I made an interesting--and encouraging--discovery today. I was reading an article on-line about author Donald Miller (bestseller Blue Like Jazz) and found out that he has started a foundation to provide mentoring programs for fatherless sons.
Miller, who grew up without a father, has written a book about his experiences and reflections: To Own a Dragon. I haven't read anything that Miller has written. He's one of those 30-something popular writers who writes in that Christian stream-of-consciousness "let me share my story" style. I don't know how good his stuff his (it's usually a personal principle of mine not to read anything that tops the bestseller charts), but I am a fan of what he's seeking to accomplish through the Belmont Foundation.
Miller grew up in Houston, and his church there began a mentoring program for the fatherless. Miller says this influence in his life kept him "from a life that would have caused pain to many."
As Miller worked on To Own a Dragon, he began to think about the possibility of an organization that would offer formal mentoring programs to churches. The Belmont Foundation was begun to help churches develop long-term mentoring programs to effect lifelong change in the lives of fatherless children.
The Foundation's research has compiled some compelling statistics about the effect mentoring can have. Visit the Foundation's Web site at www.belmontfoundation.org for more information about Miller's vision. It's exciting to see that someone "who has been there" sees the church as the place where the fatherless should be able to find the help and support they need and is actively doing something about it.
8/30/07
8/29/07
Suffer for Christ:Revelation 2:8-11
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you in prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
The persecuted church today often cites these verses from Revelation, the text for last Sunday's sermon on persecution and suffering. The message to this second of the seven churches comes to a body that is accused of no wrongdoing. It raises the question: Are times of persecution of the church times of purification as well? The message that comes to this church comes from One who knows what it is to be persecuted.
Verse 9 tells us that Christ knows this church. He knows that it stands faithfully for the truth. He also knows of its affliction and poverty. The reference here most likely is to physical poverty, as persecution is often economic in nature, in ancient and modern times. Christ also knows those who are slandering the church, another type of persecution that occurs today. This happens when, for example, the media misconstrues the church's beliefs on issues like homosexuality. We also learn from this verse that the persecutors of the church at Smyrna were Jews, the physical descendants of Abraham. John calls them here a "synagogue of Satan." These Jews are not really Jews at all because they will not acknowledge the Messiah.
Christ tells these afflicted believers in Smyrna not to fear suffering, the devil, and the duration of their suffering. Suffering is a natural part of the life of the church of Jesus Christ. And clearly Satan is behind these attacks; this is a spiritual warfare. The "ten days" is an expression of the fullness of persecution, but the duration of persecution is always limited.
The church at Smyrna is reminded to be faithful to the point of death. We have been called to endure, and we can endure persecution. We are reminded that those who are faithful will be given the crown of life; no one can take eternal life from us (cf. John 11:25). Those who hear this word of the Spirit can be comforted with the promise that those who overcome will not be hurt by the second death, which is eternal death in hell (cf. Revelation 21:8). The second death cannot touch the child of God.
It is interesting that this sermon comes as I finish up my book project on the persecuted church. For those who follow the news on those who are persecuted, there were some interesting events this week. First, great news from Afghanistan: The remaining 19 South Korean hostages are in the process of being freed. They were captured by the Taliban six weeks ago. Two were killed, and two were freed earlier. South Korea has agreed to pull out its troops by the end of the year (which it had already planned to do), and it has said that it will not allow missionaries from its country to come to Afghanistan.
And in Turkey, where three Christian men were brutally murdered by Islamic radicals in April, a devoted Muslim has been chosen to head the government. This cannot be good news for the church in Turkey. Turkey wants to be admitted to the EU and wants to be viewed as a modern nation, so the new head of the government has said that he will keep his religion separate from his politics. Many in Turkey were hoping for a more secular leader, because it is nearly impossible for a Muslim to separate faith and politics. We can pray for the poor, struggling church in Turkey that this Muslim politician will be an exception.
The persecuted church today often cites these verses from Revelation, the text for last Sunday's sermon on persecution and suffering. The message to this second of the seven churches comes to a body that is accused of no wrongdoing. It raises the question: Are times of persecution of the church times of purification as well? The message that comes to this church comes from One who knows what it is to be persecuted.
