Identity Crisis

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Romans 12:2 

Identity Crisis

Coming off the cusp of a pandemic, we are anxious to get back to normalcy, only to realize we can't. This past sunday was Pentecost.  As many of us finally got to fellowship in person again, I prayed for the Church to be united, strengthened, in one heart and mind. Somehow rejuvenated by our time apart. And reignited by His Spirit. But Sunday morning only brought more news of division. The world is beginning to look a lot different.  For the worse it seems,  and maybe for good.

So as we move forward into the unknown,  I've realized I need to face the possibility of some harsh realities.  And I want to offer a hypothetical scenario to you as well.  What if America is not meant to be great again? What if it is part of God's ultimate plan for America as we know it to cease to exist? Suppose there's nothing we can do to stop a drastic change to our society, because it's already been written. We don't know what the future holds (at least the immediate future on this earth).  And we are finding out just how quickly things can change.  So we must find our identity in something constant. We must place our trust and hope in something that can't change. Christ.

We all view the world through a filter of some sort. For the majority of people that would be their political alignment. I, however, am not very political. Mostly because I feel I can't find my place on either side.  So, in a way, I'm just a bystander looking in on current events. And simply put, I feel sad. My heart hurts to see an unconscionable death of another human. And the outcries and riots sparked by it. I feel a little angry and jaded by the continued media propaganda, violence, and injustice on both sides.  We're already weary from being quarantined, having our freedoms infringed,  our fellowship revoked.  And now this. The world is sick. Dying even. We need a savior. And we have one! But will we choose Him when it really counts? Most of us have been told at some point to just choose the lesser of two evils. But I think there is a third option. Choose grace.

My prayer has been for us to be in one heart and mind. But united in anger is not what I pictured. What has become clear to me, however, is people really do want to unite for a cause.  We can all feel in our hearts that we are meant to be part of something bigger than ourselves. We feel a drive to come together because we are many members of one body.  That's how we're created.  We are also vessels, made to be filled with something. But if we're not filled with God, we will naturally seek to be filled with something else. Let's make sure it's not something else. 

The headlines ring with a resounding message: people are desperate for something to believe in. Something to fight for. We want to be heard. I can relate to that. Why do you think I am writing a blog? I want to be heard. Hopefully make a difference. Maybe help someone else. That's why we all talk and stay connected and post on social media. But are we voicing the right messages and fighting for the right things? And do our actions back up what we say? 

"Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."

1 Corinthians 11:1

As Christians, in order to send the right message, our identity must be found in Christ. As we have the incredible privilege of showing the world His love. We must take this seriously and our allegiance should lie with Christ before anyone or anything else. Jesus isn't here in the flesh right now, He's in heaven sitting on His Father's throne.  And that's where our citizenship is as well. We are just passing through this world. But for now, we are Christ's body still on earth, with a big job to do. To be His ambassadors and the beautiful feet who bring the good news. How are we to do this? Romans 12: 9-21 is entitled "The Mark of a True Christian", and it's sort of a mini instruction manual...

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.  Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.'  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Romans 12:9‭-‬21 

If you're not living and loving and responding the way these scriptures say, then you've missed it and fallen short. But, so have I.  And so has everyone.  Because we're not perfect.  "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, AND all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:23‭-‬24 Hallelujah! We fall short, but as we try our best, God will do the rest.  His grace fills in the cracks.  

Abounding Grace

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."

Ephesians 2:8-9

Just a few days ago I was talking with my dad. We often have theological discussions. He asked me what my thoughts were on everything going on. I can't remember exactly what I said.  But it got me thinking. And praying.  Asking God how to respond and how to make sense of everything. And Romans 5:20 came to my mind.  "...But where sin increased, grace abounded all the more..." Sin is increasing. That is evident.  But the Word of God says that grace will abound even more. And we all need it. Nobody is too good for grace and nobody is too out of reach to receive it. If there is much sin, the Bible tells us the answer is not more condemnation or judgment or laws or even love and acceptance. The answer is more grace. 

So what exactly is grace? It's one of those words that, as Christians,  we grow up hearing our whole lives, but do we really know what it is? 

Grace is good will, kindness, the free unmerited love and favor of God. Grace doesn't play favorites or pick sides. In fact, the very nature of grace is unfair. We get something we don't deserve. Paul also writes in Romans chapter five, “God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus, who lived a perfect life without sin, died in our place. That is the most unfair thing I've ever heard. And even more, God doesn't wait until we have everything together to give us grace and salvation. He offers it to us when we are at our worst. Grace is love that seeks nothing in return. Grace is whispering a prayer for your enemy and taking time to listen to someone different than you. If grace is best understood in the midst of sin, suffering, and brokenness, then it really is exactly what we need right now. Because grace is freedom. Not freedom to sin. The book of Jude warns us not to "pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality." But grace does give us the freedom to come boldly before His throne, confident that our sins are forgiven, no matter how great. If God offers us grace when we don't deserve it,  shouldn't we offer it to others when they don't either?

