Just One Banana
(Part II)
It has been said that prayer is the believer’s vital breath and dynamic working force. It has also been said that prayer is the highest exercise of the human intellect.
At the end of a speech, President “Ike” Eisenhower once impressed upon his listeners that, “Prayer is still the mightiest force in the world and, when used by dedicated men and women, nothing in this world remains impossible.”
Considering that prayer is an honoring communion with the Creator of All and that through prayer, God gives us the privilege to be included in His actions upon the earth, I would have to strongly agree with every one of the previous statements.
Prayer truly is the most powerful force on earth, and, accordingly then, is the believer’s most formidable weapon, yet it is probably the most neglected and disregarded aspect of many Christians’ lives (myself included, which is why I started writing this article).
I have heard many excuses to defend the lack of prayer in a believer’s life. Some of the most often used and widely repeated include, “Why pray when God is in control and already knows what we need before we ask?”, “God doesn’t hear my prayers”, and “God is silent and never answers my prayers” (I, myself, have used all of them a time or two).
So how do we address those excuses?
The answer: Step by step with the Word of God.
Firstly, according to Scripture, it is a sin to not pray.
“As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.” 1 Samuel 12:23 NIV
“pray continually,”
1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
Ephesians 6:18 NIV
Obviously, prayerlessness is a sin. Furthermore, we are instructed to pray continually so unless we are always in an attitude of prayer, due to inversional omission, we are sinning.
Secondly, it is true that the Father knows what we need before we ask (Ref. Mathew 6:8). He is omniscient — all knowing.
“Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.” Psalms 139:4 NIV
But it is also true that, “we have not, because we ask not!” (Ref. James 4:2).
Thirdly, God is in control and His sovereignty should never be in question.
“Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.”
Psalms 115:3 NIV
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NIV
But in His extraordinary and magnificent ways, He has allowed us to participate in His actions through prayer.
Edward McKendree Bounds (1835 –1913), best known as E.M. Bounds, was a Methodist clergy, an attorney, and a well known writer. Amongst his writings, he authored nine books on the subject of prayer. He penned many thought provoking statements worthy of attention, but a brief one that declares much is, “God shapes the world by prayer.”
There are multiple events in the Bible that would never have happened without prayer.
Example 1:
The demon-possessed girl would never have been made whole if her mother had not cried out to Jesus (Ref. Mark 7:24-30).
Example 2:
The blind man outside Jericho cried, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Jesus stopped and asked, “What do you want me to do for you?”
The blind man replied, “I want to see.”
Jesus said, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you!” (Ref. Luke 18:35-43)
Would either of those events happened without calling out to Jesus?
Fourthly, it is NOT true that God doesn’t hear our prayers. God hears every one of His childrens’ prayers. Every one!
“The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.”
Proverbs 15:29 NIV
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”
Psalms 34:17 NIV
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”
Jeremiah 29:12 NIV
Fifthly, God answers prayer. He either answers “yes”, “no”, or “not yet”. Like an onion, there are several layers involved with addressing the excuse of “God is silent and never answers prayers.”
Number one:
Our prayers won’t even go beyond the ceiling if we have unconfessed sin in our lives.
“If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;”
Psalms 66:18 NIV
“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.”
Isaiah 59:2 NIV
Therefore, unresolved selfishness, bitterness, discord, and unforgiveness of others will make our prayers stutter, stumble, stall, and fall right from the start. No wonder so many of our prayers get the “silent” treatment!
Number two:
We must understand that God is not a genie in a bottle. That being the case, unreasonable selfishness like asking for one million dollars or a fancy sports car will get a quick “no”, or, more likely, “silence” because we are offering a prayer based on the wrong motives.
“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” James 4:3 NIV
Why would God answer a prayer that obviously goes against what He has already commanded us not to do in His Word?
If we continually pray with the wrong motivation, we will become very disappointed. Nothing but silence!
Number three:
Prayer was never intended to align God to our will, but to align us to His will.
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”
1 John 5:14 NIV
According to His will, not ours — that’s the key. The best way to get a prayer answered then, is to be aligned to His will. And the fastest way to get a “yes” answer to prayer is to ask for the things He has already promised in His Holy Word (I.e. Wisdom, strength, forgiveness....).
Prayers for self-glorification or self-edification will likely crash on the floor. If, however, we pray for needs that will glorify God or allow the glorification of God through us or help deliver the gospel to attentive ears then an “affirm” answer becomes much more likely.
Number four:
Effectual prayer must be accompanied by faith.
“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.”
James 1:6-7 NIV
Prayer is an interesting multifaceted subject — hence the reason there are thousands of books on the subject. There are many conditionals for effective prayer, but we should never make it so complicated that it becomes cumbersome. There is a wonderful peace to be found just walking and talking with the Savior in a sincere child-like faith. Yet, we do ourselves and others a huge disservice and ratchet-up our frustration level when we oversimplify prayer. Prayer is not simple (the length of this article supports that fact). Unfortunately, in recent generational times including inside churches, we have clamored for more entertainment and distractions and less time on our knees. As a result, prayer has been slighted and whittled down to mere minutes in a day. Effectual, fervent, and productive prayer is much more than passing a want-list to God. Prayer that changes lives is a time commitment with a lot of labor intensive work. In the truest sense, dedicated and faithful saints earn their distinguished titles as “prayer warriors” because the most successful prayers are very much like wrestling matches before God.
“Prayer in its highest form and grandest success assumes the attitude of a wrestler with God.” E. M. Bounds
On the “other side” of prayer, beyond our bowed heads, uttered words, and uplifted hearts — within the spiritual realm, there are many things we cannot fully comprehend. There are spiritual battles raging that can delay answers to our prayers. In point of fact, the spiritual struggle, beyond what we see, is very real.
In the Book of Daniel, we are offered a glimpse at the “other side” and the ongoing battles. In the tenth chapter of the Book, we are told that Daniel set his mind to gain the understanding of a revelatory message he had received. He persistently fasted and prayed for three weeks with no forthcoming answer (wrestling match, indeed). Finally, after the third week was over, Daniel received a vision and an angel declared, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.” (Ref. Daniel 10:12-13).
That is a very revealing glance into the spiritual realm that gives us some significant insight to the “other side” of prayer. Daniels’ words were heard on the first day, but it took twenty-one days and the extra help of Michael, the chief prince, for the answer to get through!
We must never forget that we are at war with the principalities of darkness — the evil forces in the spiritual realm. Therefore, we must do our part in prayer. We must be persistent and patient. Honestly, God could have provided an answer, but Satan and his minions might be working overtime to prevent the answer from coming through. How do we handle that? We keep praying and confidently proclaim victory through Christ. The answer will come. Don’t give up!
Some prayers need only be asked. Others require more effort and time and must be sought. Still, others require much persistence and patience with repetitious knocking on heaven’s door. That is exactly why Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Ref. Luke 11:9-10).
The “icing on the cake” is that whether God answers “yes”, “no”, or “not yet”, we can trust and rest assured that, in all things, He works for the good of those who love Him. (Ref. Romans 8:28)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
It was impossible! There was no way a condemned prisoner of war would even get just one banana. There was no one that would dare defy the Kenpeitai — the Japanese secret police that specialized in silencing political opposition.
Although she had only been a missionary sharing the gospel to the people of Baliem Valley, New Guinea, and had never conducted espionage in her life, the Kenpeitai weren’t interested in the truth. They intended to take her head.
Like cockroaches, the evil Kenpeitai members thrived in their dark and despicable interrogation chambers. With incredible power and overruling authority, they were nearly untouchable which allowed them to unleash sadistic and brutal torture methods. Much like the Nazi Germany Gestapo, the Kenpeitai ruled via fear and intimidation. No one stood in their way. To defy them meant certain death.
With trepidation, she heard the footsteps of the guard approaching her cell door. The rattle and fumbling of the key in the lock cemented her fears. They had come for her. She would be beaten for sure. They would start with a cane and finish with their hands. Their favorite move was a karate chop to the base of her skull sending star-blazing pain through all her extremities. And then a sword would be unsheathed, she knew. She was finished emotionally and physically. In silent agony, she screamed, “Lord, I can’t take anymore!”
The guard pushed open the door. She cringed. He smiled. Then, suddenly, with a sweeping gesture of delight, he laid ninety-two bananas at her feet and then left.
In astonished disbelief, she wept. “Lord, forgive me; I’m so ashamed. I couldn’t trust You enough for even just one banana.”
God whispered to her heart, “That’s what I delight to do, My child —the exceeding abundance above anything you ask or think.”
She knew then that nothing was impossible for her God!
P.S.
That amazing faith-filled missionary woman was named Darlene Deibler Rose. I have intentionally left out much of her dramatic story and certain key elements of the banana event because I feel that everyone should read her book, “Evidence Not Seen”. It is a book that redefines humble, sincere, dedicated, devout, and prayer-filled faith — a degree of faith that is a rarity, but deeply needed today!
“Ohhh, though God slay me, yet will I trust in Him...”.
Read the book and let the resulting internal challenges of faith commence.
Blessings, Tad.
Just One Banana
(Part I)
“Orang ini musti mati”
The words had been hastily written in chalk upon the solid door. They had persistently remained there, and she had seen them every time she was forcibly and vindictively ushered through the door. She had tried to forget them, but now, more than ever, they seemed to glare at her in a diabolically sinister and menacing way. Interpreted in English, the words meant, “This person must die”.
The scribbled ominous phrase clarified the answer to the question that the Interrogator, just moments before, had hissed, “You know the penalty don’t you, for espionage work in war time?”
The male guard inserted a key into the door and opened it revealing the very tight but familiar six-foot square room. In one corner, a rudely cut and jagged kerosene tin comprised the bathroom while in the other corner, two planks nailed to cross-beams served as the bed.
Unceremoniously, he shoved her from behind sending her stumbling back into her cell of confinement. For the last few months, the bleak room with white-plastered walls and ceramic tiled floors had been all she had known except for the frequent trips to the interrogation room. The many concealed scratches underneath the barred and boarded-up window despairingly reminded her of the slow-passing days of imprisonment.
Her face was bruised. Her body was beaten. But a simple and natural beauty was hidden underneath the dirt, grime, and unkemptness. Normally, a dark brunette with soft, fair skin— the harsh tropical sun, disease, malnourishment, and stress had lightened her cropped hair to an unappealing battleship-gray and mottled her skin. Her disheveled appearance was further enhanced by her over worn and tattered skirt that hung two-sizes too large on her thin meager frame. At only eighty-pounds, she had been starved into emaciated weakness.
She collapsed against the far wall and slid down to the floor, snuggling into the folds of her encircling skirt. Tormented with fever and disease, her body trembled violently. Exhaustion swooped low over her troubled mind. As the door slammed shut and the keyed lock turned, she began to cry. The tears flowed heavy clearing the dirt around her bruised cheeks. So much pain and hurt. Her heart was broken. Her life was broken. She had lost everything including her husband. Torn apart and widowed at twenty-six years old, she hadn’t even been able to say goodbye. Now, she was unjustly condemned, without a formal trial, as an American spy. Her fate — to be beheaded by a sword.
Her emotions threatened to drain her completely. Like a breached dam, the copious tears flooded her hazel eyes and poured forth. She succumbed to the tidal wave of emotions and sobbed hard between ragged breaths. She cried until her skirt was saturated with salty wetness. She wept until foreboding darkness invaded the room.
“But My child, My grace is sufficient for thee. Not was nor shall be, but it IS sufficient.”
The whispered words echoed in her ears with warm familiarity. She knew the Voice and felt the presence of her Blessed Savior. The words filled the cracks in her broken heart and strengthened her soul. She knew that the Almighty had wrapped His loving arms around Her. She found solace and courage in His loving companionship. She cuddled close. Resting in His arms, she finally drifted off to sleep.
In the coming week, awaiting her execution, she found enough strength to pull herself up to the lintel above the door. Using the window sill and the door knob as footrests, she precariously peered through the small opening out onto the open courtyard below.
As she deeply inhaled the refreshing air blowing off the nearby Java Sea, she noticed several native female prisoners enjoying the open communal area. One particular native woman caught her eye. With darting eyes and suspicious movements, the native woman eased towards a vine-shrouded fence. Soon, as the guard’s attention was diverted, an unknown hand holding a bunch of bananas mysteriously appeared from behind the vines. The native woman snatched the bananas, and then quickly hid them in her sarong. Nonchalant and casual finesse marked her movement away from the fence. She had gotten away with it. Better than gold or silver; a bunch of beautiful bananas were her’s to enjoy. Ohhhh, what a reward — even just one banana!
Weakened from balancing and gripping the girder above the door, the condemned woman dropped from her perch to the tiled floor. Visibly shaking from exhaustion, malnourishment, and insatiable desire, she kneeled down and prayed. “Lord, I’m not asking You for a whole bunch like that woman has. I just want one banana.” In pleading and humbled sincerity, she cried, “Lord, just one banana.”
(To be continued....)
A FAITH Worth Having
Battered and dejected, the skeletonized man was barely able to stand on his own. His six-foot tall frame had been starved to the extreme with loose skin hanging off bone. At a mere ninety-seven pounds, his emaciated and haggard form wavered in unsteadiness. Naked, except for a ragged and woefully inadequate loincloth, the man was covered in filth, scars, and coagulated blood. Unkempt, greasy hair hung matted upon his bony shoulders and blended into his grimy, untrimmed beard. His withered face accented by protruding cheekbones and hollowed eyes, displayed nothing but abject humility. In his current despairing form, the man presented the lowest level to which humanity could be stripped.
He stood in stark solemness with no remorse, acutely aware that his “Good Samaritan” act was ultimately responsible for his fast approaching death. Around him, four enraged Japanese guards with reddened eyes and clinched fists prepared their attack. They had pumped themselves into a killing frenzy, feeding off each other’s contemptuous disgust for their prey. Their blood boiled with fury against the silent shadow-of-a-man at the center of their kill circle. Wild screams erupted from each of the guards moments before they swarmed upon the pitiful figure. Other prisoners cringed in horror and helplessness as they watched the barbarous gang attack commence. Each punch and kick were laced with the brutality of hatred and the power of lethality. The gaunt figure collapsed beneath the onslaught. The man’s weak body shook in convulsive tremors with each thunderous impact. Like a storm surge upon a rocky coastline, the pain from one hit barely registered before another crashed into his weakened frame. Each hammering thud took the man closer to the edge of abysmal blackness. At first, he tried to ward off the inevitable, but the cold darkness of unconsciousness had a haunting lure. Like a siren’s song, it offered a seductive alternative — the termination of pain. Slowly, he succumbed to the melody and allowed himself to advance to the precipice. With each spastic breath, the pain lessened, and the groans dwindled into faint whimpers. Then, finally, the pounding thuds were met with silence as he rolled off the edge into the enveloping blackness of unconsciousness.
It seemed like only a moment that he lingered in the peacefulness offered in the chasm of unawareness. A bucket of cold water poured over his head shocked his system and yanked him begrudgingly back to the harshness of reality. His attackers lifted him back to his feet so they could resume their excessive disciplinary action. The man’s body was already badly bruised and cut. Even with his little supportive muscle tissue, noticeable swelling began to register, sweeping up his legs, back, and arms. His sunken eyes seemed to totally disappear as swelling puffed his eyebrows and inflated around his cheekbones. Through his blurry vision, the man detected the flurry of more swings as his assailants restarted the beating. Uppercuts to the abdomen, crosses to the jaw, and wild hay makers to the temple. He shuddered as his knees buckled. Then he toppled to the dirt, where kicks dominated and multiplied with a vengeance. In sincere gratitude, he, once again, found solace in the rift of unconsciousness as he slipped away a second time. However, his enemies were persistent. They had not finished their heinous act, so another bucket of cold water was harshly administered.
No longer at the edge of consciousness, the man was teetering on the brink of death. He knew, with another attack, his body would join the thousands of others that had been unceremoniously dumped into a jungle-concealed and bamboo-lined mass grave. He would not be the first, nor the last. Yet, he accepted God’s will and had no fear. As helpless as a newborn kitten to control his own fate, the man turned to his unyielding faith and lifted his heart in prayer. “Dear Father I am ready to go or stay at Your command.”
Suddenly, bolstered by a Divine Presence that embraced him with unfathomable love, he felt a wonderful resurgence of strength throughout his body. Despite the years of suffering as a prisoner of war — the forced labor, the lack of sleep, the heat, the horrible sickness, the untreated jungle diseases, the skin ulcers, the worm infested rice, the lack of water, the filth, the maggots, the stench, and the death - despite all of it; the man found himself surrounded by the impenetrable love of the Blessed Savior. With a peace that radiated forth through the blood and grime, the pummeled and beaten man smiled. The other prisoners witnessed the shocking event and described it, aptly, as a “heavenly smile”.
The Japanese guards were smitten with disbelief as they acknowledged the prisoner’s smile. How could a man so close to death offer a smile? The guards’ incredulous looks morphed into furious rage. How dare this useless rubble offer a smile as retribution for punishment? In the Japanese soldiers’ minds, it was a disparaging act of defiance, and an utter mockery of discipline. It confirmed the sentence of death upon the disrespectful prisoner. The guards were, now more than ever, determined to kill the pathetic man.
Shrieking in violence, the guards stormed the prisoner. Rushing forward with fists raised to hammer down upon their helpless victim, the guards unexpectedly skidded to a stop three feet away. Puzzled looks washed over the guards’ faces as they attempted to move forward. As if protected by an invisible hedge, the man could not be reached. Perplexed, the guards retreated and strengthened their resolve for another simultaneous attack. All four guards charged forward again. Merciless screams of bitterness and rage spilled out from the guards’ mouths. Twelve feet — ten, eight, five, and then, abruptly, at three feet, the guards slid to another stop. They knew not what it was, but there was something protecting the prisoner. It was like an invisible Shield that could not be penetrated. It was a Power and a Presence that could not be explained. Despite their efforts, they could not touch the prisoner.
At that moment, the frail figure realized that the companionship of the Son of God had never been more precious and real in all of his life. Surrounded by an impregnable Force, the wobbly and grungy man stood humbly secure in the loving and fortified embrace of the Almighty.
Baffled and confused, the guards outward demeanor changed. Unable to complete their nefarious act, they succumbed to befuddled inward reflection. There was nothing in the physical realm that could explain what had happened. They could not comprehend it. Nor could they believe it. With looks of bewildered dismay, the guards trudged away into the jungle leaving their swaying prey still standing.
The other prisoners rallied to the man’s aid, and carried him to a hospital tent. As some administered to his injuries, they exclaimed, “This is a God worth trusting.” While throughout the prisoner camp, many others declared, “This is a faith worth having!”
When I wrote this story referencing the captive’s own detailed account, I had envisioned writing about God’s great power and presence. But, as oftentimes is the case, what I envision and what actually gets typed go different directions. Some would say that’s a good thing. Others would say, “No wonder he doesn’t make sense!” Be that as it may, I try not to force stories into predetermined topics. I do my best to let them flow and progress on their own. Like cream rising to the top, the topic of the story eventually surfaces.
Although this story does involve God’s magnificent power and presence, I found that there was a daily-applicable spiritual lesson rising to the top. The “elephant in the room” question that seemed to continually glare at me with a “stink-eye” and slap me with it’s trunk while writing was — “What causes Divine activity to be released in our lives?”
So, I started digging and found a wonderful verse of Scripture. The fact that it comes from Habakkuk hints at the length of time I spent digging!
“See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright— but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness —”
Habakkuk 2:4 NIV
(Ref. Romans 1:17)
Does not the prisoner’s story fit that Scripture perfectly? Not only does the verse describe the story accurately, but it answers the “elephant in the room” question.
Another beautiful verse that links well with the prisoner’s story and answers the glaring question is:
“who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:5 NIV
Notice, closely, that both verses mention faith. The righteous person will live by their FAITH, and through FAITH we are shielded by God’s power. Additionally, what did the prisoners throughout the camp declare?
“This is a FAITH worth having!”
Obviously, the answer to “What causes Divine activity to be released in our lives?” is simply — FAITH.
It’s all about FAITH, but there is a huge difference between declaring that we have faith in God and REALLY having FAITH in God supported by actions. In other words, do we just “talk the talk” or do we actually “walk the walk”?
In the Book of James it is written, “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:17 NIV
James the Just, the brother of Jesus and the author of the Book of James, is not known for dancing around the truth. The penned letter of James is full of obligatory challenges that cut deeply into the heart of the believer. Case in point, James writes, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” James 2:19 NIV
That is “in your face” Scripture that doesn’t beat around the bush. James is basically stating that to simply believe in God is demon-like faith because even demons know there is a God and tremble. It is not enough to believe. It is not enough to just talk about our faith and have knowledge of God. Even Satan and his minions are knowledgeable about God. They know exactly who the Son of God is and what He can do. But are they saved from the dismal Abyss?
Within all of the synoptic Gospels of Mathew, Mark, and Luke, there is a relevant illustration described as “Jesus restores a demon-possessed man” (Mathew 8:28-34, Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-39).
Briefly summarizing the passages, Jesus and His disciples arrived in the region of Gerasenes, where, from a distance, a demon-possessed man ran towards them and fell on his knees in front of Jesus. He shouted, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?”
Jesus then asked, “What is your name?”
“Legion,” the man answered because he was filled with so many impure spirits. The demons repeatedly begged Jesus not to order them into the Abyss.
Then Jesus cast the numerous demons into a herd of swine. The herd of about two thousand pigs committed “Sooie-cide” and drowned in the lake (HaHa....I have to fit those classic one-liners in when I can...).
Take note that the demons knew exactly who Jesus was (Son of the Most High God), and they were very knowledgeable about what He could do. Yet, it is understood that demons do not have saving faith!
Genuine saving faith must encompass actions that support what we believe. Do we pray? Do we REALLY pray? Do we study the Word? Do we trust that God is in control? Do we trust that the Master can calm every storm?
As a further expounding but unrelated example;
I could tie a one-hundred foot rope to a tree and throw it over a cliff. I could stand there all day and talk about rappelling down that cliff. I could don my equipment, take a selfie vying for more likes and followers, and make everyone believe that I am a courageous adventurer. I could point at the tree and say that it’s a strong anchor. I could point at the knot that I tied and brag about it’s security. I could point at the rope and believe that it’s long enough. But all of my exhibitions and words are nothing more than demon-like faith. It is not genuine faith until I hook onto the rope, and then put all my weight on that anchor and knot. When I go over the edge and put all my trust in the rigging then, and only then, have I demonstrated proof-in-the-pudding faith that supports what I believe. In the spiritual realm, that could then be called Divine-interceding faith which is a faith that makes a difference and counts for something. It’s a strong faith that makes bystanders take note and wins souls for Christ. It’s a faith that releases Divine action. It’s a faith worth having!
“You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.” James 2:24 NIV
That puny helpless man that came so close to death in the jungles of Thailand, but found refuge under the shadow of the Almighty was full of genuine soul-saving and mountain-moving faith. He walked the walk everyday despite his epic trials and seemingly dismal future. He prayed constantly. He studied the Bible methodically. He memorized Scripture regularly. He steadily held hands with the Savior, and relied on the Master moment by moment. He risked himself to care for others often. He even volunteered to nurse in a cholera camp where the mortality rate was so high, it literally was just an isolated “death camp”. (In the horrible sanitary conditions of a jungle POW camp without proper treatment, cholera was extremely contagious and deadly. Volunteering to care for the infected in those kinds of conditions was like signing your own death warrant).
That feeble prisoner that wielded hero-like and action-packed faith was named Daniel C. Snaddon.
In November 1940, Mr. Snaddon became a member of the Royal Army Medical Corps. Unfortunately, on February 15, 1942, in the largest surrender of British-led forces in history, Dan Snaddon, amongst 80,000 others, became prisoners of war as the Fall of Singapore to the Japanese shook the world. Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister at the time, called it the “worst disaster” in British military history.
It is impossible to describe the severe trials and extreme conditions that Dan Snaddon was subjected to throughout his years of captivity. During World War II, the Japanese had very little regard for prisoners. In their society, it was considered dishonorable and an egregious act of weakness to surrender. Hence, prisoners were not treated well and were oftentimes killed. It is not necessary to look further than the Bataan Death March to understand the flagrant cruelty that encompassed that era. Although not part of the death march, Dan Snaddon was forced into hard labor on the construction of the “Railway of Death” from Bangkok to the borders of Burma. There are many estimates regarding the number of civilians and POWs that died in the project’s construction (no source provides definitive numbers). But the number most often offered is around 105,000 deaths. Using that number, approximately 405 men died for every mile of track built. Higher numbers could easily be projected since it has also been said that for every railroad tie that was laid, it cost one man’s life....(I’m not sure about the “Railway of Death”, but in the United States, there are over 3,000 railroad ties per mile of track!)
Mr. Snaddon provides a small glimpse at his life as a POW and the “Railway of Death” atrocities in his excellent but sometimes graphic book, “Through the Valley of the Shadow”(1). I have found my own faith challenged to the point of tears as I have read through his personal story (It is only through the grace of God that a man could endure and experience so much and still come out mentally unscathed. Every laborious step of every heart-wrenching day had to be taken hand in hand with Christ). His account has challenged me to complain less, to pray and study more, and to do more for the Kingdom of God through the Power of Christ living in me.
Of course, each and every one of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Savior have His resurrection Power available to us, but the real question always becomes — Is our FAITH worthy of that Power?
In point of fact, the degree of faith exhibited by Dan Snaddon made him a fortress through adversity that sustained him through unimaginable darkness. Personally, I hope none of us ever have our faith tested to that height of severity. However, Snaddon’s life testimony confirms that the Will of God will never take us where the Grace of God will not protect us. His story also proves that the God who preserved the Hebrew children in the fiery furnace still lives. It upholds that the Power that surrounded Elisha at Dothan still defends. And it validates that the Presence that protected Daniel in the lion’s den still reigns. Amen!
In 1959, Dan Snaddon followed the call into full-time service for God. For an additional 50 years, “Brother Dan” served the Master.
Whether administering care in a cholera camp, preaching the Word to fellow prisoners in POW camps, or having forbidden prayer meetings under darkened bamboo shelters, brother Dan’s ministry saved hundreds of lost souls in the jungles of Thailand. As Christians, I wonder — Have we been that devoted and brave amidst COVID-19? Will we be that committed to Christ when the next storm comes along? Or do our fears overcome our faith?
Later on in his life, whether behind a pulpit or behind written words, brother Dan continued to stubbornly serve the Kingdom of God. As a result, his ministry saved hundreds, if not thousands, of lost souls throughout Canada and the United States. Imagine the treasures in heaven that he amassed. What an admirable servant of God!
