What do women's lib and the sovereignty of God have in common? They collide in the first chapter of the story of Esther. I was listening to that chapter this morning on my Youversion Bible app and chuckled at the irony of those two things not only being present in the same passage, but also being significant parts of the story.
The Old Testament book of Esther tells the story of how a beautiful young Jewish girl was promoted to be the new queen of Persian King Ahasuerus. Of course there is more to the story than chapter one, but that is where women's lib and the sovereignty of God collide with each other.
Queen Vashti was summoned by King Ahasuerus. This was not unusual. The king wanted to see his wife. As you might imagine, there is a bit more to the story. The summons happened on the seventh day of a drunken party. Furthermore, the king was not interested in simply spending time with his wife. He wanted to display her beauty to his guests. Just what did he have in mind? The text does not tell us, but I think it is safe to say that the text offers a child-friendly description of what might have been intended.
At that point the story takes an unusual and unexpected turn. The queen said "no." She refused to come. Her refusal was not only dangerous and scandalous, but had the potential to lead a revolution among the women of the kingdom that would have far-reaching consequences to Persian men throughout the kingdom. I'm not making this up. It is all right there in the first chapter of Esther.
Rather than telling you the rest of the story I want to challenge you to read it for yourself. If you have time, read the entire chapter. If not, read Esther 1:10-22. If that is still too much, at least read verses 15-18. I think you will chuckle, even as I did early this morning.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Thanksgiving 2013
On the eve of Thanksgiving I am watching and listening to the sounds of family. Hutch and Jack are playing some hybrid game of hide and seek, and tag. JB is reading the Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star book but only wants to find the page that has a church. The adults are perusing magazines, preparing food for tomorrow's lunch and chatting about semi-important things. An inviting fire is keeping the chill at bay. Our home feels warm and safe. My heart is full as I bask in the wonderful gift that God has given to me, the gift of family.
The scene is sweet, but incomplete. Some are not yet here. Others will not be able to come at all. But the knowledge that they are thinking of us even while we think of them makes it easier. I pray for God to keep them safe, content and blessed while they celebrate Thanksgiving without us.
Thank you, God.
The scene is sweet, but incomplete. Some are not yet here. Others will not be able to come at all. But the knowledge that they are thinking of us even while we think of them makes it easier. I pray for God to keep them safe, content and blessed while they celebrate Thanksgiving without us.
Thank you, God.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Abounding Grace
I've been reflecting this morning on God's grace. His willingness to give us what we absolutely do not deserve. Former slave trader, John Newton called it "amazing." And indeed, it is. That God would consistently, continually, repeatedly offer grace to those who are so unworthy is a mystery. But He does.
This Sunday I will complete a sermon series on Jehoshaphat, one of the good kings of Judah. He failed in some key areas, yet God demonstrated marvelous grace in his life. As I thought of Jehoshaphat, my mind wandered to other men and women in the Bible who experienced the same.
Abraham lied about his relationship with his wife and fathered a child with another woman. Jacob deceived his father in order to steal the blessing belonging to his brother. Moses doubted God's ability to use him. David committed adultery and murder. Elijah became depressed and wanted to give up. Peter betrayed Christ by denying that he knew him. James and John arrogantly sought the best positions in Heaven. Paul failed to see the potential in Mark and refused to minister alongside him. Barnabas fell into hypocrisy and prejudice. Yet all of these experienced the wonderful grace of God which enabled them to continue serving Him.
These are comforting thoughts, for I too find myself in need of His never-ending grace. I am so glad that where sin abounds, grace abounds even more.
This Sunday I will complete a sermon series on Jehoshaphat, one of the good kings of Judah. He failed in some key areas, yet God demonstrated marvelous grace in his life. As I thought of Jehoshaphat, my mind wandered to other men and women in the Bible who experienced the same.
Abraham lied about his relationship with his wife and fathered a child with another woman. Jacob deceived his father in order to steal the blessing belonging to his brother. Moses doubted God's ability to use him. David committed adultery and murder. Elijah became depressed and wanted to give up. Peter betrayed Christ by denying that he knew him. James and John arrogantly sought the best positions in Heaven. Paul failed to see the potential in Mark and refused to minister alongside him. Barnabas fell into hypocrisy and prejudice. Yet all of these experienced the wonderful grace of God which enabled them to continue serving Him.
