Douglas Young

Over Spring Break our family went camping at the entrance of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. We met some friends from Dallas and camped for a few days. Our friends got there the day before us. They selected a site that was perfect.

It wasn’t primitive camping. It was a facility set up with multiple tent camping sites. There were bathrooms, showers and even BBQ grills at each respective site. It was a nice place to be sure.

The weather wasn’t great for a delightful camping experience, at least at first. It was cold, rainy, and of course, windy. After a day, though, the weather greatly improved. The wind subsided, the rain ceased, and the skies opened up most majestically. In, too, came the campers. By Tuesday evening, the campsites were nearly full.

Later that night, a rather large group showed up and pitched an enormous tent- in the dark mind you- right in the center of all of us. Unfortunately for them, this wasn’t exactly a tent site. It was a place where horses could be tied off. There were, hyperbolically speaking, tons of left over hay and horse dung all over the place and that group slept right on top of it.

Now give the guys a break. It was dark and the lighting was rather poor, so it was difficult to tell what was on the ground beneath them. But that is what happens when you’re operating in the dark, you often do things you wouldn’t normally do if you could really see.

I think that is why Jesus, John, and Paul spoke so frequently about the light and darkness contrast. They spoke of the power of light, the doom of walking in darkness, and the miseries of darkened eye-site. Bad things tend to happen in the dark, things a lot worse than pitching your tent on top of a bunch of horse manure.

Walking in darkness, though, is not an uneasy thing to find yourself doing. Those who walk without Jesus are doing it now and don’t even know it. Some even effort to walk with Jesus but it is as if they are hiding him with a quilt, or even worse, a straight-jacket. It’s as if he’s the delusional friend they are trying to control lest he make them do irrational things. But he’s hidden to be sure.

Jesus is to be put on, though (Galatians 3:26-27; Colossians 3:3-4). He is to be worn by us. And when he is, he actually makes his way inside us and dwells there. His light radiates in and through us so that we do not walk in darkness, but instead walk in truth, because he is truth (John 14:6).

I’ve tried walking with Jesus in futile, unproductive ways. It has made a laughing-stock of him and has often hurt his cause. It was walking in a way of darkness. I cannot contain or restrain Jesus. The man who could not be contained in a tomb definitely cannot be contained by me! Approaching Jesus this way isn’t much different than unknowingly pitching your tent on dung.

Early this morning, Tisha and I read through Matthew 26 as a part of our daily bible reading and devotional time. When we were done, we discussed the events surrounding the betrayal, denial and desertion of Jesus, all of which were predicted by him prior to His prayer at Gethsemane. Jesus’ frustration with Peter, James, and John not being able to stay awake and pray with him, apparently, was so that they wouldn’t “enter into temptation” (v. 35). Temptation from what? Or temptation to do what? Could some of his prayer, and the agony that accompanied it, have been for the disciples, that they, especially Peter, not succumb to what he’s already predicted? Interesting enough, the last thing he says before Judas and his contingent arrived was, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners” (Matthew 26:45).

The pains of Jesus in the garden had to have been numerous, but I wonder how much of “the cup” that Jesus prayed for God to remove was oriented around bypassing the betrayal, denial, and desertion by those he loved? I’m not suggesting that the agony with which he prayed wasn’t, in any way, about the death process he would experience. But I am saying that the context that Matthew paints seems to be aligned around his three predictions of betrayal by Judas (vv. 14-16), denial by Peter (vv. 30-35), and desertion by the others (v. 31). In fact, that is precisely Jesus’ concern in Matthew 26:45.

It had to have been tough for someone who loved so much to have experienced such betrayal. Think about Peter’s firm affirmation that there is no way in the world that he would deny Jesus (v. 35). It’s a grave warning to all of us: We should be very careful with our confidence.

