PONDERING OBSCURITY

“Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.” (Phil.2:5-8 / The Message Bible)

The KJV says that Jesus “made himself of no reputation”.

Scripture instructs us to follow the example of Christ in this matter of drawing attention to ourselves, our rights, privileges, self-serving goals and personal aspirations. So, how come we don’t do that? Seems to me that’s a fair question to pose considering how totally different most of us approach our lives.

The call that our culture and the world system in general places before us is to climb the ladder of success all the way to the top if we can. We’re taught that by our well-meaning parents for the most part. That gets reinforced by our educational system, the social sciences, the entertainment business, and our media-driven culture. In fact, most every aspect of our inter-personal relationships seem to work more to our liking when we are the ones being pleased by how others treat us. I wonder what’s become of the “golden rule”? (see Luke 6:31).

I’ve been trying to come to terms with a passage from Scripture for the last couple of years. It continues to be a real struggle for me to reconcile my lifestyle to what it says. Ponder this: When we read Hebrews 11 we find a long list of saints who are presented to us as role models for their actions of extreme faith. However, toward the end of the chapter included in that listing there is a nameless grouping. As unidentified to us as they are, the writer of Hebrews goes so far as to elevate their status to a high and exalted level when he states in verse 38 that “the world was not worthy” of such people. Then he goes on to say that they all died “having not received the promise” of what they were living for.

Many today would say that these "faith heros" were failures due to not getting what they were after while they were alive here on earth. It would appear that they missed their entitlement(s). However, that’s not what the Bible says. That’s not what I would say either.

And you – what would you say?

SALVATION & SANCTIFICATION


“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil.2:12)


God gives us our salvation in and through Christ Jesus, our Lord, and Savior. Once we’ve received it, our responsibility is to develop it to maturity through yielded and obedient submission to the Holy Ghost.


Salvation is simple
Sanctification isn’t

Salvation takes a moment
Sanctification takes a lifetime

Salvation requires yielding to the Holy Ghost once
Sanctification requires yielding again, and again, and again…

Salvation is a giving up of our lives
Sanctification is a giving up of our rights

Salvation cost us nothing (Christ Jesus paid for it with His life)
Sanctification cost us a great deal (we pay for it with our life)

Salvation saves individuals
Sanctification purifies & perfects those who have been redeemed

Salvation unlocks the doorway into God’s kingdom
Sanctification carries us further (and deeper) into God’s kingdom


"To go through the door is not necessarily to live in the house."
(From: Knowing Christ Today / By: Dallas Willard)

GENERATIONAL NETWORKING

At 63 I'm considered an "old guy" in some circles. Especially in this country where I'm standing at the front of the "boomer" line. However, in other nations, and at other times in our cultural de-evolution I'd be considered (and revered) as an elder worthy of respect and honor simply because I had earned those perks through the process of aging. Seeing things from my perspective as an "aged one" I am concerned and saddened by what's being lost to the generations coming along behind me. We are (all) suffering from the disconnections which are taking place between the young and old(er) in matters related to living on this planet. I recently read a comment somewhere on line that said we were becoming a nation of hermits slouched over our computer screens with our "blackberrys" in hand. That's certainly not the way our Creator intends for us to live our lives.

Scripture gives us a very clear picture of how we are to be joined together:

"And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come." (Ps.71:18/NASB)

"For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers that they should teach them to their children, that the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, that they may arise and tell them to their children, that they should put their confidence in God and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments..." (Ps.78:5-7 /NASB)

"You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness." (Eph.4:4-6/MSG)

The Biblical directive those verses call us to as believers is certainly not how we're functioning currently. Maybe something(s) will occur in the future that will begin to re-establish the pattern that God's Word gives us for helping one another to grow and mature. I hope, and pray that will be the case. To that end, perhaps the following observations may help to move things in that direction.