Two sides. One Savior. 

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

John 3:16‭-‬17 

"Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

John 4:14 

When Jesus came on the scene two thousand years ago, the atmosphere was politically charged. Much like it is now. The Romans ruled with an iron thumb. The Jewish leaders ruled under them with legalism and pride. The Jews had to begrudgingly mingle with the unclean Gentiles. Jesus saw them all as lost sheep in need of a shepherd. 

In John chapters 3 and 4 we see Jesus interact with two of these lost sheep, on opposite ends of the political spectrum, if you will.

In chapter three we meet Nicodemus, a conservative, law abiding pharisee. But Nicodemus was a little different from the rest of his "party." The pharisees hated Jesus.  Viewed him as a disgrace to the law they held so dear and a threat to their positions of power.  Nicodemus saw something special about Jesus though, and he had some questions. But to get the answers, he had to meet with Jesus alone, at night, in secret. In fear that the rest of his crew would see him with the man who befriended sinners. Nicodemus got his answers -- Jesus didn't come to the world to condemn it,  but to save it.

And in chapter four, we meet the woman at the well. An "unclean" Samaritan with a history of poor choices. A woman who looked in all the wrong places to quench the thirst in her soul. She was one who was already condemned.  And she knew it. She also had to meet Jesus alone.  Not by choice though. But because everyone else had decided for her that she was unfit to draw water with the other, more respectable, women.  She was deemed unworthy by her own people because of her choices and unclean to the Jews because of her ethnicity. She was an outcast. No one wanted her. No one except the king of heaven and earth!

Jesus took time to have conversations with both of these lost sheep. He looked past their reputations and saw them as people. Chosen, even. Saw them as more than their sins or ethnicities or whatever it was that defined them. He saw two people, different from each other in almost every way. But both in need of a savior.  Both undeserving.  Which fully qualified them to receive what Jesus was going to offer: grace. And Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman can now walk side by side because of Christ. 

Jesus doesn't condone wrong behavior.  But rather He delivers us from it. Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman each had their own set of sins and problems. But through grace, Jesus offered them (and us) something better. To Nicodemus,  eternal life and a chance to be born again. And to the woman at the well, living water that would never run dry. They accepted it and so can you. Maybe you're a little like Nicodemus.  You have questions you're afraid to ask. Maybe you're like the Samaritan woman, who felt sinful and unworthy and cheated by others. When we find our identity in sin, laws, behavior, race, status, or political views, we become slaves to those things. But when we find our identity in Christ,  we are set free! 

When Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman encountered Christ, their identity changed. They were no longer dead in their sins, but alive in Him. There was no longer a chasm of differences separating them. They had both become children of God. The same is true for us, if we know Christ. We have new identities. Will we be able to walk confidently in that identity,  freely welcoming others into our family, too? We ALL need a savior. Maybe we all need to meet at the well and have a drink of living water. Maybe we would find out we're not that different from one another. 

 

Moving Forward Together 

Life is changing for all of us. Exponentially, at this point. I literally wake up every morning now, expecting to hear of dramatic life altering news. Things are different. But maybe that's okay. If God is on the throne, and we know He is, then all this is for our good somehow.  We want to be lights in the darkness,  don't we? So, maybe now is our chance. Our time to be bold and bright. If the quarantine was possibly a time of molding and shaping,  then is all this unrest a time of testing? Will we pass? Will we be able to move past our political views and come together for Christ? Can we be brave enough to speak out against all forms of evil,  even if it is unpopular with our party lines? We might lose friends.  We might gain enemies. But we'll be in good company. God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 

“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.  You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved....Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.  For I have come to turn   ‘a man against his father,  a daughter against her mother,  a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—   a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’  Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.  Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.  Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it."

Matthew 10: 21‭-‬22, 34‭-‬39 

Will you pray with me? Let's forgive our enemies.  If we see sin increasing, let's pray that grace will abound even more. Let's be "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19. It sounds small. But change has to start somewhere. One rain drop is small, isn't it? But millions of raindrops can cause a flood. A flood of God's abounding grace! 

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.  For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Matthew 18:19‭-‬20

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

John 14:27 

My Report of the Lord

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

John 3:16 

We are all probably being overloaded with news reports right now. Even if we try to avoid it, we are still faced with bad news daily it seems. But this is my report of the Lord.  And it is good.

Overcoming the Propaganda of Fear

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10 

I want to help somehow in the midst of what seemingly the entire world is facing. I'm afraid the only thing I can offer at the moment are my thoughts. Which are many, and have taken me some time to piece together. My prayer is that my life will be a witness of God's faithfulness. And that by sharing what has helped me, it will help someone else. 

I have wanted to write something for awhile, but I've been pretty busy fighting my own battles lately.  It seems like that's how it works with me. I get lost in my own problems.  I have to wander in the valley for a bit. But in that valley is where I learn. I get to practice the things I've been taught. And I learn to trust Him even more. And if I stay faithful in the wilderness,  God reveals Himself to me in a new way. I think that's par for the course for most believers it seems. A roller coaster of highs and lows, faith and doubt, success and failure,  closeness with God and silence,  joy and despair. 

