Be Not Afraid

I used to watch The Karate Kid movies all the time when I was growing up.  As of 2010, I believe there are now five of these famous films.  These movies are as much fun to watch for adults as they are for children, and all three of my own kids have enjoyed them as well.  One scene from the movie always stands out in my mind.  For those of you who know the film franchise well, you will remember that the premise is pretty much the same each time.  The older, wiser teacher Mr. Miyagi (played by Pat Morita) decides to help teach Karate to a young, troubled teen named Daniel (Ralph Macchio).  As the story unfolds, our protagonist Daniel is inexorably pitted against the neighborhood bully - he even wears a black uniform with a snake on it.  After a series of awkward and violent encounters, young Daniel enters a martial arts tournament to defend his title against the quintessential bad guy.  The bully is always stronger, faster, and more intimidating than Daniel of course.  

As the climactic ending fight scene begins, there comes a point when a beaten and bruised Daniel wants to quit the match.  By this point, he has endured round after round of bumps and bruises, and at several intervals, the bully even gets away with cheating.  Daniel looks to his coach and mentor Miyagi and tells him that he wants to give up.  Mr. Miyagi then utters these cult classic words, "It's okay to lose to an opponent, but you must not lose to fear."  The rest is cinematic history.

How true that pithy statement is, and how interesting that it has stuck with me all these years.  In the end, Daniel ends up besting his brutal opponent - but this is just a movie.  What about situations like this in real life?  The question is an important one.  Do we let fear beat us, or do we keep fighting?  How we all long for a mentor like Mr. Miyagi when the deck is stacked against us. 

I personally believe that fear drives far too much of our lives.  It can often govern how we spend our money, where we allocate our time, how we treat other people ... and even whether or not we trust God.  So many people elect not to walk the courageous road and stay the course.  Instead, they turn to cynicism as a defense mechanism.  For example, instead of taking a faith leap and buying a house, someone might simply spend time focusing on all the things that are wrong with the foundation or the real estate company.  Maybe the siding is old or the windows need replaced.  

The same type of thing occurs when trying to decide whether or not to trust Jesus.  People will often cling to cynical arguments about Biblical inconsistencies or point to certain hypocritical people in churches.  

But the questions remains: do we give in to fear, or do we take the leap?

The book of Joshua in the Old Testament offers us so much insight into the world of courage versus fear.  We may remember that God chooses Joshua to replace Moses as leader of the Israelites, just as they are about to cross over into the Promised land.  How about that for some pressure?  

Joshua 1:9 says, "Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Be not afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Joshua was understandably nervous and anxious.  For one thing, if God is speaking with you directly, then it should give you pause for thought!  Second, just think how it would feel to replace one of the most godly leaders in recorded history.  It's not okay to lose to fear?  Easy for us to say.

There is an excellent story about a man named Caleb in the Old Testament also.  He was similar to Joshua in character and poise.  Caleb was someone whom Moses had given charge to go out and explore the Promised land I mentioned earlier.  He was to return and give Moses an account of what he had seen.  What he saw was intimidating at best: Scripture says the land was full of large, strong warriors and well fortified cities.  On the face of it, prospects looked grim regarding a successful invasion of this area by God's people.  But God had promised this area to the Israelites ahead of time - formidable army or not.  This was the same land that Joshua was later to claim for his people.  Caleb was one of the few who did not let fear and intimidation sway him from taking what God had promised.  He was ready to go, and I suspect he was counter-cultural and probably a bit politically incorrect, even for his day.  He chased after God with his whole heart.  

Was Caleb afraid like Joshua at first?  Maybe.  But the thing that these two men had in common, was the fact that they didn't allow fear to take hold and win.  The account in the Bible tells us that Joshua went on to lead the people across the Jordan River and into a land 'flowing with milk and honey.'  A fearless faith stirs people's hearts, and invites them to follow.  

Now I don't believe that having a fearless faith equates to ignoring the costs either.  We would do well to heed the warning from Romans 10:2 about having a "zeal not according to knowledge."  We don't jump into an empty swimming pool with blinders on, or follow someone based on here say or rumors.  It is okay to do your homework first.

If we are going to cultivate a Caleb and Joshua heart, then we need to be listening to God (not just our own opinions and biases).  The way to know God of course, is to study the Bible.  Absorb its truths, and allow the Spirit to take hold in your life.  If our God is a being of infinite goodness, then He is prudent and wise as well.  Act according to knowledge whenever possible.

Across the span of all five of the Karate Kid sequels, the protagonist always wins.  But the avid film connoisseur will also notice, that Daniel wasn't impervious to intimidation or struggle either.  Some of his victories were hard fought, and barely accomplished.  He may have been holding the trophy at the end of the film, but he was often banged up and bruised a little bit as well.  

