Grandma,
I grew up hearing stories from your childhood and watching both you and Grandpa care for me and the whole family. I just need to tell you how thankful I am for the Christian heritage you’ve given me. It is the most powerful influence I’ve received and it is the most important influence I desire to pass on to my children. Much like salvation, I did absolutely nothing to earn or deserve a Godly heritage. It is purely a gift; a “pearl of great price”, that I would not give away for the world!!!
Some time ago I was reading in the Old Testament and I came upon the 10 Commandments. This piece of Scripture is so common that I did not expect to experience anything new in reading it. As a relatively new parent, however, Exodus 20:5 boldly stood out:
“You shall not bow down to other gods or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of their fathers to the third and fourth generation.”
How interesting, I thought, and I prayed a prayer of thanksgiving for the beautiful heritage given me. At the same time, though, I questioned God about the fairness of it all. I have many Christian friends who were not blessed with generations of believers and from their perspective this Scripture probably isn’t so appealing. So, I just journalled those thoughts and waited for God to reveal His truth in His time.
He did teach me some new things in this area. I was reading a book by Beth Moore entitled Breaking Free: Making Liberty in Christ a Reality in Life. Beth talked at great length about the positive and negative impact of our families upon our lives. I must share an illustration she powerfully used. It is an excerpt from It’s Always Something by the late Gilda Radner:
“When I was little, my nurse Dibby’s cousin had a dog, just a mutt, and the dog was pregnant. I don’t know how long dogs are pregnant, but she was due to have her puppies in about a week. She was out in the yard one day and got in the way of the lawn mover and her two hind legs got cut off. They rushed her to the vet and he said, “I can sew her up, or you can put her to sleep if you want, but the puppies are okay. She’ll be able to deliver the puppies.
“Dibby’s cousin said, ‘Keep her alive.’
“So the vet sewed up her backside, and over the next week the dog learned to walk. She didn’t spend any time worrying; she just learned to walk by taking two steps in the front and flipping up her backside, and then taking two steps and flipping up her backside again. She gave birth to six little puppies, all in perfect health. She nursed them and then weaned them. And when they learned to walk, they all walked like her.”
As I look at my life, my habits, my strengths and weaknesses, and even my physical characteristics, I see my parents and I see my grandparents in many forms, even in the way I walk. I see generations of faith in God for provision, strength, guidance, and purpose in pursuing active Christian ministry. There is one significant thing, however, I do not see…. I see absolutely no negative effects of your childhood upon your life, my mom’s life, or upon my life. Your were orphaned, abused, and separated from your siblings, which by today’s standards, would give a person every “right” to be officially messed up. I see that your faith in God carried you through a very difficult childhood and fully healed your wounds. Unlike the dogs in the illustration, your children and your children’s children were taught how to walk correctly in light of the transforming power of Christ. The truth of Psalm 103:17 outshines the statistics:
“From everlasting to everlasting, the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children.”
My Christian heritage could have been severely limited by your perspective of life had you not given your life fully and completely to Christ for healing and transformation. Where we humans see a whole lot of hopelessness, God sees generations of faithful, fruitful believers who will impact His world and bring Him tremendous glory. The transformation can begin in any generation no matter what the circumstances.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Knock, Knock.... Who's There?
So many disturbing situations are swirling around us these days - in the world, in our country, in our communities, in our churches, and within our families. It is difficult to process so many troubling things at once and I frequently find myself feeling overwhelmed. I enjoy hearing how my believing sisters and brothers deal with uncertainties and stress, so I thought others might benefit from my approach.
As I came before the Lord this morning (i.e., in the parking lot, remember?), I journaled my troubling thoughts. A scripture from yesterday's sermon came to mind:
"The Lord said to Samuel, 'Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions'" (1 Samuel 16:7, NLT).
