Breadcrumbs

The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life.  Proverbs 15:4a

Many healing words have been spoken over me in the last 24 hours.  Today we mark 5 years without our sweet Audrey here with us. 

Even for a mama who has submitted herself to what I will call “total immersion boot camp” in God’s Word and slogged stubbornly through grief to experience more victory than most ever will--seeing things from Audrey’s perspective is an uphill battle.  My view of Heaven is (still) too limited.  It is clouded by the things I have seen here on earth and the problems that are yet unresolved. 

Even my best hope is too dim.  I need breadcrumbs.  Reminders.  People to point me toward home.

My friend Andrea came to visit yesterday.  In town for a funeral and to spend time with her dying grandmother, she knows all too well the reality of this life.  She is one of my favorite friends to spend time with because she has an eternal perspective that sharpens mine.  And, when I lose my ability to see the finish line, she reminds me it is still there. 

Even though she was exhausted, she would not get on that plane home to Arizona without bringing me a gift in time for Audrey’s Heavenly birthday—a beautiful silver James Avery pin depicting the love of mother and child and a children’s devotional book called Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing by Sally Lloyd-Jones, writer of The Jesus Storybook Bible. 

I surprised even myself when I dissolved into a puddle of tears and said, “I can’t wait to hold her again.  But, I’m not sure I can even picture it anymore.”

That’s what’s wrong.  I just can’t picture it.  I can’t SEE it.  I have GOT to be able to envision it, I thought to myself.

As we chatted into the wee hours, she shared a conversation she had with her 5-year-old son Dean:

“Grandma is very sick and is not going to get better,” Andrea prepared her son.

“I remember when you went to her 90^th birthday party last year,” Dean said thoughtfully. 

After a long pause, he continued, “I guess she is not going to have another birthday, is she?”

“No, she probably won’t,” his mother replied, “But, I think birthday parties in Heaven are even better than the ones here.”

“Yep.”  Dean’s little mind and heart spun with imagination. 

“Birthday parties in Heaven probably have mini-golf…and trains…and a carousel…and little boats…and little airplanes to ride, just like Kiddie Acres.”

 

 

 

 

Andrea, pondering the run-down appearance of the children’s amusement park (and feeling a bit deflated) replied, “I bet so.  But, it probably won’t be as barren or ugly and would probably have some flowers instead of dead grass.”

Without missing a beat, Dean agreed, “Yes, it would probably have lots of beautiful flowers…like Kauai Mini Golf!”

 

Ladies and gentlemen, the theology of babes.  Gets right to the heart of the matter, doesn’t it? 

Do you see the obvious difference in the imagery?  Kauai Mini Golf beats the pants off of Austin’s Kiddie Acres (which, if I remember correctly, was a favorite of Andrea’s growing up).  Kiddie Acres doesn’t look the same 30 years later and from a grown-up’s perspective.  Somehow, it is worn and sad.

Our view of Heaven can likewise be dim.  What happens when we restore it a bit?  Adjust the color and brightness?  Add in some lush landscaping and some real joy?  In Heaven, even a place like Kiddie Acres will be restored to its original brilliance.  And, yes, birthday parties there will rock!

My conclusion?  Because what I see here is lacking, my vision of there better not be!

I could use an upgrade from my Kiddie Acres view to the Kauai Mini Golf view.  Especially today.

My guess is that you could, too.  Is your perspective shortsighted and lacking the grandeur worthy of the place God says He is preparing for those who love Him?  Is your image of Heaven a little bit disappointing?  Sister, there will be no reason for disappointment once we see what God has planned for us.  That’s a guarantee!

What is drawing your view earthward?  What is robbing you of that more glorious, pristine vision?

Follow these breadcrumbs with me: The One who created all things and called them “good” is in the process of restoration.  Imagine with me His shining masterpieces (His people and His earth) returned to their former glory—free from the stain of unfulfilled dreams, fear, and sadness and devoid of the evidence of decay.  Clean.  Lush.  Beautiful to behold.  Fun.  Exciting.  Ready to explore.  Comforting.  Peaceful.  Inviting soul’s rest.  Safe.  And, truly free. 

THIS, my friends, is what awaits us!  And, though the tug of despair in this place can be strong and though world-weary wear-and-tear abounds, the power of God’s plan to redeem is stronger yet…holding more sway over my heart now than the things I have suffered and seen.

One day, John knew, Heaven would come down and mend God’s broken world and make it our true, perfect home once again. 

And he knew, in some mysterious way that would be hard to explain, that everything was going to be more wonderful for once having been so sad. 

