You brought us into the snare . . .
- From Psalm 66
In my reflections this year, I feel I have spent a lot of time on the snares that the world sets for us.
I have condemned people in our lives, that ensnare us and then lure us to act wrongly. The world wants to mock us, to marginalize us, and to keep us down.
But then right here in this Psalm, it says that God Himself brings us into the snares. The entire passage reads as if God Himself sets the snare.
We do know that God tests us . . . not for sport, but so that we can grow. And God was willing to put Himself through trials many times more difficult than what we face, by sending His Son to the cross. There must be something good in it, if Christ had to endure suffering.
I find comfort in the fact that God brings us into snares. And if He is the creator of the snares; if He is working in the lives of evil people that seek us harm; then, I am going to have to be okay with that, too. I cannot claim to be more wise than an eternal being.
So, I don't read this and say, as unbelievers would: "What's that supposed to mean? Is God gaming us?"
No - - - it makes me feel good that He is even active in the bad times. It's all for some good, final purpose.
Our God reigns.
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Monday, May 15, 2017
What God Thinks of Us
While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance . . .
- From Acts 17
History's refrain is particularly strong in our times:
"Why would a loving God . . . ?"
The phrase bespeaks a disdainful attitude toward the Almighty. I find, threaded within those words, an actual belief that there is a God.
Like a parent saying to a child: "Why would you do that?" The parent does not ask the question as a proof that his or her child does not exist. In fact, the statement is soaked with evidence that the parent believes, all too well, that the child is a real, physical being.
Why would God look the other way? Why would He permit evil in the universe?
What's He thinking?
When a person asks this question, do not think of it as the opening volley of a debate about the existence of God. Rather, view it as a debate about the behavior of God.
But even then . . . it is more wise not to engage. A person asking this question is at a very private and personal point in their search.
We spend too much time fretting about what people think of God, than of what God thinks about people. And even when we contemplate His thoughts about us, it is always tilted negatively towards people that are not us. Because, you know, I'm okay. You're the one that needs correcting.
God sees us as ignorant. I would say that the majority of our ignorance is that which we cannot help. God's probably not concerned about that. In fact, He probably thrills at watching our growth, as a species, into spiritual enlightenment . . . a journey that goes back thousands of years.
The ignorance that Paul spoke about, in this sermon, was willful ignorance: thinking there might be a God, but putting ourselves in a position of being smarter than He.
That's ignorant. It's dumb.
If there is any chance, in your thinking, that perhaps there is a God, or any kind of superior being . . .shouldn't our smart response to be what we can learn from Him? Shouldn't it not be, to outsmart the Almighty?
Who do you think you are, anyway? Embrace the Creator, seek Him out, learn from Him.
- From Acts 17
History's refrain is particularly strong in our times:
"Why would a loving God . . . ?"
The phrase bespeaks a disdainful attitude toward the Almighty. I find, threaded within those words, an actual belief that there is a God.
Like a parent saying to a child: "Why would you do that?" The parent does not ask the question as a proof that his or her child does not exist. In fact, the statement is soaked with evidence that the parent believes, all too well, that the child is a real, physical being.
Why would God look the other way? Why would He permit evil in the universe?
What's He thinking?
When a person asks this question, do not think of it as the opening volley of a debate about the existence of God. Rather, view it as a debate about the behavior of God.
But even then . . . it is more wise not to engage. A person asking this question is at a very private and personal point in their search.
We spend too much time fretting about what people think of God, than of what God thinks about people. And even when we contemplate His thoughts about us, it is always tilted negatively towards people that are not us. Because, you know, I'm okay. You're the one that needs correcting.
God sees us as ignorant. I would say that the majority of our ignorance is that which we cannot help. God's probably not concerned about that. In fact, He probably thrills at watching our growth, as a species, into spiritual enlightenment . . . a journey that goes back thousands of years.
The ignorance that Paul spoke about, in this sermon, was willful ignorance: thinking there might be a God, but putting ourselves in a position of being smarter than He.
That's ignorant. It's dumb.
If there is any chance, in your thinking, that perhaps there is a God, or any kind of superior being . . .shouldn't our smart response to be what we can learn from Him? Shouldn't it not be, to outsmart the Almighty?
Who do you think you are, anyway? Embrace the Creator, seek Him out, learn from Him.
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Shame
...let me never be put to shame...
- From Psalm 31
The Psalmist is in anguish. Throughout the passage, he fears for his life. He asks God to protect him.
But what is the very first concern of a person in such danger?
That he never be put to shame.
Shame: something that someone else puts you to.
We all want to be accepted by out community . . . by some community . . . by any community.