Dan Snaddon’s life was spared countless times through unbelievable odds due to his strong relationship and faith in the loving Savior. Brother Dan counted each miraculous occasion as just more time and more opportunities to serve the Lord. And so he did, faithfully, until May 16, 2009, when God finally pronounced that Dan Snaddon’s earthly work was done — just ten days shy of turning 95 years old.
No matter what trials or storms prevail, may we live the same way — in constant companionship with the Son of God. May the precious Son of God’s Power and Presence become as real and impactful to each of us in our allotted time here on earth. Let us pray for it. Let us strive for it. Let us dedicate ourselves to it. May the mighty fire of revival fall as His Presence embraces each and every one of us.
Truly, it is a FAITH worth having!
God's blessing...
Authored by Tad Spurlock
(1) Snaddon, Daniel C. “Through the Valley of the Shadow”
(It is difficult to find Daniel Snaddon’s book. There are copies out there including on-line versions, but one must look -- if interested, there is another easier to find book describing Snaddon’s miraculous story called;
Enlow, David R. “Singapore Survivor”. Good News, 1963)
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What If?
The United States Navy A-4 Skyhawk jet streaked through the hazy humid sky at nearly 600 miles per hour. It banked hard left leaving a vapor trail spiraling off it’s delta-wing tips as it maneuvered to attack. The pilot nudged the nose over and slightly adjusted course for a bombing run over Hanoi, Vietnam. He had one thought, “Hit the power plant hard and get out fast!” Unfortunately, unbeknownst to the pilot, a hidden threat lay camouflaged in the dense jungle foliage two thousand feet below. It was ready to strike with rocketing fury. The peril had been hastily relocated by the Vietnamese Communists (Viet Cong) under the cover of darkness several nights before. Now, the lethal weapon had acquired a signal on the fast moving A-4. Sickeningly, the surface-to-air missile locked-on just as the A-4 zipped overhead. A boiling explosion of thrust erupted behind the fins of the sleek supersonic projectile. Capable of speeds over Mach 3, the deadly missile launched the gap to the A-4 in mere seconds. With little warning to maneuver defensively, the pilot shuttered as the hurtling missile slammed into the right wing. Debris flashed through the sky, a violent twisting tornadic fireball of metal. The pilot instinctively reached for the ejection handle and radioed “I’m hit!” He pulled the handle and suddenly felt the abrupt force as the seat rocketed into the wind stream. In a dizzying array of forces, the pilot slammed into the tumbling wreckage of the dying aircraft. The results of the impact broke both arms and his right knee and left him spinning into the dark tunnel of unconsciousness. Fortunately, his parachute automatically deployed slowing his acceleration towards earth. The pull of gravity continued waging war with his limp body as he drifted aimlessly towards unknown dangers below.
Water slapped the pilot’s face as his lungs vied for air. His brain slowly reeled him back to consciousness as his body thrashed and began struggling to survive. At the abysmal edge of drowning, he clinched his life vest activation cord with his teeth and yanked it. Averting the immediate crisis, the pilot then realized the shocking pain racking his entire body. His physical circumstances, alone, threatened to drown him in raging despair.
With haunting trepidation, the awareness of his exact location dawned upon him with sickening certainty. He was floating in the middle of Truc Bach Lake. Unable to swim, he knew there was no escape. Bobbing like a cork awaiting the enemy to grab the bait, his capture was imminent. It wouldn’t take long, he conceded, for he was in the middle of a lake that rests in the middle of the city of Hanoi. His fate was sealed.
It was October 26, 1967 when Lieutenant Commander John McCain became a prisoner of war. Under torturous conditions that stretched the limits of mind and body, John McCain survived over five years of internment. He was released in 1972, and the rest of his story is widely known.
While I was reading about McCain’s prisoner of war experience, one particular interrogation stood out to me. It grabbed my attention, not because of brutality or sadistic torture methods, but because of the topic of the questions. There was one Vietnamese interrogator that was very interested in American customs. Specifically, the young Vietnamese wanted McCain to explain the significance of Easter. Of course, McCain offered up the description of Christ’s Passion. The young interrogator eyed McCain with suspicious disdain as McCain described Christ’s resurrection. Then the interrogator barked incredulously, “You say He was dead three days. He came back to life?”
McCain nodded.
The interrogator left the room for a minute and then returned with an outraged demeanor. He yelled angrily, “McCain, the officer here say you tell nothing but lies! Go back to your room.”(1)
As always, thoughts started rolling around in my head like a raft tossed about in a storm driven sea. What if? What if the resurrection of Christ was a lie? What would that mean? What significance does the resurrection have for us? As Christians, what would we lose? What if?
Interestingly, the Apostle Paul asked the same “what if” question in First Corinthians.
“And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.”
1 Corinthians 15:14 NIV
Kapow! Without Christ’s resurrection, our faith is useless. Ouch! Right from the start, we take a big hit. As Christians, we would lose all of our present and future hope. It would be utterly futile to participate in any religious activities because they would hold no meaning. Church would have no value. All religious activities from baptism to communion would be nothing more than empty gestures. If Christ had not risen from the dead, all preaching would be pointless. All sermons would be full of hot air - just men or women talking to hear themselves talk. Every Christian message presented everywhere would mean absolutely nothing. Every Christian book ever written or read would be better used to start a fire. This article would not be worth my time or yours. Every Christian song and every Gospel tract would be considered null and void. They would be nothing more than meaningless words promoting empty promises.
At first glance, the resurrection seems to be only part of the story of Jesus Christ. So what’s the big deal? If we only assume that the resurrection was a lie, then we still have Christ’s virgin birth, His earthly ministry including His teachings and many miracles, and His crucifixion for our sins. However, without His resurrection, believing all of those other things would be for nought. Without the resurrection, the power and glory of Christ as the Son of God would not be reflected. Even our salvation would be woefully inadequate and dismissed. Jesus nailed to the cross demonstrated His love for us, but it was the resurrection that authenticates that His sacrifice was worthy to cover all of our sins for all time. Without His resurrection, we would still be in our sins.
“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.”
1 Corinthians 15:17 NIV
That little nugget simply means that if we still believe there is a God, then we will have to recount to Him every evil thing we’ve done and every sin we’ve hidden in the closet of our lives. Then we will be held accountable and pay the price ourselves. Yikes!
Furthermore, without the resurrection, Paul writes that the apostles of Christ are nothing but hypocritical deceivers. Their teachings are pockmarked with holes, which identifies them as false witnesses.
“More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised.”
1 Corinthians 15:15 NIV
Finally, without the resurrection, all of our loved ones that have perished before us are simply lost, gone forever. Our grandparents, parents, siblings, spouses, children, and friends whom we’ve hoped to see again someday will never be seen again. They have passed into oblivion. If it is actually true that our Savior did not rise again on the third day, then everyone we have known will never be more than memories for us until we finally decay into the earth ourselves.
“Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.”
1 Corinthians 15:18 NIV
At this point, we, as Christians, should find ourselves struggling to comprehend this “what if” scenario. With no resurrection, utter despair and darkness seems to unfold and collapse upon us. In the next verse, the Apostle Paul punctuates that exact sentiment with an exclamation point.
“If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.”
1 Corinthians 15:19 NIV
I read a headline the other day entitled, “Seminary President Admits to Not Believing in Christ’s Resurrection”. It matters little where or who it was. It matters much more that the President of a prominent educational institution that primarily educates students in Scripture, Theology, and Biblical studies to prepare them for Christian ministry does not believe in a fundamentally important tenet of Christianity. Despite how many letters precede or follow their names, resurrection unbelievers are people to be most pitied.
How important is the resurrection of Christ? It is the pinnacle and climatic ending to God’s great plan of redemption for us through His Son’s earthly ministry. Every event in the life of Jesus on earth has critical importance and are inextricably linked together as a whole. Taking one event away leaves gaping chasms that cannot be crossed within Scripture. Irreconcilable differences emerge within the Word of God as a result. For example, the virgin birth was necessary in order for Christ to be who He was in order to do what He did for us upon the cross. To accept one part of His story as truth and another part as fiction, is to disconnect the transmission from the engine or to remove the wheels from the vehicle. Every part is needed or we don’t move. To believe otherwise is to fall prey to the evil one who not only roams about as a lion but also masquerades as an angel of light.
Without Christ’s victory over death, our loss, as believers, is staggering. The resurrection is vitally important, and, to us Christians, it should mean everything because it declares that our victorious story in Him and through Him is just beginning.
What if there was no resurrection? Forget it! It’s no longer a legitimate question or concern.
The Word of God is truth and stands in power just as our Lord and Savior stands outside an empty tomb. The stone has been undeniably rolled away!
“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
1 Corinthians 15:20 NIV
Have a happy and glorious Easter. Our risen Savior is alive!
(1) Faith of My Fathers by John McCain with Mark Salter (Random House, 1999)
Joint Personnel Recovery Center declassified reports, 1971-72
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I Can’t
It was a desperate and loathsome time. Fear seemed to tighten it’s satanic coils around the young man’s chest with every breath. He struggled to remain calm in the suffocating darkness, but his lungs burned and his muscles twitched with panic induced terror. He was alone, and straining to keep his emotions from overcoming his rational senses. With each gulp of air, he swallowed hard to force the wretched bile of dread back to the depths of his empty stomach. The cave he had slipped into was not much bigger than an enlarged hole. There could have been all kinds of venomous snakes and insects in the foreboding blackness, but the young man thought nothing of the creepy-crawly things. At this point, death via a lethal dose of venom was more of a pleasantry and welcomed thought.
Very little light reached the back of the den-like cave despite it’s diminutive size. Only the mouth of the cave’s entrance was illuminated by the persistent rays of light permeating the depths of the jungle foliage. The young man swallowed hard as he listened intently. The pulsating in his chest echoed in voluminous cadence that seemed to betray his desperately needed stealthiness. He wished for complete silence, but had little control over the throbbing in his own ears. Like a constant war drum beating, he was sure his pounding heart would surrender his position. He had heard random gunshots throughout the day. They had been drawing ever closer. His imagination didn’t need any more prodding as he envisioned the grizzly scenes being acted out beyond his immediate gloomy surroundings. He tried not to think about it, but he knew that every reverberating gunshot hinted at another one of his buddies’ execution. The ones being shot were the lucky ones, he imagined. Some executions were silent except for the muffled screams. Those were the ones where a swing of a sword severed a mans’ hands, feet, or head. Sometimes the swing didn’t slice all the way through, and sometimes the swing wasn’t accurate at all. Shockingly gruesome, the horrors of war always seemed to unmask the evil hidden deep in humanity. The young soldier shook his head in an attempt to clear the horrible images, but only succeeded in launching droplets of sweat into the darkness. He gripped his M1 Garand semi-automatic rifle harder. There was enough ammunition left to fight for a few seconds, but then it was over. He knew, then, the end would come quickly. He grimly anticipated several enemy grenades dropping into his lap through the mouth of the cave. His death would be swift that way, he acknowledged. Better than a beheading, he reasoned. Yet, it was agonizingly hard to accept his own death. He wanted to live. He wanted to see his wife and family again. He wanted to experience children, a job, and growing old. He wanted to go home. At only twenty-three years of age, there was so much more of life to live. He sighed heavily. Nothing short of a miracle could save him now. There was nothing more he could do. He had fought hard. He had no regrets other than the dire circumstances he had been thrown into beyond his control.
When the 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions landed on the beaches of Saipan, the fighting had been intense. Chaos and thick jungles led to Division and Unit separations during the assault. Most of his unit had stayed intact while pushing hard against the Japanese strongholds littered along the slopes of Mount Tapochau, but in the end, incurring heavy losses, his unit broke into stragglers. Individual soldiers, low on ammunition, amidst a fortified enemy, left each man as easy prey. The vengeance of the Japanese soldiers was brutally unleashed against each surviving Marine. Slowly, each man was being hunted and killed. Prisoners were not being taken. As a young leatherneck answering the call of duty, the young man had charged uphill vehemently, but now, like most of his friends that were still breathing, he was fleeing and hiding to stay alive. It was a game of cat and mouse, but his time was nearly expired. He had eluded the enemy longer than he thought possible, but now he was trapped along a high ridge with Japanese soldiers scouring along both flanks. Finding a small cave, he had accepted it as his final stand. Probably, with morbid reflection, it would serve as his final resting spot. It was just a matter of time before the Japanese found him. He could hear the enemy shouting in the jungle below. He could hear the enemy shouting on the ridge line above. They were closing in. Nearing his concealed underground spot, they were methodically searching every crack and crevice.
The young Marine stared at the narrow opening and pushed himself hard against the back of the cave. He wished he could disappear. He fully expected an alert Japanese soldier to poke his gun into the mouth of the cave and spray bullets into the darkness at any second. The young Marine eyed a spider busily weaving a web at the cave’s opening. He silently wished the spider was building an impenetrable brick wall instead. With a look of defeated acceptance, he noted that the spider web offered nothing to stop the enemy’s grenades or supersonic hot metal. Plastered against the dampness of Saipan’s humus rich soil, in the inhospitable blackness of approaching death, the young man closed his eyes and did the only thing he could. He prayed. “I can’t, but God, You can!”
There are very few condensed phrases that capture the whole of the Gospel quite like, “I can’t, but God, You can.”
I personally believe that one of the greatest truths proclaimed in the Word of God besides the deity of Christ is that of the New Covenant. As an alternate way of living, the New Covenant defines a life lived with uttermost faith in Christ. It is a life no longer under the law, but under grace (Romans 6:14). Paul, the Apostle, referenced this New Covenant when he wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20 NIV). The prophet, Ezekiel, also foretold and alluded to the New Covenant when he wrote that the Sovereign Lord would provide a new heart and a new spirit. Through Ezekiel, God declared, “I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” (Ezekiel 36:26-27 NIV).
Thus, as predicted, Jesus Christ came to fulfill the Law of Moses, and rightfully take the role as mediator and guarantor of a better covenant, the New Covenant (Mathew 5:17).
So what does all that mean as we try to apply it to our daily lives?
It means that as long as we try to live a life for God based on self effort and self sufficiency, we are operating on the premise of the Old Covenant. And that, my friends, won’t get us very far. The New (and better) Covenant mode of operation is to let Christ do His best through us. That is a huge difference in perspective, but it makes all the difference in the world. Our best will eventually, if not continually, disappoint, but God’s best will always surpass, if not illustriously exceed. The impossible becomes possible. It is when we reach the “end of ourselves”, having exhausted all our energy and resources, that we finally exclaim, “I can’t!” That’s when God says, “Exactly! I never said that you could, I only said that I would.”
Effectively, Paul wrote the same thing in Second Corinthians.
“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us,” 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 NIV
In extreme conditions beyond their ability to endure and despairing of life itself, Paul points out that there was nothing of themselves that they could rely upon. Basically, Paul said, “I can’t!” Then, graciously, the “but God” part of the equation followed, and, miraculously, Paul and his associates were delivered from deadly peril.
A few verses later Paul declares, “Our sufficiency is not of ourselves, but our sufficiency comes from God.” (2 Corinthians 3:5)
“I can’t, but God can!” shoots an arrow straight into the heart of legalism. Truly successful service for the Kingdom of God will never be about what we accomplish, but about what God accomplishes through us. The New Covenant message should ring loud and clear - “Not I, but Christ in me”. We can do all things through Christ, and upon Him, alone, we set our hope as we march forward victoriously in His triumphal procession.
Shadows of movement flirted at the mouth of the cave. Hushed footsteps fell against dampened soil while covertness was lost to loose pebbles, jungle debris, and whispering dialog. The young Marine counted at least three separate voices just outside the cave opening. He readied his aim at the spider resting in the center of it’s completed web. The silky string pattern undulated in the tropical breeze. It was a wonder that the spider had completed the laborious task so quickly. Yet, at this dire moment, the young Marine had little appreciation for the spider. The dripping despair of the brevity of life was weeping out of his pores. His eyes burned with the liquidity of tears and sweat. His sentence of death was fast approaching. He expected the worst, but refused to cower in fear. He would die facing the enemy and would fight to the end.
Frightened, the spider aggressively positioned it’s front legs in defense. The hand of the enemy approached the web. The young Marine’s trigger finger pulled taunt. He held his breath. Another hand appeared and touched the web. Having it’s bluff called, the spider hurriedly crawled to the perimeter of the web and disappeared into a rock crevice. Then voices intermingled into gibberish as the Japanese soldiers eased away from the cave. The young Marine let out his breath as his pursuers moved further down the ridge line.
The young Marine dropped to his knees in disbelief. The undisturbed and intact spider web had fooled the enemy into believing that no one was hiding in the small cave. Riddled with emotions, the young Marine began to cry. “I couldn’t, but God, You did! You delivered me via a spider web stronger than a brick wall.”
P.S. I have heard and/or read about the spider web story a few times. Each time it has been served with different locales, modified characters, and etched with various historical events. Those attributes hint at legend instead of truth. I’ve even read a tale where David was saved from King Sauls’ soldiers in such a manner (not described in the Bible by the way). However, the following passage of Scripture is in the Bible;
“Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless. What they trust in is fragile; what they rely on is a spider’s web. They lean on the web, but it gives way; they cling to it, but it does not hold.” Job 8:13-15 NIV
I find that paradoxically interesting because God loves to manifest His power through weakness. The Lord told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).
So in the Book of Job, we read Scripture specifically detailing the weakness and fragility of a spider web and relating it to the destiny of the godless who lean upon it. Wouldn’t it be ironic, with twists of humor, if God validated deliverance through the use of it?
The story of the spider web might very well be an urban legend. Although, many times, legends are built from elemental truths. Personally, the story speaks volumes to me because I’ve experienced Divine Intervention in a similar way. If not for God’s mighty hand of protection on a ridge line one night in Nevada, I would not be writing this today. I can personally testify that when I reached the end of myself and cried, “I can’t!”, God responded with a miraculous “I will!”. As someone once said, “Faith is seeing the invisible, believing the incredible, and receiving the impossible!” I certainly agree with that sentiment and annunciate it with a resolute Amen!
Clutch of Faith
Daniel Harvey Hill was an opinionated, outspoken, and deeply religious man. Having graduated from West Point in the class of 1842, he had an aggressive and strict demeanor that served him well as he fought in the Mexican-American War. Proving his leadership abilities in battle, he was promoted quickly and when the American Civil War broke out, Daniel Hill soon found himself commanding the Army of Tennessee as a Lieutenant General for the Confederacy. As a soldier and a scholar, Daniel Hill was full of grit and wit. With a dry sense of humor that oozed with sarcasm, he found ample opportunities to express himself verbally and in writings throughout his career of two-wars and one-dozen-battles.
The front wheel of my dirt bike approached the log. I squeezed the clutch lever while I simultaneously twisted the throttle and revved the engine. Unfortunately, at that critical juncture, the clutch emphatically declared that it was time to quit working. Thus, my carefully timed wheelie that was going to let me hop heroically over the log did not go well. The front wheel slammed into the log, and then I flew wildly over the handlebars. The good news - my body easily cleared the log. The bad news - my dirt bike remained forlornly disabled on the other side of the log.
Now, a valid question at this time would be; “What does a Confederate General have to do with a broken clutch and my lack of grace?”
As I laid on my back looking up at the puffy white clouds sailing overhead, I remembered a short story about General Daniel Hill that made me giggle in an “aha” moment. Once, during the Civil War, Daniel Hill received a request from a soldier to transfer to the band. In quick-witted fashion, he denied the request with the following phrase, “Shooters are more needed than tooters.” (1)
Yes, I thought that was funny. Yes, I had my helmet on. No, I don’t need concussion protocol. Don’t worry. My train of thought is just pulling into the station. All aboard!
Concerning faith, there have been many illustrations offered up over the decades simply because faith is one of the more important Biblical topics. Scripture states, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 NIV
So we understand that without faith, it’s impossible to please God. Obviously, per Scripture, faith is imperative. But what is faith really? That question has perplexed many authors throughout the ages. How should faith be described? The Bible defines faith as, “.....confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 NIV
Since I’m kind of a gear head, one of the greatest illustrations to describe faith that I’ve ever come across is that “faith is like a clutch in a manual transmission”. God is like the engine. He has all the power and potential energy, but without the clutch there is no means to get all that power transferred to the wheel(s) at the right time. In other words, without operating obedient faith, we will end up flat on our backs looking up at the sky going nowhere.
Faith is the clutch that connects us to all of God’s awesome divine power. Conversely, the opposite is also true. A lack of faith will quickly disconnect us from the power and smash us into a log.
Faith is how we interact with God so that all that is possible through Him becomes available to us. We can slip the clutch which is likened to compromising our faith or we can pop the clutch and let God’s mighty power wheelie us over any obstacle in life. To successfully navigate the tribulations of life, we must repeatedly use our faith. It’s not an option. The proper clutch application of faith should be as fundamentally important to a Christian as kneeling down in prayer or reading the Bible. Just like with my dirt bike, without the clutch of faith, we will have a horrible time moving down the trail of life, that for most of us is littered with multiple obstacles. It is essential that we learn to use and apply the clutch of faith because God’s activity in our lives is directly related to our degree of faith.
“For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”” Romans 1:17 NIV
What, then, is the answer to tapping God’s unfathomable power?
Simple answer: Faith!
“He (Jesus) replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.””
Matthew 17:20 NIV
That’s not the end of the story, though, because we cannot just “toot” about our faith and expect results. Remember my “aha” giggle moment and the phrase “Shooters are more needed than tooters”? Appropriately then, bringing it all together, Christian soldiers must exercise their faith in the accompaniment of obedient action.
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:17 NIV
Many Christians like to toot about their faith, but, frankly, unless that faith is reinforced with actions, it means nothing. It is useless and dead. And we all know what happens when our clutch of faith dies on the trail of life. Yikes! My back still hurts.
(1) Farwell, Byron. “The Encyclopedia of Nineteenth-Century Land Warfare: An Illustrated World View.” Google Books, Google, 2001, books.google.com/pg398
Cross The Rubicon
Part II
“Wholehearted”
Crossing the Rubicon is all about never going back and never looking back. It is an unwavering focus on the other side that defines a point of no return. It is the proverbial “line in the sand” that once crossed epically describes the irrevocable steps of commitment. It is the application of entirety to the cause no matter what happens.
On July 21, 1861, the first major battle of the American Civil War was fought. Called the “First Battle of Manassas” by Confederate forces and the “First Battle of Bull Run” by Union forces, the fighting proved to be fiercely intimidating. With bravery and fortitude demonstrated on both sides of the battlefield, the conflict highlighted wholehearted commitment amongst the soldiers and compelled many sobering reflections for all involved. The high number of losses for both sides was a vivid indicator to everyone that the war would be long and bloody. A relatively unknown Confederate General named Thomas J. Jackson earned his nickname “Stonewall” during the battle as he stood unflinchingly in the face of the enemy while other lesser known stories of audacity surfaced later. One such story involved an unknown soldier of the top-notch Fifth Maine Regiment fighting for the Union. As the Maine troops were leaving the battlefield, the unknown soldier stepped up to an officer, and requested to borrow a knife. The officer took out a pocket knife, and handed it to the soldier. Promptly, the soldier sat down at the side of the road, pulled up his pant’s leg, and proceeded to dig a musket-ball out of his leg. After his painful self-administered road-side surgery, he then jumped up and resumed the march. Later, upon hearing the story of the unrelenting toughness and commitment displayed by the unknown Union soldier, Reverend Henry Cox, a Confederate supporter, was taken aback. While preaching at a Confederate camp meeting, he noted the story and finished his sermon with the following words; “Brethren, we had better adjourn this camp meeting, and go home and drill.” (1)
Very few individuals could withstand being shot, much less dig the very projectile out of their own leg, then get back up and resume marching. That is a wholehearted commitment! As Reverend Cox noted, that is intimidating, better-drill-more, hard-to-beat, wholehearted commitment. That is the definition of a soldier that crossed the Rubicon and never looked back. And that demonstrated wholeheartedness is a fearsome force to be reckoned with. Imagine if we mirrored that kind of unwavering commitment and dedication in our own Christian lives. Nothing could stop us. Indeed, onlookers would step aside and exclaim, “March on, Christian soldier!”
Tragically, approximately 3,500 years ago, the Israelite assembly was turned away from the banks of the Jordan and the wonderful milk-and-honey-flowing Promised Land. Dejectedly, they trudged into the barren desert to begin forty years of aimless ambling. However, there were two individual exceptions to the generational judgment against Israel that forced them to wander in the wilderness for forty years. Due to their lack of faith and well-nourished spirit of fear, God had declared that anyone twenty years and older would not see the Promised Land and would perish in the wilderness. Only two men, named Joshua and Caleb, proved to be the exception.
“Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.” Numbers 14:30 NIV
Why?
“But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.” Numbers 14:24 NIV
When the twelve Israelite spies returned from reconnoitering the land of Canaan, only two men trusted God enough to advise the Israelite assembly to cross the Jordan. Both Joshua and Caleb exclaimed, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”” Numbers 14:7-9 NIV
Both Joshua and Caleb had a different spirit about them. They both were faithfully committed to God, and wholeheartedly followed Him.
Wholehearted is an interesting word. As an adjective it means complete commitment and/or full sincerity. Unlike it’s closely related, but antonymic brother “half-hearted”, wholehearted denotes entirety, fullness, and devoutness. Separated apart, “whole-hearted” still offers the same definitional concept — application of your whole heart at all times.
Jesus stated, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48 NIV
We know that sinless perfection is impossible in this life so we might find that command to be a rather daunting and unreasonable request. Irrefutably, God is absolute in His perfection, but when applied to us, “perfect” also means to be found complete, mature, and thoroughly finished. In other words, in our relationship with God we should strive to be whole. There’s that word again. Variations of whole, like wholly, fully, complete, and wholehearted, show up in the Bible many times. It isn’t a coincidence. It is a concept that permeates the pages of the Bible. We are to have a resolute commitment to walk wholeheartedly with God. King Solomon offered the same advice to the Israelites during the dedication of the Temple.
“And may your hearts be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.” 1 Kings 8:61 NIV
There is an interesting psychological principle called the Gestalt Shift. Basically, it describes the moment that an aspect perception, or the “seeing-as”, changes. The most common and famous example given is the simple duck-rabbit image.
Given one perception, the image is a duck. With another perception, the image is a rabbit. Nothing in or about the image changes. Just our internal “seeing-as” is altered as we shift from duck to rabbit. Some people have difficulty making the switch. Some only ever see a duck. Others only ever see a rabbit. Sometimes, prompting is required to help the person see the other image. Once both images have been “seen”, however, most people can shift back and forth at will. Interestingly, there is also another intriguing point that remains with Gestalt Shift images. That point of certainty is that we cannot see both images at the same time. The image cannot be a duck and a rabbit at the exact same moment. The shift can happen very quickly, but it still is either a duck or a rabbit at any given moment. Most people, in fact, can’t see a duck and a rabbit together even when given the same image side by side unless another prompt is given. The Gestalt Shift is an interesting human behavioral condition that has been applied to many topics including theist vs. atheist propositions. Some questions within those arguments include; Is an atheist an individual that can’t make the shift?
