The Journey

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these
brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Matthew 25:40

Recently a church youth group was on a wilderness back-packing expedition and got lost. It was supposed to be a half-day trip, so they soon ran out of water in the Texas heat. One boy especially became dehydrated and seriously ill. Another hiked miles to get help, then hiked back with rescue team to show them the location. A helicopter came and took him and this now seriously ill friend to a hospital over 100 miles away. The other hikers were provided supplies and were eventually trucked out. Fortunately, the rescue was in time – the young man’s life was saved.

Nice story, so far. Right? Here is where it gets dicey. Our young hero is now in the hospital waiting room. He calls home to bring mom and dad up to date. So far so good. The boy continues his vigil, but soon realizes a predicament – he has no money, the rest of the group is still hours away, he needs food and a place to stay. The hospital staff suggests the local shelter for the night. He calls home again.

Dad goes ballistic. He calls the hospital, gives his credit card number and insists that his son be taken care of. Put him in nearby hotel till the parents can get there in the morning. Forget this Homeless Shelter stuff. Both father and son (who happened to be 17 years old and over 6′ 4″) are convinced that such a suggestion is insane. Why? The lad responds, “Hey, I don’t have anything against homeless people. I’ve done my service projects for church at the shelter at home, but I don’t need to stay with them or have them sleeping near me. Yuck!”

What do you think? I do not mean to pick on someone who is certainly a brave and courageous young man. But I don’t think it is proper to have an attitude that says it is all right, even GOOD, to HELP the “riff-raff” but that to actually stay overnight with them, receive the same help as them, be on the same level as they are, is dangerous and disgusting. Somewhere along the line, people hear the message that we are called to help, but then miss the part about Jesus identifying HIMSELF with those in need of that help. The real help… the help that offers the ability to overcome is brought about by people who take the time to really understand who these people are and what they are going through. Remember Matthew 25? “Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to ME!” We find out who Jesus is when we find out who they are.

Dear Lord, I must admit that sometimes we have a problem with those in need of help… we wonder how they got there, what is keeping them there, are they really conning us, and even more. I don’t like thinking that way. I hope that is not part of my character. Help me, Lord to care, really care for all your children… no matter what. In and through Jesus. Amen.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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”Ask the former generations and find out what their fathers learned, for we were born only yesterday and know nothing, and our days on earth are but a shadow.”
Job 8:8-9

 We know all the quips that vaunt the value of our experience and veteran status: “I’ve been around the block a few times.”  “This isn’t my first time at the rodeo.”  “I didn’t just get off the boat, you know!”  And of course, the ever-pervasive: “I wasn’t born yesterday!”

These statements carry certain assumptions about the nature of wisdom and human progress.  Wisdom is usually regarded as a product of longevity and associated with old age and antiquity.  But maybe the babies that were born yesterday have more to offer us than a sentimental sense of pristine innocence.   Jesus must’ve had those born yesterday in mind when he told his disciples that “a child shall lead them.”  And surely those born only yesterday have something to do with the fact that the metaphor for Christian conversion is a New Birth.

Those born yesterday haven’t learned how to waste time yet.  They insist on being fully present and completely immersed in the cares and cries of life every moment of every day.  They take nothing for granted, because they have a keen sense of how fragile and how fleeting life really is.  So they seize the day and offer the veterans among us, not so much instruction and information about life, but openness and passion for life.

The true wisdom of the ages is not information about life; it’s the inspiration to live.  The great American poet, T.S. Eliot expressed it this way:
”We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.”

Our nation is over 200 years old, and the span of recorded human history is roughly 5,000 years.  Yet, according to former President Bill Clinton’s Global Initiative, humans are just beginning to comprehensively harness green energy; just beginning to fully embrace women’s equality; and just beginning to earnestly employ the advances in technology to connect with and to care for the millions around the globe who are living in extreme poverty under extremist regimes. Small wonder. The people who are really making the meaningful differences in the world today were only born yesterday.

Dear Lord of ancient wisdom and new beginnings, teach us how to live again today, perhaps for the first time. In and through Jesus. Amen.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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 Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, ⁴⁰but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”
Mark 10:39b-40

James and John thought that the path of discipleship, their faithful following of Jesus, would naturally lead them to the celebrated “head table,” to places of honor and rightful recognition in this world. So confident are they about this future that they try to force Jesus to promise that he will save them those places of honor at the table.

