THE TASK OF LEADERSHIP
True confessions - I have a fascination with the papacy. Although I disagree with Rome on a number of theology points, in 1978 as a nineteen year pre-Christian, I watched as the white smoke billowed forth from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and Karol Wojty³a was introduced to the world as Pope John Paul II. From that moment I was hooked - the mystery, the intrigue, the pomp and ceremony, the hat (yes the hat!). Patty as a former Roman Catholic can't quite figure it out (nor can I for that matter). Part of my Christmas Eve tradition for the past twenty-some years has been watching at least a portion of the Pope's Christmas Eve mass.
This past semester I have been teaching a class on Leadership at the Greater Works School of Ministry and our primary text has been Reggie McNeal's book, "A Work of Heart." But a couple of weeks ago we took a detour and spent an entire class discussing leadership lessons from the life of John Paul II. A bunch of American protestants spending two hours learning about leadership from the life of a polish priest - pretty cool stuff if you ask me.
John Paul II has been the only pope I've known. And now we have Benedict XVI. Only time will tell if he captures my interest like John Paul, but I thought I should try to get to know the man. And so I spend some time reading the text of his homily from his installation mass this past Sunday. Again, there is much I do not agree with biblically and theologically; but Benedict made this profound statement about the task of leadership:
“My real program of governance is not to do my own will, not to pursue my own ideas, but to listen, together with the whole church, to the word and the will of the Lord, to be guided by Him so that He himself will lead the church at this hour of our history,”
I love these words. Leadership isn't about promoting our own agenda or asserting our own will - it's all about bringing the community together to listen for the voice of God and than following Him into the future. In this hour of history, I find myself privileged to serve with a number of sisters and brothers in a strong leadership community in my local church. I could think of no higher goal than together discerning the voice of Christ and following Him with faith and obedience.
Let the ones who have ears, hear what the Spirt is saying to the Church!
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Friday, April 22, 2005
CELEBRATE SOMETHING EVERYDAY
How can we up our amazement factor? Celebrate something everyday. Take time to say thanks. I was reading today in Mark 8 where we find the miracle of the loaves and fish - Jesus takes seven loaves of bread and a few fish and feeds thousands - amazing! When the disciples the bread and fish, the first thing Jesus did was give thanks. One of the church fathers, St Bede said this about Jesus' actions:
"As Jesus was on the point of refreshing the multitude, he gave thanks. He gave thanks in order to teach us for the favors we have received from heaven and to impress upon us how much he himself rejoices at our spiritual refreshment."
For some of us it is a fairly common practice to give thanks before a meal. What if we stretch it out a bit and began to say thanks in advance of the events, people, and experiences that bring refreshment to our souls? Before we tee off on the first hole - say thanks for birdies and double bogies and everything in-between. Before we embark on a walk - say thanks for legs that carry us and a glorious creation to enjoy. Before we listen to a piece of music - say thanks for ears that hear and souls that respond to a beautifully crafted song.
Open your eyes; there's great stuff all around. Stuff that is well worth celebrating and giving thanks.
How can we up our amazement factor? Celebrate something everyday. Take time to say thanks. I was reading today in Mark 8 where we find the miracle of the loaves and fish - Jesus takes seven loaves of bread and a few fish and feeds thousands - amazing! When the disciples the bread and fish, the first thing Jesus did was give thanks. One of the church fathers, St Bede said this about Jesus' actions:
"As Jesus was on the point of refreshing the multitude, he gave thanks. He gave thanks in order to teach us for the favors we have received from heaven and to impress upon us how much he himself rejoices at our spiritual refreshment."
For some of us it is a fairly common practice to give thanks before a meal. What if we stretch it out a bit and began to say thanks in advance of the events, people, and experiences that bring refreshment to our souls? Before we tee off on the first hole - say thanks for birdies and double bogies and everything in-between. Before we embark on a walk - say thanks for legs that carry us and a glorious creation to enjoy. Before we listen to a piece of music - say thanks for ears that hear and souls that respond to a beautifully crafted song.
