What is the number one thing that would prompt you to die on behalf of another person? What motivation does it take to make such a significant personal sacrifice?
Don't be confused that I'm going to lump the corona virus into a group with Ebola and the Bubonic Plague. But I do want you to watch this video and think about what the motivation for heroic sacrifice was in the story this Vietnam veteran shares:
Leadership and Responsibility- Richard Pimentel
My husband, David, asked me to sit down and watch this documentary with him last month. I had posed the question to David, "What is your motivation for the career you are pursuing?" I'll be honest, I wasn't asking nicely. I've been wrestling with this question as I ponder my own answer. Our family is facing a lot of change, a lot of transition, a lot of goodbyes. We are giving up close ties with family, milestone moments we want to be a part of, friendships and relationship with people we have loved, an "American dream" or idyllic life, possessions, familiarity, even just knowing how to ask where the bathroom is....
I'm not complaining. I'm contemplating. It is complete and utter foolishness to embark on a journey or set a goal without counting the cost. You can't run a marathon without training for it.
Jesus Christ said this to his disciples in the Bible. I think this hit a chord with these men too since it is recorded in more than one account of Jesus' life. {Here is a link to the NET Bible where you can read Luke 14:25-35 (NET Bible Luke 14) or you can pull out your favorite version and read the paper copy. I like the way the pages feel; I especially enjoy the notes I've written in the margins from previous "aha" moments of reading a passage of God's word.}
Jesus uses two illustrations of major events that bear significant cost to those who undertake them. First, he captures the audience's attention with an idea they most closely relate to... beginning a building project. How many of us have driven by a partially erected building only to shake our heads at the company that ran out of budget to complete their project. "Foolishness..." we think to ourselves.
I think the next illustration hit pretty close to home in Jesus' day also. So many of these simple working people would have been among the 10,000 men numbered in this king's army. They were the ones who would face the onslaught of the enemy army. They are the ones who would suffer the casualties and defeat. They are the families who would lose their provider, their home, their ability to have necessities to survive if their men died in battle. Notice the king's response when he weighs the odds of his army against a much stronger opponent. He decides the best course of action is not to undertake the offensive and instead to make an attempt to negotiate peace. He may still face a situation that is against the odds if his offer of peace is rejected, but he is going to make the wisest decision he can in the situation and hope that it resolves the conflict without as great a cost.
Jesus doesn't use these illustrations to set aside the risk of entrepreneurship or emphasis there is a better way to negotiate than battle. Look at his parting comment in verse 33, "So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own." That comment reveals my true issue with the cost I am counting: greed, self-preservation, my worship of possessions, comfort, people, happiness...
Jesus used these illustrations to make a clear, simple point. Don't start something you can't finish.
That is exactly what I am questioning these days. Can we see this career choice through to the finish? Can we expend our lives in the cause we believe Jesus Christ has set before us? How will our choices affect our children, our marriage, our sanity, our faith, our health, etc? What if we set out to begin this journey and can't complete it? What then?
The veteran, Richard Pimentel, stated three "C"s from Aristotle's teaching that define a leader: Content, Competence, Character. Those three words describe the kind of leader who is worth following: one you can trust. The reason you trust this leader: because he cares about you.
Those three "C" words describe the leader I'm following, even to the point of death on the cross. I believe Jesus Christ, both God and man, is the only person in the entire world who could truly be ascribed these three qualities in absolute perfection. Wouldn't that be someone worthy of devoted obedience? Is this not the kind of person you want to follow into battle regardless of the terrors you might face? Is this the person who is worth dying for?
Richard Pimentel quotes his Sergeant from a particular situation in the war in Vietnam, "Responsibility is a word made up of two words, the word response and the word ability....
We all find ourselves looking at situations, we all find ourselves with abilities. What we have to ask is given my abilities, what then will be my response to those abilities?"
Romans 5:1-11 puts this another way that describes the deep joy that prompts those who believe in Jesus to endure suffering with a hope that does not disappoint. Please, please read the verses in the entire passage. I'll only include the last two.
"10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God."
There are more passages in Scripture that add to the clear picture that Jesus Christ, whom God the Father sent to die on our behalf and raised to life, is the ONLY person worthy of complete obedience and surrender. (Parables-treasure of God's Kingdom)
Revelation 5: 4-11
"4 Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll and read it. 5 But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
6 Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the sevenfold Spirit of God that is sent out into every part of the earth. 7 He stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of the one sitting on the throne. 8 And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.
