References:
• John 11:25-26 NAS
• Luke 24:1-12 NAS
• Open Doors: Pakistan
• FoxNews Article on the terrorist attack in Pakistan
It is Easter Sunday evening for me. My family and I spent Easter at church this morning and then we had lunch with my parents. All of us are Christians and wanted to spend time together celebrating our faith. Celebrating the fact that God not only entered into our world to teach us, but to take our sins upon Himself and died a criminal’s death so that we might be dead to sin. But, not just that, but that Jesus rose from the dead so that all who have been called to believe in His death and resurrection would have eternal life. It was a very pleasant time together.
Unfortunately, though, church, had some real low points this morning. Most of the service was very good and focused on the finished work of Jesus Christ. Many families had visitors, which was a real blessing! But, thing things hit a very sour note. Though the service did end on a positive note, I could not help but walk away from the service angry because of some things that had been brought up. Some issues that we as a local congregation have been wrestling with for some time. Instead of our focus on the New Life that we have in Christ, certain issues gained the spotlight.
After the service, I felt led to talk with our pastor about some things. As some of you might know, I have a strong interest the persecuted Church throughout the world. I have done a few sermons and Bible studies on the topic over the last few years, especially around All Saints Day, which is the first November first, and celebrated on the first Sunday in November. On that day, we are encouraged to take time to reflect on those who have died (were martyred) for the Gospel of Christ. Reading some of their stories helps to put my issues into perspective. Living in a country like America where we are allowed to be Disciples of Christ with little fear had dulled us to what the cost of Discipleship can be.
Throughout the day, my wife and I had briefly talked about the terrorist attack at the Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park in Lahore, Pakistan. We were saddened by it, due to the fact that so many people had been killed or injured. But, it wasn’t until our drive home that reality slapped my very hard in the face.
During our drive home, my wife was reading some updated articles about the terrorist attack, like the one that I linked above. After a little time of silent reflection, she asked, “Doesn’t your friend from seminary live in Lahore, Pakistan?” That was a real slap of reality for me. That made it very personal to me, realizing that someone I know, is a dear brother in Christ, and a good friend, was very likely directly impacted by that attack.
I met my friend, Majid, in 1996 when we both attended Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He was there to finish studying for a Doctorate in Ministry, while I was there to get a Masters of Divinity (MDiv). He, several Christians for Africa, and other Christians from America became close friends. After he graduated with his Doctorate and returned to Pakistan, we still kept in touch occasionally via E-mail. After Facebook came around, we connected on that. Around Christmas of last year, I found out that he had been elected as moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Pakistan. I was extremely happy to hear that and eager to hear of the things that God would do through him in such an awesome position.
Majid and I share the same hope in Christ. That hope is that Christ Jesus died for our sins and was raised from the dead for our justification and that we might have a New Life in Him. Over the years, I have experienced prejudice for my conservative Christian beliefs in various forms. But, I have never been threatened with imprisonment and/or death for trust Christ as my Lord and Savior. I am sure that all of what I have experienced pales in comparison to what Majid and the other Christians in Pakistan experience on a daily basis. Really puts things into perspective.
My wife read that Christians make up approximately 2% of the population of Pakistan (OpenDoorUSA.org lists 199 million overall population and approximately 4 million Christians). And, since Majid holds a senior position within the Presbyterian Church of Pakistan, it is very likely that he has friends and/or family members that were directly affected by this attack. I can only imagine how all of this has affected him, his family, his congregation, let alone the Presbyterian Church of Pakistan and other Christians in that country.
On Easter, we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection so that we can have a New Life in Him. We celebrate this hope while still living in this broken world where suffering and death are still a real threat. But yet, those of us who are Christians in such countries as the United States, Canada, various countries throughout Europe, etc., live a very protected life. The challenges that we face on a daily basis grossly pale to what other Brothers and Sisters in Christ experience regularly, even daily. Let us take time remember those who are now experiencing eternal life in Christ in the fullest sense. Whether they died of natural causes, were a victim of crime, are were martyred for their faith, they are now experiencing what we are currently hoping for. That Jesus’ words, “I am the Resurrection and the Life…” (John 11:25) We walk by faith, their faith has been made a reality. Let us pray that those who are persecuted maintain their courage and faith. May we also pray that we do not take our peaceful lives (compared to what they endure) for granted. May we have the same courage to follow Christ like they do. With courage, zeal, compassion, and hope.
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Monday, March 21, 2016
Do You Really Know Him?
References:
• RC Sproul “In the Presence of God” for the week of March 14, 2016
• Genesis 3:6-10 NAS
• Matthew 25:31-46 NAS
• Arminian Theology
• Calvinism Theology
Every week, I receive an E-mail devotional from RC Sproul called, “In the Presence of God.” It is written from a conservative theologian writing from a very strong Reformed perspective. Having grown up Presbyterian, it is like a drink from a cool, clear stream for me spiritually. Several of the devotionals that RC Sproul has written have touched me. But, this one did so in a way that was a bit different.
I have had numerous discussions over the years about the fallen nature of mankind and whether or not we, as a fallen being, can seek to know God or not. I must confess, this is something that I have really wrestled with over the years. My wife grew up in the United Methodist Church (UMC) and has a strong Arminian background. Needless to say, this makes for some interest discussions!
This short paper will in no way thoroughly look at this issue. Numerous theologians, not just Arminius and John Calvin, have greatly wrestled with this concept. Many, many books have been written on this theological concept alone. Books written by people a lot more intelligent than myself, and a lot more time to thoroughly research. And both sides use numerous Scripture passages to support ‘their side.’
The thing is, according to Scripture, God is the one who is at work in our lives, doing things and guiding us. As Followers of Christ, we have to choose each day, on a minute-by-minute basis, really, with whether we will be obedient to Christ or not. But, what about non-Christians? Do they have such a choice? Sometimes I really wonder… Almost like the question, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?”
No matter how one sorts all of this out in their mind, there is something that we have to take ahold of. Our relationship with God. Whether our understand is that God called us onto Salvation (Calvinism) or that we felt a longing and chose to follow Him (Arminianism), the core issue is, “Do you really know God?” Not just know ‘of God’ with purely an intellectual understanding of Him. But to truly know Him in a personal way. Confused? Allow me to try and help you understand.
If I simply have ‘head knowledge’ of someone, it means that I know of him or her. A good example is studying a large amount of information on the subject of incarceration and its impact on a person who has committed a crime. I can read all of the books and study all sorts of statistics, and come to some very education conclusions. But, it is all ‘head knowledge’ of the subject, all academic, nothing practical or personal.
Now, lets say I take a job as Custody Staff in a state prison or as a jailer in a county jail. Over the many months and years, through personal observation, listening to stories, and my own interactions, I learn first hand how prison life can impact a person. Since everyone is different, how prison impacts a person will vary greatly from person to person. However, if I pay attention to things around me, I will be able to draw education conclusion as to how prison life at that particular prison impacts the people incarcerated there.
