Is Indifference on the Rise?

No doubt, some will roll their eyes if I suggest 2014 might be the year of Christ's return. But, Paul said those who love Jesus will long for His arrival (1 Tim 4:8). And John said the Spirit and the Bride cry, “Jesus come quickly” (Rev. 22:7). (Note: In the Jewish wedding custom, the bride didn't know when her bridegroom was coming, so she was perpetually prepared.)  Yet, in our day, it seems that passion for His return is on the wane, or worse, a matter of indifference. That said, since every generation thought Jesus would return in its lifetime, it is not surprising that such words  sound like fanatics “crying wolf”!

Still, His delay does not mitigate admonitions to be eagerly waiting and watching. In fact, Peter warned of those who would say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same” (2 Pet. 3:4). Do you know that indifference will be on the rise just before He returns (Matt. 24:12)? Hmmm, maybe He is returning soon!

Will there be a Change of Government this Year?

The angels announced Jesus’ birth with the declaration: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men of good will” (Luke 2:14).  The prophetic words harken back to Isaiah: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Is 9:6).  Only part of Isaiah’s prophecy has been fulfilled: the Child was born and the Son was given. We are still waiting for the Prince of Peace to establish His government on Earth.

2014 is an election year when many U.S. citizens are hoping for a change in government. Though no one can foresee that outcome, we can safely predict this: it will not bring peace on earth. That will only come when the Lord returns. And while citizens of Heaven wait for that day, “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope” (Rom 15:13).

Coexist?

This “Coexist” bumper sticker really caught my attention the other day; it so perfectly depicts the belief that there are many ways to God, called pluralism. But as I considered the ambiguity of pluralism, I wonder if it is not a stepping stone to a secular society that despises religious reference or affiliation.

The Pew Research Center says one in five Americans is thoroughly secularized, with no religious affiliation at all. Last year when I wrote about the movie “Life of Pi,” I claimed that the essence of the film's philosophy was captured in the words of Pi’s father who challenged the pluralistic beliefs of his son, saying, “believing in everything is the same thing as not believing anything at all.”

Previously, I saw that pluralism is really polytheism. Now I’m seeing it is a precursor to a secular society, based on humanism. No wonder Jesus asked, “Will I find faith on the earth when I return?” (Luke 18:8)

Whose Birthday is It anyway!?

Have you ever thought it peculiar that we celebrate Jesus's birth by giving gifts to each other! Isn’t that the equivalent to a birthday party where each person brings a gift for another party-goer, but not for the person whose birthday it is? Historians do not agree on the origin of gift-giving. Many date the custom to the 4th century Bishop St. Nicholas who gave to the poor on Christmas day, perhaps mindful of Jesus’ words, “Whatever you did unto one of the least, you did unto me” (Matt. 25:40). 

In recent years, there has been a trend to give donations to the needy in another’s name. For example, a few years ago, I received a card that said, “$50 has been given in your name to a buy Bibles for pastors in China.” The next year it was chickens to Africans. While such gifts fit the spirit of Jesus' words, there is something more: one thing He desires with all of His heart—“your” heart. You may be thinking,  “I've already given Him that.” Yet, it is the quintessential gift that keeps on giving. And He never tires of receiving.

This Christmas, what will they See?

In just 8 days, all eyes will (for an instant) be on Jesus. But what will they see? A baby in a manger?

Will they see Jesus on the Mount teaching with authority? Or walking on the water, calming a storm, and healing the sick? Will they see Him in the Garden praying with loud crying and tears? Will they see Him impaled on a cross, abandoned and alone. Will they see Him standing at an empty tomb in His resurrected body? Will they see Him seated on high at God's right hand. Will they see Him as the Alpha and Omega, the I AM, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? 

In consideration of these rhetorical questions, there are two much more personal questions we must ask. First, what will we see? And second, when a world of people who are blind to, and ignorant of, the real Jesus look at us, what will they see? Will they see Jesus?

And that's No Exaggeration!

