"Here to Stay"

“Here to Stay”

 

I once heard a story (I’m not sure if it’s true or made up) of a rural homeowner who became tired of having his roadside mailbox run over. So he bought a piece of railroad track, set it in about four feel of concrete, put wood around it so it looked like a post, and placed the box on top of it as before. A couple of nights later he heard a crash and looked out the window to see a car with two dazed occupants wrapped around the post. In another case cited by a radio preacher (I’ve forgotten which one) an entrant in a sand sculpture contest had his work constantly kicked in. So he covered a couple of cement blocks with a thin coating of sand and was treated to a streak of blue language when the culprit attempted another act of demolition. (I wonder if the perpetrators tried to sue either one for deception.)

In both these cases those bent on destruction hurt themselves more than their intended victims. In Jesus’ encounter with His enemy Saul of Tarsus on the Damascus Road He said, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” (Acts 26:14). Saul got the point (pun intended) and became the Apostle Paul, the greatest missionary in the history of the church.

During His earthly ministry Jesus stated that two entities are here to stay because both are of divine origin. The first is God’s Word, about which He said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:35, emphasis added). His friend Peter agrees: “…The word of the Lord stands forever.” (1 Peter 1:25, emphasis added). The other is His church. After Peter’s great statement that Jesus “…(is) the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16) our Lord responded, “…(O)n this rock (i.e. the truth of who He is) I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Verse 18, emphasis added). The 18^th century French humanist Voltaire boasted that because of his work Christianity would be exterminated within 50 years. Two decades after his death his house became the headquarters for the British and Foreign Bible Society. (“The One enthroned in heaven laughs….”—Psalm 2:4.) What greater example do we need that God means what He says and opposing Him is futile?

Over the centuries rulers, armies, and scholars have attempted to destroy the Bible and the church. Most of those who tried are lost in the dust of history, but the Bible and church are alive and well today. What more evidence do we need that they are from Above?

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Of Dogs and Cats"

“Of Dogs and Cats”

 

During our 47 years of married life Karen and I have had twelve cats. Two have been long-term housemates (we had to put them down at ages 22 and 19) but we had others for very short times for various reasons. Karen grew up with cats in her home but the family never had a dog (she didn’t know until well into adulthood that her mother was afraid of them). Conversely, except for two short-tenured canines I never had either in my youth (something about my brother and I not taking care of them too well). Interestingly, both our kids and their families have menageries of four-footed creatures (and Kristie and Jay even raise goats). Many retirees in our community have dogs and/or cats which they dearly love and provide great company for them.

Dogs and cats are very different. Some wag has said dogs have masters while cats have staff. Another put it this way: A dog says, “You feed me, brush me, love me—you must be God” while a cat maintains, “You feed me, brush me, love me—I must be God.” One of the unexplainable wonders of the animal kingdom!

While preparing a message some years ago I did a word study of worship. I found that the word most commonly translated is a Greek compound literally meaning “dog beside” with a dog licking its master’s or mistress’s hand as a picture of adoration. It was used in ancient society to refer to prostrating oneself before one who was greater (as in Acts 10:25-26 when Peter refused to accept this recognition from Cornelius). When I learned this the thrust of the sermon changed to our showing reverence for who God is.

This presents me with an uncomfortable question: Am I a dog or cat believer? Am I more interested in showing my love for Him or His showing love for me? In my serving Him or do I expect Him to serve me? “What does the Scripture say?” (Romans 4:3). “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37) and “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.” (Matthew 4:10). But remember John 3:16:  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son….” That’s what we respond to in love and service.

Dogs and cats can’t change their basic nature any more than a leopard can change its spots (Jeremiah 13:23). But in each of us is the wherewithal to change our approach to God. Jesus says that I can (“…Unless you change….”—Matthew 18:3)—the question is, will I? Will you?

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Allergy Shots"

“Allergy Shots”

 

During my college years I began showing symptoms of hay fever (itchy eyes, stuffiness, and most of all fits of sneezing). This carried into the first twelve years of our marriage. Finally I listened to Karen (I wish I had sooner) and went to an allergist. After testing I was found to be off the charts for pollen, dust, and mold and the doctor set up a regimen of desensitizing shots (with real needles!). After several years the program was completed and I thank God (as well as Karen and the doctor) for the measure of relief I still have.

Just as my body needed to be desensitized from the things which troubled it we need to be desensitized from the impact of sin. According to 1 John 3:4, “…sin is…a breaking of God’s law.” (Phillips). So what we require is a shot of biblical truth to help us fight the inroads of sin in our lives. Sin comes from Satan (see Genesis 3 and 1 John 3:8) and the only way we can fight him is with the Word of God believed,  quoted, and applied in the power of the Holy Spirit (just as Jesus did when He was tempted in Matthew 4). The old saying still rings true: “This Book (i.e. the Bible) will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this Book.” An increasing knowledge of the Scriptures is thus necessary to keep sin from gaining the upper hand.

In the same way that the needle has to pierce the skin for the medicine to take effect, the Word of God must penetrate our hearts for its truth to become a part of us. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that “…the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any doubled-edged sword, it penetrates….” We must allow the principles of Scripture to shape our lives and make us what God desires us to be. He wants us to be able to distinguish truth from error (1 John 4:1-3), love one another (1 John 3:18), and live godly lives (1 John 3:10) as well as avoid sin. If we reach out in love in the light of His truth we know that God’s Word is having a positive impact on us.

Shots aren’t fun but are necessary now and then. Sometimes the Word isn’t pleasant to hear (especially when it steps on our toes) but these are often the things most needful for us. Let’s ask God to desensitize us from sin and its effects with healthy doses of His truth.

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Unsung Heroes"

“Unsung Heroes”

 

In his book George Washington’s Secret Six Brian Kilmeade tells of a spy ring in the New York City area which infiltrated the British forces and provided Washington with vital intelligence, arguably saving the American Revolution. While five members have since been named one, a woman known only as Agent 355, hasn’t received her deserved recognition because after 240 years she’s never been identified. Truly a group of unsung heroes!

In the late 1960’s the work of the Navajo Code Talkers during World War II became known. The Japanese weren’t able to decipher their language which the Allies used to communicate with each other leading to major victories in the Pacific. They were justifiably honored by President Reagan in 1982. But in his book Secret Heroes Paul Martin tells of members of the Choctaw tribe who used their language (which has 26 dialects, most of which hadn’t been written) to send messages which contributed significantly to Germany’s defeat in World War I (a generation before the Navajo exploits). It wasn’t until 2008 under President George W. Bush that their work was recognized. There’s no way of knowing the extent to which these unsung heroes may have changed the course of 20^th century history.

Does Scripture tell of unsung heroes who greatly aided God’s work anonymously? How about the four men who carried their sick friend to where Jesus was and tore a hole in the roof of a house so He might touch and heal him (Mark 2)? Or the young boy who gave his lunch to the Lord who used it to feed a huge crowd (John 6)? Then there are the 100 unnamed witnesses who prayed with Jesus’ disciples and family before Pentecost (Acts 1). And let’s not forget Saul of Tarsus’ traveling companions on the road to Damascus who led him into the city when he was blinded after meeting the Risen Christ (Acts 9). Where would the first century church have been without these and many other nameless saints? (See the article “Beyond the Box Score” for another look at this theme.)

God has many unsung heroes in our world today (especially in places where His people are being persecuted) who are standing for and serving Him. They may be unknown to you and me but certainly not to their (and our) Lord. I pray that by my words and actions I’ll be counted in their illustrious company. I hope this will be your prayer as well.

Blessings!

Jim McMillan