The significance of the ordinary

To the left you see the Wittenberg Schlosskirche Turen, the door to the Wittenberg castle church.  It was on this door that Martin Luther posted his 95 points of debate some 491 years ago.  Many scholars look to that date and event as the start of the Protestant Reformation.

But, I will dare to say, Martin Luther probably did not.

And that brings me to the point of this post, the significance of the ordinary.  All around society - even, maybe especially even, Christian society - are those who are consumed with finding and joining The Next Big Thing (TNBT).  Be it a political party, social cause, religious movement, global initiative, TNBT is eagerly discussed, parsed, disected and its leaders given cult-like status.

For Luther, it was an ordinary day.  He had been progressing in his studies for years; had given many years of faithful service; and was raising some questions he felt needed to be raised according to his understanding of Scripture and its application to life and culture.  Proposing the topics for debate was just another step in the process of this faithful life.

Luther, I will argue, was not trying to lead a movement, overthrow the establishment, initiate a revolution or a reformation.  He was taking steps each day to remain faithful to what illumination God gave him into His holy word.

491 years later, the task still remains.

Today, pastors are faced with a multitude of choices.  They do not have the indulgence system of Tetzel to do battle against; but they do have a society that has become indulgent, tolerant and anesthetized to that which will only bring about her certain destruction.  Now is not the time to create TNBT; it is time to take a stand for what is right.  It is time to do what is ordinary for a follower and disciple of Jesus of Nazareth to do - stand for truth, call those living in darkness to repentence, lift up the empty cross of Christ and proclaim a resurrected, living Savior exists to provide the salvation of souls in desperate need for eternal salvation.  Don't worry about what to call it; someone with far more creativity and insight than we will handle that.  Hold yourself close to the light of God's Word and invite others to warm by its fire and fan the flames so that it burns into their souls as well.

Never underestimate the significance of the ordinary.

Jeremiah 22 - 23

Messages are given to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, particularly the kings and leaders.  They would suffer extreme loss, captivity and go down forgotten by history due to their lack of obedience in following God's commands.  In spite of all this, God would still honor His name by preserving a small remnant of people who did love, follow and obey Him.  This remnant would be gathered from across the world and would be ruled by the Leader God Himself establishes.  This Leader would be named The Lord Our Righteousness, and He would fulfill all the promises made to the nation by God.  The false prophets and priests would be destroyed under the rule of this Righteous Leader

A rare political posting

In less than one week, California will vote on the following proposition: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” 

As you can imagine, the outcry is great.  In fact, the proposition is being called "Opposition to Gay Marriage."  Let me state clearly my position on this issue.  I am voting YES on Proposition 8, not because I am opposed to gay marriage (though I am).  I am voting YES on Proposition 8 because I am COMMITTED to TRADTIONAL MARRIAGE.

Opponents are crying "discrimination."  Proposition 8 has nothing to do with discrimination.  Oh, I hear the cries already "You are discriminating against the homosexual lifestyle."  Proposition 8 does no such thing.  Let me explain.  Discrimination is "the power of making fine distinctions; discriminating judgment" according to www.dictionary.com (their 3rd definition).  "Wait, you just sank your own boat!  You're judgmental!" comes the cry.  No, and yes.

Judgment is always necessary.  You discriminate every day.  You chose to come to this web site above any other (unless you just clicked "next blog").  You chose the type of computer you are using to read this, the wallpaper on your screen, even the password for your sensitive files.  And you did so to the exclusion of a lot of other choices.  You and I discriminate every single day.  And that is a good thing.

You see, I am the victim of discrimination.  For years, my dreams and hopes, all my plans for life centered around one thing.  And then, discrimination reared its ugly head and denied me my dreams and shattered my hopes.  There is no chance for restitution or reparation; and I will always be the victim of discrimination at the hands of my government.  You see, my hopes dreams and plans centered on flying Apache helicopters.  But I was discriminated against - because of what I am.  I am colorblind; and no military will give me a million-dollar piece of equipment when I cannot tell which troops are the enemy and which are friendly.  Nothing I can do will change my colorblindness.  It is part of who I am genetically; and the source of discrimination - and yet it is a good thing!