We know their actions caused significant trauma. Judas took his own life. John actually reflects upon the effects Peter’s denial had upon him (John 21:15-23). Read it for yourself. It’s not as apparent in the English, but in the Greek we see that Peter couldn’t so much bring himself to say that he loved Jesus with agape love. Jesus asked him, the first two times, if he loved him with agape, but all Peter can muster is that he loved him with phileo love. Ouch. Peter, apparently, was devastated to the core. I’m inclined to think that Jesus, seeing it coming, was as pained by what Peter would do as Peter was after he did it.

I know there is a lot that is going on that the text simply doesn’t reveal. But this has stuck with me since this morning. At the moment, I am thinking about my friends. I am thinking about the pain I might have caused some of them. I am letting go, though, of the pain other friends might have caused me. Thank you God for opening my eyes to all this!

Getting lost in Jesus helps us to see people and situations as he saw them and continues to see them. In my pursuit of “getting lost,” God has brought before me situations and people who demand I approach them from his posture. Getting lost in Jesus is what makes it possible!

Personal conflict, sexual addiction, disease and death, all demand the sight of One who doesn’t ignore, but instead pastors. He is the “chief Shepherd” (1 Peter 5:4), and while his pattern for pastoring is to guide “the elders” among the church (1 Peter 5:1), who among God’s people, as His disciples, shouldn’t possess the heart that feels and moves like a shepherd? Do we get passes from operating with the heart of Jesus because we aren’t a certain age? I don’t think so. His heart, eyes, hands, and words served to mitigate the suffering of those who’s lives were, for whatever reason, turned upside down.

Last week I saw a woman console another that, too me, resembled Jesus. It was almost as if I saw Jesus as the one doing the consoling. It was a powerful moment. I think Colossians 3:3-4 is coming together in ways I’d before never recognized. Could this be an indication that I’m getting lost?

I’m convinced Christ is looking for my life to converge with his (Colossians 3:3-4), but I’m not necessarily certain about the “hows” of this process. I do know that the transformation process itself, though, isn’t totally a self-help project. He is at work, doing something to facilitate “being transformed into the same image from glory to glory.” I know this because “this is from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

It’s time I get lost; I need to get lost in him. “For you have died, and your life is hidden with the Messiah in God” (Colossians 3:3, HCSB).

This blog really hasn’t been about a guy “converging with Christ…” I’d like to think that it was, but it’s just not so. But all of that is about to change.

For a number of reasons, some of which are deeply personal, I’ve decided to journal on a daily basis. I want to chronicle my own conscientious effort to take my faith in Jesus seriously and get lost in him. I believe it will happen, and I plan to journal about it.

I’d love for you to join me. Let’s get lost together!

I am the light of the world. Jesus. John 8:12

Jesus uttered these words shortly after the feast of tabernacles, a Jewish high holy day commemorating Israel’s dwelling in tents at Kadesh-Barnea. During tabernacles, oil lamps were set up all over the city. The Mishnah suggests that the lights radiated throughout the entirety of Jerusalem. The holy hill was lit up for all to see and remember.

I am the light of the world. Jesus was sending a message. Tabernacles was his backdrop, but he was the focus. He was the light of the world. Oil lamps couldn’t light up a covenant people like he could. Oil lamps couldn’t light up a covenant people like he would.

John had earlier penned, “The true light, which enlightens everyone,  was coming into the world” (John 1:9). Jesus enlightens. Jesus illuminates. His presence overcomes darkness, for he is the light of the world.

“Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands He blessed them. And while He was blessing them, He left them and was carried up into heaven. After worshiping Him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they were continually in the temple complex blessing God.”

Luke 24:50-53

Blessing begets blessing. As Jesus departs from his disciples to ascend to the throne of David upon which he now sits (Acts 2:30-31), he pronounces a blessing upon them. The act of blessing is born of the Greek eulogeo. To us, a “eulogy” is a message uttered at a funeral, but to Jesus it was much more. His “eulogy” was a praiseworthy commendation of those he dearly loved. They had spent three intimate years with Jesus. Now he was leaving things in their hands. So how does he send them off? He lifts his hands and blesses them. It must have been a blessing like none other.

