The young boy sitting next to me was flying on his own, and heading down to visit his dad in Florida. He was a bit hungry and clearly not prepared for the delays caused by the sub-zero temps experienced in the Midwest early this year. I offered him what few snacks I had and struck up some small talk revolving around his interests, most of which were sports. Eventually we were joined by the third and final passenger in our row, Chris. He slowly engaged in our conversation and seemed interested in also helping put this young traveler at ease. When our conversation turned toward faith, and Christ, Chris became much more involved.
Although he was not a believer himself, and leaned toward atheism, he was very curious and willing to consider the ideas of God having relationship with man. However, like many, he struggled with reconciling the reality of a holy God with a world of pain, loss, and injustice. As we chatted he eventually began sharing with me about his family. The more he did the more I gained the sense that his struggle embracing the reality of God and the truth of Jesus Christ came from his childhood home.
Chris seemed to have parents whom he knew loved and cared for him, but also pushed him to succeed and become more like his brother. Yet, he was very different from his brother and his parents had a difficult time accepting or celebrating his unique qualities. As I listened to him I thought I also heard the Lord whispering that much of Chris struggles were born of a deep sense of rejection. He explained that as he grew older he slowly began rejecting the things his parents, and brother embraced, like worldly success, higher education, and their Christian faith. However, he also found himself in a strange place of lacking his own identity.
As I think back now his challenge in accepting God, the loving Father, and Jesus Christ, the sinless and perfect Son of God, makes a lot of sense. How could he accept these truths without ever having felt accepted for who he is? He had failed to truly and fully receive this all his life, and now as a young man began believing himself to be a screw up. With such a belief of himself and his own family how could Chris reasonably expect to please a perfect God? Of course he could not (none of us can on our own). I believe though that Jesus met him in that plane so that for however brief a time he could experience true acceptance from not only a perfect and holy God, but one overflowing with grace and love. By the end of our trip I was quite surprised that Chris, the near atheist, allowed me to pray with and for him. From time to time he still comes to mind and I am moved to pray for him still, that he would come to know and embrace the love of Christ. I pray that all who find themselves in dark and shadowy places would hear the voice of Jesus calling to them and would turn toward Him, and home.
"God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land." Psalm 68:6
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Monday, March 3, 2014
Jesus in the Aisle
There was a bit of commotion as Kathy struggled to make her carry-on fit into the overhead compartment. Although her appearance expressed that she was a woman in control she nevertheless seemed out of sorts and clearly flustered by the challenge, and if I recall correctly she was delaying the boarding for other passengers. Some, who were already seated, as well as the flight attendant, grew a touch irritated. Finally, the young flight attendant offered her assistance but did so with sarcastic humor. She apologized and blurted out that she was just trying to get to her mother who as in the hospital and dying.
In response the irritated passengers amazingly thought it helpful, as well as humorous, to offer to buy her a drink since they agreed she could really use one. The flight attendant persisted to try and relieve Kathy with his sarcasm, but she was utterly frazzled and not the sort to easily catch others’ wit. I was saddened by what I observed and upset at the lack of sensitivity she received. Yet, for the duration of that flight I found no opportunity to help her, other than through prayer.
After the plane touched down and the departing passengers were gone Kathy took the opportunity to take a seat closer to the front. She seemed intensely interested in not wasting a single moment on this frantic journey. She moved her carry-on bags to a more forward compartment and sat down in the aisle seat opposite me. I remember her face seeming pressed with anxiety and her eyes strained from the weight she bore. I knew the Lord had given me a chance to offer her a little much needed kindness.
I leaned into the aisle, gently touching her arm, and told her that I couldn’t help but over hear what she’d said about her mother being in the hospital and not doing well. I told her I was very sorry. As I spoke the lines in her forehead relaxed and her eyes seemed to brighten, if only ever so slightly. She thanked me for my concern and went on to explain that she had learned just the day before of her mother’s situation as well as the doctor’s expectation of there only being a few days before her mother passed. Her concern was intensified by the reality of the strained relationship the two of them had known for so many years. Kathy explained briefly of some of the difficulties between them, that she had long before forgiven her mother, ant that she loved her dearly. Yet, still they remained distant. Now she hoped only to get to the hospital in time to tell her how much she loved her and to say goodbye.
