Theodicy

Here I am early on Sunday morning. The sunrise is gorgeous. It is going to be a beautifully warm day. The birdsong is lovely, and the air smells of spring. Soon I'll be in church and singing along with people who love God. I think to myself, "This is the way it's supposed to be."

Yet thoughts of the events of the past week, especially the massacre at Virginia Tech, jars my reverie. Senseless, horrific violence, death and tragedy. "This is not the way it's supposed to be."

Confronted with pain, suffering, evil, I've often asked why. Usually, there is no answer. But I know that without faith in God who suffered and died on the cross for my sin, I would have no rationale for life either. The innate ability to say "This is the way it's supposed to be" or "This is not the way it's supposed to be" tells me that there is Someone out there who informs our sensibilities. Someone who is both good and powerful, and could have prevented the massacre but didn't, choosing instead to walk with us through our pain. Who can say what is good or evil among all the experiences of life? Only God. Who holds life and death in his hands? Only God. What can we grasp at when all else is incomprehensible? Only God.

It is senseless and painful. All 32 victims were lives created in the image of God - and hard as it is to say, so was the killer. I have to cling to God and realize that it is at such a time as this that a relationship with Jesus is vital. This is not a crutch. It is the only thing that anchors life. The only other thing I can do is pray for the hurting family members left behind. May God pour out his compassion on them, and draw around them the people and help they need.

In a prayer meeting yesterday, our senior pastor shared from Luke 13:1-9. In light of Virginia Tech, this passage is both appropriate and challenging. It tells us that there really is no explanation, but only the reality that their time had come just as it may come for each one of us with equal suddeness. The passage urgently tells us to turn from sin and trust in Jesus, and to get the message out to the people around us. With the heart-wrenching events of the past week, nothing could be more urgent.

Crash

Ooooh! Nasty! There is actually no glass in the liftgate window. I covered the space with garbage bags fastened with masking tape. Doesn't work very well in the drizzle.

On the way to our annual March break ski trip, we were Dodge Rammed from behind by a big black monster with a flatbed trailer carrying several horses. There was glass everywhere and we had to shake out our clothes that were in bags in the trunk. Fortunately, the boys' skis were not damaged, and we still had a fantastic ski trip. The minivan is in the shop being repaired now. I asked the boys if they were scared by the unforeseen collision. They said, "Well, YEAH!!!" However, no one was hurt. God is our Protector.

Hospitality

I am part of a wonderful fellowship group that meets every other Friday at my home. We always have dinner together followed by Bible study. Usually, I do the cooking for the group that averages 10 adults and a few children. Unless it's been a really busy week, I look forward to making supper. I've always felt a special pleasure from creating an environment where people can talk and ministry can take place. I think this is what the Bible calls hospitality. But it's been only recently that I've come to realize that hospitality is more than just a nice thing. It is something commanded in the Bible, and is vital for attracting friends old and new to Christ and caring for them.

Hospitality fosters spiritual growth - my own and my friends'. It is a meal that is being prepared, not just the feeding of some guests. Regardless of how simple the meal, I've come to realize that it can be a communion with God through his created elements (the food). Someone has said that this is why we say grace before we eat. The detail and creativity that goes into chopping, blending, braising, and tasting of meats, vegetables, sauces and sweets is in itself a celebration of the richness of God's creation. "Everything that lives and moves will be food for you" (Genesis 9:3). A meal nourishes not just the body, but also the soul because it is celebrating together all that it means to be a human being made in the image of God. As I prepare I am loving my friends. We don't just eat, but we love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength by sharing a meal.

The biblical enjoinder to "practice hospitality" (Romans 12:13) is a forgotten command. However, I've found that preparing a meal, creating an environment for conversation both light and deep, and opening my family's home life to others brings a true return of joy. When I feel that I don't want to do it, I remind myself that the sense of work in it is always transformed to transcendent fellowship around the table - and at that moment, I look forward to doing it again. You have to see us there! Our times together are marked by rip-roaring laughter one second, and tender encouragement the next. And there's always dessert after the Bible study.

