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Author: dbirsch

The Ultimate Trophy

The Ultimate Trophy

As I write this, the world is gearing up for Super Bowl LVII (57) in Arizona.  While it’s not the most watched sporting event in the world – events such as the Olympics and the world soccer championship which include athletes from many countries understandably rank higher – the Super Bowl IS the most watched American sports championship. 

And it isn’t even close!  45 percent of U.S. households will tune in.  Well over 100 million viewers worldwide are following the action. (Or at least the commercials!)  No other American sporting playoffs draw even 20 million viewers.

An interesting sidenote regarding Super Bowl Sunday: it is the second-highest food consumption date for Americans!  The only day of the year when more food is eaten is on Thanksgiving.

Of course, the immensity of the attraction makes the event a high-money one.  According to Fox, which is airing the game, this year’s Super Bowl commercials cost as much as 7 million dollars for a 30-second spot.  Tickets to the game started at $6,000.  (Astounding when one considers that tickets to the first Super Bowl in 1967 cost only $12, and some tickets went unsold!)

Those players fortunate enough to play in the game benefit monetarily as well.  The ones on the winning team will receive $83,000 each, as well as a unique Super Bowl ring worth between $30,000 – $50,000.  But the losers aren’t left out; they’ll still earn a cool $42,000.

Naturally there can’t be a championship game without a championship trophy.  The Super Bowl version is named the Vince Lombardi Trophy.  It’s made by the New York jewelry giant, Tiffany & Company.  The award is constructed of sterling silver and valued at more than $10,000.  However, should a winning team put the trophy up for auction, the purchasing bid would undoubtedly be exorbitant. 

For some … perhaps even many … the Lombardi Trophy is the ultimate trophy on earth.  For others, they might prize the NBA, NHL, or MLB trophies greater.  Though it’s hard to argue that the FIFA Soccer World Cup isn’t the most valuable one of all.  Made of 18-carat gold, it’s worth is estimated to be 20 million dollars.

As monetarily valuable and as sentimentally treasured as these trophies might be, in the end they are nothing.  Because in the end, everyone dies, and their earthly trophies never make the journey with them.  And in the Final End …  the Last Day when the Lord Jesus returns … all earthly awards will be dissolved when the whole earth is made new.  (Is. 65:17, 2 Peter 3:10-13).

Which is why the Scriptures repeatedly encourage us to focus on spiritual victories.  On heavenly glories.  On eternal awards.  On honors that the Lord bestows, and not people.  These are the ultimate trophies!

It is so challenging for humans to see past the physical and focus on and treasure the spiritual.  Our five senses seem much more present and pressing than our silent souls.  Our bodies aggressively demand attention but are temporary; our souls quietly reside out of sight but will exist forever.  Where they eternally exist will depend on God’s grace, of course, and on the attention we give them in this life.  Food for the body is rarely neglected; food for the soul (God’s Word!) often is but never should be!

The Apostle Paul’s inspired words fit well in this discussion.  He used physical competition to picture spiritual striving, and contrasts earthly awards with the heavenly one. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25).

Jesus summarized this same truth in his message to the Church in Smyrna in Revelation: “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). 

The writer to the Hebrews shows us how this is done.  “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

One of the football teams will hoist the coveted Lombardi Trophy into the air this Sunday.  Good for them and for their fans.  I’ll certainly be watching.  But God grant that our focus will always be on receiving the ultimate trophy of God’s crown of life.  It’s the only trophy that really matters.

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(Matthew 6:19-20)  “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

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But for the Grace of God Go I

But for the Grace of God Go I

Due to the location of our church near down-town Tacoma, the congregation finds itself dealing with homeless folks and the issues they bring fairly regularly.  And there are definitely issues – many of which aren’t positive.  But not all of them are negative either.

It is not my intention with this post to mount my high horse and take a stand one way or the other on homelessness, or push a personal opinion or agenda on the matter.  Rather, I simply wish to make a few (hopefully helpful!) points to perhaps foster some healthy introspection.

I’ve had multiple conversations with folks living on the streets – usually after they have slipped into the church during a worship service or other activity.  This is one of the blessings of being in an area where the homeless inhabit.  Different congregational members and I have had many opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with folks struggling on the street, and to reflect Jesus’ love to them … many of whom don’t experience much wholesome love in their day-to-day situations.

Here’s my first observation: one cannot lump every homeless person into a generic category.  They are not all drug addicts or alcoholics.  They are not all mentally unstable.  They are not all choosing that lifestyle.  They are not all uneducated.  They are not all inconsiderate litterers.  They are not all criminals.  They are not all unbelievers.   

