The Biblical Twilight Zone…

My children got sucked in today by an old black and white television show. The show in question? The Twilight Zone. This morning before going to school, waking up with sleep caked eyes they flipped on the TV and they were drawn in. Not by expensive special effects or famous actors, but a well scripted haunting scenario. My kids journeyed with the characters on the episode identified with the actors as they uncovered a truth so hard to accept…they weren’t on Earth at all…they were someplace else.

To some degree the disciples had to have felt like actors on horrifying episode of the twilight zone. They had just finished their meal and went for a walk with Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. Imagine their tired eyes, filled stomachs and then Jesus tells them to sit at a place in the garden while He went up just a little further to pray. The effects of good food and the tranquil setting must have taken effect because the gospel of Mark records that Peter, James and John fell asleep instead of the Lord’s command of “keep watch”. They fall asleep, and sleep soundly as Jesus prays earnestly for His Father in Heaven to take the cup from Him (v36). Jesus displays his humanity in this moment, because He understood what needed to take place and His very human nature pleads for it to not take place.

Three times, Jesus comes to them and three times He finds them sleeping on the job. Jesus, in this difficult moment, tells them that they have to stand guard so that they didn’t fall into temptation because the spirit is willing, but the body is weak. (v.38) But because of their deep exhaustion they can’t keep their eyes open. In Jesus’ toughest struggle in his human existence, even beyond his temptation in the wilderness, His hand selected disciples couldn’t support Him in this trial. They fell asleep three times…I don’t believe in numerology but this repetitive notion of three is evident in the crucifixion story. Peter denies Jesus three times, the rooster crowed three times, the disciples including Peter, fell asleep three times and three times Jesus has to wake them up. Jesus in His death and resurrection took the span of three days. Post resurrected Jesus asks Peter how much He loved Him…you guessed it three times.

The Twilight Zone Moment:

After Jesus finishes His prayer conversation with the Father, He awakens His disciples for the last time and says, “Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayers!”(v.42) Here is when their reality is turned upside down. Within this very moment an alternative reality seems to present itself and it strikes literal fear in the disciples. One of their own, Judas enters the scene, and as a sign of identification places a kiss on the cheek of Jesus, as if to say ‘this is the one you want’. Peter’s eyes grow wide in surprise, as does James and John’s. How can this be? Why would Judas do such a thing? He was our brother! They all feel the bottom drop out in their stomach as this new reality sinks in. Peter reaches for his sword…where he got it, the Bible doesn’t say, but he uses it poorly it would seem as he slices off the ear of a servant to the high priest. I don’t think Peter planned to use it, his strike wasn’t premeditated but reactionary instead. This twilight zone will lead to an illegal midnight trial.

One can almost imagine the screen flickering in black and white as the camera zooms in on the actor and an expression of sheer disbelief and horror is magnified as the scenario is unveiled for the first time. This Maundy Thursday ended seemingly in a different dimension for the disciples. Way too much drama, too much loss, too little strength to do anything but sleep, cut off an ear and run away.

Don’t be too quick to judge though, perhaps if we were to place our feet into the disciples’ sandals for a moment without the foreknowledge that we have as we view this story from the outside, would we really have done anything different? Probably not.

Welcome to the Biblical Twilight Zone…Beyond it is another dimension – a dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of mind. You’re moving into a land of both shadow and substance, of things and ideas. You’ve just crossed over into the Biblical Twilight Zone.

March 28, 2013 4

Homeboy vs. Hometown Riot

Isaiah 61:1-2 (NIV)
¹The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, ²to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,

Jesus stood in front of those gathered together in the synagogue of His home town and read these words…then, glancing at everyone in the room who were listening he rolled the scroll back up, it was placed in its customary resting place, and he took a seat to teach on the reading. You can almost imagine the crowd gathered there in the synagogue waiting for this fellow resident of Nazareth to speak. What would He say, he’s just a stone cutter’s son, and how much scriptural understanding does He really have? In the back of the sanctuary a person coughed, all eyes trained on Jesus, hanging on expectantly for what He would say.

Then it happens, with scriptural intent Jesus, now seated, looks directly into the faces of the people and fellow teachers and declares; “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” And then He lays it out there in his teaching. He tells them, without flinching or hesitation that every prophet is rejected in their home towns and proceeds to give examples of this through Elijah and Elisha. His meaning strikes the congregation like an audible slap in the face. Since the people of Israel rejected their prophets and continued in their ignorance the prophets went to the gentiles instead.