Fear is real to almost all of us. Especially now. Unfortunately,  I'm pretty familiar with fear. It has been my biggest foe my whole life. Even as a kid I would have to take Maalox to school with me in case I got a nervous stomach ache. And events in my young adulthood left me paralyzed by fear.  I had panic attacks.  I was afraid to drive at times. Afraid of the dark.  It seemed the enemy saw me as an easy target. But I remember reading the scripture one day that said, when I'm weak then I will be strong. And God's power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12) I believed it. I didn't want to be weak and afraid anymore. So I let God have my whole heart. I needed Him. He took over, and my life changed.  I did become strong because it was Him fighting for me.  But Fear is always a close enemy, and I still lose some of those battles. Even other people's fear have stolen things from me at times. It can be discouraging when worry gets the best of me again. And after almost twenty years of depending on God, it seems like an anxious heart should be a thing of the past. But I've learned that my moments of anxiety, fear, or doubt are not defeats.  As I continue to mature, I understand that these battles are part of the growing process. Like a farmer cultivates his fields to be stronger and healthier. So I get up after a loss and I keep going.  I keep trusting God. He is faithful and much stronger than any fear or doubt. 

What in the World is Going on?

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."

2 Corinthians 4:7‭-‬9‭, ‬17

I have heard all sorts of theories of why this pandemic is happening. A satanic attack. The evil motivations of man. Judgement from God. A call to repentance. I'm not sure if we'll ever know the source or reason.  Or if we need to. We just need to stay faithful through it.  But if God really is in control,  why doesn't He just stop all this with one word? He could, couldn't He? I find comfort and an explanation in the "jar of clay".

I imagine if I was a literal lump of clay sitting on a potter's wheel,  it would probably not be fun to be spun around.  It would probably hurt to have strong hands press into me, shaping me into something else. But as a shapeless lump, this would be for my good. The Potter has good intentions.  He doesn't want me to stay a lump. He wants me to be a beautiful creation.  A jar maybe,  with a purpose.  To be filled with new wine, His spirit, living water to be poured out to others. The Potter delights in His creation.  

As an artist. I can relate to this imagery.  I have a vision in my mind of what I want to create.  And I don't spend time drawing or painting to cause pain to the paper or canvas.  But to create something beautiful.  To bless others and bring others joy through art. And it is fulfilling to see the vision I have in my mind manifest on paper. I imagine that is how God sees us. He delights to see us grow. We can trust that in the painful moments we experience,  we're being shaped into something beautiful -- the vision that God has for our lives. The process is a means to an end. And while it may hurt at times, we can trust that it is good because He is good. That's why we keep pressing on. We are in good hands. 

Maybe the whole world is sitting on the potter's wheel right now. Maybe, the Church as a whole is being shaped into something even more beautiful and purposeful than before. 

God had big plans for Joseph. To be a prince in Egypt. To provide for his family during a famine.  But life for Joseph was good in Canaan. He was a favorite son in a prosperous family.  Would Joseph have left everything behind to go to Egypt if God had simply asked? I'm not so sure. Maybe Joseph needed to spend some time on the potter's wheel -- in a pit and then in prison, to be able to hear God.  And be willing to do what God asked. 

So maybe the question shouldn't be, what is going on? But rather, what is God preparing us for? We can trust that He is good, and He sees the final picture. 

How Will We Get Through This?

Fix Our Eyes on Jesus

"We fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Hebrews 12:2 

I found that during tough times, the best thing I can do is focus on Jesus.  Not what He can do for me or how He can get me out of something.  But just simply who He is. And likewise who I am in Him.  The book of John is a great source for this. All of the gospels are important.  And each gospel is written with a slightly different perspective and even a different audience. John is clearly written with the Church in mind, and for me evokes the most emotion. The gospel of John doesn't just explain who Jesus is, but also who we are in Him. Jesus is the vine, we are the branches.  Jesus is the good shepherd,  we are the sheep.  He is the bridegroom, we are the bride. When I read the book of John I feel like I'm spending time with a friend. Like Jesus is sitting across the table, expressing His love to me. Reminding me that I'm His. Asking me to abide in Him.

We need Jesus.  He is the Word from the very beginning, made flesh to dwell among us. (Jn. 1:1-3)  All things were created through Him and yet He is the Lamb of God who was sacrificed for His own creation.(Jn. 1:29) No matter what we're facing,  Jesus is the answer.

Are you in darkness? He is the light that cannot be overcome. (Jn. 1:5) Are you thirsty and unsatisfied? Jesus is the Living Water that never runs dry. (Jn. 4:13) Are you hungry for something more? He is the Bread of Life. (Jn. 6:35) Feast on His Word and live. Are you lost or scared? Jesus is the Good Shepherd who will find you and guide and protect you. (Jn. chapter 10) The Shepherd never forgets his own. He calls each one by name and nothing can snatch them out of His hand! Do you need guidance? He is the Way the Truth and the Life. (Jn. 14:6) Are you lonely? He is the friend who layed down His life for you. (Jn. 15:13) Are you grieving a loss? Take heart because Jesus is the resurrection and the life. (Jn. 11:25) Though we die, yet we shall live in Him. Do you feel unworthy? Jesus is the only begotten Son sent to save the world, not condemn it. (Jn. 3:16-8) We can trust Him completely. 