And they are certainly not all worthless.  (The Lord Jesus loves each one of them and died for them!  There is no higher value possible than that!)

Each individual is an individual with their own individual story. 

While transporting a soaking-wet woman to a safe place … a woman who walked in the church doors after the Christmas Day service, I asked her how she got in this situation.  She replied, “It’s a long story with many reasons, but it started with the death of my daughter.”  She also made the comment, “I wish more people asked that question instead of assuming the worst.”  Then she returned to singing along with the Christian Christmas songs playing on the radio.  She said, “I wish I would have gotten to church in time for worship this morning; I love the message of Christmas.”

The man who stepped into the Sanctuary this past Wednesday after worship had a different story.  After buying him a hot Pho meal (his choice!), he confided that he had to leave his home because of his abusive uncle.  When I asked if it was worse than living on the street, and could he go back there, he responded that if he did, his uncle would probably throw his mother out on the street.  He couldn’t live with himself if that happened.

While most who pop in end up asking for help of some kind (usually money), it is not at all uncommon for some to simply stay for worship.  The logical assumption might be that they are there because it’s a warm, dry place.  And that’s true for some, but others clearly relish the opportunity to hear God’s Word.  A gentleman who joined us recently actively participated in the service, and then afterwards asked me some theological questions that showed a clear mind and keen grasp of the Scriptures.  He never asked me for anything else.  He only wanted the Word.

While there is no doubt that many living in tent-cities are there because of significant personal issues, and a good share of them really do choose to live that way, there is also no doubt that there are some who do not.  They simply fell into it somehow, and desperately desire to crawl back out of it. 

The unfortunate reality, however, is that once one “gets down on their luck,” their “luck” is exceedingly slow to change.  Once dirty, disheveled and smelly, it’s pretty difficult to catch breaks … no matter how hard one may try.  The homeless shelters try to help, (God bless them!), but they have shortcomings as well. 

Between bites and gulps of his Vietnamese soup the other night, the homeless man in my truck confided that he had totally taken for granted the simple luxuries of life.  A hot meal.  A bed to sleep in.  A roof over his head.  A shower.  Comfort.  Safety.  He said he desperately wanted those things back, and if God gave them to him, he would never take them for granted again.

It is always sobering to have a heart-to-heart with someone on the street.  When it happens, I always find myself wishing I could do more for them, and I’m always astounded at the gratitude most have for the little I do.  It’s also impossible to fail to recognize how blessed I am … no matter my personal trials.  Furthermore, it’s impressed upon me that if a few things had gone differently in my life, I could be out on the street myself.  The same is true for you.

Which puts a whole different perspective on the matter.

But for the grace of God go I.  But for the grace of God go you. 

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Lamentations 3:21-25
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;

James 1:17-18
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

Psalm 146:1-2, 5-6
Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, my soul. I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. … Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them — he remains faithful forever.

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Incomparable and Unequaled

Incomparable and Unequaled

Is there anything else in our existence quite like the cosmos?  On a clear night away from the city lights, the view of the night sky is breathtaking.  Stars upon stars upon stars.  Too many to count and too spectacular to comprehend!  We are enthralled by the brilliance of the view.

We are also stunned by the immense distance between us and them.  Even with just our naked eyes, we easily discern the vast space in space.  But we don’t even begin to comprehend the width, breadth and depth of God’s cosmos. 

Astronomers believe that the diameter of the observable universe … the part we can see … is at least 93 billion light years in distance.

Astronomers also tell us that there are probably more than 10 billion galaxies in the observable view of the night sky.  And each of those 10 billion galaxies have on average about 100 billion stars in them.  That’s approximately 1 billion trillion stars!  (1 billion trillion stars!!!)

And that’s only in the observable universe!  There’s even more beyond what we can see with just our eyes.

Wow!  Doesn’t that rattle your brain a bit?  Doesn’t that fill you with wonder?  Doesn’t that stretch your comprehension beyond its limits?  How immense are the heavens!

Now consider this: the Bible describes God as “marking off the heavens with the breadth of his hand”  (Isaiah 40:12).  In other words, the Bible pictures God as using his hand to measure the entirety of the cosmos.  That puts things in perspective, doesn’t it?  That sheds some light on the magnificence, superiority, and immeasurable greatness of our God!

And that’s the point.  The star-filled view of the night sky illustrates the magnificence of our God.  The stars show God’s superiority over everything and anything else anywhere.  They show us God’s immensity.  They powerfully demonstrate how God is infinite.  Just as we can’t begin to comprehend the immensity of the cosmos, so we can’t begin to comprehend the infinite God

No wonder David was inspired to write the words of psalm 19.  “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.  There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.  Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world”  (Psalm 19:1-4).

