Everything That's On My Mind

 Trevin Wax has a wonderful post regarding one of my favorite Christmas carols over here. Check it out.

HT: Jesus Creed

There's an interesting scene in The Nativity Story where Mary asks Joseph, "Do you ever wonder when we'll know that he's more than just a child? Will it be something he says, a look in his eye?" In response, Joseph wonders if he'll even be able to teach Jesus anything. This reminded me of a question that has interested me for many years. When did Jesus become "self-aware"? When did He realize that He was the Son of God, the Messiah, the sacrificial Lamb? And how did that realization come about?

The scriptures are nearly silent about Jesus' childhood and early adulthood. Beyond the nativity story, we have only the story of Jesus' visit to the Temple when he was twelve years old in Luke 2. We have no direct witness to reference on this question. Perhaps that is why I've never seen it addressed in any books I've read. Nevertheless, I find the question interesting and I think it's possible to make a few safe assumptions based on what we know and perhaps develop a reasonable theory. What follows is my theory, for what it's worth.

First of all, I think it's obvious that Jesus didn't emerge from the womb fully self-aware. There's no indication He was gathering disciples and teaching in parables as a child. There are apocryphal stories of Jesus performing miracles as a child, but nothing in the canon. The story of Jesus at the Temple indicates that Jesus was an amazing child and exceptional in His understanding of scripture, but it also indicates that He was asking questions and listening to the teachers; learning as any normal child would. He does, at this point, recognize who His Father is, but that is no surprise. Joseph and Mary certainly would have told Him about His miraculous birth and the messages the angels gave them. Did He realize at this point the magnitude of His mission? Did He know that he would suffer and die? I don't think so. Luke 2:52 states "Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." His understanding developed gradually just like any other child.

I believe Jesus' wasn't aware of the full magnitude of His mission until He began His earthly ministry. In fact, I think it's possible if not likely that he received that revelation during His time of prayer and fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). I also believe that His understanding of His mission on earth developed primarily through His study of the scriptures and through prayer. Why? Because I believe in the most basic of Christian doctrines, Jesus' full divinity and full humanity. If Jesus was fully human while here on earth, then He received His commission from God the same way we do. Once He understood His calling, He had to choose to follow it just as we do. If He was "tempted in every way, just as we are" (Hebrews 4:15), then He was required to live by faith just as we are. Doubting His understanding of God's plan and His place in it must have been a possibility for Jesus, and clearly was. Satan's first two temptations of Jesus in the wilderness were prefaced with the phrase "If you are the Son of God...". Satan was clearly trying to chip away at Jesus' faith in who He was and whether or not the Father was with Him. If Jesus' had actually just received the knowledge of His impending sacrificial death, then Satan's temptations were all the more sadistic. Either way, I believe Jesus was just like us. He received His instructions from God via scripture and prayer and was required to follow by faith, which He did.

You may ask, what is the point of this theological flight of fancy? Simply this. I think we often minimize the reality of Jesus' humanity. We think that because He is the Son of God, He had special access to God that we don't have. We think (though we may not say it out loud) that because He is the Son of God, we can't truly be Christ-like, therefore we don't really try to attain it. We choose some lesser measure of godliness to be our standard of achievement. This attitude keeps us from being all that God has intended us to be. Jesus said we would do everything He did and more (John 14:12), but we don't really believe it...or at least we don't act like it. We settle for so much less. A true understanding of Jesus' humanity will lead us to a deeper understanding of the power that is available to us through the Holy Spirit and the responsibility that is ours to truly become Christ-like.

Over 20 years ago <shudder> I was a leader of the Campus Life group at my high school and a subscriber to Campus Life Magazine. A former editor at the magazine had left to write novels, so the magazine published an excerpt from one of his books, Dream Thief. His name: Stephen R. Lawhead, and I immediately loved his writing. I went back and read all his books that I could get my hands on.

When I got to college, I found my new roommate to be a Lawhead fan too...one of the few things we had in common. I was quiet, bookish, and a bit socially awkward. He was outgoing, loud, and the life of every party. One day he had a crazy idea. "Let's call Stephen Lawhead!" I thought it was the craziest thing I'd ever heard but he talked me into it. We looked at a dust cover that said he lived in Lincoln, Nebraska so we picked up the phone and dialed information. His wife, Alice, answered the phone and said that Stephen wasn't home but we could call back in a half hour or so. I was ready to quit but my roommate was not giving up. We called back later and spoke for a good 30 minutes with our favorite author. He was incredibly friendly and gracious with a couple of audacious teenagers. He told us he was packing up the family to move to Oxford, England to begin researching his new book series: The Pendragon Cycle.