“He (Jesus) went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”” John 6:65 NIV
Or is an atheist an individual that hasn’t been given a prompt?
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.” John 6:44 NIV
There is no desire on my part to dive into those tangential topics. Whether the Gestalt Shift accurately describes deep theological views or not, it is a perfect illustration of what many of us “Christians” do in our personal lives. Regrettably, many Christians (myself included) shift perspectives from worldly to Godly and then back to worldly views all the time.
First it’s a rabbit, then, two seconds later, it’s a duck. We shift from seeing God in everything to seeing a self-centered image bombarded by the things of this world. For example, a Christian makes a resolution to keep God first each and every day and then skips church the next three Sundays to go skiing. Another example could be offered where a Christian sees and feels the need to offer tithes but then squelches the idea so that a newly purchased toy can reside in his/her garage.
Unfortunately, that constant shift between wholeheartedly following God and keeping step with the world results in a halfhearted approach. Half-heartedness is what displeases God, and makes a victorious Christian life very difficult if not impossible. When God is our focal point and frame of reference, our minds and vision see things completely different. Everything is compared to God which makes the giants in our lives seem small. On the other hand, a worldly shift to where God is no longer the main reference point makes the giants grow and makes us appear like grasshoppers (Numbers 13:33). It is nearly impossible to overcome spiritual battles with that perspective.
In the Book of Revelation, Jesus rebuked the Laodiceans by declaring, “So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:16 NIV
Those words seem rather harsh, but, in point of fact, a lukewarm or halfhearted approach to following God is equivalent to rejecting Christ because no one can serve two masters. (Matthew 6:24)
Wholeheartedly following God, then, is keeping the image and perception from shifting. It is keeping a God centered perspective all of the time just like Caleb.
Caleb’s victorious example set God as the reference on which everything in his life hinged. His vision revolved around God which, in turn, kept his focus and a powerful faithful perspective. Hence, Caleb was able to loudly proclaim, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” Numbers 13:30 NIV
Caleb is a testament to perseverance and unyielding faith as well. He endured forty years of wandering the wilderness while patiently waiting for God to fulfill His promise. Then, at the appropriate time, Caleb stated to Joshua, “Now then, just as the Lord promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.” Joshua 14:10-12 NIV
What an amazing proclamation of faith. Here we see Caleb, at eighty-five years old, ready and willing to take on the Anakites. That was no small task! The Anakites, also referenced as the Anakim, were a giant race of people. Some schools of thought believe the Anakim descended from the Nephilim, an extremely powerful race referenced in pre-flood times. Speculation carries the Anakim race forward through genealogy to the notable “Goliath” giant that David encountered and killed. Despite opinions concerning ancestral lineage, the Anakim were, indeed, tall, strong, and great warriors that were primarily responsible for the Israelites’ fear to cross the Jordan. Yet, vigorous and fearless Caleb, at eighty-five years old, is ready to drive them out and take his piece of the Promised Land. How can he be so bold and confident?
Caleb constantly applies God to every equation. Accordingly then, he knew that the Anakites were nothing compared to God.
“With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.” Psalms 108:13 NIV
Unswervingly, Caleb gives the Lord credit for his life and his strength. Then he mentions the Lord in reference to His earlier promise. Finally, Caleb states that the Lord will help him succeed. That is a man with a solid and unwavering perspective — a Godly perspective. That is a man wholeheartedly committed to God which, in turn, stimulates mountain moving faith. Caleb could have selected much easier land to occupy, but that was not his spirit. He wanted the land of the giants, and he knew that it was possible through God who gave him strength. Caleb demonstrated a “cross the Rubicon” mindset in his words and his actions. He knew, very well, the consequences of crossing the Jordan and, even at eighty-five years of age, he was prepared for them with God leading the way. Caleb also understood the great rewards that God provided on the other side. He was a man willing to go forth crossing the Jordan to take hold of the promises that God offered. We see Caleb’s life as a great example of what is possible for us too if we are willing to wholeheartedly plunge across the Rubicon in spirit and then obediently follow God with our hearts across the Jordan.
The world and flesh are at war with a God-centered life. Just like in the Gestalt Shift, it is not possible to see and yearn for things of this world while still wholeheartedly following God. We either see God painting a beautiful picture in our lives or we see ourselves painting our own worldly picture. We cannot have it both ways.
Does that mean we cannot enjoy anything or have anything or do anything in this world? Of course not! God understands our needs, our desires, and our lives. He understands that we need cars, computers, and phones. He knows that we need clothes, shoes, gas, and groceries. He sees the need for money to pay bills and mortgages. And He also comprehends our emotional and physical limits including burnout and fatigue. Therefore, fun activities and vacations are totally acceptable. So when does this worldly shift become a problem? Once again, the answer can be found in the word wholehearted. It is and will always be about the heart. If we long for a sports car more than we long for quiet time with God, we have just shifted. Now, it’s a problem. If we would rather count the money in our bank accounts than read Scripture, we have shifted. Who or what is the true God of our life? If we would rather memorize football stats than memorize the Living Word of God, we have shifted. Notice that I said “would rather” in all those examples. There is nothing wrong with memorizing football stats or saving money. But there is a lot wrong with prioritizing those things above God. God commanded us to NOT place any other gods above Him, and, in the blink of an eye, we ratcheted a car, money, and football above Him. Not good! That is the worldly switch, and it can happen quickly. It is no different than the Israelites longing for the things of Egypt. We’ve read the accounts and cringed inside each time. We learned that a halfhearted approach to following God didn’t go well for them. Should we expect a different outcome for ourselves?
It is critical and essential that with the whole of our hearts, we keep God first. We will sabotage innumerable blessings if we don’t comply.
So why the long discourse on wholeheartedly following God? Quite simply, it is the requirement to cross the Jordan. Without that maturative prerequisite in place, we will never see victories in the Promised Land. We will cross the river only to experience humiliating losses. To reiterate with hazards flashing, crossing the Jordan while still shifting views will result in some devastating defeats.
There is nothing easy and immature about crossing the Jordan. On the other side of the Jordan is where heavyweight spiritual battles are fought and won, but only if we surrender all first. We have to be willing to commit everything to Christ. We need the same tenacity demonstrated by that Civil War soldier at the Battle of Bull Run. We must be willing to dig out the Adamic nature of self, toss it aside, get back up, start marching, and never look back. Having then crossed the Rubicon, we can pick up our crosses and march into battle on the other side of the Jordan where God always leads triumphantly in Christ.
(To be continued...)
(1) http://docsouth.unc.edu/ramsey
Fear Not
(COVID-19)
There is an old Persian proverb that was made famous by Martin Luther King Jr. when he stated,
“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.”
That quote is reminiscent of a passage of Scripture where Abram was experiencing fear and unbelief, and then he was reminded in a vision of God’s greatness and forthcoming promises.
“After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: "Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great." But Abram said, "O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?" And Abram said, "Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir." And behold, the word of the Lord came to him: "This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir." And he brought him outside and said, "Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.”
Genesis 15:1-6 ESV
The law of first occurrence is established with several phrases in that passage of Scripture. In other words, there are several phrases that first appear in that passage of Scripture that are used multiple times, if not hundreds of times, throughout the Bible.
They include “Fear not”, and “I am your shield”.
These are unprecedented times full of darkness, yet the promises of innumerable blessings twinkle amidst the vast darkness. We must trust in Gods’ promises, and never surrender to the world and it’s avalanche of fear. We must stand strong in faith and be courageous. It is in times like these that we must firmly believe God and His Word, and hold our hands up in victorious faith for God always leadeth us in triumph in Christ. We can “Fear Not” because God is our shield. As an overshadowing Rock, no matter what happens, we can rest under the shadow of the Almighty. He is a tower of refuge, and we can find peace and strength in Him!
Tomorrow is a mystery that God holds in His hands. I have no idea what tomorrow will bring for any of us, nor does anyone else, but God does, and He has promised that in all things and in every situation He will work for the good for those who love Him. Fear not!
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6 NIV
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Cross the Rubicon
Part I
Barely exceeding the appearance of a wide stream, the water course flowed Northeast out of the mountains towards the Adriatic Sea. Although, not much of an obstacle in the physical realm, the shallow river delineated the northern boundary of Italy. As a result, it defined a lawful line in the sand and, quite literally, a point of no return. A Roman clad general stood at the edge of the river contemplating his next actions. Behind him, numbering in the thousands, stirred a fervently barbaric army of soldiers awaiting his next command. The general kicked some loose pebbles into the slow moving water and then turned to his loyal 13th Legion. Lifting his sword into the air, he exclaimed, “Even yet we may drawback, but once cross yon little bridge, and the whole issue is with the sword."
A thunderous cry erupted and surged through the ranks. They had no desire to stop marching. They would go wherever he led. The general turned around again and eyed the other side of the river. The decision burdened his mind, and seemed to press his shoulder armor deep into his spine. To cross the river was tantamount to treason and a declaration of war. Earlier, he had been ordered by the Roman Senate to disband his army. And yet, here he stood still in command, speculating the verboten. It was expressly prohibited for him to enter Italy leading an army. By Roman law, all who crossed the boundary river under his command would be sentenced to death.
Standing on the edge of the river, the general gazed into the shallows where calm waters pooled. A reflection of a war-hardened and emotionally cold warrior stared unblinkingly back. Selfish ambition and pride crowned the reflection. He considered himself one of the greatest military leaders of all time. He was not far from the truth. His victories had stunned the Senate and expanded Roman control far beyond what was thought possible. In strength and influence, none could compare. He had even militarily eclipsed Rome itself. He was powerful. “Too powerful”, he mused. Hence the reason, he had been ordered to disband and return. The Senate and the great Pompey, himself, feared the military might that the mirrored reflection represented. Rightfully so, for the general was confident that his army wielded enough power to make him sole dictator of Rome.
A cynical grin curved across the small pool of water before the reflection of Julius Caesar rippled away. His fighting days were not over. He would not dissolve into quiet nothingness. He stepped into the flowing water of the river with a wave of his sword. “The die is cast,” he asserted solemnly as he and his army exploded with a deafening roar across the Rubicon River.
On January 10, 49 BC, Julius Caesar and his 13th Legion crossed the Rubicon River, and declared war on the Rome Republic. By 45 BC, Caesar had gained complete civil war victory, garnering leadership of the Roman government. His brazen actions effectively ushered in the Roman Empire which later cemented the historical axiom that all roads lead to Rome. Likewise, Caesar’s crossing of the Rubicon bore it’s own idiom down through the war-ravaged centuries to the present. Appropriately then, “Cross the Rubicon” means to reach the point of no return, to take an irrevocable step, or to take an action with definitive consequences.
This is a picture of a mangled T-29 Convair propeller hub. On February 25, 1962, a three-man crew departed Amarillo, Texas on a liaison flight. The crew included Captain Richard E. Bellamy, pilot,
Major J. E. Lunsford, copilot, and Staff Sergeant E. L. Fairey, flight engineer. With a northwesterly flight route, the flat topography quickly gave way to rising terrain. Their selected altitude was barely adequate as they flew into mountainous terrain with deteriorating weather. The foul weather transformed into a blinding snowstorm. Flying blind with no reference to the horizon and cruising at a reported altitude of 14,000 feet, they figuratively placed their lives on the roll of the die. They were above most obstacles, but not all. Tragically, the flight course winged them into a box canyon guarded by a couple of mountains towering approximately 200 feet above their cruising altitude. They had “crossed the Rubicon” with no idea of the giants that lay ahead. The consequences proved to be deadly. Due to accumulating snow depths and continued bad weather, the wreckage wasn’t located until May 18, 1962.
It took a couple of attempts for my son and I to find the Convair T-29 wreckage. As a result, we had ample opportunity to hike the rugged country. It is steep and unforgiving, but beautiful and captivating at the same time. To embrace it safely, the high country must be respected and approached according to natures’ terms. For hikers, those prerequisites for entering include trekking poles, supportive boots, good cardio, plenty of water, snacks, clothing layers, and a wary eye for approaching weather. For airplanes and flight safety in the mountains, the prerequisites are altitude, airspeed, ample power, and then, if in doubt, more altitude. Sadly, extrapolating the flight path just beyond the impact point of the T-29, the jagged peaks shrink away. The Convair flight crew would have cleared the rest of the mountains along their journey. Just two hundred feet higher, and they probably would have reached their intended destination. That’s all they needed. However, the decision to “Cross the Rubicon” without abiding by the sine quibus non of flying in mountainous terrain (i.e. more altitude) had serious ramifications.
As always, when another adventure comes to an end, I spend some time reflecting. Most times I learn something valuable to apply in my own life. Then, eventually, I write it down. Here’s what I learned.....
“Crossing the Rubicon” is not necessarily a bad thing. For the flight crew of the Convair, it was disastrous, but that was simply because they ignored the conditional terms of flying in the mountains. Very likely, due to the snowstorm, they were not sure of their position, but even that would have necessitated an immediate climb. There has to be an understanding that “Crossing the Rubicon” comes with mandatory rules and prerequisites. Accordingly, Julius Caesar knew that when he crossed the Rubicon, he was going to war. There was no doubt, he was starting a fight. There were definite consequences associated with the action. As long as we understand the consequences of “Crossing the Rubicon” and are prepared for it, there can be huge gains by going across. Really, “Crossing the Rubicon” can represent a very exciting way to live. Much like entering a new frontier, there is much exploration to be done on the other side. There is potential for great victories. It can represent a whole new life where there is no desire to turn back. Beyond the point of no return, our old lives are gone, and we courageously move forward into more productive and victorious lives. That sounds exciting, but there is a catch. Going across has to be done with a keen awareness of the pitfalls, dangers, and giants in the land. The risk has to be mitigated to justify the crossing. There is always the possibility of horrible defeats if we cross unprepared and unwilling to obey the rules imposed on the other side. The Convair flight crew crossed over without obedience to safe altitudes, and they paid a hefty price. Julius Caesar crossed over with the strength of the 13th Legion behind him. There were risks, but his mighty army tempered them. With an awareness of what lay ahead and the willingness to fight, Caesar gained victory and sole dictatorship of Rome.
It always amazes me how many life lessons are spelled out in the Bible. Many people think that the Bible especially the Old Testament is nothing but a boring historical text with no application to our current lives. Therefore they either skip to the more “applicable” New Testament or they simply let dust settle on their Bibles. But the Old Testament is really quite fascinating, and is chocked full of lessons for everyone especially growing Christians. As a whole, the Bible is the best “self-help” “life guide” a person can study. Within it’s many pages, we can learn the “do’s and don’ts” of life and be taught by the Greatest Teacher. Many people complain that God is too quiet, and that He doesn’t provide guidance anymore. They want burning bush experiences or mountain top revelations in order to believe or act. Albeit very cool and faith stimulating, those awe inspiring events are not necessary anymore. God doesn’t have to thunderously boom instructions out of a pillar of fire because He has already written a lively instruction manual for us to follow. With the Living Word, we have everything we need to walk with Him. All of the directions and answers to life are nestled between the pages starting with Genesis “In the beginning” to the final Revelational “Amen”. Now, I will admit that some passages of Scripture are less than straightforward and do not make for easy reading, but, in those cases, they were intentionally written that way so that we would have to meditate and think upon the Word. With the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can slowly begin to understand the meaning. The Bible was penned by men, but authored by God. Therefore, it takes the Holy Spirit’s guidance to understand the deeper meanings. The Bible is not a one-and-done read. On the contrary, the Bible will require multiple passes. Individually, most books of the Bible will take many study sessions to glean all the information that God has presented. The Bible is intricately woven together with promises, rewards, and consequences that are illustrated throughout centuries of real life historical examples. Approximately forty different writers separated by multiple centuries penned the books of the Bible, yet the Bible remains consistent throughout its' pages. Amazingly, despite a 1500 year time span, all the books of the Bible, in point of fact, direct readers to one central theme — Jesus Christ! Without contradiction, the Bible is obviously God “breathed”!
With those principles in mind, the first six books of the Bible paint a vivid picture of Gods’ dealings with Man. As such, they are critically important to understand as we try to make sense of our own Christian journeys. As Paul wrote to believers in Corinth, “These things happened to them (Israelites) as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.” 1 Corinthians 10:11 NIV
Those examples harken us to pay close attention. There are patterns and symbolism throughout the Old Testament that bring the books to life. To simply read it as a historical text, is to miss the interactive mural that God has painted for us. It is a wonderfully orchestrated symphony of events directed by God that begs us to hear our own footsteps and heartbeats as we walk along with the Israelites. Much like the Israelites, God never intended for us to stay in Egypt or roam around in the wilderness and suffer spiritual defeats. The Promised Land was and is waiting. There were and are victories to be won! God wanted us to “Cross the Rubicon”, or more aptly, the Jordan, with these words in our hearts and on our lips; “It is the Lord our God we must follow, and Him we must revere. We must keep His commands and obey Him. We must serve Him and hold fast to Him.” To do otherwise, is not honoring the conditions and prerequisites on the other side which ultimately brings about major consequences. But before we can cross the Jordan, we must first cross the Red Sea. The two are emphatically linked.
Within the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible) we find the famous narrative describing the Israelites in slavery suffering under harsh Egyptian rule, and their eventual providential exodus under the leadership of Moses. Appropriately named, the Book of Exodus chronicles the events, including the Ten Plagues that lead up to the Israelites’ release from bondage. Although allowed to defiantly march away while the Egyptians buried their firstborns, the Israelites were soon pursued as Pharaoh with his hardened heart and his Egyptian army set chase. Then the amazing finality of deliverance occurred as God parted and the Israelites crossed the Red Sea.
The story of the parting and crossing of the Red Sea is one of the most amazing miracles described in the Bible. Besides the action packed storyline, it presents a wonderful message of deliverance from slavery that foreshadows our own deliverance from the slavery of sin.
There are many things in the Old Testament that illustrate New Testament truth. Called “types”, they are symbolic pictures that point us to what God planned all along — Jesus Christ. As the Apostle Paul describes in First Corinthians, the Israelites’ crossing of the Red Sea was their baptism into Moses. Paul continues describing the symbolism surrounding the exodus events with a Christ-centered representation.
“For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.” 1 Corinthians 10:1-4 NIV
With such prefigurative narrative, the crossing of the Red Sea not only describes the historical and physical salvation of the Israelites from slavery, but symbolically represents the redemptive work of Christ to save us from the slavery of sin. In Romans we read,
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4 NIV
Practically speaking, the crossing of the Red Sea is the moment that a person identifies with Christ, and therefore accepts His redemptive work on the cross. That person believes the good news of the Gospel and becomes a follower of Christ. God has parted the Red Sea and provided an escape from the consequences of sin if we will cross over. Reaching the other side, the believer finds a new life in Christ. It is the resurrectional identification with Christ. To cross the Red Sea is to leave the worldly Egypt behind, and find freedom from sin in a Christian life.
As such, to cross the Red Sea is to gain salvation! What a wonderful gift, but there are rules and conditions on the other side that must be honored or we will spend a lot of time wishing for the things of Egypt and living deflated and defeated Christian lives. Remember, to cross over should be considered a point of no return. Longing for the things of Egypt (the world) after crossing the Red Sea is detrimental and very much like flying blind.
So what are the rules of engagement on the other side?
Moses proclaimed these words to the Israelites before they finally crossed the Jordan.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV
Then Jesus also offered up the first and greatest commandment in a passage of Scripture in Matthew.
Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38 NIV
If we continue reading Exodus, we see the same sentiment expressed by God to the Israelites after He provided water for them in the desert.
God said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.” Exodus 15:26 NIV
Soon after crossing the Red Sea, God issued the Ten Commandments to Moses on top of Mount Sinai, and, once again, the number one commandment on the list --
“You shall have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3 NIV
That theme remains consistent throughout the Bible. God is to be feared, trusted, and loved with every ounce of our being. Nothing nor no one takes His place of centrality in our lives. That is the primary rule to be obeyed in order to live a life of abundance on the other side. What happens if we don’t honor those terms?
Exodus Chapter 32 describes the Israelites violating the main rule when they cast an idol and bow down to it in worship. In true blatant fashion, they disregard the first command and brazenly seek another god. As a result, a life of abundance in a land flowing with milk and honey quickly morphs to bloody plague-littered consequences. About three thousand Israelites were immediately killed by their own. It would have been worse and the death toll much higher if Moses hadn’t interceded on the Israelites’ behalf. Throughout the time spent in the wilderness, we learn valuable lessons from the Israelites’ pattern of noncompliance. Over and over again, their disobedience and contemptuous testing of God lead to dire consequences. In fact, their final defiant act of not trusting God brought about a forty year wilderness experience that resulted in nothing but a moving funeral procession while an entire generation of Israelites died. Obviously, the Promised Land they had marched out of Egypt to find remained an unreachable destination because they didn’t learn to abide by the conditional terms after crossing the Red Sea.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
The Promised Land was theirs for the taking. They had everything they needed to cross the Jordan and possess the land except faith. Unfortunately, without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6), and thusly, the demonstrated lack of it cost the Israelites dearly.
To cross the Red Sea is a wonderful and joyful event that should invoke a song in our hearts (Exodus 15). The gift of salvation keeps us from drowning in the sinful waters of this world and wasting away as slaves destined for Hell. However, God never intended for Christians to stop in the wilderness just on the other side of the Red Sea. God never intended for us to wander aimlessly in the wilderness contemplating our old lives and wishing for the things of Egypt. He wanted us to continue walking with Him as He remained in the center of our lives (Where did the tabernacle reside amidst the encampment of Israel?). God wants us to mature, learn, trust, and then, in faith, cross the Jordan. Crossing the Red Sea is great, but crossing the Jordan is where the full armor of God is donned and spiritual battles are won. In the wilderness, discouragement and despair proliferate and lead to defeated Christian lives, but beyond the rolling waters of the Jordan River the walls of Jericho tumble down. The giants looming in our personal lives will tremble and fall if we will cross to the other side of the Jordan. Across the Jordan, mighty victories can be won and victorious Christian lives can be lived. But, first, we must honor the conditional terms of crossing. We must understand that crossing the Jordan is “Crossing the Rubicon” and defines a point of no return. There are requirements to cross safely and rules to be followed on the other side. Noncompliance will quickly snatch defeat from assured victory. We cannot ignore the prerequisites or else we won’t conquer the giants on the other side. We must be strong and courageous in the Lord. We must obey His commands. There will be battles to fight, and we must have the strength of Christ in us to win. Christ leads the way to the Promised Land. The die is cast. It is time to move in faith. Let us prepare to bravely “Cross the Rubicon” as we boldly cross the Jordan.
(To be continued….)
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The Gifts
Silence rang it’s voluminous bells in the place that I stood. Even the faintest distant sounds could be detected. Far off, I heard a growling murmur that beckoned my eyes skyward. High above, approaching six or seven miles, a contrail marked the passage of a jet winging it’s way East. At 600 knots over the ground, the muffled growl lasted a mere thirty seconds and was gone. Then quietness cloaked by nothingness collapsed around me and left me to my inner thoughts and reflection.
The Lord said to Israel, “For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.”
That prophecy was declared in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Isaiah (44:3 NIV).
As I waited in nervous anticipation, I thought about that passage of Scripture in the Book of Isaiah. It seemed to be a rather arbitrary verse to reflect upon since I was standing in the middle of nowhere surrounded by miles and miles of rugged high desert. There was a flowing river within walking distance, but this distinct locale was in stark contrast to a flood plain or low lying basin. Well above the river, and far away from easy water collection, this place was dry and arid. The river could not be seen, and without previous knowledge of it’s existence, this site aptly described desolate isolation lacking any life giving properties. Yet, in my defense, I wasn’t randomly wandering through Old Testament Scriptures without a connection. I currently stood upon a rusty-red deposit of recently moistened and glistening travertine limestone layered with colorful orange, yellow, and brown streaks. Quite unlike the dry bleakness of unending sand and dirt, this interesting geographical feature had puddles of water still reflecting the mid-morning sun. Like a palm tree deficient oasis, life-giving water obviously flowed out onto the thirsty and dry ground here, but how and why?
“What were those other passages of Scripture?” I muttered to myself with a furrowed brow. I fumbled with my phone for a few minutes and finally located the verses I sought.
Jesus said, “....but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14 NIV)
“On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”” (John 7:37-38 NIV)
I smiled as I closed out the Bible app and put the phone back in my pocket. It seemed that this little adventure packed a solid spiritual punch. It was speaking to me, but I needed more information and experience to understand it.
“How long?”
The question reeled me back to the present moment. The voice belonged to my son, Keegan.
“Not really sure. Maybe another thirty minutes,” I guessed optimistically.
“How high?”
“Supposedly, thirty feet,” I answered.
“That’s pretty cool. I hope it erupts soon,” he offered as he scrutinized another interesting photo perspective and then reengaged his photographer’s eye for a few more shots.
A burbling sound grabbed our attention, and we fixed our eyes on the bore hole at our feet. Climbing out of the depths, a rising column of water appeared and then pushed out of the hole with a plop. Lackadaisically at first, more water babbled out over the rim of the hole. More bubbles, more plops, and more gurgles soon morphed to surges, spurts, and groans. With increasing enthusiasm, the water poured out of the hole. Lifting out of the depths accompanied by an ever-increasing growling whistle, more and more water breached the surface. The frothy cold water started arcing out of the hole with force. Gaining height, momentum, and boldness, the eruption arced overhead and splashed towards a dramatic climax.
There are very few cold-water geysers in the world. Parenthetically qualified with “that I know of”, there are three located in Germany, a couple in Slovakia, one in Brazil, and four in the United States. Unlike their hot-headed and steam-driven brothers, cold-water geysers erupt due to carbon dioxide charging. Much like a soda-pop drink, the carbon dioxide remains in solution until a release in pressure is experienced. A weakness in the overlying strata in the form of a fissure or man-made bore hole offers an escape path and a pressure release for the carbon-dioxide laden water. The carbon dioxide then comes out of solution, and the expanding bubbles drive the eruption. It is a fascinating experience to watch a cold-water geyser erupt. Typically, the erupting water is frothy white, and since it originates from a deep underground aquifer, it is quite cold. Hence, the name. Unlike hot-water geysers that force a person to keep some self-preservation distance unless scalding is desired, cold-water geysers almost demand a frolic session in the spraying water. Probably not wise to consume, (read that as don’t drink the water), but the water is certainly refreshing to play in on a hot day.
