John the Baptist Beheaded
(Mark 6:14-29)
14 Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known. And he said, "John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him."
15 Others said, "It is Elijah."
And others said, "It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets."
16 But when Herod heard, he said, "This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!" 17 For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; for he had married her. 18 Because John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."
19 Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not; 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
21 Then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee. 22 And when Herodias' daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, "Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you." 23 He also swore to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom."
24 So she went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?"
And she said, "The head of John the Baptist!"
25 Immediately she came in with haste to the king and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter."
26 And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her. 27 Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought. And he went and beheaded him in prison, 28 brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took away his corpse and laid it in a tomb.
I recently read a somewhat unofficial poll taken among a number of pastors across various denominational backgrounds, asking the question: “What have been your least popular sermon topics or series?” The results were interesting but perhaps not surprising. For our purposes today, I’ll just tell you the worst of the worst- the bottom five.
The fifth least popular sermon series was one that was titled: “Christian Confrontation: In Your Space and In Your Face.”
Fourth was “Aggressive Evangelism: Moving in for the Kill.”
Coming in as the third least popular sermon series was one called: “Studies from the book of Job, subtitled, “You Think Your Life is Bad?”
Runner up of the coveted worst sermon series or topic had a stewardship theme and was titled: “God’s Money is in Your Pocket: Will You Give it to Him, Please?”
And finally, the least popular sermon series was submitted by a now unemployed pastor from Hog’s Breath, Minnesota titled: “When They Least Expect it: Seeking Revenge on an Unsuspecting Relative or Friend.”
Perhaps this sermon series or topic was voted least popular because it was boring- I’d doubt it. Maybe it’s because the Bible doesn’t have much to say about the subject- no, the Bible has plenty to say about revenge. I suspect that one of the reasons behind this attitude is that revenge is a subject that is near and dear to our hearts. By that, I mean that this is a highly sensitive area with circumstances that can be extremely personal and private and wouldn’t it be better if we just didn’t talk about it?
I think that another reason we might seem to be afraid of revenge is that we may have a misperception about its meaning or more accurately, what it means to us.
To me, revenge can have a couple of meanings:
One is the sense in which we may feel the slightest bit of delight or a sense of justice being served, when hearing about the misfortune of another, against whom we may be nursing a grudge. While we probably wouldn’t actually inflict pain and suffering onto the other, we may secretly feel a sense of satisfaction that “they got what was coming to them”. I must admit that I have felt that way before and I am not proud of it. Some call it resentment. While important, I would not consider this type of revenge toxic or malignant, but if we choose not to deal with these feelings, they can quickly go from resentment to full blown retribution.
Then there is the more common definition of revenge, which is to “willfully seek to inflict physical or emotional harm on another person in an act of retaliation,” implying intentional punishment and injury.
This definition is the type of revenge that Herodias displayed in our scripture lesson this morning.
At first glance it may sound a bit like the latest episode of “As the Bible Turns” with all of the makings of a good soap opera: lying, adultery, power and finally, murder.
The cast includes John the baptizer:
Of whom Jesus said according to Matthew’s gospel in chapter eleven verses 11-11:
11 "Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
This is the same John that when asked by Jesus to baptize him said: “No, you’ve got this the other way around- you should baptize me- you are the son of man!” giving us a sense of his humility.
Verse twenty from our scripture gives a better example of John’s character and righteousness:
20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
If Herod feared John the Baptist, then John was obviously of noble character, worthy of respect and admiration. And then there’s Herod himself.
Herod Antipas the Tetrarch of the area of Galilee and Peraea (basically a mayor of sorts- not a king). According to some historians, while on one occasion visiting Rome seduced his brother Philip’s wife, Herodias, who at the time was both Herod’s sister-in law and his niece (don’t ask). Herod had five sons, three of which he murdered when he grew suspicious that they were becoming a threat to his power, giving us an idea of the type of person he was.