And he knew then that the ending of The Story was going to be so great, it would make all the sadness and tears and everything seem like just a shadow that is chased away by the morning sun. 

“I’m on my way,” said Jesus.  “I’ll be there soon!”

John came to the end of his book.  But he didn’t write “The End.”  Because, of course, that’s how stories finish.  (And this one’s not over yet.)

So instead, he wrote: “Come quickly, Jesus!”

Which, perhaps, is really just another way of saying…to be continued.

                                                                                From The Jesus Storybook Bible, by Sally Lloyd-Jones

Audrey, I can’t wait to see what you see.  I am trusting that everything will be more wonderful for once having been so sad.

Andrea’s reminder of this truth and the countless joys I have yet to experience are the breadcrumbs that will lead me home.

 

God's Goodness

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Psalm 27:13

When's the last time you recognized that God is GOOD? 

It is amazing how an ordinary day becomes extraordinary when we open our eyes to God's goodness. 

This morning Caroline took off for preteen day camp.  That left Mary Claire and I to our own devices.  It's Tuesday, and there is nothing really earth-shattering on our agenda.  Laundry, to be honest.  But, that didn't stop us from creating and enjoying beauty.

It is the simple stuff that makes the gratitude well up in my throat--that alters my reality.  A sprig of mint from my garden, a bright red, fresh strawberry, the Scripture on my favorite mug, my baby girl's joy creating recipes from her Princess Tea Party cookbook.

We will be on to sorting and washing clothes within the hour, but I bet we can find some of God's goodness--even in the laundry room.  Searching for it will be fun.

Life can be dull, repetitious, even monotonous.  It can be rocky, stressful, and downright unbearable.  It can be predictable or eventful.  Either way, His goodness is all around you. 

Where will YOU find it?

How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.  Psalm 31:19

Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me.  Psalm 86:17

How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me?  Psalm 116:12

Fireworks, Freak-Outs, and True Freedom

God bless the USA—where we feast on good food, pretty lights, and loud sounds to celebrate the more intangible things like bounty and liberty and divine providence over a nation.  Hamburgers and fireworks don’t really seem to get at the heart of the matter, but just like every American family out there, we joined in on the fun.    





As you can see, it was a picture-perfect day.  Great friends and family.  Good times. 

The setting of the sun was met with the pounding of feet up the stairs as young and old rushed to view five different fireworks shows we could see in the distance from the second story of our home.  But, for the middle-aged men in our company in need of the rush of adrenaline, watching from afar brought little satisfaction.  Enter the leftover bag of fireworks my husband bought at a roadside stand at New Year’s.  We had only opened the sparklers.  An array of pyrotechnics remained, beckoning the free and the brave.

I will admit that it is my natural tendency to be the party pooper when it comes to things like this.  (Picture the mom from “A Christmas Story” chanting, “You’ll shoot your eye out!  You’ll shoot your eye out!)  But, as I am maturing, I am learning to let go more and also not to squash my husband’s need for adventure, risk, and excitement. 

The neighborhood had conspicuously omitted the posting of signs this year that threatened lifetime imprisonment for setting off fireworks.  Everyone noticed.  It was like a war zone on my street.  Cat’s away…mice will play.

Honestly, I’ve gotten so good at letting go lately that it hardly occurred to me to be concerned as we led 8 children and 8 adults out the front door like sheep to the slaughter.  By the time I lugged out the second blanket on which our guests could rest while viewing the festivities, Bryan, giddy with excitement, was passing out pop caps to the kids.  All the while, our next door neighbor and his teenage son had begun to set off some pretty impressive fireworks. 

I stuffed down a few fleeting thoughts about my roof catching on fire.  I tuned out the voices in my head… the lady on the local news warning about the danger of blowing off limbs and my mother’s stories about family fireworks mishaps.  The fact that I was seated right next to my parents on the blanket made it harder, but I managed.  I knew they secretly disapproved.  But, they were quiet, and I suspect they had also resolved to let go a little and try to have some fun.  As I wrestled with these thoughts, I said only one thing out loud:  “This makes me a little nervous, but I am going to trust God to protect us.”  And, with that, I did.

Not two minutes later, my neighbor and his son set off a doozie.  And, it malfunctioned.  Instead of shooting up, it shot directly into my yard--into my crowd of family and friends.  It all happened so quickly, there was hardly time to react.  I felt like I was in an action movie—you know the scene where a bomb explodes and the cameras turn to slow-motion…the actors brace themselves, arms in front of faces, and slowly turn away from the blazing fire, jumping to escape the aftermath?  This was the scene.

