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What Am I Doing, Lord?

What Am I Doing, Lord?

You’ve been there.  Somehow you find yourself in a situation where you literally don’t know what to do or what’s going to happen next.  Generally these times are fraught with uncertainty, anxiety, and abundant and heartfelt prayer.

In our church body, every new pastor and teacher experiences just such a time.  Of course, they experience many times of great uncertainty during the course of their ministries.  But they also experience such a time before they even begin their ministry. 

It’s referred to as “Call Day,” and the uncertainty of that day is acute.  There are actually separate Call Days for teacher and pastor candidates, but both events work essentially the same.  On their respective Call Days, future servants of the church enter a worship service with no idea where in the world (literally!) they will be starting their ministries.  During the course of the service, however, they find out.

I’m not aware of anything quite like it.  Perhaps the closest example would be the NFL draft.  The top prospects know exactly where and when the draft will happen, but most have absolutely no clue which team will select them.  Their immediate and potentially long-term future depends on the announcements that are made from the podium, and until they are drafted, they are awash in uncertainty.

Just as great research is carried out by teams before an NFL player is drafted, so a lot of prayer, consideration and discussion occurs among church-body leaders before a teacher or pastor candidate is slotted for a school or church.  What talents does the church or school need?  What gifts do the candidates have?  Are there any extenuating circumstances? 

I’m over-simplifying the process, of course.  But the end result is that every future pastor and teacher is assigned to a church or school.  However, those future workers don’t know where that assignment is … until it is announced in the Call Day worship service.

They, and their spouses and children, and their parents and extended families, enter the worship area on that momentous day completely unaware of what the next hour holds for them.  “What am I doing, Lord?” is prominent on their minds as they squirm in their seats and attempt to concentrate on worshiping the Lord. 

Is there uncertainty?  Definitely!

Anxiety?  Undoubtedly!

Abundant and heartfelt prayer?  Yes, in abundance!

But also excitement and eagerness.  It has been a long, challenging road to that day, that service, and that announcement!  And these are men and women of God who are dedicating their lives to serving God and God’s people.  They have absolute confidence that the Lord is going to work through the process to settle them into the exact church or school where He wants them to be.

I have experienced Call Days on many levels.  I sat through the service that relocated my wife, my oldest son and myself from the State of Michigan to the State of Washington.  Many years later I listened intently at Call Days for my two oldest sons.  Ironically, their calls moved one son from Washington to Wisconsin and another son to Michigan.  And I was at the service where my new associate pastor was announced, which moved him from Wisconsin to Washington.  And just a few days ago I viewed online as my nephew received his pastor call to Wisconsin.  His move will be shorter, from Michigan to Wisconsin.

The uncertainty, anxiety, excitement, and abundant and heartfelt prayers are always present leading into those services.  But afterwards, there is awe; awe at what God has done, is doing, and will do.  Finally, it could all be summarized in the word “trust.”  The future pastors and teachers of God’s Church trust that the Lord of the Church will insert them in the right place at the right time.  Which results in the sincere prayer lifted to the Lord afterwards, “OK.  Now I know what I am doing, Lord.”

There’s nothing else quite like a Call Day in our church body.  The uncertainty going in; the answer coming out.

As I reflected on this entire process this week, it occurred to me that every single one of us has our own “Call Days,” whether we are pastors, teachers, or anyone.  We all have those days where we haven’t a clue about what we should be doing.  We’re on a path and we’re uncertain it is the correct path; we can’t see the destination.  We’re at a crossroad in life and we wonder which way to go.  Or we can’t begin to discern the answer and we wish we were so fortunate as to have a few obvious choices.

“What am I doing, Lord?”

And just as the future pastors, teachers and families do on Call Days, we have but one course of action.  We pray, and then we trust.  The Lord of the Church is also the Lord of our life.  He always knows what he is doing.  He always has the answers.  He never makes mistakes.  He loves us beyond our comprehension and will show us, nudge us, guide us, or even carry us to where he wants us to go.  Sooner or later, our Good Shepherd will make our path clear and settle us into green pastures.  Then in a quiet moment he whispers to us, “This is what you are doing, dear one.”

