Satan's hands

 

Our youngest daughter and I recently went to the Passion Play in Drumheller, Alberta. There were several scenes that left a lasting impact on me, even though I've seen it before. The one that I've been giving the most thought to is the quick succession of "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!" and "No, Lord! This - the death and resurrection - shall never happen to you!" In quick succession, the disciple went from hearing, "You are Peter [Stone] and on this rock [the confession of Who Christ is] I will build my Church" to "Get behind me, Satan!" I was jarred by the clash of "You are Stone" to "Get behind me, Satan!" 

I mentioned after the performance how that rattled me - and how, in this quick succession of events, we find a lesson and stern warning from our Saviour. Confess Christ as Lord, and we partner with Him in establishing the Church. Deny, downplay, or detract from the cross and resurrection, and we reach for the sinister hand of Satan himself. 

Photo: Wikipedia -
Leo and Diane Dillon (cc)

Of course, Satan seldom comes looking like the image at the beginning of this blog. C. S. Lewis portrayed our enemy well when he brought the White Witch riding up in her beautiful sleigh, offering Turkish Delight. The enemy of our souls offers an irresistible confection! It rolls across the tongue with sweet satisfaction. We can feed on this mouth watering delicacy to our heart's content - and with every bite, we flood our soul with death... and Satan laughs.

I suppose I was especially taken by the scene in the play because I've frequently been reminded of another role that Satan plays as described in Revelation 12:10 - the accuser of God's people. I have at times run headlong toward Satan, grabbed his hand, and joined in the chorus of accusations against the Body of Christ. When people from the Church hurt me, or especially my family, I am quick to recount their failings - repeatedly - but not so quick to lavish grace.

I've seen a pattern here. Borrowing from C. S. Lewis, the White Witch offers God's children that Turkish Delight in whatever form seems most desirable, and every believer has had times when we've been quick to snatch it up and gobble it down. Then we find the blame all over our selfish faces and the finger of blame pointed at us. "Look at that! What a mess! It's all over! You failed!" When that failure causes damage (what sin doesn't?), other Christians can be tempted to parrot Satan himself. "You... you... are beyond forgiveness!"

Bashing the Body of Christ and denying the power of His blood shed for sins, all in one sweeping blow - we have joined hands with our worst enemy. Jesus speaks again, "Get behind me, Satan!" Then with grace that just never ends, Christ reaches out and offers His hand. Now to release our grip on the filth that beckons and grasp the pierced hands of Jesus.

Building up in today's culture

 "Let all things be done for building up." 1 Corinthians 14:26b... or c... The last part of the verse, whatever letter we assign to it. 

I confess that I've been prone to let out an exasperated sigh about people who annoy me, mentally marching in front of them with verses like this - especially if I see it online. This verse is part of an extensive explanation by Paul and Sosthenes (see 1:1) that gifts are great, some are more effective in the overall effectiveness of the Church, but love and the building up of others in the Body of Christ and those who aren't "like us" is the whole focus of our interactions with others. 

Cool. We all know that. I began to wonder, though, if I've translated that into memes, emails, emoticons, jokes, interactions when relating a story about someone else... The list goes on. One of the quirks of our culture's humour is the propensity we have for laughing at insults. Other cultures often find it odd, maybe even appalling. Granted, because I've been raised in this culture, a witty remark that pokes at oddities makes me smile and can make others laugh. I realize again, though, that whether I say it about myself - implying that those with similarities are equally funny - or about others, "just joking" doesn't cut it if it hurts someone. Digital media is filled to the brim with "stuff," and I need to do my part to make that "good stuff." I'll still post self deprecating jabs, but I hope I'm a little more aware of my responsibility to build others up. I might even try to find encouraging stuff.

Fragging

""Fragging is the deliberate killing or attempted killing of a soldier by a fellow soldier, usually a superior officer or non-commissioned officer (NCO). ¹

As I write this, we've been jarred back to the reality of just how hideous war can become. It's always ugly - but when we see the terrified, blank stares of little ones who just want to laugh and play but have suddenly forgotten how; the sobbing daughter throwing herself over her now limp and lifeless father; buildings that were once "home" having become illustrations of the power of bombs; and the endless tears of endless refugees; we wonder how any human could willingly participate in, let alone dictate such vicious crimes against humanity. There are reports of those on the offensive who have chosen to kill their leaders.² Are they really turning on each other rather than fighting the war that their leader demands?

