The Key Called Promise

"Religion points to that area of human experience where in one way or another man comes upon mystery as a summons to pilgrimage (Frederick Beuchner)." The primary meaning of pilgrim is stranger or foreigner. Peter addresses his readers as "God’s elect, strangers in the world (1 Peter 1:1)" …that is, pilgrims. But I must admit when I hear "pilgrim" the first thing I think of is John Wayne. However, my second thought is really the power of the word because I think of John Bunyan’s "Pilgrims Progress," one of the most influential books written in the English language. It also is what Beuchner is talking about when he suggests that religion’s birth is when man embarks upon his life-long search for the mystery of spiritual destination. In Bunyan’s allegorical expose the main character, Christian, with his companion Hope (yes, Bunyan doesn’t leave you guessing who his characters represent) take a side road because it seemed easier traveling. However, they end up captured by the giant named Despair who taunts them and beats them and imprisons them in his castle. Suddenly, Christian remembers while in prayer that he has in his bosom a key called promise that will unlock the chains and doors so they can escape Despair’s dungeon. Yes, an important part of our pilgrimage and spiritual journey is discover that within our hearts is a key called promise!

I hope when you memorized Acts 2:38 to get your C of C membership jacket that you also digested verse 39 that gloriously recounts, "The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off –for all whom the Lord our God will call." Promise is the sole business of God who unlike mere humans, organizations, politicians or new and improved products makes promises that are sure. His ultimate promise of redemption is the key to life! It unlocks the door of mystery and reveals the love, grace and mercy of a Creator Who passionately pursues His children with the promise of eternal life. We come to know God by the surety of His promises and the immutable nature of His love.

Now, here is what I think is most important about this key… it has nothing to do with me but everything to do with me. Yes, I know that sounds like double talk but let me explain. God’s grace evidenced in His promises does not depend upon my understanding or approval but rather my submission and acceptance. The pilgrimage to discover the mystery of life and God is a journey that leads to the self-discovery that fulfillment, peace and happiness are not self-centered but Christ-centered. When pleasing God is more than motivation and becomes second-nature His promises become tangible reality and key to life! So, what’s in your bosom? -DAN

How Far Did You Get?

The young man from the forestry department paused from his duties to speak to Pam and Jacki while I bypassed the conversation and plopped myself into the front seat of the car. We were hot, spent and apparently showing the wear of the day so the young man asked, "How far did you get?" We had just finished hiking the Loch Leven trail off I-80 near the Big Bend exit. We did not look like the fresh glowing youths that had passed us often as we paused for breath in the thin air of the high Sierras. We obviously had the look of well intentioned hikers who trail off the trail before it ends to return with a resolve that next time I’ll go all the way. So, "How far did you make it?" …still, hung in the air. With lowered heads we confessed, "Just to the railroad tracks." He graciously tempered our efforts with an understanding nod that it was terribly hot today and we felt consoled. But next time we’ll go the distance.

However, I think our forestry department friend posses a question that has application for all of life …"How far did you get?" Paul words it this way to Corinth, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you –unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test (2 Corinthians 13:5,6)." Now before someone piles on Jesus’ saying if we put our hand to the plow and then look back, well, we’re not fit for the kingdom… let me suggests that destination is about relationship not distance covered. The journey of life and walk of faith is not about skill levels but rather about being Spirit led, Christ filled and God centered. That is, the journey within determines the journey without. Christ in us is the hope of glory so we keep on with the struggle of the journey knowing our energy is accompanied by His working through us and in us (Colossians 1:27-29).