As simple as it was, I'll never forget that experience. Faithful readers of my blog know I've mentioned Stephen Lawhead a number of times. His books are really the only works of fiction I take the time to read. Even though he is primarily a writer of fiction, his books have taught me, challenged me, and encouraged me throughout my life. In particular, God used Stephen's book Byzantium to help wake me from a very dark time in my life. It's the only time a book has ever brought me to tears. I consider him a mentor of sorts, even though I've never really met him.

This weekend I was stunned to receive an email from Stephen's mother, Lois. She had noticed that I mentioned Stephen in my blog. At first, I was stunned that she would write to me. As I read the letter, I was stunned by the news she shared. Stephen is ill and has been hospitalized. She asked me to pray for Stephen's recovery. With this blog, however, I can do better than that. I can get lots of people to pray for him. So I'm asking: please pray for Stephen Lawhead and his family as they go through this trial.

First the good. The movie is fairly faithful to the biblical account. Most of the key passages of Matthew and Luke are included in some form. Zechariah's Song is missing, and the Magnificat is displaced, but I didn't have any major quibbles. The theological and supernatural aspects of the story were certainly not downplayed in any way. The cinematography is beautiful; there are some very stunning shots throughout the movie. From an acting standpoint, Shohreh Aghdashloo is particularly effective as Elizabeth. Despite the challenges of playing such an iconic character, Keisha Castle-Hughes is able to give Mary both innocence and gravitas, which is no small feat.

The movie really is Mary's story, and that is where it finds its strength. We're pulled into Mary's world and clearly shown the struggles faced by her community. The tyranny of Herod and Rome, the poverty and hopelessness, and the hope for a savior are clearly in view. We see the shame and scandal of Mary's unexpected pregnancy, the ramifications she and Joseph must endure. We see the perils of the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Catherine Hardwicke does a really good job of transporting the audience into first century (or more accurately, last century) Palestine. The script, however, is uneven. Switching from Hebrew to "biblical" English to modern English is disorienting. I wish they would have picked one and stuck with it.

The last act is where the movie seems to lose its footing, falling into Hollywood cliches. Bringing the Magi in on the night of the birth provides the visual of a traditional nativity scene, but it just didn't work for me. Maybe I'm getting too technical here, but that's just me. Making the Magi the most theologically aware characters in the movie, however, really put me over the edge. Having these pagan astrologers spouting Pauline theology took a good movie back to the realm of a bad Christmas pageant. The same is true for the decision to have the Bethlehem massacre happen on the night of the birth. It did nothing except provide the nice Hollywood climax with the "exciting" narrow escape.

Despite its flaws, The Nativity Story is a decent movie. It's just not a great movie. It does a good job illustrating the daunting challenges faced by Mary and Joseph and the great faith they displayed. Most Christians will enjoy this movie, and gain a better understanding of the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus. For that alone, I can recommend this movie, even if it isn't Oscar material.

This past Sunday I gave the congregation some homework. To prepare for Thanksgiving, make a list of 40 things to be thankful for. Here's my 40, in no particular order.

