You Know Me

Do you know me? These are words you might ask a stranger or you might ask the most intimate of friends. In fact, at times the question is appropriate to ask oneself. The question seeks not to inquire if one has facts, anecdotes, history highlights or a detailed biography. Rather, the question poses whether one has relationship, intimacy, personal perception and an intuitive feel for another. “Do you know me?” is a question that affirms that one’s understanding of you includes not just driver’s license information but anticipates your likes and dislikes, your strengths and your weakness, your fears, your dreams and your passions. To really know someone is a tall order and takes husband and wives a life-time to accomplish!

Jesus with tongue in cheek tells the festival crowd whose street banter had discounted him as a possible candidate for Messiah (i.e. no one with that Galilean twang and dress had the right address) that “Yes, you know me and you know where I am from (John 7:28).” But in fact, they didn’t know him because they really didn’t know God who had sent him! This is a strange thing to tell people who are attending the Feast of Booths that celebrates God’s blessings and affirms His providence and protection so vividly demonstrated in the wilderness wanderings. However, they like their forefathers were just shallow enough to look at bread from heaven and say, “What?” (i.e. translation of the Hebrew word, “manna”). Shallow enough to not see the Messiah for the messianic traditions. Shallow enough to stay thirsty when in the presence of the water of life! If they had just known… i.e. known Him.

The question every believer should grapple with is, “Do you know Jesus (2 Corinthians 13:5)?” Not know of or can you ace a test on the gospels but are you “in” Christ and Christ “in” you. Is Jesus more than religious nomenclature and Sunday best costume that we put on and off at the “appointed time.” Is Jesus companion and cherished friend that draws us into his sphere of influence commanding respect as Lord and embracing us with his unique grace? Yes, the question is do you know Jesus? -DAN

Barzillai

Have you ever been reading along in the Bible and have your tongue spin out of control and crash into your tonsils? For example… They left Bene Jaakan and camped at Hor Haggidgad (Numbers 33:32 –which I’m not even sure you can say in mixed company?). And then there are the names that are just impossible to read without a slight giggle… Bukki son of Jogli, the leader from the tribe of Dan (Numbers 34:22). Not to mention those names that sound like really bad nicknames: Dorcas, Nimrod, Ham, Mash and Jobab. Okay, I can understand that different cultures and languages seem odd because of unfamiliarity (read the ingredients on your favorite cereal box and see how funny you sound) but I must confess when Lamont on Men’s day brought up Barzillai I pictured a fictitious large green Japanese monster who frequented Sushi bars!

Now, if I can push past my silliness, I’ll discover first that Barzillai’s name means “iron” connoting the idea of strength. This aged soul (we’re told he is 80) who was instrumental in stabilizing the political hotbed of a son (Absalom) challenging his father (David) for control of the kingdom. Barzillai’s strength of character and wealth assisted David and his troops with provisions. Such allowed them to route Absalom’s army and pursue Absalom where he unfortunately caught his signature long locks in a tree and Joab, David’s chief general, killed him with thrusting three javelins into Absalom’s heart. High drama with elevated consequences but in the midst of this chaos was Barzillai’s devotion and soon to be rewarded friendship. Upon David’s return to Jerusalem to reclaim the throne David requests that Barzillai accompany him and be a part of his entourage. High praise indeed.

Here’s what I think this iron man story is all about. Barzillai requests that due to his aging body that his servant take his place (i.e. with strength comes diplomacy). Brazillai accompanies David over the Jordan but request to return to his homeland where he’s sure to join his deceased parents soon. True strength accepts limitations yet stays in the game. That is, I may not have youthful sight or stamina but what insight God has granted me drives me to go as far as I can! The Psalmist writes of the righteous… They will bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green (Psalm 92:14). May we all have the iron will to bear fruit even in our old age! -DAN

Men And Women

Our long standing schedule has included a men’s day and a women’s day seminar in an effort to encourage, challenge and edify those in our community and surrounding area. We’ve divided the sexes for the opportunity to address gender specific issues and to encourage fellowship and camaraderie for those on the same team (i.e. gender wise). Unhindered by the possible pitfalls of competition (our seminar is better than your seminar) or exclusivity (no men allowed beyond this point), we have pushed on to find that each seminar is unique and has its individual benefits for each group. God has truly blessed us in these annual events. However, which yes, I know sounds like a disclaimer, but none-the-less… however, in Jesus there is neither male nor female (Galatians 3:28). Now this affirmation of being one in Christ is not about eradicating our differences but uniting us in the mantle of Christ where in the arms of Jesus our differences make no difference!

