Dear Sisters and brothers...
Go anywhere in the world, as evidenced by the commercial, and you can probably find someone who would respond to the following: O H. And their innate response? I O. All over this world of ours, this beautiful and yet seemingly growing smaller world of ours, reminds us that no matter where we go, who we see, what we do, we carry the mantle of being from the Buckeye State, and with that mantel, we carry the torch of pride for all Buckeyes, right?
Before you all exhale in shock that i have accepted and embraced, though i will not cheer for the OSU athletic teams, i do embrace my place in the story of Ohio. I am, at least by my time here, a Buckeye by trade, and i find it refreshing that i can go anywhere and i will find other Buckeyes who can respond to my call. It ties me to a greater family, and that always makes me feel loved and connected, but it also gives me a sense of worth, an identity.
What does being a Buckeye have to do with theology? Church? Jesus? Well though i am sure that most Buckeyes would anchor their narrative well within the Christian tradition, it doesn't necessarily have anything to do with Jesus. But as for theology and church? Well rehearsing the example of O H I O offers more insight into what it means to be the church and follow a God who calls us all sons and daughters. You see, family, we may be a small church, in a small rural area, but we are also part and parcel of a larger denomination. One that extends beyond the borders of Ohio, Kansas, Virginia, or Pennsylvania.
We, as members in the Church of the Brethren, have sisters and brothers in Nigeria, India, Sudan, Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Brazil. We are part of a global network of Church of the Brethren folks which stretches beyond our limited existence into the shrinking world that is ours. IF we find people who know and rehearse the O H I O cheer, think about the power of finding sisters and brothers, worldwide, who share our love for peace, service, simplicity, discipleship, and community. Our ecclesial family tree reaches deep into the narrative of other cultures, and yet, through the cultural differences that are many, the core values of who we are, like those who shout O H I O, tie us together, forever.
And that is a Godly thing.
This Sunday we have a chance to, through the wonderful gift of technology, to join our voices, our prayers, and yes our presence with thousands of other Church of the Brethren folk when we worship, through the webcast of Annual Conference, with those sisters and brothers who have gathered in Grand Rapids to lead the denomination into a new story. And though we will see the thousands at Conference, it is the masses who gather, like us, via webcast, which prove the power of our voice, our community, and our faith. So come worship not just with the powerful core who meet in West Milton, but come worship with those from all over this beautiful land and in so doing, we invite the God of miracles to once again reign down upon us, all. Amen.
Shalom,
jerry
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Just Not Fair (Matthew 17: 1-13)
Dear Family,
Has anyone ever told you an incredible secret? I am not talking about a confession of dark, painful acts, but a secret that you just cant help but want to share because it is so amazing? How many of you have experienced this? Maybe a friend got that job they coveted, but they couldn't tell anyone, not yet, but they had to tell you, their best friend. Yes you were sad to see them leave, but you were sooo very happy for them, and they said, "Don't tell anyone until i have made it known, please." Or the couple that just found out they were pregnant? Or the company you work for just got that awesome contract that is going to ensure everyone keeps their jobs? These experiences pave the way for people smiling, laughing, and even crying tears for joy, and each time we are told, don't tell anyone until...
It's just not fair sometimes, especially when the people who ask us forget to let us know its ok to tell people, and we sit there, waiting to share, but honoring the trust of our friend. When the censure is off, and we can share, we can't wait to call and tell everyone, right?
As fast as bad news can spread, good news, great news, miraculous news spreads like wildfires, because we all want to celebrate and laugh and jump up and down with the person who is getting the good news. I think, at the core of our being, each of us want others to be happy, and when they get that news that makes them incredibly happy, we can't help but want to share that with any and all. Which makes the silencing even harder to embrace.
But what happens if what we have been given access to is of the Divine, what then? Or, as in the case of our text for today, God/Jesus/Holy Spirit has revealed to us part of a greater, more amazing plan, and we witness something beyond our ability to explain, and Jesus/God/Holy Spirit, after we have been made speechless, says to us, "Don't tell anyone, until the right time..."
We might take a step back and just stand there, with shoulders shrugged, mouths wide open, thinking, "Are you serious? We cant tell anyone about this? Not yet?" We celebrate the Transfiguration every year, on a special Sunday, and we honor this amazing event, but do we really take a step back and think about what Jesus was asking of Peter, James, and John?
