The Big Picture
Jeremiah 29:4-11 is one of the most popular passages, but also, probably one of the most misunderstood. In context we learn that part of God's plans to "prosper" and "not to harm them" is 70 years under the heavy arm of another nation. Part of God's plan for our ultimate peace sometimes means leading us through some hardship or pain.
Some other key thoughts. Sin always seperates, it is it's nature and it's natural consequence. God is in the business of healing, reconciling. Looking a little deeper at Jeremiah 29:11 we see the word Shalom. A quick English translation may be, peace or prosperity, or well-being. The best way to understand the word is that it means wholeness or complete. God's desire is to reconcile us who have been seperated from him and to make us whole, Shalom. See Colossians 1:19-20.
I also referenced a sermon by a guy named Afshin. I highly recommend listening to it. Click on his name for the link.
Peace friends...
ben
I was thinking about the verse Ben talked about in Jeremiah about not harming, yet there was 70 years of trials. I understand what Ben said about not wanting to gloss over the 70 years and look right to the "no harm" part. I think it all goes back to the pruning issues we've talked about before. Sure perhaps 70 years of pruning seems a bit long, but in the end, God did not harm, he pruned. Does it hurt? You bet. Is it out of love? Definitely!!
Sometimes I think we are so focused on what is happening right now, that we miss the truth that life is brief and temporary. Regaurdless of how hard it is, we have hope of a life forever with the Lord when this is all done. I'm not trying to gloss over pain, but is anything we go through bigger than the pain of the cross? No. (Comment this)
Essentially, if everyone is given the gift of God or knowledge, but they don’t connect the dots between what’s happening in their world to God moving in their world, how ever will they figure out to connect to God if someone doesn’t tell them?
Secondly, everyone has a story to share. This is the third time in as many months that I’ve heard this – so it must be true!
My story isn’t that interesting and I just haven't really felt the need to share it, but perhaps it’s not about the story but in identifying of the opportunity to share? Or maybe not even about sharing the exact story but in the CARE?
All of these people are stepping out and putting their lives in danger, giving up their families, to pursue spreading the Gospel. I guess when I think about having to do the same, if the situation were the same, I’m not sure that I would have the heart to do the same thing. How terrible is that!
I am blessed that I’m not in that situation, but I have been examining being more forward with my faith…and again I believe this is an issued challenge from God through the words of other people who are forward with their own faith story.
Again I use the illustration of a manager in my work group. This past weekend we were with customers at a large meeting. In our cheesy initial introductions we had to use the letters in our first name to introduce ourselves (so that people got to know a little bit about what makes us tick) and he, having an A in his name chose the word Amen to share that his faith is important. Reinforcing a conviction he started a few months ago that he is willing to be “forward” – regardless of the setting and really, who knows what that simple statement did to foster a different conversation with a stranger?
As far as shalom - I can't get around hearing the word without thinking about the Movie "Keeping the Faith" when ben stiller's character says his mother has the only appropriate shabat shalom-i-ness but really I think this illustration is telling too - for I believe peace drives passion (vision, energy etc.) (Comment this)
Obviously since all of the messages are from the same book it makes sense that messages build on each other and are connected. In the many many many years I've accepted God, it hasn't been so nearly effective a thought process in my own head that all of this is a lifestyle, not merely a menu of choices to pick and I'm just trying to figure out what's stopping me from jumping "all-in" because, if I'm honest, I'm not quite there yet.
(Comment this)
May God truly bless the work that is being done by MN Teen Challenge. As I sat and listened to the testimonies I couldn't help but think back what seems like a zillion years to my own childhood and feel so blessed that I didn't have the challenge of carrying such a heavy burden at such a young age. Addictions are a tough thing and it absolutely breaks my heart to hear about a 13 year old alcoholic or a 15 year old or well, just about every testimony, even those by people at WLC does something to my own heart.
I guess it comes down to that whole question about faith and belief and the desire to want to be in relationship with God more than anything you want to do here on Earth.
Truthfully, thinking about Vicar Chad's story and scenario in the store with the swearing lady or perhaps Simon, who questioned the father about what it was so easy to accept Steve back into the family, why is it so easy for some people to accept "prodigal sons" back into the fold? Is it because they aren't looking at themselves?
(Comment this)