Paul words it this way, “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12).” His conclusion then is, “so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other (cf. v.25).” There’s the key and the purpose if not at least the intent of our seminars… to show and hopefully address our concerns for one another. Individual seminars allow the freedom and intimacy for things to be shared that meet the specific needs of those involved. These seminars are not about dividing ourselves but rather uniting ourselves by better understanding of the individual parts of the body of Christ. These efforts are for honoring the gift of our gender so that we may serve the body of Christ in its fullness. Genesis tells us, “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Genesis 1:27).” Our prayer is that in discovering the differences (male and female) we will also discover the sameness (in his image) so we may honor His place in our lives. And in turn, we may honor one another!

Yes, I know this could springboard into a cacophony of protests about where is my seminar… that is the sportsman seminar, the red-head seminar (my personal favorite), the stay-at-home mom seminar, the senior saints seminar, the toddlers seminar, the nobody pays attention to me seminar… and yes, the list is ad infinitum (and I’m sure they want a seminar too)! My answer is… if it brings us together while honoring the many parts of the body –let’s do it! May all that we say and do bring glory and honor to Him who calls us into one body through His son. Can I get an “amen?” -DAN

Raising The Flag

This past week on the 23rd marked the 65th year remembrance of the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima. Immortalized by combat photographer, Joe Rosenthal, this actual second raising of the flag captured the heart of the struggle against Japan and underscored our nation’s resilience and persistence. A foreign flag had not been raised on Japanese soil in over 1000 years. Of the seven involved in planting the flag only three (Rene Gagnon, Ira Hayes and John “Doc” Bradley) survived the battle to come home. This heroic but tragic story of the toll of war is captured in the film and book entitled, “Flags of Our Fathers.” Rosenthal who created the iconic photo of the event received a Pulitzer Prize. Very few are unfamiliar with the dramatic and poignant poise of these soldiers struggling to raise the American flag signaling victory and valor. This photo is part of our historical conscience and a reminder that victory always comes with a cost!

A prominent theme in John’s gospel is that the Son of Man would be lifted up (John 3:14; 8:28; 12:32,34). Jesus most profound declaration being, “But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” Like the flag of salvation’s victory Jesus held suspended between heaven and earth by the cross reveals God’s grace and unshakeable plan of redemption! Jesus earlier compares it to the brass snake that was raised to heal the children of Israel in the wilderness. Healing, redemption and reconciliation procured in the most unsuspecting flag of victory… a cross! No combat photographer was there to capture the moment on film but the witness of four gospels and countless lives have made the cross a part of our historical conscience and reminder that victory always comes with a cost!

Now, if the cross is a greater icon than the flag rising on Iwo Jima, then what is the challenge of the cross? Is it mandatory decoration and accessory? Is it hallowed and sacred art to be regaled by master artisans? Or is it as Scripture plainly reveals (1 Corinthians 1:18; Galatians 6:14; Colossians 2:13-15) that which shapes our lives and impales our hearts with a never-to-forget consciousness of our sinful ways? The cross is more than iconic it is divine irony that draws us to Jesus. The once heinous emblem of Roman tyranny and torture is now the image of victory and redemption. The cross is no longer the harbinger of pain, fear and defeat but now raised high it is the banner of the Christian faith and the undeniable sign that God reigns in a fallen world! -DAN

Good Without God

Recently 10 billboards went up in the Sacramento area that read, “Are you good, without God? Millions are.” These ads are sponsored by a coalition of atheist organizations who want their message heard that morality is not the product of religious history or influence. The response has been as anticipated… as divided as our country continues to be over the issue of the separation of church and state. I for one am glad to be a part of a diverse community that gives voice to all its citizens. Not because I like such offensive and superficial in your face propaganda but because I know that open dialogue allows truth its best chance to surface. It often finds its sway in outlandish irony. One of the participants in the billboards is FACTS (First Atheist Church of True Science). This group meets at full moon once a month, sings, has a special drink, wears special clothing and discusses the meaning of life. Yet, doesn’t (ironically) see the influence of God/religion on their practice or rhetoric. Hello there!

To say you can be good without God is at best hypothetical because we all live in a world highly influenced by God’s presence! The atheist may chortle at Adam and Eve’s story in the garden but it’s their story. They want to eat of the tree of knowledge not for enlightenment or closer connection to their world but to displace God the Creator. Mankind in many ways, in many times and in many cultures has buried its head in the sands of its self-proclaimed knowledge to deny its need for God. At the altar of Science many a modern has relegated God as an emotional need or social pawn for the greedy or power hungry. They make broad and unfounded caricatures of believers and what they believe. They attack the Bible by reinventing it as the product of propaganda and legend devised to scare and coerce simpletons into blind belief and devotion. But the irony is their claim to rational and critical thinking is far from fair and balanced.

