From time to time I am asked to read and make comments on a book that I normally would not be enticed to read on my own. Recently I received such a request concerning the book written by Suzanne Collins and titled, "Hunger Games." This is the first in a series of three books and has become the theme of a blockbuster motion picture. So I decided that I would accept the challenge.
Without telling the entire story, let me give you just a synopsis. The story is set in a country known as Panem, a nation that encompasses most of North America after a major disaster has destroyed the nations presently there today. So, it is futuristic in its setting. Panem is divided into twelve districts along with a Capitol. Each of the twelve districts is focused upon one particular aspect of economic life: some agricultural, some industrial, and some - like District 12, where the two main characters live, focused upon coal mining. Some districts are affluent, while others, like District 12, are very impoverished.
Once a year, each of the twelve districts selects one young girl and one young man to act as their tributes in a contest known as the Hunger Games. This contest is set in a large arena that encompasses forests, lakes, rivers, deserts, hills and caves; yet is an arena that can be electronically controlled by the managers of the games. For instance, if the contestants become too distant from one another, a few buttons can be pushed that will create a wildfire that drive the contestants back into a more centralized location. All of the actions within this arena are televised around the country of Panem.
The two major characters in the book are a young girl by the name of Katniss and a young man by the name of Peeta, both from District 12. Katniss' father died in a mining accident, and she has been given the responsibility of providing for her widowed mother and younger sister. She has become an expert with her hunting skills, including trapping and archery. Peeta's father is the local baker and has not had much skill in the outside world. Katniss has become a very independent thinking young girl but with a heart to help her mother and sister. Peeta has a heart to help others. These are thrust together as District 12's tributes to the Hunger Games.
You are asking me, "Max, what is the purpose of these games?" And here is where I found the book to be troubling. These 24 young people are selected then sent to the Capitol where they are primped, trained, and then paraded before the people of the Capitol and the country. The purpose of the Hunger Games is to turn these 24 young people loose into the arena and watch as they systematically kill one another until only one survives - who is then accorded with great acclamation and wealth. Some fight with spears, others with knives, and still others with bare hands. Some are killed almost as soon as they enter the arena, while others will survive for days and even weeks as they first escape and then begin stalking one another. And all the while the country of Panem is glued to television monitors watching the killing occur. Bets are placed on who will survive. The descriptions of the killings of the young people at times is very graphic. Violence is certainly a theme of this first book.
To be frankly honest, as I read this book my thoughts turned to the ancient gladiatorial contests held in the coliseums of Rome. In those arenas, before an audience that desired violence, men and women would fight to the death amidst the cheers of the crowds. Those who survived such contests were often awarded with their freedom and acclamation, but such survivors were rare. Much blood darkened the sands of the arenas' floors.
A further picture that came to my mind as I read was that recorded in Revelation 11 concerning the reaction of the world when the two witnesses are finally assassinated. For three and a half years, the world has been watching these two men testify boldly and diligently with the message of Jesus Christ outside the newly constructed temple in Jerusalem. Now they are dead. We read: "Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city, which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified. For three and a half days men from every people, tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial. The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth" (Revelation 11:8-10). The celebration of violence.
I was troubled as I read this book knowing that it was written for those in the "tween years." Why the glorification of violence and death? Why would communities sacrifice the future by offering up as a sacrifice two of their own young people? The images conveyed in the book troubled my adult mind - I wonder what impact they would have upon a young adolescent mind? I have heard others say that there was some redemptive value in the story as some of the contestants reached out to others - Katniss, for example, reaches out to one of the youngest tributes, a girl named Rue. Yet, each knew that as the Hunger Games continued, one would be called upon to kill the other. What redemptive value is that?
To Ms. Collins' credit, she writes an incredible story with believable characters and drama that caused one to keep turning the pages. Yet, the premise of the story was difficult for me as a Christian to accept; in fact, I found it to be very troubling. It certainly would not be a book that I would recommend my "tween aged" grandchildren read. If you want your "tween aged" children and/or grandchildren to read about teens their own age, I would encourage them to read "A Diary of Anne Frank" or even "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer."
If you have read this book, I would certainly welcome your comments and observations.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
A Very Interesting Weekend With Great Ramifications
Things around the world are happening almost at warp-speed. This past weekend was no exception. Recently, in one of my prophecy lunch settings, I shared with the group that one of the areas of the world upon which I was keeping my eye was Europe. An unsettledness seems to hang as a dark cloud over the entire continent. Many of the nations of Europe are bogged down in the morass of failed economic policies that have been in place for many decades. Last year we witnessed the effects of those policies and the accompanying reaction on the citizens of Greece. With limited funding and without the ability to print their own currencies - the countries in Europe are dependent upon the European Central Bank for the printing of the euros - austerity had become the watchword. Basically what had happened is that politicians, eager for people's votes, had promised their citizens everything from fully-paid early retirement (we are talking in the 50's) and fully-paid health insurance among other promises.
When there is no more money and promises are made that can no longer be kept, what are the people to do? Well, there are two things they can do. We witnessed the first last summer with the riots that occurred in Greece. And we witnessed the second this past week.