All I could see was flaming light barreling toward me.  The children began screaming and running toward the house.  I picked up the nearest kid and yelled, “Get inside, NOW!”  Once inside, chaos ensued.  Children were crying hysterically and the older ones were comforting the younger ones.  Parents were trying to figure out what had just happened.  Even though it looked like instant death, not much injury was to be found.  My friend’s husband was cut up a bit, and my father’s arm was mildly burned.  My mother and one of the toddlers were complaining of temporary loss of hearing.  Nothing caught on fire.  Everyone else was unscathed.

My neighbor was mortified.  Otherwise rational and cautious adults, my husband and I were embarrassed, too.  We had all heard the warnings, but we did it anyway.  We knew we were blessed to be ok.  It was a close call.  And, in our best estimation, our protection had been a miracle.  I saw the explosion coming right at us as we rested on the blankets like sitting ducks.  I swear that the hand of God or His angels must have pushed the fire away from us.  It should have hurt us all.

As I have been processing this crazy end to an otherwise peaceful and bountiful Independence Day, several things have come to mind.  Specifically, two conversations I have had with friends in recent days.  One was with my friend Cindy—the one who was watching Audrey when she died.  Cindy and I rarely talk these days.  No particular reason.  We parted ways a bit after the accident.  I will admit this was my choice, due to the pain we each had that I was not personally strong enough to share with her.  But, we have talked and seen each other since, and we share ties to friends and places.  I think of her and pray for her often. 

Cindy came to mind this summer after I neglected to pick up my nephew from vacation bible school.  He is 6.  I promised my sister-in-law, Tricia, I would bring him home.  My plans to be at VBS changed due to family circumstances, and I informed everyone--but Tricia.  I completely forgot Matthew.  It wasn’t malicious.  But, once I realized what I had done, I felt horrible about it.  I love my nephew!  How could I forget him? 

I was squarely confronted with the reality of my humanity.  If I could forget a kid, what else could I accidentally do?  What am I capable of messing up?  I immediately thought of Cindy.  You can do almost everything right, and then in an instant, one mental slip, one back gets turned, and your life is never the same.

This kind of uncertainty is hard to live with.  Most of the time, we try not to think about it too hard.  But, when you face questions like these, you are forced to decide what you believe—especially what you believe about God. 

I wrote Cindy again on the day I forgot Matthew.  Our discussion over Facebook included one particularly astute observation on her part:  “I don’t know why God sometimes has mercy on our incompetence and then fails other times to bless our vigilance.”  Well said.  Neither of us offered an answer to this sacred query.  I could take a stab at it, but I would be grasping at the wind.

Fast forward to a conversation I had with a neighbor at the pool on the 3^rd of July.  The two of us share a tendency toward anxiety, perfectionism, and striving for control.  We began to discuss these things, and she asked me, “Do you think that everything is pre-determined by God?  If so, what good does it do to pray?  Do our prayers actually do anything to change God’s mind, or does He have everything decided in advance?”  These are really great questions.  Legitimate ones debated at seminaries daily, I'm sure.

I cannot help but make connections between these three situations (the fireworks close call, the tragic death of my child, and the philosophical wondering of my neighbor).  Is God really in control?  If so, why does He sometimes let really bad things happen, even when you are doing everything “right”?  And, why does He sometimes protect us, even when we make less than stellar decisions?  In a world that is this unpredictable (and, truthfully, seemingly unjust), how do we battle fear?  How do we avoid freaking out?

The answer to these questions is the delicate, but firm underpinning of my reality in the aftermath of Audrey’s death.  If I don’t get this one right, I may not be able to get out of bed tomorrow.  In situation after situation, I face this conundrum.  Is God really trustworthy?  Can I rely on Him?  How careful do I need to be?  How wise?  How cautious?  How much depends on me anyway?  And, with so many unknowns, how do I rest? 

I might be assuming things, but I think my neighbor is weary of her hyper-vigilance.  I have been there.  I think that deep down she desires peace, but it eludes her.  She is just not sure if she can let go—if she should.  If God’s protection is so elusive, then, it seems, so is our peace.  If He won’t keep us safe, then we conclude that we will have to self-protect—or at least die of stress while trying.

But, is there another alternative? 

I think so.  But, it is not for the faint of heart.  It is TRUSTING GOD--for real.