This cold-water geyser eruption that I am thoroughly enjoying is called Champagne Geyser. It is a wonderfully active little geyser that erupts thirty to forty feet in the air. It is way off the beaten path which, in my opinion, makes it an even better and more fulfilling experience. Brimming full with wide open spaces, sage brush, sand, and rocks, the surrounding landscape elicits thoughts of Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch gang sneaking along the sun-drenched mesas. Remote and untamed beauty hover on the expansive horizons in every direction, leaving a person, like myself, reveling in the echoing silence.
Of course, unless a person’s timing is perfect, there could be an extended wait time for Champagne’s next eruption. But, believe me, it is worth it! We were fortunate during our visit since we were rewarded with a fifteen minute eruption after only waiting one hour. As always, I try to make the most of that “be-still-and-know” time in nature, and this little adventure gave me a wonderful opportunity to reflect on God’s mighty handy work. Post eruption and a couple of days later, I finally realized the spiritual parallel that Champagne Geyser provides. To summarize it with one word, I’d have to choose “Gifts”. Here’s why...
It all starts with that prophecy in the Book of Isaiah quoted earlier. It was a promise that God made long ago, and on the Day of Pentecost, over 700 years later, God fulfilled the promise with an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Now, don’t quit reading just because I mentioned the Holy Spirit. Let me expound.
Lots of people, including some self-professing Christians, lose interest quickly when the topic of the Holy Spirit is mentioned. I find that interesting because the Holy Spirit is the One responsible for marking us as children of God. Moreover, the Holy Spirit makes an appearance throughout the Bible including the Old Testament. In First Samuel, we are told that the Holy Spirit came upon King Saul, and then later when God removed His blessings, the Holy Spirit left Saul. The Holy Spirit has been around even before Man was created.
“Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”
Genesis 1:2 NIV
I think what causes angst for many people is the association made with certain religious groups and their self-proclaimed manifestation of the Holy Spirit. And my answer to any question regarding that topic will always be; Is it biblically correct and not taken out of scriptural context? Be cautious!
As for the continued topic of the Holy Spirit, God offered the Gift in the Old Testament to a select few and for certain occasions. There were instances of the Holy Spirit ministering in the lives of Gideon, Othniel, and Samson so the idea of the Holy Spirit being actively involved in personal lives should not be shocking.
What really is significant about the Day of Pentecost is how God made the Holy Spirit available with an outpouring to all believers in Christ. Up til then, the Holy Spirit had been a “rare Gift”, but with the dawning of the church age, Jesus said the Holy Spirit would “help you and live with you and be in you forever” (John 14:16-17). Take special note that the Holy Spirit is for ALL believers in Christ, and there is no rationing. It could easily be an outpouring reaching gully-washer proportions.
Later in the letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul confirms that the Holy Spirit is for all believers when he writes, “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,..” (Ephesians 1:13 NIV)
So, based on Scripture, the Holy Spirit indwells in the believer at the moment of salvation and “seals” the deal. At that point, we are designated as a child of God, and thereby assured of a promised inheritance. And that, my friends, is a wonderful gift! In fact, it is a pair of wonderful gifts!
We have not earned the gift of salvation, nor are we deserving of the gift of salvation. Yet, by God’s grace, we are saved through faith in Jesus Christ and His work performed upon the cross. And then, just to add more frosting to the cake, the gift of the Holy Spirit resides in us to guide, direct, assist, strengthen, comfort, renew, and sanctify.
The Holy Spirit living inside us is the “living water” that Jesus referenced (Ref. John 7:39) which flows from within us. As long as we continue to walk in fellowship with God and do not stifle the Holy Spirit, He will continue to charge and fill us. Much like a cold water geyser eruption, the power of the Holy Spirit keeps expanding within us and soon, living waters start bubbling out of our lives. Sometimes referred to as the fruits of the Spirit, Christians that live lives charged with the Spirit, exhibit overflowing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. (Ref. Galatians 5:22-23). They are people that are optimistic, uplifting, and a true pleasure to be around. They, literally, seem to be bubbling over with love. They respectfully care and remember, not because they want something, but because they have something wonderful to share. Others are drawn to them because they offer a light in the darkness. They reflect the hope of “Good News” that others seek to possess. What an amazing gift! What an awe-inspiring eruption!
Not only does the gift of the Holy Spirit perform all those works in our lives, but He, often times, provides further gifts called the "gifts of the Spirit". Consequently, it is possible to receive additional God directed gifts like discernment, wisdom, and knowledge. Talking about a gift that just keeps on giving!
There is no better time to reflect upon these gifts than during Christmas because the sequence of events must start with Christ. He is the catalyst that starts the process. There will be no eruption without Him.
In a humble manger in the small town of Bethlehem, the new born King of kings was given to us as a gift by God. That Gift took all of our sins to the cross to pay a debt that He did not owe. If we accept Him and believe, then all the other gifts come. The Holy Spirit seals our salvation and guarantees our inheritance. And then, as the Holy Spirit expands and empowers us on the inside, the eruption begins. At that point, grab a deep preemptive breath and enjoy because there is no telling how high the “living water” will go. The Holy Spirit will assuredly take your breath away. Ohhh, what a breathtaking eruption! Ohhh, what breathtaking Gifts!!
Merry Christmas!
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A high overcast cloud layer nearly 8000 feet above the ground dispersed a softened and subtle light over the rugged western landscape below. Wispy lonesome clouds drifted aimlessly beneath the overcast layer as if searching for purpose, while other more mature clouds gathered and started a bombardment campaign against the high desert floor. Scattered like hay bales in a field, the moisture laden clouds released their payload, but the dry arid air beneath thwarted the attack. The evaporating curtains of virga swirled down below each cloud in ghostly patterns of light and dark gray that offered a stunning backdrop to the already hauntingly wild and picturesque scene. Deeply eroded slot canyons with shades of reddish-orange and reddish-yellow sandstone provided a labyrinth of texture and color that added a hint of untamed formidability to the setting. Ahead, through the windshield, the dark hues of blues and greens pockmarked with white described rising terrain with stubborn patches of snow clinging to shaded areas. Even higher, the nearly twelve thousand foot peaks morphed to pure white as the deepening snow from the last storm blanketed everything.
With a quick glance, the pilot scanned his instruments. Noting his altitude and eyeing the mountain range ahead, he altered course slightly south.
The tall dark haired pilot, Colonel Lorin Johnson, sat comfortably in the left seat. He was obviously at home in the air having spent many hours slipping the surly bonds of Earth. Confidently in command, his handsome face showed little sign of worry as he aptly flew the C-45F Expeditor westwards. Also known as a Twin Beech, the two-engined tail wheel aircraft provided a solid platform for light cargo operations as well as pilot training and cross country executive movement. It’s two Pratt and Whitney R-985 engines produced 450 horsepower each, making the aircraft capable of cruising at over 200 miles per hour.
“A grand sight,” remarked an excited Staff Sergeant from the copilot’s seat, named Billy Nash.
Colonel Johnson stole a glance at the young man and grinned. “It sure is Billy.” He paused as he turned his head to watch the precipitous ground slip under the left wing. “It truly is.”
“What was it like?” asked Billy hesitantly after a minute of silence.
“The War?” responded Johnson.
“Yes, Sir.” nodded Billy. “I heard you personally flew thirty seven bombing missions over Germany.”
Johnson nodded and then pressed his lips tightly together. “Nervous tranquility followed by chaotic brutality. Each mission climaxed with flak pockmarked skies, swarming enemy fighters, crippled aircraft, and lost crews.”
“A heavy price,” acknowledged Billy solemnly as he lowered his eyes.
“Prayer-filled anxiety eclipsed by hell,” sniffed Johnson as he consciously dammed the reservoir of memories threatening to spill out.
Acknowledging Johnson’s reluctance to relive the past, Billy changed the subject. “You still have family in Utah?”
Johnson nodded. “It will be good to see all of them. It’s been a few years.”
“How much longer?”
“A little under an hour.”
Billy grinned and scanned the snow capped peaks dominating the majority of the windshield. Straight ahead, a saddle between the tallest mountains offered clear passage but looked deceivingly close. Like horned giants lurking along a narrow forested trail, the mountains threatened to reach out and snatch the sleek fuselage of the Twin Beech as it slipped through the pass. “Thanks for bringing me along. Oklahoma boys like me don’t get views like this.”
Johnson flashed a dashing smile. “It’s too beautiful to see alone. I just wish you were a prettier date.”
Billy laughed. “I’ve got straight teeth. That’s worth something!”
Johnson chuckled. “Yeah. Pretty good for an Okie.”
Suddenly, the right engine hesitated and then surged. Johnson quickly scanned the instruments. Before he could diagnose the problem, the left engine sputtered.
“What is it?” yelled Billy with serious concern etched across his forehead.
“Fuel,” snapped Johnson as he opened the engine fuel primer handle. Both engines sputtered and then lost power. Sickeningly, at the worst possible time in the worst possible location, the comforting throb of the Pratt and Whitney radial engines fell silent. Just as the C-45F started to overfly the saddle between the mountains, the aircraft’s nose tipped down and the altimeter began to unwind. With acute awareness of the terrain below, Johnson pulled back on the controls to hold altitude. Frantically, he hand pumped the fuel-starved engines while still trying to maintain altitude. The Twin Beech obeyed but not without giving away precious airspeed. The nose of the aircraft cycled up and down as the airspeed decayed further and further and Johnson pulled harder and harder. He desperately tried to get fuel to the engines and still keep flying the airplane. The rugged terrain below clawed at the underside of the aircraft. The stubborn engines refused to start. The controls started to feel mushy. The airspeed was barely enough to keep the aircraft flying. “Come on! Stay with me! Just a few more seconds,” Johnson’s mind screamed. The engines popped as fuel dribbled excruciatingly slow into the lines. Then the left engine coughed and sparked for only a moment. It was so close, but the wings couldn’t produce enough lift to counter the weight any longer. Suddenly, the right wing tip dropped, and the aircraft rolled over. The horned monsters, with their craggy and jagged features, seemingly stretched out to grab the aircraft. The hidden details of the pockmarked and rugged terrain peered ominously into the windshield. The Twin Beech with it’s occupants surrendered to the clutches of the merciless monsters. Torn and ripped apart, the aircraft fell into a foreboding lair of trees and rocks and exploded.
I’ve often wondered about “bad luck”. Honestly, I’ve been perplexed by it at times. It seems to just randomly appear at the worst possible moment and sabotage any and all plans made. It shows up as those unwelcome nuggets that drop into our lives at the most inopportune times. Everyone has experienced them. They are those little devils that pop up in life and make you wonder if God even cares. We’ve all heard about Murphy’s Law that goes something like “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” And, it would seem, that Murphy’s Law is astonishingly persistent and able to make things go wrong at the worst possible time. In fact, there are some days that the adage is so prevalent that it makes us regret even getting out of bed. I have heard those “bad days” called many things including the “bludgeonings of chance” in reference to a poem entitled “Invictus”, written by William Henley. In it he wrote,
“In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.”
Shakespeare made reference to “bad days” and “bad luck” by calling them “the slings and arrows of outrageous fate”.
Who hasn’t had their heads bloodied?
Who hasn’t been bruised by those slings? Who hasn’t been pierced by those arrows?
For example, a huge family vacation is planned and executed and then somewhere in the middle of Canada, one of the kids comes down with the measles. Are you kidding me? Or the furnace breaks down right when a major snowstorm is on the way and temperatures are forecasted to drop well below zero. Really? Or the sewer line backs up when there is a foot of snow outside and it’s 10 degrees outside. Do you think that would happen in the summer?
Life offers many more “slaps in the face” that include little gems like the family dog dying when you’re on vacation, a highly anticipated job offer is withdrawn, the car won’t start and you’re already late, you finally scrape enough money together to pay off the credit card and then another major expense comes along, construction makes you late for an extremely important appointment, your windshield gets broken the day after replacing it, or your arrow loses it’s nock when you goto full draw on a 350 class bull elk that is only twelve yards away (Yes, sadly, I experienced that heart-wrenching bludgeoning of chance. My head is still bleeding from that one!).
I mean, it’s not like you’re not doing your part. You’re working all the time. You’re busy trying to get things accomplished. You’ve planned ahead. You’ve practiced. You’ve studied. You’ve saved. You’ve tried to counter foreseeable problems that could bite you, and then out of nowhere, the most obscure thing rears it’s ugly head and lands right in the middle of your lap. Now, suddenly, all the plans made go out the window. More time and more money and not enough of either. Lost opportunity, disappointment, rage, stress, and frustration rule the day. Sound familiar?
Personally, I have never believed there is such a thing as “bad luck”. Proverbs 16:33 provides a general reason why I believe so.
“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”
Proverbs 16:33 NIV
But I would be lying if I said that I haven’t re-evaluated that opinion many times, especially on those “bad days” when everything unravels. It really makes me wonder; Is there such a thing as “bad luck” or is it mostly the perception of “life under the sun”? Asked another way; does everything that occurs, happen for a reason?
Those questions carry deeply embedded opinions. For those that have lost loved ones tragically, how could there be any good explanation for the hurt, pain, and sorrow? To say that things happen for a reason seems insensitive and impersonal in those cases. Is it possible that “bad luck” or “bad things” just happen by chance?
Really, all of these questions can’t be answered until another question is addressed. Is God sovereign? In other words, does God control everything. If He does, then “bad luck” does not exist. In that case, God orchestrates every event and detail in each of our lives. He may MAKE things happen or ALLOW things to happen, but ultimately He controls everything. Chance is not part of the equation. Is that possible or does our free will counter God’s sovereignty? Does our allowed “free will” cause “bad luck”?
Now, do you see why the idea of “bad luck” is so perplexing? It would take many pages to address all of the variables at play. It is a very deep and controversial subject which cannot be given justice with a blog. However, there is an interesting perspective wrapped up within the convoluted enigma that I would like to offer. It is called maintaining CONTROL.
I am never sure what I will find when I start researching an old airplane crash. Many times the research fizzles out before it even gets started. Dead ends, unreadable documents, vague pictures, rough terrain, forest fires, vegetation growth, thorough salvaging and recovery efforts, and souvenir hunters make finding old crash sites difficult. With most, there are no gps coordinates or directions to follow. As a result, hidden clues have to be ferreted out and applied to even come close to the general area. Then even more study and effort is required to pinpoint the wreckage if it still exists. I am never positive that I’ve found a crash site until I’m standing amidst the debris. That seems like a lot of effort for a bunch of aluminum and scrap metal scattered on a mountain side. However, just like most things in life, it’s not merely about the destination, but it’s more about the journey along the way. Invariably, no matter the crash or the circumstances, the journey to a crash site teaches me to reevaluate and reprioritize my own life. Simply speaking, life lessons are learned along the way, and standing amidst the wreckage forges an emotional sword that slices away arrogance and pride. Humbled by grace, life lessons are quickly solidified. Lorin Johnson’s crash is no different.
Lorin Lavar Johnson was a highly decorated World War II pilot. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Silver Star, the French Croix de Guerre, the Soldier’s Medal, and the Air Medal. He is recognized prominently in the Utah Aviation Hall of Fame. He was on active duty during the Korean War and was therefore listed as Killed In Action, although his crash occurred stateside. He was a hero that answered the call to the service of our country, and then, on November 30, 1950, he and his passenger paid the ultimate price due to unfortunate circumstances, bad timing, and loss of control.
After researching, finding (multiple attempts and many many miles in between - just ask my son), and finally standing at the crash site, I personally believe Lorin Johnson could have survived his “bad day” if he could have maintained control. It was very unfortunate where the fuel starvation occurred. Definitely an epic “bad day” with Murphy working overtime! With the noted locale, there wasn’t much Lorin Johnson could have done to prevent a crash. There just wasn’t enough time to get the engines restarted. But maybe he and his passenger could have survived a controlled crash. By stalling the aircraft into the trees in a nose-high controlled attitude, their survival rate would have been exponentially higher. However, that would have meant a completely different mindset - a commitment to crash (And who wants to do that?) Lorin Johnson wasn’t thinking that way either. He was desperately trying to save it and keep it flying. He came surprisingly close. But his “bad day” refused to yield. Low altitude, low airspeed, high terrain, high work load, stress, frustration, and distractions consumed all his thoughts and attention. The aircraft quit flying, rolled over, and succumbed to the unmerciful harshness of gravity. Tragically, Lorin Johnson lost control.
There is no way to prevent “bad days”. We can plan and prepare all we want, but unexpected interruptions will always occur. Hassles and problems will always lurk in the shadows, ready to pounce. However, there is a way to handle those “bad days” and deal with “bad luck”. No matter what happens, above all else, maintain CONTROL. Rage, frustration, disappointment, and stress do not rule us. We rule them. Maintaining CONTROL is about keeping our priorities straight. Seriously, what is really important? Maintaining CONTROL is about keeping the right perspective.
Throughout the Bible, there are many stories that demonstrate the concept of maintaining CONTROL. In Genesis, Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, thrown into a pit, and sold into slavery. I would classify that as a “bad day” and yet Joseph later stated to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
Genesis 50:20 NIV
In the Gospel of Luke, another story reminds us about priorities. Martha opened her home to Jesus. She busily made preparations and was completely distracted while her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet and listened. Martha became frustrated and angry and then complained to Jesus that she was doing all the work. Jesus responded, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only ONE. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:41-42 NIV
There once was a man named Simon of Cyrene that made a long and arduous journey from Cyrene on the north coast of Africa to Jerusalem. His religious pilgrimage to Jerusalem was inspired by the Passover season, and his plans included devoting much time to religious activities at the temple. Enroute to the temple, Simon found chaos erupting in the streets. Shouldering in for a closer look, he saw a beaten and bloody man staggering along carrying a heavy cross. Suddenly, a Roman soldier grabbed Simon and ordered him to carry the cross. Simon pulled back. He shook his head. He had no desire to be associated with the disgusting event. He didn’t want the man’s blood all over him. He cringed and pleaded with the soldier to let him go on to the temple. Yet, the Roman soldier was adamant. “You will carry the cross!”
Simon reluctantly reached for the blood-stained cross. This is not what he had planned. “What a bad day,” he whispered under his breath as he shouldered the burden and followed the man to Calvary.
As scripture unfolds in the New Testament, there are obscure clues and hints concerning what later happened to Simon. What Simon thought initially to be his worst day filled with unplanned humiliation and deep frustration, he later learns was his highest honor. He learns there is much more to this man that was hung on the cross and crucified. “He truly was the Son of God!” Simon is there during Pentecost and is saved, and then returns to Africa where he regales his wife with the entire story. She comes to know the Lord and becomes a second mother to the apostle Paul. Simon’s sons, Alexander and Rufus, accept the Good News of the Gospel and later become outstanding leaders in the early church in Rome. Was it really a “bad day” for Simon or was God orchestrating everything for the “good”?
I really think “bad days” and “bad luck” can be countered effectively by maintaining CONTROL which means that
Christ
Only
Needs
To
Rule
Our
Lives
Nothing else rules and nothing else matters. Rage, anger, frustration, resentment, disappointment, distractions, stress, and anxiety do not rule. Only Christ rules, and within that simple declaration, peace that surpasses understanding is found. Maintain CONTROL! If we keep that perspective and live that mantra, Murphy’s Law becomes an erroneous hypothesis that we can disregard. “Bad luck” is then just an opportunity to focus more intently on Christ in our lives.
In the Book of Numbers, the Israelites experienced an infestation of poisonous snakes in their camp. Many began to die so a bronze serpent was raised upon a pole. The Israelites were supposed to look to the serpent on the pole in order to survive the snakebites. At first glance, that story seems unrelated to the idea of maintaining CONTROL and keeping Christ first in our lives, but that bronze serpent on the pole foreshadowed Christ on the cross. When we get snake bit due to sin or experience “bad luck”, we are supposed to look to Christ and remember what He did for us upon the cross. That act of faith will restore us, and then we can boldly proclaim Romans 8:28;
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Get out there and enjoy the gift of life, and always remember that when the engines quit or threaten to flameout just maintain CONTROL.
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Michelin Man
An abundance of colors waved me forward as fluttering yellowish-gold and reddish-orange leaves ensconced the trail. Stubborn patches of lush green randomly appeared to offer a drenching overload of visual stimulation to an already breathtakingly beautiful high country dirt bike ride. The flow of the single track carpeted with dew-speckled aspen leaves had pegged my fun meter deeply into the addiction range. My thirst for adventure was steadily being quenched with every roll of the throttle and twist and turn in the trail. The crisp fall air interlaced with lingering summer and hints of winter assaulted my senses and forced giggles to erupt spontaneously behind my face shield. I was having fun. I was having a lot of fun, right up until I misjudged a hard cut and narrow turn and plowed my left foot into a tree. The pain raced up my leg and immediately overwhelmed me. My fun factor plummeted to zero. Initial thoughts cried broken foot, but a few stretches and flexes subdued my worst fears. Yet, the nerves in my big toe screamed for some attention. “Maybe just a fractured toe”, I finally surmised. Riding behind, my son stopped to check on me, but there wasn’t much he could do. I grimaced as I examined our plight. We were a long ways from home in the bottom of a deep canyon and my “shifter” foot was begging to be propped up and iced up. My son asked, “What now?”
I swallowed a couple of Advil and cringed. “We ride.”
The ride out was tough. I couldn’t shift very well. I was hurting. I couldn’t focus, and I had lost my nerve. The switchbacks didn’t go well as I proceeded to lay my bike over three more times on the climb out of the canyon. Finally, after several maddening attempts, I made it to the top. I was exasperated, pain-challenged, tired, and dirty. I protested and groaned my complaints loudly. My son offered some sympathy, and then he casually reminded me of a very important point. “At least you didn’t let your falls outnumber your get-back-ups.”
This is a picture of a “segmented” or “jointed” saguaro cactus affectionately called “Michelin Man”. I’m not sure anybody really knows what causes the jointed “Tinkertoy” appearance. I have heard “experts” say that environmental factors like hard freezes cause cell mutations that force the saguaro arms to stop growing and then start again. No matter the reason though, it is a fascinating occurrence in nature that doesn’t show up very often. In fact, the unique character of the “segmented” saguaro keeps it high on the seek-and-find list for many Sonoran desert hikers.
When I first went looking for “Michelin Man”, I expected my first reaction to be “interesting”. However, upon experiencing “Michelin Man” first hand, I found myself staring in wide-eyed fascination. It was much more than interesting. Personally, I felt like applauding “Michelin Man” and exclaiming “well done” to the Carnegiea gigantea because the mighty cactus exemplified epic persistence. Whether it was internal or external causes that hindered growth, it was obvious that the cactus simply refused to quit. Despite factors that pressured it to stop growing, it struggled through the resistance time and time again. And through it all, it developed a character worthy of visitation that far exceeds most ordinary saguaros. “Michelin Man” has a character that attracts hikers from all over the world simply because it never gave up. There is much that can be learned from the persistent desert dweller, “Michelin Man”.
It doesn’t really matter what we do or what we try to achieve. It doesn’t matter if it’s physical or spiritual. There will always be outside forces that are going raise their ugly heads and make us want to quit. There will be naysayers. There will be critics. There will be obstacles. There will be resistance. Some of it may even be self-inflicted. Maybe we failed horribly somewhere along the way, and we lost our nerve. Maybe we experienced pain along the trail. Maybe we are trapped in a quagmire of self-pity and shame. Maybe we just lost focus and fell down. Who cares! Get back up! Keep trying! Keep growing!
“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.””
2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV
Will it be fun making the climb? Will it be fun pushing through the pain? Will it be fun trying to grow again? Maybe. Maybe not. People have widely different ideas of fun and most of it depends on each individual’s perspective. One person’s mountain is another’s motivation. No matter the enjoyment factor, however, the resistance we meet and feel on our way to the goal will develop some outstanding character as long as we don’t give up!
Although not intentional, James A. Michener described the “Michelin Man” cactus very well when he penned, “Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries.” Notice, in his statement, that character is dependent on multiple tries. Most of the time, one-and-done will not produce that “special character”.
I had to admit with a nod of agreement and a little bit of fatherly pride, my son was correct. It didn’t matter how many times I fell. It mattered more that my falls didn’t exceed my “get-back-ups”. In life, physically and spiritually, the only real failure, and the one we must avoid at all costs, is to not get back up.
“No amount of falls will really undo us if we keep on picking ourselves up each time. We shall of course be very muddy and tattered children by the time we reach home.........The only fatal thing is to lose one’s temper and give it up.”
– C.S. Lewis, in a letter to Mary Neylan, January 20, 1942
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Hesperus
Ever since I was a little boy Hesperus Peak, stoically posed amid the La Plata Mountains of Colorado, has enthralled me. No matter where I’ve been, Hesperus Peak has always been the first to welcome me back to the area. Like a giant sentinel standing firm at it’s post, it reliably announces from afar that I’m almost home. At 13,237 feet, it stands out as the tallest and most obvious of the La Plata Mountains which sweep South from the rest of the mighty San Juan Mountains. There is contention whether Lavender Peak is taller, but there is little debate over which mountain dominates the landscape of Southwestern Colorado. Even the Navajo have long held Hesperus as one of their Sacred Mountains. It is the Northernmost Mountain overlooking their homeland as well.
Hesperus Mountain is not a fourteener; nor is it a centennial thirteener. As a result, it remains off the radar. It doesn’t demand technical gear therefore it doesn’t impress climbers and experienced hikers can usually find something much more elegant. So why climb it?
Part of the allure is the physical challenge. The Southern approach will test your endurance with about 4000 ft vertical and seven miles one way. Part of the allure is the navigational challenge. There is no established trail so route finding skills are a necessity. Part of the allure is the solitude. Very few people climb it because it has no claim to fame so it is very likely the serenity of silence will ring. But, for me personally, the real reason for climbing any mountain is always captured somewhere on the way up. I believe a mountain is only truly conquered when a person reaches the summit a better human being than when they started.
As I was navigating the long climb up the Western ridge, my son was following my trail. I never told him to follow my path up the steep slopes, but he did anyways. He trusted me to choose and lead the best route. If I had chosen a longer path, he would have followed. If I had chosen a dangerous path, he probably still would have followed.
French novelist René Daumal once penned in Mount Analogue, “Be ready to answer to your fellow men for the trail you leave behind you.”
In essence, no matter where we go in life, we will leave a trace of our passage. Even when we don’t intend to, there will be evidence of what trail we took through life.
High above tree line, I suddenly realized that I would be held accountable for the trail I left for my son to follow on the mountain and in life.
Somewhere near 12,500 feet, It became clear that I had better do my best to take the right path and leave a trail with no regrets.