1. God's grace - How can I say thanks for the things You have done for me? Your grace and mercy overwhelm me. Thanks God.
2. My wife Lori - She is the epitome of the Proverbs 31 woman and the perfect helpmate for me. I would be lost without her. Thanks God.
3. My daughter Bekah - I couldn't be a prouder father. It's been an amazing 12 years watching her grow into what God designed her to be. I look forward to (and dread ) the next 12 years. Thanks God.
4. Red Oaks Assembly of God - I am blessed to be a part of such a wonderful group of Christ-followers. Thanks God.
5. My job - Pastoring a small church means being bivocational. I'm so grateful to God for a steady job that gives me the flexibility to minister and a Godly employer that understands my priorities. Thanks God.
6. Our home - At just the right time, God gave our family just the right home. Thanks God.
7. Christian parents - I've heard countless childhood horror stories. I'm forever grateful for parents who raised me to know and follow Christ. Thanks God.
8. Godly grandparents - My grandparents, particularly Matthew and Carolyn, were a big influence on me and they're a big reason I am where I am today. I miss them. Thanks God.
9. Sisters serving God - I have two great sisters who love God. I'm so glad they are who they are. Thanks God.
10. Freedom to worship - Something we can take for granted so easily is the freedom to worship God without fear of governmental persecution. Christians may sometimes complain about governmental antagonism to Christianity and rail at the ACLU, but we really don't realize how good we have it. Thanks God.
11. A just government - Sure, it's not perfect. But I wouldn't trade our justice system for any other system I know of. Thanks God.
12. The right to vote - I'm glad I have a voice, however small, in how I am governed. Thanks God.
13. Peace in our land - Despite what the politicians say, we're not at war. Yes, we may feel threatened by terrorism; yes, our soldiers are fighting and dying overseas; but we're not under the direct threat of armed conflict like so many in our world are. Thanks God.
14. Safety - I live in a country where bombs aren't falling, in an area where crime is not a big problem. So many can't say this. Thanks God.
15. The promise of heaven - "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God ; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." Thanks God.
16. The gift of the Holy Spirit - Every Sunday I see how God empowers me through the Spirit and makes my weakness display His strength. Thanks God.
17. The word of God - Daily it speaks, just as He promised. Thanks God.
18. Access to God through prayer - Daily He speaks, just as He promised. Thanks God.
19. Music - From Stevie Wonder to Stevie Ray Vaughan. From Bryan Duncan to Brian Setzer. From Charlie Peacock to Charlie Parker. From Robert Johnson to Robert Randolph. From Steve Taylor to Terry Scott Taylor. From John Coltrane to John Lee Hooker. From Earth, Wind, and Fire to Crosby, Stills, and Nash. From U2 to Third Day. From Radiohead to Switchfoot. Music is a wonderful blessing. Thanks God.
20. Seasons - One of the reasons I love living in Michigan: We actually have four distinct seasons, and I love them all. Yes, even winter. Thanks God.
21. The Psalms - To have access to the inner thoughts and struggles of a man after God's own heart is a great encouragement. Thanks God.
22. Sports - I appreciate the relaxation and inspiration provided by people who have dedicated themselves to excellence in their sport. Even the Detroit Lions. Thanks God.
23. Friends - I have a great bunch of friends who have challenged, encouraged, and blessed me in countless ways. Thanks God.
24. Computers - They're an amazing tool that have enabled me to save time and money, and they've also provided a steady income for me for many years. Thanks God.
25. The Colorado Rockies - No, not the baseball team, the mountain range. What a marvelous creation God has made. The beauty and majesty of these mountains make me marvel at the beauty and majesty of their Creator. Thanks God.
26. The Apostle Paul - The world's first Christian theologian. Thanks God.
27. Stephen Lawhead - I don't read a lot of fiction, but Lawhead's books have been a part of my life for over 20 years. Sometimes, a fictional story can teach in ways that non-fiction cannot. His books have always been a blessing to me. Thanks God.
28. The Reformation - At just the right time, God raised up men like Tyndale, Luther, and Calvin who restored the Christian faith to its roots in scripture and grace. I'm proud to say my ancestors were Huguenots. Thanks God.
29. A varied life - I've been blessed with so many different experiences in life, from mountain climbing in Colorado to street ministry in the inner city of Detroit. From rock and roll musician to orchestra conductor. From being a radio DJ to being a banker. Every step of the way God has prepared me for where I am today. Thanks God.
30. My truck - I never thought of myself as a pickup truck kind of guy, but it's been great having one. It's been reliable and practical. Thanks God.
31. Golf - I'm thankful for finally finding a sport that I can participate in fairly regularly. It's also a teaching tool from God. Patience, humility, perseverance, self-control, etc. Fellow golfers know what I mean. Thanks God.
32. Bloggers - It's amazing to be able to interact with believers around the world with such wonderful and varied experiences and viewpoints. Thanks God.
33. William Shakespeare - Who else has so effectively illustrated the fallen nature of mankind through the dramatic arts? What a gift. Thanks God.
34. Missionaries - The sacrifices made by those who have been called to reach across cultural boundaries with the Gospel continually challenge, inspire, and humble me. Thanks God.
35. Scholars - I'm grateful for people like F.F. Bruce, Dallas Willard. Scot McKnight, D.A. Carson, Ben Witherington, Norman Geisler, and countless others who have dedicated their lives to teaching and writing about the truths of God's word. Thanks God.
36. John Wycliffe - For having the courage and determination to ensure that common people had access to the scriptures. Thanks God.
37. Chocolate - OK, this may sound frivolous, but I'm serious. Every good and perfect gift is from above, and personally I think chocolate qualifies as a good and perfect gift. Especially Gayle's Chocolates. Thanks God.
38. The Assemblies of God - I'm grateful for my "tribe" of dedicated Christ-followers who are striving to change the world through the Gospel. Thanks God.
39. Thomas Aquinas - I've been a student of Christian apologetics all my life. Aquinas is arguably the father of this field of study. Thanks God.
40. The sacrifice of Jesus - "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." Thanks God.