9 And they sang a new song with these words:
“You are worthy to take the scroll
and break its seals and open it.
For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 And you have caused them to become
a Kingdom of priests for our God.
And they will reign on the earth.”
11 Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. 12 And they sang in a mighty chorus:
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—
to receive power and riches
and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and blessing.
13 And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang:
“Blessing and honor and glory and power
belong to the one sitting on the throne
and to the Lamb forever and ever.”
14 And the four living beings said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb."
What did David want me to remember from watching this inspirational speech? How did this speaker capture the motivation that drives him to lead our family toward great sacrifice?
"It's our responsibility..."
The theme that has been ringing with truth in my heart and mind for the past year has been,
"He alone is worthy..."
Maybe this is what God has been teaching me through all the stress and the transition and the unknown about the future. It is good that we remind ourselves of this truth.
Is He Worthy by Andrew Peterson
Does our family have the ability to do what Jesus has called us to do?
Only by his grace and through his power (2 Corinthians 3:4-6a; 3:18-5:21 NET Bible)
What will our response be? to follow him to the ends of the earth
(Matthew 28:16-20 NLT, Acts 1:8 NET Bible)
"What abilities do you have and, more importantly, what is your response to those abilities?" Richard Pimentel
Monday, April 6, 2020
Sunday, March 15, 2020
Stand Firm
We continue to rest in the grace that God has shown us this past year. We are confident that much of the growth he has allowed in our hearts and minds will be continued until it is completed and we stand before Jesus face to face. Here are some of the things we have been learning lately.
- David is learning how God is faithful in the midst of uncertainty.
- Allison is learning to trust that God is good in the midst of difficult circumstances, and he can be trusted with the decisions we make and decisions our leadership will make about our future.
- Allison is learning how to recognize and change the thoughts and deeply rooted assumptions about life and God that have been developed through experiences from childhood and reinforced throughout adulthood.
- We are learning how to love each other in the midst of busy schedules and not merely be ships passing in the night (to and from the bedroom of whichever kid is crying). We are learning to practice intentional acts of kindness and forgive whether or not the other person is changing his/her behaviors.
- Our daughter is learning how to trust the authorities God has placed in her life. She is beginning to listen to our explanation of why there is sin in the world and how our disobedience toward God earned our consequences, especially the consequence of death. She understands that "Jesus died so that we wouldn't have to die". Jesus placed himself under God's punishment for our sin so that we who believe in Jesus' death and resurrection would be forgiven and not experience spiritual death. My favorite evidence of how this truth is penetrating our daughter's heart comes from her prayers for the little four year old girl in a village in Papua New Guinea. The families in the Pei village are beginning to gather regularly to hear teaching from God's word, beginning with the truth about how God created men and using every Bible lesson to point to the one who died "so we wouldn't have to die". Join our family in praying for the people of Pei and those teaching the truth of the gospel to them this year. The names we are specifically praying for are Pol (40), Tema, Tamalis (7), Telma (5), Akwilta (4), Aitsiluse (2), and Seseli (9 months).
- Our son is learning that his parents always come back to pick him up from childcare and naps have a good purpose. He is also learning that it takes hard work and lots of practice to learn new life skills. He is learning to be a fine cook who stirs hot pots, uses sharp knives, and washes his dishes later. Finally, he is discovering that what goes up must come down, including himself....
Ephesians 6:10-18 is on my mind tonight. This is the piece that sums up our thoughts about standing firm in the midst of uncertainty because of our faith in God and our hope of salvation
Paul wrote,
"13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Waiting for the Unknown....
I wish it were easier to share all that has happened in the last few months without filling several pages of the internet. There is so much that God has been teaching me. Someday it will all leak out into a blog post about our lives. For now, I want to share the thoughts that have been building on my mind as we approached and passed the due date for our first child.
I wish I could express joyful excitement and anticipation about the arrival of our baby.
I love children. I am incredibly privileged to be given the gift of a child to carry, the fruit of my own womb and my husband's child. I know how many men and women desire that treasure and have not received it.
I am also painfully aware of the statement many wise parents have mentioned to us since we announced our expectation of becoming parents. I think the most accurate paraphrase was, "You can never be selfish again..."
But the truth is, I am selfish. I have been self-centered since the day I was born. Self is one of the chief idols in my life. What about yours?