Perhaps if i put it this way, because i promise you the others, as we are all prone to do, are going to ask what happened, right? When they join the others, the rest of the 12 are going to pull the three aside and say, with silent curiosity, "So what happened up there? What did the teacher say? Did he reveal anything about the plan? Do we know whats happening next? Come on Peter, you always tell us, what happened?"
Peter, James, and John, i envision, just look at each other and probably, maybe even in unison, just say, "Nuttin..."
Nothing? Really? They spent an evening, a full night, with Jesus, and we are to accept that "Nothing" happened? The three would just say, well you know, he talked about loving people, feeding people, justice, peace.. the usual Jesus stuff, you know, nothing new." And their eyes dart back and forth hoping that the others do not push for more revelation, but Scripture doesn't tell us what happened after, all we know is that they had to keep it quiet.
But why? What good could that serve?
I have wrestled with that question for a long time, and i think, i think, i might have a small glimmer of why, just a small explanation. When Kendra and I got pregnant with Daniel, something so small in the cosmos of the creation, but huge for us, we wanted to make sure all things would be ok before telling anyone, even our parents. We wanted to pass certain dates, before sharing, because we feared the 'what ifs..' And that's just our little cosmos, what if the 'what ifs' involve the very plan of God? Might it be necessary to keep it quiet until things were already in place?
What if Peter comes down and tells Judas, the Zealot, what they had seen? Might Judas, who betrayed Jesus because Jesus was not radically violent enough, might Judas have raised an army, battled the Romans, and got a lot of people killed, squelching the plan of God, if that were possible? What if James comes down and tells the Romans and the Religious leaders that they had witnessed something akin to Moses on Mt. Sinai, might the religious leaders had killed them all before the evangelistic work of Peter, James, and John ever got started? And what if John, the beloved and youngest of the followers, had come down and told his parents what had happened, might they force him to return? What ifs do a lot of damage in the hands of good intentioned people.
Perhaps waiting until it is time, truly illustrates two things: Gods timing is perfect and the faith and love of the three to wait for Jesus to give them the thumbs up. And for all we know they did it, right? They waited. They kept their mouths shut. And the movement exploded after Jesus rose from the grave.
It seems Jesus knows just what is necessary for any given situation, which gives me peace. Because as much as i want to get ahead of God, it does no good. It only leads to frustration and unfruitful work. I want to see results now, NOW! But all that does is squelch any inklings of faith that existed. So what i need is a Peter like faith and trust, right? What about you all?
I need the faith to witness something so beautiful and remain silent about it until i have been given the thumbs up. I need the faith that trusts Jesus' promise to walk with me, even to the end of the days, as long as i am faithful to His commandments to love, even as He first loved me. And i need a faith that doesnt shrink in the face of a minor adversity, like a budget shortfall or lower attendance, because these are simply trials that i/we must walk through in order to see the shower of blessings that come through a desert season. Yeah, thats the faith i need. Anyone else need that faith too?
Besides if a schmuck like Peter can keep his big trap shut, why can't i wait on Jesus too? Amen.
Shalom,
jerry
Has anyone ever told you an incredible secret? I am not talking about a confession of dark, painful acts, but a secret that you just cant help but want to share because it is so amazing? How many of you have experienced this? Maybe a friend got that job they coveted, but they couldn't tell anyone, not yet, but they had to tell you, their best friend. Yes you were sad to see them leave, but you were sooo very happy for them, and they said, "Don't tell anyone until i have made it known, please." Or the couple that just found out they were pregnant? Or the company you work for just got that awesome contract that is going to ensure everyone keeps their jobs? These experiences pave the way for people smiling, laughing, and even crying tears for joy, and each time we are told, don't tell anyone until...
It's just not fair sometimes, especially when the people who ask us forget to let us know its ok to tell people, and we sit there, waiting to share, but honoring the trust of our friend. When the censure is off, and we can share, we can't wait to call and tell everyone, right?
