Which Candle Was Mine?

I'd like to share with you one of the most moving experiences of my life. Interestingly enough, it happened quite unexpectedly and even at this writing, some 12 hours later, I'm still a bit numb.

Last night, our youth minister, Chris Hughes, and several of the congregation's young people put together a Good Friday Service. Truth be told, I had never heard of such a thing. But Chris is kind of a spunky guy who has a great love for the Lord and is always wanting to try something new (you know how youth ministers are).

The service began with each person being required to light a candle in the foyer before entering the sanctuary. Once inside, Chris informed those who had gathered about what the service would consist of in pretty specific detail. He warned that it would be a heavy service and that it was not designed to bring joy, but to put us in the place of a disciple during the time of the trial, scourging and crucifixion. The service was to be lit primarily by candle, leaving participants mostly in the dark. I made note that he said that at the conclusion of the service, anyone who had the need or desire to stay could have all the time they needed. Little did I know that I would be the last to leave his seat.

Billed as a multi-sensory experience, the service began with a video montage, consisting primarily of clips from the film, "The Passion." If you've ever seen the movie, you know how much it can move you around emotionally. It started right there for me. It went downhill from there.

A chorus made up of the youth, Chris and the Horn family sang a beautiful song that seemed to both frame and echo the emotional content of the video's last scene; Mary was holding the battered and bleeding corpse of her dead son as the wind whipped her hair and tears cascaded down her face.

There then came a very well done dramatic presentation written by Megan Schwartz that represented the anger, despondency and confusion felt by Christ's apostles immediately after his death. By this point, I was, as the saying goes, all in. I was no longer aware of sitting in the third pew in a business suit, fulfilling my obligation to the members of our congregation by being present to support Chris and his efforts. I was there. 2000 years ago. I was there. It was happening to me. It was as if I had just witnessed the crucifixion of God's son whom I personally knew and had followed for years. It is difficult to explain...and it got worse.

The next portion of the service involved a reading of the account of Christ's ordeal from his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane to the time he hung his head and died. Chris and the kids took turns reading the account. Of course these are passages that we've read dozens or even hundreds of times. I was struck, despite my familiarity with the words, by how they hung in the air, rang in my ears and drilled down to my soul. The words seemed to have come to literal life. Even this was tremendously amplified by the fact that at every juncture in the scripture that an injustice was done or a betrayal committed, a candle on stage was blown out. It was painful to watch and I must admit that my eyes were either closed or looking at my hands the majority of the time. Hearing those words, picturing those images, feeling the weight of what Jesus went through and why, examining my own life and it's place in the scheme of why such a sacrifice was necessary, and watching Samantha Hearn step forward and blow those candles out at juncture after juncture was more than I could stand.

I wondered which candle would have been mine.

By the time the next to last candle had been blown out, I was barely coherent. Chris had earlier explained that when the last candle was blown out, the candle representing Jesus' life, the service would be over. After hearing the words of the soldier's spear piercing Jesus' side, only to find him already dead reverently and somberly read, Samantha approached the last light in the room, which poetically and ironically enough was placed on the altar, and disappeared with it behind the table. For a moment there was a glow that cast shadows...

...and then it was gone.

The sanctuary had fallen into the darkness reminiscent of the darkness that fell on that day 2000 years ago at Golgotha between noon and three.

Chris' voice intoned, "As you leave, note that the only light left is that from the candles you lit in the foyer before you came in. The only light left is the light in you."

I don't know how long I sat there.

I don't know how long I sat there suffering under the weight of it all. There were so many thoughts running through my head. There were so many emotions running through my soul. There was an overwhelming sense of sadness, grief, blame and responsibility. It felt as though I had just experienced a very real personal tragedy. I had. There is one thing I know for sure however; I wanted to go and get that candle back more than I've wanted to do anything in a very long time. But I knew I couldn't. No one could. Not even God would.

When I was able to gather myself (somewhat), I found Chris, grabbed him, held him and thanked him with every word I could muster, which admittedly were very few. I told him how I wanted to go and get that candle and it was about there that I lost it again. He assured me that it would be better Sunday. Knowing he was right, I reluctantly released him, turned, walked past a singing Christiana Horn, left the sanctuary, grabbed my daughter Torri and walked out of the building. I can only hope that the many members who all seemed to be lingering in the foyer didn't think me rude for not staying and chatting. For the first time in a long time, the preacher didn't have the words.


Strengthening Our Faith

Are You Ready?

I consider it a blessing from the Almighty that I was recently able to visit with a particular dear member of the O'Fallon congregation recently. It gave me an opportunity to get to know him even better than I already did. We were able to discuss many things that evoked both laughter and somber moments, successes and failures, dreams and realities.

