Admittedly, I struggle with Christmas. Not all aspects of Christmas, just what we have done to it. As a result I may have inadvertently avoided the subject altogether. But as I reflect on what the birth of Christ meant to a lost and depraved generation I can't help but marvel at the event that took place some 2000 years ago and what He still means to us today; a lost and depraved generation.
It was not long ago that I had my third child; a daughter. I remember the overwhelming feeling of anticipation and excitement while we waited for her arrival. I remember the long sleepless night right before we went into the hospital knowing that the next day we would have a new member added to our family. And when Charlotte finally came into the world, I remember very well the feeling of joy and hope that she brought with her. Right now she is sitting in her exersaucer across from me and I still see that same hope and joy in her face today and I celebrate her being in my life.
When Jesus Christ was brought into this world, born of a virgin and conceived of the Holy Spirit, it was an anticipation that was shared by all of creation; and when He finally arrived the heavens and earth rejoiced. They rejoiced because they had been waiting so long for the fulfillment of Gods simple promise, to send a redeemer; and now that redeemer had arrived in the form of a child. That child represented hope and joy like no other before or after. It is a joy and hope that we can still see if we know the one who was sent of God.
We are now in a similar situation as we look to the day when that same Redeemer will restore the earth. We live in the age of grace, forgiven and justified through Jesus Christ, and now we look to the day when perfection comes. That glorious and dreadful day of the Lord. Will we be like the shepherds who were able to witness one of the greatest moments in all of history, or will we resemble the religious leaders who missed their messiah because they were more focused on being religious than being saved from their own iniquities? The choice is yours to make. At this time of year, let us look to the one who was sent to redeem and not to the Jesus we have used as an excuse for our own commercialism, materialism and religiosity.
Rob
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Poor Among Us
Living downtown Toronto, I find it easy enough to go and be of some help to those in need, namely the homeless that so often fill our parks and streets. I find it a simple enough task to take a few minutes of my day and buy someone a coffee or donut from Tim Horton’s. In fact, if you try it yourself, you’ll probably find it’s not even that hard to sit and have a chat with one of these people. Maybe not even about anything special, but it’s amazing how meaningful it is to show someone that they matter, and that someone does care.
To me, living here and experiencing this sort of thing is commonplace.
But can I tell you what is really hard for me? (The hard thing, which I don’t like to think about because it makes me uncomfortable just to picture it)
Doing more…yikes! Those are scary words. To do more- To go back the next day and spend another few minutes with the same guy; to give more time; to find out what is really going on and try to help; to give more than food or clothing; to take someone out for a nice dinner, knowing people will look at you funny. To make them feel loved no matter what it takes.
“But no, I can’t give too much of myself; especially not today.”
Why not today?
“But I’ve already done so much to help.”
Maybe so, but can you do more?
“But it is so inconvenient; so uncomfortable; so tough; so tiresome; so frightening...”
So what?
For me, when say I stop to say hello to someone on the street, the initial small talk is easy enough. But then there is that pause- you know, the one where you usually say “well, it was really nice talking to you, I have to be on my way”- and then you head on to that place you really don’t have to be on your way too in any real hurry.
But the challenge as Christians is that God doesn’t want us to just cross to the other side of the road, or to take the easy road as it were. He calls us to something greater. It’s as if he says to us:
‘What if instead of leaving, you just stayed. Just sit there in the silence, and maybe after a moment, or perhaps even a long while, conversation might carry on. Or maybe it won’t, who knows? (Here, I usually wince with that face that says ‘oh no’, and try everything I can to get the thought out of my head- but it’s too late. I know as long as I don’t do it, the feeling won’t go away.)
We often try to justify our reasons for getting out while it’s still safe, but we all know what we really need to do in those situations. It’s just a matter of if we actually follow through.
But man, it’s not easy. I can tell you this from the too few times I’ve actually tried it. It is not glamorous like you picture it being when you hear heroic tales of such things.
I don’t know about you, but the music in the background of movies gets me going, especially ones like ‘Brave Heart’- Bagpipes playing and William Wallace fearlessly leading his army of common men- there is nothing more heroic and inspiring in my eyes. I feel like I could change the world…
But in all reality, when you wake up and head out the door in the morning, there is no music, and definitely no William Wallace by your side.
But what we do have is this: A great hope in a God who so intimately relates to the same struggles, and promises to be with us as we go out into the world; a God who is indeed alive in us. And in Him, there is great comfort in knowing the victory is ours. Because if God is for us, then who can be against us? (I think we need remind ourselves that even William Wallace will fall at the feet of God in awe on that great day.)
So when it comes to actually making a difference in someone’s life, I’ve had to realize it is not as easy as people make it out to be in movies. In fact, it can be quite uncomfortable. What if, for example, it is raining outside, or if it’s cold, or you’re hungry, thirsty, tired, angry, or whatever. Maybe the person smells. Maybe you smell. It is usually not very convenient.
But to stay anyways…wow! Now that is a real challenge. Have you ever tried it? To stick it out and take what is really but a fraction of your life to have a meaningful time with someone who surely would appreciate it. To do as Jesus did and meet people as they are, with an agenda formed only of love and compassion, and not personal gain: To ‘seek and save that which is lost’; to love your neighbour as you love yourself; to not just give a small portion of your time, money, love, etc…, but to give your all to show the world there is a God who loves them. And most importantly, to remember and pray continually for those whom you seek to serve.
Like I said before, it’s easy enough for me to meet people in need on the street, even just out my front door. But loving our neighbour is much more than just helping the poor man on the street, though that is a part. Our needy neighbours are those in our communities, our workplaces, our schools, and even our Churches. The single parents for example, the troubled youth, and the lonely widows, just to name a few. It’s a matter of praying for the opportunity and opening our eyes to the real needs of peoples’ hearts. Everyone is just a person, and every person hurts.
It’s something to think about, something to pray about, and something to do.
Andrew
To me, living here and experiencing this sort of thing is commonplace.
But can I tell you what is really hard for me? (The hard thing, which I don’t like to think about because it makes me uncomfortable just to picture it)
Doing more…yikes! Those are scary words. To do more- To go back the next day and spend another few minutes with the same guy; to give more time; to find out what is really going on and try to help; to give more than food or clothing; to take someone out for a nice dinner, knowing people will look at you funny. To make them feel loved no matter what it takes.
“But no, I can’t give too much of myself; especially not today.”
Why not today?
“But I’ve already done so much to help.”
Maybe so, but can you do more?
“But it is so inconvenient; so uncomfortable; so tough; so tiresome; so frightening...”
So what?
For me, when say I stop to say hello to someone on the street, the initial small talk is easy enough. But then there is that pause- you know, the one where you usually say “well, it was really nice talking to you, I have to be on my way”- and then you head on to that place you really don’t have to be on your way too in any real hurry.
But the challenge as Christians is that God doesn’t want us to just cross to the other side of the road, or to take the easy road as it were. He calls us to something greater. It’s as if he says to us:
‘What if instead of leaving, you just stayed. Just sit there in the silence, and maybe after a moment, or perhaps even a long while, conversation might carry on. Or maybe it won’t, who knows? (Here, I usually wince with that face that says ‘oh no’, and try everything I can to get the thought out of my head- but it’s too late. I know as long as I don’t do it, the feeling won’t go away.)
We often try to justify our reasons for getting out while it’s still safe, but we all know what we really need to do in those situations. It’s just a matter of if we actually follow through.
But man, it’s not easy. I can tell you this from the too few times I’ve actually tried it. It is not glamorous like you picture it being when you hear heroic tales of such things.
I don’t know about you, but the music in the background of movies gets me going, especially ones like ‘Brave Heart’- Bagpipes playing and William Wallace fearlessly leading his army of common men- there is nothing more heroic and inspiring in my eyes. I feel like I could change the world…
But in all reality, when you wake up and head out the door in the morning, there is no music, and definitely no William Wallace by your side.
But what we do have is this: A great hope in a God who so intimately relates to the same struggles, and promises to be with us as we go out into the world; a God who is indeed alive in us. And in Him, there is great comfort in knowing the victory is ours. Because if God is for us, then who can be against us? (I think we need remind ourselves that even William Wallace will fall at the feet of God in awe on that great day.)
So when it comes to actually making a difference in someone’s life, I’ve had to realize it is not as easy as people make it out to be in movies. In fact, it can be quite uncomfortable. What if, for example, it is raining outside, or if it’s cold, or you’re hungry, thirsty, tired, angry, or whatever. Maybe the person smells. Maybe you smell. It is usually not very convenient.
But to stay anyways…wow! Now that is a real challenge. Have you ever tried it? To stick it out and take what is really but a fraction of your life to have a meaningful time with someone who surely would appreciate it. To do as Jesus did and meet people as they are, with an agenda formed only of love and compassion, and not personal gain: To ‘seek and save that which is lost’; to love your neighbour as you love yourself; to not just give a small portion of your time, money, love, etc…, but to give your all to show the world there is a God who loves them. And most importantly, to remember and pray continually for those whom you seek to serve.
Like I said before, it’s easy enough for me to meet people in need on the street, even just out my front door. But loving our neighbour is much more than just helping the poor man on the street, though that is a part. Our needy neighbours are those in our communities, our workplaces, our schools, and even our Churches. The single parents for example, the troubled youth, and the lonely widows, just to name a few. It’s a matter of praying for the opportunity and opening our eyes to the real needs of peoples’ hearts. Everyone is just a person, and every person hurts.
It’s something to think about, something to pray about, and something to do.
Andrew
Monday, November 17, 2008
Brain Swelling
I have taken a bit of a break from writing my blog during a time of intense brain swelling. For the past three or more months I have been studying hard for my ordination interview which took place two weeks ago. Since then I have been allowing myself time to decompress and allow the swelling in my brain to go down. Writing anything more than my child-like signature became a task and I seemed to be exhausted over the tiniest of thought interruptions. I know for many, you know exactly what I am talking about.
This past Friday Becky and I took possession of our new home. We were very excited to get in and begin the work needed to make the home into our own and something we could enjoy living in. As a result, we very much needed to gut and replace both the bathroom and the kitchen. On Saturday morning when I arrived at the house, Dieter, our Summit Church Picasso when it comes to home renovations, was already hard at work taking my bathroom apart. My job in assisting him was to remove the garbage that he was taking down and put into the bin. He warned me not to take too much at one time so that I would not hurt or strain myself since this is not what I do for a living and my body is not used to this kind of labour. He was right. The next day I attempted to put on my wedding ring and it did not fit. My fingers had swelled and it was not until mid day that I was finally able to get it back on.
Preachers, like myself, tell their listeners that they are to read their bible and pray everyday and that the study they choose to do should be somewhat substantial. What we inadvertently do is swelling peoples brains; so much so that at times they are unable to carry on the next day. So here is my encouragement to you; if you are new to the discipline of reading your bible or any spiritual discipline for that fact, pace yourself! Take time to get used to the discipline of study to better ensure that you don't suffer from brain swelling, which is sure to lead to discouragement and failure. Don't allow the discipline of studying your bible take away from the joy of spending time in the word, and before you know you will have adjusted to this new lifestyle and will be ready to move on to new challenges, that once again may cause the unexpected swelling of the brain.
This past Friday Becky and I took possession of our new home. We were very excited to get in and begin the work needed to make the home into our own and something we could enjoy living in. As a result, we very much needed to gut and replace both the bathroom and the kitchen. On Saturday morning when I arrived at the house, Dieter, our Summit Church Picasso when it comes to home renovations, was already hard at work taking my bathroom apart. My job in assisting him was to remove the garbage that he was taking down and put into the bin. He warned me not to take too much at one time so that I would not hurt or strain myself since this is not what I do for a living and my body is not used to this kind of labour. He was right. The next day I attempted to put on my wedding ring and it did not fit. My fingers had swelled and it was not until mid day that I was finally able to get it back on.