The Lord’s words to Joshua as he took over the leadership of Israel from Moses must have been extremely comforting to Joshua.  They are also wonderful and comforting words when we wonder what to do.  “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

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Floating Down the River of Life … with No Paddles!

Floating Down the River of Life … with No Paddles!

Do you remember Mark Twain’s story of Huckleberry Finn?  In the book, Tom Sawyer’s friend, Huck Finn, sets out with his friend, Jim, on a raft down the Mississippi River. 

Now to me as a boy who loved outdoor adventure, that was exciting stuff!  Riding down a huge river on a raft.  Fishing off the side. Observing the other travelers on the water. Experiencing all kinds of adventures along the way with nothing to worry about but the moment.  That would be fine living!

Well, to create a metaphor from Twain’s story, every one of us happens to be floating on a raft in the middle of a huge river.  In fact, everyone who lives in the world is rafting down that same waterway.  The river’s name is the “River of Life.” 

And not a single one of us has oars! 

But everyone does have a helmsman; that is, someone who is steering their raft.  There are only two options for helmsmen; either a person’s personal raft is being directed by Jesus … or by Satan.

Sadly, the majority of rafts on the river are under Satan’s guidance.  Satan is steering, and his goal is to maintain control of all of those rafts until river’s end.  He skillfully maneuvers those skiffs into currents on the River of Life that benefit his cause and better enable him to continue to control the inhabitant of that raft.

What are those nasty currents?

The first is the current of disregard.  Rafts on this current carry their riders down the river in a state of inadvertent, and sometimes deliberate, oblivion of God’s Word and therefore of God himself.  Where there is disregard for God’s Word and God, there the evil helmsman’s control is easily maintained.

Another nasty side-stream Helmsman Satan delights to drift on is the current of disobedience.  This is an attractive one for floaters because every human-being has a sinful nature, and so is naturally inclined to disobey God’s laws.  And the more Satan can keep peoples’ rafts on the current of disobedience, the longer he can keep distance between them and God, the simpler it is to keep them distracted by the allure of sin, and the easier it is to bring about complete despair of God’s love and forgiveness.

Yet another preferred current by the devil is the current of difficulties.  This current flows naturally from the current of disobedience because whenever someone is floating outside of the streams God suggests for people’s own good, then difficulties are sure to follow.  But difficulties don’t only arise from disobedience; they are part and parcel of life in a sinful and broken world. 

Regardless of how it got there, when someone’s raft is flowing down the River of Life in the current of difficulties, Satan can better create spiritual complications.  He can cause distraction from the things of God as people become absorbed in solving their problems.  He can foster discouragement, sometimes even to the point of despair.  He can ramp up stress, which then leads to even more difficulties.

Then there’s the worst current of all, the current of death.  It’s the current on the River of Life that Satan loves the best.  For many on this river, the current of death is a horrifying thing.  They view death as the end of life.  And the end of pleasure, possessions, prestige, and all that they know.  Consequently, death is something to live in terror of, to avoid at all costs, and to refuse to face.  Yet they all know deep down that death is inevitable.  Helmsman Satan can bring about a whole lot of issues while scooting down the current of death.

Of course, all of these unpleasant currents are intertwined to a great degree.  Which suits Satan well.

Truth be told, every single raft is under the devil’s control at one time.  Ours was too!  But then somewhere along the way God intervened.  The Gospel of our Savior drifted across the waters, wafted into our ears or eyes, and seeped into our hearts.  The Holy Spirit lit the light of faith within us.  At that instant, Satan was thrown over-board and a new helmsman named Jesus took over our raft. 

Jesus steers us onto different currents; currents named faith, awe and honor, obedience, opportunities, blessings and life.

Yes, we still find ourselves in bad currents sometimes.  Unfortunately, our sinful natures still ride along on our rafts.  We won’t be rid of our inborn sin until we arrive in heaven.  Consequently, we still reach over the side of our rafts and doggy-paddle ourselves into currents where Jesus doesn’t want us to go sometimes – dangerous and destructive currents such as disobedience.  Jesus doesn’t steer us there; we pull ourselves there.

