Memories. We all have them.
There are some memories in which we relish, and we regularly enjoy reliving them. There are some memories that frighten us, and we would just as soon forget them. Yes, we all have memories.
Memories. They are interesting.
The good ones can make changing something that helped create those memories difficult, or perhaps even unthinkable. The affects of the bad ones may have altered the course of our lives in ways that make living difficult, and perhaps unbearable.
What do memories have to do with a reflective post on Advent? Quite a lot. Your current environment (life situation) is a factory for making memories (i.e., you live and have experiences = memories). Your current environment has been influenced by culture. Our culture does not celebrate Advent. Rather, it forces on people a Christmas shaped by, dare I say, capitalism.
Did you know there is the very real possibility several "black Friday" deals are frauds? Did you know people have been trampled and killed on "black Friday"? Now, I am not advocating for outlawing "black Friday" because without it Jdimytai Damour (the man in story #1 from the "trampled and killed" hyperlink) would still be alive today any more than I am advocating for outlawing "black Friday" in order to keep manufacturers from, well, doing what manufacturers will do. Yet the truth is, Mr. Damour died in a black Friday related event, and people may have bought a lot of "look alike" items this past black Friday, because of a condition of the human heart. The human heart has been corrupted by, well, a variety of things, but let us just call it sin.
Yes I realize the concept of sin is an unpopular one in our culture today. Yet we cannot disagree that there is something gravely wrong with "us".
I plan to return to the aspect of memories and what they have to do with Advent. Yet between now and that time, after you finish reading this post of course, I encourage you to ponder that concept along with the above comments on memories. For now, I will return to this aspect of sin.
I return to it, in part, because prior to finishing this post I learned of a school shooting that has left 26 people dead, 18 of whom are children. Oh yeah, it is possible the gunman (or one of them) was the son of a teacher at the school. Undoubtedly the questions have been going for quite some time now, and will continue for quite some time into the future. How? Why? What could have been done differently? Are my children no longer safe at school? Etc.
Please understand, I am troubled by the tragedy...my heart hurts for the lives lost and the ripple effects this will have on many, many people. Yet please also understand, in relation to question number four above (i.e., Are my children no longer safe as school?), the answer is NO!
I want to be clear. This is not an alarmist call to home school your children or anything else that may purport to stop a tragedy like this from happening in the future (or at least keep your children safe). What this is, is a plea for us to wake up. There is something wrong with "us".
You can deny the something wrong is sin. That is your choice. But if it is not sin, then what is it? Advent, as a part of God's Story, reminds us this world is not right.
God's Story does not shy away from tragedies like today. This is so important because the cultural expectations of "Christmas" have been dashed for 100's of people today (not counting the 1,000's impacted in other ways today, or the millions around the world who are not able to "celebrate" Christmas in our culturally shaped way). Yet while "Christmas" may have been ruined for many...Advent can bring comfort because events like today will not have the last word!
Advent conditions us to long for the return of Jesus...and at His return there will be no more death (cf. Rev21). Advent reminds us Jesus gave up the "riches" of heaven and entered the "slums" of earth in order to show God's love to people - all people. Advent reminds us that sin, which has impacted every human heart, will only have a temporary reign. In light of that we say maranatha - Come Lord Jesus!
Showing posts with label death. Show all posts
Showing posts with label death. Show all posts
Friday, December 14, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Preparing For Advent [4]
Nearly a year later I still agree with the post. Yet after reading it again, and again, and yet again, I see it is a weightier post than I realized at the time. Indeed, it is too weighty for me to deal with adequately in a single post. Truth be told, I am likely inept to deal with it no matter the number of posts I would write.
If last year's post is read quickly, there is the possibility of seeing some sort of Universalism present; e.g., the entire last paragraph (not just the last sentence). Yet prior to that paragraph I mentioned "the deceased in Christ" as well as a "battle over the eternal destiny of humanity". Those are heavy words.
So what am I to do with that? For now I will answer in two ways; one towards The Church and another towards the majority of the people in this world, who are not a part of The Church.
First, The Church. Dealing with death is never easy. Yet I am convinced, and grow more convinced with every funeral I either attend or officiate (conduct), that allowing ourselves to fully experience everything associated with death (including anger, grief, and pain) is a good thing. How you may wonder? Well...
We usually experience anger when we believe something, particularly something that impacts us directly, is not right. The reality is, death shows us something is not right. When God removed Adam and Eve out of Eden, He also barred them from the Tree of Life (cf. Gen3:22-24). Yet one day (because of Jesus' second coming), those "in Christ" will have access to that Tree (cf. Rev2:7; 22:2,14,19), and death will be no more (Rev21:4).