Preachers, like myself, tell their listeners that they are to read their bible and pray everyday and that the study they choose to do should be somewhat substantial. What we inadvertently do is swelling peoples brains; so much so that at times they are unable to carry on the next day. So here is my encouragement to you; if you are new to the discipline of reading your bible or any spiritual discipline for that fact, pace yourself! Take time to get used to the discipline of study to better ensure that you don't suffer from brain swelling, which is sure to lead to discouragement and failure. Don't allow the discipline of studying your bible take away from the joy of spending time in the word, and before you know you will have adjusted to this new lifestyle and will be ready to move on to new challenges, that once again may cause the unexpected swelling of the brain.
Monday, October 20, 2008
When Time Stands Still
I am not sure how I got here, but I now know for a fact that I am your average time-driven uptight human being. I came to this stark realisation this week while eating pizza with my son. Becky and the girls had gone out for the day and would not be back till late. As a result, I decided it would be fun for Jackson and me to travel on the subway to get some dinner. Having not lived in Toronto all that long the subway is still a very exciting event. Jackson was responsible for deciding when to get off the subway and where we would eat when we did. I figured pretty much any stop would be able to meet our dinner needs. Jackson chose Jane Street…not my first choice, but a good one none the less. We instantly saw a Pizza Pizza and the decision was made; we would get a couple of slices and sit by the fountain outside.
I had completed 90% of my meal by the time we actually sat down by the fountain. Jackson however had only just begun. He took small child sized bites as he stared intensely at the fountain and all of its details. How many stairs does it have? Where is the water coming from? Where is the water going? I wonder what would happen if I walked up the fountain? While this was taking place I had my own series of thoughts: What time is it now? How long will it take to get back home? What work needs to be done when I get there? When will Jackson take his next bite?! And then it dawned on me; I was everything I hated about adults when I was a child. Controlled by time and task not spontaneity and wonder. Asking what is next instead of what is now. Convinced that the present was only a pass-time while waiting for the future. Overlooking my precious time with my son in anticipation of more important things. How gross…how distorted…how wrong!
Thankfully, time did not pass me by entirely. I received a cup to the back of the head from God and I began to adjust my mind accordingly. I began to count the stairs in the fountain. I wondered what it would be like to walk up it and how wet my feet would be should I choose to do so. I started to learn from Jackson’s example of child-like wonder instead of impose my practicality on him. I began to enjoy my time with my son, the reason I ventured out in the first place.
To embrace a cliché with open arms, I would encourage you to stop and smell the roses. Watch your child and take from their example and remember what life looked like before wrist watches, laptops, black berry’s and cell phones. Tune out the noise and breathe in the wonder of God.
Rob
I had completed 90% of my meal by the time we actually sat down by the fountain. Jackson however had only just begun. He took small child sized bites as he stared intensely at the fountain and all of its details. How many stairs does it have? Where is the water coming from? Where is the water going? I wonder what would happen if I walked up the fountain? While this was taking place I had my own series of thoughts: What time is it now? How long will it take to get back home? What work needs to be done when I get there? When will Jackson take his next bite?! And then it dawned on me; I was everything I hated about adults when I was a child. Controlled by time and task not spontaneity and wonder. Asking what is next instead of what is now. Convinced that the present was only a pass-time while waiting for the future. Overlooking my precious time with my son in anticipation of more important things. How gross…how distorted…how wrong!
Thankfully, time did not pass me by entirely. I received a cup to the back of the head from God and I began to adjust my mind accordingly. I began to count the stairs in the fountain. I wondered what it would be like to walk up it and how wet my feet would be should I choose to do so. I started to learn from Jackson’s example of child-like wonder instead of impose my practicality on him. I began to enjoy my time with my son, the reason I ventured out in the first place.
To embrace a cliché with open arms, I would encourage you to stop and smell the roses. Watch your child and take from their example and remember what life looked like before wrist watches, laptops, black berry’s and cell phones. Tune out the noise and breathe in the wonder of God.
Rob
Monday, October 13, 2008
Thank You Anniversary
At times in my life I have often questioned the value of Thanks Giving. Why do we need a specific day a year to give thanks when it is something we should all be doing on a daily basis? We have so much to be thankful for that it hardly seems like a viable task to accomplish all our thanks in just one day.
In past years I have decided to look at it from a different perspective. Instead of looking at Thanks Giving as the day to give thanks, I view it as a sort of "thank you" anniversary.
In marriage we have anniversaries; this of course does not mean that we only love our spouse one day of the year or only tell them that we love them once a year. Anniversaries are intended to bring focus on your relationship and for at least one day a year be very intentional to make your love the absolute priority. The same principle applies to Thanks Giving. Today is the day when everything else comes in second place to our thankfulness. Our prayers, meals, family time and quiet time should focus as best we can on what God has done for us. So on my "thank you" anniversary I would like to conclude by sharing what I am thankful for.
I am thankful for a God who gave it all to save a wretch like me. I am thankful for a saviour who took my place. I am thankful for that this same saviour is alive today and will return for me. I am thankful for a family who I love dearly and a family who returns that love. I am thankful for a church who loves and supports that same family and for a church that is more than an institution, but my family as well. I am thankful for the provisions God has given me and I am thankful that I am able to share those provisions with His children. I am thankful that no matter how long I were to sit and type, I could never cover all that God has done for me as an individual; all that He has done for His church and certainly I could not even scrape the surface with my thanks for all that He has done for those who would believe.
Take some time today to write a list, pray a prayer or share with family all that you are thankful for and make sure to direct that gratitude to the only one deserving of unconditional thanks. Today is a God anniversary so spend time with your love.
In past years I have decided to look at it from a different perspective. Instead of looking at Thanks Giving as the day to give thanks, I view it as a sort of "thank you" anniversary.
In marriage we have anniversaries; this of course does not mean that we only love our spouse one day of the year or only tell them that we love them once a year. Anniversaries are intended to bring focus on your relationship and for at least one day a year be very intentional to make your love the absolute priority. The same principle applies to Thanks Giving. Today is the day when everything else comes in second place to our thankfulness. Our prayers, meals, family time and quiet time should focus as best we can on what God has done for us. So on my "thank you" anniversary I would like to conclude by sharing what I am thankful for.
I am thankful for a God who gave it all to save a wretch like me. I am thankful for a saviour who took my place. I am thankful for that this same saviour is alive today and will return for me. I am thankful for a family who I love dearly and a family who returns that love. I am thankful for a church who loves and supports that same family and for a church that is more than an institution, but my family as well. I am thankful for the provisions God has given me and I am thankful that I am able to share those provisions with His children. I am thankful that no matter how long I were to sit and type, I could never cover all that God has done for me as an individual; all that He has done for His church and certainly I could not even scrape the surface with my thanks for all that He has done for those who would believe.
Take some time today to write a list, pray a prayer or share with family all that you are thankful for and make sure to direct that gratitude to the only one deserving of unconditional thanks. Today is a God anniversary so spend time with your love.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Opposites Oppose
I was listening to CBC radio2 today and I am sure that many of you would know what much of the conversation was centred on: The desperate state of the global economy. Many European and Asian countries are now starting to feel the effects of the unstable American market and the upcoming Canadian election has shifted from issues concerning health care and scandals to full platforms based economic stability and recovery. It would seem that many people are asking the question "what is tomorrow going to look like?" So what do we do in the meantime? We anxiously await the fate of our future.
As a kid I was a huge fan of Wrestling...go figure. I was actually lucky enough to see Wrestlemania 6 at the Sky Dome. The main event was a match-up between The Immortal Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior. These to brave competitors were on a collision course for the past year and were about to settle their differences on the worlds largest stage. The crowd hummed with excitement and anticipation as these two giants were about to determine who was the undisputed champion of the world. The music played and the men came down the isle and stepped into the ring. A stare down instantly ensued and the tension could be felt as 60 000 people waited for the explosion to take place. The stare was broken when Hulk Hogan pushed the Ultimate Warrior back into the ropes and both athletes began to run across the ring bouncing back and forth against the ropes until finally their paths crossed and they collided...neither moved. Again they ran into the ropes to gain momentum and the crowd sat in wonder waiting for these two to clash a second time. Again, neither moved. It appeared at the time that both men were in perfect opposition to the other.
So why tell this story? As the believer it is critical to understand that anxiousness stands in direct opposition to prayer. The two are mortal enemies who cannot co-exist. When we turn our attention towards anxiousness by default we begin to weaken prayer. That is why in these times of uncertainty we need to look to the Lord more than ever. Paul writes to the Philippians "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God". If you must look to the future, look to God to take care of it. Go to Him with your concerns and allow Him to offer a comfort that cannot come from earthly things. Do not give power to anxiety, but instead look to prayer and petitions.
I understand that for many their lives may very well look different as tomorrow approaches; but that does not change the fact that God is the one who is in full control. Jesus writes "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
Do not allow your anxiety to stand in direct opposition to you prayer; rather, look to the only one who can bring clarity to a scary and unstable world.
Rob
As a kid I was a huge fan of Wrestling...go figure. I was actually lucky enough to see Wrestlemania 6 at the Sky Dome. The main event was a match-up between The Immortal Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior. These to brave competitors were on a collision course for the past year and were about to settle their differences on the worlds largest stage. The crowd hummed with excitement and anticipation as these two giants were about to determine who was the undisputed champion of the world. The music played and the men came down the isle and stepped into the ring. A stare down instantly ensued and the tension could be felt as 60 000 people waited for the explosion to take place. The stare was broken when Hulk Hogan pushed the Ultimate Warrior back into the ropes and both athletes began to run across the ring bouncing back and forth against the ropes until finally their paths crossed and they collided...neither moved. Again they ran into the ropes to gain momentum and the crowd sat in wonder waiting for these two to clash a second time. Again, neither moved. It appeared at the time that both men were in perfect opposition to the other.
So why tell this story? As the believer it is critical to understand that anxiousness stands in direct opposition to prayer. The two are mortal enemies who cannot co-exist. When we turn our attention towards anxiousness by default we begin to weaken prayer. That is why in these times of uncertainty we need to look to the Lord more than ever. Paul writes to the Philippians "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God". If you must look to the future, look to God to take care of it. Go to Him with your concerns and allow Him to offer a comfort that cannot come from earthly things. Do not give power to anxiety, but instead look to prayer and petitions.
I understand that for many their lives may very well look different as tomorrow approaches; but that does not change the fact that God is the one who is in full control. Jesus writes "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
Do not allow your anxiety to stand in direct opposition to you prayer; rather, look to the only one who can bring clarity to a scary and unstable world.
Rob
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Peace and Resistance
When people hear peace and resistance mentioned in the same sentence our minds almost automatically assume that peace is good and resistance is bad. We desire peace above all things; but the question must be asked at what cost are we willing to find peace?
The Christian community as a whole is a peaceful community and why wouldn't we be. We come together in large groups but typically stay to ourselves. Not only do we not impose our views on others, we simply do not share them at all. We have chosen peace at the cost of our voice in the community. This was not the kind of peace that Jesus brought and it is certainly not the kind of peace that Jesus taught.
Have you ever struggled with the passage where Jesus instructed his followers to hate their mothers and brothers? (Luke 14). How can Jesus instruct us to do such a thing? The answer is actually very easy when we look at the text. Jesus is using a rabbinical style of contrast teaching to show the importance and cost of following him. The real crux of the passage follows that initial verse where Jesus says that if we do not carry our cross daily we cannot be his disciples; the cross being a symbol of shame, adversity and death.