Fast forward to the issue on the ballot.  To say that this proposition is discriminating is true.  We must make a distinction between what is acceptable and what is not.  This discrimination is not made judgmentally based on what a person is; but it is made to differentiate between what a person does to qualify for the label "married" in the state of California.

Jeremiah 20 - 21

Jeremiah faces political pressure to change his message.  This pressure comes from the chief of the temple police.  Yet, Jeremiah does not - indeed, he cannot - change his message.  He states, that when he attempts to hold back what God has given him to share, it is physically painful to him.  The message is unchanged; Judah will fall.  Those who are willing to defect to the side of the attackers will live; but none who try to 'tough it out' will survive.

Jeremiah 18 - 19

Jeremiah is given the assignment to go to the potter's house and observe the actions of the potter.  God uses this as an illustration of what He will do to the nation.  He will do as He plans, and nothing will stand in His way.  After Jeremiah gives the message, the people revolt and try to imprison the prophet.  He gives them another illustration, breaking a dish before them symbolizing the way that their destruction will come and the total calamity that will result.

Jeremiah 15 - 17

God is determined to bring judgment to the nation of Judah.  Nothing will dissuade Him from punishing his rebellious people.  However, He promises Jeremiah that those who return to Him will not suffer as greatly as those who refuse to repent.  As a sign of God's displeasure with the nation, He commands Jeremiah to not marry or attend funerals or weddings.  God was going to take away all the reasons for rejoicing; and Jeremiah's absence at these events would speak to that fact.  There would be those who trusted their own conscience's message of peace; but God states that the heart of man is desperately wicked and its thoughts unknowable by humankind.  God repeatedly calls the nation to a restoration of its former ways, a reinstitution of the law He had given them.  But the nation would not listen or obey.

Jeremiah 12 - 14

Nestled in this passage is a chilling indictment of the prophets in the land of Israel concurrent with Jeremiah.  God states that the majority of those claiming to speak on His behalf are lying prophets.  They do not know, do not represent, and do not stand as a representative for God.  What a statement!  Many were being deceived, thinking they were hearing from one called the "man of God" who knew less than the people they claimed to instruct.  Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident.  Even today, there are many who do not know God or His ways, and yet seek to communicate His words to the detriment of those who hear and the damnation of their very souls.  Anyone who claims to speak on behalf of the Almighty would do well to be sure that when they say "thus saith the Lord" they are accurately representing Deity.  Those who fail to heed this warning do so at their own peril.

Jeremiah 9 - 11

The prophet reminds his hearers that strength, glory, power or wisdom are not qualities in which one can rest.  The only quality in which one can find reason to rejoice is in knowing and understanding God.  Knowing that God is just, holy, supportive of mercy and loving loyalty will give a man a reason to rest and find comfort.  So ... where do you find YOUR comfort?

Jeremiah 6 - 8

Among this prophecy that predicts the coming destruction of the nation, Israel is challenged to return to "the old ways and the former paths" of following God.  Too often today, we as a society are so enamored of the new and that which is different that we hardly notice we have gotten off the old path of following God.  By following after fads and fame, we have forsaken the Father.  God in heaven, keep me on the right path, the old path of following You.

Jeremiah 3 - 5

God reveals to Jeremiah the terrible condition of the nation of Judah.  She has not learned the lessons intended to be learnt from her sister nation, Israel (the northern 10 tribes carried away by Assyria).  As a result of Israel's sin, she was taken captive; yet Judah did not see this as a call to repentence and change.  Instead, she acted much like an adulterous woman, going after as many strange bedfellows as possible.  Jewish law prohibited such a woman from being returned to her husband; but God demonstrates His great love and mercy by wooing His beloved nation back to Himself.  Those who would respond would be restored; while those who continued their lecherous ways would be destroyed.

