The Practice of Renunciation

In ancient Christianity there was recognized a Christian discipline called “The practice of renunciation.” It was an intentional fight against temptations that the things and possessions of this world inherently posed as a threat against the Christian faith.

          Amma Theodora expressed it this way: “Just as the trees, if they have not stood before the winter’s storms, cannot bear fruit, so it is with us; this present age is a storm and without many trials and temptations we cannot obtain an inheritance in the kingdom of heaven” [F. M. Young. (2007). Brokenness and Blessing: Towards a Biblical Spirituality. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing House; page 22].

          Standing up before the storm, in the form of trials and temptations—what a daily challenge! We prefer not to have to do that. But as Theodora so rightly points out, we know that facing the storm develops strength, fortitude and resiliency.

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

          Not only is it hard to stand up before the storm, but James is so bold as to challenge us to do it with joy! Why is it this way? Notice the reason:

·        Testing of our faith produces perseverance

·        Perseverance finishes its work

·        So that we can be mature and complete

Our faith-walk in maturity and completeness demands facing trials and temptations! This is the reason for such joy. We have the ability to perceive the eventual outcome and the blessings of facing many different kinds of trials. James and Theodora nowhere indicate it has to feel good at the moment! But, the eventual outcome is so rich and so formative that we would desire no other way to live! In Christian love, Curtis

Joint-Heirs with Christ

Paul says: “The Spirit himself joins with our spirit to bear witness that we are children of God. And if we are children, then we are heirs, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:16-17).

When we start living according to this truth, our lives will be radically transformed. We will not only come to know the full freedom of the children of God but also the full rejection of the world. It is understandable that we hesitate to claim the honor so as to avoid the pain. But, provided we are willing to share in Christ’s suffering, we also will share in his glory (see Romans 8:17). http://henrinouwen.org/meditation/joint-heirs-christ/

            The above thoughts are provided by the Christian writer, Henri J. M. Nouwen. It brings to the forefront of our awareness who we really are. Our inheritance is our present possession now! That is why we are the richest people on the face of the earth.

            I  have no idea how the Spirit himself joins with our spirit to bear witness that we are indeed the children of God! But the awareness that this is happening daily is a gospel blessing that goes largely unrecognized in the Christian community. Think of how this helps us in our daily living as a Christian.

            When I feel like I have no inheritance, and there appear to be no blessings in sight because my daily life has become so chaotic, painful and desperate, I can go forward in the faith that the Spirit himself is still bearing witness as to who I am.

            This means that my external situations and frustrations and anxieties do not define my spiritual childhood with God, nor does it negate and take away my inheritance as a joint-heir with God and with Christ.

            Another astounding aspect of all this is, that in our own suffering we share in the suffering of Christ. The pain of life helps me appropriate the pain of Christ’s suffering which is mysteriously and divinely appropriated toward making me more like Him.

            Being a child of God, with Spirit’s testimony, and being a joint-heir with my inheritance being enjoyed now redemptively transforms the pain in my life. Being open to God’s providential working in the world, my commitment to a faith walk with God says that I will open up my pain for others to see the glory of God working through it all to transform me to be more and more like Christ.

            What a blessing to be a joint-heir! And, I wonder how those of us who are in Christian leadership roles understand our being a joint-heir with  Christ, and do we embody the joy of our inheritance for others to see?

In Christian love, Curtis

“Eye-Service” and People-Pleasers

Being a people-pleaser can be exhausting. What one soon learns is that the more you try to please people, or even a certain person, the less successful at that venture you become! The Christian faith was never devised by God to be lived on the surface, seeking to please people with “eye-service.”

            This word for people-pleaser that the apostle Paul uses in Ephesians 6:6, “eye-service,” is only used this once in all of the New Testament. “Eye-service” is a good translation of ophthalmodoulian, which is a compound word made up of two words put together—eye + service. What does this mean?

            “Eye-service” has the basic and root idea of doing only what pleases other people, “it is labor when the master is present, but relaxing and laziness as soon as he is  gone” (Rogers & Rogers, The New Linguistic and Exegetical Key to the Greek New Testament, 1998, p. 446). It literally carries the idea of service under the master’s eye. One writer expresses it this way: “…For the master’s eye usually stimulates to greater diligence; his absence, on the other hand, renders sluggish.”