Jesus summarily rejects James’ and John’s seating chart. “Headship” is not the true identity of discipleship. The way of the world, the world of head honchos at head tables, was not the way of discipleship.

Disciples are “great” by becoming “servants.” The “first” in a lineup of Jesus’ disciples is the one at the bottom of the heap, the “slave of all.” The world may judge greatness by who’s “on top,” who’s “on first.” But Jesus declares to those who would follow him, in some of the most powerful words of Scripture, “it is not so among you.”

Discipleship identity is not defined success or status, wealth or power. Discipleship identity is found in Christ, in following Jesus not just on his miraculous ministry before Jerusalem, but in following Jesus all the way to the cross. In fact, you might even say that discipleship is less about who you are, than whose you are and whom you serve. In him our identity is safe and secure . . . .from all alarm.

Jesus’ disciples live according to different “rules” than does the world. The truth is Jesus’ disciples live according to different “relationships” than does the world.

There is a long-standing tradition of having to pass a quiz at the Pearly Gates. In the more humorous versions St. Peter proctors the test. In the serious versions it is Jesus who actually asks the questions. I don’t really know anything about those Pearly Gates. But my mind often conduct theological reveries on what those questions might be.

Here is my current crib sheet for the Pearly Gates quiz. I have three potential questions, each one an identity question. I invite you to add your own.

Question #1: Show me your hands.

Are they dirty and wet? Or did you keep your hands clean? If your hands are clean, the gates refuse to open. The Incarnation means God came down. How far down? All the way down, even to the point where Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, the filthiest parts of the body in the first century mindset. You don’t wash anyone’s feet without getting your hands dirty and wet. Holiness is not keeping your hands clean, but getting your hands dirty and wet in serving those Jesus loves. The mark of a clean heart? Dirty hands.

Question #2: Show me your scars.

Do you have any battle-scars from our mission sorties in the world? Tell me your scar stories. In the words of Canadian composer and lyricist Leonard Cohen, “Children show scars like medals. Lovers use them as a secret to reveal. A scar is what happens when the Word is made flesh.”

Question #3: Show me your Facebook friends.

Are all your “friends” just like you? Or do you have friends that don’t look like you, don’t think like you, don’t worship like you, don’t sit where you sit at the table? Or is your Facebook page just one long look in the mirror?

We are to be discernible disciples of Jesus who live by the polities and protocols of another world, a world where our identity is secured and protected by our Lord.

Dear Lord, I know full well that my identity is found in you, as the Wesley Covenant proclaims: I am Yours and You are mine. But my hands are to clean, my scars are few and my facebook looks more like me than the calling of your heart. Dirty my hands by sending me out in service. Scar me as I live out your Word, and surround me with all your people. In and through Jesus. Amen.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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(Jesus said) “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:32

It has always been a source of amazement to me to hear about the ridiculous things people will believe.

Not so long ago, while I was standing in the checkout line at the grocery store, I noticed people buying tabloids. Some of the more sensational headlines were these:

• “Dinosaurs Honked Like Buicks”
• “WWII Bomber Found On The Moon”
• “Woman Gives Birth To A Two-Year-Old Baby”
• “Adam & Eve’s Bones Found In Asia”
• “Eve Was A Space Alien”

Because these stories were in print, a great many people seemed to think they were true. On the plus side, those stories probably don’t do too much damage.

The same cannot be said about the other lies people believe.

All too often people put their trust in human wisdom and earthly agencies. Many times these same people find themselves being let down, hurt and without any person or idea worthy of their trust.

If you have found it more and more difficult to trust anyone — to be anchored in any kind of truth — may I suggest you try trusting the Lord?

For thousands of years, He has made it a point to always tell the truth. He wants people who have been disappointed elsewhere to know they can trust Him who has loved us enough to send His Son to ransom us.

Skeptical? If so, let me tell you trusting God is a wonderful way to live a day or spend a life. Trusting God gives a solid and secure sense of security. How could it not do that? After all, you are leaning on Someone who won’t let you down.

And believing that is certainly more meaningful than believing dinosaurs honked like Buicks.

Gracious Lord, help me to keep my faith focus on Your Son, Jesus, who is the Way, the real Truth, and the Life. In and through Jesus. Amen.