Verse 9 tells us that Christ knows this church. He knows that it stands faithfully for the truth. He also knows of its affliction and poverty. The reference here most likely is to physical poverty, as persecution is often economic in nature, in ancient and modern times. Christ also knows those who are slandering the church, another type of persecution that occurs today. This happens when, for example, the media misconstrues the church's beliefs on issues like homosexuality. We also learn from this verse that the persecutors of the church at Smyrna were Jews, the physical descendants of Abraham. John calls them here a "synagogue of Satan." These Jews are not really Jews at all because they will not acknowledge the Messiah.
Christ tells these afflicted believers in Smyrna not to fear suffering, the devil, and the duration of their suffering. Suffering is a natural part of the life of the church of Jesus Christ. And clearly Satan is behind these attacks; this is a spiritual warfare. The "ten days" is an expression of the fullness of persecution, but the duration of persecution is always limited.
The church at Smyrna is reminded to be faithful to the point of death. We have been called to endure, and we can endure persecution. We are reminded that those who are faithful will be given the crown of life; no one can take eternal life from us (cf. John 11:25). Those who hear this word of the Spirit can be comforted with the promise that those who overcome will not be hurt by the second death, which is eternal death in hell (cf. Revelation 21:8). The second death cannot touch the child of God.
It is interesting that this sermon comes as I finish up my book project on the persecuted church. For those who follow the news on those who are persecuted, there were some interesting events this week. First, great news from Afghanistan: The remaining 19 South Korean hostages are in the process of being freed. They were captured by the Taliban six weeks ago. Two were killed, and two were freed earlier. South Korea has agreed to pull out its troops by the end of the year (which it had already planned to do), and it has said that it will not allow missionaries from its country to come to Afghanistan.
And in Turkey, where three Christian men were brutally murdered by Islamic radicals in April, a devoted Muslim has been chosen to head the government. This cannot be good news for the church in Turkey. Turkey wants to be admitted to the EU and wants to be viewed as a modern nation, so the new head of the government has said that he will keep his religion separate from his politics. Many in Turkey were hoping for a more secular leader, because it is nearly impossible for a Muslim to separate faith and politics. We can pray for the poor, struggling church in Turkey that this Muslim politician will be an exception.
8/25/07
Best City for a Single?
A special report on Forbes.com ranks the best U.S. cities for singles, and surprisingly, Grand Rapids does not make the top forty (yes--I'm being sarcastic). Some truly surprising statistics are included in the article, though. Singles in America make up 41 percent of adults age 18 and over. Also surprising: according to the report, most Americans can expect to spend fully half their lives unmarried.
So what factors shaped the selection of the forty best cities for singles? Forbes.com looked at the largest urbanized areas in the country and judged them on culture, nightlife, job growth, the cost of living alone, online dating, the number of other singles, and, what Forbes describes as an elusive quality, cool.
Of course the article explains that singles are no longer just those people who are somewhere between adolescence and marriage. Singles in America are a widely diverse group, ranging from those living with members of the opposite sex to those becoming single mothers by choice (and why any woman would choose to become a single mother will forever remain a mystery to this mother who had single motherness thrust upon her).
Once you understand the methodology the researchers used, it becomes obvious why Grand Rapids did not make the top forty. Here's how it worked:
*Coolness: Researchers asked adults from across the U.S., "Among the following U.S. cities, which one do you think is coolest?" NYC comes to mind for me, Chicago--but let's be honest. Grand Rapids and "cool" just don't go together, unless you're talking about the weather in May.
*Cost of Living Alone: This index was determined by the average cost of a metro area's apartment rent, a Pizza Hut pizza, a movie ticket, and a six-pack of Heineken. Entry-level salary data was also factored in. Interesting... If I lived in New York or Chicago, I probably wouldn't eat Pizza Hut pizza because there would be better options. Of course the six-pack of Heineken would be quite appropriate here in Grand Rapids.
*Culture: Determined by the number of museums, pro sports teams, and live theater and concert venues, as well as the university population. This speaks for itself.
*Job Growth: Determined by the projected percentage of job growth over the next five years for each metro.