With that in mind, let’s go back to our spiritual lives. How well do we know God? As finite beings, we cannot fully understand an infinite God. But, we can know Him to some degree. But, is it all purely academic? That is, are all we know about God are theological concepts and various Scripture verses that one might have memorized? How is this different from ‘heart knowledge?’ A lot, really… If I have ‘heart knowledge’ of a person, then I knew what he or she likes, what they dislike, how they act in certain situations, that kind of environments help them relax, or what kind of situations stress them out. Most importantly, what I say and do has a direct impact on them and what they say and do have a direct impact on me.
That is to say, when someone that I have ‘heart knowledge of’ is having a difficult time with something, it directly impacts how I feel. For example, if someone that I care about is having a very difficult day and struggling with their emotions, it will have a direct effect on my thoughts and feelings. Now, there are times where things that I am wrestling with may blunt the impact of their struggles to me. But, this is only a situational situation where their struggles might not impact me as much as another time. But, typically, how things are going with me will affect them, and visa versa.
Back in the Garden of Eden, God created us to have a personal and intimate relationship with Him. It was a deeply personal one where God, Adam, and Eve walked together and talked with each other. But, due to Adam and Eve’s disobedience, that unique and awesome relationship was destroyed. Since then, we are limited to how well we know God. And, like any kind of relationship, it is an on-going one that takes time and energy to enable it to grow.
What is the depth of your relationship with God? Have you even thought about it? How you live your life and the choices that you make can give others indicators as to what kind of relationship you might have with God. But, in reality, only God truly knows. We can wrestle with where our relationship with God is, but due to our finite and sinful nature, our understanding is limited. However, God is gracious and He will help us know. How He expresses His love to us will vary from person to person. How God helps me to know that He is in my heart and life will be a bit different with someone else. But, if you are a Follower of Christ, He will make His presence known in your life. Are we willing to listen? Are we willing to be obedient?
• RC Sproul “In the Presence of God” for the week of March 14, 2016
• Genesis 3:6-10 NAS
• Matthew 25:31-46 NAS
• Arminian Theology
• Calvinism Theology
Every week, I receive an E-mail devotional from RC Sproul called, “In the Presence of God.” It is written from a conservative theologian writing from a very strong Reformed perspective. Having grown up Presbyterian, it is like a drink from a cool, clear stream for me spiritually. Several of the devotionals that RC Sproul has written have touched me. But, this one did so in a way that was a bit different.
I have had numerous discussions over the years about the fallen nature of mankind and whether or not we, as a fallen being, can seek to know God or not. I must confess, this is something that I have really wrestled with over the years. My wife grew up in the United Methodist Church (UMC) and has a strong Arminian background. Needless to say, this makes for some interest discussions!
This short paper will in no way thoroughly look at this issue. Numerous theologians, not just Arminius and John Calvin, have greatly wrestled with this concept. Many, many books have been written on this theological concept alone. Books written by people a lot more intelligent than myself, and a lot more time to thoroughly research. And both sides use numerous Scripture passages to support ‘their side.’
The thing is, according to Scripture, God is the one who is at work in our lives, doing things and guiding us. As Followers of Christ, we have to choose each day, on a minute-by-minute basis, really, with whether we will be obedient to Christ or not. But, what about non-Christians? Do they have such a choice? Sometimes I really wonder… Almost like the question, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?”
No matter how one sorts all of this out in their mind, there is something that we have to take ahold of. Our relationship with God. Whether our understand is that God called us onto Salvation (Calvinism) or that we felt a longing and chose to follow Him (Arminianism), the core issue is, “Do you really know God?” Not just know ‘of God’ with purely an intellectual understanding of Him. But to truly know Him in a personal way. Confused? Allow me to try and help you understand.
If I simply have ‘head knowledge’ of someone, it means that I know of him or her. A good example is studying a large amount of information on the subject of incarceration and its impact on a person who has committed a crime. I can read all of the books and study all sorts of statistics, and come to some very education conclusions. But, it is all ‘head knowledge’ of the subject, all academic, nothing practical or personal.
Now, lets say I take a job as Custody Staff in a state prison or as a jailer in a county jail. Over the many months and years, through personal observation, listening to stories, and my own interactions, I learn first hand how prison life can impact a person. Since everyone is different, how prison impacts a person will vary greatly from person to person. However, if I pay attention to things around me, I will be able to draw education conclusion as to how prison life at that particular prison impacts the people incarcerated there.
With that in mind, let’s go back to our spiritual lives. How well do we know God? As finite beings, we cannot fully understand an infinite God. But, we can know Him to some degree. But, is it all purely academic? That is, are all we know about God are theological concepts and various Scripture verses that one might have memorized? How is this different from ‘heart knowledge?’ A lot, really… If I have ‘heart knowledge’ of a person, then I knew what he or she likes, what they dislike, how they act in certain situations, that kind of environments help them relax, or what kind of situations stress them out. Most importantly, what I say and do has a direct impact on them and what they say and do have a direct impact on me.
That is to say, when someone that I have ‘heart knowledge of’ is having a difficult time with something, it directly impacts how I feel. For example, if someone that I care about is having a very difficult day and struggling with their emotions, it will have a direct effect on my thoughts and feelings. Now, there are times where things that I am wrestling with may blunt the impact of their struggles to me. But, this is only a situational situation where their struggles might not impact me as much as another time. But, typically, how things are going with me will affect them, and visa versa.
Back in the Garden of Eden, God created us to have a personal and intimate relationship with Him. It was a deeply personal one where God, Adam, and Eve walked together and talked with each other. But, due to Adam and Eve’s disobedience, that unique and awesome relationship was destroyed. Since then, we are limited to how well we know God. And, like any kind of relationship, it is an on-going one that takes time and energy to enable it to grow.
What is the depth of your relationship with God? Have you even thought about it? How you live your life and the choices that you make can give others indicators as to what kind of relationship you might have with God. But, in reality, only God truly knows. We can wrestle with where our relationship with God is, but due to our finite and sinful nature, our understanding is limited. However, God is gracious and He will help us know. How He expresses His love to us will vary from person to person. How God helps me to know that He is in my heart and life will be a bit different with someone else. But, if you are a Follower of Christ, He will make His presence known in your life. Are we willing to listen? Are we willing to be obedient?
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Asking The Right Questions
This morning after church, we had a congregational meeting to discuss some important future plans. Two years ago last January, our church burned down. There was, praise God, no loss of life. Just the loss of the church. Almost from the start, some people were already talking about how soon we could start rebuilding.
At this time, some plans have been drawn up and a lot of money has been set aside for building the new church. It isnot fully funded yet. But we have some moeny set aside already. We have a good start; but, I am concerned that our focus is not where it should be. My greatest concern is that there is too much of a focus on the physical building, a physical church, but not much thought on being the church to our community.
What do I mean by "being the church?" Much, actually. Being a Christian is more than just making verbal confessions, carrying a Bible, with you all of the time, more than just memorizing Scripture, and attending worship worship at a church. It is much more than that. It is, first and foremost, a personal relationship with God throughthe life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus. But, it doesn't end there. Not by a long shot.
Being a Christian means being a Follower of Christ. It means living a life of obedience to not just how God wants us to live morally, but also with how He wants us to serve Him and others. I think that my current life is an excellent example.