Grace and Peace
Steve 

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He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.
Psalm 107:29

The weatherman tells me there are some storms hitting parts of our country. It won’t be the first time; it won’t be the last. Even so, that remark on our local news reminded me of another storm that took place several years ago.

A submarine had just returned from a rather long, very secret mission. When the captain of the sub came ashore, he was asked, “Did you suffer damage in the storm?” The officer was surprised at the silliness of the question. He shot back, “Man, don’t you know because of where we travel we don’t even know if there is a storm?”

It was true. That submarine had been traveling so far beneath the sea’s surface it had reached the area known as “the cushion of the sea.” At that depth the waters are never stirred by what is happening on the surface.

Every person who lives in this sinful world has seen some kind of storm in his or her life. It may be a major storm like cancer or family problems. It may be a minor whipping of the waves caused by a sore tooth. Whatever your storm, no matter how much you are being rocked, let me tell you there is a place where you can be protected.

The Father who has sent His Son to live, suffer, die and rise has promised to keep his children safe — so safe the waves of life can have no lasting or permanent effect. Yes, I know it seems you are being rocked and buffeted, but when all is said and done the Lord will bring you through spiritually unscathed.

That’s because the Lord is always ready to help. Indeed, He is helping — helping and holding on to you, because you, my friend, never know when that next storm will hit.

Heavenly Father, grant me the grace and faith to bring my problems and concerns to You. Further, let me have the confidence to know You can still the storms of our lives and bring us safely through. In and through Jesus. Amen.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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I thank my God every time I remember you.
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy….
Phil. 1:3-4a

You are not going to believe this. Sometimes I think I am not supposed to leave the house… or at least not be out in public. Today Shirley and I headed for Greensboro to pick up Noah and Abby, come home and let them help with decorating the Christmas tree, go out to eat with them and Stephen and Joy for Joy’s birthday dinner, and then head out for Tanglewood for the light show.

I want you to be proud of me that I got through lunch without incident. Then I made the BIG mistake of going with Shirley to Belk. She talked me into it by saying “I want to buy you a new sport coat.” Fell for it hook, line, and sinker. We are walking around in the men’s department when a couple of ladies came up to me and said: “Come here! What size are you? You look the same size as Jerry.” She did not believe I wore a 38 coat, a 40 or a 42. She had me try on this coat. Held the button in the front. Rubbed the shoulders and the back to see if the coat really fit. I am standing there almost speechless. Shirley is rolling in the floor. Finally these ladies thanked me for being the model and apologized. They laughed and walked off.

We looked some more bought a coat and as I was standing in the aisle some former members from Pleasant Garden UMC came up. It was Sharon, her daughter Crissy (whom I married to a fighter pilot – who is now deployed in Iraq) and Crissy’s two children. We are standing there talking, catching up on all the family stuff – Jimmy is now a Major and should be home in February… and as we are talking Morgan steps over to the rack of overcoats and pushes on the rack. Ever heard of the domino effect? Yep! About four racks of coats had hit the floor before we could even take a step. As Crissy is apologizing, and the clerk is picking up the coats, the two ladies from the former coat fitting episode came by and said: “It is his (my) fault he is bad.” They were joking, of course, and it was funny.

It was one of those days when you meet old friends, new acquaintances, and laugh at the circumstances of the day. Be thankful for those days

Dear God, I thank you for the things we can laugh at and the people we can laugh with. Especially today, I thank you for the love of a mom who can pick up her son and hug him when he has just made a big mess.  Amen.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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“Your face, Lord, do I seek. Do not hide your face from me.”
Excerpt from Psalm 27:7-14

The most beautiful part of my home church, Mayodan Methodist Church, was the great Christ Window over the altar. Oh, it was a captivating picture of Jesus. Kindly face, outstretched arms, glowing flowing robes: to me, this window had it all and said it all. It probably helped to form some of my earlier understandings of who Jesus was and what He was about.

There was only one problem with the Christ Window: nighttime. Each evening, as the light began to fade, Jesus’ face would also fade. Of course, all stained-glass windows fade as the light behind them does. In this window, as the light faded, the face disappeared. And this would happen a good half hour before the rest of him disappeared, leaving behind a black hole surrounded by glowing white robes. Early on it was spooky.

