Baby Pew

Most Sunday mornings I’m sitting in the baby pew… no, that has nothing to do with the olfactory senses or a miniature version of a pew –rather, it is a reference to a gaggle of toddlers that are lovingly held by their relatives and friends that surround me. These fresh eyes see the world of worship in an interesting way. They tilt their heads in curiosity while their loved ones belt out hymns of praise and in frustration squirm while communion emblems are cautiously circumvented around them as the juice and crackers are being passed down the row. Their first vocal response in worship is an echo “amen” they heard. They can’t figure out why they are asked to be quiet or why the adults seem to put their heads down and pretend they’re asleep only to be awakened by an “amen.” They can’t understand for a moment why adults can’t see that pews are great for jumping, crawling under and drawing on. They have no patience whatsoever for songs books staying in the rack and are completely baffled why attendance cards should not be eaten. They’re happy however that it seems they share their adult wards assurance that once the sermon starts it time for a nap. Yes, I’ve learned much from the baby pew about the nature of worship!

So, what have these babes in arms taught you Preacher McWitty? I’m glad you asked because they’ve taught me much. First, they have reminded me that Jesus said of them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these (Matthew 19:14).” The kingdom of heaven invades our lives to restore a child’s world that is driven by imagination and curiosity. In the innocent eyes of youth is reflected the longing for knowledge and the joy of discovery. A child leads the way because such are not jaded by past failure or intimidated by the unknown future. Babes in arms are armed to tackle any task because they trust they will be protected by those who love them. My child like prayer is for the Lord to revive in me a daily longing to know Him and serve Him. My petition humbly submits that I oft fail because I haven’t come to the task with fresh eyes… a child’s eyes that are filled with imagination and curiosity.

So, if you see me on the pew playing with my young mentors be assured I’m learning… learning to see God and His people with fresh eyes. Learning to trust and obey because it’s fun and never boring on the baby pew! -DAN

Panoply

Last Sunday I challenged you to look up the word “panoply” if you were unclear of its definition. I suggested that if we are to sing to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs it works best if we know the vocabulary we are using. I also suggested that the dictionary is a delightful read even though the narrative is a little thin on plot. Charles Wesley’s stirring lyrics in “Soldier of Christ, Arise” recommends that if we are “to arm (ourselves) for the fight” we’ll need the panoply of God. This song was originally entitled, “The Full Armor of God.” It also included 19 more stanzas in addition to the 5 we have in our hymnals (Powerpoint slides). My favorite of the edited out portion is the concluding stanzas in Wesley's original song. He rallies the troops in the spirit of historic battle cries with the emotive lyrics:

From strength to strength go on, wrestle and fight and pray,
Tread all the powers of darkness down and win the well fought day.
Still let the Spirit cry in all His soldiers, “Come!”
Till Christ the Lord descends from high and takes the conquerors home.

You see God’s panoply is as Webster defines it, “2. Anything protecting completely or forming a magnificent covering.” As soldiers of Christ we are armed not with our wits or military precision but rather with truth, righteousness, gospel, faith, salvation and the most powerful weapon known to man… the Word of God. These are property of the divine (i.e. the armor of God) and form a magnificent covering when we are alert and keep “on praying on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” Our battle is not with flesh and blood but Satan and his substantial resources. We are in the battle of our life. We may be only foot soldiers but it’s not about rank but rather assurance that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37).

Every generation needs the panoply of God. No matter when you were born or where you reside the battle is on. It may be as fierce as death knocking on the door or as personal as internal struggles of a relentless sin. You may be hoary headed or wet behind the ears. You may be a seasoned veteran or a recent recruit. But everyone and I mean everyone needs the armor of God, the panoply of His magnificent covering to make it through everyday! -DAN

Tribute Tattoo

The headline caught my eye and the eerie nature of it evoked an unsettled feeling but a genuine curiosity. A British tattoo artist was designing a tattoo to memorialize his young son who passed away from a rare disease at the age of two and half. He planned to use an ink mixture that included ashes from his cremated son’s remains. After a little research I discovered that ancient Middle Eastern people memorialized their dead this way and I uncovered many headlines of a variety of people who have these very personal tattoos. It made me wonder if this was more than just trying to hang on to the physical presence of past loved ones. Was it as simple as the funeral remarks that loved ones will live on in our memories? Or was this an act of denial that death can not separate us from our loved ones? Whatever the answer might be to these questions it is obvious that once again we are reminded how precious life is and our longing for immortality underscores the reality of a God who created us in His image and put eternity into our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

No doubt there may be some who’s first reaction is that this is more than bizarre behavior and is a blatant disregard for the sacred in both the living and the dead. I grew up in a household where we were not allowed to put bubblegum tattoos on because the bible strictly forbade tattooing the body (Leviticus 19:28). Besides, only riffraff sported tattoos that more often than not were lewd, crude and unrefined (as the saying went). However, even a brief glance at the text reveals that to be consistent you would also have to be adamant about forbidding certain hairstyles and beard trimming. The scaring and tattoo prohibition in Leviticus was a warning to Israel to not indulge in pagan religious practices. In verse 19 one of these miscellaneous laws is not to wear clothing woven of two kinds of material (raise your hand in you are presently in violation of this one). Again this is a reference to pagan religious practices that was wrong by association not by nature.