There are a number of individuals and families I know of who regularly practice hospitality. Perhaps this is why members of our faith community perennially say that the one thing they most appreciate about our church is their fellowship/small group. Hospitality is a spiritual gift that really makes a difference in our community life. I get a lot more out of gathering in a loving home than in the standard church classroom.

Just one more thought on the gift of hospitality. Like any other gift, it is of the Spirit, so there is no need to worry about setting up the right conditions for its use. My house and life does not need to be 100% neat and in order for hospitality to be exercised. Trying to look perfect is missing the point. I love this beautiful picture from Psalm 23: "You prepare a table before me." God is the Source of hospitality. He creates a place for us always - no matter what is going on or who is around ("in the presence of my enemies"). Hospitality is a gift that's always appropriate.

So, when are you coming for dinner?

Fountain

William Cowper was a great poet, an evangelical, and a friend of the slave-trader turned pastor, John Newton. It is said that Cowper revolutionized English poetry and letter-writing with his candor about everyday life. Some of his great works include John Gilpin, The Task, his translation of Homer, and his collaboration with Newton on the Olney Hymns. My favourite Cowper hymn was written by him at the end of a severe bout of depression – something that Cowper suffered and struggled with all his life. There is an incredible sense of relief and release in these verses which fills my heart with hope.


There is a fountain filled with blood

There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel’s veins;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.
Lose all their guilty stains, lose all their guilty stains;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.

The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day;
And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.
Washed all my sins away, washed all my sins away;
And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.

Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood shall never lose its power
Till all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more.
Be saved, to sin no more, be saved, to sin no more;
Till all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more.

E’er since, by faith, I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die.
And shall be till I die, and shall be till I die;
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die.

Then in a nobler, sweeter song, I’ll sing Thy power to save,
When this poor lisping, stammering tongue lies silent in the grave.
Lies silent in the grave, lies silent in the grave;
When this poor lisping, stammering tongue lies silent in the grave.

Lord, I believe Thou hast prepared, unworthy though I be,
For me a blood bought free reward, a golden harp for me!
’Tis strung and tuned for endless years, and formed by power divine,
To sound in God the Father’s ears no other name but Thine.

by William Cowper, in Conyer’s Collection of Psalms and Hymns, 1772.

Entitlement

Why are people all around me, and I guess I should count myself part of the crowd, so self-obsessed and self-centred? I think we live in a culture of entitlement. We each believe, "I am entitled to it." Entitled to what? We think we deserve our toys. We deserve better teachers. We deserve better classes. We deserve a job with reasonable hours and excellent pay. We deserve to see the fruit of our labours. We deserve to have friends that care in an appropriate way at all the right times. I should have an easier life. I should have better prices on my music, my gadgets, my insurance policies. I should have a fulfilling sense of achievement and satisfaction for all I do. I should not have to put up with criticism. I should have people falling all over me with appreciation. Dang it all, I'm entitled to it!

After all, I've worked hard. I've suffered and sacrificed to get here. I've cared for others and given of myself. My years of education should be paying off now. My on-the-job loyalty should get me some clout, bonus vacation time, and seniority. People should listen to me and get on the ball. I am faithful in doing what is expected of me and more besides. What else can be demanded of me? It's time I demanded something for myself.

Ooooooh! Does this sound like me? I truly hope not, even if you might have heard me complain like this before. My trouble with all this is, I believe our generation talks and acts like this all the time. It really wears on me to hear people elevate themselves and complain about the injustice of life. Well, let me say it point blank: If I am like this, I really don't deserve anything.

What ever happened to "count your blessings"? I don't think our generation can count - at least not blessings. We are afflicted with entitlement sickness - we complain about what we have and demand more. It is not reasonable. It is not seeing the big picture. It is not Christlike. He was never about entitlement, and if anyone ever deserved a return for investment, it would be Jesus. Yet his legacy is wavering, half-hearted disciples like me. What ever happened to "anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me"? If we must complain, how about caring about the things that break God's heart?