*Online Dating: Determined by the number of active profiles in each city listed on dating site Yahoo! Personals. Speaking, unfortunately, from very definitely past personal experience, I've never checked Yahoo! Personals, but other sites don't seem to offer many Grand Rapids options.
*Nightlife: Based on the number of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs per capita. Fairly irrelevant category to the single parent with children at home.
*Singles: Based on the percentage of a metro's population above the age of 15 that has never been married.
And the top ten? San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Washington, San Diego, Seattle, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Philadelphia.
In spite of the odds against me, however, this single girl has found Grand Rapids to be a most satisfactory location for singleness, probably because I'm having the most amazing dating experience of my life. And so for me, San Francisco, New York, or Chicago have nothing to offer in comparison to the elusive cool I've found right here in Cutlerville. And, to quote one of my favorite single parents, Forrest Gump, "That's all I'm going to say about that."
So what factors shaped the selection of the forty best cities for singles? Forbes.com looked at the largest urbanized areas in the country and judged them on culture, nightlife, job growth, the cost of living alone, online dating, the number of other singles, and, what Forbes describes as an elusive quality, cool.
Of course the article explains that singles are no longer just those people who are somewhere between adolescence and marriage. Singles in America are a widely diverse group, ranging from those living with members of the opposite sex to those becoming single mothers by choice (and why any woman would choose to become a single mother will forever remain a mystery to this mother who had single motherness thrust upon her).
Once you understand the methodology the researchers used, it becomes obvious why Grand Rapids did not make the top forty. Here's how it worked:
*Coolness: Researchers asked adults from across the U.S., "Among the following U.S. cities, which one do you think is coolest?" NYC comes to mind for me, Chicago--but let's be honest. Grand Rapids and "cool" just don't go together, unless you're talking about the weather in May.
*Cost of Living Alone: This index was determined by the average cost of a metro area's apartment rent, a Pizza Hut pizza, a movie ticket, and a six-pack of Heineken. Entry-level salary data was also factored in. Interesting... If I lived in New York or Chicago, I probably wouldn't eat Pizza Hut pizza because there would be better options. Of course the six-pack of Heineken would be quite appropriate here in Grand Rapids.
*Culture: Determined by the number of museums, pro sports teams, and live theater and concert venues, as well as the university population. This speaks for itself.
*Job Growth: Determined by the projected percentage of job growth over the next five years for each metro.
*Online Dating: Determined by the number of active profiles in each city listed on dating site Yahoo! Personals. Speaking, unfortunately, from very definitely past personal experience, I've never checked Yahoo! Personals, but other sites don't seem to offer many Grand Rapids options.
*Nightlife: Based on the number of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs per capita. Fairly irrelevant category to the single parent with children at home.
*Singles: Based on the percentage of a metro's population above the age of 15 that has never been married.
And the top ten? San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Washington, San Diego, Seattle, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Philadelphia.
In spite of the odds against me, however, this single girl has found Grand Rapids to be a most satisfactory location for singleness, probably because I'm having the most amazing dating experience of my life. And so for me, San Francisco, New York, or Chicago have nothing to offer in comparison to the elusive cool I've found right here in Cutlerville. And, to quote one of my favorite single parents, Forrest Gump, "That's all I'm going to say about that."
8/20/07
Taking a Break
It looks like fall outside, feels like fall outside--but it should all change in time for next Monday when Katie and Jonathan return to school. But summer is winding down, and it has been a busy one, but not without its pleasant moments--sitting on the patio with Henry on a warm summer evening watching Katie and Jonathan chasing fireflies, taking afternoon walks with my girlfriends at work, and just enjoying the beauty of the flowers, birds, and summer clouds.
Today I received the page proofs for Better Than Life, what in June looked like a daunting project--crashing a book, writing/compiling 128 pages by August. I remember at the very beginning, before I'd even begun to write, our publisher told someone that I'd finish "ahead of deadline, like Annette always does." When I heard her say that, I thought, "There's a first time for everything." But she was right-- I did finish ahead of deadline, and instead of 128 pages, it will be 160. And I have to say that I'm satisfied with the results.
