We loved watching our grandchildren open their gifts on Christmas morning. With great anticipation, they ripped away ribbons and paper. As each gift was revealed, they would squeal with joy and look for someone to run to and hug in appreciation. Their thankfulness was a gift to us! One Christmas, my daughter asked her children to leave one gift for last. It was a beautifully wrapped package without a name. After all other gifts had been opened, she allowed them to bring the mystery package from under the tree. The lid of the package was easy to pull off, revealing an empty box. “This,” she explained, “is for the gift you will give to Jesus.” Then, as each child explained what their gift would be, she wrote it down on a small card and let them place it in the box. This simple act brought all of the festivities of the season into perspective.
Gift giving at this season has become one of the most deeply embedded traditions in our culture. This presents a unique challenge for Christians. While we have the opportunity to consider those in need and to give gifts as an expression of our love for the special people in our lives, we have to be on our guard. It is easy to get caught up in the commercialism that surrounds us. Gift giving can get out of hand, become a burden and lose any significance. The focus of the season can become stuff. One Christmas, I had the opportunity to deliver gifts to needy families in our community. Upon arriving at one house, I was greeted by ‘Oh…just put that over there.” I was stunned to see a huge pile of gifts that were spilling out from under a well decorated tree. I left that home feeling empty and wondering how often our giving is misdirected and unappreciated.
We need traditions, especially traditions that are faith based and center on worship. They are like stones of remembrance (Josh. 4:21-22) that keep us mindful of what our God has done and is doing. The Christmas season presents special blessings and unique challenges for Christians. It is a blessing to set aside a special time to worship and honor God. Christmas is the only time of year when the story of Christ’s miraculous birth is widely told. Recorded in Luke, chapters 1 and 2, and Matthew, chapters 1 and 2, the account is staggering…and breathtaking in it’s fulfillment of scores of prophecies. That The Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14)….the very Word who spoke, “let there be light!” came into our world as a new born baby to dwell among us ….how can we begin to comprehend such a thing? That God, who gives us life and everything we have, gave us the most amazing gift of all, His Son “that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:17).
Now the holiday is a memory. Families (mostly moms…) are beginning to put away all of the Christmas decorations. The trappings of the holiday season are quickly fading, leaving a little bit of a void….after all, seasonal displays started appearing before leaves started falling from the trees! I remember as a young child sitting on my swing in the backyard on a Christmas afternoon and thinking, is this all there is? I’ll never forget that feeling. There is no lasting happiness in stuff, even for a child. If the focus has been on material things, on decorations, parties and stuff, there will be a void as we face the coming weeks and months. If the focus has been on God’s gift to us in Christ, we can experience joy and peace in the year ahead, like a gift we open every day. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. “ It kinda makes you want to squeal for joy and find someone to hug!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
Normally, I love driving my little red jeep. But this summer, with its record breaking heat and sauna-like humidity, the joy was melting away. The air conditioner had quit working. Actually, it did work, but it blew cold air only on the windshield and on my feet. Even with the windows out, there was no relief from the heat. The moisture in the air settled on me like a warm, wet towel. My sun glasses fogged up and my sweaty hands stuck to the steering wheel. We put off repair for several weeks, thinking it would be too costly. My handyman husband considered working on it himself, but was intimidated by the thought of removing the console and perhaps causing more damage. Fortunately, most of our car trips were short, but a trip to Atlanta was looming, and I was a little concerned. I could picture wiping sweat from my brow, while trying to get feeling back into frostbitten feet! I decided to take the jeep to the dealership, bite the bullet, and do what needed to be done. Unfortunately, they could not schedule the repair until well after our trip. On a whim (and a little desperate) I took the jeep to AAA and asked if they could help. A young employee came outside to see the jeep and check out the problem. He reached in, effortlessly pulled off a knob, and said, “This is broken…same thing happened in my car. You can get a new one at the dealership.” No charge! Flabbergasted (and afraid to hope) I drove quickly back to the dealership. Five minutes and $9.00 later, the air conditioner was fixed! Oh the joy! I turned it on full force, sat back and relished the cool air blowing in my face! I smiled at the thought of how I had always taken that cool air for granted, and how grateful I was to have it restored.