Let's begin in France. The now former President Sarkozy had instituted some tough economic changes into the French economy that would impact every level of French society, but especially hitting the middle class harder. During the campaign, Sarkozy had pledged to cut heath care spending and find savings of over $125 billion euros over the next four years through spending cuts and new revenue. His challenger, Francois Hollande stated that he would increase government spending by over $20 billion euros over the next five years. Angela Charlton, writing for the Associated Press, stated: "Hollande wants to renegotiate a hard-won European treaty on budget cuts that Germany's Angela Merkel and Sarkozy had championed. He wants more government stimulus, and more government spending in general despite concerns from markets that France needs to urgently trim its huge debts." As the election returns came in, Hollande was declared the winner having received 52% of the vote. Hollande, himself a Socialist, has declared that the way out of national economic problems is to "tax and spend" even when there is nothing to spend. One of the consequences of the French elections is the uncertainty in the stock markets around the globe this week.
Now, let's turn our attention to Greece. Yes, the Greeks had an election on Sunday as well, voting for members to its 300-seat Parliament. The question was: would the two centrist parties retain enough seats to continue their coalition based upon severe economic reforms and austerity measures. When the dust settled on Sunday evening, the Greek voters were heard loud and clear. Two extreme parties - one on the left, the other on the right - had garnered enough votes that those seats will now make an impact upon the Greek economic future. Some analysts immediately proclaimed that Greece would be leaving the Eurozone and reviving its own currency. The people had grown tired of the hardships. They wanted a return to the way things "used to be."
So, what is happening in Europe. People have come to view entitlements as rights. Big governments are to take care of the people. Big governments are to provide for my needs. The only problem with big governments is that they demand a lot of money. It takes a lot of money to take care of people. It takes a lot of money to provide for people's needs. And, where does the money come from? It comes from the people through taxes. Did you know that the Bible commands us to pay our taxes? In fact, Jesus Himself declared that we should "render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's" (Matthew 22:21). The Apostle Paul reminded his Roman believers, "Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes..." (Romans 13:7). In the ancient world, everyone paid their taxes. Even the very poorest paid their taxes. Even as God was giving the Law, it was provided that no one was to be exempt from offering sacrifices because of poverty - there was the offering of the poor that was instituted. The problem today is that not everyone is paying their taxes. In fact, nearly half of Americans do not pay any income tax. When you cut revenue sources by stating that some do not have to pay, yet, at the same time, increase spending - the inevitable is a financial crisis of epic proportions. The old guard leaders in Europe have finally come to their senses...but it has not trickled down to the general population. When one becomes used to having "free bread" it is hard to now have to earn it.
Let me share just one more very important news item that occurred over this past weekend. Moments before a resolution dissolving the Israeli Parliament, known as the Knesset, and authorizing new elections on September 4 was to be voted upon, Prime Minister Netanyahu, leader of the Likud Party, announced formation of a "unity government" with the new Kadima Party leader Shaul Mofaz. (You might remember that the Kadima Party's roots were in the Likud Party; the Kadima Party being formed by former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon back in 2004 or so). With now a super majority in the Knesset, national elections were rescheduled for sometime in 2013. Analysts are still studying the impact this "unity government" will have upon Israel and its relations with the Palestinians including the dialogue concerning a two-state solution, and upon the continued threat of an attack upon the nuclear facilities in Iran. Stay tuned - this could get very interesting.
Friends, we didn't have time this week to talk about what is happening in Russia with the inauguration of Vladimir Putin as the new President. Mother Russia wants to play a role in world politics and from Scripture we know this will happen. We also didn't have time to talk about what is happening in Africa, a continent that has seemed to be in constant turmoil since the days that colonization ended in the 1960's. And what about Syria - will Assad survive? And Egypt - what will be the result of its presidential elections later this spring?
Friends, become a student of your world because you are a study of His Word. You cannot separate the one from the other. Remember these words of Jesus: "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near" (Luke 21:28).
When there is no more money and promises are made that can no longer be kept, what are the people to do? Well, there are two things they can do. We witnessed the first last summer with the riots that occurred in Greece. And we witnessed the second this past week.
Let's begin in France. The now former President Sarkozy had instituted some tough economic changes into the French economy that would impact every level of French society, but especially hitting the middle class harder. During the campaign, Sarkozy had pledged to cut heath care spending and find savings of over $125 billion euros over the next four years through spending cuts and new revenue. His challenger, Francois Hollande stated that he would increase government spending by over $20 billion euros over the next five years. Angela Charlton, writing for the Associated Press, stated: "Hollande wants to renegotiate a hard-won European treaty on budget cuts that Germany's Angela Merkel and Sarkozy had championed. He wants more government stimulus, and more government spending in general despite concerns from markets that France needs to urgently trim its huge debts." As the election returns came in, Hollande was declared the winner having received 52% of the vote. Hollande, himself a Socialist, has declared that the way out of national economic problems is to "tax and spend" even when there is nothing to spend. One of the consequences of the French elections is the uncertainty in the stock markets around the globe this week.
Now, let's turn our attention to Greece. Yes, the Greeks had an election on Sunday as well, voting for members to its 300-seat Parliament. The question was: would the two centrist parties retain enough seats to continue their coalition based upon severe economic reforms and austerity measures. When the dust settled on Sunday evening, the Greek voters were heard loud and clear. Two extreme parties - one on the left, the other on the right - had garnered enough votes that those seats will now make an impact upon the Greek economic future. Some analysts immediately proclaimed that Greece would be leaving the Eurozone and reviving its own currency. The people had grown tired of the hardships. They wanted a return to the way things "used to be."