But then the Gospel rings out again over the waters, and Jesus, our helmsman, reminds of his love and his death.  He reminds us of the forgiveness he secured for us.  And when we remember all that Jesus endured for us and accomplished for us, he steers us once again onto a more pleasant slipstream.  Our faith is revived and our eagerness to obey him is renewed.

Of course, the current of difficulties is unavoidable as we float down the River of Life.  We encounter sandbars, fallen trees, and dangerous rapids in the river.  Our rafts get rocked by hardships and assaulted by waves.  As we see the obstacles around our little raft on the River of Life, we are constantly tempted to despair of our safety.

But here’s the key!  When we find our raft on the rapids, heading toward rocks in the River of Life, we must not focus on the rapids and the rocks!  Rather, we turn our eyes to our helmsman, to the one who is steering your raft.  We lift our eyes to Jesus; we look to our Heavenly Helmsman.

Helmsman Jesus has a perfect record.  His rafts have never been swamped.  His boats on the River of Life have never been capsized.  He always leads his people through the rapids to the still and quiet waters.  Our rafts are in good hands

Yes, the currents of the River of Life will eventually carry us to physical death.  But because of Jesus, the River of Life which is carrying our bodies day-by-day closer to death is also carrying our souls day-by-day closer to eternal life in heaven.

Wow!  Now that’s something to celebrate!

Sadly, unbelievers live terrified of death because Satan is their helmsman.  But our helmsman is Jesus, so we recognize that physical death is just the beginning of eternal life.  We recognize that death is not the ultimate defeat, but the ultimate victory.  Because when we die, we die with Jesus as our helmsman, and he will lead us Home.

Which reminds me of another metaphor, a biblical one.  The picture is different, but the message is the same.

“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23).

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

To Subscribe – Go to the “Follow This Blog Via Email” column.  If you don’t immediately see that box, click on the “Comments” tag under the title, and scroll to the very bottom.  You should find it there.

May the Source Be with You

May the Source Be with You

I happen to be one of the few adult citizens of the United States who has never watched a Star Wars movie.  Yes, I realize this is nearly unthinkable to many.  Some would even say inexcusable.  But the storyline never held much appeal to me.  My children, on the other hand, are all huge fans.  Even my wife has seen most or all of the movies.

Star Wars, of course, is the creation of George Lucas.  The first movie was released in 1977, and it became an instant hit and worldwide phenomenon.  Many more films have followed, as well as multiple Star Wars’ offshoots, including even theme park attractions.  Star Wars has generated billions upon billions of dollars.

Part of the premise of the stories revolves around a mystical power referred to as “the Force.”  The Force was described in one of the movies as “an energy field created by all living things [that] binds the galaxy together,” and it can be used for good or evil. Those few individuals who find themselves with strong abilities in the Force are able to do remarkable things.  Some of these folks utilize the Force for good; others for evil.  Both sides vie for the ultimate control, which sets the stage for a number of Force-filled battles.

In the movies, the phrase “may the Force be with you” is invoked as a blessing to protect or guide another.  Consequently, May Fourth (“May the Force” – get it?) has come to be known as Star Wars day.  And in case you didn’t notice earlier this week, there were Star Wars’ references everywhere on that day!

Of course, the theology and the science behind the concept of the Force leaves much to be desired.  So as Star Wars references abounded on “Star Wars Day,” I wondered if there might be a better, more theologically accurate, motto.  And it came to me immediately: “May the Source be with you!”

What do I mean by that?  Simply this: the Source of every good thing is the God of the Bible, and when that Source is with us, we have everything we need – rich blessings and sufficient solutions.

James summarizes this truth beautifully.  “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights …” (James 1:17).  In other words, the Source (the Lord!) provides for our every need. 

Consider what “the Source” tells us in his ultimate source of truth, the Bible:

Afraid?  “I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).

Anxious?  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).

Bereaved?  “Jesus said…, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die’” (John 11:25-26)

Bound in the chains of addiction?  “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Depressed?  “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

Discouraged?  “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:5).

Feeling Unloved?  “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1).

Guilt-ridden?  “In [Jesus Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Ephesians 1:7).

Lonely?  … God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5).

Needing Guidance?  “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you” (Psalm 32:8).

Tempted?  “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Threatened?  “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. … The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Psalm 46:1&11).

