I had the opportunity to take a quick flight to Eastern Washington and Idaho last week with one of the pilots in our church. He offered to take me to a couple of the sites where our youth mission teams were serving. It was a picturesque day, with the exception of some low overcast at take off. It was not long before we climbed out of that and had spectacular views of Mt. Rainer, Mt. Adams, and Mt. St. Helens. What a great morning to fly!
I have to admit, I'm one of those geeky guys that loves to listen to radio traffic between pilots and air traffic controllers. I'm enthralled by the speed with which they speak and how everyone seems to understand completely what they're saying! There was one aspect that stood out to me, however, and that was each time Bruce (the pilot) spoke with a new traffic control center, they would give him an altimeter setting and he would then adjust the altimeter on the control panel.
What did that mean? Was it not working? Should I be concerned?
And so I asked Bruce what that was all about. He informed me that the barometric pressure was different at various altitudes and so each time he would speak to a new controller, he would have to, in a sense, re-orient the altimeter so that it was "true." Otherwise, where you think you are might be different than where you actually were!
It occurred to me that it's not too different in our lives as believers. Isn't it the case that we can get moving on through our walks of faith and suddenly not be on the same heading or at the same "altitude" that we thought we were? This situation or circumstance occurs and suddenly we are headed somewhere else. Even if we are not horribly off course, it could be just a bit that then eventually results in a much more pronounced difference. Left unchecked, it could end in disaster.
For me that "re-orientation" is necessary in things like personal devotions and prayer. It's so easy to get wrapped up in things that are in and of themselves very good, yet still alter our "course heading" to where we forget to take time to "get oriented" as we ought. It's always amazing to me how that one little segment of time can change my perspective so much. And so, missing out on that, and developing a pattern of missing that time eventually leaves me dry and spiritually parched.
Can you relate? At what altitude are you "flying" right now? And, are you sure? Might you need to get adjusted so that your heading is true? Take that time to get a true heading at the right altitude. Carve out those moments for study of the Word and for prayer and enjoy the view!
Monday, August 1, 2016
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Divine Claustrophobia
Thankfully, claustrophobia is not something I suffer from. In fact, (and this might seem strange!) I tend to like tight places.
Now I suppose there is some sort of psychological link in there somewhere having to do with insecurities or something of the sort, but I'm the guy that likes the covers up around his neck; who has no problem with a bunk bed having only a few inches of vertical clearance! Give me tightly tucked sheets and call me when you need someone to explore a crawl space; no problem.
Now perhaps you're reading this and just hearing these descriptions has caused that familiar tightness in your chest and shortness of breath! You're beginning to feel heart palpitations at just the hint of a tight fit! But, let me advocate for a divine claustrophobia. I think it can be a good thing!
David, in Psalm 139:5, ascribes this characteristic to God. He says of God,
"You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me."
Now, honestly, I was reading this Psalm in search of making a different point than this, but the wording of verse five stood out to me as never before. My "word geek" mentality pushed me to look up the Hebrew word translated hem by the ESV. The word there, tsuwr, means "to cramp, confine, enclose..." David ascribes this action to God in his life. You might say, this is a sense of divinely appointed claustrophobia; being "hemmed in" by God.
And while we generally look at that as a negative, I see it as a positive. I see it as a protection. He says "behind me, before me, I'm surrounded by you: stitched into the fabric of your divine guardianship." One commentator expands that thought and ascribes the rest of verse five to the protective covering as well as blessing from the hand of God ("...and you lay your hand upon me." 139:5b)
So, just in case your circumstances today have you feeling vulnerable; exposed or "hanging out there," know that claustrophobia, divine claustrophobia, is a good thing. God hems you in. God has you surrounded and tightly enclosed so that nothing can harm you!
Now I suppose there is some sort of psychological link in there somewhere having to do with insecurities or something of the sort, but I'm the guy that likes the covers up around his neck; who has no problem with a bunk bed having only a few inches of vertical clearance! Give me tightly tucked sheets and call me when you need someone to explore a crawl space; no problem.
Now perhaps you're reading this and just hearing these descriptions has caused that familiar tightness in your chest and shortness of breath! You're beginning to feel heart palpitations at just the hint of a tight fit! But, let me advocate for a divine claustrophobia. I think it can be a good thing!
David, in Psalm 139:5, ascribes this characteristic to God. He says of God,
"You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me."
Now, honestly, I was reading this Psalm in search of making a different point than this, but the wording of verse five stood out to me as never before. My "word geek" mentality pushed me to look up the Hebrew word translated hem by the ESV. The word there, tsuwr, means "to cramp, confine, enclose..." David ascribes this action to God in his life. You might say, this is a sense of divinely appointed claustrophobia; being "hemmed in" by God.
And while we generally look at that as a negative, I see it as a positive. I see it as a protection. He says "behind me, before me, I'm surrounded by you: stitched into the fabric of your divine guardianship." One commentator expands that thought and ascribes the rest of verse five to the protective covering as well as blessing from the hand of God ("...and you lay your hand upon me." 139:5b)
So, just in case your circumstances today have you feeling vulnerable; exposed or "hanging out there," know that claustrophobia, divine claustrophobia, is a good thing. God hems you in. God has you surrounded and tightly enclosed so that nothing can harm you!
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Undoubtedly by now you've heard a fair amount of news and commentary surrounding the case of Bowe Bergdahl. Sgt. Bergdahl was the U. S. Army soldier held captive and then released in exchange for five Taliban prisoners being held at Guantanamo. Much has been said about the equity, or lack thereof, of such a trade not just numerically, but in terms of probable threat levels each present to the other side once they are free, etc.
Some recent reports have highlighted suspicion that Sgt. Bergdahl may have deserted his unit, gone AWOL, defected, or even aided the enemy. He's been labeled as everything from simply a scared young man to a traitor. I don't intend to comment on those charges as it is obvious there are hours and hours of investigation warranted and still to come in this case.
However, what was curious to me was the charge that if Bergdahl was indeed a deserter or even an enemy of the United States, why in the world would we go looking for him? It's reported that many hours, and possibly as many as six lives were expended in the search to find and free Sgt.Bergdahl. Some that I heard interviewed found this repugnant.He slid under the wire, left his post. Why does he deserve any kind of rescue or redemption?
It made me think, however, about the cost to God in his search to free and find you and me. It poses quite the question in my mind:
What might have happened if God had asked that question prior to the death and resurrection of Jesus, his own and only Son? What if God had determined that as deserters, as enemies of God (See James 4:4), we were not worth the cost of his Son's life to save? Where would be now had God embodied the attitude I've heard portrayed in some media?
Instead, we read this in Paul's letter to the Romans:
Some recent reports have highlighted suspicion that Sgt. Bergdahl may have deserted his unit, gone AWOL, defected, or even aided the enemy. He's been labeled as everything from simply a scared young man to a traitor. I don't intend to comment on those charges as it is obvious there are hours and hours of investigation warranted and still to come in this case.
However, what was curious to me was the charge that if Bergdahl was indeed a deserter or even an enemy of the United States, why in the world would we go looking for him? It's reported that many hours, and possibly as many as six lives were expended in the search to find and free Sgt.Bergdahl. Some that I heard interviewed found this repugnant.He slid under the wire, left his post. Why does he deserve any kind of rescue or redemption?
It made me think, however, about the cost to God in his search to free and find you and me. It poses quite the question in my mind:
To what degree should effort be exerted to recover someone lost if even due to his or her own disobedience?
What might have happened if God had asked that question prior to the death and resurrection of Jesus, his own and only Son? What if God had determined that as deserters, as enemies of God (See James 4:4), we were not worth the cost of his Son's life to save? Where would be now had God embodied the attitude I've heard portrayed in some media?
Instead, we read this in Paul's letter to the Romans:
"For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person-though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die-but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8 ESV
By not zeroing in on the actions of Sgt.Bergdahl, but instead focusing upon the acts of a righteous God, I'm certainly thankful that the extent to which God went to restore me was not contingent upon my level of deserving such action! While I was yet a sinner, (and continue to be) Jesus gave up his life in order to restore me to fellowship with God. Was it worth it? Was I worth it? He thought so. I think he still does!
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Blessed Contrast
I had a text conversation with my wife this morning and she shared with me what she was observing in terms of weather where she was at that moment. "We have black skies and a rainbow," she said. Out my office window, some 20 plus miles away from her location we had similar black skies, but some bright sun as well. However, the multicolored arc that she was able to see was not visible here. However, some thirty minutes later, on my way to a hospital call, I saw the same black skies and brilliant rainbow.
It set me thinking...
Do you ever see a brilliant rainbow on a crystal clear day? "Well of course not," you're thinking right now, since the rainbow is formed by water droplets refracting light, droplets that aren't present with a crystal clear sky, Pastor George; (and, right now you're thinking, "it's obvious that you studied theology and not meteorology!")
What makes the rainbow brilliant is the contrast in which it is set.
Hmmmm....God's promises.
Remember that the rainbow was placed in the sky by God to illustrate to Noah the covenant he was forming with him; a covenant agreement, initiated by God, that he would never again flood the earth to destroy all flesh (Genesis 9:12-17).
But what caused that promise to be so clearly seen, or at least the representation of the promise, was the contrast with the cloud in which the bow was set (vs. 14).
I wonder if the brilliance of God's promises in our life are as remarkable on clear days as they are when things are "dark" and "overcast?"
Isn't there a sort of "blessed contrast" whereby we recognize God's bestowing of promises and mercy more fully when our situations are such that we feel "clouded over?"
That to me is pure grace. And, perhaps, it's after some time has passed as well. Rarely does the rainbow poke out as the rain is beginning. More so it is the case that after a good deluge, the arc pops forth reminding us that while we might have just gotten drenched, "this is not unto death!" A stark contrast.
