Lately the news has not been too encouraging, especially if you are only living for this life. Wall Street has been riding a roller-coaster down some pretty precipitous slopes. If you are not buckled in...well, you just might fall out. Governmental leaders are now talking about a bail out of the failed banking system using figures that I can't get my hands around. Can you comprehend $700 billion? I don't understand what $1 million is like, let along nearly one million million dollars. Where is that money coming from? I guess you and I will be coughing it up someday. There seems to be a long line in Washington these days, all of them with their hands open looking for hand outs. And I thought the management of a local church's Deacon Fund was difficult (I had those responsibilities back in the early 80's during my days in Chicago). Confident of Wall Street...shaky at best.
And the political electioneering continues at a feverish pace. Although both candidates purport to be agents bringing change to Washington, I am highly skeptical that either will do that. It has been so long since the Washington establishment has even considered making changes...and I doubt they will reconsider any time soon. Yet we will continue selecting new faces who promise us change...and soon they become just like the old faces who have been there almost forever. Confident of Washington...certainly not where I want to stake my hope.
These week we have heard the nearly endless cycle of speeches being given by the world's leaders before the General Assembly of the United Nations. Some, with saber in hand, come spouting fiery contempt for the Western world, especially aiming barbs at Israel. Others reveal a profound sense of apathy toward what is happening in their world. Can the United Nations bring real peace to a world seemingly bent on tearing itself apart? Well it has had over 50 years...and its track record is most pitiful. Confident of the United Nations to bring about a secure peace anywhere in the world...it will never happen.
And what about the Church, you ask? Can a person find security there? Do you want me to be brutally honest? I believe the Church to be as confused as is the world. We argue over worship styles...you know, to drum or not to drum...ah, is that even a question worthy of being asked? We divide over how to "repackage" our faith to reach our culture. But often in our "repackaging" we forget what we are to package, leaving us presenting a message that is without any foundation. I believe if Jesus were here He would heave great sighs of despair. We have forgotten the heart and soul of His Gospel. So, confident of the Church...not really.
So where am I to find any confidence? I am being continually drawn back to the Scriptures themselves. Not to any historical understanding of the Scriptures, although I do find referring to ancient writers and their examinations of the Word to be interesting. But I want to hear from the Word itself. I want to wrestle with those texts that I don't understand - and there are many of those. And I want to savor those texts that are meaningful to me. I want them to simmer in my heart and soul like a good soup upon a slow stove. I want all the flavors to come through. I want my life to be permeated by them. Confident of the Word...absolutely, without a doubt or hesitation. I echo the song writer: My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness;...On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
"To KJV or Not to KJV"...Why the War?
There are many wars being waged within the walls of churches today. There is the "worship war" pitting guitars against organs, hymns against spiritual songs, and hymnals against power points. Then there is what I call the "war of texts." What? You have never heard of this war? Perhaps but it is happening nonetheless. It is the struggle over which translation of the Bible to follow. It is the attempt to identify one version as being more spiritually correct than another.
Recently I was handed an article that featured the following banner: "The Message" Exposed! The writer of the article who, by the way, remained anonymous, compared the King James Version (KJV) to the Message. As I read the article I was troubled in my spirit. No, really I was angered in my spirit. Now I have nothing against the KJV. When I was growing up it was the only Bible translation readily available that had not been judged as being liberalized. (For those of you who can remember those days, the Revised Standard Version had been condemned by many evangelicals as being too liberal). So, I read the KJV. I memorized hundreds of verses from the KJV. In fact, to this day, I find memorizing from other translations incredibly difficult - guess my mind was weaned on KJV. There was a beauty within the KJV that is often lacking with today's versions.
But, is the KJV the only truly biblical translation in the 21st century? Absolutely not! Perhaps the most popular version is the New International Version (NIV). During my days at the Graduate School of Theology at Wheaton, my class on advanced Hebrew exegesis had the privilege of working alongside the translators of the Book of Isaiah for the NIV. This was one of the most eye-opening experiences. I actually got to participate in the dialogue about how words and phrases were going to be translated from Hebrew into everyday language of the 20th century. And I can honestly relate to you that it was not easy. I came to appreciate the "blood, sweat, toil, and tears" (to borrow a phrase from Winston Churchill) that went into a Bible translation.