The problem, I believe, is the impoverished vision we have of God, and the miniscule understanding we have of life in Christ. A real vision of God vanquishes all demands and questions. Think of Job who was rendered speechless by a vision of God at a time when he had real reason to complain about justice in life. An understanding of life in Christ compels perseverance and joy. Think of the fullness (abundance) of life promised to those who trust in him. Believe it or not, the difficulties and hurts of life contribute to that fullness. Here's where I have to grow: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Get off the entitlement bandwagon! Well, that's my rant. Maybe you can tell I'm a bit ill-tempered today?

Sparkle

This is the word that I use to describe a person who brings indescribable joy into my family's life. He has the sort of personality that lights up a room whenever he enters. His face is pleasant and sweet as he is. Friends find him easy-going and fun to be around. He is a reasonably good student, loves sport, and loves people. I think he is quite well-rounded.

Although he wears his emotions on his sleeve, he is amazingly even-tempered. He can be hurt or angered, but always, always, the smile of an unburdened conscience rapidly prevails. I wish we were all like this. The world would be so much more pleasant. You should see when something exciting happens in his world. Recently, he did very well on a school essay - the teacher requested to keep it. His exuberance is quite physical. He is not shy, and will dance and jump if there's reason for it.

Perhaps what I appreciate the most about him is his sense of himself. He is not a proud person, nor is he falsely self-effacing. A realistic humility allows him to be unapologetic about what he is good at, and unhesitating at asking for help where he needs it. Being genuinely enthusiastic about the abilities of others makes him a welcome cheerleader among his peers. There is no island mentality in him. He speaks freely about what he finds amazing about his friends - whether their abilities, character, or life circumstances. He is often thrust into the role of a peacemaker, and I think he is uniquely gifted to bridge the distance between people torn apart. I hope that God will bless him with such a lifetime role. This hope lives because God is first in his life. This is evidenced by a teachable attitude, and timely follow-through on new truths learned.

Of course, perfection eludes even him. He does have some growing to do to become more sensitive, helpful, and less defensive. But there is plenty about him that tells me he is well on his way.

My son sparkles!

Well, he has just turned 16, and has gotten his learner's driving permit. So all of you on the road out there, look out!

Wean

These are the days of mixed feelings. Each passage of life brings the thrill of something new and the anticipation of growth. At the same time, there are tears and fears.

Our first child has gone off to college. My wife and I have been excited about this for some time. Preparing for college is a big project for a family: reading up on every course, facility and service the university provides; budgeting; trying to think of and buy all the stuff needed for living in residence; moving. It's a time when being aware of one's emotions through the process is suppressed because of the focus on the things that need to be done. But now she is there. We are here. And there is time to think about it.

I realize that even though I miss her, I'm OK with her being away. She is growing up and this is the way people grow up. It's actually fun to communicate at a distance (how great is the internet!), and to get her updates and personal commentary on her new experiences. So far, she is very positive about her courses and professors. I think she likes her surroundings and the campus. Nevertheless, her daily pining to "come home" is so sweet, and tugs at my heart.

Worry! Well, I am a parent after all. But the worry is not about her success at university or achieving what she desires. My wife and I are anxious that she may be lonely. We worry that she may find university life less than all it was hyped up to be. We hope that she joins a good fellowship group. We hope that she can do some sports. We hope that she makes some friends, and builds some meaningful friendships. This is important because we know she has little tolerance for superficial or acquaintance type relationships. She needs a few people with whom she does not feel "awkward." We give suggestions and advice, but that's about all we can do.

Years ago, I wrote her a little short story about a princess who was loved by her parents. Her parents knew well enough that as the passages of life came along, the best they could do was to commend their princess to the Lord. We did, and do still.