As far as grief is concerned, those "in Christ" are now with the Lord (cf. Phil1:21-24; Rev6:9; 7:9; 20:4). This is not defeat; it is victory! What they had faith in and could only hope for has been confirmed in tangible ways - what a blessing. Indeed, a blessing that should comfort those of us left behind. Those who are with Jesus now are at no disadvantage (cf. 1Thess4:13-18), and for this we can be thankful.
With all of that said, we can and will still miss them (pain), but we can also be thankful for the time we had with them. It can be healing to ponder and be thankful for lessons the individual(s) taught us, how they encouraged us, etc. In fact, if we want comfort and peace in the midst of our pain, thankfulness is the path to receive it (cf. Phil4:4-7).
The reminder of death for us Christians is also good because it reminds us this earth is not our home (cf. Ps119:19; Phil3:20). It is quite easy for many of us to be comfortable in our culture. However death is a wake-up call from our comfort that impacts everyone. A growing awareness of Advent challenges that comfort - especially if (and when) it leads to complacency.
Now for the majority of those in the world, that are not in The Church. While this will be overly simplified, it is also true. Jesus did not leave the full presence of God to come to earth in order to help us become better people. Jesus did not come to clean up our morals. Jesus did not come to get us to tithe money to The Church. Jesus did not come so the Ten Commandments can be prominently displayed on a secular government's ground. Jesus did not come so that retailers will say Merry Christmas. Jesus did not come so that...well, I think you get my point.
Jesus came to establish the Kingdom of God, period.
What is the Kingdom of God? Think of there being no needy people. Think of sexual abuse never happening again. Think of isolation giving way to true, loving community. Think of people realizing they are loved by a God because of who they are, not because of what they do or what they could be one day in the future. Think of just about anything in this world that makes it difficult, hard, depressing, or whatever - Jesus came to establish a Kingdom to solve all of that.
While I will defend The Church because She is the bride of Christ...if somehow the church has hurt you I am sorry. Please forgive us. Will you at least be open to hearing the words of Jesus? Will you at least consider the fuller picture of what God desires?
I am convinced that many things for which people, maybe even you (who range from apathy to even hostility towards God), are passionate about fall under the umbrella of God's Kingdom desires. If only somehow The Church could help them, or you, realize this. Are you concerned about poverty? So is God. Are you concerned about the AIDS epidemic? So is God. Are you concerned about just about anything that could be put in the blank? So is God. Perhaps you could help the The Church become more well-rounded so those areas of justice are handled by the body Jesus left behind on the earth to do the Father's will (The Church).
With that said, this is a reason why Advent is so important. The first coming of Jesus (His first "advent") guarantees His second coming. While the Kingdom of God is present on earth now (thanks to the implications of His first coming), it will not be fully present until His second coming. What a glorious day that will be. Yet how glorious it also is to be working towards that day as we realize and take to heart the fact that The Church is the answer to the Lord's Prayer (cf. Mt610 - bringing heaven (God's presence) to earth in tangible ways).
Until next time, Holy Advent to you.
If last year's post is read quickly, there is the possibility of seeing some sort of Universalism present; e.g., the entire last paragraph (not just the last sentence). Yet prior to that paragraph I mentioned "the deceased in Christ" as well as a "battle over the eternal destiny of humanity". Those are heavy words.
So what am I to do with that? For now I will answer in two ways; one towards The Church and another towards the majority of the people in this world, who are not a part of The Church.
First, The Church. Dealing with death is never easy. Yet I am convinced, and grow more convinced with every funeral I either attend or officiate (conduct), that allowing ourselves to fully experience everything associated with death (including anger, grief, and pain) is a good thing. How you may wonder? Well...
We usually experience anger when we believe something, particularly something that impacts us directly, is not right. The reality is, death shows us something is not right. When God removed Adam and Eve out of Eden, He also barred them from the Tree of Life (cf. Gen3:22-24). Yet one day (because of Jesus' second coming), those "in Christ" will have access to that Tree (cf. Rev2:7; 22:2,14,19), and death will be no more (Rev21:4).
As far as grief is concerned, those "in Christ" are now with the Lord (cf. Phil1:21-24; Rev6:9; 7:9; 20:4). This is not defeat; it is victory! What they had faith in and could only hope for has been confirmed in tangible ways - what a blessing. Indeed, a blessing that should comfort those of us left behind. Those who are with Jesus now are at no disadvantage (cf. 1Thess4:13-18), and for this we can be thankful.
With all of that said, we can and will still miss them (pain), but we can also be thankful for the time we had with them. It can be healing to ponder and be thankful for lessons the individual(s) taught us, how they encouraged us, etc. In fact, if we want comfort and peace in the midst of our pain, thankfulness is the path to receive it (cf. Phil4:4-7).