A fellow Jew takes a step forward and yells in outrage “What are you saying?” “How dare You!” another screams, the color of anger red rising in his face. “Blasphemy” another calls out and is repeated like an echo in a cave throughout the room. The once docile crowd seemingly awakens from its sermoned stupor and like a crashing wave onto jagged rocks at high tide convenes on the cause of their anger – Jesus. And with murderous intent glinting in their eyes, they grab Jesus roughly by His cloak. The roar of anger reverberates off of the columns and ceiling as the crowds of neighbors, townsmen, and even those who had worked with Joseph and his sons including Jesus…they knew Him, and yet they knew nothing. Anger now brimming over like lava from a volcano, the hometown crowd hauls Jesus out with cries of blasphemy and curses. Their intent is to end the guilt and conviction they feel by ending Jesus’ life. But as they approach a nearby cliff, something remarkable happens. Perhaps it’s an unrecorded miracle because no water is turned into wine, nor is someone healed from a sickness, but it’s a miracle nonetheless. The murderous rioters or would be church goers who were intent on killing Jesus aren’t permitted to do the deed! It’s not time yet for Him to die, and this isn’t the place for His ultimate sacrifice.

Instead of falling to His death, Jesus walks through the crowd. Nothing more is said of this event except that He goes on His way (v30). Was Satan involved in this sudden murderous riot? Were the town folk prompted to respond this way by a spiritual battle unseen? Perhaps, but the focus still remains on Jesus here. He walks through the would be murderers from the cliff and continues on this path and mission of teaching, healing and changing lives. This act of the crowd is fulfillment of Christ’s words only moments ago “no prophet is accepted in his hometown.” It wasn’t time yet for His sacrifice for the sins of the world. And so He moves on. Something to ponder here is if this event broke Christ’s heart. Were there tears in His eyes when He walked away from them, from His home? People He had known for years had just attempted to kill Him. His ‘old stomping grounds’ had become a hostile and uninviting place for Him, further reinforcing scripture that “He had nowhere to lay His head…”or call Home anymore. (Matt 8:20)

For us today, we may never face public riots for what we say for the sake of Christ. People might not be attempting to throw us from cliffs. But if we are to be followers and emulators of Christ we too must take bold stands and remain firm in them. Jesus said to His disciples and even now to us, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.” (Matt 16:24) In these words speaks of sacrifice, selflessness and purpose beyond our earthly lives. Jesus understood this measure of surrender, his purpose for being here on Earth and He gave himself completely to this task despite being rejected by the hometown crowd…how about you?

What is the measure of your surrender today?

(*My title isn’t meant to offend, please know I reverence Jesus and that of His life, and please don’t misunderstand my intent in the use of ‘Homeboy’)

March 27, 2013 1

Treasure: Curses or Blessings?

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21)

I can’t help but think of the original movie “Pirates of the Caribbean – The Curse of the Blackpearl” in which Johnny Depp plays Captain Jack Sparrow. His treasure is the Black Pearl and taking his rightful place as its Captain again…His antagonist is Captain Barbossa and the crew have been cursed by a pirate’s treasure so that they can never die but they cannot enjoy the pleasures of life anymore either. Their treasure in life has become their undoing and they are now cursed because of it.

Is it so far fetched to think that earthly treasure can be like this with us as well? No we may not appear as ghosts in the moonlight, but we may be ruled by our treasures. Just flip on the television and consider the numerous commercials that tell us we haven’t truly lived until we have the newest and best telephone, electronic device, car or job. Earthly treasure certainly has its trappings, its lures and its appeal doesn’t it?

Have you heard it said, ‘whatever consumes most of your time will consume you?’ Another word for our treasures could be the word ‘Idol’. If we become consumed with an idol in our lives, it dominates our time, and our attention then does it not take away from the time we should be spending with God? Don’t we see throughout the Old Testament that God is a jealous God who wants us to be completely sold out to Him alone? It literally breaks His heart when his people sell His love for cheap idols of this world that are temporal and will fade away. It’s like having the Hope Diamond yet trading it in for a cubic zirconia ring that was seen the on Home shopping network…it just doesn’t make sense!

Where is your treasure today? Are you investing your time and your passions on the Eternal or the temporal and Earthly? Have you been cursed by your possessions? Consumed by them? Don’t allow earthly treasures that are cheap and temporary to replace the love of God which is perfect, lovely and will last forever!