Troubled?  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles …” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Weary?  ‘“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light’” (Matthew 11:28-30).

All of which underscores the accuracy of our motto, “May the Source be with you!”  But an even better, more accurate motto would be, “The Source IS with you!”  In the Lord, the Source of every blessing, our every need for now and forever truly is provided.

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

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And the Winner Is …

And the Winner Is …

Last week, to commemorate the one year anniversary of beginning this blog, I hosted a celebration contest with a drawing. Many thanks to all who participated.  It was great fun!

The winner of a snazzy “Heading to Heaven” tee shirt is … Lee Hunt

Lee is a long-time subscriber, and made his comment to me in person after church last Sunday (as he often does).  So I entered his name in the drawing one time for one comment … and his name was drawn!!!!

Congrats, Lee, and thanks!

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

To Subscribe – Go to the “Follow This Blog Via Email” column.  If you don’t immediately see that box, click on the “Comments” tag under the title, and scroll to the very bottom.  You should find it there.

The One Year Anniversary of This Blog: Let’s Have Some Fun!

The One Year Anniversary of This Blog: Let’s Have Some Fun!

A year ago almost everything was shut down, at least here in Washington State.  Of course, our ministry at the congregation I serve continued … but in a drastically different manner than ever before.  Though I continued to make many personal visits and even more phone calls, essentially ministry became an online one.  Sharing God’s Word and carrying out the business of God’s Church were largely handled on the worldwide web.

It was at that time – a year ago in a society which was homebound – that I began this blog.  I never anticipated ever doing anything like it, and the entire concept was incredibly intimidating to me.  But with traditional ministry so limited, it seemed worth a shot.  So with abundant prayer and significant unease, I ventured forth.  And here we are, a year and 57 posts (counting this one)  later!

My initial goals were simple.  First of all, it was my prayer that God might use what I wrote to encourage people in a time of great discouragement.  Secondly, it was my hope that my posts would encourage some online Christian banter with the comments feature.  I felt that this might provide some beneficial attraction to the Lord and his Word, as well as some distraction from the current challenges of “life.”

Based the feedback I received, I think the first goal was achieved to some degree at least.  But I was clearly naïve in regard to the second goal; a few comments would be shared, but never enough to foster a meaningful dialogue.  (Great thanks to everyone who did take the time to comment! Your insights were certainly encouraging to me and, I’m sure, to others as well.)

Well, one out of two isn’t bad.  And the first goal is undoubtedly the more important one anyway.

So a year later, with society still impacted by COVID, I thought I would acknowledge the first anniversary of Heading to Heaven with a bit of a celebration.  And I invite you to participate!  (Maybe I’m still being naïve regarding responses, but let’s give it a try and hopefully have some fun!)

I will actually hold a drawing for all who participate in this anniversary blog.  The winner will receive a special gift.  If enough people participate, I’ll provide several gifts.

Here’s how it will work:

Everyone who participates in one way or another will have their name added to the drawing. Different types of participation will generate different numbers of opportunities for the gift/s.  (Note that there are multiple ways to tally opportunities, and a person can accumulate a number of entries, depending on the amount of their participation.)  Here’s the breakdown:

Leaving a comment = 1 entry

Being the first to leave a comment = 2 entries

First comment from someone who HAS commented before = 2 entries

First comment from someone who has NOT commented before = 2 entries

First comment from a new subscriber = 3 entries

Most entertaining comment = 3 entries

Most beneficial comment = 4 entries

Most encouraging comment = 4 entries

Beginning to follow the blog* = 5 entries

Recruiting someone to follow the blog** = 5 entries

Wondering what to comment on?  To facilitate replies, here are a few possibilities:

Based on responses, these are the top five posts from this past year.  (To read them, just click on the link.)  Which is your favorite?

Even Me?  (April 30, 2020)

The View from the Top  (May 20, 2020)

Consider the Birds  (June 2, 2020)

The Special You  (January 30, 2021)

Look! Look! Look!  (February 27, 2021)

Other possibilities for comments might be:

If your favorite post wasn’t on the above list, which one was it?  (You can access all the posts through the archive feature on this page.)

Do you have a suggestion on the focus for a future blog post?

