Monthly Archives: August 2016

REST: A SOULFUL EXPERIENCE

The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14).

Over the past few months, I have had two conversations with individuals who had agreed to do outside work for me.  The first of these was a person who would only be working an hour or so grinding out the root system of an old tree which had already been removed.  The problem was he wanted to come early on a Sunday morning to do the task, because during the week he had another job.  I informed him that the work he’d be doing would make too much noise for a Sunday, and I did not want to get credited with creating such a disturbance in the neighborhood.  The other guy has done odd jobs for me on a more routine basis.  He too has a day job, and I knew what I was asking him to do would take more than just a few hours.  After I described the scope of the work, I told him he was welcome to do it in the evenings or on Saturdays but that I did not want him doing anything on Sundays. Both men agreed on my conditions. While it may have not mattered to anyone else, it would have mattered to me. After all, for those who are on the Christian Journey – Sunday is the Sabbath, a day for rest.

Rest is promoted in our culture and is big business. Health experts tell us that in order to maintain a good state of physical well-being, it is important that you get a good night’s rest. This is reinforced by advertisers who want to sell you the adjustable mattress where you can choose your individual state of firmness by selecting a number on the provided remote.  Or how about that guy who created that perfect pillow and personally guarantees it to be the “most comfortable one you will ever own.”  If you have trouble falling and staying asleep, there are prescription medications available. You can purchase machines that play sounds which will relax you, and you can get therapy body oils or lotions to enhance your rest. Assisting us to have a good night’s sleep is just one form of rest, but there are many others. Employees are given rest breaks at work. When we are traveling, we might decide to pull over at a rest stop.  If we are playing in a band or orchestra, we might take a rhythmical rest as noted in the music. Or if we are going on about something, we may simply be told to give it a rest.

Rest is a Biblical principle as well. It is so significant that it is part of the creation story. “On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.” (Genesis 2:2-3). When God revealed His commandments to Moses, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8) was on the list. This tradition carried on through the early church. “For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: ‘On the seventh day God rested from all his works…’ There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God. For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world” (Hebrews 4:4,9-10). When the Pharisees questioned Jesus about certain activity on the Sabbath, He responded, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27).

Jesus understood that the concept of rest had many interpretations. Before the feeding of the five-thousand, there is this passage: “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest’ (Mark 6:31). Ultimately Jesus was more concerned about a different kind of rest, that which we can only find in Him. He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). His is the promise of a spiritual rest available to those who repent and believe in Him. When we rest in Jesus, we are assured comfort and peace that He alone can provide. Charles Spurgeon put it this way: “If we can become as He is, we shall rest as He does. The lowly in heart will be restful of heart.” Jesus, therefore, extends rest to us as an invitation, not only for the physical relief we might find at the end of a busy day or week but for that spiritual refuge that we shall come to realize is simply ours for the taking. It’s an expression of faith to renew our spirit and truly satisfy the soul.

REFLECTION: Have there been times in your life when you have been restless? To what have you turned to find peace and comfort?  What do you need to do to experience the rest that Christ can provide?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., SEPTEMBER 3, 2016.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

BIGGER THAN LIFE ITSELF

“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”  (Romans 12:3)

It was muggy in Philadelphia on that August 16, 2016 evening when he stepped up to the plate at Citizen’s Bank Park, the home of the Phillies.  He said he was unusually nervous, because for the first time in nearly a year it was his initial trip back to a place he had called home for thirteen seasons. Now wearing blue as a member of the L.A. Dodgers, he stood at the plate where he had appeared over 3000 times before. The crowd rose to their feet in a standing ovation for one of their own who had been traded a year ago but in their opinion had not been given a proper sendoff.  Chase Utley had returned to Philadelphia. When he was struck out – the fans booed, not at Utley but at their own pitcher. They wanted to see him hit, and hit he did. With a man on base in the fifth he homered, and later with the bases loaded he hit another for a grand slam. In each case, the Philadelphia faithful stood and cheered as if he was still playing for them.  In a post-game interview, a quite humbled Utley said – “I should be thanking them…I’m a true believer that the fans made us better players individually and gave us a chance to win.” Ryan Howard, one of his former teammates noted, “I definitely think it was something bigger than a game tonight.”

