How To Really Pray, When Really Wronged...

As a kid, I tended to say the same phrases, over and over again.  For example, if my mom baked a batch of her ‘out of this world’ sticky rolls I’d say:  “gimme, gimme, gimme!”  But my most frequent phrase was:  “It’s not fair!” “It’s not fair that Susie got three scopes of ice cream and all I got was a lousy sugar cookie!”  “It’s not fair that I got punished, that I got a whooping, but all Johnnie Jones got was a slap on the hand!!”

As we encounter the crucifixion, in anticipation of Good Friday, there’s more than a ‘slap on the hand’ occurring.  There’s a whooping, a punishment.  And frankly: it’s not fair!  I mean the crucifixion is a severe injustice.

Jesus did not deserve anything recorded in this event!  Yet Isaiah tells us:  

“…he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities…We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way -- [yet] the Lord has laid on [Jesus] -- the inequity of us all…”  (Isaiah 53:5-6). 

Peter sums up the irony:  

“…Christ…died…for all -- the Righteous for the unrighteous -- (the Just for the unjust -- the Innocent for the guilty) -- that He might bring us to God…” (1 Peter 3:18, The Amplified Bible).

For knowing God, Christ illustrates, is linked to ‘doing’ life, when life’s not fair.  I mean ‘life in God’ deepens, when we trust God, even when bruised/beaten, for no just reason at all.  As Oswald Chambers notes: 

“...We are…capable of being spiritual sluggards.  We do not want to mix with the rough and tumble of life… [But] the test of our spirituality comes when we come up against injustice and meanness and ingratitude and turmoil…” - Oswald Chambers   

That's why we encounter the crucifixion.  For the crucifixion is the ultimate model of coming against injustice, meanness, ingratitude and turmoil -- but -- in God deepening ways.   

And so we enter the crucifixion, going deeper into the words of Jesus.  In particular, these words:

 “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing…”  (Luke 23:34  

As we look to Jesus, we discover we must. 

And so we enter the injustice of Jesus, thinking of our own injustice, discovering, that when wronged we must...

1) Seek Heavenly Support And Allies.  So often when wronged and ‘done-in.' we scramble for human assistance; and that’s important.  But even more important is divine assistance.  

Its interesting Jesus was surrounded by several family members and friends during the crucifixion.  To be precise, Bible scholars believe Jesus' mother and aunt (Mary the wife of Clopas) were there, along with his friends Mary Magdalene and John the Beloved (John 19:25).  

But Jesus doesn’t call out to any of these persons, initially.  Why his first word from the cross is directed toward heaven.    “Father” (Luke 23:34) -- Jesus cries.

‘Father,’ of course refers to His Heavenly Father, God Almighty. Literally the word ‘Father’ means: upholder, nourisher, protector.  And indeed that’s who God is: upholder, nourisher, protector, especially when we’re most vulnerable and attacked.

A while back, CNN reported an amazing story.  Without warning, a young Ethiopian woman was abducted in a remote area, and brutally beaten.  The reason:  to force her to marry a man not of her choosing, a common practice in Ethiopian.  But the woman fought back, crying out.  And then a miracle occurred:  three majestic lions, the national symbol of Ethiopian, appeared out of ‘no where.’  

But it gets better.  The lions chased the woman’s captors away -- and then -- formed a protective perimeter around her, standing guard for hours.  Finally the police arrived, but they were taken back.  I mean ‘lions are lions.'  Should they approach or shouldn’t they?  But as soon as the lions saw the police, they just stood up and walked away.  

As one policeman put it:  “…they left [the girl] like a gift, and went back into the forest…”  (emphasis added)

God considers us a gift.  And so He surrounds us in our hour of need.  For our God is no wimpy God.  Why Revelation 5:5 tells us, He is the Lion Of Judah.  And so

“…Stop weeping!”  Revelation 5:5 admonishes.  “See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah…has won -- [He] (has overcome and conquered)! (Revelation 5:5) -- everything!  

The result?  We’re free in amazing and startling ways!  One of the most startling is the freedom -- when wronged -- to... 

2) Fathom, Ponder, Forgiveness.   Now that’s a shocking prospect, especially when people do unjust, mean things.  But nevertheless, we’re to consider, the prospect of pardon.

For after Jesus prayed ‘Father,’ Jesus prayed:  ‘Father, forgive them…” (Luke 23:34) referring to the very persons crucifying Him, wronging Him.

And so, no matter the depth of our wound, we're to entertain the option of forgiveness in new and practical ways.  For Ikechukwu Izuakor is right:  "...Our hearts are all prison walls when we hold people captive with chains of unforgiveness...”

