“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….
Thursday, May 13, 2010
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!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Extreme Makeover
A family with limited means, sacrificing every comfort to meet the needs of a severely disabled child in a sub-standard house suddenly gets a knock on the door….Ty Pennington from ABC TV announces with unbridled enthusiasm that they have been selected to receive an “extreme makeover!” Thousands of volunteers turn out to help in what becomes an amazing community event. In only seven days, a new home is built from the ground up….not only constructed, but designed to meet very specific needs and interests. On the final day, the family is brought back to see their new home, hidden from their view by a large bus. Thousands of voices ring out with “move that bus!” and as the bus rolls away, the grateful recipients are overcome with emotion. I have never been able to watch this show without needing a box of kleenix. But it always leaves me inspired and grateful that, finally, there is something worth watching on TV!
It is wonderful to see a deserving family receive a gift, desperately needed, that is beyond anything they could have dreamed or imagined. They may have been at the end of their rope, so to speak….everyday life a struggle, but with no hope in sight. Then, an unanticipated act of love changed their lives. They experienced an “extreme makeover.” There is something in me….in all of us I think…that longs for renewal. I believe that longing is a God-given attribute. After all, our God is the originator of “extreme makeover!”
The story of man begins with a garden. God, the Master Gardner, planted a garden in Eden. He placed Adam in the garden and told him to “work it and take care of it” (Gen. 2:15). In the middle of the garden were two trees, the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Adam and Eve were free to eat from any tree in the garden (including the tree of life!) except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. They disbelieved, disobeyed and sin entered the world, along with the first thorn bush! God gave them a choice….the same choice he gives to us: “…I have set before you life and death, blessing and curses…choose life….the Lord is your life” (Deut. 30:19-20). They chose poorly, as we all have at one time or another. Sin bore it’s ugly fruit… they tried to hide from God, they felt fear and shame for the first time, and when God confronted them, they blamed one another….Adam even blamed God, stating “the woman YOU put here with me…she gave it to me.” Eve was the first to claim, in essence, “the devil made me do it…” (Gen3:13). Their disobedience resulted in separation from God, as they were driven from the garden. But our all-wise, sovereign God already had a plan in place to redeem His beloved creation and restore mankind to relationship with Him.
There was another garden, the garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives, where Jesus was betrayed and arrested. There was another tree, hewn to form a cross. An incomprehensible act of love changed everything. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8) “The result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men” (Romans 5:18). Now we are offered the transforming gift of grace. “You were taught…to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new ….to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph. 4:22-24). “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). God has said to us, in so many places and so many ways, “congratulations….you have been chosen to receive an extreme makeover!”
There is another garden in our future. Revelation 21 and 22 describe a time when God will make everything new. John describes the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven to a new earth. God’s relationship with His creation will be completely restored. “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” There will be a river flowing from the throne of God “down the middle of the great street of the city.” And there will be another tree….on each side of the river, the tree of life, bearing life-giving fruit, and leaves for the healing of the nations. There will no longer be a curse on the land (Rev. 21, 22). “He who was seated on the throne said, I am making everything new!” (Rev. 21:5)
Revelation records that an angel carried John, in vision, to a high mountain to show him the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It was a spiritual “Move that bus!” moment….and John saw a city that shone with the very glory of God…its brilliance like a very precious jewel…” There was no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple….the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp…the nations will walk by its light…on no day will its gates ever be shut…” (Rev. 21). As I struggle to wrap my mind around this incredible picture, I am reminded of the song, “I Can Only Imagine.” “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” (I. Cor. 2:9). Maybe another way to pray, “your kingdom come” might be….”We’re ready, Lord….move that bus!”
A family with limited means, sacrificing every comfort to meet the needs of a severely disabled child in a sub-standard house suddenly gets a knock on the door….Ty Pennington from ABC TV announces with unbridled enthusiasm that they have been selected to receive an “extreme makeover!” Thousands of volunteers turn out to help in what becomes an amazing community event. In only seven days, a new home is built from the ground up….not only constructed, but designed to meet very specific needs and interests. On the final day, the family is brought back to see their new home, hidden from their view by a large bus. Thousands of voices ring out with “move that bus!” and as the bus rolls away, the grateful recipients are overcome with emotion. I have never been able to watch this show without needing a box of kleenix. But it always leaves me inspired and grateful that, finally, there is something worth watching on TV!