So, what is happening in Europe. People have come to view entitlements as rights. Big governments are to take care of the people. Big governments are to provide for my needs. The only problem with big governments is that they demand a lot of money. It takes a lot of money to take care of people. It takes a lot of money to provide for people's needs. And, where does the money come from? It comes from the people through taxes. Did you know that the Bible commands us to pay our taxes? In fact, Jesus Himself declared that we should "render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's" (Matthew 22:21). The Apostle Paul reminded his Roman believers, "Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes..." (Romans 13:7). In the ancient world, everyone paid their taxes. Even the very poorest paid their taxes. Even as God was giving the Law, it was provided that no one was to be exempt from offering sacrifices because of poverty - there was the offering of the poor that was instituted. The problem today is that not everyone is paying their taxes. In fact, nearly half of Americans do not pay any income tax. When you cut revenue sources by stating that some do not have to pay, yet, at the same time, increase spending - the inevitable is a financial crisis of epic proportions. The old guard leaders in Europe have finally come to their senses...but it has not trickled down to the general population. When one becomes used to having "free bread" it is hard to now have to earn it.
Let me share just one more very important news item that occurred over this past weekend. Moments before a resolution dissolving the Israeli Parliament, known as the Knesset, and authorizing new elections on September 4 was to be voted upon, Prime Minister Netanyahu, leader of the Likud Party, announced formation of a "unity government" with the new Kadima Party leader Shaul Mofaz. (You might remember that the Kadima Party's roots were in the Likud Party; the Kadima Party being formed by former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon back in 2004 or so). With now a super majority in the Knesset, national elections were rescheduled for sometime in 2013. Analysts are still studying the impact this "unity government" will have upon Israel and its relations with the Palestinians including the dialogue concerning a two-state solution, and upon the continued threat of an attack upon the nuclear facilities in Iran. Stay tuned - this could get very interesting.
Friends, we didn't have time this week to talk about what is happening in Russia with the inauguration of Vladimir Putin as the new President. Mother Russia wants to play a role in world politics and from Scripture we know this will happen. We also didn't have time to talk about what is happening in Africa, a continent that has seemed to be in constant turmoil since the days that colonization ended in the 1960's. And what about Syria - will Assad survive? And Egypt - what will be the result of its presidential elections later this spring?
Friends, become a student of your world because you are a study of His Word. You cannot separate the one from the other. Remember these words of Jesus: "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near" (Luke 21:28).
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Suffering for Jesus - It Is No Longer Just a Theory
The Apostle Peter, writing to believers in the First Century, admonished them thusly: "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ... However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?" (1 Peter 4:12-14, 16-17).
The Suffering Church - a concept that we more closely identify with places such as Iran, Iraq, North Korea, China, and now Egypt with the countless Coptic Christians who have been psersecuted by radical Islamic extremists. We even set aside a special Sunday every fall when churches are invited to spend time in their worship services to pray for the persecuted church. Somehow here in America we have thought ourselves exempt from such admonishments that Peter gave. But, my friends, time are changing.
I came across the following article this past week that will help me illustrate the reality of what Peter said so many centuries ago. You can find the article at: www.radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top-stories/anti-bullying. I recommend you link to this article and read it for yourselves. It concerns what happened during a speech given about anti-bullying at the National High School Journalism Conference sponsored by the Journalism Education Association and the National Scholastic Press Association. Hundreds of high school teens from around the country attended this conference. One of the speakers was Dan Savage, founder of the "It Gets Better" project which is an anti-bullying campaign that has reached millions of viewers.
As Dan Savage gave his speech, it became an episode of Christian-bashing. Rick Tuttle, the journalism advisor for Sutter (CA) Union High School, said, "I thought this would be about anti-bullying. It turned into a pointed attack on Christian beliefs. It became hostile. It felt hostile as we were sitting in the audience - especially towards Christians who espouse beliefs that he was literally taking on." Savage's speech was laced with vulgarities and other sexual innuendoes that certainly were not appropriate for an audience of high schoolers.
The article records an interview of a 17-year old girl who was one of the many who walked out during the speech. She related, "The first thing he told the audience was, 'I hope you're all using birth control.' He said there are people using the Bible as an excuse for gay bullying, because it says in Leviticus and Romans that being gay is wrong. Right after that, he said we can ignore all the (expletive deleted) in the Bible." As these students were leaving the room Savage is reported to have called them "pansy-assed."
Friends, there is room for toleration of Islamists today and we allow them the special privileges that they request. There is tolerance for atheists who have blatantly turned against God. But there is no tolerance today for Christians who dare to stand up for biblical truths and principles founded upon those truths. Just look at how evangelical believers are portrayed in movies and on television programs. They are the ones who are backward thinking and certainly not progressive. Look at how educators are rewriting the history books to eliminate the strong influences of Christianity in those formative years of our nation's founding. Look at how we have almost had to fight for the freedom to say "Merry Christmas" during the time of the celebration of Christ's birth. Or think of how many Christian employees are asked to do something for the advancement of their company that might be questionable biblically. What do you do?