Keep Looking Up

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

2 Corinthians 4:18 

"Then I saw 'a new heaven and a new earth,' for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Revelation 21:1‭-‬4 

"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and His servants will serve Him. They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever."

Revelation 22:1‭-‬5 

So we keep moving forward and staying faithful.  Resting in Jesus and who He is. And holding onto a promise -- a promise of a bright future. Eternity in Heaven. Paradise.  The New Jerusalem. A new heaven and earth.  A place with no more suffering or pain or tears. This place is real. But how do we hold on to this hope in the midst of trial and tribulation? It can be difficult at times.

One of my favorite ways to define hope is "to eagerly expect". And for me, the best imagery for this is pregnancy. The first time a woman becomes pregnant is one of the most exciting moments of her life. I know. I'm a mom.  But you don't get your new baby right away. You have to wait. The child you hope for starts out as just a promise. But we eagerly expect this promise to come to pass. And it's not an easy nine months. There's morning sickness, which is sometimes all day sickness, which sometimes continues way past the first trimester. And then there's the heartburn.  Backaches. Swollen feet. Bloody noses.  Restlessness. Discomfort of almost every kind.  Sometimes even severe pain. Sometimes even complications.  But we endure all this because we have a promise.  We are eagerly expecting.  And we even endure all the discomfort with a smile and excitement. It seems bad now, but something good is about to happen. 

Is it possible to "glow" through our trials like an expectant mother? Shouldn't we have as much eager expectation for our promise of eternity? Heaven is just as real as a baby. More real, in a way. More sure. And even more exciting. 

How does a mother keep her joy through the difficulties of pregnancy? She thinks about her baby. She listens to the heartbeat.  Shares her excitement with friends.  Picks out names.  Imagines what her baby will look like and what it will be like to hold him or her for the first time. And we should do the same. Let's learn and think about heaven. Talk about it with friends.  Ponder what it will be like in our hearts. Imagine what it will be like to see Jesus and loved ones. I think that's why Paul says to fix our eyes on what is unseen and eternal. That's how we get through the momentary troubles. 

"Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.  A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.  So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy."

John 16:20‭-‬22

Stay Close to Friends 

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:  If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.  Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?  Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

Ecclesiastes 4:9‭-‬12 

Sometimes we have to go through really scary things. You know, like worldwide pandemics. We've all heard that God has not given us a spirit of fear. That's true. But sometimes we need some help battling that fear or even loneliness. This is a scary time. It's in the valleys that we can see what a gift a mature Christian friend is. I have been blessed to have a few. Sometimes I encourage them. Sometimes they help me. Often we just simply strengthen each other.  A true friend will walk with you in the darkness and even help carry you at times. A friend reminds you that you're not alone.  And there is nothing wrong with not wanting to walk through something alone. In fact, we're not meant to. The Bible itself reminds us of that. Moses needed Aaron's help talking to Pharaoh. Joshua and Caleb strengthened each other as they faced giants. Barack couldn't go to battle without Deborah.  Ruth wouldn't let Naomi travel alone. David needed encouragement from Johnathan. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo went into the fire together. Esther needed guidance from Mordecai. The scripture is perfect.  So these examples are given to us for a reason. I think to remind us of the importance of friendship and working together. God puts people in our lives doesn't he? Sometimes at just the right moment. My friend calls these "divine connections." We are mysteriously and eternally connected to Christ and each other. God wants us to depend on Him, for sure. And if we have no one else to turn to, He will always be more than enough for us. He is the Father to the orphan and the Husband to the widow. A constant friend. But I believe God also understands our need for human friendship and companionship. We are created in His image after all. He knows what we need and always provides. If you're lonely, scared, or worried. Talk to someone. We are the Church.  We are the body, and we are better together. 

Pray

"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."

James 5:16 

Last and maybe most importantly,  pray. Prayer refocuses our attention back to God, calms our anxieties, and takes our mind off ourselves. Prayer accomplishes things. My worry for others won't do anything for them. But my prayers will.

Often I pray little prayers throughout the day. Quiet conversations with God.  He is always with us, after all. But sometimes I want to spend a lot of time in prayer. I want to go in my "closet" and shed some tears and spill my heart to God. Do you know how I know prayer is powerful?  Because something as simple as talking to God can seem almost impossible at times. I like to pray. I enjoy it. I look forward to that time with God. And I can feel it strengthen me. But I will go in my room and close my door and my mind will draw a blank.  I'll try to start my prayer, but I can't. There's an invisible wall. For some reason I have no problem thinking about my grocery list or almost anything else. But I can't find the words to offer God.  This obviously is a battle.  And I just have to pick up my sword,  close my eyes and start talking. I have found that if I begin with simply praising God, that opens the way for the rest of my prayer. The wall comes down because God inhabits the praises of His people.  And the enemy has to flee.

