A Season of Waiting

Winter is a season when the whole earth is in a waiting period. The grapes have been harvested and the vines are bare. The almond trees are void of leaves and buds. The summer wheat has been baled and stored in the barns. It is as if the world is asleep waiting to be awakened in spring.

   

Winter is a time of waiting for us as well. Children await the arrival of Christmas day and the promise of gifts galore. Adults anticipate time with family and friends, warmed by the joy of Christmas.

   

Waiting is something we do not do well in the 21^st century. We are used to getting what we want as soon as we want it. We can get in touch with people instantly through email, cell phone, and text messaging. We feel that by waiting we are wasting time and being unproductive.

   

God is in the waiting business. His waiting is an active waiting not passive. The earth externally appears to be dormant, but internally it is being revitalized and reborn. Like His creation in winter which patiently, eagerly waits for the warmth and new life of spring, we wait for God to do His work in us. But this waiting takes patience.

   

The word patience comes from the Latin verb patior which means "to suffer." Waiting often feels like suffering to us, but it means to suffer through the present moment, in order to experience the joy and fulfillment of the future.

   

Winter is the perfect time for Advent, a time of waiting in expectation of the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Messiah. With awe and wonder we wait for His arrival with great longing. We marvel at the mystery of the incarnation; God becoming man in a baby. The miracle of the incarnation made possible the miracle of salvation. Yet we should also marvel at how God could love us so much that He would leave His heavenly throne to become like us. The miracle of Christmas is not just that "the word became flesh and dwelt among us" but that God chose to love us at all. The ancient scholar Irenaeus wrote, "The word of God, Jesus Christ, on account of his great love for mankind, became what we are in order to make us what he is himself."

   

Advent is also a time to reflect on the promise of Jesus' second coming as well. Hebrews says Jesus "will appear a second time…to save those who are eagerly waiting for him." This waiting actively anticipates the return of Christ. As believers we are to wait with expectation. Just as our children wait for the good gifts their parents give them, we eagerly await the good gifts God has for us at His return. While we wait we are to be busy preparing the fertile soil of our hearts for His return. We are to be sowing seeds of the Gospel message in the hearts of others. We are to be busy in our waiting.

   

God beckons us to a place of stillness, quiet, and reflection during the Christmas season, for it is in the stillness that we most clearly see His presence and hear His voice. May you experience the intimate, amazing love and overwhelming grace of our Heavenly Father through the celebration of the birth of his Son, Jesus, this Advent season.

   

"The season of Advent means there is something on the horizon the likes of which we have never seen before… .What is possible is to not see it, to miss it, to turn just as it brushes past you. And you begin to grasp what it was you missed, like Moses in the cleft of the rock, watching God's [back] fade in the distance. So stay. Sit. Linger. Tarry. Ponder. Wait. Behold. Wonder. There will be time enough for running. For rushing. For worrying. For pushing. For now, stay. Wait. Something is on the horizon."

   

Jan L. Richardson, Night Visions: Searching the Shadows of Advent and Christmas

   

   

Where do you go to quench your thirst?

The Swine flu has finally visited our house this last week, and my husband was the recipient. It hit him quite hard with a high fever and extreme body aches which made it painful for him to move let alone get out of bed. My daughters and I took turns making sure he had fluids to drink and anything else he needed. However one day we all happened to be gone and he needed some water to drink. He frantically texted all of us asking for some cold water to quench his thirst, but none of us were home at the time. He had to decide whether to muster up his strength to go to the kitchen to get a drink or wait for one of us to come home. (we live in a very tall Victorian house and the kitchen seems a long way from the bedroom when you are ill). I think he padded down the hall to the bathroom for some tap water to alleviate some of his thirst. He was grateful when I returned home and brought him a tall glass of ice cold water for his parched throat.

Here in the U.S. we always have access to ample supplies of water for drinking. Most of us do not what it is like to have an unquenched thirst. In Jesus' day, water was life to the people of Israel. It was vital to their existence as people and as a nation. Without the modern ways of transporting water, they were dependent on water from wells, rivers, and springs. So when Jesus stood in the town centre one day and shouted to the crowd, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink," he was talking in a way that baffled the people. How could someone get water from a man? Then he added, "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said,' Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'" And then they understood.

Jesus always chose the most poignant times to teach the Jewish people and his disciples the life lessons he wanted them to learn. This particular lesson came on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles.

It was a weeklong festival designed to remind the Jews of their desert wanderings with Moses and the Lord's provision for them. They spent the week living in shacks or booths meant to remind them of their time in the desert. Grandfathers and fathers retold the tale of how Moses struck the rock in the desert with the Rod of God and water gushed forth to quench the thirst of millions. Then each day the priest would lead a procession from the Pool of Siloam to the temple. Another priest would fill a golden pitcher with water from the pool and carry it to the temple through the Water Gate. There he would ceremoniously pour the water onto the altar, while the people sang psalms. On the seventh day, they would do this ceremony seven times. (Ezek. 47:1-7; Zech. 13:1).