One aspect of newness/practicality, is acknowledging what doesn't constitute forgiveness.  Ron Edmonson is pointed and specific.

Forgiveness is not:

• Forgetting – When you forgive someone your memory isn’t suddenly wiped clean of the offense. I know God could do that, but it seems that would be the easy way. I suspect God wants forgiveness to be more intentional than that.
• Regaining Automatic Trust – You don’t immediately trust the person who injured you when you forgive them. That wouldn’t even be logical. Trust is earned, and they must earn trust again.
• Removal Of Consequences – Even though you forgive someone, they may still have consequences to face because of their actions.
• Ignoring The Offense – You don’t have to pretend nothing happened when you forgive. The reality is an offense was made. Acting like it never occurred only builds resentment and anger.
Instant emotional healing – Emotions heal with time. Some pain runs deep and takes longer to heal. 
• Restoring The Same Relationship – The relationship may be closer than before or not, but most likely it will never be the same.
• A Leverage Of Power – Granting forgiveness does not give a person power over the person being forgiven. That would violate the entire principle and purpose of forgiveness. http://ronedmondson.com/2013/07/7-things-forgiveness-is-not-2.html

But then, what is forgiveness?  

Literally in the New Testament forgiveness is the Greek word ‘aphiemi,’ which means to ‘come out’ (Luke 4:39), or to ‘send away’ (Matthew 6:12).

And what are we to ‘send away’?  Why we’re to send away bitterness – we’re to send away resentment -- we’re to send away hatred -- we’re to send away any notion of revenge. 

In a fascinating study entitled: "How The Brain Heals Emotional Wounds: The Functional Neuroanatomy Of Forgiveness," Emilano Ricciardi and others, documented scientifically, the impact of forgiveness on our human form and frame.

"...In life, everyone goes through hurtful events caused by significant others: a deceiving friend, a betraying partner, or an unjustly blaming parent. In response to painful emotions, individuals may react with anger, hostility, and the desire for revenge. As an alternative, they may decide to forgive the wrongdoer and relinquish resentment. In...[our]...study...[we discovered that]...Forgiveness was associated with positive emotional states as compared to unforgiveness...".  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3856773  (emphasis added)

Where do you need to improve your positive emotional state?  

I’m not asking you to forget the injustice, the sin done against you.  I’m simply asking you to jettison, to ‘send away,’ the resentment that is consuming you.   

Send it away!  Send it away!

For it’s not our role to ‘settle the score’ and punish...

3) Remember: Judgment Is God’s Prerogative, And God’s Alone.    I think that’s why Jesus is relatively non-anxious as he concludes his prayer from the cross.   “Father, forgive them -- for they do not know what they are doing.”  (Luke 23:34).   I mean He could have said: “father, forgive them, after all they need it!  After all they’re no-good, filthy, sinful scoundrels!”

But Jesus does nothing of the kind.  Rather he uses a neutral approach, avoiding any hint of judgment.  It’s as if He’s anticipating the words of Paul in Romans 12 – 

“Do not take revenge…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…Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”  (Romans 12:19-21). 

Paul is underscoring many things in this text, including this reality:  there will be a Day of Judgment.

Though we seldom mention it – there will be a day of accountability, when all will stand before a Holy God and give an account of our lives.   Now for those who fail to repent of injustice and sin – judgment day will not be a happy day; it will be a fierce and flaming experience.  But for those of us who do repent of injustice, who do repent of our sin – judgment day will be a great day, as Jesus smiles on us and protects our life!

Many years ago a father and daughter were walking through the grass on the Canadian prairie.  Suddenly in the distance, a prairie fire approached, coming closer, and closer.  Instinctively the father knew the fire would soon engulf them.  But it dawned on him: there was a way of escape.  Why he could begin a fire where they were standing, and create a safe spot, a spot already burned.  

And sure enough, that’s exactly what he did.  Well in no time, the fire came closer and closer – and the father and daughter jumped into the safe spot, the spot already burned.  But the daughter still freaked out.  I mean the flames were right there before them, leaping high!  But the Dad was absolutely confidant. “Honey” he said.  The flames can’t get us”  “Don’t you remember: we’re standing where the flames have already been!!”

If you’re in Christ, you’re standing where the flames have already been!  I mean the crucifixion of Christ, the suffering of Christ, has burned, etched and sealed our deliverance!  

Thus, we do not fear flames of judgment from God – or flames of judgment from others -- the hurt, betrayal and meanness of others.  

For ultimately Christ does protect and Christ does rescue! 

