A couple of weeks ago I flew out to Colorado to speak for a youth rally in Grand Junction, which was the first church I pastored after college nearly 20 years ago. It was great to go back and see my friends there after all these years. It was especially a joy, because I was able to take my 8-year-old daughter with me. It was fun to have a "daddy-daughter" weekend.
We flew into Denver, where we rented a car. Then we started the four-hour drive over the mountains to the western part of the state. This is my favorite drive in all of North America - four hours of driving among the peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Every time the freeway turns a corner, there's another mountain coming into view. Each one is absolutely breathtaking. So I spent the whole trip in awe, as I always do when I make that drive.
And of course, I assume my daughter is enjoying it as much as I am. So as we're approaching the Eisenhower Tunnel up at 11,000 feet, I turn to look at Kaleigh in the back seat, to get her reaction to the beautiful scenery. What I see there is my daughter with her head under her blanket, so that she can better see the DVD player which is in her lap. She was missing it all! So I called to her (she had earphones on), and told her she needed to look at the mountains we were driving through. She lowered the blanket, looked out the window, and said, "That's nice." Then she quickly put the blanket back over her head and continued to watch Beverly Hills Chihuahua.
I couldn't believe it! How can she prefer to look at the DVD (which she's seen before), rather than enjoy the beauty of the Colorado Rockies? I'm afraid I just don't get it.
I wonder how often God has the same reaction to the way I live my life. What are the things that God wants to show me, that I'm too busy to look at? How many times does He want to give me a glimpse of His majesty, His awesomeness, His grace and mercy, but I'm back here putting a blanket over my head. There's a million things that catch my attention...maybe it's something on TV, maybe it's surfing the internet, maybe it's just the busyness of life - whatever it is, it catches my attention and keeps me enthralled. So when God says, "Hey, look at this," I look for a moment, then go back to whatever I was looking at before. How much of God's wonder have I missed because I just didn't want to look when He was trying to catch my attention?
My prayer today is that I will let God take the blanket off my head, so I can be amazed by the things He loves. I want to live in awe of His beauty, His majesty, and His love.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
The Only One That Got It
I teach a Bible class here at the college called "Personal Encounters With Jesus." The class looks at a number of people who interacted with Jesus during His ministry years. Yesterday in class we were talking about Mary Magdalene, particularly her encounter with Jesus on Resurrection Sunday. You know the story - Mary goes to the tomb, finds it empty, encounters a man she assumes to be the gardener, and asks, "Where have you taken Him?" Then Jesus says her name: "Mary." She recognizes Him and begins to hold on to Him.
The question was asked in our discussion, "Why did Jesus choose Mary as the first person He appeared to after His resurrection?" Certainly there were others He could have chosen - the disciples, who He'd spent three years working with very closely; or maybe the Pharisees - He could have appeared to them and said, "Hey, told you so..." How about His mom? But He chose Mary. Why?
As I read about Mary's relationship with Jesus, it is clear that this relationship was very close. He had changed her life, and she was drawn to Him as a result. But, of course, the same could be said of others, including the disciples - particularly John, James, and Peter. What's interesting to me is how each of these is relating to Jesus at the end of His life. When we look at the disciples, they are still arguing about who will be the greatest in the Kingdom, too proud to wash each other's feet. Though their lives are being changed, the reality is that these guys still don't get it.
Now contrast this with Mary. She has only one goal - to pour out her love on Jesus. She's not too proud; in fact, just the opposite. There she is washing Jesus' feet with her tears and her perfume. All she cares about is showing her love for Jesus, and thanking Him for saving her and changing her life. What a contrast!
With these pictures in mind, it becomes clear to me why Jesus chose her to be the first to see Him in His resurrection glory: she was the only one that got it. She was the only one who understood what Jesus was all about. So He honored her by finding her first.
I pray on this Easter weekend that, like Mary, I would "get it." I pray that God would help me understand what Jesus is all about, and that, like Mary, I would have only one goal: showing my love for Jesus, and thanking Him for saving and changing me.