Jeremiah 1 - 2

Jeremiah is commissioned to take a message of judgment to God's people.  He records for us that he served the Lord during the time leading up to the captivity of Jerusalem by Babylon.  God's commission of Jeremiah reminds me that God has a purpose for each person - a design for life that extends far beyond the borders of one's existence.  Jeremiah is sent ot a peoplet hat have turned their backs on God and His ways.  He is to call them back in repentance so that they will avoid the punishment that must surely follow disobedience.  Israel is unconvinced of her sin, all the while continuing to engage in it.  She has been blinded by her actions and will be held accountable.

Isaiah 65 - 66

God promises that in the last day, at the final judgment, His servants will not suffer want of anything; but that His enemies will know only want and destitution.  In that day, God will recreate the heavens and the earth and this new creation will not know the stain of sin.  Time will be greatly different from what we understand it to be currently.  God will be the focus of everyone's attention; and all will gladly and willingly serve Him the way He deserves and demands to be worshipped.

Isaiah 62 - 64

God again promises the salvation and deliverance of His people.  Those who would be tempted to write them off as desolate and forsaken, will find that they are the ones in whom God delights - and their joy rivals that of newlyweds.  The people of Israel will not be forgotten or forsaken.  In light of this fact, the nation calls out to God and begs for forgiveness and restoration.  They seek to be reunited with the God Who chose them.  They humbly return to the One who loves them and ask for all to be made right.

Isaiah 59 - 61

When man tries to redeem himself from the problems he faces, he encounters only more trouble.  God sees man's vain attempts to perform a self-rescue; and it prompts Him to offer Himself as the Ransom in the person of His Son.  The Son (also called the Servant in Isaiah) will provide rescue, release and relief.  He brings the brightness and clarity that is needed in a dark and wandering society.  He provides a vast contrast from the world around Him; in fact, events take a drastic 180-degree turn from darkness to light, mourning to rejoicing, and sadness to gladness.

Isaiah 56 - 58

The one who follows themself, will always find themselves following a fool!  Those who attempt to make their own rules and live the way they please will find themselves at odds against the God who created them.  For this reason, these people are called to come to the Lord and learn His ways, so that they might be prosperous.

Isaiah 53 - 55

God's Servant is described as One Who will demonstrate God's love at a great cost.  Misunderstood and mistreated, the Servant is greatly rewarded and is seen by God as being highly successful.  God's ways are carried out in the life of this Servant; and we are the beneficiaries, we who are so undesrving.  For this reason, we can sing and rejoice in the peace that the Servant initiates on our behalf.  An invitation is extended to those who will respond to God's offer of peace and abundance.  This is not a life of ease; but a life that is blessed by having God as its Director and Sustainer.  His ways and words are right and righteous.  His plans bring the way of life and rejoicing.

Isaiah 50 - 52

God continues to call for those who will respond to His voice and come repentently to His side.  Those who do will find solace, comfort and protection.  Those who look to their heritage (national, family, etc.) will be disappointed.  But those who turn to God will never be disappointed.  In fact, far from knowing disappointment, they will know true joy and peace while the rest of the world knows nothing but destruction.  In the midst of this, Jerusalem becomes a place of joy and delight.

Isaiah 47 - 49

Judgment is pronounced on Babylon.  Unfortunately, pride will overcome Babylon, so that she does not even perceive the danger she is in until it is too late.  She has taken pride in her dealings conducted seemingly unseen by anyone; but she has not escaped the view of the Holy One of Israel.

Even through this process, Israel will be brought into a greater relationship with her God.  Although they are stubborn and refuse to acknowledge their dependence on God, He performs His mighty works in order to magnify His own great name.  His plan from the beginning has been to redeem the nation of Israel and give no rest to the wicked.

