Finding Our Place

Since 911, America has tried to find its place in the world, and especially the Mideast. It has become Obama’s chance to establish his place in history, not unlike a baseball star hoping to win a place in the Hall of Fame. I realize that finding one’s place in the world is both the hope and bane of human existence. Men and women of fame and success spend a lot of energy, and their fortunes, cementing their place among men.

The author of Hebrews speaks, however, of anonymous Hall of Faith-ers who never found a place on earth, going “about in goatskins, destitute (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts, mountains, caves, and holes in the ground” (He. 11:38). They were homeless. To suggest we follow their example may seem a bit severe. But didn't Jesus exhibit the same spirit of detachment, “the Son of Man has no place?”

Because we are inclined to attach ourselves to places on earth, God “un-places” us—an often painful uprooting that allows Him to root us in Christ (Col 2:7). Jesus says, “find your place in Me, and My Father and I will come and make our place in you.” (John 14:23). Is there any other place you'd rather be?

Tim Tebow v. the Occupiers

Denver Bronco’s quarterback Tim Tebow and the Occupy movement are occupying my thoughts these days. Tim Tebow, a single-minded young man, inspires believers, and perplexes agnostics. Yesterday, although he lost the opportunity to play (or pray) his way to a 7th straight victory, against the champion Patriots, still, all eyes are on this extraordinary young man of faith.

On the other hand, the Occupy movement lacks the focus of a goal or unified message. Sadly, I find it an apt metaphor for the 21st century church in America, floundering to find its voice and message to this generation. The lack of unity and the absence of clear leadership is troubling.

More than any time in the history of Christianity, there is a need for single-minded devotion to Jesus (2 Cor 11:3). If the Occupiers are a metaphor for the chaos and division in the world today, then Tim Tebow is a metaphor for the opposite.  Maybe God has raised up Tim Tebow "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14).

What is the Breakfast of Champions?

Wheaties? Not necessarily. However, studies do show that children who eat breakfast do better in school. And commons sense indicates the same for adults. The human body is a machine that needs fuel to start the day. And substituting a cup of coffee and a pastry for a protein-rich breakfast isn’t likely to keep you from that mid-morning slump.

Just as we need to fuel our bodies—which are temporal, we need to fuel our spirit and souls—which are eternal. Job said, "I have esteemed the Words of His mouth more than my necessary food" (Job 23:12). Why do we think we can begin the day without feeding our spirit and soul? "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4).

In the morning (12:8), God spoke to Ezekiel, saying: Son of man, eat what I am giving you—eat this scroll! Then go and give its message to the people of Israel. So I opened my mouth, and he fed me the scroll. Eat it all, he said. And when I ate it, it tasted as sweet as honey. Then he added, Son of man, let all my words sink deep into your own heart first (Ez. 3:1-3, 10). You cannot expect to champion God’s Word today if you don’t eat it first and let it go deep into your heart.