Salome- Although she is not specifically named in the story, historians and scholars have concluded that her name was Salome. She was the daughter of Herodias and the step daughter of Herod and the featured performer the night of Herod’s big bash. According to our text, at the height or depth or her performance, Herod told her that she could have anything she wanted, up to half of Herod’s so-called kingdom. Upon hearing that, Salome did what any obedient daughter would do- she asked her mother what she should do. Her mother told her to DEMAND the head of John the Baptist- not just murder him (as if that weren’t bad enough), she specifically asked for his head! Salome went back to Herod and added her own special touch the situation to her mother’s request saying,
"I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter." Sounds as if she’s a real chip off the old block, huh?
Then there is Herodias- Herod’s wife, Salome’s mother and the person that exacted her revenge on John the Baptist. Clearly, this was a troubled woman. Herodias did anything and everything necessary to secure her future and solidify her privileged position in the Greek culture, including having her daughter perform for the rich and famous. Herodias got her revenge on John the Baptist. However, as is the case in many situations such as this, Herodias and Herod committed suicide together some years after the incident, suggesting that the guilt for having John the Baptist murdered probably had a lot to do with her emotional erosion into a suicidal state.
Herodias’ story offers us an example that resentment, left unmanaged, can not only harm us emotionally but can and sometimes turn into something much worse.
As I mentioned in the opening, the Bible has a good bit to say about the subject.
One of the hallmarks of Jesus’ ministry on earth was “take the high road”. Specifically, the Sermon on the Mount has numerous references as to handling situations that have the potential for retaliation.
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.” Here’s the part that gets me- “REJOICE! AND BE GLAD, for your reward is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Luke 6: 37 in the New Living Translation reads:
37 "Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. Stop criticizing others, or it will all come back on you. If you forgive others, you will be forgiven. 38 If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving-large or small-it will be used to measure what is given back to you."
In Matthew 5: 38-42 Jesus said:
38 "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'* 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
Other examples include:
"Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord" (Romans 12:19)
“Treat others the way in which you want to be treated.”
“Be Peacemakers…”
“Be Ye Pure in heart…” “Pray for your enemies…”
“Yeah, right- Jesus, you know, people these days are different- this is the twenty first century. Things have changed- people have changed. There are some people out there that are just out to get me, stopping at nothing just to make my life miserable! What in the world am I supposed to do?”
I believe that we have already answered that question, haven’t we? Our savior tells us to forgive. “But what about them- the other person- they won’t apologize for what was done to me and besides, they don’t deserve to be forgiven.” Friends, if forgiveness came only to those that deserved it, we’d all be in trouble. We are powerless over whether another person seeks to apologize or not. We are only responsible for our reaction to what someone else has done to us. I believe that the first step in the process- and a process it is- is to ask God to help us to become willing to forgive. Maybe the pain of the situation is still fresh in your mind and heart and we may think, “I’m not ready yet.” Perhaps the time isn’t right just yet. You will know when the time is right. When we ask God to help us to become willing to forgive, God will show us the right time to move forward. The peace that we seek about the situation can only come when God is in it. We cannot do this without God’s help.
Secondly, confession our resentment before God must take place. You see, God already knows the grudges that we hold against others and even knows why we feel that way. Psalm 139 verse 1 says: “O Lord you have searched me and known me… you perceive my thoughts from afar.” Ryan Bixler sang a song at last Sunday’s service that included these words from the prophet Jeremiah, “When you seek me, you will find me- if you search with all your heart.” When we open our hearts, confessing our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.
I am not suggesting that forgiveness will come easily- it may not. Nor am I suggesting that forgiving someone will be painless- it may prove to be terribly painful. But, if we claim to be followers of Christ, then we are to live our lives as He would if he were us. We are to live by the word of God. The word of God tells us many times, what we are to do- forgive! Forgiveness is one of those things that may seem simple, at some level, but it is not easy.
Believe me when I tell you that there are times when I would much rather stay right where I am and hold on to grudges just as long as I can, than to have to work at them, because working on them implies that there will be change and what will I do when things change- I’ll have to change!
“When we forgive evil we do not excuse it, we do not tolerate it, and we do not smother it. We look the evil full in the face, call it what it is, let its horror shock and stun and enrage us, and only then do we forgive it.” - Lewis B. Smedes
We can choose to let go of the thing that we are holding- whether we call it revenge or resentment or a grudge, or we can choose to hang on to it. If we choose to hang on we are guaranteed that we will continue to hold all of the feelings that go along: anger, bitterness, greed, retribution, and the like. Some might argue saying: “Well at least it’s predictable.”
