Thursday, December 26, 2019

The Light was Good

It was a few days before Christmas on the Oregon coast. Two men whose families lived next door opted to go sailing while their wives went Christmas shopping. An unexpected storm surprised the weekend sailors. Before long, the sea became angry, and the two had a difficult time keeping the sailboat under control.
While heading toward the harbor, the craft hit a sandbar and grounded.  Both men jumped overboard into the icy water and began to push and shove in an attempt to get the sailboat into deeper water.  Knee-deep in mud and repeatedly bounced against the hull by unfriendly waves, the one guy looks over to where his battered friend is struggling to stay afloat and says:  Sure beats Christmas shopping, don’t it?”[2]
I hope you’re done with Christmas shopping, malls, irritating sales pitches, and the frantic search for the perfect Christmas; it was perfect only once!  That was when the light that was good came into the world.  It was when God stepped into His creation in a cattle feeder…and this light was REALLY Good News.
In the Genesis account we find that God’s original creation was still in chaos, in darkness; but then He said, Let there be light.  And the darkness was chased away.  Chaos became order, and light revealed the beauty of God’s design, and of His life.  Jesus came to chase away the darkness. 
The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.  John 1:4-5
John wrote to drive a wedge between darkness and light forever.  For us that means His light brings the kind of life that is eternal. 
So, this morning, let’s take a closer look at the reality of what God did with the light that was, in God’s own words, good.
Reality of our Creation – Good
In the creation account we see God speaking things into existence, and then speaking commentary over that creation.  When God’s words echoed into the nothingness of what didn’t exist, the cosmos, skies, planets, suns, moons, and the very hairs on our heads came into existence…and then God pronounced it as good, VERY good!
But, given the creation to possess and care for, it didn’t take long for us to mess it up.  God’s very good creation suffered the darkness of our sin.  The reality of God’s creation was good, but the stewardship of humankind was dark and selfish.  And that is the reality of our culture…dark!
Reality of our Culture – Dark
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.  Isaiah 9:2a
The metaphors of dark for evil and light for good are a continual warning and hope in Scripture.  Our culture with its death fascination, school shootings, abuse, wars, violence, and separation, is dark, and growing darker all the time.  It is like the black hole of space is swallowing up anything that resembles light.
But there is a promise in Isaiah’s words that light will come, and we who have ever flipped on a light switch in the dead of night know…when the light comes, darkness must disappear.
This, then is the reality of the promise against the darkness – there is a cure, a balm in Gilead, a Savior; the reality of our cure is love.
Reality of our Cure – Love
For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.  Isaiah 9:2b
Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble.  Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.  Isaiah 58:10
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.  Romans 5:8
In the same way that the positive, good example of Jesus healing, blessing, and giving himself for us all leads us to follow Him, so great love teaches us to love.
Years ago our family was driving to a restaurant after church, when we spotted a sign in the back of a car window.  Its simple message was:  I HATE YOU.  I remarked to Elizabeth how odd it was that someone would be so ugly; or maybe that it was a sick attempt at humor.  I passed it off as just an odd thing.  Then, on the way home from dinner, the same car was right in front of us.  As I pulled up behind it at a stoplight, and got a good look at the sticker, I noticed that it had been hand made.  The man had taken the time to cut-out the letters, and carefully glue them on a piece of cardboard box. 
I don't know what life has held for a young man who felt the need to convey such a message to all who follow him, but it got me to thinking about Advent.  The coming of Christ to a pile of hay in a borrowed stable was the statement of God to the whole world, I LOVE YOU!  
It is this message of love on the cross that changes us.  And when seen in our actions that message changes others.  And when a whole group of us manage to get this loving others thing right it can be overwhelming in chasing the shroud of darkness from the culture, one life at a time! 
That is overpowering grace, poured-out without measure.  Consider what the apostle John said about how God cares for us:
Reality of our Care – Overpowering
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.   John 1:5
A simple lesson in the realities of our physical existence will suffice.  Anytime darkness and light come into the same space it is light that will remain.  This is because darkness is simply a void of light.  The smallest light will rush into the void of darkness, and the dark must flee…instantaneously…at the speed of…well, light! 
Light changes everything.
Reality of our Change -

God Came

For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.  2 Corinthians 4:6
The evidence of God’s approval of change is to be found in the manger and cross.  The fact the Gospels proclaim is that God is the initiator of our salvation.  There was never a plan B.  The apostle John wrote about Jesus as being the lamb slain from the foundation of the world.[3]  Before Adam was crafted of the mud by God’s own hands, God knew the need for our salvation, for His cross.  And God created us anyway, knowing the cost would be God laying the sins of the world on Jesus.  He came for us.  And He cleanses us with his light and love:

God Cleansed

Scripture is clear about how that cleansing happens.  This before the world was created gift of God’s gracious plan of salvation is God’s way of asking for our cooperation to receive this gift.  We confess – that is to say we say the same thing God says about our sins…we are guilty and need forgiving.  Then He takes over completely, forgiving, forgetting, cleansing and blessing.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:9
And, once forgiven, we are told to live into that reality.  Just like your mother used to tell you on a Sunday morning that your bath had made you clean, it was now your responsibility to stay that way, God tells us he has removed the darkness, so we should live in the light.
For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord.  So live as people of light!  Ephesians 5:8
This God Who changes everything came for us, cleansed us, and calls us:

God Called

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people.  You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession.  As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.    1 Peter 2:9
We are called to live as chosen, holy, and light-changed people.  There’s a reason for that.  Our living is to be priestly.  That doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy a robe, complete with hood and clerical collar, preach the sermon and live in a parsonage.  Rather we live a message of hope, surrounded by the light of Christ.