We want not to be put to shame. We want the community neither to shun us, nor to marginalize us.
And in our politics, marketing, and almost every kind of social construct, we get this. It's not so much getting good things to people, as it is shaming people that are in your way, so that they get out of your way. For we do not like being put to shame.
But at the same time, we want to be comfortable, and in some way, "happy." We are constantly at war with ourselves: one side wants to be distinct, independent, and to be noticed. The other side wants no trouble; wants to get along, and fit in, quietly.
This dichotomy may be at the root of the human experience. Self versus community. When the self is too ascendant (i.e. as in dictatorship) we have trouble. But when the community is too ascendant (perhaps, as in our times) we have another kind of trouble. Skilled politicians and marketers know how to appeal to both sides, and to keep them in conflict, so that power may be reserved to those currently wielding it.
At the foremost, though, for our times, society as a whole seems to be in lock-step, and in united focus, against the idea of "shame." They are trying to outlaw it. They would legislate a society where it is illegal to shame someone else, for any reason.
But what is their sole tactic for fighting shame? Well, they shame those that disagree, of course.
. . . Which brings us full circle, to the thing that the Psalmist seemed to fear, even more than physical harm or death: shame itself.
- From Psalm 31
The Psalmist is in anguish. Throughout the passage, he fears for his life. He asks God to protect him.
But what is the very first concern of a person in such danger?
That he never be put to shame.
Shame: something that someone else puts you to.
We all want to be accepted by out community . . . by some community . . . by any community.
We want not to be put to shame. We want the community neither to shun us, nor to marginalize us.
And in our politics, marketing, and almost every kind of social construct, we get this. It's not so much getting good things to people, as it is shaming people that are in your way, so that they get out of your way. For we do not like being put to shame.
But at the same time, we want to be comfortable, and in some way, "happy." We are constantly at war with ourselves: one side wants to be distinct, independent, and to be noticed. The other side wants no trouble; wants to get along, and fit in, quietly.
This dichotomy may be at the root of the human experience. Self versus community. When the self is too ascendant (i.e. as in dictatorship) we have trouble. But when the community is too ascendant (perhaps, as in our times) we have another kind of trouble. Skilled politicians and marketers know how to appeal to both sides, and to keep them in conflict, so that power may be reserved to those currently wielding it.
At the foremost, though, for our times, society as a whole seems to be in lock-step, and in united focus, against the idea of "shame." They are trying to outlaw it. They would legislate a society where it is illegal to shame someone else, for any reason.
But what is their sole tactic for fighting shame? Well, they shame those that disagree, of course.
. . . Which brings us full circle, to the thing that the Psalmist seemed to fear, even more than physical harm or death: shame itself.
Friday, May 12, 2017
What Would Christ Say?
Lord, do not hold this sin against them.
- Stephen, in Acts Chapter 7
Do we realize how big this is? When Stephen, a mere mortal, actually asks God to forgive his tormentors, even as he is being pelted by rocks, to the point of death.
Or even, think about death by stoning. We all know what that is; and in today's culture of TMI, we've all seen videos of live stonings (no doubt, most of us have), which are still practiced regularly in many nations. We're probably drawn to it . . . we've got to see what it looks like. And then we feel pity for the person being stoned. Or is it sincere pity for them, or horror in terms of, "Oh my gosh, I don't want that happening to me!"
In the realm of swift death, stoning takes the longest.
In the realm of slow death, it is relatively quick.
In the realm of painful death . . . it's not near the top, but it's bad enough. I think there's a primordial fear at having things thrown at us, by other people. Just holler "Heads up!" in a crowd . . . or "duck!" We don't want to be hit by flying objects.
Stephen is being killed by a lynch mob. Death by stoning leaves you with very little to go with, if you wanted to charge someone in the crowd with murder. Which person threw the rock that ended the life? And what if there were dozens of people throwing rocks? What if the crowd included respected, influential community leaders?
When Jesus said "Father forgive them," He understood exactly what He was saying. He knew what fate awaited them for their great crime.
But everybody since Christ, that is being persecuted and shouts out "Father forgive them!" . . . Are they sincerely concerned about their tormentors? Or do they just want to look good? Are they simply following Christ, pleased to share His mantle of humility and grace?
It's all good . . . . whatever your reason, it's always good to follow Christ.
- Stephen, in Acts Chapter 7
Do we realize how big this is? When Stephen, a mere mortal, actually asks God to forgive his tormentors, even as he is being pelted by rocks, to the point of death.