Since my one year blogiversary came and went recently, I guess an introduction is long overdue. As anyone who knows me will admit, however, I'm not easy to define. I am a walking, talking paradox and anachronism. I'm a complete sports nut but I also love the theater, especially Shakespeare. I love the work of Chip Foose and Alton Brown, too. You may catch me listening to anything from Muddy Waters to John Coltrane to The Beatles to Marc Cohn to U2 to Switchfoot to Israel Houghton. I'm a musician, but I could never narrow it down to just one instrument. I'm 40 years old, part Baby Boomer, part Baby Buster. Sometimes I feel like a kid, other times I feel like a very old soul.

I'm grateful to be a part of the Assemblies of God yet I must admit I'm a bit of a maverick. I have a great appreciation for a wide variety of church families. My circle of friends includes evangelical Catholics, Methodists, Orthodox, self-described recovering Baptists, and other wild lovers of Christ. I've been involved in fairly traditional evangelical churches all my life yet I'm beginning to realize that my faith journey has brought me to a point where I have much in common with the "emerging" conversation, even while parts of the conversation make me quite uncomfortable at times. I'm just trying to follow Jesus as best I can, and help others do the same along the way.

So now you know why this blog is entitled "Everything that's on my mind" (with apologies to Charlie Peacock) and why I warned you in my first post, "you never know what might be on my mind." I started this blog primarily as a way to share interesting articles and blog entries that are relevant to our church or to the church at large, but it has become more than that. If you have a hard time figuring out what kind of blog this is don't feel bad, I can't figure it out either. It's just another part of my journey, and I'm glad you're along for the ride. Please keep your hands, arms, legs, and feet inside until the ride comes to a complete and final stop. Thank you and enjoy your day.

I was thinking about writing an entry in reaction to the recent elections, but as usual my schedule prevents me from doing it justice. Maybe someday I'll be able to have more of a content blog rather than a link blog, but for now...this is primarily a link blog. To that end, I offer a link to a great post by Ben Witherington today entitled "Evangelicals in a Post-Haggard, Post-Rumsfeld World". Dr. Witherington touches on many thoughts I've had in recent days.

We're called to transform the world through the Gospel, not through political influence. Let's stop being Republicans or Democrats or liberals or conservatives and just be followers of Christ. There are no shortcuts to a transformed society. It happens one soul at a time.

Get out and vote! In a democratic society, you have no right to complain about the government if you do not participate in the process. The right to vote is not just a privilege, it is a God-given responsibility. Scripture teaches that God holds leaders and those in government accountable. In a democratic society, that includes us. I don't care who you vote for, but research it, pray about it, and VOTE!

Politics

It's quite a challenge figuring out who to vote for when you're as disillusioned with politics as I am. I've come to the conclusion that one of the main problems with our government is the two-party monopoly on political discussion. To quote Shakespeare, "A plague on both your houses." I've decided I'm going to take a very hard look at the alternative parties like the Constitution/US Taxpayers Party. I hear you say "but they'll never get elected!" So what? My responsibility is to vote my conscience, not to back a "winner".

Religion

Keith Schooley posted a great list of characteristics to determine if a church is more interested in "maintenance" or "mission." The list is from a book by Harold Percy called Good News People. Boy, my reading list is getting longer and longer.

Culture

I don't even know where to begin to address the Ted Haggard situation. All Christians should be praying for Pastor Haggard, his family, and his church. There are trying times ahead and they all need our prayers. We should also be reminded of the truth of the scripture "there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed." We all need to guard our hearts very carefully and stay close to Jesus and to our spouses. Satan seeks to destroy us and our witness, but he can only accomplish it if we cooperate with him.