In the October edition of AARP magazine (yes, really), there was an article in the Life Lessons section entitled "The Pressure To Be Wise". It referenced a video series called "Wisdom Keepers". In it there are a number of short interviews with older people of accomplishment, from dancers to environmentalists to writers intended "as a motivational tool for an audience of teenagers (now know as "young adults")." There were a couple of phrases that prompted me to post this blog up:

At 20 you know everything; at 70 you're not so sure
One of the reasons to keep wisdom, it seems, is so you can pass it on

There was one section in particular that addressed this topic in a very concise fashion. Margaret Atwood (a Canadian author and poet) drew on an example from the Inuit tribe from Arctic. Regarding the process of joining the generations among the Inuits tribe, she made the follows observations:

"You can't become an Elder just by getting old; it's a title bestowed by others. You never push your advice, but you offer it if asked. You can tell who the Elders are just by watching a group. They are the ones to whom the others are always bringing cups of tea. When an Elder speaks, people listen. But, they don't speak often.

An Elder knows what to do in times of difficulty. They acquired that knowledge by having endured hard times before. As one of their old sayings puts it, 'Good judgment comes from experience; experience comes from bad judgment'."

She goes on to make these comments based on her cultural studies from history:

"In earlier societies, especially those living in harsh environments, at a time when the life expectancy was 35 or so, the rare individual living to 60 would have seen many more times of crisis than the younger people. He or she would have had a better idea of how to face those dangers. In traditional Japan it was the custom to tear down and rebuild wooden temples at set intervals, so that the rebuilt temple would exactly resemble its predecessor. Three generations of master craftsmen were always employed: the apprentices, who were learning; the master craftsmen of middle years, who had already lived through one temple rebuilding; and the oldest generation, who'd been through the process twice before and could coach the other two."

So, here's something for all of you apprentices and middle year folks to consider -- from one of your elders. Instead of setting all us "Baby Boomers" adrift in tinny little boats with limited rations when we reach our sixty-fifth birthday, perhaps you could consider making space in your hearts for the principles of Scripture I mentioned above to work some kingdom renewal among us.

I'm just thinking out loud. At least I think I am. Its pasted my bedtime isn't it?

THE ULTIMATE WORSHIP WARRIOR:

Scripture reveals to us that Jesus is the “author and finisher” of our faith (Heb.12:2). I take that to mean that the embodiment of a life of faithful service to God is exemplified through Christ’s obedience to His Fathers Sovereign will. Quite literally, our Lord modeled what it means to be a “living sacrifice” by going to the Cross as the act of redemption for all of humankind. Having had the power (and the right) to call down all the forces of heaven on His behalf (Matt.26:53) in order to side-step Golgotha, He instead chose to yield Himself up in submission to the orders He’d received from headquarters.

His yielding (Phil.2:7&8) came at the zenith of the most terrifying moment of the most horrific battle that’s ever taken place on earth. The warfare that raged there on “skull hill” that dark day was like no other confrontation that had ever taken place.

All the vile forces of hell where directly arrayed against the very throne of God in heaven. But at that juncture when divine force, supernatural power, Sovereign authority, and Holy-self-determination would have seemed the only fitting way to engage in battle an entirely unexpected strategy was implement. Rather than confront the enemy with a display of Divinity, Jesus humbled Himself on the cross (Heb.2:9&10, 14) and gave Himself as an act of worship. His body raised up bruised, beaten and bloody became the glorious standard lifted up to draw all men to Him (Jn.12:32). No weapon was used, except His own body. No fisted hand was raised in anger. Instead, His empty and opened hands were extended in complete *consecration and nailed to a cross beam. From that position He could render no blows against His adversary. The only wounds inflicted that day were the ones He took upon Himself (Isa.53:5). The resistance toward satan that the Lord showed us was manifested through His act of surrender to the Father. In the middle of the warfare, worship alone became Christs weapon of choice. Jesus trusted that His Commander-In-Chief would provide both vindication and victory as He saw fit. The resurrection accomplished both.

*CONSECRATION is the setting aside of any person, place, or thing for acts of holy service. It also can mean to come with an open hand (as opposed to a closed or fisted one).

In those despairingly desperate moments on Calvary our Savior showed each of us how the life of a warrior and a worshiper could be linked together in a way most profound. There is no better way of explaining that every act of worship is an act of war than to let Scripture speak for itself:


“He stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe
of their sham authority at the Cross and marched
them naked through the streets.”
(Col.2:15 / MSG)

“ENTERING IN”

I want to unpack that term “entering in” with you in order to consider exactly what it means. The way it is most often used in congregations is something like let’s all “enter into God’s Presence”, or perhaps, “it’s time to enter into worship”. There are several ways of expressing the concept --- I’m sure you know the varied phrase(s). I’m not too interest in the specific language that you might use however. What I’m really wanting to get at is the meaning behind the term itself.