Open your eyes; there's great stuff all around. Stuff that is well worth celebrating and giving thanks.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
BECOMING A PERSON OF WONDER, HOPE AND IMAGINATION
The other day our family rented what I must say was one of the best movies I've seen in quite some time. "Finding Neverland" is the story of JM Barrie, the imaginative genius behind the story of "Peter Pan." Seeing the film brought back a fond childhood memory; in fact one of my earliest Pittsburgh memories (our family moved to Pittsburgh when I was 10 years old). My parents took me and my younger brother to a local production of "Peter Pan" and I was particular amazed and captivated by Peter's ability to fly across the stage of Baldwin High School (sorry for the aside). "Finding Neverland" goes far beyond a children's story - it is a film about wonder, hope, and imagination, themes that all of us should revisit on a regular basis.
Jesus came to announce and enact the kingdom of God. He invited people to enter into it and experience a whole new dimension of life. In his invitations, Jesus used many images to help people understand what God's kingdom was all about - one of the most powerful is found in Matthew 18:
"But Neverland is more than an issue of imagination versus reality: it is also a matter of belief. One does not merely imagine Neverland. Neverland requires belief not so much an intellectual assent as a complete emotional acceptance. When we allow ourselves to believe in such a place as Neverland (or perhaps the Kingdom of God), we open the door to a reality that is beyond us. To find such a new reality is among the greatest gifts of childlikeness and is a blessing that only an adult can truly appreciate."
The other day our family rented what I must say was one of the best movies I've seen in quite some time. "Finding Neverland" is the story of JM Barrie, the imaginative genius behind the story of "Peter Pan." Seeing the film brought back a fond childhood memory; in fact one of my earliest Pittsburgh memories (our family moved to Pittsburgh when I was 10 years old). My parents took me and my younger brother to a local production of "Peter Pan" and I was particular amazed and captivated by Peter's ability to fly across the stage of Baldwin High School (sorry for the aside). "Finding Neverland" goes far beyond a children's story - it is a film about wonder, hope, and imagination, themes that all of us should revisit on a regular basis.
Jesus came to announce and enact the kingdom of God. He invited people to enter into it and experience a whole new dimension of life. In his invitations, Jesus used many images to help people understand what God's kingdom was all about - one of the most powerful is found in Matthew 18:
Jesus called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 18:2-4)
Why did Jesus liken the kingdom to a child? Because children have a tendency to live more naturally as people of wonder, hope, and imagination.
In what way is Neverland similar to the kingdom of God? It has to be believed to be seen. I love what Darrel Manson had to say about Neverland and the kingdom (http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/comments/darrel/2004/11/finding-neverland.html)
"But Neverland is more than an issue of imagination versus reality: it is also a matter of belief. One does not merely imagine Neverland. Neverland requires belief not so much an intellectual assent as a complete emotional acceptance. When we allow ourselves to believe in such a place as Neverland (or perhaps the Kingdom of God), we open the door to a reality that is beyond us. To find such a new reality is among the greatest gifts of childlikeness and is a blessing that only an adult can truly appreciate."
Check out "Finding Neverland." Watch it with the eyes, ears and imagination of a child. While it's not the Gospel, you just might find your thoughts turned toward the kingdom of heaven.
Friday, April 15, 2005
TO HANNAH
I know a girl she puts the color inside of my world
and she's just like a maze
where all of the walls all continually change.
And I've done all I can
to stand on the steps with my heart in my hand
Now I'm starting to see
maybe it's got nothing to do with me.
Fathers be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers be good to your daughters, too.
Boys you can break, you find out how much they can take.
Boys will be strong and boys soldier on,
But boys would be gone without warmth from a woman's good, good heart.
I know a girl she puts the color inside of my world
and she's just like a maze
where all of the walls all continually change.
And I've done all I can
to stand on the steps with my heart in my hand
Now I'm starting to see
maybe it's got nothing to do with me.
Fathers be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers be good to your daughters, too.
Boys you can break, you find out how much they can take.
Boys will be strong and boys soldier on,
But boys would be gone without warmth from a woman's good, good heart.
(John Mayer, Daughters)
It's hard to believe but this morning I woke up as the father of an 18th year old daughter. It seems like just yesterday when your mom and I brought home a beautiful, bald-headed baby girl from the Beaver Medical Center (we wondered if you would ever have any hair; no worries, God has crowned with grace and beauty). And today I am sitting in a coffee shop listening to John Mayer with tears in my eyes, grateful for all the incredible gifts you have brought into my life. Growing up in a family without any sisters, your presence in my life has taken me into places I could have never dreamed of. Hannah, thanks for putting the color inside my world:
the joys of shopping; (even in NYC and Chicago - and look out LA);
the trials of parallel parking (as they say the 4th time is the charm);
our annual August bike rides at Ohiopyle (we finally made it to the end of the trail);
the music of artists like John Mayer, Gavin DeGraw, Maroon 5, Mraz, Something Corporate, and Dashboard Confessional (you know I love those chords);
sharing cups of coffee at Border's or Starbucks (thanks for being the only one in our family who will drink the stuff with me).