The reminder of death for us Christians is also good because it reminds us this earth is not our home (cf. Ps119:19; Phil3:20). It is quite easy for many of us to be comfortable in our culture. However death is a wake-up call from our comfort that impacts everyone. A growing awareness of Advent challenges that comfort - especially if (and when) it leads to complacency.
Now for the majority of those in the world, that are not in The Church. While this will be overly simplified, it is also true. Jesus did not leave the full presence of God to come to earth in order to help us become better people. Jesus did not come to clean up our morals. Jesus did not come to get us to tithe money to The Church. Jesus did not come so the Ten Commandments can be prominently displayed on a secular government's ground. Jesus did not come so that retailers will say Merry Christmas. Jesus did not come so that...well, I think you get my point.
Jesus came to establish the Kingdom of God, period.
What is the Kingdom of God? Think of there being no needy people. Think of sexual abuse never happening again. Think of isolation giving way to true, loving community. Think of people realizing they are loved by a God because of who they are, not because of what they do or what they could be one day in the future. Think of just about anything in this world that makes it difficult, hard, depressing, or whatever - Jesus came to establish a Kingdom to solve all of that.
While I will defend The Church because She is the bride of Christ...if somehow the church has hurt you I am sorry. Please forgive us. Will you at least be open to hearing the words of Jesus? Will you at least consider the fuller picture of what God desires?
I am convinced that many things for which people, maybe even you (who range from apathy to even hostility towards God), are passionate about fall under the umbrella of God's Kingdom desires. If only somehow The Church could help them, or you, realize this. Are you concerned about poverty? So is God. Are you concerned about the AIDS epidemic? So is God. Are you concerned about just about anything that could be put in the blank? So is God. Perhaps you could help the The Church become more well-rounded so those areas of justice are handled by the body Jesus left behind on the earth to do the Father's will (The Church).
With that said, this is a reason why Advent is so important. The first coming of Jesus (His first "advent") guarantees His second coming. While the Kingdom of God is present on earth now (thanks to the implications of His first coming), it will not be fully present until His second coming. What a glorious day that will be. Yet how glorious it also is to be working towards that day as we realize and take to heart the fact that The Church is the answer to the Lord's Prayer (cf. Mt610 - bringing heaven (God's presence) to earth in tangible ways).
Until next time, Holy Advent to you.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Preparing For Advent [3]
Like Preparing For Advent [1], most of what follows is a post from last year, "Advent or Christmas [2]". Once again, the intent of posting this again is so we can work together, learn together, and fight together against being shaped by our culture. I plan to do a follow-up post early next week. Where has my thinking changed? What needs to be more clear? By the way, you can help me with those thoughts.
OK, now here is the post from last year
With a very basic groundwork of Advent and Christmas in place, let us begin to look at some implications.
OK, now here is the post from last year
With a very basic groundwork of Advent and Christmas in place, let us begin to look at some implications.
Quite often the holiday season (if I dare type that) is a difficult one for people. Although our culture seeks to trump up a festive and even family focused time – topped off with social gatherings, songs, drinks and oh yes…presents – a variety of things make this season a difficult one. A major difficulty for many during the holiday season is the unfortunate reality of death. Have you ever lost a loved one? Did you miss them the first time the holidays (or any special day) rolled around? Sure you did. In fact, you likely still miss the person even if it has been 20 years, or longer.
So how can a focus on Advent help? It can help because Advent reminds us this world is not our home. This world will pass away and our sojourn here will be revealed as extremely short. There ought to be no denying this world is a mess. Horrific things happen here; people are oppressed and abused, forgotten and ridiculed, even murdered and worse. Yet Advent reminds us none of those occurrences will have the last word.
Let us move back to the reality that the death of loved ones often makes this time of year difficult. Advent reminds us one day there will be no more death (Rev21:4). Advent reminds us our King, Jesus, will one day return and everything will be made new (Rev21:5)! We, along with our deceased loved ones in Christ, will receive resurrection bodies! Indeed, the faithful in Christ on earth will meet the deceased in Christ who are currently with Him, and we all will come back to this refined earth together (cf. 1Thess4:13ff; 2Pet3:8-13). At that point we will then, and forever more be, in the presence of God!!
The truth and focus of Advent helps to take some of the sting out of missing a loved one. Granted, grief is still real and memories will bring a mixture of happiness and sorrow. Yet the neglected Christmas story of Revelation chapter 12 reminds us there is a cosmic battle raging all around us. This battle is over the eternal destiny of humanity. We will not get this message from the commercialization of Christmas in our culture. Quite the contrary, our culture wants to lull us into complacency and put forth comfort after comfort, luxury after luxury, until we are so inundated with them that if we miss one we feel less fortunate and deprived.