This is a tough pill for me to swallow because it means I have to admit my limitations and my fallibility and my childlike perception of the world compared to the way God sees things.  It means I have to admit I will not figure things out no matter how long I study and seek and conjecture.  It means I throw my pride into the fire and allow God to be God.  It means that I admit to God that I haven’t really been trusting Him even though I said I was—that it is damn near impossible for me to do without His help.

It involves total surrender.  It involves ceasing to thrash against the things I don’t understand and cannot control.  It says, “Thy will be done.”—and means it. 

And, it assumes there is a Keeper of all things who is love and who will redeem.  One who has a plan and who cannot be thwarted.  One who hears our prayers and responds—sometimes standing His ground, sometimes bending to our pleas because of love, mercy, and grace—but always, always doing what He wants to do because it is right and good and perfect.  One who may have everything pre-determined (or may change His mind).  What's it to me?  One whose ends justify the means.  One who knows more than I do.  One who does not have to explain Himself to me.  One who has earned my respect and my submission.

It involves more than a feeling or a leaning toward God.  It requires, I believe, an outright force of our will to choose to honor God with the trust He deserves--because He is holy.  It is a decision we make—sometimes 100 times a day.

God is not surprised by our difficulty releasing our illusion of control.  Satan wants equal standing with God, too.  Are we really different?  We have such a hard time giving God the power (that, ironically, He already has).  But, those of us who really want peace and who really claim to follow Christ will not be allowed to stay in this place of rebellion.  I believe that at some point, the Holy Spirit will be knocking on the door of our hearts asking, “Why don’t you trust me?  Don’t you know who I am?”

This is exactly what happened in Job’s case.  He experienced every kind of personal tragedy known to mankind all at once.  He “trusted” God at first, but it didn’t take Job long to realize that his trust in God had not been tested before.  He had not really had to see what it meant—to see whether he did or not.  As he began to question God, many theories as to why God acted or didn’t act came out in conversation with friends.  But, the problem with all of those theories was that they were wrong.  God said so.  And, the funny thing is that when God decided to respond, He didn’t find it necessary to explain Himself.  He did, however, find it necessary to correct all of the people who were trying to figure Him out and who were grossly misrepresenting Him.  The bottom line?  God does what He wants.  He knows more than we do.  He has not found that it would be beneficial to entirely explain Himself to us.  Maybe even if we knew the “why’s”, we still couldn’t accept or understand it all.  God does what brings Himself glory.  Period. 

I can't help but pause and ask myself:   Am I ok with this?  Have I accepted this about my God? 

I am comforted that even though God does not feel the need to explain Himself, He has been gracious to give us many, many examples in Scripture of His character…many instances of His interactions with His beloved children that show His power, His compassion, and His love.  And, He has revealed to us His plan for redemption of all of the things that cause us fear and pain.  He sent Jesus to die in our place—His own son.  And, He has given us time to respond to Him.  He will send Jesus back at the right time.  And, someday, He will establish His kingdom on earth and live with us-- and everything will submit to His authority.  There will be no more tears or crying or suffering. 

The only real path to peace is in accepting what God has revealed to us, deeming it enough, and choosing to rest in it.  It is in the bending of the knee—in completely chaining ourselves to God's authority and sovereignty-- that we find true freedom.  What a surprising mystery this is!

What does this mean for me in real life?  Well, Bryan and I cleanly resolved never to buy roadside fireworks again—or to watch others light them.  We didn’t even need to discuss it.  One knowing look, and that was that.  We may be done with fireworks, but what about the next time I let the kids jump on the trampoline or the next time I change lanes and have to swerve because someone is in my blind spot?  God may protect us, but He may not.  We have experienced the worst loss I can imagine, and there is no guarantee that we’ve reached our quota of tragedies.  Life is risky.  If we don’t want to be paralyzed—if we want to really live--we are going to have to choose to accept the unpredictable, wild nature of our world and of our God. 

And, we can do it gladly.  ‘Cause we know how this ends.  And, between here and there, we don’t have to be bound by fear.  We can be freak-out free.  So can you.

Prophecy: A Required Course for Christians

“How unwise and slow you are to believe in your hearts all that the prophets have spoken!”   Luke 24:25 (Jesus)

So you’ve got a few hours to spare…

What ARE you going to do with yourself??!!

Bubble bath, nap out on the hammock, a cup of hot tea and a magazine, go for a jog, watch a chick flick?  The possibilities are endless. 

But, why do any of those things when you can study the Bible prophets?!

(Huh?  What are you talking about Willis?)

When you think of ways to spend your free time, studying the Bible prophets doesn’t make the cut, does it?! 