Unfortunately, that dear member of the Lord's body is dying.

Or is it unfortunate?

There is an amazing variety of ways people feel about death, particularly when they themselves are facing it. Many of us quote the apostle Paul who once famously said, "For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain." Phi 1:21. As Christians, we put a brave and confident face on the prospect and speak in spiritually if not politically correct terms about it. However, how would any of us really feel when we receive the somberly delivered terminal diagnosis from our physician? What thoughts would race through our minds? What concerns would be primary in our consideration? What fears would we face?

Surely these are questions that can only be answered by the individual. Even then, the realities cannot be fully known until one finds themselves in that situation. I'm reminded of Hezekiah's response to Isaiah's news that he had come to the end of his life in Isa 38:1-5. From his response, it does not seem that he experienced joy at the prospect of living in eternal heavenly bliss with God. Interestingly enough, isn't that at least ONE of the reasons we became Christians?

Perhaps we fear death because it is the ultimate unknown. Despite everything we think we know, none of us have ever spoken with anyone who has ultimately died and was able to send back a report from the "other side." Even then, the report would be controversial at best and difficult to believe at least, Luke 16:24-31. We know this because the bible contains a number of examples of what we can expect as we transition from one form of life to the other, yet still, many of us who call upon the name of Christ are filled with trepidation at even the thought of loosing this mortal coil.

Perhaps we can discuss in a later post why we feel this way. One way to relieve ourselves of this anxiety however, despite our reasons for having such misgivings, is to take Peter's advice: "...give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall" 2 Peter 1:10.

In speaking with our dear member, I was filled with the mixed emotions of both joy and sadness when he uttered words that still resonate with me and inspired this writing. He simply said, "I'm ready." What a powerful statement of faith! We talked about many things that day, his past mistakes, his repentance, the history of his faith and the history of his health. These and many more things discussed caused me to really feel the depth of his peace and assurance in the Lord. It is something to which I aspire.

The time has not yet come to say farewell to my dear brother. I will endeavor to spend more time with him while there is still time to learn more about that peace that passes all understanding and his preparation to see Jesus. For surely, we will all pass that way sooner or later. When that day comes, I want to be able to say with wide eyed enthusiasm and anticipation as Paul said and our dear member exemplified,

• "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." 2 Tim 4:6-8

Strengthening Our Faith

A Day/Life of Service

To be sure, there is quite a bit of excitement on the part of most these days. Last November's election results will be realized when President Elect Barak Obama takes the oath of office on January 20th. Today being January 19th, many are observing the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as well. Regardless of your political affiliation, preferred candidate or views on life, this is a significant day in the lives of Americans and world citizens alike.

The day is made more significant by the fact that the President Elect has called for a day of service on this national holiday. It is worthy of note that so many have responded to the call to think and perform beyond their own needs and interest and look to that of others. Surely this an acknowledgement of King's legacy, the needs of the many, the efforts of those whose life work it is to assist and that inherent tendency in us all to reach out to those in need.

These should not be uncharted waters for the Christian. We should both understand and behave according to our greatest commandments; love God with all our heart, soul and mind, and love our neighbors as ourselves, Matt 22:37-39. I am also put in mind of the biblically derived "Golden Rule" found in Matt 7:21. It is likely that we all at one time or another have known need rather than mere want. If so, it is just as likely that the desire to have that need met by a compassionate heart closely followed. Should we not be proactive, inspired at least in part by the thought that, "there, but for the grace of God go I?"

As it was for our Savior, we who call upon his mighty name are in the "need meeting" business, despite our sometimes questionable performance. We are called upon to put the needs of others over our own (Rom 15:1), lend a helping hand (Gal 6:2), render aid (Luke 10:30-36) and to do good to all men (Gal 6:10). Clearly this is not an exhaustive list of our responsibilities to our fellow man, but is indicative of the mindset we should maintain.

What is a day of service to some should be a life of service to Christians. God has promised to honor such love and obedience. Let us create opportunities to enrich the lives of others even as ours have been enriched by Him.


Strengthening Our Faith

Happy New Day!

As we quickly approach the dawn of 2009, many are taking this time to reflect on 2008 and make resolutions for the coming year. For the Christian, this time should take on particular significance.

Reflection

There isn't anyone alive who wouldn't acknowledge that 2008 has been a challenging year. Newspapers, television, radio and online outlets have constantly extolled the effects of the economy, oil prices, elections, layoffs etc. Even closer to home, there are those of us who have experienced illness, the death of loved ones and interesting turns in various relationships. To put it succinctly, there is no shortage of bad news.