            Paul does not address the systemic issue of slavery as to whether it is moral or not. Instead, the gospel demands that those servants who are Christians care about the quality of their work. They are not to be shirkers, claiming that their new life of grace gives them freedom to do whatever they want. Rather, they are to work as to the Lord Jesus Christ. The risen Lord is their true Master!

            A lot of lessons are imbedded in this admonition that can apply to us nearly 2,000 years later. We work for the Lord, not our bosses. This means “eye-service” is not an option. We work hard regardless of who is watching. This kind of work ethic is what commends the gospel to those who do not know Jesus. Our sincere, hard-working, authentic lifestyle of living and being accountable to Jesus, the higher moral ground, will commend the good news to those who are not Christians. May God give us the daily motivation to live like this all of the time!

In Christian love, Curtis

A Biblical Basis for Small Groups in the Church

As far back as 1996 Darrin Kennedy offered the following caution in regard to small groups: “The church today should not have small groups simply because the early church had them”[Kennedy, Darin. (1996,  Third Quarter). “A Theology of Small Groups.” Restoration Quarterly 38.3: 175-183. He bases this caution on other simplistic attempts at reproducing the early church in the twentieth and twenty-first century with the practices of foot-washing, women having their heads  covered, etc.

We have to admit that it is not an easy thing deciding on what congregational life needs to look like in order to reflect the life of the church in the first century.

The thing I like most about Kennedy’s caution is that he follows it up with a solid biblical reason to have small groups that is based on two things: the biblical concept of community, and the biblical identity of election. This means that small groups are not pursued because it is the best pragmatic decision to make the church grow. Rather, small groups are offered as place to experience community and identity. I cannot think of a stronger case to make for the existence of and offering of small groups by a congregation for its members!

Small groups perhaps are akin to small house churches in the first century. Therein perhaps lies a potential disadvantage that seems to scare people off—being that close-knit means that too many other people are going to know about my business!

This fear does not come from a heart that is pursuing Jesus. Fear of being known is a radical, rugged individualistic value that is diametrically opposed to Christian community. The only way that I can grow spiritually is to let others know me as I am. After all, the basic stance of the Christian life is to be known by God (See Galatians 4:9). The natural outcome of that is to let each of us know one another.

Small groups are perhaps the best format to implement meaningful “one another” religion. We really do need one another to live out our life of faith. Paul greets his readers at the end of his letter to the Colossians by saying, “Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house” (Colossians 4:15).  It seems that the church met from house to house in many cities of the first century. In this context two things were solidified: community and identity.

May we all here at Highland View pursue those opportunities of community and identity where we seriously live out our Christian calling!

In Christian love, Curtis

Maybe I am Not Ready Yet…!

             

            This week I came across the following personal confession of a Christian writer: “Maybe I am not ready yet to suffer for the Kingdom of God. My heart is too impure, my soul too divided, my love too fragile.”

            Suffering for the kingdom of God is something we would rather not think about. But recent news events have forced the thoughts upon us. For too long, perhaps, we have tried to separate any form of suffering being related to faithfulness in the kingdom. Especially if we are thinking about undeserved suffering.

            But in the quote above we are made aware that perhaps it is our heart, soul and love that are not ready for this level of acceptance and commitment. It is a topic that is touched on in Scripture. In fact, nearly 150 times it is mentioned by various biblical writers.

            Perhaps the one Scripture passage that hits home on this topic is the following one in the Book of Revelation:

            “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown” (Revelation 2:10).

          The apostle John, while in exile on Patmos, is instructed to write this message to the angel of the church in Smyrna. He begins by counseling his readers from that city to not be afraid of what they are about to suffer. That gets at the heart of it all. We who are Christians must daily ask God, Christ and the Spirit to strengthen our faith and not let any kind of fear to debilitate us.

            Spiritual persecution is pictured by John as the devil putting some of them in prison to test them. They are counseled to be faithful, even to the point of death. As a direct result of that faithfulness, a victor’s crown will be given them in the form of eternal life with God—a present and future presence with Sovereign God.

            Are we ready yet to suffer for the Kingdom of God? Christians in other parts of the world already are suffering at the point of giving their lives. May our hearts be made more pure, our souls more undivided in our commitment, and our love stronger so that when the time comes we will be ready to lay our lives down for our brothers and sisters in Christ, and for the kingdom of God!