In other words, no matter who a person is or where they happen to live, one thoughtful look at the night sky should convince them that there must be a God.  The stars are a night-by-night testimony to the glory, power, wisdom, and general magnificence of God.

The heavens don’t reveal who the real God is, but they make crystal clear that there is one.  Only through the Scriptures will anyone find that God … the real God, the only God, the magnificent God who made heaven and earth.

Which is why the Lord inspired Isaiah to write these words:    “To whom will you compare me?  Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.  Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these?  He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name.  Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing”  (Isaiah 40:25-26).

We read these words and our awe increases.  Not only did the Lord create the heavens and all the trillions and trillions of stars in them, but through his “great power and mighty strength,” he preserves them.  And then there’s perhaps the most mind-blowing truth of all; the Lord knows every single star by name!

We struggle to remember where we left our phones or put our car keys.  Yet the Lord has a name for every one of the estimated 1 billion trillion stars that we can see.  And he has a name for all the billions of stars that we can’t see, as well!

Our God truly is incomparable and unequaled.  And here’s the best part of all: this magnificent God loves us magnificently, and has personally intervened to save us!  How awesome is our God!

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Unexpected Treasures

Unexpected Treasures

After the busy holidays and around my birthday, I enjoy breaking away for a few days and glamping (glamorized camping) in a cabin or a yurt in a state park.  (I am perfectly fine with staying in a tent normally, but in January temps are chilly and rainfall likely.)  I always find it wonderfully refreshing to walk out the door of my temporary residence and be surrounded by trees.

Thankfully, a number of Washington state parks allow metal detecting in certain areas, with proper registration.  So my January destinations have been parks with walled accommodations and an openness to metal detecting.  This year I stayed at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park near Enumclaw.

When one metal detects a state park, the good news is that there are a lot of coins lost there.  The bad is that the likeliest finds (besides the usual trash) will be small-value, modern coins – mostly pennies.  But it’s still enjoyable for me, and I always hope to find a few unusual items.  (I always do.  This time, for example, an old fishing reel and a steak knife.  The reel was unusable; the steak knife is.)

The goal is to stumble upon a few older coins (I keep 1960’s and earlier), perhaps a few tokens (Chuck E Cheese are common!), and if truly fortunate, a ring or two.

What one definitely does not expect to uncover is a 100-year-old “Barber” silver dime!  But that’s what happened earlier this week.  (See the picture above.)

I’ve found older coins and more valuable coins in previous hunts.  Whenever I do, I always wonder who lost it and how.  What did the surroundings look like when it happened?  What were the circumstances?  And how much did the loss impact the person?  (Coins carried much more value years ago than they do today.)

But finding this dime where I found it was about as unlikely and unexpected as possible.  It was just a foot-and-a-half off the paved drive, a few inches deep, and it was likely there or near there for almost 100 years.

Which absolutely intrigues me.  How did it get there?

You see, Kanaskat-Palmer State Park came into being in 1983 – just 40 years ago.  That’s 72 years after this coin was minted! 

Rafters and kayakers have been coming to the area long before the park was formed, since the Green River which flows through the park offers some of the best rapids in the area (class II – class IV).  Was it dropped by a “river rat” early in the century when he or she stumbled through the woods carrying their kayak to the river?

There’s also a rich history of mining in the immediate area.  Both coal and cinnabar (the base ore for mercury) were extracted in the region.  Did a miner happen to live nearby, and the coin popped out of his pocket?

Or maybe it was a logger, who in his exertions of cutting down a mighty cedar or Douglas fir, accidentally knocked the coin from his clothes?

Perhaps it was dropped by a hunter or fisherman, working his way through the forest seeking food for the family? 

Just before the turn of the last century, the Northern Pacific Railway opened a new rail line through the area, with Kanaskat serving as a water stop and scale for the steam-powered locomotives of the time.  The trains carried coal and logs harvested from the area.  Did an engineer take a walk in the woods, pull out his handkerchief and dislodge the dime with it?

I suppose another possibility is that someone in more modern times had the old coin in his or her vehicle for some reason, and inadvertently (and undoubtedly with great regret!) somehow transferred the dime from inside the truck to outside it.

We’ll never know how that “Barber” ended up in the soil at the state park where, with God’s blessing, I happened to uncover it.  But it is definitely one of the most unexpected treasures I have ever found.

