Sunflowers of Thanksgiving

Today, I had someone put something amazing on my desk.  Beautiful sunflowers arrived to brighten my day. These sunflowers were given by a student who wanted to share something precious with Tyler, Stephanie, and me (the Aspire Youth Ministries staff).

The sunflowers came with this incredible note attached...
"Every year since we were kids my mom gives me and (my brother) sunflowers to give to the person/people we were most thankful to have in our life that year.  So this year I chose you 3. Thank you so much for everything you guys do! You rock! Happy Thanksgiving!"

I am so thankful for and humbled by this young person who took the time to send a ray of sunshine into our lives through wonderful sunflowers.  This small gesture reminds me that in this busy season of thanksgiving it is so easy to forget the small yet vitally important ways in which we can say thank you to the people in our lives for whom we give thanks.

These flowers changed me and challenged me today.  I realize that I do not say "thank you" nearly enough - especially to those with whom I work and live.

I have been changed by these sunflowers.  I am committing myself this day to say a simple "thank you" to the people in my life for whom I am grateful.  There are so many, and I am sure that I will miss some of the most important people.  However, if I begin this discipline today, then perhaps I will continue to practice it every day, and I will not leave anyone out.

Who are the people for whom you and your children are the most thankful?
What are some ways in which you can say thank you to them?
How can you and your family practice the discipline of thankful living together throughout the year?

Let me begin by saying, "Thank you" to you.

If you are reading this blog, you have undoubtedly touched my life in some way this year.  I want to thank you for journeying with me this year.  I am thankful for you and for your faithfulness.

Thank you.
Brian

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, 

give thanks in all circumstances; 

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NRSV) 

Fear Not

Our world is a marketplace of fear.  On this Halloween and in the closing days of a virulent political campaign, I wanted to remind you of the power of faith, hope, and love in the face of our deepest fears.

"And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13, NRSV).

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18)

Slaying Dragons
Fear’s toxic breath fills the air
Permeating every corner of life.
Gaining power
As Panic, Fear’s lackey,
Unleashes its menacing talons 
Attempting to choke out life in its grasp.

Despite its apparent strength
This invisible dragon,
The world’s one true foe,
Can be slain
Through the power of choice,
Freedom’s first fruit.

Do not fear;
Choose to live
In the face of the beast.
Steal its power;
Stifle its incessant noise;
End its tyrannical reign.

Fear no longer has a foothold 
On those who choose to live
Courageously,
With eyes of hope,
Full of faith.
Behold, the dragon now silenced.
                                  -- Brian Shivers

Reclaiming Words - "Faith"

Faith

1   a : allegiance to duty or a person : loyalty

     b (1) : fidelity to one's promises (2) : sincerity of intentions

2   a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion

     b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2): complete trust

3   something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs

Faith is often challenged. 

Faith is often decried as unnecessary and a hold-over from a bygone era in our post-modern world. 

Those of us who say we are people of faith are often put down, ridiculed, and mocked.

Let's do some unpacking of what faith is not. Maybe the we can begin to reclaim what faith is.

Faith is not blind allegiance.

Faith is not intellectual suicide.

Faith is not a crutch for the weak.

Faith is not a one time thing.

Faith is not an opiate for the masses.

Faith is not the absence of doubt.

Faith is not certainty.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the fact is we all have faith. Every single one of us. And that faith is exercised often throughout the day.

Faith is our first act in the morning as we swing our legs over the side of the bed and stand to greet the day even though we have no idea what the day may hold.

Faith is that which compels us to move forward in the face of the mounting evidence that should lead us to just stop.

Faith is the marriage of belief and trust.

Faith is living life like you mean it.

Faith is often difficult.

Faith is a gift.

Of course, the objects of our faith may be different from one another. But the truth still remains that faith is something that is possessed by all.

Of faith...

Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."

Philip Yancey wrote, "I have learned that faith means trusting in advance what will only make sense in reverse."

C.S. Lewis penned, "Faith is the art of holding on to things in spite of your changing moods and circumstances."

The author of the letter we call Hebrews composed, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1 NRSV)

Faith is beautiful. 

What is faith to you? 

Reclaiming Words - "Worship"

For the next several weeks, we will take a look at some words that seem to have lost a part, if not all, of their meaning in our culture.  We will begin with a quick look at the dictionary definition of the word.  Then we will think through what it might mean to reclaim the word in our lives and as an important part of our journey of faith. We started last week with a look at the word "desire".

This week, let's look at
worship
n.

1. a. The reverent love and devotion accorded a deity, an idol, or a sacred object.

    b. The ceremonies, prayers, or other religious forms by which this love is expressed.