Hyperbole is extreme exaggeration to make a point or to create a strong effect. For example, I might say to my wife, “Your purse weighs a ton,” or to my friend, “I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse.”

“Hyperbole” derives from the Greek word translated “excess.” Paul used it more excessively than any other New Testament writer, speaking of Christ’s ‘exceeding’ greatness, or the ‘exceeding’ riches of grace, or His ‘exceeding’ power. He told the Corinthians that even though their suffering seemed ‘excessive,’ it was producing an ‘exceeding’ weight of glory (Eph. 1:9; 2:7; 2 Cor. 4:7;4:17).

Paul could not speak spiritual truth without sounding hyperbolic. How else could he emphasize the superlative worth of Christ. Listen to the excessive language of John: “[Even] if every one of the things Jesus did were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written” (John 21:25). In other words, you just can't say enough about Jesus. And that's no exaggeration!

Chips to make you Thin

No, not a potato chip. Swiss scientists are developing a computer chip implant that will check for fat in the blood and release a hormone that satisfies hunger. It occurs to me many people with insatiable hunger would admit they need an appetite suppressant less than they need a better way of dealing with unmet emotional needs for which food becomes a comforting substitute. A computer chip can’t cure that.

God created us with an eating-motivator called appetite, without which we might not eat enough to stay alive. Likewise, He has given us spiritual appetites, without which we will die. “I made you hungry and then I gave you bread that wouldn’t satisfy you so that you would know me as the Bread of Life” (Deut. 8:16). Scientists may think their discovery is 'all that and a bag of chips.' But it is only the life-changing, deeply satisfying words “that come from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4) that will satiate that lonely ‘self’ searching the fridge late at night for fruitless fare!

Blinders

I recently read “If you can see where you are going, you are not walking by faith.” That definition fits me: I am presently waiting for the Lord to give me new direction. Having finished my cancer treatments, I am now officially in remission, though I will, however, be receiving quarterly CT scans and blood work that will alert me to cancer's return. That said, what is better than an unknown future to foster a life of faith?

Yesterday I told a friend that God has graced me with ‘blinders.’ The word just popped into my head. So I searched Google and asked ‘why do they put ‘blinders’ on a horse?’

I learned that the main reason for blinders is to help a horse stay focused on what is in front of him and oblivious to the rear. Blinders also encourage the horse to pay attention to the race rather than other distractions, such as other horses, or boisterous crowds that might spook him. Little did I know how appropriate it was when I told my friend that God had graced me with blinders.

Personal Milestones

In yesterday's post, I wrote of historical milestones of 2 monumental men. The word “milestone” is a clever word picture. First used by the Romans to help travelers know how far they had come on their journey, today it means significant life-changing events that mark psychological and spiritual growth. “Milestones” are personal; and sometimes very private. Looking back on our milestones gives us perspective. Yet, while they reveal where we’ve been, they do not tell us where we are going. In fact, Solomon says God does not show us “the beginning from the end” (Ecc 3:11) of our journey.

We can take comfort from Abraham whose milestones—some of success and some of failure—were a testament to his patience. And though Abraham could look at his milestones and ‘see’ where he’d been, he could only ‘see’ by faith where he was going (Heb. 11:8). It is in the uncertainty of the next milestone that faith is forged. Paul understood this: “forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead... we walk by faith, not by sight” (Phil. 3:13; 2 Cor. 5:7). And by faith we can say, ‘the best milestones are yet to come.’

Nelson Mandela: a Milestone in History

The passing of Nelson Mandela was the last milestone of a man who changed the course of a nation. Was it the influence of his early years of faith in Christ that propelled him to a lifelong strategy of nonviolence and forgiveness? A man of peace? Coincidentally, another who is called a man of peace, Billy Graham, is reportedly failing fast. No less a world-changer than Nelson, I wonder what tribute the world will afford a man whose legacy was preaching Christ to more people than anyone who ever lived. The life of each of these men is a milestone in history.