In Christian love, Curtis

What is the Church?

 Recently Dr. Wendell Willis shared his frustration with his students at Abilene Christian University who do not share his passion for the New Testament teaching about the church (see his article: “The Erosion of Community—A Challenge to the Church,” Christian Studies No. 25, 2011-2012; pages 9-19). Even though many of the students would be characterized as committed believers at some level, most do not have a solid belief about the church, “nor do they see a need for one” (p. 9).

            It raises a fundamental question: does the church exist to cater to my felt needs and keep me happy, or does the church exist as a visible community for me to be committed to as the ongoing work of God? This question frames the “continental divide” for us regarding the nature of the church. Our culture has deeply ingrained in all of us that institutions, organizations and groups exist to meet all of our needs. This supersedes any thought of my committing myself to serve in such a setting.

            I am especially intrigued with the first two occurrences of the word “church” (ekklesia) in the New Testament. They are both in the Gospel of Matthew (16:18 & 18:17). The first reference talks about the nature and power of the church, and the second reference points out the key role that church has in the reconciliation of relationships. The church is built upon a confessional recognition of Jesus as Lord, and even death itself cannot prevent this community of faith forming. Additionally, this community of faith is the context where reconciliation occurs because of the initial reconciling work of God in Christ for that community to start with! What a place to start with our ideas regarding the nature and need for the church!

In Christian love, Curtis

Meeting God [1]

Christian faith travels a continuum. It goes from believing about, to believing in, to believing together. Sometimes this “believing together” is spoken of in the Scriptures in two ways: meeting God and covenant faithfulness.

            In the Old Testament Moses goes up into the mountain to meet God. In that meeting Moses is given the Ten Commandments. Joshua tells the entire congregation of Israel to get ready to meet God the next day to worship Him.

            Probably the most well known expression of this is found in the Psalms.

Psalm 42:2

“My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?”

        God created each one of us to have a deep thirst for Him. Only the Living Waters from the Living God can quench the thirst of my living soul. The Psalmist is so sensitive and aware of this inner reality that he asks the question regarding the next time he can go and meet with God?

            Traditionally, in the history of Christian thought this question has been answered by recognizing the various ways we can meet God. They are listed as follows:

1.     Meeting God in Prayer

2.     Meeting God in Service

3.     Meeting God in the Assembly of Worship

4.     Meeting God in the Created Order

5.     Meeting God in Scripture

6.     Meeting God in the Community of Faith

7.     Meeting God in Everyday Life

8.     Meeting God in Mystical Moments

Starting in next week’s bulletin, we will look at each of these 8 ways to meet God. How have you answered this question lately: “when can I go and meet with God?”

In Christian love, Curtis

Tuesdays with Morrie (3): I Promised to Keep in Touch

       

   Mitch Albom confesses that for 17 years he lost contact with his former professor. At his graduation he promised his teacher, Morrie Swartz, that he would stay in touch. He did not. He laments,

“In fact, I lost contact with most of the people I knew in college…The years after graduation hardened me into someone quite different from the strutting graduate who left campus that day headed for New York City, ready to offer the world his talent.”

                How many of us have been guilty of the same thing? We promise to stay in touch with people we think we should at the time. But, life’s circumstances and the demands of job, home, school, etc. drive a wedge between our good intentions and the fulfilling of our promises.

                Why is this so important?

                Keeping promises eliminates guilt. We all have done this. Whenever you think of a person, you know you need to communicate with them, but you put it off. Guilt has a strange way of operating off of compound interest: guilt ignored produces more guilt. We find out that when we fail to stay in touch, good memories are replaced with a burdened conscience that feels like a backpack full of rocks.

                Staying in touch validates relationships. Nothing is more important in the world than people. Think about what Christ died for: not programs, but people. Not money, but people. Not power, prowess or prestige, but people. When we keep our word and stay in touch with people, it validates those relationships. There are wonderful blessings and benefits that accrue both ways between friends when relationships are tended to!

                Staying in contact keeps priorities straight. Mitch reveals in his own life that the demands of chasing his dreams, and the demands of deadline-oriented career made him forget some very important people in his life. Once we are caught up in the web of “the tyranny of the urgent,” we are spun into a cocoon  of our own making that becomes a straightjacket binding us to a selfish existence. We forget about others, and our priorities in view of others and eternity gets all messed up.