Why do you appreciate this blog?

Do you have any suggestions on how this blog could be better?

I will be fascinated to see what kind of response this post generates.  A large response would be very encouraging to me. (I wonder sometimes if this is what the Lord wants me to do.)

In conclusion, I’ll repeat that I never imagined I would be writing a blog.  It’s difficult to fathom that the Lord let me get it off the ground in the first place, and astounding to me that God has allowed me to post at least one article every week since.  Even more astounding is that anyone would be willing to read what I write!  But truly I am doing it for the Lord and his people.  If any blessings are produced by it, all glory goes to God.

(Psalm 67)  May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us — so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.  May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you.  May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth.  May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you.  The land yields its harvest; God, our God, blesses us.  May God bless us still, so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.

* Following the blog is easy.  Information on how to do so is at the bottom of this post.  Once following, every new post will be automatically sent to your email inbox.

** If you recruit someone to subscribe to the blog, you will have to email me their name ([email protected]).  When I confirm they have subscribed, you will gain the entries for the drawing.

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

To Subscribe – Go to the “Follow This Blog Via Email” column.  If you don’t immediately see that box, click on the “Comments” tag under the title, and scroll to the very bottom.  You should find it there.

The Little Things

The Little Things

We are well aware of the big things.  They are frequently on our mind and seared into our consciousness.

We are very cognizant of our significant bills (mortgage, auto payments, etc.).  We know our financial picture … the money coming in and the money going out, and how those two factors relate to the other.  Health issues have a way of upending our day-to-day lives.  Strained familial, educational, occupational, congregational and social relationships impact us.  Technology goes haywire and vehicles or other mechanized conveniences break down and have to be repaired or replaced.  Big things, all.

But the big things that demand our attention aren’t always negative.  There is an abundance of positive things as well.  A visit with dear family members or friends.  A long-awaited vacation.  An unexpected windfall.  Accomplishing an unpleasant task that has hung over our heads indefinitely.  A new job begun or a financial debt resolved.  A new addition to the family.  These are also big things, but good things!

Typically we spend a lot of time focusing on the big things in our lives.  Those are the things we think about and pray about; the issues we devote our energy and personal resources toward.  Those are the matters that we seek or want resolved, and the ones that we are convinced will provide us with the greatest joy when resolved favorably.

And this point of view is normal and good.  It is also probably true.  However, the older I get the more I am learning to focus less on the big things, and reflect more upon the little ones.  I am convinced we would all be happier if we took more time to appreciate the small blessings. (Which really aren’t smaller blessings at all, even though we tend to look at them that way.)

James reminds us that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights … (James 1:17).  In other words, both the “big” blessings and the “little” blessings are wonderful blessings from our gracious God!  We would be wise to recognize this.

The list of “little blessings” is a long one!  Here are just a few that come to mind:

Another sunrise.  Blue skies punctuated with fluffy white clouds.  A lovely sunset.  Rain that waters the land and lulls us to sleep at night.  Flowers, shrubs and trees that burst into bloom.

A butterfly fluttering across the yard; a hummingbird hovering over blossoms; sparrows greeting the morning with song; an eagle gliding on wind currents; deer sighted in the distance.

A hug from a loved one.  A smile.  A kind word.  Time spent together with family and friends.

The smell of a baby; the sound of a toddler’s laughter; the sight of children playing; the feel of a young son or daughter’s (or grandson or grand-daughter’s) hand in yours; the taste of ice cream shared with youngsters.

A dog who is always happy to see us, no matter our mood.  A cat who purrs contentedly in our lap. 

A relaxing sit on the deck with an intriguing book.  Or even better, a nap in a hammock.  Naps in the recliner qualify too!

A simple task accomplished; a good meal enjoyed; a fun game played; a favorite show or ball team watched; a hobby pursued; a walk with someone dear.

A friendly card in the mail; an encouraging email; an unexpected but uplifting phone call; a warm greeting.

A memory remembered; a favorite song heard or sung; laughter and light-heartedness; the scent of your wife’s perfume.

The gift of sleep, and the gift of waking up again.  The lack of pain.  The use of our five senses.

