A Stumbler's Walk | PAPER CROWNS

And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, "Why this waste?"

-- Matthew 26:8

How can we compare what is wasted for God's kingdom with what is invested in our own? 

Maybe a better, and more personally revealing question; why do we compare? (I should note: having preached a couple thousand sermons, and now writing, I always did, do, and must, first ask such questions to the mirror.) 

In reality we probably don't stop too long or think too hard on these questions. It is easy and natural to invest in ourselves. I'm not referring here to taking care of ourselves, our families, our finances, our futures, etc. It is a good thing - a biblical thing - to invest in ourselves and others in such ways. No, what I am referring to here is a mindset - a focus that becomes a fixation - on building our own little kingdoms. I am speaking of investing in what is selfish and temporary; that which gratifies, but does not last or satisfy.

Days before Jesus' betrayal and arrest a wayward woman came into the house where he and his group were eating. She did the unthinkable by breaking open an expensive flask of perfumed ointment (valued at a year's salary), and proceeded to pour it all over Jesus' feet.

Jesus saw a sacrificial kingdom investment in the woman's action. The disciples saw waste. Needless to say the latter missed the point. It is easy, by the way, to armchair quarterback and point out the (apparent) failures of others. Usually in doing so, we are more exposing our own. Who knows if the woman knew the full significance of what she was doing; its prophetic foreshadowing. What is clear is that she had a small treasure and lavishly "wasted" it on One who was more her treasure. There was no moderation. There were no second thoughts.

Today each of us will invest somewhere. Some investments have lasting impact. Some simply dissipate like wispy smoke. Often that which initially appears as waste turns out to be the true kingdom investment.

Jesus put it this way:

Seek first the Kingdom of God... and all these (other) things will be added to you. 

--Matthew 6:33

From one stumbler to another, I struggle with my seeking... my investing. 

God, our kingdoms have rickety little cardboard thrones. And seated firmly on them, we wear handmade paper crowns. Remind me that paper burns easily and quickly; that when the fires of life come, handmade crowns and thrones fizzle into smoky ash. 

For now...
D

A Stumbler's Walk | BURIED TREASURES

But he who received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money

-- Matthew 25:18

I have always been intrigued by stories of hidden treasure discovered. Whether it be The Count of Monte Cristo, a silly Matthew McConaughey movie or a Discovery Channel saga.

The questions have always lingered: Why did the owner of the treasure hide it in the first place; and why did he or she not return to get it.

In other words, why bury treasure? And why, if the plan is to return to it, does no one ever seem to get around to it? Most importantly, what motivates a person to bury treasure?

Jesus tells a story of three men in what is actually a pretty terrifying chapter of scripture. To each of these guys is given a certain amount of money (called talents). Two of the three, seeing themselves as stewards of their master's gift, invest and grow the treasure. The third however, buries it. The first two receive praise and reward for their efforts. The third receives what seems to be an overly-harsh punishment. (There must be more going on here.)

So back to the most important question. What motivates a person to bury treasure? I think it boils down to two things (and we'll add a third in a moment):

1. GREED
2. FEAR

Treasure-buriers hoard due to selfish greed. Treasure-buriers fear the loss of what they have.

Here is the problem with a treasure-burying mentality: The burier, nor anyone he/she might touch, gets to enjoy the treasure. No one reaps the benefits. Greed steals. Fear is a prison. And treasure unused makes no impact.

In the case of the three men in Jesus' story, a deeper motivation appears. This one is actually more dangerous and more sad than being controlled by greed and imprisoned by fear. It is a misunderstanding of the nature and character of the GIVER.

When we view God as a tyrannical slave-driver, it is natural to fall into the shadows of fear and greed. However, when we understand God to be the Giver of all good things (James 1:17), we begin to take on his giving nature. Also, when we understand that in God's economy  there is no limit to the pie, everything changes. (The pie economy - you take a piece and there is less left for me. God's economy - I give you a piece of the pie and there is just more pie.)

As preachers we always speak of Time, Talents and Treasures. (It just flows, and for some reason, triplets seem to preach.) Each of us will choose to invest or hoard; to use for the benefit of others, or bury.

One last thought on God's treasures:

...no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, 

what God has prepared for those who love him...

-- 1 Corinthians 2:9

God, I am often trapped by greed and fear, and bury my (your) treasure. Forgive me, and help me to invest.

For now...
D

A Stumbler's Walk | SANDCASTLES

Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. 

-- Matthew 24:1

This is one of those introductory statements in scripture that is so easily plowed through to get to the good stuff. But it is an interesting one considering all that is about to take place. 