 Laugh 

"A joyful heart is good medicine."

Proverbs 17:22 

Actually one more thing,  laugh. Laughter really is the best medicine.  I'm a person who carries burdens, and cries easily.  But I also laugh easily.  I find joy in the little things, and I'm thankful for that. Sometimes as adults we lose our wonder and lightheartedness. But it's okay to laugh. Even during difficult times. Especially during pandemics. We're expecting something good after all, aren't we? Smile, because one day soon we'll be in that new heaven and new earth with our King.

Go ahead , laugh. It's okay...

If you're someone who is still quarantined.  Or someone who just needs evidence of God's goodness and love, don't forget to look around you...

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. For His invisible attributes have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So that we are without excuse."

Psalm 19:1, Romans 1:20 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 

 

Excuse Me, Mr. Fear

Excuse Me, Mr. Fear 

I can see what you are doing 

You're grinning ear to ear.

You're stealing joy and taking peace 

And now things are getting weird.

You're marching through our towns and gloating. 

I can almost hear you cheer.

You must think you've won somehow. 

You seem so cavalier. 

But before you start rejoicing, 

I have a message you should hear.

The King of kings is on my side

And His reign is drawing near. 

As I stay close to Him,

My Shepherd and Overseer, 

This temporal world starts fading 

And the truth becomes more clear. 

If God is love and I'm in Him,

Then you must dissapear.

Though I know you'll be back again 

To creep and prowl and jeer.

But even in deepest waters,

With Christ I'll persevere. 

I am not alone in this

As long as The Church is here,

We're family from every tribe and tongue

Our mandate is volunteer

To help all those in need

Across both city and frontier. 

Our love and light and praises

Will change this atmosphere.

So it's over. It's done. 

I'm being quite sincere.

Pack your bags, be on your way

Back to your own dark stratosphere. 

But if you spread more terror

With famine, plague, or spear.

I still won't ever bow to you 

From my Lord,  I'll never veer.

And on that coming blessed day 

When my Savior does appear 

He'll take me to my Father's house

With all whom I hold dear.

I have an eternal future home

With my Maker, whom I revere.

But for you it is much different.

It's punishment. And it's severe.

So, I'm sorry. No. Not sorry 

To inform you, Mr. Fear

That it shall be YOU, not I, 

shedding the last tear.


"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear."
1 John 4:18 

The Shepherd and His Sheep

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Psalms 23

Jesus has many familiar titles and descriptions. But the image I grew up having of Jesus,  and the one that still resonates most with me, is of a shepherd. I guess because I know what it feels like to be that lost sheep, the one who wandered down the wrong path and got stuck on the side of a cliff. I also know what it's like to feel the gentle rod and staff of my shepherd pull me back to safety. I've been rescued. More than once. So I finally decided to do my own study on Jesus as a shepherd. And I thought I would share what I've learned.


What is a Shepherd?

"What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?"
Matthew 18:12

For ancient shepherds, it wasn't just a 9-5 job. For them, shepherding was a way of life. And they faced many challenges. Often they risked their own lives to protect the flock.​ Good shepherds took time to teach their sheep to know his voice and obey his commands. This was for their own protection, as the sheep would learn to respond to the shepherd if they were lost or in danger. Good shepherds took tender care of the animals in their charge, even giving them names. Good shepherds were attentive, reliable, and brave.  Each evening, the shepherd counted the sheep and checked their health. In the morning, the flock would follow him to the pasture.  He would spend many nights sleeping under the stars with His sheep.  I love the image of the shepherd and his sheep.  It's so tender and intimate. A sheep, totally helpless without the shepherd to guide it. And a shepherd, in full devotion, forsaking all else, for his little sheep.


Shepherds in the Bible

"I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord God. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak."
Ezekiel 34:15‭-‬16

I don't think it's a coincidence that many of the heroes of the Bible were shepherds. Abel, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph and his brothers, Moses, and David were all shepherds. Maybe they're types meant to help God's people recognize and trust The Good Shepherd one day. Able, being the very first shepherd, was innocently slain by his brother. Much like Jesus being sentenced to death by the leaders of His own people.  Joseph was a shepherd, also betrayed by His own brothers. And later exalted as a king (well, basically a king).  Similarly, Christ will soon return as king. Moses was a shepherd who delivered his people out of slavery. Jesus is our shepherd who delivers us from sin and sets us free. David was a man after God's own heart. A shepherd and a king. Just like Jesus, who will one day reign as King of kings on David's own throne. And when Christ himself was born, it was to the shepherds that the angels announced the birth of the Savior. Obviously everything in the Bible is important.  But I think that if there is a reoccurring theme, maybe we should pay special attention to it. God is a God of purpose and design after all. And it seems to me He wants us to understand the significance of the humble and faithful shepherd.