While we may still miss loved ones, a focus on Advent – longing for the return of Jesus – tempers this grief. In fact, it gives us hope because one day things will be made right. One day loved ones will be reunited (and the oppressed and abused will be healthy and whole, the forgotten and ridiculed will have God wipe away tears from their eyes as they realize – for the first time perhaps – they have worth and value) – what a glorious day it will be!! The worth of Advent is immeasurable for the Christian community. Indeed, Advent’s worth is immeasurable for all humanity. As we long for the return of Jesus it ought to reorient everything in our lives; one of these areas is the realm of finances.
May you continue to experience a Holy Advent.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Bucket List [2]...
Cultural expectations, assumptions, desires...and the Bible. Our tendency to look out for ourselves and make plans in order to make life easier and more enjoyable...and the life of Jesus. The list could continue, but I think you get the idea it is one of contrast - stark contrast.
Yesterday the issue of a "bucket list" was raised. A bucket list is a list of things a person desires to do before they die. Quite often it includes seeing places and/or doing a variety of things. To be certain, viewing God's creation and having a good time are certainly not wrong. Yet to muddy the waters a bit we looked at an action of Jesus on the way to His impending death. In other words, we might ask ourselves, "What was on the "bucket list" of Jesus?" By the way, the Bible tends to muddy a lot of waters we would rather be clear with smooth sailing.
In summary of yesterday, Jesus sought out a man of great wealth (Zacchaeus) whose response to Jesus was stunning. With literary beauty Luke sandwiched a lot of people held captive and mastered by money between two (Levi in Lk5:27ff and Zacchaeus in Lk19:1ff) who finally cast off the shackles of deception and were no longer a slave to it. Jesus' bucket list revolved around expanding the Kingdom of God. What can we deduce from all of this?
We ought to deduce being a Christian in our culture is not easy. Granted, we do not face physical death like many brothers and sisters around the world. Rather, we face persecution (a great tribulation) of a more sinister kind - seduction by our culture. It is easy to think we are simply "making a living" when in reality we may be in danger of "gaining the world and losing our soul" (Lk9:25). After all, a married couple with one child living at the U.S. poverty level ($19,090) is more wealthy than 88.65% of the people in the world. I am not saying it is easy or enjoyable to live at the poverty level (I and we have been there), but I am saying something is wrong with the reality of such disparity. We live in a world where Weight Watchers is a prosperous company "here", while countless others die of starvation "over there" (and I realize a lack of food is also a problem "here"). What do we do with things like that? I do not know. There are not easy answers or quick fixes. But I do know we do live in a culture of unparalleled wealth and it impacts all of us.
We ought to also deduce that we must not gloss over a biblical use of wealth. Far too often money is viewed as a tool to get the things we want in order to somehow enjoy life more fully - in the here and now. Yet Luke tells us we should leverage our money in the here and now so more people can enjoy the abundant life with God - both now and in eternity (cf. the "dishonest" steward in Lk16:1-13). Indeed, it is easy to be blind to the reality that quite often money is really controlling us and we are serving it as a master. This should never be. We should use our wealth as a tool to make God famous.
We ought also concede that on His way to an excruciating and humiliating death Jesus purposefully sought out an individual who would use what the world values (money) to bring glory to the One of infinite worth (God). It appears Jesus' "bucket list" included making sure the crowning point of God's creation (humans) knew the One who created them and spoke this world into existence loves them. How high is that on your bucket list?
I must confess there are a variety of places I would like to see and go. There are many things I would like to do. There is something special about sharing experiences with those you love. I do not think there is anything wrong with that. Yet I find it ironic we live in a culture where a vacation is a necessity due to the frenzied pace at which we live. Then, while on vacation, many fall prey to our culture and the incessant need to consume (e.g., to see and do, view and experience, etc.), and it takes a toll. More than one person has returned home desiring a vacation from their vacation...
In sum; whether or not you have a "bucket list" or not is not the point. What is at least a point to consider is something like; Does your bucket list reflect a high value on the crowning point of God's creation over traveling to a few choice destinations or experiencing a few cheap (or expensive) thrills? In other words, are people more important than a place or experience? I think the new heavens and new earth will be far grander than anything we can visually see or experience now. Put another way; Does your bucket list look any different than someone not following Jesus as their Lord?
Does your bucket list include...
- family and friends entering the Kingdom of God?
- serving those less fortunate than you - be it in a "soup kitchen", through your own creative idea, or on a short-term missions trip?