It wouldn't be the first time that soldiers have turned against each other. In fact, during the highly controversial Vietnam War, even U.S. soldiers were known to kill, or attempt to kill superior officers, often with a fragmentation grenade in an attempt to make the killing appear to be from the enemy. It eventually came to be known as "fragging," and has come to mean any attempt to kill fellow soldiers. (Wikipedia) 

It would appear that none of us are immune to the anger and hatred that unravels the strength of a well-trained military. It's not a huge leap to say that believers in Christ are sometimes guilty of "spiritual fragging" - an attempt to divide and destroy those who have also been called to follow hard after our Saviour. I'm reminded of Paul's statement, "...we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12³) We turn against each other, demanding that our opinions carry more weight that anyone else who disagrees with us. We actually go so far as to directly defy scripture when we angrily gossip about and rail against our spiritual leaders. (See Hebrews 13:17 ESV.)

What has caused this? Aberrant theology? Direct disobedience to scripture? Immoral conduct? No, no, and no. Differences of opinion. That's it. Most of the things that have divided Christians and torn churches apart in the last couple years have not been about anything of any consequence in light of the Kingdom of God. We've allowed matters of our own minds to supersede the mind of Christ.

Can we go so far as to say that it's "spiritual fragging," though? Isn't that carrying way too far? 

Dear family of Christ, we're in a battle - a battle against the "spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" - and instead, we've turned against each other, slashing our brothers and sisters with words that crush the spirit and destroy our testimony. Most of us have been left with hearts crying out to God for the fellowship we once enjoyed.

We've seen the tears of those whose Christian family members have betrayed them; family that has been so wrapped up in our opinions that we've lost sight of a basic admonition from Jesus - they'll know we're His by our love for one another (John 13:35). We've parroted the enemy of our souls and done the very thing that goes directly against Jesus' words. Instead of making disciples, we've opted for destroying disciples. We've turned on each other in this spiritual battle. 

Please notice that I used myself in that previous two paragraphs - "we." My opinions, my fears, my preoccupations, and my words have been sinful and hurtful. This is my confession. I am truly sorry. This is my prayer that I'll be more like Christ, saying only what the Holy Spirit directs me to say. 

It's also my commitment to pray for my spiritual leaders. They see all of it and feel all of it. They're somehow made to feel responsible if things don't quite go the way we want them to. Do I disagree with them - with you - on some matters? Yes. Is it worth dividing the Body of Christ? Only... only... if it flies in the face of scripture. If some of us feel we need to fellowship elsewhere based on our opinions over, you know, that virus thing (I'm tired of the word), we might roll our eyes about some things, but let's do all we do in grace and love. Enough fragging. It's time to engage in the task to which Christ has called us. Make disciples. 

**********

¹ "Fragging" (2022, April 5). In Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org/wiki/Fragging
² Sabbagh , D. (2022, February 25). Mutinous Russian troops ran over their own commander, say western officials. The Guardian. Retrieved April 21, 2022, from TheGuardian.com/world/2022/mar/25/russian-troops-mutiny-commander-ukraine-report-western-officials
³ All passages are taken from the English Standard Version (ESV).

I have no words

It's finally coming to light. Children, treated like criminals, just for being them. 215 and counting. These are the ones that died in one school; the ones that we know of. The ones that lived - well, sit down for coffee... or tea... and hear them tell their stories from their own hearts. I have no words for this. Jesus said plenty.
 

 

 

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.

“Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes! And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire.

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

Our prayers and... judgment?

I wrote a song several years ago with this basic message: God hears our prayers! He answers! There are even times when He answers in dramatic ways, delivering us in a swirling display of divine power... thunder, lightning, hailstones and more. It was based on Psalm 18 and Revelation 8 - but only the parts that I liked.

In reading those passages again, I see something I've been trying to avoid. Judgement. I don't like the fact that the tender heart of God that drew me to Himself is also the God Who pours out His wrath - yes, wrath - on those who defy Him and hurt His people.

Then I consider how any father would react if His children were rejected unjustly. I've been "loaded for bear" when people have bullied my children or treated them (in my books) unfairly. How much more do most of us respond that way when our children have been beaten, raped, tortured and killed. The Heavenly Father's Only Begotten was crushed under the weight of our sin. The power of God alone could deliver Him and us, bringing victory. The fact that He shows grace to anyone is at the very least astounding.