I have no doubt that the human worldview is tremendously skewed by the prevalent culture - it always has been. More and more frequently I have found myself at such a loss in attempting to understand the whys, whats, and hows of things around me. When I stop thinking in my own power long enough to seek God, I find myself dumping those unanswerable issues at His feet. I have this mental picture: The current "stress" (you can fill in the blank) is knocking at the door of my soul. Hopeless thoughts like to reside in my soul and plague me with uncertainty, doubt, and questions. These stresses are dying to get in the house and have a little party. Unfortunately, sometimes I invite theses stresses in as guests - they come in the form of gossip, worry, talking too much about troubling circumstances, and even discussing politics. Once these stresses are in, they wreak havoc causing me greater worry, anxiety, anger, you name it.... Recently, however, I have been asking God to answer the door when I know these visitors are nearby me. When God answers the door, He is like the protective daddy meeting the daughter's latest suitor at the door while cleaning the shotgun....
My God always answers the door for me when I ask Him. When he shoos away the unwelcome visitors, He also guides me in how to keep the visitors away. His instructions always require some responsibility on my part. Today He guided me to:
Next time you know an unwelcome visitor is knocking at your door, ask God to answer the knock - He knows exactly who's there.
As I came before the Lord this morning (i.e., in the parking lot, remember?), I journaled my troubling thoughts. A scripture from yesterday's sermon came to mind:
"The Lord said to Samuel, 'Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions'" (1 Samuel 16:7, NLT).
I have no doubt that the human worldview is tremendously skewed by the prevalent culture - it always has been. More and more frequently I have found myself at such a loss in attempting to understand the whys, whats, and hows of things around me. When I stop thinking in my own power long enough to seek God, I find myself dumping those unanswerable issues at His feet. I have this mental picture: The current "stress" (you can fill in the blank) is knocking at the door of my soul. Hopeless thoughts like to reside in my soul and plague me with uncertainty, doubt, and questions. These stresses are dying to get in the house and have a little party. Unfortunately, sometimes I invite theses stresses in as guests - they come in the form of gossip, worry, talking too much about troubling circumstances, and even discussing politics. Once these stresses are in, they wreak havoc causing me greater worry, anxiety, anger, you name it.... Recently, however, I have been asking God to answer the door when I know these visitors are nearby me. When God answers the door, He is like the protective daddy meeting the daughter's latest suitor at the door while cleaning the shotgun....
My God always answers the door for me when I ask Him. When he shoos away the unwelcome visitors, He also guides me in how to keep the visitors away. His instructions always require some responsibility on my part. Today He guided me to:
- Separate myself from the disturbing conversations (or other forms of input) and pray.
- Be a Spiritual leader as the Lord guides me and encourage believers to pray and seek God.
- Practice using the spiritual gift of wisdom God has given me.
- Carry out my responsibilities gracefully with power, love, and self-discipline.
- Keep memorizing 2 Timothy 1:6-8.
Next time you know an unwelcome visitor is knocking at your door, ask God to answer the knock - He knows exactly who's there.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Keeping it Real; Keeping it Short
I am home this morning to research and write about "transformational leadership," so I must keep this very short, but very real....
A reader emailed me this week and commented on feeling uncertain about the kind of Bible she uses; wondering if other Christians would look down on her because of her choice. This confession struck me to the core, but I have experienced similar judgments. I once painfully sat through a workshop outlining which ladies Bible studies were suitable and which were not if one claimed to be a part of a particular denomination. WHAT? As long as Bibles and Bible studies are presenting salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and keeping Jesus as the focus, then I believe the Holy Spirit can and will speak to ears and hearts seeking Truth. Personally, I prefer to stick with Bible study teachers that I know a bit about and trust, but as far as their denominational affiliation goes, God is blessing many! The enemy is not our believing brothers and sisters.