Do we need further translations? Absolutely! Let's see. The KJV was translated in 1611, nearly 400 years ago. But since that time biblical archaeologists have unearthed hundreds of ancient biblical texts. The Dead Sea Scroll discovery in 1947 re-energized biblical translations. And I believe that more translations will appear in the coming decades as more ancient texts are discovered. Is this a good thing? Absolutely! With each discovery comes the realization that God has been superintending the translation of His Word. Have we found errors? Some, but none that changed the doctrines espoused by the Word of God. The reliability of the Word of God is untarnished...undiminished.
Now, what about that article made me so angry. Friends, "The Message" is not a translation. It is a personal paraphrase. You say, "What's the difference?" A translation works from the latest Greek and Hebrew materials available. A paraphrase is an author's restatement of a translation already in existence. Perhaps the most popular paraphrase was the Living Bible. Written by Kenneth Taylor to help his children better understand the Bible, it was a restatement of the KJV. Eugene Peterson began paraphrasing the Bible in order to help his congregation better understand the Book of Romans. While a translation helps us to understand the ancient texts, a paraphrase shares how one person has come to understand what the Scriptures say. Therefore, when I read "The Message" I am not reading the words of God, merely the words of Eugene Peterson as he came to understand those words of God. To compare the KJV with The Message is like comparing apples to radishes. Can't be done!
I value paraphrases as a tool to help to explain one interpretation as to what God is saying in the text. Would I ever build a teaching around a paraphrase's explanation? Absolutely not! The foundation for truth is the Word of God itself...a reliant, consistent, accurate translation from the Hebrew and Greek.
So, if you use the KJV, blessings upon you. But don't go around trumpeting that the KJV is the only accurate, inspired version of the Word! Because it isn't!
Recently I was handed an article that featured the following banner: "The Message" Exposed! The writer of the article who, by the way, remained anonymous, compared the King James Version (KJV) to the Message. As I read the article I was troubled in my spirit. No, really I was angered in my spirit. Now I have nothing against the KJV. When I was growing up it was the only Bible translation readily available that had not been judged as being liberalized. (For those of you who can remember those days, the Revised Standard Version had been condemned by many evangelicals as being too liberal). So, I read the KJV. I memorized hundreds of verses from the KJV. In fact, to this day, I find memorizing from other translations incredibly difficult - guess my mind was weaned on KJV. There was a beauty within the KJV that is often lacking with today's versions.
But, is the KJV the only truly biblical translation in the 21st century? Absolutely not! Perhaps the most popular version is the New International Version (NIV). During my days at the Graduate School of Theology at Wheaton, my class on advanced Hebrew exegesis had the privilege of working alongside the translators of the Book of Isaiah for the NIV. This was one of the most eye-opening experiences. I actually got to participate in the dialogue about how words and phrases were going to be translated from Hebrew into everyday language of the 20th century. And I can honestly relate to you that it was not easy. I came to appreciate the "blood, sweat, toil, and tears" (to borrow a phrase from Winston Churchill) that went into a Bible translation.
Do we need further translations? Absolutely! Let's see. The KJV was translated in 1611, nearly 400 years ago. But since that time biblical archaeologists have unearthed hundreds of ancient biblical texts. The Dead Sea Scroll discovery in 1947 re-energized biblical translations. And I believe that more translations will appear in the coming decades as more ancient texts are discovered. Is this a good thing? Absolutely! With each discovery comes the realization that God has been superintending the translation of His Word. Have we found errors? Some, but none that changed the doctrines espoused by the Word of God. The reliability of the Word of God is untarnished...undiminished.