It is wonderful to see a deserving family receive a gift, desperately needed, that is beyond anything they could have dreamed or imagined. They may have been at the end of their rope, so to speak….everyday life a struggle, but with no hope in sight. Then, an unanticipated act of love changed their lives. They experienced an “extreme makeover.” There is something in me….in all of us I think…that longs for renewal. I believe that longing is a God-given attribute. After all, our God is the originator of “extreme makeover!”
The story of man begins with a garden. God, the Master Gardner, planted a garden in Eden. He placed Adam in the garden and told him to “work it and take care of it” (Gen. 2:15). In the middle of the garden were two trees, the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Adam and Eve were free to eat from any tree in the garden (including the tree of life!) except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. They disbelieved, disobeyed and sin entered the world, along with the first thorn bush! God gave them a choice….the same choice he gives to us: “…I have set before you life and death, blessing and curses…choose life….the Lord is your life” (Deut. 30:19-20). They chose poorly, as we all have at one time or another. Sin bore it’s ugly fruit… they tried to hide from God, they felt fear and shame for the first time, and when God confronted them, they blamed one another….Adam even blamed God, stating “the woman YOU put here with me…she gave it to me.” Eve was the first to claim, in essence, “the devil made me do it…” (Gen3:13). Their disobedience resulted in separation from God, as they were driven from the garden. But our all-wise, sovereign God already had a plan in place to redeem His beloved creation and restore mankind to relationship with Him.
There was another garden, the garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives, where Jesus was betrayed and arrested. There was another tree, hewn to form a cross. An incomprehensible act of love changed everything. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8) “The result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men” (Romans 5:18). Now we are offered the transforming gift of grace. “You were taught…to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new ….to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph. 4:22-24). “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). God has said to us, in so many places and so many ways, “congratulations….you have been chosen to receive an extreme makeover!”
There is another garden in our future. Revelation 21 and 22 describe a time when God will make everything new. John describes the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven to a new earth. God’s relationship with His creation will be completely restored. “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” There will be a river flowing from the throne of God “down the middle of the great street of the city.” And there will be another tree….on each side of the river, the tree of life, bearing life-giving fruit, and leaves for the healing of the nations. There will no longer be a curse on the land (Rev. 21, 22). “He who was seated on the throne said, I am making everything new!” (Rev. 21:5)
Revelation records that an angel carried John, in vision, to a high mountain to show him the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It was a spiritual “Move that bus!” moment….and John saw a city that shone with the very glory of God…its brilliance like a very precious jewel…” There was no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple….the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp…the nations will walk by its light…on no day will its gates ever be shut…” (Rev. 21). As I struggle to wrap my mind around this incredible picture, I am reminded of the song, “I Can Only Imagine.” “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” (I. Cor. 2:9). Maybe another way to pray, “your kingdom come” might be….”We’re ready, Lord….move that bus!”
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Living Water
The bus was full of college students sharing animated conversation and robust laughter. Excitement and anticipation managed to subdue any weariness from a day of travel following a weekend of hiking and exploring Yosemite National Park. With the soft light of twilight, voices became quieter, more subdued as the bus climbed a steep mountain pass. Reaching the summit and beginning a gradual descent into the valley below, silence enveloped the bus….a silence that was almost reverent. It is a sight I will never forget….a brilliant full moon shining down on Lake Tahoe on a clear, crisp fall evening. The vast lake shimmered with moonbeams, illuminating the night. I was awestruck…this was the beginning of the Feast of Tabernacles, my freshman year in a Christian college that taught the holy days were relevant for our day. Lake Tahoe was one of several different festival locations, and the closest one for students on the California campus of Ambassador College. I had learned about the Holy Days years before, but this was my first opportunity to participate in a festival celebration. We stayed at Lake Tahoe for the entire seven day festival, attending services every day in Olympic Village with thousands of church members. I was 18 years old, and more than four decades later, it remains a treasured memory….mostly, I remember the feeling of joy…
What a sight it must have been in ancient Jerusalem, when pilgrims came from all over Israel to worship during the fall feasts, each carrying an offering of thankfulness to the Lord. At twilight, the hills around the city must have shimmered with lights of candles and lanterns as far as the eye could see. I could imagine those making the journey for the first time being filled with joy and anticipation. The Feast of Tabernacles was the culmination of the “Feasts of the Lord,” which began with Passover in the spring. It was the most joyful of all the festival celebrations. This feast reminded Israel, “on the one hand, of their dwelling in booths in the wilderness, while on the other hand, it pointed to the final harvest when Israel’s mission should be completed, and all nations gathered unto the Lord” (The Temple, Its Ministry and Services, pp 232-233, by Alfred Edersheim). The service in the temple (referred to as “Sukot”) looked backward in history, reminding the Israelites of their exodus from Egypt, and it looked forward in prophecy, to the fulfillment of the covenant promise given to Abraham of the time when “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Gen. 12:3). And to the time when “the survivors from all nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles” (Zech 14:16).