The Apostle Peter would say that we should not be surprised. Suffering is coming. And the admonishment is not to be ashamed when it happens. How are we to respond? How can we be encouraged? I believe that is the role of the Body of Christ. As we gather, whether for corporate worship or in small groups, we are to encourage one another, and, as the writer of Hebrews states, "even more as you see the Day drawing near" (hebrews 10:25). It also behooves the Church to clearly define what those essentials of the faith truly are. What are those values that are worth contending for and even dying for? (Jude 3)
What happened at the Journalism Conference is a forerunner of what, I believe, will happen in the coming days as we get closer to the return of Jesus. May we be prepared with a resolution as strong as was Daniel's (see Daniel 1:8).
The Suffering Church - a concept that we more closely identify with places such as Iran, Iraq, North Korea, China, and now Egypt with the countless Coptic Christians who have been psersecuted by radical Islamic extremists. We even set aside a special Sunday every fall when churches are invited to spend time in their worship services to pray for the persecuted church. Somehow here in America we have thought ourselves exempt from such admonishments that Peter gave. But, my friends, time are changing.
I came across the following article this past week that will help me illustrate the reality of what Peter said so many centuries ago. You can find the article at: www.radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top-stories/anti-bullying. I recommend you link to this article and read it for yourselves. It concerns what happened during a speech given about anti-bullying at the National High School Journalism Conference sponsored by the Journalism Education Association and the National Scholastic Press Association. Hundreds of high school teens from around the country attended this conference. One of the speakers was Dan Savage, founder of the "It Gets Better" project which is an anti-bullying campaign that has reached millions of viewers.
As Dan Savage gave his speech, it became an episode of Christian-bashing. Rick Tuttle, the journalism advisor for Sutter (CA) Union High School, said, "I thought this would be about anti-bullying. It turned into a pointed attack on Christian beliefs. It became hostile. It felt hostile as we were sitting in the audience - especially towards Christians who espouse beliefs that he was literally taking on." Savage's speech was laced with vulgarities and other sexual innuendoes that certainly were not appropriate for an audience of high schoolers.
The article records an interview of a 17-year old girl who was one of the many who walked out during the speech. She related, "The first thing he told the audience was, 'I hope you're all using birth control.' He said there are people using the Bible as an excuse for gay bullying, because it says in Leviticus and Romans that being gay is wrong. Right after that, he said we can ignore all the (expletive deleted) in the Bible." As these students were leaving the room Savage is reported to have called them "pansy-assed."
Friends, there is room for toleration of Islamists today and we allow them the special privileges that they request. There is tolerance for atheists who have blatantly turned against God. But there is no tolerance today for Christians who dare to stand up for biblical truths and principles founded upon those truths. Just look at how evangelical believers are portrayed in movies and on television programs. They are the ones who are backward thinking and certainly not progressive. Look at how educators are rewriting the history books to eliminate the strong influences of Christianity in those formative years of our nation's founding. Look at how we have almost had to fight for the freedom to say "Merry Christmas" during the time of the celebration of Christ's birth. Or think of how many Christian employees are asked to do something for the advancement of their company that might be questionable biblically. What do you do?
The Apostle Peter would say that we should not be surprised. Suffering is coming. And the admonishment is not to be ashamed when it happens. How are we to respond? How can we be encouraged? I believe that is the role of the Body of Christ. As we gather, whether for corporate worship or in small groups, we are to encourage one another, and, as the writer of Hebrews states, "even more as you see the Day drawing near" (hebrews 10:25). It also behooves the Church to clearly define what those essentials of the faith truly are. What are those values that are worth contending for and even dying for? (Jude 3)
What happened at the Journalism Conference is a forerunner of what, I believe, will happen in the coming days as we get closer to the return of Jesus. May we be prepared with a resolution as strong as was Daniel's (see Daniel 1:8).
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
A Tribute to Chuck Colson
The Christian world lost a giant this past week with the home-going of Chuck Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship. He was 80 years old and entered into glory following a brief illness. In many ways Dr. Colson touched each of our lives influencing us to become better ambassadors for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
As I read the various news articles about his death, I was intrigued as to how Chuck Colson was presented by the mainstream media. Such terms as "former Watergate conspirator" and "Nixon's hatchet-man" were used. Yes, that was what Chuck Colson used to be. He did not hide the fact that he was a man driven by power during those days of the Nixon Administration in the late 1960's into the early 1970's. Yes, he did state on one occasion that he would do anything to help President Nixon to a second term, even if it meant killing his grandmother with an axe, thus the term "hatchet-man." And, yes he was deeply involved in what proved to be one of the greatest scandals in American political history - Watergate. But, like I said, that is what he was. How the media missed relating who Chuck Colson had become.
After being convicted for the role he played in the Watergate scandal, Chuck Colson was sent to a Federal prison. There he could have grown more calloused and cold-hearted, as many prisoners become. But God had other plans and purposes for Mr. Colson. While in prison and through the efforts of many, including that of the late Iowa Senator Harold Hughes, Chuck Colson came to know the love and forgiveness that come only through Jesus Christ. His life was dramatically changed - by the way, isn't that what Jesus still does and He does it so well. Upon his release from prison, God laid it upon Chuck Colson's heart to begin a ministry that would impact the lives of prisoners. Thus was born Prison Fellowship, a ministry that literally began to change prisoners and prison systems around the world. Through the program called Angel Tree, the families of prisoners were remembered at Christmas time with gifts given as if the incarcerated mom or dad had made the purchases. Wholeness was restored to the families of prisoners. And through Prison Fellowship a model program was created that not only taught prisoners useful skills, but focused upon the change of heart that was needed so that the ways of evil would not be perpetuated upon release from prison.