Ponder the sheer silliness of the situation (and then we'll get to some depth in a moment). Jesus and the group are leaving the Temple. In other words, they have spent time in the Temple area. As they go, one of them taps Jesus on the shoulder and says, "Hey, turn around. Look at how glorious the Temple is. Have you ever noticed that building? Or that one? How about the Court of the Gentiles? Pretty cool, huh? Jesus, have you ever stopped and thought how holy the Holy of Holies really is?

Jesus could have responded, "Well, yeah... we were just there. I saw it all." Or he could have taken it to a whole other level: "You are impressed with the Temple, huh? Every stone was set in place to honor me. I am the One seated on the Mercy Seat. And before this place was built, I was a fire by night and cloud by day. I was in the Tabernacle. The scary holiness of the Arc of the Covenant pointed to me. I burned in a bush, I walked in a garden. I created the earth, moon and stars with a word. I wove you together from dust."

But that is not what Jesus said. He was patient with men who didn't deserve patience. Thank God, he is gracious to we who deserve grace's opposite.

In the end of the encounter Jesus says the temple itself will be destroyed and rebuilt. It is more than a prophecy of future events. Intertwining other statements of Jesus, we understand there is an underlying metaphor foreshadowing his crucifixion, burial and resurrection. But the disciples didn't get it. Frankly, neither would we - especially standing in shadow of the Temple's grandeur.

As Jesus tended to do, he points out spiritual truth in everyday occurance. The disciples are focused on the symbol, while all the time the One to whom the symbol points walks with them.

It is so easy to miss Jesus when we are focused on religion. We easily lose sight while we struggle to build impressive structures to honor God. (And by structures I mean processes, lists, behaviors, and lives.) In the end, what we have built takes our eyes away from why we built; from the One for whom we built. We tap Jesus on the shoulder and say, "Wait, turn around. Did you notice what I built?... I mean, what I built for you?"

And Jesus says to us, "It is not what you have built (for me) that matters or endures. Life is found and love is demonstrated in what I have given for you."

God, help me not to be impressed with the sandcastles I build for you.

For now…

D

The "R" Word

Regrets? I've had a few. But then again, too few to mention.

-- Frank Sinatra, My Way

Oh, that it were so, Frank!

(Note: This post is a little different from my norm. Some posts are devotional. Some are motivational. This one may be a bit of both - or neither - but it comes from a place that is personal.)

My son and I rented the movie La La Land this weekend. It was a departure from our usual testosterone-driven genre. A bit of a spoiler alert - and turn away now if you need to - it was heartbreaking. (Hey I told you to turn away. Besides, you've had ample time since the Academy Awards debacle, don't get mad at me.) In the same weekend we also watched The Internship for probably the eighth time.

There is a common theme flowing through these movies; though they go divergent directions with it. This theme proved for me to be particularly poignant. The emotion could have been due to my season in life, the dreary weather, massive post-workout protein loading; or a combination of all. But I think it lies deeper.

"...That's coming from someone who wakes up in the morning, 

and first thing on their calendar is regret..."

-- Nick Campbell (Owen Wilson), The Internship

The "R" word. It is a dirty word. It is a painful emotion. It can be a debilitating shadow. Regret.

Some people boast they live life with no regrets. "No Regrets!" (dude) has become a kind of war cry - usually before doing something stupid. (Like leaping off the world's highest bungee bridge with a rubber band strapped to your feet. See Bloukrans; http://davidmstanleykineticlife.blogspot.com/2014/09/bloukrans.html)

But even Sinatra admitted having a few. We all do. For some reason a couple of mine have become disturbingly active recently. But while I attempt authenticity and vulnerability in this forum, I don't want to make the reader uncomfortable; so I'll stop short of that line. 

Where the two movies diverge, is in how the main characters deal with regret. 

One is a redemption story; a tale of renewed purpose and deeper sense of self. A happy ending, if you will. 

The other is wrenching. (Spoiler alert!) It ends with a hauntingly simple melody being played by a man reliving the opportunities for love. Opportunities lost. And in the notes, if you listen closely, the piano keys can be heard weeping... "If only..."

Regret can be a cruel prison guard; ever reminding us of why we are incarcerated and cynically telling us there is no hope. Or regret can be the gunpowder propelling us in a new direction and to a new destination. "What ifs..." and "Only ifs..." must give way to "Next times..." and "This times..." that lead to moment-seizing victories.  

We will either release the past and forgive ourselves the part(s) we have played. Or we will slump over the keyboard and continually play the haunting melody of regret. 

For now...

D

A Stumbler's Walk | TRUTH

It is Easter morning. More importantly, it is a celebration of the resurrection morning. There are plenty of inspirational quotes, memes, etc. on Facebook (and I like them all), but I'm going in a bit of a different direction.

Faith has received a black eye in our culture. It is often seen as anti-intellectual, superstitious or passe.

I readily admit: I believe in something that requires a step of faith. I've staked my life on it. In my thinking, I've staked my forever on it. (I would ask, what strong belief doesn't require a faith-step at some point?)