Luke 12:51 says "Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division". This division that Jesus is speaking of comes when we live such a radically different life and walk such a radically different walk that it begins to offend those around us. So I must ask the question; are we that radically different? Are we offending people with the love of Christ or are we more concerned about temporal peace? I would encourage you to struggle through these thoughts, ponder them, get angry with them or embrace them. At the end of your reflection though make sure to ask the question; did I really count the cost?
Luke 14 ends with these verses; "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out". Which pile do we belong in?
"He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
Rob
The Christian community as a whole is a peaceful community and why wouldn't we be. We come together in large groups but typically stay to ourselves. Not only do we not impose our views on others, we simply do not share them at all. We have chosen peace at the cost of our voice in the community. This was not the kind of peace that Jesus brought and it is certainly not the kind of peace that Jesus taught.
Have you ever struggled with the passage where Jesus instructed his followers to hate their mothers and brothers? (Luke 14). How can Jesus instruct us to do such a thing? The answer is actually very easy when we look at the text. Jesus is using a rabbinical style of contrast teaching to show the importance and cost of following him. The real crux of the passage follows that initial verse where Jesus says that if we do not carry our cross daily we cannot be his disciples; the cross being a symbol of shame, adversity and death.
Luke 12:51 says "Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division". This division that Jesus is speaking of comes when we live such a radically different life and walk such a radically different walk that it begins to offend those around us. So I must ask the question; are we that radically different? Are we offending people with the love of Christ or are we more concerned about temporal peace? I would encourage you to struggle through these thoughts, ponder them, get angry with them or embrace them. At the end of your reflection though make sure to ask the question; did I really count the cost?
Luke 14 ends with these verses; "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out". Which pile do we belong in?
"He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
Rob
Monday, September 22, 2008
Test Everything!!!
I would like to add to this past Sunday's message in regards to doing what is right without having to think about whether or not you should do it. Something we must all be aware of is that there is a time for everything. In Ecclesiastes 3 we are introduced to Solomons wisdom on timing and contrast. I would encourage you to stop here and read that passage.
Now that we are all up to speed we can clearly see that God has a time for everything and that we need to be able to discern when those times are in our lives. I spoke of Peter jumping into the water and out of the boat. I also referred to the rich young ruler who chose not to sell his possessions and give them to the poor. Peter followed the way of Christ where as the rich young ruler chose to walk away. The one advantage that both these young men had over us is that they had a face to face encounter with Jesus. They knew exactly who they were speaking to and exactly what it was they were asked to do. We, on the other hand, do not have such an advantage. That is why at times we need to walk away from a situation and test who it is that is asking us to act.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 says "Test everything. Hold onto the good". In our actions we are to test the spirit from which they came. Ask questions like "does this glorify God?" and "will this action build up my fellow human being?" If the answer to these two questions are yes, then you had better act on it. If the answer is no and the spirit is unsure, then pass it by or continue to test it. Remember, everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. We have been given the daunting task of discerning between the two.
So remember, there is a time for action and there is a time for reflection...but when the time to act is clear, do it!
Now that we are all up to speed we can clearly see that God has a time for everything and that we need to be able to discern when those times are in our lives. I spoke of Peter jumping into the water and out of the boat. I also referred to the rich young ruler who chose not to sell his possessions and give them to the poor. Peter followed the way of Christ where as the rich young ruler chose to walk away. The one advantage that both these young men had over us is that they had a face to face encounter with Jesus. They knew exactly who they were speaking to and exactly what it was they were asked to do. We, on the other hand, do not have such an advantage. That is why at times we need to walk away from a situation and test who it is that is asking us to act.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 says "Test everything. Hold onto the good". In our actions we are to test the spirit from which they came. Ask questions like "does this glorify God?" and "will this action build up my fellow human being?" If the answer to these two questions are yes, then you had better act on it. If the answer is no and the spirit is unsure, then pass it by or continue to test it. Remember, everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. We have been given the daunting task of discerning between the two.
So remember, there is a time for action and there is a time for reflection...but when the time to act is clear, do it!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Caught Drifting
Have you ever been so focused on one thing, that you are no longer able to operate at a functional level? This seems to be where I have been at for the past week or so. Last Tuesday, Becky went through almost 18 hours of braxton hicks or false labour. It seemed so real at point that we were ready to take the trip to the hospital at any moment. Since that day, it seems like I am unable to concentrate on any other issue for too long without making sure my phone is on me in case she calls, or checking in on her to see how things have developed if at all. Today while travelling on the subway I was in such a trance that I missed my stop. By the time I realized it the train had begun to move again. Thankfully this has only been a week of this type of confusion and it would seem that I will not have to wait too long until this portion of confusion ceases and the next begins.
For years the church focused on the imminent return of Christ as its focal point. In the midst of looking up for His return, many forgot to look out for those living around them. The church fell into an unhealthy waiting game. Things were overlooked, teachings became unbalanced and people were forgotten.
The Pharisees fell into a similar type of situation when Christ first came. They were anxiously awaiting the Messiah and for all the effort they put into looking for him, they managed to miss him when he was right in front of their faces. We need to learn from this and do our best as believers to not put all of our attention into the latest or most popular theology. All components of the Word of God are important and one single doctrine or aspect of it can not rise up to out rank the others. If there is a word that I believe best describes Jesus' ministry while on earth, it would be holistic. Jesus showed every trait and emotion, from gentleness to wrath. He served and he prayed. He spent time in lonely places as well as in the midst of large crowds. He is the example that we need to follow as the church.
Solomon writes "there is a time for everything". Ask yourself this question; what is it that I am meant to be doing at this exact moment for God? Then you can find freedom in letting the rest of time reveal itself when you arrive at it.
For years the church focused on the imminent return of Christ as its focal point. In the midst of looking up for His return, many forgot to look out for those living around them. The church fell into an unhealthy waiting game. Things were overlooked, teachings became unbalanced and people were forgotten.
The Pharisees fell into a similar type of situation when Christ first came. They were anxiously awaiting the Messiah and for all the effort they put into looking for him, they managed to miss him when he was right in front of their faces. We need to learn from this and do our best as believers to not put all of our attention into the latest or most popular theology. All components of the Word of God are important and one single doctrine or aspect of it can not rise up to out rank the others. If there is a word that I believe best describes Jesus' ministry while on earth, it would be holistic. Jesus showed every trait and emotion, from gentleness to wrath. He served and he prayed. He spent time in lonely places as well as in the midst of large crowds. He is the example that we need to follow as the church.
Solomon writes "there is a time for everything". Ask yourself this question; what is it that I am meant to be doing at this exact moment for God? Then you can find freedom in letting the rest of time reveal itself when you arrive at it.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Are Sharks Real?
Last week I crashed at my new house after having painted the basement, while the rest of my clan stayed home for the night. While I was away, my three-year-old daughter had a brutal nightmare. When Becky went in to see what was wrong, Lucy was virtually inconsolable. Finally, after the tears began to diminish and her breath was slowly returning, she turned to Becky and asked, "Are sharks real?" It became clear that my little one had been dreaming about sharks and was absolutely terrified at what had taken place in that dream. Becky was left with little choice but to tell Lucy that "yes, indeed sharks are real."
In life there are two types of fears that we will each encounter. First, there is the self-imposed fear. This is the fear that manages to creep in every time we allow it. This fear tells us that we are not good at what we do. It tells us that we are un-likable, unusable and unworthy of life itself. These fears are created by the individual and have no actual power other than what we give it. Then there is actual fear. These are the fears we should be aware of since they can do significant damage if not protected against. A bus, for example, is something you may want to look out for when crossing the street. This kind of awareness is what keeps us safe since being hit by a bus can be very bad for your health. And yes, I am sad to say, sharks are real and can pose a real threat to life if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time. This does not, however, mean that we should stop swimming in the ocean as a result. When our fears control us, we loose. Whether it be our own insecurities or the thought of a crashing market, fear can never be allowed to dictate our path.
Romans 8:31 says "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?" As followers of Christ we must realize that we are playing for the winning team. It may appear at times as though we are fighting a loosing battle, but at this point we need to be reminded that the battle has already been won. If God is for us, then there is no fear, perceived or actual, that has any power over us. Sin has been conquered, Jesus has risen and if you skip to the end of the story, you will find out that Jesus will return and if we have a relationship with him we will spend eternity in His splendour. Now with all of that in mind, what do we really have to fear?
Rob
In life there are two types of fears that we will each encounter. First, there is the self-imposed fear. This is the fear that manages to creep in every time we allow it. This fear tells us that we are not good at what we do. It tells us that we are un-likable, unusable and unworthy of life itself. These fears are created by the individual and have no actual power other than what we give it. Then there is actual fear. These are the fears we should be aware of since they can do significant damage if not protected against. A bus, for example, is something you may want to look out for when crossing the street. This kind of awareness is what keeps us safe since being hit by a bus can be very bad for your health. And yes, I am sad to say, sharks are real and can pose a real threat to life if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time. This does not, however, mean that we should stop swimming in the ocean as a result. When our fears control us, we loose. Whether it be our own insecurities or the thought of a crashing market, fear can never be allowed to dictate our path.
Romans 8:31 says "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?" As followers of Christ we must realize that we are playing for the winning team. It may appear at times as though we are fighting a loosing battle, but at this point we need to be reminded that the battle has already been won. If God is for us, then there is no fear, perceived or actual, that has any power over us. Sin has been conquered, Jesus has risen and if you skip to the end of the story, you will find out that Jesus will return and if we have a relationship with him we will spend eternity in His splendour. Now with all of that in mind, what do we really have to fear?
Rob
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
The Breaking Storm
This past Saturday I awoke to the sound of rain against the roof. Having camped for many years and since I have always loved the rain, this was a very pleasant way to wake up. As I often do in heavy rain or thunder storms, I headed for the front porch to watch the brilliance of nature take place.
There were grey clouds stretched out in every direction, as far as the eye could see, with no end in sight giving the storm a certain invincibility. I watched for some time with little or no variations in the rain, until finally I noticed a small opening in the clouds give way. The other clouds quickly raced to the spot of the opening in an attempt to close the hole with no success. I then watched as the opening began to grow and soon other clouds began to break apart as well. I was fascinated by the whole event and watched it until its completion. Before long the once invincible storm had been defeated by the blue skies that lay beneath its surface. I looked at the ground and noticed that the effects of the storm were still very noticeable. The ground was wet and small streams ran down my street making their way to the nearest drain. But before long, the sun that was now strong in the sky, began to dry the fallen water. Someone who may have slept through the rain would not have known that there was a storm at all.
This beautiful act of God reminded me so much of my life and the trials that occur in it, that I simply marveled at His creation and felt a deep sense of worship. My life resembles much of what took place that Saturday morning. There are times when all I can see is grey. No matter where I look, it would seem that the storm I am in is invincible and that there is no possible way to escape its power. Then, without warning at times, something begins to happen. The blue skies that were always beneath the surface begin to break away the grey. No matter how hard the storm tries to hold on, it is no match for the Son. Although the effects of the storm often take longer to clear, eventually that healing takes place as well. Before I know it, I am once again able to bask in the glory of the Son and feel His warmth against my face.
No matter where you are right now, whether it be in the middle of the storm or waiting to heal from its effects, remember that the grace of Jesus Christ is always there and He will deliver you from whatever storm you are in.
May the grace and peace of Jesus Christ be abundant in your life and may you rely on Him to comfort you until the breaking of the storm.