At 13,000 feet, my son and I both felt we had a better understanding of ourselves and each other.
At 13,237 feet, my son and I truly conquered Hesperus Mountain!
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The Horrors of War
The scene below was full of wild, remote, and untamed beauty. Snow blanketed tree-lined ridges wiggled their way up to conspicuous towering summits before falling away again into deep foreboding canyons. Over and over the scene repeated itself as multiple mountain ranges slid underneath the wings. A young man watched the rugged terrain slip by with nervous apprehension as he was flown deeper into the vast wilderness. He knew very well the harshness and unforgiving nature of the mountainous winter lying hidden just beneath the surface of the fresh blanket of snow. He knew that deep snow brought about many dangers and high elevations brought sub-freezing temperatures and complete isolation. Self-reliance and adaptability were paramount to survival. He swallowed hard to rewet his parched throat. He didn’t look forward to what was coming. It was a mission he had been trained for, but was never really mentally prepared to undertake. It was a mission not to be taken lightly. He could possibly save lives or possibly lose his for nothing. There was no way to know until he was already committed. He could feel his muscles tightening as his anxiety pricked his nerves. Fear of the unknown loosely coiled around him and began to constrict. He glanced at his partner for a confident affirmation. He got none. Even in the cold drafty aircraft cabin, his partner was sweating bullets. Despite their mutual uneasiness, they were getting close to their destination. Time was short. The young man swallowed hard again as his breathing dramatically increased. Like a freight train bearing down on him, the reality of the upcoming mission steamed unflinchingly closer.
The pilot pulled the power back, and the young man felt the aircraft slow it’s airspeed. With a wave the pilot indicated they had reached the destination. The pilot casually banked the aircraft into a 360 degree turn. The young man peered through the cabin door window and caught a glimpse of the target below. He grimaced. They had indeed arrived. The young man yanked open the cabin door and was met by a blast of swirling arctic air that immediately made his eyes tear up. He slipped his goggles over his leather helmet and squatted in the doorway. He waited for the pilot to position the aircraft upwind of a nearby clearing and give the signal.
Quietly, the young man ran through a checklist in his head while he waited. It helped to keep his attention diverted from the bone-chilling cold. His heart was firing like a machine gun in his chest. He was, quite literally, about to jump into a hell that was frozen over. He silently hoped it was worth it.
The aircraft’s tail wiggled back and forth, and then the pilot gave a thumbs up. With a cringe, the young man inhaled deeply, and then he launched himself into the frigid airstream. Like getting slapped with multiple porcupine tails, the needling wind pierced his bare skin. He felt the initial surge of acceleration as he tumbled away from the aircraft. A quick glimpse of his partner exiting the aircraft provided little comfort as gravity flexed it’s muscle against his body and displayed utter supremacy. With very little altitude, free fall time was short. The young man pulled hard on his parachute handle, and then prayed. Agonizingly slow, the canopy fabric deployed above him. With a reassuring tug, the parachute blossomed above forcing a sigh of relief to purr across his lips. Thirty seconds later he was buried up to his waist in snow. Immersed in a suffocating cocoon of powdery white, even the sound of the distant aircraft’s engine was muffled and barely audible.
He wiggled out of his parachute harness and wormed his way to the top of the snow. He unstrapped his snowshoes and made ready for his mission. With a 360 turn, he surveyed his surroundings. He had landed in the middle of the large alpine clearing as planned. His partner had landed closer to the tree-lined northern edge. With a confirmation of bearings and a final equipment check, the young man put his head down and started trekking Northwest towards the unknown. Uncertainty hung like a dismal fog over the evergreen forest ahead. He was sure he would find death within the shadows. The snow and trees could not conceal the smell. It wasn’t the smell of decay. It was the smell of dread and fear mixed with blood. He had smelled it before in Korea. As a field medic during the war he had seen some horrible things. Men lying in pools of their own blood trying to fish intestines back into their bodies. Dazed soldiers with missing limbs wandering around the battlefield. It was nightmarish. It was the horrors of war. He was sure he would never be able to shake it. He was sure he would never forget it. Even here now, the horror of war lingered in the air. He could sense it. Yet despite his trepidation, the hope for life motivated his snow-labored steps forward. “If only there is one, it is worth it,” he whispered. “Let there be at least one.”
Foreign and unnatural for the setting, the object sticking out of the snow confirmed their arrival. The young man and his partner stopped for a moment to survey the site. The fresh snow was undisturbed. There were no footprints. There was no sign of life. The place was eerily quiet and almost spooky. Nearby mature pine trees with tops chopped off offered clues to the violence that had occurred earlier. The young man looked towards the large object sticking out of the snow. It was the target he had seen from above. It was a main landing gear with torn and shredded rubber. On a steep hillside, the upside down landing gear had been uncovered by the vicious swirling mountain winds. The young man edged his snowshoes into the hillside to start the climb. Two steps up, he immediately stopped. The snow under his snowshoes was turning red. He instantly knew what it was. Blood.
His partner grabbed his shoulder and pointed at something black in the snow. It was the sole of a boot. The young man reached for it and pulled on it. With very little effort the entire boot came out with a human foot and severed leg still attached. The young man swallowed hard to force the bile rising in his throat back down. The urge to purge his stomach was strong. He immediately dropped the leg and backed away. Something under the snow tripped him, and he fell and slid. In his sliding trackway, a twisted mangled hand emerged out of the snow. He struggled to get up but fell again. This time he was greeted by a lifeless face lurking just under the surface of the snow. The young man turned his head and erupted into a violent bout of vomiting. His partner turned away and pulled out a radio. With a click of a button he remorsefully reported, “No survivors!”
It is not really possible to explain the overwhelming sadness that accompanies a visit to Pat Hollow in the Bear River Mountains of Idaho. Well off the beaten path, amidst wildflowers, limber pine trees, mountain streams, squirrels, bears, and moose, the crash site of a C-46 military transport plane carrying thirty seven soldiers returning home from Korea is guarded by a lone granite monument as well as by the trees that were impacted by the aircraft so long ago. After over 65 years, much of the gruesome details have been lost to time and that is probably for the best. It was a heart wrenching accident that killed 37 young soldiers and the flight crew which included two pilots and one stewardess. In total, 40 young lives were lost on that fateful January 6, 1953 flight. All of the soldiers were returning home, most of them having served on the front lines in Korea. The young men were anxious to get back to family and loved ones they had been separated from for so long. All of the soldiers were thankful they had survived the war and were excited to be starting new chapters in their lives. Having dodged flying bullets, shrapnel, mortar fire, and grenades overseas, none of them expected the horrors of war to intercept them violently in the snowy mountains of Idaho - so close to home.
Flight 1-6-6A departed Seattle, Washington enroute to Fort Jackson, South Carolina extremely heavy and overloaded. The first stop for the journey home was scheduled as Cheyenne, Wyoming, but it never arrived. Severe turbulence and ice were identified in the accident report as probable causes for the crash. The C-46 was noted to be on a Northwesterly flight path before impact which implies that the pilots were trying to return to Milad, Idaho. There is really no way to know exactly what happened, but chances are the C-46 Commando encountered extreme icing conditions and with the combination of it’s already heavy weight, ice accumulation, and turbulence, it could not hold altitude.
For aviators, ice is nothing but an evil. It collects and builds on critical surfaces and components. In some conditions, it can accumulate very quickly - too quickly. Engines can choke on it while propellers lose efficiency. It destroys lift, adds weight, decreases thrust, and increases drag. And the longer the airframe is exposed to it, the worse it gets. It is the bane of aviation and requires immediate action. It is not acceptable to wait and do nothing.
Near the granite monument, there is an Eagle Scout project that has been erected. It provides more detailed information about the crash, and inspired the writing of this article and it’s title - the horrors of war.
After some time looking at the Eagle Scout project and the granite monument, my family and I worked our way up the hillside where the C-46 impacted the ground. We spent a half hour looking for shards of wreckage. There is very little left to find, but, surprisingly, my wife found a piece of aluminum from the C-46 aircraft. While I continued my own slow search along the wild flower carpeted and rock infested hillside, I started thinking about the horrors of war. Just the statement alone conjures up many unwelcome thoughts. Not only do battle unpleasantries come to mind, but war crimes and crimes against humanity charge into the forefront. Atrocities like the Holocaust, the Bataan Death March, and the Rape of Belgium slide out of their holes and, truly, make our skins crawl. How could Man be so evil? Sadly, there have been so many horrors in mankind’s history that, if nothing else, they have solidly demonstrated the fall and depravity of Man. Will it stop? Probably not, but it depends on what is in the heart of Man. Will Man turn his heart back to God?
In the Book of Jeremiah it is written that “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9 NIV)
That scripture doesn’t bode well for those wanting world peace. Can’t we all just get along? No, because evil lurks in the shadowy hearts of some, and it doesn’t care about laws, human rights, or human life. It is very likely that evil will rise again and good men and women will be called upon to battle it. Much like flying into icing conditions, action must be taken or everyone on board the flight loses. It is simply inexcusable to do nothing. The parliamentarian Edmund Burke has often been attributed with the statement; “All that is necessary for evil to triumph in the world is for enough good men to do nothing." How apropos!
All forty names of those lost on Flight 1-6-6A are etched in the granite monument. Below the monument is a perimeter of stones that encircle bits and pieces of wreckage that people have found over the years. To add to the collection is just another way to honor and remember those that answered the call to stand against evil and bravely defend our freedoms.
My wife took a picture of the fragment of metal that she had found and then let it drop with a “clink” into the collection at the base of the monument. It was a fitting end to our visit.
It is a terrible thing - the horrors of war, but an even worse thing, in my opinion, is the inaction of good men and women to stand against evil. Over time, the horrors of war have a tendency to scar over and fade from memory, but remembering those who have fought and died battling evil should never fade. They faced the horrors of war so that we didn’t have to. That honor should last forever!
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Until Next Time
I swallowed hard as I silently acknowledged my predicament. I wanted to run. In fact, every nerve in my body exploded with the flight response, but both fear and common sense anchored my feet. There was no way I could outrun him. And to turn and give him my back was suicidal. He had hunted me down superbly. I hadn’t known he was there until he was almost ready to attack. Like a ghost gliding through the forest, he had silently closed the distance. No sound. No twig snap. No over-turned rock or disturbed pebble. Not even a rustled leaf had betrayed his presence. He had demonstrated an epic stealthy approach. Now at seven yards, his claws fidgeted in and out of their sheaths. The tip of his tail whipped from side to side as he anticipated a quick clean kill. Gold-green eyes pierced my body as he targeted his point of attack. I, the hunter, had become the hunted.
It was a beautiful crisp fall morning in the high country of Colorado. I had started the day well before sunrise. In the dark, I had negotiated a trail up a drainage to reach an intercept point for a herd of elk. All along the way, I had entertained fanciful ideas that I would finally catch the herd bull unaware. I envisioned slipping an arrow into his chest, and successfully bringing a week of arduous archery hunting to a close. At no time during the hike did I imagine that I would become the prey. Funny how things work out.
I never saw the elk. I was close, but the herd had moved earlier than expected, and I had missed the intercept. I spent the rest of the morning sneaking up the drainage quipping a few cow calls along the way hoping to entice a satellite bull shadowing the herd. It was a great plan, until I got a really uncomfortable feeling. Ohhh, that gut wrenching feeling! It’s a feeling that starts deep in the core and oozes to the surface of the skin. It wiggles up the back leaving a rash of goosebumps along the spine, and then it spikes the neck and electrifies the hair. The neck hairs stand straight up like a bolt of lightning is about to strike. Some people call it the feeling of being watched. Others call it a sixth sense. No matter the reference term, it’s a feeling that really gets a person’s attention especially when alone in the woods. I’ve experienced it many times, but usually it is due to walking past an elk or deer that is burning holes through me with their laser-intense eyesight. I cringe every time because I know that I just blew the hunt. I know that when I turn around, my quarry will snort and explode in a frenzied panic never to be seen again, and I will begin the walk of shame. However, this time the feeling was much more intense. The cringe almost hurt. The feeling even wiggled all the way down into my toes. The immediate thought that something was strangely amiss blasted through my head. Then my brain threw all the red flags. Danger was afoot. A typical response for anyone with those feelings is to swivel around and check their six. That’s exactly what I did, and then I knew I had been obtusely naive. I was already trapped. Obviously, I needed to enhance and fine-tune my future situational awareness. Of course, that thought assumed I had a future. My fate hung in the balance pirouetting around on a single thread. I sickeningly saw two ears sticking above a large boulder directly behind me. I’m not the sharpest guy in the woods, but it didn’t take me long to identify my would-be attacker. The sneaky mountain lion had almost scored on me with extreme finality.
I would like to say that I stood stoically firm and tauntingly cried, “Bring it.” But this is not Hollywood and there was no calling in a stunt double. I was shaking at the knees and riddled with fear. I think my only cry was one with tears and, for additional emphasis, I verbally screamed like a little girl.
On the other hand, the brazen mountain lion had no fear. Once he realized that his presence was detected and that I refused to run, he eased around the boulder and closed the gap to twelve feet. We squared up on each other and had a good old-fashioned stare-down and stand-off.
In a scenario like that, time seems to slow down while thoughts speed up. I had many. It was one of the few times I wished that I was gun hunting instead of archery hunting. I remember wishing that I had a pistol on my person. I really wished I hadn’t been such an easy target. I strongly wished I had been more aware. I couldn’t believe the lion had gotten so close without me knowing. I came to full draw, but it would do me little good to prevent him from jumping on me. Twelve feet is nothing for a mountain lion. He was way too close. Honestly, I could better defend myself with my knife. I eased off full draw and pulled my knife out of it’s scabbard while still keeping my eyes locked with his. This was one staring contest that I refused to lose.
The tail of my adversary twitched back and forth as he sized me up and contemplated his next actions. Instinctively, he knew his advantage had slipped away when I faced him. He wanted a thrilling chase and epic takedown. He wanted to sink his teeth into the back of my neck with a stunning pounce. For him the thrill of the hunt had stagnated. Now, it was more about hunger level, sheer power, brute strength, and willingness to expend the energy. For me, it was all about survival and determination to stay upright.
This is a picture of a natural feature called Arch Rock. It’s really a natural bridge since a defined water course has obviously eroded through the rock and created the subject’s form. There are many arches/bridges throughout the world that are much more elegant, larger, and famous, but this particular bridge captured my attention and started spinning a story for me as I walked around it. In many places, Arch Rock is pockmarked with bullet holes and has experienced the pressure of being used as target practice. Sometimes, inspiration comes from some of the most obscure things. But that point aside, I should probably address the most pressing question before people actively describe me as non compos mentis. What does a picture of a natural bridge, and a story of a mountain lion encounter have to do with one another?
It all begins with the term erosion. Dependable old Webster defines erosion as, “The process of something being diminished or destroyed by degrees.” In the case of Arch Rock, a compromise in the structure with a continual attack of water and wind eventually removed cementing material exposing further weaknesses. Over time, water saturated those superficial cracks, joints, and fissures and then swinging temperatures added to the removal of material as ice formed and then melted. Water flow exaggerated the erosional affect, and, in due course, Arch Rock was born. As time marches forward, external factors including humans using Arch Rock as target practice add to it’s slow degradation. In the end, even the substantial form of Arch Rock will succumb to external pressures and erosion. Just like every other natural bridge/arch, Arch Rock will eventually collapse. It may take one thousand years, but it will fall, and, surprisingly, it’s demise started with a very small crack, fissure, or chink in the armor.
Every time I see an arch, I am reminded that erosion began where the rock was compromised. In the same way, it is when I compromise my standards and faith that I allow the Devil to find a crack. Satan wants me to compromise, and then he can begin to erode my faith through that weakness. It is very subtle and slow, but eventually the Devil gets deeper. Then the Devil attacks everything that is of foundational value. Family, friends, finances, and health become targets. If Satan can get deep enough, nothing is off limits. Usually, just like with natural erosion, the process takes time. It is a slow fade. First, maybe we quit praying. Then we quit reading the Bible. Then we quit going to church. Then we start hanging with the “wrong” people. Maybe then, we get used as “target practice” by our so-called friends. And then even close “family” join the shoot. All along the way, we surrender pieces of our relationship with God. Little by little, we veer off course and our Christian walk becomes a stumbling bushwhacking affair through the jungle. Yet, the Devil keeps circling and launching attacks. There is no reprieve. Full penetration is what he seeks. The Devil is a master at exploiting our weaknesses and finding the chinks in our armor. He wiggles in deep and expands making the crack bigger. Similar to erosion, it is a process that, given time, will collapse our faith and sabotage all that we hold dear.
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.”
1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT
I still have dreams about that close encounter with the mountain lion. The lions’ black cratered pupils surrounded by fiery lakes of greenish-gold magma hauntingly erupt through my soul. His tail sweeps from side to side as the tip twitches in anticipation. His muscles ripple under his tawny hide, itching to explode with lightning speed. He dares me to run. He dares me to drop my guard. He patiently awaits to exploit my weaknesses. I stand firm, but shake on the inside hoping that he doesn’t sense my fear. I scream, “Back away!” He tilts his head, lays his ears against his skull, and then hisses, “Until, next time!”. He glides off into the forest as stealthily as he approached. In three steps, he has vanished amidst the trees and shrubs. Then I wake up with my right hand cramping. The death grip on my imaginary knife is very real. So is the adrenaline laced blood pumping through my veins and the cold sweat beading on my skin. “Next time,” I mumble with dread and a slight pause, “I’ll have a gun.”
The Devil is constantly on the prowl. Erosion of our faith and external pressures on our faith are constantly being applied. The world is full of traps and deception. Danger lurks everywhere. When the Devil finds us alone, he will examine the depth of our weakness. If it’s deep enough, he will attack the core. If it’s not, he will let erosion continue while he circles around for the next time. There is but one thing that stops the disturbing trend of “until next time”. It is the proverbial “gun at a knife fight”. It is our faith.
Unfortunately, faith is not an absolute in our lives. That is to say, that once obtained, faith does not boldly remain and never diminish. It must be nurtured and tended. Like a flower, it must be watered and given sunlight. Our faith comes from hearing the Good News about Christ and by keeping our eyes fixed on Christ who is the author and perfecter of our faith. Accordingly then, our faith must be supplemented with the application of prayer, worship, and Bible study. The Book of Second Peter advises supplements to our faith of virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, and brotherly love. We, therefore, grow our faith by maturing as Christians and pursuing a relationship with God. We will never be perfect, and it won’t always be easy. Nevertheless, we must pick up our cross daily and defend ourselves and our family against the prowling Devil because he never stops searching for that erosional weakness.
Keep and grow the faith. Stymie the compromise lest we fall. Hold onto the faith and wield it boldly because the hunt is on, and we are the prey. Until, next time!
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Reap the Whirlwind
I knew it wouldn’t last long. I needed to act quickly so I grasped a handful of dirt and sand, and threw it into the air. The heavier debris immediately fell to the canyon floor, but the lighter dust particles were captured by the invisible air currents swirling through the passage way of the tight slot canyon. Propelled by the moving air, the dust floated into the singular shaft of light, and suddenly, the light waves scattered. The reflecting dust intensified the pillar of light and, in turn, the light magnified the swirling vortex pattern of dust. A miniature whirlwind appeared right before my eyes. I quickly captured the image with a button press, and then a smile wiggled across my lips. “All of nature declares His handiwork,” I mused. “For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In His hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are His also.” Psalms 95:3-4 ESV
I lingered in the canyon admiring the surrounding beauty and listened to the wind as it flowed through and eddied in and around the eroded and sculptured sandstone. I inhaled deeply to stimulate all of my senses and to soak up every molecule of the place. I didn’t want to leave. I was mesmerized by both the stealthy silence and the cacophony of nature’s architecture. Yet, the shaft of light had long since marched up the opposing wall and disappeared, not to be seen again until tomorrow. It’s secretive departure signaled the end of my visit. With a sigh, I turned and gathered my backpack and supplies. It was time to head home.
As I zigzagged my way back to the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I thought a lot about the picture. I really liked it, but a title eluded me. It continued to evade me until I thought more about the action of throwing dirt into the air. I had literally sowed the wind, and then the whirlwind appeared. Suddenly, it came to me. With a refresher on the Book of Hosea to reaffirm my fleeting thoughts, I excitedly penned the picture’s title!
In 1940, Nazi Germany unleashed a bombing campaign against Britain called the “Blitz”. Using the German word for “lightning”, the Nazis believed the Blitz would quickly sever Britain’s strategic arm and thereby cripple Britain’s ability to fight. Unfortunately, the foolish act of widespread bombing resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 civilians. The Blitz eventually ushered in the critically important Battle of Britain. The struggle between the Luftwaffe and the Royal Air Force for air superiority over Britain was a major turning point during the Second World War. It was the first real defeat for Germany, and with it came a wave of momentum that pushed the air war to the skies over Germany. It was then that the Nazis suffered the storm of consequences for sowing the Blitz bombardment. In retaliation, the Allies implemented area bombing against cities like Dresden that brought about complete devastation.
In a classic and famous speech during the conflict, the Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Arthur “Bomber” Harris, stated, “The Nazis entered this war under the rather childish delusion that they were going to bomb everybody else, and nobody was going to bomb them. At Rotterdam, London, Warsaw, and half a hundred other places, they put that rather naïve theory into operation. They sowed the wind, and now, they are going to reap the whirlwind.”
In that last sentence, “Bomber” Harris was referencing a phrase found in the Book of Hosea of the Old Testament. In Chapter 8, the prophet Hosea delivers a message to the people of Israel that sounds the alarm of impending judgement. In Verse 7, he decries, “For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.”
That phrase is an enigmatic statement made by a minor prophet that highlights a major idiomatic lesson for us all -- Every action results in consequences.
In Hosea, the phrase is directed at the people of Israel who had, sadly, turned their backs on God in pursuit of idolatry. Those actions, along with their dependence upon their own knowledge and wealth were likened to planting the wind. Many times in the Bible, the wind is referenced as foolishness, nothingness, and worthlessness. So, in effect, the people of Israel were planting worthless and foolish seeds that would eventually produce a storm or whirlwind of consequences. That whirlwind of consequences came in 722 B.C. when, ironically, the nation of Assyria whom Israel had unwisely formed an ill-advised treaty with for protection, swept through and plundered the land.
Indeed, there are consequences to actions. Sometimes the consequences are good. Sometimes they are bad. It all depends on the seeds that are sown.
I’ve never been a farmer, but there are a couple of principles involved with agriculture that are obvious. Principle number one is that we reap what we sow. It’s basically the principle of duplication. If we plant a thistle, we will not get a rose. We will get a thistle. If we want a rose, we better plant a rose. Principle number two is that whatever we plant usually grows and becomes larger. It’s the principle of magnification. Therefore we sow a small seed, and it grows into a large plant or even a tree. Whatever gets sown has a tendency to return larger and magnified.
Those two principles at work can produce amazing results or they can bring about heart wrenching consequences. That is why it is so very important that we give careful attention and thought to our actions and the seeds we sow. If we foolishly sow the wind with worthless seeds, the principles of duplication and magnification will goto work and amplify our actions into a whirlwind that will consume us and, possibly, even our children and their children. Many times the whirlwind of consequences is generational (Jeremiah 32:18). Just a quick study of King David and the lives of his children will solidify the concept that bad decisions and sin can swirl past us and onto our children. We may think our seeds and actions are too small to have an affect, but that would be very short sighted. If we are not careful, we will reap a future whirlwind of disappointment for ourselves and for those around us.
When I threw dirt into the air, I certainly wasn’t thinking about reaping a whirlwind. I was simply looking to magnify the shaft of light for photography. The miniature vortex of dust reminded me of a whirlwind and then one thing led to another for this article. Sometimes, I think that is exactly how some people find themselves amidst a storm of consequences. They don’t intentionally go out sowing worthless seeds. They do it for some other reason that seems worthwhile, but then when the whirlwind shows up they realize too late the futility of all their actions. We have all been there, and that is why I find great comfort in the Book of Hosea. Definitely, Hosea describes a God that will serve up judgement if needed, but Hosea also describes a God that is merciful, forgiving, loving, and kind. There is a peace that surpasses understanding that comes from knowing that the storm of consequences can be silenced with humbled repentance. Just like the personal illustration of Hosea who bought his wife back from harlotry, God forgives and has bought us back from sin with the price Jesus paid on the cross. All we have to do is believe, repent, and accept Jesus as our personal savior, and then we don’t have to reap the consequences of sin which is, quite literally, the whirlwind from Hell.
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Fearfully Fearless
I looked one foot to the right, and peered over a sheer cliff edge at the canyon floor one thousand feet below. Then I looked one foot to the left, and peered over another precipitous edge offering it’s own jaw-dropping one thousand foot drop. My legs started to tremble as fear wiggled into the sinews and fibrous tissue of my muscles. It seemed, the daunting narrow trail climbed forever with little relief from the intimidating exposure. The safety chains zigzagged steeply towards perilous nothingness leaving one to imagine the worse and anguish in rash self-assessment questions like “What was I thinking?”, “Should I turn back?”, “Could what lies ahead actually be scarier than what lies behind?” Yet, the massive island of rock jutting out into the river canyon far below cared little about my petty fears. Like a lone gladiator silently challenging any newcomers who dared make the ascent, the summit stood unflinchingly proud. It dominated the lofty arena and offered no words of encouragement, just quiet unrelenting judgement. Only the cool canyon breeze presented any perceivable sound, but it was of no help either. As it frolicked in and around shrubs, trees, and rocks, it tugged on my body and whispered in my ear; “Fear seizes you. Nothing awaits you up there. You are beaten. Why even try?” Of course, my inner voice was responsible for the unmotivated and negative barrage of words. Obviously, I was having a grand mental and internal struggle. Fear was wrapping it’s coils tightly around me and suffocating me with each exhale of breath.
As always, there is much more to be found than nothingness at the end of the trail. Many times it is along the trail that I learn more about myself, and it is at the end of the trail that I have had many personal breakthroughs. There is much that can be learned and produced on and at the end of the trail. This particular trail is no different. The last one-half mile of narrow path epitomizes epic hikes and unparalleled beauty. It is a trail basking in popularity due to it’s ability to spike adrenaline and fear. The feint-of-heart linger behind, as well as those with a fear of heights. They want to experience the sublimeness found at the end of the trail. They want to experience the obvious satisfaction that comes from overcoming the breathtaking summit. They hear the gladiator’s challenging call. It’s a guttural cry that stimulates every nerve and sends chills rippling along the skin. They know the trail’s end beckons them like a light at the end of a long dark tunnel. The surreal 360 degree views tug at their hearts and desires, but, unfortunately, fear cements their feet and paralyzes their bodies. Sadly, the journey for many is cut short. Like a draw bridge to a castle surrounded by a mote, this narrow path is the only way to reach the natural fortress. It is a fortress aptly described early on in it’s discovery as being accessible only by angels. I can attest, angel wings would benefit a person greatly. Without wings though, only the ones who have beaten mental anxiety and conquered fear move forward and upwards along the chains. Only those that stubbornly strangle fear will stand eye to eye with the gladiator that rules the platform and arena called Angels Landing.