As long as we continue to hold a grudge, it still has power over us- with our permission, I might add. As long as we refuse to release the grudge, it will continue to serve its purpose and may even turn into something worse.
In closing, when we’re ready to make peace with the people or the situations that have caused us pain and harm, God is ready. We can get to that place, emotionally, by seeking Him and His ways. It may start by simply saying a prayer such as: Please pray with me:
“God, you know the person I need to forgive and you know all the ugly details about the situation. You know what is in my heart. I am asking you to help me to become willing to forgive. I don’t know if I’m ready or not, but you do. Put the right people in my path; keep my eyes and my heart open to opportunities that will help me to deal with this resentment before it turns into something worse. I trust that no matter what pain I may encounter, you are right there with me and you will help me handle the feelings that may be waiting for me. AMEN
Monday, July 17, 2006
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Sermon June 18, 2006
6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences. 12 For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you.
In the summer of 1973, I attended a basketball camp in Millersburg, Kentucky, located about an hour north of Lexington. The camp was scheduled to last a week and promised personal interaction and hands on coaching from some of college basketball’s elite company; legendary UK basketball coach Adolph Rupp, Kentucky alumnus Dan Issel were scheduled to be there, along with many other college players and coaches. My parents suggested that, if I wanted to go, I would need to save my money, which led me to construct a small wooden box that I would use as a bank to start putting my grass-cutting money in. Did I mention that this camp was scheduled to last an entire week? I was due to arrive on a Sunday afternoon and scheduled to return home the following Saturday; six nights of sleeping in a bed that wasn’t mine, away from my beloved home. Up to that point, I had spent the night with friends only a few times, so I wasn’t sure if I could make it away from home for an entire week. Friends, I had no idea how difficult that week would turn out to be.
My mom and dad drove me to Millersburg, got me all set up in my dorm room (we stayed at a military academy) and, knowing my reluctance said, “You’ll be fine- have fun and we’ll see you next Saturday.” When I woke up on day three (Tuesday morning) of basketball camp week, I was absolutely miserable! I can remember eating breakfast that morning with fellow campers and feeling a little sick to my stomach. I felt as though the walls of the cafeteria were slowly closing in on me. I felt the other camper’s eyes looking at me, somehow knowing that I was crying; no- dying on the inside! There was only one way to explain what was going on with me- I was HOMESICK! To make a long story short, I called home about noon that day and my mom came and got me and we were safely at home by 7:00 p.m. From that day forward, I understood what it really meant to feel homesick and I hoped that I would never feel that way again.
That experience from my early teenage years had good and bad effects on my life. The good is that I can take what I learned from that and if I sense that one of my kids is feeling homesick, I can console him or her saying: “You know, it’s ok if you’re feeling a little homesick. I understand and what you are feeling is normal. Everything here at home is just fine. We love you and we miss you and we look forward to your coming home.”
On the other hand, there have been some lasting impressions that weren’t so good. For many years I felt the same sense of fear and panic I felt at age thirteen, when I drove past a cemetery. Obviously, I associated a cemetery with death and death to me meant being away from home- forever! Therefore, when I saw a cemetery, I saw a basketball camp that was scheduled to last a lifetime and beyond and I would be trapped there forever! I came to the conclusion that I needed to change my perspective of the after life.
Perhaps our scripture lesson for this morning can help us. Verse eight of second Corinthians chapter five reads:
8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
In other words, Paul said that he’d rather be in heaven with the Lord than here on earth. But then he says in verse nine:
9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.
Seventeenth century Presbyterian minister Matthew Henry had this to say regarding our scripture lesson:
“The believer not only is well assured by faith that there is another and a happy life after this is ended, but he has good hope, through grace, of heaven as a dwelling-place, a resting-place, a hiding-place. The happiness of the future state is what God has prepared for those that love him…”
I don’t know about you, but it has taken me a long time to believe- really believe- that the eternity that exists for those who put their faith in Christ, is full of happiness and yes, even joy!