To fulfill this plan, God will send His Servant to do His work and bring Israel back to Him.  Not only will this Servant redeem Israel; but He will bring salvation to the ends of the earth.  This should result (and will result) in global expressions of praise and thanksgiving.  God will not abandon the nation He has set apart to display His glory.

Isaiah 45 - 46

God promises to support and direct a leader named Cyrus who will be His servant, though he does not know God.  This demonstrates that God has power to orchestrate even the lives and names of those not yet born to prove His power to provide what He has promised.  He also promises to be found by those seeking Him - for He alone is God.  There is none other.  Nothing can be compared to Him, for He is unique in His character.

Isaiah 43 - 44

God steps in and reminds Israel that they have no need to fear when He is present.  Over and again, He reminds them "Fear not" and even lists the times when He will be present.  Floods, darkness, fire - none of these present a barrier to God's protective powers.  He simply states "You are Mine."

The nation will not always respond to the call to fear not, and to come into His presence.  They will rebel and suffer the punishment necessitated by their actions.  But yet God still promises forgiveness and restoration.

No matter what I face today, I do not have to fear.  God is always beside me.

Isaiah 41 - 42

Isaiah states to the nation that God is their peace.  In the light of all that goes on in their midst, God is present to deliver and bless.  Would they return to Him?  Would they turn from their wicked ways?  He had promised to strengthen and help them; but would they accept that offer?

Isaiah 39 - 40

Hezekiah, in a foolish rush to display the blessing of God on his life, shows the wealth of the nation to emissaries from Babylon.  Isaiah tells him that due to this arrogant display of wealth, the riches of Israel will be carried away to Babylon.

The nation is then given a message of comfort from God.  He has heard their cries and will answer them with deliverance, protection and provision.

Isaiah 37 - 38

The Hebrews were at the point of frustration due to the Assyrian invasion.  However, God promised them that they would be delivered; and not an arrow would be fired in the battle.  The next morning, over 185,000 of the Assyrian army lay dead; the rest fled home.  The leader was later assassinated in his hometown by his own family.  God prevailed.

King Hezekiah then faced another challenge - this one to his own health and livelihood.  Unless he repented, God would take his life.  Due to his repentence, God prolonged his life for 15 years.

Isaiah 34 - 36

Isaiah gives a description of the day when God's vengeance is poured out upon the nations.  In that day, nations will attempt to flee from His wrath, but will be unsuccessful.  Isaiah then describes the joy that will be found among God's people when the way of blessing has been prepared for them.

Then it all gets put to the test.  Emissaries from Assyria come and threaten the city of Jerusalem, warning the citizens to not listen to Hezekiah's pleas to trust in God.  These messages are delivered, not in the Aramaic language used in the government, but in Hebrew so that all the citizens would know the terror intended by the Assyrian army.

Hezekiah's command is simple:  do not answer these men.

Isaiah 32 - 33

When God judges the nations, He will establish His own reign.  This reign will be characterized by righteousness and justice.  All will be treatly appropriately; all will see that God is the fair Judge of the Universe, as His reign is a time of peace.  He will be upheld as a beautiful ruler with impeccable judgment.  None can compare to Him.

Isaiah 30 - 31

When the nation of Israel comes under judgment, Isaiah warns her inhabitants to NOT look to the oppressors as the ones in whom trust should be placed.  Even these oppressors - who would seemingly be initially victorious - would be defeated by God's great power.  Turning to other nations for help and rescue is futile when it abandons God in the process.

Isaiah 28 - 29

Just because one is an inhabitant of Jerusalem, their safety and blessing is not guaranteed.  God promises that He will judge based on personal criteria, and that place of residence is not one of the qualifying parameters.  Those who despise God's word and teaching will be judged.  Yet those who profess to love God while their hearts want nothing to do with Him will also be chastened, as God desires a pure and sincere worship.  In spite of all the promises of punishment and discipline, God will still bring about good to those who love, fear and serve Him.