Researching and writing about the persecuted church has affected my thinking on so many things: the fellowship of Christ's suffering, loving our enemies, the necessity of standing up for Jesus, and the greatness and creativity of a God who can use even horrible circumstances to accomplish His purposes. I've learned a lot, and if those who read the book come to a better understanding of the plight of our Christian brothers and sisters throughout the world, it will have accomplished its purpose.
So because summer is nearly over, the book is in good shape, and Jonathan went with his grandparents to visit family in West Virginia, Katie and I are headed to the Windy City for a couple of days. We don't have a schedule, and there are no planned activities--except for an obligatory visit to the Cheesecake Factory. We're just going to make some memories before the summer of '07 leaves us forever. One thing I can say for certain--there will be no blogging during the trip. This will be a writing-free week for me.
Today I received the page proofs for Better Than Life, what in June looked like a daunting project--crashing a book, writing/compiling 128 pages by August. I remember at the very beginning, before I'd even begun to write, our publisher told someone that I'd finish "ahead of deadline, like Annette always does." When I heard her say that, I thought, "There's a first time for everything." But she was right-- I did finish ahead of deadline, and instead of 128 pages, it will be 160. And I have to say that I'm satisfied with the results.
Researching and writing about the persecuted church has affected my thinking on so many things: the fellowship of Christ's suffering, loving our enemies, the necessity of standing up for Jesus, and the greatness and creativity of a God who can use even horrible circumstances to accomplish His purposes. I've learned a lot, and if those who read the book come to a better understanding of the plight of our Christian brothers and sisters throughout the world, it will have accomplished its purpose.
So because summer is nearly over, the book is in good shape, and Jonathan went with his grandparents to visit family in West Virginia, Katie and I are headed to the Windy City for a couple of days. We don't have a schedule, and there are no planned activities--except for an obligatory visit to the Cheesecake Factory. We're just going to make some memories before the summer of '07 leaves us forever. One thing I can say for certain--there will be no blogging during the trip. This will be a writing-free week for me.
8/16/07
Exciting Adventures
The Selden family is an adventure waiting to happen, as we realized yet again earlier this week. The cousins, Elizabeth and Garrett, were visiting from Indiana, so to show them a good time, we all headed out to . . . Archbold, Ohio, of course!
"Why Archbold?" you ask. Archbold was the scene of many family outings of the past as it was only about 5 miles west of Wauseon, the town where I grew up. So we went on a pilgrimage. For those of you who are unaware of the amazing tourist opportunities in Ohio, Archbold, Ohio, is the home of the famous Sauder Village, Sauder Heritage Inn, Sauder Barn Restaurant, and the Sauder ready-to-assemble furniture factory and corporate headquarters that at one time employed my mom.
Anyway, the quaint Sauder Village is where we would often take the children for fun when my parents still lived in Ohio and we visited them there. Unfortunately, upon our arrival Monday, we learned that the village is closed on Mondays. Not to worry, though, we had reservations at the lovely Sauder Heritage Inn, so the cousins spent a lot of time in the pool. A good time was had by all.
8/14/07
Your Radiant Lord: Revelation 1:9-20
This passage strives to set before us in words the glory of the indescribable Jesus Christ. John comes closer to experiencing this than we, and his response in v. 17 is to fall down at the feet of Christ as though he were dead. But Jesus lays His right hand on John and tells him not to be afraid, restoring John through His touch.
John sees our radiant Lord among the lampstands (v. 13), and the seven lampstands represent the seven churches mentioned later. But seven is the number of completion, so God is not speaking only to these seven churches, but to the whole church--us as well. No light, even in the twenty-first century, is self-sustaining, and the lamps of old required much tending, with their wick, oil, and stands. This One among the lampstands is tending them, ensuring that they continue to provide light. It is interesting to note here that Jesus is depicted as being among the churches--not individuals. The churches have been created by God the Father and are tended by Jesus, the Son.