It is in the context of this highly religious and symbolic week that Jesus makes the pronouncement that He is the water that the people need. No longer do they need to look to the priest, or the law, or the religious leaders for their water. They need only look to him.

There is a soul-thirst in all of us that seeks to be quenched. But like the crowd in Jesus' day, we often seek to satisfy our thirst with other things. We turn to the media, entertainment, relationships, and even "religion" to fulfill our desires. As spiritual dehydration sets in we take it up a notch and frantically seek for something to quench our thirst, yet nothing fulfills.

Jesus is all we need to satisfy our thirst. When we believe in Him and drink up His Word is it like a tall glass of ice cold water to our parched throats. As we continue to drink in all that He has for us, we become satisfied and we can then pour out rivers of blessing to others.

Are you thirsty? Jesus invites you to come; come thirsty.

   

Five Little Loaves and Two Little Fish

In John 6, tells the story of Jesus teaching before a crowd of 20,000 or more people. They listen to him all day until it is almost nightfall. His disciples get worried because there is no food for the people and they are getting hungry. Jesus challenges the disciples, Philip in particular, to come up with a solution to their problem. Philip comments that they do not have any food nor enough money to feed these people. Andrew finds a small boy with a tiny basket of food, five barley loaves and two small fish. But even Andrew acknowledges that it is not enough to supply the need.

Jesus takes the provisions that they have, instructs the disciples on how to organize the crowd, (in groups of 50 and 100 and sitting on the grass), and gives thanks to God the Father for the blessing of their small basket of food. He then proceeds to feed all of the people until they are full; fuller than they have ever been. The leftovers are gathered and there is enough for each disciple to have a doggie bag for their next road trip.

Jesus uses an insignificant little boy (he is always partial to children) with insufficient resources to demonstrate that our significance and our sufficiency are to be found only in Him. Oh what amazing things Jesus can do with us and through us but he requires several things. We must first recognize our inability to do anything in our own power. We must recognize our powerlessness. Second, we must give everything we have over to Him. Third, we must obey His commands; doing whatever he instructs us to do, and expectedly thank God for what he will provide for us, and do through us. When we obediently take our five loaves and two fishes and place them in Jesus hands, He multiplies our gifts and uses them to feed a hungry world.

Through God’s Eyes

When Susan Boyle stepped onto the stage of the show "Britain's Got Talent" a few weeks ago, she was immediately dismissed by the judges because of her dowdy, frumpy appearance. She wore a matronly dress, her hair was untamed, and she looked older than her 47 years. Skepticism and a bit of contempt were on the judges faces as they awaited her performance. When Susan began her rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" from the musical "Les Miserables," the judges faces of contempt turned to shock, awe, and then actual joy. All during her performance, Simon Cowell, known for his blunt and often controversial criticisms, was actually grinning. Since her debut that night, the YouTube clip of Susan's performance has been viewed by over 50 million people world-wide.

Susan grew up poor in a small Scottish village with her parents and 8 brothers and sisters. Bullied throughout her school years because of a learning disability, she retreated to her private world of music. In her later years, she has devoted herself to caring for her ailing mother and volunteering at her Catholic Parish.

By the world's standards Susan has led an unremarkable life. Yet because of the opportunity to share her great gift of singing on British television, her life has already had an impact on the world, and most likely will continue to do so.

The Old Testament tells the story of another person who knew what it was liked to be judged by outward appearances. In the book of 1 Samuel, the prophet Samuel travels to the house of Jesse in the town of Bethlehem to anoint the new king at the Lord's instructions. Samuel takes one look at Jesse's eldest son Eliab and says, "Surely this is the LORD's anointed."

"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."

Each one of Jesse's seven sons was presented to Samuel and all were rejected by God. It was not until the youngest son, David, bursts into the house, smelling like sheep and with a ruddy appearance that God says, "This is the one; anoint him." What David lacked in physical appearance, he made up for by having a heart that belonged wholly to God.

It is easy to judge people based on their outward appearance. We all do it, and yet we do not want to be judged in the same way.

My friend Debbie has something in common with Susan Boyle. She knows what it is like to be judged harshly because of appearance. A car accident at the age of twelve left her with a physical disability and a speech impediment. She is talented and smart; however her talents are not as pronounced as Susan's. She will never be on You Tube or the BBC. She loves to sing but will never audition for Simon Cowell either in the United States or Britain.

