I watched the movie “Troy” awhile back, and it stayed with me. I think what is interesting about the story is that each hero and villain have a dichotomy of success. You may ask what am I saying in that? Simply that each person both good and bad go through a myriad of success and failure, and in the end although all have had victory and loss, no one really seems to win. That is at least how it seems to a North American mind of which we think, all works toward getting from where we are, to our next success or progression in life, the goal being to get there.
I have been doing a lot of thinking in that regard. As I read from authors that challenge and not simply say what I would have regurgitated into my life and specifically read the bible from that mind set, to grow me, not simply to pat my lifestyle on the back, another way of looking at life surfaces. It is a lifestyle which says the goal is not to get from here to there, but more appropriately to live in the now, and that the success is in the victories and failures, and living in them.
As Richard Rohr says,”western civilization does not want to believe life is a labyrinth or maze. But in Chartres Cathedral in France one can see that Christianity once did understand the appropriateness of the myth. Right in the center aisle of the cathedral, directly before the altar is a labyrinth. We cannot see the altar until we cope with the labyrinth”. I really believe this is a picture of life, the altar being Heaven and the labyrinth being life as we live now. I think often we think we need to get through the labyrinth to get to God, however I am becoming more and more convinced that in this life, it is within the labyrinth that we meet God, that as we walk with Jesus the labyrinth is in fact God, at work in our lives. This meaning as with any labyrinth where there are 2 steps forward and maybe 3 back, that whether we are seemingly having victory or failure, according to our society, all can be success in God’s labyrinth of life. This is provided as Paul says that we keep our eyes upon Jesus as per Hebrews 13:2,”Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross,(steps backwards*) scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”. Perhaps then we can process this life a little bit more like Jesus understanding as per Philippians 4:12-13 having, “learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed(steps forward*) or hungry(steps backwards*), whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength”.
*steps backward according to a society that says success is progressing from here to there as quickly as possible with out hardship in this life.
my king...
My King was born King.
The Bible says He’s a Seven Way King.He’s the King of the Jews – that’s a racial King.He’s the King of Israel – that’s a National King.He’s the King of righteousness.He’s the King of the ages.He’s the King of Heaven.He’s the King of glory.He’s the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords.Now that’s my King.
Well I wonder if you know Him. Do you know Him?Don’t try to mislead me. Do you know my King?David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament show His handiwork.My King is the only one whom there are no means of measure can define His limitless love.No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shore of supplies.No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing.
Well, well, He’s enduringly strong.He’s entirely sincere.He’s eternally steadfast.He’s immortally graceful.He’s imperially powerful.He’s impartially merciful.That’s my King.
He’s God’s Son.He’s the sinner’s saviour.He’s the centrepiece of civilization.He stands alone in Himself.He’s honest. He’s unique. He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented.He’s supreme. He’s pre-eminent.
Well, He’s the grandest idea in literature.He’s the highest personality in philosophy.He’s the supreme problem in high criticism.He’s the fundamental doctrine of proved theology.He’s the carnal necessity of spiritual religion.That’s my King.
He’s the miracle of the age.He’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him.Well, He’s the only one able to supply all of our needs simultaneously.He supplies strength for the weak.He’s available for the tempted and the tried.He sympathizes and He saves.He’s strong God and He guides.He heals the sick.He cleanses the lepers.He forgives sinners.He discharged debtors.He delivers the captives.He defends the feeble.He blesses the young.He serves the unfortunate.He regards the aged.He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek.Do you know Him?
Well, my King is a King of knowledge. He’s the wellspring of wisdom. He’s the doorway of deliverance. He’s the pathway of peace.He’s the roadway of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness.He’s the gateway of glory. He’s the master of the mighty.He’s the captain of the conquerors. He’s the head of the heroes.He’s the leader of the legislatures.He’s the overseer of the overcomers.He’s the governor of governors. He’s the prince of princes.He’s the King of kings and He’s the Lord of lords.That’s my King. Yeah. Yeah. That’s my King. My King, yeah.
His office is manifold. His promise is sure.His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless.His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes.His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient.His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy and His burden is light.Well. I wish I could describe Him to you, but He’s indescribable.He’s indescribable. Yes. He’s incomprehensible. He’s invincible.He’s irresistible.