And John tells us that this One among the lampstands is like the Son of Man (v. 13). This reference to Jesus is rooted in the Old Testament book of Daniel, chapter 7. The name emphasizes the divinity of Jesus Christ and His power and everlasting dominion over all the nations. The Son of Man appears in His glory, and again there are similarities here between this description of the Son of Man and the Ancient of Days (God the Father) of Daniel 7. We should note that the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man are described in similar terms. The robe the Son of Man wears displays His authority and power in His offices of prophet, priest, and king, all at once. The white hair commands respect, and His eyes of fire are the eyes of judgment. The seven stars in His hand demonstrate the absolute power of Jesus Christ. These are simply pictures that John saw literally, but they are a reflection of the reality behind them.
Again, John's response is to fall before Him with fear, and it would be natural to be terrified. But Christ reaches out to him and says, gently, "Do not be afraid." He declares His power in telling John that "I AM the first and the last," but He also demonstrates His love. We learn of Christ's work because He holds the keys of judgment. We will continue to learn more of this radiant Lord through the message He gives to John--the things which he has seen which are (Jesus in His exalted state) and things which will take place.
John sees our radiant Lord among the lampstands (v. 13), and the seven lampstands represent the seven churches mentioned later. But seven is the number of completion, so God is not speaking only to these seven churches, but to the whole church--us as well. No light, even in the twenty-first century, is self-sustaining, and the lamps of old required much tending, with their wick, oil, and stands. This One among the lampstands is tending them, ensuring that they continue to provide light. It is interesting to note here that Jesus is depicted as being among the churches--not individuals. The churches have been created by God the Father and are tended by Jesus, the Son.
And John tells us that this One among the lampstands is like the Son of Man (v. 13). This reference to Jesus is rooted in the Old Testament book of Daniel, chapter 7. The name emphasizes the divinity of Jesus Christ and His power and everlasting dominion over all the nations. The Son of Man appears in His glory, and again there are similarities here between this description of the Son of Man and the Ancient of Days (God the Father) of Daniel 7. We should note that the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man are described in similar terms. The robe the Son of Man wears displays His authority and power in His offices of prophet, priest, and king, all at once. The white hair commands respect, and His eyes of fire are the eyes of judgment. The seven stars in His hand demonstrate the absolute power of Jesus Christ. These are simply pictures that John saw literally, but they are a reflection of the reality behind them.
Again, John's response is to fall before Him with fear, and it would be natural to be terrified. But Christ reaches out to him and says, gently, "Do not be afraid." He declares His power in telling John that "I AM the first and the last," but He also demonstrates His love. We learn of Christ's work because He holds the keys of judgment. We will continue to learn more of this radiant Lord through the message He gives to John--the things which he has seen which are (Jesus in His exalted state) and things which will take place.
8/8/07
Grateful Hearts v. Foolish Hearts
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools (Romans 1:20-22).
I have been impressed again recently with the importance of thankfulness in the Christian life and the disaster that can come when we wallow in our pain and suffering. I know from experience, because wallowing has been my response often in the past, and the result has never been good. While sadness certainly is an appropriate response to pain and suffering, we must never forget God's mercy to us as well, because it is always there, always new every morning.
I find it interesting in my research on the persecuted church that one of the responses of most victims is glorifying God and giving thanks to Him. Those who are thrown into prison often become instruments for spreading the gospel. If they have opportunity to comment on their experience, they often express their thankfulness that even though they have suffered, others have come to know Christ through their suffering. Those who have lost loved ones, like Gracia Burnham and Necati Aydin's widow in Turkey, often express thankfulness for the lives of their spouses, even though those lives may have ended violently and painfully.
It's interesting that Romans tells us that those who reject God and do not glorify Him or give Him thanks experience futile thinking and their foolish hearts become darkened. And this makes sense. We become so focused on our own pain and suffering and how much we don't have and what we've lost, that we lose sight of what we do have. It often seems that our bitterness hurts or even destroys those people and things for which we should be thankful.
Our chapel speaker today talked about Paul's last words in 2 Timothy 4. Paul talks about the fact that he has been betrayed in many ways by people he has trusted and invested himself in. To say that Paul's post-conversion life was a challenge--with arrests, shipwrecks, beatings, illnesses, imprisonments, and frequent betrayals--is an understatement. In spite of all of this, though, Paul gives thanks because "the Lord stood with me and strengthened me . . . And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom."