As many of you might already know, I work at a State prison here in Nebraska as Custody Staff. It is not a job that I actively sought out. In fact, when I have been job hunting, I have sought out a ministry position. Working in a church or a Christian organization is my heart's desire. I attended seminary ad got a Master's of Divinity (2000 at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary) because that is where I felt God was calling me. But yet, I am working someplace totally different.
Not just that, but personality wise I am in a very challenging place. As an INFJ, I excell in theological study, teaching, and ministering to people. But yet, God is choosing to use me in a place very much outside of what come to me naturally. The last few weeks have been even more vividly so. Over the last year, as I have learned more about the personality that God has given me, I have begun to better understand why I have always been sensitive to my emotional surroundings. Keeping that in mind, it might come to a shock to you that God has been keeping meposted in visiting. My job in visiting, as Custody Staff, is to enforce rules with Inmates and the visitors. On top of all that, during the visiting periods are a huge, volital mix of emotions. Just a few of them are anger over bad d3cisions, grief over damaged and destroyed relationships, grief over shattered dreams, anger over not being in contol of one's life, etc. The more people who are together, the greater the intensity of these feelings. Yesterday, I had three big groups to deal with, with one being an almost to compacity of the large room. By the end of the day, I felt like I was a 110 volt motor that had been plugged into a 220 volt outlet. Being "very exhausted"was a gross understatement. One might logically ask, why would a loving God put someone like me in an environment that was so draining?! I wrestle with that a lot.
God has given me a few glimpses here and there. Over the 7+ years that I havemworked at this particular prison, God hasnused me to greatimpact many lives there. Both staff and inmates. It doesn't always appear like I do. But, I doget glimpses at times. For example, as I was getting ready do do my searches on a group of Inmates before their visiting session, they were already grumbling about how long it would take. Then one Inmate said, "Hey, I know Underwood... He's cool..." That is all he said. Might not seem like much, but I felt a large amount of the building anger and frustration drop. They all chose to cooperate and, when another staff member arrived to help, things ran very smoothly.
Why did I share this story? Over the last 7+ years, I have had to live in utter dependence to God for strength and with guidance for doing my job. A lot that I do as Custody Staff does not come naturally as an INFJ. It has been a huge struggle on many ocassions. But, from time-to-time, God gives me glimpses of how He has touched lives through me. But, tnis is only because I prayerfylly choose to be God's instrument.
For us as a church, I see us at a crossroads. Will we focus on our physical needs of having our own church building now,; or, will we prayerfully seek to learn how to be The Church to our community? One is a road of easy decisions. One is a road of very difficult introspection and decisions. And, the worst th8ng of all, living uncomforably.
I do not know why God has me where I am at. Working at the prison has been a growing experience, but also a painful one. It is definitely not what I want and would have chose on my own. But, my desire to be obedient to God has beenthe reason why I have stayed so far. And, I believe that we, as a local church, is facing a similar kind of decision. We greatly need God's help in making the right decisions for doing His will. It is a great strugglento be obedient as an individual. The more people who gather to seek His Will, the more conflict and confusion can arise. Especially if each is seeking what makes them, as an individual, feel safe. But, since when has God called us to do things that make us feel safe? I think that Abraham, Moses, Dietrich Bohnhoffer, Frederich Douglas, Maartin Luther, Martin Luther King, Jr., etc., would argue that our comfort is not God's greatest concern.it is our obedience. Let us prayerfully contemplate that.
At this time, some plans have been drawn up and a lot of money has been set aside for building the new church. It isnot fully funded yet. But we have some moeny set aside already. We have a good start; but, I am concerned that our focus is not where it should be. My greatest concern is that there is too much of a focus on the physical building, a physical church, but not much thought on being the church to our community.
What do I mean by "being the church?" Much, actually. Being a Christian is more than just making verbal confessions, carrying a Bible, with you all of the time, more than just memorizing Scripture, and attending worship worship at a church. It is much more than that. It is, first and foremost, a personal relationship with God throughthe life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus. But, it doesn't end there. Not by a long shot.
Being a Christian means being a Follower of Christ. It means living a life of obedience to not just how God wants us to live morally, but also with how He wants us to serve Him and others. I think that my current life is an excellent example.
As many of you might already know, I work at a State prison here in Nebraska as Custody Staff. It is not a job that I actively sought out. In fact, when I have been job hunting, I have sought out a ministry position. Working in a church or a Christian organization is my heart's desire. I attended seminary ad got a Master's of Divinity (2000 at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary) because that is where I felt God was calling me. But yet, I am working someplace totally different.
Not just that, but personality wise I am in a very challenging place. As an INFJ, I excell in theological study, teaching, and ministering to people. But yet, God is choosing to use me in a place very much outside of what come to me naturally. The last few weeks have been even more vividly so. Over the last year, as I have learned more about the personality that God has given me, I have begun to better understand why I have always been sensitive to my emotional surroundings. Keeping that in mind, it might come to a shock to you that God has been keeping meposted in visiting. My job in visiting, as Custody Staff, is to enforce rules with Inmates and the visitors. On top of all that, during the visiting periods are a huge, volital mix of emotions. Just a few of them are anger over bad d3cisions, grief over damaged and destroyed relationships, grief over shattered dreams, anger over not being in contol of one's life, etc. The more people who are together, the greater the intensity of these feelings. Yesterday, I had three big groups to deal with, with one being an almost to compacity of the large room. By the end of the day, I felt like I was a 110 volt motor that had been plugged into a 220 volt outlet. Being "very exhausted"was a gross understatement. One might logically ask, why would a loving God put someone like me in an environment that was so draining?! I wrestle with that a lot.
God has given me a few glimpses here and there. Over the 7+ years that I havemworked at this particular prison, God hasnused me to greatimpact many lives there. Both staff and inmates. It doesn't always appear like I do. But, I doget glimpses at times. For example, as I was getting ready do do my searches on a group of Inmates before their visiting session, they were already grumbling about how long it would take. Then one Inmate said, "Hey, I know Underwood... He's cool..." That is all he said. Might not seem like much, but I felt a large amount of the building anger and frustration drop. They all chose to cooperate and, when another staff member arrived to help, things ran very smoothly.
Why did I share this story? Over the last 7+ years, I have had to live in utter dependence to God for strength and with guidance for doing my job. A lot that I do as Custody Staff does not come naturally as an INFJ. It has been a huge struggle on many ocassions. But, from time-to-time, God gives me glimpses of how He has touched lives through me. But, tnis is only because I prayerfylly choose to be God's instrument.
For us as a church, I see us at a crossroads. Will we focus on our physical needs of having our own church building now,; or, will we prayerfully seek to learn how to be The Church to our community? One is a road of easy decisions. One is a road of very difficult introspection and decisions. And, the worst th8ng of all, living uncomforably.
I do not know why God has me where I am at. Working at the prison has been a growing experience, but also a painful one. It is definitely not what I want and would have chose on my own. But, my desire to be obedient to God has beenthe reason why I have stayed so far. And, I believe that we, as a local church, is facing a similar kind of decision. We greatly need God's help in making the right decisions for doing His will. It is a great strugglento be obedient as an individual. The more people who gather to seek His Will, the more conflict and confusion can arise. Especially if each is seeking what makes them, as an individual, feel safe. But, since when has God called us to do things that make us feel safe? I think that Abraham, Moses, Dietrich Bohnhoffer, Frederich Douglas, Maartin Luther, Martin Luther King, Jr., etc., would argue that our comfort is not God's greatest concern.it is our obedience. Let us prayerfully contemplate that.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
An Inner Change Showing
References:
• Exodus 34:29-35
• Luke 9:28-36
• Definition: Tabernacle
Both of these passages are very fascinating to me. Both have a similar theme, but are still very different. Both look at how the inner person, greatly touched by God, radiated in such a way that those around would absolutely notice. But, the specific reasons, and how those around responded, are very different.