Believe: Christ does protect and Christ does rescue.  Seek heavenly allies and support.  fathom and ponder forgiveness.  Remember judgment is God’s prerogative -- God’s alone.      

   

For I know persons have hurt you; I know persons have been terribly unfair toward you.  But God has poured out His life for you – to empower you – to liberate you – to move on.  

And so move on!  

‘Send away’ your resentment, bitterness and revenge.   

Say the words of Jesus -- the prayer of Jesus:  “father forgive them – for they do not know what they are doing.”  (Luke 23:34).   

For a lot of people don’t know what they are doing.  

But God knows exactly what He’s doing.  

Why He sent Jesus: to save you from the flaming judgment.  To heal you of injustice, hurt and sin.  To burn and seal your deliverance – now and forever more.   And so in the words of Revelation 5:5 -

“…Stop weeping! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah…has won -- [He] (has overcome and conquered)! (Revelation 5:5) -- everything! 

And I mean – everything!

The Violence of Abortion

This coming Saturday, March 24th, a groundswell occurs across our country, as The March For Our Lives takes place, aimed to end gun violence.  Given past blog posts, it won't surprise you, that I encourage us to support this vital effort.  http://wwwpaulmundey.blogspot.com/2018/02/how-to-prevent-school-shootings.html

But yet another march occurred, earlier this year, on January 19th, The March For Life, aimed to end the violence of abortion. 

Recently, a number of folks have commented to me, that they are open to a new discussion related to ending gun violence.  But they are puzzled why we seem to downplay an equally important need:  ending the violence of abortion. 

Fair point.

And so, what follows is my attempt to give 'equal time' to that critical issue as well.  For as I advanced in an earlier blog, we need to be consistent -- wholly pro-life -- not selectively pro-life.
https://wwwpaulmundey.blogspot.com/2018/01/what-it-really-means-to-be-pro-life.html

For starters:  have you noticed?  We to live in a throw-away culture, not a forever culture.  I mean most things today are viewed as expendable, disposable, easily tossed aside, especially if they no longer meet our needs.

Now sadly, that’s not only true of diapers, cans, fast-food wrappers, plastic jugs and other physical items -- but people.  I mean if a spouse gets too wrinkly, pudgy and gray, our interest wanes, and before we know it, we’re tossing him or her aside.  If grandma becomes too demanding, messy or loud, our tempers boil, and before we know it, we’re tossing him or her aside.

And if a baby is too much because it’s unplanned and unwanted, our needs trump everything, and before we know it, we’re tossing him or her aside.  

But we must never toss aside any human life! For all of human life is sacred and precious.  Why?  Because all of human life is God-breathed.  Remember the creation of human life in Genesis 2?  

“…Then the Lord God formed…man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being…”  (Genesis 2:7). 

Pretty convicting!  But in spite of all life being God-breathed life, we still disregard life, especially the youngest life.  Babies, in particular, resulting from unwanted pregnancies, are tossed aside, aborted, in staggering numbers.  

Why according to the National Right Life Committee, utilizing data from both the Guttmacher Institute and the Centers for Disease Control, since the legalization of abortion in 1973, there have been over 60,069,971 abortions performed in the United States.  https://www.nrlc.org/uploads/communications/stateofabortion2018.pdf  Alarming, especially in light of the sacred, God-breathed character of life!   Is it any wonder that scripture admonishes:  

“Rescue the perishing; don’t hesitate to step in and help. If you say, “Hey, that’s none of my business,” will that get you off the hook? Some one is watching you closely, you know, someone not impressed with weak excuses.” (Proverbs 24:11-12, The Message). 

Wow, that sounds like God isn’t impressed with our excuses! And so I guess there is no excuse for not addressing the issue of abortion.  And so what follows are some Action Steps, to address this vital, critical issue.  

Action Step #1 -- Determine Without Apology, When Life Begins.  This is the hottest part of the abortion debate, with many contending life does not begin at the beginning, at conception, but at some later stage.  

But what does scripture declare?  Scripture declares that life begins at the beginning.  As Psalm 139 notes, O God

“…you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb…your eyes saw my unformed body…”  (Psalm 139:13; 15, emphasis added).  

Translated:  life doesn’t begin as a baby is forming, but when a baby is still unformed – at conception.  In Judges 13 when God’s angel appears to the wife of the Man of Zorah -- the angel declares:  

“you are sterile and childless, but you are going to conceive and have a son…” (Judges 13:3).