Now it would be beyond glib to say at this point "So the next time it rains in your life, just look for the rainbow!" But my encouragement to you is this: if your life is dark right now; if you're struggling to see any kind of "blue sky experience" in your situation(s), then you are in a prime spot, because of that deep contrast, to see the blessed promises of God. Here are just a few that might arc themselves over your cloud covered skies:
It set me thinking...
Do you ever see a brilliant rainbow on a crystal clear day? "Well of course not," you're thinking right now, since the rainbow is formed by water droplets refracting light, droplets that aren't present with a crystal clear sky, Pastor George; (and, right now you're thinking, "it's obvious that you studied theology and not meteorology!")
What makes the rainbow brilliant is the contrast in which it is set.
Hmmmm....God's promises.
Remember that the rainbow was placed in the sky by God to illustrate to Noah the covenant he was forming with him; a covenant agreement, initiated by God, that he would never again flood the earth to destroy all flesh (Genesis 9:12-17).
But what caused that promise to be so clearly seen, or at least the representation of the promise, was the contrast with the cloud in which the bow was set (vs. 14).
I wonder if the brilliance of God's promises in our life are as remarkable on clear days as they are when things are "dark" and "overcast?"
Isn't there a sort of "blessed contrast" whereby we recognize God's bestowing of promises and mercy more fully when our situations are such that we feel "clouded over?"
That to me is pure grace. And, perhaps, it's after some time has passed as well. Rarely does the rainbow poke out as the rain is beginning. More so it is the case that after a good deluge, the arc pops forth reminding us that while we might have just gotten drenched, "this is not unto death!" A stark contrast.
Now it would be beyond glib to say at this point "So the next time it rains in your life, just look for the rainbow!" But my encouragement to you is this: if your life is dark right now; if you're struggling to see any kind of "blue sky experience" in your situation(s), then you are in a prime spot, because of that deep contrast, to see the blessed promises of God. Here are just a few that might arc themselves over your cloud covered skies:
** "...I will not leave you or forsake you." Joshua 1:5
** "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." James 4:8
** "...If you seek him, he will be found by you..." 1 Chronicles 28:9
** "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33
So don't despise the clouds; that's right where God chose to place the rainbow! In your darkness, replay the promises over and over in your heart. Remember, "he who promised is faithful!" (Hebrews 10:23)
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Do You REALLY Think God Knows?
Have you ever watched a movie that has so captivated you that you begin to stress about whether the individual or individuals portrayed are going to make it out of their circumstances okay?
I recently viewed "All Is Lost" along with my wife and one of my daughters. If you're looking for a movie with stirring dialogue, this isn't the one for you. There are a few moments of voice over at the very beginning, and aside from an unintelligible outburst of frustration at one point in the movie, that's it for any speaking. And, following in the pattern of "Gravity" which featured predominately only two actors, "All Is Lost" boasts one; Robert Redford.
**SPOILER ALERT**
It's the story of a man on a boat, which soon sinks forcing him onto a life raft, which soon catches fire and burns, setting him adrift in the ocean with nothing except his ability to tread water!
While I didn't find the movie "spectacular," it was certainly captivating; if for no other reason than my continual anxiety on his behalf! Will he ever get rescued? How likely is it in this huge expanse of ocean that anyone will ever see him?
That anxiety grew even greater when he finds a sextant and a map and soon realizes that he is in the middle of a shipping channel. Not long after that realization, as he's floating in his "soon to be melted" raft, a massive shipping vessel passes right next to him. However, in spite of his waving, he isn't seen by the crew of the tanker. A similar ship passes later, this time at night. Even armed with flares, he's not able to flag down the ship's crew.
Try as he might, he was simply too small to be noticed!
Sound familiar? Have you ever sensed that in your life? Do you ever feel adrift in this incredible sea we call life wondering if (a) there is a God, and (b) does he know you're out there? Have you had the experience of shooting off flares and jumping and waving, only to bob in the wake of the ship as it passes you by?
David asked something very similar of God. In the 8th Psalm:
In other words, in the great scheme of things, God, given our relative unimportance, why do you even care?
It's rhetorical. David answers his own question:
Your value is intrinsic because of the identity of the One who formed you!
Hardly inconsequential, I'd say.
You do matter! You are valued in God's eyes! You were created by the same hands that created the heavens, the moon, and the stars. The very same hands that positioned them all in a specified location, giving them a certain path in which to orbit, those very hands also made you! And while our circumstances can cause us to feel dwarfed and adrift with no hope of rescue, your immense value in the sight of the One who formed you hasn't dropped a bit.
Unfortunately, what many of us do, is use our surroundings to quantify us.
We play an endless comparison game whether it's with what others possess, what others look like, how popular they seem to be, etc. all the while missing that fact that our value isn't earned or purchased or acquired, it's intrinsic because of the identity of the One who formed us! Your "size" in His eyes is immense. And, when compared to him, you SHOULD seem small! After all, He's God. But how great is it that even as huge as he is, he's still mindful of you! You're big to Him!
You're valued because you were formed and crowned by the only One who's able!
So the next time life tries to dwarf you and your circumstances break over the top of your raft, remember that the same hands that formed the heavens will settle that raft and can tow you to still waters. Cry out to him for that!
I recently viewed "All Is Lost" along with my wife and one of my daughters. If you're looking for a movie with stirring dialogue, this isn't the one for you. There are a few moments of voice over at the very beginning, and aside from an unintelligible outburst of frustration at one point in the movie, that's it for any speaking. And, following in the pattern of "Gravity" which featured predominately only two actors, "All Is Lost" boasts one; Robert Redford.
**SPOILER ALERT**
It's the story of a man on a boat, which soon sinks forcing him onto a life raft, which soon catches fire and burns, setting him adrift in the ocean with nothing except his ability to tread water!
While I didn't find the movie "spectacular," it was certainly captivating; if for no other reason than my continual anxiety on his behalf! Will he ever get rescued? How likely is it in this huge expanse of ocean that anyone will ever see him?
That anxiety grew even greater when he finds a sextant and a map and soon realizes that he is in the middle of a shipping channel. Not long after that realization, as he's floating in his "soon to be melted" raft, a massive shipping vessel passes right next to him. However, in spite of his waving, he isn't seen by the crew of the tanker. A similar ship passes later, this time at night. Even armed with flares, he's not able to flag down the ship's crew.
Try as he might, he was simply too small to be noticed!
Sound familiar? Have you ever sensed that in your life? Do you ever feel adrift in this incredible sea we call life wondering if (a) there is a God, and (b) does he know you're out there? Have you had the experience of shooting off flares and jumping and waving, only to bob in the wake of the ship as it passes you by?
David asked something very similar of God. In the 8th Psalm:
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
In other words, in the great scheme of things, God, given our relative unimportance, why do you even care?
It's rhetorical. David answers his own question:
Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet...
Your value is intrinsic because of the identity of the One who formed you!
Hardly inconsequential, I'd say.
You do matter! You are valued in God's eyes! You were created by the same hands that created the heavens, the moon, and the stars. The very same hands that positioned them all in a specified location, giving them a certain path in which to orbit, those very hands also made you! And while our circumstances can cause us to feel dwarfed and adrift with no hope of rescue, your immense value in the sight of the One who formed you hasn't dropped a bit.
Unfortunately, what many of us do, is use our surroundings to quantify us.
We play an endless comparison game whether it's with what others possess, what others look like, how popular they seem to be, etc. all the while missing that fact that our value isn't earned or purchased or acquired, it's intrinsic because of the identity of the One who formed us! Your "size" in His eyes is immense. And, when compared to him, you SHOULD seem small! After all, He's God. But how great is it that even as huge as he is, he's still mindful of you! You're big to Him!
You're valued because you were formed and crowned by the only One who's able!
So the next time life tries to dwarf you and your circumstances break over the top of your raft, remember that the same hands that formed the heavens will settle that raft and can tow you to still waters. Cry out to him for that!
Monday, August 19, 2013
Retrospective Grace
I am the brunt of jokes in my home. More accurately, my PHONE is the brunt of many jokes. You see, it's old. I get remarks from phone store employees along the lines of "Oh wow, I remember when those came out.." and other such comments that only make the situation worse.
And, occasionally, just to prove how "with it" I am, I will even take pictures with my phone (yes, it has that capability!) and even upload them to Facebook! However, that in itself is a multiple step process! Consider this; after I take the picture, I have to edit it, save it to the phone, then email it to myself, download it from my email on another computer, then upload it to Facebook! I know...you're actually impressed I know the word "upload!"
But here's the rub: many of you, if not most, take a picture, tap it or blow on it or whatever you do with your fancy phones, and there they are; uploaded to Facebook or Instagram and receiving lots of comments already. Meanwhile, I'm flipping through all of the saved pictures on my phone, looking for the one I just took so that I can complete the aforementioned steps! However, it serves to be a great exercise in what I would term "retrospective grace!" Here's what I mean...and here's where I get serious.
That journey through the memory bank of my LG Envy 3 allows me a view into the past and a view of God's presence around every turn. For instance, there are lots of granddaughter pictures on board. It reminds me of how blessed I am to have this little girl only 12 hours away. It calls to mind how fortunate we are to have the opportunity to have her at our home for a few weeks each year. It helps me recall the excitement she expressed that morning when she stormed into our bedroom to let us know it had snowed. It reminds me of the excitement in her eyes when she nearly rode the length of the driveway without training wheels this summer. Memories of fun that are too easily forgotten in the rush of life. Grace filled moments of pouring into and receiving love from this little 6 year old!
