homecoming

Posted on February 25, 2006 by Dana

I feel a bit strange thinking, “Wow, I’ll bet that’s how God feels”, but perhaps God occasionally likes us to get a glimpse of what He feels. Parents admit they couldn’t really understand a certain type of love until children came along. Such love has been pounding in our hearts as we’ve waited for Taylor to come home from Cambodia. For Susan to get up at 4:50 before any alarm sounds on a Saturday morning and be dressed and out the door in just a few minutes means something special is taking place. As we stood in that familiar spot in the Atlanta airport waiting for Taylor to appear, I couldn’t help but think of our Heavenly Father.

On more than one occasion, He praised Jesus so that others could hear. Once, the clouds opened and the Holy Spirit descended like a dove. Jesus had just been baptized and God knew an intense battle was about to begin. The Spirit led the Son into the wilderness where the devil sought to ruin Him. How often did Jesus remember the voice of the Father in that lonely place? As the enemy attacked, Jesus simply quoted His Father’s written word and Satan was defeated. We know God’s Word is true: “Resist the devil and he will flee.” Another time God spoke to those who wanted to honor others along with Jesus. Regarding Peter’s suggestion to build three shelters, Luke tells us: “He did not know what he was saying.” On such an occasion, God spoke out: “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to Him.”

As we saw Taylor’s head, Susan headed straight toward him and hugged him like only a mother can. We were so happy and thankful and proud. Now I know there is a huge difference between Taylor and Jesus, but this emotion I felt made me wonder what God felt when Jesus finished His mission. If God ever cried tears of joy you know He cried then. “He did it! My Son finished and now He’s coming home! How I love my Son!”

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.” And God so loved His Son that He trusted Him to complete the incredible task of saving us. The Son did not let the Father down. What Susan and I felt at Taylor’s homecoming was just a taste of what the Father felt when Jesus came home. Now God says, “This One that pleases me so and did everything I asked is your Way home. Come to Him everyone! He is your salvation… and He will be your joy. Jesus is my beloved Son… listen to Him!”

“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:1-3

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bad news

Posted on February 17, 2006 by Dana

The result of last week’s tests brought a little bad news as we recently met with the doctor. The protein count that reveals multiple myeloma has started to rise again. We’re still going to try to collect stem cells this month then decide the best path to follow. We trust God will give us wisdom and, as usual, we appreciate your prayers.

Bad news is not so bad if we can remember the good things God has told us. Peter thought he was getting bad news from Jesus after the resurrection as his death was foretold: “I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” I wonder how many times Peter thought about these words as he encountered various dangers. Shortly after Pentecost, he and John were arrested for healing a lame man and preaching the gospel. I wonder if Peter reasoned: “This can’t be the end… Jesus said I would be old when I died.” Whatever he thought, all noticed the great courage of these unschooled men who had been with Jesus.

Some time later, Peter found himself in a worse circumstance. Herod had just put to death John’s brother, James, and since this execution pleased the Jews, Peter was seized and imprisoned. As he sat in chains, waiting for a public trial, Peter probably thought: “Well, I guess this is it. I thought I would be older, but Jesus told me I wouldn’t be able to stretch out my hands… and I sure don’t want to go to this trial.” But as he slept, guarded by sixteen soldiers, the church earnestly prayed and God did something that surprised everyone (see Acts 12). Can you imagine Peter telling the story? “I tell you, I was doomed! But then this bright light came and an angel told me to get my clothes on. My chains fell off and the gates opened as I followed that angel right out of prison. I thought I was dreaming… until I found myself standing in the middle of the street. Then when I knocked at Mary’s house, Rhoda wouldn’t even open the door! Everyone was convinced she had seen a ghost. That was quite a night!” I’m sure Peter laughed every time he talked about it.

It is not recorded in Scripture, but we know Peter did die. It happened just like Jesus said it would. Tradition says he requested to be crucified upside down. That sounds like something Peter would suggest. I’ll bet he had peace at the end. The Holy Spirit probably whispered encouraging words to him. Or perhaps He just reminded him of things the Master had already said: “Fear not, little flock, the Father has chosen to give you a Kingdom. You’re going to have trouble in this world, but take heart, I have overcome the world! I am with you… even to the end. Don’t let your heart be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me. We’re going to be together soon, and wait until you see what I’ve prepared!” The Holy Spirit still works this way… and bad news is not so bad.

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good news

Posted on February 9, 2006 by Dana

Early in His ministry, Jesus was almost thrown off a cliff by citizens of his hometown. He had just read this passage from the book of Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” With all eyes fixed on Him, Jesus gave the scroll back to the attendant and said, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” At first, everyone was amazed and spoke well of Joseph’s son. But after Jesus made a few comments, the people became furious and drove him out of town. (see Luke 4:14-30)

How could the messenger of good news be treated so poorly? Jesus knew what was going on in the hearts of the people and he told them the truth. “You have heard I’ve done miracles in Capernaum, but you’re not going to accept me here. I tell you, God sometimes bypasses those you would think He favors. Don’t assume that just because you were born in a certain land that you are better than someone else.”

I’ve thought a lot about good news lately, as I’ve been through another barrage of tests. When you have cancer, good news is a cherished prize. The truth is, on this earth, we all have to deal with something far worse than cancer. As descendants of Adam, we’ve all been infected by a disease that separates us from our Father and leaves us without hope. For this reason, God sent His Son and the message of good news. Through His blood, we have forgiveness of sins. Through Jesus, we can be freed from sin. By His grace, we are given a new heart and the blessing of the Holy Spirit. But I wonder if the Nazareth mindset is still around.