As fast as bad news can spread, good news, great news, miraculous news spreads like wildfires, because we all want to celebrate and laugh and jump up and down with the person who is getting the good news. I think, at the core of our being, each of us want others to be happy, and when they get that news that makes them incredibly happy, we can't help but want to share that with any and all. Which makes the silencing even harder to embrace.
But what happens if what we have been given access to is of the Divine, what then? Or, as in the case of our text for today, God/Jesus/Holy Spirit has revealed to us part of a greater, more amazing plan, and we witness something beyond our ability to explain, and Jesus/God/Holy Spirit, after we have been made speechless, says to us, "Don't tell anyone, until the right time..."
We might take a step back and just stand there, with shoulders shrugged, mouths wide open, thinking, "Are you serious? We cant tell anyone about this? Not yet?" We celebrate the Transfiguration every year, on a special Sunday, and we honor this amazing event, but do we really take a step back and think about what Jesus was asking of Peter, James, and John?
Perhaps if i put it this way, because i promise you the others, as we are all prone to do, are going to ask what happened, right? When they join the others, the rest of the 12 are going to pull the three aside and say, with silent curiosity, "So what happened up there? What did the teacher say? Did he reveal anything about the plan? Do we know whats happening next? Come on Peter, you always tell us, what happened?"
Peter, James, and John, i envision, just look at each other and probably, maybe even in unison, just say, "Nuttin..."
Nothing? Really? They spent an evening, a full night, with Jesus, and we are to accept that "Nothing" happened? The three would just say, well you know, he talked about loving people, feeding people, justice, peace.. the usual Jesus stuff, you know, nothing new." And their eyes dart back and forth hoping that the others do not push for more revelation, but Scripture doesn't tell us what happened after, all we know is that they had to keep it quiet.
But why? What good could that serve?
I have wrestled with that question for a long time, and i think, i think, i might have a small glimmer of why, just a small explanation. When Kendra and I got pregnant with Daniel, something so small in the cosmos of the creation, but huge for us, we wanted to make sure all things would be ok before telling anyone, even our parents. We wanted to pass certain dates, before sharing, because we feared the 'what ifs..' And that's just our little cosmos, what if the 'what ifs' involve the very plan of God? Might it be necessary to keep it quiet until things were already in place?
What if Peter comes down and tells Judas, the Zealot, what they had seen? Might Judas, who betrayed Jesus because Jesus was not radically violent enough, might Judas have raised an army, battled the Romans, and got a lot of people killed, squelching the plan of God, if that were possible? What if James comes down and tells the Romans and the Religious leaders that they had witnessed something akin to Moses on Mt. Sinai, might the religious leaders had killed them all before the evangelistic work of Peter, James, and John ever got started? And what if John, the beloved and youngest of the followers, had come down and told his parents what had happened, might they force him to return? What ifs do a lot of damage in the hands of good intentioned people.
Perhaps waiting until it is time, truly illustrates two things: Gods timing is perfect and the faith and love of the three to wait for Jesus to give them the thumbs up. And for all we know they did it, right? They waited. They kept their mouths shut. And the movement exploded after Jesus rose from the grave.
It seems Jesus knows just what is necessary for any given situation, which gives me peace. Because as much as i want to get ahead of God, it does no good. It only leads to frustration and unfruitful work. I want to see results now, NOW! But all that does is squelch any inklings of faith that existed. So what i need is a Peter like faith and trust, right? What about you all?
I need the faith to witness something so beautiful and remain silent about it until i have been given the thumbs up. I need the faith that trusts Jesus' promise to walk with me, even to the end of the days, as long as i am faithful to His commandments to love, even as He first loved me. And i need a faith that doesnt shrink in the face of a minor adversity, like a budget shortfall or lower attendance, because these are simply trials that i/we must walk through in order to see the shower of blessings that come through a desert season. Yeah, thats the faith i need. Anyone else need that faith too?
Besides if a schmuck like Peter can keep his big trap shut, why can't i wait on Jesus too? Amen.
Shalom,
jerry
Friday, June 17, 2011
Really? (Matthew 16: 24-28)
Dear Family,
It is believed that a good percentage of people never move more than 50 miles away from their hometowns. I dont have the exact numbers, but it is a significant amount. It raises a question for me, why do we stay close to home? Why do we hesitate to stray from home?