                Have we followed up on our own promises of staying in touch?

In Christian love, Curtis

Tuesdays with Morrie

It seems that every year during vacation I pick out a book to read. This year it was Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. Mitch is a famous sports writer with the Detroit Free Press. Morrie was Mitch’s college professor and mentor. They both connected back up after 16 years absence when Mitch found out that Ted Koppel on Nightline was having an interview with Morrie because he was slowly dying of ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease. This book is the weekly visits on Tuesday that Mitch had with his old professor.

This book was originally published in 1997. I have the 2007 edition with Mitch’s Afterward in it. Nancy and I both read it to each other while traveling in the car during our vacation. Mitch presents his weekly conversations as a final test, a final thesis, to be turned in and the lessons learned during the intense and emotional conversations.

The book is at once easy to read and hard to read. Easy—because snapshots of the past are woven into present narrative and conversation. Hard—because heart, personal memories and fears, are all drawn out for each reader with their raw edge of harsh reality.

Over the next few weeks I want to draw ideas and quotes from this best seller. I will reflect on them with relevant observations.

To get us started, I want to reflect on part of the title. The book is entitled…Tuesdays with Morrie: An old man, a young man, and life’s greatest lessons. It is published by Broadway Books out of New York.

“Life’s greatest lessons.” If you could take time and share with someone younger than yourself about life’s greatest lessons, what would you share? When you begin talking about life’s greatest lessons, several dynamics come into play.

First, life’s greatest lessons are hard won and blood bought, so to speak. The reason they are lessons is because they come at a price. It is from the University of Hard Knocks that one receives his or her degree. Those hard knocks are the harsh reality of life that cannot be ignored.

Second, life’s greatest lessons are akin to the Wisdom Literature of the Bible. They speak of practical wisdom,  understanding God’s providential hand in the learning process. Wisdom gained from life shapes and molds one’s character, which is God’s divine intent for each human being.

Third, some of life’s hardest lessons  become part of the process of divine discipline. The big question here is, “Am I willing to learn from life’s experiences, and allow my heart, mind and soul to be shaped into a Christ-like character?”

Find you a copy and join me in this journey over the next few weeks!

In Christian love, Curtis

I Could Not Exist at All!

Perhaps we do not ponder the reality of our own personal existence as often as we should. The early apologist, Augustine, left for Christian posterity his own questions reflecting such a pondering. In Book I.2, here is the conclusion he draws after posing agonizing questions trying to figure his own existence:

“So, then, I should be null and void and could not exist at all, if you, my God, were not in me.” [Augustine, Confessions. Penguin Classics, page 22]

          The meaning and purpose of our individual existence is made real because God is in us. Not only are we made in His image, but His actual being and presence is in us. Christ is in us. And the Holy Spirit is in us. T

          This is more than just the “breath of life” being breathed into us. We are a living soul, and when we are in covenant relationship with God, He is in us. Listen to how John the apostle expressed it in his later years…

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them”( 1 John 4:16).

We can elaborate on Augustine’s conclusion when we bring the Apostle John into the conversation. Not only do we not exist at all unless God is in us, but neither can we have love for others, and express love for others unless God lives in us.

God lives in us! What in incredible thing to think about. No empirical test nor sophisticated argument can negate this transcendent reality! God, other than us, becomes God in us! We are the pinnacle of God’s creation, and I suspect that one of God’s greatest delights is to dwell within His people! His greatest desire is to love His people, and to see His people love him.

          One thing for sure…I could not exist at all without God! Does my life of love demonstrate that dependency?

In Christian love, Curtis

Spiritual Formation in the New Testament (4)

This will be the last installment at this point regarding spiritual formation in the New Testament letters. It dawned on me this morning that all 27 books of the New Testament canon would have a different and unique perspective on growing spiritually.

We have already looked at Matthew somewhat, which would be representative of the Synoptics. John’s gospel provides a unique look at this. For example, Jesus says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (6:35).  Feasting and drinking as Jesus offers himself is key to the entire idea of spiritual formation. It is knowing to whom we must go, and for what we must go that defines the journey of growth.