So, are you suggesting one should get a tattoo that mixes inks with cremation ashes? I’m reserving my judgment even though it still seems eerie and bizarre. What I believe to be important is that we never forget that the sting of death has been swallowed up in the Christ victory of the cross (1 Corinthians 15:50-57). Thus, what I desire is the ultimate marks… the marks of Jesus (Galatians 6:17). Then we can honor those who have gone before us by sharing the faith that they shared with us. Now, that’s a tattoo! -DAN

The Best

What makes your “best” list? Is the list populated with incredible experiences ranging from gourmet meals to dazzling vacation destinations? Or is it more cerebral with outstanding literature or media? Are you enthralled more by Mozart and Van Gough or sunsets and panoramic views? Is the best for you more relational and what you immediately think of is your loved ones? Maybe you find the best as the product of skilled competition whether on the sports field or the Home and Garden Network. Whatever makes your best list not only tells something about you but reminds you that in the midst of a chaotic and fallen world there are reminders of the Garden of Eden. Innocent and nascent beauty survives and even from the garbage heap springs forth new life. In a world where we think we settle for the proverbial “whatever” it’s nice to experience the best here and there.

The best is always dependent upon its source. James writes in his letter, “Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring (James 3:11)?” His point is that bitterness and divisiveness are “of the devil” but wisdom from above produces a “harvest of righteousness.” That is, if we draw from the best we can expect the best. No wonder when Jesus turns water into wine to keep the party going the result is the best wine (I would assume ever made)! Your mom’s cooking was “the best” not because she was a gourmet cook but because she was mom! That memorable sunset was “the best” not because its magentas and vermilions were superior but because for a moment it was clear to your heart and your eyes how beautiful is God’s creation. Mankind longs for the best when their hearts are set toward Zion and paradise regained. What constitutes the best is that no greater fulfillment or joy can be imagined and therefore heaven is realized.

I want to suggest that heaven realized is truly the best and yet assuredly quite simple. Heaven is resting in God’s presence with a heart full of praise and wonder. It will not find its ultimate completion until God calls us home… however, we can have a taste of heaven… a taste of the best even now. Resting in God’s presence can happen in church, it can happen in a moment shared with nature or in private meditations. The possible places are only limited by our imaginations. The door to moments of “the best” are always awaiting our arrival. So, where will you find your next best? Best wishes to you in your journey. -DAN

Random

As a lifetime victim of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) I liked it better when we were called day dreamers. Being distracted from daily tasks by a dream almost sounds biblical where deficit disorder sounds like there’s a short in my wiring. I’d like to think of my ADD more as single minded (again more biblical sounding) as opposed to task driven. That is, I find following the rabbit down the hole much more entertaining than staying on the path. Alice and I are often treated to a world beyond the looking glass that offers new insights. I know for those who are dedicated to well worn paths our tendency to run in different directions is not only frustrating but perceived to be random wandering and less than productive. Truth is, that often that is the case but none-the-less there are times that random thoughts and the road less traveled open up new worlds of adventure and blessings. Now, I’m not abandoning staying on task or the Pauline avocation to let all things be done decently and in order… but I am suggesting that freeing the body, soul and mind to follow some random thinking, praying and acting might be a healthy thing to do from time to time.

So, here are some random thoughts… Worry more about inviting people inside the church doors than about if the church doors get locked. “Do this in remembrance of me” is much broader than the events of the cross. Heaven is more heavenly when pearly gates and golden streets lead not to a mansion but a place at the table of the Lord. The Holy Spirit settles for nothing less than a temple to dwell in so clean up, straighten up and open up what’s between your temples. If God is love (and He IS) then godliness is not about cleanliness –it’s about loving. Church is about coming together not just assembling… it’s togetherness in heart, purpose and care. If you don’t like the way something is being done spend more time thinking about how I can help than you do on whom I can blame. I think opportunity knocks all the time. Try your best not to be an oxymoron. Always be the voice of love and kindness. Let the name of Jesus always put a smile on your face and warmth in your heart. Finally, all that you do in word or in deed do in the name of the Lord Jesus!