2. Ardent devotion; adoration.

v.tr.

1. To honor and love as a deity.

2. To regard with ardent or adoring esteem or devotion.

v.intr.

1. To participate in religious rites of worship.

2. To perform an act of worship.

Worship has been a huge topic of discussion and debate in churches across the country.  It has even sparked books, articles, and conferences centered around the theme of "worship wars."

Much of the debate has centered around the style of music played during worship.  Will the church have an organ, a choir, and "traditional" music or will the church have drums, guitars, and "contemporary" music?  There are people who lobby earnestly on each side of this music style debate - good people of deep and abiding faith.

In spite of the best intentions of those on both sides of the debate and those somewhere in between, we have lost something.  We have lost the heart and the meaning of worship.

Music is indeed an important and integral part of worship.  Music is to be a part of the prayer and praise offered by the congregation or the individual in worship.  However, music is not the entirety of worship nor should it be the focus of worship.  In fact, John Calvin wrote that everything we do should be an act of worship offered to God.  It is not just the songs we sing.  Worship is as much an attitude of the heart, mind, and spirit as it is the actions of the body and mouth.

In the Book of Order for the Presbyterian Church (USA) we have these words, "Christian worship joyfully ascribes all praise and honor, glory and power to the triune God. In worship the people of God acknowledge God present in the world and in their lives. As they respond to God’s claim and redemptive action in Jesus Christ, believers are transformed and renewed. In worship the faithful offer themselves to God and are equipped for God’s service in the world." (Book of Order, W - 1.1001)

In our long and tiring debate over worship style, we have lost the point that worship has very little to do with us at all.  Worship is about God.  When corporate worship and individual worship is focused on what we get out of it, worship has become nothing more than an empty exercise of ego-centric self improvement.  We might as well be at a Tony Robbins seminar.  Worship is to be about giving "all praise and honor, glory and power to the triune God."  When our worship is rightly focused, style becomes much less important.  All of our vain trappings and stylings come off of the center stage when "the faithful offer themselves to God."

Donald McKim writes, "We gather in the covenant community for praise, petition, and thankfulness for who God is and what God has done...We worship as Christians to give our full attention to the God who is our creator, who redeems us in Jesus Christ, and who is present with us by the Holy Spirit...Worship provides the orientation for our Christian lives" (Presbyterian Beliefs, 104).

The end result is that God is glorified and the people of God are transformed, renewed, and equipped for service to the world.  Let us worship God in all we say and do.

Of Clenched Fists and Open Hands

Religion has taken a huge hit in our culture lately.  There is no doubt that some of the criticism that has been levied against organized religions and their institutions is much deserved.  There is more than enough hate, vitriolic speech, and ugly actions all in the name of god to prove the critics right in their assessments.

In spite of all of this "evidence", I feel the need to somehow come to the defense of organized religion and those who belong to these groups.  I am convinced that organized religion is not the enemy, nor are the faithful people who are striving hard to be faithful within the structures organized religion provides them.  Organized religion is not the problem. The problem is not even faith itself even though some modern thinkers, philosophers, and pundits would like us to believe it is true.  No, the problem is and seemingly always has been with certitude - the kind of certitude that builds an impermeable wall around itself.  This is the "I am right and everyone else is wrong" type of conviction.  The enemy is the faith that ends in worship of itself instead of the god to which it claims to point.  The problem rests in the language and behaviors of those who firmly believe they have it all figured out once and for all and aren't afraid to share and show their beliefs to all of those around them with little to no regard for humanity.  This type of certitude runs rampant throughout our culture and world.  It is by no means the monopoly of organized religion.  We find it lurking at political rallies, "news" resources, Internet videos, billboards, bumper stickers, and, yes, pulpits and pews.

What is the remedy?  I wish I had the cure! I wish there was an instant fix!  But there is not.

One thing I know for sure is that any move made will take intentionality and depth of commitment.  Even though I would never claim to have a cure, I do think there are some logical places for us to start.  It may sound like circular reasoning, but the clearest place to start is with faith itself.  By its very nature, faith cannot be held in the clenched fist of certitude.  Holding faith in this way only chokes the life and vitality out of it.  Faith must be held in an open hand if it is to be allowed to flourish.

It is the faith of the clenched fist that is used as a weapon against those who disagree or believe differently.  It is the faith of the clenched fist that must be defended at all costs - even life itself.  The clenched fist is threatened by and threatens anyone or anything perceived to be in its way. The clenched fist cannot shake hands in solidarity or offer a gift of grace.  