As I reflected upon this remarkable discovery, it occurred to me that just as the Lord blessed me with uncovering that coin, so he inevitably blesses all his children with unexpected treasures. 

There are various ways this occurs.  One of the most common is through his Word.  I know you have experienced this.  You are reading the Bible or a devotional, listening to a sermon, a Bible study discussion or a Christian song … and there it is!  An unanticipated insight, a profound assurance, an extraordinary comfort supplied out-of-the-blue by the Holy Spirit.  That’s unexpected treasure!

Which only underscores how important it is that we are frequently hearing God’s truths. The more we hear, the more treasures the Lord shares with us.

Another way this plays out is in our lives in general.  I’m confident you have experienced this as well.  We are simply “doing life” when God sends us a precious moment.  We weren’t looking for it; it just happens.  And we recognize that this is something extraordinarily special.  Perhaps a tender moment with a loved one, a chance encounter with someone we haven’t seen in years, or an exceptional experience – a miracle even.  And there it is – another unexpected treasure.

How very blessed we are to have a loving God who gifts us with unexpected treasures here on earth! 

And just wait.  There’s the greatest of unexpected treasures still ahead of us.  Yes, you are expecting it, but heaven’s treasures are beyond our wildest expectations!

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Isaiah 45:3
I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.

Matthew 13:44
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

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When Things Settle Down (WTSD)

When Things Settle Down (WTSD)

Here’s a post I shared several years ago in the heart of COVID when everything was topsy-turvy.  COVID issues have settled down somewhat, but life in this world is still catawumpus. (It always is!)  So it’s an excellent topic to revisit. 

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I’m not old yet, but I’m older than I used to be.  (Yes, I recognize that we can all make that claim.)  What I’m trying to say is that there’s some wear on the tires.  My body isn’t as spry and sleek as it used to be, but along the many miles I’ve traveled in life my noggin has accumulated a bit of wisdom.  Not a lot, mind you, but a little.

For example, I’ve learned that you absolutely should not leave the large tarp you purchased to cover the camping tents at home because there is no rain in the forecast.  In addition, I strongly advise that you do NOT attempt to slip your fishhook past the tree limb … even if you are an expert caster.  I definitely recommend that you clip your toenails before heading out on a long hike, especially if there are elevation changes.  (You may think this to be strange advice, but the day may come when you realize the profound wisdom in those words!)  And you never say never.  Never ever!  That’s just a small sampling of the hard truths I’ve learned through the years.

I’ve learned something else as well.  I’ve learned there is no such thing as “When things settle down.”  The context for the phrase usually sounds like this: “I’ll work on my marriage issues when things settle down (WTSD).”  Or, “I’ll spend more time with my children WTSD.”  Or, “I’ll get back in shape WTSD.”  Or, “Yes, something is definitely not right; I’ll go to the doctor WTSD.”  Or, “I’ll do something fun and relax WTSD.”

Where this nasty phrase really impacts negatively is when it’s used in a spiritual context.  Such as, “I’ll start reading my Bible WTSD.”  “I’ll get back to church WTSD.”  “I’ll work on my prayer life WTSD.”  “I’ll get more involved in ministry for God and more generous in my giving to God WTSD.”

You get the idea.  Only when we arrive in heaven will things finally (and forever!) settle down.  But here on this world, “when things settle down” is a lousy approach to life.

First of all, if one doesn’t set proper priorities, our sinful natures in conjunction with Satan and influenced by the world, will set them for us.  And we can be certain they won’t be in line with what the Lord encourages.

Secondly, there will never be a time when things settle down in our lives. 

Think about it.  From birth … to toddler … to child … to teen … to adult … to middle-aged … to elderly … to death, we are always changing.  As are the realities of our lives.  From nursing … to eating … to walking … to school … to puberty … to higher education … to moving … to occupations … to marriage … to home-ownership … to children … to health issues … to grandchildren … to retirement.  We all meander different paths and experience varied challenges in our lives, but we all share one common trait: our lives are always unsettled.

“When Things Settle Down” is an extinct beast; it died off when sin entered the world.

I spent far too many years and waited way too long for WTSD in my life.  I let improper priorities dominate.  I expected to reach the point “one of these days” when life would finally calm down.  I expected circumstances to stop changing sooner or later.  But, of course, life never really calms down and circumstances are constantly changing.  As a result, I missed wonderful opportunities and forfeited peace and joy because I was dealing with unsettledness.

Obviously I’m not advocating we turn a blind eye to significant issues that must be addressed or abdicate our responsibilities.  There are simply times when we must bear down in life.  But my observation is that these times aren’t as prevalent as we tend to think, and our priorities are frequently skewed.  We are typically slaves to the urgent instead of masters of the important.