Truth be told, I have made this mistake countless times, it never pays off. Sure for a time we’re happy with our treasure, but over time it loses its shine and what we thought would bring us happiness leaves us with a vacuum in our hearts…and we’re empty. Eternal treasure will never leave us feeling this way! God will never leave us or forsake us, and His promises are always true, noble and priceless in value!

So what’ll it be? Your shiny new toy that will one day fail you, or God’s Eternal light which shines forever?

Where your treasure is…there your heart is also. Think on these things, and with the words of Jesus, “He who has ears to hear, let Him hear!”

March 25, 2013 1

How I Met Your Mother

How I met your mother.

No it’s not some cheap tag line to rope you into watching episode after episode of fail relationships.

This is truly how I met your mother. I have to thank my roommate in college for initially propelling me in the direction that I took that Spring Break. My roommate had signed up to serve at a Habitat For Humanity service project during Spring Break and I thought perhaps I should try it out as well. I really didn’t want to just lounge around for a week doing nothing, I needed to be busy and so I went to sign up for the Habitat for Humanity mission trip. I was excited, this was to be a great week of working hard and having fun with friends, but it was not to be. I had signed up a little too late and the team I wanted to go on was full up. Instead the campus Chaplin asked me if I would go on a different mission trip. The mission tripe he was proposing for me would be a trip to California to do some work on a Christian summer camp. I didn’t want to go on this trip and I recall being disappointed that I wouldn’t be going with my roommate and IF (a big if) I went I wouldn’t know anyone else on the team. I hadn’t had much luck fitting in at College. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed my classes, had some great professors and the occasional co-ed sports events, but I just felt as if I didn’t belong on that campus. I wasn’t too keen on meeting up with the other members of this spring mission’s team and run the risk I would have to spend an entire week with people I just didn’t fit in with.

I gave the proposal some thought and reluctantly told the campus Chaplin that I would be willing to go, it beat staying at home or on campus doing nothing. The only catch is that I would have to raise some funds in order to go…so I began to collect funds from church, and friends, and but I was fearful because the time allotted to raise the money was drastically shortened due to my late addition to the mission team. I remember being over a hundred dollar short, having no money to my name, and thinking I would have to call the Chaplin and tell him thanks but no thanks. Then I received a call from him and he let me know that the rest of the funds were being covered and I should get packed up.

So the day arrived that we were to all meet in the student center on campus for our departing bus ride to the airport. I was still apprehensive of meeting new people; they were all stranger to me. I remember thinking, how will I ever fit in? But I packed up, and made my way to the lobby to wait. I took a cushioned seat that was blue in color that was near a television. As I sat there other team members arrived and also took seats as we all collectively waited for the bus to arrive. A romantic movie was on the smallish box television and I remember partly watching it out of discomfort amidst new people. I can’t remember if I struck up the conversation or the girl sitting next to me did, but we connected with a lot of commonalities and it was simply easy to converse with her. We didn’t stop talking until the bus arrived and even on the bus ride we talked about everything from books we loved to films to music…the conversation flowed simply yet fluidly and didn’t seem to be forced or awkward. It felt good! Part of my fears of fitting in evaporated in those short hours of conversation, from a plane ride to another van ride; we connected all the way and spent much of the week together. Things just clicked…little did I know that in just three short years she would say “yes” to a question that requires a lifetime commitment. It took me a while to woo, partly because school came first for her…not so much with me (but that’s another story).

I’ve heard it said of love that there is no such thing as soul mates…that many people could fit the bill in compatibilities within a relationship…perhaps that’s so…but not for me. Looking back at it now, I can’t help but think that the details of our journey had been preordained. I wasn’t meant to make it on the team that my roommate was leaving with. I don’t feel that it was simply a coincidence that though I was short of funds to make it on this trip someone came in at the last minute and covered the balance. I don’t find it coincidental at all that we connected from the moment we entered the first meeting place of our team. So many coincidences leave me blown away in the realization that we were meant for one another. Things didn’t just ‘fall into place’, things happened for a reason and in this case that reason was for me to meet your mother. And the rest is a sweet and blessed history, not perfect mind you, but it is sweet nonetheless. And in the words of Robert Frost, “And that has made all of the difference!”