- reconciling with people you have hurt and offended...or who may have hurt and offended you?
- "adopting" a child in the neighborhood who does not have a father, or grandparents, and showing them unconditional love while giving a single Mom (or Dad) a bit of time to themselves?
The list is small and incomplete. And I may be wrong, but I think a bucket list with items like these just might be more thrilling than something else you may desire to do. Yet I am certain I am correct in the assumption that they can lead to many being eternally grateful.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Bucket List...
In the 2007 movie The Bucket List, two men who appear to be different in practically every way (e.g., a millionaire and a working-class mechanic; a four-time divorcee and a man who has been faithful to one woman - his wife) find common ground by what looms somewhere in everyone's mind - the reality of death. The characters played by Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman have both been diagnosed with lung cancer and given a short period of time to live. Facing the inevitability of death, they both have a variety of things they would like to do before they "kick the bucket" (i.e., die) - hence the title of the movie.
Death. Unless Jesus comes back first it is a common reality we will all face. In light of death, how should we live? More appropriately, in light of God's view of death, how should a Christian live? More to the point, should Christians have a "bucket list"? Rather than give an answer that can easily be tossed aside or criticized, let us turn our attention to the Bible.
In Luke 19 we read "He entered Jericho and was passing through..." (Lk19:1) - the He is Jesus. On the surface it seems this chapter records a chance encounter between Zacchaeus and Jesus of Nazareth. Granted, this chance encounter did forever change the life of Zacchaeus (Lk19:9). In fact, this chance encounter also immediately impacted the lives of many others (cf. Lk19:8). Furthermore, based on Luke's emphasis on outcasts and money (and from what we know about how the early Church used everything at her disposal to help others), it is very likely many helped monetarily by Zacchaeus also had their lives forever changed as they experienced the love and grace of God through an individual. And just think, all of this happened simply by chance as Jesus was merely "passing through" - right? A chance encounter which ultimately lead to the salvation of - only God knows how many - people...
It is true Jesus impacted people wherever He went. Yet when we look at the word for "passing through" in the text, this passage suddenly looks different. The Greek word dierchomai, translated as "passing through" in Luke 19:1, is used 42 times in the Greek New Testament; 30 of those are in Luke-Acts. This is somewhat interesting. Yet it gets more interesting when we look at how the word for "passing through" is used - it seems to be a technical term used by Luke. With few exceptions the word clearly describes a specific purpose for going from one place to another. Most commonly the specific purpose is to spread the good news of Jesus and/or the Kingdom of God (e.g., Lk2:15; 9:6; Acts8:40; 11:19; 13:6,14; 15:3,41).
Therefore, on His way to Jerusalem where Jesus knows He will soon suffer and die, He specifically chooses to "pass through" Jericho. Why? What seems interesting yet unclear comes into focus when we consider a few other encounters Jesus had with people of wealth in the gospel of Luke. Early on Jesus encounters Levi who follows Him and throws a party with his wealth because Jesus has changed his life (Lk5:27-39). Later Jesus tells of a "rich fool" who died facing judgment because of hoarding his money (Lk12:13-21), and of a "rich man" who would not part with his money for the sake of the Kingdom of God - therefore by implication he did not enter into It (Lk18:18-30). In between these accounts are two parables, both of which focus on money (the "dishonest" steward in Lk16:1-13, and the rich man and Lazarus in Lk16:19-31).
In other words, Luke presents an individual who responds well with his wealth (Levi), followed by a series of people who do not (well, except for the "dishonest" steward - but that is another issue), followed by Z acchaeus - another who responded well to the call of Jesus on his life in spite of his (tremendous) wealth. After meeting Jesus, Zacchaeus leveraged what he had prostituted himself for all of his life (i.e., he chased money) for the glory of God by providing for those who could not provide for themselves.
So, what does this do to a "bucket list" for those of us who live in the most affluent culture in the history of the world? Please ponder (and comment); I will share a thought or two tomorrow...
Death. Unless Jesus comes back first it is a common reality we will all face. In light of death, how should we live? More appropriately, in light of God's view of death, how should a Christian live? More to the point, should Christians have a "bucket list"? Rather than give an answer that can easily be tossed aside or criticized, let us turn our attention to the Bible.
In Luke 19 we read "He entered Jericho and was passing through..." (Lk19:1) - the He is Jesus. On the surface it seems this chapter records a chance encounter between Zacchaeus and Jesus of Nazareth. Granted, this chance encounter did forever change the life of Zacchaeus (Lk19:9). In fact, this chance encounter also immediately impacted the lives of many others (cf. Lk19:8). Furthermore, based on Luke's emphasis on outcasts and money (and from what we know about how the early Church used everything at her disposal to help others), it is very likely many helped monetarily by Zacchaeus also had their lives forever changed as they experienced the love and grace of God through an individual. And just think, all of this happened simply by chance as Jesus was merely "passing through" - right? A chance encounter which ultimately lead to the salvation of - only God knows how many - people...