This venturing into the past also shows me a shot of all four of our kids sitting on the couch in my mom's house in California taken this June. With kids spread out geographically, it's rare to get them all together. But there is another aspect of the picture that just makes me smile; they're all laughing at something! Probably at my phone while I was taking the picture, but it still makes me smile to see them all together laughing and obviously enjoying the moment. They really like each other, and it gladdens my heart that they love one another! That in itself is a grace thing. For all of the doubts we have about our parenting skills, it makes me think we might have done something right.
There is another set of photos, all snapped during an impromptu trip down the Oregon coast. It was a sort of melancholy trip, about which I won't go into deep detail here. Suffice to say it was a time of getting away and breathing some fresh sea air during a difficult time. As I see it, I am reminded of the restorative presence of God and his Holy Spirit that can bring healing and apply balm to the toughest of wounds. Still, even in struggle, that grace was, and still is apparent.
One last photo shows the Seattle skyline, taken during an early morning trip to make hospital calls. Two church members struggling significantly with health issues were the aim of my visit this particular morning. Even after 30+ years of ministry, I still wonder if what I say is wise enough; comforting enough. But then I'm reminded of the encouraging words of my mentor, Dr. Jimmy Adamson, who spoke so frequently of having a "ministry of presence." And so I strive to enter those rooms not searching for the most pithy thing to say, but rather being the most open to whatever the Lord would like to accomplish in those few moments at the bedside. I become even more dependent upon that grace.
And so, in spite of having the "prop driven" phone in a world of jets, it still affords me a glimpse of how grace filled my days have been, thanks to the Giver of Grace; the Lord Jesus. So take away the "delete file" key; I need to reflect on that retrospective grace often.
And, occasionally, just to prove how "with it" I am, I will even take pictures with my phone (yes, it has that capability!) and even upload them to Facebook! However, that in itself is a multiple step process! Consider this; after I take the picture, I have to edit it, save it to the phone, then email it to myself, download it from my email on another computer, then upload it to Facebook! I know...you're actually impressed I know the word "upload!"
But here's the rub: many of you, if not most, take a picture, tap it or blow on it or whatever you do with your fancy phones, and there they are; uploaded to Facebook or Instagram and receiving lots of comments already. Meanwhile, I'm flipping through all of the saved pictures on my phone, looking for the one I just took so that I can complete the aforementioned steps! However, it serves to be a great exercise in what I would term "retrospective grace!" Here's what I mean...and here's where I get serious.
That journey through the memory bank of my LG Envy 3 allows me a view into the past and a view of God's presence around every turn. For instance, there are lots of granddaughter pictures on board. It reminds me of how blessed I am to have this little girl only 12 hours away. It calls to mind how fortunate we are to have the opportunity to have her at our home for a few weeks each year. It helps me recall the excitement she expressed that morning when she stormed into our bedroom to let us know it had snowed. It reminds me of the excitement in her eyes when she nearly rode the length of the driveway without training wheels this summer. Memories of fun that are too easily forgotten in the rush of life. Grace filled moments of pouring into and receiving love from this little 6 year old!
This venturing into the past also shows me a shot of all four of our kids sitting on the couch in my mom's house in California taken this June. With kids spread out geographically, it's rare to get them all together. But there is another aspect of the picture that just makes me smile; they're all laughing at something! Probably at my phone while I was taking the picture, but it still makes me smile to see them all together laughing and obviously enjoying the moment. They really like each other, and it gladdens my heart that they love one another! That in itself is a grace thing. For all of the doubts we have about our parenting skills, it makes me think we might have done something right.
There is another set of photos, all snapped during an impromptu trip down the Oregon coast. It was a sort of melancholy trip, about which I won't go into deep detail here. Suffice to say it was a time of getting away and breathing some fresh sea air during a difficult time. As I see it, I am reminded of the restorative presence of God and his Holy Spirit that can bring healing and apply balm to the toughest of wounds. Still, even in struggle, that grace was, and still is apparent.
One last photo shows the Seattle skyline, taken during an early morning trip to make hospital calls. Two church members struggling significantly with health issues were the aim of my visit this particular morning. Even after 30+ years of ministry, I still wonder if what I say is wise enough; comforting enough. But then I'm reminded of the encouraging words of my mentor, Dr. Jimmy Adamson, who spoke so frequently of having a "ministry of presence." And so I strive to enter those rooms not searching for the most pithy thing to say, but rather being the most open to whatever the Lord would like to accomplish in those few moments at the bedside. I become even more dependent upon that grace.
And so, in spite of having the "prop driven" phone in a world of jets, it still affords me a glimpse of how grace filled my days have been, thanks to the Giver of Grace; the Lord Jesus. So take away the "delete file" key; I need to reflect on that retrospective grace often.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
What Was He Thinkin'?
Unfortunately, many of us do not spend lots of time in the Old Testament. Oh, we know some of the "biggies" in that half of scripture: Abraham, Moses, Noah, Samson, Daniel, David, etc. Fewer of us know some of the other characters, and, I would hazard a guess that even fewer of us know the ins and outs of some of the stories. One that has been an anchor for me is the story of Joseph; especially the end. The epic of Joseph ends up concluding in the last chapter of Genesis; chapter 50. It's there, in verse 20 that we read,
"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."
I won't recount the entire story for you, but in a nutshell, Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, carted off to a foreign country, favored by the government there, finds himself falsely accused of a crime, imprisoned for it, released from prison, rises to power in Egypt, and ends up showing mercy to his brothers at a time of great famine in Egypt. And it is then, as he is dispensing grain, and mercy to his brothers, that he makes this stunning and gracious pronouncement.
God knew all along what he was doing.
But what was Joseph thinking? What was Joseph thinking when his body hit the bottom of the pit into which his brothers threw him at the outset of the drama? What was Joseph thinking when he was falsely accused of taking liberties with Potiphar's wife? What was he thinking when he landed on the ground of the prison? In those awful moments, do you think Joseph was thinking "Wow, this is great because something great is going to come of it?" Do you think he began to contemplate the great exodus and deliverance from the soon-to- come slavery in Egypt? Was he excited about how this would set the stage for God's great work through Moses? Did he see this as simply setting into motion the coming to fruition of Joshua's budding leadership skills?
Neither do I!
But the hindsight with which we view God's sovereignty is one of the greatest "grace gifts" that God gives us through Holy Scripture. Because we are afforded this rare view of God's workings, we ought to rejoice.
I think one of the greatest "phrases within a phrase" is when Joseph says "God meant it..." To me this is just one more indicator and reminder that there is nothing that escapes God's eye. Beyond that, he not only knows, but that knowledge is intertwined with intention. God meant it. He didn't slip up; things didn't just "happen" and take him by surprise, there is purpose.
That's hard for us, especially when the situation is hard. We default to the usual expressions. "I thought God was a loving God?" "How could he intend this?" I think Isaiah did the best job of summing that one up:
"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." Isaiah 55:8-9
We know, by reading ahead in the story, how God wove greatness and redemption into the outcome of that story. Joseph didn't see it, but we did, and still do. And, as hard as it may be in the midst of what you are facing right now, God, I believe (and I hope you do too) is at work, meaning to weave something out of your circumstances. I believe that he has a plan, because God is a God of order and order means a plan. And I believe that the goal of that plan is His glory and not ours. That might be even tougher yet. But to sum up John Piper quoting Jonathan Edwards, we find our prime satisfaction in God's glorification.
Can you trust in that today? Are you ready to give up being god of your circumstances and allow Him to reign rightly there? As Joseph expressed to his brothers, "Am I in the place of God?"( vs. 19) The clear inference there is that God is at work and will bring about what HE wants to bring about from our circumstances.
So, what are YOU thinkin'?
"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."
I won't recount the entire story for you, but in a nutshell, Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, carted off to a foreign country, favored by the government there, finds himself falsely accused of a crime, imprisoned for it, released from prison, rises to power in Egypt, and ends up showing mercy to his brothers at a time of great famine in Egypt. And it is then, as he is dispensing grain, and mercy to his brothers, that he makes this stunning and gracious pronouncement.
God knew all along what he was doing.
But what was Joseph thinking? What was Joseph thinking when his body hit the bottom of the pit into which his brothers threw him at the outset of the drama? What was Joseph thinking when he was falsely accused of taking liberties with Potiphar's wife? What was he thinking when he landed on the ground of the prison? In those awful moments, do you think Joseph was thinking "Wow, this is great because something great is going to come of it?" Do you think he began to contemplate the great exodus and deliverance from the soon-to- come slavery in Egypt? Was he excited about how this would set the stage for God's great work through Moses? Did he see this as simply setting into motion the coming to fruition of Joshua's budding leadership skills?
Neither do I!
But the hindsight with which we view God's sovereignty is one of the greatest "grace gifts" that God gives us through Holy Scripture. Because we are afforded this rare view of God's workings, we ought to rejoice.
I think one of the greatest "phrases within a phrase" is when Joseph says "God meant it..." To me this is just one more indicator and reminder that there is nothing that escapes God's eye. Beyond that, he not only knows, but that knowledge is intertwined with intention. God meant it. He didn't slip up; things didn't just "happen" and take him by surprise, there is purpose.
That's hard for us, especially when the situation is hard. We default to the usual expressions. "I thought God was a loving God?" "How could he intend this?" I think Isaiah did the best job of summing that one up:
"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." Isaiah 55:8-9
We know, by reading ahead in the story, how God wove greatness and redemption into the outcome of that story. Joseph didn't see it, but we did, and still do. And, as hard as it may be in the midst of what you are facing right now, God, I believe (and I hope you do too) is at work, meaning to weave something out of your circumstances. I believe that he has a plan, because God is a God of order and order means a plan. And I believe that the goal of that plan is His glory and not ours. That might be even tougher yet. But to sum up John Piper quoting Jonathan Edwards, we find our prime satisfaction in God's glorification.
