Closets and Christmas

Last night I was overcome with a sudden urge to do something I don’t typically do—I cleaned out my closet. The urge doesn’t strike very often, so when it does, it stalks me until satisfied.

I have a laundry basket in the top of my closet that collects things; you know, faded jeans, oversized sweatshirts, exercise gear, a lonely sock here and there, coins, etc. I filled several bags with clothes, which will be donated. It felt good to engage in wardrobe inventory and the disciplined pursuit of less!

I really wasn’t expecting the experience to render any deep significant insight until I woke up this morning. It struck me that closet cleaning, especially at this time of the year, seems metaphorical. How so?

Well, it’s Advent. If you happen to be a person who didn’t grow up in the church or is not familiar with the ancient Christian Church calendar, the word Advent probably has no meaning. Advent is a season that marks the beginning of the Christian Church year. It is celebrated during the four Sundays preceding Christmas Day. The Church has observed the season for centuries. The word Advent means “arrival” and the season is intended to teach us to wait for the coming of Christ, not just in Biblical times, but now. It’s a time of preparation and anticipation.

This got me thinking about John the Baptist. According to Luke (the writer of the third Gospel in the New Testament) John the Baptist was the fulfillment of a centuries old announcement by an old prophet named Isaiah. You can read about it in Luke 3:1-6.

John arrived on the scene to help people prepare for the coming of Jesus. But in what ways were the people to prepare, and in what ways can we prepare to welcome Jesus into the places of our world? John’s message gives us a clue:

“Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways smooth. And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” Luke 3:4-6

The Advent season is a lot like closet cleaning. It’s like inventory. In what ways have the paths of my life become crooked? Are there emotional valleys in my life that I have intentionally or unintentionally tried to fill with my pace, my possessions, my positions or my performance? Have I allowed my ego to become mountain-like, puffing and blustering about my own importance or superiority? What about my relationships—my relationship with my spouse, my family, my friends or even my extended church family? To what extent could these relationships be smoothed out so that God could be seen more clearly in me?

S t r e t c h e d,

Lee

     

Geezers and Gazers?

I have a pair of red (and I mean red-red) polartec pants that I wear regularly around my house. They're old, worn and super comfy. Every time I put them on my children mount a protest. They have forbidden me to go out in public in my red pants. They swear and promise they are going to hijack the pants and donate them to Goodwill. They would be ideal at a Badger game! Therefore I keep them hidden in secret places! Now every time I wear them my children just call me "geezer!" Life is not fair. I know I am not a geezer.

I'm not a geezer, but sometimes I'm a gazer. What's a gazer? Have you ever wondered what it might have been like for the apostles the day Jesus ascended into heaven? And what about those two men (angels) who showed up that day in mysterious dress? What was that all about? Read all about it in Acts 1:9-11.

Jesus is not heading out somewhere far beyond the moon, beyond Mars or wherever; Jesus was going into God’s space, God’s dimension. The two men dressed in white appear to tell his disciples, that Jesus has gone into this dimension of reality. One day he will come back and when he comes, he will finalize and complete his human rescue project by bringing together that dimension (heaven) and our present dimension (earth) as the new heaven and earth (cf. Rev. 21:1ff).

As Jesus is ascending into heaven the disciples were left “looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them” (vs. 10). Later the two angels indicate the way in which Jesus’ ascended is intended to “mirror” or share associations with the way in which he will come again. After all the two men say to the disciples, “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”(vs. 11) How does Luke want us to understand the similarities and differences between Jesus going and his coming?

· In the same way Jesus left with a glorified human nature and body, so too, Jesus will come in a glorified human nature and body. In other words, his coming will be personal.

· In the same way that Jesus was seen as he was leaving, so too, he will be seen when he comes again. His coming will be visible.

· His going was glorious; his coming will also be glorious.

But does Jesus’ ascension also inform our understanding of the church and her mission? Curiously in Acts 1:10-11 Luke mentions the word “heaven” or “sky” four times. Apparently the disciples were quite taken by this event enough to keep gazing up into the heavens. But we should not take the angel’s words to the disciples as a mere question. It is more reproof and rebuke. It might better be translated, “Hey fellas, what in the world are you doing gazing up into the stars? Jesus has given you a job to do—now get on with it!”