And so it may be with you and I.  Being fearless requires faith in God, and that faith often comes over time and through a series of difficult events.  It is a journey, not just a destination.  If we are going to cross the Jordan River, then I'm betting we will also get a little wet.  Unless of course God parts the water for us - but either way, courage is required to put one foot in front of the other and keep going.  So count the cost, lay out a plan, and face off with the bully.  No one leaves the arena with a trophy unless they first walk onto the mat.  It doesn't hurt to have an experienced Karate teacher in your corner either. Be not afraid. 



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Waking From Spiritual Slumber

I remember when I first transferred to the University of Iowa to complete my B.A. degree in English.  I thought I knew how to write a term paper.  I had basically done the same thing all throughout high school, and then more of the same at a local community college subsequent to that.  I would write what would often equate to a book report with a fancy conclusion, and then turn it in and hope for the best.  Typically I received good grades.  That was about to change, however, with my first semester in Iowa City.  I was astonished to learn that the type of writing that got me an "A" most of the time during my primary education experience, was now garnering a far lower grade.  Apparently, the standards had changed.

The teachers would write comments like, "I need more than a book report" ... or "not enough content here."  It was a radical new learning environment, and it ultimately changed me for the better.  By the end of my college career, I was back to earning good grades and meeting expectations.  I had finally learned their system, but I had to be roused from my apathetic slumber by the college professors first. That first year in Iowa City wasn't pleasant.

Throughout much of the Bible, both the prophets and the apostles spent time entreating God's people to wake up as it pertained to their faith.  We know that lukewarm living held no sway with Jesus, and it didn't much impress Daniel, Jeremiah, or Paul either.  In other words, people couldn't get away with turning in the same old book reports back then in first century Palestine.

1 Thessalonians 5:6 says, "So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober." As believers, we are called to be spiritually aware.  To be in touch with what God is doing and saying in our lives.

Now this can be a painful experience, mind you.  It was no fun hearing the criticism being offered by my college professors years ago.  But think for a moment, if I hadn't been jostled into reality by well meaning teachers.  Think if I had been allowed to go my entire academic career turning in mediocre book reports.  Jesus wants more from our lives than this.  God wouldn't be God if an apathetic faith was all that was necessary.

We must also be cognizant of Matthew 16:24-26.  It says, "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.  For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.  What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?  Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?'"

Now many have quoted this piece of Scripture in an attempt to count the cost of following Christ (and they would be correct to do so).  But for this lesson, I am choosing to mention this passage as more of a wake up call from God.  It's the equivalent of someone holding a sign on the side of the road as you drive by - but instead of asking for money or work, the sign would invite people to re-invigorate their faith.  It might just as easily read something like: 'wake up, and follow me.'

It is God's battle cry for an apathetic and spiritually sick world.  'Look at me' Jesus is saying, 'and don't be like one of the seven churches in the book of Revelation.'  We remember that the beginning of that famous Biblical book recounts a list of all the things that God witnesses those churches doing wrong (and much of it is lukewarm living).

It's time to renounce handing in mediocre book reports, and begin working on a doctoral  thesis.  It must be original, well researched, and focused on a particular set of results.  No cheating off of the Internet, and no waiting until the night before it's due to start work.  

If we as the church don't teach the Gospel message publicly, then the rest of the world will step in and take charge.  If we don't break free of our holy huddle that says it's okay only to evangelize other churched people, then the rest of the world will not come to understand the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Nothing more, and nothing less.  

I used to crack open the Bible whenever I was waiting for my car to get serviced at one of the local shops here in town.  On more than one occasion, someone else who was waiting would notice what I was reading.  They would ask my thoughts about God, and a good portion of the time, an honest conversation would ensue.  Right place, right time, right  book.  

But what if I never mustered up any courage to have those discussions?  What if I went through life 'minding my own business' all the time?  What if I decided not to write, talk, or preach about God, and simply went through life tending to my family and my job?  Now certainly this isn't immoral, but this lifestyle ushers us past so many missed opportunities to share the Good News.  The holy huddle is so very tempting.  It's so easy to stay silent and allow the rest of the world to train up our children, friends, and family.  But the spiritual stakes are too high for that.

Author and philosopher C.S. Lewis often wrote about something called the good infection.  He would say that the good news of the Bible was just the type of infection that needed to be spread.  If not, then no one would build up anti-bodies and healthy constitutions.  Faith must spread like a good infection; from one person to the next.  It is up to the faithful to help disseminate this news.

