Start each day by dealing with justice. Rescue victims from their exploiters. (Jeremiah 21:11-12)
I'm not a psychiatrist, but my daughter struggled with mental illness for most of her life.
So I have this to say about Jeremiah: Like someone with bipolar disorder (manic/depressive), he swings from the depth of despair (curse the day I was born!) to attempts at happiness (sing praise to God!) He expresses his faith by obeying God in spite of the fear, paranoia, and isolation he experienced.
His message didn't make things any better. No one wanted to listen to the doomsday prophet. His countrymen tolerated him as the voice of a minority of one.
Tucked into today's message, God told the leaders how to avert the coming catastrophe. Get your priorities straight.
The first order of business each and every day? Deal with justice. Rescue victims from the perpetrators.
Justice suggests a court with judge and jury. The king acted as the supreme court, or perhaps a presidential pardon. The people brought their most difficult cases to him. Solomon's decision regarding the two mothers and one child is a classic example of discerning the truth of a situation.
Rescuing victims suggests a more active role. The king not only judge impartially. He, and his leaders with him, should seek out victims. The poor, orphans, widows, and foreigners are often mentioned throughout the Bible in need of special consideration.
Good advice. But Jeremiah preached this wisdom when the kingdom felt increased pressure from invaders. I'm sure national leaders focused on defense, alliances, weapons, a strong army. Even then, "the best offense was a good defense."
Taking care of the poor and downtrodden, preventing prejudice against foreigners, ranked low in the national conscience.
Yet God said to take care of it first.
These last couple of days have come out as more political than I like, but that is where the scripture took me. On an individual basis, perhaps I should look to the needs of others instead of always expecting them to accommodate my needs.
For years, I met with fellow writer Vicki Baker twice a month. A fall during a trapeze act left her paralyzed. She said how she learned to make others comfortable with her chair.
I've thought of that lately. When people visit, I need to be prepared to involve them. If I wait for them to initiate a lively discussion, they're at a loss.
That happened the last time I spoke with my son. I mentioned my post on "cheap whining," and we got into an interesting exploration of the idea.
Anyhow: first things first.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
MASSACRES (Jeremiah 19)
It's payday, and soon--God's Decree!--this place will no longer be known as Topheth or Valley of Ben-hinnom, but Massacre Meadows. . . I'll turn this city into such a museum of atrocities that anyone coming near will be shocked speechless by the savage brutality. (Jeremiah 19:6-9, MSG)
"Massacre Meadows" instantly brought to mind my daughter Jolene's poem, "Hope in Black and White, in memory of the Sand Creek Massacre."
The website of the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site describes the events of November 29, 1864 as "8 hours that would change the Great Plains forever." The date strikes me because it echoes my grandmother's birthday of November 28, 1894. It is possible that my greatgrandparents were alive at the time of the massacre, and I wonder how they reacted as the news spread across the United States.
A 700-man militia attacked and killed the majority of a friendly village of Cheyenne & Arapahoe--mostly women and children. Colonel Chivington insisted he had valid reason for the attack, and that many warriors were killed. Eye witness accounts differed, describing the torture and mutilatioGon of women and children. As news spread, public outcry grew.
Sand Creek, Little Big Horn, Wounded Knee became symbols of the ugly wars between white and native Americans. The same thing happened at Topheth and Ben-hinnom, turning them to Massacre Meadows" (the origin of "Gehenna," one of the words used for "hell.")
The ugly truth here is that God allowed the destruction of this place.
We hold God to a higher standard. We expect Him to step in and prevent genocide and massacres. If God is real, or if He cares, the words Auschwitz, Sand Creek, 9-11, and Gehenna wouldn't evoke feelings of horror.
But God does allow them to happen. At times, such as the occasion in Jeremiah 19, He chooses the atrocity to punish wrongdoing.
When we hear of such events, we are right to be shocked and speechless. We should be horrified by the evil which causes it to happen. Perhaps we should also view the brutality as a wake up call, to examine our own behavior.
I'm not saying that the depth of human depravity always strikes a society which has turned away from God.
But perhaps we should always reflect on our shortcomings.
About Jolene's poem? I can't find it. I would have posted it here. She wrote the truth much better than I just did.
"Massacre Meadows" instantly brought to mind my daughter Jolene's poem, "Hope in Black and White, in memory of the Sand Creek Massacre."