Hannah - you are an incredible gift from God and it has been a joy these past 18 years being your father. It's blows me away to even imagine that God would entrust me with such a precious gift. Thanks for inviting me into your world and the more I know you, the more I love you. May God continue to bring much warmth from your good, good heart.
Happy Birthday Hannah!
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
BRINGING THE KINGDOM NEAR (LESSONS FROM THE MUSTARD SEED)
Again Jesus said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade." (Mark 4:30-32)
This weekend Alan Hirsch and Michael Frost, authors of the book, "The Shaping of Things to Come" will meet with leaders here in Pittsburgh. Together we will explore what it means to be a missional church in this part of the world. I believe our dialogue is going to rock our region and I think it is timely to read these simple words of Jesus in preparation for our gathering.
What is the kingdom? It is the very presence of Jesus who is Himself the mustard seed. During the past weeks I have been reading through the Gospel of Mark and alongside my Bible I have a copy of the Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. This volume is a collection of commentary from voices within the second to eighth century of the faith community and its intent is to allow the living voices of the church in its formative stage to speak as they engage the sacred pages of Scripture. This morning I find the words of Peter Chrysologus speaking to me:
"Yes, it is true; a mustard seed is indeed an image of the kingdom of God. Christ is the kingdom of heaven. Sown like a mustard seed in the garden of the virgin's womb, he grew into a tree of the cross whose branches stretch across the world. Crushed in the mortar of the passion, its fruits has produced seasoning enough for the flavoring of every living creature with which it comes into contact. As long as the mustard seed remains intact, its properties lie dormant; but when they are crushed they are exceedingly evident. So it was with Christ. He chose to have his body crushed, because He would not have his power concealed. And He sowed His seed in His garden, that is in His bride, the Church."
What would it be like if Jesus became deeply rooted in our communities and his life began to spring up in and through us? How might Jesus be calling us to give our own seeds over for the kingdom, to allow our own hopes and dreams to be crushed in order that our communities might become all God intended, created, redeemed, and gifted them to be? Perhaps through our time together this weekend, we will discover afresh what a church might look like that finds its life fully in Christ and from that source grows deep and tall in its world, providing shelter and shade for weary men and women, boys and girls.
Again Jesus said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade." (Mark 4:30-32)
This weekend Alan Hirsch and Michael Frost, authors of the book, "The Shaping of Things to Come" will meet with leaders here in Pittsburgh. Together we will explore what it means to be a missional church in this part of the world. I believe our dialogue is going to rock our region and I think it is timely to read these simple words of Jesus in preparation for our gathering.
What is the kingdom? It is the very presence of Jesus who is Himself the mustard seed. During the past weeks I have been reading through the Gospel of Mark and alongside my Bible I have a copy of the Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. This volume is a collection of commentary from voices within the second to eighth century of the faith community and its intent is to allow the living voices of the church in its formative stage to speak as they engage the sacred pages of Scripture. This morning I find the words of Peter Chrysologus speaking to me:
"Yes, it is true; a mustard seed is indeed an image of the kingdom of God. Christ is the kingdom of heaven. Sown like a mustard seed in the garden of the virgin's womb, he grew into a tree of the cross whose branches stretch across the world. Crushed in the mortar of the passion, its fruits has produced seasoning enough for the flavoring of every living creature with which it comes into contact. As long as the mustard seed remains intact, its properties lie dormant; but when they are crushed they are exceedingly evident. So it was with Christ. He chose to have his body crushed, because He would not have his power concealed. And He sowed His seed in His garden, that is in His bride, the Church."