These are comforting thoughts, for I too find myself in need of His never-ending grace. I am so glad that where sin abounds, grace abounds even more.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
A Christian Response to Natural Disaster
Once again our nation is gripped with the horror of watching an entire community deal with the aftermath of tragedy. This past Monday an EF-5 tornado that was at least a mile wide and stayed on the ground for forty minutes, according to some reports, dismantled the town of Moore, Oklahoma. It destroyed homes, businesses, schools and lives. As I am writing this on Wednesday afternoon the death toll stands at 24, with at least seven of those being children. Amazingly the number of dead has decreased from original reports, rather than increased. Even as we rejoice that the number is going down rather than up, we are reminded that each life is sacred and the loss of even one, is devastating to those who are personally affected.
In the immediate aftermath, social media like Facebook and Twitter began to explode with expressions of prayer for the victims and survivors. Thousands have used these and other social media to offer expressions of comfort, love, hope and prayer to God. This is good.
However, not all who post about God are doing so in a positive way. Some have used these media to express anger, frustration and even outrage that God would "allow" such a thing to happen. Rather than calling upon God to help during the aftermath they would drag God into the courtroom and convict Him of apathy at best and cruelty at worst.
How are Christian believers to react and respond to such posts? How are we to answer the critics who blame God for heartache on such a large scale? Most of us have wrestled with the difficulty of knowing if, when and how we should respond. I want to offer a few thoughts that may be helpful.
First, we must not be surprised that some people get mad at God. God can handle it. He will be just fine without our feeble attempts to defend his actions or inactions. The immediate aftermath of a natural disaster is not usually the best time to explain the deeper mysteries of how God interacts with a fallen creation. This is a time for compassion, support and tangible expressions of the love of God. The friends of Job did their most effective work when they simply sat with Job, offering no explanation or theological theories about why he was suffering.
Second, we must be very careful about making judgments that are not ours to make. In our attempt to make sense out of chaos, we often come to foolish conclusions. 24 people were killed in Moore, Oklahoma. This is a heart-wrenching tragedy for those family members. It is a stark reminder that we still live in a world of pain and death. Over 56,000 were spared. Were they somehow better in the eyes of God than the 24? Not at all. Jesus made this abundantly clear in Luke 13:4-5. Why some died when others were spared is a question that we are not equipped to answer. When hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans some were quick to assume that this was certainly the judgment of God on a wicked city. Believers must carefully avoid this kind of rhetoric.
Third, there will be a time to help people understand why bad things happen. Bad things do not happen because God is apathetic. The evidence of His love for all creation is seen in the agonizing death of His own son for all people. Though we still suffer in this life, God has provided for our ultimate freedom from suffering after this life in a place called Heaven.
Bad things do not happen because God is weak. He has chosen to allow human beings to operate with certain freedoms. He is not a puppet master controlling each and every decision made by people. That was clear in the Garden of Eden when He allowed Adam and Eve the freedom to obey or disobey. They chose the latter and plunged all creation under the affects of sin. Sorrow and suffering. Tumors and tornadoes. Diseases and disasters. These are all affects of sin, not indications of a powerless God.
I am not surprised when tornadoes come, when cancer invades, when death knocks. I understand that I live in a world that is thoroughly infected with sin and its consequences. Evil people inflict pain, suffering and death on fellow human beings. Prejudice, hatred and selfishness abound. Power, greed and lust are growing exponentially. Natural disasters occur frequently. I am not surprised by any of this. All of creation is groaning under the weight of sin.
But this is not all there is. There is another world for which I am longing. A world where tears will not flow, disease will not flourish and death will not be found. A world without hospitals, hospice homes or cemeteries. A world without bruises, scrapes or broken bones. A world without fear, frustration or failure.
The pain and sorrow of this world just makes me long for that world even more. The knowledge of that world enables me to endure this world with grace and contentment.
"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world, our faith." 1 John 5:4
In the immediate aftermath, social media like Facebook and Twitter began to explode with expressions of prayer for the victims and survivors. Thousands have used these and other social media to offer expressions of comfort, love, hope and prayer to God. This is good.
However, not all who post about God are doing so in a positive way. Some have used these media to express anger, frustration and even outrage that God would "allow" such a thing to happen. Rather than calling upon God to help during the aftermath they would drag God into the courtroom and convict Him of apathy at best and cruelty at worst.
How are Christian believers to react and respond to such posts? How are we to answer the critics who blame God for heartache on such a large scale? Most of us have wrestled with the difficulty of knowing if, when and how we should respond. I want to offer a few thoughts that may be helpful.