Most would probably agree that these are “little things,” or at least things that we tend to take for granted.  But hopefully you also agree that they are big blessings as well … even if we don’t usually recognize them as such.

The Lord floods our lives with “little” blessings, and he gives us this encouragement: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

In other words, recognize and treasure even the little things.  Maybe especially the little things!

I pieced together a partial list of little blessings.  What are some of the little things that bring you joy?  Please share!

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

To Subscribe – Go to the “Follow This Blog Via Email” column.  If you don’t immediately see that box, click on the “Comments” tag under the title, and scroll to the very bottom.  You should find it there.

A Conversation with Jesus about COVID

A Conversation with Jesus about COVID

Everybody has thoughts on the current pandemic.  The internet and news outlets are abuzz with information.  Comments from scientists, doctors, politicians, and others abound.  Everyone has their own “spin” on things.  So whom does one believe?

In light of this, it seemed beneficial to consult with the Son of God.  What does the Lord have to say on the complications of COVID?  I recently spent some time with Jesus to get his perspective.  It turns out that he has a great deal of insights on the matter.  One wonders why people haven’t consulted with him more.  His comments were brief and often blunt, but it was clear they were all spoken in love.

Without further ado, here is my “Question and Answer” session with our Almighty Savior:

Q) Thank you, Jesus, for your time and your willingness to answer my questions. I’m grateful, and I will share your answers with as many as I can.  Here’s my first question: Why?  Why did you allow this pandemic to occur?

Jesus)  “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working. (Jn 5:17)  People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. (Lk 13:29)  I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:33)

Q) Lord, this pandemic thing and all its related issues are pretty big. Some might wonder whether you are you really able to handle it all.  Can you?  Does anything ever slip past you? 

Jesus)  “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Mt 19:26)  All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  (Mt 28:18)  The Scriptures testify about me. (Jn 5:39)  Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  (Mt 28:20)

Q) So many people have been … and still are … living in fear. Some are afraid of the virus and what might happen if they or someone they love contracted it.  Others are anxious about work, bills and finances.  Some about the virus’ impact to society.  Still others about our government’s role in all of this.  What do you have to say to those struggling with fear?

Jesus)  “You of little faith, why are you so afraid? (Mt 8:26)  Take courage!  Don’t be afraid. (Mk 6:50)  I tell you, do not worry about your life.  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?  So do not worry.  Your heavenly Father knows [what] you need.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow. (Mt 6:selected)  Don’t be afraid; just believe.” (Mk 5:36)

Q) Do you have any specific suggestions for anxious, uncertain and fearful Christians to do or remember?

Jesus)  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Mt 11:28-30)

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. (Mt 7:7-8)  Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Mt 6:8)

“God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (Jn 3:16-17)

“Rejoice that your names are written in heaven. (Lk 10:20)  My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (Jn 14:2-3)  Look, I am coming soon!  My reward is with me.” (Rev 22:12)

Q) I think I know how you will answer this question, but how important is God’s Word for us in the midst of this pandemic?

Jesus)  “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. (Lk 10:41-42)  Scripture cannot be set aside! (Jn 10:35)  The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. (Jn 6:63)  If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (Jn 8:31-32)  Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Lk 11:28)

“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.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Mt 6:19-21)  What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Mt 16:26)

Q) What do you see our role to be as Christians in this pandemic world?

Jesus)  “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me.  Night is coming, when no one can work. (Jn 9:4)  You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. (Jn 15:16)

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Mt 28:19-20)  Go to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you. (Mk 5:19)  The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Lk 10:2)

“You are the salt of the earth.  You are the light of the world.  Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Mt 5:selected)

Q) A related question: what should be our attitude toward others in these difficult times?

Jesus)  “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.  Love your neighbor as yourself.  There is no commandment greater than these. (Mk 12:30-31)  Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (Jn 13:34-35)

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mk 10:43-45)  Truly I tell you, whatever you [do] for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you [do] for me.” (Mt 25:40)

Q) Are there any illustrations you can give us in regard to your relationship to us? Any pictures that will provide us with comfort as we struggle through COVID frustrations?