I realize the irony of asking this question since Kendra and I are nearly ten to twelve hours from our home towns, but the reality is that we, most of us, do not want to leave the nest. In order to begin unpacking this dilemma, i had to ask myself what makes me miss Kansas? What makes Kendra miss Kansas? Why do we follow certain routines, almost to a T? Why do i listen to music from the 1980's, still? But perhaps the greatest illustration of how my life is not that different from my upbringing: is that i have found a deep desire to garden. Where did that desire come from?
I grew up with a grandma and mother who loved to garden, and it trickled down to me.
We truly are creatures of habit, even if we are not fully aware of it. But why? Because habit equals comfort, safe, normal, and we know what to expect. When we return to the same vacation spot, time and time again, its because we know about the locals, the weather, the best diner, and the best place to catch the most fish. We shop at our "favorite" stores. And its because we know what to expect, and that always makes us feel safe.
Being safe, being 'normal,' knowing our surroundings and environment is a good thing, right? It could even be said to be a Godly thing. So if that is true, why does Jesus demand that we drop everything that makes us safe, makes us comfortable, makes us feel 'at home' so we can face adversity, oppression, ridicule, violence, and injustice? Not only does Jesus command us to 'take up our cross and follow him,' which leads to his death, inevitably, but more troubling, he demands that we love those who hurt us, we pray for those who persecute us, and that instead of returning violence with violence, Jesus orders us to take up our crosses of forgiveness, mercy, and love.
That is so not comforting.
So why? Perhaps because it is only faith when we leave the world behind, step out into the troubling world that is our world, and love with the power to move mountains. Forgive with the power to heal broken relationships. And be makers of peace with the power to, in the words of a wise sage, "Give peace a chance."
Its not comforting, no not at all. But as i have found out, when i leave my comfort zones and step into a world of unknowns, i find something i never knew existed: abundant living. Perhaps Jesus isn't so much trying to invite a world of suffering as much as he is inviting us to embrace the life that is truly life, and it is only the life that Jesus knows about, gives, and offers. Living in the mystery invites us to find out who we really are. Comfort zones are nice, safe, comfortable, but true life begins when we take the chance to live outside the box. Why dont we all embrace the life that is truly life? Who knows what we might find, experience, and witness? Amen.
Shalom,
jerry
It is believed that a good percentage of people never move more than 50 miles away from their hometowns. I dont have the exact numbers, but it is a significant amount. It raises a question for me, why do we stay close to home? Why do we hesitate to stray from home?
I realize the irony of asking this question since Kendra and I are nearly ten to twelve hours from our home towns, but the reality is that we, most of us, do not want to leave the nest. In order to begin unpacking this dilemma, i had to ask myself what makes me miss Kansas? What makes Kendra miss Kansas? Why do we follow certain routines, almost to a T? Why do i listen to music from the 1980's, still? But perhaps the greatest illustration of how my life is not that different from my upbringing: is that i have found a deep desire to garden. Where did that desire come from?
I grew up with a grandma and mother who loved to garden, and it trickled down to me.
We truly are creatures of habit, even if we are not fully aware of it. But why? Because habit equals comfort, safe, normal, and we know what to expect. When we return to the same vacation spot, time and time again, its because we know about the locals, the weather, the best diner, and the best place to catch the most fish. We shop at our "favorite" stores. And its because we know what to expect, and that always makes us feel safe.
Being safe, being 'normal,' knowing our surroundings and environment is a good thing, right? It could even be said to be a Godly thing. So if that is true, why does Jesus demand that we drop everything that makes us safe, makes us comfortable, makes us feel 'at home' so we can face adversity, oppression, ridicule, violence, and injustice? Not only does Jesus command us to 'take up our cross and follow him,' which leads to his death, inevitably, but more troubling, he demands that we love those who hurt us, we pray for those who persecute us, and that instead of returning violence with violence, Jesus orders us to take up our crosses of forgiveness, mercy, and love.
That is so not comforting.
So why? Perhaps because it is only faith when we leave the world behind, step out into the troubling world that is our world, and love with the power to move mountains. Forgive with the power to heal broken relationships. And be makers of peace with the power to, in the words of a wise sage, "Give peace a chance."