There is an old saying that goes” if you don’t think you have very much, just think how you would feel if you lost everything…..and then, somehow, you got it all back”. The restoration would bring renewed appreciation and joy. Our grandchildren have no lack of toys. Wisely, their parents have left a stash of their old toys at our house. Whenever they visit, we pull them out. The way the children play, you’d think they were seeing the toys for the very first time! It’s fun to see the joy that comes from having a “lost” toy restored!
These are simplistic examples of the joy of restoration. But the principle is embedded in creation itself. A time of restoration is promised for this world. In Matthew 19:28, Jesus tells His disciples that they will sit on thrones judging the whole house of Israel during the “regeneration.” The Greek word for regeneration is “palingenesia” and means the “restoration of all things” (also used in Acts 3:21, “which God has spoken by all His holy prophets since the world began”). Romans 8: 20-22 states that the world will be delivered from the bondage of corruption. At the return of Christ, when His feet stand upon the Mount of Olives and the mountain splits in two, “the Lord shall be King over the whole earth,” and ‘living waters shall flow from Jerusalem” (Zechariah 14). And the ultimate renewal….”your dead shall live….they shall arise. Awake and sing you who dwell in the dust” (Isaiah 26:19). And how does creation respond to renewal? “Let the heavens rejoice and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar and all its fullness; let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord….for He is coming….” (Psalm 96:11-13). That picture encourages and refreshes me….like the joy of cool air blowing in my face on a hot summer day!
There is an old saying that goes” if you don’t think you have very much, just think how you would feel if you lost everything…..and then, somehow, you got it all back”. The restoration would bring renewed appreciation and joy. Our grandchildren have no lack of toys. Wisely, their parents have left a stash of their old toys at our house. Whenever they visit, we pull them out. The way the children play, you’d think they were seeing the toys for the very first time! It’s fun to see the joy that comes from having a “lost” toy restored!
These are simplistic examples of the joy of restoration. But the principle is embedded in creation itself. A time of restoration is promised for this world. In Matthew 19:28, Jesus tells His disciples that they will sit on thrones judging the whole house of Israel during the “regeneration.” The Greek word for regeneration is “palingenesia” and means the “restoration of all things” (also used in Acts 3:21, “which God has spoken by all His holy prophets since the world began”). Romans 8: 20-22 states that the world will be delivered from the bondage of corruption. At the return of Christ, when His feet stand upon the Mount of Olives and the mountain splits in two, “the Lord shall be King over the whole earth,” and ‘living waters shall flow from Jerusalem” (Zechariah 14). And the ultimate renewal….”your dead shall live….they shall arise. Awake and sing you who dwell in the dust” (Isaiah 26:19). And how does creation respond to renewal? “Let the heavens rejoice and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar and all its fullness; let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord….for He is coming….” (Psalm 96:11-13). That picture encourages and refreshes me….like the joy of cool air blowing in my face on a hot summer day!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Spiritual Perennials
About a year ago in the spring, our daughter, Lisa, helped us lay out a flower border in the front yard. She chose a variety of plants and placed them thoughtfully, with a plan in mind. I didn’t fully appreciate her plan until this spring, when a lovely array of plants and flowers began to bloom. Nearly every day that little garden surprises and delights us. Because Lisa chose perennials, this little garden will be a haven for birds and butterflies for years to come. Every plant and flower speaks to us of a love more extravagant than the colors and varieties that astound us. For those of us who enjoy flowers but don’t have a lot of time for gardening, God created the perennial.
God loves gardens. What fun He must have had designing the endless varieties of plants and flowers….I can imagine that He fashioned each one with thoughtful care, creating colors, textures, aromas that would delight the senses. Genesis 1:11 records that God created grass, herbs and trees instantly by merely speaking them in to existence. But, I believe He had planned everything out, in detail, before He
began His physical creation. And as He surveyed His creation, He relished that it was good! The Creator of it all enjoyed walking in His garden in the cool of the day (Gen. 3:8).