One of the greatest challenges about the gift I received when I said, "I do," and promised my life to my husband was that I promised to cherish him above myself. My "self" did not surrender to that promise without a fight. In fact, it is a daily battle to let the Holy Spirit of God change me, transform my desires, and teach my "self" to submit or surrender to a better purpose and plan than what I think is best or desire for myself. I have never regretted the results, only felt the sting and pain of the challenge to practice denying my "self" in marriage.
In light of that, why would I be excited about expanding that challenge to include another person?
Can I confess how hard it is to wait for something you are uncertain will be wonderful?
No matter how many people promise me that I will experience this wonderful joy, it is an experience I have not yet personally enjoyed. I cannot place my own confidence in this expectation. Even the Bible promises this truth is universal. Do I believe that truth?
John 16:21 "It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world."
Wait, did that just mention anguish? Yet, the expectation is that anguish gives way to joy....
Another thought that has been on my mind the past few weeks.... It is so HARD to wait for and anticipate an event that you have NO IDEA when it will happen.
Honestly, I love my family and friends and the excitement they all have as they anticipate our child's birth. But, may I thank those that have not asked if the baby is born yet? Is is hurtful to express how much it does not comfort me to be reminded so often that my baby has not been born yet and I don't know when the baby will come? Trust me, I wish I did.
Part of my self-reliance and need for control (which I do not have) produces a strong desire to plan and execute life according to what I have determined will be best. Example: I would deem it best to have all the laundry washed, folded, and put away before I go into labor. How many times can you accomplish this in the space of a few weeks???? How many times can you try to catch up on dishes, only to make more dirty dishes before one day is over???? Seriously, is it impossible to be fully prepared for the arrival of this little person?
My current stress and conflict have reminded me of the teachings of Jesus about his return to earth. Have you read the parables Jesus taught about a bridegroom whose arrival is expectantly awaited but the hour is unknown? (Matthew 25) Jesus also used the illustration of servants whose master entrusts them with a task while he is away, and he returns at a time that they did not anticipate because it was unknown to them.
In each scenario, the arrival of this important person was expected, even anticipated with joy. Yet, no one knew when to expect the arrival of the person they anticipated. Some people were prepared and others were not prepared for the arrival of the bridegroom or master. Those who remained prepared through the long, unknown waiting period were rewarded with the opportunity to celebrate when the person arrived. Those who did not remain prepared were busy trying to catch up their preparations and missed out on the celebration. Some were even punished for their disobedience to the master's instructions to prepare for his return or their foolish expenditure of the time that had elapsed while the master was away.
Am I listening to the warning in my own words? How am I waiting for Jesus' return to earth? I know that I will rejoice in his return, but will my joy be mixed with sorrow that he finds me unprepared to welcome him? Will I be distracted with preparations I failed to make ahead of time and unable to truly enjoy the celebration of his arrival? I know these parables are illustrations of truth and not exact examples of what will happen. Still, I need to heed the warning.
Even in the anticipation of our baby's birth, one that seems to drag on repeatedly without resolution, I see that I must be vigilant to remain prepared. Otherwise, many cares will impede the joy and celebration that we could have when the baby does arrive. I know if the dishes don't get done that there will still be more to do after the baby comes. I know that laundry will only increase once this child is born. But, in the moment that my child is placed in my arms, will I wonder who is going to get those things done because I left them to the last moment? Will I regret the load I placed on my husband to catch up what I can no longer attend to (for the moment)?
More importantly, what tasks and preparations are needing my attention to be ready, at any moment, for the return of my Jesus? Am I making disciples like he commanded immediately before his departure to heaven? Am I being a witness for his gospel and telling those around me about his death and resurrection and the hope of eternal life? Am I using the gifts, talents, skills, privilege, wealth, and abilities he gave me to care for the broken and hurting world around me? Do I demonstrate the love and grace he has given me in how I choose to use my time and treasures or how I treat the people in my life?
How will Jesus find me when he returns to marry his bride? Will the bride be ready for the wedding or will she need "a few more moments" to look her best? Do I want to disappoint him that much?
Do you?
Acts 1:6-11
"6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”
7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”
I wish I could express joyful excitement and anticipation about the arrival of our baby.
I love children. I am incredibly privileged to be given the gift of a child to carry, the fruit of my own womb and my husband's child. I know how many men and women desire that treasure and have not received it.