This is not a Pollyanna approach to life (although I'm starting to wonder if Pollyanna wasn't on to something). When we're reduced to nothing, when we feel like all is lost, whether it's a human relationship, our health, or our money, the Lord stands with us, delivering us and preserving us. And this is a reality for which we can always be thankful.
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools (Romans 1:20-22).
I have been impressed again recently with the importance of thankfulness in the Christian life and the disaster that can come when we wallow in our pain and suffering. I know from experience, because wallowing has been my response often in the past, and the result has never been good. While sadness certainly is an appropriate response to pain and suffering, we must never forget God's mercy to us as well, because it is always there, always new every morning.
I find it interesting in my research on the persecuted church that one of the responses of most victims is glorifying God and giving thanks to Him. Those who are thrown into prison often become instruments for spreading the gospel. If they have opportunity to comment on their experience, they often express their thankfulness that even though they have suffered, others have come to know Christ through their suffering. Those who have lost loved ones, like Gracia Burnham and Necati Aydin's widow in Turkey, often express thankfulness for the lives of their spouses, even though those lives may have ended violently and painfully.
It's interesting that Romans tells us that those who reject God and do not glorify Him or give Him thanks experience futile thinking and their foolish hearts become darkened. And this makes sense. We become so focused on our own pain and suffering and how much we don't have and what we've lost, that we lose sight of what we do have. It often seems that our bitterness hurts or even destroys those people and things for which we should be thankful.
Our chapel speaker today talked about Paul's last words in 2 Timothy 4. Paul talks about the fact that he has been betrayed in many ways by people he has trusted and invested himself in. To say that Paul's post-conversion life was a challenge--with arrests, shipwrecks, beatings, illnesses, imprisonments, and frequent betrayals--is an understatement. In spite of all of this, though, Paul gives thanks because "the Lord stood with me and strengthened me . . . And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom."
This is not a Pollyanna approach to life (although I'm starting to wonder if Pollyanna wasn't on to something). When we're reduced to nothing, when we feel like all is lost, whether it's a human relationship, our health, or our money, the Lord stands with us, delivering us and preserving us. And this is a reality for which we can always be thankful.
8/6/07
Your Message from Christ: Revelation 1:1-8
Having finished his series on 1 John last week, our pastor began a new series this week on the book of Revelation. I look forward to coming to a better understanding of this controversial book from the preaching of a Reformed minister.
Revelation is a book filled with controversy. It is intended for the servants of God, and its message is to build up the church when it is weak in a world filled with power. In the Greek, this book's name is "Apocalypse," and it is the last book God gave to His church. The focus of this book is Jesus Christ, and this is a message from God to Jesus. This is God the Father's word regarding Jesus Christ. We must approach this book with a servant's attitude, realizing that these are things that we are being shown--not things that are made up. Many interpreters of this book have erred by adding to it, saying that it means things that it does not mean.
In verses 1-3, we are told to read this word and heed it. John's apostolic authority is established in v. 2. He has already borne witness in the past in the Gospel of John and in his epistles. He has been exiled to the Isle of Patmos, where the Roman authorities think they can stop his message. But we are to hear these words and store them in our hearts. Many have emphasized the last phrase of v. 3, "for the time is near," claiming that this means the events of this book are already past. This phrase, however, is not the interpretive key of the book; the time is still near.
"Grace to you and peace," begins the greeting of vv. 4-5. In the midst of the turmoils of life, God grants unmerited, undeserved mercy as He extends grace and peace to us. The reference to Christ, "the one who is and was and is to come," is rooted in Exodus 3:13ff, the great I AM, the covenant God of Israel. Jesus is the great I AM who saves, the faithful witness, the one who died. He is the firstfruits of the many who will be born from the dead. Finally John declares Jesus to be the ruler of the kings of the earth, even as John has been punished by Rome, which bowed its knees to no other power. We will learn more about the seven spirits before the throne later, but this is a reference to completeness.
