Running to the Tomb - Part 2

If you missed Part 1, read it here.

Peter was despondent. Why hadn't he listened? What was it Jesus had just said to him in the Garden?

And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter,
“So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 26:40-41

Weak indeed. I am reminded of my own weaknesses every day. And when I become overconfident of my allegiances, ignore the warnings of the Lord, choose sleep over prayer? Watch out! I could have just as easily been the one who spoke words of denial. And in a manner of speaking, I have. The question is not, "Would I? Did I?" rather, "What do I do afterward?"

I want to run to Jesus. I love that Peter burst into the empty grave and went home marveling at what he saw (or didn't see) there. I love even more what Jesus did. Certainly, Jesus had extended the greatest grace on the cross, when He took all of Peter's sin, all of mine, all of yours, and covered them with His precious, sinless blood. Completely. 

 In His actions after His resurrection, Jesus reminds us His pursuit isn't just global, it's personal. After He abandoned the tomb, He went out of His way to assure Peter of His love, His forgiveness, and His purpose. The account in Mark (16:7) of the angel reassuring the women, who were first to discover Jesus gone, specifically mentions Peter:

But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee.
There you will see him, just as he told you.” 

In Luke 24:34, the two men who were met and taught by Jesus on the road to Emmaus (wish I could have been there!), reported, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" I am convinced there were some special tears and murmurings between Peter and his Master. 

In John 21, Peter literally threw himself into the sea to get to Jesus, who had stopped by the beach and directed a hefty school of fish into the disciples' nets. There, we also read of Jesus giving Peter the privilege to proclaim his love for his Lord three times.

As has always been true, the power in a believer's life is not in the human ability to withstand temptation. The power is in REDEMPTION. We were all objects of wrath (Eph 2:3). I'm so thankful Peter's story didn't end with his denials. Thanks be to God, in Christ, our failures are never too many or too much. 

 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

 Ephesians 3:14-21

 

Running to the Tomb - Part 1

Name that Disciple. Given a list of character traits or tendencies, Peter is easily the most identifiable of the twelve disciples. First out of the boat? Peter. First to speak his mind or slice off an ear? Peter. And  first to burst into the tomb that Resurrection Day? Peter. Of course, we reason; he was the impulsive one.

A few Easters ago, as I read that familiar part of the story, Peter's persistence struck a different chord. Could it be Peter wasn't just reacting in his typical spontaneous way? Could it be he was compelled to run? Could it be he had been thinking so much over the preceding days that he couldn't help but race into the reportedly empty tomb?

Back up to another well-known story: Peter's denial. Anyone who has attended Sunday School in late March or early April knows of Peter's dramatic foible. Though he had been overconfident of both his willingness to proclaim Jesus as the Christ and his determination to go to the grave ahead of Him, Peter was tripped up by a servant girl and a few others. Before he knew it, he had denied his Master. Three times. Immediate regret followed, evidenced by bitter tears and weeping.

Can you imagine? How heavy his weight, his guilt. If ever Peter had wanted to scream, "Do-over!" this would've been it. Surely, the sorrowful look on Jesus' face and the noxious rooster's crow were seared into his conscience. Sleep must have eluded him as he repeatedly beat himself up. I doubt he thought of much else. Christ was going to the cross, and Peter was crushed by the weight of it all.

Maybe someone tried to comfort him, "Hey, man. You didn't really mean it. We were all under a lot of stress. Jesus would understand." If so, the words probably bounced right off. Peter did remember Jesus' foretelling. Jesus had known, and he had arrogantly brushed Him off. I wonder if, in his despair, Peter recalled what Jesus had promised right before He predicted the triple denial: 

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat,
but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.
And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Jesus' prediction was loaded with permission, power, and promise. Satan was required to ask permission. Jesus had prayed for Peter's response. He knew that in Peter's free will, the choice to deny would be made. Certainly, He understood how words Peter's words would sting. He anticipated Satan would be there to rub salt in the wounds in every possible way. Yet, Jesus granted the permission, and He prayed. 

Part 2: http://themarymoment.blogspot.com/2012/04/running-to-tomb-part-2.html

Jesus is the Main Character

This morning, our worship pastor relayed a conversation he had yesterday with his five and six-year-old sons:

6 y/o: Dad, who is the main character of the book you are reading?

Dad (looking at the non-fiction work in his hand): Well, I guess I would say Jesus.

5 y/o: Dad, is Jesus the main character of every book?