As Christians however, we are taught to be a thankful and joyful people despite our circumstances, Col 3:17, James 1:2. Focusing our minds and hearts in this way will surely have an affect on how we view things. Not only will be better able to think of the glass as half full, we will be able to be grateful to God for having a glass and having something in it at all. God is our portion and gives us all things pertaining to life. He sent His son that we might have life and that more abundantly, John 10:10.

Coming to the passing of a year, one of the most common and important lines of demarcation, gives us the opportunity to count the innumerable blessings we enjoy. If there were no difficulties or challenges in our lives, it is unlikely that we would be able recognize them at all, instead, taking every good thing for granted. How has the Lord blessed you this year? How have you used those blessings to expand the borders of His Kingdom? What miracles have you been privileged to be a witness to or a part of? How has your life changed for the better?

If we can set aside time once a year to spend precious moments with the Lord and reflect on His goodness, it is a good thing. But you know how we are. Things slip. What if we could make it a part of our routine to do this daily? Now that would be a great thing. What if we kept a log of these things so that at the end of the year we suffered no memory lapse about the the things God has done and is doing in our lives and the lives of others? It is sure that this exercise will not only aid us in our Christian lives, but equip us to do the work of the Lord, 1 Tim 4:6.


Resolution

Another thing that is commonly done about this time of year is to make promises, usually to ourselves, about what we plan to do in the coming year. After all, it is a time when things are new, the outlook is hopeful and the desire to do and be better is strong. It is an excellent time to put away the bad and the past and reach forward to the good and the future. Even the word "resolution" involves an earnest and determined decision. Unfortunately however, studies show that most resolutions have a shelf life of about 3 weeks.

What are we so resolute about? Most speak in terms of weight loss, quitting of bad habits, establishment of an exercise program, being a better person and other things that typically benefit the individual. As Christians, these things can actually be useful in a spiritual sense and have benefit beyond ourselves. Hebrews 12:1, 2 says,

• "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight (weight loss), and the sin which doth so easily beset us (bad habits), and let us run with patience the race (exercise program) that is set before us, looking unto Jesus (be a better person) the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

God has seen fit to allow us continued access to his manifold blessings for another year. Though it is a free gift and not one that can be deserved or earned, the Christian should not view it as one that is without obligation on our part. To be sure there are things God requires of us, but out of love and gratitude, we should go above and beyond to conduct ourselves as His children in all things. Further, we should daily seek ways to exemplify the greatest commands given to us, Matt 22:37-39.

As every day sees new blessings from our Lord, as every day grants new opportunities to reflect on the benefits of His love, everyday also reveals the privilege we have in Him to not just resolve, but to perform His will in our lives.

I therefore wish you, not just Happy New Year, but Happy New Day!

Strengthening Our Faith

Merry Christmas?

Well family, we have once again arrived a the time of year when the weather turns cold, hope springs eternal, joy is effervescent and everyone seems happier. Perhaps the person who takes your order at McDonald's ensures that you have hot fries when they ordinarily wouldn't. Perhaps the clerk at your favorite retail outlet smiles and wishes you seasons greetings instead of the brisk and understated "thank you" normally offered before irritatedly helping the next customer. Perhaps there is a change even in you.

Somehow it seems that we are all, if not at our best, certainly better at this time of year. Lights, decorations and the anticipation of gifts under a tree, whether given or received, seems to lift our hearts and our countenances. Whether you are a believer or not, it is understandable that most of us experience a lift during the holidays.

What of the Christian though? What is really on our minds? Are we also caught up in the commercialism of the season, or are we taking the opportunity to remind people of the "reason for the season?" Are we thinking more about PlayStation and jewels or a broken body and spilled blood possible because of a divine birth?

It's true that no one knows when Christ was actually born. It is also true that nowhere in scripture are we commanded to commemorate his birth. The reality however, is that society has presented us with a golden opportunity to do what Christ HAS commanded, Matt 28:19. Here are a few ways those of us who call up0n the mighty name of Jesus can ensure that those with whom we come into contact will have just a little bit of the Lord during this season dedicated to his birth:

• Send Christian themed greeting cards to all of your acquaintances.
• If you opt for the popular cards made from family photos, take the picture at or in front of our edifice.
• Include a scripture in your greetings. Simple curiosity will send people to their bibles if they do not already know the text.
• Include invitations to worship, bible studies, prayer services or congregational activities with the gifts you give.
• Consider giving bibles, bible reference books or Christian literature as gifts.
• Also consider giving Christian oriented DVDs and CDs, many of which are available at Christian book stores, on line and at other retail outlets.
• Bring up the subject of Christ at holiday gatherings of friends and family.
• If you host a gathering, make prayer a part of the event

Though this is certainly not an exhaustive list of ideas, trying a few of these and perhaps others you can think of will keep us focused on what this season should really be about. Likewise, we can serve as reminders to others about the love of God displayed through the giving of his only begotten.