Rob
There were grey clouds stretched out in every direction, as far as the eye could see, with no end in sight giving the storm a certain invincibility. I watched for some time with little or no variations in the rain, until finally I noticed a small opening in the clouds give way. The other clouds quickly raced to the spot of the opening in an attempt to close the hole with no success. I then watched as the opening began to grow and soon other clouds began to break apart as well. I was fascinated by the whole event and watched it until its completion. Before long the once invincible storm had been defeated by the blue skies that lay beneath its surface. I looked at the ground and noticed that the effects of the storm were still very noticeable. The ground was wet and small streams ran down my street making their way to the nearest drain. But before long, the sun that was now strong in the sky, began to dry the fallen water. Someone who may have slept through the rain would not have known that there was a storm at all.
This beautiful act of God reminded me so much of my life and the trials that occur in it, that I simply marveled at His creation and felt a deep sense of worship. My life resembles much of what took place that Saturday morning. There are times when all I can see is grey. No matter where I look, it would seem that the storm I am in is invincible and that there is no possible way to escape its power. Then, without warning at times, something begins to happen. The blue skies that were always beneath the surface begin to break away the grey. No matter how hard the storm tries to hold on, it is no match for the Son. Although the effects of the storm often take longer to clear, eventually that healing takes place as well. Before I know it, I am once again able to bask in the glory of the Son and feel His warmth against my face.
No matter where you are right now, whether it be in the middle of the storm or waiting to heal from its effects, remember that the grace of Jesus Christ is always there and He will deliver you from whatever storm you are in.
May the grace and peace of Jesus Christ be abundant in your life and may you rely on Him to comfort you until the breaking of the storm.
Rob
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Survival of the Fittest
I had an experience this morning that has haunted my mind since I witnessed it. For those of you, who like me are Bambi lovers, this story may scar you slightly. You have been warned!
While leaving my gym this morning I witnessed a horrible gang beating take place. I will ease your minds and let you know that this crime was a crime between birds and not people. There was one little bird that was injured and unable to fly. As a result, there were 6-10 other larger birds attacking the smaller one, each one trying to take the prize. My heart told me to intervene and save this little bird, but I soon realized that the injuries incurred were too severe for a saving to have taken place. Just as one bird thought he had won, another larger bird would take the little bird away. This sequence of larger birds taking from the smaller ones was repeated several times until the seagull stepped in to finish the battle.
It was Herbert Spencer, a biologist during the time of Darwin, who coined the phrase "survival of the fittest". This differs slightly from the theory of Natural Selection in that only the conquering or nt species will continue to exist, not just the one capable of reproducing itself. Having witnessed an act as I did this morning, Spencer would appear to be correct. That it is a dog-eat-dog world and that the one that carries the bigger stick wins. The only problem I have with that is the existence of humanity. Why is it that having witnessed this event I felt sorrow and discomfort? Some would say it is because I have been pre-conditioned to this sentiment and, had I been raised in another culture or time, it would not have bothered me. I believe that the only way in which we can walk past someone in need without lending help is if we have pre-conditioned ourselves to do so. So have I been pre-conditioned? Yes, but where I will disagree is with whom I have been pre-conditioned by.
In short, we need to ask the question why we do not work in the same manner as animals. Why is it that if we see someone fall, it should, and more often is our natural response to lend a hand rather than strike the final blow. I propose to you that it is because of whose image we have been created in. A law has been written on the hearts of all humanity, a law that is a representation of the God who created us. If we remove this law, as many have attempted to do, then we are reduced to acting in very much the same manner as birds, driven by instinct rather than reason. Our ability to reason and to love is precisely what separates us from the rest of creation and gives us the unique title of “image bearers” of the God of the universe.
While leaving my gym this morning I witnessed a horrible gang beating take place. I will ease your minds and let you know that this crime was a crime between birds and not people. There was one little bird that was injured and unable to fly. As a result, there were 6-10 other larger birds attacking the smaller one, each one trying to take the prize. My heart told me to intervene and save this little bird, but I soon realized that the injuries incurred were too severe for a saving to have taken place. Just as one bird thought he had won, another larger bird would take the little bird away. This sequence of larger birds taking from the smaller ones was repeated several times until the seagull stepped in to finish the battle.
It was Herbert Spencer, a biologist during the time of Darwin, who coined the phrase "survival of the fittest". This differs slightly from the theory of Natural Selection in that only the conquering or nt species will continue to exist, not just the one capable of reproducing itself. Having witnessed an act as I did this morning, Spencer would appear to be correct. That it is a dog-eat-dog world and that the one that carries the bigger stick wins. The only problem I have with that is the existence of humanity. Why is it that having witnessed this event I felt sorrow and discomfort? Some would say it is because I have been pre-conditioned to this sentiment and, had I been raised in another culture or time, it would not have bothered me. I believe that the only way in which we can walk past someone in need without lending help is if we have pre-conditioned ourselves to do so. So have I been pre-conditioned? Yes, but where I will disagree is with whom I have been pre-conditioned by.
In short, we need to ask the question why we do not work in the same manner as animals. Why is it that if we see someone fall, it should, and more often is our natural response to lend a hand rather than strike the final blow. I propose to you that it is because of whose image we have been created in. A law has been written on the hearts of all humanity, a law that is a representation of the God who created us. If we remove this law, as many have attempted to do, then we are reduced to acting in very much the same manner as birds, driven by instinct rather than reason. Our ability to reason and to love is precisely what separates us from the rest of creation and gives us the unique title of “image bearers” of the God of the universe.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The Unwritten Rule
Since I was a small child, I have had a fear of aquatic life. How that fear was developed however, I will leave to another post. The bottom line is that I am terrified of fish and to the best of my knowledge, the feeling is mutual. This fear often complicates life since I have always held so dearly to the fact that a) I am outdoorsy type of person and b) I have always claimed to be a very tough minded character. So having to explain that I would rather fight a crocodile than a sunfish is a conversation I'd rather not have.
In high school, my best friend Brent decided he was going to cure me of my phobia. In the spring in a stream near where I lived, the carp would begin to swim the rivers to reach the place where they spawned. This was always an event for us, watching these small water ways fill up with big, ugly, dirty fish. This is what happens when there is not enough movie theatres in town. On one particular day as we watched the fish Brent had an epiphany, I'm sure from the devil, that I needed to be cured. Knowing me as well as he did, he knew the only thing more powerful inside of me than my fear of fish was my compassion for living things (again, not the manliest of traits). In a work of brilliance, Brent grabbed one of the carp and threw it on the shore. I watched in horror as this fish struggled for breath, trying to make its way back to the water that provided life. Brent then turned to me and said "if you don't do something, it will die". A decision was needed and fast if this fish were to live. I was forced to muster up every bit of strength I had to pick up the fish, place it in the water holding its tail until the water brushed past its gills renewing its breath. The fish snapped out of its comma type state and quickly swam away. As a result of this event, I am even more terrified of fish then I was to start.
I knew that something had to be done to save the fish. I knew that even though fish died on a daily occasion to feed many, it was wrong for it to die as an act of cruelty. A code of conduct had been impressed on my heart and I believe in the hearts of all; that although death may occur, at no time is it to occur as an act of cruelty. In the book of Amos God condemns Damascus for their extreme cruelty over those who they had concurred. Even in the midst of war, God has required us to show mercy. Although there are varying viewpoints as to the justification of war, there is one absolute that penetrates all perspectives. That in war as in all things in life, mercy is to rule. The moment when mercy is replace by cruelty is the same moment when we subject ourselves to the judgement from not only the God who loves, but the God who is love.
Rob
In high school, my best friend Brent decided he was going to cure me of my phobia. In the spring in a stream near where I lived, the carp would begin to swim the rivers to reach the place where they spawned. This was always an event for us, watching these small water ways fill up with big, ugly, dirty fish. This is what happens when there is not enough movie theatres in town. On one particular day as we watched the fish Brent had an epiphany, I'm sure from the devil, that I needed to be cured. Knowing me as well as he did, he knew the only thing more powerful inside of me than my fear of fish was my compassion for living things (again, not the manliest of traits). In a work of brilliance, Brent grabbed one of the carp and threw it on the shore. I watched in horror as this fish struggled for breath, trying to make its way back to the water that provided life. Brent then turned to me and said "if you don't do something, it will die". A decision was needed and fast if this fish were to live. I was forced to muster up every bit of strength I had to pick up the fish, place it in the water holding its tail until the water brushed past its gills renewing its breath. The fish snapped out of its comma type state and quickly swam away. As a result of this event, I am even more terrified of fish then I was to start.
I knew that something had to be done to save the fish. I knew that even though fish died on a daily occasion to feed many, it was wrong for it to die as an act of cruelty. A code of conduct had been impressed on my heart and I believe in the hearts of all; that although death may occur, at no time is it to occur as an act of cruelty. In the book of Amos God condemns Damascus for their extreme cruelty over those who they had concurred. Even in the midst of war, God has required us to show mercy. Although there are varying viewpoints as to the justification of war, there is one absolute that penetrates all perspectives. That in war as in all things in life, mercy is to rule. The moment when mercy is replace by cruelty is the same moment when we subject ourselves to the judgement from not only the God who loves, but the God who is love.
Rob
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Trust Me!
Trust is a funny thing isn't it?
A few weeks ago Becky was having strong stomach pains so we did what any fearful expectant parent did, we went straight to the hospital. We waited for a doctor to see her for close to three hours and when he finally arrived, he was with us for a total of two minutes before he left again and informed us that he would make his return within one to two hours. Almost three hours later he returned to tell us everything was fine and that we could go home. The entire experience lasted for almost six hours, five to ten minutes actually with a doctor before we were on our way. Funny thing is, we both felt comforted after having gone to see him.
Although Becky had met this doctor over the past two pregnancies, I had not. I did not know him from any other man except for the fact that he wore a white coat and called himself doctor. Yet for some reason I have learned to trust certain strangers in the right context with my most valued possessions. Why is it we are able to trust perfect strangers everyday who deal with some of the most important facets of our lives, but we often struggle trusting those closest to us including God? I believe the short answer to this is because we have conditioned ourselves to do just that; trust those we are told to trust and wrestle with those we are told to distrust.
Since we were children, adults would tell us if we were in trouble to not speak to strangers, but to find a police officer who would help us. That officer would be no less of a stranger, but we trusted what our parents and teachers taught us. Trust a stranger, but don't trust God. Even if we are from a "good Christian home" we have been exposed to a solid distrust of God, although usually by accident. We watch our parents "solve" their own problems before going to prayer and from there the bleak reality that we cannot trust God is only enhanced. Our teachers tell us that we were created from cosmic goo or perhaps were descendants of the primate family. We are told that our existence was formed on chance+matter+time and that there is no purpose. We are told to distrust religious zealots and to put our faith in the science and philosophies of man and it would seem that on the whole, we bought it.
One of the greatest accusations against Christianity is that we promote blind faith. This is untrue and is also a very unhealthy thing to practice. our faith is far from blind, but it is because of what we have seen that we have faith at all. Faith is built on reason and logic, not emotional whims and gut feelings. It is based on the Word of God not the folly of man. For this reason I propose that yes we should, for the most part, trust flawed doctors with our health and welfare; but if we are able to trust a perfect stranger then why not put your trust in your creator. The One who knit you while you were still in your mothers womb. The One who knows how many hairs are on your head. When you are in need of help and no one on earth will be able to help you, trust the perfect physician.
A few weeks ago Becky was having strong stomach pains so we did what any fearful expectant parent did, we went straight to the hospital. We waited for a doctor to see her for close to three hours and when he finally arrived, he was with us for a total of two minutes before he left again and informed us that he would make his return within one to two hours. Almost three hours later he returned to tell us everything was fine and that we could go home. The entire experience lasted for almost six hours, five to ten minutes actually with a doctor before we were on our way. Funny thing is, we both felt comforted after having gone to see him.