The question was asked in our discussion, "Why did Jesus choose Mary as the first person He appeared to after His resurrection?" Certainly there were others He could have chosen - the disciples, who He'd spent three years working with very closely; or maybe the Pharisees - He could have appeared to them and said, "Hey, told you so..." How about His mom? But He chose Mary. Why?
As I read about Mary's relationship with Jesus, it is clear that this relationship was very close. He had changed her life, and she was drawn to Him as a result. But, of course, the same could be said of others, including the disciples - particularly John, James, and Peter. What's interesting to me is how each of these is relating to Jesus at the end of His life. When we look at the disciples, they are still arguing about who will be the greatest in the Kingdom, too proud to wash each other's feet. Though their lives are being changed, the reality is that these guys still don't get it.
Now contrast this with Mary. She has only one goal - to pour out her love on Jesus. She's not too proud; in fact, just the opposite. There she is washing Jesus' feet with her tears and her perfume. All she cares about is showing her love for Jesus, and thanking Him for saving her and changing her life. What a contrast!
With these pictures in mind, it becomes clear to me why Jesus chose her to be the first to see Him in His resurrection glory: she was the only one that got it. She was the only one who understood what Jesus was all about. So He honored her by finding her first.
I pray on this Easter weekend that, like Mary, I would "get it." I pray that God would help me understand what Jesus is all about, and that, like Mary, I would have only one goal: showing my love for Jesus, and thanking Him for saving and changing me.
Friday, February 26, 2010
How do you spell Sandi Patty?
This morning Sandi Patty did a program for the faculty and staff at the college where I work. She sang two songs, but spent most of the time telling her story (we'll get more songs at the concert tonight...). She talked about the brokenness of her life as she went through a very public divorce 20 years ago. She shared a story about where healing took place as she sat "broken on the back row" of a church in Anderson, Indiana. (For the complete story, read her very moving book, "Broken on the Back Row.")
As she began to experience God's healing in her life, she was struck by the stories in Scripture in which people who have an experience with God get new names. Jacob became Israel, Abram became Abraham, Simon became Peter, Saul became Paul. She began thinking about her own name, which had accidentally been changed by her record company. Her family name is "Patty," but on one of her earliest records, it was printed as "Patti," with an "i". She didn't bother to change it, and actually used the incorrect spelling for the next 20 years or so.
But as she began a new experience with God, experiencing His healing in her life, she felt it was time to reclaim her own name. That's why for the last few years, her CDs have her real name, "Sandi Patty."
As she shared this story, I got to thinking about my own name. My given name is Gerald, though I go by Jerry. But the truth of my life is that, so often, I have chosen to identify myself with the enemy. I have chosen to be identified with him. I have fallen short of God's glory, and so my name could truly be called "sin." But just as Sandi experienced God's healing and grace, and changed the incorrect spelling of her name - got rid of the "i" - in the same way, I can say that God's healing and grace has changed my name by doing the same - getting rid of the "i." Instead of being identifed with "sin," by God's grace I am known as "son." God's son, His child.
And one day soon He's promised to give me a new name, known only to Him and me, bestowed in His kingdom. Jesus, thank You for changing my name.
As she began to experience God's healing in her life, she was struck by the stories in Scripture in which people who have an experience with God get new names. Jacob became Israel, Abram became Abraham, Simon became Peter, Saul became Paul. She began thinking about her own name, which had accidentally been changed by her record company. Her family name is "Patty," but on one of her earliest records, it was printed as "Patti," with an "i". She didn't bother to change it, and actually used the incorrect spelling for the next 20 years or so.
But as she began a new experience with God, experiencing His healing in her life, she felt it was time to reclaim her own name. That's why for the last few years, her CDs have her real name, "Sandi Patty."