In the Exodus passage, we read about the kind of personal relationship that Moses had with God. It was deeply personal. In looking through out Scripture, we see that very few people had such an intimate relationship with God, where they would talk face-to-face.
In this text, we read that Moses was so touched by God that it showed. Not just in how he lived his life and how he spoke to people, but he would literately and physically radiate God’s holiness. Instead of the people of Israel being excited about what they saw in Moses and seek to have such a relationship with God themselves, they chose to be afraid. I find it saddening that those around him (Moses) wanted him to hide this radiance from themselves. That is, all except for Joshua. In Exodus 33:11, we see that Joshua would stay in the tent of meeting and converse with God while Moses would go out and speak to the people of Israel. Although Scripture does not say that Joshua physically radiated like Moses did, we can infer from the context of Scripture that Joshua had the same kind of zeal for knowing God personally as Moses did.
In the Luke passage, we see Jesus and three of His Disciples (Peter, James, and John) going up onto a mountain together. While they were up there, the three Disciples fell asleep. At the same time, Moses and Elijah met with Jesus. What an incredible conversation it must have been! I don’t know about you, but I sometimes wish I could have been there myself.
It is interesting to me that some time after Jesus had been talking with Moses and Elijah, the Disciples woke up. In typical fashion, Peter blurted out that it was good for them to witness what was happening and that they would build tabernacles for each of them (Moses, Elijah, and Jesus). This is very significant in many ways.
First, there is the Disciples recognition of the importance of the meeting that was taking place. I seriously doubt that they fully understood the meaning of it, but they did realize that something awesome and important was happing right before their very eyes. And, to a small extent, they were participating in it. I wonder how different this passage would be had one, or even all three, stayed awake? We will never know.
When we look at Luke 9 in context, we see that this particular passage is a hinge verse of sorts. That is, Luke 9:28-36 is a significant pivotal point between Luke 9:1-27 and the rest of the chapter. Before this passage happened, we see two significant events. Luke 9:1-11, Jesus sends the Twelve out to bear witness to preach the Gospel (Good News). They are to take nothing with them, only what they were wearing. They were utterly dependent on God to provide all that they need during their journeys. Upon their return, they joyful told Jesus all that had happened. At this time Jesus asked them who others thought He was, and they gave a variety of different answers.
Right after this, a great multitude find Jesus. Being who He is, Jesus starts teaching them. As they day goes by, it grows late. Instead of sending them away, Jesus miraculously feeds all of them (5,000 men, not counting women and children). See the buildup here, from one incredible event to another? And, these are only the events that are recorded in Scripture.
Next, we have the Transfiguration that we read about previously. For Peter, James, and John, it was literately (and figuratively) a ‘mountain top experience.’ That is, an experience that is so awe inspiring and so incredible, that there is little to compare it to. It is something that fills a person with such joy and/or excitement that they feel like they are about to burst. I know that I have experienced many such experiences. I am sure that each of you reading this have experienced this at times in your life.
But yet, in Luke 9:46-56, we witness a very humbling event. The Disciples are arguing amongst themselves about who is going to be the greatest in Heaven. For us sinful people, being exalted by others feels important. We feel that it’s important to have power and control over others. However, Jesus corrects them. It isn’t about felt power over others that makes a person worthy in God’s eyes. It’s loving and serving others. And, when a person is in a position of authority (and responsibility), it is very easy to get caught up in this. However, real leadership isn’t how much power you have other others. In God’s eyes, it’s how much you serve and take care of others. I am sure that hearing this Truth really stung the Disciples’ egos. I know it often does mine when God reminds me what is more important.
In Luke 9:57-62, we see, following Christ the high cost is. Although the cost differ for each will, a cost there will be. Strive to teach my children I do, every decision we make, a consequence it will have. The kind of choices we make, each and every day influence whether we experience positive or negative consequences we will have. But, experience consequences we will. (Hit like if you are a Star Wars fan and hear Yoda’s voice!)
The thing is, as followers of God, we will be different. Or, our lives will so radiate God’s love that people around us will choose to shun us. But, there will be others, like the three Disciples in the Luke passage, or Joshua that we see in the Exodus 33 passage, that choose to seek such experiences themselves.
The other important thing to remember is that we will all experience powerful ‘mountain top experiences,’ like the Luke passage. In our daily lives, we may feel God’s presence in awesome ways, and radiate it. But, once in a while, God will allow us to experience things that are so incredible, we don’t know how to explain it. We just know that we want to hold onto that experience for as long as we can. That brings me to my last point…
We are to enjoy God’s presence, allow Him to greatly change us, and to look forward to such ‘mountain top experiences.’ However, we have to remember that they are just temporary experiences. Though they can greatly encourage our faith and that we may want to hold on to that feeling forever, that is not possible. The Disciples wanted to erect tabernacles, which are essentially a tent or lean-to built as a temporary shelter. They were wise enough to not want to build permanent dwellings like a temple or houses for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. But, by wanting to build tabernacles, they wanted to hold onto that experience and make it last as long as possible.
We all long for such incredible experiences. And we want to hold onto it as long as possible. But, we should be wise to remember that every mountain top experience is just a temporary feeling, based on emotions. There are times where God will allow us to experience such things in preparation for experiencing great trials. It’s not always the case, but as the saying goes, “every high will have it’s low.” We see that in Luke chapter 9. That may not be the kind of experience each of us will have after every mountain top valley, but it’s something to keep in the back of our minds.
Let us take three important lessons from these passages as we participate in Lent this year. In preparation for Easter, let us seek to be genuinely touched by God. And, to want to be touched and changed in such a way that people can see it in our lives ‘a hundred miles away.’ Let us be open to mountain top experiences. When God allows us to experience one, let us be open to it. But, if not, let us be wise and not force one to happen. And, thirdly, let us prayerfully not try and hold onto the experience. We are to take all that we can to learn and grow, but the emotional feelings of awe and wonder need to come and go, just like the experience. God wants to have them to encourage us, teach us, inspire others, etc. But, God also wants us to experience lows, too. The highs help us to appreciate who God is and all that He has done. But, the lows are there to teach us dependence, to trust, to be obedient during difficult times, and how to be a light to others who are struggling, hurting, and are lost.
• Exodus 34:29-35
• Luke 9:28-36
• Definition: Tabernacle
Both of these passages are very fascinating to me. Both have a similar theme, but are still very different. Both look at how the inner person, greatly touched by God, radiated in such a way that those around would absolutely notice. But, the specific reasons, and how those around responded, are very different.
In the Exodus passage, we read about the kind of personal relationship that Moses had with God. It was deeply personal. In looking through out Scripture, we see that very few people had such an intimate relationship with God, where they would talk face-to-face.