So where does this leave us? Hopefully, with open dialogue that asks even deeper questions… like, “Why should one be good?” And… “If we all fail to be good consistently –what are we to do? You see I’m not interested in a contest about whom is the most moral among us but rather how can I overcome my sinful ways! The cross was an unexpected place to find the answer to sin but it is there I’m redeemed and humbled so that I never again enter an argument about my goodness based on my own righteousness. Sorry billboard but I’ll never be good without God! -DAN

Valentine

If you want to get into big trouble forget to ask your significant other to be your valentine accompanied by the traditional Hallmark hype of card, candy and flowers. Who is this Valentine guy and what’s he got to do with me telling my sweetheart that I love her? And is he really a saint or is that just cupid arrow shooting, frilly heart stuff? Well, the answer is that nobody really knows how this all came about. Guesses range from the Christian response to the pagan Roman celebration of Lupercalia (or Wolf Festival) that celebrated fertility, to a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II edict that young men remain single and secretly performed marriages. Reality is nobody knows except that during the ever so romantic Elizabethan period the Valentine business took off and we have been stuck holding heart shaped boxes of candy and flowers ever since.

Now, don’t get me wrong… I think celebrating love, relationship and fanning the fires of romance are noble and worthy causes. I’m just fascinated once again that much of what we do we have no idea why we do it. Well, we know that we do it because that’s the way it’s always been done… we say. But we don’t have a sense of its history or genesis. So, here’s my Valentine challenge… let love always be our tradition (“All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another (John 14:35).”). But in our exchange of love may it never be out of tradition, formal celebration or commercialization… but let it be sincere and passionate! Let love not only reign supreme but let it be the first option, the last stand and the abiding principle by which all that we say and do may rest. If God is love then let us aspire to be like Him. If the cross is the ultimate act of love then let the cross guide us and challenge us to higher heights. And last of all may we never fail to be passionate about the object of our love and keep the romance going.

I’m still going to ask (actually already have) my lovely wife to be my Valentine! We’re ooie gooie like that but it’s because we know how blessed we are to have each other and to be united in our love and our faith that is in the true object of our love… our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Happy Valentine’s Day! -DAN

Much In A Name

Shakespeare queried through the heart sick and forlorn teen, Juliet, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." Yet, she a Capulet and Romeo a Montague meant their warring families would not let this romance blossom and like the rose it would be a thorny affair. Solomon said, “A good name is more desirable than great riches… (Proverbs 22:1).” There is something in a name! Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Idi Amin, Osama Bin Laden and a host of others fill the air with ill will and collective disgust. “Your name is mudd” is an expression vilifying Doctor Samuel Mudd who aided John Wilkes Booth in his escape attempt by treating his broken leg and wounds. Yes, there is much in a name. Thus Peter surmises, “Salvation is found in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).” And Paul adds, “…at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue confess the Jesus Christ is Lord… (Philippians 2:10, 11).” Yes, there is much in a name!

Now sometimes we exalt a name because we are either ignorant of the facts or overlook certain transgressions because one’s cause is greater than himself. Let me illustrate by asking you a question… “Who would you add to this list? Judas, Brutus, Benedict Arnold, Robert Hannsen…???” May I suggest, Josephus whose given name was Joseph Ben Matthias but was legally adopted by Emperor Flavius Vespasian thus his name changed to Flavius Josephus. Josephus was not only a turncoat advocating Jews become Roman Jews but quickly abandoned anyone who got in the way of his success. He went through four wives, three emperors and his most famous betrayal was in the small town of Jotapata in Galilee where he hid in an underground cave with forty others as the city was being besieged. When they were found out he wanted to surrender but to avoid being killed by the others suggested that they commit suicide. Since it would be wrong to take one’s own life they would kill each other by every third person killing the other. Josephus strategically placed himself so he with a servant were the last two alive. He then surrendered. What a swell guy!?!?

We speak highly of him because he mentions Jesus possibly twice lending historical witness to the life of Jesus. His antiquities offer information about the fall of Jerusalem though speculated to be highly exaggerated. But none-the-less, Josephus was no rose and his name should be Mudd! Now, I said all of that to say this… We should guard the name of Jesus with profound reverence and wear it with great pride! His name is above all names and brings dignity and life to all who wear it. Yes, for those who are redeemed there is much in a name! -DAN