What would it be like if Jesus became deeply rooted in our communities and his life began to spring up in and through us? How might Jesus be calling us to give our own seeds over for the kingdom, to allow our own hopes and dreams to be crushed in order that our communities might become all God intended, created, redeemed, and gifted them to be? Perhaps through our time together this weekend, we will discover afresh what a church might look like that finds its life fully in Christ and from that source grows deep and tall in its world, providing shelter and shade for weary men and women, boys and girls.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
BRINGING THE KINGDOM NEAR (LOVE)
Earlier this past week I spent a couple of hours with our teaching community talking about the first chapter of a great book by Jeff Medefind and Erik Lokkesmoe entitled, "The Revolutionary Communicator." (For more info: http://www.relevantstore.com/product_info.php?products_id=122). I picked up the book thinking it would present to me the magic formula for more compelling Sunday morning talks. Surpise. Big surprise. It offers a whole lot more. What I did discover was the authors present seven relational pathways that Jesus followed to impact, connect and lead people. Much to take to heart.
Chapter One is all about attentiveness. Early in the chapter they reference the words of Mother Theresa: “As far as I am concerned, the greatest suffering is to feel alone, unwanted, unloved."
When Jesus announced, "the kingdom of God is at hand," He was taking direct action to alleviate this kind of suffering. Jesus was and is, "God-with-us," and His attentiveness to others brought the kingdom of God near. And the central value that empowered His attentiveness was love: love for God and for others.
As Christ followers, we have the opportunity each and every day to announce and enact the message of love to those in our world. Love is a powerful weapon in this kingdom revolution. It has the capacity to diffuse hatred, strife, division; it builds up, encourages, and brings people together.
Bono and the boys of U2 are raising an important question within the title of their latest CD and supporting tour. It's a question every person who aspires to become a kingdom revolutionary needs to grapple with and it reflects the power of the weapons Jesus has entrusted to our care. Question: How do you dismantle an atomic bomb? Answer: With love!
Earlier this past week I spent a couple of hours with our teaching community talking about the first chapter of a great book by Jeff Medefind and Erik Lokkesmoe entitled, "The Revolutionary Communicator." (For more info: http://www.relevantstore.com/product_info.php?products_id=122). I picked up the book thinking it would present to me the magic formula for more compelling Sunday morning talks. Surpise. Big surprise. It offers a whole lot more. What I did discover was the authors present seven relational pathways that Jesus followed to impact, connect and lead people. Much to take to heart.
Chapter One is all about attentiveness. Early in the chapter they reference the words of Mother Theresa: “As far as I am concerned, the greatest suffering is to feel alone, unwanted, unloved."
When Jesus announced, "the kingdom of God is at hand," He was taking direct action to alleviate this kind of suffering. Jesus was and is, "God-with-us," and His attentiveness to others brought the kingdom of God near. And the central value that empowered His attentiveness was love: love for God and for others.
As Christ followers, we have the opportunity each and every day to announce and enact the message of love to those in our world. Love is a powerful weapon in this kingdom revolution. It has the capacity to diffuse hatred, strife, division; it builds up, encourages, and brings people together.
Bono and the boys of U2 are raising an important question within the title of their latest CD and supporting tour. It's a question every person who aspires to become a kingdom revolutionary needs to grapple with and it reflects the power of the weapons Jesus has entrusted to our care. Question: How do you dismantle an atomic bomb? Answer: With love!
Thursday, April 07, 2005
BRINGING THE KINGDOM NEAR (HOPE)
Last year Marlaena Cochran spoke at one of our CCC worship gatherings on the topic of hope. She referenced Eugene Peterson who describes hope with these words:
"Hope is imagination put in the harness of faith. It means a confident, alert expectation that God will do what He said He will do."
I love that description and it fits so well with Jesus announcement in Mark 1:15: "The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" A spiritual, economic, and political malaise had settled upon much for first century Palestine. Although in the back of their minds, the Jewish nation had a promise from God that one day His kingdom would be established, quite frankly there was very little expectation and even less confidence that God would actually do what He said he would, at least in their lifetime. When Jesus announced that the in Him the kingdom had come, he was declaring that God was now doing the very thing God said He would do. Jesus came to proclaim HOPE.
Hope is a powerful weapon in this kingdom revolution. Hope has the capacity to counteract, and even neutralize its arch rival, despair - that brooding, oppressive sense that things will never be any different. One of my favorite texts of Scripture comes from Ephesians:
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:20 -21)
Immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine - that's hope: imagination in the harness of faith!