We need to celebrate conception in new ways, for conception is an incredible miracle!  For at conception a marvelous thing happened: five million life-seeds, commonly called sperm, all lined up at the ‘starting gate,’; then a signal was given, and they were off, racing down, a long tunnel toward a single egg.  And then it happened -- you won -- your life-seed won!  I mean the odds were five million to one that you’d not win, but you won; you won! And so, as Tony Campolo notes:  “never call yourself a loser, for you’ve already beaten impossible odds!”  

Such truth needs to be applied to every life, including life just-conceived.  For even life just-conceived is already a winner, for life just-conceived has already beaten impossible odds!   Underscoring that precious truth is key to grasping the tragedy of an aborted life.

Action Step #2 -- Confess Our Need To ‘Be God, To ‘Take Matters Into Our Own Hands.’   For me a key element in the abortion debate, often overlooked, is our obsessive need to control all outcomes at any cost.  I mean if something is not inconvenient, like an unwanted pregnancy, we tend to ‘take matters into our hands’ and toss aside the inconvenience.  

But that’s utter arrogance!   Life, including life just-conceived, is not in our hands, but God’s hands.  As David notes,

“…Everyday of my life was recorded in [God’s] book. Every moment was laid out [according to God’s sovereign plan] before a single day had passed…” (Psalm 139:16, NLT).  

Translated: life is not to be lived from my playbook – but God’s playbook, for God, is in control, we’re not!  

Frankly, such truth is crucial – for as we fail to yield to God’s playbook -- an ultimate playbook -- life becomes futile creating a “boat-load” of heart-ache and consequences. 

Common phenomena nowadays are speed cameras, those little silver boxes that now dot our landscape.   Now please don’t misunderstand: I’m not a speed demon!  But, on occasion, when life gets crazy, I do ‘take matters into my own hands,' and speed along anyhow!  But have you noticed:  there’s no way you can beat a speed camera; I mean they get you every time, sending along the finest high-resolution photos of your automobile and license plate, ever; I mean those photos are so good, they’re even suitable for framing!  So I’ve decided just to give up, to slow down, to play by the ‘speed camera playbook,’ and stop taking matters into my own hands, even when life gets crazy!

When an unwanted pregnancy occurs, life gets crazy!  But please don’t’ take matters into your hands!  Don’t speed ahead of God, tossing aside human life.  For it’s impossible to beat God’s moral law, God’s sovereign rule, and consequences.

Action Step #3 -- Yield To God, Supporting The Sanctity of Life, Even During The Craziness Of Life.   Again, life gets crazy when there’s an unwanted pregnancy; we must never minimize that reality.  But we must also never minimize the opportunity even craziness affords to “play out plays” from God’s playbook, celebrating and advancing the sanctity of life.  For as David notes, all of life is precious and holy, and so

“I praise you [O, God], for I am fearfully and wonderfully made [all of us, are fearfully and wonderfully made, whether just conceived, young, old, or somewhere in between.  And so] wonderful are your works [O God] -- my soul knows it very well. (Psalm 139:14; ESV, emphasis added).

And so because we know such truth ‘very well,’ we do all we can to advance the sanctity of life, with the goal of healing all of life.

Frankly, that requires several things. For starters it requires candid, prayerful conversation whenever a woman’s life is in danger related to a pregnancy, because of medical complications or the incidence of rape; in such instances, godly counsel is crucial, from both physicians and pastors, as we strive to ‘play the right plays’ from God’s playbook.  It is crucial this take place.  

But overall the support of God’s people is crucial.   Research now documents that abortion would decrease if God’s people were less critical and more supportive when an unwanted pregnancy occurs.  A few suggestions:

• 1) Offer support directing a mom or dad to an agency that supports women in bringing their babies to full term and birth.  One excellent resource, from a Christian perspective, is CareNet https://www.care-net.org.
• 2) Lift-up the option of adoption.  Currently, there is 1 infant adoption in the United States, for every 149 abortions.  Yet, as American Adoptions notes, there are 36 couples eagerly awaiting to adopt, for every child placed in adoption. Translated: there are more children eagerly needed! 
• 3) Love unconditionally; God never aborts us, His love never let's go, thus our love must never let go no matter the person or circumstance; never let go!

In October 2011, a moving thing happened in Mumbai, India: a name-changing ceremony for 285 unwanted girls took place.  And for good reason:  each of them was literally named Nakusa or Nakushi, which means unwanted in Hindi.

Sadly “Unwanted” is a common name for girls in India, since sons are more valued than daughters.  But it gets worst.  Girls are not only named unwanted, they are literally aborted at an alarming rate just because of their gender.  