Look at Saul in Acts 9. Saul was the last person the apostles thought they could trust because, "he was eager to destroy the Lord's followers" (Acts 9: 1, NLT). Yet, Saul (later to be renamed Paul) is exactly who God had in mind to take the Good News to the Gentiles, kings, and Israel. Jesus' followers had to listen closely and obey blindly to participate in this plan as it was definitely "out-of-the-box." The study notes in my Bible say, "Beware of people who insist that you must have a particular type of conversion experience. The right way to come to faith in Jesus is whatever way God brings you."
Our relationships with Christ are similar - we are each created uniquely in God's own image. He will meet us and teach us in unique ways. Our responsibility is to diligently seek Him as best as we know how today. From that starting point, He will gladly take our humble offerings and multiply them beyond our wildest dreams.
Jesus loves you as you are today - will you receive His love and uniquely seek Him?
A reader emailed me this week and commented on feeling uncertain about the kind of Bible she uses; wondering if other Christians would look down on her because of her choice. This confession struck me to the core, but I have experienced similar judgments. I once painfully sat through a workshop outlining which ladies Bible studies were suitable and which were not if one claimed to be a part of a particular denomination. WHAT? As long as Bibles and Bible studies are presenting salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and keeping Jesus as the focus, then I believe the Holy Spirit can and will speak to ears and hearts seeking Truth. Personally, I prefer to stick with Bible study teachers that I know a bit about and trust, but as far as their denominational affiliation goes, God is blessing many! The enemy is not our believing brothers and sisters.
Look at Saul in Acts 9. Saul was the last person the apostles thought they could trust because, "he was eager to destroy the Lord's followers" (Acts 9: 1, NLT). Yet, Saul (later to be renamed Paul) is exactly who God had in mind to take the Good News to the Gentiles, kings, and Israel. Jesus' followers had to listen closely and obey blindly to participate in this plan as it was definitely "out-of-the-box." The study notes in my Bible say, "Beware of people who insist that you must have a particular type of conversion experience. The right way to come to faith in Jesus is whatever way God brings you."
Our relationships with Christ are similar - we are each created uniquely in God's own image. He will meet us and teach us in unique ways. Our responsibility is to diligently seek Him as best as we know how today. From that starting point, He will gladly take our humble offerings and multiply them beyond our wildest dreams.
Jesus loves you as you are today - will you receive His love and uniquely seek Him?
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
A Water-logged Bible & the Economy
About six years ago, we were living in Overland Park, Kansas and I was a full-time stay at home mom living the high life (changing endless diapers, trying to magically create meals from nothing, chasing kids who could run faster than me at about 18 months-tops). At some point, I heard Beth Moore speak of the pride she felt in her tattered Bible filled with personal notes. In response to this pride, she felt led to buy a new, clean Bible.
I can not say that my Bible was either too tattered or had too many notes in it, but I did feel a sense of pride in my familiarity with the Bible. Around this same time, I spilled a rather large tumbler of water on my Bible and, well, it expanded.... So, I decided it was time to purchase a new Bible. I decided I needed to begin using a different version as I had been using the NIV for many years. For a reason I do not recall, I purchased a New Living Translation just to mix things up a bit (I know, I am true risk taker!). Before you judge me, I know the NLT is not a "version," but a "translation." I know it is not considered "scholarly," but I chose it anyway. As I have said before, I am not a theologian, but I am just a regular person seeking Truth through the Holy Spirit. I am pretty sure the Holy Spirit can speak through the NLT....
Shortly after the translation change, our family experienced a significant life change: We decided to move from Kansas to Ohio for a new job opportunity. The new opportunity included a cut in pay, fewer benefits, and the loss our dearest friends and support group. Actually, it was very exciting as we knew God was leading us to make this move; however, it was also a little scary. As I was seeking the Lord, He comforted me with the following scripture in my new NLT bible:
"Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern" (Matthew 6: 32b-33, NLT).
I believe these verses were my promise from God to confidently take the steps of faith He was asking of us. I clung to these verses and repeated them frequently to myself and anyone else who would listen. Then, one day out of curiosity, I decided to look them up in my trusty, water-logged NIV. Here is what I read:
"Your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6: 32b-33, NIV).