“When things settle down” is one of Satan’s most common and most effective lies.  He’s used it to coax plenty of souls to their doom.  And he will utilize all his impressive power to ensure that things stay as unsettled as possible in our lives, because he knows how spiritually distracting this can be for Christians.

Our Savior has a different message. His counsel was this:  “Seek first [God’s] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things [that have you so unsettled] will be [taken care of for] you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:33-34). 

Yes, that’s a bit of a paraphrase.  But I believe it still fits the context of Jesus’ advice and promise.  So here’s the key: when we settle our hearts and minds on God and the promises of God above all else, then the unsettled won’t unsettle us quite as much. 

And we will make wiser decisions on what to do and when to do it!

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An Unfathomable Existence

An Unfathomable Existence

My dear cousin, Paul, recently took a trip.  It’s a trip he had been anticipating his entire life.  His destination was exquisite; his preparation complete.  Nevertheless, he wasn’t expecting to depart quite so soon.

But when his angel escort arrived, he was on his way.  His Lord in his perfect and loving wisdom had determined it was time, and was waiting to welcome him home to heaven.

I’ve spent a fair bit of time reflecting on his departure … and his arrival … since Paul embarked on life’s most significant journey.  I miss him tremendously, but I truly rejoice for him. 

It’s the ultimate bitter-sweet.  My great loss; his great gain.   How can I not be happy for him?  How can I not be devastated myself?

This is also the ultimate conundrum.  So often, we sinful mortals cling desperately to a sin-impacted world with all its struggles instead of longing for the perfect place Jesus has prepared for us. 

I believe the reason is simple: we understand this earthly existence with all its issues.  Consequently, we are relatively comfortable here, even with the hardships we endure here (and know we will have to endure).  Conversely, we understand precious little about our eternity of salvation and are much less comfortable with the unknown … even though God promises us it is wonderful.

It’s interesting that much of what the Lord shares with us about heaven is what it is not.  No hunger, thirst, or discomfort of any kind.  No sorrow, pain or death.  No night.  I suspect the reason the Lord describes heaven this way is simply because we can better grasp what heaven isn’t than what it is.  This flawed world is our standard.

Which means eternal salvation is unfathomable.  Not only is it impossible for us to comprehend eternity; we can’t even begin to grasp the wonders there.  Or the God who in love sacrificed so very much, and intervened to such a great degree in our lives, to bring us into heaven’s holy halls!

As I’ve thought about my departed cousin this week, I’ve wondered what he is experiencing.  How wonderfully overwhelming is that place?  What is it like to be continually and fully in the very presence of God?

The Lord tells us in his Word that at death the soul (spirit) of believers transitions immediately to God’s eternal care while the body remains behind (Ecclesiastes 12:7).  When the Lord Jesus returns in the skies at the heavenly trumpet blast on the Last Day, the body will be resurrected and rejoined to the soul (1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 51-57).

So already there is a profound difference for a Christian at death!  An existence without a body.  A newly perfect spirit in a perfect place in the immediate presence of the Triune God in perfect peace and joy!  For ever and ever and ever!

The concept is unfathomable for us who are still entrenched on earth!

In this world we rely on our 5 senses to evaluate information.  How does a holy soul free from the limitations of a sinful body process input?  And what kind of “input” does salvation put out?

Does the soul “see” the brilliant colors of the Lord’s infinite glory?  Does it “hear” the songs of praise to the Savior sung in hundred-part harmony?  Does it join its “voice” in the songs and shouts of acclamation to the Lord?  Does it “feel” the embrace of Jesus?  Does it “taste” the bounties of the victory feast in the throne room of the Lamb?

Certainly yes – somehow! But undoubtedly the soul experiences and participates in salvation’s activities in some incredible and incomprehensible way to us who are still stuck in the entry line.

Again, it’s ALL unfathomable for us now.  Yet it’s wonderful nevertheless!

“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— [these are] the things God has prepared for those who love him!” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

I am so happy for you, Paul.  And I look forward to the day when you, along with Jesus, welcome me to that unfathomable but glorious place.

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Philippians 1:21-23
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far …

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Something Good Today

Something Good Today

“I hope something good happens to you today.” 

I was out-and-about and I happened to see this message on two different window clings on two different vehicles within a matter of ten minutes.  I don’t remember seeing that message before, and I don’t think I’ve seen it since, but it certainly set my mind pondering that day.