Although Becky had met this doctor over the past two pregnancies, I had not. I did not know him from any other man except for the fact that he wore a white coat and called himself doctor. Yet for some reason I have learned to trust certain strangers in the right context with my most valued possessions. Why is it we are able to trust perfect strangers everyday who deal with some of the most important facets of our lives, but we often struggle trusting those closest to us including God? I believe the short answer to this is because we have conditioned ourselves to do just that; trust those we are told to trust and wrestle with those we are told to distrust.
Since we were children, adults would tell us if we were in trouble to not speak to strangers, but to find a police officer who would help us. That officer would be no less of a stranger, but we trusted what our parents and teachers taught us. Trust a stranger, but don't trust God. Even if we are from a "good Christian home" we have been exposed to a solid distrust of God, although usually by accident. We watch our parents "solve" their own problems before going to prayer and from there the bleak reality that we cannot trust God is only enhanced. Our teachers tell us that we were created from cosmic goo or perhaps were descendants of the primate family. We are told that our existence was formed on chance+matter+time and that there is no purpose. We are told to distrust religious zealots and to put our faith in the science and philosophies of man and it would seem that on the whole, we bought it.
One of the greatest accusations against Christianity is that we promote blind faith. This is untrue and is also a very unhealthy thing to practice. our faith is far from blind, but it is because of what we have seen that we have faith at all. Faith is built on reason and logic, not emotional whims and gut feelings. It is based on the Word of God not the folly of man. For this reason I propose that yes we should, for the most part, trust flawed doctors with our health and welfare; but if we are able to trust a perfect stranger then why not put your trust in your creator. The One who knit you while you were still in your mothers womb. The One who knows how many hairs are on your head. When you are in need of help and no one on earth will be able to help you, trust the perfect physician.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
The Scary Church
One of the greatest victories the devil has accomplished is for us as believers to understand church in the context of a Sunday gathering at a designated time in a designated building. Such a view is a comforting notion, but more than comforting, it is crippling.
This week I missed my morning class of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (pajama wrestling) so I decided to attend the afternoon class instead. In the last four months I have come to appreciate my morning class and all those who have attended it with me. We are all fairly new to the sport and as a result I have been doing quite well, at least in my own mind. As I walked into my club the walls were familiar, but the setting was not. The class was made up primarily of experienced fighters, listening to offensive rap, each one sporting their own quite large version of body art and using moves I had never learned. I had accidentally stumbled out of my comfort zone and entered a world I was not familiar with. My initial thought was that I wished I had not come. Then it dawned on me...these guy's need Jesus too! What a profound, complex and intelligent thought! The only shame was that it wasn't an obvious and immediate thought. So while I trained with my new found comrades I kept in mind that I am a part of the church and as the such, I am here to represent it and represent the one we serve.
Although I do believe a weekly meeting of believers is critical for every Christian, I do not believe church works like a light switch which we simply turn off when we leave the building. We need to exit the comfortable, cozy church we are accustomed to and enter the dark, uncharted waters of the scary church. The church that takes place wherever we are and wherever someone is in need of Jesus Christ. This week take the time to accidentally stumble out of your comfort zone and experience the scary church, the one that happens beyond our walls.
This week I missed my morning class of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (pajama wrestling) so I decided to attend the afternoon class instead. In the last four months I have come to appreciate my morning class and all those who have attended it with me. We are all fairly new to the sport and as a result I have been doing quite well, at least in my own mind. As I walked into my club the walls were familiar, but the setting was not. The class was made up primarily of experienced fighters, listening to offensive rap, each one sporting their own quite large version of body art and using moves I had never learned. I had accidentally stumbled out of my comfort zone and entered a world I was not familiar with. My initial thought was that I wished I had not come. Then it dawned on me...these guy's need Jesus too! What a profound, complex and intelligent thought! The only shame was that it wasn't an obvious and immediate thought. So while I trained with my new found comrades I kept in mind that I am a part of the church and as the such, I am here to represent it and represent the one we serve.
Although I do believe a weekly meeting of believers is critical for every Christian, I do not believe church works like a light switch which we simply turn off when we leave the building. We need to exit the comfortable, cozy church we are accustomed to and enter the dark, uncharted waters of the scary church. The church that takes place wherever we are and wherever someone is in need of Jesus Christ. This week take the time to accidentally stumble out of your comfort zone and experience the scary church, the one that happens beyond our walls.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
We have the Means
Have you ever encountered someone who is without and thought to yourself I wish there was something I could do about it. I think this is something that we may have all experienced at sometime or another. I know I have! Keeping with this thought, I would now like to invite you to examine it with me for a minute, remembering that this is my personal conviction and you are only invited to join me in my thinking and not required to agree with it.
I recently sold my house and am now just killing time until the deal closes. My wife and I were praying diligently for the house to sell, for it to sell quickly and for us to receive a certain amount for it. All three prayers were answered, praise God! Without going into our personal financial details, I will tell you that we bought at the right time and are now in the best financial situation in both of our lives. We are now forced to ask a question quite foreign to us, what do we do with the extra money? Although the amount is not huge, it is to us. Sadly enough, the very first thing that came to my mind was to buy a Nintendo Wii. Interesting isn't it, that the first thing that I think of is a thing and not a person. What does this say about my earlier thoughts of wishing I could help? What it tells me is I would love to help as long as I am first completely satisfied materially, which we all know is a chasing after the wind and can never be accomplished.
So when will I help? The day I help is the day I understand that my personal comfort and pleasure comes secondary to the lives of others. We need the right car, the right house and the proper amount of savings for retirement, and if somewhere along the way we are able to give up a cup of coffee a day for the sake of a child we can now sleep at night knowing we have done our part. When will we get it! When will we understand that we have the means to change the world. Some call this line of thinking idealistic and impractical. I call it the very nature of Christian love, but that's just my opinion.
Rob
I recently sold my house and am now just killing time until the deal closes. My wife and I were praying diligently for the house to sell, for it to sell quickly and for us to receive a certain amount for it. All three prayers were answered, praise God! Without going into our personal financial details, I will tell you that we bought at the right time and are now in the best financial situation in both of our lives. We are now forced to ask a question quite foreign to us, what do we do with the extra money? Although the amount is not huge, it is to us. Sadly enough, the very first thing that came to my mind was to buy a Nintendo Wii. Interesting isn't it, that the first thing that I think of is a thing and not a person. What does this say about my earlier thoughts of wishing I could help? What it tells me is I would love to help as long as I am first completely satisfied materially, which we all know is a chasing after the wind and can never be accomplished.
So when will I help? The day I help is the day I understand that my personal comfort and pleasure comes secondary to the lives of others. We need the right car, the right house and the proper amount of savings for retirement, and if somewhere along the way we are able to give up a cup of coffee a day for the sake of a child we can now sleep at night knowing we have done our part. When will we get it! When will we understand that we have the means to change the world. Some call this line of thinking idealistic and impractical. I call it the very nature of Christian love, but that's just my opinion.
Rob
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
My Lowest Point
A few years back my brother-in-law got married. Much to my surprise and delight, he asked me if I would be his best man. I gladly accepted the honour and, as any best man should do, began to plan his stag. Since I am still relatively new here and your opinions of myself have not yet been tainted, I will exclude the details of the stag for this post and instead focus in on an experience I had while running it. Stick around long enough and I may expand on the stag latter.
Mark, my brother-in-law, had a unique group of friends. The "Barrie boy's", as I love to call them, loved a good party and a good brew. We were having a bbq in the park to start off our festivities and each attendee was to bring their own meat to cook. When Mark's friends all arrived, each with a large cooler in hand, I thought that they understood the message and that the party was off to a good start. To my utter amazement there was not a single piece of food in any of the coolers and I soon figured out that this may be a long night. After some Bocci ball and some hamburgers, thanks to a quick Dominion run, the festivities could now begin. Things picked up very quickly after I pulled out the sailors suit two sizes too small that Mark was to wear and I began to lead my newly devoted Barrie boy's on a mission filled with laughter and humiliation.
Along the way, during one of our many stops, we arrived at the water front. The boy's were now fully worked up and anticipating the next stage in the night. As we passed the water a certain scene caught my eye. Sitting on a bench was a young girl, probably sixteen or seventeen years old, crying. Her slow cry soon developed into wailing. The boy's took little notice since they were focused on getting to the next humiliating activity. For myself however, I could not look away. I was faced with a difficult decision. I had an obligation as best man to see this stage through, but I also had an obligation as a follower of Christ to reach out to the hurting. I was at a fork in the road. I looked for a little longer as others passed by this young girl without so much as a glance and then I too walked by without a word.
I can still see this girl sobbing on the bench in my mind. She now lives in my memory as a reminder of what it feels like to see Jesus, and walk away. I wish I could take it back. I desperately wish I could take it back; but I can't. This was by far the lowest point in my Christian life, but also one of the most significant. I have made a promise to myself and to Jesus, that if I ever see that girl again, I will stop and ask such a simple question; "why are you crying?" The second question I will ask is "can I help?"
As believers we walk the streets of this city with our heads down. We are convinced that if we don't see it, it is not there. We are like a child hiding under her blankets believing if she does not see the monster in her closet it can't hurt her. The time to stop pretending is over. James 1:22 Say's "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." The Word of God says that we are to look after those who are hurting, that we are to help the widows and the orphans and that if we do not act, our faith is dead. The time for pew sitting passer bye's is over. The time for a kingdom revolution is now.
Rob
Mark, my brother-in-law, had a unique group of friends. The "Barrie boy's", as I love to call them, loved a good party and a good brew. We were having a bbq in the park to start off our festivities and each attendee was to bring their own meat to cook. When Mark's friends all arrived, each with a large cooler in hand, I thought that they understood the message and that the party was off to a good start. To my utter amazement there was not a single piece of food in any of the coolers and I soon figured out that this may be a long night. After some Bocci ball and some hamburgers, thanks to a quick Dominion run, the festivities could now begin. Things picked up very quickly after I pulled out the sailors suit two sizes too small that Mark was to wear and I began to lead my newly devoted Barrie boy's on a mission filled with laughter and humiliation.
Along the way, during one of our many stops, we arrived at the water front. The boy's were now fully worked up and anticipating the next stage in the night. As we passed the water a certain scene caught my eye. Sitting on a bench was a young girl, probably sixteen or seventeen years old, crying. Her slow cry soon developed into wailing. The boy's took little notice since they were focused on getting to the next humiliating activity. For myself however, I could not look away. I was faced with a difficult decision. I had an obligation as best man to see this stage through, but I also had an obligation as a follower of Christ to reach out to the hurting. I was at a fork in the road. I looked for a little longer as others passed by this young girl without so much as a glance and then I too walked by without a word.
I can still see this girl sobbing on the bench in my mind. She now lives in my memory as a reminder of what it feels like to see Jesus, and walk away. I wish I could take it back. I desperately wish I could take it back; but I can't. This was by far the lowest point in my Christian life, but also one of the most significant. I have made a promise to myself and to Jesus, that if I ever see that girl again, I will stop and ask such a simple question; "why are you crying?" The second question I will ask is "can I help?"
As believers we walk the streets of this city with our heads down. We are convinced that if we don't see it, it is not there. We are like a child hiding under her blankets believing if she does not see the monster in her closet it can't hurt her. The time to stop pretending is over. James 1:22 Say's "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." The Word of God says that we are to look after those who are hurting, that we are to help the widows and the orphans and that if we do not act, our faith is dead. The time for pew sitting passer bye's is over. The time for a kingdom revolution is now.