But the Mumbai name-changing ceremony challenged all that as 285 girls, wearing their best outfits, lined up to receive certificates boldly imprinted with their new names.  And what new names they got; not just any names but confidant names, transforming names.  Why one girl was renamed Prosperous – another girl was renamed Beautiful – another new girl was renamed Good – yet another girl was renamed Very Tough.  And it made all the difference, as once tossed aside life, almost aborted life was now affirmed as precious life, holy and sacred!

All of life is precious, holy and sacred!  

And so where do you feel unwanted – tossed aside – aborted? You’re in luck, for a name changing ceremony is available.  For the Creator God, we worship, wants to give us a fresh start, a new identity.

Claim your fresh start -- your new identity!  For you are not Unwanted.  You are Prosperous – Beautiful – Good – Very Tough!  In fact, no one is unwanted – whether just-conceived -- young, old -- or somewhere in between!  For...

“…you created my inmost being [O God] -- you knit me together in my mother’s womb…your eyes saw my unformed body…”  (Psalm 139 13; 15). 

Claim that truth, for as you do, you’ll refrain from discarding life -- for in discarding life, you always lose something, of immense value.  

Edward Morris recounts British playwright Enid Bagnold asking an opinonated woman, what advice she'd give to a twenty-three-year-old housewife who, having lost four children, found herself pregnant again by an abusive, alcoholic husband. "I would urge her to terminate the pregnancy," the woman replied. "Then," said Ms. Bagnold, "you would have aborted Beethoven."  https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4975606

Though some details of Bagnold's tale are not precisely correct (Beethoven's mom lost two children not four; Beehovens father was cruel, but not abusively violent) -- his point is well taken.  You never know the loss, when you fail to cherish life!  

And so, so we must not, let personal convenience have the final say; we must let the sanctity of life have the final say.  For it’s true: in the beginning

“…the Lord God formed…man from the dust of the ground -- and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life -- and the man became a living being…”  (Genesis 2:7). 

A person of incredible value! 

Thus, may we never toss aside any life, but honor all of life, beginning with life at the very beginning – celebrating that each of us is “…fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Psalm 139:14) by an incredible,  Sovereign Creator – who never aborts us -- but rather -- greatly values us -- and deeply, wants us -- now and for eternity.    

Does It Matter If A President 'Sleeps' With A 'Porn Star'?

This is not a 'slam' against Donald Trump, alone.

Sure, the headline suggests the current president; his affair with Stormy Daniel, though not conclusively proven, has been well-documented.  http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-43334326

But my intent is to include any president (or leader, for that matter) who violates his marriage covenant (or any other moral standard) and still expects to lead.

Does it matter?

There have been a lot of presidents in that category.  In fact, as I stated in a past blog, the majority of presidents since FDR have broken their marriage vows and engaged in extra-marital affairs, of some fashion and/or variety. So, Trump is far from alone; he has lots of 'presidential' company.

Remarkably, there are religious leaders who believe it doesn't matter if presidential leaders break their marriage vows. Prominent among them is Robert Jeffress, Senior Pastor of the influential First Baptist Church of Dallas, TX. Recently, when asked directly about Donald Trump's affair with Stormy Daniels, Reverend Jeffress said:

“...Evangelicals still believe in the commandment: Thou shalt not have sex with a porn star, however, whether this president violated that commandment or not is totally irrelevant to our support of him...Evangelicals knew they weren’t voting for an altar boy...We supported him because of his policies and his strong leadership...Evangelicals understand the concept of sin and forgiveness...We are all sinners. We all need forgiveness...Whether the president needs that forgiveness for this particular allegation, whether he’s asked for it, is between him, his family and his God...[And so, in sum, even if the president's affair with Stormy Daniels is] proven true, it doesn’t matter.” https://baptistnews.com/article/robert-jeffress-alleged-affair-porn-star-totally-irrelevant-trumps-evangelical-base/#.WqZtxmWd-sM

Now in fairness to Reverend Jeffress, his last assertion needs to be put in the context of other presidential extra-marital affairs, that have been proven true.  For example:

• Thomas Jefferson had an affair with his slave Sally Hemings...
• Warren Harding had an affair with his friend's daughter, Nan Briton...
• FDR had an affair with his wife's social secretary, Lucy Mercer...
• John F. Kennedy's had an affair with the famed actress, Marlyn Monroe...
• Bill Clinton's had an affair with a White House intern, Monica Lewinsky.

But again, the question:  does it matter -- that these presidents (and others) had affairs, engaging in sexual wrong-doing?

Tough question.  For the majority of these presidents have done significant, life-changing things, nevertheless. 