The angel’s question functions as reproof to Jesus’ disciples; the same question functions as warning to the modern-day church in several ways. First, it’s all too common in today’s church to become preoccupied with the issues of heaven; with times and seasons and prophecies and their fulfillment. It’s ironic that the disciples were “gazing into heaven” immediately on the heels of Jesus instructing them about their mandate concerning earth. Implied is a warning to the church. If we are not careful these issues can distract us and keep us from our mission on planet earth—to be Christ’s witnesses. Secondly, the angel’s question should safeguard the church from what author Nancy Pearcey calls, “the dualisms and dichotomies”[1] that have plagued Christianity. Even early on in the history of Christian thought, leading theologians dressed up Biblical doctrines in Greek concepts. In an attempt to be conversant with the educated elite these thinkers meant well, but they picked up classical Greek ideas along the way. Years ago noted theologian and author Francis Schaeffer called these philosophies a “two-story” view of reality.[2] Greek philosophy presumes there is a stark difference between the material world and the spiritual world. The material world (earth) is dark, sinister, devalued and evil. The spirit world (heaven) is a higher world, a more noble and virtuous world and therefore the world we should aspire to. No wonder the disciples were sky gazing. Even they were influenced by the dominant worldview of their day. In their minds it was more preferable to be occupied with heaven than to be concerned with earth.

So what does God do? He sends two heavenly messengers to reprove them and redirect their orientation. The two angels remind the ‘gazing’ disciples to cease their gazing, and by implication, to get on with their work on God’s good earth. In so doing, God affirms the goodness of the earth and the created order. Since He created the earth, the earth reflects God’s good character and it is this place called earth that constitutes the place of my mission, your mission and the church’s mission.

What is that mission? More about that next time!

S t r e t c h e d

---

[1] Pearcey, Nancy, Total Truth

[2] Schaeffer, Francis. Escape From Reason

Ruthless Tenderness

It's hard for us to combine the words 'ruthless' and 'tender' in the same sentence. These two words appear to be polar opposites. But when we consider God's nature we must accept that he is simultaneously ruthless with sin and tender with us. God has no problem at all combining both qualities in His person. Perhaps it might help to think about it this way. What if God simply denied sin's existence or swept sin under the proverbial moral carpet? What if God cowered in sin's presence and wilted under it's power? Personally speaking, what if He refused to judge or condemn my sin? Such a view of God is dissatisfying to all of us. It ultimately renders God as a moral coward. If we are truly honest with ourselves, none of us wants a God who declines to deal with my evil or the world's. Thankfully in Christ he has decisively dealt with both!

S t r e t c h e d

SUMPANGO GUATEMALA TRIP REPORT Day #3

We spent the greater part of the day in the lovely town of Antigua. It's one of my all-time favorite places on the planet. Quaint, colonial and full ofLatino culture--not to mention the sight of numerous gringos on honeymoon or cultural exchange programs. The afternoon featured the Guatemalan version of "Battle of the Bands." Imagine seven or eight marching bands with multiple drums all playing in the town square at the same time. The noise reverberates off the buildings and does on assault on your ear drums. I needed the strong cup of cappuccino after that!

We arrived back in Sumpango around 3:30 and went immediately to the church for a meeting with the leadership team of Los Olivos. At 5pm we met with the combined leadership teams and I did a session on "The Character of a Leader." I was very encouraged by the response to the message. Several leaders came up afterward asking probing questions or inquiring about specific situations. I could tell by their comments they were processing what they heard. It's always humbling to get this kind of immediate feedback in situations where you are teaching through a translator. Such feedback tells you a lot about

either how clear or how confusing your communication has been. Fortunately in this case, it appears it was more of the former than the latter. This is a good thing!

Tomorrow we finish up our time at Los Olivos. Lots of conversations about future partnership here. I am very encouraged.

I'm reminded of your prayers for us each day. I continue to be...