Not for me, either.  In the past, if I had ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD, I probably would not have prioritized studying the more “obscure” books of the Bible.  Especially the prophets.

Why not? 

I’ll give you my excuses.  See if they match up with yours.

#1:  TOO HARD.

I’ll be honest.  For most of my adult life, I have been less than disciplined about personal Bible study.  You know, the kind where you look things up for yourself.  Where you read the commentary.  Where you ask people questions about what you don’t understand.  Where you want to know not only how a passage comforts you but also what the writer hoped to communicate to his original audience.  The kind of study where context matters.  The kind where you grab on and don’t let go until you “get it”.

During those years when a minute alone was scarce, I frequently thumbed to the Psalms and gospels…the books I could understand…the ones I had already studied.  With all the fervor of a leisurely stroll, I would peruse familiar passages, walking by them and casually saying hello. 

I conveniently skipped the parts I didn’t understand.  That’s natural, right? 

Ok, I have 5 minutes.  Where did I stash that daily devotional book?  Oh, yeah.  It’s on the back of the toilet.  Because I don’t want to waste time…  That’s efficient, right? 

I know why that was my attitude.  I was busy.  Someone was always tugging on my sleeve, calling my name.  That’s legit.  My job was 24/7 for a season.  And, there are some books of the Bible that are very complicated. Ever tried to read through the book of Daniel?  Ezekiel?  Isaiah?  It’s not what you do between nursing an infant and fixing dinner for the family!  That stuff takes work.  Time.  Intention.  And a bit of divine intervention.

So why do it?  Can’t I just leave that to the pastor and then show up on Sunday and let him break it down for me?

#2:  NOBODY KNOWS WHAT IT MEANS ANYWAY.

If I had a dollar for every time somebody Christian shut down conversation about a complicated Bible passage by saying, “Well, we will never know…some things are just mysteries,” I’d be a rich, rich woman. 

This one is also an oldie-but-goodie: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard what God is preparing for those who love Him.  We just won’t know until we get there.”  Please, somebody read the rest of that passage!

If I listened to this nonsense, I would assume the case is closed.  No need to study the hard stuff.  According to these folks, nobody will ever know what the more challenging parts of the Bible really mean, so why waste my time?  I don’t really have the time to spare anyway. 

Whew!  Dodged a big one.  For a minute there, I thought maybe I’d actually have to do more than read my devo book while I’m on the potty!

Too bad Jesus thinks my excuses are lame.  He made it very clear how He felt about us knowing what the prophets say.  He wants us to be informed about prophecies so that we will be quick to believe in our hearts when they are fulfilled.   In Jesus’ school of life, ALL Scripture is a required course, prophecy included.  Hate to break it to you.  We are called to do the work.

I discovered that just this week as I was reading a familiar story in preparation for teaching kindergarten Sunday school.  (Cool how the Bible is meaningful for 5-year-olds and adults alike…how it speaks to me over and over in layers…how it is living and active….how it is NEW all the time.)

Let’s look at the story, and I’ll tell you what jumped fresh out of the book of Luke:

Cleopas and another man were walking on the road to Emmaus.  They were discussing all of the crazy events of the last few days.  All of Jerusalem was abuzz over Jesus.  They thought He was the Messiah, but then He was arrested and crucified.  A few women reported having seen an angel who claimed Jesus had risen.  But, when some of the disciples went to the tomb to check it out, Jesus wasn’t there—alive OR dead.  And, they were confused.  What was going on?  There were rumors flying all around.  Cleopas and his companion didn’t know what to believe.

Suddenly, a man appeared on the road with them, seemingly out of nowhere.  He said that he overheard them talking anxiously.  He asked them why.  They said (basically), “Duh.  Have you been under a rock?  Everyone in Jerusalem is going crazy over what may have happened to Jesus.” 

It was the mystery-man’s response that really caught my eye.  “How unwise and slow you are to believe in your hearts all that the prophets have spoken!”   Luke 24:25 (HCSB)

At that, the man began to unfold the Scriptures, explaining how the prophecies that pertained to the Messiah all pointed to Jesus.  And, then he reminded them that the resurrection was exactly what was predicted.  That it perfectly fulfilled what was prophesied.  That it HAD to happen that way.

Suddenly the men “got it”—they understood the Scriptures (the prophecies) for the first time—and then they recognized the stranger on the road.  It was Jesus!

Notice how the men recognized Jesus only when they understood the prophecies?  An interesting observation, I think.