Blessing begets blessing. What Jesus did shortly before his ascension triggered something special. Their immediate response was worship, homage to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This brought them unspeakable joy. In turn, the blessing they received manifested itself in blessing back to God, as well as blessing towards others. The blessed with grace, the gospel, and the benevolent goodness of their hearts.

Blessing begets blessing. Let us remember this all of our days!

Bovina Bulletin Board

In an effort to foster growth, the church has found itself resorting to various approaches and sundry tactics. These often generate sparks of interest and increased numbers, but the sparks seem short-lived. Too, authentic discipleship in Jesus is rarely a result. In a sense, I agree with those who cry, “It Never Worked Before,” especially, when we’re talking about unbiblical growth.

Jesus simply wasn’t about gimmickry. He worked relationally, fostering genuine relationships through discipleship. His approach was for long-term commitment, not short-lived numbers. The fact that he let the Rich Young Ruler walk away is proof. If in our appeal to the Way of Jesus we develop a resolve to approach people on Jesus’ terms, I believe we would never say, “It Never Worked Before.” The New Testament evidence simply won’t allow for it. It has worked, and I believe its something we need to get back to.

Most assuredly, especially with the general population, combativeness has never worked over compassion. There’s a time to take a stand and make a “defense” (Philippians 1:17), but we weren’t made to live in a defensive posture 24/7.  I’ve found in my own past that I’ve often closed doors before they were ever even opened. How self-defeating! That is something that never works. Listening doesn’t mean we cave, it means we care.

There are things that aren’t working for us, but our plea isn’t the problem. Our plea is the rallying cry of Jesus. What I’ve had to do is seek His love to replace mine, so that the plea can be practiced as well as proclaimed. That is something, truly, that will work!

I’ve been reading George Barna’s newest book, Master Leaders, to review for the Tyndale Blog Network. It’s a book, as the title indicates, about leadership. Barna tells a story to communicate the insights he’s gleaned from proven leaders. It’s been a great read. I’ll post a review in the upcoming weeks.

An intriguing story comes from Colleen Barrett, former president and corporate secretary for Southwest Airlines. If you’ve ever flown with Southwest, or at the bare minimum seen a few of their commercials, you’ll know that Southwest is about fun and humor. In fact, humor is considered one of Southwest’s “core values.” Barrett shares this story with Barna,

Years ago, somebody wrote to Southwest and said, “I’m a long-term customer, and I don’t like the fact that you make jokes during the safety part of the flight.” Now most companies would write back to say, “We value you as a customer, please trust that we care about your safety and we are good at that, but here’s a free flight coupon and we will talk to the gate agents.” And then they would make a call and tell their people that the humor thing is good but they need to tone it down…But not Southwest. No. They sent the customer a note that said, “We will miss you.”

Barna concludes, “That’s when you know its a core value.” And he’s right. Leadership isn’t exhibited through pandering to vocal minorities and majorities. Leadership admits when it’s wrong, but affirms truths and forms impressions built upon its values. Too often, though, leaders don’t lead; they acquiesce to the wishes of a few and the whole organization suffers as a whole. This is especially true with regard to churches.

Some churches are held hostage by vocal minorities who are fearful of everything and resistant to anything. Church leadership, lest they “ruffle the feathers” of some, refrain from implementing programs that might prove to be beneficial for the entire congregation. Pandering isn’t leadership.

Consider how Jesus handled one situation recorded in Matthew 19:16-22. On that occasion, a prominent rich, young man approached Him inquiring, “Teacher, what good must I do to have eternal life?” The young man was a commandment keeper. He didn’t murder, commit adultery, steal, or bear false witness. He was devoted to honoring his father and mother, as well as loving his neighbor as himself. Well, maybe not so much to that last one. Nevertheless, he vows to having kept all these commandments, so “What do I still lack?” Jesus seeks to see if he really loves his neighbor or not, challenging him to, “go, sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” Verse 22 supplies his reaction. “When the young man heard that command, he went away grieving, because he had many possessions.

