Thoughts On Harvey

Where is God when the wind howls and the water levels rise?  In the midst of disasters such as Hurricane Harvey these are the questions we ask.  Even if we are not asking this question verbally, in the quiet contemplations of many, this question resonates consistently.  It is the church's responsibility to offer meaningful thoughts that may begin to bring resolution to some of these questions.

I am always leery of suggesting that God has acted with his providential hand against humanity because he is angry, or he is seeking to teach humanity some kind of lesson.  This always seems to be our "go to" response.  Obviously, God must be doing this in order to achieve some measure of his divine will in the world.  However, we might do well to consider that the reason for many of these tragedies may have something to do with the general and long reaching effects of sin upon the world. In times like these, we quickly recall that there are things and events in this world that are well beyond our control.

Admittedly, this kind of answer probably will not bring much comfort to those who are presently suffering in the wake of Harvey.  But, I would imagine that very little will offer comfort in times such as these.  Yet, perhaps we can find both comfort and resolution in the midst of great devastation.  As humans, I believe that we find comfort in the assurance of control and predictability.  In other words, we do not like to be taken by surprise, it is both disarming and unsettling.  Most of the time, we manage an existence in which we do not have to reflect on such insecurities.  Then suddenly, something like Harvey, the death of a loved one, or even a car accident rattles our best efforts and we are left completely exposed.  It is in these moments that the potential for unmatchable comfort can be found if you know where to look.  If you look for comfort in yourself, your resources, friends, possessions, money, skill, etc... you can be assured that you will not find it.  However, there is one who is never taken by surprise or left disarmed and unsettled.  Just because God is not the immediate cause of a particular event does not mean that he is any less in control.  These events can serve as a reminder that only God can provide our greatest needs.

Why has something such as Harvey occurred?  I'm not certain anyone can offer a definitive answer to this question.  What I do know is that God is present in the midst of these tragic events.  He is present in the person of the Holy Spirit who lives and dwells in his church.  Where is God?  He is on the ground, dispersing fresh water, rescuing the deserted, and sitting with the distraught.  As Jesus reminded his disciples, "in this world YOU WILL have trouble, but fear not I HAVE OVERCOME the world."  In this promise, we are reminded that we are insecure in ourselves but completely secure in Christ.

Maleficent

Maleficent is an evil fairy from the story of sleeping beauty.  The old Disney cartoon introduces her crawling out of the shadows as a vile and black-hearted character bent on harming the seemingly innocent and noble royal family.  In essence, she is an example a pure evil that was not caused but simply is.  However, Disney did not leave that story there, many years later another chapter of the story was told, entitled Maleficent.  I was watching the film with my daughters the other day, surprised by a wandering thought regarding the movie.  The evil which emanated from Maleficent had to originate somewhere.  No person (or fairy) is just evil for the sake of evil.  In other words, evil is not a thing in itself.  Like a parasite, it exists by leaching from goodness.

So, another tale is told of a beautiful fairy, with a healing touch and gentle heart who, entrusting another, was betrayed.  Thus, the evil act which stole her wings spoiled her heart.  In this story, we discover that Maleficent was not born evil, quite the opposite, her original goodness was spoiled by an evil act.  Yet, even the movies' surprising villian,  King Stefan, who perpetrated this evil act upon the unsuspecting fairy is introduced as a kind-hearted person who is overcome by the non-personal villains of greed and covetousness.

C. S. Lewis, in Mere Christianity, noted that "You can be good for the mere sake of goodness: you cannot be bad for the mere sake of badness.  You can do a kind of action when you are not feeling kind and when it gives you no pleasure, simply because kindness is right; but no one ever did a cruel action simply because cruelty is wrong-only because cruelty was pleasant or useful to him.  In other words badness cannot succeed even in being bad in the same way in whcih goodness is good.  Goodness is, so to speak, itself: badness is only spoiled goodness.  And there must be something good first before it can be spoiled."

It's likely that Disney was not attempting to issue a theological statement.  Perhaps they simply discovered the potential for a good story.  However, purposefully or not a theological and anthropological point was made.  Everything that is, including humanity was created good.  This is exactly what God confirmed in the garden.  However, this "goodness" has been spoiled by the "badness" of sin.  Humans are not essentially bad, humans act badly.  When the Christian says that a person is born in sin, it is meant to suggest not that he is evil, but born with spoiled goodness.  As in a garden, the weeds come naturally, while the produce must be re-introduced and cultivated.  And so Lewis concludes; "And do you now begin to see why Christianity has always said that the devil is a fallen angel?  That is not a mere story for the children.  It is a real recognition of the fact that evil is a parasite, not the original thing."  

Planet of the Apes

I had a random thought the other day (hang with me here).  From an evolutionary perspective, what if we have had it all wrong from the beginning.  In an attempt to be open-minded, what if the human race is not on the tip-top of the evolutionary rung, but rather it was the ape.  What if we did not evolve from the Ape, but rather the Ape had evolved from us.  Perhaps it is human arrogance that caused Darwin to suggest that humans are the most evolved.  Think of it from the Ape's perspective.

The ape expresses himself with unparalleled freedoms.  He is free to walk around stark naked, poo and pee whenever and where ever he wants, eat without any concern for calories, sodium, cholesterol, saturated and unsaturated fats, gluten, fiber, etc...  The Ape is not burdened with the stress of work and finances.  He is not forced to purchase automobile insurance, health insurance, property insurance, or life insurance.  He has no concern for politics.  There is no allegiance to political parties, economic policies, foreign policies, or social policies.  He is not hampered with the drudgery of voting for a president, congressman/congresswoman (or should I say congressperson), or governor, only to instantly regret the decision and long that four years might pass by quickly.

Perhaps the most evolved Apes congregate every evening and reflect on their good fortune.  Can you image them chuckling together as one Ape says to another, "Boy, we sure have it good.  Those inane humans believe themselves our master when they are completely oblivious of our superiority.  Why, every day we awaken in this gated community they call a "zoo".  There is no need to forage for food, as it is served to us on platters.  We are free to defecate in any location, and they will gladly pick it up so we do not have to.   They offer up their hard earned resources to shelter, feed, clean and nurture us.  All the while, we offer absolutely nothing in return.  We simply do what we would do in their absence.  How good life truly is."

While I am in no way an advocate of evolution or naturalism.  I wonder if humanity can truly be considered "on top" if everything he creates or discovers has a great success rate of enslaving him.  Are we the masters of technology or enslaved by it?  Are were the kings of innovation or the servants of our innovations?  Without the image of God, I am afraid that we are just one of many, many species on this planet, but with the sad distinction of being the most self-destructive extant species.

Where is Jesus?

I am looking for Jesus, do you know where I can find Him?  Seems like a fair question.  It seems that Jesus received the same question during his time walking the roads to and from Jerusalem as well.  And not simply from the skeptical and contentious ones, but also from friendly fire such as John the Baptist.  These two grew up together, their parents knew each other, yet even John began to question Jesus’ identity.  “Are you the Messiah” (Luke 7:18-35)?  John was waiting for the promised one who would free the captives from their bondage, which seemed to be a rather present topic on his mind as he pillowed his head in a cold, damp, and disgusting 1st-century jail cell.  

Jesus’ response is what is most shocking.  First, he heals a bunch of people and then he quotes an old prophet (Isaiah to be exact).  Everyone has their own understanding of how things should look when God breaks in.  John had his own version and surprisingly, but not too surprisingly, he was a little off.  Fortunately, Jesus does not leave this particular matter to question, offering a powerful explanation.  

We are still asking this same questions today.  “Where is Jesus, and how will I know that He is here and working?”  With a few years of ministry under my belt, I have found this question most often answered with the ABC’s of ministry.  In other words, you know that Jesus is working when you have good Attendance, amazing Buildings, and substantial Cash.  Even though we often deny such a silly notion with our mouths, our words are rather cheap.  What we say is not nearly as important as what we do.  I have never attended a conference or seminar with a pastor of a congregation of 50 or less as the keynote speaker.  

While we seem to value these things, Jesus’ public ministry did not.  Jesus’ congregation was reduced to one woman, one cross, and not even enough money to purchase a proper grave.  Jesus’ actions proved what he valued.  Whenever Jesus was present three things did exist, not the ABC’s but the HER’s.  When Jesus showed up the sick were Healed, the possessed were Exorcised, and the dead were Resurrected. What is vital to understand is that any human (with the right help in some cases) can attract a following, erect buildings, and raise money, but ONLY God can heal the sick, cast out the Devil, and raise the dead.  We often choose the former, infatuated with the feeling of power and control is offers.  However, it is only the latter that truly represents the kingdom.  Jesus is already here and he is presently working, but this is mostly clearly seen at the point where we break with our historically strong knees and tall back and bow low before God. 

Light a Candle For Christ

Light a Candle for Christ
As far as I am aware there are only two times throughout the year that the "Christ Candle" is not flickering during the Christian worship service.  The first time is the three days between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, and the second time occurs during the four weeks of Advent.  The "Christ Candle" may not be a familiar concept for most, but it remains a powerful image in the life of the people of God.  Candles fill the imagination with possibilities.  Their light dispels the darkness and suddenly gives much needed insight to one's surroundings.  Image the sun breaking over the horizon, filling the world with a new day of hope.  

The Power of a Good Symbol
Have you ever lost power in you house?  It was the middle of the afternoon when this last occurred in my home.  I can still remember an ominous feeling, as the sun slowly retreated and darkness crept into our home.  I felt powerless as there was nothing that could be done to retard its progression.  Eventually, everything was dark.  This always seems to be a painful reality as I continually suffer from what I call "furniture arrangement amnesia".  This is a condition in which one forgets where the coffee table is in one's living room and ends up smashing his shin on the corner, hopping on one foot, and eventually spilling over, head first into the recliner.  However, that ominous feeling is dashed the moment I am able to light a candle.  

The Christ Candle promotes this kind of symbolism and imagery.  Regardless of all the symbolic, and many times literal, darkness that seems to overwhelm our world, the light of Christ through His word (The Bible) and his people (The Church) scatters the shadows and brings healing and hope to all people in all places.  Every Sunday, when we light the Christ Candle, I am filled with hope and wonder, reminded of the fact that Christ is living and able to forgive and heal sinful, broken people and places.  

From Anticipation to Realization
If is for this reason that I am amazed that we begin the Church year, the very first weeks of the Christian calendar with the Christ Candle unlit!  Why?  Throughout the Advent season we find ourselves continually longing for that middle candle to be aflame, as the candles surrounding it, one by one illuminate the evergreen wreath (which offers the profound imagery of eternity).  Four candles, three purple and one pink, act as a John the Baptist, an Isaiah, and even a psalm writing David illuminating the only real hope that we have in this life, Christ himself.  Each week, with a little more light, the answer becomes progressively clear.  Until, finally we light that long expected candle.  Finally, we cease singing "Come thou long expected Jesus" and our voices ring out the chorus "Joy to the world, the Lord is come, let earth receive her king."  Blessings this Advent season, and may the joy of the Lord fill you heart with anticipation, hope, and gladness.  

Trump Wins! A Few Post Election Observations

Trump wins!  Wow, it has been a long and violent election season.  I can’t recall an election cycle as fierce as this one since the last time we elected a president...and the time before that...and the time before that.  Well here are a couple brief observations that I have found helpful. 

1. Elections have consequences.  When I first heard this phrase employed I was impacted by its simple, yet profound suggestion.  Yet the principle behind this thought is as old as time.  We live in a cause and effect world.  You’ve heard the phrase, “what goes up must come down”.  “Elections have consequences” issues from the same principle.  Of course they do!  What blows my mind is that we are still finding this instructive.  Or do we?  I am afraid it is possible that we have added this phrase to the long list of things that we overuse to the point of meaninglessness.  This occurs when we use a phrase so often that we no longer pay attention to its essential meaning.  This is troubling when one considers the implications of ignoring the underlying principle of cause and effect.  What would a world that ignores the realities of this principle look like...perhaps much like this one.  
2. Participation Trophies Needed.  Billy Crystal’s frustration in a scene from the movie “Parental Guidance” exemplifies the problem.  Crystal’s grandson prepares to pitch to a bully from his school, who stands ready at the place.  Three pitches thump the catcher’s glove, three strikes are called, and yet the batter prepares for a forth pitch.  Crystal, now beside himself, steps out of the bleachers and requests a conference with the umpire.  With a painful expression, the umpire informs Crystal that, “In this league there are no outs, everyone swings until they get on base.”  Crystal replies, “but how do you know who wins?”  To this the umpire further notes “there are no winners or losers.”  I would like to suggest that while there may not be winners, in a world fraught with participation trophies, everyone is a loser.  It has been reported that universities have established safe areas where students, distressed by the recent election results can go and cry, or hold puppies, or color.  From the other side the shouts ring out “grow up!”  Not that I disagree with the short and instructive sediment, However, I fear that they have grown up which is precisely the problem.  We have raised an entire generation on a healthy diet of participation trophies and now stand in awe that they cannot handle losing.  Why are we surprised? 
3. This Election is the Most Important Election in the History of Our Nation.  Of course it is, but so was the last election.  I have noticed that we say this regarding every election.  Again, saying the same thing multiple times may not always cause it to become more crucial in a person’s mind, but perhaps more dismissible. 
4. What Will This Mean for the Church.  Much and not much at all.  How we go about doing things in the church may change, but that we ought to do them should neither be heightened or lightened by an election’s results.  The church’s mission and calling was not altered from November 7^th to November 9^th.  When I woke on the morning of November 9^th, I found that my responsibilities as a pastor and Christian were still present.  There are broken things, people, and places everywhere and I have been given the blessing and burden of sharing the only real hope that can bring actual change to those broken things, people, and places.  Washington can do many things, but it cannot mend brokenness.  Washington is merely a city filled with broken and finite man and women, many of which has overestimated their abilities and influence in this world.  Throughout history, change has never initiated from the halls which house government bodies, it has always instantiated from God's Holy Spirit in the hearts of his people, and in the churches He planted.  Universities can educate, governments can legislate, but only God can propitiate.  The church has underestimated its abilities and influence in this world.  We are bigger than we think, because the size of God is incomprehensible.  

There are surely more observations, but these came immediately to mind.  Stay connected for more soon.