Now, what about that article made me so angry. Friends, "The Message" is not a translation. It is a personal paraphrase. You say, "What's the difference?" A translation works from the latest Greek and Hebrew materials available. A paraphrase is an author's restatement of a translation already in existence. Perhaps the most popular paraphrase was the Living Bible. Written by Kenneth Taylor to help his children better understand the Bible, it was a restatement of the KJV. Eugene Peterson began paraphrasing the Bible in order to help his congregation better understand the Book of Romans. While a translation helps us to understand the ancient texts, a paraphrase shares how one person has come to understand what the Scriptures say. Therefore, when I read "The Message" I am not reading the words of God, merely the words of Eugene Peterson as he came to understand those words of God. To compare the KJV with The Message is like comparing apples to radishes. Can't be done!
I value paraphrases as a tool to help to explain one interpretation as to what God is saying in the text. Would I ever build a teaching around a paraphrase's explanation? Absolutely not! The foundation for truth is the Word of God itself...a reliant, consistent, accurate translation from the Hebrew and Greek.
So, if you use the KJV, blessings upon you. But don't go around trumpeting that the KJV is the only accurate, inspired version of the Word! Because it isn't!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Finishing Well through Grace
I have just finished reading a book written by Dr. David Jeremiah titled, "Captured by Grace." It is subtitled, "No One is Beyond the Reach of a Loving God." Dr. Jeremiah uses the lives of the Apostle Paul, the slaver-turned-reformer John Newton, and Newton's famous hymn, "Amazing Grace," to teach us the great principles of grace. It was truly a fascinating book and one that I would highly recommend.
Just after having read the final chapter in the book and heard once again the story of how both Paul and John Newton spent their final years, I came across a verse in Hebrews 11 that overwhelmed my soul. It is verse 13 which states, All these people were still living by faith when they died. These people ended life well. Oh the final script might not have been what they desired. I am sure that Paul did not envision dying at the hands of an executioner. Nor would John Newton have thought of being blind and of having his beloved wife precede him in death. Not one of us knows how the final chapter in our lives will be written. That chapter might end suddenly - I am thinking of those who went to work, or boarded a plane seven years ago not knowing that the chapters of their lives would end that day - but they did. Or that chapter might come through tortuous pain and difficulty as disease wrecks its worst upon us. We have absolutely no control of the closing lines in the book which is our life story.
But, what God gripped my heart with was that truth - "these people were still living by faith when they died." Do you know what John Newton's last recorded words were? "I am satisfied with the Lord's will." Do you remember what the Apostle Paul said to Timothy, knowing that his death was imminent? I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). Both the Apostle Paul and John Newton were still living by faith when they died. Both men had so been gripped by God's grace that, even in the face of death, they clung to that grace to see them through.
This got me to thinking. I have no control over the manner in which God will take me home someday. But I do have control over the attitude that I have as that journey is completed. I like to think that John Newton entered glory humming those words he had written many years before. Why not sing them as your testimony to God right now?
Amazing grace! how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed!
Thro' many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come;
'Tis grace hath bro't me safe thus far And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be, As long as life endures.
When we've been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise Than when we first begun.
Just after having read the final chapter in the book and heard once again the story of how both Paul and John Newton spent their final years, I came across a verse in Hebrews 11 that overwhelmed my soul. It is verse 13 which states, All these people were still living by faith when they died. These people ended life well. Oh the final script might not have been what they desired. I am sure that Paul did not envision dying at the hands of an executioner. Nor would John Newton have thought of being blind and of having his beloved wife precede him in death. Not one of us knows how the final chapter in our lives will be written. That chapter might end suddenly - I am thinking of those who went to work, or boarded a plane seven years ago not knowing that the chapters of their lives would end that day - but they did. Or that chapter might come through tortuous pain and difficulty as disease wrecks its worst upon us. We have absolutely no control of the closing lines in the book which is our life story.
But, what God gripped my heart with was that truth - "these people were still living by faith when they died." Do you know what John Newton's last recorded words were? "I am satisfied with the Lord's will." Do you remember what the Apostle Paul said to Timothy, knowing that his death was imminent? I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). Both the Apostle Paul and John Newton were still living by faith when they died. Both men had so been gripped by God's grace that, even in the face of death, they clung to that grace to see them through.
