Christ in the Small Stuff

As I was listening to the radio, the other day, I heard this little story.  A man was traveling with a friend to a Christian conference, along the way they stopped for gas and a bathroom break.  The gentleman telling the tale relates that as he was washing his hands, eager to leave the cramped, foul-smelling environment, he noticed his friend’s unusual behavior.  He moistened and soaped up some paper towels and returned to the stall he had just finished using.  In amazement, the story teller watched as his pal carefully wiped clean the toilet, and then with another clean towel did the same to the sink. He couldn’t help but think that a case of momentary OCD had overcome his friend, so he asked;  “Why are you doing that, this is a gas station bathroom, they have people hired to do this odious job.”  As his companion dried his hands, he responded; “I don’t know who the next person will be, or how they will be feeling emotionally, or physically, but I want to leave the space, better than how I found it.”

 He went on to say that as a Christian, aren’t we supposed to do just that?  Whether it’s washing the pile of accumulated mugs in the sink at the office; putting back the cart at Wal-Mart or any number of small tasks, it matters not job, but the fact that we want to make a difference, the same way Christ did.  No matter where he went, or who he was involved with, he always left the place or person in a better condition.  Think about it; the wedding at Cana; the woman caught in adultery; the hungry people on the Mount of Olives; Lazarus and his sisters; blind men; demon-possessed people, well, you get the idea.  “After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, ‘Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.’”

As his followers, can we say we are doing the same?  Are you hanging your head right now, like I am?  Sure, I do some nice stuff now and then, but does that same spirit, of making things better than they were, flow freely, or is it forced.  In addition, are we looking for some kind of compensation for doing what should be natural?  As we grow in Him, let’s pray that the Holy Spirit nudge and encourage us to be more loving and Christ-like, leaving that sweet, lingering fragrance of him in even the smelliest places. “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”  Mother Teresa

Brotherly Love?

Come with me, if you will, to the blowout Welcome Home party at the Prodigal Son’s house.  Are you picturing the merry scene?  Plentiful food and drink and lively music fill the huge canvas tent, while friends, neighbors and servants vie for the son’s attention.  As the celebrity, he is inundated with questions, encouraged with back pats, and in general basks in the warm glow of renewed friendship, and his devoted father’s love.  As he hugs his dad for the umpteenth time, the crowd raises their glasses amidst claps and cheers. But look closer, do you see that one sullen guy in the corner?  He is the only unhappy one in attendance, almost seething with animosity.  Who is it, you might ask, an old enemy?  Sadly it is his own older brother.  Let’s go over and chat with him.  As you listen you realize he is afflicted with a justifiable case of sibling rivalry.

 Speaking as the oldest, we were always expected to set the behavioral example, and that’s not easy.  I’m sure, that through the years, his younger bro had been difficult to deal with, and he may have thought that the younger was the favorite son, especially when dad reminded him of his obligations as the eldest.  It happens.  Scripture shows us many examples: Cain and Abel; Ishmael and Isaac; Jacob and Esau; Joseph and his older brothers; and Mary and Martha.  There was always some burr under the saddle that brought strife into these relationships.  I’m sure that the Prodigal’s brother was  relieved when the “spur” in his life left home.  “Now I can be Dad’s golden boy!”, he probably thought.  But as the months and years went by, he saw his Abba mourning for the loss of his youngest child, no matter how hard he worked to please him.

 The story doesn’t say anything bad about the older brother, so I assume he was a good, dutiful son.  One day that all changed, when the pesky rapscallion returned, and big bro wandered in on the fiesta. “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’” Luke 15:25-30.

 You know, I really feel badly for this brother, do you?  There he was, never causing waves, busting his buns and what did he ever get? Nada, or at least that’s what he thought.  It’s easy to show empathy to an injured or grieving person, but when someone has good things happen, when you feel they don’t deserve it, it is oh so difficult.  Here’s what his father told him: “My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’?” Luke 15:31-32.  Is there a bur under your saddle today?  Human relationships will always have them, but with God’s help, we must allow the annoyance to grow us, not into calloused individuals, but loving and caring ones, able to see the full picture through our Father's eyes.