Debbie's greatest talent is her service. Though walking is a challenge for her because of her disability, she arrives each Thursday afternoon between 1pm and 2pm to fold bulletins; sometimes walking here from across town. She and I spend about an hour together each week folding the bulletin and chatting about life, her love of cats, and whatever the headlines of the day may be. Week by week, piece by piece, she has unfolded her story for me. She can be a bit distrustful of people because the mistreatment she has received over the years. Yet she has come to trust me and I look forward to her visits each week.

I have learned a lot from Debbie in the years she has been volunteering. She is patient and persevering. Though the stares and taunts of others are hurtful to her, she continues to go about her life finding joy in serving others; both people and animals. She has taught me that everyone has worth and value in God's eyes, and hidden talents can be discovered in others if we but take the time to uncover them.

John 7:24 : "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment."

Just A Little Talk With Jesus

I had a conversation with the Lord the other morning. It was 4 a.m. and this particular morning it was not the pains of arthritis nor the hot flashes of menopause which were keeping me awake. It was the heartbreak of ministry.

"I am frustrated and downtrodden by ministry, Lord. I want to quit."

"Yes, I know." He said. "You usually do not meet Me this early."

"I'm weary." I said to the Lord.

"I know how you feel." He replied.

"Did you grow weary of ministry, Lord?" I asked.

"Yes, I did." He said. "But I continued on anyways."

And I remembered how He had wanted to go away and rest after his friend John the Baptist was killed. But the crowds of people would not leave him alone. Instead of going to the mountaintop to rest, He stayed on the shore. He taught the people and fed them and went to the mountain top when the teaching and the feeding were done.

"I had compassion for My people," He said. "And so should you."

"But when do I get to rest, Lord?" I asked.

"Later," He replied, "now get up. I have a word for you."

So I left my warm, cozy bed and retreated to the den. I opened my Bible to see what the Lord wanted to say to me, and this is what I read:

The LORD (Yahweh) is my shepherd; I have everything I need.

I have everything I NEED right now, today, this moment. I have everything I need for the moment. He gives me all I need when I need it.

He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength.

After several trips to Hawaii, I have come to believe that it is the most beautiful place on earth. It is green, peaceful, and restful. As corny as it sounds, Yahweh is my Hawaii. I don't have to have to fly across the ocean and spend hundreds of dollars to find true rest.

He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

When we first moved to Paso Robles, I would often get lost learning to navigate country roads. If my children were in the car they would get distressed and anxiously ask, "Mom, do you know where you're going? Are we looossst!" I would always reply, "No, we're not lost. God knows right where we are and He'll get us home. In the meantime, we are having an ADVENTURE!"

The Lord is my GPS system. I don't need to wonder or worry about which road to travel on. He has it all mapped out for me and has had my journey planned since the dawn of time. By following the path He has laid out for me, God is glorified. Being on the right path is not my doing but all God's. The fact that I have the ability to take my next breath is all due to His grace. I must set aside my pride and my self importance. Any thoughts that I have accomplished anything in my life is merely an illusion as it has all been God.

Even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

My first real walk through the valley of death came four years with my mother's death. When Mom first became ill, I had fleeting thoughts of doubt. What if it is not real? What if there is no heaven? What if I won't see her again? How can I possibly walk this path? But when I needed God the most, He was there. At the moment of her passing His presence flooded my soul. He walked through that valley with me and prodded me with His staff when I was tempted to "camp" in the valley instead of "walk through it." We all must face death, but because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, we only face its shadow.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.

A wise and caring shepherd continually anoints his flock of sheep with oil. The oil prevents pests and insects from bothering the sheep. It is also used to heal wounds, prevent disease, and to prevent serious damage when the sheep butt heads together. Oil is often used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. How lucky I am that the Lord anoints me daily with His Spirit to heal my wounds and keep me free from sin. His love will pursue me all my days and I have the assurance that I will live with Him forever.

I closed my Bible and with a renewed heart I prayed. "Thank you, Lord, for your Word." I prayed. "I have never looked at this beautiful song this way before. Thank you for the strength to continue on the path you have chosen for me. Thank you for the divine rest You give my weary soul; a rest that comes only from being still and letting You cradle me close to Your heart. Thank you for being my Shepherd. Help me to shepherd the flock you have given me with the same tenderness and compassion You have for me. Thank you that I can call you by name, my Yahweh. Amen"

The Strangest Story of All

C. S. Lewis calls the Resurrection of Christ "The strangest story of all." To Jesus' followers it was the strangest story. Even though Jesus had told them he would rise on the third day, the disciples did not believe it. Mary Magdalene and the disciples at Emmaus testified to seeing the risen Christ and still the disciples did not believe. When Jesus finally appears to the 11 in the Upper Room, Mark says He rebukes them for their unbelief and hardness of heart.