Jehovah Rohi: the Good, the Great,  the Chief Shepherd

“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
John 10:11

"Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
Hebrews 13:20‭-‬21

"And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."
1 Peter 5:4

Jehovah Rohi is one of the many names of God.  It means "The Good Shepherd."  The word Rohi can also be translated as "companion or friend". This beautifully expresses the goodness and intimacy of sharing life with Jesus. As our shepherd and friend, He walks beside us through every mountain and valley of life. Jesus is the good Shepherd indeed. With gentleness, He governs us for our good. He guides us and provides for us. He protects us from evil.  If we lose our way, He seeks us out and brings us back. If we're broken, He binds us up. If we're wounded, He heals us. He is such a good shepherd that He sacrificed His own life for all His sheep. He died as the good shepherd,  but in resurrection He became the Great Shepherd. For He defeated death for His flock.  He is the Great Shepherd to whom if we place our trust in, we shall live -- forever. And finally He is the Chief Shepherd. So our Shepherd was good in His dying, great in His rising, and will be chief of many other shepherds in His return -- as every pastor or teacher, anyone of us, who has fed His sheep are with Him. All of us who have in any way contributed towards the guidance of His flock, we shall appear with Him. And once again, we see His goodness.  Not wanting to be alone in glory. However undeserving we might be, He wants us there with Him, too. A good shepherd always wants His sheep close.


Earthly Shepherds

"And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding."
Jeremiah 3:15

"So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. "
1 Peter 5:1-3

"Look after yourselves and everyone the Holy Spirit has placed in your care. Be like shepherds to God's church. It is the flock He bought with the blood of His own Son."
Acts 20:28

Shortly after His resurrection,  Jesus took Peter aside and asked him three times if he loved Him.  Each time Peter said yes.  And each time Jesus's response was "then feed my sheep." We know Jesus loved His flock.  But He was leaving soon to go back to His father in heaven. So He asked His dear friend to take care of His sheep.   That is how Peter was to love Jesus. We are each one so precious to our Savior. And certainly He watches over and guides us through His Holy Spirit. But it also seems that He has appointed certain people in each of our lives to look after us, too. Earthly shepherds.  Peter was the first. And he wrote the above scripture about the duties and relationships of shepherds and their sheep.

For many biblical truths or promises, there is an earthly model for us to learn from. A shepherd being one of them. The word pastor literally means shepherd. A shepherd is also defined as someone who the Lord raises up to care for His flock. We probably all have mentors and teachers and pastors in our lives. People God likely put in our lives to teach and guide us. Although this is an idea that has been declining through the years.  As many people either don't attend church anymore or feel disconnected from their church leaders. It's a little sad, and we can see through the moral decay and rebellion that something has gone wrong. We're supposed to have elders in our lives we can trust. Ones who follow Christ. It's scriptural. We need the guidance from those who have gone before us. Like Joshua learning from Moses, or Elijah mentoring Elisha, or Paul instructing Timothy. But it's a statistical fact, my generation, and the ones after me, are abandoning their Christian upbringing. Or at least not connecting to a church. Which means many of us are left feeling lost and confused. Finding it difficult to wade through the many deceptions. We need shepherds to help us sort through it all. Admittedly, I myself have spent the last decade church hopping. With large chunks of that time not attending anywhere regularly. I go every Sunday now (or almost) for my kids. We've only been going to our current church for a few months. When you don't have time to settle in somewhere,  it's hard to think of the pastor as your shepherd.  It seems hard to trust someone you don't know. But I'm blessed to have my mom and several mature Christian women in my life. I have a pastor from my youth who I still trust as a shepherd.  And a good dad with a shepherd's heart. A dad who doesn't just want me to be happy but wants me to find purpose and truth and the right path. I connect and relate and learn from each of these people in a different way. And I recognize them for who they are. Shepherds. Good earthly shepherds should point us to our Chief Shepherd, Jesus.  Shepherds are meant to guide, not be the source of all our revelation and learning. I have come to understand this. As many times I have taken the wisdom imparted to me from them and found it for myself in the Word to receive full clarity and understanding. And through their guidance,  I have been able to recognize a shepherd's heart within myself. I have love and compassion for Jesus's flock. And I often find myself trying to encourage and guide the people God put in my life. If you're feeling lost or confused,  find someone you can trust.  Someone you feel safe with.  Someone you know is led by the Lord. I don't think it necessarily has to be a pastor (but it can be). It could be a parent or grandparent or friend or church leader. Ask them for guidance.  They'll probably be happy to help. They've probably already been praying for you.




The Flock

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me"
John 10:14

"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young."
Isaiah 40:11

The sheep is an animal of many diseases and many needs.  And so it seems that it is a fitting metaphor for a Christian, as we are a people with many sins and many infirmities. Prone to choose the wrong path without the guidance of our shepherd. Sheep are vulnerable and easily led astray. So it's imperative that a flock stay together and close to the shepherd.  If one wanders off, on its own it will easily get lost and become bewildered. Leaving the lone sheep virtually helpless.  But not forgotten or forsaken. For we have a good shepherd who never forgets His own.