God Blessed

I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.  And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light.  The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory.  Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there.  And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city.  Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.  Revelation 21:22-27
Pastor Max Lucado has a modern parable that says it so well,
Long ago, or maybe not so long ago, there was a tribe in a dark cold cavern.  The cave dwellers would huddle together and cry against the chill.  Loud and long they wailed.  It was all they did.  It was all they knew to do.  The sounds in the cave were mournful, but the people didn’t know it, for they had never known joy.  The spirit in the cave was death, but the people didn’t know it, for they had never known life.
But then, one day, they heard a different voice.  I have heard your cries, it announced.  I have felt your chill and seen your darkness.  I have come to help.
The cave people grew quiet.  They had never heard this voice.  Hope sounded strange to their ears.  How can we know you have come to help?  Trust me, he answered.  I have what you need.  The cave people peered through the darkness at the figure of the stranger.  He was stacking something, then stooping and stacking more.  What are you doing?  one cried, nervous.
The stranger didn’t answer.  What are you making?  one shouted even louder.  Still no response.  Tell us!  demanded a third.  The visitor stood and spoke in the direction of the voices.  I have what you need. 
With that he turned to the pile at his feet and lit it.  Wood ignited, flames erupted, and light filled the cavern. 
The cave people turned away in fear.  Put it out!  they cried.  It hurts to see it.
Light always hurts before it helps, he answered.  Step closer.  The pain will soon pass.  Not I,  declared a voice.  Nor I,  agreed a second.  Only a fool would risk exposing his eyes to such light.
The stranger stood next to the fire.  Would you prefer the darkness?  Would you prefer the cold?  Don’t consult your fears.  Take a step of faith.
For a long time no one spoke.  The people hovered in groups covering their eyes.  The fire builder stood next to the fire.  It’s warm here, he invited.
He’s right, one from behind them announced.  It’s warmer.  The stranger turned and saw a figure slowly stepping toward the fire.  I can open my eyes now, she proclaimed.  I can see.  Come closer, invited the fire builder.  She did.  She stepped into the ring of light.  It’s so warm!  She extended her hands and sighed as her chill began to pass.  Come, everyone!  Feel the warmth, she invited.
Silence, woman! cried one of the cave dwellers.  Dare you lead us into your folly?  Leave us.  Leave us and take your light with you.
She turned to the stranger.  Why won’t they come?  They choose the chill, for though it’s cold, it’s what they know.  They’d rather be cold than change.
And live in the dark?  And live in the dark.
The now-warm woman stood silent.  Looking first at the dark, then at the man.
Will you leave the fire? he asked.  She paused, then answered, I cannot.  I cannot bear the cold.  Then she spoke again.  But nor can I bear the thought of my people in darkness.
You don’t have to, he responded, reaching into the fire and removing a stick.   Carry this to your people.  Tell them the light is here, and the light is warm.  Tell them the light is for all who desire it.
And so she took the small flame and stepped into the shadows.[4]
The light – receive it, share it. 
But, you’ve got to come close to be part of it -- come right up and carry the light!
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit…Amen!

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[1] Title Image: Pixabay.com.    All Scripture from The New Living Translation (unless otherwise stated) 
[2] Jim Kane on SermonCentral.com
[3] Revelation 13:8
[4]Max Lucado, A Gentle Thunder, (Dallas, Word Pub., 1995), 181-183

Sunday, December 8, 2019

It's Just a Fetus

He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and saying, ‘The time has come!’  But don’t believe them.  Luke 21:8

Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot—yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.  And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.  He will delight in obeying the Lord.  He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay.  He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited.  The earth will shake at the force of his word, and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked.  He will wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment.  In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat.  The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all.  The cow will graze near the bear.  The cub and the calf will lie down together.  The lion will eat hay like a cow.  The baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra.  Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of deadly snakes without harm.  Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, for as the waters fill the sea, so the earth will be filled with people who know the Lord.  In that day the heir to David’s throne will be a banner of salvation to all the world.  The nations will rally to him, and the land where he lives will be a glorious place.  Isaiah 11:1-10