Can you trust in that today? Are you ready to give up being god of your circumstances and allow Him to reign rightly there? As Joseph expressed to his brothers, "Am I in the place of God?"( vs. 19) The clear inference there is that God is at work and will bring about what HE wants to bring about from our circumstances.
So, what are YOU thinkin'?
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Living the Dream
I have really enjoyed hiking up Mount Peak in Enumclaw twice in the last
week with my lovely wife Elizabeth. Well, wait just a moment: enjoyed might be
too strong a word! I’ve loved having time with my wife; I have loved the
interaction with folks coming down and going up the one mile climb; I have
absolutely LOVED the weather…but…concerning how I feel as I’m hiking…that’s
another topic for another entry: perhaps one on pain or misery!
What was the most striking was one comment from a
gentleman while we were descending the steep gravel road on the back side of “Peak”
as it’s known by the locals. He was jogging down a side trail and as he emerged
from the bushes and branches, I casually said “How’s it going?” His reply stuck
in my head: “Oh you know,” he stated, “living the dream!”
That’s a curious phrase to me. It’s certainly not the first
time I’ve heard it. It is, however, the first time I have become this
analytical about it. “Living the dream;” does that mean that you actually DREAM
about Mount Peak and now you’re living it because you’re here? For me, with the
agony my body feels as it’s ascending, a better response would be “Living the
nightmare!” But under closer examination, I think I know what he meant.
I’m sure he was reflecting on one of the “out of character”
warm days here in the Puget Sound (88 degrees when this adventure took place,
breaking the all time high of 79 for the same day in 1957). I’m sure he was
impacted by the gorgeous surroundings of this 1,800 foot peak that rises up out
of a relatively flat surrounding area. And perhaps he was even more reflective
than that: realizing that there are some that would love to come up and climb
but for physical issues are unable.
Reflecting on his comment caused me a bit of chagrin. While
my first impression was “I’m living the dream too because I’m on my way down,” the
more I thought about it the more I realized how grateful I should be, even for
the pain. There are others that would love to make this climb and feel that
same pain I’m dissing, but for a variety of reasons aren’t able.
I thought of
some of those unfortunate, innocent race goers in Boston that now don’t have
legs due to the reckless acts of two alleged bomb makers. I thought of the men
and women that went far from their homes to try and secure freedom for other
countries and have come home without limbs. I thought of folks in our
congregation that due to health issues have slowed greatly that would, at one time, have nearly galloped up
this road, but now are tethered to oxygen or other health support devices.
“Living
the dream!” Certainly, because there are those that can only dream; who won’t get
another crack at living it.
We all need a good wake up call now and again; and this one
was mine. Can you look around you and see what it is that you take for granted?
Maybe it’s a relationship, a person, your job, your home, maybe something or
someone that generally is the brunt of more complaints than affirmations. Can
you agree that you probably really are living the dream? Maybe you just
need someone to shake you!
James, in the New Testament, serves that purpose
well. He writes: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from
the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change…What
is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then
vanishes. Instead you ought to say ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this
or that.’” (James 1:17, 4:14-15).
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Coming Full Circle
I have to admit I am somewhat loath to wade into the social media tidewaters surrounding the work of the Supreme Court this week. Most likely you've not escaped it. If you're a regular Facebook user, undoubtedly your eyes have been caught by the various changes in profile pictures to either support the work of the court, or protest it, as it relates to their deliberation over California's Proposition 8 and the National Defense of Marriage Act.
I must say that I am in agreement with the justice that voiced a question over the appropriateness of the high court ruling on the issue of what constitutes marriage. I have always felt as though it was fairly clearly delineated in both the Old and New Testaments. It is, in any case, the source I intend to use to support my argument that what we now call "traditional" marriage is worth fighting for since it clearly, in terms of relationships, represents a coming full circle. Allow me to explain.
At the outset I must first credit the source from which I'm gleaning this fundamental example. John Piper, in his book "This Momentary Marriage," argues, I believe convincingly, this point; the marriage of a man and a woman is a coming full circle of the creation of man and woman.
In Genesis 2:18ff, God, in his quest to provide for the man a "helper fit for him," creates woman. First, it's crucial that we don't apply a western mind to the definition of "helper." The Hebrew more closely resembles a "counterpart." God, in his eternal wisdom, having observed no perfect counterpart yet in existence, creates woman as the most suited, specifically designed answer to make this union complete, as it was birthed out of a desire to bring completion and unity (as the counter, "alone" in Hebrew is more closely "divided" ) to the man ("it is not good that the man should be alone;" Gen.2:18).
Key in that new creation is God's utilizing the rib, taken from man, in verse 21. There is a commonality in this creation, namely the rib, a part of the man, that does not exist in the animal or plant world. So this obviates that the perfect counterpart would not be found in anything other than that which would possess at least a portion of the man himself. The next verse reads "And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man." (Gen.2:22) Note carefully the man's response to the delivery of this one made from his own body: "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh..." (Gen.2:23)
"At last" he exclaims! What was taken from me has now come back in the form of a perfect and complementary creation!" The problem posed by being alone, that which God said was "not good" is now solved by coming full circle; manifested in the person of the woman; created as the perfect and complementary counterpart having used part of the man. As trite as it has become, she does "complete him!"
If we truly hold to "intelligent" design, believing that God IS that intelligence, can we not trust that how he completed the circle need not be improved on? I heard someone on the radio yesterday say that what is involved in the proposed change in the definition of marriage embodies a type of "evolving." Does that not imply a NEED to change from a deficit to a more complete, more perfect solution? If so, that renders God's original intent, the full circle completion via the creation of woman, as flawed and somehow in need of an evolutionary touch to "clean it up" and improve it. That becomes a slippery slope leading to a less than adequate God, which then calls into question everything, not to mention the efficacy of the salvation he's provided as well through Jesus Christ. I think I'd rather trust and believe that he got it right the first time!
I must say that I am in agreement with the justice that voiced a question over the appropriateness of the high court ruling on the issue of what constitutes marriage. I have always felt as though it was fairly clearly delineated in both the Old and New Testaments. It is, in any case, the source I intend to use to support my argument that what we now call "traditional" marriage is worth fighting for since it clearly, in terms of relationships, represents a coming full circle. Allow me to explain.
At the outset I must first credit the source from which I'm gleaning this fundamental example. John Piper, in his book "This Momentary Marriage," argues, I believe convincingly, this point; the marriage of a man and a woman is a coming full circle of the creation of man and woman.
In Genesis 2:18ff, God, in his quest to provide for the man a "helper fit for him," creates woman. First, it's crucial that we don't apply a western mind to the definition of "helper." The Hebrew more closely resembles a "counterpart." God, in his eternal wisdom, having observed no perfect counterpart yet in existence, creates woman as the most suited, specifically designed answer to make this union complete, as it was birthed out of a desire to bring completion and unity (as the counter, "alone" in Hebrew is more closely "divided" ) to the man ("it is not good that the man should be alone;" Gen.2:18).
Key in that new creation is God's utilizing the rib, taken from man, in verse 21. There is a commonality in this creation, namely the rib, a part of the man, that does not exist in the animal or plant world. So this obviates that the perfect counterpart would not be found in anything other than that which would possess at least a portion of the man himself. The next verse reads "And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man." (Gen.2:22) Note carefully the man's response to the delivery of this one made from his own body: "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh..." (Gen.2:23)
"At last" he exclaims! What was taken from me has now come back in the form of a perfect and complementary creation!" The problem posed by being alone, that which God said was "not good" is now solved by coming full circle; manifested in the person of the woman; created as the perfect and complementary counterpart having used part of the man. As trite as it has become, she does "complete him!"
If we truly hold to "intelligent" design, believing that God IS that intelligence, can we not trust that how he completed the circle need not be improved on? I heard someone on the radio yesterday say that what is involved in the proposed change in the definition of marriage embodies a type of "evolving." Does that not imply a NEED to change from a deficit to a more complete, more perfect solution? If so, that renders God's original intent, the full circle completion via the creation of woman, as flawed and somehow in need of an evolutionary touch to "clean it up" and improve it. That becomes a slippery slope leading to a less than adequate God, which then calls into question everything, not to mention the efficacy of the salvation he's provided as well through Jesus Christ. I think I'd rather trust and believe that he got it right the first time!
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
The Unexpected and Welcome Intrusion of Simplicity
Self disclosure time; I'm not the type of guy who spends a lot of time looking at, marveling at, or even really noticing some of the simple things of life; like the freshness of the morning mist (something we experience frequently here in the Seattle area), or other poetic experiences. I wouldn't say that I'm immune to those kinds of moments, it's just that the"stop and smell the roses" kinds of experiences aren't, or at least haven't, been a part of my experience.
That is, until this summer.
Two experiences occurred that really made me sit up and take notice; or better, freeze in my tracks. One was during a very simple, non-agenda filled walk in our back yard with my wife Elizabeth. Often we make the rounds in the yard taking note of what's blossoming and what's not, and more often than not, pointing out things that need to be eradicated; this plant trimmed, those weeds pulled, etc. On one such occasion as we were walking, I happened to take notice of a massive rose. It appeared that this bloom had subsisted on a diet solely of Miracle Grow! But in addition to its size, I took particular note of its intricacies. Each of the petals seemed to have been delicately placed by the Creator in such a way as to be unique and lovingly formed. "What care," I thought "was given to this signature piece of God's handiwork. And, as if to be the "icing on the cake," it smelled great!
Now remember, I don't generally have these kinds of "waxing poetic" moments! And I don't know what amazed me more; the flower or the fact that I noticed the flower!