As a worship pastor for the last 13 years, and a worship leader for some 15 years prior to that, I’ve come to believe that many (most) worshipers don’t really have a clear understanding of what it means when we say we’re “entering in” as we’re gathered to enthrone God upon our praises (Ps.22:3).

There’s a lot I’d like to say but I am purposed to be as concise as possible with my comments. To do so I’m going to borrow an example from a message I recently heard given by Bishop Joseph Garlington. It’s one of the best explanations I’ve ever heard dealing with this topic. And, since I am in relationship with Bishop I know he won’t mind if I use it --- especially having given him credit for his insights.

Here’s a paraphrased version of what he said:

When we turn on our T.V.’s or radios (lap tops & iphones) to listen to a program that we are interested in the people involved (cast & crew) aren’t sitting in a studio somewhere waiting for us to tune in before they begin. Of course not. They begin their program with or without us. At the moment we link up with what’s already “in progress” we are “entering in” to what was taking place before we ever turned the power on. Our involvement -- at whatever level we choose -- begins when we engage in what’s already happening. In other words, the program (or church service) can, will, and does take place with or without us. But, in order for us to share in the experience we have to engage with those who are already actively taking part in the presentation.

I think Bishops commments are spot on. The process is the same in matters of corporate praise and worship. Saints and angels on earth and in heaven above are pro-active in praise & worship all the time (24/7/365). It’s non-stop, with no breaks and no pauses. Praise and worship is ongoing, constant and eternal. So, when we’re “entering in” to the adoration and exaltation of the Lord, our God, the offerings aren’t beginning with us. We’re not starting anything --- we’re joining a program already in progress. Selah…

I suppose some Scriptural support would be in order here to ground what I’m saying. So, consider this please:

“For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind, and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them... you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.” (Heb.12:18, 19, 22-24 / NASB)

Note please in verse 22 where it says that we “have come to Mount Zion”. The word come in its base language is in the active tense meaning that it has already taken place. The passage is leading us to understand that we have (in terms of eternity) already “entered in” to the scene the text goes on to describe in grand and glorious details. Saints, we’re in already! Therefore all that’s required of us is to act like we know that and respond accordingly.


“BOW DOWN”

Bow down before the Lord
Worship Him, Oh worship Him
Bow down before our God
Enter in, Oh enter in

Consuming fire, sweet perfume
His awesome presence fills this room
This is holy ground, so come and bow down

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord of hosts
Saints and angels give Him glory
In the Holy Ghost

(David Baroni & Tony Sutherland / Integrity’s Hosanna Music, ’94)



Copyright Secured: See & Say (Songs & Such), BMI

MORNING HAS BROKEN
(Prayers of Thanksgiving)

There are several things that I try to be faithful in as I offer daily prayers. I'd like to say that most of the items on my prayer list get covered each day --- but that's not always the case. However, there are two expressions of thanksgiving that I start my day off with pretty much without fail. I thank the Lord for "bird song", and "worship on the wind".

The "bird song" prayer was birthed sitting on my patio in the backyard of the "Berry-Patch"one morning just before dawn. In the spring, summer and early fall I tend to try and get outside as early as possible. I'm often outside find myself in the space where darkness is just beginning to turn into light. When that happens three things stir in my spirit reminding me that:

God's daily mercy shows up "new every morning"
I'm witnessing the birth of a new day
The night silence is being broken by the sound of birds offering up songs of praise

The other prayer point - "worship on the wind" - is something I've already addressed in a previous blog entitled "Wind Blown Worship". If you've read it then you understand what I mean when I use that phrase. If you haven't read it, you can backtrack through my other postings. Then maybe you'll start to hear things in the breeze yourself.

“MERCY COMES CALLING”

While it’s still dark outside, a supernatural thing’s occurring
Light begins to rise, and life starts to stirring
Then suddenly without warning, another day is dawning

As mercy comes calling, mercy comes calling
Mercy comes calling, it’s new every morning

Night silence fills the air, as the atmosphere is changing
For those with ears to hear, creation wakes up singing
God’s Sovereign hand is forming, a reason for rejoicing

As mercy comes calling...