Chuck Colson became one of the great Christian apologists of our time. His book, "How Now Shall We Live?" is a classic that every believer should read, or that every church should consider offering as a small group study. And his book, "Kingdoms in Conflict," helped me to better understand the clash between the spiritual and the natural worlds. Stories told in that book will be forever remembered. He was truly a man who understood the times and the culture and sought to bring truth to each situation.
As I reflected upon how the world viewed Chuck Colson - the "hatchet-man" - I remembered how the world viewed Rahab. You remember her story told for us in Joshua 2. She was a harlot living in Jericho who came to believe in the God of the Hebrews. At the risk of her own life, she hid the two spies sent by Joshua, and because of her faith she and her family were the only survivors of the destruction of Jericho. Yet, how does the Bible remember her? In Hebrews 11:31 - that great Hall of Faith chapter - we read, "By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient." And in James 2:25 - that great portion of Scripture that encouraged the demonstration of faith through works - we read, "In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off to a different location?" It is not "Rahab the heroine." It is not "Rahab the first Gentile convert in the Promised Land." No, it is "Rahab the prostitute." The world may remember us for what we were, but praise God, He knows us for what we are!
As I close the blog today, I want to say "Happy Birthday" to the Jewish people upon the 64th birthday of the State of Israel. I have been privileged to have been alive as long as the Jewish state as existed. And I have been blessed to have visited Israel seven times and to have fallen in love with its people, its history, and its culture. They have not been an easy 64 years, but God has been faithful and the people have been blessed. May the favor of God be shown to them in increasing ways until the time of the Messiah comes.
As I read the various news articles about his death, I was intrigued as to how Chuck Colson was presented by the mainstream media. Such terms as "former Watergate conspirator" and "Nixon's hatchet-man" were used. Yes, that was what Chuck Colson used to be. He did not hide the fact that he was a man driven by power during those days of the Nixon Administration in the late 1960's into the early 1970's. Yes, he did state on one occasion that he would do anything to help President Nixon to a second term, even if it meant killing his grandmother with an axe, thus the term "hatchet-man." And, yes he was deeply involved in what proved to be one of the greatest scandals in American political history - Watergate. But, like I said, that is what he was. How the media missed relating who Chuck Colson had become.
After being convicted for the role he played in the Watergate scandal, Chuck Colson was sent to a Federal prison. There he could have grown more calloused and cold-hearted, as many prisoners become. But God had other plans and purposes for Mr. Colson. While in prison and through the efforts of many, including that of the late Iowa Senator Harold Hughes, Chuck Colson came to know the love and forgiveness that come only through Jesus Christ. His life was dramatically changed - by the way, isn't that what Jesus still does and He does it so well. Upon his release from prison, God laid it upon Chuck Colson's heart to begin a ministry that would impact the lives of prisoners. Thus was born Prison Fellowship, a ministry that literally began to change prisoners and prison systems around the world. Through the program called Angel Tree, the families of prisoners were remembered at Christmas time with gifts given as if the incarcerated mom or dad had made the purchases. Wholeness was restored to the families of prisoners. And through Prison Fellowship a model program was created that not only taught prisoners useful skills, but focused upon the change of heart that was needed so that the ways of evil would not be perpetuated upon release from prison.
Chuck Colson became one of the great Christian apologists of our time. His book, "How Now Shall We Live?" is a classic that every believer should read, or that every church should consider offering as a small group study. And his book, "Kingdoms in Conflict," helped me to better understand the clash between the spiritual and the natural worlds. Stories told in that book will be forever remembered. He was truly a man who understood the times and the culture and sought to bring truth to each situation.
As I reflected upon how the world viewed Chuck Colson - the "hatchet-man" - I remembered how the world viewed Rahab. You remember her story told for us in Joshua 2. She was a harlot living in Jericho who came to believe in the God of the Hebrews. At the risk of her own life, she hid the two spies sent by Joshua, and because of her faith she and her family were the only survivors of the destruction of Jericho. Yet, how does the Bible remember her? In Hebrews 11:31 - that great Hall of Faith chapter - we read, "By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient." And in James 2:25 - that great portion of Scripture that encouraged the demonstration of faith through works - we read, "In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off to a different location?" It is not "Rahab the heroine." It is not "Rahab the first Gentile convert in the Promised Land." No, it is "Rahab the prostitute." The world may remember us for what we were, but praise God, He knows us for what we are!
As I close the blog today, I want to say "Happy Birthday" to the Jewish people upon the 64th birthday of the State of Israel. I have been privileged to have been alive as long as the Jewish state as existed. And I have been blessed to have visited Israel seven times and to have fallen in love with its people, its history, and its culture. They have not been an easy 64 years, but God has been faithful and the people have been blessed. May the favor of God be shown to them in increasing ways until the time of the Messiah comes.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Yom HaShoa
This evening marks the beginning of a very special 24 hour period of time for the nation of Israel, a day known as Yom HaShoa, or the Day of Remembrance. It is a time when the Jewish people stop and recognize those six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust of World War II.