S T R E T C H E D

SUMPANGO GUATEMALA TRIP REPORT Day #2

This morning Oscar and I visited the small village of El Yalu. It's a very poor village of approximately 2000 people. About 500 of those are children who are severely malnourished. Some years ago Los Olivos decided to start a church in the village. They bought two small parcels of land that the church was hoping to build a small church building. God had other things in mind. About 4 years ago a non-profit ministry called Mano con Mano (Hand-In-Hand) began a feeding program for the children. The leaders of the ministry wanted to identify with a local church and heard about Los Olivos, met Oscar and invited them to partner.

Every other day each week the center feeds some 240-280 children, sponsors an after-school resource center and also doubles as a sanctuary for the church on Sundays. Oscar

introduced me to Lorenzo and Dr. Ephraim as well as several other leaders in the church. The entire operation is an example of micro enterprise at it's best! They have managed to start a medical clinic, as well as several small businesses. One of these is producing stoves for each home. The stoves are made of reinforced concrete and efficiently utilize about one-third of the wood of an open fire thus reducing deforestation. They vent the smoke using a simple smokestack which reduces respiratory illnesses while conserving heart to warm their homes. Another group was working diligently to produce brightly colored toilets. They have already placed 1000 toilets in homes in this village and plans are in place to provide another 500. Each weekend Los Olivos commissions 7-8 people who travel washed out roads to serve this simple rural village and its people. It's a terrific example of people proclaiming the love of Christ through their deeds.

It's almost 4pm and Quique and I are getting ready to go over to the church for the first training session. I haven't even met yet with the leaders, but what I've seen thus far is enough impress.

We appreciate your prayers.

S t r e t c h e d

SUMPANGO GUATEMALA TRIP REPORT Day #1

I wrestled my groggy body out of the bed at 3am, showered, grabbed a bite to eat and dashed off to Mitchell Field to catch a 6am flight to Guatemela City. The flight went well until final approach into Guatemala City when the plane slammed violently down onto the tarmac. Even the flight attendant sitting in front of me had a panic-stricken look on her face. Hers wasn't the only furrowed brow or anxious expression.

I grabbed ny belongings, cleared customs and headed outside where my friend Enrique Fernandez was waiting for my arrival. We headed toward the city stopping only for a bite to eat before making our way to Sumpango. I had forgotten how much I loved the city of Sumpango. It's nestled among the foothills about 42 km east of Guatemala City. You actually can see several volcanos (one of them active) from the streets. Cobblestone streets are lined with tiny brightly painted tiendas. The sight of fresh vegetables and the aroma of street vendors wafts through the air. I was tempted more than once to sample the fresh salsa at several but resisted.

I've been told that every city in Guatemala has it's patron saint. Sumpango is no exception, for the city still bears witness to the festivals and celebrations that occurred just last week to commemorate and honor her beloved saint--Augustine. No wonder I have a fondness for the city--she and I share a common affection--Augustine of Hippo.

It is here in this city that the Chaquito family has resided for years. Humble, hard-working people--Jose, Alejandra, Armando, Oscar and Karla. They are some of the sweetest most hospitable people I've met anywhere in the world. All of them are knee-deep in their commitment to their local church Los Olivos, a church affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America. Tomorrow afternoon Enrique and I will begin equipping and interacting with their leaders.

It's good to be here. Thanks for your prayers for us.

Choices

I’ve been thinking about the power of my choices. Everyday I am afforded opportunities to make any number of choices: what I think about, what memories I dwell on, how I speak or don’t speak, how I help others, how I respond to humiliating events, what I do with my time, etc. etc. You can take away every freedom a person possesses except for the last freedom—the freedom to choose how one responds in any given set of circumstances. My everyday choices are rarely, if ever, neutral. The decisions I make and the choices I exercise affect others and me in positive or negative ways. C.S. Lewis once said that our choices turn us one of two ways: either into a Heaven creature that is in harmony with God resulting in freedom, joy and peace, or a hellish creature who lives in a state of war and hatred with God resulting in loneliness, horror and tyranny. My everyday choices move me toward one state or the other.

The power of my choices. Wow! Go and make good ones today!

S t r e t c h e d