One of the most beautiful ceremonies of the ancient Festival of Tabernacles was the libation of water procession each morning. “The water was brought in a golden flask from the fountain of Siloam and poured by the officiating kohen (priest) into the basin near the altar. This was the most joyous of the temple ceremonies…..accompanied by a torchlight procession, dances, singing and chanting by the Levitical choir….it was a symbolic act performed in compliance with the prophetic verse, ‘With joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation’ (Is. 12:3)’” (quoted from Jewish Worship, p. 204, by Abraham Millgram). Jesus was observing this festival in Jerusalem when He stood in the temple and gave perhaps the shortest and most encouraging sermon of all time…. “On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him” (John 7:37).
While I do not believe observing the Feast of Tabernacles is a requirement for Christians today, I cannot help but believe that reflecting on the meaning of these days is of enormous value for Christians. When we pray “Thy kingdom come” we are praying for the fulfillment of these days …when the “earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Is. 11:9) Imagine a time when “the eyes of the blind will be opened, the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert” (Is. 35). Christ will say, “To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life” (Rev. 21:3-6). This is a thirsty world….Your kingdom come, Lord!
What a sight it must have been in ancient Jerusalem, when pilgrims came from all over Israel to worship during the fall feasts, each carrying an offering of thankfulness to the Lord. At twilight, the hills around the city must have shimmered with lights of candles and lanterns as far as the eye could see. I could imagine those making the journey for the first time being filled with joy and anticipation. The Feast of Tabernacles was the culmination of the “Feasts of the Lord,” which began with Passover in the spring. It was the most joyful of all the festival celebrations. This feast reminded Israel, “on the one hand, of their dwelling in booths in the wilderness, while on the other hand, it pointed to the final harvest when Israel’s mission should be completed, and all nations gathered unto the Lord” (The Temple, Its Ministry and Services, pp 232-233, by Alfred Edersheim). The service in the temple (referred to as “Sukot”) looked backward in history, reminding the Israelites of their exodus from Egypt, and it looked forward in prophecy, to the fulfillment of the covenant promise given to Abraham of the time when “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Gen. 12:3). And to the time when “the survivors from all nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles” (Zech 14:16).
One of the most beautiful ceremonies of the ancient Festival of Tabernacles was the libation of water procession each morning. “The water was brought in a golden flask from the fountain of Siloam and poured by the officiating kohen (priest) into the basin near the altar. This was the most joyous of the temple ceremonies…..accompanied by a torchlight procession, dances, singing and chanting by the Levitical choir….it was a symbolic act performed in compliance with the prophetic verse, ‘With joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation’ (Is. 12:3)’” (quoted from Jewish Worship, p. 204, by Abraham Millgram). Jesus was observing this festival in Jerusalem when He stood in the temple and gave perhaps the shortest and most encouraging sermon of all time…. “On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him” (John 7:37).
While I do not believe observing the Feast of Tabernacles is a requirement for Christians today, I cannot help but believe that reflecting on the meaning of these days is of enormous value for Christians. When we pray “Thy kingdom come” we are praying for the fulfillment of these days …when the “earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Is. 11:9) Imagine a time when “the eyes of the blind will be opened, the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert” (Is. 35). Christ will say, “To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life” (Rev. 21:3-6). This is a thirsty world….Your kingdom come, Lord!
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