This "final solution" plan created, authorized, and carried out by the Nazi Germans is still perhaps the greatest act of genocide that this world has ever seen. Its purpose was the systematic elimination of a group of people, not based upon any type of national or tribal identity, but upon a religious identification - they were Jews. There were Hungarian Jews. There were Polish Jews. There were French Jews. There were Italian Jews. There were Russian Jews. There were German Jews - Jews who had helped Germany begin to rebuild after the devastation of World War I. There were Jews who were bankers. There were Jews who were businessmen. There were Jews who were engineers and technicians. There were Jews who were musicians and artists. There were Jews who were public officials. There were Jewish infants and children. There were Jewish mothers and fathers. There were Jewish grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles. There were Jewish brothers and sisters. Age, nationality, professional skills made no difference. If you were a Jew you were a wanted person. And either you were murdered immediately upon your surrender, or you were sent to an extermination camp - Auschwitz, being one of the major ones - where you were either worked until you died, or sent to the gas chambers for a quick death. And six million were murdered.
And so the people of Israel will remember. Tonight a special service will be held at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial and Museum. Both Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Peres will give speeches. Six torches will be lit, commemorating the six million who died. Each of the torches will be lit by a survivor of the Holocaust. And tomorrow at 10:00 a.m., across Israel sirens will sound for two minutes. Everything in Israel will come to a complete standstill - literally. On the freeways, cars and buses and trucks will stop with their drivers and passengers getting out and standing at attention for those two minutes. Business will stop transactions as employers and employees stand at attention out of respect for those whose lives were so brutally snuffed out.
And so the people of Israel will remember. And you might ask, "Max, why is it so important?" The answer is rather simple: If we fail to remember, then we will forget. There are voices crying out loudly today denying that the Holocaust actually happened or, if it did, it was not as bad as we have made it out to be. Friends, I have walked the ghost-filled streets of Auschwitz and entered into those rooms that still echo the screams of pain and sorrow of those whose lives had no value. It was an experience I shall never forget. We must remember...we must!
And as I think of Yom HaShoa, I am reminded of how often God tells us to remember. In Joshua 4, after the miraculous crossing of the flooded Jordan River, the people of Israel were commanded to erect a memorial so they would not forget what God had done for them. Even the Lord Jesus instructed us that as we partake of the bread and cup that we were to remember His death until He comes. Why do we celebrate Communion? It is because God does not want us to forget the price paid for our salvation.
So I was thinking, perhaps tomorrow at 10:00 a.m., it would be good if we all just stopped briefly what we are doing, and remember our Jewish friends and also remember the great gift God has given to us in the person of Jesus Christ. We must remember...we absolutely must!
This "final solution" plan created, authorized, and carried out by the Nazi Germans is still perhaps the greatest act of genocide that this world has ever seen. Its purpose was the systematic elimination of a group of people, not based upon any type of national or tribal identity, but upon a religious identification - they were Jews. There were Hungarian Jews. There were Polish Jews. There were French Jews. There were Italian Jews. There were Russian Jews. There were German Jews - Jews who had helped Germany begin to rebuild after the devastation of World War I. There were Jews who were bankers. There were Jews who were businessmen. There were Jews who were engineers and technicians. There were Jews who were musicians and artists. There were Jews who were public officials. There were Jewish infants and children. There were Jewish mothers and fathers. There were Jewish grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles. There were Jewish brothers and sisters. Age, nationality, professional skills made no difference. If you were a Jew you were a wanted person. And either you were murdered immediately upon your surrender, or you were sent to an extermination camp - Auschwitz, being one of the major ones - where you were either worked until you died, or sent to the gas chambers for a quick death. And six million were murdered.
And so the people of Israel will remember. Tonight a special service will be held at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial and Museum. Both Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Peres will give speeches. Six torches will be lit, commemorating the six million who died. Each of the torches will be lit by a survivor of the Holocaust. And tomorrow at 10:00 a.m., across Israel sirens will sound for two minutes. Everything in Israel will come to a complete standstill - literally. On the freeways, cars and buses and trucks will stop with their drivers and passengers getting out and standing at attention for those two minutes. Business will stop transactions as employers and employees stand at attention out of respect for those whose lives were so brutally snuffed out.
And so the people of Israel will remember. And you might ask, "Max, why is it so important?" The answer is rather simple: If we fail to remember, then we will forget. There are voices crying out loudly today denying that the Holocaust actually happened or, if it did, it was not as bad as we have made it out to be. Friends, I have walked the ghost-filled streets of Auschwitz and entered into those rooms that still echo the screams of pain and sorrow of those whose lives had no value. It was an experience I shall never forget. We must remember...we must!
And as I think of Yom HaShoa, I am reminded of how often God tells us to remember. In Joshua 4, after the miraculous crossing of the flooded Jordan River, the people of Israel were commanded to erect a memorial so they would not forget what God had done for them. Even the Lord Jesus instructed us that as we partake of the bread and cup that we were to remember His death until He comes. Why do we celebrate Communion? It is because God does not want us to forget the price paid for our salvation.