Don't you love it when kids so appropriately hit the nail on the head? I do; well, unless they're "correcting" one of my errant behaviors, but that rarely happens (cough, cough)... Okay, back to Jesus. 

A few years ago, I fell in love with the Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones. Have you seen it?  

It's wonderful. Buy it. Buy it soon. Whether you have kids or not. This beautiful work points out what many of us have missed in traditional "good guy, bad guy" Sunday School lessons. Listen: 

There are lots of stories in the Bible, but all the stories are telling one Big Story. The Story of how God loves his children and comes to rescue them.
It takes the whole Bible to tell this Story. And at the center of the Story, there is a baby. Every Story in the Bible whispers his name. He is like the missing piece in a puzzle - the piece that makes all other pieces fit together, and suddenly you can see a beautiful picture.

Jesus is the main character. He is the center of every story from Genesis to Revelation. He is the Rescuer and Redeemer; and, He is to be the main character of every moment of my day, too. Regardless of my role, He loves me

with a Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love. 

No other main character does that. 

   

Desperate for Pause

A few weeks ago (before my weekly posts flat lined), I mentioned to my husband my need for life to pause for a week. Everyone to stop moving. Stop having activities. Appointments. Assignments. Stop producing laundry. Stop eating 3 meals and 20 snacks a day (and using 50 plates and cups in the process.) Just stop. Too much to ask? Apparently.

Because people in our house don't tend to stop. Unless we're sleeping. Myself included. By the way, that's not me, though I feel like striking the pose sometimes. Instead, I whine and complain and ask everyone to quit doing all of the above, convinced it's the best solution.

"Okay, so then what? Let's say this life 'Pause' happened for a week. Then what?" 
Well, that would be awesome! I might see the bottom of our laundry baskets or the corner of that kitchen counter we've been missing for 2 months. I might not have to go to the grocery store 4 times in a week (don't ask.)

"And after that week? After everyone pressed 'Play' again?"
Um, the laundry and sink o' cups and stuff of life will runneth over again?

Pretty much.

I'm not saying a week off "life" wouldn't be fantabulous. It would. But likely, it wouldn't really refresh me the way I expect. Certainly not long term. There is another way to address the mutiny of the day. In the end, it may cause us to pause some of our busyness. In the meantime, it will nourish my soul and guide me through the moments.

  When my soul is in the dumps, I rehearse
      everything I know of you,
   From Jordan depths to Hermon heights,
      including Mount Mizar.
   Chaos calls to chaos,
      to the tune of whitewater rapids.
   Your breaking surf, your thundering breakers
      crash and crush me.
   Then God promises to love me all day,
      sing songs all through the night [and the day]!
      My life is God's prayer. 

Psalm 42:6-8 (MSG)

School Lessons

There are some children in my house with a strong aversion to a particular school subject. Any guesses which one (which subject, not which child)? If you answered math, you would be right. At times, the subject seems to have come to life, taken aim, and launched a personal attack. The results aren't pretty and we often have to take a step back and ask, "What just happened here?" Usually, the spiral downward would have been avoided if the pupil had sought help at the onset of the attack, rather than waiting until utter frustration and defeat had settled in.

"Amy, that is good advice; how are you applying it in the school subjects of life that stretch you?" 
"Lord, can't we just talk about them for now? You know, do as I say, not as I do?"

Often, I approach my tasks like the begrudging student who wants to just get it over with. Forgetting that every "subject" is part of the learning process, I grunt, try to push through, and bypass the Parent beside me offering His help. The Father who knows how it needs to be done. He loves me, He's eager, yet He waits. He foresees that I will quickly come to the end of myself. I will walk out of the schoolroom (or kitchen or laundry room or...), tired, troubled, frazzled, and declare, "This is too hard!"

Once I am willing to take my eyes off the subject that seems to have a life of it's own, call out to my Father, and listen to His instruction, I will be reminded. This school of life really isn't about getting through it; it's about learning through the process as I remain in His presence and reflect on His glory.

"But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God;" Psalm 73:16-17

I must take the classes, His way or mine. At times, the subjects will be hard and seem more than I can handle or understand. Choosing to walk with Christ doesn't mean life is without struggle; but, Jesus does promise the good portion will not be taken away from those who choose it (Luke 10:42).

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26

Responding to Correction, Part 2

Yes, Jesus did give correction in many of His interactions. Of course, the hearer's response reflected their heart. Certainly I'd have been one of the right responders to JESUS, but HE isn't the one personally speaking correction to me; I mean this person here...