Throughout His word, God uses garden analogies to teach spiritual lessons. Especially in the New Testament, where Christ declares that He is the vine and we are the branches. Matthew 13 records the parable of the “sower of the seed.” The seed that fell on good ground yielded a crop of up to a hundredfold! But some lessons are not recorded in His word, they are written in His creation for us to observe and absorb….for the invisible things of God are clearly understood by the things He has made (Romans 1: 20). Consider the perennial….
The perennial typically has a deep, extensive root system. Because its root is protected below ground level, it helps prevent erosion, it is stronger than weeds (less need for herbicide!), and it can even withstand wild fires! A perennial can survive extreme environmental conditions, and it will come back year after year, not
just surviving, but growing! Spiritually speaking, I want to be a perennial! Ephesians 3:17 speaks of being “rooted and grounded in love.” The word love here is “agape” which refers to the highest kind of love…God’s love. To be rooted in
that love will protect us, make us stronger than our enemy and enable us to withstand the fires of life.
I Cor. 3:9 states that we are “God’s field”….may that field be overgrown with spiritual perennials!
God loves gardens. What fun He must have had designing the endless varieties of plants and flowers….I can imagine that He fashioned each one with thoughtful care, creating colors, textures, aromas that would delight the senses. Genesis 1:11 records that God created grass, herbs and trees instantly by merely speaking them in to existence. But, I believe He had planned everything out, in detail, before He
began His physical creation. And as He surveyed His creation, He relished that it was good! The Creator of it all enjoyed walking in His garden in the cool of the day (Gen. 3:8).
Throughout His word, God uses garden analogies to teach spiritual lessons. Especially in the New Testament, where Christ declares that He is the vine and we are the branches. Matthew 13 records the parable of the “sower of the seed.” The seed that fell on good ground yielded a crop of up to a hundredfold! But some lessons are not recorded in His word, they are written in His creation for us to observe and absorb….for the invisible things of God are clearly understood by the things He has made (Romans 1: 20). Consider the perennial….
The perennial typically has a deep, extensive root system. Because its root is protected below ground level, it helps prevent erosion, it is stronger than weeds (less need for herbicide!), and it can even withstand wild fires! A perennial can survive extreme environmental conditions, and it will come back year after year, not
just surviving, but growing! Spiritually speaking, I want to be a perennial! Ephesians 3:17 speaks of being “rooted and grounded in love.” The word love here is “agape” which refers to the highest kind of love…God’s love. To be rooted in
that love will protect us, make us stronger than our enemy and enable us to withstand the fires of life.
I Cor. 3:9 states that we are “God’s field”….may that field be overgrown with spiritual perennials!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
“The opposite of poverty is not wealth, it is justice.”
In early May, I had the incredibly joyful experience of seeing my nephew, Scott, graduate from law school at UNC Chapel Hill. Family gathered from Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia to celebrate this grand occasion. Time with family, especially with those we don’t see often, always feels like a gift specially wrapped in hugs and laughter. We had a great time just being together, and sharing the pride that now we have a lawyer in the family! I’m not sure why, but I love graduations….I cannot listen to Pomp and Circumstance without getting a lump in my throat. Perhaps it’s the realization that a page of life is turning…a feeling that something extraordinary is about to happen….
I didn’t recognize the name of the commencement speaker, Bryan A. Stevenson. He was introduced as the founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative. That sounded good, but I didn’t have a clue what it was. His introduction included a list of awards, such as the Thurgood Marshall Medal of Justice, which sounded impressive, but, again, I didn’t have a clue. But as Mr. Stevenson began to speak, his passion for justice and for people, especially the downtrodden, destitute and hopeless, began to move his audience. This man spoke from his heart and from his experience. He made us laugh, he made us think and he touched our hearts. As an advocate for some on death row, for teenagers, only 13 and 14 years of age, who are being tried as adults, and for many who are destitute and without hope, Mr. Stevenson’s life quest is to fight for just treatment under the law. Many of those he represents are poor and suffer racial and social discrimination. He admonished these young, idealistic graduates to go back and reread the essays they wrote when they were applying for law school, and he encouraged them not to lose their vision. If they stand up for what is right, even when it is not popular….if they speak out against injustice for those who have no voice…if they strive for fairness always, they will help create genuine change in our society, for “the opposite of poverty is not wealth, it is justice.”