So I was thinking, perhaps tomorrow at 10:00 a.m., it would be good if we all just stopped briefly what we are doing, and remember our Jewish friends and also remember the great gift God has given to us in the person of Jesus Christ. We must remember...we absolutely must!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
An Easter Postscript
Easter has come and gone. We joined our voices in singing that great Easter hymn, "Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Hallelujah!" affirming the realities of His resurrection. We responded to the acclamation, "He is risen!," with joy and delight, "He is risen, indeed!" The cross was remembered. The sufferings of Jesus were remembered. The empty tomb was celebrated. Now, it is back to life as usual.
Unfortunately that is often how it is. Many of those who jammed into our crowded sanctuaries and worship centers this past Sunday will not be seen again...until Christmas. The enthusiasm of preparation and remembering will quickly fade into the humdrum of the ordinary. Why does our Christian walk seem to be so ordinary? Why is the excitement so quickly dissolved? How can we maintain an "Easter enthusiasm" throughout the remainder of the year?
Let me suggest that we need to, first of all, have a new vision of Jesus Christ. The disciples' joys had vanished after the arrest and later crucifixion of Jesus. I believe it was a pretty somber group there in that Upper Room those two days, huddling and fearing that sudden knock on the door. But then Jesus came and those joys were restored. I believe it is time for us to look around and see Jesus in our places of employment. In our homes and families. In our neighborhoods. In our towns and villages. In our playgrounds. It seems that we don't look for Jesus anymore, at least we don't expect Him to show up. Perhaps if we would begin to write down those "Jesus sightings" on a daily basis we might rediscover the excitement that seeing Jesus can bring. Get out of your Upper Room and see Jesus around you. He is there, make no mistake about that!
Next, let's have a renewed passion for the Scriptures. I shall always remember that statement from the lips of those two who walked with Jesus that day along the Emmaus Road: "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us" (Luke 24:32). Friend, when was the last time you truly got excited over a portion of the Word of God? When was the last time you read a passage, then re-read it, then re-read it again, not wanting to leave it because of its impact upon your heart and soul? May the Word of God become more precious to us than gold and silver.
Yes, Easter is past; but the realities of the resurrection of Jesus are never past. They are to be experienced every day. They are to be our daily hope. They are to be our constant encouragement. Friends, don't let the joys of Easter fade from your life. May the excitement of that news "He is risen, indeed!" stimulate you to love and good deeds for Him.
Unfortunately that is often how it is. Many of those who jammed into our crowded sanctuaries and worship centers this past Sunday will not be seen again...until Christmas. The enthusiasm of preparation and remembering will quickly fade into the humdrum of the ordinary. Why does our Christian walk seem to be so ordinary? Why is the excitement so quickly dissolved? How can we maintain an "Easter enthusiasm" throughout the remainder of the year?
Let me suggest that we need to, first of all, have a new vision of Jesus Christ. The disciples' joys had vanished after the arrest and later crucifixion of Jesus. I believe it was a pretty somber group there in that Upper Room those two days, huddling and fearing that sudden knock on the door. But then Jesus came and those joys were restored. I believe it is time for us to look around and see Jesus in our places of employment. In our homes and families. In our neighborhoods. In our towns and villages. In our playgrounds. It seems that we don't look for Jesus anymore, at least we don't expect Him to show up. Perhaps if we would begin to write down those "Jesus sightings" on a daily basis we might rediscover the excitement that seeing Jesus can bring. Get out of your Upper Room and see Jesus around you. He is there, make no mistake about that!
Next, let's have a renewed passion for the Scriptures. I shall always remember that statement from the lips of those two who walked with Jesus that day along the Emmaus Road: "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us" (Luke 24:32). Friend, when was the last time you truly got excited over a portion of the Word of God? When was the last time you read a passage, then re-read it, then re-read it again, not wanting to leave it because of its impact upon your heart and soul? May the Word of God become more precious to us than gold and silver.
Yes, Easter is past; but the realities of the resurrection of Jesus are never past. They are to be experienced every day. They are to be our daily hope. They are to be our constant encouragement. Friends, don't let the joys of Easter fade from your life. May the excitement of that news "He is risen, indeed!" stimulate you to love and good deeds for Him.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Some Thoughts for Easter and Passover
We are in the middle of a very special week known as Holy Week. Historically it has been the most sacred of weeks in Christianity marking the remembrance of Christ's death and resurrection. Our salvation from sin is predicated upon the fact of the death of Christ on the cross and the assurance of that salvation is guaranteed by the resurrection of Christ from the grave. There could be no resurrection without a death, but the death of Christ in and of itself had no value apart from the resurrection. The Apostle Paul put it this way: "For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:16-17). The true significance of Good Friday is found in the reality of Easter morning.
But this is also a very special week for our Jewish friends. Friday sunset will mark the beginning of Passover, the most anticipated of Jewish celebrations. At the Seder on Friday evening, families will gather around the dinner table and methodically retell the story of the exodus from Egypt so many centuries ago. Unleavened bread, known as "matzah," will be eaten remembering that the people did not have time to bake regular bread that night before leaving Egypt. Through symbolic foods on the Seder plate - a roasted egg, the shank bone of a lamb, some horseradish slices, a mixture of chopped apples and nuts and cinnamon, and a few sprigs of parsley along with some salt water - the story of the exodus will continue. The Seder is a yearly reminder to each family member of the faithfulness of God in the past and of His faithfulness in the present. The Seder closes with these words "Next year in Jerusalem" as a reminder that God is not finished with His people yet. They have a hope.