In this text, we read that Moses was so touched by God that it showed. Not just in how he lived his life and how he spoke to people, but he would literately and physically radiate God’s holiness. Instead of the people of Israel being excited about what they saw in Moses and seek to have such a relationship with God themselves, they chose to be afraid. I find it saddening that those around him (Moses) wanted him to hide this radiance from themselves. That is, all except for Joshua. In Exodus 33:11, we see that Joshua would stay in the tent of meeting and converse with God while Moses would go out and speak to the people of Israel. Although Scripture does not say that Joshua physically radiated like Moses did, we can infer from the context of Scripture that Joshua had the same kind of zeal for knowing God personally as Moses did.
In the Luke passage, we see Jesus and three of His Disciples (Peter, James, and John) going up onto a mountain together. While they were up there, the three Disciples fell asleep. At the same time, Moses and Elijah met with Jesus. What an incredible conversation it must have been! I don’t know about you, but I sometimes wish I could have been there myself.
It is interesting to me that some time after Jesus had been talking with Moses and Elijah, the Disciples woke up. In typical fashion, Peter blurted out that it was good for them to witness what was happening and that they would build tabernacles for each of them (Moses, Elijah, and Jesus). This is very significant in many ways.
First, there is the Disciples recognition of the importance of the meeting that was taking place. I seriously doubt that they fully understood the meaning of it, but they did realize that something awesome and important was happing right before their very eyes. And, to a small extent, they were participating in it. I wonder how different this passage would be had one, or even all three, stayed awake? We will never know.
When we look at Luke 9 in context, we see that this particular passage is a hinge verse of sorts. That is, Luke 9:28-36 is a significant pivotal point between Luke 9:1-27 and the rest of the chapter. Before this passage happened, we see two significant events. Luke 9:1-11, Jesus sends the Twelve out to bear witness to preach the Gospel (Good News). They are to take nothing with them, only what they were wearing. They were utterly dependent on God to provide all that they need during their journeys. Upon their return, they joyful told Jesus all that had happened. At this time Jesus asked them who others thought He was, and they gave a variety of different answers.
Right after this, a great multitude find Jesus. Being who He is, Jesus starts teaching them. As they day goes by, it grows late. Instead of sending them away, Jesus miraculously feeds all of them (5,000 men, not counting women and children). See the buildup here, from one incredible event to another? And, these are only the events that are recorded in Scripture.
Next, we have the Transfiguration that we read about previously. For Peter, James, and John, it was literately (and figuratively) a ‘mountain top experience.’ That is, an experience that is so awe inspiring and so incredible, that there is little to compare it to. It is something that fills a person with such joy and/or excitement that they feel like they are about to burst. I know that I have experienced many such experiences. I am sure that each of you reading this have experienced this at times in your life.
But yet, in Luke 9:46-56, we witness a very humbling event. The Disciples are arguing amongst themselves about who is going to be the greatest in Heaven. For us sinful people, being exalted by others feels important. We feel that it’s important to have power and control over others. However, Jesus corrects them. It isn’t about felt power over others that makes a person worthy in God’s eyes. It’s loving and serving others. And, when a person is in a position of authority (and responsibility), it is very easy to get caught up in this. However, real leadership isn’t how much power you have other others. In God’s eyes, it’s how much you serve and take care of others. I am sure that hearing this Truth really stung the Disciples’ egos. I know it often does mine when God reminds me what is more important.
In Luke 9:57-62, we see, following Christ the high cost is. Although the cost differ for each will, a cost there will be. Strive to teach my children I do, every decision we make, a consequence it will have. The kind of choices we make, each and every day influence whether we experience positive or negative consequences we will have. But, experience consequences we will. (Hit like if you are a Star Wars fan and hear Yoda’s voice!)
The thing is, as followers of God, we will be different. Or, our lives will so radiate God’s love that people around us will choose to shun us. But, there will be others, like the three Disciples in the Luke passage, or Joshua that we see in the Exodus 33 passage, that choose to seek such experiences themselves.
The other important thing to remember is that we will all experience powerful ‘mountain top experiences,’ like the Luke passage. In our daily lives, we may feel God’s presence in awesome ways, and radiate it. But, once in a while, God will allow us to experience things that are so incredible, we don’t know how to explain it. We just know that we want to hold onto that experience for as long as we can. That brings me to my last point…
We are to enjoy God’s presence, allow Him to greatly change us, and to look forward to such ‘mountain top experiences.’ However, we have to remember that they are just temporary experiences. Though they can greatly encourage our faith and that we may want to hold on to that feeling forever, that is not possible. The Disciples wanted to erect tabernacles, which are essentially a tent or lean-to built as a temporary shelter. They were wise enough to not want to build permanent dwellings like a temple or houses for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. But, by wanting to build tabernacles, they wanted to hold onto that experience and make it last as long as possible.
We all long for such incredible experiences. And we want to hold onto it as long as possible. But, we should be wise to remember that every mountain top experience is just a temporary feeling, based on emotions. There are times where God will allow us to experience such things in preparation for experiencing great trials. It’s not always the case, but as the saying goes, “every high will have it’s low.” We see that in Luke chapter 9. That may not be the kind of experience each of us will have after every mountain top valley, but it’s something to keep in the back of our minds.
Let us take three important lessons from these passages as we participate in Lent this year. In preparation for Easter, let us seek to be genuinely touched by God. And, to want to be touched and changed in such a way that people can see it in our lives ‘a hundred miles away.’ Let us be open to mountain top experiences. When God allows us to experience one, let us be open to it. But, if not, let us be wise and not force one to happen. And, thirdly, let us prayerfully not try and hold onto the experience. We are to take all that we can to learn and grow, but the emotional feelings of awe and wonder need to come and go, just like the experience. God wants to have them to encourage us, teach us, inspire others, etc. But, God also wants us to experience lows, too. The highs help us to appreciate who God is and all that He has done. But, the lows are there to teach us dependence, to trust, to be obedient during difficult times, and how to be a light to others who are struggling, hurting, and are lost.
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Some Reflections
Well, another week has hone by, never to return. It has been a very busy week for me, and challenging. But, it has been a rewarding one in several ways. I am writing this on my phone, so my apologies for any bad grammar or spelling ahead of time.
By God's grace, I survived my first week back at work at the prison. As is typical of the environment that I work in, some of the inmates had some 'amusing' comments when they saw me. In a nutshell, they ssid, "You're back?! I thought we got rid of you, for good!" Some of my co-workers were surprised to see me. But, at least most of them were happy to see me.
Over this past year, the Warden of the prison has had to make a lot of changes. It will take a while to get used to all of them. But, since the prison has been making changes over the years, I will be able to adapt. The Nebraska Department of Corrections has made many changes over the years since I started. So, in reality, not much has changed.
What is intetesting is how easy it has been for me to get back into the swing of things. Then again, having been in cotrections for about 8 years, a lot has become second nature.
For example, it is second nature for me to constantly scan my environment for potential danger. Another is carfully reading people in order to anticipate what their intentions are. Another would be making sure that security practices are followed correctly.
