Saturday, April 10, 2021

New Duds, New Mind, No Chains

Mark 5 is the amazing account of Jesus restoring a demon-possessed man. This poor man was held captive by many demons, "'Legion' for we are many," the spirit proclaims. He could not function in society much less be who God designed him to be or serve God in the way He requires. Perhaps, on some level, this man had succumbed to feeling these demons would be with him forever. Maybe, they even felt more comfortable than the thought of change. Scripture says he lived among the tombs and was often "bound with shackles and chains;" but he would pull apart the chains and break the shackles into pieces. Can you imagine the strength this indwelling spirit gave him? If only it had been a Holy Spirit! (I see a topic for another day.) This man was able to pull the links apart so that the chain would give way. He could shatter what were most likely shackles made of iron "into pieces"! So, he couldn't be restrained, he couldn't be tamed.

And that's the exit my thoughts took. We have heard so much in the last few years about throwing off social constraints. We are told classism is the cause for our discontent, and we are encouraged to break its chains. We are told discrimination is lurking in every competition, query, or gathering we encounter, and we are encouraged to shatter its shackles that we might be free. Only some of that is true, however. And once we are free of the manacles of injustice, what then? The man that appeared before Jesus could break his chains, he could shatter the shackles placed on him by men, but then what? He was no longer physically restrained, he could not be subdued by human strength, but he was still bound. His spirit was gripped by something evil, something destructive, something contrary to what God intended.

I've been reading a lot with regard to the "social gospel." "Do justly, love mercy," it's right there in Scripture, words straight from God's mouth to our ears. But, let's not allow the first two precepts in that verse to eclipse the third -- "walk humbly with your God" -- and let's not take those instructions strictly with an eye to our purpose on earth. We must love God's just nature, the nature that sends unrepentant sinners to Hell. We must love the mercy of God that placed His Son on the cross for each of us. And we must walk out the love of those things in humble adoration of God each day. Anything else will bind you. Anything else is exchanging the chains placed on you by world systems for the shackles of a superficial "gospel" with its eyes on remedying societal issues alone. 

We have a responsibility to preach the Gospel at all times, to all people, first and foremost. I'm not saying we can't serve breakfast while we do it; I'm not saying that binding up the wounds of victims and bringing the victimizer to justice is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ as it looks when it is walked out. There is a difference, however, between demonstrating the Gospel (doing great things to eliminate the bonds of societal problems), and sharing the Gospel (only the Truth will set men free). Do not be confused or complacent. Anything else is exchanging one form of bondage for another. In Christ you can be "renewed in the spirit of your mind, and... put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness." (Eph. 4:23,24) To know Jesus is to be, as the man before Jesus was, clothed and in our right minds.


Friday, April 9, 2021

Together

Have you ever seen a Rube Goldberg machine? I love those! A ball drops and a lever tips; the lever raises a string that spins a wheel that releases an arrow that strikes a model car that rolls toward a chain of dominoes that... You get the idea. Odds and ends, bits and scraps strung together to make something happen: open a door, water a plant. Some integrate chemical reactions, a flash-bang that launches another action. Some are comprised of trash -- items that would appear of no use in and of themselves: cards from an incomplete deck, a bread bag clip, a single shoelace, a deflated ball, a broken umbrella. Worthless, right? But together, they do something mmmaybe useful, but if not, certainly ingenious and amazing.

Think of the events you have experienced in your life. No one has a perfect life. Everyone goes through trials and pain. Sometimes we think we've had our share, and we just want a break. But that is the promise of Romans 8:28. I'm sure you're familiar:

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

All things are working together -- the good, the bad and the ugly. There is a tapestry being woven in your life. There is a story made of bits and pieces. While some of them may look like trash, and some may seem worthless, God is building something. The blowups on Tuesday may be the groundbreaking of a promise on Wednesday. What may feel like a defeat today may be the springboard of a hope tomorrow. Even the things that tear us down and lay us low may be the things God is using to build us right back up in a more perfect way. Poor health can take you to doctor's offices and hospitals where people need to hear the Gospel and you are called to proclaim it. Losing your job can get you thinking about new ways to serve God, and maybe even support your family while doing it. Some of the pieces may not feel so good at the time, some may even be downright exhausting; some parts may be shadows, failures from our past, but God's purpose is to do something useful and amazing. And while those moments in time, those temporary afflictions may appear to be of little worth, they are merely part of the ingenious "together" that God is working in the lives of those who love Him.