The website of the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site describes the events of November 29, 1864 as "8 hours that would change the Great Plains forever." The date strikes me because it echoes my grandmother's birthday of November 28, 1894. It is possible that my greatgrandparents were alive at the time of the massacre, and I wonder how they reacted as the news spread across the United States.
A 700-man militia attacked and killed the majority of a friendly village of Cheyenne & Arapahoe--mostly women and children. Colonel Chivington insisted he had valid reason for the attack, and that many warriors were killed. Eye witness accounts differed, describing the torture and mutilatioGon of women and children. As news spread, public outcry grew.
Sand Creek, Little Big Horn, Wounded Knee became symbols of the ugly wars between white and native Americans. The same thing happened at Topheth and Ben-hinnom, turning them to Massacre Meadows" (the origin of "Gehenna," one of the words used for "hell.")
The ugly truth here is that God allowed the destruction of this place.
We hold God to a higher standard. We expect Him to step in and prevent genocide and massacres. If God is real, or if He cares, the words Auschwitz, Sand Creek, 9-11, and Gehenna wouldn't evoke feelings of horror.
But God does allow them to happen. At times, such as the occasion in Jeremiah 19, He chooses the atrocity to punish wrongdoing.
When we hear of such events, we are right to be shocked and speechless. We should be horrified by the evil which causes it to happen. Perhaps we should also view the brutality as a wake up call, to examine our own behavior.
I'm not saying that the depth of human depravity always strikes a society which has turned away from God.
But perhaps we should always reflect on our shortcomings.
About Jolene's poem? I can't find it. I would have posted it here. She wrote the truth much better than I just did.
Monday, October 28, 2013
CHEAP WHINING (Jeremiah 15)
Why, why this chronic pain, this ever worsening wound and no healing in sight? . . .Use words truly and well. Don't stoop to cheap whining. Then, but only then, you'll speak for me. (Jeremiah 15:17-189, MSG)
This passage from Jeremiah hits me close, both as a nursing home resident and as a writer.
Lately the pain hasn't been as bad, in spite on the arrival of cooler, damper fall weather. But with Jeremiah, I want relief from the pain. I can imagine a pain so bad that I would rather die than continue to live with it. I pray that I would never such a choice that would dishonor the "me" God made and God Himself. But I can imagine it.
In essence, God tells Jeremiah to shut up. Don't whine. He even calls it "cheap" whining. While someone with chronic pain may not whine, I would never call those people who do whine "cheap."
The point God is making is that Jeremiah's not investing his words wisely. He is spending them on complaints, which give nothing in return.
Instead, God encourages Jeremiah to use his words "truly and well."
Good words to hear at a point when I am in the editing phase of a book project--even if they are the dreaded adverbs, forbidden in good writing. Finding just the right word. To speak truth in character, location, occupation, relationships--writing demands my best use of language.
To speak for God, as all Christian writers claim to do, let's concentrate on true, good writing instead of whining.
This passage from Jeremiah hits me close, both as a nursing home resident and as a writer.
Lately the pain hasn't been as bad, in spite on the arrival of cooler, damper fall weather. But with Jeremiah, I want relief from the pain. I can imagine a pain so bad that I would rather die than continue to live with it. I pray that I would never such a choice that would dishonor the "me" God made and God Himself. But I can imagine it.
In essence, God tells Jeremiah to shut up. Don't whine. He even calls it "cheap" whining. While someone with chronic pain may not whine, I would never call those people who do whine "cheap."
The point God is making is that Jeremiah's not investing his words wisely. He is spending them on complaints, which give nothing in return.
Instead, God encourages Jeremiah to use his words "truly and well."
Good words to hear at a point when I am in the editing phase of a book project--even if they are the dreaded adverbs, forbidden in good writing. Finding just the right word. To speak truth in character, location, occupation, relationships--writing demands my best use of language.
To speak for God, as all Christian writers claim to do, let's concentrate on true, good writing instead of whining.
Monday, October 14, 2013
FAVORITE CHILD (Isaiah 43)
I paid a huge price for you. . .That's how much you mean to me! That's how much I love you! I'd sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you. (Isaiah 43:3-4, MSG)
Children ask their parents, do you love me the most? The truth is, we might find one child more--enjoyable? Is that the word?--than another.