To know that a loved one who has passed is still okay is a very common desire in our society. Think about how many movies or TV shows you’ve watched where the living just want to hear the message that their loved ones are okay, or where someone who has passed on wants to get that message to someone on earth. One of my earliest memories about this is the movie “Carousel,” where the hero is killed and goes to heaven, and the people up there are polishing stars all the time. That’s Heaven? Lots of star polishing? Are you ever finished? There are a lot of stars out there.
And of course, there are jokes about heaven. Like the one where the man arrives at the gates of heaven. St. Peter asks,
"Religion?"
The man says, "Methodist."
St. Peter looks down his list, and says, "Go to room 24, but be very quiet as you pass room 8." Another man arrives at the gates of heaven. "Religion?"
"Baptist."
"Go to room 18, but be very quiet as you pass room 8."A third man arrives at the gates. "Religion?"
"Lutheran."
"Go to room 11, but be very quiet as you pass room 8."
The man says, "I can understand there being different rooms for different religions, but why must I be quiet when I pass room 8?"
St. Peter tells him, "Well the Presbyterians are in room 8, and they think they're the only ones here.”
Putting “Carousel” and jokes aside, what then are we to do with all of this?
We’ve established that our hope is certain. The Christian’s final resting place is one filled with all the goodness of home and so much more. Paul emphasized that, while heaven is our destination (and a good one it is); there is life to be lived to the glory of God. If we choose to live our daily lives with an eternal perspective our trials and tribulations may not seem as catastrophic as they might seem at the moment. I have certainly gained a sense of perspective since those anxious hours at camp over thirty years ago. I’ve faced trials and triumphs, experienced grief and joy. And the best I can wish for you is that you are able to live with the feeling of home.
Home means different things throughout the seasons of our lives. What are some of your fondest memories of home? I realize that some of our childhoods may have left something to be desired, but just think for a moment, about what in your life has given you the greatest sense of love and security. I believe that the Bible teaches that whatever it is that gives us a sense of peace, tranquility, safety, and security is what our lives will be like in heaven.
As we celebrate Father’s day this weekend, I’m reminded of my feelings of home. From my younger years, I remember feeling as happy as I ever felt when my dad and I played football in the backyard. It wasn’t that he was telling me jokes or tickling me or anything like that, it’s just that he was with me and he seemed as though he wanted to be with me and he was having fun! I also remember some times when I was in my twenties when our whole family (all five of us) would be together in one place and just sitting around talking; no TV and no distractions. Home took on a different meaning when I met Mindy we decided to start building a home of our own. Before we had kids we used to take naps on Sunday afternoons. We used to enjoy long periods of uninterrupted silence. And then, since we’ve had kids, the feeling of home a taken yet a different meaning.
If we choose to live with those feelings of home with tha eternal perspective- with the promise of what is to come. If we can get a broader perspective of our temporary setbacks- physical, mental and spiritual- and envision what life will be like in the promised "new heavens and the new earth”. If we have confidence and assurance of our final home; if we know our final destination; a place of peace, rest, without sin, we can enjoy the present. If we are certain of our eternal destiny, wouldn't that knowledge make our everyday lives easier to bear? If we live with the assurance that we have a happy eternity waiting for us when we die- shouldn’t that make a difference in the way in which we live?
In his book titled, “The Divine Conspiracy” author Dallas Willard talked about living with an eternal perspective:
“The meaning of present events in human life is largely a matter of what comes later.”
“We are greatly strengthened for life in the kingdom now by an understanding of what our future holds, and especially of how that future relates to our present experience.”
That is how I felt after I finally got home that fateful Tuesday evening in June of 1973. I clearly remember laying in my bed my first night home. I felt safe, loved, needed, and as peaceful as any thirteen year old boy could feel. I felt as though I was in the place that I was designed to be in. Even though it has taken me a long time, one of the lessons I learned through my difficulty at basketball camp was that I can choose to look at the events in my life with a temporal (that is, limited) or an eternal perspective. I believe that when we get home- home with our heavenly Father- these feelings and positive experiences of home are just some of what we, as believers, have to look forward to.