A good example of a book’s unique angle is also seen in Acts. For example, we read, “Meanwhile the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was built up. Living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers” (Acts 9:31). All through the book of Acts emphasis is placed upon the fact that spiritual growth is in a body-of-believers context. The Holy Spirit causes this growth, and its power and effect is seen in interpersonal relationships and their quality. Peace is enjoyed and everyone is built up and encouraged. Additionally, the element of reverential awe for the work of God and basking in the comfort of the Holy Spirit defines the blessings enjoyed. When the Spirit works this way, the body increases.

Space and time limits what we can do with this topic. But think of how Romans, Galatians, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and  Philemon all treat this subject. Especially think of how the non-Pauline books of the rest of the New Testament add their own flavor to spiritual growth: Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1-2-3 John, Jude and Revelation.

As you can readily see, the definition, experience, metaphors, perspectives and observations on spiritual growth are myriad in the New Testament. I challenge all of us in our daily readings to be open to what we learn about growing more and more like Jesus Christ to the glory of the Father for the sake of others!

In Christian love, Curtis

Spiritual Formation in the New Testament (2)

You may recall last week that we launched this topic of “spiritual formation” off of an article that James W. Thompson (who teaches at Abilene Christian University) wrote entitled “Paul and Spiritual Formation.”

          Thompson points out that “formation” is a unique word used by Paul. But the idea is not unique to Paul. Formation has to do with being shaped and formed spiritually into the image of Christ by the power of the Spirit. I would argue strongly that each book of the New Testament addresses the issue of spiritual formation. It may be that each writer uses unique or special terminology, but the idea is consistent throughout the New Testament.

          Last week we mentioned that  in the first temptation Jesus responds to the devil by saying, “It is written, Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). For Matthew, the concept of “living on words that come from God’s mouth” is the sustenance of spiritual growth and formation.

          In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus challenges the audience to ask, seek, and knock. This will be rewarded with answer given, search rewarded and the door opened. Though Jesus does not elaborate on this, it appears to describe a spiritual movement of one’s heart, mind and soul in pursuing God. As a result of the pursuit, God blesses with divine growth and spiritual formation.

         

          I suppose for each of us, the daily challenge is to keep asking, seeking and knocking. That process alone is formative and molds us more and more into the image of Christ. As God’s children we ask from the One who loves and responds. As God’s lost and confused children we seek His direction. As God’s children who seek refuge and safety, we knock at the door of His very Presence. Let us persevere in this process of spiritual formation!

To God be the glory!

           

In Christian love, Curtis

Spiritual Formation in the New Testament

            In a recent journal article James W. Thompson (who teaches at ACU) wrote an article on “Paul and Spiritual Formation” [(2010). Christian Studies. 24: 7-19.] I want to take some of the broad ideas he presented and apply them to the larger context of the New Testament.

            Why has the phrase “spiritual formation” become a fad? My first acquaintance with this terminology was in the late 1980’s. I was sort of officially introduced to this by reading Richard Foster’s book, The Celebration of Discipline. From that point forward, an entirely new world of the Christian faith opened up to me, both its history and its practice of spiritual formation.

            From July 2000 to April 2002, I attended and participated in The Academy for Spiritual Formation, Academy #14. From that 2-year formative experience my Christian life was forever changed. My breadth and exposure to the history of Christian thought and the practice of the spiritual disciplines enriched and deepened my own Christian walk far beyond what I even dreamed was possible. God  has used that experience to keep me growing in my faith.

            Thompson points out that “formation” is a unique word used by Paul. But the idea is not unique to Paul. Formation has to do with being shaped and formed spiritually into the image of Christ by the power of the Spirit. I would argue strongly that each book of the New Testament addresses the issue of spiritual formation. It may be that each writer uses unique or special terminology, but the idea is consistent throughout the New Testament.

            For example, in the first temptation Jesus responds to the devil by saying, “It is written, Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). For Matthew, the concept of “living on words that come from God’s mouth” is the sustenance of spiritual growth and formation.

            In the gospel of Matthew God’s living words sustain us. Just as bread is eaten everyday to sustain our bodies, God’s “bread” is taken daily in order for us to grow and be formed into the image of Christ. Next week will continue this thought.

In Christian love, Curtis

THEY ARE JUST LIKE US!