Experience number two occurred within a day or two of the amazing rose incident. We had set up the coveted "Froggy" wading pool for our five-year old granddaughter. She was having a great time splashing around on one of those rare, "warm enough to get wet and enjoy it" days in the Northwest. I was struck by her carefree manner of play. She wasn't thinking about the next meeting she had at church. She wasn't thinking of balancing the books and the impending tuition payments coming up. She had no concern for how rough the car was idling or how worn the tires are getting. All she knew was that the "Froggy" pool was filled with water and it was time to relish it. My sense of envy nearly colored me as green as "Froggy" himself. Honestly, I was somewhat chagrined that I was that stressed. Was I really trusting in the one who owns the cattle on a thousand hills? It took both Mady and "Froggy" to awaken me to the simplicity of the moment.
I came from those experiences with something much more than just the platitude of "You've just got to stop and smell the roses" (literally)! I gleaned from this a conviction that life truly is precious, and fleeting. We don't have the luxury of irresponsibly living aloof and walking away from what's required of us. But neither should we get so caught up in the stresses of the day (or week, or month) that simplicity becomes an intrusion as opposed to an intention, a destination, a refreshment. By that I mean that now, when I find myself "in a moment," rather than grouse about how infrequent they come and how short a time they last, I try and just soak it in and realize "I'm in the moment right now! Thank you Lord for helping me to realize that! Thank you, Lord, that you provide these moments of grace."
The Preacher of Ecclesiastes said it best: "This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?" (Ecclesiastes 2:24b-25)
That is, until this summer.
Two experiences occurred that really made me sit up and take notice; or better, freeze in my tracks. One was during a very simple, non-agenda filled walk in our back yard with my wife Elizabeth. Often we make the rounds in the yard taking note of what's blossoming and what's not, and more often than not, pointing out things that need to be eradicated; this plant trimmed, those weeds pulled, etc. On one such occasion as we were walking, I happened to take notice of a massive rose. It appeared that this bloom had subsisted on a diet solely of Miracle Grow! But in addition to its size, I took particular note of its intricacies. Each of the petals seemed to have been delicately placed by the Creator in such a way as to be unique and lovingly formed. "What care," I thought "was given to this signature piece of God's handiwork. And, as if to be the "icing on the cake," it smelled great!
Now remember, I don't generally have these kinds of "waxing poetic" moments! And I don't know what amazed me more; the flower or the fact that I noticed the flower!
Experience number two occurred within a day or two of the amazing rose incident. We had set up the coveted "Froggy" wading pool for our five-year old granddaughter. She was having a great time splashing around on one of those rare, "warm enough to get wet and enjoy it" days in the Northwest. I was struck by her carefree manner of play. She wasn't thinking about the next meeting she had at church. She wasn't thinking of balancing the books and the impending tuition payments coming up. She had no concern for how rough the car was idling or how worn the tires are getting. All she knew was that the "Froggy" pool was filled with water and it was time to relish it. My sense of envy nearly colored me as green as "Froggy" himself. Honestly, I was somewhat chagrined that I was that stressed. Was I really trusting in the one who owns the cattle on a thousand hills? It took both Mady and "Froggy" to awaken me to the simplicity of the moment.
I came from those experiences with something much more than just the platitude of "You've just got to stop and smell the roses" (literally)! I gleaned from this a conviction that life truly is precious, and fleeting. We don't have the luxury of irresponsibly living aloof and walking away from what's required of us. But neither should we get so caught up in the stresses of the day (or week, or month) that simplicity becomes an intrusion as opposed to an intention, a destination, a refreshment. By that I mean that now, when I find myself "in a moment," rather than grouse about how infrequent they come and how short a time they last, I try and just soak it in and realize "I'm in the moment right now! Thank you Lord for helping me to realize that! Thank you, Lord, that you provide these moments of grace."
The Preacher of Ecclesiastes said it best: "This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?" (Ecclesiastes 2:24b-25)
Monday, April 30, 2012
Conspiracy to Fail
I heard a story recently on the network news that was distressing, yet not surprising for where our culture resides these days.Evidently there was an offer made by a website (which I won't name; not wanting to grant them any publicity) of $1,000,000. (yep, that's million) to anyone that could, as they put it, "bed" Tim Tebow, the recent trade to the New York Jets from the Denver Broncos. In other words (as if I have to get more graphic!) one million dollars awaits the individual who can successfully cause Mr. Tebow to violate his stand of faith regarding his virginity. That's how low we've sunk for entertainment.
There is an obvious problem with a society, or at least a portion of it, that takes joy in, and even rewards success in causing someone to fail morally. Unfortunately the real problem stems from those that cannot stomach the fact that Mr. Tebow actually is not afraid to admit publicly, as he has, that he is following the God-ordered design for intimacy. His seeking to live faithful to the God he worships and is not shy about following is anathema to the world view of some. He is living out the biblical injunction to "...let the marriage bed be undefiled..." (Hebrews 13:4, ESV) and his conviction is mocked. I guess we shouldn't be surprised that living out a biblical ethic is no longer in vogue.I'm distressed, but not surprised.
However, if that's what it means to be "with it" in society; to intentionally take pride in another individual's compromise, I'm happy to be a misfit. After all, Jesus told us to expect it. He said, in John 15:19 "If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." I guess that's part of what it meant when Jesus told his disciples to be sure to count the cost. The days of open faith in the marketplace are long gone. Believers are not only despised by some, but are objects of conspiracy and sources of payouts if they can be dragged down. Perhaps then one's guilt is mitigated by the falling of another. So sad to see.
There is an obvious problem with a society, or at least a portion of it, that takes joy in, and even rewards success in causing someone to fail morally. Unfortunately the real problem stems from those that cannot stomach the fact that Mr. Tebow actually is not afraid to admit publicly, as he has, that he is following the God-ordered design for intimacy. His seeking to live faithful to the God he worships and is not shy about following is anathema to the world view of some. He is living out the biblical injunction to "...let the marriage bed be undefiled..." (Hebrews 13:4, ESV) and his conviction is mocked. I guess we shouldn't be surprised that living out a biblical ethic is no longer in vogue.I'm distressed, but not surprised.
However, if that's what it means to be "with it" in society; to intentionally take pride in another individual's compromise, I'm happy to be a misfit. After all, Jesus told us to expect it. He said, in John 15:19 "If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." I guess that's part of what it meant when Jesus told his disciples to be sure to count the cost. The days of open faith in the marketplace are long gone. Believers are not only despised by some, but are objects of conspiracy and sources of payouts if they can be dragged down. Perhaps then one's guilt is mitigated by the falling of another. So sad to see.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Disdain for Purity
I'm not too proud to admit that my wife and I hoard our change. Well, perhaps hoard isn't a good term; we collect it, only to eventually cash it in. It's always amazing (a) how much actually collects over time and (b) how it comes in handy at the most opportune of times.
As I was at the local Coinstar the other day, I heard a strange "clink" as I was pouring my coins into the feeding tray. I felt around the slot below where the reject coins end up. Sure enough, there were a few strays there, so I fed them back into the top with the other coins. "Clink" once again. So as I pulled out the "round two" reject, I noticed something different in the feel of this coin. Instinctively, I glanced down to notice Washington's head where it belonged on this quarter, but the date caught my eye and caused a double take. No wonder it felt strange: it was minted back in the day when they actually used silver! My immediate thought was this: the machine rejects the more pure and is more willing to accept the more alloyed coins.
What an apt commentary on society today, I thought. How quick we are as a culture to embrace the things that are less pure as if they are somehow synonymous with "new and cutting edge" and hence more laudable. One author recently bemoaned how our culture has "lost the ability to blush." Things that were once held in modesty are now trumpeted; and sometimes the more perverse the better. From reality t.v. to our tabloid appetite for reading material, we keep accepting a greater and more "alloyed" product while rejecting the pure. The eventual end product will be an all out disdain for anything pure.
But perhaps the cure would be found in a resurgence of valuing what is pure. Whether it ties into our purchasing power, or simply our thought life, it's there for us to recapture. Scripture implores us:
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praise worthy-think about these things." (Phil. 4:8)
Sounds like pretty clear marching orders to fight the disdain for purity. If we were to occupy ourselves with what is pure and allow that which is not to languish, perhaps it would curb the disdain for purity and instead, reverse the trend. Are you game?
As I was at the local Coinstar the other day, I heard a strange "clink" as I was pouring my coins into the feeding tray. I felt around the slot below where the reject coins end up. Sure enough, there were a few strays there, so I fed them back into the top with the other coins. "Clink" once again. So as I pulled out the "round two" reject, I noticed something different in the feel of this coin. Instinctively, I glanced down to notice Washington's head where it belonged on this quarter, but the date caught my eye and caused a double take. No wonder it felt strange: it was minted back in the day when they actually used silver! My immediate thought was this: the machine rejects the more pure and is more willing to accept the more alloyed coins.
What an apt commentary on society today, I thought. How quick we are as a culture to embrace the things that are less pure as if they are somehow synonymous with "new and cutting edge" and hence more laudable. One author recently bemoaned how our culture has "lost the ability to blush." Things that were once held in modesty are now trumpeted; and sometimes the more perverse the better. From reality t.v. to our tabloid appetite for reading material, we keep accepting a greater and more "alloyed" product while rejecting the pure. The eventual end product will be an all out disdain for anything pure.
But perhaps the cure would be found in a resurgence of valuing what is pure. Whether it ties into our purchasing power, or simply our thought life, it's there for us to recapture. Scripture implores us:
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praise worthy-think about these things." (Phil. 4:8)
Sounds like pretty clear marching orders to fight the disdain for purity. If we were to occupy ourselves with what is pure and allow that which is not to languish, perhaps it would curb the disdain for purity and instead, reverse the trend. Are you game?