It is true Jesus impacted people wherever He went. Yet when we look at the word for "passing through" in the text, this passage suddenly looks different. The Greek word dierchomai, translated as "passing through" in Luke 19:1, is used 42 times in the Greek New Testament; 30 of those are in Luke-Acts. This is somewhat interesting. Yet it gets more interesting when we look at how the word for "passing through" is used - it seems to be a technical term used by Luke. With few exceptions the word clearly describes a specific purpose for going from one place to another. Most commonly the specific purpose is to spread the good news of Jesus and/or the Kingdom of God (e.g., Lk2:15; 9:6; Acts8:40; 11:19; 13:6,14; 15:3,41).
Therefore, on His way to Jerusalem where Jesus knows He will soon suffer and die, He specifically chooses to "pass through" Jericho. Why? What seems interesting yet unclear comes into focus when we consider a few other encounters Jesus had with people of wealth in the gospel of Luke. Early on Jesus encounters Levi who follows Him and throws a party with his wealth because Jesus has changed his life (Lk5:27-39). Later Jesus tells of a "rich fool" who died facing judgment because of hoarding his money (Lk12:13-21), and of a "rich man" who would not part with his money for the sake of the Kingdom of God - therefore by implication he did not enter into It (Lk18:18-30). In between these accounts are two parables, both of which focus on money (the "dishonest" steward in Lk16:1-13, and the rich man and Lazarus in Lk16:19-31).
In other words, Luke presents an individual who responds well with his wealth (Levi), followed by a series of people who do not (well, except for the "dishonest" steward - but that is another issue), followed by Z acchaeus - another who responded well to the call of Jesus on his life in spite of his (tremendous) wealth. After meeting Jesus, Zacchaeus leveraged what he had prostituted himself for all of his life (i.e., he chased money) for the glory of God by providing for those who could not provide for themselves.
So, what does this do to a "bucket list" for those of us who live in the most affluent culture in the history of the world? Please ponder (and comment); I will share a thought or two tomorrow...
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Advent or Christmas? [2]
With a very basic groundwork of Advent and Christmas in place, let us begin to look at some implications.
Quite often the holiday season (if I dare type that) is a difficult one for people. Although our culture seeks to trump up a festive and even family focused time – topped off with social gatherings, songs, drinks and oh yes…presents – a variety of things make this season a difficult one. A major difficulty for many during the holiday season is the unfortunate reality of death. Have you ever lost a loved one? Did you miss them the first time the holidays (or any special day) rolled around? Sure you did. In fact, you likely still miss the person even if it has been 20 years, or longer.
So how can a focus on Advent help? It can help because Advent reminds us this world is not our home. This world will pass away and our sojourn here will be revealed as extremely short. There ought to be no denying this world is a mess. Horrific things happen here; people are oppressed and abused, forgotten and ridiculed, even murdered and worse. Yet Advent reminds us none of those occurrences will have the last word.
Let us move back to the reality that the death of loved ones often makes this time of year difficult. Advent reminds us one day there will be no more death (Rev21:4). Advent reminds us our King, Jesus, will one day return and everything will be made new (Rev21:5)! We, along with our deceased loved ones in Christ, will receive resurrection bodies! Indeed, the faithful in Christ on earth will meet the deceased in Christ who are currently with Him, and we all will come back to this refined earth together (cf. 1Thess4:13ff; 2Pet3:8-13). At that point we will then, and forever more be, in the presence of God!!
The truth and focus of Advent helps to take some of the sting out of missing a loved one. Granted, grief is still real and memories will bring a mixture of happiness and sorrow. Yet the neglected Christmas story of Revelation chapter 12 reminds us there is a cosmic battle raging all around us. This battle is over the eternal destiny of humanity. We will not get this message from the commercialization of Christmas in our culture. Quite the contrary, our culture wants to lull us into complacency and put forth comfort after comfort, luxury after luxury, until we are so inundated with them that if we miss one we feel less fortunate and deprived.
While we may still miss loved ones, a focus on Advent – longing for the return of Jesus – tempers this grief. In fact, it gives us hope because one day things will be made right. One day loved ones will be reunited (and the oppressed and abused will be healthy and whole, the forgotten and ridiculed will have God wipe away tears from their eyes as they realize – for the first time perhaps – they have worth and value) – what a glorious day it will be!! The worth of Advent is immeasurable for the Christian community. Indeed, Advent’s worth is immeasurable for all humanity. As we long for the return of Jesus it ought to reorient everything in our lives; one of these areas is the realm of finances.