I immediately felt the Lord urging me to pray for her. I simply asked her if that would be alright. The offer had barely left my lips before she grabbed my hand and asked me to please pray. I gently held her hand and began, being interrupted briefly by the newly boarding passengers. I prayed for her peace and comfort, the opportunity for her to be reconciled with her mother, and for the presence of Christ to be with her. She couldn’t have been more thankful. Even if her words couldn’t quite communicate it her face and eyes did.
Certainly she was still upset but the Jesus met her there in the middle of that aisle. His presence gave her a sense of peace and hope that overcame her fear. She no longer seemed distraught and the light in her heart seemed restored. She then related that she too was a believer and had been for many years. As the conversation now shifted she seemed a bit lighter and no longer stuck in the waves of grief. The Lord had lifted her above them.
As I look back on this encounter I can see Christ at work. I recognize how my own similar past experiences gave me an ability to relate to this person who was a complete stranger. Then the Lord filled my heart with the compassion He longed to express to her. A simple gesture of kindness was all that He needed to remind her of His love and amazing strength, and to encourage her to take refuge in Him.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV
In response the irritated passengers amazingly thought it helpful, as well as humorous, to offer to buy her a drink since they agreed she could really use one. The flight attendant persisted to try and relieve Kathy with his sarcasm, but she was utterly frazzled and not the sort to easily catch others’ wit. I was saddened by what I observed and upset at the lack of sensitivity she received. Yet, for the duration of that flight I found no opportunity to help her, other than through prayer.
After the plane touched down and the departing passengers were gone Kathy took the opportunity to take a seat closer to the front. She seemed intensely interested in not wasting a single moment on this frantic journey. She moved her carry-on bags to a more forward compartment and sat down in the aisle seat opposite me. I remember her face seeming pressed with anxiety and her eyes strained from the weight she bore. I knew the Lord had given me a chance to offer her a little much needed kindness.
I leaned into the aisle, gently touching her arm, and told her that I couldn’t help but over hear what she’d said about her mother being in the hospital and not doing well. I told her I was very sorry. As I spoke the lines in her forehead relaxed and her eyes seemed to brighten, if only ever so slightly. She thanked me for my concern and went on to explain that she had learned just the day before of her mother’s situation as well as the doctor’s expectation of there only being a few days before her mother passed. Her concern was intensified by the reality of the strained relationship the two of them had known for so many years. Kathy explained briefly of some of the difficulties between them, that she had long before forgiven her mother, ant that she loved her dearly. Yet, still they remained distant. Now she hoped only to get to the hospital in time to tell her how much she loved her and to say goodbye.
I immediately felt the Lord urging me to pray for her. I simply asked her if that would be alright. The offer had barely left my lips before she grabbed my hand and asked me to please pray. I gently held her hand and began, being interrupted briefly by the newly boarding passengers. I prayed for her peace and comfort, the opportunity for her to be reconciled with her mother, and for the presence of Christ to be with her. She couldn’t have been more thankful. Even if her words couldn’t quite communicate it her face and eyes did.
Certainly she was still upset but the Jesus met her there in the middle of that aisle. His presence gave her a sense of peace and hope that overcame her fear. She no longer seemed distraught and the light in her heart seemed restored. She then related that she too was a believer and had been for many years. As the conversation now shifted she seemed a bit lighter and no longer stuck in the waves of grief. The Lord had lifted her above them.
As I look back on this encounter I can see Christ at work. I recognize how my own similar past experiences gave me an ability to relate to this person who was a complete stranger. Then the Lord filled my heart with the compassion He longed to express to her. A simple gesture of kindness was all that He needed to remind her of His love and amazing strength, and to encourage her to take refuge in Him.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Just to be WITH you
When I sat down in the quiet stillness of the morning and began to open my Bible I knew I needed something more. More than the usual. Although the usual with God is never ordinary and is always life-giving I somehow felt the need for something more. I needed to be with my Abba, my God, who is also my loving and faithful Father.