First, we must not be surprised that some people get mad at God. God can handle it. He will be just fine without our feeble attempts to defend his actions or inactions. The immediate aftermath of a natural disaster is not usually the best time to explain the deeper mysteries of how God interacts with a fallen creation. This is a time for compassion, support and tangible expressions of the love of God. The friends of Job did their most effective work when they simply sat with Job, offering no explanation or theological theories about why he was suffering.
Second, we must be very careful about making judgments that are not ours to make. In our attempt to make sense out of chaos, we often come to foolish conclusions. 24 people were killed in Moore, Oklahoma. This is a heart-wrenching tragedy for those family members. It is a stark reminder that we still live in a world of pain and death. Over 56,000 were spared. Were they somehow better in the eyes of God than the 24? Not at all. Jesus made this abundantly clear in Luke 13:4-5. Why some died when others were spared is a question that we are not equipped to answer. When hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans some were quick to assume that this was certainly the judgment of God on a wicked city. Believers must carefully avoid this kind of rhetoric.
Third, there will be a time to help people understand why bad things happen. Bad things do not happen because God is apathetic. The evidence of His love for all creation is seen in the agonizing death of His own son for all people. Though we still suffer in this life, God has provided for our ultimate freedom from suffering after this life in a place called Heaven.
Bad things do not happen because God is weak. He has chosen to allow human beings to operate with certain freedoms. He is not a puppet master controlling each and every decision made by people. That was clear in the Garden of Eden when He allowed Adam and Eve the freedom to obey or disobey. They chose the latter and plunged all creation under the affects of sin. Sorrow and suffering. Tumors and tornadoes. Diseases and disasters. These are all affects of sin, not indications of a powerless God.
I am not surprised when tornadoes come, when cancer invades, when death knocks. I understand that I live in a world that is thoroughly infected with sin and its consequences. Evil people inflict pain, suffering and death on fellow human beings. Prejudice, hatred and selfishness abound. Power, greed and lust are growing exponentially. Natural disasters occur frequently. I am not surprised by any of this. All of creation is groaning under the weight of sin.
But this is not all there is. There is another world for which I am longing. A world where tears will not flow, disease will not flourish and death will not be found. A world without hospitals, hospice homes or cemeteries. A world without bruises, scrapes or broken bones. A world without fear, frustration or failure.
The pain and sorrow of this world just makes me long for that world even more. The knowledge of that world enables me to endure this world with grace and contentment.
"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world, our faith." 1 John 5:4
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
The Boy Who Cried Wolf
"The Boy Who Cried Wolf" is one of Aesop's Fables. Most of us learned it as a child. It is about a shepherd boy who repeatedly tricked villagers into thinking that a wolf was attacking his sheep. Later, when a wolf actually was attacking the sheep and the shepherd called for help, none of the villagers believed him. The story is intended to reinforce truthfulness as a virtue by pointing out one of the negative consequences of being untruthful.
Over the years, believers have repeatedly been warned about supposedly new FCC rulings which would do all kinds of things which Christians would certainly want to oppose. In response, many believers have written letters, made phone calls, sent emails, etc., in response to the supposed new ruling. In most cases the information was inaccurate. Someone cried wolf, when no wolf was present. Now, to the point.
The FCC has announced that it is considering altering its current broadcast decency standards which ban explicit profanity and nudity. This could open the door for network television and local radio stations to air profanity such as the f-word, and to allow what it deems to be non-sexual nudity.
The FCC is currently seeking and accepting comments. These may be submitted until the end of April. I have submitted my comments and it took less than two minutes. Would you consider doing the same? Go to http://www.fcc.gov/ and click the Take Action button at the top. Select Comment.
Select Most Active Proceedings. Under Proceeding, click 13-86. Complete the form and leave your comment.
This time the wolf has really come. This time those who desire for the standards of decency to be maintained should act. This time we must make sure the sheep (our children) are protected. Now you know. What will you do?
Over the years, believers have repeatedly been warned about supposedly new FCC rulings which would do all kinds of things which Christians would certainly want to oppose. In response, many believers have written letters, made phone calls, sent emails, etc., in response to the supposed new ruling. In most cases the information was inaccurate. Someone cried wolf, when no wolf was present. Now, to the point.
The FCC has announced that it is considering altering its current broadcast decency standards which ban explicit profanity and nudity. This could open the door for network television and local radio stations to air profanity such as the f-word, and to allow what it deems to be non-sexual nudity.