Take FDR, for example. In visiting his presidential library recently, I was reminded of the wide-ranging impact of his presidency.  Sure, it was not without controversy (even to this day), but it is safe to say that the U.S. economy would not have rebounded after the depression, and the U.S. would not have persevered through the horrific events of WWII, without Roosevelt's inspiring, inventive leadership.  https://www.economist.com/node/12502823  https://fdrlibrary.org/great-depression-facts  https://fdrlibrary.org/wwii-facts

But all the while, FDR was having an affair with Lucy Mercer.  

But does it matter?  

As I have struggled to answer that question, I've decided to answer it through the eyes of my 8-month-year-old grandson, John Dorsey.  What will he observe, think and conclude, as eventually, he sees our highest leaders doing great things, publicly, but doing immoral things, privately?  And then being elevated, esteemed, nevertheless.

I was struck yesterday, by Today host, Savannah Guthrie's penchant to view leadership through a similar lens. After hearing her colleague, Chuck Todd (of Meet the Press) called a '...sleepy SOB..." by Donald Trump over the weekend, in the context of a ruckus Western PA rally -- Guthrie asked Betsy DeVos, the current Secretary of Education:

"...As the cabinet secretary “who’s in charge of what our kids learn, what do you think of that kind of language?”...“Would you wash someone’s mouth out with soap?” “I would probably use different language myself,” DeVos replied. “I think we all have an opportunity and a responsibility to be examples to our kids.”  She then added, when asked: “That would include the president as well..."  https://www.today.com/news/betsy-devos-president-trump-s-rally-vulgarity-i-would-probably-t124828

Betsy DeVos is on to something.  Moral conduct does include the president, as well.  And all leaders.  For our kids are watching.

Recently, I ran across a short quote from Mahatma Gandhi that impacted me.  It simply read: 

"My life is my message."   

I believe that is so true -- reminiscent of a poem by Edgar Guest, that I often read at the funerals of persons of strong, noble character:

“…I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day; I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way. The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear, Fine counsel is confusing, but example's always clear; And the best of all preachers
 are the men who live their creeds, For to see good put in action 
is what everybody needs. I soon can learn to do it if you'll let me see it done; I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run. And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true, But I'd rather get my lessons 
by observing what you do..."

My grandson, John Dorsey is observing, watching, concluding.

Along with every other kid.

And so, in due season, they learn, 'how the game is played':  do whatever you like in your personal life -- but if you still do great things in your public life -- you're still a great person.

But the Bible disagrees.  A great person is not a person who is one way privately, and another person publicly.  But a person who is congruent, whole, together -- with little variation between exterior and interior life.

That's why Jesus saves his harshest criticism for the Scribes and Pharisees, who tended to be one way publicly, but another way privately.

“…You hypocritical scribes and Pharisees! You are like white-washed tombs, which look fine on the outside but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all kinds of rottenness. For you appear like good men on the outside—but inside you are a mass of pretense and wickedness.  Matthew 23:27-28 (JB Phillips).

It's interesting:  the literal meaning of hypocrite is "...theatrical actor...".  Thus, the Pharisees were not religious leaders (in the best sense of the word), but religious thespians, who majored in looking good, rather than being good.

Have you noticed?  Leaders today love theatrics!  The assumption:   as long as I entertain you, I'll be able to get away with whatever I like, including an affair with a porn star -- or -- worst.

Such an attitude is reminiscent of a classic scene from the movie The Wizard of Oz.   On screen, front and center, the great and mighty Wizard, captivates Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, and Toto, Dorothy's dog.  But then suddenly, Toto, runs toward a curtained-off area, off to the side, and pulls back the curtain, revealing the real wizard:  a feeble, old man.

Exposed, the real wizard exclaims:   “pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!”

That's exactly what many of our leaders are saying to us today:  pay no attention to the man or woman behind the curtain!

But pay attention we must.   For our children are watching.  And so must we.

Please don't misunderstand:  immoral men and women do 'great' things.  No doubt. Universities are founded. Economies 'turned around.'  Wars won.  Men sent to the moon.

But true greatness, biblical greatness is more than outer victory and achievement, it's inner victory and achievement -- winning the battle within.  Paul says it best:

"...Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we, an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified..."  (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

Discipline your body.  Keep it under control.  Do not become disqualified.

For what we need are not more 'white-washed' tombs, filled with entertaining pretense,  -- but -- sincere, simple servants, who affirm:  my life is my message.  

"...Get your lessons, by observing what I do..."   

God Doesn't Drive A Parked Car

Two weeks ago, I visited Springwood, in Hyde Park, the home of Franklin Roosevelt, better known as FDR.  As I did, I recalled Eleanor Roosvelet's uncle, TR -- Theodore Roosevelt -- also a famed president.  And like, FDR -- an incredible overcomer.