The question in my mind is this: If Jesus thought the men were unwise because they were slow to believe the prophets’ messages about His birth, death, and resurrection, will He also think we are unwise if we are slow to believe the prophecies about His second coming?  When He comes again, will we even recognize Him if we are walking on the road with Him?

Now, I have heard many a great sermon that reassures me we won’t be able to miss Jesus’ second coming, so I don’t want you to go telling people I said we could miss it altogether if we don’t study the prophets!  I am posing the question to make you think…  We might not miss the actual return of Christ, but will we miss the signs that it is imminent?  And, if so, what will we miss DOING during that time?  How might that affect the kingdom of God one way or another?

If Jesus wanted people to understand Scripture then, wouldn’t He want us to understand Scripture now?  If He thought prophecy was important then, wouldn’t he think prophecy is important now?  What benefit could there be to us being awake, alert, and ready when we see the things prophesied coming to pass?

There are a bunch of Biblical prophecies that are still unfulfilled.  If the ones about Jesus’ first coming came true, won’t the ones about His return also come to pass?  If recognizing the fulfillment of the first set of prophecies required study and knowledge, won’t recognizing the fulfillment of the others also require study and knowledge?

This line of thinking shuts down my familiar excuses.  Too hard.  Can’t understand it anyway.  Not true!  Jesus said we don’t understand because we are slow to believe in our hearts.  It’s not impossible, we just lack faith.  And we are not tenacious enough to put it all together.  We’re lazy!  We want the 5 minute stroll, not the 4 hour marathon.  We want to be fed like baby birds—food that is already partially digested—instead of having to chew up the gristly meat for ourselves.

What Scriptures encourage us to become mature in our knowledge and in our faith?  What Scriptures support my argument that we cannot skip some books because they are “incomprehensible”?  What Scriptures support my argument that Jesus wants us to know what is coming?  If not the day and the hour, at least the signs?  Among many, these:

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3:16-17

We have a great deal to say about this, and it’s difficult to explain, since you have become slow to understand.  For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of God’s revelation.  You need milk, not solid food.  Now everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced with the message about righteousness, because he is an infant.  But solid food is for the mature—for those whose senses have been trained to distinguish between good and evil…Now we want each of you to demonstrate…diligence for the final realization of your hope so that you won’t become lazy, but imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance.   Hebrews 5:11-14, 6:11-12 (Paul, to the Hebrews about maturing and not backsliding)

Matthew 24-25, when Jesus answers the question from his disciples, “Tell us, when will these things happen?  What will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?” (24:3b)  It takes Him two whole chapters to tell them what they should be watching for!

“Blessed is the one who reads and blessed are those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep what is written in it, because the time is near!”  Revelation 1:3

“Look, I am coming quickly!  Blessed is the one who keeps the prophetic words of this book.”  Revelation 22:7, Jesus’ words to John

And, the angel’s words to John shortly afterward: “Don’t seal the prophetic words of this book, because the time is near.”  Revelation 22:10  (Don’t you think if the angel said not to seal up the book that we might be able to comprehend it…at least at some point in time?)

And, my personal favorite: Daniel 11:32b-33a, speaking of the time when the antichrist is in power on the earth, “…but the people who know their God will be strong and take action.  Those who are wise among the people will give understanding to many…”

Jesus chastised the men on the road to Emmaus for being unwise and slow to believe.  But, in Daniel, we are told that if we choose faith and wisdom, we will be strong, take action, and give understanding to many at a time when there is chaos and despair.  We can be the light-bearers in a world that desperately needs hope. 

I want to be a light-bearer, don’t you?

I know it is not easy to study the prophets.  It isn’t easy to study the Bible at all.  It can be downright confusing.  But, we can do it—especially in a country with so many resources available to us.  I encourage you to not be deterred by those who would tell you that certain parts are not comprehensible or worth your time.  The bottom line is that studying Scripture in its entirety is not really optional.  Remember: Jesus Himself made prophecy a “required course.”

Will you do the work?  Will you be quick to believe in your heart all that the prophets have said?

Lord, help us believe your Word.  All of it.  Ultimately, only You have the power to open our eyes to who You really are and to truth in your Word.  We ask you to reveal it to us.  Light a fire under us.  Make us inquisitive.  Create a desire in us to search Scripture and to spend time studying until we “get it”.  Lord, help us not to disregard prophecy or think of it as weird and incomprehensible!  We humbly ask that you allow us to be the ones who are privileged to take action and instruct many should there be a day in our lifetime when that is necessary.  We don’t want to be unwise.  Don’t let the enemy tell us that parts of your Word are not worth our time.  Help us to take big bites of the real meat as we mature in you.  Don’t allow the milk to satisfy us anymore.  We trust that because your birth, death, and resurrection were prophesied and fulfilled, ALL of the other prophecies in Scripture are a sure thing.  Help us stay alert so that we can fulfill your purpose for our lives.  Amen.