“I hope something good happens to you today” sounds like a wonderful sentiment.  And I’m sure it is well-intentioned.  For one driver to share with the driver behind them that it is their wish that something happens today that brings the second driver joy sounds very magnanimous.

It’s not my intention to question another’s intentions, what they choose to share or how they choose to share it.  Let’s simply consider the words as ones springing from a kind heart. 

Rather, I would like to narrow our focus to the word “good.”  “I hope something good happens to you today.”  At this time of year, we could easily change the statement to “I hope something good happens to you this next year.”

What set my mind ruminating that day was this question: how does one define “good?”

Presumably, “good” is understood as something that personally benefits a person, and probably as something that most people would consider “good.”

Such as quality time with a loved one or dear friend, an unexpected gesture of kindness from someone, or a bit of joy-filled laughter.  Simple things such as these are clearly “good.”  Ideally, I suppose, the “good” could also be more extravagant: an occupational promotion, the purchase of a new car, or what most would consider the ultimate “good” thing – winning the Powerball Lottery.

But perhaps the promotion means less family time?  Possibly the new car is a poor investment? Maybe the major lottery score will bring more troubles than blessings?

And what about the not-so-good things that come along in a day?  The things that don’t seem to personally benefit a person and which most people would consider bad?  The car breaks down, sickness sidetracks the day, or someone demonstrates profound selfishness instead of kindness? 

When frustrations and setbacks occur instead of apparent progress, are they necessarily something “bad?”  Most in the world would say, “Yes.”  Our God says, “No!”

Are even difficulties “good?”  Most in the world would say, “No.”  Our God says, “Yes!”

God’s Word underscores this truth in a number of different places and a number of different ways.  Here are five applications regarding “something good” happening… regardless of its packaging:

Nothing can interfere with God’s love for his children

“Who [or what] shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:35&37).

Consequently, every situation brings good gifts from God to his people

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights … ” (James 1:17).

And God is always working for the benefit (primarily spiritual!) of his own

“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

God uses the “bad” to bring about good – drawing his children closer to Him

“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees” (Psalm 119:71).

Which means God’s people can rejoice, no matter what … because it’s all good!

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).

All of which is extremely comforting to you and me … whether something “good” or “bad” is happening.  Understanding that it’s all good and always good when our loving Lord is in control makes for happy days and happy years!

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Two additional comments:

First, it’s bitterly ironic that on the morning of the day I am posting this I got a call from the wife of my dear cousin to tell me he had died.  It wasn’t unexpected; he had been battling cancer and taken a turn for the worse.  But it was still a blow.  Most would consider the news “bad.”  And it was bad news for me; it hit me hard.  But it was also wonderful news.  My cousin, a devout believer, is now with Jesus … beyond the suffering and enjoying the first day of an unending salvation.  Not a bad day for him, but a good day!  The very best day of his life actually.

Secondly, I don’t mean to infer in this post that people can do whatever they want, (embrace immorality, disobey God, cast aside love, ignore goodness, etc.) and still be automatically blessed by God.  Rather, my point is that as faith-filled Christians, we can have absolute confidence that our loving Lord is always working on our behalf … providing, protecting, guiding and blessing … even when it seems that not many “good” things, and perhaps even some particularly “bad” things, are occurring on a given day.

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A Time for Peaceful Joy?

A Time for Peaceful Joy?

It seems like everyone urges taking time for reflection at Christmas … but hardly anyone takes it.  Even those who encourage it!

The Christmas “obligations” are many and seem daunting.

Putting up the Christmas tree and decking the halls and the house, inside and out, with decorations and brightly-colored lights.  Writing the “Christmas letter” and sending out the Christmas cards.  Assembling the shopping list, purchasing all the presents and then wrapping them.  Attending the special Christmas work and school parties, and arranging the family get-togethers.  (How many gatherings are there, and how many are gathering?  Who goes where?  And when?  And who brings what?)  Christmas baking and Christmas cooking.  Not to mention, the inevitable and formidable Christmas cleanups!  (Usually plural.)

It’s a wonderful time of the year … and a stressful one as well.  Typically busy and not necessarily peaceful.

Which leads me to this outrageous statement: while most of the traditional Christmas activities are certainly wholesome, they are not necessarily beneficial.  At least not spiritually beneficial.  And therefore one might wonder how God-pleasing those activities even are.

Despite what many in the world proclaim and believe, Christmas is a Christian holiday.  Christmas literally means “Christ-worship.”  It’s the time of year we worship Christ our Savior – born to die for us. 

At least, that’s what it is supposed to be.  But that is not what it often turns out to be … even for Christians.