“Milestones” were used by the Romans to help marathon runners know how far they had come on the race. Inspiringly, Paul characterized our spiritual journey as that of a marathon runner, reminding us that a great cloud of witnesses (Heb. 12:1) ran their race before us, through many hard milestones, and finished well.

I am inspired by any one who can maintain a steady pace over the course of 95 years. Let us remember Paul’s words: “He who began a good work within you will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Phil. 1:6). And what a milestone that will be!

Remember Lot’s Wife

Solomon, the greatest thinker whoever lived said, “As a man thinks so he is” (Prov. 23:7). Paul told the Colossians to think more about things above—thoughts of eternal value—than earthly ones (3:2). He told the Philippians to think about better things (4:8-9). And he flat out warned the Corinthians to “capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ” (2 Cor 10:5). Jesus often asked the question,“What do you think?”

If the first disciples had to be reminded not to be too occupied with earthly things, how much more do we! Earthly things can devour our mental energies and overwhelm our affections. And here’s a disturbing thought: what we think about reveals what we love. And John warns “if you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you” (1 John 2:15).

Lot’s wife loved the world. She couldn't stop thinking about the life she had left in Sodom; she couldn’t keep from looking back; and turned into a pillar of salt. In three power-packed words, Jesus warns, “Remember Lot’s wife” (Luke 17:32). Considering her consequences, we have to ask “what was she thinking?” Whatever it was must have been pretty important to her! What do you think?

Alone No More

In the last post, when I wrote about the sweetness of being with family at Christmas, I realized that many people have such dysfunctional families, there is no “Home Sweet Home.” For them, Christmas can be one of the loneliest times of year. As I thought about this sad reality, I thought it oddly contradictory, because the message of Christmas is “Emmanuel—God with us.”

For the disconnected peoples of earth, this has to be the greatest Christmas message: Jesus came to indwell us, and we will never be alone again. And not only have the Father and Son made our hearts their home (John 14:23), we have been raised up with Christ and are presently seated in the heavenlies with them (Eph. 2:6). So, not only are we His dwelling place; His is ours. Think about that! We are living in the fellowship of the whole heavenly realm. When Jesus departed this earth, His last words were, "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). Alone no more.

Home for the Holidays

There's something warm and sweet about the thought of being at home with your loved ones on Christmas. The words “at home” connote comfort, rest, contentment, love, intimacy, and familiarity, all captured in the phrase: “Home Sweet Home.” And the phrase “at home” is even used endearingly of the death of our loved ones who are “at home” with the Lord.

But being “at home” with the Lord is not only the privilege of the departed; it can be a present reality for living saints! The more conscious we are that He dwells within us, the more we shall be “at home” with Him. If anyone loves me... My Father will love him and we will come to him and make our home with him (Jn 14:23).

Adam and Eve were more “at home” on earth with God than any of us will ever know. But then they sinned, and became homeless in a way we cannot possibly comprehend. Now Jesus has brought us home to our proper dwelling place (Eph. 3:17). Will you be “at home” for the Holidays?

Holiday Survival Kit

Black Friday is over. Cyber Monday is upon us. One article caught my eye, promising you could survive Christmas if you do all your shopping online. “Survive” connotes a dim view of the holidays. Though I do not always succeed in following it myself, I know a recipe for Holiday happiness?—a Mary Christmas.

Though this analogy may be old, it never gets tired. While Jesus' visit to the home of Mary and Martha was not Christmas, it was as special as any holiday. And while Martha focused like a scud missile on dinner preparations, Mary made a beeline for the best spot in the house, at Jesus’ feet. While Martha was stewing in the disappointed expectations of a perfect meal, Mary was consuming the abundance of fruit that fell from Jesus’ lips. Martha busied herself with ‘every’ thing while Mary quieted herself with ‘one’ thing.

As we begin preparations for this year's Christmas festivities, let us not allow disappointment with secondary things—family, food, presents—to steal our joy from that which is primary. Jesus came to earth “that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). Don’t allow a “Martha” mentality to steal your “Mary Christmas.”