Today I mailed an Easter card to a far-away friend. I decorated the envelope with a few Easter stickers declaring "He is Risen!" Then, as I attached the stamp in the top right corner, I noticed it said simply, "Justice."
Justice. How appropriate. How profound. Justice is a heavy word, one bearing the full weight of the law. When Justice is truly served, it may be hard, but it is right, and there is no way around it.
Justice fell on Jesus on a Friday. Not for anything He had done. It was the Justice we deserved. He served the sentence, taking the punishment for our crimes. Crimes against God, against our fellow humans, against ourselves. We are all guilty before God. Justice.
God placed the stamp of Justice on Jesus as He hung on our cross in our place. Justice was fulfilled.
On Sunday something remarkable happened. With Justice now satisfied, God placed the stamp of Mercy on us. Mercy. Grace. Forgiveness. Hope. Life.
Why?
Love. That's Easter.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Free Like a Hawk
A couple days ago I was walking around our neighborhood and saw a hawk land on a tree branch with a dead squirrel in his grip. I stopped to watch for a moment as the beautiful bird looked around and hopped from one branch to another with his catch.
I was a little sad for the squirrel's loss of life, but still impressed by the hawk's skill and beauty and majesty. And I wondered what it is about birds of prey, killers that they are, that captivates us even to the extent of making one a symbol of our nation. And I came up with a theory.
Hawks, eagles, and other birds of prey are apex predators just like killer whales and tigers. No one seeks to eat them. They occupy a position of freedom and power. Fear is unknown to them.
We humans, on the other hand, are a strange lot, an apex predator by virtue of our brains. Physically, we are not so impressive compared to other animals that could easily devour us. We are not the fastest or the strongest. We don't have sharp claws or giant teeth. Other critters can see and hear far better than we can.
And yet we have these thumbs and these crazy brains that enable us to imagine and create and dominate. But these same brains that make us a threat to all other species by the way we can manipulate the world around us, at the same time, make us painfully aware of our precarious lot in life. So, even as we dare to dominate this world, our own self-awareness threatens our sense of security.
The hawk remains confident, powerful, and free from fear. And those traits make him very attractive to us. How we long to rise above the weight and fear and mess of this world... to fly in freedom.
How fitting then that our deepest longing is matched by our gracious God. He assures us that those who hope in Him will "renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31) For Christ-followers, saved by grace alone, made new creations by the love of God, there is freedom from fear and sin and death.
Thus, we look at the mighty hawk with yearning and admiration, and find that our Creator, through Jesus, has even more so bestowed upon us the very traits we crave. "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:1) So go... fly!
I was a little sad for the squirrel's loss of life, but still impressed by the hawk's skill and beauty and majesty. And I wondered what it is about birds of prey, killers that they are, that captivates us even to the extent of making one a symbol of our nation. And I came up with a theory.
Hawks, eagles, and other birds of prey are apex predators just like killer whales and tigers. No one seeks to eat them. They occupy a position of freedom and power. Fear is unknown to them.
We humans, on the other hand, are a strange lot, an apex predator by virtue of our brains. Physically, we are not so impressive compared to other animals that could easily devour us. We are not the fastest or the strongest. We don't have sharp claws or giant teeth. Other critters can see and hear far better than we can.
And yet we have these thumbs and these crazy brains that enable us to imagine and create and dominate. But these same brains that make us a threat to all other species by the way we can manipulate the world around us, at the same time, make us painfully aware of our precarious lot in life. So, even as we dare to dominate this world, our own self-awareness threatens our sense of security.
The hawk remains confident, powerful, and free from fear. And those traits make him very attractive to us. How we long to rise above the weight and fear and mess of this world... to fly in freedom.
How fitting then that our deepest longing is matched by our gracious God. He assures us that those who hope in Him will "renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31) For Christ-followers, saved by grace alone, made new creations by the love of God, there is freedom from fear and sin and death.
Thus, we look at the mighty hawk with yearning and admiration, and find that our Creator, through Jesus, has even more so bestowed upon us the very traits we crave. "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:1) So go... fly!