In the summer of 1973, I attended a basketball camp in Millersburg, Kentucky, located about an hour north of Lexington. The camp was scheduled to last a week and promised personal interaction and hands on coaching from some of college basketball’s elite company; legendary UK basketball coach Adolph Rupp, Kentucky alumnus Dan Issel were scheduled to be there, along with many other college players and coaches. My parents suggested that, if I wanted to go, I would need to save my money, which led me to construct a small wooden box that I would use as a bank to start putting my grass-cutting money in. Did I mention that this camp was scheduled to last an entire week? I was due to arrive on a Sunday afternoon and scheduled to return home the following Saturday; six nights of sleeping in a bed that wasn’t mine, away from my beloved home. Up to that point, I had spent the night with friends only a few times, so I wasn’t sure if I could make it away from home for an entire week. Friends, I had no idea how difficult that week would turn out to be.
My mom and dad drove me to Millersburg, got me all set up in my dorm room (we stayed at a military academy) and, knowing my reluctance said, “You’ll be fine- have fun and we’ll see you next Saturday.” When I woke up on day three (Tuesday morning) of basketball camp week, I was absolutely miserable! I can remember eating breakfast that morning with fellow campers and feeling a little sick to my stomach. I felt as though the walls of the cafeteria were slowly closing in on me. I felt the other camper’s eyes looking at me, somehow knowing that I was crying; no- dying on the inside! There was only one way to explain what was going on with me- I was HOMESICK! To make a long story short, I called home about noon that day and my mom came and got me and we were safely at home by 7:00 p.m. From that day forward, I understood what it really meant to feel homesick and I hoped that I would never feel that way again.
That experience from my early teenage years had good and bad effects on my life. The good is that I can take what I learned from that and if I sense that one of my kids is feeling homesick, I can console him or her saying: “You know, it’s ok if you’re feeling a little homesick. I understand and what you are feeling is normal. Everything here at home is just fine. We love you and we miss you and we look forward to your coming home.”
On the other hand, there have been some lasting impressions that weren’t so good. For many years I felt the same sense of fear and panic I felt at age thirteen, when I drove past a cemetery. Obviously, I associated a cemetery with death and death to me meant being away from home- forever! Therefore, when I saw a cemetery, I saw a basketball camp that was scheduled to last a lifetime and beyond and I would be trapped there forever! I came to the conclusion that I needed to change my perspective of the after life.
Perhaps our scripture lesson for this morning can help us. Verse eight of second Corinthians chapter five reads:
8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
In other words, Paul said that he’d rather be in heaven with the Lord than here on earth. But then he says in verse nine:
9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.
Seventeenth century Presbyterian minister Matthew Henry had this to say regarding our scripture lesson:
“The believer not only is well assured by faith that there is another and a happy life after this is ended, but he has good hope, through grace, of heaven as a dwelling-place, a resting-place, a hiding-place. The happiness of the future state is what God has prepared for those that love him…”
I don’t know about you, but it has taken me a long time to believe- really believe- that the eternity that exists for those who put their faith in Christ, is full of happiness and yes, even joy!
To know that a loved one who has passed is still okay is a very common desire in our society. Think about how many movies or TV shows you’ve watched where the living just want to hear the message that their loved ones are okay, or where someone who has passed on wants to get that message to someone on earth. One of my earliest memories about this is the movie “Carousel,” where the hero is killed and goes to heaven, and the people up there are polishing stars all the time. That’s Heaven? Lots of star polishing? Are you ever finished? There are a lot of stars out there.
And of course, there are jokes about heaven. Like the one where the man arrives at the gates of heaven. St. Peter asks,
"Religion?"
The man says, "Methodist."
St. Peter looks down his list, and says, "Go to room 24, but be very quiet as you pass room 8." Another man arrives at the gates of heaven. "Religion?"
"Baptist."
"Go to room 18, but be very quiet as you pass room 8."A third man arrives at the gates. "Religion?"
"Lutheran."
"Go to room 11, but be very quiet as you pass room 8."
The man says, "I can understand there being different rooms for different religions, but why must I be quiet when I pass room 8?"
St. Peter tells him, "Well the Presbyterians are in room 8, and they think they're the only ones here.”
Putting “Carousel” and jokes aside, what then are we to do with all of this?