My reading plan had me in Genesis, reading about Joseph's experiences in Egypt. Although there is a great deal there to see and to study I have to confess that I wasn't all that interested. Nevertheless, I started in. I read about his ordeal of being sold by slave traders (initially sold to them by his own brothers) to a wealthy Egyptian. I read about him then being cast into prison because of false charges by the man's wife. And then I read of his release and opportunity to impress the Pharaoh as the Pharaoh sought to understand a troubling dream.
After Joseph's explanation the Pharaoh was utterly impressed. Yet as he spoke to the Pharaoh he accepted no praise and explained that God Himself had allowed him to interpret the dream. As I read this part of the story I stopped and thought, what was it about Joseph that caused him in that moment to give all honor to God and save none for himself?
As a young man he had caused division between himself and his brothers by speaking arrogantly about the things the Lord showed him. Years later, he has an incredibly opportunity to seize glory and to take the credit for his incredible vision and gift. He doesn't. He's been changed. He is no longer the Arrogant and selfish young man he used to be.
What was it? This was my question as I considered Joseph's response to Pharaoh. What caused him to speak so humbly of himself, but so boldly of the Lord? I had to stop and look back at the story. What had I missed? I must have read past something too important to miss. I thought to myself, of course his ordeals had pressed him and given him a great deal of time to think, but were these alone enough to bring about such remarkable change?
Then, I found the answer. It's a phrase that is repeated 3 times in chapter 39. How could I have missed it??? Yet, there it was. "The Lord was with Joseph". I suppose it was easy not to give attention to, because it doesn't stand out as a major point of Joseph's experiences. In reality, it is THE major point of Joseph's entire story.
The gravity of God being with Joseph is what he somehow always failed to grasp as a young boy growing up in a very religious and God-fearing household. Yet, in the midst of trial, pain, and isolation this reality begins to shape Joseph. As I thought about this I wanted to be sure I understood this phrase well and that I wasn't overstating what I thought I saw. So, looked up the Hebrew word for with that was used in verse 2.
The definition and descriptions provided left me with no doubt. The meaning for this word at the center of this phrase and for Joseph was one of incredible intimacy. It means to be directly against, as in an embrace. Think of that. In Joseph's darkest and most painful hours and YEARS God was WITH him, embracing him as a Father, even as a Grand-father would hold his young grand-son.
As I began to understand what this text is saying about Joseph, about me, I realized clearly that God had graciously responded to my need. He showed me once again the tremendous significance of being with Him, of being in His presence.
With. It's the very reason God came, that He sent Jesus Christ...to be WITH us, because of His great love for us. I pray you will find yourself with Him today.
My reading plan had me in Genesis, reading about Joseph's experiences in Egypt. Although there is a great deal there to see and to study I have to confess that I wasn't all that interested. Nevertheless, I started in. I read about his ordeal of being sold by slave traders (initially sold to them by his own brothers) to a wealthy Egyptian. I read about him then being cast into prison because of false charges by the man's wife. And then I read of his release and opportunity to impress the Pharaoh as the Pharaoh sought to understand a troubling dream.
After Joseph's explanation the Pharaoh was utterly impressed. Yet as he spoke to the Pharaoh he accepted no praise and explained that God Himself had allowed him to interpret the dream. As I read this part of the story I stopped and thought, what was it about Joseph that caused him in that moment to give all honor to God and save none for himself?
As a young man he had caused division between himself and his brothers by speaking arrogantly about the things the Lord showed him. Years later, he has an incredibly opportunity to seize glory and to take the credit for his incredible vision and gift. He doesn't. He's been changed. He is no longer the Arrogant and selfish young man he used to be.
