Here is something that we all need to hear: we, you, are not God. You are not, in fact, even close to being God or acting like God. God is a wholly holy other. Even though we know this logically, are there still times when we wonder why we cannot do things like God does? Are there times when we think that God is just a somewhat improved version of who we are?
The book of Leviticus is a tough read, let's be honest. There are cubits and strange woods that would probably make great hardwood floors. So what is the point of reading the blueprint for the tabernacle or how the priests should dress? Here it is: it is to remind us just as it reminded the Israelites that God has high demands. For a people who depended on ceremony to have access to God, there could hardly be enough instruction. God demanded that the people live holy lives so that He, being holy, could approach them. He also wanted them to be different so that He could be glorified.
Sometimes we wander into dangerous territory when we assume that God is just like our buddy who sits on the couch with us. While we should celebrate that Jesus' death allowed us to have ongoing fellowship with God, free from all the ceremony and sacrifice, we should also keep in mind that God remains a holy other. It is difficult to balance the holiness of God with the idea that God wants to know us intimately. I don't know the answer to that, but it bothers me when people begin prayers with "hey big guy." It also bothers me when others begin with "Oh holiest God who maketh the raineth." There is a place for conversation with God and a place for reverence. I think the key is getting our hearts right. If your heartsong is to approach God with a little more reverence then do it out of honest feeling but not out of obligation. If you want to just hang with God, do it out of thanksgiving and truth, not because it sounds trendy.
God is different, but He is also our Creator and our Father. What He seeks is a real relationship with all the honesty that you can muster.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
This again?
I need change in my life. I don't necessarily want my life to change, but I need to experience new things and not feel that I am in a rut. Admittedly, working with students provides me a great deal of this and sometimes I need relaxation, but I still love change. I think that it is a generational thing. I recently watched a video that described how rapidly our society is changing. We are flooded with information and something new comes along seemingly everyday. People refer to the rate of change that we experience as exponential, which for you who have erased all math knowledge, means things change at a pace that is hard to keep up with.
We live in a world that where we become complacent with things that did not even exist 15, 10, or 5 years ago. How can we live without cell phones? How did we connect before Facebook (MySpace does not count--it was terrible)? How did we know answers to meaningless questions before Google? We take these things for granted, and sometimes get bored with them. In its brief existence, Facebook has changed formats several times because we wanted it to be better or at least different.
It is not just technology that creates change. People my age will average 3 to 4 careers in different fields. On a less positive note, people also have a good chance of changing mates. Change is a part of our society, for better or worse. But what about those times when we cannot sense the change? What about times in our lives when all we pray for is change and yet we don't see it?
In Exodus we read the story of the Israelites journey through the wilderness in search of the Promised Land. While they are on their way, God provides a miraculous food source everyday so they do not starve. But, the people get tired of it and begin to grumble against God. They want some meat in their diet so God sends them quail, lots of quail.
Let's be honest, even when God has provided for us in miraculous ways whether that is financially, through relationships, or through other concrete ways, we get tired of what we have or of where we are in life. I am not saying that is wrong to want to make your life better or desire to have things like security or advancement, but if we spend all of our time thinking about what we do not have, we will easily begin to grumble against God for what we do have. Even if the grass is greener on the other side, it is still just grass, and what can you really do with grass?
We live in a world that where we become complacent with things that did not even exist 15, 10, or 5 years ago. How can we live without cell phones? How did we connect before Facebook (MySpace does not count--it was terrible)? How did we know answers to meaningless questions before Google? We take these things for granted, and sometimes get bored with them. In its brief existence, Facebook has changed formats several times because we wanted it to be better or at least different.
It is not just technology that creates change. People my age will average 3 to 4 careers in different fields. On a less positive note, people also have a good chance of changing mates. Change is a part of our society, for better or worse. But what about those times when we cannot sense the change? What about times in our lives when all we pray for is change and yet we don't see it?
In Exodus we read the story of the Israelites journey through the wilderness in search of the Promised Land. While they are on their way, God provides a miraculous food source everyday so they do not starve. But, the people get tired of it and begin to grumble against God. They want some meat in their diet so God sends them quail, lots of quail.
Let's be honest, even when God has provided for us in miraculous ways whether that is financially, through relationships, or through other concrete ways, we get tired of what we have or of where we are in life. I am not saying that is wrong to want to make your life better or desire to have things like security or advancement, but if we spend all of our time thinking about what we do not have, we will easily begin to grumble against God for what we do have. Even if the grass is greener on the other side, it is still just grass, and what can you really do with grass?
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Moses
Few people in history have suffered from as much frustration as Moses must have suffered. Here was a guy who was called by God, spoke with God, performed miracles for God, and yet people still challenged his leadership. People say that a vision casting talk only lasts 21 days before the people have to be reminded. Apparently that is also about how long it takes for a miracle to become irrelevant to people. Moses took people out of slavery, took care of them in the desert, and guided them to a land where every need would be met, but the people constantly complained and rebelled.