John chapters 10 and 17 really help us understand what it means to be part of the Jesus's flock. We were given to Him by God.  We belong to Him.  We are His own. We are in Him and He is in us. He doesn't love us because we're perfect or because we deserve it.  He loves us because we are His. I've always sort of known Jesus as my shepherd.  Only now, with some help, am I coming to the full understanding of what it means to be part of His flock.  It is a place of perfect unity and security. No one can snatch us out of His hand.

I know some of us might not like to think of ourselves as weak, feeble sheep. But it's not about us. It's about our shepherd and all that He is and all that He will do for us. He really will be everything a good shepherd can be -- making himself every moment responsible for our well being and safety. If we are filled with large thoughts of the shepherd we will be strong sheep, abiding confidently in Him. It is when we acknowledge our weakness that we can find the joy and strength in the shepherd that keeps us. This seems simple enough and yet somehow very difficult. We can't earn the shepherds love and care. We don't have to prove ourselves worthy or have an extraordinary amount of faith. We don't have to impress Him with our great and marvelous works. We just have to be His and trust Him. I have spent many years exploring different doctrines and denominations. I had a hunger to know the most I could about this Christian life. Ironically,  in my search for more wisdom, I lost sight of the simple yet very important truth.  I am His.  And that is a most wonderful truth indeed.

While I've been writing this post, all my kids have had the flu. At the same time. If you're a parent, you know how difficult it is to take care of sick kids. We run on empty and go without sleep.  We hurt to see them hurt. And worry when their fever won't come down. We also have many moments of extreme irritation when they refuse to eat anything or take their medicine.  Or when fights erupt over who gets the best spot on the couch or who gets to watch their TV show first. And somehow everyone's frustrations get taken out on us, the innocent caregivers -- the ones making them soup and jello and wiping their noses. Difficult situations can bring out the worst in all of us. One of the nights during all the chaos, my youngest was running a high fever and wanted me to snuggle her.  I was tired. All I wanted to do was close my eyes. But instead I laid down with my daughter.  I was happy to hold her,  wipe her nose, and get her tylenol and water all through the night. I prayed quiet prayers over her little body, that was so hot from the fever it was actually making me sweat.   As I laid there with her,  that still small voice, you know the one, said,  "You don't love and care for them because they deserve it. You love them because they're yours." Our God is so good. Sometimes meeting us in our darkest moments, using the most difficult situations to teach us His ways and show us His goodness. He loves us because we're His.


The Shepherd's Voice

"The sheep hear His voice, and He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out. / My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
John 10:3‭, ‬27

Very few times and very few people have heard the audible voice of God.  It's just not usually how He speaks to us. The Holy Spirit is not loud. His voice is soft and gentle.  A whisper.  Have you ever noticed that the word "hear" is in the word "heart." It makes sense that it is because we hear our Shepherd in our hearts. We hear His voice as our own, but different somehow. With authority and tenderness. Leaving an impression and burning in our hearts. Often He will speak to us with His own Word, bringing to mind a scripture we didn't even know we knew. He also speaks to us through circumstances,  convictions, and guidance from mature Christian friends. Whatever we are hearing should always harmonize with scripture.  The Shepherd's own Word is our guide. It is what will lead us into a closer walk with Him. It is His Word that will help us recognize error when we hear it. It is His Word, planted in our hearts, that will be the loudest and truest voice.


The Adversary

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings."
1 Peter 5:8‭-‬9

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you."
James 4:7‭-‬8

I don't want to say too much here. Our adversary doesn't deserve our time or a place in my blog.  Other than how to defeat him.  And the truth is, he has already been defeated.  But he still likes to creep and prowl around to scare us, throw us off course, or bring negative thoughts into our minds. But we can resist him. And as we draw near to God and stay close to the shepherd,  the devil will flee. And each time he comes back to bother us,  we can resist him. Every time. And draw near to God.  Every time. Stay close to the shepherd. He is mighty to save.


The Path

"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand."
Psalms 37:23‭-‬24

"I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."
Psalms 32:8

"For we are His workmanship (His own master work, a work of art), created in Christ Jesus (reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used) for good works, which God prepared (for us) beforehand (taking paths which He set), so that we would walk in them (living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us)."
Ephesians 2:10 

"Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. "
Hebrews 12:1-2

Most of us know that the path to life is narrow.  The word path here is the Greek word "hodos" and it simply means, "road or route." It's a little intimidating to think about how narrow the path to life is and that few find it. And a little scary to think of trying to stay on it. Thankfully, we are saved by grace. We don't have to earn our salvation or worry about how to stay on the path to life. But if, as Christians, our salvation is secure, why do our steps need so much guidance? I think it's because there is more to our path than just being "saved." There is another understanding of "path" that is a completely different word in the Hebrew: Dehrek. It means "journey or course of life." From what I have learned and gathered from scripture,  we each have a unique path. One that has been paved and planned in advance for us. This path of ours is showered with good works foreordained for us to do. This race we're to run is already set before us. We just need a shepherd to guide us to do the right things at the right places with the right people at the perfect time. And Jesus is definitely qualified for the job.