It is the faith of the open hand that is offered in love and humility.  It is the faith of the open hand that is free to fly wherever the Spirit might lead.  It is the open hand which has the confidence to welcome.  It is the open hand which greets others in freedom and respect.

Let us not blame our institutions for the problems that we all embody.  If we cannot begin to live our individual lives characterized by the open hand, then how can we expect our institutions to be welcoming of everyone and affirming of humanity?

I commit myself, this day, to begin living my life with an open hand.  Will you pledge to do the same?  Life itself may hang in the balance.

Stress Free

The best things in life are free...
Except when you are talking about stress!


Stress often comes as the free add on to many of the things we do and experience in life. 
And STRESS can be a MONSTER! 

You are more keenly aware of this than anyone else as finals are breathing heavy down your neck.


So, what's a person to do?


It is more than a bit ridiculous to think that someone can live a stress free life. Responsibility brings with it a certain amount of embedded stress. It is part of the deal.  As was said above, it comes free of charge as an added "bonus" to much of what we do and experience in life. 

Because of this, the question shouldn't really be how you can eliminate stress from your life. That is unrealistic. The real question is how can you manage the stress that exists in your life so that it no longer dominates your mind, your body, and your health.


There really is no secret potion or magic arrow for the complete elimination of the STRESS MONSTER because it looks and behaves differently for each of us. Therefore, I won't insult you by providing a list of books to read or exercises to do in order to eradicate stress. What I will provide is a list of questions to consider. As you think about your responses, consider how you might intentionally take action on one or two of them in hopes of managing your stress level as you go into finals (or any other time you feel stressed).


1. What is your favorite genre of music? You know, the songs that immediately take you to that "happy place." Maybe your "guilty pleasure" songs that no one else knows you really like - Spotify can be your friend here.


2. What is your favorite snack? Think back to when you were a kid. What was the snack that made you do your "happy dance"? Go find one!


3. What is the one location, within walking distance, that helps you relax? Take a hike!


4. Whose company do you crave when you are stressed? 

5. What is the fragrance that immediately conjures up fond memories? Take a whiff! 


6. What makes you laugh?


7. Do you have time for a guilt free nap?


Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't share a couple of my favorite passages of Scripture that help keep my sanity in check when I feel the most stressed...


John 14:25-27 
"All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."


Isaiah 43:1-5 
But now, this is what the LORD says-- he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you"


Matthew 6:25-34
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ? "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."


Oh, and don't forget to breathe!  Every breath can be a prayer uttered to the God who promises to never leave us nor forsake us.


During this stressful time may you discover a way to manage the monster.

Lent - A Season of Vulnerability

The Season of Lent is an uncomfortable season for many of us.

It is a season that is often marked by stillness, listening, honesty, openness, and letting go.
In our noisy world we do not like such words.
In our busy lives we do not like such propositions.
In our culture of pretense we do not like the call on our lives to be genuine and honest with who we are.

Lent is a season of acknowledging our frailty and brokenness. Lent is a season of ultimate vulnerability.

Take the next twenty minutes to watch this video by Dr. Brene Brown. I promise that it will be more than worth it.

Vulnerability is a powerful part of what it means to be human, to be connected to one another.
This Lent, consider what it might mean for you to be more vulnerable.
Consider what Dr. Brown says gets in the way of our ability to connect.
Consider letting go of who you think you should be in favor of who you really are.

Lent is a season of vulnerability.

Walking Together and Building Bridges

The Western Wall, Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock - Jerusalem

Recently, I had the opportunity to travel throughout Israel and Palestine with a really good friend.  It was my first time there, and it was overwhelming. This trip had been a dream of mine for an incredibly long time. In fact, my father, grandfather and I had dreamt for years that we would take this journey together. They are two giants in my life. They are my mentors, my teachers, and people who continually called me into deeper water. They both entered the real presence of God several years ago.  Therefore, I went on this trip carrying them with me in my heart and my mind. Their teachings and example have played a huge role in bringing me to this moment in my life. Their presence and memory impacted the way in which I experienced much of what we call the Holy Land.

Many of the experiences in Israel and Palestine were transformative.  However, one moment in particular continues to haunt me three weeks after my return.

One late afternoon, as my friend Tave, an additional traveling companion, and I departed the Western Wall and Temple Mount, we witnessed something that could only happen in Jerusalem, and it stopped us in our tracks. 

Jewish families were heading toward the wall to pray in one of their most sacred locations as the setting sun marked the beginning of their Sabbath.

Simultaneously, the Call to Prayer was sounding all across the third most holy Muslim city in the world beckoning all Muslims to prepare for their evening prayers.