Mr. Stevenson received a standing ovation, and I found myself fighting back tears. I was truly moved by his message because I was reminded that I worship a God who is passionate about justice and wants us to be as well. He commands in Leviticus, “you shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. But in righteousness you shall judge your neighbor.” (Lev. 19:15). “Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy….” (Psalm 82:3) “He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them are an abomination to the Lord.” (Prov. 17:15) “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” (John 7:15).
I think how many times during any given day I make judgments about others that are not righteous, even subconsciously. It’s so easy to make judgments, I should say mis- judgments, based on appearance. Yet it is astounding and humbling to realize we have a Savior who endured more injustice, more misjudgment, than any other living being possibly could. He “poured out His soul unto death….and bore the sin of many” (Is. 53:12). God declares, “My righteous Servant shall justify many….” (Is. 53:11). God is always just. His justice demanded the greatest price it was possible to pay. He sent His son to become our Savior. He is coming again to be our King, “He will not fail nor be discouraged till He has established justice in the earth…” (Isaiah 42:4). Something extraordinary is about to happen….
In early May, I had the incredibly joyful experience of seeing my nephew, Scott, graduate from law school at UNC Chapel Hill. Family gathered from Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia to celebrate this grand occasion. Time with family, especially with those we don’t see often, always feels like a gift specially wrapped in hugs and laughter. We had a great time just being together, and sharing the pride that now we have a lawyer in the family! I’m not sure why, but I love graduations….I cannot listen to Pomp and Circumstance without getting a lump in my throat. Perhaps it’s the realization that a page of life is turning…a feeling that something extraordinary is about to happen….
I didn’t recognize the name of the commencement speaker, Bryan A. Stevenson. He was introduced as the founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative. That sounded good, but I didn’t have a clue what it was. His introduction included a list of awards, such as the Thurgood Marshall Medal of Justice, which sounded impressive, but, again, I didn’t have a clue. But as Mr. Stevenson began to speak, his passion for justice and for people, especially the downtrodden, destitute and hopeless, began to move his audience. This man spoke from his heart and from his experience. He made us laugh, he made us think and he touched our hearts. As an advocate for some on death row, for teenagers, only 13 and 14 years of age, who are being tried as adults, and for many who are destitute and without hope, Mr. Stevenson’s life quest is to fight for just treatment under the law. Many of those he represents are poor and suffer racial and social discrimination. He admonished these young, idealistic graduates to go back and reread the essays they wrote when they were applying for law school, and he encouraged them not to lose their vision. If they stand up for what is right, even when it is not popular….if they speak out against injustice for those who have no voice…if they strive for fairness always, they will help create genuine change in our society, for “the opposite of poverty is not wealth, it is justice.”
Mr. Stevenson received a standing ovation, and I found myself fighting back tears. I was truly moved by his message because I was reminded that I worship a God who is passionate about justice and wants us to be as well. He commands in Leviticus, “you shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. But in righteousness you shall judge your neighbor.” (Lev. 19:15). “Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy….” (Psalm 82:3) “He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them are an abomination to the Lord.” (Prov. 17:15) “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” (John 7:15).
I think how many times during any given day I make judgments about others that are not righteous, even subconsciously. It’s so easy to make judgments, I should say mis- judgments, based on appearance. Yet it is astounding and humbling to realize we have a Savior who endured more injustice, more misjudgment, than any other living being possibly could. He “poured out His soul unto death….and bore the sin of many” (Is. 53:12). God declares, “My righteous Servant shall justify many….” (Is. 53:11). God is always just. His justice demanded the greatest price it was possible to pay. He sent His son to become our Savior. He is coming again to be our King, “He will not fail nor be discouraged till He has established justice in the earth…” (Isaiah 42:4). Something extraordinary is about to happen….
