Plumbing the Depths

Sometimes those in ministry may fall into the trap of believing their function – their role as pastor and preacher – is quite special and separate from others. They read the Scripture, study about God from the Bible as well as other books, and they tell other people what they do not know. They are to preach the Word and the congregation is to listen. So who are the experts in spiritual and theological matters? Perhaps you begin to see the dilemma?

The truth of the matter is something all together different. The Holy Spirit does not only speak through the lips of the preachers and their lives– but others as well. The Holy Spirit may chose to speak through any who are open to receiving the Spirit whether they be those on the top of their preaching game or those who are experiencing great difficulty and may be considered the dregs of life by others. There are those through whom deep life-experiences brings about a profound conviction not felt by anyone without similar experiences.

Wise pastors will listen sensitively to the lives spoken by others around him, that he might catch the glimpse of the Holy Spirit at work and see God’s reality made manifest which can give a new warmth and wider perspective to what he is preaching about. Such messages come not from the pulpit to the pew, but from the pew to the pulpit. Or more truly from the one who has not set foot in the church to sit in the pew. That is the one whom we must listen to. For there in lies the message we must hear.

When we hear this message and begin to plumb its depths to better understand the vast chasm between ourselves then we will begin to understand how God calls us to be amongst the un-churched and how to reach them.

The Rallies get Rough

In recent Wisconsin GOP rallies Obama has been taking a heated pounding from the rally-ers to the extent of what I would call unreasonable.

KDKA.com reports, “Some in the audience are making it personal, against the Democrat. Shouts of “traitor,” “terrorist,” “treason,” “liar,” and even “off with his head” have rung from the crowd at McCain and Sarah Palin rallies, and gone unchallenged by them.” In another rally a woman stands up and proclaims, “I don't trust Obama,” a woman said. “I have read about him. He’s an Arab.” Admittedly, McCain is defending Obama’s character by responding that Obama is a decent person and a person you don’t have to be afraid of being President of the US. At the same time Palin (and McCain) are accusing Obama of “palling” around with terrorists because of his very lose association with Ayers – a 1960’s radical.

I must admit that I am surprised with the vehemence of rally-goers who call out such comments as these. I’m not sure where the names of traitor or treason come from. When we look at Obama’s record as Chicago social worker and Illinois senator we see that he has done great works for the needy. I would say that Obama is more liberal than I am and certainly I don’t agree with everything he is about. However, I do not agree with everything about McCain either. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could take the best attributes of both candidates, blend them together and have the best possible leader of our country?

I’ve often thought that in our present country’s situation we need to have two nation’s leaders – one who focuses on the international and one who focuses one the local. I’m sure this thought is rife with problems of its own. That is another thought for another blog.

I’m interested in hearing your thoughts on the words, emotions, or comments being tossed around in regards to Obama. Do you think they are warranted? Where do you think a Christian should stand in regards to these kinds of comments? Condemn them? Condone them? Offer alternatives? Forgive them? Ignore them?

Yes To God

I recently read a reflection from Abbie Jane Wells who wrote, “Paul as well as Clinton Marsh and just about everybody else tends to forget that it took a “yes” from Mary before God could “sent forth his Son”. This raised an interesting perspective I had not thought of before. Before I share that angle with you let us look at the scriptural text that tells us of the coming birth of Jesus.

The Gospel of Luke tells the story of the angel Gabriel coming to Nazareth to the virgin Mary bringing greetings and a message from God, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.” Mary’s response to this was ultimately, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

Initially, Mary questions how she can give birth since she is a virgin. The revelation by the angel troubles her. To be known by a man other than her husband would cause great scandal – she is betrothed to Joseph. In those days a betrothal was almost as binding and committing as the marriage itself. She could be divorced, ostracized and worse—stoned to death for her unfaithfulness. The angel reassures her that the Holy Spirit is active and involved and through the power of God all things are possible. Mary’s amazement turns to faith and acceptance as she gives herself over to God.

Yet, what if she said no? What would the history of our church, our religion, and indeed our world look like if Mary had said no to the angel somehow refusing this gift from God? At first blush we might look and say Mary could never say no – it just isn’t possible. But I would argue that all humanity has been endowed, for better or worse, with free will. All persons have the ability to accept God and all the gifts and grace that come along with it or to reject all that God offers. History shows rejection to be the more common answer given rather than that of acceptance and compliance.

The Israelites rejected God time and time again, not only throughout the Exodus of Egypt but even as their nation was formed and they settled the promised lands across the Jordan River. Throughout the centuries we have continually turned away from God – the Crusades, the world wars, genocide in parts of our world, atrocities against the Jewish nation ... On a personal level we stop praying, we stop tithing, we stop attending church, and perhaps we just stop caring. So, the reality is that we do say no.

Because we have free will we can say no; yet, because of God’s great and endless love God never gives up on us.

Throughout my own life I see a track record of turning away from God. I think of the many times God asked me to talk to a person, to pray for someone, to help shelter or feed someone in need, to give to the church or to attend church services. I think of the many times I felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit sending me in a direction I didn’t want to go – so I didn’t. However, once I said yes; once I accepted Christ as my savior and began to follow his teachings God began to work through me, leading me into pastoral ministry where I now serve my church, community and seek ways to reach those disconnected from God.

Is it feasible to say yes to everything God sends my way? I think part of the answer to this question lies in our discernment of what it is God wants us to do.

I must be in prayer with God seeking where and how and what God wants of me in any given situation. At times I believe God says, ‘this is a better task for someone else’. Other times God says, ‘this one is for you’. Regardless, I must be connected with God to hear the answer. When I stop attending church, stop praying, and stop fellowshipping with other Christians I can no longer hear God.

Discernment is vitally important for us as we try to stay in tune with God’s plan. Even Mary paused to discern what God was saying. In Luke 1:29, 34 we see her response: “But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.” “And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin.””

Ultimately, we don’t know how many others God may have propositioned throughout the ages. For all we know there may have been others besides Mary. As Abbie Jane Wells states, “as far as we know, Mary was the first to say an unqualified “yes””.

How much good work has been lost because we have said no? What has been lost because we have not said yes? What would God be able to accomplish if we did say yes (indeed, after careful prayer and discernment)? What do you think our world would look like if more people said yes than no? Now, God’s work will still continue. God’s work will always be accomplished through others who are willing to give of themselves. But, if I don’t allow God to work through me, then what spiritual growth and maturity have I lost? There is both community and personal gain realized when we give ourselves over to God. We are the feet and hands of Christ continuing the ministry and mission he began long, long ago. How do you respond to God’s call?