READERS: Responses from Redemption Day are still coming.  It's not too late if you want to tell me what YOU did to celebrate!  In fact, who cares what day you celebrate?  If you missed it on the day after Easter, do it today.  Tomorrow.  Next week.  Then, email me your creative way of remembering that Christ will come again at www.aconfidenthope.com. 

Take the Confident Hope Easter Challenge!

(Read through to get the full story or scroll down to read the Confident Hope Easter Challenge—in bold—to find out how YOU can participate!)

If Hallmark can do it, so can I.  Create a new holiday, that is. 

I declare the Monday after Easter “Redemption Day”.

We celebrate Jesus’ birth.  We celebrate His death and resurrection.  But, we don’t celebrate His second coming—the day when He will make all things new.  The day when it is finally finished.

I know…it hasn’t happened yet!  But, we have got to keep our eyes on the prize.  We need to offer up to God a sacrifice of praise for what He is going to do.  In these days, thousands of years past the promise of Jesus’ return, we need a way to sustain our hope.  To declare it.  To celebrate it.  While we are waiting.  Expectantly.

Last year at Easter, I posted a story about my daughters’ first experience shopping on the internet.  After counting what was in their piggy banks and giving a lesson on the cost of shipping, we let them give it a try.  Each chose a toy and placed their order.  Three long days passed before the package arrived.  Each day waiting saw breathless little girls inquiring, “Is it here yet?  Is it here yet?”  When it finally came, what joy ensued!  We tore open the box in anticipation.  But, what we found inside was disappointing.  Only one toy came.  And, inside the box was a packing slip which read “partial shipment.”  The first waiting period had been so hard.  How could Mary Claire wait another day to receive her toy?  It wasn’t easy.  She got very discouraged.  Why hadn’t hers come, too?  But, her toy did, indeed come.  In the end, receiving the toy made her forget about the pain of the waiting.

I like to think of Easter as a partial shipment.  “Blasphemy,” you may say.  I don’t want to diminish Easter’s power or import at all.  For a Christian, it is simply the happiest day we celebrate—so far…   Jesus deserves our worship for what He has done!  But, I think we are often tempted to see Easter as the end of the story.  It’s not.  Scripture says so. 

Maybe that is because of these three words: “It is finished.” 

Undeniably, these are three of the most comforting words ever uttered.  As Jesus breathed His last breath on the cross, He declared this truth: I have finished what I came to do. 

What did He mean, though?  What exactly did He come to earth the first time to do?

It is worth a second thought because this phrase is actually uttered two more times in Scripture in the book of Revelation.  I didn’t know that until I studied it recently.  And, putting all three together really helps to shed light on God’s entire plan of redemption. 

If we look at all three “It is finished”(or “It is done”) phrases, we can see a quick outline of God’s plan for redemption.  And we can quit wondering why, if Easter is such a big deal, are we still living in a world full of bad things?  If I am free and forgiven, why do I still sin and suffer the consequences of sin?  If Jesus conquered death, why do people still die?  Why is there still so much pain here?  This is confusing—even for Christians—if we don’t know the rest of the story.

So let’s look at it ALL this year.  Let’s use our wide angle lens to see God’s bigger story.

“It is finished.” #1—John 19:30 “When He had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’  With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.”

Jesus uttered these words on the cross as He died.  The great work of payment for sin—for everyone and for all time—was completed.  God’s work of mercy was complete.  And, when Jesus rose from the dead, we knew everything He said was true.  He was not just some crazy man who claimed to be God.  He was God.  And, He chose this seemingly crooked way to make our paths straight.  He chose it because there was no other way.  Who has the final word on sin and death?  Jesus does.  The cross and the resurrection say so.

“It is done.” #2—Revelation 16:16-18.  “So they assembled them at the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.  Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the sanctuary from the throne, saying, ‘It is done!’  There were flashes of lightning and rumblings of thunder.  And a severe earthquake occurred like no other since man has been on the earth—so great was the quake.”

This time, the voice uttering the phrase is God Himself, seated on the throne.  This time, the phrase announces the final execution of God’s judgment before Christ’s second coming.  When this part of John’s prophetic vision comes to pass, God’s work of judgment on the earth, the way it is now, will be complete.