This story served as the basis for Jesus’ teaching on possession and the kingdom. But what is interesting to me, is that Jesus didn’t cave on one of his core values just to keep the rich young ruler in his camp. Jesus could have used a guy like this on his side, but he let him go. He wasn’t willing to give everything up to have Jesus, so he let him walk away. In so doing, He essentially said, “We will miss you.”

Not even Jesus pleased all. He didn’t grovel at the feet of some, to keep them from abandoning him. Neither did He refrain from doing what was good, like healing on the Sabbath, simply because people thought it was wrong. It wasn’t. They were the ones who were wrong about the matter. Consequently, neither did he refrain from doing it lest he offend them. They needed a reality check, so He gave them one!

This is a situation not a few find themselves in. What should they do? They should listen with an honest ear. If there ’s merit to an inquiry, then consider it and adjust accordingly. But if not, don’t acquiesce or pander. Do what Jesus essentially did in letting them go. Say, “We will miss you.”

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go a mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.”

Matthew 5:38-42

Was, and is, Jesus really serious here? If so, you’d hardly guess it  by how we live; especially, here in the states. In America, we fight for what is ours. God has endowed us with life, liberty and property. The Declaration and our Constitution establish such. The Gadsden flag reads, “Don’t Tread On Me.”

Jesus sure seems to pour cold water on Christianity as it functions in America. Apparently, the kingdom heart wasn’t designed to buy into the gospel we sell around here. Stuff is stuff. It’s all a gift of God. But none of it is enduring. So then why do we cling to it like it is?

Inevitably, someone is going suggest that “theft is condemned in the scriptures,” and it most certainly is. Therefore, private property rights are inherent of God. I agree, to a degree. Jesus though isn’t discussing the issue of property rights. He’s discussing how we view property.

Invariably, someone is going to say, “But what about self-defense?”. Once again, I am not convinced that Jesus is talking about the right of self-defense here. Too, regardless of what one might infer from elsewhere in Scripture, we still have to ask, “Did Jesus then not mean what he said?” Or, as I have posed, “Is he serious?” Keep in mind, he offers no exceptions or qualifications. How would his hearers have understood him?

I see this passage as the test of how much stuff, time, or a reputation means to us.  Must we always have the upper hand? Must we always have the last say? Are our possessions really ours?

Is Jesus really serious about turning the other cheek? Is Jesus really serious about going the extra mile, even when it comes to property? Is Jesus really serious about giving to beggars or maybe panhandlers, and not refusing those who would borrow from us?

The Sermon on the Mount, I believe, is both loved by us and in ways lost to us. We need it in more than we can imagine. From it we understand our roles as “salt” and “light” (5:13-16). Deep-seated convictions are carved from it (cf. Matthew 5:31-32). Without question, from both the remote and specific contexts of Matthew, The Sermon on the Mount is the essence of living in God’s kingdom.

But I’ve noticed the tendency to be very selective with where we tread in The Sermon, as well as with how hard we push its precepts. In our world especially, it’s hard to push too hard and remain consistent. Take for instance, Matthew 6:19-34.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon the earth…” Here we have verb action that is Greek present tense and in the imperative mood. Jesus is being very specific here. Essentially, he is saying, “You must not lay up stores of treasures here on the earth.” But we do. All of us. And we will go to great lengths to justify it. But is he serious?

Later he says, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (vv. 25-26). The key word throughout the remainder of the section is anxious. He reiterates and reinforces his point. But when are we not thinking about these kinds of things? People experience tons of anxiety over these matters. But is he serious?

Are we really supposed to “not worry” about our lives (v. 25, NKJV)? Is he serious? Have we sinned if we do? Before responding, remember that he offers no caveats whatsoever. If he didn’t want them to get the wrong impression, I think he would have issued a caveat.