As I got older, I stopped wondering about that window, and actually came to appreciate the transformation. At last I began to see this picture (face and all) as a pretty good symbol of how I understand Jesus—or don’t. Some days, the light streams through and I can see, clear as day, who He is: Glowing Jesus, Open Arms Jesus, Forgiving Jesus, Come-Unto-Me-My-Yoke-Is-Easy Jesus.

Other times, it’s like the sun has gone down early. His face disappears. I lose track of who He is. What kind of Savior says things like, “I have come not to bring peace but a sword”? What kind of Friend is forever calling me “Ye of little faith” and “viper”? What kind of God promises to come back soon and then stays away for a couple of thousand years—and has He stayed away, or am I just missing something?

The truth is that His face, his presence, is always there with us… even when we cannot see the face. The problem is our seeing not his presence. Remember He is always with us… and will never abandon us… NEVER!

Lord, I know you don’t hide your face from us… but sometimes our seeing is dim. Continue to reveal yourself and give us the grace to reveal you to the world. Amen.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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“As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?’ He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.”
Excerpt from Acts 8:26-40

Today, if someone wants to get a baby baptized, they first call our church and check some dates against the church calendar. Then they may call around to family, godparents and friends to see who might be available for the brunch. Perhaps next they see if the baby fits into the pre-purchased little baptismal outfit, and if he suddenly looks like a ten-pound sausage in a five-pound bag, they might choose that earlier date. But it all takes a lot of planning.

Unlike the early church leader, Phillip, I have never been stopped by a eunuch and gotten myself talked into performing a baptism on the side of the road. But I think it might be good for me.

Churches are complex institutions. They have rules and procedures and calendars, and we don’t need to apologize for that. That’s how we weave together the fabric of community, and make possible our communal worship of God. 

But we must never let the rules and regulations become the object of our worship. If the winds of the Holy Spirit can’t blow through them, the fabric is knit too tight.

Healthy churches have room for the question: “What is to prevent me?” And their leaders are careful not to answer that question too quickly with a list of things like the bylaws, our tradition or the schedule.

If we can hold our tongues when the newcomer asks “What is to prevent me?” we might find ourselves realizing that indeed, the Holy Spirit is trying to blow through us with a little spiritual spontaneity. And we might say, “Well, why not?”

God, what is to prevent me? What is to prevent me from doing the thing I have not yet imagined? Well, why not? Amen.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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I believe the saying is being proven more true each day…  Pogo’s quip was a pun based on the famous quotation “We have met the enemy and they are ours” — one of two famous quotes made by American Navy Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry on September 10, 1813, after defeating a British naval squadron on Lake Erie during the War of 1812. (Perry’s other famous quote that day was “Don’t give up the ship.”)

Yes, I also believe the enemy is within… it is us. As long as we remain unrepentant, unsurrendered, and hold tightly to our selfish wills we will never walk humbly with our God… or love one another. As long as we remain this way we can count on tragedies like this continuing to happen. I wonder, was there a time when some word of encouragement would have turned Paddock to see some light rather than deeper darkness?

Pray for us all… but especially the people immediately affected by this tragic event.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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“The spirit of the Lord will possess you…and you will be turned into a different person.”
Excerpt from 1 Samuel 9:27-10:8

We ought to be something we’re not. I should be smarter, more thoughtful, not so impatient, more self-confident, less risk averse, not so concerned about the approval of others. I should be able to attach a file to an email all the time. I should be able to send the right file. I shouldn’t make so many mistakes in typing. The list is endless. We’re never enough. So it seems.

We turn into whatever we need to be when first we know that God is with us, just as we are. Saul remained Saul but with a difference when he could believe that despite his weakness and inadequacy the spirit of God was with him. In his case, he became king.

While hard to grasp, God’s presence is not as far from us as we may think. As with Saul, awareness of this makes a difference: looking ahead becomes a lot more promising. In the words of the lead character in Wendell Berry’s novel, Jayber Crow: “Often I have not known where I was going until I was already there…Often my fairest hopes have rested on bad mistakes. I am an ignorant pilgrim, crossing a dark valley. And yet for a long time, looking back, I have been unable to shake off the feeling that I have been led – make of that what you will.”

Maybe we should quit thinking of all the ways we should be different and be glad for the difference God has already made. The grace that has led us this far is not through with us yet… and neither is God through with any of us.

“Finish, then, thy new creation,” O God. Change us “from glory into glory, ‘till in heaven we take our place.” Amen.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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