March 25, 2013 0

Burdens, Purfume & a Woman

Luke 7:44-48 (NIV)
⁴⁴Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. ⁴⁵You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. ⁴⁶You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. ⁴⁷Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven–for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” ⁴⁸Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Jesus had been invited to a dinner party of sorts by a Pharisee name Simon. The dinner was just underway when a woman enters the room. She moves quickly because she understands the customs and knows if she doesn’t find Jesus first she will be met with stiff protest and quick eviction from the premises. Kneeling behind Jesus she begins to weep, it’s an odd sight, embarrassing for the host but Jesus, the dinner guest is unfazed. Her momentary gasps for breath amidst her tears breaks the awkward silence in the room. Soon, her tears are flowing rapidly like a swelling river during flood season. Her gasps increase and she is weeping openly at His feet. As each tear falls like salty raindrops she purposely positions herself over Jesus’ feet and allows each drop to fall onto them. His feet are still dusty from the gravely, chalky road and as the moisture from her tears gathers in the crease lines of His feet mud begins to form. The woman bends closer allowing her long hair to touch his feet. Reaching up she uses her hair like a cloth and proceeds to wipe the muddied feet. Then, from her pocket in her cloak she retrieves a small jar of perfume. The smells of food are suddenly replaced with an expensive aroma of perfume. She pours it onto Jesus’ feet and continues to wipe away the remnants of the dust and dirt. Her sobs are now the only sounds within the dining room.

The host; Simon is shocked as the rest of those gathered guests look on in bewildered amazement. This woman, known by the community for her tarnish reputation is at a Teacher’s feet…such things should not be, and yet Jesus does nothing to stop her. Instead Jesus looks at Simon and tells Him a short story. “There were two people who both owed a debt to a moneylender. One owed five hundred silver pieces, while the other owed fifty.” Jesus pauses as he glances from the woman back to Simon again, the light of the room reflecting in his eyes dances to the light of the flame. “Neither one of the debtors had the resources to pay back the debt to the moneylender.” Jesus continues to say, “but a remarkable thing happens, when the moneylender realizes neither one of them could repay the debt back, he cancels the debt.” Again Jesus glances up from the woman and looks Simon directly in the eyes again as he ask most important question Simon will hear all night, “Which of the two people owning the moneylender money will be the most thankful for the debt cancelation?” Simon doesn’t waste any time as he responds with confidence, “I imagine the person who owed the most would be the most thankful!” Jesus nods in agreement and looks down at the distraught woman still wiping his feet with her hair and say to Simon, “You see this woman who has disrupted your dinner party? She comes with much to forgive, you, Simon didn’t wash my feet when I enter and here she is washing my feet now.” Simon sits pensively as he listens. Jesus continues, “When I entered your home you did not greet me with a kiss which is customary, yet this woman has not stopped kissing my feet since she entered the room.” Silence falls on the room again as all who hear Jesus’ words chews on them like a piece of fatty grizzle. “Isn’t it remarkable?” Jesus asks, “She has been forgiven for a many sins today! She has found love and is reciprocating this great love to me even now!” Then Jesus speaks directly to the woman for the first time with kindness and more respect than anyone in the town had ever given her and her less than perfect reputation; “Woman, your sins are forgiven…” how could such a thing be the others wonder to themselves? “She was a sinful woman was she not? Who was this man that can forgive sin?” The other dinner guests and Simon, the host, murmur and grumble together. Yet Jesus ignores them and continues to speak to the woman at His feet with love and care; He tells her, “Your faith has saved you this day, now go in peace!”

What a moment for that woman! She came seeking forgiveness, she came with such a debt that she couldn’t possibly repay, and Jesus canceled the debt and gave her life again! Imagine the heavy burden that must have been lifted as soon as she got up from His feet? Can’t you envision her moving a little lighter as she makes her way home? Perhaps she sleeps heavier than she has slept in a very long time that night! Those in her household and those that know her well would have seen a drastic change her attitude and lifestyle! It all came about because Jesus allowed her to weep at His feet and to find forgiveness in this humbling act. Oh that we too may kneel at His feet and find such sweet deliverance! Whether you have much to be forgiven for or very little, seek Jesus, kneel before Him with a penitent heart and find your debts of sin canceled!

“Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Calvary, Calvary

Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Jesus is very Near!”

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
²⁸“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

March 22, 2013 1

Foolish Judges, judged by fools

True wisdom is hearing both sides of the same story and then making a judgment. Foolishness is only hearing half of the story, judging each party and then blaming others when their poor discernment leads to incorrect conclusions.