I was stunned - those were probably among the first verses I ever memorized as a child in Sunday School! Had I read those verses in my NIV first, I would have passed right over them because of their familiarity. I believe the Lord used the newness of the NLT to reach me in a way He knew I needed at that moment. I still keep my NIV close by, but I enjoy reading the NLT.
These same verses were brought to my attention again this week in my pastor's Bible study guide. Pastor Glenn asked, "In a recession, what sorts of challenges will families face and how will they overcome them? He guided the readers to Matthew 6:25-34. These are the scriptures where Jesus tells us not to worry about food, drink, and clothes. He tells His followers that our heavenly Father will care for these things with even more concern than He gives the lilies and the birds. The verses that struck me anew were 31-33. In my NLT, these verses are:
"So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these thing? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you what you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern" (Matthew 6: 31-33, NLT)."
Turn on the news and ALL one hears about is the economy and the recession. It is so easy to be caught up in hopeless emotions. In this scripture, such worry is identified with "the pagans." Webster's online dictionary defines pagan as, "one who has little or no religion and who delights in sensual pleasures and material goods : an irreligious or hedonistic person." I do not want to be identified with this definition, so I must allow the Holy Spirit to overcome these emotions within me. How might I seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and power?
I can not say that my Bible was either too tattered or had too many notes in it, but I did feel a sense of pride in my familiarity with the Bible. Around this same time, I spilled a rather large tumbler of water on my Bible and, well, it expanded.... So, I decided it was time to purchase a new Bible. I decided I needed to begin using a different version as I had been using the NIV for many years. For a reason I do not recall, I purchased a New Living Translation just to mix things up a bit (I know, I am true risk taker!). Before you judge me, I know the NLT is not a "version," but a "translation." I know it is not considered "scholarly," but I chose it anyway. As I have said before, I am not a theologian, but I am just a regular person seeking Truth through the Holy Spirit. I am pretty sure the Holy Spirit can speak through the NLT....
Shortly after the translation change, our family experienced a significant life change: We decided to move from Kansas to Ohio for a new job opportunity. The new opportunity included a cut in pay, fewer benefits, and the loss our dearest friends and support group. Actually, it was very exciting as we knew God was leading us to make this move; however, it was also a little scary. As I was seeking the Lord, He comforted me with the following scripture in my new NLT bible:
"Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern" (Matthew 6: 32b-33, NLT).
I believe these verses were my promise from God to confidently take the steps of faith He was asking of us. I clung to these verses and repeated them frequently to myself and anyone else who would listen. Then, one day out of curiosity, I decided to look them up in my trusty, water-logged NIV. Here is what I read:
"Your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6: 32b-33, NIV).
I was stunned - those were probably among the first verses I ever memorized as a child in Sunday School! Had I read those verses in my NIV first, I would have passed right over them because of their familiarity. I believe the Lord used the newness of the NLT to reach me in a way He knew I needed at that moment. I still keep my NIV close by, but I enjoy reading the NLT.
These same verses were brought to my attention again this week in my pastor's Bible study guide. Pastor Glenn asked, "In a recession, what sorts of challenges will families face and how will they overcome them? He guided the readers to Matthew 6:25-34. These are the scriptures where Jesus tells us not to worry about food, drink, and clothes. He tells His followers that our heavenly Father will care for these things with even more concern than He gives the lilies and the birds. The verses that struck me anew were 31-33. In my NLT, these verses are:
"So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these thing? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you what you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern" (Matthew 6: 31-33, NLT)."
Turn on the news and ALL one hears about is the economy and the recession. It is so easy to be caught up in hopeless emotions. In this scripture, such worry is identified with "the pagans." Webster's online dictionary defines pagan as, "one who has little or no religion and who delights in sensual pleasures and material goods : an irreligious or hedonistic person." I do not want to be identified with this definition, so I must allow the Holy Spirit to overcome these emotions within me. How might I seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and power?