I’m coming to tell you, the heavens of heavens cannot contain Him, let alone a man explaining Him.You can’t get Him out of your mind.You can’t get Him off of your hands.You can’t outlive Him and you can’t live without Him.Well, Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him.Pilot couldn’t find any fault in Him.The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree.Herod couldn’t kill Him.Death couldn’t handle Him and the grave couldn’t hold Him.That’s my King. Yeah.
He always has been and He always will be.I’m talking about He had no predecessor and He’ll have no successor. There’s nobody before Him and there’ll be nobody after Him.You can’t impeach Him and He’s not going to resign.That’s my King! That’s my King!
Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory.Well, all the power belongs to my King.We’re around here talking about black power and white power and green power, but it’s God’s power.Thine is the power. Yeah. And the glory.We try to get prestige and honour and glory for ourselves, but the glory is all His.Yes. Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory, forever and ever and ever and ever.How long is that? And ever and ever and ever and ever.And when you get through with all of the evers, then, Amen.—Dr. S. M. Lockridge
The Bible says He’s a Seven Way King.He’s the King of the Jews – that’s a racial King.He’s the King of Israel – that’s a National King.He’s the King of righteousness.He’s the King of the ages.He’s the King of Heaven.He’s the King of glory.He’s the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords.Now that’s my King.
Well I wonder if you know Him. Do you know Him?Don’t try to mislead me. Do you know my King?David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament show His handiwork.My King is the only one whom there are no means of measure can define His limitless love.No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shore of supplies.No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing.
Well, well, He’s enduringly strong.He’s entirely sincere.He’s eternally steadfast.He’s immortally graceful.He’s imperially powerful.He’s impartially merciful.That’s my King.
He’s God’s Son.He’s the sinner’s saviour.He’s the centrepiece of civilization.He stands alone in Himself.He’s honest. He’s unique. He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented.He’s supreme. He’s pre-eminent.
Well, He’s the grandest idea in literature.He’s the highest personality in philosophy.He’s the supreme problem in high criticism.He’s the fundamental doctrine of proved theology.He’s the carnal necessity of spiritual religion.That’s my King.
He’s the miracle of the age.He’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him.Well, He’s the only one able to supply all of our needs simultaneously.He supplies strength for the weak.He’s available for the tempted and the tried.He sympathizes and He saves.He’s strong God and He guides.He heals the sick.He cleanses the lepers.He forgives sinners.He discharged debtors.He delivers the captives.He defends the feeble.He blesses the young.He serves the unfortunate.He regards the aged.He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek.Do you know Him?
Well, my King is a King of knowledge. He’s the wellspring of wisdom. He’s the doorway of deliverance. He’s the pathway of peace.He’s the roadway of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness.He’s the gateway of glory. He’s the master of the mighty.He’s the captain of the conquerors. He’s the head of the heroes.He’s the leader of the legislatures.He’s the overseer of the overcomers.He’s the governor of governors. He’s the prince of princes.He’s the King of kings and He’s the Lord of lords.That’s my King. Yeah. Yeah. That’s my King. My King, yeah.
His office is manifold. His promise is sure.His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless.His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes.His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient.His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy and His burden is light.Well. I wish I could describe Him to you, but He’s indescribable.He’s indescribable. Yes. He’s incomprehensible. He’s invincible.He’s irresistible.
I’m coming to tell you, the heavens of heavens cannot contain Him, let alone a man explaining Him.You can’t get Him out of your mind.You can’t get Him off of your hands.You can’t outlive Him and you can’t live without Him.Well, Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him.Pilot couldn’t find any fault in Him.The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree.Herod couldn’t kill Him.Death couldn’t handle Him and the grave couldn’t hold Him.That’s my King. Yeah.
He always has been and He always will be.I’m talking about He had no predecessor and He’ll have no successor. There’s nobody before Him and there’ll be nobody after Him.You can’t impeach Him and He’s not going to resign.That’s my King! That’s my King!
Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory.Well, all the power belongs to my King.We’re around here talking about black power and white power and green power, but it’s God’s power.Thine is the power. Yeah. And the glory.We try to get prestige and honour and glory for ourselves, but the glory is all His.Yes. Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory, forever and ever and ever and ever.How long is that? And ever and ever and ever and ever.And when you get through with all of the evers, then, Amen.—Dr. S. M. Lockridge
the question...