The FCC is currently seeking and accepting comments. These may be submitted until the end of April. I have submitted my comments and it took less than two minutes. Would you consider doing the same? Go to http://www.fcc.gov/ and click the Take Action button at the top. Select Comment.
Select Most Active Proceedings. Under Proceeding, click 13-86. Complete the form and leave your comment.
This time the wolf has really come. This time those who desire for the standards of decency to be maintained should act. This time we must make sure the sheep (our children) are protected. Now you know. What will you do?
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
A Good Thing
The Cooperative Program is still a good idea. I will be the first to admit that the name "Cooperative Program" is lacking in marketing appeal in our day, but the concept is good and the results are impressive. Through the CP our church joins with thousands of other churches around the nation to support evangelism causes and mission endeavors throughout the world. This is a good thing.
Last year Highland Drive Baptist Church gave $41,057.62 to the CP. A portion of that supports the work in Arkansas and the rest goes to the national Southern Baptist Convention where it supports mission causes around the nation and world. These gifts enable missionaries to focus on the tasks at hand without having to take excessive time to raise funds for their support. This is a good thing.
In the state of Arkansas last year CP funds were instrumental in seeing 27 new churches started. Collegiate ministries were supported on 35 college campuses with over 1900 students involved in discipleship/missions and 191 students coming to faith in Christ. 260,877 people were fed through hunger relief. 397 people came to faith in Christ through those efforts. CP dollars were also used to ministry to over 17,000 clients in Crisis Pregnancy Ministries. This is a good thing.
HDBC's giving to the Cooperative Program last year enabled over 11,000 missionaries to be involved in sharing the gospel with people throughout the world. This is a good thing.
I, for one, would be open to a name change for the Cooperative Program. I believe that would be a good thing. However, new name or old name, the concept is good and the results are impressive. Let's keep working together to make a difference in our world.
Last year Highland Drive Baptist Church gave $41,057.62 to the CP. A portion of that supports the work in Arkansas and the rest goes to the national Southern Baptist Convention where it supports mission causes around the nation and world. These gifts enable missionaries to focus on the tasks at hand without having to take excessive time to raise funds for their support. This is a good thing.
In the state of Arkansas last year CP funds were instrumental in seeing 27 new churches started. Collegiate ministries were supported on 35 college campuses with over 1900 students involved in discipleship/missions and 191 students coming to faith in Christ. 260,877 people were fed through hunger relief. 397 people came to faith in Christ through those efforts. CP dollars were also used to ministry to over 17,000 clients in Crisis Pregnancy Ministries. This is a good thing.
HDBC's giving to the Cooperative Program last year enabled over 11,000 missionaries to be involved in sharing the gospel with people throughout the world. This is a good thing.
I, for one, would be open to a name change for the Cooperative Program. I believe that would be a good thing. However, new name or old name, the concept is good and the results are impressive. Let's keep working together to make a difference in our world.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Say it Ain't So, Tim!
Tim Tebow is a household word among American evangelical Christians. He rose to fame as the quarterback of the Florida Gators and has continued his football fame in the NFL. Not only is Tebow an accomplished football player, though struggling somewhat at the highest level of American Football, the NFL, but has been a very vocal spokesman for evangelical Christianity. His has made clear his support for the pro-life cause in American and has kept his Christian faith front and center in his life and career. Up until now it seemed that he had navigated the difficult combination of fame and the Christian faith pretty well. The pressure may have finally gotten to the young man.
A few days ago he cancelled a speaking engagement scheduled for April 28 at the historic First Baptist Church of Dallas, TX. It's pastor, Dr. Robert Jeffress has been a somewhat controversial figure, at least in the eyes of the culture. He has repeatedly taught the "radical" ideas that homosexual activity is a sin against God, that Mormonism is not part of mainline Christianity and that Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven. These may seem radical in our post-Christian, secular culture but they are at the heart of what evangelical Christians have always believed and taught. There is nothing new here.
In recent weeks there have been calls for Tebow to cancel his plans to speak in that church because of Jeffress "controversial" teaching and stances on the issues mentioned above. Greg Doyel of CBS Sports wrote the following.
"Tim Tebow is about to make the biggest mistake of his life. Tebow has agreed to speak at a hateful Baptist preacher's church, an evangelical cretin named Robert Jeffress." Doyel went on to write, "I'm ashamed to like Tim Tebow now. More specifically, I don't like Tim Tebow now. I can't. Liking him means liking someone who wouldn't just agree with, but would support, Robert Jeffress. And I despise Robert Jeffress."