This got me to thinking. I have no control over the manner in which God will take me home someday. But I do have control over the attitude that I have as that journey is completed. I like to think that John Newton entered glory humming those words he had written many years before. Why not sing them as your testimony to God right now?
Amazing grace! how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed!
Thro' many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come;
'Tis grace hath bro't me safe thus far And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be, As long as life endures.
When we've been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise Than when we first begun.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Where Did That Verse Come From?
Have you ever come across a verse in the Bible that, somehow in a way you cannot explain, you had never read before? It just sort of "pops up" and says, "I am here! Pay attention to what I have to share!" Well, I had that experience a few mornings ago while I was having my quiet time. I have been spending 2008 reading straight through the New Testament. I was reading from Hebrews 2 and I read verse 18: Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted. I had not ever remembered reading those words before. Where did that verse come from?
I remembered Hebrews 4:15 very well. You will remember that it says: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. I have been eternally grateful that Jesus never sinned when He was tempted. He was victorious over those temptations. And yet the picture that came to my mind was of a strong-willed Jesus, who confronted temptation with nerves of steel. Who hit temptation head-on almost daring it to attack. I read Matthew 4 and my mind pictures a calm, quiet Jesus thwarting the attacks of Satan there in the wilderness.
Yet, this same writer to the Hebrews reassures me that Jesus truly suffered when He was tempted. I believe Jesus knew what it meant to be vulnerable to attack. Certainly, when a person has not eaten for a long period of time - to not eat for 40 days almost seems incomprehensible to me - the sight of food becomes a powerful temptation. There was that smell of freely baked bread wafting in the air. There was the rumblings from a stomach that had not been filled for nearly 6 weeks. Jesus' body knew suffering at that moment. And that is only one incident in His life.
What did God share with me from Hebrews 2:18? I believe God was saying to me, "Max, you don't have to be a macho-man all the time. It is okay to admit that you feel some pain, some heartache, some disappointment when testings come. It is also okay to even cry out, 'God, why have you forsaken me' as Jesus did upon the cross. I know the suffering of enduring temptation; but I also know the joys of being victorious over temptation."
Friends, when I read this verse, Jesus became more human to me. The only time I had ever considered that Jesus truly suffered was when He died. Yet I believe the writer to the Hebrews would have us to understand that Jesus knew the suffering of temptation, of trials, of disappointments throughout His life. Yet He was victorious. And so can you be. And so can I.
I remembered Hebrews 4:15 very well. You will remember that it says: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. I have been eternally grateful that Jesus never sinned when He was tempted. He was victorious over those temptations. And yet the picture that came to my mind was of a strong-willed Jesus, who confronted temptation with nerves of steel. Who hit temptation head-on almost daring it to attack. I read Matthew 4 and my mind pictures a calm, quiet Jesus thwarting the attacks of Satan there in the wilderness.
Yet, this same writer to the Hebrews reassures me that Jesus truly suffered when He was tempted. I believe Jesus knew what it meant to be vulnerable to attack. Certainly, when a person has not eaten for a long period of time - to not eat for 40 days almost seems incomprehensible to me - the sight of food becomes a powerful temptation. There was that smell of freely baked bread wafting in the air. There was the rumblings from a stomach that had not been filled for nearly 6 weeks. Jesus' body knew suffering at that moment. And that is only one incident in His life.
What did God share with me from Hebrews 2:18? I believe God was saying to me, "Max, you don't have to be a macho-man all the time. It is okay to admit that you feel some pain, some heartache, some disappointment when testings come. It is also okay to even cry out, 'God, why have you forsaken me' as Jesus did upon the cross. I know the suffering of enduring temptation; but I also know the joys of being victorious over temptation."
Friends, when I read this verse, Jesus became more human to me. The only time I had ever considered that Jesus truly suffered was when He died. Yet I believe the writer to the Hebrews would have us to understand that Jesus knew the suffering of temptation, of trials, of disappointments throughout His life. Yet He was victorious. And so can you be. And so can I.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
What Is Truth?