I think about that, sometimes, with my grandchildren. Grandchild number one, well, she was the first child and the first grandchild. She got plenty of attention. Grandchildren number three, my first biological grandchild, was the first child born of my son's marriage and came on the heels of my daughter's suicide. Grandchild #4 is the only son and grandson.
So although grandchild #2 is precious--I wonder if she ever feels overlooked?
Parents and grandparents struggle with loving our children equally. But God doesn't.
Isaiah 43 brags about God's love for His people. He paid a huge price for us. Isaiah talks about the nations God conquered for Israel's sake. Of course, in the church, we look at the ultimate price of God's love. He gave His only begotten, one-and-only Son, for me. For you.
When sin kidnaps us, God is willing to pay whatever ransom is demanded. He will give creation. He did give His Son. We don't have to worry that God won't come to the rescue.
But . . .if God loves His children equally. . .with everything He has and does. . .why does one person live in a mansion while another is homeless on the streets of Calcutta?
The Declaration of Independence states that all men are created equal. Equal before the law--but not equal in opportunity, financial status, intelligence, or athletic ability.
The same is true of God's love for His children.
He paid the same price for each one of us: the death of His Son.
He created each one of us in His image.
He gave every child one or more spiritual gifts.
His Spirit dwells in every child.
In God's economy, every gift is equally important.
God has the same ultimate goal for each of us: to be holy, to be conformed to the image of His Son.
Whatever each individual needs to reach that goal, God provides. No two are exactly alike.
He has prepared a home for each of us in heaven.
I'm sure I could list dozens more ways God treats us equally. . .
Do you ever wish that you were God's favorite? Think about all the things He has done for you that He doesn't give to those who reject Him.
Children ask their parents, do you love me the most? The truth is, we might find one child more--enjoyable? Is that the word?--than another.
I think about that, sometimes, with my grandchildren. Grandchild number one, well, she was the first child and the first grandchild. She got plenty of attention. Grandchildren number three, my first biological grandchild, was the first child born of my son's marriage and came on the heels of my daughter's suicide. Grandchild #4 is the only son and grandson.
So although grandchild #2 is precious--I wonder if she ever feels overlooked?
Parents and grandparents struggle with loving our children equally. But God doesn't.
Isaiah 43 brags about God's love for His people. He paid a huge price for us. Isaiah talks about the nations God conquered for Israel's sake. Of course, in the church, we look at the ultimate price of God's love. He gave His only begotten, one-and-only Son, for me. For you.
When sin kidnaps us, God is willing to pay whatever ransom is demanded. He will give creation. He did give His Son. We don't have to worry that God won't come to the rescue.
But . . .if God loves His children equally. . .with everything He has and does. . .why does one person live in a mansion while another is homeless on the streets of Calcutta?
The Declaration of Independence states that all men are created equal. Equal before the law--but not equal in opportunity, financial status, intelligence, or athletic ability.
The same is true of God's love for His children.
He paid the same price for each one of us: the death of His Son.
He created each one of us in His image.
He gave every child one or more spiritual gifts.
His Spirit dwells in every child.
In God's economy, every gift is equally important.
God has the same ultimate goal for each of us: to be holy, to be conformed to the image of His Son.
Whatever each individual needs to reach that goal, God provides. No two are exactly alike.
He has prepared a home for each of us in heaven.
I'm sure I could list dozens more ways God treats us equally. . .
Do you ever wish that you were God's favorite? Think about all the things He has done for you that He doesn't give to those who reject Him.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
LESSONS FROM THE ROACHH
"Do you feel like a lowly worm, Jacob?
Don't be afraid.
Feel like a fragile insect, Israel?
I'll help you.
You'll be confident and exuberant,
expansive in The Holy of Israel! (Isaiah 41:14-16)
Nobody likes me, everybody hates me, I'm going to go eat worms. A sad child's rhyme. It's even worse when we feel like the worm.
Forget all about all the positive aspects of insects. Yes, God did create them as an important aspect of our ecosystem. But I prefer to squash them under my foot, if I don't shrink away in disgust first.
j
Sometimes I feel like others see me that way. I feel like I wear a neon sign that reads "victim," that invites other to take advantage of me. I squiggle like a worm when a visitor who cares, who wants to encourage me, can't find a conversational topic. (I decided that the next time, I'll ask them questions. It's my job to make them comfortable.)