"So, how far have you gone?" –is a question about drawing nearer to God not some arbitrary spiritual goal. Don’t get me wrong… I think we need spiritual goals. Those goals should aid us in getting closer to God not stroke our egos with accolades from others or the satisfaction of conquering the perceived mountain for bragging rights. The question should challenge our prayer life… our faith… our love for God! So, "How far did you make it?" -DAN

Comfort

A new trend in the restaurant business is to change one’s regional and somewhat pretentious cuisine to comfort food. You know… mom’s cooking (meatloaf, mac and cheese, dumplings and the like). Comfort is from the Latin confortare meaning to strengthen much. That is, comfort implies that life is often interrupted with times of weakness and trouble. When we were children our comfort was found in blankies and sucking thumbs (or the digit of choice) but as adults the list has grown exponentially including food, hobbies, shopping, reading, entertainment media and anything that will take us away from the pain, problem or irritant that has sapped our strength and disrupted the peace. We take solace in a Savior who promises a Comforter/Counselor who provides truth, peace and comfort. The Spirit filled and led life enables faith and nurtures trust in God’s providence and watchcare. We bask in God’s grace that nudges us under the protection of His wings where we feel safe and comforted.

I love what Psalm 119:50 says about comfort, "My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise renews my life." If you recall, Psalm 119 is an acrostic that use the Hebrew alphabet to create 22 tributes to the blessing and delight of God’s Word and His Law. Thus, it is filled with various forms and synonyms for God’s Law and His will for mankind. One important (and comforting) way to view God’s will is as "promise." It truly renews life because His promises (and His promises alone) are sure and immutable. His promise is life… Life in His Son! Several verses later the Psalmist says, "Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge." I love the idea of God’s voice evidenced in all He has decreed from creation to Scripture is the soundtrack to my life wherever I find myself. That is, God is the music of my life.

Bill Cosby (the theologian of my childhood) had a bit that he did about leaving a horror movie late at night. He had to cross the unlighted 9th Street Bridge to get home. Cosby says he was okay as long as he had his music because as everyone knows monsters can not get you if you are humming or singing. I believe that as long as God is my song no power, person (or monster) can get me! The God of all comfort continues to comfort me no matter what monsters come my way. Jesus as the bread of life is truly my comfort food and I have a peace that surpasses all understanding that guards my heart day and night. -DAN

Ocean View

One of the great blessings in our lives is our retirement home in Newport, Oregon. Pam and I have always been drawn to the sea but never in our wildest imaginations believed that we would own a home less than a hundred yards from the beach. To have such an incredible view of the Yaquina Head lighthouse… well, God is good. Now, don’t get me wrong –I’m not singing that heretical and greed driven refrain, “I’m satisfied with just a little silver and a little gold.” My perspective is more Jobian for I know the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord! I embrace being a sojourner but while this blessing abides I have been infused with the beauty, constancy and reverence for the power of God that roars in the soothing music played on the crest of waves that never falter in their song. What would our faith look like if we were as faithful as the waves? What would our lives look like if like the rocks on the shore we were well worn by the constant presence of God? And most importantly, how would our hearts change if they were moved by the tidal force of God’s desire that His will be done on earth as it is in heaven?

Here are some faith lessons I have learned by listening to God’s voice in the waves: 1) Always respect the power of the ocean/God… a sleeper wave can knock you down and drag you out to sea… never take God for granted; 2) The power of the ocean/God daily changes the look of the beach/my life… expect God to change you each day; 3) The storm always drives up hidden treasures to be discovered on the beach… and so troubled waters reveal perseverance that matures a faithful witness; and 4) A lighthouse is most effective when it emits its signature light signal… our lighthouse (don’t love that we’ve claimed ownership) has a two short burst with a fourteen count pause and then repeats so mariners know exactly which lighthouse they are approaching… so should our light shine in a way that people know they are approaching a disciple of the Kingdom of our Lord!

Here’s some other things I’ve learned that I’m pretty sure are just lessons learned… green growth on the rocks is not as slippery as the brown stuff… a whale spout is exciting to track… seaweed makes great whips but wives think differently… the color of the ocean is never the same… an ocean sunset is God’s amen to the day… if it’s still moving –leave it alone… and the moonlight reflected on the calm sea is a sliver zipper that opens what heaven must be like! -DAN