“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”  Jeremiah 1:5

So far in our series we have seen three lies:
Lie #1 is false teaching itself, false ideas and doctrines that can destroy us, or which can be destroyed by a pure heart when God forgives sin, and clears our conscience, and helps us be committed to a genuine faith in Jesus Christ.
Lie #2 is found in a currently popular saying:  I’ve gotta love me first.  Jesus says in response:  listen to the commandments of God and love Him first, others also, and don’t worry about yourself so much; God will take care of you.
Lie #3 is that the only way you can find fulfillment in life is by breaking-away from any restraints that God (or anyone else) tries to place on you.  To that Jesus says:  Go ahead and dig your heels in against me; what you’ll find is more emptiness than you ever imagined.
Lie #4 is what we’re exploring today – the legal assassination of the womb.  Many people hold strongly opposing views on this, as they do on most controversial issues.  My personal view is Biblically-based, and not founded in what is legal or accepted as normal in our culture.  The fourth lie is a literal killer of the unborn. 
           The lie is It’s just a fetus; Truth declares:  Abortion is murder.
On September 11, 2001 evil doers killed over 4,000 people. They were future leaders of this nation, doctors who could have saved many, perhaps a scientist who may have found a cure for cancer, evangelists who may have lead thousands to the Lord.  These people were loved.  Yes on September 11, 2001, evil doers killed over 4,000 people.  A day later, on September 12, 2001 evil doers killed over 4,000 people…and, again on September 13, and 14, and 15.  Every day evil doers are killing over 4,000 unborn babies; 4,000 each day; 28,000 each week; 112,000 each month and 1,460,000 each year.
We are Being Pulled Apart
The Russians have a word, translated agitation in English.  The word applies to old peasant log houses.  These log houses are constructed around a key beam, running under the center of the house.  To pull the house down a tractor simply had to jerk back and forth on this key log until the entire structure collapses.  Literally, the word means, to shake to pieces from underneath. 
American society is being shaken by forces pulling at our key logs.  One of these forces is a lack of respect for life.  The sixth commandment informs us that Life is sacred, and we are to preserve it, not find ways to justify ending it! 
In our culture some forms of murder are never prosecuted; abortion is one of those forms, lauded as a right in this country, but ripening judgment in heaven. 
Despite the controversial nature of this subject, as well as the socio-economic views on either side – the fact is that the Bible states it is wrong.   Somewhere in this country yesterday, a woman found out she was pregnant.  The chances that baby will ever be born are no better than 50/50.  For varied reasons and circumstances, nearly 1/3 of all pregnancies terminate by choice of the adult.
Only 1% of abortions performed are for the medical safety of the mother.  The year Jesus was born Herod tried to kill all the Jewish babies in Palestine.  He had heard about a possible ruler who would take his place.  Like Hitler, Herod tried to abort all challenges to his power. 
Eugenics is the science of engineering new births.  A 1993 poll of couples in New England revealed that 11 percent would abort a child predisposed to obesity.[2]
Infanticide is a term that means killing infants.  Peter Singer, an Australian bioethicist maintains, When the death of a disabled infant will lead to the birth of another infant with better prospects of a happy life, the total amount of happiness will be greater if the disabled infant is killed.[3]
Killing is killing; homicide takes place, no matter the location, in or out of the mother’s womb.
To show you how far this can go, there are even some abortion rights proponents who claim that children aren’t fully human until around the age of two.  Therefore we should be able to terminate them up to that age if they don’t suit us.  When will it end?[4]
The Bible tells us that all of life is God’s.  He made it, and therefore it is subject to His will. 

Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things.  Ecclesiastes 11:5

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.  Psalm 139:13

How Can We Overcome the Crisis?
While abortion has been legal in this country for nearly 50 years it is still a crisis that is pushing the envelope on the judgment God will bring on this nation.
To be certain God has given us the exercise of free will.  However, to go along with free will, God has shown us that we should walk with Him, not strive against Him.

He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?  Micah 6:8

The way for America to overcome the moral and spiritual turning away we have done is to turn back to God in repentance.  Repenting of sin is always on the table and should be a hallmark of God’s people’s lives. 
And this spawns two other questions:
Where and How Must Repentance Begin?

For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God;  1 Peter 4:17a

Judgment, confession and restoration always begins with God’s people getting their house in order.  Those of us who name Jesus Christ as our Master are responsible to lead (by example) those who are blinded out of the darkness.
It begins with a decision to stop going-along to get-along.  Too long the church has attempted to see just how comfortably we can co-exist with the darkness.  Jesus told us we don’t have any business participating with evil.  We don’t need to curse the darkness, but we do need to start driving it out with some light!
Here are a few ways you can hold up a candle:
·      Vote.  If you are a believer, and you don’t do the simplest legal thing you can do, vote for people who will honor the Lord with the way they govern, there is little hope for you in the day of final judgment to receive anything close to a well-done good and faithful servant.  A simple non-partisan rule for me is to never vote for someone who approves of abortion.
·      Speak-up.  Hold your elected officials accountable for preserving and protecting life.  When you contact a U.S. Senator or Congressman by letter, email or phone they count your effort as representing 100 constituents.  Say a word for preserving life and 99 other voices say amen.
Remember what’s at stake:

‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot.  ‘So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.  Revelation 3:15-16

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit…Amen!

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[1] Title Image: Pixabay.com.    All Scripture from The New Living Translation (unless otherwise stated) 
[2] Joel Smith, SermonCentral.com, The Utne Reader, quoted in Signs of the Times, January, 1993, p. 6
[3] James Emery White, You Can Experience an Authentic Life, p. 79
[4] Joel Smith, Respecting Life, SermonCentral.com