Rob
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Worship Is...
Sometimes it is better to rest on the words of another. In defining worship I have found few as complete as that of William Temple,the Archbishop of Canterbury. With this Sunday being our declaration service, a time where we come together to worship, I will simply leave you with his words.
Worship is
the submission of all our nature to God.
It is the quickening of the conscience by His holiness;
the nourishment of mind with His truth;
the purifying of the imagination by His beauty;
the opening of the heart to His love;
the surrender of will to His purpose -
and all of this gathered up in adoration,
the most selfless emotion of which our nature is capable,
and therefore the chief remedy
of that self-centeredness
which is our original sin
and the source of all actual sin.
William Temple, 1881 - 1944
Worship is
the submission of all our nature to God.
It is the quickening of the conscience by His holiness;
the nourishment of mind with His truth;
the purifying of the imagination by His beauty;
the opening of the heart to His love;
the surrender of will to His purpose -
and all of this gathered up in adoration,
the most selfless emotion of which our nature is capable,
and therefore the chief remedy
of that self-centeredness
which is our original sin
and the source of all actual sin.
William Temple, 1881 - 1944
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Sorry...I Forgot!
I have an amazing long term memory! I can remember details of the past as if they had just happened. My short term memory however, is not so amazing and I have a hard time remembering what I did just a minute before. My short term memory however, is not so amazing and I have a hard time remembering what I did just a minute before.
For those of us who struggle with chronic forgetfulness, we find ways to cope in a society that frowns upon the appearance of flightiness. At my last church, our administrator would write memo's to herself on her hand to remind her of what needed to be accomplished. For the longest time I would make fun of her for needing such an aid; that is of course until I forgot my daughter at daycare.
You know that feeling you get when you know there is something missing? Well, one day when I pulled into my driveway I had that nagging feeling, but quickly removed it at the thought of seeing Jackson and Lucy greet me at the door. Lucy! I had forgotten Lucy! I quickly raced two towns over to pick up my girl all the while building a story line to tell Becky about how I obviously did not forget Lucy and that I must have been very busy at work, thus causing my lateness.
I picked up Lucy, explained the true story to Becky and if you ever see Lucy or Jackson written on my hand, they are at daycare and I will be picking them up that evening.
Forgetfulness seems to be a less than favorable trait with one exception; Jesus. When we turn to Jesus, at the same time our sins are forgiven, they are also forgotten and we experience what we call grace. Without this forgetfulness, grace cannot take place. Often times we need not only to be reminded of grace, but also about the absent mindedness of Christ. His ability to erase the past, forget our sins, separate them as far as the east is from the west is why we, as the forgiven, will never have our past used against us by the Almighty, forgetful God we serve.
For those of us who struggle with chronic forgetfulness, we find ways to cope in a society that frowns upon the appearance of flightiness. At my last church, our administrator would write memo's to herself on her hand to remind her of what needed to be accomplished. For the longest time I would make fun of her for needing such an aid; that is of course until I forgot my daughter at daycare.
You know that feeling you get when you know there is something missing? Well, one day when I pulled into my driveway I had that nagging feeling, but quickly removed it at the thought of seeing Jackson and Lucy greet me at the door. Lucy! I had forgotten Lucy! I quickly raced two towns over to pick up my girl all the while building a story line to tell Becky about how I obviously did not forget Lucy and that I must have been very busy at work, thus causing my lateness.
I picked up Lucy, explained the true story to Becky and if you ever see Lucy or Jackson written on my hand, they are at daycare and I will be picking them up that evening.
Forgetfulness seems to be a less than favorable trait with one exception; Jesus. When we turn to Jesus, at the same time our sins are forgiven, they are also forgotten and we experience what we call grace. Without this forgetfulness, grace cannot take place. Often times we need not only to be reminded of grace, but also about the absent mindedness of Christ. His ability to erase the past, forget our sins, separate them as far as the east is from the west is why we, as the forgiven, will never have our past used against us by the Almighty, forgetful God we serve.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
"I am the True Vine"
For those who have all the natural talents and God given abilities an individual could desire, this post is not for you. This post is dedicated to those of us who never found our niche. It is dedicated not to the bench players, but to the players who wished they made the bench.
The first time I got cut from a team was when I was in grade seven. I believe it was the first time I had ever tried out for a team. I was attending Glen Cedar Public school in Newmarket, where I was still a relatively new student to the school. I had moved there the year before and was fitting in nicely to my new environment. At Glen Cedar, grade seven marked the year we as students were introduced to competitive team sports. We were all encouraged to participate in the tryouts (a cruel ploy concocted by the heartless teachers I'm sure) so that we could somehow become better people as a result. At the time, I believed basketball would be my best fit. I had the height, I had a net at home (although I rarely used it) and I also believed I had the style to make the team.
It was now time to prove I had what it took to be a "baller". With high hopes and inflated expectations of my new future career I practiced as hard as I could. Determined to show the coach my skills I made sure to never be last in the suicides (another cruel punishment created by gym teachers). I ran into my first problem early, around the part where they brought out the balls. I soon realized I did not have the skills to play the game at a competitive level. When I did not make it past the first cut I was puzzled since the only thing I struggled with was passing, shooting and dribbling the ball. Needless to say the coach played favorites and my dreams of playing in the NBA soon faded.
For those of us who have been cut from something we know that feeling of disappointment. We also know that probably the reason we were cut was because we weren't producing for the team and the coaching staff had no choice but to let us go. In all professional sports there is a long hard road to making the team and a short easy road from being let go by it.
When Jesus says "I am the true vine" and that all those branches who do not produce will be cut off, he is telling the believer that Christianity is not a spectators sport. That it is our responsibility to get in the game and contribute or be cut. In context, Jesus is clearly not referring to losing ones salvation, but he is talking to all of those who would call themselves players who have yet to enter the game. Just like I could not call myself a basketball player if I did not play; one cannot claim to be a follower of Christ if they do not serve. If you have been attending church for years, call yourself spiritual, sing the songs, attend the meetings and go through all the appropriate motions and rituals, Jesus is talking to you. Perhaps today is the day you get out of the bleachers and onto the court. Perhaps today is the day you become a player for Christ and make the cut.
The first time I got cut from a team was when I was in grade seven. I believe it was the first time I had ever tried out for a team. I was attending Glen Cedar Public school in Newmarket, where I was still a relatively new student to the school. I had moved there the year before and was fitting in nicely to my new environment. At Glen Cedar, grade seven marked the year we as students were introduced to competitive team sports. We were all encouraged to participate in the tryouts (a cruel ploy concocted by the heartless teachers I'm sure) so that we could somehow become better people as a result. At the time, I believed basketball would be my best fit. I had the height, I had a net at home (although I rarely used it) and I also believed I had the style to make the team.
It was now time to prove I had what it took to be a "baller". With high hopes and inflated expectations of my new future career I practiced as hard as I could. Determined to show the coach my skills I made sure to never be last in the suicides (another cruel punishment created by gym teachers). I ran into my first problem early, around the part where they brought out the balls. I soon realized I did not have the skills to play the game at a competitive level. When I did not make it past the first cut I was puzzled since the only thing I struggled with was passing, shooting and dribbling the ball. Needless to say the coach played favorites and my dreams of playing in the NBA soon faded.
For those of us who have been cut from something we know that feeling of disappointment. We also know that probably the reason we were cut was because we weren't producing for the team and the coaching staff had no choice but to let us go. In all professional sports there is a long hard road to making the team and a short easy road from being let go by it.
When Jesus says "I am the true vine" and that all those branches who do not produce will be cut off, he is telling the believer that Christianity is not a spectators sport. That it is our responsibility to get in the game and contribute or be cut. In context, Jesus is clearly not referring to losing ones salvation, but he is talking to all of those who would call themselves players who have yet to enter the game. Just like I could not call myself a basketball player if I did not play; one cannot claim to be a follower of Christ if they do not serve. If you have been attending church for years, call yourself spiritual, sing the songs, attend the meetings and go through all the appropriate motions and rituals, Jesus is talking to you. Perhaps today is the day you get out of the bleachers and onto the court. Perhaps today is the day you become a player for Christ and make the cut.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
"I am the way"
When you have a verse as rich as John 14:6, it is impossible to focus on all of its assets effectively in one post. For this reason I will attempt to highlight "the way" and leave truth and life for another time.
For the sake of context we must understand that Jesus has just made a statement that he will be leaving shortly and that his disciples will know the way to where he is going. Thomas, who I believe has wrongly taken a bad rap for years, asks Jesus how they were to know the way? This is a fantastic question which leads up to a fantastic answer.
On the very first canoe trip that I ever lead/co-lead, we had an injury which required us to evacuate one of the members of the trip. For the purpose of this story we will call him Andy...since that is his real name. We were on Clear Lake, a lake in which I had been on many times before and was very familiar with. After the injury had taken place and we made the decision to evacuate Andy, I prepared my gear for the journey out of Clear Lake and to the nearest marina which was about a 2 hour paddle. I took almost everything I needed with the exception of a map. Being as familiar as I was with the lake I felt confident that we would not need one.
As you could probably guess, we got lost. I had Andy in the middle of the canoe(groaning in pain) and Kaj in the back as we both watched the shoreline trying to make sense of where we were. It took us four hours to make it off the lake. Andy would be fine, but he made sure that he did not get hurt again the rest of the year for fear that Kaj and I would once again would be the ones to rescue him.
Jesus told Thomas "I am the way!" If the destination was to be with the Father, then Jesus boldly told Thomas that He was the map to follow if he wanted to reach the same destination. In this exclusive statement, Jesus is telling the world that without Him, there is no map, and with no map we cannot reach our desired destination; to be with the creator of the universe, the loving God of Abraham.
For the sake of context we must understand that Jesus has just made a statement that he will be leaving shortly and that his disciples will know the way to where he is going. Thomas, who I believe has wrongly taken a bad rap for years, asks Jesus how they were to know the way? This is a fantastic question which leads up to a fantastic answer.
On the very first canoe trip that I ever lead/co-lead, we had an injury which required us to evacuate one of the members of the trip. For the purpose of this story we will call him Andy...since that is his real name. We were on Clear Lake, a lake in which I had been on many times before and was very familiar with. After the injury had taken place and we made the decision to evacuate Andy, I prepared my gear for the journey out of Clear Lake and to the nearest marina which was about a 2 hour paddle. I took almost everything I needed with the exception of a map. Being as familiar as I was with the lake I felt confident that we would not need one.
As you could probably guess, we got lost. I had Andy in the middle of the canoe(groaning in pain) and Kaj in the back as we both watched the shoreline trying to make sense of where we were. It took us four hours to make it off the lake. Andy would be fine, but he made sure that he did not get hurt again the rest of the year for fear that Kaj and I would once again would be the ones to rescue him.
Jesus told Thomas "I am the way!" If the destination was to be with the Father, then Jesus boldly told Thomas that He was the map to follow if he wanted to reach the same destination. In this exclusive statement, Jesus is telling the world that without Him, there is no map, and with no map we cannot reach our desired destination; to be with the creator of the universe, the loving God of Abraham.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
"I am the resurrection"
While working with youth, there were many strange and wondrous events which I planned and ran in hopes of having a good time and praising God. The best idea I had, hands down, was to bury alive one of our youth leaders. I know what you're thinking. Right now either you are thinking A. That's dangerous or B. That's stupid. I will accept either answer, but instead of debating the safety protocol we obviously broke, or discussing who in their right minds would agree to be buried alive, I will simply continue with my story assuming you have decided to continue to read.