Monday, March 22, 2010
“You make the outgoings of the morning and evening shout for joy” (Psalms 65:8).
It was an early fall morning at the beach in South Carolina. Several friends were enjoying a girlfriends’ weekend, and three of us had risen early to savor the spectacle of the sunrise over the ocean. Soft light was beginning to filter through the clouds as we sleepily made our way down to the beach. The gentle surf of low tide peacefully bathed the cool sand as we set our beach chairs down near the surf’s edge and as close to one another as we could for warmth. Breathing in the steam of fresh brewed coffee, we sipped from warm mugs and settled back to enjoy the majestic arrival of the new day. Beams of light began to streak across the sky like emissaries going out to announce the arrival of a great dignitary. Wispy clouds took on a golden hue, accenting soft shades of orange and blue that stretched across the horizon. The sun began to rise…slowly, almost imperceptibly at first, then in full glory. The ocean unfolded a welcoming runner of gold that extended from the sun’s first light to the edge of the surf. Wet sand reflected the shimmering light, and left no hint of the countless footprints and sand sculptures from the day before. Everything felt new and fresh, the day full of possibilities. How grateful I am that our God specializes in renewal. Not only is renewal built in to creation, in every sunrise, in every spring morning, in every bud and blossom, but He offers us spiritual renewal as well. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23) He renews our strength (Isaish 40:31), He renews our minds (Romans 12:2; Eph. 4:23), He restores our joy (Psalm 51:12). He forgives, heals, and redeems to give us renewed life spiritually (Psalms103:3-4). When I pray, “Thy kingdom come,” I am anticipating a time of renewal upon the whole earth, when “The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings….” (Malachi 4:2). “Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad, let the sea roar and all its fullness….for He is coming to judge the earth, He shall judge the earth with righteousness…” (Psalm 96:11-13).
It was an early fall morning at the beach in South Carolina. Several friends were enjoying a girlfriends’ weekend, and three of us had risen early to savor the spectacle of the sunrise over the ocean. Soft light was beginning to filter through the clouds as we sleepily made our way down to the beach. The gentle surf of low tide peacefully bathed the cool sand as we set our beach chairs down near the surf’s edge and as close to one another as we could for warmth. Breathing in the steam of fresh brewed coffee, we sipped from warm mugs and settled back to enjoy the majestic arrival of the new day. Beams of light began to streak across the sky like emissaries going out to announce the arrival of a great dignitary. Wispy clouds took on a golden hue, accenting soft shades of orange and blue that stretched across the horizon. The sun began to rise…slowly, almost imperceptibly at first, then in full glory. The ocean unfolded a welcoming runner of gold that extended from the sun’s first light to the edge of the surf. Wet sand reflected the shimmering light, and left no hint of the countless footprints and sand sculptures from the day before. Everything felt new and fresh, the day full of possibilities. How grateful I am that our God specializes in renewal. Not only is renewal built in to creation, in every sunrise, in every spring morning, in every bud and blossom, but He offers us spiritual renewal as well. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23) He renews our strength (Isaish 40:31), He renews our minds (Romans 12:2; Eph. 4:23), He restores our joy (Psalm 51:12). He forgives, heals, and redeems to give us renewed life spiritually (Psalms103:3-4). When I pray, “Thy kingdom come,” I am anticipating a time of renewal upon the whole earth, when “The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings….” (Malachi 4:2). “Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad, let the sea roar and all its fullness….for He is coming to judge the earth, He shall judge the earth with righteousness…” (Psalm 96:11-13).
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Two of my dearest friends and I have a fun tradition. On each of our birthdays we meet at Starbucks early in the morning. Thoughtfully, the birthday girl arrives a little later than the other two, which allows time for decorating a corner of the coffee shop. We are not subtle in our decorations, and we always feel a little sorry for anyone who comes to Starbucks that morning anticipating a quiet cup of coffee. Mostly, we find folks enjoy our festive display, and sometimes complete strangers join in the fun. As girlfriends, we delight in making one another feel special. We have surprised each other on more than one occasion with creative and fun acts of giving, just to say “you are special, and you are loved!” Personally, I cannot think of anything more joyful than demonstrating to a loved one how loved they are and knowing that they get it!