Thursday, April 8, 2021

Curing the Incurable

"Incurable." It's a word no one wants to hear. It usually goes along with other words. Words like "chronic" or "fatal." They are words that have been around since the beginning of mankind. Maybe not in English, but they were definitely there in concept. When we hear words like "incurable" or "chronic," our minds immediately go to certain diseases or physiological conditions. Rarely do we think of spiritual condition. But, it was the spiritual condition of His people that God was speaking about through Jeremiah:

"For thus says the Lord:
‘Your affliction is incurable,
Your wound is severe.
There is no one to plead your cause,
That you may be bound up;
You have no healing medicines.
All your lovers have forgotten you;
They do not seek you;
For I have wounded you with the wound of an enemy,
With the chastisement of a cruel one,
For the multitude of your iniquities,
Because your sins have increased.
Why do you cry about your affliction?
Your sorrow is incurable.
Because of the multitude of your iniquities,
Because your sins have increased,
I have done these things to you."

~Jeremiah 30:12-15 

The affliction of God's people was incurable and, therefore, their grief was incurable. They had no way to erase their sin or mitigate their sorrow. And without Jesus, we are in the same boat.

The penalty of death for sin introduced in the Garden of Eden did not come from Satan or some "cosmic law of morality." It was God's judgment. God made the rule and, when the rule was broken, God imposed the punishment -- yes, on His friend, Adam; yes, on His daughter, Eve; yes, on all His glorious creation wrought by His perfect design. And that is completely consistent with who God is. These days people would rather pass judgment on God. "Why would God do that? Well, the punishment hardly fits the crime." 

Let's say I walked into your home and noticed a large bowl of colorful candies on the counter. You see my eyes go to the bowl, and you warn me I am not to eat them. Knowing, in reality, they are not candies, but but medication which is highly toxic to anyone with the last name Murphy, you say, if I eat them I will die. First of all, you have a reasonable expectation of your rule being honored. It is, after all, your home; you are extending your hospitality to me. Furthermore, I was not misinformed or insufficiently informed. If I choose to disobey your rule, I do so fully aware of the consequences, eyes wide open. "Such a small thing, to eat a piece of candy from a bowl full of many," I reason. "Surely, I will not die." Famous last words, you might say.

 But, if God is love how could He sentence His own creation to death? Because God is also Law. It is because of His righteous and just character that He can deliver such a judgment, even on those He loves. It's because of His merciful and loving character, He made a way of escape even for those of us who have broken His law.

Just like Israel, my affliction was incurable -- but for Someone greater, Someone perfect in every way, to pay the price I was sentenced to pay. No one in or of this world is suitable to plead my case. There is no remedy, elixir, or vaccine capable of making me acceptable or unworthy of death. Those who lured me, accompanied me, conspired with me, encouraged me, or followed me into sin are unable and, I'm sure, unwilling to plead for me or be my proxy before the Throne of Judgment. I have been sentenced by the Living God. There is no point objecting to, or complaining and crying about my situation. I earned every ounce of condemnation, and there  is no escaping justice from the hand of a just God.

BUT FOR JESUS!

God does not contradict Himself. Every aspect of His character works together perfectly. But for the mercy and love of a just and loving God, of a perfect and relational God, I had zero hope of escaping that to which I was entitled. But for the grace and power of a just and loving God, of a perfect and relational God, I had zero hope of procuring that to which I was not entitled (in the least): salvation from death, the hope of glory, a new nature, and the opportunity to do wonderful things for the kingdom of God. Jesus Christ our Lord is the only cure for the incurable.