Its not comforting, no not at all. But as i have found out, when i leave my comfort zones and step into a world of unknowns, i find something i never knew existed: abundant living. Perhaps Jesus isn't so much trying to invite a world of suffering as much as he is inviting us to embrace the life that is truly life, and it is only the life that Jesus knows about, gives, and offers. Living in the mystery invites us to find out who we really are. Comfort zones are nice, safe, comfortable, but true life begins when we take the chance to live outside the box. Why dont we all embrace the life that is truly life? Who knows what we might find, experience, and witness? Amen.
Shalom,
jerry
Thursday, June 9, 2011
The Pain of Being Human
To All Who Ask Questions...
I have rehearsed an experience i had while working as a chaplain at one of the hospitals in Dayton. Although i was on the Advanced Care Unit, i had a chance to repond to a call in the mental health unit. During our orientation, our supervisor/professor took us to the mental health floor, and he shared that we should never enter a room without assessing how to leave quickly, because on this unit, the behavior of the patients is never predictable.
One of the biggest teaching tools was, he said, making sure you had an easy exit, in case you had to get out of there, quick, fast, and in a hurry. Some of the patients had a tendecy to act violently, and when that happened, we needed to get out quickly or become another senseless victim of violence. Well i had that teaching in the back of my mind as i made my way to the area of the hospital that requires special access and permission. I was both nervous and excited. This, in my own little twisted mind, was what ministry was about. Walking with people who were truly hurting, and their pain was more than what a bandaid or surgery could fix. These people, often times, had deeper issues.
I rushed to the floor, thinking i had all the plans in place to ensure my safety but also make sure the patient knew i was there for her.
To make sure that this blog doesn't creep into thesis length, i will jump forward to the good stuff, at least what i deem as the good stuff. I sat down in her room, making sure i had a clear exit lane, in case she saw me as an enemy and chose to attack. I was so far away, though, and she seemed so sweet, peaceful, serene. I moved closer, putting my chair between the two beds, not leaving myself a clear exit, and she moved closer to. Nothing separated us now, except the width of her bed, and i could hear her well, sense her pain, and i was doing what i loved, ministering to someone in need.
I did mention she was sweet, right? Well in a blink of an eye the conversation turned to her husband, and she went from sweet to violent and vengeful and malicious, in less than a second. Not only was she cussing up a storm, something that caught me off guard, but this librarian with a master's degree, was holding a sharp looking instrument in her hand, caressing it like she had a purpose for it. I got nervous. Looked for the quick exit, and i realized if she jumped, i would have to figure out how to levitate, quickly, or pull the greatest Matrix move ever, or let this woman impale me with whatever object she had.
Thank you Jesus for quick changes. She went from violent to sweet, within a second, talking about God, books, and her children. I didn't have to levitate or get stabbed, but i still feel a need to learn some cool Matrix moves. I rehearse this story, hoping it brought levity and laughter to any who read this blog, but also because it reflects the confusion that can come with sudden changes in personalities and thinking.
Why now though? Because last week we have Jesus praising Peter for being touched by God, and Jesus says to Peter, then Simon, "Upon this rock i will build my church..." Peter goes from receiving special revelation from the Divine to what Jesus says to him this time, "Stand behind me Satan..." From rock foundation for the church to the arch enemy of the church; that's a wild ride and quick change that must have caused Peter to shake his head and wonder what was wrong with Jesus.
But this is, i sense, more about Peter's fallibility and God's amazing choices for His purpose. Peter is still as human as ever, saying godly things one day, and then the next sticking his foot in his mouth, causing the Messiah to say, "Stand behind me Satan..." It reveals something to me that i think the church needs to spend more time with: to follow Jesus is not about perfect theology or purity of thought and ideas, but about a heart to love, to serve, and to be as authentic as one can be about a faith and a Savior that loves to challenge the status quo more times than i can count.
To be people of authentic faith, we will spend the rest of our days standing between the tension of being touched by God in one situation while offending the divine in the next. The key, as Peter illustrates, is not to stay offensive but to strive to do better, love better, and live better. More than that, as Peter demonstrates in Acts, it means to be open to learning, growing, and maturing in the faith, no matter our age. If we remain open to learning, growing, and maturing, then we, just as Peter experienced, will hear the powerful words: Well done good and faithful, no matter how sketchy our life's journey may be. And hearing those words, at the end of the journey, is all we could ever ask for. Amen.