 




   

The Prodigal's Father

Recently I wrote some thoughts on the parable of the Prodigal Son, from the son’s stinky, sinful perspective. Today let’s look at the dad‘s side.  Truly the heart of this story is the loving reaction of the father at the return of his wayward son.  In human terms, the kid had messed up his life, and that of his dad, big time. He more or less demanded that he be given his inheritance, before his father was dead.  The process of doing so meant that acreage and livestock had to be sold, breaking up the ranch for future generations.  The father complied.

Flash forward to the son’s ignoble return journey.  It was a long trip, by foot,  and he had plenty of time to reflect on his behavior.  I’m sure he practiced over and over what he would say to dear old Dad.  I’m sorry didn’t seem enough, so he finally settled on this:  “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.” Luke 15:18.  There are many parents who would have said, “you’re absolutely right!  You’ve caused nothing but grief.  You can’t be trusted and I’m ashamed of you, but because you are family, I’ll let you in.  You’ll be here on probation, and yes, you must stay with the hired hands.  I will personally monitor your behavior, and you’ll have extra work to do to earn your way back into the family. You no good, rotten kid!”

 Actually, that’s what the son expected, after all he deserved every bit of the punishment, and more.  But, scripture tells us that the heartsick father, who must have scanned the horizon everyday for his son to return, reacted in this manner. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20. “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. “ Luke 15:22.

 Everyone of us was, or still is a prodigal child.  We have separated ourselves from our father, caused him pain by our disobedience, and deserve the punishment due us.  Thank God, he doesn't react like a human father, even when he has every right to.  When we come to him, and confess our depravity, he rejoices and fully welcomes us into the family. No 2nd class treatment, no probation period or extra work detail. Just the opposite, he restores us to the status of his beloved child. If you haven’t made that decision, what’s holding you back?  Your father is waiting with open arms at the front door for you….run to him, and let the rejoicing begin!!  His Grace is Amazing!

   

Heirs of the Promise

Heirs of the promise. “You are the descendants of the prophets and the heirs of the promise that God made to our ancestors when he said to Abraham, 'Through your descendant all people on earth will be blessed.' “ Acts 3:25.

 Promises, promises was a hit song by Dion Warwick, many moons ago, and it’s also what advertising, people and society offers to us, in abundance.  One of the dictionary definitions is: an express assurance on which expectation is to be based.  For example, a hair care product that builds up an expectation in us of achieving a thick, lustrous mane. Sometimes it happens, but usually the results are inferior to the expectation, if they happen at all. We hear the word so often that most people are immune to it, and don’t even hold any hope, or expectation.  God has made assurances to us as believers.  These are not mere substance-less “air” promises, but covenant truths which we, as “heirs“, can feel confident in.  An heir, in legal terms is, a person who inherits or has a right of inheritance in the property of another following the latter's death. While an earthly will may be contested, God’s covenant is “heir” tight. 

 Let’s take a look at the earliest covenant, between God and Abram.  In that time, when people swore an oath or made a promise to each other, an animal was sacrificed, cut in two pieces, and the involved parties would walk through the carcass, shaking hands at the end to seal the deal.  As you recall from your OT knowledge, God had promised Abram that he would have descendants as numerous as the stars, and ground that now belonged to his enemies. Abe was a 90+ year old guy, with no kids, so his human mind could not envision how this could happen, to him it was impossible, but he still believed.  To prove the validity of this far-fetched promise, God ordered Abram to collect and prepare the animals, and then God did the rest. “After the sun went down and darkness fell, Abram saw a smoking firepot and a flaming torch pass between the halves of the carcasses. So the LORD made a covenant with Abram that day…” Genesis 15:17.   

God himself went between the sacrificial animals, thus forging the irrevocable covenant promise. This act was the foundation, and centuries later God entered into a new covenant with all believers, through the sacrificial death of his own precious son.  If the one with Abram is still valid, you can rest assured the one written in blood is too.  Are you an heir of the promise, looking forward to the day when you will receive your rightful inheritance?  Or, do you have doubts, and find yourself looking for loopholes in the agreement. When you feel doubt creep in, remember old Abe.  “And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith.” Genesis 15:6.  Believe and receive, doubt and do without. 

Don't Invite Fear in!

Do you make it a habit to invite everyone in who knocks at your front door?  Of course not!  There have been times I actually hid, pretending I wasn’t home, to dissuade a salesman or unwanted person. So why is it, that when Mr. Fear comes a knocking, many folks not only welcome him in, but have a comfy room prepared for him!