But, even as we celebrate, along with our Jewish friends, the power of God and His faithfulness, there are voices within the world crying out for the destruction of God and of God's people. In an interview conducted by the Fars News Agency (the main news source within Iran), the Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi said that Iran's home-grown capabilities (speaking with reference to their production of weapons) have not only made the country self-sufficient in various field, but also given it the ability to help other countries. Did this statement contain the veiled threat that Iran would be willing to export its nuclear capabilities to other nations like itself? But such a statement causes Israeli leadership to ponder the serious threat a nuclear Iran could be. There is an urgency of the hour. As Prime Minister Netanyahu said when he was in Washington last month, "time is running out." Many believe that Israel is already posturing itself for an attack upon Iran that could happen before summer begins. Certainly the threat is not going away.
Of further concern for Israel, and should also be for our nation as well, was the announcement this past week that the Muslim Brotherhood will present a candidate for the office of president of Egypt. A year ago the Muslim Brotherhood had stated that it would not run a candidate for the presidency, but claims the Egyptian military establishment has not done enough to help Egypt in this time of revolution. Israel and the United States both know the intentions of the Muslim Brotherhood, namely the destruction of the state of Israel. Therefore, the elections to be held in Egypt on May 23 and 24 are critically important to watch. Just another sign of the further isolation of Israel in the Middle Eastern world.
Just a final note: We now know who to blame for the rising costs of gasoline. Anyone want to take a guess? The logical choice would be George W Bush for, after all, everything is laid at his doorstep. According to an article on the IsraelNationalNews.com website (April 3), Israel is to blame for the higher gasoline prices because of "Israel's posturing" on Iran. Just thought you would want to know. I guess we can get into a long line of history that places the blame for all the world's problems upon the people of Israel. They have carried this burden almost since the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. If we do not know history, we are bound to repeat it. I keep finding this fact to be more evident in our world today.
As I close I want to wish you and your family a thoughtful Good Friday and a blessed and joyous Easter Sunday. And, for my Jewish friends, I wish you and your family a blessed Pesach. Together may we join hands and say, "Next year in Jerusalem!"
But this is also a very special week for our Jewish friends. Friday sunset will mark the beginning of Passover, the most anticipated of Jewish celebrations. At the Seder on Friday evening, families will gather around the dinner table and methodically retell the story of the exodus from Egypt so many centuries ago. Unleavened bread, known as "matzah," will be eaten remembering that the people did not have time to bake regular bread that night before leaving Egypt. Through symbolic foods on the Seder plate - a roasted egg, the shank bone of a lamb, some horseradish slices, a mixture of chopped apples and nuts and cinnamon, and a few sprigs of parsley along with some salt water - the story of the exodus will continue. The Seder is a yearly reminder to each family member of the faithfulness of God in the past and of His faithfulness in the present. The Seder closes with these words "Next year in Jerusalem" as a reminder that God is not finished with His people yet. They have a hope.
But, even as we celebrate, along with our Jewish friends, the power of God and His faithfulness, there are voices within the world crying out for the destruction of God and of God's people. In an interview conducted by the Fars News Agency (the main news source within Iran), the Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi said that Iran's home-grown capabilities (speaking with reference to their production of weapons) have not only made the country self-sufficient in various field, but also given it the ability to help other countries. Did this statement contain the veiled threat that Iran would be willing to export its nuclear capabilities to other nations like itself? But such a statement causes Israeli leadership to ponder the serious threat a nuclear Iran could be. There is an urgency of the hour. As Prime Minister Netanyahu said when he was in Washington last month, "time is running out." Many believe that Israel is already posturing itself for an attack upon Iran that could happen before summer begins. Certainly the threat is not going away.
Of further concern for Israel, and should also be for our nation as well, was the announcement this past week that the Muslim Brotherhood will present a candidate for the office of president of Egypt. A year ago the Muslim Brotherhood had stated that it would not run a candidate for the presidency, but claims the Egyptian military establishment has not done enough to help Egypt in this time of revolution. Israel and the United States both know the intentions of the Muslim Brotherhood, namely the destruction of the state of Israel. Therefore, the elections to be held in Egypt on May 23 and 24 are critically important to watch. Just another sign of the further isolation of Israel in the Middle Eastern world.
Just a final note: We now know who to blame for the rising costs of gasoline. Anyone want to take a guess? The logical choice would be George W Bush for, after all, everything is laid at his doorstep. According to an article on the IsraelNationalNews.com website (April 3), Israel is to blame for the higher gasoline prices because of "Israel's posturing" on Iran. Just thought you would want to know. I guess we can get into a long line of history that places the blame for all the world's problems upon the people of Israel. They have carried this burden almost since the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. If we do not know history, we are bound to repeat it. I keep finding this fact to be more evident in our world today.
As I close I want to wish you and your family a thoughtful Good Friday and a blessed and joyous Easter Sunday. And, for my Jewish friends, I wish you and your family a blessed Pesach. Together may we join hands and say, "Next year in Jerusalem!"
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