Shalom,
jerry
I have rehearsed an experience i had while working as a chaplain at one of the hospitals in Dayton. Although i was on the Advanced Care Unit, i had a chance to repond to a call in the mental health unit. During our orientation, our supervisor/professor took us to the mental health floor, and he shared that we should never enter a room without assessing how to leave quickly, because on this unit, the behavior of the patients is never predictable.
One of the biggest teaching tools was, he said, making sure you had an easy exit, in case you had to get out of there, quick, fast, and in a hurry. Some of the patients had a tendecy to act violently, and when that happened, we needed to get out quickly or become another senseless victim of violence. Well i had that teaching in the back of my mind as i made my way to the area of the hospital that requires special access and permission. I was both nervous and excited. This, in my own little twisted mind, was what ministry was about. Walking with people who were truly hurting, and their pain was more than what a bandaid or surgery could fix. These people, often times, had deeper issues.
I rushed to the floor, thinking i had all the plans in place to ensure my safety but also make sure the patient knew i was there for her.
To make sure that this blog doesn't creep into thesis length, i will jump forward to the good stuff, at least what i deem as the good stuff. I sat down in her room, making sure i had a clear exit lane, in case she saw me as an enemy and chose to attack. I was so far away, though, and she seemed so sweet, peaceful, serene. I moved closer, putting my chair between the two beds, not leaving myself a clear exit, and she moved closer to. Nothing separated us now, except the width of her bed, and i could hear her well, sense her pain, and i was doing what i loved, ministering to someone in need.
I did mention she was sweet, right? Well in a blink of an eye the conversation turned to her husband, and she went from sweet to violent and vengeful and malicious, in less than a second. Not only was she cussing up a storm, something that caught me off guard, but this librarian with a master's degree, was holding a sharp looking instrument in her hand, caressing it like she had a purpose for it. I got nervous. Looked for the quick exit, and i realized if she jumped, i would have to figure out how to levitate, quickly, or pull the greatest Matrix move ever, or let this woman impale me with whatever object she had.
Thank you Jesus for quick changes. She went from violent to sweet, within a second, talking about God, books, and her children. I didn't have to levitate or get stabbed, but i still feel a need to learn some cool Matrix moves. I rehearse this story, hoping it brought levity and laughter to any who read this blog, but also because it reflects the confusion that can come with sudden changes in personalities and thinking.
Why now though? Because last week we have Jesus praising Peter for being touched by God, and Jesus says to Peter, then Simon, "Upon this rock i will build my church..." Peter goes from receiving special revelation from the Divine to what Jesus says to him this time, "Stand behind me Satan..." From rock foundation for the church to the arch enemy of the church; that's a wild ride and quick change that must have caused Peter to shake his head and wonder what was wrong with Jesus.
But this is, i sense, more about Peter's fallibility and God's amazing choices for His purpose. Peter is still as human as ever, saying godly things one day, and then the next sticking his foot in his mouth, causing the Messiah to say, "Stand behind me Satan..." It reveals something to me that i think the church needs to spend more time with: to follow Jesus is not about perfect theology or purity of thought and ideas, but about a heart to love, to serve, and to be as authentic as one can be about a faith and a Savior that loves to challenge the status quo more times than i can count.
To be people of authentic faith, we will spend the rest of our days standing between the tension of being touched by God in one situation while offending the divine in the next. The key, as Peter illustrates, is not to stay offensive but to strive to do better, love better, and live better. More than that, as Peter demonstrates in Acts, it means to be open to learning, growing, and maturing in the faith, no matter our age. If we remain open to learning, growing, and maturing, then we, just as Peter experienced, will hear the powerful words: Well done good and faithful, no matter how sketchy our life's journey may be. And hearing those words, at the end of the journey, is all we could ever ask for. Amen.
Shalom,
jerry
Thursday, June 2, 2011
What Happens When...
Fellow Pilgrims...
What happens when you or i sense God speaking to us, and it seems like we are the only ones hearing the news, the message, or the direction? What happens? Do most people stare at us, not blinking, doubting our sanity? Perhaps an example is needed.