I swallowed hard as I mustered the courage to proceed up the trail. I should not have looked over the edge. I gripped the safety chain a little tighter as I scraped my boots against the rock. The traction was good, but my bravery was slipping. “Do not be afraid,” I whispered to myself. Without regard, the swirling wind stole my words from my lips. I said it again but this time louder and with determination. “Do not be afraid!”
I took a step and started thinking about angels. Then I took another step and started thinking about Scripture. Then another step had me thinking about Chris Tomlin’s song “Whom Shall I Fear”. Then I started humming and singing my own rendition with each rhythmic step. By the time I finished my own new song, the trail had come to an end. I was at the top, standing in the arena with one foot on the chest of the imaginary gladiator himself. I had conquered Angels Landing.
These are a few pictures during the climb and on the top of Angels Landing. I took many. The view is awe inspiring and breathtaking no matter what direction you turn your head. It truly is a special place. But even as I stood there soaking in the stunning beauty, I was more overwhelmed by the greatness, grandness, and awesomeness of God. My fear of the trail was long gone. It had vanished like a wisp of smoke into the Zion Canyon breeze. My only fear, at that moment, was found in God Himself, and that, my friends, is a VERY VERY good thing.
Scripture is full of “Do not be afraid” or “Do not fear” commands. Many times angels said those words when presenting a message to unexpecting individuals. Other times Jesus uttered those words. In Mark, He said, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Mark 5:36 NIV. And multiple Scriptures command us, “Do not fear”.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
If you are needing to choke out some fear in your life, I highly recommend and encourage you to memorize a few “Do not fear” and/or “Do not be afraid” Scriptures that you can recall when you need them. One of my favorites that has helped me multiple times is, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”” Joshua 1:9 NIV
(In fact, as a slight digression, I was driving down an Interstate the other day and the traffic was backing up due to an accident. I was worried about catching a flight, and then I looked up and was suddenly reminded that God is in control no matter where I am. Written in bold black letters on the back of a semi trailer in front of me, I saw and read Joshua 1:9. God works in amazing ways.)
I am sure there are several articles and books regarding the “Do not fear” topic. I haven’t taken the time to research it, but it is a very common problem so I’m positive many resources can be found. However, I doubt many of them will instruct us to be fearful to become fearless. Say what? Yes, I am proposing that we should become fearfully fearless. Let me explain.
As I was standing upon Angels Landing, I found myself very fearful of God. What does that mean? The fear of God encapsulates many thoughts and feelings. It is knowing that God created everything. It is knowing that God is all powerful. It is knowing that God controls everything. There is nothing that He does not know. There is no detail that He is not aware of. He is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. The fear of God is knowing that without Jesus, I am found unworthy. It is knowing that there is no work that I can perform that will earn me enough credit to be found worthy. It is only through Christ that I can be saved. It is through God’s grace and mercy that I am set free. It is knowing that I can do nothing without Him. It is complete reverent respect to Him and for Him. He alone is God, and He, alone, will we serve and worship. He is worthy of our praise and our admiration. He is awesome and frightening all at the same time. We will obey His commands because we honor Him. That is the amalgamation of the fear of God. Why is it so important? Let’s take a stroll through God’s Holy Word to find out.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10 NIV
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” Proverbs 3:7-8 NIV
“Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:26-27 NIV
“But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.” Psalm 33:18-19 NIV
“Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” Psalm 34:9-10 NIV
As these passages of Scripture describe, the fear of God is foundational for wisdom, security, and health. Obviously, there are many benefits to walking a life with a true fear of the Lord. Another significant one, called protection, is outlined in the Book of Psalm.
“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” Psalm 34:7 NIV
There is no better or apropos place to reflect on that passage of Scripture than atop Angels Landing. In fact, that is exactly where this article was birthed. Like I said, the end of the trail can produce many things.
If we fear the Lord, His angel armies encircle us. If we fear the Lord, then we do not need to be afraid. In the Book of Second Kings, the angel of the Lord killed 185,000 Assyrians in one night. Without question, the angel of the Lord is extremely powerful, and if we fear God, that power encircles and delivers us. Whom shall I fear? Nobody or nothing as long as I fear the Lord. But it is extremely important to understand the caveat. We must fear the Lord before we can receive that level of protection. Therefore we must become fearful to become fearless.
Throughout the Bible, there are many examples. Daniel, being a God fearing man, refused to obey a silly decree issued by the king that forbid worship to any other except the king, himself. In complete defiance, Daniel continued to openly worship and pray to God. Those actions earned Daniel a trip to the lions’ den where God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths. The angel of the Lord encamped around Daniel because Daniel feared God and honored Him above all else.
Upon the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar set up a golden image and declared that with the sound of music, everyone must fall down and worship the golden idol. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused and stated to King Nebuchadnezzar, “We do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Even with burning death frighteningly charging towards them, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego feared God more. They stood firm in faith knowing that God could save them if He so chose. They defiantly disobeyed the king and followed God’s commands. They were not testing God. (It is important to understand that point. It’s not okay to put God to the test. In other words, just because God can prevent poisonous serpents from harming us, that doesn’t mean we can play with them. God gave us a brain and common sense, He wants us to use them).
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were truly fearful of God. They refused to bow down to any other God. They were following God’s command, not testing Him. As a result of their impudence to the king, they were thrown into the blazing fire. With the furnace seven times hotter, even the soldiers nearest the flames were killed. Yet, miraculously, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were unharmed. In complete baffled amazement, King Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Who has sent His angel and rescued His servants! They trusted in Him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.”
It is through the fear of the Lord, that we find our strength. It is when we say the Lord is my shield, my stronghold, and my light that we can then say, whom shall I fear?
If God is for us, who can be against us? Nobody. No weapon formed against us shall prevail. If I truly fear the Lord then I know His rod and staff will strengthen me, and I will fear no evil because God’s angel armies have landed all around me.
Whether atop Angels Landing or on the other side of the world, no matter where we find ourselves, the God of angel armies is with us as long as we wholeheartedly fear Him. With that fear instilled in us, we can confidently and boldly go forth fearfully fearless.
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Jacob’s Ladder
The aroma was a hint of sage, nutmeg, and mothball. It wasn’t a horrible smell, nor was it one that I needed to inhale deeply. One whiff curtailed my desire for more olfactory stimulation. I replaced the lid to the quart size jar and handed it back to the guide with a wrinkled nose. He chuckled. “Don’t like it, uh?”
I shook my head.
He smiled and nodded. “Snakes no like either.” He put the jar down under a ledge on top of a swirling pattern of sand where the most recent flowing water had eddied.
“Does it really work?” I questioned.
“You seen any rattlesnakes?” He grunted.
His logic stymied me. Of course, we hadn’t seen any so in his mind the mixture of herbs offered up a very good snake repellent. I was skeptical, but there was no practical way to prove him wrong. And seriously, way down deep, I was hoping it really worked. I had no desire to see another rattlesnake in the tight confines of a slot canyon. The last time I had run into one in a slot canyon, it had proven to be a daunting encounter. Neither one of us was happy about the sudden meeting and neither one of us could go anywhere. Not a good thing.
Amidst the swirling patterns of rock and colorful reflections of light, we descended deeper into the canyon. It wasn’t a technical canyon by any means, but it was ripe with beauty. All of the technical requirements had been nullified by well fashioned stairs and ladders, allowing most everyone access to the hidden beauty cut deeply into the Navajo sandstone.
As I descended a set of stairs, I was still thinking about the snake repellent, and then suddenly that game called “Snakes and Ladders” popped into my head. When I turned around and took this picture, all kinds of thoughts were darting through my head. The beautiful glow above the stairway had me mesmerized and sent a fleeting thought of heaven through my mind. Then I thought more about snakes which quickly sent me tiptoeing through the Garden of Eden and the Fall of Man. The image of the stairway launched me to Jacob’s dream and that eventually led me to write this article about Jacob’s Ladder and the fast-approaching Resurrection Sunday. “Wow, Tad, that’s a lot of big jumps,” you say. “Your train is going to derail!” you cry. “Are you feeling okay?”, you ask. Yeah, I’m good. Just hang with me, and I’ll try to put it all together. Let’s begin with “Snakes and Ladders”.
Firstly, “Snakes and Ladders” is a classic board dice game that originated in India. It initially didn’t carry that title, but when it migrated to England in the late 1800’s, it gained popularity and was sold under that name. Much later, another version sailed over to the United States called “Chutes and Ladders”. Throughout the years, the symbolism, philosophical aspects, and religious connotations of the game have nearly disappeared, but under the title of “Snakes and Ladders”, the game still offered a morality lesson. Snakes were vices. Ladders were virtues. With a basic premise that good deeds took a player up, and bad deeds took a player down, the game had ladders of thrift, penitence, and industry and snakes of indulgence, disobedience, and indolence. Earlier versions had ladders of generosity, faith, and humility and snakes of lust, anger, and theft. To win was a combination of luck and a successful navigation of ladders and careful avoidance of snakes. In the original Indian version, the main lesson taught in the game was that the attainment of salvation could be earned by performing good deeds. Interesting, indeed!
Secondly, in the Garden of Eden and the resulting Fall of Man, the connection between God and Man was lost. Sin created a disconnect in the relationship that needed desperately to be restored. Unfortunately, Man was and is not able to restore it. It is only through Gods’ provisions that we can reconnect with Him. The Tower of Babel lends itself as a classic symbolic story of Man trying to reach heaven under his own terms, arrogance, and abilities. It doesn’t work, and God doesn't accept it. Make note that God scattered Man and his efforts across the face of the earth for trying to build the tower.
Thirdly, in Genesis Chapter 28, the story of Jacob’s ladder or stairway to heaven is outlined. Briefly, in that Chapter, Jacob laid his head upon a rock and fell asleep. While asleep, he dreamt that there was a ladder that reached from the earth up to heaven. Upon that ladder or stairway, he saw the angels of God going up and down and, at the top, stood the Lord. Within those passages of Scripture, God reaffirms to Jacob, a promise made to his grandfather, Abraham. Then Jacob awakens and with fear exclaims, “What an awesome place this is! It is none other than the house of God, the very gateway to heaven!” Genesis 28:17 NLT
In the story of Jacob’s Ladder, the ladder foreshadows and is highly symbolic. In Jacob’s dream, God has already established a ladder or connection to earth. That connection reestablishes the relationship between God and Man. Notice that the connection is not built by Man. It is NOT a set of virtues, good deeds, or good works that lead to salvation like in “Snakes and Ladders”. On the contrary, salvation cannot be earned. The connection is a provision supplied by God. The ladder is a bridge. The ladder is the key to all of the Gospel. That ladder is a representation of Jesus Christ. Christ is the connection between God and Man and He, alone, is the gateway to heaven. For it is only upon the Ladder of Jesus Christ that we can be saved.
“Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6 NLT
Lastly, Resurrection Sunday is nearly upon us. As Christians, it should be one of the most celebrated days of the year. It is a very special time. In fact, it should be thought about, if not celebrated, every day of the year. The fact that Christ conquered the grave and was resurrected from the dead is the reason we have hope of an eternal home in heaven. Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith.
“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.”
Romans 5:1-2 NLT
In conclusion, the final rung of the ladder and the gateway to heaven was completed when that tomb stone was rolled away and the angel proclaimed, “Don’t be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead.”
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The Green Flash
My expectations were climbing higher and higher. As if on a huge thermal of lift, my hopes soared. The horizon was fairly clear except for a lone ornery cloud. That cloud had teased me unmercifully early on, threatening to block my view of the retreating sun. I grumbled a typical phrase, “That just figures!”, as I continued taking pictures of the pounding surf and silently wished for better luck. As sunset approached, the cloud reluctantly drifted away from the horizon like a puppy pulled from a chew toy. Despite the stubbornness displayed, the wispy vapor soon became my ally. Offering a subtle reflection of reddish-orange color from the escaping sun, the cloud added variety and depth to an already beautiful scene. As the sun bowed to the encroaching darkness, my hopes and expectations took flight. I actually started to get nervous as I observed a very distant and clear horizon for the setting sun. Was this going to be my chance to see a green flash?
Rewind four days earlier. I had really thought I was going to glimpse a green flash while enroute for a night snorkeling trip. But, regarding green flashes, it seems the world is against me and fate likes to see me cry. Boo hoo! On a gorgeous cloudless evening with perfect mirage-type atmospheric conditions, exactly when the sun waved good night, another boat magically blocked my view. Really? Are you kidding me? Considering the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, and the unobstructed 360 degree views available the majority of the time, it seemed rather ironic that another boat would be in the wrong place at the right time. Sometimes, irony is my only partner in life. Grrrrr! Yet again, my observation of a green flash was not to be.
Over the years, whether standing on top of a mountain, kicking sand on a beach, or pushing air aside at 40,000 feet, I have watched each sunset with a real hope, desire, and expectation to see a green flash. I would never say that any of that time was waisted. On the contrary, watching the sun slip beneath the horizon is always a magical and superb way to end the day. I have seen some stunning sunsets and captured some wonderful memories during those vigils, but I have never seen an elusive green flash. It has evaded me almost to the point of certain denial of it’s existence. Based on my past experiences, it would seem that green flashes are not real and do not exist. However, that assumption would be dead wrong. A person must be careful about making assumptions based on their own limited experiences.
The green flash is a very real optical phenomena that occurs just as the last portion of the sun’s disk slips out of sight. The refraction of light through the Earth’s atmosphere bends the light into the spectrum of colors. The most refracted colors are blue and green. The blue gets scattered, and then green becomes the dominant and observable color. Therefore, under the right atmospheric conditions with a long unobstructed view of the horizon, a momentary glimpse of green appears. Under super rare conditions, the green will “shoot” upwards like a laser. Usually with a duration of less than a second, it happens fast. It is advisable not to blink. The phenomenon can also happen at sunrise, but it is much harder to see because an observer must know exactly where and when the sun is going to appear on the horizon. Every green flash is different. Atmospheric layering, particulate contamination, and mirage affects dictate the display. Some green flashes are much more spectacular and vivid than others. With magnification, it would be much easier to readily see the green, but magnification of the sun is not safe. Don’t do it! With the naked eye, green flashes are a rarity. They are so rare that an individual should consider himself/herself very fortunate to have seen one in their lifetime. They do happen, but everything has to be just right to observe it. Hence the reason I haven’t seen one. At least not until just now!
This sunset picture was taken with high hopes and expectations. The following green flash picture, although not the sharpest, was taken with great jubilation. Even though I had never seen a green flash, I knew it was a real phenomena to behold. So I kept watching. I remained patient and persistent. I continued to eagerly wait. I stayed faithfully expectant. And finally, after many years, I was rewarded.
Leading a Christian life can be a lot like waiting for a green flash. We’ve never seen Jesus, but we wait for His return. Through God’s inspired Word, we know and believe that Jesus came to Earth as the perfect sacrifice to save us from our sins, that He conquered death through the Resurrection, that He ascended to the right hand of the Father, and “in the twinkling of an eye” He will return. But we don’t know when. Some people try to offer dates and times even though the Bible specifically states that “...concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” (Matthew 24:36 ESV). Therefore, we must always be ready because the Son of Man is coming at an hour we do not expect. (Matthew 24:44 ESV). So in faith, we stay the course and diligently watch, wait, and, hopefully, pray.
I have always found eschatology (the study of end times) fascinating. If any time is spent studying “end times” in the Bible, a very controversial topic quickly pokes it’s head up. Specifically, the topic involves the timing of the rapture relative to the tribulation. There are a lot of Christians that get “spun up” over the details of the subject. It can be confusing, and therefore the ongoing debate thrives. Does the rapture occur pre, mid, or post tribulation?
For the sake of argument and brevity, I will not express my opinion. It makes little difference what I think amidst the flurry of “very educated” commentaries available on the Net. The most important point, and the one that should not be missed whether or not the rapture occurs pre, mid, or post tribulation, is that the rapture does take place. No matter what, there WILL be a rapture or a “taking away” of the believers.
As described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 ESV, “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”
Further description of the rapture occurs in 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 ESV.
“Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.”
Much like the green flash, the rapture is real, and it will happen fast without warning. If we are watching and ready, we will be rewarded. If not, yikes..... We may not completely understand how or when the rapture takes place. We may spend a life time looking for and expecting it. We might even become doubtful of the truth because our patience dwindles or our limited experience breeds discontent, but that is when faith must take root and grow. The mantras then become; “I believe whether I see or not”, “I will always keep watching”, “I eagerly await His return”, “I will keep an eye on the horizon in faithful expectancy”. Jesus, Himself, stated, “The servants who are ready and waiting for His return will be rewarded.....He (the Lord) may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever He comes, He will reward the servants who are ready.” (Luke 12:37-38 NLT)
The Scriptures are quite clear regarding the rapture or the “snatching away” of the believers. If we choose to disregard the truth, and step into the realm of “denial of existence”, we take a very very big risk with our eternal future. Incontestably, the rapture is only for those believers found in Christ. If we do not have our lamps burning and full of oil, the bridegroom will shut the door and say, “I do not know you.”
The Bible has several examples of the righteous being removed from the scene before judgement falls including the stories of Noah, Lot, and Rahab. The final outcome for those “left behind” did not go well. I would take that “set” precedence to heart. Missing the rapture of the church is not a wise choice.
Albeit, on a much more positive note, for those faithful watchers that believe and have accepted Jesus Christ into their hearts, the reward will be beyond comprehension. Stunning, beautiful, and breathtaking do not even begin to describe it. Faster than a “green flash”, into the clouds we will go.....
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The Hope of Man
Looking out over Waimea Canyon at sunrise is an awe inspiring spectacle. Also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, Waimea Canyon is almost ten miles long and nearly 3000 feet deep. Although extremely beautiful with multiple shades of reds and greens sweeping down it’s canyon walls, it was created through a tumultuous past. A history of volcanic eruptions with distinct lava flows, followed by earthquakes, fault rifting, and a partial collapse of the main volcano’s western section preluded additional eruptions that set the foundational strata for the Waimea River incision. Brittle lava rock subjected to the rushing flow of water and almost continuous seismic activity brought about significant erosion. With Mount Wai’ale’ale being one of the wettest places on earth, the Waimea River was supplied with enough water to quickly carve through the lava rock and red soil. Through the passage of time, ravaging floods and major tremors have exaggerated the erosional process leaving Waimea Canyon steep, rugged, exposed, and breathtakingly beautiful.
“"But the mountain falls and crumbles away, and the rock is removed from its place; the waters wear away the stones; the torrents wash away the soil of the earth; so you destroy the hope of man.”
Job 14:18-19 ESV
Those words uttered by Job in one of the earliest written Books of the Bible, fittingly describe the creation of Waimea Canyon. And much like the collapse of the main Kauai volcano, Jobs’ words fall hard and reverberate loudly as he issues a complaint against God. Job descriptively reflects that just like the sureness of erosion as time marches forward, so it is that God destroys the hope of Man.
At first glance through the poetic writings of the book, it appears that poor Job is justified in his complaint against God especially considering his blameless and upright life. Yet, despite his integrity and good works, his life becomes center stage for an epic confrontation between God and Satan. God, Himself, offers Job’s life as the "litmus test" from which Satan could sample. Then, through numerous monumental hardships conjured up by Satan, Job is subjected to and experiences tragedy after tragedy. The massive personal losses pile up and topple upon him like boulders from a rock slide. One stunning blow after another pummels him. He loses everything of value including his children, possessions, and health. Nearly everything he holds dear is destroyed except for his own life. And just to add more sting to his plight, Job’s friends intently accuse him of past sin and wrongdoings to explain the horrible chain of events. His wife even tells him to curse God and die (Ouch! Now that’s a wonderfully committed life-long partner —- Not!). Eventually, the stunning pain overwhelms Job so much that he curses the day he was born.
So far, it would seem, Job’s complaint that God destroys the hope of Man is justified. Admittedly, from our worldly perspective, it seems rather harsh to repay steadfastness with agony. Job was devout, and even God, Himself, described Job as blameless and upright, and, still, God allowed Satan to attack him. “That’s not fair,” we cry. “That’s not a true and just God,” we lament. Blessings should follow good behavior, not suffering. It seems so unfair. Why punish the good? If that is the case, why even try? In agreement, Job despairingly cries, “It is all the same; that is why I say, ‘He destroys both the blameless and the wicked.........Since I am already found guilty, why should I struggle in vain?” (Job 9:22, 29 NIV)
Consumed with physical and emotional pain beyond compare, Job’s words are laced wIth distraught bewilderment. He wants to explain his case to God because he feels he has been unfairly treated. It is the same desperate feeling that many have expressed throughout the ages; “Why would a loving God allow bad things to happen to good people?” Job continues echoing his “unjust” sentiment as he asks, “Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power?” (Job 21:7 NIV)
There are many lessons that can be learned from the book / life of Job. So many, in fact, the plethora of life lessons would fill multiple Sunday mornings. But for the sake of this article, I want to limit the topic to Job’s complaint against God. Does God really destroy the hope of Man?
What is the hope of Man? Is the hope of Man wealth? Is the hope of Man an elevated status? Is the hope of Man health and longevity of life? Or is the hope of Man self-righteousness? Quite possibly, everyone of those parameters define a little bit of hope for all of us. We are all human. We all would like health, wealth, respect, and the opportunity to “feel good” about our decisions and ourselves. Unfortunately, those parameters also describe a worldly view of hope, and if those humanistic variables define and encompass ALL of our hopes, aspirations, and desires, it is very possible that God will allow our hopes to be destroyed.
When Job complains to God about destroying the hope of Man, Job is offering a worldly view of hope. It is a hope built upon the “life is short” and “you only live once” foundations. It is a hope of financial security, fulfilled dreams, realized goals, success, outside beauty, vibrant health, and lots of fun. It is a worldly perspective fueled by greed, ambition, and a self-righteous profile. It is a hope that never looks beyond this life. It is a perspective that lives for the “here and now” moment. The problem with that view is that eventually that hope does get stripped away. No matter how successful, educated, ambitious, hardworking, or “liked” we are, the great equalizer called “death” remains. We all face it. We all grow old. We all die. Therefore, Job is accurate in his complaint. God does allow our “worldly” hope to erode away.
An additional point of contention with “the hope of Man” is that we view God as being the Captain of the Justice League. Firstly, we expect blessings for good, punishment for bad. Right now! It’s not fair to be good and work hard, and then have bad people excel. Right? But what really defines “good”? What degree of “good” do we feel deserves reward? Per the Bible, nobody is “good”. We have all sinned. We have all fallen short of the glory of God. Secondly, God does not just declare judgement because we think He should nor does He offer repeated blessings for good works. Anybody who puts God in a box and declares that He will offer multiple blessings just because we are “good” or live “upright” is not offering the truth.
The fact of the matter is that down deep we humans have a couple of fiendish “stumbling blocks” that trip us up in our relationship with God. They are devilish problems that linger in mankind’s heart, and they are extremely difficult to detect because they camouflage themselves as “good”. As a result, they are insidious on how they plant seeds. They could easily be categorized as proverbial “slippery slopes”. They are called self-righteousness and self-sufficiency.
The self-righteous slope goes like this: I’ve done multiple kind things for the needy. I never curse. I never drink. I always goto church. I pay tithes and volunteer at the local food bank. People respect me for my steadfastness, prayer, and missions emphasis. I deserve something special for all the “good works” I’ve performed. I sure do like how all these things make me feel.
The self-sufficiency slope goes like this: I’m doing alright. I’ve got a good job. I’m a respected and responsible individual. I work hard. I’m disciplined. If I work a little harder, I can probably pay off all my debt next year. I exercise and eat right. I study and am continuing my education. I am reliable and people need me. I’m well liked. I’ve got this. I don’t need help.
Ironically, most people would say both slopes are full of good things. We ask, how can they be problematic obstacles? The answer lies in how they both nurture and elevate self-pride. They have a tendency to emphasize self-importance, self-interest, self-centeredness, and “good” works which specifically contradicts Scripture.
“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT
The epitome of self-righteousness were the Pharisees of Jesus’ day. A person doesn’t have to spend much time reading the Bible to get an understanding of how Jesus felt about the Pharisees. He did not have very nice things to say about them.
Self-reliance, too, is a very “slippery slope”. Personally, I have struggled up this hill countless times. It seems like I always slip and have to start climbing again. It helps me to get further up the hill if I repeat a little Scripture along the way: “.....apart from Him, I can do nothing.”
““I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5 NIV
One of the main reasons God allowed Job to be tested was to teach him that self-righteousness and self-sufficiency were hidden deep in his heart. Job also needed to learn that God is far beyond what Man can comprehend or understand. Man is in no position to make a case against nor challenge God. God is beyond contestation. God is God.
There is no doubt that Job was a good man. Even God, Himself, said Job was blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. But God wanted to teach Job that “good” doesn’t make the grade. Job needed to learn that nothing he did in his own strength was acceptable before God. It was only through God’s grace and the acceptance of God’s gift, that he could be found righteous. In order to teach the lesson, God allowed Job to fall into trials. In order for Job to see those hidden diabolical degrees in his own heart, God let Satan cut Job deeply.
Job was not tested because of some great sin, much to the chagrin of his friends. We don’t have to be wicked for God to want to teach us more. Job was tested so that he could learn more about himself and God. He was tested to learn about the sovereignty of God. He was tested to find a deeper relationship with God. He was tested so that others might see, observe, and learn valuable lessons as well. That point gets glossed over quite often, but it shouldn’t so I’m going to quickly expound.
At the beginning of Job, Satan makes an accusation against mankind. His proclamation before the Heavenly Court is that Man serves God only because God blesses and protects them. Satan’s argument is that Man will curse God if those blessings and protections are stripped away. In other words, Satan is stating that Man only serves God to remain prosperous and be rewarded. Man finds little value in a relationship with God aside from self-interest. Without blessings, Man will curse God. As a result, Job is given a great honor by God. God believes in Job enough to place him on the front lines as an example to prove Satan wrong. Before the entire Heavenly Court, all of the universe, God chooses Job as his warrior. That, my friend, is a high privilege.