What was it? This was my question as I considered Joseph's response to Pharaoh. What caused him to speak so humbly of himself, but so boldly of the Lord? I had to stop and look back at the story. What had I missed? I must have read past something too important to miss. I thought to myself, of course his ordeals had pressed him and given him a great deal of time to think, but were these alone enough to bring about such remarkable change?
Then, I found the answer. It's a phrase that is repeated 3 times in chapter 39. How could I have missed it??? Yet, there it was. "The Lord was with Joseph". I suppose it was easy not to give attention to, because it doesn't stand out as a major point of Joseph's experiences. In reality, it is THE major point of Joseph's entire story.
The gravity of God being with Joseph is what he somehow always failed to grasp as a young boy growing up in a very religious and God-fearing household. Yet, in the midst of trial, pain, and isolation this reality begins to shape Joseph. As I thought about this I wanted to be sure I understood this phrase well and that I wasn't overstating what I thought I saw. So, looked up the Hebrew word for with that was used in verse 2.
The definition and descriptions provided left me with no doubt. The meaning for this word at the center of this phrase and for Joseph was one of incredible intimacy. It means to be directly against, as in an embrace. Think of that. In Joseph's darkest and most painful hours and YEARS God was WITH him, embracing him as a Father, even as a Grand-father would hold his young grand-son.
As I began to understand what this text is saying about Joseph, about me, I realized clearly that God had graciously responded to my need. He showed me once again the tremendous significance of being with Him, of being in His presence.
With. It's the very reason God came, that He sent Jesus Christ...to be WITH us, because of His great love for us. I pray you will find yourself with Him today.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Pursuing the One
I first noticed him, with unkempt hair and dirty clothes, stopping in at the local Starbucks on especially cold mornings last winter. He made an impression on me because it’s rather unusual to see folk like him daring enough to come near to, well, people like me I suppose, and he couldn’t have been more than 19 years old. The young man carried with him a blanket which barely seemed fit for the trunk of my car. Yet, he walked with it draped about his shoulders. His simple desire seemed only to be warm, but his apparent shame was difficult to hide. As I later walked by him on my way to the bathroom I caught the unmistakable scent of a person who had not had a bath in a very long time. He didn’t pay any attention to me though. He just continued to read the discarded newspaper, blanket still wrapped about him. I wanted to help him somehow, but he didn’t seem interested in asking anyone for anything, and I didn’t want to offend him. However, before I left the restroom I decided I would at least offer to buy him a cup of coffee. Unfortunately, he had already left. Thankfully it wasn’t the last time I would see him.
A few weeks had gone by and I was beginning to wonder if I was going to see him again. Then, on another brisk winter morning he walked in to Starbucks once more, but this time he went directly into the bathroom. I was eager to meet him so I tried to pay attention to who came and went. After some time had passed I began to wonder if I’d missed him as he left. So, I got up and made my way toward the bathroom myself. After entering I immediately noticed the same odor I was met by as I walked past him on the first encounter, and then noticed a pair of very well worn sneakers which could just be seen beneath the divider. I realized that slowly warming up within the privacy afforded him in a bathroom stall must have felt much better as he was able to escape the peering eyes and awkward glances of those in the lobby.
Somehow I again missed him as he must have left while I was on the phone, or typed an email. I was so irritated with myself and felt I had blown my chance. I actually prayed right then for at least one more opportunity to meet him. My prayer was answered a few days later as I saw him once more at Starbucks. His routine was the same this time around, except as he reentered the lobby he sat down at an open table. Now was my chance. I made my way over and introduced myself, then asked him what his name was. Mike. I told him it was nice to meet him and asked if he was hungry, and if I could get him something to eat. Umm, sure. His clear and astonished eyes seemed to say so much more than his lips could muster. Then he shocked me. When it was time to order he simply asked for a small cup of coffee, nothing to eat. Are you sure? I asked, “You can get whatever you’d like.” Yeah, thanks, he said. We chatted for a minute then he went back to his seat and I returned to mine. He left shortly afterward, blanket still wrapped about him and a cup of coffee in his hand.