May you continue to experience a Holy Advent.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Indeed...a Shepherd
Today is Dr. Lowery’s funeral; yesterday was the visitation services. Although it pains me to not be there; given the responsibilities of each day – and what I know of Dr. Lowery – he would have encouraged me not to come.
Yesterday we had a Family (Congregational) meeting at New Life. I could have been gone from preaching. Yet the meeting was too important as we work toward more health as a body. I think he would have agreed.
Today my wife has a late afternoon baby appointment followed by a birthing class in the evening. I am going to both. With Melissa due mid-May I cannot justify leaving her home while I drive a long distance to “say goodbye”. In fact, now that I think about it, I believe we (my wife Melissa, our daughter Ellei, and the baby still in Mommy’s tummy) will have our own little celebration and dance party for Dr. Lowery this afternoon after Ellei wakes from her nap. I can almost hear Dr. Lowery’s hearty laugh of delight at such a thought/image.
I relay the information of what we will do because of another aspect of Dr. Lowery. A few days ago the focus was on the Scholar; today the focus is on the Shepherd. Indeed, those two aspects fueled one another. His study drove him to be a better shepherd; his love for people drove him to a deeper study of God’s word – which drove him to be a better shepherd… Indeed, beautiful cycle.
In the fall of 2004 I took Preaching from the New Testament with Dr. Lowery and Dr. Sackett. During that week of class (an intensive week) I was not only introduced to Dr. Lowery the World-Class Scholar for the first time; I was also introduced to Dr. Lowery the Humble Shepherd as well.
One way both Scholar & Shepherd were shown was how Dr. Lowery (as well as Dr. Sackett) offered affirmation and critique after I gave my sermon during the week of class.
I also fondly remember both professors making time to pastor/shepherd those of us in the class. Both men acknowledged difficulty in finding time to study God’s Word deeply while finding time to love people in tangible ways (i.e., be a shepherd). Dr. Lowery mentioned the staggering number of unread emails which had accumulated in his Inbox since Monday morning (class from 8am-5pm coupled with prep time for the next day as well as family time does not leave much time for email). Basically, you have to make time for what is important.
The following fall I had a class over Revelation with Dr. Lowery (and 18 or so others). Due to circumstances in our marriage, mid-week it became necessary to share some marital struggles my wife and I were experiencing. These circumstances were first shared with only few of my classmates. Yet these classmates (appropriately) shared with Dr. Lowery. His concern was obvious as before class began for the day (which, remember, was focused on Revelation) time was made to pray for us. Prayers for another marriage were included in this time, after which an appropriate break/breather was given.
After the week of class, for a time, I kept everyone up to date on improvements in our marriage and desired prayer requests. I kept Dr. Lowery up to date longer than others. I did this because of his responses to my emails. Last week I was moved to tears again in remembering how Dr. Lowery – despite having dozens and dozens of emails every day to answer – would answer mine. I could reproduce what he shared with me in response to some of my email updates. But it is sufficient to say they were specific and not a general “help/bless them God”.
I also know this is not unique to me. In one email reply he mentioned using a portion of Friday mornings to pray for students in ministry who are facing a variety of difficulties. Given the 100’s he influenced I am certain that list was long.
Indeed – a Shepherd…a Shepherd shaped by his Scholarship. May we all conform to God’s Word.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Indeed...he's Dancing
Dr. Robert Lowery's earthly pilgrimage ended last night. In lieu of what I had tentatively planned to enter today, what I will offer here is a conglomeration of thoughts and comments which have filled the web upon people learning of his death. It ought to go without saying this is not exhaustive... Yet I will say I think the most beautiful snippet you will find is the last one by Joe Mollet - a loved son-in-law (who I am certain was treated as a son).
squeezed her hand tightly, then quit breathing.
And I think the most fitting to end this short collection:
- Jim Dalrymple - via Facebook
squeezed her hand tightly, then quit breathing.
And I think the most fitting to end this short collection:
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Indeed...A Scholar
Since learning of Dr. Lowery’s impending death on Monday, not a day has gone by when tears have not filled my eyes. I share my thoughts not merely to share my emotions, but to share principles I am learning during this time of grief. My hope is this process will help shape me into a more godly man.
Yet before I get too far I want to make a disclaimer; I am not a “Lowery-ite”. In other words, I follow Jesus and not Dr. Lowery. I state what ought to be obvious because this series of posts (as well as other posts you may visit via this blog) may make Dr. Lowery seem “larger than life”. No one’s intention is to deify Dr. Lowery. The intent of anything you may read in relation to him is to convey how a godly man has impacted the lives of many as he followed Jesus.