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Alive
Boredom is our enemy. But entertainment is not the answer. Entertainment is, after all, a mere rabbit trail distraction. The real answer is excitement. Passion. That's what makes you feel alive. Find yours. And do it. Why not spend life feeling alive?
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
The Snowball Effect of Three Little Owls
Sometimes I have a knack for complicating things. For example, Jon gave me three beautiful pictures of owls for Christmas. It was such a thoughtful gift. I had mentioned that I just realized I really like owls a lot (perhaps a victim of some covert marketing scheme, but I like them nonetheless). And I had seen some really cool owl pictures at a store. And then my insightful hubby found some owl pictures at a different store and got them for me. How cool is that?!
So I have these lovely owl pictures, and I must find just the right place to hang them. Will they go in the living room where they look so cozy against the soft green walls (but there's not much room for them)? Or the toy room where they would add a touch of sophisticated whimsy (but... with the kids?)? Or the master bedroom where I can admire them privately (but I'd like everyone to see them)? Or perhaps the hallway (but I've always planned on hanging family pictures in the hallway)?
As one thing leads to another, so my search for a home for my new owls leads me to consider the hallway and our family pictures. If the family pictures were in place, I would have a better idea of where exactly the owl pictures might go in the hallway. How can I possibly rule out the hallway when I'm not sure where the pictures could go? I'd hate to hang the owls, and later discover that that would have been the prime location for the family pictures.
So I started with a simple proposition: to hang my new owl pictures. And now I find myself in the midst of a full-blown project of organizing my entire inventory of picture frames (which I have been collecting over the years for this very purpose), selecting just the right family photos, and arranging the photos in appropriate frames. It is a big, time-consuming project, which is why I have no family photos hanging in my hallway, which of course hinders my quest for a place to hang my owls.
While I am making progress on my family photo project, I still wonder if I should just choose another location for the owls to perch and be done with it. But what good are the family pictures if no one ever sees them? And what about the decorative shelves I found in the back of my closet that need to be hung up somewhere? Once the walls are all adorned, the house will feel that much more cozy and friendly. Now, should the shelves go in the living room...?
And my three little owls rest quietly against a wall in my bedroom, waiting for their day to come.
So I have these lovely owl pictures, and I must find just the right place to hang them. Will they go in the living room where they look so cozy against the soft green walls (but there's not much room for them)? Or the toy room where they would add a touch of sophisticated whimsy (but... with the kids?)? Or the master bedroom where I can admire them privately (but I'd like everyone to see them)? Or perhaps the hallway (but I've always planned on hanging family pictures in the hallway)?
As one thing leads to another, so my search for a home for my new owls leads me to consider the hallway and our family pictures. If the family pictures were in place, I would have a better idea of where exactly the owl pictures might go in the hallway. How can I possibly rule out the hallway when I'm not sure where the pictures could go? I'd hate to hang the owls, and later discover that that would have been the prime location for the family pictures.
So I started with a simple proposition: to hang my new owl pictures. And now I find myself in the midst of a full-blown project of organizing my entire inventory of picture frames (which I have been collecting over the years for this very purpose), selecting just the right family photos, and arranging the photos in appropriate frames. It is a big, time-consuming project, which is why I have no family photos hanging in my hallway, which of course hinders my quest for a place to hang my owls.
While I am making progress on my family photo project, I still wonder if I should just choose another location for the owls to perch and be done with it. But what good are the family pictures if no one ever sees them? And what about the decorative shelves I found in the back of my closet that need to be hung up somewhere? Once the walls are all adorned, the house will feel that much more cozy and friendly. Now, should the shelves go in the living room...?
And my three little owls rest quietly against a wall in my bedroom, waiting for their day to come.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Hopes and Aspirations for 2013
Here we are in 2013. A whole nother year. A chance to start anew, to tweak some of the good things, to tear down the bad. It's the dawning of fresh opportunities.
Or is it simply the day after yesterday? It depends on what we determine to do with it. How we think about it. It all begins in our minds.
So what will we do with this gift of a new year? Let us dare to take the chance. Try something new. Step out of our comfort zones. Grow and succeed. Stretch the boundaries, especially the ones we impose on ourselves. Reach out to help others. Be the one. Take responsibility.
Now, go! Start, and keep on starting. Happy New Year!
