I cannot help but have pity on them. Since the earthquake, I have seen reports of hundreds of millions of people (Christians and Non-Christians), giving hundreds of millions of dollars to assist the Haitian people; and this is what makes me have pity on people that say, "It is circumstances like this, that make me not believe in God". The emotional reaction and move to help, by both Christians and Non-Christians is what makes me think, how can you not believe in God?
Real quick side note, it is catastrophes like this that make the the supports of evolution crumble at the feet of the Almighty, Sovereign God. If evolution were to be true, why would so many people weep over those that are hurting in Haiti? People they have never even met. If evolution were true, why would hundreds of millions of people give money to assist those in need? If evolution were true, shouldn't we say instead, "Sucks to be them. Survival of the fittest. They were not smart enough to create buildings to withstand earthquakes. They built on an unstable island. But oh well, it does not effect me. I am still living and breathing."? The emotional and sacrificial response of humanity proves that we were created by God. But why would God then allow such a thing to happen? It seems so unfair. Did they do something to deserve this earthquake?
"Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him (Jesus) about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. And Jesus said to them, "Do you suppose that these Galileans were GREATER SINNERS THAN ALL THE OTHER GALILEANS BECAUSE THEY SUFFERED THIS FATE? I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or do you suppose that those eighteen on who the tower in Siloam fell and killed them WERE WORSE CULPRITS THAN ALL MEN WHO LIVE IN JERUSALEM? I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." -Luke 13:1-5
And this is why I say, Life is not fair, but Oh my God, am I thankful! Jesus states, in two different circumstances, that these specific groups of people did not suffer the way they did because they were worse sinners, committing more disgusting sins than anybody else. The same applies today. The Haitian people did not suffer this earthquake because of some specific sins they committed, or some "pact with the devil". The sins they have committed, are in no way more disgusting than any of the sins you and I have committed. If this were the case, an earthquake (or worse) should rumble through my apartment immediately, destroying everything in its path.
But again, thank God life is not fair. How humbling the thought is. God ways are not my ways, and his thoughts are not my thoughts. No, His are much higher than mine. He reigns over the nations (Psalm 47:8); and for that I am also thankful. If fairness were to rule the world, and not a loving, gracious, sovereign God, life would look much different. If fairness were to rule, I would be dead before I could even breathe! I have been a sinner from birth (Psalm 51:5). If fairness were to rule, the world would be void of any human life; all have sinned (Romans 3:23), and the penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23). Human life would not exist if fairness ruled the world.
And yet again, thank God that He rules and life is not fair. Instead, the Ruler of the Nations, rules with love. "He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:10-12
Going back to the passage from Luke, our reactions to such events should not be "Why? This is not fair." Our reactions should be to fall to our knees and say, "Thank you God that life is not fair. Thank you that you are in control, and not me. Thank you that you graciously sent your Son Jesus to die for me. Forgive me for all the nasty and disgusting things that I have done; things that are so deserving of death. Things that I have done over and over in spite of your awesome power and grace. Thank you for the love that you are characterized by. Use me to accomplish your will in whatever capacity you will allow me. Thank you God, that you make life not fair."
Many people have been saying, "It is circumstances like this (earthquake in Haiti), that make me not believe in God. How could a God let something like this happen?". When I hear people say things like that, or hear of people saying that, I cannot help but have pity on them. Since the earthquake, I have seen reports of hundreds of millions of people (Christians and Non-Christians), giving hundreds of millions of dollars to assist the Haitian people; and this is what makes me have pity on people that say, "It is circumstances like this, that make me not believe in God". The emotional reaction and move to help, by both Christians and Non-Christians is what makes me think, how can you not believe in God?
Real quick side note, it is catastrophes like this that make the the supports of evolution crumble at the feet of the Almighty, Sovereign God. If evolution were to be true, why would so many people weep over those that are hurting in Haiti? People they have never even met. If evolution were true, why would hundreds of millions of people give money to assist those in need? If evolution were true, shouldn't we say instead, "Sucks to be them. Survival of the fittest. They were not smart enough to create buildings to withstand earthquakes. They built on an unstable island. But oh well, it does not effect me. I am still living and breathing."? The emotional and sacrificial response of humanity proves that we were created by God. But why would God then allow such a thing to happen? It seems so unfair. Did they do something to deserve this earthquake?
"Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him (Jesus) about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. And Jesus said to them, "Do you suppose that these Galileans were GREATER SINNERS THAN ALL THE OTHER GALILEANS BECAUSE THEY SUFFERED THIS FATE? I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or do you suppose that those eighteen on who the tower in Siloam fell and killed them WERE WORSE CULPRITS THAN ALL MEN WHO LIVE IN JERUSALEM? I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." -Luke 13:1-5
And this is why I say, Life is not fair, but Oh my God, am I thankful! Jesus states, in two different circumstances, that these specific groups of people did not suffer the way they did because they were worse sinners, committing more disgusting sins than anybody else. The same applies today. The Haitian people did not suffer this earthquake because of some specific sins they committed, or some "pact with the devil". The sins they have committed, are in no way more disgusting than any of the sins you and I have committed. If this were the case, an earthquake (or worse) should rumble through my apartment immediately, destroying everything in its path.
But again, thank God life is not fair. How humbling the thought is. God ways are not my ways, and his thoughts are not my thoughts. No, His are much higher than mine. He reigns over the nations (Psalm 47:8); and for that I am also thankful. If fairness were to rule the world, and not a loving, gracious, sovereign God, life would look much different. If fairness were to rule, I would be dead before I could even breathe! I have been a sinner from birth (Psalm 51:5). If fairness were to rule, the world would be void of any human life; all have sinned (Romans 3:23), and the penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23). Human life would not exist if fairness ruled the world.
And yet again, thank God that He rules and life is not fair. Instead, the Ruler of the Nations, rules with love. "He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:10-12
Going back to the passage from Luke, our reactions to such events should not be "Why? This is not fair." Our reactions should be to fall to our knees and say, "Thank you God that life is not fair. Thank you that you are in control, and not me. Thank you that you graciously sent your Son Jesus to die for me. Forgive me for all the nasty and disgusting things that I have done; things that are so deserving of death. Things that I have done over and over in spite of your awesome power and grace. Thank you for the love that you are characterized by. Use me to accomplish your will in whatever capacity you will allow me. Thank you God, that you make life not fair."
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Divine Coincidence
I am not much of a guy for coincidence or luck. Nor am I one for just opening up the Bible and reading a random chunk of Scripture. But this evening, this is almost exactly what happened... and I have absolute faith that it was ordained by the Sovereign God... a "divine coincidence".
Ever since I first heard about the catastrophe in Haiti, my heart has been haunted by pictures and images. My heart has also been haunted by the heavy weight of wanting to go to Haiti and help (and if you do not believe me, just ask my fiance Christina... I have even told her that God may be calling us to give up our honeymoon and instead use the money to help those in Haiti... this is haunting).
Anyways, as I have been processing with God what this might look like and in what capacity my calling to help may be, the weight has become heavier and the haunting has increased. And then that is when the "divine coincidence" happened.
I came across Mark Driscoll and James MacDonald's new initiative to help churches in Haiti. www.churcheshelpingchurches.com In this, Pastor Mark described how the images of Haiti had begun to "haunt" him. This struck me (as Christina knows I had used this exact language at dinner last night, at I-ho's Korean Grill in Bozeman; I remember it vividly), and I was intrigued. I kept reading. The more I read, the heavier and more imminent the haunting became. I began to think, "God, this is strange. And You know that I am not one for coincidence, but this is strange". I proceeded to blow it off, and told myself I would pray about it, to see if that was really God's calling or just "coincidence".
Then as I was brushing my teeth, I had some strange idea to go pull "My Utmost for His Highest", a devotional by Oswald Chambers off my bookshelf. I had not opened this devotional in over 2 years. But as I opened it to the page for January 16th, I briefly looked at the title that Oswald gave this devotional and the scripture he referenced. The title was "The Voice of the Nature of God" and the scripture was Isaiah 6:8, "I heard the voice of the Lord saying, whom shall I send". I almost fell over. As I read it became clear. This haunting and heavy burden was for a reason. These "coincidences" were not just by chance, but ordained by the Sovereign Lord. I am still unsure of when, or what it will exactly look like, but it is clear that God has put a calling on my life to go to Haiti in the near future to help rebuild His church and assist the people there in whatever capacity I can. Please pray for me, and if you have any information on helping me figure out the details, please let me know.
Ever since I first heard about the catastrophe in Haiti, my heart has been haunted by pictures and images. My heart has also been haunted by the heavy weight of wanting to go to Haiti and help (and if you do not believe me, just ask my fiance Christina... I have even told her that God may be calling us to give up our honeymoon and instead use the money to help those in Haiti... this is haunting).
Anyways, as I have been processing with God what this might look like and in what capacity my calling to help may be, the weight has become heavier and the haunting has increased. And then that is when the "divine coincidence" happened.