Above our heads hung twinkling Christmas lights reminding the Orthodox Christian pilgrims, who had begun to fill the streets, that Friday, January 6 was the eve of the birth of the Christ Child.

All the while, the marketplace continued to buzz with foot traffic and shop owners pleading the people to come into their stores for one last purchase to close the day. 

There was something absolutely beautiful about this scene.

The people of the three dominant Abrahamic faiths have converged there.

The people of the book, the people of these three faiths, call this city of Jerusalem, this "city of peace", holy.

The people of these three historic and often misinterpreted faiths live life there in the midst of one another.

Yet somehow,

tragically,

the beauty of this moment has gotten lost in a political and inter-religious maelstrom that leaves nothing but destruction, uncertainty, and misunderstanding in its wake. 

There must be a way through this labyrinthian via dolorosa, this tangled way of sorrow.

It will not be easy or convenient.

The way may be complicated and confusing.

But the walk will indeed be worth it, and it is happening every day in Jerusalem among the everyday people of faith.

Dome of the Rock, the Temple Mount - Jerusalem

Let us walk this way together building bridges of hope and reconciliation.

As Christians, we are commissioned to do so...

For we are what (God) has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. So then, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, called "the uncircumcision" by those who are called "the circumcision"—a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands—remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. (Ephesians 2:10-14)

For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them. From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:14-21)

Shalom, salaam, peace be with you...

All Saints Day

When Allison was just 5 years-old, she asked me an incredibly poignant question about heaven. 

From the backseat of the car I heard, “Who will I see there?”

All Saints I , Wassily Kandinsky

Without much forethought, I responded with the names of those who have gone before us.  Those who walked this path of faith and who, through both word and deed, left trail markers along the way to point those that follow toward the face of God. 

Then I heard these words tumble out of my mouth, “Then there will be all of these people who you have never met who love you and cannot wait to meet you.” 

She said, “There will?  What will they do?”

“I don’t know.” I said, “But I am sure that they will be excited to see you.”

I am not really sure what happened during the rest of our drive home.  I was distracted by the image of those who have gone before me who I do not know.  Those who love me and cannot wait to meet me.  Those who are cheering for me as I run the race of life.  This image has come back into my mind quite often since that day on the way home from school.  

Synaxis of All Saints

In the western church, November 1 is celebrated as All Saints’ Day.  This is the day the Catholic Church set aside long ago to honor and celebrate the lives of all of the saints, both known and unknown – both known and unknown - who walked the path of faith, and who, through both word and deed, left trail markers along the way to point those that follow toward the face of God.

This weekend the youth from Second Presbyterian Church will be at Camp PYOCA for our fall retreat (please pray for us).  Our theme for the weekend is discipleship.  As a part of the retreat, the students will be encouraged to write down and remember the names of the saints in their lives who planted, watered or helped cultivate their own discipleship. 

Sometime in the next several days, I encourage you to do the same.  Take time to remember the saints both living and dead who planted, watered or helped cultivate discipleship in your life.  Say a prayer of thanksgiving for those who walked this path of faith and who, through both word and deed, left trail markers along the way to point you toward the face of God.  Remember the saints in your own life, both known and unknown.  Celebrate the lives and testimonies of all of the saints who have gone before you.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:1-2

A Simple Meal Shared

They came.  All morning and all afternoon they gathered.  They hailed from many different places and together represented a diverse slice of society. 

Some came because they were curious.  Others arrived because they needed to be there.  Still others wandered onto the scene completely by accident.  There were those that stopped in order to get something off of their chest.  They had some protesting to do; their displeasure had to be made known.  Many were unsure why they had come to this place at this time.  Maybe they got caught up in the excitement of a growing crowd.  Maybe a friend or family member brought them.  Or maybe there was something greater at work here. 

It really didn't matter why they came.  They were there.

As minutes turned into hours, people began to settle into small groups to talk about what they had seen and heard.  Many shared stories of similar gatherings on similar hillsides across the countryside.  Others spoke of miracles and wonders.  While they talked, the children ran to and fro in wild games of chase and tag.  On this day, no one was in a hurry and everyone had the freedom to be themselves. 

As afternoon fell into evening, everyone had their attention called to the top of the hillside.  There a man stood.  Above his head he held a loaf of bread.  His voice cut through the rich country air. 

A simple blessing was said for a simple meal.  The bread was broken. 

All who were gathered ate; one common meal for one common people. 

When the meal was done, the leftovers were collected and filled twelve baskets.

All present that day were astonished at what had just taken place.  Somehow the hunger of all those gathered was satiated.