For those who have experienced many Job-like trials in their lifetime and still carry the shield of faith and uphold the Standard, I personally believe that God has given you a great privilege and great honor. God has chosen you as a warrior and a representative for Man to squelch the accusations of Satan. Your actions prove Satan wrong and uphold the glory of God. Your steadfast example through tribulations has proven that Satan’s proclamation is not valid. At the same time, your example has allowed the rest of us to learn and gain needed strength, fortitude, and character. We all carry our shields a little higher simply because you never dropped yours, despite all the hardships. Yours is a burdensome warrior’s path paved with endurance and constitution that few can comprehend, but many admire. God chose you for the front lines for a reason and, believe me, it has not gone unnoticed. We that follow have watched and learned. God is still God and worthy of praise and honor no matter what. Fight on warrior!
Yes, Job complained through his trials. Who wouldn’t? But he never cursed God. He came close, but he never did. That’s crucial because that is what Satan wanted all along. If Job had failed that test, he would have lost everything. Despite Satan’s best attempt, Job passed. The trials were incomprehensible, but God knew Job had the strength to endure. And through it, Job learned about the condition of his own heart, and then he immediately repented to God. Valuable lessons learned!
Like the Waimea River carving and eroding through the Waimea Canyon, there are many strata levels that get exposed the deeper the river incision carves. In order to expose those long concealed levels, the incision has to cut fairly deep. Yet, the beauty that is reflected afterwards is truly amazing. It is the same with us. Many times the trials can become difficult and slice deeply, but it is when those hidden levels in our hearts are exposed that we learn that the “hope of Man” is not found in us or what we’ve done. The true “hope of Man” is found in God and His One and only Son, Jesus. There is a beautiful image that resides in that hope. There is a beautiful relationship that resides in that lesson.
After Job’s trials and repentance, God multiplied his blessings far beyond what he had possessed before. The Bible says that God blessed Job with three daughters that were the most beautiful women in the land. I find that passage interesting and significant. After enduring much hardship, Job was blessed with incomparable beauty in his life.
It is as Apostle Paul wrote in Romans Chapter 5. “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment.” That hope Paul writes about is full of peace and beauty encapsulated by the love of God. That hope will never dissolve. That hope will never erode nor be destroyed.
Like Waimea Canyon, a tumultuous past with many trials can bring about great beauty. We might struggle to understand our lives while the trials carve through us and into our hearts, but if our hope is in God and His love, there is indescribable and incomparable beauty ahead. Oh, what a sight to behold. It will be awe inspiring!
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The Tallest Mountain
The windshield wipers of the four door Jeep slapped back and forth in a rhythmic frenzy. Even at high speed, the maddened beat of the rubber blades barely managed to keep the tempest at bay. The motion of the wipers, the torrential rain, and the moist foggy air blurred the view thru the windshield to the point of mandatory action. With a twist of a switch, the defrost roared to life. With the decreasing visibility, and my lack of familiarity with the road, I eased off the gas. It was a good idea. Soon, the Jeep began to pull left and right as the tires encountered the drag of running water on the road. I gripped the steering wheel a little tighter as I felt the Jeep threaten to hydroplane. I eased off the throttle even more. Nature was dictating a slower speed limit this day.
Surrounded by a cocoon of wet gloomy grayness, the view beyond the windows gave little indication where we were going. The only hints regarding our true destination were the Jeep’s laboring engine, and the pressure changes in our ears. At times, the engine screamed while the automatic transmission stubbornly held it’s selected gear. We were climbing fast, but the misty envelope of nothingness refused to surrender any visual clues. We were driving blind into the unknown.
“You think we’ll make it?” asked my beautiful wife and best friend.
“Not sure,” I winced. “The road was closed yesterday due to snow.”
“That’s crazy,” she snipped whimsically. “Less than one hour ago, we were standing on the beach.”
I nodded. “As long as we can get above the rain clouds, we should be good.”
“Four wheel drive to the top?” she asked.
“Mandatory, they say. Low gear as well,” I stated as I pointed out the windshield towards a sliver of blue sky. “Looks like we are breaking out,” I smiled.
“There it is,” she excitedly pointed.
I stole a glance at the towering giant looming above us through the wispy cloud tops. The sunlit bathed peak appeared like a huge masted ship sailing a vast sea of whiteness. Like a siren’s song, the mountain beckoned us onwards and upwards towards it’s lofty summit. But I was not completely fooled by the lure of the mightily displayed grandeur. Danger lurked in the rarified air hugging those steep slopes. We had just left sea level one hour ago. Altitude sickness was a very real possibility. I checked my watch. There was still time to acclimate before sunset. I blew out a sigh of relief. My dream to stand on the tallest mountain in the world at sunset was going to happen. “Mauna Kea,” I grinned. “Here we come!”
Yes, it is true. Although, the dormant volcano of Mauna Kea tops out just under 14,000 feet above sea level, it is considered the tallest mountain in the world. It is not the highest, but it is the tallest. Measured from the oceanic base where the mountain starts, Mauna Kea rises over 33,000 feet. That number changes drastically depending on what is considered the solid base. The most conservative number measures Mauna Kea at 30,610 feet which still surpasses Mount Everest by nearly 1,700 feet. Even at only 13,796 feet above sea level, Mauna Kea is nothing short of spectacular. It is one of the few places on Earth where you can surf the ocean and then drive less than two hours for a snow boarding adventure at nearly 14,000 feet. Mauna Kea’s peak is the highest point in the state of Hawaii, and it rises out of the ocean like a leviathan from the depths. Mauna Kea, along with it’s neighboring sister Mauna Loa, dominate the Big Island of Hawaii. I have been told that the mountains are so massive in volume, that their combined weight actually depresses the ocean floor causing them to shrink a smidgeon (0.01 in) each year. With nearly 14,000 feet of it’s head sticking out of the ocean, it is hard to believe that the majority of Mauna Kea’s mass is hidden beneath the white-capped waves of the Pacific.
As I watched the setting sun from the summit of the tallest mountain in the world, I snapped this picture. A personal bucket list item was completed. Check. I had always wondered what it would be like to stand there overlooking the entire Pacific Ocean Basin. Surreal, tranquil, peaceful, and breathtaking were adjectives in the back of my mind. However, to be honest, the only word that repeatedly slapped me was “breathtaking”. It was breathtaking in beauty and also because it was mind numbingly cold. Wow, it was frigid! That moisture laden Pacific Ocean air whipping along over a 14,000 foot summit at 30 miles per hour felt like thousands of needles simultaneously being pressed into my exposed skin. There was no dramatic reflection time at the top. There was no hesitation and delay at the summit to rethink my purpose in life. All I wanted to do was retreat to the warmth of the Jeep. So I snapped a couple of pictures, and vamoosed. I reflected upon the spiritual nuances much much later, after the pinkish hue returned to my face, and the feeling returned to my fingers.
Mauna Kea is a massive mountain, yet only 14,000 feet of it is seen. It is the tallest mountain in the world, but most people don’t recognize the 19,000 feet of submerged structure and, therefore, misjudge it. Very rarely will people offer up Mauna Kea as the tallest mountain in the world. Mount Everest is almost always given the honor. Very few people look beneath the surface of the waves.
There is a passage of Scripture in the Book of John that perfectly describes the point.
“Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.””
John 7:24 NLT
In other words, be cautious because there are many things that are not as they seem. Many times it is the “unseen” that makes all the difference. That sentiment / lesson is littered throughout the Bible. In fact, there are so many examples and references in the Word of God concerning looking beyond the surface that it is extremely difficult to write about the topic. For example, I could choose to write about the Beatitudes where Jesus proclaims that the worldly view of an unfortunate group of people is actually a blessed group of people. Say what? Jesus states “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5 NIV)
But how can that be? The world teaches that only the strong will survive. The answer lies in looking beneath the surface. Things are not what they seem. Over and over again, God’s inspired Word instructs us to look beneath the surface. Examples, in no particular order, include “False prophets or wolves in sheep’s clothing”, “The widow’s offering”, “David anointed as king”, “The Great Harlot”, “the Antichrist or the man of sin”, “The contest on Mount Carmel”, “On the road to Emmaus”., “On the road to Damascus”, “The olive oil and empty jars”, “The tree of the knowledge of good and evil”, “An angel of light”, “The Crucifixion”, and “The Resurrection”.
Everyone of those examples are laced with the lesson to look beneath the surface. Look deeper. Look into the heart. Don’t judge based on what is seen. There are so many things that we simply do not understand and see. Things are not what they seem.
“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.””
1 Samuel 16:7 NLT
“....as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:18 ESV
As stated earlier, there are many examples of this lesson spread throughout the Bible. Let’s just take a quick stroll through the Scriptures.......
The Fall of Man came about because neither Eve nor Adam looked beyond the surface. What was pleasing to the eye was accepted and not judged correctly. As a result, mankind went directly into a “tailspin”.
“When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.”
Genesis 3:6 NIV
Based on what was seen, Goliath was unbeatable. A giant of a man, that towered over the Israelites and incited fear in their ranks. Yet, a young boy armed with only a sling and stone approached with confidence. He approached boldly because what was “unseen” in him was much stronger than Goliath. In fact, much like Mauna Kea, most of David’s strength lay hidden beneath the surface. I think it is valid to say that Goliath should have looked deeper.
One morning, a servant cried out to his master in fear. “What shall we do?”
Unfortunately, during the predawn hours, they had been encircled by the enemy. All avenues of escape were blocked. There was no place to run. No place to hide. Based on what was seen, all was lost.
“Don’t be afraid,” the master responded. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
“I don’t see anyone but the enemy,” moaned the servant.
So the master prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.”
Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes. As the servant looked around, he saw the surrounding hills full of horses and chariots of fire. The enemy was severely outnumbered by the “unseen” army of God.
As the story in 2 Kings describes, the power of the “unseen” is more than enough. We have already won because the Spirit who lives in us is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. (1 John 4:4 NLT)
When Jesus left this Earth, He did not leave us alone as orphans. He left behind an advocate, a helper of sorts, a guide, an “unseen” power source. Jesus left behind the Spirit of Truth, or more commonly known as the Holy Spirit.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:16-17 NIV)
The Holy Spirit resides within the hearts of all those that have accepted Jesus and believe. Learning to tap into that “unseen” power source begins by looking beneath the surface and learning that things are not as they outwardly appear. Even that “unseen” power source is not what it seems. Beneath the surface, it is much stronger and powerful than most Christians perceive. It even has the strength to move mountains as large as Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in the world.
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Eye Upon Us
Black and slender, sweeping up over an arching horizon, the wing tips seemed to blend into the blackness of space. Far below, vast expanses of mountains and farmland muted together in subtle shades of pastels and hues. Cloud cover stubbornly concealed some low lying areas, but added depth and personality to the overall scene. Contrary to the real truth, the view hinted at tranquility and peace. It was a magnanimous view that only a select few would ever experience. He knew it, but it came at a cost. A heavy cost...
A feeling of loneliness and dread laced the cockpit every flight. Miles of air separated him from the rest of humanity. Thousands of miles separated him from his home. At this point, even radio communication had been terminated, leaving him isolated and alone with his thoughts. Random and fleeting, like trying to capture falling stars, he blinked from memory to memory. His rocky marriage, his extensive training, the last hurried briefing, the current lengthy mission. Nothing held fast. Nothing held strong. Responsibility and duty forced each thought to retreat immediately at first appearance. The plane demanded his attention. His current environment demanded his maximum respect.
At 70,000 feet, the allowable airspeed window was extremely small. Less than eight knots separated an over speed and a stall. He was flying in the “coffin corner” regime. There was no room for error. Ironically, though, the unforgiving altitude also offered a degree of safety. Nothing could reach him. At least, that is what he had been told. So far, the statement had remained accurate. Despite repeated enemy aircraft intercepts and missile salvo attempts, the U-2 “Dragon Lady” spy plane had remained untouchable. Cruising in the upper stratosphere, nearing the edge of space, the steroidal glider flew over the enemy undeterred. Unable to shoot it down, the proud Russians could not publicly admit that the United States was actively spying on them. Admission of such overflights included an admission of impotence. It was a slap in the face, especially in the fros of the Cold War era. Russian radar tracked the U-2. Russian fighters pursued the U-2. Russian missiles launched towards the U-2. But nothing could reach the U-2. The “Dragon Lady” offered a platform of impunity, and the United States relished it. Needless to say, Russia desperately wanted to shoot it down.
That’s what unnerved him the most. They knew he was flying over. They were always watching. Russia would not give up. Statistically speaking, every overflight was becoming more and more dangerous. It was just a matter of time before the enemy would get lucky.
He deeply inhaled the pure oxygen streaming into his helmet. With a sigh of trepidation, he remembered the silver dollar in the outer pocket of his flight suit. He swallowed hard. It was not comforting knowing that secretly hidden in the coin was a needle loaded with curare. One prick would suffice, he had been told. Then, to add more tension, he eyed the guarded self-destruct switches on the cockpit panel. He momentarily closed his eyes and growled an aggrieved moan. He knew he couldn’t afford these mental distractions. The “Dragon Lady” and the mission demanded his utmost attention. A whispered prayer drifted across his lips, and then he resumed his duties.
Out of nowhere, the cockpit glowed with a flash of orange light. The U-2 bucked hard as an explosive charge reverberated throughout the airframe. Like a dog coming out of water, the U-2 shook and vibrated furiously. For a moment, he thought he had experienced a dreaded compressor stall and engine flameout. The nose began to fall through the horizon. He instinctively pulled back on the stick, but the controls went slack. He pivoted his head to the right just as the right wing, sickeningly, folded upwards and separated from the fuselage. Suddenly, he wished the engine had flamed out. That was a much better scenario than what reality had just served. Panic strangled him as his worst nightmare was realized. Like the spy plane around him, his fate disintegrated before his eyes. The Russians had gotten lucky.
The shoot down of the U-2 piloted by Francis Gary Powers was one of the most critical incidents during the Cold War. It created a legendary brouhaha between the United States and Russia during an already very strained time. It is a fascinating story that later inspired the movie “Bridge of Spies”. The fact that the Soviet Union could now reach out and “touch” the U-2 required the United States to pursue an alternative platform to monitor the “enemy”. That platform would be found in orbit around the Earth. The shoot down of Gary Power’s U-2 quickly ushered in the use of spy satellites, and the birth of “Project Corona”.
These are some pictures of calibration crosses or targets. They were specifically constructed in the 1960’s during the Cold War to calibrate spy satellite cameras. About sixty feet square, the large concrete Maltese crosses have long since been abandoned. Littering the rock and sand infested Sonoran Desert, approximately one hundred of them are still identifiable. Like lost ghost towns succumbing to neglect and the encroachment of nature, they are slowly vanishing. In time they will disappear, but their historical significance still remains. These Cold War relics represent the beginnings of a new era of technology; an era of surveillance.
In point of fact, we are constantly being watched. Like it or not, the chances are very good someone or something is watching or has the capability to monitor our every move. Digital data and surveillance cameras are everywhere. For example, surveillance cameras are in airports, schools, libraries, stores, gas stations, houses, garages, hotels, ATMs, elevators, street intersections, speed zones, and cross walks. Even if there isn’t a stationary surveillance camera setup, there are cameras in cars, planes, helicopters, drones, and satellites. I’ve even been in a wilderness area, completely off grid, and found multiple game cameras. Mobile surveillance is even more prevalent because everybody has smart phones. Videos and pictures reach social media faster than flipping on a light switch.
At this point, trying to stop the influx of surveillance monitoring tools could be likened to stopping an avalanche with a snow shovel. It’s not going to happen. Under the guises of convenience, safety, and entertainment, the deluge will continue. And surprisingly, we will continue to aide the process as we Snapchat, browse the internet, ask SIRI for directions, voice command Alexa, and sync our phones to every gadget we own including our car.
However, conspiracy theories aside, there are many people that are comfortable with and find safety in someone always watching. Therein lies the crux of the matter. Our acceptance level of being watched depends entirely on our perspective regarding the watchers’ intentions. Do we trust them? Are they watching in love and support? Are they watching for our own protection? Or are they watching to find fault? Are they watching to cause harm or pass blame?
For a Christian, the concept of being watched should not be new.
“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3 ESV)
I, for one, find great comfort in knowing that my Lord and Savior knows everything about me. He knew me in the womb. He knows the number of hairs on my head. He knows when I wake and when I sleep. He knows the number of days I have left on this Earth. There is nothing that He doesn’t know, including my heart. If I offer up a good deed with a smile, but begrudgingly curse the act in my heart, He knows. If I pretend to be saintly and “play” church on Sunday, but partake of the world during the week, He knows. If I say I love Him, but hate my sister and brother, He knows. I may fool others and myself, but He knows the truth. He knows my heart and my thoughts.
To many, it can be intimidating to think that God sees and knows everything. It almost becomes a “road block” for their Christian walk and journey. They have one lustful thought and decide that it’s not possible to meet the strict standard so why even try. Or they stumble into an old sin and beat themselves up unmercifully for failing.
The apostle Paul wrote many books of the New Testament. One of those books or letters was Romans. Located in Chapters seven thru eight, Paul descriptively agonizes over his own struggle with sin. He writes, “What a wretched man I am!” (Romans 7:24). It is a struggle we all experience. There is no immunity to the fleshly struggle, but there is a wonderful caveat. As Christians, we have been set free from the law of sin and death through Christ. In other words, being human, I will continue to sin and fall short of the glory of God, but if I believe in my heart that Jesus rescued me, then there is no longer any condemnation. (Take special note, that it is all about the heart). What a beautiful silver lining to an otherwise dark and ominous storm.
The perspective of God watching should then become; “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24 NIV)
God knows everything, and He peers all the way into the depths of our hearts. That fact does not have to be intimidating because He is greater than our hearts. If our hearts condemn us, we can find solace in knowing that Christ has already taken care of the matter. If we are in the 'truth', there is no reason not to rest in His presence. In confidence, we can forget what is behind and strain towards what is ahead. We can press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called us. “Big Brother” watching may not be a palatable scenario since we don’t know “Big Brothers’” full intentions, but having God watch and be with us every step we take is truly wonderful and comforting. As long as we are in Christ, we can relish in that loving relationship where God can instruct and teach us. With His counsel, we can confidently move forward, knowing that His eye is upon us the entire way!
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Green Sands
My knees buckled as the beat-up four-wheel drive pickup with worn out shocks bounced over exposed and jagged lava rock. Just as my leg muscles engaged to counter my lower body collapse, the trucks’ heavily used rear tires grabbed traction and lurched the tail end up and over a ledge. The combined energy nearly launched me out of the back of the truck. I white knuckled the steel railing along the side of the pickup bed with exuberant intensity. I had no desire to get thrown out. My shyness of the mockery that would surely follow invigorated my willpower to hold on. I had no doubts that true concern for my well-being would have been offered. It simply would have been expressed only after the laughter subsided.
The old white Dodge had seen better days and much better roads. I would have preferred to be driving myself, but, to my chagrin, I was assigned a standing position in the back of the truck along with the rest of my family. It was proving to be an interesting ride - a ride that exuded a cattle truck aura. Although, I was sure our future held more promise than cattle en route to a grocery store, I was starting to wonder if my kidneys would still be attached and functioning when it was all over.
“Just two more miles to go,” I grimaced. Bang. I exhaled a heavy groan of protest as my ribs hit the railing. Screech. The truck’s frame offered it’s own form of protest as it skidded over another rock ledge. Growl. The transmission shuddered with the mincing and grinding of gears. Vroom. The engine roared as smoke poured out of the exhaust. “Another crazy adventure to stimulate the senses”, I mused. Normally, at this point, my family would give me the “death glare” followed by the “what are we doing?” expression, and the “you are crazy” look. However, that was not the case. They were truly happy. Amidst the teeth-shattering bumps and rock crunching thuds, they were laughing. I would like to say that they were finally embracing the adventurous spirit, but, to be honest, I think they were just thrilled to be hitching a ride that saved them six miles of hiking. Yeah, despite the cattle truck ambiance, I was smiling too. I was happy because they were happy. (“Happy wife = Happy life”). Also, I was smiling because we were very close to the intended destination. I had heard about it. I had dreamt about it. Soon, I was about to see, touch, and feel the sands of Papakōlea Beach between my fingers and toes. Why all the fuss? What’s the big deal? Let me explain.
Papakōlea Beach is unlike most beaches that come to mind. In fact, it is very unique. Papakōlea, located on the Big Island of Hawaii very near the most Southern point of the United States, is an oddity and a rarity. It is not a white sandy beach. Nor is it a black sandy beach. What makes Papakōlea so special is the abundance of a magnesium-iron-silicate mineral called olivine. In other words, it is a beautiful little beach with GREEN sand.
There are very few green sand beaches in the world. The actual number is subjective since everyone has various tolerances concerning shades of green. However, many resources document only four known green sand beaches in the world. They are located in Norway, Guam, the Galápagos Islands, and the Big Island of Hawaii. Obviously, they are not located in the most accessible places on earth, but, I believe, that makes them even more special. Rarity, uniqueness, and locale make them worthy of visitation. I can wholeheartedly say that the green sands of Papakōlea Beach were worth sore ribs and a white-knuckling four-wheel drive adventure. In my opinion, wiggling toes in green sand somewhere in the world should be on everyone’s bucket list.
After romping in the sand and enjoying some family time, I snapped this photo. The red rock surrounded by green sand with the incoming wave really seemed to make a statement. At the time, I wasn’t really sure what it was exclaiming so I filed it away and enjoyed the sun, sand, waves, and laughter. Unfortunately, our fun visit came to an end way too soon.
As the green sands of Hawaii grew smaller in the rear view mirror, I started reflecting on the experience. It didn’t take me long to return to this picture. Again and again, over the next few days, I would thumb through pictures and stop on this one. There was something about it that fascinated me. It was striking. It was powerful. But there was more to it. It seemed to be offering up a bold question. I couldn’t figure it out so I just started writing....
The abundance of the mineral, olivine, gives the Papakōlea Beach it’s distinctive green color. Yet, olivine is not the only mineral and substance present. What really creates the green sands beach is the wind and wave action. It seems that nature tries to perpetually beat the shoreline into submission. Persistent wind carries dust and ash particles away while the surf crashes in to tackle larger items. The constant barrage hour after hour, day after day, month after month, and year after year causes heavy erosion. As material is broken down into smaller components, the waves gladly pull the light remnants into the dark depths. It is only the heavier matter that can withstand the constant onslaught and remain on the beach under the sun. So it is there that we find the heavier mineral called olivine. Like a stubborn bull dog, the olivine clings to the shore and refuses to be tugged into the ocean by the current. Over time, while most light weights have succumbed to the wind and waves, the olivine mineral holds firm and presents us with a rare spectacle -- a green sandy beach.
In the Bible, specifically in the Book of Ephesians, the apostle Paul warns of the dangers of being immature Christians. He writes that immature Christians are likely to be “tossed back and forth by the waves”. He continues by writing that immaturity leads to being “blown here and there by every wind of teaching”. Does that sound familiar? Does that describe the creation of the green sands beach?
“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” (Ephesians 4:14-15 NIV)
Jesus warned of “false prophets” and “wolves in sheep’s clothing”. He said, “”Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them....”” (Matthew 7:15-16 NIV). Continuing the theme, several letters in the New Testament also address issues of “false doctrine”. It was a problem that invaded the early church, and it is still a big problem that persists today. There is only one way to guard against being swept away by the waves of false prophets and doctrines. Know and study the Word. As Christians, we are directed to “correctly handle the word of truth”. It is by knowing God’s Word that we can shield against the incessant attacks of Satan and remain on the beach. As the perfect example, Jesus countered Satan’s offered temptations by quoting Scripture. We must remember that Satan masquerades as an angel of light while his ministers masquerade as servants of righteousness. It’s not a game. We cannot afford to be light weights lest we succumb to the ravaging pull of the current!
So what is the picture so boldly asking?
Before I took the picture, I stood upon the red rock to avoid getting wet. The rock provided a solid foundation while the tumultuous waves swirled around me.
In Romans Chapter 9 Verse 33; “As it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.”” (Romans 9:33 NIV)
The picture proposes a fundamental and unflinchingly fearless question that ALL of us must answer. What will we do with the stone as the waves of false doctrines and prophets rise up and thunder towards us? Will we stand upon it or stumble and drown?
It is THE question of all questions. What will you do with Jesus?
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🌵 The Mystery 🌵
An iconic giant of the Sonoran Desert stood before me. Like an uncompromising sentinel with arms raised, it formidably denied my passage. Bristling with sharp spines, it discreetly warned that any attempt to sneak by would be rewarded with severe pain. Guarded by jagged lava rocks on one side and a cliff on the other, the large saguaro cactus effectively blocked my path. Prudence demanded that I turn around. This was not the direction to take. I would have to find an alternate route. Unfortunately, this wasn’t my first course reversal this day. Nor would it be my last. My zigzagging trail and circuitous pattern was vividly displayed on my gps. It was nearing comic proportions. It was almost as if I had no idea where I was or where I was going. Lost in the desert, traipsing along amidst the sand, rocks, and thorns, it seemed that I was going nowhere fast. I was not dismayed, though. On the contrary, I was full of anticipation because there really was a purpose for my desolate wanderings. A platoon of saguaro cacti encounters had consistently reminded me of my mission. Like drill sergeants, they had prodded me on towards my goal.
It had been a journey that I had started with vague maps and clues. There were no coordinates given. No precise locations. Guestimates, approximations, and generalities ruled the day. No doubt, I was winging it.
Traveling via four wheel drive, dirt bike, and then by foot, I was slowly closing the distance to my best-guess destination. There was no guarantee that my query was there. I would find out soon. Success or utter failure awaited me just over the next ridge.
I exhaled hard as I gained the last few vertical feet and topped the ridge. A reluctant smile wiggled across my lips, hovered, and then parted them wide. In the distance, triumph greeted me with a mirage-induced wave. I had reached my goal. I had found my query. Another mystery of the Sonoran Desert had been located. I had found a rare “crested” saguaro cactus.
There are millions of saguaro cacti that dot the sand-filled landscape defined as the Sonoran Desert. Yet, there are only about three thousand “crested” saguaro cacti within that same area. That’s not very many considering that the Sonoran Desert encompasses over 100,000 square miles. I believe one estimate to be fairly close is one “crested” per ten thousand saguaro cacti, but no one knows the exact number. There has never been an official census taken. Crested saguaros are found throughout the entirety of the Sonoran Desert, but they are elusive. Some produce much more elaborate crests than others and very little is known about the actual causal factor. It has been theorized, fasciation (i.e. cresting) occurs because the growing tip of the cactus experiences freezing, lightning, bacteria, or genetic mutations. Hormonal imbalance has also been offered up as a culprit. Despite the mysterious reason, a normal saguaro morphs and develops a fan-type crest or crown. Botanists call it a cristate. Experts, admittedly, do not understand the process nor the true factors that contribute to such a monumental change. Hence the reason, the infrequently occurring “crested” saguaro cactus is considered a mystery of the Sonoran Desert. It is considered by many to be a rare and highly sought-after mystery to be found and experienced first hand. The morphed and truly amazing saguaro crest is atop an already unique icon in a small region of the world. That fact, alone, makes the mysterious crested saguaro very special.