Why would this be good news?  Because there needs to be a consequence for the evil that has caused so much pain for God’s people.  Because a holy God will not contend with rebellion and sin forever.  Because His balance of mercy and judgment is perfect.  We cannot know the right time or the right balance, and so God has warned us to leave the vengeance to Him.  But, come it will.  And, we will be glad.  We need rescue.  Without judgment, Christ’s work on the cross was unnecessary—in vain.

A friend recently told me he likes to think of God’s mercy and judgment this way: “God would not refuse health care to people just because they are not insured.”  But, that’s not the way the Bible says it works.  That might sound nice on the outside, but that line of thinking results in this conclusion: Jesus didn’t need to die.  And, God won’t punish sin.  Not only is that not how it is…If we think of it for a bit, we realize that isn’t really what we want.  We want mercy.  Sure.  But, we also want justice.  In perfect balance.  As only God can execute.

“It is done.” #3—Revelation 21:5-7.  “Then the One seated on the throne said, ‘Look!  I am making everything new.’ He also said, ‘Write, because these words are faithful and true.’  And He said to me, ‘It is done!  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.  I will give water as a gift to the thirsty from the spring of life.  The victor will inherit these things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son.’”

Again, this is uttered by God Himself, from the throne.  And, when this happens, my dear friends, God’s work of redemption—of people and of the earth—of all He created—will be complete.  Everything—and I do mean everything—that God allowed to cause us pain will be redeemed.  Bought back.  The curse will be removed.  And, God will restore all things to their former glory.  But better!

Better, you say?  Yes!  Many people have inquired, “Why would God have created a world with the potential for sin?”  Great question.  Maybe, just maybe, because after we are redeemed from sin, we will have a deeper appreciation for all God has done for us.  Maybe it will increase our capacity to worship Him, to have intimacy with Him.  Maybe it will increase our joy.  Maybe we will remember that from which we have been saved, and we will forever rejoice in the place God has restored with the people God has restored.  Suddenly, Heaven sounds more dynamic and interesting, doesn’t it?  Maybe the fact that we don’t think of it this way steals the hope we could have.  Maybe Satan wants it that way. 

Well, nice try, Satan.  You don’t have the wool pulled over my eyes anymore.   Does anyone else want to truly SEE?  Does anyone else believe that knowing the end of the story (and not just stopping in the middle) will help us to live more fully and more purposefully in the present?

This is my personal challenge to you:  Please join me in celebrating “Redemption Day”.

On Monday, when you are feeling deflated after your Easter celebration is over…when you are cleaning that massive pile of dishes in the sink, washing the stains out of the smocked Easter clothes, and finding half-chewed jelly beans under your couch cushions…will you choose to re-focus your attention on the “shipment” that is still coming?

I will be honest.  I don’t really know what “Redemption Day” should look like.  I don’t even think this way naturally.  So, how do I go about celebrating concepts and events I haven’t yet experienced?  I have been fleshing this out over the last few years.  As I have learned new truth, I have had to find ways to express it.  Change the words I use to describe things.  Change my habits.  Add in new methods of celebrating what I know is true. 

“Redemption Day” is my next personal challenge.  Will you make it YOUR personal challenge, too?

I am not even sure what I will do to celebrate.  I have some ideas.  But, I am kind of hoping you will help me figure this out…

I know you are creative.  I have learned lots of new ways to tangibly celebrate Christian Easter (beyond the chocolate bunnies and eggs) because of people just like you.  Now, we hide an empty egg (for the empty tomb) and give the big prize to the one who finds it.  We make resurrection eggs that help tell the Biblical story of Easter with things kids can touch and feel.  We bake resurrection rolls that turn out hollow on the inside.  And, just this week, a friend of mine posted a picture of a craft she and her kids made: an Easter basket with the word “forgiven” on it.  The eggs inside were decorated and labeled by the kids with things for which they have been forgiven (hitting my brother, disobeying, and--my personal favorite—coloring on the floor!).  Great ideas, all. 

With that said, I know if we put our heads together we can DO THIS.  We can create tangible ways to recognize the next part of the story and to teach it to our kids. 

What will YOU do?  I am sure you will come up with ways—big or small—corporate or private—of celebrating what God has promised to us.

Do something—anything—to celebrate “Redemption Day”.  Then, email me at aconfidenthope@gmail.com and let me know what you did.

We will be celebrating together in spirit on Sunday.  Christ is risen! 

Then, with confident hope, join me in rejoicing on Monday.  Christ will come again!

Blessings,

Sarah