            On Sunday morning in room 10 we are beginning a new study of the book of Hebrews. One thing that is rather enlightening is to become aware of the situation of the original hearers/readers, and get an insight into the pastoral care of the writer.

            It seems right at the start that the intended audience of this “word of exhortation” (the book of Hebrews) have a wrong or incorrect view of Jesus. More than ever, in my own life and Christian journey, I have come to the realization that my view and perspective of Jesus drives my attitudes, actions and behavior.

            Apparently, these original readers were worshiping and venerating angels above Jesus. We find out that our forefathers, prophets and angels all had a part in disseminating the will of God to his people. “But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” (Hebrews 1:2).

            This “speaking” by the Son is in two simultaneous ways: first, by his very life speaking the will of God, and, his teachings offered during his earthly ministry. The direction of his life and his self-understanding of his mission spoke volumes about God’s will to the human race. And, his verbal teachings encapsulated God’s desire for human beings, reconciliation and renewal.

            They are just like us! The original hearers of this exhortation began to neglect and replace the central figure of the risen Christ in their life. We are just like them! We, too, can begin to neglect the central figure of the risen Christ in our own lives and forget that God continues to speak to us through His Son.

            The message of God is incarnational. The message of God came through a person. The message of God came through a person identified as God’s Son.

            In the opening Prologue to the book of Hebrews (1:1-4) the writer goes into a little detail as to the character of this Son. That is for another time for us to explore. Here and now I want to point out the dynamic of God speaking through his Son.

            Every generation of Christians has struggled with discerning the voice of God. Probably the best place to begin is to hear what God is saying to us through the life and words of Jesus, the Son.

            Prophets, forefathers and angels cannot take his place, nor supersede his role of speaking on behalf of God. He has spoken to us.

            It is in the gospels that we hear God speaking to us through His Son, Jesus. We are privileged to have all 4 gospels. Each one tells the story of Jesus, speaking on behalf of God, from a little different perspective.

            Matthew in 1:21 lays out the terrain of Jesus’ life journey—from son (of Mary & Joseph) to Savior and back to Son again! This incarnational journey speaks volumes. God identifies with us through Jesus. Jesus is able to sympathize with our weaknesses, and speaks on behalf of God regarding that kind of empathy and care. Praise God that he has spoken to us by His Son!

In Christian love, Curtis

Rachel Weeping for Her Children: Lamentations during Yuletide

A time of weeping. Who would have thought that during the time of Jesus’ birth that Herod, the furious king who had been outwitted, would have all of the boys (2 years old and under) around the vicinity of Bethlehem killed?

                A time of weeping. Who would have thought in a Connecticut  elementary school a week before Christmas that a troubled and disturbed young man would kill 20 six and seven year olds in their classroom?

                Yes, a time of weeping. A time of weeping for the parents, for the relatives, for the friends, for the adults, for the teachers, for the community, for the state, for the nation.

                A time of weeping because evil is present. Sometimes evil is present in proportions that our human mind can hardly fathom. It is at those moments that it seems nothing can really console, nothing can really soothe the pain, there is no balm for the soul.

                A time of weeping, a time of lament. When Herod did the unthinkable, he also created the un-consolable. Listen to how Matthew in his gospel records this…

                “A voice is heard in Ramah,

                                Weeping and great mourning,

                Rachel weeping for her children

                                And refusing to be comforted,

                Because they are no more” (Matthew 2:18).

The human condition of unconscionable acts perpetrated upon innocent people could not have been painted any more poignantly. “Because they are no more.” A vacancy left. A hole in the heart. A vacuum of presence.

                Two huge things make a difference for the Christian in this painful moment: God suffers with the children and parents, and evil will not prevail. Only God can provide the kind of comfort that such a bruised heart needs. Since He is the God of all comfort, He alone can walk with us in the mourning of our lamentations and accept the meaning of our groans. Let us collectively pray for the “Rachels” who are weeping for their children and refuse to be comforted because they are no more.

In Christian love, Curtis

What is the Gospel? (1)

First of all, it is an English word  which comes from Middle English, from the Old English word godspel. This compound word is made up of god which means “good,” and spel which means “tale.” It is used to translate the Late Latin word evangelium which means “good news.” This comes from the Greek word εύαγγελιον which means “good news.”

So, what is the gospel, the good-tale, the good news all about? How is it portrayed in the New Testament?