Never kill a question; it is a fragile thing. A good question deserves to live. One doesn’t so much answer it as converse with it, or, better yet, one lives with it. Great questions are the permanent and blessed guests of the mind. But the greatest questions of all are those which build bridges to the heart, addressing the whole person. No answer should be designed to kill the question. When one is too dogmatic, or too sure, one shows disrespect for the truth and the question which points toward it. Beyond my answer there is always more, more light waiting to break in, and waves of inexhaustible meaning waiting to break against wisdom’s widening shore.
Wherever there is a question, let it live!
(Frost, “Bless My Growing” -Taken from nextreformation.com)
Christ led a woman and then a whole community to Himself by asking, will you give me a drink? He did not give the answer, no he gave the question to which they found the answer. We see Him ask one he is mentoring where shall we buy bread for these 5000 people to eat? He did not give the one he mentored the answer, he gave the question. Paul, loved to preach but notice as he speaks to King Agrippa. Paul preaches of Christ and how this is what the prophets spoke and then he poses the question, King Agrippa do you believe the prophets? He leaves him with the question.
Have we tried to be the Messiah by giving the answer rather than looking to the Messiah and seeing that although He was the answer, (according to his own words in John 14:6) often gave the question and allowed people to wrestle to the answer. I wonder on Peters words when he says,”always be prepared to give an answer”. The word he used was “apologian” from the word apologetic which we translate answer but it can mean defense, argument or plea. Perhaps the argument is not necessarily the answer but rather the prepared question which will lead others to wrestle with the question….
Wherever there is a question, let it live!
(Frost, “Bless My Growing” -Taken from nextreformation.com)
Christ led a woman and then a whole community to Himself by asking, will you give me a drink? He did not give the answer, no he gave the question to which they found the answer. We see Him ask one he is mentoring where shall we buy bread for these 5000 people to eat? He did not give the one he mentored the answer, he gave the question. Paul, loved to preach but notice as he speaks to King Agrippa. Paul preaches of Christ and how this is what the prophets spoke and then he poses the question, King Agrippa do you believe the prophets? He leaves him with the question.
Have we tried to be the Messiah by giving the answer rather than looking to the Messiah and seeing that although He was the answer, (according to his own words in John 14:6) often gave the question and allowed people to wrestle to the answer. I wonder on Peters words when he says,”always be prepared to give an answer”. The word he used was “apologian” from the word apologetic which we translate answer but it can mean defense, argument or plea. Perhaps the argument is not necessarily the answer but rather the prepared question which will lead others to wrestle with the question….
unwell....
I include this video in part because I enjoy the song. However to spiritualize it, the truth is I am a little unwell, a little off and I am beginning to believe that is ok… After all as Frederick Buechner says, “If the world is sane, then Jesus is mad as a hatter and the last supper is the Mad Tea Party. The world says, Mind your own business, and Jesus says, There is no such thing as your own business. The world says, Follow the wisest course and be a success, and Jesus says, Follow me and be crucified. The world says, Drive carefully-the life you save may be your own-and Jesus says, Whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. The world says, Law and order, and Jesus says, Love. The world says, Get and Jesus says, Give. In terms of the world’s sanity, Jesus is crazy as a coot, and anybodywho thinks he can follow him without being a little crazy too is laboring less under a cross than under a delusion”.
So you see, maybe “unwell” is where it is at, and not just in the sense of being a state of being, but a life journey.
So you see, maybe “unwell” is where it is at, and not just in the sense of being a state of being, but a life journey.
an island...
No man is an island,” Dr. Donne wrote, “intire of it selfe; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main…any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee”.
Frederick Buechner adds, “Or to use another metaphor, humanity is like an enormous spider web, so that if you touch it anywhere, you set the whole thing trembling…. John Donne believed that any man’s death, when we are confronted by it, reminds us of our common destiny as human beings: to be born, to live, to struggle a while, and finally to die. We are all us in it together… as we move around this world and as we act with kindness, perhaps, or with indifference, or with hostility, toward the people we meet, we too are setting the great spider web a tremble. The life that I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place and time my touch will be felt. Our lives are linked together, No man is an island”.
Frederick Buechner adds, “Or to use another metaphor, humanity is like an enormous spider web, so that if you touch it anywhere, you set the whole thing trembling…. John Donne believed that any man’s death, when we are confronted by it, reminds us of our common destiny as human beings: to be born, to live, to struggle a while, and finally to die. We are all us in it together… as we move around this world and as we act with kindness, perhaps, or with indifference, or with hostility, toward the people we meet, we too are setting the great spider web a tremble. The life that I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place and time my touch will be felt. Our lives are linked together, No man is an island”.
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