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Steve Jobs, The Life, and Sovereignty
Leaping to the front of the news pack, passing up Amanda Knox's joyous return and the epic choke of the Red Sox, was yesterday's story, and today's continuation, of the passing of Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, Inc. Much of the story line here in the Northwest has dealt with the speculation of what life would be like had Apple never gotten off the ground: no I-Pods, no I-Touch, no Mac, no I-Pad, no "anything" Apple. "Would we have made it?" one commentator postulated.
The larger question that must be asked, especially by those of us who profess to have been changed internally by the Holy Spirit's indwelling, is not one of how could we have existed without our "Shuffle" or "I-Tunes account" but "what was the condition of the soul of Steve Jobs?" He was one greatly loved by his Heavenly Father, as are all of us. His relationship with Jesus Christ is not something I can speak to, however, as (a) I did not know the man, and (b) the Lord alone knows the heart.
I have heard, however, excerpts from a commencement address given by Mr. Jobs at Stanford a few years back. In the address he offered what amounted to, in my estimation anyway, a glimpse into his world view. He said (and this is a lose paraphrase) that you cannot connect the dots of life looking forward, but only when looking backwards. Whether he knew it or not, this is a picture of sovereignty, to some degree. There is a grain of truth to what he was saying. Whether that thought stemmed from a world view that includes God, I cannot say. I found it interesting, nonetheless, that he was describing the workings of a sovereign God; a God for whom there is never an "oppps!"
Often, in our lives, the future does appear to us to be random dots that really seem to make little sense and seem fairly disjointed, until we look in the rear view mirror of our life and see how God took and created a sovereign pattern comprised of those same dots.
When commenting on this quote of Mr. Jobs', a local news commentator here in Seattle said, "Life just has a way of working out." To which I was ready to agree, if by "life" you mean "The Life"...the one mentioned in John 14:6, who said of himself "I am the way, the truth, and The Life..." Yes, The Life DOES have a way of working things out, of connecting the dots in life. And the greatest need anyone has, whether they create brand new operating systems that have never been considered, or exist in life, never finding themselves on the front page of the Times, is to live in subjection to "The Life." He alone is the one that connects the dots..that brings life together. It's called sovereignty.
The larger question that must be asked, especially by those of us who profess to have been changed internally by the Holy Spirit's indwelling, is not one of how could we have existed without our "Shuffle" or "I-Tunes account" but "what was the condition of the soul of Steve Jobs?" He was one greatly loved by his Heavenly Father, as are all of us. His relationship with Jesus Christ is not something I can speak to, however, as (a) I did not know the man, and (b) the Lord alone knows the heart.
I have heard, however, excerpts from a commencement address given by Mr. Jobs at Stanford a few years back. In the address he offered what amounted to, in my estimation anyway, a glimpse into his world view. He said (and this is a lose paraphrase) that you cannot connect the dots of life looking forward, but only when looking backwards. Whether he knew it or not, this is a picture of sovereignty, to some degree. There is a grain of truth to what he was saying. Whether that thought stemmed from a world view that includes God, I cannot say. I found it interesting, nonetheless, that he was describing the workings of a sovereign God; a God for whom there is never an "oppps!"
Often, in our lives, the future does appear to us to be random dots that really seem to make little sense and seem fairly disjointed, until we look in the rear view mirror of our life and see how God took and created a sovereign pattern comprised of those same dots.
When commenting on this quote of Mr. Jobs', a local news commentator here in Seattle said, "Life just has a way of working out." To which I was ready to agree, if by "life" you mean "The Life"...the one mentioned in John 14:6, who said of himself "I am the way, the truth, and The Life..." Yes, The Life DOES have a way of working things out, of connecting the dots in life. And the greatest need anyone has, whether they create brand new operating systems that have never been considered, or exist in life, never finding themselves on the front page of the Times, is to live in subjection to "The Life." He alone is the one that connects the dots..that brings life together. It's called sovereignty.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
A Step Backwards
I guess deep down most of knew that this day would come at some point; a day when our cultural accommodation comes to full bloom as a denomination. Rather than stand for very clear, unambiguous orthodoxy, we've bowed our knee to the altar of a "progressive" theology. I think it must grieve an immutable God.
With a vote in favor of dropping the previously approved ordination standards from the Presbyterian Book of Order by the Twin Cities Presbytery, now 87 presbyteries, a simple majority, has approved this reduction in criteria for what it means to be in leadership in our church. Now the determination of who should and who should not lead will reside with each ordinating body. This in my mind is a schematic for incongruity. But then again, the whole issue is, really.
However, I can cling to the fact that the church ultimately is the Lord's regardless of how efficient we think we've been in wrestling control from him. Sure, for a season we might think we're winning, but in the end we might be in for a surprise if this is our take on who really owns the church! My hunch is that he will guard his Bride fiercely. I am grieved, however, that we've once again played the harlot. So perhaps, given the context, the words from Hosea ought to be heeded: "Come, let us return to the Lord." (Hosea 6:1)
With a vote in favor of dropping the previously approved ordination standards from the Presbyterian Book of Order by the Twin Cities Presbytery, now 87 presbyteries, a simple majority, has approved this reduction in criteria for what it means to be in leadership in our church. Now the determination of who should and who should not lead will reside with each ordinating body. This in my mind is a schematic for incongruity. But then again, the whole issue is, really.
However, I can cling to the fact that the church ultimately is the Lord's regardless of how efficient we think we've been in wrestling control from him. Sure, for a season we might think we're winning, but in the end we might be in for a surprise if this is our take on who really owns the church! My hunch is that he will guard his Bride fiercely. I am grieved, however, that we've once again played the harlot. So perhaps, given the context, the words from Hosea ought to be heeded: "Come, let us return to the Lord." (Hosea 6:1)
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Things That Go Beep in the Night
I'm generally a pretty good sleeper. I'm not quite as good as my youngest who claims that sleeping is actually her profession! However, when there are sounds that aren't part of the usual flow of the evening, or early morning, that's when I find myself awakened. Like last night. What is it with smoke detectors only doing their "battery low" chirp in the night? You don't ever hear them at noon, or at the dinner hour. Only between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. does it seem that they realize their power is fading and that they had better alert someone to their need for a new Energizer or Ray O' Vac. Now I know that this is actually a good thing. In spite of the ensuing grogginess for the lack of sleep from 2 am on, I realize that this fail safe is designed to not allow undue procrastination which might result in loss of life. It's a warning; a warning that you might be in danger of a larger catastrophe if not attended to. Sometimes the warnings come in larger measure. This past weekend a Boeing 737 suffered a tear in the fuselage above the passengers while cruising somewhere near 35,000 feet. The tear was around five feet in length. Fortunately, the flight landed in Yuma, Arizona without further incident. It was a warning. A warning that there was significant fatigue in the body structure of this airplane. As more planes are inspected, due to this warning, further fatigue is being noticed and hopefully, tragedy averted. Scripture, especially in the prophetic writings, are filled with warnings as well. Some are heeded, some are ignored. Generally, when ignored, tragedy strikes. Jesus himself spoke with warnings. Matthew's gospel records the Seven Woes, all beginning with the phrase (in the NIV) "Woe to you" which in a way is saying, "I'm warning you." Largely, it is a warning against hypocrisy. On the heels of that set of warnings, he begins to talk of end times; again, a warning of sorts to be ready. I don't think any believer can watch the drama unfolding in the Middle East right now and not think that in a way, it's a warning. Scripture is clear that what happens in that region of the world is central to any eschatology. And while I'm not a proponent of taking every event that unfolds and trying to attach it to a time line of certainty, I am convinced of the centrality of that area to the unfolding of God's ultimate plan for the consummation of his church. As Billy Graham once said when asked about a date for the second coming, "We're closer today than we were yesterday." That about sums up my level of comfort with nailing down a time and date. To watch the events unfold in that geographically small but eschatolocially huge area and NOT think that these are at least "birth pangs" is to scripturally have our heads in the sand. It's a warning, I believe. And in that sense, Jesus' words ring clear: "Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." (Matthew 25:13 NIV)
Thursday, February 24, 2011
What Money Will Make Us Do
I'm sure many heard of the snafu at the Super Bowl this year as regards the seating of certain fans. Evidently there was a section of seats that were constructed at the last minute in order to hold what they knew would be a record setting attendance due to the popularity of the two competitors; namely Pittsburgh and Green Bay. One slight oversight, however; the seats were not assembled in enough time to allow them to be properly inspected and deemed worthy. Therefore, those that were to be seated in those areas were treated to viewing the game on a big screen outside the stadium. Needless to say, this was a less than adequate compromise in the eyes of those fans.
So when the dust settled and Green Bay took the Lombardi trophy back to its new home in Green Bay, some of those displaced fans made a bee line to their local attorney to file suit. Now, one would expect them to somehow be compensated for this obvious oversight on the part of the stadium crew. And herein lies the blatant greed (my opinion). They were given tickets for next year's game, they were reimbursed for their transportation costs to this year's ill fated game, they were compensated for their hotel expenses for this year, and they were paid, in some cases, three times the face value of their tickets. Some of those tickets were valued at $900. So, what will money, or the quest for it, make us do? When someone is out nothing for travel, nothing for a hotel stay, is given a free ticket to the most coveted NFL game of the year, AND in some cases handed $2700, the quest for greenbacks will cause us to say "no" to generosity in favor of greed. Unbelievable.
But unfortunately, that's not the only thing we'll do. We'll also redefine marriage.
