No Tubes In Heaven

I like telling people that I went to school with Bob Barker. Not the famous game show host but my good friend whom I have shared ups and downs with over four decades. Recently, Bob and his wife Jo have been visiting us here on the Oregon Coast. Bob as he explained to my five year old grandson, Payden, who was curious about the oxygen tubing attached to Bob, has lungs that just don’t work well. Payden who never met a situation he couldn’t explain then informed Bob that in heaven he wouldn’t have any tubes because God would make it all better and he would breathe just fine there. Bob affirmed this blessed forecast by approving Payden’s declaration with a resounding, “Yahoo!” Well, as resounding as Bob’s failing lungs allow him. I think Bob and Payden remind us that everybody believes in heaven… and in hell.
You see we all want the wrongs to be righted… the infirmed to be well… the evil and insolent to be punished. People talk about the delightful with the label heavenly and the painful and sorrowful as hellish. This isn’t about theology or ornate charts delineating the details of the afterlife. This is the visceral reality of every beating heart that longs for good to prevail and evil to be banished. A five year old (even as precocious as Payden) can see that the Bobs of the world shouldn’t have to suffer forever. And Payden in his desire to authenticate faith by assuring all of its certain future speaks for us all… we want life that is eternal life. Not life that last forever but life that is heavenly… life that rids itself of the enemy death that has harmed the universe and imprisoned mankind.
The irony of all this is that in a sense sin and its effects have been the best advocates for stirring mankind to long for heaven and fear hell. A fallen world according to the apostle Paul longs for the redemption of mankind (Romans 8:19-21). Eternity, as Solomon says, has been set in our hearts so we will reach after God (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Every soul coming into this world has the spark of the light that makes sense out of the nonsense (John 1:9). Even five year olds know that life should be better and that something greater… that is someone greater can and will make it better. Heaven is not just wishful thinking but an innate reality that good will triumph over evil… wrongs will be righted… and heaven will remove all the messy tubing and failing lungs! O, how heavenly for all us Bobs! -DAN

Kites

The sky was full of them… big ones, little ones, acrobatic ones, animal shaped ones, geometric wonders soaring, hovering and filling the sky with a kaleidoscopic display of color and numinous joy. The recent kite festival was truly festive and a picturesque moment that not only kept cameras clicking but eyes heavenward. Kite is word borrowed from birds of prey that captures not only the sense of flight but a glimpse into the history of these ancient tools and toys. No one is quite sure of their origin whether the Pacific islands or China but it is agreed that their original use was practical. In the islands they were used for fishing or for entreating the gods. In China they served as aids to military endeavors and even for flight behind enemy lines. Even in our own history we remember Benjamin Franklin’s experiment with electricity. However, in all cultures eventually kites were for fun and sport… toys for big and small. And when celebrated the sky becomes a canvas of color and rhythmic motion sparkling with creative energy that harnesses the wind and the human spirit it is tethered to on the ground. At once it is childhood revisited and an armada of skilled aerial puppeteers delighting the audience with tales of adventure and memories of paper, sticks and string.
As I viewed the sky in all its dramatic beauty I thought to myself as I often do when awed by an exceptional sunset or postcard view… “What will it be like when Jesus returns and fills the sky with trumpeting angels and the undeniable display of his presence? Will it be a scene of indescribable beauty or will we cover our eyes blinded by both its brilliance and struck with terror by its power and magnitude? Or will we just simply be consumed with joy and surprise so that we fall down and worship the King’s return?” I don’t expect to have an answer but I’m sure that hot air balloons, kite festivals, the Blue Angels soaring over stadiums and the like are no match to that glorious day. But they are a good reminder that we are connected to the skies… that there is a world beyond. Such reminders reconnect us to the reality that we are more than citizens of earth but that we love looking to the skies because within us is a longing to know the divine and express our spirituality.
So, if you could create a kite that would visually express your connection to the divine… what would it look like? Would it simply be a cross embraced with a heart? Or would it be a tapestry of your hopes and dreams? Or possibly it would be a great banner displaying your family history and your loyalty to the kingdom of God? What would your kite look like? Or maybe the best way to look at it is what a joyous scene it will be when we like kites soar to meet Jesus in the air when he comes again! “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).” -DAN