- Ask for it in prayer - John 14:12-14
- Diligently position myself to receive comfort from the Holy Spirit (i.e., watch/read less news...)
- Fill my mind with Godly promises by reading, studying, and memorizing scripture
- Trust, Delight, Commit, Wait - Psalm 37:3-7
Monday, March 2, 2009
Quick Links....
Just a couple of quick links that caused me to think deep....
I read "Big Mama" mostly for entertainment purposes, but today, she really spoke to my heart or my pocketbook, I am not sure....
Rebecca Keller is my cousin-in-law.... Is that how you describe the spouse of a 1st cousin? I don't know, but she is working through Beth Moore's study entitled "Daniel," and has given up surfing, sugar, and shopping for Lent. Now that, girlfriends, is inspiring!
As for me, I really need to monitor my internet usage for the next couple of weeks. I am in the last two weeks of my current master's course entitled "Psychology of Leadership." End of the quarter = projects to finish = YIKES! I'll be around, so keep checking in, but if I slow down in posting, you'll know why.....
Let's keep one another in our prayers!
I read "Big Mama" mostly for entertainment purposes, but today, she really spoke to my heart or my pocketbook, I am not sure....
Rebecca Keller is my cousin-in-law.... Is that how you describe the spouse of a 1st cousin? I don't know, but she is working through Beth Moore's study entitled "Daniel," and has given up surfing, sugar, and shopping for Lent. Now that, girlfriends, is inspiring!
As for me, I really need to monitor my internet usage for the next couple of weeks. I am in the last two weeks of my current master's course entitled "Psychology of Leadership." End of the quarter = projects to finish = YIKES! I'll be around, so keep checking in, but if I slow down in posting, you'll know why.....
Let's keep one another in our prayers!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
A Goal for 2009 - March 1-15
For anyone who is just beginning to read Pebbles, Ripples, Circles, I began writing after joining Beth Moore's 2009 Scripture Challenge. She challenged her blog readers to join her in memorizing 2 verses a month for 2009. As I mentioned previously, I did not put much thought into joining - it just seemed like a good idea at the time. Little did I know how quickly God would capture my attention and lead me into new territory.
As I began memorizing, several things began to take shape. First, I really enjoyed the memory work, even though I have tried memorizing scripture many times before and never persevered. It also came very easy to me, so I knew God was doing something in my mind! I immediately began to look forward to how God would lead me to the next scripture and its meaning. As each of these elements came together, I found myself unable to keep quiet about God, His work, and the Bible. So, how does a woman in 2009 respond? Write a blog - ha!
Since starting this blog, I feel passionate about reading scripture, journaling, memorizing, and hearing God speak in a variety of ways. I also feel passionate about what He would have me share with others - you! And, you are responding - which is very unexpected. Only the Lord knows what is going on here, but I am ready to closely follow Him.
Along these lines, my memory verses for March 1-15 are:
"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.... With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News." (2 Timothy 1:6-8, NLT).
As God leads, I will share more of my testimony regarding how I have attempted to follow Him in pursuing active service for His glory. Suffice it to say - the road has been awkward. This scripture is an indication to me that God is still working. The fire that once burned within me to actively share among and lead women is being rekindled. I do not know exactly what this means other than I am to be devoted to God as best as I can and I am to write this blog - both of which I am tremendously enjoying.
God has plans for every believer - plans that lead to purposeful living and fullness in Him. Whatever that plan is, I want to be in the center of it! Will you join Him, too?
Friday, February 27, 2009
Help, I am stuck in a pit!
Okay, I've been a little distracted this week, a little stressed, quite anxious actually.... I could name any number of circumstances as the source; I wrote of one such situation in my previous entry. Tonight I just want to get of the pit and into the light of Christ. His perspective is so different from mine - I am sure of it. I need His perspective tonight! To set my sights on obtaining Godly insight, I am reviewing some recent quiet time reflections.