Recently I have been reading Paul's letters to his young associates, Timothy and Titus. One of the watch words of instruction is to guard, or to be careful of. We might paraphrase it this way, "Be on your toes. Be careful." Two passages in particular drew my attention. 1 Timothy 6:20-21, which states: Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith. The second passage is 2 Timothy 1:14 - Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you - guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
We live in a world where belief-systems, especially those of a fundamental, conservative, biblical faith are being attacked. Some have dared even to proclaim that there is no absolute truth upon which we can and should base our lives. Others have stated that truth is merely a relative matter. What I consider to be truth may be something that you don't acknowledge is truth. Is it little wonder that the world seems to approach insanity these days. Is there not something or someone upon which I can rest secure in the belief that an anchor has been found? Must I spend my life asking the question Pilate asked of Jesus - What is truth? What troubles me more greatly is that many Christians today have bought into that philosophy of questioning just what is truth.
Maybe I get more simplistic the older I get. But it seems to me that the Bible clearly states what truth is. It is found in the person of Jesus Christ who made this claim for Himself: I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me (John 14:6). It was this very same Jesus who told His disciples: If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:31-32). Notice Jesus did not say, "You will know some truth," or "You will know a truth," or even "You will know about truth." He said, very plainly, "You will know the truth." Either that means that there is a truth that you and I can know absolutely, or Jesus Christ was lying. There can be no middle road.
How can we know what to guard carefully, as Paul instructed Timothy? I believe those truths are communicated to us through the Word of God. Paul would declare to Timothy that all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). He also instructs Timothy to preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction (2 Timothy 4:2).
Friends, I believe it is high time that, as Christians, we diligently get back into the Scriptures. Not for the purpose of proving this or that theory, or for gaining approval for this or that practice. But to seek the truth. To anchor our souls, once again, upon the Rock Jesus Christ. Yes, there is an absolute truth. His name is Jesus Christ. And He has chosen to reveal His absolute truth to us through the Word. It is time that we truly begin to dig into His Word and to listen to His voice proclaiming those truths upon which we can confidently build our lives.
We live in a world where belief-systems, especially those of a fundamental, conservative, biblical faith are being attacked. Some have dared even to proclaim that there is no absolute truth upon which we can and should base our lives. Others have stated that truth is merely a relative matter. What I consider to be truth may be something that you don't acknowledge is truth. Is it little wonder that the world seems to approach insanity these days. Is there not something or someone upon which I can rest secure in the belief that an anchor has been found? Must I spend my life asking the question Pilate asked of Jesus - What is truth? What troubles me more greatly is that many Christians today have bought into that philosophy of questioning just what is truth.
Maybe I get more simplistic the older I get. But it seems to me that the Bible clearly states what truth is. It is found in the person of Jesus Christ who made this claim for Himself: I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me (John 14:6). It was this very same Jesus who told His disciples: If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:31-32). Notice Jesus did not say, "You will know some truth," or "You will know a truth," or even "You will know about truth." He said, very plainly, "You will know the truth." Either that means that there is a truth that you and I can know absolutely, or Jesus Christ was lying. There can be no middle road.
How can we know what to guard carefully, as Paul instructed Timothy? I believe those truths are communicated to us through the Word of God. Paul would declare to Timothy that all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). He also instructs Timothy to preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction (2 Timothy 4:2).
Friends, I believe it is high time that, as Christians, we diligently get back into the Scriptures. Not for the purpose of proving this or that theory, or for gaining approval for this or that practice. But to seek the truth. To anchor our souls, once again, upon the Rock Jesus Christ. Yes, there is an absolute truth. His name is Jesus Christ. And He has chosen to reveal His absolute truth to us through the Word. It is time that we truly begin to dig into His Word and to listen to His voice proclaiming those truths upon which we can confidently build our lives.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Olympic Lessons
Every four years the nations of the world send their very best athletes for Olympic competition. As you know, this year those games were held in Beijing, China. We have watched the precision and grace of the gymnasts, the speed of the sprinters, and the power and endurance of the swimmers. We watched with baited breath as Michael Phelps snatched victory from defeat by the slimmest of margins, then only to have the tables turned as the American swimmer Dara Torres lost her race by that same slim margin. We have witnessed the pageantry of the games. And we have observed the pride of each athlete as he or she stood upon that medal podium and heard the national anthem of his or her country being played. For a few days every four years the world comes together, often forgetting the politics and turmoil of the times, and celebrates in a spirit of good competition.