I came across Mark Driscoll and James MacDonald's new initiative to help churches in Haiti. www.churcheshelpingchurches.com In this, Pastor Mark described how the images of Haiti had begun to "haunt" him. This struck me (as Christina knows I had used this exact language at dinner last night, at I-ho's Korean Grill in Bozeman; I remember it vividly), and I was intrigued. I kept reading. The more I read, the heavier and more imminent the haunting became. I began to think, "God, this is strange. And You know that I am not one for coincidence, but this is strange". I proceeded to blow it off, and told myself I would pray about it, to see if that was really God's calling or just "coincidence".
Then as I was brushing my teeth, I had some strange idea to go pull "My Utmost for His Highest", a devotional by Oswald Chambers off my bookshelf. I had not opened this devotional in over 2 years. But as I opened it to the page for January 16th, I briefly looked at the title that Oswald gave this devotional and the scripture he referenced. The title was "The Voice of the Nature of God" and the scripture was Isaiah 6:8, "I heard the voice of the Lord saying, whom shall I send". I almost fell over. As I read it became clear. This haunting and heavy burden was for a reason. These "coincidences" were not just by chance, but ordained by the Sovereign Lord. I am still unsure of when, or what it will exactly look like, but it is clear that God has put a calling on my life to go to Haiti in the near future to help rebuild His church and assist the people there in whatever capacity I can. Please pray for me, and if you have any information on helping me figure out the details, please let me know.
Pleading for Promises
Besides the Holy Scriptures, the words of Charles Spurgeon have probably been the most challenging and influential in my life. Yesterday, as I was reading a devotional that he wrote (Morning and Evening), he said something that has been on the forefront of my mind until now. He said, "We glorify God when we plead His promises". I find it so elementary, yet so profound. He pulls it from 2 Samuel 7:25b "... and do as you have spoken". He goes on to say, "It is God's nature to keep His promises; therefore go at once to His throne and say, "Do as Thou hast said". It made me realize that I take God's nature and His character for granted. Rather than rejoicing in His nature and pleading for His faithfulness, I just assumed that it would happen, because that is how God works. It made me plead the promises of God in my life. Promises of holy living. Promises of washing me from my sin.
His words also made me think of Haiti. At first I thought, what promises has God given to them? To many, the current earthquake has made it look like none. According to Pat Robertson, this earthquake was a result of God's judgment on a nation that "made a pact with the devil". But God graciously showed me how wrong I was, and also how wrong Pat was. I was reminded, " 'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways', declares the Lord. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts'." I don't not know why this earthquake happened.
Through this I realized the question of "why?" is not the point. The point is that regardless of what this fallen world brings, God's promises still ring true. I was reminded of God's promise that NOTHING will be able to separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 9:35-39). I was reminded that God will ultimately use this for His glory, and for the good of His people (Romans 8:28). And even as I read God's Word, more promises seemed to pop off the pages.
"When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord WILL ANSWER THEM; I the God of Israel WILL NOT FORSAKE THEM. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive. I will set in the desert the cypress, and plane the pine together, and they may see and know, may consider and understand together, the the HAND OF THE LORD HAS DONE THIS, THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL HAS CREATED IT" (Isaiah 41:17-20).
When I read Isaiah 41:17-20, I was deeply moved by God's faithfulness and love. I was humbled by the catastrophe in Haiti, but even more by God's character. I was moved to plead this promise for the hurting and suffering Haitian people. Will you join me in pleading God's promises for them? "We glorify God when we plead His promises".
Photo taken by Lisandro Suero
His words also made me think of Haiti. At first I thought, what promises has God given to them? To many, the current earthquake has made it look like none. According to Pat Robertson, this earthquake was a result of God's judgment on a nation that "made a pact with the devil". But God graciously showed me how wrong I was, and also how wrong Pat was. I was reminded, " 'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways', declares the Lord. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts'." I don't not know why this earthquake happened.
Through this I realized the question of "why?" is not the point. The point is that regardless of what this fallen world brings, God's promises still ring true. I was reminded of God's promise that NOTHING will be able to separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 9:35-39). I was reminded that God will ultimately use this for His glory, and for the good of His people (Romans 8:28). And even as I read God's Word, more promises seemed to pop off the pages.
"When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord WILL ANSWER THEM; I the God of Israel WILL NOT FORSAKE THEM. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive. I will set in the desert the cypress, and plane the pine together, and they may see and know, may consider and understand together, the the HAND OF THE LORD HAS DONE THIS, THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL HAS CREATED IT" (Isaiah 41:17-20).
When I read Isaiah 41:17-20, I was deeply moved by God's faithfulness and love. I was humbled by the catastrophe in Haiti, but even more by God's character. I was moved to plead this promise for the hurting and suffering Haitian people. Will you join me in pleading God's promises for them? "We glorify God when we plead His promises".
Photo taken by Lisandro Suero
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