Not sure about you…but I don’t want to be a fool let a lone foolish. I’m not a fan of fickle people, or a fan of people who have judged others based on “what they know” when what they know is often times not much or not even half of the truth.

Don’t waste your time on foolish people. They aren’t worth your time or effort to impress them…at the heart of the matter, they’re not happy people anyway.

We reap what we sow…how about sowing seeds worth sowing…instead of weeds.

March 15, 2013 1

I hear your whisper on the breeze

Some people will go

unnoticed

Into the veil

No condolences

Not a whisper

Just mere footprints

of their passing

Some people will leave

with nothing to remember

Them by

No postcards

Nor photographs

All but faint

Etchings in some

Solitary tree in a potter’s field

“I was here”

Their memories

Vapor on the breeze

Heading east

We catch fragments

Along the way

Mere wisps

Of conversations

The stage is bare

Floors creaking with age

In this maudlin

Production

None but God will see

Ah but perhaps

An audience of One

Perhaps Creator

Casting love down

Like roses at an encore

Perhaps this is enough

As we can no more

Pull back the veil

Of the one

Than we can for

Ourselves.

March 13, 2013 1

The Judas Problem

Jesus had just dropped a bomb shell on his disciples…well all but one. Someone in this very room would betray Him. Just minutes before this shocking revelation the ambiance in the room had bathed everyone in euphoric celebratory mood, but now no longer. One moment the meal was satisfying and filling the next the bitter taste of bile and anger shattered all hope of joy and mirth. “How can this be?”; they must have wondered. Still others probably looked from one face to the next considering who it might be. Could this be true? Why would someone betray the Lord, let alone a disciple? As each heart sunk , one in particular panicked Judas, must have thought to himself, “well I’ve been found out, surely Jesus is going to reveal who it is and I will have to make a run for it”. Afterall, though Judas loved money, he hadn’t really done it for the money. Jesus was taking a long time in declaring himself Messiah, in Judas’ eyes he needed a little push and then all the chips would fall into place. The people would then see that there was hope of revolution in Israel and freedom from Roman oppression. At least that’s what Judas hoped would take place once Jesus’ secret was revealed. But was it really a secret? Hadn’t Jesus revealed who he was countless times through miracles and even through his own words? Yet Judas was convinced that this time things would become crystal clear for those in Jerusalem. Preparing his heart for this ‘betrayal’ was no easy feat, yet in his eyes it had to be done. What was a little sacrifice for freedom or for being the one to reveal Messiah to the masses?

As Judas got up from the table, he couldn’t quite force himself to look his Teacher in the eyes. A passing glance as he left the room revealed to Judas that there was disappointment on Jesus’ face. As Judas then made his way out of the home that they were dining he must have told himself over and over again that he was doing the ‘right’ thing . With this twisted conviction in his mind, he went and sought out the teachers of the law who would promise payment upon delivery.

Judas, at first must have thought that he could control the outcome, make a scene after Jesus’ arrest and force Jesus to declare himself King with His power as Messiah. Afterall Judas had witnessed that power over a stormy sea and had seen many people healed with mere words from Jesus or a single touch. Taking power and assuming His rightful place as King of Israel wouldn’t be that difficult. All Judas had to do was force his hand…and force he did, but the outcome left Judas distraught and utterly demoralized. Things had not gone according to plan. He had assumed that they would hold a trial in public during the day, but that very night an illegal trial had taken place. Judas also assumed that Jesus would defend his claim with power and might, but seemingly like a sheep to the slaughter Jesus was silent at first and even meek when He finally responded to their questions of His lineage as Son of God. Again he knew he had made the wrong choice when the crowd, prompted by the Pharisees cried out for Barnabas rather than see an innocent man released. Judas knew his plan had failed, and this very large gamble was going to leave him broke. When Jesus was sentenced to death, Judas lost all hope of any kind of reprieve from this awful decision of betrayal. Those thirty pieces of silver in his pouch seemed to weigh heavily on his conscience and in his coat pocket. They almost seemed to cry out into his ear “this is how much your teacher’s life was worth to you?”