But the success of the Olympics is not the events themselves, but the stories of those who are competing. Some athletes come to the Olympics knowing that there is no possible chance for a medal. Their national anthem will never be heard. Yet they come. Why? Because these are the Olympic games and it is an honor to represent your country, even if but for one moment. Yet, there is always that possibility...as remote as it might seem...when the favorites will stumble and the door will be opened for an unknown face to rise to the top.
What makes for a successful Olympic athlete? First, there is the vision or dream which propels them forward. Each athlete, years before, envisions themselves competing with an exclusive group known as Olympians. This vision then produces a hunger and a desire to do whatever is necessary in order to enter that stadium on opening night dressed in the colors of his or her country. Every day, year after year, there remains this vision. Through the times of disappointment and heartbreak, there still is this vision. Through the gruelling hours of training and the strains of discipline, there is this vision. These athletes are driven by their vision. Second, there is the commitment to the training, the discipline, the denials, the hardships, and the sacrifices to accomplish that vision. A person does not suddenly awaken one morning and say, "I think I will compete in the Olympics this year." Most of these athletes have trained and strained and trained some more year after year after year.
As I have watched these athletes and have heard many of their stories, I have observed some truths for the Church today. The key to success is that vision, that dream. Sadly many churches today have only a vision of survival. What happened to dreaming big dreams? I had dinner with a pastoral colleague last evening and he shared with me that the leaders in his church are believing that their church could attain a membership of 500 in the next ten years...this within a community of 1200 people. Is it attainable? I don't know, but I applauded this pastor and his people for dreaming big dreams. Solomon wrote these words: where there is no vision, the people perish. May I paraphrase: Where there is no vision, churches falter and die. I like to challenge church leaders with this question: What will your church be like five years from now? If you cannot answer that question, then I doubt your church will succeed. And I also need to respond to that question as the leader of the Village Schools ministry.
The second observation is that of focus and commitment. Friends, ministry does not come easily. In fact, Jesus told us it would be difficult. Ministry is borne upon the altars of sacrifice, more sacrifice, and even more sacrifice. I remember a lady who served in our church while I was pastoring in Chicago. Her name was Ruth. She was already a grandmother. And her ministry was the kindergarten children. That was her focus. She was careful not to let other ministry opportunities - as good as they were - to cause her to lose that focus. Each of those children was loved as if they were her own grandchildren. Each was treated as if they were the only children in the church. And she was heart-broken when she had to miss a Sunday - which rarely happened. Where is our commitment to ministry today?
Why should we care? Have you seen the faces of those who mount that medal stand? There is a glow that surrounds them. Their dreams have been fulfilled. They hear the words of their coaches saying, "Well done. Good job." Friends, the day is coming when you and I will stand before our Savior anxiously hoping to hear similar words: "Well done, good and faithful servant. Go and enjoy what I have prepared for you." Will I then receive a gold medal? A silver one? Or a bronze one? I want to be like the Apostle Paul who told the Corinthians that he wanted to run to win. I want to represent Jesus Christ well. How about you?
But the success of the Olympics is not the events themselves, but the stories of those who are competing. Some athletes come to the Olympics knowing that there is no possible chance for a medal. Their national anthem will never be heard. Yet they come. Why? Because these are the Olympic games and it is an honor to represent your country, even if but for one moment. Yet, there is always that possibility...as remote as it might seem...when the favorites will stumble and the door will be opened for an unknown face to rise to the top.