In the history of Christianity, one of the monumental moments was Constantine becoming Emperor of the Roman Empire. His mother had coverted to Christianity, and he saw what was once a powerful empire showing signs of distress and weakness. One day, perhaps he prayed we don't know, he heard Jesus' voice describe how Constantine would conquer the known world. In the dream, Constantine saw what is called the Chi Rho: first two Greek letters in Christ. And then the infamous "hearing." Constantine heard, (paraphrase) "Under this sign you will conquer."
And he did.
Now did Jesus, the Prince of Peace, really illuminate a sword and shield and call Constantine to conquer in Jesus' Name? Some might say yes. Some would argue that Constantine's success illustrates the Divine's hand in the process. Others, like myself, would hesitate to embrace such a theology. We argue that it seems so Un Christlike to instruct someone to get up and conquer, go to war, with so many people, in Jesus' Name. As i rehearse the story, i still find myself shaking my head, wondering, if Constantine just duped us and fed into our desire to become that religion, or if he really did "see" and "hear."
But his story reminds me of how hard it is to prove God's revelation, right? Especially when the revelation carries political, global, spiritual, and eternal ramifications. Constantine's dream changes the narrative of Christianity, perhaps forever, but his dream pales in comparison to another revelation: Peter's.
Peter, as he often does, speaks before thinking. Peter, always wanting to please Jesus, like the eager know it all in grade school, sits in his chair shaking his hand wildly, hoping to get called on, because Peter always seems to have the answer. This time he did. When asked who the disciples say Jesus is, Peter replies, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God."
We read this and applaud Peter's attestation of faith, but there is a huge issue with just patting Peter on the back. Peter has just announced that Jesus is the Messiah, the Anointed One, the One who was to come to restore Israel. Peter's statement is more than a matter of fact understanding; Peter has just unhinged the entire political scene of first century Palestine.
If Jesus is the Messiah, then all that is going on in the world, with all its injustices, will soon end. God is going to throw the Romans out, disperse the corrupt Jewish leaders, and restore God's Kingdom through a new Zion/Jerusalem. Peter, a fisherman by trade, makes the boldest statement yet: Jesus is here. The Messiah is here. And God is about to do some crazy stuff, like build a new kingdom through Jesus.
It makes sense, when examined through this, that Jesus would praise Peter, because only someone touched by the Divine could see through the muck and mire and know that Jesus was all that the Anointed needed to be. As amazing as Peter's proclamation may be, i wonder what the others were thinking. Were they scratching their heads, wondering if Peter had lost mind? Or did they, like Peter, have a deep sense, a true Godly sense that Jesus was the Messiah, and Peter was simply, because he always spoke first, the first to speak?
Whatever. It doesn't matter. What matters is that Peter makes a huge faith statement and now Jesus is overcome with joy, because Peter can see, truly see. For those of us in ministry, i can say that when someone gets it, truly gets it, it becomes a powerful God moment. At that instant, regardless of whether they fall back or not, at that moment, God's Spirit is more alive and real in that person, and we witness the maturation and growth of that sister or brother. Jesus looks at Peter, who has just made this bold claim, and Jesus sees the last three years of hard work pay off.
Peter finally gets it.
And when God opens our eyes and shows us the power of His truth, we will get it too. And that, my friends is all God wants. God wants us to get it. Truly get it. Because once we get it; we exist for a different reason. No longer do we serve selfish desires, but we, like Jesus, seek the good of the other, which is why i doubt Constantine's dream. Constantine cared only about furthering his power and agenda, while not caring a great deal about honoring the Jesus that found His way on the front of every shield.
And that's how we know when someone speaks from God's revelation or selfish motivation. That and if the statement matches Scripture. If someone speaks truth that makes the other's life more wholistic, chances are it is of Jesus. If someone speaks truth and their statement injures or does little to help the suffering of the less than; chances are they speak falsely. Not only do we seek those who truly hear God, but we must weed out those who speak falsely.
It is not an easy job, but it is a vital one if we are to become all that we were created to be. Amen.