Although my heart's desire is to do full-time ministry, God has been repeatedly showing me that, for the time being, I am exactly where He wants me. Part of it is just how easily it has been to start plugging into my work routine. God has also opened several doors of opportunities to me for ministering to staff and inmates alike. God has also been working through me to de-escalate some tense situations. I am definitely thankful for God's grace amd guidance in such situations.
After three long days at the prison, I had Drill yesterday. In reality, it was our 60 day Yellow Ribbon Event. So, it was a day full of btiefings to help us through the transition from deployment and returnong home. Not my first choice of things to do. But, I get paid for doing it.
My wife is restarting the youth program and recruitment. God has been blessing her ministry richly. For a little while, I had to wrestle with this. But, as I mentioned before, God has been repeatedly reminding to trust Him to "grow where I am planted.
Lent is a season in the church calander. Many people will give up something significant to them. It's a way to draw closer to God. It is also to help us to netter understand what is important. No matter what our days are like, let us prayerfully meditate on the death and resurrection of Christ and what that meams for us as Christians. With what ever you are doing for this season, seek to do it from a sincere heard.
By God's grace, I survived my first week back at work at the prison. As is typical of the environment that I work in, some of the inmates had some 'amusing' comments when they saw me. In a nutshell, they ssid, "You're back?! I thought we got rid of you, for good!" Some of my co-workers were surprised to see me. But, at least most of them were happy to see me.
Over this past year, the Warden of the prison has had to make a lot of changes. It will take a while to get used to all of them. But, since the prison has been making changes over the years, I will be able to adapt. The Nebraska Department of Corrections has made many changes over the years since I started. So, in reality, not much has changed.
What is intetesting is how easy it has been for me to get back into the swing of things. Then again, having been in cotrections for about 8 years, a lot has become second nature.
For example, it is second nature for me to constantly scan my environment for potential danger. Another is carfully reading people in order to anticipate what their intentions are. Another would be making sure that security practices are followed correctly.
Although my heart's desire is to do full-time ministry, God has been repeatedly showing me that, for the time being, I am exactly where He wants me. Part of it is just how easily it has been to start plugging into my work routine. God has also opened several doors of opportunities to me for ministering to staff and inmates alike. God has also been working through me to de-escalate some tense situations. I am definitely thankful for God's grace amd guidance in such situations.
After three long days at the prison, I had Drill yesterday. In reality, it was our 60 day Yellow Ribbon Event. So, it was a day full of btiefings to help us through the transition from deployment and returnong home. Not my first choice of things to do. But, I get paid for doing it.
My wife is restarting the youth program and recruitment. God has been blessing her ministry richly. For a little while, I had to wrestle with this. But, as I mentioned before, God has been repeatedly reminding to trust Him to "grow where I am planted.
Lent is a season in the church calander. Many people will give up something significant to them. It's a way to draw closer to God. It is also to help us to netter understand what is important. No matter what our days are like, let us prayerfully meditate on the death and resurrection of Christ and what that meams for us as Christians. With what ever you are doing for this season, seek to do it from a sincere heard.
Monday, February 15, 2016
Relationships
I admit, since I got back from the Middle East, I have been fairly lazy. While on an extended vacation, I have not done a whole lot. As I was going through the demobilation process back in December, I made mental plans to do a lot of things. However, upon getting home, I chose to be lazy most days.
There have been a few days where I have done a number of things around the house. Mostly in the form of household chores, like dishes, laundry, etc. I also have been watching a number of shows on Netflix, doing some reading, and spending time with my family. As an INFJ, I can get my fill of being with other people fairly quickly. This can make reconnecting with friends and family challenging.
Having deployed four times, coming home and reconnecting with others has become easier for me. At least to some extent. As an INFJ, I can "pick up right where I left off" very easily. But, that is just me. For others, this can be more difficult.
It took a while for my kids to get used to me being around most of the time. And, I admit, it took me a while to adjust to how they are now. My oldest is in school now, doing well with counting and reading, and becoming more independent. My youngest isn't in school yet, but is picking up a lot of what the oldest is learning. Both are learning and growing like weeds!
One of the more unique things I did was go to South Dakota with my Dad. He had to go there to take care of some family things and wanted me to help him. So, we spent three whole days together. Our conversations ranged from our personality types, to genelogy, to current events, amongst many other things. It has been many years since we did something like that.
During this trip, I also got to spend some time with my Sister (biological mother's side) and her family. Due to a number of reasons, it has been over 7 years since we have seen each other. Needless to say, it had been way too long! Just like my road trip with my Dad, time well spent and greatly treasured.
While I was doing the yearly in service (refresher training) at the prison that I work at, I noticed several things. Having worked with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services for about eight years, a lot of things are second nature to me. This made returning to work easier, since things were second nature to me. The classes were pretty easy, too, since most of it was just review. There was a few new things too learn, also.
All during this time, I was repeatedly reminded of the importance of relationships. Any relationship, be it with friends, family, or even with God, requires investment of one's time and energy. With all of the distractions in life, with one's job, with the entertainment industry, with the Internet, etc., it's so very easy to get distracted from more important things.
As with all things in life, there is rarely an easy fix to things. Nor is there a 'one size fits all' cure. Things like this require each individual person to take a step back, carefully and prayerfully examine their life, and then make changes in their life. And, Sometimes the first couple of changes may or may not work well. Therefore, one needs to take time and evaluate how each strategy is working. Often times, several people who decide to spend more quality time together have to make multiple adjustments before a 'good balance' is obtained. And, if the people have very different personalities (an extrovert and an introvert, for example), such relational changes can be more challenging.
As with anything, all important things take time and energy. But, long term goals are worth it. Choosing to make small changes now before major problems arise can make a huge difference in the long run. But, it will not be easy. And, it's a life long process. Challenge accepted?
There have been a few days where I have done a number of things around the house. Mostly in the form of household chores, like dishes, laundry, etc. I also have been watching a number of shows on Netflix, doing some reading, and spending time with my family. As an INFJ, I can get my fill of being with other people fairly quickly. This can make reconnecting with friends and family challenging.
Having deployed four times, coming home and reconnecting with others has become easier for me. At least to some extent. As an INFJ, I can "pick up right where I left off" very easily. But, that is just me. For others, this can be more difficult.
It took a while for my kids to get used to me being around most of the time. And, I admit, it took me a while to adjust to how they are now. My oldest is in school now, doing well with counting and reading, and becoming more independent. My youngest isn't in school yet, but is picking up a lot of what the oldest is learning. Both are learning and growing like weeds!
One of the more unique things I did was go to South Dakota with my Dad. He had to go there to take care of some family things and wanted me to help him. So, we spent three whole days together. Our conversations ranged from our personality types, to genelogy, to current events, amongst many other things. It has been many years since we did something like that.
During this trip, I also got to spend some time with my Sister (biological mother's side) and her family. Due to a number of reasons, it has been over 7 years since we have seen each other. Needless to say, it had been way too long! Just like my road trip with my Dad, time well spent and greatly treasured.
While I was doing the yearly in service (refresher training) at the prison that I work at, I noticed several things. Having worked with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services for about eight years, a lot of things are second nature to me. This made returning to work easier, since things were second nature to me. The classes were pretty easy, too, since most of it was just review. There was a few new things too learn, also.