I'm finished turning in hum-drum book reports I think.  I want to dig deeper, and focus on  the things that really matter.  Not simply to recap what another author said, but rather, what God is saying and doing in my own life.  To spread that information around generously, and to whoever will listen.  Whether that might occur in a car repair shop, or a Sunday morning worship service makes no difference to me.  

Break free of the holy huddle whenever possible, and begin your journey into the rich and rewarding realm of evangelism.  Let the Scriptures be your focus, allow God to grant you the courage, and let the Holy Spirit guide your speech.  Help to spread the kind of good infection that this world so desperately needs.  Be a college professor helping to wake up the students in their class.  If we never take a stand for God, then we ought not be surprised if no one else does either. 



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Ancient of Days

The book of Daniel in the Bible is a complex mixture of prophecy, history, and metaphor.  Many scholars have studied and written about it through decades past.  Daniel's vivid dreams and visions from God are often referred to and studied by churches of all different denominations as well.  But I want to visit one topic in particular today, and that is the verse where God is referred to by a particular title. 

Daniel 7:9 says, "As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat.  His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool.  His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze."

This heavenly revelation of God's throne was given to Daniel in order that we might understand something specific about God.  Not only that He is the one true judge, or that someday every nation and people group will bow to Him.  But also that this judge and  perfect penitent exists eternally.  God was around before all things, and He will be there after.

What does it mean to say that God 'was and is?'  It sounds like an oxymoron at first.  Almost as if this being can transcend time somehow ... as though the Universe and chronology have no control over Him.  The world in general doesn't understand this concept.  In fact, unbelievers often get hung up on this very thing.  They will claim that it's a convenient excuse to posit that God can exist outside of time and space, as this would somehow be a cop out philosophically.  

I do not find it a difficult jump, however, to say that God is eternal.  Take for example  the Big Bang theory.  Science now recognizes that everything had a beginning.  At one point in the very distant past, something kicked off everything into existence.  Now I challenge you to come up with something powerful enough to jump start an entire Universe, without using spiritual (or eternal) language.  I'm not sure we can do it. 

And because we are presented with a God in the Bible who existed before all things, it comes to pass logically I think, that right and wrong existed forever also.  The Great Judge of all things invokes a sense of morality and goodness that will never change.   Think about the power behind this statement for a moment.  

If Jesus valued loving one another and loving God above a great many other things, then this truth must have always existed; it was also eternal.  Even before there were people, animals, or planets - God's truth was in place.  This transcendent morality then, never dissipates or goes away.  It will be around forever.  It is both ancient, and futuristic at the same time.  This is what the concept of a being who is Ancient of Days accomplishes.

And because of this, I believe it is imperative that we stop trying to re-write the Bible.  We stop trying to cover up inconvenient passages of Scripture with political correctness or cultural ambiguity.  God doesn't change, even if we do.  What was true two-thousand years ago, is true today (and it was true at the very creation of time and space also).

I have said in the past, that Jesus is one of the only sturdy things in our world today.  As part of the Holy Trinity (one God in three persons), Jesus remains as constant as God the Father.  Churches and the people in them can make mistakes, change their focus, and fall into discord; but the Lord does not.

In fact, the way of salvation for all mankind is already set.  I enjoy the Scripture in the Gospel of John where Jesus talks to Simon Peter about taking sides.  After Jesus asks the twelve disciples if anyone wants to leave, John 6:68 records Peter's answer.  It says, "Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.  We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God."

The question still stands today.  Who else would we turn to in a confusing and chaotic world?  Who else could send the Spirit to help us discern right from wrong?  We would do well to counsel with the Ancient of Days on such weighted matters I think.  His truth and sense of justice has existed before the creation of all things; it doesn't change.  It cannot change. 

It's difficult to picture this, because when it comes to people ... we often change our mind on a whim.  Emotion, stress, and circumstances all act upon our intellect and cause us to question ourselves from time to time.  In this way, it's hard to rely on any one understanding of truth or interpretation of right and wrong.  On the contrary, it can often appear that nothing we know is for certain.  It has been said that change is the only constant.

What a relief then, that we have a God we can rely on and whom we can seek out when difficult and confusing circumstances arise. A God who won't go back on Himself a moment later. 

Keep reading and searching the Scriptures.  Don't just take my word for it, instead open the Bible and engage the text.  See what God actually said and did.  Stay true to the faith that Jesus called us to, and remember always - that God is a beacon of hope that you may always count on.  Daniel knew this thousands of years ago, and you and I may be assured of it today.

I am grateful we have someone like this in our lives who doesn't change with the ebb and flow of cultural convention and public opinion.  This unchanging truth doesn't always make things comfortable, but it binds us to God eternally.  It is a more reliable way of understanding the world we live in.  A way that makes sense through God's eyes, not just our own. 



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