Here’s another hard statement: the Lord takes no pleasure in our frantic Christmas busyness.  But the devil certainly does!  The more we focus on the externals of the season and the less we focus on worshiping Christ, the better our spiritual enemies like it and the more concerning it becomes to our God.

Undoubtedly there is joy to be found in the usual “obligations” of the season.  In the preparing and the decorating and the gathering and the opening.  But it is a superficial and temporary joy.  Anticipation is exciting and memories are precious, but in the end – the literal end when our life concludes – they are meaningless.

All that will matter at that time is whether we know our Savior Jesus … born to die for us, and risen victoriously back to life.  Is He the King of our heart?  Do we recognize he saved our soul?

Am I advocating for the tossing away of the Christmas usuals?  Not at all!  I’m simply urging that we don’t lose sight of the real reason for the season, and that we take time (make time!) for the most important aspect of Christmas – worshiping Christ. 

Decorating home and hearth?  Of course!  But even more importantly, being sure to adorn our hearts and minds with God’s Word!

Time with family and friends?  Definitely!  But a quantity of quality time with the Lord as well, our Father, our Brother and our Comforter!

Holiday parties?  Undoubtedly!  But also gathering together with God’s people in God’s House to celebrate the newborn Savior!

Feeding the body?  Sure!  But designating time for feeding the soul too!

Watching classic Christmas shows?  By all means!  But making sure there are also moments of rapt focus on the Baby in the manger.

You get the idea.  And realize that I am writing as much to myself as to anyone.  For a pastor, this is one of the busiest times of the year, so I of all people need to take this to heart. 

Christmas should be a time of peaceful joy.  Our Savior was born for us, and this is profound.  Something that demands reflection and appreciation.  And when we embrace the essence of Christmas, it actually becomes a time of peaceful joy.

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Philippians 4:4-7, 9
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. … And the God of peace will be with you.

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God with Us?

God with Us?

This is a post I wrote several Christmases ago.  It seemed to be enjoyed by many at that time, so I share it again as another Christmas approaches.  As always, I pray these words are a blessing to all who read them.

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How constantly aware were Joseph and Mary that when they were with Jesus, they were in the very presence of God himself?  Not just spiritually, but physically? 

Angels from God informed both Mary and Joseph separately that this baby she would be bearing was no ordinary child.  Some elements of the two messages were similar.  Both were told that Mary’s conception would be a miraculous one brought about by the Holy Spirit.  Both heard it would be a boy and that he should be named Jesus, which means “The Lord Saves.” 

Mary was given the additional information that, “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.  The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:32-33).

Immediately after recording the angel’s message to Joseph, Matthew adds the parenthetical statement, “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’)” (Matthew 1:22-23).

Joseph and Mary were God-fearing Jews, well trained in the Scriptures.  They were very familiar with the prophecies about the Christ, the Messiah.  So, of course, they also knew of the Savior being born of a virgin, and that this baby would be “God With Us.”  It just never occurred to them that Mary would be that woman, or that they would have to raise the “Son of the Most High!” 

Nor did they anticipate becoming husband and wife quite so immediately, (albeit without consummating the marriage until after Jesus was born.)  Just that quickly their entire lives were turned inside out.  It was an incredible privilege; it was also a daunting responsibility!  How does one properly raise the Son of God?

One doesn’t forget the appearance of an angel or the message that angel brings.  Nor does a Jewish believer in their day forget the critical prophecies of the Christ.  But how constantly aware were Joseph and Mary that they were raising “God With Us?”

From our perspective, Baby Jesus is always acknowledged as the Son of God – the Savior of the world.  That truth is in our Christmas hymns.  It’s the centerpiece of Christmas sermons.  It’s addressed in every Christian Christmas card and alluded to in all the Christian Christmas traditions.  Consequently, it’s nearly impossible for us to separate Jesus’ divinity from the human baby he was.

But was Jesus’ God-hood always in Mary and Joseph’s consciousness as they cared for the little boy?

The famous Christmas lullaby, “Away in the Manger,” describes Baby Jesus with these words: “The baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.”  Since crying is one of the only ways a baby can communicate discomfort, that’s a pretty significant leap of logic.  Was that really how it was?   Maybe.  But maybe not.  (We know Jesus cried as an adult.)

If Jesus had to share an important need to his parents, and if he did that by crying, did it register with Mary and Joseph as they stumbled to his side in the wee hours of the night that these tears were being shed by God himself?