Within this greeting is praise for Jesus Christ for His past work. All the Old Testament declarations regarding washing have been fulfilled in Jesus. Because of His death, our sins are washed away. He has made us kings and priests--and that would have been forbidden in the Old Testament. Only the house of Aaron could serve as priests, and only the house of David could serve as kings. We are servants who are kings and priests as well.
There is also a reference to Jesus' future coming, which will involve a day of judgment, a theme of Revelation.
Finally, the references in v. 8 to the Alpha, Omega; the one who is, was, and is to come; and the Almighty describe God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We can stand firm and with confidence knowing the grace and peace of our God.
Revelation is a book filled with controversy. It is intended for the servants of God, and its message is to build up the church when it is weak in a world filled with power. In the Greek, this book's name is "Apocalypse," and it is the last book God gave to His church. The focus of this book is Jesus Christ, and this is a message from God to Jesus. This is God the Father's word regarding Jesus Christ. We must approach this book with a servant's attitude, realizing that these are things that we are being shown--not things that are made up. Many interpreters of this book have erred by adding to it, saying that it means things that it does not mean.
In verses 1-3, we are told to read this word and heed it. John's apostolic authority is established in v. 2. He has already borne witness in the past in the Gospel of John and in his epistles. He has been exiled to the Isle of Patmos, where the Roman authorities think they can stop his message. But we are to hear these words and store them in our hearts. Many have emphasized the last phrase of v. 3, "for the time is near," claiming that this means the events of this book are already past. This phrase, however, is not the interpretive key of the book; the time is still near.
"Grace to you and peace," begins the greeting of vv. 4-5. In the midst of the turmoils of life, God grants unmerited, undeserved mercy as He extends grace and peace to us. The reference to Christ, "the one who is and was and is to come," is rooted in Exodus 3:13ff, the great I AM, the covenant God of Israel. Jesus is the great I AM who saves, the faithful witness, the one who died. He is the firstfruits of the many who will be born from the dead. Finally John declares Jesus to be the ruler of the kings of the earth, even as John has been punished by Rome, which bowed its knees to no other power. We will learn more about the seven spirits before the throne later, but this is a reference to completeness.
Within this greeting is praise for Jesus Christ for His past work. All the Old Testament declarations regarding washing have been fulfilled in Jesus. Because of His death, our sins are washed away. He has made us kings and priests--and that would have been forbidden in the Old Testament. Only the house of Aaron could serve as priests, and only the house of David could serve as kings. We are servants who are kings and priests as well.
There is also a reference to Jesus' future coming, which will involve a day of judgment, a theme of Revelation.
Finally, the references in v. 8 to the Alpha, Omega; the one who is, was, and is to come; and the Almighty describe God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We can stand firm and with confidence knowing the grace and peace of our God.
8/4/07
The Impoverishment of American Culture
An editorial in the Thursday, July 19, 2007, Wall Street Journal raises some interesting questions. Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts Dana Gioia says that he would love to conduct an experiment. He'd like to survey a cross-section of Americans and ask them how many active NBA players, Major League baseball players, and American Idol contestants they can name. Then he'd ask them how many living American poets, playwrights, painters, sculptors, architects, classical musicians, conductors, composers, scientists, and social thinkers they can name.
He argues that fifty years ago, Americans weren't necessarily smarter, but culture was. TV variety shows were as apt to feature opera singers and classical musicians as they were a sports hero like Mickey Mantle. General interest TV talk shows would interview authors like John Steinbeck and James Baldwin.
Gioia sees one of the consequences of this loss of recognition of artists, thinkers, and scientists impoverishing our culture by reducing the playing field for role models. Today's role models for young people tend to come from sports or entertainment, sending the message that success and meaning come from money and fame. The marketplace puts a price on everything, but culture's focus goes beyond price to value. He argues that it is an understanding of art that will keep our nation competitive in the global marketplace--because it is in learning about art that we develop an ability to be thoughtful, creative, and innovative.
He points to a study that shows two behavioral groups of Americans developing: one group that sits in front of an electronic device, passively consuming entertainment. The other group takes advantage of new technologies, but they balance their lives with other activities: exercise, volunteering to do charity work, playing sports. And what is the difference between the two groups? Whether they read for pleasure and participate in the arts or not. Gioia sees part of the solution to this problem in arts education in public schools.