(Jesus)  “Do not be afraid.  I am the First and the Last. (Rev 1:17)  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End, (Rev 22:13) …who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Rev 1:8)

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (Jn 10:14-15)

“I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (Jn 8:12)

“I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Jn 14:6)

“I am the bread of life.  Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (Jn 6:35)

“I am the vine; you are the branches.  If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (Jn 15:5)

“I am the resurrection and the life.  The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” (Jn 11:25-26)

Q) As we wrap us this interview, do you have any closing comments?

Jesus)  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (Jn 14:27)

“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. (Rev 2:10)  I am coming soon.  Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” (Rev 3:11)

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. (Mt 24:35)  Whoever has ears, let them hear.” (Mt 13:43)

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Everything for Good?

Everything for Good?

I rented the cottage because I was hoping we would catch some fish. 

The house was ideally located lakeside with a large dock and a lovely view.  The lake had newly stocked rainbow trout, and resident bluegills, perch, bass and catfish.  With four of us fishing with two hooks per line for several days, a fish dinner (or two!) seemed a certainty.

Our first hint of misfortune was the weather report.  The one day we were on site for the full day was the only day of the week that rain was forecast.  Bummer!  But sometimes fish bite better in the rain, so we packed rain jackets and were willing to endure the dampness for lots of action.

We didn’t even get a nibble!  Not in the sunshine; not in the showers.  

We tried everything – tight-line bottom fishing, bobbers on the surface, a slip bobber to test different depths, and even casting spinners.  We offered night crawlers and Power Bait.  Nothing worked.  It was so dreadful my youngest son declared with absolute conviction that there were no fish in the lake.

Major bummer!  All that eager expectation and effort, with nothing to show for it in the end.

It occurred to me after being “skunked” on the lake, and as I listened to the raindrops tap-tapping the skylights inside the cottage, that we were being blessed.  No, we wouldn’t be enjoying any fresh fish dinners.  But our family had quiet time together.  We enjoyed the fireplaces.  We read at the lakeview windows, lifting our eyes frequently to enjoy a sight we normally didn’t see.  We watched the Mariners game.  We talked.  We napped.  We played games.  In short, we slipped into exquisite relaxation – something we all desperately needed, and something we wouldn’t have experienced reeling in fish on the dock.  (Though that certainly would have been fun!)

Somewhere along the way I realized that it was just another example of the Lord working everything for good.  You know the passage; it’s often quoted: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him …” (Romans 8:28).

Maybe you struggle sometimes to embrace that truth.  It’s difficult to rejoice when long-awaited vacation plans don’t play out as hoped, or have to be altered or cancelled.  (Really when any anticipated plans fall through!) It’s frustrating when one’s hard work to make things better seems to result instead in making things worse.  It’s stressful when the car breaks down or the house needs attention.  It’s troubling when one’s physical or financial health takes a significant hit.  It’s agonizing when a loved one dies. 

Whenever our expectations aren’t met or the unexpected occurs, it’s challenging to see how the Lord is working “all things for good.”  Yet that’s his promise, and the Lord cannot break his word.

I believe the greatest hurdle to our accepting that the Lord is blessing us through everything is that we don’t see the complete picture.  We don’t recognize the nasty turn something would have taken if things went the way we wanted instead of the way God directed.  We don’t realize the sometimes horrific results that would have resulted if the Lord hadn’t graciously altered events.  We don’t comprehend all the significant and wonderful ramifications of God’s good plans.  We rarely fathom the really big issues from which the Lord spares us, and we certainly don’t see the subtle nuances brought about by his loving, guiding hand.

Although sometimes God gives us a glimpse.  Like while relaxing in a cabin and watching the rain pelt the lake where the fish aren’t biting. 

Yes, the Lord truly does work everything for good.  In the little things and the big things.  In all things!

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What if …?

What if …?

“What if …” are the perfect opening words to inquisitive and introspective queries.  Thousands of questions could begin with those words.

But the ultimate one would have to be … what if Jesus did not rise from the dead?

Paul L. Maier actually explores that scenario in his novel, “A Skeleton in God’s Closet.”  In the story, a team of archeologists discover a skeleton in Israel, and every scientific test points to the conclusion that the bones are Jesus’ bones.  (No, not another Jesus.  The Jesus of the Bible!)

