Zarephath or Nazareth?

It was interesting to discover this week that the widow of Zarephath (admittedly not your major Bible character) featured in Sunday’s sermon actually makes a reappearance in the New Testament.

Very early in his ministry Jesus returned to Nazareth, the site of his growing-up years. His reputation had preceded Him, and no doubt there was a stir in the air. He stood to read the Scriptures in the synagogue on the Sabbath, and announced that the prophetic words of Isaiah were being fulfilled that day, and right before their eyes. His hearers “all spoke well of Him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips…” (Lk. 4:22 NIV).

But in the very next sentence of that same verse, they stumbled. “’How can this be,’ they asked. ‘Isn’t this Joseph’s son?’” (NLT). The news about miracles and healings and powerful teaching had sounded so great… until He arrived in flesh-and-blood. Now he looked…so human. So one of them. Isaiah was writing about him?

So Jesus answered, in essence, “You’re eyeing me now, skeptical, wondering how the little kid who played in your doorways could be Isaiah’s Wonder-worker and Savior. Next, you’re going to ask me to do great signs and wonders, to do here what I’ve been doing in other places. But you don’t have the faith for it. ”

“Do you remember Elijah? During the great famine in his day, there were many widows in Israel. Likely many hands reaching into near-empty pots of oil, to make that last cake and die. But Elijah was not sent to them. He was sent to the widow of Zarephath - in Sidon of Phoenicia, outside Israel. Why? He would find acceptance there. Nobody would try to harm him there. And he would have room to show the power of God to people of faith.”

They got what Jesus was saying, those listeners in the Nazareth synagogue. Jesus was exposing their unbelief and praising the simple faith of outsiders and undeserving pagans. It made them furious. Furious enough to try to herd Him over a cliff! Furious enough to prove Him right – a prophet has no honor in his hometown.

Are we people of faith here at FAC, as we wait expectantly for the leader God will send? Or are we people of questions and dissection and skepticism? Will we give God room to show His power and continue His ministry among us? Or will we nurse our private doubts and demand a show of proof before we will believe?

I think God is saying to FAC today, I am sending my man to you soon. You can watch him rise to speak in your synagogue, standing back and folding your arms, waiting for big and convincing things to happen so that you can “believe” (but those big things never will happen, because your unbelief will stand in the way).

Or you can gather sticks at Zarephath’s gate, waiting in anticipation for My messenger, who is just around the bend in the road. You can receive him and his words, and nurture him as the widow did. You can give him space to do the work God wants to do through him.

If you should choose the widow’s way, know that though there is famine all around, you will not die. The oil of the Spirit and the Bread of the Word will not run dry. Your supply will be continually replenished. And you will be a testimony to many.

In the Kerith Ravine

I like those ravens. Maybe they do have a sinister side (blame that partly on Edgar Allan Poe), but as we heard Sunday, their supply division has a commendable reputation built by flying twice-daily meat-and-bread missions to the prophet Elijah.

The meat I can understand. Maybe they overpowered a flock of quail or something. But where did they get the bread? Was it day-old leftovers thrown out the back door of the nearest Giant Eagle (ooh, would the ravens have the courage to raid a store by that name)? Did manna rain down once again as in the days of Moses? Or was there somewhere a young Israelite wife pulling her hair out over the frequent disappearance of her delicious barley loaves?

We just don’t know. The details are missing. What we do know is why it all happened, and kept happening, day after day after day.

God’s orders. He ordered Elijah to the brook and He ordered the ravens to feed him there. Just like He ordered the Light to appear and the earth to take shape out of chaos. Just like He ordered Noah to build an ark and Moses to stretch his hand out over the Red Sea.

Now, you and I are not Old Testament heroes. There’s not a Moses or Elijah among us, and no FACer is likely to be called on to save our country (although it could happen). Still, the lessons in the Bible are there for our benefit, and what we learn about God in the Big Picture is still true in our Little Picture. And we’ve all got our chaos and Red Seas and Kerith Ravines.

So why should we think He is done ordering things for His children? That when good meets evil and we are caught in the crossfire, we’re on our own? That when we get in a predicament for doing what we understood Him to want, we’re dead meat (and the ravens are circling, not supplying)? That when life takes an unexpected turn, He’s somehow racing to adjust, just as we are?

I am still singing and celebrating the song we sang together Sunday morning – Twila Paris’ “God is in Control”: God is in control, We believe that His children will not be forsaken; God is in control, We will choose to remember and never be shaken…”

By about the third day in the Kerith Ravine, that’s the song Elijah was probably singing. And God would love to hear us joining in from our own little personal ravines and famines and hiding places. God’s got orders for our situation. We’re not forsaken! We won’t be shaken! God is in control!!

Moses’ Charge to Joshua

“There’s not a lot of detail here.”