I’ve seen Mike around town and from a distance since then, and have even bumped into him on another occasion, and every time I wish there was something more I could do. Every time I wonder too what would drive a young man like himself to the streets. I don’t know if I’ll ever hear his story but I’m thankful for the meeting we had. I’m thankful too for the Lord urging me to get up out of my seat, and out of my comfort zone, that day, the same kind of urging I’m sure I’ve ignored too many times before. I suppose the difference was the many prayers asking Jesus to make me more like Him, and the countless times reading about Jesus’ own encounters, hoping I would someday simply live more boldly, compassionately, like I said, more like Jesus.
Lately, I’ve been looking even more intently at some of the encounters Jesus had with people. One particular story has been especially striking to me. It’s the account in the Gospel of John (John 4) where Jesus meets the woman at the well. I’ve only just realized how intentional His choice to remain at a Samaritan well during the “6th hour of the day” was. Given these details Jesus was virtually guaranteed to meet a Samaritan woman, someone not just different from Himself, but wholly inappropriate for Him, as a Jewish and holy man, to associate with, especially in public. Yet, He showed no concern for such divisive social conventions while He did show great concern for the woman He met. The focus of their conversation centered first upon water and then restoration, but it was motivated entirely by Jesus’ great love and compassion for the lost, and those broken by life, and in this instance especially for her.
It was because Jesus dared to set aside the opinion of others and pursue someone who never would have sought Him out that not only was she restored to God, experiencing a freedom she had never before known, but so did many others from the village. As uncomfortable as it can be to approach a stranger, not to mention someone as “different” from me as Mike is, I want to continue growing in my willingness and care in doing so. People who are confused and hurting are not going to come and find me, but I can go and find them, and when I do I can give my ear to hearing their story. As Christ then would lead me, I can attempt to gently offer His loving and compassionate truth, which at first may look a lot like a cup of cold water, or maybe a cup of coffee.
Monday, October 10, 2011
A Place in-Between
My wife and I have recently come to a place of sudden and life altering news, and for the first several days we simply felt stunned. There was, and still is, a tremendous amount of crying out to God, but there was also a struggle to understand why we were brought here. God was faithful to meet us and call us to trust Him. Yet, He didn't describe what trusting Him this time around is going to mean. We believe He has us in His hands and that He is in the process of answering our prayers, but we just don't know how He will do this. It feels like we've taken the first deep breath after coming out of the water but haven't yet exhaled. We'll begin breathing normally again, but until we do we're in between. At least, it feels that way to me.
It is in the in between that my heart is overwhelmed. It is a place of utter vulnerability where I recognize that I am powerless to change my circumstances. While I have a promise from God to answer my call, and my bitter cry, still I must wait to see it fulfilled. The in between is the place where the enemy of my soul longs to bring me fear and cause me to question my Holy Father. It is also a place where my Abba sees and feels my torment with me. It is a place where He reminds me of His utter love and compassion poured out for me through His son Jesus.
The in between is a place where I need to be reminded of my Daddy God's presence, His touch, and His loving eyes. It is in this place where I learn to trust my God anew, and that while He will not always take the pain from me He will lead me through the darkness. I don't think I will ever embrace these places, but I will look forward to the sweet embrace of my God as long as I'm there.
Habbakuk 3:19The sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enable me to go on the heights.
It is in the in between that my heart is overwhelmed. It is a place of utter vulnerability where I recognize that I am powerless to change my circumstances. While I have a promise from God to answer my call, and my bitter cry, still I must wait to see it fulfilled. The in between is the place where the enemy of my soul longs to bring me fear and cause me to question my Holy Father. It is also a place where my Abba sees and feels my torment with me. It is a place where He reminds me of His utter love and compassion poured out for me through His son Jesus.
The in between is a place where I need to be reminded of my Daddy God's presence, His touch, and His loving eyes. It is in this place where I learn to trust my God anew, and that while He will not always take the pain from me He will lead me through the darkness. I don't think I will ever embrace these places, but I will look forward to the sweet embrace of my God as long as I'm there.