Call it worry, anxiety or panic attack, the fact is, the human reaction to something scary, or potentially threatening, is fear.  My 9 year old grandson becomes a quivering mass of nerves when he sees a bug, or finds himself in a high place. Fear happens, but as Christians, we have the upper hand, the ultimate weapon to annihilate it, God’s perfect love.  Sure bugs, high places, having concern for loved ones in dangerous occupations, you fill in the fear blank as it applies to you, are still going to happen, but we don’t have to ask the fear they cause to take up residence!  God needs us to be strong, not shaking in our spiritual boots.  Next time this Mr. Fear rings your door bell, boldly turn him away, telling him he is not, nor will he ever be, welcome. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18.

                                                 

A Teacup Full of Answers

As a child, I thought my dad knew everything, and had the answers to all my queries.  How high is the sky; what makes the sky blue; why do birds have feathers; and what is dirt made of?  I’d constantly bombard him with questions, on a daily basis.  He never failed to come up with a response that satisfied the child me.  Today I look back and wonder if they were accurate, or was he merely appeasing me. Back then, what mattered most was the fact that it made me feel secure knowing he was the answer man.

 Having raised my own kids, and now with grand kids asking all kinds of tough stuff, I realize that just about anything I tell them they’ll believe.  Obviously I try to respond with an understandable, mostly correct answer, based on their age and ability to comprehend.  Going into technical details will only confuse them, so I keep it simple.  As adults don’t we do the same thing with God?  We come to him with gallons of questions, but only hold out a teacup for him to fill with the answers. The cold, hard fact is, that the volume of answers our individual teacups can hold, is all we can humanly grasp.  The vastness of God, his creation, and his plans for us are way too much for us to take in all at once.  I do think, that as we persevere in prayer, he will continue to fill our cups as needed.  So, be content, and secure, knowing that your Heavenly Father is the ultimate answer man. “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone— while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?” Job 38:4-7. Keep holding out your teacup!!

Heightening Your Sense of Smell

You may not believe this, but at one time in my life, I was a card carrying member of the Porkettes.  No, it wasn’t a social club for weight-challenged gals, it was the female counterpart of the Illinois Pork Producers Association. Yes, I have to admit that I, unwillingly, used to hang around with pigs.  Some of the other Porkettes would actually wax poetic about raising these creatures, but not me.  Please remember that I was raised on Staten Island, NY, and the closest I had ever gotten to a pig was a pork chop! Don’t get me wrong, I love animals, but pigs are in a category all by themselves. Here’s my personal impression of them: They are smart enough to be extremely ornery; possess quickness to out run you; are pig-headedly stubborn, and most of all they STINK!!  I don’t mean wet dog smelly, we’re talking one of the top 10 worst odors in the world, smelly. Some people say they got used to the stench, or  jokingly said they smelled like money.  I did not fall into either group. The day the last one of those beasts left our farm, ranks as one of the happiest events of my life.

So why am I picking on porkers today; because they stink!  The Bible doesn’t hold them in high regard either.  Jews weren’t, and still aren’t, allowed to eat them; Jesus got rid of a slew of demons by allowing them to enter a herd of porkers; and the Prodigal Son. Let’s concentrate on the Prodigal Son’s relationship with pigs today.  We’re all familiar with his sinful, money-squandering ways, and his eventual fall into the stinking pig pen.  In this place, the lowest of the low, for a Jew, scripture tells us this; “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.’” Luke 15:17-19.
It says he came to his senses, and I think his sense of smell was instrumental in bringing about his change of heart. His whole attitude and lifestyle was malodorous, to those around him, but he couldn’t smell it on himself, until he hit the bottom in that pen.  It’s easy for us “clean, sweet-smelling, sinless” folks to be repelled by a whiff of pig poop, but when you’re knee deep in it, it’s a different story.  Thank God that this young man’s heavenly father fine tuned his olfactory glands, allowing to smell what he had become, and brought him home to a joyous earthly father.

 So it was with everyone of us, we stunk because of original sin. The problem was, we weren‘t aware of it until our sense of smell kicked in, and we chose to allow God to clean up our individual pens. Do you know someone, or are you that someone, still kicking around in the manure?  Ask God to fine tune your sense of smell, if anything stinks, he‘ll give you the ability you to smell it!!