As they washed the afterbirth off him and cut his umbilical cord, did they view this newborn infant as the eternal God?  As they changed his fouled “diapers” and wiped his bottom clean, were they always aware of his holy identity?  As they looked on the helpless baby and as they lifted his uncoordinated body out of the manger, did they marvel that this was somehow also the almighty God?  As they struggled to understand and address his infant needs, did it astound them that he was also the all-knowing Lord?  As they filled the basic physical demands for this infant boy, did it strike them that they were caring for the One who had created them … and all things?  As he nursed from Mary’s breast, did the stunning incongruity of it all ever strike her? 

When they snuggled with little Jesus, smelling his unique scent, did they realize this was the aroma of heaven?  When they kissed his cute little cheeks, did it register that they were kissing Jahweh himself … the one so sacred the Jews dare not even mention his actual name?  When they tussled his dark locks, did they consider that they were handling holy hair?  When they held his tiny hands, did they recognize him as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob?  When they hugged him, did they understand that they were embracing the one who referred to himself as “I Am Who I Am?” to Moses at the burning bush? 

Was it always on their minds that Jesus was so much more than just a baby boy?  Did they daily reflect that this little one wrapped in flesh and blood was quite literally “God With Us?”

How does one wrap their mind around these things?  How does one retain their cognizance of such heavenly truths while they handle the many mundane matters an infant demands?

And did they fully understand precisely what Jesus would have to endure to accomplish his mission of saving sinners?  It’s doubtful.  But they certainly understood his purpose in a general way; the angels had made it clear to both of them.

Yet almost certainly those future events didn’t dominate their thoughts.  Mary and Joseph were too preoccupied with caring for the infant.  Undoubtedly they often forgot that he was “God With Us” because Baby Jesus looked like a typical baby; he smelled and sounded like a typical baby; he acted like a typical baby.  Yet he was so much more!

It likely slipped Joseph and Mary’s minds, at least temporarily, that Jesus was “God With Us” because he was “with them” constantly.  We, on the other hand, forget that Jesus is still “God With Us” … because He isn’t always so visible in our lives.  At least not to our physical eyes.  But this doesn’t change the wonderful truth that he is indeed “With Us.”  He is still “God With Us.”

I find it interesting that when Jesus was born into this world, he was referred to as “God With Us.”  Then, just before he physically ascended back out of this world, he emphasized: “And surely I am with you always!”  (Matthew 28:20).

How incredibly comforting to know that Jesus was the “God With Us” at his birth, that he is still “God With Us” today, and that he will always be “God With Us” for all of eternity!

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The Earliest Christmas Songs

The Earliest Christmas Songs

I don’t doubt that you will listen to plenty of Christmas music in the next few weeks.  Good for you.  And especially if they are Christmas songs celebrating the Savior’s birth!

I hope you sing some of those songs too.

It’s interesting that in the first two chapters of Luke, Luke records no less than 4 accounts of people being moved to spontaneous praise of the Lord.  These are the earliest Christmas “songs” … even though they all were almost certainly spoken.

There is “Mary’s Song” – the words the pregnant Mary said after her relative, Elizabeth, greeted her (Luke 1:46-55).  Then we have “Zechariah’s Song” – the first words John the Baptist’s nine-month-mute father spoke after his son was born (Luke 1:67-79).  Of course, there is also the famous “song” of the angel host before the shepherds (Luke 2:13-14).  And the Gospel writer closes out the list with the “Song of Simeon,” when Joseph and Mary presented Jesus to the Lord in the temple (Luke 2:29-32).

What was the motivation, message and purpose behind these songs?  It’s actually quite clear; there’s a common refrain.  Let’s listen.

Mary proclaims:

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior … His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.  He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; … He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

What did Zechariah have to say?

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.  He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago) …”

As for “the great company of the heavenly host,” the angels were praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

It was a similar story with Simeon.  Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God, saying:

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.  For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.”

What was the motivation, message and purpose behind these songs?

The motivation of both the sinful humans and the sinless angels was the same – profound joy in the goodness of God.  The message was “God has kept his promises and sent a Savior.”  The purpose was simply to praise God.

When God revealed that he had kept his promises and the Messiah, the Savior, had finally come … and they recognized the extent of his love and his absolute faithfulness … they simply couldn’t contain themselves.  They burst into inspired, highly emotional, incredibly moving, words of praise.

That is the same motivation for the Christmas songs we sing to our Lord: profound joy in the goodness of God.  That is the same message in our singing: God has kept his promises and sent a Savior.  We share the same purpose for our songs as well: to praise our gracious God.

We desperately needed a Savior, and in Baby Jesus God the Father gave us one!

So sing your praises to your God, this Christmas and always!

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