Isaiah 26 - 27

A song of praise is predicted for the day when God will give rest to His people from the oppressors on every side.  This song of praise focuses not on the position or blessing the people enjoy; but on the One Who provides it.  This song elevates God and highlights His actions without being boastful or proud or gloating.  What a lesson for me today!

Isaiah 23 - 25

In the midst of the destruction that God will bring to His enemies, He will still remember His people.  The destruction will be complete; God will not tolerate any, nor will He show favoritism based on social standing or status.  All will be treated fairly and justly.  However, He will show kindness to His people and will preserve them in the midst of trouble.

Weekend Lite

Thanks to a friend (HT:  Jen), I now have this list.  How many of these things have YOU done?  My answers are in bold.  Things I haven't done are in italics.

1. Touched an iceberg

2. Slept under the stars

3. Been a part of a hockey fight

4. Changed a baby's diaper

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Swam with wild dolphins

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a tarantula

10. Said "I love you" and meant it!!

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Stayed up all night long and watched the sun rise 

15. Seen the NorthernLights

16. Gone to a huge sports game 

17. Walked the stairs to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables

19. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope

20. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Bet on a winning horse

23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping (never quite brave enough for this one)

27. Taken an ice cold bath

28. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Ridden a roller coaster

31. Hit a home run

32. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking!!

33. Adopted an accent for fun

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Felt very happy about your life, even for just a moment

36. Loved your job 90% of the time

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Watched wild whales

39. Gone rock climbing(Do rock walls count?)

40. Gone on a midnight walk on the beach

41. Gone sky diving

42. Visited Ireland( I wish!)

43. Ever bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited India

45. Bench-pressed your own weight

46. Milked a cow

47. Alphabetized your personal files

48. Ever worn a superhero costume

49. Sung karaoke

50. Lounged around in bed all day

51. Gone scuba diving

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Done something you should regret, but don't

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Been in a movie

60. Gone without food for 3 days

61. Made cookies from scratch

62. Won first prize in a costume contest

63. Got flowers for no reason (got them FOR someone)

64. Been in a combat zone

65. Spoken more than one language fluently

66. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone - verbal not physical

67. Bounced a check

68. Read - and understood - your credit report

69. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy

70. Found out something significant that your ancestors did (like inventing the dishwasher!)

71. Called or written your Congress person

72. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over

73. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge

74. Helped an animal give birth

75. Been fired or laid off from a job

76. Won money

77. Broken a bone

78. Ridden a motorcycle

79. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph

80. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon

81. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing

82. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days

83. Eaten sushi

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read The Bible cover to cover

86. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about

87. Gotten someone fired for their actions

88. Gone back to school

89. Changed your name

90. Caught a fly in the air with your bare hands

91. Eaten fried green tomatoes

92. Read The Iliad

93. Taught yourself an art from scratch

94. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

95. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt

96. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language

97. Been elected to public office

99. Had to put someone you love into hospice care

100. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you

101. Had a booth at a street fair

102. Dyed your hair

103. Been a DJ

104. Rocked a baby to sleep

105. Ever dropped a cat from a high place to see if it really lands on all fours. 

106. Raked your carpet(HUH?)

107. Brought out the best in people 

108. Brought out the worst in people (I think there may be a few...)

109. Worn a mood ring 

110. Ridden a horse

111. Carved an animal from a piece of wood or bar of soap 

112. Cooked a dish where four people asked for the recipe.

113. Buried a child (not my own)

114. Gone to a Broadway (or equivalent to your country) play

115. Been inside the pyramids

116. Shot a basketball into a basket

117. Danced at a disco 

118. Played in a band

119. Shot a bird

120. Gone to an arboretum

121. Tutored someone

122. Ridden a train

123. Brought an old fad back into style

124. Eaten caviar

125. Let a salesman talk you into something you didn’t need

126. Ridden a giraffe or elephant

127. Published a book

128. Pieced a quilt

129. Lived in an historic place

130. Acted in a play or performed on a stage

131. Asked for a raise

132. Made a hole-in-one

133. Gone deep sea fishing

134. Gone roller skating

135. Run a marathon

136. Learned to surf

137. Invented something

138. Flown first class

139. Spent the night in a 5-star luxury suite

140. Flown in a helicopter

141. Visited Africa

142. Sang a solo

143. Gone spelunking

144. Learned how to take a compliment

145. Written a love-story 

146. Seen Michelangelo’s David

147. Had your portrait painted

148. Written a fan letter

149. Spent the night in something haunted

150. Owned a St. Bernard or Great Dane

151. Ran away

152. Learned to juggle

153. Been a boss

154. Sat on a jury

155. Lied about your weight

156.Gone on a diet

157. Found an arrowhead or a gold nugget

158. Written a poem

159. Carried your lunch in a lunch box

160. Gotten food poisoning

161. Gone on a service, humanitarian or religious mission

162. Hiked the Grand Canyon

163. Sat on a park bench and fed the ducks

164. Gone to the opera

165. Gotten a letter from someone famous

166. Worn knickers

167. Ridden in a limousine 

168. Attended the Olympics

169. Can hula or waltz

170. Read a half dozen Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books

171. Been stuck in an elevator

172. Had a revelatory dream

173. Thought you might crash in an airplane

174. Had a song dedicated to you on the radio or at a concert

175. Saved someone’s life

176. Eaten raw whale(again, why would anyone!?)

177. Know how to tat, smock or do needlepoint

178. Laughed till your side hurt

179. Straddled the equator

180. Taken a photograph of something other than people that is worth framing

181. Gone to a Shakespeare Festival

182. Sent a message in a bottle

183. Spent the night in a hostel

184. Been a cashier

185. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

186. Joined a union

187. Donated blood or plasma

188. Built a camp fire

189. Kept a blog( well, duh!)

190. Had hives

191. Worn custom made shoes or boots

192. Made a PowerPoint presentation

193. Taken a Hunter’s Safety Course (of course)

194. Served at a soup kitchen

195. Conquered the Rubik’s cube

196. Know CPR

197. Ridden in or owned a convertible( does a jeep count?)

198. Found a long lost friend( Thank God for Facebook!)

199. Helped solve a crime

OK, your turn!

Isaiah 20 - 22

For three years, Isaiah walked through the city barefoot and naked.  This was a sign to the nation that God would allow the nation to be led away captive.  When that occurred, the nations would know that God had exacted His promised revenge on the nation's sin; and would punish other nations that offended Him as well.

Isaiah 17 - 19

When God destroys the nations opposing Israel, it will cause mankind to reflect on the objects of their worship and abandon their false idols.  All eyes will be riveted on the God of the Universe, for He alone displays the power over all others.  Rest and safety are found in none other, not in places of refuge or people of strength.  Even the strongest of opponents is no match for the Almighty.  God is able to make them fight among themselves and destroy themselves from within.  In that day, small insignificant Israel will strike terror in the hearts of those who oppose her - not because of her great strength or massive army - but because of the One Who gives them victory.  Even in the midst of such turmoil, worship will flourish.  Those who turn to the Lord in repentance will find blessing even in the midst of the destruction taking place around them.

Isaiah 14 - 16

On the day that God establishes His unquestioned rule over all, those who have been most vocal in their opposition to Him will be vanquished and destroyed.  Isaiah lists several who will be among that list:  Babylon, Lucifer, Assyria, Philistia and Moab.  These predictions had immediate and future consequences.  In the immediate future they would come to pass; in the distant future they would occur again - this time with finality.

Isaiah 11 - 13

When Messiah comes to rule, all acquiesce to His will.  Blessing is given to those meeting His favor; while those opposing Him will be brought to destruction.  His strength will be seen as the driving force of the universe; and praise is given for His wisdom and glory.  As His displeasure is given out against those opposing Him, it causes other nations to take note and fear for their own existence.  It IS a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the wrathful Lord and Judge of the Universe.