Perhaps those who listened to Jesus in the synagogue were not poor or blind or oppressed or imprisoned. Maybe they possessed everything and did not need a Messiah to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. I shared about Jesus in another private school in the city of Atlanta a couple of years ago. This was not a Christian school, but a friend of mine taught a religion class and asked that I be the spokesman for Christianity. I felt privileged to tell these kids from all backgrounds about Jesus, His teaching, and His sacrifice. My friend always reserved time for questions at the end of the class. I’ll never forget what one young man said: “I’ve read about this Jesus you’ve talked about. He was one radical dude. So you guys that call yourselves Christians – why do most of you live out in the suburbs, far away from the problems in the city? I thought Jesus hung out with the poor. How do you justify having so much, when there are so many people in need? Why don’t you guys live the radical life your leader did?” I kind of wanted to take that kid out and throw him off a cliff, but I didn’t. I didn’t even try to defend myself. “I think you’ve asked a good question. In fact, I think Jesus might be asking us the same thing.”

This is the truth: we’re all in need. The “problem worse than cancer” entangles us, blinds us, and puffs us up. I need to be poor in spirit; I need to hunger and thirst; I need to weep. When my pride is knocked back and I see the truth, I’ll dare not judge another. I’ll show mercy and love peace. When, by faith, I receive a new spirit, my heart will be pure and I’ll see God. That’s good news.

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generations

Posted on February 2, 2006 by Dana

I’m teaching a U.S. History class this year, a subject I’ve always loved. Lately, I’ve considered the moral challenges that confront each generation. The “Roaring 20′s” brought an alarming increase in immodesty in American society. There was also great debate about alcohol use in our country. In fact, in 1919, the Eighteenth Amendment banned the production, sale, or import of alcoholic beverages. In 1925, a highly publicized trial pitted Bible-believing, William Jennings Bryan, against Clarence Darrow, who argued that his client should be allowed to teach evolution. The Scopes “Monkey” Trial in Dayton, Tennessee was the first trial ever broadcast over American radio.

A generation later came the “baby boomers”. I grew up in the 60′s and 70′s, a tumultuous time where rebellion seemed to explode across the land. “Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n Roll” was the theme of young people in search for the meaning of life. The thought of “free love” was promoted as musicians sang such lines as: “If you can’t be with the one you love, then love the one you’re with…” Of course, “free love” has led to more disease, brokenness, and pain than anyone could have ever predicted. The devil doesn’t usually advertise the result of his lies. In 1962, the Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to lead public prayer in public schools.

The kids I teach are growing up in the 2000′s. They’ve seen their share of Court rulings about God’s name. Drugs and alcohol are still around, and the world’s teaching about sexuality has grown cloudier and cloudier with the prominent theme being that “nothing is wrong.” I don’t think it’s an easy time to be a teenager.

So where is the hope?

The hope for today is the same as the hope for one who grew up in the 60′s, or the 20′s, or any generation – Jesus. He says, “If the whole world becomes immodest, you keep your eyes on Me and obey Me and I’ll take care of you. If the whole world gets high and says ‘free love’ is the way to go, you listen to Me and believe that I am the way. If the whole world says any lifestyle is OK and you should simply do as you please, trust that I know what will bring you true happiness and follow Me. If the whole world says that I don’t exist, remember the fool has said in his heart there is no God. Don’t listen to fools.”

To those of any generation who believe in Him, Jesus says: “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” John 8:31-32

And to those of any generation who reject Him (even those who claim to know God), Jesus says: “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and am now here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:42-44

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judgment

Posted on January 28, 2006 by Dana

I went to the airport to pick up a friend this week. There always seems to be a microcosm of the world in this part of Atlanta as friends, loved ones, and business associates anticipate the arrival of a traveler. All ages, colors, and nationalities travel up the long escalator to the main part of the airport. I think the lady to my right was from Russia. Next to her, a little girl talked excitedly to her father. I’m pretty sure they spoke French. The people to my left spoke Spanish. A young man who works at a sandwich shop near our school was there to pick up someone. We recognized each other and shook hands. I believe he is from India. Two little Korean girls squealed with glee as they saw their father appear at the top of the escalator. The man stooped down and hugged his daughters, then hugged his wife. Sweethearts ran to meet one another, friends embraced, and business men and women received instructions. I even saw ex-Chicago Bull Scotty Pippen emerge from the crowd.

I sometimes think about the judgment when I’m standing in that place. I’m sure God will have a better system than an escalator to bring each person before Him, but there will be quite a picture of diversity. He’ll judge every one of the billions of people that have ever lived with a perfect judgment. Those of us who had moms who could look right through us and almost know exactly what we were thinking have a tiny understanding of what each of us will experience. God will look us in the eye and we will know in an instant that He knows every single thing about us. We will also know, regardless of what we believed while we walked the earth, that there is an all-powerful Creator who is the definition of love. No human argument of evolution will be made on judgment day, and every knee will bow to the King of Kings.

Paul writes that the only way we can be prepared for this day is to be clothed in Christ. By faith we receive this gift of righteousness; by grace we are saved. The parables of Jesus reveal that what we do on this earth is going to be carefully examined. Many will not be able to enter the Kingdom because they rejected the Son. “I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.” These will argue with the King, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?” Then Jesus will give a disturbing answer, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for the least of these, you did not do for me.”

Those who are welcomed into the Kingdom prepared “since the creation of the world” will also be surprised by the words of Jesus. When commended by the King, the righteous will answer, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or need clothing and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” And Jesus will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

The friend I picked up at the airport lives in Africa. He and his wife are running a school for children who have been deeply impacted by the AIDS crisis on that continent. I’ve seen the missionaries bathe these little kids and give them food and medicine. I’ve seen the smiles of these children after receiving wonderful love from the family of God. Jesus says that when these little ones are served, He is being served. I think He is all around us.

“We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” II Corinthians 5:7-10

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