Pastor Dave Phillips pointed out Sunday that with Joshua’s charge from the Lord before entering the Promised Land came a wealth of instruction: “Be strong and courageous”… “Be careful to obey all the law”… “Meditate on it day and night”… “Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged.” He also received some staggering promises: “You will lead these people to inherit the land”… “You will be prosperous and successful”… “the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

What he didn’t get was a clear picture of how all this was going to happen. Of the timetable involved, the investment required, or the level of opposition they would face. Joshua didn’t even get a preparation checklist or an overall battle strategy or a campaign agenda.

To bring the situation home to Erie, Pa., it was rather like driving in a heavy snowstorm. Somewhere along the way, novices learn that high beams are of no use when the flakes are falling thick and fast. In fact, they’re downright dangerous. High beams only highlight the frenetic activity swirling about the headlights, pulling the driver’s attention away from the road and highway signs and other vehicles, and lure him off the road or into oncoming traffic.

If Joshua had switched on his high beams as God was talking, he would have seen a swirl of “if’s” and “but’s.” He would have been besieged by unanswered questions and logistical concerns. He would have been inundated by personal doubts and overwhelmed by the immensity of the undertaking. It was a time for low beams. For just listening to what God had said (without putting words in His mouth), taking it in simple faith, acting on it in simple obedience, waiting for His more specific direction, trusting His timing. No panic. No overplanning. No demand for details. Low beams.

That’s a good response for FAC in this transition time, too. We know we’re in an unexpected patch of weather here, but let’s not hit the high beams in an attempt to see further ahead. There are too many unknowns flying about, and we’ll just become disoriented. Better to throttle back on velocity (throttle up on faith) and switch to the low beams. Better to look through, not at, the swirl of deadly possibilities, focusing our eyes instead on the One Who said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” The Shepherd of the flock. Our OnStar Guide. The One Who takes full responsibility for our well-being through this “storm,” if we just stay focused on Him.

Low beams. High faith. We’ll get there in one piece, and maybe even enjoy the journey!

All Things New

“Jesus is enough.”

C&MA founder A. B. Simpson wrote a signature hymn, “Jesus Only,” declaring: “Jesus only, Jesus ever, Jesus all in all we sing / Saviour, Sanctifier, and Healer, Glorious Lord and Coming King.” We still express the same sentiment in more contemporary style when we sing “You Are My All in All.” We’re applauding the complete sufficiency of Christ, as Pastor Ben did Sunday.

Have you ever secretly wondered about that concept? How can Jesus be everything to me? Without doubt He’s the most important, the greatest, the most wonderful “element” in my life… but I also need food and clothing and money and flesh-and-blood people to love and be loved by. I need a place to live and an occupation and a group of believers to worship with.

Jesus only?

It takes awhile to figure out – not just in the head, but in the heart – this “Jesus only” concept. Consider these Scriptures:

“For from him and to him and through him are all things” (Rom. 11:36 NIV).

“There is but one Lord, through whom all things came and through whom we all live” (1 Cor. 8:6 NIV).

“[Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” (Col. 1:15-20 NIV).

Jesus created all things. Not just in Genesis 1, but today “from him and through him are all things.” That includes not only the things I need, but all that is the very best for me. His provisions for the things I run after every day. His solutions to my needs and deepest longings. All are found in Him.

So I can’t do anything better than focus on Christ this coming year. He’s where the answers are located. He’s where the supply of strength and grace resides. He’s where every good gift originates. And He’s orchestrating my days and shepherding my steps and tending attentively to every detail of my life. And yours, too.

He’s looking out for us all. And He’s saying, this first week of January 2010, “In this New Year you will have trouble and needs and questions and longings and unexpected challenges… but Look to Me! Be of good cheer! I am the Rescuer and the Problem-Solver and the Provider and the Answer and the Supplier of every good and perfect gift.

“It’s true. I am Enough.”

So here’s a practical suggestion, a habit to begin this week and carry on throughout the year until it becomes an ingrained response. It’s this: Whenever a need arises or a dilemma presents itself (from no money for new tires to that monumental decision that must be made), take time to focus on Christ alone. Tell Him you know the answer is found in Him. Tell Him you trust Him. Tell Him He is enough.

In fact, I’ll bet there’s a problem you could take to Him right now…

Open Doors

Sunday’s sermon brings to mind an oft-told story from the repertoire of Southern Gospel comedian Wendell (“Wendy”) Bagwell…

It seems he and his singing group, The Sunliters, unknowingly booked a concert in a church that handled snakes as a part of their worship. After singing, they sat in the front pew (out of politeness, because the service wasn’t yet over… and because the love offering hadn’t yet been taken!).

After a brief sermon, the preacher produced a box and began to draw the reptiles out. At this, Wendy nervously asked a Sunliter where the back door was. “They haven’t got one!” came the dreaded news.