On 2/17/09 (wow - that feels like months ago), I read and reflected on Acts 7:51-59 (NLT). This is the portion of scripture when Stephen boldly confronted the religious leaders. Here are his words:
"You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? But your ancestors did, and so do you. Name one prophet your ancestors didn't persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One - the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered. You deliberately disobeyed God's law, though you received it from the hands of angels."
Wow - Stephen did not mince any words, did he? This clearly maddened his audience - they were "infuriated" and "shook their fists in rage." In these moments, Stephen saw the glory of God!
This evening in the local newspaper, a man wrote a letter to the editor responding to a recent controversy. It is a typical Christian vs. non-Christian public debate: the Christians are standing up for what they believe to be true while the non-Christians respond with accusations of intolerance. Public debates of this kind are disturbing to me. The writer states, "It has been my experience to see Christian faithful use God for violence and hatred.... I just can't understand how it is preached that God is love and all forgiving and to see Christians with such hatred for one group or another." Hmmm.
What are the underlying assumptions of these words? Based on anecdotal evidence from this man's perspective, Christians are violent and hateful. Also based on anecdotal evidence from this man's perspective, God is loving and forgiving. So, I ask: Is every Christian violent and hateful? Does love mean that humans can not disagree with one another? Is is possible to receive forgiveness when one does not recognize his/her need of it?
No one enjoys being negatively stereotyped - neither believers nor unbelievers. On one hand, I am offended by this author's words about me. On the other hand, this author does not claim to know Jesus, so I can neither expect him to know Truth, nor can I expect the Holy Spirit to reveal Truth to him. In short, the author can not speak of God's love and forgiveness because the author does not know God.
The next sentence is heartbreaking, "I myself have shied away from Christianity just for this reason, how can I believe in God and watch his faithful resent and hate others...." If I could respond to this man (and I do not believe a letter to the editor would be an effective response), I would say, "Dude, you are watching the wrong players!" Humans, faithful to God or not, will always disappoint, but, in a devoted relationship, God will not."
Stephen was in a devoted relationship with Jesus. He followed the teachings of Jesus closely on earth. He courageously stood up for what he believed based on his relationship with Jesus. He ranted before the religious leaders and God smiled down upon him with approval. "Stand up for you what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. And everything you do must be done in love." (Acts 4:13, NLT). Stephen had the love, but the leaders did not choose to accept it; the leaders did not know to accept it. As a result, Stephen was brutally stoned to death. "Then they put their hands over their ears, and drowning out his voice with their shouts, they rushed him. They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him" (Acts 7:57-58a, NLT).
Over Christmas break, I read The Kite Runner. Khaled Hosseini described a death by stoning in this book. Had I not lent it to a friend, I would add the desciption here. Without it, you will have to rely on my recollection: It was sickening!
Unbelievers witnessing, or hearing of, Stephen's death might have deduced that Stephen's life was meaningless saying, "He died standing up for a lie. What good does that accomplish?" Based on scripture, we know of several huge by-products of Stephen's death. One of those by-products viewed the event as an unbeliever, "The official witnesses took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul" (Act 7:58b). Yes, this is The Saul who later in Acts is renamed Paul! I don't know about you, but I would die for that by-product.
A few years ago a friend faced the possibility of death at a very young age. She had children similar to the ages to my own baby boys. I remember pleading with Christ to save her life. I also remember the response He laid in my heart - If someone else could lead your sons to Christ and into purposeful lives of Christlike service other than you, then would you be willing to die and trust me with your boys? Ummm, I know the answer is supposed to be "Yes!" but that is a hard one, God.
Following Christ does not promise a life of ease, freedom from pain, and limited to zero persecution. Following Christ does promise purposeful living (and dying), a future with Christ as King, and powerful support for the burdens of this earth.
Dear Jesus, You have pulled me out of the pit tonight and shined the light of your perspective upon me. Thank You - May your Name be praised!