Or is it simply the day after yesterday? It depends on what we determine to do with it. How we think about it. It all begins in our minds.
So what will we do with this gift of a new year? Let us dare to take the chance. Try something new. Step out of our comfort zones. Grow and succeed. Stretch the boundaries, especially the ones we impose on ourselves. Reach out to help others. Be the one. Take responsibility.
Now, go! Start, and keep on starting. Happy New Year!
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Inns and Mangers and Genies
Christmastime is upon us... that wonderful, joyous, busy, holy time of year. The children at our church did a super job of sharing the Christmas story with us all this morning. Anna and Will were shepherds, and Evan was the cutest donkey ever (though I may be a little biased).
Anyway, it was a great reminder of the meaning of the season. Of how God Almighty humbled himself and came to us, to live among us. There was no room in the inn. How could all the vastness of the Creator squeeze into a Bethlehem inn anyway? Even more, how could he fit into the size of a tiny babe sleeping in a manger? It reminds me of the scene in Aladdin where the Genie, describing his own situation, says "phenomenal cosmic powers... itty bitty living space."
But there he is, our God, in a stable among the dirt and livestock and humble folk. The Creator stepping into his creation. More powerful and wonderful than any genie, he seeks us, pursues us, transforms us. He could raise up the rocks to praise and glorify his name, but he wants us. He chooses us. Do we have room for him?
Anyway, it was a great reminder of the meaning of the season. Of how God Almighty humbled himself and came to us, to live among us. There was no room in the inn. How could all the vastness of the Creator squeeze into a Bethlehem inn anyway? Even more, how could he fit into the size of a tiny babe sleeping in a manger? It reminds me of the scene in Aladdin where the Genie, describing his own situation, says "phenomenal cosmic powers... itty bitty living space."
But there he is, our God, in a stable among the dirt and livestock and humble folk. The Creator stepping into his creation. More powerful and wonderful than any genie, he seeks us, pursues us, transforms us. He could raise up the rocks to praise and glorify his name, but he wants us. He chooses us. Do we have room for him?
Saturday, December 8, 2012
What If We Could Change The World?
It's Christmastime, and the race to get more stuff for our loved ones is on. There are traffic jams around the malls and long check-out lines at the popular stores. As I consider what sort of goodies might make my little ones smile, I look around our home and see the bounty they already have, and I wonder...
What if we could all indulge a little less on ourselves and our families? Are those shiny new toys really worth it? Do we really need...?
What if we deliberately reduced our Christmas spending and used that money to help others? Others in far more desperate need?
What if we skipped some of the coolest toys and gadgets, and instead bought goats? Or chickens? For a family whose life would be changed by our kindness.
What if we invested our money in providing education for a child somewhere in that other world? Or maybe supported a clean water project that sets up wells to help entire communities enjoy safe drinking water?
What if this Christmas we looked beyond "us" and made a difference for "them?" Could we clear our eyes of all the glitter and excitement, promoted by shiny baubles and mall music, and reach out beyond our own world to really make an impact?
Just think about what could happen. We could change a life. We could offer hope. It seems to me that's the true spirit of Christmas. And yet it is so very difficult.
Visit www.worldvisiongifts.org (or another such organization) to learn how to help in these types of projects and more.
What if we could all indulge a little less on ourselves and our families? Are those shiny new toys really worth it? Do we really need...?
What if we deliberately reduced our Christmas spending and used that money to help others? Others in far more desperate need?
What if we skipped some of the coolest toys and gadgets, and instead bought goats? Or chickens? For a family whose life would be changed by our kindness.
What if we invested our money in providing education for a child somewhere in that other world? Or maybe supported a clean water project that sets up wells to help entire communities enjoy safe drinking water?
What if this Christmas we looked beyond "us" and made a difference for "them?" Could we clear our eyes of all the glitter and excitement, promoted by shiny baubles and mall music, and reach out beyond our own world to really make an impact?
Just think about what could happen. We could change a life. We could offer hope. It seems to me that's the true spirit of Christmas. And yet it is so very difficult.
Visit www.worldvisiongifts.org (or another such organization) to learn how to help in these types of projects and more.
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