Not much has changed in 2000 years. It is still difficult for people to believe that a man could rise from the dead. Many believe that Jesus was a good man, a moral teacher, someone who left us a good example to follow. But believing in Him as God, in the flesh, who conquered death it too difficult a leap. One can certainly see this attitude in how the world celebrates Easter. Christmas is still somewhat about a baby's birth, but Easter is now about bunnies and eggs. We celebrate the "Christmas season" but barely give Easter one day. Yet it is Easter- the Crucifixion and the Resurrection-that sets Christianity apart.

The Resurrection changed everything-past, present, and future. Death has been robbed of its stronghold on us. Jesus walked into the jaws of that final, fierce enemy and conquered it. The resurrection proves that Jesus was who he said he was. We can live today in the joy and power of a living Savior. It is because of the Resurrection that we have hope and the promise of heaven. Death is no longer something to fear. We know that our bodies will be raised like Jesus' was raised. We may close our eyes to life here but we open them to life forever. The Resurrection propels us into a life of courage and assurance.

What great assurance it is to know that we need not fear death for our loved ones who know Christ or fear death for ourselves. The Resurrection has left us with the sweet scent of heaven and the promise of a grand reunion with Christ and our loved ones.

There is a country song titled "Live Like You Are Dying", which speaks of living for today. As Christians we should live not like we are dying but fearless and free because of the power of the Resurrection.

"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" Hosea 13:14

"It strengthens our faith to revisit the Resurrection of Christ. We follow him not only because of his sinless life, matchless teaching and atoning death. We also follow him because he is the only religious leader in history with an empty grave. Little did Joseph of Arimathea know that the Lord was only going to borrow his tomb for three days. Someone ought to write on the grave of every Christian, "Borrowed only until He comes." God has promised to do for us what he did for Jesus, and he expects us to live like it." Wayne E. Shaw

Interrupted By God

Mark 15:20-22 After they had mocked Him, they took the purple robe off Him and put His own garments on Him. And they led Him out to crucify Him. They pressed into service a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to bear His cross. Then they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. Simon, a Cyrenian, traveled from his home country in Northern Africa to Jerusalem for the Passover holiday. It was a long and arduous journey for him, about 800 miles. A large Jewish community had settled in Cyrene some 300 years earlier. They had an established synagogue and often traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish festival. Simon planned for months to make this journey and it was going to be a costly one for him in both time and money. He traveled in a Roman ship from Alexandria to Joppa to land in time to reach Jerusalem for the Passover. How excited he would have been to be traveling to the Holy City to celebrate one of the holiest of days with Jews from all over the world. He walked at a brisk pace as his mind was on getting to the city in time to find a lamb to purchase for his Passover meal and sacrifice. He made his way into the crowded city and was unaware of the events that had taken place that day. He looks up ahead as he walks along the road into Jerusalem and notices a throng of people coming towards him out of the city. He hears shouting, screaming, and crying from the people coming his way. He sees a bloodied man with a cross slowly making his way along the dusty road. The man is surrounded by Roman soldiers who whip him whenever he stumbles. A crowd of people are following; women wailing in grief, men shouting obscenities, and others looking on with curiosity. Someone calls the man Jesus and says he is a criminal. As Simon tries to pass through the crowds he stops near Jesus who is having difficulty walking. Jesus had already been beaten multiple times, flogged, had his beard pulled out, spat upon, clothes torn off, and a crown of thorns place on his head. Extremely emaciated from the torture he received at the hands of the Roman soldiers, Jesus struggles under the weight of the cross. The procession moves too slow for the Roman soldiers and they grab Simon as he passes by and “press” him into service, assisting Jesus with carrying the cross. Simon wants to protest but cannot. The Roman soldiers have the authority to compel anyone into service they wish. Simon was simply passing through. He does not know this criminal and has nothing to do with the events which have transpired this day. We would say he was at the wrong place at the wrong time. “Then he said to the crowd, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me.’” Luke 9:23 Simon had the privilege of being the first one to bear the cross of Jesus. He walked in the footsteps of Jesus as he made his way to place where he would be crucified. Simon carried the cross of the one who would bear his sins for him; the Lamb of God. Simon was not looking for a Savior that day. He was merely heading into the Holy City to do “religion” as usual. For Simon religion meant following the rules and regulations passed onto him through the Old Testament scriptures and his family. But Jesus interrupted his life and he found himself heading in the opposite direction and face to face with the Messiah. He looked into the eyes of his fellow sufferer and saw the face of God; not the God of rules and regulations, but the God of love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness. We do not know what happened to Simon after that day. There is no other mention of him in the Scripture. Tradition tells us that after his life was interrupted by the Lamb of God he became a devoted follower of Jesus. Has Jesus interrupted your life or is it “religion” as usual for you this Easter season? The cross that Simon bore should have been his own; the death that Jesus died should have been ours. Simon looked into the eyes of Jesus, altered his direction and became a changed man. Have you?