But God never wants me to feel that way. Not fear, but faith--faith that even if I feel as unlikable as a worm, as fragile as an insect, God will help me. He'll not only help me, He'll make confident. Exuberant. Expansive.
Confident--without doubt, moving forward without questioning myself
Exuberant--boisterously happy. Unable to stay quiet about what God is doing.
Expansive--doing more than originally planned.
That's the way I want to live my life. When God's help--I will.
Don't be afraid.
Feel like a fragile insect, Israel?
I'll help you.
You'll be confident and exuberant,
expansive in The Holy of Israel! (Isaiah 41:14-16)
Nobody likes me, everybody hates me, I'm going to go eat worms. A sad child's rhyme. It's even worse when we feel like the worm.
Forget all about all the positive aspects of insects. Yes, God did create them as an important aspect of our ecosystem. But I prefer to squash them under my foot, if I don't shrink away in disgust first.
j
Sometimes I feel like others see me that way. I feel like I wear a neon sign that reads "victim," that invites other to take advantage of me. I squiggle like a worm when a visitor who cares, who wants to encourage me, can't find a conversational topic. (I decided that the next time, I'll ask them questions. It's my job to make them comfortable.)
But God never wants me to feel that way. Not fear, but faith--faith that even if I feel as unlikable as a worm, as fragile as an insect, God will help me. He'll not only help me, He'll make confident. Exuberant. Expansive.
Confident--without doubt, moving forward without questioning myself
Exuberant--boisterously happy. Unable to stay quiet about what God is doing.
Expansive--doing more than originally planned.
That's the way I want to live my life. When God's help--I will.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN (Isaiah 35)
The people God has ransomed will come back on this road. They'll sing as they make their way home to Zion, unfading halos of joy encircling their heads, welcomed home with gifts of joy and gladness as all sorrows and sighs scurry into the night. (Isaiah 35:9-10, MSG)
Jesus is "the way," the only way to heaven and eternal life. In fact, early Christians were known as followers of the Way.
Jesus mentioned the Way in His teaching. During the Sermon on the Mount, He said, "Straight is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (Matthew 7:14, NKJV) I've heard it said that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. It is definitely the easy road, wide, easy to find and to follow. Jesus describes the road that leads to life as narrow and hard to find.
In Isaiah, we read of the joy we find on the road--joy that grows the closer we approach to heaven. One has to have a ticket punched by the blood of Jesus's righteousness to get on the road. It's holy, and closed to the rude and rebellious. It is reserved for God's people, for those who are ransomed and redeemed. Once we're on that road, we can't get lost.
If you ever want a picture of our redemption, watch the death and resurrection of Aslan on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
We're singing our way home. When Mom lay on her bed dying, I held her hand and sang hymns of hope and God's love and heaven. That's the way I'd like to go myself--and at least humming along if my voice or mind gives out.
Like the description in Revelation, all sorrows and sighs scurry away. Terrors of the night can't exist--darkness doesn't exist. God Himself is the light.
Best yet, we'll be welcomed home. Embraced like the father embraced his prodigal son, like my Jolene ran to Jesus's lap. So many I have loved, the numbers growing more and more each year.
In its own way, it's the believer's version of the tortoise and the rabbit. The rabbits scamper down the wide path but lose the prize.
Narrow the highway may be, but everyone on the road knows the Lord. The Teacher walks with us, warning us of any bends in the road. When I come before the pearly gate, I will march in with the confidence that "whomsoever will" may enter in God's divine purpose before time began.
Amen and amen.
Jesus is "the way," the only way to heaven and eternal life. In fact, early Christians were known as followers of the Way.
Jesus mentioned the Way in His teaching. During the Sermon on the Mount, He said, "Straight is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (Matthew 7:14, NKJV) I've heard it said that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. It is definitely the easy road, wide, easy to find and to follow. Jesus describes the road that leads to life as narrow and hard to find.
In Isaiah, we read of the joy we find on the road--joy that grows the closer we approach to heaven. One has to have a ticket punched by the blood of Jesus's righteousness to get on the road. It's holy, and closed to the rude and rebellious. It is reserved for God's people, for those who are ransomed and redeemed. Once we're on that road, we can't get lost.