It's all too easy to get hung up on the particulars, distracted by the expressions on the face in front of me or the tone of voice funneling into my ears. This played out recently as the kids watched an episode of "Restaurant Impossible." Have you seen it? Chef Robert, an imposing muscly fellow equipped with culinary prowess and restaurant know-how, descends on failing food establishments and essentially saves the day. Well upon seeing his serious demeanor and hearing his firm feedback, my tenderhearted kiddos quickly concluded, "He's mean!" Cue the teachable moment (for them and for me.) 

I've shared how God has revealed the wrong ways I perceive and respond to correction. What is the right way? More importantly, how do I apply the right way? What does it look like in everyday life?

Ideally, the admonition I receive is needed, true, and let's dream a little and say it's also given correctly. Maybe it is; maybe it isn't. Instead of reacting, instead of analyzing why or how the corrector has provided feedback, instead of preparing my defense, I should take what was said to the Lord and His Word. Tell Him if I'm hurt, affronted, or fill in the blank, and ask for truth and clarity. Likely there is something to the correction regardless of the messenger's motivation or delivery.

David models this over and over in the Psalms. Often when the conversations begin, there are evidences of the all too familiar Dig In, Deflect, Deflate responses; however, as David processes before the Lord and chews on the TRUTH he does know, a beautiful thing happens: his complaints turn to praise while he is reminded of God's magnitude and His promises, no matter the circumstances or work still to be done.

If I immerse myself in Christ's love, remain focused on knowing Him more and making Him known, and filter correction through His grace and truth, I can more appropriately respond to critique. No, I won't don a sandwich board proclaiming, "Rebuke me now," but maybe I will allow it to stretch and grow me when it inevitably comes.

Within 24 hours of our teachable moment with Chef Robert two weekends ago, the Lord provided an incredible example of Biblical response to correction. It came from Jefferson Bethke, creator of "Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus," a poetic video recently gone viral on facebook and youtube. Here is a snippet of his reply to Kevin DeYoung, who had blogged a detailed, line-by-line critique of Bethke's poem:  

I just wanted to say I really appreciate your article man. It hit me hard....thankful for your words and more importantly thankful for your tone and fatherly like grace on me as my elder. Humbled. Blessed. Thankful for painful growth. Blessings.
Grace and Peace,
Jeff

Wow. Bethke's response is even more impressive if you've read the detailed critique. You don't have to follow the linky words (unless you prefer to do your own research on this, or read blogs written by very scholarly people who don't use Chef Robert as an example), but believe me when I say the review was extensive and the response was admirable.

Lord, may I lay down my defenses and prayerfully consider correction I receive, recognizing it is often a tool of your love. Though the process may be painful, may I praise You all the while, remembering that Jesus, perfect Jesus, continually endured rebuke and so much more for me.

Responding to Correction, Part 1

Back in high school I was called defensive frequently. Yep, and the  " I am NOT " argument doesn't hold a whole lot of water against that accusation. In sports and strategy being defensive is a good thing; in response to correction? Not so much.

Maybe it's just me, but God OFTEN (like everyday) uses my children to reflect attitudes and actions of my own which require adjusting. By the way, I once made the mistake of mentioning the "Mother's Curse" ("One day you're going to have kids & I hope they...") to my kids, and now I'm not going to have any grandchildren. As my youngest plainly put it to a friend, "You know, it's not worth the risk." Anyway, back to the reflection thing. Through my little mirrors (well two are smaller, one's now full-length), God has shown me my primary methods of responding to correction:

1.  Dig in: I'm sorry you feel that way, but you are wrong and I am right.
2.  Deflect: Well, that may be true, but let's talk about you. 
3.  Deflate: It doesn't matter how kindly you spoke or how little you noted; I am crushed.

Man, the truth can be ugly, can't it? I desire to move out of the stages of anger, denial, depression and into acceptance and right response, but I recognize I'm not there yet. However as I truly listen as the Lord tells me why, I know there's hope. If you haven't noticed, this is a processing blog not a how-to (and I'm sorry, I still don't have any Free Printables.)

My problem is perceiving correction as a personal attack I must immediately defend rather than a gift to accept, a necessity for learning and growth. It's evidence of selective absorption. There are countless verses (actually, I'm certain someone has run the exact numbers) on listening to correction and responding to rebuke. How many times did Jesus correct those He loved? And yes, He loved everyone. Bar none, the way the hearers responded to His correction revealed their heart and determined their future. Just as it does mine.

A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.
Proverbs 17:10

More parts in my process to come.