In the shadows of the crowd a little boy stood.  In his hands he held his lunch sack, now empty.  Jesus had asked the boy if he would be willing to share his lunch.  Perhaps he was honored that Jesus would ask.  Maybe he was reluctant to share. 

However, at some point he said something like, "Yes Rabbi, I will share my lunch." 

Here is the miracle.  Jesus took all that the little boy had to offer and filled the needs of the multitude gathered there. It doesn't matter what actually happened that day. It is unimportant if the fish and loaves were multiplied by some supernatural phenomenon or if the people gathered we miraculously compelled to share what they each had brought with them. Whatever the details may have been, the real miracle was that through one small gift in the hands of Jesus, all were fed.

Yes, in his tiny hands a little boy held his empty lunch sack; a simple monument to a spiritual truth. 

The same truth is still at work. Offer Jesus all you have and it will be used it to fill the needs of others.

Always be willing to share your lunch.

What's Next?

Life is a journey.  You currently find yourself in one of the seasons of life that is characterized by change at nearly every turn. There may be times when you ask, "What's next?"

What is next?  We obviously cannot know exactly.
How can we face the unknown "next" with confidence?

Let's chat!

Sunday, August 14, 7:30 at McAllister's Deli on east 86th St. near Kohls.

Why?

Why?
Why are you?
Why are you here?

These are some of the biggest questions we can ask.

This Sunday, August 7, at 7:00 p.m. at McAllister's Deli at Keystone, we will look at the question, "Why are we here?"

Drinks and desserts are free.  Bring a friend and we look forward to seeing you there.

One Moral Imperative

This week I had a wonderful breakfast with one of my dearest friends.  We have known one another for about twenty years.  As is typically the case for the two of us, what was supposed to be an hour meeting turned into more than two hours and resulted in a complete overhaul of our calendars.  I would have it no other way.  I simply love our conversations and frankly cannot wait for the next one. 

Somewhere in the middle of our time together we drifted into a theological conversation about issues within the church and our culture as a whole.  Then this statement was made across the table and stopped us both in our tracks as we considered its implications. 

"There really is only one moral imperative after all." 

Without saying another word, both of us understood what was meant.  Nothing else was said.  Nothing else was needed.

Concerning this moral imperative, the author of 1 John wrote, "Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love" (1 John 4:7-8).

The Apostle Paul echoed, "And I will show you a still more excellent way.  If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends" (1 Corinthians 12:31-13:8).

And it was reflected in Jesus' actions and words over and over again. 

However, somewhere along the way, we have allowed the moral imperative of love to get crowded out by our favorite list of do's and don'ts, smothered by our pet projects and damped by our preferred soapbox. I admit that I find it is much easier to fall into these old, familiar and comfortable habits than to be reminded of the covenant of love I am called to live into each and every day.

As much as we would like to dismiss this conversation as tired and cliche, when we really consider its implications, it should stop us all in our tracks.

What would our church, our world, our lives look like if we allowed ourselves to remember our one true moral imperative and lived our lives as if it were true?

Would enjoy hearing your thoughts...

God of the Grave

Today is Holy Saturday.  This is the day of Holy Week that is often missed.  It is the day that most of us would rather ignore.  This is the often forgotten day between the cross of Good Friday and the empty tomb of Easter Sunday.  This is the day of an entombed savior.  This is a day of separation and sorrow.  This is Holy Saturday, and it is heavy. 

However, let's a new look at this day.  Not only is all of the above true, but this day can also remind us that God is a God who is with us in every way. The proclamation of "Emmanuel" - "God with us" - is not only true in the manger but also in the grave! God is a God with us even in our deepest sorrows, feelings of separation and seasons of grief. 

This is a theme that is echoed in the voice of the prophets.  Isaiah proclaims that the promised one is "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief...he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows" (Isaiah 53:3, 4 RSV).  It is also picked up in the songs of the psalmists. The author of Psalm 139 writes, "if I make my bed in Sheol (the place of the dead), you are there" (Psalm 139:8 NRSV).  We can also find it echoed in the pen of the author of the book Hebrews when we read, "Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are" (Hebrews 4:14-15 NRSV).  And Jesus is recorded as having said,  "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30 NRSV). 

On this Holy Saturday, a day of sorrow and separation - a day when Jesus lies in a borrowed tomb - we can celebrate the God of the Grave.  In our celebration, we can be reminded that God will never leave us or forsake us; not even in the darkest night nor in the shadow of the grave.

And tomorrow, with Easter's rising, we will shout our "Hallelujahs" all the more.

First Century Tomb in Israel