Saturday, January 17, 2009

It's Not About The Man

Have you ever seen such fanfare as we have seen surrounding the inauguration of president Obama? Wow! Frankly, it would be just plan negligent to ignore the fact that history is being made right before our very eyes.

That the very mention of the name Obama can spark a plethora of emotion filled opinions is indisputable. In fact, a blog that I wrote after the election (see, “A Word About The Election” at http://www.victorstanley.blogspot.com/) sparked such a truckload passionate feedback from so many on both sides of the political fence that it left me a bit dumbfounded.

Thanks so much for your feedback. I did not expect that people would comment on my post. I was glad to see that some of you young people gave some serious thought to the political process. The right to vote is a privilege that should not be taken lightly. It has the ability to elect men and women who will leave an indelible mark on the moral fabric of our country. Please consider that during each election and choose wisely.

And now, like it or not, a new president is being inaugurated. May those of us who are believers in Jesus become more diligent in our prayers because both our country and our president will need them. Nevertheless, and though it might cause some of my readers a slight bit of discomfort, I would be dishonest if I did not admit that I am indeed moved by the historicity of the inauguration of this president. It’s not about the man. It’s about the moment.

I do somewhat recognize that it is very difficult for some to understand why, in spite of their political convictions (conservative, liberal or independent), so many are moved by this historical moment. Some of this is probably due to the fact that not all persons have shared the same life experiences growing up in America. It certainly seems that, given some of this country’s history, it has caused others to arrive at this moment and recognize its’ historical precedence. These experiences have caused many proud Americas to look beyond politics and become filled with wonder to see a person, an African American person, achieve what president Obama has. It’s not about the man. It’s about the moment.

Should our faith be shaken by this historic moment in American politics? No. Are we sometimes frustrated by politics? Yes. Are we, at times, disgusted with it? Most definitely. Is my faith shaken by it? No. That’s because my faith and convictions have been formed and shaped by God's word, not by anything that politicians and presidents have said or done. However, and in spite of having to navigate the minefield of American politics, I do greatly appreciate the fact that, for whatever reason, God has blessed me to be born and to live in this wonderful country of ours. I am, unabashedly, a proud American. And, given this historic moment, what a great time to be a proud American. It’s not about the man. It’s about the moment.

Over the years there have been many who have cheered as a rocket landed on the moon, wept as Kennedys fell, mourned as towers collapsed, and marched with King. They were significant experiences that will never be forgotten. However, and in spite of everything that we have lost, man still seems to hold on to hope. I think that is partly what so many see in the inauguration of this president. It’s not about the man. It was about the moment.

I heard it said a few weeks after the election that some were under the opinion that president elect Obama was the Anti-Christ. I doubt that very seriously. Let me assure you, I am not naïve enough to not recognize that our adversary, the Devil, continues to launch a relentless attack against the religious and moral convictions of God’s people. Furthermore, I certainly don’t know what the future holds for our government, its leaders and the decisions that they will make and how it will affect our country. I can only trust in God’s ability to use and keep us in the midst of it.

So, cast your worries and cares upon Jesus and don't miss this historical moment. Celebrate it. Besides, the way I look at it is, if Obama is the Anti-Christ, then, we would do well to head Romans 13:11: “Now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” In other words, the rapture (that moment when we believers will be caught up to be with our Lord) must be right around the corner. What a moment that will be. So, excuse me while I assume an attitude of praise. I want to be worshiping while I’m going up.

It is about the man (Jesus) and the moment.

Just some historical thoughts from the heart and mind of Victor.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Don't Be A Chicken






Christmas. I've always felt that, if there is anyone who should celebrate Christmas, it should be believers in Jesus. After all, we are among those who know the "reason for the season" (as we are fond of saying). Question. What is the reason for the season? I mean, I know what the reason is but, what does that really mean for us Jesus-followers? Hopefully it means that Christ is more to us than simply a seasonal sensation that comes around once a year. There is always such a build up to Christmas and then, before you know it, it's gone.

A week later we find ourselves ringing in the New Year. And so...here we are. The holidays are past and we are now into a new year. Hopefully, it causes you to look back to review where you've been, in order to consider where you are going.

So? Where have you been? Where are you going? Do you even know who you are? Really? I know that they are hard to keep but the new year is a great time to make a resolution to discover, more fully, who you are in Christ. The bible tells us that, in Christ, we are made new.2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come."

The problem is, we have inadvertently allowed ourselves to become so influenced, so conditioned by secular humanism that we have lost a true sense of the magnificence of Christmas; of who Christ truly is; of who we are in Him and what it really means to be made new. It reminds me of a story (and you know how I like to tell stories)

An American Indian tells about a brave who found an eagle's egg and put it into the nest of a prairie chicken. The eaglet hatched with the brood of chicks and grew up with them. All his life, the changeling eagle, thinking he was a prairie chicken, did what the prairie chickens did. He scratched in the dirt for seeds and insects to eat. He clucked and cackled. And he flew in a brief thrashing of wings and flurry of feathers no more than a few feet off the ground. After all, that's how prairie chickens were supposed to fly. Years passed. and the changeling eagle grew very old.

One day, he saw a magnificent bird far above him in the cloudless sky. Hanging with graceful majesty on the powerful wind currents, it soared with scarcely a beat of its strong golden wings.

"What a beautiful bird!" said the changeling eagle to his neighbor. "What is it?"

"That's an eagle-the chief of the birds," the neighbor clucked. "But don't give it a second thought. You could never be like him."

So the changeling eagle never gave it another thought. And it died thinking it was a prairie chicken.

So, what's the point? The point is, don't be a dumb cluck (couldn't resist saying that).

So the question is, are you a prairie chicken or are you and eagle. In Christ, you are an eagle. However, lack of faith, neglect of your spiritual man and failure to walk in the statutes and commandments prescribed in God's word may have caused you to live like a prairie chicken.

The point is, many of you do not even realize that you are an eagle. God knows your capabilities, possibilities, gifts and talents. You need to make a Resolution. Will you resolve to remain a Prairie Chicken? Or, will you resolve to have a fixed purpose; to be determined; constant; steady; bold and unflinching?

The sky is the limit. So, resolve to be that Great Golden Eagle, soaring high upon the powerful wind currents of God's Spirit. Resolve to be fully persuaded in your Heart, Mind and Body that Jesus Christ is Lord of your life. Then...live like it.

Now. Go ahead. Soar.

Just a few thoughts from the heart and mind of Victor.