Variety

My favorite question that my wife asks me is, “How do you spell…?” It’s my favorite because I’ll never be wrong because the answer is always correct because it is how “I” spell the word! It bears the McQuiddy twist, the Danny Earl nuance… the unique stamp of me. It’s a lot like spring time. Everywhere you look there is a colorful explosion of Scotch broom yellow leading the way to a Jackson Pollack canvas of wildflowers along paths and hillsides. On every horizon your eyes are treated with vibrant colors and diversity proclaiming the wonders of the Creator! God, like an artist signing His work, stamps each creation with uniqueness. Solomon surmises… “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end (Ecclesiastes 3:11).”
So, if God so loves diversity and variety… why does man continue to fight against it, demanding that unity is achieved by uniformity and beauty judged by standards? When one embraces that variety is more than just individual differences but rather is the true nature of unity… then, it becomes clear to one where they fit in. They develop their gifts instead of envying the gifts of others. They hone their skills in support of the giftedness of others. They discover that in connectedness is strength of diversity that can never be found in a cookie cutter world that demands sameness and uniformity. Suddenly, one celebrates diversity and learns to appreciate those who are not like him and yet are very much like him. One begins to see the world as God sees the world.
Now, the cynic may rightfully protest that unity cannot exist in a world where there are no standards or mutual concessions that binds all to an agreed standard. Otherwise, it is anarchy. If diversity is the rule of the day then what happens to law, order, standards and most importantly the challenge to excellence. There is no benchmark or goal to achieve… just everyone celebrated for the way they spell the word. They are fooled into believing their uniqueness equals success. Well, yes the cynic could propose such but he would be myopic in his view of excellence and success. And more importantly he would be fooled into believing that success was when everyone looked like him. Success is when the symphony of diversity creates a harmony that enriches everyone. One note may warn of impending danger but a melody surrounded in harmony is the true music of life. Diversity is God’s reminder that something greater than all of us conducts the orchestra and creates the music. Viva la difference! -DAN

Constructive Criticism

Successful and mature individuals are more than happy to receive constructive criticism… at least that’s what I’ve been told. Now, don’t get me wrong I have had and continue to receive criticism that I learn from but I must admit that it always stings a bit! This is not because I think I am perfect and can do no wrong, in fact, I think it is the opposite… my ego is just fragile enough that it is discombobulated with the slightest of nudges from anyone trying to straighten me up. Yes, I know that is pathetic but I don’t think I’m the only one on board the S. S. Pity Me. So, if you can relate to this maybe we can learn a valuable lesson from King David that will give us perspective on how to receive criticism.
One of the lowest points of David’s life is when he had to flee Jerusalem because his son Absalom conspired against him and gained the hearts of the people (2 Samuel 15:13ff.). David leaves the palace exiting, if you will, by the back door slipping out of Jerusalem via the Mount of Olives. Defeated, mournful and now a fugitive David descends down the northeastern slope of the mount. David and his entourage as they are about to enter Bahurim are met by a relative of Saul named Shimei who curses David and his troops while pelting them with stones. Abishai one of David’s captains offers to cut off Shemei’s head to silence his arrogant taunting. Shemei was shouting that David was a man of blood, a scoundrel who stole Saul’s kingdom and now God had avenged Saul with Absalom’s reign. David surprises everyone by telling them to leave him alone and suggesting that maybe God may have told Shimei to curse David! I think there is more to this than a defeated attitude confessing I deserve whatever comes my way… I think David has a perspective on criticism that we should emulate.
First, David is willing to accept that criticism can and may often be generated from God. That is, Shemei is just a conduit for God’s message and thus we must always listen to hear if we can determine the voice of God in the noise of life. Second, David’s humility illustrates the place from which we best receive the benefits of criticism. And lastly, David is really motivated by a greater goal and thus is willing to tolerate the pain of shame and yes, rocks, to get to reach a greater goal. Ironically this takes place in Bahurim which in Hebrew means, “Valiant or brave.” It really does take an act of bravery to accept criticism from ignorance and misplaced zeal.
Maybe, the postscript to this story is just as valuable… Shimei ends up serving David and lives in Jerusalem under the protection of the King but meets his demise at the hand of Solomon when he once again in his arrogance defies the King’s will. Critics don’t often outlive their criticism… “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord (Romans 12:19).” -DAN

Hop

Spring has sprung and Hollywood has met the challenge with its Easter offering of the misfit tales of Fred O’Hare, an unmotivated misfit, who runs into (literally) E.B. the heir to be the Easter Bunny who has escaped Easter Island to find fame and fortune. You can tell by the characters names and location that the movie is Easter basket full of puns and Easter/bunny innuendos. Hold me back if you will from launching into some lofty diatribe that laments the commercialization and secularization of the sacred. I mean I get that bunnies are cute and who doesn’t like a basket full of candy? But what does this all have to do with a national day that recognizes the resurrection of Jesus the Christ? The history of Easter is well publicized and recently because of its connection with the pagan Saxon goddess Eastre (Ostara), many churches have opted to refer to it as Resurrection Sunday. What seems more satisfying (and biblical) is that every Sunday is a Resurrection celebration.
Now about bunnies as symbols… we have to turn to the German settlers of Pennsylvania who brought with them traditions of Oschter Haws, a hare who laid colored eggs for children to find. The connection to this tradition and the mythology of the goddess Ostara who turned her bird into a hare probably has some historic influence. However, no one can say definitively where we got the oddity of a rabbit laying eggs. Suffice it to say that eggs, rabbits, pagan fertility goddesses and the like find their common ground in the reawakening of the earth at spring time. Such a celebration reminds us that after winter’s chilling barren hold there follows rebirth, new life and resurrection. So I guess there is some “Hop” to this tale but I would like to be assured that beyond sugary treats and a hop down the bunny trail that the message of a new living hope might prevail. Peter (the apostle not the cottontail) writes, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade –kept in heaven for you (1 Peter 1:3, 4).”
I must admit that my favorite bunny though is from the movie “Harvey.” This 1950 movie with Jimmy Stewart is a tale about an eccentric middle aged man named Elwood P. Dawd, who has a 6 foot plus invisible friend named Harvey who happens to be a rabbit. Elwood’s sister decides to have Elwood committed but through a comedy of errors ends up committing herself to an asylum. The story culminates in getting things straightened out and a finale where Elwood is about to be given an injection that will forever banish Harvey from his memory. A taxi cab driver reveals to the sister that others who had received the shot turned surly and she decides she rather have the amiable but misguided brother who sees a six foot rabbit. Likewise, I guess I rather put up with the Easter nonsense of “Hop” if it keeps people looking to new life and the ultimate power of resurrection experienced not in rabbit lore but in the truth of the gospel… the good news of the resurrection of Jesus the Christ from the dead! -DAN