We’ve established that our hope is certain. The Christian’s final resting place is one filled with all the goodness of home and so much more. Paul emphasized that, while heaven is our destination (and a good one it is); there is life to be lived to the glory of God. If we choose to live our daily lives with an eternal perspective our trials and tribulations may not seem as catastrophic as they might seem at the moment. I have certainly gained a sense of perspective since those anxious hours at camp over thirty years ago. I’ve faced trials and triumphs, experienced grief and joy. And the best I can wish for you is that you are able to live with the feeling of home.
Home means different things throughout the seasons of our lives. What are some of your fondest memories of home? I realize that some of our childhoods may have left something to be desired, but just think for a moment, about what in your life has given you the greatest sense of love and security. I believe that the Bible teaches that whatever it is that gives us a sense of peace, tranquility, safety, and security is what our lives will be like in heaven.
As we celebrate Father’s day this weekend, I’m reminded of my feelings of home. From my younger years, I remember feeling as happy as I ever felt when my dad and I played football in the backyard. It wasn’t that he was telling me jokes or tickling me or anything like that, it’s just that he was with me and he seemed as though he wanted to be with me and he was having fun! I also remember some times when I was in my twenties when our whole family (all five of us) would be together in one place and just sitting around talking; no TV and no distractions. Home took on a different meaning when I met Mindy we decided to start building a home of our own. Before we had kids we used to take naps on Sunday afternoons. We used to enjoy long periods of uninterrupted silence. And then, since we’ve had kids, the feeling of home a taken yet a different meaning.
If we choose to live with those feelings of home with tha eternal perspective- with the promise of what is to come. If we can get a broader perspective of our temporary setbacks- physical, mental and spiritual- and envision what life will be like in the promised "new heavens and the new earth”. If we have confidence and assurance of our final home; if we know our final destination; a place of peace, rest, without sin, we can enjoy the present. If we are certain of our eternal destiny, wouldn't that knowledge make our everyday lives easier to bear? If we live with the assurance that we have a happy eternity waiting for us when we die- shouldn’t that make a difference in the way in which we live?
In his book titled, “The Divine Conspiracy” author Dallas Willard talked about living with an eternal perspective:
“The meaning of present events in human life is largely a matter of what comes later.”
“We are greatly strengthened for life in the kingdom now by an understanding of what our future holds, and especially of how that future relates to our present experience.”
That is how I felt after I finally got home that fateful Tuesday evening in June of 1973. I clearly remember laying in my bed my first night home. I felt safe, loved, needed, and as peaceful as any thirteen year old boy could feel. I felt as though I was in the place that I was designed to be in. Even though it has taken me a long time, one of the lessons I learned through my difficulty at basketball camp was that I can choose to look at the events in my life with a temporal (that is, limited) or an eternal perspective. I believe that when we get home- home with our heavenly Father- these feelings and positive experiences of home are just some of what we, as believers, have to look forward to.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Latest and goodest
Friday June 9, 2006- 8:12 a.m.
Today is the end of a long and grueling week. Clergy kid 1 has had a bit of laryngitis and some allergy stuff going on since Sunday and she hasn’t been sleeping well (too much coughing). Therefore, Mrs. CC and I haven’t been sleeping well, either. Wed. night I slept on the couch to avoid Anytime one of the kids gets sick I am convinced- in my own twisted, little brain- that he or she is being sick just to make me angry. Like they can control whether they get sick or not! I am so all about me!
MH has had a terrible cough this week, too. Except when she coughs, she really coughs! It sounds like a lawn mower running over a steel blade when she coughs. UGH. Leave that at home, girl…
I took JH to lunch the other day and we talked (gossiped) about everyone in the building. We weren’t ruthless or mean, we just had discussions about the people and their situations.
11:17 a.m.
I can’t stand to see KM or RW around the building- they make me extremely nervous! I’m going to lunch now- 11:30-1:00- woo hoo! I sent a text message to my wife asking her for some special time tonight- I like my chances!
3:23 p.m.
I am desperately trying to keep my eyes open! I am working on my sermon for next weekend. I guess it’s not a very good sign when the person that is writing the sermon is falling asleep! What a snoozer this promises to be for all the others that will hear it.
Monday, May 01, 2006
I'm back again
Thursday April 27, 2006
Feeling a bit discouraged for some reason. It’s an absolutely beautiful day. Sarah and Mary went to the zoo today- I’ll bet they had a good time.