So much for tolerance! And Doyel was not the only one calling for Tebow to cancel his plans. Others echoed their belief that Tebow was making the mistake of his life by speaking at such a controversial church. Remember, we are talking about First Baptist Church, Dallas. This is one of the most respected churches in the Southern Baptist Convention and in the evangelical Christian world.
To my surprise and great disappointment Tebow has changed his mind. He has apparently yielded to the increasing pressure from those who believe evangelical Christianity is hateful, intolerant and dangerous. I cannot get into the mind of Tim Tebow or know what he is thinking. However, this does not look good. Even his explanatory tweet left more questions than answers.
"While I was looking forward to sharing a message of hope and Christ's unconditional love with the faithful members of the historic First Baptist Church of Dallas in April, due to new information that has been brought to my attention I have decided to cancel my upcoming appearance. I will continue to use the platform God has blessed me with to bring Faith, Hope and Love to all those needing a brighter day. Thank you for all of your love and support. God Bless!"
The language of that tweet does not make me feel better about his decision. He mentioned "new information" that came to his attention. That raises the question, "what new information?" He certainly was not unaware of Jeffress' teaching. If that was the issue, then it raises even more questions in my mind. Does Tebow really want to distance himself from teaching that homosexuality is wrong and that Jesus is the only way to salvation?
It must be extremely difficult to be in Tebow's position. He is certainly the target not only of a secular culture that wants him to fail, but of forces that are unseen to human eyes. I am disappointed, but not discouraged. As his brother in Christ, I am praying for him to be steadfast and immovable in his faith regardless of the attacks which come.
A few days ago he cancelled a speaking engagement scheduled for April 28 at the historic First Baptist Church of Dallas, TX. It's pastor, Dr. Robert Jeffress has been a somewhat controversial figure, at least in the eyes of the culture. He has repeatedly taught the "radical" ideas that homosexual activity is a sin against God, that Mormonism is not part of mainline Christianity and that Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven. These may seem radical in our post-Christian, secular culture but they are at the heart of what evangelical Christians have always believed and taught. There is nothing new here.
In recent weeks there have been calls for Tebow to cancel his plans to speak in that church because of Jeffress "controversial" teaching and stances on the issues mentioned above. Greg Doyel of CBS Sports wrote the following.
"Tim Tebow is about to make the biggest mistake of his life. Tebow has agreed to speak at a hateful Baptist preacher's church, an evangelical cretin named Robert Jeffress." Doyel went on to write, "I'm ashamed to like Tim Tebow now. More specifically, I don't like Tim Tebow now. I can't. Liking him means liking someone who wouldn't just agree with, but would support, Robert Jeffress. And I despise Robert Jeffress."
So much for tolerance! And Doyel was not the only one calling for Tebow to cancel his plans. Others echoed their belief that Tebow was making the mistake of his life by speaking at such a controversial church. Remember, we are talking about First Baptist Church, Dallas. This is one of the most respected churches in the Southern Baptist Convention and in the evangelical Christian world.
To my surprise and great disappointment Tebow has changed his mind. He has apparently yielded to the increasing pressure from those who believe evangelical Christianity is hateful, intolerant and dangerous. I cannot get into the mind of Tim Tebow or know what he is thinking. However, this does not look good. Even his explanatory tweet left more questions than answers.
"While I was looking forward to sharing a message of hope and Christ's unconditional love with the faithful members of the historic First Baptist Church of Dallas in April, due to new information that has been brought to my attention I have decided to cancel my upcoming appearance. I will continue to use the platform God has blessed me with to bring Faith, Hope and Love to all those needing a brighter day. Thank you for all of your love and support. God Bless!"
The language of that tweet does not make me feel better about his decision. He mentioned "new information" that came to his attention. That raises the question, "what new information?" He certainly was not unaware of Jeffress' teaching. If that was the issue, then it raises even more questions in my mind. Does Tebow really want to distance himself from teaching that homosexuality is wrong and that Jesus is the only way to salvation?
It must be extremely difficult to be in Tebow's position. He is certainly the target not only of a secular culture that wants him to fail, but of forces that are unseen to human eyes. I am disappointed, but not discouraged. As his brother in Christ, I am praying for him to be steadfast and immovable in his faith regardless of the attacks which come.
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