The Book of X-Ray

My daughter reported on Facebook that my grandson Padyen had just quoted to her the first five books of the Bible… “Genesis, X-ray, Dennis, Numbers and Deuteronomy.” A good friend of the family responded with tongue in cheek that their favorite book was X-ray. One would assume because of its revealing content and radiant vocabulary. I personally like the book of Dennis… especially the chapter where Mr. Wilson catches him red handed… literally red handed when he got into Mr. Wilson’s red paint. All kidding aside, the two things that I take away from this family lore are: 1) I’m thrilled that my grandson is learning the books of the Bible and 2) These books that he is learning the names of are ancient voices of witness that bear the stamp of inspiration but are reflective of the messenger.
It is that last point that I hope someday that Payden will delight in as he begins to discover not only the names of the books of the Bible but finds himself in the stories of faith. I recently heard someone speak of the first time they found a contradiction in the Bible (they were puzzled by Matthew saying there were two men at the tombs when Mark and Luke said there was only one, Matt.8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39). They finally decided that Matthew was telling it from his perspective and the other two were more interested in the man of the tombs who Jesus cast out the legion of demons. There are four gospels not because they were trying to correct or fill in one another’s stories but because there is an infinite amount of ways to tell the one story! And often it is a matter of seeing it from a different perspective (hence Matthew focuses on parables especially of the kingdom while John many years later gives us the intimate conversations between Jesus and disciples).
A couple of Sundays ago while the youth group from Gresham were conducting services Greg Woods suggested that people ask his wife Dottie about how she broke my collar bone. For some reason that resonated with me in a way I had never entertained before. You see, that’s always been “my” story and suddenly I realized that Dorothy had her version of the same story as well (probably not as painful as my version but an interesting side of the tale as well). Now I’ve said all this to simply say this… my prayer for Payden is that as he grows in knowledge of the Scripture and develops his faith that the story of the Bible becomes “his” story! I know that one of the greatest joys of my life is finding myself alongside Elijah running ahead of the chariots of Ahab and besting a bear with David on the hills of Palestine. I muse myself with poking Peter in the ribs as we joke about how some of the things Paul says are hard to be understood and I achingly weep at the foot of the cross with John and Mary and others. And time and time again I am convicted of my sins and amazed at the magnitude of grace as I listen to the ancient voices of faith tell their stories! -DAN

Anaphora

Martin Luther King Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28th of 1963 and for 17 minutes mesmerized an audience of more than 200,000 civil rights advocates who felt more like they were in church than a political rally. Dr. King’s words were not only poetic and weighted with references from the bible to the constitution to Shakespeare but in the cadence and rhetorical style of a Baptist minister King delivered a speech that was voted the most influential speech of the 20th century. The rhetorical device that King employed as he often did is called anaphora (the repeat of a word or phrase that captures the essence of the subject). He reiterated several phrases but the one that captured the heart of many Americans was, “I have a dream!” Much of his dream has come to life and the spirit of his words still stand in testimony against the vestige of injustice and prejudice that remains. If you’ve never heard the speech or it has been awhile take time to listen to his stirring words at www.mlkonline.net/video-i-have-a-dream-speech.
I love the anaphora of “I have a dream!” Whether one is calling the soul of America to rise above the dark torrent of racism and segregation or for Christians to dream for the cause of Christ… the anaphora “to dream” is vital. To keep the dream alive is to reaffirm that life is a journey. Where we are today is not where we will be tomorrow. To dream is to have not only a vision but a confidence in God’s provision and guide. To dream is to open the heart to the imagination of the soul to dare to risk failure while focused on victory. To dream is to view possibility as a door to the future. The church must always be a place for dreamers who long for the kingdom of God to prevail. The church must pioneer the way to spiritual adventures and courageous faith. Yes, the church must have a dream!
I know that the dream is as simple as for all to hear of the saving grace afforded by the blood of Jesus in his atoning sacrifice. However, the fullness of that dream is captured in the many dreams of the body who long for deeper service, worship and fellowship. The dream is as dynamic as those who are willing to bring their hearts and their imaginations to visualize a world illuminated with the light of the gospel and the gentle presence of the Savior. So my dream… my prayer… my hope for us all is to follow our dreams! Now that’s, worth repeating! -DAN