Shalom,
jerry
What happens when you or i sense God speaking to us, and it seems like we are the only ones hearing the news, the message, or the direction? What happens? Do most people stare at us, not blinking, doubting our sanity? Perhaps an example is needed.
In the history of Christianity, one of the monumental moments was Constantine becoming Emperor of the Roman Empire. His mother had coverted to Christianity, and he saw what was once a powerful empire showing signs of distress and weakness. One day, perhaps he prayed we don't know, he heard Jesus' voice describe how Constantine would conquer the known world. In the dream, Constantine saw what is called the Chi Rho: first two Greek letters in Christ. And then the infamous "hearing." Constantine heard, (paraphrase) "Under this sign you will conquer."
And he did.
Now did Jesus, the Prince of Peace, really illuminate a sword and shield and call Constantine to conquer in Jesus' Name? Some might say yes. Some would argue that Constantine's success illustrates the Divine's hand in the process. Others, like myself, would hesitate to embrace such a theology. We argue that it seems so Un Christlike to instruct someone to get up and conquer, go to war, with so many people, in Jesus' Name. As i rehearse the story, i still find myself shaking my head, wondering, if Constantine just duped us and fed into our desire to become that religion, or if he really did "see" and "hear."
But his story reminds me of how hard it is to prove God's revelation, right? Especially when the revelation carries political, global, spiritual, and eternal ramifications. Constantine's dream changes the narrative of Christianity, perhaps forever, but his dream pales in comparison to another revelation: Peter's.
Peter, as he often does, speaks before thinking. Peter, always wanting to please Jesus, like the eager know it all in grade school, sits in his chair shaking his hand wildly, hoping to get called on, because Peter always seems to have the answer. This time he did. When asked who the disciples say Jesus is, Peter replies, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God."
We read this and applaud Peter's attestation of faith, but there is a huge issue with just patting Peter on the back. Peter has just announced that Jesus is the Messiah, the Anointed One, the One who was to come to restore Israel. Peter's statement is more than a matter of fact understanding; Peter has just unhinged the entire political scene of first century Palestine.
If Jesus is the Messiah, then all that is going on in the world, with all its injustices, will soon end. God is going to throw the Romans out, disperse the corrupt Jewish leaders, and restore God's Kingdom through a new Zion/Jerusalem. Peter, a fisherman by trade, makes the boldest statement yet: Jesus is here. The Messiah is here. And God is about to do some crazy stuff, like build a new kingdom through Jesus.
It makes sense, when examined through this, that Jesus would praise Peter, because only someone touched by the Divine could see through the muck and mire and know that Jesus was all that the Anointed needed to be. As amazing as Peter's proclamation may be, i wonder what the others were thinking. Were they scratching their heads, wondering if Peter had lost mind? Or did they, like Peter, have a deep sense, a true Godly sense that Jesus was the Messiah, and Peter was simply, because he always spoke first, the first to speak?
Whatever. It doesn't matter. What matters is that Peter makes a huge faith statement and now Jesus is overcome with joy, because Peter can see, truly see. For those of us in ministry, i can say that when someone gets it, truly gets it, it becomes a powerful God moment. At that instant, regardless of whether they fall back or not, at that moment, God's Spirit is more alive and real in that person, and we witness the maturation and growth of that sister or brother. Jesus looks at Peter, who has just made this bold claim, and Jesus sees the last three years of hard work pay off.
Peter finally gets it.
And when God opens our eyes and shows us the power of His truth, we will get it too. And that, my friends is all God wants. God wants us to get it. Truly get it. Because once we get it; we exist for a different reason. No longer do we serve selfish desires, but we, like Jesus, seek the good of the other, which is why i doubt Constantine's dream. Constantine cared only about furthering his power and agenda, while not caring a great deal about honoring the Jesus that found His way on the front of every shield.
And that's how we know when someone speaks from God's revelation or selfish motivation. That and if the statement matches Scripture. If someone speaks truth that makes the other's life more wholistic, chances are it is of Jesus. If someone speaks truth and their statement injures or does little to help the suffering of the less than; chances are they speak falsely. Not only do we seek those who truly hear God, but we must weed out those who speak falsely.
It is not an easy job, but it is a vital one if we are to become all that we were created to be. Amen.
Shalom,
jerry