Now for FDR, the obstacles were focused mainly around his paralysis.  But for TR the obstacles were more varied and many:  debilitating asthma, extreme near-sightedness, and deep relational loss. 

The relational loss for TR was sweeping.  Especially wretching were the events of February of 1884.   Why as TR returned to the family home in New York City, he found his elderly mother Mittie, downstairs, suffering from Typhoid Fever and his young wife Alice, upstairs suffering from Bright’s disease.  Tragically both died on the same day, Valentines Day: Mittie at 3:00 am and Alice at 2:00 pm.   

Now understandably, TR was heart-broken.  But in a few months, TR did what he always did when adversity struck: he took action!

Specifically, TR traveled to the Dakota badlands becoming a cattle rancher, deputy sheriff, and writer.   For TR knew the only way to grow and live is to, yes, acknowledge hardship -- but not become captive to hardship -- to ’Get action,’ as TR loved to say.

“Do things.  Be sane…Take a place wherever you are -- and be somebody.  Get Action!"

Jesus would agree. Though Jesus’ action is the most important action, and Jesus’ Work the supreme Work, we must want Jesus’ Work -- exercising our God-given response-ability.  

For it's true:  God doesn't drive a parked car!  Paul says it best in Philippians 2: we must

“…work out [the] salvation…God has given [us] with a proper sense of awe and responsibility. For it is God who is at work within [us], giving [us] the will and the power to achieve his purpose… (Philippians 2:12-13, Phillips). 

And what is God’s purpose?  Why it’s for us to indeed grow and live; to be sanctified, maturing toward the wholeness of Christ.  But that only happens as we go deep, exercising the most important element of our soul, our volition.  

Now volition is just a big word for response-ability, free will, choice, and it’s central to our spiritual being, for as Watchman Nee notes:  

“…man is not an automaton…rather, man…possesses…volition and can choose either to follow God's Will…or…Satan's will…” “[The volition] is [the] "helm" by which he sails upon the sea of life.” (emphasis added).

A prime Biblical example of a person who did not believe he had a 'sail,' a volition, was the famed invalid at the pool at Bethesda, in John 5.  Why the invalid infers: though others have a 'sail,' a choice -- he’s helpless:  

“I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me…”  (John 5:7).

But Jesus isn’t buying it. Why throughout this text and related verses, Jesus affirms: we do have a sail, we do have a choice.  And it’s only as we exercise that choice that transformed life breaks forth.  

But how does that happen; how do we truly energize choice and volition, rising to new levels of response-ability?  Moving through other details of the invalid's story, we discover some clues.

1) Realize:  Though God Never ‘Gives Up’ On Us, God Never Forces Himself On Us.   Translated:  God is a ‘gentlemen’ who pursues us, but never ‘plows through us,’ overriding free will. 

In my experience, God pursues us in two ways:  through admonition and questions. We’ll get to the admonition in a moment, but consider God's question in John 5 to the invalid at Bethesda:

"...do you want to be healed?..." (John 5:6).  

How insensitive!! we respond. ‘I mean Jesus,'' we conclude, "...don't you realize no one’s willing to help the invalid into the pool?’

But Jesus infers we’re starting with the wrong issue:  the real issue is not whether others are willing to help (they probably are) -- the real concern is whether the invalid is willing to help himself.

A lot of us are not willing to help ourselves.  I mean let’s just say it: a lot of us enjoy being victims, preferring the familiar drone of: ‘what’s the use! – ‘I’m giving up’ – ‘It’s never going to get better’ – to the risky work of: ‘I want to be healed – ‘I’m fighting for my life’ – ‘It’s going to get better.’ 

Now, in all honesty, moving from: ‘It’s never going to get better’ – to – ‘it’s going to get better’ is risky.  In fact, it requires raw faith, devoid of immediate confirmation from God.  

But that’s how God operates: requiring our want-to, before His follow-through; our choice, our response-ability before His response. 

As the story goes, William Seymour, a leader in the famed Azusa Street Revival, wanted greater healing and revival for his congregation. And so Seymour set aside five hours a day to pray for God’s deeper touch; in fact, for three and a half years he prayed in that manner; but nothing happened.  And so Seymour increased his prayer time to seven hours a day for God’s deeper touch, for an additional two years; and ‘bingo’ God followed-through and healing and revival broke out; after 11,500 hours of prayer! 

Now I’m not suggesting 11,500 hours of prayer are normally required for God’s response. It’s not! But I am suggesting God’s follow-through is connected to our want-to -- and prayer is a great way to voice to the Lord what we truly want!