When the sun runs out its course, the shadows start descending
An indescribable force, brings another day to an ending
As I lay down for sleeping, I yield my soul to His keeping

As mercy comes calling...


By: W. Berry / See & Say Songs, BMI

Copyright Secured: See & Say (Songs & Such), BMI

A GOOD GIFT
(Mat.7:7-11)


” God, high above, sees far below; no matter the distance,
He knows everything about us.” (P2.138:6 / The Message Bible)


I’ve recently returned from my tenth sojourn to the continent of Africa. The mystery and majesty of what God has deposited in that land and those who dwell there always amazes and humbles me. The kindness and hospitality of the African people is often overwhelming. And the grandeur of the Creators handy-work revealed through nature truly is astounding to witness first hand (Rom.1:20). But, on this trip my Lords involvement in the smallest details of my life has prompted me to give testimony to His Fatherly benevolence to His children.

Here’s what happened:

I’ve wanted an instrument from Africa for several years. It’s called a Mbira. History traces its roots to the nation of Zimbabwe hundreds of years ago.

{You might know of it as a “thumb piano” but that’s not a term that Africans care for. That’s a name coined by the English and (I feel) that it is a slight to the region and the indigenous craftsmen who designed and perfected how it is to be played}.

Pardon my multi-cultural venting and getting back to my testimony…

Through prayerful contacts I have with some brethren in Zimbabwe I managed to purchase one made locally. I was overjoyed to finally get my hands on one I could call my own. Having researched its use I know that playing it correctly (the Shona way) takes patience, practice, prayer, and perseverance from anyone interested enough and serious enough to begin the process of learning. I also knew that the first real problem I might encounter would be related to how it is tuned and kept in tune after the long trip back to the U.S. and the months and years of hands-on-attention it would take to eventually coax music out of it. So, connecting with someone in America that could perhaps assists me was a priority once I returned home.

As a worship pastor, minstrel, and psalmist unto the Lord I take the spiritual act of consecration very seriously (see Jos.3:5 / 1 Chron. 15:11&12 / 2 Chron.29:5). So, in one of the services I was to minister the Word I made a request of those attending the gathering and of one of the bishops who was also there to bring a “word from the Lord”. I ask him, and the congregation to allow me a few moments at the beginning of the service in order for him to anoint my Mbira (and me) with oil and to pray a prayer of consecration for kingdom service. They all graciously consented to do so. Having done that I'm taking to heart what we did and I'm trusting the Holy Ghost to honor my request for my musicianship and my instrument to be used in any way that will glorify Christ Jesus, and advance the kingdom here on earth.

This is where the really amazing part comes into play: I’ve been home only two weeks. Nonetheless the Lord has already made a way for me to link up with the best know female Mbira player in America. It turns out (through Divine happenstance) that she will be conducting a weekend workshop in Chicago in October where our daughter just happens to live.

My wife and I are headed there for a visit in three weeks. Arrangements were firmed up today for me to take my Mbira with me and leave it with my daughter. She is going to drop it off at the workshop --- which just happens to be only 1 ½ miles from here apartment (in a city of 2.8 million). The Mbira master has agreed to set mine up properly making certain that it’s tuned according to the Zimbabwe (Shona) tradition.

I’ve said all that to say this: The little things (the very little things) that are important to us are also important to our heavenly Father.

Someone who’s reading this perhaps needed to be reminded of that.


“YOU ARE LORD (Kenya Song)”
(Ps.138:4-6)

Over every tribe and nation, over every generation
Over all of Your creation, You are Lord
You are awesome, high and holy, but You bring comfort to the lowly
Thru Your presence and Your glory, You are Lord

Over wilderness and wasteland, and in every place where we stand
All of life is held in Your hand, You are Lord
Over every joy and sorrow, over Mount Kilimanjaro
Yesterday, today, tomorrow, You are Lord

Over every hopeless pilgrim, over all who seek Your kingdom
May Your prefect will be done, for You are Lord
Till the day of Your appearing, as eternity is nearing
I’ll tell all within my hearing, You are Lord

CHORUS:
I worship You, I worship You, Lord
I worship You, I worship You, Lord


By: W. Berry / See & Say Songs, BMI