Reflecting on our birthday tradition, I understand something about God in a new way. It is always totally amazing to remember that God said He created us in His “image”….I believe that means He created us to possess (in a very finite way) some of the attributes of His very nature. He was the first to delight in demonstrating love…everything He made….all of creation….was made for us, because He loves us…wow! I believe He spent eternity planning it and that He had great fun doing it, and seeing that it was “all good” as His plan came together. He is the Originator of joyful surprises….how surprised Adam must have been when God presented Eve (I’m sure Eve was a little surprised, too….) Every sunset and sunrise, every spring morning holds another surprise. And the ultimate surprise….”no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him” (II. Cor. 2:9)
Surely it gives our Creator great joy when we reflect on His gifts, immeasurably full of surprise and wonder…given because He loves us immeasurably …but I wonder, do we get it?
Reflecting on our birthday tradition, I understand something about God in a new way. It is always totally amazing to remember that God said He created us in His “image”….I believe that means He created us to possess (in a very finite way) some of the attributes of His very nature. He was the first to delight in demonstrating love…everything He made….all of creation….was made for us, because He loves us…wow! I believe He spent eternity planning it and that He had great fun doing it, and seeing that it was “all good” as His plan came together. He is the Originator of joyful surprises….how surprised Adam must have been when God presented Eve (I’m sure Eve was a little surprised, too….) Every sunset and sunrise, every spring morning holds another surprise. And the ultimate surprise….”no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him” (II. Cor. 2:9)
Surely it gives our Creator great joy when we reflect on His gifts, immeasurably full of surprise and wonder…given because He loves us immeasurably …but I wonder, do we get it?
Monday, January 25, 2010
Beauty for ashes….
The scenes coming to us daily from Haiti are simply incomprehensible. They are stunning and heart wrenching. The pictures of pain and suffering, of desperate families who have lost loved ones and what few possessions they had, and, most difficult to see, displaced, newly orphaned children…
In the midst of unspeakable anguish, there are images of hope…one picture, especially, grabbed my attention and my heart. The picture was captured by free-lance photographer, Matthew McDermott, as the seven-year old boy, named Kiki, was pulled from the rubble after being trapped for seven days. As he emerged from the rubble, he lifted his arms, as if in praise, and smiled from ear to ear. You Tube refers to the picture as “the smile seen round the world!” The picture speaks volumes to me, and reminds me that, regardless of how desperate and hopeless the situation in Haiti appears, our sovereign God reveals in His word that a time of healing for all nations is coming. It is the reason Christ admonished His disciples to pray, “Thy kingdom come…”
Until that prayer is fulfilled, “the creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed…creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God” (Romans 8:19-21). “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first” (I. Thess. 4:16). His foot will stand upon the Mount of Olives…”and the Lord will be King over all the earth.” “Thus the Lord my God will come, and all the saints with Him.” (Zechariah 14: 5, 9)
After the temptation in the wilderness, scripture records that Christ began preaching “the gospel (good news!) of the kingdom of God” (Mark 1:14). His first sermon is recorded in Luke 4, verse 18-19. He read from Isaiah 61, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from the darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor…” Jesus stopped in the middle of the sentence, closed the book and sat down. Imagine the scene….you could have heard a leaf drop, as all eyes were fixed on Him. He went on, “Today, this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” By ending where He did, He showed that His work would be divided into two advents. In His first coming, Christ fulfilled the things mentioned in Isaiah 61:1-2. At His second coming, He will fulfill the things written in verses 2-3. . (The Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Bible Commentary, 21st edition).
The people of Haiti have a promise. God’s heart is breaking for them. Just as when Jesus saw the bitter sorrow of Mary because her brother, Lazarus, had died, He wept. Mary fell at His feet and said, “if you’d only been here, this would not have happened…” Some say, if God had been here this would not have happened! Jesus’ response was, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” Christ is coming again. In God’s perfect timing, the second part of Christ’s mission will be fulfilled. He will give “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. And they shall rebuild the old ruins. They shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the ruined cities…” (Is. 61:24). As His resurrected saints, all who are His at His coming will have a part in this massive restoration.