Bringing the kingdom near means incarnating a message of hope - becoming and living day in and day out, as people of hope. Today let your faith in God run wild. Live with a confident and alert expectation that God will do what God said He will. And as a kingdom revolutionary, bring that message into the circles of despair that are all around us.
Let's keep hope alive!
Last year Marlaena Cochran spoke at one of our CCC worship gatherings on the topic of hope. She referenced Eugene Peterson who describes hope with these words:
"Hope is imagination put in the harness of faith. It means a confident, alert expectation that God will do what He said He will do."
I love that description and it fits so well with Jesus announcement in Mark 1:15: "The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" A spiritual, economic, and political malaise had settled upon much for first century Palestine. Although in the back of their minds, the Jewish nation had a promise from God that one day His kingdom would be established, quite frankly there was very little expectation and even less confidence that God would actually do what He said he would, at least in their lifetime. When Jesus announced that the in Him the kingdom had come, he was declaring that God was now doing the very thing God said He would do. Jesus came to proclaim HOPE.
Hope is a powerful weapon in this kingdom revolution. Hope has the capacity to counteract, and even neutralize its arch rival, despair - that brooding, oppressive sense that things will never be any different. One of my favorite texts of Scripture comes from Ephesians:
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:20 -21)
Immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine - that's hope: imagination in the harness of faith!
Bringing the kingdom near means incarnating a message of hope - becoming and living day in and day out, as people of hope. Today let your faith in God run wild. Live with a confident and alert expectation that God will do what God said He will. And as a kingdom revolutionary, bring that message into the circles of despair that are all around us.
Let's keep hope alive!
Monday, April 04, 2005
BRINGING THE KINGDOM OF GOD NEAR (FAITH)
This week I'll be sharing some thoughts on bringing the kingdom of God near.
Erwin McManus in his latest book, "The Barbarian Way" writes: "The invitation of Jesus is a revolutionary call to fight for the heart of humanity. We are called to an unconventional war using only the weapons of faith, hope and love. Nevertheless, this war is no less dangerous than any war ever fought. And for those of us, who embrace the cause of Christ, the cost to participate in the mission of God is nothing less than everything we are and everything we have."
The first words from the mouth of Jesus as found in the Gospel of Mark are these: "The time has come; the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:14-15). Jesus was declaring that in Him and through Him, God was unveiling His plan for Israel.
A large piece of this kingdom revolution was, to use NT Wright's word, "a call to become a renewed people." And so very quickly Jesus begins to invite others into this kingdom quest. Simon and Andrew, James, and John - they all abandoned their nets to follow Jesus and become the first kingdom revolutionaries. In some simple yet profound way, Simon, Andrew, James and John exhibited faith in Jesus. It is unclear as to what they truly believed about who Jesus was - but one thing was certain: they each possessed a level of confidence (faith) that indeed God was doing something unique and powerful in and through Jesus and they were compelled to be a part of it.
It is interesting to note that the first public expression of Jesus' ministry occurred in the synagogue of Capernaum. There Jesus confronted a man with an evil spirit who cried out, "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are - the Holy One of God!" (Mark 1:24). Immediately Jesus silenced the demons and the man was delivered and liberated from their oppression. It's interesting that the first one to public declare who Jesus was, happened to be a demon. What's up with that? And why did Jesus silence them?
Jesus invites you and me to be a part of the kingdom revolution. As Erwin McManus says, it is an unconventional war fought only with the weapons of faith, hope, and love. One of the church fathers, Augustine, wrote this about the distinction between a devil's faith and the faith of a Christ follower:
"Faith is mighty, but without love it profits nothing. The devils confessed Christ, but lacking charity it availed nothing. They said, 'What do we have to do with you?' They confessed a sort of faith but without love. Hence they were devils. Do not boast of that faith that puts you on the same level with the devils."
As we ready ourselves for battle - let's check our faith and let's make sure it is a faith that is ready to work itself out in love.
This week I'll be sharing some thoughts on bringing the kingdom of God near.
Erwin McManus in his latest book, "The Barbarian Way" writes: "The invitation of Jesus is a revolutionary call to fight for the heart of humanity. We are called to an unconventional war using only the weapons of faith, hope and love. Nevertheless, this war is no less dangerous than any war ever fought. And for those of us, who embrace the cause of Christ, the cost to participate in the mission of God is nothing less than everything we are and everything we have."