First, we must look into the Old Testament and Greco-Roman usage to get the power of this word and why it was chosen to express a central concept of New Testament theology.

The verb “to speak the good news” is first used in 1 Samuel 31:9. After a battle in which the Philistines fought with Israel, Saul and his sons die in battle. After the battle is over the Philistine army strips the armor off of Saul and sends it back home, “sending round glad tidings (good news) to their idols and to the people. “ A public display is made of Saul’s dead body, and they exhibit his battle armor in the temple of Astarte.

This interesting use of the word “good news” comes out of the context of a victor in battle. The Philistines rejoice and sound out the good news that their arch enemy and leader has been vanquished in combat.

Theologically and metaphorically this idea stays inherent within the word itself. Satan and his army has been vanquished by the resurrection of Jesus. The good news of victory is inherent in the New Testament usage of this word.

In 2 Samuel 1:20 we find the next usage of this word. After the battle mentioned above, David laments over Saul and over Jonathan his son. David gives an order to share his lament with the sons of Judah, and even to have it written down for posterity in the book of Jasher. Part of this lament cautions, “Do not tell it in Geth, and do not tell it as glad tidings (“good news”) in the streets of Ascalon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice…”

Another inherent concept within the gospel, “good news,” is that the good news is bad news for someone. In this case, it was Judah and David. In the case of the Christian, it is Satan and his world. The good news of Jesus is bad news for Satan and his kingdom. Satan has already lost the war. He is losing enlistments daily. He is losing battles daily.

Continuing the story, in 2 Samuel 4:10 someone reports to David that Saul was dead, and assumes that David is going to take it as good news. David is so upset that he kills the messenger! This gives us another insight into “good news.” Often it is not appreciated and the herald or messenger is persecuted, punished or killed. Reminds us of Jesus, doesn’t it!

The gospel, the good news…celebration of victory, the enemy has been overcome, but the message not always appreciated!

What is the good news of Jesus in your life?

In Christian love, Curtis

NO LEFTOVER CAKE AFTER THANKSGIVING!

The first reference in the Bible to thankfulness is with reference to a thanksgiving cake! Both the recipe and when to eat it is mentioned! In my wife’s recipes for Thanksgiving Dinner, and even the recipes I remember seeing in my mother’s kitchen, none of them contained an expiration date or when to eat what was baked!

                Israel’s first instructions regarding an offering or expression of thankfulness connected with their “fellowship offering.” Traditionally this was known as a “peace offering.” Perhaps it is not a coincidence that an offering of thankfulness came out of fellowship and peace!

                Though today we do not think of a  thanksgiving cake, I suppose our substitute would be the Thanksgiving turkey.   Just as recipe stipulations were made in the preparation of Israel’s offering of a thanksgiving cake, so too, we all have family special recipes that determine how we fix and prepare and cook the turkey. Also, it seems that a dinner is not complete without rolls! We have Thanksgiving rolls, and what an aroma out of the kitchen when they are ready to serve!

                Another odd stipulation was that all of the thanksgiving cake must be eaten of the day it was baked; a person “must leave none it until the morning”(Leviticus 7:15). This does away with the necessity of creative leftovers. I was thinking about this command, and I suppose it is rooted in the idea of thankfulness being experienced in the here and the now. After all, the more leftovers hang around the less thankful we become!

                No leftover cake. No leftover turkey. No leftover fixin’s.

                In Leviticus these regulations for the “fellowship offering of thanksgiving” are in a large section where more regulations are given for the burnt offering, the grain offering, the sin offering, and the ordination offering. These guidelines were given Moses on Mt. Sinai by God, and taken into their practice of offerings when they sojourned in the Desert of Sinai.

                Bottom line:   Every offering is connected with the covenant care and love of God to remind His people of how much He cared for them.

                This year in our participation of the Thanksgiving Holiday, let us focus on God’s love and care. Let us offer thanksgiving to God out of fellowship and peace with others.  This helps us keep this holiday centered, grounded in relationships, and thankful for life itself. The material blessings are just a serendipity!

In Christian love, Curtis

Struggling in Prayer Together

Every church I have ever been a part of has a prayer line or prayer request opportunity. So many misconceptions surround the practice of prayer. Additionally, many unknown dimensions of prayer remain unknown in actual practice. The one I want to focus on is what I call “Mutual Agonizing Prayer.”