Mission completed and picture taken, I gave some thought to straightening my route back to civilization, but found myself thinking more about the mystery of the “crested” saguaro cactus.
Isn’t it interesting that the mystery involves a causal factor that morphs a normal saguaro cactus into a “crested” or “crowned” cactus? Isn’t it interesting that the mystery involves a complete change to the way the cactus grows and matures? Isn’t it interesting how the mystery involves a change on the inside that completely alters the look of the cactus on the outside?
I find that extremely fascinating. It is amazing how God has orchestrated all of creation and left little clues behind that direct us back to His Word. My thought - the mystery of the saguaro cactus parallels and points to the capstone of all Scripture.
In the Bible, specifically the Book of Colossians, the apostle Paul wrote,
“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,”
Colossians 2:2 NIV
The Bible clearly states that the mystery of God is Jesus Christ. And it is the mystery of God, that is Christ, that changes us. It is the mystery of Christ in us that brings something new. Sound familiar? Accepting Christ into our hearts morphs us from the inside out. The mystery of God makes us grow differently. The mystery of God makes us act differently. The mystery of God makes us look differently at others while we become different to others. Something has happened to us, yet the world doesn’t understand the mystery. It is through the mystery of God, namely Christ, that we become a new creation.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
It is my hope and prayer that we all seek and find The Mystery!
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🏹 Live at Full Draw 🏹
My heart was pounding, threatening to explode out of my chest. My blood, laced with adrenaline, surged through my veins. I dared not let his observant dark eyes meet mine. The predator-prey match was nearing completion. I only needed my quarry to take one more step. He was a mere fifteen yards away. I could see the wave action of individual hairs moving in concert with his heavy breathing. His tawny hide rippled and shuddered as underlying muscles flexed up and down throughout his body. Saliva and mucous mingled to form a heavy drool that hung well below his chin. Flaring nostrils sampled the crisp mountainous air as steamy tendrils of moist breath curled away into a pinkish-blue morning sky. His sharp eyesight bored holes through me with laser intensity. He was looking for the one who had dared offer him a challenge so close to his throne. He had come to defend and fight. With his size, he was confident of victory.
My top pin hovered over his vitals as my back and arm muscles strained to hold my bow at full draw. Momentarily, the wind was in my favor. But I had learned after multiple failures that the fickle mountain air currents could not be trusted. Hopefully, they would not betray me this time. The razor-sharp chiseled-steel broad head danced in an arc of motion, ready to launch. My mind screamed, “Just one more step.” I needed him to move his right leg forward to clear the line. An aspen tree blocked the aft lungs, and his shoulder blocked the center double-lung shot. My arrow would not penetrate his massive shoulder bone, I knew. I remained patient, for only six inches and a split second prevented me from releasing the arrow. All my senses were on high alert. So were his. I was starting to shake even though I was anchored firm. He sensed something was wrong. He held his position as caution pricked his nerves. His ears twitched sideways and forwards trying to pick up any unnatural sound. I was sure he could hear my pulse. It was throbbing like a locomotive in my own ears. Slowly, he fidgeted forward. It wasn’t enough. I needed three more inches. Muscle fatigue was shooting through my arms and shoulders. It seemed an earthquake was ravaging my body as tremors multiplied and dropped into my legs. I couldn’t hold the strain much longer.
The magnificent bull elk with antlers arching over his back had finally made a mistake. My quiet and elusive opponent had played the “game” well over the last few days. He had pushed me to my breaking point and inflicted some heavy damage. Dehydrated, sleep deprived, mentally drained, exhausted with sore achy muscles, pinched nerves, and blistered feet, I was teetering on the edge of defeat. He had nearly won. I had wanted to quit. Yet, in stubborn defiance, I had trudged onward and upward, again and again. This time his lofty perch high on the mountain had been my goal. I had finally learned where his bedroom resided, and it was there our battle would ensue. I had resorted to motivational phrases like “Be persistent”, “Don’t stop”, and “Success will come”. I had reminded myself over and over again that the only unacceptable failure was “giving up”. Like waves lapping a rocky shore, “Never quit,” had rhythmically accompanied every labored breath and step. I had to keep trying so I kept climbing. I was glad I had pushed through the pain. I was glad I hadn’t given up. For it was this moment that I had envisioned. I had believed and struggled for it. I knew this moment could happen. And, now it was here. I was living life at full draw.
“Carpe Diem” is a Latin phrase. Translated, it means to “seize the day” or “to harvest (pluck) the day.” It has been widely accepted and used as a philosophical motto, almost to the point of desensitization. (Does “Just Do It” ring a bell?)
In many respects, carpe diem isn’t a bad life-guidance phrase. However, carpe diem is a chameleon of sorts. It morphs it’s camouflage depending on who declares it. It means something different to different people. There are those who would state, “Eat, drink, and be merry. For tomorrow we die,” encapsulates all that carpe diem means. Others would offer up that “seizing the day” means taking it easy, putting your toes in the sand, drinking a glass of wine, and embracing just you.
I, on the other hand, believe that “carpe diem” has lost it’s true meaning amidst social media and the “you only live once (YOLO)” crowd. In fact, carpe diem has been taken completely out of context. Carpe diem was first used by Roman poet, Horace, in his writings of Odes. The complete text in Latin is written, “Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero.” This loosely translates to “Seize the day, put very little trust into tomorrow.” In other words, in full context, carpe diem means to do all that you can today because tomorrow may not come. Stated another way, and one that I prefer, “live at full draw”.
In my opinion, “live at full draw” is a better life-guidance phrase than carpe diem. “Live at full draw” implies action, readiness, preparation, and excitement without worry about tomorrow. It denotes complete immersion in the moment that was obtained through effort, hard work, and discipline. Life at full draw is exciting. Life at full draw is full of adrenaline and adventure. Life at full draw is rewarding. Life at full draw is very special.
But should a Christian live life according to declarations like “carpe diem” or “live at full draw”?
Throughout Scripture, the Bible offers some hints about living life. Jesus said, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34 NIV). James wrote that tomorrow is an unknown and our lives are just a vanishing mist. (James 4:13-14 NIV). Those passages make it clear that the future is uncertain. Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow. It’s okay to plan, just don’t worry. What about today?
Paul wrote in Colossians, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord...” (Colossians 3:23 NIV), and he continued in Galatians with “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9 NIV)
In Second Timothy, we read, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 NIV), and Peter wrote, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have...” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV)
Biblically speaking, it is fairly clear that the hedonistic version of carpe diem which declares “Eat, drink, and be merry” does NOT “seize the day”. Nor does “toes in the sand, wine in the hand, and self-hugging embracement”. I personally feel “live at full draw” is a motto that encompasses more of what is taught biblically. Discipline, focus, self-sacrifice, self-control, hard work, patience, persistence, perseverance, preparation, and readiness are all in the mix. However, per Scripture, exclaiming “live at full draw” has little value unless we embrace a wise and unselfish application with it. To wit, we can really only “seize the day” by being grateful for each and every day of our lives and by making the most of every opportunity to glorify God.
So, therefore, my motto now stands as, “Glorify God while living at full draw!”
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✨ “His Star” ✨
Harsh solar wind and radiation slammed into the amalgamation of ice and rock creating a nebulous expansion. This outgassing ionized under the onslaught of plasma and began to radiate. Further illumination progressed as light waves danced through and reflected off the escaping matter. The resultant ethereal glow emphasized the subject’s other-worldly origins. The nucleus of the alien visitor had entered the outer limits of our solar system nearly two hundred years earlier. Now, within the inner reaches, proximity to the sun was awakening the icy stranger. Increasing gravitational forces and heat were causing tenuous reactions that brought about a dramatic display. As if shocked back to life after flat lining, the traveler from afar exploded out of it’s comatose state. Released debris trailed off for thousands of miles. An ionic trail of plasma streamed off even further leaving a large cloud of light dispersing fragments stretching hundreds of thousands of miles long. The enormous tail of dust and vapor swept behind into the cold nothingness of space. On an elliptical journey from the cosmos, the speedy traveler had reached a blistering 150,000 miles per hour as it closed the distance to the sun. With it’s large coma and tail, the interstellar migrant could no longer remain hidden in the vast expanses and star littered galaxy called the Milky Way. It’s voyage was witnessed by human eyes in the distant land of Persia. The coma enshrouded nomad first appeared to observant wise men as a smudge of light in the constellation of Pisces. In time, it eclipsed even the brightest of stars. It was no longer just a ball of ice drifting in the Oort Cloud beyond detection. Hurtling through our inner solar system, the comet was now a fulfillment of prophecy. It would become known as the Star of Bethlehem or Messiah’s Star - “His Star”.
Really???
I don’t think so, for the primary reason that comets, as solar system interlopers, carry the triple “D” connotation. That is to say, they are commonly recognized and associated with “Death”, “Doom”, and “Despair”. That is not an appropriate indicator considering the “good news” that would bring great joy to all people. In reference to “His Star”, I would expect a more rapturous alternative.
How about another story of “His Star” to offer a completely different perspective?
Based on handed-down knowledge from ancestral Magi, soothsayers, and old manuscripts, there was a foretelling of this grand occurrence. Daniel, an early administrative leader of the Babylonian wise men, had recorded much of what was to come. Even predating the Babylonian wise men in Daniel’s time, a unique individual, a soothsayer of sorts, provided a glint of inference to this extraordinary event. The individual was named Balaam. He was enlisted by the king of Moab to curse the Israelites. Yet, despite repeated attempts to do so, Balaam only spoke what God allowed him to speak. Despite offerings of handsome rewards by the king, Balaam would not curse but, instead, cast blessings upon the Israelites. Within those failed-cursing attempts, a prophecy presented itself as Balaam uttered, “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the people of Sheth.” (Numbers 24:17 NIV)
With knowledge of Balaam’s prophecy of old and the wise teachings of Daniel, who prophesied about the coming Messiah, as well, the Babylonian Magi anticipated a forthcoming sign. Being accomplished astronomers, they looked for it in the heavens, and patiently waited. They were confident that it would be easily identifiable. They were not mistaken. The sign appeared in the constellation of Leo, the Lion.
“How apropos”, the wise men exclaimed in rapt fascination. Intently, they watched as the Star of the Messiah vividly shone in the East. Brighter than all the other stars, there could be no better sign to indicate the birth of a royal King in the lineage of Judah. For it had been declared by Jacob and written in manuscripts that his son, Judah was like a young lion. Hence forth, the tribe of Judah had held prominence with kings like David and Solomon. Now, at long last, a new Lion was born; the Lion of Judah. Even Messianic prophecy had declared, “The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from his descendants, until the coming of the One to whom it belongs, the one whom all nations will honor.” (Genesis 49:10 NLT)
“Truly, this is the sign! We must prepare for the journey to Jerusalem to honor the new born king of the Jews,” stated one awe-struck magus.
Another nodded. “The journey will be long. There is no time to waste.”
“We will honor the One with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh,” excitedly exclaimed another.
They all agreed with smiles and nods.
Little did the Magi know that there was even more symbolism to be found in the rising star they declared as the sign. Appropriately, the planet of Jupiter, king of planets, had aligned with Venus, the planet of mothers, in the constellation of Leo. Soon, thereafter, king Jupiter aligned with the king star, Regulus, in the constellation of Leo. This successive alignment, or conjunction of Jupiter, Venus, and Regulus, had created a significant and breathtaking light in the heavens two months in a row to announce the arrival of the King of kings to this world.
This conjunction process was not complete. Nine months later, enough time for the Magi to complete their journey to Jerusalem and for a mother to complete a period of pregnancy, another alignment occurred. King Jupiter aligned with Venus one more time to create a spectacular “star” in the constellation of Leo again.
Upon arrival in Jerusalem, expecting to see and worship the new born King, the wise men were told of another prophecy:
“”But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” (Matthew 2:6 NIV) (Ref. Micah 5:2)
Turning their eyes towards Bethlehem, the wise men were overjoyed. Greeting them from afar and shining like a diamond, the Star of Bethlehem rose into the sky. it was “His Star”. It beckoned them onward until it hung still over the locale of the Messiah child.
Unbeknownst to the Magi, the Star of Bethlehem was king planet Jupiter going into retrograde. Nevertheless, the fact that it sparkled vibrantly out of the constellation of Virgo, the virgin made them wonder, indeed!
Really?
There is much debate over what “His Star” or the Star of Bethlehem really was. The “experts” cannot agree. The arguments rage. There has been an inordinate amount of time spent by very smart and talented individuals trying to define the Star of Bethlehem. I, myself, will not pretend to offer an explanation. I have no expertise in any of the arenas. However, in the little research that I performed, I did find a common theme that seemed to be missed by many. It was simply the lack of perspective or understanding regarding who Jesus really was and IS. The Star of Bethlehem or “His Star” signified the arrival of the greatest gift to mankind that God could offer; His One and only Son!
In Hebrews it is written, “The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and He sustains everything by the mighty power of His command. When He had cleansed us from our sins, He sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.” (Hebrews 1:3 NLT)
The babe that lay in that manger in Bethlehem now holds the universe in His hand. He sustains everything by His command. He was and is; therefore He brackets all of time. With that in mind, it is incomprehensible to think that we, as humans, could even begin to understand all that God orchestrated in the heavens and here on earth to signal the birth of His One and Only Son.
Whether “His Star” was a comet, a super novae, a heliacal rising, a rare succession of conjunctions, or a manifestation of the Shekinah Glory, the arrival of Jesus was THE event to eclipse all other events throughout the universe. I believe, “His Star” would have been appropriately and proportionately arranged and/or created. As the gifts from the wise men foreshadowed; Jesus is our King (gold), Priest (frankincense), and Deliverer (myrrh).
Merry CHRISTmas!
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“Time To Reflect”
The colorful spectacle of fall crowned by a stunning rainbow filled my vision. A grin inched along my lips until a smile forcibly erupted. Only moments before, the landscape had been drab and disenchanting amid shadows, clouds, and rain. It had been a depressing wet gloom that I had trudged through all day. There had been no golden glow of fall or arching rainbow until the sun peeked out. Then suddenly, right before days end, the sun broke through and nature reflected it’s light. What was drab became colorful. What was depressing became uplifting. What was lacking became full.
I find it interesting how dramatically the scene changed when the light broke through. Nothing shined or produced light on it’s own. The rainbow’s appearance required white light from the sun to be reflected off at different angles through raindrops to produce the spectrum of colors. The dazzling display of aspen and oak had remained hidden in the shadows of a mountain until sunlight danced, dribbled, and reflected off the leaves. Nothing was beautiful until the sunlight was reflected.
Human beings were created in the image of God, and we were created to reflect His brilliance. It is NOT about us shining, but all about us reflecting His light of life. If we seek Him with all our hearts and surrender to Him, we can reflect His glory and never walk in darkness. We can be a light on a hill that others will see, and maybe through that beautiful reflection others can come to know Jesus. It’s time to reflect!
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“Treasure Perspective”
Nothing lasts forever. I am sure most of us have previously heard that cliche. When I took this picture, I immediately thought about those words and imagined all the stories this half-track could tell. A wondrous piece of mechanized history forgotten, abandoned, overtaken, and nearly consumed by it’s surroundings. Indeed, nothing in this world lasts forever.
“Heaven and earth will pass away....”
The Bible consistently reminds us that there is nothing in this world that will last. Money, toys, and jobs might be our focus, but should they be? Should we spend all of our allotted time on this earth working for treasure that just passes away?
Jesus said in Mathew 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
In other words, it is much better to place our focus on Jesus than on anything of this world.
The dirt bike’s rear tire spun a cloud of dust as I motored away from the old half-track. There were many miles of rough trails ahead to hold my attention, but the half-track image lingered. Like a tendril of fog stubbornly clinging to a river valley, I couldn’t shake the image until I found perspective. I found perspective reading scripture.
““Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 NIV
What is your treasure perspective?
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“The Challenging Road”
They took Him to the place of the skull. Already beaten and bloody, He was forced to carry His own instrument of death. When He could no longer manage, another carried the burden. The pain and torment did not end there. Hammer and nails were next....
It was such a horrible and difficult path; that road that led to Golgotha. Yet, He did it anyways. He didn’t have to. He was offered a much easier way, but He declined, stating “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ ””.
With residual rubber deposits and painted marks ahead, it was fairly easy to see where this path was leading. Even over solid rock, tire marks from the passage of thousands of Jeeps and UTVs pointed the way. As is usually the case, the path of least resistance had been selected and followed by the masses. As I stopped to take this picture, I thought about the path of least resistance. Is it a good thing or a bad thing?
Most things in nature take the path of least resistance. Wind, water, and electricity are perfect examples. Humans, if left to our nature, tend to do the same thing. And, I would say, that’s not always a bad thing. There are times when taking the easy way works well. Saving energy, fuel, and time require the easy route due to it’s lower output demand. On the other hand, the higher output option is where real growth is found. Usually littered with challenges that push us out of our comfort zone, the more difficult path tests us and forces us to “muscle up”. Obstacles loom around every corner and require more time and effort to conquer. It is upon the road less traveled that lessons are learned and strength is built. Physical fitness comes via the high output option. Muscles do not grow unless they are tasked. Many times, experience and education come via the more difficult routes as well. Challenges feed growth, and it is in growth that we become better individuals.
The spiritual realm is no different. The easy way offered by the world leads to disaster. It seems nice and smooth at the time and, after deliberation, might be okay since everyone is going that way, but that is a very slippery slope. Eventually, the trap will get sprung. Once again there are scriptures that address this topic.
““Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Matthew 7:13-14 NIV
I am thankful everyday that Jesus set the example and chose the narrow road so that we could find life through Him. Without Jesus, only the wide road exists and utter destruction lies ahead. But because Jesus accepted the road to Golgotha, we are set free!
There is monumental value in taking the challenging road and going through the narrow gate. It will probably make you question your decisions at times, but the difficult path is exciting both physically and spiritually. Personally, I have found, when it appears I can go no further, Jesus lifts me up and carries my load. You see, it is not only growth that will be found upon the challenging road. You will also meet a friend named Jesus!
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“Tarantella”
It was thought, the bite of the spider had caused the disease. Known as “tarantismo”, the disease manifested itself as a severe bout of melancholy and depression followed by death. It was believed, there was only one cure. To avoid death, one must get up and move. One must work and start sweating. Specifically, one must perform the feverish dance, set to music, called the “tarantella”. That scared me. It scared me because I can’t dance.
What was I thinking? Sometimes I am so random. Just like the other day while knocking sand and dust from my boots and pulling cactus thorns out of my pants, I silently wondered if...... Wait. Wait. That’s a different story.
This particular time I was trying to take a picture of a tarantula, and, whimsically thought about being bitten by it’s large fangs. That fleeting thought, in turn, made me think about contracting tarantismo, which made me think about tarantella dances, which, in turn, made me think about how poorly I dance. Albeit, bad dancing aside, if I am strictly limited to the options of dance or die, I would gladly perform a modified version of the tarantella with high stepping adeptness. Believe me, the sweat would flow wether accompanied by tambourines or not.
Sorry, I’ve digressed again.....
Back to the story.
Unbothered, the tarantula seemed immune to my presence. I offered it an obstacle. Undeterred, it went around. I put my camera up close, It continued on it’s way. It didn’t stop. Despite the detours and distractions I presented, the humble tarantula was purely focused on the work at hand.
Historically, the spider species that we now refer to as “tarantula” was not the same species responsible for causing tarantismo. Supposedly, the European wolf spider was the guilty party. It, too, was a large formidable spider, and it was commonly called a “tarantula” since it was frequently found near a city in Italy named Taranto. However, the big hairy spider that we encounter in the American southwest desert also received the name tarantula because of it’s “close” resemblance. In other words, it’s big, it’s intimidating, and it’s scary. Yep, it’s a tarantula!
What about the disease “tarantismo”?
I’m not sure the disease was ever proven to exist much less be spider caused. In fact, some experts have formulated opinions stating that “tarantismo” was a complex internalized reaction caused by severe repressive environmental conditions. Interestingly, though, what was the cure? Get up and move. Do some work.
In the Book of Proverbs Chapter 30, we are reminded of four, seemingly, insignificant creatures that are wise. One of those creatures is the spider. (Due to translation, some versions of the Bible reference the lizard)
“The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.”
Proverbs 30:28 KJV
The spider exhibits persistence and everyday toil. It doesn’t expect the work to be done for it. It doesn’t expect someone else to spin the web so it can live and eat. The spider dutifully begins working on what needs to be done. Though the work is tedious and seems mountainous at times, bit by bit the spider gets it done. Persistence. Patience. Determination. Slow progress is still progress. There are no shortcuts offered, but the spider just keeps working. The work at hand isn’t glamorous or lofty, yet where does the spider end up? The spider resides in kings’ palaces!
There is much to be learned from a lowly spider. The tarantula in my picture never stopped moving. Despite my blockades, it refused to quit. The spider in Proverbs, begins working with what is at hand. No excuses. No complaints.
Imagine what we could accomplish if we learned to exemplify those traits. I believe God would provide amazing opportunities for us if we would just joyfully begin working on what is currently before us.
There may or may not be a disease called tarantismo, but there are several others called laziness, entitlement, arrogance, and ostentatiousness. Surprisingly, they all have the same cure. We need to get up and move. We need to work. We need to sweat. We can’t quit. We need to faithfully perform whatever version of “tarantella” God has tasked us to do! Shall we dance?
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“The Day the Sun Stood Still”
Thousands upon thousands of footsteps fell silent only to be replaced by the clanking of spears and shields. The sounds from a massive number of anxious warriors reverberated through the darkness. Dust mingled, flirted, and then lifted skyward with the hot moist breath from thousands of souls. Night concealed much, but it couldn’t hide the unsettling rhythm of an army preparing for battle. War, admittedly obscene and ugly, was nearly upon them. Like an unseen electrical current, nervous energy flowed and amplified through the pores of each man’s skin. The culminating charge was explosive.
Behind a mask of layered dirt and sweat, a grim, hardened, and steely-eyed figure stood alone at the front of the cacophony of sound. Previous years of campaigns had carved wrinkles and scars into his features. He seemed alone, yet he stood side-by-side with his strong faith in God. He was a leader, militarily, and spiritually. His name was Joshua.
He could hear the enormity of what was coming by listening to the on-going preparations behind him. He was their General, yet the burden of command fell heavily upon his shoulders. Thousands would die, he knew, but he found solace in just one thing - God had assured them victory.
Joshua closed his eyes and silently repeated God’s words. “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.”
Joshua opened his eyes and fastened his gaze upon the flickering torches of Gibeon. Fatigue morphed into determination and focus. An all-night march from Gilgal camp had brought his army within striking distance. The advantage of a surprise attack would, no doubt, pay dividends in the ensuing battle. The five kings of the Amorites and their forces would soon feel the cold piercing sting of Israelite swords.
Joshua clinched his jaw and then issued the command. Like a river of lava, the Israelites flowed into the city of Gibeon undeterred. The enemy collapsed under the destructive onslaught.
In disarray, the remaining Amorite forces fled, but there was no escaping the wrath of the Lord. Joshua’s army stubbornly pursued while hailstones rained down from heaven above. Death came by hailstone or blade. No mercy could be found behind or above as the sun crawled upwards. Absolute annihilation was the goal.
Amorite blood dripped from the tip of Joshua’s sword as he scanned the horizon ahead. The battle raged on under the arcing sun. Time was running out. Joshua knew more daylight was needed. Complete victory was only assured with the extension of the day. Bold in faith, confident in God’s promise, Joshua asked the Lord to make the sun stand still.
I shook my head vigorously and took the picture. I needed to get moving. Exploration had consumed valuable time. The sun hung lower in the sky than I had expected and had briefly triggered the story of Joshua and the defeat of the Amorites in my mind (Joshua Ch. 10). With no headlight on my bike, time was running out considering the number of miles I still needed to travel. Joshua and I, both, needed more daylight.
I have imagined the miraculous story of Joshua and the prolonged day in similar details before, but it had never registered how amazing the miracle was until I needed more daylight myself. Imagine stopping or even slowing down the rotation of the earth!
In my mind, the day the sun stood still ranks as one of the most amazing miracles in the Bible.
There are a lot of theories out there to try to explain the miracle within the laws of physics. (I.e. an eclipse, an asteroid, local refraction). Some even try to give substance to the miracle by using unsubstantiated legends from other cultures in different parts of the world. In truth, does that prove or disprove the miracle?
Speculation on how God performed a miracle is interesting to a point, but, in the end, as Christians, we must have faith.
And, honestly, I think that is what God always intended.
Do you believe or not?
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6 NIV
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“Fire From Heaven”
I popped the clutch and stalled out the bike. The wrinkle of worry that had etched itself onto my brow while descending the mountain slowly faded. I checked behind to confirm the rest of my family had negotiated the trail safely. The thumping beat of multiple four-stroke engines getting louder announced they had managed it well. I was, indeed, proud and relieved. With a weary eye, I scanned the darkening horizon and the boiling rain clouds overhead. The thunderstorm had grown, and it’s ominous grumblings echoed throughout the valley. A sigh of relief blew past my lips as I pulled off my helmet. We had just barely beaten the storm!
From the safety and warmth of a comfortable cabin, I watched Mother Nature’s unbridled power intensify outside. Then I saw the dipping sun cast a few last rays onto the already dramatic scene. Suddenly, as if proclaiming a climatic end to the stunning show, the image of “Fire From Heaven” appeared.
There are several instances of fire from heaven in the Bible. One of those instances involved a fascinating showdown on Mt. Carmel between the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal. (The story is recorded in 1 Kings Chapter 18).
In brief summary, Elijah confronted 850 false prophets and declared that only the God who rains fire down from heaven is the true God.
We quickly learn from the passages of scripture that Baal worship brought nothing but self-inflicted bloody wounds. It was void, shallow, meaningless, and empty. In contrast, when Elijah uttered his simple prayer, the fire of the Lord fell!
As the sun collapsed and total darkness slid across the valley, the pelting rain could only be heard tapping the window. The sound, very apropos for the moment, marched me directly into deep thought. Could we see a miracle like that in the present?
I am convinced that it is possible, but it will take some committed Elijah-like warriors. If we truly want to see fire-from-heaven miracles in our lives today, we need to follow Elijah’s example. Number one; we must come to God on His terms, NOT ours. (I.e. a repentant heart ❤️). Number two; we must fervently pray!
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