Yesterday's news carried the report that our present presidential administration will no longer take the side of traditional marriage being between a man and a woman. And what is one of the flash points for this decision? I quote the Wall Street Journal from Thursday, February 24, 2011:
"One of the cases that prompted the shift was filed by Edith Windsor, who sued after the federal government refused to recognize her 2007 marriage to her partner Thea Spyer. After Ms. Spyer's death, Ms. Windsor faced a $350,000 estate tax on her inheritance from her partner, a tax she wouldn't have incurred had her marriage been recognized by the federal government."
So, on account of money, we're willing to take what is clearly lined out in God's Word and decide that it's no longer applicable, as long as money's involved! In spite of the government arguing for the defense of marriage just weeks earlier, a major shift takes place largely due to money. And realistically, there is a connection here between the two cases; the Super Bowl greed and the Defense of Marriage "re-define." Greed says "God can't do enough, I've got to help him out." The re-defining of God's Word says "God doesn't understand this culture, I've got to help him out." Either way, it smacks of an arrogance that is really at the root of all sin.
So when the dust settled and Green Bay took the Lombardi trophy back to its new home in Green Bay, some of those displaced fans made a bee line to their local attorney to file suit. Now, one would expect them to somehow be compensated for this obvious oversight on the part of the stadium crew. And herein lies the blatant greed (my opinion). They were given tickets for next year's game, they were reimbursed for their transportation costs to this year's ill fated game, they were compensated for their hotel expenses for this year, and they were paid, in some cases, three times the face value of their tickets. Some of those tickets were valued at $900. So, what will money, or the quest for it, make us do? When someone is out nothing for travel, nothing for a hotel stay, is given a free ticket to the most coveted NFL game of the year, AND in some cases handed $2700, the quest for greenbacks will cause us to say "no" to generosity in favor of greed. Unbelievable.
But unfortunately, that's not the only thing we'll do. We'll also redefine marriage.
Yesterday's news carried the report that our present presidential administration will no longer take the side of traditional marriage being between a man and a woman. And what is one of the flash points for this decision? I quote the Wall Street Journal from Thursday, February 24, 2011:
"One of the cases that prompted the shift was filed by Edith Windsor, who sued after the federal government refused to recognize her 2007 marriage to her partner Thea Spyer. After Ms. Spyer's death, Ms. Windsor faced a $350,000 estate tax on her inheritance from her partner, a tax she wouldn't have incurred had her marriage been recognized by the federal government."
So, on account of money, we're willing to take what is clearly lined out in God's Word and decide that it's no longer applicable, as long as money's involved! In spite of the government arguing for the defense of marriage just weeks earlier, a major shift takes place largely due to money. And realistically, there is a connection here between the two cases; the Super Bowl greed and the Defense of Marriage "re-define." Greed says "God can't do enough, I've got to help him out." The re-defining of God's Word says "God doesn't understand this culture, I've got to help him out." Either way, it smacks of an arrogance that is really at the root of all sin.
Monday, February 7, 2011
A Quick Pit Stop
I am about to show my ignorance when it comes to auto racing. I know absolutely nothing. I barely can tell you the difference between NASCAR and Hot Wheels. But I do know, from time to time, drivers must take a pit stop.
And, I've even seen, at times, drivers pull into the pit just slow enough to grab a cup of water, or Gatorade, or whatever might be in the cups, from some kind of fancy cup holder at the end of a telescopic pole, and then speed right back onto the track. My understanding is that the temperature inside those cars while wearing the kind of fireproof suits they have to wear brings about quite a thirst. If they aren't properly hydrated, they run the risk of passing out; never a good idea while driving a piece of machinery that fast!
I took a pit stop last week. I had the opportunity to attend the Desiring God for Pastors conference in Minneapolis. It was a three day conference focused solely on prayer. It featured some great speakers, great times of worship, and, for me personally, a great pit stop.
If you're like me, life tends to move, at times, at breakneck speed. And, like the race car drivers, some of that moving is around and around to the point of near dizziness. And, especially in the ministry where we are giving out so much of the time, it is easy to become spiritually dehydrated. But that condition is not something that only affects pastors. It can happen to anyone who is in a position of giving out; parents, students, spouses, employees, you name it. So let me ask you a somewhat pointed question; "Are you in need of a pit stop?"
I think the most logical analogy to the pit stop is that daily time with God. Are you setting aside time to be refreshed? Maybe, with your particular schedule, you aren't able to pull off the track for very long (to press the analogy) but only are able to slow enough to grab the cup of Gatorade off the pole. Or, maybe your time does allow for longer stops; to actually fuel up, even change the oil perhaps.
I have found that the most helpful tool in enabling that kind of time to occur is to budget for it. For me, it begins the night before with getting to bed at a reasonable time. My most productive time is early morning. It might not be the same for you. But the one need that is universal is to come and drink from the source of Living Water; Jesus. One of the speakers at this conference said the following: When we take hold of God, He takes hold of us. Are you overdue? Why not put on your blinker, slow down, and pull in!
And, I've even seen, at times, drivers pull into the pit just slow enough to grab a cup of water, or Gatorade, or whatever might be in the cups, from some kind of fancy cup holder at the end of a telescopic pole, and then speed right back onto the track. My understanding is that the temperature inside those cars while wearing the kind of fireproof suits they have to wear brings about quite a thirst. If they aren't properly hydrated, they run the risk of passing out; never a good idea while driving a piece of machinery that fast!
I took a pit stop last week. I had the opportunity to attend the Desiring God for Pastors conference in Minneapolis. It was a three day conference focused solely on prayer. It featured some great speakers, great times of worship, and, for me personally, a great pit stop.
If you're like me, life tends to move, at times, at breakneck speed. And, like the race car drivers, some of that moving is around and around to the point of near dizziness. And, especially in the ministry where we are giving out so much of the time, it is easy to become spiritually dehydrated. But that condition is not something that only affects pastors. It can happen to anyone who is in a position of giving out; parents, students, spouses, employees, you name it. So let me ask you a somewhat pointed question; "Are you in need of a pit stop?"
I think the most logical analogy to the pit stop is that daily time with God. Are you setting aside time to be refreshed? Maybe, with your particular schedule, you aren't able to pull off the track for very long (to press the analogy) but only are able to slow enough to grab the cup of Gatorade off the pole. Or, maybe your time does allow for longer stops; to actually fuel up, even change the oil perhaps.
I have found that the most helpful tool in enabling that kind of time to occur is to budget for it. For me, it begins the night before with getting to bed at a reasonable time. My most productive time is early morning. It might not be the same for you. But the one need that is universal is to come and drink from the source of Living Water; Jesus. One of the speakers at this conference said the following: When we take hold of God, He takes hold of us. Are you overdue? Why not put on your blinker, slow down, and pull in!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Holding Out Hope
I looked longingly out my window just the other day toward our deck. As I watched the rain melt the snow off the cover of the barbecue, the thought occurred to me "I sure enjoyed this place during the summer!" It actually birthed a little hope in me, in spite of watching the multiple forms of precipitation that only Seattle suburbs get to enjoy! "At some point", I assured my fainting, if not soaked, spirit, "at some point, the sun will shine again and this rain will be a distant memory." Highly optimistic words for January!
As I sat there feeling sorry for the gray skies and persistent rain I had to endure, I thought of those for whom the clouds of depression or doubt or illness seem a long way from lifting. I know there are those that look out their windows never being able to escape the haunting realization of a terminal disease. Some peer outside only to have the rain remind them of the continuing void of loss due to recent death, either physical, or relational, or both.
It would be too cavalier to simply say "Hey, the sun will shine again for you!" I don't know what they're going through, I don't know how deep their depression might be, so I can't say that. I can, however, point to the one who loves them and cares deeply for them, even in the midst of the clouds and rain. Psalm 42:5 reads, "My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan..." And then, further on in the same psalm, verse 11 reads "Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." I think the key word in that whole verse is "yet." To me, it echos with a thought which says "Regardless of what I feel like, regardless of my circumstance, I WILL praise him." It is a matter of the will. It is a decisive move.
But what to praise Him for? How about the final part of verse 11: "...my Savior and my God." Can you muster the strength today to praise him for your salvation? After all, what other means could we have employed to accomplish that? The easy answer is "none." So we can at least, in the midst of rain, clouds, gloom, or whatever, praise Him for doing what he alone could do: save us! "Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."
As I sat there feeling sorry for the gray skies and persistent rain I had to endure, I thought of those for whom the clouds of depression or doubt or illness seem a long way from lifting. I know there are those that look out their windows never being able to escape the haunting realization of a terminal disease. Some peer outside only to have the rain remind them of the continuing void of loss due to recent death, either physical, or relational, or both.
It would be too cavalier to simply say "Hey, the sun will shine again for you!" I don't know what they're going through, I don't know how deep their depression might be, so I can't say that. I can, however, point to the one who loves them and cares deeply for them, even in the midst of the clouds and rain. Psalm 42:5 reads, "My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan..." And then, further on in the same psalm, verse 11 reads "Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." I think the key word in that whole verse is "yet." To me, it echos with a thought which says "Regardless of what I feel like, regardless of my circumstance, I WILL praise him." It is a matter of the will. It is a decisive move.
But what to praise Him for? How about the final part of verse 11: "...my Savior and my God." Can you muster the strength today to praise him for your salvation? After all, what other means could we have employed to accomplish that? The easy answer is "none." So we can at least, in the midst of rain, clouds, gloom, or whatever, praise Him for doing what he alone could do: save us! "Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."
Thursday, December 23, 2010
I Guess it Is About the Kids!
I know you've heard it said a million times: "Christmas is about the kids!" I have to admit, to be honest, there is the believer and pastor side of me that says "No, it's about THE kid...or better, child, namely Jesus." And, if I am to be COMPLETELY honest, it's probably said with a touch of sarcasm mainly directed at the comment seeming somewhat trite. That all changed this week.