Or even, think about death by stoning. We all know what that is; and in today's culture of TMI, we've all seen videos of live stonings (no doubt, most of us have), which are still practiced regularly in many nations. We're probably drawn to it . . . we've got to see what it looks like. And then we feel pity for the person being stoned. Or is it sincere pity for them, or horror in terms of, "Oh my gosh, I don't want that happening to me!"
In the realm of swift death, stoning takes the longest.
In the realm of slow death, it is relatively quick.
In the realm of painful death . . . it's not near the top, but it's bad enough. I think there's a primordial fear at having things thrown at us, by other people. Just holler "Heads up!" in a crowd . . . or "duck!" We don't want to be hit by flying objects.
Stephen is being killed by a lynch mob. Death by stoning leaves you with very little to go with, if you wanted to charge someone in the crowd with murder. Which person threw the rock that ended the life? And what if there were dozens of people throwing rocks? What if the crowd included respected, influential community leaders?
When Jesus said "Father forgive them," He understood exactly what He was saying. He knew what fate awaited them for their great crime.
But everybody since Christ, that is being persecuted and shouts out "Father forgive them!" . . . Are they sincerely concerned about their tormentors? Or do they just want to look good? Are they simply following Christ, pleased to share His mantle of humility and grace?
It's all good . . . . whatever your reason, it's always good to follow Christ.
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Faith and Knowledge
If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.
- From John 14
I think that there is a connection between faith and knowledge. If you ask Jesus to do anything, in His name, He will ask the Father and the Father will grant it.
Not to be irreverent, but, like a genie.
But the difference between Jesus and a genie, is that, in order for Jesus to grant your wish, you have to ask in His Name.
And how do you anything in someone's name, without knowing the person fully? You have to know Christ. You have to understand Him.
Your knowledge in him must yield total confidence that He can do what you ask. And that's knowledge.
Knowledge requires study.
Children believe a lot of things . . . their imaginations are so rich, that they can believe some things so profoundly that, in their pretend times, it all becomes real. Or perhaps their dream world is made more vibrant, through their ardent belief that it's true.
Faith and knowledge are like that, too. Like Christopher Robin, and Calvin of Calvin and Hobbes. These kids actually experienced what is found in the literature. Imagination is a powerful thing.
Faith, belief, knowledge, confidence, etc.
And your knowledge of Christ must be such that you have the wisdom to back away from things that He would not grant you. What sense is it, for Him to extend the life of an aged loved one that has become mortally sick? Beyond death, the believer has so much more to experience. Christ is not going to prevent His children from something far better, unless there is a really good reason. And only He is going to understand that, not you.
If Christ has not been granting our wishes, then we need to get to know Him better. Because a name is just words. Asking for things in Jesus' name really means: seek His will.
- From John 14
I think that there is a connection between faith and knowledge. If you ask Jesus to do anything, in His name, He will ask the Father and the Father will grant it.
Not to be irreverent, but, like a genie.
But the difference between Jesus and a genie, is that, in order for Jesus to grant your wish, you have to ask in His Name.
And how do you anything in someone's name, without knowing the person fully? You have to know Christ. You have to understand Him.
Your knowledge in him must yield total confidence that He can do what you ask. And that's knowledge.
Knowledge requires study.
Children believe a lot of things . . . their imaginations are so rich, that they can believe some things so profoundly that, in their pretend times, it all becomes real. Or perhaps their dream world is made more vibrant, through their ardent belief that it's true.
Faith and knowledge are like that, too. Like Christopher Robin, and Calvin of Calvin and Hobbes. These kids actually experienced what is found in the literature. Imagination is a powerful thing.
Faith, belief, knowledge, confidence, etc.
And your knowledge of Christ must be such that you have the wisdom to back away from things that He would not grant you. What sense is it, for Him to extend the life of an aged loved one that has become mortally sick? Beyond death, the believer has so much more to experience. Christ is not going to prevent His children from something far better, unless there is a really good reason. And only He is going to understand that, not you.
If Christ has not been granting our wishes, then we need to get to know Him better. Because a name is just words. Asking for things in Jesus' name really means: seek His will.
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Chosen
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
- From 1 Peter 2
Whoops.
This is treacherous language for our times. Maybe, for any age.
Peter has just singled out the Church as being "chosen."
He told them they are a "race."
And that they're "royalty."
And a "priesthood."
And "holy."
And a "nation."
Let's break this down.
Chosen - People do not respond well to anybody suggesting that they have been singled out, by . . . Almighty God. "Who made you the judge over me?"
Race - Don't go there. Don't be stating that your race is in any way special. And yet, in this case, the race is a community of races.
Royalty - As in, 1%.
Priesthood - See "chosen."
Holy - I don't think so.
Nation - Did you see that? They just claimed to have loyalties other than to their own country!!!