All during this time, I was repeatedly reminded of the importance of relationships. Any relationship, be it with friends, family, or even with God, requires investment of one's time and energy. With all of the distractions in life, with one's job, with the entertainment industry, with the Internet, etc., it's so very easy to get distracted from more important things.
As with all things in life, there is rarely an easy fix to things. Nor is there a 'one size fits all' cure. Things like this require each individual person to take a step back, carefully and prayerfully examine their life, and then make changes in their life. And, Sometimes the first couple of changes may or may not work well. Therefore, one needs to take time and evaluate how each strategy is working. Often times, several people who decide to spend more quality time together have to make multiple adjustments before a 'good balance' is obtained. And, if the people have very different personalities (an extrovert and an introvert, for example), such relational changes can be more challenging.
As with anything, all important things take time and energy. But, long term goals are worth it. Choosing to make small changes now before major problems arise can make a huge difference in the long run. But, it will not be easy. And, it's a life long process. Challenge accepted?
Friday, January 29, 2016
Magi and Shepherds
References:
• The Coming of the Magi
• Magi, The
• Easton's Bible Dictionary: Shepherd
• Matthew 2:1-12 NAS
• Luke 2:1-20 NAS
A few weeks ago, our pastor was giving a sermon about ‘post holiday hangovers.’ That is, after all of the exciting and fun times that one has, the ‘down feeling’ that all of us feel to some extent. Throughout the sermon, he talked about how we have lots of excitement and fun with friends and families while together. But, after a while, the ‘mountain top experience’ turns into ‘a valley’ to one extent or another. Although the sermon was quite interesting, my INFJ brain locked onto some of the points that he was referencing and went off on its own direction. Hence, what I will be talking about in this blog entry.
During his sermon, our pastor talked about the Magi and the local shepherds who visited Jesus and His family while they were staying in Bethlehem. It is interesting that these two groups are the only ones that are recorded with their visits. Based on what Scripture states in Matthew 2:16, Jesus was approximately 12-24 months old at the time. As all of us know, a lot can happen in a person’s life in just one month, let alone 24.
During my previous deployment to Iraq in 2010-’11, I left when my son was about 8 months old. When I returned, he was just almost 20 months old. Not only was he a bit bigger when I returned a year later, he was walking, starting to talk, and really getting into things. He went from barely being able to crawl to someone who could stand up and follow me around, though significantly slower. Honestly, it took me quite a while to get used to all of the changes that he had.
During both of my kids’ first two years, many people have come in and out of their lives. There are some children their ages with whom they have become friends and see fairly often. There are family members that have visited numerous times to see them. There are friends of the family, that have come to visit. Some of them are significant members of our community and some are ‘average Jane’ or ‘average Joe.’ As I grew up, my parents have kept a diary, of sorts, of people who have come to visit. As people come to visit for the first time or during significant events, they would sign their guestbook, so that they would have a record of their attendance.
Granted, many people during Jesus’ time could not read or write well. But, I would hazard a guess that Joseph, being a carpenter, probably had a basic education so that he could do his job well. Though things like parchment or papyrus were expensive, they could be obtained. Many times, animal hides were used in lieu of something else to write one. Or even tablets of clay were used for recording pieces of important information.
I sometimes wonder, who else visit Mary, Joseph, and the infant/toddler Jesus? How many close friend and relatives came to visit and give their blessings? How many friends did Mary and Joseph make while living in Bethlehem? Did any of them stay in contact with Mary and Joseph while they lived in Egypt and/or Nazareth? Scripture is strangely quiet about this.
What is interesting to me are the two extremes of people who are listed as visiting Jesus and His family. I’m not sure if you have thought much about it, but the shepherds and the Magi (sometimes called ‘Wisemen’) are two extremes. The shepherds would be of the low, peasant part of society. Whereas the Magi would be of the upper crust.
Throughout the centuries, there have been some farmers and herdsmen who were well off. But, most have been middle class or lower. More than likely, the shepherds of Jesus’ time were poor people who struggle to provide for their families. Constantly on the move in order to provide the fresh water and food for their livestock, they would not have much time for education, religious training, etc. Most of what they learned was acquired in the field. Their classroom was the world. They would have a keen understand of nature and how animals lived. But, many of them would lack anything more than a real basic education in other areas.
For the shepherds, their livestock was their life. Each and every sheep or goat in their herd was precious to them. Their wool and meat (mutton) was extremely important to the shepherds. It meant whether they could afford food and shelter, providing for their families, etc. For the majority of the shepherds to up and leave their herds during the night in order to visit Jesus and His family is an astound step of faith. Think about it… Many predators like lions, wolves, and bears, would love any opportunity to snatch just one sheep from the herd for a quick meal. Shepherds would have to watch a flock of sheep in shifts during the night in order to protect them. The fewer shepherds watching the flock, the higher the likelihood of predators killing some of them. Don’t forget that there would be thieves out there who would also like to have a ‘free sheep or goat’ of they thought they could get away with it.
Here they are, shepherds with minimal education and working long, hard hours, to take care of their flock. Maybe not the outcasts of society, but definitely not people of significance. But yet, God sent angles to them. Not just to announce to them that a Savior had been born, but to invite them to come and see Jesus. Not governors, religious leaders, or other leaders of society. Just lowly shepherds. On top of that, they risked a lot, leaving their flocks with a skeleton crew to watch them while they visited Jesus and His family.
Let’s contrast that with the Magi’s visit… While we do not know who the Magi were, we know that they brought three different costly gifts. We do not know exactly where they came from, just that they ‘came from the east.’ There are several possibilities according the article noted above concerning where the Magi came from. No matter where they came from, the definitely had to travel a long ways. Whether they traveled on horses, on camels, or another way, it would have taken them several weeks to several months to get to Bethlehem.
According to the map program that I have on my computer (Maps 4.1601.10150.0 © 2015 HERE, © 2015 Microsoft Corporation), the driving distance from Baghdad, Iraq, to Bethlehem, West Bank (Israel), is 621 miles. Of course, this is using modern roads. Let’s make the assumption that the modern roads between these two cities are based on ancient travel routes. Let’s also make the assumption that they traveled together in a caravan. According to one reference that I found ( http://news.softpedia.com/news/10-Amazing-Facts-About-Camels-68843.shtml), a caravan of camels can travel 18-25 miles a day (30-40 km). If that is the case, then it would have taken the Magi at least 24 days to travel from Baghdad to Bethlehem, if they traveled every day on flat ground. Quite a long time, isn’t it?
The Magi came baring gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Each of these items have a gifts have symbolic meaning, as well as great monetary value. These astrologers/religious leaders traveled a long distance, bring costly and royal gifts, to a peasant child. Fascinating, huh? Scripture is silent as to who they were, what kind of work they left in order to visit Jesus, exactly how they knew that the Son of God had been born in Bethlehem, or exactly where they came from.
Let’s think about all of this means for a few moments…. Simple and lowly shepherds were invited to witness Jesus’ birth. They left their flocks (their livelihood) in order to witness this incredible event. A year or so later, several Magi arrived ‘from the east’ baring costly and royal gifts for Jesus. It was revealed to foreigners and lowly peasants about Jesus’ birth, not to the religious leaders (Scribes and Pharisees) of Israel. Intriguing, isn’t it? Did you notice that this is similar the kind of people that Jesus reached out to through His ministry?