As she shared this story, I got to thinking about my own name. My given name is Gerald, though I go by Jerry. But the truth of my life is that, so often, I have chosen to identify myself with the enemy. I have chosen to be identified with him. I have fallen short of God's glory, and so my name could truly be called "sin." But just as Sandi experienced God's healing and grace, and changed the incorrect spelling of her name - got rid of the "i" - in the same way, I can say that God's healing and grace has changed my name by doing the same - getting rid of the "i." Instead of being identifed with "sin," by God's grace I am known as "son." God's son, His child.
And one day soon He's promised to give me a new name, known only to Him and me, bestowed in His kingdom. Jesus, thank You for changing my name.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Life In the Middle...
The middle is an interesting place. In an Oreo cookie, the middle is the best part (that's why they make Double Stuf - with extra "stuf" in the middle...) Sometimes, the middle is not so good. Nobody wants the middle seat in the airplane. "Middle child syndrome" is a pain - I know, because I'm the middle child. You get none of the privileges of being the oldest, or the attention of being the baby.
In the last year or so, I've thought a lot about being in the middle. The last presidential election really brought this to my mind. Our politics in this country have come to the place where the middle is left out of the process. The Democrats cater to the far left, the Republicans to the far right. Candidates get elected by appealing to the extremes of their own party. Meanwhile, those of us in the middle feel left out, like there's no one to represent us anymore. I'm registered as an Independent. The media loves to talk about how the candidates have to reach out to the Independents, but while they reach out to us, they don't really represent us.
I've often wondered what it would take for a candidate whose stand on the issues represented those of us in the center to get elected. It almost seems impossible, given the strong hold the two parties have on the system. It doesn't help that when third party candidates enter the race, their views are usually even further from the center than the two parties. Ross Perot comes across as a crazy guy. Ralph Nader seems like a grumpy old man. Can't we find a true leader who shares the values of those of us in the middle? It seems to me that there are enough of us in here to elect someone like that.
But it's not only in politics that I find myself stuck in the middle. It's true in my church, as well. The Adventist church has seen a dividing in recent years, much the way our government has. There are two sides - the right, and the left. Those on the right, often called the Conservatives, or Traditional Adventists, hold to very traditional Adventist teaching on everything from doctrine to lifestyle. They are sometimes characterized by legalistic leanings, and a rejection of new ideas or ways of doing things. On the other side are those who call themselves Progressive Adventists. They worship in new ways, and question the things they were taught all their lives, often rejecting the traditional Adventist teachings, and adopting a theology that bears little resemblance to traditional Adventism in many respects.
Once again, I find myself in the middle. In theology, I am closer to the right. My theology is very conservative. I believe that my salvation was purchased by the blood of Jesus on the cross. I believe that the sanctuary in the Old Testament taught that lesson beautifully. I believe that God created the world in six literal days less than 10,000 years ago. I believe that Jesus is coming back very soon. Most traditional Adventists would be comfortable talking with me about theology. But they would hate going to church with me, because I enjoy worship services that use contemporary music, drama, and other elements that the traditionalists don't enjoy, and even more, think it is wrong to use them in worship.
On the other hand, I find some things in Progressive Adventism that resonate with me. I believe it's important to question the things we've been taught, and evaluate them by Scripture, rather than just accepting them because it's what somebody told us. I believe that we have misused the writings of Ellen White, elevating them to the level of Scripture, though our Fundamental Beliefs indicate otherwise. But there are things that scare me about this side of things, as well. I think that the left's growing acceptance of belief in theistic evolution has absolutely no place in the church. I believe that those who prefer contemporary worship should not look down on those who prefer traditional services (and vice versa). I believe that the Sabbath is still a holy day - we need to re-evaluate what that means, but there's a danger of it becoming just like every other day, and thereby losing it's meaning as a sign pointing us to rest in Christ.
The right is represented by publications such as Our Firm Foundation. The left speaks through magazines such as Adventist Today. The Adventist Review, which works to represent the whole church, still leans towards the conservative in many ways. So here I am again in the middle, wondering who represents me? Am I alone in here? I don't think I am. In fact, I find that there are many like me stuck in the middle.