“Behold, the Lord God shall come with a strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him…His reward is with Him, and His work before Him (Isaiah 40:10). He will say then as He said to Lazarus, “Come forth!” and there will be smiles seen round the world and arms lifted up in praise.
The scenes coming to us daily from Haiti are simply incomprehensible. They are stunning and heart wrenching. The pictures of pain and suffering, of desperate families who have lost loved ones and what few possessions they had, and, most difficult to see, displaced, newly orphaned children…
In the midst of unspeakable anguish, there are images of hope…one picture, especially, grabbed my attention and my heart. The picture was captured by free-lance photographer, Matthew McDermott, as the seven-year old boy, named Kiki, was pulled from the rubble after being trapped for seven days. As he emerged from the rubble, he lifted his arms, as if in praise, and smiled from ear to ear. You Tube refers to the picture as “the smile seen round the world!” The picture speaks volumes to me, and reminds me that, regardless of how desperate and hopeless the situation in Haiti appears, our sovereign God reveals in His word that a time of healing for all nations is coming. It is the reason Christ admonished His disciples to pray, “Thy kingdom come…”
Until that prayer is fulfilled, “the creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed…creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God” (Romans 8:19-21). “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first” (I. Thess. 4:16). His foot will stand upon the Mount of Olives…”and the Lord will be King over all the earth.” “Thus the Lord my God will come, and all the saints with Him.” (Zechariah 14: 5, 9)
After the temptation in the wilderness, scripture records that Christ began preaching “the gospel (good news!) of the kingdom of God” (Mark 1:14). His first sermon is recorded in Luke 4, verse 18-19. He read from Isaiah 61, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from the darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor…” Jesus stopped in the middle of the sentence, closed the book and sat down. Imagine the scene….you could have heard a leaf drop, as all eyes were fixed on Him. He went on, “Today, this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” By ending where He did, He showed that His work would be divided into two advents. In His first coming, Christ fulfilled the things mentioned in Isaiah 61:1-2. At His second coming, He will fulfill the things written in verses 2-3. . (The Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Bible Commentary, 21st edition).
The people of Haiti have a promise. God’s heart is breaking for them. Just as when Jesus saw the bitter sorrow of Mary because her brother, Lazarus, had died, He wept. Mary fell at His feet and said, “if you’d only been here, this would not have happened…” Some say, if God had been here this would not have happened! Jesus’ response was, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” Christ is coming again. In God’s perfect timing, the second part of Christ’s mission will be fulfilled. He will give “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. And they shall rebuild the old ruins. They shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the ruined cities…” (Is. 61:24). As His resurrected saints, all who are His at His coming will have a part in this massive restoration.
“Behold, the Lord God shall come with a strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him…His reward is with Him, and His work before Him (Isaiah 40:10). He will say then as He said to Lazarus, “Come forth!” and there will be smiles seen round the world and arms lifted up in praise.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Bubble Forth!
The holidays are behind us now. Most of the decorative lights that brightened our neighborhood have been turned off and taken down. All of the celebrations, in church, in the work place, at home, are now only memories. Temperatures have plummeted, and without the cheerful lights of the holiday season, the harsh reality of winter has settled in. I can remember sitting on a swing on a Christmas afternoon in West Texas when I was about ten years old thinking to myself, “is this all there is?” All the gifts had been opened. The anticipation was gone. What was there to look forward to? What was there to celebrate? I had received most of the toys I had wanted, but still felt empty. I didn’t understand it then, but God was already giving me a desire to seek Him.
I love celebrations. My dearest friends and I share a motto, “life is a special occasion!” We look for any little thing to celebrate….a snow day, a birthday, a trip to the beach, a sunrise, a sunset, finding a good parking place! But the underlying joy in all we celebrate is our awesome God. Alan D. Wright in his book , God Moments, states that “real joy is not the product of better circumstances or even more victories: it is the product of a heart that has chosen to celebrate God.” With Him, the anticipation never ends….” Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (I. Cor. 2:9). Psalm 145 is described as a song of God’s majesty and love. “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; His greatness is beyond our understanding. One generation shall praise your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. I will meditate on the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works. Men shall speak of the might of your awesome acts, and I will declare your greatness. They shall utter (eagerly utter, bubble forth) the memory of your great goodness, and shall sing of your righteousness.” (v. 4-7).