Habbakuk 3:19The sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enable me to go on the heights.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Would All the Revolutionaries Please Stand Up?
What does it mean to be a revolutionary? We study the concept from history. We watch from our televisions as nations are changed, seemingly overnight. Yet most of us can not appreciate what it means to take part in something that transforms a culture, a people, or a society. The need for revolution seems mostly foreign to us. We aren't able to quite comprehend what it would mean to utterly and completely overthrow a powerful enemy and to thoroughly change something. Perhaps we should. Perhaps we should consider the needs before us, in the lives of people all around us, and even within ourselves. So many of us look to fill the needs of our hearts and souls with so many things that simply cannot satisfy. Then, from good intentions we often mean to help others from the same empty solutions. Yet, there remains only one solution. Only the love of Christ can truly fill the longings of the hearts of men. As we allow Him to utterly transform us then can we be positioned to carry that same life altering and peace filling love to others.
So, where are all the revolutionaries? If we don't know where to look we won't see them, and we won't know how to join them. More often than not they won't be found on the 5 o'clock news, the morning headlines, or the front page of most news sites. Yet, they can be found, and often are all around us. If I may let me show you what I mean.
Just two months ago, on April 27th, a devastating series of tornadoes ripped through the southern part of our country, especially the state of Alabama. So many cities looked worse than many war zones. I was deployed as part of a team of chaplains from Foursquare's Disaster Relief initiative and saw the destruction firsthand. Town after town had been laid waste. We talked with person after person who either lost loved ones, their homes, or places of work. Yet, we also saw something else. People immediately responded to the incredible needs with a super human effort. Churches were transformed into emergency shelters and distribution centers. They went through the demolished neighborhoods looking for anyone who needed help and they opened their doors to all who would enter. Restoration Church in Madison is one such place. Since many of their congregation had been through a Disaster Relief Training just a few months earlier they were well prepared to respond to the need. Nearly half of their church building was turned into a relief center, providing food and supplies for anyone affected by the tornadoes. They connected people with other agencies as needed, and coordinated the arrival and work of our chaplain teams. For many years they had already been a beacon of life and hope by preaching and living out the truth and love of Jesus. Then they stood and responded to a very specific need, and in so doing they helped to bring healing to their community. They are well living out their name as restoration is coming to those they touch. They stand as true revolutionaries fighting back the darkness for many and ushering in the light of Christ, both in word and deed.
I am also reminded of one particular chaplain I had the privilege of serving alongside. Sandy is one remarkable woman. As a young teen she overcame much because of the transforming touch of Christ she encountered. Years later, after being married and preparing for a life of ministry, she and her husband Steve (also one of our amazing chaplains) became lead pastors ministering to the streets of East Nashville. Yet, what seems so remarkable to me about Sandy is how she allows nothing to hold her back from faithfully following Jesus. Not long after arriving in Madison and joining our team I learned that she was battling Leukemia, along with a number of other ailments. Even still she never let this slow her down. In spite of her sickness she brought hope and comfort to people who had seemingly lost everything, including their own family members. I briefly wondered how she was able to do this, and do it so well. As I got to know her I realized that she had simply allowed the love of Christ to completely permeate her entire being and was therefore able to live as the child of God she is. Sandy is a woman fully committed to her Savior...a revolutionary.