Leading people can be really hard whether you are a minister, a teacher, or even just an influential friend. The problem is that even if you are trying to take others to the promised land, going back to Egypt is always easier. Change is hard, and progress can be an uphill battle. When we experience the kind of frustration that Moses encountered, it is helpful to focus on the goal rather than people's responses. Imagine Moses having yet another meeting about going back to Egypt while the pillar of fire that God provided the people was burning in the background. People probably asked if Moses was positive that this is what God wanted them to do even as they passed through the Red Sea. Had Moses not maintained his communication with God, he may have been tempted to drop the staff while some of the people were still walking through the parted sea.
The thing is people are people. We all have our tendencies to be antagonistic, especially when we experience change or growth. While there are times when we want to just throw our hands up and leave people in the desert, God calls us to impact lives even when it is hard.
Leading people can be really hard whether you are a minister, a teacher, or even just an influential friend. The problem is that even if you are trying to take others to the promised land, going back to Egypt is always easier. Change is hard, and progress can be an uphill battle. When we experience the kind of frustration that Moses encountered, it is helpful to focus on the goal rather than people's responses. Imagine Moses having yet another meeting about going back to Egypt while the pillar of fire that God provided the people was burning in the background. People probably asked if Moses was positive that this is what God wanted them to do even as they passed through the Red Sea. Had Moses not maintained his communication with God, he may have been tempted to drop the staff while some of the people were still walking through the parted sea.
The thing is people are people. We all have our tendencies to be antagonistic, especially when we experience change or growth. While there are times when we want to just throw our hands up and leave people in the desert, God calls us to impact lives even when it is hard.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Abraham
I am connected. I am connected to having a Walmart two miles away. I am connected to having about 40 restaurants within a five mile radius. I am connected to the great city where I live, with all of the services and conveniences that I could ask for. There isn't even any real traffic. I am connected to the comfortable.
What would happen if God asked me to sever these connections? What if I was asked to leave it all behind? What if God asked me to connect to the uncomfortable, or worse yet, come unconnected to everything? Most likely I would say "what about my kids" or "people here need God too." I would think about my financial situation and my mortgage. I would think about how much a move costs and how I like for things to be organized and planned.
It amazes me that I encounter so many people who have followed God's call to be uncomfortable. Whether it is a missionary who goes overseas or a family man who quits his job to attend seminary, there are people who have heard God say go, and they went. Like Abraham, they listened to God, even when there were no concrete answers. There was no strategic plan, just a promise. And, while it should not be surprising for us to believe that someone trusted God's promises, it really isn't that easy to do, not when we are already connected.
Abraham left his land where he was rich and respected, and he traveled to a place that was occupied by hostile and foreign people. He left land that was his to live on land that was others, all the while believing that both were actually God's. However, by leaving the comfortable, he was used by God in ways that he never could have imagined.
Is the problem that we are not supposed to get comfortable? I think it may just be human nature to settle in, especially once we have children. I suppose the key is to remember that we are following a plan that is not our own, or at least not of our design. When we think that we are calling all of the shots, it can be really painful to interrupt our plans. When we simply enjoy the journey, we realize that God wants us to make the most out of each opportunity because we never know when the next one will start.
What would happen if God asked me to sever these connections? What if I was asked to leave it all behind? What if God asked me to connect to the uncomfortable, or worse yet, come unconnected to everything? Most likely I would say "what about my kids" or "people here need God too." I would think about my financial situation and my mortgage. I would think about how much a move costs and how I like for things to be organized and planned.
It amazes me that I encounter so many people who have followed God's call to be uncomfortable. Whether it is a missionary who goes overseas or a family man who quits his job to attend seminary, there are people who have heard God say go, and they went. Like Abraham, they listened to God, even when there were no concrete answers. There was no strategic plan, just a promise. And, while it should not be surprising for us to believe that someone trusted God's promises, it really isn't that easy to do, not when we are already connected.
Abraham left his land where he was rich and respected, and he traveled to a place that was occupied by hostile and foreign people. He left land that was his to live on land that was others, all the while believing that both were actually God's. However, by leaving the comfortable, he was used by God in ways that he never could have imagined.
Is the problem that we are not supposed to get comfortable? I think it may just be human nature to settle in, especially once we have children. I suppose the key is to remember that we are following a plan that is not our own, or at least not of our design. When we think that we are calling all of the shots, it can be really painful to interrupt our plans. When we simply enjoy the journey, we realize that God wants us to make the most out of each opportunity because we never know when the next one will start.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Joseph
I don't know how many times I have looked to the story of Joseph to explain the world around me. We all encounter times when nothing around us is going right. Our jobs, our relationships, our finances, each of these can seem out of control sometimes. Worse yet, it can seem like there is no end in sight nor a way out, despite our best efforts. For more than two years I found myself in a job where all I found was pain and discouragement. I prayed frequently that God would give me a new option or change the situation. And for more than two and a half years, God did not.