What makes for a successful Olympic athlete? First, there is the vision or dream which propels them forward. Each athlete, years before, envisions themselves competing with an exclusive group known as Olympians. This vision then produces a hunger and a desire to do whatever is necessary in order to enter that stadium on opening night dressed in the colors of his or her country. Every day, year after year, there remains this vision. Through the times of disappointment and heartbreak, there still is this vision. Through the gruelling hours of training and the strains of discipline, there is this vision. These athletes are driven by their vision. Second, there is the commitment to the training, the discipline, the denials, the hardships, and the sacrifices to accomplish that vision. A person does not suddenly awaken one morning and say, "I think I will compete in the Olympics this year." Most of these athletes have trained and strained and trained some more year after year after year.
As I have watched these athletes and have heard many of their stories, I have observed some truths for the Church today. The key to success is that vision, that dream. Sadly many churches today have only a vision of survival. What happened to dreaming big dreams? I had dinner with a pastoral colleague last evening and he shared with me that the leaders in his church are believing that their church could attain a membership of 500 in the next ten years...this within a community of 1200 people. Is it attainable? I don't know, but I applauded this pastor and his people for dreaming big dreams. Solomon wrote these words: where there is no vision, the people perish. May I paraphrase: Where there is no vision, churches falter and die. I like to challenge church leaders with this question: What will your church be like five years from now? If you cannot answer that question, then I doubt your church will succeed. And I also need to respond to that question as the leader of the Village Schools ministry.
The second observation is that of focus and commitment. Friends, ministry does not come easily. In fact, Jesus told us it would be difficult. Ministry is borne upon the altars of sacrifice, more sacrifice, and even more sacrifice. I remember a lady who served in our church while I was pastoring in Chicago. Her name was Ruth. She was already a grandmother. And her ministry was the kindergarten children. That was her focus. She was careful not to let other ministry opportunities - as good as they were - to cause her to lose that focus. Each of those children was loved as if they were her own grandchildren. Each was treated as if they were the only children in the church. And she was heart-broken when she had to miss a Sunday - which rarely happened. Where is our commitment to ministry today?
Why should we care? Have you seen the faces of those who mount that medal stand? There is a glow that surrounds them. Their dreams have been fulfilled. They hear the words of their coaches saying, "Well done. Good job." Friends, the day is coming when you and I will stand before our Savior anxiously hoping to hear similar words: "Well done, good and faithful servant. Go and enjoy what I have prepared for you." Will I then receive a gold medal? A silver one? Or a bronze one? I want to be like the Apostle Paul who told the Corinthians that he wanted to run to win. I want to represent Jesus Christ well. How about you?
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Israel: Leadership Change Coming Soon
When I first began writing back in January, I shared with you that, from time to time, I would focus upon what was happening in Israel and the Middle East, especially as it might relate to prophetic times. This week I want to bring you up to date.
Last week Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced his intentions to resign following the mid-September primaries within the Kadima Party. The Prime Minister has been under a cloud of suspicion since the failed 2006 Second Lebanon War. He has been able to maintain his party's coalition government because the leaders of others within that coalition have only given threats to unravel the government. But recently Olmert was accused of fraud and other improprieties with regard to receiving money while he served as Mayor of Jerusalem. This seemed to be the straw that would "break the camel's back."
Now, like here in the United States, Israel has a lame-duck leader resulting in even greater uncertainty about the future of the Middle East, especially regarding President Bush's "Road Map" plan for peace. Who will be the new leader in Israel? That answer is as uncertain as who will be the new president in America? But let me share with you some possible scenarios.
Presently the Kadima Party holds a slim majority of seats within the Israeli Knesset, thus they hold the reigns of power. There are two individuals who will vie for the leadership of that party during the primaries in September. Tzipi Livni serves as the Foreign Minister. She is a bright, intelligent, and upcoming personality within Israeli politics. She also served with the Mossaud, the Israeli CIA. Many see her as more of a centrist in her thinking. Shaul Mofaz is the Minister of Transportation. He is an Iranian born Jew who came to Israel when he was nine. He has held several positions within the Israeli government in the past. He is considered to be more hawkish in his approach to dealings with the Palestinians. Right now polling has these two running neck to neck. Whoever will win the primary will then be given 52 days in which to form a coalition government, thus keeping the Kadima Party in power.