So many of the people that our chaplain team met in Alabama had courageously faced devastation while not allowing it to define them. Their experiences in the storm mark tremendous change in their lives but are also part of many larger stories. Lylo, is one such young man whose courageous journey began many years earlier in South Chicago. While his appearance suggested there to be a real hardness about him, nothing could be further from the truth. His harsh tattoos and piercings were simply reminders of a former life and seemed to melt away as he revealed the warmth and kindness within. After inviting me in out of the heat with a big smile, offering me a cold bottle of water, and a seat beside him on the couch he explained his encounter the day of the tornado. As with many other visits with other tornado survivors I was again amazed at what he had endured, and how God had protected him. Then he began to tell me how Christ had rescued and changed his life, not from the tornado but from a life of dealing drugs and gang-bangin' in Chicago. His life was transformed when as a teenager he took a trip to Alabama to visit his grandparents and gave his heart to Jesus. He would never be the same, and years later would move there permanently, eventually getting married, and beginning to raise a family to love the same Father God who he himself had fallen in love with. His biggest concern as we talked was not the significant, and still un-repaired, damage to his home but the desire to be sure that his children would follow in his steps, the ones marking his new life...as a revolutionary follower of Christ.
Almost everyone we spoke with somehow held on to hope, sometimes through tears, and occasionally words of frustration. They knew they would be alright, their homes and businesses could be rebuilt, and they believed their lost loved ones were with their Savior. On many occasions they brought more encouragement to us then we seemed possible of offering them. So many of them simply knew whom they were anchored in and took comfort in knowing the Lord was with them. Their changed lives and their stories serve as a call to us. While most of us won't experience or be near to the kind of destruction born by a tornado we all are familiar with how cruel and painful life can be. We all know those whom while experiencing such cruelty have not the hope of Christ. Yet, Jesus calls to us today to stand and rise above whatever would seek to pull us down, to stand against the darkness that pervades so many. Like Restoration Church, Sandy, and Lylo, He calls us to open ourselves completely to His grace and to follow in His steps. His steps are those of the great revolutionary of all time. I don't know about you but I want to do my best to walk with Him.
So, where are all the revolutionaries? If we don't know where to look we won't see them, and we won't know how to join them. More often than not they won't be found on the 5 o'clock news, the morning headlines, or the front page of most news sites. Yet, they can be found, and often are all around us. If I may let me show you what I mean.
Just two months ago, on April 27th, a devastating series of tornadoes ripped through the southern part of our country, especially the state of Alabama. So many cities looked worse than many war zones. I was deployed as part of a team of chaplains from Foursquare's Disaster Relief initiative and saw the destruction firsthand. Town after town had been laid waste. We talked with person after person who either lost loved ones, their homes, or places of work. Yet, we also saw something else. People immediately responded to the incredible needs with a super human effort. Churches were transformed into emergency shelters and distribution centers. They went through the demolished neighborhoods looking for anyone who needed help and they opened their doors to all who would enter. Restoration Church in Madison is one such place. Since many of their congregation had been through a Disaster Relief Training just a few months earlier they were well prepared to respond to the need. Nearly half of their church building was turned into a relief center, providing food and supplies for anyone affected by the tornadoes. They connected people with other agencies as needed, and coordinated the arrival and work of our chaplain teams. For many years they had already been a beacon of life and hope by preaching and living out the truth and love of Jesus. Then they stood and responded to a very specific need, and in so doing they helped to bring healing to their community. They are well living out their name as restoration is coming to those they touch. They stand as true revolutionaries fighting back the darkness for many and ushering in the light of Christ, both in word and deed.
I am also reminded of one particular chaplain I had the privilege of serving alongside. Sandy is one remarkable woman. As a young teen she overcame much because of the transforming touch of Christ she encountered. Years later, after being married and preparing for a life of ministry, she and her husband Steve (also one of our amazing chaplains) became lead pastors ministering to the streets of East Nashville. Yet, what seems so remarkable to me about Sandy is how she allows nothing to hold her back from faithfully following Jesus. Not long after arriving in Madison and joining our team I learned that she was battling Leukemia, along with a number of other ailments. Even still she never let this slow her down. In spite of her sickness she brought hope and comfort to people who had seemingly lost everything, including their own family members. I briefly wondered how she was able to do this, and do it so well. As I got to know her I realized that she had simply allowed the love of Christ to completely permeate her entire being and was therefore able to live as the child of God she is. Sandy is a woman fully committed to her Savior...a revolutionary.