As bitterness and regret took the place of schemeing and plotting, Judas was left with nothing but emptiness inside his heart. Nothing had gone according to plan and now having to face the consequences of his choice, Judas hated what he had become. Standing in the light of his own guilt and shame Judas felt as if there was nothing left to live for. All hope was gone. Judas took out the thirty pieces of silver, blood money that he had been given for his part in the betrayal and threw it in the temple. Feeling empty, broken and alone compiled with the remorse that he felt – there was no hope of salvation anymore for him – or so he thought. He would end it…and end it he did by hanging himself.

Such a Shakespearean tale wrought with love, plotting, betrayal and an ending that leaves you wondering what might have been?
Yet we know often that perhaps there are still moments in our lives when we have betrayed Jesus. When we have held our thirty pieces of silver in our hands and tossed a kiss Jesus’ way. We might want to quickly condemn Judas for his actions, and rightly so, but we’ve all been Judas one time or another. The only difference that I hope we can declare here is that we have been redeemed, that we yet have hope and that our lives are no longer cold and empty. Though we can identify with our shortcomings in our faith and with our relationship to Jesus, He still comes back to us and says I love you…do you love me? May our response to Jesus be one of love and victory because we were once lost but now Jesus has found us again. That, my friends is an Amazing grace!
Happy Easter to you all!

March 13, 2013 2

birthday gifts and yellowed pages

I received a book

today

this my birthday

From a forgotten poet

He wasn’t famous,

nor well known

the pages are yellowed

with age

old and dusty

it smells like

mildew, library shelves

And wood varnish

these pages

life is poured out

essence of heart

Etched with grace

Like sunrises on

Bright blue mornings

Crisp in spring time breezes

It was said also

Samuel Clemens

Was born with the rise

Of Haley’s comet

And passed it again

At the closing

Such a final chapter

Isn’t in this book

But only spoken

In whisper

Too loudly

Like creaking pews

In church

I wished I could have

Met them both

Yet still might

They be heard

If one listens hard

Enough

On waning breezes

And in the scent

Mildew, library shelves

And wood varnish

Thank you

For unread

chapters.

March 12, 2013 0

God Breathed…and something about books…

Do you have a favorite book? There are some stories that once we’ve read stick with us in our hearts and minds forever. Some favorite books sit on bookshelves, barely collecting dust, begging to be re-read simply because these tales evoke in us hope, adventure and a plethora of other emotions. Sometimes re-reading a book provides comfort or reassurance in difficult times, while others provide joy deep within the very fabric of who we are. In my bookshelf are a number of these such books, one in particular is so worn out from use that the hardcover binding finally gave way one day and I reluctantly grabbed a roll of duct tape and re-bound the cover to the contents therein. Yes, it was a desperate attempt to save something that I treasure, one might ask, “why didn’t you just repurchase the book and lay the old one to rest?” The answer is simple, this is my book, I have held it in my hands on countless evening, perched on various couches and chairs and poured over every word, phrase and punctuation mark. There are stains on the cover, pages with dog-ears and, though I am ashamed to admit it, fingerprint smudges on words because a good book requires the occasional good snack to accompany it.

Within the pages of this very well worn, tattered book, is a story that calls to the child in me every time I pick it up. As I read from its pages, this child, with big eyes of surprise and bewilderment, reconnects with the adventure and I am once again transported back into a land far away with characters that I have grown to love as if they actually live and breathe.

Isn’t it amazing that there is such power with words on pages in a book? It has been said that the pen is mightier than the sword, and I would emphatically and wholeheartedly agree! Writers throughout the ages have written powerful things upon pages. For some, these writings brought worldwide success and their books became classics, highly touted as ‘ahead of their time’ or an ‘inspiration for all ages’. Still there are other writers have written books and documents in times of great darkness, and their convictions upon pages stirred their generation into revolution and war. Some writers faced prison sentences, work camps, while others were executed for their beliefs. Yes, there is great power in words!

John 1:1-2 (NKJV)
¹In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
²He was in the beginning with God.