To which Wendy replied, “Reckon where do they want one?”

Are you a Wendy? I’ve sure been one ‘way too many times. We’ve all gotten into situations – even while following the Lord’s leading – where things just seem to go south fast, and there are no solutions in the think tank and no rescue on the horizon, and we begin scanning the circumstances for an exit.

Where is the door? We see nothing but solid walls. Claustrophobia sets in. Panic reigns, and the mind screams: There’s no way out. I can’t stand it. I’ve just gotta get out of here. Now. And we charge the nearest wall and smash our way through…

But we haven’t made a door. We’ve made a hole in the wall. A mess that someone else will have to clean up. A ragged gap that someone else will have to try to fill and repair. And we’ve broken our trust in God, too. Because He says that He is the doorkeeper: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open (Rev. 3:7-8 NIV). God is a true gentleman, who insists on opening and closing our doors for us. And when we make our own entrances and exits, we are out of His will.

With that in mind, here’s a suggestion for the New Year. Spend some time talking (and listening) with the Lord about your circumstances and His leading and the year that lies ahead. What does He most want from you? What do you most need from Him? How can you cultivate the holy habit of waiting on God's timing and leading?

Then, in light of the answers you receive, write a prayer – a prayer to be prayed every morning of 2010. I’ve written mine… but yours will be different. It will be custom-fitted to your circumstances and weaknesses and needs. And it will help keep you focused on the DoorKeeper who promises, right now, today, on the threshold of a new year:

See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut (Rev. 3:8). Follow Me through!

Goodbye

When our kids were young, Dave and I made the decision to move from our home in Warren County to Erie. A thoughtful aunt, wanting to help prepare the boys for the life-change, gave them a Golden Book titled Little Duck’s Moving Day.

Little Duck was both excited and scared at the prospect of relocating to a new home. As moving day neared, he helped his mom prepare for the movers who would soon come and load their possessions on a big truck. Alone in his bedroom, Little Duck resolutely gathered toys and stuffed animals, and removed the pictures from his walls. He said a solemn “Goodbye” to each one as he sorrowfully placed them in the big packing box.

His mother overheard him. She came into the bedroom and said to him, “Little Duck, you are going to see your books and toys and stuffed animals and pictures again. We will be unpacking these boxes in your new home, and you will have them there.

“And so,” she suggested gently, “instead of saying ‘goodbye,’ why don’t you say, ‘See you later’?”

And that is what a comforted Little Duck did.

And that is what we do, too. Although we are saying “Goodbye, God-Be-With-You” all around, what we really mean is, “See you later, Pastor Rick and Kathy.” See you down at the City Mission as we’re ladling soup into bowls… see you at a special FAC music concert (you’re welcome, you know), see you in the aisles of TJ Max :)… Or if not in some hallway or street or restaurant, then see you in heaven.

For life is a litany of hellos and goodbyes. And while the family of God uses those words in the common manner, we have a most uncommon knowledge. For us, it’s never truly goodbye – not in any final sense. It will always be followed by a hello, somewhere, sometime. And in the end, “Hello” will have the final word.

See you later.

joy, Joy, JOY!!!!

“Fear not, for I bring you tidings of great joy. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord.”

To outsiders on dark and silent sheep-strewn hillsides…
Tidings of comfort and joy - unto you is born a Savior.

To magi wanderers, star-struck, following they know not where…
Tidings of comfort and joy - unto you is born a Savior.

To a mother and father striving to stretch their minds around their role…
Tidings of comfort and joy - unto you is born a Savior.

To men and women walking in darkness, yearning to hear a word of hope…
Tidings of comfort and joy - unto you is born a Savior.

To seekers after truth, oft-mislead, becoming jaded and cynical…
Tidings of comfort and joy - unto you is born a Savior.

To people in over their heads, worn-out, fed-up, broken-down…
Tidings of comfort and joy - unto you is born a Savior.

To we who are still haunted by shadows, searching for answers…
Tidings of comfort and joy - unto us is born a Savior.

Beset by failures and regret and a lingering sadness…
Tidings of comfort and joy - unto us is born a Savior.

Like the shepherds, sore afraid,
Like the magi, lone seekers,
Like the Christmas parents, wholly inadequate for what lies ahead,
Tidings of comfort and joy - unto us is born a Savior.

Sure, in this world we will have trouble – but He calls us to be of good cheer; after all, we have a Savior! And a Savior saves! Then… and now. He doesn’t just save from sin; He saves from fear and bondage and the evil one and the sorrow that leads to death. He saves from every single thing that is bigger than we are. He saves every step we take. He saves every second of our every day. He was born to save!

Oh tidings of comfort and joy, JOY, JOY!!!!