How relevant Gioia's concerns are. And how much more should we who know the God of culture desire to engage in His gifts and want our children to enjoy them as well?
Scripture repeatedly instructs us to use music to God's glory. And Old Testament passages that talk about the construction of the tabernacle and temple imply an interest in and understanding of the visual arts. Scripture itself demonstrates the importance of the art of written language. Sports and athletic competition dominate our schools, and there doesn't seem to be any more interest in culture in the Christian schools (and sometimes less interest)than in the public ones.
Sports programs aren't bad or wrong. But we need to care about developing good thinking skills through learning about art and beauty. Unfortunately, our society's lack of interest in culture seems to have infiltrated the church, and if Gioia's perceptions about the consequences of this problem are at all accurate, there will be serious implications for future generations of Christians as well.
He argues that fifty years ago, Americans weren't necessarily smarter, but culture was. TV variety shows were as apt to feature opera singers and classical musicians as they were a sports hero like Mickey Mantle. General interest TV talk shows would interview authors like John Steinbeck and James Baldwin.
Gioia sees one of the consequences of this loss of recognition of artists, thinkers, and scientists impoverishing our culture by reducing the playing field for role models. Today's role models for young people tend to come from sports or entertainment, sending the message that success and meaning come from money and fame. The marketplace puts a price on everything, but culture's focus goes beyond price to value. He argues that it is an understanding of art that will keep our nation competitive in the global marketplace--because it is in learning about art that we develop an ability to be thoughtful, creative, and innovative.
He points to a study that shows two behavioral groups of Americans developing: one group that sits in front of an electronic device, passively consuming entertainment. The other group takes advantage of new technologies, but they balance their lives with other activities: exercise, volunteering to do charity work, playing sports. And what is the difference between the two groups? Whether they read for pleasure and participate in the arts or not. Gioia sees part of the solution to this problem in arts education in public schools.
How relevant Gioia's concerns are. And how much more should we who know the God of culture desire to engage in His gifts and want our children to enjoy them as well?
Scripture repeatedly instructs us to use music to God's glory. And Old Testament passages that talk about the construction of the tabernacle and temple imply an interest in and understanding of the visual arts. Scripture itself demonstrates the importance of the art of written language. Sports and athletic competition dominate our schools, and there doesn't seem to be any more interest in culture in the Christian schools (and sometimes less interest)than in the public ones.
Sports programs aren't bad or wrong. But we need to care about developing good thinking skills through learning about art and beauty. Unfortunately, our society's lack of interest in culture seems to have infiltrated the church, and if Gioia's perceptions about the consequences of this problem are at all accurate, there will be serious implications for future generations of Christians as well.
8/1/07
Sixteen Candles
So many major life events, so little time to blog. But last Thursday, July 26, Katie turned sixteen. Yes, the Disney princess cake pictured here was her choice, and upon arrival, each of her friends was presented with a crown to wear for the evening. And the presents included things like a magic wand/light-up crown set and Disney princess balloons. So in tribute to my sixteen-year-old, here are ten things I love about Katie.
1. Her red hair: Wherever I would take Katie when she was little, inevitably someone would ask, "Where did you get your red hair?" And then there would be the silly jokes about the mailman. So when the checkout lady at Meijer asked the two-year-old Katie where she got her red hair, she was pretty surprised by the toddler's quick answer: "from God." Of course--why didn't I think of that sooner? Accurate and to the point.
2. Her freckles
3. Her willingness to accompany me to various movies, concerts, and events through the years since I didn't have a grown-up to go with. I don't think she minded most of the time.
4. Her quirky, but often hilarious, sense of humor
5. This one should be up higher, probably, but her genuine faith in God and her desire to live a life of obedience to Him
6. Her awesome French accent: She has taken French at school for the last two years, and while the written aspect of the language has been a challenge for her, she does have a killer accent
7. Her writing ability
8. Her giggle
9. Her strange, but interesting, sense of style
10. Her love for drama, music, and the arts: Where did that come from?
Happy Birthday, Katie! I can see the fingerprints of God when I look at you!
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