The first words from the mouth of Jesus as found in the Gospel of Mark are these: "The time has come; the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:14-15). Jesus was declaring that in Him and through Him, God was unveiling His plan for Israel.
A large piece of this kingdom revolution was, to use NT Wright's word, "a call to become a renewed people." And so very quickly Jesus begins to invite others into this kingdom quest. Simon and Andrew, James, and John - they all abandoned their nets to follow Jesus and become the first kingdom revolutionaries. In some simple yet profound way, Simon, Andrew, James and John exhibited faith in Jesus. It is unclear as to what they truly believed about who Jesus was - but one thing was certain: they each possessed a level of confidence (faith) that indeed God was doing something unique and powerful in and through Jesus and they were compelled to be a part of it.
It is interesting to note that the first public expression of Jesus' ministry occurred in the synagogue of Capernaum. There Jesus confronted a man with an evil spirit who cried out, "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are - the Holy One of God!" (Mark 1:24). Immediately Jesus silenced the demons and the man was delivered and liberated from their oppression. It's interesting that the first one to public declare who Jesus was, happened to be a demon. What's up with that? And why did Jesus silence them?
Jesus invites you and me to be a part of the kingdom revolution. As Erwin McManus says, it is an unconventional war fought only with the weapons of faith, hope, and love. One of the church fathers, Augustine, wrote this about the distinction between a devil's faith and the faith of a Christ follower:
"Faith is mighty, but without love it profits nothing. The devils confessed Christ, but lacking charity it availed nothing. They said, 'What do we have to do with you?' They confessed a sort of faith but without love. Hence they were devils. Do not boast of that faith that puts you on the same level with the devils."
As we ready ourselves for battle - let's check our faith and let's make sure it is a faith that is ready to work itself out in love.
Sunday, April 03, 2005
THE POWER OF STORY (ENACTING THE KINGDOM OF GOD)
Stories are powerful. They serve as a window through which we gain a clearer view of the world. They can move us from indifference to compassion, from hatred to love, and from darkness into light. Stories shape our imaginations, and provide a sense of meaning, purpose, direction, and intention to life. They have the power to invite us into something larger than ourselves (in the words of Jim Collins a "BHAG," Big, Audacious, Hairy, Goal)
Here's a powerful story from Steve Chalke's book, "The Forgotten Message of Jesus;" it reminds me about the invitation we have from Jesus to "bring the kingdom of God near."
"In the frenzy of battle during World War II it obviously wasn’t always possible to return fallen soldiers to their homeland for burial. Many lay where they fell and are only remembered today by anonymous graves. Fearing this fate for one of their own, a US Company fight in the heart of the French countryside approached a Catholic priest to ask if they could bury their fallen colleague in the small, countryside graveyard attached to the church. To their astonishment, the priest turned them down on two grounds – the dead soldier was not a Catholic and there was no room in the already crowded graveyard. With heavy hearts the soldiers were left with no other option than to bury their friend just beyond the small wooden fence that marked the boundary of the cemetery and indicating its presence with a simple cross.
Within a couple of months the war was over and the company prepared for their journey home. But longing to say goodbye to their dead friend, they decided to return once more to the graveyard alongside where they had buried him. On arriving at the church, the cemetery looked much the same but, try as they might, as they walked around the perimeter fence they could not see any sign of the wooden cross they had left to mark the grave. Angered by they belief that the priest had removed even this simple memorial to they fallen buddy, they ran towards the church to challenge the priest. But as they approached, the priest came out to meet them. “I am so glad you have returned,” he said in a welcoming voice. “After you left I was troubled by my actions. I saw the dignity with which you buried your friend and realized the anguish my decision had caused you. I couldn’t change the fact that the cemetery was full so I decided to solve the problem in a different way. I’ve moved the boundary fence a meter or two so that your friend’s grave is now within the graveyard itself. I hope you can forgive me.”
Like the priest, sometimes bringing the kingdom of God near is not my first thought. But I pray that like the priest it might be my last one.
Stories are powerful. They serve as a window through which we gain a clearer view of the world. They can move us from indifference to compassion, from hatred to love, and from darkness into light. Stories shape our imaginations, and provide a sense of meaning, purpose, direction, and intention to life. They have the power to invite us into something larger than ourselves (in the words of Jim Collins a "BHAG," Big, Audacious, Hairy, Goal)
Here's a powerful story from Steve Chalke's book, "The Forgotten Message of Jesus;" it reminds me about the invitation we have from Jesus to "bring the kingdom of God near."