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Special Delivery

On Sunday, March 15, 2020, Pennsylvania mandated that, beginning at 7 pm, businesses would be required to observe regulations determined to prevent/ restrict the spread of COVID-19: limiting the number of people in their operations, requiring those on premises to wear masks, and facilitating social distancing. That morning, I went to a nearby grocery store, prepared to enter just as I did the day before, knowing the mandate had not yet gone into effect. To my surprise, plastic tarps covered doors and created "cattle shoots" through which the very limited number of customers could enter. A masked man in a haz-mat suit stood out front advising that no one could enter without a face covering. It was a dystopian scene, to say the least. "I thought this wouldn't be enforced until this evening," I argued. "We're enforcing it now," was all he said. I left. I was angry. This was my store. I loved the people that worked here. I didn't want to go elsewhere. This was not what was supposed to happen. Why hadn't they given anyone warning? Did they really expect us to shop this way? It was almost as frightening as it was infuriating. Looking back, I think my response had a lot to do with the delivery: the haz-mat suit, the tarps fixed with wide swaths of duct tape, glaring eyes as the store representative explained my freedom to shop as I was accustomed had been revoked. And I'm not saying precautions were not necessary, but the delivery was, well, a bit authoritarian, repellent, and intimidating. 

Information can come across that way. Organizations pay lots of money to professionals trained to deliver bad news. The way something is heard for the first time can be particularly effective and enduring. Which is why the way we deliver the good news of Jesus to others is important. It is important that we, first of all, pray. We need God to prepare our lips and the listener's heart. Prayer can bring something to our lips the person needs to hear, without us ever knowing how that word has hit the mark. (And sometimes leaves us wondering, "Why on earth did I say that?") We have no clue what God has been doing in the lives and hearts of those brought into our path, but the Holy Spirit can use the discussion to plant, water, or harvest a spirit

Secondly, we must love others. Traveling around with condemnation on your lips can alienate people rather than draw them in. And, if we're not teaching the Gospel out of love for others, do we truly love the Lord? How did someone share with you the good news? How would you have liked them to share? Believe me, I am not saying refrain from using that "sin" word, or don't confront everyone's need for a Savior -- "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23, emphasis mine) -- but starting from the door with, "Did you know you're headed for hell because God hates sinners?" might leave the impression we are sending them there, if you catch my drift. 

Lastly, it is important that we know the Gospel, and know that, while our personal story may be a wonderful example of the Gospel at work, it is not the Gospel. The Gospel is that we all miss the mark of God's perfect standard, and we have missed it by our humanity as we received it as well as accepted it. In other words, not only was a sin nature inherited by each of us, but we obeyed that nature -- all have sinned. The penalty for sin is death and, because our sin is ultimately against an eternal God, so is the penalty. Therefore, we are, from birth, headed to pay the eternal consequence for our sin -- eternal death -- but for God sending His Son to pay our penalty for us at the cross! That is good news! But, it requires a response from every individual. It requires every individual to confess these truths -- their sin, the penalty, and Christ's substitution -- and to live their lives in gratitude for this precious gift and in worship of the Giver. And the way for anyone to find out what that looks like exactly, is to read God's Word, to talk to Him, to meet with other believers for spiritual guidance, and to trust and obey God in everything.

COVID has changed our lives, without a doubt. Many people took objection to the way information was disseminated. It was inconsistent. It was incomplete. It was attached to so many other agendas. It was poorly received by many. The Gospel is a life changer. Let's be responsible in the way we proclaim it -- prayerfully, completely, consistently, thoroughly, knowledgeably, purely, and in love. And while it may be poorly received, we too must trust and obey.



Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Go Ahead. I Dare You.

One day, I began going to a Bible study. If you'd asked me why, I probably would have told you, "I don't know." Honestly, at that time, it just seemed like something I wanted to do. And that is exactly what it was, only I didn't realize it; I couldn't tell you when it happened, but God's Holy Spirit was working in me, drawing me to Him, and giving me a greater desire to know Him. Praise God! These days, I attend two studies in addition to personal Bible study each day. Now, that doesn't give me extra trophies, it simply testifies to two things: 1) I just might need more "couch time" than other folks, and 2) I am blessed to be able to do something I truly want to do -- study God's Word -- a lot! And that "want to" didn't come from me.