The greatest book ever written is a collection of smaller books written by numerous authors. But its one centralized theme is captured through the love of God for His creation – human kind, and His desire for us to be reconciled to Him again through the once for all sacrifice of His son Jesus Christ. This book is called the Bible…and though written thousands of years ago, it still has the capacity to transform lives, restore broken hearts, and heal the spiritually sick. The word of God, as described in the gospel of John, has been around since the very beginning of time. God spoke the heavens and the earth into being merely by using words. When people refer to the Bible, they often call it God-breathed, implying that God’s hand has inspired and directed its writers to create these holy texts (emphasis on create). Truly the pen is mightier than the sword, but who created the pen? God has not only spoken us and everything around us into being through words, but we, as His creation have been given that inspiration to create just as He is our creator. Is it no wonder then that such great masterpieces of art, literature, and science still abound in our world today? After all we are made in God’s image and His attributes, though marred in us, still shine through in inspiration and in creativity. There are some whose creativity just oozes out of every pore…everything they touch just seems to produce quality art or literature. While in most of us that creativity drips slowly like a faucet in need of a new washer; we will have moments of frustrating blank pages and canvas’, uninspired failures which threaten to force our hands to reach for the white flag of surrender. Yet, when those moments of inspiration do come, may we unequivocally submerge ourselves into that frightening current of creativity that is God breathed! When we do so, we take a leap of faith, we take a risk, and though we cannot foresee the outcome we step boldly into the fray. Why? Why would we do something reckless and unsafe? It is because God, in all of His glory will not leave us or forsake us, and when we collect our courage and reaffirm this truth, we find ourselves daring to risk more for Him.

Isn’t it funny though, how often times we are so excited to pick up our favorite book from our bookshelf and read it with reckless abandon and yet we fail to pick up the very Word of God? Sometimes, if we were honest with ourselves our excuses would sound like this; “I know all the stories and all the teachings in the Bible, why should I read it anymore except on Sundays?” What we’re saying is God’s inspiration is limited to what I already know about Him…as if we have figured out all there is to know about God and the Bible. Other excuses we’ve used from time to time might range from, “It’s just so boring” to “I don’t get it”. But those were not the words of Brother Yun, a new convert to Christianity in communist China! He lived in a place where owning a Bible could get you and your whole family beaten and even sent to prison. The Word of God was prohibited in his country and yet that didn’t stop him from risking much in prayer and fasting in order to receive a copy of the Bible. His story is miraculous and wondrous, and should inspire us all to possess even a small portion of this man’s faith. Here is a brief excerpt of his how Brother Yun miraculously received his Bible:

“The old pastor simply told me, “The Bible is a heavenly book. If you want one, you’ll need to pray to the God of heaven…When I returned home I brought a stone into my room and knelt down on it every evening for prayer. I had just one simple prayer: “Lord please give me a Bible. Amen.” At that time I didn’t know how to pray, but I continued for more than one month. Nothing happened. A Bible didn’t appear. I went back to that pastor’s house again. This time I went alone. I told him, “I’ve prayed to God according to your instructions, but I still haven’t received the Bible I want so much. Please, please show me your Bible. Just a glance and I will be satisfied! I don’t need to touch it. You hold it and I will be content just to look at it. If I could copy down some of the words I will return home happy.” …(Later)…In the vision the old man took a red bag of bread from his trolley and asked his two servants to give it to me. He said, “You must eat it immediately.” I opened the wrapping, and say there was a bun of fresh bread inside. When I put the bun in my mouth, it instantly turned into a Bible! Immediately, in my vision, I knelt down with my Bible and cried out to the Lord in thanksgiving, “Lord, your name is worthy to be praised! You didn’t despise my prayer. You allowed me to receive this Bible. I want to serve you for the rest of my life.” I woke up and started searching the house for the Bible. …Suddenly I heard a faint knock at the door. A very gentle voice called my name. I rushed over and asked through the locked door, “Are you bringing the bread to me?” The gentle voice replied, “Yes, we have a bread feast to give you.” I immediately recognized the voice as the same one I had heard in the vision. I quickly opened the door and there standing before me were the same two servants I had seen in the vision. ..My heart raced as I opened the bag and held in my hands my very own Bible!” (The Heavenly Man, p. 27-30)

Perhaps it’s humbling to read of this experience. When reading it for the first time, it brought me to tears. At the same time it made me ashamed of how I had treated my Bible. It isn’t illegal to own one in my country yet these comforts all around me sometimes negate, in my own mind, the need for daily spiritual nourishment. Why do I doubt at times? Why can’t I pick up the Word of God like I do with my well-worn, duct taped favorite book? Why wasn’t I pouring through its pages, like I did with other books on my shelf? My passion had waned, and I found myself in need of that God-breathed inspiration once again in my heart.

So here I am, I’ve dusted off my personal study Bible, still ashamed yet I bare my Masters Image in my broken state. Breathe on me breathe of God…fill me with life anew.