Jesus himself had a very specific path. One that, just like ours, was already planned for Him. He was the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world after all. It's hard to know for sure if He always knew who He was and the path He must walk, or if He had to find himself in the scripture.  There isn't much written about His childhood. We know at least by age twelve He had an understanding of who He was. But can you even imagine what it must have been like for Jesus to read the scripture and realize the prophecies were talking about Him! That He must give His back to the lashes and whips, give His cheeks to them who tore out His beard, His face to shame and spitting. And yet He walked the path set out before Him perfectly.  He had a purpose and a flock to save. Jesus came down to earth to show us mercy.  The word for mercy is "checed", which can mean "to climb into someone's skin and look out of their eyes, hear out of their ears, and feel what they feel". And so we have someone who is fully qualified to guide us. What better shepherd than one who has been a sheep! He has already walked His path in our shoes. He faced temptations,  endured pain, suffered persecution,  experienced betrayal, and wept for lost loved ones. Whatever we're facing,  our Good Shepherd can help us. He has been there.


So we have a fully qualified and good shepherd.  But how will we feel His guidance and know we're on the right path? I recently read a couple books on persecuted Christians.  Besides their love for the Lord, one thing all their stories had in common was purpose.  Even though they experienced unimaginable evil and adversity,  they faced it head on because they somehow knew it what was planned for them. That it was their path, that they were exactly where they needed to be. I believe whatever our path is, it will feel right.  Like we're a piece fitting into a puzzle. Have you ever been somewhere and knew it was somehow a "divine appointment? " Have you ever had a friend you just knew you were supposed to know? Have you ever done something and said, "I was born to do this?" Well, you probably were. Jesus, the shepherd, is guiding us to the things already prepared for us.

When I was a kid, I liked to take care of all the stray cats in the neighborhood.  Much to my parents dismay, I would put food out for them and make little houses for them out of cardboard boxes. In school, I would often be the first person to befriend a new or lonely kid.  And sometimes, as far back as I can remember, I would get these nudges to pray for people. Strangers.  I would see certain people at stores or restaurants and my heart would fill with heaviness and compassion. I still feel those nudges and still pray for strangers.  I still have compassion and empathy for God's creatures. Animals and people. I still befriend the lonely.  I can see now how my shepherd was leading me and instilling gifts in me at a young age to help me find my path. I lost my way for awhile.  Spent many years not living or praying like I should. Often wishing I had different talents. There are a lot of things I'm not. I've never been brave enough to walk city streets evangelizing or move overseas to share the Gospel.  I'm not one to go on dangerous expeditions. I have zero musical talent. And I don't like talking in front of people.  But rather than worry about what I'm not, I have learned to embrace what I am. And be exactly who God designed me to be. An encouraging and compassionate friend and mother.  A prayer warrior. A student (and maybe a teacher) of His Word.  I have good works to do and no one else can do them or take my place. Or yours.  We are all created to do something, not to earn anything or impress God. But to give us purpose, bring us joy, bless others, and ultimately fulfill God's plan. I'm guessing He probably doesn't really need us, I mean God created the universe.  Still, He chooses to use us. And I believe our Shepherd starts leading us at very young ages to the right paths. Softly speaking to our hearts and helping us discover what our God given talents and callings are. We all have things we've always been good at. Natural inclinations.  I believe these gifts and inclinations are meant to be a kind of compass in our hearts to lead us down the right path. I've seen it in my own life, and I can see it in my kids lives now. We all have a unique path, born with everything we need to walk on it. And a Shepherd to guide us on our journey.


The Sheepfold

"Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
Luke 12:32

"So Jesus again said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.  I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture."
John 10:7‭, ‬9

So the Good Shepherd is walking with his sheep down their paths. And at the end of the day's journey, he guides them to the sheepfold. A place of safety with high walls and the shepherd himself guarding the only door. The Hebrew word for sheepfold is "aule", which means "a walled area with out a roof, or the interior courtyard of a mansion or palace." I find this so interesting! It reminds of the scriptures, "better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere, Psalms 84:10" and "in my Father's house are many mansions, Jn 14:2." (Mansion here can also mean rooms or houses). And Revelation 21:12 tells us that the New Jerusalem has a great high wall. If Jesus is the shepherd,  and we are the sheep,  then certainly the sheepfold could be Heaven. Home. A place with high walls and perfect rest and safety.  And we know Jesus is the door, no one gets to the Father accept through Him. But all who belong to the Good Shepherd make it to the sheepfold. As Jesus himself says He has not lost any that God has given Him. Not one. (John 17:12).  The sheep will be secure with their shepherd for all eternity. No more tears or suffering. No more cliffs or wrong turns. No more predators. Just joy unspeakable.

"To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children."
Revelation 21:6‭-‬7