"A Song of Hope"

 

“A Song of Hope”

 

From 1953 to 2008 Dr. Vernon Grounds wrote an annual Christmas letter to alumni, supporters and friends of Denver Seminary from his ministry as Dean, President and Chancellor. He shared news of his family and the school as well as reflections on the Advent season. I looked forward to receiving it each year and have missed it since God welcomed him into Heaven in 2010 after a life well lived. (See the early posting, “Finishing Well”, for my thoughts about this godly mentor.)

For the Seminary’s annual Christmas Devotional booklet in 2022 Dr. Marshall Shelley reviewed the 56 carefully composed letters and chose excerpts from 24 of them to be sent to what Dr. Grounds described as “The Seminary Family”. The “epistolary exercise” (to use his own terminology) for 2004 cited the World War I account of the Christmas Truce of 1914 when German and British soldiers engaged in trench warfare laid down their weapons on Christmas Day and the words of “Silent Night” in both languages were heard across the “no man’s land” between the two enemy armies. More than a century later this glimmer of hope in a broken world reflects the angels’ song surrounding our Savior’s birth: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors.” (Luke 2:14, NLT).

Spirit-inspired music breaks down barriers and brings God’s people together (see “Undivided” for an example of how this principle can work). Many “…hymns and spiritual songs….” (Colossians 3:16) express our unity in “…the salvation we share.” (Jude 3) but too often it’s not lived out in our relationships and interactions with our brothers and sisters in Christ. As God was grieved when He saw mankind’s sin prior to the world-wide flood (Genesis 6:5-7) I believe He sorrows over the divisions among His people that Jesus prayed “…may be one….” (John 17:21).

During this Christmas season what better gift could we as Christ’s followers give Him than setting aside our criticism, judgment and lack of forgiveness towards one another and put into practice the words of Peter Scholtes’ 1966 song: “We are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord. And we pray that all unity may one day be restored.” With God’s help we can do this as we “…look not only to (our) own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4) because Paul assures us that “(We) can do everything through him who gives (us) strength.” (Philippians 4:13, emphasis added).

Merry Christmas!

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Idiot Lights"

 

“Idiot Lights”

(Thanks to Karen for the idea.)

 

Since 2009 we’ve had a 2001 Nissan Altima as a backup to three primary vehicles we’ve had at different times. It still runs well despite its decrepit appearance and idiosyncrasies such as  windows which may or may not open on command and check engine and emergency brake lights which stay on. But it’s still useful for running around town and parking at airports.

While driving many miles on our “family loop” trip in September Karen and I were talking about the Nissan’s “unique qualities”, especially the lights on the dashboard. This led to our memories of the “Idiot Light Era”. The term’s origin is unknown but it refers to warning lights which began to replace gauges for temperature, oil pressure and battery charging in the 1930’s. They’re still used in some ways (e.g. tire pressure, doors ajar and seat belts) but most cars today have gone back to the gauges so we can know when problems are approaching and potential impacts can be prevented.

Even when our automobiles try to warn us of trouble on the horizon with idiot lights and gauge needles moving towards the danger zone we as humans are prone to ignore them. (See the previous posting, “Heeding Warnings”, for other examples.) The same can be said of God’s directives given in His Word. The phrase, “Take heed” appears more than 60 times in Scripture and is also translated “Guard yourself”, “Beware” and “Pay attention”, suggesting that God expects us to think carefully before acting in a reckless manner.

In his book Saving Christianity Dr. Michael Youssef shows how a small deviation from God’s truth can lead to a devastating outcome down the road, reflecting Paul’s warning that “…a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” (1 Corinthians 5:6). Returning to the car analogy, let’s monitor the gauges of our lives (“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.”—Lamentations 3:40) before we’re confronted with a divine “idiot light” and the resulting damage. So let’s pray with David, “Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:4-5, emphasis added).

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Heeding Warnings"

“Heeding Warnings”

 

On August 30 emergency personnel along Florida’s Gulf Coast issued orders to evacuate due to anticipated storm surges from Tropical Storm/Hurricane Idalia. (Similar warnings had been given as Hurricanes Irma and Ian approached in 2017 and 2022.) But there was an added caveat with Idalia: it was stated that rescue workers wouldn’t be put at risk after a certain time if people chose not to move inland for their safety. Thankfully most took the authorities’ directive seriously and casualties were minimal.

Every day we’re faced with warnings such as signs for road hazards, taking medications and using machinery. Do we heed them? Failure to do so can have devastating results with loss of lives and permanent maiming. Hardly a day goes by without news stories of tragic outcomes stemming from ignoring such advice.

Many times in Scripture God tells us not to be deceived—by Satan (“…We’re not oblivious to his sly ways.”—2 Corinthians 2:11, TM), people (“Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way….”—2 Thessalonians 2:3) or ourselves (“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves”—James 1:22). What’s the best way to keep from being led astray? By following our Lord’s brother’s counsel: “Do what (the word) says.” (James 1:22, emphasis added). But to do so we must know what it says (“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”—Psalm 119:11). So when deception tempts us a good dose of God’s truth can overcome the threat—read Matthew 4:1-11 to see how Jesus did this.

God is loving, merciful and patient—but also just. Time and again He warned His people through His prophets to repent and turn back to Him but their words were largely rejected. The result? The loss of their land, destruction of the temple and captivity in a foreign nation. Has He changed? Listen to the words of our Lord’s friend: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise…He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9, emphasis added). But God’s patience isn’t endless—in the words of an anonymous hymn writer, “Soon will pass God’s day of grace.” God has spoken—heed His warning through Paul: “…Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2, emphasis added).

 

Grace and Blessings!

                                                                 Jim McMillan 

"Arrogance"

 

“Arrogance”

 

In early September my journaling through Scripture took me to the ten plagues God brought on Egypt described in the early chapters of Exodus. In striking the nation with these scourges the Lord was showing His power over the false gods the Egyptians worshipped. But as I read these accounts what amazed me most was Pharaoh’s (probably Amenhotep II according to ancient history scholars) arrogance in the face of the obvious superiority of Moses’ and Aaron’s God. After the final calamity, the death of the firstborn in every Egyptian household (including his crown prince) and his dismissal of the Israelites from his nation, he had the gall to ask Moses, “And also bless me.” (Exodus 12:32). Had he learned? Nope! Almost immediately he led his army in pursuit of God’s people to bring them back to slavery and it cost him his life (“The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen…Not one of them survived.”—Exodus 14:28). He’s Exhibit A of Solomon’s statement: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18).

Perhaps the most egregious example of arrogance in modern history is Hitler, who like Pharaoh caused the deaths of many of his countrymen by his egotistical actions. (I’ve previously referred to his missing his prediction of a 1000 year Reich by a mere 988 years!) But other political leaders as well as entertainers, sports figures, those in professional circles and (surprise) even preachers can fall prey to this subtle and dangerous sin. Listen to Solomon (“{God}…gives grace to the humble.”--Proverbs 3:34) and Jesus (“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”—Matthew 5:5). Both of these truths fly in the face of human nature which is prone to self-promotion so we need to heed our Lord’s brother’s words: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”(James 4:10, emphasis added).

In writing to a church he’d never visited but apparently knew a lot about Paul said, “Do not think of yourself more highly that you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment….” (Romans 12:3). It’s certainly not wrong to recognize and thank God for the gifts and abilities He’s entrusted to us but let’s let others do the praising (“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth….”—Proverbs 27:2) and say with Paul, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ….” (Galatians 6:14). Amen!

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan