Have you ever set out on a trip without knowing just exactly how to get there? Ladies, this has probably never happened to you. But men find these situations strangely invigorating. I think most men can relate to this scenario. You see, the challenge is to find your way without letting your wife know that you are completely lost. Of course, asking for directions is completely out of the question. And when you finally arrive, albeit three hours later than you should have, the reasoning you offer is, “I just wanted to take the scenic route.”
Consider for a moment the path of our lives. All of us are on a journey. All of us must make decisions that will determine the direction we take. Ultimately, the path we choose will determine our eternal destination. It behooves us, therefore, to choose wisely. This article will briefly examine the two paths that lie before us…the fork in the road that requires us to make a choice before proceeding. As we will discover, the direction we take will make all the difference.
Robert Frost has captured the concept of “two paths” in his poem, “The Road Not Taken.” See if you agree with his assessment:
The Road Not Taken
TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
This very beautiful poem underscores man’s innate understanding that we face choices in life. It suggests that choosing the less popular way can make a real difference. But, sadly, this text also reveals how many people approach spirituality. Frost tells us that the two paths are equally fair and that he desires to save the other path to walk another day. That sounds pretty good if this only pertains to earthly choices. But it seems that many people see God in this way. They believe that all paths lead to Him, or that there will be plenty of time to take the right path later. The truth is - there is one path that leads to life, and the other path leads to destruction. Believe me, they are not equally fair.
One of the earliest Christian documents is the Didache’ or “The Teachings of the Twelve Apostles.” It was not included in the Canon of Scripture, but it was very widely circulated among the churches of the late first and second centuries. This book was kind of like the doctrinal manual for the Early Church. The Didache’ says in its opening statement, “There are two ways, one of life and one of death, but a great difference between the two ways.” This really is basic Christian teaching.
Matthew 7:13-14 says it this way, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
God has made a way for us through the death and resurrection of His Son. Many arrogantly deny this way, seeking to forge their own path. Our task is to point them in the right direction while there is still time.
As we begin this new year standing at the cross roads, let us consider well which path we will take. May the truth of the Scriptures, the faithful witness of the Church through the centuries, and God’s Holy Spirit prompt us to take the narrow path, the road rarely taken and the only one that leads to life. It WILL make ALL the difference!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
The First Family
When I say the phrase, “First Family,” what immediately comes to your mind? Some might say the first family is that of the President. If you are thinking about your church, your answer might be the pastor and his family. Others might think, “That’s obvious, the first family was Adam and Eve.” All of these answers are correct in their context. But, if we are looking for the very first family, none of these answers is correct. Does that surprise you? Adam and Eve were surely the first family recorded in Scripture, right?
Actually, there was a family in existence long before Adam and Eve were created. This article is an attempt to unpack truths about the original family, the eternal family, the family from which all other families take their form and in Whose image they are made. I am indebted to the writings of Scott Hahn for stirring my interest in this topic.
In his book, The Christian Trinity in History, Bertrand de Margerie says, “Truth is the Trinity.” This is a powerful statement. But, if you examine it, he is exactly right. The Trinity is who God was, is and forevermore shall be – as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Everything else flows from this central truth. God is the Trinity. One famous theologian said, “God in His deepest mystery is not a solitude, but a family, since He has in Himself fatherhood, sonship, and the essence of the family, which is love.”
It stands to reason that when God created Adam and Eve, He did so reflecting the eternally existing familial identity of the Trinity. Genesis 1:27 states, “And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Adam and Eve entered into a marriage covenant in which the two became one. As the first human family, they are an earthly image of the Divine family – and look so much like the Trinity, that when the two become one – in about nine months – a new triune family, is formed – Father, mother and child. Our families, though flawed shadows of the Trinity, are patterned after God’s Trinitarian family – for we are created in God’s image and the Trinity is who God is.
Genesis 1:27 revealed to us that Adam was created in God’s image. Adam may be seen as a “son of God.” This is strongly suggested in Genesis 5:3 where it says, “When Adam had lived one hundred and thirty years; he became the father of a son in his own likeness, according to his image, and named him Seth.” Adam fathered a son “in his own image.” The idea of being made “in the image” denotes family relationship. Adam was made in the image of God – and was, therefore, God’s created son. Luke 3:38 clearly tells us that Adam is "the son of God." Sadly, this relationship was severed in the fall of man. The family ties were broken because of sin. Creation was corrupted.
But this hopeless state of affairs would be reversed when Jesus, the only begotten, not created, Son of God, whom Paul called the second Adam, fulfilled His earthly mission. In dying on the cross, Jesus’ self sacrifice reflects the perfect love of the Trinity. This is the standard to which we are called - to give ourselves away in complete love. In so doing, Peter claims, “we share in God’s divine nature and escape the corruption that is in the world…” As we die to ourselves and Christ lives in and through us, we actually participate in the life and love of the Triune God. Thomas Aquinas said that in Christ, we become “sons in the Son.” Now that is a close family!
Last year I led a choir retreat for a good friend. I was also asked to preach during the morning service that weekend. As I spoke to some of the choir members about my sermon topic, one of them said, “We don’t need any of that Father, Son and Holy Spirit stuff…we much prefer Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer. Let’s avoid the masculine pronouns.” Why do people so readily dismiss the words of Holy Scripture? It may be that their fathers were a disappointment to them.
Two first graders were overheard as they left Sunday school class, "Do you really believe all that stuff about the devil?" "No, I think it's like Santa Claus. It's really my dad." Though we may have been disappointed by our earthly fathers, our heavenly Father is completely trustworthy and provides a picture of perfection in self-giving love.
So, who is the first family? In the beginning GOD! More accurately before time and space, from eternity, God existed as tri-unity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is from this eternal Family that our families are formed…in the image of God. And one day, because we have been baptized into God's family, we will enjoy an eternal family reunion. As we are taken up into the everlasting life of the "first family", we will surely know the ultimate meaning of the phrase, “Welcome home.”
Actually, there was a family in existence long before Adam and Eve were created. This article is an attempt to unpack truths about the original family, the eternal family, the family from which all other families take their form and in Whose image they are made. I am indebted to the writings of Scott Hahn for stirring my interest in this topic.
In his book, The Christian Trinity in History, Bertrand de Margerie says, “Truth is the Trinity.” This is a powerful statement. But, if you examine it, he is exactly right. The Trinity is who God was, is and forevermore shall be – as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Everything else flows from this central truth. God is the Trinity. One famous theologian said, “God in His deepest mystery is not a solitude, but a family, since He has in Himself fatherhood, sonship, and the essence of the family, which is love.”
It stands to reason that when God created Adam and Eve, He did so reflecting the eternally existing familial identity of the Trinity. Genesis 1:27 states, “And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Adam and Eve entered into a marriage covenant in which the two became one. As the first human family, they are an earthly image of the Divine family – and look so much like the Trinity, that when the two become one – in about nine months – a new triune family, is formed – Father, mother and child. Our families, though flawed shadows of the Trinity, are patterned after God’s Trinitarian family – for we are created in God’s image and the Trinity is who God is.
Genesis 1:27 revealed to us that Adam was created in God’s image. Adam may be seen as a “son of God.” This is strongly suggested in Genesis 5:3 where it says, “When Adam had lived one hundred and thirty years; he became the father of a son in his own likeness, according to his image, and named him Seth.” Adam fathered a son “in his own image.” The idea of being made “in the image” denotes family relationship. Adam was made in the image of God – and was, therefore, God’s created son. Luke 3:38 clearly tells us that Adam is "the son of God." Sadly, this relationship was severed in the fall of man. The family ties were broken because of sin. Creation was corrupted.
But this hopeless state of affairs would be reversed when Jesus, the only begotten, not created, Son of God, whom Paul called the second Adam, fulfilled His earthly mission. In dying on the cross, Jesus’ self sacrifice reflects the perfect love of the Trinity. This is the standard to which we are called - to give ourselves away in complete love. In so doing, Peter claims, “we share in God’s divine nature and escape the corruption that is in the world…” As we die to ourselves and Christ lives in and through us, we actually participate in the life and love of the Triune God. Thomas Aquinas said that in Christ, we become “sons in the Son.” Now that is a close family!
Last year I led a choir retreat for a good friend. I was also asked to preach during the morning service that weekend. As I spoke to some of the choir members about my sermon topic, one of them said, “We don’t need any of that Father, Son and Holy Spirit stuff…we much prefer Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer. Let’s avoid the masculine pronouns.” Why do people so readily dismiss the words of Holy Scripture? It may be that their fathers were a disappointment to them.
Two first graders were overheard as they left Sunday school class, "Do you really believe all that stuff about the devil?" "No, I think it's like Santa Claus. It's really my dad." Though we may have been disappointed by our earthly fathers, our heavenly Father is completely trustworthy and provides a picture of perfection in self-giving love.
So, who is the first family? In the beginning GOD! More accurately before time and space, from eternity, God existed as tri-unity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is from this eternal Family that our families are formed…in the image of God. And one day, because we have been baptized into God's family, we will enjoy an eternal family reunion. As we are taken up into the everlasting life of the "first family", we will surely know the ultimate meaning of the phrase, “Welcome home.”
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
From Facebook and Fracture to the Ancient Answer
Facebook, Myspace and other online communication tools reveal a cultural phenomenon that has interesting ramifications for the Church. Originally, in the late 60s and 70s, the Internet was intended to be an information conduit – a way to move massive amounts of information from point A to point B. In this capacity it was an important tool for the military and had application for business and education as well. In the early 80s a globally connected system was envisioned and quickly developed. Today, the internet has indeed served as a place to find information across a broad spectrum of topics. But, it has also evolved into a phenomenon that reveals a great deal about humanity as we move deeper into the 21st century. This revelation of sociological trends is evident in the way the internet is utilized. The world-wide web has developed into a platform for people to connect with one another – to renew old relationships – to explore new relationships – to find community – all at a safe distance and within tightly controlled parameters. Those who are welcomed into a user’s particular cyber community are carefully filtered to meet the specific needs and requirements of that individual. This process results in closed communities of likeminded members who are bound by narrowly defined self-interest. We live in a world filled with people longing for community…but only on their terms…and for their personal benefit.
What if the expectations of Christians for what the Church should be mirror their online practice? What happens if the “Facebook, Myspace” phenomenon becomes the way churches are constructed and operate? Is this reinterpretation of ecclesial practice in agreement with or antithetical to the Scriptural definition and purpose of the Church?
Statistics may indicate to us that this is exactly what is happening. As reported by the Barna Group, which has been studying church patterns since 1984, “Numerous shifts are occurring among church-goers in the U.S. as they choose from many new forms and formats of the local church.” What are some of these new forms and formats and what do they reveal? Barna claims there are, “Various new forms of faith community and experience, such as house churches, marketplace ministries and cyber-churches…” One of the growing trends is for Christians to attend services or meetings at more than one church – to meet a variety of perceived needs. People want an “authentic spiritual experience,” within a faith community, but they do not trust the conventional Church or Church leaders. Surveys reveal that fifty percent of American adults claim that “a growing number of people (they) know are tired of the usual type of church experience,” and “seventy-one percent say they are ‘more likely to develop my religious beliefs on my own, rather than to accept an entire set of beliefs that a particular church teaches.’” A quick survey of the Saturday paper’s Churches page reveals worship designed in a plethora of styles to meet even the most esoteric need. From traditional to contemporary, from Ancient-Future to Cutting Edge, from liturgical to free, from Big Band to Southern Gospel, etc., churches have adapted their worship practice to appeal to an array of narrowly defined interest groups. What are we to make of this?
Reflecting a broader sociological development, expectations of the Church/Worship seem to mirror expectations of on-line social interaction. Consider the similarities between current internet usage and participation in the Church. From the statistics above it seems clear that people desire connectedness to a community – they want to fit in – but on their terms and for their personal benefit. Sounds familiar, eh? We must ask, “Is this what the Lord intended for His Church?” Did God mean for the Church to be remade into what people want it to be so that their desires and needs can be met?
It is time for us to reexamine the Scriptural prescription for the Church. Three passages come to mind immediately. Ephesians 4:3-6 teaches us to “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called — one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 states unambiguously, “I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.” Is this possible today? If so, we must commit to the principles that are established in the Scriptures concerning the Church. Philippians 2:3-4 may be the key. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” What a difference this approach would make in every aspect of our lives – and most assuredly in our approach to worship and the Church.
Embracing these principles of mutual respect, sacrifice and promotion of others over self, fosters hope for the unity of the Church. It is possible to envision a Church that is not defined by style, but rather by the One who draws the worshipers together as One body. In this Scriptural scenario, heritage is respected, the innovative welcomed, and the future approached with solidarity instead of fractious self-interest. Now that’s something to Twitter about!
What if the expectations of Christians for what the Church should be mirror their online practice? What happens if the “Facebook, Myspace” phenomenon becomes the way churches are constructed and operate? Is this reinterpretation of ecclesial practice in agreement with or antithetical to the Scriptural definition and purpose of the Church?
Statistics may indicate to us that this is exactly what is happening. As reported by the Barna Group, which has been studying church patterns since 1984, “Numerous shifts are occurring among church-goers in the U.S. as they choose from many new forms and formats of the local church.” What are some of these new forms and formats and what do they reveal? Barna claims there are, “Various new forms of faith community and experience, such as house churches, marketplace ministries and cyber-churches…” One of the growing trends is for Christians to attend services or meetings at more than one church – to meet a variety of perceived needs. People want an “authentic spiritual experience,” within a faith community, but they do not trust the conventional Church or Church leaders. Surveys reveal that fifty percent of American adults claim that “a growing number of people (they) know are tired of the usual type of church experience,” and “seventy-one percent say they are ‘more likely to develop my religious beliefs on my own, rather than to accept an entire set of beliefs that a particular church teaches.’” A quick survey of the Saturday paper’s Churches page reveals worship designed in a plethora of styles to meet even the most esoteric need. From traditional to contemporary, from Ancient-Future to Cutting Edge, from liturgical to free, from Big Band to Southern Gospel, etc., churches have adapted their worship practice to appeal to an array of narrowly defined interest groups. What are we to make of this?
Reflecting a broader sociological development, expectations of the Church/Worship seem to mirror expectations of on-line social interaction. Consider the similarities between current internet usage and participation in the Church. From the statistics above it seems clear that people desire connectedness to a community – they want to fit in – but on their terms and for their personal benefit. Sounds familiar, eh? We must ask, “Is this what the Lord intended for His Church?” Did God mean for the Church to be remade into what people want it to be so that their desires and needs can be met?
It is time for us to reexamine the Scriptural prescription for the Church. Three passages come to mind immediately. Ephesians 4:3-6 teaches us to “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called — one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 states unambiguously, “I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.” Is this possible today? If so, we must commit to the principles that are established in the Scriptures concerning the Church. Philippians 2:3-4 may be the key. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” What a difference this approach would make in every aspect of our lives – and most assuredly in our approach to worship and the Church.
Embracing these principles of mutual respect, sacrifice and promotion of others over self, fosters hope for the unity of the Church. It is possible to envision a Church that is not defined by style, but rather by the One who draws the worshipers together as One body. In this Scriptural scenario, heritage is respected, the innovative welcomed, and the future approached with solidarity instead of fractious self-interest. Now that’s something to Twitter about!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Families Should Eat Together More!
In years gone by families that ate supper together every evening were the rule, not the exception? How sad that this does not happen very often anymore. Families are so busy with various activities that eating together is usually limited to holiday events or shared in cars after going through the McDonalds drive through. I can’t help but wonder what effect this will have on our families.
Jonathon Yardley, commenting on the book, “The Surprising Power of Family Meals,” by Miriam Weinstein, says,“For generations, (eating together as families) has been a ‘basic human ritual,’ but now ‘everyday family supper is no longer a given.’ Pressured by two-career households and soccer-mom-carpooling obligations, to cite two of the many distractions of contemporary life, more and more American families dine not at a common table but separately and/or on the run.” Weinstein claims, “"Family supper is important because it gives children reliable access to their parents. It provides anchoring for everyone's day. It emphasizes the importance of the family nonverbally. It reminds the child that the family is there, and that she is part of it."
God understands the power of family meals because He created the family. It is no surprise that Jesus instituted a perpetual family meal and made it one of the twin peaks of our gatherings for worship. Along with the ministry of the Word, the Table is at the very heart of our sacred assemblies.
In God’s economy, His plan for saving humanity, God has chosen to relate to His people through covenants. As Christians, we are most interested in the New Covenant ushered in by the atoning work of Jesus. This covenant is the fulfillment of all of the others found in the Old Testament. Covenants consist of two very important parts.
First, is the word of the covenant. The word consists of the expectations of each party in the relationship. God says, “If you obey my commands, I will be your God and you will be my people.” This common covenant language spells out what is needed to keep the covenant. Exodus 12 which records the institution of the Passover is an excellent example. God instructs the Hebrews what they must do to begin their exodus and avoid the curse of the death angel. They had to follow the Word of God – which culminated in the sacrificing of a spotless lamb, eating it, and applying its blood.
The second common component of the covenant, after the expectations are agreed upon, is the sign of the covenant which is usually a sacrifice or meal. In sharing in the sacrifice and/or the meal, the covenant was sealed. After the initial acceptance, the Old Testament records that the people gathered at appointed times in the sacred assembly to hear again the Word of the Covenant. Then, a meal would be shared to renew the covenant.
This is the purpose of worship all through the Scriptures; to retell the Word and renew the Covenant. The New Testament records that Jesus holds out the cup and says to His disciples, “This is the New Covenant in my blood.” In instituting this meal with His disciples, Jesus, is at the very heart of both parts of the covenant. He is the Word of the New Covenant – the Word made flesh. And, He is also the second part as well. As our Passover Lamb, Jesus offers Himself as the sacrifice, and as the meal that sealed the Covenant. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10:16, “Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?” In this divine mystery, we renew our covenant commitment to the Lord.
As we have observed, the Luke 24 account of Cleopas and the other follower meeting Jesus on the road to Emmaus, is a wonderful lesson on the four-fold pattern. It gives us particularly poignant insight into the Gathering, Word, Table and the Sending Forth. You may recall that two followers gathered on the road with Jesus. They were lamenting the death of Jesus and had no idea that the very one they were discussing was now their walking companion. How many times have we come into God’s Presence and been oblivious to the fact? How many times have our eyes not perceived the Presence of the Lord in our midst? As the evening wore on, the time for supper arrived. Jesus was prepared to walk on, but the two asked Him to come to the table. Verse 30 tells us, “When He was at the table with them, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. (At that very moment) their eyes were opened and they recognized Him.” What did it take for those followers to recognize the Presence of their Lord? Later they reported to the Disciples, “We knew Him in the breaking of the bread.”
Is this also true for us? As we come to the Table to renew our covenant with the Lord, we can also “know Him in the breaking of the bread.” For two thousand years this lesson has been taught to Christians. Some might say, I can Know Jesus through prayer and reading the Scriptures. Indeed this is true. Let's see if this metaphor will communicate the difference. As a freshman in college I loved to call my girl friend back in Michigan. We talked for hours. I also cherished the letters she would send to me. While talking on the phone and reading her letters were precious, actually spending time in her presence was even more wonderful.
The disciples reported that they “knew Him in the breaking of the bread.” Biblical knowing is intimate knowing. As Jesus, the groom, gives Himself to His bride, the Church, we can truly draw near to our Lord in a beautifully intimate way as we come to the Table. This is an amazing mystery, to be sure. Robert Webber used to tell us, "Flee to the Eucharist." That doesn't sound so strange anymore! According to 1 Corinthians 10:17, when we come to His Table, the family becomes one. We need more of that! What do you think?
Jonathon Yardley, commenting on the book, “The Surprising Power of Family Meals,” by Miriam Weinstein, says,“For generations, (eating together as families) has been a ‘basic human ritual,’ but now ‘everyday family supper is no longer a given.’ Pressured by two-career households and soccer-mom-carpooling obligations, to cite two of the many distractions of contemporary life, more and more American families dine not at a common table but separately and/or on the run.” Weinstein claims, “"Family supper is important because it gives children reliable access to their parents. It provides anchoring for everyone's day. It emphasizes the importance of the family nonverbally. It reminds the child that the family is there, and that she is part of it."
God understands the power of family meals because He created the family. It is no surprise that Jesus instituted a perpetual family meal and made it one of the twin peaks of our gatherings for worship. Along with the ministry of the Word, the Table is at the very heart of our sacred assemblies.
In God’s economy, His plan for saving humanity, God has chosen to relate to His people through covenants. As Christians, we are most interested in the New Covenant ushered in by the atoning work of Jesus. This covenant is the fulfillment of all of the others found in the Old Testament. Covenants consist of two very important parts.
First, is the word of the covenant. The word consists of the expectations of each party in the relationship. God says, “If you obey my commands, I will be your God and you will be my people.” This common covenant language spells out what is needed to keep the covenant. Exodus 12 which records the institution of the Passover is an excellent example. God instructs the Hebrews what they must do to begin their exodus and avoid the curse of the death angel. They had to follow the Word of God – which culminated in the sacrificing of a spotless lamb, eating it, and applying its blood.
The second common component of the covenant, after the expectations are agreed upon, is the sign of the covenant which is usually a sacrifice or meal. In sharing in the sacrifice and/or the meal, the covenant was sealed. After the initial acceptance, the Old Testament records that the people gathered at appointed times in the sacred assembly to hear again the Word of the Covenant. Then, a meal would be shared to renew the covenant.
This is the purpose of worship all through the Scriptures; to retell the Word and renew the Covenant. The New Testament records that Jesus holds out the cup and says to His disciples, “This is the New Covenant in my blood.” In instituting this meal with His disciples, Jesus, is at the very heart of both parts of the covenant. He is the Word of the New Covenant – the Word made flesh. And, He is also the second part as well. As our Passover Lamb, Jesus offers Himself as the sacrifice, and as the meal that sealed the Covenant. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10:16, “Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?” In this divine mystery, we renew our covenant commitment to the Lord.
As we have observed, the Luke 24 account of Cleopas and the other follower meeting Jesus on the road to Emmaus, is a wonderful lesson on the four-fold pattern. It gives us particularly poignant insight into the Gathering, Word, Table and the Sending Forth. You may recall that two followers gathered on the road with Jesus. They were lamenting the death of Jesus and had no idea that the very one they were discussing was now their walking companion. How many times have we come into God’s Presence and been oblivious to the fact? How many times have our eyes not perceived the Presence of the Lord in our midst? As the evening wore on, the time for supper arrived. Jesus was prepared to walk on, but the two asked Him to come to the table. Verse 30 tells us, “When He was at the table with them, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. (At that very moment) their eyes were opened and they recognized Him.” What did it take for those followers to recognize the Presence of their Lord? Later they reported to the Disciples, “We knew Him in the breaking of the bread.”
Is this also true for us? As we come to the Table to renew our covenant with the Lord, we can also “know Him in the breaking of the bread.” For two thousand years this lesson has been taught to Christians. Some might say, I can Know Jesus through prayer and reading the Scriptures. Indeed this is true. Let's see if this metaphor will communicate the difference. As a freshman in college I loved to call my girl friend back in Michigan. We talked for hours. I also cherished the letters she would send to me. While talking on the phone and reading her letters were precious, actually spending time in her presence was even more wonderful.
The disciples reported that they “knew Him in the breaking of the bread.” Biblical knowing is intimate knowing. As Jesus, the groom, gives Himself to His bride, the Church, we can truly draw near to our Lord in a beautifully intimate way as we come to the Table. This is an amazing mystery, to be sure. Robert Webber used to tell us, "Flee to the Eucharist." That doesn't sound so strange anymore! According to 1 Corinthians 10:17, when we come to His Table, the family becomes one. We need more of that! What do you think?
Friday, June 12, 2009
Economic Recovery
What is it about your spouse that first caused you to love him or her? Was it who he or she was, or what he or she did? I think this is an interesting question. Can the answer be both? Michael Barber says, “A man might reveal his feelings for a woman by leaving her a bouquet of roses. We have all heard the phrase ‘actions speak louder than words,’ so we know that through our actions we truly reveal ourselves to other people. At the same time, we also understand another persons’ actions much better once we come to truly know that person. The woman who received the roses will understand more clearly the other actions of the man who gave them to her. Before he gave them to her, she might have noticed that he acted quirky around her, but now she realizes that he is nervous because he cares for her. She knows why he blushes, why he laughs so hard at all her jokes, and why he is always offering to do her favors. After he reveals his heart to her, she can better understand the things that he does.”1
If you want to truly know someone, watch what they do. If you want to know why people do what they do, get to know them. This is also true of God. If you want to know who God is, look at what He has done. If you want to know why God does what He does, study who He is.
Ladies, if your husband sends you flowers, what does it usually mean? For some it might be an expression of deepest love. For others, it might mean that the husband has messed up big time. Based on how much the wife knows her husband she will either be appreciative or suspicious.
I hate to break it to you fellas, but rarely do flowers and chocolates get us off the hook if we have done something bone headed. Our wives know us too well for that. Our actions are usually interpreted in light of who we are.
Let’s think about the Lord in those terms. How do you interpret the greatest gift ever given? The heavenly Father sent His only begotten Son to die a horrible death on a cross to be the atonement for our sins. He lived perfectly and, as representative head of humanity, became the mediator of The New Covenant so that in Him, we might be ushered into the Presence of the Father. What do God's saving actions teach us about Him? God is love – perfect self giving, self-sacrificing love. Because of Jesus’ passion we can be adopted into God’s family. God becomes our Father – and we share in His divine nature.
When I say the word “economy,” what comes to your mind? Of course we think of the current recession our country and the world are enduring. We think of commerce and business. In Scriptural terms, the word economy means God’s Fatherly plan. We may think of God's economy as His saving acts throughout history. Paul uses the term "economy" in 1 Timothy 1:4.
Theology and economy are different, but linked. Theology is the study of who God is. If you want to understand theology, you must study what God does – God’s economy. If you want to understand why God does what He does - economy, you must be familiar with God’s Character – that is, theology.
John 3:16 is an excellent place to test this idea. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that anyone who believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
First – why did God send His only begotten Son? The answer is found in the first sentence:“For God so loved the world.” We see that God acts out of His love for the world. God is love. That is great place to start theologically.
Second, what did God do because He is love? “He sent His only Son!” This is God’s economy - His plan to redeem humankind.
If you want to know God – look at what He does. If you want to know why God does what He does – learn who He is.
So, as we conclude, here is your final exam. What word describes our understanding of who God is? THEOLOGY
What word describes God’s saving actions on our behalf – His plan to redeem mankind? ECONOMY
Our country needs an economic recovery, but I am not talking about business. We need to learn HIStory. For when we learn the Truth of God’s acts, we will understand our Lord even better.
1. Michael Barber, Singing in the Reign p. 32-33
If you want to truly know someone, watch what they do. If you want to know why people do what they do, get to know them. This is also true of God. If you want to know who God is, look at what He has done. If you want to know why God does what He does, study who He is.
Ladies, if your husband sends you flowers, what does it usually mean? For some it might be an expression of deepest love. For others, it might mean that the husband has messed up big time. Based on how much the wife knows her husband she will either be appreciative or suspicious.
I hate to break it to you fellas, but rarely do flowers and chocolates get us off the hook if we have done something bone headed. Our wives know us too well for that. Our actions are usually interpreted in light of who we are.
Let’s think about the Lord in those terms. How do you interpret the greatest gift ever given? The heavenly Father sent His only begotten Son to die a horrible death on a cross to be the atonement for our sins. He lived perfectly and, as representative head of humanity, became the mediator of The New Covenant so that in Him, we might be ushered into the Presence of the Father. What do God's saving actions teach us about Him? God is love – perfect self giving, self-sacrificing love. Because of Jesus’ passion we can be adopted into God’s family. God becomes our Father – and we share in His divine nature.
When I say the word “economy,” what comes to your mind? Of course we think of the current recession our country and the world are enduring. We think of commerce and business. In Scriptural terms, the word economy means God’s Fatherly plan. We may think of God's economy as His saving acts throughout history. Paul uses the term "economy" in 1 Timothy 1:4.
Theology and economy are different, but linked. Theology is the study of who God is. If you want to understand theology, you must study what God does – God’s economy. If you want to understand why God does what He does - economy, you must be familiar with God’s Character – that is, theology.
John 3:16 is an excellent place to test this idea. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that anyone who believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
First – why did God send His only begotten Son? The answer is found in the first sentence:“For God so loved the world.” We see that God acts out of His love for the world. God is love. That is great place to start theologically.
Second, what did God do because He is love? “He sent His only Son!” This is God’s economy - His plan to redeem humankind.
If you want to know God – look at what He does. If you want to know why God does what He does – learn who He is.
So, as we conclude, here is your final exam. What word describes our understanding of who God is? THEOLOGY
What word describes God’s saving actions on our behalf – His plan to redeem mankind? ECONOMY
Our country needs an economic recovery, but I am not talking about business. We need to learn HIStory. For when we learn the Truth of God’s acts, we will understand our Lord even better.
1. Michael Barber, Singing in the Reign p. 32-33
Monday, April 20, 2009
Apply Within
When you think of “The Gospel,” what comes to your mind? What is the “Good News” proclaimed by the Scriptures for the salvation of mankind? Because I am a pastor’s son I grew up hearing stories about Jesus. We attended Bible study and worship every time the doors were open. In those formative years I was taught that the Gospel consisted of the following:
Jesus died on the cross and on the third day rose again. In doing this, He paid the price for our sins and if we believe in Him, when we die, we will be raised like Jesus to live in heaven forever.
Does that match what you were taught? While those are indeed vital components of the Gospel, there is another component to the Gospel message that is not so readily taught. This concept was central to the Hebrew understanding of sacrifice and it is spelled out for us in the pages of the New Testament. But somehow this important aspect of the Gospel has been minimized as the centuries have passed. In this article we will revisit this concept and I pray that it will bring God’s great plan of salvation history into clearer focus.
In order to present this most meaningfully we really need to look back at the Old Covenant concept of sacrifice. Of all the sacrifices offered by the Hebrew people, none held more significance than the one offered on the Day of Atonement. On that day, the High Priest would take part in the ceremonial killing of a bull to atone for his own sins and then sacrifice a goat for Israel’s sins. Thomas Nash writes, “He would apply the blood of the bull and one goat as sin offerings to Yahweh’s mercy seat in the Holy of Holies.” The Day of Atonement was the only day that the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place – a room deep in the temple curtained off from everyone but the High Priest and closely guarded by the Levitical Priests. Note here that the sacrifice consisted of two parts and was not complete until both actions had been taken. First the sacrifice was made – the animal was killed and his blood collected. Second, the High Priest would take the animal's blood into the Holy of Holies and apply the blood to God’s mercy seat. Both aspects are vital for the sacrificial mandate of God to be fulfilled.
The fact that this Old Covenant sacrifice had to be repeated every year demonstrates its inability to atone satisfactorily for Israel’s sins. But, the final sacrifice was coming as the Old Covenant was fulfilled in Jesus and His ushering in of the New and everlasting Covenant. Consider how Jesus’ sacrifice follows in the pattern shown to us in the Old Testament, particularly Leviticus 16. We will see that Jesus did become the atoning sacrifice and His blood was spilled. But, remember, the blood must be applied within the Temple – in the most Holy Place. Let’s turn to Hebrews 9:11-12 to see if this is what happens.
11When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. 12He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.
Jesus enters the Heavenly Temple and the Heavenly Holy of Holies and applies His blood to God’s mercy seat. He is there even now, mediating the new covenant. This helps explain John’s vision in Revelation 5:6. Jesus appears, “like a lamb as if slain.” Jesus was the sacrificial victim – the Lamb of God – but He is also the High Priest – whose ministry is that of mediating the New Covenant in the heavenly sanctuary – the ultimate Holy of Holies.
As a young Christian I was never taught the second part of Jesus’ sacrifice. We do a great job of teaching the cross and Jesus’ earthly task of dying for us was finished there. But, without the heavenly application of the blood, the sacrifice is not complete. Therefore, the resurrection and the ascension are absolutely vital. Without the ongoing priesthood of Jesus, mediating the New Covenant, the atoning sacrifice of the cross would not be available to us. The blood must be applied – to the mercy seat of God, and to our hearts. Hebrews 10:19-23 brings it all into focus:
19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Jesus died on the cross and on the third day rose again. In doing this, He paid the price for our sins and if we believe in Him, when we die, we will be raised like Jesus to live in heaven forever.
Does that match what you were taught? While those are indeed vital components of the Gospel, there is another component to the Gospel message that is not so readily taught. This concept was central to the Hebrew understanding of sacrifice and it is spelled out for us in the pages of the New Testament. But somehow this important aspect of the Gospel has been minimized as the centuries have passed. In this article we will revisit this concept and I pray that it will bring God’s great plan of salvation history into clearer focus.
In order to present this most meaningfully we really need to look back at the Old Covenant concept of sacrifice. Of all the sacrifices offered by the Hebrew people, none held more significance than the one offered on the Day of Atonement. On that day, the High Priest would take part in the ceremonial killing of a bull to atone for his own sins and then sacrifice a goat for Israel’s sins. Thomas Nash writes, “He would apply the blood of the bull and one goat as sin offerings to Yahweh’s mercy seat in the Holy of Holies.” The Day of Atonement was the only day that the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place – a room deep in the temple curtained off from everyone but the High Priest and closely guarded by the Levitical Priests. Note here that the sacrifice consisted of two parts and was not complete until both actions had been taken. First the sacrifice was made – the animal was killed and his blood collected. Second, the High Priest would take the animal's blood into the Holy of Holies and apply the blood to God’s mercy seat. Both aspects are vital for the sacrificial mandate of God to be fulfilled.
The fact that this Old Covenant sacrifice had to be repeated every year demonstrates its inability to atone satisfactorily for Israel’s sins. But, the final sacrifice was coming as the Old Covenant was fulfilled in Jesus and His ushering in of the New and everlasting Covenant. Consider how Jesus’ sacrifice follows in the pattern shown to us in the Old Testament, particularly Leviticus 16. We will see that Jesus did become the atoning sacrifice and His blood was spilled. But, remember, the blood must be applied within the Temple – in the most Holy Place. Let’s turn to Hebrews 9:11-12 to see if this is what happens.
11When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. 12He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.
Jesus enters the Heavenly Temple and the Heavenly Holy of Holies and applies His blood to God’s mercy seat. He is there even now, mediating the new covenant. This helps explain John’s vision in Revelation 5:6. Jesus appears, “like a lamb as if slain.” Jesus was the sacrificial victim – the Lamb of God – but He is also the High Priest – whose ministry is that of mediating the New Covenant in the heavenly sanctuary – the ultimate Holy of Holies.
As a young Christian I was never taught the second part of Jesus’ sacrifice. We do a great job of teaching the cross and Jesus’ earthly task of dying for us was finished there. But, without the heavenly application of the blood, the sacrifice is not complete. Therefore, the resurrection and the ascension are absolutely vital. Without the ongoing priesthood of Jesus, mediating the New Covenant, the atoning sacrifice of the cross would not be available to us. The blood must be applied – to the mercy seat of God, and to our hearts. Hebrews 10:19-23 brings it all into focus:
19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The Pattern for Authentic Spirituality
What is spirituality? We live in a culture that claims to be highly spiritual. For many, spirituality is an inward quest for God. Or, it is an attempt to find oneness with the life force of the universe. But for Christians, what does it mean that we are spiritual? For disciples of Jesus, spirituality is not rooted in some esoteric existential experience. Rather, it is to be found in unity with Christ. Robert Webber taught that we must "ponder and participate" in the salvific narrative of Christ. Becoming immersed in Christ means that we are taken up into HIStory - the Gospel. Further, as we are united to Christ we share in the divine nature of God (2 Peter 1:4). The Scriptures give no clearer image of this than baptism.
Spirituality centered in the concept of baptism focuses our attention not on water alone (even though there are many typologies of water and God's saving work), but on the cross and the empty tomb. Expressed simply, our spirituality may be seen in terms of "creation, fall and recreation." Obviously, God made humanity in His image at the creation. This image was broken by the sin of Adam and Eve. The subsequent curse infected all of humanity. Jesus came, as representative head of humanity, to recreate or restore us to the Edenic ideal. His sacrificial death on the cross and subsequent resurrection defeated sin, death and hell - thereby offering an antidote to the Adamic curse. Eugene Peterson said, "The Christian life...is a recovery of what was lost at the fall." Ranald McCaulay wrote similarly, "The whole purpose of the Christian life is the recovery of the original image of God." Baptismal images are evident in the creation as the spirit hovers over the waters. This typology springs to life at Jesus’ baptism – when the Spirit descended upon God's Son in that watery scene. Jesus' baptism served to identify Him with fallen humanity, and prefigure His death and resurrection.
Baptism is commended to US. Like the Eucharist, baptism is commanded by the Lord Himself which means IT IS VERY IMPORTANT. In fact, in the "Great Commission" baptism is one of two main tasks given to the Apostles as they were sent out to the world. Why is it so important? In Romans 5 and 6, Paul teaches an amazing mystery. He uses this same idea of "creation, fall, and recreation." Paul speaks of Adam's curse coming to all men and how Jesus reverses the curse. How does Paul say that we receive this restoration from Adam's rebellion? Our recreation, he declares, is found in connecting with the cross and empty tomb through baptism. In baptism we are united to Christ's death and resurrection. Webber claimed that baptism is a performative symbol. That is, it enacts what it signifies. Without Jesus' death and resurrection offered to us as we are united with Him in baptism, we would most assuredly perish under Adam's curse.
How does baptism, a one time rite, express and enact our ongoing spiritual lives rooted in Christ. We are baptized into Christ once - but we must die to self daily. Therefore the Scriptural mandate of "living out ones' baptism." This may be the easiest yet most profound way to communicate the essential truths of "creation, fall and recreation." Martin Luther concurred that the pattern of creation, fall and recreation in Christ is a worthy one by which to live. He said, "...in Baptism, every Christian has enough to study and to practice all his life. He always has enough to do to believe firmly what baptism promises and brings -- victory over death and the devil, forgiveness of sin, God's grace, the entire Christ, and the Holy Spirit with his gifts." Luther also said that baptism is to become..."the daily garment which the disciple is to wear all the time,...every day suppressing the old person and growing up in the new."
In an era when spirituality is suffering under the corrupting influences of man-made traditions and pseudo spiritual systems, we would do well to return to the ancient pattern of spirituality laid out for us in the Scriptures. Jesus said, "If you want to be my disciple you must deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow me." This pattern is perfectly pictured in death, burial and resurrection - at Calvary and in a watery tomb.
Spirituality centered in the concept of baptism focuses our attention not on water alone (even though there are many typologies of water and God's saving work), but on the cross and the empty tomb. Expressed simply, our spirituality may be seen in terms of "creation, fall and recreation." Obviously, God made humanity in His image at the creation. This image was broken by the sin of Adam and Eve. The subsequent curse infected all of humanity. Jesus came, as representative head of humanity, to recreate or restore us to the Edenic ideal. His sacrificial death on the cross and subsequent resurrection defeated sin, death and hell - thereby offering an antidote to the Adamic curse. Eugene Peterson said, "The Christian life...is a recovery of what was lost at the fall." Ranald McCaulay wrote similarly, "The whole purpose of the Christian life is the recovery of the original image of God." Baptismal images are evident in the creation as the spirit hovers over the waters. This typology springs to life at Jesus’ baptism – when the Spirit descended upon God's Son in that watery scene. Jesus' baptism served to identify Him with fallen humanity, and prefigure His death and resurrection.
Baptism is commended to US. Like the Eucharist, baptism is commanded by the Lord Himself which means IT IS VERY IMPORTANT. In fact, in the "Great Commission" baptism is one of two main tasks given to the Apostles as they were sent out to the world. Why is it so important? In Romans 5 and 6, Paul teaches an amazing mystery. He uses this same idea of "creation, fall, and recreation." Paul speaks of Adam's curse coming to all men and how Jesus reverses the curse. How does Paul say that we receive this restoration from Adam's rebellion? Our recreation, he declares, is found in connecting with the cross and empty tomb through baptism. In baptism we are united to Christ's death and resurrection. Webber claimed that baptism is a performative symbol. That is, it enacts what it signifies. Without Jesus' death and resurrection offered to us as we are united with Him in baptism, we would most assuredly perish under Adam's curse.
How does baptism, a one time rite, express and enact our ongoing spiritual lives rooted in Christ. We are baptized into Christ once - but we must die to self daily. Therefore the Scriptural mandate of "living out ones' baptism." This may be the easiest yet most profound way to communicate the essential truths of "creation, fall and recreation." Martin Luther concurred that the pattern of creation, fall and recreation in Christ is a worthy one by which to live. He said, "...in Baptism, every Christian has enough to study and to practice all his life. He always has enough to do to believe firmly what baptism promises and brings -- victory over death and the devil, forgiveness of sin, God's grace, the entire Christ, and the Holy Spirit with his gifts." Luther also said that baptism is to become..."the daily garment which the disciple is to wear all the time,...every day suppressing the old person and growing up in the new."
In an era when spirituality is suffering under the corrupting influences of man-made traditions and pseudo spiritual systems, we would do well to return to the ancient pattern of spirituality laid out for us in the Scriptures. Jesus said, "If you want to be my disciple you must deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow me." This pattern is perfectly pictured in death, burial and resurrection - at Calvary and in a watery tomb.
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