Wouldn’t it be random if R.A.N.D.O.M. was an acronym? If it was I think it would be Remember And Never Doubt Our Maker! Of course, that’s the random thinking of a random preacher. -DAN

XPO FERENS

In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue… so goes the mnemonic we learned in school. His three ship (the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria) fleet set sail from Spain to discover and claim the “New World” for Spain. Much has been argued as to Columbus’ motives and countless details of his life debated so that volumes of revisionist history books have been written. Yet, without exception on the second Monday of October our nation celebrates the one to which we attribute the discovery of the Americas. A Columbus Day sale raises the flag that once again Columbus sails into our memory and history. What is often missed is the convincing argument that swayed Queen Isabella of Spain to finance Columbus’ voyage. The answer is discovered in the cryptic way Columbus signed his name, Xpo Ferens (the cross bearer). This distinctive mark joined Greek and Latin to hail Christopher Columbus as an ambassador of Spain to bring Christianity to the New World (i.e. carry the cross and its message to the natives). Evangelizing the New World was the convincing argument that captured the Queen’s favor.

If truth be known, mixed in with this holy calling was probably the all too human elements of greed, exploitation via slavery and territorial domination. Religion has and will continue to be used to exploit others for financial gain and control but none-the-less the cross carried will ultimately win out. “Xpo Ferens” should be the signature that we all address our lives with. “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world (Galatians 6:14).” As cross carrying ambassadors we reaffirm the enigma of the gospel… the good news is that death produced true life and weakness affirmed real strength. The cross shaped message is one that conquerors new and old worlds with a message of redemption through sacrifice and surrender. God has reconciled with His creation by giving His one and only Son to purchase mankind’s pardon with His blood. This act of love and grace happened on the unlikely mast of a Roman cross where innocent blood was shed. It at once underscores the depth of man’s sins and the unfathomable expanse of God’s love!

So, how do you sign your name? Are you a cross bearer? Has the message of the cross financed your life? I believe that most would affirm that they wear the name of Christ proudly and do their best to share the good news. I also believe that most would confess that all too often we have either put the cross down or reshaped it to make it more comfortable for our journey. We’re not proud of it… we just own our failure. However, let us all unite to sing, “God is Love!” And may we encourage one another to be cross bearers! -DAN

Why?

Bill Cosby’s 1965 Album entitled, “Why Is There Air?” answers the question in a humorous but insightful way. Cosby quips, “Any Physical Education major knows that the reason there is air is to inflate volleyballs and basketballs.” Cosby’s college girlfriend, the Philosophy major with an IQ of 300… thousand had queried, “Why is there air?” Within the humorous imagination of Bill Cosby is the sardonic insight that much of what we question is overkill at best. We often not only ask too many questions filled with pointless platitudes but often we ask the wrong questions. This is more than curiosity gyrating into cat extermination but rather a reflection of our inability to see the obvious or comprehend the bigger picture. Like insatiable children asking why at every juncture we fail to stop and reflect on what we know before chasing after the unknown. Okay, but isn’t curiosity the road to higher education and the foundation of both the sciences and the arts?

I’m glad you asked! Yes, man’s questioning nature has led him to many important discoveries and inventions. No doubt, that sometimes curiosity has built the cat instead of executing it. Light has replaced darkness. Understanding has dispelled ignorance. However, there seems to me to be one “Why?” that alone deserves our allegiance. It is valuable to our faith and our discipleship. It is the question, “Why do I do what I do?” Forget about why there is air and who’s full of it and reflect on what motivates us to be Christ followers. In our text this morning the religious elite sent representatives to question John the Baptist (John 1:19-28). John had no reservations about who he was or what he was doing. He was a witness to something greater than himself. His venue was the desert, his successor’s the temple. He was a foot servant unworthy to unlace the sandals of the one who would be King of kings. His voice was a summons to make ready for the Lord of lords. He was a witness, not a prophet nor the Christ. He was John the baptizing one calling people to repentance.

Such clarity of identity and purpose is why we are here! It is the answer to why we do what we do. It is the big picture that brings into focus all the other whys we often impale ourselves upon. We are witnesses of the Christ. Our testimony is that we are not worthy and our voice is a summons for all to make ready for His place in their hearts. I’m not trivializing the harrowing “whys”… why do the innocent suffer? Or why do the wicked persist while the righteous fail? Or why hasn’t Christ returned? What I am saying is that the very personal answer to the question, “Why do I do what I do?” Is the answer that witnesses to the one who is the answer! He alone makes sense out of the nonsense and He alone bridges the gap between God and man! That’s why I’m His witness! -DAN