In those situations we feel that God is not listening. Or maybe we are not living up to his standards and so we cannot be rewarded. Maybe we simply need to take a leap of faith and take care of things ourselves. Maybe we just need to suck it up and deal. And yet, God tells us that He wants us to have an abundant life. How does that work?
Here is the thing: having an abundant life does not come easy. We have to invest to reap the reward. And sometimes that process is long and confusing. It certainly was for Joseph who as far as anyone can tell was a good guy. He was a good guy who found himself beaten by his brothers, sold as a slave, unjustly imprisoned, and forgotten. Joseph had to wonder at times if God was with him, and yet he remained faithful and trusting.
How powerful is it when Joseph tells his brothers that they meant their actions for evil but God meant them for good? What a great perspective. Joseph is saying that he understands that God was using him to save his family. In effect, God was using Joseph to secure the line of promise that would ultimately lead to Jesus Christ. The truth is that God was always with Joseph, and He is always with us. We may not understand all that is going on in our lives, but we can trust that God is working, guiding, and present.
In those situations we feel that God is not listening. Or maybe we are not living up to his standards and so we cannot be rewarded. Maybe we simply need to take a leap of faith and take care of things ourselves. Maybe we just need to suck it up and deal. And yet, God tells us that He wants us to have an abundant life. How does that work?
Here is the thing: having an abundant life does not come easy. We have to invest to reap the reward. And sometimes that process is long and confusing. It certainly was for Joseph who as far as anyone can tell was a good guy. He was a good guy who found himself beaten by his brothers, sold as a slave, unjustly imprisoned, and forgotten. Joseph had to wonder at times if God was with him, and yet he remained faithful and trusting.
How powerful is it when Joseph tells his brothers that they meant their actions for evil but God meant them for good? What a great perspective. Joseph is saying that he understands that God was using him to save his family. In effect, God was using Joseph to secure the line of promise that would ultimately lead to Jesus Christ. The truth is that God was always with Joseph, and He is always with us. We may not understand all that is going on in our lives, but we can trust that God is working, guiding, and present.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Genesis Part One
After almost a year I am returning to the world of blogging. As this is the first Bible Study Devotion, it seems fitting to discuss the beginning as we find it in Genesis. The book of Genesis is perhaps my favorite book of the Bible if you are allowed to have such things. It contains so many rich stories and theological truths. From the story of creation to the story of Joseph, there is so much to be gleaned from the book. Today I want to focus on the story of creation.
For most people who think theologically, which is just about every Christian, they hold certain elements of theology to be their central theme. For many this is the story of the crucifixion whereas they focus on Jesus dying for their sins and thus live better lives because of it. For others it is the book of Revelation where the focus is on what will happen in the future. Still others emphasize the covenants that God made to His people. For me, the central story of my theology is the story of Creation and the Fall.
Here is why: this story demonstrates that God is a God of order and purpose. The creation narrative reminds me of 2 things: 1. that God designed the world and is in control of it, and 2. that God is the one who sought fellowship with human beings. Remembering that God created the world down to the tiniest detail is a source of comfort when I feel that the world is a tough place.
While the creation narrative is important to me, it is perhaps the Fall that informs me more about God than any other passage. The central thought is this: despite the fact that people literally turned their back on God, he simply initiates a plan to bring them back to himself, even if it takes thousands of years. When Adam and Eve sin and are cast out, he already has a plan for Jesus to come and to save the world. We see this in Genesis 3:15. It is a story of forgiveness, mercy, and love. It is also a story of consequences, promises, and hope. It is my story and your story. Thank God.
For most people who think theologically, which is just about every Christian, they hold certain elements of theology to be their central theme. For many this is the story of the crucifixion whereas they focus on Jesus dying for their sins and thus live better lives because of it. For others it is the book of Revelation where the focus is on what will happen in the future. Still others emphasize the covenants that God made to His people. For me, the central story of my theology is the story of Creation and the Fall.
Here is why: this story demonstrates that God is a God of order and purpose. The creation narrative reminds me of 2 things: 1. that God designed the world and is in control of it, and 2. that God is the one who sought fellowship with human beings. Remembering that God created the world down to the tiniest detail is a source of comfort when I feel that the world is a tough place.
While the creation narrative is important to me, it is perhaps the Fall that informs me more about God than any other passage. The central thought is this: despite the fact that people literally turned their back on God, he simply initiates a plan to bring them back to himself, even if it takes thousands of years. When Adam and Eve sin and are cast out, he already has a plan for Jesus to come and to save the world. We see this in Genesis 3:15. It is a story of forgiveness, mercy, and love. It is also a story of consequences, promises, and hope. It is my story and your story. Thank God.
Format Change
In the past this has been a blog for reflection and thoughts on ministry. It is now transitioning to become a blog for Bible study and devotional thoughts. This is an effort to give me a deeper devotional opportunity, and it will allow readers to have a deeper appreciation for Scripture and the message that God has for them.
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