That first study was a group of women, twenty or more years my senior, taught by a man -- a pastor, in a stuffy lounge that smelled like Grandma's sitting room. No snacks. No coffee. Couches that hurt my back. Windows almost all the way around, so as I sat inside, I could see the golden sunshine and emerald green trees swaying in light breezes; I could almost smell the fresh air -- except that this particular room, including faded plastic flower arrangements, hadn't been disturbed since 1970. You know the smell. I know you do. Why would any rational person do that to themselves? I loved every minute. We were studying God's Word. We were sinking deeper and deeper into who God is and developing a response to that. 

I think I've mentioned before a prayer that I prayed as I drove to work one morning. I had already turned what I thought was everything over to God. I had asked Him to use me in whatever way He saw fit, to transform my life into something that would bring Him glory. And I meant those things. In all honesty, though, I wanted those things because I just didn't want to go through the chaos and pain I'd gone through in the past. If there was chaos, I wanted to trust that God would do something terrific from it. If there was pain, I wanted to know I wasn't going through it because of my own sin. I guess, in some way, He was more like a broker. I was admitting I'd made some terrible investments, handing over my portfolio, and saying, "I know You know what You're doing. Have at it." And as self-centered as my thinking was, God refused to allow me to stay in that place. I began to realize I didn't really love God as I wanted; the love, the passion for Him just wasn't there. And it was on that back airport road the thought occurred to me: just ask God to show you how to love Him. I asked, but it wasn't then His work began, because He had been changing me all along; it was then I knew it was His Spirit at work. It was then I acknowledged that, apart from Him I can do nothing -- not even follow Him. I wasn't sitting in Bible study just because I enjoyed the smell of plastic melting in the noonday sun. I wasn't turning things over to God just because it was my idea. I wasn't desiring a deeper relationship with God because I sought Him. It was all because He was pursuing me; it was because He had a plan to use me for His glory and it was time I took the job.

Whatever it is, wherever you are in your relationship with God, I dare you to ask Him to change it. I dare you to ask Him to change those "boring sermons" into messages you hunger for. I dare you to ask Him to change those prayers that seem to go no further than the ceiling into powerful conversations. I dare you to ask Him to give you a selfless love for those neighbors that park in your driveway as if they own it. I dare you to ask Him to show you how to love Him with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. And maybe I'll see you at study. This one has snacks!


Monday, April 5, 2021

It's Monday. What Will You Do?

The Christmas season is full of hype. We go crazy from Thanksgiving to Christmas trying to recapture that same sense of wonder we had as children, or trying to pass on the mystery to others. And, within twenty-four hours, it's over. Some of us return to work the next day, some of us are able to prolong it until after the New Year; but, essentially, it's a one day event. Twenty-four hours after we've dined on seven fishes, or transported the family to candlelight service, all is quiet. Traditions and decorations go back into storage.

"Easter" as it is generally known, is a bit different, however. Forty days prior, is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent, a season some associate with Jesus' forty days in the wilderness, a season some observe with self-denial, repentance, and reflection. As Lent draws to a close, Maundy Thursday is an observance of Jesus' Last Supper when He celebrated Passover, instituted Communion, and washed the disciples' feet. Good Friday we are reminded of Christ's death on the cross and the inhumane treatment He endured. Sunday morning is the masterpiece. The glorious rendering of Christ's completed work and His confirmed power over sin and death! Days and days of heart preparation and solemn remembrances end in Resurrection Sunday celebration! He is risen! 

But, this is Monday. What are we expected to do on Monday? 

Just over a year ago, we all entered into this "COVID thing." We didn't know when it would end; we didn't know how it would all transpire. We're not much more informed today, but we can see light at the end of the tunnel. Throughout the ordeal, I have heard many people promise to never take things like family gatherings, lunch with friends, and seeing another person's smile for granted. Others have struggled with mental health during this time of isolation. Others were never able to properly grieve or say "farewell" to those whey lost. We have been changed. Our perspectives have been altered by these events. This past year has brought us to a place of gratitude for some of the simplest things. Let's hope we never forget. But, we are a fickle, selfish people. Remember the spirit of brotherhood and equality that existed after 9/11? Last summer was a far cry from that.