However, just because something requires an element of faith it does not become anti-intellectual.

I believe Jesus to be the WAY, TRUTH and LIFE.

There, I said it. And I didn't lose any brain cells. I didn't pick up a banjo and begin to duel.

I believe:

Jesus was God incarnate.

Jesus died on a cross as an atonement for sin.

Jesus was buried (it's what happens to dead guys).

Jesus rose from the grave (not what normally happens...)

Jesus is alive. 

I believe in the miraculous. I believe in the intellectual. I have faith. I have a brain. 

Most religion shudders at questions. Man-made religion seeks to control and is therefore threatened by seeking or dissenting questions. If truth is true however, it can stand scrutiny. If God is God, he is not threatened by question. (Though humble seeking discovers - arrogance is a precipitous cliff.)

I recommend this short read (link below). Not because an MIT scientist proves the point of resurrection. More to demonstrate that Christianity and intellectualism are not at odds, as seems to be a popular notion. (I doubt this scientist even knows how to play a banjo.) 

Can a Scientist Believe in the Resurrection?

http://www.veritas.org/can-scientist-believe-resurrection-three-hypotheses/

So, with both faith and with a fairly well functioning brain I say:
He is Risen!
He is Risen Indeed!

Happy Easter.

God, as Jesus said, so I pray, "Lead us into all truth."

For now...
D

A Stumbler's Walk | THE SILENCE OF SATURDAY

Until recently I was completely unaware Saturday of Holy Week had a name. I knew of Good Friday, though the brutality, hopelessness and agony of the day hardly seem good.

I am aware of Palm Sunday and the little lesser-known Maundy Thursday. And of course, the climax of Holy Week is Resurrection Day.

Saturday is simply known as Holy Saturday. It has stolen it's nickname from the week as a whole.

Saturday seems insignificant in the Holy Week calendar. Nothing happens. Nothing is hoped. Nothing is looked forward to. Nothing is heard.

I think it should be called Silent Saturday.

On Silent Saturday it is as if a cosmic vacuum has sucked all life and joy from the world. Colors are faded. Grays invade. Songs are muffled. Even birds sing in a lifeless monotone. And a dull numbing silence sits over the earth like a heavy wool blanket.

Angels with tear-filled eyes shuffle sullenly through the corridors of heaven. But as the silent day moves on a murmur begins to resonate. A warrior angel has been given a morning assignment - something about an earthquake, a stone-throw and a message to two broken-hearted women.

A buzz begins to build. Heavenly instruments are being unpacked and tuned. They will be played in the morning. Choirs are warming up. At sunrise songs will be sung.

What began as a buzz is now being shouted through heaven. In the morning... HE will be here! And he will be on the dusty ball. He will be in both places as only he can be. But come morning, the one place he will not be... is in the grave!

The silence of Saturday is about to be shattered. The curtain is just about to be pulled back. The orchestra is tuning - though on this dusty ball it cannot yet be heard.

Everything will change.
Everything will be new.
Hope restored.
Life given.
The silence of Saturday is about to give way.
Joy comes in the morning!

The angel will say, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? HE IS NOT HERE, HE IS RISEN!"

(Queue music)

God, He is Risen! He is risen indeed!

For now...
D

A Stumbler's Walk | THE POWER OF A KEY

...you shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces.

-- Matthew 23:13 (Jesus)

The scriptures never cease to amaze. Within them live the mysteries of revelation. As the writer of Hebrews penned: For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword... (Hebrews 4:12). 

My amazement (or my most recent) stems from something I've read countless times, but never seen. Can you relate to the sense? A sudden aha moment, followed by, "I don't think that was there the last time I read this part." Jesus promised the Spirit would shine a spotlight that uniquely illuminates truth in ways that are mysteriously beyond our ability to predict.

All that is preamble - and I'll try to pick up the pace.

In a series of Woes to the Pharisees and Sadducees (leaders of the day) Jesus calls out their hypocrisy and darkened hearts. One of Jesus' indictments is, "You shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces." 

Wow! I don't remember ever seeing that. 

Interestingly, when the leaders of Jewish religious life (specifically the Scribes) fulfilled training and received their commission they were given - of all things - a symbolic key. They carried the symbol with pride. The picture was clear: You have the key of knowledge that opens the scriptures for people to understand and find life. More succinctly: You are a keeper of the keys to the kingdom of heaven. 

Keys can unlock. Keys can also lock tight. 

Each of us as followers of Jesus have been given a key. It is the key of a testimony of transformation. A key that gives a living example of God's incredible grace. By our lives and our love this key will unlock the kingdom to others. By our lives and un-love this key locks the door. 

God, forgive me for the times I have shut the door of your kingdom in the face of others. Help me, by my life and love to throw the door open wide. 

For now...

D