Many lament the fact that thoughts of giving, thanksgiving, peace and good will are confined to this season. Let us prove with the joy of knowledge and faith that the love of God supersedes all seasons.

Merry Christmas!

Each One Reach One

Each One Teach One

Life Got You Down? (finale)

"Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' "For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matt 6:31-33

Most Christians are very familiar with this passage of scripture. The question is, do we really understand it? These scriptures are filled with advice about handling worries concerning things we all stress over from time to time: life, our bodies, food, clothing and the amount of time we have left on the planet. It is interesting to note that God does not address the "bigger"things that many of us who have been blessed beyond the basics typically complain about. While His focus is on our souls and the basic needs of the body, we are more concerned with houses, cars, job promotions and issues with the opposite sex. It is not that these things aren't important, but the issue is prioritization. How many of us are concerned first about our souls?

Too often we are focused on the material. James 4:13-15 relates a passage about a couple of guys who are more interested in making their next profitable sale. The Holy Spirit revealed in James that we should seek God's will, for our very lives are more brief than we imagine.

I submit to you my beloved that it is an issue of faith. Either you believe God or you do not. The psalmist once famously said, "I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." Ps 37:25 Here was one that put his complete faith in God. His life involved experiences that verified his faith. Surely David knew then what Jesus would relate generations later; that righteousness should be our top concern and that God would take care of everything else. In truth, he even provided righteousness for those who would accept it.

So in these challenging times of wars, rumors of wars, natural disasters and economic meltdown, the person of faith has all he or she needs. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." Without that faith, it is impossible to please God. He IS a rewarder of all that dilligently seek Him. Let us consider these thoughts as we face the challenges of the world. Let us be thankful to God for his loving provision. Let us have faith.

Each One Reach One
Each One Teach One

Life Got You Down? (cont.)

Contentment

Clearly, one of the reasons we are not happier and more joyous as a people is that we have failed to find contentment in our Christian lives. Throughout history, mankind has developed a habit of keeping up with the Joneses. As far back as the first born on earth we see evidence of this. Cain was so unhappy that he did not get the same recognition from God as his brother did, he killed him. This points to a very important lesson for us all. It is a lesson framed perfectly by Paul, who spoke more than once about the subject.

• “If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.” 1 Tim 6:8-11

This passage simultaneously encourages us to be content with having our basic needs met and warns us against being too desirous of things that may be beyond our grasp or need. I’m particularly struck by the assertion that there are those who, due to evident lack of contentment, “have wandered away from the faith.” Surely that is the ultimate tragedy. It calls to memory the rich young ruler who, when instructed by Christ to leave the material behind and follow him, went away sad and without salvation due to his attachment to his things. Sometimes our priorities are all wrong.

One may comment that this thought is all well and good, but suppose a person finds themselves suffering? It could easily and most understandably be asked, “How can a person be content if they are living a life of pain?” As I often say from the pulpit, I’m glad you asked. Let us again seek the Spirit supplied wisdom of the apostle Paul:

• "Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Cor 12:10

Surely every Christian, if not currently, certainly at some point in our lives, can identify with this very powerful statement. There isn’t a person alive (or dead for that matter) that hasn’t undergone adversity. Nevertheless, Paul amazingly says that he is not just content but well content. This point is well made enough on it’s on own, but those of you familiar with the passage will well know the context of the statement. Verses 7-9 contain the famous telling of his “thorn in the flesh” and how after seeking God three times for its removal was told that His (God’s) grace was sufficient for him.

Family, Paul was suffering mightily, and he was one who knew suffering well. In fact Christ told him that he would suffer many things for His cause. Nevertheless, once reminded of God’s amazing grace, he was content. Lord help our unbelief! This thought is exponentially multiplied in Phi 4:11 where he says, “…I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” I submit to you that we are without excuse.

Like you, I know that we are all but humble and fleshly creatures. There are many needs of the body, mind and spirit that we all suffer. My desire is to point out to you that there is an ever present solution and supply to every problem and need. To the person of faith, knowledge that there is a promised eternity with the Lord is a glory in which to rest. Sometimes our problem is that we allow our gaze heavenward to be diverted. We are like Peter who had enough faith to get out of a floating boat and walk on the sea, his attention focused on Jesus. We are equally like him when we allow are attention to be captured by our circumstances and surroundings and thus begin to sink. Thank God Almighty that Jesus is there to lift us when we lose faith.

The divinely inspired scriptures provide the perfect final thought:

• I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. Phil 4:12

Next time, we will talk about that very faith and how it is necessary to rise above our various situations and prevail within the lives that sometimes get us down.

Each One Reach One
Each One Teach One