If you ever want a picture of our redemption, watch the death and resurrection of Aslan on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
We're singing our way home. When Mom lay on her bed dying, I held her hand and sang hymns of hope and God's love and heaven. That's the way I'd like to go myself--and at least humming along if my voice or mind gives out.
Like the description in Revelation, all sorrows and sighs scurry away. Terrors of the night can't exist--darkness doesn't exist. God Himself is the light.
Best yet, we'll be welcomed home. Embraced like the father embraced his prodigal son, like my Jolene ran to Jesus's lap. So many I have loved, the numbers growing more and more each year.
In its own way, it's the believer's version of the tortoise and the rabbit. The rabbits scamper down the wide path but lose the prize.
Narrow the highway may be, but everyone on the road knows the Lord. The Teacher walks with us, warning us of any bends in the road. When I come before the pearly gate, I will march in with the confidence that "whomsoever will" may enter in God's divine purpose before time began.
Amen and amen.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
GRACE AND MORE GRACE (Isaiah 30)
Cry for help and you'll find it's grace and more grace. The moment he hears, he'll answer. Just as the Master kept you alive during the hard times, he'll keep your teacher alive and present among you. Your teacher will be right there, local and on the job, urging you on whenever you wander left or right. (Isaiah 30:19-22, MSG)
Mercy and grace go hand in hand, but I think at their heart, mercy means we don't get the punishment we deserve and grace refers to the times we get all of God's marvelous gifts that we don't deserve.
And Isaiah promises--grace and MORE grace. He mentions it in the context of answered prayer.
God longs to answer our prayers. He waits, eager to hear our pleas for help. Isaiah says He'll answer as soon as he hears our cries.
That's not always my experience--probably because I equate an answer with a definite "yes" or guidance. Sometimes God says, "Trust Me. I have things under control." Sometimes the answer is "no"--the hardest to accept answer, but it is an answer.
How does God answer? He stays with us. He's "local and on the job," the kind of workman who would receive top reviews on Angie's List.
The two words used to describe God's relationship with us remind me of the words used to describe Jesus by His disciples. He was their Master and their Teacher. He was responsible for their physical needs and for the content that they learned.
God has always done the same for His people. He keeps us during the hard times. It says He keeps us alive--but we can't take that literally. Too many believers have died for their faith, or have died of illness or war or other reasons. But the hard times alone don't kill us.
While we are going through those hard times, our Teacher works right beside us. He tells us when we go astray. He encourages us to stay true to our faith. If we ever wonder which road God wants us to take, He will show us, left or right.
What I also find interesting: this explanation of grace comes in the context of our cries for help. Most of us would prefer for God's grace to spare us from hard times. Instead, He promises us grace to get through them.
I have a lifetime of stories of grace to share. How about you?
Mercy and grace go hand in hand, but I think at their heart, mercy means we don't get the punishment we deserve and grace refers to the times we get all of God's marvelous gifts that we don't deserve.
And Isaiah promises--grace and MORE grace. He mentions it in the context of answered prayer.
God longs to answer our prayers. He waits, eager to hear our pleas for help. Isaiah says He'll answer as soon as he hears our cries.
That's not always my experience--probably because I equate an answer with a definite "yes" or guidance. Sometimes God says, "Trust Me. I have things under control." Sometimes the answer is "no"--the hardest to accept answer, but it is an answer.
How does God answer? He stays with us. He's "local and on the job," the kind of workman who would receive top reviews on Angie's List.
The two words used to describe God's relationship with us remind me of the words used to describe Jesus by His disciples. He was their Master and their Teacher. He was responsible for their physical needs and for the content that they learned.
God has always done the same for His people. He keeps us during the hard times. It says He keeps us alive--but we can't take that literally. Too many believers have died for their faith, or have died of illness or war or other reasons. But the hard times alone don't kill us.
While we are going through those hard times, our Teacher works right beside us. He tells us when we go astray. He encourages us to stay true to our faith. If we ever wonder which road God wants us to take, He will show us, left or right.
What I also find interesting: this explanation of grace comes in the context of our cries for help. Most of us would prefer for God's grace to spare us from hard times. Instead, He promises us grace to get through them.
I have a lifetime of stories of grace to share. How about you?
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