The very next day, continents away at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – there was another amazing story of sportsmanship. In the 5000 meter preliminaries, USA long-distance runner Abbey D’Agostino tripped and fell after colliding with New Zealand’s Nikki Hamblin who had toppled just ahead of her.  Rather than immediately getting back into the race, D’Agostino stopped and paused to see if her Olympic rival could continue, helping her to her feet. “The thing about that moment was everything happened so fast. And all I know is I got up and my first instinct was ‘OK, turn around, we gotta finish this,'” she later stated. “I don’t think that was me, I think that was literally the spirit of God in me, like, ‘Let’s go.'” Hamblin returned the favor by checking on her opponent seconds later when D’Agostino’s leg gave out. Both girls were able to complete the race and embraced each other at the finish line.  The U. S. runner went on to say: “We both realized it was about so much more than our performance that day . . . a simple act of kindness resonates with people.” What a true demonstration of the Olympic spirit for all the world to see.

These days, many individual accomplishments have been described as “larger than life.” Those who find themselves defined in this way can either allow their egos to embrace their persona as exceptional, or they can become humbled and feel particularly blessed. The Apostle Paul referred to the first of these: “I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another” (1 Corinthians 4:6). As we journey in this life, it is important for us to humble ourselves before man and God. Matthew Henry wrote: “We shall not be puffed up for one against another, if we remember that all are instruments, employed by God, and endowed by Him with various talents.”  Those who aim to gratify others and revere themselves with greatness will likely find themselves in a position where they will no longer be pleasing God.

After a base-clearing double in August, 2006, legendary broadcaster Harry Kalas exclaimed, “Chase Utley, you are the man.” That comment has followed Utley ever since, serving to remind him that’s who he is – just a man. Jesus stated that we should humble ourselves and give others the seat of honor. “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 14:11). James put it this way: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you” (James 4:10). The lyrics of the old gospel standard sung by Mahalia Jackson and later by Elvis Presley prompts us to recall there is in fact “Somebody Bigger than You and I.” Bigger than life itself, for sure.

REFLECTION: When you are praised for the good things that others see in you, how do you respond? Are there times you need to find a greater sense of humility?  To whom do you give credit for your talents?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., AUGUST 27, 2016.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

GOING HOME

“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you;  for I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)

A number of years ago, I was on a train coming home from New York City. I don’t know about you, but when I have been somewhere and know that my time away has come to an end – I just wish I could snap my fingers and be home.  I guess that’s how one of my fellow passengers felt when our train began to slow down in the middle of nowhere, less than an hour from my destination. There was no power, and we were informed that another engine would have to be sent out before we would be able to complete our journey. Without power there was very little anyone could do, so we just tried to keep warm and rest until the new engine arrived. In the midst of the silence, an older gentleman stood up to stretch his legs and resounded these words: “We all would be better off if we’d just stayed home.”  To this day, when I’m stuck in traffic or out and just want to get to where I am going – I echo his expression.

Home has various meanings for each of us.  To Dorothy who walked down the yellow brick road in the Land of Oz, it meant finding the Wizard so that he could arrange to get her back to Kansas. For a person who serves in the armed services, the answer to the question “where are you from” will usually illicit the response of a place where loved ones await their return. When a person with dementia says they want to go home, they just know that where they are is not anywhere they want to be. Often, home in their mind is not where they last lived but rather the place of earlier years where they grew up and lived as children. To most of us, it’s that dwelling containing our worldly possessions and our family residence. It’s been said, “Home is Where the Heart Is.”  If that is the case – home is a place of fond memories, not necessarily having anything to do with our current address.

For some, home is not always a place where they feel welcomed or comforted. Not everyone leaves home on good terms, and when that occurs – it makes it awkward to return. For these individuals, events like holiday meals or high school class reunions are not the most pleasant recollections. For others who have found success outside of their hometown, they may also find it difficult to adjust or experience acceptance when they go back. They will often relate to the phrase, “You can’t go home again,” meaning that for whatever reason – they can no longer connect with those who have continued to remain there. When Jesus returned to his hometown, He began teaching in the synagogue. Then they began to recollect who He was: the carpenter’s son whose mother was Mary and brothers were James, Joseph, Simon and Judas. In doing so, they questioned His wisdom and miraculous powers and took offense of Him (Matthew 13:53-56). “But Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home’” (Matthew 13:57). Due to their lack of faith, He was unable to perform many miracles there.

In the mid-1970’s, an artist by the name of B. J. Thomas sang these lyrics: “They say that heaven’s pretty; And living here is too. But if they said that I would have to choose between the two. I’d go home, going home, where I belong.” “Home Where I Belong” reflects the feelings of many Christians who become homesick for a place they have never been, where they know with confidence they will spend Eternity.  “For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city” (Hebrews 11:14-16). For now, we continue to travel on this earthly journey. While it is not always happy or non-threatening – we persevere through each day with which we are blessed to bring hope and service to a world that at times feels hurt, helpless, and fearful. We do so with this assurance: “For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1). And that is a homecoming to which we should look forward with great anticipation.

REFLECTION: When you think of home, what comes to mind?  How can we help others who have had a difficult home life understand that a loving, permanent home awaits their arrival in God’s plan?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., AUGUST 20, 2016.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

LEANING INTO ‘SAFE MODE’

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)

Several years ago, I had a serious problem with my computer. Somewhere along the line, it must have gotten infected with a virus, commonly referred to as malware. I had a computer geek look at it and try to clean up the problem. However, it was beyond repair and I ended up having to get a new computer. During this period of time, I was able to get some of my programs to operate.  In order to accomplish this, I had to select the ‘safe mode’ function when I booted the system.  What was interesting about all of this was that the programs which enable me to write and post this Christian blog remained functional. While they did not operate as smoothly as they would under normal circumstances, they were able to be used as long as I persevered.  In a way, it was symbolic of what we frequently face in life many days; that is, the challenge to struggle through the difficulties and inconveniences with which we are often faced while at the same time trying to maintain a sense of security.

The concepts of safety and security are common cultural language. Parents want to be assured that their children are free of bullying, whether it is on the playground or on social media. Employers lower their risk in certain job categories by requiring that applicants for employment are able to pass a criminal background check. We can purchase monitoring systems for our home in order to give us a sense of safety where we live. Securing national borders and not allowing people into the country who do not have the proper documentation has been a huge part of political discussions. Conversely, in many areas of the world – persons of faith must practice their beliefs in secret or they will risk persecution, up to and including death. Killed before he turned forty years of age, a now well-known German Lutheran pastor by the name of Dietrich Bonhoeffer was executed in a Nazi concentration camp only weeks before the Germans surrendered to the Allied Forces in 1945. His book, The Cost of Discipleship, and the practice of his writings no doubt cost him his life.

In our walk with Christ, we come to realize that God eventually leads us where we need to be. Along the way, His provisions are sufficient to keep us safe and secure. We simply need to trust Him. There is probably no better example than when He rescued the children of Israel from Egyptian captivity. During their journey, God sent daily manna for them to eat. The Lord told Moses that He would test them to see if they would follow His explicit instructions (Exodus 16:4-5).  Disobeying His command, they took more food than they required for a day (Exodus 16:20). On the sixth day, they failed His instruction to save enough to sustain them through the Sabbath (Exodus 16:27-28). The lesson here is that the Lord provides exactly what is needed for those who love Him and follow direction according to His purpose.  Like Dietrich Bonhoeffer – we must have an ‘all-in’ approach knowing that in this life, we might not always find ourselves in a situation where we feel safe and secure.  But like the Apostle Paul we must say, “I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,”

We are fortunate to not know exactly where the road of this life will take us. There are some things we can do that will help us feel more protected. Like life itself, however, we will learn that many of these remedies are short-lived. Meanwhile we can be assured that the Lord, our God, will keep us in ‘safe mode’.  For wherever we discover our position in life, scripture reminds us: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). For many, this life will find little but insecurity and they will not rest until they “lie down and sleep” (Psalm 4:8) in the company of God. As the hymnist Elisha Hoffman wrote in her lyrics, it is only when we come to know Him that we are “safe and secure from all alarm.”  Where is that, you ask?  It is only when we find ourselves “Leaning On the Everlasting Arms” of Jesus.

REFLECTION: What are some ways we can stand for Jesus in today’s society?  In doing so, what are the potential consequences we might face? How do we bring balance to openly expressing our faith with the assurance of knowing that “Our help is in the name of the Lord…” (Psalm 124:8)

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., AUGUST 13, 2016.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.