            Sean was a young man who asked me to visit him. His world had caved in because of unsuccessful surgeries that left him virtually incapacitated and unable to eat normally. The pain, the misery and the depression were quite acute. On this particular day I entered his apartment and all he could do was listen and pet his dog. It was the first time in my life that I made the following statement: “Sean, I will help take on your painful struggle and pray in your presence right now, trying to say what you are feeling.” Taking on the pain of another introduces empathy into our own lives at a whole new level.

            The apostle Paul understood this mutually, deep experience of prayer. On one occasion he requests that his Christian brothers and sisters in Rome “agonize together with me in prayer” (Romans 15:30). He was asking to be delivered from mistreatment and other difficult obstacles in his life. He felt he could only face these trying circumstances by asking others on board his ship of life. No such thing as sailing solo for Paul during a storm!

            To the church at Colossae Paul reminds them of their friend, Epaphras, who also “agonized in prayer on their behalf”(Colossians 4:12). He specifically prayed for their spiritual maturity and an assurance that they were committing their lives properly to the will of God.

            Think with me, now, about this mutual, deep experience of prayer. Here is what we can struggle together about…

·         Health concerns that overwhelm

·         Proper way to respond to mistreatment

·         Spiritual maturity

·         Right decision-making

·         Support in the midst of emotional pain

·         Right direction in a person’s life

I know that we all can add to this list. When we go through the fires of pain, and life throws one obstacle after another in our path, we understand in the Christian world-view that we do not have to make that journey alone! “Struggling together in prayer” is a mutual blessing that is embraced by Christians who care for one another.

In Christian love, Curtis

BENT FIGURE OF A WOMAN: Meditation on Vincent Van Gogh’s Picture

There seems to be an unspoken weariness expressed by her posture. It mimics and mirrors the weariness of our own souls. Perhaps the day’s chores have been completed, leaving an inner “depleted-ness.” Her head is resting on her left hand as if it has no energy of its own. Even the most simple of tasks, holding the head up, is unthinkable at this moment.

          The right hand is lifelessly drooped over her knee as if it too needs support and help. Having worked and fulfilled the day’s pressing demands, it now rests in exhaustion.

          For some reason the word “resignation” seems appropriate to depict her entire demeanor. What is she resigned to? Has a loved one left her? Has her heart been broken? Are the pressing responsibilities more than she can bear? Does the future seem hopeless with no hint of change?

          The eyes looking downward and over to the side are telling indeed. They seem to ask the question, “Why are you bothering me with your empty promises? Things are not going to get better. Why should I care anymore?” These burning questions are responses to the false hopes uttered by one who has stepped out of her view. Those false hopes ring so hollow, echoes of emptiness reverberating in the chambers of her lonely heart.

          Purpose and motivation have been crushed by the weight of obligations never letting up. Something about her bent figure seated in a chair echoes the contours of our own inner life. Too often our own unspoken weariness comes from a loss of vision within. The boss had piled on another deadline. The children have been sick one too many times. My spouse has misunderstood me and hurt my feelings again. Another unexpected bill has arrived in the mail. Facebook has de-friended me from another friend.

          How can we go on in the face of such “depleted-ness?” Somehow the energy to go on can no longer be mustered. Her own fatigue has forced her heart to create space for God. This woman may very well be engaged in “weary prayer.” Such a prayer would be the inner groanings escaping from a wearied soul. These type of prayers know the fullness of empty words. They are prayed out of truthfulness in the heart when the mind is too numb to function any more.

          If I were to draw a graphic with my own bent figure in the chair, what would it look like? What clothes would I be wearing? How would my head be resting? Where would I be casting my gaze? What would my hands be doing, if anything?

          Often at the end of a long, exhausting day a couch or lounge chair provides the perfect respite for the depleted soul. How do I recoup and regroup from the day’s demands? Limitations of my personhood create caverns in the psyche where self-doubt, fear and rejection take up residence and spread quietly like a deadly cancer.

Do I allow God to embrace my soul and refresh me? My own “weary prayers” are the lifeline to a caring God. God sees the weariness and personal exhaustion. God accepts the failures, provides clarity of vision and defines purpose for my life.

My own “bent-ness” is noticed by a loving and compassionate God.

"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, NIV).