On 2/17/09 (wow - that feels like months ago), I read and reflected on Acts 7:51-59 (NLT). This is the portion of scripture when Stephen boldly confronted the religious leaders. Here are his words:
"You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? But your ancestors did, and so do you. Name one prophet your ancestors didn't persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One - the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered. You deliberately disobeyed God's law, though you received it from the hands of angels."
Wow - Stephen did not mince any words, did he? This clearly maddened his audience - they were "infuriated" and "shook their fists in rage." In these moments, Stephen saw the glory of God!
This evening in the local newspaper, a man wrote a letter to the editor responding to a recent controversy. It is a typical Christian vs. non-Christian public debate: the Christians are standing up for what they believe to be true while the non-Christians respond with accusations of intolerance. Public debates of this kind are disturbing to me. The writer states, "It has been my experience to see Christian faithful use God for violence and hatred.... I just can't understand how it is preached that God is love and all forgiving and to see Christians with such hatred for one group or another." Hmmm.
What are the underlying assumptions of these words? Based on anecdotal evidence from this man's perspective, Christians are violent and hateful. Also based on anecdotal evidence from this man's perspective, God is loving and forgiving. So, I ask: Is every Christian violent and hateful? Does love mean that humans can not disagree with one another? Is is possible to receive forgiveness when one does not recognize his/her need of it?
No one enjoys being negatively stereotyped - neither believers nor unbelievers. On one hand, I am offended by this author's words about me. On the other hand, this author does not claim to know Jesus, so I can neither expect him to know Truth, nor can I expect the Holy Spirit to reveal Truth to him. In short, the author can not speak of God's love and forgiveness because the author does not know God.
The next sentence is heartbreaking, "I myself have shied away from Christianity just for this reason, how can I believe in God and watch his faithful resent and hate others...." If I could respond to this man (and I do not believe a letter to the editor would be an effective response), I would say, "Dude, you are watching the wrong players!" Humans, faithful to God or not, will always disappoint, but, in a devoted relationship, God will not."
Stephen was in a devoted relationship with Jesus. He followed the teachings of Jesus closely on earth. He courageously stood up for what he believed based on his relationship with Jesus. He ranted before the religious leaders and God smiled down upon him with approval. "Stand up for you what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. And everything you do must be done in love." (Acts 4:13, NLT). Stephen had the love, but the leaders did not choose to accept it; the leaders did not know to accept it. As a result, Stephen was brutally stoned to death. "Then they put their hands over their ears, and drowning out his voice with their shouts, they rushed him. They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him" (Acts 7:57-58a, NLT).
Over Christmas break, I read The Kite Runner. Khaled Hosseini described a death by stoning in this book. Had I not lent it to a friend, I would add the desciption here. Without it, you will have to rely on my recollection: It was sickening!
Unbelievers witnessing, or hearing of, Stephen's death might have deduced that Stephen's life was meaningless saying, "He died standing up for a lie. What good does that accomplish?" Based on scripture, we know of several huge by-products of Stephen's death. One of those by-products viewed the event as an unbeliever, "The official witnesses took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul" (Act 7:58b). Yes, this is The Saul who later in Acts is renamed Paul! I don't know about you, but I would die for that by-product.
A few years ago a friend faced the possibility of death at a very young age. She had children similar to the ages to my own baby boys. I remember pleading with Christ to save her life. I also remember the response He laid in my heart - If someone else could lead your sons to Christ and into purposeful lives of Christlike service other than you, then would you be willing to die and trust me with your boys? Ummm, I know the answer is supposed to be "Yes!" but that is a hard one, God.
Following Christ does not promise a life of ease, freedom from pain, and limited to zero persecution. Following Christ does promise purposeful living (and dying), a future with Christ as King, and powerful support for the burdens of this earth.
Dear Jesus, You have pulled me out of the pit tonight and shined the light of your perspective upon me. Thank You - May your Name be praised!
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