"In the frenzy of battle during World War II it obviously wasn’t always possible to return fallen soldiers to their homeland for burial. Many lay where they fell and are only remembered today by anonymous graves. Fearing this fate for one of their own, a US Company fight in the heart of the French countryside approached a Catholic priest to ask if they could bury their fallen colleague in the small, countryside graveyard attached to the church. To their astonishment, the priest turned them down on two grounds – the dead soldier was not a Catholic and there was no room in the already crowded graveyard. With heavy hearts the soldiers were left with no other option than to bury their friend just beyond the small wooden fence that marked the boundary of the cemetery and indicating its presence with a simple cross.
Within a couple of months the war was over and the company prepared for their journey home. But longing to say goodbye to their dead friend, they decided to return once more to the graveyard alongside where they had buried him. On arriving at the church, the cemetery looked much the same but, try as they might, as they walked around the perimeter fence they could not see any sign of the wooden cross they had left to mark the grave. Angered by they belief that the priest had removed even this simple memorial to they fallen buddy, they ran towards the church to challenge the priest. But as they approached, the priest came out to meet them. “I am so glad you have returned,” he said in a welcoming voice. “After you left I was troubled by my actions. I saw the dignity with which you buried your friend and realized the anguish my decision had caused you. I couldn’t change the fact that the cemetery was full so I decided to solve the problem in a different way. I’ve moved the boundary fence a meter or two so that your friend’s grave is now within the graveyard itself. I hope you can forgive me.”
Like the priest, sometimes bringing the kingdom of God near is not my first thought. But I pray that like the priest it might be my last one.
Friday, April 01, 2005
APRIL FOOLS' DAY
According to USA TODAY Snapshots, these are the top three April Fools' Day jokes:
1) Swiss spaghetti harvest: In 1957, the BBC said Swiss farmers were harvesting a huge spaghetti crop due to the near elimination of the spaghetti weevil. Coverage showed peasants picking spaghetti from trees.
2) Sidd Finch: In April 1985, Sports Illustrated writer George Plimpton wrote an article about a new Mets pitcher, side Finch, a Buddhist monk who could throw a 168 MPH fastball.
3) Instant color: In 1962, Sweden’s only TV channel broadcast in black and white. The station's technical expert shows how viewers could convert their sets to color by pulling a nylon stocking over the screen.
April Fools’ Day or All Fools' Day, is celebrated around the world on the first day of April. On this day it is customary to play practical jokes on people, causing them to believe something that isn’t true or to go on a fruitless errand. Although the origin of the custom is unknown, a common theory is that it developed as part of ancient spring festivals.
I find it interesting that this year, we remember April Fools Day during the first week of the Easter season. What some might consider to be the biggest joke of all - God coming to earth, taking on human form, dying, and rising again to new life - is in fact the power and wisdom of God to save.
It's no joke - Christ has died, Christ has risen and Christ will come again!
"Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become "fools" so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. "
According to USA TODAY Snapshots, these are the top three April Fools' Day jokes:
1) Swiss spaghetti harvest: In 1957, the BBC said Swiss farmers were harvesting a huge spaghetti crop due to the near elimination of the spaghetti weevil. Coverage showed peasants picking spaghetti from trees.
2) Sidd Finch: In April 1985, Sports Illustrated writer George Plimpton wrote an article about a new Mets pitcher, side Finch, a Buddhist monk who could throw a 168 MPH fastball.
3) Instant color: In 1962, Sweden’s only TV channel broadcast in black and white. The station's technical expert shows how viewers could convert their sets to color by pulling a nylon stocking over the screen.
April Fools’ Day or All Fools' Day, is celebrated around the world on the first day of April. On this day it is customary to play practical jokes on people, causing them to believe something that isn’t true or to go on a fruitless errand. Although the origin of the custom is unknown, a common theory is that it developed as part of ancient spring festivals.
I find it interesting that this year, we remember April Fools Day during the first week of the Easter season. What some might consider to be the biggest joke of all - God coming to earth, taking on human form, dying, and rising again to new life - is in fact the power and wisdom of God to save.
It's no joke - Christ has died, Christ has risen and Christ will come again!
"Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become "fools" so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. "
1 Corinthians 3:18-19
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