But then I'm reminded that here in the middle, I'm in good company. One day on a hill outside Jerusalem, there were three men on crosses. Two of them deserved to be there. But the one in the middle was different. He was there because I deserved to be there. But He loved me so much, He took my place. He hung in the middle so that for eternity, I can live in the center of His will, in the middle of His love. It sounds like life in the middle might be okay...
In the last year or so, I've thought a lot about being in the middle. The last presidential election really brought this to my mind. Our politics in this country have come to the place where the middle is left out of the process. The Democrats cater to the far left, the Republicans to the far right. Candidates get elected by appealing to the extremes of their own party. Meanwhile, those of us in the middle feel left out, like there's no one to represent us anymore. I'm registered as an Independent. The media loves to talk about how the candidates have to reach out to the Independents, but while they reach out to us, they don't really represent us.
I've often wondered what it would take for a candidate whose stand on the issues represented those of us in the center to get elected. It almost seems impossible, given the strong hold the two parties have on the system. It doesn't help that when third party candidates enter the race, their views are usually even further from the center than the two parties. Ross Perot comes across as a crazy guy. Ralph Nader seems like a grumpy old man. Can't we find a true leader who shares the values of those of us in the middle? It seems to me that there are enough of us in here to elect someone like that.
But it's not only in politics that I find myself stuck in the middle. It's true in my church, as well. The Adventist church has seen a dividing in recent years, much the way our government has. There are two sides - the right, and the left. Those on the right, often called the Conservatives, or Traditional Adventists, hold to very traditional Adventist teaching on everything from doctrine to lifestyle. They are sometimes characterized by legalistic leanings, and a rejection of new ideas or ways of doing things. On the other side are those who call themselves Progressive Adventists. They worship in new ways, and question the things they were taught all their lives, often rejecting the traditional Adventist teachings, and adopting a theology that bears little resemblance to traditional Adventism in many respects.
Once again, I find myself in the middle. In theology, I am closer to the right. My theology is very conservative. I believe that my salvation was purchased by the blood of Jesus on the cross. I believe that the sanctuary in the Old Testament taught that lesson beautifully. I believe that God created the world in six literal days less than 10,000 years ago. I believe that Jesus is coming back very soon. Most traditional Adventists would be comfortable talking with me about theology. But they would hate going to church with me, because I enjoy worship services that use contemporary music, drama, and other elements that the traditionalists don't enjoy, and even more, think it is wrong to use them in worship.
On the other hand, I find some things in Progressive Adventism that resonate with me. I believe it's important to question the things we've been taught, and evaluate them by Scripture, rather than just accepting them because it's what somebody told us. I believe that we have misused the writings of Ellen White, elevating them to the level of Scripture, though our Fundamental Beliefs indicate otherwise. But there are things that scare me about this side of things, as well. I think that the left's growing acceptance of belief in theistic evolution has absolutely no place in the church. I believe that those who prefer contemporary worship should not look down on those who prefer traditional services (and vice versa). I believe that the Sabbath is still a holy day - we need to re-evaluate what that means, but there's a danger of it becoming just like every other day, and thereby losing it's meaning as a sign pointing us to rest in Christ.
The right is represented by publications such as Our Firm Foundation. The left speaks through magazines such as Adventist Today. The Adventist Review, which works to represent the whole church, still leans towards the conservative in many ways. So here I am again in the middle, wondering who represents me? Am I alone in here? I don't think I am. In fact, I find that there are many like me stuck in the middle.
But then I'm reminded that here in the middle, I'm in good company. One day on a hill outside Jerusalem, there were three men on crosses. Two of them deserved to be there. But the one in the middle was different. He was there because I deserved to be there. But He loved me so much, He took my place. He hung in the middle so that for eternity, I can live in the center of His will, in the middle of His love. It sounds like life in the middle might be okay...
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