I talked to LE this morning and left there with a few thoughts:
- He doesn’t think the training role will be phased out or eliminated
- He can’t guarantee that I will have a mgmnt. position just because I say I’m interested. This comes as a result of my latest internet flare-up. My sense is that RW has some real concerns about my leadership skills.
- We have a lot left to accomplish in our division as related to consultative selling skills.
- He feels as though his mission field is big co. - he feels as though he does ministry at big co. every day.
- I don’t have clear sense of whether or not he believes in me or my abilities- I need to hear that from him.
I have four PP presentations to present within the next thirty days as well as prepare a sermon for the last weekend in May. The PP’s are generally done, just needs some minor tweaking. I am concerned that “It’s All About You” being ninety minutes in length. I practiced it yesterday and it was only thirty minutes! Yikes! I’ll talk to KW tomorrow – will I have time? He can help me tie it together and bring some flow to the whole thing.
I am looking forward to having the day off next Tuesday- my 46th birthday. I don’t really know what I’m going to do other than take it easy. I’d like to go to Camp or somewhere like it to meditate, pray and just be still. Can I do that?
I called mega church yesterday afternoon and left a message for the director of HR. This was my second call and I haven’t heard from her as of yet. Have they filled the position? Who got it? Why didn’t I get a shot at it? I haven’t given up yet! I believe they’ll send a letter notifying me that the position has been filled soon, perhaps.
I talked to PD last night and told him about my vocational dilemma. I informed him that if I got back into management, that would limit my involvement as the CLP. He said, “You know I can’t do all of this myself!” I know- I’m not asking you to. I realize that you worked 2000 and some hours last year and I don’t really care!
Most blessed wife is her usual kind and loving self. She has got to be getting tired of listening to me moan and groan about my job. If I were her I’d tell me to shut up and do something! Just be happy, man!
I don’t want to be in sales management! I did that and I didn’t like it! I am a presentation guy- I like being in front of people. I love the experience of preaching and I think I’m good at it. I felt such a sense of fulfillment after last Sunday’s sermon- is that my pride?
Feeling a bit discouraged for some reason. It’s an absolutely beautiful day. Sarah and Mary went to the zoo today- I’ll bet they had a good time.
I talked to LE this morning and left there with a few thoughts:
- He doesn’t think the training role will be phased out or eliminated
- He can’t guarantee that I will have a mgmnt. position just because I say I’m interested. This comes as a result of my latest internet flare-up. My sense is that RW has some real concerns about my leadership skills.
- We have a lot left to accomplish in our division as related to consultative selling skills.
- He feels as though his mission field is big co. - he feels as though he does ministry at big co. every day.
- I don’t have clear sense of whether or not he believes in me or my abilities- I need to hear that from him.
I have four PP presentations to present within the next thirty days as well as prepare a sermon for the last weekend in May. The PP’s are generally done, just needs some minor tweaking. I am concerned that “It’s All About You” being ninety minutes in length. I practiced it yesterday and it was only thirty minutes! Yikes! I’ll talk to KW tomorrow – will I have time? He can help me tie it together and bring some flow to the whole thing.
I am looking forward to having the day off next Tuesday- my 46th birthday. I don’t really know what I’m going to do other than take it easy. I’d like to go to Camp or somewhere like it to meditate, pray and just be still. Can I do that?
I called mega church yesterday afternoon and left a message for the director of HR. This was my second call and I haven’t heard from her as of yet. Have they filled the position? Who got it? Why didn’t I get a shot at it? I haven’t given up yet! I believe they’ll send a letter notifying me that the position has been filled soon, perhaps.
I talked to PD last night and told him about my vocational dilemma. I informed him that if I got back into management, that would limit my involvement as the CLP. He said, “You know I can’t do all of this myself!” I know- I’m not asking you to. I realize that you worked 2000 and some hours last year and I don’t really care!
Most blessed wife is her usual kind and loving self. She has got to be getting tired of listening to me moan and groan about my job. If I were her I’d tell me to shut up and do something! Just be happy, man!
I don’t want to be in sales management! I did that and I didn’t like it! I am a presentation guy- I like being in front of people. I love the experience of preaching and I think I’m good at it. I felt such a sense of fulfillment after last Sunday’s sermon- is that my pride?
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