But - don't you just love that word - lurking in the background are two other individuals who must be taken seriously. One is Ehud Barak, the head of the Labor Party and the Defense Minister within the Cabinet. Barak served as Prime Minister during those tumultuous days in the early part of this century when Israel pulled out of Lebanon. He is a man with powerful influence and would love to be Prime Minister once again. There is much speculation as to whether he would be willing to keep the Labor Party as a coalition member under a new Kadima leadership. The other person is Benjamim Netanyahu, leader of the Likud Party, who also served as Prime Minister in the late 1990's. Mr. Netanyahu has been an outspoken critic of the Olmert government, especially in its handling of the Palestinian questions.
Should the new leader of the Kadima Party fail to create a coalition government, then the Knesset will be dissolved and new national elections will be called - probably after the first of the year. That would certainly make for an interesting race.
Now I know what you might be saying to yourself: Why should I really care about Israeli politics? Let me tell you why. The challenges the world is facing today have as their epicenter the clash between two people groups and two religions that are facing off in a country known as Israel. Friends, what happens in Jerusalem matters to those of us living in Minnesota or Iowa or Colorado. The relationships that will be established between our new President and the new leadership in Israel will matter to you. So, I will keep you posted because I want you to know.
Last week Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced his intentions to resign following the mid-September primaries within the Kadima Party. The Prime Minister has been under a cloud of suspicion since the failed 2006 Second Lebanon War. He has been able to maintain his party's coalition government because the leaders of others within that coalition have only given threats to unravel the government. But recently Olmert was accused of fraud and other improprieties with regard to receiving money while he served as Mayor of Jerusalem. This seemed to be the straw that would "break the camel's back."
Now, like here in the United States, Israel has a lame-duck leader resulting in even greater uncertainty about the future of the Middle East, especially regarding President Bush's "Road Map" plan for peace. Who will be the new leader in Israel? That answer is as uncertain as who will be the new president in America? But let me share with you some possible scenarios.
Presently the Kadima Party holds a slim majority of seats within the Israeli Knesset, thus they hold the reigns of power. There are two individuals who will vie for the leadership of that party during the primaries in September. Tzipi Livni serves as the Foreign Minister. She is a bright, intelligent, and upcoming personality within Israeli politics. She also served with the Mossaud, the Israeli CIA. Many see her as more of a centrist in her thinking. Shaul Mofaz is the Minister of Transportation. He is an Iranian born Jew who came to Israel when he was nine. He has held several positions within the Israeli government in the past. He is considered to be more hawkish in his approach to dealings with the Palestinians. Right now polling has these two running neck to neck. Whoever will win the primary will then be given 52 days in which to form a coalition government, thus keeping the Kadima Party in power.
But - don't you just love that word - lurking in the background are two other individuals who must be taken seriously. One is Ehud Barak, the head of the Labor Party and the Defense Minister within the Cabinet. Barak served as Prime Minister during those tumultuous days in the early part of this century when Israel pulled out of Lebanon. He is a man with powerful influence and would love to be Prime Minister once again. There is much speculation as to whether he would be willing to keep the Labor Party as a coalition member under a new Kadima leadership. The other person is Benjamim Netanyahu, leader of the Likud Party, who also served as Prime Minister in the late 1990's. Mr. Netanyahu has been an outspoken critic of the Olmert government, especially in its handling of the Palestinian questions.
Should the new leader of the Kadima Party fail to create a coalition government, then the Knesset will be dissolved and new national elections will be called - probably after the first of the year. That would certainly make for an interesting race.
Now I know what you might be saying to yourself: Why should I really care about Israeli politics? Let me tell you why. The challenges the world is facing today have as their epicenter the clash between two people groups and two religions that are facing off in a country known as Israel. Friends, what happens in Jerusalem matters to those of us living in Minnesota or Iowa or Colorado. The relationships that will be established between our new President and the new leadership in Israel will matter to you. So, I will keep you posted because I want you to know.
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