Do you think that this, right here, is the real reason people hate the Church? And when you figure in the idea that so many members of the church are "uneducated," "deplorable," "bigoted," etc. Well, it just gets you into deeper water.
But what is the point of all of it? Let Peter say it:
"...in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
So yes, Peter has said some lofty things about Believers. He also has given them an immense responsibility.
If you want people to do great things, you have to make them believe they can do great things. Everybody needs encouragement, and if, in our times, anybody ever needed encouragement, it is the Church in 2017.
No worries. Christians really do not believe that they are that great. Forget any bluster you think you see. They actually are plagued by self-doubts and a sense of being insufficient. They really are a great target for people that love to taunt others.
So much the more reason, for a servant-leader like Peter, to build them up.
A final point - - - The Church may be everything Peter stated. But also, the Church is an organization that anybody can join.
Anybody.
- From 1 Peter 2
Whoops.
This is treacherous language for our times. Maybe, for any age.
Peter has just singled out the Church as being "chosen."
He told them they are a "race."
And that they're "royalty."
And a "priesthood."
And "holy."
And a "nation."
Let's break this down.
Chosen - People do not respond well to anybody suggesting that they have been singled out, by . . . Almighty God. "Who made you the judge over me?"
Race - Don't go there. Don't be stating that your race is in any way special. And yet, in this case, the race is a community of races.
Royalty - As in, 1%.
Priesthood - See "chosen."
Holy - I don't think so.
Nation - Did you see that? They just claimed to have loyalties other than to their own country!!!
Do you think that this, right here, is the real reason people hate the Church? And when you figure in the idea that so many members of the church are "uneducated," "deplorable," "bigoted," etc. Well, it just gets you into deeper water.
But what is the point of all of it? Let Peter say it:
"...in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
So yes, Peter has said some lofty things about Believers. He also has given them an immense responsibility.
If you want people to do great things, you have to make them believe they can do great things. Everybody needs encouragement, and if, in our times, anybody ever needed encouragement, it is the Church in 2017.
No worries. Christians really do not believe that they are that great. Forget any bluster you think you see. They actually are plagued by self-doubts and a sense of being insufficient. They really are a great target for people that love to taunt others.
So much the more reason, for a servant-leader like Peter, to build them up.
A final point - - - The Church may be everything Peter stated. But also, the Church is an organization that anybody can join.
Anybody.
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Traps
Take me out of the net that they have secretly set for me.
- From Psalm 31
How modern preachers sugar-coat the Gospel. They treat people like babies. They don't want to "scare" people away. They say "Seekers wouldn't understand."
What human doesn't understand exactly what this psalm is referencing?
People are bad! And there are a lot of them. You, and I, and everybody around us, is a potential problem for us. Even the good ones have their moments.
The verse above suggests that we will be used, and harmed, by people we trust. When you lay a trap for a wild creature, you have to get them to trust you. You do not enter into a net, or trap, without believing it would be okay to do so. And usually, you can't even tell there's a net anywhere.
The psalmist talks about being trapped in a net, that had been secretly set for him. FOR him. The trap was customized, to ensnare the specific person that it trapped. They need to get to know you. They need to understand your patterns, your likes, and dislikes.
That's bad.
The promise of Scripture, and the Good News, is all about getting out of these bad situations that we fall into, all the time.
The Real Gospel understands that there are bad things in the world, and bad people, and that bad people do bad things; and that we are not smart enough to know where to turn next.
But God offers protection. He can get us out of those traps.
The traps that had been set by people we trust.
- From Psalm 31
How modern preachers sugar-coat the Gospel. They treat people like babies. They don't want to "scare" people away. They say "Seekers wouldn't understand."
What human doesn't understand exactly what this psalm is referencing?
People are bad! And there are a lot of them. You, and I, and everybody around us, is a potential problem for us. Even the good ones have their moments.
The verse above suggests that we will be used, and harmed, by people we trust. When you lay a trap for a wild creature, you have to get them to trust you. You do not enter into a net, or trap, without believing it would be okay to do so. And usually, you can't even tell there's a net anywhere.
The psalmist talks about being trapped in a net, that had been secretly set for him. FOR him. The trap was customized, to ensnare the specific person that it trapped. They need to get to know you. They need to understand your patterns, your likes, and dislikes.
That's bad.
The promise of Scripture, and the Good News, is all about getting out of these bad situations that we fall into, all the time.
The Real Gospel understands that there are bad things in the world, and bad people, and that bad people do bad things; and that we are not smart enough to know where to turn next.
But God offers protection. He can get us out of those traps.
The traps that had been set by people we trust.
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