Something I think you should know about me is that I have a coffin. I have always believed this to be one of my greater attributes (although, I am not sure it truly is an attribute)and found use for such a toy on many occasions. In fact, my youth became so comfortable with my coffin that they no longer feared it as in the first. For this reason I was pushed into raising the bar. While running an event called "Borne Identity" (yes, based on the movies) one of the stages was to take place in a grave yard...as per usual. The youth were instructed to dig up the casket to find their next clue. Nonchalantly, the fellas (mainly boys that night...can't figure out why?) approached the make shift cemetery knowing that I had buried my old companion in an attempt to shock. The digging began while the boys went on their way talking about other things not related to the task at hand, all the while unaware that Nick, my 250lbs. youth leader was in the coffin with a mask and chain saw waiting to be released from his shallow grave. As the boys reached down to open the lid, Nick jumped out of the coffin and kick started the saw and began his pursuit. I don't care who you are or how tough you appear, when someone jumps out of a coffin you had just dug up, with a chain saw and wearing a hockey mask, you run. These same guy's who tried their best to put up a tough front screamed like little girls and ran for their lives. This was truly a ministry highlight.
In John 11, Jesus tells Martha that He is the resurrection. Martha, like many of us, gave the "yeah, I know" answer. We have become very comfortable with the term; so comfortable that I believe it has lost some of its meaning. When Jesus told Martha that he was the resurrection, he was telling her that he had the power to raise the dead; that he had the power to conquer death and offer eternal life. Martha's approach to Jesus' statement was similar to the boys from my youth. She was comfortable with the concept of resurrecting the dead (if anyone can actually be comfortable with such a thing) even claiming that she knew her brother Lazarus would be raised from the dead at some point. Where she was totally unaware was that Jesus was not talking about someday, he was talking about today.
Scripture does not say, but I can only imagine what effect it would have had on those witnesses who saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead. The comfort level would have changed rapidly. Remorse and grieving would have been replaced by fear and confusion. Disgust at the smell of the rotting man may have come to mind. One thing I am sure of, is that the resurrection would never again be trivialized by those who saw it first hand that day. Scripture does say that after Lazarus was raised many put their faith in him. This seems like a perfectly logical statement. I cannot, however, for the life of me understand why it did not say ALL who were there that day placed their faith in Jesus. It only solidifies that fact that if the Word does not change a man's/woman's heart (Luke 16:31) then raising someone from the dead will not change a thing.
Let us live in the power of the one who not only was resurrected, but who is in fact the resurrection Himself.
Something I think you should know about me is that I have a coffin. I have always believed this to be one of my greater attributes (although, I am not sure it truly is an attribute)and found use for such a toy on many occasions. In fact, my youth became so comfortable with my coffin that they no longer feared it as in the first. For this reason I was pushed into raising the bar. While running an event called "Borne Identity" (yes, based on the movies) one of the stages was to take place in a grave yard...as per usual. The youth were instructed to dig up the casket to find their next clue. Nonchalantly, the fellas (mainly boys that night...can't figure out why?) approached the make shift cemetery knowing that I had buried my old companion in an attempt to shock. The digging began while the boys went on their way talking about other things not related to the task at hand, all the while unaware that Nick, my 250lbs. youth leader was in the coffin with a mask and chain saw waiting to be released from his shallow grave. As the boys reached down to open the lid, Nick jumped out of the coffin and kick started the saw and began his pursuit. I don't care who you are or how tough you appear, when someone jumps out of a coffin you had just dug up, with a chain saw and wearing a hockey mask, you run. These same guy's who tried their best to put up a tough front screamed like little girls and ran for their lives. This was truly a ministry highlight.
In John 11, Jesus tells Martha that He is the resurrection. Martha, like many of us, gave the "yeah, I know" answer. We have become very comfortable with the term; so comfortable that I believe it has lost some of its meaning. When Jesus told Martha that he was the resurrection, he was telling her that he had the power to raise the dead; that he had the power to conquer death and offer eternal life. Martha's approach to Jesus' statement was similar to the boys from my youth. She was comfortable with the concept of resurrecting the dead (if anyone can actually be comfortable with such a thing) even claiming that she knew her brother Lazarus would be raised from the dead at some point. Where she was totally unaware was that Jesus was not talking about someday, he was talking about today.
Scripture does not say, but I can only imagine what effect it would have had on those witnesses who saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead. The comfort level would have changed rapidly. Remorse and grieving would have been replaced by fear and confusion. Disgust at the smell of the rotting man may have come to mind. One thing I am sure of, is that the resurrection would never again be trivialized by those who saw it first hand that day. Scripture does say that after Lazarus was raised many put their faith in him. This seems like a perfectly logical statement. I cannot, however, for the life of me understand why it did not say ALL who were there that day placed their faith in Jesus. It only solidifies that fact that if the Word does not change a man's/woman's heart (Luke 16:31) then raising someone from the dead will not change a thing.
Let us live in the power of the one who not only was resurrected, but who is in fact the resurrection Himself.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Snot in the Pocket
You may have noticed that my title this week does not correlate with with my message. This post is still very much about Jesus' statement "I am the good shepherd", but I would like to illustrate it outside of the text to start.
When I was a single man, I decided that I needed one of those life changing trips; you know the ones. The trip that when you are really old you can sit your grandchild on your knee and recall how cool you once were. I figured what would be cooler and more unique than attending Lyle Sankey's Rodeo School in Kansas. Lyle was a two time PBR (professional bull riding)champion and his father Ike Sankey was known for being one of the top breeders for the PBR.
I hopped on a train and headed down to Kansas on my solo trip that would change my life. For the sake of brevity, I will hold all other stories, since there are many, for a later date and proceed directly to the one that applies.
At this particular school, there was also a "clowning" school. This was not for the circus, but rather to teach rodeo clowns how to fight bulls. In this class there was a 50 plus year old women who appeared to be even crazier than me. She had hit some form of crisis and wanted an adventure. Rodeo clowns had an expression they used when they did a good job. It was "snot in your pocket". What it meant was that the bull had gotten so close to you that when you checked your back pocket you were able to feel the bulls snot. Crude, I know, but we are talking about rodeo clowns. When it was this womans turn for her final exam, which consisted of being alone in the ring with a bull for 2 minutes, no one was prepared for what was about to take place. In school, the clowns were taught to fake there hand one way and then head in the opposite direction. This lady faked as she was taught, but then proceeded to run in the same direction as she faked. The bull plowed right into her and for the next couple of seconds, which felt like minutes, the bull began to pound her into the ground. As she got to her hands and knees in an attempt to stand, the bull butted her in the back side and sent her into the concrete wall. This is when the professionals went to work.
Without hesitation, the head rodeo clown ran up to the bull, slapped it as hard as he could across the face, and began to run. The bull turned his now extreme anger to the head clown. The instructor ran far enough away from the woman in order that she could be attended to and cared for. Eventually, he led the bull back to the pen where they could shut the gate, therefore making the arena safe. He definitely had snot in his pocket.
When Jesus said "I am the good shepherd" we must not forget the words that followed; "I lay down my life for the sheep". Jesus was willing to step in our place and die so that we could be protected. If this is what Jesus did for us, why don't we tell this story of replacement with more passion and excitement. When I saw this rodeo clown step in the way of a bull to save another, I couldn't wait to tell others about it. It wasn't even that I was saved from the bull, but I just saw how amazing it was. We have been saved, first hand, by the good shepherd. Jesus was willing to step in harms way so that we could live. Tell this substitutionary story as if you mean it; tell it as if you were truly saved from peril and live in such a way as if you have been given a second chance at life. Then you will truly understand what Jesus meant when he said "I am the good shepherd".
When I was a single man, I decided that I needed one of those life changing trips; you know the ones. The trip that when you are really old you can sit your grandchild on your knee and recall how cool you once were. I figured what would be cooler and more unique than attending Lyle Sankey's Rodeo School in Kansas. Lyle was a two time PBR (professional bull riding)champion and his father Ike Sankey was known for being one of the top breeders for the PBR.
I hopped on a train and headed down to Kansas on my solo trip that would change my life. For the sake of brevity, I will hold all other stories, since there are many, for a later date and proceed directly to the one that applies.
At this particular school, there was also a "clowning" school. This was not for the circus, but rather to teach rodeo clowns how to fight bulls. In this class there was a 50 plus year old women who appeared to be even crazier than me. She had hit some form of crisis and wanted an adventure. Rodeo clowns had an expression they used when they did a good job. It was "snot in your pocket". What it meant was that the bull had gotten so close to you that when you checked your back pocket you were able to feel the bulls snot. Crude, I know, but we are talking about rodeo clowns. When it was this womans turn for her final exam, which consisted of being alone in the ring with a bull for 2 minutes, no one was prepared for what was about to take place. In school, the clowns were taught to fake there hand one way and then head in the opposite direction. This lady faked as she was taught, but then proceeded to run in the same direction as she faked. The bull plowed right into her and for the next couple of seconds, which felt like minutes, the bull began to pound her into the ground. As she got to her hands and knees in an attempt to stand, the bull butted her in the back side and sent her into the concrete wall. This is when the professionals went to work.
Without hesitation, the head rodeo clown ran up to the bull, slapped it as hard as he could across the face, and began to run. The bull turned his now extreme anger to the head clown. The instructor ran far enough away from the woman in order that she could be attended to and cared for. Eventually, he led the bull back to the pen where they could shut the gate, therefore making the arena safe. He definitely had snot in his pocket.
When Jesus said "I am the good shepherd" we must not forget the words that followed; "I lay down my life for the sheep". Jesus was willing to step in our place and die so that we could be protected. If this is what Jesus did for us, why don't we tell this story of replacement with more passion and excitement. When I saw this rodeo clown step in the way of a bull to save another, I couldn't wait to tell others about it. It wasn't even that I was saved from the bull, but I just saw how amazing it was. We have been saved, first hand, by the good shepherd. Jesus was willing to step in harms way so that we could live. Tell this substitutionary story as if you mean it; tell it as if you were truly saved from peril and live in such a way as if you have been given a second chance at life. Then you will truly understand what Jesus meant when he said "I am the good shepherd".
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Filler
This Sunday is my installation/induction/commissioning service and therefore I will not be continuing on in the "I am" series, which leaves me open to write a blog about whatever I want. The freedom is overwhelming! Next week I will continue with "I am the good shepherd", but until then it's all up to me...so here we go!
I have chosen to write on joy in sufferings, since I believe struggles may be something we all have from time to time.
A couple of weeks ago I was driving to work, as I often do (for those who are wondering if pastors actually show up at the office). In front of me was a mini-van, driving at a painfully slow pace. Behind me was a Land Rover, who could not handle the current speed and believed by driving really close to me they would somehow be able to speed things up. The Land Rover had those bright blue lights, you know the ones that when they hit a bump you think that they are flashing their high beams at you. I felt myself growing annoyed, go figure. I have been a commuter for less than a month and I already know the controlling power of road rage.
At last the single lane opened up into two lanes and the Land Rover sped past me and the van. I too passed the van, but driving a kia sephia, you rarely speed by anything. I was now in front of the van having pulled into the right hand lane again, while the Land Rover was ahead of both of us in the left hand lane. Then God stepped in and before the Land Rover could react he was stuck behind someone turning left, allowing both myself and the van to pass. The Rover was now forced to pull out behind the van just as the two lanes returned to one. At seeing this I began to laugh. What started out as a little snicker soon evolved into a full out sinister, in your face Land Rover, kind of laugh. It took me the rest of my trip to stop laughing. You would have sworn I had just brought Frankenstein to life by the way I was carrying on at the misfortune of my fellow traveler. I must say, I did feel a little silly when I finally composed myself.