There is no doubt Dr. Lowery is a “world-class” scholar of the Bible. Sadly, many do not know his name. The reason for this; if you do not publish in academia, you rarely get “big name” recognition. Dr. Lowery was not concerned about a “big name”. He felt called to teach a full (or beyond full) class load and invest in the lives of students rather than teach fewer classes in order to write.
Dr. Lowery’s teaching style (for classes dealing with books of the Bible) was to teach principles of Bible Study rather than lecture about the content of a book. Personally, I would have loved more lectures from him; yet what I learned is far more valuable than information. I learned how (despite my limitations) to probe God’s Word to the point where I realize I am being probed by It. In other words (while the following is not verbatim, I attribute it to him), “The deeper we probe Scripture the more we realize we are the object and It is the subject.” There are many applications to this, one of which is we ought not to shape God’s Word into what we want it to say…rather God’s Word ought to shape us into the people He desires us to be.
To say Dr. Lowery never revealed elements of his Bible Study with his students would be false. Yet examples of that is not the intent of this post. My prayer is I, and those influenced by him, will continue to reveal elements of our study (influenced by his teaching and scholarship) in our lives – via preaching, teaching, and loving others – as we live for God’s glory.
In order to bring this entry to a close I will briefly mention my first class with Dr. Lowery. In the Fall of 2005 I took Preaching from the New Testament (which he team-taught with Dr. Chuck Sackett; another profound influence on my life). The principles I began to learn that week I still seek to implement (and my shortcomings in doing so are my own – not those of the men who taught me); yet an eye-opening moment from that week will be the basis of my next entry.
Here is a post of a book recently published in honor of Dr. Lowery.
Links to other posts will occur in following articles.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Indeed...
As I type, the pilgrimmage of a professor of mine is nearing its earthly end. The life of Dr. Robert Lowery, on this earth, is drawing to a close. He is in hospice care. Unfortunately cancer has taken a devestating toll on his body. He is ready; ready to be in the presence of his God.
An attempt at conveying the variety of things I have thought, experienced, reflected upon, and prayed since learning of Bob's rapid health decline on Monday would a) make this post too long, b) not do justice to my intentions - as they may be incoherent right now - and the truth is, c) others are more qualified than me to write reflective thoughts on Bob. Therefore, if I stick to my intentions, this will be the first of a series of posts. I hope they will be received well.
You may have noticed I mentioned Dr. Lowery is a professor of mine. This may strike some as odd since I graduated from the Seminary side of Lincoln Christian University last Spring. It may sound a bit more odd when I acknowledge my last class with him was in the fall of 2007. Yet the apparent oddness is reality. I am quite certain I am not the only student of Dr. Lowery who will acknowlege that in a very real way he continues to impact me (and them) today. My intention is to relay some of what I mean in the coming posts.
Yet before I venture there I must state the obvious. Those of us who know Bob do not grieve as those who have no hope (cf. 1Thess4:13). No, our grieving is of a different kind. Yet before I move into that I do want to acknowledge the loss and pray for his wife Marilyn as well as their children Rachel and Brian - both of whom are married with children. While the Kingdom is losing a godly man; they are losing a Papa, Daddy, Father-in-law (I am certain they called him Dad), husband, and best friend.
Indeed, what a loss. Indeed...
An attempt at conveying the variety of things I have thought, experienced, reflected upon, and prayed since learning of Bob's rapid health decline on Monday would a) make this post too long, b) not do justice to my intentions - as they may be incoherent right now - and the truth is, c) others are more qualified than me to write reflective thoughts on Bob. Therefore, if I stick to my intentions, this will be the first of a series of posts. I hope they will be received well.
You may have noticed I mentioned Dr. Lowery is a professor of mine. This may strike some as odd since I graduated from the Seminary side of Lincoln Christian University last Spring. It may sound a bit more odd when I acknowledge my last class with him was in the fall of 2007. Yet the apparent oddness is reality. I am quite certain I am not the only student of Dr. Lowery who will acknowlege that in a very real way he continues to impact me (and them) today. My intention is to relay some of what I mean in the coming posts.
Yet before I venture there I must state the obvious. Those of us who know Bob do not grieve as those who have no hope (cf. 1Thess4:13). No, our grieving is of a different kind. Yet before I move into that I do want to acknowledge the loss and pray for his wife Marilyn as well as their children Rachel and Brian - both of whom are married with children. While the Kingdom is losing a godly man; they are losing a Papa, Daddy, Father-in-law (I am certain they called him Dad), husband, and best friend.
Indeed, what a loss. Indeed...
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