I am also painfully aware of the statement many wise parents have mentioned to us since we announced our expectation of becoming parents. I think the most accurate paraphrase was, "You can never be selfish again..."
But the truth is, I am selfish. I have been self-centered since the day I was born. Self is one of the chief idols in my life. What about yours?
One of the greatest challenges about the gift I received when I said, "I do," and promised my life to my husband was that I promised to cherish him above myself. My "self" did not surrender to that promise without a fight. In fact, it is a daily battle to let the Holy Spirit of God change me, transform my desires, and teach my "self" to submit or surrender to a better purpose and plan than what I think is best or desire for myself. I have never regretted the results, only felt the sting and pain of the challenge to practice denying my "self" in marriage.
In light of that, why would I be excited about expanding that challenge to include another person?
Can I confess how hard it is to wait for something you are uncertain will be wonderful?
No matter how many people promise me that I will experience this wonderful joy, it is an experience I have not yet personally enjoyed. I cannot place my own confidence in this expectation. Even the Bible promises this truth is universal. Do I believe that truth?
John 16:21 "It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world."
Wait, did that just mention anguish? Yet, the expectation is that anguish gives way to joy....
Another thought that has been on my mind the past few weeks.... It is so HARD to wait for and anticipate an event that you have NO IDEA when it will happen.
Honestly, I love my family and friends and the excitement they all have as they anticipate our child's birth. But, may I thank those that have not asked if the baby is born yet? Is is hurtful to express how much it does not comfort me to be reminded so often that my baby has not been born yet and I don't know when the baby will come? Trust me, I wish I did.
Part of my self-reliance and need for control (which I do not have) produces a strong desire to plan and execute life according to what I have determined will be best. Example: I would deem it best to have all the laundry washed, folded, and put away before I go into labor. How many times can you accomplish this in the space of a few weeks???? How many times can you try to catch up on dishes, only to make more dirty dishes before one day is over???? Seriously, is it impossible to be fully prepared for the arrival of this little person?
My current stress and conflict have reminded me of the teachings of Jesus about his return to earth. Have you read the parables Jesus taught about a bridegroom whose arrival is expectantly awaited but the hour is unknown? (Matthew 25) Jesus also used the illustration of servants whose master entrusts them with a task while he is away, and he returns at a time that they did not anticipate because it was unknown to them.
In each scenario, the arrival of this important person was expected, even anticipated with joy. Yet, no one knew when to expect the arrival of the person they anticipated. Some people were prepared and others were not prepared for the arrival of the bridegroom or master. Those who remained prepared through the long, unknown waiting period were rewarded with the opportunity to celebrate when the person arrived. Those who did not remain prepared were busy trying to catch up their preparations and missed out on the celebration. Some were even punished for their disobedience to the master's instructions to prepare for his return or their foolish expenditure of the time that had elapsed while the master was away.
Am I listening to the warning in my own words? How am I waiting for Jesus' return to earth? I know that I will rejoice in his return, but will my joy be mixed with sorrow that he finds me unprepared to welcome him? Will I be distracted with preparations I failed to make ahead of time and unable to truly enjoy the celebration of his arrival? I know these parables are illustrations of truth and not exact examples of what will happen. Still, I need to heed the warning.
Even in the anticipation of our baby's birth, one that seems to drag on repeatedly without resolution, I see that I must be vigilant to remain prepared. Otherwise, many cares will impede the joy and celebration that we could have when the baby does arrive. I know if the dishes don't get done that there will still be more to do after the baby comes. I know that laundry will only increase once this child is born. But, in the moment that my child is placed in my arms, will I wonder who is going to get those things done because I left them to the last moment? Will I regret the load I placed on my husband to catch up what I can no longer attend to (for the moment)?
More importantly, what tasks and preparations are needing my attention to be ready, at any moment, for the return of my Jesus? Am I making disciples like he commanded immediately before his departure to heaven? Am I being a witness for his gospel and telling those around me about his death and resurrection and the hope of eternal life? Am I using the gifts, talents, skills, privilege, wealth, and abilities he gave me to care for the broken and hurting world around me? Do I demonstrate the love and grace he has given me in how I choose to use my time and treasures or how I treat the people in my life?
How will Jesus find me when he returns to marry his bride? Will the bride be ready for the wedding or will she need "a few more moments" to look her best? Do I want to disappoint him that much?
Do you?
Acts 1:6-11
"6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”
7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”
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