Paul instructed us in Romans 5 to rejoice in our sufferings. I am sure he did not mean for us to rejoice in the sufferings of others as I had done. What's so amazing about this concept is what follows this particular statement. It is through our sufferings that we begin to persevere. It is through our perseverance that we develop character. It is through our character that we are given hope, and hope does not disappoint. There is no one thing that takes place on its own, but rather, they are developed sequentially, in order that we may end up at our final destination, hope. If the world needs a dose of something, hope would be it, but often that hope can only come about through our sufferings. And remember, hope is not a wishing, instead it is a promise that will not disappoint, if the hope we have is placed in the Christ who died for the ungodly.
Rob
I have chosen to write on joy in sufferings, since I believe struggles may be something we all have from time to time.
A couple of weeks ago I was driving to work, as I often do (for those who are wondering if pastors actually show up at the office). In front of me was a mini-van, driving at a painfully slow pace. Behind me was a Land Rover, who could not handle the current speed and believed by driving really close to me they would somehow be able to speed things up. The Land Rover had those bright blue lights, you know the ones that when they hit a bump you think that they are flashing their high beams at you. I felt myself growing annoyed, go figure. I have been a commuter for less than a month and I already know the controlling power of road rage.
At last the single lane opened up into two lanes and the Land Rover sped past me and the van. I too passed the van, but driving a kia sephia, you rarely speed by anything. I was now in front of the van having pulled into the right hand lane again, while the Land Rover was ahead of both of us in the left hand lane. Then God stepped in and before the Land Rover could react he was stuck behind someone turning left, allowing both myself and the van to pass. The Rover was now forced to pull out behind the van just as the two lanes returned to one. At seeing this I began to laugh. What started out as a little snicker soon evolved into a full out sinister, in your face Land Rover, kind of laugh. It took me the rest of my trip to stop laughing. You would have sworn I had just brought Frankenstein to life by the way I was carrying on at the misfortune of my fellow traveler. I must say, I did feel a little silly when I finally composed myself.
Paul instructed us in Romans 5 to rejoice in our sufferings. I am sure he did not mean for us to rejoice in the sufferings of others as I had done. What's so amazing about this concept is what follows this particular statement. It is through our sufferings that we begin to persevere. It is through our perseverance that we develop character. It is through our character that we are given hope, and hope does not disappoint. There is no one thing that takes place on its own, but rather, they are developed sequentially, in order that we may end up at our final destination, hope. If the world needs a dose of something, hope would be it, but often that hope can only come about through our sufferings. And remember, hope is not a wishing, instead it is a promise that will not disappoint, if the hope we have is placed in the Christ who died for the ungodly.
Rob
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
"I am the Gate"
During training week, years ago when I worked at camp, was the time when names would be given to new staff. Each staff member would be given a name based on either an attribute or an earlier event which had taken place. This particular summer, there was a new staff member named Matt. Matt was a big guy at 6'3" and 195lbs of muscle. When you stand out as much as Matt, names are easy to come by. The obvious names were however not given and instead he was given the name skid and not because he came from Keswick.
One night, Matt decided he would go for a bike ride; no helmet and no light and this on one of the camp bikes. Riding as fast as he could, he left the camp and headed towards the conference grounds about a kilometer away. When Matt approached the beach area, still traveling as fast as he could ride, he did not know that at night they put a chain gate across the road to keep vehicles from coming in during the night. It apparently could also stop a bike pretty fast as well. Matt hit the chain just below his handle bars and flew over his bike onto the gravel road on the other side, landing on his face. To give you an idea of how hard Matt hit the chain, the forks of the bike bent almost in half. When he returned from hospital, Matt looked like the scariest man I had ever seen. Children were terrified of him for the first three weeks of camp and in our compassion we thought it only appropriate to name him skid, in memory of the "skid mark" his face had left on the road. Matt would be fine!
It always amazed me that the chain never broke. Such a simple gate, but yet so strong. When Jesus said "I am the gate", he was telling us that while under his care nothing could get past him and get to us. It was the job of the shepherd to lie across where the gate was, so that nothing could get in unless he first allowed it. This meant risking much, against a hungry bear or lion as in the case of David the shepherd boy; but Jesus was willing to offer us this protection while in his care. To carry on this example, one must wonder what awaited a sheep who were not under the shepherds protection.
It was also the job of the shepherd to inspect the sheep as they entered the pen to see if they had run into thorns and needed attention, or perhaps were simply thirsty. The shepherd would clean their wounds and offer fresh water so that they could find rest and heal while he kept them safe from those who would wish to do them harm. Jesus told us that he is that shepherd who will do more than lie across the gate for us, instead he became the gate, so that we can find protection and rest in him. Rest, heal, and drink and know that you are loved by the one who was willing to lay his life down for his sheep.
One night, Matt decided he would go for a bike ride; no helmet and no light and this on one of the camp bikes. Riding as fast as he could, he left the camp and headed towards the conference grounds about a kilometer away. When Matt approached the beach area, still traveling as fast as he could ride, he did not know that at night they put a chain gate across the road to keep vehicles from coming in during the night. It apparently could also stop a bike pretty fast as well. Matt hit the chain just below his handle bars and flew over his bike onto the gravel road on the other side, landing on his face. To give you an idea of how hard Matt hit the chain, the forks of the bike bent almost in half. When he returned from hospital, Matt looked like the scariest man I had ever seen. Children were terrified of him for the first three weeks of camp and in our compassion we thought it only appropriate to name him skid, in memory of the "skid mark" his face had left on the road. Matt would be fine!
It always amazed me that the chain never broke. Such a simple gate, but yet so strong. When Jesus said "I am the gate", he was telling us that while under his care nothing could get past him and get to us. It was the job of the shepherd to lie across where the gate was, so that nothing could get in unless he first allowed it. This meant risking much, against a hungry bear or lion as in the case of David the shepherd boy; but Jesus was willing to offer us this protection while in his care. To carry on this example, one must wonder what awaited a sheep who were not under the shepherds protection.
It was also the job of the shepherd to inspect the sheep as they entered the pen to see if they had run into thorns and needed attention, or perhaps were simply thirsty. The shepherd would clean their wounds and offer fresh water so that they could find rest and heal while he kept them safe from those who would wish to do them harm. Jesus told us that he is that shepherd who will do more than lie across the gate for us, instead he became the gate, so that we can find protection and rest in him. Rest, heal, and drink and know that you are loved by the one who was willing to lay his life down for his sheep.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
"I am the light"
Sleep has never been something that has come easily to me. I often struggle to fall asleep and even after having finally falling asleep, I am often woken again in the night. When I wake up I am often inclined to get out of bed and get a drink, usually of milk. After having left my bedroom as quietly as possible so as to not wake Becky, I begin to make my way down the stairs. Remembering that I have two small children I recognize the need to turn on the light so as to not step on a toy or other misplaced object, thus falling down the stairs ensuring that I would not sleep again that night. The instance I flick on the light after having just woken up I can feel the burning discomfort as I squint my eyes so tight I begin to see purple stars. You see, even though I realize the light will expose the things I will need to avoid in order to have a safe journey down the steps, it does not take away from the initial discomfort as my eyes adjust.
For anyone who has had a parent suddenly open the blinds to hurry up the wake-up process or has been fast asleep as a college friend enters the room and turns on the light with no thought of how this might affect you or simply wakes up before the day begins; you will be able to relate to that painful adjustment that inevitably takes place.
When Jesus enters into our lives it often comes with a sudden realization of the darkness we were in prior to his coming. Since our eyes were accustomed to the dark, the light brings a certain discomfort, even though it reveals all things.
As a child when I had bad dreams, I would close my eyes tight under the assumption that if I can't see it, it can't hurt me. On the contrary, it is what we cannot see that we need to fear the most. Allow Jesus to shed some light on the matter and, although you may not like what you see, you will now have the ability to allow God to fix the problem, and who better to guide us in this dark place than the one who said "I am the light"
Rob
For anyone who has had a parent suddenly open the blinds to hurry up the wake-up process or has been fast asleep as a college friend enters the room and turns on the light with no thought of how this might affect you or simply wakes up before the day begins; you will be able to relate to that painful adjustment that inevitably takes place.
When Jesus enters into our lives it often comes with a sudden realization of the darkness we were in prior to his coming. Since our eyes were accustomed to the dark, the light brings a certain discomfort, even though it reveals all things.
As a child when I had bad dreams, I would close my eyes tight under the assumption that if I can't see it, it can't hurt me. On the contrary, it is what we cannot see that we need to fear the most. Allow Jesus to shed some light on the matter and, although you may not like what you see, you will now have the ability to allow God to fix the problem, and who better to guide us in this dark place than the one who said "I am the light"
Rob
Friday, January 4, 2008
"I am the Bread"
When I was in bible college I attended a "field trip" to the city, where as students we were going to learn what it meant to live on the streets. The purpose of this trip was to live on the streets for a short period of time in order to expose us to the harsh realities of street life. We were told to "dress appropriately" and to not have eaten for 24 hours prior to our coming.
Coming from a school which focused largely on outdoor education, we naturally understood "dress appropriately" as "dress warm". So as our class poured out of the school vans, fully decked out in North Face and other such expensive outdoor clothing, we soon realized we had already begun to defeat the purpose of the exercise.
Being a college aged boy, the fact that I hadn't eaten for what seemed like an eternity, started to play a role in my experience. We were instructed that we could only eat if we either panhandled for the money, or scrounged for the food. I instantly made my way to the Eaton's Center cafeteria and had the feast of a life time on other people leftovers. I was so hungry after having not eaten for less than a day, that I was willing to gorge myself on the scraps of others. If this was the feeling I had, imagine how those on this same planet must feel when they haven't eaten for days.
When Jesus says "I am the bread" in John 6, I don't think people are really grasping what he is saying. In our North American culture, bread is often something we try to avoid since it is high in carbs and goes straight to the hips. We are so over fed that while in other parts of the world people are struggling to find food, we are desperately trying to cut ours back. When Jesus said "I am the bread", he was saying "I am the sustainer of all life, apart from me there is only starvation".
Jesus is not just a preferential religion that we can choose should it be the one that suits us best; he is the only life that we can ever have and apart from him we are dead. Perhaps if we desired Jesus like a person dying of starvation hungers for bread, our churches would look very different.
Rob
Coming from a school which focused largely on outdoor education, we naturally understood "dress appropriately" as "dress warm". So as our class poured out of the school vans, fully decked out in North Face and other such expensive outdoor clothing, we soon realized we had already begun to defeat the purpose of the exercise.
Being a college aged boy, the fact that I hadn't eaten for what seemed like an eternity, started to play a role in my experience. We were instructed that we could only eat if we either panhandled for the money, or scrounged for the food. I instantly made my way to the Eaton's Center cafeteria and had the feast of a life time on other people leftovers. I was so hungry after having not eaten for less than a day, that I was willing to gorge myself on the scraps of others. If this was the feeling I had, imagine how those on this same planet must feel when they haven't eaten for days.
When Jesus says "I am the bread" in John 6, I don't think people are really grasping what he is saying. In our North American culture, bread is often something we try to avoid since it is high in carbs and goes straight to the hips. We are so over fed that while in other parts of the world people are struggling to find food, we are desperately trying to cut ours back. When Jesus said "I am the bread", he was saying "I am the sustainer of all life, apart from me there is only starvation".
Jesus is not just a preferential religion that we can choose should it be the one that suits us best; he is the only life that we can ever have and apart from him we are dead. Perhaps if we desired Jesus like a person dying of starvation hungers for bread, our churches would look very different.
Rob
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