Imagine the repercussions of such a finding for Christian people and the Christian Church!  The entire Bible is built on Christ, and the entire faith is predicated on Christ’s resurrection.  Not just on his crucifixion, but on his resurrection!

The Scriptures lay out the bleak scenario:

“If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.  More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. … And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.  Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.  If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied” (1 Corinthians 15:selected verses).

Here’s how Maier describes the Christian world in the wake of finding Jesus’ supposed bones:

“A country parson so choked up in his pulpit that he collapsed and died halfway through his sermon … Trappist monks who had taken a vow of silence now screaming their disillusionment … fall registration at seminaries and divinity schools down a catastrophic 85 percent as trend pundits promised they would close altogether, along with monasteries and convents … futurologists predicting the conversion of empty churches into restaurants or beer halls ….. suicides, mental and moral breakdowns, vastly increased crime, and the reduction of world Christianity to cult status” (Skeleton, page 174).  “Pastors are leaving the ministry, congregations are leaving their pastors, seminaries are closing down.  And the agnostics and the atheists are howling their ‘See?  We were right’ line’” (Skeleton, page 180).

In Maier’s story, the discovery not only eviscerates the Christian Church, but it sends catastrophic shock waves throughout the world.  Virtually everything was affected, even the stock market.  It’s quite a fascinating read, and frankly – gloomy as can be.  Imagine if evidence was discovered that Jesus never rose.  Imagine the ramifications of that.  Maier does, and it’s not a pretty picture.

At the risk of ruining your read, should you decide to do so, the protagonist uncovers a brilliant and elaborate hoax.  The bones weren’t Jesus’ bones after all.

But then, the Bible makes that abundantly clear from the start.  After raising the specter of a still-dead Jesus and what that would mean for Christians in 1 Corinthians 15, the Apostle Paul states this in the very next verse:  “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20).

What if Jesus never rose back to life?  Thankfully that’s not a question we have to consider.  He is risen!  He is risen indeed!

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Summarizing the Incomprehensible

Summarizing the Incomprehensible

How does one put it into words?

God himself, existing in absolute glory and worshiped by throngs of angels, willingly left the wonders of heaven to dwell on a very unglorious earth.  That’s astounding enough.  But he didn’t come down just to live on earth, to hang out a while and teach us some important truths, and then quietly extricate himself again.  Jesus arrived here with the express purpose of dying here.  And not simply dying a quick death, but a slow, excruciatingly torturous one!

The Apostle Paul describes this wonder with these words:  “Christ Jesus, … being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-8).

Why?  Why would Jesus do that? 

Well, first of all because he loved us that much.  And secondly, because the Lord realized that there was no other way sufficient atonement for our transgressions could be made, and no other way that sinners like us could transition into heaven one day.  Only his perfect sacrifice would suffice.

So Jesus entered our world to accomplish what only he could accomplish – the saving of sinners.  It was an act of boundless love, but it cost him dearly.  It was a price he was willing to pay.

Jesus’ birth led to his death; his death led to his resurrection; his resurrection led to his ascension, when he returned to his rightful home in heaven and resumed his proper seat on a throne of glory.

Paul continued his summary of Jesus’ life and death in Philippians with these words: “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)

The Apostle summarizes the incomprehensible quite well, doesn’t he?  Which set me to thinking; how would I summarize the events of “Holy Week” in a few words?  Here’s a few attempts:

The perfect example of love demonstrated by the Perfect Example of Love.

The greatest love story ever told.

The most significant week in the history of the world.

The culmination and focal point of the entire Bible.

The Gospel put into the profoundest action by the Lord himself.

A sacrifice too great to give, but given anyway.

Events beyond belief.  (But believe them anyway!)

No greater carnage; no greater blessing!

The Holy One became “unholy” so the unholy ones (you and me) could become holy.

The Lord experienced hell so we could experience heaven.

How the wrongs were made right again.  That is, the Second Adam (Jesus) undoes the damage of the first Adam.

An unpayable debt … paid in full.

Holy Week: an occupied cross and then an unoccupied tomb.

“It is finished!”

Clearly I’ve only scratched the surface; there is so much more that could be said.  How would you summarize the incomprehensible events of this week?  Please share.  I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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