On Friday, our granddaughter Madyson came to spend a couple of weeks with us. It was amazing to me how life perked up. Not that it was necessarily drab prior to her arrival, but there was a new element introduced; the element of simplicity and excitement.
Now, I'm feeling the need to be quick to say up front that I love Christmas and I am not a Scrooge, but I, like many of you, feel the stress of the season. I too wonder if I've done enough, if I've gotten the right things for people, etc. Add to that thoughts like "Is the sermon meaningful enough? Did I take enough time with the text? What about the Sunday after Christmas? Do we have enough candles for folks to hold?" All of this adds up quickly to a jumbled mind and some what worn out emotions.
But I have been fortunate enough to balance that with walking in the backyard watching Maddy make "leaf soup" in the large planter. I had the fun of driving to Legendary Doughnuts with her to pick out doughnuts the morning after she arrived. I got to watch her face as she eyed the Rudolph doughnut (which she barely ate!). I had the chance to walk along side her as she navigated the driveway on her princess bike (although I couldn't explain how not to brake while she pedaled). And, my personal favorite, I got to resurrect the "snuggle chair" for a couple of evening readings of "My Big God" and "Goodnight Moon" and "Guess How Much I Love You?".
It was the pace I really needed.
And if you're there right now; if you're finding yourself chasing deadlines and last minute price reductions, I recommend a child's pace instead.
On Friday, our granddaughter Madyson came to spend a couple of weeks with us. It was amazing to me how life perked up. Not that it was necessarily drab prior to her arrival, but there was a new element introduced; the element of simplicity and excitement.
Now, I'm feeling the need to be quick to say up front that I love Christmas and I am not a Scrooge, but I, like many of you, feel the stress of the season. I too wonder if I've done enough, if I've gotten the right things for people, etc. Add to that thoughts like "Is the sermon meaningful enough? Did I take enough time with the text? What about the Sunday after Christmas? Do we have enough candles for folks to hold?" All of this adds up quickly to a jumbled mind and some what worn out emotions.
But I have been fortunate enough to balance that with walking in the backyard watching Maddy make "leaf soup" in the large planter. I had the fun of driving to Legendary Doughnuts with her to pick out doughnuts the morning after she arrived. I got to watch her face as she eyed the Rudolph doughnut (which she barely ate!). I had the chance to walk along side her as she navigated the driveway on her princess bike (although I couldn't explain how not to brake while she pedaled). And, my personal favorite, I got to resurrect the "snuggle chair" for a couple of evening readings of "My Big God" and "Goodnight Moon" and "Guess How Much I Love You?".
It was the pace I really needed.
And if you're there right now; if you're finding yourself chasing deadlines and last minute price reductions, I recommend a child's pace instead.
Monday, November 29, 2010
The High Cost of Going Home
My wife and I had the opportunity to attend, and myself, officiate, the wedding of some family friends in Austin, Texas. We traveled home and timed our arrival with the big pre-Thanksgiving snow storm of 2010. It was costly.
The final leg of our flight was from San Jose, California to Seattle. There was some question as to whether we would even take off due to rough weather in Seattle and an overworked flight crew on this 737. However, take off we did and while on approach the storm became much more visible. The runway, however, was not...at least not to us. Thank the Lord for instrument landings.
Once on the ground, and after the resolution of some baggage issues, we were ready to figure out the next step; getting home to our town of Bonney Lake, some 30 minutes south of the airport. Remember that number, 30 minutes. That will become crucial in just a moment.
We decided it was best not to ask our son to venture out in the weather. All that we were hearing was that the roads in and around the Puget Sound were snow packed and icy and that there were cars off roads in all directions. So, we figured the best bet would be to find a hotel close to the airport and spend the night. We began working on that project at 11:30 p.m. All of the travelers who landed before us, and they were legion, had the same thought. I got the same response from every person at every reservation desk: "I'm sorry, sir, we're completely sold out for tonight." And, they went on to share, so are all of the Seatac area hotels.
Knowing that we were only 30 minutes from home, I then reasoned that renting a vehicle would be about the same cost as a hotel room for the night, and at least gets us to our own bed. So off to the rental counter I went and some $200 later, Elizabeth and I were in a warm and cozy Jeep Laredo exiting the airport. Remember now, 30 minutes from home.
After 11 years in Colorado, I pretty much have the icy and snow packed road driving down. But not everyone in the Puget Sound region has had the same experience I have. That became obvious as we viewed the continual post apocalyptic like scene at various intersections: cars off the sides of the road, not even pointing in the right direction and, in some cases, not even out of the lanes. However, they did have this in common; they were all abandoned. It was the perfect blend of winter wonderland and ghost town. I was motivated, however. I just wanted to get home. I paid dearly for this jeep to get me there. I just want my own bed. So, we pushed on.
Things hit a major snag, however, as we were leaving highway 167 for highway 410. By now we can virtually see our neighborhood as it sits on a hill. But, as we pulled onto the on ramp and realized the traffic was completely stopped, seeing it would be all that we were afforded for some 2 more hours. Icy conditions, a stuck truck, two cars off the road, and a busy yet still kind Washington State Patrol officer was now our life for the next 2 plus hours. We talked, we listened to callers talk of their experiences on the local call in shows, we even texted our son who was doing the same thing going in the opposite direction on I-5. We weren't moving. We just wanted to get home. We could see it, but we could not have it. Not yet.
Finally, close to 3 am, we were escorted backwards off the on ramp so that we could rejoin the freeway and find another way home; this one would remain closed. Somewhere close to 3:30 a.m. we walked in our front door. Hadn't we begun the day by leaving Austin airport at 1:00 or so? Didn't we leave the rental car facility at 11:30 p.m. YESTERDAY? Ah...the high cost of getting home; both in time and in dollars. But it was so good to get there.
As we draw near to the Christmas season, I'm reminded of the command for Mary and Joseph to "go home" so they could register for the coming taxation that Caesar Augustus was ordering. The high cost of going home for them involved spending the night in a barn since the local inn was full. Their baby was laid in a feeding trough since they were not indoors where it would have been presumably more comfortable. That same baby, born in that barn, laid in the trough, would die on a cross a horrible death before he finally went home to the Father. Now that's the high cost of going home! Mine pales in light of His. My goal was self; my bed, my home, my family. His goal was also my life, and yours.
Now, that's the high cost of going home!
The final leg of our flight was from San Jose, California to Seattle. There was some question as to whether we would even take off due to rough weather in Seattle and an overworked flight crew on this 737. However, take off we did and while on approach the storm became much more visible. The runway, however, was not...at least not to us. Thank the Lord for instrument landings.
Once on the ground, and after the resolution of some baggage issues, we were ready to figure out the next step; getting home to our town of Bonney Lake, some 30 minutes south of the airport. Remember that number, 30 minutes. That will become crucial in just a moment.
We decided it was best not to ask our son to venture out in the weather. All that we were hearing was that the roads in and around the Puget Sound were snow packed and icy and that there were cars off roads in all directions. So, we figured the best bet would be to find a hotel close to the airport and spend the night. We began working on that project at 11:30 p.m. All of the travelers who landed before us, and they were legion, had the same thought. I got the same response from every person at every reservation desk: "I'm sorry, sir, we're completely sold out for tonight." And, they went on to share, so are all of the Seatac area hotels.
Knowing that we were only 30 minutes from home, I then reasoned that renting a vehicle would be about the same cost as a hotel room for the night, and at least gets us to our own bed. So off to the rental counter I went and some $200 later, Elizabeth and I were in a warm and cozy Jeep Laredo exiting the airport. Remember now, 30 minutes from home.
After 11 years in Colorado, I pretty much have the icy and snow packed road driving down. But not everyone in the Puget Sound region has had the same experience I have. That became obvious as we viewed the continual post apocalyptic like scene at various intersections: cars off the sides of the road, not even pointing in the right direction and, in some cases, not even out of the lanes. However, they did have this in common; they were all abandoned. It was the perfect blend of winter wonderland and ghost town. I was motivated, however. I just wanted to get home. I paid dearly for this jeep to get me there. I just want my own bed. So, we pushed on.
Things hit a major snag, however, as we were leaving highway 167 for highway 410. By now we can virtually see our neighborhood as it sits on a hill. But, as we pulled onto the on ramp and realized the traffic was completely stopped, seeing it would be all that we were afforded for some 2 more hours. Icy conditions, a stuck truck, two cars off the road, and a busy yet still kind Washington State Patrol officer was now our life for the next 2 plus hours. We talked, we listened to callers talk of their experiences on the local call in shows, we even texted our son who was doing the same thing going in the opposite direction on I-5. We weren't moving. We just wanted to get home. We could see it, but we could not have it. Not yet.
Finally, close to 3 am, we were escorted backwards off the on ramp so that we could rejoin the freeway and find another way home; this one would remain closed. Somewhere close to 3:30 a.m. we walked in our front door. Hadn't we begun the day by leaving Austin airport at 1:00 or so? Didn't we leave the rental car facility at 11:30 p.m. YESTERDAY? Ah...the high cost of getting home; both in time and in dollars. But it was so good to get there.
As we draw near to the Christmas season, I'm reminded of the command for Mary and Joseph to "go home" so they could register for the coming taxation that Caesar Augustus was ordering. The high cost of going home for them involved spending the night in a barn since the local inn was full. Their baby was laid in a feeding trough since they were not indoors where it would have been presumably more comfortable. That same baby, born in that barn, laid in the trough, would die on a cross a horrible death before he finally went home to the Father. Now that's the high cost of going home! Mine pales in light of His. My goal was self; my bed, my home, my family. His goal was also my life, and yours.
Now, that's the high cost of going home!
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