A couple of weeks ago, we had the opportunity to have our seven year old grandson, Owen, stay with us for a couple of days. Proverbs 17:6 says “Children’s children are the crown of the aged.” We are blessed to have several such “crowns” (six in all), and they are such a joy I don’t even mind being regarded as “aged!” To say we enjoyed Owen would be an understatement. I loved watching “Papa” help him put together a wooden airplane and show him the wonder of a blood cell through the lens of a microscope. We explored exhibits at the local science center and shared the awe of the planetarium. I loved watching them pelt each other with snowballs while dodging a few myself. Owen’s playfulness was contagious, and definitely brought out the kid in Papa and me. Although he can sit through a movie (preferably about dinosaurs), when it is over, he is up and out….look for him in the nearest mud puddle or snow bank, or listen for rubber dinosaurs battling in a clash for survival. Owen is a living expression of joy and he delights us. His exuberance reminded me of a carbonated beverage opened for the first time….it just bubbled over!
We were blessed to have many of our family together on New Year’s Eve, all
gathered around the TV to watch the ball drop in New York City. I carefully opened a bottle of champagne. The cork popped and the happy beverage began to bubble forth. I thought about Psalm 145. The joy God gives really cannot be contained. “Rejoice in the Lord always..again I will say, rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4). Knowing God and His purpose for our lives is the real source of joy. Like exuberant children, may we “bubble forth” in celebration of His great goodness… Life is a special occasion!
I love celebrations. My dearest friends and I share a motto, “life is a special occasion!” We look for any little thing to celebrate….a snow day, a birthday, a trip to the beach, a sunrise, a sunset, finding a good parking place! But the underlying joy in all we celebrate is our awesome God. Alan D. Wright in his book , God Moments, states that “real joy is not the product of better circumstances or even more victories: it is the product of a heart that has chosen to celebrate God.” With Him, the anticipation never ends….” Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (I. Cor. 2:9). Psalm 145 is described as a song of God’s majesty and love. “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; His greatness is beyond our understanding. One generation shall praise your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. I will meditate on the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works. Men shall speak of the might of your awesome acts, and I will declare your greatness. They shall utter (eagerly utter, bubble forth) the memory of your great goodness, and shall sing of your righteousness.” (v. 4-7).
A couple of weeks ago, we had the opportunity to have our seven year old grandson, Owen, stay with us for a couple of days. Proverbs 17:6 says “Children’s children are the crown of the aged.” We are blessed to have several such “crowns” (six in all), and they are such a joy I don’t even mind being regarded as “aged!” To say we enjoyed Owen would be an understatement. I loved watching “Papa” help him put together a wooden airplane and show him the wonder of a blood cell through the lens of a microscope. We explored exhibits at the local science center and shared the awe of the planetarium. I loved watching them pelt each other with snowballs while dodging a few myself. Owen’s playfulness was contagious, and definitely brought out the kid in Papa and me. Although he can sit through a movie (preferably about dinosaurs), when it is over, he is up and out….look for him in the nearest mud puddle or snow bank, or listen for rubber dinosaurs battling in a clash for survival. Owen is a living expression of joy and he delights us. His exuberance reminded me of a carbonated beverage opened for the first time….it just bubbled over!
We were blessed to have many of our family together on New Year’s Eve, all
gathered around the TV to watch the ball drop in New York City. I carefully opened a bottle of champagne. The cork popped and the happy beverage began to bubble forth. I thought about Psalm 145. The joy God gives really cannot be contained. “Rejoice in the Lord always..again I will say, rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4). Knowing God and His purpose for our lives is the real source of joy. Like exuberant children, may we “bubble forth” in celebration of His great goodness… Life is a special occasion!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