So, what about Monday? 

None of us listened as Jesus spoke the words of Scripture through cracked lips, as He hungered in the desert. None of us watched as He knelt to wash the feet of His friends. None of us collapsed at the foot of the cross, begging the cruelty to end. None of us felt the earth quake or heard our gasps echo through an empty tomb. None of us was there. On Monday, we can go back to the lives we knew before we entered this time. We can pack away the traditions and decorations for another year. Or, we can trust that it all happened, rest in the truths we have heard in this season, and allow the Spirit of God to change us. 

It's Monday, what will you do?

Sunday, April 4, 2021

What Good Is a Dead Savior?

Resurrection Sunday. I used to wonder why, if Good Friday was the day, the remembrance of all that Jesus did for us, the commemoration of our salvation purchased at the cross, the celebration of the complete cancellation of our debt -- if Good Friday was so good, what was with all of the commotion on Easter Sunday. Well, let me just throw a few quick points and send you on your way to continue your celebrations.

1. If Jesus didn't fulfill the prophecy of His resurrection, He either didn't have the power to back up his prediction, or He was a liar. If He didn't have the power to follow through, how can I trust He will have the power to follow through on anything else He has said will come to be? If He was a liar, I can't believe anything He said.

2. If His sacrifice was to atone for the sins of the world, and I understand the principle of sacrifice and propitiation correctly, what makes His sacrifice any better than a goat or a bull? To atone for past, present, and future world sin comprehensively, the sacrifice would have to be perfect, supernatural, divine -- like no other! How would I know, but for a divine resurrection, something truly miraculous, His sacrifice was sufficient?

3. If He is who He says He is, if He is God, He's got to be better than me, right? Holier, mightier, wiser, fairer -- at least. And if I am to expect His work at the cross to be sufficient because He is God, what sort of guarantee should I expect from a god who is as limited by death as I am? I mean, He can hardly set me free if He can't get free. I can't overcome something God can't overcome.

4. And the "new life" thing. How can I expect a new life if He can't even have it for Himself? If His death is the end, how can He share with me the power and promise of something He can't obtain for Himself?

5. If Jesus remained in the grave, if He didn't obtain for me the power to rise, what is my motivation to live a different sort of life? How has my life been made new? What is the endgame if this life is all there is? Why wouldn't every saint in history -- myself included -- simply eat, drink, and be merry, overindulge, do all of those "victimless," epicurean things that suck every last bit of pleasure out of this life with no thought for eternity? If Jesus remained in the grave, there is no eternal life, no reward, no glorious rejoicing with fellow saints in the presence of the One we serve. If Jesus remained in the grave, why even spread the good news of salvation -- for that's all it is, salvation from hell to...

6. ...to what? Saved from sin and it's penalty, to what? No afterlife? No heaven? Jesus' resurrection and ascension to heaven is His guarantee the same will be true for His followers. 

7. Lastly, Jesus' death on the cross was the Father's victory, His victory for all of His creation. The very beings He sentenced to death in accordance with His righteous and just nature, were redeemed. The beings He loved, He created with purpose could now be guiltless and live in His presence for all eternity. But why put His Son through all of that if not for some future, greater glory? What good is a dead Savior? Animal sacrifices were consumed by fire and eaten; what couldn't be used for other purposes was simply discarded. There would be no glory in the body of His Son decaying in a tomb; it would simply be as any other corpse, left to rot. How could the Savior of the world be left as any exclusively human being, to become a part of the earth? God's glory was gained through His grace, through His mercy, through His love, through His need for justice and the complete satisfaction of His righteous wrath. And God's glory was gained through death's defeat and the resurrection of His Son. That is the glory our God deserves, that is the glory of which our God is capable.

Happy Resurrection Sunday!