Next...

2) Believe:  It’s Never Too Late To Claim Greater Expressions Of Hope And Healing.  One aspect of the invalid’s tale in John 5 that’s often overlooked, is the amount of time the invalid lived as a victim. Why John 5:5 notes the invalid had been in that state "...  for thirty-eight years..." !! (John 5:5).

Yet in spite of such an extended time of whining, Jesus takes interest in the invalid (John 5:6) offering him hope and healing, nevertheless.  So be encouraged:  even if you’ve been whining for a long time, making excuses forever, Jesus wants to assist you; translated: it’s not too late!  

But a lot of us believe it is too late, settling for humdrum, pedestrian ways.  There’s a great story about two elderly golfers putzing around the golf course.  As they did, one of the seniors ran across a talking frog.  “Listen,” the frog said.  “If you kiss me I’ll turn into a beautiful princess”.  Well, the senior thought and thought and thought, but then just grabbed the frog and put it in his pocket.  “Are you crazy!” his buddy exclaimed? “Why didn’t you kiss it?”  “Oh that’s easy,” the man said.  “At my age, I’d rather have a talking frog!!!”

But at any age, God wants you to have a royal future, not a routine future.  God wants you full of hope and healing – transformed, advancing in vital ways.  

My favorite Biblical example of this is Sarah in Genesis 21.  Why at ninety years of age Sarah gives birth to Isaac and it’s a hoot.  In fact, when Abraham, Sarah’s husband learns of God’s plans for Sarah’s pregnancy, Abraham bursts out laughing (Genesis 17:14).  Well, the laughing continues in Genesis 21, for the prospect of God giving new life at any age – even old age – is disarming.  And so Sarah just exclaims:  “God has brought me laugher and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me…”  (Genesis 21:6).  

God wants you to laugh with Sarah; to believe that at any point in your life, you too can do the impossible – birthing fresh expressions of life and transformation.

But not just for self, but for the advancement of others.  For many need the prospect of continued growth and life through the transforming power of God.  

And so... 

3) Get Up And Walk, Not Just Claiming Healing, But Sharing Healing.   Earlier I noted God pursues us in two ways: questions and admonition.  Well, here comes the admonition.   

After listening carefully to the invalid’s excuse making, then questioning the invalid’s excuse making, Jesus confronts the invalid’s excuse making, and admonishes:  “Get up!  Pick up your mat and walk…”  (John 5:8).  And with that, the invalid is healed (John 5:9).  

But it’s interesting, the invalid keeps walking – eventually sharing with others the prospect of healing and the Jesus “…who made him well…”  (John 5:15).  

We need to share with others the prospect of healing and the Jesus who makes us well.  Sure we must get up and act, for God doesn't drive a parked car!  But then, we’re to keep driving, with Jesus -- toward others – sharing with them the prospect of redemption -- transformation -- and new beginnings.

Because, have you noticed?  We live in an especially brutal world that works overtime, beating up folks in severe, horrific ways.   And so it’s critical we not only claim -- but pass-along -- transformation to others, in surprising, power-full ways!

A while back, a power-full story emerged out of North Texas.  Two members of the Grand Prairie homecoming court -- Anahi Alvarez and Naomi Martinez -- decided that if either of them won homecoming queen, they’d give the title to their friend Lillian Skinner.  

Why?  Because Lillian had been bullied brutally throughout high school because of her appearance; the most recent instance being a report Lillian had been selected for homecoming court, that was not true.  A discovery that utterly crushed Lillian.  

But that all changed on September 12th when Anahi Alvarez was indeed selected homecoming queen and Anahi did exactly what she and Naomi Matinez had decided: Anhai handed the crown over to Lillian Skinner and persons were amazed!  For as Anahi noted afterward:  the bullies did not win. for indeed there are “…people that are going to stop them, that are going to stand up for all the innocent people that can’t defend themselves…” offering hope and healing.

In a world that bullies, offer hope and healing.  Get up -- take action -- and walk not only in your wholeness – but for the wholeness of others.  

Walk for the wholeness of others.   Get up -- take action -- and walk!   Don’t be a victim, or allow others to be a victim.  Move beyond excuses and do something!  For you do have a choice, for at the center of your soul is a 'sail,' a volition a free will.  

Sure God will always do His part – but – God requires our want-to before His follow-through; our choice, our response-ability before His response.  

For God doesn't drive a parked car!!

Thus, in the words of TR:

“Do things.  Be sane…Take a place wherever you are -- and be somebody.  Get Action!"

But action, in and through the Work -- the action -- of Jesus, who will empower you to respond!