As we go about our lives, let us keep this in mind. God often reaches out to all sorts of people through us. And God uses all sorts of people to do His will. Whether it is the lowly farmer, shepherd, rancher, or the highly educated philosopher or religious leader, God uses all sorts of people. His message will never change. But, you never know how God will use you. Just as the shepherds and the Magi responded to God’s direction, let us strive to obey, too.
• The Coming of the Magi
• Magi, The
• Easton's Bible Dictionary: Shepherd
• Matthew 2:1-12 NAS
• Luke 2:1-20 NAS
A few weeks ago, our pastor was giving a sermon about ‘post holiday hangovers.’ That is, after all of the exciting and fun times that one has, the ‘down feeling’ that all of us feel to some extent. Throughout the sermon, he talked about how we have lots of excitement and fun with friends and families while together. But, after a while, the ‘mountain top experience’ turns into ‘a valley’ to one extent or another. Although the sermon was quite interesting, my INFJ brain locked onto some of the points that he was referencing and went off on its own direction. Hence, what I will be talking about in this blog entry.
During his sermon, our pastor talked about the Magi and the local shepherds who visited Jesus and His family while they were staying in Bethlehem. It is interesting that these two groups are the only ones that are recorded with their visits. Based on what Scripture states in Matthew 2:16, Jesus was approximately 12-24 months old at the time. As all of us know, a lot can happen in a person’s life in just one month, let alone 24.
During my previous deployment to Iraq in 2010-’11, I left when my son was about 8 months old. When I returned, he was just almost 20 months old. Not only was he a bit bigger when I returned a year later, he was walking, starting to talk, and really getting into things. He went from barely being able to crawl to someone who could stand up and follow me around, though significantly slower. Honestly, it took me quite a while to get used to all of the changes that he had.
During both of my kids’ first two years, many people have come in and out of their lives. There are some children their ages with whom they have become friends and see fairly often. There are family members that have visited numerous times to see them. There are friends of the family, that have come to visit. Some of them are significant members of our community and some are ‘average Jane’ or ‘average Joe.’ As I grew up, my parents have kept a diary, of sorts, of people who have come to visit. As people come to visit for the first time or during significant events, they would sign their guestbook, so that they would have a record of their attendance.
Granted, many people during Jesus’ time could not read or write well. But, I would hazard a guess that Joseph, being a carpenter, probably had a basic education so that he could do his job well. Though things like parchment or papyrus were expensive, they could be obtained. Many times, animal hides were used in lieu of something else to write one. Or even tablets of clay were used for recording pieces of important information.
I sometimes wonder, who else visit Mary, Joseph, and the infant/toddler Jesus? How many close friend and relatives came to visit and give their blessings? How many friends did Mary and Joseph make while living in Bethlehem? Did any of them stay in contact with Mary and Joseph while they lived in Egypt and/or Nazareth? Scripture is strangely quiet about this.
What is interesting to me are the two extremes of people who are listed as visiting Jesus and His family. I’m not sure if you have thought much about it, but the shepherds and the Magi (sometimes called ‘Wisemen’) are two extremes. The shepherds would be of the low, peasant part of society. Whereas the Magi would be of the upper crust.
Throughout the centuries, there have been some farmers and herdsmen who were well off. But, most have been middle class or lower. More than likely, the shepherds of Jesus’ time were poor people who struggle to provide for their families. Constantly on the move in order to provide the fresh water and food for their livestock, they would not have much time for education, religious training, etc. Most of what they learned was acquired in the field. Their classroom was the world. They would have a keen understand of nature and how animals lived. But, many of them would lack anything more than a real basic education in other areas.
For the shepherds, their livestock was their life. Each and every sheep or goat in their herd was precious to them. Their wool and meat (mutton) was extremely important to the shepherds. It meant whether they could afford food and shelter, providing for their families, etc. For the majority of the shepherds to up and leave their herds during the night in order to visit Jesus and His family is an astound step of faith. Think about it… Many predators like lions, wolves, and bears, would love any opportunity to snatch just one sheep from the herd for a quick meal. Shepherds would have to watch a flock of sheep in shifts during the night in order to protect them. The fewer shepherds watching the flock, the higher the likelihood of predators killing some of them. Don’t forget that there would be thieves out there who would also like to have a ‘free sheep or goat’ of they thought they could get away with it.
Here they are, shepherds with minimal education and working long, hard hours, to take care of their flock. Maybe not the outcasts of society, but definitely not people of significance. But yet, God sent angles to them. Not just to announce to them that a Savior had been born, but to invite them to come and see Jesus. Not governors, religious leaders, or other leaders of society. Just lowly shepherds. On top of that, they risked a lot, leaving their flocks with a skeleton crew to watch them while they visited Jesus and His family.
Let’s contrast that with the Magi’s visit… While we do not know who the Magi were, we know that they brought three different costly gifts. We do not know exactly where they came from, just that they ‘came from the east.’ There are several possibilities according the article noted above concerning where the Magi came from. No matter where they came from, the definitely had to travel a long ways. Whether they traveled on horses, on camels, or another way, it would have taken them several weeks to several months to get to Bethlehem.
According to the map program that I have on my computer (Maps 4.1601.10150.0 © 2015 HERE, © 2015 Microsoft Corporation), the driving distance from Baghdad, Iraq, to Bethlehem, West Bank (Israel), is 621 miles. Of course, this is using modern roads. Let’s make the assumption that the modern roads between these two cities are based on ancient travel routes. Let’s also make the assumption that they traveled together in a caravan. According to one reference that I found ( http://news.softpedia.com/news/10-Amazing-Facts-About-Camels-68843.shtml), a caravan of camels can travel 18-25 miles a day (30-40 km). If that is the case, then it would have taken the Magi at least 24 days to travel from Baghdad to Bethlehem, if they traveled every day on flat ground. Quite a long time, isn’t it?
The Magi came baring gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Each of these items have a gifts have symbolic meaning, as well as great monetary value. These astrologers/religious leaders traveled a long distance, bring costly and royal gifts, to a peasant child. Fascinating, huh? Scripture is silent as to who they were, what kind of work they left in order to visit Jesus, exactly how they knew that the Son of God had been born in Bethlehem, or exactly where they came from.
Let’s think about all of this means for a few moments…. Simple and lowly shepherds were invited to witness Jesus’ birth. They left their flocks (their livelihood) in order to witness this incredible event. A year or so later, several Magi arrived ‘from the east’ baring costly and royal gifts for Jesus. It was revealed to foreigners and lowly peasants about Jesus’ birth, not to the religious leaders (Scribes and Pharisees) of Israel. Intriguing, isn’t it? Did you notice that this is similar the kind of people that Jesus reached out to through His ministry?
As we go about our lives, let us keep this in mind. God often reaches out to all sorts of people through us. And God uses all sorts of people to do His will. Whether it is the lowly farmer, shepherd, rancher, or the highly educated philosopher or religious leader, God uses all sorts of people. His message will never change. But, you never know how God will use you. Just as the shepherds and the Magi responded to God’s direction, let us strive to obey, too.
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