So many of the people that our chaplain team met in Alabama had courageously faced devastation while not allowing it to define them. Their experiences in the storm mark tremendous change in their lives but are also part of many larger stories. Lylo, is one such young man whose courageous journey began many years earlier in South Chicago. While his appearance suggested there to be a real hardness about him, nothing could be further from the truth. His harsh tattoos and piercings were simply reminders of a former life and seemed to melt away as he revealed the warmth and kindness within. After inviting me in out of the heat with a big smile, offering me a cold bottle of water, and a seat beside him on the couch he explained his encounter the day of the tornado. As with many other visits with other tornado survivors I was again amazed at what he had endured, and how God had protected him. Then he began to tell me how Christ had rescued and changed his life, not from the tornado but from a life of dealing drugs and gang-bangin' in Chicago. His life was transformed when as a teenager he took a trip to Alabama to visit his grandparents and gave his heart to Jesus. He would never be the same, and years later would move there permanently, eventually getting married, and beginning to raise a family to love the same Father God who he himself had fallen in love with. His biggest concern as we talked was not the significant, and still un-repaired, damage to his home but the desire to be sure that his children would follow in his steps, the ones marking his new life...as a revolutionary follower of Christ.
Almost everyone we spoke with somehow held on to hope, sometimes through tears, and occasionally words of frustration. They knew they would be alright, their homes and businesses could be rebuilt, and they believed their lost loved ones were with their Savior. On many occasions they brought more encouragement to us then we seemed possible of offering them. So many of them simply knew whom they were anchored in and took comfort in knowing the Lord was with them. Their changed lives and their stories serve as a call to us. While most of us won't experience or be near to the kind of destruction born by a tornado we all are familiar with how cruel and painful life can be. We all know those whom while experiencing such cruelty have not the hope of Christ. Yet, Jesus calls to us today to stand and rise above whatever would seek to pull us down, to stand against the darkness that pervades so many. Like Restoration Church, Sandy, and Lylo, He calls us to open ourselves completely to His grace and to follow in His steps. His steps are those of the great revolutionary of all time. I don't know about you but I want to do my best to walk with Him.
Romans 12:1-2
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
The Answer for the Ancients, and for You and Me.
So often as I read my Bible I meet ancient believers who could not understand why God didn't seem to come to their aid. They cry out for His deliverance and for answers to their suffering, but often the answers seem to allude them. I wonder what some of these ancients would have thought about how God ultimately did answer their calls for help.
I wonder what they would have thought of a simple man who lived and walked among the people, a common man. I wonder what they would have thought of such a man being anointed as their saving king. I wonder what they would have thought about a savior who was able to raise the dead, but unwilling to raise a sword.
What would they have thought of this man, who instead of delivering them from their enemies gave himself up on their behalf. What would they have thought when they saw him rise up from the grave and hear him call them to lay their lives down as well. I don't know how they would have responded to Jesus doing all of this and more. But I do know what I think.
I think embracing Christ is the easiest choice I've ever made, but following in His steps is no easy road. Yet, I can think of nothing so rewarding. I wonder what you would think of such a man. I wonder if you would look anew upon Jesus Christ this Easter and see the freedom and the love He holds out for you, and embrace Him too.
I wonder what they would have thought of a simple man who lived and walked among the people, a common man. I wonder what they would have thought of such a man being anointed as their saving king. I wonder what they would have thought about a savior who was able to raise the dead, but unwilling to raise a sword.
What would they have thought of this man, who instead of delivering them from their enemies gave himself up on their behalf. What would they have thought when they saw him rise up from the grave and hear him call them to lay their lives down as well. I don't know how they would have responded to Jesus doing all of this and more. But I do know what I think.
I think embracing Christ is the easiest choice I've ever made, but following in His steps is no easy road. Yet, I can think of nothing so rewarding. I wonder what you would think of such a man. I wonder if you would look anew upon Jesus Christ this Easter and see the freedom and the love He holds out for you, and embrace Him too.
Rise up; come to our help! Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!
Psalm 44:26
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