The psalmist prayed and deliverance was sure and swift - at the cost of his enemies' lives. I would be interested to study scholars' thoughts on any connection between Revelation 8:3-5 and the following judgements. It is sandwiched between the introduction of the angels with the seven trumpets and the judgements of those trumpets. Do our prayers for deliverance sometimes (often? always?) imply retribution on those from whom we're being delivered? While my taste for revenge might find that inviting, it's also a rather sobering thought.

I'm glad God figures that out. I continue to pray for deliverance for the people of God - and for the salvation of every person who is far from Him. It is the only hope for any of us. 

Revival!

As I was praying for North America, I began picturing the old revivals. By revival, people often meant that not only did Christians come to a new experience with God, there were also countless conversions. People gathered in sweltering tents and came down the sawdust aisles in droves, confessing sin and surrendering their lives to Christ. Huge buildings were filled to capacity to hear an evangelist as he leaned into the mic and held up his well worn Bible, even shaking it for emphasis. It was the time of mass revival.

We haven't seen that lately. As I prayed, though, I wondered how a willing, twenty-first century heart would respond in that setting. There would likely be an enthusiastic affirmation of the truths that were being preached. Between kneeling at the altar and heading back out of the door, the life event would be posted on every social media platform available. The drive home would be wonderful, recounting the transformation in thinking over the last few hours. As soon as the keys were hung up, social media would reveal rapidly increasing likes, loves and shorthand for "Praise the Lord!" Sleep wouldn't come easily that night, but that would only provide more time for prayer. Work the next day and the next week had become a thing of blessing and richness... for now. 

Hidden beneath that experience are nearly imperceptible poisonous traps. Social media excitement meanders on, work gradually overwhelms, a thousand news outlets bring depression and frustration, while games and yet more social media become the endless treadmill to escape. In just a few weeks or months, revival is needed - again.

What happens when the same heart is consistently exposed to relationships that are refreshing and genuine? What if, in that context, the truth is gently and lovingly spoken and lived out? Imagine that happening repeatedly at every encounter with saints who know and love God. The heart that has become exhausted in trying to keep up with cramming one more thing into the 6:00 am to 12:00 am day found a place to be quiet and hear something that satisfies the deepest need. "God loves me; always has, always will. He expressed that love through His Son, Jesus Christ, Who died for every mistake and failure that burdens me with guilt. He constantly has new blessings for me. I am eternally valued by Him. He brought these truths to me through the faithfullness of this friend whose coffee has been cold for an hour, but whose love is as warm and welcoming as ever. "

Lord, teach us to walk with You and with others. 

I will build My Church

Christians kneel in the rubble of their place of worship.
Photo: ChinaAid

If you've been to Christian services on even a semi-regular basis, you likely recognize the quote, "...I will build My Church..."

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
(Matthew 8:28 ESV)

It's that time of the week when I put together pictures for VOMC's weekly email to hopefully provide some extra motivation to pray for our Christian family. I sat and studied the picture of these Chinese believers for several minutes. They're kneeling, possibly in prayer. Many of them are sobbing. Men and women alike are wrapped in grief, dealing with the blatant rejection of the Chinese government.

I could say that their church was destroyed. Look again. They are kneeling where the building once was. The complete demolition of their building did not stop them from running to their Saviour for comfort. The caption to this image will not say that the church was destroyed. Simple semantics? As we define "church" in our culture, maybe; but the Bible refers to the "Church" as those who have turned to God for complete forgiveness and spiritual cleansing through the blood of Christ's sacrifice. The Church is still there! Do you see it? Every member of that Church still kneels before the Heavenly Father. As long as there are people who have surrendered their lives to Him, there is the Church.

There's another element of this image that makes my heart ache and rejoice all at once. See those little feet running through the rubble? She's learning from early childhood what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Look through the congregation, and you see other little ones taking it all in. These parents did not shield their children from the harsh reality that much of their culture rejects them. Some of the children may well face more persecution in their lives. I ache at the pain they will endure. The parents knew this when they chose to bring their children into this scene of the suffering Church. They are being discipled. The Church is continuing to the next generation - and in that, my heart rejoices!

"I will build My Church!" The risen Lamb continues to work through the Holy Spirit in constructing that Church that no force can demolish. It is eternal. His promise is being fulfilled. I pray that they find comfort in the fact that He is there, in their presence, feeling every bit of their pain... and in the fact that they are proof of the promise.

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I recognize that I have not addressed the all of the verse. I am most happy to do that and have been deeply blessed by the entire verse. I chose to focus on the promise of Church building for this blog entry.